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How I helped to rig elections, Senator Mantu confessesg4

Easter: Pray for Leah Sharibu, Chibok girls safe return–Ajimobi g5

Saraki, Dogara mourn as House Deputy g 5 Leader dies in Abuja

Lagos deserves special status, Gov Ambode tells Buhari gB5

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War against corruption takes new dimension • Presidency releases list of alleged PDP looters • PDP faults list, wants FG to release names of convicted persons Tunde Opalana and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

••• The war against corruption in the country took

a new twist on Friday as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threw tantrums over alleged looters of public funds.

The PDP had started the row when its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a reac-

tion had asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to either name those accused of being corrupt or keep quiet.

Ologbondiyan said this after Osinbajo vowed not to stop talking about the alleged corruption under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The PDP had asked the ruling APC to stop accusing the PDP of looting the nation’s economy as former public office holders linked with sleaze are Continued from page 4

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left); International model, Naomi Campell (third left); President Muhammadu Buhari; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluranti Adebule and others during the visit of Buhari to Eko Atlantic City in Lagos... on Friday

Flavour: Semah is an incredible boy to work with gL2

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Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Friday, March 30, 2018 Saturday, March 31, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

War against corruption takes new dimension Continued from page 1

been harboured by the Buhariled APC government.

The party said it is high time the APC stop the blame game when it is obvious that former members of the PDP accused of corruption have found safe haven in the APC, a party hypocritically fighting corruption.

The PDP said, “ While we restate our challenge to the Presidency to name any individual in the repositioned PDP indicted for looting public fund, we make bold to state that in President Buhari’s cabinet are former APC governors indicted by their states for looting funds belonging to the people, bulk of which were used to finance the President’s 2015 campaign.

“We also have the list of prominent individuals, who were indicted of looting but have since crossed over to the APC where they are now provided cover by the Buhari administration.”

But the Federal Government has responded to the challenge of the PDP, which dared it to name its members who are “looters”.

At a press conference in Lagos on Friday, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the identities of “looters” were unveiled as a result of the challenge of PDP. According to him, the list is just a tip of the iceberg, saying that more names will be made available in due course.

On the list are the names of the PDP Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, former spokesman of the PDP? Olisa Metuh and a former aide of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mohammed said, “The PDP has challenged us to name the looters under their watch. They said they did not loot the treasury.

“Well, I am sure they know that the treasury was looted dry under their watch. Yet they decided to grandstand. This shows the hollowness of their apology. This list is just a tip of the iceberg, and the PDP is aware of this. We did not make these cases up. Many of these cases are in court and the records are available.

“Some of the people on this list are seeking to plea bargain, and that is a fact. We insist that Nigeria was looted blind under the watch of the PDP and that the starting point in tendering an apology is for them to return the loot.

“It’s like a robber admitting to stealing your car and apologising, but then saying he will keep the car anyway. It doesn’t work that way. The PDP is a hypocrite.

And that reminds me of what

English writer, William Hazlitt, said: ”The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.

“We will not stop talking about the massive looting by the PDP. They brought Nigeria to this sorry pass. We are now looking around for loans to build infrastructure, and they ask us not to talk about it. We will talk about it.

Below are the names released

by Mohammed and the allegations levelled against them: 1. PDP chairman Uche Secondus: On the 19th of February 2015, he took N200million only from the office of the NSA. 2. Former PDP Financial Secretary: On the 24th of October 2014, he took N600million only from the office of former NSA. 3. Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisah Metuh: On trial for allegedly collecting N1.4bn from the office of former NSA. 4. Raymond Dokpesi, chairman of DAAR Communication: On trial for allegedly taking N2.1 billion from the office of the former NSA. 5. Former SSA to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dudafa Waripamo-Owei: On trial, over N830 million allegedly kept in accounts of four different companies.

6. Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola: Allegedly collected $40 million from the office of former NSA. Meanwhile, the Presidency has advised Nigerians to be cautious of the ‘less-than-honest apology’ offered by the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus.

The Presidency also maintained that the point made by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is apt and on cue, that there are heavy moral duties that go with apologies if the culprits want to be taken seriously.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Friday, said the PDP was desperate to recapture power because it no longer has unhindered access to national resources for private uses and its apology should be seen in this context.

Shehu said, “The PDP has not even acknowledged the fact that it plundered the national economy, and for a party that dismissed the anti-corruption war as a political witch hunt, it is impossible to believe that its public apology comes from the bottom of the heart.

“Even desperate thieves apologise because they are caught and not because they are incapable

of repeating the crime if they had another opportunity.

“We believe that the PDP should not only apologise for the imposition of candidates, and the culture of impunity, but must also come clean and acknowledge that they participated in large scale corruption and massive diversions of public funds to private pockets while poverty was ravaging the ordinary Nigerians.

“We challenge individual PDP leaders to publicly and voluntarily tell Nigerians how much they stole and then agree to cough up their illegal acquisitions of wealth if they want their apology to be taken seriously,” the Presidency stated.

According to the presidency,

apology borne by desperation to recapture power without a desire to admit how much they stole and the reluctance to return the loot is morally hollow, adding that “This goes beyond rebranding. Nigerians are not interested in brands. They want their money back.

“For such apology to gain acceptance, the offenders must first of all show remorse; then return that which was unlawfully taken or restore the damage caused the nation; and commit to never doing the wrong they did again.

The PDP has done none of these for them to be taken seriously by anyone.”

The Presidential spokesman further said that instead of addressing “this cogent issue

raised by the Minister,” the PDP veered off to accuse this administration of borrowing money but failed, in that regard to admit that they borrowed to steal while Buhari administration is borrowing to set up long-delayed infrastructure.

He said that the PDP’s uncaring attitude to these matters, including the kidnapping of 270 girls from Chibok is the hallmark of the long years of misrule.

“Another issue of moral and political significance is about the recent disclosure by US investigators that the PDP government engaged in massive data theft that included the hacking of Candidate Muhammadu BuContinued on page 6

L-R: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Mr. Habila Joshak; Inspector General of Police Idris Ibrahim and Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during the visit of Inspector General of Police to the INEC Headquarters in Abuja..yesterday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

How I helped to rig elections, Sen Mantu confesses Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

•••A

former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, has revealed how he helped his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win elections in the past.

Senator Mantu, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, ‘confessed the truth’ during a programme monitored in his interview on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme on Friday.

Asked about how he helped to rig elections, the self-acclaimed ‘born again’ politician said, “I don’t have to go and change election (results) but when you provide money, you give money to INEC boys that if they see any chance they should favour you, you provide money to the

security (personnel); I tell you it’s not necessarily when I am contesting election but when my party sponsors a candidate, I will like that candidate to win election.”

The former Deputy Senate President, who pronounced himself as a born-again politician in 2017, disclosed that he helped to rig elections for the PDP by providing financial inducements to officials involved in the conduct of the polls.

He admitted to having bribed electoral and security officials, even agents of other political parties in order not to raise any objection to the outcomes of the elections.

Ahead of the forthcoming general polls, Senator Mantu, however, believes Nigeria can get a free and fair election if

people are born again like him and refuse to engage in electoral malpractice.

He further urged Nigerians to ensure they voted wisely in 2019 and support leaders who would make the welfare of the people a top priority of their administration.

Mantua said, “I am tired of leaving in poverty in the midst of plenty and I believe that we have the resources that people can live a decent life without being beggars to those who have.

“So we need good governance and good governance can only be provided by good people; good people who are truly repentant, who are concerned about the well-being of the people.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

5 News

Easter: Pray for Leah Sharibu, Chibok girls safe return, peace in Nigeria –Ajimobi •••Oyo

State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged Christians to use the occasion of this year’s Easter celebrations to pray fervently for the country to overcome the socio-economic challenges currently confronting it.

The development was contained in the governor’s Easter message, issued in Ibadan, on Saturday, by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji.

The governor called on

the Christians to pray for the restoration of peace and tranquility in all the trouble spots across the country, particularly in the North-East.

Ajimobi asked the faithful to particularly remember to pray for the safe return of the last Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls still under Boko Haram captivity.

He said that it was only in an atmosphere of love, togetherness and renewed commitment to the country’s

unity that the people could attain the much-desired greatness.

The governor appealed to the masterminds of terrorism, insurgency, militancy, kidnappings and other acts creating unnecessary tension among the citizenry to embrace amnesty and drop their arms.

He said: ``Violence and criminality are ill winds that blow no one any good.

There is no religion that is in support of taking people’s

lives under whatever guise.

“Therefore, we must put immediate stop to all acts of terrorism, insurgency, militancy and kidnappings in all parts of the country. I’m appealing to the perpetrators to take advantage of the amnesty being offered them and drop their arms. ``We should all be promoting activities that will further enhance our peaceful co-existence and unity as a people. It is only under this atmosphere that our dear

L-R: Kogi State Deputy Governor, Achuba Simon; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yussuf ; Speaker, House of Representatves, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Chief Imam of Abdurahzak Kutepa Mosque, Alhaji Abu Billat at the burial of late. Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Umar Buba Jibril in Lokoja, Kogi State….Friday

country can achieve the much-desired greatness.’’

The governor urged Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ who he said offered himself as a living sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.

While congratulating Christians on the successful completion of the 40-day fasting, Ajimobi enjoined them to use the occasion to reflect on the essence of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, as well as the opportunity it offered them to be closer to their Creator.

He said, ``Easter is not about wining and dining alone. Rather, it is an occasion to realize that we need to love one another as exhibited by God who, out of His love for mankind, offered Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to give life more abundant. ``Let us eschew all divisive tendencies, violence and other things that are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus Christ, which centred on love and compassion for one another.”

The governor commended Christians, Muslims and other religious adherents in the state for their peaceful co-existence, urging them to continue in their prayers for his administration in its quest to ensure better life for all.

Saraki, Dogara, others mourn as House Deputy Leader dies in Abuja Tunde Opalana and Henry Omunu, Abuja

•••Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, have expressed sadness over the sudden death of the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon Umar Buba Jibrin.

The federal lawmaker from Kogi State died in the early hours of Friday in Abuja.

In posts on his social media pages, Saraki said that Nigeria has lost another seasoned legislator and champion of the common man.

Saraki said, “My thoughts

and prayers are with the family and constituents of the late Hon Umar Buba Jibrin, deputy leader of the House of Representatives, who passed away early this morning.

“As a former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Jibrin, was a seasoned legislator and a conscientious lawmaker who always put the interests of the common man first — and championed them at the federal level. He will be greatly missed.

“My deep condolences go out to Speaker Dogara, his colleagues in the House of Representives and the government and people of Kogi State over

this great loss.”

Meanwhile, Dogara has confirmed the death of Jibrin.

Dogara, who announced the passing away of the House member in a statement signed by him on Friday, said that, “We regret to announce the passing away of our friend, brother, colleague and leader, Umar Buba Jibrin, deputy leader of the House of Representatives, whose sad demise occurred in the early hours of Friday, after a long protracted illness.

“He will be buried later today (Friday) in Lokoja after the jummat prayer. “ We extend our heart felt condolences to his immediate fami-

ly, his wives, children, relations, his constituents and people of Kogi State. “ Buba was an upright man, a leader per excellence, a patriotic, committed and hardworking lawmaker and a worthy representative.

“He will greatly be missed by all. May his gentle rest in peace,” Dogara added.

APC Mourns Umar Baba Jibril In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has mourned the death of a member of his party, Hon. Umar Baba Jibril, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.

In a statement made available on Friday by the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC condoled with the family of the deceased, the National Assembly as well as the government and people of Kogi State over the loss of the vibrant and experienced lawmaker who was a three-time member of the House of Representatives.

Abdullahi said, “ The APC notes his vast contributions to the institution of democracy as a former Speaker in the Kogi State House of Assembly and as a longstanding member of the House of Representatives who moved many motions and initiated bills geared towards a better life for Nigerians.

6 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

War against corruption takes new dimension Continued from page 4

hari’s personal data before the last general elections,” Shehu added.

The presidential spokesman reiterated that the PDP’s continued silence on this reprehensible heist only goes to confirm their remorselessness even as more and more facts are emerging that the same

unfair method was the modus operandi that they used to capture political power in the 2017 elections.

But in a swift reaction to Federal Government list of looters, the PDP has dismissed the list as hollow and laughable.

The party said the list is an extension of Federal Government media trial and challenged it to come

up names of its members against whom the Federal Government had secured convictions.

It said, “The list put forward by the Federal Government as purported looters amount to a cheap blackmail as none of those listed have been indicted or convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction or any panel of enquiry in

our country.”

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement said the list issued by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, only goes to show that the APC and the Presidency have no prove of corruption against the PDP. The party said in its frenzy and desperation,

From left: Senator Ayo Arise, Andy Uba and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu during 10th Colloquium to mark the 66 birthday of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos…on Thursday

US visa applicants to disclose social media identities •••The

US government is proposing to collect social media identities from nearly everyone who seeks US visa, according to a state department filing on Friday.

The proposal, a broad expansion of the information gathered from applicants for US visas, if approved by the office of management and budget (OMB), would require most immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants to list all social media identities they have used in the past five years.

The information will be used to vet and identify them, according to the proposals, which would affect about 14.7 million people annually.

The proposals support President Donald Trump’s promise to in-

stitute “extreme vetting” of foreigners entering the United states to prevent terrorism.

Previously, under rules instituted last May, consular officials were instructed to collect social media identifiers only when they determined “that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting,” a state department official said at the time.

The state department said then that the tighter vetting would apply only to those “who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities.”

The American Civil Liberties Union expressed concern, saying

the move would have a “chilling” effect on freedom of speech and association.

“People will now have to wonder if what they say online will be misconstrued or misunderstood by a government official,” Hina Shamsi, director ACLU’s national security project, said in a statement.

“We’re also concerned about how the Trump administration defines the vague and over-broad term ‘terrorist activities’ because it is inherently political and can be used to discriminate against immigrants who have done nothing wrong.

“There is a real risk that social media vetting will unfairly target immigrants and travelers from Muslim-majority countries for discriminatory visa denials, without

doing anything to protect national security.”

The new proposal was published in the federal register on Friday. The public has 60 days to comment on the revised procedures before the OMB approves or rejects them.

If approved, the measures also will require applicants to submit five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses and their international travel history. They will be asked if they have been deported or removed from any country and whether family members have been involved in terrorist activities, the department said.

The department said it intends not to routinely ask most diplomatic and official visa applicants for the additional information

the Federal Government even included names of individuals who are not standing trial or under investigation for any act of corruption, as well as those who are not even PDP members.

Ologbondiyan said, “The Buhari-led Federal Government has manifested its frenzy by going after matters that are in court and in which none of the persons have been convicted, thus betraying their wickedness and desperation to mislead the public, the court and divert attention from the heavy looting involving their members.

“We are not in doubt that the individuals he has mentioned will take their legitimate stride and pursue appropriate action in the court.

“However, attacks on individuals, who are members of our party, does not in anyway detract from the fact that the PDP, as a political platform, is not a party of corruption.

“It is unfortunate that the APC and its government under whose watch horrendous sleazes are happening on daily basis and a government that has failed to fulfill the littlest of its campaign promises, can spend a wholesome three years searching for flimsy allegations to discredit our party and its members.

“This is a government that is yet to account for $26billion (N9 trillion) stolen through corrupt oil contracts in the NNPC, N1.1 trillion worth of crude diverted to service APC interests, N18billion internally Displaced Persons (IDP) intervention fund stolen by APC officials, including their former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, the N10billion National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for which members of the Buhari cabal were indicted as well as the Mainagate, where the APC government recalled and reinstated an individual indicted for scam running into billions of naira.

“This is in addition to cover provided for serving ministers indicted for corrupt enrichment, among whom is a prominent former PDP governor from the south south, who was indicted by his state for stealing billions of naira to fund President Buhari’s campaign in 2015.”

Ologbondiyan said that “the PDP is on a rebound and such flimsy allegations by the APC and its horde of looters, who stole humongous wealth from their respective states of the federation to sponsor an incompetent candidate in 2015, cannot stop us from challenging the Federal Government to fulfil its campaign promises”.

‘Shoot on sight!’ Zamfara gov asks operatives to kill anyone with illegal arms •••Governor

Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state on Friday asked security agents to shoot and kill anyone caught carrying firearms illegally in the state.

Yari said this when he visited the Emir of Anka to condole with the emirate over the killing of over 30 persons by gunmen in Bawan Daji village.

“This is an order from the president and from the governor of the state,” he said.

“We cannot continue to watch criminals as a parallel government, doing what they want and carrying sophisticated firearms, maiming and killing innocent citizens in the state.”

The Governor directed the disbandment of five commu-

nities and the removal of the Village and District Heads of the affected communities in the emirate with immediate effect.

The traditional rulers were accused of harbouring bandits.

He said any person or group found associating with bandits should also not be spared but treated as the firearms carriers.

Responding, Attahiru Ahmad, Emir of Anka, said “we need more security personnel who are also committed to carry out their responsibility effectively.

“What we are facing is armed banditry by triggerhappy criminals, who attack innocent rural dwellers and steal their cash and property.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

39 controllers graduate from prisons academy

Delta private healthcare bill will cut down death rate - Delta Speaker

•••A total of 39 Controllers of the Ni-

gerian Prisons Service on Friday completed a six-week advance management training aimed at repositioning correctional services in the country.

The 8th Advance Command Course for the Controllers of Prisons was held at the NPS Academy, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the participants, Comptroller General of NPS, Ja’afaru Ahmed, said that the academy was a penal training institution and first of its kind in Africa.

The NPS boss said that the training was aimed at equipping the controllers with prerequisite managerial and leadership skills for their next rank of Assistant Comptroller General of Prison.

Represented by Kunle Babalola, an Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Lagos and Ogun States, Ahmed commended participants for their hard work and commitment during the course.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, the overall best student of the course, Tunde Ladipo, called on his colleagues to use the skills acquired at the academy to transform the prisons.

Ladipo, who is Controller of Prisons in Lagos State, said that the prisons were correctional centres established to reposition and refine inmates.

The ceremony was attended by the Ago-Iwoye monarch, Oba Abdulrasak Adenugba and the Chairman Ijebu-Igbo West Local Government, Adegoke Adekanbi. The monarch congratulated the participants and commended the NPS for siting the prisons academy in the community.

7 News

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

•••The

Associate of notorious, Lagos cult Leader Alami Samuel, arrested along with his principal Kanmi Alias Father by men of the Lagos Police Command, when the duo went to terrorise residents of Hassan street in Ilasamaja, Lagos

Speaker, Delta state House of Assembly, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that the State Private Healthcare Centre Bill 2017 will cut down on death rate in the state.

The speaker who spoke with our reporter recently in Asaba, disclosed that efforts were being made to curtail quackery in the state’s health sector, adding that the bill became necessary due to lack of proper regulatory mechanisms available to check quackery.

He said that the bill was passed following a motor by the lead sponsor who also is a member representing Ukwuani constituency, Dr. Alphonsus Ojo, and was seconded by the member representing Uvwie constituency, Mr. Efe Ojo Buruku.

The Speaker posited that the bill was pursuant of the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria which provides that the security and welfare of the people was the basic responsibility of the government.

The Speaker said that the bill was basically a weapon to usher sanity into the state’s health sector as it was poised to monitor registration, operations and prohibition of illegal health operators.

According to him, the infiltrator of Quacks in the state’s health sector had led to the many avoidable mortalities disclosing that about 80 percent of hospitals in the state were not

registered, and we managed by charlatans.

The Speaker therefore urged Deltans to support the cause of flushing out Quacks among the health practitioners in the state, stating that section 4 of the bill clearly stated that every person who wishes to run a health centre, must be registered, adding that the bill was all about that section to provide a level of sanity for good health services.

Meanwhile, the immediate past secretary to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Ovuozourie Macauley has said that only politicians with ill motives, and failed records fear elections Macualay who dispelled the rumour making rounds that the Isoko Political Exodus (IPE) was floated to fight against the interest of some political stakeholders in Isoko to journalists, stated that the IPE was built with a vision to reform politics, check impunity, and ensure fair play and responsive government. He said that the Exodus has come to stay, and cannot be destroyed, adding “let no one be afraid because of his membership of the Exodus, the Exodus will fight, and revolt against tyrannical leadership, nepotism, oppression inconsideration governance and divide, rule leadership. He urged Isoko, and members of the group to stand firm in their belief, recalling that the group with over 10, 000 members was inaugurated in Oleh, with the presence of the chairman of the ceremony, Marthias Eto.

Man abandons wife over delivery of triplets Titus Akhigbe,Benin

•••

Mrs Ugoma Edobor with the triplets

A 44-year-old man, Mr. Paul Edobor has allegedly abandoned his wife of 12 years, Mrs. Ugoma Edobor for delivering triplets in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State .

Speaking in Benin City, Mrs. Edobor who paraded the three babies before newsmen said her husband, a bike operator, having learnt that she had been delivered of a triplet (all females), refused to show up at home let alone pick her calls.

She said her husband

decided to abandon them because he cannot take care of the babies.

According to her “my husband ran away because he cannot take care of the babies.

“My husband was aware that I was going to the hospital for antenatal but I put to bed at home.

He left me when I was in my labour.

“After I have put to bed, I put a call to him but he refused to pick my calls.”

She said since her husband absconded, she and her babies have been living at the mercies of kind spirited Nigerians.

“All this time while he was away, people have been the ones helping me to the extent of buying me baby things.

“I have been going to the market places and churches with the babies to beg for alms. Wherever I go, people thanked God for giving me these babies”, she said.

Mrs. Edobor has however called on the state government and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid to enable her take care of her babies.

“I want the government and every spirited indi-

viduals to come to my assistance to enable me take care of my babies”, she said.

She further pleaded for her husband to come back home adding that she has forgiven him.

“I want my husband to come back to me. I have forgiven him. We have married in the traditional way therefore, there is no going back.

“We both met in Lagos and we decided to relocate to Uromi. We have been married for 12 years now and we have five children all together now, she said.

National

News

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Leah Sharibu ended in wrong hands

•••

The only student of Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, still in Boko Haram custody, Leah Sharibu, reportedly made an unsuccessful attempt to escape.

The insurgents abducted 110 students on February 19 and released them a month later, with the exception of Sharibu and five students who died in captivity.

They reportedly held

Sharibu back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

Some of Sharibu’s schoolmates said while in custody, she had sneaked away with two other girls — but was unfortunate to walk into the wrong arms.

“We thought she was just going round the corner, but she sneaked out along with Maryam and Amira (the other two classmates),” Aisha Ibi-

wa, one of the girls, told UK Guardian.

They were said to have walked for three days in the course of their escape from the insurgents. A family they met for help on how to return home to Dapchi rather facilitated their return to the insurgents.

