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Finally, Ekwueme goes home as FG names P.7 varsity after him

Bribery: EFCC files criminal charge against CCT Chairman Umar P.6

Supreme Court begins electronic service of P.6 court processes July 16

FG launches guide to P.6 ease of doing business in Nigeria

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Daily Times: IGP orders withdrawal of cases against Anosikes, 5 workers

Ï Orders investigation on Sen. Obiora, DIG Dagala , DSTV boss, others Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, on Friday ordered the withdrawal of all cases against the Chairman of Folio Media Group (FMG), publisher of The Daily Times, Mr Fidelis Anosike, the Group Managing Director, Bar Noel Anosike and five members of staff of the heritage newspaper.

The IGP also ordered a full

Sen. Obiora

scale investigation into the DTN incident and illegal conduct of Senator Ikechukwu Obiora in connivance with DIG Hycent Dagala alongside ACP Njoku and SP Elizabeth Eze. Obiora had in an attempt to acquire properties belonging to the DTN through fraudulent means, engaged the police to arrest Mr Fidelis Anosike and Noel Anosike. The police thereafter arraigned the Anosikes before a Magistrates’ Court in Mpape,

DIG-Hycent M Dagala

a suburb of Abuja while the court refused to grant them bail.

But an Abuja High Court later granted bail to the Anosikes and berated the magistrate court for refusing to grant bail when the police did not raise objection to the application.

After invading the Abuja office, some police officers, at the instance of Obiora, also invaded the DTN complex in Agidingbi, Continued on page 6

DSTV boss Ogunsanya

Steph-Nora Okere: I cut my teeth in Nollywood before Omotola, L2 Genevieve

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

5 News

Buhari should ignore Obasanjo’s advice – Oshiomhole

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏFormer Edo State Gov-

President Muhammdu Buhari (right) receives the outgoing South African High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr Mnguni during a farewell audience at the State House.

Education:Bayelsa spends N3bn counterpart fund ...constructs, renovates over 500 schools Myke Uzendu, Abuja

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Jonathan Obuebite, has disclosed that the state government has spent over N3billion as counterpart fund in the Education sector in the last six years.

He also stated that the gesture was aimed at attracting Federal Government’s support and presence for the state.

Obuebite stated this in Yenagoa at the ongoing Inter-Ministerial Briefing as part of the activities lined up for the 6th Anniversary of the Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s administration.

He added that the declaration of state of emergency and the huge investment in the educational sector since 2012 has continued to yield positive results in contrast to the deplorable condition of schools inherited by the present administration.

The Commissioner said the infrastructures were in a state of decay while the performance of the students at externally conducted examination (SSSCE and NECO) were

nothing to write home about.

Obuebite said with the declaration of the state of emergency, the state has now become one of the leading states in the education sector.

He cited the construction of headmasters’ quarters, teachers’ quarters and six classroom blocks in more than 500 Primary Schools, renovated over 160 Secondary Schools across the state, introduction of boarding schools and free school feeding programme.

Others listed include the accreditation of the courses at the state-owned Niger Delta University, establishment of the University of Africa, Toru Orua and Bayelsa State Polytechnic at Aleibiri, and funding of scholarship programmes within and outside the country.

The Commissioner commended Governor Dickson for his vision and commitment, especially in conceptualizing the Ijaw National Academy, and expressed appreciation to the State House of Assembly for passing education related bills into law, which he noted would go a long way to sustaining the laudable educa-

tional programmes of the present administration.

Fielding questions from the audience, Obuebite, assured that the state government is working towards ensuring the successful commencement of the Maritime Academy in Okpoama but however warned the public not to pay any money to any person for admission as government has not ordered for such.

He also explained that beneficiaries of the state scholarship to Lincoln University in 2014, followed due process.

Obuebite appealed to parents/guardians to invest in the education of their children/wards as it is the only legacy they can leave for them and enjoined political appointees at all levels to extend their goodwill by investing in the education of at least one youth in the state.

He also called on students to prioritize their education to better their lot, promising that the Restoration Government of Governor Seriake Dickson would not pay lip service to the development of any sector in the state especially the education sector.

Giving the scorecard of

the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Commissioner, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue, Treasury and Accounts, Timipre Seipulou said that the present administration has succeeded in increasing the state annual IGR from a paltry N4.7bn in 2012 to N12.14bn as at the end of last year, representing an average of one billion naira per month.

He said, “When this administration came on board in 2012, secondary school teachers’ wage bill was 866 million naira. But as at November 2017 it was reduced to 600 million naira. For primary schools, which had staff strength of 11,355, the wage bill was 757million naira as at February 2012, but through our verification exercises we were able to reduce it 9000 staff with a wage bill of 569million.”

Seipulou enumerated other achievements to include instituting the monthly transparency briefing, anti-salary fraud law, income and expenditure law, and successful restructuring of the bond obligation inherited by the present administration.

ernor Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday visited the Aso Rock Presidential Villa where he met with President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the end of his visit to the President, Oshiomhole spoke with State House correspondents on the state of the nation and the recent statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Q: Why are you in the Villa?

A: Well, you know it is a new year and I felt since I haven’t been here since 2017, so I came in to wish the president a happy new year and appreciate him for his leadership of the country because, as an APC activist and loyalist, I’m a party man, to reassure him of my absolute and total support for his government and even for 2019.

I think that in moments like this nobody should sit on the fence. Our country has challenges and there are huge temptations here and there and it is important he knows that he has men and women who even at this hour have huge confidence in his leadership ability. Everything taken to account, I believe that every Nigerian who wants us to sustain some of the renewed vigour to deal with one of the most challenging problems that Nigeria has faced, namely corruption and things like that, you cannot but appreciate the president and all that has been done under his leadership this past two years and some months.

Q: So are you saying he shouldn’t heed the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s advice and step aside?

A: I’m not sure when I see the list of the advisers that President Obasanjo is one of the advisers. But I also recall with respect that the day President Obasanjo was swearing in some of his advisers, he did say that anybody who is his adviser can advise him, he will make his own decisions.

And I think that principle still stands.

If you have to review the development in the country, the poverty level and all that?

Let’s trace the root of poverty, it is not something that developed over the past few weeks or few years. If you review all your newspapers’ editorials from my days as president of the NLC, the

challenge has been how do we ensure that the Nigerian economy works for the betterment of the majority of the people, particularly the forgotten rural majority?

So this has been there.

But everybody who understands development issues and if you review Africa development literature, you will agree that one of the key issues that explains the paradox between a potentially very rich continent, in the case of Nigeria, a very rich nation, the paradox of a wealthy country but people getting poorer and poorer, has to do with the issue of corruption.

And if you do not deal with that, you cannot deal with other things.

I think this president rightly identifies that as a major area of focus. I think that people have to realise that the amount of damage done by the previous governments, you know, when people say no blame game, maybe yes, maybe no. But where I come from, people say that it is only a fool who will be walking in the road, get into a pothole and fall and then get up and continue the journey, go to the hospital and treat himself. But a wise man must interrogate how and why did I fall, and maybe in the cause of doing that, find that there is a pothole. The first and simple thing to do is to fill that pothole before you continue on your journey and then go ahead and treat yourself.

Nigeria was below ground level and from what you guys report that I read, we have always had challenges, but never in terms of scale, magnitude.

What President Buhari inherited is difficult to describe.

So, I have said so before that when you meet such a situation, your first task is to halt the drift, when you halt the drift, then you stabilise before you begin to go, there is no miracle about it.

I don’t think that anybody who understands the challenge of nation-building, of national economic management, etc will expect that in two years you can fix in a sustainable manner all of the things that have been destroyed over 16 years before this party came into office.

So, yes there are challenges, there are a couple of things we need to begin to do and reinforced, but there is no question that a lot has begun and a lot is being done.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Daily Times: IGP orders withdrawal of cases against Anosikes, 5 workers Continued from page 1

Ikeja where they ransacked, carted away documents including computers, laptops, generator and other valuable equipment.

The police also arrested five members of staff of DTN: Tinuola Ashiru, (Assistant Manager, Human Resources) Ayodele Ibitoye, (Accountant) Afolabi Adeboye, ( Graphics Designer) Marvelous Eyoh Effiong (Graphics Designer) and James Akingbade Olagoke (Advert Officer).

They were later detained at the SARS office in Ikeja where they spent the night. The DTN workers were thereafter driven from Lagos to Abuja by road and were later locked up with criminals at Area 10 Police Station, Abuja for seven days without been charged to court.

Meanwhile, following directives from the IGP for the immediate withdrawal of the cases, the police in a notice of discontinuance dated February 2, 2018, urged the Registrar of the Magistrates’ Court to take a judicial notice of the with-

drawal of case no. CR,10/2018: Between the IGP vs Fidelis Anosike and Noel Anosike.

The letter of discontinuance addressed to the Registrar, Chief Magistrates’ Court, Mpape, Abuja also sought the withdrawal of case no.

CR,10/2018: Between the IGP vs Ayodele Olaleke and 4 ors as well as the withdrawal of motion No: MN/11/2018:between the IGP vs Fidelis Anosike and Another.

The IGP, who was very displeased with the conduct of the police in the whole saga,

expressed shock that the DIG Dagala could arrest, detain and arraign The Daily Times publisher and five DTN workers without his consent.

The police boss, who could not hide his anger, also ordered full investigation of the roles played by the police officers and men involved in the matter.

Supreme Court begins electronic service of court processes July 16 Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

L - R: Tony Ibeziako, Ag. Head, Listings Business Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Mr. John Coumantaros, Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and Paul Gbededo, Group Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc during the Facts Behind Issue presentation at the Exchange...on Friday

Bribery: EFCC files criminal charge against CCT Chairman Umar

Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed two-count criminal charge against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar before an Abuja High Court over his alleged involvement in N10million bribery.

The EFCC had filed the charge through a private lawyer and a human rights activist, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) on Friday in Abuja.

In the court processes made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Friday, Umar was said to have demanded N10million bribe from an accused, Richard Owolabi Taiwo, a Customs officer who was being tried for misconduct. But

Taiwo was said to have offered Umar N1.8million through his personal Assistant, Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi .

The two- charge reads in part: That you Danladi Yakubu Umar being the Chairman of the CCT and presiding over a case with charge No CCT/ ABJ/03/ 12 involving Richard Owolabi Taiwo sometimes in 2012 at Abuja, asked for N10million from Mr. Richard Owolabi Taiwo for a favour to be afterward shown to him in relation to the pending charge No CCT/ ABJ/ C3/ 12 in discharge of your official duties and hereby committed an offence contrary to section 12(a)&(b) of the Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.

Count 2: That you Danladi Yakubu Umar being the Chairman of the Code of Conduct

Tribunal and presiding over a case with charge No CCT/ ABJ/03/ 12 involving one Richard Owolabi Taiwo sometimes in 2012 at Abuja, received N1.8million from Mr.Richard Owolabi Taiwo through your personal Assistant by name Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi for a favour to be afterwards shown to him in relation to the pending charge No CCT/ ABJ/ C3/ 12 in discharge of your official duties and hereby committed an offence contrary to section 12(a)&(b) of the corruption practices and other related offences Act 2003.

The Daily Times recalls that the allegation against Umar which formed the charge came into limelight when the defence lawyers of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who is currently on trial at the tribunal, accused Umar of corruption.

In the meantime, Senator Obiora has abandoned his Abuja residence, following an order by the IGP for his arrest after his illegal actions against the Anosikes and 5 DTN workers.

Incidentally, the whereabouts of Sen Obiora has remained unknown since his fraudulent activities have been exposed.

Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has said that the Supreme Court will in July phase out manual forms of serving court processes in all matters before it.

Justice Onnoghen disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during formal presentation of the ‘Newly retrofitted Court and legal Mail’ at the Supreme Court.

The CJN also implored all judges and lawyers to subscribe to and acquire the legal mail, saying that as “from July 16, 2018, it becomes mandatory to serve court processes through the electronic.

The CJN said, “The Supreme Court will only serve processes by electronic means (Legal Mail), on all matters,” adding that “hence, all new filing as from July 16, ,2018 must bear Counsel’s legal email address.”

Justice Onnoghen stated that no effort was spared in the selection of the best technology solutions and implementation partners to drive the policy for the Nigerian Judiciary and the Legal profession as a whole.

Justice Onnoghen said, “ We intend to replicate the system in all other courts in the near future as the Nigerian Judiciary is committee to employing cutting edge technology to enhance justice administration and provide our citizens with the justice system that is transparent ,fast and accessible.”

Justice Onnoghen who described the technology as unique Legal email system, noted that it will serve as means of communication between the judges, court staff and lawyers as well as between lawyers. He said it will work in such a manner that will permit seamless exchange of information electronically within the judicial ecosystem.

He, however said it is im-

perative that all other Heads of Courts acquire the Legal email addresses for their courts from the Judiciary Information Technology Policy Committee (JITPC) to enhance the work of their litigation departments.

Justice Onnoghen also implored the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), whose President Ababakar Mahmoud (SAN) served as a member of JITPC to work in tandem with the Bench to secure successful implementation of the policy.

The CJN said that quick adoption of the system will enable the judiciary move forward to implement and improve on other components that depend on it.

According to the CJN, efforts in the past to make the Nigerian Judiciary automate has led to the development of Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS), he said.

Presenting a component of the project - “the Lawyers self registration Portal” the Chairman JITPC , Justice Kashim Zannah, noted that it generate proof of service of court processes automatically. He disclosed that so far, there are over 2,000 active users.

He emphasised the need for mass trainings of judicial officers on information technology.

In his remark, the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), said the policy was overdue on the grounds that other sectors have moved ahead in information technology to enhance their works.

CJN, Onoghen

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

News 7

Presidency faults media coverage of Benue killings

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Presidency has faulted media report on the killings arising from the farmers and herdsmen clashes in Benue State, saying that it is unprofessional for certain section of the media to engage in the promotion of hate speech over the farmers/herders crisis The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, stated this on Friday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa.

Shehu said the “growing lack of respect for journalism ethics and press laws in the Nigerian media, especially regarding the clashes in Benue State is very

unfortunate”.

According to him, the frequent expressions of hate speech published by newspapers, in news stories and especially in columns have become a source of concern to all Nigerians.

He said, “We want to state emphatically that a segment of the Nigerian media is sinking deeper and deeper into the mesh of hate speech in spite of repeated appeals by recognised and reputable media bodies, the Government and concerned Nigerians.

“Unfortunately, self-regulation which is the norm in civilised societies has taken flight from many of our newsrooms.

“For instance, a recent column published in a national newspaper (not The Daily Times), said ‘‘President Muhammadu Buhari was the first to endorse the

Benue massacre’’ on New Year Day. The same columnist described the Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali as ‘‘a dyed-in-the-wool Fulani irredentist who places trade over and above human life’’.

“The diatribe went further to invite citizens of the country to arm themselves and fight each other. In addition, one of the newspaper’s Saturday headlines proclaimed: ‘Expect More Blood in Benue…”.

Shehu also said apart from the basic tone of respect expected from an individual who is “supposedly intelligent and educated enough” to know better since they have been granted space to write in a national newspaper, there is the risk of inciting the public to actions that will have gory consequences for the entire

nation for generations to come.”

The presidential spokesman also reminded those “beating the gongs of war and fanning the embers of discord” to remember what happened in Rwanda before the genocide of the early 90s, during which hundreds of thousands of lives were lost as a result of consistent hate speech spewing from that country’s media.

“We must learn to express our grievances and criticisms without resorting to gutter language or to name calling, and the press has a responsibility to maintain that even if it means calling their columnists to order,” he added.

Shehu also stated that in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), President Muhammadu Buhari has the primary duty of protecting lives and proper-

ties of all Nigerians.

He said, “That is what he has been doing in Benue and across the country.

“Calling him a murderer is not only grossly disrespectful but unfair, especially when the President has written a letter to the Senate detailing his efforts to quell the crisis in Benue State, including dispatching the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations for an on the spot assessment of the situation in the aftermath of the unfortunate incident; and receiving a direct briefing from the IG the following day”.

Shehu also appealed to the media to show more decorum and professionalism in the reportage of security and humanitarian situation in the country.

R-L: Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and his Gombe State counterpart, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, during an inspection visit to ongoing construction of Osisioma flyover in Abia State...on Friday.

Finally, Ekwueme goes home as FG names varsity after him ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has renamed the Federal University, Ndufu-Ikwo in Ebonyi State after the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo announced the renaming of the higher institution after the late Ekwueme on Friday at Oko, Anambra State during the burial of the elder statesman.

The late Ekwueme was the former Vice President of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983.

Osinbajo added that the renaming had already been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, who had said Ekwueme was being honoured for his contributions to national development.

Ebonyi StatevGovernor David Umahi also described the develop-

ment as a welcome one and part of his administration’s educational policy.

Governor Umahi in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, commended the federal government for appreciating his educational policy and rewarding same by renaming a federal government university in the state “after a sage and former Vice President of Nigeria.”

Ekwueme, who passed on late last year, ran for President several times but was particularly credited with the idea of the creation of six geopolitical zones in Nigeria when he was a member of the National Constitutional Conference in 2005 during the regime of Sani Abacha.

He had confronted the former

Head of State, the late Gen Sani Abacha with the formation of the G-34, when the late dictator tried to run as life president. The G-34 later metamorphosed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which took over power from the military regime in 1999 when the present republic was inaugurated.

Ekwueme trained and qualified as an architect, a sociologist and a lawyer.

He attended the prestigious Kings College, Lagos, before travelling abroad to pursue university education.

He also founded the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and set up a foundation that offered thousands of scholarships to people from the Old Aguata region.

Call tariff may rise as NCC announces new interconnect rate for telecoms ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it will announce and begin the implementation of a new interconnect rate for telecommunications companies on March 1.

The NCC added that the development was necessary as the 2013 interconnect rate expired in 2016 and the industry had been using an interim interconnect rate of N24.40 kobo per minute for inbound international traffic.

Interconnect rate is the benchmark rate operator A pays operator B for calls made from network A to network B. The rate is important because it determines how much an operator can charge subscribers for making calls to other networks although operators have different plans to attract customers.

Sunday Dare, executive com-

missioner of the NCC, said the new rate has been presented to telecoms operators and it was left to operators to accept the rate or make input.

Dare, who represented the executive vice chairman of the NCC, Prof Garba Danbatta, disclosed this at a stakeholders forum in Lagos on Thursday.

He said: “Apart from the first interconnection rate, which was based on negotiation between the incumbent operator (NITEL) and other operators, all other determinations have been handled by the commission due largely to two reasons, firstly, the negotiated interconnection rate was fraught with many controversies, secondly, and more importantly, there was a need to ensure interconnection rates are cost-oriented in line with international best practice.

Tuesay, January 31, 2018

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday February 3, 2018

Killings: Presidency laments hate speech, demands respect for Buhari The Nigerian Presidency has lamented over hate speech tendencies by some segment of the Nigerian media.

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity told journalists in Abuja on Friday that many media organisation are guilty of reporting hate speech as it concerns the report of clashes in Benue State.

“The growing lack of respect for journalism ethics and press laws in the Nigerian media, especially regarding the clashes in Benue State is very unfor-

tunate.

“The frequent expression of hate speech published by newspapers, in news stories and especially in columns is indeed a source of concern to all.

“We want to state emphatically that a segment of the Nigerian media is sinking deeper and deeper into the mesh of hate speech in spite of repeated appeals by recognised and reputable media bodies, the Government and concerned Nigerians,” Garba Shehu said.

The presidential spokes-

man said also condemned a publication in a national newspaper which said ‘‘President Muhammadu Buhari was the first to endorse the Benue massacre’’ on New Year Day stating that this is inciting members of the public.

Shehu also cited example of a national newspaper with the headlines: ‘Expect More Blood in Benue.’

“Apart from the basic tone of respect expected from an individual who is supposedly intelligent and educated enough to know better since they have been

granted space to write in a national newspaper, there is the risk of inciting the public to actions that will have gory consequences for the entire nation for generations to come.

“Those beating the gongs of war and fanning the embers of discord must remember what prevailed in Rwanda before the genocide of the early 90s, during which hundreds of thousands of lives were lost as a result of consistent hate speech spewing from that country’s media,” he said.

He appealed to the media

to express criticisms without resorting to name calling.

“We must learn to express our grievances and criticisms without resorting to gutter language or to name calling, and the press has a responsibility to maintain that even if it means calling their columnists to order.

Calling for respect for the position of the President, Shehu said President Buhari according to the constitution has the primary duty of protecting life and property and that is what

No regret fighting apartheid In South Africa – Buhari

In his remarks, the outgoing envoy thanked the

“Calling him a murderer is not only grossly disrespectful but unfair, especially when the President has written a letter to the Senate detailing his efforts to quell the crisis in Benue State, including dispatching the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations for an on the spot assessment of the situation in the aftermath of the unfortunate incident; and receiving a direct briefing from the IG the following day.”

L-R Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru of Iru land, Lagos State receiving a distinguished Almunus Award of Eko Boys High School Old Boys Association from Ekorian Engr.

Adeniji Raji while Kayode Enitan and Rilwan Fashina watch with keen interest.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria had no regret fighting the scourge of apartheid in South Africa until a fully democratic system was established in the country.

The President said this on Friday when he received the outgoing South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Louis Mnguni, at the State House in Abuja.

The said Nigeria made lots of sacrifices during the years of apartheid to ensure that full rights were restored to all citizens, irrespective of the colour of their skin.

According to a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, President Buhari informed the diplomat that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its historic and fraternal relationship with South Africa.

The President congratulated Mnguni on the successful completion of his duty tour, saying bilateral relations between both countries would be improvedt, especially in trade where they have areas of competitive advantage.

he has been doing in Benue and across the country.

Buhari meets Edo governor, ex-governor in Aso Rock President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met separately with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state and his predecessor in office, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Emerging from the meeting, Obaseki, who was the first to meet the president, told State House correspondents that he was there to discuss important issues relating to the state with the president, particularly the question of human trafficking and to seek more federal assistance for the state.

He said the state had accepted the problem of human trafficking and had decided to deal with it headlong.

He said: “I discussed two critical issues that bother

us in Edo. One is the issue of human trafficking and irregular migration.

“As you know, it’s a problem with Edo which we have accepted and we have rolled out our strategies to deal with them and we want to work with the federal government and other agencies of government to end this scourge of human trafficking and modern slavery.

“It is against the ethos of humanity for us to accept what is going on with our young people today.

“So, I came to see the president to explain what we are doing in Edo State and to solicits for more federal support for our actions.”

On the discontent ex-

pressed over stipend by some illegal Edo migrants who were recently repatriated from Libya, he said, it was a challenging situation for the government as he admitted that some of them have not received any money.

According to him, “that is part of the challenge.

The issues are very complex. The first set that was brought back by International Organization for Migration (IOM) were given stipend but the last wave of returnees that were repatriated nothing was given to them and they were a bit agitated.

“What we have done in Edo is that to help returnees settle and reintegrated back to their families, we give them stipend for three

months.

“So, what we have done this time around is to bring them to Benin city and then give them the first stipend to go back home and then be able to attend the skills acquisition centres which we have set up to train them.”

The governor commended the federal government for carrying out remedial repair works on the BeninAuchi road which had been in bad shape.

Also speaking with State House correspondents after his meeting with the president, former Edo governor, Oshiomhole said he came to assure the president of his loyalty in the midst of present challenges and for 2019.

He added: “I think that in moments like this nobody should seat on the fence.

Our country has challenges and there is huge temptations here and there and is important he knows that he has men and women who even at this hour have huge confidence in his leadership ability.

“Everything taken to account, I believe that every Nigerian who wants us to sustain some of the renewed vigors to deal with one of the most challenging problems that Nigeria has faced namely corruption and things like that, you cannot but appreciate the president and all that has been done under his leadership this past two years and some months.”

Politics

s

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Systemic failure responsible for corruption in the Judiciary -Pedro ≥≥10&11

OYSIEC sets May 12 for rescheduled Oyo LGs, LCDAs’ election ≥≥ 12

In Enugu, Ambode reiterates support for united, indivisible Nigeria

Stories by Patrick Okohue

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening paid a courtesy visit on his counterpart in Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, where he again reiterated support for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Speaking at the Enugu Government House located at Independence Layout where he was received by top government functionaries, Governor Ambode said since assumption of office, concerted efforts have been made to maintain peace and harmony in the state.

Governor Ambode, who was in Enugu to attend the final burial of late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme in his capacity as the Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, said considering the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos being the melting pot of various cultures, deliberate policies were put in place to promote harmonious relationship among residents.

He said: “I am more Igbo than any other person because Lagos is a cosmopolitan state and I am not too sure whether I can cross any street in Lagos without having an Igbo brother or sister and if you want to govern Lagos properly, you have to abide by the rules and conditions of business men and women and which the majority happens to be our brothers.

“In the last 32 months that I have been governor, I have tried as much as possible to keep peace and keep harmony because that is the only way my economy can grow and that is the only way Nigeria also can grow

UGWUANYI

AMBODE

and that is why we are for a united Nigeria.

“It is also why I am so happy that the last time that the Southern Governors Forum meeting attended by all the Governors was held in Lagos and being the Chairman of the Forum, I took it upon myself that I have to be here for the burial of the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme,” he said.

