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Senate concurs with Reps, passes NFIU bill Ï We passed bill to save Nigeria from embarrassment - Saraki Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Consequent

upon the passage of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency Bill 2018 by the House of Representatives on Monday, the Senate on Wednesday passed the Bill after adopting

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and approving recommendation of its Conference Committee that harmonised the reports of the two chambers.

The report presented by the chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi Continued on page 4

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 596

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: N305.55 PER DOLLAR, Parallel Market: USD N365 POUND N475 EURO N424 NSE: ASI 37, 425.15 MARKET CAP 12.90 FMDQ O/N 22.50 OBB 22.00 COMMODITIES: Wheat US $455.00/MT Rice US $12.40/MT Cocoa US $2,004.00/Bag Coffee US $139.60/Scoop Cotton US $70.95/Unit Sugar US $14.15/Ounce METALS: Gold US $1263.10/Ounce Silver US $16.21/Ounce Copper US $2.87/Ounce ENERGY: Brent US $52.21/PB, N/Gas US $2.78/CB

IMF: Nigeria’s economy remains vulnerable Ï Says development instructive despite exit from recession Ï ‘Economic growth will pick up to 2.1% in 2018 Ï No, we’ve exited recession for good - FG

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja and Motolani Oseni, Lagos

ÏÏÏ

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

has said that the Nigerian economy has exited from recession but remains vulnerable.

Economic growth Continued on page 5

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung; FIFA representative, France Christian Karembeu; President Muhammadu Buhari; President, Coca-Cola West Africa, Mr Peter Njonjo and Chairman, House Committee on Sports Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, during the presentation of FIFA World Cup Trophy to the President ahead of the 2018 Football World Cup in Russia at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ... on Wednesday

Oct 1 bombing: Court sentences Charles 4 Okah , Nwabueze to life imprisonment

Kogi crisis: Who says military can’t take over – Ekweremadu 5

Individuals own 85% of 19.5 million cattle in Nigeria – Minister 4

‘Gov Obiano did not sack any appointee in Anambra’ 25

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

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News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Senate concurs with Reps, passes NFIU bill Continued from page 1

(PDP, Enugu North), received unanimous consideration without any rigorous scrutiny because of its urgency and importance to the nation’s anti-corruption drive.

Speaking on the importance of the passage of the bill, the Senate President.

Bukola Saraki, said: “I hope that with this Bill that we have passed today — this Conference Report — that EGMONT will have a sec-

ond view and re-admit us into the process.

“I hope on the part of the Executive, they quickly assent to this Bill and also ensure that the independence of the Financial Unit goes beyond just signing this Bill into law. It is important that we see it being practiced — this is very important. I hope on their part, this will be done so that our country stays as part of the EGMONT Group that has a lot of benefits for our fight against corruption. I thank

you all, my colleagues, for how quickly you responded to this. You came quickly to save the country.”

The Senate President said the National Assembly with not delay in transmitting the Bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent before the March 11, 2018 meeting of the EGMONT Group, to avoid Nigeria being expelled from the international body.

Saraki had earlier in the week expressed confidence that the Conference Com-

mittee Report on the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (Bill) will be passed by both Chambers this week.

This followed his meeting last week Thursday with the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption & Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi; and the House of Representatives Chairman on Financial Crimes, Hon. Kayode Oladele, to expedite process of the Conference Committee in see-

L-R: Special Adviser, on Tax & Revenue, Mr. Fola Lasisi; Honourable Commissioner for Finance; and Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan during a press conference on Re-Enacted land use law of 2018 in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos...on Wednesday.

ing the NFIU Bill through.

Nigeria was suspended from the EGMONT Group which is a network of 152 member countries that share information relating to crim-

inal intelligence and financial information because of failure to meet up with the conditions of the group, one of which is to make the NFIU an independent unit.

Individuals own 85% of 19.5 million cattle in Nigeria- Minister Ï Says FG loses $1.3 billion annually on importation of dairy Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Minister of

State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, has disclosed that out of the 19.5 million cattle in Nigeria, 85 percent are owned by individuals, herders and operators in the informal sector.

She further disclosed that the country loses $1.3 billion annually on the importation of dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and other milk derivatives.

Hajia Abubakar made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of a committee for the development of policy framework to boost the dairy industry.

While addressing the committee, the Minister represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edet Sunday Akpan, urged them to develop a roadmap that will make dairy products from Nigeria rank among

the foremost dairy produce in the world.

She said that the move was part of efforts to diversify the economy and increase local production in sectors where Nigeria has comparative advantages.

The Minister added that the industry was capable of producing millions of jobs and generating about N300billion monthly if the right technology and infrastructure are put into place.

Hajia Abubakar disclosed that about $1.3 billion is spent annually on the importation of dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and other milk derivatives.

She added that with the increasing population, the consumption is expected to grow further.

The Minister lamented, that available statistics shows that there are about 19.5 million cattle, 85% of which are owned by individuals and managed by indigenous Continued on page 6

Oct 1 bombing: Court sentences Charles Okah , Nwabueze to life imprisonment

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced Charles Okah and Nwabueze Obi to life imprisonment for their roles in October 1, 2010 Independent Day bombing in Abuja in which 12 persons lost their lives.

The court found the two convicts guilty on 5 out of the 8 amended counts on which they were charged.

Four suspects: Edmund Ebiware ,Charles Okah , Nwabueze Obi and Tekemfa Francis-Osvwo were charged in 2011 for act of terrorism following bombings in Warri, Delta State and Abuja.

While Edmund Ebiware confessed to the offence and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2013 , Tekemfa Francis-Osvwo died in prison.

Delivering his judgment on the matter, Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Okah and Obi committed the offences.

The court also found that N2million Henry Okah sent to Charles Okah was used to purchase three cars among which were Honda and Madza 366 cars used in Abuja bombing.

Justice Kolawole after listening to allocutus said the court could not impose lesser sentence in view of the fact that Edmund Ebiware who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2013 did not waste the time of the court.

The judge also held that the court was bound to impose the maximum sentence not only to serve as deterrent but to demonstrate that courts disapproved acts of terrorism, kidnappings, armed robbery and violent acts.

Pleading for mercy after Justice Kolawole had convicted them, Mr. Emeka Okafor, who represented Okah, urged the judge to impose a reduced sentence.

He said that Okah had no previous criminal record and tha he had acknowledged his mistake and remorseful . Okah he added, has an aged parents and

children who depend on him for survival .

The lawyer said the convict would not pose further danger to the society if his sentence was reduced.

He said although , the convict was found guilty by section 15 (1) (2)of the EFCC Act which prescribed life sentence, he urged the court to exercise its discretion as provided for in section 416 of ACJA in passing the sentence.

The second convict, Nwabueze Obi, also made an allocutus through his lawyer, Mr Oghenovo Otemu, who adopted the submissions of Okafor. He said the convict has no previous criminal record and would not pose any danger if his sentence is reduce. He urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

But the prosecuting lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to discountenanced the pleas for mercy because the antecedents of the convicts during the eight years trial did not deserve mercy.

He also said that mercy should not be granted to the

convicts because justice is also for the victims of the. bombings.

Justice Kolawole had on February 21, reserved the judgment after Iziyon and the Defence lawyer, Mr Emeka Okafor who stood for Okah and Mr Oghenovo Otemu who represented Obi adopted their addresses In his address, Okafor urged the court to discharge and acquit Okah on the grounds that the prosecution did not prove the case of terrorism contained in the count 1 to 8.

Otemu also pleaded with the court to hold that the prosecution was not able to prove case against Nwabueze Obi. The defence lawyer further urged the court to hold that the second defendant wanted to rely on his voluntary statement of 18, October 2010 but was denied by the prosecution who he alleged concealed the evidence.

Otemu also pleaded with the court to discharge the defendant because an FBI report on the incident did not mentioned Hyundia car

as one of the cars used in the bombing. He said that none of the cars Obi bought from Ariyo and Fatai was used in the bombing. And no evidence was led to show that 2 defendant bought Honda car that was allegedly used in the bombing.

He said that the contradictions in the evidences of the witnesses should be resolved in favour of the defendant.

On his part, Dr. Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to hold that prosecution had prove its case against the defendants and convict them accordingly.

“The first defendant is head, neck and toe deep in the act of terrorism”, Izinyon told the court” He described Okah as a skimmer and facilitator of the act of terrorism that led to the death of 12 persons on 1, October 2010 in Abuja.

He said that the N2 million cheque issued to Obi

by Okah which was drawn from his (Okah) Zenith bank account and the evidences of PW 5 and PW 11 Ariyo and Fatai respectively revealed the role he

played in bombing .

The amount was used in the purchases of cars used in the bombing. Izinyon also asked the court to believe the evidence of PW 2 who spent four days in Okah house constructing compartments in the two cars for dynamite used in the bombing.

Izinyon also pleaded with the court to discountenance the second defendant claim that his voluntary statement of 18, October 2010 was not tendered in court. He said if the defence strongly believed on his voluntary statement he ought to have applied for it.

Okah, Nwabueze, Edmund Ebiware and Tiemkemfa Francis-Osvwo (aka General Gbokos) were first arraigned before the court on December 7, 2010 over their alleged involvement in the October 1, 2010 blasts, leaving 12 people dead and several others injured.

The court had earlier sentenced Edmund Ebiware to life imprisonment, while the 4th defendant, Tekemfa Francis-Osvwo died in prison.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

5 News

IMF: Nigeria’s economy remains vulnerable Continued from page 1 reached 0.8 percent in 2017, driven mainly by recovering oil production, while inflation declined to 15.4 percent year-on-year by end-December, from 18.5 percent at end-2016, the IMF said.

The Executive Board of Directors of the IMF said this on Wednesday in a report of its concluded the Article IV consultation with Nigeria.

The Fund said it welcomed Nigeria’s exit from recession and the strong recovery in foreign exchange reserves, driven by rising oil prices and new foreign exchange measures.

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) would pick up to 2.1 percent in 2018, helped by the full year impact of greater foreign exchange availability and recovering oil production, the Fund said.

According to the IMF, renewed import growth would reduce gross reserves despite continued access to international markets.

After arrears clearance in 2018, the fiscal deficit would narrow, and public debt levels would remain relatively low, but the interest payments to Federal Government revenue ratio would remain high, the organization stated.

It noted that new foreign exchange measures, rising oil prices, attractive yields on government securities, and a tighter monetary policy have contributed to better foreign exchange availability, increased reserves to a four-year high, and contained inflationary pressures.

Reforms under the government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) have resulted in significant strides in strengthening the business environment and steps to improve governance.

However, all these factors, the IMF said, have not yet boosted non-oil non-agricultural activity, brought inflation close to the target range, contained banking sector vulnerabilities, or reduced unemployment.

“A higher fiscal deficit driven by weak revenue mobilisation amidst still tight domestic financing conditions has raised bond yields, and crowded out private sector credit.

“Higher oil prices are supporting the near-term projections, but mediumterm projections indicate that growth would remain relatively flat, with continuing declines in per capita real GDP under unchanged policies.

“The improved outlook for oil prices is expected to provide welcome relief from pressures on external and fiscal accounts, and growth would pick up to 2.1 percent in 2018, helped by the full year impact of greater foreign exchange availability and recovering oil production.

“Renewed import growth would reduce gross reserves despite continued access to international markets. After arrears clearance in 2018, the fiscal deficit would narrow, and public debt levels would remain relatively low, but the interest payments-to-Federal Government revenue ratio would remain high,” the IMF said.

But the Fund further observed that risks are balanced, adding that lower oil prices and tighter external market conditions are the main downside risks.

It said, “Domestic risks include heightened security tensions, delayed fiscal policy response, and weak implementation of structural reforms. Stress scenarios highlight sensitivity of external and public debt, particularly to oil exports and naira depreciation.

Faster than expected implementation of infrastructure projects are an upside risk. A further uptick in international oil prices would provide positive spillovers into the non-oil economy.

“Building on recent improvements in the business environment, implementing the power sector recovery plan, investing in infrastructure, accelerating efforts to strengthen anti-corruption and transparency initiatives, and updating and implementing the financial inclusion and gender strategies remain essential”.

The Fund commended the progress in implementing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, including the start of a convergence in foreign exchange windows, tight monetary policy, improvements in tax administration, and significant strides in improving the business environment.

The IMF Board of Directors noted, however, that important challenges remain, as growth in the non-oil, non-agricultural sector has not picked up; inflation remains high and sticky; unemployment is rising; and poverty is high.

To address these vulnerabilities, the Fund stressed that comprehensive and coherent policy actions re-

main urgent.

The IMF Directors emphasised the need for a growth-friendly fiscal adjustment, which frontloads non-oil revenue mobilisation and rationalises current expenditure to reduce the ratio of interest payments to revenue to a more sustainable level and create space for priority social and infrastructure spending.

In addition to ongoing efforts to improve tax administration, the IMF Directors underlined the need for more ambitious tax policy measures, including through reforming the value-added tax, increasing excises, and rationalising tax incentives.

“The implementation of an automatic fuel price-setting mechanism, sound

cash and debt management, improved transparency in the oil sector, increased monitoring of the fiscal position of state and local governments, and substantially scaled-up social safety nets should support the adjustment”.

The Directors commended the Central Bank of NiContinued on page 6

L-R: Member of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Lola Ahmed, Commandant- general, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Mr. Dickson Àkor with John Ochogwu during a meeting with House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition at the National Assembly in Abuja....on Wednesday

Kogi crisis: Who says the military can’t take over – Ekweremadu ÏÏÏ Deputy

Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday, said the country’s democracy is receding and it is not unlikely for the military to take over.

Ekweremadu said this while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored

by Ahmed Ogembe, senator representing Kogi central.

Ogembe had alleged that Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, sponsored thugs to disrupt an empowerment programme he organised for his constituents.

The deputy senate president said such incident shows that efforts must be made to protect the country’s democracy.

He cited different instances where federal lawmakers have been harassed, warning that democracy must not be turned into a joke.

Ekweremadu also told

the governor of Kogi State that “the road he is travelling will not lead him anywhere”.

“You will recall that sometime last year when they wanted to recall Dino, I advised the governor that they are wasting the resources of that state, that it is mission impossible.

“They took three pages in the newspaper abusing me.

Are we still hearing the recall today? Money has been wasted. Money that could have been used to pay salaries of people in Kogi State was used to mobilise people to recall Senator Dino yet those people have not been paid and Dino is still here.

“So today I am advising the governor again, that road he is travelling will not lead him to anywhere.

Ultimately, these people he is seeing here will be back here and he will leave office.

“If he doesn’t stop, there is no how he will come back in 2019, never, no he will not. God will show him that he is a God of justice and this is a message to all those people who have caused all kinds of problems in Nigeria at different levels. The problem in Nigeria is that our democracy is receding.

Who says army cannot take over, let us not joke with our democracy that is the issue.

“The house of a senator was destroyed in Kaduna State, we are talking about Kwankwaso who was stopped from going to his state where he ruled for eight years. In Kaduna, Shehu Sani cannot organise a meeting and we are about a democracy? The international community needs to know this because they helped us install democracy,” Ekweremadu said On his part, Senate Presi-

dent Bukola Saraki, said Nigeria’s democracy ought to be a good example to other countries.

“This is not what democracy is all about. For the role we play in the comity of nations, we need to be good examples to other parts of the world.

“These kind of actions are unacceptable, it starts with one state – many of us have been privileged to be governors and we are almost 20 years in democracy, this is not the democracy that we should be talking about. We saw the case in Kaduna State, how a governor would go and bulldoze a house, in Nigeria? At this time and we are all still keeping quiet. These are things we must condemn totally,” Saraki said.

Thereafter, the Senate set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the incident.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

FG orders full audit of Dana Air operations Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Federal Government has approved the full audit of Dana Air operations in the country, following the two different incidents that occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and that of Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State.

The order was given on Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Daily Times recalls that on February 8, passengers were aghast in fear when one of the emergency doors of the Dana Air aircraft conveying them fell off on landing at the Nnam-

Ï Approves N114m for repairs of burnt Marina, Iddo bridges di Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Also another aircraft belonging to the same Dana Airline had on February 21, overshot the runway at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State.

The plane, which was flying in from Abuja, skidded off and went into the bush near the runway but no life was lost; all the passengers and crew disembarked to safety.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in its reaction said that the incident was as a result of the bad weather situation and torrential rain at the time of landing.

The Senior Special Assis-

tant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said, “A lot of quality time was spent discussing air safety. The government of Nigeria is very much concerned about safety and the life of Nigerians, this is following the recent air incidents minor as they were because they are no fatalities, the government did feel concern and the minister did the report to the council on steps that were taken following the last incident in Port Harcourt, Dana aircraft overshooting the runaway.

“As soon as that happened, a few seconds, a res-

cue team was there on the ground and few moments thereafter every passenger on board was evacuated, there was no harm to persons and this is something that should be celebrated.

“Within 24 hours an official investigation had commenced because investigators arrived in Port Harcourt and began work. One week after that a preliminary report was prepared and it was on this that the council was briefed.

“Consequently as announced by the aviation authorities, the engineer and Pilot of that particular

aircraft got their licences both suspended and beyond that the government has ordered a complete audit of Dana airlines in terms of personnel, operations, technical capacity.”

Shehu also that said the Council also approved the augmentation of the contract sum for the rehabilitation of Burnt Marina Bridge and the Maintenance of Eko (Apongbon) and Iddo bridges in Lagos, in favour of Messrs Buildwell Plant and Equipment Industries Limited, in the sum of N114, 424,225.05 representing 12 percent of original contract sum, thereby revising the contract sum

from N957, 053,316.45 to N1, 071, 29,541.40 with additional completion period of six months.

Council also approved augmentation for Mangu Dam, in Plateau State to N7.66 billion from original cost of N5.66 billion, thereby incresing the total contract sum to N13.2 billion.

The Minister of Niger Delta, Usani Usani, also briefed Council on the activities of his ministry.

Also, the Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali, presented the status of the implementation of approved capital projects and achievements of the Ministry from 2015 to 2017.

Individuals own 85% of 19.5 million cattle in Nigeria- Minister Continued from page 4

small holder, subsistence and nomadic herdsmen while the rest is owned by medium and large scale farmers in managed pastures.

The objective of the policy framework, according to the Minister, is to attract and achieve local participation in dairy business; ensure local content development of dairy; encourage joint venture opportunities across strategic segments of the dairy business and provide financial relief to boost local growth through the participation of women and youths in the sector.

Members of the committee were drawn from

the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Raw Materials, Research and Development Council and the National Animal Production Research Institute.

Others are: Nigeria Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Private Sector groups such the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), Friesland Campina WAMCO, PROMASIDOR, Arla Foods as well as L&Z Integrated Farms.

Participants in 3 million man match organised by Coalition of Civil Rights Groups, NGO and faith based Organisation to protest against the killings in Taraba state at Abuja...on Wednesday

IMF: Nigeria’s economy remains vulnerable Continued from page 5

geria (CBN’s) tightening bias in 2017, which should continue until inflation is within the single digit target range.

The IMF Director recommended continued strengthening of the monetary policy framework and its transparency, with a number of Directors urging consideration of a higher monetary policy rate, a symmetric application of reserve requirements, and no direct central bank financing of the economy.

The IMF Directors urged confirmation of the appointments of the central bank’s board of directors and members of the mon-

etary policy committee.

They commended the recent foreign exchange measures and recent efforts to strengthen external buffers to mitigate risks from capital flow reversals. They welcomed the authorities’ commitment to unify the exchange rate and urged additional actions to remove remaining restrictions and multiple exchange rate practices.

The IMF Directors stressed that rising banking sector risks should be contained and welcomed the central bank’s commitment to help increase capital buffers by stopping dividend payments by weak banks.

They called for an asset quality review to identify

any potential capital need and noted that an enhanced risk-based banking supervision, strict enforcement of prudential requirements, and a revamped resolution framework would help contain risks.

The IMF Directors emphasised that structural reform implementation should continue to lay the foundation for a diversified private-sector-led economy.

The Directors welcomed the continued improvement in the quality and availability of economic statistics and encouraged further efforts to address remaining gaps.

It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Nigeria will take place on the standard

12-month cycle.

Gross debt figures for the Federal Government and the public sector include overdrafts from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

But the IMF noted that on net debt basis, obligations to and from the CBN cancel out since government deposits held at the CBN are of similar magnitude as overdrafts, public net debt in percent of GDP was 15.4 in 2016.

No, we’ve exited recession for good - FG But the Federal Government has insisted that based on the recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country has fully exited recession.

Minister of Budget

and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, disclosed this on Wednesday when he briefed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the most recent Gross Domestic Product and other related economic performance indices as released last week.

Udoma said; “You will recall that the NBS indicated that in the last quarter of 2017 the economy had continued its positive growth trajectory by growing by 1.92%. This is higher than the previous quarter when it grew by 1.40%.

And higher still from the 2nd Quarter, when it grew by 0.72%.

“The numbers clearly show that the economy has fully exited recession.

Council members were particularly pleased to note that this growth is very broad based with Agriculture growing at 4.23% up from 3.06% in the 3rd Quarter. Other sectors such as Transportation and storage, Electricity and gas production, Metal Ores, and Industry all grew.

“Particularly noteworthy were the growth recorded in Trade (2.07% and Services (o.10%) after six quarters of negative growth. Council members were also happy to note that overall the non-oil sector grew by 1.45%, its strongest since 2015. Inflation is also trending downwards moving down from 18.72% in January 2017 to 15.13% in January 2018.”

News 7

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Learn how to build economy from Ghana, PDP tells Buhari LƕƊƆ nƖƆ ƗƑè Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to use the benefit of his state visit to Ghana and learn how to build a vibrant economy and peaceful country from his Ghanian counterpart, President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The party also criticized Buhari for offering to assist Ghana in her war against corruption, when his own cabinet is occupied by corrupt persons which was collaborated recently by the Transparency International report that corruption has worsened in Nigeria under his watch.

The party, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that the President and his handlers should have been embarrassed that while the President of Ghana paraded credentials of a robust economy and a peaceful nation while Nigeria under Buhari is plagued with economic recession and upsurge of violence and daily bloodletting.

PDP said, “When President Buhari was reeling out President Akufo-Addo achievements in his one year in office; his ingenious approach to job creation; the farming for job initiative, the senior high

school free education, one district-one factory projects and one village-one dam initiatives among others; we hope our dear President reflected on the fact that back/home, his inept government had instead, wrecked our once robust economy, the reason he had nothing to present to the world at the ceremony.

“We hope President Buhari recollects that unlike his Ghanian counterpart, his administration had nothing to show in its first year in office. Our President recalls that under his own watch, over 8 million Nigerians have lost their jobs, 16 million remained unemployed, 18 million more were underemployed while another

27.44 million refused to work for various reasons related to frustrations occasioned by the negative policies of his government.

“In the same vein, we hope President Buhari notes that unlike his Ghanian counterpart, who initiated development projects and opened factories, in Nigeria under his watch, many factories have shut down, infrastructures are collapsing, inflation has soared, fuel price has moved from N86.50 to N250-N300 per liter in various parts of his country, while the nation’s debt profile has continued to escalate.

“Furthermore, when President Buhari offered

to assist Ghana in her fight against corruption, we hope he remembered that the world already knows that back home, his administration reeks of allegations bordering on corruption in high places and the Transparency International (TI) report has exposed the fact that corruption has worsened in Nigeria under his government.

“Today, the world knows that what obtains in Nigeria is direct persecution of opposition members under the guise of a fight against corruption, which

has been aided by intimidation of the judiciary and incessant harassment of journalists “We know that the Presidency sought to use the Ghana visit to curry international endorsement for their 2019 reelection bid, unfortunately, they reaped a harvest of international embarrassment and ridicule.”

PDP urge Mr. President to be wary of turning Nigeria into a joke in the international arena, especially as the world knows what is obtainable in his government.

Land Use Charge: 400 per cent increment unfounded, based on arrears, says LASG ÏƆƔƐƆ Ɨ ƍƆƏƈ Ɨ Ƈ Ə Ɨƈ ƅ Ƒ ƐƆƗ ƍ ƕƌƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƍƏƈƋ ơƿ Ɔ Ɖ ƌƈ Rƌ ƈƊƆ

ÎÎÎ

Father and son Ibrahim Sheu and Franku Obrahim being paraded by men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) for allegedly selling Tramdaoland other hard drugs to school pupils in Itire area of Lagos.

APC felicitates with Osinbajo at 61 ÎÎÎ

The All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrates our dear Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN, on the special occasion of his 61st birthday.

An erudite lawyer, the sweeping justice reforms Osinbajo undertook as Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State remains one of the celebrated legacies bequeathed to the state and have been replicated in many states in

the country.

The Party recalls the strategic and important role Osinbajo played after the formation of the APC in 2013 when he was tasked alongside other notable Party members to design and produce our Party’s manifesto, culminating in the presentation of the Party’s roadmap to a new Nigeria.

The highly-cerebral Osinbajo has endeared himself to the generality

of Nigerians as a team player in the current administration and a very dependable ally of the President. Osinbajo has been a key support base in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration’s ongoing efforts to deliver on election promises made to Nigerians.

We wish him the very best in the years ahead in service to the Party and Nation.

R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ

The Lagos State Government has been making clarifications regarding its amended Land Use Charge.

Akinyemi Ashade, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, has restated that reports making the rounds that the state government had increased its Land Use Charge by 400 per cent, is not only erroneous but misleading.

Ashade, who made the remarks on Wednesday, while breaking down the nittygritty of the new law to journalists at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, stressed that the government was not unaware of the reactions of a section of the public on the reviewed Land Use Charge of 2001.

“In order to improve on service delivery, increase internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and not depend on the federal revenue, Lagos state has sought to grow its revenue base by ensuring all economic activities on Real Estate give a return to the government for the sole purpose of improving the living conditions of residents of Lgaos state.

“The implemented Land Use Charge Law (LUCL), is a repeal of the Land Use Charge Law 2001, it was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018.

“The LUCL 2018 which replaced the 2001 law is a merg-

er of all Property and Land Based Rates and Charges in Lagos State,” he said.

In clarifying the figures circulating in the media on the rate for the newlyreviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018, he said many of the numbers were based on several years of arrears on the levy not paid by affected property owners.

Also responding, Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said there were so many misconceptions and misinformation about the new law, adding that the law was a progressive enactment duly made by the House of Assembly and handed over to the Executive for implementation in the overall interest of the people.

He specifically dismissed the humongous figures being bandied about on the social media, saying many of the calculations were based on arrears of many years of non-payment.

“The fact is that this law took a long process to be made. It started as a bill and went through the first reading, second reading, public hearing to which all stakeholders were brought together to debate it and some of the relieves we have seen were part of the debate expressed by the stakeholders about the need to protect the vulnerable segment of the society. Having made the law, the Lagos State House of Assembly has handed it over to the executive to implement.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

PDP borrowed N6trn in 16 years but APC in debt of 11trn in three years- Melaye ÏÏÏDino

Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, Dino Melayo on Wednesday said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Muhammadu Buhari, has accrued N11 trillion debt in three years, as against N6 trillion borrowed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 16 years.

Melaye said this while

speaking at the upper legislative chamber in Abuja.

The lawmaker said despite floating many Eurobonds, “there is no specific programme” to empower the youth.

He spoke in reaction to the rejection of Peace Corps bill by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“About $5.5bn was borrowed from euro bond;

what part of it will the youths of this country benefit from?” he asked.

“About $1bn is to be spent on security and how does this affect the youth of this country.

“Without fear or favour, the People’s Democratic Party, in 16 years, borrowed N6tn and this government in three years, has borrowed N11tn but there is no spe-

cific programme that will empower the youth.

“Also, N500bn was earmarked for the social investment programme of the federal government, but we have not seen any impact.

“If the Peace Corps is given an opportunity to exist, thousands will be employed and this will help to fight unemployment in this country.”

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Ghanaian officials welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari to Accra to participate in events marking the 61st Independence Anniversary of the country...Tuesday.

Obiano fires all political appointees

Hippo Onah promise new face of FCTA, FCDA cooperative

Ï ƆƓ ƋƆ ƗƆƏ ƈƍ ƆƌƆƏ Ɔ Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

newly elected President of FCTA, FCDA cooperative society in the Federal Capital Territory, has promised a new face of the body to bring a turn around that will restore the confidence of over 6,000 contributors.

The new president, was speaking in view of the fact that numerous cooperators has withdrawn from the group due to the misdeeds of the outgoing executive.

According to the newly appointed president, part of the change his administration will bring is basically the welfare of the cooperators, which is paramount in literally forming of cooperative society anywhere. He said that the past administration may have done well on its own but will ensure that the hope and confident cooperators are restored. “you see first of all I will like to thank all the voters, who came out en’mass to exercise their civic right and to make a change. Without them this victory would not have been achieved.

And I also thanked those who did not vote me. It also got to show that we had a context and it also shows that so many of us still have interest and willingness to participate in the cooperative irrespective of the past experiences. like I used to say this is a call to service. A big challenge in the sense that there are lots of work to be done because many things has gone wrong. Our cooperators need to be accessing

ÏÏÏGovernor

Willie Obiano of Anambra state, has sacked all his political appointees.

Affected in the new development are heads of government ministries, departments and agencies; commissioners, special assistants as well as other noncivil servant appointees.

