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Daily Times: Again, Anosike brothers petition CJN As police cook up fresh charges despite subsisting Court of Appeal verdict Andrew Orolua, Abuja As the N2billion suit filed

by Anosike brothers against the Nigeria Police and a former https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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Senate to INEC

lawmaker, Senator Ikechukwu Obiora for illegal arrest, detention and abuse of their fundamental rights comes up for hearing next Continued on page 4

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 672

N150

Announce June 12 results, declare Abiola President Wants FG to pay entitlements to MKO Abiola, Ambassador Kingibe Seeks retention of May 29 as Inauguration date, June 12 Democracy Day Reps in rowdy session as Dogara clarifies President’s power on holiday g 5

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle) and others during the breaking of Ramadan fast with youths and artistes at the State House in Abuja... on Thursday

Human trafficking: FG mandates NAPTIP to screen World Cup contingents g6

FG targets 7% growth rate by 2020, woos European investors g6

Foundation partners Daily Times for First Nigerian Mushroom Festival g7

NCC fixes deadline for N165bn interconnectivity debt settlement g B2

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

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News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Again, Anosike brothers petition CJN Continued from page 1 week Monday, the Anosikes have again written a second petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, against the decision of the Nigeria Police to subvert the course of justice by initiating fresh criminal charges against them.

They also added in the petition that there is a subsisting 2010 Court of Appeal ruling which dismissed criminal charges against them and their company, Folio Communications, on the grounds that the dispute between them and Ikechukwu Obiora was purely civil and therefore should not be grounds for criminal prosecution.

In the petition dated June 6, 2018 and made available to newsmen on Thursday, the Anosike brothers and their company, Folio Communications Plc, publisher of The Daily Times, urged the CJN to treat the matter as urgent in order to “combat this illegality, high level of unprofessionalism and in view of an extant detrimental act being perpetrated by Messers Ikechukwu Obiora, Kalu Onuoha and others which if not restrained at this time and these men called to order, may escalate into a quagmire capable of ruining the perception of the profession, causing great injustice, loss of business and an act that can only be described as an abuse of court process in impunity.”

Signed by the Group Managing Director, Folio Communications Plc, Barrister Noel Anosike, the petition traced the roots of the matter in issue to their legitimate bid and successful acquisition of Daily Times in 2004, stating that Ikechukwu Obiora who was never party to any of the rigorous but transparent privatisation process that led to their purchase and full payment of Daily Times has been fighting dirty to acquire the properties of the company in collusion with some elements in the Nigeria Police, this time, its hierarchy.

“My Lord Sir, we wish to bring to your notice that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) advertised for sale among other assets of the Federal Government, Daily Times of Nigeria Plc for privatisation which we bided for and at the end of a very competitive bid

emerged as the preferred bidder and went ahead to pay the required fee for the purchase of 233,754,840 ordinary shares of the company at the sum of N1,250,000,000 (One Billion Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira Only) in full payment of the above shares to the BPE, receipts of payment to that effect issued by the BPE on behalf of the Federal Government and the cover letter that accompanied them, the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement signed between BPE on behalf of the Federal Government and the Deed of Transfer are hereby attached and rightly marked as Annexures 1a– 1e, 2 and 3.

“Ikechukwu Obiora and his cohorts in 2010 got the services of some men in the Police and that of the office of the then Attorney General of the Federation to file criminal charge against us for frivolous issues that were purely civil. In our response to the suit through our lawyers and upon making it clear that these men have approached the court with half-truth, the then Inspector General of Police, IGP Onovo, directed that the matter be referred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice, and he further found that the case was purely civil in nature after due consideration of the DPP’s report on the matter. The letter of directive from the IGP and the subsequent report of the committee set up by the Honourable Attorney – General of the Federation on the above issue are also hereby attached and marked as Annexures 5 and 6 respectively.

“Still unrepentant, these men went through the back door to secure a judgment against us in a matter that we were not made parties but they constituted themselves as both plaintiff and defendant, a judgment that Justice Okechukwu Okeke delivered to them in 2010 on the basis of which they carried out a purported Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc and removed us as Directors of a company that we successfully bought from the Federal Government, this they did through some unscrupulous staff/officers of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Upon becoming aware of this, we through our counsel filed and appealed the said decision and the Court of Appeal in a consolidated appeal dismissed the

said judgment. My Lord, the judgment of the Appellate Court in the consolidated appeal with Appeal Nos CA/298/2010, CA/298A/2010 and CA/298B/2010 are also hereby attached and marked Annexures 7a -7c.

“Despite the forgoing, and prior to this time, Mr. Ikechukwu Obiora have been engaging the services of Kalu Onuoha to file several matters against us most of which have always been struck out or even withdrawn by them in several courts both in Lagos and Abuja, one of which is WIPARQUET Limited v.

Daily Times of Nigeria Plc with Suit No. MIK/3450/17 where they constituted themselves as both Claimant and Defendant thereby deceiving the Magistrates’ Court into granting them judgment with which they went and demolished Daily Times property in Cooper Road Lagos, threw out the tenants there, destroyed their properties among others” “Most disturbing My Lord, is the ugly incident that happened at the beginning of this year where Mr. Ikechukwu Obiora hatched a plan which they successfully carried out alongside men of the Nigeria Police Force with the services of a Chief Magistrate, Azubuike Ukagu, arrested, arraigned and detained us in Kuje prison for over 7 (Seven) days, same fate befell our staff who they also on the engineering of Ikechukwu Obiora spent more than 7 (Seven) days too in FCIID Area 10 Abuja.

“It on the basis of the above that we filed a matter for the enforcement of our fundamental human rights against the Inspector General of Police, DIG Dagana (now retired) and Ikechukwu Obiora, a matter which is still subsisting at the Federal High Court with the next date being Monday 11th June 2018.

“Permit us, My Lord, to also bring to your notice that in line with the several law suits which can only be described as vexatious and abuse of court process, Ikechukwu Obiora through Kalu Onuoha instituted Suit No. CV/16/18 deceiving the court into granting them an order of interim injunction which we challenged through our Counsel and the Court after considering the facts as placed before it struck out the matter. The order of interim injunction and the court’s ruling striking out the matter are

Continued on page 5

PHOTO TIMES

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (m), his wife, Toyin (6th left) with Kannywood actors, actresses, producers and directors led by Salisu Aliyu (Chali), Ali Nuhu and Tijjani Faraga during the breaking of fast (Iftar) in Abuja.

Some members of the House of Representatives during the breaking of Ramadan fast with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara in Abuja

Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN (3rd right), Permanent Secretary, Works & Housing, Mr Mohammed Bukar (2nd right), Director Human Resource, Mrs Morayo Alimi (left),former Assistant Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Bonfrere Jo(3rd left) and former Super Eagles player, Benedict Akwuegbu (2nd left) in a group photograph shortly after the handing over of the keys of the Federal Government allocated House to the Coach in fulfillment of Government’s Pledge 24 years ago for Winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations at the Ministry of Power,Works & Housing Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja on Tuesday 5th, June 2018.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

5 News

Senate to INEC: Announce June 12 results, declare Abiola president Tunde Opalana, Henry Omunu and Mathew Dadiya Abuja The Senate has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce the results of the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by a business mogul, the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, declare Abiola and his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, president and vice-president respectively.

The Senate by extension mandated that full entitlements of the two be paid by the Federal Government.

The Upper Chamber also extended its support to the June 12 declaration as Democracy Day by President Buhari while it insisted that May 29 be retained as inauguration day for elected officers.

This resolution followed the motion through a point of order raised by Senator Abiodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South) where she also requested that all due entitlements be recognised and accorded to the winner and the family of the June 12 Presidential election.

Drawing the attention of the Senate to the declarations on Wednesday by President Buhari, Senator Lanre Tejuoso (APC, Ogun Central), who rose through order 43, commended Buhari for the long awaited recognition for the

Again, Anosike brothers petition CJN Continued from page 4 also hereby attached and marked as Annexure 8 and 9.

“It is with deep sense of responsibility, being law abiding and on good authority that we make bold to state clearly at this point to you My Lord, that Mr. Ikechukwu Obiora, a serial litigant who is hell-bent on using all his resources to ensure the clamp-down of the operations and activities of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, has once again obtained the services of the Police to file a 20 (Twenty) Count charges against us over the same issues and facts that constituted the charge filed against us in 2010. The said Charge Sheet and the Summary of the case is also hereby attached and marked as Annexure 10.

“With your kind permission My Lord, may we state here that assuming without conceding that the above mentioned charge/ suit is instituted uberrima fides by the same Federal Government that sold and executed the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SSPA) attached earlier (Annexure 2), could it have so soon forgotten the provisions of Clause 10.2 of the SSPA which states that; ‘’Any dispute, controversy or claim of any nature whatsoever arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or the breach, termination or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration and settled by three arbitrators appointed in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (Cap 19) Laws of Nigeria 1990. The parties consent to arbitration hereunder.’’

It would be recalled that last week also, an Abuja Magistrates’ Court struck out a suit seeking to stop Folio Communications Plc from publishing Daily Times of Nigeria. It was the fifth time different courts have delivered similar rulings, thereby affirming the paper’s ownership by the Anosike brothers.

In the ruling, His Worship R. J Egbe of Magistrates’ Court 13 Wuse Zone 2 Abuja, said he was aware that there was an ownership dispute existing between Folio Communications Plc and Ikechukwu Obiora on Daily Times of Nigeria as well as Consent Judgement entered between the two parties following resolution of the matter by stakeholders in 2006 which from records has not been vacated by any court of competent jurisdiction and therefore cannot grant the plaintiff’s prayers to stop the publication of Daily Times.

“However, I cannot feign ignorance or pretend that there is more to it. The totality of the evidence before me by way of affidavit evidence and exhibits particularly, exhibit 6, seems to me that there is an ownership dispute between the defendants and the deponent to the counteraffidavit. The tort of passing - off can only be derived from the right of ownership.

Therefore, it is my view that it will be meaningless to deal with the right of passing off without the right of ownership. It will amount to placing something on nothing and a sheer waste of time and energy which this Court is not ready to embark on. The case is therefore struck out,” the Magistrate had ruled.

Buhari

late Abiola whom he described as symbol of democracy.

According to him, what Buhari did was continuation of wind of reconciliation that started in Kenya three weeks ago when President Uhuru Kenyatta invited the leader of opposition in the country to a national day prayer breakfast.

The reconciliation wind, he explained, should be leveraged upon in Nigeria by both the executive and the legislature for the betterment of all Nigerians and good of the country.

Not satisfied with Senator Tejuoso’s submission on Buhari’s recognition of the late Abiola, Senator Abuidun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South) created avenue for further deliberations.

Coming under Senate order 42 and 52, she said for the recognition and declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day not to be seen as Greek gift, results of the 1993 Presidential election should officially announced and required recognition and entitlement should be accorded the winners. She, however, asked Mr. President to send a bill for ratification and seamless implementations.

Other Senators including Sulynan Adokwe (PDP Nasarawa East), Tayo Alasoadura (APC, Ondo Central), and Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia South), strongly supported the call for official announcement of the results and declaration earlier made by President Buhari on Wednesday.

But the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in his own contribution, said May 29, being the date the current 4th republic took off with the swearingin of democratically elected president of the country and many of the state governors, remains sacrosanct as date of inauguration.

According to him, unless provisions of section 135 (2b)

Abiola

of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is amended, swearingin of elected president and governors who took oath of office on May 29 cannot shift their tenure to June 12.

“Therefore as far as the law is concerned and the declaration made by the President, while June 12 would now be recognised as Democracy Day , May 29 remains inauguration day”, he said.

In his own contribution, Senator Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West), also raised another legal lacuna in the declaration made

by Buhari as regards conferment of GCFR Honours on the late Abiola.

According to him, chapter 43 (3) (2) of the National Honours Act States that “a person shall in person at an investiture by the President be conferred with it”, meaning that Abiola being a dead person, is not eligible for the Honours.

But the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his remarks, said what matters most in the recognition being accorded the late acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola

by President Buhari is the good intention behind it and not any legal technicalities.

He said, “Recognition for the late Abiola is long overdue, the very reason why the good intention behind the current move should be appreciated devoid of legal technicalities”.

In a related development, the House of Representatives , on Thursday, witnessed a rowdy session over the declaration of June 12 as a public holiday by Buhari.

Buhari had on Wednesday conferred the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on late Moshood Abiola as a sign of honour and further declared June 12 as the new date to be marked as Democracy Day. Abiola was the presumed

winner of the June 12, 1993 general election, but the government of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election before the overall result could be announced.

Thursday’s session was marred by rowdiness as lawmakers opposed and in favour of the president’s declaration engaged in a verbal spar of words immediately a motion to commend Buhari’s action was moved by Hon Wale Raji (APC, Lagos).

Shortly after Hon Wale had moved his motion on the declaration of June 12 as the national Democracy Day, under matters of urgent national importance, he was opposed by Hon Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) who kicked against the new date, insisting that the change was done with bad intent.

Shouts of “sit down” by supporters of the motion rented the air as they tried to heckle Ossai from voicing his opposition to the motion.

The rowdiness caused by this as lawmakers kicking against the motion tried to be heard over the resultant din, as backers of the motion began singing praises in memory of Abiola, chanting “MKO, is our man oh”.

This development threw the House into approximately 20 minutes of drama and inaction.

But leading debate on the motion, Hon Wale said that since 1999, successive governments have failed to acknowledge and celebrate June 12 as the real Democracy Day but instead continued to celebrate May 29 as Democracy Day in the country.

He commended President Buhari for declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, instead of May 29, lamenting that in spite of the commendable integrity of the 1993 general election, it was annulled by the military government of General Babangida.

This action by the military, he added, threw the country into serious political turmoil leading to another military era, which lasted till 1999 when the country eventually returned to democratic rule.

He said that “the 1993 presidential election was generally acknowledged to be peaceful with large turn-out of voters and was adjudged by the international observer groups as the freeiest, fairest and most credible in the democratic history of Nigeria.”

In opposing the motion, Hon Ossai declared that only the National Assembly is empowered to set new dates for public holidays.

He added that “public holiday is derived from the National Assembly Act and not from executive declaration. This honour is to be given to the President or former presidents who are still alive.

“Two weeks ago, we celebrated our great feat as a nation on our Democracy Day. The executive never thought it wise to declare it on that day.

What is the difference between now and one week ago? It is an act of discrimination.

“What happens to the public funds used in celebrating Democracy Day weeks ago?

They must be accounted for.

Why didn’t the President announce it on that day?”

Hon Toby Okechukwu from Enugu State in commending Buhari’s decision to announce June 12, as Democracy Day, cautioned that lawmakers must ensure the President is “doing what is within the framework of the law.

“We must make sure that we set the correct actions to ensure it is sustainable and it is registered for what it is. We must ensure the rule of law is abided with,” he added.

Hon Kayode Oladele (APC,

Continued on page 6

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

FG mandates NAPTIP to screen World Cup contingents Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Federal Government has mandated the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to carry out a comprehensive screening of all members of the Nigeria’s contingent to the World cup in Russia in order to forestall any incidence of human trafficking.

To this end, all members of the Nigeria Supporters Club, large delegation and other organized bodies are to submit the list of members traveling to Russia to NAPTIP for screening after which a clearance Certificate will be issued to enable them travel out of the country for the soccer fiesta.

This was the outcome of the meeting between the officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports led by the Minister, Mr. Solomon Dalung, management of NAPTIP led by the Director – General, Dame Julie Okah - Donli and officials of the embassy of Russia in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement by Head, Press and Public Relations Unit Mr. Adekoye Vincent and made available to The Daily Times on Thursday.

The Daily Times recalls that the Director – General of NAPTIP, had two weeks ago, while briefing newsmen, alerted on plans by some unscrupulous persons working in collaboration with some

suspected human traffickers, to use the occasion of the World cup to traffic Nigerians for sexual and labour exploitation.

The NAPTIP boss stated that available intelligence indicated that some of the suspected human traffickers have commenced the process of recruiting vulnerable Nigerians and conscripting them into unauthorized Supporters Clubs and unrecognized delegation for the purpose of ensuring easy passage after which such victims are assisted to defect at Moscow.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister disclosed that the meeting was called to review preparations of Nigeria’s participation at the forthcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup finals holding in Russia.

He stated further that in order to ensure that some suspected human traffickers do not feast on Nigeria youths by trafficking them under the guise of football fans, NAPTIP shall carry out thorough screening of all contingents to the game, issue them a clearance certificate that will enable the officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to allow them to board at the various exit point in the country.

The sports minister, who reiterated the determination of the federal government of Nigeria to ensure victory for the Nigerian team during the World Cup, made it clear that

Announce June 12 results, declare Abiola president Continued from page 4 Ogun) who favoured the motion, described the President’s decision as being in order, adding that the decision will always be remembered.

He said that “the annulment of the 1993 election result was the beginning of the crisis in Nigeria.

Had it not happened, we would not have been where we are today because Nigerians spoke without any iota of doubt that this is what we want.”

Some lawmakers who argued in support of the motion stated that the Public Holidays Act empowers the President to fix a new public holiday.

According to them, the National Assembly can amend the Act and change the date before the new date of June 12 can be adopted and become legal.

Ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Hon Yakubu Dogara, said that the Public Holidays Act gives room for the President to fix public holidays.

“The National Assembly has exercised its powers as provided in the Constitution by enacting that Act, but Section 2(2) gives the President power to declare a new date for public holidays.

“There is a schedule in the Act which leaves Democracy Day as May 29. So the issue to be resolved is to look at the presidential declaration and compare with the

Section of the Act that states that June 12 is the Democracy Day. “So I will freeze the motion, and refer the matter to the committees on Justice and Rules and Business,” he ruled.

The Speaker said that further debate on the motion will be suspended and thereafter, referred the motion to the House Committees on Justice and Rules and Business for legislative advice.

Meanwhile, President Buhari on Thursday directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami, to take immediate steps to publish the Presidential Order in the Federal Gazette.

This followed his declaration on Wednesday that henceforth, June 12 be observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria and that some heroes of democracy be given national honours.

Those honours are as follows: Chief MKO Abiola - Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (Posthumous); Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe - Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger; and Chief Gani Fawehinmi - Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (Posthumous).

The President also directed that the development should be done so that the awards slated for June 12, 2018 can go on as planned.

his ministry shall provide all the necessary assistance to NAPTIP in order to effectively carry out the assignment.

While urging the Agency to deploy enough men and resources to carry out the national assignment without any delay, the Minister called on all organized bodies, corporate

organization and other stakeholders to present the list of their delegation to NAPTIP for screening and clearance early to avoid last minutes rush.

Earlier in her presentation, the Director – General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah – Donli, disclosed that the Agency was concerned over the fate

of several victims of human trafficking currently stranded in Russia and cannot afford to have more Nigerian in the same situation.

The NAPTIP boss pointed out that apart from preparing the fans for the trip through proper screening, the Agency shall also monitor them on arrival to

ensure that they did not defect.

She promised to ensure swift screening and clearance of all intending football supporters knowing fully that the assignment is time-bound.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and NAPTIP.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. William Stuart Symington, during the announcement of an additional donation of $102million in humanitarian assistance to victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East ... on Thursday.

FG targets 7% growth rate by 2020, woos European investors Joseph Inokotong, Abuja Nigeria is targeting to achieve sustained inclusive growth rate of at least 7 percent by the year 2020.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, while making a presentation on Nigeria’s ‘Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Udoma, explained that the Plan has three strategic objectives of restoring and sustaining growth, investing in the people and building a competitive economy.

He called for improved private sector investment in Nigeria by European businesses, saying that the country’s investment climate is now very attractive and conducive.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister, Akpandem James said Senator Udoma who was on the panel that discussed ‘Delivering Jobs, Growth and Global Competitiveness’ at the on-going High-Level Conference on Jobs and Growth in West Africa, taking place in Brussels, said the Buhari administration has taken steps to improve the business climate in

Nigeria and the country’s business outlook for 2018 and in the medium-term is very positive.

According to the statement, the main objective of the conference was for the European Union to formally present to the West African sub region the European Investment Plan (EIP) as a tool for driving investment and inclusive economic growth in West Africa.

The Minister told the gathering that Nigeria is open for business because the current administration in the country has taken steps to improve the business climate by initiating reforms aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, improving infrastructure and removing impediments that hitherto constrained business development in the country.

While making a presentation on Nigeria’s ‘Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the Minister explained that the Plan has three strategic objectives of restoring and sustaining growth, investing in the people and building a competitive economy.

The statement further noted that “he stressed on government’s determination to deliver on these objectives as it is aiming to achieve sustained inclusive growth

and attaining at least a 7% GDP growth rate by 2020.”

He pointed out that with the implementation of some of the Plan’s reform initiatives like the establishment of the Nigerian Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council and the setting up of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Minister said it has become much easier now to register and establish business in Nigeria; and there are positive signs already that the reforms are working.

Sharing experience on the administration’s poverty alleviation and job creation programmes through the Social Investment Program (SIP), Government Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) as well as the Industrial Revolution Plan, he said government has not only created a platform for skills acquisition but has laid a foundation for youth entrepreneurship and employment generation.

He also mentioned the just concluded ERGP Focus Labs as one of the initiatives to fast-track the realization of the ERGP objectives. The labs, he explained, brought together all stakeholders to identify bureaucratic bottlenecks

impacting investment projects in Nigeria and in the process generated ideas and resources to solve them. It is one of the major initiatives under the ERGP meant to attract investment, create jobs and grow the economy, he added.

The Minister said the initial labs, which ran for six weeks between March and April, identified over $22 billion worth of potential investments, with $10.9 billion of those Investments categorised as ‘most ready to go’. Cumulative investments that could be generated from the labs could rise to $39.2 billion by 2025 with effective implementation.

Investments identified in the labs, he pointed out, could be realized within the next two years as impediments to the proposals have been discussed and strategies to eliminate them are currently being developed.

Other members of the panel were Mrs. MarieLaure Akin-Olugbade of the African Development Bank; Mr. Mamadou Traore of the ECOWAS Commission; Mr. Abdoulaye Fall of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development; and Mr. Stefano Manservisi, the Director General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Mining: Ministry pledges gender equality in opportunities, benefits

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has pledged to ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities and benefits in the mining sector.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Abdulkadir Muazu, said this at a workshop on “Gender Mainstreaming in the Mining Sector’’ on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Muazu, there is the need to consider gender to prevent unfairness between men and women in the plan and implementation of the ministry’s programme.