Hajara Adamu, another of Leah’s friends, recalled: “The Fulani man (from the family) said to them, ‘so you are the

missing girls that we’ve heard about on the radio.’

He gave them a jerrycan filled with cow’s milk and brought them back.”

“Leah and her group weren’t flogged. They [Boko Haram] said it was because they had suffered a lot while trying to escape.”

Adamu said she had also tried to escape but suffered same fate as Sharibu.

She added that the in-

surgents laughed at them for attempting to escape, mocking them that “we wanted to go back to the land of unbelievers.”

While in custody, the girls recalled that one of the Boko Haram leaders whom they knew as “the Khalifa” came to see them every week.

During those visits, he was said to have told them they would not stay for too long in custody.

“We don’t have any is-

sue with you – our issue is with the government,” he had told them, according to Adamu. “They’ve taken our men. Don’t worry, you’ll all go home soon.”

“He’d take off his balaclava and say: ‘You shouldn’t go back to Nigeria. It’s a country of sinners and unbelievers. When you go back, convince your parents to come back here to the Islamic caliphate with you.’”

We’ll expose the looters hiding in Buhari’s government - PDP ••• The Peoples Democrat-

ic Party (PDP) says it will soon commence a serialisation of all the looters hiding in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Describing the list of alleged looters published by the federal government as “hollow and laughable”, the opposition party said the Buhari administration had drawn a line of attack.

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, had released a list of “looters” at a press conference in Lagos on Friday But in his response, Kola Ologbondiyan, spokesman of the PDP, tackled the government for omitting the names of APC members standing trial for corruption.

Ologbondiyan said none of those mentioned has been convicted for corruption.

“The list put forward by the federal government as purported looters amounts to a cheap blackmail as none of those listed has been indicted or convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction or any panel of enquiry in our country,” he said in a statement.

“The federal government even included names of individuals who are not standing trial or under in-

vestigation for any act of corruption, as well as those who are not even PDP members. The Buhari-led federal government has manifested its frenzy by going after matters that are in court and in which none of the persons has been convicted, thus betraying their wickedness and desperation to mislead the public, the court and divert attention from the heavy looting involving their members.

“We are not in doubt that the individuals he has mentioned will take their legitimate stride and pursue appropriate action in the court.

This is a government that is yet to account for $26 billion (N9 trillion) stolen through corrupt oil contracts in the NNPC, N1.1 trillion worth of crude diverted to service APC interests, N18 billion internally displaced sersons (IDPs) intervention fund stolen by APC officials, including their former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal. , the N10 billion National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for which members of the Buhari cabal were indicted as well as the Mainagate, where the APC government recalled and reinstated an individual indicted for scam running into billions of naira.

Members of Our lady of Rosary Catholic Church. Ogba act as Jesus Christ with the Roman Soldiers Surrounded him during a rally to mark the passion of Christ along Ogba-Ijaiye Road, Lagos…on Good Friday. Photo: Olatunji Wale

‘Shoot on sight!’ Zamfara gov asks operatives to kill anyone with illegal arms

•••

Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state on Friday asked security agents to shoot and kill anyone caught carrying firearms illegally in the state.

Yari said this when he visited the Emir of Anka to condole with the emirate over the killing of over 30 persons by gunmen in Bawan Daji village.

“This is an order from the president and from

the governor of the state,” he said.

“We cannot continue to watch criminals as a parallel government, doing what they want and carrying sophisticated firearms, maiming and killing innocent citizens in the state.”

The Governor directed the disbandment of five communities and the removal of the Village and

District Heads of the affected communities in the emirate with immediate effect.

The traditional rulers were accused of harbouring bandits.

He said any person or group found associating with bandits should also not be spared but treated as the firearms carriers.

Responding, Attahiru Ahmad, Emir of Anka, said “we need more secu-

rity personnel who are also committed to carry out their responsibility effectively.

“What we are facing is armed banditry by trigger-happy criminals, who attack innocent rural dwellers and steal their cash and property.”

Suspected bandits attacked Bawan Daji village for two consecutive days in the outgoing week.

Notorious, most wanted cultist nabbed in Lagos Joy Anyim

••• A notorious and most wanted cultist, who has been terrorizing residents and business owners in Ilasamaja community have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.

The suspect, identified as Kanmi alias Father was arrested based on credible Intelligence that the

suspect and his other gang members were planning to strike in Ilasamaja community on March 29th, 2018.

Acting on the information, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal had directed the Divisional Police Officer of Ilasamaja, SP. Oriyomi Titilayo to bring to an end the reign of the blood thirsty Cult henchman.

According to the Lagos Police Spokesperson, SP Chike Oti, who confirmed the arrest via a press statement issued on Friday,the suspect who was an ex-convict had made life unbearable for the Community for a long time.

He said, “True to type, at exactly 5pm, Kanmi whose trade marks were sorrow, tears and blood arrived the

community with his gang unknown to him that his rank had been infiltrated by the underground operatives of the Command. “ The DPO and team who were on standby for him and his gang, sighted Kanmi at Hassan Street, Ilasamaja with two of his criminal associates in a fight with a young man suspected to be a member

of a rival confraternity. “ Kanmi had lifted his matchet to cut his rival before he was challenged by the police team.”

It was gathered that the suspect on sighting the police had immediately taken to his heels. He was however pursued and arrested by the police.

Oti said, “He was frisked and a locally made pistol

loaded with two cartridges was recovered from him.”

The spokesperson also confirmed that one Alami Samuel, 22 years of age, an associate of Kanmi we also arrested.

CP Edgal further warned all those who belong to these nefarious clandestine societies to renounce their membership or be arrested and dealt with according to the law.

Politics

BUHARI Patrick Okohue When the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the Presidential election in 2015 just about a year after its formation, following a merger of three political parties and factions of two others, not many political watchers believed that the marriage of the political parties was going to be for the long haul.

While some were of the view that the difference in political ideologies of the key political players was going to be an undoing for the new party in power, others however believed that being in power and the desire to remain in power was going to be enough motivation for the political players to do whatever it takes to keep the relationship going.

Three years down the line, it is yet not clear the direction the APC is headed, at least where the issue of political cohesion is concerned.

Within the period, the party has been unable to hold its congresses and convention to either elect new party executive or re-elect the ones already holding positions.

Infact many political watchers believe that the tension between members of the national executive of the party and some very senior members is so high that it can be felt by ordinary members and non members alike.

A case in point was the Ondo State governorship election, where the National Leader of the party and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu preferred a particular aspirant to pick the ticket of the party, but the aspirant who Tinubu favoured was allegedly schemed out.

The alleged scheming did not go down well with supporters of Tinubu who insisted that the result of the primary election be cancelled.

However, the national leadership of the party would not agree to that, rather they set up a committee to investigate the primary election and at the end of the day the verdict was that there was not enough evidence of manipulation to warrant cancellation of the outcome.

This development did not go down well with Tinubu and his supporters who accused the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun of compromise and therefore called for his sack.

This pitched Oyegun and Tinubu’s supporters against each other and there was a tirade of verbal attack from both camps, creating high level tension in the relationship between the groups ever since.

Earlier, the Oyegun and Tinubu camp had crashed over the Kogi State governorship election following the death of the candidate of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, with his running

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ODIGIE-OYEGUN

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

9

My experience in government makes me best suited as next governor of Ogun State -Kaka ≥≥10 & 11

TINUBU

APC NWC tenure extension, Buhari’s intervention and matters arising mate and member of the House of Representatives, Hon James Faleke insisting that he should become the beneficiary of the death of his principal, but the national leadership of the party refused.

Despite all efforts by Tinubu’s camp to ensure that Faleke becomes the governorship candidate of the APC, it failed and the ticket was given to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who came second in the party’s primary election, though he was said to have worked against the party at the election, this did not go down well with the Tinubu group and they obviously took it personally against Oyegun.

This tension was still on ground when the National Executive Committee of the party met and decided to extend the tenure of the leadership at all levels by 12 months to give them room to conduct the party primary and the 2019 elections at all level without rancor.

The reasoning is that because of the tension within the party, if it is to conduct congresses across the states and local governments and also hold elective convention of the party before the 2019 election, the party may not have enough time to deal with the crisis that will ensue from there and be able to conduct primary and elections and still remain a family. The committee’s tenure is to expire in June 2018 The tenure extension was the major decision taken after a three-hour meeting of the APC National Executive Committee held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

At the end of the meeting, the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, announced the NEC’s decision to the media.

Bello, who was flanked by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and some state party chairmen, said, “At the end of the National Executive Council meeting today, a major decision was taken in line with the constitution of our party. We are all aware that the tenure of the current NWC and the executive members of this party both elected and appointed comes to an end in June this year.

“Considering the time left for the party to conduct all the congresses and convention and considering that our leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, has been charged with the responsibility of reconciling all aggrieved members of our party, we cannot afford to approach the general

We all know that elections are looming in the horizon. We must therefore get our acts together.

Accordingly, I implore all members of the party to give the Asiwaju committee full cooperation to resolve existing differences among our members in the states affected.

We must not lose sight of our common purpose as a party to break the mould of Nigerian politics and take the country to new heights.

Therefore, we have asked Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead this process of restoring order, manage differences and strengthen the party. elections with more dispute and crises.

“So, relying on Article 13 of our constitution, which empowers the NEC to carry out the function of the convention, the NEC has decided to extend the tenure of the current National Working Committee and other executive committees at various levels for another 12 months, starting from June 30th.”

The development is a major victory for the party’s governors who have been speaking in support of the extension.

Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his opening remarks, had called for support for the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress reconciliation committee that he set up to reconcile aggrieved party members.

He said, “We all know that elections are looming in the horizon. We must therefore get our acts together. Accordingly, I implore all members of the party to give the Asiwaju committee full cooperation to resolve existing differences among our members in the states affected.

“We must not lose sight of our common purpose as a party to break the mould of Nigerian politics and take the country to new heights.

Therefore, we have asked Asiwaju Bola Ahmed

Tinubu to lead this process of restoring order, manage differences and strengthen the party.”

Earlier, the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, had said the party must do all it could to win the forthcoming governorship elections.

He said, “We obviously have a very tough year ahead of us. It is a year of challenges, multiplicity of activities beginning from the month of April, the process of conducting challenging elections in Ekiti in July and in Osun in September.

“These elections are precursors of the national elections. It is therefore necessary that we treat them with great seriousness because they are elections we should do everything to win.”

However, despite the reasons adduced for the extension of tenure, many members of the party were not happy with the decision.

The Lagos State chapter blamed its chairman, Henry Ajomale, who is the chairman of caucus of state chairmen for not objecting to the extension which was first mooted by the chairmen who suggested two years extension to the NEC, but Ajomale said he was helpless in the circumstance, but the state vowed to challenge it.

But, respite came the way of those opposed to the tenure elongation last week when President Muhammadu Buhari made a u-turn to say he was no longer comfortable with the extension.

Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party were indeed shocked last week when President Buhari called for the cancellation of tenure extension for party officials.

At its NEC meeting on February 28 the party had extended the tenure of members of National Working Committee (NWC) led by John Odigie-Oyegun by one year, with the President seated.

Speaking shortly before the commencement of NEC meeting that Tuesday, Buhari told a packed hall at the APC national secretariat to consider cancelling the tenure extension decision because “it is against the party constitution and the Nigerian constitution.”

He therefore, presented the matter “for discussion” at the meeting.

Buhari said he is having a change of heart

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka was the deputy governor of Ogun State between 1999 and 2003. He is now aspiring to govern the state come 2019.

In this interview in his Ijebu-Igbo country home penultimate Monday he speaks elaborately on his plan for Ogun State among other issues as they affect his party, the APC and the nation as a whole. PATRICK OKOHUE repors

KAKA

I am best suited for next Ogun governor -Kaka You have been serving the state since you were very young, people are wondering why is it now that you want to govern the state. You have served as Commissioner, deputy governor and you have even gone to the Senate. Why is it that now you are interested in becoming the governor of Ogun State?

Something that is certain is that you can’t get experience in the market and you can’t get it to read in the book. The cumulative experience I have gathered is not meant to be interred with my bones when I am dead, it is supposed to be shared and to be applied for the betterment of society.

When you discovered that over the years one have seen that we have been taken one step forward and two steps backward, then you will realise that we really needs this experience. We need the resilience of able, capable and experienced hands to actually right the wrongs, more so when the stage at which we are in now especially in Ogun State is for us to go back to the basics. The solid foundation earlier laid by had been destroyed and we are now trying to build our castle in the air rather than relaying the foundation and build our future on a very solid rock steady foundation. And it is in the bid of that, looking at other contenders that I felt it is going to be an injustice to the people if I decided to keep the experience I have garnered to myself rather than make use of it for the betterment of our state. ******* When you were a commissioner and later deputy governor you must have a certain dream for your state. How fulfilled is that dream now, or put differently looking back do you think Ogun State is in its rightful place?

Don’t let me arrogate any special thought to myself. If you were referring to the time I was commissioner, I didn’t plan to be commissioner, I was with a multinational corporation, Livestock Feeds Plc, we had

our headquarters in New York, and the combination was for human health and animal health as well as livestock feeds. So the totality of it is for the welfare of human beings. I was enjoying it, I was moving prettily well. Within eight years, I crossed from Area Sales Representatives, to Area Sales Manager, to Group Product Manager and National Sales Manager. It was at that stage that the military came calling. I didn’t have any connection with the military, they requested for somebody with solid agricultural background. And the people they sent out to source found me suitable. I was recommended, the announcement came on radio and I put in my best. During that period, we put in place the first agricultural policy by any state in this federation, that was in 1989, barely one year I got to the office. This is because we discovered that we don’t have any agricultural policy, people are just doing what they like, traditional way and we said no. We need to profile the soil, we need to know the various advantage of the various strata of soil that we had, the vegetation. The ecological advantage of various vegetation over the others. How can we blend the plant agriculture with the animal agriculture to get the best blend and get the best for our society. We put it in place and we backed it up with implementation strategy. Unfortunately, soldier go, soldier come, the person that appointed me, Admiral Lawal left within one year. The person that came after him, though he retained me as commissioner, but he decided to second me to Lands and Housing. Though related, but it took me out to go and learn a new experience . So when you look at it , it is different from having a mandate of a definitive term of four years and then having your manifesto, having your programmes and agenda and executing it in the context of available resources. You can see that there are a lot of differences.

Then as the Deputy Governor, yes I

coined the idea of a ‘spare tyreism, because of the latency of that position, lack of provision in the constitution and again the whim and caprices of the Number One. So it is a general phenomenon, it is not peculiar to me. The best I could do was to give the maximum support to whatever programme my boss was having.

As a Senator, that is national experience and of course legislative experience. So in the course of all these, I have passed through the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Land and Housing, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, then on top of it all, the Ministry of Health by being a member of the Committee on Health, on Trade, on Commerce. So I am in the very best position to turn the fortune of Ogun State round.

That is why I am picking the challenges thrown to me by genuine people of Ogun State asking me to come and avail the people of Ogun State with my accumulated experiences. And that is why I said, it will be an injustice to the society If I decided to turn down the request. So I have had a request, I have offered myself, it is now left for them to say that they are ready.

One is not saying you should leak out all the programmes you have in mind, but what are the cardinal points of your agenda for the people of Ogun State?

Well, the programmes will be unveiled at the appropriate time, but they said the taste of the pudding is in the eating, so people should have a taste.

I am not just saying we are going back into the basics, when I said we are going back to the basics, I assessed the situation. In term of agriculture I discovered that we don’t have reliable data. The same thing happening to human population and distribution, the same thing is happening

to other resources available to us. So within that context I believe we will go back to the basics, and If I am to take it one by one, let us take it from education. Yes we can have approximate number of enrolment we have in our schools, from primary, to secondary and to tertiary. Yes we can have approximate number of teachers in our enrolment, but the teachers/students ratio, are we meeting it? The answer is no. The carrying capacity of various schools and classrooms are they within the acceptable level, the answer is no. So in order not to build our castle in the air, we are going to confirm all these and get accurate data, so that the lacuna, the shortcomings could better be fixed while going ahead with the Private – Public partnership. You know right now we are having more private universities than public, ditto for secondary, ditto for primary.

That is telling you that the government is more or less abdicating its responsibility.

And if we are abdicating our responsibilities on the future of our youths, that means there is no future for the nation. So we have to go back, get it done and meet the expected standard. In terms of funding, without money there is no good idea that can see the light of the day. So we are going to ensure that as bedrock of any development whatsoever, education will be given its right of place. Then we will go into partnership as it was done by Papa Olabisi Onabanjo in such a way that the public school that will cater for the majority who happen to be the downtrodden will be more attractive than the private schools. They are going to live side by side, but we will make them more attractive, more affordable that people will see no need to take their children to private schools. That is number one.

Number two, you talk of health, the last time in Ogun State you have a turnaround in the health sector was under Chief Olusegun Osoba when we procured African CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

11 Politics

I am best suited for next Ogun governor -Kaka respectable subvention. These are some of the things we have in mind for our people.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Development Bank loan to turn around the 12 General Hospitals and improve the primary health centres we have. Since that time, it has been the Federal Government helping us with the primary health delivery, but this is supposed to be the responsibility of the local government and the state.

Yes, whether it is Federal or state, the most important thing is for the people at the grassroots to get the health care delivery.

So we are now going to ensure that every ward should be able to have at least two primary health centres, so that primary health care delivery will be accessible to the people, most especially the rural areas. We don’t need gigantic and elaborate structure.

I have surveyed most of our rural areas.

Within the farm community, you discovered that they have huts, mud houses, you can secure as simple as two rooms to make available primary health care centre. It is not the hood that makes the monk. The human resources, their level of sophistications, their level of IQ and their level of training is what is required to serve at the primary level.

Just get two rooms in various farming communities in rural areas and make it as decent as possible, just to take off and improve on it in subsequent years. So with solid primary health care delivery, there will be less pressure on the secondary and less pressure on the tertiary. Even with the less pressure, it can take on any primary challenges if it gets back to the secondary or tertiary they will refer them to the primary. And anyone that gets to the primary without wasting time that is due for secondary they should refer them there and vice versa. With that one, it will be more economical for us to run the healthcare system. It will also be more beneficial to even both the healthcare personnel and the patients.

On top of it all, nearly all the 36 states of the federation are guilty of not wanting to fund the counterpart funding for that matter on the immunisation programme. The immunisation programme is the bedrock of the primary health care delivery and that was why we make sure in the Health Act 2014, a minimum of one percent of total collectable revenue nationally is to be deducted right from the source for the primary health care delivery, especially the immunisation programme. But we have been defaulting. It may interest you to note that most of the vaccines that we use now, we rely on donor agencies to fund nearly 95 per cent if not 100 per cent of them. Ordinary counterpart funding, the states are defaulting. We will ensure that adequate funding is provided and the target of 2020 for sustainable immunisation funding will be a mirage, because we are already in 2018, but right from 2019 when I assume power we will make sure that we start righting the wrongs by going back to the basics to ensure a solid foundation for immunisation programme, primary health care delivery that are sustainable. Not bogus or white elephant projects that will not take off or see the light of the day. Once that is done, there is nothing stopping us from having specialist hospitals and we can do that one in collaboration with the Federal Government, so that we avoid unnecessary duplication from other states. So if one state specialise on heart related diseases, others can specialise on other areas. And we will make sure that we have effective private – public relationship just like in education and in agriculture, so that we will allow the private sector to drive all those initiatives.

At the appropriate time like I said we will release the blueprint of our agenda. It is going to be a 10 - point agenda.

To move the state forward, on agriculture once we are able to develop the optimal

KAKA

I have passed through the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Land and Housing, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, then on top of it all, the Ministry of Health by being a member of the Committee on Health, on Trade, on Commerce. So I am in the very best position to turn the fortune of Ogun State round. That is why I am picking the challenges thrown to me by genuine people of Ogun State asking me to come and avail the people of Ogun State with my accumulated experiences. community, akin to that of Baba Awolowo which he envisaged part of which is the farm settlement centres. The success of it is expected to be duplicated across all the farm communities. But since1950s, it is the same constant number that we are having.

Beyond it is television, radio and other media propaganda. We have been improving in agriculture through propaganda. So we will do it effectively so that both input and output human and material resources are going to be in form of a good training input with good extension services that will ensure that we have effective delivery and effective linkages between the public and the private sector. All civil servants that we have who are related to agriculture will be used because it is going to be our foundation for employment generation.

Then forestry, we have had a lot of bastardisation of forestry plantation. We are going to review the exploitative programme and again go back to the basic by re-establishing those plantation and creating new ones. And the proper way of plantation will be put in place so that indiscriminate felling of trees and wastages in form of leftover will be a thing of the past if I take hold of the administration of Ogun State. I know where the shoe pinches, I have passed through it and know we will get revenue to work and we are going to do it.

Most of our industries still depend on imported raw materials. We will adopt Low Import Content, (LIMCO) policy whereby

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu few days ago urged the EFCC Chairman to ensure that the amount that goes into electioneering campaign and is within the law. He urged the EFCC to monitor candidates and parties as we go into election next year to ensure that their spending is within the law. How do you see such move by the INEC Chairman?

INEC Chairman is simply following the law and we have all been violating the law. And we have been influencing the outcome of election most especially through the usage of illicit fund rather than allowing people to make their free choice.

They perverse the outcome because of money, so to restrict the amount to be expended on election is a welcome development most especially by the time you have candidates going into unnecessary debts because they want to win election, when they get to the office they must necessarily recoup. It is better we limit the amount of money anybody can put in a particular election. And once it is put the INEC should not act like a toothless bulldog that can only bark without biting, they must be firm and make sure that whoever violates is discipline and denied the opportunity to benefit from that illegal act.

