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Again, Buhari g 3 declines assent to Electoral Act amendment bill
President to lay 2019 budget before NASS next week g 15
2019 polls: Cut off unnecessary friends, CJN g 7 warns judges
FG, Abia sign agreements on Enyimba g 5 Economic City
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2018
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VOL. 3
NO. 823
N100
’25 million children suffer from malnutrition in Nigeria’ $100m required to tackle problem – Nutritionist
Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Children in Northeast Nigeria are the most hit by the malnutrition crisis in Nigeria, Dr. Davis Bamidele Omotola, has said. According to the Nutrition Consultant about 25 million children under the age of 5 are currently affected by malnutrition in the country, adding that the high prevalence rate of malnutrition has remained precarious in North east Nigeria. Speaking during a presentation at the Media dialogue with Journalists and interface with OAPs on Child Malnutrition in the Northeast organised by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), and Child Rights Information Bureau of the Federal Ministry of information and Culture in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday, Dr. Omotola said that monies wasted on needless programmes can be invested in malnutrition. Speaking on the topic “Child malnutrition
and the emergency in northeast Nigeria,” Dr. Omotola also disclosed that Nigeria currently requires about $100 million to curb the menace of malnutrition in the country. According to him, every six children are reported to have chronic malnutrition or stunting in 3 northeast emergency states. “Child malnutrition is recorded very high mostly in northern states. One Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) case is reported in every 7 children in 9 north east emergency states. “Prevalence rate of acute malnutrition among children under the age of 6-13 has stood nationally at 7%. While Northwest has 50.4%of stunting malnutrition, Northeast has 42.8%, North-Central 29.8%, Southwest 20.8%, SouthSouth 20.4 and South east 7.1%,” he said. While identifying malaria and diarrhea as the main killers of children under the age of 5, Dr. Omotola said that 30% of these deaths would have been prevented if adequate care was given to the children. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Nigeria is overripe for a female g 11 president – Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
2
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
PHOTO TIMES
’25 million children suffer from malnutrition in Nigeria’ Continued from page 1 He stressed that the first 1000 days in the life of every child is very crucial. “That is from the day the child was conceived to when he is 2 years”, he added. He further identified poverty, maternal nutrition, insurgency, high food insecurity, increasing spread of endemic diseases and low coverage of immunisation programmes as factors affecting malnutrition in the northern part of the country. While calling for collaborative efforts towards investing in child malnutrition for a better future, Dr. Omotola called on the Federal Government to do more in terms of releasing funding meant for addressing health related issues in the country. On his part, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that while malnutrition constitutes a serious setback to the socioeconomic development
of a nation, sustainable growth in Nigeria cannot be achieved without prioritised efforts to scaleup and sustain investment for nutrition. Represented by Olumide Osanyinpe, Deputy Director/Head, Child Rights Information Bureau, Federal Ministry of information and Culture, Mohammed lamented the large burden of malnutrition on the country. Osanyinpe called for collaborative efforts towards investing in child malnutrition for a better future. “Malnutrition is a large burden to a country, and tackling malnutrition entails empowering and educating people. Improved nutrition is key to improved national and human development and this can be done by educating the populace and creating a positive approach towards nutrition. “Addressing nutrition is one of the ways through which sustainable development goals can be achieved, therefore
investment in nutrition will help reduce the negative trend of malnutrition which has been ensured by creating this dialogue,” he said. While calling for collaborative effort to stem the tide, Osanyinpe further commended the effort of UNICEF and DFID over the priceless contributions towards promoting the health of Nigeria mothers and children as well as ensuring that the goals of health strategies targeted are met through constant dialogues. Also, Dr. Martin Jackson, UNICEF nutrition officer, Bauchi while speaking on the topic, “DFID support for child malnutrition in the northeast,” said that the DFID has so far distributed vitamin A supplement in some local government areas in Borno and Yobe states. He advised fathers to be fully involved in the nutrition of their children, adding that exclusive breastfeeding improves the growth of a healthy child.
Again, Buhari declines assent to Electoral Act amendment bill PDP urges NASS to override President Political parties should approach INEC on rules of engagement – Saraki
Mathew Dadiya and Tunde Opalana, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has for the fourth time, declined assent to the Electoral Act amendment bill 2018. Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Friday at the Presidential Villa Abuja. Enang said President Buhari has taken decision on Electoral Act Amendment bill 2018, however, did not disclose the nature of the decision. But the presidential aide simply said that the decision of the President was communicated to the Senate and House of Representatives in accordance with his power under the 1999 Constitution and accordance with the law. The President however, assented to National Open University Amendment Act, which allows the National Open University to operate as all other universities, having the same power and functions and the same administrative structures eliminating possible discrimination on its products and programmes. It has also allowed the
establishment of some centres to be called study centres and given conditions for the establishment of such study centres. Asked whether the bill was assented or rejected, Sen Enang: “The president has taken a decision in accordance with the powers vested in him according to the constitution. And by convention that decision contained in the communication can only be revealed by the person to whom that decision is addressed. But the Electoral bill has left Mr. President because he has taken a decision and has remitted it back.” Pushed further, Enang said: “Thank you very much but this is all the law allows me to say. By convention, Mr. President has sent that communication to the National Assembly.” When asked why he returned the bill back to National Assembly, he said “the president has communicated his decision to the National Assembly and that is what it is now.” When asked if it is safe to say he rejected the bill, he said: “It is safe to say that the president has taken decision as allowed by law and has communicated that decision to the Senate and the House of Representatives”. When asked the implication of the decision on the 2019 elections, Enang said: “The implication of
the decision is that the president has taken action on the bill within the time allowed by law.“ Meanwhile, as the timeframe for President Buhari to either assent or decline the Electoral Act amendment Bill lapsed on Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the National Assembly to override the President in the interest of the nation. The party on Friday charged the National Assembly to save the nation’s democracy by immediately overriding President Buhari’s refusal to sign the amendment of the Electoral Act. The party said this legislative action has become imperative as the President’s decision is “a calculated attempt to hold the nation to ransom, inject crisis into the electoral process and ultimately scuttle the conduct of the 2019 general elections, seeing that there is no way he can win in a free and fair contest”. The party’s position was contained in a statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO). The party insisted that “President Buhari’s repeated refusal to sign amendments passed to check rigging in the election, raises issues of his
Continued on page 5
3 News
R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Head of the Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita and others during the special Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House, Abuja...on Friday.
APC governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (right); with the Wife of late founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Mrs. Iyabo Fasheun, during his condolences visit to the family, at their residents, in Lagos...on Friday.
RETURNS ON THE UTILISATION OF FUNDS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK ENDED FRIDAY 30/11/2018
S/N CUSTOMER
ITEM OF IMPORT
DATE
1.
MELVYN NICKSON NIG LTD
SODIUM LAURYL ETHER SULFATE (GALAXY LES 70)
26-Nov-18
2.
FLOUR MILLS OF NIGERIA PLC
3.
FLOUR MILLS OF NIGERIA PLC
4.
FLOUR MILLS OF NIGERIA PLC
792M/TONS OF POLYPROPYLENE IN GRANULAR FORM OF GRADE 1102LQ 297M/TONS OF POLYPROPYLENE HOMOPOLYMER IN GRANULAR FORM OF GRADE PD701 297M/TONS OF POLYPROPYLENE HOMOPOLYMER IN GRANULAR FORM OF GRADE PD701
EXCHANGE RATE
AMOUNT (USD)
362.00
16,640.00
26-Nov-18
362.00
77,120.00
26-Nov-18
362.00
22,276.29
26-Nov-18
362.00
116,036.29
RETURNS ON SOURCES OF FUNDS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK ENDED FRIDAY 30/11/2018
S/N SOURCE 1. 2. 3. 4.
OTHER SOURCES INTERBANK INTERBANK INTERBANK
DATE
26-Nov-18 26-Nov-18 28-Nov-18 29-Nov-18
EXCHANGE RATE 361.50 306.80 307.10 306.80
AMOUNT (USD) 232,072.58 20,000.00 100,000.00 20,000.00
4
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
FG, Abia sign agreements on Enyimba Economic City Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Federal Government and Abia State have signed ‘definitive agreements’ for the development of Enyimba Economic City in Abia State. The agreement is described as a major milestone achieved by Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu. Governor Ikpeazu led a delegation of host communities of the Enyimba Economic City from Abia South on Friday to a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja for the signing of the deal. Federal Government was represented by the Nigeria Special Economic Zone Investment Company Limited and the Abia State Government was represented by the Enyimba City Development Company Limited. Ikpeazu said that the agreements signed marked the commencement of work at the site of the Enyimba Economic City as the groundbreaking event of the city will be done as soon as possible, possibly by President Buhari. President Buhari and other top Federal Government functionaries witnessed the agreement signing ceremony at the Federal Executive Council chambers, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja. The Enyimba Economic City is an audacious and game changing project for Nigeria.
It is a 9,803 Hectares of new economic city, spanning three (3) Local Government Areas of Abia State, Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Ugwunagbo. The land is at the centre of the five (5) South East and four (4) South-South states and has the right characteristics and ingredients to drive massive economic expansion of the region and by extension Nigeria. It has major arterial, intercity roads connections. It is near existing sea ports (Onne and Port Harcourt) and proposed Akwa Ibom Deep Sea Port. It has proximity to Airports (Owerri, Port Harcourt and Uyo). It has functional gas pipelines and border Owaza gas fields. It is transversed by existing National Rail line, Port Harcourt - Maiduguri etc. The key pillars of Enyimba Economic City is to create a global business hub that connects the nine (9) South East and SouthSouth states, build first class infrastructure in the location, including dedicated power and attract economic activities that are mainly driven by manufacturing and supported by other uses e.g. Logistics, Medical, Entertainment, Education, Lifestyle, Residential, etc. The target is to attract proactively long term local and foreign investments, thereby integrating Nigerian businesses (manufacturing and services) into regional and global supply and value chains. This project is a well thought out one, combining the clear focus of the
private sector and the enabling powers of the Governments at all level. Hence, it is a Private Public Partnership (PPP) of Crown Realties Plc, the host communities, Abia State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria under project Made in Nigeria for Export (MINE) of Federal Government of Nigeria. On that basis, the Federal Government has designated Enyimba Economic City a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with Free Trade Zone Status and one of the three (3) pilots that include Kano and Lagos. It has also taken 20% equity in the project. The First Phase of the project is fully designed and shovel ready and the projection is that construction will commence in Q1, 2019 and various major anchor tenant discussions are progressing well for manufacturing transfers from China, Germany and other countries to the new city. The positioning and master planning of the city was done by some of the bests in the business in the world, Surbana Jurong of Singapore and CBRE of India in collaboration with local firms. The positioning study indicate that Enyimba Economic City will at capacity, provide over 625,000 jobs, urban housing of over 300,000 units, urban population of more than 1.5 million people. It is projected that the city will provide more than 2,000 industrial and business units, with estimated annual value output of more than $5 billion.
Nigeria does not need foreign agencies to fight HIV/AIDS – Aisha Buhari Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja
The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, says Nigeria has enough resources to provide treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, (PLWHA) without depending on foreign agencies. Mrs. Buhari made the assertion at the launch of Free to Shine Campaign against Childhood Aids, at the Secretariat of African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) on Friday in Abuja. The theme of the campaign was “Transforming Africa through Prioritising Children, Adolescents and Mothers in the fight against HIV/AIDS.“ The wife of the president called on the Ministry of Health to create a platform that would mobilise funds from government agencies to provide adequate healthcare for the PLWHA. She listed such agencies to include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA). Mrs. Buhari, however, restated her commitment to the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV in the country. “We don’t need to get other foreign agencies involved in taking care of our people. “I believe that we have the resources which if utilised judiciously, will make all of us feel comfortable living in Nigeria,” she said. She explained that free to shine campaign was designed to complement ongoing efforts towards the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis on the African continent. Mrs. Buhari also said that first ladies in Africa had committed themselves to the campaign with the aim at ending childhood AIDS in Africa by 2030 and keeping mothers healthy. She said: “Many people living with HIV in Nigeria are unaware of their status, despite this challenge. “Nigeria is committed to ensuring that the vision and mission of the free to shine campaign are achieved in the country. “As UNAID Special Ambassador to the
elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, I need the promotion of treatment for children living with HIV in Nigeria. “I have more reasons to ensure that this happens. My vision in this campaign is to end childhood AIDS in Nigeria and keep mothers healthy. “This vision will be achieved through several programmes that will increase the number of HIV pregnant women identified and placed on treatment for their health and prevention of the transmission to their babies. She, therefore, enjoined stakeholders to pay particular attention to issues that were critical to the reduction of HIV among mothers and their children. Earlier, Helen Aphan, leader, Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) appealed to the wife of the president to come to the aid of those infected. “HIV treatment is still not available and accessible to many women living with the scourge. “I want to use this medium to cry to the wife of the president to assist in making the treatment free and available,” Mrs. Aphan said.
Again, Buhari declines assent to Electoral Act...
Continued from page 3
sincerity of purpose and has the capacity to trigger political unrest and violence, which can, in turn, truncate our hard-earned democracy”. The PDP noted that this is the fourth time President Buhari is withholding assent on the amendment, without any cogent reason following his rejection by Nigerians. “Nigerians can recall how the Buhari Presidency plotted to plunge the 2019 elections into a needless controversy by delaying the submission of the election budget to the National Assembly, presenting it at the time the legislators were commencing their annual vacation
and asking for virement of funds already approved for development projects, instead of sending a fresh supplementary budget for the election. “It is unfortunate that Mr. President, in his desperation to hold on to power, has resorted to taking steps that are capable of destabilising our nation, just because the people are resolute in voting him out of office democratically. “It is also instructive to note that President Buhari is mortally afraid of the amendments because they essentially checked the All Progressives Congress (APC) rigging plans, including the use of underage and alien voters, vote-buying, alteration of results and manipulation of voter register; for which the APC and the
Buhari Presidency have been boasting of winning the 2019 elections. “While urging the National Assembly to save our democracy and forestall an imminent electoral crisis, the PPCO also charges all political parties, other critical stakeholders and Nigerians in general, to rise in the interest of our nation and demand the entrenching of rules and processes that will guarantee the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, as nothing short of that would be accepted. However, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki said political parties can come together and tell the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) how to conduct the election even if the president declines assent.
5 News
Atiku assures CUPP of ending reign of cabal, formation of unity govt The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, at a meeting with leadership of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) promised to form an all-inclusive government. He assured the alliance parties that he will toe the path and tradition of the PDP to run a government of national unity if he was elected president on February 16, 2019. The presidential candidate and his campaign team led by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, met with the coalition in Abuja on Friday following his recent adoption by the collation as its sole candidate for the 2019 election. He assured that as long a government of national unity is in place, there will be no cabal. He thanked them for adopting him but reminded the collation that it must not rest on its oars until the mission to oust President Muhammadu Buhari from office is accomplished. Atiku said: “I want to thank the CUPP for this historic endorsement. It is historic because I believe this is the first time it is being done in this form. “You have not taken a wrong decision because the PDP since we formed it in 1998, is a party that believes in national government, the participation of many Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliation. “We believe, as a political party, in national unity and there must be stability before you can do anything, implement your economic programme, before you can implement your healthcare programme. “Right from the beginning, I have been a member of the PDP and I know we have always believed in a government of national unity. “It takes a long time for a country as diverse as Nigeria to be united and stable before we start talking about which ethnic group we come from or which religion we practice. “So, government of national unity should be essential and we practiced it even when there was no conference even when we won elections on our own, we brought in opposition parties. “I want to commit myself to the continuation of the doctrine a government of national unity. “We have a lot of work to do together. We should not go back and rest and say we have endorsed. We have to deliberately take certain actions to make sure that we achieve our objectives. “I want to assure you that as long as we are having a government of national unity, there will not be a cabal.” Atiku urged the CUPP to publicise
its decision to endorse him, saying: “We need a public presentation of this decision so that Nigerians will be further enlightened, so that every nook and cranny of this country can be informed”. The Chairman of CUPP, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, also disclosed that Atiku Abubakar was endorsed by all parties that are members of the coalition because of is national acceptability. He also added that other factor considered include “access to financial resources, competitiveness of the candidate party, capacity to monitor the election in all the 120, 000 polling units in the country and the competence, capacity, capability and credibility of the candidate. “After painstaking assessment of what we have across all the CUPP parties, after processing the candidates’ capability using these criteria, the steering committee hereby submit that former vice president and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, is the best and his party is the most reliable of all options before us. “We therefore choose him as the CUPP candidate for the 2019 Presidential election”. In his remark, Saraki, who is the Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PPCC), observed that poverty and insecurity were ravaging the country but President Muhammadu Buhari lacks the capacity to tackle them. He said the ongoing PDP zonal rallies has been to three cities in the country and all they found is poverty and insecurity. Saraki stated: “We have been to just three zones and there is a common message. And that message is one of insecurity and hunger. “Everywhere we have been to in this country, poverty is the number one issue in this country. So, the future of this country depends on how do we bring back prosperity to this country? “Unfortunately, our President cannot do that. Government alone cannot bring prosperity to this country because the revenue of government at the moment, close to 80 percent of it, is going towards personnel and servicing loans. “The remaining percentage cannot bring development. “To bring development in this country today, you need an atmosphere that encourages people to invest”. Present at the meeting were Chairman of the CUPP, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former PDP presidential aspirant, Tanimu Turaki; Senator Dino Melaye, Abubakar Baraje, Ben Obi, Tom Ikimi, Gershom Benson, and Abduljelil Tafawa Balewa.
