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2016 Viability Index: 14 states insolvent –Report

Ï Says Lagos generates more IGR than 30 states combined Ï Many states cannot survive without federally collected revenue Ï Lists Ogun, Rivers, Edo as states with impressive IGR

ÏÏÏ The

Annual States Viability Index (ASVI) released by the Economic Confidential magazine on Monday shows that fourteen states are insolvent as their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) in 2016 were far below 10% of their Federation Account Allocations (FAA) in the same year.

The index, carefully and painstakingly computed proved that without the monthly disbursement from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), many states remain unviable, and cannot survive without the federally collected revenue. Continued on page 6

TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 375

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GAINERS AS AT May 26, 2017 PZ

17.85

18.70 4.76%

PRESCO

48.00

N150

LOSERS AS AT May 26, 2017 49.01

2.10%

UNILEVER

36.00

35.75

-0.69%

CADBURY

9.90

9.42

-4.85%

Nobody will be spared in anticorruption fight –Osinbajo Ï Says past looting of nation’s resources must be accounted for Ï Vows to sanction anyone involved in violence Ï ’FG has added $500m to Sovereign Wealth Fund’

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has insisted that under its fight against corruption, all those accused of corruption would be brought to justice without minding whose ox is gored. The acting President, Professor Yemi Osunbajo, SAN, who stated this Continued on page 6

NBA chides FG over continued detention of Dasuki, El- Zakyzaky 7

Dangote to spend $1bn on rice cultivation in five states 7 Acting President Yemi Osinbajo (m), accompanied by Ministers, with beneficiaries of the Social Investment Programs during the National Social Investment Programme to mark second year anniversary held at the State House in Abuja... on Monday

AMCON records N352bn loss in 2016 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Why we are concentrating industries in Onna- Udom

Patrick Odey

ÏÏÏ Akwa Ibom state governor,

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, has announced government’s plans not to cite industries in places and communities that are not receptive to investors. The syringe manufacturing company, the metering company and the King Flour mills are all located in Onna, the governor’s country home. The Governor said the decision to site all these industries was a result of the friendly

disposition of the communities and traditional rulers to the investors. Udom who was answering reporters’ questions at a briefing held at government house’s Banquet hall to mark two years of his administration threatened that industries would no longer be cited in communities that are not receptive to investors in the state. The governor told the press conference that he was ready to move any industry allocated in a particular place community to another place if the commu-

nities refuse to cooperate with the investors. “My government will not listen to individual complaints from communities arising from a location of industry in a particular place. Industries are cited for the common good of all particularly the residents of the arear and there is no reason why we shouldn’t work with the investors, Udom said. He cited the example of the Coconut oil refinery at MkpanEnin local government and the Uyo-Ikot-Ekpene road project

to buttress his case. According to the governor the people of Mkpan-Enin were not ready to cooperate with the investors, adding that it took government a long time to resolve the issues before the industry was cited in the place. Udom disclosed that the Ikot-Ekpene –Uyo road project has not been completed because of too many litigations in court, adding that there is currently about 32 court cases from individuals and groups concerning the road. The governor said the Ibom Science Park project is not realizable because the concept of the Park is not in line with the ICT of today.

Court remands petrol station mgr over alleged stealing of N3m Sodiq Adekunle, R Ƃ

ÏÏÏ An Ile-Ife Magistrate’s Court on Friday, remanded Bolarinwa Moshood, 27 and Morufu Olabode, 32, in prison custody for alleged stolen over N3 million. The prosecutor, Mr. Monday Ojiezele, told the court that the accused committed the offence between Dec 2016 to May 2017 at Rechadee Petrol Filling Station, Arubidi Street, Omiokun Road, Ile-Ife. Ojiezele said that the accused conspired with others now at large to commit felony to wit stealing 20, 993 litres of petrol valued over N3 million, property of one Babatunde Kazeem. He added that Olabode, the petrol black market seller at Wanikin junction Ife, Ondo road, received 2, 744 litres of petrol, valued over N.3 million, from Moshhod, which known to be stolen property. According to him, the offence was contrary to section 383 and punishable under sections 390 (8a), 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2002. Magistrate Olalekan Ijiyode did not take the plea of the accused. Ijiyode asked their defence counsel, Mrs Innocental Akhigbe to come with written application for her clients’ bail. Meanwhile, Ijiyode ordered for the remand of the accused in prison custody till July 5, for mention.

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, with former Presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, during the town hall meeting to mark the 2017 Democracy Day Celebration in Kano… on Monday.

5 News FAAN denies recruitment process, warns job seekers Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo ÏÏÏ The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has refuted an online publication that the authority is presently recruiting staff, warning job seekers to be careful who they interact with. Confirming that the aviation agency is not recruiting presently, the Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, who dispelled the rumour Monday in Lagos, advised members of the public to beware of fraudsters, who pose as staff of the Authority, with the intention of dupping innocent applicants. Mrs. Yakubu advised that the public should not be deceived as there is always a standard recruitment process in all government agencies, which includes advertising in national dailies whenever such is to be done. She stated further that FAAN will always adhere to government policies and regulations in all matters and at all times.

Food security, power to be addressed in 2 years ÏƼƞƞèƞƞƞ Ƅ Ƅƕ Ɔ MéƋ ƑƄƍ é R Ɔ Ƃ Ƈ

Myke Uzendu, ƂƏƇ

ÏÏÏ The acting President, Prof. Yomi 0815 042 5621, has stated that the government will fully focus in food sufficiency, energy, industrialization and transport infrastructure in the next two years. He equally acknowledged that fixing the economy has remained one of the biggest challenge of the present administration, saying that the administration has demonstrated willingness to learn from its past mistakes and also improve on its achievements. The acting President stated this in Abuja during his nation wide broadcast to mark the two years anniversary of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari who is currently on medical vacation in London. The acting president said that the vision of the pres-

ent administration is to grow what it consumes, and develop a country that will cease from being an import destination, a country whose fortune will no longer be tied to the prize a barrel of oil in the international market. “The critical points that we must address fully in the next two years are : Agriculture and food security, Energy, (power and Petroleum,) Industrialization and Transport infrastructure. Every step of the way we will be working with the private sector, giving them the necessary incentives and creating an environment to invest and do business. “We have demonstrated a willingness to learn from our mistakes and to improve on our successes. “Our vision is for a country that grows what it eats and produces what it consumes. It is for a country that no longer has to import petroleum

products, and develops a lucrative petrochemical industry. Very importantly it is for a country whose fortunes are no longer tied to the price of a barrel of crude, but instead to the boundless talent and energy of its people, young and old, male and female as they invest in diverse areas of the economy” Osinbajo stated. The acting president assured thatched the administration will continue to wage the war against corruption and that the country’s wealth will no longer be stolen by a few, stressing that Nigerians deserve a country that works. “As citizens you all deserve a country that works, not merely for the rich or connected, but for everyone. And our promise to you is that we will, with your support and cooperation, take every step needed to create that country of our dreams”. The acting president re-

gretted that the economy is battered, admitting that a lot of companies have closed down businesses, workers being sacked, food prices on the increase, civil servants owed several months of salaries that cannot translate to meaningful living but stated that some measures are in place to cushion the effect of the present hardship. He said: “Admittedly, the economy has proven to be the biggest challenge of all. Let me first express just how concerned we have been, since this administration took office, about the impact of the economic difficulties on our citizens. “Through no fault of theirs, some companies shut down their operations, others downsized; people lost jobs, had to endure rising food prices. In some States civil servants worked months on end without the guarantee of a salary, even as rents and school fees and other expenses continued to show up like

clockwork. “We have been extremely mindful of the many sacrifices that you have had to make over the last few years. And for this reason this administration’s work on the economic front has been targeted at a combination of short-term interventions to cushion the pain, as well as medium to long term efforts aimed at rebuilding an economy that is no longer helplessly dependent on the price of crude oil. The acting President took a roll call of the achievement of the past administration which includes the success recorded in the war against terrorism, war against corruption, successful implementation of the Single Treasury Account (TSA), the rehabilitation of over one million displaced Nigerians from the North East, the school feeding programme, the conditional cash transfer programme and other social safety interventions.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Nobody will be spared in anti-corruption fight –Osinbajo Continued from page 1 in his Democracy Day speech in commemoration of the second year of the Buhari’s administration on Monday in Abuja, vowed that the looting of public resources that took place in the past few years has to be accounted for. Osinbajo equally said that the present administration has taken very seriously its promise to save and invest for the future, even against the backdrop of our revenue challenges, stressing that the government has, in the last two years, added US$500m to the nation’s Sovereign Wealth Fund and US$87m to the Excess Crude Account. The current administration, the acting President maintained, is determined to ensure that anyone who uses violence, or carries arms without legal authority is

apprehended and sanctioned. Osinbajo pointedly stated that funds appropriated to build roads, railway lines, and power plants, and to equip the military, that had been stolen or diverted into private pockets, must be retrieved and the culprits brought to justice. While agreeing with the view in some quarters that the process of fighting corruption in the country is slow, the acting President said that the good news for justice is that the country’s law does not recognise a time bar for the prosecution of corruption and other crimes. He maintained that the current administration will not relent in its efforts to apprehend and bring corruption suspects to justice. Osinbajo, a Professor of Law, said: “In the fight against corruption, we have focused on bringing

persons accused of corruption to justice. We believe that the looting of public resources that took place in the past few years has to be accounted for. “Funds appropriated to build roads, railway lines, and power plants, and to equip the military, that had been stolen or diverted into private pockets, must be retrieved and the culprits brought to justice. “Many have said that the process is slow, and that is true, corruption has fought back with tremendous resources and our system of administration of justice has been quite slow. “But the good news for justice is that our law does not recognise a time bar for the prosecution of corruption and other crimes, and we will not relent in our efforts to apprehend and bring corruption suspects to justice.

Tumbled Toyota corolla that blocked a car being snatched at PHCN Office, Oworonsoki-Oshodi Expressway, Gbagada, Lagos… on Monday. PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

“We are also re-equipping our prosecution teams, and part of the expected judicial reforms is to dedicate some specific courts to the trial of corruption cases. We are also institutionalising safeguards and deterrents. “We have expanded the coverage of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). We have introduced more efficient accounting and budgeting systems across the Federal Government. We have also launched an extremely successful Whistleblower Policy. “The Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance has succeeded in plugging leakages amounting to billions of naira, over the last two years. We have ended expensive and muchabused fertilizer and petrol subsidy regimes. “We have taken very seriously our promise to save and invest for the future, even against the backdrop of our revenue challenges, and we have in the last two years added US$500m to our Sovereign Wealth Fund and US$87m to the Excess Crude Account”. The acting President equally pointed out that more recent threats to security such as the herdsmen clashes with farmers in many parts of the country sometimes leading to fatalities and loss of livelihoods and property have also preoccupied our security structures. He said: “We are working with State governments, and tasking our security agencies with designing effective strategies and interventions that will bring this menace to an end. “We are determined to ensure that anyone who uses violence, or carries arms without legal authority is apprehended and sanctioned”. Continuing, Osinbajo said: “We have taken very seriously our promise to save and invest for the

future, even against the backdrop of our revenue challenges, and we have in the last two years added US$500m to our Sovereign Wealth Fund and US$87m to the Excess Crude Account. “This is the very opposite of the situation before now, when rising oil prices failed to translate to rising levels of savings and investment. “Admittedly, the economy has proven to be the biggest challenge of all. Let me first express just how concerned we have been, since this administration took office, about the impact of the economic difficulties on our citizens. “Through no fault of theirs, some companies shut down their operations, others downsized; people lost jobs, had to endure rising food prices. In some States civil servants worked months on end without the guarantee of a salary, even as rents and school fees and other expenses continued to show up like clockwork. “We have been extremely mindful of the many sacrifices that you have had to make over the last few years. And for this reason this administration’s work on the economic front has been targeted at a combination of short-term interventions to cushion the pain, as well as medium to long term efforts aimed at rebuilding an economy that is no longer helplessly dependent on the price of crude oil”, he stressed. The acting President recalled that the present administration of Buhari outlined three specific areas for our immediate intervention on assumption of office: these were Security, Corruption and the Economy. He said, “In the Northeast of our country, the terrorist group, Boko Haram, openly challenged the sovereignty and continued ex-

drastically, by almost about N59 billion but for the group numbers.” He also disclosed that during the 2016 financial year, banks contributed N136 billion to the AMCON sinking fund, adding that the banks have so far contributed N931 billion to the sinking fund since inception. Ataiyero however lamented that the projection was that banks’ contribution were going to grow at 20 per cent, which never came to pass. “In 2016, we had envisaged that the banks would have contributed about N288 billion, but they actually contributed only N136 billion. “So, that was enough for us to pay down the principal. What we did was just to service the inter-

est of our loan from the CBN. We pray that the contribution to the sinking fund would improve and then our losses would begin to go down,” he said. Kuru listed other obstacles the corporation faced in its loan recovery efforts to include the refusal of certain obligors to pay back, numerous court cases that take many years for the parties to resolve, and difficulties in disposing seized assets. The AMCON chief lamented that the job of debt recovery is a tasking job. “There are quite a lot of challenges we are facing in debt recovery,” he said. “We are not under any illusion that it is easy to recover bad loans. Loan recovery is a very unpleasant job,” he added.

Continued on page 12

AMCON records N352bn loss in 2016

Motolani Oseni

ÏÏÏ The Asset Management Cor-

poration of Nigeria (AMCON) has declared a whopping loss amounting to N352 billion for the financial year ended, 2016. The management of the ‘bad bank’ made this known over the weekend, stressing that the group losses of N352 billion at end of December 2016, marked a N57 billion reduction from N295 billion recorded at the end of December 2015. While Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) contributed a total of N136 billion to the AMCON sinking fund, during the 2016 financial year, the corporation disclosed that it has recovered N134 billion loans in the year under review. Speaking on the performance

of the company in 2016, the Managing Director of AMCON, Ahmed Kuru said: “In 2016, our total recovery was N134 billion. Not all of them are cash. N86.9 billion came from cash collection and some debtors that felt that they could settle some outstanding obligation through forfeiture of their assets”. “So, assets forfeiture amounted to about N30.4 billion, while N8 billion came from sale of properties,” he said. The AMCON boss said in spite of the economic challenges, the corporation was able to improve on its performance by reducing its group losses for the year. Also, the Chief Financial Officer, AMCON, Olugbenga Ataiyero, who gave a breakdown of the account, re-emphasised that the

group losses were reduced by N57 billion, adding that for the AMCON stand-alone financial statement, the corporation made a lot of improvement from last year. “Last year, we closed at N310 billion losses, this year we were able to manage it down to N251 billion losses. We had a very appreciable improvement in terms of main operation alone. “But we had the burden of subsidiaries that we had to add to our own figures. The position from last year doing a comparison of our performance for last year, we went a little bit back. For 2016, we closed at N315 billion for the year while in 2015 it was N295 billion. “So while on the part of AMCON there was an appreciable improvement in terms of our numbers, the losses came down

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

News

NBA chides FG over continued detention of Dasuki, El- Zakyzaky Andrew Orolua,

ÏÏÏƑƏ Ɔ MC Ɛ ƋƈƇƐ Ƒ ƍƆ ƈ ƉƑƗ Ɔ Ɛ ƏƏ ƈ ƆƗ

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Bar As-

does not show compliance with the rule of law. “The NBA is appalled at the continued detention of certain individuals in blatant disobedience to court orders. Among these individuals are Sheikh Ibraheem El Zakyzaky and his wife, and also Col. Sambo Dasuki. While we recognise the seriousness of the charges in which these individuals were held, we nevertheless viewed their continued detention as unjustified and contrary to the express court orders. We call on the government to without further delays respect theses orders”. In the same light, the NBA further called for the termination of investiga-

Abuja

sociation (NBA), on Monday, chided the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over the continued detention of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ttes, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, despite court orders which admitted them to bail. The National President of NBA, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), who stated this during a press briefing in Abuja to mark this year’s democracy day, added that such disobedience to court orders is not helpful and

tions against judges who were accused of corruption but have not been charged before the court since the past eight months. “In the wake of the arrest and detention of certain judicial officers by the DSS, the NBA had taken the view that the judges affected should recluse themselves from judicial functions until the investigation and outcomes of those investigations were determined. We note that nearly eight months after those investigations were launched, some of the judges have not been prosecuted or charged before any court of law. “This situation is completely unsatisfactory and unacceptable. The NBA

calls on the government to terminate the investigation against those judges to enable them resume their work as judicial officers”. In addition, the NBA condemned in strong terms the move for coup, and however commend the military to its timely intervention. “In recent days, there have been suggestion in the media of possible instigation from segment of political class for military intervention in the governance of the country. This follows statement credited to the Chief of Army Staff of unorthodox approaches by politicians to the Nigerian military. The NBA wishes to express its concerns and condemned in very strong

terms any such move from whatever quarters. Nigeria democracy and Democratic institutions must not be imperiled by any undemocratic change of government. On the issue of agitation for succession by some groups in the country, the NBA called for a better way of showing grievances aside the threat to break up. “NBA affirms commitment to unity and building a strong Federal system. We urge all groups to continue to agitate peaceful existence among citizens of the country”. On the issue of security, the NBA commended the Federal Government especially in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East and the recent release

A cross-section of traditional rulers attending Democracy Day celebration in Enugu on Monday

of 82 Chibok girls. The Bar however called on the Federal Government to do more so as to secure the release of others, adding that the security agencies should be strengthened the more. In addition, the NBA called for an overhauling of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). “The government will need to look at the scheme again and how best it can be improved,” the NBA said. Speaking on the anticorruption crusade of the government, the NBA said: “Efforts of anti-corruption agency is commendable. New anti-corruption strategy has been developed. Stakeholders should help the Federal Government towards the success of the policy. We commend whistle blower policy. The government should fund the anti-corruption agencies. “The lingering issue of EFCC leadership should be tackled once and for all. The investigative agency should be more careful and thorough in carrying out its investigation. Media investigation should not be encouraged”. The NBA however congratulated the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on his confirmation as the substantive CJN and further pledged its support towards the policies of the NJC. Mahmoud noted that the NBA and body of Benchers are harmonising reports on the development of the judiciary.

Dangote to spend $1bn on rice cultivation in five states

ÏÏÏ

The Dangote Group shone at the just concluded 2017 Gateway Trade fair which held in Abeokuta emerging as the second most patronised exhibitor just as the Group disclosed that it was investing One Billion Dollars on rice cultivation in five states to boost food self-sufficiency To mark its Day at the Fair, a subsidiary of the Group, Dangote Cement, gave out several tools and implements to the block makers in Ogun State in appreciation of their patronages. Tools such as wheel barrowers, shovels, umbrellas and hand gloves were donated to block makers who assembled from different areas of the state. During the 10-day trade fair, Dangote Flour delight-

ÏÏÏ ƈƒƆ Ɛ Ƌ Ɛ ƄƋ ƅƊ ƌ ƊƆƏ ed customers and participants with free sampling of its new pasta products. The wet sampling made the Group’s pavilion the center of activities at the Fair as participants trooped in for their daily meal. Customers were rewarded with branded coolers, kitchen aprons, exercise books and customized ladles. Commending Dangote Group for its sponsorship and participation at the Fair, President of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Mrs. Adesola Adebutu, said the support given by the Group went a long way in making the staging of the Fair a success.

She commended the Pan African Conglomerate for its giant strides in economic development of the country through massive investments in several sectors of the economy describing the feat as worthy of emulation by other Nigerians. A director of Dangote Group, Tunde Mabogunje, who represented the Group at the special day, said that the partnership with OGUNCCIMA is beneficial as Ogun State is the host of the 12 mmtpa Dangote Cement Plant, Ibese, the second largest cement plant in Nigeria. Dangote Cement, he said, “Through the plant provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the

state. As a responsible corporate citizen, we participate fully in all events and activities designed to drive social and economic welfare of the state.” He described the theme for this year’s Trade Fair: Promoting Agricultural Value Chain through SMEs for Nigeria Economic Recovery’ as being apt given the nation is now paying attention to Agriculture, which has the potential of becoming the major driver of the economy instead of oil pointing out that in line with the theme the Group is at the forefront of job creation and is the largest employer of labour outside government. Furthermore, Mabogun-

je said: “We have been contributing our quota to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Towards aiding agriculture, we are building a fertilizer plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State. When completed, farmers will have regular access to fertilizer for their farming activities. The delays and disruptions experienced in waiting for imported fertilizer will cease. “We are investing about $1 billion in rice cultivation. We have an outgrowers scheme where thousands of farmers are empowered with improved seeds and items needed to cultivate rice. Mabogunje stated that Dangote Group is at the forefront of job creation and is the largest employer

of labour outside Federal Government and have been contributing its quota to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy for more three decades. He said: “Towards aiding agriculture, we are building a fertilizer plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State. When completed, farmers will have regular access to fertilizer for their farming activities. The delays and disruptions experienced in waiting for imported fertilizer will cease. We are investing about $1 billion in rice cultivation in some states of the federation. We have an outgrowers scheme where thousands of farmers are empowered with improved seeds and items needed to cultivate rice.”

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

NLC, TUC to embark on industrial action over unfulfilled promises Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and her counterpart, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in Cross River state have concluded plans to embark on industrial action today to register its displeasure over what it referred to as unfulfilled promises by the Governor Ben Ayade-led government. Our findings revealed that the action would

affect all government establishment in the state. The groups accused state government of refusal to pay in full all gratuities of retired civil servants, promote civil servants, release impress to ministries and terminate the use of consultants in the payment of salaries. The group said the general assembly voted in favour of the strike action and nothing they could do for now. “There is nothing we can

say when the general assembly votes in favour of an industrial action. You know we are leaders and our mandate is validated by the general union assembly, if they have voted in favour of a strike, there is nothing we can do” the Chairman of NLC, Comrade John Ushie, was quoted of saying. He told local media monitored in Calabar by our correspondent that labour will ensure that the Ministry of Local Government and Office of the Head of Ser-

vice remained under lock and key until the Cross River State Government clears her statutory financial obligations to all categories of staff in the local government system in the state. The industrial action, we gathered, would likely cripple a state currently experiencing a plethora of seemingly self inflicted problems that have left citizens seriously agitated. It was revealed that the strike action will be indefinite as at-

KPMG uncovers more debts in Arik

Slot drivers absconds with N6m worth of phones

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ

Oguntade Ismaila

ÏÏÏ One of

the drivers of the popular Nigerian phone retail outlet, Slot Nigeria Limited, has been arrested by the operatives of Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command over the diversion of N5.95 million worth of laptops, mobile phones and its accessories, just as it assisted in the recovery of N4,654,224 worth of goods from the suspect. The suspect, Olumide Babajide, 42, from Kwara State, was tracked and arrested in Kaduna State, where he diverted the goods to after taking them from the Slot Nigeria Office based in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. The driver, who was engaged in March, 2017, by the company, was directed to move the consignment to Slot Outlet in Victoria Island, Lagos in May 2, 2017, when the incident happened. According to Olumide, a diploma in computer science holder, “I took the good from Slot’s outlet in Ikeja. I was to deliver it to another outlet in Victoria Island, Lagos, but instead I took the goods to Pam-Pam Hotel, Ikeja, while I returned the company’s Hilux car to R & S hotel, where we normally park the company’s vehicles. This wasn’t the first time I would be moving laptops, mobile phones and their accessories from one outlet to the other. Since I joined the company in March and I was assigned the job of a delivery man, it had been my idea to divert the goods and abscond.” He continued, “as soon as it was 5:00 p.m. that very day, I took a drop from the hotel with the consignment to Ejigbo, where I boarded a Kaduna bound bus.

tempts to make government see reason with labour’s demands have met a brick wall. Consequently, it was observed that the government workers in the office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Local Government, charged with the responsibility of making sure that “people in the local government councils are paid, constantly demonstrate a nonchalant attitude in discharging their civil responsibilities.

Mr. Philip Crown-Adedoyin of Glo Business Solutions; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington; President of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Chief Olabintan Famutimi and Mr. Mike Ehumadu of Glo SME, at the Glo-Sponsored Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce’s (NACC) African Foods and Products Exhibition & Conference in Lagos ...recently.

Three storey building collapses in Lagos killing two Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ

A three storey building located at No. 24, Daddy Alaja Street, off Issa Williams Street, in the Apongbon area of Lagos Island has collapsed killing two persons including a five year old girl. The building, which is a residential structure, was undergoing renovation works when it collapsed at about 7 am on Monday. The Daily Times gathered that although 14 persons have been rescued by men of the Lagos state Emergency Management Agency, many more are said to be trapped in the debris. Although rescue operations were said to be quite difficult due to the clustered nature of the buildings in the area, rigorous efforts are however been made by the Emergency

Response Team, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Police , and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Speaking at the scene of the incident, the General Manager LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, said the prompt response by emergency responders culminated to the rescue of fourteen victims from the collapsed building. According to him, “the agency received a distress call via the toll free number 767/112 on Monday 29th of May, 2017 at about 7:00am concerning a collapsed three storey building on the Island, which prompted the immediate activation of the emergency response team.

“The agency immediately mobilised all these stakeholders to the scene and successfully rescued fourteen victims with various degrees of injuries, who were immediately moved by the LASAMBUS and LRU Ambulance to Mainland Hospital for further treatment, while two other bodies were recovered dead from the debris and were handed over to the family members for burial.” Tiamiyu noted that preliminary investigation carried out at the scene of the incident revealed that illegal activities of repairs was on going, sands and concrete blocks were seen on upper deck of the building together with scaffolding around it which suggest that construction was going on in the building already inhabited by people.

Auditing firm, KPMG, hired to look into the books of Arik Air is said to have uncovered newer debts from the airline’s previous management but is yet to complete its audit of the airline and so has not put a figure to the total debts, a source has told Daily Times . The media has been awash with an extra N20.5billiondebt uncovered by the auditors however, the source has said that although newer debts have been uncovered the amount is yet to be ascertained as the audit is still ongoing. He explained to our reporter that KPMG was supposed to have completed the audit a month ago but due to lack of transparency and disclosure from the former managers of the airline, the audit has been extended. “In truth, KPMG has discovered more liabilities of the airline but is yet to complete the audit so it can provide the entire figure plus the previous management has refused to cooperate and that is why it is taking a while.” Following takeover of Arik Airline by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), with appointment of Receiver, Mr. Oluseye Opasanya, the need for further check on its financial records led to appointing KPMG. The source disclosed that so many transactions were hidden by the previous management which will be made open to the public very soon. It could be recalled that new management of the airline had on February 2017 set out to give Arik Airline a new start, with a forensic and diagnostic audit of the finances of the airline to ascertain the true state of things, few months after it came under receivership. AMCON had said that the review would among, other things cover assets and liabilities and their utilization; recording and utilization of loans; and propriety of third-party transactions.

