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Fidelity Bank: We’ll catalyse opportunities to deliver better returns - MD/CEO Motolani Oseni, Lagos Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, has said that the bank will catalyze growing opportunities in the Nigerian economy, to deliver

good returns to shareholders in 2018.

Speaking at the bank’s 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Friday, Okonkwo said the bank would continue to focus on redesigning its systems and

Continued on page 4

2019 in danger as Jega lists 4 huddles https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 664

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Cites violence, hate speech, electoral legal framework, bribery & corruption Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

As Nigeria prepares for the 2019 general election, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has listed four hurdles that could impede the success of the election, warning that danger may be inevitable if parties are unable to properly manage their internal affairs.

Jega noted that the recent violence witnessed during various party congresses in the country, posed Continued on page 6

Daily Times loses senior editorial staff, Idowu Samuelg 5

L-R: Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and President Muhammadu Buhari, during the 2018 Democracy Day lecture, organised by the Federal Government at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja... on Monday.

EFCC arraigns ex-Zamfara Gov Shinkafi, Yuguda, others over N450m scam g4

Northern Pentecostal Bishops rate Buhari low, demand release of Leah g5

Ecobank wins Africa’s best, most innovative bank awards B5 g

Chairman, Northern States Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Nigeria, Archbishop John Praise Daniel (fourth left) and other Bishops from across the 19 Northern States and FCT, Abuja after a World Press Conference to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day in Abuja... on Monday

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 11, 2018 Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

3 Wellness

10 amazing benefits of Rosemary tea The many benefits of drinking rosemary tea include optimizing digestion, increasing cognitive function, preventing cancer, treating skin conditions, reducing inflammation, and easing the pain associated with it. It also aids in eliminating anxiety, improving liver function, and boosting hair health, among others. However, there are some side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and spasms, as well as uterine contractions, making it dangerous to use during pregnancy.

What is Rosemary Tea? Rosemary tea is made by brewing the leaves and stem of the rosemary herb, which has the taxonomic name Rosmarinus officinalis. Native to the Mediterranean region, this herb is one of the most popular in the world for culinary usage and has been used in natural healing for thousands of years.

Many of the impressive health benefits of rosemary tea come from the rosmarinic and caffeic acids present in the herb, along with salicylic acid, potassium, and various antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant compounds.

Benefits of Rosemary Tea Drinking rosemary tea is very good for people who are suffering from indigestion, anemia, Alzheimer’s, dementia, arthritis, chronic pain, hair loss, high blood pressure, high toxicity, anxiety, stress, depression, and a number of skin conditions. Rosemary tea has a lot of benefits to offer, some of which are listed below; Skin Care The compounds found in rosemary tea are well known to improve the appearance of the skin, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with increased circulation. Studies have specifically looked at this tea’s effect on eczema, where blood flow and antiinflammatory compounds have lessened or eliminated symptoms of this common skin condition.

Improves Circulation Rosemary tea is known as a stimulating substance for the circulatory system because it has anticoagulant properties, similar to aspirin, which can improve the flow of blood through the body.

This can provide an energy boost and improve the body’s ability to repair and oxygenate the extremities of the body.

Cognitive Function Certain antioxidant compounds found in rosemary, namely carnosic acid, have been proven to stimulate memory and protect neural pathways from being filled with beta-amyloid plaque. This is a very good news for people who want to stay sharp as they get older and prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Aids in Digestion The anti-spasmodic and carminative properties of rosemary tea make it ideal for people suffering from indigestion, constipation, bloating, and cramping.

This herbal tea has been used to clear up [4] digestive issues for generations and can also improve nutrient uptake by relieving inflammation in the gut.

Prevents Cancer Rosemary tea is packed with

Rosemary tea

antioxidants, which allows it to seek out and neutralize free radicals, the natural byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause cellular mutation, cancer, and apoptosis. More specifically, this tea possesses rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and carnosol, all of which have been linked to reduced cancer growth rates, particularly breast cancer.

Treats Inflammation One of the key ingredients of this powerful tea is carnosic acid.

Research has shown it to reduce the levels of nitric acid in the body that can be a trigger for inflammation. In combination with other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, this can help people suffering from arthritis, headaches, muscle pain, joint disorders, hemorrhoids, and hypersensitivity to allergens.

Analgesic The pain-relieving qualities of rosemary tea are well known and are largely the result of salicylate, which is a compound quite similar to aspirin.

Whether you are recovering from an illness, surgery or injury, or perhaps someone with chronic pain, this tea can help relieve those symptoms.

Hair Care Many people use rosemary tea to improve the health of their hair, but not by drinking it! You can use this tea to scrub the scalp and hair, thereby helping to improve the nutrient content of the hair, and also getting rid of dandruff. The antibacterial properties can keep skin conditions at bay and protect against hair loss.

Liver Function Early research has shown that rosemary can improve the health and function of the liver, and also detoxify the body by stimulating urination. This can help the body eliminate toxins more rapidly and relieve strain on a number

of organ systems.

Nervine Properties Soothing anxiety and stress, and helping people relax, is another popular use of this tea. The nervine qualities of this brew can lower stress hormone levels and promote calm. The analgesic properties of salicylate also help in soothing nerves and stress.

How to make Rosemary Tea? Rosemary tea can be made very easily with a few sprigs of rosemary herb, hot water, and a dash of natural sweeteners, such as honey or sugar. Unlike many herbal teas that require only the leaves to be steeped for a tea blend, rosemary tea is made by steeping both the leaves and the stems of rosemary. This tea can be made with either fresh or dried leaf, and can even be made through powdered leaves, although this is less common.

Recipe 1 teaspoon of rosemary (dried, fresh or powdered) 1 cup of water (filtered) 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar, if desired • Step 1 – Bring the water to a boil in a small pot and then reduce heat.

• Step 2 – Add the rosemary herb to the water and allow it to steep for 5-6 minutes.

• Step 3 – Strain the mixture into a teacup • Step 4 – Add sweetener, if desired.

Rosemary Tea side effects The side effects of rosemary tea include strong allergic reactions, gastrointestinal distress, uterine contractions, skin redness, bleeding disorders and even seizures. This is due to the powerful essential oils found in this herb, which can be irritating to the body when consumed in large amounts.

However, if you limit your intake to 1-2 cups of properly prepared rosemary tea, you should not experience these side effects. Before adding any herbal remedy to your health regimen, it is best to speak with your doctor regarding possible interactions or risks.

• Pregnancy – Some of the compounds found in rosemary tea may stimulate menstruation, which is dangerous during pregnancy, particularly in the first two trimesters, as it can result in miscarriages, uterine bleeding or premature labour.

Furthermore, breastfeeding mothers should avoid this tea, as some of the volatile ingredients in this herb can be passed through breast milk to the infant.

• Seizures – For those who have known seizure disorders, some of the active ingredients within rosemary tea may exacerbate these conditions. Speak with your doctor before trying this powerful herbal tea.

• Stomach Issues – Some of the most common side effects of drinking rosemary tea include nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the gut, and hemorrhoid bleeding. This is typically only seen when large amounts of rosemary are consumed, not the relatively small amount used in the brewing of this tea.

• Aspirin Allergy – One of the chemicals found in rosemary tea, salicylate, is very similar to aspirin, and if you are allergic to aspirin, your body may respond in a similar way.

• Bleeding – If you suffer from a bleeding disorder, the anticoagulant nature of this herbal tea may make your condition worse. It can also cause bruising and tenderness of various tissues in those with certain afflictions.

Again, speak to your doctor before trying rosemary tea.

Source: organicfacts.net

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Fidelity Bank: We’ll catalyse opportunities to deliver better returns – MD/CEO Continued from page 1 processes to enhance service delivery, just as it will deepen cost optimization initiatives to reduce operating expenses and cost-to-service.

Whilst shedding light on the evolving dynamics in the financial services industry, Okonkwo noted that the bank will continue to increase the adoption and migration of customers to its digital platforms and increase its retail banking market share through the delivery of innovative products and services.

He said, “We will enhance our robust electronic banking processes and products thereby deepening our hold on the retail and commercial markets, small and medium scale enterprises and niche corporate clientele.”

Whilst business operations were challenged by limited foreign currency liquidity in the banking industry, low financing opportunities especially in the public sector space and high cost of business operations, Fidelity Bank delivered very strong results in 2017, a performance he attributed to balance sheet optimization and a focused execution of its mediumterm strategies “Clearly, our success in 2017 financial year has set a strong pedestal for sustained growth in revenue. We are optimistic about a favourable operating environment and we look

forward to delivering decent set of numbers at the end of 2018 financial year,” Okonkwo said.

Meanwhile, enthused shareholders at the AGM, who spoke against the backdrop of the bank’s FY2017, which saw profits rise by nearly 100%, poured encomiums on the Board, Management and staff, acknowledging the tremendous strides it has made in strengthening its corporate governance policies and deepening its retail play with technology.

Dr. Faruk Umar, President of Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders lauded the bank for declaring dividend of N3.1billion which translated to 11 kobo per share. He said this was very delightful coming at a time when a number of other institutions are unable to pay dividends.

On his part, Moses Ogundeji, member, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, pointed out that shareholders appreciated the efforts of the Board,l and Management in the transformation that is ongoing at the bank and assured of the continued support of the shareholders.

Also speaking to the enthused shareholders, Chairman, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Ernest Ebi, said the bank was strategically poised to

successfully navigate the business environment in 2018.

Ebi expressed optimism that the expected improvements in the global landscape would trickle down to the domestic economy to consolidate the comforting business climate witnessed towards the end of 2017.

Fidelity Bank is a fullfledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria, with over 3.9 million customers who are serviced across its 240 business offices and various other digital banking channels. The bank has in recent times won accolades as the Best SME Friendly Bank, Best in Mobile Banking and the Most Improved Corporate/ Investment Bank among several industry awards and recognitions. The bank was also ranked the 4th Best Bank in the Retail Banking Segment in the 2017 Banking Industry Satisfaction Survey conducted by KPMG. Focused on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Fidelity Bank is rapidly implementing a digital based retail banking strategy which has resulted in an exponential growth in savings deposits over the last 3 years, with 50 percent customer enrollment on the bank’s flagship mobile/ internet banking products.

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Deputy National Commandant Admin, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Edet Ekpenyong; National Commandant, , Mr. Dickson Akoh and Deputy National Commandant, Omolola Ahmed during a press briefing on the recent development on PCN bill by the National Assembly in Abuja... on Monday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (sitting between the Nigerian flags); President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara; Senator Musa Kwankwaso, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Senator Danjuma Goje, former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako; Senator Barnabas Gemade and others during a meeting between the New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) block of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the Vice President at Aguda House in Abuja... on Monday.

EFCC arraigns ex- Zamfara Gov Shinkafi, Yuguda, others over N450m scam The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arraigned a former Zamfara State Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi alongside three others before the Zamfara State High Court on a 5 count charge of money laundering.

Charged alongside Shinkafi are the former Minister of State, Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, Aminu Ahmed Nahuche and Ibrahim Malaha.

Shinkafi and other defendants allegedly conspired and received a cash payment of N450million, being part of the $115million that was allegedly distributed by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke for the purpose of influencing the outcome of the 2015 general election.

All the defendants however pleaded not guilty to all the 5 count charge when it was read to them.

The prosecuting lawyer,

Mr Johnson Ojogbane requested the court for a trial date in view of the plea of the defendants.

But the lawyer to the defendants, Mr J. C. Shaka moved a motion for bail asking the court to admit his clients to bail pending the conclusion of the matter.

Subsequently, Ojogbane informed the court that the prosecution had filed counter affidavit praying the court to refuse bail.

Justice Fatima Murtala, after listening to the arguments between the parties, granted Shinkafi and other defendants bail in the sum of N5million each and two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties, according to the judge must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court while the other must own a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

The judge added that the sureties must be public or civil service not below grade level 16. The court also

ruled that the defendants should deposit their recent passport photographs and international passports with the registrar.

The case has been adjourned to June 27 and 28, 2018 for the commencement of trial while the defendants are remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of their bail terms.

One of the charge read: “That you Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, Aminu Ahmed Nahuche and Ibrahim Malaha on or about 27th, March 2018, at Gusau, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court conspired among yourselves to receive cash payment of the sum of N450, 000,000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira Only) from Odia Akpotune without transacting through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act and punishable under 16(2) (b) of the same Act”.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole (right) at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, during an unscheduled visit to monitor health workers screening of travellers for Ebola... on Monday

R-L: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Gboyega Famodun; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, during the 3rd Raufnomics Colloquium at Aurora Events Centre, Osogbo on Sunday

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

5 News

Democracy Day: Northern Pentecostal Bishops rate Buhari low, demand release of Leah Tom Okpe, Abuja Bishops of Pentecostal churches across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, on Monday, gave a comprehensive assessment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the past three years with a verdict that the government has disappointed the millions of Nigerians that voted it in 2015.

The Bishops particularly condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians especially in the North Central part of the country, the kidnap of women and children as well as nepotism and selective prosecution of alleged treasury looters and demanded that the nation be governed in accordance with international best practices and rule of law.

Addressing journalists as part of their Democracy Day

conference activities in Abuja, the Chairman, Northern States Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Nigeria (NSPBFN), Archbishop John Praise Daniel, who is the President, Dominion Chapel International Churches, in company of 14 other Bishops, stated that it was with regret that the Nigerian political leadership since the advent of the 4th Republic in 1999, has failed to rise up to the occasion in salvaging the battered image and pride of Nigeria, adding that the current administration of President Buhari has worsened the situation because it decided to among other things to apply several divisive tendencies like nepotism, abuse of power and flagrant disregard for rule of law.

“Indeed our gradual descent into the Hobbessian state of nature where might is right and violation of human rights becomes the norm rather than the

exception, thereby rendering life “nasty, brutish and short,” elicits great concern and calls for urgent remedial actions.

“Our Forum therefore considers it a patriotic duty to be in the vanguard of crusading for national rebirth with genuine fear of God and promotion of justice and equity in our nation.

It is time to make our democracy truly a government of the people, by the people and for the people” with deliberate efforts towards creating a healthy space for the actualisation of legitimate aspirations. In this regards, we wish to humbly put forward a few suggestions to revert the chaotic order that has prevailed in Nigeria’s socio economic and political spheres in recent year,” the Bishops said.

The Forum therefore called for decisive action against some of the problems it identified, adding that doing otherwise

Daily Times loses senior editorial staff, Idowu Samuel The Folio Communications Ltd, publishers of The Daily Times newspapers, on Monday, lost a senior journalist, Mr. Idowu Samuel Olufemi, who until his death was the Political Editor and Senate Correspondent of the newspaper outfit.

A seasoned journalist and versatile writer, Idowu Samuel died on Monday morning in his Abuja residence after a

The late Idowu Samuel

very brief illness.

He spent a very considerable period of his

journalism career with the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of Tribune titles, where he rose to the rank of Political Editor.

Idowu, a native of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, a devout Christian, left behind a wife and children.

His remains have been deposited at the mortuary of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

FG to refund N22billion to Plateau on federal projects Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The

Federal government would refund N22billion to Plateau State government on amount spent on federal projects in the State.

This was stated by the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, while addressing newsmen on the progress made so far by his administration as the country prepares to celebrate ‘Democracy Day’ come May 29th.

Lalong said: “I requested from President Muhammadu Buhari during his State visit to Plateau recently, that the N22billion spent on federal projects by the state be refunded and immediately the President got back to Abuja, he directed that the said amount be included in

the 2018 budget.

“Thank God that the project has been passed by the National Assembly, so very soon we shall get our refund”, he said.

The governor also said that his administration has embarked on another 22 projects across the State, some of the 22 were abandoned projects left by the previous administration, while some were initiated by his administration.

While responding to questions from Journalists, the Governor said the issue of peace and security was crucial to his administration and that explains why the Local Government elections slated to hold earlier in the year was postponed.

He dismissed the insinuating comments making rounds that he

postponed the LG elections because he was afraid of losing at the polls.

“If i was not afraid to come from outside to defeat a sitting governor, why should i be afraid to conduct the LG polls: if not for insecurity, the Local Government Elections would have been history”.

On the controversy surrounding the adoption of ranching as a solution to end the conflict between farmers and herders in the State, Mr. Lalong explained that Plateau was among the first five pilot states that will explore the federal government policy on ranching.

“We have more than enough land in Wase LGA and the federal government has said the land we have is enough to supply the whole country beef”, he said.

may spell political doom for the administration.

“First, the spate of deadly attacks by armed herdsmen in the various communities nationwide, particularly the North Central geo-political zone, resulting in massive loss of lives and properties need to be decisively dealt with by the government, in line with its constitutional responsibilities, which must not be abdicated. Mindless attacks on places of worship and killing of defenceless Christians in Nigeria are unacceptable and must stop forthwith, as there will be dire electoral consequences for the disturbing silence and inaction by this administration. Indeed, the ugly development portends grave danger for our national unity, food production capabilities and overall development.”

Among other issues raised by the Forum include the need to urgently rescue Leah Sharibu

and the remaining Chibok girls in Boko Haram captivity, the prosecution of the war against corruption in a balanced and robust manner rather than selective as the cases stands today, transparency and accountability in the management of the nation’s resources and deployment of more resources in infrastructural development like power and roads while calling for free and fair election first on the coming Ekiti governorship and the 2019 general election.

“Finally, government should work with relevant stakeholders to make the upcoming 2019 general election to be preceded by the Ekiti governorship election on 14th July, 2018 free, fair and credible, without rancour and bloodletting. After all, no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen,” Bishop John Praise Daniel concluded.

Other Bishops who attended

the conference are Henry Ikechukwu of Blessed Chapel International, Samson Jhadi Wakili Power, Dr. Timothy Kume of Faith Hill Prophetic Assembly Markurdi, Deborah Adesanya of Prophetic Power Minisrty, Augustine Natti of All Nations Evangelism Ministries Makurdi, David Shekwolo of Kingdom Church of God Minna, Knatuubwa Amos Tolal of All Saints for Christ Chapel Abuja, Dr. Joseph Onyemaechi of Calvary Life Ministries Kaduna, Dr. Peter Olorunsola of the Apostles Ministries Fellowship Kaduna, V. N Prosper of New Testament Victorious Church, Tinuoye A. I of Pentecostal Bishops Forum Kaduna State, Timothy Heights Chayinwegba of Steps of Christ Ministries, Sylvanus Ofili of Christian Liberation International Churches and Samuel Ocheja of Green Pastures Assembly, Abuja.

World Cup: NAPTIP raises the alarm on plot to traffic Nigerian youths abroad Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Director General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Okah - Donli, has said that there are plans by human traffickers to use the World Cup as a ploy to traffic Nigerian youths abroad.

Okah-Donli stated this during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

She said, “Already these traffickers have continued to mount pressure on some youths and their parents forcing them to part with huge sums of money in exchange for Russian visa.”

The NAPTIP boss added that part of the plot was to float unregistered football supporters club, unofficial government delegation, as well as unregistered youth bodies.

According to her, traffickers, plan to use these platforms to collect huge sums of money from some desperate youth, with the promise to ferry them out of Nigeria using the World Cup tournament as a ploy.

She further explained that the traffickers, in collusion with their collaborators at

NAPTIP DG, Julie Okah–Donli

the destination countries, have also arranged with their cohorts in Europe to facilitate the defection of the victims out of Moscow.

She said, “One of such cases at hand is that of a girl from one of the states in the South-South part of the country. She reported that a Moscow-based trafficker has continued to pressure her through her parents in order to traffic her. The trafficker has concluded plans to airlift her on or before June 5, 2018.”

Okah-Donli said the agency’s detectives were already on the trail of the said parents, while the sister operatives in

Moscow were handling the traffickers.

She therefore warned parents to beware of persons coming to them to give out their children to be taken abroad within this period.

She added that yielding to undue pressure and deceit would send such children to their early grave.

She said, “Russia is a country with high incidence of human trafficking and many Nigerian victims of human trafficking are held up there, and now seeking assistance to return home.

“Stories from victims of human trafficking rescued

by NAPTIP from Russia in the past are full of pains and agonies, with few of such victims permanently incapacitated for the rest of their lives.”

She, however, assured that her agency was making effort to meet with the minister of sports and Russian ambassador to Nigeria on the development.

The NAPTIP boss therefore called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that only accredited delegates and officials made the Russian contingent.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

2019 in danger as Jega lists 4 huddles Continued from page 1 a serious threat to democracy.

The former INEC boss said this on Monday while delivering a lecture as part of the 2018 Democracy Day celebration, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said: “The first issue of concern and a major challenge is the issue of violence and there is no better illustration to this than what has happened in many of the recent party congresses and really, this portends danger.

“If political parties cannot organise their internal elections peacefully, then how can they engage with other parties with civility in the general election so it’s very very important we improve our systemic mechanisms of addressing violence and conflicts relating to election and in particular, improving the scope of internal democracy within political parties.

“We may be running out of time but we must try harder and do everything possible within the time available to us before the next general election”.

Jega said that cases of hate speeches and delay in the passage of the electoral legal framework are capable of eroding credibility and threatening the elections next year.

The former INEC chairman also took a swipe at some members of the National Assembly while addressing the issue of bribery and corruption.

“Many of the chief executives that I have spoken with (and I know only a few), have stories to

tell, particularly about the issue of bribe giving and bribe taking when members of the National Assembly pursue so-called committee work and oversight responsibilities.

“This is well-known, everyone knows it, it is being said but nothing seems to be done about it.

“The major challenge of our time is how to make Nigeria more peaceful, just and inclusive, especially for those ‘most at risk of violence, injustice and exclusion’, and how to embark on a solid pathway to sustainable development. Only good democratic governance can provide the appropriate framework for meeting this challenge on a sustainable basis.

But this is not a manna that can fall from heaven while we all “siddon look”! It is a product of concerted vigorous struggles by progressive, patriotic and democratic forces in our country,” he said.

Speaking on the topic of the lecture: “Peace Building and Good Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Jega said peace building entails creating trust; building processes and institutions of reconciliation and cooperation; and reviving socio-economic activities for sustainable means of livelihood.

He said, “Wherever violent conflicts disrupt communities and livelihoods and undermines peaceful co-existence amongst diverse groups of people, not just civil wars, the concept of peacebuilding is applicable for return tonormalcy and/or rebuilding trust and confidence for sustainable mutual coexistence.

“Nigeria needs to develop capacity, institutions, structures and processes of peace building for sustainable development domestically. Nigeria has made substantial contributions subregionally and continentally, to peace-keeping and peace building. But it seems to lack capacity, effective means and mechanisms of peace building and conflict resolution domestically. This needs to be remedied as a matter of urgency.

“State governments should establish conflict resolution and peace building agencies, as a panacea for perennial conflicts and insecurity, such as famersherders conflicts and communal disputes and conflicts. These should then develop transparent and inclusive partnerships with stakeholders and civil society organizations to engage in dispute and conflict resolution, as well as peace buildingand community reintegration “The governance architecture, processes and institutions need to be remarkably improved upon, to effectively drive peace building and sustainable development.

In line with the goal of Agenda 2030, i.e. of having “peaceful, just and inclusive society”, we must work harder to institutionalise good democratic governance. Governance must be transparent, participatory, inclusive, equitable, fair and just.

We need to institutionalize good democratic governance, as we deepen our democracy, rather than leave governance at the mercy, goodwill, pre-disposition or, indeed, idiosyncrasies of elected legislative and executive

office holders.

“Governments at both federal and state levels need to recognise that peace building and sustainable development are indeed two sides of the same coin: no peace without sustainable development vice versa. Attention therefore has to be focused more on creative and enduring ways of pursuing development programs and projects on a sustainable basis, while simultaneously building peace in the conflict raged areas of the country. What can be termed as preventive or proactive peace building agenda also needs to be developed and deployed in not only post-conflict areas, but also in all conflict prone areas, which are so many, given the predisposition and the predilection of the elite to mobilising ethno-regional, communal and religious identities to ignite conflicts.

“The fight against corruption has to be intensified in all its ramifications. There are many successes achieved, which are commendable but the magnitude of the problem on the ground is turning these into drops in the ocean.

“General governance reforms are imperative, and urgently desirable, for our country to improve its profile towards good democratic governance. Reform of the public services is necessary for efficient, effective, inclusive and impartial discharge of their mandates. And, the security architecture in general and the Nigeria Police in particular need urgent and substantial reforms to improve and reposition them to be more effective in protecting

lives and property, safe-guarding national security, enforcing the rule of law and dealing decisively with criminal impunity. The rule of law is the foundation of sustainable development, human security and peace building.

The police in particular and the security agencies in general must be repositioned to induce and/or compel compliance with the rule of law and prevent or penalize, as appropriate, its breaches. Above all, they must demonstrate competence, professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Significantly, the judiciary also needs to reform and improve upon the administration of justice, to speedy up the process and ensure that justice is not, willfully or inadvertently, denied.

“Perceptions may be deceptive but we seem to be treating such weighty issues with devastating consequences as the so-called ‘herders – farmers’ conflicts with kid gloves. We must put on the right kind of gloves to fight these at all levels, local and federal and we must adopt a long-term perspective in doing this. No doubt, the root causes relate to climate change, environmental degradation, desertification, dwindling of ordinarily finite resources and consequent migrations and the pressures they exert on land and other resources.

“Good democratic governance is the best framework and the foundation for peace building and sustainable development.

That is what Nigeria needs and that is what we should

focus on, in nurturing and institutionalising.

“It is also desirable to pay attention to the challenge of neutrality, professionalism and impartiality of the Nigeria Police and the other security agencies in their engagement with elections.

In 2015, this engagement was remarkably much better than 2007 and 2011 and the working relationship between INEC and security agencies as coordinated in ICCES, was partly contributory to the integrity of those elections.

Ways and means need to be explored to ensure that the Police and the security agencies display greater impartiality, professionalism and neutrality in the 2019 elections.

“There is no over-emphasizing that, as the 2019 elections approach all hands need to be on deck for continuous improvement of the integrity of our elections. The more the integrity of our elections, the better, more responsible and responsive our elected office holders, and indeed our entire governance system and processes, would be.”

Also present at the event was President Muhammadu Buhari who assured Nigerians of a more secure and prosperous nation.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara; Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Minister of Communications, Otunba Adebayo Shittu, APC chieftain, General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha among others were also in attendance.

Air Peace drags passengers to court for violence against crew, malicious damage Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Four passengers who allegedly damaged the property of Nigerian carrier, Air Peace at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos were on Monday charged before Magistrate I.A Abina of an Ogba Magistrates’ Court.

The passengers were dragged before the court by the Police on a three count charge of malicious damage.

Two out of the four passengers, however evaded the arraignment and are now at large.

The two arraigned passengers, Mrs Halima Mohammed and one Mr Osagie , pleaded not guilty to the three count charge.

The Police alleged that the defendants had committed the offences on May 26 at the General Aviation Terminal ( GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport .

The passengers are accused of damaging a car belonging to Air Peace and assaulting a pilot while demanding compensation from the airline over the delay of their flight last Friday.

Following an application for bail filed by their counsel, the court granted a N100, 000 bail each to the passengers with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate also fixed May 30 for perfection of bail and July 2 for mention.

Informed source disclosed that Air Peace delayed flights due to adverse weather report from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on Friday, May 25, 2018.

But an inside source confided in The

Daily Times that, “Given the development, intervention of the pilot-in-command did allegedly attacked the crew members in operatives took the passengers in for our teams sent email and text messages not change the stance of the passengers”. the crew bus at the ramp of the Murtala questioning. The crew members were to those whose flights were affected, “After holding the crew members on Muhammed Airport, dragging them later invited to make their statement. notifying them that their flights had been board the flight for over one hour, Air out of the moving vehicle. Again, FAAN Again, right before FAAN AVSEC, the rescheduled to different times of the day. Peace had to call for the intervention of the AVSEC’s intervention saved the day. passengers kept assaulting the crew One of the flights affected by the adverse aviation security operatives of the Federal “But unknown to the crew, the members, insisting that they (passengers) weather condition was our 7.40pm Airports Authority of Nigeria. Appeals passengers had moved to the arrival area were out to bring the airline down”.

Abuja-Lagos service (Flight P47135). All by FAAN AVSEC to the passengers to of the airport to ambush and further attack “FAAN AVSEC operatives later passengers with reservation on the flight disembark were also rebuffed” airline the crew members. Trying to prevent transferred the passengers, crew were notified at 12.37pm on Friday, May source also disclosed to journalists. the crew members from leaving the members and damaged car to the police 25, 2018 (the day of the flight - seven hours After a struggle with the passengers, airport, the six passengers smashed the station close to Arik. The DPO, however, ahead of the original flight time) through FAAN AVSEC operatives were eventually windscreen of the Honda car of one of the ordered that the matter be transferred to the email and phone contacts they able to rescue Air Peace crew members crew members and stripped another”.

Beesam Police Command,” the source supplied at the point of booking that the from the aircraft. But the passengers “It was at this point FAAN AVSEC also revealed. flight had been rescheduled till 9.35pm to avoid a situation where they would go to the airport to wait.”

The source said due to the persistent adverse weather, the flight could not operate out of Abuja at 9.35pm, adding that while the wait lasted, all passengers on the flight were duly served refreshment.

However, a particular passenger (one Yusuf Abdul) on board the flight allegedly started inciting others to violence in Abuja.

The flight could only take off from Abuja for Lagos at about 11pm.

“Upon landing in Lagos, the same passenger, now joined by five others, started inciting violence. They refused to disembark after other passengers left the aircraft. All appeals to them to disembark were rebuffed. The six passengers eventually went to block the exit of the aircraft, insisting that the crew members must compensate them or they (the L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Elder Dayo Adeola; a former state Commissioner for Information, Chief Timothy crew members) would not be allowed Jolaoso; and state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Akin Oke, during a visit by leaders of the APC in Ibarapa land to to disembark from the aircraft. The the governor, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan... on Monday.

Photo: Governor’s Office

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

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Stop lamenting, move forward, Osinbajo tells Nigerians Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged Nigerians to move forward from ‘the anguish of the past’ and join hand with the government to build a Nigeria of their dreams.

Quoting from Bible text in Exodus 14:10-15, Osinbajo likened Nigeria’s predicament to that of the children of Israel who were on a journey of nation building; the Lord had promised to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey.

The Vice President gave the admonition on Sunday at the National Christian Centre Abuja, while delivering his remarks at the Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2018 Democracy Day with the theme: “Peace Building and Good Governance for Sustainable Development.”

He said God has said concerning this nation, that ‘He is building’ a new Nigeria; a nation where men and women of all tribes and faith, dwell in love and peace.

“A nation, where our young people have ample opportunities for productive and rewarding work. So I say to you brethren in Christ and fellow country men and women, let us go forward, do not look back, the armies of the enemy that you see today threatening to kill and maim, and the claws of poverty and injustice you shall see again no more forever, the Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. We must go forward, we are a people of prophecy,” he urged.

They had just left the captivity of Egypt, where they were cheated and punished by Pharaoh. God took them on the journey out of captivity, out of anguish, and promised them a place of comfort, abundance and peace. But the journey was tougher than they expected, suddenly they saw Pharaoh and his army coming after them.

They were unarmed, and one of the most vicious armies in history was coming after them.

They ran in great fear, with

their wives and children. They carried the elderly, the disabled, and the babies, but in front of them was the Red Sea. No boats to cross the sea. They were, “between the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea.”

The Vice President said: “So they turned to their leader, Moses, who himself was now full of fear because he didn’t expect what they were now experiencing. A lesson here, when God puts you on a journey to your destiny, whether you are a person or a nation, He doesn’t tell you what the challenges will be, lest you refuse to undertake the journey. So the Israelites turned to their leader, Moses, saying in Exodus 14.11, “because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?

Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is

this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”

So it is in the journey of nation building and development, our own nation, is no different, we are on a journey from the anguish of the past. There have been times when the journey is somewhat tough, difficult, and fearful; we look behind us and see the armies of the past, the armies of division, which led to a civil war where millions died, the armies of religious strife that refuse to leave us, the armies of corruption and graft, those who want us to remain in the captivity of ethnic and religious conflicts. Ahead of us, we see the Red Sea, bloody conflicts, and the doomsayers

saying that the future will be worse than the past! And then the people say, why did you take us from where we were?

The same people who cried in anguish to the Lord, now say, “you should have left us in Egypt.” We didn’t know you were taking us out of captivity to kill us here in the wilderness.

Like Moses, the leadership say to God, but what shall we do oh Lord? We didn’t expect that this would be a journey to destruction. “”Then God said to Moses in Exodus 15, ‘why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Go forward! Don’t turn back! Moses inspired by God, said to the children of Israel, “do not be afraid, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see

today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Osinbajo emphasized that the promises of God are sure and certain, citing 2nd Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him amen, to the glory of God through us. This is the future and we are headed in that direction already.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha thanked the people for turning out in their numbers to mark the 19th edition of the Democracy Day celebration adding that it’s the third in President Buhari’s administration.

Other dignitaries at the occasion included: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Boss

Mustapha, Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred OyoIta, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, Senator Philip Aduda represented the Deputy Senate President, Catholic Arch Bishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) John Odigie Oyegun, Arch Bishop John Praise amongst other dignitaries.

The sermon was given by His Eminence, Rev. Samuel Kalu Uche, said there is hope for Nigeria.

Uche said, “We need peace before we can build the nation of our dreams. We need to adopt servant leadership style where we see each Nigerian as brother. For us to enjoy peace, and harmony, the leadership of the country must provide security.”

Front roll, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Senator Isa Hamma Misau, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and other guests during the 2018 Democracy Day Lecture organized by the Federal Government at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, yesterday.

Account for N10trn stolen by your leaders, PDP tells APC Tunde Opalana, Abuja The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately account for the over N10 trillion public fund allegedly stolen by APC leaders and members of the Buhari Presidency cabal.

The party accused the APC and Presidency of playing saint and pointing fingers

“while government officials are having field day frittering trillions of naira to finance their opulent lifestyles and political interests”, even under the watch of the African Union (AU) AntiCorruption Champion.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Olognondiyan, Monday,the PDP asks the Presidency to address Nigerians on the leaked Memo detailing corrupt oil contracts to

the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, which are under President Muhammadu Buhari’s direct supervision as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The PDP also challenged the APC and the Presidency to come clear on the widely reported stealing of N1.1 trillion (USD 3.5bn) worth

of crude oil by APC interests operating with seven ghost companies.

This, the party said is in addition to the looting from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) evidenced in the reported stealing of N10 billion National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)’s account in the TSA, as well as revelation of the frittering of fresh N25 billion under questionable “deals”.

The PDP demanded that

the APC and the Presidency address Nigerians on the widely reported stealing of N18 billion Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) intervention fund as well as the source of the N671 million allegedly stolen from the APC account by some of its national officers.

“Furthermore, the PDP wants the Presidency and the APC to explain to Nigerians why no serious panel of enquiry has been set up to

address the issues of abuse of rights, extra-judicial executions, killings and bloodletting in various parts as catalogued by various international bodies.

“The PDP notes that the APC has become synonymous with violence, deceit, hardship, hunger and starvation and can no longer be trusted as a vehicle of national cohesion, economic prosperity and the unity of Nigerians”, he said.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Boko Haram: Amnesty International’s attack on military affects terrorism fight Participants at a oneday International Conference on Human Rights and Armed Conflict in Nigeria on Monday said the blackmail of the Nigerian Military by Amnesty International (AI) slows down desired success in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

Rising from the conference on, “Assessing Nigeria’s response to the global security threats and its implications for world peace,” the participants told the federal government to activate the necessary steps for Nigeria to exit the Rome Statute and its creation, the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the military to fight terrorism without the cloak of blackmail constantly hanging over them.

A communique issued at the end of the conference and signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee of the conference, Dr. Mutiullah Olasupo and‎ Barrister Maxwell Gowon, called on government to, in the interim, assure the military that it is insulated from the ICC in view of its operations in meeting international standard of rules of engagement.

According to the conference organised by Global Amnesty Watch (GAW) in conjunction with the Institute for African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, participants agreed on the setting up of a task team to review and respond to any report emanating from Amnesty International, UNICEF and or their associates. ‎According to the communique, the conference

evaluated Nigeria’s war on terrorism in the last three years and observed that there was remarkable progress in the fight in the three years under review. ‎”It is regrettable that there has been a stall in the efforts to totally eradicate Boko Haram insurgents owing to several external interferences.

“These interferences include strategic support

for the terrorists by international NGOs like Amnesty International and other groups representing its interests in Nigeria and the failure of Nigeria’s neighbours to honour international and regional commitments,” the communique stated.

It also alleged that the ICC is constantly used to harass and intimidate military commanders and troops to

discourage them from being committed to defeating Boko Haram, adding that, the myriads of false reports from Amnesty International and other groups usually have built-in texts that threaten military personnel with arraignment for war crimes and crimes against humanity before the ICC. It was noted that South Africa, Burundi, Kenya and the Gambia are countries

that have taken different steps towards exiting the court created by the Rome Statute because of its confirmed selective justice and usage as a tool for modern-day colonialism.

Local and international speakers at the conference include the President of the Global Amnesty Watch, David Falt, Professor Pita Ogaba Agbese, University of Northern IOWA, [USA];

Health workers blow hot, say no going back on strike

Aspirant for Adamawa State House of Assembly, Delu James, marking the Children’s Day with the orphans at Abuja Children Orphanage Home, Karu, Abuja...on Sunday

Tension in Onitsha, as traders reject Obiano’s caretaker committee

Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha

Tension, on Monday enveloped Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial nerve centre, as traders of Electronics International Market in the city vowed to resist the setting up of a Caretaker Executive Committee for the market.

Stakeholders of the market who spoke with newsmen over the weekend said there was no reason which would have warranted a Caretaker Committee in hitherto peaceful market except, nepotism.

The Anambra State Governor had set up a Caretaker Committee in the market in line with the demands of few traders who want to hijack power from the outgone executive led by

Mary Johnson, Human Rights Lawyer, [USA]; Dr Malfouz A Adedimeji, former Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ilorin Kwara State and Mr. Stuart McGhie, Senior, Expert/Practitioner in Humanitarian Law, London.

Others are Professor Emmanuel O. Ezeani of the Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Unit, Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Dr. Udenta O. Udenta as Conference Moderator.

Uzochukwu Okoye in spite of the Court injunction restraining the Government or its agents from doing so.

Some concerned members of the market had asked an Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha to grant them an interim order of injunction to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the determination of the motion on notice in the case.