Besides, Governor Ambode commended Ugwuanyi for the developmental strides in Enugu, saying where other states seem to be having problems; there is dignified peace and stability in Enugu.

“Irrespective of party affiliation, development is development and progress is progress and the whole thing is more about

being people-oriented and we give God all the glory that there are still people who can prove that there is good governance in Nigeria,” said Governor Ambode who was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council.

Aside Governor Ugwuanyi, other dignitaries who joined in receiving Governor Ambode and his entourage at the Lion Building of Enugu Government House located at Independence Layout included the State’s Deputy Governor, Hon Cecelia Ezeilo; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senate’s Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; members of Enugu State Executive Council, among others.

Osun LG poll: Lawyer seeks full disclosure of funds from electoral commission boss The last has yet not be heard of the January 27, 2018 local government election conducted in Osun State, as a human rights activist and lawyer, Barrister Kanmi Ajibola has requested for full information about the money released by the state government for the exercise.

Ajibola in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Mr. Segun Oladuntan and dated 29th January, he gave a seven-day ultimatum to the commission to supply him with how much was received and how the money was expended.

According to him, as an indigene of the state who hails from IkejiArakeji in Oriade Local Government, he and the public deserve to know how much was spent on the polls in just 71 out of 389 wards of the state.

Parts of the letter reads: “I am writing to you in respect of the just concluded Local Government Election in Osun State in your capacity as the chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission.

“Notwithstanding the pendency of the Court matter raising issues

AREGBESOLA

on the election, you went ahead to conduct the election.

“As a public officer serving in a Commission created by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are expected to be law abiding.

“By the provision of the law, every interested citizen of Osun State has the right to make a request from you and your commission information about the amount of money gotten from the Osun State Government and spent on the LG Election

9

conducted on the 27th day of January 2018.

“Also, by the placement of the constitutional duty, every citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall “Make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides.”

In the light of the two legal positions above referred, Ajibola said he made a request for full information about the amount of money received full information about the budget breakdown of what the money was spent on.

“On a special demand, having conducted the LG election during the pendency of the suit in law court challenging you and your commission to so act, I give you and your commission seven (7) days to refund all the money expended on the election back to the Osun State Government account with proof of payment.

“Ajibola threatened that if by the 10th of February, 2018, the OSSIEC Chairman failed to comply with his request, he will “press for it in the Court of Law”.

2019: Kingibe denies presidential ambition Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babagana Kingibe has opened up on his plans for the 2019 elections.

Kingibe said he is not interested in running for the Presidency and has no intentions of taking President Muhammadu Buhari’s job. Kingibe’s statements is coming shortly after his campaign posters for 2019 started circulating.

In a statement released in Abuja Kingibe was quoted as saying, “I am experienced enough in politics to know that you do not start a political campaign with posters without talking to anyone about your ambition.

“My attention has been drawn to the posters being circulated in some cities across the country purporting that I am campaigning to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2019 elections. I want to state clearly that I know nothing about the posters. They were neither produced nor authorised by me.

“I do not know how the posters came about and I know nothing about how they were circulated in those cities. I am experienced enough in politics to know that you do not start a political campaign with posters without talking to anyone about your ambition.

“In any case, I want to state very clearly that I do not have the intention or the desire to contest for any elective post in 2019 or thereafter. I am fully in support of President Muhammadu Buhari and his policies, which I believe will rescue Nigeria from accumulated decay, loss of moral compass and leadership failure. I fervently believe that Nigeria is safe in President Buhari’s hands and he needs to complete and build upon the solid foundations that he is laying.

“I am also very much aware of fictitious petitions and statements made to the EFCC and House of Representatives Committee on Security and National Intelligence linking me to some claims of impropriety. The phantom allegations and the pasting of posters are too striking to be coincidental. This is a miscalculated attempt to malign and defame me.

“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to please ignore all these fabrications and falsehoods.”

2019 election: APC speaks on newly formed coalition The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has reacted to the newly formed political coalition in the country.

The ruling party said the prospect of a coalition ahead of the 2019 general elections does not in any way threaten it.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who spoke in Abuja said, “The prospect of a coalition does not threaten the APC at all. The only threat we can begin to worry about lies with the Nigerian people.

“If it is about competition for power, how many political parties do we have?

That is enough reason for us to worry about competition.

“If another coalition is set up for the purpose of winning power good luck to them, that is the essence of constitutional democracy, a multi-party system thrives in that kind of situation.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Lawal Pedro (SAN), is the immediate past Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State.

In this interview with INIOBONG IWOK, Pedro assesses the antigraft war of the current administration, the 2015 general elections, among other sundry issues.

PEDRO

Systemic failure responsible for corruption in the Judiciary -Pedro What is your assessment of the state of the judiciary?

If I must be honest with you, the Judiciary has fared very well, but there is no perfect institution or situation all the time. The DSS, EFCC, attack on the judiciary is not good enough on both side, but there is no smoke without fire; don’t forget the EFCC and DSS have their core duty and some people have to do the job, so don’t castigate them all the time. What I see is that due processes have to be followed, they do say the wheel of justice grind slowly; but you would get justice, we don’t need all this grandstanding and drama, if you follow due process it may take a while sometime, but at the end the truth would surely prevail.

If any judge is found wanting there is a process to be followed, don’t forget that if a judge is retired in Nigeria he has lost everything, he can’t practice law again in this country, we are not saying, you don’t need to jail such judge before he know has met his doom.

No one is saying they should not be punished, if you commit a criminal offences fine, but it is not good today you are standing in front of a judge for a criminal offence and the next day he is standing in front of another judge for trial. Whatever evidence you have, if there is any offence against a judge, collate it and present the evident to the NJC, the NJC would sit and if found capable he or she would be sanctioned, and the NJC is not stopping the security agent from going ahead with prosecution; the judiciary has done well in the current circumstances, but it can do better.

But was the raid really justifiable in view of the acquitting of some of the judges?

Don’t forget that the DSS have their function and the law is no respecter of person; if this is their modus -operandi in the law, if this is the way the DSS work you can’t fault it, recently the

I disagree that there is so much corruption in the judiciary entirely, there is not so much corruption in the judiciary, we have levels; we have the junior staff and we have middle cadre staff, and the judges and I must say with due respect, if you want to find corruption among the judges it is about five percent out of the lot. Where there is corruption is a result of system failure, but we should not allow that to happen, you must segment it.

EFCC went to arrest the former DG of Nigerian Intelligent Agency, but they could not, and there was intervention from the National Assembly, to show there are ways this thing could be done, it could take a while; but it would be done by following due process, and you know that every investigation you do where you doing to prosecute these people we must ensure fairness. We must respect each other; if you arrest this judge it is still the judiciary that you would take them to, what am saying is that even if you must prosecute it must be the judge that have left office.

Do you agree that there is corruption in the judiciary and you agree, how deep?

I disagree that there is so much corruption in the judiciary entirely, there is not so much corruption in the judiciary, we have levels; we have the junior staff and we have middle cadre staff, and the judges and I must say with due respect, if you want to find corruption among the judges it is about five percent out of the lot. Where there is corruption is a result of system failure, but we should not allow that to happen, you must segment it.

So, where is the real corruption?

Where there is corruption in the judiciary is in the middle and the lower cadre, and it is self-induced by the system, and you must separate the junior and middle cadre staff from the judges.

The corruption is self-imposed and it is with the middle and lower cadre staffs.

For example, the judge delivers judgement and you want a copy of the judgement, the secretary would say it is not ready, they would want you to pay and I said I would not pay 5, 000, because the judge I know would write his judgment before reading it; it happened in my office in the Island, that is why I say it is a total systemic failure and it permeates all our institutions.

I have suggested something like automation, that in the judiciary, with all the computerisation in our court if you don’t give money to an officer your file would not move: because it is an officer that would input the information in the computer, and if this is not done how would the Chief Justice treat and assign the file.

That to me is a system failure and I have advised they should do automation; where the CJN would give guildline that no file would stay on a table for more than 24 hours, as it is today, if the officer is not given bribe the file would not move; all these things I have said is personal and based to me and based on experience. I also suggested that the judges must carry-out sight functions on all their staff.

The CJN should come in, it is true that is not a judge, but he should be able to raise a query to say how long did this file take to get to my table?

What is your assessment of the Anti-graft war of the current administration?

They are only doing what they can within the limit of their resources. I have been a prosecutor for years and some of my mentors are the best of the country, they are the likes of Hon Kess-

ington, Mr. Ola Atohore Adebayo Manuel among others; it is not only about fighting corruption, it is also about administration of criminal justice, corruption is just like an idea, all this act have been provided for in the law , either corruption, or embezzlement of public funds: I don’t believe in special court; my view is that the system should be strengthened, if we create the courts who are the heads , who are the judges that would be in charge of these court?

You want to appoint judges to be in charge of the special courts; what would happen to the civic cases they are presently handling? It is still the same thing; my view is that the government should go and appoint more judges or tell the states to appoint more judges, or create criminal jurisdiction, this would help speed up the existing cases. We have to empower the courts, the investigative arm of government should be empowered, and we should put the right people in the right place. I strongly believe if more money is put into the justice system and in investigation it would reduce the corruption in the country.

EFCC have been losing high profile cases and one of the reasons attributed is that they don’t do thorough investigation, do you see it that way?

That is what I am saying; these institutions have to be empowered, I have been to EFCC office in Abuja, I have seen the condition they work, their offices; they should not be treated like ordinary civil servants, they should be treated well and they should be able to attract the best in law and criminology to their service. I give it to the EFCC, I know what they are experiencing, the government must recognise that this sector is important, and they must spend money on it, if you spend money on these force, you would get proper investigation.

When I was the Solicitor General CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3; 2018

11 Politics

South West group knocks FG over failure to curb killer herdsmen Stories by Patrick Okohue

BUHARI

The South West Think Tank, a group of professionals of diverse background from the six South West States, including Kogi and Kwara states, have knocked the Federal Government for failing to curb killings by herdsmen across the country.

The group, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Chief Femi Davies, said it was saddening that despite the havoc being wreaked by the Fulani herdsmen almost on daily basis, nothing has been done to check their destructive activities.

Since the beginning of the year, the herdsmen have killed over 100 persons across the country, with Benue State suffering the biggest loss.

The herdsmen have also destroyed several farmlands, including those of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, in Ondo State; and a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Samuel Afolayan, in Kwara State.

In the same vein, about 10 hectares of farmland belonging to Chief Bisi Rodipe was also set ablaze by these herdsmen in Ijebu land, while 10 people were also killed by these

rampaging killer herders in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to Davies, the failure of the Federal Government to bring to justice the herdsmen leaves the rest of the country with the impression that the lives of cows are more important than those of human beings, adding: “This government leaves us with no other option than to believe that because they are Fulanis and their own man, President Muhammadu Buhari, is in power, they are untouchable.

“Apart from the human losses, farming could be looming in the country with the burning of farmlands and the refusal of farmers to plant again owing to the fear that the criminal elements operating under the guise of being herdsmen could strike at any time.

“Between Chief Falae, Admiral Afolayan, and Chief Bisi Rodipe, 57 hectares of farmlands were lost.

“In Benue, Taraba and Adamawa states, several hectares of farmlands have also been destroyed.

“This can only portend famine if urgent action is not taken and the perpetrators of this heinous crime brought to justice.”

SWETT equally said the influx of arms and ammunition into the country, part of which is being used by the herdsmen, should also be a source of concern to the government.

Davies said with the proliferation of arms and ammunition, it is becoming obvious that next year’s elections could be in danger, adding: “The security agencies in the country must do their due diligence to find out how these so-called herdsmen come about the sophisticated guns they are using.

“In the same vein, the South West states should exercise its right using the Land Use Act of 1978, in order to protect the farmers.

“This should include compensation for those whose farmlands have been destroyed, with many of them having taken loans from banks.”

The group also expressed its opposition to the proposed cattle colonies across the country, saying: “Our position on this is very clear: no cattle colony will be accepted in the South West and the Yoruba speaking states of Kogi and Kwara.

“Any attempt to forcefully implement this will be forcefully resisted. The practice all over the world in animal rearing is ranching. And on that we stand.”

Obasanjo plotting Buhari’s downfall like he did to Yar’Adua, says Abba Ali A former Senator who represented Katsina in the second republic, Senator Abba Ali has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of plotting the downfall of President Muhammadu Buhari as he did during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua time.

Sen. Ali who served as Senator representing Katsina between 1979 and 1983 accused the former President of plot to take over power from President Buhari and hand it over to another person.

The Senator, who described the plot by the former President as its second agenda, said he did it during late Yar’Adua administration which brought about Goodluck Jonathan becoming the President after Yar’Adua’s death.

Sen. Ali, who was reacting to the former President, Obasanjo’s letter to President Buhari in an interview with some Journalist in the state, said Obasanjo knew Yar’Adua was sick but brought him so that Jonathan can take over the power.

According to him, “I think this is Obasanjo’s agenda. This is the second agenda, he is bringing. He did it during Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

He knows Umaru was not well, he brought him in and then attached Jonathan to him, so that soon he will not be able to complete the tenure, so that Jonathan can take over.

“The same thing this time, he saw that Buhari will die and then. Maybe he wanted Buhari to die and then another person takes over.

“Personally, I think Obasanjo, this is the second or the alternative of getting rid of Buhari. Because the way and manner he (Buhari) started the war against corruption which, if goes deep, he (Obasanjo) is not even safe. Talk about the power, during his tenure in office, he spent over $16billion and nothing has been done. Nobody knows where the money is. He privatised the whole government properties.

“He sold the Nigerian Airways. He sold the rolling mills, the Ajaokuta and Katsina rolling mills. Umaru Musa wanted to buy it for Katsina, he said no. You see, he has so many things in his cupboard hidden. People respect him and kept quiet. So, I think as an elder statesman, he should be more positive in criticism.

“For instance, nobody on earth can accuse Buhari of not making any progress in fight

against corruption. They design the TSA, but because they know that it will not work in their favour, they refused to operate it. But Buhari introduced it. This BVN, it was Obasanjo time when they do it, but they didn’t put it to use. But Buhari put it to use,” he said.

“I expect Obasanjo to meet Buhari one on one for advice not going public.”

The former Senator said for former President Obasanjo to go to the pages of newspaper, air and online to criticise Buhari wasn’t good enough of him as an elder statesman.

“As a leader, I think you are expected to set a good example if he is to advice his subsequent head of states. It would be more honourable for him to meet individually than to go on air, pages of newspapers and public.

“He can sit him down to give him honest advice. He was his leader before, at least.

“It is unfortunate, I expect him as an old leader to maturely advice people, but not on the pages of newspapers, radio or internet.

His relationship with Buhari is so cordial that he should meet him in the room and say look, here and there, I think you need to do this and that in the best interest of the nation. And am sure Buhari will listen to him.

‘Systemic failure responsible for corruption’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

of Lagos State, for a police officer to testify in court, we have a vote for that which is passed by the house of Assembly, such officer’s transport and hotel fess in case he has been transferred out of the state and he has to come down, we would pay, even if he is coming from Lekki in Lagos here, he must have something for transport.

But people have criticised the antigraft war because there has been few or no successful prosecution?

There have been prosecutions and there have been convictions, we should realise that prosecution does not mean conviction, it may just be an allegation, as a prosecutor you cannot be a judge on your own case, you submit evidence, and when it is decided, criminal cases are not like civil cases, most of the people may not know this; it has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt, unlike in civil, it is not easy in criminal matters.

A lot of people think the current method of plea bargaining is not setting good precedence?

Plea bargaining as much as is sensible, and it’s been there and used from time; it is the way we look at it and our level of ignorance here; in most of this criminal cases, conviction take time and you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt before there is conviction, and if at the end of the day the state is not able to prove, the state may lose the money, so you can see it is a win win option.

What we are saying is that the country should not go backward, the President may not have performed to the expectation of Nigerians.

Nigerians should be grateful; were we are it is easy to criticise and condemn, if you are condemning it is much easy, but if you are in power it may not be as easy as you think, I know what am saying, because I was the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice in Lagos State, so I know what governance is all about.

What is your general assessment of the Buhari administration?

You have to assess him based on where we are coming from, where we expect him to be. Some of us in Nigerian may not see anything good in this administration, but some of us may say if not for this administration we may not be where we are now, things may have be worse. He has done above average; the administration have done better maybe his health, or his old age may be affecting his performances; may be the unexpected may have affected him.

What is your view of the clamor for restructuring?

Restructuring is important for Nigeria, and people have realised that, whether we like it or not; but the earlier the better for me. There is nothing stopping Nigeria from molding its democracy to suit it.

Why should we have two federal houses in a federal system, I don’t think we need two house: Bi-cameral legislature is not working, the recurrent expenditure is always above the capital; are the National Assembly members

OBANSANJO

willing to say apart from the principal officers every other member should be on part-time basis?

It also depends if the people want to call it devolution of responsibilities; if calling it power is an issue. We are not sincere with ourselves in this country.

Do you think the APC would win the 2019 general elections?

Personally, to be honest with you I thought we have several problems in the country than to be thinking of winning elections, I know there must be elections, but if you look at the way the country is now, it is divided and election would be difficult in this circumstance.

What is the parameter to do this? It is too early for this, if you say the current President is not credible give me a better candidate. We should be thinking of ideas and programs rather than personality. Our politics should be on ideology and you may be a good politician, but you may not be a good administrator and you may be a good, sound politician but you may not be able to deliver the goods to your people.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Speaker cautions against politicising lawmaking process Stories by Patrick Okohue Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah, has cautioned against politicising lawmaking process in the state and the country, as no bill could be passed without due parliamentary procedures.

He expressed sadness that some individuals have personalised the Anti-

Grazing law in the state and pointing accusing fingers at members of the House.

He said the lawmakers went through relevant procedure, as required by law before considering the bill.

Diah, who stated this on the floor of the House during budget defense by various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) said: “All laws made in the state and in every parliament in the

world passes through public hearings.”

Wondering why some few individuals have continued to dent the good image of the members of the House, he said, “I stand to say that for every bill that finally become law must pass through public hearing.”

Seeking support from members of the public for the state to achieve its dreams of becoming one of the leading states in the country, especially in the areas of

Fresh PDP insists of faction, inaugurates own national leadership In what may be described as a new twist, a faction of the Fresh PDP has announced that it has set up its national working committee (NWC).

The Fresh PDP is a splinter group that emerged from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after accusing the party leaders of imposition of candidates during its last convention.

The group later broke into two, with one faction claiming it had been dissolved and reconciled with the main stream PDP, while the other faction said the Fresh PDP remains active.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Emmanuel Nwosu, interim national chairman of the second faction, said the group has set up a NWC to run its affairs.

He said the group will soon embark on an elective national convention where its leaders will emerge.

“The NWC is expected to liaise with all the 37 state caretaker chairmen to ensure the immediate commencement of

electronic membership registration so as to provide an authentic register for the elective national convention,” he said.

“Time is running out on our dear party and we must rise without further delay to make the best of the little time left.”

While saying there is no doubt that Nigerians will “very much” prefer PDP to APC in 2019, he, however, added that the PDP in question “will certainly not be the same old PDP, which is fraught with impunity and imposition.”

Nwosu said the group is ready to work with the Coalition for Nigeria pioneered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and that it “will certainly turn out to be the much-needed pivot for the proposed coalition.”

He added that the faction needs a clear cut action “that will show us as a rebranded party; devoid of all the negativities which Chief Obasanjo very rightly captured in his last letter.”

SECONDUS

OYSIEC sets May 12 for rescheduled Oyo LGs, LCDAs’ election The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), has announced Saturday, May 12, 2018 as the date for the rescheduled election into the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

Chairman of the commission, Mr. John Ajeigbe who announced this during a press conference in Ibadan, the state capital noted that the pronouncement was sequel to the lifting of a Federal High Court injunction on the conduct of the local government elections in the state.

OYSIEC’s chairman while assuring the people of the state of free, credible and acceptable election, cautioned journalists against misleading stories culpable at militating against the interest of the commission.

Ajeigbe said, “Members of the press, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I want to sincerely appreciate all of you for your patience and patriotic acts during the period of our travails. Kindly recall that I invited all of you here on Thursday 19th January, 2017 after which we rolled out our time table to conduct local government elections in the 33 local government area and 35 local council development areas. However the elections could not hold as planned consequent upon Federal high court Abuja verdict on the order of injunction “Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that the injunction order has been lifted and God’s willing any time from now we will conduct the elections into 33 LGAs and 35 LCDAs as earlier scheduled.

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished gentlemen of the press I wish to share with you the rescheduled time table that God’s

willing the local government elections into 33 LGAs and 35 LCDAs will now hold on Saturday 12th May, 2018, details of which will be in national dailies tomorrow.

“A credible, free and fair election is possible under a peaceful and conclusive environment in which you pressmen has a greater role to play in this regard.

“You are all conscious of the fact that Oyo State is the central nerve of the political activities in the South Western part of Nigeria.

I therefore want to appeal to the gentlemen of the press to exercise caution such that

AJIMOBI

information given to the good people of Oyo State will be balanced and unbiased.”

Concluding he said, “While assuring the people of Oyo State of our commitment to be an impartial and unbiased umpire, I wish to appreciate all stakeholders for your patience, continuous cooperation, understanding and support.

“Furthermore, let me also appeal to the various stakeholders to work hard, be focused and play the rules to ensure a free, fair and credible elections come Saturday 12th May, 2018 by the special grace of almighty God.”

peace and rapid growth, he stressed, “let us not politicise the process of making laws.”

The Anti-Grazing law, which he said was not designed to cage any ethnic group but to foster unity among the people of the state irrespective of religion, politics and ethnic backgrounds, according to him, would create more job opportunities for the youths of the state.

Delta communities bicker over site for NDU The people of Omadino community in Delta State have vowed not to allow the Ijaws of Gbaramatu Kingdom take their land as a result of the establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University by the Federal Government, just as the Ijaws have described the new memo on the establishment of the university sent to the National Assembly by the Attorney General of the Federation as baseless and belated.

In a statement by Prince Metsese Diden, President, Omadino Employment and Development Association, the people lauded the AGF, Abubakar Malami on his memo to the National Assembly, advising the legislators to comply with a Supreme Court judgment that recognised the site of the university as Okerenghigo.

Reacting, however, Mr Fred Igere, Communication Director of Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF), described the AGF’s memo as belated and baseless, noting that the law establishing the Nigerian Maritime University has been passed by the National Assembly.

According to Igere, “We the Ijaw people respect the position of the Itsekiris of Ugborodo community who insist that the location of the University is Okerenkoko and not Okerenghigho.

He described the AGF memo as an exceptional courage to identify and speak the truth at a time when many high officials of the Federal Government would rather play to the gallery and mix politics with issues of Justice in such a way as to ridicule the entire edifice of government in a supposedly civilized society.

Diden admonished the National Assembly not to turn democracy on its head in an attempt to jettison the valid judgments of the Supreme Court as regard the ownership and nomenclature of the location of the proposed Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenghigho, and not Okerenkoko.

According to Igere, “The Ugborodo people should not be undermined for any statement made because they are the closest neighbours to Gbaramatu in Warri South West council and not Omadino community in Warri South council.

“Whatever Ugborodo people say about NMU is right and straight forward.

Ugborodo trust is the richest in Itsekiri Kingdom and therefore, can’t be underestimated by the so called Itsekiri youths or Omadino people,” he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

NULGE chairman dies in fire incident in Osun Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏTragedy

struck in the early hours of Thursday in Osun, when the incumbent chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in Ayedaade Local Government area of the state, Mr Tajudeen Alabi, was burnt to death in a fire accident.

Credible sources informed that the inferno, which started from some shops located on Odeyinka Road, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government, around 1.00 a.m., spread to his

apartment and the victim was trapped and burnt to death.

Alabi was also said to have lost personal belongings estimated at millions of naira to the fire incident.

One of the residents of the area, where the tragic development occurred, simply identified as Yinka, hinted that the fire started around 1.00 a.m., following what he described as “power surge,” from the electricity provider.

According to him, “we were all asleep when they brought power around 1.00 a.m. Suddenly, we heard

people screaming and shouting for help, but the locked shops and the deceased’s house prevented us from getting close to the scene of the fire. We initially thought it was something else but when we saw smoke, we forced the door open and boys in the area assisted by pouring water to quench the fire.”

Confirming the death of Alabi to journalists in Osogbo, former Executive Secretary, Ayedaade Local Government, Mr Oduwole Basiru Iyanda expressed shock over the gruesome death of the NULGE chairman in the local govern-

ment, just as he described the incident as very unfortunate.

However, he implored people of the council and the state to be conscious of safety and security in their respective residences by putting off electrical appliances, not in use, most especially in the night.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Folasade Odoro also confirmed the incident, adding that investigation into the fire incident that claimed the victim’s life was ongoing.

News 13

Ajimobi appoints Ogunesan, as head of service, to succeed Eniade ÏÏÏOyo

State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has appointed Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, as a successor to the outgoing Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade, with effect from Thursday, February 8, 2 The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, who conveyed the appointment through a statement, on Friday, said the new development was a sequel to the retirement of Eniade from the state’s civil service.