Saraki, who is the Director General of PPCO, made the statement at a parley meeting between leaders of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) with the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Abuja. Saraki said: “I made a statement two days ago appealing to Mr President to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill before him. We have made amendments and amendments. Everything he (Buhari) has asked for, we have changed it four times so that he can sign. “We know there are those who are telling him not to sign. Even, I heard some have gone to court so that he can use the excuse not to sign. That is a dangerous precedent.
“He has the prerogative to sign or not to sign. In the event he does not sign, I believe as political parties, we have the right, authority to also demand from INEC in terms of engagement. “Political parties can take a position. This is the type of election they want. In most countries, political parties meet with the chairmen of their electoral commissions and they agree. “So, some of the things that are not, even if he doesn’t sign, there are things that as political parties, we can sit down with INEC and say these are what must happen. “There are two major items there, particularly on this issue of Incident Form and the issue of electronic transmission of results.”
Tunde Opalana, Abuja
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
2019 poll: Cut off unnecessary friends CJN warns judges Andrew Orolua, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter has again warned judges and justices in the country to cut off all unnecessary friends as politics is around the corner. Justice Onnoghen reiterated the warning on Friday in Abuja while declaring open National Association Women Judges Biennial Conference 2018. The CJN remanded the justices of their oaths of office and ethics of judicial officers and asked them to be guided by it and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in their work. “Politics is a round the corner, cut off all unnecessary friends that will bring problem to the court. Be yourself as long as you are guided by the Constitution, go ahead and do your work heaven will not fall,” he declared. Specifically referring to the reforms he had
introduced in the judiciary, the CJN assured that “the judiciary will get better.” In reference to the theme of 2018 NAWJN biennial Conference: “ Life After the Bench: The Judge Emeritus,” Justice Onnoghen observed regrettably that judicial officials including himself who is edging toward retirement spare no though about retirement. Onnoghen said he accepted NAWJN honouring him as Patron at the function, though since he assumed office he had refused to accept invitations from an endless list of institutions and organisations that have indicated to honoured him for the simple reason that he would prefer to be honour at the end of tenure when his policy and achievements would speak for him. He said that the only award he had received was the one given to him this year in Australia which is a great honour to the country. Earlier in her address of welcome, NAWJN president, Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JCA, had stressed the need for serving
judicial officials to start early preparation for retirement because it will definitely come either voluntarily or statutorily. “It is no gainsaying that we shall not remain in service as judicial officers forever. A time will surely come when we have to take a bow, voluntarily or statutorily.” She said that “retirement is undoubtedly a phase that we are all destined to experience, sooner or later. Ideally, we must all brace up ourselves for that inevitable event. The preparations for life after retirement ought to commence now that we are actively employed.” She said that mindful of that inescapable transition the theme “Life After The Bench, The Judge Emeritus” was chosen for the biennial Conference. She believed that seasoned presenters will hopefully kindle their thoughts and strategies towards a fulfilling retired but not tired post working life. She also believed they will alley their fears of the unknown life after retirement.
7 News
Short News Glo-sponsored CNN African Voices features 3 nature enthusiasts
African Voices, a magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN) sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, will this week feature three Africans who explore nature in diverse ways. They include Samson Ogbole, a Nigerian who has devised revolutionary ways to sustainably get the most out of farm lands; Junior Gabela, a South African bird guide with an uncanny knowledge of flying creatures, and Angus Paul, a Kenyan who has turned fishing into a spectacular art. The fulcrum of Ogbole’s research is that the future of health can only be secured if it is built on agricultural practices that are healthy for the farmer, healthy for the consumer and healthy for the environment. His vision is to ensure that humans “eat right, live longer” as well as “ensure food is the drug we eat to live healthier and longer”. His firm “PS Nutrac” now grows crops without using soil. This, it does by deploying several technologies, including hydroponics (plants in water), aquaponics (using waste produce of fishes to feed plants) and aeroponics (plants growing in air) to ensure that crops are grown all year round and no longer seasonally.
Buhari congratulates new Emir of Nasarawa Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibrin on his selection as the new Emir of Nasarawa, in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, GARBA Shehu, salutes the people of Nasarawa Emirate and the State Government on the hitch-free exercise which led to the emergence of Alhaji Jibrin as the 13thEmir. Buhari described the new First Class traditional ruler as a “wise choice and worthy successor.” He avers that Alhaji Jibrin’s impeccable credentials as a distinguished public servant and land expert will be deployed to impact positively on development of his emirate. “His people will benefit immensely from his wealth of experience in the Ministry of Environment,” the President notes.
Ugwuanyi swears in 2 commissioners Moses Oyediran, Enugu
L-R: Director, Public Private Partnership, Dr. Mrs Bola Olowu mni ; Director Food & Drug Services, Pharmacist Moshood Lawal, Director Family Health, Dr. Mrs Adebimpe Adebiyi, mni , Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and Director, Africa Resource Centre, Mrs. Azuka Okeke at the presentation of Warehouse Assessment report to the Minister in Abuja during the week.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Friday swore in Mrs. Eucharia Uche Offor and Prince Emeka Mamah as commissioners in his cabinet. Mrs. Offor, who was the immediate past commissioner for finance, resigned her position to contest for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, while Prince Mamah, who served as the former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Sullivan Chime on Transport, vied for the same ticket in Igbo-Eze North/ Udenu Federal Constituency. Swearing in the new commissioners, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the decision was “to fortify the machinery of government and further enhance good governance and service delivery in Enugu State”. The governor hinted that in furtherance of the above, “measures will soon be taken to fill all existing vacancies in the composition of the boards of various parastatals and establishments in the state”. Congratulating the newly sworn in commissioners on their “well deserved appointments”, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed confidence that they will deploy their wealth of experience and expertise to add value to the government and governance of the state.
Imo APC crisis: Party backs Oshiomhole on Gov’ship candidate Youths advise Nigerians against Tom Okpe, Abuja The recognised All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Imo State in the 2019 general election by the National Working Committee (NWC), Hope Uzodinma has equally received the blessings of the state chapter with its support. The state chairman of the party, Dan Nwafor made this revelation to journalists at the National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday against reports that governor Okorocha’s son in-law also, governorship aspirant, Uche Nwosu the Governorship ticket of the Action Alliance party (AA). It was also reported that 19 members of the State House of Assembly had defected to the same party along with Nwosu. But Nwafor, who was at the national
secretariat along with the state secretary and women leader, said the APC was intact and moving ahead in the state, fully prepared for the election come 2019. He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates will win the election in Imo state. I stand with APC in this matter, I will work for my party with full commitment”. On Uche Nwosu, “I said earlier, was the foremost governorship aspirant of the party and due to irreconcilable differences, he felt he should pursue his ambition elsewhere. As a State chairman, I am sad. Because I will need all my governorship aspirants to be in the party but I cannot stop him. “If he had decided to choose his political path, I will wish him well but I will work for my party and my party will win. That is where I stand. Everybody planning to run for governorship position in Imo State in one way or the other is close to me”, he stated.
Nwafor maintained that the gale of defection would not affect the fortunes of the party in the state saying; “Anything that will make my party fail, I should be worried about. So, whenever persons are leaving the party, I’m concerned. What is my job? I hope our job is to see how we can bring other alternatives. “Like I said, when one person leaves, we are working hard to bring in five, six or even seven who would replace them. APC is our party, and we are in APC. “The party is working together. For some people, it takes faster or longer for their wounds to heal but we are all in the process of healing our wounds. We are working together; we must put our past behind us. The focus is that, President Buhari will win and all the candidates of our Party in Imo State will win, so, we are working with everyone in the state chapter of the party”, he noted.
violence ahead 2019 election Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
The Youth Ministry of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) worldwide has advised on Nigerian youths against being used as instrument of violence during 2019 general elections. President of the Youth Ministry of the church, Deacon Anthony Kehinde Adebayo gave the advice on Friday in Ilorin while addressing the press at the opening of the National Youth Convention. Theme of this year’s convention taking place at the Baptist Convention Secretariat is: “Sons of the Light”. “Government and individual should not intentionally engage our young people as instrument of violence during the 2019 general elections in the country,” Adebayo said. He added that the youth ministry of Church of the Lord would do its best to educate Nigerian youths not to be used as instrument of violence and destruction during the elections. “The power that we have as youths of this country is our PVC and we should not use it to mortgage our future by collecting N500 during elections to vote against our conscience,” he added.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
2019 poll: Cut off unnecessary friends, CJN warns judges Andrew Orolua, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter has again warned judges and justices in the country to cut off all unnecessary friends as politics is around the corner. Justice Onnoghen reiterated the warning on Friday in Abuja while declaring open National Association Women Judges Biennial Conference 2018. The CJN remanded the justices of their oaths of office and ethics of judicial officers and asked them to be guided by it and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in their work. “Politics is a round the corner, cut off all unnecessary friends that will bring problem to the court. Be yourself as long as you are guided by the Constitution, go ahead and do your work heaven will not fall,” he declared. Specifically referring to the reforms he had
introduced in the judiciary, the CJN assured that “the judiciary will get better.” In reference to the theme of 2018 NAWJN biennial Conference: “ Life After the Bench: The Judge Emeritus,” Justice Onnoghen observed regrettably that judicial officials including himself who is edging toward retirement spare no though about retirement. Onnoghen said he accepted NAWJN honouring him as Patron at the function, though since he assumed office he had refused to accept invitations from an endless list of institutions and organisations that have indicated to honoured him for the simple reason that he would prefer to be honour at the end of tenure when his policy and achievements would speak for him. He said that the only award he had received was the one given to him this year in Australia which is a great honour to the country. Earlier in her address of welcome, NAWJN president, Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JCA, had stressed the need for serving
judicial officials to start early preparation for retirement because it will definitely come either voluntarily or statutorily. “It is no gainsaying that we shall not remain in service as judicial officers forever. A time will surely come when we have to take a bow, voluntarily or statutorily.” She said that “retirement is undoubtedly a phase that we are all destined to experience, sooner or later. Ideally, we must all brace up ourselves for that inevitable event. The preparations for life after retirement ought to commence now that we are actively employed.” She said that mindful of that inescapable transition the theme “Life After The Bench, The Judge Emeritus” was chosen for the biennial Conference. She believed that seasoned presenters will hopefully kindle their thoughts and strategies towards a fulfilling retired but not tired post working life. She also believed they will alley their fears of the unknown life after retirement.
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Short News Glo-sponsored CNN African Voices features 3 nature enthusiasts
African Voices, a magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN) sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, will this week feature three Africans who explore nature in diverse ways. They include Samson Ogbole, a Nigerian who has devised revolutionary ways to sustainably get the most out of farm lands; Junior Gabela, a South African bird guide with an uncanny knowledge of flying creatures, and Angus Paul, a Kenyan who has turned fishing into a spectacular art. The fulcrum of Ogbole’s research is that the future of health can only be secured if it is built on agricultural practices that are healthy for the farmer, healthy for the consumer and healthy for the environment. His vision is to ensure that humans “eat right, live longer” as well as “ensure food is the drug we eat to live healthier and longer”. His firm “PS Nutrac” now grows crops without using soil. This, it does by deploying several technologies, including hydroponics (plants in water), aquaponics (using waste produce of fishes to feed plants) and aeroponics (plants growing in air) to ensure that crops are grown all year round and no longer seasonally.
Buhari congratulates new Emir of Nasarawa Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibrin on his selection as the new Emir of Nasarawa, in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, GARBA Shehu, salutes the people of Nasarawa Emirate and the State Government on the hitch-free exercise which led to the emergence of Alhaji Jibrin as the 13thEmir. Buhari described the new First Class traditional ruler as a “wise choice and worthy successor.” He avers that Alhaji Jibrin’s impeccable credentials as a distinguished public servant and land expert will be deployed to impact positively on development of his emirate. “His people will benefit immensely from his wealth of experience in the Ministry of Environment,” the President notes.
Ugwuanyi swears in 2 commissioners Moses Oyediran, Enugu
L-R: Director, Public Private Partnership, Dr. Mrs Bola Olowu mni ; Director Food & Drug Services, Pharmacist Moshood Lawal, Director Family Health, Dr. Mrs Adebimpe Adebiyi, mni , Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and Director, Africa Resource Centre, Mrs. Azuka Okeke at the presentation of Warehouse Assessment report to the Minister in Abuja during the week.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Friday swore in Mrs. Eucharia Uche Offor and Prince Emeka Mamah as commissioners in his cabinet. Mrs. Offor, who was the immediate past commissioner for finance, resigned her position to contest for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, while Prince Mamah, who served as the former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Sullivan Chime on Transport, vied for the same ticket in Igbo-Eze North/ Udenu Federal Constituency. Swearing in the new commissioners, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the decision was “to fortify the machinery of government and further enhance good governance and service delivery in Enugu State”. The governor hinted that in furtherance of the above, “measures will soon be taken to fill all existing vacancies in the composition of the boards of various parastatals and establishments in the state”. Congratulating the newly sworn in commissioners on their “well deserved appointments”, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed confidence that they will deploy their wealth of experience and expertise to add value to the government and governance of the state.
Imo APC crisis: Party backs Oshiomhole on Gov’ship candidate Youths advise Nigerians against Tom Okpe, Abuja The recognised All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Imo State in the 2019 general election by the National Working Committee (NWC), Hope Uzodinma has equally received the blessings of the state chapter with its support. The state chairman of the party, Dan Nwafor made this revelation to journalists at the National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday against reports that governor Okorocha’s son in-law also, governorship aspirant, Uche Nwosu the Governorship ticket of the Action Alliance party (AA). It was also reported that 19 members of the State House of Assembly had defected to the same party along with Nwosu. But Nwafor, who was at the national
secretariat along with the state secretary and women leader, said the APC was intact and moving ahead in the state, fully prepared for the election come 2019. He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates will win the election in Imo state. I stand with APC in this matter, I will work for my party with full commitment”. On Uche Nwosu, “I said earlier, was the foremost governorship aspirant of the party and due to irreconcilable differences, he felt he should pursue his ambition elsewhere. As a State chairman, I am sad. Because I will need all my governorship aspirants to be in the party but I cannot stop him. “If he had decided to choose his political path, I will wish him well but I will work for my party and my party will win. That is where I stand. Everybody planning to run for governorship position in Imo State in one way or the other is close to me”, he stated.
Nwafor maintained that the gale of defection would not affect the fortunes of the party in the state saying; “Anything that will make my party fail, I should be worried about. So, whenever persons are leaving the party, I’m concerned. What is my job? I hope our job is to see how we can bring other alternatives. “Like I said, when one person leaves, we are working hard to bring in five, six or even seven who would replace them. APC is our party, and we are in APC. “The party is working together. For some people, it takes faster or longer for their wounds to heal but we are all in the process of healing our wounds. We are working together; we must put our past behind us. The focus is that, President Buhari will win and all the candidates of our Party in Imo State will win, so, we are working with everyone in the state chapter of the party”, he noted.
violence ahead 2019 election Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
The Youth Ministry of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) worldwide has advised on Nigerian youths against being used as instrument of violence during 2019 general elections. President of the Youth Ministry of the church, Deacon Anthony Kehinde Adebayo gave the advice on Friday in Ilorin while addressing the press at the opening of the National Youth Convention. Theme of this year’s convention taking place at the Baptist Convention Secretariat is: “Sons of the Light”. “Government and individual should not intentionally engage our young people as instrument of violence during the 2019 general elections in the country,” Adebayo said. He added that the youth ministry of Church of the Lord would do its best to educate Nigerian youths not to be used as instrument of violence and destruction during the elections. “The power that we have as youths of this country is our PVC and we should not use it to mortgage our future by collecting N500 during elections to vote against our conscience,” he added.