He said that integrating the gender perspective in policy means that equality between women and men should be taken into consideration in all decision-making process.

“Those of us in decision making positions can make particular difference if we introduce gender perspective in the implementation of our policies and regulations,’’ he said.

According to him, the sector cannot be fully utilised without the acknowledgement of women’s role in the mining sector.

“Women participated in mining in the early 1940s as they were involved in coal, tin and columbite, although they participated majorly as unskilled lowest paid labourers involved in conveying, sorting, washing and packing of minerals.

“Women also involved in supplementary jobs such as local trade in food, beer brewing and host of entertainment to miners at the mine fields.’’

He said considering that Artisanal and Small Scale miners (ASM) activities were poverty driven, they lacked the expertise which had made their contribution insignificant and unrecognised, especially the women folk that formed majority along the supply chain.

“I believe that the fall out of this workshop will be to identify programmes aimed at solving the weakness of this vulnerable group in our mining communities.’’

The Minister of State, Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, who declared the workshop opened, said that women participation in mining should be encouraged at all levels.

Bwari said that Nigerian women should be encouraged not only in words but in action to compete with other African women actively in mining.

He said that the ministry would support women in mining with loans to improve their mining activities.

The Director in charge of ASM in the ministry, Mr Patrick Ojenka, said that women were disadvantaged in the sector because mining was predominantly seen as men occupation due to the strenuous mining activities.

7 News

‘How Ajudua battered, defrauded me of $1m over fake NNPC contract’ The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada, of yesterday heard how alleged fraud kingpin, Fred Ajudua allegedly battered and defrauded a German, Ziad Abu Zalaf and a company, Zalaf Technical International Ltd, of the sum of $1 million 25 years ago.

Zalaf, a prosecution witness, in the trial of Ajudua, and one Joseph Ochunor, told the judge that the accused persons defrauded him of the sum of $550,000 through a fake Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) contract.

He further told the court that he only became aware that Ajudua is a serial fraudster through a BBC documentary where some of the victims he duped were interviewed.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the accused persons on a 12 count charge bordering on fraud and conspiracy.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Ajudua uttered forged Central Bank of Nigeria official Receipt No. 128 and No. 138 purported to have been issued by the CBN to Mr Ziad Abu Zalaf as genuine.

The commission further accused him of forging a contract Completion Certificate purported to have issued by the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Falomo, Lagos to defraud Technical International Limited.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.While being led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Seidu Atteh, Zalaf claimed that he met Joseph Ochonor sometimes in 1993.

The witness further testified that Joseph who is now at large arranged for a visa for him to come to Nigeria and he did arrive towards the end of March 1993.

He said, “When I arrived Nigeria, I was picked by one

Jerry in a white Limousine jeep and the driver was driving anyhow without even stopping for red light.

“I was checked into an hotel and they said they will come and pick me the next morning by 9 am and they did. We headed to Ajudua’s office thereafter and we met him in the office posing as a legal practitioner. He told me he will be representing me as a lawyer and that I should not worry.

“He thereafter took me to a bank and I saw a file named in the contract name. A bank official explained to me that there is a fee to be paid.

Ajudua also took the file, saying he will go and study it.

Abu Zalaf also told the court that Ajudua instructed Joseph to give him his bank details and that when he is satisfied after going through the document, he will be called to transfer the money.

“I noticed the piece of paper handed to me has the name and address of someone else but when I

asked him he said the person in question takes care of all his international and local transactions. I thereafter went back to Germany.

“On the first of April, he called me that everything is okay that I should send the money, so I transferred the sum of $268,000,000 on the 2nd of April. I also got a confirmation on the 7th of April through a phone call and I was also told that I already have a certificate of completion.

“I told him I was going to come down to Nigeria and he asked me to bring additional $375,000 but I told him I only have $300,000.’’

The witness further told the court that when he got to Nigeria, he met Ajudua in his office and he informed him that the money has been reduced to $224 and I handed him the money.

“Ajudua picked the money and dropped it at the Central Bank of Nigeria and he got a receipt and he later brought a certificate of

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), being presented with a T-shirt by Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung during a courtesy visit by the Sports Minster and delegation from the International Paralympics Committee at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, June 7, 2018. With them: President, Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Mrs. Queen Ubah (left); Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Tandoh (2nd left); Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunla (right behind) and Commissioner for Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo (middle behind).

completion which indicates that everything is fine.

“Shortly, he was also asking me for another $521,000, saying it will be the last time I will be paying for the contract, I came with Mr Michael Kramer and we gave him the money and went back to Germany but we didn’t hear anything from him again.

According to Abu Zalaf, he decided to come to Nigeria without informing Ajudua but he was not received in his office, rather he was battered.

“When I got to his office, I was not allowed to see him but I could hear his voice.

When I eventually met him, he was angry and shouting at the top of his voice, trying to intimidate me, it was then I realized something was very wrong.

“He called some of his boys who were dressed in military uniform and they took me out of his office to the compound harassing me, I was hit on my mouth and I lost two of my front teeth.

“I reported at the German Consulate where I also lodged a complaint before I left the country.

“Later I saw Ajudua in a documentary made by BBC and some of the victim he duped were showed on Tv and I also learnt that EFCC are helping the victim he duped.

“I got the email and I contacted them and they said they will be glad to help me. I handed over all the documents to them and I came in 2004 to give evidence with the EFCC. The prosecuting counsel, however asked for an adjournment because of the documents that are not available to continue the trial.

Counsel to the defendant, Chief Norrison Quakers did not object to the prosecution’s plea for an adjournment.

He however urged the court to admonish the prosecution to reply to his application for bail.

Justice Dada thereafter adjourned the matter till June 13, 2018.

Foundation partners Daily Times for First Nigerian Mushroom Festival

Tom Okpe, Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, Mushrooms Development Foundation (MDF) has signed a partnership agreement with Folio Communications Plc, publishers of Daily Times of Nigeria to host the First Nigerian Mushrooms Festival in September this year.

The event will take place in Lagos.

According a statement jointly signed by MDF and Folio Communications, the festival is aimed at creating awareness on

the health benefits and business opportunities available in mushrooms farming.

“The festival, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and the West African sub-region will focus on improving livelihoods through awareness and empowerment, both the nutritional and health benefits of Mushrooms. Being a landless form of agriculture, mushrooms business therefore comes with low investment but high returns. A combination of the above factors makes the coming festival a ‘rain or shine event,’

the statement said.

While the President of MDF Chi Tola signed for the Foundation, the Managing Editor of Daily Times Newspaper, Bonaventure Melah signed on behalf of Folio Communications Plc. “Mushrooms are good sources of three hardworking B-complex vitamins which are riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. They are all found in every cell in our body, helping to release energy from the fat, protein and carbohydrate in our food.

“In addition, Riboflavin promotes healthy skin and good vision. Niacin helps make sure the digestive and nervous systems function as they should.

Pantothenic acid is involved in the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system. Mushrooms are a particularly rich source of riboflavin. Vegetarians should also. On their part, oysters are excellent complement to fish and chicken dishes. Sauté with garlic or onions to bring out flavor, combine with crimini or shiitakes, or roast, broil or grill

them for variety.” the statement stated.

Continuing it said, “in September 2018, Lagos Nigeria will be filled with hundreds of mushroom lovers from around the country and beyond that are seeking that elusive delicacythe marvelous morel. For a few short days, everything will be all about mushrooms,” adding that about 80,000 people from Nigeria and outside the country are expected to participate at the event with First Lady, Aisha Buhari expected as Special Guest of Honour.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

‘We have 3 million subscribers in Nigeria’ StarTimes Overseas Public Relations Director, Mr William Masy, on Thursday disclosed that about three million Nigerians are subscribed to the organisation’s products and services across the country’s six geo-political zones.

William disclosed this while receiving a Delegation of Nigerian Journalists at the StarTimes Corporate Headquarters in Beijing, China.

According to him, Nigeria has been a big market for the company’s products and services in Africa.

“StarTimes, which was founded in 1988, has now

established subsidiaries in more than 30 countries, including Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa and others.

“Nigeria is currently the largest market for our products and services than other countries. We currently have three million subscribers in the whole of Nigeria.

“On the whole, StarTimes currently has 10 million subscribers across these

countries,’’ he said.

The organisation’s public relations director said that StarTimes had been selected for the Access to the Satellite TV for the 10,000 African Villages’ project.

He said that the company was prepared to assist the Federal Government of Nigerian in achieving its ongoing digitalization programme.

William, who also announced the company’s plans to soon embark on knowledge transfer to young Nigerians, added

that about 80 per cent of its employees were Nigerians.

The company’s spokesperson also said that StarTimes was looking for a suitable place in Nigeria to establish its factory like it had done in Kenya and other countries.

“As soon as we are able to secure location rights, we will definitely establish our factory in Nigeria, because Nigeria is our big market.

“With a global vision, StarTimes began to expand its services to Africa in 2002,

and has been working closely with African governments in promoting digitalization and information.

“StarTimes has introduced more than 480 quality international channels, most popular African channels and Chinese mainstream media channels.

“These programmes are broadcast in nearly ten languages, including English, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Swahili, Hausa Yoruba and others,’’ he said.

Soldier disarms suspected armed robber

A solider attached to 120 Battalion, Gonori, Yobe, has disarmed an armed robbery suspect of an AK47 rifle along Lafia-Makurdi road, Daudu, Gumman Local Government Area of Benue.

Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu who confirmed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said the incident took place on Wednesday.

Chukwu said that the incident happened when the solider was attacked by a group of armed robbers in the vehicle in which he was travelling.

He, however, said that that the soldier sustained an injury in the process, but succeeded in dispossessing the robber of the AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“The soldier is currently receiving medical attention at the military facility in Makurdi,’’ Chukwu said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), presents a souvenir to Manager, World Para Powerlifting Competition, Mr. Sam Munkley (left) while Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung (middle) watches with admiration during a courtesy visit by the Sports Minster and delegation from the International Paralympics Committee at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. . .on Thursday.

GEF urges students to engage in leadership activities

The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) on Thursday urged secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to engage in leadership activities that would positively affect life and the environment.

National Coordinator, GEF, Small Grants Programme (SGP), Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, gave the advice at the FCT Secondary Schools Environmental Festival in Abuja.

The festival was organised by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), a nongovernmental organisation.

Olubamise, who described students as the leaders of tomorrow, urged the students to be in the vanguard of ongoing efforts to protect the

environment.

“You (students) are the leaders of tomorrow who need to start engaging in leadership activities now; if you are waiting for tomorrow, that tomorrow may never come.

So, you start your leadership activities now.

“If you are in leadership positions and you cannot take decisions that will affect life and living in the environment, then it is not good enough. That is reason why we are supporting this project,’’ she said.

The coordinator said that GEF-SGP supported the capacity building of the students as part of efforts to sensitise them to the need to manage and protect the environment.

Olubamise said that GEF-

SGP supported the programme to create aggressive public awareness on the environment so as to let the people to know how to nurture and protect the environment.

“Some people perceive the need to do this but they cannot understand it; with this programme, however, we hope that many people will get to understand the salient environmental issues.

“We are targeting the students because they are the leaders of tomorrow, which means they need to start operating as leaders for now.

“If a paradigm shift is achieved among them, the students can take the message back to their homes and communities to encourage environmental management.

So, that is the essence of supporting the programme.

“We train secondary schools students because we believe that they would be able to understand the issues better than primary school students, particularly due to the way we are passing the information across,’’ she said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of GIFSEP, Mr David Michael, said that his organisation organised the environmental festival to consolidate its achievements in area of training students in climate change and environmental issues.

Michael said that the organisation had succeeded in establishing 16 environmental clubs in FCT secondary schools, adding that it also organised

workshops where the students were trained in environmental management.

The highlights of the event include the presentation of the Best Environmentally Friendly School Award to Government Girls Secondary Schools, Dutse, while Government Science and Technical College, Garki, was given Best Eco-Club in the FCT Award.

A teacher in Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Mrs Mercy Orishadipe, was given the Best Eco-Club Matron in the FCT Award.

GEF-SGP is handled by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to execute community environmental projects on behalf of 180 countries which contribute the funds.

South Korea to partner Nigerian Businesses The Commercial Attache to South Korean Embassy, Mr Bohyun Pyun says the country was committed to partner Nigerian businessmen especially in Aba in building a healthy business relationship between both countries.

Pyun said this on Thursday in Aba during the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) Business Opportunity Forum.

He said that Korean Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) where he is head was established to foster bilateral trade between South Korea and countries like Nigeria with business interests in South Korea.

The attaché said that South Korea’s major exports to Nigeria include petro-chemical products, automobiles, machinery, electronic gadgets and equipment, and electrical appliances.

Pyun said that South Korea imports from Nigeria items such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Lead, Aluminium and other solid minerals Liquefy.

He said that Aba being a highly industrialized city and a notable economic hub in Nigeria, it was a worthwhile effort for Korea to collaborate with the Aba chamber.

He said it was very important to South Korea to build a strong relationship with her Nigerian counterparts and would welcome Nigerian companies wishing to invest in South Korea.

The attaché expressed hope that the visit would result in creating more business opportunities between Nigerian businessmen and those of South Korea.

The Abia State Commissioner for Industry, Chief Henry Ikoh said the state had been working to ensure that small and medium scale industries were revived in the state.

He said that the government would give the Koreans a better platform to do business in the state.

Ikoh promised that his ministry would ease the process of getting necessary documentations for people wishing to do business in the state.

The commissioner said that government was ready to partner with business people ready to supply power to Aba to boost industrial development.

Earlier, the President, ACCIMA, Mr Ady Obadi said the forum was set up to discuss partnerships and collaborative openings with South Korea and South Horizon ltd, a gas supply company in Port Harcourt.

He expressed the hope that the discussions with the Korean attaché would open up avenue for the country to grant Aba businessmen quarterly quota for trade missions.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

9 News ABU’s judgment debt: Court dismisses CBN’s preliminary objection

R-L: Oyo State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Lekan Adeyemo; state Secretary, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya; Woman Leader, Mrs. Mabel Williams; Vice Chairman, Oyo South, Mr. Adefisoye Adekanye, and others during the inauguration of the state executive members of the APC, at the party’s secretariat, Ibadan... on Thursday.

June 12: Buhari is new progressive – NANS The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a new progressive for declaring June 12 as the country’s Democracy Day. Buhari had on Wednesday announced proclaimed that June 12 will henceforth be known as Nigeria’s Democracy Day instead of May 29.

The president said the decision was in honour of

the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

He also conferred Abiola with a post-humous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Reacting to the development, Mr Idowu Odebunmi, the Public Relations Officer of NANS, made the commendation in

a statement made available to news men on Thursday in Akure.

“President Buhari has proven to be a progressive and champion of people’s course which June 12 stands for.

“The properties and lives lost in the struggle of June 12 and the main centre of the people that librated us from the shackles of Military regime have been compensated today

by President Muhammadu

Buhari.

“This shows the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy and it shows we have a president that appreciates free and fair election,” he said.

According to him, this will expose the history of heroic struggle for the democracy that Nigeria is enjoying today.

The NANS spokesman decried inability of past

leaders calling themselves progressives but could not bring to bear people’s oriented leadership deserved

by Nigerians.

“If you know what it takes to win a presidential election and someone wickedly annulled it, you will appreciate President Buhari for the new Democracy Day declaration and you will congratulate late MKO on the posthumous award as GCFR,” he said.

International Trade Centre inaugurates `SheTrades Commonwealth’ The International Trade Centre (ITC), has inaugurated SheTrades Commonwealth in Nigeria to strengthen capacities of 3, 000 women-owned businesses toward boosting their sales to £28 million (about N11, 480 trillion) by 2020.

The Senior Advisor, Women and Trade Programme, ITC, Nicholas Schlaepfer, said this at the inauguration of the programme on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, the project aims to boost trade, productivity and competitiveness for women entrepreneurs through intensive training and mentoring toward ensuring they played active role in international trade.

He said that the project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), would be implemented

by ITC from 2018 to March 2020.

Schlaepfer noted that the project would increase economic growth and job

creation in Commonwealth countries by ensuring increased participation of women-owned businesses in international trade.

He said the project would address challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including access to and control over land, cumbersome business and financial institutional processes.

“SheTrades in the Commonwealth-Nigeria will ensure that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria receive support tailored to their specific needs allowing

them to propel their market representation and secure greater access to global trade,” he said.

According to him, ITC will work to increase the competitiveness of women entrepreneurs in the agriculture, apparel and services sectors in four Commonwealth focus countries.

The countries are; Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Bangladesh.

He said that the project would provide governments with better tools and information to implement

gender-responsive policies and share practices.

Schlaepfer said that ITC would partner with government institutions like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and private sectors, to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Commenting, Mr Babatunde Faleke, the Regional Coordinator, South-West, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said that trade by women entrepreneurs was a major driver of economic growth.

“Many women are involved in export businesses and contributing to boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said.

Faleke commended ITC for the project, while expressing the council’s readiness to partner toward deepening trade for women entrepreneurs.

The Executive Director, House Style Files, Ms Omoyemi Akerele, commended the initiative, and said that access to market had been a major impediment to women entrepreneurs, especially globally.

Jigawa SEMA disburses N3.6m to 42 fire victims The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says it has disbursed N3.6 million to 42 victims of fire outbreaks in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Yusuf Babura, made this known to journalists in Dutse on Wednesday.

Babura said the amount

was disbursed to the victims of fire outbreaks in Dutse who reported the incident to the agency individually.

“The victims were given 20 per cent of what they lost to the inferno, depending on the level of damages recorded,” Yusuf said.

He pointed out that the assistance was provided by

the state government, after the agency had conducted an assessment of the fire outbreaks.

The executive secretary, therefore, warned people in the state against carelessness in the use of fire and other electrical appliances.

According to him, the agency will continue to sensitise and

enlighten the public on dangers of careless use of fire and electrical appliances.

He said the highest amount disbursed was N400, 000 while the least was N28, 000.

The agency had on Oct. 13, 2017, disbursed over N13 million to 436 victims of fire outbreak in 22 local government areas of the state.

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Wednesday dismissed the preliminary objection raised by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a N2.5 billion garnishee proceeding instituted by 110 disengaged workers of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.

Justice Haastrup over ruled the submission of the CBN and held that when it comes to garnishee proceeding, the CBN is like any regular bank and not an agent of the government.

Haastrup also ruled that the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation was not required as the AttorneyGeneral is also a judgment debtor in the suit.

The preliminary objection was raised when the court gave garnishee order on ABU’s account with the CBN. Ekokoiesua Urua, CBN’s counsel, filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction to garnish accounts of government agencies with them.

The apex bank also said that the Attorney General of the Federation’s consent needed to be sought before an account maintained by them can be garnished.

Recall that the appointments of 110 ABU workers were terminated in 1996, when the institution was run by a Sole Administrator.

They approached the court in 2012, after failure of the institution to implement the recommendations of various Visitation Panels, which recommended that they be reinstated and all their entitlements paid.

The court ruled in favour of the workers in 2015 and ordered the university to reinstate them and pay their entitlements, which amounted to N2.5bn.

Non-compliance with the court judgment necessitated the garnishee order on the institution’s bank accounts.

The case was adjourned until June 21 for CBN to file an affidavit to show cause and for continuation of hearing on pending applications.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

NARD urges Buhari to sign RTP Act into law The National Association of Resident Doctors in Nigeria (NARD), has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Residency Training Programme (RTP) bill into law to prevent incessant strike by its members.

The National President of NARD, Dr Ugochukwu Chinaka, made this call in an

interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Chinaka, the bill will go a long way to address issues affecting members of the association that result to incessant strike.

“Resident doctors will continue to work assiduously to uplift the image of the health sector.

“There is an extant circular on the RTP released by the Federal Ministry of Health on July 18, 2014 which is not being implemented by some tertiary health institutions in the country.

“The RTP Act passed long ago by the National Assembly is still awaiting presidential assent; it is central to addressing challenges in Post Graduate Medical

Training in Nigeria.

“However, we call on the President to please sign the RTP Act into law to ensure that issues leading to strike actions in the health sector are settled.

“Also, the Federal Government should meet our outstanding demands and agreements.

“We are deeply concerned about the plight of patients and

the need to protect the country’s health sector and shelve all actions capable of hampering industrial harmony in the health sector.

Chinaka said that NARD would continue to explore all avenues necessary in resolving disputes, particularly with the mind that the patients were important in the sector.

He noted that during the recent industrial action by Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), NARD worked assiduously to provide medical healthcare services to the public.

He said that NARD embraced other health workers who were coming back from their strike, saying that doctor were partners in progress.

NNPC condoles with Daily Times on Samuel Idowu’s death Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has expressed deepest sympathy to the management and staff of the Daily Times on the demise of its senior editorial staff, Samuel Idowu who passed on two weeks ago.

The condolence was conveyed in a letter presented to the Daily Times by Mr. Gboyega Bello and Mr Alex

Ekuno who represented the NNPC management during a condolence visit to the DTN Abuja office on Thursday.

Mr Bello said that the management of the NNPC deeply regretted the loss of Mr Idowu.

The letter, dated June 5, 2018 and addressed to the Editor, Mr Tony Amokeodo, was signed by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu.

It reads: “We received with

shock and disbelief, the sad news of the sudden death of Mr Idowu Samuel Olufemi, who was your Political Editor and Senate Correspondent in Abuja.

“Mr Idowu’s path crossed ours in the Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) during the discharge of his duties, leaving us with fond memories of the deceased as a friendly, helpful and exceptionally professional individual who

put others’ interests above his own.

“It is most regrettable that the Daily Times and indeed the media industry in the country lost such a resourceful, deep professional at a critical point in the annals of the Nigerian political landscape when his incisive analysis of issues is perhaps most needed.

“Our hearts are with you and the immediate family of the deceased as you mourn his loss, while praying that the

Lord God gives succour to the grieving ones over his demise.

Kindly accept our deepest condolences on this unfortunate loss.”

Responding, the Managing Editor of the Daily Times, Mr Bonaventure Mela thanked the NNPC for the condolence.

He said, “We have received many condolences but we are very glad to receiving your sympathy, we greatly appreciate this visit.

Our new approach in the

Daily Times is development journalism and we will continue to work with you to support your Programmes and policies in our newspaper.

We have created a column for NNPC because we recognise that it is the engine room of the Nigerian economy.”

