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G ƐƆƏ ô Ƌƈ Ɛë Secondus sues Lai Mohammed for defamation, demands N1.5bn damages 5

THE

DAILY

500 rice farmers benefit from CBN anchor borrowers scheme in Bayelsa 6

1,071 persons rescued from 160 crashes 5 during Easter 0`d

TIMES SATURDAY SGF wants EFCC to take anti-graft war to public institutions 4

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Dapchi/Chibok: The tears of Sharibu, other prisoners of hope Ï óM ƒƈƅƐ Əƕ Ƒ ƐƈƋ d ƏƈƄƑè Ɛ ƆƏ ƄƗƑƅƐƆƆ ƏƆ ƈ ƇƏƆƆƗ ƌô

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ÏÏÏ Understandably,

Leah Sharibu - the Christian Dapchi schoolgirl that was not released because she reportedly failed to wear the Hijab and change his faith – and other parContinued from page 4

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rapturous enthusiasm greeted the news of the release of Dapchi schoolgirls by their abductors. For their

families, it was an answer to days of fasting and prayers.

Grief gave way to gaiety. Indescribable joy sacked sorrow.

But the feelings were only momentary for Nathan Sharibu, father of

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

3

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Dapchi/Chibok: The tears of Sharibu, other prisoners of hope Continued from page 1

ents and relatives of the five children that have reportedly been snatched by death out of the 110 girls taken away.

According to Sharibu, he was elated and had looked forward to seeing his daughter again when news broke that abducted Dapchi schoolgirls had been released, but his joy took flight on realising that Leah was not released. A distraught Nathan didn’t hide his sadness and pain when he said, “ It is a sad Easter without my daughter.’’

Despite assurances from the presidency that Leah would be found and reunited with his family soon, Nathan remains locked in the prison of hope and pain, sharing kinship with other prisoners of hope whose children have remained missing when Boko Haram terrorists stole over 200 schoolgirls on April 14, 2014.

In a matter of days, it will be exactly four years since Chibok girls were abducted.

Though some have regained freedom, the tears of parents of scores of children still held

by Boko Haram sect have not dried.

A parent of one the girls abducted four years ago, for example, who spoke in confidence with Aljazera, said rest would continue to elude her until she is informed that her daughter is dead or found.

Her words: “Tell the government to do all it can to ensure my girl comes back home. Everyday I cry but I still have hope that my daughter will return.’’ We are all endangered species”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of Joint Action Front (JAF) and Public Affairs commentator, Achike Chude, has warned that no one is insulated from the attacks of insurgents if some Nigerians can be abducted and killed.

Achike said injustice in a place is injustice everywhere.

The JAF Deputy Chairman added that no one can claim to be safe in a country where children are abducted and where lives of families are terminated abruptly.

He said, “We all belong to one humanity. There are certain things that should touch everybody. Every act of violence, injustice that is visited on a human being is something that should touch everyone. If it can happen in one part of this country, it can happen to other

parts of this country. If it can happen to a family, it can happen to other families. So what it means is that nobody is safe in this country. It is embarrassing that after 58 years of independence, we have descended this low. Beyond that, as a father, it makes you to begin to question the basis of your citizenship.’’

Achike berated the Federal Government for failing in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. He said it was crying shame that the nation witnessed another abduction of schoolgirls in Dapchi at a time it was almost four years that over 200 girls were abducted in Chibok under similar circumstances. The rights activist said it is a shouting evidence that the Nigerian state cannot protect its citizens.

He said, “If , as a citizen you are fulfilling your duties, you are law abiding, you pay your taxes, there is need for the state to do its part. To provide for the welfare of citizens and protecting citizens. And obviously, the Nigerian state has failed to secure the lives of the people of this country, and that is a shame. Going to four years now when Chibok girls incident happened, we are thinking that we have put that type of terrible tragedy behind us, only for it to happen again under similar circumstances. So it simply tells you that the Nigerian state as constituted today is incapable of protecting the citizens. Just a few days ago, it was reported that about 17 people were killed in a bank robbery in Offa in Kwara State.

“So what kind of country are we living in? A country where people are constantly living under fear is not a country to be proud of.”

On the planned amnesty for Boko Haram insurgents by the Federal Government, Achike had this to say: “ We cannot accept that a few people who carry guns in this country are free to do what they like at will.

They cause pain. Cause destruction of lives and property and go away scot-free. It is in this vein that I condemn in the strongest terms the attempt by the Federal Government to grant amnesty to a group of murderers who have shown complete disdain for the Nigerian state and contempt for the people of this country.

“How would you explain to the dead? How would you explain to children who were ripped from their mothers’

womb that the government without any basis decided to grant these people amnesty? It means that any group can carry arms whenever they want and lay siege on the Nigerian state because they know they will get away with it.’’

In her own opinion, President of Women Arise, Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, said victory cannot be declared against the deadly insurgents of the North East until Leah Sharibu, over 100 abducted Chibok girls and other women and children still being held

by Boko Haram elements are free. Odumakin told The Daily

Times that, “It will be a sad reminder to us that for four years, our nation has been unable to completely rescue the abducted Chibok girls, leaving over a hundred of them still being held in captivity by Boko Haram.

While battling with the terrible memories that the Chibok abduction has imposed on the parents, community and every Nigerian, who have spent the last four years demanding the rescue of the Chibok girls, another callous attack, very similar to the 2014 abduction, emerged.’’

She, however, commended the Federal Government for

its responsiveness when Dapchi school girls were abducted, but insisted that Leah Sharibu must be released from the grip of her abductors.

Hear her: “While I want to specially commend the responsiveness of the Federal Government, towards ensuring that the recently abducted Dapchi School girls were rescued, we cannot but quickly remind ourselves that one of the girls, Leah Sharibu, is still being held by the abductors, thereby undermining the efforts put into ensuring the safe return of the girls. This particular scenario, also reinforces Continued on page 6

President Buhari receiving Letter of Credence from Head of Delegation of European Union to Nigeria H.E. Ketil Iversen Karisen in State House on 5th April 2018.

SGF wants EFCC to take anti-graft war to public institutions Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Secretary to the Govern-

ment of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to devise mechanisms for tackling institutional corruption in public sector at the conception stage.

Mustapha gave the advice on Thursday when the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu and his Management Team paid a courtesy visit to the SGF in his office.

He urged the Commission to use advocacy campaigns to change the mind-sets of individuals, who worked in organizations

and regarded corrupt tendencies and practices as their preferred way of guaranteeing a secured post-service life.

The SGF expressed the hope that the completion and movement of the Commission to their new Head Office complex in Abuja would ensure better management of their investigation resources and personnel, and also, provide a more enabling environment for them to carry out their very daunting and challenging responsibilities.

He commended the officials for carrying out their duties with courage and patriotism, at great risks to their lives, noting that corruption in the country had become a hydra-headed monster because it had become very per-

vasive and culturally entrenched.

Mustapha noted that dealing with a problem that had become a culture required a lot of resolve on the part of the officials of the EFCC. He thanked the officials for wholeheartedly embracing President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate to kill corruption before it could kill the country.

He recalled that dismantling corruption in the country was the repeated pledge of Mr. President during his electioneering campaign.

The Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, had earlier briefed the SGF on the near completion of the Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja, and urged him to visit the complex.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

5 News

1,071 rescued from 160 crashes during Easter - FRSC Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ Following the just conclud-

ed 2018 Easter special patrol which lasted from Wednesday 28 March 2018 to Tuesday 3 April 2018, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded a total of 1,071 number of people rescued from a total of 160 crashes nationwide, with 1,150 people involved compared to 963 people involved in 2017.

The Corps revealed that there was a significant increase in the number of people rescued without injury during the 2018 Eas-

ter special patrol exercise which was given a wider coverage than previous years, when compared to the same period of Easter celebration in 2017.

The Corps Public Education Officer ,FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, stated that 431 people were rescued without injuries in 2017 Easter special patrol, while 543 were rescued during the 2018 Easter special patrol without injuries, which marks 26% improvement from 2017 record. However, he noted that the number of persons rescued with injuries in road traffic crashes during the 2018

Easter celebration period were 528 compared to 475 in 2017, and this marks an increase by 12%.

In the same vein, he mentioned that from the total number of 160 crashes, 38 were fatal crashes compared to 33 in 2017 which represents 15% increase; 94 were serious crashes compared to 89 in 2017 which represents 5.6% increase; and 28 were minor crashes compared to 25 in 2017 which represents 12% increase.

He added that of the 1,150 persons involved in road traffic crashes during the 2018 Easter

celebration period, 247 Vehicles were involved compared to 209 in 2017, and 79 persons lost their lives in 2018 compared to 57 in 2017. He gave the breakdown of vehicles involved in road traffic crashes across the nation as follows: 15 tanker/trailers, 42 trucks, 56 buses, 78 cars, 40 motorcycles, 8 Tricycles, 6 pickups, and 2 animals.

Reiterating the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Kazeem stated that the Corps now has a wider coverage due to the establishment of more FRSC Commands, Outposts, road side

(L-R) The Technical Committee Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso during the committee’s report presentation in Abuja...on Friday

Looters list: Secondus sues Lai Mohammed for defamation, demands N1.5bn damages Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The National Chairman of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has dragged the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to court for alleged defamation of character, following the inclusion of his name in the list of treasury looters.

Prince Secondus was alleged to have collected N200m from the former National Security Adviser NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki But Secondus had written to the minister through his lawyer, Mr Emeka Etiaba (SAN), seek-

ing the immediate retraction of his name on the list, payment of N1.5billion damages and public apology within 48 hours.

Should Lai Mohammad fail to meet the demands after 48 hours, the lawyer said , “ We shall within 72 hours from today, proceed to a court of competent jurisdiction to ventilate our clients right under the law and shall further seek the protection of the court against you” Having failed to meet the demand, the PDP national chairman on Frday, made good his threat and filed a suit at the Port Harcourt High Court in Rivers State, claiming among

other things that the court should award to him the sum of N1.5billion being “damages for humiliation, castigation, vilification attack on his person and integrity as a result of the publication”.

According to a statement from the PDP National Chairman’s media office signed by his spokesperson, Ike Abonyi, Secondus in the suit no/PHC/1013/2018 is also claiming that Lai Mohammad’s publication is defammatory and is asking the court to direct him to retract the said publication and apologize in writing.

He also requested Mohammed to publish the retraction

and apology in all the social media including but not limited to some newspapers;, the Nation, Thisday, The Sun, Guardian and Punch as well as on NTA and Channels Televisions channels among others where the defamatory story was published.

Secondus is also asking the court for “a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further publishing defamatory materials against him”.

The PDP national chairman also named the Attorney General of the Federation and the Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of the Nation Newspapers as co-defendants to the suit.

clinics and Zebra points who now feed in reports from different routes that were hitherto not thoroughly covered. He stressed that the increase in number of road crashes, increase in the number of persons involved, and increase in the number of persons killed is due to the reports that emanated from the new FRSC formations.

It will be recalled that Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi had earlier directed that the 2018 Easter special patrol to cover 39 corridors which includes but not limited to Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi; Mokwa-Birnin Yero-Zaria; Maiduguri-Biu-Numan-JalingoWukari; Lafia-Langtang-Pankshin-Jos; Abuja-Lokoja-Okene; Lokoja-Auchi-Benin; OnitshaNjaba-Owerri-Umuahia, IbadanOyo-Ogbomosho; and IbadanOgere-Shagamu.

In view of the directive of the Corps Marshal which is a move away from other years where the focus was on critical corridors, Kazeem noted that the Corps intensified its Patrol operations and Enlightenment campaigns by giving adequate coverage to all 39 routes across Nigeria.

Comparing the Corps’ records for the 2018 Easter special patrol with 2017, a total of 5,836 offenders were apprehended in 2018 compared to 7,361 in 2017; a total of 6,551 offences were recorded in 2018 compared to 8,896 in 2017; and a total of 3,085 impoundments were made compared to 3,500 in 2017.

The Corps also revealed that with respect to Mobile Court sittings that was spread across Nigeria during this period, a total of 337 persons were arraigned in 2018 Easter Special patrol compared to 399 persons in 2017; 318 offenders were convicted in 2018 compared to 379 in 2017; and 16 persons discharged and acquitted in 2018 compared to 17 in 2017.

Further to this, Kazeem disclosed that in 2018, enlightenment through Motor park rallies increased by 4.81% in 2018, and Radio Programmes increased by 25.78 in 2018.

Kazeem noted that the positive changes in the reduction of offences and offenders, impoundments, and arraignments captured above is attributable to increase in Public Enlightenment, Enforcement, Traffic control, cooperation from Stakeholders, and the fully automated process of obtaining Drivers licence which ensures that Motorists must be trained in Driving Schools before they are qualified to apply for their Licences.

6 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Dapchi/Chibok: The tears of Sharibu, other prisoners of hope Continued from page 4

the tendency of the Boko Haram elements to continue scaring away our children, particularly the girls in the northern part of the country, from showing interest and accessing basic education.’’

Odumakin said the attack on schools by insurgents was a calculated attempt to restrict access to education in the northern part of Nigeria.

She said: “As we speak,

we are already seeing the direct consequence of these attacks on schools , going by the number of children being enrolled for the Common Entrance Examination into secondary schools. We have seen as low as 28,30 and 50 in a whole state.

“This cannot just be described as an embarrassment to us as a nation, but also, it is an attack on our future, and the road to our development. “Only a generation that is educated

can build a society, and with the current trend, every patriotic Nigerian must be worried as to the real intent and purposes of these attacks on our schools.’’

But counter terrorism and organised crime expert, Mr. Sadeeq Shehu, suggested that there is need for President Muhammadu to reshuffle his cabinet.

He said: “PMB must change his cabinet and advisers, some of whom are clearly incompetent.

But the problem is that PMB has left it a bit too late with election less than a year, changing the cabinet now will affect his chances so he will probably only change them if several leave. As for the military, there is need for shake up but PMB was advised “not to change a winning team”.

On the roles schools can play to ensure that schools are safe for pupils, the former Director at the Nigerian Air Force had this to say: “Schools can

play a role by providing basic security and safety awareness training for children and staff, having in place emergency procedures protocols. This may not in itself stop

500 rice farmers benefit from CBN anchor borrowers scheme in Bayelsa Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏ

General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Ikenna Ikeme and the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Kaduna State, Madam Ladi Barnabas Banka during the launch of the MTN Foundation Yellow Heart Initiative in Kaduna

Govt restructures Project Clean Up Edo ÏÏÏ The

Edo State Government has announced a special environmental sanitation, slated for Saturday, April 7, to afford residents opportunity to clean up their surroundings and improve sanitation in the state.

The state has also repositioned the Project Clean up Edo Committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, Esq., as a taskforce to clean up the state.

In a statement signed by the SSG, Ogie Esq., the state government

said, “The special environmental sanitation will hold between 7 am to 10 am. Every person is expected to participate in the exercise by ensuring their surroundings are clean.”

Ogie added that during the exercise, sites where wastes have been accumulated in the state capital, are expected to be cleared, as waste managers will be mobilised to all zones in the city for easy waste management.

He said residents in the state are to ensure regular environmental sanitation around their

surroundings, noting, “the state government frowns at the situation where citizens have continued to disregard environmental laws on waste disposal and use of social amenities in the state.”

According to him, “The state government will not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of extant laws in prosecuting persons, who dispose of refuse indiscriminately in the state, as mobile courts have been established to prosecute offenders. Owners of uncompleted buildings and vacant lands are to clear

and keep such places free from weed and refuse.”

Noting that residents should participate in the exercise and report anyone attempting to scuttle the exercise to the relevant authorities, he said, “residents should report the existence of any nuisance to the Ministry of Environment, Project Clean Up Edo Committee or to the Waste Management Board for urgent attention. The state government is collaborating with local government councils across the state to ensure a cleaner Edo State.”

abduction, mind you, but reduce the effect if it happens and people wouldn’t be completely helpless and confused. I have some training on safe schools.’’

As part of efforts to empower small scale farmers in the country, no fewer than 500 rice farmers in Bayelsa State have received seedlings, fertilizers, spray machines and other rice farming inputs from the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Federal Government.

The input distribution was part of the flag-off ceremony for the first phase of the programme in the state for rice farmers at the Agricultural Development Programme office premises in Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa State Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Sir Ezekiel Ogbianko, who disclosed this during his speech at the flag-off ceremony, also stated that the association has already cleared about 20,000 large hectares of land across the eight Local Government areas of the state in order to flood the local markets with rice produce in the state.

While commending the Federal Government, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture for collaborating to ensure that programme kick off, Ogbianko said, “We as association and entire rice farmers in Bayelsa State are very sure of the impact this project will make on communities across the state, as jobs will be created massively to engage our youths and every available land will be used for profitable agricultural activities.”

The RIFAN Chairman explained that some of the items distributed were 1, 200 bags of fertilizers of various types, 400 tin of herbicides, sprayers

among others.

He said, “Right now, in the state, we have over 4, 000 farmers working on the 20, 000 hectares of land cleared for the dry-season rice faming; the farm sites are at Ondowari and Okpotuwari community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.”

He also stated that Otokpoti, Onuegbum, Otogori, Ebelebirir, Egbedi, Odi , Asamgbene, Ogboloma, Oweikorogha, Akede and Toru-Ebeni communities are areas that are ready for the dry and wet season farming in the state.

He also appealed to the state government for partnership in helping farmers in the state to clear more land for effective farming, noting that the cost of clearing farmlands in the South-south region can’t be compare to other regions in the country.

Ogbianko, stated that the best soil texture for planting rice in the country is the type that is seen in the state, adding that the project is a 50 years project that stand the test of time.

The Zonal Manager of Bank of Agriculture, Mrs Kogho Adesuwe, urged the farmers to make good use of the items and ensure that local rice flood the nation’s markets in no distance time.

She assured the farmers of her office support to help them succeed, while urging them not to take the federal government effort for granted.

The Head, Development Finance of CBN, Mr Oruyeigha Stanley, represented the apex bank.

Most of the farmers who benefited from the scheme commended the federal government and CBN for their efforts in boosting agriculture in the country

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

CAN disowns pastors who endorsed Buhari ÏÏÏThe

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disowned the group of northern Christian leaders who visited President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Thursday.

The group under the aegis of Arewa Pastors NonDenominational Initiative for Peace (APNIP) had expressed satisfaction with the performance of Buhari.

They also vowed to expose those working against the president within the fold.

In a statement on Friday, Adebayo Oladeji, spokesman of Samson Ayokunle, president of CAN, said his association does not recog-

nise APNIP. He said it was disappointing that those “who claimed to be Christians” could conduct themselves in such manner.

“The attention of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to a group of clergymen under the aegis of Arewa Pastors Peace Initiative, Nigeria (APPIN) who visited President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, to pledge their support to him and his government,” the statement read.

“The group went further to the extent of claiming to the president that they knew some pastors who

are being used by the opposition against his government. Claiming that Islamisation agenda is the idea of the opposition is the least expected of those who claim to be Christians in the country where Christians are becoming endangered species daily.

“CAN does not know any of them and their organisation is even alien to the association, and fortunately enough, they did not claim to be part of CAN. We are happy that the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN) has also disowned them.”

He wondered why they did not speak about Leah Sharibu and over 100

Chibok girls who are languishing in the captivity of the Boko Haram.

“We wonder why these supporters of our president, who claimed to be servants of God, would not ask him to stop the unending killings going on under his watch in the Christian predominant communities in the north central and some states in the south,” he said.

“They were so concerned with the 2019 election that they forgot to tell the president that the primary duty of any serious government is to provide security to the governed irrespective of their religious and ethnic affiliations.

L-R: Lagos State Cancer Control Coordinator, Dr. Abosede Wellington; Director Disease Control , Lagos state, Dr Dr. Erinosho Ashimiu Eniola and Executive Director, Dorcas Cancer Foundation, Dr Mrs. Adedayo Joseph during the seeking of partnership between the Foundation and the Lagos State Ministry of Health on ways to reduce the scourge of childhood cancer at Alausa Secretariat, Lagos...on Friday

7 News

Residents protest demolition of shrines, sacred trees in Ekiti

ÏÏÏHundreds

of custodians and worshippers of deities and shrines in Ado-Ekiti on Friday protested against the ongoing demolition of some sacred places in the Ekiti capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exercise took a new turn when some protesters engaged bulldozer operators in a bid to prevent further demolition after Thursday’s exercise.

NAN reports that the state government had earlier ignored an appeal by some concerned persons to stop the demolition of traditional sites.

On Thursday, some shops, houses and make-shift stores adjacent the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo, were pulled down.

Some residents told NAN that no fewer than 10 houses were brought down during the first day of the exercise on Thursday, while a total of seven tombs were marked for exhumation.

A witness, who pleaded for anonymity, told NAN that as at the close of work on Thursday, no fewer than four corpses have been exhumed, while the remaining ones were waiting to be exhumed.

The witness said things however took a new dimension on Friday upon the return of two bulldozers to the same area, pulling down structures located close to the two shrines and two sacred trees.

The names of the two shrines were given as “Ogun” and “Ejeye Oka Ere,” located within the premises of the Arowa of Ado-Ekiti’s court.

Other witnesses said ad-

herents of the deities prevented the bulldozers from pulling them down.

Armed security men were immediately drafted to the area, including the entrance to the palace of the Ewi, to prevent breakdown of law and order.

It was learnt that the protest eventually led to temporary suspension of work on the shrines.

A family member of one of the deceased whose corpse was exhumed, said the compensation which government claimed it paid did not cover the displacement of corpses or dismantling of shrines.

NAN recalls that the state government had, last month, claimed it had paid a total of N400m as compensation to people whose houses were demolished.

The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Tayelolu Otitoju, said the exercise did not affect Ado Ekiti alone, adding that more than 300 houses had so far been demolished under the exercise across the state.

He gave the names of the cities as Ado Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti, Efon Alaaye, Omuo Ekiti, Ise Ekiti, Emure Ekiti and Ijero Ekiti, among other major towns.

The commissioner explained that government embarked on the project to ease traffic congestion and adhere to government’s urban policy.

He also declared that government would not compensate owners of demolished houses that were built on waterways and setbacks, noting that such “recalci-

trant property owners” had been warned in the past.

A ghost has been hovering over the leadership of APC - Oyegun ÏÏÏJohn

Oyegun, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday said the recommendations of the panel set up to examine the tenure elongation of the national working committee (NWC) will “lay to rest the ghost that has been hovering over the leadership of APC”.

He said this while receiving the report of the committee from Simon Lalong,

governor of Plateau state, in Abuja.

The committee was saddled with the responsibility of examining the demands of President Muhammadu Buhari that the tenure extension of the party executives at states and federal levels be cancelled.

The president had explained that the extension was causing acrimony within the party, with some members not com-

fortable with the matter, dragging the party to court.

Earlier, Lalong urged the party leadership to painstakingly study the recommendations of the panel.

He said if the recommendations were accepted and implemented, the leadership logjam in the party would “become a thing of the past’’.

“The task appeared not easy when it was given to us, but with

God on our side and the very wide consultations we made, we accomplished it,” he said.

“This report has solved most of the problems that we were thinking was within the APC, that is to tell you that there is democracy in the party.”

He said in carrying out the assignment, the committee was guided by the party´s constitution and the 1999 constitution of

the country.

“The committee also looked at the minutes of the party´s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of February 27 where the decision to extend the OdigieOyegun-led NWC and other party executives by one year starting from June was taken,” he said.

“We also looked at the passion and the commitment of the President towards

keeping the party as one and at the end of the day, we made farreaching recommendations.

“We noticed that there were different interests, which is quite usual when you have a party like this, that is progressive.”

He added that the interests identified were genuine and that the committee was able “to marry” all interests for the party to move forward.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

BPE will not compromise on privatisation, assets management - DG Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Cast of Glo- sponsored Professor Johnbull, Abadnego (Martins Nebo); Flash (Stephen Odimgbe); Ufoma (Bimbo Akintola); the producer/Director, Tchidi Chikere; Professor Johnbull (Kanayo O Kanayo); Jumoke (Bidemi Kososko) and Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso) at the Professor Johnbull cast and crew hangout with fans held in Enugu... recently.

World Health Day: Obaseki harps on partnerships to attain Universal Health Coverage ÏÏÏGovernor

of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for increased collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector to attain universal health coverage, which will ensure that the people get the full spectrum of health service without incurring prohibitive costs.

The governor said this in commemoration of the World Health Day marked by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other organs of the United Nations every April 7.

The governor also noted that the state government intends to develop its sports sector to engage youths, create wealth and boost tourism, all of which are expected to impact positive-

…reiterates commitment to revamp state health, sports sector ly on the state’s economy.

On the World Health Day, Obaseki said the theme for this year’s commemoration: Universal Health Coverage: everyone, everywhere speaks to his administration’s resolve to ensure universal primary health insurance is available to Edo people, which he said, would ensure that the people have access and can afford basic healthcare services.

According to him, “In Edo State, we are committed to revamping the healthcare structures and our first focus is the primary health sector. For this, we have a plan to build and renovate about 500 primary

healthcare centres. We also intend to build three super general hospitals in each senatorial district of the state. This is to provide the people with the requisite care they deserve and ensure we do not shortchange anyone.

“But in delivering on this mandate, we would need the support and cooperation of every stakeholder in the sector. Without this, our efforts wouldn’t be felt by the people.”

Noting that the state already has a bill to provide for the primary healthcare insurance scheme in the state, he said, “Our commitment to primary healthcare will be actualized through

the instrumentality of the bill, which we hope will give our people the necessary access and other support structures to essential healthcare services.”

Meanwhile, the governor reiterated his commitment to sports development on the occasion of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, marked every April 6, by the United Nations.

Obaseki said sports help the people to forge ties even as it presents opportu-

nities for economic, social and cultural exchanges for societal harmony and development.

EU Parliament to partner with Edo to curb illegal migration ÏÏÏThe European Union

Parliament said on Friday in Benin that it would collaborate with the Edo State Government to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking in the state.

Chairman, SubCommittee on Human Rights, EU Parliament, Dr. Josef Weidenholzer, disclosed this when he led a delegation from the parliament on a courtesy visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Weidenholzer said helping the state to curb illegal migration would strengthen the existing ties between EU and Nigeria and would create a win-win situation for both

partners.

He said: “We want to improve the stable relationship the EU has with Nigeria and set up a common agenda in tackling trafficked migration, since the people are actually forced into the phenomenon.

“We are here to find a common solution because there is no point in just sharing the problem.

“I think we have to share the solutions.”

We i d e n h o l z e r commended the state government for the steps it had taken to curb the menace, saying the EU was ready to give the needed support.