News 8
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
Match forward with courage to succeed, Sani Bello tells graduands Mutiat Alli, Lagos “Educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all,” so said Aristotle. This was a major discuss as Sani Bello College graduated 98 students recently. Speaking, the Vice Chairman of Sani Bello College, Alhaji Usman Sani Bello, advised the graduating students to be the best always, to do things differently and not to follow the norm as young entrepreneurs. And while education continues to be the parcel of this country, the prime mover of Sani Bello Foundation which transformed to Sani Bello College, called on wellmeaning Nigerians to support in making a change in people’s lives through vocational skills development for the youths not only
in Kontagora but all over Nigeria, stressing that the need to give back to the society was part of the major reason Colonel Sani Bello (rtd) established the College. He made this clarion call in Kontagora during the 8th graduation ceremony of 98 students trained in various skills and vocations by Sani Bello College which was chaired by the Head of Operation, Zenith Bank Kontagora, Mr. Ajibola Oduola. “The only way people can actually patronise your products is perhaps if you do something out of the box. You don’t have to conform to what others are doing so that your products and services can stand out from the crowd”, he said. Meanwhile, Director General of the College, Mr. Zakari Ikani, disclosed in an interview that over 1000 youths have benefited from the various vocational skills training programme organised by the Sani Bello College.
“We have trained over 1000 youths altogether in ICT, Hair and Beauty, Catering and Hospitality, Fashion Designing, Animal Production, GSM repairs and by the grace of God we are moving on with new courses coming up”, he said. He, however, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to match forward with courage to succeed and that there is nothing impossible as long as they have God and these skills in their hands. Mr. Ojewale Babatunde, a graduate of Computer Engineering and Networking, expressed gratitude to the management for the opportunity given to him and promised to set up his business in Computer Engineering and further proceed to acquire Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Engineering. The college however promised to start awarding diploma and degrees soon.
Short News Court adjourns forgery suit against Innocent Chukwuma, Innoson motors to Jan 29 A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed January 29, 2019, to hear a motion seeking bench warrant against the Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Nig. Ltd., Innocent Chukwuma, and others charged with forgery. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had filed a fourcount charge of forgery against the accused in charge number FH/L/565C/1. The accused are Innosson Nig. Ltd., Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Anajekwu Sunny. They are alleged to have conspired to commit offences on October 10, 2013, at Apapa, Lagos. At the last adjourned date on November 9, the court adjourned until Friday (yesterday) for the hearing of a motion seeking bench warrant against the accused. The case, however, could not proceed on Friday as scheduled following the absence of defence counsel, Macarthy Mbadugha, who is said to be on a medical trip abroad. Justice Ayokunle Faji consequently adjourned the case until January 29, 2019, for hearing.
I did not wear shoes until I was 16 years - Useni Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The Plateau State governorship aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lt. General Jeremiah Useni (retired), has said he did not wear shoe until he was 16 years. Useni who is also the Senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly and a former Minister of the FCT under Sani Abacha, said he came from a humble background hence understands the meaning of poverty and promising to employ economic variables aimed at addressing hunger when voted as governor in the 2019 general elections. He stated this on Friday while addressing a group with the name Activated for Atiku Campaign (A4A), that was officially inaugurated in Jos the Plateau State capital. He said, “I came from a poor home and was only able to wear shoes at the age of 16. I use to tell my children that they are lucky. I understand the meaning of poverty and I am going to fight it when I become governor. “People are asking me why I am running for governor and my answer is, I want to restore the Plateau to the state where every Nigerian had always wanted to visit. I want to bring back peace, security and end hunger”, he said. Earlier the state Director Activated for Atiku Campaign, Janet Hule noted that A4A is primarily designed as a grassroots support structure for Atiku Abubakar the PDP presidential hopeful, and Jeremiah Useni, adding that the group will harness its vast network of PVC holders to support all PDP candidates across board.
Salary arrears: ‘Bayelsa to clear 1 month outstanding soon’ Akam James, Yenagoa
Member of Islamic Movement Associations of Nigerian in a peaceful protest demanding the release of their leaders El Zakizaki and 41 days remembrances of their late members in Abuja... on Friday. Photo: Temitope Balogun
PDP presents Governorship flags to Adebutu, Makinde, Agbaje . APC is govt of cabals - Secondus . Adebutu commends PDP leadership
Tunde Opalana, Abuja The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday presented the party’s flag to three governorship candidates: Oladipupo Adebutu (Ogun), Oluseyi Makinde (Oyo) and Olujinmi Agbaje (Lagos) who was represented by his running mate, Hajia Halimat Oluwayemisi Busari at PDP National secretariat, Abuja. The presentation was supposed to be done at the South West zonal rally held by the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Ibadan on Thursday. National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus said President Buhari is not in charge of administration but ruling by proxy while the cabal in the Presidency controls the government. He said, this is the reason why Nigerians should vote out such government and install a people oriented government under the administration of the PDP.
“This is a government of cabals, Nigerians will reject them in 2019, because they don’t even know who is their president, who is in charge whether the cabal because the president seems to know nothing. “We challenge the president to campaign, not by proxy, not by cabal. “Nigerians are wise, this is president that does not communicate, he only when he goes outside Nigeria. Nigerians are confused and cannot understand him and yet he said he’s coming back, to do what?” He said. The chairman asked President Buhari to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be neutral. Speaking about Buhari, he said “you are not talking to Nigerians, you can’t persuade them, you can’t order the security agencies, you can’t order INEC. The president should be bold to call the INEC chairman and security agencies to order” Specifically talking on the Ogun candidate, Secondus said Adebutu has the backings of all the organs of the party as PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State.
“He went through all the processes from the beginning to the end. I signed his form, the National Secretary signed his form and the form was duly submitted to INEC. And by the grace of God, he will Ogun State”, he said. By presenting the flag to him, the chairman said Adebutu has the mandate of the party to commence his campaign while the court process continues. The Ogun governorship candidate, Adebutu commended the leadership of the party for positioning it to take over government from APC in 2019 “As a rebranded party I have seen a new PDP that am proud of, I am certain that PDP is destined by God to deliver the nation from the problems that we are currently going through. “We cannot but elucidate on the journey that brought us thus far. You have shown very clearly even in our history in nearly 20 years that with time and with determination we are able to administered ourselves well. The Bible say remove the mole from your eyes before you remove speck from another man’s eye.
The Bayelsa State Government has promised to pay the remaining one month salary arrears owe workers in the state, as soon as the last trench of the Paris/ London refunds hit the state account. The Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd.), announced this yesterday while presenting the income and expenditure financial statements for the month of October 2018 at the Government House, Yenagoa. He explained that the last Paris/London funds that came into the state, government was able to spread the monies and cleared two months arrears for the workers and also pensioners in the state. According to the deputy governor, gross inflow from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, for last month, stood at N14.6bn, comprising a 13 percent derivation of N9bn, statutory allocation of N3bn, Internally Generated Revenue of N1bn and Value Added Tax of N688 million. He said total FAAC deductions gulped N1.6 billion, including restructured commercial bank loans, N741 million; bond obligation N421 million, restructured refund of overpayment, N128 million and excess crude account facility of N126 million.
Buhari greets new Wazirin Dutse Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the former Minister of Mines and Power, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, on his appointment as the Wazirin Dutse in Jigawa State. Buhari, in a goodwill message by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Friday, described Dalhatu as “a brilliant and hard-working lawyer who is deserving of this title.” According to the President, the former Nigeria Bar Association National President “didn’t attain this height by accident, he did so on account of his hard work and passion for the development of Jigawa State and its people.” He said that Dalhatu “has consistently identified himself with the development agenda of the people of Jigawa State at all levels,” adding that his new traditional title “is a recognition of his commitment to the welfare of his people.” The President urged other members of the Nigerian elite to emulate the Wazirin Dutse by “always identifying with the welfare and development of their people, instead of escaping to the cities and living epicurean lifestyles that detach them from the realities of the ordinary people.”
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
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Kwara market women reject FG’s Tradermoni Short News Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Market women at two major markets, Mandate Ultral modern market, Adewole and Ipata market in Ilorin, Kwara state have rejected the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme, Tradermoni. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected in Ilorin on Friday to launch the programme. But, the market women, it was gathered have turned down the federal government’s offer. The leadership of the market association in the state was said to have turned down the federal government’s offer on the ground that “the disbursement of such funds at this period has political undertones”. The market women according to sources close to their leaders told those in charge of the funds disbursement to defer the disbursement till after next year’s general elections if their intention is genuine. The chairperson of Market Women Association in the state, Alhaja Adenike AbdulKareem Lambe, confirmed the rejection of the Tradermoni by members of the association. She said “we doubt the intention of the federal government on the disbursement of such funds at this period of electioneering campaigns towards the 2019 general elections.
“If they truly want to assist the market women, they should come back after next year’s general elections to disburse the funds to our members. “We can’t be deceived by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that has not done anything for us in the past three years. Where was the APC led federal government when fire razed our market and consumed goods worth millions of naira? She said that it was only the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki that provided succour for the victims of the fire incident. Hajia Lambe also recalled that Saraki recently donated N5 million towards the construction of their Union’s secretariat. She expressed the market women’s continued support for the Senate President, saying that “Saraki has always stood by us and support us whenever the need arises”. She said no amount of overture from the APC led federal government “will make us sway our support for Saraki.” Consequently, those saddled with the disbursement of the funds have resorted to sourcing prospective beneficiaries of the funds from the streets, as the market women remained adamant on their decision not to have anything to do with Tradermoni. Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the programme as a vote-buying gimmick by the APC led government ahead of
the 2019 general elections. The party in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ashaolu noted that “the scheme was launched in 2015 and in the past three years, the Vice-President did not visit any state for TraderMoni, but few months to the general election, he has been going round markets in different states of the country to distribute money to traders and artisans. We want to believe this is not a ploy by the APC to induce them ahead of the elections. He said “Nevertheless, the Kwara PDP warns against the partisanship of the initiative and advises that there should be no discrimination in the selection of beneficiaries in the State. “The Vice-President and his team must ensure that beneficiaries are selected without recourse to political affiliations. As this is a government scheme and not a party affair, beneficiaries must cut across political divides. “We demand that criteria for selection be made transparent and strictly adhered to, and all beneficiary traders and artisans must follow the normal procedure irrespective of where they belong. “Tradermoni is a programme for all Nigerians and not just for the APC alone. We, therefore, call on the Vice-President to include representatives of other political parties in the flag-off ceremony of the scheme in Kwara.”
AIB releases first international aircraft investigation report in Sao Tome Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Lagos Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Nigeria has set another standard in the region, as regards to releasing timely and accurate air accident report in Sao Tome and Principe. This is as a result of effective collaboration and corporation the Bureau has garnered in the last 24 months with the aviation stakeholders and the endless work by the Bureau’s investigators. The Commissioner/CEO, Engr Akin Olateru lead his team to submit the final report of the accident involving Cavok Airlines CVK 7087 AN74TK-100 Aircraft Registered Ur-CKC, which occurred at Sao Tome International Airport, Sao Tome on 29th July, 2017. The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) had invited AIB Nigeria to conduct an investigation into this crash, which by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annexe 13 is the responsibility of the state of occurrence. This was very significant as for the first time in the history of Accident Investigation Bureau, accident investigation was handled by the Bureau on behalf of another state or a regional body.
Lottery Fund donates medical facilities to health centre in C/River
The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has donated medical facilities to the Primary Healthcare Centre in Okundi community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River. Malam Bello Maigari, the Acting Executive Secretary of NLTF, who presented the equipment to the healthcare centre on Friday, said that the gesture was in line with the objectives of the NLTF. Maigari explained that Section 40 (a) of the NLTF Act 2005 empowers the agency to utilise proceeds generated from all national lottery operations for execution of identified projects across the country. He said that the intervention would enhance the hospital’s capacity to cater for the wellbeing of all its patients including children and pregnant women. “Today’s ceremony therefore re-affirms President Muhammadu Buhari led administration’s commitment to advancing, uplifting and promoting access to good healthcare in the country. “The exercise of equipping this hospital with critical medical facilities is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s desire to foster better inclusion of the most vulnerable segments of our society especially women and children”.
NPS wants state Govs’ intervention to manage 2,500 inmates on death row
L-R: Ondo State Deputy Governor, Barr Agboola Ajayi, Ondo State First Lady, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, First Lady of Ogun State, Dr Funsho Amosun, during the First Forum for wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) Summit, at the Dome, Igbotoro Road Akure, Ondo State.
‘Herdsmen destroyed N10bn farms in Adamawa’ . CBN’s loan beneficiaries unable refund money
Dan Garba, Yola Herdsmen have destroyed farms worth more than N10 billion in Adamawa State making the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan beneficiaries stranded and unable to repay their loans which they collected for massive agricultural production. Beneficiaries of Federal Government sponsored loans from the CBN on agriculture in Adamawa state under the auspices of ‘Tallafa multipurpose cooperative society have become stranded unable to meet the dateline to repay back these loans. Those who collected have become victims of herdsmen attacks rendering their hard work useless as thousands of cows have feasted on
their farms. They have called on the CBN to extend the loan repayment date so that the farmers can meet up in 2022. They are pleading for the extension of the terms of repayment following herders/farmers crisis that claims lives and farmlands overtaken by the cattle rearers worth more than N10 billion in Adamawa State. The beneficiaries who seek for an extension through a letter to the CBN signed by the president and secretary of the Association of nonmicro finance institutions of Nigeria, Felicity Adama Manna and Peter Joctkthan who is their facilitators said most of the beneficiaries have abandoned their farms due to communal clashes because they cannot account for their farms. Thousands of these farmers have also cried out to the CBN since herders and farmers don’t
have insurance cover policy in the country, it would be impossible to compensate the colossal loss of farmers who are directly the beneficiaries to enable the association meet up to their earlier agreed terms of repayment either from its side or the farmers. The multipurpose cooperative therefore request the CBN that the date of repayment be extended to 2022 to enable it locate the beneficiaries of the loan for possible payments who have either been killed or have ran away from the farms because of herdsmen attack. The Association of non-micro finance Institutions of Nigeria in Adamawa state had written to the national president of the association intimating the office of brutal killings of farmers by herdsmen in the state which has made the farmers stranded.
The Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has appealed to state governors to intervene in the management of over 2,500 inmates on death row and help decongest prison facilities. The Prison Public Relation Officer of NPS, Mr Francis Enobore, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja. Enobore said the governors ought to sign death warrants for the execution of the convicts or commute their sentences to life imprisonment to help in the management of the prisons. According to him, condemned convicts have been a big issue in the Nigerian Prison Service and it has been difficult to deal with the issue. “Before now, a prison might have 500 condemned convicts and of course that can be managed but a situation where you have more than that, then it becomes an issue. “Presently, over 2,500 condemned convicts are in prisons. Some of them have exhausted their appeals and are only awaiting the hangman. “This issue has caused deep anger among them; they have become hardened and difficult to control. “You greet some of them, they won’t even respond. You try to make them not feel discouraged in life, they see you as a threat, ” he said.
Unpaid allowances: NASS workers threaten strike, give 12-day ultimatum
National Assembly (NASS) workers under the auspices of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on Friday threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if the management of the legislature failed to meet their demands. The Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Musa Bature, gave the warning at a press briefing in Abuja. The aggrieved staff had on Dec. 4, picketed the assembly complex, grounding legislative proceedings in both houses for the day. The House of Representatives at its Thursday plenary asked the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, to appear before it to give explanations as to why the PASAN’s funds captured in the 2018 Budget was yet to be released. Addressing journalists, Bature said that the picketing which started on Tuesday was to last till Thursday, Dec. 6 as a prelude and warning signal to a proposed total strike action billed to begin on Dec. 18, but for the intervention of NASS leadership. He stressed that the planned industrial action would commence as earlier scheduled if their demands were not met as promised. ”We think the political leadership of National Assembly for their intervention. ”The leadership of the national body of PASAN as well as zonal leadership and members of the two chapters that make up FCT zone, namely National Assembly Service Commission and Public Complaint Commission, will not relent in our effort.