Meanwhile the NNPC urged the Daily Times to uphold the good name and professionalism it is known, adding that the Daily Times is a symbol of journalism in the country.

Nigeria imports 6.149bn litres of petroleum products in Q1 – NBS

L-R: Managing Editor, Daily Times Newspaper (DTN), Mr. Bonaventure Melah, presenting a copy of the paper to Manager, Media NNPC, Mr. Gboyega Bello, another official of the corporation, Mr. Alex Okumo, Head DTN Archives, Mr. Francis Kanu, on Thursday, when the NNPC officials visited the Corporate Headquarters of DTN, Abuja, to sympathise with management and staff of the newspaper over the death of a senior editorial staff, recently, late Mr. Idowu Samuel.

Gov Emmanuel renovates 346 public schools–Aide Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, has renovated over 346 public primary and secondary schools across the state in the last three years.

The Special Assistant on Projects to the governor, Mr Iqwat Umoren, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.

He said that the tuition free primary and secondary education policy of the state

government had resulted in an influx of students to schools, even from neighbouring states.

He said that since the governor came to power in 2015 he had constructed 1,701 kilometres of road and 35 bridges across the state.

He also stated that the government was building roads that would link all the local government areas for economic purposes, and that efforts were already in place to improve

power generation in the state among other things.

The special assistant said that the lofty strides of the administration had impacted well on the residents of Akwa Ibom in many ways.

According to him, the governor is able to undertake all these projects due to prudent management of available resources available to the state.

“The policy and programmes implementation of Gov. Udom

Emmanuel is geared towards leveraging on the available resources amid an unstable national economy.

“It is also geared towards provision of basic social and economic amenities, for effective impact on the lives of citizens and sufficiently raise their standard of living,” Umoren said.

He said that apart from provision of infrastructure, the governor also repositioned

the agriculture, health and education sectors.

According to Umoren, the governor’s achievements cut across all sectors of the economy and social life, especially in industrialisation, which was his campaign promise.

He appealed to all Akwa Ibom indigenes and residents, to support the governor’s re-election, to ensure sustainability of the achievements.

Nigeria imported 6.149 billion liters of refined petroleum products in first quarter of 2018, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The report obtained from the website of NBS, showed that 5.67 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also called petrol was imported into the country within the period under review.

A further breakdown of the petroleum products importation revealed that 954.47 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), while 66.914 million litres of Household Kerosene was imported.

The report said 5,122.067 million litres of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) were imported into the country.

It indicated that the month of March recorded the highest volume of PMS imported into the country at 2.41 billion litres, while the highest volume of AGO and kerosene were imported in January and February respectively.

The report showed that statewide distribution of truckout volume for the quarter for PMS was 4.89 billion, AGO recorded 1.24 billion litres, while kerosene was 201.49 million litres.

It indicated that a total of 150.81 million litres of ATK was distributed nationwide during the period under review.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday June 8, 2018

Politics

11

Kudos, knocks trail Buhari’s recognition of Abiola, June 12 as Democracy Day Buhari’s administration has made history -Falana No words can capture depth of my gratitude, joy -Hafsat Abiola-Costello Award of GCFR to Abiola illegal, says Belgore Patrick Okohue, Lagos and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari scored the bulls eye Wednesday with the Yoruba nation of the South West, Nigeria and with many other Nigerians when he announced the naming of June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day, rather than the May 29, previously being observed as Democracy Day since 1999 when the nation was returned to democratic rule.

This gift has been one thing that many people since the return of Democracy and even before then has clamoured, prayed and agitated for without result even from those who had gained bountifully from the activities that gave rise to the agitation.

Also to go with the declaration of the day as Democracy Day is the award of the highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to Chief MKO Abiola, the man for whose reason the June 12 struggle had meaning.

It will be recalled that on June 12, 1993, Nigerians from all tribes, regions and religion trooped out to vote for Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe as his vice President on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in an election described as the freest and fairest poll in the history of the nation’s electoral process and till date none has equaled the record.

The election of Abiola and Kingibe was most significant because it was one election that didn’t matter to Nigerians that both candidates were Muslims, yet they won in all the states of the Federation including Kano State, the home state of the opposition candidate, Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

But, for some reasons, that is yet to be properly explained to Nigerians 25 years after the election, then self styled Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida annulled the election, half way into the declaration of the result by then chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof Humphrey Nwosu, with Abiola clearly in the lead.

For holding the position of the Vice

Buhari

Abiola

Falana

Presidential candidate at the election, Alhaji Kingibe is to be honoured with the Grand Commander Order of the Niger (GCON) along with the late human rights activist, pro-June 12 crusader and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

The agitation for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate at a time in Nigeria’s democratic history took a life of its own as many progressives politicians and activists alike made the country too hot for the then

Military President Babangida, when despite threats to their lives they mounted unprecedented pressure on the government until Babangida was forced to step aside from the seat of power, handing over power instead to then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ernest Shonekan, an Egba man, from Abeokuta, Ogun State like Abiola with many thinking that it will only be a matter of time before Shonekan handed over to Abiola.

But, handing over to Abiola perhaps was not part of the agenda, as the then Chief of General Staff, General Sani Abacha soon pushed Shonekan aside and took over the reins of power, thereby throwing the agitation into another kind of confusion.

The entrant of Abacha into governance brought with it a heightened agitation for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate, which did not go down well with the government leading to the hounding of many of the agitators, most of whom had to either go underground, go abroad, while some including the wife of Abiola, Kudirat and Chief Alfred Rilwanu among others were killed, while Chief Abraham Adesanya narrowly missed assassination by government agents.

The agitation got to its peak when Abiola, at the famous Epetedo declaration declared himself President of the nation and was subsequently arrested by the government, after many attempts to have him renounce the declaration failed.

The death of Abiola in prison in 1998, under the rulership of Gen Abdulsalam Aubakar, a month after the death of Abacha in mysterious circumstances , rather than quiten the storm of June 12, only helped to fuel the fire of agitation, as many people believed that he was poisoned to pay

“

I had expected that the handover from military rule to democracy would be held on the 12th of June. That would have signaled the completion of a circle that began with a dream deferred, t hat became one fulfilled. But I waited in vain. The hand over was set for May 29, a date pulled out of thin air, signifying nothing. Then I thought that the chief beneficiary would ask the country to observe a minute of silence, in memory of MKO, Kudirat, Alfred Rewane, Musa Yar’Adua, Bal Kaltho, the thousands of students, the tens of journalists, traders and politicians who lost their lives fighting to actualise an unjustly annulled election.

Again, I waited in vain, for he started his inauguration speech…and nothing was said.

”

back for the death of Abacha.

The continued agitation and the subsequent tension created thereby made the government of Abdulsalam most uncomfortable that it had no option than to negotiate his exit from power and the handing over of democratic rule at the return of democracy to a Yoruba man.

This compromise saw to for the first time presidential election between two Yoruba men, without any candidate from the other tribes or regions of the nation. It was a contest between Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and later Minister of Finance and Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Military Head of State.

Obasanjo, later won the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), making it the second time Obasanjo would be benefitting maximally from the death of others to ascend the presidential seat.

With the election of Obasanjo, another Egba man from Abeokuta, Ogun State like Abiola, as Nigeria’s civilian President, many had reasoned that the pains of June 12 will be quickly ameliorated with the recognition of Abiola’s contribution and a befitting honour will be done him, but this was not to be.

For the eight years that Obasanjo was President and with many emissaries to him to at least recognise the contributions of Abiola to his ascendancy to power, no attention was paid to it.

At the end of Obasanjo’s rule and the election of Umaru Yar’adua as President and later Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the agitation continued.

However, an attempt by Jonathan to right the wrong by naming the University of Lagos after Abiola was rejected by students, staff and alumni of the institution as an honour that will put Abiola in the mould of regional hero, rather than a national one and after some agitation it was reversed.

So, the honour Wednesday for Abiola was seen as a master stroke

by Buhari who is contesting the 2019 election and desperately needs the vote of the people of the South West, to whom Obasanjo has already gone to clamour that Buhari should not be re-elected.

So, to say that the honour for Abiola will likely have a ripple effect on the election will be to state the obvious.

This is especially so considering the position of very many prominent Nigerians who have spoken out in commendation of the honour.

Human rights and pro-democracy activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana while reacting to the honour said that the Buhari administration made history by conferring the post humous national award of GCFR on Abiola, for his huge contribution to the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.

According to Falana, “By declaring

Continued on page 12

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

...Buhari’s recognition of Abiola, June 12 as Democracy Day Continued from page 11

June 12 Democracy Day, the Federal Government has officially validated the integrity of the fair and free election that was criminally annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida junta.

“By recognising June 12 as Democracy Day the Federal Government has put an end to the hypocrisy of May 29 which was proclaimed by the Olusegun Obasanjo regime. By confering the post humous award of national award of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) on Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN the Federal Government has officially endorsed his enormous contributions to the titanic battle against military dictatorship and promotion of human rights in Nigeria.”

The activist however went a step further by urging the Federal Government to “proceed to adopt Chief Abiola’s Programme of Welfare to Poverty and respect the human rights of all Nigerians which Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN championed and defended in his life time.

“In particular, the Federal Government should mark the first national democracy day on June 12, 2018 with the release of all citizens who are being detained illegally all over the country and immediate compliance with all valid and subsisting court orders.

“Furthermore, Mrs Kudirat Abiola who was brutally assassinated while defending the June 12 mandate and others who equally paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of democracy and rule of law deserve to be honoured post humously,” he added.

Also reacting, Abiola’s daughter by Kudirat, Hafsat Abiola-Costello said she had expected that the handover from military rule to democracy would be held on the 12th of June. “That would have signaled the completion of a circle that began with a dream deferred, t hat became one fulfilled.

But I waited in vain.

“The hand over was set for May 29, a date pulled out of thin air, signifying nothing. Then I thought that the chief beneficiary would ask the country to observe a minute of silence, in memory of MKO, Kudirat, Alfred Rewane, Musa Yar’Adua, Bal Kaltho, the thousands of students, the tens of journalists, traders and politicians who lost their lives fighting to actualise an unjustly annulled election.

“Again, I waited in vain, for he started his inauguration speech…and nothing was said.

“The first four years passed and it became clear that the goal was to erase the name of the man whose sacrifice paved the way for our democracy.

Those four years set the tone. And I got tired of waiting.

“As it slowly became clear that to wait was to wait in vain.

“I stopped expecting my country to do the right thing by my father and instead began to understand why Nigeria struggles to find patriots among its leaders.

“Until today. Today when President Muhammadu Buhari gave an executive order to declare that June 12 was Nigeria’s Democracy Day, to confer on MKO the title of GCFR, an honour reserved for presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“To confer on Gani Fawehinmi, the dogged fighter for justice, and my father’s running mate, Babagana

Kingibe, the title of GCON, the second highest honour in the land.

“And in one day, it got demonstrated to my bruised heart that integrity, fairness, honour were alive and well in a country for which both my parents had sacrificed their lives.

“There are no words that can capture the depth of my gratitude nor the breadth of my joy.

“I thank God that I am alive to witness this day.

“May we live to witness many more days when justice triumphs over injustice, when sacrifice and service win over arrogance and fraud, and when the blood of our heroes reach from across time to boldly claim the reward that their actions wrought.

May the sacrifices of our past heroes and heroines never be in vain,” she prayed.

In his reaction, the man who took the title of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, after Chief Abiola, Iba Gani Adams while describing the decision by Buhari to recognise June 12 as Nigeria’s democracy is a welcome development, however urged Buhari to restructure Nigeria before the 2019 election.

Adams said while President Buhari deserves commendation for this lofty decision, he should take a step further by restructuring the country before the 2019 general election.

Adams who described the decision to recognise June 12 as democracy day as great Ramadan gift said the president will win the hearts of progressive-minded Nigerians if he can restructure the country before the election.

“I humbly welcome the decision.

It is something we can call true reconciliation. As a Muslim, it is also a gift of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of forgiveness, truth, fair play and loving others the way you love yourself.

“So, I commend the President for this historic decision and at the same time I am imploring him to do more on the basis of restructuring the country before the election so that Nigeria can truly move forward.

“If he can do justice on the issue of restructuring, Nigeria will not only move forward, but if he continue in this direction, he will have the support of most progressive-minded Nigerians in future politics,” he said.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa also hailed the declaration of June 12 as the new Democracy Day for Nigeria by the President.

Rt. Hon. Obasa, who gave the commendation through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, also praised Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his pioneering efforts at making the declaration a reality. Tinubu was the first governor to declare June 12 as a public holiday for workers which was observed throughout his eight year tenure.

“This declaration has vindicated the belief and agitation of the progressives that June 12 should be the authentic Democracy Day because it was the day that Nigeria had the freest, fairest and most peaceful election in the country.

“It was June 12 that gave birth to what we are enjoying today as democracy but for 16 years, the People Democratic Party (PDP) government at the centre failed to recognise this epoch making event. Thank God, the

Gani Adams

Belgore

Obasanjo

All Progressives Congress (APC), has right the wrong and I want to congratulate the President, his Vice, the APC and Nigerians in general for this honour on the martyr of Nigerian democracy, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola,” the Lagos Assembly Speaker said.

Rt. Hon. Obasa also has special praise for APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves special praise for his commitment to rule of law and justice, moreso his belief in the sanctity of the June 12 mandate and the entire struggle for democracy which culminated in the present democratic dispensation.

“Asiwaju was the first governor to declare June 12 as Democracy Day and throughout his tenure as governor, workers in Lagos State enjoyed the day as work free day. Asiwaju also named the former Marwa Gardens after the late Chief MKO Abiola to immortalise him.

“And don’t forget that it was Asiwaju that named the press centre at Alausa secretariat after the late Bagauda Kaltho, the News magazine correspondent killed by the Abacha junta during the struggle for democracy.

“Therefore our leader also deserves special commendation for his pioneering efforts at getting official recognition for June 12, Chief MKO Abiola and other icons of democratic struggle in the country,” Rt. Hon Obasa said.

In the view of a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye the

declaration of June 12 as democracy is a bold step to right the wrong of history.

Oyintiloye stated this in Osogbo, the Osun State capital while reacting to the declaration by President Buhari that June 12 replace May 29 as the authentic Democracy Day in Nigeria.

According to Oyintiloye (Obokun APC) who doubled as the Chairman house committee on information and Strategy, the decision which came 25 years after the annulment of the election by former President Ibrahim Babaginda was heart-warming and provided a psychological therapy and soothing effect on the psyche of the nation especially people of South West Nigerians who hold the day in high esteem as irrefutable reference point in the Democratic sojourn of the county.

“The President has demonstrated beyond every reasonable doubt that truth would always overtake falsehood.”

Oyintiloye asserted that President Buhari’s magnanimous decision had reassured the civilised world that the President respects popular opinion, sensitive to public sensibilities and conscious of history.

The lawmaker noted that it cost previous leaders nothing to admit the sanctity of June 12 as a watershed in the history of Nigeria, noting that their failures implied that pettiness was not a virtue of leadership.

“Lesson here is that leaders should do the right thing at all times because time heals any wound inflicted on humanity” Acknowledging that recognition of

that day and post humours recognition of key players in that dispensation as significant, he said there was the need for the President to sustain the tempo and ensure that liberty and rule of law remains the cardinal guidance of his administration.

He implored leaders at all levels to ensure that democracy was made to work for the largest number of the citizenry through people centred policies.

The lawmaker representing Obokun state constituency stated that democracy was a journey that should provide succour, hope, purpose and prosperity for all travelers.

Oyintiloye pointed out that list of honours should be enlarged as many other individuals struggled and paid heavy price for “the Democracy we all enjoyed today”.

However, in a surprise reaction to the award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to Abiola, former Chief Justice of Nigerian, Alfa Belgore has faulted the action, describing it as illegal.

The GCFR is Nigeria’s highest national honour bestowed on late Moshood Abiola as posthumous.

Alfa Belgore, CJN from 2006-2007, said the national honours cannot be awarded posthumously, much less the GCFR, which is the highest honour in the land.

“It is not done,” Mr Belgore told our reporter by telephone on Wednesday night. “It is for people living.”

“The only thing they could do is to name a place after him, but national honours award, no,” he added.

Belgore, chairman of the 2016 national honours committee, also said he “was not consulted” by the Buhari administration before the decision was taken.

Belgore said under the 1963 National Honours Act, only soldiers or other servicemen could be awarded posthumous medals for their bravery.

The President also declared that Democracy Day would be celebrated on June 12 to further honour the memory of Chief Abiola.

The move has received mixed feelings, with supporters of the government seeing it as a welcomed move while critics dismissed it as a desperate political calculation ahead of the 2019 elections in which Buhari has declared he would run for second term.

“

I humbly welcome the decision. It is something we can call true reconciliation. As a Muslim, it is also a gift of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of forgiveness, truth, fair play and loving others the way you love yourself. So, I commend the President for this historic decision and at the same time I am imploring him to do more on the basis of restructuring the country before the election so that Nigeria can truly move forward.

”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

13

Editorial Commentary OUR POSITION

T

APC and state congresses

he last one month has witnessed the effort by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to choose its leaders via ward, local government and state congresses as required by law and as is imperative in any

democracy.

However, what should be a normal, regular exercise to reaffirm the democratic credentials of the party suddenly degenerated into so much uprising and violence to the shock of both the party members, Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.

The congresses, which produced leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ward, local government and state levels is indeed the internal business of the party. But the APC is also the largest political party in Nigeria in addition to being the ruling party, facts which make its internal workings a matter of utmost public interest and concern.

The citizenry are indeed disturbed because in a few months, the country would get into its quadrennial election phase through which the country elects representatives into government at all levels. The question in the minds of most Nigerians has been: if the internal elections of the ruling party are ridden with vindictiveness and violence, how is it possible that inter-party contests wouldn’t degenerate into a war in the next few months? First, the APC ran and won power on the promise of “change.” The outcome of some of the congresses did not reflect a free and fair election at any of the three levels, did

not portend hope, and, indeed, looks like an ill omen for the 2019 election. The ruling party is expected to be a shining example to other parties; it should be the true face of democracy in Nigeria. On the contrary, Nigerians see a poor example, and wish that other political parties should learn from the shortcomings of the APC when they embark on similar exercises.

At least two lives were lost in two states as a result of the congresses, one in Lagos and another in Delta. If government is a conduit for the provision of service to the people, how does violence and murder come into the matter? It is worthy to note, that there was clear absence of internal democracy within the state chapters of the party.

The result was the shocking phenomenon of parallel congresses that seem to have split the party into factions in most states and creating the danger of divisions within the party, which might be anti to the party’s ability to win elections.

And the push for the control of the party’s structure in the various states seems to be at the root of all the conflicts. The impression is created that some individuals and groups own the party, have domineering influence in the party branches and are, therefore, determined to assert their will without due regard to the wishes of a majority of members of the party.

That is antithetical to democracy. Political parties owned like sole proprietorships can only lead to dictatorship, oppression and autocracy, and the evidence is everywhere in

Historical Times in Pictures

the state branches of the APC. There can be no doubt that vaulting ambition, political brigandage and violence would, if not checked now, be carried to the party’s convention scheduled for the next few weeks.

This is where the various appeal committees constituted to resolve the intra-party squabbles come in. They should try to do the impossible by reconciling the warring factions and mold them back into functional party systems. They must not compromise themselves; they must err on the side of democracy. These committees are the last effort which could make or break the party in the various states. They should see their work as part of measures for building a democratic culture.

We think that Nigerians should learn a lesson from the APC troubled congresses and realise that without transparency, there cannot be true democracy. A party dominated by a few individuals cannot be democratic; it is a sure sign that there is trouble in the party. There has been unnatural willingness to tolerate violence in our politics.

Also, we think the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be blamed for this political malaise for not having prosecuted anyone since 1999 for violence and grievous electoral offences. And until candidates who sponsor thugs and assassins are treated like felons, which they are, and promptly disqualified from the office they seek, there will be no end to electoral violence in the country.

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1975 Class taking place on the streets of Ibadan. (1975)

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Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

The immortalisation of Chief MKO Abiola

A

Bola Tinubu

l o n g with all democratic and fairminded Nigerians, I welcome the news that June 12 will replace May 29 as Democracy Day. I too applaud President Buhari for making this courageous and rightful decision.

This is good news for democracy and a proud moment for Nigeria.

While impossible to go back in time and change the past, we must do our utmost to correct the wrongs of the past. This is what President Buhari has done by this decision.

He has shown all Nigerians and the world that we have the moral fortitude to objectively face our history, learn from it and improve our society by virtue of this learning.

June 12, more than any other day, symbolizes the struggles and sacrifices

I

made by countless Nigerians to establish democracy as our way of national governance.

Chief MKO Abiola and others gave their lives that we might have democracy, that the will of the people would be sovereign and not suppressed by the will of the few. This proclamation

by President Buhari will forever memorialize the sacrifices made by these patriots who gave of themselves in service of such a noble and rightful purpose.

The award of GCFR to Chief Abiola serves as an acknowledgement that he won the 1993 election and should have been allowed to serve as our president after winning that free and fair expression of the popular will. We also commend the award to MKO Abiola’s VP candidate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and that given to Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

Chief Fawehinmi was a fearless advocate for democracy and the human rights of the common man. Whenever and wherever he spoke, it was the language of truth to power.

The designation of June 12 as Democracy Day is the fulfillment of the dream and efforts of many of us. With this fulfillment comes a civic responsibility. We must consecrate this new holiday and ourselves so that we make it a living holiday. More so than ever before, the spirit of June 12 must live within us. It must guide our politics and how we govern ourselves.

We must continuously dedicate ourselves to the freedoms and rights as well as the duties that democracy bestows on us all, political friend and foe alike.

Let it be said that this presidential proclamation should

forever bury ill-conceived notion that President Buhari is ambivalent to democracy. He has shown that he not only respects democracy but duly honors it.

Democracy may be rough and untidy at times but it remains the form of government best suited for a society as diverse and multifaceted as ours.

Today, the sun shines a bit more brightly. The sound of democracy peals more resolutely across the land. The sacrifices of Chief Abiola and others have been affirmed by the federal government he once should have led.

Democracy has been given its proper seat and day. History has been corrected to the extent humanly possible.

Nigeria continues to define its better self.

Of this new Democracy Day and what it symbolizes, we all should be equally proud.

