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Revealed: CBN’s scheme boosts agriculture with N104bn in 38 years

Motolani Oseni, Lagos

Ă?Ă?Ă? As part of

efforts in diversifying the Nigerian economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) has granted 1,059,847 individual, informal group, cooperatives and company farm-

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ers N104billion loans since its inception in 1978, information available to The Daily Times has revealed In our fact findings, it was revealed that individual famers since its establishment in 1978 have benefited tremendously from the scheme, followed by Co-operatives farmers.

Continued on page 6

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 517

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: N305.90 PER DOLLAR, Parallel Market: USD N363 POUND N475 EURO N421 NSE: ASI 36, 930.83 MARKET CAP 12.78 FMDQ O/N 38.92 OBB 37.50 COMMODITIES: Wheat US $427.60/MT Rice US $11.22/MT Cocoa US $2,099.00/Bag Coffee US $125.90/Scoop Cotton US $68.61/Unit Sugar US $14.41/Ounce METALS: Gold US $1272.90/Ounce Silver US $16.79/Ounce Copper US $3.15/Ounce ENERGY: Brent US $63.10/PB, N/Gas US $3.09/CB

Daily Times Historical Discourse: Series II

How IBB’s refusal to quit led to Yar’Adua’s emergence 5

Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua

7 5 days to National Convention in Abuja, Atiku returns to PDP

Speakers meet in 8 5 FG appoints Abdul Enugu, pledge action on Zubair as Acting SEC DG constitution amendment

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

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News

How IBB’s refusal to quit led to Yar’Adua’s emergence ÏÏÏSequel to the publica-

tion of our Series I in The Daily Times Historical Discourse on Monday, November 27, 2017, we wish to serve our numerous readers this week, the circumstances that led to the emergence of the former Chief of Staff of Supreme Headquarters, the late Gen Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

Series II Former MiIitary President, General Ibrahim Babangida, (popularly known as IBB), started his protracted transition political

programme on January 13, 1986 with the inauguration of members of Political Bureau while announcing the return of political power to civilians in 1990.

On July 1, 1987, IBB announced the timetable for civilian takeover and political transition programmes.

On August 10, 1987, Babangida swore-in members of National Electoral Commission led by Prof. Eme Awa. On May 6, 1988, he swore-in the Chairman and Secretary of Constituent Assembly which was later inaugurated to deliberate on a proposed draft consti-

tution. Though Yar’Adua was not a member of the assembly because a law had proscribed certain old breed politicians from political activities, his associates, who represented his political leanings at the forum, were active in the formation of political associations during the transitional period, On February 28, 1989, Babangida appointed Prof.

Humphrey Nwosu as the Chairman of National Electoral Commission (NEC).

He replaced Eme Awa with Nwosu. On March 31, 1989, Babangida’s government

Cultural display at the Lagos Street Carnival held in Lagos… on Sunday.

imposed N.25 million fine or 5 years jail term as penalty for any banned politician who sponsored, campaigned or canversed for votes on behalf of himself or another.

On April 3, 1989, the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) approved NEC’s recommendations on guidelines for formation of political parties. And on May 3, 1989, Babangida addressed the nation and announced the creation of new 49 local government areas and the lifting of ban on party politics.

With lifting of ban on

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

FG appoints Abdul Zubair as Acting SEC DG Adesola Afolabi,

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has appointed Dr. Abdul Zubair, as the acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with immediate effect.

His appointment was disclosed in a statement made available to the Daily Times on Sunday.

The Daily Times be recalls that the Federal Government had last week, sacked former DG of SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo; and had gone ahead to set up administrative inquiry to investigate the allegations levelled him.

According to the statement, Zubair, who has over 25 years’ cognate experience in the financial industry and the academia, was before the appointment, the director in charge of External Relations in the commission.

Prior to joining SEC Ni-

geria, Zubair served on the board of Intercity Bank Plc, Nigeria and Minna Pharmaceutical and Surgical Company Ltd. He was also Group Managing Director, Niger State Trust Fund and NST Finance Ltd. He is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administrators and Marketing Academy of Nigeria, a member of the Institute of Management Consultants, a certified Commodity Broker and Certified member of Pension Institute of Nigeria.

The SEC’s statement also assured the investing public and all stakeholders, local and international, that in view of the current probe of its DG and two other officials, the Commission is committed to ensuring an uninterrupted and orderly operation of the market and the regulation thereof.

“Accordingly, the Commission is poised to contin-

ue to ensure the stability of the Nigerian capital market and sustain the all-time high level of investor confidence, as recent developments will not be allowed to disrupt the regulatory effectiveness and efficiency of the Commission as the statutory regulator of the capital market and by extension, the smooth running of the market.

While the Commission patiently awaits the outcome of the assignment of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up by the Honourable Minister of Finance, at no point will the management allow the operational independence of the commission to be compromised. This is strictly in line with the objectives and principles of securities regulations as set out by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), to which Nigeria is a signatory.” the statement partly read.

The commission noted that it would continue to be faithful to its developmental mandates as enunciated in the Investments and Securities Act. In specific terms, the Commission, while ensuring market efficiency, accountability and transparency, will proceed with all regulatory matters currently before it with all sense of objectivity and fairness, with the best interest of investors at the core of all considerations.

In this regard, the Commission will make public its decisions on matters before it as promptly as such decisions are being arrived at. The role of the capital market in economic stability and growth cannot be over-emphasised, hence the Commission will not at any time permit the abandonment of its regulatory and developmental responsibilities.”

party politics, major political actors came together to form political parties. The transition political programmes went with successful selection of civilian governors, state legislators and local government political actors. At federal level, it successively elected members of the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate.

But this success was not without constant finetuning of the rule of the game which in most times attracted criticisms such were the Option A4 selection process and many others.

The critical point, however, came with the presidential primary elections.

In this regards, the road was busy. Several primary elections results were cancelled.

Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (fondly called Tafida) by his admirers, was an accomplished force to be reckoned with in the politics of Nigeria and in death, his legacy remains a guide to those who hold and seek political power.

He was born on March 5, 1943 to an aristocratic Fulani family in Katsina; his father, the late Mallam Musa Yar’Adua, a former Minister for Lagos during the defunct First Republic, held the royal title of Mutawalli (Custodian of the treasury) of the Katsina Emirate.

The late Shehu Yar’Adua, the Nigerian soldier, businessman and politician was the older brother of the former late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Among his many accomplishments, perhaps most significant was being part of the then military government’s successful conduct of elections and historic hand over to a democratic government in 1979. As the first military government to voluntarily hand over power in Africa, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (as he then was) and Yar’Adua recognised that the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria was the only way to ensure stability and social harmony in the country.

Upon retirement, Yar’Adua joined the business world with emphasis on private sector driven economy and varying interests in publishing, agriculture, manufacturing, oil & gas and shipping.

He co-founded with the Late MKO Abiola, Habib Nigeria Bank (now Key-

Stone Bank). He established the Islam in Africa Organisation and served as Chairman of the National Mosque Committee where he oversaw the funding and building of the National Mosque, Abuja.

In April 1978, he was honoured by Katsina people and turbaned as Tafida, a traditional title he inherited from his father.

His Politics According to Shehu Yar’Adua, “Public service is service to God. You serve God by serving his creatures”.

But the return of a military regime without a firm commitment to handing over to a democratically elected government led Gen. Yar’Adua to join politics changed the turn of events. He was prepared to lead the political class through the familiar antics and obstacles set by his former colleagues in uniform. Shehu Yar’Adua was a gifted politician. His grassroots politics were devoid of ethnic bias and religious or regional sentiment, His organisation, whether Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN) or Social Democratic Party (SDP) or Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), dominated the political landscape of the country, breaking what he dubbed the siege mentality which had dogged politics since 1914.

His aspiration to become the SDP Presidential flagbearer was inspired by a desire to give this nation the committed and responsible leadership the country so desperately deserved. He advocated a new National Purpose which was designed to enrich lives, inspire patriotic pride and serve the common good of all.

After the swearing-in of elected governors on January 1, 1992, Yar’Adua reached out to all aspirants who lost out in the governorship elections, paid all their political campaign expenses and mobilised them to his side. This single action endeared many to him as many who had became political bankrupts suddenly become solvent as a result of his benevolence.

Hence, they were very loyal and whole-heartedly worked for him.

As a presidential candidate, Yar’Adua continued to break old barriers, beating formidable home-based political opponents and winning elections across Continued on page 7

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Revealed: CBN’s scheme boosts agriculture with N104bn in 38 years Continued from page 1 The breakdown of loans guaranteed, however, showed that 1,028,818 individual farmers have accessed N97.3bn between 1978 to 2016, while11,779 informal group were granted N1.84bn in 37 years.

Others are 16,998 CoOperatives farmers were granted N3.29bn and 2,252 companies were granted N1.6bn between 1978 to

2016 In 1978 when the agriculture credit scheme was established, the CBN granted N75.8m to 2,391 farmers.

The loans guaranteed

by CBN crossed the N1bn mark in 2002 to N1.05bn, a year when the capital base of the Scheme was increased to N3bn in March, 2001.

The scheme was established by Decree No. 20 of 1977, and started op-

erations in April, 1978.

Its original share capital and paid-up capital were N100m and N85.6m, respectively. The Federal Government holds 60 per cent and the apex bank, 40 per cent of the shares.

The Fund guarantees credit facilities extended to farmers by banks up to 75 per cent of the amount in default net of any security realized.

The Fund is managed by the CBN, which han-

dles the day-to-day operations of the Scheme.

Between 1978 and 1989 when the government stipulated lending quotas for banks under the Scheme, there was consistent increase in the lending portfolios of banks to agriculture, but after the deregulation of the financial system, banks started shying away by reducing their loans to the sector due to the perceived risk in the agriculture sector.

L-R: Abia State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Eziuche Ubani; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; M/D CEO Addrex Hotels, Mr. Evans Mbaraonye and others, during the commissioning of Addrex Hotel and Suits in Aba, Abia State… on Sunday.

Buhari deserves credit over development projects in N’Delta –NDDC MD

ÏÏÏThe

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has called on the people of the Niger Delta region to give credit to President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the execution of development projects in the region.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Otuoke internal road and Atubu Road network, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Ekere said that Buhari directed the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning to work with the NDDC in reconciling all outstanding statutory obligations due to the commission and agree on an immediate payment plan.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mr. Chijioke Amu-Nnadi said, “The NDDC Chief Execu-

tive Officer, who was accompanied by the Bayelsa State representative on the NDDC Board, Prof Nelson Brambaifa; Director for the Bayelsa State Office, Mrs. Rachael Odiri and other directors of the commission, said that Mr. President deserved commendation for the remarkable decision.

He observed that it was the first time the issue of the Federal Government’s indebtedness to the NDDC was being properly addressed.”

Ekere urged Bayelsa communities to continue to support the administration of the President for making it possible for development projects to be executed in their areas. He commended them for the peaceful way they conducted themselves while the projects were being executed.

According to the statement, Ekere stated: “The days when NDDC was being associated with sub-

standard projects are over.

From the inception of the present board and management, the NDDC is committed to delivering quality projects all over the Niger Delta. We will rather work on 1-kilometre road and do it very well than build 10 kilometres with doubtful quality.”

He underscored the significance of Otuoke and Ogbia in the life of the country, stating that Nigeria would always remember the contributions of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the first oil well at Oloibiri in Ogbia LGA. At the Atubu Road Network in Ewoi community, the NDDC boss said he was impressed by the enthusiastic crowd that welcomed the NDDC delegation. He thanked them for the warm reception, noting that it demonstrated their love and appreciation for what the NDDC had done for

them.

He assured that the road would serve the people well and open new opportunities for businesses and social activities in the area.

“This is a sign of better things to come. More projects will be provided for peaceful communities like yours,” he assured.

The Paramount Ruler of Ewoi, Chief Andy Inengite, thanked the NDDC for building the road and saving them from perennial trauma of flooding and in-accessibility during the rainy season.

He appealed to the NDDC to direct the contractor working on the commission’s solar water project in the community to return to site to complete the job.

The NDDC team also paid a courtesy visit to Dr Goodluck Jonathan in his country home at Otuoke and informed him of the expected commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road.

Meanwhile, the loans guaranteed continued to increase significantly in 2004 to N2.08bn; N3bn in 2005; N4.26bn in 2006; N4.4bn in 2007; N6.7bn in 2008; N8.3bn in 2009; and N7.7bn in 2010.

The CBN’s loan guaranteed however hits N10.2bn in 2011 but dropped to N9.7bn in 2012.

It dropped further to N9.4bn in 2013 and increased significantly to N12.9bn in 2014, the highest ACGSF by CBN since its inception.

In addition, 69,436 and 58,548 farmers were granted N11.44bn and N8.1bn between 2015 and 2016.

Information by CBN revealed that Livestock, Fisheries Food Crops and Cash Crops dominated loans guaranteed analyzed by purpose from Inception.

In a related development, the apex data showed that Edo and Ogun states are leading in its N3.88bn Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) in 34 states.

Data from the apex bank disclosed that a total of 27,207 farmers, both individual and informal group have participated in the scheme between January and August 2017.

In line with this vision to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil & gas sector, the CBN, under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Emefiele has pursued with added vigour intervention schemes such as ACGS and the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to mention but few.

Farmers in the mentioned states targeted crops such as rice, maize, palm oil, sorghum, tomatoes, cassava, cocoa, cotton, dairy, and groundnut.

The Daily Times can report that large chunk of these funds were accessed through registered Microfinance Banks (MFBs), while smaller portion were accessed through Union Bank of Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc. But between January and August, a total of 2,009 farmers in Edo State accessed N385million through the CBN’s ACGS while 1,725 famers in Ogun State accessed

N356million through the same scheme in eight months.

Enugu State has the highest amount of informal farmers at N12.48m, while Adamawa State has the lowest proportion of amount borrowed from the scheme at N700,000 between January and August this year.

But Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa states did not participate in the scheme between January and August 2017.

Loans fully repaid analyzed by state between January and August, 2017, revealed that in first quarter of 2017, N1.4bn was repaid and increased to N1.5bn in second quarter.

A total of N3.7bn has been repaid between January and August, 2017, data by CBN revealed.

Meanwhile, for the month of August, a total of 3,571 farmers benefited N463m for its ACGS in 29 states.

Data obtained revealed that Oyo State , followed

by Edo and Taraba states had the highest proportion of amount borrowed in August while Bayelsa and Abia states had the lowest amount accessed on the CBN’s Agriculture Scheme.

Specifically, Oyo State farmers were granted N65.16m, while farmers in Edo and Taraba states accessed N45.42m and N42.22m from the Agriculture Scheme respectively.

Bayelsa State farmers were granted N50,000 while Abia farmers were granted N250,000 in August.

For the month of August, the following States, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Lagos and Yobe did not access the Agricultural Credit Guarantee in August, 2017.

The data by apex bank revealed that Plateau and Enugu had 133 and three informal group of farmers that access the CBN’s ACGS in month under review, respectively.

According to CBN data, a total of 2677 male famers accessed N352m; while 1026 female farmers in 29 states were granted N107.5m.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

7

News

LG poll: APC kicks as PDP wins 31 LGAs in Akwa Ibom Bassey Willie Uyo

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has rejected the results of Saturday’s local government election declared by the state independent electoral commission (AKISIEC) on Sunday as the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) won all the 31 local governments areas and the 329 wards in the state.

In a statement released by the state chapter of the APC by the state chairman, Dr Amadu Atai and the secretary, Dr Effiong Etuk and made available to newsmen in Uyo, the APC described the election as falling in standard expected from a credible poll.

But announcing the results on Sunday, the Chairman of AKISIEC , Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak said, “The election was contested by 12 political par-

ties and PDP won the 31 chairmanship and 329 councillorship seats respectively”.

He said the statement from the commission confirms the announcement/declaration made by the authorized returning officers in various wards and local government areas.

He said “The details of the scores of the election as submitted by the field officers will be made available by the field op-

erations and logistics department of the commission in the later date”.

Meanwhile, the chairmen elect of the 31 local government areas elected on Saturday’s election will be presented with their certificate of returns by the commission today according to the statement by the electoral commissioner, legal matters and public affairs of the commission, Dr Faith Umoh.

But irregularities and voters’ apathy marred the

entire exercise, as most of the local governments areas and polling units monitored by our correspondent witnessed non availability or late arrival of voting materials and low turn out of voters.

However, crises were witnessed in most of the local governments in the state, like in Ididep, and in Ibiono Ibom local government where the Senior Special Assistant on the President on National Assembly (Senate) Senator Ita Enang, hailed from, vehicles conveying electoral materials were burnt down for carrying inad-

equate materials to the ward.

In few units and wards where voting material reached late in the evening, it was gathered that only 100 ballot papers were sent to each of those units that registered more than 500 voters.

The style of declaring results through a press statement in this year’s local government election in Akwa Ibom State is contrary to the previous exercises where the chief returning officer always address newsmen and give details of the results to them.

How IBB’s refusal to quit led to Yar’Adua’s emergence Continued from page 5

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during the 2017 International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities in Lagos… on Sunday.

SAHCOL, union at loggerhead over enlistment at NSE Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

management of Skyway Aviation Handling Company of Nigeria (SAHCOL) is enmeshed in controversies with a leading union in the country’s aviation industry over alleged “wilful infractions.”

The union, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) is accusing the management of SAHCOL of contravening the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act 1999 with its refusal to be enlisted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) eight years after privatisation.

According to the Public Enterprises Act 1999, SAHCOL like any other privatised company ought to have been enlisted on NSE five years after privation.

SAHCOL was privatised in 2009, but it’s yet to be enlisted on NSE, according to the law.

The petition dated July 31, 2017 written to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) with the head: ‘Appeal to redress wilful infractions by SAHCOL’ and made available to our correspondent also copied the Chairman, National Council on Privatisation, Vice President Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige.

The petition was signed

by Deputy General Secretary, ATSSSAN, Mr. Frances Akinjole.

The petitioner also accused the management of the ground handling company of denying them their statutory 10 per cent equity shareholding in the organisation, as against the Public Enterprise Act of 1999.

The petition read in part: “We may recall that SAHCOL was privatised in 2009 pursuant to the Public Enterprises Act 1999. It is appalling that several years

after, SAHCOL still finds it comfortable to deny staff of the company their statutory 10 per cent equity shareholding in the company despite the immense sacrifices the workers continue to make for the success of the organisation.

“The infraction is contrary to section 5 (3) of the Public Enterprises Act 1999, which provides that: ‘No less than 10 per cent of the shares to be offered for sale to Nigerians shall be reserved for the staff of the public enterprises to be privatised and the shares shall be held in the trust by the public enterprises for its employees.’”

The union also recalled that BPE was a party to an agreement reached with SAHCOL on August 22, 2007 on the mode of divesture of Federal Government of Nigeria from the entity.

The petition urged the bureau to immediately intervene on the issue, warning that it might be compelled

to result to self-help to address the issue.

However, our correspondent gathered that the petition may have resulted into the Director-General of BPE visiting the ground handling company recently for first-hand-assessment of the company about few weeks ago.

It was gathered that he met with some union leaders in the company who confirmed the allegations against the management of the organisation, before going into a closed door meeting with the company’s management.

But, our source was not privy to the outcome of the meeting with the management on the issue.

When contacted, the spokesman of SAHCOL, Mr. Basil said, “The petition is strange to me. Yes what you have said is right, but what I don’t understand is that is it our duty to do that because SAHCOL is still under the monitoring of the BPE.

tinued to steer the country toward democracy as the single most influential politician in the country.

It is instructive to note that Yar’Adua and his group formed the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) which later transformed to Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN). Members included Babagana Kingibe, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu, Magaji Abdullahi, Ango Abdullahi, Ahmadu Rufa’i, Yahaya Kwande, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, Wada Abubakar, Babalola Borishade, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, M.S.Buhari and Farouk Abdulazeez.

The organisation later merged with other groups to form the Social Democratic Party of Nigeria.

Peoples Front of Nigeria and PDM became the two dominant factions within SDP. However, Yar’Adua’s group was very organised and able to win the majority of the elective posts within the SDP. During the Governorship and House of Assembly elections, SDP had a slight numerical edge over the National Republican Convention (NRC).

In January 1992, Yar’Adua spent a short stint in detention. He was jailed for contravening a law banning certain persons from active politics.

However, the law was repealed and Yar’Adua subsequently announced his presidential ambition.

His campaign political structure covered the whole country; he had a national campaign directorate, and each state had its own campaign coordinator and ward mobilisers.

Members of his campaign

group included Chief Tony Anenih, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dapo Sarumi, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu and Sunday Afolabi. Yar’Adua was leading the SDP presidential field before the results were annulled by Babangida’s government.

A new election was later conducted on June 12, 1993 which was won by the late M.K.O. Abiola. After the June 12 election were annulled, the Yar’Adua faction negotiated an arrangement for the inauguration of a National Interim Government. But in November 1993, the interim government of Chief Ernest Shonekan was booted out and Gen Sani Abacha became the new military Head of State.

In 1994, Yar’Adua won a seat representing Katsina to a new National Constitutional Conference. He was an outspoken delegate and in early 1994, organised a political conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists office in Lagos that earned the attention of the military leadership who detained him for four days.

Yar’Adua, Obasanjo, Lawan Gwadabe and others were arrested in March 1995 on allegations of plotting a coup to overthrow the Abacha regime. He was sentenced to death by a military tribunal in 1995, after calling on the Nigerian military government of Gen. Sani Abacha and his Provisional Ruling Council to return the country to civilian rule. Though the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, Yar’Adua died in mysterious circumstances while in captivity on December 8, 1997.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

5 Days to Convention, Atiku returns to PDP Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏFive

days to the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slated for Saturday in Abuja, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced his return to the PDP where he was a foundation member.

Atiku made the announcement on Sunday in his Facebook Live chat.

He said that he took the decision to return to the PDP after consultations with his constituency, party leaders and stakeholders nationwide.

Making the announcement, Atiku said, “Hello, my name is Atiku Abubakar. I am speaking to you today on Facebook Live as I want to reach as many of our young people as possible as I have an important announcement to make about the future of Nigeria”.

Harping on the importance of changing the political narratives in the country by engaging the younger generation and creating jobs, Atiku said, “I have found in my travels across the country that whenever I get into conversations with young people

their number one concern is whether they will be able to get a job for without a job they have no means of sustaining themselves or begin a family.

“And without the security of a job we cannot have security in our country. So without jobs, there is no future for you or for Nigeria.

“And I also know as a parent that the older generation is also concerned about jobs for their children and, too often today, for themselves as well.

“Creating jobs is something I know about as I have created over 50,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs in my own state of Adamawa. And I also know how the Government can help create the right environment for businesses to create jobs”.

Narrating his inputs in job creation and diversification of the economy while he was the vice president, Atiku said, “When I was Vice President in 1999, I was responsible for liberalising the telecomms sector which enabled us to increase the number of people who could access a phone from less than 1 million then to over 100 million today.

“This transformation

resulted in the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs from the top-up card vendors you see on every street corner to the many new businesses that fed off the mobile phone revolution”.

Atiku, who also narrated his political excursion in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further disclosed that: “Some of you may also know that I left the PDP four years ago when I believed it was no longer aligned to the principles of equity, democracy and social justice upon which we had founded it.

“I joined the APC as I had hoped it would be the new force that would help improve life for our people and I was excited about the party’s manifesto to create 3 million new jobs a year.

“The result has not been the change people had been promised or voted for, as in the last two years almost 3 million Nigerians have lost their jobs.

“And today with a record 25% of people aged 18-25 unemployed I can see how difficult it is for our youths to find a job”.

On his eventual return to the PDP, Atiku said, “So today I want to let you know that I am returning home

Speakers meet in Enugu, pledge to expedite action on constitution amendment Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

Conference of Speakers of Nigeria at the weekend met in Enugu and acknowledged receipt of the transmission of the National Assembly resolution on the proposed constitution amendments. The speakers also pledged to expedite action on it.

Chairman of the conference and Speaker of Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abulmumin Kamba, who asked the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ali Ahmad, to read the conference communique, said the State Houses of Assembly will immediately commence further legislative actions on the 15 items for amendment.

Ahmad said: “The conference is not unaware of the state legislature’s

constitutional role of ratifying the resolution.

However, the conference shall ensure due diligence and thorough legislative functions of state assemblies are carried out with a view to ensuring the yearnings and aspirations of the people are captured in the proposed amendments process.”

The speakers further pledged to act expeditiously on the constitution review.

Meanwhile, mild drama played out at the conference when a group, friends of democracy, led by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe, was called to address the conference.

While Ugokwe was addressing the conference on the need to adopt the entire 15 items for amendment since they were not contentious except for local government autono-

my, the speaker of Rivers state House of Assembly, raised objection that the visitors came with biased views.

National coordinator of the group, John Mutu, frowned at the resentment by the Rivers Speaker and felt embarassed for asking the group to leave the conference.The group was however called back and was given more time to address the conference after an apology by the conference chairman, Hon. Kamba.

The 36 speakers of the state Houses of Assembly attended the meeting in Enugu.

Enugu State Speaker, Hon. Edward Uboshi, commended the speakers for choosing the state for the conference and announced that the next meeting of the conference will hold in Zamfara State in February, 2018.

L-R: Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori and Chief Executive Official, Dipson Plastics & Recycling Plant Limited, Mr. Oladipo Bakare, during the inspecting tour of the factory after commissioning in Osogbo, Osun State… at the weekend. to the PDP as the issues that led me to leave it have now been resolved and it is clear that the APC has let the Nigerian people, and especially our young people, down”.