He said: “It is a good

starting point on the part of the governor if he wants to create an enabling environment for people in the state to see a future.

“We are here to give him the support.

“Edo can become a model for a new relationship between Europe and Africa.”

In his response, Obaseki said the EU could help in investigating and getting intelligence reports on illegal migration from the state as well as in tracking and prosecuting human traffickers.

The governor said the EU could, more importantly, give hope and skills to young people being trafficked.

He said the state government had started tackling the menace but needed additional support for training the deported migrants in the state.

He said the state needed to give vocational training to between 3,000 and 5,000 youths in the state, who were returned from Libya by the Federal Government.

Obaseki said: “Where are the teachers?

“Where are the facilities?

“We need massive support and not necessarily cash but the skills and the knowledge.

“That way, we can give hope to young men and women that they are not useless to themselves.”

Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh has reiterated the resolve of the Bureau not to compromise on transparency and integrity in the sale and management of public assets in the country.

Speaking at the joint kickoff meeting of the transaction advisers for the privatisation of Afam Power Generation Plant and Yola Power Distribution Company on Wednesday in Abuja.

Okoh also said that the Bureau had raised the bar for privatisation transactions. He maintained that stakeholders would be carried along throughout the entire stages of the transactions.

He noted the criticism that trailed the initial privatisation of the power companies and said that the lessons learnt in the previous exercise would be applied to set a standard for the fresh transactions, adding that transparency and professionalism are key to all the Bureau’s transactions.

On the emergence of FBN Quest Consortium as the sole transaction adviser for Yola and Afam Power Companies, the DG said there was nothing untoward about it.

He said, “rather it is in furtherance of the Bureau’s stance on transparency because the Consortium participated in the two distinct bidding processes for the selection of transactions advisers and emerged as the preferred bidder for Yola Power Company and reserved bidder for Afam Power Com-

pany.”

He explained that when negotiations with the preferred bidder- Energy Markets & Rates Consortium (EMRC)for advisory services for Afam Power Company transaction fell through, the Bureau made recourse to the reserved bidder – FBN Quest in line with best practice.

While expressing confidence in FBN Quest’s ability to deliver on both transactions, the BPE boss pledged the Bureau’s support towards ensuring the success of the standards to be set in the fresh transactions.

In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director of FBN Quest Consortium, Mr. Taiwo Okeowo stated that the Consortium’s goal is to partner with BPE to set an improved standard in the course of the transactions and post-transaction activities.

To achieve this he said, a team of professionals cutting across technical experts, legal services, as well as financial experts were on board to execute the task.

It will be recalled that although Yola Distribution Company was successfully privatised and handed over to the core investor in 2013, a force majeure was declared in 2015 by the core investor citing insecurity in the NorthEast region of the country.

Following this, the company was duly repossessed by the Federal Government. The transaction for Afam Power Generation Company on the other hand fell through due to the delay in signing the Gas Supply Agreement (GSAA) and the Gas Transportation Agreement (GTA).

Bandits attack: Police recover 10 corpses in Benue communities ÏÏÏThe Benue State Po-

lice Command said it has recovered 10 corpses of villagers killed by suspected armed bandits in Tse-Audu and Enger villages in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Friday in Makurdi, the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, said the corpses were victims of the Thursday attacks on the villages.

Yamu said they had been found by the mobile police contingent deployed to Naka, the capital of the local government council.

He attributed the deaths to armed bandits, claiming that the police had in their routine surveillance also encountered the bandits.

He said: “Eight dead

bodies were found in the bush around Tse-Audu and Enger villages in Gwer West local government.

“This is in addition to the two bodies that were removed from the same area on the same day.”

The Police spokesman, however, assured residents of the communities of the safety of their lives, pointing out that a detachment of police team on counter insurgency had been deployed to the area.

Yamu also advised members of the public to promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies for immediate action.

Gwer West local government had in 2012 and 2014 witnessed several conflicts involving farmers and herders.

Politics

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

APC NWC tenure elongation was a scandal -Ojezua ≥≥10 & 11

Northern youths warn Obasanjo over attacks on Buhari≥≥12

We must be bold to say the President is wrong, when he is wrong -Kaigama Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The immediate past President of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has said Nigerians should be bold to say the President is wrong when he is wrong.

Kaigama stated this while interacting with our correspondent on the state of the Nation.

He said, “Why should a Nigerian not say the President is wrong in a decision he has taken that is not in the interest of the country.

“Why should a Nigerian not say we don’t feel safe because those who are meant to protect us have failed in their duty; why are Nigerians so afraid to voice their concerns in a democratic system of government.

“They are taking us back to the days of the Military where we have no opin-

KAIGAMA ion; so I am quit worried.

“When you say to leaders people are hungry they say no it is not true: when you tell leaders that people are not safe

they will disagree with you.

“I live in Jos where people are killed and butchered even in the presence of security and when you voice these opinions, you become an enemy of government.”

Kaigama who is also the Catholic Bishop of Jos said we are headed towards a cloudy future because people allow sentiments to rule their reasoning, which does not give room for objective analysis of issues.

“The moment someone voice an opinion that is critical of government, he starts receiving insults and accusations and they will try to frame you by calling you names.”

He said when there is any allegation on anyone, whether it is against religious leaders or political leaders, or the security, the people should try to be less sentimental and examine the issues deeply.

APC chieftain accuses Oyegun of causing rift between Buhari and Tinubu

BUHARI

ODIGIE-OYEGUN

TINUBU

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Bayelsa State, Perekeme Kpodo, on Thursday, April 5, 2018, has called for the immediate resignation of the party’s National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.

Kpodo, a former interim chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State, said Oyegun should leave the party’s exalted office for negligence of his duties and sowing seeds of discord among notable members of the party.

He told another newspaper that Oyegun could not manage the success of the APC, but instead promoted selfish agenda that threw the party into avoidable crisis.

He said: “Tinubu is one of those who masterminded the victory of the APC. He is the party’s think-tank. It is public knowledge. He spent money, struggled and did the brainwork with some of his associates and allies.

“President Muhammadu Buhari also joined the train with his political associates. Their hard work led to the formation of this party.

“With that force, they grabbed power coupled with the fact that people were tired of PDP because the party was deep into impunity and embezzlement of funds.

They were collecting money without hindrances and the former President aided

them.

“Everybody hoped on APC to change the impunity. APC came and won. However, the greatest mistake is the party chairman, Oyegun. He couldn’t manage the success of APC. He failed to handle the party the way it was expected of him. Oyegun went to sleep after the victory.

“He couldn’t engage party stakeholders.

He couldn’t wade into crisis and settle disputes quickly. He failed to organise meetings, seminars and other programmes to strengthen the party.

“With what has transpired so far, Oyegun spearheaded the attempts of sidelining Tinubu. Tinubu, who did all these good

jobs was sidelined from the government.

Nobody heard about him. People became surprised.

“Meanwhile Oyegun was the one trying to set confusion between Tinubu and Mr. President. He created an impression that they were quarreling.”

Kpodo, however, commended Buhari for speaking out against the “arbitrary tenure elongation” of Oyegun and bringing Tinubu to reconcile the grievances in APC. “We thank God that the President realised on time that we have to go back to the old structures. He called Tinubu back, realising that without him this party is finished,” he said.

9

CACOL seeks transparency in spending $1bn for military in war against insurgency The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), has expressed concern over the approval of the $1bn for purchase of military equipment by President Muhammadu Buhari as stated a recent interview with the Minister of Defense, Mansur DanAli at the end of the security chiefs’ meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The organisation has thus called for a detailed appraisal of the planned disbursement of the funds.

CACOL in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Debo Adeniran noted that the mainstay of the Buhariled government is hinged on fighting corruption and improving security in the country and it could be said that a lot has been achieved such as the notable gains represented in the release of the Dapchi Girls and the release of some of the previously captured Chibok Girls by Boko Haram insurgents.

“In spite of the imperative of funding the military and other security agencies, we hastens to charge the Federal Government on the manner with which the allocated funds are expended in terms of tracking every single dime to ensure that they are used for the purpose for which they are meant. The transparency and accountability of the processes must be impeccable and seen to be above board by best standards.

“The sordid experience in the recent past where the immediate past government diverted funds meant for the fight against insurgency to private pockets remain livid and fresh that such corrupt acts must not re-occur as this is totally unacceptable.

“We want to point out that while many are looking at the amount being released to the military, we still urge that there should be no price tag when dealing with matters concerning security of life and properties. Every Nigerian life matters and it is only fair that the government renders every assistance requisite to keeping this country in peace and harmony.

“Lastly, we state emphatically that the enduring solution to insurgency and other violent crises is the altering of the socioeconomic equation that has put a minute few in abundant undeserved wealth while the vast majority wallows in penury.

Why we must wrestle power from PDP in Delta – Obi The Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), has stated that it is ready to wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2019 elections in Delta State with a view to giving the citizens a new lease of life.

Chairman of PPA in Delta State, Chief Fred Obi made the assertion at the inauguration/swearing-in of Udu

Chapter Executive of the party in Udu Local Government Area of the state.

While noting that Delta State needed a new lease of life, Obi said the PDP had not helped matters for the many years it had been in power.

Obi said the people have not got the needed growth and development they yearned for.

Obi said the people will witness the

difference between the PDP and PPA when it finally takes over the reins of power in 2019.

He appealed to Udu people in particular, to enable it come to the seat of power so that the people can get the dividends of democracy.

Obi also charged the newly sworn-in executive led by John Ovedje to do their best to ensure that the party emerges

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

APC NWC tenure elongation was a scandal -Ojezua Anslem Ojezua, a lawyer, is the Edo State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC).

He recently spoke with some journalists on the controversy trailing the nullification of the tenure elongation of the APC National Working Committee

by President Muhammadu Buhari and other issues.

TITUS AKHIGBE was there for The Daily Times.

OJEZUA

What is your take on the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari reversing the position of the party’s NEC on tenure elongation of National Working Committee (NWC) led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun?

Well, I saw it as a welcome development.

Soon after the resolution of the Lagos APC who took a stand against tenure elongation about two weeks ago, I was interviewed by pressmen and I said I don’t believe tenure elongation took place in the meeting of NEC we went to, though it was true we voted in preference of tenure elongation.

But our attention was drawn even in the meeting as to the constitutional limitation. Our constitution does not recongnise such a development and when I made my response in that interview I did made the point that there will be need to tinker with the constitution in order that that tenure elongation or whatever contraption can take place. Even then I did not averse my mind to the position made by Mr President to the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which does not envisage that anybody can be in an office of a political party without election. So, that put an end of any prospect of any kind by anybody. There were some people who came to say they will remain in office as caretakers.

You see even if they refer to the PDP, there was no time a substantive officer was allowed to stay in office as a caretaker. But even then if we say we have come to whatever impunity and abuse PDP was doing, is this the way of doing it by perpetrating it.

So, I think in all ramifications Mr President was right, he saved the party from disgrace, because those of us who are members of the National Executive Committee, we who hold the party in trust for members of our party, for us to take such self serving decision, to say the very least, is scandalous.

It is selfish even it jeopardises the interest and existence of the party. Can you just imagine if any of our members were to go to court and nullified all the actions we had taken, perhaps after we have elected and nominated candidates and people have won elections, the court will now nullify everything. It will make our party completely ir-

For us to take such self serving decision, to say the very least, is scandalous. It is selfish even it jeopardises the interest and existence of the party. Can you just imagine if any of our members were to go to court and nullified all the actions we had taken, perhaps after we have elected and nominated candidates and people have won elections, the court will now nullify everything. It will make our party completely irrelevant in this nation and before you know we will be out of existence by reason of our own selfishness relevant in this nation and before you know we will be out of existence by reason of our own selfishness. So, I think the President’s intervention was timely; it was justified as I have said, it was legal, constitutional and above all, it was for the interest of the party.

How legal was the pronouncement of the President nullifying the resolution of NEC considering the fact that the constitution confers such power on NEC? The President did not nullify the action of NEC members, he only drew attention to the illegality involved in it. Has any of them showed you inside the constitution any section that empowers NEC to extend the tenure of any officer of the party, has any of them shown you that. The President in his own speech showed you the relevant sections and articles of the constitution of Nigeria. Any other person who is against it is not referring to anything. If you have done something that is illegal and somebody draws your attention to it, what is expected of any reasonable man to do is to take correction and take the right path and I believe that is what Mr President has done.

Don’t you think the action of the President will further worsen the leadership crisis currently tearing the party apart?

There is no leadership crisis in the party.

Any political party that does not have challenges, argument, contestations is not worth it’s name. Contestation and argument and everything, these are all natural in a political party, that is why you find there are provisions for dealing with these issues, particularly issue of discipline and then there are hierarchy, where there are issues that cannot be resolve at a level, they are taken to another level. So, we have internal mechanisms for disputes resolution.

That should not be an issue.

In-fact, fundamentally when we were coming to the office, what was the contract we had with our party members, is it not to be in office for four years? Why should anybody want to stay beyond a day. Is that not dishonorable, that is if we say we profess change, then we must act our part. We have done so well in our internal democratic practices before now, why destroy it now with selfish move, It does not make sense.

There are insinuations out there that the decision of the President was aimed at satisfying the desire of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, whom they claimed has been plotting to oust the party’s National Chairman, do you see it that way?

No, No, No. Although it was in consonance with Tinubu’s position, no doubt about that. I am not Tinubu for instance, I am not in support of it and I have no link with Tinubu and I also know quite a number of people who are not in support of it. Do you know the number of phone calls I have received even from people who are not members of APC, who have been terribly disappointed by this self serving decision we had attempted to take. It is not about Tinubu, if you know President Buhari you should know by now he is not for anybody.

Why do you say tenure elongation was self serving?

It was a decision made by NEC members for the benefit of NEC members. Anything you do that is not in consonance with your party cannot be said to be in the benefit of

your party. If it was in the interest of the party why were people so aggrieved and gone to court. That should send a message to the leadership of the party that something is wrong. One person, one member of the party is enough to go to court to correct an anomaly such as the issue of tenure elongation. I don’t think you people know the enormity of what is a-stake here. This is something that could have taken this party into a constitutional crisis and even threaten the party’s existence because of our selfish interest.

I don’t think its right; I think we should go back to the right path and do what the constitution says. What I had expected the National Working Committee to do as at January this year was to give us a program of activities which they did. I don’t know how this issue of tenure elongation came in by people who feel so insecure that they would rather perpetrate their own selfish interest over that of the party.

You were part of the decision to extend Oyegun’s tenure. Are you now regretting your action?

Yes, I saw the danger and the rot in it and I made public statement not in secret to the extent that we did not have the capacity to extend the tenure. And from what Mr President has said and from my own understanding of what I have read in the Nigeria constitution; having seen section 2-3; and it is very clear and unambiguous and it does not tolerate it. More the Vice President drew our attention to a case in Kano in the House of Representatives where we lost a seat by reason of this kind of contraption, where they set up caretaker committee, went ahead to nominate somebody for House of Representative, the matter went to court and Supreme Court reversed everything and we lost that seat. The Supreme Court said the court will no longer tolerate impunity on the part of political parties, that every political party must to make its own rules, is that not English language enough.

Is this the end of Chief John OdigieOyegun who has always alerted NigeriCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

11 Politics

2019 Elections: It will be suicidal for APC to underrate PDP - Hon. Akinlaja Hon. Joseph Akinlaja is the member representing Ondo East/ Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He is also a former Deputy President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as well as former General Secretary of NUPENG. In this interview he speaks on issues as they affect the country. PATRICK OKOHUE reports.

How will you react to the issue of killings by herdsmen, which has been a source of concern to many, what do you think is the solution?

It is sad that Nigeria is gradually being turned into a state of blood as a result of killings by the herdsmen, and clashes between farmers and herdsmen. From Benue to Taraba to Nasarawa, Zamfara and other places, including some places in the southern parts of the country, killings by the herdsmen has become a worrisome development. But we must find a way to provide a lasting solution because farmers who plant crops do so in order to reap profits, for them farming is a means of livelihood and also for the Fulani herdsmen, their cows must survive, they must graze, then what is the solution? The solution is for cattle owners to start building ranches. Cattle rearing is a big business, a big commercial venture, so those who are involved must be ready to spend money to

Ahead of preparations for the 2019 general elections, INEC has been registering new political parties, but some are of the opinion that the parties we have are too many, what’s your view on that?

I am also of the view that we have too many political parties. However, INEC should not be blamed for the registration of new political parties. INEC is just complying with the provision of the nation’s Electoral Act which stipulates certain criteria and conditions to be met by those wishing to float new political parties, and any group or association that met those criteria are bound to be registered by INEC. There is nothing anybody can do about the new parties, it is left for Nigerians to accept or reject them.

AKINLAJA secure their business, and the only way to do is for them to start building ranches as it is being done in other parts of the world. It is only here in Nigeria that cows have become kings of the road. They have become a big threat and nuisance to other road users.

Look at the pathetic case of that young promising Nigerian goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, his career was terminated abruptly when he had a life threatening accident

‘Tenure elongation was a scandal ‘ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

ans at every fora that some persons are after his job owing to his unflinching loyalty to Mr President?

I don’t think you people should personalise this with Oyegun. As far as I know the motion for tenure extension was moved by one of the state chairmen. It was not even moved by a National officer of which John Oyegun is the head, he could only be one of the beneficiaries, but I do not know if he is the one who initiated it. So, when you people keep saying Oyegun I think it is wrong, you can say National Working Committee which includes myself. When you personalise it, it is not right, if Chief Oyegun is thinking of siding with members of the National Working Committee and the President who is the leader of the party has drawn attention to the illegality of the Committee, I think Chief Oyegun now has the responsibility as the chairman of the party to provide that leadership, come back to the path of righteousness and do that which is needful.

What will guarantee Oyegun’s second term is the acceptance of the delegates of the people at the National Convention and I don’t see why not, because one of the things people will consider is whether he has done

well when he was there in these past four years or not. But right now we are talking about what is lawful, what is constitutional.

The issue of guarantee, there is nobody guaranteed any position, that is why we go to test every election even the President’s, at the end of four years. Do you envisage a situation where Mr President for one reason or the other would want to stay in office one day than the four years he has been elected for without going for an election.

You think is something you can accommodate in a democracy?

Crisis in APC, coupled with economic challenges. You still think the party has a chance come 2019?

The chance of the party is better than ever before. Which other political party has available alternative to what APC is doing in Nigeria today? Is it the one that has confessed its sins but has not given us reparation? If PDP had apologised they themselves have now admitted that they misled and abused this country. Even in Catholic Church when you go for forgiveness, you do penance and for me, penance for PDP would mean getting those who stole to return their money, anything short of that is not enough. Does that look like a party Nigerians can trust, first come, first

when some herds of cows ran into his car some years ago on a Lagos highway and thereby causing the young man to sustain serious spinal cord injuries. It was God that saved his life. The best way to avoid killings by herdsmen or prevent them from becoming a nuisance to farmers and road users is to build ranches for the cows. That is the modern practice, and through that way, there will be peace. Enough of blood letting.

criminals . So, our chances are brighter now more than ever before. If PDP were in power when we suffered recession only God knows what would have happened. Somalia would have been a child’s play.

Edo State chapter of the PDP recently sent a proposed Bill on anti grazing to the APC dominated State House of Assembly. What is your take?

Have you read it? Did you read that document? Don’t forget they were here for ten years. First of all I don’t accept that PDP exist in Edo State. They are what we call paper tigers, just to let people know they are still there, but they don’t exist. I told you I am not going to comment on a document that has not been processed. The House said they wrote them a letter and that they did not forward them a bill.

There are speculations that the former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is being tipped to replace Chief Oyegun as chairman.

How true?

I think the first thing now is that we need to bring our party on the path of democratic values and reposition the party both at the ward and state levels and then the issue of National officers would come later.

Some Nigerians are canvassing the idea of a third force to wrest power from PDP and APC, what is your reaction to that?

There is nothing wrong with a third force.

It is part of politics, and in politics political alignment is nothing strange. There is nothing wrong with it. It is part of political processes, but what I disagree with is the habit of some of our politicians who can’t tolerate the idea of being in opposition for a second.

There are some politicians the moment their party loses power you see them crosscarpeting to the new ruling political party.

That’s not genuine politics, but it is the popular politics played in this clime.

Look at a country like UK, there was a time the Labour Party was in opposition, for 18 years, and yet none of the party members left to join the then ruling Conservative Party, but in Nigeria that’s not the practice.

Look at the number of PDP members that have cross-carpeted to APC. Is that progressive politics?

It is sad that many people who profess to be politicians in Nigeria are just looking for what to eat, and that is why they are not principled and reliable, you only see them in places where their bread can be buttered.

This is what is pocketism, what can I get for my pocket, and not how best can I serve my people. Most of the so-called politicians in Nigeria don’t have principle – they lack political ideology.

How do you see the Coalition Movement for Nigeria being floated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo?

Apart from Obasanjo, I don’t know much yet about other characters that are part of the movement. Although Obasanjo’s voice is very strong, but I don’t know how he want to go about the whole thing. I don’t know how he wants to get the desired change he craves for Nigeria.

Why do I say this? Without having a political platform, it will be difficult to effect any change, and Obasanjo’s coalition movement is not a political party. If Obasanjo’s coalition movement doesn’t transform into a political platform or party , nothing will come out of its efforts.

Agreed Obasanjo is a very strong personality, without a political platform, there is nothing he can do or achieve regarding the change he claimed he desires for Nigeria. ********Of recent, there has been alignment and realignment of political forces with the promoters claiming that the main objective of what they are doing is to ensure

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

CO

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Northern youths warn Obasanjo over attacks on Buhari

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has lambasted former President, Olusegun Obasanjo for his attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari.

Obasanjo recently advised Nigerians not to re-elect Buhari in 2019.

But the group in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, on Friday, slammed the expresident for the comment.

“For quite some time, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has turned himself into a self-appointed messiah in the efforts to define the political and democratic future of this country.

“And the result of this meddlesomeness by the former President has been disastrous for the country,” the group said.

AYCF said that it is disgusting that the former President is still bent on interfering with Nigeria’s leadership problems created by people like him.

The group said that it has noticed that the former President has made it a duty to lampoon President Buhari at every given opportunity, in a desperate bid to portray himself as Nigeria’s democratic superman.

“Much as we are equally disappointed in the underperformance of President

OBASANJO Buhari, we are not blinded by the fact that Obasanjo has no moral high ground for his repeated attacks on Buhari.

“The current President may have his serious shortcomings, but he is still morally a better leader than Obasanjo.

“We challenge Obasanjo to tell us any of the current political and economic difficulties confronting the nation that are not connected to his meddlesomeness and manipulations. Let him exonerate himself from the current mess

YERIMA facing the country, if at all he can.

“It will no longer be acceptable for any old cargo to decide the fate of over 160 million Nigerians. We have had enough of these domineering old men in the democratic space and we are now saying it’s over,” it noted.

AYCF urged Nigerians of good conscience to ignore Obasanjo’s ranting and face the reality of this defining moment in the history of the nation.

“We have warned, whoever has ear, let him hear,” the statement concluded.

‘It will be suicidal for APC to underrate PDP’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

that Nigerians get an alternative to PDP and APC, but some are still of the opinion that there is no alternative yet to APC and PDP, what’s your take on this?

We should not just dismiss those people and groups involved in the ongoing alignment and realignment of forces with a wave of the hand. Nobody knows what can happen tomorrow. Before 2015 general elections when those groups that eventually crystalised into APC started meeting, some Nigerians didn’t take them serious but at the end of the day we all know what happened, how APC eventually defeated PDP. In politics, anything can happen. Nobody or group should be underrated. I don’t underrate anybody in politics.

The only group that I know that could have formidable political party if they are united is Nigerian workers. If Nigerian workers had been united, the Labour Party would have been a formidable party, but unfortunately the Nigerian workers even though have very strong structure, but the workers are not united.

How do you see PDP faring in 2019?

Like I said earlier, in politics anything can happen. Nobody should underrate PDP. PDP will bounce back in a very big way if we can get our acts right. We must however realise that PDP bouncing back will not be on a platter of gold. We have to work very hard. Again, everything will depend on how the party’s affairs is being steered by the national leadership of the party. For PDP to bounce back in a big way, it is going to be a collective effort, but surely it will be suicidal for APC to underrate PDP or write PDP off.

The reordering of 2019 general elections by the National Assembly has become a subject of debate and controversy with some Nigerians saying that the lawmakers action was targeted at some people especially President

Muhammadu Buhari, what’s your take on that?

There is nothing you do in this country that some people will not read meanings into it. What members of the National Assembly have done by reordering the 2019 general elections to start with the National Assembly elections was done in the best interest of democracy and Nigerians.

More so, this is not the first time that general elections will start with the National Assembly first. The fact that we reordered that elections should not start with the Presidential election first as it was done the last time in 2015 didn’t mean that our action is targeted at President Buhari or any other individual. Those saying that President Buhari is being targeted are being mischievous.

The question Nigerians should ask those saying that is whether APC lawmakers were not part of the decision, or is President Buhari no longer an APC member? What about Senate President, and the House Speaker, are they not APC members like President Buhari?

National Assembly members in their own wisdom have decided that National Assembly elections should come first, and this is the consensus by all members and our decision was taken in national interests, Nigerians should ignore those people reading meaning into our actions. As lawmakers, we are patriots and in whatever we do, Nigeria comes first.

You are a former Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and also former Secretary-General, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Union (NUPENG), what is your reaction to the perennial fuel crisis in the country?

It is a big shame that Nigeria as an oil producing nation is having this problem.

Our hope is that things will be sorted out very soon. The National Assembly and other stakeholders have also intervened, and

we are taking measures that we hope will resolve the problem once and for all. There is a lot of confusion in the oil industry, and this is why the sector needs to be sanitised.

Successive governments have been spending a lot of money on Turn Around Maintenance, TAM of our refineries, yet there have been no tangible result, as we still continue to have fuel crisis every now and then. Our refineries need to be operating at maximum level, but sadly it is still far from that. It is unfair, very unfair for Nigerians to be suffering from perennial fuel crisis when they are aware that their nation is an oil producing country.

For those who are saying that President Buhari should relinquish the Petroleum Ministry portfolio, I don’t think that will solve the problem. When Obasanjo was in office, he also made himself Minister for Petroleum, but the problem was still there throughout his tenure.

On the clamour for Restructuring, APC has finally agreed to it, but some Nigerians are being skeptical about APC’s promise, what is your reaction to that?