25 years after June 12: Our long wait for justice is ending had expected that the handover from military rule to democracy would be held on the 12th of

Hafsat Abiola-Costello

June.

That would have signalled the completion of a circle that began with a dream deferred.

That became one fulfilled.

But I waited in vain.

The hand over was set for May 29, a date pulled out of thin air, signifying nothing.

Then I thought that the chief beneficiary would ask the country to observe a minute of silence.

In memory of MKO, Kudirat, Alfred Rewane, Umaru Yar’Adua, Bal Kaltho,

the thousands of students, the tens of journalists, traders and politicians who lost their lives fighting to actualise an unjustly annulled election.

Again, I waited in vain for he started his inauguration speech… and nothing was said.

The first four years passed and it became clear that the goal was to erase the name of the man whose sacrifice paved the way for our democracy.

Those four years set the tone.

And I got tired of waiting. As it slowly became clear that to wait was to wait in vain.

I stopped expecting my country to do the right thing by my father and instead

began to understand why Nigeria struggles to find patriots among its leaders.

Until today.

Today when President Muhammadu Buhari gave an executive order to declare that June 12 was Nigeria’s Democracy Day. To confer on MKO the title of GCFR, an honour reserved for presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

To confer on Gani Fawehinmi, the dogged fighter for justice, and my father’s running mate, Babagana Kingibe, the title of GCON, the second highest honour in the land.

And in one day, it got demonstrated to my bruised heart that

integrity, fairness, honour were alive and well in a country for which both my parents had sacrificed their lives.

There are no words that can capture the depth of my gratitude nor the breadth of my joy.

I thank God that I am alive to witness this day.

May we live to witness many more days when justice triumphs over injustice, when sacrifice and service win over arrogance and fraud, and when the blood of our heroes reach from across time to boldly claim the reward that their actions wrought.

May the sacrifices of our past heroes and heroines never be in vain.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

15 Column

What happened to Mama Taraba?

Times Columnist Azu Ishiekwene

‘

However, given the depth of her conviction that there was no turning back from Atiku, not a few thought her apology was a backhanded excuse for time to pack her things. Her position was no longer tenable

,

I

had to read the story twice to be sure that the minister had not overdosed on the remedial political treatment she received at the hands of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Did she actually say that the APC will rule forever?

Last September, the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, fondly called “Mama Taraba”, had led a team of loyalists on a Sallah visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Here was what she said to Atiku during that visit: “Our father and our President by the grace of God come 2019. Before you are your people, your supporters for life, and the people of Taraba State; they are here to pay homage and to greet you on the occasion of Sallah and for all that Allah has done for you because Allah has raised your status.”

She went on to say how she was an Atiku Abubakar born through and through, and how the only way for her to repay Atiku’s kindness was to invest herself in his presidential ambition in 2019.

The video went viral, with expectations of a backlash. But she held her ground and told the BBC Hausa Service: “Since I was in the civil service, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, has been my mentor and godfather. He has remained so even now that I have joined politics.

There is a reason for every political relationship.

“Baba Buhari has not told anybody that he is contesting in 2019. I can assure you that today, if Baba Buhari says he is going to contest, wallahitallahi (I swear by

Allah), I will go and kneel down before him and say, ‘Baba, I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve as a minister in your administration but Baba, like you know, Atiku is my godfather.’

“If Atiku says he is going to contest – but he too has not said he will contest… why I said (Atiku) is ‘our President come 2019’, is that we expect that he will contest. But if he contests, I will go and do what I just told you I will do.”

The NWC of the APC was so embarrassed by Alhassan’s comment it summoned and admonished her behind closed doors. The official word was that she apologised.

However, given the depth of her conviction that there was no turning back from Atiku, not a few thought her apology was a backhanded excuse for time to pack her things.

Her position was no longer tenable.

It didn’t even seem she would get the courtesy to pack. Ultra-Buhari loyalists, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and his Ogun State counterpart, IbikunleAmosun, lounged at Mama Taraba, accusing her of betrayal and adding that they knew that it was only a matter of time before her sin would expose her.

All of that now must be in the past. It is not just its being in the past that is surprising; it is the extraordinary capitulation of Mama Taraba. In what must rank as one of the most intriguing political turnarounds of all time,

Mama Taraba moved 360 degrees from declaring that there was no turning back from following Atiku, to becoming one of the leading cheerleaders of Buhari and the APC. The ruling party, she has now said, will not only rule, but will rule forever.

What happened? Was there something at her meeting with the NWC that inspired this complete change of heart and audacity of her forecast?

Or is there something Atiku has done?

If politicians have taught us anything at all, it is that we shouldn’t take them too seriously. But at what point do we need to tell them enough is enough, that they should not take us for their fool’s ride?

Mama Taraba can change her mind as many times as she wishes. She can go from APC to PDP to ADC to nPDP and back to APC in the same day. That’s fine. But to say that any party will rule forever because she is overdosing on privilege and access to power is ridiculous.

A woman of her standing does not need to run a fool’s errand to remain in reckoning – and I thought that was the point she tried to make in that sober moment when backstabbers went after her.

Of course, voters will be pleased to return a party that is doing well to power for as long as it keeps its promises. Or at least is making an honest effort to do so. But that vote is earned, not appropriated by a party that assumes immortality in the face of shambolic congresses,

internal rebellion and a deepening sense of disaffection amongst members of the public.

Surely, Mama Taraba knows a certain Vincent Ogbulafor, one former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party. At the height of his reign, he said PDP was unbeatable and, well, by the standards of political longevity, immortal. He said the party would rule for 60 years and only after that would it begin to consider whether or not to give up power.

At the time he said this, the party was rotting from the inside; its vital organs had been badly infected by the virus of impunity, corruption and a deadly power struggle between a few powerful governors and an isolated president.

But this Ogbulafor, like his party, wasn’t looking.

He didn’t care. Or was he in denial? As it turned out, he did not last till the end of his tenure; and his boast about PDP’s immortality was the last notable joke before the party was swept away from power.

If Mama Taraba has decided to stick with the APC, abandoning her godfather Atiku to his fate, that’s OK. I’m not sure that Atiku, himself a serial defector, would feel betrayed at all. But she should just stop at saying she has decided to stay on, and save us the insult of presuming that we’re condemned to any one party for the rest of our lives.

Those who called her a betrayer when she vowed to stick with Atiku will only see her recent extravagant comment as a confirmation that she cannot be trusted. How is anyone to believe that this was not planned with Atiku ahead of another last-minute surprise?

Yet, Atiku partisans, so used to fair weather friends, might on their part see Mama Taraba’s about turn as just another payback in a familiar political currency.

It doesn’t matter in politics, does it? As long as you get what you want.

Heads or tails, Mama Taraba is diminished by her inconstancy.

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Strike: NANS to withdraw support for ASUU The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has promised not to support the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on its industrial action, if not properly consulted.

National President, NANS, Mr Chinonso Obasi, said this at a media briefing on the state of education and nation in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the association had played some important roles in ensuring that the government meets ASUU’s demand.

He also alleged that the strike embarked upon by ASUU was usually politicised.

He, however, promised that the association would not give the union another opportunity

to embark on any strike if not properly consulted.

According to him, at the recent negotiation table, “we made a strong warning to ASUU not to give them any other solidarity if they embark on strike if we are not properly consulted.’’

Obasi said that the association`s intervention had yielded so much result making members of the union to return to the classroom.

“You find out that ASUU’s intention sometimes is not because of their demand but they see it as an opportunity to engage in other businesses without putting the plight of the students into consideration.

“We are not against the demand they make but we feel

we are the major customers and major stakeholder in this institution.

“If you want to embark on this strike, properly carry along the students’ leaders so that they can also be in the same direction with you.

“As of now, we are not aware that their demands have not been met because they don’t also value the fact that we always play role in getting what they want.

“ASUU must not be politicising strikes; they must also know that strike is not the only option for them to achieve what they want,’’ he said.

Obasi said that there could be other options of negotiation that should be put into consideration.

He added that the leadership

of the union must use this rather than the strike option.

He said incessant and prolonged strike was one of the factors responsible for the falling standard of education in Nigeria.

He said that as the election was drawing nearer, the ASUU might want to embark on strike because politicians sometimes use strike to stampede economic activities.

He, therefore, appeal to ASUU to resist anything that would lead to strike, thereby jeopardising the future of the students.

On the issue of “Sex for marks,’’ Obasi noted that the association had set up platforms in the higher institutions that would begin to see how to put

Architect Waziri Bulama (4th left) during the purchase of nomination form to contest as National Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abuja on Thursday

an end to the menace.

He called on lecturers who have formed caucus of those demanding sex for marks to desist from such act and to be of good conduct when relating with the female students.

He also urged them to be role models to students by teaching morals and values in addition to their main duties as lecturers.

“The state of education in Nigeria is something that is getting scary every day.

“It is getting scary in the funding of education, misappropriation of funding by chief executives and the

atmosphere that students find themselves is not even conducive.’’

Also, Mr Umar Lawal, Zonal Coordinator, NANS, Zone A region, called on the Federal Government to put an end to the security problem confronting the country as youths were usually at the receiving end.

The association had intervened in the recent indefinite strike embarked upon by ASUU with a 21 day ultimatum given to the Federal Government to resolve problems.

Nasarawa Assembly passes 11 bills, 16 resolutions The Nasarawa State House of Assembly says it has passed 11 bills and 16 resolutions within the last one year.

The speaker of the house, Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi disclosed this on Wednesday in Lafia during plenary to mark the end of the third session of the 5th assembly in the state.

“Let me report that during the legislative year, the house passed a total of 11 bills and 16 resolutions.

“These include- the 2017 supplementary bill; the 2018 appropriation bill and a bill for a law to amend the redefinition of Erroh Chiefdom Laws 2016.

“Also passed were- a bill for a law to amend the Area Court law 1968; a bill for a law to amend the Local Government Election law 2003 and a bill for the establishment of Nasarawa state disability rights commission among others,” he said.

Balarabe-Abdullahi used the occasion to warn state’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against undermining the House Committees carrying out oversight functions in the interest of people of the state.

He called on the MDAs to cooperate with the committees as they discharge their constitutional responsibility

on behalf of the people for effective governance.

The speaker said the house would not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions on any MDA found to be taking any of its committees for granted.

“Honourable members, let me say without any equivocation that this assembly has, in all intent and purposes, acquitted itself creditably within the past 12 months.

“Members have executed several projects and programmes across their constituencies.These range from construction of boreholes, building of classrooms, to the offering of scholarships to indigent members of the public.

“Other programmes include distribution of vehicles and motorbikes to constituents for commercial use as well as loans to market women and men.

“This, I must say, have in no small way, enhanced the standard of life our people,” he added.

Balarabe-Abdullahi also expressed satisfaction with the cordial working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state and called for its sustenance.

He urged the management and staff of the house to remain committed to their duty, as the leadership would continue to give priority to their welfare.

June 12: Akeredolu commends Buhari for honouring Abiola Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has commended the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to recognise June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.

Buhari had on Wednesday, June 6, declared that June 12 would henceforth be known as Democracy Day in the country.

The declaration was in honour of late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential

election in the country.

The June 12 presidential election, described as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Though the results of the election were not fully announced before it was annulled, Abiola was believed to have won the election based on collations from all the states.

Abiola later died in government

detention in pursuit of his mandate.

Buhari, also on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, conferred Abiola with posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

The Ondo Governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, while welcoming the new Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin on Thursday in

Akure, said the President’s declaration showed he was a democrat and a progressive man to honour Abiola after 25 years.

Akeredolu said “Buhari is a progressive man, no matter how you hide the truth, one day it will eventually come out; we want to appreciate Mr President for that great move.

“It is a thing of consolation for the entire democrats in Nigeria, especially the South

West after 25 years.”

On the new chairman of the party in the state, Akeredolu said he was happy because even before taking oath of office he had started making peace moves in the state.

He noted that Adetimehin was an experienced politician and was happy that the congress that brought him in never recorded casualty in the state.

The new Ondo APC

Chairman, Adetimehin, thanked the people for standing by him and promised to serve the party to the best of his ability.

Adetimehin said his first task was to unite members because he never believed in division or crack in the party.

The party chairman also hailed the president’s decision to recognise June 12 as Democracy Day in the country.

17 News

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Osun 2018: APC promises transparent primary The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has promised to ensure credible and transparent primary among its 27 aspirants ahead of the Sept. 22 gubernatorial election in the state.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr Gboyega Famodun, said this on Wednesday at its secretariat in Osogbo when one of the aspirants, Mr Peter Babalola, declared his intention to contest.

Famodun, who noted that

there was agitation for zoning of the party’s ticket to the West Senatorial District of the state, said the party would be guided by its constitution.

“Although, l have respect for people of the West, but I stand with the party’s constitution.

“Since we are going to the primary, whatever the wishes of delegates, I will abide, but I will ensure open and transparent primary,” he said.

In his remarks, Babalola said that the party should allow the West Senatorial District of

the state to produce the next governor.

He said since the Central District had governed the state for more than 11 years and East District for close to eight years, the West District should also be given the slot.

Tsav cautions NASS against interfering in Offa robbery investigation Former Lagos Commissioner of Police Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has cautioned the National Assembly against interfering in the ongoing investigation into the Offa Robbery case.

This was contained in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday and made available to journalists in

Makurdi.

Tsav warned those concerned to stop meddling into the case, so the police would be able to do a thorough job.

He said the attempt by the National Assembly to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari was not only childish but may bother on an act of felony.

“The Police are doing a great job and I want to appeal to the relevant authorities to allow them to do their investigative job discreetly to its logical conclusion without undue interference.

“The threat to impeach Buhari is childish and an attempt to compound felony,” he said.

Tsav who is the immediate past Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) equally advised the police against overzealousness while briefing the press.

“I, however, want to appeal to the police to be professional in their investigation and to show no bias or

overzealousness.

“It is wrong to interrogate a suspect publicly and before a camera. It is also wrong to allow pressmen to interrogate suspects.

“This amounts to trial by the press which may pollute the mind of any Judge before whom the suspects may be arraigned for trial,” he said.

Babalola, who is from the West District, however, said that even if the party does not give him the ticket, someone from the district should be considered.

He said that all the aspirants from the West District had signed an agreement not to leave the party irrespective of anyone picked from the district.

Babalola also canvassed that any aspirant to be picked should be a Christian, adding that Muslims had ruled the state for years.

The aspirant, who is the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, said he was vying for the governorship election to consolidate on Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s legacies.

“I have the experience and I am competent to govern the state,’’ Babalola said.

There had been agitation by APC members for the zoning of the party’s ticket to the West District of the state.

FG to pay promotion arrears of civil servants

L-R: Chief C-Don Adinuba, commissioner for information, Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, deputy governor, Anambra State, Chief Maja Umeh, chairman of the occasion, Comr Emmanuel Ifesinachi , chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Anambra State Council and Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at 2018 Anambra Media Summit and Award Ceremony organized by NUJ Anambra State Council held in Awka.

Ex-Bauchi finance commissioner, 3 others arraigned for N214.7m infraction Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday arraigned the quartet of Garba Dahiru, Halliru Abdullahi, Sale Hussaini Gamawa and Aminu Umar Gadiya before Justice M. Shittu of the Federal High Court Bauchi on a 4-count charge.

A statement signed by Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said the

defendants who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), conspired and committed the offence by accepting cash payment exceeding the threshold provided by law.

Dahiru, a former commissioner of finance in Bauchi State alongside three other defendants, in their capacities as members of the fund raising committee of their political party, were alleged to have, received N214, 770,

000.00 cash payment during the campaign for the 2015 general elections, an amount said to be beyond the threshold provided by law, thereby violating the provisions of the Money Laundering Act. One of the counts charge reads, “That you, Garba Dahiru, and Halliru Abdullahi, all members of finance and funds disbursement committee of People Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2015 general elections, and in such capacities,

sometime in March, 2015 in Bauchi, Bauchi State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did accept cash payment, of =N= 172, 310, 000. 00 (One Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) from the Directorate of Finance, Bauchi State PDP Campaign Organisation exceeding the required threshold of cash payment, thereby committed an offence Contrary to Section 1, 16 (1) (d) and Punishable under

Section 16 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering ( prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended)”.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge and they were granted bail in the sum of the sum of Fifty Million Naira only (N50 million) each and two sureties in like sum, one of who must be a resident of Bauchi with landed property within the jurisdiction.

Justice Shittu has adjourned the case to 16th and 17th October, 2018 for trial.

The Federal Government on Thursday promised to pay promotion arrears and backlog of allowances owed public servants.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs, Winifred Oya-Ita, gave the assurance in Abuja at a Peer Review Mechanism (PRM), meeting for Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.

“Public servants can now breathe a sigh of relief as backlog of outstanding liabilities, such as promotion arrears would soon be addressed.

“The Ministry of Finance has begun the disbursement of promotion arrears to some civil servants,” she said.

Speaking on the PRM, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Mrs Nuratu Batagawara said the programme has provided a veritable platform for the exchange of ideas and Information to strengthening public policy implementation.

According to Batagawara, through the mechanism, participants have identified the nexus between foreign and security policies, and the need to strengthen both.

Participants at the meeting also gave recommendations on measures required to improve and strengthen public policy implementation.

They also undertook a tour of the Ship House, headquarters of the Ministry of Defence with specific emphasis on the crèche and the medical centre.

News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

30 IDPs in Benin camp secure admission in tertiary institutions The Coordinator, Uhogua Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Benin, Mr Solomon Folorunsho, said 30 of the IDPs have been enrolled into different tertiary institutions in the last three years.

Folorunsho made this known in an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Benin.

He said the feat was made possible due to the constant Support of the Federal and State Governments, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as well as the National Logistics Committee (NLC).

Folorunsho also thanked Muhammadu Buhari for his kind gesture toward the IDPs in Benin and the North East.

“You can imagine the distance

between Abuja and Benin, yet Mr President is thinking about this place by sending food and other relief materials. It shows that the President is a wonderful man that loves Nigeria.

“The greatest part of achievement that has taken place in the life of these children is in their education.

“In the last three years, we have about 30 of them that are now in different universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

“In 2017, two of the children got admission to the University of Benin and one of them is in Edo State University. The State University is a new University Commissioned by the former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“In the last JAMB that was conducted, we enrolled 63 of them, 59 among them scored between 297, 270 and 200 and the remaining four scored between 190 and 180.

“This year, we are going to have about 50 of them (IDPs) gaining admission into tertiary institutions.

“It shows that there is a great empowerment in their academic life and otherwise,’’ Folorunsho said.

On skills acquisition for the adults in the camp, Folorunsho said they had started learning how to sew, bake and make liquid soap.

He said the camp had few sewing machines donated by some persons.

“We want to use this medium

to appeal to Nigerians to help in this aspect because one good thing about these people (IDPs) is that they are always willing to learn.

“They are always ready to work, they are not lazy. All they need is support and I know if they get that assistance, they will embrace it,’’ he added.

One of the IDPs, Miss Grace James, a 20-year-old from Goza, Borno said her life had changed completely since she came into the camp in 2015, especially in the area of education.

She said; “when I came here, I have no hope of going to school anymore, I was hopeless and downcast’’.

“While in the camp, I realised that there is hope for me that I can still go to school and I can

still make it in life.

“This place has really benefited me and now I see it as a home. Am presently writing my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE),’’ James said.

She said she just sat for Mathematics exam just on Monday, adding that in future she would like to become a medical doctor.

Another IDP, Mr Philemon Usman, said when he came into the camp early 2015, he was not able to speak English Language fluently but now he can.

Usman, a 21-year- old, also from Goza, Borno, said; “when I came to the camp, I was not going to school but now am in SS3, I have already sat for West Africa Certificate Examination

(WACE) and am presently writing National Examination Council (NECO)’’.

“Some of us here are going to the university, and this year some of us believe God that we will gain admission to the university too.

“We have experienced many changes in the area of education and also in the standard of living.

“I want to use this opportunity to plead with the Federal Government to support us by funding our university education and we need more teachers to teach us here in the camp so that we can be stablised.

“So that when we (IDPs) return to our different communities we can have a profession or have something to do’’.

Usman expressed the hope to return to Goza when the security situation in the North East stablises.

He thanked the President for his support and for providing relief materials to IDPs in Benin.

“We thank Mr President for remembering us even when he has a lot of people he is caring for. We pray that God will bless him,’’ Usman said.

‘Abugu’s death devastating to journalists’

Wife of Ondo state Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu (right), in a warm handshake with President general of Nigeria Football Supporters Club , Dr Rafiu Ladipo, at Ondo state Government house, Alagbaka, Akure.

June 12: Nasarawa Dep Gov lauds Buhari for deepening democracy Nasarawa state Deputy Governor, Hon. Silas Agara, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for deepening Nigeria’s democracy after declaring June 12 as Democracy Day. This is contained in a press statement signed by Mr. Godspower Ede, media aide to the Deputy Governor and made available to newsmen in Lafia on Thursday.

According to the statement, the move by the President has shown that he is an advocate of

fairness, justice and sensitivity to the yearnings of the electorate, core attributes of modern democracy.

“I wholeheartedly commend the decision of his Excellency which I see as a credible move to deepen democracy in Nigeria.

“The decision has solidified President Buhari’s status as an unflinching advocate of democracy, fairness and justice,” The statement says.

The statement adds that the decision has finally resolved a sensitive issue that has torn

many Nigerians apart for so long and will now unite and motivate everyone to uphold the tenets of democracy.

“We are aware of the issues and sentiments that trailed the June 12 polls leading to its cancellation despite it been described by local and international observers as the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections ever held in Nigeria.

Yet President Buhari, a Nigerian of northern extraction has shown true statesmanship and unequalled leadership by

healing the wounds of the past in declaring June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day and bestowing the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title offered only to the country’s Presidents, on Late Chief MKO Abiola, a southerner and acclaimed winner of the June 12 polls.

“The President has proven he is a leader fair to all and sensitive to the yearnings of his people.

“Apart from the posthumous gesture to Late Chief MKO Abiola, the President also

graciously bestowed the title of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) on Abiola’s running mate and lawyer, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe and Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi,” Says the statement.

The statement then urge all Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribal or political affiliation to rally behind the President in his quest to carry Nigeria to greater heights and position the country as a major democratic stakeholder in the eyes of the world.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor of Ebonyi, Emmanuel Uzor, has described the death of Uwakwe Abugu, his Enugu State counterpart, as devastating to journalists in the South-East.