The statement also announced the appointment of the outgoing HOS as Executive Assistant, Administration, to the governor “in view of his sterling performance” during his tenure as the number one civil servant.

His appointment also takes effect from Thursday, February 8, 2018.

Ogunesan, who joined the public service of the state on April 1, 1989, has served in various capacities before her current appointment as permanent secretary in the state’s ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters, on July 1, 2015.

The new HOS is an alumnus of the London School of Economics’ Executive Summer School, where she completed an approved programme on Strategic Decisions in Management.

She holds a Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Business Administration from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye) and the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University, AdoEkiti), respectively.

Eniade becomes the second EA to the governor, who had earlier appointed a twotime commissioner in the state’s education and agriculture ministries, Dr. Moronkola Thomas, in a similar capacity in March, 2017.

Allis said, “Mr. Eniade has meritoriously and brilliantly served the state in various capacities prior to his appointment as HOS in August 2014.

“In view of his sterling performance as HOS, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has equally approved his appointment as Executive Assistant (Administration) to the governor, in the Governor’s Office.”

Eko boys old students honour Oba Oniru Local Government Area. ÏÏÏThe Oniru of Iru land kkiResponding, Oba Oniru

Acting chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu addreesing the media on the Anti -Corruption honour bestowed on President Muhammadu Buhari by the AU.

Lagos provides help lines for Light up Lagos ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Gov-

ernment has provided helplines - 09090146682 and 08100033199 - through which residents can call to report incidences of damaged, defective or vandalized streetlight poles, transformers and other electrical installations and equipment managed by the Lagos State Electricity Board to ensure prompt and effective rectification of faults.

The General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu who made this known in her office today while reviewing report of the Light-up Lagos project noted that the helplines will avail government the opportunity to have firsthand feedback from the public on the state of its electrical installations and equipment across Lagos State with a view to replac-

ing defective ones.

“I must stress that we have professionals who are readily available to listen to complaints, answer to enquiries and provide necessary help when needed; all you have to do is to call. Our engineers are also on red alert to promptly attend to reported cases of damaged, defective and vandalized installations and equipment”, she said Kasunmu stated that the Electricity Board had earlier put in place a monitoring mechanism which involves its officials going round to identify and rectify damaged and vandalized installations, adding that the helplines will aid the organisation in discharging its duties of illuminating and maintaining electrical infrastructure across Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Electricity Board will not relent on its oars in ensuring that

street and public lights, as well as electrical installations and equipment, are properly maintained, and this we plan on doing, through collaborating with residents and partnership with the private sector in a way that will guarantee efficiency, sustenance of standards, cost-effectiveness and job opportunities”, she addThe General Manager warned people caught indulging in theft and vandalism of electrical installations and equipment for selfish gains will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Kasunmu explained the Light-up Lagos project is conceived to light up major highways and streets in the Lagos metropolis with the ultimate goal of boosting commercial activities, enhancing security, improving the citizenry’s standard of living as well as boost the

aesthetics of the State.

She added that the initiative is in line with the State’s commitment to building a 24/7 economy that will create employment and wealth for the people, stressing that the project is also part of the State’s security strategy to make Lagos competitive, safe and secure.

“The Lagos State Electricity Board has a core mandate of illuminating streets, major roads and highways through its Light-Up Lagos project. Other major components of this project are Community Electrification and Embedded Power (IPP); these interventions have led to the enhancement of security, economics and social interaction in the State. It is with a view to consolidating these gains that we are providing the helplines”, Kasunmu said.

in the Ibeju Lekki Local Government of Lagos State, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru has been honoured by the Eko Boys High School Old Boys Association (EKOBA) as a distinguished ALUMNUS of the 105years OLD school.

Presenting the distinguished EKOBA ALUMNUS Award to the Oba in his palace, a former National President of the Association, Engr. Adeniji Raji described the Oba as a great pride to past and present students of the school.

The award according to him, was for the Oba’s past and continuous contributions to the development of the school, support to the Old Boys Association and his general philanthropic endeavours and support to humanity.

The 1962 graduate of Eko Boys High School qualified as a Civil Engineer from the London Polytechnic and was capped as an Idejo, a white cap Chief of Lagos in 1994.

He was upgraded to a first class traditional ruler and 14th Oniru of Iru land in 1996, according to a citation read at the presentation.

Also speaking at the occasion, another old boy and classmate of Oba Oniru, Alhaji Gbolahan Solabi called for all hands to be on deck to support the development of the Eko Boys High School New site at Abijo in Ibeju Le-

expressed his appreciation for the honour and called on Old Students to join hands with Governments to raise the Standards of education, particularly in the provision of infrastructure and improved curriculum.

The Royal Father alluded to drawing inspiration from the selflessness demonstrated by the Founding Fathers of Eko Boys High School such as the Late Revd. William Benjamin Euba and Obadiah Roberts among others, in setting up the first indigenous, private, nonreligious and non-denominational secondary school in Nigeria.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts in relocating the school from Musin to Abijo and in particularly for commencing infrastructural development at the new site.

Oba Oniru assured the EKOBA members present at the ocassion of his commitment to the rapid development of the new site of Eko Boys High School beginning with the construction of a School Hall in his name.

He promised to be involved in other development activities to ensure the commencement of educational activities at the new site in the shortest possible time.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday February 3, 2018

14 News

Akeredolu charges political appointees on excellent service delivery

Ekpoma market road ongoing, status of Iyamho Varsity verifiable – Obaseki’s Aide

ÎÎÎ ONDO State Gover-

nor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has reiterated his promise to run a government where capacity building and service delivery would be the watchword.

The governor also charged political appointees and the top echelon of the bureaucracy in the State to work assiduously at translating the vision and mission of the present administration to ensure the provision of a good life for the people of the state.

Akeredolu, who vowed to build a new and functional state, made the remarks Friday while addressing the participants at the first Ondo State Cabinet Retreat, in Owo. The governor said the people are expectant, and urged the participants, including cabinet members and top civil service work-

ers in the state to work towards making life worth living for the people.

Governor Akeredolu reminded the functionaries of the promises of a better life made to the people of the state during the electioneering campaigns consequent upon evident challenges of hunger, misery, anxiety, pain and frustration in the state.

“In our journeys to every nook and cranny of this state, we promised our people to mobilise the inner strength within us all as a people, to take a decisive leap to optimally harness our overall potential for greatness, prosperity, peace and stability.

“We promised to build a new Ondo State where honesty, prosperity and confidence can, once again, be our identity, he said.

While appreciating the

facilitators and resource persons for their interest at building the capacity of the participants for efficient service delivery, which he said will ultimately develop the state, Akeredolu expressed optimism that the 4retreat will be the catalyst for the workings of government for an all-round development of the Sunshine State.

According to him, “This event, therefore, is a key ingredient in the fulfilment of such promises.

“It provides us with that opportunity to bond together, interrogate our mandate, encounter our tasks and retool ourselves to run the huge engine of government in a seamless, precise, deliberate and productive manner.

“Our ultimate aim should be to use the legiti-

macy which that popular approbation confers to engender unprecedented opportunities and prosperity for the benefit of our people.

“This retreat, its curriculum and methodology also establish a clear self-definition for all of us here present. It indeed challenges our leadership ability and traits. In point of fact, it clearly separates and draws a line between our personalities as politicians and our identities as formulators and drivers of government’s policies and actions,” the governor asserted.

Akeredolu used the occasion to list the strategic steps so far taken by his administration at entrenching good governance in Ondo State through the Programme for Change,

as defined in the Blueprint to Progress document that was based on the Report of Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee inaugurated immediately after the Governorship Election of 2016.

He said: “In specific terms, the Blueprint is anchored on five cardinal principles which are popularly known as our Programme for Change. These are: “Job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialisation; massive infrastructural development and maintenance; provision of functional education and technological growth; provision of accessible and qualitative health care and social service (delivery); rural development and community extension services.”

R - L : APC National Leader ,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, Prof,Yemi Osinbajo ,Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Maduabuchukwu Obiano, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha at the funeral service for late former vice president Dr. Alex Ekwueme at St. John the Divine Church, Anglican Communion, Oko Anambra state...on Friday

The Edo State Government has described as barefaced lie, the claim by the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that work on Ekpoma Market Road in Edo Central Senatorial District has been put on hold.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said: “The Ekpoma Market Road project is ongoing.

The Edo PDP’s circus in parts of the state is trying hard to force lies down the throats of Edo people and their heaps of lies are crashing as they depart one venue for another.

“Edo PDP members are hunted by their own shadows. They are experts in abandoning and commissioning uncompleted and white elephant projects. So they also think that other administrations would be as irresponsible like them.

“Edo people know who Governor Godwin Obaseki is and know he is too serious to play the brand of dubious politics the Edo PDP is notorious for.”

He added that “The new residence of the Chief Judge of Edo State stands tall in Benin as evidence of Obaseki’s style of leadership. The state secretariat is undergoing massive renovation while work is ongoing at several other project sites and no noise is made about them.”

On the status of the Edo State University Iyamho, Osagie said: “I used to think that members of Edo PDP were educated enough to know where to get information about the status of a university. I must have over-rated them. But we can bail them out of their ignorance.

Ambode in Enugu, reiterates support for united, indivisible Nigeria Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening paid a courtesy visit on his counterpart in Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, where he again reiterated support for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Speaking at the Enugu Government House located at Independence Layout where he was received by top government functionaries, Governor Ambode said since assumption of office, concerted efforts have been made to maintain peace

and harmony in the State.

Governor Ambode, who was in Enugu to attend the final burial of late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme in his capacity as the Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, said considering the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos being the melting pot of various cultures, deliberate policies were put in place to promote harmonious relationship among residents.

He said: “I am more Igbo than any other person because Lagos is a cosmopoli-

tan State and I am not too sure whether I can cross any street in Lagos without having an Igbo brother or sister and if you want to govern Lagos properly, you have to abide by the rules and conditions of business men and women and which the majority happens to be our brothers.

“In the last 32 months that I have been Governor, I have tried as much as possible to keep peace and keep harmony because that is the only way my economy can grow and that is the

only way Nigeria also can grow and that is why we are for a united Nigeria.

“It is also why I am so happy that the last time that the Southern Governors Forum meeting attended by all the Governors was held in Lagos and being the Chairman of the Forum, I took it upon myself that I have to be here for the burial of the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme,” he said.

Besides, Governor Ambode commended Ugwuanyi for the developmen-

tal strides in Enugu, saying where other states seem to be having problem, there is dignified peace and stability in Enugu.

“Irrespective of party affiliation, development is development and progress is progress and the whole thing is more about being people-oriented and we give God all the glory that there are still people who can prove that there is good governance in Nigeria,” said Governor Ambode who was accompanied by members of the State Executive

Council.

Aside Governor Ugwuanyi, other dignitaries who joined in receiving Governor Ambode and his entourage at the Lion Building of Enugu Government House located at Independence Layout included the State’s Deputy Governor, Hon Cecelia Ezeilo; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senate’s Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; members of Enugu State Executive Council, among others.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

15 News

Magu lauds Buhari’s appointment as Africa anti-corruption champion ÏÏÏIbrahim

Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has stressed the need to build strong regional and national institutions to effectively fight corruption by adequately empowering national anti-corruption institutions and insulating them from undue political interference.

“Africa must also enhance institutional collaboration between law enforcement and anticorruption agencies as well as strengthening the existing criminal justice system through exchange of information in line

Ï Ɨƒ ƅ ƐƆ ƏƆ ƈ Ƌ ƅ ƋƋ Ƅ Ə Ɛƈ ƈ Ɛ Ə ƇƐ with international best practices”, he said.

Magu made this assertion on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at a joint press briefing on the outcome of the 30th African Union, AU, Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The briefing had in attendance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of State (Aviation), Hadi Sirika; Director General and Chief Negotiator, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe who were all part of the

presidential delegation to the Summit where President Buhari was named as “African Union’s AntiCorruption Champion” in recognition of his administration’s enviable track record in fighting corruption in Nigeria.

Prior to the endorsement, the African Union of Heads of State had declared 2018 as the “African Year of Anti-Corruption” with the historic theme - “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A sustainable path to Africa’s Transformation.”

Magu, while stressing

the need for unity in fighting corruption across the African continent noted that “from experience, the fight against corruption is not an easy task”.

He added that measures must be taken to address the gaps in our systems in order to effectively check corruption and impunity.

His words: “EFCC is delighted to be involved in this onerous task of walking the talk in leading the continent in the fight against corruption while canvassing for Nigeria to lead the following initiatives: African Union

Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), Support and Capacity Building of other African Anti- Corruption Agencies, Implementation of existing anti-corruption policies amongst member states, Measures on Corruption Prevention, Strategies that will support rule of law for effective and efficient operations between the Anti-corruption agencies and the Criminal Justice System, Good governance and Efficiency units within the public system and to promote an “African Common Position” framework on the

recovery and repatriation of African assets hosted in foreign jurisdictions”.

The anti-graft czar expressed his willingness to partner with national authorities, regional bodies, development partners, civil organizations, CSOs, Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs and ultimately all the people of Africa to effectively fight corruption and impunity within the continent.

The EFCC boss added that efforts geared towards the fight against corruption would enhance the realization of the Agenda 2063 on Africa’s transformation and sustainable development.

5 years legal battle: Court orders Agip takeover of Allied Energy, CINL’s oil OYO fields Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏA Federal High Court

L- R: DG SMEDAN, Dr.Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and DG of Plateau state Small and medium Enterprises development Agency Mr Haggai Gotep and a Motivational Speaker Mr. Linus Okorie at the 2018 SMEDAN Management Retreat in Jos

Biometric clocking unsettles civil servants in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏTension has continued

to mount within the Delta State Civil Service following the introduction of biometric timing by the state government. Expectedly, the state government had in recent times observed nonchalant act of the civil servants to work, especially in their resumption and closing hours; a situation in most cases many of the civil servants stay away from work for a week.

Investigation revealed that Delta Civil Servants allegedly adopted secret method to work, and often times they are engaged in personal practices, where they claim they make more money considering rise in the cost of

living in Asaba and its environs.

It was reliably gathered that many of the civil servants, particularly the females, trade in fairly used as “Okirika” where they make money, rather than waiting for what they described as inconsistent monthly salary.

Further investigations revealed that the Ifeanyi Okowa led administration had warned against indolence, and nonchalant attitudes among the civil servants. But his warnings had also fell on deaf ears with the civil servants alleging that his administration of “Egoaria” had inflicted hunger on Deltans, and engaging in private practice was the only way out.

In a swift reaction, the

State Head of Service, (HoS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko noted that the beginning of any innovation always has challenges, adding that the challenges could be surmounted with time.

He explained that the handling of the computer devices by the administrators and civil servants might not recognize the individuals if not properly handled, adding that the issue of deployment and posting of officers were not a challenge to the work ability of the machine but would be sorted out by the administrator handling the machine as it concerns each staff.

Mr. Bayoko however allayed fear of the civil servants of people coming about the same time to clock

in, saying that the sequence in which they clock in would enable management to determine their cases adequately.

He said: “the MDs I visited had same concern of the ability to apply the machine properly due to lack of indepth knowledge of the usage of the device, and the fears that those deployed, posted and shift schedule officers might be affected even as others complained of waiting patiently for their turn to clock-in might make them come late”.

Sources said that since the introduction of the clock-in clock out scheme, there has been hue and cry of attempts by the state government to allegedly sack workers under the guise of coming late to work, among others.

sitting in Lagos has ordered that the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) take over the operations of the OYO Field in OML 120 and OML 121 operated by two Nigerian Companies, Allied Energy Plc and Camac International (Nig) Ltd over $200million contractual dispute.

The Court order on the Ship take over and seizure is in line with an earlier enforcement order of the court granted by the Presiding Judge, Justice Hadiza R. Shagari of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division on 11th May, 2017.

The order followed recognition and enforcement of a Final Award rendered at the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) on 14th February, 2017 in favour of Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) against Allied Energy Plc, Camac International Ltd (CIL) and Camac International (Nigeria) Limited (CINL).

According to the judgment of the Court, in the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/625/2017, the order was sequel to the ruling of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) which arose from a dispute on a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) concluded in June 2012 between Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) as Seller and Allied Energy Plc as Purchaser.

Under the SPA, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited had transferred to Allied Energy Plc the entirety of its interests and rights in the two Oil Mining Leases 120 and 121 in the deep offshore

region of Nigeria.

Payment of part of the price for the transferred interests and rights was deferred to be paid by Allied Energy Plc to Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited.

According to a senior member of the NAOC legal team, who confirmed the development in a telephone chat with newsmen in Yenagoa, stated that as a result of subsequent non-payment by Allied Energy Plc of an aggregate sum in excess of 200 million US Dollars despite several demands.

Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited filed the arbitration at the London Court of International Arbitration in accordance with the terms for submission to arbitration as provided for in the SPA. The arbitration was finally concluded on 14th February, 2017 when the Final Award was issued by the arbitrators.

It would be recalled that the OYO field is located about 75 miles off the coast of Nigeria in water depths ranging from 200 meters to 500 meters.

The OYO Field produces into a Floating Production and Offshore Loading Vessel ( FPSO) with a processing capacity of 40,000 barrels per day and a storage capacity of one million barrels of export quality crude oil.

Allied Energy, owned and operated by a Nigerian, became the first indigenous corporation to hold interests as an operator with a Nigerian deepwater license. As a member of an international oil consortium, the company made the first indigenous discovery in deepwater offshore Nigeria on OPL 210 in 1995.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturay February 3, 2018

Ghanaian Police arrests 2 Gays in Takoradi caught pant down Bonny Amadi agency report

with

ed engaging in anal sex last Wednesday afternoon.

According to agency report, the alleged homosexuals were apprehended by two students of Takoradi Technical University (TTU) who became suspicious after hearing an unusual noise from the room of one of the suspects – the tertiary student.

Sources had it that some students lodging in hostels in the area had been

The police in Takoradi have arrested two men for allegedly engaging in homosexuality at Effiakuma New Site, near Takoradi in the Western Region.

The suspects are Amos Abuakwa, 23 and Percy Ansah, 18, a tertiary and secondary school students respectively, who were reportedly, caught red-hand-

African-American male couple

engaging in the practice with some prominent men for fees ranging from GH¢100 and GH¢200. two gays were later handed over to the Takoradi police for further investigation and admitted the offence in their caution statements.

The report further disclosed that Assistant Superintendent of police (ASP) Olivia Ewurabena Adiku, Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, told local news media ‘DAILY GUIDE” that on January 31, 2018 at about 1:42 pm, one Benjamin Asare, assisted by Isaac Kwame Amankrah – both students of TTU ,arrested Percy Ansah and Abuakwa Amos and sent them to the charge office She said the two reported that the suspects were caught engaging in anal sex (Sodomy) in the room of Abuakwa Amos at Effiakuma New Site, Takoradi. She indicated that the two suspects were cautioned and sent to the hospital for examination

AU positions to defuse tension in Kenya

…As Kenya police arrests more Odinga supporter The African Union may have opted to help nip in the bud emerging internal conflict that may engulf Kenya following recent development resulting from swearing ceremony of the opposition winner , Raila Odinga, even as the country has a legitimate president.

According to agency report, African Union Commission (AUC) has issued a statement saying it is ready to help defuse the situation in Kenya.

In the statement, the AUC says it ‘rejects all actions that undermine constitutional order and the rule of law’.

Meanwhile, government in Kenya has arrested another Raila Odinga ally, Miguna Miguna, another legislator that actively participated in the illegal ‘swearing in’ ceremony of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The self-styled National Resistance Movement (NRM) General Miguna Miguna was arrested on Friday morning, shortly after he raised the alarm on a

police raid at his home.

The National Resistance Movement is the resistance wing of the opposition National Super Alliance Coalition (NASA).

The arrested legislator it would be recalled, publicly declared that he is the general of NRM, which has been proscribed by the government.

The state security operative stated that ‘by the time he declared publicly, there was a gazette notice by the minister. How can we let it go? We are law enforcers’

The Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti confirmed that he was arrested for administering an illegal oath and being a member of NRM, an organizational that has been declared ‘criminal’.

“He publicly declared that he is the general of NRM, which is already declared a proscribed group.

By the time he declared publicly, there was a gazette notice by the minister. How can we let it go?

We are law enforcers,” said Kinoti.

Ugandans president mourn death of country’s musician

Uganda President Museveni Uganda’s president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has led tributes and condolences to dead country’s musician, Mowzey Radio, of the acclaimed Ugandan music duo, Goodlyfe Crew.

According to agency report, the 34 year old artist, described by many as ‘Uganda’s greatest vocalist and songwriter’ died of injuries he sustained from a brawl in a bar brawl two weeks ago.

Mowzey Radio whose real name is Moses Sekibogo passed away at one of the major private hospitals in the capital Kampala in the early hours of Thursday morning, as has fans continue to flock Case clinic after hearing the news of his death.

Have been told about the untimely death of musician Moses Ssekibogo aka Mowzey Radio. I had only recently made a financial

Brutal rape, murder of 7-year-old girl triggers public outcry Brutal rape and murder of a 7-year-old girl (Zainab) has triggered protest in Pakistan and sustained calls for actions by the government to bring the predators to book.

Reports has it that child sexual abuse has been reported to be on sustained increase in Pakistan, a conservative Muslim nation, but rarely addressed by the authorities.

According to agency report, the heinous crime against first-grader Zainab Ansari has triggered nationwide protests and triggered a legislative proposal to hold public executions for those convicted of raping children younger than 14.

Zainab Fatima Ameen,

a seven-year-old girl from the city of Kasur in central Punjab, was found dead in a rubbish dump after several days of her disappearance.

An autopsy revealed she had been brutally abused and strangled to death.

The incident has drawn a wide public outcry, with many celebrities openly

Eight-month-old baby girl raped ‘by her 27-year-old cousin’ at her home in Delhi

Nasa leader Raila Odinga holds up the Bible as he swears-in himself

contribution towards his treatment and hoped he would get better. He was a talented young person with a great future ahead of him. May he rest in peace.

The report further disclosed that the doctors at Case Clinic where the artiste died held a press conference this morning to explain the details of Radio’s injuries, treatment and death to his fans who have since flocked the hospital.

“He was getting better but kept on getting seizures – Case Clinic on singer, Radio’s passing’ Together Radio and Weasel produced several chart topping hits for Ugandans and were recognized on the continental and global stage at the All Africa Music Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards and the Black Entertainment Awards (BET).

The dynamic duo celebrated 10 years of musical success last year at a mega concert in the capital, Kampala. Weasel is the other half of the duo that later simply became known as ‘Radio and Weasel’.

An eight-month-old girl is fighting for her life after allegedly being raped by her 27-year-old cousin in India.

Agency report revealed that the girl was rushed to hospital on Sunday after her parents returned home from work to their home in Delhi to find her bed covered in blood.

Doctors had to operate

for three hours to repair the damage caused by the ‘brutal’ attack, and the girl is now recovering.

The Press Trust of India said the girl’s 27-year-old cousin had been arrested and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, meaning he could face a life sentence.

talking against child sexual abuse in the South Asian nation.

Karachi , city was dubbed the “child abuse capital” of Pakistan after a 2015 scandal over the discovery of hundreds of video clips showing 285 children, mostly boys, being sexually abused.

‘The worst has happened,’ tweeted Swati Maliwal, the head of the Delhi Commission for Women, after visiting the girl in hospital.

‘An eight-month-old baby has been brutally raped in the Capital and is battling for her life in a hospital.’

A UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2014 said one in three rape victims in India was a minor and expressed alarm over widespread sex abuse against children.

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TERTULIAN ADEGBENRO BENEDICT AKANNI ADU

BAJITO OLAOLUWA ALABA.

I, formerly known and addressed as TERTULIAN ADEGBENRO AKANNI ADU, Now wish to be known and addressed as TERTULIAN ADEGBENRO BENEDICT AKANNI ADU. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JACOB ALABA OLAOLUWA, Now wish to be known and addressed as BAJITO OLAOLUWA ALABA. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

LUGARD EHIZOMWANGIE OMODIA

OGBONNA OLUCHI UGOCHUKWU

MRS VIVIAN ISIOMA OBIORA. CHRISTIAN,

I, formerly known and addressed as LUGARD PNLICY OMODIA, Now wish to be known and addressed as LUGARD EHIZOMWANGIE OMODIA. All former documents remain valid. General public/ authorities concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUCHI UGOCHUKWU PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBONNA OLUCHI UGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Former MISS VIVIAN ISIOMA OJIANWUNA of 2 osih avenue, off memeh st. boji boji owa, delta state now MRS VIVIAN ISIOMA OBIORA. Christian, Nigerian citizen.