President Muhammadu Buhari who is also the leader of your party has most of the industries we are going to put said that where there is no consensus in place like small scale industry, cottage in picking candidates there should be industry are going to be centred on locally an open and transparent primary. With available raw materials that is from agricul- this in mind what is your advice to your ture. Then the rest will be from the mineral party members? resources. We have gypsum I think in OsoI want to say that our party should realise sun in Ifo Local Government, we have it in that it is not contesting against itself, it is Ipokia and part of Yewa axis. This is good going to contest against 66 other parties. for fertilizers and they are very good source So any blunder that perverts the course of for POP, Plaster of Paris, that are used for internal democracy is going to boomerang broken legs. We are going to set up a spebecause with the disappointment people cialised raw material development centre are having in both APC and PDP, I believe that is functional, efficient and effective. that individuals will be the focus in 2019. So The limestone belt I hope you are aware my party should live up to expectation, they run from Sagamu to Ewekoro through just have to encourage internal democIgbese to Onigbolo in Republic of Benin. racy, if there is going to be any consensus, We have the largest in Africa, WAPCO, then the consensus must be openly done with we have Ibese that is also catching up with little acrimony, so that whoever is picking WAPCO and the Onigbolo is working in consensually will be widely acceptable not Benin Republic. So there are still ample oponly to party members but to the electorate portunity to increase our carrying capacity . This is because if we misfire and pick the in those existing ones and new ones can wrong choice people will at the next level of still be accommodated. election which is the general election tacitly Then leave that one, we have petroleum reject any mis-presented candidate. resources, oil and gas, it is not yet tapped and we are going to explore it and exploit APC has just set up a reconciliation it in conjunction and within the law of the committee headed by Senator Bola Tiland. So that the Olokola oil and gas has nubu. How do you see such move by the come to stay. Yes Dangote is in Lagos, if he party to reconcile aggrieved members is still ready we can partner with him, if before the next election? not, we will get other partners. And that is I am not in the knowing about what is why I keep emphasising public – private going on in the reconciliation. All I can do partnership. Then you leave that place, is to wish my leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, you talk of tourism, our waters are there. a resounding success in the task given to The deepest sea in this country today is him and for our party members to give him in Ogun State. The idea of deep sea port the opportunity to do the job. I am sorry I has been muted and is there for the future. have said it before one would have expected We know what New Jersey is to New York that the first point of call to make that asin America. The exact picture we have in signment legal is to institute the Board of America is what we have here. Lagos is Trustee under which Senator Bola Tinubu landlocked and we have the spill over and would have been able to function more people are coming to Ogun State willingly conveniently in wielding all the contending and we are creating barriers, we are going forces together. to liberate it, we are going to liberalise it We knew Senator Tinubu and Alhaji and ensure that more people are coming.

Atiku Abubakar were contending for the Those who are choked up and could not Chairmanship of BoT. Fortunately Atiku expand, we would encourage them to even Abubakar is out of the party, then what move down entirely rather than expanding stop us from giving the immediate asin an enclosed area. So those are the things, signment the legal teeth by formally we have education, health, agriculture all constituting the BoT and make Tinubu the moved into industries, granting economic chairman and that will legalise whatever opportunities and allowing the private reconciliation we want to make. sector to blossom. Security of lives and That will make the chairman comfortproperties is premised on gainful employable with what is being done because we ment and conducive environment; affordhave stipulated responsibilities for the able and befitting housing across all social National Working Committee, for the NEC strata; prime of place for NGO community and for the BoT and the combination of the group and individual philanthropic and three will have given us the synergy needed humanitarian services, with handsome and to move the party forward.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

‘Buhari’s intervention and matters arising’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

because he doesn’t want the party’s activities to be faulted by any court of law.

The President’s request was not discussed at the national caucus meeting which held at the Presidential Villa Monday night, Mr. OdigieOyegun had said.

Caucus meetings are precursor to what would normally be discussed at NEC. The President noted that if the decision to extend party executive tenure can be legally faulted, then any nomination and primary election can also be faulted.

“In particular, I think it is important to talk on the contentious issues of the tenure of our national and state executive officers. As we all know, the motion was moved in the last NEC, February 27, 2018, to the effect that when the tenure of the current executive expire in June this year, they should be allowed to continue for one year.

“This motion was moved by majority of members present at the last NEC meeting, even though some of our party members have since spoken very vehemently against it, others have even taken the matter to court.

“On my own part I have taken some time to review and seek advice on the resolution and what I have found is that it contravenes our party constitution and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

According to him, while the APC constitution article 17, limits the tenure of elected officers to four years, renewable once by another election, the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended, in section 223, also prescribes periodic election for party executives at regular intervals which must not exceed four years.

“Furthermore, article 31 of our party’s constitution provides that any principal officer wishing to re-contest or contest for another post must resign from his current post at least one month before the election. In this circumstance what is expected of us is to conduct fresh election once the tenure of the current executives approaches its end.

“If the tenure of our party executive can be legally faulted then it means that any nomination and primary election can also be faulted”, he said, adding that this is not to talk of the crisis that will arise and is already arising within the party when some of its members feel that they are being denied the right to aspire to executive positions.

“I am therefore of the firm belief that it is better to follow strictly the dictates of our party and national constitution rather than put APC and its activities at grave risk.

“The only thing I feel too strongly about is that we should not allow our party to be vulnerable to the opposition,” he said.

This new turn of event did not however go down well with many members of the party who felt betrayed by Buhari’s sudden stance that the elongation of party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun was unconstitutional when he was part of the last NEC meeting where the decision to extend NWC’s tenure was taken.

A NEC member who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The session became rowdy at some point when members of NEC shouted down the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa, for saying there was no need to debate the issue since the President had spoken.

“The noise was so much that security details of the President stepped into the hall as a precautionary measure.

“At this point, the National Chairman (Odigie-Oyegun) stood up and threatened to use his powers to walk out members if they continued to be rowdy.

“He said if anybody had a better argument he should raise his hands and be recognised to speak. He also asked us all to have respect for the President who was at the meeting.”

The source explained that earlier, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN,

AKEREDOLU

But the fear of many APC sympathisers now is that if the party is to hold congresses and elective convention before the 2019 election, it may not be able to survive the crisis that will fall out and have enough time to prepare well to make impact in the election and it also may not be able to manage the crisis that will follow, especially with the President’s utterances and the resultant backlash in failing to hold convention, either to extend the tenure of the executive or hold an election. had “tried to dismiss the constitutional queries raised by the President on the tenure elongation.

He said, “Our legal adviser said NEC relied on powers conferred on it by Section 13.3 of the party’s constitution. He argued that the President’s position was subjudice, because the matter was already in court.

“After he spoke, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, aligned himself with the legal position espoused by Banire.”

The source explained that the Ondo State governor added that the decision was subjected to a vote with 104 members voting in favour and four against the decision.

However, the position of the Ondo State governor, may not be popular with the executive of the APC in his State, as the Chairman of the APC in the state, Hon Isaac Kekemeke has branded those pushing for tenure elongation for members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as doing so for pecuniary interest.

Kekemeke, who described proponents of tenure elongation as enemies of democracy and the party, said those pushing for extension of tenure of the NWC members were the corrupt elements within the ruling party.

Kekemeke in his reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech at the National

BANIRE Executive Council (NEC) meeting where he ruled out tenure elongation for the NWC members, led by the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun commended the President for the decision to halt the tenure elongation. Kekemeke said: “The President has just shown to us that he is a defender of constitution of the party and of our nation, as the chief executive of our country who must lead by example.

“I do not think the promoters of tenure elongation were or are altruistic; I think they were motivated by peculiar interest and they need to make plenty of money during the incoming primaries, they wanted to see if they could be bought by the highest payers.

“I thought Chairman Oyegun, the National Organizing Secretary and all of them who are ordinarily in charge of election were already looking up to how much money was going to come.

“They did one for 2015 and they were looking forward to do another one for 2019, so it is not anything patriotic, it is destructive and this impunity and an attempt at impunity for a group of people to extend their own tenure, it is immoral, shameful and we thank the President for putting an end to this.”

This was also the position of Senator Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central who praised President Buhari for saving the party from what he described as a national disaster.

“The intervention of the President, if it was not done, it would have been disastrous for the party. I feel highly relieved.

“So, in every sense of the word, it has saved the party from what would have consumed it at the end of the day.

“If we went ahead with that tenure elongation, and someone from the opposition party goes to court after all the processes of congresses and primaries had been done, the point is that we may end up without a governorship or presidential candidate and without a candidate at all the legislative arm of government.

“On my part, I told him (Buhari) right to his face that as a man who has seen it all, who has achieved so much as a public officer, he should outrightly reject that extension because the members of the party, we are outrightly opposed to it.

“What happened is that there were people who misled the President, misled the party and are trying to use that extension for them to achieve their own end,” he said.

But, the stand on the President might have met a stiff opposition as the party has come out to say that their position on the tenure extension still stands.

National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this to newsmen in a chat in Abuja.

According to him, President Buhari only aired his personal view which cannot be considered as the decision of the National Executive Council (NEC) which approved the extension in the onset.

He maintained that the decision still holds until the NEC reverses itself.

“The President’s position has not changed the position of NEC. NEC has not reversed itself on the tenure extension. The decision of the NEC on the one-year tenure extension still stands.

“The president is not NEC. The NEC will have to reverse itself but right now, it has not done that. So, the tenure extension still stands,” Abdullahi said.

Many political watchers are of the view that Buhari’s decision to turn around and oppose a decision that was taken in his presence without his raising an eyebrow was only aimed at pacifying Tinubu, whose chapter of the APC, the Lagos State chapter has vowed to challenge, in other to curry his favour and support for 2019.

Earlier Buhari had set up a reconciliation committee headed by Tinubu, to bring aggrieved members together and again build a cohesive party, in recognition of the fact that the only man who will have the ear of the majority of APC members is Tinubu who was instrumental to its formation in the first place..

But the fear of many APC sympathisers now is that if the party is to hold congresses and elective convention before the 2019 election, it may not be able to survive the crisis that will fall out and have enough time to prepare well to make impact in the election and it also may not be able to manage the crisis that will follow, especially with the President’s utterances and the resultant backlash in failing to hold convention, either to extend the tenure of the executive or hold an election.

So many political watchers are now worried that the APC may be heading towards a serious crisis no matter which direction it may choose to turn, either the NEC extension stays, an elective convention holds or a non elective convention hold to formally extend the tenure, they say crisis looms ahead.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Photos News 13

Members of St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, acting the Crucificusion of Jesus, on Good Friday

Women of Jerusalem emphatising with Jesus Christ, while the Roman Soldiers surrounding them, during the crucification of Jesus Christ to Mark Good Friday at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos.

PHOTO: OLATUNJI WALE

Jesus Christ on the Cross in the middle with two other thieves on the left and right of the Cross after the crucification of Jesus Christ, to Mark Good Friday at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos.

PHOTO: OLATUNJI WALE Members of St. Peter Catholic Church Bauchi, dramatizing the passion of Christ to mark the good Friday in Bauchi

Romans Soldiers nailing Jesus Christ to the cross, during the crucification of Jesus Christ to Mark Easter Friday at St. Dominic Catholic Church yaba Lagos.

PHOTO: OLATUNJI WALE

Members of Our lady of Rosary Catholic Church, Ogba act as Jesus Christ with the Roman Soldiers Surrounded him during a rally to mark the passion of Christ along Ogba-Ijaiye Road, Lagos‌on Good Friday.

PHOTO: OLATUNJI WALE

News

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Thank God for Good Friday – Cleric •••

Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church, Ogba, Lagos, Rev. Father Steven Abiodun Akinsowon, on Friday implored Nigerians, to thank God for Good Friday, saying, they were able to celebrate the day.

Akinsowon who said this in his message to mark and celebrate the day Jesus was crucified, also said that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“Anybody who has received such blessing from God should allow such blessing go out, people must see Christ in us, Nigeria is a great country but in darkness, darkness of Corruption, Nepotism and bad leadership, we should allow the purpose of Jesus’ be fulfilled in our lives”.

Furthermore, he said that the high point of the day’s celebration was activated at Christmas. “One of the beautiful things in human life is the ability to

accomplish one’s mission.

What we are celebrating today is the accomplishment of the mission that was activated at Christmas, which are, Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection that has brought us hope, joy, that why we celebrate this day as good day”.

As long as human beings remain human, man is a bundle of possibility, irrespective of whether churches are many or not, what is expected at this time is that Jesus will be in each of the churches, but even then in those days, people who saw Jesus alive, lived their lives the way they wanted.

“There were atrocities in the time of Jesus, corruption was there at the time, from the existence of man, we pray and hope as we continue to preach the word of God, we hope there would be changes, though might not be rapid and instant but gradually changes for good”.

Righteousness, solution to Nigeria’s problems- Cleric Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

•••

The Sub-dean, All Saints Cathedral Anglican Church, Onitsha, Anambra State, Ven. Obiora Uzochukwu, on Friday said that the only solution to the nation’s myriad of problems lies in the fear of God and absolute righteousness.

Ven. Uzochukwu who stated this in his message to commemorate the Good Friday, also lamented the degree of political, economic and social ills that have bedeviled the nation.

According to the Sub-dean, no country can become great with iniq-

uities, explaining that it was only righteousness that lifts up a nation.

He expressed worry that a country said to be the giant of Africa should be so obsessed with various kinds of what he called “social ills ranging from marginalization, insecurity, intimidation, fraud and corruption in low and high places to even the menace of animal rearers”.

In the sermon which he tagged, “He died that we may live”, Ven Uzochukwu said the nation’s problems were among the things for which Christ died so that Nigerians should live again, adding that what Nige-

rians need do now was to accept the message of salvation and live righteous lives.

Stressing the need for righteousness in the life of a nation, he remarked that should Nigeria and their leaders accept to live righteously, God will out of his infinite mercy visit the nation and wipe away her tears of many decades.

While calling on Christians to brace up for impeccable lifestyle, he said that the unbelieving world is looking up to them for exemplary life and, therefore enjoined all Christians in the country not only to lead righteous lives but to also

Secondus calls for prayer for democracy to survive in Nigeria

•••The National Chairman

of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has called on Nigerians to use the period of Easter to reflect on the situation in the country and pray for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

Secondus made the call in an Easter message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ike Abonyi, on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the nation’s democracy since 1999 had been under heavy stress and needed all hands to be on the deck to survive.

The chairman said Nigeria’s democracy required only truth and sincerity of purpose from critical stakeholders to survive.

He urged leaders to

be vigilant over the activities of what he called children of darkness.

He told Christians that God is interested in the quality of life they live and urged them to live above sin as well as make good impact in the kingdom of God. Reminding Christians of the importance of the Good Friday, he said it was the day Christians commemorate the dead of Christ on the cross to redeem mankind.

“He took over our place and bore our iniquities”, Uzochukwu said, appealing to Christians to reciprocate the Christ’s gesture by living holy and righteous lives.

Notoroius cult leader Kanmi Alias Father, who had been terrorising Ilasamaja Community until men of the Lagos Police Command arrested him recently.

stand up for the truth and save the country from deteriorating.

Secondus commended former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida and former Minister of Defence General Theophilus Danjuma for saying the truth about the state of the nation.

He said: “Indicators are apparent that the country is under siege and Nigerians should use this solemn period of Easter to pray for God to intervene and raise good leaders for the country.”

Secondus advised the APC-led Federal Government to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and shun all undemocratic tendencies that might heighten tension in the land.

Osun Assembly felicitates with Christians ••• Osun state House of As-

sembly under the leadership of the Speaker, RT. Honourable Najeem Salam has sent warm greetings to all Christians in the state over this year’s Easter celebration.

The House in a statement by the Chairman,

House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye on Thursday said the Assembly acknowledges that Easter season is a sacred one filled with God’s love, blessings and redemptive power.

It congratulates all Christians in the state, urging them to celebrate moderately and never forget the lessons as well as the reasons for the season, which is the sacrificial death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Assembly notes that Easter period is the heart of Christianity as it highlights the message of redemption brought to the world through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection.

It therefore enjoins resi-

dents of the state to emulates virtues of sacrifice exemplified by the death of Christ on the cross of Calvary.

Osun Assembly urged all Christians to also use the period to pray for the state especially as the it looks forward to the emer-

gence of new leader.

While wishing all Christians a successful celebration, the Parliament urged practitioners of all faiths in the state to continue to live in peace and harmony for the progress of the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

15 News

Nigeria is under siege, says Secondus

•••Uche

Cross section of passengers boarding the free train ride provided by Osun Government for the celebration of Ester Festival, at Iddo Terminus, Lagos… yesterday

PDP has offloaded corrupt elements to •••

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state, has said that most of the people VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo accused of mismanaging Nigeria’s resources are key figures in the current administration.

In recent times, Osinbajo has made strong allegations against the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

At the 10th Bola Tinubu

Colloquium on Thursday, the vice-president vowed not to stop talking about the alleged corruption of Jonathan’s government.

But Fayose asked the nation’s number two citizen to observe the situation around him.

“If the VP can look around himself with honest eyes, he will see majority of those who called the shots during previous PDP governments that he claimed mismanaged the coun-

try’s resources are holding sensitive positions in this present government,” he said.

He also spoke about the “sudden and mysterious disappearance” of key prosecution witnesses in cases involving former PDP members that had decamped to the ruling APC. “Today, even prosecution witnesses are suddenly disappearing in corruption cases involving those who have decamped to the APC and properties

once seized are being returned to them. Obviously, PDP has purged itself of corrupt elements in its fold and offloaded them to the APC,” he said.

The past week has been a battle of wits between the APC and the PDP, with the former ruling party asking for forgiveness for mistakes made while in power.

But the APC immediately lashed out, demanding that the PDP return its loot.

2019 : INEC registers 195,000 voters inn Delta Titus Akhigbe,Benin

•••The

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has registered well over 195,000 Voters in Delta State in the ongoing continuous voter registration ( CVR) exercise in Delta State.

The State Administrative Secretary of INEC, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony who disclosed this in an interview in Asaba on the preparations for the 2019 general Elections said Delta State ranks among the states with the highest number of registrants in the country in the ongoing exercise.

She said the figure is expected to increase as the Commission mobilize its personnel to register more eligible voters ahead of the 2019 Elections scheduled to commence nationwide on 16th of February, 2019.

Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony said over 40 Registration Centers have been opened across towns and villages in the 25 Local Government Areas of the State

for the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.

She advised voters who are yet to register and those who had attained 18 years and above to avail themselves of the opportunity provided at the various registration centers to register and those who registered before and yet to pick their PVCs to make sure they do so.

According to the Administrative Secretary, registration and possession of PVC are the basic and mandatory requirements for voting in INEC conducted elections, urging all Electorates to ensure they equip themselves with the PVCs to participate.

She said the Commission is addressing all genuine complaints of loss of PVCs and request by perspective voters seeking transfer from one polling unit to another before the 2019 elections.

Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony however stated that INEC had established coordinated security measures to checkmate multiple

registration and other unwholesome practices warning that those found capable would face appropriate penalties.

She expressed confidence that the INEC management under the leadership of the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Mahmood Yakubu was committed to deliver free, fair and credible elections next year to the satisfaction and pride of all Nigerians and the international Community.

She emphasized that critical stakeholders such as Traditional Rulers, Community based organizations, Faith based organizations Youth & Women groups have been requested to partner with the Commission in the sensitization and mobilization of the citizenry towards a successful registration exercise for sustainable enthronement of civic rule.

On the role of women in the unfolding democracy, the Administrative Secretary, who is the first Female administrative secretary Delta state, said that INEC as a gender sen-

sitive Commission had always encouraged men and women to participate actively in the democratic process by ensuring a level playing field.

She also informed that the Commission has developed a Gender policy in its efforts to mainstream gender in the Electoral Process.

She described women as the bedrock of the society from where development emanates but noted that age old cultural, social and economic inhibitions had impacted negatively on their performance in politics especially Elective positions.

The INEC Administrative Secretary said with the natural attributes of women as care givers, mothers and role models they have the capacity to use public office to serve and effect lasting peace and progress in the polity.

Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony called for a collective national conscience that would promote the dignity and relevance of the female folk for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

Secondus, National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus has said that the country is under siege.

Secondus said this in his Easter message to Nigerians.

The PDP chairman asked Nigerians to use the period to reflect on “the situation in the country and pray specially for the survival of our democracy”.

“The nation’s democracy more than ever before since 1999 is under heavy stress that need all hands to be on deck for its survival,” the statement by Abonyi read.

“Indicators are apparent that the country is under siege and Nigerians should use this solemn period of Easter to pray for God to intervene and raise good leaders for the country.”

He commended ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler; and Theophilus Danjuma, a former minister of defence; for “saying the truth” about the state of the country.

Secondus advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to shun all undemocratic tendencies that could heighten tension in the land.

“Christians [should] see the Easter festivity which also marks the end of the 40 days special fasting and prayers as an ample period for positive attitude to one another,” he said.

“The new PDP that would emerge after reformation is going to take the country to the next level having been equipped with the requisite experience.”

Over 30 buried after gun attack in Zamfara •••

More than 30 persons were on Thursday buried in Bawan Daji village of Anka local government area of Zamfara state, following an attack on the village.

Suspected bandits attacked the area after some members of the community held a meeting to discuss measures to be taken against invaders during the 2018 farming season.

The bandits had earlier threatened that there would be no farming activities in the area in this year’s rainy season.

Liman Umar, one of the community leaders and the deputy Imam of the village, told reporters that the bandits had been harassing people in the area, brandishing sophisticated weapons without talking to anyone.

“It was shortly after our local vigilante members held

the meeting on Tuesday that the bandits finally struck and killed only men including those who tried to escape,” Umar said He said many bodies were found decomposing in the bushes, and that some of the corpses could not be brought into the village for proper burial because people were afraid to go and get them as the attackers were believed to be hiding on the outskirts of the village.

He said one of the villagers, Danladi Shabalai, who was caught communicating with the suspects, was shot and killed by security men.

Mustapha Gado, chairman of Anka local government, confirmed that 32 persons were buried including a woman and her child who died at a hospital in Gusau, the state capital.

Buhari returns to Abuja, attends in-law’s wedding

•••President

Muhammadu Buhari on Friday returned to Abuja after a two-day working visit to Lagos state where he inaugurated some projects and also attended the 10th Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Colloquium.

On his return, Buhari went straight to the National Mosque Abuja, where he performed the 2-Raka’at Juma’at prayer.

The President also witnessed the wedding fatiha of Hamza Ahmed and Hadiza Jika which was performed immediately after the prayer session at the mosque.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governors of Nasarawa and Bauchi States, Alhaji Tanko Almakura and Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, respectively, were among the dignitaries that witnessed the event.

Other personalities at the wedding were: The National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongonu, cabinet ministers and former National Chairman of

PDP, Ahmodu Ali. Tthe groom, Hamza Ahmed, is a younger brother to Aisha Buhari, the president wife.

16 Photos News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Scenes from the dinner in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari and his visit to the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari (third left); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (third right); his wife, Bolanle (second right); Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (second left) and his wife, Senator Oluremi (left) during a State Dinner in Honour of the President at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; his wife, Bolanle and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki during a State Dinner in Honour of the President at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), with Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left) during a State Dinner in Honour of the President at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), with Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left) and his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello (right) during a State Dinner in Honour of the President at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (second right); his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (right); National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left) and Chairman, Eko Atlantic City, Mr. Ronald Chagoury (second left) during the President’s visit to the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria island, Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari (second right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right); Chairman, Eko Atlantic City, Mr. Ronald Chagoury (third right) and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (fourth right) during the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate the President’s visit to the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria island, Lagos.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

17 News

Scenes from President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Eko Atlantic City in Lagos ... on Friday

: President Muhammadu Buhari (right), international model, Naomi Campell and others

: President Muhammadu Buhari (right), international model, Naomi Campell and others

L-R: Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

L- R: International model, Naomi Campell and President Muhammadu Buhari

Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina and international model, Naomi Campell

Range Rover SUV conveying President Muhammadu Buhari and others to the project site.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

FEATURES ÆÆ s

Celebrating Easter with the blind students, X-raying their plights

The plight of the partially sighted, blind or visually impaired person anywhere in the world is very challenging and difficult to compete favourably with the sighted person in the society, hence the need to give them the needed support to enable them have a sense of belonging in the society. Mathew Dadiya, writes on the joy, learning and predicament of the students.