A memo signed by Solo Chukwulobelu, secretary to the state government, directed the appointees to

hand over their handover reports to their second in command before Friday, 16th March, 2018.

No reason was given in the memo, for the sack of the government officials.

The memo read: “His Excellency, Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra state, has directed that all political appointees and non-civil servant, heads of MDAs in the state submit their handover notes/reports on or before Friday 16th March, 2018 to

ÏÏÏThe

Wives of military officers real heroes of Nigeria—Olubadan

Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Wednesday described the wives of Nigeria’s military officers as the “real heroes’’ in the efforts to secure the territorial integrity of the country.

The traditional ruler said this when Omobo-

lanle Olonisakin, the President of the Defense and Police Officer’s Wives Association, led members on a courtesy visit to him in his palace.

Olubadan said: “The wives of military officers are the real heroes in se-

the permanent secretary of their respective MDAs, or to the most senior civil servant there in the absence of a permanent secretary.

“All SSAs/SAs are to submit their handover notes/ reports to the permanent secretary, office of the SSG. “A copy of the handover note/report must be submitted to the secretary to the state government on or before Friday, 16th March, 2018.”

curing lives and property in the country.

“You consistently support your husbands and also ensure the management of the home front in their absence while busy keeping the country safe.

“These are the reasons the men can serve with

It added that the appointees and every other official involved are to also handover any government project/utility vehicles in their custody to the permanent secretary, office of the secretary to the state government on or before March 16.

Obiano was re-elected for a second tenure in November last year.

This is the first major change taking place within his cabinet since his re-election.

focus.

“I want to also appreciate the association for giving honour to whom honour is due. I also urge you all to be patient with your spouses, do not pick quarrels with them but always support them.”

Olonisakin, who earlier disclosed that she was born and brought up in Ibadan, commended the monarch for ensuring peaceful coexistence in the state.

She said: “Because we are in Ibadan, we decided

loans without hitches, we it is their right to have decided at the end of the year as well as getting loans as at when due in like what it used to be on the past. These are some of the things we need to tackle as a challenge”.

Mr. Onah, further stated that part of the innovation his administration will be introducing as part of the welfare includes ensuring a possible access to housing loans, access to education loans and other retirement benefits as may prepare by the cooperative society.

We wish to offer our people a life benefits services and I think they deserve it because they need to fall back on things like that in poor economy like ours. We need to prepare something very beffiting in an hash working condition with just 18 thousand naira minimum wage.

He however, called on all cooperators to join hands in the making of the new face of the body of all workers in the FCTA and FCDA. He however, offered the hand of working relationship to other contestants stressing that both the winner and loser were all cooperators in the first place. “before the electric IP n, I promised to operate an open door policy.

This leadership is going to be all inclusive leadership both the big and small”.

Mr. Hippo Onah pulled the amount of 480 votes against 473 pulled by Mr jibril a nurse from wuse general Hospital.

to give honour to whom honour is due and to also take advice from the elders.’’

She said that the association made up of wives of military officers and the police had been rendering humanitarian services to the needy in the society.

News 9

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Only 10% of parastatals have audited reports, Senate reveals Ïj ƏƆ ƐƆ Ɛ ƓƈƐ ƋƗ ƄƑƗ ƆƐ Ƈ ƆƏƏƈ Ɔ ƅƈƆ

Olufemi Samuel and Tunde Opalans, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The Senate has disclosed that only 10% of the parastatals of the Federal Government have submitted their audited reports.

This was disclosed in a Report of the Committee on Public Accounts on the status of compliance of parastatals submission of audited accounts to the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation brought to the floor by Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

The Senate also resolved to withhold budgetary approvals for any government agency and parastatal which failed to submit

at least two previous year’s audited reports to the Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF).

Saraki, said: “while thanking the committee for this very important report.

We can now see that when they keep on saying that we are not making much progress in the fight against corruption, it is because of the fundamental issues, they are right, the foundation is still very weak.

“If we have 497 parastatals and only 47 have sent their audited reports, I think there is a serious problem. Now, we find out that the agencies that are even meant to supervise are part of those who have not sent in their audit reports.

“Now, we have taken a resolution here today to say that unless the remaining agencies do that, their budgets for 2018 is withheld.

Therefore, let us remember that when we are passing the 2018 budget, the committees that are presenting the reports of the parastatals should please confirm to us whether they have complied with the auditor’s report.

“In the meantime, we will make sure that we also communicate to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation to ensure that all these parastatals get their accounts audited and submitted.

“I thank you for this report, it will go a long way in us continue to support

the Executive in the fight against corruption,” Saraki said.

The report of the Public Accounts Committee (SPAC), indicated that at least 85 agencies of government including the Bank Weah of Agriculture (BOA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) had never submitted audited reports since their creation.

Senator Urhoghide, said: “EFCC is of the opinion that once they come for budget defence, it amounts to submitting their audited reports. The EFCC Act itself says they have to submit their audited reports six months into the financial year.”

ABSG flags off free meal programme in all primary schools Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÎÎÎ Abia state government

has flagged off its free school feeding programme to cover all primary school pupils in the state.

The free lunch programme was initially flagged off in the state in 2016 to cover primary 1 to 3 pupils thus making Abia the first state in the federation to do so before now extending it to cover primary 4 to 6.

Flagging off the programme for primary 4 to 6 at Ubakala Central School in Umuahia South LGA, Dr Ikpeazu commended the federal government for looking the way of the vulnerable pupils and creating a platform to feed primary school pupils from 1 to 3.

He said that his government is desirous to ensure that pupils focus their attention on learning, pointing out that there is a relationship between well fed pupils and the capacity to learn while hungry pupils find it difficult to concentrate.

According to him, it is imperative to mainstream school feeding as a policy of his government, pointing out that the government opened up warehouses in the 3 senatorial zones where food items can be donated for the programme.

He thanked the wife of the Governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu and her team for sustaining the programme, noting that the programme has moved school enrolment from 100,000 to over 300,000.

The Governor called on well-meaning Abians to donate towards the programme.

The wife of the Governor, Deaconess Ikpeazu whose office is coordinating the programme expressed happiness with the development recorded and thanked all those who have supported the programme so far.

Earlier, the Programme Coordinator of the Abia Schools free meal programme, Elder Emeka Ahuruonye who disclosed that the programme is designed to reduce hunger and enhance academic performance revealed that Abia is the only state where all pupils in primary schools are served free lunch and lauded the tireless effort of Deaconess Ikpeazu towards the success of the programme.

Also the Focal person of the Abia Social Re-investment Programme, Mr. Chinenye Nwogu made public that the state expends the sum of N176 m monthly in feeding over 300,000 primary school pupils, adding that the programme has impacted positively on the vulnerable in society.

EYM to offer free medical services to over 1000 people In Nasarawa From Right: Wayne Bishop, Managing Director, PHD Johannesburg, South Africa, Dozie Okafor, Managing Director, PHD Nigeria, and Augustine Kuza, Victor Oyarero, Business Unit Director, PHD Nigeria, during the launch of PHD’s 7th publication titled MERGE at the 2018 Social Lafia Media Week, held at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

ÎÎÎ A social cultural orga-

2019: South East must produce next President, UPP replies Nwodo Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÎÎÎ Contrary to the view

by some Igbo elders and stakeholders that Presidential aspirants from the zone should tarry till 2019, the United Progressive Party (UPP) maintains that Igbo Presidency come 2019 is non-negotiable.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Organising Secretary, Pastor Benji Duru, the party disagreed with some of the Igbo Elders like the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Senator Hope

Uzodimma and others who believe the Igbo’s should suspend their Presidential ambition till 2023.

“They missed the point and in addition, they are not in any vantage position to offer any party presidential ticket and also the relevant network of operations to deliver any candidate to victory.

“At the moment, the only political parties in Nigeria that have Governors to their credit (PDP, APC, APGA) have each zoned the position of presidential candidate to the North of Nigeria. By their calculation which the parties are

entitled to, they have deliberately thrown healthy competition away into the bush” UPP told the elders.

The party said that some of the qualities that the next Presidential candidate must have include: the will to implement Resource control, restructuring of the country politically and physically, Opportunity for Self-Determination as to allow discipline. and healthy competition in various areas of development.

UPP also said that the incoming President must accept Referendum as a means of stopping impunity, high-handedness, im-

position, marginalization, oppression and dwarf mentality that encourage half measures, cutting corners, mediocrity and corruption.

Other policies include State and Community Policing to ensure security of lives and property of all Nigerians and foreigners living in the country and to make the study of History compulsory at High school level.

The party advised members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and all agitators to embrace peaceful redefinition of Nigeria through the restructuring of the country by peacefully participating in the Electoral Process.

nization, in Nasarawa state the Eggon Youths Movement (EYM), has concluded arrangement to offer free medical services to over 1000 residents of Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA), in the State.

Akwanga branch, chairman of EYM Peter Yohana, disclosed this Wednesday at the commencement of a one-day medical outreach in the area.

The Organization chairman informed that the movement wants to offer free testing, counselling and treatment of hepatitis, B and C, HIV, blood pressure and sugar, among others.

Yohana, revealed that the group came up with this free medical services to as-

sist the needy as it would as well improve their health conditions.

According to him, “the drugs will be given and administered after which tests will be done free of charge. “he added.

“The medical outreach was designed to assist poor Nigerians who do not have the means to access medical care, hence the need for the free medical treatment in order to improve on their standard of living and health status.

“It is also to educate and sensitize the members of the public on the need to take their health with seriousness because health is wealth”.

He called on the people of the state and Nigerians to always give attention to their health by going for regular medical checkup.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Senate orders probe of attack on Ogembe Olufemi Samuel and Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The Senate on Wednesday set up an Ad hoc Committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the destruction and violence against the Empowerment Program of Senator Ahmed Salau Ogembe (Kogi Central Senatorial District) and determine the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force or other persons, authority at the local government areas and recommend measures to curb further occurrence.

The Senate as well condemned the act in its totality and consider it a threat to democracy, and asked the committee to look into the disruption of the empowerment programme and

report back to the whole house The police was expected to answer questions on how policemen were used to intimidate supporters of Senator Ogembe on the eve of the March 3, 2018 empowerment programme and failure of Police to provide security for the gathering despite seeking police permission from the Area Command of the Nigeria Police covering Okenne, Okehi and Adavi local government areas of the state.

This followed a report of creased and alarming spate of political intimidation and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State, by Senator Ahmed Salau Ogembe (Kogi Central). who said an empowerment programme organized for his Constituents

at Afirms Hotel, Ora Street, Lagos Highway, Okene was disrupted by hoodlums and miscreants.

Coming under Order 42 and 52, he said the Nigerian Police Force Area Commander, Okene, and the Divisional Police Officer of Okene, Okehi and Adavi LGAS are very much aware of the empowerment programme and the political violence unleashed on beneficiaries and supporters gathered to witness the event and did nothing; The Senate was worried: that indeed, political violence, kidnappings, killings, assassinations of the Constituents and Political Supporters in Kogi Central Senatorial District, Kogi State has become the order of the day and the police has chosen to turn a blind eye.

Ogembe said “further worried: that l, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. cannot go to my senatorial district to carry out a peaceful empowerment program for my Constituents without being harassed and intimidated: “Deeply worried: that, a lot of my Constituents and supporters were thoroughly beaten up, badly injured and some of them kidnapped and later dumped in bushes and uncompleted buildings. Indeed, as l speak, a lot of my Constituents are lying critically injured and traumatized in hospitals across Kogi Central Senatorial District, Knows: and acknowledged that the Right to Peaceful Assembiy and Association is one of the Fundamental Rights contained in the Constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended) which is the Supreme Law of the Country: “Troubled: that the Nigeria Police Force Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officers of Okene, Okehi and Adavi, which are Local Government Areas under Kogi Central Senatorial District, seems to be under undue influence and strong control of the Local Government Area Administrators.

He said this political intimidation and violence could not be divulgin from build up to the 20i9 general elections which is less than a year away.

Ogembe suggested that if nothing is done to ensure that the Nigerian Police Force carries out their statutory responsibilities as

enshrined in constitution and their enabling act, there might be a complete breakdown of law and order in Kogi Central Senatorial District and indeed the whole of Kogi State in the upcoming 2019 general elections.

Expressing concern over constant enmity between federal legislators and their state governors over difference in political interests, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe (Abia South) said the use of state security apparatus to intimidate political opponents put a question on the call for state police.

Senator Godswill Akpabio said the incident call for worry not only about Kogi State but for the entire country and the 2019 election. He described it as a major threat to democracy.

FGC Ohafia Acting Principal has done well, confirm him – PTA, staff, stakeholders, others tell ministry Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive officer, KnightStone Properties, Mr. Adeniyi Adams; Chairman of occasion, Chief Lanre Rasak and Convener, Samson Oki during 2018 Trek Africa Entrepreneurship Conference tagged Spirit of Enterprise in Lagos...on Wednesday

Army Officer urges football administrators to be ingenious Kehinde Akinpelu, ilorin

ÎÎÎThe

Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, Col. Ola Falade, has called on football Administrators in the country to be creative and ingenious in order to develop the game in Nigeria.

Col. Falade made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin during a courtesy call on him by management of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC. “Our administrators are not doing anything and they must start to be creative.

“ABS should create platform to make every of its fans registered by paying a token as little as N100.

“If you collect N100 from 1,000,000 fans, you can cal-

culate that and see what you will get. ‘’I am saying what I am saying based on my visits to different stadia across the world” Col. Falade said.

The Army officer who explained that he played football when he was young advised football administrators to fashion out ways to return the club to the fans as it is done abroad.

“Those that invested their money will not want the clubs to fail or crumble, so the clubs must belong to the supporters.

“This will bring people back to the stadia because you must see or monitor your investment.

“I am deeply saddened by lack of spectators at our

stadia today.

“If you are to see Rangers of Enugu and Bendel Insurance of Benin play those days, you must be at the stadium latest 9am or else you won’t get a seat.

“Football today is about the administrators because the talents are there but our administrators are not thinking” Col. Falade added.

The 22 Armoured Brigade Commander expressed dismay that people are not seeing football as a big business just as it is seen in Europe.

He said he is surprised no Nigeria club has been able to win any CAF competition since Enyimba did so almost two decades ago.

The Coordinator of ABS Ilorin FC, Idris Musa, who

presented the club’s souvenirs to the Commandant, said the team’s management was in his office to tap from his huge experience in sports.

“We want to bring as many as possible people closer to us so we can develop your club, our club together.

“ABS is one of the most professionally run clubs in Nigeria today, when you take our talent discovery into consideration.

“While we play in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), last season, there is no time we don’t have as much as 6000 spectators to watch us.

“We will continue to work with our host community to develop the club” Musa said.

Parents/Teachers Association, staff and stakeholders in Federal Government College last Saturday, urged the Federal Ministry of Education, as a matter of concern to confirm the acting Principal of College, Ohafia Mr. Victor Odunze as the substantive principal of the unity school.

This was following a successful hosting of the school’s 17th annual inter-house sports competition and the peaceful and orderly conduct of the school’s PTA election two weeks ago, even as school pleads for more staff quarters, modern clinic for the school.

Kick-starting the call after the annual inter-house sports competition, a paramount ruler in Ohafia and the Ujurueze II of Ebem Oha, HRM Eze Samuel A. Okorie said that since the four months Mr. Odunze has been handling the affairs of the school, there has been peace and order in the school, pointing at the successful hosting of the inter-house sports as an example.

“The sports competition went on smoothly and the principal has done well.

The federal Ministry of education should confirm him as the substantive principal so as to sustain the relative peace in the

school under him.

“He should be confirmed as he is capable of handling the school”, the royal father pleaded with the Federal Government”.

According to the newly elected Chairman, Parents/Teachers Association, PTA of the school and Special assistant to Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on Forestry, Hon. Propa Okoro Nwabueze, the acting school Principal Mr. Odunze has so far done well within few months in office. ”I am calling on the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to confirm him as the Principal. Since he started acting as the Principal, we have maximum peace in the school, even teacher/management relationship with students have tremendously improved.

“He is transparent and disciplined, even the relationship between management and staff has improved and is cordial. I commend his efforts”.

The FGC Ohafia PTA boss used the opportunity to appeal to the federal government through the federal Ministry of Education that staff quarters are highly needed in the school, “so as to have enough teachers living in the school who will take care of the students when during off-classes period.

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

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11

Even Obasanjo can’t stop Atiku from becoming president in 2019 –Aduke Hon. Fateema Aduke Mohammed is the Director-General of Atikunation, a political group in support of the presidential ambition of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Aduke Mohammed strongly believes that Atiku Abubakar is the messiah the nation has long waited for. In this interview with JOY ANYIM, the Borno State born entrepreneur and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says no political godfather, not even former President Olusegun Obasanjo can stop Atiku from becoming President come 2019.

MOHAMMED *What is Atikunation all about?

Basically, Atikunation is an independent campaign group aimed at projecting, supporting and campaigning for Atiku Abubakar as a presidential candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

We also educate and enlighten people on various political matters.

The group is not funded by Atiku, but is in support of him because we trust his capability.

Why Atiku and what makes him credible and a better choice to occupy the presidential seat?

The choice of Atiku for me is a personal conviction. I had set my cards on the table and then chose him amongst the many that had indicated interest based on his track record. Usually during the period preceding election, or during political times, we have the pretenders, the contestants and we have the contenders. Right now we have a lot of contenders, everybody wants to come out, we have a lot of contestants, its fine but for me the only contender to that seat remains Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, because he is the only person from my personal conviction, the only credible candidate in every aspect.

I strongly believe every Nigeria agrees with me that he will be the next president of this country.

Looking at other candidates who have indicated interest to run for the presidential seat, some of them have cases to answer at the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (EFCC), and most of the charges are charges bothering on tax payers’ money. So are you saying that I should take somebody who has a precedence of squandering tax payers’ money and I should be convinced to follow that person? I can’t and will not support such.

As an independent campaign group, how do you intend to sell Atiku Abubakar to the common man especially in states that are strongly controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC)?

When you have a good product, you don’t have to go through the stress of hyping the product and looking for media advertisement.

Atiku Abubakar is the most sellable candidate. When you talk about the APC, do not forget that it was Atiku Abubakar’s fund that made APC stand on its feet. And from the day he left the APC, things have taken a downward trend, because the pillar that held them had left and he has come back home to PDP. So selling Atiku Abubakar is not a problem at all. You don’t go through stress selling a product that is good. He is the largest employer of labour with over 50 thousand people; even Dangote has less than 30 thousand employees. That alone is a selling point. He is a lover of youth; most of his organisations are dominated by youths as heads.

He is detribalised, he believes in the girl child. He believes in giving hope to the women and the youth. Above all he believes in restructuring.

When you have a good product, you don’t have to go through the stress of hyping the product and looking for media advertisement. Atiku Abubakar is the most sellable candidate.

When you talk about the APC, do not forget that it was Atiku Abubakar’s fund that made APC stand on its feet. And from the day he left the APC, things have taken a downward trend, because the pillar that held them had left and he has come back home to PDP. So selling Atiku Abubakar is not a problem at all.

Are you saying if given the ticket, Atiku has all it takes to displace the incumbent?

I have no doubt that he will be given the ticket, but Atiku is someone who believes in the rule of law, he believes in democracy, he believes in deepening democracy, so he says we will go through normal process of having primaries and he will be voted for and trust me, most of those delegates will give their votes for Atiku Abubakar and he will not only displace Muhammadu Buhari, he will send him straight to Daura.

What if Atiku doesn’t win the ticket; will you collapse your structure for whosoever gets the party ticket?

I am a woman of possibility, so I don’t want to think if Atiku does not get the ticket, I know he will definitely get the ticket. I want you to know that even if the party decides to play games, Atiku would run for the President of this nation and he will win that election from whatever platform.

What if Atiku chooses not to run again?

One thing I know about Atiku is that once he puts his mind on something, he never goes back. He is not a child in this game, but an astute politician. And one lesson I have learnt from him is not to let any God father shut you up. If they had not shut him up in 1993, he would have forgotten he wanted to be President. The late Yar’Adua called him and said Atiku you are still a small boy, step down for these people and he obeyed and stepped down for late Abiola. But that is one lesson we must all learn, that no political leader no matter how much you respect him should shut you and say go and sit down. If they had allowed Atiku to be president then, we wouldn’t be where we are politically, economically and otherwise. Atiku is not a man that is thirsty for power, but has a great vision that keeps propelling him, he also has passion for the poor, although he can’t employ 180 million Nigerians but he can make our lives better by becoming

President. He will inculcate into us the nature of multiplication, that nature that turns things around.

What is Atiku bringing to the table especially now that our economy is in shamble, what is he going to do differently?

Take Atiku Abubakar’s businesses as a case study, how well has he done businesswise? He is an industrialist per excellence. There is none of his companies that isn’t doing well, except the one that the current government is trying to frustrate. If you throw Atiku into the desert, he will turn around and make it a city more beautiful than Dubai. It is what is embedded in the inside of him. He knows what to do to turn around situations; he knows how to revamp the economy. He doesn’t believe in having 40 ministers all in Abuja and not able to monitor activities at the state level and that is why he is clamouring for restructuring.

When you restructure, each zone will be responsible to ensure that governance is doable and achievable to the common man on the street. Atiku believes in having a monitoring and coordinating team.

Some are of the opinion that Atiku is a political prostitute, because he keeps jumping from one political party to the other, what is your view?

He is the founding father of these political parties we are talking about and the truth is that you can be in one part and not be CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Ekiti governorship: I am at peace with Fayemi, Ojudu – Bamidele Stories by Patrick Okohue A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that he has an agreement with former Governor Kayode Fayemi on how the All Progressives Congress (APC) can win the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Bamidele said he decided to settle his rift with Fayemi because they needed to work assiduously to ensure that the party returned to power in Ekiti State.

He described the agitations by aspirants from Ekiti South Senatorial district that power must shift to the zone as a legitimate one, clarifying that such would not preclude contestants from other districts from exercising their rights in line with the constitution.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday while declaring his governorship intention at the party’s secretariat in Ado Ekiti, Bamidele said the pact between him and Fayemi was not for personal aggrandisement but for the corporate benefit to the party.

“Yes, the Minister visited my office in Abuja and the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Mr Babafemi Ojudu also wrote a goodwill message to me as I declare my intention today. To me, this is a sign of good development.

“All these shouldn’t give room for speculation that someone was trying to persuade the other to shelve ambition for the other.

All the party leaders must work together, so our working together and their visits to my office was not for selfish interest or about our ambitions alone.

“What these signaled was that, it is no longer the old story. It showed that the APC is no longer in war. It shows that the party is becoming more united and stronger. It showed that we are giving each other mutual respect.

“I have made it clear at every political gathering I attended that I have settled rift with Fayemi.

The two of us are frontline party men and we have to work together to rescue our party. We are doing same with Engr. Segun Oni, all in the interest of our party,” he said.

He said the agitations for zoning won’t preclude him and others

from exercising their rights to contest for the governorship seat.

“I want to say that zoning is a legitimate issue. It is also legitimate for every district of the state to aspire in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The constitution of our party didn’t respect zoning and even the constitution, so we are free to contest irrespective of the legitimacy of the agitations,” he added.

Bamidele said he never defected from APC to another party, saying the party had not been formed when he defected to LP in 2013.

“I was one of the legal team that returned the Certificate of Registration of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria to INEC for APC to be consummated.

“I stood with the ACN till the last time when the certificate was returned. The progressives then were not unaware of the need for us to merge with other parties to be able to win at the centre and that led to the death of ACN. “But because of the misunderstanding among the leaders of our party, I then quit even before the registration of

BAMIDELE the new party.

“This is not even a basis for argument. Senator Ayo Arise left the Action Congress to the PDP in 2007 when he thought the primary that produced Fayemi was not fair enough and today, he is back, ditto Engr Oni.

“We must realise that politicians must have bus stops before getting to the destination.

So, whatever happens to us on the way should be taken as issues now, getting to the destination, I mean winning the next election must be our ultimate target,” he advised.

‘No stop Atiku from becoming president’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

comfortable about the happenings in the party and then you take your leave. It happens everywhere in the world. He hasn’t committed any offence. He has a right to move from APC to his original party which is the PDP, because the APC has failed and deviated from what it promised Nigerians, in terms of free school feeding, job creation and others, they have failed.

Considering the fact that the PDP while in government, allowed many cases of corruption go unchecked, and it is this same PDP platform that your beloved Atiku is still contesting on, do you think Nigerians would want to vote him in as president?

As corrupt as they say we were, we didn’t have monkeys, snakes and the rest swallowing money.

As corrupt as they claim we were, we didn’t have cases of us finding money in a house, and not knowing who owns it. We have had worse cases of corruption in this administration that has gone unquestioned, un-interrogated and unmentioned. They are carrying on like it is just fine to keep taking the money.

Some political analyst believe former President Olusegun Obasanjo may never support the presidential bid of Atiku Abubakar, considering their fallout years back. Do you think Atiku can get to the seat without the support of his former boss?

Is Obasanjo God? Is he God’s personal assistant, has God called him to tell him he doesn’t like Atiku, Obasanjo cannot talk as an authority because he has just one vote, he is just one Nigerian and we have over 180 million Nigerians.

Obasanjo will not determine who will be president. Obasanjo will be alive to see Atiku become president and he will come to Aso-Rock to congratulate him. Atiku has to give him a formal hand shake.

You aspired to go to the House of Representative to represent Ifako-Ijaiye in 2015, what happened?

I ran in 2015, I won the ticket of the PDP, but the bad eggs in the party went to play games in INEC and they took away my name, but that will not happen again this time around because I am well prepared for them.

What would you do differently this time to ensure same doesn’t happen again?

I think at that time, we were taken unawares in that I just believed that since I had won already in the presence of the media and men from the Department of State Security Service, they won’t take out my name and I didn’t go the extra mile. But today, I have gone the extra mile, I have taken my time to sit down and strategise, I have repackaged my campaign and I am more focused and more determined. You cannot take away my name this time. It won’t work.

Do you still believe in the system, considering what happened?

It wasn’t the system that took away my name, it was some bad eggs in the PDP then that took away my name just because they do not believe in winning, they just believed in embezzling funds of the party, and unfortunately I saw them crying and saying oh they do not want to give us the ticket and I said okay, what goes around comes around.

How do you intend to defeat the incumbent APC House of Representatives member representing your constituency?

I want to say this on record and I want to be quoted, before he won that election, all their leaders in APC came to beg me including their House of Representatives members and they told me to please help him win, so I helped him get that seat because I was aggrieved at that time. After they pleaded with me, I told everybody in that local government to vote for him because he wasn’t known.

So I helped him win and he has been there for two years and he is still not known and he has done nothing, absolutely nothing. I asked him to do something, I told him I wanted nothing from him, but please ensure that governance is truly doable and achievable to the electorate of Ifako-Ijaiye, because Ifako-Ijaiye is the second largest local government in the whole of Lagos State, but the rate of poverty

and under-development in the local government is disheartening and it is painful. Poverty walks on the street in Ifako-Ijaiye and up until now, nothing has been done, no single constituency project, yet there are allowances for projects.

Instead such monies are given to the god fathers who put them there.

We therefore say no more to that.

Ifako-Ijaiye will get a new lease.

Don’t you think the old crop of politicians should be shown the way out while we allow the young generations take over political power?

I am an advocate of not too young to run and not too old to rule. The nascent democracy that we have in Nigeria requires those with experience. The politics in Nigeria is a school on its own, it takes time to learn. The people we are saying are too old are the founding fathers who have politics running in their blood. Governance is not something that you sit and cross your legs. It takes funding and doesn’t come cheap. They will print T-shirts and do adverts in the media, all that cost money and no young person has that kind of money, except we still want to encourage god fathers. It is not child’s play.

As a woman, in what way can you support other women and the girl child to live above poverty or alleviate poverty amongst women?

If you know me and what I believe in, I don’t believe in alleviating poverty but in palliating it. No

single individual, no organisation, no government can eradicate or alleviate poverty, you can only palliate it, you can cushion the effect such that you don’t really feel it. You can help people live on more than one dollar a day. So on international women’s day, I will be empowering 300 women. Not only am I teaching them how to catch fish, after the programme on the 8th March, I am working with a Micro-finance house to give them Micro soft loans without interest. I intend to do that through the grooming method of empowerment, I will empower in clusters, they will revolve the loans amongst themselves and return it back without interest after six months.

What do you have to say about the Dapchi school girls kidnap, That kidnap really breaks my heart, I don’t know when the liars will stop, first they told us no girl was kidnapped and eventually they said they were kidnapped and said only 110 girls were kidnapped. How can a parent who went through the pains of child birth open their mouth and say only 110. Well I am not surprised because how moved were they when their herdsmen were killing people, so our lives don’t matter to them. So you see why Atiku has to come because even during the Silverbird award, he requested for a minute silence for the abducted Dapchi girls and everyone who has lost their lives through the herdsmen and for me that is a father who believes in the nation and who value lives.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Page Thirteen

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13

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial

Revive Bank of Agriculture and NERFUND

T

he

National Executive Council (NEC) of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) met in Lagos recently on the state of the nation and came out with some recommendations on how to move the nation forward.

In particular, the TUC National Ex-

ecutive Committee (NEC) called for the revival of Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) to help boost agricultural production in the county. Coming at a time when the government is diversifying the economy away from the oil sector to agriculture and urging the youths to embrace agribusiness, the TUC’s call is appropriate and timely.