All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

ODUNZE LILIAN GIFT

AGE DECLARATION

UGBOMA NANCY CHINWE.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZENYI NANCY CHINWE, Now wish to be known and addressed as UGBOMA NANCY CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

ANYA TERKIMBI DOMINIC

This is to confirm and certify that UGOCHUKWU JOHN UKAIBEH and my correct date of birth is 5TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1995 and not 4TH FEBRUARY 1993 as wrongly written in my waec exam result, All former documents remain valid banks and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKEPENKAN TERKIBI DOMINIC , now wish to be known and addressed as ANYA TERKIMBI DOMINIC . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALAZOR PAULINE IFEYINWA

UZENDU UKAMAKA BLESSING

MRS NWADIKE IFEANYI PATIENCE

I formerly known and addressed as MOKWE PAULINE IFEYINWA now wish to be known and addressed as ALAZOR PAULINE IFEYINWA, All former documents remain valid banks and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UZENDU CHIAMAKA DIANAROSE now wish to be known and addressed as UZENDU UKAMAKA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWANKWO IFEANYI EMMANUEL.

MRS EGEONU NNENNA CLEMENTINA.

OGOWA NGOZIKA BLESSING

I formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO EMMANUEL JUBILANT now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO IFEANYI EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIH NNENNA CLEMENTINA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EGEONU NNENNA CLEMENTINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OKORIE NGOZI BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as OGOWA NGOZIKA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OREYE FRANK OMORUYI .

MRS ORUCHALU ADAUGO CHIOMA

EZEH ADAEZE JENIFER

I, formerly known and addressed as ODUNZE EMMANUELA CHIDINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODUNZE LILIAN GIFT. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

.I formerly known and addressed as EILOJIE SAMUEL EROMOSELE now wish to be known and addressed as OREYE FRANK OMORUYI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NZEAKO ADAUGO CHIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORUCHALU ADAUGO CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UWADIA IFEANYI PATIENCE now wish to be known and addressed asMRS NWADIKE IFEANYI PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as CHINEDU ADAEZE CHINAZA now wish to be known and addressed as EZEH ADAEZE JENIFER. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

OZOEKWE CHRISTIAN NKEMDILIM

DECLARATION OF AGE

ADESUYI OLUWAFEMI TIMOTHY

Formerly known as ANIEBONAM CHRISTIAN EMEKA, I now wished to be known and addressed as OZOEKWE CHRISTIAN NKEMDILIM. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

I, MR SUNNY IKECHUKWU REUBENSON wish to inform the general public that I was born on 08.05. 1966. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I FORMELY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESUYI OLUWAFEMI TIMOTHY ADEWALE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESUYI OLUWAFEMI TIMOTHY ACCESS BANK, FIRST BANK, OTHER BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MUFUTAU RISIKATU KIKELOMO

BANKOLE JUSTINA ADENIKE

GEOFFREY-NWANKAJI UGONNA WILLIAM

I Formerly known and addressed as OLAIYA RISIKATU now wish to be known and addressed as MUFUTAU RISIKATU KIKELOMO, all former documents remain valid General public take note

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINBOBOLA AWOTADE JUSTINA ADENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as BANKOLE JUSTINA ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGHARANYA UGONNA, now wish to be known and addressed as GEOFFREY-NWANKAJI UGONNA WILLIAM. All former documents bearing my name remain valid.

General public and Authorities concerned please take note.

KARGBO COLLINS

AJIDAGBA MUINAT ALAKE.

BANI EPHRAIM BASSEY

I formerly known and addressed as AGWU COLLINS, now wish to be known and addressed as KARGBO COLLINS. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AYINLA MUINAT ALAKE now wish to be known as AJIDAGBA MUINAT ALAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known and addressed as BASSEY AKPAN EFFIONG, now wish to be known and addressed as BANI EPHRAIM BASSEY. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

ESOMULEZE ENOCH UZOCHUKWU

MRS OLUNIYI SENAMI ADENIKE

STELLA OLUWASEYI.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AVOSEH SENAMI ADENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUNIYI SENAMI ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

. I formerly known and addressed as STELLA IYABO SOLOMON, now wish to be known and addressed as STELLA OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

MRS EGWUATU OLAWUNMI SIMBIAT

OLATUNJI OLASANMI OLUSEYI

OGUDO PROMISE ECHEFUNA.

I was formally known as Miss Tijani-Raji Olawunmi Simbiat want to be known and addressed as Mrs Egwuatu Olawunmi Simbiat General public to please take note Every other document remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNLEYE OLASANMI OLUSEYI, Now wish to be known and addressed as OLATUNJI OLASANMI OLUSEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUDO PROMISE, Now wish to be known and addressed as OGUDO PROMISE ECHEFUNA. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

MR&MRS JOSEPH JOHNSON BUSOLA ABIODUN ABOSEDE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ORJIAKO SUNNY UZOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as ESOMULEZE ENOCH UZOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

This is to inform the general public that we known and addressed as MR&MRS EWUOSO JOHNSON BUSOLA ABIODUN ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MR&MRS JOSEPH JOHNSON BUSOLA ABIODUN ABOSEDE.all former documents remains valid, general public take note.

This is to confirm that MR. EGBULIWE IFEANYI and MR IFEANYI DAVID NWACHUKWU refer to one and the same person, but henceforth wish to be known and addressed as MR EGBULIWE IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME: This is to certify that my correct name is NZEWUIHE LOIS AGBAKWURUMCHUKWU and not NZEWUIHE LOIS OGECHUKWU as wrongly captured during the BVN Registration. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

MRS CHUKWU ROSELINE CHINYERE

EMMANUEL JOHN

ADEBAYO AKOREDE SUNDAY

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EMMANUEL JOHN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EMMANUEL ATSAGBA JOHN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEBAYO AKOREDE SUNDAY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEBAYO ADESANYA AKOREDE. BORN 21/06/1996.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

EZEKIEL HARRISON IFEANYICHUKWU

AZEEZ FUNMI ESTHER

EKENI EZISI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEAGBA ROSELINE CHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWU ROSELINE CHINYERE, All former documents remain valid banks and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HARRISON EZEKIEL now wish to be known and addressed as EZEKIEL HARRISON IFEANYICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OZOAGU IFEOMA. I formerly known and addressed as OGBODO TOOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOAGU IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANIH FRIDAY CHUKWUEBUKA

I formerly known and addressed as ANIH JEREMIAH CHUKWUEBUKA now wish to be known and addressed as ANIH FRIDAY CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS AZEEZ FUNMI ESTHER NOW KNOWN AS MOSES FUNMI ESTHER FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID PUBLIC NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS EKENE EZISI NOW KNOWN AS EKENE OKONKWO. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID PUBLIC NOTE.

ETU EDWARD ODIONG

RIZQAT OLUDARE SALAMI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ETU EDWARD ODIONG NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BASSEY BASSEY OKON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS RIZQAT OLUDARE SALAMI NOW KNOWN AS RASHEEDAT OMOTAYO SALAMI. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID PUBLIC NOTE.

MISS ARIYO BOLAJI HELEN

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ARIYO BOLAJI HELEN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OYEWOLE BOLAJI HELEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

JUMAT ADETOUN MOYOSORE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JUMAT ADETOUN MOYOSORE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ODUBITAN ADETOUN MOYOSORE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 2, 2018

22

Fuel scarcity: Bayelsa govt unfolds plan to build tank farm ÎÎÎ BAYELSA State Gov-

ernment has concluded plans to build tank farms for petroleum products in the state as a reservoir to cushion the adverse effects arising from scarcity of petroleum products on people in the state.

The State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Elder Markson Fefegha, who stated this on Friday during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing preceding the Sixth Anniversary of the Restoration Government in Yenagoa, said the tank farms would help encourage people to go into the distribution of the products and boost the local economy.

Giving the scorecard of his ministry, Fefegha said the ministry has helped the state government recover over 15 billion naira, 13 per cent derivation revenue under-payment since 2006 to date as well as resolved conflicts between communities and oil companies, communities and Cluster Boards.

He listed the establishment of the Bayelsa Oil Company, which was recently overhauled by the governor, to begin production of oil at the Atala

Marshal Oil Field, OML 46, allotting 48 Oil and Gas Attaches to International Oil Companies to monitor and ascertain the true volume of oil and gas taken from the state among others.

“There is a plan by the ministry to build tank farms for petroleum products in the state especially when there is petroleum scarcity. In Maiduguri, they have petroleum products for weeks and months because they have tank farms.

Government is going to do that for the state.”

“This will encourage our people to go into distribution of the products.”

Also taking the stand on the last day of the briefing at the Dr Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, was the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ikurumo Dauprebo listing achievements in the ministry to include; the establishment of the Agge Deep Sea Port, Sagbama-Ekeremor Road project and the Bayelsa International Airport, which has the potential of creating over 2000 jobs and boost economic growth.

“The Restoration Government commenced the process of establishing a Deep Seaport at Agge with

NATION BUILDERS ARMY PRAYER NETWORK, WOMEN AND YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR HON. JULUCK CHINWETALU PRESIDENT 2. PASTOR MRS UDE JACINTA SECRETARY 3. EVANG MRS UGOCHI CHUKWUTINYEAKA PRO 4. MRS CLARA CHIKELU 5. MRS CORDELIA MOLOKWU 6. COMRADE ANI JESOPHAT OGBU 7. EVANG MRS DORATHY ANIEKE 8. MRS CHARITY NWEKE 9. PASTOR ERNEST OGUEJIOFFOR 10. EVANG VIVIAN OKOH 11. HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP IGNATIUS SIMON OFODILE AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1. Preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. Praying for the nation to ensure peace.

3. Empowering the women and youths of this nation through skills acquisition.

4. Giving hope to the helpless.

5. To stamp out poverty through the impartation of self reliance 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 PASTOR HON. JULUCK CHINWETALU

the feasibility studies completed and a forwarding operational base being constructed, to be linked to the Sagbama-Ekeremor road” “Also the Bayelsa State International Airport will start to evacuate goods and its economic advantages will be job creation, international trade, tourism and infrastructural development and other sectors will benefit from it and will employ about 2000 youths” ßHe said the state government boosted the transport sector by providing 220 vehicles (cars and buses), provided 20 Hilux vehicles

to the state-owned security outfit, Doo Akpo and boosted that number in 2017 with 40 Hilux vehicles, 15 gunboats for the marine component of Doo Akpo, cruise boats at the Ox Bow lake, Driving Academy among others.

The Commissioner for Trade and Industry, represented by Mrs Patience Ranami-Abah and the Director-General of Bayelsa Micro-Finance and Enterprise Agency (BYMEDIA) also made presentations at the briefing on the inroad made in their ministry and agency.

Dickson MRS ODEYINKA AYOTUNDE LATIFAT

.I formerly known and addressed as MISS APATA AYOTUNDE LATIFAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODEYINKA AYOTUNDE LATIFAT . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note

ASEKERE OLABISI CHRISTIANAH I formerly known and addressed as AWE OLABISI CHRISTIANA now wish to be known and addressed as ASEKERE OLABISI CHRISTIANAH . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS EMILOJU COMFORT NIYINLOLAWA .I formerly known and addressed as MISS OSHINBERU SARATU NIYINLOLAWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMILOJU COMFORT NIYINLOLAWA . All former documents remain valid. Lagos State University Basic Education Board and General public to please take note.

FELIX GLORIA ONYENATURUCHI I formerly known and addressed as OHAKA GLORIA ONYENATURUCHI now wish to be known and addressed as FELIX GLORIA ONYENATURUCHI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

Public Notice FG/WHO to Donate 20 million doses of vaccines annually Ïy ƅƅƈ Ɛƈ Ɛ ƄƆ ƈ ƈ Ɛ ƏƆƆ dƐ ƐƆ

In its bid to eradicate the dreaded yellow fever disease in the country, the World Health Organisation, WHO has said it will donate 20 million doses of vaccines annually.

According to WHO Representative Fiona Braka, the second phase of the vaccination against the dreaded disease has already commenced in four states, Kogi, Kwara, Zamfara and Borno.

Braka, who emphasised that every effort must be geared towards containing the outbreak, added that the campaign is targeting people between nine months to 45 years of age.

She said, “The global body is ready to assist the country in achieving the total vaccination of the populace in line with the Elimination of Yellow fever Epidemics (EYE) by

2026.

“The global community is committed to this course and has pledged 20 million doses available annually to achieve the target despite the global vaccine shortfall”.

It could be recalled that about 10.4 million people were vaccinated in the first phase of the exercise, which covered 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The first outbreak was recorded in September 2017.

The Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib said that the global non availability of vaccines resulted in the plan to phase the campaign for the next nine years.

He said that all the states will be vaccinated in phases and a tentative plan to that effect has been approved by development partners.

MRS SAMSON INEMEKA HAPPINESS

EGWUATUONWU STELLA CHIOMA

.I formerly known and addressed as MISS AMOS INEMEKA HAPPINESS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SAMSON INEMEKA HAPPINESS .

All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWAFOR STELLA CHIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as EGWUATUONWU STELLA CHIOMA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ja

Doosuur Iwambe - Abu-

AIBUEKU JEFFREY OSAMUDIAME

MRS ALEKE OGECHUKWU BENEDETTE

I formerly known and addressed as SOLOMON JEFFREY now wish to be known and addressed as AIBUEKU JEFFREY OSAMUDIAME . I was born on 27/09/1990. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

.I formerly known and addressed as MISS AZIUDE OGECHUKWU BENEDETTE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALEKE OGECHUKWU BENEDETTE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OJO WASIU AYINDE .I formerly known and addressed as TAIWO WASIU AYINDE now wish to be known and addressed as OJO WASIU AYINDE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ODILI IFEANYI LOUIS .I formerly known and addressed as OKORO IFEANYI LOUIS now wish to be known and addressed as ODILI IFEANYI LOUIS . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

THE JAFOJO WELFARE & EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

CENTRE FOR RESTORATION OF VALUES & LEADERSHIP CAPACITY BUILDING

This is to inform the General public 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.

TRUSTEES 1. MRS ADEBIMPE JAFOJO- ESAN 2. DR FADEKE JAFOJO 3. PRINCE ADEWALE JAFOJO

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

TRUSTEES 1. ALHAJI SOLATE AHMED OLASUNKANMI 2. MR AKINTAYO ABDUL WAHEED 3. DR MUSA NOFIU ABIODUN 4. ALHAJI ALUGO ABDULHAKEEM OLUWOLE 5. ARCHITECT BELLO ABDUL-RAHMAN ADEDOLAPO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To develop individual potentials towards achieving professionalism and excellence.

2. To engage in projects and programmes that will enhance socio-political and welfare development of the society 3. To foster co-operation and unity with organisations and other bodies having similar aspirations.

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

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

TRUSTEES 1. DR. OGUNWANDE ISIAKA AJANI 2. MR. LAWAL KAMOR BABATUNDE 3. MR. AGUNBIADE ADESINA IBRAHIM 4. MRS. TAHIR RAMOTALAI TITILAYO 5. MRS. IDRIS KHADIJAT ABOLANLE ABDULWAHB AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To nurture the growth and development of the Muslims ( especially youths) 2. To inculcate morals, ethical and spiritual values in the life of Muslim 3. To set agenda and curriculum for continuous training aimed at evolving ( a balance Muslim) Muslim that are balanced in thought and in deeds Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed: AMOO AND ASSOCIATE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide welfare and free health services to the less privileged 2. To support the widows and orphans.

3. To create platform for general humanitarian services.

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

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

23 News

OPC wants Nigerians to obtain permanent voter’s card ÏÏÏThe

national President of Oodua people’s Congress, New Era (OPC), Comrade Razak Arogundade, has called on the citizens of the country to go and register and obtain their permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), as it is only way to addressing the myriads of problems confronting the country.

Arogundade made the call at the National Coordinating Council meeting

of the OPC, held at Sagamu Ogun State.

Also, he condemned the poor handling of the fuel crisis bedevilling the country “It is high time that the government and its Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), lived up to the expectations required of them and proffer an immediate end to the sufferings of Nigerians over petroleum products, a gift with which, God blessed the country

in abundance.”

He explained that, “Nigeria has been under the attack of marauding terrorists who, under the guise of cattle herding have wantonly taken the lives of hundreds of innocent Nigerians in cold blood, as well as the destruction of farms and properties worth several millions of naira.

In view of the less than commendable manner in which the various lev-

els of government have handled this subject, “we as an organization are left with no option than to pass a vote of no confidence on the federal government and its various security apparatus.”

“Following the series of repeated attacks by the so called Miyetti Allah group, in manners akin only to that of the Janjaweed in the Republic of Sudan. The OPC and many other Nigeri-

ans, and organisational are being led to conclude that these actions have the backing of some state actors.

“Today not only are the Fulani killing with impunity but the government is also trying to create colonies for them all over the country. State governments effort can be appreciated and understood, the neglect of the plight and circumstances of the farmer’s who have been

at the receiving end of the Fulani attacks questions the impartiality of these federal government effort.”

He added: , “the OPC fully supports the submissions of former president Olusegun Obasanjo on the state of the Nation and the need to seek for new and reliable set of leaders from sources other than established political grouping currently available in the country.”

Contempt: Court orders IGP to appear March 13 over Peace Corps Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the governor’s visit to the minister in Abuja, on Thursday, February 01, 2018

India, Nigeria to commence cultural exchange programme - Rusenwe Myke Uzendu, Abuja.

ÏÏÏThe

Director General of the National Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has disclosed that Nigeria and India will commence a cultural exchange programme to enrich the culture of both countries.

Runsewe made the disclosure recently in Abuja during the 70 years celebration of India’s Independence and also 60 years of diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

The Director General who represented the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed said that India with a population of 1.3 billion has remained strong in promoting and conserving its culture.

He said that Indians are determined people and put in a lot of efforts to excel in all their endeavours.

The former Director General of Nationals Tourism Development Commission (NTDC) said that Nigeria and India is planning to engage in an intense cultural exchange

programme for cultural marriage and better appreciation of both cultures.

He said, ‘You can see that the Indian High Commission has come out with a very large programme, celebrating their 70th anniversary and they have a 60 years of collaboration with Nigeria.

“India and Nigeria have a lot of things in common.

A country of 1.3b people and having a 3.1million km square, that is to tell you that these are very great people who believe in themselves and their independence and they have bilateral relationship with Nigeria in the last 60 years.

“We are having International Arts and Craft (INAC) event coming up later this year and India will be playing a prominent role. We are going to have an exchange programme between Nigeria and India which will commence from Next year and it will showcase the strength of our cultural belief as a people.

“And I believe that it will open a new door to the collaboration and network between India and Nigeria” Runsewe

stated.

While speaking with the Press, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, B.N.Reddy said that India and Nigeria has enjoyed 60 years of strong bilateral relationship.

He said that India is the biggest trading partner of Nigeria just as about 135 Indian companies are engaged in different sectors of Nigerian economy.

He said, “This is one occasion where we are trying to celebrate India’s Independence and also 60 years of Nigeria-India Diplomatic ties.

“We also want to bring the celebration of the Indian State. As you know just like Nigeria, we are also rich divers and rich culturally and we have this new cities of celebration of Indian States.

“India and Nigeria has an excellent bilateral economic and business engagement. As we speak Indian companies continues to be the largest trading partner of Nigeria globally and India for Nigeria is the highest trading partner in Africa. This shows that both countries are intensely

engaged.

“We are trying to diversify the existing basket it trade and commerce. We are trying to organise the first meeting of Joint Trade Committee between the Ministry of Trade in Nigeria and their counterpart in India son that they can seat together and identify how to further expand the trading opportunities.

“As you know we have over 135 Indian companies based all over Nigeria, engaged in diverse activities and some of them are truly promoting made in Nigeria goods to the extend that they are also able to play an important role in manufacturing things in Nigeria for the Nigerian market and for exports” the Envoy stated.

According to him, the volume of trade between India and Nigeria has increased by 20 percent in the last one year which, according to the Envoy, is a confirmation that Nigeria is out recession.

The General Manager of Royal Ceramics Bhaskar Rao, established in Nigeria since 1999, an Indian company told Daiky Times that cultural integration is directly connected

Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo district of Abuja has refused to strike out contempt proceeding against the Inspector of General Police Ibrahim Idris for allegedly flouting court orders.

Idris had through the director of legal matters, Forces headquarters Mr. David Igbodo, in a preliminary objection challenged the contempt proceeding brought against him by Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) following the Police refusal to comply with 2014 court order restraining the police from interfering with PCN activities.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in a ruling dismissed the preliminary objection raised by the Police Chief against his personal appearance before the court.

The Judge in the ruling ordered him to be in court on March 13, to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for his disobedience to the lawful order of the court made on March 26, 2014 stopping Police from interfering with the activities of the Peace Corps.

In his preliminary objection against the contempt charge argued by his counsel Mr. David Igbodo, the IGP claimed that he was not personally served with form 48 in relation to the contempt charge.

He prayed the court to void the contempt charge and set it aside on the ground that the form 48 summoning him to appear in court was served on the commissioner of Police in charge of legal matters at the Force Headquarters.

But Justice Oriji in his ruling slammed the IGP for employing technicality and delay tactics to frustrate the charge against him.

The Judge imposed a fine of N25,000 on the Police Chief and ordered him to personally appear in court on the adjourned date.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria through its counsel Dr. Joshua Yakubu Musa (SAN) had approached the Abuja High Court praying it to commit the IGP Idris to prison for two years for flouting the judgment of the court delivered on March 26, 2014.

The Senior Counsel submitted that in spite of the restraining order against Police not to interfere with operations of the Corps court, the police have refused to obey the court order by sealing up its head office among others.

The counsel claimed that since March 26, 2014 when the court verdict was handed down, the police have neither appealed against the judgment nor allowed the rule of law to prevail.

In the 2014 judgment, Police was fined N12.5m as compensation for the principal officers and men of the corps who were arbitrarily arrested across the country and detained in various cells.

The proscription order placed on the corps by Police was also voided and set aside by the court in the 2014 judgment on the ground that the defendants (Police) have no power under the law to ban or proscribe any organization, including the Peace Corps lawfully registered by the federal government as a youth organization.

It will be recalled that in a separate suit PCN counsel Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), had filed another contempt charge against the Police boss for disobeying the federal high court order that Police should unseal the Peace Corps office in Abuja.

The new judgment was handed down by Justice John Tsoho of the federal high court Abuja.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday February 3, 2018

Ambode commends Ugwuanyi’s development strides

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎ

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has commended his Enugu State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his development strides in Enugu in spite of the nation’s economic challenges and the meager resources of the state.

Gov. Ambode also applauded Ugwuanyi for the existing peace in Enugu State, saying “where other states seem to be having problem, there is dignified

peace and stability in Enugu”.The Lagos State Governor spoke when Gov. Ugwuanyi hosted him and his entourage at the Government House, Enugu alongside other dignitaries, who were in Enugu ahead of the burial of the elder statesman and former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme in Oko, Anambra State on Friday.

Gov. Ambode said that irrespective of party leanings, he was moved by the development strides of Gov. Ugwuanyi he noticed since he arrived Enugu to commend

his (Ugwuanyi) good works in the state.

He said: “Irrespective of party affiliation, development is development and progress is progress and the whole thing is more about being people-oriented and we give God all the glory that there are still people who can prove that there is good governance in Nigeria.” While disclosing the friendship he shares with Gov. Ugwuanyi, the Lagos State Governor reiterated his support for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Gov. Ambode who was

also in the south east geopolitical zone for the late Dr. Ekwueme’s burial in his capacity as the Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, said he sees himself as part of the Igbo people, who make up a good percentage of Lagos and drive the state’s economy.

According to him, “I am more Igbo than any other person because Lagos is a cosmopolitan State and I am not too sure whether I can cross any street in Lagos without having an Igbo brother or sister and if you want to govern La-

gos properly, you have to abide by the rules and conditions of business men and women and which the majority happens to be our brothers.

“In the last 32 months that I have been Governor, I have tried as much as possible to keep peace and keep harmony because that is the only way my economy can grow and that is the only way Nigeria also can grow. That is why we are for a united Nigeria.

“It is also why I am so happy that the last time that the Southern Governors Forum meeting

attended by all the Governors was held in Lagos and being the Chairman of the Forum, I took it upon myself that I have to be here for the burial of the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme”.

Other dignitaries at the event include the State’s Deputy Governor, Hon Cecilia Ezeilo; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senate’s Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and Executive Council, among others.

Senator Ogembe trains, empowers 1000 women in Kogi Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.

ÎÎÎ

The senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district of Kogi State at the National Assembly, Senator Ahmed Salau Ogembe, in his bid to reduce un employment among his constituents has spent over N20, 000,000 to train youths and women in various trades and skills.

The Senator who organised the skills acquisition programme in Okene last week stated that over one thousand women from the central senatorial district participated in the exercise Senator Ogembe noted that all hands must be on deck to create the needed environment that will bring about peace and security in the area through massive job creation and empowerment.

Represented by his Senior Legislative Aides, Hon. Aloysius Okino, the Senator said over N20 million will be given to the one thousand women, with each getting twenty thousand naira.

According to him his office is organizing the training in conjunction with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), owing to the age long enviable track record of the organization.

He maintained that he will continue to strive for better conditions of living for the people of his senatorial district, through quality representation and effective and timely intervention in matters affecting their welfare.

Some of the women who spoke with journalists, at the venue of the training, commended Senator Ahmed Ogembe for the initiative, called on other elected officials to emulate the senator.

Some of beneficiaries, Ajinatu Jibril and Rabiat Bello who are the Women leaders of Ajaokuta LGA chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), both noted that the intervention will help them improve on their businesses and make them to be self reliant.