After hearing the arguments of the counsel to the applicants, J. E. O. Ogbuli, the presiding Judge, Justice M.N. O. Okonkwo, granted their reliefs.

But the Governor had not only announced the composition of the Caretaker Committee but had sealed up the offices of the market with thugs during the weekend.

However speaking against the development, the chairman of the United People’s Forum (UPF), a pressure group in the Market, Engr. Chijioke Nwobodo, said he was shocked that Obiano who just benefitted from democracy and rule of law would immediately be encouraging autocracy in the market.

He noted that markets were not parastatals or agency of the State Government, stressing that Electronics market in particular was purely a private market as the traders built the market with their own sweat.

He said if President Mohammed Buhari had used Federal might to rig the last Governorship election in the State, Obiano would not have

been returned for the second tenure which he is niw using to deprive the traders their rights to elect their leaders.

Nwobodo expressed shock that inspite of the appeals and Court injunction, thugs numbering about 300 stormed the market, firing gun shots and wearing APGA uniform to humiliate the traders in a democratic set up.

Mrs. Julie Ifeachor, Woman Leader, Electronics Market, appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to rescind the Caretaker Committee since the traders in Market were ready for an election but some elements who are not popular and don’t even have shops were the ones clamouring for Caretaker .

She also called on the Governor to direct the

Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Christian Madubuko and the President General of Amalgamated Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo to conduct free and fair election for the traders.

Other stakeholders of the market who frowned against the imposition of the market were Emeka Unachukwu and Ikechukwu Ezedinachi among others.

Crisis erupted in the market when the Commissioner for Commerce cancelled the election of new executive into the market through a call on April 27, 2018, when all the traders had gathered at Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge for the election.

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), on Monday vowed to continue its nationwide strike until the federal government implements certain agreements reached between the two parties on September 30, 2017.

JOHESU said it will not be deterred by a court injunction compelling its members to return to work.

Josiah Biobelemoye, national chairman of the union, made this known at a rally in Abuja.

He said the rally was aimed at updating members with current developments regarding the ongoing strike, including the recent court order.

Biobelemoye said: “I owe members the responsibility to update them on happenings between us and the government to enable them take decisive position. And whatever they decide is final.

“We call on the government to implement our upward adjustment and other things as contained in the agreement of Sept. 30, 2017.

“No going back on the strike until those things are met.”

He said since the union embarked on the strike on April 18, the federal government had met with the leadership eight times.

He, however, described the meetings as one step forward and two steps backward.

Biobelemoye said the amount of money owed the union is N22.6billion and added that due to the intervention of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, it had been reduced to N16.5 billion.

He said JOHESU’s agreement on the reduction of the entitlement from N22.6 billion to N16. 5 billion was geared toward ensuring lasting solutions to the crisis.

“I urge you to stand up for your right, do not yield to pressure or threat in whatever form by the government,” he said.

“Hence, we are not going back to work until they pay us our full entitlement.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

NASS DPO hands over to successor, heads for Adamawa today Tunde Opalana, Abuja Putting to rest controversy surrounding his redeployment, the Divisional Police Officer ( DPO) of the National Assembly, CSP Abdul Sulu- Gambari , Monday, officially handed over to his successor, SP Abdullahi Sambo .

News of his redeployment to Adamawa State by the Force Headquarters filtered in at the weekend with unconfirmed report that it might be in connection with the recent invasion of the Senate Chamber by hoodlums., Sulu- Gambari who did the handing over at about 1pm to the new DPO refused to answer questions from journalists who witnessed the handing over, he thanked them for cooperation accorded him throughout his stay as DPO National Assembly .

SuluGambari’s redeployment from the National Assembly is not unconnected with the submissions he made to the National Assembly ad- hoc committee on Senate invasion and Mace theft of 18th of last month.

Gambari who as the NASS DPO then, succeeded in apprehending some of the hoodlums who carried out the invasion and mace theft the very day the then suspended Senator Ovie Omo- Agege ( APC Delta Central ) forcefully attended senate plenary, made a lot of revelations to the Senator Ibn Na’Allah ( APC Kebbi South ) led committee looking into the April 18, 2018 invasion.

According to the committee at its sitting last week Wednesday when the representative of the Inspector General of Police , CP Abu Sani appeared before it, the report given by the outgone DPO indicated that arrested hoodlums made confessional statements and handed over to the Force Headquarters.

But the Nigeria Police authority denied redeploying Sulu Gambari Abdul to Adamawa State following his role in the apprehension of the invaders and statements he made thereafter.

Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force, Jimoh Moshood in a telephone conversation with TVC Television in Abuja on Saturday said there was nothing like that.

He was quoted to have said: “What I am saying is that there is nothing like that. If there is anything like that I will be able to confirm to you or not. I am the force PRO. How can the person say he has it on good authority?

Does the person speak for the police force? I am telling you that the news is not correct.

“Today is Saturday and I was on duty yesterday. So how do I now confirm a story that didn’t happen on official day? If there is anything like that, it will come out yesterday abi? Thank you so much.” Moshood said.

Gov Ganduje faults nPDP marginalisation claims Yakubu Salisu, Kano

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state on Monday in Kano, dismissed claims by some members of the nPDP in the All Progressives Congress (APC) of marginalization, declaring that all of those complaining have tremendously benefitted from the ruling APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ganduje who is also a member of the nPDP caucus that dissolved into the APC said he was astonished by such claims, pointing out that all of them are being carried along by the current democratic dispensation.

Ganduje who spoke during a media parley at Government House to mark his three-year anniversary in office, said people like Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of

House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara should have no reason to complain.

He noted that, “some few members of the nPDP (which is not even a group in that nomenclature, because now we are one in the APC), went to the party’s national secretariat and presented a paper that they were marginalized. “ The majority of the defunct nPDP (which I am a member) also went to the national secretariat to mention that those that were there earlier in the name of nPDP were not the true representative of the nPDP. Also, we indicated that we are not part of those who are being marginalized.

“I will give you an analysis that will show that they are not being marginalized. First of all, the Senate President is from the defunct nPDP, he is now the Senate President, he controls

very important Committees in which he singlehandedly approved chairmen of 30 committees--that is not marginalization.

“You have the governor of Kwara state who is also a member of the nPDP. He has a whole government, how can he say he is marginalized.

“You have the Speaker of House of Representatives who is a member of the nPDP and a Speaker under the banner of APC, how can he say he is being marginalized. He controls lucrative committees.

He appoints the chairmen and membership of the Committees singlehandedly, without interference from the executive.

How can he say he is being marginalized.

“So, if you take this issue one by one, you can see that the issue of marginalization is not there.

Therefore, we the majority of

the nPDP are disclaiming the allegation and we believe that we are not being marginalized.

“The Governor of Adamawa state is nPDP and he is now a Governor, I am from nPDP and I am now a governor. We have most of us from the nPDP who are Senators and House of Representative members.

“So, I believe that there must be something underground.

You know Mr. President is facing a difficult moment-corruption is fighting back.

So, you will soon see why marginalization is coming out now. This is not the issue of marginalization, this is the issue of corruption fighting back. So, you will see what will happen.”

The Governor also insisted that Kano will mobilize over five million votes for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 presidential election even if

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the former Governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso finally decided to leave APC. “Well, we are begging Kwankwaso not to move to another party, but if he decides to go, no problem--that is individual differences; and it cannot affect Buhari’s fortunes of getting five million votes from Kano.

“Twice, we were in government in Kano state from another party and twice Buhari won Kano from a different party; and we won our own election.

So it is not the issue of the former governor taking his paraphernalia to another party but our commitment to win elections. We are not going to say that there will be no obstacles, there will be obstacles, but we will surmount it--so, Buhari will get five million votes from Kano.”

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari, with them is Senator Isa Hamma Misau and other guests during the 2018 Democracy Day Lecture organized by the Federal Government at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, yesterday.

NBC wants journalists to be objective in reportage Moses Oyediran, Enugu The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), on Monday, urged journalists to put up reportage that are objective and balanced when reporting political matters.

The Director General of NBC, Mallam Modibbo Kawu, gave the advice at a training workshop on Political Broadcasts for journalists.

The workshop was themed: ``Media Coverage of 2015 Elections: Challenges, Regulatory Framework and the Way Forward for a More Democratic Society’’.

Kawu noted that the

commission would not fail in its sanction against any broadcast media that violate the NBC Broadcasting Code for Reporting Politics.

“This workshop is to remind you that the NBC will wield the big hammer on any broadcast station that goes contrary to the provisions of the NBC Broadcasting Code as it concern reporting politics and political matters.

“It is clear that we all both practitioners and regulatory must work together to keep a virile, credible and violence free elections.

“So, we are here to discuss the guidelines and processes to follow so that your stations

through acts of omission or commission will not fall victim of the enforcement of the commission,’’ he said In a lecture, titled: ``Presentation of Tapestry Hate Speech Research Findings’’; Prof. Pate Umaru, said that only objectivity and professionalism can help to eliminate hate speeches in broadcasting.

Pate also urged journalists especially broadcasters to ensure that their personal, ethnic and religious biases do not in any form enter into their reportage.

“As we love this country, we should shun hate speeches and stereo-types against other people since election come and

go; while Nigeria remains.

“So, I will advise you to anchor all your reportage on facts and objectivity; while leaving out all foul languages, abuses and other tendencies that brings a report to bad taste,’’ he said.

The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Chief Osita Okechukwu, noted that editors must take their responsibility of their gate-keeping duty very serious to ensure that their stations would not be used to propagate hate speeches and negative tendencies to the public.

Okechukwu noted that editors should be courageous enough to kill or Keep In View (KIV) any report, which is unbalanced,

unfair, inciting and infused with bad language and taste.

He called on them to advance professionalism in the media and abide daily by the NBC Code for Political Reporting.

“Editors should stop celebrating political reportage that leads to retrogression in the country as well as cause disharmony among the people.

“The NBC Code on Political and Election reporting should be a bible to be read and followed each day.

“Even apart from the sanctions of the commission; nobody benefits in a situation of political instability and hostility,’’ he said.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Ambode lauds children’s contribution to development Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has acknowledged the efforts of exceptionally talented children and youths in contributing to the excellence which the State is known for, saying they deserved to be commended and celebrated.

Speaking at a Special Evening of Arts held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja on Sunday, to celebrate Children’s Day, Lagos at 51 and the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Ambode said it was gratifying that the frontline position of Lagos in the area of performing arts was now globally acknowledged, and attributed the recognition to the young ones who are doing the State proud with their talents.

Describing children in the State as the most cherished assets of his administration, the Governor said any nation desirous of realizing its full potential could not afford to toy with its youth, which according to him, was why deliberate policies were put in place to support them to use their talents for the benefit of the State.

“No nation achieves its full potential without the human capital that the children and youth represent. Our State as you know has the largest concentration of such beautiful, brilliant set of children and youths anywhere in the black world. Whether in

education, in innovations, arts and literature or in sports, Lagos excels because of the exceptional talents of our young ones.

“This is why we have chosen to specially celebrate them this evening with one of the gifts that the world now acknowledges the frontline position of our State – performing arts. This of course is in line with our promise to make Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and the Arts together with Sports the centrepiece of our development agenda for the youths in our State,” Governor Ambode said.

He said it was satisfying that the critical stakeholders in the sector appreciated the efforts being made by his administration to nurture and grow the performing arts industry, just as he assured that no efforts would be spared to sustain the drive to place the State on a sound pedestal for growth and development via the sector.

“In three years of renewed vigour and commitment to the finer things of life like the Arts and Culture, we are pleased with the fact that our critical stakeholders appreciate our modest intervention and are encouraged to do more.

“This evening we have chosen four of such stakeholders today not only for the beautiful

performance they have treated us with; but to also specially honour them too for their contributions in uplifting the standard of performing arts in our State, especially as it concerns children and the youth,” he said.

The Governor specifically celebrated the parents and members of the youth groups which performed at the event The Dream Catchers, Dance Na

The Main Thing (DNMT), The Q Dance Company and Footprints of David, among others, just as he urged them to keep up the good work.

“These children mean so much to me and I love them all from the bottom of my heart.

I am and I reiterate once again committed to the upliftment of the culture and the heritage of Lagos. I will do it with it with all

my strength and I also promise that I will keep the performing arts growing by investing in the sector.

Earlier, Governor Ambode performed the official kick-off of the finals of the Channels International Kids Cup football competition held at Campos Mini Stadium, where he rewarded the top four teams with N5million.

The winner, LGEA Central

Primary School received N2million; Baptist Primary School which took second place was given N1.5million, while Emmanuel Anglican Primary School in third place received N1million.

X-planter Private School from Lagos in fourth position was also not left out as the Governor rewarded them with a sum of N500,000.

Ayade launches C’River universal health insurance scheme In a bid to ensure universal health coverage for all citizens, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has launched a comprehensive health insurance scheme, christened Ayadecare.

The scheme which also targets the vulnerable as well as the zero income earners in the state got N250 million as seed fund from Governor Ayade.

While the governor donated N200 million on behalf of the state, the sum of N50 million was on behalf of Ayade and his family.

Speaking at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, venue of the launch, the governor said the May 28 launch, a day set aside to celebrate the Nigerian children was deliberate as it sought to give priority to children and women who are the vulnerable in the society

“The state will invest heavily in the scheme to ensure quality and affordable health care services for our people”, Ayade said, while advocating for Federal Government support to ensure the success of the programme in the state.

Justifying the launch of the scheme, the Governor said “the scheme is a clear indication that the state is in the right path to ensuring prosperity and better health services for the people.

Our children must have access to the scheme and the launch of the programme on Children’s Day is to celebrate the children who are leaders of tomorrow. “ Ayade, while commending the lawmakers from both the National and State House of Assembly for offering to subscribe for 500 persons in each of their political wards, noted that the scheme will take

care of the very poor in the society.

Also speaking, the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul Lebo, commended Ayade for the scheme, noting that with the launch, the governor had shown a strong commitment to a better health care in the state.

The speaker assured the governor of continuous legislative support for the scheme in the state.

In his remarks, Special Adviser on Insurance, Chief Godwin Iyala, commended Governor Ayade for the initiative, and disclosed that the scheme was designed to put more money in the pockets of Cross Riverians.

According to Iyala, an average family in Cross River spends at least N25,000 monthly on health and that by “this

scheme, we are determined to ensure health governance. It is to ensure affordable and qualit healthcare. Cross Riverians are very happy with the governor.

The universal health care is now at our door steps and we will ensure it succeeds.”

Director-General of the state Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Betta Edu said Ayade has taken measures with the launch of the scheme to improve the health care of Cross Riverians According to her, “less than five percent of Cross Riverians have access to health care.

It will enhance quality and affordable healthcare” Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong said the launch of the scheme was in fulfilment of the governor’s deep vision for healthcare in Cross River State.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday May 29, 2018

Politics

11

Democracy Day: Nigerian politicians have Imposition destroying learnt nothing – Methodist Prelate

political parties in Nigeria – General Nwachukwu

Buhari Stories: Patrick Okohue The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev. Samuel Uche, is angry with the state of things in the country and has therefore laid on curse on those he described as troublers of Nigeria, to him, they are bastards.

The cleric who spoke while delivering the homily at an Interdenominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja to commemorate the 2018 Democracy Day, reminiscence on a Yoruba proverb that he said former President Olusegun Obasanjo told him, that meant that a family could only know peace if there were no bastards.

According to him, “All those who are troublers of Nigeria are bastards. A family only knows peace where there are no bastards.

“No holy book encourages war or hostility. Why then do we have hatred, malice and intolerance?

“I blame religious leaders of different faiths who collect money.

They are wicked, malicious, and satanic,” he said referencing Obasanjo’s comments.

He added that although he had only one vote, he could influence at least two million voters from his denomination and many other Christians.

While saying impunity would no longer be allowed in the country, Uche said he was ready to take the bullet while fighting the menace.

He urged the Federal Government to review the bogus salaries and allowances of those in authority downwards, saying they could not continue to be enjoying while the people were suffering.

He enjoined them to allow the little national cake to go round so that everybody could have a bite.

The clergyman warned the ruling party against clamping down on members of the

Rev Uche opposition parties just as he advised the opposition members to avoid crying wolf where there was none.

He warned all stakeholders against heating up the polity, saying the nation needed peace.

He also described the calls for the breaking of the country as nonsensical, adding that those behind such calls were ignorant.

The cleric said Nigerians must learn to live together in peace.

Rev Uche also called on the Federal Government to revisit the report of the 2014 National Conference with a view to picking the recommendations that would be useful to the nation.

He advised the government to stop apportioning blame and pointing fingers, saying it was a waste of time.

He supported the call for the establishment of special courts for urgent trial of corruption cases.

According to the clergyman, Nigeria personifies the biblical Job at this time because the country’s problems and challenges are many.

He said the nation’s past heroes meant well for Nigeria and they worked for the nation’s progress.

Uche, however, said the present-day politicians acted with impunity because they had not learnt their lessons.

He described 90 per cent of such politicians as chameleonic, asking them to change.

His words: “There should be no fear in politics. Let people be allowed to vote and let their votes count.

“We will work against all those who plan to manipulate elections; we will never allow that. And let me tell you that if they fire their bullet, it will not penetrate because God is with us. The God of Elijah and Elisha is our God. “We will no longer allow impunity to reign in this country. I don’t belong to any political party, but I can influence at least two million Methodists in Nigeria. I

can also influence other Christians.

“We will never vote in anybody that is lazy; anybody that is wicked, anybody that is a religious bigot can never smell any office in this land. Those who mean well for Nigeria, God will preserve them.

Those who are planning to hurt Nigeria, God will annihilate them.

“So, let us come together to build a nation where there is peace, love, harmony, tolerance, concord and synergy.

“As we celebrate Democracy Day on Tuesday and as we remember our children today, I want to advise that we should avoid do-ordie politics.

“There should be no fear in politics. Let people be allowed to vote and let their votes count.

“Our leaders have failed to provide good leadership. They can’t organise simple primaries.

There is in-fighting. What a shame! We need peace before we can build a nation of our dream.

We need tolerance, forgiveness and forbearance.

“Hawking is evidence that all is not well with our country.

Many young people are deprived and that is why I call on the government with all due respect to review the bogus salaries and allowances of those in authorities because they are squandering our money.

“They engage in bogus spending leaving us to suffer; this must stop. We must allow our little cake to go round so that each one can have a bite.

“Our government should ensure something is done about our porous borders in order to checkmate the incidence of migration of miscreants, irresponsible cannibals and wicked people into our country,” he said.

Despite all the ills, Uche said he saw hope for the country if only Nigerians could agree that the amalgamation of 1914 was a divine one.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and an elder statesman, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) has fingered imposition as the major factor destroying political parties in Nigeria.

He said the main dominant parties in Nigeria lacked internal democracy due to imposition of unpopular candidates on the people.

General Nwachukwu stated this while addressing a delegation of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from Abia State, led by the chairman of the steering committee of the party in the state, Honorable Chidi Nwosu, who paid him a visit in his Ovim Isukwuato residence on Sunday.

He said, “SDP, I don’t want you people to be like the ruling APC and PDP. What destroys a political party is imposition of unpopular candidates on the people.

“PDP when they were in power refused the will of the people to prevail. Election will be conducted;

PDP will go and write results.

“I’m calling on SDP Abia State not to toe the same path with other parties. Shun violence and work hard to ensure your party wins elections.”

The former National Assembly member charged the party delegations to field popular candidates in the 2019 election, who will stand for truth and betterment of the people.

He equally called on the Nigerian electorates to shun money politics and obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to enable them vote for credible candidates in the 2019 poll.

“I’m calling on you to shun money politics and field candidates that will stand for truth and do better for the people.

“Also, eligible voters in the state and the country should obtain their Permanent Voters Cards and during the election day, you vote according to yours conscience,” he added.

Shehu Sani vows to contest against el-Rufai in 2019 The Senator representing Kaduna Central Zone of Kaduna State in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani has announced his intention to contest against Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the 2019 elections.

According to another national newspapers reports the lawmaker stated this at the weekend in an interview.

The rights activist also condemned the outcome of the local government election in Kaduna.

He said: “It was very clear that the results of the recentlyconducted local council elections in Kaduna State did not reflect what happened.

“Even, there was no ward congress in the state; they just wrote list of names and submitted and this situation has worsened the internal crisis among those who used their money to buy forms.

“Let it be known to Governor ElRufai that I am contesting against him in 2019 governorship election in the state. The election will not be conducted by the state electoral commission.”

Sani, however, warned that the attacks and killings by Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen would affect the political fortune of the APC during the presidential and governorship elections in many states of the country.

Sen Sani

Gov el-Rufai

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

It’s good to have your PVC, but better if you use APC it, Presidential aspirant, Soyode tells Nigerians Convention: Enugu West Stories: Patrick Okohue

Nigerians of voting age have been challenged to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ready to vote in the 2019 general election, as not doing so will be likened to working against the progress of the country.

Making the call in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during a courtesy visit to the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in his palace, the former CEO of Europe’s first ethnic media satellite and television channel BEN TV, Mentoring Cmdt, Ali Soyode urged all PVC holders to actively go out and vote in the coming elections.

“Having your PVC and not using it is more dangerous than any crime holding us back from progressing as a nation.”

According to him “Nigerians through our participation now have options to elects good leaders that can deliver good governance and be the bridge for Nigeria’s unity. This will make Nigeria better and greater.

“We came in the spirit of uniting our country. I am a citizen of Nigeria born in Katsina of parents from both the North and South of the country.

Nigeria needs a bridge builder; a bridge to better education, good health care, equitable nation and one that will honour the mandate of our constitution as it is presently until amended. We are happy to say, as our elders and Royal Father to see us answering the calls and as one we most honoured,” Soyode added.

The aspirant told the monarch that he was in the palace to continue his nationwide consultation visit to elders, traditional rulers and meeting the grassroots in the country

Oba Aremu Gbadebo

Sowore

aimed at seeking to hear directly and interacts with them towards his ambition to contest for the office of the President in Nigeria.

Soyode who is also the convener of the fast rising YES Nigeria Movement before partaking in the emergence of other similar movements in Nigeria, was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Mary Manzo, a National Coordinator of YES; Mr. Larry Ijaola (Diaspora); Barr. Fola Raman, South West Coordinator, Mrs Sarah James (Women Dept) amongst others.

Speaking further with the Royal Father, Mr. Soyode said, they were in there to officially inform him of their

collective readiness and willingness to participate in strengthening the democracy in the country and becoming a major block come 2019 and contesting for the office of the President.

In his remarks, the Alake commended Soyode for his foresight and dedication to national interest.

He said, it is a blessing to Nigeria and for the state to always be first and Soyode held onto that by becoming the first in setting up the first black media channel in Europe.

His tenacity in management, the monarch said, is something Nigeria needs and successes

gained for blacks in Britain can be transferred and shared for Nigeria’s development and growth.

The Alake opined, “It is a worthy journey for you now in life. Our prayers are with you. Once you have a dream, it is good to follow the dream.

“You have shown success, you have a track record in your life.

It is not going to be easy. But you have what it takes. Your work has made things easier for us travelling around the world to be respected compared to how it use to be before the advent of BEN TV,” The Presidential aspirant told the Alake that their YES Nigeria has been going for about a year, concentrating more in the villages by running educational series for the electorates on their voting rights and power of the thumbs or pens for ballot papers.

“It is good to have the PVC, but using it is much better and of greater magnitude to national values desired. There is no need to have a PVC for shelf decoration or identification while leadership demands changes and good governance needed for a better nation where every citizen is treated equally.

“Four million voters are more and stronger than 70 million other registered PVC holders who did not or may not vote. Voters have the upper hands and placed nation where she is presently,” he added.

The Alake is one of the five sections of Egbaland, the others being Oke-Ona, Gbagura, the Owu and Ibara. The Alake of Egbaland, is the traditional ruler of the Egba clan of Yoruba in the city of Abeokuta in south Western Nigeria.

Atiku appoints Gbenga Daniel as campaign DG

Atiku Abubakar

Gbenga Daniel

Former Nigerian VicePresident, Atiku Abubakar has appointed former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the Director-General of his campaign for 2019 presidency.

In a release personally signed by him, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said Mr. Daniel will see to the day to day running of his campaign while he focuses on his nationwide consultation.

The statement reads in part:

“I am pleased to officially notify you of the appointment of His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (“OGD” as he is popularly known), as the Director-General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation.

“OGD is a former two-term governor of Ogun State, and a foremost engineer, businessman and astute politician. He has vast knowledge of the Nigerian political terrain and has a wide network of contacts and friends all

over Nigeria, and these are a few of the assets he will be bringing to our campaign organisation.

“I am in no doubt OGD is a very positive and welcome addition to our campaign and I look forward to working with him as he leads over campaign to victory come February 2019.

Otunba Daniel, a businessman, listed as one of 50 most promising Nigerians in a national newspaper in the 1990s, who started his political career as a young member of the Committee of Friends in the Unity Party of Nigeria, a political party founded by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the late 1970s was one of the major financiers of the Agbalajobi’s aspiration to become the governor of Lagos State in the 1990s. His Kresta Laurel office in Maryland in Ikeja also served as the campaign headquarters of the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 where he also played key roles.

The former governor of Ogun State was involved so much in the politics of the South West Nigeria, supporting the socio-cultural associations like Afenifere and Yoruba Council of Elders (Y.C.E.) as well as various associations and

groups.

He surprised the political landscape of Ogun State in 2003 when he defeated an incumbent, Chief Olusegun Osoba, a feat described by many as almost impossible.

As governor of Ogun State, Daniel supervised and conducted various elections which returned all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates which included three senators, nine House of Representatives and 26 House of Assembly members.

In 2011, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was the South West Coordinator of Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign which returned the President in almost a landslide victory in the region.

He was also one of the chairmanship aspirant at the last Peoples Democratic Party’s National Convention which was held in December 2017, during which he was reputed to have visited virtually all the states of the country campaigning and encouraging party members, leaders and critical stakeholders of the party preaching hope and unity. He later stepped down to ensure the party’s unity and cohesion.

Forum backs Eneukwu for S/East Vice Chairman The Enugu West Progressives Forum has resolved to support the incumbent National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-East, Chief Emma Eneukwu for a second term.

This was contained in a statement released at the weekend by the APC Zonal Chairman, Enugu West senatorial district, Mr. Ikechukwu Omenkeukwu.

According to the statement released after the zonal executive meeting in Enugu, the forum noted that Enugu State APC had a subsisting and signed zoning formula in the year 2014 and it was agreed that the status quo should remain.

It equally observed that the guidelines for 2018 APC congresses and National Convention stipulated that the zoning formula must remain.

The five-paragraph terse statement was titled All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu West Progressives Forum and it read: ‘The zone resolves as follows’. “That Enugu State APC has a signed zoning formula in the year 2014 before our national convention.

“That the APC zoning forum resolved that the governorship and state secretary of APC goes to Nsukka (Enugu North Senatorial District), the State Chairman goes to Nkanu (Enugu East Senatorial District) whereas the office of the National Position that will come to Enugu State goes to the West (Enugu West District).

“That the guidelines for the 2018 APC congresses and National Convention stipulate that the zoning formula must remain.

“We pray that since we have agreed that the status quo should remain, let it remain.

“We do hereby through this communiqué pass a vote of confidence on Chief Emma Eneukwu, the National Vice Chairman of our great party, South-East as he re-contests the National Vice Chairman, South-East.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

13

Editorial Commentary OUR POSITION

I

JEHOSU strike and matters arising

t’s been more than one month now, since health workers in tertiary health institutions across the country embarked on industrial action; grounding virtually all health facilities and services across the country.

The impact of the suspension of services cannot be quantified in terms of economic and monetary value alone. As a result of it, lives have been lost.

Following the outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigerians have expressed worry of what will happen should the disease spread to Nigeria.

Sadly, JOHESU in their desperate bid to be on the same level with medical doctors, has tabled a 15-point demand to the Federal Government, seeking significant improvements in terms of the conditions of service.

Ironically, their counterparts in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the doctors, are also threatening to down tools if the government as much as accede to the demands of these health workers who are the nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, laboratory scientists and so on.

The union had last week threatened to withhold help for emergency measures against Ebola because of an ongoing strike over pay and conditions.

It is instructive to note that the federal government this week ordered screening of travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries after a fresh outbreak of the haemorrhagic fever there.

JOHESU comprises pharmacists, nurses, laboratory technologists and other paramedics in the public health sector, except doctors and dentists.

But the strike has paralysed services in Federal Government-owned hospitals and health centres

across the country.

On Wednesday, JOHESU extended the strike by directing its affiliates in Nigeria’s 36 states to join, following deadlock in talks with government.

Nigeria does not share a border with DR Congo but memories are still fresh of an Ebola outbreak in 2014 that killed seven people out of 19 confirmed cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) at the time praised the country’s response for containing the spread of the virus, which left some 11,000 people dead in wider West Africa.

Incidentally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has disclosed that relevant agencies, including the port health services, have been mobilised to ensure the safety of passengers and other users.

It is interesting to note that the Senate had last week pleaded with JOHESU to call off the over three weeks strike it embarked on which has affected the health sector across the country.

The Senate’s resolution was sequel to a motion on “Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Need to Take Precautionary Measures” during plenary.

The upper chamber also urged the Minister of Interior to take necessary steps to check immigration.

It further urged the Minister of Health to ensure alertness to combat whatever cases that might arise and get Ebola vaccines ready for an emergency The Senate also recalled that an infected immigrant, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, who arrived Nigeria in July 23, 2014, was notable for been the index case for the introduction of Ebola virus into Nigeria Although the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, seems hopeful of quick resolution to the crisis, we think that the loss of lives following the crisis should suggest the need for a lasting solution to the frequent needless rivalry between doctors and other workers in the health sector.

Historical Times in Pictures

We also believe that JOHESU needs to review its 15-point demand realistically, and cut down on its requests of linear comparison with the doctors. The federal establishment is not a place for unwholesome competition amongst professionals and specific allowances can definitely not be universalised in order to enforce industrial harmony.

But we believe that it is fair to acknowledge that some of JOHESU’s demands are quite in order while members of the NMA should proffer solutions with a view to resolving the current crisis.

The doctors must realise that they are not a super breed. They must stop the infamous practice of looking down on other professionals in the health sector, a practice traceable to the universities where professors of medicine often allegedly give the impression that professors of nursing or pharmacy are inferior to them as academics.

It is gratifying to note that as a follow-up to his mediation between JEHOSU members, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said that the Senate will meet with health workers leadership on Monday to resolve the issues.

Last week, Saraki began mediating in the ongoing strike that has crippled Nigeria’s healthcare facilities for the past 40 days, with a meeting with JOHESU officials on Thursday afternoon and the Ministers in charge of the Labour and Health Ministries, Dr. Chris Ngige and Prof. Issac Adewole, on Friday morning.

We are of the opinion that since the discussions initiated by the Senate President is to resolve the matter, we believe that government has improved on its offers to the striking health workers.

Now that the stakeholders are meeting on the contentious issues, we are hopeful that the meeting will yield positive results while the health workers will in couple of days, call off the strike in the interest of the country.

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S I G N AT U R E Publisher

Folio Communications Plc

6 195 In this old photo, the Queen taps the shoulder of Sir Francis Ibiam with a sword,when she created him a Knight of the British Empire (KBE).The Investiture took place at Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Note that Agyuiyi Ironsi is standing behind the Queen and he was assigned as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria in 1956, for which assignment he was sent to Buckingham Palace to train.

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors.

Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Falana, Ajibade impacted Nigerians in most profound ways - Tinubu

T Bola Tinubu

he month of May, which in 1999 heralded the rebirth of democracy again in Nigeria after almost 16 years of unbroken military interregnum, is also significant in one other respect.

It is the month of birth of many prominent Nigerians.

But this statement is about just two of them, Messers Femi Falana and Kunle Ajibade, both of them icons in their chosen fields, the one an outstanding lawyer, the other exceptional journalist.

Falana, born May 20, 1958, and Kunle Ajibade, born on May 28, 1958, recently turned 60. I say happy birthday to them and wish them

long life, continued good health and renewed energy to continue to make invaluable contributions to our country.

Both are close friends and associates, with whom I have interacted in our continuous struggle for the enthronement of true democracy, good governance and rule of law.

Mr. Falana is a lawyer, prodemocracy and human rights activist who over time employed and continues to employ the instrumentality of the law to correct the ills of the society.

His contributions to constitutionalism and jurisprudence know no bounds. He takes briefs from the rich to empower him to fight the

injustices against the poor pro bono.

Like his late mentor and comrade, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Falana is an advocate of the people, of the masses.

Ajibade is that astute journalist and celebrated author who through his pen fought against the military junta and was particularly a thorn in the flesh of the late Abacha regime.

He authored two popular books ‘Jailed for Life,’ his experience in prison to which he was clamped by the Abacha junta, and ‘What a Country,’ which speaks about the ills in the country.

As both were united in their month of birth, there is also an unmistakable meeting point in their life trajectories.

Both fought against successive military regimes to facilitate the

emergence of democracy in the land and a country laden with respect for human rights.

They fought to ensure Nigeria is a citadel of social justice and rule of law and generally a better place for the present generation and generations yet unborn.

There is no doubt that both Falana and Ajibade had impacted Nigeria and Nigerians in the most profound ways.

We thank them for their struggles.

We thank them for their sacrifices.

But we are not yet in the Promised Land. We enjoin the duo not to rest on their oars and to join hands with us in the All Progressives Congress, led

by President Muhammadu Buhari, to make Nigeria a better place.

As democracy dies in Nigeria

Emmanuel Onwubiko

H

ow democracies die’ is a new book by two respected political science scholars teaching in one of the Ivy League universities in the United States of America- Havard University, Professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblat.

A polish commentator by name Stan Tetenman did a very brief commentary on this important work of scholarship which follows the comprehensive scholarly work done earlier by Professor John Keane which he titled “the death and life of democracy”.

Tetenman whose write up featured in the www.sunjournal.com, said the book, “How Democracies Die,” is an interesting analysis of what is happening in this country (USA). The authors say norms are important to a society. Two of the most important are mutual toleration and institutional forbearance.

The reviewer reported the authors as affirming that there are “Four measures on our litmus test for autocrats 1. Weak commitment to the democratic rules of the game (claiming voter fraud, wouldn’t accept results of election); 2. Denial of the legitimacy of one’s opponents (birther problem against Obama, locking up Clinton); 3. Toleration or encouragement of violence; (embraced and encouraged violence at rallies); and 4. Readiness to curtail the civil liberties of rivals and critics (threatening media, claiming media lies).”

The reviewer quoted the duo as stating In their powerfully written book ‘How Democracies Die that President Donald Trump and many Republicans meet those four tests. How can they credibly defend this country’s democracy?, he asked rhetorically.

“Politics should not be an “I win, you lose” situation. Politics should be reaching what is the best compromise for the good of this country. Rivals in the political process should be treated with mutual toleration and respect. Those are not in the Constitution. They do set a standard for how politicians should behave to make democracy function”.

‘

“Partisan hatred threatens the spirit of the Constitution. It can subvert the system of checks and balances. If norms of mutual toleration and respect are abandoned, this nation will cease being a democracy”.

But wait a minute! These authors could have expanded the scope of their academic enterprise to go beyond the shores of the Trump’s America and to capture the developing trends in a place like Nigeria which Donald Trump once called “a shithole country”.

Be that as it may, the writers of this scholarly work have also covered the broad representation of how Nigeria’s democracy is dying incremental death.

All those four factors highlighted in the new book by the two Harvard university professors of Political Science, as significant signs of dying democracies are present in huge quantity in Nigeria as I write.

First, the fundamental indices alluded to in that book are in large supply in Nigeria of today and many more are replicated such as the persistently annoying blame game that the current government in Abuja has elevated to a statecraft. For the better part of the last three days, Nigerians have been inundated by a government sponsored propaganda and campaign of calumny targeted at the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party which had peacefully handed over power to this administration in 2015.

Secondly, as Nigerians have been told to take a holiday on May 29th 2018 to mark the so-called democracy day, Nigerians in their millions are in total agreement that democracy is fast collapsing under the watch of the man some few percentage (15 million out of 180 million) gave the mandate in the year 2015 to run the administrative structure of the federal executive arm of government for four years.

Recently, a poll conducted by one of the respected online newspapers has it that majority of Nigerians think that corruption, has become widespread even as insecurity and unemployment have expanded in the last three years.

The popular omline medium reported the majority opinions of those who partocipated in the opinion poll as arguing that the economy is at an all

time low. These feelings of a collapsing economy even has some semblance of official stamp going by the frightening statistics that emanated from the International Monetary fund (IMF); World Bank and the local National Bureau of Statistics(NBS).

Even by the very modest and indeed conservative estimation of the publicly funded National Bureau of statistics, the rate of poverty and unemployment amongst Nigerians have ballooned beyond control just as the stark reality of job losses in the last three years have become very disturbing. 9 million Nigerians have lost their jobs in the last one year.

By some considerable estimate, it is stated that virtually all the states but few are insolvent and can’t meet their financial obligations without federal allocations. Some States that got the so called Paris Fund refund running into billions of Naira couldn’t still pay their workers due to manifest corruption on the part of the State governors. One of the governors who is even the Chairman of the cartel called Nigerian Governors Forum was accused of diverting billions of cash from his state’s treasury and is building a hotel in Lagos even as he had recently bought up a choice housing assets in the United States of America.

Die to the existence of section 308(1) of the Constitution which grants some 76 executive power holders in Nigeria (President;Vice president; Governors and their deputies) this indicted governor from one of the poorest states in the North is still walking around a free man. That section of the Constitution i cited is the beginning of the institutionalisation of inequity in Nigeria.

Sadly, inequalities and inequities have widened beyond control just as the rate of violent killings of the citizenry has become a common place thus negating the primary purpose of government which is the protection of lives and property.

Nigeria under the current dispensation has also become a large killing fields with crimes and criminality becoming the order of the day with the heads of the various security organizations unable and unwilling to discharge the legal functions for which

they were appointed to do in the first place.

The reoccurring decimal of official corruption and the total lack of transparency in the procurement mechanisms applied by government, have led to the expanding frontiers of insecurity and collapse of good governance in all of Nigeria without exception. The defence sector and the police are some of the most corruptly administered agencies of federal government. Almost all of the major defence procurement are marred by massive corruption.

So it can be submitted beyond any shadow of doubt that Nigeria’s social and political manifestations of collapse have by far surpassed the estimation made by some academic scholars including the two Havard University Political Science Professors who had affirmed that even in the developed Western societies, inequality and difference has increasingly become present.