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Lalong: Accidental governor, now turned Plateau hero Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

The emergence of Governor Simon Lalong, as the governor of Plateau State took most people by surprise, but not as much of a surprise to the people who live in Plateau, because of the pre-election antecedent that fingered the former governor, Jonah Jang, as one who was bent on imposing his kinsman to succeed him, against the wishes of the Plateau people. Before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held their primary elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC), only hoped to participate in the elections at the state level just to fill the political space as Plateau State is known to be PDP state. The former governor Jonah Jang, who used his influence as the then incumbent, structured the primaries and made sure he teleguided the entire process to ensure the emergence of his kinsman who was also from the same senatorial zone with him, the late, Gyang Nyam Shum Pwajok, popularly known as GNS Pwajok The emergence of the late GNS who was from Plateau North as same with Jonah Jang, was frowned at by the Plateau people who felt there was a need to obey the unwritten agreement, which was the zoning principle. Their grievance had reasons in the fact that Plateau State has produced, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun and the late Solomon Lar as governors from the Southern zone, while at the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Joshua Dariye was produced as governor from the Central zone. However, if Jang is allowed to prevail, after ruling for eight years, it will then mean that the zoning arrangement is broken as the seat of power is meant to return to the southern Plateau. It will likely ignite enmity, crisis and disharmony which will lead to unhealthy political atmosphere in the state, hence Plateau vowed to vote against its own party, the PDP. Plateau argued that, Jang who benefited from the zoning formula, emerged governor from the Northern zone and exiting office, wanted to impose a successor (his relative) from the same Northern zone, a move they vehemently rejected. The outcome of the PDP primary elections that produced the late GNS became the game changer for the APC in the state as all the aggrieved PDP governorship candidates jostling for the party’s ticket collapsed their structure for the then opposition (APC), who’s governorship candidate hailed from the Plateau South, a zone that was rotationally suppose to produced the governor. This premise gave rise to Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, who hails from the

Lalong zone and who was the governorship flag bearer of the APC, leaving Jang with no choice other than to refer to him as ‘Accidental Governor’. Lalong came to power as a result of the protest, despite all the resources and structures PDP has put in place, before the election. The structure and resources Jang and the PDP displayed meant nothing to the people of Plateau whom have made up their minds to vote Lalong and the APC, which by calculation has a better arrangement of the zoning principle. Jang’s quest to retain the governorship seat in the northern zone translated

to quest for power according to political observers whom have hitherto frowned at Jang’s outburst when he referred to Lalong as ‘Accidental’, saying he has no justification to address him as such, as Governor Lalong remain the choice of the Plateau people whom God has sent to rescue the state. Pundits posited that Lalong’s strides can be seen in the up to date payment of Civil Servants salaries which has earned him the name, ‘Bank Alert Governor’. It is generally believed among citizens of the state that for a governor to be adjudged to have performed well during his tenure, welfare of civil servants must be topmost, aside providing other

Other achievements credited to Governor Lalong by political observers in the state which has earned him the hero of the people in the past two years of his administration also include internal security, which they posited that the state government successfully mediated in the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and Berom farmers, particularly in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Councils of the state

basic social amenities. On assumption of office, despite the dwindling resources of the state, Governor Lalong vowed to better the lots of people of the state and accord the welfare of civil servants topmost priority. He had promised that his administration will reduce the human sufferings by uplifting the quality of life of civil servants and a vast majority of the people. “Ours is a promise to create opportunities not just for those with the money and influence, but for every Plateau citizen who desires to have a meaningful and productive life,” Lalong said. It could be recalled that Lalong had inherited backlog of salaries and pension running into billions of naira and a huge debt profile from the immediate past administration in the state. Civil servants, who were then owed up to seven months salaries, suspended their strike and resumed work. The entire state however erupted in jubilation, when he cleared the backlog of outstanding salaries and pensioners up to December 2016, few days to last Christmas, following the receipt of the Paris Refund. There was heavy traffic as workers who received alert of up to four months salaries trooped out to make Christmas purchases. Pensioners too were not left out, those who were on the sick bed received seven to nine months alert on their phones. It is not an exaggeration to say that the sick became healed as a result of the governor’s unprecedented gesture. A civil servant said the bank alerts were coming so frequently to the extent that it has killed the battery of his cell phone. Other achievements credited to Governor Lalong by political observers in the state which has earned him the hero of the people in the past two years of his administration also include internal security, which they posited that the state government successfully mediated in the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and Berom farmers, particularly in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Councils of the state. Pundits also observed that the states’ economy came alive as government successfully hosted a trade fair after 10 years suspension by successive administrations due to civil unrest. Ghost workers elimination is also viewed as major achievement by the current administration as the Direct Data capture exercise, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and physical verification of staff were introduced to tackle the problem of wastage, thereby saving the state a huge sum of money. Looted funds have also been recovered to the tune of N2.7 billion from the state UBEC.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30. 2017

Buhari’s govt has delivered well on APC manifesto in last two years -Abdullahi Two years of APC in government. Do you think there is any reason for celebration? I believe very strongly that there is every reason to celebrate. I know that because of the difficulty that people are going through, there is a temptation to think that there is no much to celebrate. But I think that if we look more closely, paying more attention to where we are coming from and where we were two years ago, you will see that we have more than sufficient good reasons to celebrate. There was a reason that Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for APC a little over two years ago. There was a reason that for the first time in our history, Nigerians rejected a sitting government and those reasons were quite compelling and those are the reasons that justify APC’s existence in government today at the federal level and in the various states. I would like to say that there are three things that President Buhari promised as we went round the country campaigning. One was that he promised to fight corruption. Secondly, he said he will fight insecurity especially as it relates to Boko Haram and thirdly, he said he will create employment opportunity for the young people. Let us take the issue of Boko Haram. I have said it repeatedly that we tend to forget one fundamental fact which was that at the time we were preparing for election in 2015, more than 50,000 square kilometers of Nigerian territory were physically occupied by Boko Haram, where they declared a caliphate and planted their flag. I remember that in trying to make sense of it, foreign media said the area occupied by Boko Haram was the size of Belgium. Two years down the line, what is the size of Nigeria territory occupied by Boko Haram? Zero, including the dreaded Sambisa forest. For us, this is a remarkable achievement and we believe that in that respect. President Buhari and the government of APC have justified the purpose of coming to power. Yes, many of the Chibok girls are still in captivity, but some of them have been recovered and more are still being recovered. For the parents of those recovered, you cannot tell them there is no reason to celebrate. For those who had to abandon their families and homes two years ago because of the menace of Boko Haram and has returned home today, you cannot tell them that there is nothing to celebrate. Let us take the issue of corruption. We must not forget that before APC came into power two years ago, we knew what was going on. We knew that people were stealing this country dry, but it was almost like it has been accepted as if it was normal. People were stealing as if it was an entitlement. But what do you find happening today? You listen to the radio, watch the televisions, read the newspapers, Nigerians are talking about corruption every day. It means that as a nation, there is nothing in our DNA that accepts corruption. It means that we are telling the world that as a country, we don’t want corruption and that is why we are having that conversation. You hear people talking about whistleblowers, people talk about huge amount of money being recovered, people being dragged before the court, former governors being remanded in prison custody for corrupt practices, you hear about former ministers being held in detention and prison for corruption. These are things that were almost impossible two years ago. The challenges are still there, but this is the progress we have made in two years. For us, we would also like to argue that there is the tendency to look at the APC from

know? And some people who were not in power at the time were able to abduct some 300 Nigerian girls and kept them somewhere and the whole world did not know and these people are now bringing these girls back instalmentally and the whole world did not know and you want us to sit down and be having this conversation?

Abdullahi

The government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari was two years in office on the May 29. As part of activities to mark the Second anniversary of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi spoke with the party correspondents at the secretariat of the party on the achievements of the government and the party within the period. He also bared his mind on other national issues as they affect the party and governance. TOM OKPE was there. the perspective of the Federal Government. But the performance of the APC as a party is the aggregate of the performance of our 24 state governments. You go to each of our 24 states and you will find out from the people the progress that has been made in two years in those respective states. So, when you want to assess whether APC has delivered or has justified our being in existence, then you have to look at the totality of the Federal Government and the 24 states that is being governed by the APC. So, we believe that we have a lot of reasons to celebrate. The reality which we have acknowledged is that the economic recession has created difficulty and those hardships still exist and nobody has ever denied that reality. We believe that in spite of this reality as a result of the hard-

ship, we have enough reason to celebrate two years as a government. Few days ago, Chairman of the Labour Party said the issue of the Chibok girls is a fraud and his reason is that the last girls recovered were looking well feed and some of them wearing rosary and that it is like some politicians hijacked these girls, kept them somewhere and are now bringing them and now releasing them in batches, How will you respond to that? You seriously want me to respond to that? You seriously want me to say that there was a government in place and some people managed to abduct some 300 girls and kept them somewhere and that government did not

The manifesto of a party is not the same thing with the program of government, but the program of government is a derivation from the manifesto of the party. But be that as it may, what we should hold President Buhari’s government accountable for are those things that he derived from the manifesto which he promised that he was going to do and that is where we started this conversation from. So, as far as we are concerned, he has done very well in respect of those things he promised to do.

The government promised to create job opportunity for the youths, but two years after, there is practically nothing to show. Secondly, there is the issue of the rampaging herdsmen and yet we are celebrating the success in the war against Boko Haram. What is happening to the herdsmen and why is it difficult to curtail the excesses of these herdsmen who are almost approaching the coastline? I agree with you that the issue of the herdsmen is an issue of serious concern. But you also agree with me that it did not start today, because the issue of farmers and herdsmen clashes has always been there for as long as we could remember. I also agree with you that probably the government need to do more than what is happening at the moment whether in the various states where these things are happening or at the federal level. But what I said was that at the time the issue of Boko Haram was the dominant issue in this country, every Nigerian will not think of any other thing. Even the issue of herdsmen, as bad as it is, was insignificant in the context of the insecurity that is occasioned by terrorist activities. You are walking down the streets and the wind blows a nylon bag close to you, you run because you will think that it might conceal a bomb. We forget these things easily. No country is ever in a hundred percent state of security. Look at what happened in Manchester a couple of days ago. It is a challenge that every government will continue to deal with. If we deal with the issue of herdsmen, kidnappers, armed robbery, there will be other security challenges that will come up. The important thing is whether government is responsive enough to deal with the realities as they emerge. I agree with you that we ought to have done more in respect to the issue of herdsmen. Regarding the issue of unemployment, I believe that we have to take a more comprehensive look at the challenge of unemployment that Nigeria is faced with and we have to also understand every country in the world today is dealing with this issue of unemployment. It is not something that you switch on and switch off. Look at the statistics. What is the percentage of Nigerian youths that Mr. President promised to create jobs for? We have 46 percent of Nigerian youths that are unemployed according to the report of the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. If we agree that the population of young people in this country is about 65 million, what is 46 percent of that? If you take the entire civil service in Nigeria, I don’t think they have more than 300,000 people. If you take out 300,000 people in the context of about 30 million people that are looking for employment, no matter what you do, it will look like you have done nothing. I was Minister for Youth Development and what I found was that 80 percent of these young people looking for employment are actually not graduates. They don’t have more than secondary education. That imposes another kind of challenge about what kind of job you create and all that. I am saying this with the acknowledgement that the problem

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30 , 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 of youth employment will persist for a very long time. The question then is whether the government has enough articulation of the problem to be able to deal with it. You hear about NPower which is what is being done at the moment among others. Like I said, unless we go back to the nature of our education that retools young people for a different kind of occupation, we will continue to deal with this. So, I believe that it is not something that we can say we have solved in two years. It is a problem that needs to be dealt with, but when you are operating an economy in recession, it is even more difficult to manage the impact that some of these things can have. But you will agree with me that if the President promised three things and he has delivered well on two and he still has two years to go, I think he has done well. Can you successfully fight corruption when the economy is down and everybody is hungry. The average Nigerian is out there hungry and to them, the government has not delivered on its promise to them? I don’t think that what the government promised is that at the end of two years, it would have wiped out hunger from Nigeria. What the government promised is what I have told you. Since when have we been hearing the report that 70 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line. It is a United Nations report and that statistics is not coming up today. The issue of poverty is associated with the issue of hunger and other kinds of challenges. So, to blame a government that has been in government for two years for a problem that has existed for decades is slightly unfair. I think that we should focus on what the government has promised to do and whether they are doing those things or not. A lot of money has been recovered in the fight against corruption and Nigerian’s are wondering what has happened to these money, while there has been so many arrest, but nobody has been convicted. What is the situation at the moment? What do you want the APC government to do? A few days ago, the DSS said Ifeanyi Uba did something with petrol and that he ought to be punished with death sentence. Have you seen the reaction that followed? People are asking whether DSS want to be arresting people and passing death sentence on them. So, it is the same thing. No matter how keen we are, we have to ask ourselves as a country, do we want to be a country of law or a society of waves. If we say let us arrest people as they are accused of corruption and lock them up, how do you know when you arrest someone that is innocent? The principle of justice says that it is better for nine guilty people to go unpunished than for one innocent person to be punished. There are provisions under our laws that say an individual is innocent until he has been proven guilty. That process has to be exhausted. No matter how eager we are to punish people, they must go through that process as long as that is the provisions of the law. If APC government start catching people like it happened in 1984, the same Nigerians will ask, is this democracy? Like I told you, there is no alternative to the rule of law. No matter how much we are pressured to catch thieves, if you use an unlawful means to fight unlawful act, then you have not solved any problem. Yes it is slow and we want to see more convictions, we also need to ensure that our institutions develop more capacity to prosecute and investigate. But ultimately, we have to ensure that justice is done to everyone that is accused of one thing or the other. On the recovered fund, I cannot tell you what happened to any recovered money. Two years of the government, there

11 Politics

Buhari’s govt has delivered well on APC manifesto in last two years -Abdullahi is hardship in the land, prices of goods have gone higher. What is being done to cushion the effect of this hardship? Don’t forget that it is the party that goes to the people and say vote for us. It is after we won election that we form government. So, we as a party are also concerned with this issue and what government could do to limit the hardship in the country. That is why the conversation we are having now is that, after this, we will probably invite the relevant ministers to come and brief us on what the situations are and what they are doing in this respect. I agree with you that regardless of what we think we have achieved in two years, as long as there are Nigerians who are in difficulty, who are still in hardship and are unable to feed, the job is not done. Since the coming into power of this government, a lot has gone wrong, especially in terms of relationship between the various organs of government and the party to the extent that the National Chairman has not had opportunity to meet one on one with the President who is the leader of the party and the party is supposed to guide the President in actualizing its manifesto, what is happening? This is a difficult question. The situation you have described is very close to reality, but what I can say which is the question I have asked myself is whether these were deliberate or they just happened because of the way things are. Every President has his own style and his own ways of doing things. I don’t think there is a standard prescription on how Presidents are supposed to behave in relation to the party. I was told that in the Second Republic, President Shehu Shagari will not do anything without Chief Adisa Akinloye who was the party chairman knowing about it and that the party chairman could even summon the President. But in 1999, President Obasanjo became not just the President of Nigeria, but he appropriated the title of the leader of the party. He had his own relationship with the party chairman and how he wanted the relationship between the government and the party to be. President Yar’Adua came and he had his own ways, what we are experiencing now is the way President Buhari understand and want the relationship between the government and the party should be. It does not mean that it is a bad thing. It is just a way of doing things; it is his own style. I have given you different examples and it does not mean any of those are bad. If you work in that context, everybody that works in that context will have to learn to adapt to that style, that strategy and that way of doing things. It does not mean that it is bad. Each of them came with their own challenges. But for us at the party level, what we have learnt to do is to continue to do our work and keep the party going in spite of the difficulties. But I also know that the situation that we have found ourselves, the health of the President has also been a challenge. Before I joined the party leadership, I understand that they were meeting with him regularly. I also learnt that at one occasion when the chairman went to see him, he said he wants to be seeing all the NWC members and not just the chairman. It is not as if he did not want to work with the party, but you will agree that because of his health situation, things have been very difficult. But now, we are where we are and things are what they are. The party has gone through difficulties, but we are coming out of it now as you can see. We have more activities going on now and we are very optimistic that the party will get stronger in the months ahead. But I agree with you com-

Abdullahi pletely that it is one of the challenges that we have had to deal with. You just gave us an unsavory picture of the relationship between the party and ... I did not give you an unsavory picture of the relationship between the party and the government. I just told you that what you see as a challenge maybe as a result of President Buhari’s own style in relation to the party. It does not necessarily mean that there was a reason for him to create that relationship. I am not saying it is a problem. Before the party came on board, there was a blueprint of what it intend to offer Nigerians. Would you say that two years down the line, there has been fidelity to that document by the Federal Government and the different stages under APC control? Let us understand one thing. A party manifesto represents the philosophy of the party. In other words, you cannot have a document called the manifesto of the party and after four years, you say they have implemented this document. The manifesto is an articulation of what the party believes that it wants to do with power if it gets to power. Now, when you form a government, when you have a candidate in the platform of that party, that government derives its program from

that manifesto. When he finishes his first years and wants to contest another election, he would say, I am satisfied with what I have been able to do in the area of security and corruption. The next four years, if you vote for me again, these will be my new sets of priorities which will also be derived from the manifesto. So when he finishes his tenure, another government will come and look at that same manifesto and derive its own agenda. President Jonathan had his own transformation agenda; Yar’Adua had his seven point agenda. The manifesto of a party is not the same thing with the program of government, but the program of government is a derivation from the manifesto of the party. But be that as it may, what we should hold President Buhari’s government accountable for are those things that he derived from the manifesto which he promised that he was going to do and that is where we started this conversation from. So, as far as we are concerned, he has done very well in respect of those things he promised to do. So, you have to go round Nigeria and ask yourself, is there any government in this country that is doing something contrary to what the manifesto of the APC promised the people? You can measure it up and say, this government has done very well, this has done well. But whether they have done well in consonance with the manifesto of the APC, I will say yes.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

2016 Viability Index: 14 states insolvent –Report

Continued from page 1

The IGR are generated by states through Pay-As-You-Earn Tax (PAYE), Direct Assessment, Road Taxes and revenues from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The report further indicates that the IGR of Lagos State of N302 billion is higher than that of 30 states put together excluding Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Kwara and Delta states whose IGRs are very impressive at more than 30% each. The 30 other states merely generated a total of N258bn in 2016. Recently the magazine published the total allocation received by each state in Nigeria from the Federation Account Allocation (FAA) between January to December 2016. The latest report on IGR reveals that only Lagos and Ogun States generated more revenue than their allocations from the Federation Account by 169% and 127% respectively and no any other state has up to 100% of IGR to the federal largesse. The IGR of the 36 states of the

federation totalled N801.95 billion in 2016 as compared to N682.67 billion in 2015, an increase of N119.28 billion. While the report provides shocking discoveries to the effect that 14 states which have less than 10% IGR may not stay afloat outside the Federation Account Allocation due to socio-political crises including insurgency, militancy and herdsmen attacks, others lack foresight in revenue generation drive coupled with arm-chair governance. The states that may not survive without the Federation Account due to poor internal revenue generation include Borno which realised a meagre N2.6bn compared to a total of N73.8bn it received from the Federation Account Allocation (FAA) in 2016 representing about 4%. Others are: Ebonyi with IGR of N2.3bn compared to FAA of N46.6bn representing 5%; Kebbi N3.1bn compared to FAA of N60.88bn representing 5.14%; Jigawa with N3.5bn compared to N68.52bn of FAA representing 5.15% and Yobe with IGR of N3.24nn compared to N53.93bn of FAA representing 6.0% within the period under review.

Other poor internal revenue earners are Gombe which generated N2.94bn compared to FAA of N46bn representing 6.26%; Ekiti N2.99bn compared to FAA of N47.56bn representing 6.28%; Katsina N5.54bn compared to FAA of N83bn representing 6.65% and Sokoto N4.54bn compared to FAA of N65.97bn representing 6.88%. Meanwhile, Lagos State remained steadfast in its number one position in IGR with a total revenue generation of N302bn compared to FAA of N178bn which translate to 169% in the twelve months of 2016. It is followed by Ogun State which generated IGR of N72.98bn compared to FAA of N57bn representing 127%.

Others with impressive IGR include Rivers with N85bn compared to FAA of N134bn representing 63%; Edo with IGR of N23bn compared to FAA of N59bn representing 38%. Kwara State however with low receipt from the Federation Account has greatly improved in its IGR of N17bn compared to FAA of N49bn representing 35% while Delta with IGR of N44bn compared to FAA of N126bn representing 6.88%. The Economic Confidential ASVI further showed that only three states in the entire Northern region have IGR above 20%. They are Kwara, Kano, and Kaduna States. Meanwhile, eight states in the

South recorded over 20% IGR in 2016. They are Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Enugu, and Oyo States State. The states with the poorest Internally Generated Revenue of less than 10% in the South are Imo, Bayelsa, Ekiti, and Ebonyi States while in the North we have Niger, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kebbi and Borno States. Meanwhile, the IGR of the respective states can improve through aggressive diversification of the economy to productive sectors rather than relying on the monthly Federation Account revenue that largely come from the oil sector.

Nobody will be spared in anticorruption fight –Osinbajo Continued from page 6 istence of the state, killing, maiming, and abducting, causing the displacement of the largest number of our citizens in recent history. Beyond the North East they extended their mindless killings, as far away as Abuja, Kano and Kaduna. “But with new leadership and renewed confidence our gallant military immediately began to put Boko Haram on the back foot. “We have restored brokendown relations with our neighbours, Chad, Cameroon and Niger – allies without whom the war against terror would have been extremely difficult to win. “We have re-organised and equipped our Armed Forces, and inspired them to heroic feats; we have also revitalised the regional Multinational Joint Task Force, by providing the required funding and leadership. “The positive results are clear for all to see. In the last two years close to one million displaced persons have returned home. “106 of our daughters from Chibok have regained their freedom, after more than two years in captivity, in addition to the thousands of other captives who have since tasted freedom. “Schools, hospitals and businesses are springing back to life across the Northeast, especially in Borno State, the epicentre of the crisis. Farmers are returning to the farms from which they fled in the wake of Boko Haram. Finally, our people are getting a chance to begin the urgent task of

rebuilding their lives. “Across the country, in the Niger Delta, and in parts of the North Central region, we are engaging with local communities, to understand their grievances, and to create solutions that respond to these grievances adequately and enduringly. “President Buhari’s New Vision for the Niger Delta is a comprehensive peace, security and development plan that will ensure that the people benefit fully from the wealth of the region, and we have seen to it that it is the product of deep and extensive consultations, and that it has now moved from idea to execution. Included in that New Vision is the longoverdue environmental clean-up of the Niger Delta beginning with Ogoni-land, which we launched last year”. The acting President made it clear that Nigeria belongs to all, adding that no one person or group of persons is more important or more entitled than the other “in this space that we all call home”. He added, “And we have a responsibility to live in peace and harmony with one another, to seek peaceful and constitutional means of expressing our wishes and desires, and to resist all who might seek to sow confusion and hatred for their own selfish interests”. Osinbajo sought Nigerians’ continued prayers for “the restoration to full health and strength and the safe return of our President”.

L-R: Former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas; his wife, Theresa and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, during the Nigerian Navy Anniversary Interdenominational Service at Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja...at the weekend. PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Osinbajo: Why FG introduced Social Investment Programmes Tony Amokeodo Abuja

ÏÏÏ Acting President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has disclosed that the Federal Government introduced the National Social Investment Programmes in order to alleviate poverty among ordinary Nigerians. He also stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration also introduced the programmes with a view to impacting directly on the masses as it usually takes time before the activities of government are felt at the grassroots. Osinbajo stated this on Monday during presentation of the National Social Investment Programmes, N-SIP Report Card event to mark the 2nd Anniversary of Buhari’s administration in Abuja. According to him, the beneficiaries of the programmes truly deserve the intervention as their testimonies show that the government action is on course. The acting president further disclosed that while the programmes are being fine-tuned to take care of more people, he said the intervention is for all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and political

affiliations. But the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has endorsed the programmes. Akpabio, who stated this during his goodwill message at the event, commended the Federal Government for putting smiles on ordinary Nigerians. He added that it was remarkable that the Federal Government is restoring hope on the lives of ordinary Nigerians through its intervention initiative, social investment programmes. Akpabio also assured that the Senate was ever ready to support anything that would alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians either through budgeting process or approvals. He said: “I am standing here to endorse this programme and to commend the President, the Acting President and Coordinators of this programme for this very laudable initiative.” Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said that President Buhari’s administration has fulfilled its campaign promises to Nigerians despite dwindling revenue. Mohammed made the pronouncement during the presenta-

tion of the National Social Investment Programmes, N-SIP Report Card event. The theme of the report card presentation was “Showcasing the Achievements of National Social Investment Programmes: A Smile for Every Nigerian.” He said through N-SIP, the Federal Government provided employment to 200,000 unemployed graduates, engaged 57,000 people through Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and empowered about 26,000 ordinary Nigerians through Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). Mohammed said that under the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), government was able to serve about 25 million meals to 1.2 million pupils all over the country in order to make leaning conducive. The minister added that the APC-led Federal Government under its school feeding programme had employed no fewer than 12,000 cooks across 36 states and the FCT. “This is a government that promised and delivered on its promises and the unique thing about this particular N-SIP is that it has been achieved in an era when there has been no revenue.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Enforcing Nigeria’s Child Rights Act

he prestige and respect any country enjoys is a function of how it treats its vulnerable population, especially the children. Incidentally, the majority of Nigeria’s children cannot be said to be enjoying the best of protection from the society. It is a fact that most of them exist at the fringes of society. One does not have to look far to see the dangerous situations many of them are exposed to on daily basis. In our major cities and towns, many of these children could be seen hawking petty wares on busy streets and roads, while meandering in between vehicular traffic. In the process, some are knocked down by moving vehicles. Others children work as beggars, shoe shiners, car washers, scavengers and bus conductors. Today, many of these children have been turned to breadwinners of their respective families. Due to poverty, many parents and guardians find it difficult to fend for their families more less sending the children to school. The statistics of children out of school in Nigeria is very scary. According to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria is ranked in the top list of countries with the highest numbers of school dropouts among children. These children represent the face of hunger, insecurity and social neglect. The plight of Nigeria’s children becomes even more palpable when the survey is carried out across the geopolitical zones. Among them are two categories of children. They are those who live and work on the streets and those who return to their homes at night after working on the streets. Even when the point of demarcation is nebulous, both categories of children meet and interact on the streets, thereby making it easier for them to gradu-

Publisher/Editor in Chief Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

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ate into society miscreants over time. Rather than abating, the situation is getting worse due to the persisting social climate of poverty and corruption at all levels of government. This social malaise is more profound in many ways. One distinct manifestation is the “Almajiri’ syndrome in the northern part of the country, which is an Islamic education that encourages young boys mostly in tattered apparels and bowls begging from house to house in order to survive. In the south, they are mostly street urchins known as “Area Boys “who use persuasive and often coercive tactics to demand for money and are often involved petty and sometimes violent crimes. Another cause of delinquent children is the cult of child witches, especially in some states of the South -South region. This is caused mainly by ignorance of parents who are persuaded by religious ministers and even native doctors to abandon their children who are often branded witches and accused of bringing misfortunes to the family. In the end, these children are unprotected from extremes of weather conditions and exposed to various forms of abuses such as sexual exploitation, vagrancy and kidnapping. It is therefore imperative that the authorities enforce the Child Rights Act 2003, which is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of a child in Nigeria and provides for a system of child justice administration. Sadly, only 16 out of the 36 states of the federation have adopted the Act. We call on those states still to adopt the Act to do so in order to protect the Nigerian child from exploitation and deprivation. This way, they can join their peers in other parts of the world to enjoy a brighter future.

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Debris of collapsed three-storey building at Daddy Alhaja Street, Oke-Arin, Lagos Island… on Monday. PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

R-L: Group Deputy Managing Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Victor Osadolor, with a staff of UBA and winner of the Best Dressed, Male Category, Abdullahi Egunjobi, during the 2017 Africa Day Celebrations at UBA House, Lagos… recently.

L-R: Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara; former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette; former Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iche Ndu and Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Ikuinyi Ibani, presenting the second-year score card of Governor Wike during a town hall meeting and accountability forum to mark the second-year anniversary of his administration in Port Harcourt… on Monday.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Nelson Mandela

Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!

“There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average route”.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Kogi to create 50,000 jobs through agriculture 2

Local govt marriage certificate unlawful, unconstitutional: Court declares

Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

Peter Fowoyo & Titilope Joseph

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In a bid to combat the scourge of recession, the Kogi state government has assured the people of the state that it would create over 50,000 jobs with the new focus on agriculture. The state ggovernor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, disclosed this on Sunday while appreciating the massive agricultural activities at Omi Dam in the western senatorial district of the state saying that it is one of the significant projects of his administration designed to tackle the recession through up-scaling of agricultural production.. The governor said his administration has identified agriculture as the crucial sector of the Nigerian economy that will provide massive food production, youth engagement and improve the value chain of a year-round farming which the project offers. Bello, who spoke through his Director General, Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, said: “We are targeting massive wealth creation at the Omi Dam Irrigation Project. A number of investors are already there and

we hope to push higher in the coming months and open a vista of opportunities for the people. Our target is to generate over 50,000 jobs at Omi and engage our youth in commercial agriculture as a way of disengaging them from crimes. It is already paying off as we are also exploring such opportunities in other Senatorial Districts across the state.” Bello said his administration is working with a number of agricultural programes and policies that will serve as impetus for higher agricultural production, expressing satisfaction with the seamless mechanism for fertilizer supply to improve yield. “The New Direction administration is committed to food security through commercial agriculture and we want investors to keep trooping into the state to tap into our great agricultural potentials. Kogi is ready to feed Nigeria”. The Governor called on the youth to form agricultural cooperatives and be prepared to be job creators rather than job seekers, assuring them of continued support by his administration.