While other countries have taken concrete steps at ensuring that the visually impaired persons in are given the needed supports to enable them go through schools with ease of learning and supported learning tools, most of their counterparts in Nigeria are roaming the streets begging for survive. The few opportune ones, who have the privilege of being in school, are either not given the adequate learning tools or are studying under an unfriendly environment.

Over the years, studies in child development, sociology, and special education have led enlightened educators to the conclusion that blind children grow, flourish, and achieve greater self and social fulfilment by being nurtured in the least restrictive environment.

A visit to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) School of the Blind located at Jabi, Abuja, tells it all of the Nigeria’s narrative of the disabled persons. A school, built for the visually impaired person, does not have the ideal features and conducive atmosphere for these blind children to learn.

It was in view of these factors that the founder of Nwachinemerem Elizabeth Oduenyi Foundation (NEOF), Miss Elizabeth Oduenyi Ogba Onuoha visited the FCT School of the Blind to celebrate the Easter and support them to succeed in their studies, said there was need to change the typical public response to blindness by demonstrating that blind children are children first and blind children next.

Miss Onuoha, who presented various materials and learning, the government, has not given the needed support and so my foundation is here to give its support to the foundation because humanitarian aid is intended to “save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity.

Some of the students who narrated

their ordeals to our correspondents, they are happy with the teachers but they are not happy with the learning environment. Abdulkareem Mohammed said that there was dearth of learning facilities.

He revealed that the school does not have a computer for the visually impaired but they use a typewriter and Braille.

Favour Onuma, appealed to the government to come to their aid. She said that most of them need a lot of help. The charming and smiling visually impaired young girl also appealed to the members of the public and corporate organisations to follow the footstep of NEOF foundation by supporting them to enable them achieve their dreams.

The blind students shown that even though, they can’t see but they can sing as their choir took to the stage and sang some beautiful melodies while the crowd cheers them aloud with astonishment.

She said that while Non-Governmental Organisations like NEOF are supporting the needy in the country, humanitarian action should be governed by the key humanitarian principles of: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

With proper technical assistance, consultation given to regular classroom

teachers, and a broad educational environment, blind children would be able to show their true worth; they are then more readily accepted socially by their sighted counterparts, Onuoha said.

According to her, statistics reveal that only less than 10% of blind children in most of the developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, are receiving any kind of education.

She noted that integrated education is considered to be the only practical approach. It is the economically viable, psychologically superior, and socially acceptable model to bring all those unreached blind children into the mainstream of education.

Elizabeth Oduenyi Onuoha called on the Nigerian government to provide specialised teachers to serve as resource persons, to prepare special materials, as required, and to provide special instruction in those skills peculiar to blindness such as Braille reading and writing, use of reader services, auditory perceptual training and orientation and mobility to enable the blind students learn in line with their counterparts in the developed economies.

In her remarks, the founder of the foundation, Miss Elizabeth Oduenyi Ogba Onuoha said that the action was part of

her foundation’s humanitarian service and would continue to provide support to the underprivileged of the society irrespective of their beliefs.

Miss Onuoha said that she was inspired

by God to visit the blind even when she did not know where to locate them but took up the challenge to search until she found the School of the Blind in Jabi Abuja.

From what I have seen here, my foundation will continue to collaborate with concerned authorities and relevant bodies to bring succour to this promising children.

We will ensure provision of all appropriate educational texts and selected aids and appliances.

This school needs lunar, which is the world’s leading screen magnification program for visually impaired computer users. It would enable the student with visual impairment to pursue higher education and fulfil their ambition to have a vocation and contribute to society.

There is also need to provide a natural basis for adult life experiences so that blind students may take their proper places as contributing members in all sectors of society, she appealed.

The management of the School, in an appreciation letter to the Foundation dated March 28, 2018 and signed by the Head Teacher, Dung Regina, commended Oduenyi Elizabeth and her Foundation for impacting the lives of the pupils.

According to the school, the staff and pupils of the FCT School for the Blind Children hereby appreciate you and your foundation for taking out your time to celebrate Easter day with us.

“You really made us happy and feel the joy of oneness,” the school said.

Considering the plight of the visually impaired children at the FCT School for the Blind and similar others in the country, concerns individuals have appealed to the Federal Government to initiate a policy that will provide a condusive learning centres with state-of- the-art facilities.

They also called on the government to provide consultation for regular classroom teachers, school administrators, families, local health authorities and the general public on matters dealing with education of blind children, specialised training techniques and selection of appropriate materials that would assist them in their learning.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

FEATURES ÆÆ s

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Polio: When Dangote, Gates embarked on troubleshooting trips across Nigeria, Chad Penultimate week, Aliko Dangote, the African business mogul and his American counterpart, Bill Gates, embarked on troubleshooting trips across and beyond Nigeria in their quest to ensure Nigeria becomes polio free.

For the Africa’s riches man, “It is quite embarrassing that Nigeria is one of the only three countries in the world that are yet to be certified polio free.” The other two being Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Therefore, for the whole week Dangote Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which have been at the forefront as private sector partners in the process of elimination of polio, went on assessment of the situation in the areas earlier affected by the disease and the neighbouring Chad Republic, where the two and their teams met with President Idris Deby and other key government officials in Ndjamena.

Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. It is an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, most especially in the leg.

Children not older than 5 years are more likely to contract the virus than any other group, therefore the epidemic inflicts economic loss of colossal dimension on a nation as youths, the future generation, which forms a plank of the productive population are affected.

Polio is caused by a highly contagious virus specific to humans. The virus usually enters the environment in the feces of someone who is infected. In areas with poor sanitation, the virus easily spreads through the fecal-oral route, via contaminated water or food. In addition, direct contact with a person infected with the virus can cause polio. The infection with poliovirus and direct contact with persons increase the risk.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), a country is regarded as polio free if no cases have been detected for a year.

However, no cases of the virus have been reported in the last sixteen months in Nigeria but it is feared that it is still possible polio circulates under some prevailing circumstances as was the case, where a particular strain of virus resurfaced after five years in 2016 which professionals adduced to inadequate surveillance and under-vaccinated populations. Even a single case is considered an epidemic.

Over the years, Dangote Foundation has been involved in causes that guarantee healthy life for the Nigerian child and reduce extreme poverty among the vulnerable especially women. It was in this spirit that he had deployed his resources, for critical interventions, among which are issues bordering on nutrition, routine immunization and commitment to eradicate polio.

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) described as multiple factors hampering eradication of the virus

L-R: Bill Gate, Emir of Sokoto Said Abubakar and Aliko Dangote

A polio victim

especially in the North. Many of the factors, it stated in one of its report on Polio eradication, are embedded in the country’s broad social-political dynamics and enduring chasm between the governed and the government and a decentralized governmental system that often neglect service delivery to marginalised communities.

Some of the obstacles to polio eradication in Nigeria as in many other countries are the lack of basic health infrastructure, which limits vaccine distribution and delivery, the crippling effects of internal strife occasioned by insurgents’ activities

which has turned some areas in the NorthEast as hard-reach.

The visit to Chad was necessitated by the fact that Chad is next to Nigeria from North East axis where immunization penetration has been very difficult. Any movement of the virus across the border might put Chad into jeopardy hence the need to intensify immunization in the country especially in the islands close to the insurgents’ enclave.

Besides Chad is said to be spending less than before on vaccines and routine immunization operational costs – both in absolute terms as well as a proportion of to-

tal expenditures. Therefore, both Dangote and Gates were able to obtain commitment from Mr. Deby to personally track the ability of the polio program to access and actually go to all 800 Chadian islands in the lake Convince with a promise to step up his political and financial support for routine immunization.

The Chadian President then signed a declaration, committing to increase immunization rates in Chad and end polio in the region. Though Chad has not seen a case of wild polio since 2012, a 2016 polio outbreak in Nigeria placed those in neighbouring countries at risk, particularly children who live on the hard-to-reach islands of Lake Chad.

President Déby reaffirmed his support to the region-wide effort to stop polio. “Improving the health of Chad’s children is critical. I am committed to working with neighbouring governments to end polio for good in Africa, and to protecting more of our country’s children with vaccines against other deadly diseases.”

After the signing Dangote said all countries in the region—including Chad—share a responsibility to protect every child with polio vaccine. Until this happens, the risk of wild polio cases spreading remains.

Said he:”We are close to stopping polio on the continent – but we are not done yet.

We want to save the lives of 250, 000 child with application of right vaccines. Unless we protect all children in Africa with the polio vaccine, the risk of the virus spreading will remain. That is why the Dangote Foundation is determined to continue working with Nigeria’s neighbours including Chad, to improve immunization rates

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

I’ll give up until Nigeria becomes polio free-Dangote CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 and end polio for good.”

He stated that Polio eradication is a must because it is a disease that causes paralysis and in some instances, death. Thirty years ago, it paralyzed an estimated 350,000 people – last year there were just 22 cases confined to Afghanistan and Pakistan, a record low. But, the fight against polio is not over until there are no cases anywhere in the world for at least three years.

“As a Nigerian, I feel that I have a special responsibility to make sure that Africa is free from polio since my country has been the one exporting the virus for so many years.

“The polio outbreak in Borno a year and a half ago was a big setback. And a lot of work has been done to get it under control.

Including your country. But I’m concerned especially about the risks that still remain.

Nigeria cannot reach thousands of settlements, and its islands in Lake Chad because of Boko Haram. And until we do, you will need to be super vigilant on your side.

“One of the risks I see are the islands on your side in Lake Chad. As Bill mentioned, they are difficult to reach, and they have not been visited on a regular basis by the polio program. I think it would be very helpful if you gave instructions for the military to help transport vaccinators to each of the islands we’ve been talking about – so that they are all visited at least 3-5 times this year. With logistics and planning support from the military, I think you can take the final steps to ensure Chad remains polio-free.

“If you personally lead a public review of the program every six months – with the Ministers of Health, Interior, Finance and Communication – along with the Governors and administration, traditional and religious leaders, it would send a clear signal that it is not business as usual. I would be happy to come back for your first review, if you conduct it mid-year.

“Like Nigeria, Chad needs to spend more of its own money on routine immunization.

If we cannot immunize our own children to protect them from disease, they have failed them. My recommendation is that you establish a clear budget line for routine immunization in the annual budget at least 40%. That would get you back to the level of commitment the government was making in 2012. Bill and I will work hard with the global partners to try to secure the rest.

From Chad, the teams arrived Sokoto where they met with the Sultan, Alhaji Saad Abubakar and the community heads as well six governors from the Northern region on renewed commitment to intensify immunization to ward of the polio virus and take Nigeria off the list of polio countries.

While thanking the Sultan for his steadfast commitment in ensuring that Nigeria is polio free, Dangote lamented that despite all efforts being made to ensure the immunization reached majority of the targeted populace, not much ground has been covered. In his own state of Kano for instance, routine immunization coverage 16 per cent while that of Sokoto is less than 5%.

While vaccines, staff and funding are

Polio victims

R-L: Aliko Dangote , Emir of Sokoto Said Abubakar, Bill Gate , Aminu Tambuwal, el-Rufai and others

available, the coverage is not moving and has been abysmally low. “It’s both a demand and poor service quality problem.

We cannot make progress on the demand side without traditional leaders.” The challenge, he said, is to get all settlement heads (mai-angwas) to line list and identify all eligible children, and meet monthly with the local health facility to determine who is and is not coming for immunization.

“Our biggest challenge in rolling out this strategy is that settlement heads expect to get paid,” he added.

Dangote told the Sultan to come in forcefully to let the settlement heads know that asking for money before mobilizing their children for immunization would only compound the problem and not in keeping with the traditional role of settlement heads.

If the Sultan can take a very public stand that all settlement heads must support routine immunization and meet monthly with

health staff without remuneration.

“But we know that the fight is not yet won, and I would like to reiterate Bill’s point that you and the Emirs in all six states request a joint meeting with your Governors, LGA Chairmen and District Heads this month to review the state of preparations for the April and May national polio campaigns.

Every detail counts in preparation and execution.

“With our current very low rates of immunization, we know that most of our dear young children remain unprotected from vaccine preventable disease such as measles, yellow fever, whooping cough, and more. We need your help in changing this.”

At the Sokoto Government House, six governors of Kaduna, Bornu, Yobe, Sokoto, Bauchi and Kano signed a Memorandum of Understanding extending their commitment to counterpart responsibilities including funding to deepening coverage

of immunization in their respective state.

However, before signing the MoU, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, gave a presentation on the immunization coverage in the areas.

Dangote urged the governors not to be distracted by the coming electioneering but to keep focus on the polio endgame. “That means we should keep the counter-part funding commitments; that we ensure the April and May campaigns are done well, and that LGA Chairmen and District Heads are involved in preparations and implementation of the campaigns.

“I am delighted to be here to sign these extensions and a letter of intent. It signals that we are taking a development mindset to keep building our routine immunization programs as we begin to focus on broader primary health care. It means that Your Excellences, our Traditional Fathers, Honorable Commissioners, Development Partners, we are all in this together, through thick and thin. Bill and I have seen amazing things happen in Nigeria with turning polio around—when people said it couldn’t be done. We know that the routine immunization and Primary Health Care work is much different, much more complex, and requires long term dedication. It also requires us to keep our passion and motivation high. It requires a sense of urgency to overtake a most dangerous and infectious disease,” he stated.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Change of names 21 (Trustees)

Buhari condoles with Ogbeh over brother’s death •••President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday commiserated with the MRS OKECHUKWU CHINYERE LAETICIA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU CHINYERE LAETICIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKECHUKWU CHINYERE LAETICIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS ANI EBERE CYNTHIA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANI EBERE CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI EBERE CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS OBU CHIOMA LINDA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKONGWU CHIOMA LINDA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBU CHIOMA LINDA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

ONOVO NNEKA JANE I, formerly known and addressed as ONOVO JANEFRANCIS NNEKA now wish to be known and addressed as ONOVO NNEKA JANE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS OKORO ONYINYECHI EMMANUELLA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE ONYINYECHI EMMANUELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKORO ONYINYECHI EMMANUELLA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, BANKS and General public should please take note.

MRS. CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL JANE UZOMA

Minister of Ag- over the death of riculture and Ru- his younger brothral Development, er, Clement Ogbeh.

Chief Audu Ogbeh, The President MRS UGWUEGBU PERPETUA NGOZI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKWEDU PERPETUA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWUEGBU PERPETUA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS ZIM-EJIKE OLUCHI JENNIFER

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUDIWE OLUCHI JENNIFER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ZIM-EJIKE OLUCHI JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS ODOGWU FRANCA CHINYERE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IGWESI FRANCA CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODOGWU FRANCA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ANIMBA NGOZIKA BLESSING

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUCHUKWU NGOZIKA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as ANIMBA NGOZIKA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS AGBO BLESSING NNEDINSO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORO BLESSING NNEDINSO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBO BLESSING NNEDINSO. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

ATTAH REJOICE ELOCHUKWU

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWEZE JANE UZOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL JANE UZOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AMUKA REJOICE ELOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ATTAH REJOICE ELOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS DASAOLU TEMITOPE MORENIKEJI FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EBENEZER TEMITOPE MORENIKEJI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS DASAOLU TEMITOPE MORENIKEJI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

That I was formerly known and addressed as OMENI JOY, that I now wish to add NKIRUKA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OMENI JOY NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take notes.

ADDITION OF NAME

UHUNMWANGHO RUTH NKECHI Formerly known and addressed as Uhunmwangho Ruth Now wish to be known and addressed as Uhunmwangho Ruth Nkechi. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Abdulganiyu Alarape Rahmat Oyeniyi Now wish to be known and addressed as Abdulganiyu Oyeniyi Rahmat.

All Former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

MRS. NWANKWO ABIGAIL CHIOMA I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLIE ABIGAIL CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWANKWO ABIGAIL CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWOBODO NGOZI NNENNA now wish to be known and addressed as NEVO NGOZI NNENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABDULGANIYU OYENIYI RAHMAT

NEVO NGOZI NNENNA

MRS ONAH ONYEBUCHI FELICIA

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OKORIEORJI PROMISE KELECHI I, formerly known and addressed as ORJI PROMISE KELECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIEORJI PROMISE KELECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS EZEANYA PERPETUA AMUCHE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANARADO PERPETUA AMUCHE AND MISS LINDA AMUCHE ANARADO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEANYA PERPETUA AMUCHE All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AGU BENEDICT CHUKWUEBUKA I formerly known and addressed as AGU BENEDICT EDWARD, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU BENEDICT CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and the general public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, Hon. CHIKA OTTAH wishes to let the general public know that I am a bonafide member of PDP and not any other party.

General public should take note.

MRS. KOLAWOLE KEHINDE RUTH Formerly known and addressed as Miss Jayesimi Kehinde Ruth Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kolawole Kehinde Ruth. All Former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

IDOWU FALILAT ADEOLA

sent his condolences to the immediate family, the Otukpa comI, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORO BLESSING OGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAMANI BLESSING OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

munity of Benue State and friends of the deceased.

He prayed that God would comfort the family of the departed and grant his soul eternal rest.

Late Clement, who worked at the Central Bank of

MRS EZIEKE AMARACHI LOVETH

MRS OLUKA CHIMUANYA EDITH

MRS NNAMANI BLESSING OGOCHUKWU

Nigeria (CBN), was buried on Friday.

President Buhari’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.

MRS NJAKA CHIBUZOR BEST

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBAYI AMARACHI LOVETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZIEKE AMARACHI LOVETH. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKONKWO CHIMUANYA EDITH. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUKA CHIMUANYA EDITH. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NZEKWE CHIBUZOR BEST now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NJAKA CHIBUZOR BEST. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

ANI EPHRAIM CHUKWUKA

MRS OPARA JESSICA ONYINYE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINEMELUM JESSICA ONYINYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OPARA JESSICA ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CYRIL LORDLY CYRIL OR LORDLY CYRIL., now wish to be known and addressed as UZOEFUNA LORDLY CYRIL All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

MRS EZENWOKOLO JOAN NKOLIKA

MRS OKEKEARU CHIDIMMA LYDIA

I, formerly known and addressed as AKATUME EPHRAIM CHUKWUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ANI EPHRAIM CHUKWUKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANARADO JOAN NKOLIKA. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZENWOKOLO JOAN NKOLIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU CHIDIMMA LYDIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKEARU CHIDIMMA LYDIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS. NWANKWO ABIGAIL CHIOMA

NEVO NGOZI NNENNA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLIE ABIGAIL CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWANKWO ABIGAIL CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as NWOBODO NGOZI NNENNA now wish to be known and addressed as NEVO NGOZI NNENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EBOH – GEORGE AMAKA JUDITH

UZOEFUNA LORDLY CYRIL

MRS UDEIGWE PHILOMINA ONUABUCHI

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MRS EMENGINI HELEN CHIDIMMA

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MRS EMEKA – OGBODO JOY NNEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as EBOH JUDITH OGWUGWA, now wish to be known and addressed as EBOH – GEORGE AMAKA JUDITH. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODOH JOY NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMEKA – OGBODO JOY NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLATOYE SUNDAY D NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLATOYE SUNDAY DIYA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

MRS SORETIRE ADETUNJI OLUWABUNMI FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADETUNJI OLUWABUNMI ALICE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS SORETIRE ADETUNJI OLUWABUNMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRSSED AS MODUPE ROMOKE JOSEPH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IGE MODUPE ROMOKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

AMARACHI GRACE ORJI

MRS. IKECHUKWU BASILIA CHISOM

This is to certify and confirm that OBUMUNAEKE IZUCHUKWU SUNDAY, OBUMUNAEKE ORAEGBUNAM AND IZUCHUKWU SUNDAY OKAFOR refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as IZUCHUKWU SUNDAY OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

OLATOYE SUNDAY DIYA

I formerly known and addressed as IDOWU ENITAN ADEOLA now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU FALILAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AMARACHI ORJI , now wish to be known and addressed as AMARACHI GRACE ORJI. And my correct date of birth is 23 May 1986 and not 24 May 1985. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and the general public should please take note

MAKINDE OLAWALE AZEEZ I formerly known and addressed as OREYEMI OLAWALE AZEEZ now wish to be known and addressed as MAKINDE OLAWALE AZEEZ. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL JANE UZOMA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWEZE JANE UZOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL JANE UZOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWANERINNA BASILIA CHISOM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IKECHUKWU BASILIA CHISOM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

ATTAH REJOICE ELOCHUKWU I formerly known and addressed as AMUKA REJOICE ELOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ATTAH REJOICE ELOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IGE MODUPE ROMOKE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING with NO. GOSULOS18013726 Container NO. ZIMU 10891839 belonging to one MR. SUNNY .I. A. OKEKENWA is missing. If found please return it to the nearest Police Station or CALL 08033017322 AGU BENEDICT CHUKWUEBUKA

I formerly known and addressed as AGU BENEDICT EDWARD, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU BENEDICT CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and the general public should take note.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

23 News

Anioma diaspora begins free medicare April 20 Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt

•••Anioma

Association in the United States of America (USA) has concluded plans to begin a free two days medical programme worth over N3 million in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.

The immediate past president of the group,

Dr. Sunny Nkemdiche made this known to journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital recently, during the 10th Memorial anniversary of his late mother-in-law, Mrs. Angieline ChubaIkpeazu.

Nkemdiche, who is based in the US said his association has concluded plans with the home

branch of the association to kick start the free medical programme worth over $10,000 on April 20 and 21, 2018 at A.G.S., ABC road in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

“The venue of the programme is A.G.S., ABC road, Asaba, Delta state.

We are going to give out free medications to ev-

eryone and we are going to offer free services for glaucoma, stress management, eye services, high blood pressure, diabetes and many others.”

Nkemdiche, further noted that the association is prepared to care for about a thousand patients at this edition of the programme , as they have earmarked

N3,960,000for the programme.”This is the first time that we are getting about a thousand people and we have set aside $10,000 -11,000 dollars for the programme.”

Earlier, Dr. Nkemdiche expressed sadness over the loss of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Angieline Chuba-Ikpeazu, who died 10 years ago, but her memories con-

tinue to linger on in the minds of her loved ones.

“She was very peaceful, patient, accommodating and unbiased person. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother-in-law.

What really endeared me to her was her patience. Her disposition was always the same, whether in good or bad times, she doesn’t get upset. I really miss her.”