Michael O’Shaughnessy and Jane Stadler wrote in their book “media and society”, fourth edition that: “looking at the world globally, and at individual Western societies, it soon becomes evident that there are major social inequalities. Societies consist of a complex network of group with different – sometimes competing, sometimes overlapping-interests”.

Some of these groups according the aforementioned authors are advantaged (in terms of such social goods as housing, education, and life opportunities) by virtue of their birth, their wealth, their class position, their skin colour, and their gender. Consequently, there are advantaged and disadvantaged groups in society, or, to put this another way, dominant and subordinate groups.

The authors of Media and Society states that three major areas of social division are class, gender, and race, although in some contexts religion, age, sexuality, caste, and education can be equally divisive in ways that are often closely related to these three primary categories.

“Class, race and gender frequently restrict or create opportunities for individuals and groups to flourish and to attain coveted positions in society”.

Agabaidu Jideani

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

15 Column

Open judiciary as part of open government Times Columnist Agabaidu Jideani

O

‘

The Nigerian Judiciary has been insufficiently proactive in furnishing the public with information relating to the budget process, its management, procurement activities and general expenditure of public and other funds in the exercise of its functions and powers

,

ne of the findings of the Nigeria Open Government W e e k celebration held from 7th to 11th May 2018 was that the Judiciary was largely isolated and has not been involved in efforts to open up public institutions. The need was identified and recommendation made to involve the judiciary in the open government process in Nigeria.

It has been noted that a fundamental objective of the open government partnership is to combat corruption and enthrone transparency in Nigerian public institutions including the judiciary.

Ensuring openness and public access to judicial records and to information about the judiciary is a sound starting point to achieving transparency and enhancing corruption combating capabilities in the judiciary.

Generally public attention and reform effort is focused more on integrity and transparency of the executive functions of government, with little or no attention paid to the judicial functions of government as if the Judiciary itself is not part of public institutions for which transparent governance is necessary.

It must be noted that the Nigerian Judiciary has been the recipient of numerous reform effort in the past.

Ranging from targeted activities of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Practice Direction issued from time to time by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigerian (CJN) and other Heads of Courts, donor funded activities by development partners and the reforms initiated by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

All these commendable reform programs have been aimed at achieving diverse objectives but have been mainly focused on such other important issues as infusing technology into the judicial process, improving infrastructure and providing training for judicial officers, whilst issues of transparency and access to information and judicial records have remained largely untouched.

The Freedom of Information Act 2011 (FOI Act) provided a veritable legislative backing to bring transparency and openness into the Nigerian Judicial process.

The Act grants the people a right to access to all records held by a Public Institution.The FOI Act in section “30 (3) provides thus “ ‘Public Institution’ means any legislative, executive, judicial, administrative or advisory body of the government …”

Though the Nigerian Judiciary

is within the contemplation and scope of the FOI Act, however, since the enactment and coming into force of the Act in 2011, little or no assessment has been made of the implementation of same by the Judicial Branch of Government.

All efforts have been focused on the Executive and to some extent Legislative branch of Government.

No guidelines have been developed, no directives have been issued and little or no effort has been made to establish Freedom of Information Units or desks in the Nigerian Judiciary.

Thus, for the most part, the courts have been left to continue as if they are above the law or that the FOI Act does not apply to the Judiciary.

The Nigeria OGP Secretariat and civil society advocates should as a first step utilise the Mandatory Publication Requirement (MPR) of the FOI Act to help the Judiciary reform its operation and enhance transparency, accountability and citizens’ engagement in its activities.

The Judiciary as a public institution is by the combined operation of FOI Act Sections 2(3), 2(4), & 30(3) mandated to publish and widely disseminate (on its website, and offices and online) to the public all the information described in section 2(3) FOI Act. The Judiciary having historically been isolated from the Public as a specialised institution has not developed a public relations appetite and requires guidance (from the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and retained compliance and ethics technical advisors) through the Justice Sector Reform program on how to implement and comply with this FOI MPR and the open government partnership principles generally.

Categories of Judicial Information and Records There are three broad categories of Judicial Information through which the required transparency, access to information and an open government principles could be achieved.

The three categories of information relevant to judicial transparency are as follows:Jurisdictional/adjudicative work of the courts. The transparency and access to information requirement in this category relates to the main function of the Judiciary - the actual administration of justice.

The relevant information in this category may include transcripts, documents filed with the court (pre- and post-trial), trial exhibits, recordings, settlements, opinions,

and dockets. This information may be further categorized, for example, based on whether the proceeding is criminal or civil in nature, whether minors or adults are involved, or whether information of a private or intimate nature is involved.

Administrative functions of the Courts. This includes information about court budgets; personnel and human resources; contracts between the court and third parties for construction, maintenance, office supplies, or the like; and organizational matters.

Information about the Judges.

This category includes information about salaries, personal finances, vacancies, disciplinary matters, selection of judges and assets and income declaration information.

The FOI Act in section 2(3)(c ) (V) mandated the publication of information relating to the receipt or expenditure of public or other funds of the institution.

This exhibits an understanding that transparency of procurement and contracting processes is highly relevant when it comes to the prevention of corrupt practices.

The Nigerian Judiciary has been insufficiently proactive in furnishing the public with information relating to the budget process, its management, procurement activities and general expenditure of public and other funds in the exercise of its functions and powers.

It has been noted that this lack of publicity and transparency in procurement are factors that, together with others, create spaces for arbitrariness and irregularities in the management of public funds, fostering opportunities for corruption.

The OGP principles and the FOI Act make it mandatory that such information be provided without prompting by the public.

The relevant information to be published (and regularly updated) should cover the four budget phases—formulation, approval, execution and evaluation.

Information on the Appointment of Judges and Officials Another area that requires transparency is information relating to the recruitment in the judiciary.

The process leading to the appointment of Judges provides a fertile ground for political interference in Judicial Independence, influence peddling and general corrupt practices.

This process involves politically exposed persons like State Governors and Members of the State Legislature as well the President and members of the Senate of the National Assembly

and the leadership of the National Judicial Council.

Ensuring transparency, judicial independence and combating corruption must of necessity be promoted from the initial stages of the judicial function, beginning with the processes to select and appoint judges.

In Nigeria the general perception is that many judicial officers ‘lobby’ for their positions and are thereby put under pressure and receive “illegitimate” request from those who helped them to gain the appointment or office.

Openness and transparency in the selection process keeps the judges isolated from external influences. Furthermore public participation and a well-articulated and widely disseminated profile for the position enhance judicial independence.

It is important that appointments be merit-based, result from public competition, and satisfy requirements for technical qualifications.

To ensure transparency and citizens participation in this regard, the judiciary should establish, maintain and publish:1.

The selection criteria indicating the standards and profile of judges or other judicial officers required.

2.

The number of vacancies existing 3.

A clear guideline for the objective evaluation and assignment of scores.

4.

The schedule of the appointment process indicating all the stages -, from the call for candidates, up through the final selection of the candidate.

5.

The list of applicants and their backgrounds.

6.

How the general public (including the Bar Association and relevant civil society organisations) can take part in the process.

7.

The time limit to cover the existing vacancies.

Of equal importance is information on assets and income disclosure statements.

The requirement for public officials to declare their assets and make an income disclosure statement when coupled with the transparency and access to information initiative of the OGP process becomes a veritable corruption preventing tool.

Its fundamental aim is to detect, prevent and enable the reporting of unlawful/corrupt enrichment.

In view of the cherished principle of Judicial independence, there is a need to balance the requirement for transparency and the right of access to information by the public on the one hand with the fundamental principles of the right to privacy and security of the Judicial personnel.

That balance would be achieved when the Open Government Partnership efforts at opening the judiciary addresses the following themes: Independence of the judiciary; Fair and efficient administration of justice (including the public’s perception of the judiciary); Right to Privacy (including Judges and parties);Security of the process (including security of judges, parties, and third parties); and Public’s right to know and access to information.

News 16 3,000 students ‘walk against cultism’ in Bayelsa Over 3000 secondary school students at the weekend participated in an anticultism campaign tagged, “Walk Against Cultism” in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as part of activities marking the 2018 Children’s Day celebration.

The walk, which commenced from the popular Ekeki Motor Park and terminated at the Peace Park, was aimed at sensitising youths on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.

Speaking at the event, Governor Seriake Dickson reaffirmed his administration’s determination to turn around the education sector towards safeguarding the future of young people and the State.

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo says, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, said the government would continually invest in the sector, with a view to building the manpower base of the state.

According to him, proper education is the only investment that, has the capacity to sustain itself and grow other sectors of the economy.

Earlier, speaking with newsmen, Hon. Obuebite had lauded Governor Seriake Dickson’s landmark achievements in the education sector, such as the introduction of free boarding school system and provision of world class infrastructure across the state.

The Education Commissioner reminded the students of the state government’s stance on cultism and other criminal activities noting that, the unwholesome practice has the capacity to truncate the administration dream for youths in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief Saviour Ibegi, charged the students to make the most out of the opportunities provided by the state government to better their lot.

Other speakers including, Director of Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Alagoa, Chairperson of International Federation of Female Lawyers, (FIDA), Mrs. Dise Ogbise-Ehisere and Principal of St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Mrs. Cecilia Apreala condemned cultism in its entirety.

According to them, cultism has destroyed the destinies of many promising youths, stressing that, for them to be great leaders in society, they must strive to rise above the menace.

In his contribution, the Chaplain, King of Glory Chapel and President of Boys Brigade, Bayelsa Council, Bishop Dotimi Egbegi advised students to stay away from secret cult activities, as they attract dire spiritual and demonic consequences.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

NCPC moves to prevent pilgrims disappearance Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja, said that the commission has introduced a four-step extreme vetting of pilgrimage, to prevent absconding by pilgrims.

Uja, made this known in an interview with journalists at the ‘Bid Opening for Airlifting and Ground Handling for 2018 Christian Pilgrimage’, on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the commission had introduced a four-step

extreme vetting to ensure that anybody found guilty as charged would not be allowed to travel to the Holy land for pilgrimage.

According to him, “we have also introduced a four-step process of pilgrimage screening, the extreme vetting begins especially with those states we call the red line states.

“Those are the states that we call, we conclude that have the highest propensity of absconding figures.

“All those states we say no

to your candidates until any candidate shows himself or herself worthy of travelling.

“Anybody worthy must supply a guarantor from the government or a high government official without, which no matter the money you have you will not go,’’ he said.

“We have decided that money is not enough qualification for you to go on pilgrimage and the ability to pay is not sufficient.

“It is the conclusions that will return to Nigeria and make a contribution to the development

of this country that qualifies you go on pilgrimage.

“To go on pilgrimage not that you paid money, not that you have a guarantor, not that and not that you want to travel,’’ he stated.

In his response, Serkan Yazicioglu, Executive Director, Atlas Jet Nigeria LTD, said they have been working with NCPC since 2011 and the bidding process had always been transparent, fair and professional.

Yazicioglu noted that

the process had a lot of documentation and regulations, adding that it had to be complied with and be proven correctly.

“We have worked with NCPC since 2011. We are elected for the bidding and we are operating for the Christian pilgrimage flights.

For his part, Shadia Srour, General Manager, Tabar Tours, explained that the bidding process was an impressive one as there were no hitches when it was conducted.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), presents a plaque to cultural group, Footprints of David during a Special Evening of the Arts to commemorate Children’s Day at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja... on Sunday

5 finalists for Onitsha High Life Cultural Festival emerge Five singers and four dance groups, have made it to the finals of the “HiLife Fest 2018 talent hunt competition entitled “The Complete Experience.’’

Fans were thrilled with beautiful traditional Igbo highlife music and cultural dance by, 10 singers and five dance groups at the semifinal stage in Onitsha.

Senior Brand Manager, Regional Main Stream branch, Nigerian Breweries Mr Funso Ayeni, said the competition was organised to support the tradition and music of Igbo people.

According to him “high Life music is peculiar to the Igbo race. Even though, the music has gone contemporary, the original High Life is quite rich

and thick; such that an average Igbo man would not want it to die.

“And so, Life from the stable of Nigerian Breweries has been with the Igbo people since 2012, when we repositioned the brand to stand firm behind the progress of the Igbo man,” he said.

Ayeni said N10 million would be given out on June 2

at the grand finale in Enugu, where overall winners for singing and dancing categories will smile home with N2 million each. And, the first runners up in both competitions will go home with N1.5 million while second runners up will compete for N1 million each.

The final stage will feature Dons Ifeanyi (Anambra), Chinedu Obiajulu (Enugu

State), Agbom Emmanuel (Delta), Kalapi Ojuka and Kelvin Emmanuel (Rivers), in the singing category.

Kanaowo Dance Group (Rivers), Noel Africa Cultural Entertainment (Ebonyi), Umuchiziri Egwu Cultural Dance Group (Enugu State) and Asinnodricks Africa (Imo) would compete for a spot in the dancing grand finale.

Association laments HIV/AIDS prevalence among youths Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Association of Positive Youths Living With HIV/ AIDs In Nigeria (APYIN), Mr Edward Ogiji, has expressed sadness that despite the level of awareness created on the

dangers of HIV/AIDS, the virus is still prevalent among youths in the country Mr Ogiji who was addressing journalist in Makurdi, on Monday, pointed out that 82 per cent of adolescents contact HIV/AIDs through unprotected sex and most of them are between the ages of 13 and 15.

“I wish to called on Federal and State Governments to renew vigorous sensitization by taking the HIV/AIDs campaign to the hinterlands and schools to forestall further spread of the disease saying total implementation of the Partnership to Inspire, Transform and Connect the

HIV Response (PITCH) project because would help in reducing the spread of the disease.

The program officer said that most of the youths that were affected by the disease lack the funds to carry out various tests before the commencement of the treatment which was free.

Also speaking, the

Chairperson, Association of Women Living With HIV/ AIDs in Nigeria (ASWHAN), Mrs Elizabeth Aluna appealed to the media to assist in sensitizing people on HIV/ AIDs so that they would be conscious of it and avoid acts that could make them contact the disease.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

17 News

Okowa pledges to sustain peace, development Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has pledged to consolidate on the existing peace and tempo of development in the state.

Okowa, was speaking at the government house in Asaba on Monday while swearing-in former member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Judith Enamuotor as Special Adviser.

He remarked that “Delta State is blessed, there is no doubt about that and we have

recorded successes, especially in the area of peace and provision of infrastructure, we are confident that we will continue to listen to the voice of our people,” adding, “we will continue to be accountable, transparent as we continue to work for our people.”

Governor Okowa commended the legislature, judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers and different people of all walks of life for working to boost peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in the state. He said such harmony has given

his administration the enabling environment for developmental activities to take place.

While congratulating Chief Enamuotor on her appointment, the governor urged all political appointees to “relate strongly with all Deltans to build a stronger relationship for the benefit of our people.”

He observed that the economic crisis that hit the country adversely affected the tempo with which developmental activities would have taken place in the state within the last three years, emphasising, “we are currently

challenged as a nation, we are still far from where we ought to be and the advice I get from my Special Advisers and members of the state executive council helps a lot in taking decisions that impact on our people.”

“Deltans are very patient, peaceful and understanding people, we thank them for their continuous partnership with government in consolidating on the peace we enjoy,” he said.

Chief Enamuotor in her response, gave thanks to God for the opportunity to serve Deltans and the Delta State Government as Special Adviser,

assuring, “I will do all I can to add value to the government of His Excellency, Governor Okowa’s administration which has done very well.”

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Stella Oghene, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oberovwori, member of House of Representatives, Hon. Loveth Idisi, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, among others.

Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr Tope Ashiwaju presenting trophy to Football team of Anuoluwapo Primary School, Alimosho Lagos, winner of the 2018 Fab-5 Football Initiative in Lagos.

B’Haram: Group seeks Nigeria’s exit from ICC, accuses AI of blackmail Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Participants at a conference organised by Global Amnesty Watch in conjunction with the Institute for African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka has called on the Federal Government to exit from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a communique issued at end of an International Conference on Human Rights and Armed Conflict in Nigeria, the participants accused Amnesty International of hindering the fight against Boko Haram by blackmailing the military with the ICC. The participants in the communique signed by Dr. Mutiullah Olasupo, Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee and Barrister Maxwell Gowon, Secretary, Communique Drafting

committee, agreed to set up a special task team to review and respond to any report emanating from Amnesty International, UNICEF and their associates.

They also agreed that the government must in the interim assure the military that it is insulated from the International Criminal Court in view of its operations meeting international standard of rules of engagement.

“The task team is to help citizens understand when they are being willfully misled by these entities. The task team is made up of representatives from the CSOs that attended the conference.

“We demand that the Federal Government immediately activate the necessary steps for Nigeria to exit the Rome Statute and its creation, the International Criminal Court,

to ensure that the military can fight terrorism without the cloak of blackmail constantly hanging over them.

“The Government must in the interim assure the military that it is insulated from the International Criminal Court in view of its operations meeting international standard of rules of engagement.

During the conference, participants and resource persons evaluated Nigeria’s war on terrorism in the three years from 2015 till date, the period the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has been in office.

According to them, the war against terrorism made progress in the three years under review during which senior commanders of the terror group have been killed arrested or surrendered;

remnants of the group have resorted to sporadic cross border raids – they launch attacks from neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon as well as retreat back to these places once the Nigerian military is in pursuit.

“It is regrettable that there has been a stall in the efforts to totally eradicate Boko Haram insurgents owing to several external interferences.

These interferences include strategic support for the terrorists by international NGOs like Amnesty International and other groups representing its interests in Nigeria and the failure of Nigeria’s neighbors to honor international and regional commitments.

“It was noted that South Africa, Burundi, Kenya and the Gambia are countries that have taken different steps towards

exiting the court created by the Rome Statute because of its confirmed selective justice and usage as a tool for modern day colonialism”.

David Falt, Global President, Global Amnesty Watch, Geneva, Professor Pita Ogaba Agbese, University of Northern IOWA, [USA]; Mary Johnson, Human Rights Lawyer, [USA]; Dr Malfouz A Adedimeji former Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ilorin Kwara State and Mr. Stuart McGhie, Senior, Expert/ Practitioner in Humanitarian Law, London.

Others are Professor Emmanuel O. Ezeani of the Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Unit, Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Dr. Udenta O. Udenta as Conference Moderator.

Ebonyi business mogul survives assassination Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki A business mogul based in Ebonyi State, Chief Monday Okeh has been kidnapped, taken to a river side where he was shot and thrown into the water.

The incident occurred in front of his Monablis Hotel, Mile 50 Abakaliki, the state capital, but survived the gun wounds.

According to a source who identify himself as Kelechi, said “the assassins used a black Highlander Jeep that has no bumber in the front. It was Neighbourhood Security Watch members that saw the jeep.

Three ATM cards were, jellof rice and foot wear were found in the jeep.’’

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Loveth Odah, who confirmed the incident and arrest of suspects to DAILY TIMES. Odah, added that four persons have been apprehended over the incident.

According to her, the hoodlums stole N9 million belonging to the victim, adding that investigation into the matter has commenced.

Governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi had during a media chat at government House Abakaliki, at the weekend confirmed the incident.

Umahi said “there was a kidnap and robbery incident that happened in the state and it was carried out by a set of hoodlums assigned to this state by their gang.

They have been doing it and escaping but today, both their ring leader and four others were tracked from far away Onitsha, Anambra state.

“The owner of Monablis hotel was kidnapped and robbed and taken to a rives through Enugu State. He was shot and pushed into the river but miraculously he survived and came back, through our intelligence network, the Neighbourhood Security Watch, Police, SSS brought him back to the state and I have already dedicated my red biro. As soon as they are convicted, that will be the first death sentence I will sign”.

News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Order striking staff back to work, Adewole tells health institutions Board Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Minister of health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has directed the Governing Boards of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to convene emergency meetings of Boards and order back to work striking health workers.

Adewole, gave the directive after an emergency meeting with the CMDs/MDs of tertiary hospitals, on Monday, to review the status of services being rendered in view of the ongoing strike.

This was contained in a

statement by the Director, Media and Public Relations, Boade Akinola, made available to journalists.

He also ordered that anyone who fails to resume would be considered to have absconded from duty without leave which is a serious misconduct in the Public Service rule 030413.

According to him, the monitoring teams were dispatched to the tertiary hospitals to access the activities in various hospitals and reports were presented at the meeting and this revealed that some hospitals were

doing well in providing care to the people while others have performed below expectation.

The Minister commended the health facilities that are offering full services using locum staff and volunteers as well as directed the immediate restoration of full services in all the other facilities.

He specifically expressed satisfaction with facilities in North East, North West and South- South zones for outstanding performance.

He said that there was no reason why each hospital should not have one ward per

speciality open for operation.

He said one gynaecology ward, one obstetrics ward, one paediatric ward, one surgical ward and one medical ward, should be kept functioning immediately in facilities that are yet to do so.

He said “the clinics must run, theatre must be opened, there is no reason why they should lock your theatre. No one has the right to lock up government hospitals” the Minister said.

Adewole, maintained that everyone who participated in the strike would not be paid

Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole(middle) and other members, during a special open door session at Ojumose end of the 1.3KM Flyover in honour of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayise for his giant strides in infrastructural transformation of the state...on Monday.

for the period of the strike even if the strike is called off.

The Minister urged Chairmen of the Boards to take charge of their facilities and

that any Chief executive not willing to keep the services running, should be suspended and be replaced with another officer in acting capacity.

Midwife, 2 others in police net for selling baby Joy Anyim An unregistered midwife Regina Ibeto and two others who runs a birthing home and a baby factory at No. 96, Bunmi Ajakaye Street, Ajangbadi was on Monday paraded by the Lagos State Police Command.

Ibeto and the other suspects identified as Joy James and Udoju Chukwuoju had been in the illicit act for years. They had however met their water loo when they attempted selling a two weeks old boy for N250,000.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Edgal Imohimi expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

“Information was received that one Regina Ibeto 50 years of age, of No. 96, Bunmi Ajakaye Street, Ajangbadi, use to induce pregnant women and when they eventually give birth, she sells the babies off the newly born babies.

“On the strength of the information, the DPO, Ajangbadi Division, CSP Musa Alim led operatives to the compound where the said Regina was found administering intravenous injection (drip) to one Uju Nnamdi of No. 22, Imude Road who claimed to be sick and five months pregnant.

When search was conducted, a set of drip-water bags and other related drugs were

recovered.

“On interrogation, Regina confessed that she is not a medical doctor but a traditional birth attendant. She stated that on the 18/05/2018, one Bukky surname yet unknown, about 17 years old was induced and she delivered a baby boy and she sold the baby to Udoju Chukwunoye ‘f’ 45 years of No. 83, Ojo-Igbede Road for two hundred and fifty thousand Naira(N250,000).

“The said Uju was arrested, the baby retrieved and taken to the hospital while Bukky the said mother of the baby is being trailed for possible arrest. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing” Explaining their involvement in the crime, Joy James said: “A friend of mine called Mama Bulky told me that her husband got her 16 years old daughter pregnant and they do not want to keep the baby boy. I felt for her as she added that her husband is very ill with diebetics and she does not want any family shame.

“I connected them with one madam Uju and she said she will get somebody to adopt the baby. She gave N250,000 for the baby and she took the child away. I did not get anything from the money”.

On her side of the story, Regina said “ I have been a midwife for years . I did not sell the baby. I only assisted them to deliver the baby boy.

We are committed to completing abandoned projects – FG

Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the administration is committed to completing all abandoned projects by previous government in the country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the assurance in Sabke, Katsina State, during the commissioning and handing over of three water supply schemes on Monday saying that the three water supply projects, for Sabke, Dutsi and Mashi communities, started in

1998 but were abandoned by subsequent administrations.

Alhaji Mohammed said the commissioning of the three water projects marked the second time in a week that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources was inaugurating a completed water supply scheme, following the one in Edo State last Thursday.

He said: ‘’The commissioning of these projects fits into our ongoing agenda to showcase the achievements of the Buhari administration, especially in the area of Infrastructure where the Administration has spent an unprecedented

2.7 trillion Naira in just two years”.

The Minister recalled that the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture had recently kick-started a nationwide tour of Federal Government projects as part of efforts to showcase such projects adding that the team had inspected ongoing work on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Guage Rail, which is the first leg of the LagosKano Standard Guage Rail Project. ‘’We followed up by touring the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where work has been epileptic until this Administration came into office. Our next stop was the

commissioning of an erosion and de-flooding project in Osogbo - an Ecological Fund project last week, which has given the people of Osun State capital a new lease on life. ‘’From there, we inspected the Oyo-Ogbomoso road, the dual carriage way which was awarded in 2010 and expected to be ready by 2013 but has been stalled due to lack of funds until this Administration assumed office. Today, we are here to commission three key water projects. ‘’What these show is that this administration is delivering on its promises to ensure better life for

Nigerians, irrespective of what the naysayers are saying”, Alhaji Mohammed said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu, said the Sabke Dam, Irrigation and Water Supply Project was first conceived in 1998, and that after several years of neglect, the project was completed and commissioned by the present administration.

Mr. Adamu, who commissioned and handed over the projects, said the Sabke Water Supply Scheme is a conventional Water Treatment Plant with

the capacity to provide 1 million gallons per day of potable water to Daura and Mai’adua areas.

“The Dutsi and Mashi Water Schemes are package plants with each having the capacity to provide 1,000 m3/day or about 250,000 gallons of treated water per day to Dutsi and Mashi inhabitants. In all, the three plants have a combined capacity to serve over 100,000 people daily.

We have also provided for the construction of 38 borehole schemes to serve all the villages along the SabkeDaura water transmission pipeline”, Adamu said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

19 News

Kwara cultism suspects: Don’t allow politics affect investigation, group tells police

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

Members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC) New Era have called on the leadership of the Nigerian police not to allow politics override it’s investigation of cult activities in Kwara state.

National Treasurer of the group, who also doubles as its Kwara state chairman, Comrade Bayo Ifabiyi who made the call in Ilorin, the state capital, said the organisation was keenly monitoring the development

and would not keep quiet in the case of any attempt to mask the outcome of investigation.

Fabiyi, who expressed support for the transfer of some of the suspected cultists to Abuja, said however that the police must do a diligent prosecution of the matter in the interest of justice and fairness to all concerned.

He dismissed the fears of those who have been protesting over the transfer of the suspects, saying several other cases have

been similarly transferred and eventually brought back to the state without any negative outcome.

He therefore expressed concern that the matter would become a subject of interest to the National Assembly to the extent of sending a high power delegation to President Muhammad Buhari.

“It is disheartening that the federal lawmakers will take such a step when there are more demanding issues of national security “, Ifabiyi said adding that the protests

over the matter could only make Nigerians to begin asking questions about the motive for the protest.

His words: “There have been several cases of people arrested either here in Ilorin or elsewhere in the country; as a matter of fact some years ago some of our men who were fighting a just cause we’re arrested and taken to Abuja where they spent about 12 months without trial but did we protest?

“But beyond that is the fact that we are interested in how this case will be handled. The

federal government must be transparent on the matter; they may let Nigerians know what is going on and should not use politics to cover anything. We are watching from our corner and we will not hesitate to speak once we notice any untoward action. “ The OPC New Era boss also expressed dismay over the collapse of security in the southern part of the state, saying residents now travel over long distances to undertake basic banking transactions following the

recent attacks in banks i the zone by armed robbers.

He said, “There is need to review the entire security system along that route, it is so sad today that economic activities have been seriously paralysed there due to the security situation.

How can a big and business community like Offa have only 150 policemen?. We need to take another look and do what will help Offa, Oro and Omuaran back to business so that it won’t be only Ilorin that has active businesses.”

L-R: Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Steve Elusope; Chief Executive, Mr. Eric Fajemisin; Head, Business Development, Mrs. Nike Bajomo and Executive Director, Investments, Mr. Oladele Sotubo; all of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd, at a media interactive session organised by the company in Lagos... on Monday

FG to setup advisory council on technology - Osinbajo Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Federal Government has said it would set up a policy advisory council on creativity and technology to support and enlarge the growth of technology startups in Nigeria.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed this on Monday, while interacting with young innovators during his visit to Ventures Park, Abuja, one of the innovation hubs of the government to provide support for startups in the country.

Osinbajo, also stated that the council will comprise representatives

from startups, those who encourage startups and also people in the creative arts and the entertainment industry.

The Vice President added that the council would function the same way as the Industrial and Competitiveness Advisory Council especially in the area of creativity and innovation policy formulation and related issues.

According to him while speaking with the innovators, “what we are trying to do now is to set up a creativity and technology advisory council which will take on people who are like yourself; who are startups; those who encourage

startups; and also people in the creative arts and the entertainment industry.”

Speaking on the rationale behind the establishment of the advisory council, Prof. Osinbajo said, “we intend to also shape policy because some of the policies that need to make this environment friendlier and make the environment more interesting for those who are into innovation have to be developed by those who are actually doing the work.”

The Vice President said the idea of supporting the activities of technology startups was long overdue, noting that “there is a revolution that has gone completely unnoticed.”

He said even “here today, I have come across so many different innovations, so many creative ideas. And just listening to three here now, it’s incredible - from the Bee-farmer to the Policy engine and the forensic man, it is simply incredible.”

The VP was informed about honey production adopting innovations in technology without the risk of being stung by bees; a digital platform on public policies which makes policies available to consumers; and the forensic tech start-up that can track activities including conversations of insurgents and other armed groups.

The Vice President urged

operators of innovation hubs to make efforts in scaling up the number of startups supported in the country, assuring them of government’s continuous support in the area of policy and funding.

“There is a need not just to encourage those who are working, who have all these ideas but the other people and several others out there.

“I think we can include more people and of course that would involve us putting a bit more resources. But it very important that we bring in as many people as possible,” the Vice President said.

Prof Osinbajo who also

took a tour of facilities at the hub, commended the management of the hub, noting that “there is so much innovation, so much creativity,” adding that “the country is growing in leaps and bounds”.

He expressed optimism that with the efforts of young technology entrepreneurs, “there will be a great improvement in not just agricultural methods but also in investments in agriculture.”

The Vice President was accompanied on the visit by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Ambassador Adeyemi Dipeolu and other top officials of government.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Ekiti Assembly holds special sitting on highway Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Monday held a special plenary session at the foot of the newly commissioned 1.2 km flyover in Ado Ekiti, state capital, and passed resolutions to pass vote of confidence on Governor Ayodele Fayose’s deputy, Prof.

Olusola Kolapo Eleka and his running mate, Kazeem Ayodeji Ogunsakin, as flag bearers of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 14 poll.

Also, the members passed a resolution to demand free, fair and credible poll from Federal Government, Independent Electoral Commission INEC, and security operatives during

the forthcoming governorship poll in Ekiti.

According to the Leader of the House, Hon. Olatunji Akinleye, who moved the motion, endorsing the PDP flag bearers was in recognition of the admirable performance of Governor Ayodele Fayose as evident in the massive development of the state in terms infrastructure, education, agriculture, increase in Internally generated revenue and health among others.

The House which also demanded a free, fair and credible election come July 14 from the INEC, the security agents and particularly President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government, raised the alarm

that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been boasting to deploy federal might to prosecute the July 14 poll but cautioned that such attempt would be heavily resisted by Ekiti people.

During the one-hour plenary, Leader of the House, Akinyele opened the deliberations on the recent development in the state, which he described as matter of urgent public importance.

He said: “I am happy and proud to be part of this government, it is a purposeful government that has been able to change the face of Ekiti and developed her infrastructure.

When Fayose started the dualization of the roads in his

first term, some were against it, today, everyone is enjoying it.

“If it had not been done, the traffic jam in Ekiti would have been terrible. Also, when the governor started the flyover, some were also against it, but today, everyone is enjoying it.

There is also the ultra-modern on-going Oja oba market. It is a legacy.

“The newly commissioned governor’s office, new High court complex and developmental projects which were not restricted to Ado Ekiti but extended to other local government area headquarters dualization is ongoing this show Fayose is doing well not only in infrastructure but also in education, he took the state from

35 to first place in NECO for two years.

“In school of nursing we are leading, the state has also been acknowledged as most peaceful state under Governor Fayose, so because of all these, the governor deserves a kudos and an acknowledgement.

Corroborating Akinleye and Kolawole, Charman, House Committee on Information, Samuel Omotosho, said: I would not do justice to this sitting if I don’t lend my voice to commend governor Fayose.

“He is the man who others in others states have described as grand father of stomach infrastructure, a leader of opposition in Nigeria, one who has changed the fortunes of the

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Lagos State Government Water Corporation, Engineer Deji Johnson; Project Director, Arctic Infrastructure, Lookman Oshodi; Faculty, Strategy and Sustainability, Lagos Business School, Dr. Ijeoma Nwagwu; Director, Public Affairs and Communications, West, Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, The Coca Cola Company, Clem Ugorji and Lecturer, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, Professor Taibat Lawanson during the Sustainability Development symposium held at the Lagos Business School in Lekki, Lagos.

APC berates Jonathan over comments at Ekiti Flyover launch Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan over comments at the weekend flyover launch in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

It said describing the 800m flyover built by Governor Ayodele Fayose at the whopping sum of N17b as the best of its type in Nigeria is a slap on the faces of Ekiti people and reasonable Nigerians in general.

The party also described as hypocritical Jonathan’s call on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure credible election in the July 14 governorship poll in the state.

The former president was in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend to commission FajuyiOjumose flyover in the state capital where he described the project as the best in

Nigeria.

He also called on President Buhari to ensure free poll in the July 14, 2018 governorship poll in which APC’s Dr Kayode Fayemi is squaring it up with Jonathan’s party’s candidate, Professor Olusola Eleka, of PDP. But in a statement in AdoEkiti, APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said it is unfortunate that the former President who should frown at the overbloated cost of a one-lane flyover of 800m built at the outrageous cost of N17b acted to please the beneficiary of the electoral heist he organised in 2014 to return Fayose to power.

“It is unfortunate and irresponsible to hide under partisanship to lend support for a clear case of fraud in the 800m one-lane flyover built on a dry land at a cost of N17b as if the former president never supervised the construction of better

flyovers at lower rates when he was president.

“Even though Fayose at various times had claimed that the flyover at Fajuyi and Ojumose stretch of the state capital is 1.3km and 1.5km, the truth is that that stretch of road is 800m and it cannot stand the standard of a better flyover in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, built at a lower cost by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, but unfortunately the former president gave a stamp of approval to a clear case of fraud in a flyover that was first awarded at the cost of N5.9b without the Tenders Board’s approval but later reviewed upward singlehandedly by the governor to its present cost of N17b.

“It is also immoral to praise Fayose for diverting bailout, Paris Club refund and Budget Support Facility, all approved to pay workers’ salaries, to build a flyover at over-bloated cost of N17b

awarded to Fayose’s friends’ companies outside the state after deceiving contractors of Ekiti origin during his campaigns to patronise them exclusively for all his projects.”

Olatunbosun also accused Jonathan of affront, hypocrisy and dishonesty in his call on President Buhari to ensure free governorship election on July 14.

He said: “We had thought that Jonathan would behave like a true statesman and apologise to Ekiti people over the criminal taking over of government he supervised in 2014 when he unleashed soldiers, DSS and police to chase away opposition to the bush while several opposition leaders were illegally clamped into detention to disenfranchise the opposition party in the election that returned his stooge to power.

“We condemn this

unconscionable conduct by the former President who unleashed an horrendous electoral heist on Ekiti people,but who now turns around to demand for free and fair poll he could not give.

“His endorsement of Fayose after he had put Ekiti State in N56b debts and workers owed between six and 10 months salary arrears while Ekiti State remained at where it was in 2014 in infrastructure development is also unfortunate.

“Ekiti people will not be deceived and defrauded again after 2014 criminal take-over of government supervised by Jonathan, as Ekiti people and workers in particular live in hunger over unpaid salaries, and they have vowed to give their votes to our party with records of achievements and honesty in running a transparent government.”

state in all areas, agriculture, education, commerce, urban renewal and increasing the IGR among “In Ekiti, when you say thank you to someone who has done well you say I’ll get more, this is why we are in this open plenary doing this.

“I also want to use the opportunity to urge the House’ s support for the candidacy of Prof. Olusola Kolapo Eleka and 39-year old Kazeem Ayodeji Ogunsakin, PDP flag bearer and also urge Ekiti to vote for Olusola in support of the continuity agenda of Governor Fayose.

Your vote for Olusola is a vote for progress and success of the state.”

“We also want to say that the Ekiti State House of Assembly is a united entity, free of rancour or discord. We urge the public to disregard rumours that some people are decamping from PDP. We have full confidence in the leadership of the Speaker and he House.

“We also caution the FG to stay clear of the July 14 governorship poll in Ekiti. You can’t rig in Ekiti, we will not allow it. We also tell INEC to allow a level playing ground. Security agents too, must not be fierce. They must provide adequate security during and after the election.

“We commend Fayose for his performance despite the meagre resources of the state, he has made it to progress on all fronts.”

Speaking in the same vein, Speaker of the House, Kolawole Oluwawole, said:” This is plenary is a special one in the sense that the government of the day has performed excellently well and we are elated and we have decided to come to the open to commend the immeasurable and outstanding performance of Fayose in executing various project in the state. I want to correct an impression, have only one member in suspension the six others not here have obtained permission.

“This is to correct an impression that some people are boasting that 10 of us are decamping, that is a fallacy.

Fayemi is a serial loser who has never won any election, the last one was through judicial abracadabra. He will lose in July 14.

“I say this for record, that we are a united house, dogged, cannot be intimidated, nor harassed or kidnapped. We have unalloyed and unshakable commitment to Fayoe who has demonstrated to the whole that he is committed to the service of humanity in Ekiti.

“The kind of mammoth crowd that witnessed the flyover commissioning was tsunamic, and astonishing. We declare our total loyalty to the administration of governor Fayose, we call on the people of Ekiti to show support as a pay back for Fayose by voting Eleka and Ogunsakin on July 14.