ÏÏÏ

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has pronounced the marriage certificates issued by local governments as unlawful and unconstitutional and has also ordered that they stop issuing such certificates with immediate effect. Justice Ibironke Harrison made the declaration while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a lawyer, Olumide Babalola, on September 29, 2016 against the Ikeja local government area challenging its power to issue modified and/or customized marriage certificates different from the one provided in Form E under Section 24 of the Marriage Act LFN 1990. Other respondents in the suit is the registered trustees of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). Babalola had sought four reliefs from the court including “a declaration that the first and second defendants do not have power to issue modified and/ or customised marriage certificates different from the one

provided in Form E under Section 24 of the Marriage Act LFN 1990. “A declaration that the 2nd defendant’s Local Government Unified Marriage Certificate is unknown to our law, unconstitutional, null and void; “A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, officers, employees and representatives from further issuing modified and/ or altered marriage certificates apart from the form as provided under Form E (1st Schedule) and Section 24 of the Marriage Act, LFN 1990; and “A perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd defendant, their agents, officers, employees and representatives from further issuing ‘Local Government Unified Marriage Certificates.” Babalola also supported his application with a 29 paragraph affidavit, three exhibits and a written address. In spite of service of summons, the defendants neither filed any process nor appeared in court to put up any defence against the suit.

On March 24, 2017 the court granted the claimant’s prayer to argue his case. In his submission, Babalola argued that marriage was on the Exclusive Legislative List and that the Marriage Act stipulated that all marriage certificates were to be in Form E of the first Schedule of the Marriage Act LFN, 1990. He claimed that the second defendant and its branches now issue their own form known as the Local Government Unified Marriage Certificate, which was also issued to him. Babalola prayed the court to declare the local government areas’ action illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and grant all the reliefs he sought. Justice Harrison agreed and granted the four reliefs by the claimant. In the judgment delivered by Justice Harrison on May 15, she said that: marriage being an Exclusive List item, was under the purview of the federal government, which is regulated by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Gov Ayade enacts Lottery Bill in Cross River State To improve the standard of residents of the state, the Cross River state governor, Prof. Bendict Ayade, has enacted a Lottery Bill whic, he said, will change the lives of the indigines. According to the governor, the passing of the bill will have a huge impact on the life of the people of the state. This development was disclosed by the chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, last Friday during the Accra Weizo 2017, with the theme, ‘Seamless Travel in West Africa,’ held in La Palm Royal Beach, Accra, Ghana. Onah said that the Calabar Carnival was basically meant to fight and eliminate hunger in Cross River state and not just for entertainment. He equally commended efforts of the organizer of Accra Weizo, Mr. Ikechi Ukoh, for ensuring that international community are fully involved in the Calabar Carnival Group. He used the platform to market the carnival to the guests at the event. He also recalled that delegates were sent from Cross River state to Ghana to

mirror their modus operandi when they newly started, stating that the Calabar festival is an integration of their wealth of experience garnered from that visit. Tourism stakeholders with diverse knowledge shared their experiences and challenges just as they maintained that the best needs to be done to enhance the industry in Africa.

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Ihedioha hails Mbaise USA on medical mission Tony Nwakaegho

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Former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Imo state in the 2015 gubernatorial election, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has commended Mbaise sons and daughters in the United States of America for their commitment to the health and welfare of their people back home. Chief Ihedioha, who was addressing members of Mbaise USA, currently in the Nigeria on their annual medical mission, praised the members of the organization for the sacrifices they made in time and material re-

sources all in a bid to alleviate the challenges being faced by their folks at home. He described their services as great alternatives to the poor healthcare system prevalent in the country adding that many who would have died or suffered various disabilities due to the non-availability of adequate healthcare have been saved by the intervention of their brothers and sisters in the United States. According to him, the Mbaise USA has shown that the development of our place is paramount in their agenda, which they have demonstrated by ensuring that our people have access to quality healthcare services. “I learnt you have conducted

different kind of surgeries and given out quality medications to our people. These they would have ordinarily paid for or in most cases died due to lack of finances. Your resolve to take off these burdens from our people had placed the Mbaise USA in the life-time history book of the Mbaise nation,” he said. The medical mission is an annual programme of Mbaise USA Incorporated, the umbrella organization of Mbaise indigenes in the United States, which seek to pool human and financial resources from sons and daughters of Mbaise, to intervene in the healthcare of their people back home. This year’s mission covered

was expanded to six locations across the three Local Government Areas namely Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Ahiazu Mbaise (up from 3 in the previous year) and was boosted with a purpose-built mobile theatre for conducting minor surgeries on deserving patients. During the mission, medical practitioners, comprising doctors, nurses and pharmacists of Mbaise extraction practicing in the USA, conduct routine consultations on people especially women and the aged and administer basic drugs while critical cases are referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, the Imo State, capital.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

15 News

NDDC recovers over N60 billion from defaulting contractors

Abubakar Tsanni/ Masari Zallah Foundation empower 700 women in Katsina

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says it has recovered over N60 billion from contractors who abandoned various developmental projects in the Niger Delta region after being paid mobilization fees. The Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, stated this while speaking as a guest on “State of the Nation”, a Channels Television news and current affairs programme. According to Ekere, the NDDC was collaborating with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution to ensure that such erring contractors were brought to justice. He regretted that some contractors had failed to mobilize to site years after being awarded the contracts, insisting that such delay automatically invali-

dated the contract terms because all NDDC contracts were time bound. He said the current NDDC Governing Board was committed to reforming the Commission, part of which entailed undertaking projects that would be completed and delivered on time rather than award numerous contracts for projects that would be abandoned. Ekere said the issue of abandoned projects in the NDDC was a huge challenge which necessitated the on-going reforms aimed at reforming the governance system to take away some of the discretion the executive had, “restore the Commission to its core mandate, institutionalize due process in the way of doing things as well as rededication and reaffirmation of commitment of the management and staff of the NDDC to doing what is right.” On the NDDC Master Plan, he ex-

plained that the inability to achieve the goals as envisaged in the master plan was due to the inability of other stakeholders such as States, Local Governments, Development Partners, Oil Companies, and the communities to key into the master plan, insisting that the present board is poised to change the narrative. He commended the new Niger Delta Initiative of the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, whom he noted has brought about sustainable peace and progress in the region through his renewed engagement with communities in the region, an action he said has led to improved security in the Niger Delta, the resumption of academic activities at the Maritime University in Delta State as well as a new partnership between the NDDC and the Delta State Government aimed at construct-

ing the Warri-Escravo road leading to the Maritime University. The NDDC Managing Director said, the Commission is currently embarking on massive skill acquisition training for youths in the region geared towards sustainable economic activities to lift the economic wellbeing of the region and create jobs. He submitted that funding remains a key challenge of the Commission as the NDDC currently has a balance sheet of over #1.3 trillion, regretting that the federal government is owing the NDDC an outstanding backlog of #1.7trn due to the Commission statutorily. He said the NDDC has received only about #500 billion since inception, a challenge he noted necessitated his letter to President Mahammadu Buhari over the non-release of funds meant for the NDDC.

FRSC Academy seeks affiliation with FUTO Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Federal Road Safety Com-

mission (FRSC) has concluded plans to affiliate their training academy in Udi, Enugu state to the Faculty of Transport Management, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo state. The FRSC academy was originally conceptualised to become an African Centre for the Study of Road Safety, but the affiliation with FUTO will be another dimension by the commission’s management to make the institution an authority and an institution of excellency in traffic management . Already, the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze, has set up a technical committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) to work out the curriculum and other academic requirements as well as assess the available facilities. The committee is expected to work with the team from the FRSC to harmonize the two positions and ensure speedy conclusion of the affiliation process. This was contained in a statement issued by the FRSC Head of Media and Public relations, Bisi Kazeem on the Corps Marshal familiarisation visit to FUTO to assess the preparedness of FUTO to accommodate the FRSC accreditation process. The FRSC boss, Boboye Oyeyemi, informed FUTO Vice Chancellor, of the desire of the FRSC management to have the Corps’ Academy affiliated to the university for the award of post graduate certificates in transport studies, in line with the Corps Marshal’s commitment towards staff capacity development and need for the corps to be on top of its assignment as the lead agency in road traffic matters in the country.

Accident scene near Plateau State Tourism Corporation headquarters on Yakubu Gowon Way in Jos… on Monday.

Ambode calls for review of cultural issues inhibiting growth

Caption: L-R, Ambassador Bubakar Tsanni, Chairman, Abubakar Tsanni Foundation and Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari and other officials during the empowerment trainees recently in Batagarawa LGA, Katsina state.

ÏÏÏ

In an effort to ameliorate poverty and improve living standard in Nigeria, humanitarian foundation, Abubakar Tsanni and Masari Zallah Foundation have trained 700 women in Katsina state on various skills acquisition and empowered them with cash to kickstart their businesses. The women were trained on how to make shoes, soap, liquid soaps, fashion, chain and earrings making amongst other trades in Tsanni township, Batagarawa local government area. Chairman of the foundation, Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni, said that the gesture was aimed at supporting the administration of governor Aminu Bello Masari agenda on women and youth empowerment in the state. Alh. Tsanni commended the women for devoting time to participate in the skill acquisition training, urging them to nurture their new businesses and grow it to an enviable height. He also empowered each of the trainees with cash ranging from N5,000 to N10,000. He said that his foundation embarked on the training and empowerment of the women in order to make them leading entrepreneurs that would bring new innovations in the way small and micro enterprises are operated in the state. “What we have done by this training is that 700 women have been economically empowered and making them self-reliance. Through this training we have created 700 entrepreneurs in Batagarawa local government and the multiplier effect is unquantifiable,” Tsanni said. “We know government cannot do everything and that is why we decided to support the Katsina state government.” Tsanni also assured that the foundation would continue to train and empower more women and youth in the state so as to reduce the poverty level among women and youth in Katsina state.

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Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe Lagos state governor, Mr.

Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that if Nigeria is to occupy its pride of place among the comity of nations, concerted efforts must be made to frontally and comprehensively review cultural and political issues slowing down development. The governor said for too long, the nation had allowed cultural and political differences to inhibit growth, but that such must stop for development to be fast-tracked in the overall best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Speaking at an international con-

ference put together by his government as part of activities marking the golden jubilee anniversary of the state with the theme: ‘Towards A Smart City: Preparing For The Next 50 Years Of Prosperity,’ Governor Ambode said it was pertinent for everybody in the country to unite and agree to put issues relating to development on the front burner and relegate political and cultural considerations. He said for the state to grow from mega city to smart city, all sectors and individuals must play their part and resolve to be on top of their game in their respective areas. “For me, the measurement of our

development into a smart city should be all encompassing ranging from the quality of service that we render as a government and the service we render from individual to individual and from business to government or from individual to business. “The totality of that is what we call smart. It is not enough for me to say government will provide the smart city, there should be smart business between, for instance, the tailor and the designer. It is something that is so microscopic but in totality, it is about being smart. So, if a foreigner comes in and moves to a restaurant and gets quality service, he knows that there is

something happening in that city, he does not have to come to Alausa to see it. “Yes, we have been talking about smart government, smart business, smart city but it is a convergence of all the three that can help. Now, in all these, getting smart requires the examination of some critical issues like the cultural management issues, political issues, the needs of the political economy that frustrates you from doing what you are supposed to do yesterday until next year. Those are the deep issues that must be critically examined and reviewed,” Governor Ambode said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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have reasons to celebrate Join a Solar Energy Workshop at Nigerians democracy -Sen Nnamani Nigeria ICT Fest 2017 Conference Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ As Nigeria marked its

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Democracy Day anniversary amidst daunting challenges, former Senate President, Sent. Ken Nnamani, said that the people have every reason to celebrate. Nnamani observed that despite the challenges confronting the nation, the country is fairing much better in democracy than it would in any other form of government. He stated this during his remarks at the official unveiling of Tree-Like Shield Foundation on Monday at Merit House Abuja. Nnamani, who was the chairman of the occasion, commended the founders for their tenacity and dexterity in supporting humanity. He called on Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religion background to always help the less privileged in the society so as to make it a better place for all.

Nnamani also pledged to support the foundation in every capacity to ensure that it lives up to its objectives of providing help to the underprivileged. In her welcome address, the Cofounder of Tree-Like Shield Foundation, Miss Fikemi Awoseyi said that the less privileged and vulnerable persons are often treaded as scourge in the environment, hence, the need to give them succour. She said that many at times, they are treated with much disdain , making them feel they are responsible for the unfortunate situation they found themselves. “It is also unfortunate that they are often victims of stigmatization and ostracization,” she lamented. Awoseyi noted that most of the less privileged persons lack access to quality education, affordable health care and welfare treatment, making them vulnerable to diseases and criminal activities. “ Their growing popula-

tion may one day have a dangerous impact on our nation if we fail to act positively.” “Tree-Like Shield Foundation’s mandate is to protect and advance the less privileged and vulnerable people’s right by ensuring that adequate support is given for their mental growth and ensuring the development of values and moral standards that will guarantee a brighter future for them,” she added. On his part, the second cofounder, Mr Odusete Oluwakayode said that the mission is to help in ensuring that quality education and affordable health care services are provided for through our numerous supporters, volunteers, sponsors and donors. “ We shall therefore rely on the support and assistance of well meaning individuals, groups and institutions in our drive to improve the fortunes of these disadvantaged people in our society,” he said.

Lƕ Ɨƌƈ ƈ ƐƏ Ɛƈ Ɨ ƄƆƆ ƈ ƗƈƇƇƈƅƑƋƐ ƐƈƌƆ Ɛ Ɔ Ɔ ƍ Ɛ ƾ ƕƆ Ə -Okowa Ï ^Ə ƌƈ Ɔ ƌ ƏƆ ƍƍ ƈ ƐƌƆ Ɛ Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ Delta state governor,

Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, said his administration had in the last two years been faced with difficult times, adding for God intervention it would have been worst. The governor who made this known yesterday in Asaba at the thanksgiving ceremony held for his two years in office, recalled that his first year in office was like a “Theater of war” orchestrated by various militants’ group who destroyed oil facilities while agitating for the right of Niger-Delta as oil producing states including Delta state. Noting that Deltans have been very supportive in ensuring his administration succeeds. The governor also thanked church leaders “Across the state including Royal fathers who through prayers supported him. But some women from

Burutu, Bomadi and Warri-South West local government areas who were at the event which took place at “Event Centre,” along Okpanam road, Asaba alleged marginalization by the governor saying that his prosperity for all Deltans” was yet to manifest in their areas. One of the women, Mrs. Ebi Tamunor, said: “We have not seen prosperity Governor Okowa sings with, instead he had allegedly imposed different taxes on us, our husbands who have no jobs.” Dr. Okowa who dispelled the allegation by the women as untrue, in a swift reaction, said “Government is a continue, we as a government cannot finish everything within four years, but we will do our best to fulfill our promises for Deltans” and promised more appointments soon. According to him, “I’m a lucky governor, this is because I have the supports

of Chief James Ibori, our political leader, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as the former governor I took over from” and expressed hope that the state would in not distant time make considerable progress. The governor disclosed that with the relative peace in the state, the passing into law Maritime University which would soon be, will add values to the peace and security agenda of his administration, adding, “I’m sure the House of Representatives will pass the law after it had passed the 1st and second reading at the senate”. He said that Delta Human, which used to be number one as the oil producing state, is now number four, expressing hope that soon it would bounce back to the number one position. “We now have brighter day because God is with us, I’m confidence that this bright days will help to succeed” the governor added.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Tech Times

Blockchain, AI to lead apps development by 2020 –Report Josh McBain, director of consultancy at research firm Foresight Factory has said that the development of blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machinelearning, as well as the need for new collaborative models, will dominate the manner in which apps are developed in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by 2030. McBain was speaking on the back of the release of the “Future of Apps” report, which hasn’t been published online, but was commissioned by F5 Networks with research conducted by Foresight Factory. According to the report, the rise of new app interfaces (including augmented and virtual reality) and the potential rich influence of blockchain technologies and edge computing are contributing to the growing digital and app-centric society. The report also found key themes that will affect business applications in the region, namely conscientious collaboration, optimum intelligence, personal realities and new networks. Results found that a rise of Internet of things and use of integrated apps meant “four in 10 European consumers are sharing personal data in exchange for personalised offers or discounts, while 41 percent of 16- to 25-year-olds believe their current jobs could be supplanted by AI or robots within the next decade.” When relating to optimum intelligence, the survey found the trajectory of future apps will be heavily influenced by AI and machine-learning, with cognitive health and finance being the top of the crop. The data collected showed that 49 percent of the 25- to 44-year-olds surveyed want services that help them to understand the future impact of their dietary choices, while 58 percent of the same group of consumers expressed interest in a service predicting the future of their financial situation based on current actions. Mostafa Zafer, director of analytics and collaboration solutions at IBM for MEA, notes there is no limit for app developments anymore. “I think it will reach a point where the app should advise whether I should do the service, or should do the transaction or not. I think that is going to be the main role of AI in the app – really to become an advisor to me whilst I am using the app itself.” The report concluded that growing advances in the capability and cost of mixed reality technology will definitely revolutionise app interfaces. “Removing the limits of a user’s physical location and enabling individuals to personalise their direct experience of reality and the world around them through apps will definitely shape how we will live, work and play,” it added.

IXPN boosts W/Africa’s position, hosts VeriSign’s regional internet resolution site Stories by By Tony Nwakaegho The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) has improved on its strategic drive to strengthen its West Africa leadership position, as it is now hosting VeriSign’s Regional Internet Resolution Site. The activation of VeriSign is coming less than a year after IXPN was elevated to the status of the West African regional Internet Exchange Point. IXPN’s elevation came after successfully vying in the Africa Union Commission’s African Internet Exchange System project for a Regional Internet Exchange Point for West Africa. The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) is a physical infrastructure that allows several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and network operators to exchange traffic between their networks, generally referred to as autonomous systems. Commenting on the feat in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IXPN, Mr. Muhammed Rudman stated that the activation of Verisign’s RIR Site into IXPN physical infrastructure is a pointer to the company’s mission to become the leading IXP in Africa in the near future and in line with its mission, provide a national core infrastructure that facilitates internet operations in Nigeria, to localise traffic as well as reduce local internet routing cost.

MUHAMMED RUDMAN

MD/CEO of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria “We are pleased to announce that IXPN has become Verisign’s Regional Internet Resolution Site (RIR). Verisign is one of the leading companies in the Global DNS industry, they maintain two of the Internet’s thirteen Root Domain Name Servers (DNS), they are also the authoritative registry for the .com, .net and other generic Top-Level Domains (TLDs),” Rudman added. According to him, the Verisign RIR would provide a local Anycast instance of the J-Root Servers as well as the primary DNS for .com and .net TLDs. “The Verisign RIR would Improve Internet

performance and user experience within Nigeria by decreasing the transactional latency between our members’ recursive DNS servers to both the J-Root DNS servers and the .com/.net DNS servers,” he reaffirmed. The Verisign RIR, he said would equally reduce dependencies on IP transit relationships for critical DNS reachability, thereby increasing Internet resiliency to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attacks on Root Servers. He assured that IXPN would continue with its effort to get more organisations, especially academic institutions in other parts of Nigeria and West Africa to join the IXPN, with the aim of domiciling local Internet content for the benefit of all Internet users within Nigeria and the West African region. IXPN’s plan, according to Rudman is to boost patronage of complementary and ancillary services in Nigeria from telecom companies, content providers and other IP-centric organisations in the region, stressing that IXPN as a regional IXP holds great prospects for the Nigerian economy. “We are making efforts to expand our services to other regions in Nigeria. Apart from Lagos, we are also in Port-Harcourt, Abuja, Kano and trying to be in Enugu. This will ensure that traffic within those regions remains local as well as promote that region to start hosting content locally,” Rudman said.

Ganduje offers 100 youths scholarship at DBI, commend NCC

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State, has said his administration will offer scholarship to 100 youths in the State to bridge the gap in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Gov. Ganduje made this declaration recently at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), National Innovation Diploma programme in Kano, adding that 60 males and 40 females will be the initial beneficiaries. Ganduje commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman (EVC), for considering Kano as one of the centres for this programme. According to him, the initiative of the NCC resulting in the approval by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to make DBI, Kano Campus as an Innovation Enterprise Institute is highly commendable. He affirmed that the State will take advantage of this as part of efforts to promote ICT diffusion in the State especially in the rural areas across the 44 Local Councils. On his part, Emir of Kano, Muhammed Sanusi II, appealed to the EVC NCC and the Federal Government at all levels to ensure that there is sufficient investment in ICT infrastructure to promote access to ICT by the youths at the grassroots. “There is no point getting a Diploma in ICT if the only place you can operate is in the city centre. We need to have more people in the rural areas who can provide ICT services to the rural dwellers to achieve effective results. “if the present administration is ready to achieve its change mantra, then there is need to also create the enabling environment for ICT investors to come to the rural area because with the way

things are going, the government and the informal sector cannot provide jobs for the population of about 170 million Nigerians but with the ICT field it is possible,” the Emir said. Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said the matriculation of the 24 students into five specialized Information and Communication Technology of the Diploma programme was part of NCC’s efforts to promote the adoption and use of ICT for national development. Danbatta listed the specialized areas of the Diploma programme to include, software engineering, computer hardware engineering, networking and security, telecommunications and multimedia technology as approved by the National Board for Technical Education NBTE. He highlighted that the programme was deliberately designed to offer a rich blend of the theoretical knowledge and practice skills to combine classroom work with intensive laboratory and workshop modules which will prepare and equip them for direct entry into related fields of any University in the Country. “Nigeria is in dire need of ICT skills to solve the myriad of problems facing her agriculture, health, education, security, power and other sectors. This is the only way the country can become a mainstream player in the new digital age,” he said. The EVC noted that “the matriculation is in furtherance of our mandate to equip Nigerians in different fields of ICT, to which the Institute was granted approval as an Innovative Enterprise Institute by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education in 2016 to award National Innovation Diploma and these are the first set of students being matriculated for the 2016/2017 academic calendar”.

He urged the matriculating students to embrace the opportunity of obtaining a certificate in National Innovation Diploma programme seriously as they will be equipped with the required ICT knowledge and skills to perform optimally with their counterparts in other parts of the world. Dr. Ike Adinde, administrator of DBI, said, the Institute recorded milestones in the last two years with the support of the EVC, adding that “We joined the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2015, becoming one of the six centres of excellence in Africa under the ITU ICT Academy Network”. “The Institute’s partnership with the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was expanded during the year as it provided technical assistance to the Board in preparation for the recently concluded computer-based Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),” Dr Adinde said.

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

19 Tech Times

Shittu declares midterm score card on Communications Ministry The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu said that rising from his background; he started as a neophyte in the industry but today receives kudos from ICT stakeholders. He recently declared the ministry’s midterm score card on a radio programme which was monitored by TONY NWAKAEGHO in Lagos. Excerpts … How did you receive your appointment and what was the expectation of stakeholders? It is the privilege of Mr President to allocate portfolios to his ministers and I had a good fortune of being posted to the ministry of Communications which has a subject matter that I knew almost nothing about. When I came on board the first thing I did was to ensure that a retreat was organise to bring in all the egg heads, leaders and stakeholders in the industry to discuss with me and to share ideas and to give lectures on this issue because it was like I am from camp zero. That has been my practice almost through this one and half years. The retreat brought up a lot of proposal and ideas to assist us to achieve the mandate of which we were appointed. We have since also gotten inputs from other stakeholders who didn’t get the opportunity of being there. That has been encapsulated in what is called ICT Road Map 2016-2019. This needed the input and approval of the Federal Executive Council. Unfortunately there were few hiccups because of perceptions by sister ministers as to who should be doing what and all of that. Initially, Mr President gave us 30 days to sort that out. Unfortunately for certain reasons that I cannot disclose it took all of 8 months to get that done. These are problems and challenges within government. It has eventually been resolved positively in our favour and the memo is awaiting the FEC approval. What is the nitty-gritty of local content in ICT? Already we have a local content policy which is consolidated in the ICT policy 2016-2019. We have been doing everything to encourage local content. Of course we have an Office of Local Content in NITDA, which is one of our Agencies. NITDA has been organising a lot of empowerment programmes for Nigerians to try and create innovations which will assist. And my standing philosophy has been that anytime we are able to attain the best in terms of sufficiency and in terms of sustainability and in terms of international standard in that regard we will ensure that even if it requires legislation we will ensure that we discourage foreign participation and patronage. One of the reasons why we are doing that is to ensure that we have to build a fully owned Nigerian company which has the capacity to produce SIM cards locally and the quality is as high as that of any other international company. And I had the good fortune of being invited to launch that product and for that moment I called all the GSM

ADEBAYO SHITTU

Minister of Communications

Companies telling them that from this moment we will not allow the CBN to give you foreign exchange because what they use millions of Naira to produce outside we now have a facility in Nigeria which can do that. I am happy that is being done. Despite what you have said, we still hear that the industry is still driven by foreign content developers, making the country to lose about $2bn yearly to importation of ICT hardware. How do you react to this? Remember that before we came on board, that is about 16 year’s period of GSM operation in Nigeria, it has always been foreign components. I am assuring you that within the last one year things have improved. Another area of local content we are looking at is that we have NIGCOMSAT, Nigeria Communication Satellite Company. This is one company that manages Nigeria’s satellite in the orbit. This help to keep data and to assist in communication through the satellite. Nigeria now has one satellite in the orbit which is inadequate for Nigeria and not to talk of other surrounding African countries who patronises the Nigeria’s NIGCOMSAT. So a lot of Nigerian companies including MDAs do not patronise Nigerian companies because of the fear that our satellite company has just one signal and if they rely on it and it crushes they will lose all their data. It is just like a transport company moving from here to Abuja without a spare tyre. We have been doing our best to procure two new satellites in orbit by making it mandatory for all Nigerian

companies to patronise Nigeria’s satellite. Today a lot of money is being paid to overseas company. In procuring those two satellites we require $550million. Already we have the Chinese Exim Bank which has agreed to finance it, and also the manufacturer is in Chinese. That company has also agreed to finance it except that we are required to provide 15 percent counterpart funding, and amount to N30billion which Nigeria currently does not have. We have been talking to private sector investors to bring in money and even talked to NNPC to come and buy share because this is one facility if we just have sufficiency on it, patronage from Nigerian companies will be enough to sustain it and provide excess for other African countries to patronise. We are working on this and as soon as we reach an agreement in term of funding in another two years Nigeria will be sufficient in satellite communication services. We are doing this for all other sector of the ICT by encouraging Nigerians. Remember that it is not for government to engage in producing local content in ICT or any other thing. This is because of the belief or philosophy of the Federal Government that government has no business in doing business. So, ours is to provide the enabling environment and I believe that this environment is enough enabled because the right policies are there and I the minister has thrown my support for any provider of local content. At other fora, I have told them that if you succeed in doing something locally, be assured that I will give you support and if it

requires legislation to ensure that Nigerian patronise only you, once the quality, durability, standard, sufficiency is right you can be sure of my support and that of the federal government. When you look at the ICT in Nigeria, the youth are being called upon to showcase their potentials. What is government doing to assist the youth in ICT? One of the things we want to do is to ensure that training facilities are available all over the country. Already NITDA is building a lot of ICT centres all over the country, while the ministry is also be building six ICT centres this year as soon as we have our budget approved. I am also aware the office of the Vice President has gotten independent funding to provide between six and eight new centre spread across the country. These will be available for the Nigerian youth to go in and train. I am also aware that in a number of secondary schools across in Nigeria we are building what is called knowledge centres and smaller units of Internet centres where school children can be made to get acquaintance with ICT from their secondary school level to get preliminary knowledge about ICT and that will engender a lot of interest in them before they get out of secondary school. I can assure you that both NITDA and USPF are putting a lot of funding into proliferating ICT centres all across the country, in higher institutions, secondary schools and even in communities. What in your view is the implication of Chinese funding the project which is to be done by Chinese instead of Nigerians? I agreed to the fact that we don’t have the capacity to manufacture satellite, even cars, phones not to talk of Satellite in orbit. We don’t have a choice but for the Chinese to supporting us with funding and if we get funding, also there will be manufacture. Even if we have the fund we still need to go to China which is the cheapest place they can build satellite for you. We don’t have a choice so we must appreciate what the Chinese government is doing. It is part of the South- South Cooperation. They are perhaps the only country which is providing that type of soft funding with long moratorium and long payment regime. So we are appreciative of it and when these things are built Nigerians will manage it. There is no problem about re-colonisation through business. What does your ICT policy entail such that it becomes a major revenue earner for Nigeria, con-

tribute to the GDP and create employment? There is evidence in what we are doing in ICT because for the first time in Nigeria, ICT contribute all of 10 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. It has never happened before. That is within the last one year. As of today ICT engages more hands, more employees than even the petroleum industry which give almost 90 percent of our GDP. That is evidence that ICT is always taking his pride of place. I want to believe particularly because there are several countries which never had petroleum and never had land for agric and have almost all of their funding in ICT. So if they have been able to do that, then Nigeria must be able to do much more. That is the reason why I always attend personally events organised by stakeholders in order to encourage them, also remember ICT is a private sector driven process. It is not about the government because what the government does is to provide support by regulation, some form of funding support and ensuring that the tax regimes given to them are right. How long will it take Nigeria to get there in terms of ICT? It is not only on ICT that Nigeria has not gotten there; even our Agric has not gotten to the optimum because our Agric processes are still the traditional hand driven thing. We had the problem of poor leadership over the years so we need a leadership that is incorruptible, prepared to make sacrifices for dynamic leadership to get there. When I came on board a lot of stakeholder thought that it is not a lawyer that should be minister, but an ICT guru. However, everywhere I go they give me kudos because I have done a lot to serve the industry, and to encourage stakeholders, innovators and investors in the ICT industry in Nigeria. Drop call and unsolicited text messages, unjustifiable high tariff by telecom providers is a recurring decimal, what is the way forward? There is nothing that average Nigerians suffer that I as the minister of communications do not suffer as I get a lot of drop calls, extortion if you like. Where I bought a N2000 credit card and as soon as I loaded the N1000, it show only N800, so I called the operator and they apologised. So, I said if this could be happening to me, how much less other Nigerians. I am aware of all these problems. I have had cause to invite the operators and read the riot acts to them and also challenged the new board of NCC and the management to very quickly put all of these in check.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

21 Public Notice

JESUS THE PILLAR WORLD OUTREACH

NEW JERUSALEM ZION CHURCH, OPOROZA GBARAMATU KINGDOM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. PST. MOSES IBILOLA IJUMU -FOUNDER/SENIOR PASTOR /CHAIRMAN 2. BRO. SOLOMON BAIYESEA 3. BRO. CELESTINE OGBONNA 4. BRO. IDOWU ABAYOMI ABIODUN

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. CAPT. JAMES IZOUKUMOR UBEBE (JP), 2. MR. SOLOMON UBEBE, 3. MR. FELIX BRAKORU UBEBE.