DESOPADEC board member seeks National Assembly seat Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

•••A

Cross section of passengers boarding the free train ride provided by Osun Government for the celebration of Ester Festival, at Iddo Terminus, Lagos… yesterday

25, 000 persons benefit from Ogbedo Eye-care Programme in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

•••No

fewer than 25, 000 persons across Delta State have benefited from the Ogbedo Eye-care Programme which started last Thursday in Asaba.

The wife of the State Governor, DAME Edith Okowa, who commended the organizer, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo for his selfless efforts, described the free Eye service as good signs of God uplifting the state to enviable height.

She said: “we have now many people who have been lifted up by this eye care programme. Dr. Ogbedo is a man which a large heart in doing work of humanity” and called on Nigerians to emulate Ogbedo’s legacy

in giving, as well as putting smiles on the faces of the people.

Describing the origin of recovering sight to the blind, and the visually impared, DAME Okowa said that Ogbedo’s inspiration may had been taken from Saint Luke 4:17-19 on recovering of sight to the blind from the less-priviledged.

She said that over 40 percent of people in Delta State were blind, adding that lots of children close to 18 percent cannot see well due to cataract or minor ailments treatable, insisting that “if government interest on eye health care, it will reduce gender equality and infant mortality”.

Meanwhile, the

Delta State Government has expressed its willingness to partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Delta State Command in the training of drivers in the civil service.

Mr. Reginald Bavoko, the State Head of Service who confirmed this to journalists in Asaba, said the present administration places high premium on the capacity building of the workforce for optimum performance, adding that training of civil servants, especially drivers on road safety and traffic management would no doubt improve their knowledge and enhance the performance of their job.

Bayoko however commended the sec-

tor commander, Mr. Random Kumvea for ensuring reduction of road accidents in the recent times on Asaba Onitsha Expressway, assuring that, the State Government will continue to co-operate with road safety workers to enhance its performances of its statutory duties

Okowa

DESOPADEC Board member, Sir Amos Itihwe says he had put machinery in place to contest the Ughelli South, Ughelli North and Udu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Sir Ituhwe who spoke with journalists in Asaba at the weekend, said he is in the race to National Assembly on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party to make the difference, and assured that if voted into office, he would provide the dividends of democracy.

According to him, “we have people there before, they went there to be sleeping, and earn money into their pockets. But, my decision to run as not for self-centeredness but for the people oriented” disclosing that his desire to run is to give effective representation.

While assuring an open door policy, Sir Ituhwe explained: “I will make sure I open communication link that will not be hindered, I will be available to set the pace, change the bad processes where necessary.”

Meanwhile, a total of 200 members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Agharho Ward 8, both in Ughelli North Local Govenrment Area of Delta State have benefited from the Ughelli North PDP Empowerment Programme.

Mr. Festu Ovie Agas, who sponsored the empowerment, acknowledged the importance of empowerment, noting that Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa SMART Agenda, had impacted tremendous on Deltans.

He urged the people of the state to proper registration for the 2019 Elections, stressing PDP led administration in the state will not compromise equality infrastructural development.

Also, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mary Iyase has said that the people of Ethiope East Local Government Council will vote Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa come 2019.

Iyase who made this known when she reacted to the allegation that Ethiope East hitherto, is in opposition.

According to her, “that era is over, probably there was a time when Ethiope East people are no longer in opposition”.

FIFA names officials for World Cup

F

elix Brych of Germany, who officiated last season’s UEFA Champions League final match between Real Madrid and Juventus, is among 36 referees named on Thursday for the 2018 World Cup.

Page 24

World football ruling body FIFA said in a statement that its Referees Commission has also picked 63 assistant referees, with the 99 match officials representing 46 countries. Brych has also officiated games

at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

They were selected from 53 referee trios in a threeyear process through preparatory seminars and “based on each referee’s skills and personality’’.

“The Commission also put into consideration each referee’s level of understanding of football and ability to read both the game and the various tactics employed by teams,’’ FIFA said It said Europe is providing

Serbia loss will stregthen Eagles - Dalung

T

he Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalong, has said that the Federal Government was not disappointed with the 0 – 2 loss to Serbia in an international friendly played last week.

The Minister reacted to the result while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the defeat has exposed the weaknesses of the team which they will strengthen before the beginning of the World Cup in Russia.

“Whether I am satisfied with the performance of the Super Eagles in view of their last defeat, I am quite confident.

“The process of qualification was not that very smooth; we must not win every match to be able to say that we are prepared.

“But ofcourse, challenges like the one we have also prepare us for the type of competition we are going to be engaged.

“So what happened with the 2 – 0 (against Serbia) has put us on our toes to go back to the drawing board and then try to look at areas of our weaknesses and strengthen on them.’’

Serbia’s Aleksander Mitrovic had scored two second half goals against the Super Eagles to deflate the teams long unbeaten record in its contest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Super Eagles at their training camp in London

Alex Iwobi in action during Nigeria and Serbia match

the most number of referees with 10 and also the most number of assistants with 20.

But, for the first time, there is no World Cup referee from England.

There is also none from Nigeria. FIFA however said another seminar has been scheduled for the last weeks of April in Italy to further

prepare the referees.

“It will also include candidates to act as video assistant referee (VAR), with the technology making its debut at the June 14 to July 15 tournament in Russia.

“A final seminar for all officials will then start in Moscow 10 days before the first match,’’ FIFA said.

Tuesday, March 31 2018

Ocheho will revive Nigerian handball, says Dikko

A

fter several years of being moribund, the wheel of handball in Nigeria is turning again.

For those who witnessed the golden era of the sport, the present omens indicate that great days are beckoning again.

Thanks to the self-effacing banker, Mr. Sam Ocheho who has been at the helm of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) board since June last year.

Ocheho who had a fruitful playing career has maintained a strong tie to handball. Even in the turbulent days of the sport, Ocheho’s fidelity was never in doubt as he remained the only sponsor.

His election last June saw the different generations of handball players and stakeholders accepting him as a consensus candidate.

Though there was an election during the National Sports Federations’ elections, in Abuja in June,his victory was certain even before the contest.

Since then, Ocheho has never disappointed those who gave him the mandate to run Nigerian handball.

Retired Coach Danjuma Adamu Dikko who now lectures at the National Institute of Sports(NIS), Lagos is one of the pioneer handball players who started the game when it was introduced in 1972 when he was in the Nigerian Army.

Dikko has seen it all in the sport-during its golden era and in the dark ages both as a player and as a coach.

Sam Ocheho, President of Nigeria Handball Federation

The coach was upbeat while speaking with Daily Times on the present state of handball in the nation.

“Right now, things are looking up for Nigerian handball”, Dikko said. “And if the present momentum can be sustained Nigerian handball would be great again”.

He continued “The signs are there that we will witness the golden era of handball once again.

And we have to thank the new president of the board, Mr. Sam Ocheho for renewing our hope”.

Dikko said the president in his nine months in the saddle has demonstrated his capacity to revive the sport.

According to him “In the last nine months, as president of the federation, Mr. Ocheho has lived up to our expectation. Since he resumed, there has never been a dull moment in handball.

“To the credit of the president, our national teams have been busy, staying in camp and participating in competitions.

Nigerian Judo boss calls for calm, as Port Harcourt holds National Tourney in May

P

resident of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Prince Timothy Nsirim, has called for calm as the board set to hit the ground running with the national championship scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in May this year.

A press release signed by the Media and Communications Director, Phemmy Adetula, said the NJF has just taken delivery of new equipment donated by the International Judo Federation to aid the development of the sport in Nigeria. The equipment, which comprise 162 mats and cartons of Jodogis for all cadres, was facilitated by Prince Nsirim who restated plans to revive judo with support of all the stakeholders.

The board also got delivery of

screens and projectors imported from China by the NJF President for officiating and technical works, while complementary equipment and devices will be procured by the federation very soon.

The NJF boss said: “I want to plead with all judokas in the country that to be calm so that we can move the sport forward. This is the first time in over 15 years that we had this kind of opportunity. More are coming if we are at peace. If we are not at peace, we will not attain the needed height as a federation and that is why at the resolution of the board, I agreed with the choice of our new technical director. I accepted whatever decisions the board has taken and I want everybody to see it as a call for duty, a call to serve. ” On the forthcoming championship, Prince Nsirim said all judokas wherever they are will be invited for the National Open championship in Port Harcourt in May. “It will be an all comers event, a very strong

championship and it will be sponsored by the federation, myself and the executive governor of Rivers state, Mr Nyesom Wike. We will make it a great championship and all of us will be here. Rivers State Sports Commissioner, the State Sports Commission, all will be involved, ” said Nsirim.

Board member, Professor Johnson Okpakor eulogised Prince Nsirim for his personal efforts and commitment to take judo to a new height.

“I give kudos to the president for providing this great opportunity for our sport and this is just a starting point. If we have people like Prince Nsirim running sports federation, Nigeria will move forward and I pray that during his tenure, the sport will return to its glorious days,” said Okpakor.

As part of the board resolution at the end of their meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr Ewa Ekuta Olom, a current IJF A-licenced referee was appointed the technical director of the federation.

Timothy Nsirim, Nigeria Judo Federation President

25

Saturday, March 31, 2018

EXTRATIME

The couple return to Sanchez’s Range Rover to find a parking ticket stuck to the windshield

Sanchez hit with parking ticket

A

s Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez dines with his girlfriend Mayte Rodriguez, a council official hit him with a parking ticket but earning £600,000-a-week at Manchester United, he can probably afford it!

Alexis Sanchez has clearly struggled to adapt to life at Manchester United and it appears the struggling Chilean forward hasn’t quite grasped the parking laws in his new area either.

Sanchez took his girlfriend Mayte Rodriguez out for a lunch at Cibo restaurant in Wilmslow on Friday, but returned to his car to find he had been issued a parking ticket after leaving his Range Rover on a double yellow line.

As they dined on fine Italian cuisine, a traffic warden, hard at work over the Easter weekend, swooped on the swanky motor and stuck one of those little bright yellow bags on the windscreen.

It didn’t appear to ruin the couple’s afternoon as Rodriguez barely took notice of the fine as she stepped back into the passenger seat. The Manchester United star even stopped for a photo with some local fans.

Sanchez will, however, have to take some money out of his wages to pay the penalty. The fine is likely to be a ‘Level Two’ charge, meaning he will have to pay £70 to Cheshire East council. However, paying within two weeks will see the fine drop to £35.

Not that finding the money will be a problem for the 29-year-old, who enjoys a huge weekly income in the region of £600,000-aweek when his Manchester United wage and commercial deals are combined.

Spain humiliates Argentina 6-1

L

ionel Messi, like many inside the Wanda Metropolitano yesterday in a friendly match between Argentina and Spain,, watched from the stands in astonishment as Argentina were handsomely dismantled by Spain in what concluded a 6-1 defeat. Despite injury stopping him from influencing matters on the pitch, the Argentine captain showed his undoubted leadership qualities with a motivational pep talk after the game, in a bid to lift his embarrassed team-mates. According to newspaper Diario Olé, via Sport, the Barcelona ace said in the changing room: ‘We come through this together. United.’

The same newspaper revealed the dressing room gesture was well received by his deflated team-mates as it showed the Barcelona star’s acceptance of the need to step up and be a leader.

Messi sat out both games during the international break, against Italy and Spain, due to a hamstring complaint and Spain striker Diego Costa recently insisted Argentina are a different proposition entirely without his presence.

‘To have Messi on the pitch changes many things,’ the former Chelsea striker said.

You can see that when he is not on the pitch, they are missing their leader. Argentinians know that Messi is Messi. I hear that people criticise [him], but Messi deserves preferential treatment because he is the best.

‘A player like Messi cannot be criticised. You have to give thanks to god that he exists.’

Costa opened the scoring for the Spaniards on Tuesday before a hat-trick from Isco, a brace from Thiago Alcantara and one from former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas, completed the rout.

Manchester City centre back Nicholas Otamendi reduced the deficit to make it 2-1 but the game went from competitive to a horror show from an Argentina perspective.

Messi is yet to win a major international honour with Argentina and may feel this summer’s World Cup in Russia is his last chance to lift the prestigious trophy.

The 30-year-old was part of the side that were beaten finalists in Brazil four years ago - an extra time strike from Mario Gotze was enough to crown Germany victors.

Without Lionel Messi Agentina is nothing. Injury denied Messi from playing for Argentina against Spain.

Hence the humiliation

Neymar steps up his recovery for World Cup N

o pain, no gain’ is the mantra Neymar is living by these days as the Paris Saint-Germain star continues to work out with a medical boot on.

The Brazilian forward is stepping up his training routine ahead of a sensational return before the World Cup finals in Russia this summer.

The 26-year-old was filmed on Instagram working on his core with a personal trainer before strengthening his legs on Thursday eveThe 26-year-old was filmed working out on a medicine ning. ball while wearing a medical boot

While sitting shirtless on a medicine ball, Neymar can be seen wincing as he pulls on rope with his leg heavily guarded by the black boot.

His Instagram story then shows him trying to lift his legs with weights on as his whopping 91.3 million followers get a glimpse into his recovery routine at home.

Since fracturing his right foot during PSG’s win over Marseille back in February, Neymar has continued to share his progress on social media.

The former Barcelona man even posted his hospital appointment online by showing footage of the doctor rubbing a gel into his wounded foot using ultrasound earlier this week.

Since suffering the injury, the forward has had to sit out four of PSG’s fixtures and two Brazil friendlies but should be expected to return for the World Cup in June.

Neymar has been ruled out for up to three months but he should recover just in time before the tournament starts.

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Saturday, March 31, 2018

EXTRATIME

Neymar has no replacement in World Cup - Brazil coach

Neymar suffered a terrible injury to his right foot during a Ligue 1 win over rivals Marseille

B

razil will get a taste of life without star man Neymar against World Cup hosts Russia on Friday as boss Tite accepted the Paris Saint-Germain forward ‘cannot be replaced’ in the national team.

Speedy Juventus winger Douglas Costa looks to be the man tasked with filling the void left by the injured Neymar as Tite showed off his high demands during training in Moscow on Thursday.

La Liga pair Marcelo and

Philippe Coutinho looked in relaxed mood as the Selecao get an early taste for Russia ahead of the World Cup this summer.

While mood in the Brazil camp appeared jovial and relaxed, boss Tite accepted his team is weaker in Neymar’s absence but that competition for places is providing him with some welcome selection headaches.

‘Neymar is very important for us and cannot be replaced but Douglas Costa is not replacing him, he is

going to be Douglas Costa,’ Tite said.

‘All of the players are performing well, it’s going to be very difficult to pick my final squad for the World Cup. I’m trying to give everyone a chance to show what they

can do.’

Brazil’s stars may well steal a march on their rivals with the Russia trip but they will not have long for much more than a whistlestop tour of Moscow.

Tite’s men face World Cup

hosts Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday, where the tournament’s final will be held in July before flying to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin to take on Germany on Tuesday.

Joachim Low’s Germany

side, the current World Cup holders after success in Brazil in 2014, will provide a valuable test for the South Americans as both they and Low’s side are eyeing a faultless run to glory.

England fans are ruthless - Police S

enior British police officers have expressed astonishment that the Football Association have scheduled a pre-World Cup away friendly in Amsterdam on Friday night and warned there is a risk of stoking Russian prejudice about England fans if any behave poorly.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who heads the UK Football Policing Unit, told Sportsmail that a night free of anti-social behaviour could reduce the risks faced by those who will encounter Russian security forces at this summer’s World Cup. But Dutch riot police on horseback were forced to intervene on Thursday after drunken English fans threw bottles and smashed windows in the capital city. By midevening, the trouble appeared to have been brought to a halt.

In meetings preceding the Salisbury poison attack, officials in the three Russian cities where England play their group stage games told their British counterparts that they were ‘worried’ about the country’s fans.

With 5,300 English fans potentially mingling with hundreds more in the Dutch capital for stag parties

and other revelries tonight, the occasion has potential to exacerbate those suspicions.

‘Other than playing Scotland in Magaluf or Russia in Marseilles, it’s hard to think of a worse place to play the last away friendly before the World Cup,’ said Mr Roberts, who has overseen the deployment of one of the largest British police presences seen at an England away game for a number of years, ahead of the game at the Amsterdam Arena.

Officers say they were not consulted by the FA before the scheduling of the match and are concerned that the high-risk fixture coincides with a reduction in the cost of joining the England Supporters Travel Club (ETSC) – which several thousand fans have recently joined. ‘If Russian authorities see images of our fans drinking to excess, chanting objectionably and behaving disrespectfully, it may make them more predisposed to have a negative mind-set about what they might encounter this summer,’ Mr Roberts said.

‘They could then look to point to our fans’ previous behaviour. The Russian authorities do not make a distinction between those who be-

There is a fear that poorly behaved fans in Holland could impact treatment at the World Cup

have in an anti-social manner and those who are looking for trouble.

‘That is why we want fans to behave respectfully in Amsterdam.

They can massively reduce the risks that they - and others - may face this summer.’

There has been evidence in the past two years of a creeping re-

turn of nationalistic, anti-social behaviour among a contingent of predominantly young England fans.

Several served life bans for anti-German singing at a friendly in Dortmund last year.

Senior FA security sources admitted that the venue does create challenges. They include the num-

ber of non-ESTC members who will already be in Amsterdam and the fact that many who cannot get tickets for the game may travel with friends and spend the evening making the most of the city’s social opportunities.

But the FA said it was conscious of the shame Dortmund brought

on England and had been working hard to avoid a repeat of that.

The governing body have reminded fans of their responsibilities, though no global communication has gone out. The FA have also met local police to discuss the support for England and to try to defuse a potentially volatile situation.

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Saturday, March 31, 2018

EXTRATIME

T

he scales tipped in favour of Britain’s world heavyweight champion as Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker weighed in for their title unifier in Cardiff - with both the unbeaten champions coming in significantly lighter than for their preceding fights.

Joshua, at 17 st 4lbs, was down almost 12 lbs from when he beat Carlos Takam last autumn while Parker, coming in at 16 st 12 lbs, has shed almost 9 lbs since defeating Hughie Fury.

Joshua looked magnificent and says he feels it: ‘Taking that bit of weight off makes this fight a little easier.’

Parker was accompanied by New Zealand Haka dancers and Samoan singers. Joshua marched in to a Guards band leading the crowd in ‘Oh, Anthony Joshua.’

The fascination with Joshua keeps growing.

No fewer than 215 countries around the world are taking live TV transmission of the fight, led by Sky in Britain and Showtime in the US. In Cardiff almost 4,000 paid £1 a head to watch the weigh-in, with the proceeds going to a fund for Scott Westgarth, the latest British boxer to die from brain damage.

After successfully weighing-in and taking

Anthony Joshua weighed in a stone lighter than his last fight at the Motorpoint Arena on Friday

After weighing in the pair locked eyes for the final time before meeting in the ring on today

Ahead of tonight’s fight

Joshua weighs almost half a stone heavier than Parker part in the ceremonial final stare down with Parker before he meets him in the ring on Saturday, the opportunity ‘to create history’ - as Joshua put it - seem to hit home.

‘When I go back years ago and watch boxing you see fighters drop to their knees crying when they win world titles and I have never really done that,’ Joshua said.

‘But I think this will be a real emotional time as we are creating history. If I secure this win we are

on to make history late 2018.’

The undefeated WBO champion Parker stands in his way with the same goal of taking a huge step towards becoming the undisputed champion of boxing’s grandest division by winning on Saturday.

Judging from the look on Parker’s face when the pair locked eyes for the final time, he is confident and ready to do exactly that.

Despite being the overwhelming favourite, Joshua is wise enough to

respect Parker and praised him for coming into the fight in ‘good’ condition like a true champion.

The 28-year-old, who has won all his 20 professional contests by knock out, refused to make a final prediction but promised that there ‘will be blood’.

Nothing more can be done now.

On Saturday, there will be one unified heavyweight champion, either hailing from Britain or from New Zealand.

Joseph Parker came in nearly half a stone lighter than the WBA and IBF champion at 16 st 12 lb

Gomez’s must appear in World Cup - Klopp J oe Gomez’s hopes of reaching the World Cup remain alive after Jurgen Klopp revealed the ankle injury he sustained playing for England will not end his season.

The Liverpool right back was forced off after 10 minutes of last Friday’s 1-0 win over Holland and there were fears that his campaign would be over.

He was sent back to Merseyside, rather than staying with England, and underwent scans to ascertain the damage.

Though Klopp estimates Gomez will miss the next ‘three to four weeks’ – ruling him out of Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Bournemouth, plus the Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City – he expected the 20-year-old to be ready for action by the end of April.

In the meantime, Gomez’s absence will be offset by the return to the squad of Nathaniel Clyne – he has not played since the first friendly of pre-season on July 12 – and Liverpool’s manager was happy to give an upbeat assessment about both players.

‘The good news about Joe Gomez is that it could have been everything,’ said Klopp.

‘But from the bad news we could have got the best is it is serious enough to leave him out for

Joe Gomez was forced off through injury just 10 minutes into England’s 1-0 win over Holland

a couple of games but not for the rest of the season.

‘So it’s difficult to give a time schedule for that but we hope he is back in training in three or four

weeks. That will give us the option to use him and play. But Clyney is fine now. That’s good. He played during the international break for the U23s. He’s in good shape so he

will be part of the squad for tomorrow at least.

‘That’s good for us because we cannot have enough players. It’s not easy for players when they

play come back from injuries. Clyne played pretty much all the time and then he had this injury and was away for a while.

‘But now he is back and that’s

good, and with the expectations for the England squad I cannot think too much about it. What I can guarantee is we make them all as fit as possible and they can make the choice. Yes, we have three of the most interesting fullbacks in our squad. That’s nice for us. But they cannot play altogether, maybe two of them.’

Liverpool face Crystal Palace on Saturday, aiming to tighten their grip on a place in the top four.

They are seeking to secure back-to-back Champions League qualification for the first time since 2009. The game against City on Wednesday is dominating but Klopp has made it clear where priorities lie.

‘Crystal Palace this weekend,’ said Klopp. ‘City will be very important then, but not at the moment. No balance. We play Crystal Palace with all we have, with all intensity, with all concentration.

‘For a player or manager of Liverpool, everything is at least about qualification for the Champions League. Both games are about qualifications for the Champions League -- one is for next and one is for this year.

That’s the only difference. They have the same importance, [so] no difference for us.’

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Saturday, March 31, 2018

EXTRATIME

World Cup contenders: Who wins?

Southgate has already stated he will play three centre backs but none of the several contenders have cemented their place.

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA Kane on form is among the best No 9s in the world and England are strong in the attacking third with Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Marcus Rashford all capable of causing damage if given the service.