From left : The wife of the Olu of Ibogun-Balogun, Ifo, Ogun State, Olori Anifa Faluade; the Ibogun-Balogun monarch and Promoter, Ifa Olokun Foundatipn, Oba (Dr.) Ifakayode Faluade; the Onigbogun of Igbogun-Ifo, Oba Olawale Babarinde; the Vice - Chairman, Coker -Ibogun LCDA, Hon. Simeon Oguntade; and the Vice -Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Alh. Murtala Adeshina;; during the Ifa Olokun Foundation’s special traditional prayer session in honour of Governor Ibikunle Amosun on his 60th birthday anniversary, held at the Olu Ibogun-Balogun’s palace, Ibogun, Ifo LGA, Ogun State.

My administration will complete more roads in Aba

By Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÎÎÎ

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured the Aba community that his administration is determined to fix more dilapidated roads in the area.

He pointed out that arrangement has been concluded to build the long abandoned Osusu Road and Omuma road in Aba. The Governor was addressing a mammoth crowd of residents of Aba South both the Aba na Ohazu indigenes and non indigenes living in Aba South Local Government Area, who gathered at Aba Town Hall to adopt him as their sole governorship candidate in 2019 elections.

Dr. Ikpeazu, who said

that Obohia and Ohanku roads would receive attention as the bottlenecks have been removed and urged them to ensure they get their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC so as to vote for PDP at the appropriate time.

In their separate speeches, the member representing Aba South State Counstituecy, Hon. Clinton Ebere, Commisioners for Education and InterState Affairs, Prof. Ikechi Mgbeoji and Mr. Thadeus Izuogu as well as the Aba South Council Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonna endorsed the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as their sole candidate for 2019 Governorship election in the State.

The stakeholders assured the Governor that they

would mobilize their people to vote for him in 2019, emphasizing that no other candidate would be accepted in the entire Aba South except him.

They aporeciated the quality roads done by the Ikpeazu administration and other developmental strides and urges him to continue.

In their contributions, representative of Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi States and Hausa community acknowledged the achievements of the Governor in Aba, especially in road infrastructure and sending of Aba shoe makers to China to learn automated shoe making.

According to them, since the days of Aba Women’s Riot, there has never been a time Aba has attracted attention in the African sub region except this time around, that

Governor Ikpeazu is promoting the Made in Aba products .

They said, it was based on his works in the State that they resolved to adopt him as their sole candidate in 2019, promising to ensure that non indigenes resident in Aba would register for voters card in Aba and vote for the second term of the Governor.

Earlier, the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Chief Egwuatu Egbulefu said the event was organized by indigenes and business men and women resident in Aba South and appreciated the giant strides of the Governor in Aba. He thanked the Governor for appointing some of their indigenes and residents to serve in his government and assured him that his second tenure is not negotiable.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

25 News

Wike commends Wifa for his contributions to Rivers Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe Rivers State Gov-

L-R: Visitor, McPherson University and General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye; Guest Lecturer, Mr. Bolaji Ogunseye; and Vice Chancellor, McU, Prof. Adeniyi Agunbiade, during the 6th Matriculation Ceremony of the Institution, at Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State...

Obasanjo playing politics with letter to Buhari - Tinubu Val Okara, Owerri

ÏÏÏNational

Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has accused former president Olusegun Obasanjo of playing politics with the open letter he wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari saying that if Chief Obasanjo had meant well he would have met with the President to talk about the issues he raised in the letter.

Tinubu spoke with journalists when he visited Governor Rochas Okorocha in the

company of the pioneer National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande at the Government House Owerri, on Friday, stating that the former President has several ways to meet with the President and discuss issues.

“They both had the same background. So, I believe that would have been the Conversation of military heads of State retired.

They have unfettered access to each other either through the Council of States or any other means; he could see the current

President privately.

He, Obasanjo was also his senior in the army; I think Obasanjo was playing politics with the public letter.

That is all I see. They also met at the African Union meeting too. He has a way of discussing with the President any time he wants”.

On the coalition, the APC Leader stated, “the appropriate time is not now for the response to the coalition government, but we are in democracy, in a country that is signatory to the charter of the United Nations which advocates

for free movement, free association, free speech. It’s very good”.

Tinubu said that they were in state enroute Anambra state for the burial of the former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme as well as to meet with Governor Okorocha, “I am here to see a very good friend of mine, the governor, Owelle Okorocha who happens to be the governor of APC State and then pay respect to the gentleman, nationalist, great leader of our generation”.

PCNI targets over 15, 000 returnee IDPs for free medical intervention in Adamawa Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative (PCNI) has flagged - off free medical intervention in Mubi to cover about 15,000 returnee IDPs in Adamawa.

Alhaji Tijjani Tumsah, the Vice chairman of the initiative made the disclosure during the commencement of the outreach Programme at Mubi General Hospital on Friday.

Tumsah said that the programme was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan for health care delivery meant for

vulnerable internally displaced persons and residents in host communities in the northeast.

“Initially, the program was designed to capture no less than 5,000 returnee Internally Displaced Persons from the most affected Seven Local Government Areas in the state. “ But because of the mass turn out of the people who are in serious need of medical help , the Initiative decided to open its Data to capture more people,” Tumsah said.

According to Tumsah, the exercise would last for

seven days in the state and would cover people from Madagali, Michika,Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha Hong and Gombi local government areas.

He noted that the intervention had already been carried out in Borno and Yobe states.

He urged benefitting state governments to continue with the Programme from where the initiative stops for the benefit of their communities.

In his remark, the Executive Director of ProHealth International, Dr. Iko Ibango said that about 80 different

medical practitioners were participating in the Programme.

Ibango noted that the beneficiaries would be cross examine in various common ailments such as eye treatment, paediatric, antenatal care, pharmacy, dental care and surgical operations.

In his respond on behalf of the community, the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa thanked the federal government for the support.

Isa reiterated the commitment of the emirate in supporting such laudable government intervention.

ernor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has praised Rivers born legal luminary, Chief Barinua Wifa (SAN) for his outstanding contributions to the development of the state .

Speaking during the public presentation of the book: “The Challenge of Justice: Contemporary Legal Essays in Honour of B. M. Wifa,” Governor Wike lauded the legal luminary for always offering credible advice to leaders.

He stated that Chief Wifa was one of the elder statesmen who had made worthy contributions for the development of peace in the state.

He said: “He is one of the elder statesmen that I respect because of his disposition and willingness to offer genuine advice at all times.

“I congratulate him for his contributions to the peace and development in Rivers State, “ he said.

The governor said that the Rivers State Government honoured Chief Wifa with the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS)

because of his contributions to the development of the state.

President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) described Chief Wifa as a true nationalist. He commended the authors of the book for honouring the legal icon in his lifetime.

Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha, said that Chief Wifa was a renowned mentor to lawyers in the state.

In his remarks, Chief Wifa (SAN) said it was good to celebrate a man in his lifetime.

He thanked Rivers Legal Practitioners for honouring him.

He described Governor Wike as a workaholic who has developed Rivers State and made lawyers proud by his outstanding developmental strides.

Book Reviewer, Professor Epiphany Azinge recommended the book to all scholars because it interrogated several issues that would promote the practice of law.

One of the editors, Professor Ibibia Worika, said the book was a way of recognising the contributions of Chief Wifa to the development of the society.

ADP cautions against new political groupings Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Engr.

Yabagi Sani has cautioned Nigerians against new political groupings in the country advising that they should rather embrace the ADP. The party chairman however commended the Coalition for New Nigeria (CNN) , the Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) and others in what he described as a waking up to the realization that, ‘Nigeria may be brought to her knees if the current administration is allowed to continue with its cluelessness, impunity and general maladministration’, Saying that; “instead of promoting the gathering of strange bedfellows or lining up a rag tag political groupings, they should embrace the ADP, a platform already with structure, resources and commitment to take back our country and put it on track”.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday with journalists in his office, Engr. Sani congratulated the pressure groups springing up for being on the same page with the party in the rescue mission.

He said: “What the people now coming together as third force are just seeing is what we, as promoters of ADP saw close to two years now when we began the process of instituting a strong all inclusive political party”.

He admonished more compatriots to come forward and cooperate with ADP for the actualization of the Nigerian dream.

Engr. Yabagi Sani urged Nigerians to look well and not just jump at reactionary coalitions coming up arguing that, “This is the mistake we made in 2015 with APC. It must never happen again as the vicious circle of unending transition from autocratic governance to true democracy should be put to stop.

“We must be careful as some of the promoters of the coalition are yet to articulate their vision, mission and operational mode when we have only a few months to the general election. Some of the leaders of the so called third force are still strong members of APC and not ready to relinquish it. Is it right or truly workable to define a new agenda from a collapsing force’, he queried.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday February 3, 2018

PDP alleged plot to rig Plateau council election

By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÎÎÎ

L - R: Tony Ibeziako, Ag. Head, Listings Business Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar N. Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Mr. John Coumantaros, Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and Paul Gbededo, Group Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc during the Facts Behind Issue presentation at the Exchange...on Friday

Foundation equips Abia school with desks, chairs, tables

By Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÎÎÎAn

NGO, Dame Anne Uzoagwa Foundation, early Friday, donated 50 desks, 4 chairs and tables to Amizi Primary school, Oloko in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia state.

Speaking during the handover of the items to the school, the spokesperson of the NGO Austine Uba Uzoagwa, disclosed that the foundation was founded as result of passion for humanity initiated by his late mother, Nneoma Anne Ugwunwanyi Uzoagwa who gave out to people around her, not minding the tribe, language or tongue.

“Her passion to give back to the people has endeared her children to continue in this line of thought. So, in agreement with my brothers, Osinachi and Chinemezim Uba Uzoagwa have agreed to unveil this Foundation with the small token of 50 seats for the pupils, four tables and four chairs for the teaching staff of the school with the aim of doing more not only for the school but for the Community at large” Uzoagwa said.

Also speaking during the occasion, the traditional ruler of Amizi Oloko Community HRH, Eze Eugene Chimezie Ndumele, thanked God for using the family of Uzoagwa to bless Amizi Primary school and thanked the family for their kind gesture.

Plateau state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has taken steps to demonstrate that it is going to manipulate the process and outcome of the planned local government election scheduled for the 17th of this month. The opposition party accused the ruling party of abusing the electoral processes as stipulated in the state’s electoral laws 2017.

State chairman of PDP, Hon Damishi Sango made the allegations in a press conference held in his office in Jos Friday. According to Hon. Sango, “With two weeks to the date of the council election in the state, the state independent electoral commission (PLASIEC) has not deemed it necessary to display the voters register.

He said: “Under the PLASIEC law 2017, the voters register collected from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is supposed to be on display at least one month to the date of the election. But with just two weeks to go, the state electoral

commission is yet to display the list. Therefore we are not sure of those qualified to cast their votes on February 17th.

“Under normal circumstances, recruitment of adhoc staff for the conduct of the election is supposed to be properly advertised and done in a transparent manner, but we are witnessing a secret recruitment exercise being handled by the state APC Chairman.

“Worse of all, there is no existing law to govern the administration and functions of those to be elected at the polls.

We are aware the state house of assembly passed the local government law which takes care of tenure and general administration five months ago.

However, the state governor is yet to accent to the law” Speaking further, Hon Sango said, “It is evident from these observations that the absence of the local government law is a deliberate attempt on the part of the Governor Lalong administration to build a house without a foundation, thereby creating loopholes for the collapse of the local governor system in the state so as to continue to impose ad-hoc management Committee to run the local government.

JKF Centre charges skills acquisition participants on wealth creation ÎÎÎThe JKF Leadership

Centre, Ado Ekiti, has urged participants in the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) under the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to act as agents of wealth creation, saying that the scheme has provided opportunities for them to raise themselves and become employers of labour in their communities. It said the successful completion of their three months skills acquisition programme should have introduced them to activities outside white collar jobs where business owners can

make a difference in the society.

The centre also thanked the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who facilitated the programme through the JKF Centre, noting that the gesture, would greatly assist the beneficiaries to set up their businesses.

Speaking with reporters in Ado Ekiti after the ceremony where participants received their work tools from the organisation, Director of the Centre, Biodun Omoleye, charged them to make use of the opportunity provided by the organisation in their newly

acquired vocations.

He charged them to be focused on their new trade in which they are expected to become employers of labour thereby reducing the economic hardship in the country.

Omoleye reiterated the JKF Centre’s commitment to making many Federal Government’s empowerment programmes accessible to Ekiti indigenes as it had done in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) empowerment programme and the relief programme through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

where disaster victims were compensated.

The ITF skills acquisition programme started three months ago where about 300 Ekiti indigenes were selected for training in various skills, such as tailoring, plumbing and welding.

Omoleye commended the officials of the ITF for keeping strictly to the duration of the programme and for paying stipends to the participants as well as presenting them with their working tools, such as sewing machine, plumbing and welding equipment as promised. He commended the Buhari-led Federal Gov-

ernment for the empowerment programme, saying the over 300 Ekiti indigenes taken off the unemployment market would greatly boost the economy of the state while a large number of the unemployed would benefit indirectly from them.

Omoleye also expressed joy that the NISDP programme is another achievement of the Buhari administration in Ekiti State just like many other Federal Government’s programmes, such as the school feeding programme, which took off last year and had empowered many food vendors in the state.

Lassa fever: One killed as govt declares emergency in health sector

By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÎÎÎWith

one suspected case of Lassa fever outbreak reported in Plateau State with one death recorded, the government has declared an emergency in the heath sector.

As a result, the state government has directed the health ministry to constitute an emergency team to embark on the massive screening of people to stop the spread of the epidemic to rural

areas.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Gwatau Habila Abel, said Plateau state is working in conjunction with the federal government health personnel to educate the people in the 17 local government area with a kick-off of the programme in Langtang LGA. Abel said government has increase its sensitisation and awareness campaign on the dangers of the scourge after one suspected case has been sent

for screening in Lagos laboratory.

He explained further that the ministry of health has written to government to supply them with more drugs to contain with the outbreak of the disease in the state.

He emphasised that government is on top of lassa fever outbreak were a patient was suspected to have contacted the symptoms and later died in the hospital of which her corpse had been under diagnosis to identify the immediate cause before

making it public.

“We have recorded one case and the person was transported to the federal

medical centre where different treatment is going on to know main cause of his death”. he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

27News

Cult group leader, 4 others in police net over robbery Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Wife of Ogun State Governor, Olufunso Amosun; Wife of former Governor of Lagos State, Sikirat Jakande; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and elder brother of the Governor, Alhaji Abidoye Amosun, during the prayer service to mark the 70th birthday of Abidoye Amosun in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

APC have failed Nigerians - Secondus Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo.

ÏÏÏThe

National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has described the All Progressive Congress (APC) led Federal Government as a failure to the Nigerian people.

Secondus made the assertion Friday when he led the National working Committee of PDP on a condolence visit to Governor Darius Ishaku and Taraba people at Government House, Jalingo.

He noted that NWC’s

visit was attributed to the sudden death of Hosea Ibi of Takum 1 State Constituency, who was kidnapped in his hometown Takum and was later killed, as well as others killed, who lost their lives during the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the State.

“We are here to console you for the loss of a member of the State House of Assembly, we are also here to encourage you and stand by you”, Secondus said.

PDP boss further stated that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect

the lives and property of the people which according to him, the APC led Federal Government has failed to achieve.

While calling on the Nigerian people to massively vote APC out of power come 2019, Secondus enjoined the Federal Government to review the security architecture of the Country to stem the killings of innocent Nigerians.

“We call on the National Assembly also to carry out investigations just like they have done in the case of Benue State. It is important for them to

know that when situation degenerates to this level, then they are breeding crisis.

“We don’t also pray that people should resort to self help, when government cannot help them” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Ishaku who appreciated the PDP NWC for showing concern said the spate of insecurity across the Nation is worrisome.

The Governor, who alerted that there are plans to attack the state within ten days, added that the only thing that can bring about peaceful coexistence in Nigeria is restructuring.

Ondo Assembly passes N181bn appropriation into law ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏThe

Ondo State House of Assembly on Friday passed the 2018 appropriation bill into law.

The budget was passed during a plenary session of the Assembly presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun.

The Daily Times recalled that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had on December 22, 2017 presented the total sum of N171, 267, 913, 000 to the House of Assembly for passage into law.

But the parliamentarians jerked up the sum by

N10, 156, 627, 283 billion making the total budget passed into law to be N181, 424, 540, 283.

The passage followed the submission and adoption of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation under the chairmanship of Hon. S unday Olajide.

Olajide also gave the reasons for the budget increase, saying that the sum N7bn SUBEB funds for capital projects in 2017 was rolled into the 2018 budget, while the sum of N2bn was also earmarked for the conduct of local government election.

He further added that errors observed in the proposals of MDAs were rectified culminating in the increase of the budget sum.

Submitting the report, Hon. Olajide said the budget estimate gave clear expression to the vision of the government to transform Ondo state, adding that the 2018 expenditure it is quite set at sustainable level taking cognizance of the current economic realities.

He noted that the committee observed that there are clear indications that considering the projec-

tions in the budget, there would not be abandoned projects.

Out of the budget, the sum of N78, 587, 675, 486 is voted for recurrent expenditure, while the sum of N80, 928, 985, 234bn is for capital expenditure.

N13, 599, 878, 084bn is for debt service, while the sum of N8, 308,001, 478.30 is for statutory transfer.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Olugbenga Araoyinbo moved a motion for the passage of the bill after the adoption of the committee report and this was seconded by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Iroju Ogundeji.

A cult group leader including four others (names withheld) alleged to have been terrorizing Nsukwa community near Asaba Delta State were on Thursday arrested by men of the Delta State Police Command.

The suspects, confirmed to be helping the police. This much the Police Image maker in the State, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, added that upon interrogation the suspects confessed to be members of the Eiye confraternity who have allegedly killed and robbed many people in the community.

Aniamaka disclosed that the suspects were arrested on intelligence gathering, adding that they would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

Also, the two other suspects were arrested by men of the Kwale Anti-Cult Volunteer Committee in Kwale.

The suspects were later handed over to operatives of police anti-cult unit, the suspects included a 39-year old man who alleged confessed to being the leader of one of the cult groups in Nsukwa town, speaking on the matter, Police Image Maker, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the arrest, adding that the case is under investigation.

Meanwhile an eighty-five years old mother has narrowly escaped being robbed by a suspected armed robber who stormed her residence at Mbiri. It was gathered that the victim was at home along when the armed robber forced his way into the compound armed with one locally-made single barrel gun.

The suspect, our reporter was told, attempted to rob the 85 year old woman, when she summoned courage and raised alarm that made the suspect to run into nearby bush to avoid arrest. However, nemesis caught up with him when the alarm raised by the victim attracted his daughter-inlaw and the local vigilante in the area.

It was gathered that the vigilante operatives combed the bushes around the victim’s building and arrested the victim in the bush with his operational gun. Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka confirmed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of one locally made single barrel gun from him. He said the arrest was facilitated by the local police, saying that the suspect has allegedly confessed to the crime while the matter is under investigation.

Also police operatives in

Warri, Delta State have arrested two suspected notorious tricycle thieves and recovered an allegedly stolen tricycle from the suspects.

It was gathered that the robbers snatched the tricycle from the owner in Benin, along the Benin/Lagos road bypass.

It was learnt that the suspect were heading to Warri, where they intended to sell the tricycle to a buyer when police operatives suspected their movement and accosted them. Our reporter was informed that, on sighting security operatives on a stop-and-search, the suspects managed to escape into the bush but the police trailed them into the bush and arrested them.

Contacting on the matter, Police Public Relations, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the alleged stolen tricycle.

He said a Police Dragon Patrol Team led by Insp. Ogeole Ubeke, while on patrol along Warri/Sapele road by Ibada Elume, intercepted the two suspects riding in the stolen tricycle.

DSP Aniamaka said on sighting the officers, the suspects jumped down from the tricycle to escape into nearby bushes, but they were given a hot chase by police into the bush and arrested them. He said upon interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime, and disclosed that the stole the tricycle where it was parked in Benin.

The police image maker said the suspects are facing investigation, after which they would be charge to court. In another development, a 45 year old man, who was building a house in Asaba, has been killed by an electrical contractor he awarded the electrification of his house, after paying him (suspect) N2m for the job.

Surprised by the criminality of the suspects, our reporter spoke with suspects on how the saga started and why they killed the innocent land developer. According to the principal suspect, Festus Chanumuata Chuka, some time, in 2017, Mr. Innocent Nwankwo (victim) of Awada, Anambra State, paid N2m into his Diamond Bank account for the electrification of his property in Asaba.

But after receiving the money, the contractor now suspect, denied ever receiving the money in his bank account, prompting the victim to inform the suspected principal killer of his move to come to Asaba to clear with the bank.

a

Motolani Oseni

I

le-Ife Heritage Marathon Organization [IHMO], Organizers of the maiden edition of Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon have confirmed participation of some world notable Marathoners ahead of the maiden edition of the much talked about destination marathon scheduled to hold on Sunday 4th of February, 2018 in the ancient city of Ile Ife. According to the Race Director,

Text

Klaus Westphal, other professionals storm Nigeria for Ile-Ife Heritage Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon, Mrs. Adedayo Akinbode, preparations are in high gear to host a successful destination marathon race in Nigeria.

“We are excited to confirm the participation of some world renowned Marathoners ahead of

the first edition of Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon coming up on Sunday 4th of February 2018.

“Prominent among the expected runners are the Race Director of the Baobab Marathon in Burkina Faso, Dr. Christoff Lindenbeck and Professor Klaus Westphal, who

once held the world record of running marathons in the most number of countries”, Adedayo noted.

“In terms of technical preparation, we adhered to the international standard by ensuring the 42.195km distance was measured

by Mr. Solomon Abari the only In-

Page 28

ternational Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) certified route recorder in Nigeria.

We have received strong assurances from the Nigerian Police authorities in Osun State for adequate protection of lives and property in and around areas where

the marathon race will hold.

This gives the expected visitors some level of confidence as to their security. The Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC] and all key government agencies are working together with us to achieve a successful outing.

Also, students of the Obafemi Awolowo University have equally turned out en mass to support the participants by volunteering their services during the event.

Saturday, February 3, 2018

E

ither of hosts Morocco or rivals Nigeria can be crowned champions of the 2018 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) at the end of hostilities on Sunday in Casablanca.

But a lot will be depending on several factors at the Stade Mohammed V where the Nigerian side will be under intense pressure, especially from the expected massive crowd. Especially when the Nigeria side will playing without their No. 1 goalkeeper, Ezenwa is nursing an injury.

Both countries had secured their places in the championship’s final with victories over Libya and Sudan, to indicate their level of strength.

Morocco were 3-1 winners in their semi-final tie, thanks to a brace from Ayoub El Kaabi who continues to make scoring look easy after his seventh and eighth goals of the campaign.

His second came in extra-time after the two sides were locked at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

The North Africans sealed a dominant performance when Walid El Karti scored a penalty kick to put the result beyond Libya and book their place in the final for the first time.

They won Group A by a goal difference after two wins and a draw and have reached the final without defeat after wins over Namibia and Libya in the knockout rounds.

The Atlas Lions will therefore be counting on their seeming invincibility and home advantage to help them win their first-ever trophy against Nigeria in the final on Sunday.

They were last-minute replacement for Kenya whose preparations to host the tournament looked uninspiring, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to quickly look for new hosts.

However, coach Jamal Sellami’s charges have not disappointed in spite of their late confirmation, and have displayed excellent footballing skills with great precision in all the five games played so far.

They have scored 12 goals and conceded only two with Ayoub El Kaabi netting eight of those goals in the process.

After stopping Namibia, following a 2-0 victory, and spanking Libya 3-1 in the semi-finals, a first major trophy in more than three decades appears to be in sight for Morocco.

But, they now face a stern test against a supercharged Super Eagles who are also gunning for their first title after three attempts.

Even before kick-off of Sunday’s battle, Nigeria have made

Super Eagles face stern test against hosts Morocco without Ezenwa history, as this is the first-time ever that Nigeria would reach the competition’s final.

They have won bronze medals at the 2014 finals in South Africa.

But their path was more difficult, overcoming a number of adversities to reach the final of the CHAN for the first time after beating Sudan 1-0 in Marrakech on Wednesday.

Gabriel Okechukwu’s first half strike made the difference in the semi-final against Sudan.

The dynamics of the game changed in the second-half as Nigeria’s Ifeanyi Ifeanyi was sent off with both managers quickly tinkering with their squads in a number of tactical substitutions.

But Nigeria held on to set up a final with the hosts.

The West Africans have not been so proficient in front of goal, but still boast of a number of players who can find the back of the net.

Okechukwu and Anthony Okpotu have been more than a handful with two goals each.

The Super Eagles topped Group B with seven points after two wins and a draw, reaching the final without tasting defeat after wins over Angola and Sudan in the knockout rounds.

They have created a lot of chances at goal, failing however to convert about 80 percent of their opportunities.

But they have not let in too many either, scoring five goals and conceding only one in five games played so far.