TRUSTEES: 1. JERRY OMORUCHE OSAGIE 2. MOJISOLA AJILE OSAGIE 3. ADEBAYO AWONIYI ADEOSHUN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD WORLDWIDE. 2. TO PROMOTE PERSONAL PRAYERS, INTERCESSION AND PRAISES. 3. TO TAKE CARE OF THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 4. TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO EMPOWER THE RURAL AND URBAN POOR THROUGH FINANCING THEIR SMALL SCALE ENDEAVOURS, AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS ACQUISITION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD WORLDWIDE. 2. TO PROMOTE PERSONAL PRAYERS, INTERCESSION AND PRAISES. 3. TO TAKE CARE OF THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 4. TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL; CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROMTHE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: HELEN V. DICKSON 08023769123 SOLICITOR

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AKO SHANDE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. TIVLUMUN AKO SHANDE 2. CELESTINA AKO SHANDE 3. SETH AKO TIVLUMUN 4. FAITH DOOYUM AKO

-CHAIRMAN -SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CARE AND CARTER FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 2. GENERAL HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE POOR. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL; CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROMTHE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY NIGERIA INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ENHANCING WOMEN FOR FIRST CAPITAL INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER “PART C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. GLORY OSE IMOUKHUEDE. 2. OLUBUKOLA AGBESOYIN. 3. ENIOLA AGBESOYIN. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. ENHANCING WOMEN ACCESS TO FINANCE THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AND NONGOVERNMENT PLATFORM. 2. PROVIDE FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING AND PROGRAMMES TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PECULIAR GUARDIAN GOSPEL CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990. NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1.PASTOR CHIDIEBERE INNOCENT NWAKAEZE 2. PASTOR EKPERE-AMAKA GOSPEL NWAKAEZE. 3. EVANG. NGOZIKA NWALENWA EZE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1 TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL; CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROMTHE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: NNANNA OBASI SOLICITOR

FRIENDS FOR ALL SKILLS EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. DR DAKUKU PETERSIDE- CHAIRPERSON 2. EZIUNOAMAKA AMATOKWU- VICE CHAIRPERSON 3. CHINYEM IGHODARO- SECRETARY 4. BARR. ESEOGHOGHO AYINBUOMWAN- BOARD MEMBER 5. BARR. JENNIFER CHEKWUBE HALIM- BOARD MEMBER 6. CHRISTINE PLAATJIES- BOARD MEMBER 7. ADEBAYO OLADAPO ADISA- BOARD MEMBER

TRUSTEES: 1. EMEKA ONYEKWERE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CARE AND ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGE WOMEN IN OUR SOCIETY. 2. GENERAL HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE POOR.

3. TO MENTOR, GUIDE, TUTOR, COUNSEL AND TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE ON SELFIMPROVEMENT, SELF-RELIANCE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND BUILD CAPACITY THROUGH THE ORGANISATION OF SEMINARS,

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL; CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROMTHE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: OBY ONYEKWULUJE (SOLICITOR)

xxxxx

SIGNED: SECRETARY

MICRO STARTUP SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVE

EBONYI GRASSROOT SUPPORT FORUM

2. UCHEGLADYS EMORDI\

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN OUR SOCIETY.. 2. TO PROMOTE SKILL ACQUISITION, EDUCATION FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN OUR SOCIETY.

SIGNED: OBY ONYEKWULUJE ( SOLICITOR)

LIGHT OF GOD IN PROMISE LAND MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

NAME OF TRUSTEES: 1. CHIEF EDWIN OKEH 2. DR EMMANUEL KANANDU 3. WILSON OKEREKE

TRUSTEES: (1) LIGHT CHINEDU OKORIE (2) MBAEGBU ONYINYE VIRGINIA (3). NDU IKECHUKWU CHRISTOPHER.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE EMPOWERMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT TO THE INDIGENT PEOPLE WITHIN THE GRASSROOT AREA OF EBONYI STATE. 2. TO ORGANISE VOCATIONAL SKILL, TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS TO THE INDIGENT GRASSROOT PEOPLE.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE WAY OF LIFE BIBLE CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLABODE SAMUEL OLUWATOYIN 2.OLADODE KEHINDE CHRISTIANA 3. SANNI OLAREWAJU WAHEED 4. OLABODE OLUWATOMISIN OLASUBOMI 5. OLABODE JOHN OLUWAPELUMI 6. OLABODE OLUWAFIKUNAYOMI ELIZABETH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO PREACH THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY SECRETARY

SOCIETY FOR ADVANCEMENT OF GYNEACOLOGIC ENDOSCOPY OF NIGERIA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER “PART C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. ABAYOMI BOLAJI AJAYI. 2. DR. (MRS.) OLASURUBOMI KOFOWOROLA OGEDENGBE. 3. DR.OLUWAROTIMI IRETI AKINOLA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES INCLUDE: 1. TO PROMOTE AND ADVANCE THE PRACTICE OF ENDOSCOPY IN GYNECOLOGIST PRACTICE IN NIGERIA. 2. TO ASSIST IN PROMOTING ENDOSCOPY AWARENESS TO GYNECOLOGIST IN NIGERIA THROUGH THE TEACHING AND TRAINING OF DOCTORS. 3. TO LIAISE WITH OTHER BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH SIMILAR INTEREST AND OBJECTIVES BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA. 4. TO ESTABLISH, ASSIST OR PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR ANY PROJECT THAT MAY APPEAR TO BE NECESSARY OR CONVENIENT FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY. 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: AFOLABI SERIKI (ESQ.), CONNAISANCE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, 21, ARAROMI STREET, OFF MOLONEY STREET, ONIKAN, LAGOS.

IYANO DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990. NAMES OF TRUSTEES 1. REV. SAMUEL OKPANACHI EGWUDA 2. HRH SIMON DAVIDSON EGWUDA 3. ATULE ENEDOMOH STANLEY (ESQ) 4. MATTHEW ACHUBA BENJAMIN 5. COLLINS UKWUCHOME INELO 6. REV. JAMES SAMUEL EGWUBA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS 2. TO INITIATE DEVELOPMENTAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL IDEA TO THE COMMUNITY 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: ATULE ENEDOMOH & CO ( OJ CHAMBERS) SUITE A20 GRAND IBRO HOTEL, WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA 08035884750

SUCCESS LIGHTERS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1, OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEGBOYEGA OLUWASEYI O- CHAIRMAN 2. TAIWO SAMSON OLUREMILEKUN 3. IKUNIKA OLUMIDE JULIUS- SECRETARY 4. ASHIMI OLAMILEKAN. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Public Notice 22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

THE LORD’S PORCH COVENANT CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

MOUNTAIN OF GLORY FOR ALL NATIONS MINISTRY

THE COAST OF HELP FOUNDATION

GLORIOUS CHURCH OF THE ROCK OF AGES.

LUNCH AND LEARN TIME MINISTRY

BANDU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION FOR PEACE AND PROGRESS

PUBLIC NOTICE THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION PENTECOSTAL MINISTRY INT’L The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. APOSTLE (DR). PHILIP ADEYEMO 2;EVANGELIST (MRS). OLALEYE ADEYEMO 3;PASTOR SEGUN ABODUNRIN 4;REV.DR JOSHUA A. OLADAPO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1; TO PREACH AND TEACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN ALL NATIONS 2; TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY AND PREPARE THEM FOR HEAVEN 3; To Conduct open Air and indoor revival for the Total liberation of the total man Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: J.A OLADAPO & CO 08030696558

OREMEYI BETHEL ADEIFE.

AL- HASSAN GERTRUDE AGYEIWAA

Formerly known and addressed as OREMEYI BETHEL UKANA, now wish to be known and addressed as OREMEYI BETHEL ADEIFE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note. BADMUS FUNMILAYO ARIKE

EZEUDO EBERECHUKWU PAULINUS

publication publication

ALABI AKAMU RIDWAN

MRS CHRISTIANA UYOYO ODEWADE

ONABANJO SUNDAY MATTHEW

MRS IBRAHIM QUDRAT OLABISI

BESTMAN FINEBOY

FOLUKE DORCAS OLADIPUPO

AMODU BUNEYAMINU

TETE EMMANUEL

BLESSING CHUKWU

MRS NGWU CECILIA ADANNIA

MRS SHODEINDE ADEBIMPE BAJULAIYE

MODINAT OLUFEMI SASERE

WILSON OLUWASEUN EBELECHUKWU

REMOVAL OF NAME

KALU PAULINA

MRS UKAGA VIVIAN CHINWENDU

MRS UGWU MARTHA OGECHUKWU

ONWU BLESSING UGO

DECLARATION OF AGE

MRS DORCAS IDORENYIN USANGA

CHANGE OF NAME

MRS. ADEBAYO ADEJOKE OMOWUNM

MRS ADEYEMI MONSURAT ABOLORE

MRS UCHE CHRISTIANA IHEKERENMA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS UCHE CHRISTIANA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS UCHE CHRISTIANA IHEKERENMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA, PLC, RELEVANT AUTHORITIES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

23 Public Notice

Democracy Day: Ayade employs another 1000 workers in garment factory ÏÏÏIn

the spirit of Democracy Day celebration, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has announced the recruitment of additional 1000 workers in the state Garment Factory.

SANNI AKINDELE ADETOKUNBO

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINDELE ADETOKUNBO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SANNI AKINDELE ADETOKUNBO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

The Governor, who disclosed this to newsmen on Monday, during the inspection of some ongoing projects in the state, said the gesture was a deliberate measure to put food on people’s table.

“We the government and people of Cross River state are declaring an additional recruitment of 1000 people unto the feeding table. The 1000 people will be fully recruited, taken and absorbed by

xx ADESINA SAMUEL OJEWALE

OLIVIA NNEKA OKAFOR

Formerly known and addressed as OJEWALE SAMUEL OJEYANJU, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESINA SAMUEL OJEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EKWUEME OLIVIA NNEKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLIVIA NNEKA OKAFOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

NWODE OKORIE EMMANUEL

ADEKOYA TAIWO OMOLARA I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWOSUNLOYE TAIWO OMOLARA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEKOYA TAIWO OMOLARA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS IGWE OKORO EMMANUEL, NOW WISH TO BE CALLED NWODE OKORIE EMMANUEL, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINED VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

STELLA ENAKPODIA UGWUEZE

OYEBANJI GBEMISOLA WAIDAT

CALEB OBODO OKECHUKWU I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MARTINS YAHAYA OJONUGWA NOW WISH TO BE CALLED CALEB OBODO OKECHUKWU, MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 21ST MAY 1985, AND NOT 21ST JUNE 1982 , GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

this garment factory,” Ayade intimated. The governor had earlier announced that the outfit will also produce uniforms for most of the primary schools located in the state capital. Ayade’s declaration followed the raggy uniforms seen on display by the pupils during the Children’s May Day celebration. To this end, Ayade said: “Knowing the millions of children we have and the

MUDASHIR OMOBOLAJI SHOWEMIMO

Formerly known and addressed as MUDASHIR SHOWEMIMO, now wish to be known and addressed as MUDASHIR OMOBOLAJI SHOWEMIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

COMMISSONG OGHENEYERUME PEPEPTUAL.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS STELLA CHUKWUEMEKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS STELLA ENAKPODIA UGWUEZE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as GBEMISOLA ABENI ALEBIOSU and GBEMISOLA WAIDAT ALEBIOSU, now wish to be known and addressed as OYEBANJI GBEMISOLA WAIDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, AKINREMI ADETAYO MONSURU, wish to inform the general public that am the same person as TAYO AKINREMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OMONOR OGHENEYERUME PEPEPTUAL. now wish to be known called and addressed as COMMISSONG OGHENEYERUME PEPEPTUAL. all former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UMELO MAUREEN EZINNE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MRS OGUNTOYE KAFAYAT OLAWUNMI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MAUREEN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UMELO MAUREEN EZINNE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT OLURIN OLUWAGBEMILEKE AND OLURIN GBEMI!EKE ARE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MELAN AID FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BENJAMIN DUKE 2. BENJAMIN EKENEDIRICHUKWU GHIGOZIRI 3. EKWEOGU LINDA CHIKA 4. BENJAMIN PATIENCE ADIBA 5. UDEZE FORTUNE 6. BENJAMIN TEMPLE OBIOMA 7. BENJAMIN PRINCE C. 8. BENJAMIN JAMES CHUKWUKA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To fight against illegal migration and human trafficking in the society. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLANREWAJU KAFAYAT OLAWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNTOYE KAFAYAT OLAWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SPREADERS OF THE GOOD NEWS MINISTRY RC; CAC/IT/NO. 96379.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED NAME HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR CTC OF THE CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990. TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPLICATION OF THE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

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THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT BOLAJI KUTI ABDUMUEEZ AND KUTI MOBOLAJI AKIONOLA ARE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MOUNTAIN OF ZION DELIVERANCE HOUSE ASSEMBLY

thousands of primary schools, it is certain that I definitely need to add more hands in this garment factory to have them run three full shifts to be able to provide the uniforms in keeping with my commitment and promise.” The governor also added that expanding government will “reduce social tension to ensure that young people have jobs that will allow me to focus on decoupling Cross River from dependence on federal allocation.” Despite having the most bloated government in Africa with over 4000 appointees with the lowest federal allocation in the

country and yet embarking on gigantic projects, Ayade said: “It is not magic but intellectual engineering and managing everything in governance as if my life depends on it.” Continuing, the governor explained that “my government is spiritual and not political and I don’t do anything with the expectation of political benefit, but looking unto God who sees my heart and my conscience.” He further directed the Commissioner for Industries and the Special Assistant to fasttrack the recruitment process while ensuring that it is spread across the 18 local government areas of the state.

UGOCHUKWU CHIBUZOR JULIAN

UBAH TOCHUKWU LINDA

Formerly known and addressed as NWOBI CHIBUZOR JULIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU CHIBUZOR JULIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DANIEL IFEANYI DANIEL I formerly known and addressed as ONUKWUFOR IFEANYI DANIEL now wish to be known called and addressed as DANIEL IFEANYI DANIEL .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as UBAH TOCHUKWU LILIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as UBAH TOCHUKWU LINDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OTU RICHARD ONOSHOKWE

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL OSHOKWE ENDURANCE and OTU RICHARD OSHOKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as OTU RICHARD ONOSHOKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GODSPEED PEACE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Jamal Adindu Onu (chairman) 2. Johnny-Precious Ogbah, 3. Chuka Musa 4.Emilia Friday Akpan (secretary) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1) Tackling Violence In Our University and Society at large. 2) Bringing Productivity in the society with the aim of reducing abject poverty. 3) Using Entertainment and Creativity as a means to Bridge Culture and Religious differences. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

DIVINE ROYAL INTEGRITY DEVELOPMENT FORUM

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts of 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1. AZUBUIKE WILLS KINIKA ................................... PRESIDENT 2. NCHELEM NANCY KINIKA.................................... SEC. 3. ISAIAH TASIE ESOWENE

TRUSTEES ARE 1. JAMES GRAHAM............PRESIDENT 2. ZACCHEAUS ADEKUNLE AMOS...........SEC. 3. SIMPSON ANIGBO 5. OBIGBA MESHACK OVIE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO Impact the world with the rain of the word of wisdom 2. To impact the world with the word of faith and power 3. To deliver the word from all oppression s of the devil through the word of God.

4. ANOKE OGBONNAYA 6. EGHEMENRIOR CHRISTABEL

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To carry out advocacy for global peace campaign 2. To participate in leadership, elections, follower ship mobilization campaign 3. To work hand in with other global peace organizations.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: PRESIDENT

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

DEMOCRACY DAY

Obaseki wants all hands to be on deck Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏ Edo State governor,

Godwin Obaseki has assured people of the state that his administration is committed to adhering to democratic conduct and that it would deploy democratic ideals to develop every sector of the state to make it an international model of good governance. This was as the governor released a statement congratulating Edo State and Nigeria for sustaining democracy and remain-

ing united and focused on its path to greatness. The governor explained that democracy entailed many features and connoted different meanings to different people in the world, vowing to promote it in the state by observing the rule of law, orderliness in the society, fair distribution of resources, and welfare and infrastructural enhancement. Governor Obaseki, however, stated that democracy, like Rome, could not be built in a day and that it takes conscious efforts

from both the people and the government to make the system of governance work. He said: “Needs and demands are in their legions, but the resources available are inadequate. Democracy requires all hands to be on deck. The people democracy should uplift have a number of roles to play just as the government which represents the interest of the people cannot afford to run away from its responsibilities.” Meanwhile, Obaseki

thanked the people of Edo State for the trust they reposed in his administration, promising to fulfill the mandate he was elected to execute. In addition, the governor also remembered those, who sacrifice for the realisation of democracy day, paying tribute to their struggle and calling for emulation of their labour, advising that democracy and its tenets must be protected and nurtured to establish an enduring culture for generations yet unborn.

L-R: Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; his wife, Monica and Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo, during the 2017 Democracy Day Celebration in Enugu… on Monday.

Atiku, monarch, Adamawa stakeholders endorse Bindow for second term Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏIt was a large gathering

at the state’s banquet hall in Government House Yola yesterday as top political, religious and traditional leaders gathered to mark democracy day in Adamawa State. After watching a documentary that lasted about one and half hours, senior citizens of the state from different political parties took turn to commend the governor and call on the people of the state to return Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow to continue as governor come 2019. The former Vice President of Nigeria and the chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said that the governor had broken the development history of the state with his remarkable developmental giant strides and that he was endorsing him to come back for second term as a governor. “My support for Bindow is due to his selfless development

of this state. This state has not recorded this giant stride in the past and by this, the governor has set a record. “To me, by the time we reassemble here next year, we will not feel the existence of any political party here in Adamawa. “Some of us are happy with this administration because of our love for the state. “As you can see that all my investments are here in Adamawa because I don’t have any other place like Adamawa,” he said. Abubakar who is an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart not only in the state but in the country at large added that since the history of the state this is the first time that the state corruption index is the lowest in the country. Among others stakeholders who spoke in the same vein is former governor of old Gondola State, Ambassador Wilberforce Juta (PDP). He said Bindow is doing what they were not capable to do in the state. He gave the construction

of Sheleng Road as an example which is 85 percent complete that his regime failed to do, but wondered at the feat the present governor is achieving in making Sheleng community to feel the impact of democracy. “Bindow is indeed a wizard and he deserves a second term return,” he said Professor Jibril Aminu, a former minister and Senator during the PDP )Peoples Democratic Party ) applauded the governor, saying that Adamawa State is now fortunate to have a governor who is having much concern for the state and is really working to prove that. The Lamido of Adamawa and the grand patron of Tapila Pulaku, HRH Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha simply asserted that they “saw and are convinced” Bindow deserves to be a governor up to 2023 as his work is everywhere for all to see. Senator Silas Jonathan Zwingina, Air Marshall Alexander Badeh, Fatima Balla,

Chief Joel Madaki, Dan Suleiman, Rt General Hindu Hananiya, were seen in the video clip commending the performances of the governor and his level of humility. Their messages centered on urging Bindow to continue to develop the state for the future of the upcoming generation, adding that the impact of his development was unprecedented. All of them declared their support for Bindow for 2019, saying there was no vacancy in Adamawa Government House. In his remark, Bindow thanked the people of the state for their support. He commended the State House of Assembly for their cooperation to achieve the development of infrastructure in the state. He assured the people of his continue development of the state, urging local government workers to be patient, as efforts were on the way to clear their salary arrears.

Be patient with government of Buhari, Yahaya Bello tells Nigerians Idris Ahmed, Lokoja Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari as he has successfully battled a lot of obstacles to guarantee security and destabilise corruption while efforts towards revitalising the economy to pull the country out of recession are already giving hope In his address to the people of the state yesterday in Lokoja to mark this year’s democracy day, the governor hailed the President for the tremendous achievements recorded within two years despite the inherited recession He said that the administration of President Buhari has recorded some giant strides in such areas as security, fighting corruption, and economic emancipation adding that it is only a matter of time before Nigerians began to feel the impacts of the President’s efforts. “It is on record that Boko Haram menace is gradually becoming history, the economy is gradually coming out of recession, the President only needs prayers and

cooperation for him to take us to the promised land.” Bello also praised Nigerians whom he described as lovers of democracy, saying “Nigerians have proved themselves to be true lovers of democracy. This is evident from our unwavering struggle to entrench it over the years. We have been pursuing this ideal since May 29, 1999 when this democratic dispensation called Fourth Republic commenced.” According to him “I salute our resilience in the defence of our Democratic process and our courage on going to polls despite disappointments and difficulties. Every time we voted we did so in search of a leader who will lead us to the Nigeria of our dream. A succession of leaders have come and gone, but even though we have been disappointed aplenty by some of them, we have never stopped aspiring to the greatness which we believe ourselves and our nation entitled.” Bello said that the burden of midwifing the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians was divinely placed on the shoulder of President Buhari and so required the prayers of every Nigerian to succeed.

Rivers people still have reasons to be happy, says Senator Abe Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, yesterday said that despite unfulfilled expectations, there were still reasons for the people of Rivers State to celebrate and be happy. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by his Spokesperson, Mr. Parry Saroh Benson, Senator Abe thanked the people of Rivers South East and well-wishers from other parts of the state for electing and supporting him to represent the state in the Senate. He said although Rivers State was 50 years old yet, there were still a lot of un-

fulfilled expectations, but added that despite that, there were many things to celebrate as the state had come a long way over the past 50 years. He pointed out that by sending him to the Senate, Rivers people would enjoy a bold and responsible representation. The Senator who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) thanked all those who had contributed to the level of progress in the state, assuring that there was a lot more for the state to work and hope for. He congratulated the government and people of the state, hoping that in the many more years to come, the state could do better in order to make it a better place for all.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

DEMOCRACY DAY

Ugwuanyi assures of government’s commitment to good governance Moses Oyediran, Enugu State

ÏÏÏ

Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Monday reassured the people of the state of government’s commitment saying, “I am here today to reassure you that this administration will continue to work for the common good of our people.” Ugwuanyi stated this in his address to the people of the state during the 2017 Democracy Day celebration at the Michael Okpara square adding that he was overwhelmed with the support from the people. “I am thrilled by the prayers, unparalleled support and unflinching commitment given to us by every Wawa man and woman in our drive to build the state of our dream. “We have always recognised that the primary responsibility of government is welfare, security of life and property,” he said. He also assured that workers will continue to receive their salaries on the 25th of every month. “Since the inception of this administration, Enugu State has remained among topranked states in the payment of workers’ salaries. We recognised that the civil service is the fulcrum and engine room

of governance and service delivery. “We also know that the workers’ salary is critical to economic growth and wealth redistribution in the state. Let me, therefore, reassure state employees that they will continue to receive their salaries on the 25th of every month,” he said. Ugwanyi added that his administration has initiated projects to drive development in rural areas in the state. “We have revitalised the Visit Every Community (VEC) and also initiated the One Autonomous Community One Project programme to further take development to rural areas, and ensure that no section of the state is left out in development strides that are ongoing. “The ideal is for the royal fathers, leaders, town unions and civil society groups of each autonomous community to execute projects of N10million that directly impact their lives,” he said. He stated that his administration has carried out major construction projects as well as intervened in the rehabilitation of failed sections of some federal roads in the state, which hitherto caused untold hardships to the people, slowed economic activities and in many instances, led to the loss of lives.

Ishaku presents farm implements to farmers in Taraba Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

ÏÏÏ

Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, Monday presented high powered agricultural equipment like rice threshers, rice milling machines and automated tomato packaging machines to farmers in the state to boost farming activities. Ishaku, who made the presentation at the 2017 Democracy Day celebration held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo said agriculture remains his administration’s priority hence the need to encourage farmers to make food affordable for the citizenry. Governor Ishaku said his administration has established the newest Green House Factory in the country which according to him is currently producing high yield cucumber and other vegetables for local consumption and commercial purposes. He said, his administration had in the past two years, done a lot in the water, education and health sectors. Ishaku also announced that daily flight operations will commence at the Jalingo Airport, lifting at least one ton of produce from the Taraba Green House

Farm in Jalingo to Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. According to him, over 12,000 people in the state were doing well in dry season farming, noting that the state had the capacity to meet the rice demands of Nigeria. While urging the people of the state to live in peace and unity with one another, the governor called for support and understanding from the people to enable him deliver on his remaining campaign promises. The governor also presented wheelchairs to some disabled people in the state to mark the event. Ishaku noted that the state would have witnessed more developments in other sectors of the economy if not for the numerous litigations his administration had been subjected to after the elections. “It is work in progress and at the end of four years, the people of the state would appreciate the successes of the rescue mission programme in the state,” he said. He assured the people of the state of accelerated development now that litigations were over. Ishaku also laid foundation for 5,000 housing units and inspected the ongoing work at the Agro Greenhouse project, Kona road among others.

25 News

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State (6th r); his wife, Rachel (5th r); Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe (7th r) and wife, Nnenna (4th r); Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru (2nd r) and wife, Uzoamaka(r); former Senator Sam Egwu(7th l) and other dignitaries cutting a cake to mark the 2017 Democracy Day and Governor Umahi’s second year in office at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Abakaliki… on Monday.

Buhari has laid foundation forprudence in government, says CBO Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

As the nation marked the Democracy Day and two years administration of the All Progressives Congressled Federal Government yesterday, the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), has declared that the President has laid the foundation of prudence in governance in the country. The BCO, after a careful assessment of the two years of President Muhammadu Buhari at the nation’s helm of affairs described him (Buhari) as an epitome of perseverance and an excellent example of patience for victory. The acting National Coordinator of the BCO, Alhaji Danladi Pasali, stated this

during an event held in Abuja to mark the commemoration of Democracy Day in Nigeria. At the well attended event, which drew members from all parts of the country, the BCO, a group for good governance awareness campaign, also used the occasion to pray for the quick the recovery of President Buhari and his safe return from the United Kingdom, where he is being treated. The group pointed out that Buhari has, in the past two years, done well in the areas of security, fight against corruption and reviving of the nation’s ailing economy among others. According to Alhaji Pasali, “the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhariled administration have done well in two years and we members of BCO are optimistic that they will do more in the next two years. “President Muhammadu Buhari is good governance personified, an epitome of perseverance and patience and an excellent example of patience for victory. He has laid the foundation of prudence in governance in Nigeria. “The image of our great country, Nigeria has changed. Nigeria is now in the limelight of international recognition and diplomatic relations which is of great benefits to sociology-economic and political development of our country. “BCO appreciates the prog-

ress made so far towards ensuring security, revitalising the economy and tackling corruption. Successes have been recorded in the area of security and the fight against corruption and in the economy. We are seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Also speaking at the ceremony, Personal Assistant on Political Affairs in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr Garba Umar stated that the achievement of the Buhari administration in the last two years were more than what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), achieved in its “wasted sixteen years of administration” in the country.