“It is a divine mandate that will be executed not only by the masses but also the host or heaven, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

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SHERRY NUSIRAT HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.) FASASI AHMAD TIJANI OMOTOSHO 2.) LADIPO SERIFAT OMOLARA 3.) LADIPO BARAKAT 4.) AZEEZ FAUSAT ADEJOKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL HEALTHCARE ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP IDEAS AND ACTION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SIR JOHN IGWEBUIKE AGU, JP - PRESIDENT 2. PROF.MALACHY IKECHUKWU OKWUEZE - SECRETARY 3. MR. NORBERT EMEKA EMERI - MEMBER 4. MRS. IJEOMA OGECHUKWU EGBUNA- MEMBER 5. CHIEF CHUKWUEMEKA OGUEJIOFOR - MEMBER AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS, DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND IDEAS THROUGH TRAINING AND EDUCATION. 2. TO DETERMINE AND PROMOTE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE RESTORATION OF PUBLIC TRUST. 3. TO STIMULATE DEBATE ON ISSUES OF LEADERSHIP AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION AMONG CITIZENS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARRISTER OKENNA NNEBEDUM

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

TRUSTEES: 1. MR PATRICK WILLIAM EKONG ESQ. (PRESIDENT) 2. MRS ANIEMA IWATT EKONG (SECRETARY) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. THE PUBLICATION OF AN ONLINE NEWS MAGAZINE WWW. NIGERDELSTARS.COM PROJECTING THE GOOD VALUES OF THE RIVERINE PEOPLE. 2. TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY TEACHING OF THREE CORE SUBJECTS IN RIVERINE AND REMOTE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 3. TO DEEPEN KNOWLEDGE IN THE REMOTE AND RIVERINE SCHOOLS THROUGH DONATION OF TESTBOOKS TO SELECTED SCHOOLS IN THE REGION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY,

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

EGI PROFESSORS AND ACADEMIC DOCTORS FORUM

THE ASSOCIATION OF HOTEL & HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS OF NIGERIA

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

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROF. CHINWA JOEL GEORGE - CHAIRMAN 2. DR. ORDU NGOZI - SECRETARY 3. PROF. ANIELE UZONDU NWOKOMAH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. TO GENERATE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR SELF EMPLOYMENT, ORGANIZE FORUMS, SEMINARS, PROVIDE MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 2. TO SOCIALIZE AND RAISE FUNDS THROUGH COLLECTIONS, DONATIONS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE WELFARE OF THE INDIGENTS OF EGI LAND AND THE FORUM. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZEMMA SUNNY OBINNA - PRESIDENT 2. OKAFOR ANN MARGARET - SECRETARY 3. OMISORE OLUKUNLE RASAKI 4. ONUMA JOSEPH AWA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1), TO FOSTER PEACE, LOVE, UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT 2) TO BRING TOGETHER PROFESSIONALS OF HOSPITAL FOR DEVELOPMENT 3). TO ASSIST MEMBERS FINANCIALLY 4). TO ADVANCE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRESIDENT

CATTLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF DEI DEI INT’L LAST STOP MARKET ABUJA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1 MOHAMMED UMAR 2. SANI SAIDU 3. SHAGARI YUSUF 4. ABUBAKAR MUHAMMED 5. DANJUMA YUSUF 6. RAFI ABDULLAHI 7. SHEHU ABUBAKAR. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROVIDE UNITY AMONG MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED UCHE EMEKOBA ESQ 08037108531

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

NAME OF TRUSTEES: 1. OLUWOLE OLUNEYE OLUSOLA 2. THOMAS OLANREWAJU JOSEPH 3. OKOLI JESSICA IFEOMA 4. ONEFELI LYNDA OJIUGO 5. ODENDE SERAH OLUSOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: OBJECT: TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE INNOVATION THAT CAN BENEFIT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE, CREATING A PLATFORM FOR ENABLING ENVIRONMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRIC BUSINESS WITHIN NIGERIA AND BEYOND THROUGH LAND ALLOCATION, RESEARCH, PRODUCTION, EQUIPMENT SOURCING, FUNDING, MARKET, IMPORT AND EXPORT USING INNOVATIVE IDEAS THROUGH RESEARCH,, TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT AND TO SELECT INNOVATIVE IDEAS WITH IDEAS BY CONDUCTING TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROGRAMS ON INNOVATION AND RESEARCHES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SCHOOLS’ SPORTS FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES: 1. YOMI GODWIN ELIJAH 2. AMINA OGMULA AMANCHI 3. OTUNBA TAIWO JOSEPH 4. ADEDEJI AJARE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: TO FACILITATE THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA THROUGH TRAININGS, COMPETITIONS, CAPACITY BUILDING, CAMPAIGNS, SUPPORT ETC ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR ADENIJI

RESCUE MISSION AND GLOBAL ENHANCEMENT

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

TRUSTEES: 1. GBENGA AJAI 2. CHIDI NWOGWUGWU. 3. UMAR BAPPAH AHMED. 4. HASSAN SALIM.5.USMAN HASSAN. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO HELP PASS RELEVANT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC THAT WILL BRING ABOUT POSITIVE DEVT AMONGST THE YOUTHS AND WOMEN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: JACOBS U. BLESSING (ESQ) 08184740407

APOSTOLIC MINISTRY FOR AFRICA

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

TRUSTEES: 1. ERO ADETOKUNBO OROBOSA 2. ERO OMORUYI OLUWAFEMI 3. ERO PAUL OSAYANDE. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH AND TEACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ALL OVER AFRICA ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE EVOLVING SAPIENS FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MICHAEL ISRAEL 2. VIVIAN ISRAEL 3. SANDRA JEQUE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE ORIGINAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH 2. TO TEACH AND PROMOTE THE NEED AND MERITS OF EMPATHETIC THINKING AND ATTITUDES IN CHILDREN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BY SECRETARY

LANDLORDS & AGENTS ASSOCIATION ACROSS RAILWAY, OYIGBO PORTHARCOURT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES EXTRACT OF THE MEMBER’S MEETING OF FIRSTPEAK CONSULTING LIMITED RC: 1,239,268 MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY WINDING UP AT THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF FIRSTPEAK CONSULTING LIMITED (THE “COMPANY”) DULY CONVENED AND HELD ON 24TH MAY, 2018 AT PLOT 61B, ADEYEMO AKAPO STREET, OMOLE PHASE 1, IKEJA, LAGOS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 458 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT C20 LFN 2004, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT THE COMPANY BE VOLUNTARILY WOUND UP. 2. THAT OLADIRAN FALORE, A LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF SUITE 311, 2ND FLOOR, OAKLAND CENTRE, MAITAMA ABUJA, FCT BE APPOINTED AS THE LIQUIDATOR FOR THE MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF THE COMPANY. DATED THIS 24TH DAY OF MAY, 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD COMPANY SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. NWUSU CHRISTIAN CHIBUZO -CHAIRMAN 2. EYET EYET - SECRETARY 3. ONYEBUAGU UZOMA SUNNY -TREASURER 4. GREAT JOSEPH DINNE - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. EZEH EKEIE GODWIN - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG THE INHABITANT 2. FOR COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA 3. TO ACT AS A BRIDGE BTW LANDLORD AND TENANT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: NWUSU CHRISTIAN CHIBUZO -CHAIRMAN

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

23 Companies Registration

odwIn Chukwuebuka

yusuf maryam

IZuaJe GlorIa

nGwube ChrIstabel

adeaGbo temIlola

ayo omolara

I formerly known and addressed as nsoforChukwuebuka IfesInaChI now wIsh to be known Called and addressed as odwIn Chukwuebuka IfesInaChI. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note

I, formerly known and addressed as shehu maryam yetunde now wIsh to be known and addressed as yusuf maryam yetunde. all former doCuments remaIn valId. funaab, Gtb , unIon bank and the General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as nduka GodwIn GlorIa IZuaJe now wIsh to be known and addressed as IZuaJe GlorIa aZIno. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as oChuba ChrIstabel ChIsom now wIsh to be known and addressed as nGwube ChrIstabel ChIsom. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as olaGunJu temIlola modupe now wIsh to be known and addressed as adeaGbo temIlola modupe. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as akIossI onolara lola now wIsh to be known and addressed as ayo omolara lola. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

Ife-olatunJI anuoluwa

IkeChukwu–olIver anGela

adebanJo oludare

adebanJo anIke

adekunle modInat

mrs oloke oluwapelumI

I, formerly known and addressed as olubIyI anuoluwapo bodunrIn ChInwe now wIsh to be known and addressed as Ife-olatunJI anuoluwa bodunrIn ChInwe. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as obI anGela ebele now wIsh to be known and addressed as IkeChukwu –olIver anGela ebele. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note

I, formerly known and addressed as adebanJo oludare now wIsh to be known and addressed as adebanJo oludare IbIyemI. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as adebanJo adenIke phebe now wIsh to be known and addressed as adebanJo anIke phebe. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as lateef modInat omobusayo now wIsh to be known and addressed as adekunle modInat omobusayo. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss osIlaran oluwapelumI esther now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs oloke oluwapelumI esther. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note

al-mustapha mutIat

ms. oGunleye, adepeJu

ohwobeya omotayo

ConfIrmatIon of name

mrsOGBUM aGbolade sofIat GABRIEL

mrs basIratISAIAH adebIsI NWUSULOR

I,I FORMERLY formerly KNOWN known AND and ADDRESSEDas AS OGBUM addressed mIss adenIran GABRIEL NOW WISH TO BE sofIat ronke wIsh to be KNOWN ANDnow ADDRESSED AS GABRIEL known andOGBUM addressed as mrs IKECHUKWU. ALLronke.

FORMER aGbolade sofIat all DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, former remaIn GENERALdoCuments PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE General NOTE. publIC take note. valId.

I,I FORMERLY formerly KNOWN known AND and ADDRESSEDas ASbasIrat NWUBULOR addressed adebIsI ISAIAH NNABUIKE, NOW WISH Goloba now AND wIsh to be known TO KNOWN ADDRESSED AS addressed NWUSULOR and as mrs ISAIAH basIrat NNABUIKE. ALL DOCUMENTS adebIsI REMAIN afere.

VALID. all BANKSformer AND GENERAL PUBLIC doCuments remaIn SHOULD valId. PLEASE TAKE NOTE. General publIC take note.

DECLARATON FOR NEXT OF KIN

QUADRI TOYIN

mrs. oZIofu omata

THAT I, ATTAH ONOME JERRY formerly oZIofu omata DECLARE MRS SHARLEEN ATTAH MY WIFE AS mrs.

MY omokhuale now NEXT OF KIN IN ORDER TO oZIofu omata muZIma. HAVE AN ACCESS TO ALL former doCuments MY ENTITLEMENT AFTER ME. GENERAL PUBLIC TO remaIns valId. General PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

publIC note.

should

take

ODULAJA OMOLARA

olaGoroye sofIyat

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESOYE OMOLARA OMORINSOLA, NOW WISH TO BE I formerly known and addressed KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS as taJudeen sofIyat adepeJu now ODULAJA OMOLARA OMORINSOLA. ALL to be FORMER DOCUMENTS wIsh known and addressed REMAIN VALID. sofIyat GENERAL PUBLIC/ as olaGoroye olamIde. all AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD former doCuments remaIn valId. TAKE NOTE.

General publIC and authorItIes ConCern should please take note.

DORCAS OLUWAFEMI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINLABI DORCAS OLUWAFEMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN ADDRESSED AS I, formerlyAND known and addressed DORCAS OLUWAFEMI AKINSEMOYINas oChI marIan uZoamaka, now APATA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ wIsh to be known and addressed AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD as oChI marIan oluChI. all TAKE NOTE.

oChI marIan

former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

CorreCtIon of name wronG name Is akam moses eburufenre and my CorreCt name Is akpam moses eburufenre.

CorreCt date of bIrth 3rd february 1995. General publIC note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ELETU TOYIN ABOLANLE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS QUADRI TOYIN ABOLANLE. CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH 25TH APRIL, 1976.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OIFOGHE ESEGBORIA

I, nsoro FORMERLYeZInwanne KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OIFOGHE ESEGBORIA I ALES, formerly addressed NOW known WISH TOand BE KNOWN AND AS OIFOGHE ESEGBORIA asADDRESSED nJoku eZInwanne Comfort now GODWIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS wIsh to be known and addressed REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ asAUTHORITIES nsoro eZInwanne Comfort. all CONCERNED SHOULD former doCuments remaIn valId. TAKE NOTE.

General publIC and authorItIes ConCern should please take note.

OMOBOWALE ABOSEDE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OMOBOWALE ABOSEDE OGUNLARI, NOW WISH BE KNOWN AND and ADDRESSED AS I,TO formerly known addressed OMOBOWALE ABOSEDE PHILLIPS. as GlorIa ndIdIamaka, ALLnwanGele FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. wIsh GENERAL now to be PUBLIC known AND and AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD addressed as nwanGele GlorIa PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

nwanGele GlorIa

ChIamaka.all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

HEPATITIS SAFEGUARD FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; (1) PASTOR ONYEJIEKE PAUL ECHETA ----CHAIRMAN. (2) NWAHIWE LILIAN CHIOMA (MRS) --------SECRETAREY (3) DR.FRANKLIN CHIBUZOR OGIDE (4) MR.ANYAOGU KINGSLEY EMEKA (5) WAHIWE JULIET OBIANUJU.

onwudIeGwu akubue

eZe euGenIa

I, formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and addressed as akubue sandra ChIdIebele, now as aneke euGenIa ndIdIamaka, now wIsh to be known and addressed wIsh to be known and addressed as as onwudIeGwu akubue sandra eZe euGenIa ndIdIamaka. all former AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. ChIdIebele.all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks (1) TO CARRYOUT AWARENESS AND PUBLICdoCuments ENLIGHTENMENT CAMPAIGN ON and HEPATITIS B NATIONWIDE remaIn valId. banks and General General publIC should please take (2) TO CARRYOUT SCREENING/TESTS ON HEPATITIS B. (3) TO GIVE OUTplease HEPATITIS PREVENTIVE note.

VACCINE TO THE MASSES publIC should takeBnote.

NATIONWIDE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,PMB.198,GARKI,ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

keleChI oGbonnaya

mrs okeke nkIruka

I, formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and addressed SIGNED:keleChI BARR.OKECHUKWU CHUKWUMA as oGbonnaya moses, KINGSLEY as mIss okonkwo nkeIruka vICtorIa, 08160392694 now wIsh to be known and now wIsh to be known and addressed as keleChI oGbonnaya addressed as mrs okeke nkIruka moses. all former doCuments vICtorIa. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General remaIn valId. General publIC THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED ASSOCIATION APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION publIC shouldHAS please take note. should please take note.

YOUTHS ADVOCATE FORUM INTERNATIONAL

FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

ofor ARE: patrICk THE TRUSTEES

1 SAM SUNDAY THADDEUS I2.formerly known asKINGSLEY ofor UGWU ONYEKACHI 3.

OKPABI MONDAY henry sunday now JOSEPH wIsh to

ConfIrmatIon of name -

CHAIRMAN thIs Is to CertIfy and ConfIrm that SECRETARY MEMBER uGwu- ChInaZaekpere CornellIa

be known and addressed as and uGwu Joy ChInaZa refers as AIMS & OBJECTIVE one and the same person BY now 1.

STRIKING A IN THE THOUGHT PATTERN OF YOUTHS ofor patrICkREVOLUTION ChIbuIke. former SHARPENING THEIR CREATIVE MINDS FOR SELF-RELIANCE to be known and addressed doCuments remaIn valId. wIsh as uGwu Joy ChInaZa. all former ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO banks and General publIC doCuments remaIn valId.PLOT General THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, take note publIC should please take note.

420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SAM SUNDAY THADDEUS CHAIRMAN

OREOLUWA ODUYOYE FOUNDATION

I, formerly known and I, formerly known and THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT OREOLUWA ODUYOYE addressed mutIat addressed mrs hameed FOUNDATION as HAS kasalI APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSas COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT. taIwo now wIsh to be known adepeJu GbemI now wIsh to be 1990. and addressed as al-mustapha known and addressed as ms.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES mutIat taIwo. all MODINAT former oGunleye, adepeJu ImIsIola.

1. ODUYOYE OREOLUWA 2. ODUYOYE ADEWALE OLUWOLE doCuments remaIn valId. all former doCuments remaIn 3. AKINWANDE AKINSOLA ROMEO 4 OLAGUNJU ABAYOMI MAXWELL General publIC take note. valId. General publIC take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO TRAIN ON INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES BY EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE READY TO BE EMPOWERED 2. TO PREPARED AND DEVELOP INDIVIDUAL, TO APPRECIATE AND IMBIBE THE VALUE OF HONESTY, CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, HARD WORK AND APPRECIATION OF ENVIRONMENT C. TO BE A SOURCE TO EMPOWER AT - RISK INDIVIDUALS WHO COMPLETE PROGRAM BY PRESENTING THEM WITH TOOLS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF INCORPORATED SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

aJayI yemIsI

bello rIta

formerly abIola formerly erunse rIta romokeyetunde now IsIoma now bello aJayI yemIsI oluwaseyI. rIta IsIoma. former former doCuments doCuments remaIns remaIns valId. General valId. General publIC SIGNED TRUSTEES publIC note. should take note.

SADIQ BOLA

mrs nwamInI IJeoma

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BABALOLA NAIMAT WISH TO I, BOLA formerly knownNOW and addressed BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED asAS mIss nwIbo IJeoma veronICa, now SADIQ BOLA NAIMAT. ALLto FORMER DOCUMENTS wIsh be known and addressed VALID, GENERAL asREMAIN mrs nwamInI veronICa.all PUBLIC TO IJeoma PLEASE TAKE NOTE doCuments remaIn valId. former

banks and General publIC should please take note.

BENJAMIN JAJA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MARGARET EKANEM JOSIAH, NOW WISH TO BE AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. I, KNOWN formerly known and addressed JAJA MARGARET. ALL asBENJAMIN mIss okafor ConstanCe FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND to AUTHORITIES ChIChebem, now wIsh be known CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE and addressed as mrs aGbo NOTE.

mrs aGbo ConstanCe

ConstanCe ChIChebem. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

OLADIPUPO-IKUBUWAJE

uduburu JaCInta

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS DOSUNMU ADERONKE NOW WISH I,OMOWUNMI formerly known and TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED addressed as uduburu JaCInta AS MRS. OLADIPUPO-IKUBUWAJE OMOWUNMI ALL ewa, now wIshADERONKE. to be known and FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, addressed as uduburu JaCInta GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE eGhana.

NOTE. all former doCuments

remaIn valId. banks and General publIC BOYEJO should please take note.

OLUBUSOLA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OLALEYE OLUBUSOLA ELIZABETH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN ANDand ADDRESSED AS I, formerly known addressed BOYEJO OLUBUSOLA ELIZABETH. asALL Imoh ChIke odoChI, now wIsh FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN GENERAL PUBLIC AND toVALID. be known and addressed as AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD Imoh ChIka anthonIa. all former PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Imoh ChIka

doCuments remaIn valId. aCCess bank and General publIC should please take note.

THE 36 YOUTH INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED ChukwuemekaUNDER maduabuChI MATTERS ACT 199

mrs nnamanI CarolIne

I, THE formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and addressed TRUSTEES ARE:as(1)Chukwuemeka now as mIss onyIa CarolIne obIaGelI, now HANOTU WELIIbeabuChI, --PRESIDENT (2) to CHIOMA ORAKWUE --SECRETARY wIsh be known and addressed as wIsh to be known and addressed (3) DR. EBERECHI WELI ---CO FOUNDER Chukwuemeka maduabuChI IbeabuChI. as mrs nnamanI CarolIne obIaGelI. (4) IGO WELI --MEMBER TONYE IBINABO remaIn --MEMBER all(5)former doCuments valId. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and GeneralIS:publIC General publIC should please take THE and AIMbanks AND OBJECTIVE TO HELP THE YOUTHS should please take note. THROUGH VARIOUS note. SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMS AND TRAININGS

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION(CAC) PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, formerly known28DAYS and addressed I, formerly known and addressed ABUJA WITHIN OF THIS PUBLICATION.

uChe nnedI

mrs nwatu favour

I, as blessInG uChe aGu, now wIsh as CordelIa nede nwatu, now wIsh SIGNED BY : SECRETARY to be known and addressed as to be known and addressed as mrs uChe nnedI onodu. all former nwatu favour nkemakonam. all doCuments remaIn valId. unIon former doCuments remaIn valId. bank and General publIC should fIrst bank and General publIC THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS FOR please take note. shouldCOMMISSION please take note.

CHURCH OF GOD ANTI-BABYLONIA

REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OLORUNSOLA JOHN OLORUNTUMO 2. PETER OLORUNDAMILOLA late enGr. wIlfred IkeChukwuoZoekwo thIs Is to notIfy the General publIC 3. OLORUNYEMI MATHEW a4.natIve of umuaJIImeZIowa In PAUL eZeaGu that the orIGInal tItle doCuments over OLUWASEUN OLUWOLE loCal Government area of enuGu state property sItuate at plot 323 new Gra 5. OLUWASEGUN BARTIMEAUS 6. OLORUNSEGUN JOHN dIed on the 15th of auGust 2015 at nIGer trans-ekulu enuGu belonGInG to b.C.

publIC notICe

loss of doCument

foundatIon hospItal, IndependenCe omesuh Is lost. all efforts to traCe AIMS:enuGu state, and was burIed on layout same have not been suCCessful. General 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS. the 18th of september 2015 at hIs home publIC should take note.

2. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO PERISHING SOULS, (HEALING AND town as stated above. the General sIGned ekeneme Ike esqr.

RESCUE THE PERISHING). publIC should please take note. solICItor ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAIMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

NIGERDELSTARS EDUCATION & LITERACY FOUNDATION

I, formerly known and I wIsh to add nwahIrI bIbIana THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT OREOLUWA ODUYOYE addressed as akIntola omotayo to my name (InternatIonal FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION abenI wIsh to UNDER be known now wIsh to be known FOR ,now REGISTRATION PART C passport) OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT. 1990. and addressed as ohwobeya and addressed as nwahIrI omotayo abenI. all former bIbIana ChIGemeZu . all former TRUSTEES: I. MR PATRICK EKONG ESQ. ( PRESIDENT) doCument remaInWILLIAM valId. General doCument remaIn valId. General 2. MRS ANIEMA IWATT EKONG (SECRETARY) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: publIC should please take publICNEWS shouldMAGAZINE please take WWW. note.

I. THE PUBLICATION OFnote.

AN ONLINE

NIGERDELSTARS. COM PROJECTING THE GOOD VALUES OF THE RIVERINE PEOPLE. 2. TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY TEACHING OF THREE CORE SUBJECTS IN RIVERINE AND REMOTE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 3. TO DEEPEN KNOWLEDGE IN THE REMOTE AND RIVERINE SCHOOLS THROUGH DONATION OF TESTBOOKS TO SELECTED SCHOOLS IN THE REGION.

nwe oyI

Idowu GbIndIn-nInuoluwa formerly mr okey oym- formerly Idowu GbIndIn Joseph. now nwe oyI adewale now Idowu GbIndIn-nInuoluwa ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF INCORPORATED SHOULD okeChukwu Joseph. a GENERAL, d e w a CORPORATE l e . f o rAFFAIRS mer BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR former doCuments COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, doCuments remaIns valId. MAITAMA, ABUJA, 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. remaIns valId.WITHIN General General publIC should take SIGNED: SECRETARY publIC should take note. note.

YUSUF MARY

TIJANI OLUWAKEMI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND obotASImeh ADDRESSED YUSUF OLAMIDE MORUFAT NOW I, formerly and addressed WISH TO known BE KNOWN AND asADDRESSED samson obotAS umoren, now wIsh YUSUF toMARY be known and ALL addressed as TITILOPE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, obot Imeh umoren. my CorreCt date PUBLIC TO PLEASE ofGENERAL bIrth Is 5thfebruary 1990. all TAKE NOTE. former doCuments remaIn valId.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND GaladIma peter ADDRESSED AS MISS ALLIOWE OLUWAKEMI KIKELOMO NOW I, WISH formerly known TO BE KNOWN AND and addressed asASbulus ADDRESSED MRS. GaladIma TIJANI OLUWAKEMI KIKELOMO. Garba, now wIsh to be ALL known FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN and addressed as GaladIma VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO peter Garba. all former PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALABI ndukwe InnoCent KAFILAT ABIOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND I, formerly known and addressed ADDRESSED AS LAWAL ABIOLA. uGoChukwu, ALL asKAFILAT okeke InnoCent FORMER REMAIN now wIsh DOCUMENTS to be known and VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO addressed as ndukwe InnoCent PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AZEEZ RAIMOTU mrs kanayoChukwu Ifeoma ODUNOLA NOW WISH TO BE AND ADDRESSED I, KNOWN formerly knownAS and ABDULAZEEZ addressed asRAIMOT mIss ODUNOLA. okonkwo ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Ifeoma peaCe, now wIsh to be VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO known as mrs PLEASEand TAKEaddressed NOTE.

General publIC should please take LAWAL KAFILAT note.

umunnabuIke. all former doCuments General LOSS OFremaIn LANDvalId. DOCUMENT publIC take note.

THIS ISshould TO NOTIFYplease THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT DEED OF CONVEYANCE OVER LANDED PROPERTY LOCATED AT NO. 12, OYEYINKA WILLIAMS STREET, OFF OMIYALE STREET. EJIGBO, LAGOS STATE IS MISSING. ANYONE WHO DEALS WITH ANY THIRD PARTY IN RESPECT OF THE SAID PROPERTY DOES SO AT THEIR OWN RISK AS THE OWNER SHALL NOT HELD BE LIABLE. SIGNED. MR. OLUGBENGA BANJO (OWNER).

uGwu Charles

I, formerly known and addressed as uGwu luCk IfeanyI, now wIsh to be known and addressed as uGwu Charles IfeanyIChukwu. all former doCumentsODOH remaInKENNETH valId. banks and General publIC KNOWN should please I FORMERLY AND take note.

ADDRESSED AS OKEKE IZECHUKWU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS mrs aruGbusIm amaraChI ODOH KENNETH IFEANYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN I, formerly known and addressed VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC asSHOULD mIss PLEASE IheanaCho TAKEamaraChI NOTE

doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should pleaseABDULAZEEZ take note. RAIMOT

kanayoChukwu Ifeoma peaCe. all former doCuments remaIn valId. ADERONMU OLUWATOMISIN General publIC should I FORMERLY KNOWN AND please

ADDRESSED AS OYEYEMI OLUWATOMISIN MARY. NOW WISH ChIGoZIe austIne TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADERONMU I, formerly knownOLUWATOMISIN and addressed ALL FORMER asMARY. ChIGoZIe prosper DOCUMENTS onoh now REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC wIsh to be known and addressed SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

as ChIGoZIe austIne onoh. all former ABDUL doCuments SALAM remaIn valId. banks and General I FORMERLY KNOWN ANDpublIC ADDRESSED should please AS takeABDUL note. SALAM

OWOLABI SAMSON. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABDUL OWOLABI mrs SALAM odo faIth SHAMSUDEEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. I, formerly known and addressed PUBLICfaIth, SHOULD asGENERAL mIss eZe ChIbuZo now wIsh TAKEand NOTE toPLEASE be known addressed as

eZInne, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs aruGbusIm mrs odo faIth ChIbuZo. all former remaIn valId. IGbo-eZe amaraChI eZInne.all former doCuments north lGa, enuGu state loCal Govt. doCuments remaIn valId. General CommIssIon THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE publIC NAMEDshould General HAS should APPLIEDplease TO THE CORPORATE COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR publIC take note. AFFAIRS please take note.

REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS

USA IKWERRE/DIASPORA ORGANIZTION

ACT 1990.

loss of doCument

TRUSTEES ARE 1.JOE ISRAEL

-

PRESIDENT

free space

thIs2.PRINCE Is to Inform the General publIC- of loss GODFREY TATA SECRETARY WOHEREM of 3.CHIEF CertIfICateTONY of oCCupanCy wIth beaCon nos 4.VICTORIA AMAKA OWHOR ek65572, ek65573, ek65574, ek65575, ek65576 and 5.DR CHIKA CHUKU ek6557. the survey plan no. meC/1183/77 at the land reGIstry belonGInG to late mr.

AIMS ANDenuGu, OBJECTIVES Jerome ofor the property sItuated no.

1.TOoGbu CREATE AND IMPLEMENT A18b PLATFORM FOR USA/DIASPORA ekulu pottery Iva valley all effort of RETURNEES SOFTenuGu. LANDING. 2.TO PARTNERSHIP WITH FORIGN INVESTORS. traCe the CREATE saId doCument has proved abortIve. 3.TO please CREATE PARTNERSHIP If found ContaCt the mInIstry ofWITH landsLOCAL AND STATE GOVERMENT IN TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH. andORDER urban development.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,PMB.198,GARKI,ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRESIDENT

Change of Names 24 rollyrosa foundaTion

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

rollyrosa foundaTion

The General Public is hereby noTified ThaT The above named foundaTion has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT “c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT, 2004. neW TrusTeeTs 1. rose nosaKhare 2. omoraGbon slyvesTar 3. aJilo isaac eWemade The aim and obJecTives are: 1. To Provide humaniTarian services by renderinG helP To The less PrivileGed in The socieTy. 2. To Provide shelTer for The homeless and less PrivileGed. 3. To suPPorT Women and children WiTh basic ameniTies such as houses, foods, cloThes, emerGency medical aTTenTion and educaTion. any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar-General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyiironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b. 198, GarKi, abuJa WiThin TWenTy-eiGhT (28) days from The daTe of This PublicaTion.

The General Public is hereby noTified ThaT The above named foundaTion has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT “c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT, 2004. neW TrusTeeTs 1. rose nosaKhare 2. omoraGbon slyvesTar 3. aJilo isaac eWemade The aim and obJecTives are: 1. To Provide humaniTarian services by renderinG helP To The less PrivileGed in The socieTy. 2. To Provide shelTer for The homeless and less PrivileGed. 3. To suPPorT Women and children WiTh basic ameniTies such as houses, foods, cloThes, emerGency medical aTTenTion and educaTion. any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrarGeneral, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyiironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b. 198, GarKi, abuJa WiThin TWenTy-eiGhT (28) days from The daTe of This PublicaTion.

siGned: secreTary

siGned: secreTary.

oil of PoWer ProPheTic minisTry

one Way evanGelical minisTry inT’l eKu

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named minisTry has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT’ c’ of The comPany and allied maTTers acT of 1990 .

The TrusTees are : 1) maJor ProPheT soala bomaTe nGala- chairman 2) sir(barr) simeiPiri eferebo Paul - secreTary 3) PasTor Promise Wenendah oWunnah 4) elder richard Jeremiah harry 5) elder ibinabo Gibson 6) mrs comforT ansa 7) TuboKori marian david-WesT - Treasurer aims and obJecTives To Preach The Word of God To enGaGe PoWer of The anoinTinG in breaKinG The yoKe of The devil in The life of The PeoPle any obJecTions To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General corPoraTe affairs commission PloT 420 TiGris crescenT off aGuiyiironsi sTreeT maiTama abuJa WiThin 28days of This PublicaTion.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT c of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT no 1 of 1990.

TrusTees are 1,PasTor samuel aKPoGhenobor- PresidenT 2, mrs.mary ofuoKu- secreTary 3,mr.omafuaKPore emuobasa- Treasurer/Pro 4,PsT.mrs eliZabeTh aKPoGhenobor- naTional Women leader/ -vice PresidenT aims and obJecTives 1,ToTrain,ordain and license PasTors for The GosPel minisTry 2,To Give ourselves To Prayer and minisTry of God’s Word 3, To Preach chrisT To all naTions.

siGned : simeiPiri Paul esq.

siGned- secreTary

besT men friends club bayelsa

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT ‘’c’’ of The comPany and allied maTTers acT of 1990 .

TrusTees are; 1. iheuKo maTheW onyemachi - PresidenT. 2. amadi chidera franK - vice PresidenT. 3. aJuonuma ifeanyi - secreTary.

4. nWanGa oliver - member. aims/obJecTives; 1. To come ToGeTher, uniT, undersTand and PromoTe social avenue Where members sPeaK WiTh one voice.

2. To aid members When The need arises.

3. To emPoWer members for The acTualiZaTion of Their mariTal needs. any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrarGeneral, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuyiironsi sTreeT, maiTama, abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion. siGned; PresidenT.

any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General corPoraTe affairs commission,PloT 420 , TiGris cres cenT,offaGuyiironsisTreeT,Pmb 198,maiTama,abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion.

sPeed faiTh church, The shinninG sTar The General Public is hereby noTified ThaT The above named church has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT “c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT, 2004. neW TrusTeeTs 1.

PasTor iGiebor osaZe Kelvin 2. barr. (mrs.) iGiebor eniye royalTy 3. alonGe leonard The aim and obJecTives are: 1.To Preach The GosPel of our lord Jesus chrisT ThrouGhouT The World.

2.To enGaGe in and suPPorT The hosTinG of evanGelisTic ProGrams and ProJecTs, aimed aT reachinG The Whole World for chrisT, ThrouGh Zonal and counTry Wide aPProach.

3.To esTablish a seed of love ThaT Will PromoTe muTual undersTandinG resulTinG To Peace and uniTy amonG men and breThren. any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrarGeneral, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyiironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b. 198, GarKi, abuJa WiThin TWenTy-eiGhT (28) days from The daTe of This PublicaTion. siGned: secreTary

loss of TiTle documenT

i, samuel oWolabi adesina Wish To declare ThaT i am The laWful oWner of The TiTle documenT reGis Tered as no. 48 aT PaGe 48 in volume 90 aT federal land iKoyi issued in resPecT of The land ProPerTy siTuaTed aT PloT 15, Zone d, federal GovernmenT layouT aT banana island, foreshore esTaTe, off oniKoyi road, eTi-osa local GovernmenT area, laGos sTaTe. ThaT The said TiTle documenT GoT losT on TransiT and all efforTs made To Trace iT Proved aborTive, hence This affidaviT. General Public should Please TaKe noTe.

amaZue felicia

mrs olaToye TiTilayo

aremo Gladys

mrs. babalola omoToKe

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as edoZiem felicia nnenna noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as amaZue felicia nnenna. all former documenTs remain valid. The General Public should Please TaKe noTe.

formally KnoWn and addressed as miss Jimoh TiTilayo oluWabusola noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as mrs olaToye TiTilayo Grace. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe

i, formerly oliver Gladys olushola babalola noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as aremo Gladys olushola babalola. former documenTs remain valid.

General Public noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as miss onasanya KafayaT omoToKe noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as mrs. babalola omoToKe KafayaT. born 25Th sePTember, 1991.former documenTs remain valid. banKs and General Public TaKe noTe.

amarachi oZioma

oKorie uchenna

fesTus iloeZuma

amusa Wasiu

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as amarachi oZioma aJaKemo noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as amarachi oZioma anosiKe. all former documenTs remain valid. The General Public should Please TaKe noTe.

i hereby declare ThaT my correcT name is oKorie uchenna James and noT oKoye uchenna as misTaKenly WriTTen on my bvn. henceforTh ,i Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as oKorie uchenna James.my correcT daTe of birTh is 14Th January 1984. former documenTs remain valid.

General Public noTe.

This is To cerTify and confirm ThaT fesTus iloeZuma o,iloeZuma fesTus o and fesTus iloeZuma oKeKe is The same Person buT noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as fesTus iloeZuma oKeKe. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as Wasiu sunday olamileKan noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as amusa Wasiu leKan. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

oJoadebola mary

mrs KoKo omoTolani

mrs esTher omoGbehin

odede michael

Keshinro qudus

Keshinro qudus

formerly KnoWn and addressed as oJoadebola mary noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as oJoadebola mary oGunlami. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as miss aWonaiKe omoTolani oladunni noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as mrs KoKo omoTolani oladunni. former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

i, formally KnoWn and addressed as miss esTher Zosi, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as mrs esTher omoGbehin. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public Please TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as odede abel aJayi oladaPo noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as odede michael oladaPo. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as raJi qudus Korede noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as Keshinro qudus aKorede. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe

formerly KnoWn and addressed as raJi qudus Korede noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as Keshinro qudus aKorede. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

esTher omolabaKe

ibiam innocenT

aWuJa chinenye

mrs anaTune sTella

oKeKe maKuochuKWu

ifeyinWa Prisca

i formally KnoWn and addressed as esTher omolabaKe adeneKan noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as esTher omolabaKe baloGun, my neW Phone number is 07039796342 and my daTe of birTh is July- 27 -1982 noT June- 20- 1982. all former documenTs remain valid, General Public TaKe noTe.

i, formally KnoWn and addressed as iro innocenT ibiam noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as ibiam innocenT uduma. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public Please TaKe noTe.

i, formally KnoWn and addressed as ihebereme chinenye Joy, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as aWuJa chinenye Joy. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public Please TaKe noTe.

i,formally KnoWn and addressed asmiss ohia sTella onyinye, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as mrs anaTune sTella onyinye. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public Please TaKe noTe.

i,formally KnoWn and addressed as oKoye maKuochuKWu miracle, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as oKeKe maKuochuKWu miracle. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public Please TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as ifeyinWa Prisca onyeJiuWa, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as ifeyinWa Prisca anoruo. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

oKafor vivian

aJayi oKanlaWon

iGWe adaolie

aKinyemi KiKe

ehiZuelen osaremen

correcTion of name

formerly KnoWn and addressed as esTher chiehiura oKafor, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as oKafor vivian esTher. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as dele samuel oKanlaWon, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as aJayi oKanlaWon micheal. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as PaTience chiaZor, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as iGWe adaolie PaTience KenneTh. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as aKinyemi KiKe fausaT, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as aKinyemi KiKe aJoKe. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

formerly KnoWn and addressed as osifoh osaremen maGdalen, noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as ehiZuelen osaremen maGdalen. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT my name Was WronGly WriTTen as nJoKu celesTina nWauGbala in my banK documenTs insTead of nJoKu uloma celesTina. ThaT my correcT name is nJoKu uloma celesTina. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

aniGboGu oGochuKWu

udofia eunice

correcTion of name/birTh daTe

adeleKe dayo

uJiaTalor isiWahome

oloyede aZeeZaT

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as aniGboGu oGonna moses noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as aniGboGu oGochuKWu JusTina. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as ebonG eunice inemesiT noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as udofia eunice inemesiT. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT my name Was WronGly WriTTen as bamGbala ashani basiraT on my bvn insTead of ibrahim ashani basiraT. my correcT daTe of birTh is 04 June 1965 and noT 01 January 1980. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as JosePh oKe adeleKe noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as adeleKe dayo. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe.

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as ose-oZieGbe eunice noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as uJiaTalor isiWahome. all former documenTs remain valid.