BELGIUM WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? Packed with star quality from Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen and Vincent Kompany at the back to Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku further forward.

They qualified emphatically and this Golden Generation will know it’s now or never.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld has played only twice since November 1 and suffered hamstring problems. Even if he makes Russia, he’ll be undercooked.

Kompany is fit but given his history, breaking down mid-tournament will always be a worry.

Antoine Griezmann scores for France during their qualifying match against Belarus Contd. from Page 28

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? If Neuer returns, will he automatically go back in goal when Barcelona’s No 1 Marc Andre Ter Stegen is having such a

good season.

How loyal should Joachim Low be to his 2014 heroes? World Cup final goalscorer Mario Gotze can’t get in the current squad but Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller are still in, though neither are at the level they were.

Is 22-year-old Werner of Leipzig ready

to step into Klose’s shoes up front or would Germany be better off playing with a false nine?

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA Premier League fans will know there are few more exhilarating sights than Sane at full pelt. If he can maintain his form for the World Cup, Germany’s technical players Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan will be given the space to have a field day.

FRANCE WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? They have one of the best squads on paper but will be disquieted by their dismal showing in the Euro 2016 final on home soil when they lost to Portugal.

Still haven’t found the best way to get the best out of individual talents like Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann in a team structure.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? Left back Benjamin Mendy hasn’t played since September following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

He is back in training and desperate to play again after the international break but Pep Guardiola is urging caution after such a long and serious lay-off.

ENGLAND WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? Things have taken a downturn in recent months with many of Gareth Southgate’s ‘reliables’ either injured or on the bench at their clubs; Phil Jones, Danny Rose and Adam Lallana among them.

One plus is that England have never coped with high expectation so general pessimism may be good.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? Harry Kane’s return from an ankle injury is essential and Southgate also namechecked Jones, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fabian Delph as those who could make the plane even though they are unavailable for this month’s friendlies against Holland and Italy.

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? Any of the four goalkeepers named in Southgate’s latest squad – Jack Butland, Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope – have a shot at being No 1 this summer.

A central midfield position alongside Eric Dier looks up for grabs with Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson hopeful.

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? Roberto Martinez will be up at night working out how to squeeze all his good players into the line-up. If Alderweireld and Kompany are fit, he could use Vertonghen at left-back or play three central defenders.

Does he pick Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele alongside Axel Witsel or sacrifice one of them for more attacking flair?

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA With so much quality, Belgium will have been disappointed to ‘only’ reach the quarter-finals of the last two tournaments.

Lukaku, Hazard and De Bruyne are all aged between 24 and 27, this should be their time.

ARGENTINA WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? Heavily over-reliant on Lionel Messi who virtually dragged his country to the finals single-handed with a hat-trick against Ecuador on the final day of qualification.

Weak in certain areas and while goalkeeper Sergio Romero is No 1 for his country, he’s second-choice for ManContd. on Page 30

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? Didier Deschamps has centre-backs who play for Barcelona (Samuel Umtiti) and Real Madrid (Raphael Varane), so where does that leave Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny?

The manager has expressed concern about Pogba’s confidence being dented by his poor form at Manchester United.

At Euro 2016, he played too deep, finding the right role will be crucial.

Mesut Ozil on the ball for defending champions Germany during their qualification campaign

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA Mbappe is the world’s second-most expensive player, Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona the fourth.

They are aged 19 and 20 respectively, and if they want to be considered the long-term heirs to Messi and Ronaldo, they’ll have to put on a show this summer.

Sandro Wagner, celebrating here against Northern Ireland, is part of a new German generation

Saturday March 31, 2018

EXTRATIME

30

World Cup contenders: Who wins?

Kylian Mbappe is one of the exciting new crop of French players breaking into the side Contd from Page 29

chester United.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? You can’t doubt the patriotism factor with Argentina and Sergio Aguero is in the squad to face Italy on Friday even though he missed his last game for Manchester City through injury. Still, it helps the Italian fixture is in Manchester!

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? Who partners Messi up front? Legendary manager Jorge Sampaoli, credited with ‘inventing’ pressing football, is spoilt for choice with Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain leading contenders. Paulo Dybala of Juventus doesn’t even make the latest squad.

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA

Neymar went down in agony during PSG’s match with Marseille at the end of last month

One word: Messi. Already Argentina’s leading scorer, Messi recently notched his 600th career goal.

If he does win the World Cup, he’ll overtake Pele and Diego Maradona to be the greatest of all time.

RUSSIA WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? Russia are ranked 63rd in the world – that’s more than 30 places behind Scotland.

Only their opponents in the opening game of the tournament, Saudi Arabia, are lower-ranked of the 32 World Cup nations. Have failed to win any of their three latest friendlies against Iran, Argentina and Spain.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? The likely absence of Zenit striker Aleksandr Kokorin after rupturing knee ligaments in the Europa League last week is a massive blow.

Lionel Messi fired a hat-trick as Argentina sealed their World Cup spot with a win over Ecuador

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? How to fill the gap vacated by experienced defenders Sergei Ignashevich and Vasily Berezutsky, who retired from international football after Russia flopped at Euro 2016.

They finished last in Group B which also featured England and Wales.

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA Home support is their biggest, some would say only, weapon. Although there have been incidents of Russian hooliganism before, the Ultras are under strict orders from Vladimir Putin to behave this summer. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is a character and closing in on the Russian record of 120 caps.

England will be heavy reliant on the goals of Harry Kane if they are to advance at the finals

PORTUGAL WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? Struggled in qualification and needed to beat Switzerland in the play-offs to qualify.

However, they were also written off before Euro 2016 and ended up winning their first major international trophy.

Any line-up containing Cristiano Ronaldo – who ended up as a touchline cheerleader after getting injured in the European final against France - has a chance.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? Veteran defender Pepe, now 35 and playing in Turkey with Besiktas, has become increasingly injury prone and is unlikely to be called upon by coach Fernando Santos because of the risk factor.

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? Where does Ronaldo play and which system will get the best out of him?

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva will have a part to play and young striker Andre Silva is rediscovering form after a difficult start at AC Milan.

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA This will be Ronaldo’s fourth World Cup and at 33-years-old may be his last.

For all the posturing and preening, enjoy him while you can.

Talents like him and Messi only come around every 20 years, if you’re lucky. By the way, Friday’s friendly between Portugal and Egypt – Ronaldo vs Mo Salah – could be tasty.

SPAIN WHAT SHAPE ARE THEY IN? The transition from the tiki-taka World Cup winners has not been easy; no side could lose giants like Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol, Xabi Alonso and Xavi without a dip in form.

However, the new generation of David

De Gea, Isco and Marco Asensio are giving grounds for optimism with stalwarts Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta still around.

ANY BIG INJURY PROBLEMS? Sergio Busquets has a toe injury sustained against Chelsea in the Champions League but should be fit well in time for the World Cup. WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE? What to do with Diego Costa? The Brazilian-born striker was an unpopular choice for Spain four years ago and blamed for their early exit. But at 29 and in decent form for Atletico Madrid, he has been given another chance by Julen Lopetegui for Friday’s friendly against Germany.

The conundrum is that selecting a target-man like Costa might compromise Spain’s famed possession game, exemplified by David Silva and Iniesta.

ONE REASON THEY WILL STEAL THE SHOW IN RUSSIA The Spain-Portugal group game on June 15 – the second day of the tournament – could ignite the World Cup. The two Iberian rivals don’t like each other and Spain’s ill-tempered 1-0 win against Portugal in 2010 was the catalyst for them winning the World Cup. Concluded

31

Saturday, March 31, 2018

EXTRATIME tral to Milan’s surprise league win in 1999.

The best players in the world plied their trade in Italy in the 1990s. ‘Serie A’ was undisputedly the best league in the world and full of superstars.

These are the best of the very best - including Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio.

Countdown to the award of the ‘Best Player’ of the year, we brought to our readers who is who in the race

14 - Juan Sebastian Veron Forget the underwhelming spells with Manchester United and Chelsea. The Veron of Sampdoria, Parma and Lazio was commanding, versatile and influential. The Argentine had a bit of everything and enhanced every midfield lucky enough to have him.

Known as the Little Witch (his father Juan Ramon, also a fine player, was nicknamed the Witch,) Veron could take the ball from the centre backs and start moves, or sprint past his marker to get into scoring positions himself. He was courageous and energetic, a dead-ball specialist and also a strong dressing-room presence.

T

he down-to-earth Portuguese arrived in Serie A from Benfica in 1994, and became the languid lynchpin of the Fiorentina attack. He could dribble, was resistant, had a strong shot and specialised in teeing up Gabriel Batistuta.

Not a demonstrative or egotistical No 10, Rui Costa would slice defences open if he wasn’t monitored properly. A thoroughly decent man off the pitch, he won the 1996 Coppa Italia and Supercup (the equivalent of the Community Shield) with Fiorentina. When the Viola finished third in 1999 he scored 14 goals in all competitions, an exceptional contribution for a creative midfielder.

19 - Gianluca Vialli Vialli spent half of the 90s in Italy, and packed a lot in. He spearheaded Sampdoria to a surprise league title in 1991. A year later Samp and their selfless striker with bushy dark hair reached the European Cup final, but lost to Barcelona at Wembley.

His insatiable work ethic and drive attracted Juventus, who signed him to pep up an underperforming squad. Vialli shaved his head, hit the gym and became the emblem of Marcello Lippi’s workmanlike Juve.

Never a prolific scorer, the tireless forward led by example, and captained the Bianconeri to Champions League glory in 1996.

18 - Ciro Ferrara The chirpy, amiable Neapolitan won the league and UEFA Cup with his hometown club in the 1980s, but travelled north for his next challenge. He became the backbone of the Juventus defence throughout the 1990s.

Ferrara could certainly dish out the rough stuff, but was a lot more malleable and thoughtful than just a hatchet man.

He lived through Serie A’s transformation from unforgiving man-marking to the more cultured zonal defending, applying both methods splendidly. Although when required he could still test the firmness of

Alessandro Nesta (left) beats Fiorentina striker Gabriel Batistuta to the ball in 1999

Battle for Italia ‘Serie A’ cap begins

Top contenders: Paolo Maldini, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Baggio and Gabriel Batistuta

opposing strikers’ shin pads.

17 - Giuseppe Bergomi The comeback ‘kid’. This right-sided defender lifted the 1982 World Cup as a moustachioed teenager (and was nicknamed ‘Uncle’ because he looked older than he was). Then he was an essential element of the Inter side which won the 1989 league and 1991 UEFA Cup. The second half of the 1990s should have been a pleasant drift into retirement, but Bergomi had an Indian summer. A famously fair player, he was called up to the World Cup 1998 squad after a seven-year international absence, when Ciro Ferrara

was injured pre-tournament. The composed 34-year-old made three appearances at France 98, displaying all his experience and savvy.

16 - Gianfranco Zola You can’t go wrong if Diego Maradona takes you under his prestigious wing.

Gianfranco Zola began assuming the mantle of Napoli trequartista as the Argentine’s powers started dimming. El Diego even gave his Sardinian apprentice the No 10 shirt in the match at Pisa in February 1991.

Unfortunately for Napoli fans, financial problems facilitated the sale of family jewels, including Ciro Ferrara, Fabio Cannavaro

Gianluca Vialli lifts the European Cup trophy for Juventus after beating Ajax in the 1996 final.

and Zola himself. ‘Magic Box’ flourished at his new team Parma, casting his spells domestically and abroad. The tiny dancer won the 1993 UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Cup two years later, before joining Chelsea.

By all accounts, things went quite well in England too.

15 - Zvonimir Boban The thinker. Croatian Boban witnessed the turbulence and tragedy in his homeland during the civil war, so the much-discussed ‘pressures’ of Serie A didn’t bother him. He was a cultured, measured No 10 with values and the guts to speak out.

‘Zorro’ won four titles and a Champions League with Milan in the 1990s. His intelligence, ability and flexibility impressed demanding coaches like Fabio Capello and Arrigo Sacchi. Boban never felt the need to show off, and was happy for others to take the limelight. At the age of 31, he was cen-

13 - Hernan Crespo Argentina were truly blessed for centre forwards in the 1990s. While Gabriel Batistuta was a rock-hard force of nature, Hernan Crespo was a more subtle yet equally lethal No 9. He spent the second half of the decade leading the line for the adored Parma side that won the 1999 UEFA Cup. Hernan Crespo hitches a ride on Fabio Cannavaro’s back as the pair celebrate a goal for their brilliant Parma side +19 Hernan Crespo hitches a ride on Fabio Cannavaro’s back as the pair celebrate a goal for their brilliant Parma side Hernanito’s clever movement and nose for goal made him perfect for Serie A. But with his thunderous shot and supreme aerial ability, he was certainly not a weakling.

Crespo was adaptable, willing to mould his game to get the best out of his strike partners. A generous assassin.

12 - Fabio Cannavaro Another defender who learned his trade at his local side, Napoli, before going on to success elsewhere. Cannavaro graduated from ballboy at the San Paolo to Parma and Italy superstar. To the untrained eye he was too short to be a world-class centre back, but the spring generated by his strong thighs gave him a mighty leap.

Bubbly Cannavaro formed a fine partnership with Lilian Thuram at Parma, where the pair won the 1999 UEFA Cup. He was a master of interceptions and cleaning up the mess left by others. Not particularly comfortable on the ball, he still usually got there before the forwards.

11 - Alessandro Nesta Any striker seeing Nesta in the opposing team’s pre-match line-up was within his rights to feel a tad queasy. The Rome-born centre back was built like a superhero, tall, with tree-trunk legs and broad shoulders.

Only the cape was missing.

Originally a full back, he made his Lazio debut aged 17 and soon became the leader.

He tackled with surgical precision and was imperious in the air. His elegance was reminiscent of Franz Beckenbauer. Nesta first made headlines in England in 1994 in an unfortunate incident when a seemingly innocuous training ground 50-50 with Paul Gascoigne left the Geordie with a broken leg.

Gianluigi Buffon is still playing aged 40 after a glorious career with Juventus and Parma

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Business & Economy B1

Daily Times Nigeria

FG seeks speedy completion of Lekki Page B2 Deep Seaport

NPA begins talk with NLNG as more shipping firms fault restrictions along Bonny Channel Page B3

Saturday March 31, 2018

An overview of the Lagos State electric power sector reform Page B7 law, 2018

IFC, China-World Bank partner to increase investment, development in Africa Mathew Dadiya,

Abuja

International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the China-World Bank Partnership Facility announced efforts to increase cross-border partnerships that will bring global financing and expertise to Africa, to help the continent build its infrastructure, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth.

As part of those efforts, IFC and the partnership facility hosted, on March 26, 2018, a meeting of senior business leaders from Africa, Asia, and North Africa to discuss private sector development opportunities in Africa’s infrastructure, transport, health, education, and other sectors.

The meeting was part of the 2018 Africa CEO Forum, an annual gathering of influential African and international

CEOs, bankers, and investors.

Bola Bamidele, Africa Lead, Corporate Finance Services, IFC, said, “Cross-border partnerships allow African businesses to gain access to global capital and technical expertise, creating synergies for successful, long-term private sector projects that also deliver substantial development impact.

Over nearly six decades, IFC itself has invested more than $25 billion in African business-

es and financial institutions, and our current portfolio exceeds $5 billion.”

Despite increasingly stronger regional economic growth and investment, Africa’s investment needs remain formidable.

The World Bank estimates that more than $9 billion is needed annually to build the infrastructure Africa needs to sustain its growth. Only about half of that level is achieved each year. The gap is too great

L/R Director Flight Operation Arik. Capt Adetokunbo Adekunbi, Chief executive officer Arik capt Roy Ilegbodu and Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency Hon. Jones Onyereri during House Committee On banking and currency visit to Arik headquarter on Friday ...in Lagos.

Gelegele Seaport: China Harbour intensifies work •Edo Govt sees record time delivery of project The Edo State Government has said that efforts to industrialise the state is gaining momentum as China Harbour Engineering Company Limited intensifies work on the development of the Gelegele Seaport in Benin City.

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said “we are excited at the pace of work on the project. We foresee the delivery of this project

well ahead of the scheduled delivery date.

“Our partner, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is living up to its billing as its personnel have been on ground for over about two months now. They have been working round the clock doing soil testing, ground mapping, following the aerial survey they did immediately they arrived Benin City, to ascertain the positioning of the facility in line with best environmental

practice.

“A visit to the site showed some de-watering, excavation and land reclamation work and the Project Execution Plan revealed that the Seaport will be delivered well ahead of the scheduled date of delivery.”

Osagie added: “Governor Obaseki is in a hurry to transform Edo State into a state with solid industrial base. A lot of work is ongoing in the background to ensure that these projects are delivered

in record time. It is not his style to create a buzz around projects.

He further said: “The Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Company came on stream without any media hype until it was commissioned.

The first phase of the Edo- Azura Power project was delivered in same manner and we are looking forward to receiving the first ship that will berth at the Gelegele Seaport. It will be a landmark event that will change the face of the state’s economy forever.”

The governor’s Aide assured that with a functional port in Gelegele, Edo people and resi-

for governments to bear alone and underscores the importance of partnerships for development.

Dr. Benson, Ayodele Cole, the CEO of Echo Scan Services Limited, an IFC client, testifying on the role that IFC’s financial advisory team played in achieving his vision for the medical diagnostics service he is developing in Nigeria, said: “IFC was key in structuring the cross-border partnership with my company Echo-Scan Diagnostic.

Through this partnership two Egyptian power houses now share in my vision and invested in Echo-Scan, setting the ground for delivering much needed medical diagnostic services in my country”. IFC also participated in the transaction as a counterpart investor.

IFC plays a critical role in forging such partnerships, providing advisory support to global clients to help them better understand and navigate African markets, and to African businesses to help them identify viable partners and worthy projects. IFC engages throughout the breadth of a project, from helping assess and select potential markets, to identifying investors and partners, supporting valuation, negotiations, and transactions through to closure.

The China World Bank Partnership Facility (CWPF) is a CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

dents in the state will start enjoying the benefits of exporting and importing their goods to and from Europe/America, respectively.

“We foresee the establishment of allied businesses such as tank farms, private dry ports and others, that by default go with seaports.,” he added.

China Harbour in January, began the execution of the project with an in-depth assessment of the Gelegele Seaport Report submitted by the Engr. Greg Ero-led Technical Committee on the Actualisation of the seaport, to the state government.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

FG seeks speedy completion of Lekki deep Seaport Simon Ugwu The Federal Government has challenged promoters of the Lekki Deep Sea Port to facilitate speedy completion of the project.

President Muhammadu Buhari, represented

by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flagged off the construction of the Sea Port in Lagos on Thursday.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

According to Osinbajo, the Port is projected to become one of the largest sea ports in the re-

gion, adding that it would serve as hub for port operations in the whole of West Africa.

He said: “It is a landmark project for several reasons. The promoters of this project are targeting about 1.5 million TEUs (Twenty Equivalent Units) container capacity annually, which they expect to grow to about 2.7 million and 4.7 million TEUs when the project commences. ”With this feat, this sea port will become one of the largest in our region and serve as a hub for ports operations in the whole of West Africa.

”There is no question at all that the project will be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa and possibly, the largest in Africa. ”I’m also told that the promoters also plan to dredge the port channel to about 16metres draft, which is not currently obtainable in any sea port or any port for that matter in the country. ”This, in itself, is an indication that ships of larger sizes will now be able to visit the port, and greater efficiency and economies of scale will generate significant revenues for the Nigerian economy, with govern-

ment earning a significant portion of it,” he said.

According to him, a second reason it is a landmark event is with respect to the government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and its emphasis on supporting game changing infrastructure projects directed at making major impact on trade and commerce. ”We are developing the Lekki Special Economic Zone as a model special economic zone, specifically targeting exports.

The development of this deep sea port is mission-

critical to the achievement of the important objective of creating this special economic zone. ”So, the third reason is the commitment of our economic philosophy to private sector leadership of our economic development. ”This project is essentially private sector driven — the Toleram Group and China Harbour are of course the lead private sector participants in this project. ”And like we have heard, their commitment to this project is total. I commend them for driving this project this far.

L-R: Rifugio Samsung Partner, Samsung Electronics Store, Mr. Kayode Thomas; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Olumide Ojo; President, Samsung Central Africa, Mr. John Park; Samsung Ambassador, Mr. Bankole Wellington (Banky W) and Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Hung-Bae Kim during the launch of the Samsung S9 and S9+ smartphones in Lagos

”The Nigerian Ports Authority and the Lagos State Government are the public sector partners.

The business of government is, in our view, to contribute by way of equity when necessary to project of this size, but more importantly, to create the enabling environment for the private sector. ”Let me say that we must move ahead to ensure the speedy completion of this project. There would be problems as I’m sure you must have experienced some. But be assured that the FedCONTINUES ON PAGE B3

IFC, China-World Bank partner to increase investment, development in Africa CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

trust fund that aims to enhance cooperation between China and the World Bank Group, and leverages financial and knowledge-based resources to help developing countries achieve inclusive and sustainable development. A component of the CPWF focuses on mobilizing Chinese private sector investment as a driver of economic development in Africa and may be used for project scoping and development; technical assistance, and advising on structuring of projects.

FirstNation Airways denies EFCC charges against Odukoya Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Firstnation Airways has denied all the charges of fraud and stealing preferred

by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the company and its CEO, Mr. Kayode Odukoya, saying it was based on the false and dubious petition by Skyebank Plc. The EFCC had Friday, March 16, 2018, arraigned Kayode Odukoya , Managing Director, FirstNation Airways before Jus-

tice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on a fourcount charge bordering on forgery, use of false information, perjury and stealing to the tune of N1, 741, 994, 962.04.

The EFCC had also claimed the defendant allegedly forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy in respect of a property located in Lagos, so it could be acted upon as genuine.

But in a statement signed by Ademola Daniel for FirstNation Airways

on March 28, the airline claimed, ‘The charges are bogus and without basis and targeted to impugn our integrity and we will vigorously defend ourselves in court.

“As the matter is subjudice, we are unable to discuss any further details but we wish to clarify and correct, malicious misrepresentations made against us to the media.

Although the charge was filed as far back as December 11th 2017, the EFCC did not inform either Mr Odukoya or First Nation of its existence

even though Firstnation and Mr. Odukoya in good faith continued to visit EFCC offices on December 16th 2017, February 6th and March 13th 2018”, he said.

He added that to correct the impression being created by the EFCC that Odukoya was avoiding arraignment, the airline only got wind of the information and charges through the social media.

“At the same time, the wrong impression was being created in Court, that Mr. Odukoya was avoiding arraignment.

FirstNation only learnt of the charges through social media on March 9th 2018.

“On becoming aware of the charges through the social media, Mr Kayode Odukoya voluntarily visited the EFCC on March 13th 2018 at 10 am and was subsequently detained despite the fact that he was already on administrative bail.