Coach Yusuf would however be ruing his inability to call upon firstteam players such as Emeka Atuloma, Sunday Faleye and Emeka Ogbuh, all due to injuries.

Also added to the list of the injured ones is goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa who was stretchered out injured barely 10 minutes into their semi-finals encounter against Sudan.

Nevertheless, with ex-junior international Oladele Ajiboye in fine form after a number of spectacular saves as a substitute for Ezenwa, it is hoped that Nigeria’s defence

would be tight as ever.

The coach will also be counting on the likes of Kalu Okogbue who deputised as skipper for the inspirational Ezenwa, Okechukwu, the energetic Dayo Ojo and, of course Okpotu.

Yusuf was quoted as saying that he believes hosts Morocco are beatable if only his team “do the right things” when they clash in the final on Sunday.

“For the game against Morocco, every team is beatable. If we do the right things, why not!

We can beat Morocco.”

Reward for the winner of the 2018 CHAN tournament is a whopping 1.25 million dollars as against the previous 750,000 dollars.

Each player of the homebased Eagles is expected to earn about 20,000 dollars as the bonus and allowances should they win the 2018 CHAN in Morocco.

This is enough inspiration for the Nigerian side to go all out for the match to be actionpacked.

Injured Ezenwa

29

Saturday, February 3, 2018

EXTRATIME

M

anchester City starlet Tosin Adarabioyo is at the centre of an international tug-of-war between England and Nigeria.

The highly-rated central defender has been tipped for senior international honours and represented England juniors all the way up to Under-19 level.

However, the 20-year-old is being targeted by Nigeria, his country of heritage.

Adarabioyo was made available for loan by City during the final 48 hours of the transfer window follow-

Tug-of-war over Tosin Adarabioyo between England and Nigeria ing the signing of Aymeric Laporte.

But a deal failed to materialise with the youngster named on the bench by Pep Guardiola for City’s win over West Brom on Wednesday night.

The Super Eagles had planned to watch Adarabioyo play sustained senior football before deciding whether

to tempt him with a place in their World Cup squad.

Nevertheless, Nigeria’s concrete interest in Adarabioyo remains, leaving the Football Association in a fight to keep hold of the defender, who has made seven first-team appearances for City.

Nigeria have successfully persuaded Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi, who have both

played for England at junior level, to change their international allegiance in recent years.

Players are only fully committed to a nation once they’ve played a competitive fixture.

Michy Batshuayi scores twice, assists another on Dortmund debut

O English striker Danny Ings has recently been restored to the first-team picture at Liverpool

Klopp welcomes back midfielder Adam Lallana from injury

L

iverpool stepped up their preparations for their game against Tottenham Hotspur with a training session on Friday night.

Jurgen Klopp oversaw a session that included the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk as the Reds aim to put themselves in an ideal position to secure back-to-back wins.

The Anfield side beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 on Wednesday night away from home,

rebounding from a disappointing pair of results against West Brom in the FA Cup and Swansea in the league.

Klopp’s usual first-team troops were joined by youngsters Herbie Kane, Yan Dhanda and Curtis Jones — who penned a professional deal on Thursday — for the session at Melwood.

Danny Ings also continued his integration back into the first-team picture at Liverpool with his inclusion in the evening

session.

Liverpool will be keen to secure a result against Mauricio Pochettino’s side on Sunday, knowing that a slip could damage their challenge for a place in the top four.

Klopp will have been boosted by the return of Adam Lallana to full training. He said: ‘Adam trains today completely normally.

‘In an ideal world, he should not be involved for the weekend because, as we all know, there are real different stages – being fit, able to train and then being matchfit.

n-loan Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scored twice and created an assist on his Borussia Dortmund debut as the German side beat Cologne.

Batshuayi, who moved to Dortmund until the end of the season on deadline day, swept home in the first half before adding a second on the hour with a clinical finish.

The goals came either side of a Simon Ziller strike before Jorge Mere equalised for the hosts.

But Batshuayi then set up former Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle to give Dortmund victory.

The win moves Dortmund up to second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leader Bayern Munich who have a game in hand Michy Batshuayi on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Chelsea scored twice on his debut On-loan Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi scored twice and created an assist on his Borussia Dortmund debut as the German side beat Cologne.

Batshuayi, who moved to Dortmund

Batsuayi

until the end of the season on deadline day, swept home in the first half before adding a second on the hour with a clinical finish.

The goals came either side of a Simon Ziller strike before Jorge Mere equalised for the hosts. But Batshuayi then set up former Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle to give Dortmund victory.

The win moves Dortmund up to second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leader Bayern Munich who have a game in hand.

Batshuayi began his professional career at Standard Liège in 2011, scoring 44 goals in 120 games across all competitions.

His 21 goals in the 2013–14 Belgian Pro League made him the second-highest scorer, and contributed to his Ebony Shoe Award.

He then transferred to Marseille for £4.5 million, helping them reach the 2016 Coupe de France Final.

In July 2016, he was signed by Chelsea for £33 million, and scored the goal that won the Premier League title in his debut season.

30

Saturday, February 3, 2018

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP…

South Africa sacks Allister Coetzee

S

outh Africa coach Allister Coetzee has been sacked after a tumultuous two years in charge of the Springboks.

His departure came just days after the leaking of an explosive letter in which Coetzee accused South African Rugby of setting him up to fail.

‘First and foremost we had to assess what is in the best interests of the Springboks,’ said Jurie Roux, the chief executive officer of SA Rugby.

‘We’d like to thank Allister for his passion and dedication to the Springbok cause and wish him every success in his next role.’

A new coach will be named later this month and is expected to be Rassie Erasmus, recently appointed as his union’s director of rugby.

Coetzee’s side claimed 11 wins out of the 25 matches he took charge of but the 54-year-old believes that was South African Rugby’s plan all along.

According to Netwerk24, Coetzee wrote: ‘There is a general view among SARU ranks that the intention was always to replace Heyneke Meyer with Rassie, but SARU wanted to avoid any controversy regarding race.

‘A strategy was developed to use me as a coloured person to conceal the end goal - by offering me the job as Bok coach - but to not equip me with the necessary resources to adequately perform my tasks.

‘It would lead to me vacating my position earlier in order for Rassie to eventually be appointed.

‘This strategy is not in line with SARU’s strategic transformation plan. It’s distasteful to say the least, to use me as a black South African as a pawn in such an untenable manner.’

Coetzee was contracted until the end of the 2019 World Cup but the Springboks will go into the tournament in Japan with a new man in charge.

Raheem Sterling believes Manchester City player are being butchered

Man City being ‘Butchered’ by bad tackles – Raheem

W

inger Raheem Sterling claims his Manchester City team-mates are being “butchered” by bad tackles.

His comments follow those of manager Pep Guardiola, who believes the players need more protection from referees.

Late tackles on Brahim Diaz and Kevin de Bruyne during the 3-0 win over West Brom further provoked Guardiola’s ire.

Sterling said: “Some tackles have been awful. It’s not what I

expect in a top-flight match, especially when teams are losing and go out to kick players.

The 23-year-old added: “There are going to be challenges that are badly timed and probably not all of them are intentional.

“But at the same time if it’s a dangerous tackle, it’s a dangerous tackle and I think the referees and officials need to cut these tackles out because some of the players are getting butchered, butchered out there and it’s sad to see.”

The England international also fears that one of these challenges could result in a City player missing out on the chance to play at Russia 2018.

He said: “I do think we need to cut down on that because we’ve got a World Cup at the end of the year.

“The majority of the players in the top flight, and in our team, will be playing in it and it would be sad to see someone miss the tournament due to a silly tackle and

someone get away with it.”

His German team-mate Leroy Sane is out for seven weeks with ankle ligament damage after a tackle by Cardiff’s Joe Bennett last weekend, while both Diaz and De Bruyne were fortunate to avoid injuries following challenges by Baggies pair Matt Phillips and James McClean.

Belgium midfielder De Bruyne said after that match: “A lot of teams are making a lot of fouls against us. We make a foul, we get a yellow card, I don’t know how it’s possible sometimes.”

Adrian Lewis suspended for pushing opponent

T

Allister Coetzee has been sacked after two tumultuous years as South Africa coach

wo-time world darts champion Adrian Lewis has been suspended after squaring up with his opponent at the oche and shoving him at the neck.

Friday’s UK Open qualifier clash in Wigan was between former world No 1 Lewis and Jose Justicia, who felt the 33-year-old tried to trip him up during the game.

At the conclusion of the quarter-final win for Lewis, footage shows how he pushed the Spaniard before being led away by officials and security.

Lewis had already directed several expletives at Justicia, including the Englishman telling him not to ‘p*** him off’.

A Professional Darts Corporation statement read: ‘Following a review of the incidents which occurred in his match with Jose Justicia at Friday’s UK Open qualifier, the Darts Regulation Authority has suspended Adrian Lewis with immediate effect pending a full investigation in to the matter. The player has the right of appeal.’

During the game, Justicia turned to ‘Jackpot’ Lewis after feeling he had been tripped as he went to retrieve his darts. Lewis told the unhappy player ‘not to p*** him off’.

There were further exchanges between the pair before the row erupted at the end of the match.

Lewis was seemingly angered by the brief interaction and struggled to contain his emotions

31

Saturday, February 3, 2018

EXTRATIME

Boxing

Boxer Paige VanZant announces engagement to fellow fighter Austin Vanderford U

FC flyweight Paige VanZant has announced her engagement to fellow mixed martial artist Austin Vander-

ford.

The hugely popular American took to her Instagram on Sunday to share the news, posting a picture of her new fiance down on one knee with the caption ‘I said yes!!’.

The 23-year-old also shared a snap of her stunning diamond ring and others of the pair celebrating later that night.

VanZant and Vanderford have been together for over a year and have been public about their romance on social media.

Vanderford, nicknamed AK-47, is also an

MMA fighter in the welterweight division and owns a 4-0 record.

In the poignant image posted on Sunday, VanZant can be seen with her arm in a sling after breaking it during her last appearance inside the octagon.

The flyweight contender suffered the injury in the first round of her bout with JessicaRose Clark earlier this month but still managed to complete the fight, ultimately losing by decision.

The defeat was the second on the bounce for the former Dancing with the Stars contestant, who sits at No 12 in the promotion’s official rankings.

Price has fought and won only once since being stopped by Christian Hammer 12 months ago

David Price to fight Alexander Povetkin, March 31

D

avid Price is to fight Russia’s Alexander Povetkin on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s March 31 world heavyweight unification title showdown against Joseph Parker.

The heavyweight, 34, has fought and won only once since being stopped by Christian Hammer 12 months ago, when he considered retirement before appointing Derry Mathews as his new trainer, and he has been presented with the chance to revive his career.

Povetkin is the mandatory challenger to Joshua’s WBA title - the champion will also defend that of the IBF and fight for Parker’s WBO championship at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium - and defeated Hammer in

VanZant (left) came up short in her last fight against Jessica-Rose Clark (right) December.

The 38-year-old Russian is in contention to fight Joshua later this year, but Price said: ‘It is a massive, massive chance for me and it has come from nowhere. I wasn’t expecting an opportunity like this to appear so it was a no-brainer.

‘It is a big ask for me to go out and win but upsets do happen. I have been on the wrong end of upsets and am due a bit of luck. This fight has come at the right time for me and I have a belief that I am going to win.’

Povetkin said: ‘I expect to put on a great performance. Then go on to fight the Joshua-Parker winner later this year.’

David Price (right) is to fight Russia’s Alexander Povetkin on the undercard of Joshua-Parker

Paige VanZant shared this photo of the moment her partner Austin Vanderford proposed

Mayweather McGregor in war of words

F

loyd Mayweather has teased a the idea of himself fighting in the UFC in recent months and the boxing icon went one step further on Tuesday, posting a video of himself stepping into a mixed martial arts cage.

With no caption accompanying the clip, The Money Team leader can be seen entering an octagon before pacing up and down as if he were about to engage in an actual MMA bout. And Conor McGregor, the man who entered the boxing ring to fight Mayweather in a money-spinning Las Vegas showdown in August last year, was quick to notice. He wrote on Twitter: ‘Hahahaha very good. Keep up the good work my son. Yours sincerely, Senior.’ The Irishman followed up his response with a picture of himself and his son with the caption *f*** the Mayweathers’.Mayweather set fans’ pulses racing last month when he claimed he had been approached by the UFC about a potential MMA fight.

‘They just called me not too long ago and asked me to come back,’ he said.

‘I can come right back to the UFC. If I want, I can go, I can come right back to the UFC, I can go fight in the Octagon.

‘I can do a three- or four-fight deal in the Octagon and make a billion dollars.

Remember, I’m Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, and you m************ love me, and I love you m************.’

The 40-year-old went back into retirement after defeating the UFC’s biggest star, McGregor, last year, taking his professional record to 50-0.

Mayweather also shared this picture with the caption ‘#MCM, Mayweather Crushes McGregor’ The pair have continued to disparage one another on social media, Mayweather relishing in his victory, McGregor making it clear the result would be different in a ‘true fight’.

Mayweather’s video comes one day after he shared a picture from his showdown with McGregor with the caption ‘#MCM, Mayweather Crushes McGregor’.

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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Saturday February 3, 2018

Bala-Usman vows to maximise Nigeria’s Seaports potential Page B5

FirstBank ATMs adding value to customers, banking industry Page B3

FG committed to enabling environment for businesses -Adeosun Page B2

Erratic power supply not reason economy isn’t growing – Fashola

Simon Ugwu

The inadequate supply of electricity is not the reason why the country’s economy is not growing, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said.

According to Fashola, experts, who attribute the slow growth of Nigeria’s economy to power supply challenges make such arguments without facts and are not correct.

This is coming as he directed power distribution companies to find ways of collecting the outstanding debts owed them by public sector organisations from state governments, adding that the Federal Government had verified and given approval for the payment of its own portion of the claims.

The minister stated these at a civil society engagement workshop on the Power Sector Recovery Programme in Abuja last Wednesday evening.

Fashola said, “We hear all our so-called experts who say (nonavailability of) power is why the economy of Nigeria is not growing.

That is not factual and it is not correct.

“At the time when we had less power in 2013 and 2014, the economy of this country was growing at seven percent per annum.

“We had less power then than we have now, but the economy was growing. So that is not an honest statement to make. It is not an honest statement at all. That is not the reason. Power will clearly contribute to the growth but power is not the reason why the economy is not growing.”

He further argued that some industrialised nations of the world were still faced with power supply

problems, stressing that Nigeria was importing goods from such countries.

Fashola stated, “I have also heard of the need for industrialisation and yes, that’s true. But there are nations that haven’t solved their power problems and are industrialised faster than us, and who are solving them and industrialising at the same time. Today, we import things from India; all of India is not powered.

“So, let us stop repeating the stories that we have been told and get more current information about what is happening. We know that the industries are not getting enough

power, but the correct statement is not because there is no power. The reality is that we have 7,000MW and we are selling 5,000MW. In a related development, at the opening of a recent House of Representatives investigative hearing , Fashola, reiterated his commitment towards unlocking 12,000MW of power generation achieved by the present administration.

The Minister explained that out of 125 TCN power projects inherited by the present administration, 85 projects were stalled by court cases, environmental or community-related crises while the 40 viable power projects for implementation

were presented to the Committee during the 2016 budget defence.

“For the things that I know, TCN completed 10 transmission projects, expanding transformer capacity which is the heart and meat of power distribution and these projects go from Daura to Ikeja to FCT in Apo to Ejigbo, to Akwa, to Enugu to Akungba and to Suleja and there are many more.”

The Minister who affirmed that TCN capacity, generation capacity and distribution inherited by the present administration have drastically improved, however acknowledged that the sector is yet to be where it ought to.

L-R: Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Vice Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and a member of the Committee, Mr. Oluseye Arowolo, during the presentation of the Progress Report on Tax Laws Reform by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee to the Minister in Abuja ..on Friday

Nigeria, Niger sign pact to build refinery in Katsina

By Simon Ugwu Nigeria and the Niger Republic, will in 60 days time sign binding bilateral and technical agreements that will enable both countries develop and build a new petroleum refinery in a Katsina State town which borders both countries, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has disclosed.

The ministry in a short statement, explained that the refinery project would also include a crude oil pipeline that is expected to come from Niger Republic, indicating the plant would be fed crude oil from Niger.

To actualise this, the ministry stated that both countries would within 60 days sign bilateral and technical agreements, while a high level technical committee between them would be set up to develop a strategy that would be used to undertake the project.

“Thursday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, met with the President of the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, and the Energy Minister of the Republic of Niger, Mr. Foumakoye Gado.

“A mutually beneficial agreement was reached for the construction of a refinery in the border town between the Republic of Niger and Katsina State, Nigeria, and a crude oil pipeline from the Republic of Niger to the new refinery. Definitive bilateral and technical agreements to be signed in coming days,” the note said.

According to a copy of the outcome of the meeting Kachikwu had with Issoufou and Gado, he expressed hope that the project which President Muhammadu Buhari conceived two years ago with Issoufou would now proceed for completion.

Nigeria, foreign countries share data on overseas bank accounts, property owned by Nigerians

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria and some foreign

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Deputy Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capitak Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Motolani Oseni

countries, including the United Kingdom government, have commenced the Automatic Exchange of Tax Information (AETI), particularly on overseas assets held by Nigerians.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun confirmed this on Friday in Abuja, during the presentation of Progress Report on Tax Laws Reform by the Vice Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the data being supplied to Nigeria by foreign countries under the AETI, to which the country became a party in January 2018.

“The data received in Nigeria with regard to overseas assets held by Ni-

gerians has been impressive and will underpin a long- term improvement in the nation’s tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ration, in turn, will improve life for the masses.

“The data on bank accounts, property and trusts, which has come automatically from a number of countries is being used to support the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) by allowing the tax authorities to check the accuracy of declarations received.

“The Federal Government is also using the data to generate ‘nudge’ letters which are being sent to those identified as being potential tax defaulters,” said Adeosun, while responding to questions raised by

journalists during the submission of progress report on tax laws reform.

She disclosed that Nigeria had written to a number of nations to request specific information about offshore trusts and bank accounts held by its citizens.

The Minister advised users of offshore structures to take advantage of VAIDS to regularise their taxes before the expiry of the amnesty programme.

“The offshore tax shelter system is basically over. Those who have hidden money overseas are being exposed and whilst Nigerians can legally keep their money anywhere in the world, they must first pay any taxes due to the Nigerian government so

that we can fund the needs of the masses and create jobs and wealth for our people.

“The moral argument against illicit financial flows and tax evasion and the strong international co-operation are such that every Nigerian tax payer should do the right thing. The needs of our people for development override any other argument against payment of tax,” she stated.

Adeosun stressed the need for a sustainable revenue that could deliver infrastructural development for Nigeria and improve the tax to GDP ratio of the country.

She assured that the Federal Government would build a robust tax Contd. on page B3

Business News B2 FG committed to enabling environment for businesses-Adeosun Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

By Simon Ugwu

Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said Federal Government was committed to implementing any policy that would boost the country’s tax system and ensure ease of doing business.

Adeosun said this on Friday in Abuja while receiving a Progress Report by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee on tax law reforms.

She said that the government was laying emphasis on tax because it was the only reliable

source of revenue to achieve its developmental goals. “I want to underscore that this government led by Muhammadu Buhari, came in at a time when oil price was as low as 28 dollars per barrel. “This led us in search of a revenue base that is sustainable, predictable and can deliver development and succour to the masses. “One of the functions of the tax system, which many people overlook, is that it is the most reliable tool for government to use to redistribute wealth from rich to poor.

“Many of the programmes we

are undertaking will do exactly that, whether it is fixing our roads, or our social interventions like N5, 000 Conditional Cash Transfer to the poorest.

“There is also the N30, 000 to some of our unemployed graduates or the school feeding programme. “These are all methods of redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor and that is one of the functions of a good tax system,” she said. Adeosun reiterated government’s willingness to take the recommendations of the National Tax Policy Implementation Commit-

tee, which she explained, would not only boost revenue but also improve ease of tax payment.

She said that the recommendations would be submitted to the Economic Management Team, National Economic Council, Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for ratification. Earlier, Mr Taiwo Ayedele, Vice President of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, had said that the committee identified the tax laws that were obsolete and making the country’s tax system inefficient.

He said that the committee recommended that Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Customs Excise and Tariff, Personal Income Tax, Pension Contribution, Industrial Development Income Tax Relief and Tertiary Education Trust Fund be reviewed. “The proposed changes to the tax laws are expected to increase government revenue, simplify paying taxes and doing business and promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). “It will also remove obsolete, ambiguous and contradictory provisions in the law and protect most vulnerable persons in the society,” Ayodele said.

Guide to ease of Doing Business in Nigeria inaugurated

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Federal Government’ drive to improve the ease for doing business has received a boost, as investors and would-be-business owners now have a handbook on how to obtain licenses and permits when doing business in selected sectors in the country.

Publishers of the handbook, A&E Law Partnership in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said it was part of their contribution to improving the environment for doing business in Nigeria.

The foreword to the handook written by Peter Ntephe said the Guide is “a one-stop-shop handbook on the rules for entry into various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Key processes and procedures are outlined in as much a succinct way as possible, along with the fees for obtaining licences and registrations.

This handbook which is a product of the knowledge gained by the law firm over the years in “its core competences” is a praiseworthy compendium and guide to the rules and regulations for doing business in the ‘commanding heights’ of the Nigerian economy.”

According to the managing Partner of A&E Law Partnership, “The Doing Business handbook adopts a sectoral approach, respectively explicating the requirements for operating in insurance, aviation, cabotage, banking, energy and power, solid minerals, telecommunications, entertainment, food and beverages, private security, oil and gas, among others.

“There is also coverage of matters that are applicable across sectors, such as immigration, environmental standards, intellectual property and capital markets.” etc Beside these, there is a section devoted to foreign investors, providing an advisory on organizational forms available as well as other subjects of potential interests, such as repatriation of profits and tax exemptions.

This handbook is a must have table-top business advisory for professionals, including lawyers, accountants and bankers as well as to investors, entrepreneurs and firms

Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Rochas Okorocha (right) in a warm hand shake with the Wife of Ondo State Governor and Founder, Breast Cancer Association Of Nigeria BRECAN, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu - Akeredolu, (left) accompanied with members of the body during her visit to Imo state to kicks off 2018 World Cancer Day in Owerri, Imo state.

SMEDAN holds management retreat for effective service delivery

The Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for stronger collaboration with all SME Development Agencies in the country to speed development of the sub sector and provide job opportunities.

Dr Radda, who made the call in Jos on Monday 29th January 2018, at the opening of the 2018 Management retreat and strategy session of SMEDAN noted that unless fruitful collaborations between SMEDAN and other SME Development Agencies are consummated, the SME sub sector would continue to lag behind in driving the Nigerian economy despite its huge potentials He appreciated the Plateau State Government for setting up the state’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency

(PLASMEDA) and making it a model for youth engagement and employment The SMEDAN Chief Executive further said that with the Plateau experience in effective collaboration with SMEDAN, state governments have golden opportunities to address youth unemployment.

“It is heartwarming to say that Plateau State Government was one of the few states to establish an Agency for MSMEs development in Nigeria and one of the few States that hosted the Nationwide MSMEs Clinic and launched the One Stop Shop”. He added Commenting on the Jos Retreat, Dr Radda said that the retreat was the first attempt to bring Management staff, Zonal coordinators and all SMEDAN state office Managers together to brainstorm on how to move the Agency forward with the

theme Re- Engineering for Effectiveness and Efficiency.

He said that highly sought after resource persons were invited to help dissect and diagnose the system and prescribe working solution that would indeed enhance the Agency’s ability to deliver on her mandate effectively and efficiently.

The Director General also announced that a new Department of Agriculture and Extension Services has been approved for the Agency by the Head of Service.

He said that the new Department will boost the capacity of the Agency to provide Business Development Service that is specific to this focal Sector of the Nigeria Economy.

He enjoined all staff to come forward with suggestions and opinions that can build systems and structures around.

Dr. Radda also added that the Agency welcomes innovative ideas that will sporadically facilitate the Agency’s delivery of quality services and invariably build a stronger MSME Sector.

The Chief Host and Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong In his address at the occasion commended SMEDAN for its efforts to develop the MSME sector in Nigeria, stating that the collaboration between SMEDAN and the Plateau State Micro Finance Development Agency PLASMEDA, was apt as both Agencies stands to benefit from the outcome of the retreat.

The Governor recalled that upon Radda’s assumption as DG/CEO of SMEDAN, he was the first Governor in the country to visit SMEDAN, adding the visit was borne out of the passion to join hands with the Agency to bring out to the front burner the unemployment challenges facing the youth of Plateau State.

He noted that his administraContd. on page B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

B3 Business News Nigeria, foreign countries share data on overseas bank accounts, property owned by Nigerians

SMEDAN holds management retreat for effective service delivery

Contd. from B2

tion introduced the three dimensional approach to wealth creation particularly for Women, Youth, and the people with disability and they are Employment, Empowerment and Engagement. The state government, he said established the Plateau State Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency, PLASMEDA, which is primarily saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the actualization of the 3ES of his government.