It observed that government parastatals like Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) whose activities could boost government’s economic diversification programmes, are not given adequate financial subventions as at when due.

The NEC- in session therefore, strongly advised the federal government to urgently revive BOA and NERFUND through adequate funding to enable them extend appropriate finance for economic programmes particularly to farmers in the rural areas and small scale businesses.

It is also important for government to reintroduce Export Expansion Grant (EEG) which was stopped some years back so as to encourage exporters of processed agro-allied products to increase their production for export and bring more inflow of foreign exchange into the country.

Audu Ogbeh

However, it is sad that the same government which is clamouring for the diversification of the economy is at the same time paying lip service to those programmes and organisations that could significantly help to ensure accelerated diversification of the economy. At the same time NERFUND which was established to fund small scale industries especially those in the agribusinesses seemed to have been left behind in the current efforts to wake up agriculture in the country.

There is no doubt that NERFUND has not done well in the last decade or so because of poor budgetary allocation to it for disbursement to its clients. At the same time, some of its staff, particularly those at the top echelon of the organisation might have entrenched themselves in corruption over the years.

The answer to such an organisation where the leadership is corrupt is not to abandon the organisation as the government has done but to make the corrupt officials account for their misdeeds while the organisation should be reorganised for better performance.

The country is focusing on agriculture to diversify the economy away from oil which took ascendancy over agriculture since the early 1970’s. BOA understands the culture of famers and is well placed to provide funds for the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products by small, medium and large scale agribusinesses. The government should therefore fund BOA well so that it can in turn fund agriculture and agribusinesses in the efforts to revitalise agricultural production in the country at this point in time.

With the renewed interest in agribusiness across the country a virile agricultural bank is needed to service the needs of entrepreneurs in agribusiness. The high interest rates charged by commercial banks make them unsuitable as sources of funds for those in agribusiness.

Therefore, the government should also review upward the capitalisation of BOA from its present N1 trillion to at least N1.5 trillion so that it can better serve its clients and be able to give more funding to agribusinesses.

Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Moshoo(right) displaying one of the rifles recovered from 48 paraded suspect in Bosso Divisional Headquarters in Minna Niger state.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (3rd right) with the Management Team of The Choice Flame Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu led its Managing Director / Editor-in-Chief, Rev. Fr. Longinus Ugonwa (right), during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu, in the spirit of the Lenten Season.

L-R: Sales Director, Reckitt Benckiser, Oladele Adeyole; winners, Airwick Scent Moves Us Campaign, Mr and Mrs Aderibigbe; Marketing Manager Home Care, Reckitt Benckiser, Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi and Brand Manager Airwick, Kingsley Ehimika at the prize presentation for the winners of the campaign in Lagos

Former Vice-President of Nigeria and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar (R) listening with rapt attention, while Hon. Aliyu Mu’azu (C) looks on when Atiku visited a political associate, Alhaji Ibrahim Little, who was victim of an armed attack recently in Kaduna.

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Businesses must evolve along with global climate policy

D Edward Nnachi

elegates gathered in Bonn, Germany last week to discuss progress on the historic Paris Agreement on climate change, a valuable roadmap for creating the low-carbon economy. Most were government officials, but businesses also attended, many of them to highlight their strategies to keep ahead of regulation by taking action on climate. It is critical that governments and businesses collaborate closely if the goals of the Paris Agreement are to be achieved.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — the climate action plans individual countries have articulated to realize the Paris vision — are being implemented at scale, transforming the regulatory landscape that businesses operate in, sector by sector. According to a recent study from the London School of Economics, up to 47 new climate laws have been ratified around the globe since the Paris Agreement was adopted. It is sometimes hard, however, for global organizations to keep track of each policy in each jurisdiction.

Businesses that effectively

prepare for these new policies and sustainable investment opportunities will be in a better position to seize the benefits of the transition. These include innovation, risk management, competitiveness and growth — opportunities that, as Morgan Stanley noted in a recent blog post, could amount to $10 trillion annually by 2050.

Accurate and up-to-date information on climate policy can help inform corporate strategy and investment decisions. Moreover, this information can help to demonstrate the need for corporate climate action to key stakeholders, including investors, board members and employees.

It is critical that governments and businesses collaborate closely if the goals of the Paris Agreement are to be achieved.

Forward-looking companies are already responding to the challenges that climate change presents with ever-more-ambitious plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions across their value chains.

To date, over 620 companies have committed to climate action via the We Mean Business Take Action campaign, including some 130 industrial companies, over 40 utilities and three of the world’s

largest consumer goods companies: Nestlé; Procter & Gamble; and Unilever. Together, these companies have committed to cut about 2.31 gigatons of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions — a reduction that would be equivalent to the total annual emissions of Russia.

Not only are businesses responding to the threat of climate change, policymakers are actively working to address the issue through new laws that would, for example, phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Just last month, GM announced plans to launch 20 new electric vehicles by 2023, which aligns with new regulations to promote a shift to electric vehicles in countries such as India and the U.K. For business, knowing which policy is relevant is a potentially complex process. But if businesses quickly can identify regulations relevant to their operations and supply chains and recognize critical differences between geographies and sectors, they can factor them into their low-carbon strategies.

Accurate and up-to-date information on climate policy can help inform corporate strategy and investment decisions. The Climate Policy Tracker, an on-

line tool led by We Mean Business coalition partner BSR, has been developed to provide up-to-date information on the landscape of climate regulation. The tracker includes 120 policies from nine geographies: China; the United States; EU; India; Japan; South Korea; Brazil; South Africa; and the U.K. Moving forward, more countries will be added to the tool, as will information on policies in cities, states and regions. The growing action from companies to combat climate change is giving governments increased confidence to ratchet up their own commitments, supporting their efforts to fully implement the Paris Agreement with targeted policy interventions.

As the scale and ambition of climate policies increase, forward-looking companies can use the Climate Policy Tracker to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing and acting on climate policy in this way, businesses are demonstrating their abilities to future-proof their operations and their active support for the Paris Agreement vision.

Nnachi can be reached via: nnachieddyugbor@gmail. com / 08028535702

Honeywell and the recent clearance of Kunle Ogunba by NBA

I

n 2016, Nigerians were

Victor Akwue

treated to a funny but shocking drama when the appropriation bill, otherwise known as budget, was declared missing. It was a national embarrassment as the Presidency and National Assembly traded blames on what led to the opprobrium.

A similar situation is what we have observed in the unfolding story of the reported clearance of Lagos lawyer, Mr. Kunle Ogunba, by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with regard to a petition written against the former by Honeywell Group.

Context: Honeywell Group is in an ongoing legal battle with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, with Kunle Ogunba representing Ecobank as lead counsel. In the course of the matter, Honeywell wrote two (2) separate petitions against Mr. Kunle Ogunba to the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), respectively. In the petitions, Honeywell accused Mr. Ogunba of professional misconduct through “institution of multiplicity of proceedings before different judges of the Federal High Court on the same subject-matter, with the deliberate aim of abusing the process of Court and derailing

the course of Justice.”

At the end of its review, the LPPC found Mr. Ogunba culpable and subsequently stripped him of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). On the other hand, it has also been reported that NBA cleared Mr. Ogunba of professional misconduct at the end of its own review.

The Issue is while the LPPC’s report (issued 17th January, 2018) conveying the withdrawal of Mr. Ogunba’s SAN’s rank is publicly available, the purported clearance by the NBA remains somewhat elusive; at least, based on outcome of investigations conducted by the company. In fact, investigations further revealed that the petitioner, Honeywell Group, is yet to receive a copy of the purported NBA letter (or letters) conveying Mr. Ogunba’s clearance.

So where is the formal letter conveying the exoneration of Mr. Ogunba by the NBA as reported in some sections of the media? Is it also missing like the 2016 Nigerian budget?

The Elusive Clearance and Unanswered Questions In fact, it will interest the readers to know that, based on reports, the NBA has cleared Mr. Ogunba twice with regard to Honeywell’s petition; begging the questions: why will

a clearance be issued twice in one matter? Did NBA really investigate the matter twice?

Readers may also recall that report suggested that Mr. Ogunba was initially cleared by the NBA on the 5th of August, 2016. However, investigations revealed that it was on the 26thof October, 2016 that NBA wrote to Honeywell conveying Mr. Ogunba’s response to Honeywell’s petition; with Honeywell sending a rejoinder to Mr. Ogunba’s response to the NBA on the 23rd of November 2016. The question also follows: why will the NBA request for Honeywell’s rejoinder to Mr. Ogunba’s response on the 26th of October 2016 if it (NBA) had already cleared Mr. Ogunba on the 5th of August 2016? There is definitely a discrepancy in this process which the NBA will need to address.

A second clearance has now been reportedly issued to Mr. Ogunba by the NBA. Reports said the clearance was issued on the 20th of February, 2018.

Questions also arise here: On what basis did the NBA exonerate Mr. Ogunba this second time? Was it based on outcome of the purported 5th of August, 2016 clearance or did the NBA conduct new investigations and review? If it conducted fresh investigations and review, did the

NBA involve the petitioner?

The imperative of NBA’s clarification Obviously, there are questions requiring the NBA’s hurried attention and clarifications here. For one thing, a prestigious and eminent professional association like the NBA cannot afford to be enmeshed in such unnecessary quagmire.

If there has been an exoneration of Mr. Kunle Ogunba, the NBA needs to be more frontal about it. From investigations, it is clear that Honeywell Group, the petitioner, is yet to receive formal notification from the NBA on the status of its petition or the purported clearance.

From all indications available, Honeywell has only learnt of the two purported clearances of Mr. Ogunba from the pages of newspapers.

Truth be told, the current dilemma does not speak well of the NBA, as it may suggest that the NBA is ‘hiding something’ or perhaps ‘protecting its own’.

The ultimate objective of the NBA is to promote the rule of law, which in itself presupposes the need for transparency and probity in all its dealings and activities. As the legal maxim goes, “justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

15 Column

Neither ‘Saint’ nor ‘Rogue’ Times Columnist MOHAMMED ADAMU

‘

‘roguery’? Or isn’t that what anti-Buharis are suggesting? Isn’t that the reason there is such a growing army of inveterate haters of Buhari? Isn’t that the reason they are up in arms hating and spreading ‘hate’?

’

“

Hatred is a feeling which leads to the extinction of values.”

–Jose Ortega Gasset.

Nothing practically defines ‘hate’ better than where the hapless victim of it is crucified both ways: ‘damned if he does right and damned if he doesn’t’! This extreme is attained when ‘hate’ acquires the pejorative adjective ‘inveterate’which means to ‘hate’ habitually.

Not contingent upon any justifiable reason. In fact to ‘inveterate’ haters it is reason enough that the object of hate dares to exist. And they will have neither scruples wishing that it ceases to exist, nor any qualms if they have their way, to make sure that it ceases to exist. And maybe it is the reason the 17th century English poet Lord Byron said “Hatred is the madness of the heart”. Because only a ‘heart’ that has lost its sanity will hate strictly for hate’s sake. But it is definitely the reason he said “Love blinds us to people’s faults but hate blinds us to their virtues.

It takes a sick heart to love those it has good reason to hate and to hate those it should have good reason to love. Although one man’s rogue may be another man’s Saint Vitus, yet a man cannot be both rogue and Saint all at the same time. He has to either be a rogue and therefore not deserving of love or he is truly a Saint and should either be loved or at the very least not be hated. But a man can also be neither rogue nor saint, and therefore not to be hated even if he is not loved. Like President Buhari. He is not a saint yes; but he is definitely not a rogue either. And so if ‘love’ does not blind us to Buhari’s fault of not being a ‘saint’, why should ‘hate’ blind us to his virtue of not being a ‘rogue’.

By the way should it not be sufficient that although he is neither rogue nor saint, he able to fight roguery without pretending to be a saint? Why should those who unabashedly celebrate roguery and revere known rogues arrogate the right to hate one who has persevered not to be a rogue, for the reason merely that he has failed to measure up to a saint?

Charlotte Bronte, the 18 Century English novelist gave practical ‘working class’ description of

‘hate’ in her novel ‘Shirley’ -a story set during the anti-industrial riots of the Napoleonic era. “Misery” she said “generates hate”, because those in misery have a tendency –often in a most bizarrely unfair manner- to locate someone to blame for their situation. And so referring to the misery of bitter workers displaced by industrial machines in the novel ‘Shirley’, Charlotte said that they “hated the machines which they believed took their bread from them; they hated the buildings which contained the machines; they hated the manufacturers who owned those buildings.”

They might as well have hated those who produced the ‘machines’. Or even the whole idea about ‘science and technology’, by which the ‘machines’ were produced. But if all that Charlotte’s justifiably-bitter workers do is ‘hate’ the ‘machines’, the ‘buildings’ housing the machines, and their ‘manufacturers’, only in remonstration of those being the reasons they lost their legitimate means of livelihood, they will be justified to hate –provided they do nothing to stop the ‘machines’ or destroy the ‘buildings’ housing the machines or harm the ‘manufacturers’ of the machine.

But what justification will rogues have –who for sixteen years had fed ravenously from the fats of the land- to hate a man whose only fault is that he has put an end to their ‘thieving’ bazaar? What justification have they to suggest that unless he is a ‘saint’ himself, he has no justification to put a stop to their ‘roguery’? Or isn’t that what anti-Buharis are suggesting? Isn’t that the reason there is such a growing army of inveterate haters of Buhari? Isn’t that the reason they are up in arms hating and spreading ‘hate’?

And for Buhari there does not seem to be any let up. Head or tail political hate mongers are determined not only that he does not win, but that in fact he loses: ‘damn him if he does’ and ‘damn him if he doesn’t’! He is damned for not bringing back our girls ‘by any means necessary’ and he is damned for bringing back some of our girls by a means they now insist is unnecessary’. He was damned for being sick -although his sickness was never in the way of governance- and he was damned even for recuperating and getting back on his feet. He was damned because he would not subsidize petrol, and he was damned because he now subsidizes petrol.

He is damned because he will not steal; and he is damned because he has blocked all leakages and will not allow them to steal. He is damned for the bad state of the economy (although the one who ruined it is deemed a ‘hero’), and

Buhari he is damned for initiating necessary measures to revive it. He was damned for being high-handed in securing the nation, and now he is damned for not being high-handed to secure the nation. He is damned for gathering evidence to prosecute corrupt suspect, and he is damned for being unable to secure convictions because of paucity of evidence.

“The world” said the Spanish poet Juan Ramon Jimenez “is like a map of antipathies, almost of hates, in which everyone picks the symbolic color of his difference.”

Buhari happens to be a beautiful rainbow that attracts all shades of antipathy. They make him worthy of hate by propagating the lie that in his appointment of members of his Security Team, he is nepotistic and lopsided in favor of the North and Muslims; but they will not admit that he is equally lopsided in favor of the South and Christians in the appointment of members of his Economic Team. They made him seem like a bigot of ethno-religious kind because he would not visit Benue at the time Ortom’s politically-choreographed ethnoreligious burial of 70 was staged; but they will not say a bigot of what kind he was when he did not visit Mambila where over 800 –attested by a Christian Army General- were killed.

They magnify Buhari’s little, inconsequential frailties to excuse the humongous crimes of their lords and lieges -and so that they set tribe and tongue, religion and geography against one another.

“Hypocrisy”, said the British writer, Somerset Maugham “is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue” it

needs, he said “an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit”; because “It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practiced at spare moments; it is a wholetime job”. And like prejudice, as someone said, ‘it begets a necessity for carrying on’. For “neither man nor angel” John Milton would say, in ‘Paradise Lost’ “can discern hypocrisy, the only evil that walks invisible, except to God alone”.

But from the allegation of ‘infirmity of mind and body’, to the allegation of ‘Islamization’; from the trumped-up charge of ‘cronyism and nepotism’ in his appointments, to the charge of ‘aiding and abetting ‘killer’ herdsmen’, Buhari’s political adversaries are gradually running out of ideas.

And now that all their red herrings have been loaded and expended, who knows, maybe as 2019 fast approaches, they may be forced to return to the only path of decency, the democratic process by which the people alone, and not those who purport to speak for them, can freely and willfully elect or remove their governments.

Re: ‘The ‘Man’ Musdapher’:“I must commend you for the very beautiful write-up in respect of the above. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your previous articles. They have been mostly objective as they do not pander to any political leaning. I wish to make this solemn declaration: the prayer said by that ‘judge’, whom you saved from that humiliation, will find fruitfulness and fulfillment in your life” –Barr.

Patrick Oshomegie, Benin City, +2348038222181

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

17 News

Land Use Charge: Lagos extends period for discounted payment to April 14

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Gov-

ernment on Wednesday clarified the figures circulating in the media on the rate for the newly reviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018, saying many of the numbers were based on several years of arrears on the levy not paid by affected property owners.

Speaking at a news briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan said there were so many misconceptions and misinformation about the new law, adding that the law was a progressive enactment duly made by the House of Assembly and handed over to the Executive for implementation in the overall interest of the people.

He specifically dismissed the humongous figures being bandied about on the social media, saying many of the calculations were based on arrears of many years of non-payment.

“The fact is that this law took a long process to be made. It started as a bill and went through the first reading, second reading, public hearing to which all stakeholders were brought together to debate it and some of the relieves we have seen were part of the debate expressed by the stakeholders about the need to protect the vulnerable segment of the society.

Having made the law, the Lagos State House of Assembly has handed it over to the executive to implement.

“The second important part is that a lot of relieves have been built into the law but many people are confusing arrears with the actual figure. If you see those figures, ask whether it is for one year or arrears of several years of nonpayment. The humongous figures that are being bandied around particularly in the social media relate to the arrears of many years of non-payment which are computed together,” Bamigbetan said.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade said the government has extended the period for tax payers to enjoy the 15 per cent discount in the reviewed Land Use Charge Law to April 14, 2018 in order to enable the implementation and enforcement of the new law, as well as allow many property owners to benefit from the discount.

Ashade, who took time

to clarify reactions in some section of the public on the new law, said under the old law, which had not been reviewed for over 15 years since 2001, the Land Use Charge rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive and was depriving the State of keeping track of all economic activities that relate to land in Lagos State.

He said the Law, which was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018 is a merger of all Property and Land Based Rates and Charges in the State.

Ashade said: “There was an urgent need for the repeal, as the old law had not been reviewed for over 15 years, since 2001. Under the old law, the LUC rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive which deprived the State of keeping track of all economic activities that relate to land in Lagos State.

“The new law is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate, and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy. This charge is payable annually in respect of all real estate properties in the State, which means owners and occupiers holding a lease to a Property for ten (10) years or more are now liable to pay the annual LUC invoice charged “Thus, the Tenement Rates Law, the Land Based Rates Law, the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and all other similar Property Rates or Charges, Laws or amendments to any such property Laws shall cease to apply to any property in Lagos State as from 2018. Nonetheless, all pending invoices, orders, rules, regulations, etc. under the 2001 repealed Law shall continue to be in effect until such obligations are discharged.”

Explaining the calculation of amount payable, the Commissioner said that property owners can determine the amount by multiplying the Market Value of their property by the Applicable Relief Rate of 40 per cent and Annual Charge rate.

“Upon receiving a notice or not, the new law has made it possible for owners to calculate their charge, and enable prompt payment, which allows them to benefit from a 15% discount for early payment, applicable to payments made within 15 days of receipt of Demand Notice,” he said

Cross-section of elected Edo State local council chairmen during the Swearing-In Ceremony by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the Government House, Benin City

No skirts for female corps members -Senate Olufemi Samuel and Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏA

proposal to make wearing of skirt optional for female corps members on the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was on Wednesday rejected by the Senate.

The proposal was rejected in a voice vote after a thorough deliberation on the bill sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP-Taraba) during plenary.

Before putting the issue to vote, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the proceedings said “I am not trying to stop the bill; even if you pass the bill, you must send it to all the states in accordance with section 9(2).”

Questioning the seriousness of the bill, Sen. Sam Egwu (PDPEbonyi) said “we should not waste our time on an issue that we have no constitutional right to amend.

That is a minute is-

sue that we should not waste our energy on.”

Also Sen. Jeremiah Husseini (PDP-Plateau) “said there was no need for the bill.

Sen Bwacha had said that the proposed bill intendeds to amend Sections 13 and 16 of the NYSC Act CAP N 84 LFN 2004 and other related matters 2018 during its second reading.

The bill, according to him, sought to ensure that regulations made by the NYSC Directorate prescribing uniforms and exercise regimen do not violate the religious practices and beliefs of corps members.

Bwacha who is Deputy Minority Leader noted that the NYSC was a laudable scheme established in 1973 by the then military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

“It was part of the effort by the Federal Government to rebuild, reconstruct and reconcile Nigerians following the unfortunate incidents of the civil war which ended in 1970.

“It is important to

point out that while the scheme has lived up to expectation as a reliable platform for nurturing young patriotic Nigerians, fostering unity and promoting a better understanding of our religious and cultural differences, it has however become necessary to amend the Principal Act. “This is with a view to address observed lapses and shortcomings. One of such lapses is that the penalty for offences contained in the Act is now outdated and in need of urgent review.

“Secondly, while Section 16 of the Principal Act mandates the NYSC Directorate to make regulations or bye-laws relating to discipline, exercise regimen, uniforms, welfare of corps etc.

“Uniforms and drills adopted by the Directorate has become a basis for tension and controversy between the Directorate and corps members and other members of the public.

“The major bone of contention is that some of the uniforms and drills contravene reli-

gious beliefs and practices of corps members and invariably their right to freedom of religion, thought and conscience under the Nigerian Constitution.

“This bill essentially addresses the above mentioned lapses in the Principal Act,” he said.

Contributing Sen. Suleiman Adokwe (PDP-Nasarawa) said “the amendment been suggested is not even worth the trouble.”

He said he believe if the directorate wants to change the uniform at any time, it is a matter of deciding because they only have power to prescribe the type of uniform.

“The type of uniform is even not prescribed; so I don’t know why we should trouble ourselves; all you need to do is to put pressure on the directorate to change the uniform but not necessarily to change the law.

“All the religious organisation that are feeling oppressed by it should put pressure and lobby the directorate to change its dress code,” Adokwe said.

18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

FEATURES

s

Gov Lalong riding on agency to stabilize peace in the Plateau Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos Residents of Jos the Plateau State Capital have described the current peaceful atmosphere being experienced in Jos as a dream they thought will never come true, especially since after the crisis that engulfed the state before he came into power.

This is no doubt also the reason Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, is visiting Plateau on Thursday, 8 March, to witness the peaceful atmosphere and to congratulate the Governor for making the security of lives and property one of its topmost priority.

The President who will also commission some projects executed by Governor Simon Lalong’s administration, had earlier said in one of his broadcast that without peace there cannot be development.

The coming on board of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), at the inception of this administration, is no doubt why the Lalong led administration is celebrating 30 months of peace in Plateau, especially in the Tin city of Jos which was before now characterized by incessant bomb blast.

A political observer who once lived in Jos and left as a result of the crisis whom our correspondent ran into in the cause of filing this report on a stopover visit narrates thus: “My growing up days were full of excitement and this memorable experience was characterized by the peaceful, friendly, and cozy environment that can only be found on the Plateau”.

He continued: “I arrived Jos through the Yakubu Gowon Airport on board Arik Air, full of nostalgia and apprehension. I looked forward to an evening of relaxation after a one-hour flight: around 7pm. I took a walk around the city, expecting to see burnt houses and dilapidated structures as a result of the theatre of incessant crisis that had bedeviled the state: I was rather disappointed by seeing the large number of white guests in the lobby, the restaurant and bar, with street lights on the major roads, suddenly my impression was reshaped that things are back to normal. The following morning as I drove around the state, I couldn’t believe how much the city of Jos and indeed the Plateau had changed into a city that can be best described as the once peaceful city that we all used to know”, he said.

This testimony of peace cannot be discussed with the tireless effort of the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Mr. Joseph Lengmang, who since inception of the Agency, has

Buhari canvassed the length and breadth of the state bringing stakeholders on a round table discus and proffering solutions to the crisis that has torn the state apart.

Lengmang, using proactive measures, developed various platforms of meeting points were stakeholders come together to discuss issues of early warning signs of conflicts before it escalates.

Mr. Lengmang had earlier said the Agency will be focusing on building sustainable structures of peace within the grassroot.

“We are poised to develop a sustainable peace platform in all the wards and Local Government Councils, to further push the message of peace to the grassroots”, he said.

With support from the United States of America through its Embassy in Abuja, the Plateau Peace Agency once got a nine-month financial support to further foster peace between the waring Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

The Agency and the Embassy held a nine-month consultative forum with stakeholders in the 17 LGA’s of the State with the aim of providing solutions to the perennial problem.

The project which was tagged ‘Mechanism for Sustainable Cooperation and Transformation of Farmers/Herder Conflict in Plateau State’ was tasked to develop policy framework and mechanism to address the protracted farmers/ herders conflict.

No wonder, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, at the recently con-

Lalong cluded National Summit on Security held in Abuja, commended the Plateau State Government for bringing on board the Peace Building Agency, for the purpose of addressing conflicts, with emphasis on Berom community and the Fulani face off.

Osinbajo said, “we are mindful of the Peace-Building efforts in Plateau State, for example, the Government constituted a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to work with the Berom and Fulani communities which had been at loggerheads for years.

“The Government also went ahead to establish the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the first of its kind by any State Government in Nigeria: Since its creation in 2016, the Agency has fulfilled its mandate of resolving conflicts and tackling the underlying causes and triggers: the results have been encouraging; Plateau State, once the hotbed of ethnic and communal violence in the North Central, has enjoyed a great deal of peace in the last two years”, the Vice President said.

To cap it all, the PPBA, through its vibrant DG developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan Document to End Conflict, which the unveiling will be performed

by President Buhari during his visit.

The unveiling of the document by the President himself shows the seriousness attached to peace building in the State and the country at large.

Lengmang had earlier said citizen engagement in peace building process is

key, hence the support and cooperation of the people becomes imperative as citizens have a very important responsibility to secure their lives.

He said the validated document hopes to capture the interests of the people with regards to peace and security, as it has clearly outlined chains of activities that the agency would roll out for the period of five years.

However, in an interaction with our correspondent on President Buhari’s visit the PPBA’s DG said: “As we anticipate the arrival of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Plateau state on 8th March 2018, we are so excited at the prospects that his first official state visit will offer us as citizens of Plateau state.

“Our joy knows no bounds, as the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace, a Five-Year Strategic Plan Document which was developed by the Plateau Peace Building Agency in collaboration with several stakeholders will be formally launched.

“Mr. President alongside the Executive Governor of Plateau State-our Chief Peacemaker will unveil this important document during a Town Hall meeting where pertinent Governance, Peace and Security would be discussed.

“As a people, we know where we have been, we know the struggles and difficulties we have encountered and we understand the overreaching implications of our children to growing up in an environment of hate and mutual suspicion.

In fact, we know first the drawback associated with conflict and violence”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

19 Features

Woman widowed by Boko Haram terrorists finds love in America

Sarah arrives at her wedding

With her son leading the bridal train as the little groom, the resplendent bride made her way into the packed Texan church to a different kind of wedding song. The lyrics, “God sent you to love and comfort me,” couldn’t be more apt. The bride, Sarah (name changed for her safety) was remarrying in America after Boko Haram killed her husband in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria a few years before.

The wedding was on Martin Luther King holiday weekend this year, the holiday commemorating the civil rights icon who advocated for racial equality. However it was just days after the US President made disparaging remarks about African immigrants’ (expletive) countries.

At the Houston wedding reception, I was seated next to a medical doctor and his wife also a doctor (relatives of the bride.) To my left was a medical doctor and her kids (friends of the bride.) The wedding guests in Houston were a true microcosm of highly educated Nigerian American immigrants.

As lawyers, my wife and I were probably the least educated professionals on our table.

The Liberian American MC made a joke about this phenomenon saying if you asked a Nigerian what they had studied, you were likely to hear, “ I have a degree in Chemistry but I have gone back to earn a degree in Physics.” He pointed out for illustration that Sarah the bride had a degree in Finance and another degree in nursing.

The crowd was a mix of family, friends, coworkers and members of the ethnic church where the couple served and met. A toast to the couple hinted that this all began when the Liberian groom served in the parking ministry of the church and helped Sarah find parking before service. After that she was regularly needing parking assistance from one volunteer in particular...

Her marriage to a Liberian is especially intriguing. Her late husband had served

The bride and groom departing the ceremony

in Liberia during a military Peace keeping mission to bring stability back to the wartorn country. The US supported that mission in view of its historical ties to Liberia founded by freed African American slaves. However the US relied on officers from Nigeria to be the boots on the ground in their place.

I met him in 2014. He had just finished a tour of duty fighting the terrorists in their north central hub. You could tell right away he was a consummate warrior - a soldier’s soldier. He had served in many peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone amongst others in his 25 military career. He had spent most of his life in the army having joined as a teen.

At his command, he barely slept, keeping ahead of the terrorists at their game of war.

He inculcated friendships with the community using community policing as his key counterinsurgency strategy. This way he suppressed attacks before they happened.

There was calm and tranquility during his three year duty tour.

As I shared about our work helping victims, unknown to me this officer and gentleman who was on a break to visit his family in the US, was in the audience.