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
2019: INEC, APC sued for alleged substitution of Ondo Assembly candidate Adewale Momoh, Akure The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo state over last primaries took a different twist on Friday when the party’s state House of Assembly candidate for Okitipupa II Constituency, Mr Ololade James Gbegudu dragged the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), before the State High Court sitting in Akure for allegedly refusing to publish his name for the 2019 general election after winning the party’s primary. In a suit filed by Gbegudu’s counsel, Femi Emodamori, also joined APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the party’s State Secretary, Sina Alaye, and Assembly Aspirant, Sina Akinwunmi Emmanuel as defendants. Ololade-Gbegudu in the suit, said he instituted the case after APC and its officers refused to send his name to INEC in line with the 2010 Electoral Act having won the primary which was conducted by APC direct primary on 5th October, and duly monitored by the officials of INEC led by Etukumo U. Andrew, policemen and the Department of State Services (DSS) personnel.
Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe granted an application brought by the counsel to enable the claimant to serve INEC and the APC headquarters in Abuja and vowed to give the case an accelerated hearing in view of its nature. The lawyer urges the Court to declare as illegal the substitution of the claimant’s name with Akinwunmi’s name and compel INEC to recognize and publish Gbegudu’s name as the APC candidate for the Okitipupa Constituency II in the 2019 State House of Assembly election. The Claimant averred that he won the direct primary for the Okitipupa Constituency II for the Ondo State House of Assembly with 4,000 votes to beat five other aspirants including Akinwunmi Emmanuel whose name he claimed was wrongly submitted to INEC by the party’s officials. The Plaintiff’s lead Counsel, Mr Femi Emodamore said, “the Claimant further avers that the total number of accredited voters at the said direct primary election as recorded by the representatives of the 1st Defendant (APC) were 7,000 while the total valid votes were 6,500, out of which he scored the 4,000 due to his overwhelming popularity at the constituency and was declared winner of the primary. Emodamore claimed that, “the 4th Defendant (Akinwunmi) in this case scored zero (0) as attested to by the APC Ondo State
Legislative Primaries Election Committee. The Claimant shall in this regard rely on the original (counter-part) of the Summary Result Sheet for State House of Assembly duly signed by Abuh Andrew Abuh and Ahmed Musa Momoh as the Chairman and Secretary of the APC Ondo State Legislative Primaries Election Committee respectively and given to each of the candidates, including the Claimant”. The Lawyer alleged that, “the falsified result, the name of the Claimant (Gbegudu Ololade James) is still visible in the certification column at the bottom of the Result Sheet as the winner. The Claimant’s name was however simply crossed out with a biro/pen (not even completely wiped or blurred out with paint) and on top of it was written in ink the words: WINNER-SINA AKINWUMI EMMANUEL, as against the proper certification column already printed in the Result Sheet” Emodamore said, “an order of mandatory injunction directing the 5th Defendant (INEC) to recognise, publish and/or treat the name of the Claimant as the candidate of the 1st Defendant (APC) for the Okitipupa Constituency II of the Ondo State House of Assembly for the general election for the said constituency seat scheduled to hold on 2/3/2019 or such other date(s) as the 5th Defendant may fix for the election.”
Short News Ex-President Jonathan pays tribute to Gov Dickson’s mother
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has paid tribute to late Goldcoast Dickson, describing her as a kind and compassionate mother who was selfless in the way she served God and humanity. The former President who spoke Thursday night in Yenagoa at a wellattended service of songs ceremony in honour of the late mother of Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson further described the matriarch as an exemplary woman who was diligent, hardworking and God-fearing. In a statement by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, he also praised the deceased for the kind of motherly support she gave to her daughter-Inlaw, Dr. Mrs Rachel Dickson, especially during the trying days as earlier captured by the Governor’s wife herself. The former President had earlier consoled Governor Dickson in a condolence message in which she took note of her late mother’s kindness. He said: “This is indeed a difficult moment for you, members of your family and all those who were touched by Mama’s kindness. Please be consoled by the fact that she lived an exemplary life and positively influenced all those around her.
FG’s tax force team storms Kebbi, urges compliance Haruna Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
A federal tax force team is in Kebbi state to enforce compliance with the new federal government tax regime. The primary function of the tax force is to go after tax defaulters and stop piracy in Kebbi state. The commander and leader of the team, Muhammed Gidado Musa said in a press conference at the command’s office at Kalgo Local Government that since their arrival, the revenue generation increased after they met with the Local Government revenue officers and some officials of the NURTW who assisted them in their operations. He added that the team also visited ministries and parastatals to ensure compliance, saying the exercise is to ensure every citizen pays his or her tax for infrastructural development and the security of the country which is very expensive. On the constitutional backing of the tax force, Gidado said they are directly under the presidency backed by executive bill, which he said gave them power to fight piracy and ensure tax compliance within their jurisdiction.
Kwara Gov presents N157.4bn 2019 Budget to State Assembly Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide (left) receiving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s award recognising Air Peace and The Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria’s support for the campaign against gender-based violence from the Rule of Law Adviser to the Vice President, Dr. Fatima WaziriAzi during the National Conference on Sexual and Gender Based Violence at the State House, Abuja ... on Thursday.
Osinbajo commends Air Peace, FEHN on fight against gender-based violence Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Lagos Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has commended West Africa’s leading carrier, Air Peace and its sister organisation, the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) for their commitment to efforts to stamp out gender-based violence in the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Conference on Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response in Nigeria held at the State House, Abuja on Thursday, Osinbajo said he was pleased that Air Peace was on board the campaign to protect women, children and other vulnerable members of the society from violence. The vice president presented a joint award to FEHN and Air Peace for their partnership with the “government and people of Nigeria on gender based violence.” The award was received by the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide. She pledged that the airline and its not-for-profit organisation, FEHN would continue to seek ways to
support the Federal Government in its projects aimed at protecting vulnerable members of the society. Delivering a goodwill message at the conference, the Assistant Procurement Manager of FEHN, Mrs. Motunrayo Boladale commended Osinbajo and his team for rising in protection of women, children and other vulnerable members of the society through the National Conference on Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response in Nigeria. She urged strategic action against gender-based violence, saying FEHN and Air Peace were battling the scourge through training, empowerment of women by tasking them with sensitive positions and creation of job opportunities to take the focus of members of the society from violence and other crimes. “The reality of gender-based violence in this age is one that continues to wear frail not only the societal fabric of the African continent, but also the entire world. Unfortunately, in recent years the trajectory of cases of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, early marriage and rape of minors in Nigeria has become rather alarming. Sadly, majority of the victims operate in such vulnerable state that there is the possibility of a recurrence.
“As conflict reconciliation experts, The Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) understands that one of the most effective ways to curb this growing menace is basically the activation of practical proactive measures thus, our efforts in the institutionalisation of Nonviolence. FEHN’s training initiatives are designed to empower individuals at every level. We understand that an empowered individual is less likely to indulge in the act of violence or operate in the position of acceptance. We have the training platforms that educate women and children from the grassroots level. One of our training initiatives is ‘Message to Schools‘. This programme has had us train several children in primary and secondary schools. “One of the main reasons our sister company, Air Peace Ltd was floated is to create employment. It is heart warming to know that we have several women gainfully employed by Air Peace. “In fact, most of our managers are women, a mark of the dedication of our chairman, Dr. (Barr) Allen Onyema to the empowerment of women. We strongly believe that as we all join hands individually and collectively to combat gender-based violence, the lasting success we seek will be ours,” Boladale said.
Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has presented a budget of N157, 404, 952, 561 for the 2019 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. The Governor, who presented the Budget to the House on Thursday in Ilorin, said the 2019 appropriation bill would be partially implemented by his administration. Termed “Budget of Consolidation and Prosperity”, Ahmed said the budget would reflect his government determination to strengthen the state finances on a sustainable basis while delivering the benefits of the associated revenue reforms to the people. According to him, the 2019 budget was premised on oil price benchmark of US$60 per barrel; oil production estimate of 2.3million barrels per day; exchange rate of 305/US$ and inflation Rate of 9.98 per cent. He declared that the 2019 budget of N157.4billion showed a marginal increase of N1, 461, 612, 762 or one per cent compared to the 2018 Revised Budget. “Out of this Total Budget size, the sum of Seventy-Seven Billion, Seven Hundred and Twenty Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Seventy-Seven Naira only or 49% is for Recurrent Expenditure.
Methodist Prelate commends ideals of T. A. Orji as Governor Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia The Senator representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, Sen. Theodore Ahamefula Orji, Thursday received commendation from the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kalu Uche. The Prelate was speaking in Amuzukwu Ibeku country home of the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, High Chief james Uche Akwuwegbu as part of his tour of the church in Umuahia Archdiocese. The Prelate described Senator Orji as one “seen to have Ibeku as his own Jerusalem”, pointing out that he kept the town clean as a governor. Dr. Uche used the opportunity to flay the Nigeria Police as belonging to a particular political party in the country, describing it as ‘too wrong”. He also warned governors in the country to pay their workers salaries, allowances and pensions, pointing out “if don’t do that, they will not go back. Anyone that impoverishes the people will not go back to Government House”. While urging electorates not to “take a cup of salt and rice and sell their votes”, urged them not to be influenced by money but “should vote for their future”, adding, “I have interest on personalities”, not political parties.
Daily Times Nigeria
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Life & Times
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I want my son to respect me more musically - Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde On the red carpet at the fifth AFRIMA awards ceremony held in Accra, Ghana, recently, talented Nollywood actress, musician, activist, wife and mother, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omosexy, had interesting things to say about the 2019 elections and other mind blowing issues. She spoke with DAMILOLA LAWORE. Enjoy… How has this year been for you generally? It has been an amazing year, it has been graceful and I am sure you heard I have been inducted into the academy this year. That’s a big milestone for me and any African artiste, so for that reason it’s been remarkable.
rock, soft rock, he’s still young he’s doing a lot of experimenting and he’s enjoying himself, he’s like a small rave and maybe he’s thinking you have not blown so I don’t want to touch it...I hope to prove myself in the music industry and more of that in the future when I have built my place. I prefer performing on stage than being commercial, recording and selling. I enjoy stage more than recording, so I hope to get there and do more so people like my son can take me more seriously....
What suggestions, ideas or advice do you have for Nigerians concerning the 2019 elections? Okay, so it’s very tough because we have lots of credible people coming out. Some of them are coming out quite late and lot of people are confused as to what to do and how far that would go but what I keep telling Nigerians is that don’t allow people to suppress and intimidate you a second time. Don’t choose someone because they want someone who is going to win that’s you allowing tour vote to be like your cage or prison. Free yourself, vote for someone even if it’s just two of you that will vote what I mean is waste your vote. If they are saying you are gonna waste your vote, waste it, it’s your vote at least vote your conscience. There are many people who might be thinking just like you, so don’t think you voting for someone won’t count because you don’t know what others are thinking. Let’s support credible people, we can’t continue to choose the lesser evil, we have to break out of that As a young woman yourself, are you impressed with the number of young people coming out for elective positions or it’s still not okay? I am quite impressed, I am very impressed some of the people that have come out are people that years ago will have told you am not interested in politics but it’s a good thing people are becoming involved. I have to give a big kudos to Fela Durotoye, I think he was the first young person to declare if I remember correctly, so we have to give respect to whom respect is due. I give him that respect and that honor for taking the bull by the horn and to say you know what I’m doing this and encouraging a lot of other people to do so and try. There are so many people on different levels coming out now
So he doesn’t take you seriously? He knows I’m good but he’s like it’s not me you are going to use to blow, I don’t understand what that means.....
Omotola
to try from the highest which is presidential level to the local government honorable, I think. I don’t think we should go out and vote people just because they are young, that would be misleading ourselves but at least look at which of them is credible and ask them good questions and know their content of character and I think we should choose people based on track records, we can’t use people who we know are Significantly bad just because we are trying to run away from something bad. It’s a vicious circle, you might think they are oppositions but it’s the same game where they all invest
in themselves and they are playing with us. So for the first time let’s support those coming out that are credible even if they don’t win to keep coming out, but if they will suffer a massive loss it might discourage them Do you think Nigeria is ready for a female president? What do we need to be ready? What makes Nigeria to be any special for what?? If women are doing great in the society, as we all know a lot of females are doing well in Nigeria of today, they better than the men. We know a lot of females are holding families
down in Nigeria of today and are doing it honorably and strongly and besides that women are very good at organizing and taking care of families and responsibilities and stuffs like that. Even if we are not so sure, we should try it. I think Nigeria is ready, overripe, infact falling over, running over and shaking together... Your son is into music, you are into music do we see an Ekeinde family joint collaboration? My son is very stubborn you know, he has his own ways. In future we can collaborate, I have a certain kind of music I do, I like
Do you think the Me Too movement will ever come to Nollywood? Not just Nollywood, I hope it comes to Nigeria. Unfortunately, I don’t think it would catch on now because a lot of women feel they don’t have options if you force them to come out and name their perpetrators or abusers now what options do they have, a lot of women feel. they have to live with their abuse or find other ways around it without naming their abusers because being blacklisted and the country is so bad the poverty rate is so high and almost doing them harm getting them to do this. So I pray it does come to Nigeria and very strongly too, not only for adults but young children as well we are hearing of fathers doing their own child, these things were never happening before maybe because of the poverty rate going up in the country you now see people being desperate to look for money and all these rituals and nonsense things going on. So we need it for than any other place in the world, maybe from next year when the voting and political system getting more stable we get to a point where we start to heal, we need to heal before we now get to a point when we can do that What would you say is Africa’s biggest export as a continent? Entertainment obviously.
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
Isaac Geralds gifts us ‘This Christmas EP’ Talented singer, Isaac Geralds gifts music lovers with a yuletide-themed body of work which he titled, ‘This Christmas.’ Signposting the mood of the project is a beautiful artwork of the singer and his cute son wearing Santa’s famous hat. The six track EP features songs such
as This Christmas, Spell Christmas, So Beautiful, Chestnuts Roasting, Silent Night and Someday At Christmas. This Christmas parades an interesting collaboration list of artistes and producers who include Wole Oni, Simon Keys, Chee, Eclipse, Spells and Tonie D Emperor among others.
Aneke Twins
Nollywood’s Aneke twins motivate students at Promasidor ‘Harness Your Dream’ Famous actresses, Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke (the Aneke Twins), have urged students to learn from their own experience of surmounting the odds of rejection by family and friends to become an authentic success story. Addressing the students, who attended Promasidor “Harness Your Dream” career guidance initiative at Queen’s School, Enugu recently, the twins said that they did not lose the focus of fulfilling their dreams despite the deprivation that followed the death of their father in their formative years. Now the promoters of Aneke Foundation, which supports humanitarian activities, the twins recalled how they hawked around Enugu in order to support their mother in funding their education. They eventually graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with degrees in Mass Communication and Banking and Finance, but admitted that they would have chosen courses that suited their natural flair if they had been exposed to career guidance. Chidiebere said: “If we had the kind of opportunity that you now have, we won’t have read those courses. We were in our church drama group and then found out that we had the talent for acting. Somebody invited us and then we began to act but still hawking our akara (beans cake) and bread and going to school. But after school, we would go to the movie industry for auditioning. We found out that we needed to know more about acting, so we went to school.” The 32-year-old twins joined Nollywood in 1999 and had their first movie outing in “Ebuka”. But the break did not come until they acted the lead roles in “Desperate Twins. They had featured in over 80 Nollywood movies since then and won several awards. Explaining that education made the total being, Chidinma
said that they had to inspire themselves and rise above the challenges of becoming fatherless at a young age. “When our father was alive, we had everything. But when our father died, everything changed – nobody to help. We looked around, there was nobody to help. We then decided to inspire ourselves,” she reminisced. The celebrity twins commended Promasidor for sponsoring the project and urged other corporate organisations to follow the example. Earlier, the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze had appreciated Promasidor Nigeria for bringing “Harness Your Dream” to the state. The commissioner, who was represented by Mrs. Chidiogo Ugodu said that the impact of the project would be felt in later years by the beneficiaries, who would now be able to make the right career choices. The Principal of Queen’s School, Enugu, Mrs. Ada Nweke also thanked Promasidor for extending the programme to the state. “You did not make any mistake by choosing our state as one of your catchment zones. Our amiable governor is education friendly. He always wants to see children achieve their aims in life,” she said. In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Anders Einarsson assured that the company would continue to support Nigerian youths in fulfilling their potentials, adding that the motivation for the initiative was to guide students to choose careers that match their talents, skills and aspirations. “We specifically target your class because by next session, you will be selecting relevant subjects that will determine your future careers,” explained Einarsson, who was represented by the company’s Head of Legal and Corporate Communications, Mr. Andrew Enahoro.