Governor Lalong said that the enabling environment provided by his administration has yielded so many positive results among which is appointment of PLASMEDA by Bank of Industry (BOI) to serve as an agent for the disbursement of Market Money under the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme, GEEP, which over 5000 MSMEs in the state have benefited.

He also noted that the State SME Agency also launched the Simon Lalong Empowerment Scheme SLEMS, to reduce poverty in Plateau state adding so far over, three thousand Women and Youth including people living with disability have benefited from the Entrepreneurship Training Programme as well as the hosting of the MSME Clinic in Jos. Other Dignitaries that attended the opening ceremony of the retreat are Representatives of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Representatives of Director General of the Industrial Training Fund ITF, Representative of Director General Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, and some members of the Plateau state executive council as well as some highly sought after resource persons and motivational speakers.

Contd. from B1

L-R: Head of Lubes OVH Energy Marketing, Mrs. Lillian Ikokwu; Chief Marketing Officer, Commercial, OVH Energy Marketing, Mr. Alastair Macnaughton; Overall Best Student, Mr. Owolabi Tunde Akinwunmi; Ag. Chief Executi OVH Energy Marketing, Mrs. Olaposi Williams; CEO Automedics, Mr. Kunle Shonaike and Chairman, during the gift presentation at the Season IV Graduation ceremony of Oleum Academy in Lagos.

FirstBank ATMs adding value to customers, banking industry

Adefolalu Afolabi

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand has again validated its leadership position with the efficiency and creativity of the Bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as it presently accounts for 37 percent of bills payment services on ATMs in Nigeria’s banking industry.

According to a statement by the bank “ In 2017, about 402,102 bill payments were made through the Bank’s ATMs while the value of airtime purchase was about N1.7 billion.

“To cater for the financial services needs of its customers and in line with its strategy to drive convenience and ease in banking, FirstBank is presently leading in the industry as the Bank with the highest number of Automated Teller

Machines (ATMs), with 2,897 ATMs deployed across the Nigeria, making it the nation’s financial institution with the widest retail footprint”.

The Bank’s ATMs have unique functional features which include bills payment, cash transfer, air-time top-up, cash deposit among others.

The bills payment option is the non-cash transaction feature on the ATM that makes it easier for customers to pay for bills such as Cable TV subscription, post-paid phone bills, and pre- booked airline tickets. These transactions can be executed through the Quickteller option on any of the Bank’s ATMs. The statement said “The Transfer feature enables customers to transfer money from their accounts to both intra (within FirstBank) and interbank (other banks) accounts, thereby reducing the

Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and President Muhammadu Buhari at a seminar on Energy in Abuja

queues in the banking hall, saving time as well as providing a more convenient option for customers’ money transfer needs. “FirstBank is currently responsible for over 15 percent of interbank transactions and 21 percent of airtime vending.

As active mobile network users in Nigeria are over 142 million and the need to recharge is on the increase, the Bank’s ATMs also provide the platform for convenient and easy top-up’.

To further enhance convenience, FirstBank’s ATMs operate the Cash Deposit function, which allows customers to deposit funds without customarily having to enter a banking hall for this transaction.

The Bank’s ATMs are also equipped with cardless functionality that makes it easier for non-bank customers to

As part of activities lined up to mark 2018 World Cancer Day, the wife of the Ondo State Governor and the Founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu took the message of hope to Imo State to raise awareness and campaign against breast cancer.

A town hall meeting, which took place at the Imo State University, Owerri under the chairmanship of renowned Consultant, Rev. Dr. Angelica Anele from the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri had in attendance the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, His Royal Majesty Eze Engr. Eunan O. Eke Okpo I of

deposit or withdraw money from the ATMs without a Debit card. This is a direct testament to its value proposition of putting customers first.

Chuma Ezirim, the Bank’s Group Head, E-Business, said the distinct developments in FirstBank ATMs were achieved as a result of the desire to reach out to more people in the country and as part of putting customers at the heart of the business.

“FirstBank is positioned to meet the needs of its customers and to reach out to the under banked and unbanked.

Our mission is to remain relevant in the lives of our customers by continually working at making banking services a more convenient experience for our customers.

“7The Bank’s ATMs dispensed over N2.8 trillion between January and December 2017”, he further stated.

system and implement the recommendations by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) on tax laws reform.

Earlier in the address, the NTPIC Vice Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who represented the Chairman, said the Committee considered three major policy documents namely; the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the National Tax Policy and Ease of Doing Business Plan.

He disclosed that the Committee agreed that tax reforms should align with overall Government objectives as articulated in these documents, such that every action or recommendations would promote and catalyse the realisation of overall objectives. The Committee, according to him, identified the seven major tax areas that would have the highest impact. These include: Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs & Excise Tariff (CET), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Pension Contributions, Industrial Development Income Tax Relief (IDITR); and Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He disclosed that he proposed changes to the tax laws would achieve the following specific objectives: increase and diversify Government revenue, simplify paying taxes and doing business, promote Micro, small and medium enterprises, protect most vulnerable persons in the society, and remove obsolete, ambiguous and contradictory provisions in the law. Oyedele added that the Committee’s work resulted in two executive orders and five amendment bills.

The executive orders include Value Added Tax Act (Modification) Order and Review of Goods Liable to Excise Duties and Applicable Rate Order, the proposed Amendment Bills are: Companies Income Tax Act (Amendment) Bill, Value Added Tax Act (Amendment) Bill, Customs, Exercise, Tariff (Consolidation) Act (Amendment) Bill, Personal Income Tax Act (Amendment) Bill and Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act (Amendment) Bill.

BRECAN kicks -off World cancer day in Imo

Umuokpo Autonomous Community, other royal majesties and top government functionaries.Arabinrin Akeredolu in her address while inaugurating the Imo State Executives, affirmed her readiness to take the campaign to the 36 states of the federation noting that no woman in Nigeria should die needlessly of breast cancer.

While charging the newly inaugurated State Executives to remain hard working; the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria stressed that it takes great commit-

ment to be a member of the organization as BRECAN is all about charity.

“BRECAN is an association that is involved in giving charity. We are here to help and to expect nothing in return”, she added.

In his remark, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who had earlier received the first of Ondo State at his residence, thanked Arabirin Akeredolu for embarking on such a laudable stride in the fight against breast cancer in Imo State stressing that cancer has become a scourge.

Personal Finance B4 How your social circle impacts your budget

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

Ï Ɨ Ƈƈ ƅƈ Ƌ ƄƈƐ Ɛ inculcate in your 20s

Mirroring those around us, hence people are social creatures Mirroring people around us come with good and bad side effects especially on our personal finances.

So if one is trying to manage your budget, cut costs, earn more, and generally become more financially prudent, you should take a long, hard look at the people around you.

The impact of ones social circle and friend also impact on financial wellbeing, either enhancing economic growth or financial ruin.

Does your social circle consist of good influences and role models? Or are your friends and family encouraging unhealthy financial habits?

Like it or not, our social circle, colleagues, neighbors, friends, family plays a vital role in shaping our attitudes

and behaviors towards money.

Paul Plant, writing in the balance noted that “If you’re concerned that the people in your life are not supporting your decision to live a more budget-conscious lifestyle, there are few steps to be taken towards reshaping and strengthening your personal finance standing” as enumerated below.

Pick your friends and those you hang out with caution There is a popular saying that says ‘’tell me your friend and I will tell you who you are”. In most cases you are judged by the type friends or company you keep. If your friend are financially reckless, there is the possibility that you are likely to imbibe such attributes.

You tend to imitate those around you. I’m not saying

· L - R ;Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) presenting a replica of the closing gong to Mr. John Coumantaros, Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, during the Facts Behind the Issue presentation at the Exchange...on Friday

you should completely give up spending time with your friends who are more carefree with their money; after all, friendship is priceless.

However, for the time being, maybe you should focus on spending your Friday nights with the portion of your friends that tend to be more cost conscious.

If all your friends are getting the VIP bottle service at a night club, you may be tempted to do so as well. If you hang out with that group of friends that would rather get a frozen

pizza and watch Netflix, then you’ll most likely do the same.

Don’t let you friends be in the lead, be the one to suggest cheaper activities When your friend are always in control, deciding where to go and activities to engage in most of the time, there is the possibility that you would be tied to their choice of where to revel and spending pattern.

How can you spend time with those friends who like to spend? Be the person who suggests activities.

Your friends might fall back on their standard habits of dining out at restaurants or hitting up bars if no one suggests an alternative.

Taking it upon yourself to mention a different activity means you can pick something that’s both fun and wallet-friendly.

Going on a night hike, playing board games, playing soccer at the park, watching movies at home, or having a jam session in the living room are all great options.

As an added bonus, you may

become more popular with your friends because they’ll no longer have to come up with fun ideas or activities.

You’ll naturally become the central organizer within your group of friends. Who knew pinching pennies could lead to stronger friendships?

If married, get your spouse on board Nothing can wreck your budget and income faster than a partner or spouse who either doesn’t share your vision, or doesn’t enjoy following through with the execution.

….Financial habits to establish in your 20s There are different investment attributes desirable for people of different age brackets.

What may be applicable for people of below 18 years of age may not be more ideal for people in their 20s.

People in their 30s and 40s based on increased responsibilities as a result of marriage and child bearing also would be expected to imbibe some financial habits.

Are you in your 20s? There’s a decent chance you feel broke right now.

At 20 years, you are earning an entry-level salary while trying to pay off college debt. You may be living with roommates, eating pasta and bagels because it’s cheap.

You can’t imagine owning a home or driving any car that isn’t a $2,000 beater.

But despite your apparent lack of money, don’t underestimate the power of this decade. Your 20s are an ideal time to set

yourself up for a solid financial future.

In your 20s, you are beginning to build the foundation that you’ll stand on during your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

How can you go about managing your money and establishing good financial habits in your 20s? Here are 5 tips you can start with today.

Live like a student for longer than necessary In your 20s , you’re at a unique age where it’s socially acceptable to continue living like a broke student. Do yourself a favor and maintain this broke student lifestyle even after you get your first job and a few promotions.

Keep living with roommates for as long as you can. Continue cooking dinner at home rather than dining at restaurants.

Keep wearing clothes from thrift stores or discount shops. Follow

the actions you took when you were a student without a decent paycheck.

Earn extra money In order to earn extra money, you in your 20s, you are positioned to hustle during your spare

time. When you were a student, you probably balanced going to school with working a parttime job during evenings and weekends. In other words, you balanced a full-time job being a student with an additional

part-time job.

Now that you’re in the workforce, there’s no reason you can’t continue with it. Balance your full-time job with a supplemental part-time job, even if it’s only 5 to 10 hours per week. This can help you make huge progress towards your financial goals.

Focus on your career Your 20s are a prime decade to focus on advancing your career. Give 110 percent of yourself while you’re at work and think carefully about career moves.

Work at companies where you have a good chance of advancing up the ladder. Seek to meet the right people who can create a strong network of opportunities for you.

It’s also okay to take a slight pay cut if it means getting to be in a position that has more room for growth.

Start early retirement account Open a 401(k) or IRA account and contribute at least 15 percent of every paycheck into it.

Your retirement account should be considered a need rather than a want.

You should take this as seriously as you take any other bill like rent or utilities. Your future self will thank you.

Prioritize debt repayment By living like a broke student and earning extra on the side, you have an opportunity to repay your college debts or other debts.

Be as aggressive as possible without harming your retirement account.

You might have to figure out how to strike a balance between repaying debt, saving, and investing—but don’t neglect any of these three categories. They’re crucial to building your financial base.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

B5 Money Market

Advertising, other revenue rise to $1.74 bn Brian Olsavsky, Amazon’s chief financial officer, said on a call with analysts that advertising was “a key contributor” to the company’s growing profit margin.

Alphabet Inc’s Google on Thursday reported ad revenue of $27.2 billion by comparison.

Perhaps the surprise star of the past quarter was Amazon’s voice aide Alexa, embedded in the company’s Echo speakers and Fire TV players, as well as some cars and house gadgets. Millions of Amazon customers ordered goods by voice with Alexa in the past year, said Olsavsky on a separate call with reporters.

“Our 2017 projections for Alexa were very optimistic, and we far exceeded them,” added Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder and chief executive, in a statement. “We don’t see positive surprises of this magnitude very often — expect us to double down.”

Amazon’s stock has outperformed the S&P 500, rising almost 50 percent since the start of the fourth quarter to Thursday’s close, compared with the S&P’s 12 percent rise.

Its shares trade at a premium to those of many peers. The stock’s price-to-earnings ratio is nearly 12 times that of cloud computing rival Microsoft Corp, for instance.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is dueling with Microsoft to handle data and computing for large enterprises, saw its profit margin expand from the third quarter.

This was a “sign of platform strength despite increasing competition,” said Baird Equity Research analyst Colin Sebastian in a research note.

AWS posted a 45 percent rise in sales to $5.1 billion.

Amazon said it expects operating profit in the current quarter of between $300 million and $1 billion.

Analysts were expecting $1.5 billion, according to analytics firm FactSet. Olsavsky, Amazon’s CFO, told reporters, “We’re still in heavy investment mode.”

The company has become notorious for running on a low profit margin. Yet its big bets on new services and entry into new industries have reaped shareholders rewards over the past decade, including its founder Bezos, now the richest man in the world.

Amazon continues to spend on a wide array of areas. It is expanding its retail footprint outside the United States, particularly in India, and almost doubled its international operating loss to $919 million in the fourth quarter. Amazon’s global headcount is up 66 percent from a year ago at 566,000 full-time and part-time employees, thanks to a hiring spree and an influx of workers from Whole Foods Market.

And earlier this week, it announced a partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co and Berkshire Hathaway Inc to determine how to cut health costs for hundreds of thousands of their employees.

The company said it plans to spend more on video content this year as well, with a prequel television series to “The Lord of the Rings” in the works. Analysts estimate Amazon spent $4.5 billion or more in 2017.

“Revenue and margins vastly exceeded expectations, and cost control was impressive, so that’s what people

L-R: CEO Central Securities Clearing System Limited (CSCS), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Executive Director, Wholesale Bank, Nova Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Anya Doruha, Head, Corporate Services, Nova Merchant Bank, Godwin Ojali, Chairman, Mr. Philip Oduoza, Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Managing Director,l/CEO, Nova Bank, Mr. Chinedu Ikwudinma and COO/Executive Director of the Bank, Mr. Ayodeji Adigun, during the launch of Nova Merchant Bank, held at the Bank’s premises, Victoria Island in Lagos

Bala-Usman vows to maximise Nigeria’s seaports potential

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman has assured relevant stakeholders in the maritime sub sector and beyond of the determination of the management of the NPA to providing an enabling environment for investors to do business within the ports across the nation .

This, she said, was to ensure the huge economic potential available in the sector, are fully harnessed for the growth of the nation’s economy.

According to the NPA boss, renewed efforts are being encouraged by way of partnership, collaboration and improved synergy amongst key players in the industry towards ensuring that the management thrusts are realised within the nearest possible time.

Bala-Usman, who was represented by the General Manager (Land and Asset Admin-

istration) Adams Jatto made these remarks during on a working visit with the visiting Presidential Team, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (CRC) led by its acting Director General, Chidi Izuwah to the Lagos Free Zone [LFTZ] located in Lekki, Lagos.

The acting DG had informed the gathering that the Presidential Team was in Lekki Deep Sea Port to have a firsthand information and assessment of the state of infrastructural development that has taken place in the project since the Committee’s last visit with a view to providing all necessary technical support for its swift take off.

According to him, the Lekki Port project when completed would facilitate amongst others a platform for the creation of 170,000 jobs for Nigerians, generate an increased revenue base for government and most importantly strengthen the

federal government’s drive for the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria as well as creating an enabling environment for the reception of bigger vessels.

The General Manager Projects, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom, while conducting the guests on a tour of the facilities within the ports, stated that when completed in 2020, the project would boast a 16.5 meter depth base, thereby facilitating trans-shipment within the sub-Saharan Africa.

On the facility appreciation tour was the Assistant General Manager (PPP) NPA, Yakubu Nana and the Legal Counsel/Relationship Director, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Adesuwa Ladoja.

The management of the NPA is prioritising the execution of a 25-year Port Master plan for the sub-sector in order for activities to thrive along the lines of best practices.

By Simon Ugwu with agency report

to its website and forays into new technology, such as its voice-controlled Alexa devices, to attract highspending Prime members. Amazon said price cuts at Whole Foods Market, which it acquired for $13.7 billion last year, are helping it win grocery sales, too.

The world’s largest online retailer said net income more than doubled to $1.86 billion, or $3.75 per share in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. Its profit received a provisional $789 million boost from the U.S. Republican tax bill passed in December. Analysts on average were expecting just $1.85 per share, according to Thomson Reuters

I/B/E/S. (http://tmsnrt.rs/24gibla) “This was another blow-out quarter for Amazon,” said GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives. “The retail strength was eye-popping as the company had a banner holiday season and looked to capture roughly 50 percent of all e-commerce holiday season sales.”

As expected, the period running from before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday through New Years was Amazon’s biggest-ever by revenue. Sales rose 38 percent to $60.5 billion in the quarter, beating estimates.

The company’s fast delivery, like its two-hour Prime Now service, has

Bala usman

Amazon posts largest profit on sales, tax boost

Amazon.com Inc on Thursday reported a profit near $2 billion, the largest in its history, as the online retailer drew millions of new customers to its Prime fast-shipping club for the holiday season and as changes to U.S. tax law added to its bottom line.

Shares rose more than 6 percent in extended trading, after previously closing down 4 percent on the Nasdaq.

Seattle-based Amazon is using fast shipping, television shows exclusive

helped win over holiday shoppers eager to avoid the crowds of big box retailers. Prime saw more than 4 million sign-ups in one week alone last quarter, and revenue from subscription fees grew 49 percent to $3.2 billion, Amazon said.

That figure is expected to rise this quarter in part because the company recently raised the fee for month-to-month Prime plans, affecting some 30 percent of subscribers, according to analysts at Cowen & Co. Some 60 million, or close to half of all U.S. households, are estimated to have Prime subscriptions.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

B6 Tourism

FG launches Guide to E-business in Nigeria Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Federal Government drive to improve the ease for doing business has received a boost as investors and would-be-business owners now have a handbook on how to obtain licenses and permits when doing business in selected sectors in the country.

Publishers of the handbook, A&E Law Partnership in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said it was part of their contribution to improving the environment for doing business in Nigeria.

The foreword to the handook written by Peter Ntephe said the Guide is “a one-stop-shop handbook on the rules for entry into various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Key processes and procedures are outlined in as much a succinct way as possible, along with the fees for obtaining licences and registrations.

This handbook which is a product of the knowledge gained by the law firm over the years in “its core competences” is a praiseworthy compendium and guide to the rules and regulations for doing business in the ‘commanding heights’ of the Nigerian economy.”

According to the managing Partner of A&E Law Partnership, “The Doing Business handbook adopts a sectoral approach, respectively explicating the requirements for operating in insurance, aviation, cabotage, banking, energy and power, solid minerals, telecommunications, entertainment, food and beverages, private security, oil and gas, among others. There is also coverage of matters that are applicable across sectors, such as immigration, environmental standards, intellectual property and capital markets.” etc Beside these, there is a section devoted to foreign investors, providing an advisory on organizational forms available as well as other subjects of potential interests, such as repatriation of profits and tax exemptions.

This handbook is a must have table-top business advisory for professionals, including lawyers, accountants and bankers as well as to investors, entrepreneurs and firms doing or seeking to do business in Nigeria.

Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano addressing sympatisers at the burial of former vice president, Dr Alex Ekweme in Awka

I’m more Igbo than any other person , says Ambode in Enugu

By Simon Ugwu

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday paid a courtesy visit on his counterpart in Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, where he again reiterated support for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Speaking at the Enugu Government House located at Independence Layout where he was received by top government functionaries, Governor Ambode said since assumption of office, concerted efforts have been made to maintain peace and harmony in the State.

Governor Ambode, who was in Enugu to attend the final burial of late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme in his capacity as the Chairman of Southern Governors Forum,

said considering the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos being the melting pot of various cultures, deliberate policies were put in place to promote harmonious relationship among residents.

He said: “I am more Igbo than any other person because Lagos is a cosmopolitan State and I am not too sure whether I can cross any street in Lagos without having an Igbo brother or sister and if you want to govern Lagos properly, you have to abide by the rules and conditions of business men and women and which the majority happens to be our brothers.

“In the last 32 months that I have been Governor, I have tried as much as possible to keep peace and keep harmony because that is the only way

my economy can grow and that is the only way Nigeria also can grow and that is why we are for a united Nigeria.

“It is also why I am so happy that the last time that the Southern Governors Forum meeting attended by all the Governors was held in Lagos and being the Chairman of the Forum, I took it upon myself that I have to be here for the burial of the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme,” he said.

Besides, Governor Ambode commended Ugwuanyi for the developmental strides in Enugu, saying where other states seem to be having problem, there is dignified peace and stability in Enugu.

“Irrespective of party affiliation, development is development and progress is progress and the whole thing is more

about being people-oriented and we give God all the glory that there are still people who can prove that there is good governance in Nigeria,” said Governor Ambode who was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council.

Aside Governor Ugwuanyi, other dignitaries who joined in receiving Governor Ambode and his entourage at the Lion Building of Enugu Government House located at Independence Layout included the State’s Deputy Governor, Hon Cecelia Ezeilo; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senate’s Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; members of Enugu State Executive Council, among others.

Ekwueme: Obiano expresses satisfaction over work in Amansea

The Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Willie Obiano has expressed satisfaction with the fast pace of work at the Amansea border of Enugu/ Onitsha Expressway ahead of the burial of HE Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

During his inspection visit to the site, Obiano made it known to newsmen that the state government was the one executing the project ahead of Ekwueme’s burial on Friday.

However, the site which is the boundary between Anam-

bra and Enugu was awarded to IDC Construction Company for its quality delivering services.

Governor Obiano, while speaking to newsmen commended the Company for its quality services, noting that his administration will ensure that no stone is left unturned towards delivering dividends of good governance in the state.

Speaking further, Obiano said that street lights and road markings would be installed on the project at its completion.

On his own part, Engr Maher Dib, Director Commercial of IDC Construction Company said that the company works day and night to ensure the timely completion of the Federal road owing to its importance and urgency.

Hon Law Chinwuba, the Commissioner for Works on the other hand said that Governor Obiano’s administration is determined to maintain Anambra State status as the best road network in Nigeria.

L-R: Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a guest and his Lagos state counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode at Oko, Anambra state during the burial of the former vice president, late Alex Ekwueme

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

B7 Tourism

The ‘Wedding Party’ II rakes N200m profit since release

By Simon Ugwu with Agency report

‘The Wedding Party 2-Destination Dubai’ cost N300 million to make, says one of the movie’s producers.

The WP2 released on December 15, has raked in over N500m within the six weeks of its release in cinemas, making it the highestgrossing Nollywood film ever.

The managing director of FilmOne Distribution Company, Kene Mkparu, one of

the producers of the movie, disclosed this on Wednesday in an with the Media.

“Wedding Party 1, cost us over N150 million to make, plus publicity, and the Part 2 cost us N300m,” he said.

“We believe you have to spend money to make money, and if you can show from your business plan how you would recoup this money, the banks are willing to give you.”

Mkparu further explained that that partnership with relevant stakeholders, especially in tourism, in Dubai added co-

lour to the glitz and glamour of the WP2.

He therefore urged relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian tourism and the filmmaking sector to initiate such partnership for the growth of the industries.

“We pay for some few locations and then entered into partnership with Dubai Tourism, which made available a lot of tourism facilities and hotels in Dubai for us,” he said.

“We could shut any where we wanted, as long as the script said so, and we lived

in top hotels in Dubai.

Filmaking is not just for entertainment but to promote and develop tourism as well.”

According to Mkparu, the Wedding Party project has positively changed the narratives of the Nigerian movie industry both within and outside the country.

“The Wedding Party 2 has generated over N50 as at today and is now in cinemas across different countries, including England, and Holland and some French-speaking African countries,” he said.

“The idea of the film is to show that it is possible in Nigeria today to create a movie that can entertain, sell and make money.

“We wanted to prove that it is possible to make money from all the value chains in the industry, even in the midst of piracy threats.

“The producers looked at what the audience enjoys in cinemas, and we created a script of a topical issue that people can identify with and have fun identifying with those things.”

Mkparu explained that although the movie was raking in huge returns for its investors, it was highly capital intensive.

He urged filmmakers to develop good scripts as business plans to attract financiers, as adequate funding was critical to making sellable movies.

Southern Governors’ forum has cemented ties with South East – Gov. Ambode

The Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State says the forum has cemented the ties between the South East and South West zones.

Ambode said this in Enugu on Friday during a visit to his Enugu State counterpart, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi en route the burial of the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

He said that being a governor in a state with a huge concentration of people of the South East had made him to be part of the people from the area. “I am more Igbo than any other person because Lagos is a cosmopolitan state. I am not too sure whether I can cross any street in Lagos without meeting an Igbo brother or sister.

“If you want to govern Lagos State properly, you have to abide by the conditions of business people and which the majority happen to be our brothers from the South East,” he said. I The governor said that he had tried to unite residents of the state irrespective of where they came from as that was the only panacea for peace.