Even though he had himself sacrificed much including his family for the sake of the people, he still donated to our project.

His wife told me how when she’d visit him in Nigeria, sometimes she’d see pockmarks on his bulletproof vest. When she asked what happened, he’d remain silent...

On Christmas the following year, I met her again.

Months before, she’d gotten an abrupt 4-word call from his batman. “Madam, Oga (boss) is dead.” It was the shortest most devastating phone call imaginable.

Mysteriously, only he died that day in the defense of the city of Maiduguri which came under a second attack in a week from Boko Haram terrorists. How they broke

through his helmet, vest and protective gear is a puzzle but the bottom line is that they scored a major victory in taking out this Lt Colonel who had frustrated numerous attacks over the years.

His widow looked at me and said, wistfully, “I told him to join me in the US and leave the army. “ She says if he had been here, those wounds were recoverable - she sees far more trauma cases. She is a nurse, you see.

But the nightmare of widowhood is far worse than you’d expect. Widows continue to be deprived matrimonial property under ignominious disinheritance practices in Nigeria. Then there are demands to engage in burial rituals that can be unwholesome.

Worse still, is getting the government to process death benefits for the families of heroes who died in service of their fatherland.

She had to work on Christmas Day and couldn’t find childcare for her kids.

If only he were here...if only he’d agreed to come to America! He sacrificed too much, she said. The army was his life and the army was his death. But the army appreciated him only in life and not in death when he could no longer be used.

Even in his final battle when he radioed for back up from a borrowed radio because his wasn’t working, no reinforcements came...

I told her that in every generation, there are people who must sacrifice more than most for the good of all. Someone has to do it for our common humanity. Many go through life oblivious of the sacrifices these heroes make on our behalves.

I tried to encourage her that there are countless people alive today because of her husband’s efforts. A lot of what we do on earth will ultimately be measured in eternity and that’s what counts the most.

As I tucked her kids into their car seats, I said to myself, this is what he would have been doing if he was home for Christmas.

The families of our servicemen and women

Photo credit: US Nigeria Law Group

make sacrifices just as though they themselves are in the battlefield. In fact they worry more from not knowing...

She didn’t get to have his body for burial.

The army kept it for speedy burial in the north where he was killed - not his hometown in southern Nigeria.

She didn’t get his wedding ring back, nor the matching gold chain which he had purchased for them both.

She has no souvenir left of him but the boy and girl who are too young to understand that dad traveled to Nigeria for work and isn’t home for Christmas and is never coming back...

I have brought more victims of Boko Haram to the US than anyone. I am in touch with many survivors. Seeing this American woman married to a Nigerian officer suddenly have her life turned upside down was a new experience for me but it brought it real close to home. I know of no other widow of the Boko Haram insurgency in the US. Her late husband, a Lt. Col was killed in combat (KIA) by Boko Haram in February 2015 almost three years before Sarah remarried. Sadly his death benefits and life insurance as well as scholarships for their two children have not been paid years later by the government of Nigeria and its contractual parties. I offered to serve as her pro bono lawyer to obtain the death benefits but the bureaucratic bottleneck is such that I was limited in what legal options to employ.

I have seldom felt so helpless!

Thinking back on her wedding song, “God sent you to love and comfort me,” that is the true redeeming grace in what would otherwise have been a heartbreaking story.

Seeing this American woman marrying again and rebooting her life was an emotional experience for me. When governments fail, God doesn’t. Hope is indeed the heart’s great quest and love it’s healing balm. I admit it, I teared up during the wedding - overwhelmed by God’s solution to this situation.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Senate unlikely to veto Buhari on Peace Corps Bill Olufemi Samuel and Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

possibility that President Muhammad Buhari may have the withholding of his assent to the Nigeria Peace Corps Bill overturned by the Senate may have hit a brick wall.

This was evident as the Senate on Wednesday at the plenary failed to take decisive step on a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) on the need to have the Peace Corps established.

He said that since the President communicated to the senate that he will not sign the Bill because of lack of funds to sponsor the agency, in addition to the fact that the agency will be a duplication of the duties of the existing agencies like the Civil Defense, police, among others, the senate should meet with him to impress on him to sign the Bill.

He pointed out that since President withdrew his assent to the Bill, thousands of his constituents had called him to express displeasure, adding that they had requested that the senate should expeditiously treat the Bill and give it a preferential treatment.

To this end, he appealed to the sentiment of the senators on the need to invoke the powers conferred on them by their constituents whom they represent, to veto President Mohammadu Buhari, if he failed to reason with the senate, reverse his decision and sign the Bill.

He said the Bill is the only legacy the government can bequeath the youths, adding that the government of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in its sixteen years in power, borrowed six trillion naira, but the All Progressives Congress (APC), in its less three years in office, had borrowed eleven trillion naira, yet none of the money borrowed is going into empowering the youths.

However, the senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the ple-

nary, obviously ignored the matter, but just called on the Leader of the Senate to introduce the next item on the agenda of the senate order paper for consideration.

Recall that President Buhari had withdrawn his assent to the National Peace Corps Bill which was passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to him late last year, citing lack of funds to fund the agency, which he also said is a duplication of the responsibility of the functions of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

During the final passage of the Bill, the Chairman, Committee on Interior, Senator Bayero Nafada (APC, Gombe) who sponsored the Bill, said “The organisation will be of great benefit to the Nigerian youths (because) in response to increasing complexity of the factors responsible for insecurity and the method by which peace and security is being undermined in Nigeria, there is need to develop comprehensive, multi-sectoral, multistakeholders and inclusive approaches in order to stem these threats.”

The committee also recommended that the Nigerian Peace Corps and the National Unity and Peace Corps should be merged since both formations appear the same.

The Senate had at its sitting on Thursday, March 10, 2016 debated on the general principles of the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, 2016 (SB.173) sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume and the National Unity and Peace Corps Bill, 2016 (SB.183) sponsored by Senator Binta Garba Masi and referred it to the committee for further legislative action.

The Commandant General of the Nigerian Peace Corps, had claimed that the agency among others, seeks to empower, develop and provide gainful employment for the youths, to facilitate Peace, Volunteerism, Community Services, Neighbourhood Watch and Nation-building.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Honourable Seriake Dickson (left) presenting a special souvenir to the United States Consul General, Lagos, Ambassador John Bray (right) during a visit at Government House, Yenagoa to herald the US Envoy’s investment/tourism exploratory visit to Bayelsa State.

Soft skills, key to enhancing business performance, reducing unemployment - Expert Ladesope Ladelokun

ÏÏÏHuman

Capital Development expert and promoter of Fifth Alternative, Mr. Olufemi Ibitoye, has charged young Nigerians and entrepreneurs to embrace soft skills. Ibitoye says in today’s highly competitive market, soft skills can successfully cover up for weaknesses on the hard skills.

The Promoter of Fifth Alternative made this known at a workshop organized by the group with the aim of enhancing business performance, increasing personal competence and organizational effectiveness at the Rome Business School in Lagos recently, adding that 80% of success in life comes from soft skills.

According to Ibitoye, re-

search has shown that 77% of employers believe soft skills are just as important as hard skills.

He, however, called for entrepreneurs, students and every young person to embrace basic soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, presentation and public speaking skills, time management and other relevant skills to make a success of their crafts.

Commenting on why job interview candidates are rejected, human resources expert, Mayowa Ojo, says lack of proper etiquette, poor communication skill, poor understanding of the organization, poor qualification, lack of technical ability and other reasons account for 24%,25%, 10%, 14%,19% and 8% respectively of why job seekers

don’t get hired after job interviews.

However, a participant, Hauwa Onifade, harped on the need for everyone to embrace soft skills in a world where Artificial Intelligence is believed in certain quarters to be capable of taking away millions of jobs soon .The Actuarial Scientist and Chef argued that, soft skills can provide what machines and software cannot give. “ Times are changing, organizations are expanding rapidly yet getting smaller size, technological development is advancing and it’s gradually taking over the “manpower’’ as a factor of production, which in times past used to be very important because of their hard skills(technical skills).

However, the few people needed in an organization

need to have something a software or machine will never provide adequately.

Thus soft skills. I will like to reemphasise it’s importance and implore everyone to develop theirs.”

Expressing the resolve of the Rome Business School to help Nigerian youths become world class managers in the business world, the country correspondent, Nigeria, Dr. Humphrey Akanaz, told The Daily Times at the workshop that the school would continue to support initiatives that would aid Human Capital Development.

Akanazu says the school offers the best services and its fees are very affordable, noting that the Rome Business School (Nigeria) is the only business school in Nigeria with ISO certification.

Chinese arrested with Pangolin scales valued over N1.732bn Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏA

Chinese National Mr.LiChapman has been arrested for his alleged possession of 329 sacks of Pangolin scales weighing 8,492kg with a Duty Paid Value(DPV) of over N1. 732 Billion.

The suspect was allegedly arrested by men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A based on intelligence.

According to the Controller of the Zone, Comptroller Mohammed Uba who paraded the suspect on Wednesday at the headquarters in Ikeja, the Chinese was arrested and the endangered species intercepted at hideout in No. 64 Opebi Road, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja.

He said, “on Monday 5th March 2018 at about 4pm the Warehouse Operations Team led by Assistant Comptroller Mutalib Sule while on credible intelligence again searched an apartment at Opebi Road in Ikeja, Lagos and evacuated the Following after physical examination 329 sacks of Pangolin scales weighing 8,492kg were discovered.

“Mr. LiChaomin, a Chinese national has been apprehended in connection to this seizure, making it two Chinese Nationals in a roll in relations to goods banned for export. “ Recall that in the month of February also we evacuated 55 sacks of the same pangolin and 218 pieces of elephant tusks, which were

all, handed over to NESREA.” Lamenting this ugly business trend as perpetrated by foreigners, Uba said the Convention of International Trade in Endangered species (CITES 1973) entails that Customs Administration all over the world protects wild life by intercepting illegal trade on such animals. “ As you are aware, Pangolins are the only known mammals that have large and protective keratin scales covering their skin. After a surge in poaching across Asia, the international illegal wildlife trade is now also a growing threat to African pangolin species. These scales were sourced from other African countries to be trafficked, “ he said.

The Controller maintained that it tragic that the demand for the body parts of Pangolin in the illegal wildlife trade has suddenly escalated.

He said such act would lead to the extinction of the animals and that it was in this light that the World Pangolin Day was set side globally to talk about pangolins and to help spread awareness about one of the world’s most vulnerable but least-known species.

Uba reiterated “For the avoidance of doubt, our action is in-line with the provisions of Sections 147 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap 45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (power to search premises).

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

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Formerly known and addressed as ALABI REBECCA, now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI ABOFUME REBECCA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OYEDELE MARIAM YETUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as IRIVBOGBE MARIAM YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALAO BUKOLA ZAINAB, now wish to be known and addressed as BADMUS ALAO BUKOLA ZAINAB. All former documents remain valid. Authority Concerned and General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ORUMAH OGHENERUEMU, now wish to be known and addressed as OGHENERUEMU ORUMAH IJESA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NGOZI ONWENUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABOLORE AZEEZ BELLO, now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ BELLO BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHUKWUKA PERPETUAL ODINAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as Alehenu Silas Junior now wish to be known and addressed as ALECHENU ADAH SILAS. All former document bearing my former name remain valid and the general public please take note.

OGBU PATIENCE

KUKOYI DAMILOLA KABIRU is the same person as KUKOYI DAMILOLA TANIMOLA. That I now wish to be known and addressed as KUKOYI DAMILOLA KABIRU. That I was born on the 9th of August, 1983. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TABANSI PERPETUAL ODINAKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHUKWUKA PERPETUAL ODINAKA. All former documents remain valid.

Authority Concerned and OGHENERUEMU ORUMAH IJESA

Change of Names 21

RUTH SAMUEL I, formerly known and addressed as TRACY CHRISTOPHER, now wish to be known and addressed as RUTH SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. Authority Concerned and General public should please take note.

ADEWALE ADEDEJI MOLADE OLUWASEYI I, formerly known and addressed as ADEDEJI MOLADE OLUWASEYI, Now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWALE ADEDEJI MOLADE OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

CHIDI CHRISTIAN AHUNACHI I, formerly known and addressed as CHIDIEBERE CHRISTIAN AHUNACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDI CHRISTIAN AHUNACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS MERCY EBERE OGUH I Formerly Known and Addressed as Miss Mercy Ebere Ukaegbu now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Mercy Ebere Oguh. All Documents and names remain valid.Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

OLOYEDE ADEREMILEKUN TEJUMADE Formerly known and addressed as ONITIRI ADEREMILEKUN TEJUMADE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLOYEDE ADEREMILEKUN TEJUMADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AJE OLASUNMBO OLUSOLA

Formerly known and addressed as LALEYE OLASUNMBO OLUSOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AJE OLASUNMBO OLUSOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNBAYO OLUWATOBI AYOMIKUNLE Formerly known and addressed as OGUNBAYO OLUWATOBI OLAKUNKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNBAYO OLUWATOBI AYOMIKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME: This is to certify that Zaccheaus Michael and Zaccheus Olutayo Michael refers as one and the same person. But now wish to be known and addressed as Zaccheus Olutayo Michael. All former documents remain valid.

General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

FAMILY CHANGE OF SURNAME

We formerly known and addressed as 1. SAMUEL AKINOLA DADA 2. OLUWASEUN FEMI DADA 3. DAMILOLA DORCAS DADA 4. ABIOLA ASAKE DADA 5. AYOOLA ABAKE DADA 6. OLUWATUNMININU AKINOLA DADA 7. SHARON ANJOLAOLUWA DADA now wish to be known and addressed as 1. SAMUEL AKINOLA DAVID 2. OLUWASEUN FEMI DAVID 3. DAMILOLA DORCAS DAVID 4. ABIOLA ASAKE DAVID 5. AYOOLA ABAKE DAVID 6. OLUWATUNMININU AKINOLA DAVID 7. SHARON ANJOLAOLUWA DAVID. All documents bearing our former names remain valid. Authority Concerned and General public should please take note.

SUPPORT THE GREYHAIRED FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEGBITE OLUWATOYIN BOLA - CHAIRMAN 2. OJODU CHUKWUWUBA - VICE-CHAIRMAN 3. APEJOYE SMART OLUWOLE - TREASURER 4. ADEFILA OLAJIDE ADEWUYI - CORPORATE SECRETARY 5. ADUNBARIN THEOPHLIOUS - FINANCIAL SECRETARY AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. Providing quality care and enriching interaction among the elderly ones.

2. Catering and solving minor issues for elderly ones with financial incapability 3. Regularly monitoring their health status.

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

Signed: ADEBIMPE V. ADEBOMI No 13 Olisa Street, New Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria Tel: 0807600301, 08149735735.

OBIWULU PASCAL CHIBUEZE

I, OBIWULU PASCAL CHIBUEZE, certify that my correct date of birth is 2nd day of January 1998. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ADEOBA ADENIKE ABOSEDE I, formerly known and addressed as AYEPOLA ADENIKE ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOBA ADENIKE ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEKWUO OGOCHUKWU IFEOMA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAFOR OGOCHUKWU IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONYEKWUO OGOCHUKWU IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was wrongly written as NJOKU BEN IFEANYI instead of NJOKU BENEDICT IFEANYICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Change of names 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

NOTICE OF TRANSFER OF PRODUCT THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT GRACE $ ROYIENT VENTURES WHOSE REGISTRATION NUMBER WITH CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION IS BN:226O495 HAS TRANSFERRED ITS PRODUCT :ROYIENT PREMIUM SCHNAPPS TO DEVINE LTD (RC : 1304132 ) . CUSTOMERS OF GRACE & ROYIENT VENTURES SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE AND ENSURE THAT FURTHER BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT WIHT THE RECEIVING COMPANY .

SIGNED : SECRETARY , FOR: DEVINE SOURCES INTEGRATED VENTURES LTD

GEMPAL MISSION

(Trustees)

ORIENTATION POWER MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has Applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990, THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. JOSEPH OLAWALE OLAWUYI 2. SUNDAY ADEILE OLAWUYI 3. BLESSING CHIOMA OLAWUYI 4. ANTHONIA ORUEBO 5. CHUKWUKAMADU PRINCEWILL CHUKWUEMEKE AIMS AND ORJECTIVES To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any ohligation to this registration should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 42) tigris Crescent. Maitama Disict. Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed BARR. OBI AGULANNA

TEACHER WITHOUT BLEMISH FOUNDATION This is to inform the General public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES 1.Fayoriju Safurat Titilayo 2.Fayoriju Abiola Abimbola 3.Fayoriju Olajide Tunde 4.Ogedengbe Iyabowale Omodunbi

5.Teniola Olu Antony 6.Faborode Samuel Kayode 7.Abifarin Oyetunde Adebiyi

AIM AND OBJECTIVE. 1. Connect Teachers with their professional colleaques all over the world.

2.Brings the latest discovery and development in education to the grassroots.

3. Constantly increasing the awareness of teachers toward economic. cuItural and social opportunities. 4. Build Teachers self- esteem in and out of the classroom through worlds class training programs.

Any objection to the registration should be directed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Matiama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of the publication SIGN SECRETARY

INITIATIVE FOR GOOD HEALTH IN NIGERIA

IZZI NWANNE DI-NA-MBA INTEGRATED UNION (INDNMIU)

This is to inform the General public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.wishes to apply for Change of Trustees

This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. Olapade Adeyemi Tokun.

2. Adeniyi Victor Oladapo.

3. Akinyemi Oluwatofunmi Temiloluwa.

4. Ajibade Solomon Adeyemi.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KEMI OSINUSI 2. DR ANTHONY EDOZIEN

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UGURU AUGUSTINE 2. MBAM DOMINIC 3. IGBOKE CHUKWUMA 4. UGURU OBINNA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world.

2. To carry out community service projects in the society.

3. To Establish Churches.

4. To do all that is incidental to its aims and objectives.

Any objection to the registration should be directed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Matiama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of the publication

NEW TRUSTEES ARE 1. OBIEFUNE MICHAEL CHIBUZO 2. OKEKE CHUKWUEMEKA CLAUDIUS AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1) Aims and objective remain the same.

AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1. To promote peace, unity and Love that make us to stand as one in the time or Difficulties, Trials and Tribulations.

2.To project the good image of members and Regulations in local governments.

3. To protect the interest and welfare of its members and the society in general.

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

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

BLESSED HERALD GLOBAL EVANGELISM OUTREACH This is to inform the General public that the above named MINISTRY has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Akerele Samuel Olatunji 2. Kareem Ojo Gabriel.

3. Shobiyi Olusiji Pius 4. Fajegbesi Emmanuel Omotunde THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) Evangelisation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(2) Advancement of welfare of members Any objection to the registration should be directed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Matiama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of the publication.

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY MRS AYENI OMOTAYO OLABISI

MRS OKEDAIRO ABOSEDE ALICE

FORMERLY MISS MENE OMOTAYO OLABISI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AYENI OMOTAYO OLABISI. ALL FORMER DOCUMNTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MENE ABOSEDE ALICE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OKEDAIRO ABOSEDE ALICE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

ALABI HABEEB OLAYEMI

BUKOLA TOPE KEHINDE

I formerly known and addressed as ABEEB EMMANUEL OKWON now wish to be known and addressed as ALABI HABEEB OLAYEMI . I was born on 08/08/1996.

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

I formerly known and addressed as TOPE BUKOLA OLADOKUN now wish to be known and addressed as BUKOLA TOPE KEHINDE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ISIOMA UDUJE OBENWA

ELIZABETH WOIBA DOMINICAJIBULU

I formerly known and addressed as ISIOMA UDUJE now wish to be known and addressed as ISIOMA UDUJE OBENWA . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH WOIBA AJUWA now wish to be known and addressed as ELIZABETH WOIBA DOMINIC-AJIBULU . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

MRS VICTORIA IYABO MANUEL-ONI

ESTHER ABIODUN AKINSOLA

I formerly known and addressed as MRS VICTORIA IYABO OKEOGUNGBAIGBE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS VICTORIA IYABO MANUEL-ONI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ESTHER ABIODUN WAHAB now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER ABIODUN AKINSOLA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

Signed SECRETARY

Signed SECRETARY

SIGN SECRETARY

ORABUCHE CHINEDU JOHN I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN CHINEDU now wish to be known and addressed as ORABUCHE CHINEDU JOHN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

SONEYE OMOTAYO OMOWUNMI

Formerly known and addressed as Adegbola Omotayo Mustapha. Now wish to be known and addressed as Soneye Omotayo Omowunmi.

Born 29th July, 1982.Former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

MRS. FADARE OLUWAKEMI OLAYINKA

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundele Kemi Olayinka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fadare Oluwakemi Olayinka.

All former documents remain valid general public take note.

ANYIAM JOY CHINENYE

IBE PETER CHUKWUDI

I, formerly known and addressed as IJIWADE ADERANTI TEMITAYO now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBOGUN ADERANTI TEMITAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS FASANU MOPELOLA DEBORAH

MRS. DENNIS TREASURE CHINAECHEREM I, formerly known and addresses as MISS ANASI MARIA CHINAECHEREM now wish to be known and addresses as MRS. DENNIS TREASURE CHINAECHEREM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AGBOLA TITILAYO RACHEAL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AINA TITILAYO RACHEAL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

ONAJE HENRY STEPHEN

MRS. ALAGBE MODUPE MOROUNMUBO

I, formerly known and addresses as NWADIOHANMA PETER IBE now wish to be known and addresses as IBE PETER CHUKWUDI. And my correct date of is 15/09/1983.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss OYEDOKUN MOPELOLA DEBORAH Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs FASANU MOPELOLA DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Onaje Henry now which to be known and addressed as Onaje Henry Stephen. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

ABDULRAHEEM ATINUKE AISHAH

I formerly known and addressed as AKANDE AISHAH ATINUKE now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRAHEEM ATINUKE AISHAH . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

OBATADE YEMISI ADEDOYIN I formerly known and addressed as OGUNDELE YEMISI OLAWUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as OBATADE YEMISI ADEDOYIN . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

MRS JULIET SEWEDO OSIMOSU

IKERE ELIZABETH THOMAS

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the names PRICILLA NGOZI ONYEJEKWE and PRISCILLA NGOZI EJIMOFOR refers to one and the same person now wish to be known and addresses as PRISCILLA NGOZI ONYEJEKWE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OSUALA JOY CHINENYE now wish to be known and addressed as ANYIAM JOY CHINENYE . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGBE IKERE ELIZABETH now wish to be known and addressed as IKERE ELIZABETH THOMAS .

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

ADEBOGUN ADERANTI TEMITAYO

I formerly known and addressed as MS JULIET SEWEDO AKANDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JULIET SEWEDO OSIMOSU .

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

SANUSI AZEEZ OLUSEGUN

I formerly known and addressed as SANUSI AZEEZ now wish to be known and addressed as SANUSI AZEEZ OLUSEGUN . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OBAFEMI MODUPE MOROUNMUBO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALAGBE MODUPE MOROUNMUBO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BROWN ADEWALE SUNDAY I formerly known and addressed as BROWN ADEWALE ADE now wish to be known and addressed as BROWN ADEWALE SUNDAY .

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

OROKE SABASTINE EKENE I formerly known and addressed as ONWE EKENE SABASTINE now wish to be known and addressed as OROKE SABASTINE EKENE .

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

MRS AINA TITILAYO RACHEAL

AGBOR JOSEPH ADOGA I, formerly known and addressed as AWOKA JOSEPH ADOGA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOR JOSEPH ADOGA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TEMITOPE MARY MAIYE EFFIONG

I formerly known and addressed as OLORUNMAIYE TEMITOPE MARY now wish to be known and addressed as TEMITOPE MARY MAIYE EFFIONG . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

EZENWAOBACHILI EMMANUEL CHIDI

I formerly known and addressed as EZECHUKWU EMMANUEL CHIDIEBERE now wish to be known and addressed as EZENWAOBACHILI EMMANUEL CHIDI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

MUDATHIR OLANIYI KAREEM

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as EWA WISDOM UCHEONYEADI ANJO instead of EWA-WISDOM UCHEONYEADI ANJO. My correct name is EWA-WISDOM UCHEONYEADI ANJO. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MUDATHIR OLANIYI ABUDUKAREEM now wish to be known and addressed as MUDATHIR OLANIYI KAREEM. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

MOROLAKE OYINLOLA AJIMISINMI-IHENYEN

I formerly known and addressed as MOROLAKE OYINLOLA AJIMISINMI now wish to be known and addressed as MOROLAKE OYINLOLA AJIMISINMIIHENYEN. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

ABEL RACHEAL OKEMENA

I formerly known and addressed as ABEL RACHEAL EFEZINO now wish to be known and addressed as ABEL RACHEAL OKEMENA. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

OLAREWAJU HAMMED ABIODUN

I formerly known and addressed as ABIODUN HAMMED OLAITAN and HAMMED ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as OLAREWAJU HAMMED ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

ADAMU ALIEU

I formerly known and addressed as AKHILE MATHIAS ODIA MONDAY now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU ALIEU. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS UZOAMAKA NTUPUANYA ESIMNEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UZOAMAKA NTUPUANYA OKOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHUKWU SUNNY NWAOSULOR I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU SUNNY ICHA, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU SUNNY NWAOSULOR . my correct date of birth is 25th July 1988. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS JOHNSON AWARI MARTINS

AMADI GERALDINE ONYINYECHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as AWARI MARTINS JOHNSON now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOHNSON AWARI MARTINS .

All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AMADI IJEOMA. now wish to be known and addressed as AMADI GERALDINE ONYINYECHUKWU. My correct date of birth is 2/01/1990. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note..

MRS AGU LOVETH CHIEMERIE

MRS EGWUONWU FLORENCE OKWUCHUKWU

MRS UZOAMAKA NTUPUANYA OKOYE

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

NOAH MUHAMMED OMALE

I, formerly known and addressed as NUWA MUHAMMED OMALE, now wish to be known and addressed as NOAH MUHAMMED OMALE. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

AGBAPUNONWU JIDEOFOR KINGSLEY I, formerly known and addressed as AGBAPUNOWU JIDEOFOR SESSY, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBAPUNONWU JIDEOFOR KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS OKOSI ANTHONIA NDIDI

I formerly known and addressed as ILEBIYI ABIODUN AYODELE and ABIODUN AYODELE now wish to be known and addressed as ILEBIYI ABIODUN SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written in my BVN as IDRIS SALEWA ANIKE, instead of IDRIS MUYIBAT SALEWA. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

MODUPEOLUWA SARAH ODUROYE I formerly known and addressed MODUPEOLUWA SARAH AKINWANDE now wish to be known and addressed as MODUPEOLUWA SARAH ODUROYE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note ONYEKE BIBIAN NWAKAEGO I, formerly known and addressed as AGBO BIBIAN NWAKAEGO now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKE BIBIAN NWAKAEGO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS AJOKU ANNET ADAOBI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGBENE ANNET ADAOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJOKU ANNET ADAOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS CHIAHA EBERE RITA

MRS BENEDITA ANEKWE I, formerly known and addressed as JULIET CHIKWEM, BENEDITA OTAKA and JULIET ANEKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BENEDITA ANEKWE. All former documents remain valid.

NIPOST and General public should please take note.

CHUKWUANI JAMES NSUDE

I, formerly known and addressed as MATHEW SAMARI, now wish to be known and addressed as MATHEW MANUCHIM. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

NWANKWO UCHECHUKWU CHRISTIANA

I, formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO UCHE FREDOM, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO UCHECHUKWU CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

BADMUS OLUWANISOLA OSEAYO I formerly known and addressed as ALADE OLUWANISOLA OSEAYO now wish to be known and addressed as BADMUS OLUWANISOLA OSEAYO. All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

ODEY-OKO JUDITH CHINWENDU I former known and addressed as IFEDIGBO JUDITH CHINWENDU now wish to be known and addressed as ODEYOKO JUDITH CHINWENDU. All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Odetola Emily Olatorera now wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU EMILY OLATORERA. All other document remain valid,general public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/ CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOYE EBERE RITA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIAHA EBERE RITA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC,BANKS and General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKAKA ANTHONIA NDIDI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOSI ANTHONIA NDIDI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEPOJU EMILY OLATORERA

ILEBIYI ABIODUN SAMUEL

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS SAMUEL FLORENCE OKWUCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EGWUONWU FLORENCE OKWUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MATHEW MANUCHIM

AFOLARANMI OLUWAKEMI AYELUME

I Formerly known and addressed as OkOYOMOH OLUWAKEMI AYELUME now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLARANMI OLUWAKEMI AYELUME. all former documents remain valid. general public should please note.

Change of Names 23

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU JAMES NSUDE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUANI JAMES NSUDE . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UGWU ELEJE CHIDINMA

I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU CHIDINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU ELEJE CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS ONAH CHINENYE EUCHARIA

RUFUS OLABODE OLUWAJARE

ONU AUGUSTINA I formerly known and addressed as MIKE TINA OGO now wish to be known and addressed as ONU AUGUSTINA. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

AYILARA ABOSEDE OLUWASEYI

ARIGBABUWO ADEPEJU GANIYAT

I formerly known and addressed as BAKARE ADEPEJU GANIYAT now wish to be known and addressed as ARIGBABUWO ADEPEJU GANIYAT. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

KERUVWE THERESA ONOS

I formerly known and addressed as KADRI OLABODE RUFUS now wish to be known and addressed as RUFUS OLABODE OLUWAJARE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ayilara Oduntan Oluwaseyi. Now wish to be known and addressed as Ayilara Abosede Oluwaseyi.