General Public TaKe noTe.

i, formerly KnoWn and addressed as olabisi aZeeZaT amoPe noW Wish To be KnoWn and addressed as oloyede aZeeZaT amoPe. ThaT my correcT daTe of birTh is 14 sePTember 1986 and noT 14 sePTember 1987. all former documenTs remain valid. General Public TaKe noTe

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

25 Change of Names

Democracy Day: APC-UK commends Buhari-led govt for developmental strides The All Progressives Congress was interested in the wellbeing of Nigeria According to him, Buhari’s approach of the Federal Government’s Amnesty and accountability in the system and has ensured the implementation of the Bank (APC) United Kingdom chapter, and its citizens in all facets, adding that it to the country´s economic and security Programme for ex-militants.

He pointed out that Buhari had also Verification Number (BVN) system,´´ he has commended the President would do everything possible to achieve problems are sustainable and longMuhammadu Buhari-led administration this. lasting, adding that beyond the support introduced improved mechanism for said.

The APC chieftain said the Buhari-led for its efforts to fast-track the nation’s ´´We care about the future of our great of Nigerians, he has the support of the the distribution of aids to Internally Displaced Persons Camps in the North- government was also tackling corruption development. nation, the future of our children, and the international community.

Mr Ade Omole, the leader UK chapter quality of life of all.

He maintained that Nigerians abroad East through the establishment of the by plugging loopholes for siphoning of the party, gave the commendation in ´´The idea is to enable him complete his were united in protecting the milestones Special Intervention Programme of the public funds as well as tracking illicit Federal Government’s door-to-door multiple accounts. an odwIn interviewChukwuebuka with the News Agency of yusuf infrastructure development for the country Buhari’s maryam IZuaJeachievement GlorIa of President nGwube ChrIstabel adeaGbo temIlolafunds through ayo omolara strategy.

He said the government had within Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. as well as consolidate on the achievements government in the last three years.

I formerly known I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and According addressed to him, this is as a glowing the period, been able to issues Appraisingaddressed the President’s three of hisas administration in the lastaddressed three years. as nduka Omole,GodwIn however, added that those that and as years addressed shehu maryam addressed as oChuba olaGunJu addressed asaddress akIossI n soffice, o f o rOmole C h u ksaid w u e”only b u k aa genius yetunde ´´He now wIsha second to betermGlorIa now wIsh to ChrIstabel ChIsom now wIshof what temIlola now wIsh onolara nowin wIsh to example it is to bemodupe a Commanderof ghost workers,lola especially the Civil in deserves and we IZuaJe are may want to criticise the administration IfesInaChI wIsh to be known and addressed known and be known and addressed be known bewhile known addressed In-Chief of theto Armed Forces.and addressed Service, lootingand of public funds was can proffernow solutions and address known all delighted that heas hasyusuf decided be to recontest, and addressed accuse it of to under-performing, Called and addressed as odwIn maryam yetunde. all former as IZuaJe GlorIa aZIno. all as nGwube ChrIstabel as adeaGbo temIlola as ayo omolara lola. all He said lmodupe. that Buhari all had also no longer the order of the day. remaIn challenges facing aIfesInaChI. society.” all doCuments and we shall fully support should evaluate it against the background Chukwuebuka remaIn valId. his bid. former doCuments remaIn ChIsom. all former former former doCuments implemented the Economic Recovery ´´In order toGeneral ensure thepublIC ease oftake doing AccordingdoCuments to him, remaIn the APC-led ´´I strongly believe President of the challenges faced since coming former funaab, Gtb , unIon bank and thatvalId. General publIC take it doCuments remaIn valId. doCuments remaIn valId. valId. valId. General publIC take notesolutions the General take note. note. by General publIC take note.

General publIC take note. business note. and Growth Plan (ERGP) to aid economic in Nigeria, he signed into law government is delivering unique BuharipublIC has done more than expected into office in May, 2015. two Bills, the Secured Transactions in to serious challenges facing the country. most Nigerians, considering the situation He noted that as a former military recovery.

Ife-olatunJI IkeChukwu–olIver anGela adebanJo oludare mrs oloke oluwapelumI adebanJo adekunle modInat ´´He has expended tremendously on Movable Assets Act, 2017, otherwise Omole said this anuoluwa prompted him to offer in the country before he assumed office in officer, Buhari had worked ceaselessly anIke capitaland infrastructure projects nationwide knownI, asformerly Collateral Registry 2017, to for the President’s Expression 2015. restore the morale the Nigerian I, pay formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly to known and I, of formerly known I, formerly known and knownAct,and addressed olubIyI obI anGela as adebanJo addressed as adebanJo addressed as lateef modInat addressed as mIss and has ensured effective implementation and the Credit Reporting Act,osIlaran 2017. of Interest and as Nomination formsaddressed to ´´ThisasAPC-led governmentaddressed is making Military by re-organising and equipping anuoluwapo bodunrIn ChInweelection, ebele now wIsh to be known oludare wIsh to be adenIke phebe nowofwIsh omobusayo now and wIsh to´´The oluwapelumI esther now the to Treasury Single Account, Bills facilitate access towIsh more recontest the 2019 presidential steady progress, especially in the areas now the institution. now wIsh to be known and and addressed as IkeChukwu known and addressed as be known and addressed as be known and addressed to be known and addressed increased government revenue by over affordable credit for Nigerians, fastadding that his decision was driven by of economy, tackling insecurity and Omole said that the President had addressed as Ife-olatunJI –olIver anGela ebele. all adebanJo oludare IbIyemI. all adebanJo anIke phebe. all as adekunle modInat as mrs oloke oluwapelumI trillion in the last three years.all former tracksesther. budget submissions and promotes reality of performance on ground. powerremaIn and transportation,´´ also ensured continued peace in the N3remaIn anuoluwa bodunrIn ChInwe. formercorruption, doCuments former doCuments remaIn former doCuments omobusayo. all former doCuments all remaIn valId. Omole General publIC General take doCuments remaIn valId. remaIn valId. General publIC has also entrenched transparency Made-in-Nigeria products,´´ Omole said.

Heformer said thedoCuments UK chapter of the APC said.publIC take valId. General Niger Delta take throughvalId. consistent fundingpublIC´´He valId. General publIC take note.

note

note.

note.

General publIC take note.

take note

mrs aGbolade sofIat

mrs basIrat adebIsI

al-mustapha mutIat

ms. oGunleye, adepeJu

ohwobeya omotayo

ConfIrmatIon of name

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss adenIran sofIat ronke now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs aGbolade sofIat ronke. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as basIrat adebIsI Goloba now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs basIrat adebIsI afere. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as kasalI mutIat taIwo now wIsh to be known and addressed as al-mustapha mutIat taIwo. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mrs hameed adepeJu GbemI now wIsh to be known and addressed as ms. oGunleye, adepeJu ImIsIola. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as akIntola omotayo abenI ,now wIsh to be known and addressed as ohwobeya omotayo abenI. all former doCument remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I wIsh to add nwahIrI bIbIana to my name (InternatIonal passport) now wIsh to be known and addressed as nwahIrI bIbIana ChIGemeZu . all former doCument remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

mrs. oZIofu omata formerly oZIofu omata omokhuale now mrs. oZIofu omata muZIma. former doCuments remaIns valId. General publIC should take note.

CorreCtIon of name wronG name Is akam moses eburufenre and my CorreCt name Is akpam moses eburufenre.

CorreCt date of bIrth 3rd february 1995. General publIC note.

aJayI yemIsI

bello rIta

nwe oyI

formerly abIola romokeyetunde now aJayI yemIsI oluwaseyI. former doCuments remaIns valId. General publIC note.

formerly erunse rIta IsIoma now bello rIta IsIoma. former doCuments remaIns valId. General publIC should take note.

formerly mr okey oymJoseph. now nwe oyI okeChukwu Joseph. former doCuments remaIns valId. General publIC should take note.

Idowu GbIndIn-nInuoluwa formerly Idowu GbIndIn adewale now Idowu GbIndIn-nInuoluwa ade wale.former doCuments remaIns valId. General publIC should take note.

olaGoroye sofIyat

nsoro eZInwanne

mrs nwamInI IJeoma

uduburu JaCInta

obot Imeh

GaladIma peter

I formerly known and addressed as taJudeen sofIyat adepeJu now wIsh to be known and addressed as olaGoroye sofIyat olamIde. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC and authorItIes ConCern should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as nJoku eZInwanne Comfort now wIsh to be known and addressed as nsoro eZInwanne Comfort. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC and authorItIes ConCern should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss nwIbo IJeoma veronICa, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs nwamInI IJeoma veronICa.all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as uduburu JaCInta ewa, now wIsh to be known and addressed as uduburu JaCInta eGhana. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as samson obot umoren, now wIsh to be known and addressed as obot Imeh umoren. my CorreCt date of bIrth Is 5thfebruary 1990. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as bulus GaladIma Garba, now wIsh to be known and addressed as GaladIma peter Garba. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

oChI marIan

nwanGele GlorIa

mrs aGbo ConstanCe

Imoh ChIka

ndukwe InnoCent

mrs kanayoChukwu Ifeoma

I, formerly known and addressed as oChI marIan uZoamaka, now wIsh to be known and addressed as oChI marIan oluChI. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as nwanGele GlorIa ndIdIamaka, now wIsh to be known and addressed as nwanGele GlorIa ChIamaka.all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss okafor ConstanCe ChIChebem, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs aGbo ConstanCe ChIChebem. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Imoh ChIke odoChI, now wIsh to be known and addressed as Imoh ChIka anthonIa. all former doCuments remaIn valId. aCCess bank and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as okeke InnoCent uGoChukwu, now wIsh to be known and addressed as ndukwe InnoCent umunnabuIke. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss okonkwo Ifeoma peaCe, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs kanayoChukwu Ifeoma peaCe. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please

onwudIeGwu akubue

eZe euGenIa

Chukwuemeka maduabuChI

mrs nnamanI CarolIne

uGwu Charles

ChIGoZIe austIne

I, formerly known and addressed as akubue sandra ChIdIebele, now wIsh to be known and addressed as onwudIeGwu akubue sandra ChIdIebele.all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as aneke euGenIa ndIdIamaka, now wIsh to be known and addressed as eZe euGenIa ndIdIamaka. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Chukwuemeka IbeabuChI, now wIsh to be known and addressed as Chukwuemeka maduabuChI IbeabuChI. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss onyIa CarolIne obIaGelI, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs nnamanI CarolIne obIaGelI. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as uGwu luCk IfeanyI, now wIsh to be known and addressed as uGwu Charles IfeanyIChukwu. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ChIGoZIe prosper onoh now wIsh to be known and addressed as ChIGoZIe austIne onoh. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

keleChI oGbonnaya

mrs okeke nkIruka

uChe nnedI

mrs nwatu favour

mrs aruGbusIm amaraChI

mrs odo faIth

I, formerly known and addressed as oGbonnaya keleChI moses, now wIsh to be known and addressed as keleChI oGbonnaya moses. all former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss okonkwo nkeIruka vICtorIa, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs okeke nkIruka vICtorIa. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as blessInG uChe aGu, now wIsh to be known and addressed as uChe nnedI onodu. all former doCuments remaIn valId. unIon bank and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CordelIa nede nwatu, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs nwatu favour nkemakonam. all former doCuments remaIn valId. fIrst bank and General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss IheanaCho amaraChI eZInne, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs aruGbusIm amaraChI eZInne.all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as mIss eZe ChIbuZo faIth, now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs odo faIth ChIbuZo. all former doCuments remaIn valId. IGbo-eZe north lGa, enuGu state loCal Govt.

CommIssIon General publIC should please take note.

ofor patrICk

ConfIrmatIon of name

publIC notICe

loss of doCument

loss of doCument

I formerly known as ofor henry sunday now wIsh to be known and addressed as ofor patrICk ChIbuIke. former doCuments remaIn valId. banks and General publIC take note

thIs Is to CertIfy and ConfIrm that uGwu ChInaZaekpere CornellIa and uGwu Joy ChInaZa refers as one and the same person now wIsh to be known and addressed as uGwu Joy ChInaZa. all former doCuments remaIn valId. General publIC should please take note.

late enGr. wIlfred IkeChukwuoZoekwo a natIve of umuaJIImeZIowa In eZeaGu loCal Government area of enuGu state dIed on the 15th of auGust 2015 at nIGer foundatIon hospItal, IndependenCe layout enuGu state, and was burIed on the 18th of september 2015 at hIs home town as stated above. the General publIC should please take note.

thIs Is to notIfy the General publIC that the orIGInal tItle doCuments over property sItuate at plot 323 new Gra trans-ekulu enuGu belonGInG to b.C. omesuh Is lost. all efforts to traCe same have not been suCCessful. General publIC should take note. sIGned ekeneme Ike esqr. solICItor

thIs Is to Inform the General publIC of loss of CertIfICate of oCCupanCy wIth beaCon nos ek65572, ek65573, ek65574, ek65575, ek65576 and ek6557. the survey plan no. meC/1183/77 at the land reGIstry enuGu, belonGInG to late mr.

Jerome oGbu ofor the property sItuated no. 18b ekulu pottery Iva valley enuGu. all effort of traCe the saId doCument has proved abortIve. If found please ContaCt the mInIstry of lands and urban development.

FREE SPACE

free space

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

12 oil thieves get 22-year jail terms, forfeit vessel, stolen oil to FG Peter Fowoyo A Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday sentenced 12 oil thieves to 22 years imprisonment for their unlawful dealing in 600,000 metric tonnes of Automated Gasoline Oil, also known Diesel.

Justice Mohammed Idris, who convicted them also ordered that the vessel used in carrying the product, MV PSV Deby, and the petroleum product be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The convicts were: Christopher Okorie, John

U Mbah, Tammy Bami, Osi Prince, Chukwuji Festus, Kabiru Adeyemo, Ayannubi Moses, Sopuruchukwu Chukwudi, Obinna Ebu, Abdullahi Oyelade, Charles Ubey and Achia Vincent.

They were convicted alongside two limited liability companies: Phonic Marines Services Limited and Banquet Chambers Nigeria Limited, also the vessel MV PSV Deby.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sometimes in October 2015, arraigned the convicts on charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful dealing

in petroleum product without appropriate licence.

The offences according to the prosecution are contrary to sections 3(6) and 1(17) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, law of the Federation of Nigeria 2014, and punishable under the same Act. During the trial of the convict, EFCC through its lawyer, Ekene Iheanacho, called six witnesses and tendered several exhibits which includes sample of the stolen petroleum product.

While the convicts had also testified before the court.

Justice Idris ruled that the prosecution have been able to proved its case against the defendants noting that all the defence put up by the convicts failed to puncture the evidence of the prosecution.

The judge also stated that all the convicts who claimed ignorance that the vessel operated without appropriate licence, and the petroleum product was stolen, said they cannot claim to be onlookers, but main actors in the crime, since they all participated in loading product into the vessel from Port-Harcourt, and followed the vessel to

Lagos, where it was to be discharged before they were all arrested.

Justice Idris consequently found all the convicts guilty in each of the counts as charged.

Prior to the sentencing, counsels representing each of the convicts asked the court to tamper justice with mercy in sentencing their clients and also stated that each of the convicts are first time offenders, who are also breadwinners of their families.

Justice Idris however sentenced all the convicts to five years imprisonment in the first and second counts while

Notable musician, Innocent Idibia known as 2baba (2nd left); former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (2nd right) and others, during the National Day of Mourning/ remembrance of victims who lost their lives to insurgency across the country at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja...on Monday.

he sentenced Christopher Okorie and John U Mbah to six years imprisonment in counts three and four.

The judge however said that the jail terms shall run concurrently.

Count one of the charge against the convicts read: “That you Christopher Okorie, Phonic Marines Services Limited, MV PSV DEBY, John U. Mbah, Banquet Chambers Nigeria Limited, Prince Idowu Ilara (at large), Tammy Bami, Osi Prince, Chukwuji Festus, Kabiru Adeyemo, Ayannubi Moses, Sopuruchukwu Chukwudi, Obinna Ebu, Abdullahi Oyelade, Charles Ubey and Achia Vincent between July and September 2015, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, law of the Federation of Nigeria 2014 and punishable under Section 1(17) (a) of the same Act. While the count two reads: “That you Christopher Okorie, Phonic Marines Services Limited, MV PSV DEBY, John U. Mbah, Banquet Chambers Nigeria Limited, Prince Idowu Ilara (at large), Tammy Bami, Osi Prince, Chukwuji Festus, Kabiru Adeyemo, Ayannubi Moses, Sopuruchukwu Chukwudi, Obinna Ebu, Abdullahi Oyelade, Charles Ubey and Achia Vincent between August and September, 2015 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did without lawful authority store 600,000 litres of Petroleum Product (Automotive Gas and Oil) in MV PSV DEBY and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(17) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.

NSCDC hands over suspected girl trafficker, 2 minors to NAPTIP in Bayelsa

By Akam James, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Command of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday said that it has transferred and handed over a girl child trafficking syndicate and two victims in Bayelsa to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for investigation and prosecution.

The command stated this in a press statement signed by the

acting CDPRO, Mr. Osadebe Chinweike and issued to newsmen in Yenagoa, after the handover ceremony.

It was learnt that one Mrs. Joy Victor, 27 the suspected syndicate and two female victims aged 16 and 17 who were trafficked to Ghana for prostitution.

“Further investigations also revealed that the two female minors aged 16 and 17, victims of the human trafficking syndicate alleged that Victor had lured and trafficked them to

Ghana, enroute Lagos on April 17, 2018 for prostitution.

“They were trafficked in the guise of working as sales girls and house maid by connecting them to a lady simply known as Rita in Kumasi, Ghana who operates a syndicate of child trafficking and prostitution rings.

“The victims said that while in Ghana they were subjected to sexual slavery and forced to have sexual intercourse with more than 20 mean each and also asked to pay N700,000

each before they will be freed to operate on their own.

“After their exposure to prostitution, the two victims were assisted out of captivity by the Ghanaian Police and deported back to Nigeria.

The command in the statement noted that “It should be recalled that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on the 15th May, 2018 at about 1603hrs, its operatives acting on the tip-off by Awareness Against Anti-social behavior

(AFAAAB) Bayelsa chapter, embarked on an arrest of suspected girl child trafficker at David lion street Igbogene, through its intelligence and investigative team.

The corps after its series of investigations finally handed over the suspect and two minors to the National Agency for the Prohibition of trafficking person and other related offence (NAPTIP) on the 24th May, 2018 for further investigation and prosecution The statement also noted that

the command will continue to contribute in ensuring that crime and criminality in the state and region is clamped down to its barest minimum, emphasizing that the prosecution of offenders are taken to logical conclusion.

Responding, the representative of the zonal commander NAPTIP zonal headquarters, UYO, Mr. Fan David, commended the corps for the zeal, commitment and robust effort in ensuring that illicit syndicate are brought to justice.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

27 News 14-year old student acts as commissioner in Bayelsa

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), with a cultural group, Footprints of David during a Special Evening of the Arts to commemorate Children’s Day at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. . . on Sunday.

17 Boko Haram insurgents repent, surrender to military Seventeen Boko Haram insurgents have willingly surrendered themselves to the military authorities in Maiduguri saying they are tired of fighting.

A cross-section of the insurgents in t-shirts and black uniform attires was displayed in Marmalari Barracks today by the theatre commander Major General Rogers Nicholas.

Displaying the repentant insurgents on Monday, Commander Operations Lafia Dole Major General

Rogers Nicholas said that the army was ready for the entire insurgents if they decide to use this Ramadan period to surrender and stop their wickedness.

He told newsmen that as far as he remains the theatre commander of operation lafia Dole, the insurgents can count on him for their freedom by repenting from their wrongs adding that none of his soldiers will shoot at a repentant terrorist.

“Gentleman, I said this because several of them are suffering in the bush and

there is nothing for them to feed themselves and their captors yet they insist on staying. They want to come out but it is difficult for them to do so without the assurances we are giving to them. As I speak to you now, several of them are using this period to repent and turn from their wrongs.

“Over seventy have turned themselves in already in Monguno while forty-five others are preparing for deradicalization in Bama because they jumped the first hurdle to turn themselves in.

“I want the media to help pass this message to the ones that are still in the bush that even if their commanders are ready, we would accommodate them for the mere fact that they have repented. We have opened a surrender camp to accommodate all of them and you can interview them nobody is harassing them” said General Rogers.

He assured that several others would surrender before the real deradicalization process begins to ensure that none of them relapses and

desperately return to the bush as used to occur in some cases.

Cross-examination of the repented insurgents reveals that some of them fled from the Shekau faction while others displayed were from the Albarnawi faction which has been waxing stronger since they started their campaign.

They are all expected to commence deradicalization process very soon said Rogers flanked by his management team and some commanders.

N70m Fraud: EFCC arraigns NIMG director, procurement officer The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arraigned Engineer Umar Saidu Bamali and Adeniyi Adeosun before Justice Daniel Longji of the Plateau State High Court sitting Jos, on a 6-count charge of conspiracy, misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust.

The EFCC arraigned the duo after conducting an investigation which was occasioned by a petition to the commission by a staff of Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geosciences, NIMG. Bamali, a former Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Institute of Mining

and Geosciences, NIMG, and Adeosun, the Procurement Officer, when a staff of NIMG were accused of convertibg to their personal use, millions of naira belonging to NIMG. The defendants however pleaded not guilty to all the 6 count charge.

In view of their pleas, Steve Odiase, counsel to the EFCC, prayed the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution presents its witnesses.

However, Paul Golu and T. J. Danjuma representing Bamali and Adeosun respectively informed the court of pending bail applications separately filed on behalf of their clients. The counsel urged the court to admit

the defendants to bail.

Odiase opposed the applications informing the court that “I was served this morning and I need time to go through them and respond”.

Justice Longji, thereafter, ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of the bail applications on June 1, 2018.

It could be recalled that the EFCC while investigating into the matter discovered that the defendants diverted over N70million, money meant for allowances of staff of NIMG and contracts of printing of security and non security documents.

Specifically, Bamali, in 2015 allegedly misappropriated the

sum of N32million belonging to the Institute, a sum he claimed was used as allowances for staff, while nobody was promoted that year.

He was also said to have converted to personal use, over N17million belonging to NIMG, a sum realized by the Institute from the training conducted for Kano Youths, through the State Government.

Adeosun, in his own case was said to have received over N8million as kickbacks to compromise his official duties.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Engr. Umar Saidu Bamali, ‘M’, being the Director/ Chief Executive Officer Nigeria Institute of Mining and

Geosciences (NIMG) on or about 2015 in Jos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated the sum of N32,000,000 (Thirty Two Million Naira) property of Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG) purportedly used as allowances for staff of the Institute while nobody was promoted in the year 2015, the said sum domiciled in NIMG Personal Cost A/C No. 1230100150406901 (1232021028) at the Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. FG/North (Jos) Branch and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State”.

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson has again been commended for using education as a tool to change the negative narratives about the state.

The overall winner of the state Essay Writing Competition, Master Africanus Noel, gave the commendation while acting as Child Commissioner for Education in the Ministry on Monday in Yenagoa.

The 14-year old Child Education Commissioner who is an SS1 (One) student of the Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama particularly lauded the Governor for establishing world class free boarding secondary schools across the state.

According to Hon Noel, the quality of school infrastructure provided by the present administration does not only give Bayelsa students a sense of pride but also serve as a source of encouragement for them to work harder.

Describing education as the foundation for any meaningful development, he identified lack of proper education and value orientation as the major cause for cultism, prostitution and other social vices in the country.

Introducing the Child Commissioner to government functionaries in his office, the substantive Commissioner for Education, Hon Jonathan Obuebite assured that the Dickson-led government would continue to make appropriate investments in the education sector to guarantee a more secure and prosperous future.

Hon Obuebite said he initiated the Essay Writing Competition and Child Commissioner concept to serve as a motivational tool as well as promote creativity, healthy competition among students.

He noted that the initiative would enable the child commissioner to get acquainted with the art of government and leave a pleasant impression in the mind of the beneficiary.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson called on parents to take advantage of the state government free and compulsory education policy by sending their children to school.

Mr Iworiso-Markson who noted that Bayelsa now ranks among the few states with good public schools in the country, also urged pupils and students to reciprocate government’s effort by taking their academic work seriously as there is no short cut to success.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinator of the 2018 Essay Writing Competition, Mr Michael Afenfia described the winners as excellent as they were selected by a crack team of impartial judges, using grammatical accuracy, diction, creativity, punctuation, knowledge of the subject matter among other criteria.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Foreign Affairs 32 dead in Ethiopia landslides Landslides caused by heavy rain killed at least 32 people in southern Ethiopia over the weekend, the government said on Monday.

The Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) said nine people died in the Gamo Gofa zone, with 17 injured.

The state-affiliated Fana Broadcast Corporate on Sunday reported that 23 people were killed in a landslide in the Sidama zone.

Six people were badly injured, Fana reported.

Countries across the Horn of Africa have recently struggled to cope with heavy rains.

Last week, flooding and strong winds caused by Cyclone Sagar killed at least 25 people in Djibouti and Somaliland, while heavy flooding left 21 dead in Somalia, according to the UN’s humanitarian coordinator OCHA.

Plastic straw

EU proposes ban on straws, other single-use plastics

Ethiopia is susceptible to landslides after heavy rains, frequently resulting in the loss of life

Minister: India to ignore US sanctions on Iran, Venezuela India will keep trading with Iran and Venezuela despite the threat of fallout from US sanctions against the two countries, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said Monday.

Swaraj, asked at a news conference whether US action against Iran and Venezuela would damage India, said the country would not make foreign policy “under pressure.”

Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sushma Swaraj (R) stands next to her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javed Zarif before a meeting in New Delhi

US President Donald Trump this month withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and ordered the reimposition of sanctions suspended under the 2015 accord.

Washington has also tightened sanctions against Venezuela over the controversial re-election of President Nicolas Maduro.

Both countries are key oil suppliers to India and the United States has warned that foreign companies which deal with Iran could themselves be punished.

But Swaraj said New Delhi did not believe in “reactionary” policies and would not be dictated to by other countries.

“We don’t make our foreign policy under pressure from other countries,” she told a news conference.

“We believe in UN sanctions but not in country-specific sanctions.”

Swaraj’s comments came just

before a meeting with her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in New Delhi.

Bilateral trade between India and Iran amounted to $12.9 billion in 2016-17. India imported $10.5 billion worth of goods, mainly crude oil, and exported commodities worth $2.4 billion.

India has other interests in Iran, in particular a commitment to build the port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman.

The port is being touted as a way for India to establish trade routes that bypass rival Pakistan.

Media reports have speculated India could revive a rupee-rial payment arrangement with Iran to shield exporters from the heat of US sanctions.

Swaraj also said India would continue trading with Venezuela, but there was no plan to use its local cryptocurrency in oil trade.

20 killed in suspected militant attack in Mali - Sources Around 20 people including civilians were killed in a suspected militant attack in northeastern Mali near the border with Niger, sources said.

The deaths came after more than 100 people including many civilians, particularly from the Fulani and Tuareg communities, died in recent months as a result of attacks by rival armed groups in the region.

A local official in the town of Talataye — where Saturday’s attack took place — said late

Sunday that the assailants arrived in three vehicles and on a motorcycle.

Khalil Toure, a teacher, added: “They opened fire on a group of people resting under a tree, killing five people on the spot and wounding two.”

Militants have also ramped up their activities in central Mali in recent months, targeting domestic and foreign forces in violence once confined to the country’s north.

France intervened militarily in

Mali in 2013 to help government forces drive Al-Qaeda-linked militants out of the north.

But large tracts of the country remain lawless despite a peace accord signed with ethnic Tuareg leaders in mid-2015 aimed at isolating the militants.

The violence has also spilled over into both Burkina Faso and Niger.

The French military has said the militant group Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) is using the border region as a haven.

More than 100 people have been killed in recent troubles

The EU proposed Monday a blocwide ban on single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery and cotton buds while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025.

The set of proposals are part of a growing EU drive to rid the environment of plastic waste which has begun showing up in the food chain.

“Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem,” EU First Vice President Frans Timmermans said.

“Today’s proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures,” Timmermans added.

The proposals call for banning plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and balloon sticks, but it did not set a deadline.

These items must all be made from sustainable materials instead, according to the plan which must be approved by the 28 EU member countries and the European Parliament.

Member states must reduce the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups, by promoting alternatives for sale or ensuring they are not offered free.

Under the plan, producers must contribute to the costs of waste management and will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives.

For example, it calls for producers of plastic fishing gear to cover the cost of waste collection from port reception facilities.

Under the plan, member countries must collect 90 percent of single-use plastic drinks bottles by 2025, through deposit refund schemes, for example.

The plan calls for producers to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said businesses will benefit from one set of rules for an EU market of around 500 million people.

It said it will encourage EU companies to develop economies of scale and become more competitive in the “booming” global market for sustainable products.

The proposals, plus one in January for all plastic packaging in Europe to be recyclable by 2030, follows China’s decision to ban imports of foreign waste products for recycling.

The EU currently exports half of its collected and sorted plastics, 85 percent of which goes to China.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

29 Foreign Affairs

US team in North Korea to plan Trump-Kim summit

President Donald Trump said Sunday a US team was in North Korea to plan a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raising expectations that the on-off-on meeting would indeed take place.

The State Department said earlier that a team was in Panmunjom, which straddles the border inside the demilitarized zone, or DMZ, separating the North and South Korea. One can cross the border simply by stepping across a painted line, but moving beyond several footsteps into the North at Panmunjom would be rare for US officials.

Trump withdrew from a planned June 12 Singapore summit with Kim last Thursday, but quickly announced that it could get back on track. His tweet Sunday afternoon, which offered praise for the longtime US adversary, was the latest signal that his concerns about the North’s stance toward the summit had been allayed.

“Our United States team has arrived in North Korea to make arrangements for the Summit between Kim Jong Un and

myself,” he tweeted. “I truly believe North Korea has brilliant potential and will be a great economic and financial Nation one day. Kim Jong Un agrees with me on this.

It will happen!”

South Korea’s president, Moon Jae-in, gave details about his surprise meeting Saturday with Kim in the Panmunjom truce village, saying Kim had committed to sitting down with Trump and to a “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tapped veteran American diplomat Sung Kim to handle pre-summit negotiations.

On a separate but complementary track was the CIA team Pompeo set up last year when he headed the spy agency.

And on a third track was a White House logistical group sent to Singapore on Sunday to prepare in case the summit takes place. It was led by Joe Hagin, White House deputy chief of staff for operations.

Kim, the US ambassador to the Philippines, also served as ambassador to South Korea and was part of the US negotiating team that last held substantive

denuclearization talks with North Korea during the George W. Bush administration in 2005.

The Korean leaders’ second summit in a month saw bear hugs and broad smiles. But their quickly arranged meeting Saturday appeared to highlight a sense of urgency on both sides of the world’s most heavily armed border.

The talks, which Moon said Kim Jong Un requested, capped a whirlwind 24 hours of diplomatic back and forth. They allowed Moon to push for a US-North Korean summit that he sees as the best way to ease animosity that had some fearing a war last year.

Kim may see a meeting with Trump as necessary to easing pressure from crushing sanctions and to winning security assurances in a region surrounded by enemies.

Moon told reporters that Kim “again made clear his commitment to a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

Moon added that Kim said he’s willing to cooperate to end confrontation and work toward peace for the sake of the successful summit with Trump.

Moon said he told Kim that Trump has a “firm resolve” to end hostile relations with North Korea and initiate economic cooperation if Kim implements “complete denuclearization.”

“What Kim is unclear about is that he has concerns about whether his country can surely trust the United States over its promise to end hostile relations (with North Korea) and provide a security guarantee if they do denuclearization,” Moon said.

“During the South Korea-US summit, President Trump said the US is willing to clearly put an end to hostile relations (between the US and North Korea) and help (the North) achieve economic prosperity if North Korea conducts denuclearization,” he said.

Kim, in a dispatch issued by the North’s state-run news service earlier Sunday, “expressed his fixed will on the historic (North Korea)-US summit talks.”

During Saturday’s inter-Korean summit, the Korean leaders agreed to “positively cooperate with each other as ever to improve (North Korea)-US relations and establish (a) mechanism for permanent and durable peace.”

Mali ‘Spiderman’ to get French citizenship for saving boy’s life A Malian migrant, hailed as a hero after mounting a daring rescue to save a small boy dangling from a balcony in Paris, is to be made a French citizen.

Mamoudou Gassama won widespread praise after climbing the outside of the building to save the four-year-old.

Video showed him being cheered on by spectators as he pulled himself from balcony to balcony to the fourth floor.

After meeting him at the Elysee Palace, President Emmanuel Macron said he would be made a naturalised citizen.

He personally thanked Mr Gassama, gave him a medal for

courage and said he would also be offered a role in the fire service.

Mr Gassama is said to have arrived in France last year, taking the long and dangerous journey to Europe via a boat over the Mediterranean to Italy.

The drama that thrust him to fame unfolded on Saturday evening on a street in the north of the city.

Mr Gassama said he had been walking past when he saw a crowd gathered in front of the building. BBC He told Mr Macron: “I just didn’t have time to think, I ran across the road to go and save him.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks with local hero Mamoudou Gassama 22, from Mali, at the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris, for saving a child

Gun men rob three German tourists in South Africa South African Police Sunday confirmed the robbery of three German tourists, all reportedly in their eighties. The victims were on their way to catch a flight back home at the King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal when the AK-47 wielding men struck.

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said he received a call from a passing motorist reporting an armed robbery in progress on the N2 at the Umdloti Beach offramp.

“Upon arrival, it was established that the two males and a female

victim had left the scene to catch their flight. Their Uber driver claimed that he had picked up his clients from their hotel in Umhlanga and was on their way to the airport when they were boxed in by the occupants of a BMW and a VW Golf 7.”

Balram said four men armed with AK47 rifles “approached the tourists and robbed them off their luggage and valuables before fleeing in their getaway vehicles”.

“The suspects wore balaclavas to hide their identity. The victims were not injured during the robbery.”

Coca-Cola launches its first alcoholic drink in Japan Coca-Cola has launched its first alcoholic drink, a lemon flavoured alcopop, in Japan in a bid to tap new markets and consumers.

In a global first for the US drinks giant, three fizzy lemon drinks went on sale on Monday.

The product aims at a growing market of young drinkers especially women.

Described by Coca-Cola as “unique” in the company’s 125year history, the three drinks range from 3% to 8% alcohol.

In keeping with the company’s tradition, the recipe is closely guarded but the drinks are modelled on the country’s popular Chu-Hi drinks, usually a mix of local spirit and a range of fruit flavours.

Chu-Hi - an abbreviation for shochu highball - has been marketed as an alternative to beer, proving especially popular with female drinkers.

Local companies like Suntory, Asahi and Kirin currently dominate the sector for canned Chu-Hi drinks.

The most popular flavours are strong citrus ones such as grapefruit or lemon, the latter one being the taste Coca Cola now wants a share of.

Coca-Cola says there are no plans to bring the new drinks range to markets outside Japan.

Alcopop drinks boomed in Europe and the UK in the 1990s with the likes of Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Breezer becoming hugely popular.

They were controversial, with concerns they encouraged young people to drink more alcohol because of soft drink-like taste.

Source: BBC

Italy heads to new elections as caretaker PM named Italy’s president on Monday named a former IMF economist as caretaker prime minister to lead the country into new elections, possibly as soon as the autumn, after a political storm whipped up by the collapse of a populist bid for government.

The eurozone’s third largest economy had lurched into a fresh crisis when President Sergio Mattarella on Sunday vetoed the nomination of fierce euroskeptic Paolo Savona as economy minister in a planned coalition of the farright League party and anti-establishment Five Star Movement.

His rejection of Savona and nomination of Carlo Cottarelli as caretaker prime minister sparked angry calls for his impeachment as Savona had the backing of the majority of lawmakers.

“This isn’t democracy, this isn’t respect for the popular vote. It’s the latest slap in the face from the powers-that-be that says Italy should be a slave, scared and precarious,” League leader Matteo Salvini charged.

The chaos — the latest chapter in a drawn-out political saga after an inconclusive March election — sent Italian stocks tumbling by as much as two percent at one stage, and bond yields surging, with Italy’s debt risk premium hitting its highest level since November 2013.

Cottarelli, 64, was director of the IMF’s fiscal affairs department from 2008 to 2013 and became known as “Mr Scissors” for making cuts to public spending in Italy.

He said that should his technocrat government win parliamentary approval, it would stay in place until elections at the “start of 2019.”

But if parliament fails to approve his government, a new election would be held “after August” — the most likely outcome given only the center-left Democratic party has announced that it would vote in favor.

Salvini and Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio furiously denounced the presidential veto, blasting what they called meddling

by Germany, debt ratings agencies and financial lobbies.

The League and the Five Star — who together have a parliamentary majority — abandoned their plans to form a coalition government after the president’s veto led to their approved nominee for prime minister, lawyer and political novice Giuseppe Conte, stepping aside.

Di Maio denounced the replacement of “a government with a majority with one that won’t obtain one” and called for the president to be impeached.

“I hope that we can give the floor to Italians as soon as possible, but first we need to clear things up. First the impeachment of Mattarella... then to the polls.”

Salvini, a fellow euroskeptic who was Savona’s biggest advocate, said the antiestablishment government failed because the “powers-that-be, the markets, Berlin and Paris” had decided against “some of our ministers.”

According to the Italian constitution, the president nominates both the prime minister and, following proposals from the premier, the cabinet.

The most famous example of a president denying a choice of PM came in 1994 when Eugenio Scalfari refused then prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s choice of his own lawyer — Cesare Previti — as justice minister.

On Sunday, Berlusconi showed support for Mattarella’s “safeguarding the interests of Italian families and businesses,” which led his pre-election ally Salvini to threaten to break their alliance if the billionaire media mogul voted in favor of the caretaker government.

But Giorgio Mule, parliamentary spokesman for Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, which won 37 percent of the vote in March alongside the League and two smaller far-right parties, said Monday it would not approve Cottarelli’s team. “let’s give the floor back to the Italians,” Mule said.

Former constitutional court judge Mattarella said he had accepted every proposed minister except Savona, who has called the euro a “German cage” and has said that Italy needs a plan to leave the

single currency “if necessary.”

The 76-year-old said he had done “everything possible” to aid the formation of a government, but that an openly euroskeptic economy minister ran against the parties’ joint promise to simply “change Europe for the better from an Italian point of view.”