For those doubting APC, certainly, they have their reasons. But one of the reasons which I know that is making some Nigerians to doubt APC’s sincerity is that until now, APC has expressed reservations about restructuring, and actually opposed it, and this is why some Nigerians seemed to be baffled by APC’s sudden u-turn on the issue.

But my own take is that if eventually APC is promising to carry out restructuring, let it do it now. APC is the party in power and if it wants it done it can do it.

Again if APC wants to do restructuring, they should do it now, they should do it before the 2019 general elections, otherwise APC’s promise will be seen as an election gimmick. Some people actually believe that APC‘s new promise on restructuring is an election gimmick.

Oyo lawmaker charges surveyors on ethical practice A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Housing and Survey, Hon Peter Oyetunji, representing Surulere/Ogo Oluwa state constituency, has cautioned surveyors in the country against unethical practice, warning that unprofessional conduct is inimical to national development.

He gave the charge at the swearing-in ceremony of new executive members of Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPS), Oyo State chapter, a sub-unit of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), held at NIS Plaza, Ikolaba, Ibadan on Friday.

Oyetunji, who is the immediate past chairman of APPS in the state, stated: “As practitioners in the survey profession, I plead with all of us to always follow the ethics of our profession.

Let us contribute our own quota to the physical development of our environment.”

He encouraged the new executive members under the chairmanship of Chief Ademola Oguntade to maintain open door system, be focused, initiate fresh ideas and make honesty, transparency and accountability their guiding principles.

The new chairman, Oguntade, in his acceptance speech, said the first agenda of his administration “is to create an online banking payment system, of which the project has been handed over to an expert with a promise that it would be in use in the next one month.

He said, “Secondly, this administration will establish a Surveyors’ Estate in which I have contacted some experts on it and a committee will be set up immediately for actualisation of this Surveyors’ Estate.

“This administration plans to visit the Director of Bureau of Physical Planning for enforcement of record copy survey for the approval of building plan and with the effort of our outgoing APPSN chairman at the Oyo State House of Assembly for enforcement of the law.”

The NIS chairman in the state, Prince Aderemi Kobiowu, commended Oyetunji and his team for using their tenure to revert for surveyors the record copy bill, which has elevated the survey profession in the state.

Alhaji B.B. Ajibade, the immediate past secretary of AAPPS, emphasised the importance of unity in the association, saying: “Our coming together will take us far in moving the profession to the next level in terms of practice and welfare of members by identifying the factors that weaken our practice and fashioning adequate solutions, thereby developing strategies that will strengthen our future. This should include honest service to the public.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

13 News

Ekiti 2018: Defections may mar our chances, Olujimi warns PDP ÏÏÏA

former deputy governor of Ekiti State and Senate’s Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has expressed worries over the defections and resignation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in the state and warned that this might hurt the party’s chances in the coming election.

Chief Olujimi, who cur-

rently represents Ekiti South in the Senate, said on Thursday at Ikere-Ekiti after inaugurating some constituency projects, said the seeming aloofness of the leadership of the party to the development was not helpful to the PDP in the state.

Olujimi, a governorship aspirant in the July election, said: “It is worrisome that we are losing our prominent members.

Former Deputy Governors Lawal and Omoyeni are major stakeholders in our party. They worked hard in the last election of 2014 for the enthronement of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s government.

“But I am a fighter.

I will fight on until the right things are done in the PDP. The Senator David Mark-led reconciliation committee set up to look into Ekiti issue has

given us its words that the primary will be free and fair. The leadership itself didn’t want their names soiled over Ekiti issue.

“Our national leaders promised to be up and doing. They should note that five aspirants are fighting for a ticket and a situation where you will tie the hands of four of them backwards and leave one untied and expect us to fight on, this is injustice

and it is against the spirit of our party’s constitution.

“All the governorship aspirants in the party are working together to ensure that we rescue our party. To allay the fears that no one can rig the primary, the statutory delegate list has been given to us from Abuja. It is available because it is our property.

“PDP leaders won’t want to go through pains and throes of litigations witnessed in the past. So let them come back and I want to allay their fears that the primary will be

free, fair and credible.”

She said she would personally reach out to the defectors to woo them back to the party, and expressed the hope that all the crises in the party would be resolved amicably for the PDP to approach the election as a united family.

Speaking on the projects, Olujimi said the projects commissioned were: road, drainages, solar light for erosion control in some towns, saying she has included the KabbaOmuo-Ifaki and Ado-IfakiOtun roads in the 2018 budgets for reconstruction.

Nigeria has bright future, says Osinbajo ÏÏÏFor

L-R: Acting Coordinator, Ogun State, World Health Organization, Dr. Gloria Archibong; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Ogun State, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro; Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye; and Representative, Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa, Dr. Omotayo Omoteso at a press conference to commemorate the 2018 World Health day in Abeokuta.

Organisation holds free medical training for rural women ÏÏÏIn

a bid to make life better for rural dwellers, especially the market women, a non-governmental organisation known as Rosy Touch Initiatives for Development in conjunction with Friends of Humanity has given free medical training to some market women in Oyo town.

The event which took place at the popular Sabo market in Oyo, recorded another milestone in the history of

the town when the NGO stormed the market to host an outreach that focused on improved health and medicine for the market women.

In his own speech, the chief speaker of the event, Chief Lasisi Ojo of Ifa Heritage Institute, advises the women to take cognizance of their health, in order to observe any changes in their wellbeing before escalating into a big health challenge.

He also had an inter-

active lecture with the women on common endemic disease and how to maintain a good daily hood hygiene.

Medical materials and preventive equipment against hazardous infections were however given to the women to protect themselves against diseases.

Also speaking at the event, the president of the Rosy Touch Initiatives for Development, Mr Adeleke Hattrick also disclosed to the women that everything

created by God has its function and as such, they should make use of different herbs available for them for their protection.

The market women and the beneficiaries of the health materials, however, express their gratification to the leadership of Rosy Touch Initiatives and as well Friends of Humanity, especially Graziella Zanolleti for her numerous humanitarian activities across the globe.

the umpteenth time, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday said Nigeria has a bright future, irrespective of her current challenges.

Osinbajo stated this in Ibadan where he attended the 2018 Great Pastors Conference, organized by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

He urged Nigerians to assist leaders and the administration with prayers, saying the country would soon be one of the greatest countries in the world.

On the outcome of the conference, the vice president said it was a family meeting where pastoral and national issues were discussed.

According to him, issues on restructuring and security are among what the pastors deliberated upon at the conference.

He said pastors felt that state police was one of those ideas that could further enhance the security of lives and property in the country.

He added that the idea for state police and for states to control their resources was good but opined that states should

be able to generate more income.

“State governments should make sure that taxes are paid, look at other ways Internally Generated Revenue can be improved and sustained, as well as exercise greater freedom with respect to various aspects of the economy,” he advised.

The Chairman of PFN in Oyo State, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun assured the present administration of support through fervent prayers.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to aggressively look into the issues of security and other challenges facing the nation.

Adelakun, who is the presiding bishop of Victory International Church, cautioned government against the idea of borrowing to finance the nation’s economy.

Dignitaries at the conference were Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Deputy, Mr. Michael Adeyemo.

Others were Kayode Abiara, Rev Abayomi Kasali, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Bishop Stephen Kehinde, among others.

We’ll sue Buhari if he doesn’t seek re-election - Ganduje ÏÏÏGovernor

Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will be sued if he does not seek re-election in 2019.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ganduje said all the governors elected on the platform of the All Progres-

sives Congress (APC) want Buhari to continue in office.

The governor explained that there is nothing wrong in the president seeking a “constitutional second term”.

“APC governors want Mr. President to continue. I am happy that it is not the presi-

dent that said he wants to continue, it is the people that are saying continue but Mr. President has not made up his mind yet,” he said.

“When he came to Kano, I told him that any time he decides not to contest, we will take him to court. Kano state

government will take him to court any time he decides not to contest. So we are waiting for him.

“In this country, we saw presidents who spent billions of naira for third term, so what is the ruse about a constitutional second term? Some people

spent billions of naira in order to go for third term.”

The governor said he was part of those who kicked against the tenure extension of John Oyegun, national chairman of the APC, and other party executives because it is against the party’s constitu-

tion.

“So for those who thought they would be able to continue, we said no and so I think Mr. President finally hit the nail on the head, by saying that he is not in favour of any tenure elongation,” Ganduje said.

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Holistic way to solve nation’s security challenges

“

Gbemiga Olakunle

Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war” – Psalm 67:30, KJV. Even though no society can be said to be free of certain bad elements and security challenges that may be peculiar to it depending on the level of overall development of such a society, the ones that are bothering us in Nigeria seem to be self – inflicted through well organized criminal or ethic gangs that seem to defer solutions. They seem to defer solutions because in the last 2 weeks or so, President Muhammed Buhari has taken it upon himself to personally visit the hotspots in Taraba, Plateau and Benue states with a view to hold peace – parleys with all the stakeholders on ground. But despite these Presidential peace – moves and visits, as of Monday, March 12, 2018, additional 25 people had been killed in Hundu village, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, according to Channels Television reports. The attacks took place less than 2 weeks after Mr. President’s visits to Taraba and Plateau States which the main opposition party –People Democratic Party (PDP) has tagged as another form of political rallies instead of condolence visits.

Much earlier, the national dailies and other news – media had reported other episodes of orgies of violence that took place in Benue, Plateau and Borno states where 30 people were reportedly killed in the attacks. Narrating these gory incidents, the DAILY SUN edition of Wednesday march 7, 2018, page 6 opened its lead story for the day with the following paragraphs: “It is another season of wailing and weeping in Benue, Plateau and Borno States as three separate attacks by

suspected herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents sent at least 30 persons to their untimely graves.

“Worse hit is Benue where 24 people including children, women and the aged were killed in Omusu – Edumoga, Okpokuru Local Government Area. The incident came barely a month after the remains of 73 persons killed in a midnight bloody attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Gume and Logo Local Government Areas were given mass burial on a site at the industrial Layout along Naka Road in the States Capital. Those killed in the latest mayhem included Eric Attah and his wife, a septuagenarian – Pa Innocent Itodo, an 11 years old schoolgirl and another 60- year old woman, Mrs. Catherin Abah, among others.

Godwin Igochewas also said to have lost his wife and two children while another lost his two wives…’’

According to Channel reports of Tuesday March 13, 2018, about 1.7 million Nigerians have lost their homes since these mindless conflicts/madness began especially in the North – East and the Middle Belt parts of the country.It should be recalled that the concerned security issues began as localized skirmishes and fracas but due to the actions and inactions of our politicians and their inability to act divisively with a view to nib these security challenges in the buds, they allowed these issues to fester on until they become national phenomenon occupying the unenviable 1st and 2nd positions on the list of security issues that are threatening our corporate existence as an entity and thus constituting serious headaches to our security agents. Some of these decisive actions might not be taken due to certain vested interests on the part of our political leaders and so some of these challenges may be arising from matters that may be related to bad governance.

The nation may not be lacking in a

well – organized security network to secure the lives and the properties of the residents of this great nation, but certain policies and pronouncements of certain government officials may indirectly be aiding and abetting some criminal activities in the country. For an instance, according to another news report credited to the Channels Television, the Inspector – General of Police (IGP) was reported as allegedly saying on the television that the Police might not arrest suspected herdsmen that are being accused of murder/ genocide and willful damage of properties across the country, until certain areas are designated as the Cattle’s Grazing Reserves. And within 2 weeks of these alleged pronouncements, not less than two attacks were linked to these suspected herdsmen. Although the Police later abandoned this hard line posture of its unpreparedness to arrest and prosecute suspected killer – herdsmen, the damage has already been done.

As a way of getting to the roots of these identified security challenges confronting us as a nation, there is the need for sincerity of purpose and political will to be displayed by our political leaders especially from the highest level of governance. Apart from the fact that the Military needs to reorganize its internal operations for a more cohesive and well – integrated force, there is the need to review cases of sensitive Command and Staff postings that seem to tilt in favour of a particular section of the country where a particular religion is also dominant.

Unless our security agents are re – orientated to see the whole nation as their Cognate Areas of Responsibility (CAOR) where every citizens’ rights should be protected and guarded irrespective of their ethnicity and religion, the lock jam surrounding our national security challenges may remain unresolved. And for our Security Agents to discharge their consti-

tutional duties faithfully, they may be watching out for the body – languages and unspoken signals being transmitted by the political leaders. In other words, the duration of any security challenge maybe at the whims and caprices of our politicians. Succinctly speaking, without playing gallery, if the Federal Government wants to put a final stop to the Fulani herdsmen/ Crop – farmers conflicts, they know what to do – part of which has already been mentioned above.

On this note, we should remind ourselves of the fact that our GOD abhors and detests shedding of innocent blood under whatever guise.

There is no doubt that the geographical entity called Nigeria with its land is being polluted everyday through the unrestrained and unwarranted shedding of innocent blood. And here are God’s injunctions concerning those who are guilty of this offence: “whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of GOD made He man” (Genesis 9:6, KJV). Another scripture in the same vain declares: ‘’… thou, o God, shall bring them down into the pit of destruction, bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days….. (Psalm 55:6,KJV). And in putting a seal to this divine verdict on those that are polluting this great country with human blood through their criminal activities, yet another scripture states that: “A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit, let no man stay (prevent) him” (Proverbs 28:17, KJV). This same verdict applies to those who may be aiding and abetting these criminals – those who derive pleasure in the shedding of innocent blood in this nation.

Gbemiga Olakunle, JP is General Secretary, National Prayer Movement, gbemigaolakunle@ yahoo.co.uk, gbemigaolakunle. blogspot.com, Abuja.

Liberating LGs from control of state governments

T

Subair Mohammed

he 1976 Local Government reform by the military government had clearly spelt out the duties of local government administrations in the country.

This the reform identified as governing at the local level through representative council, established by law to implement specific powers within defined areas.

That Local government is adjudged the closest to the grass root implies bringing forth dividends of democracy in terms of provisions of social amenities and good governance to the remotest part of the community.

But in spite of its closeness, little or nothing has been seen to be done by local government administrations through the country to their respective communities in the area of developmental projects and good governance to the locals.

The fact which brings to the fore the reality that the third tiers of government is faced with problems of relevance and absolute dependence on the state government for its survival.

But as some states of the federation recently walked to the poll to elect council chairmen into the various local government councils in state, in the face of yet-to-be-granted administrative and financial autonomy to Local government in the country, how impactful the newly elected chairmen would be in the area of service delivery remains a question begging for an answer.

Although, local government administrations in most part of the states are marred with self-service and endless jamborees by party affiliates and politicians, but there is no denying their proactive nature, impact and closeness of council administration on the lives of the locals.

However, talk of capacity building and empowerment programmes for

the locals, local councils are unequal.

In spite of the financial constraint confronting local government administrations, bearing in mind the fears, needs and aspirations of members of the community, they see the need in catering for the community needs.

Maybe it is needless to say that in the area of economic empowerment, I have witnessed many of such gatherings in some local government councils within the South west region where items such as tricycles, pepper grinding and sewing machines, educational materials and other home appliances including cash donations to those with health challenges are presented to the needy.

The functions of Local government council according to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amongst other functions include assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates; construction and maintenance of roads, streets, street lightings, parks, gardens ... or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by the House of Assembly of a state; control and regulation of out-door advertising and hoarding, restaurants, bakeries and other places for sale of food to the public.

Of late, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state launched the rehabilitation of 114 roads in the 20 local government councils and the 37 LCDAs in the state. However, it is worthy of mention that some of these roads are back street roads whose maintenance ought to lie with the council but are now being managed and maintained by the state government.

Just as drainages, streets and parks maintenance and many other functions of local councils are being taken over by men of Lagos state government agencies.

As laudable as these functions as assigned to local councils by the con-

stitution are, there is no mincing word that local government councils are denied the political and administrative independence to act in accordance to it.

Under a democracy, local government council representatives are elected into office for a fixed period of time. But it is unfortunate that in spite of their elective status and right to a fixed term of office, council chairmen can hardly exercise administrative and political independence which found expression in their inability to embark on capital projects.

This is not surprising because many of these council chairmen in their journey to the position rode on the back of political godfathers and the sitting governors to actualise their dreams while in exchange for the position, they make a rubber stamp out of them by taking control of government apparatus and the finances of the council.

On the financial autonomy of local government council, the constitution is not silent as section 162 subsection 6 of it clearly states that “each state and local government shall maintain a special account called the State Joint Local Government Account into which shall be paid allocation to the local government councils of the state from federation account and from the government of the state”.

According to the above section of the constitution, allocations to the local government councils are paid into the state joint local government account for onward transmission to the local government.

Again, using Lagos state as a case study, before the creation of an additional 37 Local Council Development Areas in 2003 by the former Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos state, Lagos state had 20 local government councils which was recognised and funded from the federation account.

However, the creation of these

LCDAs rather than simplified governance and promote development, it retarded developmental process and cause a strain in the finances of the pre-existing 20 local councils for the survival of the newly created LCDAs. For the avoidance of doubt, the existence of local government councils is very vital not only to the accomplishment of the mega city status Lagos state is aspiring for but for also an increased political participation and community development.

Therefore, if the 774 local councils in the country are adequately funded and allowed to operate according to the dreams and objectives of each of the council head without the interference by the state, the challenges of bad roads, poor community electrification, lack of potable water, lack of social amenities and poverty could be solved.

Also, to further entrench democratic principles in the country and at the grass root, local government councils as the third tier of government should be given both financial and administrative independence to be able to impact on their immediate environment but with a check on their excesses through the Ministry of Local government affairs in each state of the federation being free to administrate and appropriate the finances of the council should not be seen as an opportunity to embezzle public funds.

Lastly, Lagos state government and other states of the federation should create an avenue whereby council administrations would be seen by all to be working and not operate a shadow government.

The 774 local government councils in the country need to be independent both in administration and finance.

It is only with this that democracy and grass root participation could be meaningful.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

15 Column

Between Buhari, Ayu, Tinubu and South-West

Times Columnist FEMI ODERE

‘

Ayu should have provided his southern progressive colleagues with the reason(s) why the political atmosphere in the core north have not been conducive enough to nurture a vibrant progressive class in view of the regions’ glaring developmental challenges that can only be obliterated by progressive policies and liberal politics when the Southwest has since produced another formidable generation of relatively young, brilliant, and upwardly mobile New Left as exemplified by the Osinbajos, Fasholas, Fayemis, Aregbesolas whose models of social reengineering can be replicated anywhere in the world, and their technocratic subalterns in the federal bureaucracy that are changing the country’s fortunes for the better.

’

“

I talked to my friend, Tinubu, we are very close. I told him that we need to develop the progressive party in Nigeria. He didn’t believe me, he preferred to go and link up with the most right wing group in the North. And that right wing group was headed by Buhari in the name of CPC… I have known Gen. Buhari when he was the military Head of State. I was a university lecturer then. I know the tyranny that was visited on this country. I warned Tinubu that he will regret bringing Buhari and imposing him on the party. I believe he is regretting silently without telling Nigerians. But more is to be expected.

I am sorry to say that if Buhari is reelected in 2019, it will not only consume Tinubu, it will consume so many other people. It may even lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.” ----- a statement made by Iyorchia Ayu, Third Republic Senate President, during an interview he granted The Sun newspaper.

Like Festus Adedayo, my good and very brainy aburo and an ace columnist with The Tribune newspaper had warned his readers in a piece entitled “Tinubu and Iyorchia Ayu’s Prophecy” which, I must say, inspired this write-up that he “ordinarily do not take Third World, especially Nigerian, politicians seriously,” I also do not put stock in Nigeria’s politicians (except for a very few) largely because they are nitwits who are not only bereft of what politics must produce for society, but are criminals in every sense of the word. As indicated, the epigraph above was a statement by Mr. Iyorchia Ayu, a seasoned politician that made its rounds on several social media platforms before Adedayo intervened.

I had ignored the statement because I thought it was one of those fake pronouncements concocted by someone with mischievous intent in stirring some needless controversy. My urge to ignore was even stronger when I realised that the statement had no source ascribed to it when I first ran into it.

More importantly, I get easily irritated when a politician whose chequered and unenviable past is so glaring even to the blind suddenly start to make pronouncements that look so appealing and innocent on the surface like, for instance, former President Jonathan on a lecture circuit on how to fight corruption. What I had dismissed as inconsequential suddenly became important that needed further interrogation not only because Adedayo had devoted a considerable segment of his weekly column to it, but his own interpretation of the statement as it relates to President Muhammadu Buhari visà-vis its implication for the Southwest through Asiwaju Tinubu’s political engagement with the so-called most “right wing” elements of the north allegedly spearheaded by the president.

This piece is not necessarily a rejoinder to the column under reference, but an attempt should be made here to bring into the fore what Adedayo may have missed or probably decided to ignore in his dissection of Ayu’s beatification while my own dissection will be restricted to the contents of the epigraph above. Where Adedayo did not see “raw chaffs of self as motive for the interview” after “weeks of dissection and pondering” I saw not only some underhand scare tactics being deployed

President Buhari (left) and Tinubu against the Southwest specifically targeted for 2019 should Buhari seek reelection, but an insidious setting up the stage----through Tinubu----on which the geo-political zone would be blamed for whatever shortcomings history may have in store for Buhari and his administration by the likes of Ayu. His vituperation against the president also falls on similar patterns of condemnations from those political gladiators who’re so accustomed to power that they never thought for a second that it could be lost in their lifetime, let alone to Buhari whom they’re morbidly afraid of because they never can predict to what extent he would go to expose the stench in their underbellies.

If Ayu’s statement above must be subjected to critical thinking and content analysis as Adedayo apparently did, one cannot help but conclude that it harbours nothing but half-truth, conjecture, falsehood, speculation and everything in-between as we shall see presently.

While Ayu’s expressed friendship with Tinubu and their closeness thereof was probably a carefully calibrated intro to authenticate and lend credence to his subsequent claims, the fact that he seemed to have been disappointed with Asiwaju because he did not believe him when he was told that they should “develop the progressive party in Nigeria” probably speaks to Ayu’s progressive credentials that may not be as genuine as he tried to make us believe. Asiwaju probably saw through him. Ayu may still not believe that actions, as they say, speaks louder than words as his records has shown that he could not be trusted not only because of his flippancy in the nation’s progressive fold, but also the ease with which he cavorted in the past with Nigeria’s reactionary elements that subsequently earned him such a rare privilege of possessing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to Dasuki’s “ATM machine” from where he also ‘obtained’ substantially. It is therefore patently hypocritical of Ayu to have proclaimed his commitment and adherence to the progressive cause when he was (and probably is) an active participant in a political party that seeks to subvert, if not obliterate the very political tendency to which he claims commitment. If Ayu is a committed progressive, one wonders the ideological column that someone like Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo, his fellow Tiv would fall under.

While there may be little to dispute in Ayu’s characterisation that the dominant political tendency in the Buhari administration is the “right wing” of the far north geo-political zones, what must also not be allowed to pass unsaid is that the president represents the progressive faction of this northern “right wing” as demonstrated by many of the progressive policies of his administration, some of which are quite novel, if even these policies must be measured by the time-tested yardstick left by the progenitor of the region’s progressive politics, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Ayu’s character-

ization of the north as being in the “right wing” of the political spectrum was nothing but a political statement meant to have some negative effects in the Southwest. The Southwest progressives were quite aware of the fact that the north has really not made any pretence about its conservative political path which Ayu himself has been a loyal accomplice, if not at least an honorary member before they engaged the regions in an historical alliance to rescue a nation on the verge of collapse.

Therefore, they do not need Ayu’s lecture about the political predilection of the north.

As a member of the northern political establishment and a progressive that he claims to be, perhaps Ayu should have provided his southern progressive colleagues with the reason(s) why the political atmosphere in the core north have not been conducive enough to nurture a vibrant progressive class in view of the regions’ glaring developmental challenges that can only be obliterated by progressive policies and liberal politics when the Southwest has since produced another formidable generation of relatively young, brilliant, and upwardly mobile New Left as exemplified by the Osinbajos, Fasholas, Fayemis, Aregbesolas whose models of social re-engineering can be replicated anywhere in the world, and their technocratic subalterns in the federal bureaucracy that are changing the country’s fortunes for the better.

That the “right wing” in the arid north even in Nigeria’s post-bellum, still commands a significant leverage in the nation’s political scheme of things may not be the overarching concern. What’s probably perplexing is the inability of the new left in this political partnership to find like minds from among their generation in the north with whom they have shared values and governance ethics---safe Buhari, paradoxically----so that a new, serious and sustainable political paradigm can be effected within a short spate of time. Those that the Southwest thought has progressive inclinations, if not the mindset from the core north----and, therefore, could do the governance business with have turned out to be very disappointing in view of their stance on federalism, state police and restructuring, among other things. Since the Third Republic Senate President seems to be far too enmeshed in partisan politics to make this observation, one would have thought that Adedayo should have come to his rescue in finding plausible answers to these posers rather than to have seized the opportunity to, once again, drive another put-down into the president’s persona that “Buhari is a cold-calculating power-seeker who equally possesses the ruthlessness of Hannibal, the Carthaginian General.”

With this unfortunate characterization Josef Stalin would be green with envy in Lenin’s Mausoleum.

It is also important that Ayu’s assertion that he “warned Tinubu that he will regret bringing Buhari and im-

posing him on the party” be corrected.

While a former university lecturer can hardly be accused of not having the presence of mind to know that words have meaning, why Ayu seems to believe that Buhari was imposed by Tinubu on the All Progressives Party (APC) is beyond comprehension. Buhari was not imposed by Tinubu or anyone for that matter. I submit. It would be recalled that Buhari contested with four other aspirants namely; Alhaji Atiku Abubakah, Rabi’u Musa Kwakwanso, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Sam Ndah- Isaiah in a presidential primary adjudged as the most transparent, free and fair in Nigeria’s democratic experience. Atiku Abubakah ordinarily could have won the presidential primary as he was credibly reported to have spent money as if it was going out of fashion. Yet, the former vice president finished a distant third. Where then was Tinubu’s “imposition” in that October 2014 presidential primary?

Since clairvoyance or clairaudience are not known to be part of Ayu’s credentials or his natural abilities, his position that Tinubu is “regretting silently without telling Nigerians” do not merit a response here. But there’s no need for Ayu to stretch his conjecture into the realm of the ridiculous.