Answering questions from his online listeners on his programme for the youths, Atiku responded thus, “The key to knowing what young people want is to listen to them. I’m good at that. Sometimes, when I am on the phone with my kids they ask me are you still there, because I just listen to them without interrupting.

“Young people are on social media and so I go there.

They tell me that their number one challenge is jobs. Terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, and other forms of exuberance they may lead to criminality are a symptom of the disease of joblessness.

“Once you can get Nigeria working again and get Nigerians working again, youth restiveness will ease and gradually disappear”.

Atiku, who also gave a clue on how he will harmonize his business empire with political position, said that, “Leadership must be separated from management. I lead my businesses. I do not manage them. I have qualified managers managing them including some in their early 20s.

“As a leader, you provide direction and then you bring in skilled people and inspire them to implement your roadmap to getting to the destination of your direction”.

On his choice of the PDP against other political parties despite the declining fortune of the party, Atiku said, “Nobody knows the future other than God and to dictate what the future

will be is not within man’s purview.

“But it is about Nigeria not about power. Power for powers own sake breeds arrogance and arrogance makes men say things like that.

“All I am saying is that we need a party that speaks to national sentiments not regional ones.

We need a party that can make all Nigerians one till we can boldly say that we are all brothers and sisters with only one mother Nigeria.”

On the call by by some Nigerian in the social media that the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Police engaged in unethical behaviour, Atiku said, “We cannot be outraged that Nigerians and other African migrants are being mistreated in Libya and then we go ahead and mistreat our people back home.

‘Whether it is how SARS treats Nigerians or how we treat each other, we are sending a message to the outside world. We can’t expect foreigners to treat our people better than we treat them.

“We must set the minimum standard required for the treatment of Nigerians worldwide by the way we treat our people domestically. Our charity must begin at home.

‘On this issue, I call on the Inspector General of Police as a concerned Nigerian to intervene, and I know that the Nigerian Police as a disciplined and well organized force will take action to address this issue. It will go a long way to improving Nigeria’s rating in the global ranking of Police Forces next year because this year, they were wrongfully ranked as the worst”.

Ekweremmadu hails Atiku’s return Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has described as a welcome development the return of Atiku to the PDP not only for the party, but for the nation’s democracy.

He stated this in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Uche Anichukwu.

Ekweremadu said the move represented a massive Vote of No Confidence in the leadership capacity of the ruling APC, first, by the masses, and now by the cream of its hierarchy and founding members.

He said: “The dumping of the APC by Alhaji Atiku is a welcome development for the PDP, but more importantly, Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigeria is in dire need of a rescue mission to rekindle hope in our democracy, restore her on the path of prosperity, and halt the worsening divisiveness that threatens our corporate existence.

“I, therefore, enjoin all former PDP faithful who left for various reasons as well as other progressiveminded Nigerians to emulate Alhaji Atiku, to reunite under the umbrella to salvage the nation because I see a new and better Nigeria coming in 2019.

“I see a country where corruption will be eradicated, a nation that will be a pride to Africa and admiration of the international community, and a nation where no man will be oppressed, intimidated, persecuted or sidelined on account of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion. No amount of desperation will stop the will of God for Nigeria in 2019”.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

New NAFDAC DG resumes office, talks tough on fight against counterfeit products Angela Onwuzoo

ÏÏÏThe new Director Gen-

eral, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has officially resumed duties with a commitment to lead the Agency toward eliminating substandard foods and drugs in the country.

Prof. Adeyeye who disclosed this in Abuja at the Agency’s corporate headquarters while addressing staff on her resumption of duty, said although NAFDAC has over the years, made steady progress in protecting the health of the nation, the Agency under her administration will continue to ensure the health of all Nigerians and foreigners residing in Nigeria are not jeopardized by the use of substandard or counterfeit regu-

lated products.

She expressed deep concern that while majority of Nigerians have concerns over safety of drugs, food, medical devices and water, little do they know that chemicals can also kill people easily, which is why she has come to ensure that NAFDAC lives up to her responsibility of eliminating falsified and unsafe drugs, medical devices, foods and water in Nigeria.

“The concerns of our people are mainly about safety of our drugs, food, medical devices and water. Most people, including those who manufacture fake drugs and sell bad foods or water, do not plan to kill people, but may not fully understand that chemicals (be they in drugs or food, or through bio-contamination) can kill hundreds of people easily”.

The NAFDAC DG ex-

pressed appreciation to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP); United States Agency for International Development (USAID); World Health Organisation (WHO); Nigeria Academic Pharmacists as well as other partners for their efforts and support of NAFDAC in the assurance of quality food, medicines and medical devices for all Nigerians.

She also thanked the National assembly for their efforts so far towards passing the Fake and Counterfeit Drug Act, saying the attainment of the mission and vision of NAFDAC is a collective responsibility of all and her role as a Director General is to provide the needed leadership, direction and motivation to all staff for the realization of the goals of the Agency.

Earlier addressing Management staff during a brief handover, Adeyeye acknowl-

edged that though NAFDAC will be taking a new path, with all hands on deck, they can achieve greater success.

She said, “We are all going there together because of our children, our husbands, our wives and indeed every Nigerian. We are in charge of food, drug and water. That is to say anything that goes into our body, we are in charge of it and that is how serious I take drugs, food and water and we will go there together”.

She maintained that there is so much responsibility for NAFDAC as an Agency of government in terms of preventing adulterated and substandard drugs, food and water which can cause death and she is determined to ensure the workforce is strong and highly motivated to achieve the Agency’s mandate.

L-R: Member of the British Parliament, Mr. Diane Abbott, presenting the Community Impact Award to Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oil Rigs Global Resources Limited, Mr. Chima Anyaso in United Kingdom… at the weekend.

News 9

SERAP to Buhari: Refer corruption in privatisation process to EFCC, ICPC Ï Ï Ï Socio-Economic

Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has sent an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari asking him to use his “good offices and leadership position to refer the allegations of corruption and abuse of process in the privatisation of public enterprises in Nigeria between 1999— 2011 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation.

SERAP also urged Buhari to “reform the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to remove opportunities for corruption in privatisation process, and to instruct the EFCC and ICPC to ensure the recovery of proceeds of corruption.

The organisation also gave 14 days ultimatum to the President, saying that if the federal government failed to act on its request, it will file legal action to compel his government to act in the public interest.

In the letter dated December 1, 2017 by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organization said: “SERAP has obtained and carefully read the full report of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Investigation of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) from 1999 to 2011, which contains damaging allegations of corruption, presidential interference, and abuse of due process in the selection of core investor, valuation of public enterprises, pricing of shares/assets, determination of workers terminal benefits, and use of proceeds of privatisation.”

According to the organization, “Many cases of presidential directives/interference during the period under review (1999-2011) affected the process of core investor selection. The BPE

was negligent and ineffective in monitoring of privatised companies. In some cases, BPE never monitored the companies for the entire lockin period and in other cases their reports were complete opposite of what was on the ground.”

The letter copied to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is also the chair of the National Council on Privatization (NCP), reads in part: “It is in the public interest that any sales of public assets will get the best value but the Senate report shows exactly the opposite. By revisiting the privatisation process and referring the allegations of corruption documented in the report to the EFCC and ICPC, your government would be demonstrating that it’s willing and able to fight impunity of perpetrators of corruption, which is responsible for legacy of grand corruption and abuse of office in the country.”

“Specifically, the committee among others found that: A total sum of N301bn was realised as proceeds of privatisation from 1999 to 2011.

N900m of that was used as loan to Nigeria Re-insurance Plc for recapitalization, in violation of section 19(2) of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act 1999. Folio Communications Limited pledged the assets of Daily Times Nigeria Plc to obtain loan from bank(s) and utilized the loan to pay for the share of the company.”

“Core investor converted the premises of Volkswagen Nigeria Limited into bonded warehouses for storage of contrabands mainly rice, vegetable oils, fertilizer, but was not reported by the BPE. Former Director-General of BPE, Mrs Irene Nkechi Chigbue sought and received direct approvals of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for many privatisation transactions, in violation of Section 11 of the Public Enterprise Act and the Bureau Procedure Manual.”

French Govt, FUNAI agree to expand collaboration Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏEdo

State Godwin Obaseki has approved 150 hectares of land and N100million seed capital for the 150 Libyan returnees and victims of human trafficking who completed a skills acquisition training at the Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) office in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki, who made the announcement on Saturday, during the graduation ceremony of the returnees, directed the Ministry of Agriculture and

Natural Resources to immediately liaise with the relevant authorities towards securing the land for the returnees to commence agribusinesses.

According to Obaseki , the returnees will be organised into cooperatives under the supervision of the Benin Owena River Basin Authority and the Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).

Speaking on the need for a coordinated and multilateral partnership to end the spate of modern day slavery, a key part of which is the trafficking in persons, the governor said the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, marked every

December 2 by the United Nations, should be seen as a day for a deep reflection on how to bring the illicit trade to an end.

He commended the returnees, 51 of whom were trained on crop production, 15 on Agro-processing, 68 on livestock farming and 52 on Fish farming, for availing themselves of the training opportunity and promised to make them ambassadors in the state-wide campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration.

He explained that the returnees are victims of a country that has failed them, adding that the state government

has a duty to make them realise their God-given potential.

Earlier, the Programme Manager of ADP, Mr Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, commended the state government for initiating the training and expressed optimism that the trainees would put to use the skills they acquired.

On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Obaseki said that it was regrettable the menace of slavery still persists after decades of efforts to abolish the menace, noting, “We ordinarily shouldn’t be talking about the menace of slavery given the experience we have had.

“But it is a reality today and

we have no choice but to tackle it. However, it is pertinent to point out the fact that modern day slavery, in its various forms, such as forced labour, debt bondage and human trafficking, has no place among us.

“To effectively abolish slave trade as we have it today, it takes a coordinated, deep reaching, international coalition that will take into cognisance the various forms of modern day slavery and compel perpetrators to back down.”

Noting that partnerships are key to ending the prevalence of slavery, Obaseki said,

“given the economic implications of modern day slavery, there is need for tact, willpower as well as substantive financial commitment to make appreciable progress in efforts to tackle slavery.”

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is marked every December 2, which is the date of the adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of December 2, 1949).

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

News 10 Gov Dickson wants security agents to fish out killers of Miyetti Allah leader From Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (right), presenting a piece of Sokoto leather work to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian, during the envoy’s visit to Sokoto Government House... at the weekend.

Ambode attends Experience Concert, commends church donation to schools

Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe

2017 edition of The Experience Concert, season 12 of the annual international gospel music fiesta held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Friday night welcomed an August visitor in the person of Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. He commended organisers of the concert, House On The Rock Church, for its donation of ICT infrastructure to 100 schools in the state.

Governor Ambode, in his goodwill message, commended the idea of the Experience Concert, saying that in the last 12 years, it had continued to attract people from all walks of life, different faiths and socio-political persuasions, thereby dismantling the barriers of political affiliation, ethnic origin and doctrinal differences through an unhindered expression of faith through music and engendering a legacy of love, peace and unity.

He also lauded the founder and presiding Pastor of the House On The Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, for its various humanitarian interventions and corporate social responsibilities in the state, saying it was a testament to his leadership qualities.

“You have shown leadership and a spirit of excellence which has seen House On The Rock engage in several nation-building activities across the country, particularly in Lagos state. Your contributions to interreligious dialogue, empowerment of the youth, social reformation and health care continue to positively impact the citizens of this state and on behalf of the people of Lagos State, we thank you,” the Governor said.

He particularly commended the initiative embarked upon by House On The Rock, which has seen the furnishing of 100 secondary schools across the sate with modern, fully equipped, air condi-

tioned, functional computer laboratories.

Governor Ambode in his remarks said the state was firmly on track to becoming a globally-competitive, dynamic and sustainable megacity, however stressing that it would require the cooperation and contribution of all and sundry for the state to realise its full potentials. He said concerted effort would be required to sustain the developmental strides the state has recorded in the last 50 years and ensure that the future of the state is secured.

The governor said: “Young and old, male and female, student and teacher, employer and employee.

We must all rise to the challenge, understanding that collectively, we can make this happen. We must be the change agents who will deliver a deliberately developed Lagos state to be bequeathed to future generations.”

Stressing that the interests of

Nigeria could not be determined along religious, political, ethnic or social lines, governor Ambode said leaders in the country must rise to their responsibilities, put the nation first and determine what is just and equitable for all Nigerians. “Men and women, whose voices influence the belief and value systems of our populace must begin to speak sincerely to one another to find common ground to build a prosperous nation and state; one that denies no man, woman, boy or girl the right to a peaceful and productive life.

We all have a part to play to achieve this,” the governor said.

On his part, Pastor Adefarasin, while presenting the handover certificate for the ICT infrastructure donated to the Lagos State Education System by the Church to governor Ambode, said the governor had produced new levels of development in the state, just as he expressed optimism of future partnerships with the state government.

Fire guts paint industry in Umuahia, TCN transformer in Nkalagu

Sunday Nwakanma - Umuahia, Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe head office of

a foremost paint industry in Umuahia, Saclux Paint, Sunday was gutted by Fire.

In another development the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday lost another 30MVA 132/33kV power transformer to inferno at the Nkalagu transmission substation, Enugu. The company has started making fran-

tic effort towards its restoration.

The inferno which started at about 1: 30 in the afternoon consumed goods and the company properties estimated at millions of naira.

Though the cause of inferno was yet to be ascertained, the men of the Abia State Fire service were seen battling to contain the fire incident when our correspondent visited the scene.

An eyewitness said the residents living around the Industry got to know of the inferno when

they sighted tick smoke emanating from the industry.

She said they had join hands with some staff of the company to stop the fire from spreading to nearby buildings before the men of the fire service arrived.

A personnel of the state Fire service who not want to be named, said they raced down to scene to fight the fire, after receiving a distress call from the company staff.

He urged Abia residents to be careful with the way they handle inflammable material and always

contact the fire service on time in the event of any fire outbreak.

In a statement signed by the GM Public Affairs, Mrs. Mbah, TCN said that the Old 30MVA power transformer which had already been earmarked for replacement in line with TCNs Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP), was unfortunately gutted by fire.

Although the cause of the fire is still being investigated, TCN said that its engineers are already in the substation, working to quickly

Bayelsa State Government has condemned the killing of the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the state, Alhaji Jibril Abdulkarim.

It was gathered that Abdukareem was killed Saturday afternoon along the Bayelsa Palm Road alongside three of his employees.

Eye witness account said the four victims were killed within the premises of late Abdulkarim’s private abattoir. “The armed men invaded the place this afternoon and shot him. He is a very friendly person and indeed a household name because he is the highest supplier of cows in Bayelsa.

“The gunmen also turned to his boys and killed three of them. It is sad development,” the source said at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Governor Dickson has called on the Police, the Department of State Service and other security agencies to apprehend the killers of a prominent cattle dealer, Alhaji Jibril Abdulkarim, and three of his aides.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo, who represented the Governor in a visit to commiserate with the families of the deceased on Sunday, gave the directive even as he condemned the reprehensible act.

Ongolo assured the families of the determination of the state government to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure that those behind the heinous acts are arrested and brought to justice.

The deceased cattle dealer was until his death, a member of the State Committee for the Management and Control of Ranches, and Chairman Cattle Breeders Association (CBA) in the state.

Ongolo who was accompanied by top government officials and security chiefs in the state described Jibril as a peace loving, law abiding and easy going businessman who was a friend to all including the government. ” I want to on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Seriake Dickson, and the Government of Bayelsa State sympathize with you all over this sudden loss. As a government we condemn it and we shall work closely with the security agencies to apprehend the criminals who committed these unacceptable acts in order to bring them to book.

restore supply through the second 30MVA transformer in the substation.

The statement further noted that Nigerian Independent Power Project, (NIPP) is currently installing a new 60MVA, 132/33kV power transformer in the substation and TCN is in discussion with NIPP to fast track the installation to further boost the stations capacity.

TCN apologised for every inconvenience to electricity consumers in parts of Nsukka, Ihiamufu, Afikpo and Ezilo Water Works.

They further pledged to restore power supply to the affected areas in few days.

Politics *It is over three months now since President Muhammadu Buhari resumed from his long medical vacation in the United Kingdom strong and in charge.

How would you describe his actions and directions within this period?

I won’t know, you’re a better Judge. We thank God he came back healthy and against the speculations that he was invalid, bedridden or dead. It’s normal in politics, the opposition may wish you all that. So, we’re very grateful that he’s back, so the game continues. To say about his actions, I don’t think they have been decent in any way. Buhari is still learning democracy. It’s time for proper pupilage tutelage. The act of governance in a democratic setting is different from when the military rules. If its military man like Obasanjo, who is sagacious, loquacious one would understand. Buhari is withdrawn, reserved and strict. And so, he is playing a lone game and that’s not too good.

He has been given an opportunity to govern Nigeria in a democratic setting which he has clamoured for, but I’m afraid to say that he is ill prepared.

What I mean is that before he left for the medical leave he was actually in charge, particularly in the anti corruption fight, but since he came back, there has been one scandal after another, denting the anti corruption war, do you agree?

That’s why I said he’s ill prepared for it. He has not looked beyond the lines. I don’t see anything he has changed in any form. EFCC was established by an act of Parliament but it is wrongly constituted. Police is rated as the worst corrupt organisation in the country, even as corrupt as we are, police is about the most corrupt institution. And now you set up an anti graft agency to be populated by the police. You go and figure out who is fooling who? PDP set up this sort of thing; you came in, you want to fight corruption more than PDP, review some of these things. You can’t have the Ribadus, Waziris, Lamordes; all these are police officers and none of them left there without a skeleton in his/her cupboard. Lamorde has just come back and promoted, just like Maina would have been promoted, even after being wanted. Lamorde has gone back; he’s a commissioner of police somewhere. And you’re sitting there as President. You think this entertainment in the media everyday that these police engage us with, we call EFCC is all Nigerians want to see. They would dazzle you with headline news. It is when it pleases them that they would remember the next headline to divert our attention. What are your own policies as a President to fight corruption? So, he’s yet to understand that he’s being fooled and that his government is heading nowhere.

Chief, I want you to comment on the recent wrangling between the EFCC, DSS and NIA over the arrest of their bosses?

That’s an evidence of what I’m saying.

The level of corrupt acts of these agencies is alarming and the Presidency is there; he has not been able to discipline any of them, he has not been able to utter any clear word to reassure Nigerians that he’s in charge of this anti corruption fight. He can’t leave it to Magu or whoever he is, he’s a police officer. If you’re serious, reconstitute that organisation. My party recently went to court, we want that organisation reorganised or dissolved. The case is coming up on 19 December.

Are you talking about the EFCC? Of course. Right here in Port Harcourt, we’ve been able to identify some corrupt prosecutors who use land speculators to sell off people’s properties.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

s

11

‘There’s need for Buhari to review his anti corruption war’

Chief Ambrose Owuru is the founder and presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP). In this interview with MEMOYE OGHU, Owuru speaks on federal government anti corruption war and other national issues. purpose of this suit, to reawaken institutions and warn that elections of this nature could be voided on this course. We’re yet to hear from them.

If I remember, you once said the matter would come up on 15th September. Did it come up that time?

It came up but the Judge found every reason to adjourn all the cases, only to take one Boko Haram case. So, we’re waiting; it’s coming up next week.

OWURU You’re also in court seeking for the dissolution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Why do you want the council dissolved?

We’re all fighting corruption. By section 16 of the constitution, corruption is not only left for the government to say what they like. It is constitutional. We must have a corruption free society. So, our party, even though we’re not in government, we’re part of the government, we have a duty to unearth or bring to focus some of these things. In the last election, in our view is what I call a civilian coup. It was bought. Up till today, we’re still unraveling where the monies were buried - graveyards, everywhere. The entire treasury was ripped open and looted for the

purposes of the 2015 election. The APC that won may have spent less but also fell back on slush funds they got from anywhere. That’s why Buhari’s hands are tied. The people that populate his government are PDP and discredited members. He can’t arrest them.

What makes you think that Maina didn’t contribute to that campaign and it’s time to pay back? This is what they did. So, they violated the electoral laws that stipulated a limit of one billion for every presidential candidate and what we got was trillions of Naira looted and wasted for that election.

In the course of what we’ve been able to do, recently you can hear INEC say they will strictly monitor campaign funds. This is the

We’re all fighting corruption. By section 16 of the constitution, corruption is not only left for the government to say what they like. It is constitutional. We must have a corruption free society. So, our party, even though we’re not in government, we’re part of the government, we have a duty to unearth or bring to focus some of these things.

Currently, everybody is commending INEC for the smooth conduct of the Anambra governorship election. Do you have a contrary view?

I have no contrary view, but it’s not entirely INEC. Electoral reforms for which we have been advocating for is beginning to yield results. The people are becoming more aware.

We had canvassed for card readers which we fought for, there were groups of political parties that went for the card readers; you people read it in the papers. There were 15, 16 political parties that were in it but 16 prevailed. The other ones, the last minute PDP thought to use them. They raised the issue of card readers but when they saw it was not in their own best interest, they won’t win elections with it, they sponsored that it should be discarded. So, we resisted it. Unfortunately, the media keep giving awards to governors who played no role in sustaining democracy, merely referring to us as mushroom political party. But you must know that when we met at INEC to decide issues, nobody is mushroom. Every political party has one vote. PDP was infact helpless, APC was worst at the time; they were neither here nor there. John Odigie-Oyegun is not an articulate person, so he could not even convince his colleagues. But we fought on the basis of our own beliefs. So, we commend INEC, just as we commend Nigerians who believe in democracy and then say that these things should go on because these runoff elections are not the best yardsticks. We’ll judge INEC on a general election that is very all encompassing. These staggered elections, every material attention is focused on the area. So, you can’t really. But I think more of this should go to the Anambra people because they are becoming more enlightened, unlike what they used to do. We would have had cases of violence and all manner of things.

Which one would you prefer as a panacea to the myriad of problems, a constitutional amendment or implementation of the Jonathan confab report?

It depends. They all boil down to the same thing, even the confab report. A confab without a constitutional power is worthless; it comes back to the same National Assembly.

So, whatever report they had there, they have presented it to the National Assembly in the last session. Why is the present session not adopting and debating it? Why are they asking the government that campaigned against it, Buhari that campaigned against it to come and implement it? So, we see that the National Assembly as constituted today is not serious about it.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

PDP national chairmanship: Dokpesi woos Igbinedion, Ibori, Ize-Iyamu Former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, has described Chief Raymond Dokpesi as a passionate loyalist of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he had toiled for the party.

Ibori said in Oghara when he received Dokpesi, a national chairmanship aspirant of the party, that the aspirant was enjoying huge confidence of party members because of his record and commitment.

He pledged to give necessary support to the aspiration and prayed that God would guide him.

Earlier, Dokpesi had told the former governor that his visit was to solicit support for his aspiration, saying that Ibori was a stakeholder in the PDP. In Benin City, Edo State, Dokpesi visited Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who said that the aspirant was a dogged democrat and fighter for enthronement of internal democracy and equity in the party.

Similarly, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Mr Ben Edo-Osagie, described Dokpesi as a “brave man with credibility”, adding that in spite of all intimidations, he remained in the party and “gave it his

all”.

“Credibility and total alliance is what is needed at this stage to rebuild the PDP. This party requires re-branding, re-packaging and re-focusing to win the 2019 general elections.

“I believe that Dokpesi is the foremost dynamic person to lead the PDP to victory in 2019,” Edo-Osagie said.

Also receiving the aspirant, PDP candidate in the 2017 governorship election in Edo State, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, said Dokpesi was a party leader that the state was always proud of.

He said that the man had paid his dues in any area required to be PDP’s national chairman.

Ize-Iyamu assured that as a son of Edo, the party members in the state would pull resources to support Dokpesi, adding that it was wrong for anybody to insinuate that he was or would be rejected in his home.

He commended the aspirant for his matured and peaceful campaigns, adding that he had brought flamboyance to the race to the chairmanship race. He appealed to all the aspirants not to be hostile in their campaigns.

Speaking, Dokpesi called for dedication of leaders and members to ensure stability in the party, saying that cohesion was needed for the party to regain power at the national level.

He said that he had been to the Northern part of the country and the South-West for campaign, and said that the enthusiasm of members for strengthening of the party was impressive.

Dokpesi urged the leaders to support his ambition, pledging that PDP’s credibility and acceptability by most Nigerians would be restored if he was elected. (NAN

DOKPESI

‘North stands to benefit more from restructuring ‘ A socio-political group, Atiku is the Answer (A.I.A), has said that the North stands to benefit more from a restructured Nigeria.

The National Co-ordinator of the group, Rev. Fresh Onuoha, said that the vast arable land in the North would enable the people of the area to take full advantage of agriculture to ensure food sufficiency and promote commodity export.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a restructured Nigeria could encourage the exploration and exploitation of certain potentials that had remained hidden in the country, especially in the North The Co-ordinator, who called for total support for restructuring, said that Atiku Abubakar was truly the answer to Nigeria’s challenges.

“Atiku Abubakar is serious about restructuring because he knows the

ABUBAKAR Northern region will benefit more with its vast arable land.

“Farming and self-reliance will boom in that part of Nigeria if the people are meant to depend on their areas of comparative advantage,’’ he said.

Onuoha said that it was time for Nigerians to join hands with statesmen like Atiku Abubakar to ensure the country’s economic independence.