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

I Formerly known and addressed as Keruvwe Tessy Now wish to be known and addressed as Keruvwe Theresa Onos. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

MRS CHIMEZIE JENNIFER ONYINYECHI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MBEZE JENNIFER ONYINYECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIMEZIE JENNIFER ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS EJIKE CHRISTIANA ONYINYE

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

MRS OZOR THERESA OLUCHI

CHETAEZE BLESSING NDIDIAMAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNADI THERESA OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OZOR THERESA OLUCHI . All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS EMMANUEL UCHENNA FAVOUR

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OSUJI CHRISTIANA ONYINYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EJIKE CHRISTIANA ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHITEZE BLESSING NDIDI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHETAEZE BLESSING NDIDIAMAKA. But my voter’s card I.D was wrongly written ‘’NDIDAM’’ All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

MRS NWANKWO CHIZOBA CHRISTIANA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU UCHENNA FAVOUR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMMANUEL UCHENNA FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

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

NWUBA CHIOMA ONYINYE

NWAOGWUGWU CHRISTIANA CHIZOBA

MRS ODO MARIA NGOZI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEAGU MARIA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODO MARIA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OKORO JOSEPH NNABUIKE I, formerly known and addressed as ABBAH JOSEPH NNABUIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO JOSEPH NNABUIKE. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

OSUJI LEWECHI DORATHY I, formerly known and addressed as ORJIAKO LEWECHI DORATHY, now wish to be known and addressed as OSUJI LEWECHI DORATHY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWUBA CHIOMA TREASURE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWUBA CHIOMA ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as RICHARD CHRISTIANA CHIZOBA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAOGWUGWU CHRISTIANA CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

MRS YVONNE OTIDI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS YVONNE SYLVESTER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YVONNE OTIDI. All former documents remain valid.

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AGUGUOM OZIOMA IMMACULATE I, formerly known and addressed as OZIOMA IMMACULET AGUGUOM, now wish to be known and addressed as AGUGUOM OZIOMA IMMACULATE. My correct date of birth is 18th June 1995. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME

XXXX

IWUANYA CHISOM JUNIOR I, formerly known and addressed as STANISLAUS CHISOM, now wish to be known and addressed as IWUANYA CHISOM JUNIOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUNWEZE CHINENYE EUCHARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONAH CHINENYE EUCHARIA. All former documents remain valid.

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This is to certify and confirm that GABERILL IZUCHUKWU GODSWILL, GABRIEL IZUCHUKWU GODSWILL, UKOR IZUCHUKWU GODSWILL and CHIMEZIE IZUCHUKWU GODSWILL refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed asCHIMEZIE IZUCHUKWU GODSWILL. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as AGADA MOSES IKUM, that I now wish to add OKOYO to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as AGADA MOSES IKUM OKOYO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take notes.

I formerly known and addressed as AGIDI OLUWAKEMI ITUNU now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDELE OLUWAKEMI ITUNU. all former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

MBAGWU RACHAEL CHINONSO

MATTHEW OLAREWAJU SAMUEL

ONIFADE KEHINDE OLAYINKA

OBASI-OLORUNSHOLA NKECHI UBI

I formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL LANRE now wish to be known and addressed as MATTHEW OLAREWAJU SAMUEL.all former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I former known and addressed as NKEMDILIM KEHINDE OLAYINKA now wish to be known and addressed as ONIFADE KEHINDE OLAYINKA. all former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBASI NKECHI UBI now wish to be known and addressed as OBASI-OLORUNSHOLA NKECHI UBI.all former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

KOKUMO MUSTAPHA ADENADA

UMEJI JUDE CHUKWUJEKWU

I formerly known and addressed as Kokumo Mustapha Ademola now wish to be known and addressed as Kokumo Mustapha Adenada. all former documents remain valid,general public should please take note.

IBRAHIM OLUWATOYIN FEHINTOLA

I Formerly known and addressed as Jude Joseph Chukwujekwu now wish to known and addressed as Umeji Jude Chukwujekwu. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

MRS OREAJE OLUFUNMILAYO COMFORT

I formerly known and addressed as EZIRIM RACHAEL CHINONSO now wish to be known and addressed as MBAGWU RACHAEL CHINONSO.all former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AMED OLUFUNMILAYO COMFORT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OREAJE OLUFUNMILAYO COMFORT. all former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ibrahim Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Ibrahim Oluwatoyin Fehintola.

All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

24 Change of names GODSLOVE INITIATIVE FOR HUMAN AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: (1) NLEWADIM ANTHONY AJUZIEOGU. (2) NLEWADIM GODSLOVE. (3) NLEWADIM FAVOUR. AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO FOSTER THE WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

ASSOCIATION OF HOUSEKEEPERS AND HOUSEMAIDS RECRUITERS OF NIGERIA THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. ELIZERBET OMOLOLU AFOLABI SHOLABOMI- PRESIDENT 2. ABDULSALAM ADESHOLA- TREASURER 3. AHMED KEHINDE- VICE PRESIDENT 4. EMEKA DANIEL NWACHUKWU ( SECRETARY) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF HOUSEKEEPERS AND HOUSEMAIDS RECRUITERS IN SOCIETY. 2. TO HELP TO RECRUIT HOUSEKEEPERS AND HOUSEMAIDS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN NIGERIA AND ABROAD. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOVELY THRONE OF CHRIST MISSIONARY

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

SUFFICIENT GRACE WORLD ASSEMBLY THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR SOLOMON ONYEMAECHI 2. EMMANUEL OSAMOR AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

TAIYELOLU HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. OLUSANYA, NASIRU OLAWALE 2. OLUSANYA, JANET OLUWATOYIN 3. WAHAB, SHAMSIDEEN ABIODUN AIM AND OBJECTIVE: BUILDING LEADERSHIP THROUGH TRANSFORMING LIVES

BY PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED, THEREBY IMPACTING SOCIETY FOR POSITIVE CHANGE. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED :SECRETARY

ORGANIZATION OF EDUCATION CONSULTANTS AND PRIVATE SCHOOL PROPRIETORS

THE LIVING GOD MISSION REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP INT’L.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: (1) UZOCHUKWU NWANONYUO (2) DR. CHINYERE MBOGU (3) APOSTLE SUCCESS AKAWOR

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. GODSWILL CHINEDU OSUAGWU-CHAIRMAN. 2. UWAKWE GLORY CHINATU-SECRETARY. 3. GBUFOR OKECHUKWU CHRISTOPHER. AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED ROSE CHAMBERS 08036192114

CAPSTONE INT’L CHURCH

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

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

TRUSTEES: 1. MR. JOHN WILLIAMS- CHAIRMAN 2. MR. OSOKPOR CEDRICKS AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO ACT AS THE APEX BODY TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP, DIRECTION AND CONTROL FOR ALL PRIVATE SECTOR OF THE SELF-EMPLOYED, SMALL& MEDIUM BUSINESS OWNERS AND INDEPENDENT TRADERS AND ALLIED SERVICES ASSOCIATIONS IN NIGERIA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. FAVOUR ASHIDIKE .

2. ANASTECIA ASHIDIKE .

3. MOSES KALAGBOR 4. ASHIDIKE EMEKA WOKIRI 5. GEOFFREY IGWE .

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO TEACH AND PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO EVERY NATION, KINDRED, TONGUE AND PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD (REACHING THE UNREACHED THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST) 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: FAVOUR ASHIDIKE

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL HOUSE DOCUMENTS OF NO 11 HOUSE AE GONAR GANYE LAYOUT, TUKUR _TUKUR ZARIA, KADUNA STATE, BELONGING TO NASIRU SULEIMAN. SUSPECTED LOST AT CENTRAL AREA ABUJA, ON 14TH FEBRUARY 2018, ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THESE DOCUMENTS HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR CALL 08033703713.

BELLO ISTIFANUS GURAMA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

BETTER YOUTHS GROOMING AND EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

KYABI COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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

TRUSTEES: 1. PROF. ANDREW HARUNA -- CHAIRMAN 2. MRS AMINA BELLO ISTIFANUS 3. MR ALI BELLO 4. MR ISTIFANUS DANIEL BELLO -- SECRETARY 5. MR VICTOR IMIUHONMHON OTUBOR AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO CARTER FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.V SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

TRUSTEES:

LOSS OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS 1. ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENT WITH OLD FILE NO. MFCT/LA/ BA.1790 AND NEW FILE NO. BA 10500 OF PLOT NO. 1425 KATAMPE DISTRICT, CADASTRAL ZONE B07 DATED OF ISSUED 16/05/2003 BEARING BUBA MOHAMMAD OF BLOCK 17, FLAT 1, KARI-DOKWOGERI ROAD, F C T ABUJA, 2. OFFER OF TERMS OF GRANT/CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL, RE-CERTIFICATION AND RE-ISSUANCE OF C-OF -O ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER 3. BANK DEPOSIT SLIP, STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY BILLS DEMAND FOR GROUND RENT AND SATELLITE IMAGE GOT LOST AND WAS DULLY REPORTED TO POLICE STATION. ALL EFFORTS TO TRACE THE ABOVE MENTIONED DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

1. NWORGU MARK UBANI -PRESIDENT 2. JAMIL BELLO -’ VICE PRESIDENT 3. BRAIDE TAMUNO LMINABO - SECRETARY 4. CHIEF ENGR TONY ALIKE - TREASURER 5. PEACE PETER ENE - WELFARE 6. EMEST FRANK 7. REBECCA MIRA GOWON - WOMEN LEADER 8. BARR. EMMANUEL SAWYER - LEGAL ADVISER 9. MR. CHUKS EKPU AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE PEACE AND LEADERSHIP ROLE AMONG YOUTH ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

TRUSTEES: 1. HAJIYA MAIMUNA BIRMA UMAR 2. MRS GAYUS LIATU MASADU 3. MR ELISHA YAKUBU -- SECRETARY 4. MR BARAU HARUNA WAKILI 5. MR JOHN SHEHU GAR -- CHAIRMAN 6. MALLAM AMINU GARBA GAR 7. MR ALI BELLO 8. MR HARKANAS HARUNA AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO EMPOWER THE KYABI RURAL WOMEN AND YOUTHS THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

BABY’S HEART ORPHANAGE HOME

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

TRUSTEES : 1. BABATUNDE AJOBO. -{CHAIRMAN}.

2. LANIYAN KUNLE LANRE. -{SECRETARY}.

3. MAKANJUOLA AJIBIKE OMOSHOLAPE - {EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR}.

4. BAMODU BAGBENGA. - {LEGAL ADVISER}.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO CATER FOR THE LESS AND THE INDIGENT IN THE SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: LEGAL ADVISER

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

TRUSTEES: 1. MICHAEL NOAH - CHAIRMAN 2. ROSELINE NKEM NOAH 3. IKECHUKWU EDE TITUS - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO MAKE HEAVEN AT LAST 2. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN NIGERIA AND BEYOND 3. TO REACH OUT TO RURAL AREAS WITH THE SAVING GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Gov Obiano did not sack any appointee in Anambra’ Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta, has debunked media reports that claimed that Governor Willie Obiano has dissolved his cabinet, sacked his commissioners, aides and other political appointees.

The commissioner added that the false report arose for the misinterpretation by a section of the media over the contents

of leaked memo from the office to the Secretary to the State Government.

The memo was said to have directed all political appointees to prepare and submit their handover notes and accounts of stewardship on or before Friday, March 16, 2018.

Shedding new light on the issue, Nnachetta said, “ The tenure of all appointees including the Governor ends on Friday, March 16. The Governor will be sworn in for a

MRS. AUGUSTA OBIANUJU AMADIUME

MRS. OKAFOR NKIRU I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EZEANI NKIRU, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OKAFOR NKIRU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AUGUSTA OBIANUJU OBI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. AUGUSTA OBIANUJU AMADIUME. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

WAKE UP FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE

second term on Saturday, March 17. His Excellency may then chose to ap-

MRS .RAPHAEL GLORIA I formerly known and addressed as MISS .GLORIA ALEB,now wish to be known and addressed as MRS .RAPHAEL GLORIA. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

TAJUDEEN IDOWU ABUBAKAR

EZIKE JOHN NWUGURU

SIGNED: SECRETARY

I, formerly known, called and addressed as Donatus John Nwuguru now wish to be known, called and addressed as EZIKE JOHN NWUGURU. All other documents bearing my former names remain valid.

Banks & the general public should please take note.

MRS. ALABI ONAWUNREYI SANDRA

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AMUNE ONAWUNREYI JUMAT, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ALABI ONAWUNREYI SANDRA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note

AHMED TAIWO AJIBOLA Formerly Olosunde Jamiu Adekunle , now Ahmed Taiwo Ajibola. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss OF ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENTS belonging to MR.MATHEW CHUKWUDI EGBE, the bonafide owner of plot No 684 and 688 situated at premier layout, Extension, Enugu. All effort of trace the said document has proved abortive. If found please contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.

EDOZIE OSITA CHRISTIAN

AGHOGHO ANIDI

ANOKWU EBERE

I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABOSEDE BOSEDE BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLADEPO ABOSEDE KADIJAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWOSU OSITA CHRISTIAN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EDOZIE OSITA CHRISTIAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AGHOGHO IRIRUAGA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AGHOGHO ANIDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known and addressed as WUDILAWA USMAN now wish to be known and addressed as ANOKWU EBERE. All former document remains valid. Banks and general public take note.

EZE KINGDOM

LOSSO OF DOCUMENT

FALEYE AKAGBOSU ATANDA

I formerly known and addressed as FALEYE WAHEED ATANDA, now wish to be known and addressed as FALEYE AKAGBOSU ATANDA. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLADEPO ABOSEDE KADIJAT

I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OHAKA GODSPOWER NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS EZE KINGDOM AND MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 12TH AUGUST 1989 ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND BANKS TAKE NOTE

I formerly known and addressed as YUSUF MUINAT OMOWUNMI. Now wish to be known and addressed as MUMUNI MUINAT OMOWUNMI. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

IF FOUND PLEASE REPORT TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR CALL 08080791099

AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND CIVIL ENGAGEMENT AMONG YOUTHS. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. OLANIYI ODINA - CHAIRMAN 2. AYANTUNJI OLUBUNMI SAMUEL - SECRETARY 3. OLASUNKANMI CICERO - TREASURER 4. OLUMUYIWA AKINKUOLIE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE LEADERS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. 2. TO GIVE PROPER MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF EVENTS GOING ON IN POLITICS. 3. TO ORGANIZE DEBATES, OPINION POOLS, ON POLICIES OF GOVERNMENT. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

I formerly knnown annd addressed as AYINDE EMMANUEL , now wish to be knownn annd addressed as AJAYI EMMANUEL AYINDE Wrong Date of Birth-12/03/1965 . Correct Date of Birth-12/12/1965. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

MUMUNI MUINAT OMOWUNMI

ALL EFFORTS FTO TRACE IT AHAS PORVED ABORTIVE. WE URGE ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM PLACE CAVEAT ON ALL ELECTRONIC AND ANY OTHER MEANS.

I, formerly known and addressed as, YAMAH TAJUDEEN, now wish to be known and addressed as, TAJUDEEN IDOWU ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

GOOD LEADERSHIP PROMOTION NETWORK

AJAYI EMMANUEL AYINDE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLID OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF ASTATURORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY GRANTED TO CHERRYWOOD LIMITED KNOWN AS PL;LOT NO. 1428 WITH FILE NO. MISC 117322 LAND LOCATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE BO7 OF KATAMPE DISTICT ABUJA-FCT

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. UMAR HANYA LAOI SMITH 2. OLAYINKA MORUFAT NOLA

SIGNED: SECRETARY

point or reappoint whom he pleases. That is proper governance.

News 25

MRS AKIINBODE MODINAT ADENRELE

ABDUL--RASAQ ALHAMEEN OLAITAN

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AKIINBODE MODINAT AJOKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AKIINBODE MODINAT ADENRELE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADETOUN ALHAMEEN ENIOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABDUL-RASAQ ALHAMEEN OLAITAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

ADVERT SPACE FOR SALE MRS. OMAH FLORENCE NKECHINYERE I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ACHONU FLORENCE NKECHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OMAH FLORENCE NKECHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

This is to confirm that Eme Asukwo Edem and Promise Nkereuwem Iyang belong to one and same person. Now i wish to be known as Eme Asukwo Edem. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ALADE FUNMILOLA DEBORAH

ILUNWANO ANTHONIA MARY

Formerly ABIODUN FUNMILOLA DEBORAH NoW ALADE FUNMILOLA DEBORAH. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly REMILEKUN FAGBOHUN ..NoW ILUNWANO ANTHONIA MARY. Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

ADEPATE OLUWAYEMISI ADUKE

I, PETER IFEANYI EZE, wish to add, IFEANYI, to my name which was formerly, PETER EZE, in my bank account details. I now wish to be known and addressed as, PETER IFEANYI EZE. My correct date of birth is, 14th April, 1974, not 2nd November, 1978. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I formerly known as ALABEDE BOLA YEMISI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEPATE OLUWAYEMISI ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. Thanks

ODUNAYO AYODELE ABIMBOLA Formally called, known and addressed as Odunewu Ayodele Abimbola, but now wishes to be called, known and addressed as Odunayo Ayodele Abimbola. All former document remain valid. General public please take note.

RASHEED TAIWO TOHEEBAT I formerly known and addressed as RASHEED TOHEEBAT BOLAJI now wish to be known and addressed as RASHEED TAIWO TOHEEBAT & my D.O.B is 24/5/1997. All former document remains valid. Banks and general public take note.

MRS LASEBIKAN MUBO BEATRICE

OGUNDIRAN JOSEPH

I formerly known and addressed as mis mejedi mubo beatrice.now wich to be known and addressed as mrs Lasebikan mubo beatrice. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note

Confirmation of Name: That I bear OGUNDIRANSALAKO, JOSEPH SEGUN and I am also the same person as OGUNDIRAN JOSEPH. All documents which contains the above mentioned names remain valid. General public take note

ADEKUNLE MOPELOLA

JIMO AWOYEMI OLATUNDE

BIJIMI EMMANUEL FAWAI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOPELOLA OLUSOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEKUNLE MOPELOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, VICTORIA HENRY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, VICTORIA HENRY SYLVANUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BIJIMI EMMANUEL USMAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BIJIMI EMMANUEL FAWAI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID WEMA BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Money will not determine 2019 Polls – INEC Rec Val Okara, Owerri.

ÏÏÏThe

Imo state Resident Commissioner of the Independent NationalElectoral Commissioner (INEC), Professor Francis Ezeonu, Tuesday saidthat money would not determine the outcome of 2019 general electionssaying that, the commission is determined to conduct credible polls.

Professor Ezeonu who stated this during a Town Hall Meeting withTradi-

tional Rulers and other stakeholders held at the Oguta Local Government Council. He therefore, advised them (monarchs andpoliticians) to mobilize their people to participate on the current Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.

This, he said would enable electorate to exercise their franchise saying that, political patronage is determined by the number of voters from a particular area.

He further disclosed that the commission will establish Registration Area Centres (RAC) in the electoral wards during elections that would serve as a transit camps for both the commission staff and adhoc staff for easy distribution of electoral materials.

The Resident Commissioner warned that the commission would sanction any political party that involved in thuggery and hate speech.

Furthermore, he disclosed that party primaries would be conducted in line with the party constitution, the Nigeria constitution and the Electoral Act saying that, political parties will give the commission 21 days before their primaries.

In his welcome address, the Electoral Officer in Oguta LGA, Sir Chris Ugwuadu said that the commission registered a total of 1430 voters from April 27, 2017 to the end of Au-

gust 2017.

According to him, the commission registered 3376 voters which brought the number to 4,806 voters registered during the ongoing continuous voters’ registration in the area.

The breakdown shows that out of the number, 2912 males were registered while 1894 females were captured.

He disclosed that Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collected within the period under review

stood at 35, 34 PVCs transferred, 23 cases of correction, 90 voters got loss, eight defaced while 10 voters involved on omission cases.

“As stakeholders you are being called upon to do your best to ensure that the right things are done, most importantly, you own it on your honour to Nigerians to preach against violence, so that together we will protect the image and integrity of Nigeria.”

Send relief materials to storm ravaged community, lawmaker urges Bayelsa govt Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun (left); Most Consistent Tax Payer in Kaduna State, Dr. Lema Jibrin; Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El Rufai and Chairman Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Mallam Mukhtar Ahmed, during an interactive session on Voluntary Assets and Income Dec-

2019: Ja’faru eyes Candido’s seat, says APC has failed Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏA

chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Gwagwa ward in Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC, Alhaji Ja’afaru Alhassan Gwagwa, has declared his intention to contest for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship position in 2019 election.

Gwagwa, who made his intention known in Gwagwa community, at the weekend, told his numerous supporters that if elected, he would provide empowerment programmes for youths in the coun-

cil, adding that his change mantra is for a positive one, not that of the APC. He stated that his declaration was informed by the yearnings of his people, who saw leadership qualities in him and urged him to contest for the number one position in the area council.

The PDP chieftain explained that if elected into office, as the AMAC chairman next year, his first priority would be education, noting that education has always remained the bedrock of every development in any society.

“If elected as AMAC chairman next year, my first priority will be education. This is because education is the backbone of development all over the world. You will agree with me that without education, we might not be speaking the way we are speaking today. So, I believe that education is the future for our generation. So I must give more emphasise to education.”

He however advised his supporters to avoid hate speeches and name calling, or utter any bad word against other parties in their campaigns, but to be

constructive in their messages, adding that it is only God that gives power to whom He desires.

He continued: I will advise my supporters to be peaceful in their campaigns. We are going play politics with maturity, understanding and without bitterness. Whatever we are doing with other parties, let peace prevail.

Peace is everything and with peace you can gain everything. Without peace you cannot gain anything. So, for that reason, I believe that peace is the most important thing, especially in politics.”

Lawmaker representing Yenagoa Constituency 3 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Gentle Emelah has appealed to the state government to urgently come to the aid of the people of Biseni Clan who lost their buildings and properties to a violent storm which swept through their community on Monday evening.

The lawmaker who said he had visited the area to commiserate with people who he represents in the Assembly described the incident as devastating.

“First I give God the glory that no life was lost because what I saw there was devastating and it is something that possibly life could have been lost. The destruction was massive, over thirty buildings were affected, buildings were de-roofed, personal buildings, public buildings, schools, even churches were not spared; economic trees and electric poles. In the final count, about 12 electric poles were pulled down.

“It’s something one could describe as a hurricane, if it were to be in the Western countries; they would have given it a name, ‘Hurricane Biseni’. It’s a very serious issue and people are rendered helpless and we expect that the government should step in immediately to see what they can do to alleviate the suffering of the people because a lot of properties have been damaged.

“People are rendered homeless and they need serious attention. I thank God it happened in the early hours of the evening around 5.30; 6pm.

That was why we didn’t record any casualty”, he said in an interview Wednesday.

It was gathered that the areas worst hit by the rainstorm are Kilama, Tein, Tambiri, Egbebiri communities within Biseni.

The paramount Ruler of

Kilama, Chief Difference Nemiya, told newsmen on Wednesday, that the incident which occurred on Monday evening also destroyed many plantain plantations and farm crops as well as economic trees. ” This natural disaster is the worst I have witnessed in this community, there was one that happened in the year 2000, but it was not this bad, as we speak we are still counting our losses and the community is in an emergency mode.

“The secretary of the community and some community leaders assignedto visit affected families have been going round and accessing the damages and it even affected our neighbouring settlements.

“Most of those displaced have nowhere to go and we need emergency help from relevant government agencies to bring relief and succor to the impacted people,” the Paramount Ruler said.

Also, one of the victims, Mr Godhelp Okorobia, said that the storm destroyed both his father’s house and his own house sacking seven of his tenants.

“We were at a meeting when the weather changed and the windstorm started, my father’s house which is near our meeting venue was de-roofed by the wind and dropped in a different location entirely, when I got home I saw my own house in ruins,” Okorobia said.

The same sad tale was told by another victim, Mrs. May Zuku, a 75-year-old widow who said that the disaster which happened within two weeks of her husband’s demise was another blow too much for her to bear within the mourning period.

She appealed to Yenagoa Local Government, Bayelsa government and public spirited individual to assist with rehabilitating her husband’s residence destroyed by the incident.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

27

News

Police arrest 6 kidnapping syndicate in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asabaja

ÎÎÎ The Anti-Kidnapping

Policemen attached to the Delta State Police Command have arrested six kidnapping syndicate in Asaba, its environs, and recovered several cut to size guns.

The police commissioner in the state, Mr. Muhammadu Mustafa who confirmed the arrest of the suspects to journalists on Wednesday in Asaba said the kidnapping syndicate made up of six men

allegedly instructed one Obi Onyekachi Gerald to monitor any person of ransom value for the purpose of kidnap, adding that the said Obi Onyekachi Gerald allegedly set out to monitor one Josephine Anomfueme after which her identity was disclosed to his gang members.

The Police Boss who gave the names of the arrested suspects as Onyedika Okolie, 22 years, Uchegbunam Gabriel, 21 years, Stephen Michael, 23 years, Uzor Chukwuemeka Hen-

ry 23 years, Obi Onyekachi Gerald 201 years, and Chukwuemeka Awogu, 24 years, disclosed that on the 9th February 2018, the kidnapping syndicate led by one Stephen Michael, alias “leader”, jumped into the victim’s compound through the fence, and tied down the security man before swooping on their victim.

The Police Commissioner explained that the kidnapping syndicate ordered the woman into a waiting vehicle after collecting her

GSM phones and zoomed off to an unknown destination.

According to him, the Police acting on intelligence gathering, recovered the victim’s vehicle, and four out of the six suspects were arrested and later took the police to the hideout of the two fleeing suspects where the victim was rescued unhurt, adding that six pump action, and eight cut to size guns were recovered from them.

The Police Boss said the suspects would be charged

to court on completion of investigation. In another development, the police in Agbor have arrested seven armed robbery suspects, and currently being detained at the Agbor Police Division.

The police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Muhammadu Mustafa who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, gave their names as Chima Ngwu, 30 years, Chinedu Paulinus Anene 25 years, Akeseni Cordermus Itoeme 23 years, Arimokwo Sylves-

ter, 37 years, Akann Moses, 24 years, Mukpa Moses, 19 years, and Nnamdi Augustine, 18 years. he said that a business man, Izunna Emeri Pascal was attacked alongside his wife Izunna Miracle in his Toyota High Lander Jeep with Registration No: ABJ279HS, by the suspects, unfortunately the police patrol team in Agbor acted on distress calls, and arrested the suspects at the scene, adding that they will be charged to court on completion of investigation.

Insurgents: ADSU,Fed poly closed down for threats of Boko Haram attacks Tom Garba, Yola

ÎÎÎ

Adamawa state university (ADSU) and Federal Polytechnic both situated in Mubi officially to have been closed down as a result of unconfirmed story of Boko Haram plans to attacks the institution.

However the Executive Chairman of Mubi North,Alhaji Musa Bello in confide told our correspondent that is just a mere rumours peddling the institutions that is causing the panicking. ‘’It’s a rumour that is causing a serious panicking

and tension but the security is in top of the situation to calm down the situations.’’

Miss John Ngeru a student of Federal Polytechnic Mubi in a phone interview, said they were asked to go home till after two weeks. ‘’I know we are asked to go an indefinite date.’’ She said.

In the contrary the Adamawa state government through the commissioner of information and strategy, Alhaji Ahmad Sajoh told news men in Yola that the State university is undergoing a total rehabilitation hence the call for students to vacate school.

L-R: 2019 Presidential Aspirant, Mr. Victor Okhai; Founding partner, Banwo & Igbokwe LLC, Mr. Ope Banwo; and Movie producer, Mr. Charles Novia during the official introduction of Nollycoin in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry in Lagos

Ohaneze Ndigbo laments absence of ‘ethnic politics’ in Nigeria’s democratic system Nosa Akenzua,

People should stop taking laws Asaba into their hands, Bindow warns ÎÎÎ The President, OhaneTom Garba, Yola

ÎÎÎ During a swearing-in

ceremony of Bello Buba Sugu as a permanent secretary, Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow warn that people should be More God fearing and stop taking laws into their hands.

He stressed that all people are one and God created us to be equal and live together as one despite our religious, cultural and political believe.

According to him all things of life are temporary and We will all go back to God and give account of our stewardship here on earth.

He reminded the newly sworn-in Permanent secretary of the consequences of the oath of office he took by using the Qur’an to work faithfully to the Government of the state. ‘’I’m reminding you of the consequences when you are in the grave.

Be loyal to God and the norms of civil servants.

ze-Ndigbo, Delta State, Mr. Uche Henry Nwokobia has decried the absence of “ethnic politics” in the present day Nigeria’s Democratic System as set back to nascent democracy alleging that the Igbos have been marginalized in the scheme of things.