His statement that “if Buhari is reelected in 2019, it will not only consume Tinubu” [but] “so many other people” [that] “it may even lead to the disintegration of Nigeria” was nothing short of a red herring to whip up the sentiments of Southwest public against the re-election of a president who has clearly outperformed all his colleagues since the advent of the Fourth Republic. Since Buhari has not expressed a desire for a second term, let alone his re-election, it remains to be seen if Tinubu will be consumed by Buhari. But Ayu can be rest assured that the Southwest will interrogate before crossing that ‘consuming’ bridge if it happens. His suggestion that Buhari’s re-election in 2019 by the votes of majority of the Nigerian electorates in a democratic system is capable of leading to the country’s disintegration is to stand logic on its head. What he did not say, however, is that President Buhari’s actions and policies has never been so devastating to the economic power base of the very few but extremely powerful criminal elites that has held the country in the jugular for so long and with reckless impunity that they’re ready to pull down the roof should the president secure a second term, up to and including a coup d’état. Ayu just happens to be the latest among the prominent criminal enterprise to have indirectly sounded a note of warning that Buhari must go home after his first term.

Ayu should be reminded that if the ultimate goal of his highly political, if not prejudicial statement was to send the Southwest geo-political zone on a guilt trip for daring to partner with Buhari to rescue a country that was apparently headed towards a bottomless perdition in the Jonathan presidency, he has missed his target.

The region’s dominant progressive tendency has never wanted anything more than a level playing ground in order to have a virile and sustainable polity, as opposed to the mercantilist predisposition to national politics of some of its counterparts. This has always been the region’s driving force.

The Southwest should not, and must not regret having galvanised its people to cast their ballot for Buhari in 2015.

It will not hesitate to support Buhari again for a second term should he seek re-election as there’s no alternative to a president who has demonstrated beyond a shadow of doubt his unflinching commitment to rescue the country from the vice grips of the few unconscionable looters for the betterment of the long-suffering Nigerian masses.

History will say the Southwest well because it came into the country’s rescue when it mattered most.

Femi Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Interview

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Boko Haram will surrender, come back home but –Aisha Wakil Your interest in the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) led to your involvement in activism. When did you and others back off from getting a solution to the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the North East?

According to an Igbo parable, when you climb up and fart, it confuses the people. They will not know the direction to go. These people are ready to come out. When I tell them to come out, they would complain, ‘Mama, we have worries. Some people do not want us to come out’. Who are they? I would press them further and they would insist that ‘they’ would not allow them to come out. Who are they?

‘Mama, you will not understand. If we come out of the bush…’ What did they say you should be doing in the bush? What about your own lives? God gave you life and you have to make use of it. ‘When they come, they give us money, dollars, etc. Sometimes, some of our comrades die and the money will disappear.

We don’t know what happens. Mama you will not understand’. Does it mean you will never come out or surrender? I used to ask in seeking peace. ‘If we can get the proper leeway to come out, we will’, they always tell me. I think some people are really benefiting from the Boko Haram insurgency and so they do not want this war to end.

Why did the committee set up by the previous government fail to get them out of the bush?

I wouldn’t know what is in the people’s minds. Saminu Turaki had special hatred for me. He exhibited it when we were inaugurated. Brigadier-General Sabo, Sheikh Lemu, many elder statesmen like Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and several others were happy about what was going on but Turaki never opened his mouth to say ‘Aisha, I am happy you are in this group’. He was unhappy about my presence. He was never happy I was in the committee. We were divided into several groups. I belonged to the Contact Group. In that group, if we briought in the boys, all the contacts must come and meet. Belonging to the Contact Group meant you must have contact with them. But the first time we started functioning, it was a contact with 11 or 13 of them, led by one Tash Ali - I may not get the pronunciation right. He came and brought people, even those not in the Contact Group, to review them. I went back to the hotel and called them to know if that was their group. Nobody called me because if they called, I would pick up the telephone and confirm who was original or fake since that was an initial challenge. In the Contact Group, we are supposed to bring in the boys so that all of them would come and meet.

That very night, he came to the meeting, I went back to my hotel and left the other members to continue the profiling. I was in my room when one of the boys, Umar Ali, Shekau’s bodyguard who is now late, wanted to know if a particular group was at the meeting point. He said those who came were not the real guys, but a fake Boko Haram group.

According to him, they came to impersonate the real guys. They were angry that they used fake guys for the initial reconciliation meeting.

The following day, Shekau went online and you know what went on.

When we finished the meeting, I called another bodyguard who spoke English language. He said that what we were doing was an eyesore because Shekau would never make peace with these kinds of people because they started with a fake faction. Why did we not ask them for the authentic group? he asked me. They said they knew we travelled to Lagos with Baba Sani, Ak47 and Aba Goro. ‘We knew

Barrister Aisha Wakil is an Igbo woman married to a Kanuri man. She is reputed to be extremely close to some leaders of the Boko Haram, a feat she achieved while undergoing her conversion to Islam. As a matter of fact, Boko Haram leaders reportedly call her “Mama” because she knew them way back while studying the Qur’an to become a Muslim. She is also the only lady on the Kabiru Saminu Turaki committee set up by the Goodluck Jonathan government to make peace with the Boko Haram insurgents. In this interview in Maiduguri, Aisha speaks on what the insurgents said needs to be done to end the lingering war took them to the hall for the committee to see.

When I took them there at about 1.30 p.m., they were obviously not comfortable after Turaki asked some specific questions. And when the people were not comfortable, you would notice this everywhere in the hall.

Aisha Wakil

you went to see members of the Tony Blair Foundation in Lagos and we allowed them to go with you. We knew when you went to see Sambo Dasuki who selected those who went with you’, the bodyguard told me. I said that we were in the Contact Group and we were doing our job and that they needed to calm down, instead of getting angry with me. I was not the only one who was involved. Kabiru Turaki took Maruwan round to shake hands with all the members in the Contact Group, while his face was covered so that he was not shown.

One of the members refused to shake hands with Maruwan; he called him names. ‘Why bring him to the hall?’ he asked. Then Shekau started boiling from his point in the bush with another online salvo. I had to calm the situation down. There was another committee, including myself, Steven Davis and Ambassador Hassan. Hassan said if Shekau agreed to turn up for peace talks, they suggested that I escorted the big man and other big names like him out of the bush to the conference table. But they said no, they were not coming.

The whole thing was haphazard and we were not making much progress to get the desired peace. I was in a wheelchair at that time because my blood pressure was mounting and so, I travelled to Dubai for treatment.

Turaki came and was speaking as if he was the key negotiator. I complained that I was the key actor whom they respect but Turaki refused to respond on this matter. He went on ignoring me and lots of mistakes were made in the process of taking off. Actually, I advised the

soldiers not to touch the boys or injure them in any way during the peace process. This is because I was free with them; I have known them for a long time. They arrested a boy who told them it was Aisha who brought them. Saminu Turaki knew about the moves. Turaki refused to get the boy released. And our agreement was that if they were arrested in any way, they should be released; they would come to us, but Turaki did not effect the release of the boy and he was in custody for a month.

The day I returned from Dubai, I saw somebody around me, low and behold, it was the boy. I took him from the soldiers to Turaki who ordered his release. Turaki took us to a room and begged boy, saying, ‘Mallam, since we started the process, it has not been easy getting pass through the first stage which is the identification of the real insurgents we should be dealing with. Please could you get the real core Sheikh Shura and Amir for me?’

He agreed. We went on a week’s break and then the boy came back to say, ‘Walahi, Mama, they do not want to come out. I tried my best’. I asked why? He said they rejected the members of the committee and called them drunkards and fornicators who did all manner of wrongs against their faith. He said they said they were not real Muslims ‘and so how do we deal with such filthy people like Turaki?’

I called them to order and told them not to judge anybody, but to focus on the peace which we were trying to build. I went further to do my personal profiling of some of them and

He was the one going to look for them in the bush which I did with my own resources so that the process could be jumpstarted. At times, we travelled far, very close to the Republic of Niger, to go get them to join the peace cause. Turaki told them a lot of things and the commotion escalated. They were never with peace of mind. ‘Mama, if anything happens to us, we will all die’, they warned me for risking myself in the peace process. These boys don’t trust easily. Sometimes if I was going on a peace mission, they held my husband and three children as surety; to be sure that no trap was set for them.

That was how much I used to risk my life for the rest of Nigerians. So, I asked all of them to calm down that day. Kabiru said they should all swear by Allah if they had not killed anybody, but I found that ridiculous. How could they uphold such an oath at a time we were looking for peace?

All of us were here. A security man was around. Turaki came with three SSS personnel, but I never knew something was amiss. So, I said they should be patient. I said one of them should go with us and talk to them. The security man also assisted in calming them down.

Turaki was very hostile and was jeopardising the process. We were distant from each other.

Turaki was furious, asking too many questions. Indeed, there was a setup. Yes, he wanted to put it on my head and God did not allow this damning thing to happen to me. He said they should arrest me in that charged atmosphere at the Banquet Hall in Abuja. One even said he would deny it ever happened. They wanted them to leave the hall and go into a special room to confess. God knows what they planned to do to them. They all had to deny that they were for the cause of the insurgents and that was how the process started hitting the rocks. Turaki mismanaged the process.

Look, if we had reached the level of truth and reconciliation, they would have easily mentioned their roles, but that was not necessary at that initial stage when the real kingpins were yet to come out. At about 1.30 a.m. that day, the boys started filing outside to enter their buses to return to the bush. Then, Kabiru told the security people to arrest me.

They locked me up in seclusion and also Dr Aba Yerima and his wife; they locked all of us up. Before morning, my fingers were swelling up; I could not get my hypertension drugs. One of the security members of the Committee for Peace and Dialogue came and asked what happened. They asked me a lot of questions and said I should be patient and thankful to God. That was why I never had a record from my side. They were all happy with the development. They started calling their groups all over the Lake Chad, including Niger Republic and were informing themselves about what hapCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

19 Interview

‘Boko Haram will surrender, come back home but...’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Why do you think anybody would want Mohammed Yusuf dead, just when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was anxious to join the peace process and now have all these problems in our hands?

There was an issue between the powers that be then and Mohammed Yusuf, but nobody knew why his killing took place in this form of extrajudicial killing. He knew too much, I think. He had some secrets up his sleeves.

pened in that year – 2013. That was the main cause of the jeopardy to the peace process.

That was why we did not make any progress.

Has there been any attempt by President Muhammadu Buhari to set up another committee for talks with the insurgents to start in earnest?

Well, I learnt that Saminu Turaki and his team have been on another one they call the Continuation Committee but it looks like I have been excluded. I went to Timbuctu, the forest behind Kano and brought out that Boko Haram group for this peace process, yet nothing happened. It is painful, indeed. That was the biggest opportunity we had to start the peace process. Anyhow, this peace process will start again if they want it. There was also jealousy because Turaki wanted to wear the red cap and so he created so much bitterness against me and all my moves.

What do you think was the motive of Shekau to start this armed rebellion?

He wanted to institutionalise the Shariah, nothing special. They do not believe in the constitution. Even when I was interacting with them, I was thoroughly insulted by one of the boys. That was when I went to collect the list of people whom they wanted to negotiate on their behalf. The fellow who insulted me for being a lawyer and a product of boko. If you are doing a peace negotiation and you call me Aisha, the issue will end there, but if you say or ‘Mama Barrister’, you will get their attention and they will respond accordingly. As a mediator by training, I will continue to work on them to calm frayed nerves. I do hope the government will calm down and start talking, too. It is time to start talking.

Was Senator Shehu Sani also part of your committee?

No, he was not. Sani was not in my group. I don’t know much about him. I have never seen him. Sani was never involved with us.

If President Buhari asked for your advice on how to end this bloodshed, what would you tell him?

I would tell them to calm down and use diplomacy. In Maiduguri today, there are some mallams and sheikhs Boko Haram members listen to. Whatever those people say, they will listen. I have gone to meet those sheikhs and they said the government was not doing things the right way. They used to say, ‘Mama, we know you and we know you mean well. They should do it without making too much noise’.

Look, the Boko Haram group has agents everywhere and they hear things, so they know how people feel. They no longer call me on phone; they use their own methods to communicate and pass intelligence. And when you sit down, they would tell you they need this peace more than we think. Since I was declared wanted, they no longer look for me boldly in achieving the peace process, especially when the military declared me wanted. They used to tell me they wanted peace more than the rest of us and I believed them. Many of them are tired. In fact, two of the factions want peace; Barnarwi wants peace. He is the grandson of Baba Fuku, the grandfather of Mohammed Yusuf who was my Islamic teacher. You see the connection now. Their sister, Amina, would cook for me when I was being tutored after conversion.

The Boko Haram members will surely talk peace if this government wants to commence the process and I am ready to help any day.

But why did the military declare you wanted and what happened when you turned yourself in?

When I was declared wanted, I was surprised. I wondered why I should be declared wanted dead or alive along with Ahmed Salkida and Ahmed Umar Bolori. That day was 14 August, 2016. The first thing I did was to go on the social media. I made a post to my numerous friends who wanted to know if I was the same Aisha Alkali Wakil. It was a heat, a real heat. I was calm because I knew it must be a mistake for them to make such an announcement. I went by myself to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. Nobody came for me; I went and I reported myself to them. I was eager to go and meet them. I was received when I told the pretty lady at the entrance that I was wanted by the military. She asked, ‘How did you know; who told you?’ I said it was everywhere. She asked for my name, I gave her.

She asked me to sit and wait. After some time, some men came with two pretty ladies. They

Aisha Wakil

searched me and drove me to their headquarters; the Military Intelligence Headquarters.

From there, after several hours, I was driven to the Command Guest House. There, I was asked to put in writing, everything I knew about the boys. I started writing by 9.00 p.m. and finished at about 4.00 a.m. To be honest with you, I was treated well. They gave me whatever I wanted to eat or drink. I don’t eat much. They made sure I relaxed; they talked to me to relax me.

After my writings, I was asked questions upon questions, based on what I wrote. They treated me with respect and told me that if I needed a doctor I should let them know, because I told them I was hypertensive. The big oga in charge of interrogation told them to allow me sleep without any disturbance because I was tired. The following day, at about 8.00 p.m., I was taken to the SSS Headquarters.

There, I met Ahmed Umar Bolori. I nearly broke down when he called me. On hearing his voice, I turned and wanted to hold him – poor boy. I was stopped by the security. From there, we were taken to our different places to sleep. I was given my clothes, but they brought a new mattress for me, slippers, soap of my choice, good cream, new bed cover. I was given food of my choice and I was treated like a princess. I was locked inside a very clean, air-conditioned room. When I needed attention, a pretty lady attached to me would rush to open the door to attend to my need.

They asked me the way forward and how to arrive at peace with Boko Haram. There was nothing like accusing me of harbouring terrorists; no one said a thing like that.

They were just seeking ways of finding peace with the insurgent group. I was not asked to report weekly; only at the SSS I was asked to get someone to take me so that any time they needed me they would get me via the person. I went there from Monday to Wednesday. There is more to it. The military guys are doing their best, while the bad elements are obstructing the peace process. The Boko Haram boys are divided in various groups. Half of them are tired; they are looking for what they call ‘hanya’. If I understand the slang, it means the ‘road’. Force won’t solve this problem. The military has no intention of killing anybody.

They said they have to do what they are doing

to save lives and properties of civilians. They have urged the boys to come out. Yet, killings, bombings, etc, are going on. One thing is certain, peace must come; the boys will surrender and they will come back home. When and how, only Allah knows.

But what about the Australian who was a member of your committee; have we had the last of Steve David?

I can’t say much about him. I think he was sabotaged. He got himself entangled with former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff who vowed to deal with him. Will this government bring him back for peace process? I don’t know. He is still alive; we communicate. Right now, the way forward for this war to end is in the hands of the mallam and sheikhs that brought them up spiritually. Steve is a sick man managing cancer.

But why is their practice of Islam so different?

I really don’t know the genesis of all this because even their mallams used to be worried about their kind of teachings. Sometimes, they will say they have been indoctrinated in the al-Qaeda way; a form of radicalism gotten from the Maghreb region. This Barnarwi is Habib; from his looks, he is definitely the son of Mohammed Yusuf. I know him as Habib and not what you people know him to be.

What is the level of your involvement in the negotiations for the Chibok girls?

Do you have knowledge any ongoing process to get the rest out of captivity?

There are lots of moves going on They know the government wants them alive and I can tell you that they are all alive.

It is getting to one year now that the UNIMAID lecturers were captured. Is there any hope for their release?

I have been asking the same question. They are alive and they would be kept alive. Believe me, they say everything will come to an end soon and I believe that they will protect them.

When I said the Chibok girls were alive, most people in the cvountry did not believe me, but you see how many have come out now.

What is it about your non-governmental organisation which you recently launched in Maiduguri?

It is an organisation that will operate in the entire country, not only in the North East. It will be concerned about everyone, but mostly women and young girls who are underprivileged and may not be able to make it in life on their own. I actually started by going underground to research and we found out that even the elderly men are vulnerable and so they are included. My mentor, Faulat Oluwatomisi, is a great influence on this project. She is a good friend who stressed to me, how to help out in activism for the common good. Because of my activism in humanitarian business, she came to Maiduguri and, seeing the issues, she said I must start working to help the oppressed. I am actually slanted towards Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). So, she suggested that instead of advocacy in the court, I should put my energy in this NGO, a complete care and aid foundation which we have just launched here.

We went underground to do a lot of research to get to the bottom of some of the problems of the society and came out with this NGO which will be our own way of intervention in the society. In my research, I found out that some of our major problems now are hard drugs, prostitution and hunger. Hunger is too much in this part of our country. It is not only women that are engaged in prostitution, men are equally involved in it. My friend gave me all the impetus needed to move out. Indeed, Prince Tolani Shorede and many others who believed in my cause during the consultation processes are around to support us. So, that was how we went to register it before this first launch in Maiduguri. We will do a second one for the wider world in Abuja later in 2018 and we will continue in rehabilitation, which is a precursor to peace.

Do you relate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on drugs?

Oh, no. A tree cannot make a forest. Even if it makes a forest, it must burst out and its seeds will germinate to get a forest. I do hope to work with all the concerned people – stakeholders, NDLEA, the Ministry of Health, everyone.

We will reach out to all sectors. NDLEA must be there to handle the issues. We will hit the ground running.

Courtesy: Nigerian Army

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7 2018

Lawmaker urges Lagos to complete repair of burnt FESTAC link bridge

L-R: United Nations Special Envoy for West Africa and the Sahel, Amb. Mohamed Ibn Chambas and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to Atiku in Abuja

Sokoto commissioner hails declaration of emergency in education sector ÏÏÏ The Commissioner

for Higher Education in Sokoto State, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori, has hailed the declaration of state of emergency in the education sector by the state government.

He said the declaration was yielding positive results.

Kilgori made the observation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Sokoto.

NAN reports that Governor Aminu Tambuwal declared a state of emergency in the education sector of the state in December 2015.

The commissioner said the declaration had brought improvements in infrastructure, community participation and increased enrollment of

students.

Kilgori said the Consultative Committee on Educational Development in the state, headed by Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, was playing a key role in ensuring maximum participation in the sector.

He said the committee’s involvement had facilitated donation of classes and other school facilities by stakeholders at the community level.

“Many communities are now constructing classes, renovations and donation of temporary structures accommodating more students into education system,” the commissioner said.

He said no fewer than 85 new junior secondary schools and 23 senior secondary schools were constructed between 2015 and

2017.

Kilgori said: “The effort is to improve access and proximity to education and for parents to have more confidence in sending their children to schools and ensure that all products were transited into nearby secondary schools after primary education.

“Previously about 30 per cent of primary school levers continue to further their studies to junior secondary schools due to challenges.

“At present more than 70 per cent secure admission to secondary schools because of expansion and increased presence of schools at nearby communities.”

The commissioner said it was a big challenge managing about 15,000

teachers teaching 750,000 pupils in 2,011 primary schools across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He said the introduction of Conditional Cash Transfer scheme and pilot free feeding programmes in some selected schools had facilitated increased in enrollments.

As part of government’s efforts, education sector obtained highest percentage in state budgets consecutively in 2016 (26.7%), 2017 (26.3%) and (27%) in 2018.

“Government also ensures timely payment of salaries of teachers who are first among workers, gratuity and pension payments which serve as motivator to teachers,” Kilgori said.

OSGF trains staff on public service reforms

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) organized a fiveday intensive sensitization workshop on “Public Service Reforms and Service Improvement” for its officers on grade levels 08-13 to sensitize them on government reforms and on the need for attitudinal change to ensure prompt service delivery.

Declaring the event

open on Thursday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, General Services office (GSO), Olusegun Adeyemi, said that the workshop was timely and important stressing that government has mandated all MDAs to leverage on the Ease of Doing Business which is aimed at giving quality service to the public.

He said “the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation attaches great importance to the programme

because, according to SFG, the outcome of the interaction will aid useful decisions and implementation of reform programmes; and revealed that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita will soon lead a delegation of 13 Permanent Secretaries to OSGF for peer review”.

He further stressed that “the sensitization workshop is also critical to reform initiatives not because the two leading reform agencies in the

country are the parastatals under the OSGF, but because the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms provides a common vision and a long term agenda to guide the rebuilding and transformation of the Public Service”.

The Permanent Secretary added that the objective of the workshop was to address the emerging issues in the newly established Department of Reform Coordination\ Service Improvement in

ÏÏÏA federal lawmaker,

“I am appealing to the Lagos State Government to please come to the aid of my people by speeding up the repair of the burnt bridge.

“The construction company in charge is too slow in repairing the bridge.

“The work of two months is taking them more than three months and this is not encouraging.

“The suffering and challenges of traffic in the constituency is too much and it is telling on the people.”

According to Egoh, the burnt link bridge is causing gridlock around that community as commuters now use alternative routes which is not convenient.

He said: “A journey of 30 minutes will take vehicle owners one and half hours because of the delay in the reconstruction work.

“The people have been calling me on telephone to come to their aid by informing the government about the situation of the bridge repair.”

Egoh said the bridge was constructed and commissioned for use in 1992, adding that he was part of those who inaugurated the bridge.

He assured the people of the constituency of better representation and promised that the government would speed up the repair work and complete it soon.

the Office on collaboration with other Units and Parastatals in order to engender attitudinal change for excellent service delivery.

He said that “OSGF is partnering with Africa Global Partnership Support Framework to organize Africa High-level International Donors Conference on Reforms to mobilize international resources for implementation of Nigeria’s key reform initiatives”.

In their separate re-

marks, the Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, D.I. Arabi and the National Coordinator/CEO of Servicom, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli both challenged the participants on quality and prompt service delivery. “We are working with the OSGF so that the office will be an exemplar on service delivery for all the MDAs to follow”.

They called on the staff to be committed, responsible and accountable while serving the people.

Rep. Oghene Egoh, has urged the Lagos State Government to hasten the reconstruction of the burnt FESTAC Town link bridge in his constituency.

Egoh, representing Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

NAN reports that a fuel tanker laden with petrol fell and caught fire on the bridge in AmuwoOdofin Local Government Council Area of Lagos State in December 2017 and also destroyed some other properties.

The closure of the link bridge, according to the Lagos State Government, was based on expert advice from the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The ministry had said the integrity of a section of the bridge was in doubt and therefore needed to be closed down for repairs.

However, Egoh said the interest of the people of his constituency was paramount to his representation.

He said: “I am elected to represent the interest of my constituency.

“Whatever the challenges they are facing also affect me and I have to be proactive in addressing such challenges.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

MRS AGU LILIAN CHINWE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGWAGU LILIAN CHINWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGU LILIAN CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS EFFIOM BENITA OSINACHI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWODO BENITA OSINACHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EFFIOM BENITA OSINACHI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS OKOLO EUPHEMIA CHIESOUN I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIOKE EUPHEMIA CHIESOUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOLO EUPHEMIA CHIESOUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OBINWOBODO BENJAMIN UCHECHUKWUGEME

MRS CHIKA GLORIA OKPARA

I, formerly known and addressed as NWOBODO BENJAMIN OBINYELUGO, now wish to be known and addressed as OBINWOBODO BENJAMIN UCHECHUKWUGEME . All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as ALUMA WISDOM MONDAY now wish to be known and addressed as NWEFURU WISDOM MONDAY. my correct date of birth 7th march 1994 All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

ONWU BASILICA ONYINYE

MRS OZOUGWU NDIDIAMAKA PATIENCE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU PEACE PATIENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OZOUGWU NDIDIAMAKA PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NEBO LOVETH CHEKWUBE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU LOVETH CHEKWUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNAMANI SHEDRACH AKACHUKWU I, formerly known and addressed as NNAMANI SHEDRACH SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as NNAMANI SHEDRACH AKACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

MRS MBA ANTHONIA CHIEGENA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKAFOR PHILOMINA OKWUDILI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MBA ANTHONIA CHIEGENA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

MRS MBA CHEKWUBE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBODO CHEKWUBE FELICITAS. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MBA CHEKWUBE FELICITAS. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONWO ONYINYE IMMACULATE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONWU BASILICA ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ONYINYE CECILIA ELEBELUCHI

MRS UGWU JOY ONYINYE

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYINYE IGBONAJI now wish to be known and addressed as ONYINYE CECILIA ELEBELUCHI. . All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

EZENYI HENRY

MRS ANYANECHI CHIZOBA

I, formerly known and addressed as EZENYI MESHACK IFESINACHI. now wish to be known and addressed as EZENYI HENRY. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWABUEZE CHIZOBA. C., now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANYANECHI CHIZOBA. C. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, BADON DUMDIBABARI AND BADON DUMDIBABARI INNOCENT refers to one and same person, but I now wish to be known and addressed as, BADON DUMDIBABARI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

MRS IBEAWUCHI QUEEN CHINENYE I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEKWERE QUEEN CHINENYE Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IBEAWUCHI QUEEN CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

MRS UGWU LOVETH CHEKWUBE

MRS CHIME FAITH CHIKA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONOH FAITH CHIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIME FAITH CHIKA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

AMEKE CHIMAOBI .E. I, formerly known and addressed as OMAKA MONDAY .C, now wish to be known and addressed as AMEKE CHIMAOBI .E. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME that CHINE SUNDAY SUNDAY,SUNDAY CHINE AND CHINE SUNDAY PAUL refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as CHINE SUNDAY PAUL. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

MRS. OKUBOARERE EBIEREBO MERCY

MR IGESU SUNDAY

I, formerly known and addressed as, MRS. OKUBOARERE EBIEREFA MARY now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OKUBOARERE EBIEREBO MERCY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR TENIOLA SUNDAY ASAMU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR IGESU SUNDAY ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID VALID WEMA BANK PLC & GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

MRS ANTHONIA OLUFUNMILAYO DANSO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Olufunmilayo Bankole now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anthonia Olufunmilayo Danso. All former documents remain valid.Cardinal Stone Registrar PLC and General public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Miss JOEL EUNICE TURAKI Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs BISALLAH JOEL EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authority concerned should please take note

JAJI-TAOFIK TAOFIKAT LOLA

MRS. ADANNA TREASURE AKERELE

MRS ABIODUN ONYINYECHI GLORIA

MRS REBECCA OLUTOYIN MOFOLUWA KUJERO

I formerly known and addressed as JAJI TAOFIKAT,now wish to be known and addressed as JAJI-TAOFIK TAOFIKAT LOLA. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS .ADANNA TREASURE ASOLUKA , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS .ADANNA TREASURE AKERELE All former document remain valid. General public should please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

EYONG MARY OLUWAFUNMILAYO

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

IDOWU TOSIN and OLUWOLE IDOWU ADEDEJI refer to one and same person . Wrong Date of Birth-9th November,1985 . Correct Date of Birth-11th November,1984.