He said that the former Vice President was committed to an economically stable Nigeria.

The call for a restructured Nigeria has pervaded the national landscape over time, with some people equating it with the entrenchment of true federalism, whereby governmental powers that exist in the country would be shared between the central government and the component regions in the governance of the country.

While the call for restructuring has persisted, debates have raged concerning what the two concepts really mean going by the country’s history.

‘Ebonyi APC ready for 2019 polls’ Stories by Patrick Okohue with Agency Report Youths in Ebonyi State has hit back at the National Leader of the All Progressives Youth Vanguard, Mr. Frank Ngwu, describing his comments on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the national leadership of the party as “reckless”.

A statement by the chairman of Ebonyi APC Youth Forum in Abakaliki, Dr. Uche Abia not only described Ngwu’s outburst as misleading but commended Chief John Odigie- Oyegun for steering APC to greater heights.

“It is necessary to reaffirm the truth about the party in Ebonyi State. APC is poised to flush out PDP from power in 2019, hence the plan by Ngwu and his sponsors to cause confusion.”

The youths praised Odigie-Oyegun for creating a culture of unity among APC members in the country, building cordial relationship between all critical stakeholders of the Nigerian project, repositioning the party in the state for the challenges ahead and adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability.

“There is no division or leadership crisis in APC, Ebonyi State chapter.

Odigie-Oyegun is a man of integrity, a leader with vision and charisma and a politician committed to the development of the ruling party and the people,” the youths said.

The youths condemned Ngwu and his sponsors for demonising the noble efforts of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. “Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is a quintessential politician. He has done very well” They called on stakeholders of the party not to be swayed by politicians whose stock in trade is to fan the embers of sentiments and hooliganism.

“Ebonyi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not in disarray. It will dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from its grip on the political space in 2019,” the youths added,

ODIGIE-OYEGUN

APDA wants Nigerian businessmen abroad to invest at home The Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) has called on Nigerian businessmen resident abroad to invest in the country.

The party made the call in its Eid-el Maulud message issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, on Friday in Abuja.

It stated that such investment would help in the development of the country’s industrial sector.

“Nigerians who have millions of dollars abroad should repatriate such funds and use it to establish

industries for Nigerians, to create employment opportunities for our youths.”

The party condemned the current slave market in Libya, where some Nigerian youths were victims.

It advised Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtue of Prophet Mohammed.

“In this direction, APDA is calling on all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of this day.

“We must show brotherly love and patriotism to country, strengthen our bond of unity, support

government efforts towards tackling the challenges confronting the country and be law-abiding citizens.

“As a people on the march to greatness, we at APDA believe in working with all Nigerians and together, create a Nigeria that works for all.”

Similarly, a National Publicity Secretary aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, urged Nigerians to use Eid-elMaulud to renew their commitment to unity and patriotism.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

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Editorial

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PHOTO TIMES

Save banks from collapse

T

he excruciating recession has come and gone, but the ill effects are still biting hard on the citizenry and businesses across the country. One of the businesses that felt the bad side of the recession were the deposit money banks. At the onset of the recession the economy contracted, many businesses and individuals were badly affected as many of them who took loans from their banks prior and during the recession were unable to service such loans as at when due despite repeated demands for them to pay back.

Following the huge toxic assets they are carrying in their books, many commercial banks in the country are said to be increasingly finding it very challenging to cope with the difficult operating environment. Consequently, many of the banks are now carrying high non-performing loans which they must provide for in their books, thus limiting the quantum of loans they can grant to new customers and reducing their performance in the operating year.

Newspaper reports also indicate that the deposit money banks accumulated as much as N230.6 billion non performing loans in the first six month of this year alone. Such non performing assets may increase to a point that would make the banks unsalvageable if urgent efforts are not made by the government and the regulatory authority to safe the banks from going under.

More than 50% of the Deposit

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Publishing Executive Enyinne Onwunwanne Leke Adelere Acting General Manager 08037038663 Konie Agu Group Head, Business Development/Folio Foundation 08033150455

L-R: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; former President, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, during funeral of late Kalama-Sokobe, the elder brother of Patience in Okrika, Rivers State… at the weekend.

L-R: Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Habis Ugbada and his wife; President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin; newly-wedded couple, Ibrahim Monsaray and Alice Koroma; Tosin Saraki; President Ernest Bai Koroma of SIerra Leone and the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Sia Koroma, during the President daughter’s marriage in Freetown… at the Weekend.

L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu; Chairman Zenith Bank Plc., Chief Jim Ovia; Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, during the 47th University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s Convocation Ceremony… at the weekend.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Folio Group Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Money Banks are said to be in serious financial problems and if the problems persist, the spectre of failure would confront the banks. The failure of banks also affects the health of the economy as many businesses will go down with it, while the economy may relapse into recession again.

Now that the country is out of recession, a salvaging effort should be put in place to safe the banking institutions from imminent danger of going under. In doing this the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would need to first reassure the nation of the safety and soundness of deposit money banks. Then, the CBN and the NDIC should carry out a proper audit of the banks to establish their level of healthiness and determine the appropriate measures needed to take them out of the problem.

Some of them may want to increase their capitalisation by going to the capital market to raise money; unfortunately a time like this may not be an appropriate time to raise such money as most investors and their businesses are yet to shake off the shackles of recession. In the alternative, the banks would need some accommodation from the CBN to keep their books in good shape and be able to perform optimally. Such accommodation should be for about twelve to eighteen months after which they must pay back such money to the CBN. Such a rescue effort should also be keyed in to the economic recovery and growth plan of the government so that the country can achieve increased growth and development once again.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Daily Times

Group Head Finance/ Administration Tobi Oyeniyi 07060528139 Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo 08033072614 General Counsel: ELIAS MORDI & CO 08068613825

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George Washington

Napoleon Hill

Odumegwu Ojukwu

It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.

Since oppression is maintained by force, it is only possible to remove that oppression by a counterforce.

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Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Re: Need to curb high level militarisation of FRSC personnel

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Bisi , Kazeem

he establishment of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on 18 February 1988 through Decree 45 of 1988 as amended by Decree 35 of 1992 otherwise referred to as CAP 141Laws of the federation 1990 which was repealed and reenacted as the FRSC Establishment Act, 2007 under the civil democratic dispensation has been globally acclaimed as the most comprehensive attempts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the pervasive crash situation that had made Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries to drive motor vehicles in. But it takes a discernible mind to be able to comprehend the complexity and appreciate the novelty of the structure and functions of the FRSC, due largely to the combination of its civil and military values that define its status as a law enforcement agency.

This must have explained why so many people easily get confused while analysing the functions and status of the FRSC as one of the nation’s paramilitary setups, as Mr Shaibu Danjuma of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Bauchi state did recently when he wrote on the above heading as published in some online media particularly, the Daily post. Having carefully gone through the piece and comprehended its messages, I observed so many contradic-

tions that could confuse the minds of members of the public.

That’s why it became imperative, in the interest of public enlightenment that we respond to it in order to shed more light and clear public doubt. Therefore, let me state from the onset that Nigerians must give kudos to the founding fathers of the FRSC by instituting an organisation that while its personnel appear and conduct themselves in civil manners to justify the humane services they render to members of the public as in rescue and provision of first aids to victims of road traffic crashes, it was also charged with powers of enforcement to serve as deterrence to traffic violators.

In order words, FRSC is an amalgam of civil and military features that define its peculiarity,. But the founding fathers deliberately chose to deemphasize its military features in favour of the civil values in carrying out its activities.

This is without prejudice to the fact that the enabling law made adequate provisions for its personnel to use coercive means to enforce the laws. Accordingly, successive leaderships of the Corps had continued to rely on civility to achieve the ideals of road safety goals in Nigeria instead of recourse to use of arms. Thus persuasion, education, subtle enforcement before full scale enforcement became the standard operational behaviour among the personnel of the Corps over the years.

But recent events have shown

that FRSC has come to the crossroads in its experimentation with reliance on civility alone as the means of law enforcement, as some Nigerians now tend to see members of the Corps as the weakest arms of the security agencies in the country who can be disobeyed with impunity, killed and wantonly injured by recalcitrant drivers who saw no need to heed the warning or stop signs of marshals who neither pursue offenders’ vehicles nor use arms to enforce the traffic laws unlike other agencies that carry out similar functions for safety and security of the nation. But despite the glaring act of provocation, FRSC by its values of civility continues to make education the center point of its operational strategy as evidenced by the daily, intermittent and massive public enlightenment programmes organised by the Corps at the state and national levels to enlighten members of the public on the need to drive with care and be safety conscious.

For the avoidance of doubt, the civil approach adopted by the FRSC in performing its statuary duties is without prejudice to the fact that the Establishment Act made adequate provision for its personnel to bear arms, but which majority of Nigerians do not know of. Section 19 of the FRSC Establishment Act specifically empowered personnel of the Corps to use arms in carrying out its functions as may be determined by the Commission. Specifically, the Act unambiguously stated thus: “For

the purpose of carrying out or enforcing the provisions of this Act, such members of the Corps as may be determined by the Commission, exposed to high risk in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, shall have the same powers, authorities and privileges including power to bear arms as are given by law to members of the Nigeria Police.’

Yet, over the years, Management of the Corps has remained unattracted to the use of arms for its personnel whose lives continue to be endangered by acts of undue provocation by drivers and some militant groups, because the Corps embraces civility over militarism. The 70 personnel of the FRSC quoted by the writer to have fallen prey to violence perpetrated by drivers and some militant groups within this short period while performing their statutory duties of ensuring safety on the nation’s highway is a grossly conservative figure, as many more suffered from the dastardly act. However, even as this has not dampened the spirit of the personnel who continue to bravely put their lives on the line by never failing to patrol the nation’s highways everyday and providing the needed succour to road users, concerned Nigerians are becoming worried.

Bisi Kazeem , Corps Commander , Corps Public Education Officer , FRSC

Trump in the Bible?

T Jason Osai Danjuma

he scriptures are written in parables, metaphors and allegories thereby obfuscating inherent spiritual messages.

In the Psalms (78:2) and Proverbs (1:6), the Bible refers to these as “dark sayings” while in Matthew (13:35) it says “I will open my mouth in parables.” In their timelessness, these dark sayings have been uncannily relevant to the affairs of man over the ages and the capacity to decode them is usually perceived as mysterious.

This piece takes a studied look at the Book of Revelations within contemporary global affairs with special reference to world leadership and the place and role of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America (US). Revelation (13:2) reads thus: “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” Verse 4 says “they worshiped the beast, saying: Who is able to make war with him?” In verse 5 it is written that “power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.”

Subjecting the above to critical analysis, we note that there are four elements of interest in 13:2 thus: (1) like unto a leopard, (2) his feet were as the feet of a bear, (3) his mouth as the mouth

of a lion: and (4) the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” A fifth element of interest is found in verse 4: “Who is able to make war with him?” In verse 5, we note the sixth element thus: “power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” These six elements shall be the focus of analysis: “Like unto a Leopard” A distinguishing feature of the leopard is a multiplicity of spots.

Applied to a person, this means a multiplicity of points of view and shades of opinion. A common saying about the leopard is that it “does not change its spots.” Within the context of this analysis, this refers to bad traits and habits that individuals are not able to kick. President Donald Trump has lived up to this statement; he has not been able to adjust to the behavioral patterns expected of a President of the US. “Feet were as…a Bear” The bear is known for its hugeness, heavy feet and resultant sluggish movement. Compared to three immediate-past Presidents, Trump can pass for a bear given his size and age; his movement is comparatively very sluggish, like that of a bear.

“Mouth as…a Lion” One of the major characteristics of a lion is its ferocious speed. So “mouth as a lion” is in reference to talkativeness in an office that requires a mastery of taciturnity, body language and

the art of leaving others to second guess what is on the mind of the incumbent. Compared to others Presidents in the modern history of the US and taken within the context of his penchant for the social media, Trump is motor mouth; he does not realize the enormity of power packed by his words not only in the US but across the world.

“Who is able to make war with him?”

In the current global power equation, the US is considered the strongest nation on earth irrespective of the emergence of other nations jostling for space in that category of catastrophe.

Resultantly, being the personification of the US, Trump is the strongest man on earth.

“The Dragon gave him his Power, and his Seat, and Great Authority.”

Based on the one-man-one-vote essence of democracy, the US electorate voted for Hilary Clinton as President. However, by the mechanism of the Electoral College, which is peculiar to US democracy, Donald Trump won the elections. Almost one year into office, the controversy of foreign meddling in the US elections of 2016 still rages. US electorate did not give Trump “power… his seat and great authority,” the meddlesomeness of the Dragon did. Speculations are rife and all fingers point towards Russia and China. Chinese mythology holds

that the Dragon is the forebear of the people.

“Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.”

Trump was sworn in on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. A simple count from that point vis-à-vis forty-two months (three years and five months) takes us to May 2020. Does this imply a date with destiny?

Eschatology or the Decline of the US? Donald Trump is the forty-fifth President of the US. In the science of numerology, the number nine (four pus five) is the peak of all numbers; some even say it is the number of God. From Jesus to the present, the preaching of Christians has been eschatological, “end time” ministry. Does Trump have a date with destiny in May 2020? Is the human race finally at the end time or are we only watching the beginning of the decline of the US as the numero uno world power? In other words, has the US peaked in global power play? Now that Pyongyang has demonstrated the missile capacity of reaching all parts of the US, is humanity on the cusp? Can humanity survive a nuclear conflagration? Was Bob Marley wrong when he sang: “have no fear for atomic energy, for none of them can stop the time?” Will our cosmic neighbors intervene? Questions, questions, questions!!! Am I suffering from acute paranoia?

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

15 Column

The Amosun phenomenon in Ogun State Guest Columnist ROTIMI DUROJAIYE

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‘

Due to prudent husbandry of the scarce resources of the State and his less reliance on the monthly Federal Allocation, Governor Amosun has not defaulted in the payment of salaries.

It is worth noting that the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which the Amosun administration introduced in 2011, has now got nation-wide acceptance and enabled the State to block leakages in the system.

’

implicity, discipline and steadfastness are perhaps some of the adjectives required in describing Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the amiable governor of Ogun State.

Amosun, who is also the apostle of prudence, transparency and accountability in governance, has left no one in doubt as to his mission in Government House.

Very modest, articulate and principled, Amosun is a silent performer who has warmed himself to the hearts of the people with his populist programmes as well as his well designed policy of developing an industrial and commercial economy that has provided wealth and abundant opportunities for his people.

The administration of Governor Amosun has not only restored confidence of the people to government but has boldly embarked on far-reaching socio-economic reforms and programmes that have touched positively, the people of the state.

On December 1, 2017, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures for states of the federation for the third quarter of this year, with 19 states generating total revenue of N149.45 billion.

The bureau in the report stated that 17 states had yet to submit their IGR reports for the period.

The report stated that Lagos State recorded the highest IGR, with N73.74 billion; while Ogun State followed with N16.9 billion.

Delta recorded N13 billion in IGR; Kaduna, N6.3 billion; Oyo, N5.6 billion; Enugu, N4.7 billion; Bayelsa, N4.3 billion; Akwa Ibom, N3.3 billion; Cross River, N2.83 billion; and Ondo, N2.7 billion; and Plateau, N2.5 billion.

Others are Osun, N2.4 billion; Benue, N2.3 billion; Imo, N1.6 billion; Jigawa N1.6 billion; Taraba, N1.5 billion; Ekiti N1.3 billion; Zamfara, N1.2 billion; and Yobe, N1.1 billion.

The report read in part, “A total of N149.45 billion was generated by states in third quarter of 2017. This excludes Rivers, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Gombe, Edo, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra states, which have not

Amosun yet reported their IGR figures for Q3 2017.”

The Acting Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Shettima AbbaGana, had said the decline in allocation from the Federation Account by over 30 per cent had made it imperative for the commission to assist states to increase their IGR. He said while some states had made efforts to increase their IGR to a level that was up to the amount they were getting from the Federation Account, others had yet to make such efforts.

In the wake of unprecedented economic challenges in Nigeria, which have resulted in trying times for both the Federal and the State Governments, Ogun State has navigated these troubled economic times with relative success.

Tough times have a way of prompting introspection and the Amosun administration has undertaken necessary operational review over the past six years and has continued to do the very best in pursuit of its ‘Mission to Rebuild’ agenda, despite the difficult economic times.

The vast potential of Ogun State cannot be denied. The geographical diversity and attractive location of the State means that it has the potential to build economic strength through Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Trade, Tourism, Services as well as Commerce and Industry. These have been vigorously pursued and translated into opportunities, productivity and wealth for the people of the state.

Governor Amosun has continued to draw strength from Ogun

State’s proud heritage. He has resolved to look beyond these challenging times and kept his eyes fixed on the ball.

He remains convinced that Ogun State is an Emerging Economic Powerhouse that is central to Nigeria’s economic diversification effort and cannot afford to be deterred in the midst of current difficulties.

Governor Amosun has not underestimated the enormity of the task of turning around the prosperity of Ogun State. Since he assumed power in 2011, he has prioritised the attraction of private capital to Ogun State to spur the ‘Mission to Rebuild’ agenda.

Ogun State had languished near the bottom of the World Bank Ease of Doing Business index in the 2010 report but was ranked as one of the five most-improved states in the country in 2014 report of the global financial institution.

Due to prudent husbandry of the scarce resources of the State and his less reliance on the monthly Federal Allocation, Governor Amosun has not defaulted in the payment of salaries.

It is worth noting that the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which the Amosun administration introduced in 2011, has now got nationwide acceptance and enabled the State to block leakages in the system.

To increase the revenue of the state, Governor Amosun had constituted a Revenue Committee chaired by the Governor himself where issues on businesses and internally generated revenue are sorted out.

The establishment of One-Stop Shop domiciled in the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry as well as synergy that exists among all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) has removed the usual bottlenecks that impede investors’ access to lands, building approval, environmental impact analysis and these have enhanced the ease of doing business in Ogun State.

The usual bottlenecks which government removed from its relationship and partnership with private sector, coupled with massive investment in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, pipe-borne water, education, health and electricity is the magic behind the increased internally generated revenue.

The migration of investors and industries to the state has really helped to develop the economy of the state in terms of wealth creation, employment opportunities, tax remittance, and corporate social responsibilities, among others.

Governor Amosun has tackled the economy of Ogun State with a single-minded dedication and abundant courage. The restructuring of the economy is not something that can be accomplished in six short years even if it does not require eternity to do it. But on a balance, even the most unfair critics would not deny the fact that he has been able to put the state back on the path of progress and prosperity.

*Durojaiye is Governor Amosun’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

FEATURES

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Kaduna: el- Rufai’s burden, teachers’ failure and national emergency Ladesope Ladelokun In spite of the hues and cries that the planned sacking of 21,780 teachers that failed primary four level competency test in Kaduna state has attracted, Governor Nasir el-Rufai appears undeterred by the hoopla it has generated, especially fears in certain quarters that it may fritter away his chance for a second term.

According to the Kaduna number one citizen, his concern is the next generation and not the next election, giving the lie to James Freeman Clarke’s quote that, “A politician thinks of the next election while a statesman thinks of the next generation.’’

Bit the planned sacking has elicited questions from stakeholders, like, How were the teachers employed? Who is responsible for ensuring that only the best hands get employed? How did we degenerate to this point? But, like a raging inferno, the debate on the appropriateness of the governor’s planned action has spread to the length and breadth of Nigeria, The Daily Times has gathered.

Evidence of a systemic problem Public affairs commentator, Mr Dayo Williams, says sacking 21,700 teachers in one fell swoop is far from addressing the fundamental problems responsible for the failure of the teachers. The analyst believes el-Rufai will end up creating more problems that it wants to solve.

He said: “There is no ready pool of competent hands from where can replace the teachers to be sacked. I had an encounter with some of the potential recruits from the state sometime early this year in a job test. About five of them were graduates of the state-owned university. You needed to see what they turned in for me as test results: “No logic. No sequence, no coherence and stuffed with elementary errors of syntax. I need not bore you with what these graduates read in the university.

We ended up not taking any of them.’’

Why el-Rufai should tread with caution Lamenting the drop in standard of education, a medical practitioner, Dr Abdullahi Dahiru says the education sector is not what it used to be. Abdullahi tells his story: ‘‘When we were students at Science Secondary School, Dawakin Kudu, many teachers were NCE holders. It was even difficult to differentiate who among the teachers had Bsc or NCE because most teachers then were good. Infact some of our teachers in primary school were Grade II holders.

“I have seen examination scripts of NCE students being marked by my wife, some students write ridiculous answers to questions; they even reply “Malama ,ki taimake ni kamar yadda Allah ya taimake ki. Some writings could not even be read. Some write what psychiatrists call ‘‘word salad.

“Some of the questions asked in statistics involved just finding means, mode and median of group of numbers, not

Kaduna school pupil (inset Gov. el-Rufai

complex statistics questions, but many students could not give satisfactory answers. Some of these NCE students were given admission after getting “good’’ result from “miracle centers’’ through examination malpractice.”

The medical practitioner believes many NCE graduates do not have the knowledge of a primary six pupil.

“These so-called NCE graduates with poor background and poor knowledge are the ones that would ultimately be recruited to teach – and the vicious cycle continues,” he lamented.

Abdullahi however called on relevant authorities to address the issue of poor remuneration to teachers to attract good hands. ‘‘But let us know that the rot started from teacher training institutions. There is poor remuneration that made it impossible for people with good degree to apply for teaching job.

“The salary of NCE holder is less than N30,000 per month. Where will Kaduna State government get teachers with NCE qualification that are good?’’ he asked.

No to charlatans Meanwhile, businessman and educationist, Mr Remi Lawal, has berated the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on its role in the el-Rufai-Teacher row. Backing Kaduna Governor’s action, Lawal says education is too important to be left in the hands of charlatans.

He said, “A multinational company told me that teachers are unmarketable. I thought they were being unfair until they were proven right by the association of teachers themselves on the el- Rufai’s–Teacher saga. Education has become such an important global growth tool, too serious to be left in the hands of charlatans. We can’t continue to reward people for being politically loyal. Like ev-

ery developed country, time has come for us to take education seriously and realize that we are sitting on a precipice.

“Right education, is the bedrock of every developing society. The world has since moved from the education of “I beg to apply’’. The world has also moved from the era of manpower to mindpower.’’

He added: “Let us demand quality education and stop asking for trivial things.

Has anyone checked the amount budgeted for education this year? So sad.”

NLC, Kaduna Universal Basic Education Board react President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in his reaction, said the policy of the Kaduna State government lacks human face, claiming that the development is targeted at reducing the workforce.

Speaking on a breakfast programme broadcast live in Lagos, Wabba said a teacher’s competency can only be tested by the Teachers Registration Council Nigeria and National Teachers Institute.

He said, “It’s not a reform aimed at improving the system. It’s aimed at saving cost. We have seen names of teachers that have retired for more than two years before the test was administered, we’ve seen the names of those that have died and school guards on the list of those claimed to have passed the competency test.”

The labour leader further stated that the credibility and the outcome that the process will lead to cannot stand the competency test of the unions. “The process that will ultimately lead to workers losing their jobs is a core trade union issue. The policy has no human face,’’ he added.

Dismissing the allegation that dead

persons’ names are on the list of those claimed to have passed the competency test, a principal member of Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, Shehu Uthman, had this to say: ‘‘These are just gimmicks. They are saying it for selfish reasons. There is no way we would habour teachers that cannot perform in our schools. We have innocent children to defend.”

Responding to the call on the Kaduna State government to retrain the teachers in question instead of sacking them, Shehu said, “When the Governor was sworn in, he discovered we have a problem in the education sector. You may not believe, but he has spent colossal sums of money to train teachers. Last year alone, we spent nothing less than N300million to train teachers. We did all we could to train these teachers but to no avail. We cannot continue to habour them.”

Speaking on the fate of the 21,780 teachers, Shehu said they will be given another opportunity to apply. ‘‘Those teachers we asked to go will be given another opportunity to apply. When they sit for our test and they pass the exams, we will call them for interview, and if they scale through, we are going to readmit them, and they will continue from where they stopped. They won’t lose any grade level.’’

As NUT plans to close down schools should el-Rufai fail to rescind his plan, stakeholders are asking: who blinks first?

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt Hope, despair, suspicion greeted the Senate Committee on Environment headed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ogoni land last Monday as the team stormed the area on a factfinding mission. The vexed issues arising from the planned cleanup of Ogoni swamps, creeks, streams, rivers, farmlands, and wells severely devastated by oil spills, informed the visit.

The cleanup was recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, in a report released by the multilateral agency on August 4, 2011 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In pursuance of its oversight functions and the need to thoroughly investigate the extent of damage as well as feel the pulse of stakeholders, the committee toured some of the affected sites. The committee members also came with the intention to put at the doorsteps of the stakeholders the opportunity to air their disposition on the cleanup exercise given their growing despair over what they perceived as the slow pace of the Federal Government and its coordinating agency, the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project, HYPREP, at fulfilling the dreams of the people of Ogoniland.

Other members of the visiting environment committee include Senators Suleiman Hunkuyi; Foster Ogola; Avwal Bukar Ibrahim, and Magnus Abe, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, an indigene of Ogoni, from Bera in Gokana Local Government Area.

According to the Chairman of the committee, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who raised the hope of the people, the Senate would ensure the judicious use of the money budgeted for Ogoni clean up, and the proper cleaning of the land.

She also promised that the Senate would also ensure that indigenes would be fully involved in the cleanup of their land.