Lagos Speaker salutes Nigerians for their support, assures on good governance Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏ

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has commended Nigerians, particularly Lagosians for their cooperation and support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration at national and state levels. Rt. Hon. Obasa while saluting Nigerians and Lagosians in particular assured them that both Federal and Lagos State governments are committed to improving the economy of the nation aimed at improving their welfare and enhancing

their standard of living. The Speaker gave these commendations and assurances in his Democracy Day message to Nigerians and Lagosians in particular, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Razak. Obasa commended Nigerians for their resilience and perseverance during the economic recession occasioned by maladministration of the previous administrations at the national level, expressing happiness that the country is getting out of the recession. He stated further that despite the economic recession, there is cause

for celebration as there have been landmark achievements in the last two years at both state and national levels. “I salute the cooperation and support of Nigerians particularly Lagosians for our government both at state and national levels especially during the economic recession. Thank God with your support and cooperation, we are getting out of the recession. “I want to assure our people that the APC government at both state and national levels is committed to putting in measures and policies that will not only

improve the standard of living of members of the public but also enhance their welfare,” the Lagos Assembly Speaker assured. He urged Nigerians not to relent in their support for the country and the state noting further that the present Ramadhan period is a veritable opportunity for Nigerians particularly Muslims to pray for the country to grow and for peace to reign in the nation. “On behalf of all members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I wish you all a happy Democracy Day celebration,” the Speaker concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Times Law

It is important for every organization in this country, including the appellant, to wear a human face in its treatment of the people, particularly the senior citizens, because it will be anybody’s turn tomorrow to be a senior citizen. Onnoghen, JSC in CBN V. Amao & 2 Ors, (2010) 5-7 S.C. (Pt. 1) 1.

Judiciary needs self purging- Akpedeye Over the years the National Assembly has refused to make its budget public. How do you see this? Well, the National Assembly as an independent arm of government is expected to be at the forefront of transparency and accountability. They have the legal and moral burden to go public with it. This is a body that is constitutionally empowered to carry out oversight functions on Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. What moral strength do they have to question how these MDAs appropriate their financial votes in the conduct of their executive functions, when Nigerians do not know how the National Assembly expends its own budgets which are largely recurrent expenditure. In the face of the seeming failure or handicap of other arms of government to check and uncover these acts of secrecy, the vibrant Nigerian youth, spurred by their new found strength in the use of the social media, have continued to pressure the National Assembly to jettison that age-old practice of budget secrecy. In this light, there have been campaigns from different quarters on the need for the legislative arm of government to open up its books for scrutiny. Budget IT, a non-governmental organization, has been at the fore-front of this agitation. Some other anti-corruption groups have also, in recent, times lent their voice to this cause. Suffice it to say that perhaps the rising wave of these clamor necessitated the promise of the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to make open the budget of his legislative chamber. That promise has not being kept, perhaps owing to the non-passage of the National budget. So, all we have to do is wait while the clamor intensifies. The Sheriffs and Civil Process Act states that Attorney-General must accept before court judgments can be executed against government and its agencies. Is this fair? That is not the correct position and there is no such provision in the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act that states that the Attorney-General must accept before Court judgments can be executed against government and its agencies. The only provision that seems close to that position is the provision of Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act which provides that where money liable to be attached by garnishee proceeding is in custody or under the control of a Public Officer in his official capacity, the order nisi shall not be made unless the consent to such attachment is obtained from the Attorney-General. I believe this position is fair because such funds which are intended to be attached in the garnishee proceeding may have been earmarked or appropriated for a particular governmental or public purpose. It will therefore be contrary to public policy to use public funds; meant to be used for public benefits or purposes, for a different purpose and this will lead to an embarrassing situation for the government, as this has been held in a plethora of cases wherein the provision of Section 84 of the S.C.P.A. was upheld, See C.B.N. v Njemanze (2015) 4 NWLR (Pt 1449)276 at 287, Purification Tech (Nig) Ltd v A.G Lagos State (2004) 9 NWLR (Pt 879) 665. Another reason for that provision may also be that, the top hierarchy of government may not be aware of such a judgment for which a garnishee order is been sought, thus the act of seeking the consent of the Attorney-General may therefore serve as a notification to the top hierarchy and for the Attorney-General to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with such judgment. In fact the Court of Appeal in the case of CBN v. Hydro Air PTY Ltd (2014) 16 NWLR (PT. 1434) Page 482 @507, Para F-G, per Iyizoba (JCA) did observe that the Court have accepted the provisions of Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act as a

Dafe Akpedeye, a Senior Advocate and former Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice read law at the University of Lagos and was called to the Bar over three decades ago. In this interview with PETER FOWOYO, he said the agitations from various quarters on the need for the National Assembly to open its book for scrutiny is yielding positive result as the leadership of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has made open the budget of his legislative chambers. Besides, he spoke on corruption, the judiciary and sundry other issues.

Akpedeye necessary safeguard needed by government to avoid embarrassment. However, like I earlier pointed out, a garnishee proceeding is different from an execution of judgment strictly speaking and this was upheld in the case of Purification Tech (Nig) Ltd v A.G Lagos State (supra). Consequently, the confirmation of the AttorneyGeneral is not a requirement before the execution of judgments against governments and their agencies but such consent is only required where there is a garnishee proceeding . The courts have rightly interpreted the provision of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act to the effect that these judgments can be executed against government agencies. Can the Supreme Court reverse itself? We are final not because we are infallible, rather we are infallible because we are final. – The late Justice Oputa. This memorable quote by the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa speaks volume about the powers of the Supreme Court. There is no power in the Supreme Court to set aside or review its own judgment given in the same case. The only exception relates to correction under the slip rule, which cannot be regarded as a review properly so called. Thus, the Supreme Court may revisit its judgment under Order 8 Rule 16, Supreme Rules to correct clerical errors or omissions or gabs to give meaning to the judgment or decision of the court and not to vary it. This is without prejudice to the inherent power of the Supreme Court to set aside its judgment in appropriate cases when; the judgment is obtained by fraud or deceit either on the court or by one or more of the parties. Such a judgment can be impeached or set aside by means of an action which may be brought without leave, or where the judgment is a nullity. A person affected by an order of court which can

properly be described as a nullity is entitled ex debito justitiae to have it set aside, and when it is obvious that the court was misled into giving judgment under a mistaken belief that the parties had consented to it. For example, the case of Johnson v Lawanson (1971) 7 NSCC 82 is regarded as the trail-blazing case in which the Supreme Court exercised the power to overrule itself. Coker J.S.C. delivering the Court’s judgment held that “when the Court is faced with the alternative of perpetuating what it is satisfied is an erroneous decision which was reached per incuriam and will, if followed, inflict hardship and injustice upon the generations in the future or of causing temporary disturbances of rights acquired under such a decision, I do not think we shall hesitate to declare the law as we find it.” Again in Olorunfemi v Asho the Supreme Court set aside its judgment delivered in January 8, 1999 on the ground that, it failed to consider the respondents cross–appeal before allowing the appellant’s appeal. The court then ordered that the appeal be re-heard de novo by another panel of Justices of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has been inundated with appeals to review its decision given in the same case and there has been a consistent refusal on the part of the Court to act as an appeal court over itself. A case in point is that of Dr Andy Uba who had earlier gone to the Supreme Court to ask for the revalidation of his alleged victory at the April 14, 2007 governorship election and return him to office after the Supreme Court threw out his case, approached a seven man panel of the court to get the court to set aside its judgment which terminated his two weeks tenure as the Governor of Anambra State in 2007. The Court in its ruling delivered by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi observed that Dr. Uba’s attempt at luring the Court into setting aside its judgment which was delivered on June 14, 2007 was a gross abuse of the court process and maintained that there must be an end to litigation. This was again reaffirmed in the case of Prof. Steve Torkuma Ugba vs. Gebriel Torwua Suswam where the issue for determination was whether, given the facts of the case, the applicants satisfied the conditions to warrant the Supreme Court to set aside its earlier ruling. The advantage of this stance, is that it fosters stability, enhances development of consistent and coherent body of laws, preserves continuity and manifests respect for the past, assures equality of treatment for litigants similarly situated, spares the judges the task of re-examining rules of law or principles with each succeeding case and finally it affords the law a desirable measure of predictability. The composition of the National Judicial Council (NJC) has been seen by many lawyers as unconstitutional. Do you share this view?

The National Judicial Council is one of the Bodies created by virtue of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to insulate the Judiciary from the whims and caprices of the Executive; thus guarantying the independence of the Judiciary. By the provision of Paragraph 20 of Part One of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution as amended, the National Judicial Council shall comprise the following Members: - the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who shall be the Chairman; the next most senior Justice of the supreme Court who shall be the Deputy Chairman; the President of the Court of Appeal; five retired Justices selected by the Chief Justice of Nigeria from the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal; the chief Judge of the Federal High Court; the President, National Industrial Court; five Chief Judges of State to be appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria from among the Chief Judges of the States and of the High Court of the Federal Territory, Abuja in rotation to serve for two years; one Grand Kadi to be appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria from among Grand Kadis of the Sharia Courts of Appeal to serve in rotation for two years; one President of the Customary Court of Appeal to be appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria from among the Presidents of the Customary Courts of Appeal to serve in rotation for two years; five members of the Nigerian Bar Association who have been qualified to practice for a period of not less than fifteen years, at least one of whom shall be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association to serve for two years and subject to re-appointment: Provided that the five members shall sit in the Council only for the purposes of considering the names of persons for appointment to the superior courts of record; and two person not being Legal Practitioners, who in the opinion of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, are of unquestionable integrity Going by the current membership of the NJC, I fail to see the unconstitutionality of its composition. Many have described Nigeria’s system of governance as unitary federalism and that the country should be restructured. Do you agree with them? Different commentators have expressed the views that the Nigerian system of government is in fact unitary and not federalism. This is because power is concentrated in the center and rather than wither down powers of the centre, we have continued to strengthen the federal government. It is easy to identify with these arguments especially with the recurrent issues of sectarianism and allegations of neglect/partisanship and tribalism currently plaguing the country. An important characteristic, which distinguishes federal system from non-federal systems, is non-centralization of power. In a federal polity, there is an irrevocable division of power between the central and component units. Observers of Nigeria’s federalism have always said that, while the underlying principles of federalism have often been ignored by successive Nigerian governments, efforts were made earlier to implement the policy of fiscal federalism based on the principles of derivation.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Ministry of Justice assessment score card in two years Federal Ministry of Justice is essentially a service Ministry established to provide legal support services to other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to enable them discharge their statutory functions in line with the overall policy thrust of this administration. Consequently, we have remained focused in our collective endeavours to contribute our quota to the realization of the change agenda of this administration and have resolutely kept faith with our vision to “Make Justice accessible to all, consistent with the ideals of Democracy and Rule of Law In the last two years, the Ministry embarked on a number of initiatives with the aim of ensuring the smooth functioning of government through the effective discharge of its core functions which include: . ensuring access to justice for all persons and the observance of the rule of law and due process by all MDAs . Prosecuting crimes against the State and defending civil cases on behalf of Government; . Negotiating and vetting Contracts/ Agreements on behalf of MDAs in order to protect national interest; . Rendering timely quality legal advice and ancillary services to MDAs through the pool of Legal Advisers posted to them; . .Facilitating the early translation of Government policies into legislation through the Ministry’s legal drafting function; . Ensuring close collaboration with stakeholders, government agencies, civil society and the international community in order to improve on justice delivery, and Advising government on its treaty obligations, in addition to other sundry services to the legal profession. These functions are discharged through core departments in the Ministry, the Legal Units domiciled in the various MDAs who act as representatives of the Attorney General of the Federation within their respective organizations and the liaison offices located in the six geo-political zones of the country. The Ministry also supervises the activities of the following parastatals : . Nigerian Law Reform Commission . Legal Aid Council . Council of Legal Education . National Drug Law Enforcement Agency . National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons . Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies . Nigerian Copyrights Commission; and . Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos. The Federal Ministry of Justice in line with the anti-corruption war had recovered the whopping sum of 57.9 billion naira as well as $666.676 US dollars. The highlights of the recovery are as follows: N50billion was the fine paid by MTN company while N7 billion and $10 Million US dollar was recovered from private residence; N40million and N50million were voluntarily returned; $250 Million under interim forfeiture was alleged proceeds of oil bunkering and also $136.676 Million awaiting actual remittance; and $270 Million was FGN fund recovered from commercial bank. In the same spirit, Nigerian Government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE to ensure the following: Judicial Agreements on Extradition and Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

Andrew Skipper, Partner and head of African practice, Hogan Lovells Law Firm, London (left) and partner, Nathan Searle, during a breakfast press briefing at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos after returning from Abuja where they participated at the IFC (International Finance Corporation) conference held recently.

Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters etc. This MoU will ensure recovering and repatriation of looted funds and assets. The Ministry received and handled a total of 974 civil cases and 167 appellate matters filed against Federal Government and its MDAs(including many other civil suits and appeals that were on-going before 29th May, 2015) bordering on different claims which included the enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights actions relating to title to land, wrongful termination of appointments by various MDAs, Constitutional questions, contractual matters, ECOWAS Community Court, Arbitration matters, Electoral matters etc. The Ministry was able to conclude 125 matters out of which are 17 appellate matters, 24 through out of courts settlement (ADR) while others are still pending in various courts. The Ministry also received and successfully proffered 1002 legal opinions to different persons and MDAs. Most of the concluded matters were decided in the Government’s favour and the Ministry was able to save about N38, 088,836,935.50 (Thirty Eight Billion, EightEight Million, Eight Hundred and Thirtysix Thousand, Nine Hundred and ThirtyFive Naira Fifty Kobo) in claims against the Government. Within the period under review, a total number of5658 criminal cases were received and 100 cases had been concluded. Amongst the concluded cases are Terrorism cases. Included in the outstanding cases are 2000 cases received from the Nigerian Police to prosecute in the Magistrate Courts due to enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. As soon as necessary logistics are properly put in place, all the remaining cases will be charged to court. Government efforts at sustaining the counter-narcotics wars in the country have been relentless in the face of ever growing sophistication of the methods employed by perpetrators. Through the supervision of the Ministry, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has maintained intensive and extensive coverage of all the nooks and crannies of the country despite numerous challenges in order to ensure drug supply and demand reduction in the country. Details of activities of NDLEA with respect to seizures, arrests/prosecution and reha-

bilitation are listed below. In line with the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children, some notable strides that have been achieved through National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP) during the period under review include: NAPTIP collaborated with neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Benin Republic, Chad and Niger Republic to strengthen mutual cooperation to stem trans-border trafficking; Strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and EU Member States; and NAPTIP collaborated with the British Government to train and equip a Joint Border Task Force to enhance intelligenceled detection and mitigation of human trafficking at Nigerian international airports and land entry points. The Ministry has continued to ensure that there is copyright security through the Nigerian Copyright Commission statutorily mandated to administer, protect, promote, enforce and regulate copyright in Nigeria. Ten million and fifty thousand (10,050,000) assorted confiscated pirated copyright works and contrivances seized from Kaduna State, Kano State and environs with an estimated market value of one billion four hundred million Naira (N1, 400,000,000) were publicly destroyed by burning in Kaduna on 22nd October, 2015. Similarly, seventeen million, two hundred and sixty six thousand, one hundred and eighty seven (17,266,187) units of pirated copyright works and contrivances seized from Enugu State, Abia State and environs with an estimated market value of two billion, four hundred million Naira (N2,400,000,000.00) was destroyed publicly by burning in Enugu on 2nd March, 2016. As a result of the Commission’s robust enforcement and prosecutorial activities and Nigeria’s active participation in WIPO, secured the establishment of an external office of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Nigeria. WIPO is a United Nations agency responsible for global intellectual property administration and promotion. Nigeria remained delisted from the United States 301 List of countries that are not seriously addressing copyright piracy and other IP crimes.

27 Law

NBA to MULAN: Let’s collaborate on Islamic Banking

Titilope Joseph

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Mr. Abubakar Mahmud SAN, has called on the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria MULAN and the NBA to collaborate on Islamic banking projects which can be adopted by financial organization. Mahmud noted that his presence at the annual conference of the association was to express support and solidarity for MULAN. “I want to thank the leadership of MULAN for the leadership it is providing and I will like greater partnership between the NBA and MULAN,” Mahmoud said. Also, the Managing Director of a financial organization, Credit Bureau, Mr Ahmed Popoola, said that Islamic banking will help bring the country out of the current challenge of economic recession. He disclosed this while delivering the keynote address during the annual national conference of Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) held in Lagos. The conference is themed ‘Pulling Nigeria Out of the Economic Recession.’ “Islamic finance is an alternative option worth exploring to raise funds for public works and to support the private sector access to finance. “Worldwide, Islamic finance is no more peripheral to conventional finance as it is being operated in 75 countries, including western nations. “People think that the Islamic financial system is based on faith, but it is based on justice for the two parties. “Besides, Islamic finance system does not allow investments that harm people or the environment, thereby promoting sustainable finance,” he said. The accountant, noted that the options that Islamic finance offers in funding public infrastructure and empowering small business will help bail the country out of recession. Popoola, also noted that Nigeria was experiencing recession for the second time as the country had experienced recession in the 1980s. “Before this current experience of recession, the last time Nigeria was in recession was about 25 years ago. “That was in 1987 when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded consecutive negative growth of -0.51% in the first quarter. “Recession does not happen overnight, the ominous signs are always there. During the recession if the 1980s, the signs of things to come were apparent in the early 1980s when the then federal government declared ‘Austerity Measures.’ “The signs of the 2016 recession were also manifested in the preceding years. Real GDP growth slid from 6.3% in 2014 to 2.7% in 2015 and finally to a negative of -1.5% in 2016. Popoola added that the Nigeria is currently exiting the recession and that there have been recent improvements in the earnings from the oil industry. Popoola, however provided different suggestions where the country can overcome the recession and get on the path of growth and development. He said there is needs to diversify the economy and invest massively in infrastructure, and also to re-encourage Nigerians towards appreciating our own products. “Peace and stability has to be restored to all parts of the country as it is crucial and a prerequisite for any economic development. “Foreign direct investment needs to be nuances and the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) needs special attention as there is a need to separate SMEs development from poverty alleviation programmes”, he said. Another speaker, Alhaji Femi Okunnu SAN, decried the low level of western education among people of the Islamic faith.

News 28 Rights activist lawyer flays Nigeria’s constitution

‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏ A right activist and lawyer, Tunji Abayomi, has said the current 1999 constitution of the country is against the well being of the people. Mr. Abayomi spoke on Monday while delivering a public lecture to mark the May 29 Democracy Day. In the lecture entitled ‘Democracy and Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the way forward,’ the activist lawyer said that the constitution should have given rise to any form of government in the country as against what was being witnessed. According to him, the constitution is an “agreement” by the people on how they want to be governed by their leaders, noted that democracy requires a responsible law for the aim of national development and growth. He explained that the masses in Nigeria must be prepared to fight for their right. He also identified poverty and corruption through unjust distribution of national wealth as the bane of Nigeria’s growing democracy. “It’s the constitution that should give us government not the government giving us constitution. Democracy is never a finished project but rather is revolving one,” he added. Mr. Abayomi tasked also federal lawmakers to enact laws that would enable the people have their constitution, while maintaining that a constitutional democracy must be freely negotiated by the people for their own benefit. In his remarks, the Ondo state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, said that there is urgent need to improve the nation’s democracy stressing that democracy has never been about election, but the ability to manage dissecting views for development.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Whistle blowing, way out of incessant building collapse -LASG

Ï Ə Ɔ RƅƅƑƍ Ɛ RƇ #ƆƇƆƅƐƈƒƆ ƑƈƋƗƈ j ` ƈ Ɔ Ƌ Əƌ Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ The

Lagos state government has insisted that whistle blowing is the surest way to tackle the incessant building collapse in the State, adding that Lagosians must be willing to assist Government by raising alarm whenever they see any illegal development in any area of the State. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe, gave the charge at the site of

the collapsed building at No 9, Daddy Alaja St. Idumota, Lagos Island, which was a defective three storey building under illegal renovation with occupants still residing in it. Anifowoshe said: “This is one out of several worrisome experiences we face everyday on the job. Dealing with illegal developments here and there in Lagos State should be a joint effort between Lagosians and Government. We need information of such unlawful activities from responsible Lagosians so

as to be able to curb the excesses of unscrupulous developers and owners of property in Lagos State.” He added that to avert such occurrences, the State Government recently recruited additional field officers to ensure effective monitoring of defective structures however noting that government cannot do it alone. He said, “A distress call to 767 or 117 would have averted this ugly incident. In this particular case, the owners took advantage of the long Holiday

Delta govt spends N420m to upgrade medical facilities in hospitals Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (m), with students of CAC Middle School, Araromi Osogbo, rejoicing with the governor, on his 60th birthday celebration in Osun State…at the weekend.

How to make LGs viable -Gov Ahmed Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ The Kwara state governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed, has called for adequate funding of local governments across the country, stating that adequate fiscal allocation to the third tier of government remains the only viable solution to the myriad of problems plaguing the councils,especially payment of salaries and pensions. Ahmed, who clarified that the state government is not owning its workers any salary arrears, said the feat was made possible by windows of opportunities that were’ open

and the fact that the building is hidden right inside those narrow streets in Lagos Island to quickly carry out an unlawful renovation but unfortunately, the building came down.” Anifowoshe, however, said that the State Rescue Team from relevant agencies were fully on ground making combined efforts in the ongoing rescue operation being carried out, adding that so far, reports show that two people have died and 14 victims who were trapped have been rescued alive and given adequate medical treatment.

to the state in revenue generation drive. Lamenting the plight of local government workers and pensioners in the state over varied degree of salary arrears they are being owed, Ahmed blamed the situation on the persisting dwindling allocation from the federation account to both the states and local government areas across the country. “At the state level, we are able to pay workers salaries as and when due because of other sources of revenue generation that are opened to us, but unfortunately the local government do not have such privileges because of the way and manner of their establishment. To get

out of the current mess, Ahmed called for a local government reform, adding that the local governments must be made to be economically viable. On the problem of water supply in Ilorin, the governorsaid that provision of potable water in parts of the state had remained a problem because of increasing population in the state. He noted that the influx of people from different part of the country to Ilorin because of its peaceful environment had put pressure on water facility. The governor, who described the state as a gateway between the South West and the North, said that the prevailing peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in

the state had made it conducive for people to settle away from trouble prone areas of the country. He said that once the ongoing reticulation of water pipes and repair of water works were completed, the persistent water problem would be alleviated. Ahmed also cleared the air on Joint allocation committee, saying that the committee did not join the state government with the LGs, while stressing that “it’s joint among the 16 LGs. States can’t reform the LGs. It requires FG reforms and constitutional amendments. And it is the reform of the LGs that will broaden the revenue base of the LGs to meet their obligation.”

ÏÏÏ The Delta state government said it has spent the sum of N420 million in the upgrade of some hospitals medical facilities in the state, reiterating its commitment to the effective health care delivery. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, who disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Asaba, explained that the healthcare delivery system when properly upgraded, would reduce the loss of revenue arising from medical tourism through the public private partnership. He said that the state governor decided to think outside the box with a view to securing private sector funding to enhance the provision of healthcare delivery for residents of the state, disclosing that the N420 millions spent included the provision of modern facilities to health centres in Isoko, Agbor and Ughelli. Dr. Azinge said that the state ministry of health had identified several areas in the health sector that can be implemented through public private partnership to include provision of Diagnostic and Clinical Services, Hospital Information System and training in Biomedical Engineering. He stated that public private partnership (PPP) arrangements would provide investments and technical support opportunities for public and private sector players’ adding that the state government will embark on the hunt for investors in the health sector in order to continue to the developments of the economy of the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

29 News

BATN pledges commitment to national development

L-R: Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. Chukwuemeka Ujam; Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Saheed Fijabi and Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Al-Hassan Ado Doguwa, during a one- day public hearing on a bill for an Act to repeal Nigerian Postal Service Act, at the National Assembly in Abuja… recently.

Patrol, secure Rivers waterways or return our gunboats, Wike tells Nigerian Navy Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe governor of

Rivers state, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has demanded the return of the eight gun boats donated to the Nigerian Navy in April, this year, if the security outfit did not clearly show involvement of the gun boats in combating sea piracy and criminal activities in the state. Governor Wike issued the ultimatum while presenting his score card on his two years in office as governor of the state, at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Center, Port Harcourt, on Monday. He said that since he handed the security gun boats to the Navy, he had never seen them plying the Rivers territorial waterways. He declared: “I gave the navy the gun boats to patrol the territorial waters of Rivers State to combat seapiracyandcriminalactivitiesonour waterways. “The gun boats were bought with Rivers money.I did not give the navy the gun boats to provide marine security to other states. I am yet to see the involvement of the gun boats in combating sea piracy and criminal activities in our waterways. If the navy is not prepared to deploy the gun boats I gave them to patrol the waterways of Rivers State in the next few days, then, the gun boats should be returned to us. “I told them when I gave them the gun boats to deploy them in patrolling the waterways of the state. Other states receive statutory monthly allocation as

Rivers State, so, we will not accept a situation where gun boats bought with Rivers money will be used to provide marine security for other states,” he said. Recall that on April 28, this year, Governor Wike donated eight gun boats to the Navy for the protection of lives and property on the territorial waters of the state. During the event which took place at the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne, the governor also announced the further acquisition of 13 special boats to be distributed to the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Police for enhanced maritime security. The security gunboats donated were fitted with special security features: 200 horse power engine, 12.7mm guns, autonomaticgrenadelaunchers, and communication facilities to navigate Rivers Waterways and creeks. The governor, at the event, said “These boats are for the security of lives and property in Rivers State. They should not be taken to the neighbouring states on any account. Any state that wants to secure her waterways should purchase her own gunboats,” and warned the Navy against using the gunboats for the rigging of elections. In his remarks at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, commended the Rivers State Governor for his provision of the Gunboats and other logistical support and assured the governor that the Nigerian Navy would put the gunboats to use to ensure the promotion of security of lives and property in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, enumerating the achievements of his administration in the past two years, the governor stated that over N145billion had been expended on roads and bridges, among others. He said: “From inception, our administration has taken up this challenge by prioritizing the provision of infrastructure across the State. In the last two years we have invested over 145 billion to construct roads, bridges, pedestrian walkways, and underground drainage systems. “As we speak, several road construction works are either underway or completed in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Degema, Etche, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Ikwerre, Emohua, Khana, Gokana, Okrika, Ogba/ Egbema/ndoni, Oyigbo, and Tai Local Government Areas of the State. “For the first time in our history, rural and urban areas are receiving fair attention in the provision of roads and bridges, thereby, breaking down the barriers of isolation and neglect hitherto associate with rural areas. “We are also improving the quality of education by enabling our educational system to produce the graduates of the 21st century with innovative skills and knowledge to drive our development,” he said. The Rivers State governor declared that his administration has over the last two years made unprecedented investments in the development of other infrastructure which had engendered growth in the service sectors leading to economic boom in the state.

DPO, youths differ over alleged professional misconduct in Delta NosaAkenzua,Asaba

ÏÏÏDue to the recent attack and

brutality on innocent citizens of Jesse community in Delta State the youths have given the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Agaga Moses, a seven-day ultimatum to do the needful or there will be a massive protest. Mr.AtoberuruCollins,whodisclosed this to Journalists yesterday, lamented the unprofessional misconduct of Jesse DPO. It was gathered that the allegation against the DPO includes massive destruction of property, kidnapping of a four and six year-old children, Wisdom

andWealth,childrenof Mr. OkpakoAgbughor. It was reliably gathered that the DPO forcefully took away the two little children since their father; Mr. Okpako Agbugho who they came to arrest was not at home. Mr. Okpako Agbugho however expressed displeasure at the manner in which the traditional ruler in Jesse, HRM Otadaferuua Edward Igho, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom who promised to resolve the issue was handling the matter. “When the king invited us to his palace, he assured us that he will resolvetheissueasourroyalfatherwho we have high regards for,” but to our greatest surprise, HRM after his advise

said that “it is all left for us if we decide to go ahead with the issue, noting that he has given his own fatherly advice,” he added. The youths in their large number, after a recent community meeting, decided to embark on the protest calling on the attention of the IGP and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to look into the issue. It should be noted that on Sunday May 14, 2017, at above 8:30apm, the Jesse police were said to have invaded the compound one Mr. Atoberuru Collins when they came to effect arrest of a suspect, Mr. Okpako Agbughor, who was reported to the police by his wife in a case of brutality.