Saying that the Igbos deserve “first class” treatment in all political arrangements, the Ohaneze-Ndigbo President added: “before now, the Igbo believe that national politics are played at the National Assemblies, but it has been realized that

“ethnic politics” supersede national politics”.

Wondering why the Igbos have remained marginalized, Mr.Nwokobia explained that the Igbos may have gotten it wrong in their failure to work as unity, and team players, adding that “Nwodo came into power as National President of Ndigbo who did not arrogate power to himself, rather started good working arrangements, that would have helped the Igbos, unfortunately upon his exit as President, the Igbos were disintegrated, and disoriented without focus”.

He emphasized that ethnic politics controls national politics, as measures

to galvanize reformed policies that will better the lives of the people, adding: “we should get right in 2019, for instance, the Urhobos have their rally points, Chief Ibori as their leader, but Igbos are currently at a cross road especially with the way and manners Buhari loyalists are going about the 2019”.

Nwokobia who spoke to journalists in Asaba on Wednesday, alleged that Igbos have been treated like conquered people, and assured that Igbos were prepared to take their right place come 2019.

On the performances of President Mohammadu Buhari, the Ohaneze Ndigbo President said: “Buhari has

underperformed, Democracy in Nigeria is government of the people but not for the people, cabals have hijacked Buhari’s government, the country is currently at a standstill because of poor leadership” disclosing that the Igbos cannot be deceived into voting without a direction come 2019.

On Okowa’s led administration, Nwokobia however expressed satisfaction over infrastructural provision for the people, but regretted that the governor failed in the use of press to adequately propagate his workings, adding: “I don’t know who will blow his trumpets for him, he gathered the press and give them logistics to propagate his workings”.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Ambode names Nigerian world record holder ‘reading ambassador’ Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe Lagos state gov-

ernor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday received a Nigerian, Bayode Treasures-Olawunmi, who set a new Guinness World Record in the longest reading marathon.

Bayode, who was received by the governor at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, alongside top government officials, had set the new record under the Read Aloud project co-sponsored by Lagos state government, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Tagheuer, among others.

The new record was set at exactly 3:30 pm on Saturday at the YouRead Library in Yaba, Lagos, after Bayode read for 120 hours non-stop over a period of five days to beat former record holder, Nepali Deepak Sharma, who read for 113 hours and 15 minutes in 2008.

Speaking to Government House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said the state government was delighted to host the new world record holder, and that the government was proud of the feat.

“The governor met him (Bayode), to congratulate him and assured him that the whole of the state and the country is proud of his attempt to break the world record.

“All said and done, we are still waiting on the Guinness Book to get back to us to confirm and affirm the new record but regardless, what the governor was trying to emphasise is the fact that his attempt was very commendable and it helps us to bring to the fore some-

thing we always talked about as a state, to improve the reading culture, and the governor is committed to supporting this in anyway,” Bank-Olemoh said.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde, said the new world record was extra-ordinary and a different kind of endurance test with a lot of intellectualism, saying the development would spur a lot of Nigerian youths, students, pupils and adults to be interested in reading.

“I think Bayode is the ultimate dreamer who is sending a message to Lagosians, Nigerians and to Africans that they can do it and I think this will fit in perfectly well with the new concept that the Ministry of Education is coming up with known as Lagos Reads.

“I believe of course Bayode will be one of the ambassadors for Lagos Reads which is to encourage people to read and there is a lot of joy, fulfillment and value in reading and I believe this will be the beginning of new things from Bayode himself and from our young men and women,” Ayorinde said.

On his part, Bayode said he was overwhelmed and fulfilled to set the new world record, saying his intention of embarking on the project was to make reading popular and famous in Nigeria and Africa, as well as change the narrative that ‘if you want to hide anything from the black man, put it in the book.’

“The western world is not built on the back of entertainment and sports; it is built on the back of education, research, reading and intellectual exertion. That is my mission.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) with Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma (left); the Prince of Mburubu Kingdom, Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Lawrence Ezeh (3rd right); his wife, Princess Lina (right), others, during the inauguration of 4.5km asphaltic road with street lights constructed by Prince Ezeh for his community, at the weekend.

70, 000 inmates awaiting trials in prisons’ custody -Group Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏThe Executive Director,

“CURE Nigeria”, a Nongovernmental organization (NGO) Mr. Sylvester Uhaa has said that over 70, 000 inmates are awaiting trials across the country at the prisons’ custody as the recent survey reveals.

The Executive Director who spoke with journalists in Asaba on Monday in two- day lecture organized by the Delta State judiciary, explained that the present state of Nigeria’s Prisons, makes it the fifth nation with the highest awaiting trials’ population in Africa, adding that the prisons, and detention facilities portend pains for the prisoners, especially with the crowded situation.

In his lecture titled: “The role of Alternative resolution in Administration of Crimi-

nal Justice in Delta”, Pastor Chuks Atujue said the less consideration being given to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, often resulted in overcrowding of the prisons with prisons awaiting trials, adding that the population that constitute awaiting trial were likely to be the poor who do not have the resources to meet financial bail, or afford the services of a lawyer.

But the State Government through the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro, in his remarks, said “the role of the rule of law and Human Rights in reforming the criminal Justice system in Delta State when properly defined, tackle the challenges bedeviling the smooth administration of Justice vis-à-vis the provisions of the newly enacted criminal procedure law.

He said that the administration of criminal justice in the state had had essential governance by the criminal procedure law cap c22, laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006, an offshoot of the criminal procedure act which came into being as ordinance No 42 of 1945.

Justice Umukoro lamented the inability of prison authorities to reproduce awaiting trials’ inmates from prison custody to courts for trial at the appropriate time, adding that the procedures often serve as major setback to speedy trail of criminal cases, and undue adjournments that will eventually lead to trials being frustrated.

Accordingly, the Chief Judge further explained that the administration of criminal justice in the state prior to the enactment of DSACJL, 2016, the high court of jus-

tice of Delta State had taken measures aimed at facilitating speedy trial of criminal cases in the court, stressing that the establishment of the criminal Division of the High Court in the three senatorial districts in the state, were to deal solely with criminal cases within their jurisdiction and trials conducted, including cases disposed by the courts over a short period of time.

“Through the prison institution is a federal government agency, its services enhance the wellbeing, and security of the state, I have made proposals to the state government to assist the prison authorities with vehicles, and other logistic support needed to facilitate transportation of prison inmates to courts for speedy trial of their cases” the Chief Judge added.

PDP youth group declares support for Dankwambo as next President in 2019 ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure.

ÏÏÏConcerned

Youths under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday said the Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, remains the best option for Nigeria as the 2019 presidential poll gathers momentum.

Sani Bello, their Coordinator said Ibrahim Dankwambo, has a brighter chances of becoming the next president if the youth gathers

more support for his ambition.

Mr. Bello who addressed journalists in Akure, the Ondo state capital, also noted that the youths group have decided to declare their support Dr. Dankwambo.

He said that the Gombe State Governor remains unbeatable as next president of the country with his young age and as highly cerebral.

He said Dr. Dankwanbo with a high level of educational qualification and cerebral development and the capacity for

sound judgment based on experience from acquired multidisciplinary training would be ready to take Nigeria out of the wood.

The youths, however, called on Nigerians not to settle for less or any mediocre as president of the country in 2019 adding that the country is endowed with best people among which is Dr. Dankwanbo.

“A world-class accountant-cum-financial expert, Dr. Dankwambo is a purposeful, focused, detribalised and young.

He is one Nigerians can entrust with governance and be assured of a quick turnaround in the nation’s fortunes via the deployment of sound skills at his disposal to manage men and resources for the greater good of Nigerians, being an administrator and a technocrat.

“He has demonstrated unusual ability over the years, even while at the Central Bank of Nigeria, and was noticed by the then-Gombe State Government, which quickly appointed him as the Accountant-General of

Gombe State.

“And upon noticing his feats in Gombe State, he was immediately snatched by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, who made him the Accountant-General of the Federation, while in 2011, he heeded the call and invitation of his people to lead them as the executive governor; and he was so elected.

“There is no gainsaying the obvious that Dankwambo is simply the perfect man for the job of the president in 2019 due to

his vast experience as an administrator, technocrat and a world-class financial manager.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Dakwambo has been practicalizing all that he has studied while he has also taken advantage of all his educational qualifications to distinguish himself in the various positions of leadership.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is possible with Dankwambo. Let us come together, join our hands in support of Dankwambo’s presidential aspiration for a better Nigeria we all crave for” the youth said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

29 News

NASU, SSANU shelve strike after meeting with FG Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe three-month old

strike by non-teaching staff of Nigerian Universities may soon come to an end as there appear light at the end of the tunnel following conciliatory meeting between the striking and the federal government team.

The three unions namely Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) operating under the acronym of the Joint Action Committee have been on strike since December 4, 2017 and have summoned a meeting of the National Executive Committee for Wednesday to access the strike.

The Minister Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige who presided over the conciliatory appeal to them consider the plight of the students and return to work while the government address their demands.

The meeting which had the leadership of the unions and the officials of the Federal Ministry of Education in attendance deliberated exhaustively on all the outstanding is-

sues raised by the unions.

Sen. Ngige recounted steps already taken by the current administration to permanently resolve all outstanding matters that disrupt academic activities in the universities as well as the measures being taken at present to settle the trade dispute with the Joint Action Committee and appealed to them to call off the strike.

Chairman of the Joint Action Committee and National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Comrade Samson Ugokwe said the strike continues until there is something concrete from the government side.

Ugokwe told journalists after the meeting that a meeting of the leadership of the three unions has been called for Wednesday at the NAAT secretariat to take a position on the strike.

He said the Minister of Labour has assured them that they will be formed of what the government is approving to meet the workers demand after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, adding that the figure from the government will be presented to the NEC for consideration, saying if members decided to suspend the strike, it will be suspended. end

Group distributes welfare packages to less privileged in Ebonyi Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏA group, Association

of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Peoples Republic of China has distributed welfare packages ranging from bags of rice, Ndomie noodles, jerry cans of ground nut oil, tooth pastes, toiletries, cartons of tin tomatoes, bags of salt, cartons of maggi cube, cartons of Milo and Dano milk among others to different categories of less privileged persons in the state.

The group visited the Motherless Babies Home at Nsugbe, St. Vincent Old Peoples Home at Kpirikpiri, prison inmates at Abakaliki Federal Prisons and Remand Home at Ugwuachara in Ebonyi local government area of the state where they displaced unusual deeds of kindness not minding the present economic situation facing the country.

In a chat at the Motherless Babies Home in Abakaliki, the Chairman of the Group, Mr Godwin Ude-Umanta

said they decided to carry out the humanitarian services to the people of the state as a way of giving back to the society the impact of the numerous successes they had recorded both at home and abroad and also to serve as a source of inspiration to the younger generation.

Ude-Umanta who thanked God for uplifting their standard of living called on well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, captains of Industries and non-governmental organizations to contribute their quotas towards making life meaningful to all and sundry.

“We know where God took us from and how far He has helped us to make progress in every sphere of human endeavour. We decided to give back to our society so that it can become a better place for all and sundry. We are determined to affect our state and indeed the society positively. This we will do and we will make sure it is a regular exercise in the state”.

Cross-section of elected Edo State local council chairmen during the Swearing-In Ceremony by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the Government House, Benin City,

Court grant bail to alleged husband killer Maryam Sanda bail Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏAn FCT High Court sitting in Jabi district of Abuja on Wednesday, granted bail to Maryam Sanda who was accused by the police of killing her husband Bilyamin Bello last year.

Justice Yusuf Halilu admitted Maryam to bail with two sureties. He said the sureties must deposit their titles of ownership of landed properties in Abuja with the court registrar.

Beside the sureties, the judged ordered that Maryam’s father should enter into an undertaking to always provide her in court all through the trial.

Justice Halilu who had

in three previous occasions rejected Maryam’s applications for bail said the court was satisfied with the health reasons canvassed for Maryam, who is said to be over three months pregnant and also asthmatic.

After the court struck out Maryam’s last bail application on February 6, the matter was adjourned to March 19 for definite hearing.

However, Maryam’s counsel, Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN) approached the court with the fresh bail application and asked for an earlier date to move it.

Counsel to the police, CSP James Idachaba, opposed the application and urged the court to refuse

it.

However, Justice Halilu said the court was satisfied with the health reasons canvassed for Maryam. The judge held that the police were not able to counter the claims that the prisons’ health facilities could not take care of Maryam’s conditions.

Sanda is the daughter of Maimuna Aliyu, the former Executive Director of Aso Savings and Loans Limited who is currently facing trial for an alleged fraud committed while in office. While Bilyamin Bello was the son of Haliru Bello, former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The deceased was reported to have divorced his first wife before mar-

rying Sanda and the couple had a daughter together.

The charges read in part, “That you, Maryam Sanda, female, adult of 4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, on November 19, 2017, at about 0350hours at No. 4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2, Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division, did commit the offence of culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of one Bilyaminu Bello Haliru, male adult of No. 4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2, Abuja by stabbing him in the chest with a broken bottle which eventually led to his death and you did so with the knowledge that your act is likely to cause his death.”

Police abort protest by Niger pensioners Saka Bolaji - Minna

ÏÏÏThe police in Minna

on Wednesday aborted a planned protest by pensioners in the state over unpaid pensions and gratuities.

The state Commissioner of Police Mr. Yakadi Paul personally intervened to stop what the pensioners said would have been “ the mother of all protests in this state”.

The protest was to be a follow up to a petition the pensioners wrote to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello asking for the payment

of their pensions and gratuities some of which had been outstanding for over 6 years.

In the petition the pensioners threatened to ground the state if their demands were not met because “all our members, over 5000 of us will take to the streets of Minna.”

The police boss according to a very reliable source got wind of the plan and early on Wednesday invited the leadership of the pensioners to his office for dialogue.

The state chairman of the union Alhaji Isah

Aliyu Zhiliku and the Secretary Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Paiko led the delegation of the pensioners to the meeting.

The Police Commissioner prevailed on the pensioners to “shelve the protest in the interest of the peace and security of the state”.

Mr. Paul Yakadi reportedly told the officials that the police intervened in the interest of both parties assuring that “ I will personally take up the matter with the governor “.

It was gathered that the

leadership of the pensioners reluctantly agreed to step down the protest and gave the police boss two weeks to reach the governor and give us a favourable reply.

The police commissioner also on Wednesday invited the Director General of the state Pension Board Alhaji U T Ahmed over allegations that the board had diverted funds meant for the payment of the pensioners.

The Director General denied the claim saying “nobody has given us money to pay pensioners”.

News 30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Court fixes March 15 for suit challenging Bello condemns attacks on PDP stalwarts Saraki’s Senatorial election Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏJustice Binta Nyako of

Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has slated March 13 for hearing in a pre -election suit by senatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq challenging the election of Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

The court registrar on March 5 served hearing notice to the respondents, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Abdulrazaq had in January re-filed the suit that the INEC officials and Saraki’s agent forged electoral documents which returned Saraki, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Kwara Central Senatorial District.

Abdulrazaq is seeking an

order of mandamus compelling INEC, to prosecute Ladi Hassan, an agent to Saraki during the collation of the results of the 2015 election; and the collating/returning officer, Mrs. Mulkah Ahmed.

The plaintiff alleged in his suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/92/2018, that Saraki was declared the winner of the election on March 28, 2015, when the results were only allegedly collated by just Ahmed and Hassan (Saraki’s agent) at the district level on March 29, 2015.

He attached to his suit two sets of documents, with one set marked Exhibit 1, said to be showing that “the summaries of results from wards and local government areas that make up the senatorial district were finally compiled on March 29, 2015, as the date on

each of these forms read the same collation date.”

The second document attached to the suit as Exhibit 2 was said to be INEC FORM EC 8E(1) “which is the Declaration of Results of Election compiled by by Dr. (Mrs.) Mulkah A. Ahmed (the returning officer) and Ladi Hassan, agent to Dr. Bukola Saraki.”

Abdulrazaq alleged in his suit that “only two of them (Ahmed and Hassan) signed the form and March 28, was appended on the face of the form.”

An affidavit deposed to by the plaintiff’s aide, Adebayo Oloyin, stated in part,”That it is a common sense that collation date will always precede declaration date as the collation dictates declaration of results.”

INEC officers listed in the suit are: Mrs Mohammed Adenike (Returning Officer for Adigbongbo/Awe/Orimaro); Mrs Balogun Mutiat (Returning Officer for Afon); Ibrahim Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Returning Officer for Balogun Gambari); and Olowoleru Olodan (Returning Officer for Ogidi).

Others are: Abdulrahman Mohammed Rahim (Returning Officer for Warrah/Egbeejila/Oshin); Alhaji Ladi Hassan (Agent to Bukola Saraki); and Dr Mulikah Ahmed, the Returning Officer for the entire Kwara Central Senatorial District.

According to the deponent the alleged offences by the named officials cost his boss at the Election Petition Tribunal which challenged Saraki’s election.

Uba Mohammed Comtroler Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, addresses newsmen on contrabands seized by men of the unit, in Ikeja....on Wednesday

New CTC chairmen to focus peace, sanitation, salary payment Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏSome

of the newly sworn in councils Caretakeer Committee chairmen (CTC) in Rivers state have pledged to make payment of workers’ salaries and welfare, improving on the existing peace in their areas and environmental sanitation top on their agenda.

The chairmen made the

pledges while swearing in their committee members in their various council headquarters on Monday and Tuesday respectively/ The CTC chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, High Chief (Prince) Noble Amadi promised to institute prizes for the cleanest communities and wards in his LGA. He said the prizes which would be in the first, second and third categories respectively will

attract cash rewards The chairman made the promise on Tuesday while speaking to newsmen at the council secretariat shortly after swearing in his committee members. “I have agreed with the Head of Local Government and other Departmental Heads of the council to institute a cash rewards to the first, second and third cleanest communities and wards in the LGA,” he promised.

Chief Amadi, who said that he has been dealing with heaps of refuses dumped on the centre of Prof David-West Boulevard/Airport road by callous people since Thursday that he was sworn in pleaded with residents of the LGA to keep their environments clean and to desist from dumping refuses on the median or centre of roads.

Idris Ahme, Lokoja

ÏÏÏGovernor

Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, has expressed disgust and utter dismay over the recent attacks on some prominent Peoples Democratic Party leaders in the Central Senatorial District by some yet to be identified thugs.

The governor who also hails from the Central Senatorial District vows to bring perpetrators of such heinous act to book.

In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Petra Akinti Onyegbule said Bello has directed the relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice irrespective of political parties or personalities involved.

According to the CPS, the governor has sent a High-powered State Delegation Led by his Special Adviser on the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who also doubles as the Leader of appointed government officials from Kogi Central Senatorial District, Engr. (Dr.) Abubakar S. Ohere, to Okene in pursuance of lasting peace and tranquility in the land, and to reassure them of his commitment to ensure the safety of lives and property of every resident of Kogi State.

Onyegbule said Engr.

Ohere has visited the homes of the affected PDP Chieftains who were attacked and gave them the Governor’s assurances that their attackers will be apprehended and prosecuted.

“This government under my watch will not condone any form of crime or violence in any part of the state, the government is responsible for the security of lives and property of all residents of Kogi irrespective of political

affiliation; it is a core responsibility that shall never be compromised.

“Perpetrating violence, destruction of properties and disturbing the public peace and security that this government has invested so much to attain, all in the name of political support and thuggery is alien to our great party APC and especially to my government. We will therefore not condone any act of violence or attack against innocent persons who are law abiding.

“We are assuring the general public that appropriate actions are being taken by the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.” The governor stated.

The governor appealed to the good people of Kogi state to embrace peace, unity, love one another, be law abiding and go about their normal businesses.

The statement also distanced the governor from the allegations of complicity in the criminal act by the opposition PDP, which accused the ruling party of masterminding such attacks, and advised the PDP to stop playing to the gallery.

The governor assured the PDP that his government would never indulge in political violence which was a constant feature of PDP leadership advising them to start learning the decency of never playing politics with issues of security as they involve life and property.

It will be recalled that some hoodlums over the weekend disrupted an empowerment program organised by Senator Ahmed Ogembe (PDP Kogi Central,), where scores were injured and followed by an invasions of houses of some prominent PDP supporters.

Properties worth millions of naira were reported to have been vandalised.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

31 News

Kogi Crisis: Group warns politicians over dirty politicking Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ A group in Kogi State

known as Ebira Youth Elite’s Organization of Nigeria (EYEN) has warned politicians in the state not to turn the state known for peace to a confluence of blood.

This warning was necessitated following last weekend’s reign of terror unleashed on some parts of Kogi state, especially Ebira land by youths suspected to be political thugs.

The group noted with dismay the growing resort

to brigandage and the recent attempts to prime our youths to self-destruction.

In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja and signed by the group’s president, Yunusa Jimoh, the community based organization said Kogi is a Confluence of Peace, not of blood.

The statement read: “While some few altruistic youths are daily racking their brains, networking and rallying forces to draw attention to the long neglected Ajaokuta Steel Company, it is shameful that some members of the

political class who have lost their voices as regards this noble national endeavor are now trying to come back to political reckoning by using as a launch pad, crude underhand tactics, including violence just in the lead up to the 2019 General Elections.

“In case our politicians have forgotten or do not know, may we kindly remind them that even in Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, there are still several opposition parties and for them, the sky is big enough

for each one to pursue its legitimate aspirations.

“Ours is a Confluence of Peace, not of blood. As we approach a crucial election year, partisans must play by the rules and avoid this gradual descent into anarchy or a return to the dark days of organized terror and thug.

“We make bold to say that an eye for an eye would soon make all of us go blind.

From our research, poverty and drug abuse are at the root of the wave of violence that is threatening to engulf the land. While we urge the

political class to do more to stem the rising tide of poverty in the land, we call on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA and other security agencies in the state to devise workable mechanisms of tracking the suppliers and sellers of these hard drugs.

“We also call on security agencies saddled with the onerous task of maintaining law and order to act on actionable intelligence at their disposal to rein in the forces of terror in our

Int Women’s day: NLC felicitates with women in Nigeria Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏLeadership

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (right) welcoming the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to celebrations to mark his 81st birthday, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, while Obasanjo’s wife, Bola, looks on

land”.

EYEN also commend those who have intervened and helped in putting an end to the impending disaster, among who is the Governor of Kogi State Alh. Yahaya Bello and his intervention team led by Engr.

Abubakar Ohere.

“We implore all those affected to adhere to wise counsel as we pray God to continue to sustain his peace in our hearts, our homes and in our community.

of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says that the immense contribution of women in the making of Nigeria economy cannot be over emphasised, just as it has acknowledged the abilities of working Women and indeed all women on this very important occasion of the 2018 International Women’s Day. The Comrade Ayuba Waba led NLC in a press statement, said the gesture is indeed the right time to commemorate the political, economic and social achievement of Women all over the world.

According to the statement, “the Congress felicitates with women globally on this year’s theme which is “Press for Progress”, while calling on all to support this noble course, we wish to reiterate our commitment to continually advocate for the adoption and implementation of policies and strategies that promote gender

equality in the workplace, Unions and the larger society” The NLC further communicated that the NLC in the celebration, salute the NLC National Women Commission on its campaign in support of the ILO Convention to “Stop Gender Based Violence at Work”.

It stressed that it is disheartening to note that violence against women and girls is the most widespread violation of human rights which occurs everywhere; at home, in schools, on the streets and at work, but often treated with impunity.

“We therefore support the ILO Convention on Gender Based Violence for the realization and protection of women’s right, and increased productivity and dignity at work.

In the same vein, we call for the proper implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 which prohibits all forms of violence against persons in both private and public life, and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims”.

Former NDDC chairman leads thousands of APC members back to PDP in Bayelsa Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏOver

six thousand people including former chairman of board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Prof.

Tarila Tebepah, have defected from the All Progressive Congress, APC to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Bayelsa State.

According to a press statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, the defectors signaled their intention to return to PDP after a crucial meeting with the State Governor, Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa on Tuesday.

The statement said the Governor at the occasion re-echoed his call on mem-

bers of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) to close ranks, make the party stronger and work together to brighten the prospects of the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Underscoring the importance of unity, Governor Dickson maintained that the PDP could not afford any distractions, especially now that it is in opposition but intensify efforts at clinching power at the centre.

Assuring the returnees of their full integration into the party, the Governor said he had forgiven all of the returnees whom he described as friends and brothers. He stressed the need for politicians to focus on development after elections, in the overall interest of the people.

He urged them to join hands with the restoration government and the PDP family in the state towards consolidating the achievements already recorded.

His words: “The PDP you left behind is not the same now. At that time, we were in control of the Federal Government. But now, as you are all aware, we are in opposition. And, if we needed one another at that time, now that we are in opposition, hounded from all corners, this is the time we need ourselves more for the sake of our people, the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. We can’t afford any distractions.

“I don’t extend political fights beyond elections.

All of you know, if when we want to fight, we know how to fight politically.

The reasons why I don’t fight political battles after elections, especially in our kind of our environment is because we don’t have people compared to other nationalities and secondly because of the challenges of development with scarce resources are humongous.

Instead of dissipating my energy on fights, once elections are over, I concentrate on development.

“I don’t like people using political power to affect people negatively. If you can’t affect somebody positively, leave the person alone, because we are all brothers and friends. Each one of you is very important to our people. We have built the PDP to the level that only it can win election in the state.

“I tell people all the time,

that power as we know only comes from God. We are going to have a PDP’s stakeholders meeting. You are all welcome to the party; you are not joiners. I hereby direct all your caucus chairmen to instruct all your chapter chairmen and all your party officials to make you relevant for I want to see you involved in party activities from the ward to the state level.

“I have no hard feelings; all bygones should be bygones. Let all of us come back to the way we were. I have two more years to go but it is still in my power to do a few things to promote further integration.

“We have made significant progress but we are still not where we want to be, so I call for more unity and support. We inherited

a very negative and volatile political culture but we have managed to maintain some level of peace and stability. It is a conscious choice of avoiding needless fights and it is paying off.

“Our prayer is that God should give us the next team to lead the state. It is my duty to support and pray for that team.”

In their separate remarks, the state Chairman of PDP, Mr. Cleopas Moses and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Fyneman Wilson described the return of the APC members back to the PDP, as homecoming, expressing the optimism that, their reintegration would add more colour and value to the party.

Published by THE DAILY TIMES NIGERIA (A Folio Communications Limited Company) Operational Headquarters: Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos email: info@dailytimes.ng Editor: TONY AMOKEODO Tel: 08038099089 Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH

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Women engineers recognise colleagues as International Women’s Day holds Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo In commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) today, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has concluded all arrangements to celebrate Nigerian women who are pressing for the progress of the emergent Nigerian Woman.

The celebration , which is to be done in form of award ceremony will be held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, IKeja, Lagos, on the Thursday, 8th March, 2018.

In an official statement signed by the APWEN President, Engr.

(Mrs.) Felicia Agubata, the group said that their plan is to recognize female engineers who have distinguished themselves in the profession, as well as other illustrious females in sundry professions, who have impacted their advancement as a society and have thus, become worthy examples of inspirational figures for the Girl-Child.

Agubata said, “as we (APWEN) celebrate these eminent women,we are full of hope that more women would following their foot steps by exploring and exploiting local and global opportunities to attain new heights and raise the bar in their chosen fields.

Competence, collaboration, performance and moral courage, are the watchwords”.

The president added: “today’s celebrants have attained the status of role models based on their professional track record, experience and commitment to the advancement of their professions and indeed our society at large” .

Meanwhile, APWEN is a nonprofit, non-governmental, educational service organization and a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

It is an umbrella body for female engineers covering all engineering disciplines.

According to the group their mission is to stimulate women engineers to achieve professional growth and to provide a mentorship platform for women engineers as well as to be a potent voice for the advocacy to get the Girl-Child to take up the study of Science,Technology, Engineering and mathematics (STEM) tailored towards the Engineering profession.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, March 8, 2018

IoD fellow charges members on agric, unemployment

Page B7

DPR seals illegal, adulterated diesel retail outlet operator in Lagos Simon Ugwu The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Wednesday sealed Al-Ihsan oil and gas Nigeria Limited, in Ajah, Lagos over illegal operations and adulteration of diesel.

The Zonal Operations Controller, Lagos, Mr Wole Akinyosoye, who led the officials of DPR and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to the site in Lagos, said the operator had licence for road haulage and not diesel retailing.

According to the Zonal Controller, we discovered that the operator of this oil and gas site was doing an illegal business here. “ He is blending, trans-loading,

storing without an authority licence to do it. There are certain parameters for an operator to fulfill before he will be issued such licence.

“This will include safety, health and environment and other measures and we discovered that he has not fulfilled these. The owner of this site is operating an illegal business and we are going to seal it,” he said.

Akinyosoye said that the licence obtained by the operator of the site was to obtain products from depot and deposit it at filling stations or direct third party.

He said that what he was doing at the site was to get the product from depot, bring it to his facilities, blend it and sell to the public.

``What he is doing here is transshipping, storing, blending and selling of diesel product to people.

When one is doing this kind of business, there is latitude for adulteration; meanwhile he did not have licence for storage. `The permit issued by DPR to him was for road haulage, petroleum products haulage and not a transshipment licence, storage or blending licence,” he said.

The DPR controller said that the operator of the company would be made to face the wrath of law.

Also speaking, Mr Tajudeen Balogun, the Commandant, NSCDC, said there were rules and regulations for any business transactions anybody wants to do.