Senator Tinubu said: “We are concerned about these issues. We will use face masks when we get to the location. Face masks will draw attention to the message to the world on the essence of the cleanup.

She frankly told the people: “We are here on an oversight and investigative visit. We are here to see the devastated sites for ourselves. We are here to ensure that monies appropriated for in the 2018 budget to further the clean-up exercise will be used for what it was appropriated for.

“I ask the people of Ogoni to be peaceful and united. No one will feel safe to participate in the cleanup if the area is not safe. I also implore the Ogonis to stop destroying their environment. The Senate does not discuss issues that are in court. Some Ogonis are in court over the cleanup. As long as these cases are still in court, there is not much that the federal government can do,” she informed.

She continued: “No contract has been awarded to any company for the cleanup because it is important to secure the services of companies that have the expertise to do the job.”

The Ogonis are clamouring for the need to be included in the clean-up. However, no cleanup can take off without the involvement of the Ogonis, but that will only occur when companies with the required technical expertise have been contracted.

She then assured the people of Ogoni saying: “Senator Abe is a member of the committee.

He knows what to do. He can send or sponsor a bill or move a motion on the floor of the Senate and he can be assured that we will support him. We are committed to the Ogoni cleanup and we will not spare any genuine effort to en-

19 Features

Mixed feelings greet Senate Committee on Environment’s visit to Ogoniland

The Clean up - a very long way to go...

Some of the devastated areas in Ogoni

sure that the cleanup is accomplished.”

On his own part, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil, stated that the agency has started the selection of companies that would be involved in the setting up of emergency facilities for the cleaning of oil impacted areas. The project coordinator had always insisted that the cleanup exercise has actually commenced several months before, but the people of Ogoni on the other hand had continued to insist that there was nothing on ground to show that the exercise, flagged off by the federal government since June 2, had actually commenced.

The Minister of Environment, Usman Jubri, who was represented by Peter Irabor, assured the people of Ogoni that the cleanup of the land would be accomplished by the federal government.

He explained: “The restoration of the environment would be a long process. But we cannot go forward if the people of Ogoni continue to pour crude oil into the water. As far as that exercise continues, we will not go forward. We must tell ourselves the truth. The people of Ogoni should be patient because the process will be implemented.”

A member of the Governing Board of the Ogoni Cleanup exercise, Dr. Peter Medee, President of KAGOTE, a group of Ogoni elites, also complained of the slow pace of the environ-

One of the major problems we had was selecting the bank that will act as the custodian of the funds released for the cleanup exercise. We realized that none of our domestic banks had the amount of deposit needed to ensure the fund is safe on the strength of insurance. So, we chose a foreign bank, Standard Chartered Bank

Where would the clean up begin?

Gov Wike and other senators

mental cleanup of Ogoniland. He appealed to the Senate Committee on Environment to do all it could to get the Federal Government working in conjunction with the National Assembly to give waivers to the governing board as regards the rigid enforcement of the Public Procurement Act. “The slow pace of the cleanup exercise is largely due to the bureaucratic bottle neck associated with the activities of the governing board and financial activities that are associated with the cleanup. Even a bottle of pure water that we drink during our meetings is accounted and budgeted for. We assure the people of Ogoni that we will account for every kobo that we spend.

“One of the major problems we had was selecting the bank that will act as the custodian of the funds released for the cleanup exercise.

We realized that none of our domestic banks had the amount of deposit needed to ensure the fund is safe on the strength of insurance. So, we chose a foreign bank, Standard Chartered Bank,” he said.

Athough Dr. Medee expressed reservations on the slow pace of the cleanup, he insisted that it was important to build sustainable structures for the exercise so that it can be sustained.

“We want to assure Ogonis that no kobo would be missing. The clean-up will be implemented and Ogonis will be happy. We need to erect structures that will sustain the cleanup for as long as the cleanup takes.”

But Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has dismissed the intentions of the Federal Government to cleanup the land as a political game. He told the committee members during their courtesy visit to Government House, that the Federal Government was not serious about the cleanup of Ogoniland.

The governor stated that Ogoni cleanup programme remained a political project aimed at attaining political mileage and that the people

of Rivers State were tired of procrastination in relation to the execution of the exercise.

He said: “The Federal Government is not serious about the cleanup of Ogoniland. We are tired of telling our people that the project will start next year. Let it not be a political project.

Look at the North East, a commission was established and $1Billion released,” he stated.

The Rivers State governor said that the devastation of Ogoniland has impoverished the people by destroying their farmlands and fishing waters, regretting that as a state that produced the wealth of the nation, Rivers State had no single pliable Federal Road.

Also speaking during the committee’s visit to Tai, was the Paramount ruler of the community, His Royal Majesty Godwin K. Giniwa, the Gbenemene Tai and the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, who expressed happiness about the cleanup, but said the exercise was too slow.

The Gbenemene Tai told members of the Senate Committee on Environment, at his palace in Okorokoro in Tai, “We commend President Mohammadu Buhari for accepting the UNEP Report and actually approving the flag off, but he should ask those that are in charge of the cleanup to act fast. Our people are worried.”

The traditional ruler however appealed to the youths of Ogoni to cooperate with those that would be involved in the cleanup of Ogoni.

He stressed: “Let there be peace in Ogoniland during the period of the cleanup exercise.

Those that will be coming to participate in the cleanup won’t be able to do anything if there is no peace in the land.”

The President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, also joined other stakeholders to appeal to the Federal Government to “remove undue bureaucratic bottlenecks so that the cleanup can move beyond where it is now.” He then called for peace and unity amongst Ogonis to facilitate the exercise.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

DURU ROSEMARY UGOCHI

MRS ESEDO PERPETUAL CHINEMELUM ADAOBI

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Formerly known and addressed as DURU JECINTA UGOCHI now wish to be known and address as DURU ROSEMARY UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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OGUNYOMADE ADENSOPE TAIWO

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MRS AGUBUIKE NDUKWU CHIOMA SHEILA

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CORECTION OF NAME:

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OLADIJI MARY NKECHI

AJAKAYE FOLUKE BUSOLA ESTHER

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CONFRMATION OF NAME

OGUNLANA TUNDE DAVID

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Public Notice 22 DIVINE MOVE MINISTRY WORLDWIDE

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEES PURSUANT TO PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLAWOORE JAMES OLAWALE (PRESIDENT) 2. OYEKOLA OYEFUNKE OYEBISI (SECRETARY).

3. ODUNSI ADENIYI IFEOLUWA

OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.REV FR MARTINS ONUKWUBA-RETAINED 2.REV FR ANTHONY ASOANYA - REMOVED.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRESIDENT

FOUNDATION FOR DESIGN AND INVENTION NIGERIA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KASIA EFFE AKPOMEYOMA – CHAIRMAN 2. EJENAVI FRED MUDIAGA - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. OBINUGWU CHIKE HENRY - TREASURER 4. BRAIMAH JOY ONOME - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO SERVE AS COMMON FORUM FOR ALL NIGERIAN INVENTORS, INNOVATORS AND DISCOVERERS. 2. TO PROMOTE INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS IN NIGERIA AND ABROAD. 3. TO ASSIST IN CREATING NATIONAL AND WORLD AWARENESS IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVENTIVENESS AND CREATIVITY. 4. FORUM TO KEEP INVENTORS ABREAST OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORLD OF INVENTIONS WORLDWIDE. 5. TO ENCOURAGE INVENTION FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH. ANY OBJECTION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION. NDOLA SQUARE, ZONE 5, WUSE, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ABEL MAJI’S FOUNDATION

JUSTICE DEVT.& PEACE/CARITAS ARCHDIOCESE OF OSHA. IT /NO 42746

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NEW TRUSTEE: 1.MOST REV. VALERIAN OKEKE. THE REASON FOR REMOVAL IS THAT HE IS OUT OF THE COUNTRY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ABEL GODSENT MAJI - CHAIRMAN 2. SARAH ABEL-MAJI - SECRETARY 3. DR MOSES ABDUL 4. PST. ENEJO JAMES ATULUKU 5. PHARM. ADOGA SULE 6. DR IDAMA OJIMA ADEMU 7. BARR. FRIDAY ABAH THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

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2.

3.

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5.

6.

MR. ONORIODE EZIRE ALOZIE NMERENGWA ROSALINE ETUKUDO KENECHUKWU ERUCHALU DR. OMOKHUDU IDOGHO PASCHAL AZUBUIKE -

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE THE DUE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTATE FOR THE COMFORT OF ALL THE RESIDENTS. 2. TO ENSURE PEACEFUL AND HARMONIOUS CO-EXISTENCE AMONG ALL RESIDENTS OF THE ESTATE. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THE ABOVE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS NOTICE.

SIGNED: J. K. NANA CROWN KINGS CONSULTANCY CO. 08037769526

SIGNED: J. K. NANA CROWN KINGS CONSULTANCY CO. 08037769526

SIGNED: ALOZIE NMERENGWA ESQ DUX DUCIS CHAMBERS NO. 9, LUMSAR STREET BEHIND SHERATON HOTEL ZONE 4, WUSE, ABUJA 08069792352.

BRINGING-UP RESILIENT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS FOUNDATION

HEALTHWAYS ORGANIZATION

EGGS SELLERS AND DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

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

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT ABOVE-MENTIONED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. ODII CHARLES OKEIBUNOR -PRESIDENT 2. IFOTO IRENE OREVA-OGHENE - SECRETARY 3. AIYEDEHIN JONATHAN AREOLA. -TREASURER.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OWA DUMEBI IFEANYICHUKWU 2. OMOKHUALE ESTHER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREPARE THE RESILIENT YOUTH FOR A FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS 2. TO EMPOWER THE RESILIENT YOUTH WITH BASIC COMPUTING AND DIGITAL SKILLS REQUIRED TO COPE IN THE EVER EVOLVING DIGITAL WORLD.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROMOTE BETTER HEALTH PRACTICES AMONGST PEOPLE. 2. TO CARRY OUT MEDICAL OUTREACHES AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ON DISEASE PREVENTION. 3. TO EDUCATE AND ENLIGHTEN PEOPLE ABOUT BETTER, COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFECTIVE HEALTH PRACTICES AND LIFESTYLES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PMB 198, WUSE 5, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED; SECRETARY

SIGNED: UIKAIROM UZONO, ESQ

PROGRESSIVE YOUTH TO DUTSE ALHAJI ASSOCIATION

SHAPING TOMORROW TODAY INITIATIVE

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

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

TRUSTEES: 1 MOHAMMED UMAR - CHAIRMAN 2 HASSAN SULEIMAN - VICE CHAIRMAN 3 ABDULLAHI BABAJI - SECRETARY 4 HAFEEZ KABIR - DEPUTY SECRETARY 5 BASHIR GARBA - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6 IBRAHIM YARO - PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROFESSOR OSARENREN NGOZI - PRESIDENT 2. ADEMULEGUN JOY TOLULOPE - SECRETARY 3. ABDULSALAM LATEEPHA KANYINSOLA - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 4. ADEYEMO ADEGOKE OLUWASEYI - VICE PRESIDENT 5. FADIREPO ADEJOKE ADETOUN

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLAIDE FISAYO GRAHAM 2. ANDREW OLUSHOLA OLADIPO 3. OLADOYIN RACHEA THOMPSON 4. VICTORIA ABOLANL HUNSINU 5. ABIODUN GABRIEL AKINKOYA 6. UZOMA FANNY ASIEGBU -

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROTECT THE WELFARE AND INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS. 2. TO ORGANIZE WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS FOR THE BENEFITS OF THE MEMBER 3. TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF MEMBERS POSITIVELY 4. TO HELP POULTRY FARMERS TACKLE LOSS IN TIME OF GLUT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: MRS. OLAIDE FISAYO GRAHAM PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

POWERHOUSE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF THE CHURCH FROM ALL SAINTS PENTECOSTAL CHURCH TO POWERHOUSE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH . UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP DR TITUS TAIWO OSHINFODUNRIN. 2. REV MRS RACHEL OLUSOLA OSHINFODUNRIN. 3. DEACONESS FLORENCE AFOLAKE TEJUMAIYE. 4. PASTOR SOLOMON OGHENECHUKE ITOJE. 5. DEACONESS REBECCA IDOWU BANJO.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO SANITIZE TODAY’S YOUTHS BY BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION, CORE VALUES AND ETHICS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE OF NAME SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: IDAEWOR ALOAYE

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

TRUSTEES 1. CHRISTOPHER JOEL FWA 2. HAUWA ABDULLAHI ABBA 3. IBRAHIM MIJINYAWA 4. HAMIDU ABUBAKAR TUKUR 5’ IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR WAZIRI 6. AISHATU AHMED IYA AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL DWELLERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: A.S AMIN. ESQ

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: SECRETARY

HOST COMMUNITIES OF NIGERIA PRODUCING OIL& GAS RC: CAC/IT/NO 23281

GOD’S MERCY SEAT NEW GENERATIONAL SYNAGOGUES PRAYER AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY INT’L

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA, FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004.

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

TRUSTEES REMOVED TRUSTEE IS: 1. CHIEF DR ALFRED BUBOR RETAINED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRM KING DIETE SPIFF -CHAIRMAN 2. SIR HON CHIEF APPOLOS EMENIKE AMADI -MEMBER 3. PRINCE DR SAM IGBINEWEKA - SECRETARY 4. BISHOP DR MIKE EMUH -MEMBER 5. PRINCE THOMAS EDEWOR -MEMBER NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ARCH BISHOP DR. G.E TEMEKOGA -MEMBER 2. MRS JOSEPHINE ODUNGIDE -MEMBER 3. HON STANLEY ECHE -MEMBER 4. BARR SAMUEL EBIWANNO-MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVE REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE OF TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

TRUSTEES: 1 ROMANUS UGWUEZE 2 EZEORIZU DEBORAH CHINASA 3 CHRISTIAN OKEKE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

24 NEWS

Cleric urges Christians to be steadfast in serving God Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎ

L-R: The sponsor of Annual Gani Adams Under 13 Football competition, Aare Gani Adams; Chairman Organising committe of Gani Adams Under 13 Football competition, Mr Omolola Samuel, and Mr Ismail Giwa of Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association during the presentation of Trophy to Faruq Balogun, the captain of Mauri Feeders Football Club that won the competition at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos, at the weekend . photo: Wale Akinola

Egharevba, three others docked in Benin

By Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÎÎÎ

The police in Benin have charged to court Messrs Egharevba Jacob, Jonathan Oweibor, Goodluck Uwaifo and Flora Oyakhilome on a two-count-charge of false information and allegation against one Solomon A.Oboh and four others.

The accused persons who pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them in the open court presided over

by Chief Magistrate F.E.

FOLARIN TAIWO OMOTAYO I formerly known and addressed as FOLARIN TAIWO ISREAL. now wish to be known and addressed as FOLARIN TAIWO OMOTAYO. I was born on 04/03/1975. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ANIEDI PETER UDO

Akhere Esq. are being tried for giving the police false information in their written statements on December 15, 2015 at the AIG Office, Zone 5 Headquarters in the Oredo Magisterial District to the effect that Solomone A. Oboh, John Ehigie Jacob, Eliss Igodan, Mrs. J.N Okeke and Charles Awodu had fraudulently diverted the sum of N1Million Naira Association and Vigilante funds and threat to life knowing same to be false and with the intention of

OGECHI SYLVIA ONYEBUCHI I formerly known and addressed as OGECHI SYLVIA OKOROAFOR now wish to be known and addressed as OGECHI SYLVIA ONYEBUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH/PLACE OF BIRTH

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIEDI PETER NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS ANIEDI PETER UDO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, CHIKWEM GIFT OBIAGERI wish to state that my date of birth was wrongly written as 03/01/1979 nstead of 15/06/1985. While my place of birth is UMUEZE 1 in Imo state not ONITSHA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT I IFEOMA OJOBOR ALSO ADDRESS AS JACINTA OJOBOR, JACINTA EZE I., AND JACINTA EZE REFER TO SAME PERSON, AND NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED JACINTA IFEOMA EZE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIBUZO ONYEDIKA KINGSLEY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIBUEZE KINGSLEY ONUOHA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

causing the police officers to use their lawful power to the injury and annoyance of Mr. Solomon Oboh and Four Others an offense punishable under section 125 (A) (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of the defunct Bendel State 1976 as applicable in Edo State of Nigeria.

The Accused also being tried on count two for conspiring among themselves to falsely accuse Solomon Oboh, John Ehigie Jacob, Eliss Igodan, Mrs. J.N. Okeke and Charles Awodu

and caused them to be charged with the offence of fraudulent diversion/stealing of One Million Naira knowing that they were innocent of the alleged offence, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 125 of the Criminal Code, Cap 48 Vol II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State1976 as applicable in Edo State of Nigeria.

The case has been adjoined to December 13, 2017for further hearing after admitting the accused persons to bail.

CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST PROPHETS AND PROPHETESSES WORLDWIDE

27, Ogunbanwo Street, Off Adisa Akintoye Street, Ketu-Tipper Garage, Lagos.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named association has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 Trustees: 1. Oshibote Remilekun Monsur 2. Sholotan Adewale 3. Olabamiji Aliu Olakunle 4. Asiava Jerry 5. Ibikunle Samuel Abiodun 6. Omoruyi Eunice Idowu 7. Adebayo Bolanle 8. Olufadeji Samson Adebayo Aims and Objective: 1. TO COORDINATE, CONTROL AND ORGANISE THE ACTIVITIES OF ALL PROPHETS AND PROPHETESSES OF THE CHURCH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DOCTRINE AND TENETS OF CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST WORLDWIDE. 2. We shall stand as a body for winning souls for Jesus Christ 3. To empower, strengthen, organise and coordinate all national, state, regional, provincial and zonal body of prophets of Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide Any objection (S) should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission,Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

TAMARATINA AFENO

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TAMARATINA JOMBAI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TAMARATINA AFENO OTIEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

IFUEKO GLORIA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OMORODION IFUEKO GLORIA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS EGUNMWENDIA IFUEKO GLORIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

A Cleric, Pastor Taiye Aransiola has called on Christians to be steadfast in serving God to receive abundant blessing.

Pastor Aransiola made the call yesterday in his sermon titled “ Choose to stand in his presence” delivered at the United Evangelical Miracle Church, off Yidi Road, Ilorin.

The Cleric admonished Christians to choose to stand in the presence of God Almighty like Elijah, Elisha and Moses among other Prophets as the year is running out to enjoy His to do the extraordinary things.

Pastor Kayode Omotosho of C. A. C Anusogo lorimi, kilanko village, Ilorin admonished faithfuls to appreciate God at all times for His mercy.

Speaking while round-

ing off this year`s seventy two hours programme with the theme “ fear not, l am with you” Prophetess Cecilia lbrahim of the Olorun-lsadi C & S Church along Gaa-Imam, Ilorin implored Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ in any situation to enable God be their refuge intime of tribulations.

The presiding Pastor of C. A. C Faith Chapel along Asa-dam road Ilorin, Prophet Peter Kolawole Williams called on Christians to obey the commandment of God and be sincere with men and their heavenly father.

Also in his sermon, the General Overseer of the Glorious Christ Chapel, Asa Dam road, Ilorin, Pastor Amos Ajayi urged Christians to always give thanks to God for His mercy and for witnessing the first in the month of December.

Why we may have more cell breaks in Bayelsa - CP

Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎ

The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr. Asuquo Amba, has lamented the deplorable state of detention facilities available to the police in the state.

Amba, who spoke in a telephone interview on Friday while reacting to another attempted cell break at the police headquarters on Thursday, expressed the fear that there may be more of such incidents in future.

It would be recalled that on November 7, some suspects detained at the Special AntiRobbery Squad facility in Yenagoa escaped.

The Police command had said that out of the 10 suspects that escaped, three were rearrested.

ADEOLA MOJISOLA AJAYI I Formerly known as Adeola Mojisola Buriamoh now wish to be known and addressed as Adeola Mojisola Ajayi. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ALICE MAYOWA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OMOTOSHO ALICE MAYOWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS DAWODU ALICE MAYOWA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

The Commissioner said that the Thursday incident occurred in broad daylight when the suspects were taking their bath.

He said that the suspects in the cell had overpowered the policeman who opened the burglary proof for them but unknown to them the outer gate in the facility was locked.

“It was a tense situation but the prompt alertness of other policemen around the area saved the situation, none of the suspects escaped but the fact of the matter is that we do not have proper detention facilities.

“It is a make shift arrangement, an office with burglary proof. We were lucky to avert this one but that does not mean that it will not happen again.

THSI ADVERT PAGE IS FOR SALE

I Formerly known as Adeola Mojisola Buriamoh now wish to be known and addressed as Adeola Mojisola Ajayi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PAUL PEREKEBI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR OKORODUDU PAUL NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS MR OKORODUDU PAUL PEREKEBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE .

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

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NEWS

Atiku’s coming to PDP does not stop me from contesting - Makarfi Doosuur, Iwambe, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said he could still contest the party’s presidential ticket in spite of the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the party.

In an interview in the current edition of The Interview magazine, Makarfi said, “Atiku left before, he’s on his way back before the (party’s) Convention.”

It is widely believed that Atiku may be gunning for the PDP’s presidential ticket.

In response to a question about his own interest, Makarfi said, “I have heard the rumour, it has been there since 2007…I have thought of it. By the time I leave as caretaker committee chairman on 9th or 10th, there’ll still be 10 months to the party primaries. By any law or the party’s guidelines, I’m not excluded.”

In a statement, the M D / E d i t o r- I n - C h i e f of The Interview, Azu

Ishiekwene, described the edition as “the most revealing disclosure yet of the inner workings of the opposition trying to come to terms with its uncertain future.”

Though the PDP has zoned its presidential ticket for 2019 to the North, Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose is playing the wild card.

Makarfi also told The Interview that Fayose’s declaration of interest in the party’s presidential ticket, “is uncalled for and unhealthy.”

Apart from his comment on the build up of

interest in the party’s presidential ticket, Makarfi also said the PDP was expecting a harvest of defections, after Atiku’s move from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, “For some strategic reasons. Don’t expect a lot of people to move to the PDP now.

People are in APC for different reasons. Wait for the time when everybody will be on his own, you will see the influx of people into the PDP.” He spoke on the bitter contest for the party’s

chairmanship, probably the most dangerous threat since the Supreme Court ruling saved the party from extinction; and on his rival former Governor Ali Modu-Sheriff, whom he said had sponsors in the APC. Makarfi, who came close to being the PDP’s presidential nominee in 2006 revealed, for the first time, how former President Olusegun Obasanjo schemed him out, even though an internal party assessment had returned him as the most favourable candi-

date.

Also in this edition, former resident electoral commissioner for Ondo and Lagos states, Akin Orebiyi, shared insights on his experience, while ex-Nigerian national team captain, Segun Odegbami, revisited the COJA scandal, describing it as “the looting of our commonwealth.”

Ikeogu Oke, the NLNG Literature Prize winner explains, in great detail, why it took him 27 years to write his winning entry.

Buhari reaffirms Nigeria’s headship in the fight against terrorism Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (right) welcoming a PDP National Chairmanship aspirant, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi (left) during a visit at Government House, Yenagoa. Photo by Lucky Francis.

CBN, FIRS, stakeholders meet to marshal blueprint on FSS 2020 Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÎÎÎThe

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other agencies involved in the implementation of the Financial System Strategy (FSS 2020), will converge on Lagos this week to mark ten years of strategising to bring into existence the Financial System Strategy 2020.

The objective of the event, which is billed for the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from Wednesday, December 6, is to

review the status of the FSS2020 programme and deliberate on the priorities and strategies for the next three years (2018-2020).

During the forum, the CBN and the various implementing agencies, such as the National Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, National Insurance Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, etc. are to take stock of the prog-

ress so far and address challenges in forging an international financial systThe CBN stated that participants are expected to come up with an outlook for the next three years (2018-2020) and beyond in helping to evolve an economy that is one of the 20 largest economies in the world.

Highlight of the event to be declared open by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the delivery of the keynote address by the Coordinator of

the FSS2020 Project Office and CBN Deputy Governor in charge of Corporate Services Directorate, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, whose tenure as deputy governor ends later this month.

In 2007, the CBN inaugurated the FSS2020 aimed at calibrating the financial system as a means of ensuring economic growth and development with the view of growing the economy to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the commitment of Nigeria to playing a leading role in bringing together countries of the West African sub-region in a collective security arrangement to addressing violent extremism.

Speaking in Jordan during a security meeting hosted

by King Abdullah II, Buhari said that with what Nigeria had gone through, it was ready to share the experiences with a view to fashioning out comprehensive action plans in tackling the scourge of violent extremism in the region.

Calling for a stronger and well-coordinated collaboration, Buhari said that the joint regional collaboration under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force, combined with the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, had gone a long way to decimate the activities of extremists in the West African re-

gion.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also quoted Buhari as lamenting that insurgents were able to attract members in their fold because of the insidious preaching of extremist clerics and called for an action plan to halt the trend.

Buhari also urged leaders, especially from the Muslim world to speak up against the hateful violence committed by deranged people in the name of Islam.

The President said, “All nations, irrespective of religion should partner effectively in implementing national, regional and global action plans to counter violent extremism.”

At the end of the meeting, participants resolved to come up with concrete action plans that would change the narrative of violent extremism in the West African sub-region at a followup meeting to be hosted by Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 4, 2017

27 NEWS

Don’t be carried away by materialismCatholic Priest tells faithful From Samuel Luka, Bauchi

ÎÎÎ

A priest in charge of Holy Family Catholic Church, Bauchi, Rev Father Bitrus Lange has called on the Catholic faithfuls across the world to be vigilant and not be swayed by materialism and the cares of the world.