Given the fact that the charge had already been filed, he should then have been immediately served with same to allow him effectively defend the ac-

tion. Instead, Mr. Odukoya was only served with the charge on Thursday March 16th and arraigned on Friday, March 17, 2018, well outside the 48 hours required by law.

“It is instructive that we clarify that Firstnation do NOT owe any other banking institution (local or abroad) and dispute in good faith any indebtedness to Skyebank Plc. We will vigorously defend our innocence with respect to the charges and are confident that we will obtain justice from the court|”, he added.

Business News

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

NPA begins talk with NLNG as more shipping firms fault restrictions along Bonny Channel Stories by Simon Ugwu The management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has opened discussions with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on the dualisation of Bonny Channel.

The development followed series of complaints from shipping firms alleging restrictions, delays due to movement of NLNG Vessels.

Addressing stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman explained that ongoing discussions with NLNG is expected to roll out modalities for the proposed dualisation, funding, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Erosion Control, among others.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello-Koko, Bala-Usman informed the gathering that all relevant

stakeholders including government agencies will be carried along before final decisions are arrived at.

According to the shipping firms, apart from unnecessary loss of man hour, NLNG restrictions expose Vessels to dangers of attack from criminal elements along the axis.

The stakeholder meeting was also an opportunity for the Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Alhaji Abubarkar Umar

to canvass further expansion.

He said: “The likelihood of Port expansion for increase in productivity cannot be overemphasized. The Rivers Port Complex has the potential to serve as the hub centre of transshipment’.

He explained that other undeveloped areas that surround the Bonny River reclamation zone are suitable as “investors’ haven for cargo consolidation”.

He added:“In furtherance to

the Federal Government Policy to boost/harness these resources, private sector investment would yield optimal and accruable revenue from oil and gas”.

Accompanied by Dr. Sokonte H. Davies, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Professor Idris Abubakar, Executive Director – Engineering and Technical Services, among others, Bala-Usman urged stakeholders to support ongoing development in the sector.

Agripreneur: Edo Govt calls for off-takers of farm, livestock products As part of ongoing reforms in the state’s agriculture sector, the Edo State Government has called for off-takers of farm produce and livestock products to bid in its Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (AGEDEP).

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme, Prince Joe Okojie, the government said, “The programme, which has spurred massive production and created youth agripreneurs in the crop and livestock value chains, is seeking for off-takers.”

Okojie said the state’s AGEDEP is part of government’s drive to stimulate market access and secure agricultural investments in the state, adding, “We expect applications from qualified firms/ organisations in agribusiness to take advantage of the scheme to procure farm produce and products. The farm products include: maize, cassava, rice, soya bean and plantain. While the livestock products include: beef (cattle), pork (pig) and broilers/eggs.”

He said, “Interested bidders are expected to provide a bank instrument showing their financial capacity to off-take and provide consent instrument to offtake the products at prevailing market price.

He noted that pick-up for offtakers of cassava roots will be at the farm gate, adding that applications and enquiries are “processed at the Office of the Special Adviser, Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme, Edo State Government House, Benin City.”

The agripreneur programme is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to spur agribusiness in the state and drive an aggressive food security plan. The programme engages youths to take to farming as a means of sustainable livelihood while providing them with input, advisory, technical and financial support.

L/R Director Flight Operation Arik. Capt Adetokunbo Adekunbi, Chief executive officer Arik capt Roy Ilegbodu and Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency Hon. Jones Onyereri during House Committee On banking and currency visit to Arik headquarter on Friday ...in Lagos.

Nigeria’s manufacturing index expands in March The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) in the month of March stood at 56.7 index points, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed this yesterday.

According to the monthly report released yesterday, the expansion indicated a growth in the manufacturing sector for the 12th consecutive month.

The index however grew at a faster rate, when compared to the index in the previous month.

Of the 14 sub-sectors surveyed, 11 reported growth in the review month in the following order: electrical equipment; cement; petroleum & coal products; food, beverage & tobacco products; chemical & pharmaceutical prod-

ucts; fabricated metal products; paper products; transportation equipment; plastics & rubber products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear and primary metal.

The remaining three subsectors contracted in the following order: non-metallic mineral products; furniture & related products and printing & related support activities.

Also, the report stated that at 59.1 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 13thconsecutive month in March 2018.

The index indicated a faster growth in the current month, when compared to its level in the preceding month.

Seven of the 14 manufacturing

sub-sectors recorded increase in production level, three remained unchanged, while the remaining four recorded declines in production level during the review month.

Furthermore, it showed that at 56.1 points, the new orders index grew for the 12thconsecutive month, indicating increase in new orders in March 2018.

Six sub-sectors reported growth, five remained unchanged while three contracted in the review month.

“The manufacturing supplier delivery time index stood at 56.6 points in March 2018, indicating faster supplier delivery time for the tenth consecutive month,” it stated

FG seeks speedy completion of Lekki deep Seaport CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2

Government and the Lagos State government will be with you every step of the way to ensure that we give all the support that is required, ” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi assured promoters of the project of adequate Federal Government support.

Also speaking, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos Sate, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule said that the Lekki port was a golden egg waiting to positively impact in the economy Ambode said the project was a testimony of government’s commitment to growing the economy.

Tours&Travels

ÆÆ s B4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

Tourism development in Nigeria: Mrs Akeredolu, other stakeholders brain storm on way forward Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu joined other patriotic Nigerians, Captains of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, foreign development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to chat way forward on Tourism and Hospitality development and sustainability in Nigeria.

The two day event organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri is the third in the series.

In her contribution, Mrs. Akeredolu observed that Nigeria has alot of natural endowments that if properly harnessed will make Nigeria a tourist destination.

The sunshine state First Lady who is also a passionate advocate of tourism development in Nigeria, cited her home town Emeabiam as having untapped tourism potentials.

She said “Our dear Imo state has a lot of potentials to be the tourist destination in Nigeria. You heard all the speakers mention so many tourist attraction areas in Nigeria. Even where I come from Emeabiam in Owerri West , we have a confluence yet to be developed, where Otamiri River joined Uramurukwa River, that is eco-tourism waiting to be harnessed. Another one is the rubber estate, the bikers can get fun from just riding round the perimeters of that thousands of hectares of the abounded rubber estate. Beside it, Otamiri River, you drop a pin in there, you will see it. Can you imagine if that place is developed? I mean when I take you there, you wouldn’t want to come back.

Am using this opportunity to raise my voice, Imo state, harness your numerous potentials.”

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of IHTEF, Chibuikem Diala said, the IHTEF 2018 was put together to promote Hotel, Tourism, Green Economy and other related business associated with the industry in Nigeria.

Mr Diala further said that

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.

this year’s theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism” offers a unique opportunity to leverage on new tourism-new markets-green hospitality and innovative pathways that will sustainably drive hotel and tourism growth with strategic intention to drive workforce excellence, grow investments, promote fuller lives, increase

sub-national GDP and maximize environmental sustainability.

Present at the event were one time Governor of the old Rivers State who is also the traditional ruler of Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff (Seriyai II), Imo State Comissioner for Tourism, Dr Cyril Okafor and his Ondo State Counter-

part Hon. Ismaila Olurimisi, Natacha Haguma, CEO, Global logistics Limited, Kigali Rwanda, Mr Adedayo Adesugba, Honourary chair, Institute of Hospitality, Uk. and Comrade Preye Ketebu-Brown, Vice President World Assembly of Youth.

Others are Captains of Industries and top government officials from across Nigeria.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of “INSPIRING ICON AWARD” (Health and Wellness Tourism) to Ondo State First Lady and presentation of the Hotel Industry Excellence Award (South East Edition) with the hotel of the year award to Osborne La-Palm Royal Resort Abakiliki, Exhibition and Cultural display.

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Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, March 31, 2018

B5 News

Extra

Lagos deserves special status, Gov Ambode tells Buhari •Wants FG to cede National Stadium, Arts Theatre to Lagos • President visits Eko Atlantic City, says project’ll boost economy Ladelokun Ladesope Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening urged President Muhammadu Buhari to seriously consider the possibility of granting Lagos a Special Status to enable it sustain its position as the driver of the nation’s economic growth.

Ambode, who spoke at a State Dinner in honour of Buhari at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities to commemorate his two-day official visit to the State, expressed concerns that 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left to strive for development without much Federal support.

The Governor said that despite the strategic position the State plays in the nation’s economy, there was still much untapped potentials and opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth in the State, which he said his administration was doing its best to explore by strategically focusing on improving the ease of doing business, entertainment, sports and tourism.

Ambode ,however, said that for these potential to be realised, the State requires Federal Support, adding that several attempts by some eminent personalities to push for a Special Status for Lagos as well as a bill seeking to accord the State same was turned down by the Senate.

He said, “Mr. President, it has become glaring that Lagos State cannot achieve this alone. Mr. President, 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left without much Federal support.

“Your Excellency, despite all these, Lagos State needs more and Lagosians deserve more. Eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to grant our State a Special Status. I recall that a bill seeking to accord it

From Left:Mr Lawrence Odediran,Zonal Business Manager,Airtel Nigeria Limited;Mrs Solabomi Okonkwo,Chief Executive Officer,Core Experiential Marketing Limited/Guest Speaker;Mr Goddie Ofose,Chairman Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria[BJAN];Mrs Ihuoma Phillips-Daniel,Represent NIPR President;and Mr Emeka Aniukwu,Media Relations Manager,Nigeria Breweries Plc. at the Brand Journalists association of Nigeria[BJAN] 5th Annual Brands & Marketing conference with ‘THEME’ Corporate Governance,public accountability and the challenge of repositioning in nigeria in Enugu State

a Special Status has been rejected three times in the Senate. Lagos deserves a Special Status if we want the State to continue to serve as the major driver of the nation’s economy.”

Thanking Buhari for magnanimously yielding the State’s request to reconstruct the Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane worldclass road and transform the Presidential Lodge Marina into a monument and cultural legacy, Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to request the President to cede the ownership and management of the National Stadium, Surulere and the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu to the State Government to enable it revive them for the benefit of all.

He said, “Mr. President your word has been your bond as far as your promises to Lagos State are concerned.

You approved the reconstruction of the Oshodi to Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road that will be ready by the end of this year.

You gladly released for our kind use, your Presidential Lodge in Marina because you believe in our vision to transform the lodge into a monument and cultural legacy as part of the Onikan-Marina cultural and architectural regeneration.

“In addition, as part of our drive to use entertainment and sports to drive tourism and economic growth, we again ask of Your Excellency to consider ceding the ownership and management of the National Stadium Surulere and the National Arts Theatre Iganmu to Lagos State. These two edifices have been left to decay and our government is in the best position to revive these assets and make them viable again for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“This is not too much to ask but we are reassured that our President is a listening father who understands the yearnings of Lagosians. We are confident that he would listen and respond positively to the demands of about one-eighth of the nation’s population

resident in Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.

Speaking on Friday after conducting President Buhari round the Eko Atlantic City (EAC) which is a multibillion dollar project expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis, Governor Ambode said the project was a practical example of how the private sector could partner with government to boost the economy.

He recalled that the project, which was conceived and initiated during the tenure of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a brilliant engineering display which had saved the whole of Victoria Island from ocean surge and other threats.

“This project has actually saved the whole of Victoria Island and is standing on over 750 square kilometres bigger than Victoria Island itself when it is eventually complet-

ed. This is just an example of what the private sector can really do to the Nigerian economy and that is why we have made it possible that Mr President should take a practical tour of how we can really move the Nigerian economy when we partner with the private sector,” Governor Ambode said.

Responding, President Buhari commended the initiators of the EAC, saying he was extremely impressed with the potentials of the project, which according to him, would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s economy.

“I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I’m impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and positive effect which this project is capable of having on the economy.

“I’m really grateful for those who agreed to invest so much in our country to get a secured area for operations capable of handling big businesses and investments throughout Africa,” the President said.

Ambode

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Uwvie

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, March 31, 2018

Personal Review

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

An overview of the Lagos State electric power sector reform law, 2018 Simon Ugwu Introduction Lagos State Nigeria (the State), the commercial capital of Nigeria, initiated the Embedded Power Programme in 2017 as part of its project, popularly referred to as the “Light up Lagos Project”, to generate and distribute approximately 3,000MW off-grid power for public utility in the State (Project). The Project is a special initiative comprising of street lighting, community electrification, and an embedded power programme. The State recently passed into law the Lagos State Electric Power Sector Reform Law (Power Sector Law) on 8 February 2018, to provide for a legal framework to further the objectives of the Project.

Under the Power Sector Law, the embedded power programme aspect of the Project is referred to as the Embedded Power Scheme1 (Scheme).

The Scheme was initiated to ensure the improvement of electricity supply through the provision of adequate feedstock2 transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as supporting efficient tariff mechanisms geared towards the embedded generation of power within the State.

This article presents an overview of the highlights of the Power Sector Law in the context of existing laws in the Nigerian power sector.

Scope of the Law Establishment of the Lagos State Embedded Power Commission (Commission) Section 8 of the Power Sector Law established the Commission to act as a liaison between the State and federal agencies in the power sector. The functions of the Commission include, inter alia, to liaise, cooperate and collaborate with federal agencies to ensure the protection of consumer interest and compliance with relevant environmental laws, to promote fair and efficient market practices within the State and ensuring cost reflective tariffs for all projects3. The Commission is vested with powers to make regulations in order to give effect to the provisions of the Power Sector Law4.

The Power Sector Law recognises the supervisory role of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources5 over the Nigerian power sector as a whole. The Power Sector Law

further recognizes the statutory and regulatory functions of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), established under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act6 (EPSRA).

Despite the establishment of the Commission, the Power Sector Law is not clear on the preeminence of the NERC over the Commission in regulatory issues under the Power Sector Law. Embedded Power Providers (EPPs) EPPs are companies licensed

by NERC to generate and sell power to distribution companies within the State.

The EPPs, in collaboration with the Commission, are responsible for the implementation of the Scheme. The EPPs are required to develop the requisite standard agreements (such as power purchase agreements) with distribution companies, feedstock merchants and special purpose vehicles for embedded generation, and setting out commercial and technical responsibilities of the parties7.

The EPPs are required to provide reports of their activities to the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources through the Commission8.

Establishment of the Lagos State Embedded Power Council (Council) The Council is comprised of a chairman, appointed by the Lagos state governor, and various stakeholders in the Lagos State Power Sector, including one representative of each of the

distribution companies in the State9. The Council is established to serve as a form of coordinator with respect to the power sector within the State. The Council’s functions include the gathering and dissemination of information relating to state policies, liaising with all state stakeholders, ensuring consumers benefit from competition and efficiency and advising the State on questions relating to the power sector10.

Establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Board The establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Board is to ensure that the areas previously covered under the repealed Lagos State Electricity Board Law 201511 are now administered by the newly established Lagos State Electricity Board. The Lagos State Electricity Board oversees the establishment of electric power stations, generates, transmits and distributes electricity to areas not covered by the Scheme as well as areas not covered by the State’s national grid system12.

Establishment of a Power Task Force The Power Task Force is to be established to deal with interruptions to the provision of power supply, which include theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure in the State.

This special task force will be charged with ensuring constant uninterrupted power supply to the State13. The Power Task Force as well as other law enforcement agencies in the State have the responsibility of enforcing the

provisions of the Power Sector Law14.

In addition to the above, the Power Sector Law creates offences and appropriate penalties for such offences. These offences include theft and damage to electricity supply, harassment, injury and impersonation of officers carrying out duties in the power sector15.

Rural electrification Similar to the EPSRA, the Power Sector Law provides for rural electrification. The Power Sector Law states that the Commission shall maintain a policy to foster electricity development and promote modalities for rural electrification projects within the State16. The Commission has the duty to collaborate with relevant agencies to engender development, investment and compliance in the process of rural electrification17.

The areas to be known as rural areas shall be so designated by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources and an executive order published in the gazette shall be made to this effect18.

Conclusion In essence, the Power Sector Law seeks to create a regulatory framework for the regulation of the power sector in the State. A number of the regulatory bodies, operations and functionaries which the Power Sector Law seeks to establish, already exist

in one form or another under national or federal enactments.

While the Power Sector Law seeks to give legal impetus to the Project, it remains to be seen how the Commission will function and carry out its role under the Power Sector Law without clashing with or replicating the roles and functions of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the NERC. More importantly, it would be critical to see how any inconsistency under any legal, operational or commercial issues in the Power Sector Law would be determined against the background of the EPSRA and the EPSRA regulations.

Notwithstanding this, the establishment of the Power Sector Law is a step in a positive direction.

It has since been the subject of debate as to whether power sector issues should be governed by the federal government and not by the State, given that the State is better tasked in delivering such essential infrastructure. Given the commercial aspirations of the State and its peculiar energy requirements, the Project is welcomed, as it may assist in accelerating the socioeconomic development of the State. We foresee that other states will soon follow in the footsteps of the State and enact similar laws which will encourage the power sector to further develop and accelerate economic growth in their respective states. With appropriate inter-agency and cooperation at federal and state levels, the Power Sector Law would facilitate the delivery of the Project and ensure an immense economic boost to the State.

Business Features

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 31, 2018

NERC gives electricity distribution firms 120 days to engage new meter

By Simon Ugwu The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Tuesday gave the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) 120 days to engage the services of the newly introduced Meter Asset Provider (MAP) to bridge the metering gap in the country’s power sector.

In 2016, NERC said barely three million electricity customers or 45 per cent of the 7.47 million nationwide have access to pre-paid meters.

The data showed a consumer metering gap of almost five million, which the government and the DISCOs have been struggling to meet without success.

Part of the industry efforts to bridge the metering gap was the introduction of a new meter intervention programme called, ‘Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation’ (CAPMI) by the electricity sector regulator in 2012.

Under the CAPMI scheme, customers were expected to self-finance the meter, with the meter cost repaid over a period from their energy charge at 12 percent interest rate per annum.

But, the arrangement appeared not to yield much dividend as most electricity consumers who paid for the meters have to wait for several years without the delivery of their meters by the DISCOs. NERC said in a ‘Fact Sheet’ obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday the latest MAP arrangement, which would become effective on April 3 would provide a final solution to the meter supply needs of electricity consumers.

“That is why NERC has given electricity distribution companies 120 days to engage the MAP service to achieve the 3-year metering targets prescribed by the Commission,” a spokesperson of NERC, Usman Arabi, told PREMIUM TIMES. “The MAP Regulations will eliminate estimated

Fashola billing and its attendant challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry within three years,” Mr. Arabi said.

Meters

NERC approved the MAP regulation to encourage the development, supply, installation, and maintenance of

independent and competitive end-user meters of meter services in the electricity industry.

In pursuant of local content policy, investors are expected to acquire a minimum of 30 per cent of their metering volume from indigenous meter manufacturers.

The MAP is a new set of service providers in Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry approved by NERC to supply electricity meters with a technically useful life of between 10 and 15 years.

The new regulation provides for third-party financing of meter production and supply, under a permit issued by NERC, with a 10 years period to pay back the cost.

In line with their licensing terms and conditions, the DisCos are obliged to achieve their metering targets as set by NERC under the new MAP regulation.

The customers are expected to pay for a return on the investment by electricity DisCos on meters in

their networks through the payment for electricity consumed under the current tariff regime.

NERC said customer classes have been amended under the new regulation to ensure customers only pay for meters when a meter is physically installed in their premises.

Besides, the electricity sector regulator said customers’ bill provided with a meter under the new regulatory framework shall consist energy charge and metering service charge.

However, NERC said the payment of metering service charge would be removed from the customer electricity bill upon the full recovery of the meter asset cost over its 10 to 15 years useful life.

Regardless, the Commission said all faulty meters would be repaired or replaced free of charge within two working days, except where the customer was confirmed to be responsible for the damage.

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Music has given me opportunities to contribute positively to African communities –Flavour

Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name, Flavour N’abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer.

He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church in his hometown of Enugu State and has become a household name in the Nigerian music industry. In few weeks’ time, Okpara Square in the heart of Enugu State capital, will stand still for his ‘Flavour of Africa Live’ concert in collaboration with blind, talented singer, Semah. In this interview, the multiple award winning artiste sheds more light on the concert, how he discovered Semah and lots more.

Enjoy…

How did you meet blind Semah?

I was introduced to Semah through Masterkraft and traditional Queen Ruler, Juli Endee during my trip to Liberia last year. Semah performed at the Liberia Peace Cultural Centre. His vocals, intonation and confidence blew me away.

What were his parent’s reactions when you came into his life?

Semah’s parents have been incredibly supportive from the beginning up until now. Their love and positivity towards their son and his talent is incredibly touching.

Before meeting him, have you ever considered working with a blind person?

When it comes to music, impairments do not exist, as for me, music is spiritual. Therefore there are no limitations as to whom I choose to work with.

Cohbahms Asuqo is another extraordinarily talented producer and composer that I worked with on “Virtuous Woman” as part of my fifth studio album “Ijele - The Traveler.” There are no bounds to creativity.

What are your plans for your forthcoming event?

Flavour of Africa Live in Enugu will be the first in its series kicking off in my hometown of Enugu. I don’t want to reveal too much about my plans, it will be an epic show, and my fans and audiences will be thoroughly entertained in a show stopping and spectacular way. It’s happening on tomorrow 31st of March 2018 at Okpara Square, Enugu.

What inspired you to do so now?

I love working with unique artistes and talents, Semah fits into this category. Music is all about evolving and going beyond the expected creative boundaries. I’m always inspired to work with such great talent.

Why did you choose to take the event to the east, Enugu precisely?

Home is where the heart is, Enugu is the first location for the series of Flavour of Africa concerts that will take place in other Nigerian states, African countries and abroad.

What has your experience with Semah taught you about life?

Working with Semah has been incredibly humbling.

He is a vibrant young boy, who at a young age is very sure about himself and confident. I admire these qualities about him, which have made it a pleasure to work alongside him on his first E.P. Album titled “Divine”.

With Semah, you do only gospel songs, can you tell us why?

As you know my first musical experience started from Church, and I have never ceased in producing gospel songs from my first album till date with “Divine.” God plays a big part in my life and career, and in joining me and Semah together. It was befitting for all the songs on “Divine” to be Gospel songs.

How many songs have you done with him?

There are seven songs on our E.P. Album, all of which are uplifting and encouraging songs. Both the audio and video albums are on sale now, both online and normal CD sales.

What should your fans expect from you this year?

As always my fans should expect me to go beyond boundaries with my music and creative visuals.

What are the challenges of working with such a person?

I haven’t really experienced any challenges working with Semah. He doesn’t allow his visual impairment to hinder him in any way.

Life&

What’s your greatest achievement as a musician?