In France, far-right leader Marine Le Pen joined in the outrage of the Italian populists, accusing the president of a “coup d’etat” and saying the “European Union and financial markets are again confiscating democracy.”

But French President Emmanuel Macron backed Mattarella, saying he saying he was fulfilling his role as the guarantor of the country’s institutions with “courage and responsibility.”

Germany was more cautious, with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman saying: “Respect for Italian democracy and democratic institutions requires us to wait and see which government will lead the country and which ideas it will present to its EU partners.”

TIMES SPORTS Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Brian Idowu: I thought playing in Russia would earn me World Cup slot

Croatia coach laments ‘toughest” Super Eagles It is 19 days to Nigeria’s opening match against Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and Croatia manager, Zlatko Dalic, admitted Saturday that the Super Eagles will prove the most stringent test for his team in Group D. “The first match against Nigeria will be the key to our group,” Dalic revealed last Saturday to Gol.hr.

“They have a German coach that has changed the style of their game and has introduced a lot of young players in the national team who are young, hungry, and ambitious and

that’s their advantage.”

He then added: “This is going to be the toughest game for us.”

The Super Eagles squad has an average age of 24 years, with more than 75 per cent of the team with less than 20 caps.

Dalic also revealed that the game against Argentina will be the easiest because the Lionel Messi-led Albiceleste are World Cup favourites.

“For me, the match against Argentina will be the easiest match in the group.

“We are against the favourites to win the World Cup. Any team that has Messi can make

a miracle. He is the best player in the world for me. It will be a great match for the two teams that play good football and have great technical skills.

“We have nothing to lose in the fight and we are playing against one of the best teams in the world. It is a great motivation for us,” Dalic concluded.

While Nigeria confronts England at Wembley Stadium on June 2, the Croats play Brazil on June 3 at Anfield and will get a feel of African opposition when they tackle Senegal on June 8.

NFF organises seminar for Super Eagles The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has concluded arrangements for a seminar on wealth creation, investments and portfolio management for players and officials of the Super Eagles.

Malam Shehu Dikko, NFF second Vice-President/ Chairman of Strategy

Committee, said on the organisation’s website, thenff .com, that the seminar would take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday afternoon.

“We believe that it is important to also afford the players and their officials the opportunity to listen to critical advice in the area of wealth creation, business opportunities, investments and portfolio management.

“The focus should not always be entirely on playing football.

Of course, the game on the pitch is important.

“But after the game, there is that aspect of human existence that also requires adroit management and knowledgebased action.

“Moreover, they cannot play football for ever. Management of what they have is key to life after retirement,’’ Dikko said.

The Super Eagles delegation is set to fly out of Port Harcourt to Abuja on Tuesday morning, and the NFF has informed the players and officials about the seminar, which will hold between 1.45 p.m. and 2.30 p.m.

Mr Bismark Rewane (Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives); Mr Olufemi Obaleke (Executive Director of WAPIC Insurance Plc) and; Mr Tolu Adeleke (Partner, PriceWaterHouse Coopers) are among those who will speak to the World Cup-bound Eagles.

NAN reports that the National Integrity Officer, Dr Christian Emeruwa, will also talk about integrity matters at the session.

The session comes before the contingent is scheduled to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) at the State House on Tuesday evening.

Nigerian defender, Brian Idowu, believed that playing for his club in Russia would see him passed over for a place in the national team for this year’s World Cup, he told Reuters, after having made the provisional squad.

“I was only focusing on my career and never believed my country will notice me.

“Because I was playing in Russia and ensuring my club win games,’’ Idowu, who is Russian-Nigerian and plays for FC Amkar Perm, said late on Sunday.

The Super Eagles are ranked 47th by FIFA and face Argentina, ranked fifth, Croatia (18) and Iceland (22) in Group D in the tournament in Russia.

The team’s best efforts have included reaching the round of 16 three times, in 1994, 1998 and the previous World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

This year’s squad has acknowledged they are “underdogs’’, who need to play not as individuals, but together to take on a tough group, including Argentina and their talisman, Lionel Messi.

“We are not playing Messi but

Argentina, it’s all about team work, with or without Messi, and our focus is to perform better in the World Cup,’’ said forward Ahmed Musa, who also plays in Russia for CSKA Moscow.

“We have to be looking at the quality of our players — and I believe we are going to Russia to do well — and not the quality of other countries’ players,’’ he told Reuters.

Nigeria play a friendly game against Democratic Republic of Congo in the Niger Delta city of Port Harcourt later on Monday.

On 2 June, Nigeria also face off against England in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium.

Chelsea prepare club-record bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly Chelsea are prepared to meet Napoli’s asking price for Kalidou Koulibaly as Maurizio Sarri edges closer to succeed Antonio Conte at the club.

According to Metro, Koulibaly is top of Sarri’s transfer wishlist and might become the most expensive signing in Chelsea’s history, ahead of Alvaro Morata.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are set to spend up to €85 million to unite the Senegalese defender with his former boss in London.

In April 2017, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed

the club turned down Chelsea’s €55 million offer for the defender owing to inadequate replacement.

After a string of impressive defensive displays with the Partenopei this campaign, the 26-year-old is back on the radar of the 2017-18 FA Cup winners.

This season, Koulibaly featured in 35 league matches averaging 1.5 tackles per game and 3.2 clearances per game.

The centre-back also scored crucial goals for the Stadio San Paolo outfit which earned him praise from football great Diego Maradona.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

31 Times Sports

LeBron James dazzles as Cavs rally to beat Celtics in game seven

DR Congo friendly, World Cup auditions for Simy and Lokosa Despite fears concerning the Ebola crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Super Eagles will play the Leopards of DR Congo at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcout.

The match serves as their final game in Nigeria, a farewell of some sorts before they leave the country for further World Cup preparations.

It represents an opportunity for Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr to have a final look at his fringe players before he whittles the 30-man team to 25 players.

The German has stated his intention to drop five players before the Super Eagles depart the shores of the nation.

Nigerian League hotshot

Junior Lokosa and Serie A forward Simeon Nwankwo are set to make their debut today as Rohr auditions the forwards to make his choice for the World Cup selection.

Lokosa’s inclusion in the squad was on the back of his impressive goal ratio in the Nigeria Professional Football League. The Kano Pillars forward has 18 goals in 21 matches. Simeon got a call-up due to his strong form towards the end of the season with Crotone.

The powerful forward also offers a different style to the forwards available to Rohr.

The midfield might also be experimental as Wilfred Ndidi is yet to be fully fit and John MIkel Obi unlikely to be fielded after a long trip from China.

DR Congo are without

majority of their stars with Everton’s Yannick Bolasie, Cedric Bakambu, Gael Kakuta and Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba all missing. However, Wolves forward Benik Afobe will play a part in the match. DR Congo narrowly missed out on qualification for the World Cup and are in a rebuilding phase, looking onto the next African Cup of nations.

The last meeting between both sides was a friendly in 2015, where DR Congo ran out 2-0 winners.

The Super Eagles will leave Nigeria after the match for their friendly against England on June 2.

Possible XI: Uzoho; Ebuehi, Eze, Omeruo, Echiejile; Ogu, Obi, Onazi; Lokosa, Nwankwo, Iheanacho

Lionel Messi: Barcelona my only club in Europe Lionel Messi says he is “increasingly sure” Barcelona will be the only club he ever represents in Europe.

Messi is preparing for another World Cup bid with Argentina and says only a chance to play in his homeland for Newell’s Old Boys really appeals to him when his club career begins to wind down.

The 30-year-old spent time with the Rosariobased club before moving to Barcelona as a teenager and coming through the club’s ‘C’ and ‘B’ teams on his road to stardom.

“I’m increasingly sure that in Europe, Barcelona will be my only club,” Messi said in an interview with Argentine television station El Trece.

“I always said I wanted to play in Argentine

football one day, I don’t know if it will happen but I have it in my mind.

“It would be at Newell’s, nowhere else. I would like to do that for at least six months, but you never know what will happen.

“My dream was to play for Newell’s as a kid, going to the matches with my dad, my brothers, my friends… after that; circumstances in life took me elsewhere but I still have that in

mind.”

Messi is also glad he decided to play for Argentina, rather than Spain, in his international career even though he would almost certainly be a World Cup and dual European Championship winner if he had chosen differently.

“The other day I was talking to a friend and he told me ‘if you had chosen Spain, you’d be a World Cup winner already’, but it wouldn’t have been the same,” he added.

“Obviously in no moment did I think about doing that. To win it with Argentina would be something unique.

“We have players to be able to dream. It’s important to start off with a win to build confidence. We don’t have an easy group.”

LeBron James booked his eighth straight NBA finals appearance, delivering another epic game-seven performance on the road as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 87-79 on Sunday.

The 33-year-old James played all 48 minutes and finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists for the Cavaliers who are in the league championship for the fourth consecutive year.

“This is the last chapter for our team this season,” said James. “It’s been a whirlwind. It has been roses. There have been thorns in the roses. This is one of the most challenging seasons I have had.”

Cleveland became the first team to win on the road in the best-ofseven Eastern Conference championship series and the first to beat the Celtics at home in the postseason.

“Win, loss or draw, at end of my career you are never going to get someone to say I didn’t leave it out on floor,” the four-time league MVP James said.

The Cavaliers will take on either the reigning champion Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets in the championship series. The Warriors dominated the Rockets 115-86 on Saturday to force a decisive game seven which will take place Monday in Houston.

James believes that they can outhustle, outsmart and out coach whoever they face in the final.

“We have and opportunity to win a championship. No matter whether we are picked to win or not, we have a great game plan. We are going to

try to get better throughout the series,” he said.

James led the Cavaliers in the first half with 17 points and 10 rebounds but they trailed for much of the half in front of a crowd of 18,600 at the Boston Garden.

It wasn’t until the second half that his supporting cast came to life and the Cavaliers were able to wrestle control back from the Celtics in the lowscoring contest.

“He’s unbelievable,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens. “I thought it was an outstanding defensive game. And again he still had 35, 15 and nine. It’s ridiculous and he does it with the pressure and scrutiny.”

– Plays entire game – James said he knew ahead of time he was going to have to play 48 minutes.

“It was asked of me tonight to play the whole game, and I just tried to figure out how I could get through it,” said James, who played 48 minutes for the first time in a playoff game since 2006 as a 21-year-old against the Detroit Pistons.

“Throughout the timeouts, I was able to catch my breath. At halftime, I didn’t come out and warm up. That was my time to recalibrate and catch my wind again.

“I’m the leader of this team, and I’m going to give what I’ve got.”

James said halfway through the season he made up his mind that no matter what happens he was going to try and keep a positive attitude.

“Right before the break I kind of reset. I didn’t know

if we were going to make trades or not,” he said.

“But I just reset my mindset and said ‘OK, this is the season and let’s try to make the most of it’.”

Jeff Green finished with 19 points and eight rebounds, J.R. Smith tallied 12 points and Tristan Thompson scored 10 for Cleveland who beat Boston 109-99 on Friday to force game seven.

Jayson Tatum paced the Celtic attack with 24 points as Boston suffered their only loss in 11 playoff home games.

Al Horford finished with 17 points and Jaylen Brown had 13 but he was just three-of-12 from the three-point line.

– Celtics fire blanks – Boston made the mistake of using the three pointer as their main offensive weapon down the stretch but they finished a dismal seven-of-39 overall from beyond the arc.

“We just couldn’t quite knock them down, and to no fault of anybody. Just happens. You have nights like that,” said Stevens.

The Celtics ended the first quarter on a 9-0 run and led 43-39 at the half in what would turn out to be the lowest scoring game in the series.

Venus Williams falls to unseeded player in first round of French Open Venus Williams title drought at the French Open continued on Sunday afternoon in stunning fashion.

The ninth-seeded Williams was knocked out of the singles tournament by 78thranked Wang Qiang in straight sets (6-4, 7-5) during their first round matchup.

Williams still hasn’t won a solo title at Roland Garros in her 24-year career. The closest she came was a second-place finish in 2002 to her sister Serena. That doesn’t mean the clay court has been all bad for the elder Williams sister. On three separate occasions she’s helped lead a doubles team to victory — twice with Serena (1999, 2010) and once with Justin Gimelstob (1998).

Still, Sunday’s result is quite a blow for the 37-year-old, who will again be competing with her sister in the doubles tournament as a wild card entry. At 26, Qiang has never advanced past the second round of any major tournament and has never been ranked higher than 44th (January, 2018). Considering Qiang has appeared in 200 or so fewer matches than Williams has career victories, this isn’t just another quiet win for a young pro. With a resounding first round defeat of one of her sport’s legends, Qiang has the momentum to finally catapult into the third round of a major tournament for the first time.

As for Williams, it’s another disappointing result on a court that hasn’t always been the kindest to her. She’ll have a few days to recover before her opening doubles match on Wednesday against 14th-seeded pair of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato.

Serena Williams will begin her singles march towards another major victory on Tuesday before joining her sister for the doubles portion of the French Open.

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FLASHBACK in Times: May 28, 1957

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 664

N150

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

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

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

FRSC begins recruitment process

Between corporate social responsibility and transparency in emerging markets

FG signs MoU with ARC to address weather events

ECOWAS revises single currency road map to meet 2020 deadline Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja The implementation of single currency drive of the Ecowas sub region has continued to be an Herculean task with the failure of most member states in meeting major criteria for the unification.

This prompted the need to revise the road map, and constitute a presidential task force to accommodate new challenges and fast track the monetary integration quest, through the single currency program.

An initiative agreed upon by founding fathers of ECOWAS in decades ago,the single currency market , with 2020 as its launch date is a single major factor in the economic growth and trade promotion target as espoused by the founders.

However, there are a lot of areas to be considered and laws to be ratified if the single currency framework will see the light of the day.

Speaking at a workshop on challenges and prospects of the ECOWAS single currency program organized, by the national institute for legislative and democratic studies, NILDS in partnership with the ECOWAS parliament, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Ladi Hamalai, noted that the single currency has its immense benefits in areas of economic growth and employment opportunities, but shouldn’t be a hasty decision.

She is calling for caution in the process of implementing the monetary program across member states in the bloc.

“I think we should not go too fast, at the moment it is too slowly, because we have so many challenges and obstacles,

the basic macroeconomic fundamentals of most countries are still not stable enough for such venture” she said.

In Nigeria she noted that, “there has some been basic infrastructure and processes that have begun to take place to make inter mobility of currencies and transfer very easy, that is a good step” The director of monetary policy Central Bank of Nigeria, Momodu Saho , highlighted some issues to be resolved if the 2020 deadline is to be met.

He said that” in addition to meeting the macroeconomic convergence criteria, harmonization of economic policies and practices laws and regulations are essential to the creation of a monetary union.”

Saho also observed that “The budget deficit criteria is the most difficult to meet as the convergence profile is very small”.

The elements of the macroeconomic convergence criteria are; budget deficit\ GDP of not greater than or equal to 3%,

Average annual inflation not more than 10%, central bank financing of budget deficit not more than 10% of previous year’s tax revenue and Gross external reserves not more than 3 months of imports.

In an assessment of the progress so far, statistics show that no member state have been able to satisfy the primary convergence criteria completely,only three countries have made significant efforts in policy.

L-R: Group Head, Corporate Communications & External Affairs, Access Bank Plc, Amechi Okobi; Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe; Chief Executive Officer, Slum to School, Otto Orondam and Chief Executive Officer, ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile during the bank’s visit to Slum to School in Lagos...recently

Shares sales: Tribunal refuses to review, stay execution on judgment Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Investments and Securities Tribunal sitting in Enugu has refused to review and stay of execution of the judgment on case of share sales between Dr Okam Kalu versus Union Registrars and four others.

It would be recalled that one of the defendants, Union Registrars Limited, in suit M/N-IST/LA/M/11/2018 had filed a motion of stay of execution and review of the judgment delivered by the tribunal on Feb. 6 in suit number IST/EN/OA/02/14.

Union Registrar Limited in its motion claimed that the 25,000 and 16,000

shares of Union Bank of Nigeria PLC with certificate numbers 24636825 and 24658326 respectively were sales, and therefore not shares in respect of which the claimant could make a claim in the course of giving its decision as attention of defendant came to it after the judgment.

Delivering its judgment, the Presiding Chairman, Hon. Nosa Osemwengie, said that the 25,000 and 16,000 shares of Union Bank of Nigeria PLC with certificate numbers 24636825 and 24658326 respectively formed part of the claims of the Claimant in his originating application filed on May 19, 2014. See page 1-2 of the judgment in this case delivered on Feb. 6, 2018.

“The certificates in question are not new evidence as contemplated by Order 7, Rule 4 (d). Besides the 2nddefendant/ judgment debtor had the opportunity to challenge these certificates either in its Witness Statement on Oath or Reply of Jan. 9, 2018.

“The tribunal, therefore, in its decision deemed the facts relating to the certificates number 24636825 and certificate number 24658326 as admitted.

Therefore, this tribunal is not persuaded that this application falls within contemplation of order 7, Rule 4(1)(d).

“Moreover, the tribunal has concluded hearing in the originating application IST/EN/OA/02/14 and delivered its judgment on Feb. 6, 2018.

It has therefore become functus officio.

To now begin to reopen the case for review is to usurp the duty of the Court of Appeal,’’ Osemwengie, who is leading a four-man panel, said.

According to him, having resolved that no grounds exist for the tribunal to very its decision of Feb. 6; this issue has therefore become academic.

“The 2nd defendant/judgment has not filed any Notice of Appeal to challenge the decision of this tribunal.

“There is therefore no basis for the tribunal to stay execution of the judgment,’’ he said.

The other members of the panel are: Dr Ahmed Abubakar, Mr Albert Otesile and Mr Kasumi Kurfi.

World Bank lauds Obaseki’s PPP model, devt solutions, transparency The World Bank has lauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s blueprint for the development of the state, which leverages on the synthesis of the expertise of the private sector and an open, transparent public sector.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Coordinating Director for West Africa Regional Integration, Rachid Benmessaoud, said this during a meeting between the World Bank Team and officials of the Edo State Government, at the Government House in Benin City.

He said that the World Bank “is impressed with how your government was able to provide the conducive environment for the private sector by operating a transparent, open and accountable government, and understanding what it takes for the private sector to come in by bringing the public element to the private sector.”

Benmessaoud noted: “The Executive Directors of the bank are appreciative of the fact that you brought the public and private angles to address the state’s development challenges. You have established a flagship effort that has resulted in the Azura power plant where you brought all of us together as one World Bank group at the site. We appreciate you and your team. I think you have done a lot in the state.

We are very proud to be part of this journey. We hope to see how we can continue the journey together.”

Speaking on the success of EdoAzura Power project, he said, “After visiting the state, the Executive Directors are studying how we can replicate this success, not only in the next Azura Phase II or III, but what it will take to do five more Azuras in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

The question on everyone’s lips now is how can we have more Azuras in West Africa?”

He disclosed that “Other Executive Directors have started looking at East Africa to replicate the Edo model.

You have really created a blue- print for the power sector, which clearly shows how governments can play a vital role in encouraging private sector growth.

“This is absolutely in line with what our President, Jim Yong Kim wants us to do. He wants us to focus on two things. One building human capital and second, maximizing finance for development.”

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

EEDC inaugurates special task-force on electricity offences

NANTA to introduce travel agencies identity card to end fraud

Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

As part of efforts to curb incessant engagement in acts of energy theft and meter bypass, as well as those involved in vandalism of electrical infrastructure, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) at the weekend formally inaugurated a Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO).

The event which took place at the company’s corporate headquarters was presided over by the Acting

Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Paul Okeke, in company of a member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Steve Dike; the Technical Adviser to the Board, Mr. Yateesh Kumar; the company’s Transformational Consultant, Mr. Okey Nwosu; Head of Taskforce, Miss Chinenye Okafor and other members of Executive Management of the company.

In his remark during the event, Mr. Okeke charged the team to be professional in the discharge of their responsibility, stressing the need for high level of integrity and respect for human rights.

He said that the high prevalence of meter bypass and energy theft in the South- East has been a serious challenge to EEDC, as the company has consistently recorded losses in its revenue on a monthly basis.

It is therefore expected that with the inauguration of SIPTEO, the rate of theft and vandalism within the network will be reduced and would bring about increase in revenue and more efficient service delivery to electricity customers in the South East.

The leader of the 18-man special squad, SP. Spencer Tyozua, assured

the management of EEDC that his men, who have been carefully selected for the job, would be responsible and professional in the discharge of the assigned task.

It will be recalled that SIPTEO, in collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Justice, EEDC and the Nigeria Police Force, was first inaugurated in Abuja in the year 2017, under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 and other regulations which empowers the taskforce to investigate, arrest and prosecute cases of theft, vandalism as well as recovery of lost revenue.

FG signs MoU with ARC to address weather events

•

As AfDB pledges support for African Risk Capacity Motolani Oseni

The Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Risk Capacity (ARC) to work together to address the impact of extreme weather events in Nigeria, including training support to Government personnel.

The signing ceremony, which happened on the margins of the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Busan, Korea, recently, which came on the heels of the Bank President, AkinwumiAdesina’s pledge to support for the work of African Risk Capacity in the region, calling for more stakeholders to join the ARC to ensure the availability of insurance against natural disaster

risks.

The Bank and ARC have partnership since March 2017 to strengthen technical collaboration towards enhancing the risk management infrastructure and policy across Africa and in supporting countries in building resilience against climate shocks.

Speaking on the signing of the MoU, Nigeria’s Minister for Finance, Kemi Adeosun, congratulated the African Risk Capacity for the innovative approach it is taking towards climate risk financing and management in Africa. Adeosun assured that Nigeria will work with the Agency to address the impact of extreme weather events in the country.

The journey towards a mutual technical collaboration with

Nigeria began in July 2015 when the ARC team undertook a scoping mission which established the need for Nigeria to give greater consideration to the ARC initiative.

Nigeria was a founding member of ARC, participating in the establishment discussions and the nomination of former Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Chair of the Agency’s Governing Board.

Nigeria subsequently signed the ARC Establishment Agreement on December 4, 2014, thereby formally became a member of the institution.

ARC was established as a Specialized Agency of the African Union (AU) to help member states improve their capacities to better plan, prepare and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Through its first financial

affiliate, ARC Ltd, the institution provides African governments with innovative risk management and risk transfer tools and services towards creating a comprehensive pan-African disaster response system.

Mohamed Beavogui, the Director-General of ARC, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Government for signing the MoU noting that, “the leadership role of Nigeria in the continent and in the establishment of the ARC makes the signing of a formal MoU quite momentous for our work in the region. We want to create systems that can truly protect the livelihoods of the most vulnerable and safeguard the significant development gains made by the country over the years

L-R: Gbemileke Oscar, Director of Content Production at Vibeoo Media Limited; Ismail Omamegbe, Head, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Nimi Akinkugbe, CEO, Bestman Games Limited and Babajide Adebayo, Relationship Manager, Adeola Odeku Branch, First Bank Nigeria Limited at the Children’s Finance Fair by Bestman Games Limited ...recently

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA has come up with a new initiative to identify fraudulent individuals who claims to be travel agents in the country, as these fraudsters have defrauded intending passengers of millions of Naira.

To this end, NANTA is introducing an identification card to assist intending air travellers to identify genuine travel agents and to put a stop to the activities of fake agents in the country.

At a news conference in Lagos, the NANTA National President, Mr. Bankole Bernard, said the new identification card tagged,Travel Practitioners Identification Card (NTPIC) would be launched on the 26th of June 2018 by the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the Landmark at Lekki.

He said the Association had to come up with this project because of the bad image the fraudsters had created in the business, adding that the business had become an all comers business where fraudsters now have a field day.

He gave more reasons why the action became necessary,”We decided to embark on this project, we found our that, number one, we are the down stream sector of the aviation industry and the Government does not really understand out worth or the total number of the agencies that exist within the country, number two, because it is so porous, there is no exit or entry barrier, it has become all comers business even for fraudsters.

Number three, we realized that some have now used travel agencies as a means of human trafficking, as a means of defrauding intending passengers, as a means of bastarding our name with the embassies”.

Bankole urged intending passengers to ensure the patronize genuine travel agencies to avoid being defrauded of their hard earned money, adding that passengers at the point of buying their tickets must insist that the operator show his/ her identification to ascertain where he/ she was dealing with an accredited and registered member of the Association.

“The truth is after we launch this ID card, no intending passenger should buy ticket without demanding to see this ID card, because seeing the ID card means that such person is authentic travel agent. After we are done with the launch, we are going to proceed on a mega training of our members because its very, very critical that we train our members because when we train our members then they bring professionalism onboard and they can work just the way other travel agencies around the world are working”.

The NANTA boss said the Presidency had been intimated of the identify card but unfortunately, it was learnt from them during their visit that they had fallen victim to such fraudsters, emphasizing that the Presidency was interested in the success of the launch.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

B3 Business News Ugwuanyi moves to halt multiple taxation of property in Enugu Moses Oyediran, Enugu

L-R: Territorial Sales Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Charles Atiomo; Managing Director, Phillipe Torres; Maintenance Supervisor, Adedeji Kola and Marketing Division Territorial Training Manager (West), Ehimen Joseph, during the company’s Top Service Campaign in Lagos…recently

FRSC begins recruitment process Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced the process of recruitment as approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria by opening its Portal to receive applications from suitably qualified candidates for employment into the various cadres of the Corps , namely, the Officer cadre, Marshal Inspectorate (MI) cadre, and the Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) cadre in a nationwide recruitment exercise.

According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, for the Officer cadre, candidates are expected to possess a first degree from recognized institutions, NYSC Discharge Certificates, and must not be more than 30 years of age.

For the Marshal Inspectorate cadre, he explained that there are three subcategories namely, Marshal Inspector I (MI-I), Marshal Inspector II (MI-II), and Marshal Inspector III (MIIII). According to him, the requirements for MI-I are Higher National Diploma from recognized Institutions, NYSC discharge certificates, Registered Nurse and Midwife, and must equally not be more than 30 years of age.

The requirements for MI-II are Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE), Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife. Applicants to this cadre must not be more than 28 years of age.

For MI-III, Applicants must possess National Diploma (ND), Community Health Extension Workers Certificate (CHEW), and must equally not be more than 28 years of age.

Application into the category of RMAII requires a minimum of 5 credits in SSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB and must include Mathematics and English Language. For RMAIII, the requirement is a minimum of 3 credits in SSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB.

Applicants into the two categories of RMAs must not be more than 27 years of age.

He stressed that Artisans and Tradesmen equally fall into the same categories of RMAs, however, they must possess a minimum of 4 passes in SSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB, have Trade test or other professional Certificates, valid class of Drivers licence (for drivers and bikers), and must not be more than 28 years of age.

Kazeem stated that applications to any of the above listed cadres will be done through FRSC website (www.recruitment.frsc.gov.ng), and shortlisted candidates are expected to

come along with a print out of their forms as well as the acknowledgement slip for screening.

While he stressed that the exercise attracts no fee, he maintained that applications must be submitted within 6 weeks of the publication of the advert. He added that all enquiries should be directed to 122 (toll free line), 08077690361, 08077690362, or send an email to recruitment2018@frsc.gov.ng.

He stated that other details of requirements for the recruitment exercise are contained in the advertisements in some National dailies signed by the Deputy Corps Marshal (Admin and Human Resources).

Coca-Cola unveils first alcoholic drink Coca-Cola on Monday launched its first alcoholic drink. The canned liquor product was launched in Japan.

The U.S. drinks giant aims at making a version of “Chu-Hi” – canned sparkling flavoured drink – that includes a local spirit called shochu.

According to the president of CocaCola’s Japan business unit, Jorge Garduno, in a post on the company’s

website, he described the product as ‘’unique’’ in the company’s 125-year history.

“This is unique in our history. CocaCola has always focused entirely on non-alcoholic beverages, and this is a modest experiment for a specific slice of our market,” he said. ‘’Japan is a fiercely competitive market, with Coca-Cola launching 100 products a year in the country.

“Experimentation is almost like a dayto-day ritual here. You can’t fall behind the rapid product cycle in Japan,” Mr Garduno added.

The 350ml-can drinks contain three, five and seven per cent alcohol.

They will be available in the southern Kyushu region of Japan.

Coca-Cola has said there are no plans to bring the new drinks to markets outside Japan.

71-year-old emerges first millionaire in StarTimes World Cup promo A 71-year old civil engineer from Akure has emerged the first millionaire in the on-going StarTimes World Cup millionaire promo, after a raffle draw was held in Lagos, which produced the first winner in the 3-month promotion, under the supervision of the National Lottery Board Commission.

The official broadcaster of the FIFA

2018 World Cup had earlier promised a special experience for Nigerians who watch the games on of its platform, promising a never like before experience.

“We are happy to announce our first winner in the ongoing promotion, Mr. Tony Fakuade, a civil engineer who resides in Akure. He subscribed for 1 month on StarTimes Classic

bouquet. He has been contacted and will receive his money on Wednesday at our premises.” says Qasim Elegbede, the Brand & Marketing Director at StarTimes.

He added that “14 winners will be drawn from across the country, selecting only from a poll of subscribers who pay for one month and above on any of our bouquets and new

subscribers who purchase a new decoder for the first time.”

The World Cup millionaire promo will run from May 7 till July 31, with 1 lucky subscriber taking home N1,000,000 weekly. Other prices available include 43-inch StarTimes HD TV for 5 subscribers weekly, 1 year free subscription for 20 subscribers weekly and other branded items.

In a bid to eliminate cases of multiple property taxes and create a platform for property owners to seek redress, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a 10-man Land Use Charge Assessment and Appeal Tribunal.

Swearing in the 10-member tribunal chaired by Barrister Chigozie Nnadi, the governor said the inauguration of the tribunal is consistent with the vision to consolidate the state’s reputation as one of the most investor-friendly states in the country, describing it as a giant step towards easing the tax burden of property owners.

The tribunal, the governor stated, was further necessitated by complaints from property owners about the multiplicity of taxes on their lands and landed property. “There have been stringent complaints that local governments and agencies of state government impose all manners of taxes, rates and levies on land and landed property.

“In response to these complaints, the Enugu State House of Assembly in September 2016 passed into law the Land Use Charge Law. This was amended in 2017, thus consolidating all property, land use rates and charges payable under the Property Rates Law, Local Government Law and assessment law in Enugu State into a new Land Use Charge to be called Land Use Charge,” he said.

Governor Ugwuanyi noted further that the new law has ended the era of multiple taxation of property in the state, saying: “Property owners in the state will no longer receive varieties of demand notices on their property.

Instead, they will receive and pay a single charge on their property.”

He also explained that by streamlining the hitherto haphazard levies on property, the Land Use Charge will help boost the internallygenerated revenue of both the state government and participating local government councils.

The state’s Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Emehelu commended Governor Ugwuanyi for performing a very important aspect of the Enugu State Land Use Act and in choosing members who have distinguished themselves in various endeavours.

She explained that the tribunal has the powers to summon anyone to appear before it, adding that the state’s judiciary would next week commence training workshops for members of the tribunal to ensure they are “grounded and well prepared in line with the law”.

Justice Emehelu also pointed out that adequate sensitization was essential for the goals behind the tribunal’s inauguration to be actualized.

Responding on behalf of the members after their inauguration, Barrister Nnadi thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to offer their service and promised that the tribunal will discharge their duties with a sense of fairness and justice.

Business Features B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Africa – An ideal market for brand holders and counterfeiters Vanessa Ferguson May 25, 2018 is celebrated as AFRICA DAY and marks the formation of the African Union. Africa has seen a vast increase in investment and growth over the past 50+ years and many companies have already mobilised to capture this emerging demand.

With the growing investment, Africa is being increasingly targeted as a market for counterfeit goods and merchandise as a result of the escalating urban populations’ growing demand for many goods not widely available, as well as the lack of means to buy them.

Whilst the demand is growing for branded goods, and the instances of infringing and counterfeit goods are on the increase, the various Intellectual Property Rights protection measures available to brand holders differ from country to country and remain largely inadequate in most African countries and vary from region to region. As a result, a “one size fits all” anti-counterfeiting strategy cannot be easily applied or adopted in covering the key regions and territories in Africa.

Furthermore, the market structure in Africa differs substantially from first world markets, such as Europe and America, and, as such, the best practices developed and applied in these territories cannot necessarily be adopted and applied in Africa with the same results and consequences.

A key understanding of Africa and its nuances is important in establishing an effective anti-counterfeiting strategy.

Although modern trade is growing, this is still small and under developed outside of South Africa. The most common and popular trading channels in Africa are the simple table top or small “spaza” shops, which are individually owned and managed by local entrepreneurs, set up on the side of the road or in local markets in order to capture the passing trade. These businesses are supported and supplied by an equally efficient network and welldeveloped informal distribution structure.

Furthermore, informal cross-border trade is important to Africa with many Africans involved in informal cross-border trade, which contributes a large portion of the economic growth, job creation and job security.

As a result, counterfeit goods are increasingly being sold, transported and distributed across African borders using these well-developed and largely uncontrolled informal trade routes.

An effective African anti-counterfeiting strategy should therefore not only be focused on the countries of relevance to the brand holders, but also the neighbouring territories, taking into account the retail structure, main trade channels and distribution routes in Africa.

As an initial step, brand holders should ensure that their primary trade marks are registered - not only in the main countries in

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); with the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Coordinating Director for West Africa Regional Integration, Rachid Benmessaoud, after a meeting between the governor and the World Bank team, at Government House in Benin City.

which their goods or services are provided -but also in neighbouring territories.

Without the existence of a registered trade mark, it is almost impossible to act against counterfeiters in Africa, especially in those territories where common law rights or protection of well-known trade marks is not recognised. Copycat infringement is on the increase, where infringers will adopt a label that is a colourable imitation of the original label. As such, consideration should be given to the registration of the labels for the primary products to provide statutory protection against the use of a similar label or get-up.

Although Customs remains an important and critical element to an effective anticounterfeiting strategy, the relevance and success of actions by customs differs from region to region in Africa. Unfortunately

‘

not all territories have established Customs practices focused on the registration of brands and detention of suspect counterfeit goods and it is only possible to record brands with Customs in a handful of countries.

A strategy focused primarily on customs recordals and actions alone is not sufficient or recommended in Africa, particularly due to the inconsistencies in inspections and measures to stop counterfeits at the ports, airports and borders differ from region to region. In each region it is necessary to assess and work with local police services and regulatory bodies that have the capacity and infrastructure to tackle counterfeit goods in the region.

Steps should also be taken by brand holders to formalise and strengthen their own distribution channels in the region

Without the existence of a registered trade mark, it is almost impossible to act against counterfeiters in Africa, especially in those territories where common law rights or protection of well-known trade marks is not recognised

,

and across borders. Based on the demand for products, the informal distribution channels and methods are strong and well-entrenched in Africa, facilitating the trade in counterfeit and parallel goods.

Brand holders should first-hand build up understanding and knowledge of these distribution and retail channels in order to infiltrate and effectively act against key counterfeit role players. Such investigations and actions, however, take time, money and patience. A long-term approach, with consistent supported actions against retailers and suppliers alike, should be implemented, with a view to obtaining or extracting information on the source and supply of these goods.

In each territory, brand holders should adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anticounterfeiting and take action to the full extent of the law in the respective regions.

In such cases, where appropriate and feasible, brand holders should institute criminal or civil proceedings against known and identified offenders, especially in the case of repeat offenders or where other extenuating circumstances justify the spend and time taken in bringing these matters to finality. The continued prosecution of offenders will not only build up a valuable precedent of case law, but will also send a clear message to the market of the severity and consequences of dealing in counterfeit goods.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

LSETF partners ATC, Joberman to empower unemployed youths Motolani Oseni The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in partnership with Jobberman and ATC (one of Nigeria’s leading independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications real estate), has graduated 62 trainees within the Makoko community in Lagos State and succeeded in attaining 44 per cent job placement for them.

The partnership, which kicked off in October of 2017 is aimed at training and providing job placements for unemployed youths within the various communities in Lagos State, with the initiative kicking off with Makoko. Youths, who possess a minimum of SSCE certification will receive an intensive training in life skills, entrepreneurship and information and communication technology (ICT). The training will include digital skills such as graphics and web designs, digital marketing as well as photography and videography.

This is in line with the Fund’s key mandate of bridging the huge unemployment gap in

the state, by providing skills development and job creation opportunities for thousands of unemployed youths in Lagos State and to ensure effective learning and individual coaching, the training partners will admit and train 36 youths monthly in 6 months cycle across the state.

Commenting on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of LSETF, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode said “The Makoko youth has been entrench in the minds of Lagos residents as the poster child of indigent living conditions and lack of opportunities. So as change agents, our choice of starting this initiative with Makoko is straight forward. We aim to make an impact in the very heart of where the problems of poverty and unemployment are most manifested.

“With this initiative, we intend to create a pipeline of very young competent professionals who would inspire the younger generation of youths in their community to aspire to a life of meaning and opportunity. There is no better way than to equip them with life and digital skills, which are today, the most relevant requirements in the digitally-driven businesses

and economies”. he said Asides this partnership, the LSETF is currently working with the United Nations, Development Programme (UNDP) through the Lagos State Employability Support Project. Already, the programme has graduated over 1134 trainees and has helped with job placement of 263 of the certified trainees.

Registration for the 2nd batch of trainees is currently ongoing and it is expected that by the end of the training, the state will experience an increase in the pool of skilled manpower required to alleviate the acute shortages of employable labour.

“To enable the success of this initiative, the LSETF calls on well-meaning individuals, corporates and civic societies, who are very keen to join us to combat the scourge of unemployment can do so by contacting the Fund for donation or strategic support partnership.

The UNDP and some individuals have already set the pace in this very exemplary endeavor, so I enjoin others to join the league”, Oyebode added.

L-R: National Accountant, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) Adewunmi Adewale; ABCON President, Aminu Gwadabe (middle); Executive Secretary, ABCON, Uduma Cletus (first right) and officials of Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) during a capacity building on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing organised by both institutions in Lagos…recently

B 5 Money

ACCI, Koinonia collaborate to train stakeholders on export trade Mathew Dadiya, Abuja In a bid to properly gain from the massive opportunities inherent in the export business, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has partnered with Koinonia Ventures Ltd to train and retrain stakeholders.

According to the lead facilitator, Mr. Olufemi Boyede, the Chief Executive Officer of Koinonia, the expansive training is to hold from Tuesday 5th June-Thursday 7th June, 2018.