The Priest stated this dur-

ing his homily to celebrate the advent season which enable Catholics the world over celebrate the beginning of advent in preparation towards the birth of Jesus Christ.

Reverend Lange who explained that Advent is a time of expectation, longing and desiring Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and saviour,

enjoined the faithfuls to look back on past behaviours with a view to amending them.

He added that Advent is not a time for physical preparedness but spiritual journey that will help them, to receive the grace and mercy of the Almighty.

The Reverend observed with dismay that most people only

prepare what they will wear and eat during Christmas not their spiritual wellbeing and cautioned them to remain focus and vigilant as the evil one is out to destroy them.

Lange further added that expectation during advent should arouse in them the thirst and willingness to ac-

cept God, saying, “Christians should be willing to forsake their sinful ways so that Christ will dwell in them this season of advent”.

“God is ever faithful and will not change and this is the right time for Christians to renew their relationship with God and grow in Him”, he added.

Buhari reaffirms Nigeria’s headship in the fight against terrorism Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhamma-

du Buhari has reiterated the commitment of Nigeria to play leading role in bringing together countries of the West African sub-region in a collective security arrangement to address violent extremism.

Speaking in Jordan at a security meeting hosted by King Abdullah II, Buhari said that with what Nigeria had gone through, it was ready to share the experiences with a view to fashioning out comprehensive action plans in tackling the scourge of violent extremism in the region.

While calling for a stronger and well-coordinated collaboration, Buhari said that the joint regional collaboration under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force, combined with the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, had gone a long way to decimate the activities of extremists in the West African

region.

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, lamented that insurgents were able to attract members in their fold because of the insidious preaching of extremist clerics and called for an action plan to halt the trend.

Buhari also urged leaders, especially from the Muslim world to speak up against the hateful violence committed by deranged people in the name of Islam.

According to him, “All nations, irrespective of religion should partner effectively in implementing national, regional and global action plans to counter violent extremism.”

At the end of the meeting, participants resolved to come up with concrete action plans that would change the narrative of violent extremism in the West African sub-region at a follow-up meeting to be hosted by Nigeria.

ÎÎÎ

A group, ’’Friends and Well wishers of University of Abuja’’, has commended the various steps taken by the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Michael Umale Adikwu, in transforming the varsity from being crisis ridden and poor in Academic and infrastructural ranking to progressive and stable institution worthy of emulation.

The Chairman of the group, Dr E.O. Ejekwu

Obaseki seeks reforms to empower persons with disabilities Titus Akhigbe,Benin

Group hails Adikwu’s stride in UNIABUJA Augustine Okezie, Abuja

L-R: Chairman, Governing Council, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Prof. Layi Fagbenle; Awardee/Chairman, Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye and Commissioner for Federal Matters, Hon. Idiat Babalola, during the presentation of Most Outstanding State House of Assembly Member in Nigeria to Oyintiloye, during the 2017 Patriots in Leadership and Service Awards in Abuja… at the weekend.

told newsmen in Abuja over the weekend, in a press briefing that Adikwu has succeeded in creating a stimulating and living environment for academic research, sports and the arts for both staff and students, in the last three years of his administration He said ‘we believe he will continue to fulfill the aim to contribute to the wider world with the university research, scholarship, teaching and learning and ensure that the university prospers as a thriving univer-

ÎÎÎEdo

State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has called for the creation of enduring structures and reforms that guarantee persons with disabilities better chance for expression, economic empowerment, and selffulfilment.

The governor said it would take active participation of governments, rights groups, and public-spirited private citizens to collaborate in building a society where persons with disabilities will live life to the fullest, supported with policies, laws and other social and economic enablers necessary to achieve their aims and

aspirations.

Obaseki said this at the weekend in Benin City, on the occasion of the commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Disabled Person, celebrated annually on December 3.

According to the governor, “Much as there is a global effort to create an environment that gives everyone the fair chance at realising their potential, we must make a case for persons living with disabilities in Nigeria and the world at large.

“This is because much as we would say that everyone has equal chance to compete, we must make sure to create an environment that ensures that those with

disabilities, especially those with special needs, are provided with requisite support structures in terms of policies and institutional reforms to have a fair chance at life.”

Calling for collaboration to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, he said, “In specific terms, there is need for partnerships that provide for their special needs in education, economic empowerment, support structures and special need-focused research initiatives that speak to the peculiar needs of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”

He said the society would be better off when persons with disabilities

are given fair opportunities to participate in economic and social activities.

Obaseki urged civil society and charitable organisations to continue to complement governments efforts at providing the desired opportunities for persons with disabilities.

According to the United Nations, the annual observance of the Day for Disabled Persons, proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3, aims at promoting awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Let’s restructure by putting an end to bad leaders –Jerry Gana

Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏRestructuring

to many people connotes different ideology but the most pertinent of them all is that, we must restructure to put an end to bad leaders, says Professor Jerry Gana.

The former Information Minister, also said that the North Central have been grossly shortchanged by northern leaders who only use the north-central to score political goals, saying that the zone should wake up from it slumber and restructure it ideas by producing a North Central candidate for the presidential election come 2019. “restructuring to produce a good leader that will treat

Nigerians as equal is very key: our problem is caused by bad leadership, we need a leader that will set the country on the right course because Nigeria is on the cross road of failure of leadership.

“If they say presidency is zoned to the North; why can’t the north-central produce the President: it is high time we call ‘a spade, a spade’ and do what is right”.

Mr. Gana who spoke at the weekend in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during a seminar on ‘National Restructuring’, organised by the Church Of Christ in Nations (COCIN), also advocated for the creation of States for the minorities in the North.

He said the minorities in northern Nigeria are being oppress by the majority, adding that if allowed to have their own state, they will govern themselves better.

Jerry Gana sighted Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, and Southern Adamawa as minorities in the North who suffer all sorts of humiliation from the hand of the majority in the above mentioned states.

He said the minorities who are mostly Christians cannot be allowed to produce leadership in these states, saying that they are being killed without their oppressors being brought to book.

The former Minster who

is also a Party Chieftain in the People Democratic Party (PDP), also said for the country to survive from the many agitations recently rocking the present administration, it should restructure to favour true federalism.

On his part, the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, who was also at the occasion said Nigeria should also view restructuring from the moral perspective.

Lengmang said the crop of leaders we produce are products from the society, adding that if the society is morally bankrupt, then it reflects on the leaders it produce.

Live up to expectations- Canadian Envoy urges nurses, students, others Samuel Luka, Bauchi

ÏÏÏStudent

nurses and midwives have been urged to live up to their expectations of providing professional health care to the communities.

Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Christopher Thornley stated this while addressing students at the college of Nursing and Midwifery Bauchi during an official visit to college weekend.

“You should all be aware that there are high expectations on your profession, communities have high expectations for their health.

“So try and live up to expectations of looking after a pregnant women and her baby throughout a phase of antenatal care, during labor and birth and for up to 28 days after the baby has been born”.

“When you graduate you are expected to help to decrease infant mortality rates and pre-term birth and take all initiatives which are necessary in case of need and carry out where necessary immediate resuscitation, and help to decrease maternal mortality rate and pregnancy related sufferings in the

communities.” He said In her remarks the acting Provost of the College of Nursing and Midwifery Hajiya Rakiya Saleh Commended the people and Government of Canada for having foresight in providing valuables equipment and items needed for use by students and the college.

“Without this supports, there would have no students admitted and if there is no admission, there will be no skilled health manpower to graduate and address the issue of high maternal and newborn mortality in general and attainment of Universal health coverage in the state.”

Saleh said, “being partners in progress, we whole heartedly welcome you and your entourage to our baby college and hope the visit will encourage and convince you to increase the level of support given to us”.

Our correspondent gathered that the college have received support from Canada in the area of school equipments such as ICT materials, Books, three 16 seater buses for conveying students, laboratory and practical equipments.

Adamawa uprising: Bindow urges Numan community to discard rumours of reprisal attack Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏGovernor L-R: Author, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo; Guest of Honour, Mr. Tunde Yamah; his wife, Susan and Book Reviewer, Prof Igwebuike Onyiora, during the public presentation of books titled: Don’t Die Young Live Well and When You are Pregnant, held in Lagos… at the weekend.

Northern group faults Jonathan’s aide over comments on Gov Shettima Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Northern Emancipation Network has faulted Reno Omokri, aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan over what it called uncomplimentary remarks on Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima.

A statement by the group’s President, Abdul-Azeez Su-

leiman, also urged Omokri to note that the North has great respect for Shettima’s position as chairman of the Northern GovernorsForum.

According to the group, northerners would only be disposed to a Nigeria in which leaders from every section are mutually respected.

Suleiman described as a

mockery of intellectualism for Omokri to assume that grades scored in a secondary school examination should be a yardstick for gauging leadership capabilities in real life.

“We find Omokri’s argument as pedestrian as it is disappointing,” Suleiman said, advising Omokri to always secure “solid grounds

on which to base his arguments lest he keeps embarrassing his paymaster in the market square.”

Suleiman urged Governor Shettima not to be distracted from the task of rebuilding Borno after the destruction wrought by the mismanagement of power during the wasted years of Omokri’s master.

of Adamawa State, Senator Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow at the weekend urged residents of Numan not to panic over rumours of an impending reprisal attack.

Bindow made the call while inspecting victims of cummunual attack between farmers and herdsmen in Numan local government area of the state.

Our correspondent Reports that the victims have been receiving treatment at the Specialist hospital Yola.

Bindow said that the government was on top of the situation calling on all parties to remain calm.

He assured that the perpetrators of the act would soon be tracked down and

be prosecuted immediately.

He also said that President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the situation and directed the security agencies to take proactive measures toward bringing peace in the area.

Bindow said that most victims who were brought to the hospital had improved significantly.

He said that eight of them had been discharged already.

He said that he would continue to monitor their treatment process, adding that he has made it a routine to inspect them on daily basis.

You can recalls that the farmers in Numan attacked Fulani settlements killing many and indicted injuries on many others.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

29 News

Lagos to establish early intervention centre for children with special needs Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏLagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday said plans are underway to establish an Early Intervention Centre in 2018 to provide therapy and educational support services for infants and young children with special needs.

The Centre, according to the governor, will enable the state government equip such children with necessary skills and help develop their potential, thereby overcoming identified developmental delays as far as possible.

Speaking at a programme put together by the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), held

at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the governor also assured that more people with disability would be employed into the state civil service in 2018.

“Our administration is making plans to establish an Early Intervention Centre for the provision of therapy and educational support services for infants and young children with special needs. This will enable us equip these children with necessary skills and help develop their potential, thereby overcoming identified developmental delays as far as possible,” he said.

While urging Nigerians to always embrace people in such situation and look out for their welfare, governor Ambode said it was important for the general public to refrain from looking down on them but rather look out for their good qualities.

According to him, “I urge the general public to always embrace People Living With Disabilities and always look out for the good qualities God has deposited in them.”

The governor said the event was another opportunity to reaffirm the policy stance of his administration, just as he assured that the welfare and well-being of PLWDs would always be a priority.

He said the theme of this year’s celebration - “Transformation Towards Sustainable And Resilient Society For All”, was apt and in tandem with his vision which is to enable people with disability become active contributors in the society.

“As a government, it is very critical to us to ensure the effective integration of people living with disabilities, especially in today’s

changing world.

“For us in Lagos state, we see ability in disability always. We believe strongly that the socio-economic integration of persons with disabilities is not only a human right but also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Our experience has shown that when people with disabilities are adequately empowered to participate in and lead the process of development, their entire families, communities and even the larger society will benefit.

“As a result, we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure a more comfortable socio-economic status for these members of our community by providing them with various opportunities,” he said.

While reeling out some of the interventions of his administration, the Governor said a total of 250 PLWDs

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere (2nd right), cuts the tape to commission the Otuoke Internal Road in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State… at the weekend. Flanked by Bayelsa State, representative on the NDDC Board, Prof. Nelson Brambaifa (right) NDDC, Director for the Bayelsa State Office, Mrs. Rachael Odiri (2nd left);Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Central Zone, Mr. Tare Porri (left).

were recently employed into the state’s civil service, Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, while more of such people would be employed next year.

Similarly, 500 persons have also benefitted from the state government’s special empowerment programme drawn from the N500million Special People’s Fund established by the Ambode administration, while various assistive technologies, mobility aids and financial grants were given to 2,000 persons

Gov. Ambode living with disabilities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), involved in taking care of such categories of people.

Terror attack alert: : FG assures of adequate security Matthew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Federal Government has assured of adequate security measures to thwart any possible terror attack in Abuja and elsewhere around the country, saying there is no cause for alarm despite the latest travel advisories by some Western countries.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the security agencies have not let down their guard, despite the fact that there has been no terror attack in the FCT since the Buhari Administration assumed office.

He said, ‘’We know that the terrorists, who have been massively degraded and put on the run, have been looking for soft targets to attack. This is the nature of terrorism all over the world, as can be seen in recent attacks in the UK, France and Egypt, among others.

‘’That is why the Nigerian security agencies have continued to be on the alert, even if their efforts have been largely unobtrusive so as not to disrupt the daily activities of the citizenry.

Such efforts are routinely stepped up during religious festivals.’’

Mohammed said the Federal Government will continue to take’adequate measures to protect the lives and properties of citizens and non-citizens alike, even as the military remains unrelenting in ensuring that the terrorists neither regroup nor regain the capacity to carry out organized attacks.

He said the Federal Government’s sensitization campaign on security, with the punchline ‘’if you see something, say something’’, would be stepped up on national radio and television, and advised the citizens to be security conscious and to report suspicious people and objects to the security agencies.”

UNIABUJA VC wants Nigeria to attract medical tourists Gov. Ahmed condoles Oloffa Augustine Okezie, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Vice Chancellor

of University of Abuja, Professor Umale Adikwu has called on Nigerians including students and relevant stakeholders to work towards making Nigeria, a medical tourist destination and boost foreign exchange earnings for the country that will not save the outflow of scarce resources Professor Adikwu who made the call over the weekend during the varsity’s first induction ceremony for 18 gradu-

ating medical students, also condemned those who steal the country’s resources only to spend it on infrequent oversea medical trips He said ‘it does not take long to change a system; all it takes is consistency and belief in God. Many believe that Nigeria will crash, so they run away.

Others believe that Nigeria will not even take off, talk less of crashing so they just stay and steal.

There is no problem under the sun that cannot be solved, I believe that with people like you people from other lands

will come to Nigeria for medical tourism’’ Also speaking at the occasion, the provost of the college, Professor Kareem Airede, reminded the grandaunts about the core values of the College of Health Sciences which include the vision to become a model National Unity medical School and excelling in medical education and research He said’’ I ask all of you students and staff to please join me in moving the college to greater heights and ensuring henceforth that

there will be zero tolerance for our students not graduating as at when due’’ The guest lecturer at the occasion, Professor Adetokunbo Ademola urged the graduating medical Doctors advised against self advertisement and overpricing of services rendered by them and urged them to continue to study and work hard, adding that sacrifices are necessary in the cause of serving humanities Recall that about 30 students had enrolled

over Adesoye

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara

State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Oloffa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the good and industrious people of Offa and the entire State over the transition of Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye.

The Governor in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said the state has lost an industrialist, philanthro-

pist and administrator pleni-potentiary in Chief Adesoye.

According to Dr Ahmed, as a former Chairman, Expert Committee on Machine Tools, Oshogbo (1985), Member, Federal Government Export Promotion Board (1980), Vice-chairman, Kwara State Government Think Tank on Industrialization (1997), Chairman and Managing Director of a number of companies, “late E. O. Adesoye had contributed immensely to the industrial development of the state, indeed, Nigeria”.

Monday, December 4, 2017

EXTRATIME

30

Stories by Frank Jumbo with Agency Report

D

inamo Zagreb’s Algeria international El Arabi Hillal Soudani has advised the Croatian National Team to pay special attention to Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup, saying they recently defeated Argentina 4-2 in a friendly.

Soudani has picked Chelsea star

Algeria star warns Croatia over Nigeria Victor Moses and skipper Obi Mikel as the top players on the Super Eagles team. ‘’I did not play due to injury in one game, but I was watching them and I can say that Nigeria is an extremely powerful team. Especially physically powerful, really powerful,’’ Soudani told sportske.jutarnji.

hr. ‘’Apart from that, a lot of players in big clubs, they have played, have not lost the match in qualifications. ‘’The biggest stars and main players are Obi Mikel and Moses from Chelsea , but they are still very good players and Croatia needs to be careful.

‘’Nigeria beat Argentina in a friendly match 4-2 last month. It is a friendly encounter, but it is a victory and definitely Nigeria is a serious contender for advancing from the group. ‘’ Croatia and Argentina are better, especially by the names, but they really have to look at Nigeria, for me the representation is not much below that

level.’’

Soudani, who has netted 22 goals in 45 appearances for the Desert Foxes, was not summoned for the World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles last November due to injury and was not called up for the match day six fixture with Nigeria in Constantine last month.

Menotti Rohr

predicts victory for Argentina over Nigeria, Mascherano wary Menotti

Onyekuru continues goal run in Belgium

N

igerian striker Henry Onyekuru has again shown why he is attracting interest from top clubs across the world as he was yet again the match winner for Belgian champions Anderlecht in their 2-1 win at Lokeren on Saturday.

The goal by Onyekuru which was scored in the 52nd minute was his eighth league goal this season even as the Everton loanee continues to turn heads with his displays.

The goal by Onyekuru is also a perfect response by the Nigeria international to the recent criticisms levelled against him by the Anderlecht coach.

The 20-year old was joint top scorer in Belgium last season.

Despite the latest win, Anderlecht remain third on the table with 34 points from 17 matches, six points behind leaders Club Brugge, who be up against bottom club KAS Eupen on Sunday.

A

rgentine World Cup-Winning manager, the great César Luis Menotti, has revealed that Argentina are assured of three points in their World Cup clash against Nigeria on June 26.

Both countries have met four times in the group stage of previous editions of the World Cup, and it has been a close affair with the South Americans winning by a single goal each time. ‘’The group is satisfactory, we are better than in the 78 World Cup that we had Italy, Hungary and France,’’ Menotti said in an interview with Súper Miter Deportivo. ‘’It would not be surprising if Argentina loses with Croatia, but against Iceland Nigeria are six points guaranteed. ‘’The friendly with Nigeria does not count too much, they are dangerous but they never reach their potential.’’

Now 79, El Flaco was in the dugout when Argentina won their first Fifa World Cup in 1978, beating the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespuci.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Argentina international, Javier Mascherano, has labelled the meeting between Argentina and Nigeria on June 16, a World Cup Clasico.

The two continental powerhouses have faced off four times in the group stage in the last six editions of the World Cup, with Argentina narrowly beating the Africans by the odd goal on each occasion.

Speaking at a McDonalds event following the World Cup draw on Friday, he said: ‘’It’s a harder group than you think. It was clear we were not going to get an easy group,’’ Mascherano was quoted as saying by Olé Argentina.

‘’All the rivals are difficult especially the first game, but you have to play it. ‘’Nigeria have become a clasico for us in the World Cup, they have been improving like all the teams.’’

Mascherano started and went the distance in Argentina’s wins against Nigeria at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil respectively, and also featured in the recent friendly in Krasnodar.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Croatia international Ivan Rakitic anticipates a difficult battle in their quest to qualify for the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup after they were drawn in the same group with Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland.

The attacking midfielder reckons that they will survive the group stage if they beat Nigeria in their World Cup opener at Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16.

Ndidi hailed for performance over Burnley

S

Onyekuru

uper Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, was among the Leicester City’s top rated players in their hard-fought 1-0 win against Burnley in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Ndidi was on for 90 minutes and was one of Leicester’s outstanding players in the game.

Leicester Mercury which appraised each Leicester City player’s performance in the game, rated Ndidi seven out of 10.

And commenting on Wilfred’s impressive display, Leicester Mercury wrote: “Won tackles, competed well and is getting better in possession.”

Other players who also got seven include Kasper Schmeichel, Danny Simpson, Wes Morgan, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell and Vicente Iborra.

The trio of Marc Albrighton, Demarai Gray who scored Leicester’s goal and Jamie Vardy, were all rated eight, while Riyad Mahrez, with nine, had the highest rating.

Ndidi

Monday, December 4, 2017

EXTRATIME

EURO.........................EURO........................EURO.............................

Traore

31

Emery happy with PSG despite shock defeat

Man U confirms deal for French starlet Aliou Traore

M

anchester United have confirmed the signing of youth player Aliou Traore.

Sources told ESPN FC in July that France under-17 midfielder Traore would join from Sarcelles and the club have now confirmed the deal.

“Traore is a boy we’ve been looking at for a while,” United U18s coach Kieran McKenna told MUTV recently. “He is a really powerful midfielder who likes to run box to box. He is very strong technically and is improving all the time.

“He’s a nice man and his English is improving. He’s settling in well with the boys and has taken to the club really well.”

Traore, who had previously spent time in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system, made his first United appearance in Saturday’s Under-18 Premier League Cup loss to Wolves.

Heynckes

Heynckes hails ‘magnificent’ Coman

J

upp Heynckes hailed “a magnificent performance” from Kingsley Coman as Bayern Munich beat Hannover 3-1 at the Allianz Arena to go six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Arturo Vidal headed Bayern in front after 16 minutes before goalkeeper Sven Ulreich saved a twicetaken penalty from Hannover striker Niclas Fullkrug 10 minutes later.

Charlison Benschop glanced in a deserved equaliser on 34 minutes, but Coman restored Bayern’s lead on 66 minutes and then won the penalty from which Robert Lewandowski scored the third.

And Heynckes singled out France international Coman at his postmatch news conference, saying: “Honestly, Kingsley could have taken things easy today as he’s had a swollen foot for two weeks.

“However, this week he was able to train normally and today he put in a magnificent performance, scoring the vital goal to make it 2-1.

“His long runs cost so much energy so he has marvellous fitness, too, at the moment. I’m very pleased with how he is developing with us.”

Bayern captain Thomas Muller also made his comeback after almost six weeks out with a thigh injury, providing the cross for Vidal’s opener. “You can see that Thomas livens up our play -- he is very positive and shows great commitment,” Heynckes said.

“He was far from clinical with his chances to score today -- but that is normal for me, he will get there.”

Heynckes said his side “had some problems with Hannover’s counter-attacking game”

P

aris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery declared himself pleased with his players’ efforts despite a 2-1 defeat away at Strasbourg on Saturday.

The Spaniard made a number of changes to his starting XI and despite a Kylian Mbappe equaliser shortly before half-time, lost out to Nuno Da Costa and Stephane Bahoken goals at Stade de la Meinau.

Speaking after the final whistle, Emery tried to remain positive after a first defeat of the season across all competitions.

“The team took 23 shots and managed to win 13 corners,” said the Basque tactician. “We had chances to score. We were perhaps not that settled in attack and when it came to the final touches in the opposing penalty area. However, it is normal to be disappointed.

“Our objective and our motivation is always to win every single game. When you look at the result and the match, you can see that we did not handle some moments as well as we could have done.

“I am happy, though, because at least the team showed the right attitude in trying to win.

“It is true that there are things to improve because our opponents managed to score their two only chances. Strasbourg deserve congratulations though.”

Marquinhos stood in as captain with Thiago Silva resting in Paris ahead of next week’s Champions League clash at Bayern Munich The Brazil international felt that despite the disappointing nature of the result, it will benefit the Ligue 1 leaders in the long-term.

“This evening, we stepped to one side,” Marquinhos said. “We created some chances but we did not manage to score.

“We conceded two silly goals and we lacked a bit of concentration on both. Strasbourg produced a great performance but this result will ultimately do us good.”

“We had the right intensity but we conceded a bad goal early on. After that, things got complicated and we were behind against a team able to defend well.

“We created openings but nothing materialised. We were not as effective as we could have been today. We need to work. It is a very important match coming up and we must switch our thoughts to it immediately.”

Javier Pastore was one of the fringe stars trying to catch Emery’s eye but was unable to impress and admitted that lapses in concentration cost him and his teammates.“Our opponents had two chances and took them both,” said the Argentina international. “We were not 100 percent concentrated. They also defended very well.

“We tried to win this match but we were unable to get the second and ultimately lost. However, the team played well and wanted to win.

“Each opponent wants to play well and beat us. Today we did not get the second goal and it happened.

It is normal that we regularly come up against highly motivated sides.”

Pastore denied that remaining unbeaten in Ligue 1 was an objective before the loss and insisted that winning the league title is all that matters. “No, we were not thinking about staying unbeaten,” El Flaco said.

“There are a lot of good teams in Ligue 1. You always get difficult matches in this league, it is the same every year, that is normal.

Zidane disappointed to miss chance to close Barca lead

R

eal Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane admitted to disappointment with the result but not the performance after his team missed a chance to cut the eight point gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona by drawing 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.

Madrid striker Karim Benzema struck a post and Keylor Navas saved well from Athletic forward Inaki Williams during an even first half, and although Madrid had most of the ball after the break and pushed Athletic deeper and

Zidane

deeper Cristiano Ronaldo and company were unable to really test home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over the 90 minutes.

There was late drama, however, with a second yellow for Blancos club captain Sergio Ramos -- an all-time record breaking 19th in La Liga and 24th in total for the Bernabeu outfit -- leaving his side forced to hang on for the point in the end.