Neo Phlames out with Sharp Shooter Stories Mutiat Alli Conscious-Indigenous artiste, Adeniyi Adewoyin simply known as Neo Phlames has released a new song titled Sharp Shooter. Produced by Daihard, Sharp Shooter according to the musician is a mid tempo song with good lyrics suitable for everyone. Although the title is a bit controversial, Neo however said Sharp Shooter is just a titled of his song and not who he really is. Guys who womanize are mostly called sharp shooter but I don’t womanize. I believe in having one woman at a time and focusing on growth with the love you’ve found” he said. On what inspired the song, Phlames said; “there was a time I was
actually asking a girl out and someone real soon. I mean, there’s no label but who knows me but doesn’t know me we can’t watch this great talent die so too well went to tell my love interest we keep strategizing and praying will that I am a womanizer and that she we get this good music out there. Our shouldn’t accept my proposal. The fans and lovers of music deserve good scene kept coming back to my mind music and I am proud to be one of and it became a song. the very few guys with good contents ‘I like to write my songs based on that can stand the test of time” Neo reality and I guess that’s why I will Phlames added. always have things to sing about since events happen every day, said Neo Phlames. Neo who is not signed to any record label has been doing quite well for himself since he debuted with Arambada last year and has since done other songs like Mind and Logba which has a video which is still enjoying massive rotation on TV and radio. He however revealed that plans are in top gear to take his music brand nationwide as time goes on.“I and my team are planning on something been Neo Phlames
Isaac
5th AFRIMA Award: History was made in Ghana The 5th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA held in Accra, Ghana on November, 24, 2018 had in attendance music stars, dignitaries, and music lovers across the continent, the annual music event seeks to celebrate and reward African talents who have done exceedingly well in the year. With a total of 36 categories, the 5th AFRIMA winners are culled from the Regional and Continental categories. In addition, special recognition awards fully decided by the International Committee of AFRIMA is awarded to individuals who have impacted positively to the world using their craft. The 5th AFRIMA Legendary awards was given to the internationally recognized South African singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka. The music legend, who is “dubbed Princess of Africa” has a career span of over 30 years with several hit albums, has performed for notable personalities within and outside the country. Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode was awarded a special recognition for his contributions towards the growth and development of the Arts and Tourism sector of Lagos state, most importantly the role Lagos state played as
official host of AFRIMA in its last 4 years from 2014 - 2017. In what turned out to be an emotional moment for the audience, a special recognition awards was given to one of Ghana’s music veteran, Teddy Osei, the leader of the famous Osadebe group, an Atropop band created in 1969. The veteran who was helped to the stage in a wheelchair had been suffering from a mild stroke, but was overwhelmed by such great honour.
Praiz
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
13 Gist
Popular lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, pays tribute to late Frederick Fasheun
Osinbajo
Osinbajo, Obasanjo, Kenyatta for ‘African Prize for Leadership Excellence’ Stories by Isaac Oguntoye The Banquet hall of Lagos Sheraton Hotel will be electrified with glitz and glamour when notable African leaders including Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will lead array of Prominent Individuals not only in Nigeria but across the Africa to receive the 2018 edition of ‘African Prize For Leadership Excellence’. The epoch-making event which is billed for Tuesday, December 13, 2018 in Lagos is designed in line with the growth factor in the continent that has been attributed to visionary leadership of some selected African leaders that have excelled and demonstrated uncommon initiative to develop Africa economy According to Fast track, the event organiser, all the winners in the African Prize for Leadership Excellence would have made outstanding contribution to the development of the continent, impacted in the economic aspiration of its citizenry and the transformation of Africa’s image in the international market. The third edition with over 20 categories will also honour Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President, African Development Bank, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos among other prominent individuals.
Human rights lawyer, Olu Kayode Ajulo, has mourned the exit of founding leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) which occurred on Friday, November 30, 2018. Below is his tribute made available to The Daily Times. “The name of Dr. Frederick Fasheun would often spring up shades of thoughts and of course, various definitions. That’s because he’s a Nigerian whose figure and fingers have laid enduring foundations and legacies. Legacies so profound and robust that they have markedly shaped or reshaped the nation’s standing. He carried with him, all life-long the carriage, conducts and courage that define a huge hero. He is, in many ways than one a legend who made indelible marks on the sand of time and whose time on this side would reverberate long after him. Pa Fasehun, who founded the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), is a first rated Nigerian whose training and moulding was superlative by any rating. Studied science at Blackburn College and furthered his education at Aberdeen University College of Medicine. He also attended the Liverpool Postgraduate School after which he had a Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Fasehun studied acupuncture in China under a joint World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Development Scholarship Program.
He would always be in the nation’s evocation and would be well remembered for setting up an Acupuncture Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and setting up the Besthope Hospital and Acupuncture Centre in Lagos, a Centre that once earned a reputation as Africa’s first for the Chinese medical practice. Dr. Fasehun would later form a Yoruba-based organization to actualize the annulled mandate of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a Yoruba who won the presidential election of 12 June 1993 but was barred from office. Dr. Fasehun was imprisoned for 19 months from December 1996 to June 1998 during the military rule of Sani Abacha, ending 18 days after Abacha’s death. All these and more he did leaving his comfort zone as a wealthy medical doctor to join the commoners and the streets’ pro-democratic groups to talk and walk against the military misadventures and to pressure it to cede power to civilians. He suffered all kinds of assaults and detentions from the oppressors, yet he remained undeterred and unbending. He touched lives, profoundly. He touched mine in robust ways too. I met this distinguished Nigerian in the course of my duty as a lawyer, and I was privileged to handle some briefs for him many years ago, particularly when he was charged with offence of treason and detained by the Obasanjo led federal government alongside
the some OPC chieftains which included Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Abiodun Ganiyu Adams. He shaped my view on certain beliefs, particularly championing the cause of collective good, and other great ideas. The story of my agitation for civil rights, particularly my career would not be complete without a mention of his name and other patriots. To the glory of God, handling a brief for him and the Aare Ona kakanfo well over a decade ago significantly shaped the mileage of my career as Rights Activist and legal practitioner, and those moments remain for me very special and dear. Smart, doggedness and grounded, Baba made outstanding contributions to the progress of the nation in many capacities, particularly the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large, the passing away of Pa Fasehun remains a major blow for obvious reasons. He stood for, making the Yoruba nation stronger was major, that settles the fact that there were natural links. Elsewhere, he’s described as a historical figure and a foremost father of the country’s Fourth Republic democracy. I dare add that he’s is a darling of Nigeria’s Democratic existence. He would also be remembered for his fearless nature that made him fought tirelessly for survival of Yoruba people as a true pan Africanist. Your legacy is etched on our minds. The nation Nigeria carries your creations. We all will miss you greatly. Adieu Papa!”
Eli Adewole Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs “Eli Adewole Foundation, an NGO aimed at rendering services to humanity by empowering young entrepreneurs to achieve a sustainable future. According to the youthful Executive Director, Honorable Adewole Olanrewaju, beyond the foundation it also drives its expectations and impacts alongside other platforms such as the ‘’project Help’ initiative, project feeds among others. “The platform of the Eli Adewole initiative is to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with good business idea the necessary support, and funds for the actualization of their business ideas. The latest held last month, where we achieved our initiative’s aim by sponsoring at least 50 entrepreneurs
with
successful
Adewole capital grants.” It further noted her support to
individuals and organizations. “In recent times, we have been able to reach 300 less privileged living in Ijora Badia axis of Lagos Island on 21ST AUGUST 2018 and carried out another program on 19th day of OCTOBER, 2018 at Agege Pen-cinema Mainland axis with food items. Food items during the first and second “PROJECT FEED” which is set to run monthly to achieve the goal “ZERO HUNGER” of the United Nations Sustainable development goal with “PROJECT FEED” and also empowering youths with the skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs”. If you have a wing, we will help you to fly, though it comes with support from partners for the goals sets to be achieved.”
While appealing to the public for greater support and partnership to achieve its goals, Adewole urged young entrepreneurs to carve their niche by striving towards providing excellent products and services. “Let’s strive for excellence, in our imperfections; the greatest resources you can give to your businesses are in improving your creativity using all our available resources to produce a winning culture, which is why it’s our mandate to work with young minds and vibrant youth, empowering them to be the solution, using simple, low tech and innovative solutions.” “ELI ADEWOLE FOUNDATION”, we are passionate and hardworking, but we also have fun, meanwhile we don’t deviate from our mission.
Group in Diaspora endorses Atiku Diaspora in support of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign in the United States, Atiku Diaspora Support Group (ADSG) Inc, has enjoined Nigerians to votes-in former Nigeria’s Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo administration. The organisation made up of Nigerians resident in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia said every Nigerian who prioritizes the functionality of the country’s business sector at large and the security of lives and properties should support Atiku to make Nigeria great again. Franklin Ekechukwu, the group coordinator, said “We believe that Atiku is the only candidate that will usher in good governance,
create the necessary political and institutional processes and achieve outcomes that will produce development in Nigeria. “It is important to us that we have governance that will encourage public institutions to conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law that will guarantee personal security. “He is the only candidate that will curtail the rising criminal insurgency in Nigeria.” Obed Appolus who’s a member of ADSG, said people who have a good plan for the country, will give Atiku all the supports that will
make the next president. Appolus added that if Atiku is given the opportunity to be the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he believes Nigeria will be a place where every African country will say the country has come up to the stage where it belongs. Speaking also was Toyin Rose, who claimed to be a close friend to Atiku’s wife. She said, “I am a good friend to the Atiku family and I can say I have a very good relationship with Mrs. Atiku. “Mrs. Atiku has touched lives through her NGO and I believe she will do well in the company of her husband to lead Nigeria with the intention of making it great again. I believe she’s passionate, strong and a lover of Nigeria. Most
importantly, it is good for everyone to know that she’s a good access to her husband will do a lot to ensure her husband do the needful for Nigerians.” A member of Atiku Campaign Representatives in the U.S. said Atiku has been a very serious minded person and right now, Atiku cannot wait to get to work after being elected the president of the country to get Nigeria working again. Moreso, a Professor of Engineering in the US, Dickson Ozokwelu said the good thing about Atiku is that he listens and he is confident that the Nigerian presidential aspirant will make a reasonable decision in appointing the right person at the right time
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Daily Times Nigeria
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Mixed Grill
Aunt Landa, Alibaba set to intervene with Love at Market Square for the less privileged Mutiat Alli, Lagos Popular Humanitarian, Dr. Yolanda N. George-David, also known as Aunt Landa and the Fair Chairman of the Market Square, Alibaba, have tagged the forthcoming edition of Aunt Landa Market Square as the “Intervention Edition”. The event is set to hold on the 22nd of December 2018 in Festac, Lagos. This edition aims at intervening in the deplorable state of living among many Nigerians by providing job opportunities for hundreds through the vocational training made available at the market square. Aunt Landa Market Square is the only market square in the world where the needy gets to buy food, clothes, medicine and almost every other thing they need to survive for FREE at the price of the “Aunt Landa Love Currency (Zero Naira wrapped in God’s love). It has been revealed that the market will open to the public, and for the less privileged to shop for free as well as acquire free vocational training including hair styling, graphics designing, hand craft, music, catering, soap making and many more. Items like clothes, shoes, books, food items, fruits and everything needed to make the Christmas celebration worthwhile will be made available for free at the market square. A team of qualified medical doctors and nurses will also be available to provide free professional healthcare to attendees in need of medical attention.
Commenting on the purpose of the Market Square, Aunt Landa remarked; “This edition is nothing like we’ve ever done in the past. It is going to be the biggest market square ever! Intervening in the lives of people is not something to speak lightly about, neither is it something I can do all by myself, hence why a lot of my friends will be joining me to make sure that everyone who steps into that venue leaves with a smile and a clear definition of what love really means”. She further revealed anyone can
be part of the event, as it her desire with the fair Chairman, Alibaba to see everyone excited in this season of love. The previous market square tagged ’Happiness Edition”, which took place in 2017 witnessed a massive crowd and attendance from some of the Foundation’s ambassadors, including comedy pioneer Alibaba, popular on-air personality Lolo 1, comedienne Lepacious Bose, Nikki Laoye and a host of others. It is expected that this edition will witness more faces.
Nigeria’s New Tribe: Adesua Etomi, Broda Shaggi, Ahmed Musa, others make The Future Awards Africa 2018 nominees list The Central Working Committee (CWC) of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has announced the nominees for the 13th edition of Africa’s biggest youth awards set to hold on 16 December, 2018 at the Balmoral Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, L agos. With 20 award categories this year, the CWC unveiled one hundred (100) nominees which include artistes, Davido and Simi; footballer, Ahmed Musa; actor, Adesua Etomi; social media influencer and comedienne, Maraji; entrepreneur, Chidi Ajaere, scientist, Dr Mahmoud Maina; Taekwondo expert, Thursdaline Peter and many more – representing a new class of innovators, philanthropists,
activists, entertainers, technocrats and creators promoting the shared values of creativity, social good, and innovation while making impact in entertainment, professional service, agriculture, business and sports. “Inducting these new set of performers into Nigeria’s New Tribe has been nothing short of inspiring as they have dutifully chosen the path of impact to their community, nation and the continent,” said Bukonla Adebakin, Chief Operating Officer of The Future Project. “We are reminded of how important it is to acknowledge the work of young Nigerians who have ignored limitations around them and excelling in their chosen fields.”
Adesua Etomi
Celebrities storm The Wedding Showcase 2018 The 4th edition of south east Nigeria’s biggest wedding fair “The Wedding Showcase” themed “The Eastern Experience” came to an end on Sunday with plenty of pomp and ceremony at the Night Of Lights. The Night of Lights was a magical experience. It was a cocktail event elaborately showcasing the rich culture of the Igbo people. Guests at the event wore strictly traditional attires to the breathtaking event that featured a fashion runway with some of the biggest names in Nigeria’s fashion industry, as well as celebrity appearances. Some of the celebrities who graced the event include Ebube Nwagbo, Enyinnaya Nwigwe, Nigga Raw, Racheal okonkwo (nkolinwansukka), Ken Erics Ugo, chinonso Arubayi and Zubby Definition. Proceeding the Night of Lights was the Business Meeting; a business conference
for SMEs with the theme, Business, Branding, and Breaking Beyond Even. This session had speakers like Uche Nnaji CEO of Ouch Lifestyle, Obianuju Okechukwu; CEO of Gossip Hair and Cosmetics, Nelly Agbogu; founder of NaijaBrandChick and Healthy Nellies, and Happiness Okorie of Fhuzo Hairport. Who spoke on different aspects of the theme, in relation to businesses and startups in the region. The Wedding Showcase started with a two day exhibition on the 22nd of November, with some of the prominent vendors and business, providing a platform for clients, intending couples and in-laws and service providers to connect. The convener, Kachy Ugwa in his words said that the event was of tremendous success and hopes next year’s would be power packed as we will be celebrating 5years of existence
Ebube Nwagbo and Ken Erics
Tope Alabi, Timi Dakolo, Travis Greene, Kirk Franklin others ignite at ‘The experience 2018’ Amazingly mammoth crowd all gathered on Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos for the 13th edition of the Experience programme organised by the House on the Rock led by Pastor Paul Adefarasin and Pastor Mrs. Ifeanyi Adefarasin. The yearly gospel event attracts amongst others Christians and nonChristians under one roof to worship and sing praises to God Almighty and like other year, this year featureds talented and award-winning and renowned indigenous and international gospel artistes such as Don Moen, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Timi Dakolo, Travis Greene, Nathaniel Bassey, Vicki Yohe, Chioma Jesus, Tope Alabi, Eben, Tim Godfrey, Mike Aremu, Glowreeyah, Onos, Eno Michael and Chee. And for the first time at The Experience are JJ Hairston, Planetshakers and Ada Ehi. Averaging a yearly attendance of over 500,000 people at the venue, with millions more watching online from all over the globe, it has grown to become one of the biggest gospel concerts in the world. With the theme ‘Jesus our Peace’, the allure of The Experience is its penchant for unifying people irrespective of
nationality, faith, gender, status or political persuasion, Adefarasin stated. He said the event is held every year at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos because of the spiritual, historical and political significance of the TBS as a true iconic centre of hope for a people determined to establish their true identity. According to him, The Experience 2O18 was an evening of edifying enjoyment as the constellation of the world’s finest gospel artistes led the attendees in unrestrained praise and worship into the Creator’s glorious presence. He noted that regardless of the outcome of the forthcoming elections, peace is the ultimate candidate that we should all support, and must be the candidate that wins. “Despite many challenges Nigerians may face, we cannot afford to lose faith in God’s ability to turn things around for our good, choosing to see a bright future, the Nigeria of our dreams, one that we can proudly bequeath to the next generation.” “Our elected representatives can no longer afford to the selfish luxury of focusing on their own interests, rather they must be fully capable of managing our affairs,” Adefarasin added.