Tagged, “Export Readiness Program: 10 Steps to Successful Exporting”, the training is designed to cut across major themes such as ‘what to export’, ‘where to export’ and ‘where to find finances for your exports’.

Other areas carefully targeted to be covered during he training scheduled to hold at the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) center of the chamber are: ‘how to write bankable export credit requests, ‘ how to make export offer’ and offer’ ‘how to appoint a forwarding agent.

“The training is a sine qua non to all the players in this area of business as it is deliberately structured in a manner that would comprehensively address current global best practices in this highly profitable business area.

“The training is targeted at all the appropriate government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), those intending to go into this area of business, new entrants, persons and organisation interested in repositioning their trading activities in this regard, in addition to those who wish to scale up their distribution and supply network.

“We are also going to train trade support organizations, banks with export desks, advisory service organizations, freight forwarders, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and all the stakeholders in the export value chain”, Boyede emphasized.

According to him, the training is therefore tailored to carter for the various interests and needs of anyone who falls under the category enumerated pointed out that those who will have the opportunity to attend will be taken through the theoretical and practical aspects of the business.

Our correspondence reports that the cost for the 3-day training is put at Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000:00) and those wishing to participate are enjoined to contact the BEST center.

Ecobank wins Africa’s best, most innovative bank awards Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Eco and has been named Africa’s best and most innovative retail bank in Africa after impressing judges with the strides it has made to leverage digital financial services and an enhanced service model, to be the retail bank of choice.

The ever improving feature set of the truly revolutionary Ecobank Mobile App, which has now been downloaded by more than 5 million people, took the prize for Innovation in Banking Ecobank has won two major awards at the African Banker’s prestigious ceremony held at the Paradise Hotel in Busan, South Korea. The bank was named Best Retail Bank in Africa on Monday in Lome, the capital of Togo.

The ever improving feature set of the truly revolutionary Ecobank Mobile App, which has now

been downloaded by more than 5 million people, took the prize for Innovation in Banking, thanks to the way it has redefined borderless and inclusive banking, along with several other transformative innovations designed to deliver financial services to all.

Commenting on the double award win, Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Banker said: “Ecobank has had a game changing year in so many ways and their approach to embracing technology and putting it at the centre of their growth strategy has obviously paid dividends.”

It gives all of us at Ecobank great pride to be recognised as not only the Best Retail Bank in Africa, but also the Most Innovative Group CEO of Ecobank Ade Ayeyemi, said: “It gives all of us at Ecobank great pride to be recognised as not only the Best Retail Bank in Africa, but also the Most Innovative. This is further proof that we are on

the right track in our quest to be the bank of choice for middle Africa. We will continue to ensure that we are at the forefront of harnessing state-of-the-art technology to provide our customers with accessible and affordable banking services.”

Ayeyemi maintained that Ecobank is committed to providing the range of financial products and services that meet the day-to-day banking, transactional and investment needs of all Africans. Ecobank enjoyed a 40% increase in customer numbers during 2017 and the bank aims to serve 100 million customers by the end of 2020.

According to him, the Ecobank Mobile App aims to deliver real convenience to customers and with its removal of barriers to entry, at affordable price points, is an integral part of Ecobank’s strategy.

It is the first unified banking application across 33 countries and enables customers to do their banking

activities where and when they want, 24/7 and 365 days a year, conveniently on their mobile phones.

It allows transactions in 18 different currencies and in four languages (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish).

The app includes the multi-featured digital payment solution, Ecobank Pay, which enables customers of any bank to pay for goods or services. It unifies all of Ecobank’s digital payment offerings for internet payments, paying bills and airtime top-ups by mobile.

Group Executive, Consumer Banking, Patrick Akinwuntan, said: “Ecobank represents more possibilities for every African. Our Ecobank Mobile App, Xpress Account, Ecobank Pay, Xpress Points and Rapidtransfer are fast becoming top-of- mind consumer banking brands that represent convenience, affordability and instant fulfillment to our customers across Africa and in the diaspora.”

CRS B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Matina Teacher of the year: Stakeholders canvass ways to make teaching attractive

L-R: Marketing Manager, Home and Hygiene, RB West Africa, Mrs Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi; Director of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Qundus Yusuff and Ogun State Malaria Programme Officer, Mrs Olamide Adeyinka with students of Itoki Secondary School, Ifo, winner of the 2018 Mortein Malaria Quiz Competition in Ogun State.

Between corporate social responsibility and transparency in emerging markets Stories: Godwin Anyebe The concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance – as practiced in Nigeria and the West African region remain a major source of concern to stakeholders. The way that businesses in emerging markets cope with these challenges – both effectively and ineffectively – reveal many of the “new dynamics of management.

As a matter of fact, analysts are of the view that CSR abuses and business ethics transgressions in Nigeria and beyond may be more widespread and more tolerated; if measures are not put in place to properly check mate the activities of CSR. For these analysts, the situation is impossible to quantify, especially within local regulatory frameworks and where there are few active and independent journalists.

Daily Times Findings revealed that, corruption, the abuse of human rights, a lack of data protection, financial fraud, copyright piracy, low levels of transparency and high levels of

anonymity, workplace discrimination, oppressive economic colonization, an absence of fair competition, poor levels of corporate governance, no respect for intellectual property, the perpetration of monopolies and the tolerance of leaders of dubious accountability and respectability among others are the reasons for lack of transparency in CSR. Addressing this issue, an expert in marketing communication field, Bernard Okhakume told Daily Times that, “while, corruption may be seen as one of the most important issues, and may be a way of life in countries with low salaries but powerful officials – and greedy business people, Human rights abuse is an ongoing issue, and is seen as especially negative by individuals and group. Financial scandals and fraud have been sending shock waves throughout Nigeria and beyond, with billions of dollars simply going missing.

Copyright piracy is not unknown in Nigeria, but the scale can be alarming, together with the issue of transparency and ease of doing business in entering several emerging economies, often

related to governance. Prospects of equal opportunities for members of different races are an important issues when it comes to transparency in CSR.” According to him, “Economic dominance by some Western countries – and China – in many emerging countries is seen as an example of the economic colonization of one country by another, raising several CSR issues, including protection or the matter of unfairly excluding competition.

The concept of corporate governance used to be a preserve of the West, but is gradually impacting developing countries, especially those trying to attract foreign investment, and is especially concerned with ensuring independent management control.

Intellectual property is another concern, and so are state-endorsed monopolies.

“Greater transparency is an unstoppable force. It is the product of growing demands from everybody with an interest in any corporation - its stakeholder web - and of rapid technological change, above all the spread of the Internet, that makes it far

easier for firms to supply information, and harder for them to keep secrets.”

He pointed out that, “firms now know that their internal e-mails may one day become public knowledge, for instance, and many big companies must co-exist with independent websites where employees can meet anonymously to air their grievances.

With greater transparency will come greater accountability and better corporate behaviour. Rather than engage in futile resistance to it, firms should actively embrace transparency and rethink their values and generally get in better shape.”

Also speaking on this issue, a public affairs analyst, Pwano Maxwell said; “we have companies that are breaking the mold and are moving beyond corporate social responsibility to social innovation. These companies are the vanguard of the new paradigm.

They view community needs as opportunities to develop ideas and demonstrate business technologies, to find and serve new markets, and to solve longstanding business problems.

Osinbajo, Shittu, others to attend premiere of Airtel touching lives Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, and Minister of Communications Technology, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, will lead high-profile guests who have confirmed they would attend the premiere of Airtel touching lives season four.

The premiere, which is billed to hold on Sunday, 3rd June, 2018, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, is also expected to have Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology and Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications.

According to Airtel, in a statement released to newsmen recently in Lagos,

Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, Chairman, House Committee on Communications; Hon. Ujam Chukwuemeka, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications and Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Senator, Olabiyi Durojaiye, amongst many others, will also grace the premiere.

Captains of industry, heads of agencies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and notable media proprietors are also expected to attend.

Airtel Touching Lives is an inspiring corporate social responsibility initiative that seeks to offer practical relief, succour, hope, opportunities and credible platforms to liberate

and empower the underprivileged, disadvantaged and hard-to-reach persons in the society.

The activities of Airtel Touching Lives are recorded and produced for national television with a view to promoting the spirit of giving, selfsacrifice and love among Nigerians.

Speaking at a press conference in December to announce the kickoff of nominations for Season 4 of the programme, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, said the company is committed to helping the less privileged in the society in line with its vision of creating empowerment opportunities and making life better for Nigerians.

“Together, we all can make our society a better place if we join hands and collaborate to uplift the downtrodden around us.

“While the Government and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) cannot do it all, we have a responsibility to contribute our quota to making Nigeria a better place for all,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to participate in the 4th edition of the Touching Lives programme by nominating causes and persons who require help.

According to him, “the nomination process is simple. Once you nominate an individual or cause, our team will review and assess the situation and determine if a follow-up visit will be required

Stakeholders in the education sector have emphasised the importance of teachers and proffered solutions on how to attract the best to the teaching profession in order to enhance the nation’s growth and development.

The stakeholders made their position known at the flag-off of the 2018 Maltina Teacher-of-theYear recently in Lagos. The Maltina Teacher of the Year, an initiative of Nigerian Breweries Plc-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, was established in 2015 to identify, showcase and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.

In a paper to formally commence this year’s edition, the Head of Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Lagos, Professor Ngozi Osarenren explained that teachers are invaluable drivers of societal norms and the teaching profession must be respected to attract the best and the brightest.

Osarenren, a former Commissioner for Education in Edo State, noted that if Nigeria must be saved from the menace of unqualified and incompetent teachers, the nation must find career oriented teachers who want to do the job for their passion and not because it is the last option available.

She listed other factors that could attract the best hands to the profession to include professionalisation of teaching, reasonable and guaranteed salary, job security and competitive entry requirements for would-be teachers.

On his part, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Jordi Borrut Bel explained that in 2015, the Nigerian Breweries Plc-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund expanded its intervention in education in Nigeria to teachers through the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative.

According to Borrut Bel, who was represented by the Company’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, Mr.Kufre Ekanem, said the initiative was hinged on the realisation that teachers seldom get the recognition they deserve in spite of the pivotal role they play in determining the quality of education. He disclosed that so far, the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative has produced 69 state champions and three overall winners.

He further disclosed that entries for the 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year opened on Friday, May 25, 2018 and will close on July 2nd 2018. Interested teachers are advised to download application forms from the Maltina website. Applications forms should be completed and uploaded to the website or send it through mail.

“The 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year will get N1 million, a trophy and another N1 million every year for the next five years, and a block of classrooms built at the school where he or she teaches”, Borrut Bel said.

The first runner-up will receive N1 million and a trophy, while the second runner-up will have N750, 000 and a trophy. In addition, each state champion, including the winner and the first and the second runners-up will get N500, 000.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

B7 Motoring

Top best luxury cars When it comes to the best luxury cars is a matter of what you want or love other that what you need.

Cause these cars are things of not only beauty but the best quality comfort, ultimate performance and breathe taking experience one can ever ask for. On top of that best luxury cars show come this that class in terms of price, come to think of it why call it a luxury car if any Tom, Dick, and Harry is able to buy and own one. You have to have deep pockets for you to experience things of beauty (no pun intended).

Below is a brief overview of some of the 10 best luxury cars in the market right now.

Mercedes S-Class You think Mercedes, you think class and success. For many years Mercedes S-Class has been termed as the best luxury car or rather the luxury car to beat with the like of Audi and BMW fighting tooth and nail to reach its ranks. Mercedes has got some of the most amazing engines out there but the one thing that makes it stand out is it diesel-electric hybrid engines.

Range Rover It might have an SUV-like design but Range Rover is also a comfortable just like all the luxury cars available out there. What makes Range Rover stand out above all its rivals in the best luxury cars list, is height. It also has an impressive beast-like view from the back. On drawback from it is that its height give difficulty to get into the car but there is a solution. The makers, Land Rover has designed it with an air suspension that is possible to lower it making getting in and out of the car easier.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Rolls-Royce Ghost has got a beautiful and amazing cabin that give it not only pure class but also ultra-

modern efficiency. It also provides calm and refined driving experience that should and is associated with a Rolls-Royce. Its price of over $200,000 gives it all it takes to be a luxury car.

Bentley Flying Spur Bentley Flying Spur is the smaller version of a limousine with four doors. It also uses the same version of the Continental GT’s platform, meaning it comes with 4-wheel drive and the brand’s 6-liter W12 and a brand new 4-liter twin turbo V8 engines. Making it have an amazing performance and engine power.

On the inside, the Bentley Flying Spur is finished with the finest wood and leather trim which makes it look spectacular and beautiful. This provides more comfort even at high speed.

BMW 7 series It has been BMW 7 series’ all-time goal to meet Mercedes S-Class’ standards. There was an upgrade on it around summer 2012 where there was an improvement in its design, it was given a more efficient engine and was incorporated with more advanced technology. But with a starting price of about $70,000 for it petrol-electric engine model, it is one of the luxury cars to choose.

Porsche Panamera hatchback Unlike its predecessor which had issues with design, this new version of Porsche Panamera is simply beautiful. It has a beautifully designed and finished interior and is staggeringly quick hence giving you that amazing sports car feel.

Audi A8 The Audi A8 is one of the greatest rivals of Mercedes S-Class. It is beautiful and well designed with one of the top quality materials and a logical cabin. Its dashboard is equipped with a touch pad where you get to spell sat-nav with your finger. It comes with leather heated seats that are electronically adjustable and four-zones climate control. The cabin is up tops. Making Audi A8 one of the best luxury cars to go for.

Jaguar XJ Jaguar XJ is one most outstanding luxury car that has over time been worthy of competing for the likes of Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 series due to it pure design and fantastic driving experience. With speed, low body and high-class cabin, Jaguar XJ gives you that feeling that you are driving a sports car.

Lexus LS Lexus LS is a hi-tech hybrid luxury car, meaning it is a petrol-electric model. It is also available in 2 wheelbases and 2 engine options that is – the LS 460, the 4.6-liter V8 or the LS 600h, the 5-liter V8 equipped with an electric motor and batteries. Thus the Lexus LS hybrid can run on only electric power. Its interior very comfortable and the back seats provide electric massage. It has a rear entertainment system that can keep the passengers busy.

Maserati Quattroporte Having been given a facelift, the Maserati Quattroporte is now becoming a rival to the likes of Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and other luxury cars. It now has a more efficient petrol engine, a beautiful interior and easier to handle. It also boasts of its great speed.

Business Feature B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Africa’s new debt binge: What are the risks?

Nonetheless, recent eurobond issuances by African countries have been met with huge interest.

A major reason for this is that “Africa has the highest sovereign eurobond yield in the world, at 6% compared to 5.5% for emerging markets and 4% for developing nations in the Asia-Pacific region,” says Ibrahim Sagna, director and head of advisory and capital markets at Cairo-based African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank).

“A supportive global backdrop, positive emerging market sentiment and yieldhungry investors means that African policymakers would be missing a trick by not capitalising on the attractive current rates on offer by international markets,” adds Ronak Gopaldas, director at Signal Risk, a consultancy.

Take the case of Senegal’s $2.2bn eurobond issuance in early March. The West African sovereign got more than $10bn in bids. Such is the interest that in mid-March Ghana upped its ambition: it now wants to issue a $2.5bn eurobond, $500m more than announced by its finance minister, Ken OforiAttah, in February.

And what does the sovereign need the money for? It wants to use $1bn to fund its 2018 budget and the extra $1.5bn to refinance existing foreign debt. Similarly, South Africa is expected to tap the dollar debt market for as much as $3bn soon. In mid-January, Angola also unveiled plans to issue a $2bn eurobond this year, as part of a broader economic plan.

African sovereigns that already have dollar accounts credited this year from eurobond issuances are Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya. In midFebruary, Egypt issued $4bn in eurobonds. With bids of $12bn, three times the amount sought, the authorities issued bonds of three tenors: a five-year tranche at 5.58%, 10-year tranche at 6.59% and 30-year tranche at 7.9%.

Just months before, Egypt secured a three-year $12bn loan from the IMF, in addition to $7bn in eurobonds raised in 2017. What did Egypt need the money for? To boost its foreign exchange reserves, is the official response. And judging from plans revealed by Egyptian authorities in September 2017 to sell at least $10bn in

eurobonds this year, there is likely to be another $6bn worth of issuances, including a likely euro-denominated one, before end-2018.

Five times oversubscribed In the same month as the most recent Egyptian issuance, Nigeria also sold a $2.5bn eurobond at yields of 7.1% on the 12-year tranche and 7.7% on the 20-year tranche. Orders were about $12bn; almost five times the principal amount on offer. Three months earlier, the West African sovereign had issued its third foreign currency bond of 2017, securing as much as $11bn in orders, almost four times the two-part $3bn issuance.

The Nigerian authorities have been clear on what the money from the dollar debt would be used for: to fund the 2018 budget and refinance

Five African countries are currently experiencing problems in servicing their debts, according to the IMF

existing debt. Of particular interest is the refinancing of the government’s local currency debt. Considering the potential foreign exchange risk, the plan is understandably controversial, although lower naira yields in the aftermath have vindicated the fiscal authorities’ position thus far.

In the same month of February, Kenya sold a $2bn eurobond at yields of 7.25% and 8.25% for the 10-year and 30-year tranches respectively.

The issuance came just weeks after a credit rating downgrade

by Moody’s and revelations that the IMF had for months blocked the authorities from accessing a much-celebrated $1.5bn emergency facility over disagreements on the authorities’ fiscal consolidation plans.

Despite all this, the sovereign received $14bn in bids, seven times the amount on offer.

Investors were also clearly unfazed by what was still a delicate political situation in the country and unresolved allegations that the proceeds from its $2bn debut eurobond issue some four years earlier were misappropriated.

Put together, thus far this year to mid-March, African countries have issued some $11bn in euro­bonds, just $7bn shy of total issuances last year. In light of warnings by the IMF and a loan default by

Mozambique to a foreign bank in 2017, a cautious reception to these latest issuances would not have been unusual.

Investment case is strong Judging from the order books, however, investors could not care less. They are not being irrational. African sovereign debt defaults remain the exception, not the norm; at least, not since the Paris Club of debtors forgave the predominantly African highly indebted poor countries (HIPC) about $40bn in debt in 2005. When you add in the juicy yields, some argue, the investment case is a no-brainer.

These new African eurobond issuances are aimed at securing what are still very attractive yields, as America’s Federal Reserve Bank continues on a monetary tightening path, with at least three interest rate hikes expected this year alone. Other global central banks have also signalled that the end of their quantitative easing programmes is in sight, with the Fed already ahead in paring its bond purchases.

So some of the new eurobond issuances by African sovereigns are pre-emptory.

But a chunky portion of these issues are for the refinancing of existing debt, in foreign and local currencies. Some are also motivated by political ends, as incumbent governments race

to complete projects ahead of crucial elections.

Verner Ayukegba, principal analyst for sub-Saharan African economics and country risk at London-based IHS Markit, thinks that some of the issuances are also aimed at “diversifying revenue away from oil and other resources (in the cases of Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana for instance) in light of their price volatility in the international markets.”

Regardless of the motivation, however, the risks are the same.

If caution is not exercised, the debt binge could eventually take African countries back to the dark days of old when almost all of some countries’ public revenue was used to service debt. With some African countries already devoting at least half of their annual revenue to servicing debt, this is not a far-fetched scenario.

So fears about debt sustainability are quite germane.

“Sustainability will depend on a country by country basis; Congo and Mozambique have shown the limits with defaults,” says Ayukegba. “Nigeria seems to still have a better chance due to better diversification in its economy and relatively lower debt to GDP,” he adds.

Examining the risks So in general, is there cause for concern? Afrexim­bank’s Sagna is conditionally optimistic: “If African sovereigns make effective use of the captured proceeds, there is a confluence of events which may just lay the basis of aligned interests. After all, the continent’s credit story is improving nicely after years of slow deterioration, and this growing appetite from global investors may have just found a quite hospitable home.”

Signal Risk’s Gopaldas adds a note of caution: “[Since] this is primarily a ‘search for yield’ play [for international investors] rather than a domestic one, any major change in the global economy from its current ‘Goldilocks’ scenario could drastically alter the equation and see debt servicing costs spike. If investors become more discriminatory with their capital, the spotlight will shift more to country-specific issues – here countries with ‘bad politics and bad economics’ could be in the firing line.

Authorities would therefore be well advised to guard against complacency.”

The Law

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Again, court affirms Anosikes’ ownership of Daily Times

Chief Judge of FCT, Justice Ishaq Bello

CJN Walter Onnoghen

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY HOLDEN AT WUSE ZONE 2, ABUJA BEFORE HIS WORSHIP R. J. EGBE CV/16/18 BETWEEN THE DAILY TIMES NIGERIA PLC- PLAINTIFF AND FIDELIS ANOSIKE } DEFENDANTS NOEL ANOSIKE RULING DELIVERED ON THE 21st MAY, 2018 The parties are absent.

Appearance. C.I.C Dinne Esq. for the defendants.

COURT The defendants through their Counsel filed a Notice of Preliminary objection dated and filed on the 22nd of February, 2018 against the suit of the plaintiff on eight (8) grounds as in the face of the preliminary objection. The preliminary objection is brought pursuant to section 251(1)(e) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

In support of the notice of preliminary objection is 28 paragraph affidavit deposed to by Israel Dinne, adult, male, Christian ,Nigerian citizen and legal practitioners of No. 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama ,Abuja . Attached to the affidavit are six (6) Exhibits - 1-6Exh: 1 is a Re: Financial Bid Opening for Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, Exh 2, are four OfficialReceipts of Bureau of Public Enterprises.

Exh. 3 is a share Sales / Purchase Agreement between Bureau of Public Enterprises and Folio Communication Ltd for the purchase of 233,745,640 Ordinary Shares of Fifty Kobo each in the issued and Paid up Capital of the Daily Times of Nigeria PLC dated the 21/6/2004. Exh. 4 is a letter of Divestment of interest in DSV Ltd dated 2005 . Exh. 5 is a Settlement Agreement between Folio Communications Ltd and Chief Anthony Idigbe ,SAN and the Daily Times of Nigeria PLC and DSV ltd and Hallmark Bank PLC and Bureau of Public Enterprises and Nigeria Stick Exchange and Nduka Obaigbena. Exh. 6 is the judgment of the Federal High Court holden at Lagos delivered on the 24/4/2006.

Also filed with the Notice of preliminary objection is a written address which the defendants’ Counsel adopted along with the notice on the 13/4/18 and where fore the defendants Counsel formulated a lone issue for determination by this court, to wit: Whether the Magistrate Court has jurisdiction to entertain this suit.

Also filed by the learned defendants Counsel is a 17 para. Further affidavit in support of the preliminary objection deposed to by same deponent and filed on the 22/3/18. Attached to the further affidavit are 6 Exhibits . Exhibits F1-F6 . Exhibits F1F3 are judgments of the Court of Appeal . Exhibits F4 and F5 are First Information

AGF, Abubakar Malami

Reports(FIRs) and Exh. 6 is a letter of appointment as a receiver over the Assets of the Daily Times dated and filed on the 26/1/18.

In response to the defendants affidavit, the plaintiff filed an eight para. counter affidavit deposed to by Sen. ikechukwu Obiorah, mal3 ,Christian of plot 573 Yabuku Gowon Crescent Asokoro ,Abuja. Attached to the counter affidavit is an exhibit . Exh D1.is plaintiff ’s Form CAC 2. Also filed with the counter

the plaintiff ’s counter - affidavit aroused the curiosity of the Court.

Para. 5. reads.

I am aware that Folio Communication ltd could not meet termsof a consent judgment entered at one point in the past and same lapsed by operation of law and effluxion of time.

This paragraph necessitated the Court’s directive to be addressed. Both parties filed and adopted the addresses on the 14/5/18. The plaintiff counsel however files a further counter affidavit and Exhibits attached hereto which the defendant counsel objected to.

I agreed with the defendants’ counsel, after parties had argued their cases, I could not have asked parties to adduce further or additional evidence to substantiate or support their case at the expenses of any of parties. That was not my intention. My intention was strictly to be addressed on how a judgment of a competent Court could lapse by operation of law and or effluxion of time without more. Therefore, the plaintiff ’s further counter affidavit and all the exhibits attached thereto is struck out.

Back to whether this Court has jurisdiction to entertain this case, the plaintiff ’s claim before me is the tortuous act of passing - off which this Court undoubtedly has the jurisdiction to entertain .On this I agree with the plaintiff counsel.

However, I cannot feign ignorance or pretend that there is more to it . The totality of the evidence before me by way of affidavit evidence and exhibits , particularly, exhibit 6, seems to me that there is an ownership dispute of the plaintiff between the defendants and the deponent to the counteraffidavit. The tort of passing - off can only be derived from the right of ownership.

Therefore, it is my view that it will be meaningless to deal with the right of passing off with out the right of ownership.

It will amount to placing something on nothing and a sheer waste of time and energy which this Court is not ready to embark on. The case is therefore struck out.

TIMES LAW REPORT

affidavit is plaintiff ’s written address wherein plaintiff ’s counsel adopted the sole issue formulated by the defendants counsel I.e. Whether the Magistrate Court has the jurisdiction to entertain this suit.

In arguing his issue , the defendants’ counsel submitted that this Court lacks the jurisdiction as section 251(1)(e) and (3) if the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reserves it for Federal High Court. He argued that jurisdiction is the foundation upon which a Court of law is vested with authority to adjudicate on matters and referred the Court to a plethora of cases, including Madukolu,v Nkemdilim (1962 )1 All NLR 587.

On the other hand, the learned plaintiff counsel argued that it is the claim of the aintiff that determines the jurisdiction of the Court and neither the defendant’ statement of defence NIR the defendant’s misrepresentation of the plaintiff ’s case and referred the Court to the cases of Aremo 2 v. Adekanye (2004) 13 NWLR (pt. 8910)572 and Abubakar v. Usman (2009) 6 NWLR (pt. 1136)68 amongst others.

He submitted that this Court has the requisite jurisdiction to entertain this suit as sane is found on the tort of passing - off under section 13 (a) of the District Court Act. The plaintiff counsel urged this court to have recourse only to the plaintiff ’s plaint and dismiss the preliminary objection.

However, while reading through the processes, para. 5 of

The Law L2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Lawyer decry inadequate numbers of judges, courts in Lagos A senior lawyer, Mr Chris Ekemezie, in this interview with PETER FOWOYO, speaks about the recent warning by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to judicial officers not to post their comments, pictures on social media, the delay in the administration of justice especially in Lagos State and sundry other issues.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, recently warned judicial officers not to post their pictures, comments on social media. How do you view this warning?

I think it is the right thing that the Chief Justice did. By section 318 of the constitution (1999 as amended), judicial officers is defined as all the persons that hold and sit as judges in the courts of record in Nigeria.

What it means is that anybody who sit as a judge of the High Court or the Appellate Court, or the Supreme Court, or the other courts like the Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal, are not supposed to be going on social media based on the fact that there are every chances that every day, people will litigates on issues and if a judge who in the course of social media chat airs his views before any matter, he has taken side without looking at the fact, without hearing the parties, which a judge is not supposed to do.

If they post these comments and post their images, it is not in tandem with judicial concept of what a judge is. A judge is seen as next to God. It means that he is advertising himself and he has taken side one way or the other. Then he will no longer be able to dispense justice. The emblem of the judiciary of the blind lady is no longer there because he has seen, he has spoken, he has taken side.

Anybody who goes before him, if he doesn’t agree with his views or the position he has taken basically, you’re losing before him. He can no longer dispense justice. I think in my opinion that the Chief Justice was right by forbidding them.

That order does not extend to other staff in the judicial system who are not sitting as judges because by the definition given to judicial officers and judicial office in section 318 of the constitution, these people are not judicial officers, they are mere civil servants and the rules of the civil servants of course prevails on them, not that of the judicial officers.

Stakeholders in the justice sector are of the view that the legal profession is still conservative one. Do you share this view?

Naturally, the judiciary or the legal practice combined judiciary worldwide is a conservative profession. It takes time for it to change or adapt to whatever is changing the system. I think we do not just get up and radicalize this thing in the judicial system because if we do, we will be running far ahead of the system where we are.

It has been conservative in a sense of the mode of dressing and the rest of that. These are the honors given to the judiciary and lawyers are not allowed to do other things or hold business that will ordinarily impugn on the integrity of lawyers or which is defined as not been compatible with the status of the legal practice.

It is seen as a noble profession just as you look at the royalty in England, they don’t adapt with time, it takes time gradually and you don’t expect the judiciary in Nigeria to just rise up and do so. The adjudication in England has taken some time because of studies they are having to change a little but, it is not that the profession in England is still not conservative. It is still much more conservative in England and in so many other jurisdictions in Commonwealth countries. I’m in support of

Chris Ekemezie

it being moderate. Being moderate and partly being conservative.

How best can the judiciary deal with the delay of cases in our courts?

On the issue of delays we have in the judicial system, it’s a factor of our system because for instance in Lagos state, a state adjudged to be about 20 million in terms of its population and people brings all kinds of litigations, every small thing goes to court. We have only 47 judges in the High Court of Lagos state and there is no way this 47 judges will be sufficient to adjudicate for people of about 20million who are ever conscious of their rights and approaching the courts on daily basis.

They are being overwhelmed and the justice system are still done in long hands, there are no recording system, there are no stenographers, there’s nothing to enhance or help the judges to even proceed by going fast. So where a judge has about 20 matters to 30 on the list in a day and he has volumes of files in each of those matters, there is no way being a human being he will sit from morning till 3:00pm and be able to attend to all these matters judiciously .

In Lagos state, we need at least about 500 judges sitting in almost everywhere in the state. People come from far and remote places to attend matters in the courts in Ikeja and on the Island. The few courts in Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe are not enough, there are just one or

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two judges in those divisions and they are not sufficient for the kind of population we have in this areas.

The whole idea is that there should have been High Courts in Surulere, in Apapa, in Ojodu, in Berger, in Agege, in Alimosho, all these places need to have a High Court. For instance, I know that some states in the Eastern Nigeria like Enugu and Anambra states have High Courts in every local government area. It help to dispense justice fast.

Judges should have about 7 or 8 matters in a day, they will be able to attend to those matters but, they are overwhelmed by the volume of work they have and that is why they keep giving adjournments because there is nothing they can do when from Monday to Friday, they sit down from morning till 3:00pm writing on long hands. The system need to change automatically by bringing more judges, creating more courtrooms, train the judges, train stenographers then with that we can now implement the kind of system in America or Britain where preliminary cases are taken and dates are set for trials from day to day and then justice is dispensed.

In some of these jurisdictions, criminal courts sit on Saturday and Sunday where the police arrest somebody and there’s need to charge that person to court and bail are formalities, people are usually granted bail except in exceptional circumstances where it’s an offence that is capital punishment then

...a state adjudged to be about 20 million in terms of its population and people brings all kinds of litigations, every small thing goes to court. We have only 47 judges...

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that is when judges sit to hear bail application for and against why the person should not be allowed to go or why the person should be allowed to go .

But in Nigeria, for any small thing, including people fighting on the streets are thrown inside the prison and given bail conditions that they can never meet. That is why the prisons are congested, there are matters that should have been dispensed as fast as possible but, they are not attending to them because there are so many of them and more over, the police are fond of arraigning people who have not actually violated the laws but, for the sake of arresting and charging them to court.

People are being picked on the streets, wanderings which has been abrogated long time ago are still been charged to court and being remanded in prison custody. We have a lot of issues with the judicial system made more by the other arms of government, not from the judiciary itself.

How do you view the attack on the Rivers state judiciary where guns boommed in day light?

That incident is a fall out of the decadence we have in the general society. It is unheard of where people should attack the judicial arm of government. These are act of the politicians who feel above the law and aided by the security agencies. Ordinarily, it’s unheard of, it reinforces the call that the judiciary being an arm of government needs armed Marshall who should guard the courts.

The other thing is that our judicial system has tolerated this kind of thuggery, brigands that is happening by the politicians. In sane society, where people are found to have rigged elections, invaded the judicial system or truncated those kind of systems, they are barred from ever contesting elections at all for a period of time.

But in Nigeria, people rig elections the reward for rigging election is to go back and sit again even when a governor rig elections and he is adjudged to have rigged elections, he is asked to go back and that even extend his tenure after the election is seen more as to begin a new term, the old one is just wiped away, it is wrong.

In this society, people should be punished for the crimes they commits but, people are not being punished because there is overbearing influence from those in the government one way or the other on the society. When people commit these offences that they should be punished in other society like in England, no matter how highly placed you’re or in America, of course, they come after you. The society and the police go after the biggest people in the society when they commit offence than the lesser people.

When you’re big and rich or influential in the society that should have dawn on you to be much more careful, to respect the law.

But in our own society, they are above the law. They do it and get away with it. It is unfortunate that such thing should happened in the High Court of Rivers state which is just behind the government house and behind the police headquarters in Rivers state and people will do it and get away with it under the arms of AK 47 as reported, brandishing it and shooting amazingly, injuring a lot of people and still walk away, not apprehended, unprosecuted and we say it is political. It is a thing we should look into and government should live up to its standard and deal with whoever is involved, not just encouraging it.

What does this attack portend for democracy especially as 2019 elections draw near?

We need to search inwards and see CONTINUE ON THE NEXT PAGE

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

L3 The Law

Take pro bono briefs, Ayorinde tasks lawyers Peter Fowoyo

The former chairman, Legal Aid Council (LAC), Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN, has asked lawyers under the aegis of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to be ready to take on briefs Pro bono publico, that is, briefs for the public good without charging any professional fees.

Chief Ayorinde SAN, who was the guest speaker at the professional dinner of the NBA, Ibadan branch last week Thursday gave the advice while delivering a paper titled: “Ethics and Culture at the Bar.” He noted that one of his most satisfying cases was to assist a young Architect in the employment of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) who was involved in a motor accident while on duty.

“He was a passenger in a NITEL Official Car when the accident occurred. After some treatment in the hospital at the expense of NITEL, he was laid off.

He had lost one eye and he could not draw a straight line.

“You can imagine an Architect who could not draw a straight line. In a twist of fate he had become jobless and hopeless. I was delighted when the Lagos High Court finally entered Judgment in his favour.

He was able to start a new life. We remain friends till this day.

“It is worthy of note that applicants for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria are now required to submit a list of Pro bono cases they have handled.”

Chief Ayorinde SAN, also listed other ethical requirements to include the lawyers’ duty to the Court, rules relating to relationships with clients and other lawyers, improper attraction of business and remuneration.

“Ethics and Culture at the Bar is the way of life of lawyers, their behaviour, their ideas of what is good and bad behavior. Ethics and Culture is codified in many commonwealth jurisdictions. It relates to our moral behaviour in and out of Court or chambers.

In Nigeria codification can be found in the Rules of Professional Conduct in the Legal Profession, Legal Practitioners Act, Cap 207 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

“The Legal Profession Worldwide is very particular about Ethics and Culture and these include the conduct and decorum of lawyers.

“Although Lawyers are considered as being in the top bracket of professionals in the worldwide, Investopedia ranks Surgeons, Psychiatrists, General Practice Physicians, Senior Level Corporate Executives, Dentists, Petroleum Engineers, Orthodontists, Data Scientists, Air Traffic Controllers and Pharmacists as the top ten professional earners.

My research shows me that lawyers were not even in the 10 most-in-demand jobs in 2017. Don’t be

surprised that this list includes “Truck Drivers” in the United States. However it is generally accepted that being a lawyer is a financially booming career path that has attached to it a high degree of status and respect.

“The premium placed on the profession Worldwide is still very high. Therefore a correspondingly high demand of good standards is not surprising. The saying is very apt – To whom much is given, much is desired.”

He stated that: “Without being disrespectful, it is unlikely that standards and Ethics demanded by National Union of Road Transport Workers or the Association of Blacksmiths will be as stringent as that of lawyers.

“In the case of NBA V. OBIOMA (2010) 14 NWLR (PT 1231) 641 AT 680 the Supreme Court of Nigeria held as follows: “Legal practice is a very serious business that is to be undertaken by serious minded practitioners particularly as both the legally trained minds and those not so trained always learn from our examples.

We therefore owe the legal profession the duty to maintain the very high standards required in the practice of the profession in this country.

“Also in the postscript to his book titled “Threat to the Rule of Law” Honourable Justice T.A.A. Ayorinde, Former Chief Judge of Oyo State wrote that “The standards of behavior required by the law should always be upheld by the Courts. Judges are supposed to be custodians of these standards” and that “I believe a good judge should keep away from socialising with any persons but with very few persons of his social standing and orientation.

We must show our fellowmen by our decisions and behaviours how to behave according to law to achieve peace, order and good government. This is how Judges can get over their trials successfully and be seen to be discharged and acquitted by civilized people.

“Our Ethics demand that lawyers must never be rude or insulting to the Court or to opposing lawyers even if much Junior. The use of the words “Strange” and “Mysterious” in describing the Judgment of a Lower Court was held to be grossly inappropriate and inconsistent with High ethical Standards of the Profession. See ETIM V OBOT (2010) 12 NWLR (PRT 1207) 108.

Judge expects from an advocate the following: i.

Simplicity of presentation. You must be lucid in your presentation ii.

Selectivity – separate the relevant from the irrelevant as irrelevancies becloud your otherwise good points. iii Straight – forwardness. Go to the issues

L-R: Dame of the Bar, Chief Mrs. Folake Solanke SAN, with Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN, at the NBA Ibadan branch professional dinner, Oyo state.

and refrain from beating about the bush. iv.

Brevity. The simpler, the better. v. Candour – Courts detests deceitful Counsel. Counsel must use every opportunity to be truthful to the Court. iv.

Resilience – argue with conviction as half hearted presentations are indication of a bad case. vii. Proper preparation: the Court must perceive you as thorough in your preparation. This is more apt in these days of front loading processes. viii. Courage, but not recklessness. Respect the judge but do not fear him. Put your point across respectfully without being discourteous.

“In his work titled Advocacy, Ethics and the Bar Chief Richard Akinjide CON, SAN FCIArb (UK) suggested that every advocate should read two of Shakespare’s Plays “The Merchant of Venice” and “Julius Ceaser”. I have read both plays and found them to be inspiring. In the words of Chief Richard Akinjide “Broadly there are three lessons to be learnt from Shylock V. Antonio: First, a good advocate should not take light hints from the Bench. Shylock did not observe that norm in the belief that his case was cast-iron. He lost.