All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EYONG MARY IYABO,ON MY ACCOUNT AT UNION BANK, now wish to be known and address as EYONG MARY OLUWAFUNMILAYO. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

My name was wrongly written as ONYE CLETUS IKEN on my BVN . CLETUS ONYE and ONYE CLETUS IKENA refers to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYE

MRS. ASSUMPTA ONYINYECHI ONONUJU

FABONG WISDOM YILDAM I, formerly known and addressed as, WISDOM D. FABONG, now wish to be known and addressed as, FABONG WISDOM YILDAM. My correct date of birth is 4th June 1993 instead of 4th June 1987. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

AYAH VICTORIA CHINONYE I, formerly known and addressed as, ORDU VICTORIA CHINONYE, now wish to be known and addressed as, AYAH VICTORIA CHINONYE. All former documents remain valid. The general public

UGURU OBINNA NBAM

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I formerly known called and addressed as OBIDIAGHA OGADINMA FAVOUR. Now wish to be known called and addressed as CHUKWU OGADINMA .and that my correct date of birth is 10th August, 1984. Not 9th November 1984 as wrongly written in my national ID card.

General public and authority concern please take note.

OYEBANJO OLAIDE OLAJUMOKE

CORRECTION OF NAME

MRS OSADINIZU TAIWO OLUWAFUNMI

MRS. NWAOGWUGWU THERESA ANN I, formerly known and addressed as MISS THERESA ANN DAVENPORT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWAOGWUGWU THERESA ANN due to change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MRS ONAH MAUREEN OGECHUKWU

AGU PHILIP AMAOBI I, formerly known and addressed as AGUFUSI PHILIP AMAOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU PHILIP AMAOBI. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUJA MAUREEN OGECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONAH MAUREEN OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS, ESUT, WAEC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly known and addressed as ISAH RISIKAT OMOKUWA , now wish to be known and addressed as ISAH ABU OMOKUWA. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

NWOKORIE DICKSON AGOM

MRS UGWU CHINEDU I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALINONU OLIVIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWAOKORIE DICKSON AGOM, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOKORIE DICKSON AGOM. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK, FIRST BANK and General public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public that my name CHERECHUKWU CYNTHIA ANI was wrongly written in my account, but now wish to be corrected and addressed as CHERECHUKWU CYNTHIA NTE. My correct date of birth is 21st may 1995 All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

ISAH ABU OMOKUWA

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

NWEFURU WISDOM MONDAY

That I was formerly known and addressed as AGABI JENNIFER, that I now wish to add EBOSEREMEN to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as AGABI EBOSEREMEN JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take notes.

This is to inform the general public of Loss of Original Deed of Conveyance in favour of Late MR JOHNSON EGWU of Ozalla in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State .Registered as 58/58/952 in lands Registry Enugu . All effort made to recover same proved abortive. All found contact Ministry Of Lands Enugu or MRS IFEOMA EGWU (the wife of Late Mr Johnson Egwu)

I, formerly known and addressed as EDET OKOR BASSEY, now to be known and addressed as EDET AUGUSTINE BASSEY and my correct date of birth is 26/10/1989 not 3/12/1989 on my SSCE CERTIFICATE and 6/12/1989 on my VOTER’S Card.

All former documents remain valid, Authority concerned and General Public should take note.

Change of Names 21

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ASSUMPTA ONYINYECHI EZE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ASSUMPTA ONYINYECHI ONONUJU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

ANGELA OBIAGERI EKE- UGOCHUKWU I formerly known called and addressed as MISS. EKE ANGELA OBIAGERI. Now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS. ANGELA OBIAGERI EKEUGOCHUKWU. Former documents remain valid. General public, UBTH, and nursing midwifery council take note.

ADEBAYO RUQOYAT BOSE

KIRI WARIBOKO DEBORAH

I formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO RUKAYAT ABAKE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO RUQOYAT BOSE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as WARIBOKO DEBORAH now wish to be known and addressed as KIRI WARIBOKO DEBORAH . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UGURU OBINNA LAWRENCE now wish to be known and addressed as UGURU OBINNA NBAM . I was born on 20/12/1996. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take

AMARA JOHN I formerly known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU JOHN now wish to be known and addressed as AMARA JOHN . I was born on 26/05/1979.

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

document remain valid. General public should please take note.

On my bank documents and my BVN my name was wrongly written as AHMED DIKKO HABIWAN instead of AHMEDWAN HABI. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as GLORIA ONYINYECHI JOHNSON Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs ABIODUN ONYINYECHI GLORIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ADJARHO SAMUEL DEFA I, formerly known and addressea as DEFA SAMUEL OSAROUN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADJARHO SAMUEL DEFA. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and all concerned authorities and the public should please take note.

MRS BISALLAH JOEL EUNICE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss REBECCA OLUTOYIN MOFOLUWA ODULAJA Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs REBECCA OLUTOYIN MOFOLUWA KUJERO. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

EBENEZER, DIVINE OLUCHI I, formerly known and addressed as, DIVINE EBENEZAR MANTEAU, now wish to be known and addressed as, EBENEZER, DIVINE OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

MRS. AZUMAH, IFEYINWA LOVINA

MRS. HAPPINESS BARIDUVURA KPOBARI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. EZEJI LOVINA IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AZUMAH, IFEYINWA LOVINA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. IWORIANIME HAPPINESS FRA and FRANCIS HAPPINESS SOMIARI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HAPPINESS BARIDUVURA KPOBARI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OJELADE OLAIDE OLAJUMOKE now wish to be known and addressed as OYEBANJO OLAIDE OLAJUMOKE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AIDI TAIWO OLUWAFUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OSADINIZU TAIWO OLUWAFUNMI . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

FAITH ONYEDIKACHI ERUGO OGAR I formerly known and addressed as FAITH ONYEDIKACHI ERUGO now wish to be known and addressed as FAITH ONYEDIKACHI ERUGO OGAR . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OMOROGBE OSARUMWEN GIFT

I formerly known and addressed as MARCIA AMENZE IRIAS now wish to be known and addressed as OMOROGBE OSARUMWEN GIFT . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

22 Change of Names

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Energy theft: Eko Disco reads riot act to erring customers ÏÏÏThe

management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc has warned customers tampering with prepaid meters to desist or prepare to face the consequences.

Adeoye Fadeyibi, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, gave the warning at a customer’s consultative town hall meeting in Badagry, Lagos State on Friday.

Fadeyibi, who was represented by Joseph Esenwa, the Chief Finance Officer of the company, decried the high rate of energy theft and non-payment of bills by customers within the network.

He said the town hall meeting was to intimate customers within the Badagry network on the high rate of energy theft and equipment vandalism perpetrated by some customers in the communities.

The EKEDC helmsman said the measure became necessary against the backdrop of more than N1 billion lost to various forms of energy theft and vandalism in the zone.

According to him, any act of infraction will be met with stiff penalty.

Fadeyibi said: “Enough is enough.

“Eko Disco will no longer tolerate this act

MASTER KEY REVIVAL MINISTRY

The general public is here by notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration Under the companies and Allied matter act No 1 of 1990.

Trustees 1. Ajibade Samuel Adegboyega 2. Ajibade Omowumi Duru 3. Oki Olusola Bayode.

Aim and objective To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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

BANQUET HOUSE MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act no 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1,PASTOR UYI EGHOSA JAMES 2, PASTOR MRS. UYI ISOKEN 3, DANIEL OVESERI 4, OSHODIN ROSE 5, OSHODIN OSAGIE AIMS AND OBJECTIV ES 1, To preach God’s word.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed by PASTOR UYI EGHOSA JAMES

TORQUE EMPOWERMENT AND CHARITY FOUNDATION

The general public is here by notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration Under the companies and Allied matter act No 1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kara Lookman Oluyomi(Chairman) Shittu Ibrahim Lanre (Secretary) Ejam Rita Ifeoma(member) Jimoh Ibrahim Alaba(member) Adebayo Lateefat (member) Kara Kuburat Adenike(member) Okunola Adedeji Adetola(member) AIM AND OBJECTIVES To organise and create empowerment opportunity for our citizens.

To serve as a charity organization for the needs.

To promote and sponsor Talents.

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 by the Trustees

of illegal tampering with our equipment and electrical installations.

“Tampering with Eko Disco meters, installations, distribution lines, equipment or assault on any field worker will attract a jail term.

“The management of EKEDC will no longer handle these actions with kid gloves.

“This is no empty threat.

“If you disregard this warning, you do so at your own risk.”

The EKEDC boss said it cost the company huge amount to replace vandalised equipment and meters damaged by customers looking for shortcuts.

AKINKUNMI OMOTAYO OLAKUNLE I, formerly known and addressed as AKINLOTAN OMOTAYO OLAKUNLE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINKUNMI OMOTAYO OLAKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ARRANGEMENT OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Balogun Nike Ikimot now wish to be arranged and addressed as Nike Balogun . All former documents remain valid.

Zenith Bank, Uba and other Institutions public should please take note

According to Fadeyibi, a task force has been set up to inspect houses of consumers and impose a penalty of N1 million on anyone caught in energy theft.

“The company will not hesitate to offer to pay anyone who reports energy theft by some unscrupulous elements 10 per cent of the money recovered from such theft,” he said.

Fadeyibi said the company would henceforth commence effective prosecution of energy theft suspects and also publish their names in national dailies.

He said: “We appeal to our customers to avoid engaging in by-passing the meters because it is criminal and punishable under Electricity Regulation Code of Conduct Act. “l advice customers to exercise little patience with EKEDC as

MRS ADEEYO GRACE OLASOJI

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Racheal Olasoji Ajulo Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeeyo Grace Olasoji. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

AFRICA FOR AFRICA INITIATIVE

The general public is herby informed that the above-named INITIATIVE has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 CHINEDU MAXWELL NWAFOR 2. LAKIN RONALD JAMES 3. NWAFOR UCHECHUKWU JANE 4. JOY MAREE LAKIN 5. LEVER MEGAN LOUISE AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1) To help mitigate climate change in Nigeria.

2) To help Boost Agricultural development in Nigeria.

3) To help meet the need of the downtrodden people in rural area who are deprived of life such as cloths and food .

4 To help give education and skill development to less privilege.

5) To help give health assistance to the poor and less privilege.

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

Signed TRUSTEES

WASTE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, LFN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Honourable Afis Olasehinde Kasumu 2. Mr. Adegoroye Adeniyi Adewuyi 3. Mr. Olanrewaju Wilton-Waddell 4. Mr. Adegboyega Muhammed Balogun 5. Mr. Boniface Chukwudi Ndigwe 6. Mr. Mutiu Olakunle Okunola 7. Mrs. Latifat Bisola Gbajumo 8. Mr. Tajudeen Olawale Ekemode 9. Mrs. Bamidele Anthonia Garko AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and implement programs for waste management including solid and municipal waste.

2. To develop educational programs/ support initiative for the protection of health, safety and the preservation of the environment.

3. To encourage the use of innovative and creative methods for the management of waste and the provision of waste management services Any objection to the registration of this Association 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

we promise to address all the issues regarding billings, metering and other challenges.”

On pre-paid meters, Fadeyibi said the new Metering Assets Providers introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission would address metering challenges when they finally kick start.

He called on members of the public to be vigilant and report any act of sabotage to the nearest law enforcement agencies or EKEDC. Similarly, the Oloto of Oto-Awori kingdom, Oba Josiah IlemobadeAina, condemned energy theft and vandalism of power equipment within the communities.

Ilemobade-Aina said vandals and those involved in energy theft are enemies of the society and all well-meanOCHOLI SULE JACOB Formerly known and addressed as Sule Danladi Jacob Now which to be known and addressed as Ocholi Sule Jacob.

All Former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police, Educational Authority and general public take note.

SALAMI TITILOPE OPEYEMI Formerly known as SOYEBI TITILOPE OPEYEMI Now wish to be addressed as SALAMI TITILOPE OPEYEMI.All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS ROBINSON CHINWE I formerly known and addressed as MUOKA UCHECHI CHINWE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ROBINSON CHINWE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

ing people should join hands to stop them.

The monarch said that since improvement in power supply would trigger socio-economic development and create jobs for more people, protection of power equipment should be the concern of all.

He, however, urged EKEDC to address all issued raised by customers on estimated billing, over billing and lack of meters, while appealing to the company to engage in publicity on the need to desist from energy theft.

The traditional ruler also advised Eko Electricity Distribution Company to fish out bad eggs within its fold.

He said some of such people were in the habit of colluding with customers to engage in illegal connection and other vices.

RE-ARRANGEMENT/ CORRECTION OF NAME On my bank documents my name was mistakenly arranged as ODALI CHUKWUKA JOEL, And also my name was mistakenly written as ODALI CHUKWUKA JOEL instead of ODALI JOEL CHUKWUKADIBIE . That my correct name is ODALI JOEL CHUKWUKADIBIE. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

UMMUKULSUM MAUDE ISMAIL TAHIR I formerly known and addressed as Ummukulsum Maude Tahir now wish to be known and addressed as Ummukulsum Maude Ismail Tahir. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note MRS. ADEWUNMI -OKE DORCAS AINA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Yusuf Dorcas Aina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adewunmi -Oke Dorcas Aina. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME / REMOVAL OF NAME

ADETORO TAIBAT KOFOWOROLA

I formerly known and addressed as Martins Ugoeze Ezeigwe want to remove ‘’Martins’’ now wish to be known and addressed as Ugoeze Ezeigwe. All former documents remain valid, General public and Authority concerned to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Olaoshebikan Taibat Kofoworola now wish to be known and addressed as Adetoro Taibat Kofoworola. all former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

ADEOTI JUMOKE OMOWUMI

MRS.ADELEKE MODUPE OLUWASEUN

I formerly known and addressed as DURO SHOBERU JUMOKE OMOWUMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOTI JUMOKE OMOWUMI.all former documents remain valid ,general public please take note.

Formerly Miss. AKINWAMIDE MODUPE OLUWASEUN Now wish to be addressed as Mrs.ADELEKE MODUPE OLUWASEUN.All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

23 News

Why we want Ugwuanyi to continue as governor - Enugu elders Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

fices embarked upon in the state.

ÏÏÏEnugu elders, under

Speaking shortly after their visit to the governor, President of the association, Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN) explained that the elders were in solidarity with the views expressed by several residents of the state that the governor should continue in office.

He said that Ugwuanyi has demonstrated that governance could be easier when there was openness in it, stressing that he had used the last three years to demonstrate that the

the aegis of Enugu State Development Association (ESDA), Friday said it decided to support the second term bid of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwunayi for the continued peace and development of the state.

They stated that allowing the governor to continue in office for another four years beginning from May next year, would further enhance democracy and rotation of political of-

entire state should have a sense of belonging.

Chief Onyia, who also charged residents of the state to ensure they obtained their permanent voters card, said it was the only weapon they could use to reward good governance and vote out leaders who have failed the state.

Also speaking, a royal father, Igwe Abel Nwobodo noted that the governor had endeared himself to the people of the state through his populist- oriented programs and policies which have impacted positively

on the socio-political and economic life of the state.

He stated that the peace the polity of the state had maintained was basically “because our people are not greedy with power”, adding that, leaders should learn to support those in authority.

One of the elders, Chief Adonys Igwe, explained further that the decision of the elders was based on the performance of the governor, stressing that he has touched every part of the state with development programmes and

L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola presenting the State’s plague to Olowo of owo, Oba Olateru Olagbegi, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House Osogbo, Osun State

Glo takes Professor Johnbull to DSTV, GOTV ÏÏÏThe

tentacles of the highly hilarious TV drama series powered

by Globacom, Professor Johnbull, has been expanded to include more channels on DSTV and GOTV in addition to the terrestrial channel of NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV and NTA on StarTimes.

In a statement released to announce the commencement of Season Six of the sitcom, Globacom said DSTV will henceforth air the show every Sunday on its Africa Magic Family channel and also on GOTV Channel 2 at 6.00 p.m. A re-

peat broadcast will be aired on Thursdays at 9.30p.m. on both stations.

These times will complement the Tuesday broadcast of Professor Johnbull on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 pm. with a repeat broadcast on Fridays at the same time on all the channels. Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, will broadcast the show on Wednesday at 8.30p.m. with a repeat broadcast on Saturday also at 8.30p.m.

The premier episode of Season Six titled Anthony Keke, is a robust enquiry into the lifestyle of a typi-

cal Keke (commercial tricycle) rider, who begins his day on a dangerous note of consuming alcohol and other stimulants on the preposterous belief that such substances will enhance his performance on the job.

Viewers will find the episode fun-filled as Professor Johnbull’s gateman, Abadnego (Martins Nebo) makes love advances at the Professor’s daughter, Elizabeth (Queen Nwokoye) while Anthony the Keke rider, already tipsy from bouts of alcohol, speeds off with a passenger’s luggage without the passenger and at the agreed destination, hallucinates on seeing a ghost.

Professor Johnbull, acted by Nollywood legend, Kanayo O. Kanayo (KOK), advises Keke riders on the need to obey traffic rules, ride with the consciousness that they have loved ones back at home, and the axiom that hustling for a living should not be lifethreatening.

Anthony Keke is an exemplification of the idiosyncrasies of a typical Keke rider which manifest as disobedience of traffic rules with impunity; riding without licence; quarrelling with passengers and other commuters and being unnecessarily abusive and unruly.

empowerment.

Igwe noted that Enugu was blessed with the kind of person in Ugwuanyi, praying that God should continue to provide the state with leaders that make the people their focal point.

He reiterated that as fathers, they would continue to support governance and guard the people into taking decisions that would lead to the upliftment of the state.

Bayelsa govt restates commitment to public service reforms ...Posts N1.3bn IGR For February service, parastatals, local Bayelsa Government government councils and says, it would pursue its rural development auongoing public service re- thorities. organisation process to a “It’s still work in proglogical conclusion before ress. But, the government the termination of the plan is that, if you did not present administration get engaged in the proper for the overall interest of way, you have no business the state. being in the service. If The State Deputy Gov- you fraudulently obtained ernor, Rear Admiral a certificate and joined Gboribiogha John Jonah the system, you have no (Retd) made the declara- business being in the sertion on Friday, during the vice. If you continue to monthly transparency get younger as the years briefing on the state’s in- are going...government come and expenditure for will no longer be able to the months of February accommodate you. and March, 2018 in Gov“The Government has ernment House, Yenagoa. made several plans to A statement issued by be able to handle the isthe Chief Press Secretary sue properly. So the idea to the Governor, Mr Fran- of thinking that people cis Ottah-Agbo quoted the would just be thrown out deputy governor as saying to the streets is absolute that, the government had misinformation.

That’s already made several star- not the plan of governtling discoveries, through ment. But we must accept biometrics and other mea- that the present burden of sures adopted in the fight over bloated workforce is against fraudulent prac- not sustainable.” tices in the state public Giving a breakdown service. of the financial posiAccording to Rear Ad- tion of the state as at the miral John Jonah, the end of February, Rear government would metic- Admiral John Jonah anulously adhere to extant nounced a gross inflow public service regulations of N15 billion, comprisin dealing with issues ing a statutory allocabordering on falsification tion of N2.9billion, deriof age, certificates and vation N10billion and a redundancy to create op- value added tax (VAT) of portunities for qualified N869million.

Bayelsans, as well as enHe, however, explained hance infrastructural de- that, the total FAAC development. ductions of N1.6billion While assuring those left the state with a net inwho would be affected by flow of N13billion, while the process of justice, the the internally generated deputy Governor sued for revenue (IGR) for Janutheir understanding and ary stood at N1.7billion. cooperation to enable govOn outflows, the deputy ernment succeed in build- governor noted that, the ing a virile public service. government spent a total His words, “It is a plague of N5.9billion on items that has been with us for such as civil servant and a very long time. We need political appointees’ salatime to educate our people ries N3.27billion, grant and gradually move to the to state-owned tertiary point that we want to be. institutions-N630million Several committees have and 10% contribution to been set up for the tertia- primary school teachers’ ry institutions, main civil salaries.

ÏÏÏ

Anglican Communion, Diocese of Umuahia lays foundation for Archbishop Palace Chapel Sunday Nwakanma , Umuahia

ÏÏÏIt was all shout of joy and praises Friday, as the Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Aba and

Bishop of Umuahia Diocese of Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Revd. Ikechi Nwachukwu Nwosu, laid the foundation of a new Archbishop’s Palace Chapel in Umuahia.

Named “John 3:16 Chapel”, and an Arch Nwosu’s

visionary project, the chapel is an appendage of the Bishop’s palace and is intended to house the church palace, chapel, support staff quarters, and office of the diocesan women ministry, as well as “various meetings of the Archbishop Services of Bap-

tisms, Holy communion, wedding, special meetings/ sessions, ICT, etc”.

According to the archbishop, the chapel project took off through a committee set up without any fund raising, but had financial and material support from

even non-members of the faith and non-Christians, especially Moslems, including the senator representing Abia Central, Theodore Orji.

Delivering the first sermons at the Chapel, Ven. John Ogbonna who took his

scriptures from Numbers 11: 21-29 and John 3: 16-18 said the chapel is for those who seek salvation and not for Holy Ghost fire to come down and devour people.

He urged Christians to believe in God so that eternity will be theirs.

24

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

FEATURES

s

Abakaliki rice as alternative revenue for Ebonyi Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

Before the creation of Ebonyi State on October 1, 1996 by former Head of State, the late Gen Sani Abacha, rice has remained the mainstay of the daily living and earning of the people.

For years now, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital has been known as home of local rice production not only in Nigeria, but in West Africa sub-region.

Ebonyi State is one of the most agrarian of the states in Nigeria.

Made up of predominantly farmers, with savanna and semi tropical vegetation, humid, sandy and marshy soil, the state is blessed with moisture land for growing of varieties of cash and food crops, such as rice, yam, cassava, cocoyam.

Among the agricultural potential, the production of the famous Abakaliki rice has made the state so popular and a beehive of commercial hub. No visitor comes to Abakaliki, the state capital, without testifying to the high quality of Abakaliki rice compared with other rice produced locally and internationally.

The Abakaliki rice is blessed with so many nutritional values, which is gotten from the salinity in the land of Abakaliki rice mill. It is even better and graded higher by those that know its nutritional values.

Apart from its nutritional value, the Abakaliki rice is naturally salted with good taste. The reputation of Abakaliki rice is derived from its superior taste. Rice production no doubt has created jobs from which a lot of people feed their families.

There are numerous jobs for the youths in Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry including technical/professional and unprofessional/causal works, as well as others who sell their wares in the area.

The Abakaliki Rice Mill, as it is popularly called, is adjudged to be the first indigenous company since the creation of the state. During the creation of the state, at least Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry is equally the only existing industry in the state.

The company started as Abakaliki Rice Mill in 1967 on No. 60-65 Gunning Road Abakaliki. The first milling engine procured for milling of Abakaliki rice was bought by Mr. Anekwe Bestman. The relocation of the mill to its present site was done under Hon. P. O. Nwike, who was then the Executive Chairman, Abakaliki Local Government Area in the then Anambra State. Signatories to the statement include the Chairman, Joseph Ununu; Administrative Secretary, Nwede Richard; Secretary, Usulo Emmanuel and Fidelis Igwe.

But on November 15, 1977, the land used for the construction of the rice mill was leased by the Abakaliki Lo-

cal Council to Rice Mill Abakaliki, for 99 years upon payment of valuable consideration.

In September, 1989, the Rice Mill Association Abakaliki was registered as a company with the incorporation name – Rice Mill Company Nig. Ltd with registration number RC. 136,800. But on January 1, 2000, customary right of occupancy with

respect to the entire area of land measuring 1938.464 square metres occupied by the company was issued

by Ebonyi State Government.

Inside the rice mill established in 1957 lies an expanse of land measuring 1938.464 square metres, various workers abound – machine operators, dust carriers, bag stickers, off loaders, barrow pushers, on-loaders,

accountants, water suppliers, security men and a host of others.

Narrating the event leading to the success story, Chief Sunday Oketa said he started the rice mill business at the age 18. As a child, Oketa recalled he joined the industry as a “dust carrier” and later trained for one year and six months as a machine operator. He said, “My father

was alive then and he was one of the founders of the rice mill,” he said, adding that the entire family members were trained properly in farming.

Oketa said, “Early in 1971, we sold a bushel of rice at N10 here and by then there was nothing like foreign rice. All Ebonyi people were farmers; we never knew any other handwork except farming. And when you come here, you see enough rice, foodstuffs such as cassava, yam and that’s why we name Ebonyi State, the Food Basket of the Nation.”

He remembered that way back in the 1980s; people from as far as Lagos, Benin, Port Harcourt usually come to buy Abakaliki rice. “In those days, 15 trailer load of the commodity, 50 to 60 Mercedes Benz 911 lorries, aside other small vehicles such as pick-up vans leave the mill every day,” Oketa said, adding that the importation of foreign rice into Nigeria “is killing business here.”

Indeed, many are familiar with the popular Abakaliki rice which is believed to have a higher nutritional value than the imported polished and parboiled rice, and possibly the best in the world as certified by American experts. The rice is parboiled locally and processed by the small scale milling machines.

A notable rice farmer and state Commissioner for Information and CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Orientation, Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, noted that more than 80 per cent of Abakaliki rice is grown organically because the soil in vast swathe of areas in the state is so fertile that the need for chemically-based fertiliser does not exist and it’s now government policy to prioritise agriculture in absolute terms, and ensuring that everything else yields way to this policy.

Onwe noted that the drive and target of the Governor David Umahi’s administration was to produce and supply 10 per cent of the over six million metric tons of rice consumed in Nigeria annually.