With his team not having taken advantage of Barcelona’s 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day, the Los Blancos coach claimed at the postgame news conference that his team had deserved more and he was disappointed for his players who had made a huge effort. “I am very disappointed given the game we played,” Zidane said.

“We knew we had the chance to cut the gap. We did everything and deserved more today, but in the end did not manage to score that goal. We played very well, made chances, but the ball would not go in.

“I am very disappointed for the players, with the effort they put in. For them it is difficult. It would have been phenomenal to cut the gap today.There are three teams ahead who have more points, and deserve that.

Brignoli

Benevento keeper stuns AC Milan to claim first Serie A point

S

ometimes football really does take your breath away.

Serie A whipping boys Benevento had lost 14 matches in a row (well, 15 in all competitions, but who’s counting?) before Sunday’s clash with AC Milan -- but finally they claimed their first point of the season ... thanks to their goalkeeper!

It all looked to be going to plan in Gennaro Gattuso’s first game in charge, with Nikola Kalinic’s strike on 57 minutes seemingly setting Milan on their way to a 2-1 victory.

Alberto Brignoli, though, had other ideas. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, up in the penalty area in the fifth minute of added time, nodded home a fine equaliser past a shocked Gianluigi Donnarumma and was then mobbed by his ecstatic teammates.

Milan spent hundreds of millions in the summer in a bid to get back among Serie A’s elite but Sunday’s 2-2 draw was another low blow in a season of hard knocks for the Rossoneri.

Benevento won’t care, though. And they have an unlikely saviour to thank for it.

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The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

AT 4 ANSG to spend N70m monthly on debt servicing

NUJ Abuja presents award AT2 to Obiano

UNIZIK debunks rumour on pornographic videos ÏÏÏNnamdi Azikiwe University

UJ FCT, Abuja led by the Chairman, Comrade Paul Abechi (2nd right), presenting the 2017 NUJ Best Governor Award to Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia...recently

Obiano presents 13 patrol vans, 20 motorbikes to security agencies Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏ

Anambra

T E A M

Anambra State government has presented 13 operational vehicles and 20 motor bikes to the Anambra State Police Command, Civil Defence Corps, and vigilance groups in the state.

The beneficiaries are the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Anambra State Vigilance Services.

The Police were allocated five vehicles, the vigilance groups three, while the Civil Defence Corps were presented five vehicles with additional 20 motor bikes, to boost operational capacity.

The presentation was in line with the efforts of the Obiano administration to further provide security and ensure safety of lives and property.

Presenting the vehicles at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Governor Willie Obiano said the vehicles and

motorbikes would boost operational capacity of security agencies, especially this yuletide season.

Obiano noted the vehicles were in partnership with the INNOSON Manufacturing Company, which according to him, was in line with his policy of `Aku luo uno’. ``We have trained 200 men who will always be in plain clothes to mingle with crowds to identify miscreants and hoodlums.

The governor re-stated his commitment toward continuing to provide sophisticated equipment to security agencies for eradication of crime and criminality in the state. ``The 100 man-bike units earlier presented to the Anambra State command of the Nigeria Police had assisted in clamping down command and control centres of criminals in the state,” Obiano added.

The governor said because of the enormous investments made in securing the area, many groups had

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Ndu

indicated their interest to visit the state this yuletide.

In a remark, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Garba Umar, pledged to ensure effective utilisation of the vehicles and bikes in combating crime.

Earlier in a speech, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, stressed that government’s intervention in the security sector had enabled the agen-

cies to perform professionally.

In an interview, the Commandant of the NSCDC in the state, Mr. John Ahwen, praised the Governor for his generous contributions toward improving security in the state.

Chairman of the Anambra State Vigilance Supervisory Committee, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, pledged to offer effective support to community policing in the state.

…Inaugurates burial committee for late Ekwueme

ÏÏÏGovernor Willie Obiano has inaugurated a 22-member State Committee for the burial of former Vicepresident, late Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

The inauguration took place at the governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

The Committee which has as its chairman and Secretary, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu and Mr. Amaechi Akorah respectively and other members to include the wife of the governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebele-

chukwu Obiano, some members of the National and State Assemblies from the state.

The members are Senator (Dr.) Joy Emordi, Amb Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, HRH Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Sen Stella Oduah, HRH Peter Anukwu, HRH Rowland Odegbo, Chief Maja Umeh, Chief Ben Ezibe, Ogochukwu Ekwueme, Hon Harford Oseke, Hon Romanus Obi, Hon Beverly Nkemdichi Ikpeazu, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

(UNIZIK) Awka has refuted the recent information going on air that 40% of its staff watch pornographic videos during official hours, using the institution’s internet facilities and computers meant for work.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, who debunked the allegation, said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, in the last Senate meeting never mentioned pornography nor percentage of staff, but cautioned against truancy and lateness among staff.

Ojukwu explained that the Senate meeting was an opportunity to appraise the productivity of the staff and proffer permanent solutions that would enhance their outputs.

He said: “The VIce Chancellor including other Senate members condemned truancy, lateness, watching of ‘inappropriate’ videos including home movies during office hours.

“No specific mention of any percentage of those watching these movies was made. And also no such word as ‘pornography’ was mentioned.

“As a result the Vice Chancellor added that measures were being taken to monitor and make sure that staff do the work for which they get paid.

“It is therefore a complete surprise that some persons are peddling falsehood in the media to achieve a hidden objective.

“While the University appreciates the right of persons to spread information, distorted information could be injurious to society’s wellbeing.

“We therefore implore all our staff, students, alumni, and friends of our great University to please ignore this current machinations of mischief makers whose only aim is to tarnish the hard earned reputation of our University”.

It would be recalled that the news on the aforementioned pornography was allegedly pronounced by the Vice Chancellor who threatened shut down YouTube from the university’s resource centre.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

NUJ Abuja presents award to Obiano ÏÏÏNigeria Union of

Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Chairman, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, (4th right) during a courtesy visit to Governor Willie Obiano at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia...recently

Anambra Assembly to expedite deliberation, as Gov Obiano presents 2018 budget Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra State House of

Assembly has said it will give accelerated passage to the 2018 Appropriation bill to meet the vision of Governor Willie Obiano for the state.

The speaker of the state House of Assembly, Barrister Rita Maduagwu, gave the assurance during the presentation of 2018 Appropriation Bill of one hundred and sixty-six point nine billion naira to the House

by Governor Obiano.

Barrister Maduagwu noted that the 2018 budget titled “The Budget of value for money, Economic Diversification and Job Creation, will enable the state attain fiscal independence and economic prosperity over the next four years.

The Speaker announced that the House is satisfied that the 2017 Budget is being effectively implemented by the Executive arm of Government as good number of items in

2017 budget in all sectors of the state economy received desired attention.

The Speaker assured Governor Obiano that the House under her watch, will continue to work in tandem with his development policies and programmes for the common good of Ndi-Anambra.

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Chief Obinna Emenaka, called on ministries, departments and agencies to be ready for the budget defence which will commence soon.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism, Honourable Kingsley Iruba, observed that the 2018 Appropriation Bill shows that in the coming year, the state government will allocate more resources to the productive sectors of the state economy and will boost the state internally generated revenue.

It will be recalled that the state governor, Willie Obiano recently

presented the 2018 estimated budget of N 166.9 billion to the State House of Assembly.

The Budget of hope is titled “the Budget for Value-for-Money, Economic Diversification and Job Creation” represented a 43% increase on the current year’s budget.

In the budget, the state will invest N3.8 billion in agriculture, N9.5 billion on education, Roads and infrastructure N27.93 billion while N 7.8 billion on health, among others.

Presenting the Budget, the State governor, Willie Obiano said the expansionary budget illustrates his administration’s resolve to continue to deliver the dividends of good governance to the people of Anambra.

Governor Obiano explained that the budget would look beyond the overcast of recession in the horizon at the moment to a brighter future which can all be collectively brought about with creativity, quickness of thought and audacity to surmount challenges.

Yuletide: FRSC to deploy 1,000 personnel, 400 marshals in Anambra ÏÏÏThe Federal Road Safety Corps

(FRSC) says it will deploy 1,000 personnel and 400 Special Marshals to various traffic flash-points to ensure free-flow of traffic during the yuletide in Anambra State.

The corps’ Commander in the state, Mr. Sunday Ajayi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Saturday.

Ajayi said that the command was prepared to work with other security agencies to increase enforcement during the period.

“We are going to use road safety club members to assist in traffic control in addition to personnel from the Red Cross, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra and the state’s Traffic Management Agency.

“We will be thick on the road. I urge motorists to exhibit good attitudes, obey traffic rules and must be willing to assist others while using the road.

“Besides ensuring hitch-free traffic during the period, our target enforcement is on seat belt violation, use of phone while driving, overload, speeding and one way drive, among others.

“Our presence will be at flash points where we expect road blocks, including Tarzan junction, Onitsha; old Onitsha-Awka road, Nnobi, Ekwulobia and of course, the Bridgehead,” he said.

Ajayi said the command had commenced the removal of brokendown vehicles and other obstructions causing encumbrances and

deaths on major highways in the state.

He warned that abandoned vehicles and repair of vehicles would not be allowed on the road sides, urging vehicle owners to tow their brokendown vehicles to mechanic garages.

According to him, the command will also engage in road safety awareness during the period to educate motorists on the need to cooperate with FRSC and obey traffic rules.

“We don’t have tolerance for accident but in case any occurs, we have 24/7 tow trucks and ambulances on standby.

“We therefore urge the public to call FRSC whenever there is traffic congestion, obstruction or accident within the state during the period.

Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja chapter has presented an award to Governor Willie Obiano as the 2017 Best Governor of the Year Award.

The award was earlier conferred on the Governor in Abuja recently during a Press Week organised by NUJ, Abuja Council.

Presenting the award at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, the leader of the delegation and the Chairman NUJ, Abuja Council, Comrade Paul Abechi explained that the essence of their visit was to present the 2017 NUJ best Governor’s Award to the governor, since he was unable to attend the press week in Abuja due to his electioneering activities.

Mr. Abechi, who commended Governor Obiano for the successful election, described his landslide victory as a benchmark for assessing good governance.

He said:”Your administration has performed beyond rhetoric.

Through your commitment, you

have touched every sector simultaneously ranging from security, agriculture, worker’s welfare, education and infrastructure.”

Explaining the criteria for selection, the NU Abuja boss said “the award which was approved by the National Secretariat of the Union, led by the president, Comrade Waheed Odusile, was conceived in keeping with our annual tradition of celebrating achievements in governance and leadership. This is therefore I our way of celebrating exemplary leadership and commending unrivaled achievements.

He therefore urged the governor to sustain the tempo of excellence in governance to further change the face of the state.

Responding, Governor Obiano stated that the cardinal point of his administration had been centered on providing measures to better the lives of the people.

Governor Obiano who expressed happiness over the award promised to intensify efforts in promoting the state to a greater height.

Family of missing IPOB coordinator accuses Army, Police of complicity ÏÏÏThe Nigerian Army and the

Police have been accused of being behind the missing of the Coordinator of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Enugu State, Mr. Enekwe Emeka Favour.

The family of the Coordinator told newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra State, that the military and police should be held responsible for their missing son whose whereabouts since 2014 has not been known.

According to the uncle to the IPOB leader, John Emeka, “our son, Mr. Enekwe Emeka Favour, has not been seen or heard from him since 2014, when he was last seen alive in Onitsha, Anambra State, where he went and attended a meeting with some other IPOB members and executives”.

He said the Coordinator has not returned to Enugu since then and those IPOB members he had the meeting with confided in them that they have not seen or heard

from their coordinator since he left the meeting arena for his Enugu base.

“His three children and woman he left behind when he left for Onitsha are disturbed as this is quite unusual and we will hold the military and police responsible for the missing Emeka Favour as they reportedly clamped down on IPOB members then,” he said.

He said they have searched for him but to no avail, saying that they were afraid for his life and safety “because some of their members were reportedly arrested, kidnapped, tortured and killed by government security operatives while some were in detention in different parts of the country”.

He said some of those in detention were not charged to court or released and they were not given access to their families or lawyers.

…Inaugurates burial committee for Ekwueme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Hon Nikky Ugochukwu, Hon Vivian Okadigbo, Dr Dan Ezeawu, and Mr. Nwabufo Nwankwo.

Others are representatives from South East States of Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo which include, Dr. GC Aja, the SSG from Enugu State and Hon Clems Nweke, the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Ebonyi State.

The committee has as its terms of reference, to work as a subcommittee to the Committee set up by the Federal Government chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to see to

it that the late elder statesman is given a befitting burial.

He expressed delight that the Federal Government is taking the burial seriously but urged the Committee not to leave any stone unturned towards ensuring that their mandate is realised.

Responding on behalf of the committee members, the SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve under the committee and promised that they will immediately swing into action to achieve their mandate as according to him, the late Dr Ekwueme deserves the best honour from his home country.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Anambra-born Kenneth Okeke emerges National Co-ordinator of NANS, Zone B ÏÏÏThe much anticipated conven-

tion of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN) has come and gone with Anambra-born Okeke Kenneth Chinedu emerging as the Coordinator Zone B, comprising Southeast and South South.

The convention was held at Yenegoa, the Balyelsa State capital.

Addressing members of the Nigerian Union Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, at the Council’s Secretariat, Comrade Okeke, popularly known as Aluta Kendo, expressed gratitude to God for granting them the grace to participate in the election and also for crowning their efforts with success.

Comrade Okeke, a one-time President Joint Campus Committee (JCC), thanked NUJ leadership and Anambra based journalists for their watchdog role in society, noting that his visit to the centre would be a frequent one, adding that he would do everything within his powers to ensure that journalists in the state were given their pride of place.

“I am here today to identify with my brothers and sisters in the media world. Let’s work together for a better Anambra”, Aluta Kendo appealed.

Okeke congratulated the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, on his victory at the just concluded Anambra gubernatorial poll, even as he assured the governor of their continuous support and loyalty as he strives to deliver the true dividends of democracy to the people.

His words: “Indeed, for all lovers of democracy like Nigerian stu-

dents, that victory was significant for two vital reasons. One, it signified the total rejection of imposition and politics of godfatherism in our society.

“It is a clear testimony to the fact that our people are now prepared and ever ready to reward good works with more work. And so, we sincerely rejoice with His Excellency on this historic victory. Once again, congratulations your Excellency”.

He however expressed gratitude to the President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing democracy to thrive by resisting all forms of electoral malpractices, noting that the President had shown through Anambra election, that he was a true democrat and a lover of the people.

He also thanked Mr. President for the war declared against corruption in Nigeria, assuring him that when the time came, their support and solidarity would not be lacking.

His words: “I thank each and every one of you for the unflinching support accorded to me from the moment I declared to contest for the Office of the Coordinator of NANS Zone B (which comprises all the tertiary institutions in the Southeast and Southsouth of the federation), till God crowned our efforts with victory at the just concluded Zonal Convention in Bayelsa State.

“Honestly, without your maximum support I don’t know how far I would have gone with this struggle.

And so, the truth remains that this victory is our collective victory. As I said in the course of my campaign, we have come to do things differently.

The Anambra Times 3

Build APGA into strong regional party, market leader tells Obiano Stories by Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏGovernor

Willie Obiano of Anambra State has been told that his victory at the poll in the last November 18, 2017 governorship election should provide him with the opportunity to expand the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to other states in the South East.

The president of Onitsha-Odekpe Plastic market, Onitsha, Chief Obinna, who gave the charge, said Governor Obiano should work hard to ensure that the party retain its majority seats in the State House of Assembly, win all the National Assembly seats in the state and the governorship seats in other South East states in 2019.

He said the victory of Governor Obiano on the platform of APGA was a clear statement by the people of the state that the party belonged to Ndigbo, saying that for Igbos to have future in the politics of Nigeria, they should embrace APGA.

Obinna said for Ndigbo to have a negotiating power in Nigerian politics and earn their respect, APGA must be a solid political party, noting that the party has profound ideology that takes care of the interest of the people.

“APGA is not I chop, you chop party. It caters for the interest of the people. And it’s the party that will best give Igbos the opportunity to negotiate with other Nigerians and that is why the Governor should lead the party to take over the South East especially Imo and Abia states,” he said.

Expressing joy for the peaceful election and the victory of Obiano in the last governorship poll, he said the victory was not for the Governor and APGA alone for but the traders and civil servants and the entire people of Anambra State.

“It is God that gave us this overwhelming victory. God in his infinite mercy gave us this victory. This is purely God’s doing. It is God’s hand in action,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “I want also

to commend the President, Muhammadu Buhari, for providing a level playing ground for all the political parties and their candidates. I thank him for this most peaceful election in Nigeria so far. He did not side any of the candidates”.

The market leader charged Governor Obiano to justify this huge confidence reposed on him by the people of the state by working extra hard to improve on his performance in the last four years.

He said although the Governor was focused on providing basic infrastructure in the state, he should concentrate on the construction of road networks across the state as well reconstruction of worn out ones.

“He should complete the ones Obi awarded and start his own. Some old roads like Obodo-Ukwu are worn out. He should clean the Sakamoris, the governor should go back to his security policy in the state. Criminals have returned and hijacked the state,” he said.

New Anambra Assembly member assures on effective representation ÏÏÏNewly

sworn-in member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mmegbuaneze, has expressed joy for the opportunity of being sworn-in and recognised as a legislator, promising that she would work in harmony with other House members to pass bills that will have direct impact on the people.

Speaking after taking oath as a legislator, Mrs. Mmegbuaneze assured that she would uphold the good spirit with which her late husband represented their constituency, saying “I will uphold the good spirit with which my husband represented Idemili North Constituency. I will continue from where he stopped in the delivery of democracy dividends to the people”.

She continued: “He did a lot in the areas of healthcare delivery, education and other social amenities, and I pledge to do even more than he did. In my

own little way, I will contribute my quota to the development of Anambra State by upholding the basic tenets of Governor Willie Obiano’s developmental principles”.

The new member, who pledged to defend the constitution of Nigeria and adhere to the rules and regulations of the House was also urged by the speaker, Barrister Maduagwu, to integrate herself into the system as member of one family, noting that personal interest was secondary.

Mrs. Mmegbuaneze, who represents Idemili North State Constituency in the Assembly, replaced her late husband, Chief Francis Mmegbuaneze, who died on August 16, the day the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) conducted the governorship primaries for the just concluded November 18, 2017 governorship election.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, commissioning 13 patrol vehicles for the security agencies in the state...recently

Awogu lauds Obaze’s kinsmen for voting Obiano ÏÏÏThe Senior Special Assistant

to the Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu, has said that Ogbaru would have been a pariah Local Government Area had the people of the Local Government not looked beyond primordial sentiments to vote for Governor Willie Obiano in the last November 18, 2017 Governorship election.

Comrade Arinze, who spoke when the Ogbahu Trans Communities Association (OTCA), Ohaneze Ndigbo and Okpoko Development Union paid him a visit at his Onu Iyi Haven residence, thanked the groups for their untiring efforts that resulted in the victory of Governor Willie Obia-

no at the just concluded polls.

“We had all along impressed on our people that it is not Ogbaru alone that will decide who wins, that our sentiments should also be guided by the thinking of others in the Anambra project who prefer continuity as against change of guard. Had we voted otherwise, we would have been standing alone which is suicidal,” he said.

Awogu while thanking the people of Ogbaru for voting Governor Willie Obiano back to office said that Ogbaru has proved that a new leadership that the people of Ogbaru listens to has emerged and called on the people of Ogbaru to continue to support the efforts of thhe Obiano-led administration to transform Anambra State.

He stated that returning Gov-

ernor Willie Obiano to office simply implies that the people of the state have voted for the continuity of adequate security, prompt and regular payment of salary, pension, gratuity; infrastructural development; sustained excellence in education, healthcare and agricultural revolution among others.

Comrade Awogu assured that Ogbaru will be a focal local government when the second lap of the Governor Willie Obiano-led administration begins, to justify the huge support given to the governor by the people of Ogbaru despite one of their illustrious sons being a candidate in the election.

Recall that APGA scored a total of 6,615 votes in Ogbaru LGA as against 4,416 votes by the PDP and 3,415.

The Anambra Times 4 ANSG records 5.4 per cent decline in WAEC exam malpractice ÏÏÏThe Anambra State Govern-

ment has recorded a massive decline in cases of examination malpractice in the last one year.

The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, said on Wednesday that the vice had reduced by 5.57 per cent cases in 2016 from 10.9 per cent recorded in 2014.

Omenugha said the statistics revealing the decline and released by WAEC showed Anambra as one of the eight states “that recorded a decline in cheating in during its examination.’’

The commissioner said the statistics showed that 2,267 candidates were involved in 2,793 examination malpractices in 2016 among 40,702 candidates that wrote the examination.

She said that the war against the vices should be sustained.

The pursuit of value-based education reforms in the school system would further enhance a decline in examination malpractices now and in the future, she said.

“What has happened in Anambra is a consistent and strategic rise to the top; it is a bold and courageous step toward the eradication of criminality in education.

“The goal of Governor Willie Obiano-led administration is providing education where our children will hold their heads high and defend their certificates; one that is credible and value-based,”

she said.

Omenugha also said the successful handover of some schools in the state to their original mission owners and the effectiveness of the policy have had a positive effect on the Anambra school system.

She said 733 primary schools and about 30 secondary schools were handed over to various missions in the state.

“There are still issues because some missions are alleging that their schools were handed over to another and some communities are also saying that their schools where handed over to the missions,” she said.

Omenugha said despite the seeming challenges, the policy had been effective and rewarding.

She said the public-mission schools were run with good government and mission funding arrangements that had resulted in improved infrastructure, discipline, better academic performance and positive competitive spirit.

“It has a lot of advantages as Anambra educational system has consistently improved; the standard has increased, our examination outcome has increased with 75 per cent of our students passing English and Mathematics.

“Examination malpractice has drastically reduced,” she said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

ANSG to spend N70m monthly on debt servicing Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

Anambra State government has said it will spend between N60 and N70 million monthly to service its domestic and external debts.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in the state, Mr. Mark Okoye, said this at a post budget presentation news conference in Awka on Thursday.

Okoye said the debt profile of the state, was presently at 15 million dollars, external loans, and N20 billion domestic borrowings.

He said budget, which was christened “Budget of Value-forMoney, Economic Diversification and Job Creation”, would trigger massive construction and infrastructure development in the

state.

Okoye said some of the basic principles underlying the budget include value for money, economic diversification, job creation, strategic collaboration and public private partnership.

“We are proposing a budget size of N166.9 billion, the state expects to spend N63.9bn on recurrent expenditure and N103.1bn on Capital Expenditure to drive our policy thrusts of “Value-for-Money, Economic Diversification and Job Creation.

“It also highlights the significant infrastructural development expected in 2018, leveraging on the successful stability in our domestic economy during the challenging periods in 2016/2017.

“This budget is the first meaningful step towards consolidation

of our previous performance to transform Anambra into a hub for business and investments as well as the poster-boy for inclusiveness and sustainable development in Nigeria,”he said.

The Commissioner said the state targets to grow its Internally Generated Revenue without causing additional burden to tax payers.

He said some of the sources it intended to fund the budget were federal allocation, Value Added Tax, grants and counterpart funding, refund for works on federal roads in and Paris fund worth N28 billion and domestic borrowing.

Okoye said the budget provided for N533 million outlay for conduct of Local government election in 2018.

‘Why we engage prisons inmates in sports’ ÏÏÏThe

Controller of Prisons, Anambra State, Mr. Emmanuel Nwakeze, says the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) is working hard to promote sporting activities amongst inmates in the state to keep them actively engaged.

Nwakeze said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Awka.

He said that presently, his office has been organising football matches in the four prisons located in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Aguta.

Nwakeze explained that apart from football, the inmates have been exposed to other sports saying that the motive was to identify budding talents. ”We are very interested in promoting sporting activities among inmates to sharpen

their skills and fish out hidden talents amongst them.

“At the end the competition, we give prizes to those who performed very well,” he said.

He said that due to the fact that some of the inmates were serving serious offences, the sporting activities were being held within the prison yard.

Nwakeze advised youths to shun crime and embrace sports as a way of life. ”There are a lot of sporting activities that are begging for participation. As a youth, rather than commit crime it will pay you better if you get involved in such sports.

“If they try in getting jobs that is not forthcoming, it is better they (youths) engage themselves in sports even as there is much money in it,” he said.

Security personnel with some of the 20 motorbikes presented by Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to security agencies in the state...recently

Obiano’s victory will reshape future of Anambra –Aniuno ÏÏÏOne of

the stakeholders in Anambra State has described Governor Willie Obiano’s victory as veritable opportunity that will reshape the future of the state in the next four years.

The stakeholder, Chief Olisa Aniuno, said the youth of the state would continue enjoying various empowerment programmes Obiano government had mapped out.

Aniuno stressed that no other party in the last concluded Anambra governor-

ship election had the interest of the masses, rather their egocentric pursuit.

While addressing newsmen in Awka, Aniuno observed that some untapped potential in the state would now receive government attention to enhance tourism and further promote socio economic development.

He said: “Obiano’s victory will open more doors of investments. Since he assumed office, so many things have taken a positive shape. Many hotels have sprung up. Inves-

tors have more confidence than before.

“All these were coming up due to the security apparatus attracted by APGA government.

“Some potentials like Ogbunike cave, Museum at Igbukwu and other tourist attractions will be developed to make the State the best tourist attraction.”