ÏÏÏThe British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has reiterated its commitment to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria through its significant investments in the local manufacturing industry to support livelihoods and its sustainable development initiatives in the agricultural sector. This declaration, which was made by its Legal and External Affairs Director, West Africa, Freddy Messanvi, comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) launches its World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign for the year with the theme, ‘Tobacco: A Threat to Development.’ “We are one of the leading industry manufacturers in Nigeria with initial investments of over $150m in our IbadanfactoryandZariaoperations.We believeinthehugepotentialsof thenonoil sector and as one of the nation’s nonoil foreign exchange earners, we support about 350,000 to 400,000 livelihoods directly and indirectly while building local capacity of our employees by exposing them to International Best Practices in Environmental Health and Safety, Corporate Governance, Standards of Business Conduct, Principles of Engagement, among others,” he said. Speaking further, Messanvi noted that “BATN has been making significant strides in the agricultural sector with the support of farmers through an extensiveworld-classbackwardintegration model that also encourages alterna-

tive food cropping programmes with growers.” He added that the model has been studied and replicated by other key stakeholders and industry players in Nigeria. He further remarked that through the company’s independent charity, the BATN Foundation, it facilitates livelihood initiatives that focus on the development of smallholder food crop farmers residing in rural communities. Thiscriticalrole,henotes,“supportsthe attainment of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to eradicate poverty, hunger and encourage the supply of potable water.” “With our strong ties in Nigeria and long-standing commitment to development, we believe in the value of a balanced, workable and evidence-based regulatory framework, which has been our position since 2015. Our objective ensures the effective implementation of reasonable and practical tobacco control measures, provided that these measures adequately combat smoking activity in a manner which is proportionate, not duplicating or contradicting existing laws, and does not unjustifiably limit any rights or objectives. It is important to note that for regulation to be effective; regulation must be very clear in terms of its set objectives to reduce the health impact of tobacco and should not leave the market open to illicit trading activities which ultimately become a threat to development.

Idigbe takes over as chairman, board of directors, Ikeja Hotels Peter Fowoyo A Lagos-based lawyer, Chief Anthony Idigbe SAN, has taken over as the chairman, board of directors, Ikeja Hotels Plc. Chief Idigbe assumed the new position just as the former chairman, Mr. Goodie Ibru retired. Other members of the new board are Mr. Abatcha Bulama, Dr. Alex Thomopulos, Mr. Toke Alex-Ibru, Mr. Kunle Aluko, Mr. Ufuoma Ibru, Mr. Waheed Olagunju and Mrs. Fadeke Alamutu. Those who retired are Mr Ibru, Dr Oba Otudeko, and Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, who was replaced. At a joint briefing in Lagos by Ibru and Idigbe on Monday, which was attended by the new members, the new board vowed to resolve all pending issues. Idigbe said: “Mr Goodie Ibru has graciously retired effective from the 17th. The company is very grateful for his services, and to his brother Alex of blessed memory.We’re very grateful.” On litigations over management disputes, Idigbe said board reconstitution was sequel to out of court settlement by contending parties. “All I can tell you at this stage is that there is some settlement agreement that is in place. We’re implementing it. The recomposition of the board is part of that,” he said. On how long he will act as interim chairman, he said: “We’ll advise you in due course on that.” The new interim chairman said all parties and stakeholders were represented on the board.

He said: “Adequate arrangement has been made to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along. “In the new composition of the board, effort has been made as much as possible to ensure representation of all the stakeholders. “We may not satisfy everybody 100 per cent; there may still be some issues that we need to deal with. The most important thing is that the good faith and confidence are there. “We have built a process that is likely to achieve complete and final resolution of issues. We believe that all the stakeholders are fully represented.” He assured employees of the companies subsidiaries that their job was safe. “The new composition of the board consists of very seasoned professionals. The priority is to maintain and enhance shareholder value. Staff is critical to achieving that. “Every effort will be made to ensure that security of employment is maintained.” The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 4 announced the dissolution of the Board of Directors of Ikeja Hotels Plc due to unresolved internal crisis involving the major shareholders. The commission appointed an Interim Board led Idigbe to oversee the conduct of forensic investigation into the affairs of the company.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Monday, May 29, 2017

EXTRATIME

Ezenwa relishes debut under Rohr

uper Eagles goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa is still relishing his debut experience under manager Gernot Rohr. The FC IfeanyiUbah shot stopper was in goal throughout Friday’s international friendly against the French Islanders, Corsica’s, senior national team. The clash, which ended one goal apiece, took place at the Stade Francois Coty, Ajaccio. The clash is a build-up for the three-time African champions’ 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tie against their South African counterparts, Bafana Bafana, on June 10 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Ezenwa said the experience this time around against the tiny Island under Rohr is quite different from the previous experiences. “I’m very happy to have made my first debut match under the new manager, Gernot Rohr. “The memory is certain to linger on in me for a long time to come. “The choice of tiny French Island opponents Corsica’s senior national team makes it the more relishing “Although we came

Ezenwa

Star Sixes tourney excites Amokachi F

ormer Super Eagles forward Daniel Amokachi has expressed delight and readiness to play again for Nigeria in the Star Sixes tournament which commences in July. Star Sixes is a six-a-side tournament for former internationals that is scheduled to hold at the O2 Arena from July 13 to July 16. Amokachi who netted 13 times in 44 games for the Super Eagles will join Jay-Jay Okocha in the Nigeria squad which has been drawn in Group B alongside Brazil, Italy and China. The former Everton and Club Brugge forward disclosed that he is excited and more than ready to play against his former teammates. “I can’t wait to get started,”

from behind to level scores, anybody would have handed us the match without a fight. “The outcome goes to agree with the truism that there are no more minnows in the round leather game. “We are happy with the challenge and it will help us greatly in the AFCON clash against Bafana Bafana of South Africa,” said the former Sunshine Stars goalkeeper. Ezenwa said he is equally looking forward

to Thursday’s warm-up clash against West African neighbours, the Hawks of Togo, in Paris, France. The Eagles are expected to come back after the Togo clash to open their Group E Cameroon 2019 AFCON qualifying account against the South African foes on Saturday, June 10 in Uyo. Libya and Seychelles are the other members of the pool that will guarantee group’s winners’ ticket to Cameroon 2019 AFCON.

Amokachi told reporters. “It’s a great platform to play with and against ex-teammates and some legends of the game that played in the same generation. “Jay-Jay Okocha first approached me about it. We’ve known each other for a long time, even before him I was very close friends with his older brother. We’re more like family than friends. “It will be a great event and hopefully I will get to see plenty of Evertonians there. I always try to keep up my fitness, so I’m ready to play. Let’s see what happens!” Amokachi was recently appointed the technical director for Finnish second division outfit JS Hercules after completing his one-year contract as manager.

Amokachi

Akinloye emerges NTF Technical Director ANDREW EKEJIUBA

ormer Nigerian international, Rotimi Akinloye, has been elected as the technical officials’ representative on the incoming Executive Committee Board of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF). According to the electoral officer, Mr. Patrick Ibeh who supervised the election alongside Mr. Samuel Fagbua of the Nigeria Olympic Committee at the Tennis Centre Court of the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos, Rotimi Akinloye was re-

turned unopposed as the other two contestants, Mr. Seidu Musa, Chief Referee of the Nigeria Tennis Federation and Coach Henry Ubochi who had earlier filed in their nominations, withdrew their candidacy for Akinloye to sail through unopposed. Five-time Central Bank of Nigeria Senior Tennis Tournament winner, Abdulunni Babalola was elected as athletes’ representative on the board. Babalola pulled 79 out of the 124 votes to beat his opponent Destiny Da-Silva who pulled 45

votes. Only one vote was void. Meanwhile, in boxing, Coach David Amadi was elected as the technical representative on the board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) when he defeated Coach Samson Aransielu and Coach Tony Konyegwachie to emerge victorious, while Luckman Lawal emerged as the athletes representative when he was elected on unopposed as his opponent Peter Oketo of the Nigeria Army was disqualified for not meeting the electoral guidelines.

CBN Tennis: Sylvester, Babalola advance to next round

ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sylvester

ast year’s runners-up of the men’s singles event of the Central Bank of Nigeria annual Senior Tennis Tournament, Emmaunel Sylvester, who has vowed to win this year’s tournament, started well in this year’s tourney when he defeated Ogbu Richard 6-0, 6-1 to advance to the next round of the competition, while, five- time champion, Abdulmumuni Babalola who had on Sunday defeated Destiny Da-Silva in the athletes representative election for the Tennis Executive Board membership, made it a double victory for himself by beating Ismaila Adesina 6-1, 1-0 (re-

tired) to cruise into the next round. Former three-time champion, Sunday Maku proved too hot to be handled by beating wild card entrant, Itodo Christopher, in two straight sets of 6-2, 6-2 to also book second round ticket. Also victorious is Odeyemi Opeyemi that had a 6-3, 6-1 win over Sikiru Ismaila, while Imeh Joseph dismissed Bala Musa 6-3, 6-2 in another two straight sets victory. Hard fighting Clifford Enosoregbe also made it to the next round when he relied on experience to beat Wale Babalola 2-1 (6-1, 5-1,6-1),

even as old war-horse, Shehu Lawal wasted no time in dismissing Ebuka Ezewoke by 6-2, 6-3. Matches were also played in the women singles as well as the Men’s and Women’s doubles categories. In one of the matches, Ngozi Dirisu who came through the qualifiers defeated Faith Christopher 6-3, 7-5 to play herself into the women’s singles Round of 16 where she is already waiting to face the winner of the match involving Omolayo Bamidele and Stella Udokwelu. Meanwhile, action will continue today at both the tennis courts of the National Stadium and the Nigeria Ports Authority Ground, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos for the Day 2 events.

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West Ham make Iheanacho bid

Iheanacho

nglish Premier League club, West Ham have made a bid for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho. This is according to Sky sources as speculations continue to grow that the 20-year-old is on his way out of the Etihad Stadium. City value the Super Eagles attacker at £20m and several other Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in his services. West Ham are unlikely to meet City’s sky-high valuation but they are hopeful of getting a deal done after tabling a first formal bid which is designed to get things moving. Iheanacho has started only once for City in all competitions in 2017. That was on January 2 against Burnley and it is believed that he is not in manager Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans. However, City could be interested in a loan as they realise he is a good prospect but has found it difficult to get into the first team at the Etihad. Iheanacho scored four

Messi thanks departing Enrique, as Valverde steps in L Messi

ionel Messi paid homage to outgoing Barcelona boss Luis Enrique on Monday, as the Catalans unveiled Ernesto Valverde as their new coach. “Wishing you the best of luck in the next stage of your life Luis Enrique,” Messi posted on his official Facebook page along side a picture of the two hugging after Saturday’s Copa del Rey final. “Thank you for everything in the last few years.” A brilliant performance from Messi inspired Barca to lift a ninth trophy of Enrique’s threeyear reign with a 3-1 win over

Alaves on Saturday. However, the two didn’t always see eye-to-eye as Messi missed an open training session in January 2015 in protest at being left on the bench by Enrique for a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad.

goals in 20 Premier League appearances for City last season. West Ham are keen to strengthen their strike force especially after allowing Jonathan Calleri to leave after having him on loan. They have also agreed a Bosman-style free transfer deal for City’s Pablo Zabaleta who is out of contract this summer. Meanwhile, Nigerian attacker Henry Onyekuru reportedly has multiple European teams chasing his signature in this offseason following a great campaign for Eupen. According to the Daily Mail, Premier League clubs Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion are being linked with a move for the 19-year-old. Onyekuru scored 24 times for Eupen in the 2016/17 season and is regarded as one of the brightest young attacking talents in Europe.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Socio-economic dev. will keep Abia away from recession, says Eze Onyegbule AT 3

ABSG to intensify campaign AT 2 against child labour, trafficking –Gov. Ikpeazu

Ikpeazu, a legislature-friendly Governor –Dogara ÏÏÏ

L-R: Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Okochukwu; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; his wife, Nkechi Ikpeazu; Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Uzokwe; Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central senatorial zone, Sen. Theodore Orji and his Abia South counterpart, Sen Mao Ohuabunwa, during an Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2nd Anniversary /Thanksgiving service and Re-dedication of Abia State at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia...on Monday

ABSG to empower 10 youths from each LGA –Gov. Ikpeazu Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Abia State Government says

The Abia

T E A M

it has concluded plans to empower 10 youths from each of the 17 Local Government Areas of the state with N100, 000 each to start small scale businesses. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed this while addressing the people of Umuahia South, Umuahia North and Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, and South, Osisioma, Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs on his meet-the-people and thank you tour to Local Governments in the state, stating that the visit was to thank the Local Governments for their support and sustained prayers while the litigations lasted, assuring them that he will not disappoint them. Ikpeazu said that apart from the ten youths, two more youths from each of the 17 local governments are to be sponsored by his government for training in shoe making

in China for one year and requested the council areas to make available to him the names of the youths who must not be related to political big wigs in the area. Ikpeazu informed them of his commitment to embark on massive development of the entire state now that the court cases are over, saying: “My administration has just begun. You will witness greater development henceforth.” According to him, attention will be paid to rural roads that connect communities, announcing that massive renovation of primary and secondary schools across the state will begin after this rainy season, while disclosing that the sum of N5.6 billion has been set aside for that purpose. The visit, he said, was to present himself to the people after his Supreme Court victory and solicited the continued support of the people. In their speeches, all the local Government chairmen, including Chief Obioma Ogbulafor of Umua-

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

hia South, Mrs. Ngozi Orji of Ikwuano, Chidiebere Nwachukwu of Umuahia North, Ginger Onwusibe of Isiala Ngwa North as well as stakeholders from the area appreciated the Governor for the visit and assured him of their unflinching support at all times.

They appealed to him to look at their deplorable road networks and to extend more democracy dividends to them. The Governor used the opportunity to distribute fertilizers and other items to the people.

…Re-assures on pillars of dev, extension of olive branch to vanquished ÏÏÏAbia

State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has renewed his calls for his opponents to join him to develop the state just as he extended olive branch to them. The Governor stated this on Monday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during his 2nd anniversary thanksgiving service and re-dedication of Abia State. He vowed to continue to make Trade & Commerce, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Industrialisation, Education, and road infrastructure the main focus of his administration. Ikpeazu, who thanked God for victory granted to him, also appreciated all Abians for their continuous support in the last two years

and renewed his promise to serve with fear of God. In a sermon, the Archbishop of Methodist Church, Umuahia, Most Rev. Chibuzor Opoko, urged politicians, traditional rulers, the clergy and all Abians to eschew bitterness and work together with the state Governor to move the state forward. Archbishop Opoko, who stressed the need for all to appreciate God for His Grace and mercy towards the people of the state, however, challenged Abians to work out a mechanism of settling political differences with dialogue rather than unnecessary litigations which discourage developmental efforts in the state.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has appreciated Governor Okezie Ipeazu of Abia State for being a legislature-friendly Governor. In a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Governor’s Lodge, Aba, the speaker said the fact that the Governor accepted to work with his former colleagues, Hon. Eziuche Ubani and Hon. Uzor Azubuike, in his cabinet, is an indication that he is legislature-friendly. He commended the Governor for his support for National Assembly members from Abia State without which they would not have achieved much, and commended the Governor for restoring security in the state. Dogara, who lauded the Governor for his campaign for made-in-Aba products, said that Aba has never been lacking in ideas, maintaining that “Aba is the home of the made in Nigeria campaign we are today proclaiming”. He said he sees Aba as the hub of entrepreneurship in Nigeria and urged the Governor to support Aba entrepreneurs. Receiving the speaker, the Governor commended the speaker on his leadership, pointing out that he has been a strong and stabilising factor in the House. He stated that their former colleagues, Hon. Eziuche Ubani and Hon. Uzor Azubuike have been doing very well and also expressed satisfaction with the performance of Abians in the House of Representatives. Ikpeazu said he is prepared to do everything to attract investors to Aba as it is a way to ensure technology transfer and enjoined Nigerians to take pride in locally made products as a way of encouraging local entrepreneurs.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May30, 2017

IPOB order: Abia police jittery as fact finders arrive Kanu’s country home ÏÏÏThere are indications that to-

day’s (May 30) sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has put the Abia State command of the Nigerian Police on their toes as the command had midSunday deployed a police helicopter and series of patrol teams to patrol Umuahia, the state capital. The helicopter with registration number N5-GEJ had flown at extreme low height over the city many times while the patrol van numbered over fifteen patrol the streets. When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said that ariel and land surveillance was part of the command’s strategy to assure citizens of their safety in view of the IPOB threats. Earlier during the day, the state Commissioner of Police, Adeleye had after reviewing the condition of the state, re-assured citizens that their fundamental human rights will be jealously guarded as explicitly enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. The CP advised the citizens to go about their lawful businesses and not to entertain any fears of molestation. According to him “Ariel and land surveillance being experienced is part of the command’s security arrangements to upgrade security

network”. The Police, he said, in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state has “crime mapped” the state. “The joint patrol involves show of strength across the nooks and crannies of the state aimed at protecting lives and property for all and sundry”. Unconfirmed report had it that the extensive patrol was intensified following reports that a team of foreign fact-finding officials of their countries, including Italy, Israel, Canada and others had visited the country home of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ahead of the IPOB orders, come May 30th (today). Inside source had confirmed that IPOB had during the visit of the foreigners re-iterated its resolve that the country should hold a referendum on Biafra. According to the source, the organisation had advised the Federal Government “after 30th of May, to go for a referendum”. “We are giving the country 4 months after which they will never answer Nigeria again”, the source said. Looking smart in his Jewish dressing, the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, had assured his members of his leadership.

ABSG to intensify campaign against child labour, trafficking –Gov. Ikpeazu Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of

Abia State says the state government is committed to intensifying its fight against child labour and trafficking to eradicate all forms of violence against children. The governor, represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko-Chukwu, made the position known on Saturday during the 2017 Children’s Day celebration at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, the state capital. The theme for the celebration was “Child Protection and the Sustainable Development Goals: Issues and Opportunities”. Ikpeazu said the state government had adopted a holistic approach to sustain and strengthen its

efforts to protect Abia children from exploitation. He said the state would not relent in providing better living and greater access to quality healthcare for every child in Abia. He said that the provision of qualitative education for Abia children remained top priority on the development agenda of the state government. The governor said “Abia has passed the Child Rights Act into law” and that his administration would ensure that the law would be fully implemented. He said that the state government would continue to demonstrate strong commitment to the welfare of children by embarking on innovative programmes to secure their future.

Earlier, Director of Child Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Esther Obinya, said the theme for the celebration highlighted the connection between children’s rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Obinya said children still suffered abuse, neglect, preventable diseases and unequal access to education. She added that often the justice system did not recognise children’s special needs. She urged stakeholders to come up with strategies to guarantee the rights of children and the achievement of SDGs in Nigeria by 2030. The celebration was marked with March past, tug of war, drama, dance competition and games by children from schools in the state.

Abia community threatens to sanction political appointees ÏÏÏ The Umuopara community in

Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State at the weekend advised political appointees from the area to impact positively on their community or give way for others who meant for well for them. This advice came on the occasion of a town hall meeting/sensitisation programme held at Umuekwele, Ezeleke Umuopara in Umuahia South LGA of the state by Umuahia South Patriots in collaboration with Umuahia South PDP and Okezuo Abia Organisation. Addressing the people during the town hall meeting, the sponsor of the programme and coordinator, Okezuo Abia Political Organisation, Umuahia South LGA, Hon. Kelechi Aguiyi, noted with sadness that political appointees in the Area have done nothing to impact in the community despite huge resources allocated them by both past and present administrations. He disclosed that the LGA did not do well in the last election, “hence the need to re-write the history and integrate LGS into the mainstream” and regretting that most people empowered during the last administration in the state, “did not empower any other person”. The coordinator who called for change of attitude observed the community cannot continue to fold its arms watching few people in positions drawing the development of

the Area backwardness as number of people dies daily due to hardship, arising from hunger, sickness and persistent neglects especially on aged ones. Hon. Kelechi however intimated that the town hall meeting was aimed at bringing to notice the numerous developments and appointments made by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in Umuahia South Local Government despite court litigation for two years. According to him, what Governor Ikpeazu achieved during period under review might not be physically seen if the appointees in the area keep sabotaging Government good intention, saying he was not trying to witch-hunt anybody or group but that the right thing must be done to help draw achievements of the governor to the communities as according to him 80 percent of people empowered by then Governor, Senator T.A. Orji, did not get to beneficiaries. Also speaking, Chairman of LGA, Hon. Obioma Ezeogbulafor, noted the town hall meeting afforded them the opportunity for stock taking as well as to intimate the people of the achievements of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu both on capital development/ appointments in Umuahia South Local Government Area. Ezeogbulafor noted the gathering was important as Supreme Court had upheld victory of the governor, hence the need to thank the people of the area for their support and prayer throughout period of litigation.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle) in company of his deputy, Sir Ude Okochukwu (right) and the Chairman, Osisioma LGA, Elder Iheyinna Osita Benjamin (left) on their arrival at Osisioma LGA Headquarters for a thank you visit to the people of the LGA...recently

2019: Abia SSG campaigns for Ikpeazu’s second term ÏÏÏAbia

State Government has assured the people of Ozuitem community that total transformation will soon take centre stage in the area, re-iterating the need to start planning ahead of 2019 to re-elect the Governor to enable him actualise his good dream in Ozuitem community. Secretary to Abia State Government, Dr. Eme Okoro, who gave the assurance at a victory rally organised by him to thank the people of Ozuitem Community in Bende Local Government Area of the state for their support and prayers during two years of litigation of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, said darkness had paved way for light as the litigations issue faced by Governor Ikpeazu’s Administration is over. Dr. Eme Okoro noted throughout the litigations period, the community had been on its knees praying to God to answer them while the Supreme Court case lasted and described the presence of his people at the rally as confirmation of their

votes cast on Governor Ikpeazu in 2015. He advised them against double standard, warning PDP faithful to show committed and trust, while calling on those in opposite sides who are willing to join the rest of them in PDP to do so without delay as according to him the party’s umbrella is large enough to accommodate them. In his speech during the occasion, Vice Chairman, Bende Local Government Council/Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), in Abia State, Hon. Chief Chidiebere Asonye, said the rally was significant to Ozuitem community considering their massive votes given Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2015 general election. Hon. Asonye said the rally was a confirmation of collective support and yearning of the people of community for the Governor’s tireless efforts in transforming the state for better and attributed the Governor’s victory at the Supreme

Court recently as ordained by God. He urged the people to be hopeful as promises made by Governor Ikpeazu during campaign era will be redeemed. The council vice chairman therefore urged them to continue to support PDP and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu just as he expressed delight over support received by the SSG, Eme Okoro and other notable persons in the community throughout the period of litigation. Others who spoke at the rally include the PDP ward Chairman of Ozuitem, Kalu Uchechukwu Godwin; Councilor representing the ward at Local Government, Hon. Nkem Okoro; Women Leader, Chief Mrs. Ojo respectively hailed the victory rally and described it as timely, stating that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was God’s sent to Abia and urged those troubling him to join hands and find lasting solution to predicament of the state as the battle is now a thing of past.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

3 The Abia Times

Dogara bags `Ome Udo’ title in Aba

ÏÏÏ Speaker of the House of Rep-

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (middle); Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Chikwendu Kanu (left); His Imperial Majesty, Eze Isaac Ajonu Ikonne, the Enyi 1 of Aba (2nd right) and Hon. Prestige Ossy (1st right) shortly after Dogara was conferred with the traditional title of Ome Udo 1 of Aba during the Speaker’s visit to the monarch in Aba, Abia State ...at the weekend

Move away from old order for Abia to grow, Otti counsels Ikpeazu Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The All Progressive Grand Al-

liance (APGA) governorship candidate in the 2015 general election in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has advised Governor Okezie Ikpeazu “to move away from the old order” to take the state to greater heights. Otti gave the advice on Saturday during a civic reception organised in his honour by the Umunneato caucus of Abia First, his campaign organisation, in conjunction with APGA. He urged Ikpeazu to chart new path and take actions that would address the challenges facing Abia State. “Our desire and those of our supporters, friends and allies in APGA, Abia First and beyond is for our state to grow from strength to strength. “And for it to grow, the present government has to succeed, and for the government to succeed, it has to enjoy the support and cooperation of a majority of Abia people, especially the honest and fair-minded ones. “And for it to enjoy such honest support, the government must think outside the box and completely move away from the old order. “It has to make comprehensive assessment of the challenges confronting the state and take critical and far-reaching actions that touch the foundation,” Otti said. He urged his supporters and Abia residents “to cooperate and support every genuine and legitimate action of the government. Otti, however, alleged that the ills that characterised the previous administrations were still noticeable in the state. He cited the menace of kidnap-

pers in different parts of the state and use of touts as revenue agents by the present administration as remnants of the old order. Otti, a former Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, said the use of revenue touts had led to some ugly incidents, , including two fatal accidents in Aba. He said, “civilised societies do not use touts to collect taxes and levies.” Otti also urged Ikpeazu to use the Federal Government’s bailout fund and Paris Club refund to pay workers’ salaries and pensions. He said that the essence of the Federal Government’s interventions was to cushion the effects of the economic hardship on workers. Otti said that the productivity of workers would continue to decline, “If government fails to give serious priority to their welfare”. He expressed his resolve to continue to lead a viable opposition by

offering constructive criticism to the state government. “As a people, our resolve to stand firm as opposition cannot be shaken. We shall not join the queue of sycophants and hand-clappers. It is not in our character. “Ours is neither a hostile nor cowardly opposition. “We shall remain honest, firm and fearless in identifying those ills that retard development in Abia,” Otti said. He thanked the organisers of the event for their show of solidarity, commitment and courage toward the project of “reclaiming and restoring Abia for Abians”. The Coordinator of the Umunneato caucus of Abia First, Mr. Uzor Nwachukwu, said that the reception was organised to formally welcome Otti back after his exploits in the 2015 governorship race.

resentatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Saturday, bagged the title, Ome Udo 1 (Peace Maker) of Aba, at the palace of the traditional ruler of Aba Ancient Kingdom, Eze Isaac Ikonne. Ikonne said during the installation ceremony that he awarded Dogara the title in recognition of his integrity and leadership qualities which, he noted, had kept the House from recording any serious crisis in the past two years. He said that the speaker’s efforts at engendering peace, unity and development in the lower chamber of the National Assembly was a commendable achievement. The traditional ruler applauded the speaker for supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade. He also appealed to him to ensure

that the people of Aba enjoyed the dividends of democracy through the efforts and initiatives of Mr. Ossy Prestige, representing Aba North and South at the House of Representatives. While appealing to the speaker to ensure the rehabilitation of roads in the South-East Zone, Ikonne also stressed the need to assist traditional institutions across the country to serve the people better. Responding, Dogara thanked the royal father for his kind gesture, saying that respect to traditional institutions was imperative as their blessings were needed to ensure progress in the society. He said that traditional institutions had a lot to offer in building peace and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.

Abia PDP to embark on reconciliation of members ÏÏÏ Following the victory of

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State at the Supreme Court last Friday, the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is going to embark on reconciliation of its members in the state. The state chairman of the party, Sir Johnson Okebaram Onuigbo, disclosed this to newsmen in Umuahia recently, stating that aggrieved members of the party and friends would be reached out to for amicable reconciliation and integration into the party in the state. “Since the case is over, we are going to draw up schedules to get back our lost friends and party members. With Ogah congratulating Governor Ikpeazu, the battle is over and we are going to win them over. “It is now time to put the house in order and we know what to do. Ogah is from PDP and we are going to rebuild the divided house,” he said. Sir Onuigbo, who expressed the happiness of the entire party structure in the state over the victory by Ikpeazu, also expressed his happiness with the Nigerian judiciary over their impartiality and last hope of the common man, describing as

appropriate the statements by the Supreme Court Judges that the matter was a storm in a tea cup and ab initio, full of frivolities. “Abia PDP is happy that the judge moralised and advised politicians to leave them alone, stating that four persons cannot be the governors at the same time”, so in Abia, there is only one David still around”. He thanked the Supreme Court for looking at the matter critically and finally granting victory to Ikpeazu, regretting that for two years, Gov. Ikpeazu was under pressure and the consequences slowed down democracy in the state, stating however that despite the distraction, the governor has done well. “Now that he is free, having knocked down F. N. Nwosu, Dr. Alex Otti and Dr. Uche Ogah, everything went according to his name, Victor. “The implication of the court judgment is that Abians voted for him”, the state party boss said and called for the propagation of the philosophy of government as an agent of change and to deepen democracy. According to him, though PDP lost at the centre, it will bounce back in 2019, pointing out that in the state, there is no other party, except PDP.