Uzor, a close colleague of Abugu, expressed his feelings in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

He said he was utterly shocked by the news of the death of his colleague.

Abugu who was appointed CPS by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in 2015, died on Monday in a hospital in India, after a protracted illness.

Before the appointment, he was the South-Sast Bureau Chief of New Telegraph newspaper.

“I heard about it early this morning and I had to call few colleagues in Enugu to confirm the unfortunate news.

“What a disaster. How short this life is. Losing hard working, calm and humble Abugu to the cold hands of death is highly devastating.

“It is even more devastating to most of us who had close relationship with him, especially our colleagues in the journalism profession within the South-East,’’ he said.

Uzor noted that Abugu worked and proved to all that “professionalism can be achieved with diligence,’’ and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Reps query Jibrin, Kazaure over media comments The Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has directed Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC-Kano) and Rep. Mohammed Kazaure (APCJigawa) to defend their media comments against National Assembly.

Giving the order at plenary on Wednesday, Dogara asked the lawmakers to appear before members of Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the clarification of their statements.

This followed the call by Rep. Sunday Karimi (KogiPDP) for the invocation of Matters of Privileges enshrined in House Rule 6, Order 2.

Karimi alleged that Jibrin, in a press statement, said that

the joint executive session of the National Assembly held on Tuesday could pass as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executive session.

Jibrin had said in the statement that “almost all house members and senators that spoke at the session are of PDP while members of APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation.

Karimi said that he took exception to the comments of Jibrin and urged the house to forward the matter to the relevant committee for proper action.

It would be recalled that Jibrin once appeared before the same committee in 2016 over his budget padding allegation

against the leadership of the House.

After investigations, Jibrin was suspended for 180 legislative days and asked to apologise to the house in writing before he was allowed to return.

He resumed legislative duties in March, 2018 after serving his suspension and apologising to the house.

In his contribution, Rep. Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) said that Kazaure had at a press conference alleged that he (Ossai) was collating signatures of lawmakers to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ossai said that the action of Kazaure could render him

helpless if his constituents took him to task for trying to impeach the president without their consent.

In his ruling, Dogara said that he had a problem with lawmakers who did not attend plenary regularly but were often the first to approach the media when a resolution was reached.

He said that the joint executive session of the National Assembly was opened to all, adding that no lawmaker was restricted.

The speaker mandated the committee to report back to the house two weeks after resuming from two weeks recess which would commence on Thursday.

19 News

Abia govt introduces safe meat-handling policy The Abia State Government says it has approved a new policy that is aimed at promoting safe meat handling in the state.

The Abia Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Uzo Azubuike, made this known on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in Umuahia.

Azubuike said that the policy would allow the state government to penalise people that exposed meat meant for public consumption to unsanitary conditions, especially when transporting it.

He urged meat sellers to utilise the approved meat bags which had been specifically designed for the storage and transportation of meat from abattoirs either to the market or elsewhere.

Azubuike said that each of the bags cost N200 and could be used to package

any size of meat, even a whole cow.

He described the Safe Meat-handling policy as an issue of public health which should not be politicised because it would help to increase good knowledge and safe meat handling.

“Our interest is focused on protecting public health because the state government is saddled with the responsibility of promoting the welfare of Abia people.

“We are disgusted with the way and manner meat is handled. People put lumps of meat on public transportation and in most cases part of the meat is dragged along the road.

“This is very unhygienic and very hazardous to the health of the public, which is why we want to ensure that nobody would move large quantity of meat without covering it,” Azubuike said.

NSE: Nigerian Breweries rally on low price attraction

L-R: National Coordinator of Muhammadu Buhari Osinbajo Dynamic Support Group, Hon Usman Ibrahim, Hon Minister of Health and National Patron of MBO DSG, Professor Isaac Adewole and Representative of Chairman of Innoson Motors/Director, Mr Jonas Ojukwu, during the Commissioning of Operational vehicles donated by Innoson to MBO DSG on Thursday in Abuja.

Enugu Assembly passes 37 bills, 11 motions Moses Oyediran, Enugu Enugu State House of Assembly Thursday ended her third legislative session with the Speaker, Edward Ubosi calling on members to continue to sustain the cordiality and dedication to duty for the peace and development of the state.

Ubosi in a valedictory speech to mark the day said that the Assembly has passed 37 bills into law, stressing that the legislature remains the key pivotal arm of government whose primary responsibilities include law-making, oversight, allocation of resources, representation among others.

The speaker explained that the house received 41 bills out of which 32 were executive bills while nine were member bills.

According to him there are three outstanding bills which

are currently undergoing various legislative stages before they are passed into law.

Ubosi however, disclosed that 11 motions were adopted by the house pointing out that the resolutions from the motions had contributed to the good governance the people of the state are enjoying.

Ubosi while appraising his colleagues for the contributions they made on the floor of the House as well as their oversight functions, said that without them, there was nothing he could have done as the speaker.

Appreciating his colleagues for passing vote of confidence on him and the principal officers, he said it makes him jittery because it meant more work.

“This is the third time you are passing vote of confidence on me and the principal officers. When you pass to vote

of confidence on me, it makes me jittery because it means more work.

“I thank God for the kind of people He gave me. Some speakers serve two weeks, some one month but I have been your Speaker for three years,” he said.

Ubosi specifically commended his deputy, Donatus Uzogbado for being a dependable ally. “He is a good man. If I become a speaker any time again in my life, I’ll like to have him as my deputy,” he said.

Reacting to his address, members of the house passed vote of confidence on the speaker and principal officers of the house for their quality leadership they exhibited within this three years.

The Deputy Speaker, Donatus Uzogbado who took the first shot described the

Ubosi as a good driver who has been driving the house well.

Uzogbado commended the speaker for the renovation of the chambers, the procurement of electronic equipment and reconstruction of the main gate to the Assembly.

Pouring encomiums on the speaker, the chairman house committee on information, Hon Paul Nnajofor representing Nkanu East, said that the speaker was a blessing on the house and therefore, moved a vote of confidence on the speaker and other principal officers of the house.

Member representing Nsukka West, Hon Dame Nkechi Omeje-Ogbu commended the speaker for ensuring that house remained stable and peaceful, unlike in other places where lawmakers fight and quarrel.

Nigerian Breweries for the third consecutive day on Wednesday maintained its leadership position on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The stock in three days appreciated by N13.80 to close at N116. 80 per share.

Market analysts attributed the growth to low price attraction and activities of foreign investors presently taking position in the stock.

They said that investors were optimistic that the backward integration of the company would translate to improved performance.

Further breakdown of the price movement table indicates that Guinness followed with a gain of N4.75 to close at N99.75, while Lafarge Africa gained N3.25 to close at N38 per share.

Dangote Cement appreciated by N2 to close at N230, while Flour Mills Nigeria Plc gained N1.80 to close at N32.92 per share.

Consequently, the AllShare Index appreciated further by 580.37 points or 1.53 per cent to close at 38,435.29 as against 37,854.92 posted on Tuesday.

Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N13.712 trillion inched N215 billion or 1.53 per cent to close at N13.922 trillion.

On the other hand,

Okomu Oil Palm topped the losers’ chart, shedding N2 to close at N82 per share.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria trailed with a loss of 95k to close at N28, while May and Baker depreciated by 11k to close at N2.54 per share.

Guaranty Trust Bank was down by 10k to close at N41.90, while NPF Microfinance Bank lost 8k to close at N1.61 per share.

The volume of shares traded closed higher by 15.73 per cent as investors bought and sold 393.12 million shares worth N6.67 billion achieved in 5,285 deals.

This was in contrast with a turnover of 339.68 million shares valued at N5.96 billion transacted in 4,436 deals on Tuesday.

Zenith International Bank was the most active stock for the day, trading 110.52 million shares worth N3.09 billion.

Fidelity Bank followed with an account of 63.87 million shares valued at N148.39 million, while United Bank for Africa sold 22.46 million shares worth N255.33 million.

Access Bank traded 20.26 million shares valued at N220.26 million, while Diamond Bank exchanged 17.45 million shares worth N27.92 million.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

‘IPOB, Igbo leaders, working towards one goal’

Akam James, Yenagoa

The President of Ohanaeze-Ndigbo worldwide, SouthSouth Youth wing, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwu, has stated that all the various groups, Igbo leaders and indigenes of the South-East are working together for one common goal in the interest of the region, calling on the political class to join in ensuring peace in the region is paramount.

Arthur-Ugwu made the call recently in Yenagoa, shortly after arriving from the South-East summit in Nnewi Local government area of Anambra state.

The youth leader who submitted that the people of the South-east region has been marginalised and abandoned for so long by the federal government, noted that the leaders in the region are doing everything to ensure peace and unity prevails in the area.

He emphasized that despite all the different ideas of the people and various groups in the region, they are all working together to achieve one goal, adding that IPOB are ready to work together for the common interest of the Igbo people.

“We ought to speak with one voice; we met and discussed how to champion the Igbo course. Three points agenda was given by the group and we agreed to meet so we can be united and speak with one voice” The group and all Igbo people are working for the same goal, the political class should also help in ensuring peace in the region is paramount. We need to know that we are brothers, the whole world is watching us, and the summit was a welcome development.

What we need in the region is absolute peace.

“The federal government is marginalizing our people, and we don’t like the way they’re treating us. We all have different ideas but one goal.

“We don’t want war; anything that will affect our people is what our leaders are avoiding. We condemn in totality the killing of the priest and other Nigerians in the northern part of the country.

“We also used the medium to commend our leaders, the government of Anambra state, the political class are lovers of the Igbo people who were well represented at the meeting, adding that it was indeed a way to foster a stronger force for the Igbo nation.

L-R: General Secretary, Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), Mr. Shedrack Egbule; Vice President, Mr. Boniface Aniah; President, Mr. Ahmed Ojikutu; Founder, Technology Times Media Limited and publishers of Komputer Village Magazine, Mr. Shina Badaru and Head, Business Unit, Technology Times, Mrs. Temitope Osinoiki, during a courtesy visit to the leadership of CAPDAN in Lagos...on Wednesday.

Lalong flags-off distribution of 400 tractors to farmers Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau state has flagged off distribution of 400 tractors to local farmers under the “Farmers Ownership Scheme’’ of the State Government.

Speaking at the ceremony in Jos, on Wednesday, Lalong advised the beneficiaries not to resell the tractors but to put them into optimal use to boost

food production in the state.

“The state government facilitated the acquisition of the tractors and President Muhammadu Buhari on March 9, inaugurated them for distribution to farmers.

“It took a while to distribute them because the implements like harrows, riggers etc, were yet to arrive.

“Now that they are here, we

will commence the distribution without further delay,” he said.

The governor gave an assurance that every farmer who registered for the tractors would not be denied and implored them to be patient, as they would all get their tractors.

Speaking at the event, Dr Hosea Finangwai, the state’s

Commissioner of Agriculture reassured of government commitment towards the development of agriculture in the state.

Finangwai said that the distribution of the tractors would be in phases.

Mr Philp Azi, the state’s Caretaker Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) who received a key of

one of the tractors on behalf of the association, urged farmers to take advantage of the gesture by boosting food production in the state.

The tractors were procured by the state government in partnership with the local government councils and farmers association to encourage tractor ownership by farmers.

Alcohol manufacturers reject 500% excise duty hike The Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), says it rejects the new “astronomical increase” in excise duty being imposed on domestic wines and spirits.

The Chairman of DIBAN, Chief Patrick Anegbe told newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos, that the hike was a threat to the N420 billion investment of the industry.

Anegbe said that there was no prior engagement/ consultation whatsoever with the indigenous producers of wines and spirits, before adopting the new excise method.

He said that the association was particularly worried that the job of over 25,000 Nigerians plus over 250,000 connected SMEs staff were being threatened by the hike. ”We Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) reject the new astronomical hike in excise duty being selectively imposed

on the domestic wines and spirits, one of the oldest and driving indigenous industry in Nigeria. ”For the record, the new duty approved for implementation by the Honourable Minister of Finance, translates to an increase in duty from the current average of N30 per litre to N150 in the first year and N200 per litre subsequently. ”This translates to an increase from current average duty of N270 to N1,350 per case (carton) in the first year and N270 to N1,800 per case from second year. ”This is an increase of over 500 per cent purely on local wines and spirits with the exclusion of all imported wines, spirits and champagne. ”We reject in totality, the highly punitive and selective astronomical hikes in duty, a purely IMF agenda being camouflaged as a health concern!,” he said.

The chairman said that the excise duty increase was an attempt by the minister to foist an IMF sponsored agenda on

Nigeria, which would further compound the hardship of already impoverished Nigerians.

He said that if the implementation of the new duty hike was allowed to proceed, it would lead to obvious job losses that would result from low demand of the products.

According to him, the new hike will lead to the collapse of the indigenous wines and spirits segment and pave way for the complete take over of the market by the imported and smuggled brands. ”We are also disturbed that the new hike will not only affect the wines and spirits industry, but also other key sectors of the economy and businesses such as packaging industries, bottles, cartons, labels, cork, laminates, glue, ink, printing, laboratory, marketing, consulting, media, among others. ”We strongly hold the view that if the intention of government is to grow local industries, imposing exorbitant duties on locally manufactured

goods is a contradiction of that objective. ”For the sake of emphasis, from a recent study carried out

by KPMG, it was concluded that price elasticity holiday spirits/wines segment is very high such that a 10 per cent increase in price of wine will lead to about 20.9 per cent fall in demand. ”A 19 per cent increase in the price of spirit will result in a 41 per cent decline in volume and this is predominant in the low price segments which represent 78.65 per cent of the total volume. ”With over 500 per cent increase approved by the government, the damage these will cause to locally produced wines and spirits business can only be imagined,” he said.

The chairman said that the association had been very supportive of the Nigerian state through discharge of its statutory obligations – paying of relevant duties, taxes, excise, among others.

He said that prior to the announcement of the new rates

in excise duty, the association had made unsuccessful frantic attempts at getting the attention of the minister before migration from the current Ad Verloren to the specific scheme.

Anegbe said that the association was not against moves by government to increase fiscal revenue.

He however, said that for governments to achieve its revenue generation plan, continued existence of the indigenous low-priced segment players was very critical. ”We are therefore using this medium to call on the federal government to halt the implementation of the new duty hikes. ”Government should hold genuine consultation with all stakeholders in the domestic wines and spirits space. ”There is need to save the jobs of thousands of Nigerians, as well as ensure the continued survival of one of the oldest indigenous industry, the wine and spirits sector,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

UNIVERSITY OF BENIN PROACTIVE MANAGERS 2006 ASSOCIATION

21 Companies Registration

CROSSOVER CHRIST CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ‘ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OKWEYEH CHARLES CHUKWUKA. 2. OCHUGBUA, LINDA CHUKWUFUMNANYA. 3. ATAGAMEN, SUNNY EMEJAYO. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONGST ALL GRADUATES OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, UNIBEN 2006.

2. TO ARTICULATE THE INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 3. TO ASSIST MEMBERS IN AREAS WHERE ASSISTANCE MAY BE REQUIRED ESPECIALLY IN CAREER, PROFESSION, FINANCE, ETC. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION P.M.B. 198.

GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH 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. AJALA SOJI OLALEKAN. 2. ADEOGUN OLUWAGBEMIGA AMOS. 3. AJALA KEHINDE OLUWAKEMI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO ORGANISE REVIVALS, CRUSADES AND SEMINARS TO TEACH THE WORD OF GOD 3. TO TRAIN AND ORDAIN MINISTER S OF THE GOSPEL FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B. 198. GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

RELIGIOUS LEADERS TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY NETWORK

ORGANIZATION FOR COMMUNITY PEACE RECOUNCILIATION OGUN CHAPTER

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SHEFIU ABDULKAREEM MAJEMU- CHAIRMAN 2. ISONG EMMAH GOSPEL - SECRETARY 3. TAWO EKUBE TAKON. 4. ANDREW OKU ITA. 5. DR ASHIRU AJOKE SARIYU 6. SULAIMAN –ADANGBA ABDURAHMAN 7. YARO DORIS PHILIP BALAMI 8. KOSOKO ADEYEMI HAKEEM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ENCOURAGE AND EMPOWER CITIZEN ADVOCACY 2. TO DESIGN AN INSTITUTE ANTI-CORRUPTION CURRICULAR AND TRAINING PROGRAMS. 3. TO IDENTIFY, CELEBRATE, AND ENCOURAGE ANTI-CORRUPTION ROLE MODELS 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: TRUSTEES

PLATFORM FOR GREATNESS OUTREACH 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. BARR AMANIM AKPABIO 2. BARR. (MRS). EDU AMANIM AKPABIO 3. EVANG. JOHN DENNIS UDOH 4. MRS. HELEN UWEM DANIEL 5. BARR. ENEFIOK ESSIEN AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO PEACH OUT THE UNSAVED BY ALL DININELY INSPIRED PERMISSIBLE MEANS 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

THE RECONCILIATION CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD AND MINISTRY THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT CAP, C20 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

OBASOLA TAIWO JAMES 2.

PATRICK OLUWAGBEMIGA 3.

MARTINS REBECCA OJOCHIDE 4.

AJAYI SUNDAY OLUFEMI 5.

OBASOLA MODUPE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1.

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO ALL MANKIND. 2.

TO SET UP CHURCHES, MINISTRIES AND BODIES TO PROPAGATE THE MESSAGE OF HOPE AND RECONCILIATION IN NIGERIA AND ALL OVER THE WORLD. 3.

TO REACH OUT TO THE SOCIETY IN EVERY WAY THAT PROMOTES THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION FOR THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: O. O . OLADIPO

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HART LOLIA JULIUS - PRESIDENT 2. DAGOGO FUBARA 3. HART PEACE AIM AND OBJECTIVES : 1. TO SAVE HOMELESS KIDS, GROOM AN ECO-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AND PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDY. 2. PROMOTE CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, ADVOCACIES AND OUTREACHES. 3. TO SANITIZE AND SENSITIZE YOUTHS ON THE NEED FOR THEM TO BE POTENT AND VIBRANT INSTRUMENT OF THE MUCH DESIRED TURNAROUNDS IN THE SOCIOPOLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND TECHNO-SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOBE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1, OTUNBA KAYODE HOWELLS GABRIEL - PRESIDENT 2, YAKUBU SHERIFF - SECRETARY 3, AMISHE OLAROTIMI SEUN - TREASURER 4, SOTUBO ILELABAYO - P,R,O 5, OYENIYI AKINWALE - ORGANIZING SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ENSURE AND FACILITATE PEACEFUL CO- EXISTENCE IN THE COMMUNITY 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: BARR LEKAN LEGAL PRACTITIONER

PROGRESS LADIES CLUB

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADUNU BLESSING 2. IDOWU FAITH 3. ADUNU JOHNSON. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO UNITE AND FOSTER PEACE AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

RIGHTEOUS BELIEVERS MISSION

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, PST SUNDAY UMEOKOLI 2, MRS NGOZIKA BLESSING UMEOKOLI 3, UCHENNA IREAGWU. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORDH 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: DYKESLAND CHAMBERS 17 CONSTANTINE STREET WUSE ZONE 4 ABUJA 08096630088

GIVING FOR LIVING FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES: 1) IDOWU EBUN OLUWATOYIN 2) IDOWU DAVID KOLAWOLE 3) WILLIAMS TAIWO TITILAYO 4) OBA ITUNUOLUWA ADURAGBEMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) GIVING FOR LIVING FOUNDATION SEEKS TO ADD VALUE TO THE NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES BY CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, WOMEN AND INDIVIDUAL FAMILY MEMBERS TO ENABLE THEM ATTAIN THEIR GOD GIVEN POTENTIALS. 2) PROVIDING THE SIX PLUS ONE SERVICES/INTERVENTION THAT ADDRESSES HEALTH, NUTRITION, EDUCATION, PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT, LEGAL AND PROTECTION, SHELTER AND HOUSEHOLD ECONOMIC STRENGTHENING (HES) AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLD, CHILDREN, YOUTH AND WOMEN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: IDOWU SAMUEL DOTUN (SECRETARY)

MUYAMI YOUTH FORUM & EMPOWERMENT 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. DALA BABA -- CHAIRMAN 2. GAMBO ABUBAKAR --- SECRETARY 3. BABA MUSA. 4. JEJE UMARU 5. GONI MOHAMMED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AND AWARENESS IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO EDUCATE YOUTHS ON HIV, AIDS, STD AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES. 3. TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. 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

OPTIMUM GOLDEN LIGHT CLUB

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. UKA EMMANUEL UCHE - PRESIDENT 2. MR EMEKA SYDNEY - VICE PRESIDENT 3. MR IBEH JELAT UCHENNA - SECRETARY 4. MR PATRICK JEKWU EZEUDE - TREASURER 5. DUKE EJIRO IGBERHI 6. MR OKOH DONALD CHI - MEMBER 7. MR. CHUKWUEMEKA ZILLY - MEMBER. 8. CHIBUZOR UKAH GABRIEL - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO EMBARK ON SOCIAL WELFARE. 2. TO EMBARK ON HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES IT’S A SOCIAL CLUB 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

THE CONTRACTORS AND INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, SOUTH SOUTH ZONE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) IGHO, OKUMAGBA CHAIRMAN. 2) NELSON, EDJEBA, OKUMAGBA. 3) PATRICK OGILO AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO FOSTER PEACE AMONG MEMBERS AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THEIR MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

CHILDREN FOR WORLD CHILDREN ORGANIZATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEKUNLE SHAKIRAT TEMITOPE - PRESIDENT 2. MOJISOLA OLUTAYO OLOMU - VICE PRESIDENT 3. FUNMILAYO SALOME JOHNSON 4. IDOWU MARYAM ABIODUN 5. AROMASODU EZEKIEL ENIOLA 6. IDOWU ANTHONY ADEWALE 7. ADEKUNLE IBRAHIM AKANBI AMIS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY BY PROMOTING EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE WORLD MOST VULNERABLE FAMILY AND CHILDREN THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR OBJECTIVES IN A CHARITABLE MANNERS 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: TRUSTEES

IYALLA HELEN ENGIE

NWACHUKWU IFEOMA ELIZABETH

MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS SATURDAY HELEN ENGIE INSTEAD OF MY CORRECT NAME WHICH IS IYALLA HELEN ENGIE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINS VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IGBO IFEOMA ELIZABETH, NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS NWACHUKWU IFEOMA ELIZABETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE .

TEJIRI BARBARA COOKEY

AYORINDE OLADUNNI SIKIRAT

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGHENE TEJIRI AWILI OJOBOH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TEJIRI BARBARA COOKEY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DHIKRAH OLADUNNI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS AYORINDE OLADUNNI SIKIRAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Companies Registration 22 DEUNIQUE PROGRESSIVE HOUSE CLUB OF NIGERIA THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED SOCIETY, HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. OWOLABI OLUSEGUN OLATUNDE-PRESIDENT 2. ALIU NOJEEM AYINDE -VICE PRESIDENT 3. OYENUGA SUNDAY OLUWATOSIN - GENERAL SECRETARY 4. TITANI LATEEF OLADIMEJI -FINANCIAL CONTROLLER/AUDITOR. 5. AWOYEMI OLUFEMI SAMUEL -TREASURER 6. LAWRENCE OLUSEGUN ISRAEL -CHIEF WHIP 7. OMOLAYO OLANIYAN AMOS -SOCIAL DIRECTOR 8. OWOLABI SAMUEL PONSHEME -PRO. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CREATE, NURTURE AND PROMOTE LOVE, PEACE AND BROTHERLINESS AMONG THE MEMBERS. 2. TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO BE RESPONSIBLE IN LIFE AND HARDWORKING IN BUSINESS. 3. TO EXTEND WELFARE SERVICES TO THE MEMBERS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED. ANY OBJECTION 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 BY J. OLUTUNDE

KASHAMADUPE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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

1. AGBOMA CLEMENT AYO. 2. EBHOMAN CHARLES UGHEGHELE. 3. ABIRU BANKOLE ADEMOLA. 4. OMOLE SUNDAY OLANREWAJU. 5. EGBUNU ZACCHARIAS NDA. AIMS: 1. TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THOSE THAT ARE SOCIALLY MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY DEPRIVED IN OUR SOCIETY. 2. TO EXTEND GRANTS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN PURSUIT OF EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CHARITABLE PURPOSES. 3. TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF LESS PRIVILEGED IN OUR SOCIETY. 4. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISATION. 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. OMEGA REIGNS CHAMBERS 3RD FLOOR STANDARD PLAZA OFF AMINU KANO CRESCENT WUSE 2 ABUJA FCT.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

GOD’S GLORIOUS GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY WORLDWIDE THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED SOCIETY, HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

NAME OF TRUSTEES 1. OTITOJU SOLOMON ADEBAYO ( CHAIRMAN ) 2. OTITOJU CHRISTIANA YETUNDE ( SECRETARY ) 3. AKAMEZUNUWA OMOROJE PALESTINE 4. ADEKUNLE MICHEAL DARE 5. AKERELE SEGUN ABEL 6. AGU CHUKWU EMMANUEL 7. BELLO MOSES ADEKUNLE 8. MAKOTE ALEX 9. LIGALI JOSHEPH ABIODUN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. EVANGELIZATION: TO CARRY OUT EVANGELISM IN SCRIPTURAL FULFILMENT OF THE GREAT COMMISSION 2. AS A PROPHETIC MINISTRY , ONE OF OUR MAIN DRIVES IS TO RAISE WATCHMAN FOR NATIONS , CITIES AND FAMILIES 3. DWELLING TOGETHER IN UNITY OF THE BRETHREN, ENDEAVOURING TO KEEP SAME OF SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE TILL WE COME TO THE UNITY OF FAITH AND OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD TO A PERFECT MAN TO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST 4. TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE AND AFFECTION AND TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDEN JUST AS JESUS COMMANDED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: J OLUTUNDE

YOUTH INITIATIVE FOR THE PROMOTION OF GOOD LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED, HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NYA OBO JOHN 2. NYA NYA JOHN 3. UDOFIA UNWAM-ABASI SAMUEL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. PROMOTE AND PUBLICIZE PROGRAMMES AND POLICIES TOWARDS THE SUSTENANCE OF GOOD LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA 2. COLLABORATE WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE AND PROGRESS BY EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND CITIZENS AT LARGE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

NYANYA MARKET GARAGE TRADERS ARTISANS ASSOCIATION

AMALGAMATED TRADERS ASSOCIATION LAGOS

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. CHIEF ANTHONY NNADI, 2. ONYEEMAECHI OGU, 3. MUOTOO CHRISTIAN CHIBUEZE, 4. JULIET LIVINUS, 5. BENJAMIN OCHANG, 6. SIMEON EJIMOFOR, 7. CHIEF CHIBUZO TASIE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. FOR THE WELFARE OF IT’S MEMBERS. 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

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 ANTHONY UGHAGWU -CHAIRMA 2. MR. ELOKE BETRAN - SECRETARY 3. MR. DOMINIC AGUZUE 4. MR. OKECHUKWU NWAOGU 5. MR. OKECHUKWU ANORUE 6. MR. CHRIS EZE 7 . MR IKENNA OKOLI 8. MR EDWIN ONYE 9.MR. ODINAKA VIRGINUS OZOEMENA 10. MR. ZAIPO TITUS EWUZIE AIMS TO FOSTER THE COLLECTIVE INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND ENSURE HARMONY .

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

ZENITH ALL STARS FOOTBALL CLUB SAPELE

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 NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1, ELEAZAR GODDEY AKOBUNDU CHAIRMAN 2, KEVIN URHEFE INIAGHE SECRETARY 3, OMOGRA AUGUSTINE ENICHOKE 4, ONOYUNGBO SAMUEL ANUOLUWAPO 5, JEBBA PRINCE OGHENEOVO 6, EBOSA JOB 7, OGODO ONOS ALEX 8, IZOMO SOLOMON 9, ERHIEYOVWE DARLINGTON 10, EKPEKPE OVO FRIDAY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO BRING PEOPLE OF DIVERSE BACKGROUND UNDER ONE PLATFORM 2. TO FOSTER UNITY, COOPERATION & UNDERSTANDING AMONGST OTHER FOOTBALL CLUB. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR MERCY OMAGE

NAKOWA LEGACY EMPOWERMENT 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 NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. THLAVAGHI MARK ZIRA 2. MARK REJOICE 3. SOHE DANLADI 4. DLEVAGHI ISA 5. MARYE AYUBA 6. KWACHE PIUS DANA 7. GRA BITRUS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO REDUCE DEPENDENCY 2. TO PROVIDE SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND SELF RELIANCE 3. TO HELP PEOPLE DISCOVER AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL 4. TO REDUCE IDLENESS AMONG PEOPLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SECRETARY - GRA BITRUS.

ASSOCIATION OF MOVIE CONTENT OWNERS AND PRODUCERS/DISTRIBUTOR OF NIGERIA

BLESSING OF ABRAHAM COVENANT CHURCH OF CHRIST

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE; 1. BALOGUN OLATUNJI AKEEM 2. AINA-KUSORO OLUROTIMI DEINDE 3. UTHMAN TOYIN OLORO 4. AWOLEYE OLUSHOLA OLUJIDE 5. ISHOLA SAHEED AYEDUN 6. AFOLAYAN WASIU OMOTAYO 7. ABDULLAHI ABDULRAZAK AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO FOSTER GOOD RELATIONSHIP AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION [CAC], PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED SECRETARY

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 NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1.

VICTOR AKOH 2.

CHARITY UGWUEZE 3.

EMMANUEL AKOH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: RICHARD WAH OYIWONA 07037181150

VACANCIES! VACANCIES!! VACANCIES!!!

FESTOLUBEE GLOBAL CONSULTING A FIRM OF HUMAN CAPITAL SPECIALIST HAS RECEIVED A BRIEF TO RECRUIT SUITABLE CANDIDATES TO FILL THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES WHICH EXIST IN AN LNTERNATIONAL STANDARD EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, LOCATED IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE AND IT OFFERS NURSERY AND PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN THE FOLLOWING: CURRENT VACANCIES: 1. HEAD: NURSERY; AND PRIMARY; 2. CLASS TEACHERS, SUBJECT TEACHERS 3. ASSISTANT TEACHERS, ADMIN OFFICERS; 4. ACCOUNTANTS/ACCOUNTS OFFICERS; 5. OFFICE ASSISTANTS, SECURITY AND CLEANERS; 6. GUIDANCE COUNSELORS AND NURSES. ELIGIBILITY: APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR TEACHING POSITIONS MUST POSSES A MINIMUM OF A FIRST DEGREE IN EDUCATION WITH RELEVANT TEACHING EXPERIENCE. WHILE NONTEACHING STAFF MUST BE GRADUATES WITH BSC./HND IN RELEVANT DISCIPLINES. # ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 4-5YEARS COGNATE EXPERIENCE AND MUST POSSES SOUND WRITING AND ORAL SKILLS WITH EXCELLENT INTERPERSONAL, ORGANIZATIONAL AND TEAM SKILLS. # COMPUTER LITERACY WITH ABILITY TO USE MS OFFICE ESPECIALLY IN DOING PRESENTATIONS AND SPREADSHEET IS COMPULSORY. HOW TO APPLY INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND THEIR CVS AND COVER LETTER TO FESTOLUBEEGLOBALCONCEPT@GMAIL.COM OR APPLICATION IN A SEALED ENVELOPE MARKED ON THE RIGHT ‘STAFF RECRUITMENT’ SUBMITTED TO NO 80 STADIUM ROAD, PORT HARCOURT NOT LATER THAN MONDAY 17TH JUNE, 2018.

GOLDEN YEARS INTERNATIONAL CARE FOUNDATION 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. DR UKPONG, EDIDIONG EFIOM 2. MR OKPALA, OBIORA PAUL 3. DR UKPONG ETIMA EFIOM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO HELP SECURE RIGHT ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR D ELDERLY AND VULNERABLE 2. TO HELP REDUCE GERIATRIC SUFFERING 3. TO PROMOTE INTERGENERATIONAL INTEGRATION AND SOLIDARITY AMONG ALL PERSONS 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

ISHIAGU COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT UNION (CAC/IT/NO/17165) THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

OLD NAME: ISHIAGU COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT UNION TO ISHIAGU TOWN DEVELOPMENT UNION OLD TRUSTEES: 1.

PRINCE OTI CHIMA -REMOVED 2.

CHIEF ONU NGWUOKE -REMOVED 3.

CHIEF BARTHOLOMEW AGWU -RETAINED 4.

EVANG SIMON OKAFOR -RETAINED 5.

CHIEF LAWRENCE NGENE -REMOVED 6.

MR. PAUL AGU -RETAINED 7.

MR. BATHOLOMEW ONU -RETAINED 8.

CHIEF FABIAN CHUKWU -RETAINED 9.

MR. EMMANUEL AGWU -RETAINED 10.

MR. SIMON OKAFOR -REMOVED 11.

CHIEF EMEKA OGBONNAYA -RETAINED 12.

CHIEF RAYMOND CHUKWU -REMOVED 13.

CHIEF STANLEY ANYIM -RETAINED 14.

CHIEF LAWRENCE AJA ONU -REMOVED NEW TRUSTEES ALL APPOINTED 1.

BARR RAYMOND AKANWA 2.

CHINEDU NKA ALTERATION /AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO REFLECT THE CHANGES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE AND AMENDMENT SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AME HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE INITIATIVE

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 NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1.

SHARMA KAUTILYA CHAIRMAN 2.

EMEAGHA IJEOMA MIRIAM SECRETARY 3.

EMEAGHA AUGUSTINE 4.

EZEKIEL ETIM 5.

ADEBAYO FAGBAYI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH, WELL-BEING FOR PEOPLE 2.

TO ENSURE HEALTHY LIVES AND PROMOTE WELLBEING FOR ALL PEOPLE OF ALL AGES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OREKOYA IBUKUN 08093779782 (SOLICITOR)

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

The eXcellenT holiness revival minisTry

23 Change of Names

i-save iniTiaTive

The general public is hereby noTified ThaT The above named has applied To corporaTe affairs commission for regisTraTion under parT ‘’c’’ of The companies and allied maTTers acTs, decree no. 1 of 1990.

This is To inform The general public ThaT The above named has applied To The corporaTe affairs commission for regisTraTion under parT “c” of The companies and allied maTTers acT of 1990 .

The TrusTees are; 1. emmanuel isaiah oKoro- oTaKpuo .

2. medelin isaiah oKoro- oTaKpuo.

3. Kingsley aKpine.

4. udoh asuQua .

5. eno obong eTuK .

6. benTley chinedu emmanuel. aims and obJecTives; 1. To preach The gospel of our lord Jesus chrisT. 2. To win souls for The Kingdom of god. any obJecTions To The regisTraTion should be forwarded To The regisTrar general corporaTe affairs commission ploT 420 Tigris crescenT off aguiyi ironsi sTreeT maiTama abuJa wiThin 28days of This publicaTion.

The TrusTees are : 1) deborah samuel ubong-ubom 2) ubong udoudo ubom

signed; emmanuel isaiah oKoro- oTaKpuo

oKida oZioma

i, formerly Known and addressed as oKuneye o. hope, now wishes To be Known and addressed as oKida oZioma hope. all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

olubunmi modupeola

abdulganiyu olawale

i, formerly Known and addressed as abdulganiyu olawale yusuf’, now wishes To be Known and addressed as abdulganiyu olawale sanniToye all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

ayorinde damilare

aims and obJecTives 1. To engage in humaniTarian services, socio- economic, human capiTal, healTh, women and children developmenT any obJecTions To The regisTraTion should be forwarded To The regisTrar general corporaTe affairs commission ploT 420 Tigris crescenT off aguiyi ironsi sTreeT maiTama abuJa wiThin 28days of This publicaTion. signed : don pedro.

Quadri, muTiaT

Quadri, muTiaT aina - i, formerly Known, called and addressed as onori, muTiaT aina, now wish To be Known, called and addressed as Quadri, muTiaT aina, born 24/08/1980. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should TaKe noTe.

mrs ayodele TiTilope

chrisTopher chibuiKe

i, formerly Known and addressed as anyanwu lawrence chibuiKe now wish To be Known and addressed as chrisTopher chibuiKe lawrence. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please TaKe noTe.

mrs adeTeJu folaKemi

confirmaTion of name

i hereby confirm and cerTify ThaT ayomide funmilayo baKare and baKare funmilayo Toyosi are The same and one person. my daTe of birTh is 1sT of ocTober,1978. all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe

adeniran TaJudeen

i, formerly Known and addressed as amode TaJudeen abiola, now wishes To be Known and addressed as adeniran TaJudeen olaleKan. all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

nZeaKolam onyinyechi

i, formerly Known and addressed as nZeaKolam onyinyechi J. now wish To be Known and addressed as nZeaKolam onyinyechi. all former documenTs remain valid. banKs and general public should please TaKe noTe.

KaZeem olanrewaJu

adenuga aJoKe

i, formerly Known and addressed as salam aJoKe opeyemi, now wishes To be Known and addressed as adenuga aJoKe opeyemi. all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

mrs oKunomo ibuKun

i, formerly Known and addressed as miss aJayi ibuKun deborah, now wishes To be Known and addressed as mrs oKunomo ibuKun deborah . all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

mrs. chrisTian-samuel anuriKa

i formerly Known and addressed as miss emeaKama anuriKa eberechuKwu now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs. chrisTian-samuel anuriKa eberechuKwu. all former documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

oduKoya oluwaseyi

i, formerly Known and addressed as oJelade olubunmi modupeola now wish To be Known, called and addressed as olubunmi modupeola owolabi. all documenTs and cerTificaTes bearing my former names remain valid. relevanT auThoriTies and The general public please TaKe noTe.

i, formerly Known and addressed as ayorinde faTai oladimeJi, now wishes To be Known and addressed as ayorinde damilare sodiQ. all previous documenTs remain valid. general public please TaKe noTe.

former Known and addressed as miss olaTunJi TiTilope eliZabeTh now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs ayodele TiTilope oluwadamilare. all former documenTs remian valid. general public and ogun sTaTe public service should TaKe noTe.

formerly Known and addressed as miss adeTeJu folaKemi asabi now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs adeTeJu folaKemi aKpiruo. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

formerly Known and addressed as KaZeem olanrewaJu sehu fasasi now wish To be Known and addressed as KaZeem olanrewaJu sheu fasasi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

i formerly Known and addressed as oduKoya oluwaseyi maTe Theresa now wish To be Known and addressed as oduKoya oluwaseyi maTe. my correcT daTe of birTh is 7Th of november 1980, all former documenTs remain valid, banKs and general public TaKe noTe.

nwoKe John formerly Known and addressed as John nwoKe now wish To be Known and addressed as nwoKe John chiJioKe. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

mrs oKonTa ngoZi i formerly Known and addressed as miss uKadiKe ngoZi ndidi now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs oKonTa ngoZi ndidi. all former documenTs remain valid and general public TaKe noTe.

paul sTephen formerly Known and addressed as paul sTephen now wish To be Known and addressed as paul sTephen adebayo. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

elewade omobosola i formerly Known and addressed as adewumi bola, now wish To be Known and addressed as elewade omobosola aTinuKe. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please TaKe noTe.

umeh loveTh i formerly Known , called and addressed as idumegwu loveTh orieoma / udumeh loveTh orioma now wish To be Known called and address as umeh loveTh orieoma. all former documenTs remain valid. banKs and general public TaKe noTe

formerly olunloyo TunJi maThew now To be addressed as olunloyo bode olaTunJi. former remains documenTs valid. general public should TaKe noTe.

mr. maTThew orimoloye i formerly Known as mr maTThew oJo orimoloye now To be addressed as mr. maTThew orimoloye oJo. all former documenTs remains valid. general public should please TaKe noTe.

TunJi-idowu Kayode formally called and addressed as Kayode susan iyabo, buT now wish To be called and addressed as TunJiidowu Kayode susan iyabo. all formeT documenTs remain valid.general public and subeb TaKe noTe.

formerly afolayan oluwabuKola Tolu. now arowolo oluwabuKola Tolu. former documenTs remains valid. general public should TaKe noTe.

arowolo oluwabuKola

correcTion of name and daTe of birTh:

formerly: sodiQ adisa Jimoh; correcT name: sodiQ olamileKan Jimoh; correcT daTe of birTh: 11/5/1991. general public should please TaKe noTe.

sunday enemona formerly enemona sunday ogbogile now To be addressed as sunday enemona faiTh. former documenTs remains valid. general public should please TaKe noTe.

l formerly Known and addressed as miss maTilda olumayowa omobolaJi. now wishes To be Known and addressed as mrs maTilda olumayowa oladoyinbo - oJomo. all former documenTs remain valid general public should please TaKe noTe

michael opeyemi l formerly Known and addressed as micheal opeyemi oladoyinbo. now wishes To be Known and addressed as michael opeyemi oladoyinbooJomo all former documenTs remain valid general public should please TaKe noTe

chiKaTa obinna formerly Known and addressed as mberede obinna anselem, now wish To be Known and addressed as chiKaTa obinna Jeromie. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

ibrahim aJoKe formerly Known and addressed as aJoKe Tawa, now wish To be Known and addressed as ibrahim aJoKe omowunmi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

mrs. baruwa KafayaT formerly Known and addressed as miss. aZZeZ KafayaT alaba, now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs. baruwa KafayaT alaba. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

udoidiong nKanKa formerly Known and addressed as giuen laaKa shedracK, now wish To be Known and addressed as udoidiong nKanKa eZeKiel. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

yahaya modupe formerly Known and addressed as yahaya nasir olaiTan, now wish To be Known and addressed as yahaya modupe aremu. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

correcTion of name

This is To noTify The general public ThaT my name was wrongly wriTTen & sTaTed as aransiola olusegun adeola insTead of aransiola oluwasegun. henceforTh, i wish To be Known and addressed as aransiola oluwasegun. all former documenTs remain valid.

oladipo Tolulope

i formerly Known and addressed as oladele Tobi James now wish To be Known called and addressed as oladipo Tolulope James. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

adeniran adeyemi

formerly Known and addressed as onifade olumide adebayo, now wish To be Known and addressed as adeniran adeyemi adedoyin. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

obileKu alaeZe

i was formerly Known, called and addressed as ogbonna alaeZe romanus now wish To be Known, called and address as obileKu alaeZe o. romanus. former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

correcTion of name

my name was wrongly arranged on my bvn as anyanwu chinedu ferdinard insTead of anyanwu ferdinard chinedu. ThaT The correcT arrangemenT of my name is anyanwu ferdinard chinedu. general public TaKe noTe.

laTeef mufu

formerly Known and addressed as laTeef mufTau aKande, now wish To be Known and addressed as laTeef mufu. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

abdulaZeeZ aminaT

i formerly Known and addressed as oyeTunJi aminaT odunola now wish To be Known called and addressed as abdulaZeeZ aminaT odunola. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

correcTion of name

my name was wrongly wriTTen on my bvn and banK documenTs as emeKwue chibuiKem prosper insTead of emeKwue vicTor chibuiKem. ThaT my correcT name is emeKwue vicTor chibuiKem. ThaT i was born on 02/12/1998. general public TaKe noTe.

mrs oghenerobo adefolaKe

formerly Known and addressed as miss aKinboTe adefolaKe buKKy, now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs oghenerobo adefolaKe oluwabuKola. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

adieKwe maryJoan

i formerly Known and addressed as simon maryJoan aKunna now wishes To be Known and addressed as adieKwe maryJoan aKunna. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

olusola olayemi

oKafor veronica

olunloyo bode

mrs maTilda olumayowa

udosTone irepKiTan

i formerly Known and addressed as paTricK ngoZi veronica now wish To be Known called and addressed as oKafor veronica ngoZi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

i formerly Known and addressed as udosTone irepKiTan now wish To add hilre To my name. ThaT i now wish To be Known called and addressed as udosTone irepKiTan hilre. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

i formerly Known and addressed as olabode olayemi funmilola now wish To be Known called and addressed as olusola olayemi funmilola. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe.