According to the Commandant,

the operator of the oil and gas site was operating beyond what he was allowed therefore he has to face the music.

“Presently, this place is under seal and there is no way anybody can unseal it except the department. We are working in conjunction with the DPR to sanitise the sector,” he said.

However, the Chairman of the company Alhaji Muhammed AlIhsan, said he was operating a legal business as permitted by the management of DPR. Al-Ihsan said that he was surprised to see the officials of DPR coming to seal his office because he was engaging in illegal businesses.

L-R: Mrs. Justina Lewa, Chief Legal Counsel & Company Secretary, Sterling Bank Plc; Akarigbo Oreoluwa, winner of N1,000,000 (One million Naira) in the One Woman category of 1dament Promo with Mrs. Moji Bakare, General Manager, Corporate Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, during the prize presentation at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos ...on Wednesday.

Equities market records biggest loss in March, down 1.51% in one day Adesola Afolabi Nigeria’s equities market posted a loss of 1.51 per cent by the end of Wednesday’s trading session.

The decline represents the biggest loss in the month so far, as the All- Share Index is down to 42,952.70 points.

Analysts attribute the loss to investors booking profit on previous gains in major stocks.

As a result of the day’s performance, the Month-to-Date return turned to a loss of 0.87 per cent, while the Year-to-Date gain moderated to 12.31 per cent.

The Total volume of trades declined by 39.32 per cent from previous trading session to 270.33 million. The stocks were valued at N5.18 billion, and exchanged in 4,799 deals.

The price movement chart showed extended profit-taking

in Dangote Cement. The stock fell 3.60 per cent. Guaranty Trust Bank also fell 1.86 per cent, Nestle was down 0.35 per cent and Total lost 3.92 per cent. This led to the depreciation in Industrial, Banking, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas indices. The sectoral indices fell 3.60 per cent, 0.90 per cent, 0.74 per cent and 0.50 per cent respectively.

On the flip side, the Insurance index posted a gain of 0.35 per cent, following demand for the

shares of HMARKINS that grew 6.06 per cent on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, market breadth turned positive, with 26 gainers led by Eterna Plc that gained 10.15 per cent and 23 losers, led by Unity Bank that fell 9.24 per cent.

Despite the loss, experts at Cordros Capital opine that the possibility for gains still exist.

This is just as investors position ahead of Q4-2017 corporate earnings releases.

Brands & Marketing

B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

‘APCON board reconstitution to wait’ Stories by Godwin Anyebe Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, recently inaugurated some of the boards of parastatals and agencies under his ministry , but the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), which is saddled with the responsibility of vetting ads in order to protect consumers from unethical engagement is missing.

The implication of this action for Nigerian ad practitioners is that the more than two years’ wait for a new APCON council may not end soon, and the industry will continue without a

regulator for the foreseeable future.

The APCON board that was named by the administration about two months ago was flatly rejected by operators because it flouted APCON’s Advertising Law requirement that council members should be marketing practitioners and fellows of APCON. And a protest letter was immediately dispatched to Abuja to formally point out the gaffe.

The disputed council members are Hon. Jacob Sunday (Chairman), Chief Dayo Abatan, Aloysius Okafor, Sani Tulu, Akor Sunday, Ismaila Umar Sifawa and Murtala Ad-

amu Atiku.

Their appointment contravened the Nigerian Advertising Laws, Rules and Regulations Act 55 of 1988 (as amended), states that a chairman, who should be appointed by the President, shall be a distinguished fellow of the profession.

Also, seven persons are to be appointed by the minister, one of whom shall be from the Ministry of Information and the rest from among other interests in advertising, which in the opinion of the minister, ought to be adequately represented.

The list was roundly condemned by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nige-

ria (AAAN), with support from some of Nigeria’s advertising bigwigs and icons, including the Chairman, Troyka Group, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of STB McCann, Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, (OAAN) Board of Trustees, Chief Foluso Babu Akinbobola, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, former APCON Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet, Group Chief Executive Officer of Centerspread, Mr. Kola Ayanwale and Chairman, Government Relations Liaison Committee among others.

Some of them have insisted

From Right: Wayne Bishop, Managing Director, PHD Johannesburg, South Africa, Dozie Okafor, Managing Director, PHD Nigeria, and Victor Oyarero, Business Unit Director, PHD Nigeria, during the launch of PHD’s 7th publication titled MERGE at the 2018 Social Media Week, recently in Lagos.

that the only lasting solution to the undue government interference in APCON is to cut the agency’s grip from government involvement by self-funding it.

“As it is often said, he who pays the piper causes the tune. For as, long as the government continues to fund APCON, so long will it continue to appoint politicians and whomsoever or assume the right to meddle in the affairs of APCON. “ Except APCON is able to fund itself, this nonsense and illegality will continue,” Shobanjo said.

Our correspondent learnt that the list took the minister by surprise, as the new nominees were compiled and announced without any inputs by the Honourable Minister of Information, whom we reliably gathered, was deeply upset and miffed by government’s self-inflicted embarrassment and slip.

The Minister was said to have been particularly saddened for being sidelined on an issue that falls exclusively within the purview of his ministerial jurisdiction.

The Minister, who expressed regret about the long delay in the appointment of the council and its implication on the industry, has since taken up the case with the Presidency.

He is said to be working to ensure that the controversy is resolved soon.

The boards that were inaugurated by the Minister include those of the News Agency of Nigeria; Voice of Nigeria; National Gallery of Art; National Orientation Agency; National Commission for Museums and Monuments; National Theatre and National Troupe; and National Council for Arts and Culture, among others.

Noah‘s Ark unveils plans for 10th anniversary celebration Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, one of Nigeria’s most outstanding creative agencies and multiple award winner at local and global levels, has concluded arrangements to celebrate its tenth year of excellent business operation. The agency which started operations on February 11, 2008, hit the tenyear mark penultimate weekend.

As part of activities marking the celebration, Thomas Kolster , a re-

nowned author and advertising guru has been invited to deliver a lecture on the topic titled: ‘Goodvertising – your voice & work matter’.

A roundtable discussion featuring industry experts and thought leaders comes after the keynote lecture.

Also, a workshop to be anchored by Thomas Kolster for the agency and its clients holds on Friday, April 5, 2018, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos while the keynote lecture

is slated for Friday, April 6, 2018 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Thomas Kolster describes himself as a man on a mission; one of the early pioneers in the dogood space, coining the term Goodvertising to describe the changing advertising landscape that’s become a movement in itself.

As a seasoned advertising professional counting more than 16 years he’s a vocal voice for advertising

and brands as a force for good and his book “Goodvertising” is the most comprehensive book to date exploring communication for good.

Also, a novelty match has been put together with Noah’s Ark Team to trade tackles with AAAN, the preeminent trade association for Nigeria’s advertising industry.

Speaking on the historic milestone in a statement released in Lagos, , the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr.

Lanre Adisa, described the achievement as a product of favour and immense support received from clients who have remained a strong foundation for the company’s sterling performance in the last ten years.

Adisa, who lauded the huge contributions of the clients to the company’s success story, noted that the opportunity and open mindedness to creative ingenuity by them are clearly evident in the lives of the brands the agency has

been privileged to partner with them to build.

Adisa, who singled out some clients for believing in the agency, noted that such belief has translated into huge gains for the brands.

He thanked the Peak Milk team particularly for giving the agency the wing to fly at the beginning with the agency’s first brief, stressing that such opportunities contributed in no small measure to what the agency has achieved till date.

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

ƔƔƔƆƏ Ɠ

Akam James, Yenagoa As part of efforts to enhance young brains in the nation’s oil and gas sector, Five hundred students drawn from the Nine States of the Niger Delta region are to participate in the inaugural career talk show on oil and Gas development in the country.

The show which is opened to secondary schools in the Niger Delta region and sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is a new initiative to fill the skills technical gap in the nation’s oil and gas by sensitizing science students in the secondary schools across the nine Niger Delta states.

Mr. Idowu Adejuwo, the Chief Operating Officer, of Osk leverages and vie logistique, in a statement issued via email, noted that the five hundred students from the Senior Secondary School will be drawn from over two hundred schools.

According to the statement, the participating students in the maiden edition will engage in career talks with the theme, ‘Bridging the local content gap in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector: Science, technology and engineering to the rescue’.

The industrial growth of any nation is anchored on science, engineering and technology and all efforts must be put in place to encourage the new generation to take up the challenge for national growth.

According to the organisers, “We need more Nigerian engineers to man the very technical aspects of oil and gas operations.

Nigerians have the capacity to compete favourably and this programme will help us build new set of engineers, scientists and technologists.

Land Use Charge: 400 per cent increment unfounded, based on

ÏƆƔƐƆ Ɨ ƍƆƏƈ Ɨ Ƈ Ə Ɨƈ ƅ Ƒ ƐƆƗ ƍ ƕƌƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƍƏƈƋ ơƿ Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Benjamin Omoike The Lagos State Government has been making clarifications regarding its amended Land Use Charge.

Akinyemi Ashade, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, has restated that reports making the rounds that the state government had increased its Land Use Charge by 400 per cent, is not only erroneous but misleading.

Ashade, who made the remarks on Wednesday, while breaking down the nitty-gritty of the new law to journalists at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, stressed that the government was not unaware of the reactions of a section of

the public on the reviewed Land Use Charge of 2001.

“In order to improve on service delivery, increase internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and not depend on the federal revenue, Lagos state has sought to grow its revenue base by ensuring all economic activities on Real Estate give a return to the government for the sole purpose of improving the living conditions of residents of Lgaos state.

“The implemented Land Use Charge Law (LUCL), is a repeal of the Land Use Charge Law 2001, it was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018.

“The LUCL 2018 which replaced the 2001 law is a merger

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Ganiyu Obaaro

Nigeria’s integrated telecommunications service provider, Globacom, continued its promotion of the nation’s values as the company partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Corps.

At the celebration, which began on Friday with Jumaat prayers and ended on Monday with a high profile dinner held at the Nigeria Airforce (NAF) Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, Globacom earned commendation for

supporting road safety in Nigeria.

Significantly too, the company was given an award of recognition for its silent contributions to road safety in the country over the years.

In a statement by the telecommunications’ giant, it said that “While presenting the award to Globacom’s Acting National Coordinator, Public Sector Sales, Mansur Opakunle and the company’s Regional Head, North Central, Ike Onuekwusi, the Secretary to the Government of the

Federation (SGF), Boss Gida Mustapha, thanked Globacom for being a pillar of support to FRSC and consequently making the job of the Commission easier”.

Earlier in an interactive session that preceded the dinner, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, paid glowing tributes to the corporate bodies, including Globacom, which lent their weight in support of the Commission in its bid to make the roads safe over the years.

of all Property and Land Based Rates and Charges in Lagos State,” he said.

In clarifying the figures circulating in the media on the rate for the newly-reviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018, he said many of the numbers were based on several years of arrears on the levy not paid by affected property owners.

Also responding, Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said there were so many misconceptions and misinformation about the new law, adding that the law was a progressive enactment duly made by the House of Assembly and handed over to the Executive for implementation in the overall interest of the people.

He specifically dismissed the

humongous figures being bandied about on the social media, saying many of the calculations were based on arrears of many years of non-payment.

“The fact is that this law took a long process to be made. It started as a bill and went through the first reading, second reading, public hearing to which all stakeholders were brought together to debate it and some of the relieves we have seen were part of the debate expressed by the stakeholders about the need to protect the vulnerable segment of the society. Having made the law, the Lagos State House of Assembly has handed it over to the executive to implement.

“The second important part is that a lot of relieves have been built into the law but many peo-

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

B4

Money Market

NAFEX gains $65m transactions turnover in one day

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Stories by Motolani Oseni The Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) window on Wednesday recorded transactions turnover of $199.36 million, against $134.60m declared the previous day, representing total gain of $64.76m in just one day.

The local currency, however, remained stabled across all Foreign Exchange (Forex) markets and segments.

For instance, the Naira, as of close of yesterday’s trading activities on the official forex market stood steadied at N305.80 against

the dollar, the same rate it traded on Tuesday, but better than N305.85 exchanged on Monday and N305.90 exchanged last week.

At the parallel market, the Naira, closed at an unchanged rate of N362 to the US Dollar, as well retained the appreciated rate of N500 to the Pound sterling, which was stronger than N502 sold on Tuesday and N504 sold a week ago. And it maintained N442 exchanged on Tuesday per Euro.

But at the NAFEX window, the Naira began Wednesday’s trading activities on a positive of N359.82 per dollar, against N359.93 recorded the previous day

CIBN enhances finance training with CBT for students The Chartered Institute of Bankers Professional Examinations has upgraded from traditional paper-based to Computer- Based Testing (CBT) platform for its students.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said the pilot phase of the CBT, which takes effect from April 2018, was carried out in October 2017 with the Certified Risk Managers (CRM) Certification Examinations in Lagos and Abuja centres.

The Institute said the exercise was adjudged successful as the students described the platform as simple, easy to learn and user-friendly.

“Students are assured that the transition to CBT platform will not affect their mode of study as they are expected to use the same materials to prepare for the examinations as they currently do “ The only difference would be that the structure of questions would change to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Short Answer Questions (SAQ),” the Institute said.

It said that courses like the International Trade & Finance, Banking Law, Ethics & Corporate Governance, Bank Lending & Credit Administration and Practice of Banking would have the hybrid of theory of MCQs and SAQs. It stated that an online tutorial platform for practice questions would be made

available in advance of the real examinations to enable students to practice and get acquainted with the application to aid their preparation.

Meanwhile, the examination has been scheduled to hold from Tuesday, April 10 to Thursday, April 12, 2018 in 29 locations across the country and in areas where examinations are conducted.

The Institute said specific test centers would be communicated to the students in due course even as registration for the examinations would be done online and manual

and N360.25 the preceding day, however, ended well at N360.45, the same rate it settled on Tuesday.

Although, the special forex window, further recorded an improved transactions turnover of $199.36m, better than $134.60m declared on Tuesday and $133.19m sold on Monday.

In the first two months of this year, the Investors FX window has recorded a whopping $10.1billion turnover, helping in stabilizing the foreign exchange market.

The special FX window in the just concluded month of February declared a to-

tal transactions turnover of $3.95 bn, against $6.1 bn recorded in January, representing a decline of 35 per cent.

Although, figure obtained showed that I&E FX window between April and December 2017, recorded total turnover of $25.65bn, with September and November declared the highest transactions turnover, while April, the month that the CBN created the special FX window recorded the lowest turnover figure.

However, data from FMDQ OTC securities Exchange revealed that $0.61bn or N1865.66 bn total turnover was traded

in April and increased by 114 per cent to $1.32bn or N403.92bn in May. Total turnover on I&E FX window in June and July were $1.63 billion or N498.78 billion and $1.86 billion or N569.16 billion respectively.

Data from FMDQ OTC stated that total turnover gained momentum in August 2017, as newly created window reached $3 billion per month.

According to the data, I & E FX window in August was estimated at $3.54bn or N1.08 trn, while in September, total trade on the I & E FX window closed at $4.61bn or N1.41trn.

For October it dropped to

$4.30 bn or N1.32 ttn, but the turnover trade on the I & E FX window in November and December were $4.51 bn or N1.38 trn and $3.27 bn or N1 trn , respectively.

The I& E FX was created by the CBN to boost supply of foreign exchange into the nation’s economy, attract more investments and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

CBN introduced the special window for investors, exporters and end-users of foreign exchange on April 21, 2017 as part of its efforts to deepen the FX market and accommodate all the foreign exchange obligations.

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Accountants charge business leaders over measurable progress on diversity, others As it joined the rest of the world to mark the International Women’s Day 2018, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has called on business leaders to show real and measurable progress on diversity and social mobility issues.

ACCA described that for 40 years now, the phrase ‘glass ceiling’, has being used to define thwarted careers and ambitions, especially for women.

But, while celebrating the 2018 edition of the International Women’s Day, which goes by the global theme: ‘#pressforprogress’, seeking advances on a number of issues from gender pay parity to equality of opportunity.’

ÏdƆƆƊ Ɔ Ɨ Ɛ Ɨƈ ƍ ƏƈƐƕ ƈ ƍ ƕƌƆ Ɛ Chief Executive, ACCA, Helen Brand OBE, said: “2018 is the 40th anniversary of the phrase: ‘glass ceiling’ , first being used by business consultant Marilyn Loden.

“Looking forward, if there’s one area where I wish to see sustained progress, it’s to ensure career ladders breakthrough the glass ceiling for women.

“We have to take a wider view and seek progress on social mobility - unequal access to opportunities still exists for many women and men”, she explained.

OBE added that ACCA has welcomed policies to address issues, such as disparity in pay and board-

room diversity in the UK and globally. There are examples of good practice highlighted in our recent report Generation next: managing talent in large accountancy firms which shows how the Big Four are addressing diversity to ensure women have a place and voice in their business.

This includes KPMG’s women in finance forum and Deloitte conducting ‘blind interviews’ to tackle recruitment bias.’

In the same direction, Head ACCA Nigeria, Tom Isibor, noted: ‘The accountancy profession is an attractive career choice for many because of the flexibility and choice it offers.

At ACCA we’ve made opportunity a reality, with an open access policy that enables anyone to qualify as a professional accountant.

By simply removing the need for prior qualifications, we’ve created access to a profession that offers a rewarding career.’

ACCA says employers and their recruitment strategies are part of the success equation for diversity.

He added: “As our Gen Next report shows, creating the leaders of tomorrow is an on-going task for firms. The tone clearly has to be set from the top, with a transparent culture that’s committed to diver-

sity. We have to measure this progress too – after all, what’s not measured can’t be managed.

“Effective corporate leadership is needed to achieve real and lasting progress. At ACCA we believe this can be made through open discussion, transparent reporting and ensuring diversity is an integral part of how we work now and in the future”, he said.

Meanwhile, the global accountants’ body earlier in the year has said that accountancy profession should identify more proactive approaches to continue to improve social mobility.

Capital Market

B5

Daily Times Nigeria j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕè L Əƅ Ƥè ƾƠơƤ

Naira weakens in I&E window to N360.17 Ï M1MơǀƾêÖƢƄ RLR ƄƈƋƋ ƌ ƐƑƏƆ j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕ Stories by Bonny Amadi The pressure on the Nigerian naira was sustained on Wednesday , as the import and export window of the foreign exchange market weakened b 0.8 per cent.

The USD/NGN rate weakened by 0.08 per cent to NGN360.17 in the I&E FX window, while it remained flat at NGN362 in the parallel market.

However, total turnover in the I&E FX window improved

by 48.11 per cent to USD199.36 million, traded within the range of NGN330 to NGN364.50 band.

Meanwhile, the apex bank injected USD210 million into the FX market on Tuesday march 06,2018 , comprising USD100 million, USD55 million, and USD55 million disbursements to the wholesale, SMEs, and invisibles windows, respectively.

Transaction in the fixed income and money market showed that the overnight lending rate dropped by 92 bps to

12.50 per cent on Wednesday , following developments, including, an increase in market liquidity levels which rose by 6% to NGN166.60 billion, and anticipation of Thursday’s inflow via maturing OMO bills worth NGN152.93 billion.

Proceedings remained bullish in the Nigerian Treasury Bill (NTB) market, due to relative improvement in system liquidity. Average yield contracted by 4 bps to 14.99 per cent, with yields closing lower at the

short +3 bps and mid -9 bps ends of the curve, but flat at the long segment.

Notable bills include the 85DTM lessened by -32 bps) and 92DTM by -37 bps.

Equally, investors were modest in the bond market, with average yield expanding by 3 bps to 13.70%. Yields expanded at the short end by 3 bps and midterm by 6 bps. For the long term it closed flat. Notable bonds include the JAN-2022 with +16 bps and JUL-2030 with +7 bps , respectively.

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Union Bank empowers women entrepreneurs Union Bank recently empowered women entrepreneurs with skill that would enable them score higher margin in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

The empowerment seminar, which held in Lagos was in keeping with the bank’s initiatives under its Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) business advisory programme, Union Tagged ‘Breaking Barriers Women in Business’ was designed to provide UnionBank’s female SME customers with practical guides on how to surmount typical challenges faced by small businesses in Nigeria with particular focus on business law, accounting and online marketing

Union Bank’s SME seminars are a frequent feature in its business advisory service and this recent edition was specifically organized for female entrepreneurs ahead of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations.

According to Union Bank’s \Head of Retail Segments, Paul Aseme:“We recognize that Nigerian SMEs face many challenges –especially during the start-up stage of the business .We are therefore organizing the seseminars, bringing in accomplished entrepreneurs and professionals to share expert advice that will help the see female business owners establish a good foundation

for their businesses , widen their exposure and expand their business connections.”

Topics covered include ‘Understanding your business and the market ’, ‘Online presence and visibility ’ as well as ‘Business Law and application’all in a bid to provide the SMEs with the essential knowledge they need to build sustainable businesses and thrive in the Nigerian marketplace.

There were facilitators from Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Legal experts from Amber Solicitors , Brand experts from SME Studio and representatives of renowned brands who shared tips on

how to develop strong product and service brands .

In addition, the SME seminar also provided a platform for service providers to network and promote their services and business solutions to SMEs and help them explore market opportunities.

The seminar series highlights Union Bank’s support for the development of the SME sector of the Nigerian economy and specifically the development of women in business.

The Bank continues to operate various SME funding schemes to assist SMEs in financing, expanding markets and enhancing competitiveness in the marketplace

Nestle’stopline growth in Q4 2017 weakest in 2017 –Expert Nestle Nigeria Plc recently published its Q4 2017 results, which cross section of analysts said was reflective of the fading impact of price hikes taken in H2 2016.

The result showed that Nestlé’s topline growth was missed, as it was down by -6.97 per cent q/q; and grew by 12.36 per cent y/y.

According to Codros capital in it report on the company’s result, the firm’s topline growth in Q4 2017 was the weakest in 2017, which may not be unconnected with the fading impact of the price hike effected in 2016 The published Q4 2017 results showed a -23.03 per cent y/y decline in PBT to N12.35bn, largely driven by +108% increase in finance cost and -220bps contraction in gross profit margin, which more than offset the +12.36% y/y increase in revenue.

While the company’s opex/ sales ratio (21% in Q4 2017) remained relatively flat y/y, which may not be unconnected to the operational efficiencies and structural cost savings highlighted The investment analyst noted: “in the parent company’s FY 2017 conference call, we note that the FX loss of -N263m in Q4 2017 also accounted for the -964bps y/y reduction in PBT margin in Q4 2017 when compared to the FX gain of N3.14bn in Q4 2016 which led to a positive net finance cost of N3.2bn in Q4 2016”.

On a sequential basis, PBT grew by +23.26% q/q, majorly driven by a -95.86% q/q reduction in net finance cost which more than outweighed the -6.97% q/q slowdown in topline and higher opex/sales ratio (21.0% in Q4 2017 compared to 17.6% in Q3 2017).

The decline in net finance cost may not be unconnected with the c.-30% q/q decrease in total loans and borrowing to cN20bn.

The FY 2017 performance, showed that Nestlé’s PBT grew by +117% y/y to N46.83bn majorly driven by +34.21% y/y increase in topline to N244bn, -190bps y/y contraction in opex/sales ratio to 18.5% as well as a -46.78% y/y reduction in net finance expense.

‘We believe the topline line growth was largely due to price increase, while the reduction in net interest expense was on the back of the -59% y/y reduction in total loan and borrowing, noted the investment expert.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

B6

Motoring

CR-V benchmark compact SUV enters market Ï Ƒ Ɛ ƌƆƏ ƗƆƋƈ ƐƆƗ

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Honda has unveiled the all-new, fifth-generation CR-V, showcasing it as the outright benchmark Compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The launch , which held at The Honda Place (THP) along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos State was well attended by the Nigerian motoring press amongst other stakeholders.

According to Honda, the idea behind the concept of developing the 5th-generation CR-V, after 23 years from the introduction of first-generation, was to set a benchmark as the nextgeneration SUVs. As such, the All- New Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V) was overhauled, and now offers unique characteristics/features to the level that inspires and delight our customers.

Previewing the 2018 Honda CRV, Lead Sales and Mar-

keting official of the THP, Remi Adams reeled out the salient features of the new SUV. According to Adams, the completely redesigned and reengineered 2018 CR-V, going on sale this March,

boasts of bold new styling, a more premium interior, a host of new features and technologies aimed at maintaining CR-V’s status as the outright benchmark in the highly popular compact SUV segment.

Adams said that the new CR-V styling heads in a fresh new direction with an aggressive attitude, attributing it to crisp and sharp front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by

Sparrows dynamic launches decarbonising service for motorists Nigerian car owners and motorists now have cause to smile as Sparrows Dynamic, facilitator of an innovative automobile care; Carbon Cleaning has launched the service in the country.

The Carbon Cleaning machine, which is manufactured and assembled in France with CE and FCC certification, is a unique hydrogen-powered decarbonizing machine with advanced technology developed over several years; and has remarkable cleaning capacity to flush out up to 75% of the carbon deposits that prevents automobile engines from running smoothly.

Speaking at the launch of the service at the RT Briscoe station in Lagos, Sope Babaniji, Country Director, Carbon Cleaning Nigeria, said that the innovation will help Nigerians get value for money on their cars and help them curb excessive and incessant spend on cars due to bad fuel and other issues that arise from carbon build up in engines.

“This service is an innovative idea that has been tried, trusted and tested across Europe and Amer-

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ica; and we are happy to bring it to Nigerians.

“We want to help them to get the best value for their automobiles and prevent incessant spend due to accumulation of carbon in the engine which could arise from bad fuel or other technical issues.”

Babaniji also stressed the need for motorists to have their cars regularly decarbonized. According to him, the carbon cleaning machine removes carbon deposits from all

engine types, restores engine performance and fuel consumption back to normal, prevents wear of expensive engine parts (EGR valve, DPF, spark plug, valves, injectors, etc.) and reduces exhaust fumes.

“It is important that motorists regularly decarbonize their engines to help extend its lifespan without the need to replace expensive parts.

“Everyday use of your vehicle leads to the grad-

ual increase of carbon deposits throughout the engine and exhaust system which is a threat to vehicle performance. Our carbon cleaning service takes care of this and in just 30 minutes, your engine will run like new,” he said.

While noting the importance of the service to car owners, Babaniji revealed that motorists can drive into any partner service station where the device is used to have their cars checked.

a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all trims, and wide, muscular fenders.

“The long hood, longer wheelbase and short rear overhang gives the new CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

“The CR-V’s new windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (EX trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminium alloy wheels (18 inches in EX trim) and narrower A-pillars for improved visibility”, he said.

The All New 2018 CR-V, Adams said, is powered by a 2.4-litre DOHC, directinjected i-VTEC™ engine, and it’s mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic.

He added: “The all-new body and chassis design in the 2018 CR-V provides more agile and confident

handling, greater refinement, additional ground clearance and superior overall versatility. “ Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension utilize specially tuned low-friction dampers, including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote quick turn-in and flatter cornering. Dualpinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CRV’s direct and satisfying steering feel”.

Emphasising that the 2018 CR-V also raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class, Adams added that “the more spacious cabin, with top-in-class interior space and the best rear seat legroom in its class, features upgraded materials throughout, including a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats.

Infinity Tyres opens Gwarinpa sales and service outlet Infinity Tyres Limited, one of the foremost and distinctly the industry leader by far in the automotive aftermarket sales and services in Nigeria, proudly inaugurated its retail facility in Abuja, in the august presence of Mr Aminu Jalal, Ex DG National Automotive council, Mr SN Abubabkar (MFR) Executive Vice Chairman , Brentex Petroleum Svcs Ltd, Engr Muftau Salawu, Chairman Opinior Engg Company Ltd, Mr Abhay Desai, COO Daily Trust, Mr. Aliyu Akoshile , Associate Director Daily Trust, Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari and Mr. Arshdeep Chadha, Directors of Infinity Tyres Limited, Mr. Vineet Mathur, Col. Aloke Dutt, and other officials of Infinity Tyres Ltd. on 19th February 2018.

This is the second facility in Abuja, located in the upmarket Gwarinpa residential district. The uniqueness of this center lies in the fact that it is the 1st ever solar powered tyre service station in Nigeria, drawing its energy requirements from solar panels.

The Gwarinpa centre will provide services such as tyre changing for all kinds of tyres, wheel balancing, wheel alignment,

nitrogen air filling, steam cleaning & sanitization of car interiors.

Leading global tyre brands such as Pirelli, Goodyear, Ceat, Infinity will be made available to the customers. Batteries from Exide and Nova, Infinity branded spare parts, coolants and battery terminals will also be available for customers to choose from.

As an introductory offer at Gwarinpa, Abuja, Infinity will be offering 25% discount on services, attractive discounts on products and free steam cleaning & sanitizing with the unique Optima Steamer, till 31st March , 2018.

Infinity Tyres Limited now operates multiple company owned tyre retail facilities and Infinity Express franchisee outlets across the country.

The company will shortly open another retail facility in Kaduna state, with a target to cover other states as well.

Infinity Group, recognizing the growing needs of quality customer service and world-class products, has also introduced a full line of solar solutions in association with Eastman Power Limited, India.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

B7

AgriBusiness

Nigerian beans for export to Europe – UNIDO Stories by Simon Ugwu The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) , will begin a pilot export of Nigerian dried beans to the European Union in April.