Socio-economic dev. will keep Abia away from recession, says Eze Onyegbule ÏÏÏ

The traditional ruler of Amangwo-Olokoro Autonomous Community, Umuahia South Local Government Area, of Abia State, Eze (Dr.) Chris Onyegbule, has advised the state government to focus on socio-economic development of the state, as a way to remain afloat in the midst of recession. Interacting with newsmen in Umuahia recently, the chartered tax practitioner called for enablement of those who engage in small and medium enterprise as it also will assist in soaring the state’s internally generated revenue. “I will advise the state government to go into socio-economic development especially now that we are in recession. There are certain investments that our dear governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu will

make that would put the economy back on track. Take for example, the road development project that would open up the place and other infrastructural developments, and the educational system, because you need to empower the people. Now that the economy is in recession, big businesses are not functioning. So part of the expectations is the empowerment of the people especially those involved in Small Scale Businesses”. Eze Onyegbule however said he was impressed that in spite of the pressures and distractions faced by Ikpeazu’s administration, some capital projects have been ongoing in the state, citing Faulks road, Port Harcourt road in Aba, Aba-Owerri road, and Aba road in Umuahia as glaring examples. He said: “These projects will ac-

tually help in reducing the cost of doing business, because why certain things are expensive. Let’s say for example vehicle maintenance, if you are maintaining a vehicle, the wear and tear, if it is so regular, you know it will increase the cost of doing business”. On the fake/forgery tax case instituted against Gov. Ikpeazu, which the governor had also won, Eze Onyegbule said, “we have a process of tax verification, if you suspect somebody’s tax clearance; you take it back to that tax office to find out whether it is genuine. If it is genuine and is issued out by that office and there was a problem, you will hold the officer accountable, and not the person issued with the clearance. “These are some of the simple processes. It is painful that both

parties spent a lot of time and money. Because we have high expectations from the governor, before the case came up, the litigations were viewed as expensive”. Eze Dr. Onyegbule advised politicians to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and collaborate with one another, adding, “Because at the end of the day, it is the welfare of the people that is involved. If these roads are good, everybody will use it, so it is to collaborate”. He said, “Once elections are over as happened in other developed states, you will congratulate the winner and now give your hands of fellowship and collaborate in terms of ensuring improvement in social welfare. It is unfortunate if a politician has to spend so long a time in court. It distracts attention.

The Abia Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Foundation puts smile on faces ABSG to encourage traders, artisans to form clusters, build markets-Gov. Ikpeazu’s aide of women in Isuikwuato ÏÏÏ

Reprieve came the way for rural women of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State as a non-governmental organisation, Emeka Ikwuagwu Foundation (EIF) has rolled out programme of action to alleviate their suffering and put smiles on their faces. The foundation came to be about 10 years ago purposely to bring succour to rural women, particularly the indigent ones in that society. The organisation also intended to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the community for competition as well as providing opportunity for them to remain united and pursue common interest. Indeed, it was memorable event of the year as hundreds of women, of both young and old including royal fathers and friends conveyed together recently in the area to witness women competing for their native cultural dances among other exhibitions. Speaking during the cultural dance competition held at Council Secretariat, Isuikwuato, Coordinator of the foundation, Ikwuagwu Emeka, disclosed that the foundation was also for capacity building

aimed at promoting peace, unity and encourage understanding among women in the Area. Apart from using the platform to discourage conflicts among their neighbourhood during farming seasons, the coordinator pointed out that the programme was also designed to keep body and soul together to reduce the spate of high blood pressure (HBP) suffered by most women as results of the current state of hardship, hence the introduction of the various cultural activities by the foundation. Several projects, he said, have been embarked upon by the foundation simply to reduce the hardships faced by rural women in the area and among them are free medical treatment, distribution of wrappers, organization of cultural competitions with handsome cash rewards for participants as well as promoting unity among women, etc. The Coordinator commended the women for 2017 edition participation, assuring them of his readiness to make the competition a regular one provided they indicate interest and expressed gratitude for traditional rulers and eminent personalities that graced the event.

NAS donates health products, renovates clinic in Aba Prisons ÏÏÏ The National Association of

Seadogs (NAS) otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity, Aba chapter, at the weekend, donated essential pharmaceutical products to the Aba prisons and renovated the psychiatrist clinic which it built for the Aba Prisons previously and constructed a new soakaway pit for the Prisons and donated fifteen foams to the imamates. Speaking while presenting the items to the management of the Aba Prisons during a Town Hall meeting of the association, Vice President of Pyrates Confraternity, Region 4, Mr. Kombo Johnson, said NAS is an organisation dedicated to humanitarian and charitable endeavours in any society its members find themselves and was donating to the Prisons to take care of the health challenges of the inmates especially those with mental problem. Johnson pointed out that as a way of fighting the ills of the society, NAS uses its Town hall meeting (aka Feast of Barracuda) as a platform to address contemporary national issues by bringing men and women of proven integrity to discuss and proffer solution to those issues, adding that the Aba chapter has taken a step further to applying action to address some identified ills in the Aba prisons. He regretted the poor state of many Prisons in the country, maintaining that many of them had yet to attain the standard of the Prisons reforms which started in the 19 century, adding that the situation is still very pitiable in the Nigerian system for the inmates and by extension to

prison officials, while noting that the facilities in the prisons have so much to be desired. He said: “The facility is begging for adequate funding, no proper provision for female inmates which has led to them being abused. They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual offenses against them, including rape, assault, violation of their privacy while they undress and shower. “The psychiatric units dedicated to housing offenders diagnosed with mental disorder lack basic amenities to carter for such inmates. These inadequacies in our prisons system often times leads to a powerful negative influence on society, creating broken families, economic disenfranchisement and increases criminal activities”. Responding, the Deputy Controller of Prisons in Aba, Mr. Steve Ogbah, represented by a Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Austin Ikwunze, described NAS as a good friend of Aba Prison. He stated the Nigerian Prisons does not intend to increase the punishment of prisoner beyond the deprivation of liberty, adding that the big task before the Prisons now is that of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates into the society. He said: “We do the above through our carpentry, tailoring and welding workshops in the prison. All we are asking for are tools to impart on the inmates. We also need tools to give to some of the inmates when they leaving the Prison to help them start a new life after the prison.

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏAbia

State government has concluded plans to encourage traders and artisan to form clusters and build model markets of their own in Aba. Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Trade and Investment, Mr Jude Udeachara disclosed this to newsmen in Umuahia, advancing the reason as a measure to assist in ending street trading, enhance security, boost revenue generation and enable traders to access federal government loans. Enumerated these advantages Udeachara said the government is currently engaging about six groups of traders and artisans in Aba to build model markets, while the groups include Aba Heavy Motor Parts and Tyre Sellers Association (AHMPATSA) which is building its N1.5 billion modern market at Alaoji; Shoe and Garments Markers Association building their own cluster at Umukalika and Abia GSM and Components Dealers Association which recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Logistics De-Luke for building of a N2 billion Mall along Ngwa Road in Aba. Others are the Governor’s aide highlighted include Tile Sellers, as well as Plant Sell-

ers and Repairers Association, pointing out that in addition, a private developer, Transtel, is building a modern abattoir for all butchers in Aba at Obrete. According to Udeachara, government helps the groups to acquire lands and allow them to design and supervise the building of the markets which is built on owner-occupier basis. Besides, he said that government also provides, at least, two kilometres internal roads for each of these clusters, a suitable generator that has the capacity to provide the electricity needs of the traders and electrification of the markets. “I have particular assignment to help develop markets, to take out street traders and then try to engage them to form clusters and we give them a site or encourage them to acquire the site themselves and then we assist them develop those sites into standard, international markets,” Udeachara further explained. Speaking on the advantages of building the model markets, the governor’s aide said it would decongest Aba and promote security and environmental sanitation. “So, when we take this big population out of the streets of Aba into what we call exclusive, secluded ar-

eas, where they can be better managed, the streets of Aba will be decongested and neater; traffic flow will be freer and Aba will be very habitable. “It will be easier to monitor the movement of goods and persons and for the Police to monitor fewer numbers of people, as well as for the local vigilante and residents to monitor movements, so that incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery will be reduced in Aba. “In the larger picture, it will be easier for government also to have revenue targets and achieve them because it will be easier to collect approved revenues; you just come to each point and the unions will easily gather those revenues and remit to government,” he added. According to him, the clusters would enable the traders to access intervention funds and low interest loans from Federal Government agencies like Bank of Industry, special Central Bank of Nigeria schemes which Abia State has not been drawing from. “We want these traders and residents to benefit from these special intervention funds. That is why we are encouraging them to be in identifiable clusters where it will be easier to administer those special intervention funds and projects,” he said.

Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (right) Speaker, Federal House of Reps. Yakubu Dogara(middle) and Member Representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ossy Prestige when the speaker led some other members of the House of Reps on a courtesy visit to the governor his Aba lodge, weekend.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

How 15 banks recorded N4.47tr shareholder’s funds

Page B3

Yields on bonds, money market rates to remain high – Experts Page B4

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

FBN shares target 100% gain in short term

Page B4

Nigeria should have open bidding for refineries –Expert Simon Ugwu

In a swift response to Minister of States for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu’s alleged directive of No Open bidding for the refineries, Dan Kunle, a business consultant to the energy sector and privatisation adviser, has called the Minister to reverse his stand on no open bidding and open up these refineries for International Competitive Bidding (ICB). This, according him, will be in tandem with the philosophy of President Muhammadu Buhari and best global practices. “May I also remind you that your utterances do not reflect and comply with the simple ethical rules of Public Governance in a democratic setting. Furthermore, crude oil refinery concession or ‘farm out’ or privatization is not as highly technical as you are claiming in your statements to us the ordinary citizens in Nigeria,” he said. “This whole transaction appears to be a mockery of ourselves and our processes in Nigeria because we the ordinary citizens have no power to interrogate your actions and inactions. For you to use the statement ‘Hullabaloo about the transparency has no basis,’ to say the least. For the second time I advise you to resign now because you are dramatizing, not working for the common good of the petroleum industry and the Nigerian citizens,” Kunle said. ”This is because it was done before and I wish to refer you to BPE/NCP 2007 refinery privatization closure. One of the world’s leading investment banks, First Boston Credit Sussie (now Cred-

… Asks Kachikwu to resign

it Sussie) was the Federal Government privatization adviser on the four refineries. PNB Paribas also gave BPE advisory support for the final closure of Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. We still have these Nigerian professionals and expertise both in BPE and around the country to handle this your new ambitious ‘highly technical’ refinery concession through an open and fair bidding competition,” he added. “You contradicted yourself by the statement that the bidding process is open to all willing investors, but how will all the willing investors with technical and financial capabilities know across the globe if you do not advertise what you want to sell

or concession with all the criteria and ground rules for them to comply with. Do you think the whole world will be aware by watching you on TV talking about the refinery concessions in Nigeria as a ‘talk advertisement’ from Houston Texas to Lagos to Vienna, yet you are going to be the umpire for the bid evaluations and awards. How,” he asked. Speaking further, he said, “your claim that the Federal Government had decided to concession all refineries by August 2017 is a welcome decision but you must ensure that the process is through an open bid competition via the appropriate statutory Federal Government bodies

NCP/ BPE/ICRC to enable Nigerians have a ‘bidders beauty parade’. This is the essence of the open bid process because it will give us the best and most beautiful investor possible. As proprietary as the case with GE/ Nigeria Railway narrow gauges’ advantage was, the Federal Ministry of Transport went ahead to place an advert for other ‘would be’ investors to compete with GE.” “At least this will to a certain extent give credibility to GE propriety know-how in railway engineering when they eventually get declared as the final winner. It appears from your utterances in the last one month that you are bent in giving out this refin-

ATCON commends NITDA for boosting capacity building Tony Nwakaegho

L-R; Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Managing Director/CEO, Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola and Chairman, Asue Ighodalo, during the Sterling Bank’s sponsored Lagos at 50-Rhumble event in Lagos...on Friday.

Ijaw Youths seek speedy passage of PIB The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) on Monday sought speedy consideration of other tranches of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that concerns the host

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

eries to the crude oil swap candidates without open bid, which you would have achieved on behalf of the Presidency to enhance the transparency obligation, with a minimum of three weeks advert in some local and international media”. “The invitation to bid would have closed by now. The choices are open bid or no open bid, this unnecessary debate could have been avoided because you cannot win. Yes, “People keep mentioning Agip and Oando Plc but nobody has made the final decision on those” “This your statement being quoted in full further portrays your bias for Oando and Agip as you have become like a ‘sales agent’ to them, are Agip and Oando the only repairer and operators in the world.

communities. IYC in a reaction to the May 25 passage of the bill ahead Petroleum Host Community Fund as a show of insensitivity to the plight of the Niger Delta region. According to a statement issued by Henry Iyalla, spokesman of IYC in Yenagoa, the fragmentation of the PIB into tranches was counterproductive and time wasting. He said that the Niger Delta people had expected the tranche of the PIB relevant to the region to be given expedited attention in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the Niger Delta

question. “It is unfortunate that at a time when we expect the government to show commitment in the development of the region we have to contend with the celebration of an ill-conceived idea to divide PIB into mushroom bits. “We wish to state expressly that the only PIB that will ensure peace in the region and be celebrated by all is one that includes the Oil Communities Fund Act. “The proposed Oil Communities Act gives the Niger Delta people a stake in the industry and provides avenues to alleviate the suffering of

the people in the region. “Without the passage of this bill any governance structure put in place will not succeed. “The National Assembly should immediately take further steps for the quick passage of the Host Community Bill which guarantees 10 per cent equity to the community,” Iyalla said. He noted that Niger Delta people want smooth governance of exploitation and exploration of the abundant oil reserve within the region with the economic interest of host communities adequately protected in the laws.

The Association of Telecommunications Company of Nigeria (ATCON) has commended the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Dr. Isa Pantami for his leadership style, and for boosting capacity building among Nigerians. ATCON made this commendation by listing some of the laudable and strategic initiatives under Dr. Isa Pantami during a courtesy call to the NITDA head office in Abuja, adding that under the leadership of Pantami in less than one year, there is a dogged effort at promoting IT Regulation in Nigeria. “We would like to commend Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for his dogged efforts at promoting IT Regulation in Nigeria. We are aware that the proposed regulation is being put together and very shortly it would be implemented to increase locally produced Software in Nigeria as this would discourage capital flight,” Mr. Olusola Teniola ATCON’s President said. ATCON’s President said it is remarkable that NITDA under the DG’s leadership is building capacity to save Nigeria from depending on foreigners to develop Nigeria’s Information and Technology space.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

UBA promotes Africa’s renaissance, celebrates Africa Day In line with its commitment to promote African culture and deepen its African footprint, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Thursday, joined the world to celebrate the 2017 Africa Day. The celebrations at UBA which spanned its countries of operations across the continent, was themed ‘Africa, the new Frontier’. According to UBA’s GMD, Kennedy Uzoka, “the theme for Africa day this year was chosen to reflect the global positioning of the African continent. A positioning that UBA as a brand, has invested in, believes in and understands that Africa is truly the new frontier”. Africa Day is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the

African continent, as well as to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists in Africa. UBA Staff proudly celebrated the day dressed to work in a display of the best of Africa’s rich attire. At the UBA group, the highlight of the day was the crowning of thebest dressed male and female staff in African attire, who emerged fromvotes cast by their colleagues. Two staff members, Abdulahi Egunjobi and Mary Udochi were rewarded with an all-expense paid trip to the Seychelles. The Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Victor Osadolor, who spoke at the ceremony announcing the winners, reiterated that UBA is a core Af-

rican bank with deep African roots that has continually supported the continent in various ways over the years. He added that the bank remains proud of its African heritage. “We at UBA celebrate Africa Day with the rest of Africa, we are Africa, United by one Bank, and it is important to note that just as Africa has come a long way, UBA has also come a long way in putting her footprints in Africa’ said Osadolor. Africa Day, formerly known as Africa Freedom Day and AfricanLiberation Day, is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) celebrated every May 25th. UBAcelebrates Africa Day annually in line with the official celebration by African nations, reiterating its long-held belief that the future belongs to the African continent and leveraging on the occasion to rekindle the African spirit that drives the group’s vision to be a dominant financial services provider on the continent.

Cat fish safe for consumption – FISON ... Imported fish risky for human consumption Experts and stakeholders in the fish industry and its value chain converged in Lagos on Thursday to reveal that cat fish is very safe for human consumption and also very rich in protein and other nutritive elements. The stakeholders stressed that cat fish was safer than the imported fish, as imported frozen fish may have stayed beyond the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved time frame for healthy consumption. In his speech, Prof. Olujimi Faturoti, Chairman, Council of Fellows of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) noted that catfish is important to humans as a nutrient source of low fat and high quality protein. He said; “It is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D and B2, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, zinc magnesium and potassium which are essential for healthy living. “Fish is highly recom-

mended by the American Heart Association to be included in diet, at least twice a week. It helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The omega 3fatty acids help in the brain and vision development of infants while still in the womb.” Faturoti noted that the omega 3 fatty acids can reduce risk of coronary heart disease and lowers cholesterol, adding that it has benefits besides protecting the hearth. In his presentation, Dr Gbola Akande, the Executive Director of Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) who also doubles as the Secretary of FISON noted that the perpetrators of the act that catfish bad fatty acids are with ulterior motives. He attributed the damaging report to the fact that catfish is gaining more market than the imported frozen fish, stressing that perpetrators took that option to discourage Nigerians from the massive patronage of catfish.

Tony Nwakaegho

for amendment of the extant law, including the need to provide answers to whether the use of an adhesive postage or electronic stamp to denote a document or receipt, or register able instrument amount to the payment of stamp duty tax. He debunked the claim that the provision of adhesive postage or electronic stamps by NIPOST infringe on the powers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, or State Inland Revenue Sevice, as “the same Stamp Duties Act prescribes the taxes to be collected by FIRS or SIRS, or the Customs Sevice…”. Adegbuyi in his recommendations for amendment to the Act, said that innovations such as the Internet and the POS machine have been captured as receiving medium, whose electronically generated receipts are to be denoted, and that graded financial penalties have been introduced for a first offender, a second offender, a third and subsequent offender.

NIPOST Act, Stamp Duties grossly obsolete – PMG

L-R: Human Resources Assistant, Fatgbems Petroleum Company Limited, Fatimah Liasu, Chief Operating Officer, Dare Adeola, Acting Matron, Nigerian Red Cross Motherless and Abandoned Children Home, Taiwo Idowu and Brand Manager, Fatgbems, Adeosun Azeez, at the Fatgbems Petroleum presentation of Food Items to Nigerian Red Cross Motherless and Abandoned Children Home to Mark 2017 Children’s Day Celebration in Lagos on Saturday.

Adeem Adex empowers stakeholders with pipe installation technology Sequel to the promise it made during the introduction of the latest PPR pipes into the market in April 2017, Nigeria’s leading distributor of pipes and related products, Adeem Adex Nigeria Limited has empowered over a hundred stakeholders in the building and construction industry with contemporary pipe laying and management technology. This was done in conjunction with its foreign technical partners Dizayn Group of Turkey. The special technical training session took place in Lagos. Mr. Fatih Guler; Product Manager, Dizayn Group took the captive audience through the latest technology in pipes which is built to last over fifty years with zero tolerance level for leakages. The highly interactive technical session - which lasted over five hours - saw an elated audience

eager to know more about the new technology. Unlike PVC pipes, the PPR pipes does not break on contact and it is easy to install with the appropriate equipment. On his part, Mr. Can Atikoglu – Director Export Market Dizayn Group said the company, which was established in 1987, belongs to Mir Holding in Istanbul/Turkey. He pointed out that their strongest point is innovations and the extra values it adds to pipes and fittings due to its strong R&D (Research and Development) power. “In many companies R&D is just a department within the factory, but with us, we have a separate company for R&D activities comprising of many researchers and academicians who work not only for pipe industry, but also for many industrial areas as well.” He added that the company is

planning to establish factories in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in addition to the existing factories they have in Russia and Germany. Arrangement for the establishing of the Nigerian factory is already in top gear with the introduction of the products and the technical session as the first step. Because of its flexibility, the company exports products successfully to all of the continents all over the world with Nigeria and the entire Africa as a huge potential. Atikoglu stressed that they are not just content with the introduction of their products to the market, but want to ensure that all professionals within the building sector Architects’, plumbers, contractors, engineers and project management companies – know how to install and manage the pipes and other fittings.

The post master general of Nigeria (PMG), and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Barrister Adebisi Adegbuyi, has confirmed that the Act establishing the Service and the Stamp Duties have become grossly obsolete. The Post Master General made this position known at a public hearing organized recently by the House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications on a bill seeking to repeal the NIPOST Act, by re-enacting the Nigerian Postal Commission Act, and another seeking amendment to the Stamp duties Act. Adegbuyi stated that the nation’s business landscape had been tremendously affected by information technology, “thus the need to upgrade applicable provisions” of the laws. Commenting on the Stamp Duties Act, Adegbuyi said there were several core challenges that have necessitated the call

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

B3 Money Market

How 15 banks recorded N4.47tr shareholder’s funds Stories by Motolani Oseni No less than 15 Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in the country recorded a whopping N4.47 trillion shareholder’s funds in 2016. The underlying commercial banks in an effort at enhancing the quality and ensuring financial system stability in the country reported an increase in their shareholders fund, from N3.99trillion shareholder’s funds reported in 2015 but increased by 11.7 per cent or N471 billion in the year under review. For instance, Zenith Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc led13 other commercial banks to report N4.47 trillion in shareholder’s funds in 2016, as the Tier-1 commercial bank has the highest shareholder’s funds in the banking industry, followed by First Bank Holdings Plc and Eco Transnational Incorporated Plc. In our fact findings, we noticed that most of the Tier-1 banks shareholder’s funds crossed the N300 billion marks while Union Bank of Nigeria and Diamond bank Plc, two Tier-2 with shareholder’s funds that crossed the N200 billion threshold in total equity last year. The breakdown revealed that Zenith Bank’s shareholder’s funds rose by 18.5 per cent to N704 billion in 2016 from N594.35 billion in 2015 while FBN Holdings reported 0.6 per cent from N578.8 billion in 2015 to N582.6 billion in 2016. For Eco Transnational Incorporated, its shareholder’s funds rose by 6.9 per cent to N502.9 billion in 2016 from N538 billion recorded in 2015.

3rd from left, Gloria Okolie, Vice Principal, Lekki British School; Ashish Gill, Principal; Uzoma Dozie, Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc; Maryanne Maduekwe, School Head, Lekki British School; and students of Lekki British School during a courtesy visit to Diamond Bank Head office as part of preparations for 2017 Children’s day Celebration.

However, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) and Access Bank Plc shareholder’s funds grew by 22.1 per cent and 23.6 per cent respectively. GTBank shareholder’s funds moved from N413.56 billion in 2015 to N504.9 billion in 2016 while Access Bank’s shareholder’s funds hits N454.49 billion in 2016 from N367 billion in 2015. Meanwhile, United Bank for Africa (UBA) shareholder’s funds edged up from N332.6 billion in 2015 to N448 billion in 2016, representing an increase of 34.7 per cent. It is however, worthy of notes that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2007 proposed a maxi-

Naira stable at N382/$1, as official FX market resumes

The Nigerian currency, the Naira, on Tuesday 29 May, 2017 remained unchanged at 382 per US dollar at the parallel market, as the official foreign exchange market opens for operation today. The naira, had appreciated to N380 to a Dollar on Thursday after the initial drop of two points to 382 at the parallel market, but relapsed by two points on the last trading day of the week to close at 382 to the greenback. The naira, over the weekend traded between 382 to381 per dollar but appreciated slightly against the pound sterling on Monday to close at 491 compare to 492 traded and Euro at 422 at the unofficial market. At the official market, it remained unchanged at 305.35 to the dollar due to the closure of the forex market for the Democracy day celebrations Similarly, at the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, no change was recorded yesterday as the naira steadied at the regulated rate of N362 to the Dollar, while

the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N495 and N423. Consequently, the apex bank has continued to inject fresh capital to boost liquidity in the forex market, with injection of forex to lift the foreign exchange market, selling $391.50 million at the interbank window, comprising (1) spot delivery for invisibles worth USD86.50 million, and (2) sales to SMEs and wholesale users totalling USD50 million and USD200 million respectively. Asides that, it also auctioned an undisclosed amount of dollars to settle a backlog of foreign exchange demand for airlines, fuel and raw material importers. However, the result of the auction was unavailable at the time of writing. Meanwhile, the CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, recently said that the apex bank will continue to make every necessary intervention in the interbank market to sustain the supply of forex to meet legitimate foreign exchange demands by customers.

Ajibola

mum shareholder’s funds of N100 billion for banks operating in the country from N3billion. Under the new regime that replaces universal banking; three tiers of banks are to come into effect with the lowest shareholder’s funds – N15 billion - set aside for those classified as regional banks. According to the classification, banks with the maximum shareholder’s funds could operate internationally while national banks whose operations are confined to the country will be required to have N25 billion. On the other hand, regional banks which are allowed to operate in a minimum of five and

a maximum of 10 contiguous states are required to have N15 billion. As for Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, which falls under Tier-2 banks has shareholder’s funds closed 2016 at N271.7 billion, 10 per cent above N246.8 billion recorded in 2015 while Diamond Bank’s shareholder’s funds moved from N214 billion in 2015 to N226.7 billion in 2016. First City Monument Bank Group shareholder’s funds increased by 10 per cent to N178.87 billion in 2016 from N162.39 billion in 2015. Fidelity Bank Plc’s shareholder’s funds up by one per cent to N185 billion from N183.5 billion

in 2015 while Stanbic IBTC Holdings shareholder’s funds rose by 9.5 per cent from N128.6 billion in 2015 to N140.8 billion in 2016. Furthermore, Sterling Bank shareholder’s funds dropped by 10.4 per cent from N95.6 billion in 2015 to N85.66 billion in 2016. Also, Wema Bank’s shareholder’s funds added 5.2 per cent to N48.47 billion from N46.06 billion while Unity Bank’s shareholder’s funds moved to N83 billion from N82.57 billion in 2015. But Jaiz Bank, who just listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded the lowest shareholder’s funds but gained 28.9 per cent from N11.4 billion in 2015 to N14.7 billion in 2016.

Heritage Bank boosts financial literacy with children training In a bid to expose the citizenry to financial literacy at a very early age in life, Heritage Bank Plc, has exposed children between the age bracket of five and seven years to banking services. The programme, which is part of activities to mark the bank’s Children Banking Month, tagged: My Day as a Banker, was held at the corporate headquarters of the bank in Lagos recently with pupils from Hilltop Grade International School, Lekki, Lagos. From the Reception to the Customer Service, Foreign exchange, Corporate Banking and Human Resources, the pupils were visible attending to customers who were amazed at the skills the kids exhibited in addressing their banking needs after the initial short induction given to them. Speaking with journalists on the occasion, Tomi Oyesola, Group Head, Retail Banking and SME, Heritage Bank, Lagos

Island, said the training programme was part of the financial literacy programmes of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) She said it was very important for children to know what financial literacy was and what banking was all about at a very early age of their lives, adding that the children will be exposed to how prepaid card transactions work and how to use ATM cards to deposit and withdraw money among others. She said the programme had been on since the inception of the bank, adding that the bank usually trains children in primary and secondary schools in financial literacy every year. Oyesola said for children in secondary school, the bank exposed them to treasury operations, financial control, sales and credit control among others, adding that about 90 percent of the children that had been exposed

to the programme had opened accounts with the bank. She said for children in primary schools, the bank accommodates between eight to 10 children from different schools at different times to expose them to financial literacy for about an hour. The financial literacy programme for children is part of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy which is aimed at equipping them with basic tools in order to enhance their financial freedom and it is part of activities of commemoration of May 27 to mark Children Banking Month, with the theme, “Early Positioning for Glocal Relevance.” The Heritage Children Banking Month directly impacts about 350 primary and secondary schools across the country in recognition of the pivotal role children play as the leaders of tomorrow.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Yields on bonds, money market rates to remain high – Experts

… As N65 billion OMO matures this week

Stories by Bonny Amadi

N65billion worth of Open market Operation (OMO) bills is due to mature on Thursday, this was coming as experts maintained that the OMO maturity is unlikely to see an improvement in system liquidity. The Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains its stance in squeezing system liquidity in defence of the local currency. Also, before the maturity on Thursday, the CBN will raise treasury Bills valued at over N119 billion. The auction is expected to hold on Wednesday. The T-Bills auction and the system liquidity freeze, experts

maintained would sustain high cost of funds and money market rates. “As such we expect money market rates to remain high while yields at the bond market may remain elevated in the absence of fresh offshore demands” Investment One research pointed. Meanwhile, the Apex bank sustained its squeeze on system liquidity freeze last Friday with selling close to N15billion worth of OMO bills at 18.00 per cent and 18.60 per cent stop rates. Despite this, the 1month and 3month NIBOR rates declined by 26bps and 14bps to 20.74 per cent and 22.39 per cent respectively while the 6month NIBOR rate inched up

4bps to 24.73 per cent. In the last trading session of the week, ended Friday 26th May 2017, yield movement in the bond market was largely uninspiring. Yield on the 5yr, 7yr and 10yr benchmark bonds were flat at 16.19 per cent, 16.08 per cent and 16.16 per cent respectively. As CBN maintained its intervention at the interbank market, the NGN continued to close at N305-306 levels against the USD. The NGN gained +1.32 per cent to N402.79 while it shed -0.29 per cent to N351.42 against the EUR. At the parallel market, the local currency fell -0.50 per cent to N382 against the USD, -0.60 per cent to N495 against the GBP while it gained +0.70% to N422 against the EUR. Experts said that the NGN’s performance will continue to see support from the CBN’s intervention sales as well as interest in the new Investment and Export (I&E) FX window.