He said, “The administration borrowed N2billion to invest in encouraging farmers, public and civil servants as well as the youth and women to undertake farming of a number of crops but especially rice very seriously. The injection of agro inputs and equipment such as seeds, herbicides, fertilizer, tractors, plus the necessary mechanical implements have enabled our citizens to put additional 20,000 hectares of land into rice cultivation this season” The rice milling machines were situated in such a way that it formed a cluster and people from far and near bring their rice produce there for milling. Most times, the centre is also a market where people buy or sell rice. Virtually in all communities and local council areas, milling machines are situated with commercial activities, especially for residents outside the capital city that may find it difficult to access the Abakaliki Rice Mill.

This large cluster of rice milling industry is owned and managed by private individuals and cooperative societies who have their milling machines, while government only collects royalties/levies from them.

Usually, people come from far and near to the mill to buy or sell rice on a daily basis.

People from the North including neighbouring states such as Enugu, Imo, Abia and Anambra states always come to buy rice in Abakaliki in very large quantities. The reason for the high patronage is not only that Abakaliki rice has been identified to have a unique taste when compared to foreign rice and other kinds of rice being patronised by people, it is cheap and affordable.

The price defers depending on the quality of the rice and specie. Currently, due to the ban on importation of foreign rice, the cost of a bushel of rice is sold for N10,000 and above, depending on the quality, as against N4,000 a year ago.

But the continued production of Abakaliki rice was affected during the past administration of former Governor Martin Elechi, due to the face-off between the Abakaliki Rice Mill Company and Ebonyi State Government on the planned relocation of the rice mill to the three rice clusters in each of the senatorial zones of the state.

Speaking with The DailyTimes on the matter, the chairman of Abakaliki Rice Mill, Mr. Joseph Ununu, noted that the policy of relocation of the rice mill and its attendant cases of threats and intimidation have brought untold hardship to them and the trauma precipitated the untimely death of 15 rice millers as a result of heart failure.

It was gathered that one of the pa-

25 Features

Abakaliki rice as alternative revenue for Ebonyi

trons, Chief Chukwuka Okonwko, slumped and died shortly after hearing the news of the relocation. Mr. Elias Nwogu, 40, a father of six, said he has trained some of his children in both secondary and university from the proceeds of the rice business which he has been engaged in since the age of 15.

Okonkwo said he wanted to sell his milling engine, but nobody indicated interest to buy it and that was how the man died. The engine was estimated at N1.6 million, but nobody could buy it even at N300,000 and that broke his heart; because the rice mill is moving out and everybody is afraid,” he said.

Mr. Augustine Obasi, father of four kids, is one of the workers at the rice mill and hails from Ezza North local Government Area of the state.

Born in the mid-1970s, he said he joined the rice business in 1991 but lamented the government decision to move them.

For Mrs. Eucharia Ogwutor, she said since joining the business in 1989, she has been buying from the farmers to do the final processing.

“Ikwo Village is very far from here.

No buyer would like to carry his money and go to such a distant place to buy. If Governor Elechi relocates the rice mill from here, people should just forget about the Abakaliki rice,” she said.

However, respite came with the emergence of Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi. With the dwindling oil revenue, the present admin-

istration has re-emphasised the need to revert to agriculture which was the mainstay of the Nigeria economy before the discovery of oil.

The clarion call is for Nigerians to embrace agriculture, turn farming to serious business and earn additional revenue as prices of crude oil have continued to fall at international market. And Abakaliki rice represents a situation where Nigeria can earn enough revenue through the export of the product to Africa and European countries.

In line with his vision for agricultural revolution especially rice in the state, Umahi has procured 40 tractors for rice production. The Ebonyi State Government has earmarked 40,500 hectares of land for rice cultivation for next year’s farming season spread across the 13 council areas in the state. Each of the LGAs has 2,500 hectares mapped for the rice production while IFAD has 6,000 hectares and FADAMA, 2,000 hectares.

This feat, if actualised, would boost food security in the state. Already, all public servants have been directed to go into farming. Public primary and secondary schools and teachers have also been directed to have farms as basis for promotion Similarly, the state government after procuring 13 graders among other equipment to aid rice production, decided through the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to choose three Pilots schools, Girls’ Technical College Agba in Ishielu local government area, Gov-

ernment Technical College, Abakaliki and Ehugbo Technical College, Afikpo, for the implementation of its Schools’ Agricultural programme in the State.

The purpose of the programme is to reintroduce and establish the modern methods of agricultural practices and inspire students at the secondary school level on the need for them to be part of the agricultural revolution making wave in the state.

As this agricultural policies begin to gain prominence across the state, the government has also handed over 292 hectares of land to Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki for use as demonstration farms to grow all kinds of crops including maize, rice, tomatoes, yams among others.

In a chat with The DailyTimes, the State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr Uchenna Orji, stressed that the state government was determined to boost rice production across the state, adding that professionalism, commercialization and mechanized system of agriculture would be adopted as part of its work plan.

According to him, no land would left fallow in the state as Governor Umahi has exemplified same by establishing a demonstration farm within the state Government House which has began to yield dividends as crops are being harvested therein on regular basis.

He called on investors, non-governmental Organizations, NGOs , including agricultural experts to come and partner the state government in its agricultural policies geared towards boosting food production across the state. Commenting after inspecting the three pilot schools across the three senatorial zones of the State, the Chairman of the Committee on Ebonyi State School Agric programme, Mrs. Juliet Okoro, stated that the inspection exercise was to enable the State Ministry of Agriculture identify at least 6 hectares of land in each school. She added that clearing and preparation of the lands hitherto identified would commence immediately for agricultural purposes.

Okoro who is also the HOD Agric in the Ministry noted that it was the intention of the present administration to boost agricultural produce and instil in students the interest for agriculture through a well designed programme and mechanized system of agriculture. The Principals of the selected schools, Rev. Sister Amaka Asike, Dr. Emmanuel Ewa Ibe and Okeh Stephen Ike of Girls’ Technical College, Agba, Ehugbo Technical College, Afikpo and Government Technical College, Abakaliki respectively thanked the state government for the initiative and pledged to contribute their quota towards the success of the exercise.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Tenure elongation: Lalong committee submits report, recommends elective convention Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The technical committee set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to advise the National Executive Committee (NEC) on the controversial tenure elongation submitted its report on Friday in Abuja, just as the committee recommended immediate elective National Convention.

The committee’s report also recommended

…..NEC meeting on Monday will end all insinuations – Oyegun that there should be Con- while submitting the re- solved most of the probgresses and National Con- port, told the party Chair- lems that we were thinkvention instead of tenure man John Odigie Oyegun ing was within the APC. that if the report of his So, that is to tell you that elongation.

A source close to the committee is followed there is democracy in the APC. committee revealed to religiously, the issue of “We looked at the meetThe Daily Times that the leadership logjam in the ing of February 27; we decision of APC gover- party will be a thing of also looked at the passion nors to support President the past.

He said: “The task ap- and the commitment of Muhammadu Buhari’s decision influenced the rec- peared not easy when it Mr. President towards was given to us but with keeping the party one and ommendation.

Chairman of the Com- God on our side and the also cohesive and so at the mittee and Plateau State very wide consultations end of the day, we made Governor Simon Lalong, we made, this report has far reaching recommen-

dations. We noticed that there were different interests, which is quite usual when you have a party like this that is progressive and those interest were genuine but at the end of the day, we were able to marry those interests so that the party can move forward. So, in this report, you will see a lot of it.

“The report will also contain recommendations of certain issues

that we think the party should do immediately.

And one of them you have already started. That if these recommendations are going to be useful within the shortest time, the party must summon a NEC meeting. Already we have received notices of NEC meeting for Monday which is also in line with our recommendations and we want to assure you that at the end of the day, APC is coming back to life”.

Rainy season: Social media group calls for peace between farmers, heders Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏAs the rainy season is

Bauchi State Governor,Mohammed Abubukar (right) and others, during the inspection tour of the Maraban Ganye Road in Bauchi

Nigeria’s food security under threat by herdsmen attacks, climate change – Farmer ÏÏÏA

farmer, Adolphus Ogbonna, has warned that food security may be threatened seriously in Nigeria in the near future because of persistent herdsmen attacks and climate change.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Friday, Ogbonna said the future of agriculture was not looking good, due to recurring attacks on farmers in many parts of the country.

Farmers in Africa’s most populous nation are currently contending with an onslaught of bloody attacks by herdsmen, forcing many farmers to avoid going to their farms to stay alive.

Ogbonna said the problems of farmers had also been compounded by issues relating to climate change, stressing that the

development called for government’s immediate attention.

He argued that government must tackle herdsmen invasions head-long and also evolve scientific methods in doing agriculture and handling the problem of climate change.

The crop farmer said farmers in the country must embrace year-round irrigation farming to stay in business and provide food for the teeming populace.

He said: “Most Nigerian farmers cultivate their farms, based on the weather, but when there is drought, everything is affected. ‘‘The local farmer needs to turn away from a climate-dependent farming.

“Setting up an irrigation system is the best bet for the local farmer, although this will involve

huge funds.

“Climate change poses a lot of challenges to the Nigerian farmer, so I advise a move towards irrigation farming, instead of waiting for the rains.”

Ogbonna also spoke on the need for young entrepreneurs with interest in farming to learn the ropes before embarking on agriculture as a business venture.

He said: “Most youths these days are not interested in tedious work on farms.

“Young people should get a good place to learn farming properly before embarking on it as a business.

“They must have a strong passion for farming.

“Farming is not a getrich-quick scheme.”

Ogbonna, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Emperors Farms, advised

those involved in farming to concentrate their efforts on building an enduring value-chain rather than focusing on production alone.

Enumerating a multiplicity of challenges facing crop farmers in the country, he said serious attention should be paid to how to improve the agriculture value-chain.

He said: “As a country we should stop focusing on crop production alone when it comes to agriculture.

“We should consider what value we are adding to what we are producing.

“We must have to put more effort in our valuechain.”

The crop farmer lamented that getting access to funds, land, equipment and inadequate manpower had remained critical problems to Nigerian farmers from year to year.

fast approaching, a group under the auspices of Adamawa Social Media Group for Bindow, has enjoined the people of the State especially farmers and Herdsmen to live in Peace in order to cultivate enough food and raise livestock for economy purposes.

The Chairman of the group, Hon Nurudeen Kama made the call in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Yola on Friday, said: “We want to appeal for the people of Adamawa state especially those at the grassroots to respect each other’s rights to farm as rainy season approaches because there will never be any means of food production when two brothers who till our land and raise our livestock are fighting.”

Kama Said While addressing the media, Kama call on parents, guardian and well spirited individuals living in the state, to caution their children from being used by politicians as political thugs ahead of party congresses and general elections.

“We should imbibe the culture of community policing by reporting any suspicious items, materials and individuals to the nearest security formation across the state,” Nurudeen said.

According to him, the group has the mandate of promoting the good works of Governor Bindow with facts and figures through social media and also have a cogent responsibilities as good citizens to reach out to others where their activities rarely utilize.

“We have observed that about 40% of the population of the state has no access to the internet and this press conference is centered around but not limited to the call for the good people of Adamawa state to live in #PEACE with their neighbors and be their brother’s keeper.” He called The group also a make a passionate appeal to those who had registered but yet to collect their pvcs to have a spirit of good Nigerians and patriotic enough to go to their respective INEC offices and collect their Permanent Voter’s Card. ‘’ As a matter of urgent call those who are yet to register should please go out and register so that you will be able to take part in the process of consolidating on the successes of Governor Bindow by reelecting him to continue transforming Adamawa into greatness.’’ Kama called.

Calling on all social media influencers to stop the hate speeches and make emphasis on peace, unity and progress for the growth and development of Adamawa state.

As social media influencers, we found it necessary to partner with the old but effective means of information dissemination (Press) in a time when we needed it most as law abiding citizens of Adamawa which are known for their uprightness, forthrightness, progressiveness and selflessness to some extent.

“We choose the mainstream media to make our position known because they are our partners in peace, unity, progress and the fact that it is the surest way to pass our message across the nooks and crannies of the state especially to those who has no access to the internet.’’ He Stated

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

27 News

Lagos set to introduce merit award for residents Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Gov-

L-R: Elder, Idunganran Club of Lagos (ICL), Mr. Mukaila Akibu; Past President, ICL, Alhaji Razak Dawuda; President, ICL, Chief Abayomi Badmus and Guest Lecturer/Chairman, Board of Trustee, Yoruba Tennis Club, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu (SAN), at the lecture celebrating the 40th Anniversary of ICL in Lagos

Fulfill your 2015 pledges on SDGs - WHO charges African leaders Doosuur Iwambe-Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

WHO Regional Office for Africa has called on African leaders to live up to the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs pledges they made in 2015 through commitment and concrete actions.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa who was speaking during a media Parley organized to mark its 70th anniversary as well as the World Health Day noted that effective leadership and high-level of political commitment are critical to achieving the Universal health coverage, UHC in Africa.

In his speech, Dr. Moeti said that the WHO has in its 70 years of existence recorded major advancement in health and health

Ïd ƕ ƆƒƆƏƕ Ɔ ƆƆƗ ƅƅƆ Ɛ ƎƑ ƋƈƐƕ Ɔ ƋƐ ƆƏƒƈƅƆ

technology as well as improved access to treatment and essential services.

According to him, for the first time in the history of Africa, more than half of all people living with HIV in Africa (14million) have access to lifesaving HIV treatment. ‘’ Over the past 70 years, there have been major advances in health and health technology, including life-saving medicines for diseases such as HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, hypertension and diabetes. In the African Region, health outcomes have been improved through strategies such as distributing insecticidetreated nets to prevent malaria, and vaccinating against the human papillomavirus

which causes cervical cancer. ’’Access to treatment and essential services has improved.

For the first time, more than half of all people living with HIV in Africa (14 million) have access to life-saving HIV treatment’’ Moeti stated.

The WHO Regional Director who also said that new cases of malaria dropped by 20% between 2010 and 2016 added that the risk of developing pneumonia and meningitis was largely reduced for nearly two thirds of children on the continent following their vaccination as compared to the 3% in 2010.

Reiterating its continued support to member States towards achieving its UHC, the WHO added that it has developed a framework of actions to assist countries in selecting their own path towards achieving both UHC and SDGs. ‘’A flagship programme

geared towards providing integrated and holistic support to countries through implementation support, a regional learning programme for UHC and now is available’’ he added.

He further stressed the need to do more in curbing the increase in non-communicable diseases as well as tackle epidemics like Ebola and cholera. ‘’There is also a need to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance and substandard and falsified medicines’’.

It might interest you to know that on Saturday 7th of April 2018, the world will mark World Health’s Day alongside, the World Health Organization WHO’s 70th anniversary.

The theme of this year’s World Health Day celebration is “Universal Health Coverage: everyone, everywhere”.

The WHO says its offices worldwide have put up events to mark the day.

Nigerian maestro plans to build cake institute to empower youths ÏÏÏCake

maestro and entrepreneur, Tosan Jemide, on Friday said he is passionate about building a state-of-the-art cake school that will certify people in globally accepted standards in cake designs.

Jemide spoke at the public presentation of his book: “Sugar Icing; Grits and Glory,” at Lekki Coliseum, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday.

He said the institution would teach young entrepreneurs interested in the craft to properly structure their businesses and keep records that could help them to obtain loans

from banks.

“One of my proudest achievements is baking a 20ft cake and I look forward to the day Sugarcraft will add value to the culture of our society,” he said.

Jemide said the desire to teach young entrepreneurs how to surmount pressures at different stages of life and to become successful inspired him to write the book.

He said: “Sugar Icing Grits and Glory is a book that I have written from my heart which talks about different phases of my life and some experiences I have gone through.

“It is an abridged ver-

sion of my life which I needed to share to encourage businessmen in this line of business understand that it is not over until it is over.”

Jemide said his journey to success was initially rough because he was confused and also dealing with the feeling of failure but knew that he had to succeed against all odds.

He said: “In the year 2000, I arrived Nigeria from London with only two suitcases and 200 pounds in my pocket.

“I did not know what I was coming to meet and was very confused because I had not been in the country for a long time.

“There was a lot of trepidation but there was also a lot of determination, knowing that I cannot afford to lose.

“It was this spirit that spurred me on.

“I started Cakes by Tosan in a small cubicle while living in my sister’s one-bedroom-apartment.

“I give thanks to God for everything that he has done in my life. I give thanks to my wife whom I call my jewel and my beautiful six children.

“I thank her, especially for giving me my children because they are the driving force to my everyday hustle.”

ernment is set to challenge and encourage individuals in the State to continue to aspire to greatness and to stand out as role model in their chosen area of life by introducing merit award to honour distinguished residents of the State.

This was disclosed at a Public Hearing on a Bill for a Law to establish the Lagos State Awards Scheme, to specify among other things, the privileges of the Recipients and connected purposes held at Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the State House of Assembly. The parley was attended by members of the public, relevant stakeholders and civil servants in the State establishment.

In his keynote address, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade expressed satisfaction with the laudable initiative by the State.

“I feel so delighted that we are here today on the Bill that takes care of the first stanza of Nigerian anthem that labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain. For us to make laws that will govern the people, we must have your inputs,” Obasa disclosed.

The Speaker further said the Bill, if passed into law would reward breakthrough, excellence, bravery and gallantry.

In his welcome address earlier, the Acting Chairman House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Hakeem Shokunle disclosed that the State Government would encourage excellence through the law if eventually passed.

Adding that one other

feature that makes the Bill exceptional is the recognition of those that are dead. He however, tasked participants and other stakeholders to come up with their contributions through memoranda towards making the law richer.

Answering journalists on the need to adhere to integrity in honouring the awardees, Shokunle explained that the Bill remains one of the best in the state, assuring that integrity would not be compromised.

Giving the overview of the 26 section bill, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh disclosed that the bill is first of its kinds in the country.”

The permanent Secretary in the State ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Jemilade Longe in her submission advised that an individual who believes he has contributed to the development in the state should be encouraged to nominate him or herself.

“I may not feel so proud to be given an award at the national level because it has been bastardized.

The issue of nomination, you can put forward your case. A case in point was that of late Gani Fawehinmi. If somebody feels he is worthy, we should trust members of the Council,” Longe said.

Her counterpart in the ministry of Finance, Olufunmilayo Balogun observed that there was no provision in the Bill which stipulated the withdrawal of the award.

According to Balogun who argued for mechanism to withdraw the honour In case anyone that had been awarded was later found wanting, there should be a way of withdrawing such award.

SGF urges EFC to take anti-graft war to public institutions ÏÏÏ

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to devise mechanisms for tackling institutional corruption in public sector at the conception stage.

Mustapha gave the advice on Thursday, in his Office when he received in audience, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu and his Management Team.

He urged the Com-

mission to use advocacy campaigns to change the mind-sets of individuals, who worked in organizations and regarded corrupt tendencies and practices as their preferred way of guaranteeing a secured post-service life.

The SGF expressed the hope that the completion and movement of the Commission to their new Head Office complex in Abuja would ensure better management of their investigation resources and personnel, and also, provide a more enabling environment for them to carry out their very daunting and challenging responsibilities.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Enugu holds training for workers, reiterates commitment to quality healthcare Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

Enugu State government has rounded off a five-day workshop organised to imbue staff of the Government House, Enugu, with the necessary skills to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

The training was held just as the state government reiterated its commitment to the continuous provision of quality healthcare to the people and upgrade of health fa-

cilities across the state.

Speaking during the workshop, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State represented by his chief of staff, Dr. Festus Uzor, stated that the training was informed by the need to correct incipient lapses observed among workers in the Government House whom, he said, were gradually deviating from the core values of the public service.

Governor Ugwuanyi lamented that the procedures designed to ensure proper record-keeping, sound information man-

agement, data-gathering, analyses and transparency are being neglected by officers with such responsibilities hence the need for the in-house training.

“This workshop/training is designed to give the workers the necessary training so as to make them able to perform better in their jobs. As you all know, a well-trained public servant is an invaluable asset to the state as this will no doubt add value to good governance enjoyed by the good people of Enugu State,” he said, adding that at the end of the

programme, participants would have imbibed these skills as well as proper code of ethics in public service.

Reiterating the importance of the workshop, the permanent secretary and chief administrative officer of the Government House, Barr. Emma Ugwu, explained that it would help staff develop the right attitude towards government property, and enhance their knowledge of budget preparation, especially now that the state is adopting best international public sector practices.

Participants commended

Governor Ugwuanyi for the kind gesture extended to the Government House staff, promising that there will henceforth be visible improvements in discharging their responsibilities.

The deputy governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, while speaking at the biennial lecture organised by the South-East chapter of the Association of Lady Pharmacists held in Enugu, noted that a lot of milestones have been recorded by the Governor Ugwuanyi administration

100 days in office: Nsukka Council Chairman highlights achievements Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏThe Chairman Nsukka

Accident scene at Palmgrove Bus Stop along Ikorodu, Road Lagos

Uturu community inaugurates vigilante squad as police warn of misuse Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏUturu community in

Isuikwuato LGA of Abia state, Friday inaugurated its vigilante squad as Nigeria Police warn members not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs.

The Area Commander, Ohafia Zone of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Joseph Akuche reminded them that their job is not an easy one, as they will be expected to complement that of

the police if need be.

He advised them not to pursue different agenda other than that of security, assuring that the state command of the police will duly document them and issue them with permanent identity cards.

Also speaking, royal fathers present at the occasion, Eze Ogbonna Uwadiegwu and Eze Dr. Charles Onuoha appealed to the Inspector General of Police to review his order on arms as the community vigilante cannot combat criminals with arms if dis-

armed.

They also called on the state government to consider paying vigilantes in the state to encourage them.

Also speaking, the President, Uturu Development Association, Akaeme Emmanuel Uchenna disclosed the need to institute the Uturu Vigilante group to have arisen from the fact that with the location of Abia state University in the area, there are lots of stranger element, hence the need to ensure the security of citizens.

According to him, the initial recruitment of the vigilante which is of volunteer came from two members from each of the 24 communities that make up Uturu, stating that the members were profiled through their traditional rulers and trained by Uturu command of the Nigeria Police.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Jerry Azumara extolled the new community executives as doing well, while the occasion was to give support to the vigilante squad.

Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Omeje has highlighted the performance of his administration in the first 100 days in office saying his administration has empowered over 160 youths into various positions to enable them contribute their quota in the development of the council area.

Omeje stated this during an interactive session with traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents, said his administration appointed 20 special assistants, 60 executive assistants, 40 road marshals and 40 environmental marshals.

He added that the council has concluded plans to construct a legislative chamber for councilors.

“The legislative building would provide office accommodation for the 20 councilors and legislative support staff.

“The present situation, where councilors are using the LGA hall for their sitting, gives me concern,” he said.

The council boss expressed satisfaction on the good working relationship between the executive and the legislature, and called for sustenance, in order to move the LGA to the next level.

Omeje said his administration had given issues concerning education, health, agriculture, as well as grading of roads priority.

“When I assumed office, going to Eha-Ndiagu was a nightmare as a result of bad road, but today, farmers in that community can bring their farm produce to Nsukka town with ease,’’ he said.

Perpetrators of Offa attack will not go unpunished, says Saraki Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident of the Sen-

ate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has vowed that perpetrators of the Thursday’s coordinated bank robberies and attack on unsuspecting citizens in

Offa, Kwara State will not go unpunished.

He described the attack that led to several casualties as a despicable act committed by cruel individuals.

Saraki in a post on his Facebook page, said he and the state governor had spo-

ken, earlier on Thursday evening, and they both agree that no stone will be left unturned until those that carried out the attack and robberies are found and prosecuted swiftly.

He said: “Yesterday’s (Thursday) savage attack on unsuspecting citizens

and establishments in Offa LGA, that led to significant loss of lives and injury is a despicable act committed by cruel individuals.

“Make no mistake, there will never be any valid grounds or rationale behind such violence that has left many families without

in the health sector.

“Many hospitals have been upgraded and provided with the necessary facilities. In the rural areas, health centres with the necessary personnel are being established to ensure that the people have access to healthcare services,” she said, commending the Lady Pharmacists for organizing the forum which “offers women in the profession an opportunity to interact and proffer answer to challenges in the health sector”

their loved ones — and one more community in grief and shock.

“Last night, I spoke to Governor Ahmed to express my condolence on the lives that were lost in the attack, and we both agree that no stone will be left unturned until the perpe-

The chairman said the council had opened livestock section at lkpa Commodity Market, so that residents would not go long distances for their livestock needs during ceremonies and festivities.

He said his administration had empowered many youths as well as appointed them into various positions to enable them contribute their quota in the development of the area.

“My administration appointed 20 special assistants, 60 executive assistants, 40 road marshals and 40 environmental marshals, all of them youths,’’ he said.

The PDP Chairman in Nsukka LGA, Mr Fabian Onah, PDP Chairman expressed satisfaction on Omeje’s performance in 100 days and solicited for continued support for him.

The traditional ruler of Nru community, Igwe Sylvanus Arum, who also spoke, said the administration of Omeje had ensured peace and unity in the LGA. He urged the council chairman to sustain his leadership style. The leader of the legislative council, Mr. Chinedu Eze, who also spoke, said the legislature would continue to work harmoniously with the executive in order to move Nsukka LGA to the next level.

Eze expressed happiness on the plans of the Omeje’s administration to build a legislative chamber for councilors.

“Present councilors and future ones will remain grateful to your administration if your administration actualises this plan of building a legislative chamber in Nsukka LGA for councilors,” he said.

trators of this heinous act are caught and brought to justice. It is also important that we all work together to ensure that this does not reoccur. We all must co-operate at various levels to increase the security of our communities.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

29

30

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

FEATURES

s

End of road for encroachers as LASU moves to repossess 682 hectares of land Ïơƿè ƿƠƠ Ƒ Ɔ ƇƇƆƅƐƆƗê ÏG ƗƋ ƏƗ ƄƆƅ ƌƆ ƐƆ Ɛ ƒƆƏ ƤèƠƠƠ Ƒ Ɔ Ƈ ƅƆ ƗƆƌ ƋƈƐƈ

LASU Gate

Esther Taiwo As the year moves to an end and the New Year beckons, this may not be cheery news to encroachers of parcels of land of about 682 hectares belonging to Lagos State University as the institution moves to repossess its land.

At the LASU Land Regularisation Stakeholders meeting held at the University Ojo campus recently, Vice Chancellor, , said LASU is a citadel of knowledge that is aiming to be at par with the world’s standard and one of the requirements for this is to have hostels for students right on campus, as well as some facilities but regrettably, encroachers have taken over 75 percent of their land.