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Fire guts Forte Oil filling station at Lagos airport Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
Cross section of the traders at the Launching of the Kwara State Chapter of Traders Moni at Ipata Central Market, Ilorin
Buhari to lay 2019 budget before NASS next week Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari will next week, present the 2019 budget proposals to the National Assembly, as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Buhari on Friday, approved next year’s budget proposal. A source at the cabinet meeting disclosed to The Daily Times that the 2019 expenditure plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly by next week but did not disclose the
very day it will be laid. The meeting which started by 10:30 am lasted until around 1.30pm at the Presidential Villa n Friday, the presidency ended up not revealing the total amount proposed for the 2019 fiscal year. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma announced the approval while briefing State House correspondents. Udoma said that the Council will liaise with the National Assembly to determine when the President will submit the draft estimates for the
consideration of the two chambers. However, he declined to comment on the details of the proposal when asked by reporters, noting that the Nigerian constitution only allows the President to give out the details and he will do so when the National Assembly is ready to receive the draft. The FEC had on 24th October approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for the 2019 -2021 to provide a template for the 2019 budget.
The session which was presided over by President Buhari approved a budget estimate of N8.73tr for the 2019 budget, N400billion lower than that of this year. The price of crude oil per barrel was pegged at $60, the exchange rate at $305 and daily crude oil production was put at 2.3m by the FEC. The MTEF/ FSP was designed to translate strategic development objective of the economic recovery and growth plan into a realistic and implementable budget framework.
Yuletide: Obaseki’s discount on food, Agric produce excites Edo residents As bag of rice sells for N15,000, cow N150,000 Motolani Oseni Residents of Edo State are gearing up for discount shopping at the government’s food market initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to mitigate the impact of the nation’s current economic reality on people in the state. Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the state government has undertaken to provide trucks that will be sent to farmers in villages and periurban areas, to convey farm produce to the venue of the Food and Agric Fair, Imaguero College, in Benin City. “The farmers will not pay for the transportation of their produce to the fair, the state government will bear the transportation burden. With this and other incentives, we are certain that the costs of food items will reduce significantly at the
fair,” Osagie said. “We are urging Edo people and residents in the state to take advantage of the fair as there will be free drinks and free indomie meals for children. “The price of a bag of rice will begin from N15,000 and the price of a big cow will begin from N150,000 while tomatoes, tubers of yam, plantain and other foodstuffs will be sold at affordable prices,” the governor’s aide added. Madam Eseosa Igbinidu, a civil servant who resides in Benin City, said she is waiting for the fair to open to shoppers. “We are aware of the Food and Agric Fair and the timing is also right because we have been paid our November salary. We want to spend our salary wisely and give our families the best treatment in the Yuletide,” she said. Other residents interviewed, expressed delight at the initiative and commended governor Obaseki for always seeking ways to make life easier for the common man.
“We commend the governor for always seeking ways to reduce the impact of the struggling national economy on Edo people. The idea of a food and Agric fair is brilliant and it will be a win-win for farmers who have challenges transporting their produce to the market and consumers, who want more value for their money,” Mr. Ugbo Sunday said. The state government earlier in the week announced that arrangements were on top gear to ensure residents have memorable Christmas celebration with the hosting of the first Food and Agric Fair with the intention to slash prices of foodstuff. State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperative and Employment, Emmanuel Usoh, who disclosed this at a press briefing said the fair would showcase food produced in the state and also sell same to Edo people at low prices during this Yuletide season. He said a day would be set aside for farmers and players in the agro-allied industries to meet and exchange ideas on
the best practices globally, adding that the fair would attend to challenges facing smallscale farmers and showcase opportunities in the Agric industry, including funding capacities of development banks and partners. He said; “Products ranging from rice, vegetable oil, onions and all sorts of farm produce will be sold at promotional prices. Poultry products would also be available. There will be a mobile abattoir. Frozen chicken will be available for sale. “There will be a stand for local cuisine. Beverage companies have indicated interest to participate in the fair. Father Christmas will be there for the children to visit. The children will get free drinks and free food from Dufil foods. Commissioners are to be dressed in Father’s Christmas costumes. “There will be a subsidy for farmers to transport their farm produce to the venue. Farmers in the northern part of the state producing onions have agreed to sell at low prices.”
A filling Station managed by Forte Oil inside the Murtala Muhammed Airport premises was yesterday burnt by fire. It is not clear what led to the fire outbreak but our correspondent gathered that the fire may have started from a fuel tanker discharging fuel at the filling station. The fire incident which later spread into the filling station at about 2: 00 pm caused panic all over the airport premises as people were seen running helterskelter in different directions. It took the intervention of the firefighters who arrived the scene at about 2: 17 pm. The inferno was, however, brought under control at about 3: 15 pm by combined efforts of men of Lagos State Fire Service and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) personnel Since the filling station was right at the roundabout, leading to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), it was difficult for vehicles to pass through. The blockage caused serious traffic snarl, delaying passengers and even airport workers and passers-by who were on their way to and from their offices. Those coming back from work could not also pass through the roundabout for fear of any further explosion. An eyewitness account said that it was a very minor fire outbreak that started gradually from the tanker. According to him, the fire wouldn’t have escalated if the Firefighter had reached the scene earlier.
Over 200 golfers set for 12th CBN Governor’s Golf tournament Mathew Dadiya Over 200 golfers are expected to compete in the 12th edition of the CBN Governor’s Golf Cup, which tees off at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday, December 8, 2018. The one-day tournament sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the IBB Golf Club, shall be a “stroke play – shotgun” format with all competing golfers teeing off at the same time from different points on the golf course. The eight categories to be competed in at this year’s tournament include: Men’s Category I (Handicap 0 – 14); Men’s Category II (Handicap 15 – 28) Gross (Men); Ladies’ Category I (Handicap 0 -20); and the Ladies’ Category II (Handicap 21 – 30). Other categories are the CBN Staff category, CBN retired staff category, CBN guests’ category and the Veterans category for men and ladies. Auxiliary prizes will also be awarded for Nearest to the Pin for ladies, men and CBN staff; Longest Drive for ladies, men and CBN staff. The overall winner is expected to cart away the Best Nett Prize. The CBN Governor’s Golf Cup is held annually to create a relaxed and recreational atmosphere for distinguished personalities in Government, the organized private sector, elder statesmen and members of the Diplomatic corps. The tournament also serves as a platform for promoting competitiveness and inspiring partnerships and networking among golfers.
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Egypt-based Nigerian professionals to sponsor Nigerian SMEs at IATF 2018 Mathew Dadiya The Association of Professional Nigerians in Egypt (APNEG) has announced sponsorship of four Nigerian small businesses to participate in the inaugural IntraAfrican Trade Fair (IATF) taking place in Cairo from 11 to 17 December. The trade fair, which is being organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission, and hosted by Egypt, has attracted more than 1,000 registered exhibitors from 41 countries and is expected to be attended by more than 70,000 visitors. APNEG President Obi Emekekwue stated that the association selected the four growing Nigerian companies - Clothing Africana, Proach Shoes, Shoeplanet Multi Concepts Ltd and Renyam Nigeria Company – as the beneficiaries of the sponsorship after a competitive process that involved extensive review of the company profiles and products by members of APNEG. He said that the sponsorship would cover the travel and accommodation costs of representatives of the companies for their travel from Nigeria to Egypt to participate in the trade fair as well as the cost of providing them with exhibition booths. Emekekwue said that the decision to sponsor the small businesses to the trade fair was part of APNEG’s commitment to fostering improved economic ties between Nigeria and Egypt, noting that the participation would expose Nigerian products to the Egyptian market and would enable the small businesses to make useful contacts. Proach Shoes manufactures high-quality madein-Nigeria shoes while Renyam Nigeria Company specialisese in agricultural products, including acha (hungry rice), honey, livestock, beans, maize, millet, and vegetables. Clothing Africana is a fashion and styling outfit based in Lagos while Shoe Planet Multi Concepts Ltd is a made-in-Nigeria designer, producer, and marketer of high-quality bags, shoes, and other fashion-related products. APNEG, which is open to all Nigerian professionals resident in Egypt, was established to, among other things, work for the advancement of Nigeria, promote and project a positive image of Nigeria and her cultural values, promote mutual understanding among its members and serve as a channel of communication with the government and people of Nigeria.
Lafarge Africa to raise additional capital of N89.21bn Motolani Oseni Lafarge Africa Plc has concluded all plans to raise additional capital of N89.21billion by way of a rights issue. The firm, in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Lafarge Africa, Adewunmi Alode, said the decision was arrived at during the emergency board meeting in Lagos on Monday. It said following the resolution the shareholders earlier passed at the extraordinary general meeting, the board of directors had approved the terms of the rights issue. The firm notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the investing public of the decision of the board of directors, saying six new shares would be issued for every seven shares held by shareholders at N12 per share. The statement read in part, “Lafarge Africa Plc will raise N89.12billion by way of a rights issue at N12.00 per share. The qualification date will be announced soon “The rights price represents a c.10.45 per cent discount on Lafarge Africa’s traded closing price as on Monday, December 3, 2018. The regulatory approval process is ongoing.”
L-R: Managing Director Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Engr Saleh Dunoma and Kanen Wood from the United Kingdom Department of Transportation at the signing of MoU on Aviation Security in Lagos on Friday.
Miners meet Buhari, worry over operational hitches Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Solid minerals miners in Nigeria under the auspices of Miners Association of Nigeria have met with President Muhammadu and complained about some issues impeding their operations in some states in the country. Making the disclosure to state house correspondents immediately after the meeting on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Mr. Bawa
Bwari, who said the government is committed to encouraging mining activities in the country, also assured the people that the administration will look into the plights of the miners. According to Bwari, “The Miners Association of Nigeria seek for a courtesy call to Mr. President and he granted it. This is historic because this is the first time Miners Association of Nigeria has received by a president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “They came to commend the president for what we have done in the mining sector. Government is putting in place some incentives
that are encouraging mining activities in Nigeria. “They came to show their appreciation and also to complain about what they are encountering, especially in states where state governments are charging the state government agencies disrupt multiple taxes and some of their activities. In fact, sometimes their mines are closed down. “This, we are talking with the state governments involved. We intend to take up this matter at the National Economic Council (NEC); where state governments should know
ICAO signs MoU on aviation security with British govt Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO) has handed a Certificate of a Recognition to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) designating its training school an ICAO Aviation Security Training Centre ( ASTC). This is just as the airport’s manager has signed a memorandum of understanding with the British government on Aviation Security and Training as part of efforts to deepen security training and entrenching professionalism. The inauguration is coming today coinciding with the world International Civil Aviation Day, with the authority training Centre poised to contribute to the development of manpower in the West and Central African region to complement the ICAO global security network. The event graced by ICAO Regional Director West and Central Africa, Mam Sait Jallow, United Nations Counterterrorism trainer, Emma Watson, Kenan Wood from the British High Commission as well as the Permanent a Secretary Ministry of Aviation, Saibu Zakari, FAAN MD, Saleh Dunoma; DG NCAA, Captain Usman Muhtar among others. The feat to attain the designation of FAAN
AVSEC Training School as ICAO ASTC was complete under 24 months. Speaking on the attainment, Managing Director FAAN, Engineer Saleh Dunoma said the Training Centre will provide capacity enough for training Nigerians and neighboring countries. The FAAN boss stated that the agency has the opportunity to handle all aviation security training in West Africa and the world over. On the regulation side, Director General of the NCAA, Captain Usman Mukhtar confirmed the 24-month duration for the completion of the training schools certification. He also said that the country as a whole has adequate instructors for ICAO to utilize in training. Muhtar said, “FAAN had requested for the designation of FAAN AVSEC Training School as ICAO ASTC on the 8th June 2017 after which an evaluation was conducted in May 2018 by the Regional Security officer for the Western and Central office (WACAG) and under 24 months the request was granted.” On the availability of manpower training, ”I wish to inform ICAO that presently in Nigeria, there are five certified ICAO AVSEC instructors and over 60 qualified national AVSEC instructors that can be of service at the ASTC.” “It is hoped that the designation will attract
patronage from airport communities of a subregion and its environs thereby contributing to the improvement of aviation security training in the region and elsewhere,” he said. ICAO Regional Director, Mr. Mam Sait Jallow said with the recognition of Nigeria’s ASTC, the network of aviation security training centers (ASTC) has increased substantially and is widely distributed in all ICAO regions to provide aviation security training. ” With the recognition of the ASTC of Nigeria, the network of aviation security trading centres (ASTC) now includes 35 centers widely distributed in all ICAO regions, to provide aviation security training at the international (ICAO ), regional and national levels to all categories of personnel involved or responsible for implementation of security measures, policies and procedures in accordance with its strategic objectives to improve the level of implementation of Annex 17 Standards.” On maintaining the certificate he said, ” the certificate of recognition issued by ICAO to the ASTC of Nigeria means that it has been duly demonstrated that the Centre meets the general and specific requirements in this respect, and that can continue to meet such requirement during the period of validity of the certificate of recognition.”
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Ajegunle’s diverse culture is enough to sell Lagos and Nigeria’s tourism at world stage - Taiwo Hon Kolawole Taiwo, popularly called HKT is a former Deputy Speakerof the Lagos House of Assembly and currently the Chairman, Ibile Microfinance Bank. He is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency for the House of Representatives seat in the 2019 election. In this interview, Taiwo frowned at the wrong impression created about Ajegunle, saying on the contrary Ajegunle remains the best constituency to portray Nigeria’s rich culture and tourism potentials to the World; he also spoke on his ambition among other issues. PATRICK OKOHUE reports. What is your attraction about Ajegunle I represent a local government that has a lot to be talked about and we want people to say it as it is, so we need somebody that comes from that place that can say it as it is. I have represented them for quite some time and know their do’s and don’ts, in the last four years I have been in the local government, played their politics even the social aspect of it, trying to see how I can bring people closer than even when I was in the House of assembly. I feel that it is one local government in Lagos State being misjudged and misrepresented because it represents the entire nation, even beyond there is practically no tribe in Nigeria that you cannot find one of their relative in my local government, therefore it suppose to be a Nigeria local government. They need a big voice, somebody that can come out and say this is the way to do it. That is why I felt I should go to the National Assembly. All these while, people we have been sending to National Assembly are individuals who did not rise through the ranks in legislative business, for the first time if you have a person that has risen from being an ordinary floor member to lead the house of forty members as a majority leader and also rise to be the deputy speaker, I am going there to do some things; for instance I was talking about a law that would affect the entire citizenry of my local government, talking about the antitrust act, we need antitrust commission in Nigeria, we need an act that would be like police of the corporate people. Something like that is what I am going to fight for, they need it now than before because one, it is easier now to bring people together through this our social media, therefore the government needs to be doing things the right way, because the whole world is moving away from quality control, to quality assurance. We must assure the people that this thing we are doing is in line with standard and the only way you can do that is to have some agency that would be like a check. You intend to represent the Ajegunle people, but that is the same area you were defeated last time, is power of incumbency of APC an avenue you plan to explore? You know the last time I lost election in an area I felt I can never lose election. When you become complacent, when you are not serious with the campaign and feel everybody will need to vote for HKT because HKT is an household name even till today, I was out of elective position for close to three years but people still come to me. If they need something they still channel it through me, but I am a professional statistician and I make use of all those things that I have been taught in school and I am not an average student of statistics, I hold a masters degree with PhD in process, and even in undergraduate class I was second class upper, so I am not an average student. I also know the tools I am having to check some things, I told some of the people few minutes ago that the reason why we loss was not because of any individual, they are just one small group of people they are about fifty, I met with them in 2015 they are group of people who are seriously against our party. I tried to beg them they said no, so I just felt fifty people, let them go jaree, it cannot affect us but later, I realised that they are controlling a huge number of people in some parts of our local government and that in my own local government they have eight booths and that their community was divided by just one connector with just one plank made bridge to get to the other constituency and unfortunately for me that other part of the local government belongs to my constituency, they have influence on the other side too, that particular area has four booths, we lost in all the ones with eight booths. We lost badly in that particular ward,
started calling me and asking when am I coming to meet them. Kalejaiye felt so bad because he is the establishment candidate and we fought establishment and we won, because I was also part of the establishment and in a way or the other our paths have crossed and done one or two things together positively, I called him I think two days ago and he picked my calls, prior to which I have called over eleven times that he did not pick until I had to confront him over it, he was just laughing, he returned my missed calls now, we have started talking.