L – R: Pai Gamde, Ag. Head, Corporate Services Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Master Yusuf Bello, Gloryville High School, Ebute metta, Yaba, Lagos; Master Ajoh Vincent Osita, Genesis High School, Ajah-Lekki, Lagos; Miss Priscilla Ogundoku, Gloryville High School, Ebute metta, Yaba; Joshua Oginni, Riverside Montessori School, Isheri, Lagos and Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communication Department, NSE at the Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of the 2017 Children’s Day Celebration at the Exchange on Friday.

FBN shares target 100% gain in short term FBN Holdings Plc bank share price is set to record over 100 per cent price growth as the company’s shares shortly after its 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos is heading for robust growth. The company’s shares which trended downwards at the beginning of the first quarter, following the release of the company’s 2016 audited results and the explanations and assurances that followed has sustained an upward trajectory positioning for a new low. FBN Holding shares, cross sec-

tion of stock brokers told Daily Times Nigeria, will sustain upward movement as more investors position to have stake in the company y with highly value subsidiaries and associate companies. The company closed trading last Friday May 26th at N3.89 per share, with growth of N0.88 or 21.95 per cent growth during the week. The growth trend, experts say would be sustained this week as the company is poised to replicate the trend this week. However, experts say that FBNH shares may witness minimal price

decline this week, but will lead to a new low that would trigger a robust price growth that will reward shareholders with new high. Experts have forecast that FBNH share price is poised to attain over 100 per cent equity price growth by the end of the second quarter, considering the tempo of work by the bank’s board towards checking its asset classes, managing cost, checking dept profiles and returning more value to all stakeholders, Dr Oba Otudeko, Chairman FBN Holdings Plc, assured at the company’s last AGM in Lagos.

FGN’s cost of borrowing 7x that of USA – Report

…Advocates mix of capital, recurrent expenditure to check deficit Nigeria’s debt profile has continued to be of concern to experts and foreign bodies, even as the country’s cost of borrowing has been pegged at seven times that of the United States. SBM Intelligence Nigeria , in its latest report noted that for every nation’s capital market to be robust, government’s must borrow massively, adding that, the United States current debt is estimated at over $19.92 trillion or 107.2 per cent debt of GDP ratio, while Nigeria’s meagre debt to GDP ratio stood at 18.6 per cent. The report added, “However, beneath this figure lies the problem. The United States 10-year treasury yield stands at 2.33 per cent whereas Nigerian 10year FGN bond yields, stand at 16.24 per cent” The report pointed that based on Nigeria’s cost of borrowing, the more the country borrows, the more the escalating cost of borrowing. “This means the Nigerian government’s cost of borrowing is about x7 that of the United States, hence the allocation of 1.84 trillion or 25 per cent of the budget to debt service” The report pointed that sustaining a very high cost of borrowing may not be possible for any nation or business entity.” SBM Intel therefore reiterates its advice that Nigeria should take drastic measures around the mix of capital to recurrent expenditure, to reduce budget deficits, while doing the hard work of increasing

tax coverage from the current paltry 6%, to a minimum of 15% as proposed by the ERGP” The International Monetary Fund has said Nigeria’s indebtedness will climb to 24.1 percent of its GDP by 2018,. In its World Economic and Financial Surveys, the global multilateral lender also projected that by the end of 2017, the country’s current indebtedness would have reached 23.3 percent of GDP, having closed 2016 with a debt to GDP ratio of 18.6 percent. Nigeria’s GDP for the year ended December 31, 2016, stood at 67.98 trillion, according to the NBS. Going by the projection of 24.1 percent for 2018, it means that within three years, the nation’s debt to GDP ratio would have gone up by 100 percent. Although Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio is considered among the lowest in Africa, there are worries about the rising spate of debt accumulation in recent years, while others are more concerned with the quality and utilization of debts by the nation. The World Bank recently expressed concern over the debt payment to revenue ratio, saying reduced revenue earnings might render the country’s debt unsustainable. A total of 1.84 trillion has been allocated in the 2017 budget for debt servicing. Borrowing for every government is a norm. In fact, for any nation’s capital markets to be robust, its government’s borrowing programme must be massive.

Summary of trading activities on NSE ASI

26,418.33

DEALS VOLUME

3,907.00 267,637,143.00

VALUE CAP

3,257,215,329.33 9,132,248,665,259.58

19-Feb 22-Feb 25-Feb 28-Feb 03-Mar 06-Mar 09-Mar 12-Mar 15-Mar 18-Mar 21-Mar 24-Mar 27-Mar 30-Mar 02-Apr 05-Apr 08-Apr 11-Apr 14-Apr 17-Apr 20-Apr 23-Apr 26-Apr 29-Apr 02-May 05-May 08-May 11-May 14-May 17-May 20-May 23-May 26-May

NSE All Share Index

29,500

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Naira Value (m)

27,000

22,000 99,000

79,000

59,000

24,500 39,000

19,000

(1,000)

Labour B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Minimum wage: NLC charges FG to announce negotiating committee speedily The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has expressed workers’ impatience to the Federal Government over the announcement of committee members that make up the negotiating team for the new minimum wage. The labour centre also warned sternly, against military incursion, vowing that Nigerians will resist any military advance with everything they have. Urging the Chief of Army Staff to go beyond informing of the unholy interaction going on between some unnamed politicians and soldiers. NLC in a statement signed by it’s President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba to mark the 2017 Democracy Day, lamented how long workers have waited for the review of the minimum wage act. He said: “As workers, after over six years of the last salary increment which brought the national minimum wage to N18,000, with the excruciating suffering of our mem-

bers as a result of galloping inflation caused by the massive increase in the price of petrol, and the massive devaluation of the Naira, our patience has been tested to the limit. “We therefore urge the federal government to use the occasion of the Democracy Day to announce the composition of the tripartite negotiation committee so that we can negotiate and have a living wage as minimum wage.” On the rumoured coup plot, he said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to state in the strongest possible tone that it is categorically opposed to any further military adventurism in the body politics of our nation. The damage military incursion into Nigeria’s political arena did over the decades when it imposed itself on the people is largely responsible for the underdevelopment of our political culture almost six decades after attaining political independence.

“The damage military rule caused our nation is not only in the realm of our political culture, it deepened and virtually institutionalised corruption in all segments of our national life. “As some commentators have pointed to the fact that a number of our past military rulers are stupendously rich is a testimony that they indeed appropriated our commonwealth for their individual pockets at the expense of the vast majority of our people. “We call on the Chief of Army Staff to go beyond just informing Nigerians and cautioning those trying to derail our democracy to desist from it. ” Rather, the Armed Forces should at the appropriate time after concluding its investigation, identify the individuals involved, prosecute them in the relevant courts, and if found guilty given the appropriate punishments as deterrent to potentially ambitious adventurers.”

R-L: Dr. Vincent Olatuji, Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy; Mr Otuya Okecha of Backbone Connectivity Network; Mr Olusola Teniola, President ATCON; Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director, e-Government Development & Regulatory Department, NITDA; Mr David Roberts, 2nd Vice President, ATCON; Dr. Suleiman Mohammed, Head Budget Development and Monitoring Unit, NITDA; Mr Chidi Prince Ajuzie, Chief Technical Officer, Backbone Connectivity Network; Dr. Adejube Olayinka, Director, Standards, Guidelines and Framework, NITDA and Mr Ajibola Olude, Executive Secretary, ATCON during ATCON NEC Courtesy Visit to NITDA Headquarter in Abuja recently.

IGU praises FG over minimum wage negotiation The Industrial Global Union, Africa, has commended the Federal Government for the constitution of a National Minimum Wage Committee to process the negotiation for a new wage for Nigerian workers, described as “impoverished African workforce.” Speaking through its Vice President, Mr. Issa Aremu, in commemoration of the 2017 Africa Day, with the theme Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through

investments in Youth, the body also commended the South African government for embracing the policy of National Minimum Wage, following long agitations by South African trade unions and workers declaring that it “was better late than never.” Aremu, who is also the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, and a member of the National Ex-

ecutive Council, NEC, of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, called on Africa leaders to “pay more attention to Africa’s youth and urgently address their concern which is decent jobs. “This is the only way to retain them in the continent and stop their unnecessary migration to Europe.” The union however calls on a speedy process, bearing the long suffering faced by workers in the past years.

MAN, stakeholders kick against multiple taxation in Kwara state

Kwara Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has taken a position over the proposed manufacturing processing levy bill sent to the state house of assembly by the Kwara State government describing the move as an act to constitute multiple taxation which is capable of killing local businesses in the state. Expressing the position of the association, chairman of the state chapter of MAN, Phamacist Bioku Rahman said the association is opposed to the bill and called on the House not to pass it into law because it could not fathom it’s use, considering the numerous existing taxes that manufactures pay in the state. He said that the manufacturers pay about 32 taxes, rates and levies and argued that the bill

would only constitute a further burden on them which would not help the growth of the manufacturing sector in the state. The MAN boss who noted that many manufacturing companies in the state had folded up, advised that what the state should do is to encourage growth of the industries and not to kill them. In similar vein, chairman of the state chambers of commerce, industry, mines and agriculture (KWACCIMA), Alhaji Ahmed Raji said his association opposed the bill because it considered it not beneficial to the development of the state. He said that if there was a lot of taxes against local manufacturers they won’t be able to favourably compete with imported goods and services.

Plans are ongoing by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to begin the second phase of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP). The scheme currently ongoing in 18 states is under SMEDAN’s National Enterprises Development Programme ( NEDEP). According to a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Unit of SMEDAN, the flag off ceremony would be performed by the agency’s Director-General/Chief

Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda. The agency revealed that the NIDSP programme is under a tripartite arrangement among ITF, SMEDAN and the Bank of Industry (BOI). “The training is designed to cover 10, 000 participants, who will be trained in 54 centres across the 18 states”. “Earlier this year, SMEDAN trained over 10, 000 graduates of ITF vocational skills training on entrepreneurship and business development under the NIDSP programme”, the statement read.

SMEDAN set to begin phase II of skills development programme

Energy PENGASSAN wants NASS to stop NLNG Act amendment The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has reiterated its opposition to the amendment of the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) (Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances) Act, calling on the National Assembly to halt the process in the interest of Nigeria. The union made their position known when the leadership of the Association visited the head office of NLNG recently. The union executives, led by PENGASSAN president, Comrade Francis Johnson, were received by the Managing Director of NLNG, Tony Attah, who was represented by the General Manager, External Relations, Dr. Kudo EresiaEke. Comrade Johnson said any amendment to the NLNG Act, which is an agreement crystallised into law, should be driven by the executive arm of government who entered into the deal with the foreign investors. He said law making should benefit Nigerians, not short-change the country. “NLNG is close to our heart as a union because it is the jewel of the industry. Keep in mind that we have been advocating that the structure of NLNG, of which is one of the key enabler of the successful company, be replicated in the refineries and other parts of the industry. NLNG is for all Nigerians and those unborn and we need to protect it. We can’t undo what we took over 30 years to set up. We will like to encourage the management of NLNG to continue its engagements with stakeholders to enlighten them about NLNG and what the company truly stand for,” he added. Earlier, while briefing the union executives, Dr EresiaEke remarked “the amendment of the NLNG Act is beyond the imposition of 3% Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy on NLNG. The proposed amendments infringe largely on, and specifically delete the Guarantees and Assurances provided by the Government in Paragraphs, 1, 2, 3 & 6 of the Second Schedule to the NLNG Act. These include the assurance that the Government of Nigeria would ‘take all executive, legislative, and other actions’ to effectively grant, fulfil and perform the Guarantees and Assurances provided by the Act (Para. 6). This would indeed create a floodgate for all sorts of levies that eat away on profitability of such investments in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Relax, your meters will get to you - EKEDC ... Assures customers on effective service delivery

OpeOluwani Akintayo The Management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC), has urged customers within its network to be patient, as the company is working hard to make sure that each home is metered. Oladele Amoda, Chief Executive Officer of Eko Disco, gave the assurance during a town hall meeting with customers of the company under Ojo Business District Area. Amoda who was represented by the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Sam Nwaire said that the essence of the town

hall meeting was to discuss with customers on how to improve service delivery. Amoda said that over 20, 800 meters had been rolled out, adding that the company had also designed a methodology on monthly installation to customers within its network. He said that all unmetered customers of the company would be reached within the stipulated time. Amoda added that it was not possible for all customers to be metered at the same time because of the cost involved was huge He urged those yet to be reached in the meter roll-out

plan to exercise patience saying no customer would be left out at the end. According to him, the meeting is to deliberate on challenges confronting customers and find lasting solution to the lingering problems. ``The continuous engagement with customers has been a long outstanding customer’s relationship that has been built overtime which needs to be sustained Amoda said that over N2.4 billion was yet to be collected by EKEDC from customers as electricity bills consumed in April, adding that the company only recovered N4.3 billion

payment out of N6.7 billion owed by customers. He said that the company was still battling to recover over N2.4 billion debt owed by customers for the month, adding that such huge debts had affected the company’s major projects. ``The company has boosted effective power distributions to customers, yet majority of the customers refused payment. “In spite of the quantum of supply distributed to customers in the Month of April, large numbers of customers are yet to turn out for payment.

Energy-natural-gas-lake-side-power-plant

Association to proffer solution on pipeline vandalism The Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PPAN) has said it plans to address causes of pipeline vandalism with the intention to proffer solutions at its forthcoming maiden international conference. Geoff Onuoha, the Executive Chairman of the association disclosed this in an interview with energy editors recently. Onuoha said that conference to be held in September, would bring stakeholders around the world to discuss pipeline investment, security and other related issues. He said that the effects of vandalism had continued to pose negative on their businesses within the subsector. According to him, production has been dependent on how smoothly the pipeline runs. ``Pipeline has been a major factor in the production of crude oil, gas and production. ``Our association brings in people who run pipeline, construct

pipeline and maintain pipeline. ``It is an association that brings together industry people. So, we want to bring together a conference that focuses on pipeline. ``We want to draw attention to challenges, the good methods, and new ideas on how pipeline is run,’’ he said. The PPAN chairman emphasised that pipeline issue had always been put under the carpet and submerged. ``Now we are going to bring it up. We are going to bring in issue of standardization and issue of new ways to address the challenges we have. ``We have technology like HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling), but who can afford it. “How much does it cost, who are the companies that can mill pipelines in Nigeria, and who are those that can help maintain pipelines. ``Then, who are the people that are endanger to pipelines. How can we address issues of attacks on

pipeline? We just want to focus on pipeline issues. ``If you address the issues of pipeline challenges, production goes up because pipelines are the easiest target when people wanted to do anything. ``So, if you can address pipelines, you can address power in the process and address production. That’s why we are coming with our partners to Abuja to organise this conference. ``At the conference, you will see people who build pipes, pipe mills, those that construct pipelines, those who own pipelines and those that maintain pipelines. ``You will see people from different group exhibiting and addressing issues that will do with pipelines,” he said. Onuoha said that pipelines vandalism has been a serious challenge to the socio-economic development of the country which the association has designed a methodology on how to address the menace.

``We want people to come and show case different technology at their disposal that will be best used to address vandalism. ``The conference also trends towards addressing other issues that lead to pipeline vandalism like the social issues and not just the pipeline challenges,’’ he said. On how much Nigeria is losing to pipeline importation, Onuoha said that 80 per cent of all the pipes used in Nigeria are imported and expensive. He said that pipelines are very expensive, adding that a inches length of 127km-48 pipeline costs $1.2billion, which is a lot of money and the association is trying to put lots of attention on pipelines. It would be recalled that in February, Dr Ibe Kachukwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources said that the country lost as much as $100 billion in revenue due to attacks by militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta cut crude output to a record low.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Simon Ugwu The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) held its meeting on May 22, and 23, 2027 to deliberate on a way forward to the current economic challenges in the country. The MPC urged the CBN to intensify its surveillance, in order to address emerging vulnerabilities. The Committee also called on the Deposit Money Banks to step up credit to the private sector to support economic recovery and convey a positive feedback to the financial system. The MPC was however, concerned that loosening would exacerbate inflationary pressures and worsen the gains so far achieved in the exchange rate of the naira. It was also convinced that loosening would further increase the negative real interest rate as the gap between the nominal interest rate and inflation widens. On the financial stability outlook, the Committee noted that in spite of the banking sector’s resilience, the weak macroeconomic environment has continued to exert pressure on the banking system. The Committee’s Decisions in consideration of the challenges weighing down the domestic economy and the uncertainties in the global environment, the Committee decided by a unanimous vote of the 8 members in attendance to retain the MPR at 14.0 per cent alongside all other policy parameters. One member was absent at the meeting. In summary, the MPC decided to retain the MPR at 14 per cent; CRR at 22.5 per cent; the Liquidity Ratio at 30.00 per cent; and the Asymmetric corridor at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR . On the domestic front, the economy has shown greater resilience in the intervening period since the last meeting of the Committee, anchored on more focused macroeconomic policies and improvements in oil prices. While the general economic outlook seems cautiously optimistic for the remainder of fiscal 2017, emerging indicators suggest that economic policy must remain circumspect. In attendance were 8 out of 12 members of the Committee.

B8 Business Feature

Boost in private sector credit’ll aid economic recovery

Adeosun Domestic Output Developments Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the economy contracted marginally by 0.52 per cent in Q1 2017, a much more positive development since Q1 2016. The data also shows that about eighteen (18) economic activities recorded positive growth in Q1 2017; indicating that the economy was firmly on the path of recovery. The key growth activities were led by quarrying (52.54%), metal ores (40.79%), road transportation (12.35%), water supply and sewage (12.63%), fishing (5.49%), crop production (3.5%), oil refining 93.01%), motion pictures (2.95%), telecommunication (2.89%), forestry (2.59%), amongst others. The Committee noted the positive effects of improved foreign exchange management on the performance of the manufacturing sector and other economic activities. The non-oil sector grew by 0.72 per cent in Q1 2017, largely reflecting the growth recorded in agriculture and solid minerals, and recovery in manufacturing, construction and services sectors. The Committee urged the fiscal authorities to expeditiously commence the implementation of the recently approved 2017 budget, especially, the capital expenditure portion, in order to sustain the momentum of recovery,

Emefiele engender employment and restore confidence in the Nigerian economy. Developments in Money and Prices, the committee noted that money supply (M2) contracted by 8.48 per cent in April 2017, annualized to a contraction of 25.44 per cent in contrast to the provisional growth benchmark of 10.29 per cent for 2017. Net Domestic Credit (NDC) grew by 1.40 per cent in April, 2017, annualized to 4.21 per cent, which is significantly below the 17.93 per cent provisional growth benchmark for 2017. However, net credit to government grew by 24.08 per cent over end-December 2016, representing an annualized growth of 72.0 per cent. The Committee was concerned that credit to government continued to outpace the programmed target of 33.12 per cent for fiscal 2017, while credit to the private sector declined considerably far below the programmed target of 14.88 per cent. The moderation in headline inflation in April, 2017 thus reflected the decline in the core component to 14.80 per cent in April from 15.40, 16.01, and 17.87 per cent, respectively in March, February and January, 2017. Similarly, monthon-month inflation moderated to 1.60 per cent in April from 1.72 per cent in March, 2017. The Committee attributed these developments

in part to the effects of the recent gains in the naira exchange rate, brought about by the Bank’s interventions in the foreign exchange market and the resulting downward price adjustments on imported items and their derivatives. Against this background, the Committee emphasized the need to sustain and deepen the Bank’s foreign exchange management policies and measures in order to reap the benefits of the pass-through to consumer prices. The MPC recognized the continued influence of structural factors such as high energy and transportation costs, production bottlenecks on prices and hoped that the ongoing reforms by the Government would address some of these constraints. Money market interest rates moved in tandem with the level of liquidity in the banking system. Rates were relatively stable during the review period. The interbank call rate opened at 11.40 per cent on March 22, 2017 and closed at 38.94 per cent on May 18. The movement in net liquidity position was influenced by sales at the Open Market Operations, foreign exchange interventions, the payment of statutory revenues to States and Local Governments as well as maturing CBN Bills. The MPC noted the bullish trend in the equities segment of the capital market as the All-Share

Index (ASI) rose by 10.20 per cent from 25,516.34 on March 31, 2017, to 28,113.38 on May 19, 2017. Similarly, Market Capitalization (MC) increased by 10.10 per cent from N8.83 to N9.72 trillion during the same period. Relative to end-December 2016, the capital market indices rose by 4.60 and 5.10 per cent, respectively, reflecting growing investor confidence following improvements in foreign exchange supplies reflected in the over US$1 billion injected through the investor window and exchange rate management. Total foreign exchange inflows through the CBN increased by 7 69.77 per cent in April, 2017 compared with the previous month. Total outflows, however, rose, but less significantly, at 29.35 per cent during the same period. Consequently, the Committee observed that the average naira exchange rate remained stable at the inter-bank segment of the foreign exchange market in the review period. 2.0. Overall Outlook and Risks Available data and various forecasts of key economic variables as well as assessment of government initiatives, including the recently released Federal Government Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), all point to prospects of recovery in 2017. The Committee expects that the timely implementation of this plan,

judicious execution of the approved 2017 Budget and sustenance of the new foreign exchange implementation regime supported by the restoration of security in different parts of the country, especially, in the Niger Delta region, would help accelerate growth and restore confidence in the economy. The MPC was of the view that whereas the downward trend in inflation in April 2017 is a welcomed development; the rate was still significantly above the policy reference band. The MPC is particularly pleased with the gradual retreat in inflation, the relative stability in the Naira exchange rate across all segments of the foreign exchange market and the improved prospects of foreign investment inflow. The Committee also welcomes the passage of the 2017 Budget and called on the relevant authorities to ensure its judicious implementation, especially, the capital budget in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. It, however, noted the associated risks to banking system liquidity of the envisaged fiscal injections during the remainder of the year. Against this risk, the Committee contemplated the prospects of further tightening of monetary policy should the need arise. The MPC however, noted that further tightening would widen the income gap, depress aggregate consumption and adversely affect credit to the real sector of the economy. Nevertheless, against the backdrop of the rather unclear outlook around key economic activities (food production especially) and some optimism about current deceleration in inflation as well as relative stability in the naira exchange rate, the MPC was reluctant to alter the current policy configuration in any fundamental manner. This is intended to allow the existing policies to fully achieve their intended goals and objectives. On the other hand, the Committee noted that the cost of capital in the economy remains high and not helpful to growth.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Aramide:

I am not really a makeup fan

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Mutiat Alli

I’m in Nigeria to raise boxing champs –Holyfield Four-time world heavyweight box-

I am coming into the mainstream of world boxing promotions with a team of good guys who will reshape boxing globally and give it a new lease of life. We need to bring up ideas on how to make things work and help provide pension plans for retiring boxers and trainers. We need to do a whole lot of work to make the sport more attractive and have the ability to sustain the actors of the pugilist trade on retirement. You see, I cannot be able to do all these if I’m a coach because I will have a lot of enemies chasing me around if my boxer defeats an opponent.

to take to coaching, unlike in football where retired soc-

This is about your second time of visiting Nigeria, -

Evander Holyfield

As a reknowned international heavyweight boxing

With your experience, how would you assess the -

Photos: Bolaji Olasunkanmi

I will want to see Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, try what we did in America by going back to the grassroots and catching these future champs young; then they can help put them in Boys Clubs. From the Boys Clubs, they can be nurtured to stardom through dedicated educational programmes that will help them become champions. Frankly, I’m interested in getting these future boxing champions at their tender ages, so that Nigerians will benefit from their exploits through my Read Deal Promotions.

Evander Holyfield

Recently, you donated medical facilities worth $3million to the Lagos State government, what was -

How far have you and other retired boxers gone globally towards contributing to solid policy formulation

With the level of decay in Nigerian boxing, are we expecting any further support from you to the Nige- provide needed succor in this regard, as you are in -

Coming back home here in Africa, what is responsible for pro-boxing not attaining the height it has achieved What were the reasons that enabled Anthony Joshua Talk to us about this your team, where are they from

Finally champ, from all what you said in this interview, most of your responses had been punctuated

In the past 35 years, boxing as sport is associated with a lot of glamour, but suddenly all those glamour

Aside what you said now, what do you further advice the youths to do especially those of them who may wish to take to pro-boxing as a career and your candid advice to corporate bodies who do business in Africa so as to

T s v w f s is n p g m w if g

Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 30, 2017

You can never see me wear bum short in publicâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Aramide Her love for singing and song writing kicked off in Jos city and ever since, she has been very consistent in her genre of music, dishing out soulful songs. Aramide Sarumoh, a graduate of Political Science, University of Jos, is fully addicted to her Guitar and live performances. artistes. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the love me crooner lets us into her world of music, fashion to mention but a few. At a time where most artistes are opting for fast tempo songs, how come you are sticking to

also very good at singing. While I was growing up, I was shy and that is why I started with songwriting. Over time, I realized that if I want to succeed in my

I feel it pays me more to stick to what I know. It is not that I do not like trying new things out but I believe that in sticking to what you know, you can always try new things out. I have always been a soul singer from the onset and I feel I can

Singing and playing instruments are what I have always wanted to do. Everything works together for my good.

branch out into something I am not comfortable with or something that does not best describe my personality and my music.

How many instruments can you play? I can play the guitar and when I started my career, I used to play the saxophone but I stopped. I decided to stick with the guitar because it was easier to play and sing at the same time.

What was your childhood like? I am the only girl among two boys. My brothers bullied me a lot and I was a tomboy growing up. I was tasked with dong all the chores in the house. It was easy for both my brothers to bully me because the age difference between us is not much. Growing up was fun. I did not have friends while growing up and whenever my brothers upset me, I would compose a song about the situation and start singing the song at the top of my voice repeatedly till they got tired and irritated of the song. They are my best friend and we are very close.

How do you balance your role as a married woman with your singing career? They are both demanding but I have been able to combine both because I am married to a very understanding and supportive man. He understands his role as a husband and I understand mine as a wife. We both have jobs. What is your opinion about make-up? I am not really a fan of make-up. I only use makeup if I have a performance or I have an important appointment. Most times, when I leave my house I hardly apply make-up so that people would not easily recognize me. Whenever I use make-up, people tend to easily recognize me. I actually like make-up but I am not a big fan of it.

How did you become a musician? I started music a long time ago. I started as a song writer at the age of 12 and as I grew older I fell in love with music the more; so I decided to develop my talent. I was really exposed to music as a young child because my father was a music lover What would you never be caught wearing? who really loved listening to a lot of jazz, afrobeat, soul music and other good sounds. Along the line, I me wearing bum short in public, never. picked up the guitar. When I started playing the guitar, singing and What is your fashion fetish? song writing became easier for me. All this while, I love shoes a lot. In fact, some of the best gifts I I was in Jos because that is where I grew up. have received from my husband are actually shoes. My father was the one who made me love music growing up. He would listen to practically anything. also love jewelry. and a lot of reggae songs. Growing up in Jos was fun. It was an environment without discrimination and there was nothing like the rich and the poor. We all went to the same schools and played in the same basketball court. I am an only girl and because of that, I got a lot of favour from my parents. I was really pampered by my father, especially. Why did you not stick to being a songwriter? Apart from the fact that I am a songwriter, I am

Life&

What is the fashion item you cannot leave home without? I can never leave home without my wedding ring. Asides that, I always wear a wrist watch. What is your take on tattoos? that I have anything against them. I have never considered having one because it is not something I fancy.