This is To confirm and cerTify ThaT omoTola sunday david, omoTola vicTor pelumi and darasimi vicTor pelumi refer To one and same person buT now wish To be Known and addressed as omoTola vicTor pelumi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

confirmaTion of name

faToKi Tosin formerly Known and addressed as faToKi Tosin, now wish To be Known and addressed as faToKi Tosin Tolulope. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

eriKefe gloria

mrs egunJobi oluwagbemisola formerly Known and addressed as miss aKinwale oluwagemisola docas, now wish To be Known and addressed as mrs egunJobi oluwagbemisola dorcas adeniyi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

correcTion of name This is To noTify The general public ThaT my name was wrongly wriTTen and sTaTed nwachuKwu abraham chima insTead of nwachuKwu abraham chuKwuma. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

formerly Known and addressed as bridgeT naJiTe musTapha, now wish To be Known and addressed as eriKefe gloria naJiTe. all former documenTs remain valid. general public TaKe noTe

Change of Names 24 correcTion of name

This is To noTify The general public ThaT my name was wrongly wriTTen and sTaTed as rasheed aZeeZ Talibu insTead of rashidi aZeeZ.all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

kareem luQman

formerly known and addressed as kareem abidemi lookman, now wish To be known and addressed as kareem luQman olafimihan. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

correcTion of name

ayedun omoTayo

formerly known and addressed as adefuye omoTayo ibiyemi, now wish To be known and addressed as ayedun omoTayo ibiyemi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

ademeyin shina

formerly known and addressed as ademehin shina Joseph , now wish To be known and addressed as ademeyin shina. ThaT my daTe of birTh is 02/10/1990.all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

mrs. deborah mbamalu

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

mrs onanuga helen

formerly known and addressed as miss enagbare helen ngoZi, now wish To be known and addressed as mrs onanuga helen ngoZi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

obianugba david

formerly known and addressed as chukwuemeka david obi, now wish To be known and addressed as obianugba david oluseh. ThaT my daTe of birTh is 02/10/1990. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

mrs. gbaranwi baridakara

ilekhoJie sTella formerly known and addressed as anyim sTella aJa, now wish To be known and addressed as ilekhoJie sTella aJa. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe correcTion of name

formerly known and addressed as Julius samuel, now wish To be known and addressed as Julius nwafor. ThaT my daTe of birTh is 15/08/1990.all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

chisom vicTorious

correcTion of name and daTe of birTh

i, formerly known and addressed as miss. deborah mbamalu , now wish To be known and addressed as mrs. deborah mbamalu ekwesi irechukwu. all former documenTs remain valid. The general public should Take noTe.

i, formerly known and addressed as miss. nwiwere baridakara, now wish To be known and addressed as mrs. gbaranwi baridakara besTT. all former documenTs remain valid. The general public should Take noTe.

i, formerly known, and addressed as chisom onyenankiya, now wish To be known and addressed chisom vicTorious onyenankiya. all former documenTs remain valid. The general public should Take noTe

JokoToye aanu

elias esTher i, formerly known and addressed alexander elsie, now wish To be known and addressed as elias esTher. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

elisha mercy i, formerly known and addressed as udo mercy akaninyene, now wish To be known and addressed as elisha mercy. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

i formerly known and addressed as adadu emmanuel olah now wish To be known and addressed as adadu monday and my residenTial address is n0 8 peace esTaTe f & g odo nla, ikorodu lagos sTaTe. all former documenTs remain valid,general public Take noTe

aZeeZ kehinde

i formerly known and addressed as onibudo kehinde omolara now wish To be known and addressed as aZeeZ kehinde om0lara. all former documenTs remain valid,general public should please Take noTe.

oyegun odunola

i formerly known and addressed as olaoye odunola omowunmi, now wish To be known and addressed as oyegun odunola omowunmi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public To please Take noTe. mrs igbonekwu ifeanyichukwu

i, formerly known and addressed as miss eZike ifeanyichukwu oriaku, now wish To be known and addressed as mrs igbonekwu ifeanyichukwu oriaku. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

oZor ifeoma

i, formerly known and addressed as oyii ifeoma rachael ,now wish To be known and addressed as oZor ifeoma rachael.all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

mrs cynThia chinonyelum i, formerly known and addressed as miss cynThia chinonyelum imaeZue, now wish To be known and addressed as mrs cynThia chinonyelum nwegbo. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

oyibo nnenna

i, formerly known and addressed as uhuo nnenna nneka, now wish To be known and addressed as oyibo nnenna loveline. all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

hamZaT Taiwo

i formerly known and addressed as onibudo Taiwo omoTolani now wish To be known and addressed as hamZaT Taiwo omoTolani. all former documenTs remain valid, general public should please Take noTe .

correcTion of name

in some of my documenTs and also in my bvn my name was wrongly wriTTen as musa ZaidaT amope, also appears as musa kudiraTmope insTead of musa kudiraT amope. all former documenTs remain valid, general public To please Take noTe.

mrs udeh ginikachi

i, formerly known and addressed as miss ene ginikachi JulieT, now wish To be known and addressed as mrs udeh ginikachi JulieT. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

ogbodo chukwudalu

muhammed Qaseem

i formerly known and addressed as usman basiraT aJoke now wish To be known and addressed as muhammed Qaseem basiraT aJoke and my correcT daTe of birTh is 27- 06-1987.all former documenTs remain valid, general public should please Take noTe.

confirmaTion of name

in some of my documenTs my name was wriTTen as adepiTan adegbola aribigbola also wriTTen as david adegbola or david ayomipo oluwasemilogo. am The one bearing all The names. wish To be known as adepiTan adegbola aribigbola. all documenTs bearing The names are valid, general public To please Take noTe.

mrs iwuoha chrisTiana

i, formerly known and addressed as miss anyanwu chrisTiana , now wish To be known and addressed as mrs iwuoha chrisTiana. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

umoru abuTu

i, formerly known and addressed as ogbodo chukwudalu. m, now wish To be known and addressed as ogbodo chukwudalu manneseh. all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

i, formerly known and addressed as umoru amina chariTy, now wish To be known and addressed as umoru abuTu amina. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

mbanusi chukwuebuka

sab-udeh chukwumdimma

i, formerly known and addressed as mbanusi chukwuebuka kamToo, now wish To be known and addressed as mbanusi chukwuebuka kamToonachukwu. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

mbanugo kene

i, formerly known and addressed as mbanugo desiree kene, now wish To be known and addressed as mbanugo kene desiree ugona. all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

i, formerly known and addressed as sab-udeh chukwumdimma, now wish To be known and addressed as sab-udeh chukwumdimma kierian Joseph. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

chukwualuka ndidiamaka

i, formerly known and addressed as chukwualuka paTience JudiTh, now wish To be known and addressed as chukwualuka ndidiamaka JudiTh. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

Julius nwafor

This is To noTify The general public ThaT my name was wrongly wriTTen and sTaTed as rasheed aZeeZ Talibu insTead of rashidi aZeeZ. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

This is To noTify The general public ThaT my name was wrongly wriTTen and sTaTed ike igbee insTead of ike igbee ndukow. ThaT my daTe of birTh is 19/03/1999. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

i, formerly known and addressed as JokoTiJesu aanu adeyemi, now wish To be known and addressed as JokoToye aanu adeyemi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe.

adebowale Julie formerly known and addressed as Jackson Julie frances, now wish To be known and addressed as adebowale Julie frances. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

adadu monday

hanson iTem

my name was wrongly wriTTen as raJi laTeef olamilekan obalowu. my correcT name is raJi laTeef obalowu. i now wish To be known and addressed as raJi laTeef obalowu. my daTe of birTh was wrongly wriTTen as 19Th day of augusT,1985, insTead of 27Th day of march,1987.‎ all former documenT remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

abayomi adeTayo

formerly known and addressed as abayomi Taiwo. now wish To be known and addressed as abayomi adeTayo eniTan all former documenTs remain valid, general public should please Take noTe.

soliu nimoTa

i formerly known and addressed as iTem hanson now wish To be known and addressed as hanson iTem ifreke. all former documenTs remain valid, general public To please Take noTe.

i formerly known and addressed as saliu nimoTalai oreoluwa now wish To be known and addressed as soliu nimoTa oreoluwa. all former documenTs remain valid, general public To please Take noTe.

confirmaTion of name

correcTion of name and declaraTion of age

in some of my documenTs my name was wriTTen as Tobi samuel Thomas while in some oTher documenTs iT was wriTTen as oluwaTobi samuel Thomas. i am The one bearing all The names. all documenTs bearing The names are valid, general public To please Take noTe.

uche JusTina

i, formerly known and addressed as magbo JusTina nneka, now wish To be known and addressed as uche JusTina nneka. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

odunZe chidinma

i, formerly known and addressed as onyemachi chidimma and onyemachi chidinma confidence, now wish To be known and addressed as odunZe chidinma confidence. all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

eZe TimoThy

i, formerly known and addressed as eZe Tim winner, now wish To be known and addressed as eZe TimoThy chukwudi .all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

nkumeh angela

i, formerly known and addressed as okolo angela nJideka, now wish To be known and addressed as nkumeh angela nJideka. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

in some of my documenTs my name was wrongly wriTTen as udeogaranya edward chukwuweike insTead of udeogalayi edward chukwuwike. correcT daTe of birTh 08-12-1978. all former documenTs remain valid, general public To please Take noTe.

gifT ogbonne

i, formerly known and addressed as gifT ogbonne ani, now wish To be known and addressed as gifT ogbonne okoye. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

mrs eneh chrisTiana

i, formerly known and addressed as miss agu chrisTiana, now wish To be known and addressed as mrs eneh chrisTiana. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

idike benedicTTa

i, formerly known and addressed as nnaJi benedicTTa marbel, now wish To be known and addressed as idike benedicTTa nnaJi.all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

odo emmanuel

i, formerly known and addressed as odo sunday david, now wish To be known and addressed as odo emmanuel sunday. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

correcTion of name/daTe of birTh

This is To noTify The general public ThaT my name was wrongly wriTTen and sTaTed as alfa baba ahmodu insTead of amole alfa baba.ThaT my correcT daTe of birTh is 19/07/1958. all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

effiong edeT

formerly known and addressed as effiong paul edeT, now wish To be known and addressed as effiong edeT isangedighi. ThaT my daTe of birTh is 02/10/1990.all former documenTs remain valid. general public Take noTe

lamidi kaZeem i formerly known and addressed as kaZeem lamidi oladeJo , now wish To be known and addressed as lamidi kaZeem oladeJo. all former documenT remain valid. general public should please Take noTe

abdulsalam olaiTan

formerly known and addressed as ahmed olaiTan muheeZ now wish To be known and addressed as abdulsalam olaiTan muheeZ. all former documenTs remain valid general public should please Take noTe.

mrs ebisi nnenna

i formerly known and addressed as ikeh nnenna vicToria now wish To be known and addressed as mrs ebisi nnenna vicToria. all former documenTs remain valid, general public To please Take noTe.

nwanneneme geragine i, formerly known and addressed as nwanneme onyinyechi , now wish To be known and addressed as nwanneneme geragine onyinye. all former documenTs remain valid. banks and general public should please Take noTe.

loveline dickson

i, formerly known and addressed as aTTama loveline nneoma, now wish To be known and addressed as loveline dickson igbaruma. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

mbah caJeTan

i, formerly known and addressed as mba caJeThan chidiebere, now wish To be known and addressed as mbah caJeTan chukwudi. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

chiJioke udo

i, formerly known and addressed as chiJioke udo eJindu, now wish To be known and addressed as chiJioke udo nwosu. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

okolo pearl

i, formerly known and addressed as onyigbuo pearl ogochukwu, now wish To be known and addressed as okolo pearl ogochukwu. all former documenTs remain valid. general public should please Take noTe.

s

nown and nnIs, that I my former o be known dennIs onU. ts remaIn ral PUblIc es.

eolUwa

wn and arowolo now wIsh addressed oreolUwa ocUments l PUblIc to

of bIrth

seUn wIsh to th certIfIcate as 02/11/1995 nternatIonal s docUments my aUthentIc all former eneral PUblIc

e ce

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

confIrmatIon of name

thIs Is to certIfy and confIrm that awIlo awUte femI, awIlo femI erIc and awIlo femI mensah refers as one and the same Person now wIsh to be known and addressed as awIlo femI mensah. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc shoUld Please take note.

onyeUGo JUde

I formerly known and addressed as JUde onyeUlor now wIsh to be known and addressed as onyeUGo JUde amamdIaneZe. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

confIrmatIon of name

thIs Is to certIfy and confIrm that eJaroGan harrIson shammah onosIeGho and eJaroGan shammah harrIson refers as one and the same Person now wIsh to be known and addressed aseJaroGan shammah harrIson. all former docUments remaIn valId. banks and General PUblIc shoUld Please take note.

eromosele aUGUsta

I formerly known and addressed as omonZokPea o. aUGUsta now wIsh to be known and addressed as eromosele aUGUsta ose. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

ayoola elIZabeth sobodU olUwaseyIfUnmI RARE GRACE INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE

I formerly known and I was formerly known and THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS addressed as Pase omowUnmI addressed as sobodU seyI APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER now wIsh to be known solomon now I wIsh to be known THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. and addressed as ayoola and addressed as sobodU elIZabeth. all former olUwaseyIfUnmI solomon. all THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

PASTOR SODEINDE, docUments remaIn DOLAPO valId.OLUTADE former docUments remaIn 2.

PASTOR SODEINDE IBILOLA valId. ADEBOLA General PUblIc(MRS) to Please take General PUblIc to Please 3.

MR SODEINDE OLUYOMI OLUTOYE note. take note.

AIMS/OBJECTIVE: 1. TO 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 BUILD UP GODLY CHARACTER IN THE LIVES OF MEN THROUGH THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

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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: PASTOR SODEINDE, DOLAPO OLUTADE

VIRGINS PRAISE ASSEMBLY

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

TRUSTEES ARE:.

1. GODCHILD NEISAM LENE. 2. FUROSIGHA DIENYE SPURGEON. 3. GAD PETER. 4. DESTINE JOSHUA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

OLUWADAMILARE GBOHUNMI ZACCHEUS FOUNDATION THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED, HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT. 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ZACCHEUS OLUWADAMILARE GBOHUNMI 2. ZACCHEUS OLUWADAMILARE FOLASADE 3. ZACCHEUS OLADOYIN OMOLARA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

25 Companies Registration

DIVINE LIGHT POWER OF GOD

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

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. GODGIFT JOSEPH. 2. SAMUEL NWAOKEOCHA. 3. NWABINWE DEBORAH IFEOMA. 4. PAULINUS OGUZIE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

REDEEMERS INTERVENTION SOLUTION MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OKEZIE N EKPENDU, 2. PST. MRS BLESSING U EKPENDU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

nwankPU laZarUs

I, formerly known and addressed as nwankPU nwewe nwankwo, now wIsh to be known and addressed as nwankPU laZarUs nwewe. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc shoUld Please take note.

correctIon of name

thIs Is to Inform the General PUblIc that my name kInGsley okorIe oGbonnaya, was wronGly wrItten, bUt now wIsh to be corrected and addressed as oGbonnaya okorIe onUa. my correct Phone nUmber Is 09027529015 and also the next of kIn Is chetachI oGbonnaya. all former docUments remaIn valId. banks and General PUblIc shoUld Please take note.

nnorom abIGaIl

I formerly known and addressed as akonoafUa abIGaIl ese now wIsh to be known and addressed as nnorom abIGaIl ese . all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

confIrmatIon of names In some of my docUments (bvn and bank accoUnt) my name aPPears as ramonI malIk akannI IsIaka whIle In some other ones (voter;s card) It aPPears as ayInla IsIaka ayInde . the names refer to one Person now I wIsh to be known as ayInla IsIaka ayInde . all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

anIke chIamaka

I, formerly known and addressed as ebeaGwU chIamaka lUcy, now wIsh to be known and addressed as anIke chIamaka lUcy. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc shoUld Please take note.

danIel brIGht

I formerly known and addressed as dIala brIGht benedIct UGochUkwU now wIsh to be known and addressed as danIel brIGht benedIct UGochUkwU . all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

Gbadebo adewUmI

YUSUF DARE

OSUNDAIRO FATIMAH

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS WAHEED DAMILARE OLUSEGUN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS YUSUF DARE SEGUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABIODUN (NEE AKANNI) FATIMAH IBIYEMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OSUNDAIRO FATIMAH ABIODUN IBIYEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OGBONNAYA FAITH

OMITOGUN AISHAT

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FAITH OKECHUKWU KALU, NOW TO BE KNOWN AS ADDRESSED AS OGBONNAYA FAITH EDO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IBRAHIM AISHAT ABENI NOW TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMITOGUN AISHAT ABENI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF SCRAP MOTORS, SCRAP MOTORCYCLES, SCRAP BOAT ENGINE SCRAPS TYPE WRITERS AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA POLICE, DIVISIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS, MONITORING AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT, OLD GRA POLICE STATION , FORCES AVENUE . PORT HARCOURT, OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND. AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. 1. ONE SCRAP BLACK COLOUR NISSAN CAR WITH REG. N0. DELTA-GRA 399 AA. 2. ONE SCRAP TOYOTA WITH REG. N0. LAGOS GU 755 AAA TOWING VAN. 3. TWO SCRAPS MOTORCYCLES WITH REG N0S . RIVERS-RV 162 WC QLINK (2) ANAMBRA- UU 131 NNL CARTER AND FOUR UNREGISTERED. 4. ONE SCRAP OUT BOAT YAMAHA ENGINE 115 HORSE POWER. 5. ONE SCRAP HONDA WATER PUMPING GENERATOR. 6. TWO SCRAP IRON GATES. 7. FOURTEEN SCRAP TYPE WRITERS. 8. ONE SCRAP OIL WELL HEAD. 9. SOME OTHER SCRAP MOTORCYCLES AND HOUSE HOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: ALH. UBALLO DANU AUCTIONEER

oGenyI emeka PaUl

we, formerly known and addressed as edeh odInakachI PaUl and nnaJI kelvIn IZUnna, now wIsh to be known and addressed as oGenyI emeka PaUl and oGenyI IZUnna kelvIn. all former docUments remaIn valId. banks and General PUblIc

JeGede taIwo

I formerly known and addressed as adewale taIwo ronald and taIwo adewale ronald now wIsh to be known and addressed as JeGede taIwo adewale . all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

aJah dennIs

that I was formerly known and addressed as aJah dennIs, that I now wIsh to add onU to my former name that I now wIsh to be known and addressed as aJah dennIs onU. all former docUments remaIn valId. banks and General PUblIc shoUld Please take notes.

mrs emmanUel oreolUwa

I formerly known and addressed as mrs arowolo oreolUwa emmanUel now wIsh to be known and addressed as mrs emmanUel oreolUwa naomI . all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

correctIon/addItIon of name

correctIon of date of bIrth

I formerly known and addressed as adedokUn adewUmI anUolUwa now wIsh to be known and addressed as Gbadebo adewUmI anUolUwayImIka. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

In some of my docUments my name was wronGly wrItten as olanIyan olUwakemIsola Instead of olanIyan olUwakemI vIctorIa. I added vIctorIa to my name. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

I, shonUbI temItoPe olUwaseUn wIsh to state that on my orIGInal bIrth certIfIcate my date of bIrth aPPears as 02/11/1995 not 02/11/1996 as Is on my InternatIonal PassPort whIle In my school’s docUments It aPPears as 02/11/1995.now my aUthentIc date of bIrth Is 02/11/1995. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc to Please take note.

edeIGba bolanle

odey okwe I formerly known and addressed as odey okwe. now wIsh to be known and addressed as odey okwe eroh. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc shoUld Please take note

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS NWOSU STELLA CHINWENDU NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND REFERRED TO AS EJIOGU STELLA CHINWENDU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT STILL REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC AND OTHER AFFECTED INSTITUTIONS KINDLY TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known and addressed as mIss oGUnyankIn bolanle olUbUnmI now wIsh to be known and addressed as edeIGba bolanle olUbUnmI. all former docUments remaIn valId. General PUblIc shoUld Please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF SPECIAL RESOLUTION TO WIND UP IN THE MATTER OF AMANDA TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY NIGERIA LIMITED. RC. NO: 368868, IN MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP. C 20 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA 2004.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT AT AN EXTRA-ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF AMANDA TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY NIGERIA LIMITED (“THE COMPANY”) DULY CONVENED AT NO.3, BOMBAY CRESCENT APAPA LAGOS, NIGERIA ON THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2018, THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS WERE DULY PASSED: 1. “THAT THE COMPANY BE WOUND UP VOLUNTARILY PURSUANT TO SECTION 457 (B) OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP. C20 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA 2004; 2. THAT ROSE NNEKA ADIMA OF NO.3, BOMBAY CRESCENT APAPA LAGOS BE AND IS HEREBY APPOINTED AS LIQUIDATOR FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE WINDING-UP.” DATED THIS 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT OF SPECIAL RESOLUTION TO WIND UP IN THE MATTER OF NORTHSTAR PROJECT VENT. LIMITED - RC NO. 446,184, IN MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIEDMATTERS ACT, CAP. C20 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA 2004.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT AT AN EXTRA-ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF NORTHSTAR PROJECT VENT. LIMITED (“THE COMPANY”) DULY CONVENED AT NO- 35, BOMBAY CRESCENT APAPA LAGOS, NIGERIA ON THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 201.8, THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS WERE DULY PASSED: 1. “THAT THE COMPANY BE WOUND UP VOLUNTARILY PURSUANT TO SECTION 457 (B) OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP. C 20 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA 2004; 2. THAT ROSE NNEKA ADIMA OF NO. 35, BOMBAY CRESCENT APAPA LAGOS BE AND IS HEREBY APPOINTED AS LIQUIDATOR FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE WINDING- UP.” .

DATED THIS 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2018

ROSE NNEKA ADIMA (LIQUIDATOR)

ROSE NNEKA ADIMA (LIQUIDATOR)

EJIOGU STELLA

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HEAVENLY FLAME OF FIRE GLOBAL MISSION INT’L. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. GODGIFT JOSEPH. 2. SAMUEL NWAOKEOCHA. 3. NWABINWE DEBORAH IFEOMA. 4. NJOKU PAULINUS OGUZIE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. TRUSTEES.

conf

thIs Is to awIlo aw and awIl as one a wIsh to b as awIlo docUmen PUblIc sh

o

I form address now wI address amamdIa docUme General note.

ay

I form address now w and ad elIZabet docUme General note.

f s

Change of Names 26 The voice of The lord Prayer ProPheTic and evanGel minisTry The General Public is hereby informed ThaT The above named minisTry has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT “c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT 1990.