“When LASU was founded in 1982, it was noticed that some of the communities were coming on the land so by 1989 the Lagos State government earmarked 62,000 hectares for Igbo-Elerin community with the intention that LASU would be able to survive on the remaining parcel of land but regrettably the encroachment did not stop, it continued so much so that we now have a situation where 50 to 100 meters to lecture halls trespassers have built structures everywhere”, he said.

According to the VC, the most painful and shocking aspect was that some of the trespassers would come to the wall of LASU, break it down and build within the university and put another wall while another trespasser would also come and break the wall again, build his own and reference it, adding that this is so much impunity.

“The quota given to us by the National Universities Commission is to admit 8,000 students but due to the limitations that our facilities are based on we are not able to admit more than 2,500 students. For some of the trespassers, we will go through the process of regularisation whereby the landlords will regularise their titles with the university and be paying rent to the university but those with impunity, who built on the university land, we will have no choice but to demolish the structures”, he said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said over the past years, the government found itself in a situation whereby it could not achieve what it ought to achieve for the university when over 75 percent of land belonging to LASU had been encroached upon.

“The goal and mandate Governor Ambode has given to this university is to be among the top five in this nation by 2020 and for us to achieve that it is very critical for us to engage the issue of LASU land, this is something we are committed to do”, he said.

Bank-Olemoh said this administration is equal to the task of repossessing its land from trespassers and that is why the government is appealing to everyone to grab the opportunity and take advantage of the life time opportunity presented to them, “We ask you to partner with the Lagos State government in ensuring that our university continues to grow and educate children that will

move the nation forward”, he said.

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said encroachment means operating on another person’s territory, adding that an encroacher does not have any iota of right over the land he is encroaching upon in whatever manner.

“The bigger implication is that an encroacher is a trespasser who has no iota of right and that land can never become his own no matter the years spent. LASU has laws and one of the laws is to make the university residential. To ensure security of lives of students on campus, we must make sure that these lands are repossessed,” he said.

The Attorney General explained further that the first step is to ensure that the parcel of land that had not yet been encroached upon is secured then the one that are have been encroached upon, the buildings on it will follow proper developmental process.

“The criminal law of Lagos is clear about this.

The proper thing is to go after people that have encroached but government has been so magnanimous with them by introducing the regularisation process. The vision of the founding fathers of LASU is to build a world class university and one of the criteria for this is to build infrastructures and facilities on campus but this is impossible because more than half of the land had been encroached. Trespassers are hereby advised to take optimum advantage of the opportunity CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

31 Features

End of road for encroachers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

offered them by Lagos State Government,” he added.

Commissioner for Town Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowose, reminded them that what the present government is offering has not been done anywhere, saying if it is military era, all the structures will be demolished but instead the government is talking about regularising the land.

“You don’t have a Deed of Assignment for the property in your possession because no one will give you a Certificate of Occupancy as the only one available has been given to the real land owner which is LASU,”Anifowose added.

Director of Centre for Planning, LASU, Prof.

Ayo Omotayo, explained that for the trespassers to become bonafide LASU tenants, they have to go to LASU website as portal will be open from January 15th, 2018, update their personal information and pay registration fee of N100,000, upload their building and land documents, “They will also pay Land Regularisation Fee which is calculated based on the land size, type of building and building use either commercial or private use after which they will obtain signed Certificate of Regularisation,” he said.

Prof. Omotayo said beginning from December 18, 2017, LASU land regularisation and urban regeneration survey paper will be pasted on their houses, adding that fees will be charged per building and not per owners.

He also explained that compliance deadline is April 20, 2018, first penalty phase is from May 1 to June 30, 2018 which attracts 25 percent of regularisation fees and second penalty attracts 50 percent which is from July 1 to September 30 2018.

“Any property not registered by September 30, 2018 will be repossessed by LASU”, he said.

Said LASU is a citadel of knowledge that is aiming to be at par with the world’s standard and one of the requirements for this is to have hostels for students right on campus, as well as some facilities but regrettably, encroachers have taken over 75 percent of their land.

“When LASU was founded in 1982, it was noticed that some of the communities were coming on the land so by 1989 the Lagos State government earmarked 62,000 hectares for Igbo-Elerin community with the intention that LASU would be able to survive on the remaining parcel of land but regrettably the encroachment did not stop, it continued so much so that we now have a situation where 50 to 100 meters to lecture halls trespassers have built structures everywhere”, he said.

According to the VC, the most painful and shocking aspect was that some of the trespassers would come to the wall of LASU, break it down and build within the university and put another wall while another trespasser would also come and break the wall again, build his own and reference it, adding that this is so much impunity.

“The quota given to us by the National Universities Commission is to admit 8,000 students but due to the limitations that our facilities are based on we are not able to admit more than 2,500 students. For some of the trespassers, we will go through the process of regularisation whereby the landlords will regularise their titles with the university and be paying rent to the university but those with impunity, who built on the univer-

Prof. Lanre Fagbohun

sity land, we will have no choice but to demolish the structures”, he said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said over the past years, the government found itself in a situation whereby it could not achieve what it ought to achieve for the university when over 75 percent of land belonging to LASU had been encroached upon.

“The goal and mandate Governor Ambode has given to this university is to be among the top five in this nation by 2020 and for us to achieve that it is very critical for us to engage the issue of LASU land, this is something we are committed to do”, he said.

Bank-Olemoh said this administration is equal to the task of repossessing its land from trespassers and that is why the government is appealing to everyone to grab the opportunity and take advantage of the life time opportunity presented to them, “We ask you to partner with the Lagos State government in ensuring that our university continues to grow and educate children that will move the nation forward”, he said.

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said encroachment means operating on another person’s territory, adding that an encroacher does not have any iota of right over the land he is encroaching upon in whatever manner.

“The bigger implication is that an encroacher is a trespasser who has no iota of right and that land can never become his own no matter the years spent. LASU has laws and one of the laws is to make the university residential. To ensure security of lives of students on campus, we must make sure that these lands are repossessed,” he said.

The Attorney General explained further that

the first step is to ensure that the parcel of land that had not yet been encroached upon is secured then the one that are have been encroached upon, the buildings on it will follow proper developmental process.

“The criminal law of Lagos is clear about this. The proper thing is to go after people that have encroached but government has been so magnanimous with them by introducing the regularisation process. The vision of the founding fathers of LASU is to build a world class university and one of the criteria for this is to build infrastructures and facilities on campus but this is impossible because more than half of the land had been encroached.

Trespassers are hereby advised to take optimum advantage of the opportunity offered them by Lagos State Government,” he added.

Commissioner for Town Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowose, reminded them that what the present government is offering has not been done anywhere, saying if it is military era, all the structures will be demolished but instead the government is talking about regularising the land.

“You don’t have a Deed of Assignment for the property in your possession because no one will give you a Certificate of Occupancy as the only one available has been given to the real land owner which is LASU,”Anifowose added.

Director of Centre for Planning, LASU, Prof.

Ayo Omotayo, explained that for the trespassers to become bonafide LASU tenants, they have to go to LASU website as portal will be open from January 15th, 2018, update their personal information and pay registration fee of N100,000, upload their building and land documents, “They will also pay Land Regularisation Fee which is calculated based on the land size, type of building and building use either commercial or private use after which they will obtain signed Certificate of Regularisation,” he said.

Prof. Omotayo said beginning from December 18, 2017, LASU land regularisation and urban regeneration survey paper will be pasted on their houses, adding that fees will be charged per building and not per owners.

He also explained that compliance deadline is April 20, 2018, first penalty phase is from May 1 to June 30, 2018 which attracts 25 percent of regularisation fees and second penalty attracts 50 percent which is from July 1 to September 30 2018.

“Any property not registered by September 30, 2018 will be repossessed by LASU”, he said.

Published by THE DAILY TIMES NIGERIA (A Folio Communications Limited Company) Operational Headquarters: Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos email: info@dailytimes.ng Editor: TONY AMOKEODO Tel: 08111811228 Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

VOL. 3. NO. 621

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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Saturdeay Arpril 7, 2018

Groups review Govt privatisation policies, offer alternative Page B4

Tourism development in Nigeria: Mrs Akeredolu, other stakeholders brain storm on Page B6 way forward

NERC gives electricity distribution firms 120 days to engage new meter Providers Page B8

BPE will not compromise on privatisation, assets management –DG Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Safety House, Lagos L-R: Captain Dayyabu Danraka, Director of Operations, AIB, Engineer Akin Olateru, Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), and Engineer Hamisu Wali, Director of Engineering, during AIB media briefing on the inauguration of the Safety Recommendation Committee at the AIB

We don’t have plastic fish in Nigeria, says NAFDAC Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied the wide speculation of existence of plastic fish in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Agency’s spokesman, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, in Abuja on Thursday, the Agency stated that its finding followed “a thorough investigation and analysis of some unsuspected plastic fish samples’’ in its laboratory.

According to the statement, the investigation was triggered by a report from a Nigerian consumer in Abuja that he bought a fish and discovered that it refused to cook when it was set on fire for several minutes.

“The suspected sample of the fish, after thorough investigation, was confirmed to contain protein and fat which

is normal to fish.

“The fish was, however, found to be unwholesome due to serious bacterial contamination, NAFDAC said.

“While encouraging Nigerians to watch carefully the kind of fish they buy, it is however

important to stress that there is no plastic fish in Nigeria.’’

The management noted that few weeks ago, there had been the circulation of suspected plastic fish in some parts of the world on the social media but stressed that no single

case had been found in Nigeria, so far.

The agency urged Nigerians to“report any suspected unwholesome product, including fish to the nearest NAFDAC office for further investigation’’.

NNPC signs contracts for 614km AKK Project Idu Jude, Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has executed contracts for the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and financing for Lots 1&3 of the 40inch x 614km Ajaokuta - Kaduna - Kano gas pipeline and stations with a consortium of indigenous and Chinese companies under a 100 per cent contractor financing model.

Under the terms of contract, Lot 1 with total length of 40inch x 200km stretching from Ajaokuta to Abuja Terminal Gas Station was awarded

to the OilServe/Oando Consortium.

Lot 3 which runs from Kaduna Terminal Gas Station (TGS) to Kano TGS with total length of 40inch x 221km was awarded to the Brentex/ China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPP) Consortium.

It is envisaged that contract agreement for Lot 3 which covers 40inch x 193km stretching from Abuja to Kaduna will be executed in the weeks ahead.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the AKK Gas pipeline was a section of TransNigerian Gas Pipeline under the gas infrastructure blueprint designed

to enable the industrialization of the Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria. The project would also enable connectivity between the East, West and North, which is currently non-existent.

He noted that the AKK section has suffered setbacks due to scarce resources for government to fully finance the project, hence the adoption of the contractor financing model.

“The two other pipelines, the OB3 & ELPs 2 in the Gas Master Plan blue print, are currently at various stages of completion and are being financed directly by the Federal CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh, has reiterated the resolve of the Bureau not to compromise on transparency and integrity in the sale and management of public assets in the country.

Speaking at the joint kick-off meeting of the transaction advisers for the privatisation of Afam Power Generation Plant and Yola Power Distribution Company in Abuja, Okoh also said that the Bureau had raised the bar for privatisation transactions. He maintained that stakeholders would be carried along throughout the entire stages of the transactions.

He noted the criticism that trailed the initial privatisation of the power companies and said that the lessons learnt in the previous exercise would be applied to set a standard for the fresh transactions, adding that transparency and professionalism are key to all the Bureau’s transactions.

On the emergence of FBN Quest Consortium as the sole transaction adviser for Yola and Afam Power Companies, the DG said there was nothing untoward about it.

He said, “rather it is in furtherance of the Bureau’s stance on transparency because the Consortium participated in the two distinct bidding processes for the selection of transactions advisers and emerged as the preferred bidder for Yola Power Company and reserved bidder for Afam Power Company.”

He explained that when negotiations with the preferred bidder- Energy Markets & Rates Consortium (EMRC)for advisory services for Afam Power Company transaction fell through, the Bureau made recourse to the reserved bidder – FBN Quest in line with best practice.

While expressing confidence in FBN Quest’s ability to deliver on both transactions, the BPE boss pledged the Bureau’s support towards ensuring the success of the standards to be set in the fresh transactions.

In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director of FBN Quest Consortium, Mr. Taiwo Okeowo stated that the Consortium’s goal is to partner with BPE to set an improved standard in the course of the transactions and post-transaction activities.

To achieve this he said, a team of professionals cutting across technical experts, legal services, as well as financial experts were on board to execute the task.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturdeay Arpril 7, 2018

NNPC signs contracts for 614km AKK Project CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Government,’’ he said In his remarks on behalf of the Oilserve/Oando Consortium, Engr.

Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman of Oilserve Limited, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the NNPC for providing the opportunities for indigenous companies to flourish in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.

He said the decision to award Lot 1 of the AKK project to an indigenous consortium speaks volume of government’s resolve to grow and encourage the attainment of the ideals of local content philosophy.

Engr. Abubakar Nuhu, ViceChairman of Brentex Nigeria Limited, said the Brentex-CPP Consortium would rely mainly on the acclaimed pedigree and global expertise of CPP in pipeline construction to deliver a world class project.

The Daily Times recalls that the process for the award of the AKK project teed-off in July 2013 with the advertisement for tenders published by the NNPC in major national newspapers.

After a painstaking technical and commercial evaluation process, the Federal Executive Council at its 46th meeting on 13th December, 2017 approved the contract valued at over $2.8 billion.

Meanwhile, the NNPC has said that it will collaborate with the Nigerian Academy of Engineers to raise the standard of Engineering and Technology in the country.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, disclosed this while receiving members of the Nigerian Academy of Engineers. He noted that the corporation had a record of supporting the development of engineering and technology in the country through its various corporate social responsibility programmes like the annual national quiz competition for science students in the country.

Dr. Baru noted that the corporation had also collaborated with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, committed $2million each to the provision of science and laboratories in six universities spread across all the geopolitical zones in the country.

Speaking earlier, president of the Academy, who was also a former member of NNPC Board, Engr.

(Mrs) Olu Maduka, said the standard of engineering in the country was falling and the trend must be arrested, saying only an organization like the NNPC with its track record of support to the development of science and Engineering technology could spearhead its revival.

Also speaking at the event, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola, and a member of the Academy, Professor Salihu Mustapha, said there was an urgent need to link research, academic and industry, while expressing optimizing that NNPC remains one of the corporate bodies that could provide the needed support in that regard.

L-R: Principal Digital, AMESA, IQVIA in Technology, Rajagopal Sevilimedu; President, Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Director, Technology Solutions, AMESA, IQVIA in Technology, Ravi Akelia; Chairman, IQVIA HCPSpace Advisory Board, Dr. Femi Olugbile and Country Manager, West Africa, IQVIA in General, Remi Adeseun at the official launch of the IQVIA HCPSpace in Lagos

Groups review Govt privatisation policies, offer alternative Simon Ugwu Civil society and labour groups have kicked against the privatisation policies of federal and state governments saying privatising key public sectors violates the Nigerian constitution.

At the end of a two-day workshop on ‘public-private partnership versus public sector solutions’ organised by the Public Services International in Lagos, the groups said the policies have ”dragged the country backward”.

The National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Josiah Biobelemoye, said proponents of PPP (public-private partnership) in the Nigerian health sector had promised that its implementation would improve quality and equity.

“The multi-million naira question is, what is the average salary of an ordinary Nigerian?” Mr. Biobelemoye said.

“What is the current minimum wage like? What is the ease of doing business in Nigeria? Has the cost of treating malaria reduced

with the emergence of PPPs in some hospitals? How much is the cost of card collection in Garki Hospital Abuja and Federal Medical Centre Jabi etc?

“It is absolutely unfortunate that policies are driven to suit the interest of few Nigerians at the expense of the poor, disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens.

“The main problem is the wrong diagnosis of what the real challenge is. Instead of avoiding corruption and attending to critical issues that will better the health sector, the government and managers of our health facilities have diagnosed paucity of funds, leading to inadequate funding as the major set-back and are busy presenting PPP as the treatment.”

Mr. Biobelemoye said the collapse, on 20th January 2018 in Britain, of Carillion, a private company that the British government had collaborated extensively with on PPPs showed the extent to which the model is ”financially, economically, and socially dangerous, compared to public sector delivery of services”.

“It is also important to note at

this juncture that even with the practice of PPPs in some quarters, the Federal Government is still responsible for the personnel cost,” he said.

“This means that very few selfish Nigerians in power have succeeded in ripping off the system thereby offering misleading advice to the government of the day.

“Our experience of PPP so far show that only very few individuals can afford and access healthcare because of its cost. Then, what is the fate of the poor and vulnerable within the same country?”

Delivering the keynote address, the Public Services International Head of Campaigns, Sandra Vermuyten said quality public services are the foundation of a fair society and a strong economy.

“Quality public services make our communities and economies more equitable, resilient to downturn and disaster, and protect the youngest, sick, unemployed, disabled, and vulnerable,” said Ms. Vermuyten, who represented Rosa Pavanelli, PSI General-Secretary.

“Quality public services are

among the state’s primary mechanisms for fulfilling its obligations for the realisation of human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Quality public services also support the economy by providing public infrastructure, research and innovation, a healthy and skilled workforce, and strong and stable justice and regulatory institutions.

“The fight against privatisation is not just a fight to stop the sale of our public services. It is also a fight for the type of society we want, a fight for social justice and equity.”

Ms. Vermuyten said there is enough wealth in most countries’ economies to enable the required public investment if corporations and the very wealthy ”pay their fair share”.

“The consequences of underinvestment in quality public services are lower growth, higher inequality, less social cohesion and an inevitable political reaction that is currently being exploited to fuel racism, nationalism, and xenophobia.

Senator Obanikoro commends Gov Ambode for sustaining indigenous culture Simon Ugwu

Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, has commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s drive in sustaining and upholding indigenous cultures, traditions and norms of Lagos State.

Obanikoro who served as a Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District from 2003 to 2007, gave the commen-

dation while speaking on Tuesday in Lagos.

The senator who later served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana said that the increase in technological advancement was a challenge to cultural growth in the country.

“Modernisation is taking over the world and our youths want to follow the trend. “Our youths have been carried away

by Western culture, which is not encouraging.

“I appreciate Gov. Ambode’s drive in reviving some of the old cultures and traditions that include: the boat regatta, the `Lagos Street Carnival’, `One Lagos fiesta’ and others.

“This shows the administration’s interest and passion for upholding the state’s rich culture and traditions, ‘’ he said.

Obanikoro said that the development of these cultural heritages would expose the city to international visitors.

“It will also attract local and foreign visitors as well as investors to the state, ‘’ he said.

He also lauded the state government for investing more in culture, tourism and entertainment in order to prevent them from being eroded by western influence.

Obanikoro said that culture was a way of exhibiting a community’s ways of life and traditions and they should be preserved by their custodians.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturdeay Arpril 7, 2018

Wellington Jighere: Support for scrabble will boost tourism Wellington Jighere, the 2015 world scrabble champion, on Monday in Abuja said Federal Government’s support for the game of scrabble was necessary because it would boost tourism in Nigeria.

Jighere said that scrabble as a sport has the potential to drive tourism in Nigeria.

He added that Nigeria as a nation stands to gain a lot from the scrabble sport as a tool to drive tourism.

“Scrabble can also be used to engage our teeming population productively, amongst other things,” Jighere said.

He lamented the fact that sports tourism was an opportunity Nigeria has not leveraged upon in spite of playing host to several tournaments over the years.

The former world scrabble number one said with adequate

support and sponsorship, sports tourism would generate lots of earnings for Nigeria.

He however said one major challenge of sports in Nigeria was funding, adding that sports such as scrabble lack sponsorship in spite of the many achievements they have recorded.

“With a little support from government and corporate bodies, we can easily transform this noble sport to an endeavour that our dear nation can be identified with.

“We are already famed for being the number one scrabbleplaying nation in the world.

“Our government can capitalise on this to transform our dear nation to become the scrabble capital of the world, and also become a beacon for educational advancement on this continent,’’ Jighere said.

He disclosed that he planned to

organise three scrabble tournaments this year, even though he admitted that the rate of preparation had been low.

“Preparations are slow at the moment. I actually planned on hosting not just one this year but several.

“It is my hope that I will be able to organise a minimum of three tournaments before the year runs out.

“The major challenges are linked to sponsorship. The other time I organised a tournament, I ended up financing the project almost entirely by myself in spite of having lots of encouragement from supposed partners,” the former world champion said.

Reports say that Nigeria, through the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, has won the best scrabble-playing nation title back to back and is also the current African Champion

B3

Gabriel Afolayan’s wedding ‘shuts down’ Ibadan Simon Ugwu with Agency report Following their introduction, Nollywood actor Gabriel Afolayan and his bride Banke had their traditional wedding in Ibadan on Thursday.

It was a star-studded ceremony which literally shut down social media in Nigeria on Thursday.

Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Mo’Cheddah, Adeniyi Johnson, Tope Tedela, Wole Ojo, Tunde Demuren and more celebrities were all spotted at the ceremony.

The couple who they had their introduction ceremony on Wednesday in Osogbo, Osun State will have their white wedding on Saturday.

The couple reportedly began dating about 18 months ago.

Afolayan, who is also known by his musical stage name GFresh, posted their pre-wedding photos on Instagram.

Their wedding hashtag #GBanks2018 is currently trending on Instagram.

The talented actor is part of the renowned Afolayan entertainment family that comprises Ade Love (their late father), Kunle Afolayan, Aremu Afolayan among others.

World Bank releases $486m to boost electricity in Nigeria Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The World Bank has approved an International Development Association (IDA) Credit and an IDA Scale Up Facility Credit in the sum of $486 million equivalent for rehabilitation and upgrading of electricity transmission substations and lines in Nigeria.

The investments under the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project, is aimed at increasing the power transfer capacity of the transmission network and enable distribution companies supply consumers with additional power.

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud, said in a statement on Thursday by the Senior Communications Officer, Nigeria, Olufunke Olufon, that together with other investments and policy measures, the project would contribute to ensuring adequate and reliable electricity supply that is necessary for Nigeria’s continued economic development.

Benmessaoud said that it would also support private sector participation, capacity development and better governance in Transmission Company of Nigeria and sector institutions.

“The Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project will help address key bottlenecks

in the transmission network and improve access to affordable and reliable electricity service to citizens,” he added.

The Bank, quoted the Minister for Power, Works and Housing. Babatunde Fashola, as saying, “the Federal Government is committed

to addressing the challenges in the public-owned transmission network and the financing being provided by the World Bank under the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project power sector underlines this commitment.

The Federal Government anticipates that private sector

financing in the privatelyowned segments of the value-chain will complement the government’s efforts in bringing better quality service to citizens.”

This project is part of the Power Sector Recovery Program (PSRP) by the Federal Government, which is a com-

prehensive package of policy, legal, regulatory, operational and financial interventions that will restore the financial viability of power sector. The measures that will be implemented through 2021 are aimed at improving transparency and service delivery and re-establishing investor confidence in the sector.

Ag. Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc, Jude Monye, paid a condolence visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai (left)over the death of his father, Alhaji Yusuf Burutai, at his residence in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Interview B4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

We are securing airports with CCTV cameras - FAAN boss we have these facilities in all the airports, but security challenges always come up in different forms. If you address this challenge, the challenge will come back again in another form. So, the only way out is to improve on our technology. As we speak, there are things going on at Lagos and Abuja airports to make sure that we cover all the restricted areas with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras

Recent aircraft thefts on runways of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport might have forced the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to purchase seven kilometer Close Circle Television Cameras to cover the stretch of the runway. The Managing Director of FAAN, Engr Saleh Dunoma, in a recent encounter with aviation journalists. spoke on challenges and progress such as debts, airport terminal buildings and scanning machines.

CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO was there for The Daily Times

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ostly revenue generation points in FAAN are from the aeronautical sources at the airports. What is the agency doing to ensure that non aeronautical sources generate revenue?

Yes, aeronautical revenues are very straight forward and very easy to capture; these are services that are much defined and the charges are also well-defined. That also makes it easy for us to collect. A lot of our revenues come from aeronautical sources, but that is not to say that we don’t have non-aeronautical sources. However, we are trying to develop non-aeronautical revenues this is because we want to concentrate on our core activities, which is providing facilities to flight operations and passenger movement.

In most cases, in order for us to free ourselves from distractions, we try to see that the non-aeronautical revenues are concessioned out; so, we concession out the car parks, toll gates and others so that FAAN can concentrate on their core issues. That is providing and managing the airports operations. I know there are some countries that have high non-aeronautical revenues and aeronautical too. Nigeria is moving towards that gradually and by the time we design projects like aerotropolis, bring about a lot of developments on the landside of the airport, we would be seen to have developed the non-aeronautical sources of revenues.

We have issued out pieces of land for construction of hotels and other giant projects that we feel by the time they are completely completed and commissioned, w are going to earn more revenues from non-aeronautical sources. We are working hard on that, but we want to concentrate on the aeronautical sources so that we make sure that we provide the services that we are expected to provide to airlines and passengers.

Sir, what is the level of indebtedness by airlines and other concessionaires to FAAN? As long as we continue to do business, there would continue to be debts here and there. There is no day you will say nobody or airline owes FAAN, but as long as we continue with credit policy that gives them two weeks, indebtedness will always be there, you can never eliminate it, but what we have done in recent time was to call all our concessionaires in our regional offices to a meeting to reconcile and we have reconciled with almost everybody and we created a programme of payment, which is signed up by each and every person.

So, we look at what is reasonable and what they can pay monthly. We signed off on that. Everybody has some debts to pay,

Dunoma but we are making arrangement and with that plan in place, I think we are good to go, we don’t have issues with the airlines. Unless if they now default on the programme of payment, then, it means we need to call them back again and sit down for us to look at it and know why you are defaulting. We are ready to listen to everybody that is doing business with us; we will listen to them, consider their issues and see how we can work with them to make sure they are also comfortable and make them to make commitments on how to pay our debts.

Recent incursions into the restricted areas of the nation’s airports have been more pronounced in recent time, what is FAAN doing to have perimeter fences in most of our airports and eliminate these incursions?

Airport is a public place; there are certain areas that are restricted and there are some of the areas that are allowed for public to have access. As you know, we have various categories of people coming to the airport apart from the airline staff, you still have other people that are providing services. So, that is why we have the airport access control system. Apart from that, since it is a public place, there is a limit to what you can do in order to stop people from getting access to some areas they are not sup-

posed to access. So, we have a lot of measures in place and one of them is of course the proper fencing of the airport to restrict access to the place, we have perimeter patrol and there is technology also, which is for surveillance.

To some extent, we have these facilities in all the airports, but security challenges always come up in different forms. If you address this challenge, the challenge will come back again in another form. So, the only way out is to improve on our technology. As we speak, there are things going on at Lagos and Abuja airports to make sure that we cover all the restricted areas with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.