He commended the people of the state for their maximum support in returning Obiano for second term.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

NSE: Equities begins December with over 40% yield on investment

NAFEX boosted investors’ confidence with $4.3bn turnover in one month

Page B5

Page B4

Law Union, Wapic sustain investors’ trust with liquidity Page B6

OPEC: Oil rig count rises after deal extension

FG sets aside N5bn for local miners – Fayemi

Simon Ugwu, with Agency report

Few days after the Oganisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, extended the already-extended production cut deal to end-2018, oil and gas rigs in the US climbed by 6.

The boost to the number of oil and gas rigs in the US is likely just a taste of what’s to come if oil prices continue to climb as a result of OPEC’s prolonging of the deal that is designed to ease the glut. And at current prices of WTI, US drillers are bound to find sufficient funds to add rigs, pressuring the prices that OPEC is attempting to hold fast.

This week, the number of active oil rigs increased by 2, with gas rigs climbing by 4. The WTI and Brent benchmarks slipped shortly after the agreement was signed on Thursday, but rebounded on Friday, with WTI up $1.23 (+2.14%) to $58.63 and Brent up $1.36 (+2.17%) to $63.99 around 11:00am EST. The total oil and gas rig count in the US now stands at 929 rigs, up 332 rigs from a year ago. The number of oil rigs stand at 749 versus 477 a year ago.

Ganiyu Obaaro, with Agency report

Afreximbank President Dr. Benedict Oramah (left) and Ambroise Fayolle (right), Vice-President of EIB, signing the EUR 100m loan agreement in Abidjan

Investors mop conglomerates’ stocks to lead turnover by 80% As Fidelity, Forte Oil lead gainers Bonny Amadi

Against the usual tradition of the financial sector leader activity table of the Nigerian stock Exchange (NSE), the trend changed last week as the conglomerates sector emerged market leader.

This led to growth recorded in market performance measuring indices, as the NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 1.55% and 1.58 per cent to close the week at 37,944.60 and N13.215 trillion

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Pension Transitional

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Monday, December 4, 2017

respectively.

Meanwhile, for the four days of trading the week ended Thursday 30th November 2017, a total turnover of 14.257 billion shares worth N35.056 billion in 17,379 deals were traded by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 2.182 billion shares valued at N22.795 billion that exchanged hands in the preceding week in 17,019 deals.

It was a four-day trading week as the Federal Government of Nigeria

declared Friday, 1 December, 2017 as a Public Holiday to mark Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

The Conglomerates Industry measured by volume led the activity chart with 11.396 billion shares valued at N14.534 billion traded in 890 deals; thus contributing 79.94 per cent and 41.46% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Financial Services Industry followed with 2.484 billion shares worth N9.797 billion in 9,205 deals.

The third place was occupied by Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 164.156 million shares worth

N8.127 million in 4,405 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TransCorp), Wapic Insurance and Fidelity Bank, measured by volume accounted for 12.998 billion shares worth N15.494 billion in 1,813 deals, contributing 91.17% and 44.20% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 1,090 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N14,708.50 executed in 10 deals, compared with a total of 127 units valued at N13,837.30 that was transacted last week in 5 deals. During the week, a total of 21,670 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N23.125 million were traded this week in 17 deals, compared with a total of 9,024 units valued at N9.485 million transacted last week in 15 deals.

PTAD verifies NITEL/MTEL Pensioners Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has concluded plans to begin verification of pensioners of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile subsidiary, MTEL under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

In a statement at the weekend by the Deputy Director of Communication, Emma Okondo, said that the exercise would take place across the six geo-political zones in select venues that will be announced in January

2018.

According to him, the verification exercise is pursuant to the payment of pension benefits to eligible retirees of the agencies after receiving approval from the Ministry of Finance that appropriate benefits be paid to retirees who are qualified.

“Pursuant to PTAD being assigned with the responsibility, the Directorate has been working with the Bureau of Public Enterprises to get the nominal roll as well as other required

information on qualified pensioners of the defunct NITEL. Qualified retirees are required to come with originals and photocopies of their required documents including their computation sheets issued by their former employer while the Next-of-Kin (NOK) are also mandated to obtain a Letter of Administration from the High Courts of Justice for the deceased pensioner.

“Affidavit for loss of mandatory documents including Letter of re-

The Federal Government has set aside N5 billion to empower artisan miners across the country, as part of measures to ensure participation of all Nigerians in economic development.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, disclosed this on Saturday when he inspected the gold mining site at Garin Awal at Fakai Local Government Area in Kebbi State.

He said, “We have N5bn in Bank of Industry for the use of small scale artisan miners, not only for self-equipping but to contribute to the economic development of Kebbi state and Nigeria, so that our economy will grow.”

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Fayemi explained that ISS-Hass Ltd, a Chinese mining company, has been in the community exploiting gold for more than three years, but had failed to develop the area by establishing schools, building roads, as well as providing portable water and employment for the youth, as part of an agreement entered into with the company.

He promised to investigate the allegations against the licensed operator in Garin Awal Village, Fakai Local Government of Kebbi State for alleged breach of agreement reached with the host community.

“We have seen what our artisan miners can do, which professionals in this business failed to achieve.

That is from the very little efforts they are putting in place with their own efforts, digging and organising themselves.

“What we need is to enter into partnership with the state, to assist these miners, so that they could have land to operate, technical support as a way of improving their productivity and ensuring that they utilise the equipment beyond exploring mercury and finally support them through the Bank of Industry,” he said. tirement will not be accepted. No proxy will be allowed in the process, and security agencies will be stationed at the venues to check fraudsters who would be immediately prosecuted when apprehended,” the directorate stated.

PTAD added that in its well-entrenched policy, it is ready to attend to the sick and infirmed in their locations, and are therefore advised to send an application for mobile verification to include pensioners’ contact details, photo copies of all documents as listed and certified Doctor’s report for such services.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Nollywood Actor, Elliot, endorses Simba Den’s new Lagos store Ganiyu Obaaro Simba Den, the retail arm of the Simba Group has been lauded by a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and critical player in Nigeria’s Nollywood industry, Hon Desmond Elliot, who described the company’s contribution to the Nigeria’s power backup market, as remarkable.

He said with the reopening of the company’s ultra modern showroom at Eric Moore, Surulere, Lagos, the economy of the state would be given a bigger fillip.

The firm is a chain of successful retail outlets specializing in the sale of power backup and power protection products, supported by the award-winning 24x7 after sales service of Simba service.

Head of Operations, Mr. Rajneesh Gupta described the store as a onestop-shop for inverters and related equipment. He said, “We understand that there are many brands out there with different sizes and capacities, and we work with customers to understand their needs, make recommendations and deliver a customized solution. We invite customers to share their wish list as far as power backup is concerned, and then leave the rest including site surveys, delivery and installation to us.”

He noted that Simba Den stores, also present in Abuja, Ibadan and Yola, provide world -class power products, such as inverters, batteries, solar solutions and power protection devices. According to him, the store is home to leading brands such as Luminous, Genus, Simba Solar and Sollatek.

Celebrity guest, Elliot, who cut the tape to declare the showroom open, lauded the presence of Simba Den in the area, adding that the quality products available in the rejuvenated store with affordable prices place Simba ahead of competition.

Elliot, noted that, “As we are trying to get power supply right in the country, efforts by Simba Group to bridge the gap by ensuring the growth of the economy through its associated products is commendable.”

L-R: Proprietress husband, Prof. Dan Adebiyi, Proprietress, KIA Lakeside Academy Nursery, Primary and School, Mrs Titilayo Adebiyi, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, Arch Bishop, Nicholas Okoh and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi during the official Dedication of KIA Lakeside Academy Nursery, Primary and Secondary School in Abuja on Friday.

Afreximbank gets Eubank’s EUR100m on the margins of AU-EU Summit

Ganiyu Obaaro

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) , at the weekend in Abidjan, on the margins of the African Union-European Union Summit, entered into a line of credit agreement amounting to EUR 100 million, granted by EIB to Afreximbank.

This facility is aimed at financing trade-related long-term productive investments by private sector entities or commercially operated public sector entities in Afreximbank member countries that are also signatories of the Cotonou Agreement.

According to a statement Afreximbank and made available to The Daily Times, “The seven-year loan will finance trade-related investments and projects in Africa, with particular emphasis on small and

medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in export manufacturing. It is expected to enhance intra-African trade, Africa’s value-added exports, as well as trade with the European Union, thereby strengthening trade as a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness.

“The facility agreement will add strong impetus to our drive for expanded intra-African trade and for the promotion of industrialisation and export manufacturing across Africa,” said Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank.

“We are delighted that the European Investment Bank has chosen to partner with us in the pursuit of Africa’s trade development; and we are confident that, with the facility, we can look forward to mutually beneficial development outcomes for our two institutions and to the further strengthening of the relationship be-

tween Africa and Europe.” The statement said.

Oramah said that the purpose of the facility was fully aligned with Afreximbank’s current strategy which prioritised intra-African trade, intra–African investments and export manufacturing, expressing the view that it would contribute to employment creation, increased economic activities, and increase in tax revenues for fiscally constrained governments, amongst other outcomes.

Afreximbank was aggressively pushing the goal of facilitating the de-commoditisation of Africa as a critical factor in dealing with the migration challenges arising from the ever-expanding youth bulge in the continent, he said.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ambroise Fayolle, EIB Vice-President responsible for Development, said: “The European Invest-

ment Bank’s first ever transaction with Afreximbank is welcome news in the framework of the AU-EU Summit in Abidjan. Both the EIB – as the Bank of the European Union, delivering on its objectives – and our African partners share the strategic objective of supporting the private sector with a particular focus on trade and traderelated infrastructure. This agreement will help develop EU-African trade relations and, crucially, provide much-needed jobs across the continent.”

Since inception in 1993, Afreximbank has developed strategic partnerships with leading bilateral and multilateral development finance institutions in an effort to attain its developmental mandate of promoting more diversified trade in Africa.

The partnership with EIB evidences the continued confidence of international development finance institutions in Afreximbank.

Gov Tambuwal, Chinese envoy seek closer ties on economy Firm shows commitment in “Our policy thrust is to open state of emergency on educaGaniyu Obaaro resolving housing problems our doors to willing investors. tion sector in the state, TamGovernor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has reiterated his administration’s determination to make Sokoto an economic and industrial hub, and a preferred investment destination in the country. He stated this when the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Sokoto.

“We are working round the clock to engage new development partners and attract more direct investments into our state. This visit offers both our governments an ample opportunity to build stronger ties and establish a more beneficial working relationship.

We are keen on sharing ideas and partnering the Chinese Embassy on ways to boost trade, agriculture, energy, rural development and improve economic relations between and among our peoples,” Tambuwal said. According to the Governor, Sokoto is endowed with natural and human resources that offer abundant investment opportunities for all willing investors.

With particular reference to energy, Tambuwal the state has five viable sources of energy which include hydro, wind, solar, gas and coal.

While thanking the envoy for supporting the state government with instructional materials after it declared a

buwal said government is working assiduously to implement past MoUs entered into with Chinese entities.

In his remarks, the Ambassador said it’s gratifying to note that Nigeria and China have a long diplomatic history, stressing the need to build on such history for the mutual benefit both countries. He noted that China was eager to make greater investments in Sokoto, given the huge potential that abounds in the state.

He thanked Governor Tambuwal for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and assured that they were ready to provide a facilitation and assistance to help the state to cooperate with the Chinese partners.

Homework Development and Properties Limited has shown a strong commitment in resolving the housing deficit in Nigeria through affordable mini estates of one, two and three bedroom apartments which feature innovative architectural designs.

Director of Homework Development and Properties Limited, Mr. Jide Adekola, whose firm participated at the two-day West African Property Investment (WAPI) summit held in Lagos, said the projects are driven by the passion to offer affordable quality homes to Nigerians.

Adekola said it is looking at replicating its luxurious and quality products in other places like Ajah, Yaba and other parts of the mainland, aside Banana Island and Lekki He said the affordable mini estates

would be spread across the country.

Towards this end, the company would negotiate with suppliers and manufacturers of building equipments to see how they could sell their products at discounted rates in line with the focus of the WAPI summit.

Jide Adekola said the summit has helped vendors and other developers to network with the right partners, financiers, and marketers on available and intended projects.

He explained that Homework has made remarkable progress in resolving housing deficit through its products located at Banana Island, where it has a small gated community of terraces and semi-detached duplexes and at Lekki Phase I with Dunvale Terraces.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

FirstBank achieves payment card version 3.2 recertification Omotolani Oseni First Bank of Nigeria Limited has successfully recertified to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) version 3.2, having been one of the first top-tier banks in Nigeria to obtain the PCI DSS certification in 2014.

This recertification reaffirms the bank’s leading position in the payment card industry in Nigeria.

Recently, FirstBank was named the first financial institution in Nigeria and the West-Africa sub-region to issue 10 million cards to customers across the country. This makes FirstBank the second bank in Africa to achieve this feat. With this milestone, the bank has maintained a 95% active card ratio and currently processes about 33% of card transactions in the entire banking industry.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), is a set of requirements designed to ensure companies that process, store or transmit credit/debit card information, maintain a secure environment thereby guaranteeing the protection of cardholder data throughout the transaction process.

The award of this certificate is a strong indicator that FirstBank consistently has its customers’ interest at the core of its business operations, is committed to securing customer information as well as maintaining a safe and secure environment for customer transactions. Consequently, the Bank presently has a card transaction volume of over 2700 per minute with one in every three card transactions being a FirstBank card.

According to the MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the bank’s recertification is a testament to the Bank’s high level operational standards and its strict adherence to international security standards and other regulations.

B3

Business News

NIMASA boss bags award of credence Bonny Amadi The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has bagged the award of credence just as the Nigerian Youth Parliament passed a vote of confidence on him.

This award was conferred on the DG during a special advocacy visit and presentation of certificate of credence by the members of the Parliament, led by the Majority Leader, Hon. Umar Etudaye at the Head office of the Agency in Lagos, recently.

Speaking at the event, the Leader noted that in the quest of the Parliament to identify with distinguished and reputable personalities, organizations, institutions and public office holders, inaugurated her merit honorarium category as “Icon of Youth Development and Nation Building” aimed at honouring and encouraging outstanding performance in the vari-

ous sectors of the economy, of which Peterside was found to be among the trail blazer of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘change’ agenda.

According to him, this was after due scrutiny and observation of the NIMASA DG’s enthusiasm and zeal towards improving the maritime sector in Nigeria; and also a giant in youths’ empowerment, emancipation and nation building via support and contributions to community development and quality service delivery. He further commended the DG on his strides in repositioning the nation’s maritime sector, thereby bringing about a drastic reduction in maritime accident records and other maritime related crimes and also in the area of increased revenue generation.

“Sir, you are a mentor, a trail blazer, an epitome of Federal Character and an advocate of greater and united Nigeria dream. We are very much aware of your resilience, char-

ismatic, pragmatic, distinct principle and ideology with the collective effort of other well-meaning Nigerians to achieve the standard dividend of democracy and good governance in the area of distinct administrative and quality service assurance at NIMASA”, Hon. Umar said.

In his response, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Peterside, who described the Young Parliamentarians as a beacon of hope to Nigeria, expressed delight in their forthrightness and admonished them to continue to be a shining example for other youths to emulate.

The DG, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Agency, Mr. Bashir Jamoh assured them that NIMASA under his watch, would continue to do its best to ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from the maritime sector.

He also assured them of the Agency’s support to any developmental initiatives of the Parliament that will reflect the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“I salute your courage and patriotism towards national development.

Let me assure you that on our part as NIMASA, we will continue to focus on our mandate, because we are determined to make Nigeria a hub of maritime activities in Africa; also this award will spur us to do more towards ensuring a more virile and robust maritime sector in line with global best practices”, the NIMASA DG said.

Since assumption of office, the Peterside- led Management, through much commitment and determination has been able to bring NIMASA to limelight and has continued to assure stakeholders of the Agency’s willingness to make Nigeria a hub of maritime activities in Africa.

Air Peace begins Abuja-Uyo route Dec 7

L-R: Importers spokesman, Mr. Onyeka Agbausi; Secretary General, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA), Hon. Nnamdi Ebuku and President, ASPMDA, Chief (Dr) Dainel.C. Offorkansi, during a press conference on alleged unwanted activities of Chinese business men in ASPMDA market, Lagos…

One of Nigeria’s leading air- at the weekend. lines, Air Peace, has pledged a seamless and exciting air travel experience on the Abuja-Uyo-Abuja route from December 7. in the Ladipo Auto Spare Parts “The State Government therefore the road projects as scheduled, while Simon Uwgu A statement signed by the carMarket area lamenting the state urged road users and commuters along mindful of their present albeit temporier’s Corporate The Lagos State Government of the roads, said the State Gov- the corridor to cooperate with the rary discomfort.”

Communications Manager, Mr. has commenced an extensive ernment was also rehabilitating contractor in order to speedily deliver Chris Iwarah confirmed that the airrehabilitation of major link roads and upgrading Alhaja Akinwun- …as Ogun urges traders to occupy new shops or face sanctions line will now fly daily from Abuja to across the State, including roads in mi Street, a strategic road that Uyo and Uyo to Abuja.

The Ogun State Government has Adebayo, who handed down the warnand around the popular Ladipo mar- connects Ladipo Street to Apapa The new flights, Air Peace said, ket in continuation of its drive to Oshodi Expressway at Five Star given a 72-hour notice beginning from ing in a statement by the Head of Media will complement its Lagos-Uyoensure smooth flow of traffic in the Bus stop, including Obagun the 4th of December this year to in the Ministry of Works and InfrastrucLagos service and afford members road, which links Badejo Kale- all allotees of the newly completed ture, Mr.Ayokunle Ewuoso said the govarea. of the flying public more options to Deputy Director, Ministry of jaiye street with Fatai Atere Way, government ultra modern shopping ernment could no longer tolerate lack of choose from in making their busiWorks and Infrastructure, Mr. Sina which in turn connects Ladipo malls and shops located in the state commitment on the part of the affected ness and leisure trips. capital to move in and start business traders.

Thorpe in a statement on Sunday, Street with Agege Motor Road.

The carrier said the new service Adebayo stated that government in He further added: “that to or risk revocation and reallocation to said the government in realizing the was in response to the yearnings of other interested traders.

The State its magnanimity, had given all allotees economic value of Ladipo Street, further ensure the interconnecair travellers for on-time, consistent which is a 2.87km road that connects tivity to these network of roads Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun six months moratorium to move into and reliable flights on the AbujaAgege Motor Road to Apapa- Oshodi and ease traffic in the corridor, had in March this year, commissioned their different shops for free; and within Uyo-Abuja route.

Expressway service lane at Toyota part of the ongoing expansion and allocated 1,050 shopping malls, that period pay their initial deposit.

Air Peace assured that its new “So, if you are giving such opportuniBus Stop, decided to rehabilitate and and upgrading of the Oshodi In- shops and stalls to traders whose flights would cater to the huge deupgrade the road to a dual carriage ternational Airport Road would shops gave way for the construction ty since March or April; and you didn’t mand for air travel on the route in see the provision of a U-Turn of roads in Omida, Sapon, kemta, take it, just for you to take allocation way by the Lagos State Governmen the run-up to Christmas and give and lock up these shops, it means you Thorpe, who was responding to a ramped bridge to serve the mo- Itoku and Isele -Igbehin. flyers confidence in planning their The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) are denying others that opportunity to report in a national daily of traders torists in the area.” schedules. on Facility Management, Mr. Segun use them.”

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Gov Ambode promises Ladipo Market facelift, moves to rehabilitate roads

Money Market B4 Stories by Motolani Oseni The Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) window, has again boosted already restored investors’ confidence in the Nigerian foreign exchange management and policies, as well as it rebounded economy, with the total transacted turnover of $4.3 billion in one month.

In just four days of the concluded week alone, the autonomous forex window declared traded figure of $823.9 million from Monday 27 November to Thursday 30th of the same month.

For instance, the first trading in the week under review recorded transacted figure of $178. 78m, but appreciated the following day to close at $227.73m, however, it relapsed at the mid week to exchanged just $198.71m lower than previous day but better than first trading day before closing the month on a positive note with an appreciated turnover of $218.66m on Thursday.

The Daily Times findings, however, showed that the NAFEX, in the previous week, recorded a stronger transacted turnover of $1.06 billion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

NAFEX boosted investors’ confidence with $4.3bn turnover in one month between Monday 20 November and Friday 24 November 2017.

The NAFEX, on Monday 20, November, sold total transacted turnover of $346.36m, represented the second highest turnover in the week, and better than $266.41m sold in the corresponding period last week, but recorded the lowest for the week on Tuesday with $78.48m traded figure.

At the close of Wednesday’s trading activities, the mid week trading closed at a rebounded figure of $234.23m turnover, compared to $96.43m stood last Tuesday.

Although, it relapsed the following day to close at $214.84m, weaker than 359.53m sold on a week ago and dropped further to close the week at $179.78m, compared to $346.36m transacted the previous Friday.

The level of confidence in the Nigerian economy continues to be lifted as the autonomous window recorded

a significant traded turnover of $1.115.69bn from 13 of November to 17th of the same period.

However, the breakdown of the daily turnover showed that the window on Monday recorded a whopping $286.41m, against $96.43m traded the following day; and a more depreciated traded on Wednesday $86.99m, before rebounded on Thursday with $299.50m; and wrapped up the week with the highest figure of $346.36m on Friday, 17 November, 2017.

Further checks by the Daily Times, revealed that the autonomous window, also, known as Investor & Exporter FX (I&E) window, at the beginning of the month under review had recorded total amount of $387.73m in just three days, between Wednesday 1st of November to Friday 3rd of the same month.

In our fact findings, we observed that the I &E FX in October rose by 7.3 per cent to $4.53bn from $4.22bn in

September 2017. In the I&E FX window for August moved to $3.68bn, an increase of 62.8 per cent from $2.26bn in July.

However, the autonomous FX window recorded $14.69 billion in four months, between July and September 2017, as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continued to bridge the gap between parallel market and official market rates.

FMDQ OTC had reported that 10 commercial bank traded N70.88trillion overall turnover on the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange between January to September, 2017.

Meanwhile, the apex bank has defended the local currency with $4.8bn between July and October this year.

Data gathered by our correspondent revealed that the apex bank highest intervention in four months under review was $1.5 billion in August, followed by $1.37 billion in October.

The CBN had defended the Naira with $1.2bn and $727.5m in September and July of 2017 respectively.

For the first three months, the CBN’s $1.37bn in October comprises of $400m in whole sale; $200m in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); $180m in invisibles; $306.3m in SMIS, and $285.70m in agriculture, airlines, petroleum, and raw materials segments.

In September, the apex bank injected $485 million to Retail Secondary Market; SMEs, $300m; invisibles $255m and $200m, to wholesale segments The bulk of the disbursement totaling $561 million in August was injected to the clearance of the backlog of matured foreign exchange obligations for raw materials and machinery for manufacturing companies, agricultural chemicals, and airlines – was for Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS), while the balance went to settling wholesale, $500m; SMEs, $235m, and invisible $200m.

N3.88bn Agric scheme: Edo, Ogun lead 32 other states- CBN

L-R: Chairman, Kunoch Limited,Pascal Dozie; Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Head of Agric Finance desk,Diamond Bank, Lois Sankey, during the 1st Annual Nigerian Association of Chambers, Commerce, Industry,Mines and Agriculture(NACCIMA)- Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural lending Agribusiness and Policy Linkage(NIRSAL) Conference held... in Abuja recently

PMI hikes to 55.9 points in November ...highest in 3 years The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that its Purchasing Manufacturing Index (PMI) increased to 55.9 index points in November, record high in three years.

The apex bank had report PMI of 55 Index points in October and 55.3 Index points in September.

The PMI, an indicator of the economic health of the manufacturing sector, opened the year at 48.2 Index points.

Despite the marginal decline, the apex bank maintained there was expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 11th consecutive month in 2017.

The apex bank based its composite PMI for the manu-

facturing sector on five indicators that include production, new orders, supplier delivery time, employment level and raw materials inventory.

The PMI’s report by the CBN on Thursday, revealed that 12 of the 16 sub-sectors reported growth in the review month.

According to the report, the sub-sectors are petroleum & coal products; printing & related support activities; computer & electronic products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; plastics & rubber products; food, beverage & tobacco products; nonmetallic mineral products; chemical & pharmaceutical products; furniture & related products; paper products; cement and

primary metal.

“The electrical equipment sector remained unchanged, while the appliances & components; fabricated metal products and transportation equipment sectors contracted in the review month,” the CBN’s survey report disclosed.

On the Production Level, the report said, “At 59.3 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the eighth consecutive month in November 2017.

“The index indicated an increase in production in the current month, when compared to its level in the preceding month. 10 of the 16 manufacturing sub-sectors recorded increase in production level, four remained unchanged, while the remaining two recorded declines in pro-

duction during the review month.”

According to the survey report by CBN, the report on new orders said, “At 54.3 points, the new orders index grew for the eighth consecutive month. Nine sub-sectors reported growth, three remained unchanged while four contracted in the review month.

The report by CBN said manufacturing supplier delivery time index stood at 56.0 points in November 2017, indicating faster supplier delivery time for the sixth consecutive month.

“The employment level index in November 2017 stood at 53.7 points, indicating growth in employment level for the seventh consecutive month.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that Edo and Ogun states lead in its N3.88 billion Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) in 34 states.