“Second, statues should not be interpreted or applied in a way that takes leave of common sense.

Interpretation must be fair and equitable and be seen to meet the ends of justice.

“Third, if Counsel is offered a fair settlement in a case, he should recommend acceptance to his client and not reject it on the ground that his client’s case is good and would probably get more after a full trial”.

“Ethics, Culture and conduct also include Decorum and Dressing. As a junior once you sight

the late Kehinde Sofola SAN, CON approaching, you will immediately check yourself to ensure you were properly fitted out. Judges would refuse to see or hear badly dressed counsel in Court.

“Things have gone southwards. Lawyers now dress badly to Court. Lawyers dress badly on the Road. Lawyers dress badly in their Chambers.

“This is unacceptable and should be looked into.

I implore that all Local Bars set up Ethics, Culture, Decorum and Dressing Committees to ensure that good standards are kept and maintained. I also recommend an Ethical provision from the Indian Bar which is, another commonwealth jurisdiction.

Indian Lawyers are strictly enjoined to ensure that they drop briefs when a client desires the Lawyer to engage in any unethical practice. This means that the desire for success should never tempt a lawyer to engage in untoward practice. After all, when the Lawyer gets into trouble, the Client quickly abandons him for another lawyer at the same or even lesser fees.

“We must not only focus on the discipline and punishment of erring lawyers but encourage the setting up of a Bar Standards Board. Such a Board will ensure that the profession is practiced at the highest quality level. Lawyers should be required to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to maintain and improve their skills.

“Our disciplinary measures should not only be limited to warnings or reprimands where the offending lawyer has not been found to be gravely wanting. Such situations should include directive that the erring lawyer compulsorily attend recognized CPD Courses and report back to the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar.”

Lawyer decry inadequate numbers of judges, courts in Lagos CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

whether we are actually qualified or fitted for democracy we practice where people can be so lawless and do those things in the courts and walk away. I feel the security agencies have been compromised, they need independent protective arm and those calling for state police in view of things like this, those things have their pros and con because if you look at the agencies those at the states need overhaul more than the federal bodies but, the institutions seems to be strengthened more independent of this arms of government even though they complement each other, they don’t take that kind of instructions from the executive arm on how to carry out their duties, they should own their duties to the constitution of Nigeria and not to the appointing officers. What happened in Rivers state actually portend grave danger to the society. If in the normal time, such thing could happen, it means that the time of the election which is usually filled with thuggery and brigandage of the politicians, it will spell doom for so many people. This country is the only place in the world we have election tribunals instituted because people know and they have accepted that elections must be rigged and they must be challenged in the court, there

is no other place. In Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia and the rest of them, you don’t have election tribunals instituted because people don’t rig elections. They contest, they lose, they go and if there are rigging because there is no free and fair election anywhere in the world, not even in the U.S., it’s minimal.

I think we should go back to the republican system or the parliamentary system where the whole country cannot elect the prime minister, they cannot elect the president, where elected members all over the country should within their ruling party elect the prime minister and it is easier to remove the prime minister if he doesn’t govern in accordance with the laws or the constitution. Where somebody now become overlord and then few people in the parliament are the people who are supposed to check him and he can control them and muzzle them,it does not augur well for our system. We have tried it for sometime and it is not really working because we did not copy the proper system in America. There’s no perfect presidential system, there’s no perfect parliamentary system but, we should go back and elect our own people from each local government to represent us in the parliament and those there should now elect the prime minister, if his government fails to perform, he can leave and another person takes

over.

Do you think the electoral umpire can conduct a free and fair elections in 2019?

Other than the PVC they have been asking Nigerians to go and collect which is faults with irregularities, there’s nothing in the air to tell us that we are less than one year away from next general elections which is supposed to take place in February 2019.

There’s just nothing. The electoral umpire supposedly, appears not to know what to do other than maybe they have taken instructions from someone as per who and who to return.

It’s a great danger much more to the system than any other thing.

There is no enlightenment to the populace, nothing, no guidelines even to political parties as to how those things should be conducted, many people are not being educated, nothing is going on and very soon, when the campaign starts there will not be enough time to do anything, this is the time for them to educate Nigerians on party guidelines and the rest of it but, It’s unfortunate that the people who are there now even Nigerians don’t know the chairman of the electoral commission by name.

I feel that body as constituted is incompetent to conduct the general elections.

Some states would be conducting their gubernatorial election this year. What is the implications of this on our federal system?

It’s a part of the rigged elections, where elections are rigged and the decision of the courts that there should be a new elections and then the Supreme Court rules that depending on who wins, his term starts to count from the time of that election. I think that is a wrong system. That’s what has put us into this.

Ordinarily, if there is rigged elections those who are judged to have rigged elections ought to be barred from contesting further elections so that other people can come in but, it should have continued from the time because the burden on INEC announcing result when somebody is elected that election is legitimate and put the person in office but when he goes after the election is nullified, the person who takes over from him should continue from where he stopped.

But in our own system here, it doesn’t happen that way. The new person will start all over again like you have in Amaechi’s case. It started all over again afresh and that becomes a problem. I think there should have been a reversal so that elections can take place once, at the same time throughout the federation.

The Law L4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Senior lawyers fault Supreme Court ruling in Metuh vs FRN & others Andrew Orolua, Abuja Senior lawyers last week voiced their worried that the Courts have lost its inherent powers to the legislature and executive arms of government. They also expressed concern that the politicians through some enactment of a number of laws and introduction of certain policies by the executive arm of government have continues to weaken the Courts and the judiciary.

The situation, they argued at a seminar tagged: “ A review of the ruling of the Supreme Court in SC/457/2016 Metuh Vs FRN & Others” has been made worse.

The Supreme Court ruling in SC/457/2016 Metuh Vs FRN & Others deal with an interlocutory appeal that arose from the trial of a former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh and his CompanyDestra Investment limited who are standing trial on seven count criminal charge before the Federal High Court.

The unanimous ruling of the apex court delivered by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun had upheld Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act which provides that “ An application for a stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before the Courts shall not be entertained”.

Several lawyers at the seminar faulted the decision on the ground that it departed from an earlier decision on Saraki vs. FRN , secondly that it ceded the power of the Courts guaranteed in Section 6 (6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to an Act of the National Assembly.

That the reliance on Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA),2015 to stay proceedings on criminal matters was bound to encourage trial courts to abandon their inherent jurisdiction to exercise discretion on the pretence that they are following precedent.

The convener of the seminar, former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Joseph B. Daudu (SAN) in whose office the seminar was held said they decided to review the ruling because of legal issues involved.

According to him, because it was a topic rooted in legal issues which effect the contributions both of the bench, bar and public institutions that have to do with Administration of Criminal Justice.

So, we felt that instead of using the Rule of Law Development Foundation, that the Office should call our colleagues from bar ,bench and institutions to Brian storm on the issue.

And judging from the success, it appears that it will be a frequent exercise.

On his view on the topic particularly the application of Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 6 (6) (4) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria ,1999, (as amended). Daudu (SAN) said his view is that the Supreme Court may in due course be called upon to review its position on Metuh case.

Because we have seen the effect of not staying proceedings in an interlocutory appeal.

We would have no problem, if instead of hearing the motion for stay of proceedings, it dealt with substantive appeal on no case submission and send it back to the court .

However, the fact that the Supreme Court jettisoned its power willingly which has been given to the courts by the Constitution to be able to stay proceedings in deserving cases embodened the trial courts to think that they can no longer be corrected by the corrective powers of the Constitution.

And because of the fact that the maturity of the trial courts is not as high as the maturity of justices at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court , then you will find that injustice may be perpetuated on the people where cases of people without similarity are treated in same manner.

We want the Courts to return to the former position where the Courts have powers to stay proceedings depending on circumstances of the cases. No one case is similar to other, Daudu stated.

In his paper titled “A review of the ruling of the Supreme Court in SC/457/2016 METUH vs FRN & ANOR”, D.C. Denwigwe (SAN),draw attention to the fact that our administration of criminal justice has never made any outstanding provision for the compensation of victims of unlawful and or lawful imprisonment on account of wrong conviction and sentence. He said however that our jurisprudence accepts the principle that it is

CJN, Walter Onnoghen

Joseph Daudu (SAN)

better for many persons to escape punishment than to have one innocent soul suffer in justice .

He said that in the case of Okoye vs C.O.P. (2015), 17 NWLR (pt. 1488) 276 at 300 F -G ,301 A - C 322 D - F & 323 C - H the Supreme Court came out forcefully to spell out and uphold the full essence of Section 36(6 )(b) of the 1999 Constitution. He added, with due respect that the spirit of this decision must reign throughout the duration of the trial until its end, bearing in mind that there is no enshrined remedy for a mistrial in a criminal case which results in conviction and imprisonment no matter how short the duration is.

He observed that in the recent decision of the Supreme Court delivered on the 23rd day of March, 2018 in Appeal No. SC / 375/2015 (unreported) Mathew Nwalu vs. The State the Appellant appeal against his convention and sentence to death was allowed after 22 years of his sentence The question which no one is eager to ask is what becomes of the waste of the life of the citizen for a period of 22 years.

This case bears testimony to the fact that it does not happen that the citizen is wrongly deprived of his liberty and wrongly subjected to indignity.

He noted that it takes quite some time for a person serving sentence to arrive the judgment table of our appellate courts .

A typical example , according to him , came up in the case of Aliu Bello & 13 Ors vs. AG, Oyo State (1986) Vol. 17 NSCC 1257 where the Supreme Court held that provision for stay of execution of judgment must be inferred from the provisions of the Constitutional right of appeal of the convict and the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and that the Governor of a State cannot lawfully order the execution of the convict who has appealed against his conviction when his appeal has not been finally determined.

In Metuh vs. FRN (2017)11 NWLR (pt.1575) 157 at 15-176 H- A and 182 G - H the Supreme Court acknowledged the point that stay of execution and stay proceedings pending appeal are dependent entirely on the discretionary powers of the court.

The worrisome point is the juncture when in the same judgment at pages 176-177 G - B, 179A - C, E- F 180 C- E, 181 - 182 G- C and 183C-E their Lordships exposed themselves ( with all due respect) to the suspension that they yielded and ceded their judicial powers intentionally and calculatedly vested and invested in them by Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended)to the legislature.

His complaint is that the judicial powers of the court had earlier been challenged by the legislature during the 2nd Republic when the Electoral Act ,1982 was enacted to delimit the time within which the judgment of the court must be delivered in election petitions. The Supreme Court stood up and guarded their judicial powers jealously by interpreting those provisions of sections 129(3) and 140(2) of the Electoral Act 1982 to conform with the provisions of section 33 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979, in Unongo vs. Aku & ORS (1983) Vol. 14 NSCC 563.

According to Denwigwe, the judicial powers of the Federation and that of the States are respectively vested in the courts which are respectively spelt out in Section 6(3) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution.

These judicial powers are more elaborately spelt out in sections 230(1) to 286 of the 1999 Constitution.

The powers to pronounce on and to protect the citizens fundamental Rights are also specifically vested in the courts by sections 33 (1) to 46 of the same 1999 Constitution.

The legislature like the executive arms of government guard their powers and jurisdictions absolutely. The judiciary owes itself and the citizens a duty to guard their constitutional powers and jurisdiction jealously. Power is hardly ever given.

It is always taken. Their preferred hunting ground is the judiciary. But no arm of government has any power at all to override any provision of the Constitution. The reason why they can not do so can be found in section 1(1)&(2)of the Constitution which proclaims the supremacy and inviolability of the provisions of the Constitution over every other laws in Nigeria.

Section 40 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 paid due respect to the supremacy of the Constitution. On the meaning of the word “ subject to “ when used in a statute, See Uchiv vs. Sabo ( 2016) 16 NWLR (pt. 1538) 264 at 327 - 328A - C, 328-329G- F and 330 A-C. Thus it can not pretend to prohibit an application for stay of proceedings in respect if any criminal matter brought by the commission before the High Court . It can not with due respect be relied on as the enabling statute to prohibit what the Constitution has allowed or permitted.

Particularly, as the judicial powers vested on the courts is expressly stated by section 6(6) (b) of the Constitution to “extend to all matters between persons ,or between government or authority and any person in Nigeria, and to all actions and proceedings relating tthereto, for the determination of any question as to the civil rights and obligations of that person”.

He further submitted that ordinarily inherent powers naturally exist in the superior courts of record by don’t of their very existence as such courts See ERISI vs IDIKA & ORS (1987) 2 NSCC 1201 at 1206.

Denwigwe said that he had privilege and benefit of reading the contribution of Learned Brother Silk Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN which is published on pages 23 to 47 of the SLP Law , journal ,Vol. 4 of April , 2018.wherein he elaborately dwelt on the essence and nature of the inherent powers vested in our courts. He adopt it in its entirety.

Denwigwe said that section 306 of ACJA “ An application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before the court shall not be entertained” is an ouster clause which set out to remove from the court a power and discretion which the Constitution expressly vested in the courts.

It is coming not from a military dictatorship but from the legislature in a democracy. It does not bear the character of section 40 of the EFCC Act( Supra ). The tradition of the courts is to subject ouster clauses to strict interpretation and to guard the jurisdiction of the superior Courts of records.

See: AQUA vs. ONDO STATE SPORTS COUNCIL (1988)NWLR (pt. 91) 622 at 654 G-H. He said it is therefore very hard to adjust to the reality of the decision of the Supreme Court in METUH vs FRN (Supra). The desire to expedite trial and conclusion of trial cases is very welcome .But one may dare ask whether other cases like civil cases which dwell on facilitation of commerce (local and international) do not deserve speedy dispensation bearing in mind the eroding effect

which delay in such cases inflict on domestic and international confidence in commerce.

He said that the politicians have adopted the mantra of fight against corruption which is a very good and welcome idea. A high performance of court through increase in the number of judges, equipment would be better an approach, than a legislative or executive ouster of the judicial powers and discretion of the courts constitutionally vested.

He also believed that the power and discretion are both vested in our courts to determine who is a “ mischievous defendant” whom the Supreme Court alluded to (per KEKERE-EKUN JSC) at page 181 A-G of the report in METUH vs FRN (Supra).

It is not open to the legislature to predetermine for the court that any defendant who applies for stay of proceedings is mischievous. The power and discretion of the Supreme Court and indeed any other court for that matter to refuse an application for stay of proceedings will never be disputed.

The concern of many lawyers is that the citizens fundamental rights to appeal and to approach superior court of record on interlocutory application should not be ousted without a prior constitutional amendment.

In his contribution a former Attorney General of the Federation , Kanu Agabi (SAN), noted that our judges are good and we should also remember that they are human. He believed that the Administration of Criminal Justice is being harmed by poor investigation as cases are instituted while investigation are on.

We also know that some who are on trial ought not to be on trial. That if we insist on dispensing the trials in hurried manner constitutional rights will continue to suffer. While our sympathy goes to those whose are imperiled the judiciary should expand its powers to resist being destroyed.

Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN) on his part, commended the speaker for a wonderful job, but observed that the sum total of the issue raised is whether Section 306 of ACJA is in conflict with the Constitution.

He posited that the import of section 306 is speedy trial of criminal case because they are people in detention for 22 years facing trial. If we see that lengthy trial as unreasonable and that some other cases are facing similar delay up to ten years then we must support measures including laws that are put in place to address it because it is not in the interest of an accused person to remain on trial for that long, after all, justice is for the state, accused and the society.

He said that section 306 of AJCA did not take away the right of an accused person to be heard “ within a reasonable time.” He maintained that section 306 of the Administration of Criminal of Justice Act is not in conflict with any provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended). If it is in conflict ,the Supreme Court has not seen any conflict in it with the Constitution. I believed that is why it has not strike it down. Rather than being in conflict, Okpeseyi said that section 306 of ACJA complement the Constitution.

According to him,delay in justice delivery takes the public to lose confidence in judiciary .He said however that solutions to issues like transfer, complaint of bias ,poor investigation of cases that were identified as factors contributing to delays are being addressed through training.

He regretted that the effort of the Attorney General of the Federation to restore former practice where all cases going to the court goes through the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) are being resisted by some agencies.

But Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) said that Metuh case started on wrong footing. It raised monumental Constitutional issues. According to him, the issue is not just one upholding Fundamental Human Rights , but an issue that should uphold the independent of the Judiciary.

It is so because for every judge to be able to deliver on assignments they need the inherent power of the court in the exercise of jurisdiction.

He said government policies will continue to change from time to time while our laws will remain in force much longer than policies.

He warned that it potent danger for the judiciary to continue to yield to blackmail of the legislature and executive arms of the government.

On his part, Professor Akinseye George (SAN), said that the nation can not have judiciary that does not respond to the need if the society.

The decision in Metuh is simply saying face your trial, he said. George however asked his colleagues who is speaking for millions of voice less citizens facing trial. The problem ,he said is that if corrupt political system is not curb the whole system will collapse.

In fact, the the Supreme Court deserved to be commended for not allowing the political system to collapse.

In conclusion, majority of the lawyers believed that the ruling in Metuh vs FG should be reviewed particularly as: “ A right conferred can not be taken away by any other statutory provision except by the Constitution itself.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Culture/Art

L5

National Art Theater

Democracy Day: Whither art relevance in Nigeria, experts lament Chris Onuoha Stakeholders in the art industry has decried what they call government neglect of an industry that supposed to generate income for the government. This, they say is not helping both the practitioners and the industry in general, asking for more proactive measures by government to reposition a sector that has been a mainstay of some country’s economy.

Today, May 29, Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day. Be it political remembrance or socio-political revering, it is called celebration. The question then is how can the country proudly say it is celebrating when the components of celebration which is art gains little or no attention from the government.

However, the relevance of art be it visual, literary or theater cannot be overemphasized or taken away from any sort of celebration.

Celebration with its components; leisure games, visits to art centers and museum, visits to tourist sites , theater, cinemas, performance and even indoor entertainment all-encompassing is an art just like life itself is an art.

Looking back at the sector, it has not fared badly on its own as many successes were recorded. On February 29, 2018, Bonhams Auction House in London simulcast auction sale of African contemporary art of which late Prof Ben Enwonwu’s work titled ‘Tutu’ topped the sales by garnering over two million pounds alongside other works by Yusuf Grillo, El-Anatsui and others. Other sales held in Christie’s Auction house in New York and London, Bonhams African Art

sales including Art X auction sales in Lagos among others has indicated that the country and the continent in general has not done badly. These master artists in their own right, both living and past has done great to put the country’s image on the global art map.

Sadly, none of these great sales of Nigerian art has melted the heart of government to look inwards and harness the potentials in the art sector. Art practitioners in their own right, although privately based are components of the society at large. Government in itself accommodated the industry by creating regulatory arm that governs the sector with aim to boost the industry. Question today remains, ‘Has the industry benefited from the government and what is there to celebrate?’

Chief Solomon Ogbonna, a notable art collector and the current president Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos, in his views stated, “Obviously, government has been neglecting the art industry. But I am happy with the Lagos state government who has tried to put historical art pieces in every corner of the state to show the position of art and what it portrays. These however, sends message to people living in Lagos and those coming to Lagos for the first time that art lives here. I believe the federal government should emulate from the state, because such idea regardless of where it is coming from is a way appreciating and helping the industry. If they can replicate what the Lagos state are doing with art decoration all over state, people coming into Nigeria will know how we value our cultural heritage and art.

It will also help promote our tourism which

in other words is a money spinner as see in East and Southern Africa. I think it is what they need to do now to help the art industry in the country.

For the democracy day celebration, I think despite all odds, we must celebrate our own little individual efforts. Going by a popular saying by Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, “Nigerians are known for suffering and smiling”. In that guise, we should at least celebrate to honour our past heroes even in the midst of difficulties and not the present peoples who perhaps refuse to understand.

Oliver Enwonwu, President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) remarked, “We can only celebrate on individual efforts. From the visual perspective, I can say that we are doing better especially from what you can see in Lagos State now. There are more galleries, although privately owned, in Lagos now more than across the state of Nigeria. Nigerian artists are also now exhibiting internationally.

We have the likes of Njideka Akunyili who is doing us proud internationally and also Shonibare among others. We also have our local auctions making good sales. If you also look at Lagos state, there so many sculptural pieces scattered all over the place. I think there’s a remarkable improvement with our local artists competing with the international artist. It can only get better.

“But there’s a need to have collaboration with the federal government to have a viable art practice in the country. Government can work on the National Gallery of art where tourists can come and see work of arts by Nigeria artists as a way of showing the world our history which will also attract foreign

exchange. Government should also look into a situation where artworks purchased in the country are shifted abroad for certification with the artists footing the bills. To me, it doesn’t make a sense. Government can also establish an endowment funds to help artists in the country while collaborating with artists to have works in public places to showcase our heritage and help the industry. To me, that’s a way government can show concern to the industry that has brought honour and money to the country,” Oliver said.

Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, a renowned artist and exponent of print art showed some level of dissatisfaction in his speech during a book launch recently in honour of Pa Timothy Adebanjo Fasuyi in Lagos. In his remarks, he stated, “I will like to use this medium to ask the federal government to ratify the art policy of Nigeria so that art can bring benefits to the country. Talking about insurance for the artists, cultural policy and endowment will take care of that if implemented. When Nigeria celebrated FESTAC in 1977 here in Lagos, some of us the young artists were very naïve and never asked for anything. Now we are asking the federal government to build for the Society of Nigerian Artist a befitting secretariat where they can practice. Art is not only for the money but has a spiritual side to give us identity, prosperity and so on. It is rather shameful for a country like Nigeria to be without a proper gallery. Many years ago, they showed us a drawing of National Gallery and after years after year, they are still carrying the plan about,” Onobrakpeya said.

Culture/Art L6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

CLASSICAL

German Consulate in Lagos donates sound instruments to MUSON music school Chris Onuoha Musical instruments worth over N20 million was donated by the German Embassy in Nigeria to the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) last week Thursday in Lagos. This is coming at the heels of a robust cultural relationship the Embassy in Nigeria has maintained with the Nigeria’s prestigious music school over the years.

MUSON music school situated at the Shell MUSON center at Onikan in Lagos has been the hub of elites providing not only the best classical shows but also trains the best hands in orchestra and opera performances in the country.

The presentation of the musical instruments comprising mainly the violins, violas and spare parts alongside with it to MUSON by the German Consul –General in Lagos, Mr. Ingo Herbert was held at the School’s administrative block, Agip Recital Hall, Onikan to enhance the institution’s standard.

Speaking at the presentation, Ingo Herbert stated, “German Embassy has been a great supporter of MUSON for a long time, I would say, that they consider classic music that is practiced here. I am amazed to see how many people love classical music and play the Orchestra.

Therefore for us, it is part of cultural corporation to support classical music in the country to raise the standard and appreciation. Classical music gets a lot of attention and patronage in Germany and the rest of Europe where there are rich infrastructure and public support.

This is really a field where we can boost corporation between the two countries.”

Speaking further, Mr. Herbert added, “Mr. Michael Vollhardt- a conductor based in Germany comes here because he is someone that has worked around the world with orchestras and loves to come also to Lagos Nigeria to work with MUSON and has established the relationship but that was directly between him and MUSON. From the German Consulate (German Government), we are for broad-range cultural corporation. This is one field we would say “let’s support”,

L-R: Manuel Druminski, music instructor at MUSON; Mr. Ingo Herbert, Consular General, German Consulate in Lagos and Louis Mbanefo, vice chairman, MUSON during the presentation in Lagos.

it is also our heritage and tradition which is an interesting thing because you see it as Nigerian music but we see it as world music as well.

He also mentioned that, “The famous Afro beat legend, Fela Kuti, yes, was a Nigerian musician but father of Music that influenced so many contemporary music worldwide and I would say he produced world music from Africa. Also, Hugh Masekela was a South African trumpeter and activist but a world musician from Africa. Nigerians love concerts music.

Whether it is jazz, hip-hop or classital, it is a wonderful tool to connect people easily and show we all understand things as human beings. Nigerian music is danceable. In Berlin for example, Tekno is much more the style to dance. When it comes to contemporary music, Tekno is at the center. He comes from a very industrial sound. Hip hop is much more relaxing to dance.”

The vice chairman of MUSON, Louis Mbanefo in his acceptance speech said, “We have come today to receive

presentation of violins, violas and spare parts from the German Embassy. We are very thrilled but the Germans have been very supportive of MUSON. Right from the inception of MUSON some 34 years ago, the German Embassy has been very active through the Goethe Institut which is the cultural arm of the embassy and they have provided us with a lot of comfort with musicians coming from Germany. They have been extremely supportive and encouraging. Apart from the Embassy, we have had the Germany School in Lagos; the Musical Director has also been very active in taking part in our concerts and other activities. In addition to that, we have had an artistic director from Germany, Mr. Thomas kanitz; we also have currently a conductor from Germany Mr. Michael Vollhardt who comes about three to four times a year to conduct the MUSON orchestra. These are developments that we are happy about. MUSON has a Diploma School of Music which awards Diploma in music after a two year course and is heavily

sponsored by the MTN Foundation.

Many of the products of this school, over three hundred, play major roles making music in the society. They play in churches, teach music, perform at social functions and so on. Many of them have gone to study overseas and have won international accolades for their performances. MUSON is providing an avenue of employment for a lot of talented musicians who otherwise wouldn’t have such opportunity. These are things that the MUSON is doing. In addition we have our regular concerts, our MUSON Festival comes up October of every year and recently we created an Opera Department. One of our Alumni who went to Europe to study Opera for three years, and he is doing tremendous things.

These are things happening in MUSON. When people say it is irrelevant to the society, they couldn’t be more wrong because music is a very important part of any society and MUSON is providing avenue not just for the enjoyment of music for production of future musician and for providing employment for future musicians.”

Also Manuel Druminski, a music instructor from Germany teaching at MUSON added, “The instruments presented to MUSON today will go a long way to help the students who I find very eager and enthusiastic to learn. I came in here in 2017 during a Masterclass conference and I discovered that Nigerians have good musicality and voice for music.

This donation will further enhance their performance and appreciation of classical music.

Arch. Kitoyi Ibare-Akinsan, one of the directors at MUSON also said “It is a welcome development coming from a long time supportive friend, the German embassy. Having received all these gadgets, for us here, it requires the policy of maintenance and discipline.

We will ensure that the instruments are well maintained. This will also help the music industry in the country despite the fact that other genres seem to lack some level of discipline which we take into consideration at MUSON.”

Artist advocates biennial arts’ festival in Lagos to boost inbound tourism A renowned visual artist, Kolade Oshinowo, on Monday urged the Lagos State Government (LASG) to organise a biennial arts’ festival that would attract local and international tourists.

Oshinowo is a member of the Board of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the biennial festival should be planned such that it could be included in the international calendar for cultural activities.

He said that it would give room for proper marketing and exhibition of Nigerian artists’ works as tourists and visitors from

all over the world would be opportune to share ideas.

According to him, this will make the state to achieve its aim of being listed among the best five tourism hubs worldwide.

“It is quite necessary to take the arts industry to the next level by organising a Lagos Biennial, it can also be replicated in other states of the federation. “ We need this festival to boost the state’s economy and minimise the rate at which tourists had been travelling to other countries and spend their monies to see there what we have in the country,” he said.

He said that Nigerian paintings, drawings,

sculptures, textiles, beads, batik, tie-anddye “adire’’ and all forms of crafts would be exhibited there as well as exhibitions from performing artists.

“It is just unfortunate that Nigerians take their monies to foreign countries thus helping them to develop their economies at our own detriment.

“We have intelligent and creative artists who can deliver art products capable of attracting local and foreign tourists,” he said.

Oshinowo said art festival had become a tradition in South Africa, Greece, Senegal, and the United States of America and in some other developed countries.

He said that most developed and developing countries had improved their economies by hosting art festivals and grooming the creative industry.

He said that other local festivals such as “Eyo’’ and “Ojude Oba’’ festivals should be modernised to allay such superstitious beliefs that they had some elements of fetish practices in them.

“Some Nigerians see some aspects of our culture as fetish but it is not true, it is only the negative effect of colonisation.

“When we see our culture as being fetish, what impression should foreigners have about our culture?” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 29, 2018

By Chris Onuoha Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Oladapo Ogunjobi. I am a last born of three children in the family of Justice Ogunjobi, a judge with the High Court of Lagos State and my mum is an educationist, runs a school in Lagos State. My brother is a computer engineer and my sister is an entrepreneur while I am an artist. It’s a unique family with everybody in their own light and professional. I studied Creative Art at University of Lagos and just graduated last year, 2017. Although before my graduation from school, I run a creative photography studio in Yaba, Lagos. I was invited by the New York Times for a Photography Review of my submitted work which turned out to be successful.

L7 Culture/Art

My work speaks to global audience beyond my environment – Oladapo Ogunjobi Oladapo Ogunjobi is a young Nigerian creative photographer. He was invited by the New York Times in America in the month of April for the 2018 Times Photo Review exercise of his work titled “Nature of being”. Having graduated from University of Lagos where he studied Creative Art, 2017 session, he opted for Conceptual photography against visual art practice of painting and drawing as a way of expressing his creativity in a different dimension. Oladapo, who just came back from New York Times Photo Review where his work was selected as the best, spoke to The Daily Times art correspondent about his experience so far.

You are a college trained visual artist. You dropped the brush and paint and opted for photography why?

First of all, it is passion for the art and also for the photography. I started photography practice while I was in school and has been doing it full time now as a career. As a creative artist who paints, draw and designs, I found it really comfortable to work with photography because it is easier for me to record scenes and characters and later create master piece with it.

Besides, it is people and environment around me – my mum, my dad, sibling and friends as well, that inspired me into the art of photo shooting. But it was my mum that first spotted my special skill in photography. She first saw my photo shots and encouraged me to develop and enhance the career. My dad has been supportive as well.

Aside the supports, inspiration comes from random things I see around me that I pay attention to. As an artist, I use art to bring people back to reality and photography to me is something related to it. It’s just something you see that needs no explanation.

Your work was selected by New York Times Photo review department for review.

How did you perform the magic?

I wasn’t connected or picked by anyone.

After creating some jobs, I started to search online for ways to push myself further, not just sitting down and doing exhibitions alone.

I surfed online and bumped into the site of the New York Times Photo exhibition and Reviews.

I discovered that I can submit work for free. I submitted just one work through online for a trial and waited for acceptance. Other people to my knowledge submitted many works, while mine was just one piece.

Unfortunately, I submitted my work with a wrong email address unknowingly. I was not contacted and did not know that my work has long been accepted. It happened that one of the photographers who picked interest in my work searched my name and got my Instagram account and informed me that my work has been accepted, that I should forward a right email address for further contact. This just happened April this year and I was contacted and invited to New York Times office in the United States for the review. The concept I sent was titled the ‘Nature of being’. This is a work that really made understand what life is all about. I created this image by myself. It’s an image that gave me a different view about lie.

An image created from nothing.

I was like telling everybody story about meaning of life, speaking to people who perhaps got lost with issues of life and wants to get out of it. It is a work that when you look at it you can’t help but think of how to manage issues of life. The image is about figures aiming for perfection which ordinarily is never possible in life. This particular work is talking about what you do while you are alive and how what you are doing affects other people and you as well. It’s a work that has a global phenomenon. This is one work that passes my father’s eye ever since I started the photography. On this review, we were about 3000 applicants shortlisted and about 300 were selected and mine made it.

Do you see going into photography as

should I see myself left behind. The inspiration is heavily spurred from my family. When I see my brother doing great in his career as a computer engineer, and my sister credibly excelling in her entrepreneurial business, I just have to get up and do something great as well.

It is not compulsory but it is necessary.

Is this a foundation trend imbued in the family or is it something that exists from everyone’s imagination?

I don’t think so. I just have to be different. I don’t have to rely on my father’s influence or wait to be pushed. I just have to create what the world would see and see and believe in me. There’s this connection to market yourself, going by the family influence but before the marketing, I needed to create the impression and work hard to merit it. In the family, we don’t have limitations. Although, there are rules in the house but we are not subjected to parental obligations. We are free to choose what we want in life as long as it is in tandem with family tradition. My parents are elites and they gave us this opportunity to discover ourselves very young. We are not forced to do anything.

I started handling pencil and drawing at age 4.

Before my dad will come back from work, I will make a drawing and put it on his table. He saw from me at very tender age that art is what I am good in, not like deceiving myself studying mathematics or physics to be a scientist when I am good in another thing. This is same with my siblings. They all discovered themselves at early age and pursued it without restriction from my parents. So, my upbringing was very discovery.

Ogunjobi Oladapo, NY Portfolio Review 2018

an easier way of running away from the complexities of visual painting and drawing as an artist?

I wouldn’t call it easier way because it’s not so easy anyway. Taking pictures is not as easy as what you see. A lot of thoughts, concepts and research go into it. It usually takes up to 2 months of research before I can come up with the kind of concept I create. My idea is not stilllife, landscape or portraiture. It’s deeper than that. It’s a creation like a normal art work that you conceptualize and create from scratch. I use more of my head than my hands, thinking 24 hours to compose what I want to achieve as a perfect art work in photographic genre.

How do you brand your kind of work?

It’s called conceptual artwork. I was recognised by New York Times by the conceptual work rating in a photography exhibition by African artists. I work on conceptual matters like money, life and death, child birth among others. I create works to spark conversations. I am not limited to my environment alone. My works speaks to people in the global scene.

Anybody anywhere can connect to my work.

I pick my subject matter, research and study it before creating an artwork out of it. I also consider people’s reaction to the subject matter which I tried to relate to the work.

From the creative point of view, who shall you say inspire you into that distinct content creation?

For works, I don’t have anybody. I rely upon

my instinct, but for character and ideas, one man that comes to mind is Anthony Septa, a Nigerian creative photographer with bundle of ideas. He does a lot of creative things like multimedia jobs, graphics including photography. I had a stint with him in the course of my development.

In what formal way can we describe your kind of person?

I am a conceptual artist. I define life with my works. I want to be seen as someone who can actually make meaning out life, creating something unique that everybody can see and say you have really made a difference for yourself. You know we have a lot of creative people of my generation who are doing similar thing, but there’s need for one to do something extraordinarily difference.

Your ideas and thoughts sound very wild.

Have you in any way been challenged in life or what can we attribute these wild ideas and imagination to?

There’s this saying that goes thus: “To whom much is given, much is expected”. That’s the kind of words my dad has always been ringing in my head when I was young. I am the last born of the family. It may be just normal for me to sit comfortably at home and do nothing.

Having realised how much time and concern my parents have invested in me, I wouldn’t want to disappoint them including friends who trusted in my creative capability. I just have to keep doing what I have passion for. There are a lot of people doing what I am doing. So why

How do you see photography practice in Nigeria today?

It’s a huge business and broad. It is in various forms – event coverage and conceptual works as an art piece. When you are talking about creating stories that is of human interest, or documenting important programme, it is a different thing entirely. There is energy from every angle of photography.

I own a photography studio even before I finished my studies in Unilag and it is exclusively for creating artworks and not for event coverage. In my studio, I do a lot of things like digital photography, animation, creating stories out of photo shoots, producing and selling them. One of my major works of interest is called ‘Mammon’. The work is talking about money. Money is something that affects our existence in life. I have done a body of work on that subject which I presented in an exhibition.

It sold well. Because of the kind of conceptual works I do with camera, I mass produce for sales. I don’t do event coverage because as an artist, I am more interested in creating master pieces for relics than shooting for people’s order and specification. With event assignments, I don’t have freedom.

My photographic works are used for advertisement, pleasure, and aesthetics. It can be used as a private collection, for book and music album covers. Most of my works for such purposes are basically abstract. There’s one of my collection I called ‘Garri and the milky way’.

This collection creates an illusion of Garri as a food eaten by the rich and the poor. Everybody drinks garri because of its accessibility. The concept is so deep in the sense that an artist using such impression for album cover is telling a story. The image alone will sell the album.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday May 29, 2018

For the Record

Let us go forward from the anguish of the past Yemi Osinbajo Bible text: Exodus 14:10 -15 The children of Israel were on a journey of nation building; the Lord had promised to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey. They had just left the captivity of Egypt, where they were cheated and punished by Pharaoh. God took them on the journey out of captivity, out of anguish, and promised them a place of comfort, abundance and peace.

But the journey was tougher than they expected, suddenly they saw Pharaoh and his army coming after them. They were unarmed, and one of the most vicious armies in history was coming after them. They ran in great fear, with their wives and children. They carried the elderly, the disabled, and the babies, but in front of them was the Red Sea. No boats to cross the sea. They were, “between the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea.”

So they turned to their leader, Moses, who himself was now full of fear because he didn’t expect what they were now experiencing. A lesson here, when God puts you on a journey to your destiny, whether you are a person or a nation, He doesn’t tell you what the challenges will be, lest you refuse to undertake the journey.

So the Israelites turned to their leader, Moses, saying in Exodus 14.11, “because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”

So it is in the journey of nation building and development, our own nation, is no different, we are on a journey from the anguish of the past. There have been

Osinbajo

times when the journey is somewhat tough, difficult, and fearful; we look behind us and see the armies of the past, the armies of division, which led to a civil war where millions died, the armies of religious strife that refuse to leave us, the armies of corruption and graft, those who want us to remain in the captivity of ethnic and religious conflicts.

Ahead of us, we see the Red Sea, bloody conflicts, and the doomsayers saying that the future will be worse than the past!

And then the people say, why did you take us from where we were? The same people who cried in anguish to the Lord,

now say, “you should have left us in Egypt.” We didn’t know you were taking us out of captivity to kill us here in the wilderness. Like Moses, the leadership say to God, but what shall we do oh Lord? We didn’t expect that this would be a journey to destruction.

Then God said to Moses in Exodus 15, “why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Go forward! Don’t turn back!

Moses inspired by God, said to the children of Israel, “do not be afraid, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall

see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

So I say to you brethren in Christ and fellow country men and women, let us go forward, do not look back, the armies of the enemy that you see today threatening to kill and maim, and the claws of poverty and injustice you shall see again no more forever, the Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. We must go forward, we are a people of prophecy.

God has said concerning this nation, that He is building a new Nigeria; a nation where men and women of all tribes and faith, dwell in love and

peace. A nation, where our young people have ample opportunities for productive and rewarding work. The promises of God are sure and certain. 2nd Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him amen, to the glory of God through us. This is the future and we are headed in that direction already.

God bless you all.

Being the remarks of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), at the Democracy Day interdenominational church service, at the National Christian Centre on May 27, 2018.