Taiwo
it was the only one I lost in my local government, therefore when you are saying I lost election, I lost only one ward in the local government and I lost one ward in the other local government and that put paid to it. The side they came from the result was so bad that it affected the second one because it has 27 wards, but when you come the second one where it is just 20 it affected it because of that long stretch of ward and I lost by only 1700 votes and I was given an analysis of it all. I was defeated with 1000 votes which means they would add that 1000 to my vote and remove it from that of PDP the difference is 2000, therefore this time around we are not taking anything for granted, I have been meeting people, I was with some people yesterday, naturally we would not go to those people we would say let’s leave them alone, but I was with them and they were happy that they said for my coming alone I would see what would happen in this election and yes we have members as my opponent I know even in her backyard now she is afraid of HKT, because they started attacking me even before I picked the nomination, they say so many things HKT will carry thugs but my campaign has been devoid of thugs because I told my people if I hear a sound of gunshot once I will just drop the race, that was two days to the primaries, I thank them and throughout our campaign there was no acrimony. What are you doing to ensure you reconcile the aggrieved contenders in your constituency? That is at the primary level because within the party too when people see you rise they will not feel comfortable. Since I was given the nomination I have been trying to reach out and we have been talking and even something that they would naturally do and I would complain before, I no longer complain now, rather I would just tell you this thing you did was somehow and we just laugh it off, you know it is always very difficult to mend fence but we have been trying, I have met with one of the people I contested with twice and we have had meaningful discussions and his people have
How do you plan to tackle cultism especially among the youths that is prevalent in Ajegunle? My brother we have been campaigning, that is why I said we want people that would tell our story the way it is, we want to tell our story ourselves, during this campaign I have told them I am going to give them a youth centre and part of which would be an Ajegunle radio, because we want to be telling our story ourselves, let me tell you something, when they were talking about new Lagos and were premising it on culture and tourism, I said that they are saying Ajegunle is the new Lagos, because our diverse culture is enough to sell Lagos to the world. Our diversity is supposed to be our strength not the weakness, that is why you see in some of my posters, it says HKT is coming to represent all the tribes not Yoruba, Ibo or Hausa alone, I am representing the Ibibios, the South-South, everybody, they have been discussing with me, they know me and my effect while in the House of Assembly, they know what I was able to bring to the local government and that since I left nothing is happening in the local government again, the only happening now is to drink ‘shepe’, alomo’ and scuches and start making trouble, but I know those boys and they know me. How are you trying to curb substance abuse prevalent amongst the youths in Ajegunle? We have started campaigning against drug abuse, making them to see the reason why they should stop drug abuse, because even we that did not take drugs we are not as strong as we were 20 years ago, not to talk of somebody that have drenched himself in drugs ten years later, there would be problem in our local government and we don’t have more than one general hospital, it cannot contain everybody now doing drugs, we are campaigning seriously against illicit drugs and violence and I am trying to direct their attention to the youth centre, where we will be bringing people that are topmost of the industries that are from Ajegunle to do talk shows and secondly there is also one thing that is trending in Ajegunle that people don’t know, most of our people that goes to do business on internet are 419, and I want to engage them to know that there are clean money available in online business therefore we say even the youth centre will contain a computer unit where they would be taught how to make clean money from internet, how to be a good citizens and represent us anywhere they find themselves. There was a time I was in London at a business round table and they are talking about Ajegunle, I was moved and fascinated because they are talking about the positive side, but they were now afraid of the negative side, I have to come in and at that point I told them to come to Ajegunle, it is not like you are seeing it, people like us as important and popular as we are still move around Ajegunle as late as 1,2,3am without any problems. Traffic gridlock is a daily affair in the area what are you going to do to resolve the recurring congestion? My brother I have something I am planning, you know I
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Ajegunle’s diverse culture is enough to sell Lagos and Nigeria’s tourism at world stage Continued from 17 am an experienced legislator and I know the Federal Government would pay for it, you know why, yes they are correcting the mistakes of the past, for the first time since our port was created they are carrying out major rehabilitation, it would disturb the environment and all the people living there will not find it easy, because we are talking of wholesale rehabilitation, but that doesn’t mean that those things are not affecting our roads and they must pay for it, they must come and repair most of our roads, I know immediately they finish that work those gridlocks would disappear because those tankers and trucks have their packs, that are also under reconstruction, immediately they finish that they would leave the road, but the Federal Government would come and do the job for us that is why they must send HKT that knows how to tell them the way they must do it. *********What are your plans for mentorship of youths in your area? This particular race of mine is youth driven, some days ago we were looking for the daughter’s of Ajegunle support HKT for House Of Reps, if you look at our own media it is full of young guys who are coming into politics newly because I am aware I am getting old and someone was telling me are you going to spend another 15years in the house? I said no it is not possible, my children are now grown ups they are men too, I don’t have a baby in my house, they are grown men and I also need to create time to guide them on what they want and try to encourage them to stay on the positive line, therefore I cannot spend all my life as a public officer, I would still spend
some time with them, because I still feel I am young, I’m under 60, immediately I cross that 60 I will start thinking of retirement, because I know that retirement year is 60 in Nigeria. That is why I have been addressing it since 2006, my next line of action as a public officer is to be able to leave people that can take over from us and reason like us, having the interest of our local government at heart, not people that are thinking of going to make money, because it is not until when I got out of government that people get to know that I don’t have money, they feel I have alot of money. This because I spend money, I want to satisfy everybody, but not until when I left government, that I got to know I don’t have much and had to run around to fend for my family, that is the kind of culture I want to leave behind, the culture of service, trying to do things for the people, when I was talking of doing three high streets for our local government, we were
to deliver one, people don’t know how, I said go to Lagos State and check you will not see it inside their budget, I was not a speaker but while I was a majority leader I did something, as the chairman of intervention fund I took money from there and that was the beginning of development in our area, when you enter Badia now compare its present state with what it used to be in those days, you will not know you are in Badia until you get to Badagry Expressway, we are turning our area around, we are now doing it in conjunction with them, we have the same community, if you are not careful you will not know the difference between Badia and Amukoko, Badia is in Apapa and Amukoko is Ajegunle. Those are the things I want my young one to have in mind; I told them do you need to ask for what is yours? Because my first election I was 37 years old, also a young man you don’t need to ask for it but strive and ensure you achieve it.
Ahead of the 2019 general election, the Buhari Osinbajo Hope Movement (BOHM), a group canvassing votes for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, across the country has unveiled a website to reach many of the electorate through the social media platform. The President General of the group, Seyi Bamigbade, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Yola, Adamawa State, said the newly-designed website will give the volunteers both groups and individual unfettered access to the content of the All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential flagbearer’s programmes.
2019: ‘I Stand With Buhari Movement’ consolidating all across Nigeria, says Ume - Ezeoke Patrick Okohue
Taiwo
Buhari group unveils website for Next Level volunteers Benjamin Omoike
Buhari
According to him, the website that can be linked through:www. nextlevelvolunteers.org, adding that the other social media account of the group is: Facebook:https://web.facebook.com/ groups/428644113895111/ He said, “This website as well as the official social media accounts offers quick and easy access to essential information and features to keep Nigerians, the media and indeed the general public abreast of President Buhari achievements, manifestoes, programmes for the country.” Seyi assured that the new website will be regularly updated with news on party accomplishments and events. “Volunteers are encouraged to explore the new website and sign up for APC’s mailing list and newsletter to receive direct emails on the Contact
Us page. Also follow the Buhari Osinbajo Hope Movement (BOHM), on the Facebook social media account,” Seyi said. He said the President Muhammadu Buhari re-election in 2019 will further enhance the fight against corruption and enable Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy. He added that the unveiling of the website is expected to aid the process of mobilising the targeted 50 Million Voters for President Buhari’s re-election, also to sensitise the masses on the need to vote a man of integrity and impeccable character. According to Seyi, “We are in the vanguard of promoting good governance in our society, we at BOHM have resolved to win more states for our party, All Progressives Congress come 2019.”
A Pro President Muhammadu Buhari youth group, ‘I Stand With Buhari Movement’ (ISWB), has said that the movement is consolidating and widening its spread to ensure the President’s landslide victory in 2019 presidential election. The Deputy National Coordinator (South) of ISWB, Mr Chineme UmeEzeoke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Buhari’s victory would be based on his outstanding performance in the last three and half years. Speaking on the movement’s approach to create more awareness across major zones in the country, the coordinator said that the strategy was purely issue-based and devoid of propaganda. He said the movement had taken steps to consolidate its youth mobilisation and voter education by inaugurating 774 local government coordinators for all the local government councils in Nigeria. According to him, the aim is to take the message of Buhari into every home in Nigeria and to raise a new generation of patriotic Nigerians from the grassroots. Ume-Ezeoke, a former Special Adviser to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, said in a statement: “These coordinators have likewise inaugurated coordinators for the various wards and polling units in their local government councils. “With these established networks, we are working to ensure that 2019 general elections is a resounding victory for President Buhari and APC. “It is in pursuit of these ideals that the movement is constantly expanding its followership base and enlightening volunteers on the essence for Nigerians to see leadership continuity as a tool for consolidating the gains in the fight against corruption.” Ume-Ezeoke added that various achievements of the present administration could be felt at all levels.
According to him, the movement’s approach is based on facts and to make the people see the truth that corruption has been the bane of development. “We have to educate our people that there is danger in voting those who do not have the boldness to deliver Nigeria from clutches of bad governance. “The movement has been in the forefront of grassroots-oriented sensitisation, mobilisation and empowerment of Nigerian youths across all the geo-political zones for greater nation building. “From inception the vision has always been to stand as a backbone to ensure adequate support for this administration through the propagation of the mission and vision of Buhari for Nigeria. “We must ensure that everyone remains actively engaged in defending the core ideals of Buharism which includes standing for honour and integrity in all we do,” he added. He said that Nigerian youths deserve better places in leadership and should be given the right tools to build their capacities so as to contribute to national development. According to him, the current administration has committed itself to deal with those vices that have over time crippled socio-economic advancement of the country, saying Nigeria is gradually returning to greatness. Ume-Ezeoke said Nigeria could not afford to slide into underdevelopment again, saying that voter education was imperative to ensuring that voters were not hoodwinked by unrealistic electoral promises. “Over the past three years this administration has undoubtedly shown that they mean well for the future of Nigeria through the huge investments so far made in developing infrastructure and youth empowerment. “This administration’s determined onslaught against corruption which has seen us regain our respect among the comity of nations is noteworthy,” he said.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday December 8, 2018
NOBLEGOAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.
TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OFOR DARLINGTON NNABUGO 2. DURU PRINCEWILL ERONINI NKEM
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CHAIRMAN SECRETARY
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE POOR AND NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO PROVIDE SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAM TO THE YOUTHS/ UNEMPLOYED IN THE SOCIETY. 3. TO PROVIDE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO THE RURAL DWELLERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI, STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OFOR DARLINGTON NNABUGO CHAIRMAN
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE I, MR MBAH CHUKWUMEKA SYDEY PETERS ON THE 28TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2018 AT THE CUSTOMARY COURT OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA IN ABEOKUTA GRADE 1 CUSTOMARY COURT WITH SUIT NO C/119/2018 FOR DISSOLUTION OF THE MARRIAGE BETWEEN MRS MBAH CHUKWUMEKA CHIDIMA WITH THREE CHILDREN. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE AJAYI OMOTOLA
FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SONEYE OMOTOLA OLUWAFUNMILAYO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AJAYI OMOTOLA OLUWAFUNMILAYO.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
MRS. EJIFUGHA AUGUSTINA
ONOGUWE KENNETH
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MRS OBIEKEZIE BLESSING
IMO POWER LAYOUT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT AND PRISONERS CONCERN INITIATIVE
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MARTINS EDISON
OGUNSANYA NASIRDEEN
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ODO FLORENCE
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OGBODO CHIDIMMA
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OLUWOLE GABRIEL
MRS EBENEZER OMOWUNMI
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CONFIRMATION OF NAME
SIGNED: ONUBULEZE NNAEMEKA ESQ (EXECUTIVE SECRETARY)
OHAZURUIKE HAPPINESS
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THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT UGWU, BERNARD EJIKEME, UGWU, EJIKEME BERNARD AND UGWU, EJIKEME EJIKEME REFER TO ONE AND THE SAME PERSON, NOW WHICH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UGWU, BERNARD EJIKEME. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS BEARING THE THREE (3) NAMES VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
MRS ATANDA BOLAJI
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ADDITION OF NAME
KEHINDE ABAYOMI
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AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO RENDER FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO INDIGENT PERSONS 2. TO ENGAGE IN HUMANITARIAN SERVICES 3. TO UNDERTAKE LEGAL SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIA ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS 4. TO CARE FOR THE WELFARE OF PRISONERS 5. TO HELP TO BRING DEVELOPMENT TO THE POOR, NEEDY AND NEGLECTED 6. TO HELP IN THE PROVISION OF AMENITIES AND BASIC CARE TO THE PRISONERS 7. TO LIBERATE THE CAPTIVES.
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THAT I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EBEM IKECHUKWU, THAT I NOW WISH TO ADD CLEMENT TO MY FORMER NAME THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EBEM IKECHUKWU CLEMENT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTES.
19 Classified
CONFIRMATION OF NAME
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TOSIN-EDOBOR OLUWASEUN
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NWAFOR CHINWENDU
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CORRECTION OF NAME
OKONKWO SYLVESTER
MRS ANI AMOGE
IGWE NNENNA
ADDITION OF NAME
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ALAO OLUWAKEMI
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FOREIGN TIMES
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018
g 20 EU, France announce $1.5bn aid for African Sahel
German CDU elects Kramp-Karrenbauer as new party leader Chancellor Angela Merkel will be replaced by Annegret KrampKarrenbauer as the leader of Germany’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. The choice was made by 999 voting delegates at a party congress in the German city of Hamburg on Friday, the day Merkel was seen off with a nineminute standing ovation after 18 years as the party chief. Friday’s two-round vote came weeks after Merkel, 64, decided in October not to seek re-election to the post while expressing her readiness to stay on as Germany’s chancellor for the remaining three years of her term. Kramp-Karrenbauer - a Merkel protege - defeated Friedrich Merz, a Merkel rival who has questioned the constitutional guarantee of asylum to all “politically persecuted” in the second
round with 517 votes to 482. In the first round, KrampKarrenbauer won 450 votes, Merz took 392 votes and Health Minister Jens Spahn was eliminated with 157 votes. In 2002, Merz lost to Merkel too. In Friday’s vote, he was backed by CDU members tired of Merkel’s consensual politics, including party veteran Wolfgang Schaeuble. Merz, 63, took clear positions that appealed to rank-and-file party members hungry for a more clearly defined party after 13 years under Merkel as chancellor. He wanted tax cuts, a stronger European Union and a more robust approach to challenging the far right. Al Jazeera’s Dominic Kane, reporting from Hamburg, said KrampKarrenbauer’s election meant “more of the same” for CDU.
“She was seen by many as the continuity candidate, as the protege of Angela Merkel. And therefore it will be plain sailing,” he said. “We can expect these two ladies in many press conferences over the course of weeks, months and a few years even where there will be a slow transition from Angela Merkel to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. “Kramp-Karrenbauer will perhaps be the leading campaigner for the CDU in the state elections next year. So there will be an orderly transition.” Ahead of the party congress, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier, a Merkel ally, said, “I am convinced that with Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer we have the best chance of the CDU winning an election.” She would be the most dangerous candidate to face the centre-left Social
Democrats and the ecologist Greens, he added. Kramp-Karrenbauer’s trump card was her record as a former state premier in Saarland, where she led a broad coalition with the Greens and pro-business Free Democrats, alliancebuilding skills useful in Germany’s fractured political landscape. The 56-year-old has differentiated herself from Merkel on social and foreign policy by voting in favour of quotas for women on corporate boards, which was opposed by Merkel, and by taking a tougher line on Russia. She told Reuters news agency last week that Europe and the United States should consider blockading Russian ships over the Ukraine crisis. But on what lies ahead for the CDU, Kramp-Karrenbauer said, “I have no particular recipe.”