Data from the apex bank disclosed that a total of 27,207 farmers, both individual and informal group have participated in the scheme between January and August 2017.

In line with this vision to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil & gas sector, the CBN, under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Emefiele has pursued with added vigour intervention schemes such as ACGS and the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to mention but few.

Farmers in the mentioned states targeted crops such as rice, maize, palm oil, sorghum, tomatoes, cassava, cocoa, cotton, dairy, and groundnut.

Daily Times can report that large chunk of these funds were accessed through registered Microfinance Banks (MFBs), while smaller portion were accessed through Union Bank of Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc. But between January and August, a total of 2,009 farmers in Edo state accessed N385 million through the CBN’s ACGS, while 1,725 farmers in Ogun states accessed N356m through the same scheme in eight months.

Enugu state has the highest amount of informal farmers at N12.48m, while Adamawa state has the lowest proportion of amount borrowed from the scheme at N700,000 between January and August this year.

Interestedly, Bauchi Borno and Jigawa states did not participate in the scheme between

January and August 2017.

Loans fully repaid analyzed by state between January and August, 2017, revealed that in first quarter of 2017, N1.4 billion was repaid and increased to N1.5 billion in second quarter.

A total of N3.7 billion has been repaid between January and August, 2017, data by CBN revealed.

Meanwhile, for the month of August, a total of 3,571 farmers benefited N463m for its ACGS in 29 states.

Data available to Daily Times revealed that Oyo state, followed by Edo state and Taraba State had the highest proportion of amount borrowed in August while Bayelsa and Abia had the lowest amount accessed on the CBN’s Agriculture Scheme.

Specifically, Oyo state farmers were granted N65.16m, while farmers in Edo and Taraba states accessed N45.42m and N42.22m from the Agriculture Scheme, respectively.

Bayelsa state farmers were granted N50,000 while Abia farmers were granted N250,000 in August.

For the month of August, the following States, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Lagos and Yobe did not access the Agricultural Credit Guarantee in August 2017.

The data by apex bank revealed that Plateau and Enugu had 133 and three informal group of farmers that access the CBN’s ACGS in month under review respectively.

According to CBN data, a total of 2677 male famers accessed N352m, while 1026 female farmers in 29 states were granted N107.5m.

vv

Capital Market B5 Adesola Afolabi Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange will today resume from an extra day lengthened weekend (because the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Friday, 1 December, 2017 as a Public Holiday to mark Eid-el-Maulud celebration) with a whopping 41.19 per cent YearTo-Date return on investment for the year 2017.

This means from January 1 of the year 2017 to November 30, 2017, the average return for investors in Nigeria’s equities market has appreciated by 41.19 per cent, a feat reported to be achieved before year end by the DailyTimes last week.

As the year gradually draws to a close, the optimism at the capital market is palpable as investors, analyst and brokers predict 2017 to end on a positive note, with an assurance of delivering the highest returns since 3 years on the back drop of policy im-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

NSE: Equities begins December with over 40% yield on investment ..as Transcorp, Wapic, Fidelity account for Öơü Ƈ ƆƎƑƈƐƈƆ ƓƆƆƊƋƕ ƐƑƏ ƒƆƏ plementations which has improved investors confidence.

A review of how the market fared in the last week of November revealed that the NSE’s All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 1.55 per cent and 1.58 per cent to close the week at 37,944.60 and N13.215 trillion respectively.

Sectoral indices also finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE ASeM Index that closed flat.

Emerging as top traders by volume for the week were, Transnation-

al Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Wapic Insurance Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc. They accounted for 12.998 billion shares worth N15.494bn in 1,813 deals, contributing 91.17 per cent and 44.20 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The total turnover exchanged by investors in 17,379 deals during the four day trading week amounted to 14.257 billion shares worth N35.056 billion. This was in contrast to a total of 2.182 billion shares valued at N22.795bn that exchanged hands pre-

vious week in 17,019 deals.

The Conglomerates Industry led the activity chart by volume with 11.396 billion shares valued at N14.534bn traded in 890 deals; thus contributing 79.94 per cent and 41.46 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Financial Services Industry followed with 2.484 billion shares worth N9.797bn in 9,205 deals. The third place was occupied by Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 164.156 million shares worth N8.127m in 4,405 deals.

L – R: Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE; Michel Puchercos, Group Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc; Tony Ibeziako, Ag. Head, Capital Market Division, NSE and Femi Onifade, Head, International Primary Market, NSE during Lafarge Africa Plc Facts Behind the Offer at The Exchange recently.

Baking, pension, premium indices offer highest Ytd returns

The Nigerian banking sector, the NSE pension index and NSE Premium, index have returned the highest rewards on investments in the Nigerian capital market, year to date (ytd).

The Nigerian capital market index report for the week ended 30th November, showed that while NSE banking index returned 71.60 per cent ytd, the pension index returned 62.58 per cent year to date, while the NSE premium index have rewarded investors with 56.44 per cent growth.

However, the worth rewarding investment for the period according to the index report are, the NSE OIL/ Gas index which returned -7.01 per cent year to date, followed by NSE ASeM Index with -2.60 per cent rewards to investors ytd.

The NSE banking index, highest returns on investment ytd, opened the week that ended the month of November, at 464.12 points and closed at 470.74 points, recording week’s change of 6.62 per cent, week to date change of 1.43 per cent, month to date

change of 1.54 per cent, quarter to date change of 6.95 per cent and ytd reward of 71.60 per cent.

The NSE pension index which recorded second highest returns on investment ytd, opened week at 1,279.12 points and closed at 1.316.95 points , posting weekly change of 19.83 per cent, 1.37 per cent weekly change, 2.96 per cent monthly change, 7.80 per cent quarter to date change and 62.58 per cent ytd reward, Also, the NSE premium index, 3rd highest ytd rewards on investment opened the week at 2,605.66points and closed higher at 2,652,52, with a weekly rewards of 45.86 per cent, 1.76 per cent week to date change, 7.73 per cent mtd change, 14.18 qtd reward and 56.44 per cent ytd returns on investments. The worst performers’ ytd, the NSE Oil / Gas index opened week at 286.84 and closed at 290.76 points, with weekly change of 3,92 per cent returns, 1.37 per cent week to wtd returns,1.97 per cent monthly returns , 3.54 per cent qtd returns and -7.01 ytd reward.

7Up trails Coca Cola Nigeria on delisting from NSE

ÏRƇƇƆƏ MơÖêƢƢƾƄ to buy out minority shareholders

Stories by Bonny Amadi

Indications that more listed companies may be pressured by the challenging operational environment and declining purchasing power of Nigerians to delist have been strengthened by latest development in 7UP Bottling Company (SBC) Nigeria Plc. The company has indicated intention to voluntarily delist form the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with commencement of preliminary processes that would eventually culminate into easing off pressure of meeting up with post listing requirements of the Exchange, when eventually erased from the list of NSE’s listed companies.

To actualize this, the board of 7U Bottling Company Plc, makers of Pepsi Cola and Mirinda, among others, on Thursday, triggered the delisting regulatory provision, by offering to buy-out minority shareholders in a deal expected to gulp N19.332bn.

In a publication by the Exchange titled: “announcement of proposed acquisition,” signed by Samuel Uboh of Equity Services Limited, the company secretary, SBC said its board has received an offer from Affelka S.A., its majority shareholder, “to acquire all the outstanding and issued shares of SBC that are not currently owned by Affelka.”

The statement detailed that the transaction entails Affelka offering N112.70 per unit for the 171,542,574 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each via a Scheme of Arrangement.

The offer, the company explained, is pursuant to Section 539 of the Companies & Allied Matters Act Cap. C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and other applicable rules and regulations.

‘Why Nigeria will not attain 20th largest economy status by 2020’ Nigeria’s effort at joining the club of top 20 global economies by year 2020 may be a mirage, as supporting infrastructure had not been developed to drive the expected growth, barely three years to the target destination.

Consequently, lack of strategic initiatives to drive the real sector of the economy as well as enabling policies and environment to drive production, boost revenue and enhance Human Development Index (HDI) among others may frustrate effort at attain the class of 20th largest economy by 2020.

A top banker and financial analyst, Dr. Alaba Olusemore, speaking at the 12th- year Anniversary of Nigeria Banking Consolidation held at Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) V.I.,Lagos, on Thursday, raised the alarm, saying however that the country could still make amends.

Olusemore, who is the CEO of Nesbet Consulting Ltd , said however that Nigeria has derived a lot of posi-

tives from the banking consolidation, Financial Systems Strategy 2020 and Vision 2020.

He urged the government not to relent in their efforts, just as the year 2020 is close by the corner. He said a lot can still be done by ensuring that the above policies are followed to the logical conclusion. As Nesbet CEO sees it. “Consolidation was a major policy initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, aimed at making Nigeria banks competitive globally through enhanced capital base.

“Consolidation produced 21 banks out of 89. Today, there are 23 commercial banks; 4 merchant banks; one non-interest bank; several microfinance institutions, which replaced the community banks had been established. The primary mortgage sector has also been restructured to provide mortgage finance.

“All of these are now under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation. Part of the CBN

directives is that the PMB should concentrate on ‘true’ mortgage financing that will provide long term mortgage loans for residential purposes.”

While three foreign banks, i.e. Barclays Bank Plc, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan have representative offices in Nigeria currently.

A lawyer and public affairs Analyst, Barrister Pat Anyadubalu, in his summation, said that in the issues of financial intermediation that laws bothering on ownership of landed properties needs to be ironed out as that seems to be the main collateral required by banks.

The Founder, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, represented by Mr. Adebisi Adeniyi, said Nigeria, economically, should be better off if the government at all levels sincerely support the private sector.

He said because of parochial tendencies on the part of public and private sectors’ leaders most of the policies cannot but have fault lines.

Insurance B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

Universal’s 2016 result delay caused by NICOM’s late approval

...holds 3 AGMs same time

L-R: Executive Assistant, Sterling Bank, Enabruke Oju; Executive Director, Kayode Lawal; Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Yemi Odubiyi; Managing Director, Primero Transport Services Limited, Fola Tinubu and Managing Director/CEO, Yemi Adeola, during the bank’s bus tour by the senior Executives in Lagos…Friday.

Law Union, Wapic sustain investors’ trust with liquidity

Stories by Bonny Amadi

The Law Union and Rock Insurance and Wapic Insurance, during the week ended November 30, demonstrated reflection of investors’ sustained confidence with remarkable growth in equity pricing and hinge turnover.

The two companies, part of insurance sector key drivers were the investors’ toast in the sector during the week, as Law union ranked 3rd among the top ten gainers for the week, while Wapic emerged as the second most traded stock on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), second only to Transcorp Nigeria Plc. According to the NSE’s top ten gainers list for the week, Fidelity

Bank led the gainers with 21.18 per cent or N0.36 to close the week at N2.06 per share, followed by Forte Oil with 14.98 per cent or N5.growth in equity pricing to close at N45, 99 per share, while Union and Rock Insurance, the 3rd best gainers for the week, appreciated by 14.75 per cent or N0.09, closing trade at per share, Other to gainers for the week included, Caverton Offshore Support Services, Dangote Flourmills and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHcO). Others are Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, Cadbury, Diamond bank and Champion Breweries.

Law Union and Rock Insurance has sustained positive growth fundamentals which has attracted increased demand for its shares and

invariably grown equity price reasonably in a short term period.

Underwriting firm, Law Union &Rock Insurance Plc is looking to 35 percent growth in gross premium written (GPR) in 2018, on back of easing recession and positive economic indices.

CEO Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, Mr. Jide Orimolade recently disclosed the measures set out to boost earnings and grow retail business. “What makes an insurance company to report good bottom-line is the underwriting profit and investment income. We try to settle claims on time and also adjust our rate so that in terms of underwriting profit, we will be able to make substantial profit. Also, we continue to do our investments in a

way that at the end of the year, we will be able to make appreciable income in the bottom-line,” he had said. He further revealed about the commitment to grow “our retail business, by acquiring a software, which will help clients sit in the comfort of their homes and complete an insurance process”.

According to him, the only way an insurance company can advertise themselves is to settle claims on time. With the software, anybody involved in accident can take a picture of it, upload and send it to us. The claims adjusters will look at it and in a short while, you are settled from the comfort of your home. So that others who are trying to insure can say ‘yes, insurance is working.’

Universal Insurance Plc has given reasons for the delay in filing its 2016 audited financial statement with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as presided by the bourses posting rules; blaming therefore the late approval of its result by the sector’s apex regulator.

The company in a statement titled: “late filing of 2016 abutted financial statements of universal insurance plc” released by the NSE, said: “The delay in filing the 2016 Audited accounts was due to inability of the company to obtain the approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), its primary regulator on time.”

Though the company revealed that the result has eventually be filled with the NSE, it reassured that, going forward, “Universal Insurance Plc assures its various shareholders of its commitment to timely filing of its financial statements and other disclosures with The Exchange and other Regulatory bodies.”

Meanwhile, following release of the company’s audited 2016 financial statement, it has also announced forth coming 45th, 46th and 47th Annual General Meetings (AGM).

The meeting, revealed by the company, will hold on at Universal Hotel Ltd. Plot 3, Aguleri Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, Enugu State, on Wednesday, 13th December, 2017, at 9.00 a.m. to transact the following business:

Wapic Insurance shares remain investors’ toast Earning opportunities and prospects of growth, sound management among other driving forces could be attributed to why investors are taking and consolidating position in the firm.

Wapic Insurance for the week ended 30th November, 2017, pulled a total turnover of 1,397,903 billion shares worth N693, 951,731.00million, which was transacted by investors in 75 deals, closing trade at N0.50 per share.

The company’s turnover accounted for over 98 per

cent of the sector’s turnover which closed the week at 1,427,176,220 billion shares, recorded in total 359 deals.

Based on sound growth potential the company prides and ability to reward shareholders through dividend payment, the likelihood of 100 per cent equity price growth in a short tem period is high, and over a medium to long term it could make over 600 per cent.

Wapic Insurance, during the week, sustained high volume, as on the 28th November, the company emerged the

most active stock, accounting for 655.35 million shares worth N327.67 million.

Analysis show that the company’s half year and Q3 results clearly demonstrate the focus on growth and returns on investment to shareholders, for instance, for the H1 2017 period, Wapic Insurance recorded 106.85 percent growth in underwriting profit, reflecting enhanced efficiency of the insurer’s operation notwithstanding macro/ microeconomic challenges and harsh operating environment.

Wapic Insurance reflected strength in the first half of 2017. The company continues to bargain opportunities for growth, with premium written growing by 31.47 per cent.

This also aided driving profit higher, with after tax income swelling by almost 134.64 percent to N395.69 million. The insurer continues to generate increased return on equity (ROE).

Wapic, it would be recalled, joined the league of foreign investors for acquisition of Ensure Insurance. The three International insurers’ bid-

ders for Ensure Insurance are, Hollard of South Africa, Allianz of Germany and Wapic Insurance Plc, are jostling to acquire Ensure Insurance Plc. Ensure Insurance Plc, formerly Union Assurance Plc, was acquired three years ago by Greenoak Global Holdings.

This development demonstrates focus by management of Wapic and assurance to shareholders and intending investors that brighter earning years lay ahead for the firm and its other stakeholders.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 4, 2017

B7 CSR

CSR: Guide to corporate giving, public trust Stories by Godwin Anyebe It is a known fact that, the global development community has looked upon Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs with a certain degree of skepticism. Too many companies, critics argue, have used their corporate donations to atone for — or distract from — harmful and unethical business practices.

Corporate giving has proven an easy way to counter the claims of activist groups and can help rebuild public trust when a company is under fire. Corporate giving can also help avoid costly new regulations by assuaging politicians and their constituencies. Even if a company is on good terms with the public, associating with a good cause is a relatively cheap way to bolster a company’s image or advertise among niche groups.

Analysts are of the view that this perception has done more harm to companies than not. Some of these analysts believe that CSR programmes

can be a win-win for companies and the societies where they do business.

Speaking on the way forward on this issue, an expert in CSR, Pwano Maxwell told Daily Times that, “Practitioners must understand that CSR is about having a purpose that is about more than making a profit; and having a set of ethics and values that run right through the heart of your businesses. “As a small business owner or director, you need to personally define that purpose and ensure you align the way your business operates with your personal values. I would recommend you sit somewhere quiet, close your eyes and think about your purpose and values. Have you lost sight of the goals of your business and the wonderful things you wanted to achieve when you first started, or have those ideals changed over the years?”

According to him, “Once you clearly define and align purpose and values, your company’s CSR endeavours would be completely authentic and it

will be much easier to reap the benefits. You will also be surprised at how much better you will feel personally.”

While reacting to issues on brand building and how it relates to CSR, he also pointed out that, “when people think of branding, they think logo, company colours, style of website and literature. But company values should also be an essential part of your branding. Tell your client base, or potential client base, what your values are. Are there any policies or reports available? How transparent are your terms and conditions?

Ensure you’re communicating your values throughout your branding!”

“Has all this warm and fuzzy information been communicated down to your employees, he queried? They are the window to the outside world, to your customers, potential customers and even future employees, so ensure they fully understand the company culture and what it is you stand for,” he added.

Also, a brand and marketing ana-

lyst, Samuel Ajayi posited that, “Communicating is meaningless unless it is authentic, and that authenticity must start in the workplace. Ensure your employees are engaged and motivated.

You’ve cascaded information down, and now you want employees to communicate back up. Find out how they really feel about the company as employees; if they feel there is anything that could be done to improve relationships with customers and suppliers; what community projects they would like to support; and how they feel environmental impacts can be reduced.

Listen to them and engage them.

Get them involved in bringing their ideas to fruition. This way they’ll feel even more engaged and motivated.”

According to him, “Use all the means available to communicate your CSR successes externally. Use social media, issue press releases, write blogs.

And at the end of each year, why not do a short report? Maybe, just a couple of slides with lots of pictures and brief information about what you

have achieved in the last 12 months?”

“Good PR does not change bad practices. In today’s highly interconnected world, half-baked or tokenistic actions can not only be dangerous, but are rarely worth publicising. Commit to your cause properly. Set KPI’s for the community groups and causes you invest in. You also have to decide how this cause aligns with your company and the work that you are doing on a professional level.” He noted.

He added that, “CSR is becoming increasingly important for all types of companies because social responsibility and environmental issues have become a major consideration for a lot of consumers. Help your stakeholders to understand how it can add value to you and your staff.

Much like equality and social mobility credentials, CSR will soon become a factor for procurement score cards, and early adopters are likely to benefit from starting on their environmental policies early.”

Chivita’s fruit juice, Hollandia, others win big at marketing awards It was an evening of glitz and glamour at the recently held 2017 edition of the Marketing World Awards saw two brands from the stable of Chi Limited recognized for delivering superior values to the market and exhibiting excellence in upholding effective marketing strategies.

Whilst Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar came tops in the Best Use of Packaging category, Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink was recognised as the Emerging Brand of the Year in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) category.

Speaking on this development in a statement made available to journalists recently in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of Instinctwave, Akin Naphtal, said this year’s edition of the Marketing World Awards showcased the latest industry innovations and initiatives, while recognizing the exceptional work of marketing champions over the past 12 months.

He reiterated that like the proverbial golden fish, innovative brands like Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar and Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink deserve the recognition.

“Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar and Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink have not only pioneered new segments in the juice and chocobased beverage markets, but have also within the last 12 months, achieved consumer preference status in their respective categories through innovative offerings and packaging,” he said.

On his part, Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, indicated that the recognition of two of the company’s most recent innovative brands at the Marketing World Awards was a reflection of the resourcefulness and value-driven processes that have ensured product quality, from conception to packaging.

He said, “The awards received by both of our brands at the Marketing World Awards show our continued desire to meet up with changing consumer needs. As always, the consumer is king; and thus, it is important to provide consumer satisfaction at all times. Innovation is key to achieving this; we are proud of these brands and their amazing stories of consumer satisfaction and achieved recognition.”

L- R: Business Promotion Strategist, Simba Group, Mr. Suresh Pykkat; General Manager, Mr. Sohan Sharma, Celebrity Guest, Hon. Desmond Elliot; Chief Operation Coordinator, Mr. Rajneesh Gupta and Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Vijay Mishra, during official re-opening of Simba Den showroom, in Eric Moore, Surulere, Lagos…on Saturday

AAAN in ‘fresh thinking,’ names LAIF 2017 award jury In a bid to raise the judging standard of this year’s Lagos Advertising Ideas Festival (LAIF) Award to international level and also plug some of the loopholes that created rooms for controversies and side-talks after the 2016 edition, the LAIF management team has appointed Mrs. Julia Oku-Jacks to head this year’s award Jury.

Oku-Jacks, one of Nigeria’s iconic figures in advertising, was part of the three-man team that founded SO&U Advertising, where she worked for years, creating some of the great advertising campaigns that have remained relevant till date. She has since moved on from full-time advertising

and now deploys her creative expertise in the oil and gas industry as Head, Corporate Communications at Moni Pulo Limited.

Oku-Jack leads a 9-man team drawn from both the agency and client sides and their work is to determine the best entries for LAIF 2017, which comes up on 10 December at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. Other jurors include Pastor Doyin Oluwole, Pascal Anyaso, Tayo Ken-Sulaimon, Omowunmi Owodunni, Yomi Omotenhinwa, Kanmi Dasilva, Dayo Adefila and Yash Deb, a foreign Juror, from Isobar, Kenya.

The pay-off for the 2017 LAIF is, “fresh thinking” a re-

flection of the determination by the AAAN executive and the LAIF management board headed by Steve Babaeko, CEO X3M Ideas, to strengthen the equity and acceptance of LAIF award.

The jury team was sworn in recently in Lagos by the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Kayode Oluwasona.

Oluwasona was upbeat about the success of their new endeavours.

He said, “I am confident about the caliber of people that have been appointed as jury this year and I know they will do a fantastic job. I can safely say that LAIF has come

to life.”

He noted that AAAN has had to make some changes in the organisation of this year’s LAIF because of some of the undercurrents and murmurings that followed last year’s award.

One of the key changes that was made is the appointment of a new LAIF management board headed by Steve Babaeko, CEO of X3M Ideas; he has been supported by Bolaji Alausa, Executive Creative Director at Noah’s Ark both of whom have had extensive exposure at international award events based on their appointment as Jury members at major award shows like Loeries, and New York Festival.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 4, 2017

B8

Life&

TIMES Monday, December 4, 2017

Vector: We need to think more than we L dance P

2

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 4, 2017

When I feel the right feelings, I will settle down –Vector King Kong crooner, Olanrewaju David Ogunmefun, better known by his stage name, Vector Tha talented young rapper, a good lyricist and show killer with his electrifying performances and perfect act on every track he features; making him a force reckon with the industry. He is the voice behind the Sprite commercial that has aired on most radio stations across Nigeria since 2009. Signed on self-owned label, G.R.A.P, Vector has withered the storm and remained consistent in the industry doing what he knows best. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Vector talks about rap music in Nigeria among others. Enjoy‌

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Why?

Recently you set a record with your free-

mentioned in most of your music; why?

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I mean, how did you do it for hours?

When is Vector going to settle down?

Life&

T E A M

that?

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Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 4, 2017

Nutrition L3

Mutiat Alli

Foods to make you feel good inside and out What we eat can have a huge impact on our mood and emotional health. This has been corroborated by findings of a team of researchers. They established a clear link between depression and diet. They found that the more junk food teenagers ate, the more likely they were to be depressed.

Regularly consuming heavily processed foods that are high in sugars and saturated fats and low in nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc and magnesium, can have a negative impact on your emotional health.

Eating certain “feel-good” foods, however, as part of a well-balanced, wholesome diet, helps support healthy nerve and brain function as well as promoting the production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters.

Below are foods that can make you feel good inside and out.

Egg: filling, delicious, and studies have shown that eggs can help you feel full when you include them in your meals versus carbohydrate-rich —like starchy, or sweet — meals. Eggs contain tryptophan and tyrosine- two amino acids which have great antioxidant properties. Tryptophan is important as it is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland, which benefits sleep.

Berries: and fresh berries. These are two things that people love, because they have a lot of water, stimulate taste buds, and are easily digestible. Each individual, tasty berry has its own unique nutritional values and functional benefits. Supercharge your diet and maximize berry health benefits by enjoying the entire berry patch.

Chicken soup: chicken soup is the perfect example, it is the universal warm healthy food.

People always feel good after eating chicken soup especially when it is prepared with enough pepper, so supercharge your diet with chicken soup.

Oats and oatmeal: Oats provide complex carbohydrates that are slowly digested and provide the brain and entire central nervous system with their key source of fuel. Carbohydrates also play a key role in creating serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood, appetite and sleep. Suggested serving size: ½ cup to 1 cup cooked, or 1-2 packets instant oatmeal with no sodium added.

Avocados: Avocado is high in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Avocados are really creamy, and the texture is so they are. You can even swap it for butter in some recipes. Or, you can puree avocado and add to salad dressing.

Hummus: Suggested serving size: four tablespoons. “Hummus is a great source of protein

great carrier for veggies.

them. They are a great natural source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, and fiber. There are different Yogurt: Yogurt is often included on healthy varieties of nuts that u can eat to make you feel food lists... and for good reason. Yogurt is highly good such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, Brazil nutritious and is an excellent source of protein, nuts, etc. calcium and potassium. It provides numerous vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in Tea: A cup of tea is low-calorie and it gives you calories. have high calorie foods. Suggested serving size: Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are super 1 cup.

Wellness L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 4, 2017

Mutiat Alli

The dark side of slimming pills -

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