UNIDO’s Chief Technical Adviser, National Quality Infrastructure Project, Shaukak Malik, disclosed this at the opening of a 3-day capacity building for sustainability of the project.

UNIDO also said it will officially write to the EU

to inform it of the improved quality of dried Nigerian beans and that it is safe for consumption, if the pilot is successful.

The EU had banned importation of Nigeria’s dried beans in June 2015 on the ground that it contained a high level of pesticide considered dangerous to human health.

In June 2016, the ban was extended by three years by the EU because the presence of dichlorvos (pesticide) in dried beans imported from Nigeria

and maximum residue levels of pesticides showed that compliance with food law requirement as regards pesticide residual could not be achieved in the short term.

Malik confirmed that the level of chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers used by Nigerian farmers have been brought down drastically as UNIDO had trained Nigerian farmers on good agricultural practices.

He added that UNIDO

is developing 10 training centres in Nigeria; four in Abuja and six in Lagos State.

He also disclosed that the UN organisation is in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to develop a curriculum on quality management.

He said that an Integrated Export Control Plan, which has been validated by both the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural De-

velopment and the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and stressed the need for its enforcement, has been developed by a working group under zero reject of Nigerian goods.

Stephen Cross, an international accreditation expert, who also spoke at the event said the strongest challenge against trading of Nigerian goods and services are non-tariff trade barriers.

UNIDO asked the Ni-

IoD fellow charges members on agric, unemployment Directors and heads of organisations have been urged to leverage on prospects the agriculture sector brings with its potential for creating wealth to grow the economy , as well as tackle the growing unemployment in the country.

A fellow of the Institute of Directors and Chairman, Best Food Group, Emmanuel Ijewere, insisted that 75 per cent of Nigerians can earn their means of livelihood in the agriculture sector if properly explored.

He explained that most Nigeria erroneously believe that agric sector is about farming only, adding that farming constitute only 5% of entire agriculture chain.

Ijewere, who was the guest speaker at the institutes’ February 2018 new members’ induction, spoke on the theme, ‘A Director in an Uncommon Industry’, submitted that agriculture which created major source of employment was left as soon as Nigeria discovered oil.

The fellow who was a former president of the institute said: “Directors are champions and captains of industry. The assumption then was that agri-

culture was just farming, but today farming is just 5 per cent of agriculture. In the past 20 years, agriculture has become 90 per cent science and 10 per cent strength and energy.

To be able to achieve that you must have educated people.

Some of the most educated we have in our country today are serving in boards of companies, they are shareholders in companies, they are decision

makers, risk takers, therefore they should move towards agriculture value chain but not necessarily just farming, in so doing they’ll be creating a better country for Nigeria.”

Expressing optimism that the bill before the National Assembly for the chartership of the institute would soon be realised, the President and Chairman of governing council, IoD Nigeria, Ahmed Rufai

Mohammed, disclosed some of the institute’s plans for the year which include the beginning of a robust and well-grounded advocacy programmes that will be based on good research and analysis in 2018.

To achieve this, Mohammed said IoD would engage government so as to influence policy contents and directions towards creating a more business-friendly environment.

Kebbi farmers begin massive sugarcane planting for ethanol Farmers in Kebbi State have began massive planting of sugarcane at Tungan Amadu and Tungan Mai Ramu areas of Shanga and Koko Besse areas for the production of ethanol.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Kebbi State Government, last year, signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) on the production of ethanol in the state.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, while interacting with farmers during his visit to some of the sugarcane producing communities in the state, said his administration would consolidate on the plan by the NNPC and the state government to establish an industry for the production of biofuel in the state.

He said appropriate machinery would be given to farmers for optimal extraction of sugarcane to serve the industry.

Bagudu added that his administration would reconstruct the road linking the sugarcane producing communities.

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIRRO) has automated two plants for Kunu and Zobo drinks.

gerian government to approve the Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP) urgently as the policy is still awaiting approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to the Chief Technical Adviser, product rejection or ban at EU countries and other parts of the world can be reduced with recognised NNQP, accreditation and certification bodies as meteorology institute.

FIIRO automates two plants for Kunu, Zobo drinks The Director General of the institute, Prof. Gloria Elemo Prof. Gloria Elemo, announced this yesterday, at the ongoing Technology and Innovation Expo, 2018 in Abuja. Prof. Elemo said the initiative, which is already waiting for commercialization by investors was in partnership between FIIRO and an indigenous automation company, Automation and Engineering Nigeria Limite d.

The DG also said the agency had developed over 150 patents that are now ready for mass production but needed investors to take them off the shelves for commercialization.

According to her, “there is need for a National Forum on Commercialization of indigenous research and development result to encourage researchers and inventors in the country.”

For Prof. Elemo, Nigeria has developed tons of indigenous technologies that are capable of promoting it into an industrialized nation.

Speaking on the theme “Stimulating Economic Growth through Commercialization of indigenous Research and Development, she said the objective of the TechExpo was to bring stakeholders together to discuss commercialization of indigenous research and development result and to critically examine the benefits of commercialization for national socio-economic development. She said the mandate of the Institute, which was established since 1956, is to research and develops technologies to turn around the socio-economic fortunes of Nigeria, through research and development.

Earlier, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu who was represented by the Director, Science and Technology promotions in the ministry, Dr. Ekanem Udoh, urged all participants in conjunction with FIIRO to share ideas and come up with the best results that will move the nation forward.

nsion contributions – FG

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

xxxx Stories by Godwin Anyebe Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, recently inaugurated some of the boards of parastatals and agencies under his ministry , but the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), which is saddled with the responsibility of vetting ads in order to protect consumers from unethical engagement is missing.

The implication of this action for Nigerian ad practitioners is that the more than two years’ wait for a new APCON council may not end soon, and the industry will continue without a

regulator for the foreseeable future.

The APCON board that was named by the administration about two months ago was flatly rejected by operators because it flouted APCON’s Advertising Law requirement that council members should be marketing practitioners and fellows of APCON. And a protest letter was immediately dispatched to Abuja to formally point out the gaffe.

The disputed council members are Hon. Jacob Sunday (Chairman), Chief Dayo Abatan, Aloysius Okafor, Sani Tulu, Akor Sunday, Ismaila Umar Sifawa and Murtala Ad-

amu Atiku.

Their appointment contravened the Nigerian Advertising Laws, Rules and Regulations Act 55 of 1988 (as amended), states that a chairman, who should be appointed by the President, shall be a distinguished fellow of the profession.

Also, seven persons are to be appointed by the minister, one of whom shall be from the Ministry of Information and the rest from among other interests in advertising, which in the opinion of the minister, ought to be adequately represented.

The list was roundly condemned by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nige-

ria (AAAN), with support from some of Nigeria’s advertising bigwigs and icons, including the Chairman, Troyka Group, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of STB McCann, Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, (OAAN) Board of Trustees, Chief Foluso Babu Akinbobola, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, former APCON Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet, Group Chief Executive Officer of Centerspread, Mr. Kola Ayanwale and Chairman, Government Relations Liaison Committee among others.

Some of them have insisted

Director, Africa Operations, Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Dapo Oyeleke (right) assisted by the Managing Director, Bayelsa Air Lines, Capt. Henry Ungbuku (2nd right) handing over copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Bayelsa Airlines and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Ltd for their services in the State at the Grand Pavilion and Boat Club, Yenagoa, while the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah retd, (left) looks on. Photo by Lucky Francis.

that the only lasting solution to the undue government interference in APCON is to cut the agency’s grip from government involvement by self-funding it.

“As it is often said, he who pays the piper causes the tune. For as, long as the government continues to fund APCON, so long will it continue to appoint politicians and whomsoever or assume the right to meddle in the affairs of APCON. “ Except APCON is able to fund itself, this nonsense and illegality will continue,” Shobanjo said.

Our correspondent learnt that the list took the minister by surprise, as the new nominees were compiled and announced without any inputs by the Honourable Minister of Information, whom we reliably gathered, was deeply upset and miffed by government’s self-inflicted embarrassment and slip.

The Minister was said to have been particularly saddened for being sidelined on an issue that falls exclusively within the purview of his ministerial jurisdiction.

The Minister, who expressed regret about the long delay in the appointment of the council and its implication on the industry, has since taken up the case with the Presidency.

He is said to be working to ensure that the controversy is resolved soon.

The boards that were inaugurated by the Minister include those of the News Agency of Nigeria; Voice of Nigeria; National Gallery of Art; National Orientation Agency; National Commission for Museums and Monuments; National Theatre and National Troupe; and National Council for Arts and Culture, among others.

xxxxx Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, one of Nigeria’s most outstanding creative agencies and multiple award winner at local and global levels, has concluded arrangements to celebrate its tenth year of excellent business operation. The agency which started operations on February 11, 2008, hit the tenyear mark penultimate weekend.

As part of activities marking the celebration, Thomas Kolster , a re-

nowned author and advertising guru has been invited to deliver a lecture on the topic titled: ‘Goodvertising – your voice & work matter’.

A roundtable discussion featuring industry experts and thought leaders comes after the keynote lecture.

Also, a workshop to be anchored by Thomas Kolster for the agency and its clients holds on Friday, April 5, 2018, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos while the keynote lecture

is slated for Friday, April 6, 2018 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Thomas Kolster describes himself as a man on a mission; one of the early pioneers in the dogood space, coining the term Goodvertising to describe the changing advertising landscape that’s become a movement in itself.

As a seasoned advertising professional counting more than 16 years he’s a vocal voice for advertising

and brands as a force for good and his book “Goodvertising” is the most comprehensive book to date exploring communication for good.

Also, a novelty match has been put together with Noah’s Ark Team to trade tackles with AAAN, the preeminent trade association for Nigeria’s advertising industry.

Speaking on the historic milestone in a statement released in Lagos, , the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr.

Lanre Adisa, described the achievement as a product of favour and immense support received from clients who have remained a strong foundation for the company’s sterling performance in the last ten years.

Adisa, who lauded the huge contributions of the clients to the company’s success story, noted that the opportunity and open mindedness to creative ingenuity by them are clearly evident in the lives of the brands the agency has

been privileged to partner with them to build.

Adisa, who singled out some clients for believing in the agency, noted that such belief has translated into huge gains for the brands.

He thanked the Peak Milk team particularly for giving the agency the wing to fly at the beginning with the agency’s first brief, stressing that such opportunities contributed in no small measure to what the agency has achieved till date.

Life&

TIMES Thursday, March 8, 2018

9ice: On originality and true music L2, 3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Why I cherish my single ‘Anytime’ –9ice He made a major impact in the industry with a national anthem and ever since he has always upped his game amidst several controversies.

A lot of things has changed about you; personality wise, while others say 9ice is arrogant, are you?

Enjoy…

What is this thing about you been proverbial with your choice of words in most of your songs?

You know Nigerians like one thing, ones they like At what point of your career did you actually breakthrough the industry, what do you think made that possible?

I think it is as a result of being unique then so many other element with the

the talent alone, but the media, the

All your previous work, which one will you tag your best?

What really inspires your kind of lyrics?

What was growing up like for you? toward our own era and you found out that all generation you will be like what is the meaning of all this nonsense songs they listen to, why

so I try and formulate that

&

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Interview L3

‘I learnt never to promise what is not achievable in politics’ as a credential is good conscience that behalf of What is the lesson you learnt in joining music with politics?

One of the things I learnt is be humble stay through to yourself and believe that what you do today determine your tomorrow there are some artist that cannot contest for an election not that are not popular but they will not dare come for an election because of the kind of music they

the good conscience. The best bet for politics is to make it unattractive and make it less cheap.

Now that you have a taste of what politics is all about what has changed about your impression about politicians?

instance never thought of running for an election

down with your family

and raise your

kids

really prompted the politics in me was that we

class this thing is failing and I have realize that it is not the academic background that matter

in Bariga is complaining of water and I will call one of my advisers who have an idea on water how can we solve this issue; what I need to have

know you are going to be the president of Nigeria from January to December and you are going to do road if the amount is more than the person

road is my paramount aim and after the four year there will be road everywhere water might not be

the history of Tinubu and Tinubu was the one that has the master plan. But when you have an identity it goes faster in this part of the world and then other places.

Do you patronize our African fabrics?

wear native to perform and now everybody wear it so glory be to god almighty.

Are you designer freak? depicts what I wear if I am happy I wear agbada so that I will have so many pockets so if you give me attitude I just be normal Where is your best fun spot? can buy my ticket What is your favourite drink?

Orange juice What is your best quote, maybe from the Quran?

That will be Ayatul Qurisiyu because it is a quote depicts so many things and it is very resourcefully.

What is your dream car?

That will be the latest Benz. I am contributing to make it complete quickly. I love Mercedes but am

What kind of phone do you like?

I like IPhone but they are very troublesome and you buy that‌ android makes it easier.

Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Ajibade Alabi

L.A.X launches multi-million naira music company Singer, L.A.X has officially launched the RASAKI HEADQUARTERS which is a multi-million Naira edifice located in the heart of Lekki.

The 24-year-old music act who has experienced maturity from his early years as a Starboy signee is taking his career to another level by unveiling the RASAKI HEADQUARTERS. The singer who owns the brand, RASAKI GROUP, stated that the company caters to artistes in need of legal counseling since this has been a major challenge for a lot of artistes over the years.

“We have a team of lawyers whose aim is to protect and guide the intellectual properties of creatives”, He said.

L.A.X shared pictures of Wizkid, Mutay of Legendury Beatz and M.I, posing at the headquarters on Instagram.

Adey

LAX

African beauties storm Nigeria for 2018 Africa Beauty Queen International pageant

Precious Jefferson The city of Lagos is set to witness a torrent of beauties as more than 25 ladies from different countries across Africa will be vying for the crown as the winner of 2018 Africa Beauty Queen International Pageant.

The pageant, a brain child of Roses and Rubies International, owned by Precious Jefferson, will hold its maiden edition on Friday, March 30 2018 at the Grand Ball room of Oriental Hotel, Lagos and will have the contestants thrill guests with exhilarating dance steps beautifully choreographed by ace pageant director, Mordi Chike.

Along with the beautiful display, will be exciting performances from MAVIN Records act, Reekado Banks and other top musical acts all of whom have expressed their excitement at being a part of the

project.

While speaking about the inspiration for the pageant, Jefferson who herself is an accomplished beauty queen having won several pageants including Miss Independence in 2011 and Beauty of Africa International Pageant Queen for me is more than just a pageant. It is a dream, one that I have nursed since I was nine years old. I am daily obsessed with a need to give back to thr society, help young girls achieve their dreams of becoming who and what they want to be. Being an exbeauty queen myself, I totally understand the challenges there are in the industry and Africa Beauty Queen is poised to proffer solutions and be the trademark of excellence as far as modelling and pageantry are concerned in Nigeria and

Adey releases ‘Slender’ lyric video As a follow-up to his Valentine song, Slender, Adegboyega Ogunlesi, popularly known as Adey has unveiled a catchy Lyric Video. acclaimed for its unique mix of Jazz elements with Hip-Hop.

In the mid-tempo song, Adey shows his music

The Slender Lyric Video is released by Temple Management and is available online and airs on major music channels.

Ecobank boosts entertainment in Benin, offers discounted movie tickets Ecobank Nigeria has entered into partnership with Kada Cinemas, a leading Movie destination in Benin City, Edo State to offer Masterpass QR customers access to exclusive movie ticket discounts offers.

This is targeted by the Bank to boost the entertainment industry in the ancient City. Under the arrangement, customers, who purchase movie tickets using Ecobank Masterpass QR every day of the week gets a 20 per cent discount off their Movie ticket. The offer which is open to all bank customers runs between March 1st and April 15th.

Speaking on the partnership, The Group Head, Transaction Services Group, Mr. Emile Sagna said it is one of the several initiatives by the pan African Bank to boost the entertainment and tourism industry. He stressed that that the partnership would re-ignite and engender Sagna added that apart from enhanced products and service delivery, the Bank recently invested massively in digital and mobile banking, noting that it was targeted at creating ease of transaction for all types of customers.

In his words Mr. Sagna said “this partnership with Kada Cinemas is part of our ongoing commitment to giving our

Emile Sagna

with their daily reconciliation.

He reiterated that the bank had the launch of Ecobank Mobile App in 2017. The Mobile app allows citizens the ease to open an Ecobank Xpress account within minutes on the go.

Also, it enables customers do instant payments..

To address the needs of businesses, Ecobank has released its Dynamic QR codes Application Program Interface

their lifestyles and needs. With Ecobank Masterpass, Merchants can now receive payments from their customers using the QR Scan and Pay, receive real-time Enterprise

Resource

Planning

(ERP) system. With this integration, merchants will be able to generate dynamic QR codes which will contain customer and it includes the following, amount to be paid, what is being paid for, and any other information that the merchant may want to collect. The consumer would just insert his pin The MasterCard QR is available to merchants in different industries ranging from hospitality, food and beverage, aviation, Insurance, Utilities, lifestyle, health and entertainment.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, March 8, 2018

L5

Mito, Lifu, Ceelo and Tolex up And then they were 12! Things heat up as Ahneeka, Angel are evicted for Sunday eviction from Big Brother’s House

Team CEELO

As usual Biggie asked the housemates to nominate two pairs each for possible eviction.

Biggie announced the most nominated housemates, and then asked the Head of House Bambam to save a pair and replace with another.

How the housemates voted ToLex – Mito and Tena BamCo – Mito and Llifu LIfu – Tena and Mito TeNa – Celo and Tolex

CeLo – Tolex and Mito MiTo – LIfu and Tolex Miracle and Anto (Mito), Tobi and Alex (Tolex), Ifu and Leo (Lifu), and Teddy A and Nina had the highest nominations.

As Head of House, Bambam saved the pair of Tena and replaced with CeeC and Lolu.

The housemates up for possible eviction this week are Leo and Ifu (Lifu), Lolu and Cee - C (Ceelo), Tobi and Alex (Tolex) and Miracle and Anto (Mito).

Stephanie Coker lands new TV host deal Top Media Personality, Stephanie Coker has landed herself a new TV host deal with Arise TV where she is expected to handle a segment a programme that airs every weekday at 9am.

The Morning Show will see Stephanie discuss with guests in all aspect related to entertainment, business, Tech amongst others.

usual tension and anxiety as the duo of Ahneeka and Angel, popu-

providing an exciting twist.

The pair of Ifu and Leo, otherwise

night, as they escaped eviction and won the Pepsi challenge “Roc da Mat” challenge, which saw the overall winning pair cart away a N5 million cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to the One Music festival in London.

The housemates will have other challenges to win as the competition show Ebuka mentioned that pair- continues, including the Payporte ings will be dissolved after next arena game which rewards the best overall winner with N1m at the end left to battle against each other, of the competition. from the Big Brother House.

Hosted by the ever dapper Ebuka, clad in his now signature agbada, formances from doctor turned afropop singer Dr. Sid, who performed

BamBam becomes the new head of house As always, the HoH Challenge took place to select the new head of house. Leo, Tobi, Bambam and Alex were able to balance for their lives and earned a push in the right direction during the task, however, Bambam managed to bag Bamco the coveted HoH title The task was to use their petroleum jelly greased noses to collect cotton balls from one bowl and deposit them into another without the aid of their other body parts. tally an impressive twenty balls, nearest competition, Leo and Alex

South African television personality, Bonang Matheba, who spoke about the works of entertainment law and brand building in Africa.

high chair.

The games have certainly just begun for her and Rico having being saved from eviction last week.

Bambam

Opinion L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Adedayo Showemimo

Dear Nigerians, why are we committing suicide?

According to the World Health Organisation, every 40 seconds, one person commits suicide somewhere in the world, which tallies to 800,000 suicides annually, worldwide and if you own a smartphone in this part of the world, you would have surely read one or two suicide stories in the past week.

Back in 2016 when Psychologist and lecturer at the University of Lagos, Prof. Oni Fagbohungbe, said that suicide may increase in Nigeria, we all laughed it out as a social media joke.

self-reproach comes in. Then, aggression also comes in. The individual reacts to the society which is perceived as the cause of your failure.

These are the kinds of situation that aggravate With recent happenings in the country, the reality is setting it and we can go on to list the countless numbers of suicides reported in the past week.

1. The story of 35 year old medical doctor, Allwell Orji who parked his car and leaped off the 3rd mainland bridge is still very fresh in our minds.

chieftain of PDP, Dr Isaac Ojukwu who committed suicide by setting himself on fire in a rented hotel 3. And then the story of the young Fulani boy whose body was spotted hanging from a tree in a bush at Lariye Village in Zaki Not to mention the series of suicides on Facebook live and of course the many suicides stories that never make the news or get on blogs.

So what really is the problem?

Experts say financial and economic troubles push many to the edge in Nigeria, which is rated 2016 World Happiness Report.

The prevailing economic crisis, recession and poverty in the country is obviously a factor to consider in all these. But then, suicide is really not a new thing.

A 2012 report by WHO states that over 800,000 people die of suicide annually and that it is the second cause of death among young people between 15-29 years.

How to Help a Suicidal Person At this rate, we all need to do more, we must genuinely show love and concern for people around us and here are a few tips that can help us all save lives in these trying times.

Always take suicidal comments very seriously.

When a person says that he or she is thinking about suicide, you must always take the comments seriously.

Assuming that the person is only seeking attention is a very serious, and potentially disastrous, error. Get help immediately.

Listen attentively to everything that the person has to say. Let the person talk as much as he or she wants to. Listen closely so that you can be as supportive as possible, and learn as

much as possible about what is causing the suicidal feelings.

Let the person know that you are deeply concerned. Tell the person that you are concerned, and show them that you are concerned. A suicidal person is highly vulnerable and needs to feel that concern.

Comfort the person with words of encouragement. Use common sense to offer words of support. Remember that intense emotional pain can be overwhelming, so be as gentle and caring as possible. There is no script to use in situations like these, because each person and each situation is different.

Listen carefully, and offer encouraging words when appropriate. that the person says or feels. The person is probably suffering from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and thus could not possibly think clearly. Be supportive and caring, not judgmental, but get help immediately.

Be careful of the statements that you make.

You do not want to make the person feel any worse than he or she already does. Again, the person is probably suffering from a chemical imbalance in the brain and is thus extremely sensitive.

Listen, listen, and listen. Be gentle, kind, and understanding. Again, allow the person to talk as much as he or she wants. Always listen very attentively, and encourage him or her to talk more. Be as gentle, kind, and understanding as possible.

If the person is at a high risk of suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Do not leave a critically suicidal person alone for even a second. Only after you get professional help for the person can you consider leaving him or her.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, March 8, 2018

L7

Daniel Nwaokocha

5

Healthy eating tips to maintain your figure

The statement “See, I am fat!”, is what most of obsessed with their weight and there is a lot of confusion regarding what to eat and what not to.

With thousands of varieties of food containing nu-

time. Moreover, if the meal you had is left undigested then it can lead to toxin accumulation, weight gain and bloating. Most people tend to get back home from work very late and they still end up eating heavy. It is not right. You should stop over somewhere and eat before getting home or better still, have fruits for dinner instead of eating heavy.

on the desired result but never follow the path and that is where we lack. “Dieting these days has become a fad. Following a particular diet has become a status symbol. It gives you results too but at the cost of your inner body system and the moment you stop doing it, the weight usually bounces back. The focus should be on a healthy approach with a balanced diet to have long-term ist, yoga expert and a health Blogger, Rediscover, and unfortunate myth which has become a belief, that eating less will make a person weigh less.

Right food at right time and in right quantity is In addition, it is a forerunner of many vital functions the only effective and long-term solution. Today such as for the maintenance of skin, hair and heart you might not feed your body, and it might not health. So the next time you sit down to have lunch, demand for food but ill effects like poor health, be sure to include some vegetables in the menu. today, we took it upon ourselves to provide 5 simple, yet effective healthy eating tips that you always wanted.

5. Five servings of fruits and vegetables:

colors of fruits and vegetables in your diet, which is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

A human body needs a certain Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals, which is considered as essential micronutrients.

4. Four pints (2 liters) of water: A lot of you ladies want the glow on your skin. component of healthy eating tips is to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water every day. A human body contains 55 per cent to 78 per cent of water that helps Moreover, it balances the immune system, maintains brain, blood functioning, and helps in carriage of nutrients throughout the body. So after eating, walking, working, be sure to drick a good glass of water.

3. Three major meals: The foundation of health consists of the three major meals that one should not skip in a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. A balanced diet is when it has 10-15% of Fats. Therefore, skipping these meals can result in poor digestion capacity, stress, fatigue and a disturbed immune system. Many individuals tend to

fast, should be a taboo to you. Make sure you look forward to having all meals to have a healthy productive day.

2. Two hours of gap: If you are in the habit of eating your dinner and immediately going off to sleep, then you should stop that right now. As the day passes by, the metabolism decreases and your body needs at least two hours of gap between your last meal of the day and sleeping

1.

One hour of physical activity: Whether you are young or old, one hour of physical activity that keeps you charged is absolutely necessary. A proper workout should be a combination of strength training and cardio but if you do not have so much time to spare, then 30 – 35 minutes of brisk walking and stretching will also do. It will help you keep your weight under control and reduce stress and lifestyle disorders to a great extent. Do not neglect getting involved in physical activities.

Even at an old age, you could still look younger and stronger than your age.

We do hope that these tips have been useful to help you achieve your dreams of getting and have any more questions or contributions or issues you need to discuss, feel free to hit us up on our twitter account @danylcaesar and be

L8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, March 8, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Dealing with worry There will always be something to worry about, all the time. Truly, life is full of ups and downs, unexpected disappointments and tragedies, and honestly a lot of things that just refuse to go according to our optimistic plans. Anyone who has lived a good number of years on earth would have some experience of this and if we look at it honestly, this might be a legitimate basis for worry and anxiety. And temptation to worry about how things work out; will our plan turn out well? Will the good become better or worse? or will the not-so-good things become

of our lives, there are possibilities which are beyond our control. This throws up some legitimate fears which then become the object of our worries. The problem with worry, however, is that it often takes things that are mere negatives possibilities (and have alternative possibilities which are positive) and treats it as if they are inevitable. Worry treats things that could happen and treat them as if they have happened or will certainly happen. This kind of anxiety and unease makes people miserable and sucks the energy out of them. It is dangerous, if left

danger to make decisions from a place of worry; it can be really damaging; not only to you, but to your immediate circle. You could hurt people around you due to the fact that you lacked a little

a way that eventually leads people to act desperate and often times ruin things that could have been better. While legitimate fears and possibilities that may cause us to have some worry and anxiety may come up, we must deal with them in such a way that we overcome such feelings of worry quickly, because it is better to be (reasonably) optimistic than to worry. Here are some important reasons why you must not tolerate worry in Your Life and we must confront worry as it comes up in our lives and not allow it to fester.

your wife, your best friend, who ever. Just try to learn to master the Art of being patient.

worst part is that many times, most of their fears never 1. Worry makes our thinking problem-oriented negative prospects of a situation; our logical reasoning does that. Worry simply comes to make it our main or only focus and when our thinking becomes with prevention or solutions, even though it may imbalance in the mind. In order to be or remain a problem-solver, one cannot live in worry.

2. Worry robs us of the ability to live in the present Worry is mainly about projections; negative projections that may never happen. This makes it a torment that robs people of the ability to enjoy and engage with life in the present. Many relationships suffer badly when one or both parties are prone to

3. Worry creates a negative attitude If a person is worrying, they are ruminating over negative possibilities and eventually it comes up in their speech, their attitude and disposition to life. Nobody wants to be around a negative person. And when you begin to start thinking negative, you tend to loose in a job, a task, or a project before you begin them. You should not allow yourself to develop a negative attitude because you have consistently built up a life of worrying. As a Man, your lady might not tell you but it can drive her away from you. Your children might not tell concerns the, because they know you will worry. Also to women, try and reduce your worrying to the mini-

physically) present for other parties. Life comes in happen or that has happened or that you think will hapthree phases. The Past, the present and the future. pen. Life is a gift. Enjoy it.

You should be able to reminisce and enjoy the moments of the past. Enjoy the moments of the present 4. Worry can lead to wrong decisions as they come and anticipate the moments of the Many times, worry and anxiety make people make future to come; so that when they do, you can enjoy them. Many people who make a habit of worry may

5. Worry can lead to controlling behavior When we allow our fears and insecurities to take over us, the tendency is that we will want to control things in order to prevent what we are afraid of from happening. This is bad for our relationships. Trying to control everything around us often spirals into manipulative and abusive behavior; we may tell lies, threaten people and do other desperate things just because we believe we are trying to prevent bad things from happening. Nobody in their right mind will stick around such behavior for long. As a parent, worrying can drive you to being over protective of them. You send a guide everywhere you kids go, you lock them inside the house before you go out, and

happen. Or as a guy in a relationship, you begin to stalk your lady where ever she goes, on social ing. You begin having different thoughts of things that would never happen and you develop distrust and your relationship fail and you start blaming her or him, whichever the case maybe.

6. Worry affects health and well-being constant worry supplies will create stress, deplete energy, make people unable to rest and properly take care of themselves. All of this will eventually show up as poor health; physical and mental.

Amongst these, you could age quickly; you could get an high blood pressure, an heart attack. So please. Prevention they say, is better than cure.