Rwandan court drops charges against opposition politician Rwigara A Rwandan court acquitted Diane Rwigara, a critic of veteran President Paul Kagame, on charges that included inciting insurrection and the forgery of documents. Rwigara, 37, was arrested in September 2017 after her attempt to run in Rwanda’s presidential election was denied on grounds she allegedly forged the signatures of supporters for her bid. She was also charged with inciting insurrection for comments criticising the government and Kagame in the run-up to the election. She faced 22
years in prison if convicted. A panel of three judges ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove that Rwigara had personally forged signatures. The court also said Rwigara’s criticism of the government in the press was an exercise of her freedom of expression, guaranteed by both the constitution and international law. “All charges ... have been dropped. The court finds that the prosecution’s charges were baseless,” said presiding judge Xavier Ndahayo.
Court rules Rwigara’s criticism of the government was an exercise of freedom of expression
Rwigara’s case has drawn global attention as Kagame again faces pressure to give more space to critics in the tightly controlled East African country. “This is a testament that all these charges against me and my mother and family members are made up. I am extremely happy and I now have the energy and the zeal to continue my passion of fighting for freedom of expression and human rights in Rwanda,” Rwigara told AFP news agency. Charges were also dropped against Rwigara’s mother Adeline, 59, and four others with whom she had exchanged WhatsApp messages accusing the government of killing her husband, Assinapol Rwigara, who died in a car accident in 2015. The family has long said it was an assassination. Assinapol was an influential industrialist who played an important role in financing the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR) in the 1990s before later falling out with its leaders. The court ruled Adeline was merely exercising her right to freedom of speech in a private manner. Diane Rwigara, an outspoken
young politician, was an unusual voice of criticism in tightly run Rwandabefore the August 2017 election, and had been the victim of a smear campaign when nude pictures, purportedly of her, were shared online. Since her arrest, Rwigara’s brothers and sister have been interrogated, family assets were forcibly auctioned off to pay off a multimillion-dollar tax claim and a hotel they owned was demolished for allegedly failing to abide by city guidelines. Meanwhile, she and her mother spent more than a year in prison before their release on bail in October. Kagame has been Rwanda’s de facto leader since 1994 when his rebel forces invaded and stopped the genocide that killed at least 800,000 mostly ethnic Tutsis and seized power. He became president in 2000, a post he might hold until 2034 thanks to a constitutional amendment made three years ago. Rwanda regularly comes under fire from human rights groups for curbs on freedom of expression, extrajudicial killings, and lack of political freedom.
The European Union and France have announced 1.3bn euros ($1.5bn) of development funding aimed at combatting armed groups in African Sahel countries, which are struggling with armed groups and lawlessness. The EU has pledged 800m euros to the effort, Neven Mimica, the bloc’s international cooperation and development commissioner, told a conference in Mauritania on Thursday. France for its part “will invest 500m euros to benefit the priorities” of the G5 Sahel, added French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The alliance, made up of Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Mauritania, has struggled to contain armed groups in the scarcely populated desert area. Traversing Central and West Africa, the Sahel region is a hotbed of lawlessness, insecurity and impoverishment, with many living a permanent state of neglect. Speaking at the opening session of the conference, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz called on the international community to act and invest in development projects. “Terrorism, cross-border crime, drug smuggling and lack of security in the Sahel region are attributed to injustice, marginalisation, underdevelopment, absence of education and unemployment among young people,” he said. Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou meanwhile said Sahel countries had received only 18 million of a total 414 million euros previously pledged to support the deployment of G5 Sahel joint force launched last year to fight terrorism in the region. Critics of the initiative say while it is important to fight lawlessness in the region, the lack of economic opportunities for ordinary civilians undermines the group’s security mandate. They also argue if Europe wants to curb the flow of migrants, it needs to invest in infrastructure that will serve vulnerable populations who have suffered from an increase in fighting and displacement.
France and the European Union are among those supporting the efforts of the G5 Sahel Force MARRIAGE
I NANA HAUWA OMOYINE WISH TO NOTIFY THE PUBLIC THAT UNDER ISLAMIC LAW I AM NOW MARRIED TO MR. ABDULRAHMAN SAIDU ON 13TH JULY 2018. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
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SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
Funke Oshonaike: I’ll make history as only African woman to participate in seven Olympics
Nigerian table tennis star, Funke Oshonaike, says if she qualifies for Tokyo Olympics in 2020, she will go down in history as the only female in Africa to participate in seven Olympics. The 44-year-old table tennis star made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday on the sidelines of the 19th National Sports Festival . According to Oshonaike, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be my last international outing and
I intend to retire after the games and be a coach of the Nigerian team for the right price. “If I qualify for Tokyo 2020, I am really going to thank God because I am going to be the only female in Africa that has been to seven Olympics. Thereafter, I would retire. “Upon retirement, I could take up a coaching job in Nigeria and train the ladies; only if they can pay me because that’s the same thing (job) I do in Germany,’’ she said.
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Oshonaike, who is representing Akwa Ibom in Table Tennis at the 19th NSF, said she planned to give back to the society by serving as a coach. The 2007 Algeria All Africa Games gold medalist, who is a player and coach in Germany, will play her first game in the table tennis event scheduled to begin on Friday. The 19th NSF with athletes from various states participating in 32 sports will end on December 16.
National Sports Festival: States unable to host due to funding difficulties – Solomon Dalung The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has identified misplacement of priorities as the reason states are unable to host the National Sports Festival. Dalung stated this while answering reporters, questions on the sidelines of the Opening Ceremony of the 19th National Sports Festival at the Abuja National Stadium on Thursday. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the last time the event was held was in 2012 when it was
hosted by Lagos State. Since then, state governors have been reluctant to table a bid for the sports fiesta that was instituted by the General Yakubu Gowon administration in 1973. Cross River State had put in a bid to host the 19th edition but the state later pulled out citing lack of funds. “The foot-dragging of states in hosting the event is informed by their funding challenges. However, the funding challenges are as a result of states not getting
their priorities right. “There is nothing as worthy of investment as the National Sports Festival. “Whatever we are investing in, whether infrastructure or the economy, sports is the institution that supports the unity required for those investments to flourish,” Dalung said. The minister also stated that the festival’s importance as a legacy project informed his ministry’s decision to fund and host it in Abuja.
National Sports Festival: Football, basketball, nine other events begin
Super Falcons drop in latest FIFA ranking The Super Falcons dropped from 38th to 39th position in the latest FIFA ranking. The nine-time African champions, in spite of their performance at the justconcluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in Ghana, dropped 21 points from 1601 to 1586. According to the FIFA ranking released on Friday, the Falcons retained their number one position in Africa. The Banyana Banyana of South Africa, runners-up at the 2018 AWCON, are third
while Cameroon is second. The top 10 countries in Africa include Ghana (fourth), Cote D’Ivoire (fifth), Equatorial Guinea (sixth), Morocco (seventh), Algeria (eighth), Mali is ninth while Senegal is 10th. The top ten countries in the world are; US (1), Germany (2), France (3), England (4), Canada (5), Australia (6), Netherlands (7), Japan (8), Sweden (9) and Brazil (10). The next FIFA/Coca-Cola women’s world ranking will be published on March 29, 2019.
Falcons’ FIFA World Cup camp opens January The Super Falcons will commence preparation for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup as early as January with a friendly against a European team. After a successful campaign at the just concluded CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where they picked up one of three tickets to represent Africa in the World Cup finals, the team is hoping to do better than al its previous outings.
Nigeria’s Falcons will be making their 8th appearance in the World Cup finals and would for the first time ever be led by a foreign Coach. Thomas Dennerby picked the World Cup ticket in the semi-final of the AWCON with victory over Cameroon before sealing the AWCON title against South Africa in the final. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the eight edition, will kick off 7th June.
After Thursday’s merrymaking at the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival, athletes have now switched to serious mode as 11 events will officially get underway on Friday. The game of football will kick off Friday at the FIFA Goal Project Package B while the slam and dunk game of basketball will be holding at the Outdoor Court Package B National Stadium.
Boxing will be held at the Gymnasium Hall and Aguiyi Ironsi cantonment, while, simultaneously, Cycling will also hold at Jabi Roundabout. Kung Fu and Taekwondo will hold at the Velodrome Package A, while Para-table tennis and tennis will go down at the Indoor Sports Hall Package B National stadium. Scrabble holds at the VIP Lounge Package A national stadium while those seeking for honors in the Judo event will be slugging it out
at the Mambilla barracks Abuja. Powerlifting will hold at the Gymnasium Hall Package B national stadium. Delta State are the defending champions of the National Sports Festival; having won an amazing 114 Gold medals at the Eko 2012 edition. The race to either unseat Team Delta or for the ‘Okowa Stars’ to maintain their grip as top in the country as far has sports is concerned, has now begun.
2019 AFCON: CAF to announce countries in race to host tourney
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has disclosed that the countries who have been shortlisted to host the 2019 AFCON tournament will be announced on the 15th of December. Cameroon saw the hosting right taken away by the African football Governing body last month due to lack of progress in infrastructures and security reasons, but the new host has not been named ever since. According to the statement on CAF’s website, countries who have shown interest in hosting the 24 team AFCON will be announced in the mid-December and inspection of facilities will follow to know their level of readiness. This is the full statement
from CAF, confirming the new development: * Request for Applications to host the AFCON 2019 have now been sent to all CAF Member Associations; * MAs interested in bidding must submit their bid books to CAF by midnight EET [Cairo time] Friday 14 December; * From 15 December 2018, CAF will make a shortlist announcement, request further information from bidders and make possible on-site visits to complete the evaluation of applications; * Once the technical evaluation phase has been completed, the CAF Executive Committee will decide the new host of AFCON 2019 which will take place in summer 2019.
South Africa and Morocco are said to be front-runners to stage the competition after Egypt ruled themselves out of the race.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 8, 2018
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D’Tigers drop one spot in latest FIBA world ranking, retain first in Africa Nigeria’s D’Tigers dropped one spot from their 32nd position to 33rd in the latest FIBA world ranking released on Thursday. D’Tigers are one of the 47 teams that dropped in the ranking despite having qualified for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China. The 2017 FIBA AfroBasket runner-up, D’Tigers amassed 292.8 points to retain their status as the best team in Africa. Angola moved up one spot from third to second in Africa and one
as well in the world ranking from 37 to 36 recording 266.0 points after winning all three of their games in the African Qualifiers – on home soil in Luanda – to also punch their ticket to China 2019. Senegal occupies the third position in Africa with 261.2 points to finish 39th in the world ranking. Tunisia and Egypt maintained the fourth and fifth place to be ranked 51st and 52nd respectively in the world ranking. Other countries in the African
top ten are Cameroon who moved up five places in sixth place (58th in the world), Morocco (60th in the world), Mali (67th in the world) Cote D’Ivoire (68th in the world) and Central African Republic (35th in the world). In the world ranking, USA remains the top team in the world and they are followed by Spain, France, Serbia, and Argentina in the top five. Lituania, Slovenia, Greece, Croatia, and Australia completed the top ten.
CBN Governor’s Golf Tournament tees off December 8 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
Jorge Mendes: Jose Mourinho happy at Manchester United Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is “very happy” and “fully committed” to the club, according to his agent. Mourinho’s position at the club has been under scrutiny this season with United currently eighth in the Premier League, eight points off the top four. The Portuguese, 55, signed a contract extension at Old Trafford in January but has been linked
with a return to former club Real Madrid. “It’s totally untrue,” said his agent Jorge Mendes via a statement. “Jose is very happy at the club and the club is very happy with him. He has a long-term contract with Manchester United and is fully committed to the club in building a solid winning project.” Mourinho’s United play Fulham at home on Saturday.
19th NSF: Imo, Lagos win gold medals in female para-powerlifting
Maurizio Sarri admits he expected challenges at Chelsea Maurizio Sarri said he knew he would face challenges at Chelsea despite a bright start to the season as he prepares his team to face Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday. Chelsea were unbeaten in their first
12 Premier League games but lost 2-1 at Wolves on Wednesday — their second defeat in their past three league games. Those dropped points have left them in fourth place, 10 points adrift of leaders City after 15 games. “I knew very well that sooner or later we have to face difficulties,” Sarri said on Friday. “When you change the way of playing, the way of football, you need to change the mentality. “You need to change the mentality in 25 minds, so it’s not a short way. It’s very difficult.” Pep Guardiola’s City have won 13 of their Premier League games and are unbeaten in the league since April. Sarri, who has experienced defeat to Guardiola with Napoli and Chelsea in August’s Community Shield, was asked how his side can beat City. “I don’t know,” he said. “Against Guardiola, I lost every match, so I don’t know. You have to ask somebody else.” Sarri accused his Chelsea players of a collective “blackout” at the first sign of trouble against Fulham, despite a 2-0 win, and against Wolves.
Over 200 golfers are expected to compete in the 12th edition of the CBN Governor’s Golf Cup, which tees off at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday, December 8, 2018. The one-day tournament sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the IBB Golf Club, shall be a “stroke play – shot gun” format with all competing golfers teeing off at the same time from different points on the golf course. The eight categories to be competed in at this year’s tournament include: Men’s Category I (Handicap 0 – 14); Men’s Category II (Handicap 15 – 28) Gross (Men); Ladies’ Category I (Handicap 0 -20); and the Ladies’ Category II
(Handicap 21 – 30). Other categories are the CBN Staff category, CBN retired staff category, CBN guests’ category and the Veterans category for men and ladies. Auxiliary prizes will also be awarded for Nearest to the Pin for ladies, men and CBN staff; Longest Drive for ladies, men and CBN staff. The overall winner is expected to cart away the Best Nett Prize. The CBN Governor’s Golf Cup is held annually to create a relaxed and recreational atmosphere for distinguished personalities in Government, the organized private sector, elder statesmen and members of the Diplomatic corps. The tournament also serves as a platform for promoting competitiveness and inspiring partnerships and networking among golfers.
The Italian said: “We have a problem to manage the match at the moment. In the last two matches we played well for 55, 60 minutes, then (after) the first difficulty we suffered a blackout. “In the first match (against Fulham) we were lucky because they didn’t score. In the last match (at Wolves) we were a little bit unlucky. For the opponents, five shots, only two on target. We conceded two goals.” Sarri struggled to explain the reason for the lapses. “It’s not really very easy to answer,” he said. “We didn’t react as a team, as 11 players. In 11 different ways. So it’s a big problem. We were not able to have the right determination to win the match.” City, who finished 30 points better off than Chelsea last season, are the best team in Europe, Sarri said, and that is his target for the Blues. “At the moment they are stronger than us but our final target is to be the best team in Europe,” he said. “We need to work, we need to improve. In 90 minutes anything can happen. We know it’s very difficult but we have to believe in it.”
Rukayat Ajiboye of Lagos on Friday in Abuja won the 45kg category of the women’s parapowerlifting competition to claim the gold medal at the ongoing 19th National Sports Festival. Loveth Abokin from Delta finished second to win the silver medal, saying she could not perform well due to fatigue. “We left Edo on Wednesday at 8 a.m. and we arrived in Abuja on Thursday at 2 p.m. Our bus had a problem on our way to Abuja, and we slept in the bus over night. “For me, with my disability, I needed more time to rest before participating in any competition today. So, I’m not happy that I came second,” she said. However, Ajiboye on her part told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that this was her first time of winning a medal in a competition like this. “I thank God for the victory. I have never won anything in the past seven years I have been participating in competitions. “We were eight in my category and I am happy that I came first. This is the best thing that has ever
happened to me,” she said. Chinomso Onyebueke of Abia placed third to win the event’s bronze medal. Lucy Ihuoma of Imo, competing in the women’s 41kg category, also lifted 107kg to also win the gold medal in the event. Ihuoma, while speaking to NAN, expressed joy that she has made her state proud in the competition. Esther Nwogu of Rivers placed second to win the silver medal, saying her performance was affected by her inability to lift in the third round because she was tired. “However, I am happy to finish in second position,’’ she said. Ben Nsini of Akwa Ibom won the bronze medal, and said it was a miracle for her to take third position in the competition. “This is because I did not have the strength to lift in the third round,’’ she said. NAN reports that the 19th edition of the National Sports Festival, which started on Thursday, will end on Dec.16. (NAN)
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