To date, I’ve been blessed with so many awards and accolades for my music. The greatest achievement for me is that my music has given me wonderful opportunities to contribute positively to different African communities, through philanthropy.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

BBNaija’s Ifu Ennada set to storm Aba for Legend’s Real Deal Experience this Sunday

Ifu Ennada

Legend Extra Stout is set to bring its Real Deal Experience to the commercial city of Aba this Sunday. After a mind blowing outing in Enugu, this February, the show will hold on Sunday, April 1st, 2018 at C.S Park, Aba. The Legend Real Deal Experience show which involves music, comedy, role play, brand education, eulogy, Ric-hassani games, prizes and a lot more, will see former BBNaija 2018 housemate and lover of the brand Ifu Ennada cohost the event.

Speaking on co-hosting the Real Deal Experience Ifu Ennada said, “People who watched me on the BBNaija show watched how my love for Legend Extra Stout grew. The stout is just so smooth. I am excited to be given this opportunity by Legend to co-host the Real Deal Experience in Aba. I can’t wait to have fun with my fans there.”

The April edition will feature Abia born rap artiste, Ukeje Okechukwu Edwards popularly known as Mr. Raw. Often regarded as one of the pioneers of Igbo rap Mr. Raw is gearing up to thrill fans in Aba this Easter weekend with some of his hit songs like “Obodo”, “Ko Gbadun” and “Shake Una Body.”

Mr. Raw’s career has spanned over a decade and in that time the rapper has made a name for himself as an innovator who led the hip hop movement in the Eastern region of Nigeria. Mr. Raw boasts of hit tracks like

“Asanwa” and “Forget Swagger” and many others. He’s also well known for dropping strong street vibes that always get fans excited every time.

This, added to his electrifying energy on stage, is one of the other qualities that stand him out and has endeared him to fans and lovers of good music.

Speaking ahead of his performance, Mr. Raw expressed excitement at performing in Aba. He said: “Aba is my home and I’m excited to be in Aba this weekend to thrill my fans. I really can’t wait to give them the real deal experience, so I want them to come have lots of fun, loads of it.”

Speaking on the show this weekend, Portfolio Manager - Mainstream Lager & Stout Brands NBPlc., Mr. Emmanuel Agu said: “We know how passionate Nigerians are passionate about entertainment, we share this passion and we revel in bringing Nigeria’s top entertainers to our local market to reward the loyalty of fans especially for choosing Legend Extra Stout.”

Over the years, Legend Extra Stout has taken the Real Deal experience to different cities including Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, Owerri & Umuahia and has featured some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers including Timaya, Kcee, OritseFemi & Small Doctor.

L3

Mr. 2Kay to hold ‘The Elevated Concert’ in June Singer, Mr. 2Kay has announced that he’ll be hosting the city of Port Harcourt and its environs to a night of great music and fun as he will be having his concert tagged, ‘THE ELEVATED CONCERT.’ The event which is being put together

by Grafton Entertainment will hold on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Aztech Arcum, in the heart of Port Harcourt. The Elevated Concert will also feature other A list artistes.

On the 2nd of April 2018, Mr. 2Kay will flag off a singing/dancing competition where he’ll be giving away $2000 (two Thousand Dollars) to 2 persons in Port Harcourt. According to him, the initiative is a way of giving back to his starting foundation in the music industry. “Call it my little way of giving back to a place where I started my career. The support from the South has been superb from the people. The winners of the competition will also have the opportunity to share the stage with me during the elevated concert,” 2Kay says.

To participate, interested fans are expected to post a minute video of themselves singing or dancing to their favourite song from Mr. 2Kay’s latest album – ELEVATED. The videos are to be posted using the hashtag #ElevatedConcertph18 and participants must be following Mr. 2Kay on Twitter (@ mr_2kay), Instagram (@mr.2kay) and Facebook (@iam2kay). Media partners for this competition are Rhythm 93.7FM PH and Beat99 FM PH. They will be dishing more details and updates on a daily basis on the competition.

Mr. 2Kay

Mr. 2Kay released his sophomore album on February 11, 2018 and it climbed from 3 to the number 1 position on iTunes album chart. The album was on number 1 for three weeks. Since the release of the album, he has performed at the ongoing Big Brother Naija eviction show and had a media tour in Kenya with several appearances.

Mr. 2Kay has just concluded another media tour in Port Harcourt and will be heading to the UK for another media round this weekend

Lagosians gears up for Lagos Boat Regatta The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Lagos State Government will, come Sunday, April 1, host another edition of its Boat Regatta funfair.

Billed to take place at the Lagoon Waterfront, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, the ceremonial regatta is one of the major festivals listed in the 2018 Calendar of Arts and Culture Events by Lagos State earlier released in the year.

Speaking on the event, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that Sunday’s boat regatta is open to the public as a cultural and entertainment funfair meant to showcase part of the State’s rich aquatic cultural asset, being a festival that is common to the traditional coastline communities.

According to the Commissioner, the water regatta will also serve as family recreation show for the benefits of Lagosians and tourists on Easter Sunday.

The activities scheduled to spice the cultural festival include, performances by entertainment boats, traditional boat regatta parade, cultural display by vari-

ous riverine communities, water safety tips as well as other side attractions.

Participating water communities will also compete to win prizes on open water swimming, canoe race competition and outstanding regatta boats.

He said that private boat owners and other stakeholders involved in marine leisure and hospitality ventures will also feature on the sidelines at the event.

“The boat regatta is a traditional tourism feature of Lagos State and this year’s outing, in line with the vision of Governor Ambode, will further showcase the tourism values and beauty of Lagos waterways and market its potentials to local and foreign tourists as well as investors,” Ayorinde said.

Society circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu @66

Nike Osinowo’s new social style When you mention Nike Osinowo, the first thing that comes to your mind is that delectable beautiful and stylish former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) who was once a delight of the press as many stories and tales were written about her during her reign as a showstopper. The socialite who is always on ground when it comes to major gigs in Lagos state have disappeared into oblivion. For many years, Osinowo reigned supreme courting all the media attention, appearing on the cover of all the magazines available then.

She was the ultimate mega star from planet Jupiter.

From her various out of the world relationships, to many projects that she engaged in, even to her supposed health issues, which gained so much attention. From being a beauty queen herself, she later took charge of the pageant franchise, which she tried to revamp also for about two seasons before things went south. She even began a TV talk show, also with so much hype pre-

Nike Osinowo

ceding it, but it ended up a colossal failure, as many didn’t dig into her or her style of presenting, it was like the larger percentage found the Ibadan native, who could speak 5 major languages- including Japanese and French, somewhat plastic and off-putting.

But even at that, she was still in many face and many still loved her. One of what really made her very popular was her celebrated relation-

ship with Dr. Tunde Soleye, the medical doctor turned top businessman, who for several years maintained a top suite at Nigeria’s number 1 hotel, the Nicon-Nuga Hotel then. Since the delightsome parted ways, she just seemed to have mellowed down completely and gone totally quiet, away from the same media attention that blasted and propelled her sky high into everyone’s consciousness.

Tizzy Boiy captures emotions perfectly through Rap

Tinubu

The history of this great country especially Lagos State cannot be completed without mentioning the effort and struggle of Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu who fought tooth and nail to make sure an average common man have a voice when it comes to engaging in political activities of the country. And in all sincerity Tinubu has been part of differentacrimonious struggles, some succeeded while some almost took his life but he keep pushing hard till he was elected as a Senator representing Lagos West Constituency. Today, he is the Asiwaju of Lagos State and the Jagaban of “Borgu” Kingdom in Niger State, as well as national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Last Thursday, March 29, the former Lagos state governor celebrated his

66th birthday with colloquium and at the event, attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and other dignitaries, the celebrant gave some incisive remarks on the state of the nation and the sincere intention of the presidency to move Nigeria forward. In case you don’t know, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended St. John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos and Children’s Home School in Ibadan, South West Nigeria. Tinubu then went to the U.S. in 1975, where he studied first at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago, in Illinois, and then at Chicago State University, where he graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1979.

Oluwatobi Monday Adeosun, whose stage name is Tizzy Boiy, a.k.a Omo Ijoba, is one of the ‘rapstars’ waiting to excel with his latest singles, Orilomo and Oshaprapra produced by Dimimu of Yinkus Production. A lucid explanation of his ability is clearly expressed in his succinct report about life in Orilomo.

The talented rapper whose seems to be sharing same vocal synergy with the late Dagrin is proud of his work which has been enjoying massive airplays on local radios in Lagos metropolis.

Also known as Finance Minister, Tizzy Boiy captures the emotional stages of the situations he has gone through in life with the Orilomo single where he displays his dexterity in rapping to present his case to the listening audience.

Tizzy has also released some singles produced by some Lagos based producers which are yet to be unveiled. But his Oshaprapra produced by same Dimimu has become a club banger that ladies and gentlemen want to dance and listen to in the club.

This young talent romanced music at a very tender age, though looking at some great rap lords as mentors, he has been able to carve a niche for

himself and he intends to remain infusing afro and rap to blend his kind of music. Unarguably, he’s the most street credible ambassador the industry is waiting for to actually bring home the Grammy.

No doubt, rap is a part of him; because he sees rap music an avenue for him to express the various experiences that he has gone through. His song writing ability has been developed to the extent that he can capture emotions perfectly with words that he often infuses rap to make his music.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Princess Feyikemi’s Heart of Gold

Society circle L5

Iyalode Aduni Bankole’s only son set to wed

The city of Lagos is gearing up to witness another show-stopper celebration as the families of retired Comptroller Adekunle & Mrs. Ebunola Adebayo and Chief Alani & (Late) Iyalode Adunni Bankole will be uniting their children in holy matrimony.

London trained Owolabi Mohammed who is the last child and the only son of Iyalode Aduni Bankole will be signing the dotted lines with his heartthrob Yewande Oge this Saturday, the 31st March, 2018 at NECA House, Plot A2, Hakeem Balogun St, Central Business District (opp. Fela African Shrine), Alausa, Ikeja – Lagos.

The celebration as expected is going to bring cream of the Lagos high society together because of the high- Owolabi Mohammed and wife powered friends both families will grace the occasion The families have have. chosen Yellow Attire with Blue Head tie For Already Aso Ebi has been Bride’s Family while the Groom’s Family flying out to the ‘crowd’ that settled for Purple Head tie on Gold Fabric

Madam Charis Grace Onabowale celebrates

Princess Feyikemi

Princess Feyikemi Videun AyoolaEgbeyemi is a woman with a heart of gold; she is the founder of Princess Feyikemi Videun Ayoola-Egbeyemi Foundation. The beautiful woman who has been contributing to the life of the less privilege for many years now is a proud Rotarian. She has worked for 24years both in private and public sector. When she was asked what inspired her into charity, the ever-radiant humble businesswoman said, “I help people who really needs help. Let me give you a typical example when we stated about three four years ago, we observed what Central bank of Nigeria is doing and we said ok, let’s do something for the people, and we said how much does this women need to trade and found out that as little as Twenty- thousand naira (20,000) will trade and still feed their family. And once you feed a family, violence is reduced, teenagers won’t be on the street, molestation

and various forms of abuses would reduce drastically and once a home is happy, the country is happy.”

She further said, “Among those women we are doing a common banking, what we do is do a group of 12 and led by a group leader, this leader ensure that they all pay as at when due, I remember when I took this idea to my village, people said it’s because it’s my constituency and people where asking why it was for only women, and I explained to them that if you give a woman little she would take good care of the family, the level of mathematics on their head, you will be shock. In about six month we are progressing to the youth, we are going to work with some international developmental agency, we want to build their skills and we create an economic hub where you have all the profession, so I don’t have any regret rather I am embolden”

Mrs. Charis Grace Onabowale is the Managing Director and prime mover of Mama Cass Restaurants Limited. And through hard work, courage and doggedness she has been able to turn the brand into a major brand that compete well with other international brands in the food business. Onobowale few days ago joined the league of septuagenarian when she celebrated her 70th birthday. The pretty woman with confidence is one of the pioneers of African cuisine restaurant in Nigeria. She Graduated from the West London College in 1973, with a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration. After returning to Nigeria worked with British Petroleum (BP) in Nigeria for 13 years and rose to the position of Employee Services Superintendent in charge of staff services and welfare. In 1986, she moved to Sir Lawrence Petroleum briefly as Personnel Manager and later resigned a year later to face her business. She is a Member of the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN).

Charis Grace

Teen L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Yelling at your teen may be more harmful than you think

For many parent yelling at their adolescent child is a normal event. Although most parent who yell at their teen would not dream of physically harming their teen-shouting or cursing or using insult may be detrimental to the long term wellbeing of the adolescence. Researchers found out that adolescents who had experienced harsh verbal discipline suffered from increased levels of depressive symptoms, and were more likely to demonstrate behavioral problems such as vandalism or antisocial and aggressive behavior.

“Parental warmth”—i.e., the degree of love, emotional support, and affection between parents and adolescents— did not lessen the effects of the verbal discipline. The sense that parents are yelling at the child “out of love,” or “for their own good, does not mitigate the damage inflicted. Neither does the strength of the parent-child bond .Even lapsing only occasionally into the use of harsh verbal discipline, can still be harmful.

When parents aggressively yell at their teenagers, the teens feel rejected and that their parents dislike them.

When parents act hostilely towards their children, the teens tend to become angrier, more irritable and more belligerent.

Rather than feeling nurtured, the teen frequently becomes suspicious of his or her angry parents and feels the need to defend him- or herself. This often leads to bad behavior.

Sometimes it’s hard to keep your cool but less yelling means better communication.

So why is it so important to be firm—without raising your voice?

Upping the ante, losing the message: Yelling often fails to get the point across because emotions can overcome the message. They will also likely escalate the situation and their children’s aggression, be it verbal or physical.

Heard it all before: If parents yell all the time, “kids may either shut down or ignore it because it’s nothing new, they feel that if they are wrong all you do is yell at them, it makes them even worse.

Hard on self-esteem: We know that yelling and harsh parenting are associated with lower self-esteem for kids, and can affect their performance in school. Kids who are the object of verbal aggression are at risk for aggressive or disruptive behavior, when parents yell too much the child may feel the parent doesn’t “love them or even like them” and can only criticize.

Missing out on the positive: When yelling is the chronic mode of communication, both children and parents are missing out on the chance to form positive, affectionate bonds. And for kids predisposed to anxiety and depression, internalizing these negative interactions may be the tipping point.

You feel bad, too: Meanwhile, blowouts can leave parents feeling guilty, frustrated and demoralized. Adults who express anger in negative ways increase their chronic stress, which contributes to health problems.

Addressing inappropriate behavior calmly enables you to focus on teaching the child what’s problematic about his behavior, and following through with effective consequences.

Modeling behavior is major: When parents practice healthy self-regulation, it helps kids learn how to selfregulate themselves.

Kids feel safer: The best style of parenting features “a high degree of nurturing, firm but kind. As much as children and teens may act like they want control, what really makes them feel safe are calm, consistent, fair authority figures.

If you work on specific strategies that help yourself feel calmer, you can help your children learn to regulate better.

Below are tips parents can use: Identify problem interactions: Pinpoint the recurring problems that frequently set you and your kids off. If getting out the door for school in the morning is a chronic issue, solutions might include laying out their clothes and showering the night before, or everyone waking up a bit earlier. Try to break it down into steps you can tackle calmly.

Create consistency: With younger kids, it helps to create a set routine with simple, one-step directions that could include visual aids, not to mention plenty of labeled praise and rewards.

Consider triggers: Being aware of the context of the behavior allows for calmer responses. If we recognize when a child is cranky because he missed his snack or is overtired, it can be easier to temper our own frayed feelings.

Understanding = patience: It’s also important for parents to know and understand their children’s capabilities, since this can help them become more patient. You can become calmer, she says, when you “accept kids as they are, love them as they are, and recognize that half the problem is how you react.”

Time management: Trying to do too much causes stress. Parents trying to multi-task increases the risk of kids misbehaving. “Just be there with your kids; it’s less likely they’ll throw their breakfast on the floor.

Count to 10: All the parents interviewed for this article had one key piece of advice: Take a break and breathe.

It’s important to recognize when you’re about to lose control so you can step away from the situation.

Disengage: Actively ignoring problem behaviors is another strategy that helps stop parents from yelling. If you disengage from the situation until you regain your composure, you won’t be feeding the fire. (This cannot be done when a child is being aggressive or destructive.)

Instead, by responding positively to only desire behavior, parents reinforce what they want vs. what they don’t want. Plus, by allowing kids to practice “slowing their engines down” on their own, without parental prompts, they’re learning how to handle frustration.

Learn to let go and when to laugh it off: Along with ignoring comes learning to loosen up. “If the snack ends up on the floor. Instead of getting mad at the kids, just say, ‘Oh no, you made a mess, let’s clean it up together.’

Do what you have to do to make it easier on yourself.

Seek support: Long adds that it also helps to have a safety net of friends and relatives for those extremely bad days when you don’t feel you can calm yourself down and need to call in reinforcements. Blogs, support groups, other parents and clinicians can all help by assuring parents they aren’t alone.

Own up to your feelings: Depending on the age and developmental level of the child, parents may, after things have calmed down, model for their kids how to talk about feelings. “You can tell them you’re not feeling respected or you’re feeling ignored. You should make them understand the yelling—it’s not because they’re bad kids; it’s because I lost my temper. ‘I’m sorry I lost my temper—that was kind of rough, and I shouldn’t yell at you. But do you understand why I got little frustrated?’

And then we have a brief conversation about the situation.”

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Mutiat Alli

When your relationship goes brutal, walk away Sometimes we are so reluctant on deciding when to walk away from people who have proved that they are not meant for us. We ignore the signs, we waste much of our time in that relationship thinking that things will change for the better or work out, we fight big and hard battles, we miss out on chances of good people and we waste too much of our energy. Sometimes we are abused physically but still cling unto the relationship. If you find yourself in a relationship that makes you sheds tears or in relationship that you are been abused physically and you are already seeing the signs that you don’t belong together, please don’t waste more of your time and energy on such relationship. No matter how painful it maybe, please gather up all the courage and walk away for your dear life and fragile heart. You were not meant to be in pain and unhappy for all your entire life. You were not caged or locked there that you can’t walk away. And it’s not the end of your life. Accept it that you were not meant to be and move on.

Do not stay in the relationship because you don’t want your friends to laugh at you, you will only endanger your life in the process. If you make the mistake of getting married to such a man then my dear you in for a bigger trouble.

We shouldn’t stay in a relationship where we are the only one that tries to please our man; both parties should try and please each other.

Courtship leads to marriage, so during the period of courtship, if you see any sign that you think will not be favorable to you, please my dear, flee from it so that it doesn’t take your life. I’ve witnessed a relationship where a guy abused his girlfriend physically and the girl nearly lost her life in the process.

How do you know it’s time to walk away from a brutal relationship? Here are some of the signs to show you that it’s time to take a walk: You fight constantly: Fighting in relationships is a natural in relationships. But if you guys are constantly bickering and arguing or, more important, every fight you have turns nasty, it’s a sign to walk away. In the right relationship, you’ll still have problems, but they shouldn’t be a normal thing, and you should be able to get through them like respectful adults who care about each other but if you can’t solve the matter amicably then you have to take a walk.

He thinks you are not good for him anymore: There is no relationship without challenges, but there’s a very big difference between feeling inspired to be a better you and feeling inadequate in that relationship, and that can be hard to spot at first. But if the guy is making you feel insecure and irrelevant, get out now.

He’s always hurting your feelings: When you started off with your partner, you both had a blossom relationship but now he sees you as a threat in his life, he does everything possible to make sure you cry, all he’s trying to do is to get you out of his life. If you are facing such a situation, it’s time to move out from such relationship.

He uses you as his punching bag: A woman is seen as a helper to a man and not as a punching bag. A responsible man will never lay his hands on

his lady. So my dear, if a guy beats you up at the slightest provocation, please run away from him.

Do not stay thinking he will change as time goes on, because he will never change. The attitude he displays during your courtship is what he will take into marriage.

L7

Home Affairs L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Folarin Leonard

Factors to consider when transforming your sitting room How would you like to discover various ways to transform your living room to somewhere you never feel happy to leave? These tips include that which even works for a tiny budget. To all décor lovers, let’s explore.

Available space You must consider your available space before making any fixture or changes. Maximum impact for minimum effort. Sometimes the simplest changes can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of a room. Over-time rooms tend to fill with accumulated properties that aren’t put in order and in the right location. Your items should be kept in designated areas.

Curtains You may have formerly used heavy curtains that prevent rays of light. You may want to consider simpler blinds which help brighten up the atmosphere. You’ll be amazed how much larger a room will appear and how much more daylight you’ll have when there’s less fabric and texture at the window.

Color Have you maintained a particular color? You may want to Change the color scheme at this point. This is by far the most transformational of modifications.

Plan your scheme carefully before you so as to keep you on-track both with the balance of color and pattern in the room and also the budget. For busy homes that receive visitors often, a hard-wearing paint is essential.

Wallpapers To achieve a sophisticated look without overspending, a single panel of wallpaper within a large architrave frame can be as impressive as a whole feature wall.

Lightening Other steps include; adding warm and proper lightening and if you use a carpet, replace with a rog or better still a solid floor will. This will change a living room in an instant, reflecting light and producing a clean, fresh feel. Tiles are recommended for solid floors.

Also, if your space doesn’t easily allow for a small sofa and a couple of chairs, consider a scaled-down sectional instead. Although they’re larger than a single couch, small sectionals make perfect sense for a cramped space by offering as much seating as a separate sofa and chairs but in a smaller footprint.

Most modern houses use Contemporary White Living Room with Clear Coffee Table. While others use glass-item tables either at the center or forward center of the room.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clutter-free. Papers, books, brochures and magazines tend to accumulate on flat surfaces all around the house, and the sitting room is no different. You will need a household information center where you can access entertainment like that.

The tangle of wires in the house can be really annoying. Fortunately, there are several options for taming cords in the sitting room. You should make

use of cable concealers.

Play zone Create a Play Zone where there might be excess space, Creatively Display Photos If you have a lot of small, Have your books and multimedia such as CDs in collections. Also Grow Your Houseplants in cute plant stand or several decorative pots. The type of houseplants you have will determine where you’ll place them in the room.

Wall spacing You should also leave space between the walls and furniture. If all your sofas are pushed back against a wall, the room can seem cold and unwelcoming. Pull the furniture inward on at least two or three sides to create a more intimate area.

You can replace some furniture with glass or less full-bodied pieces. Glass topped tables, glass doors, or open doorways make a room more spacious. Furniture with thinner bodies on raised legs reveal more space to the eye.

Center attraction You should have a center of attraction. The most common focal points are up against one wall, such as a television, fireplace, or set of large windows. Place seating arrangement along the other three sides of the room, at right angles or angled slightly toward the focal point.