This is ongoing; in Lagos, it is 80 per cent completed and it is about 70 per cent completed in Abuja. We will soon commission this and once it is commissioned, our people will sit up and monitor these restricted locations. This is going to help us a lot.

In addition to that, we are buying another technology, which is a mobile system that has cameras on it and can see up to seven kilometers. So, we will position it and even at night, it has cameras that will watch all the sensitive areas of the airport; the runway, apron and the other restricted areas.

By the time we have all these technologies in place and we improve on the pe-

rimeter road, we mend some of the broken fences, the security will be watertight and nobody will be able to have access to the restricted areas and if you try to access it, you will be caught because of the technology put in place.

The CCTV cameras will not just be installed in Lagos, but in the five international airports across the country. The CCTVs have always been there, but you know that the facilities keep on growing; in Abuja and others, we are building new terminals and as we keep developing the airport, we have to keep developing on the security apparatus we have at the airports too. It is a continuous thing and a priority for the government.

The car park at the international wing of the Lagos Airport is a far distance from the terminal, what is FAAN doing to address the challenge?

I don’t think this distance is something we should worry about, but because in our airports, we are used to short distances. If you travel out, before you get to your gate from the security and immigration areas, you either spend 15 to 20 minutes walk and I am not sure if the distance between the terminal and the car park is more than five minutes walk. But, what we need to do is to improve the ambience. May be, when the passengers are walking, they should walk under a shed.

However, once this terminal under construction is completed; the whole thing would be linked. The car parked would be linked to the terminals. So, you don’t have to come out. You can trek the terminals to the car park all within under a roof.

However, on a temporary basis, we have buses that are working there and they carry passengers, but what we need to do is to increase the frequencies of the buses. We are going to improve on that and we are try-

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

B5

Interview

‘We are securing airports with CCTV cameras’ ing to get more buses to complement on the ones that we have.

Sir, what is FAAN doing to curb runway flooding at our airports?

I don’t think there are floods in our runways because one of the critical things in runway pavement is the drainage system.

You drain the runways in two directions; you know, runway is most times 60 meters wide. The centre is slightly high so that water does not stay on the runway at any point in time and most of the runways are properly designed for drainage. If it is raining heavily, the airlines know their safety limit; they either land or avoid landing at a particular point in time. Our runways are designed in such a way that they are properly drained.

What is the current situation at Enugu Airport?

Just last week, we were there with the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and we met the governor of the state on the issues pertaining the runway. Of course, the market is there, but you know the government has a programme of extending and expanding the runway. This programme started sometime in 2011 and we have successfully extended the runway, but we could not finish the approaches because of land issued.

However, the land issue is not within our purview, but within the state government and the minister has made this issue known to the governor. In fact on the day we visited him, the governor gave a directive right there and then that all the encroachments on the approach should be stopped.

He also gave a directive to Enugu State Radio, which has a mast there to immediately prepare and remove the mast there and that included Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He has also promised us that he’s going to look into the relocation of the market and if these issues are addressed, then we will continue with the approach.

The runway is wide enough because it is 60 meters wide.

As soon as all these are addressed, we are going to go back, finish the runway and the installation of the lighting system and that makes the airport 24 hours.

What kind of partnership does FAAN have with State Governments that have airports in the states especially with upgrading of facilities at those airports?

We have Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several State Governments that have airports; about six or seven of them. These include Gombe, Bauchi, Gigawa, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom and Delta States. We are providing security service, fire cover, marshalling and some technical assistance. The airports are standards already because they did not build the airport without our consultations. They consulted us, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and all the parastatals through the Ministry of Aviation. During those consultations, we gave the guidelines, consultants and others in designing the airports. So, the airports are complainant by standards. The only thing they need to do is to improve these airports on either infrastructure, technology or personnel and they will get back to us and we provide them with technical materials so that they will do it in accordance with international best practices, International Civil Aviation

For the purpose of day-to-day data, we have to rely on what we collect and then, later on, we can do reconciliation either with our agencies or our immediate stakeholders so that whatever data that is sent out, is data that is agreeable to all of us Organisation (ICAO) and NCAA standards.

They don’t work in isolation; they work with us so that at the end of the day, whatever they are providing in terms of technology and what have you, they are cleared by us. They can then go ahead and implement.

There are allegations that the scanning machines at the major airports don’t have the capacity to detect illicit drugs, how true is this?

We have various types of screening machines and equipment at the airports, but I will quickly add that it is not the set of that equipment that we have, but we are planning to buy equipment that can check almost everything. Recently, I went to Qatar where they were displaying some scanning machines. There are scanning machines now that would tell you the atomic number of anything. So, it can detect almost everything. We don’t have these machines now, things are being tested and they have to obtain airport certification before they are deployed to aviation.

But, what we have currently is a combination; the scanning machines that we have there are doing different jobs and we also have the hand held scanners, which are detecting narcotics. So, the combination of that can help security men t detect whatever they want to detect. Normally, the screening machines tell you it suspects something in a luggage and now, it is left for the security personnel on ground to carry out further analysis, using the machines or you can focus on the area detected by the machines and if you are not satisfied, bring up the bag and check manually. So, it has to be a combination of technology.

Right now, these are the technologies we are using, but I can assure you that these technologies would change very soon as companies have developed something that is more sophisticated and more efficient.

Very soon, we will get these equipment at our airports.

The new terminal buildings under construction have suffered several completion dates, when will these terminals be eventually commissioned?

We have to change the completion dates of the terminals under construction in the

Dunoma five or six airports because of issues raised by the contractors. There was an evaluation because of the devalued of naira to dollar. When the contract was awarded, I think a dollar was N165 and today, it is over N300 and the approval process to the variation was a bit lengthy. As we speak today, we are getting to the end of the journey, we have got Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) approval. So, the contractors have never stopped work. If you visited recently, Port Harcourt is over 80 per cent completed, followed by Abuja and Lagos.

If you go to Abuja, the avio bridges are shooting out from the terminal building and all the materials are there on sight, but just awaiting the installations. So, we believe that by the middle of this year, Lagos and Abuja should be ready. We have a lot of external work to do because we need to extend the apron especially in Lagos; in Port Harcourt, they have already started with the apron and it is about 33 per cent completed; Abuja also, they have started with the apron, already installing the avio bridge in Abuja.

So, Abuja will come up very soon. Just recently, we were there with Sen. Sirika and the Federal Capital Territory Minister to look how we can commission the building with the light rails that are servicing the airport. We are working with the FCT to make sure that we synchronise our activities in such a way that passengers can start using the light rail to the airport. Very soon, the light rail in Abuja would be commissioned, alongside the terminal building

and passengers can now come by train and also leave the airport by train.

Data gathering is one of the major challenges confronting this sector as several government agencies dish out conflicting figures, how can this be addressed?

If you have two or three people doing the same thing, the tendency is that there would be difference in whatever they are doing and if you have four or five agencies collecting data, definitely, there would be differences in data collection at the end of the day, but what we have resolved to do in order to get to the root of these differences, is to have better reconciliation. All the statisticians in the agencies will come together from NCAAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), FAAN and others will come together so that we will reconcile the information, the numbers before we issue them out.

But, for the purpose of day-to-day data, we have to rely on what we collect and then, later on, we can do reconciliation either with our agencies or our immediate stakeholders so that whatever data that is sent out, is data that is agreeable to all of us. So, this reconciliation we do quarterly with the agencies helps us a lot in order to make sure that at the end of the year when we want to publish our information, the data is captured by all of us and the airlines. These data are regularly reconciled to ensure we get required information and all the errors are usually minimised.

Tours&Travels

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B6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturdeay Arpril 7, 2018

Tourism development in Nigeria: Mrs Akeredolu, other stakeholders brain storm on way forward Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu joined other patriotic Nigerians, Captains of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, foreign development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to chat way forward on Tourism and Hospitality development and sustainability in Nigeria.

The two day event organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri is the third in the series.

In her contribution, Mrs. Akeredolu observed that Nigeria has alot of natural endowments that if properly harnessed will make Nigeria a tourist destination.

The sunshine state First Lady who is also a passionate advocate of tourism development in Nigeria, cited her home town Emeabiam as having untapped tourism potentials.

She said “Our dear Imo state has a lot of potentials to be the tourist destination in Nigeria. You heard all the speakers mention so many tourist attraction areas in Nigeria. Even where I come from Emeabiam in Owerri West , we have a confluence yet to be developed, where Otamiri River joined Uramurukwa River, that is eco-tourism waiting to be harnessed. Another one is the rubber estate, the bikers can get fun from just riding round the perimeters of that thousands of hectares of the abounded rubber estate. Beside it, Otamiri River, you drop a pin in there, you will see it. Can you imagine if that place is developed? I mean when I take you there, you wouldn’t want to come back.

Am using this opportunity to raise my voice, Imo state, harness your numerous potentials.”

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of IHTEF, Chibuikem Diala said, the IHTEF 2018 was put together to promote Hotel, Tourism, Green Economy and other related business associated with the industry in Nigeria.

Mr Diala further said that

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.

this year’s theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism” offers a unique opportunity to leverage on new tourism-new markets-green hospitality and innovative pathways that will sustainably drive hotel and tourism growth with strategic intention to drive workforce excellence, grow investments, promote fuller lives, increase

sub-national GDP and maximize environmental sustainability.

Present at the event were one time Governor of the old Rivers State who is also the traditional ruler of Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff (Seriyai II), Imo State Comissioner for Tourism, Dr Cyril Okafor and his Ondo State Counter-

part Hon. Ismaila Olurimisi, Natacha Haguma, CEO, Global logistics Limited, Kigali Rwanda, Mr Adedayo Adesugba, Honourary chair, Institute of Hospitality, Uk. and Comrade Preye Ketebu-Brown, Vice President World Assembly of Youth.

Others are Captains of Industries and top government officials from across Nigeria.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of “INSPIRING ICON AWARD” (Health and Wellness Tourism) to Ondo State First Lady and presentation of the Hotel Industry Excellence Award (South East Edition) with the hotel of the year award to Osborne La-Palm Royal Resort Abakiliki, Exhibition and Cultural display.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturdeay Arpril 7, 2018

B7

Personal Review

An overview of the Lagos State electric power sector reform law, 2018 Simon Ugwu Introduction Lagos State Nigeria (the State), the commercial capital of Nigeria, initiated the Embedded Power Programme in 2017 as part of its project, popularly referred to as the “Light up Lagos Project”, to generate and distribute approximately 3,000MW off-grid power for public utility in the State (Project). The Project is a special initiative comprising of street lighting, community electrification, and an embedded power programme. The State recently passed into law the Lagos State Electric Power Sector Reform Law (Power Sector Law) on 8 February 2018, to provide for a legal framework to further the objectives of the Project.

Under the Power Sector Law, the embedded power programme aspect of the Project is referred to as the Embedded Power Scheme1 (Scheme).

The Scheme was initiated to ensure the improvement of electricity supply through the provision of adequate feedstock2 transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as supporting efficient tariff mechanisms geared towards the embedded generation of power within the State.

This article presents an overview of the highlights of the Power Sector Law in the context of existing laws in the Nigerian power sector.

Scope of the Law Establishment of the Lagos State Embedded Power Commission (Commission) Section 8 of the Power Sector Law established the Commission to act as a liaison between the State and federal agencies in the power sector. The functions of the Commission include, inter alia, to liaise, cooperate and collaborate with federal agencies to ensure the protection of consumer interest and compliance with relevant environmental laws, to promote fair and efficient market practices within the State and ensuring cost reflective tariffs for all projects3. The Commission is vested with powers to make regulations in order to give effect to the provisions of the Power Sector Law4.

The Power Sector Law recognises the supervisory role of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources5 over the Nigerian power sector as a whole. The Power Sector Law further recognizes the statutory and regulatory functions of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), established

under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act6 (EPSRA).

Despite the establishment of the Commission, the Power Sector Law is not clear on the preeminence of the NERC over the Commission in regulatory issues under the Power Sector Law. Embedded Power Providers (EPPs) EPPs are companies licensed

by NERC to generate and sell power to distribution companies within the State.

The EPPs, in collaboration with the Commission, are responsible for the implementation of the Scheme. The EPPs are required to develop the requisite standard agreements (such as power purchase agreements) with distribution companies, feedstock merchants and special purpose vehicles for embedded generation, and setting out commercial and technical responsibilities of the parties7.

The EPPs are required to provide reports of their activities to the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources through the Commission8.

Establishment of the Lagos State Embedded Power Council (Council) The Council is comprised of a chairman, appointed by the Lagos state governor, and various stakeholders in the Lagos State Power Sector, including one representative of each of the distribution companies in the State9. The Council is established to serve as a form of coordinator

with respect to the power sector within the State. The Council’s functions include the gathering and dissemination of information relating to state policies, liaising with all state stakeholders, ensuring consumers benefit from competition and efficiency and advising the State on questions relating to the power sector10.

Establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Board The establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Board is to ensure that the areas previously covered under the repealed Lagos State Electricity Board Law 201511 are now administered by the newly established Lagos State Electricity Board. The Lagos State Electricity Board oversees the establishment of electric power stations, generates, transmits and distributes electricity to areas not covered by the Scheme as well as areas not covered by the State’s national grid system12.

Establishment of a Power Task Force The Power Task Force is to be established to deal with interruptions to the provision of power supply, which include theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure in the State.

This special task force will be charged with ensuring constant uninterrupted power supply to the State13. The Power Task Force as well as other law enforcement agencies in the State have the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of the Power Sector Law14.

In addition to the above, the Power Sector Law creates offences and appropriate penalties for such offences. These offences include theft and damage to electricity supply, harassment, injury and impersonation of officers carrying out duties in the power sector15.

Rural electrification Similar to the EPSRA, the Power Sector Law provides for rural electrification. The Power Sector Law states that the Commission shall maintain a policy to foster electricity development and promote modalities for rural electrification projects within the State16. The Commission has the duty to collaborate with relevant agencies to engender development, investment and compliance in the process of rural electrification17.

The areas to be known as rural areas shall be so designated by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources and an executive order published in the gazette shall be made to this effect18.

Conclusion In essence, the Power Sector Law seeks to create a regulatory framework for the regulation of the power sector in the State. A number of the regulatory bodies, operations and functionaries which the Power Sector Law seeks to establish, already exist in one form or another under national or federal enactments.

While the Power Sector Law seeks to give legal impetus to the Project, it remains to be seen how the Commission will function and carry out its role under the Power Sector Law without clashing with or replicating the roles and functions of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the NERC. More importantly, it would be critical to see how any inconsistency under any legal, operational or commercial issues in the Power Sector Law would be determined against the background of the EPSRA and the EPSRA regulations.

Notwithstanding this, the establishment of the Power Sector Law is a step in a positive direction.

It has since been the subject of debate as to whether power sector issues should be governed by the federal government and not by the State, given that the State is better tasked in delivering such essential infrastructure. Given the commercial aspirations of the State and its peculiar energy requirements, the Project is welcomed, as it may assist in accelerating the socioeconomic development of the State. We foresee that other states will soon follow in the footsteps of the State and enact similar laws which will encourage the power sector to further develop and accelerate economic growth in their respective states. With appropriate inter-agency and cooperation at federal and state levels, the Power Sector Law would facilitate the delivery of the Project and ensure an immense economic boost to the State.

Business Features B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturdeay Arpril 7, 2018

NERC gives electricity distribution firms 120 days to engage new meter Providers Simon Ugwu The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Tuesday gave the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) 120 days to engage the services of the newly introduced Meter Asset Provider (MAP) to bridge the metering gap in the country’s power sector.

In 2016, NERC said barely three million electricity customers or 45 per cent of the 7.47 million nationwide have access to pre-paid meters.

The data showed a consumer metering gap of almost five million, which the government and the DISCOs have been struggling to meet without success.

Part of the industry efforts to bridge the metering gap was the introduction of a new meter intervention programme called, ‘Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation’ (CAPMI) by the electricity sector regulator in 2012.

Under the CAPMI scheme, customers were expected to self-finance the meter, with the meter cost repaid over a period from their energy charge at 12 percent interest rate per annum.

But, the arrangement appeared not to yield much dividend as most electricity consumers who paid for the meters have to wait for several years without the delivery of their meters by the DISCOs. NERC said in a ‘Fact Sheet’ obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday the latest MAP arrangement, which would become effective on April 3 would provide a final solution to the meter supply needs of electricity consumers.

“That is why NERC has given electricity distribution companies 120 days to engage the MAP service to achieve the 3-year metering targets prescribed by the Commission,” a spokesperson of NERC, Usman Arabi, told PREMIUM TIMES. “The MAP Regulations will eliminate estimated

Fashola billing and its attendant challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry within three years,” Mr. Arabi said.

Meters

NERC approved the MAP regulation to encourage the development, supply, installation, and maintenance of

independent and competitive end-user meters of meter services in the electricity industry.

In pursuant of local content policy, investors are expected to acquire a minimum of 30 per cent of their metering volume from indigenous meter manufacturers.

The MAP is a new set of service providers in Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry approved by NERC to supply electricity meters with a technically useful life of between 10 and 15 years.

The new regulation provides for third-party financing of meter production and supply, under a permit issued by NERC, with a 10 years period to pay back the cost.

In line with their licensing terms and conditions, the DisCos are obliged to achieve their metering targets as set by NERC under the new MAP regulation.

The customers are expected to pay for a return on the investment by electricity DisCos on meters in

their networks through the payment for electricity consumed under the current tariff regime.

NERC said customer classes have been amended under the new regulation to ensure customers only pay for meters when a meter is physically installed in their premises.

Besides, the electricity sector regulator said customers’ bill provided with a meter under the new regulatory framework shall consist energy charge and metering service charge.

However, NERC said the payment of metering service charge would be removed from the customer electricity bill upon the full recovery of the meter asset cost over its 10 to 15 years useful life.

Regardless, the Commission said all faulty meters would be repaired or replaced free of charge within two working days, except where the customer was confirmed to be responsible for the damage.

Life&

TIMES Saturday, April 7, 2018

Who commands more respect and more influence: Actors or actresses? L P

2

L2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Who commands more respect and more influence: Actors or actresses? and whom they respect a lot

compare to their males counterparts. Commanding respect

The movie industry in Nigeria, popularly called Nollywood, is love her and w as the most scandalous industry in the entertainment sector,

their male counterparts Multiple award winning modish producer and actress, a morality-preaching and decency-teaching ecosystem. The

screen goddess whose identity commands respect any day, women, the society tolerated the development and controlled magazines correspondents and cartoonists entered into the

Bisola

audience.

In all these we have the major characters who are actors

But the question on ground here is among the actors and

their male counte

depending on the side where one view it scanty clothes around them. glamour and pannache into the movie industry in called Nollywood. to rise

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Gist L3

Mutiat Alli

Ebenezer Obey to mark 76th birthday with EOMF launch

Oga Bello clinches movie production deal with StarTimes

Instead of throwing a bash to mark his 76th birthday as Obey-Fabiyi, has decided to seize the event to impact lives,

Obey, who clocked 76 on April 3 told reporters that despite Obey

Oga Bello

Veteran

Adebayo

Nigerian

Salami

stage name “Oga Bello”, is said to have signed

deal have not been made

millions of Naira and will see Oga Bello

When contacted for more details, the Chief “I want to thank God for making it possible to witness

Aina, said the company information available when the time is right med that they were in talks with Oga

shooting have already commenced in Ibadan with some big names in

project is even bigger than me and I will appreciate well-

Joke Silva admits there are horrific cases of sex demands in Nollywood

Bisola out with ‘Luchia’ Music Video

a

Joke Silva

Veteran

-

at Big Brother Nigeria -

ed beat-maker, Rhyme

and is released online and for digital downloads on local and inter-

Nollywood

actress,

Joke

Silva,

has

The thespian mentioned this while answering

She however mentioned that having more women

scriptwriters and more women stories so that we

Society circleL4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Ajibade Alabi

Glitz as ex -First Bank boss, Bisi Onasanya son, Damilola weds his heartthrob

Omolola got married to her

centre venue of the reception

a memorable one.

Rotary Club continues his humanitarians’ level

Is billionaire Benny Peters returning home?

The buubling Ogun border community literally

Bode George’s daughter Yetunde in divorce saga Former Deputy National chairman of Party

(PDP)

Chief

Ikeja

recently.

The

accompanied

by

wondered

what

he

d that the PDP

a

favour

proceeding were yet to Spotlight gathered that

declare anybody wanted without obtaining a court war

came up for mention the

Bode George

Society circleL4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Ajibade Alabi

Glitz as ex -First Bank boss, Bisi Onasanya son, Damilola weds his heartthrob

Omolola got married to her

centre venue of the reception

a memorable one.

Rotary Club continues his humanitarians’ level

Is billionaire Benny Peters returning home?

The buubling Ogun border community literally

Bode George’s daughter Yetunde in divorce saga Former Deputy National chairman of Party

(PDP)

Chief

Ikeja

recently.

The

accompanied

by

wondered

what

he

d that the PDP

a

favour

proceeding were yet to Spotlight gathered that

declare anybody wanted without obtaining a court war

came up for mention the

Bode George

Nutritions L6

15 Mutiat Alli

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

reasons you need lemon in your water

to justify starting your day with a nice glass of lemon water.

Sometimes we just get tired of drinking old plain water and you just want to take your physical, mental, and spiritual health up to the next level, here are 15 reasons why you should be drinking lemon water every day.

1) Clears Skin One of the more convincing reasons to drink lemon water for most of us is that it can help keep our skin clear. Water on its vitamin C in lemons helps purge toxins from our blood to keep 2) Balances Your PH

very acidic, but they actually have a very alkalizing effect on our bodies. Keeping your body in an alkaline state also pre-

3) Boosts Immune System boost our immune system. Who has time to get sick these days, right? The potassium in lemon juice helps control blood pressure, stimulate brain and nerve function and vitamin C with the juice of one lemon and some honey.

4) Weight Loss Aside from helping our skin stay clear, balancing and boost-

There are tons of different powers that lemon water has. Did you know that it can actually assist you with any digestion problems that you are having? Trust me on this one, if you are having a lot of stomach aches, start drinking lemon water and

5) Help a Hangover Save yourself a trip to the store and make yourself a mug of lemon water is that it can help soothe your stomach, which can be somewhat irritated or sensitive after a night of drinking.

Drinking hot water with lemon can act as an antiseptic and help

10) Powerful Cleansing Powers While we might clean our skin and we might actually keep our faces and hair clean, did you know that we also need to keep our organs and our insides

6) Freshens Breath We now know that lemon water has an abundance of ben-

extremely healthy.

11) Less Mucus

en your breath after having some drinks, a spicy meal or if you smoke. All these things can dry out your mouth, which can lead

probably notice that you have a ton of mucus in the

7) Boost the Brain and Nervous System Another one of the impressive effects of drinking lemon wahave been linked to depression, anxiety, forgetfulness and brain fog. As mentioned previously, lemons are also chock full

you are noticing it all around your body. Well, one of -

antibacterial properties and helps get rid of infections of the

13) Energy Boost Do you need that cup of coffee in the morning and then around 2:30pm, you are crashing and burning with being tired? Well, if you happen to drink hot water with lemon in it instead of coffee, not only will you cut your

helpful natural remedy for allergies as it helps keep the body alkaline and more balanced.

9) Helps Digestion Problems

14) Helps You to Stay Healthier Overall, lemon water is a good way to keep hydrated

stress.

8) Helps Respiratory Problems -

all ends of the spectrum.

15) Great Source of Potassium still missing those potassium levels, why not indulge in a few glasses of

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Ways to avoid eating junk food

L7

Relationship L8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, April 7, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Starting off a new relationship? Ask yourself if truly you are prepared!!

Entering a new relationship is a big deal, particularly when your past relationships have continually failed. If you are having reservations about starting fresh with someone new, it might be some questions to ask yourself to ensure that your next relationship is the happiest, healthiest one yet.

1. Am I ready?

Relationships take time and energy. Make sure your current lifestyle is ready for the commitment. If you have a new job, if you are in pursuit of a dream, or if you are endearing a family emergency, it might not be best to throw another human being into the mix. Wait until you are settled before considering a relationship.

2. Am I truly over my ex?

Do not enter into a new relationship if your answer is NO, and you secretly want your ex back. Rebound relationships are not only destined to fail, they are destined to bruise the emotions of your new partner.

No one wants to feel like they are a rebound, and no one deserves to be one. The best way to get over work in your last relationship, and what personal aspect of your own life need adjusting to make your next relationship a success.

3. What did not work in past relationships? partner. Perhaps it lacked trust or honesty. Maybe Make a list of all the things that went wrong in your

4. What worked in my past relationships?

to transfer those ideas into a new one. If your own relationships lack insight, look at the couples around you. Perhaps your own parent or friends have harbored long-term relationships, and can lend some advice.

5. What kind of relationship am I looking for?

In other words, how serious do you want it to be?

This is important, not only for your own sake, but for the sake of your new, potential partner. Are you

7. What do I want out of this relationship?

Maybe you are looking for support, love or companionship. Maybe you are looking for a best friend or maybe you are simply looking for a “good time�. It is important to determine these the only way to decipher whether you are in it for the right reasons, and whether or not this person can provide what you desire.

8. Do I love myself?

might doubt or deny the love you receive from someone else, which can be extremely frustrating for them.

down? Be sure to discuss your answer with them before the two of you get in too deep. Avoid wasting time by making sure you are on the same page.

9. What characteristics am I looking for in a partner?

6. Do they share my morals?

Just because someone likes the same activities,

prospective partner embody most of these characteristics?

necessarily mean they are right for you. You have to dig deeper. Do they have the same beliefs? Not religion or politics. I mean, how do they treat other

10. Does this person bring out the best in me?

What are they passionate about? And if you are looking to settle down with this person; what will they teach their children? Is it the same thing you would want your own children to learn?

do you behave? Are you able to be your complete self?

11. Am I really interested in this person?

I, for one, have made the mistake of dating someone just because, I was bored and confused and blinded to the fact that they were completely

wrong for me. They were great; but they just telling them about myself, than learning about them.

12. Would I be proud to introduce this person as my partner?

When you get into a new relationship, eventually, you will have to introduce them to everyone in your life. Are you excited about this?

13. Do my friends and family like this person?

Usually, the people who know you best also

14. Do I even want to be in a relationship? recently gotten out of a draining one, or if you just love being single, maybe you should be.

But if you have considered all these questions above and feel that you are ready, then go for it!

We are all rooting for you.