“I have in the last 32 months tried as much as possible to maintain peace and harmony because that is the only way our economy can grow.

That is why we are for a united Nigeria,” he said. He said that his love for the people of the area made him choose to attend the burial of the elder statesman. Ambode expressed delight in the infrastructural development in Enugu which he said had defied the economic challenges in the country. The governor said that he was moved by the development strides embarked by successive administrations in the state irrespective of party leanings.

“Irrespective of party affiliation, development is development and progress is progress and the whole thing is more about being peopleoriented. “We give God all the glory that there are still people who can prove that there is good governance in Nigeria,” Ambode said.

Okowa, others attend Ekwueme’s funeral service Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday led top government functionaries and politicians to attend the burial ceremony of one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria’s first democratically elected Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

The burial ceremony which took place at Dr Ekwueme’s home town, Oko, Anambra State was also, attended by Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osibajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan and wife, Patience; former Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Governors of different states of the country, Chairmen and members of

different political parties, among others.

Okowa was among the first dignitaries to arrive St. John The Divine Church, Oko, Anambra State venue of the funeral service for the late Dr Ekwueme who Prof. Osibajo at the occasion, described as principled, brave and “set an excellent example of loyalty as Vice President.

“He was a man of impeccable integrity,” Prof. Osibajo said, stating that the federal government has renamed Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State as Dr Alex Ekwueme University. Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku in an emotion-laden tribute at the occasion described the deceased

as a “cerebral politician who did not play politics of bitterness.”

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, Nicholas Okoh had in a sermon challenged political office holders to ensure that Nigeria’s independence goes beyond “paper” According to him, Nigeria should be independent in providing basic amenities for its people, noting that it is wrong for Nigerians to leave their kits and kins to seek medical services outside the country and in most cases, lose their lives in such whereas, those in authority can make the hospitals in the country functional.

“Our independence is only on papers, our leaders should

deliver us from running to other countries for medical services, whatever the deficiency in the medical profession, government should help us, let our people stop to die abroad,” the Primate said.

Speaking on the topic, “Get Into The Ark,” Most Revd.

Okoh urged all evil doers in the country to repent and get into the ark of God, observing that the late Ekwueme achieved so much in the academia, politics and did so much to transform his community, Oko which political office holders deserve to emulate. He emphasized that political office holders should be men of integrity and avoid cheating the electorates by coming to them only when they need their votes.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 3, 2018

B8News Tourism

Emmerson Mnangagwa govt harassing Mugabe’s family – ex-minister

Zimbabwe’s former education minister has claimed in an interview with SABC that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is “harassing” former president Robert Mugabe’s family “on a daily basis”.

Mugabe, who was ousted from power in November, was last seen in public when he visited a Singapore hospital in December during a trip for a medical check-up.

The soon to be 94-year-old expresident was seen leaving a lift in Gleneagles Hospital in downtown Singapore, wearing a white shirt and black trousers, and accompanied by eight people.

Jonathan Moyo said that the “military junta” under president Mnangagwa was targeting and abusing the nonagenarian’s family.

He [Mnangagwa] is actually doing the opposite. They are actually harassing the president’s family on a daily basis,” Moyo said.

The SABC said in a report that

Moyo also warned that “a civil war is brewing in that country”.

According to New Zimbabwe. com, the former Mugabe minister chided the African Union (AU) and the regional body SADC for backing an “illegitimate regime”.

Moyo maintained that Mugabe was forced to step down by the southern African country’s military in a “coup”.

He said that the regional bodies should go on a fact finding mission before taking a decision of supporting Mnangagwa’s “illegitimate” government.

“The African Union and SADC need to base their decision not on what the coup makers are saying but on what the people of Zimbabwe say and on what the victims of the coup say,” Moyo was quoted as saying.

He claimed that they were already tensions between Mnangagwa and the military.

Gov. Dickson (standing) of Bayelsa state making his speech at a Tourism event in Yenagoa

Bayelsa a product of Ijaw struggle – commissioner

Stories by Simon Ugwu

The establishment of Bayelsa State on October 1, 1996 by the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha was a product of the Ijaw struggle.

The Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Austin Dressman, stated this on Wednesday ,during a presentation on the scorecard of his ministry at the inter-ministerial briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital.

At the event, three other ministries – Science and Technology, Tourism Development, and Women Affairs and Social

Mugabe

Development – also made presentations on the achievements of the administration in the last six years.

Dressman noted that the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs

by Governor Seriake Dickson was in line with the ideals of the Ijaw struggle for emancipation.

He re-echoed Dickson’s naming of Bayelsa as “Jerusalem of Ijaw nation”, stressing that the state, through the ministry, was preserving and promoting Ijaw unity and cultural heritage.

He noted that the building of the Ijaw Heroes Park and the

A’Ibom leaders warn against reintroduction of Onshore-Offshore dichotomy A group, Akwa Ibom State Leaders Vanguard, thursday warned against attempts to reintroduce the already settled issue of the onshore-offshore dichotomy, warning that it will spell doom for the country.

The group spoke against the backdrop of the report submitted last week to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, by the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir elRufai, who chaired the party’s Committee on True Federalism and Restructuring.

The report of the APC committee had made far-reaching recommendations, including allowing states of the federation to have control over the onshore minerals, mining, oil fields and gas resources in their states, but not offshore resources.

The committee also recommended that the existing rev-

enue sharing formula be tinkered with to limit the application of the derivation principle to only oil resources domiciled onshore.

But at a press conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the group said: “Regrettably, the party’s (APC) position on resource control clearly prognosticates an irredeemable disaster for Nigeria.”

A spokesman for the group, Senator Anietie Okon, cautioned that with the attempt to revisit the issue of resource control, Nigeria was at the threshold of history that could make or mar her as a country.

“We are saying no to the illegal reintroduction of a settled matter on the onshore-offshore dichotomy. It is an expensive joke taken too far. Nigeria might not survive this. Our patience has been stretched to its elastic limit.

“It is inconceivable that any person or group of persons with

an iota of knowledge of our nationhood will attempt to create more crisis in an already volatile Niger Delta region that has endured most of the ills of the contraption fraudulently referred to as a federal system finagled on Nigeria,” Okon said.

He called on the APC leadership in Akwa Ibom State to stand up and speak out at “this critical moment in the nation’s history”, especially as the reintroduction of the onshore-offshore dichotomy will affect the people of the state. According to him, “It will be interesting to know where they stand on this all important matter. They cannot sit on the fence.

It is now imperative for them to show clearly on which side of the divide they stand.

“It is frightening that the chieftains of the party in the Southsouth are dangerously quiet over this calculated attempt to subtly reintroduce through the back-

door the vexed onshore-offshore dichotomy that has long been settled in Nigeria.

“For the benefit of doubt, we want to state explicitly and unambiguously our concerns and consternation about the ambivalent and duplicitous position of the APC as it is clear to every discerning mind that the APC is a party in disarray.

“For instance, in his new year speech, President Muhammadu Buhari clearly considered restructuring an anathema that should not be contemplated.

“Juxtaposing that with the position of the APC, as a party represented by the el-Rufai committee, that on the face value seemingly supports restructuring, it is dangerous to say the least for Nigeria.

“It brings to the fore the unlimited confusion, the hallmark of the APC, that our dear country has been subjected to in the past

Ijaw House in Yenagoa, and the proclamation of Ijaw Cultural Day by the current administration were aimed at sustaining Ijaw values in Nigeria’s plural polity.

The commissioner insisted that the Ijaw people would not shift grounds on the raging issue of restructuring, stressing that failure to restructure could lead to the extinction of Ijaw nation or dismemberment of the country.

“Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs is a product of the Ijaw struggle. Ijaw people occupy a very difficult terrain, and that is why God blessed them with resources to survive in the terrain.” three years.”

He maintained that the “defective and deceitful promises” of the APC had exemplified the height of its dishonestly, and the committee’s report is an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians. “For every discerning mind, the president is averse to restructuring Nigeria, although other factions of the party seem favorably disposed to tinted restructuring; while waiting for the APC to come to terms with the reality regarding true federalism,” he said.

Akwa Ibom was at the vanguard of the fight under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration to ensure that littoral oil producing states in the Niger Delta became beneficiaries of the derivation principle.

Given that the bulk, if not all, of the oil and gas mineral resources produced in Akwa Ibom are offshore, it stands to lose the most should the recommendations of the APC committee become a reality.

Other littoral oil producing states include Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Lagos.

Life&

TIMES Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

Steph-Nora Okere: I cut my teeth in Nollywood before Omotola, Genevieve L2 & 3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

I cut my teeth in Nollywood before Omotola, Genevieve came in Steph-Nora Okere is one of the earliest thespians in the Nigerian movie industry. She rose to stardom in the 90s with the movie, Blood of the Orphan, produced by Kenneth Nebu and has been featured in a number of prime movies as well as TV series. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, she opens up on her foray in the movie in the country amongst others. Enjoy…

Most people remember you in the movie

People would say that your contemporaries should be people like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde……

Why did you join the movie industry at the time

You mentioned the internet earlier. One of the

industry when you started. What did you lack

Would you say that the social media has helped

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

Interview L3

Re-emergence of cinema has given producers different platforms to express themselves’ artistes have. We have people who are more known on social media than on the screen. As a result we have more social media celebrities than ever before. And when you are already popular before your act, you already set a high pedestal for yourself. But if you grew with the act, you would be immersed in it and by the time doing. And people would come to appreciate the depth of your act. But taken the other way round, they can easily nip your career in the bud.

Do you think that this is also responsible for Of course. When you go ahead of something, it puts pressure on you. You want to keep up with it. We have actors who are more popular than their jobs. But it is not something I bother myself with. It is neither here nor there in the end.

I am on social media – not just that active.

You know how you like a coffee: a little bit of I just do not feel the urge to. I feel I should be seen doing things to support both the industry and the society. I want to be seen supporting the children, women and the indigents in the society with my NGO instead of on social media.

couple of TV series. The movie, Roberta, that I intend releasing in cinemas across had been in the making since 2009. I have been trying to get it started. I also shot some bit of my talk show, I stayed in the US for some time and then in the UK. But I have been around for the past two years because of Roberta.

Yes, I taught Acting for Film and Television in an academy owned by Asari Dokubo in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

[laughs] I started out as a singer, even though music began to boom, I wanted to externalize that part of me. No sooner did I enter than I met

industry just in one life time. So, I let it go. It is not like I will not further that part of me some day, but I had to let go. I sing real good.

Roberta is a pet project that centres on the average African woman in the African environment. The truth is every woman in Africa is Roberta, but Africa women are not Roberta.

Roberta has talents and ambition, but Roberta is

like a robot of her environment. The movie x-rays every aspect of her life, drawing out real life issues about women and the society. It is a well-rounded movie made for the cinema audience.

No. Roberta is not about gender. Roberta is not even about patriarchy. It is about the society, the environment with which the African woman has to contend. It is a story everyone needs to watch.

Roberta is a talented singer. Music kind of goes Comedy is a necessity. Everything was packaged to ensure that audiences enjoy it. I wrote the story. kind of serious. It is light-hearted, but topical. For every scene there is something to entice, thrill or amuse. It is like taking a good meal: the condiments would have to be in the right proportion. In the cast list we have Wole Ojo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Somkele, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kaffy among others. All of these people were carefully selected because of the aim of the story. Most of them jumped in because of the story.

Yes. It is a bounce back energy. It has been stored in there for a long time. And I want the story of Roberta to get to everyone. We all need to see it, because we are the society and we are the only ones that can change the society. Roberta will not only create awareness about our society, it will, sort of empower people. In fact, the picture I have is a

situation where every woman can look up to her situation and say, “I am not Roberta. I can change this.” Where every man who encounters a woman will say, “She is not Roberta”. The Nigerian girl child is not Roberta. The Nigerian girl child is intelligent, wilful, strong and focused. But when you see her as Roberta, you defocus her talents.

Well all I know for now is that the movie will hit the cinema before the end of the year and at the same time, it could be in two months time or more.

Society Circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Olu Okeowo celebrates former Deji Tinubu buried amidst tears Ekiti Gov Niyi Adebayo Tributes, eulogies and tears poured in freely at a well-attended lying-inheld at the Redeemed God, City of David paruntil his demise was

Some of the dignitaries kunle Amosun and wife

Otunba Niyi Adebayo Sir Olu Okeowo on 28th might have been out of government after serv- ness magnet gathered tive Governor of Ekiti State between 1999 and owo, Parkview palatial 2003, but he still has the 60th birthday of his One of his loyal friends

treated in a royalty mantion birthday soiree was

will interest you to know that, Otunba Niyi and his wife, Erelu Angela re-

Other dignitaries pres-

-

Dangote; former governor of Anambra State,

taries, members of the -

Olorunnimbe

dude was survived by both male and female was a sport loving person who lived and died

Mamora;

of who is who from the - host, he was all over to ter half, Rennie Young see that his guests were

Quincy marks birthday, celebrates with less privileged

Ifeanyi Ubah set to complete Catholic Church in hometown

The Founder/CEO of -

-

Ayodele, last weekend,

a known philanthropist uting immensely well to the growth and devel-

birthday quietly with the less privileged in the so-

the glory of God on the

role in the nation buildbusiness mogul, politiThe CEO of Capital Oil is not relenting on his

tion has it that, the oil a

health who pioneered professional herbal slimming in this part of the world, on Saturday -

state-of-the-heart

distributed foods, Gifts,

-

over a thousand desti-

open for worshiper by

her daughter, Marita Abdul who hold position of -

later in the afternoon enfamily and friends who

birthday date with her and was on the trip along with

prior knowledge of her birthday date inside their

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

Society Circle L5

Isaac Oguntoye

Oluwo, Oba AbdulRasheed’s take on herdsmen

Mohammed Babangida’s political move Mohammed Babangida, son of a former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida, is presently warming up for the next general election come 2019.

The young dude jettisoned the ambition of become the governor of Niger State during the last general election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the fact that his father kicked against it. Now, information has it that, the cool dude is battle ready come 2019 general election.

This time around, insider revealed that the youngchap will be vying for senatorial ticket. Unlike before that his father was against his governorship ambition, source hinted that his father is ofbehind him in his bid to occupy a seat at the up-

Babangida

per National assembly as some top stakeholders have also pledged their immense support to deliver his mandate come 2019.

And with what is on ground, there is every

possibility he eventually the party. The handsome man has consulted far and wide over his ambiwinning the heart of the political stalwarts.

Ogun leaders celebrate Gov. Amosun Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi

Paramount Ruler and King of Iwo land, Osun State, Nigeria, HIM Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi has tackled the Federal Government, saying that field grazing and cattle roaming is barbaric and should be abolished at once as it does conform to modernization and 21st century development of any country.

Oba AbdulRasheed made this statement during a meeting with stakeholders at his palace focusing on solutions to herdsmen incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians. He said no government that wants to move forward will encourage grazworld where government acquires land on behalf of herdsmen for the purpose of cattle grazing.

He added that the herdsmen can either rent, lease or buy lands for pen/byre construction to house their cattle and that it is at the farmsell to them.

“The herdsmen got it wrong due to lack of education towards animal farming in the 21st century. The alternative to grazing is pen with sufficient hay storage. This will help restrict the cows to the confines of the pen- which is a controlled area.

That is how it is done in advanced country. You can never see herdsmen grazing cattle in Europe.” Oluwo said.

“The herdsmen can even purchase hays to feed the cows can be purchased from the farmers thereby establishing and sustaining a peaceful affinity with farmers across Nigeria.” He added.

Oba AbdulRasheed however advised the federal government that the solution to Fulani herdsmen/ farmers recurring clash is proper orientation and education on modernized animal farming and not acquiring hectares of land on behalf of herdsmen as grazing zone across the federation.

Cross section of the Ogun leaders

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State had demonstrated unlimited joy to Governor Ibikunle Amosun by presenting him a portrait as a symbol of support and appreciation as they charged the governor on progressive governance in Ogun State.

The overwhelm leaders noted Amosun is a God sent to the peo-

ple of Ogun state as he has transformed in no time the state with his honcho effort and style of hard work.

Councilor from Ofada Mokoloki LCDA, Hon. Ayodeji Abiodun said the governor has been committed to infrastructural projects and has invested in other ministries to bring succor to the people, according to him, they are comfortably enjoying.

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Akon, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, others make 2017 African Social Media Power report

Tiwa Savage and Akon

Senegalese rapper, Akon, and Egyptian striker, Mohamed Salah, are the two most followed Africans on the social media channels Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, according to the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 Footballers and Entertainers released on Friday, January 26, 2018.

The Power 50 has a combined following of almost 400million, a number that is more than half the population of Europe and twice the population of Nigeria, AfThe Power 50, which weighs the sostars and football personalities, was compiled by Lagos-based sports communication company, CampsBay Media.

“In a world where social media continues entertainers and footballers, the crème of popular culture on our continent, continues to fascinate and that is why we have compiled this list,” said Lolade Adewuyi, chief

strategist at CampsBay Media.

“We have tried as much as possible to gather the top African pop and sport stars across the three key social media platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We hope that the Power Report will be an annual ranking to gauge their growing impact as well as enable market planners and researchers to see the possibilities inherent Personalities from 12 countries are represented on the list with the top 10 dier Drogba, Moroccan stand-up comedian Gad el Maleh, South African comedian and TV show host Trevor Noah, Cameroonian Jamel Debbouze, Nigerian singer Davido and South African actress Charlize Theron.

On the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 are 13 actors/actresses, 14 singers, nine rappers, eight footballers, four comedians and two music producers/DJs.

I’m not straight, I’m a sexual outlaw!, Denrele Edun declares on #HouseRulesNG launched on YouTube, and it opens with the eccentric Denrele Edun who is getting fans excited with some of the answers and shocking revelations he gave on the show. terview show which features four hosts had A-game right from the very beginning; adding the right dose of humour and liveliness to the show.

The eccentric act whose sexuality has been something of a mystery to many was put on the spot, and he responded by saywatch the show.

Denrele also did not hold back in giving details about those he has dated in the past; on YouTube.

Seyi Shay unleashes much character in new movie Shortly after her movie debut in coming movie, Lara and the Beat, Singer Seyi Shay has released a sneak teaser of the coming movie via her social media page.

In the teaser, Seyi Shay is a socialite, Party girl and beautiful chic; “Lara and the Beat” is a coming of age movie about the young and beautiful Giwa sisters caught in the center of a

The sisters are forced out of their privileged bubble, and must learn to build their own future and salvage Directed by Tosin Coker, the movie is produced by Biola Alabi, who is popular for the 2017 romantic comedy, “Banana Island Ghost and will debut in cinema May, 2018

Seyi Shay

The coming movie has a stellar cast the includes Chioma Akpotha, Lala Akindoju, Uche Jumbo, Wale Ojo, Akah Nnani, Bimbo Manuel, Somkele Idhalama, DJ Xcluisive amongst others.

Nonso Bassey out with debut single, ‘411’ Nonso Bassey” is a multi-talented singer, song writer, actor and model best described as the quintessential artiste. Born Chukwunonso Bassey Iwuchukwu in Imo State, Nigeria, he was employed within the Federal Civil Service which did not deter or derail his passion for improving on his amazing vocal qualities hence his participation and success at the 2016 edition of The Voice Nigeria where he made it to the final. Starring in the popular TV soap “Battleground”, Nonso Bassey remains relevant and guarantees endearment within his ever increasing fan base.

Being a Universal Music Group Nigeria artiste has encouraged and inspired the release of his eagerly anticipated debut single “411”; an intense lento (slow tempo) love song that suggests his state of mind as being unafraid to express his deepest feelings of betrayal, deceit and heartbreak: “…if you say you love me, please

Nonso

Written by Nonso Bassey and produced by Johnny Drille, “411” is relatable to all who have suffered heartbreak from being in love, making it arguably one of the best love songs written.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

Home Affairs L7

Mutiat Alli

Factors to consider when transforming your sitting room How would you like to discover various ways to transform your living room to somewhere you never feel happy to leave? These tips include that which even works for a tiny budget. To all dĂŠcor

Available space You must consider your available space before for minimum effort. Sometimes the simplest changes can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of a room. Over-time rooms tend to order and in the right location. Your items should be kept in designated areas.

Curtains You may have formerly used heavy curtains that prevent rays of light. You may want to consider simpler blinds which help brighten up the a room will appear and how much more daylight the window.

Colour Have you maintained a particular color? You may want to Change the color scheme at this point. This is by far the most transformational of you so as to keep you on-track both with the balance of color and pattern in the room and also the budget. For busy homes that receive visitors often, a hard-wearing paint is essential.

Wallpapers To achieve a sophisticated look without overspending, a single panel of wallpaper within a large architrave frame can be as impressive as a whole feature wall.

Lightening Other steps include; adding warm and proper lightening and if you use a carpet, replace with

light and producing a clean, fresh feel. Tiles are

small sofa and a couple of chairs, consider a larger than a single couch, small sectionals make perfect sense for a cramped space by offering as much seating as a separate sofa and chairs but in a smaller footprint.

White Living Room with Clear Coffee Table.

While others use glass-item tables either at the center or forward center of the room.

house, and the sitting room is no different. You will need a household information center where you can access entertainment like that.

The tangle of wires in the house can be really annoying. Fortunately, there are several options for taming cords in the sitting room. You should make use of cable concealers.

you have a lot of small, Have your books

or three sides to create a more intimate area. You can replace some furniture with glass or less full-bodied pieces. Glass topped tables, glass doors, or open doorways make a room more spacious. Furniture with thinner bodies on raised legs reveal more space to the eye.

Also Grow Your Houseplants in cute plant stand or several decorative pots. The type of houseplants you have will determine where

Centre attraction You should have a center of attraction. The most common focal points are up against one wall, such as

Wall spacing You should also leave space between the

seating arrangement along the other three sides of the room, at right angles or angled slightly toward the focal point.

Play zone

back against a wall, the room can seem cold and

Relationship L8

6

Mutiat Alli

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, Febuary 3, 2018

ingredients to spice up your relationship

Seeing what the relationship of this our century is turning into, where we tolerate ourselves then call it love, guys cheat on their girlfriends and vice visa. One could say to himself that we need help and healing, if I am permitted to use that, for a change of perspective about what truly a relationship is and suppose to look like, which drives us to the question of: How many of us are truly really happy in our relationship today?There have been numerous misconceptions about Nigerian relationships, from the men thinking all women are women believing that all guys are cheats, liars with the list of others going on and on like that.But the truth still remains that though some of this believes/thoughts or misconceptions are true but none of the listed is 100% true, this been because it all depends on who YOU are dealing with and who you claim to be in love with. So today, we took it upon ourselves to highlight key ingredients of a happy Nigerian relationship.

1. Expect down times The average Nigerian mentality is to stay positive and not realistic in trying times. Which is good; but, we you guys should expect that there would be down times in your relationship that would require you to build skills that would help you not the same as being paranoid yet. It just means that, there is time for everything and understand that nothing lasts. The beauty now

each other up when the down times and long lasting relationships have come. That is where the real beauty understood. Honesty is a key to a is. happier life. Be honest with yourself 2. Honesty lot of trouble.

First of all, let us establish the fact that there is nothing like a white lie, it 3. Compromise is just a word coined to avoid hurting Remember love brings two people with different ideologies, should not be hidden from the light. background, interests, and maybe When you tell a lie to your partner, it religion together. The key word here is TOGETHER. It is no longer about you need to be 100% truthful even turned to be about the both of you.

When a tough decision that involves the both of you arises, wear your the strong relationship our older grown up pants and meet each-other generation with happy relationships in the middle and be done with it.

It is hurtful to the other party. They might not show it in the open, but in secret, it hurts. You should let that happen to your relationship.

4. Pay 100% attention If you are in a serious/long term relationship, you would probably understand the urge to be taken seriously. Not many people do.

People love to know that they are being heard, felt and understood.

When in a relationship every detail is important, every complaint is

between being attentive and being obsessive, you need to know your partner well. For my Fellas, your woman goes to make her hair or get her hair done, compliment her, compliment her dress, or her hair.

Let her know that you have seen it and you like and appreciate her for it. Foe my ladies, you man goes to get a new haircut, compliment him.

Let him know that he looks more handsome. That way, both parties know that their partners are paying attention to them fully. This way, you guys are happier.

5.

Never compare relationship with another

your

compare your relationship to another relationship. Never. Never say “Look at john, he got this for his Sonia or look at Chioma she cooks daily for her boyfriend� Those statements are

in all the shades of wrong there is.

Comparisons in relationships have a way of making people feel less of themselves, incompetent and stupid; it leads to gradual withdrawal from both parties..When your you want or making you happy talk about it instead of nagging them about it. Put it out on the table in an understandable manner so that both of you can deal it whatever it is.

6. Communication Communication is a very vital and most important key to a healthy relationship. When issues arise between you and your partner, do not patch it, or make excuses for it That you talk and have discussions mea they are saying, but also on what they are not saying. Sometimes the nonverbal signs tell you more language. Whether it is coming from you partner or going out from than words.

I hope we have been helpful to you love birds out there. You should start making a checklist from given list above to be sure you are share your thoughts to us on via allimutiat@yahoo.com