The TrusTees are:(1) orona eWariaKPo samuel (2) eKhaleTruo oKoh aWele blessinG (3) nnalue fesTus chuKWunonso The aims and obJecTives are:(1) To Preach The Word of God (2) To Win souls for chrisT Jesus (3) To raise a ProPheTic GeneraTion for chrisT

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

meGa vision emPoWermenT foundaTion

any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar-General corPoraTe affairs commission(cac)PloT 420 TiGris crescenT off aGuiyi ironsi sTreeT, maiTama, abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion.

The General Public is hereby informed ThaT The above named foundaTion has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT “c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT 1990.

The TrusTees are:(1) aGbonTaen, osas sTanley -chairman (2) aire, ehiGie maTTheW -secreTary (3) meGbuliofor, omasan Grace (4) obareTin, osunobun (5) obareTin, sunday (6) meGbuliofor, isaac Promise The aim and obJecTive is:To PromoTe social Welfare by caTerinG for The of The less PrivileGed members of The socieTy such as WidoWs, orPhans, moTherless babies, The Poor and The needy ThrouGh The Provisions of food, PorTable WaTer, shelTer, cloThinG and healTh care. any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar-General corPoraTe affairs commission(cac)PloT 420 TiGris crescenT off aGuiyi ironsi sTreeT, maiTama, abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion.

siGned by: secreTary

siGned by: James o. fasuyi

confirmaTion of name

This is To confirm and cerTify ThaT susan odufa audu, susana odufa audu, susana .o. audu, s. odufa audu, susannah audu, susan odunfa audu, and susan odufa babadi refers To one and same Person. all documenTs and cerTificaTes bearinG These names remain valid and should be TreaTed as one and same Person. concerned/relevanT auThoriTies and The General Public should Please TaKe noTe.

oGbuniKe advanced inTernaTional main marKeT associaTion of niGeria

The voice of The TechnocraTs iniTiaTive

obeaGu - amaoKWe PeoPles forum

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT ”c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT,1990 TrusTees are: 1)echeTebih fidelis chuKWudi 2) aniaGolu ernesT chiGoZie 3) echeTebih onyinye henrieTa 4) aniaGolu chrisTiana chiaGoZie 5) nriali PeTer oKay aims & obJecTives: 1)To orGaniZed ProGrams GearinG ToWards sensiTiZe The socieTy on business oPPorTuniTies 2) To fosTer cooPeraTion amonG members any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b 198, GarKi, abuJa, WiThin 28 days from The daTe of This PublicaTion

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT ”c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT,1990.

TrusTees 1. aKanJi KaZeem olansile -c hairman 2. alaTise nurudeen olanreWaJu 3. olanreWaJu oluWaKemi 4. olayo Ganiyu olubodun 5. lanre laWson aims and obJecTives for The ProGress of humaniTy and niGerian ciTiZens in General for The Welfare of The masses any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b 198, GarKi, abuJa, WiThin 28 days from The daTe of This PublicaTion.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT ”c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT,1990.

TrusTees: 1) nWoGu benson TochuKWu-chairman 2) nWobele maTTheW o.

3) aKubilo JosePh obinna secreTary obJecTives -- To assisT The WidoWs, WidoWers and less PrivileGe in our communiTy and The socieTy -- To assisT The orPhan and The less PrivileGe youTh in The socieTy.

siGned secreTary

siGned: barrisTer obi anuriKa (08039354748 no 25 eloseh sTreeT surulere laGos

siGned: secreTary

laWrence adedire aden iGbaGbe foun daTion

ambassador sPiriTual church of chrisT TemPle of Zion

family maTTers ProJecT iniTiaTive

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT ”c” of The comPanies and allied maTTers acT,1990.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT c of The comPanies and allied maTTers acTs of 1990.

TrusTees: 1) adeniGbaGbe emmanuel oluWaToPe aina adedayo chrisTianah

TrusTees are : 1. aWosanmi beaTrice oJuTomori 2. ishola oladeJo samuel 3. aWosanmi TaiWo Gabriel 4. olaWale ruTh

any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b 198, GarKi, abuJa, WiThin 28 days from The daTe of This PublicaTion.

siGned: secreTary

siGned: TrusTees

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above named has aPPlied To The corPoraTe affairs commission for reGisTraTion under ParT c of The comPanies and allied maTTers acTs of 1990.

TrusTees are : 1. boladale abolade - chairman 2. Kesiena uTi - secreTary 3. Praise foWoWe 4. TaiWo aKinlami, esQ. 5. eiGbe alriGhT osaJie, esQ. 6. rev. iGho leWis yeGbeburu aims: 1. To helP individuals and families creaTe effecTive family sysTems Which fosTer and encouraGe family bondinG; 2. To carry ouT acTiviTies ThaT imPacT The lives of many individuals, beinG members of families, To be resPonsible adulTs WorKinG for The GroWTh and beTTermenT of Their communiTies; 3. To do all ThinGs laWful in The PursuiT of achievinG The creaTion of beTTer marriaGes and families ThrouGhouT The counTry. any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi ironsi sTreeT, maiTaima, abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion. siGned: TrusTees

diamond & chris oGola foundaTion

loss of documenT

God’s TarGeT deliverance and evanGelical minisTry

-chairman -secreTary

obiecTives -To helP The iess PrivileGe in The socieTy -To emPoWer economically & financially The less PrivileGe youThs in The socieTy. any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyironsi sTreeT, maiTama, P.m.b 198, GarKi, abuJa, WiThin 28 days from The daTe of This PublicaTion.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above name has aPPlied for reGisTraTion WiTh The corPoraTe affairs commission, abuJa under ParT ‘c’ of comPanies and allied maTTers acT 1990.

TrusTees are 1.oGola chrisToPher Perelado chairman 2.chris-oGola Queen idiami aims and obJecTives 1.To render assisTanT To The less PrivileGed in all ramificaTions 2.To Provide sKill and economic emPoWermenT for Women and youTh. 3.To eradicaTe illiTeracy by PromoTinG educaTion PursuiT amonG The lees PrivileGe any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi irosi sTreeT, maiTama abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion. siGned: chairman

aims: To Preach The GosPel of Jesus chrisT. any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi ironsi sTreeT, maiTaima, abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion.

This is To inform The General Public of The loss of federal GovernmenT loW cosT housinG esTaTe ePe confirmaTion of occuPancy leTTer no. llo/urd/ l1/58/sslle/85 daTed 21/09/1999 for sTreeT ac house 18 in favour of raufu aTanda. all efforTs To Trace The said documenT have been aborTive. siGned: umeZinWa chuKWudalu francis

Glorious Wave helPinG hand foundaTion

chrisT Precious sTones minisTry

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above name has aPPlied for reGisTraTion WiTh The corPoraTe affairs commission, abuJa under ParT ‘c’ of comPanies and allied maTTers acT 1990.

The TrusTees are: 1. PasTor vincenT obioma nWoKolo 2. mrs abisinuolaoluWa oluWabusola nWoKolo 3. barr.mrs clara hanyeluchuKWu iheKWoaba 4. oloKun Wunmi funmilayo aims and obJecTives are: 1. To Provide communiTy services and chariTable deeds.

2. To desiGn, Plan, PromoTe imPlemenT and inTervene iniTiaTives To imProve The healTh sTaTus of individuals and PoPulaTion.

3.To Give helP and suPPorT To The less PrivileGed, aGe, WidoWs, orPhans, sicK in The socieTy and scholarshiP To indiGenT and vulnerable children.

4. To creaTe aWareness abouT druG abuse amonG youThs and adolescenTs. any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi irosi sTreeT, maiTama abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion. siGned by: clara iheKWoaba 08033249728

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above name has aPPlied for reGisTraTion WiTh The corPoraTe affairs commission, abuJa under ParT ‘c’ of comPanies and allied maTTers acT 1990.

TrusTees are 1.oPuda daWaye odibo 2.daTonye ominini oPuda 3.daWaye-oPuda ebiere 4.adele Paul oluWaseGun 5.oPuda daTonye odibo aims and obJecTives 1.To seT The caPTives free by The Word of faiTh. 2.To PuT smiles on The faces of The PeoPle.

The General Public is hereby noTified 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. aKiou Preye Terry 2. maXWell PreoKosifa micheal suKore 3. aKiou diTomene Jeremiah 4. PaTricK eJimnfor emeKa The aims and obJecTives are: 1. To ProPaGaTe The GosPel of Jesus chrisT 2. To ordain members for The ProPaGaTion of The GosPel of Jesus chrisT. 3. To ProPaGaTe chrisTian educaTion 4. To brinG many inTo Personal and inTimaTe KnoWledGe of God. 5. To PromoTe chrisTian felloWshiP 6. To orGaniZe seminars, WorKshoPs, conference TraininG cenTre, schools To PromoTe The GosPel of Jesus chrisT. any obJecTion To The reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420 TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi ironsi sTreeT, maiTama, abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion. siGned: TrusTees 147 iloGbo road, babaToPe bus sToP, aJanGbadi, oJo, laGos sTaTe 08138013011

coasT Guard and relief iniTiaTive

any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi irosi sTreeT, maiTama abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion.

This is To inform The General Public ThaT The above name has aPPlied for reGisTraTion WiTh The corPoraTe affairs commission, abuJa under ParT ‘c’ of comPanies and allied maTTers acT 1990.

TrusTees are 1.caPT. raPhael uduboh chairman 2.caPT.ebiKeme Goodday 3.caPT.mc TorTor Kemeimi 4.enGr.JosePh buGbaeGberi yiboWei 5.flT.lT. Thomas yiboWei aims and obJecTives 1.To PromoTe Peace,safe WorKinG area and ordderliness in mariTime secTor. 2.To ProTecT and care for life and ProPerTy of The mariTime secTor. 3.rePorTinG cases of illiGal acTiviTes and oil sPillaGe To GovernmenT aGencies any obJecTion To This reGisTraTion should be forWarded To The reGisTrar General, corPoraTe affairs commission, PloT 420, TiGris crescenT, off aGuiyi irosi sTreeT, maiTama abuJa WiThin 28 days of This PublicaTion.

siGned: TrusTees

siGned chairman

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

27 News

June 12: Lagos speaker hails Buhari, says Tinubu laid foundation

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, says declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day has vindicated age-long agitations by some Nigerians for same.

Obasa made the assertion in Lagos in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Musbau Rasak, on Thursday.

He praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the declaration on

Wednesday.

“This is because it was the day that Nigeria had the freest, fairest and most peaceful election.

“It was June 12, 1993 that gave birth to what we are enjoying today as democracy.

“I want to congratulate the president, his Vice, the APC and Nigerians in general for this honour on the martyr of Nigerian democracy, Chief MKO Abiola,” he said.

Obasa also hailed Chief Bola Tinubu, the

National Leader of APC and a former Governor of Lagos State, whose administration declared June 12 a public holiday in Lagos State.

According to him, Tinubu believes in the sanctity of the June 12

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Training, Lagos State, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Commissioner for Establishment, Trainings and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson-Oke and Chairman, House Committee on Establishments, Training, Pensions and Public Service, Hon. Adedayo Famakinwa, during the 2-day programme tagged: Re-Charting The Path To Quality: Sustainable Road To The Change Mantra held in Lagos...on Thursday.

mandate.

Obasa also commended Tinubu for naming the former Marwa Gardens in the state after the late Abiola to immortalise him.

“It was also Asiwaju (Tinubu) who named the Press Centre at the Alausa Secretariat after the late Bagauda Kaltho, the News Magazine correspondent killed by the Abacha junta during the struggle for democracy.

“Therefore, our national leader also deserves special commendation for his pioneering efforts at getting official recognition for June 12, Chief MKO Abiola and other icons of democratic struggle in the country,” Obasa added President Buhari announced that June 12 would replace May 29 as the Democracy Day. The President also gave posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, who died on July 7, 1998.

Buhari also decided to confer posthumous GCFR on the late social critic and rights campaigner, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

ICSAN tasks members on corporate governance The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has tasked its members to invest in good corporate governance in order to achieve sustainable development.

The charge was given on Thursday in Lagos at a business meeting organised by ICSAN Lagos State Chapter.

In her presentation, Mrs Bridget Gold, Deputy General Manager, Legal, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said corporate sustainability wasn’t a destination but a journey that must emphasise actions, not just words.

According to her, good corporate governance does not only protect an organisation but all the stakeholders

connected with it.

She described corporate governance as a set of tools, rules, relations, processes and systems designed for the fair and efficient management of an enterprise.

“Corporate governance consists of mechanisms to ensure that suppliers of finance to corporation will get a return on their investment.

“This means that corporate governance is intended to make sure investors get their money back.

“Given that someone else – managers or agents – will make all the decisions about how the money is used after investors have parted with their money,” she said.

Gold urged sustainability oriented boards to consider their stakeholders including

employees and shareholders when taking decisions.

She also advised the boards of organisations to evaluate themselves periodically to ensure they are still working in line with their vision.

Senior Partner, Philip Consulting, Mr Paul Ayim, said during his presentation that the pillars of GCG were transparency, fairness, accountability and responsibility.

According to him, surveys carried out by his organisation

revealed that certain bad practices affect the successful implementation of corporate governance.

Some of these bad practices, he said, include the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), being one individual.

According to him, also having the CEO as a member of audit committee and non-disclosure of CEO remuneration may negate corporate governance.

He urged organisations to adopt international best practices of corporate

governance.

Speaking on the event, Mr Francis Olawale, Chairman, ICSAN Lagos Chapter, said corporate governance could be entrenched if there was an objective.

“One of its objectives is to redistribute commonwealth to the citizenry. As long as there is that objective, corporate governance can be entrenched,” he said.

Olawale, however, urged ICSAN members not to give up if corporate governance is to

take its rightful place.

Deputy General Manager (DGM), Legal Adviser and Head of Corporate Services, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Mr Jose Ibitayo, said an example of bad corporate governance was when personal challenges affect services delivered to the public.

He advised company secretaries to ensure their voices were heard in the organisations where they worked and to document decisions taken at meetings.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Foreign Affairs

Trump treats Arab envoys to his first Iftar dinner US President Donald Trump welcomed Arab ambassadors on Wednesday to an Iftar dinner hosted at the White House, the first since taking office 17 months ago.

Speaking at the dinner he referred to his time in Saudi Arabia as “one of the great two days of my life.”

An hour to sunset, the road leading to the White House was cordoned off as guests from the diplomatic community began arriving.

Around a dozen Arab ambassadors joined the dinner, according to a press pool report, including Saudi Arabia’s, Prince Khalid bin Salman. Also in attendance were ambassadors from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Morocco and Algeria.

Prince Khalid was seated at Trump’s table, along with the Jordanian and Indonesian ambassadors.

“Tonight, we give thanks for the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation we have forged with our valued partners from all across the Middle East,” Trump said in his remarks, before referring to his trip to Saudi Arabia last year, where he made his first foreign state visit.

“So many of you I spent time with not so long ago — about a year ago. That was one of the great two days of my life. That was one of the most fabulous times, and I think we

World’s oldest ‘footprints’ found in China

US President Trump hosting first Iftar dinner accomplished a lot together.”

The White House dinner was also attended by President Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, Vice President Mike Pence, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. While press secretary Sarah Sanders on Tuesday capped the guest list at 40, the press pool reported that 50 guests attended the dinner.

The White House did not host an Iftar dinner last year, breaking a tradition upheld since 1996. But when news emerged that it would resume the tradition, questions arose as to who would be attending as the White House kept the list quiet.

On social media, a number of American Muslims even called on other Muslims to boycott the dinner. Many demanded an

apology from the president for anti-Muslim rhetoric which they blamed for a rise in Islamophobic attacks.

To protest the event, several Muslim groups gathered outside the White House to host a parallel dinner held on the lawn of Lafayette Square, under the slogan “Not Trump’s Iftar.”

Source: ARAB NEWS

Brexit: May, Davis ‘agree customs backstop wording’ The UK’s proposed “backstop” plan for trade with the EU after Brexit has been published after an “expected” end date - of 2021 was included in it.

It followed crunch meetings between Prime Minister Theresa May and Brexit Secretary David Davis, who insisted a cut-off date be included.

The proposal would see the UK match EU trade tariffs temporarily in order to avoid a hard Irish border post-Brexit.

Brexiteers want to ensure the backstop could not continue indefinitely.

Responding on Twitter, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier set out the criteria on which he would judge the UK’s proposal, including the need for a “workable solution” to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland.

The European Parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt went further,

saying it was “difficult to see” how this could be achieved.

“A backstop that is temporary is not a backstop, unless the definitive arrangement is the same as the backstop,” he added.

The UK is due to leave the EU in March 2019, and the government is trying to make progress before a crucial meeting of EU leaders later this month.

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said Mr Davis had “pushed back very hard” against the proposals on Wednesday and had two meetings with the prime minister on Thursday before a deal was agreed.

After the publication, Mr Davis’s chief of staff said there had been a “helpful dialogue” and that the document had now been “clarified and amended”.

According to the document which has yet to be agreed with the EU - the “temporary customs arrangement”, if it is needed, would be “time-limited”.

A long-term “future customs

arrangement” will be in place “by the end of December 2021 at the latest”, it says.

Another cabinet Brexiteer Liam Fox, who also met the prime minister on Thursday, told the BBC: “As everybody knows from the referendum, opinions and feelings run high on this issue but we’ve shown we can reach an agreement civilly and collectively.”

Who’s the real winner?

David Davis is the victor of the hour, it seems, writes BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg.

The Brexit secretary threatened to quit the government if the prime minister refused to change her proposal to fix the customs conundrum - after he demanded a time limit on the “backstop”, the insurance policy for avoiding a hard Irish border if trade talks break down.

There is a date in the document that is now on its way to Brussels. BBC

Theresa May

The oldest known “footprints” left by an animal have been uncovered in southern China.

The identity of the creature that made the 546-million-yearold tracks is still unknown, but they come from the period when the earliest animals are thought to have evolved.

The fossil consists of two rows of imprints that represent the earliest known record of an animal with legs.

The research by a Chinese team appears in Science Advances journal.

Team-members are unclear whether the creature had two legs or several. But they say the tracks probably belong to a bilaterian.

This is a group of animals characterised by having paired appendages - in this case, perhaps, paired legs. They are one of the most diverse animal groups in existence today.

These legs raised the animal’s body above the sediment it was moving across.

The trackways were found in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China. The rocks they come from are dated to between 551 million and 541 million years old.

“Previously identified footprints are between 540 and 530 million years old. The new fossils are probably up to 10 million years older,” the study’s co-author Zhe Chen, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told AFP. He added: “At least three living groups of animals have paired appendages (represented by arthropods, such as bumblebees; annelids, such as bristle worms; and tetrapods, such as humans).

“Arthropods and annelids, or their ancestors, are possibilities.”

The animal appears to have paused from time to time, since the trackways seem to be connected to burrows that may have been dug into the sediment, perhaps to obtain food.

Source: BBC

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

29 Foreign Affairs

What happened to concept and praxis of African Renaissance?

Afghan President declares temporary ceasefire with Taliban

Mohau Bosiu

Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani announced on Thursday a temporary ceasefire with the Taliban until June 20, though it was not immediately clear if the armed group had agreed.

In a televised address, Ghani said fighting against other armed groups such as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) will continue.

The Afghan president told security forces to cease operations against the armed group until June 20, coinciding with the end of fasting month of Ramadan.

The ceasefire will last “from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-ulFitr”, the president tweeted from an official account, indicating it could run from June 12-19.

“This ceasefire is an opportunity for Taliban to introspect that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and minds but further alienating,” he said.

“With the ceasefire announcement, we epitomise the strength of the Afghan government and the will of the people for a peaceful resolution to the Afghan conflict.”

The surprise move comes days after a gathering of Afghanistan’s top religious leaders in the capital, Kabul, issued a fatwa - a religious edict issued by an expert in Islamic law - against suicide bombings and attacks.

The religious gathering was attacked by a suicide bomber, killing at least seven people.

The United States welcomed Afghanistan’s offer of a ceasefire to the Taliban, the State Department said on Thursday.

“The Afghan government’s offer of a temporary ceasefire underscores its commitment to peace as both a national and religious responsibility,” it said in a statement.

It added the ceasefire will allow the Afghan people to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan without fear of violence.

Russia also welcomed the ceasefire offer but said it doubts the Taliban will join it, Interfax news agency reported, citing Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin’s special representative on Afghanistan.

Ghani in February offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group in a proposed political process that he said could lead to talks to end more than 16 years of war.

Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners among a range of options including new elections involving the armed group, and a constitutional review in a pact with the Taliban to end a conflict that last year alone killed or wounded more than 10,000 Afghan civilians.

Taliban has been fighting in Kabul since it was removed from power in 2001 by the US-led forces. The armed group has set the withdrawal of foreign forces as a precondition for peace talks. Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

The miracle of Africa’s renaissance in the 21st century must be realised.

There’s something to be said for starting something, and finishing it. To see to it that it is complete, not subverted. There is joy in achievement, chasing, pursuing your prey and holding it captive; coming full circle.

In the mystical story about the genesis of mankind, in the beginning of time, the Creator looks at his gigantic canvas; void and formless, dense with darkness. The spirit of the artful master craftsman; our Creator, was deeply immersed, contemplating the uncharted landscapes and studying the waters. Each day the Creator thoughtfully crafted a new invention, beautiful and purposeful, and in the last day the Creator saw the good of his work, and rested. The work of the Creator was a complete miracle.

What he had created was good and pleasing to his eyes. He revelled in it, he was content. In today’s world of high speed, intricate, multiple designs marked by varying social inequalities perhaps the truest measure of great craftsmanship is the extent that one’s creation and ideas can add some value, tangible and intangible, to social progress and human development.

In the context of inclusive and sustainable development, one must in the first instance impress that as a people we pursue such developments, aided by new modern technologies, to fulfill the critically important objective of improving the human condition. Making people’s lives better. Restoring their dignity and making sure they have adequate supply and access to resources that help them meet their basic human needs. We must therefore ingrain in the social fibre the principle expressed in the slogan - People First!

With the rapid improvements and myriad modern day technologies, the world has and is moving on; the points at which we connect have also expanded. However, as others move in line with these technological advances, others are being left behind. And many professionals in the communication field have discussed and analysed this, especially the topic ‘the digital divide’.

As a people, we must be vigilant and guard against the perverse, and at times, wilfully blind tendencies that continue to entrench social divides through the use of new digital technologies.

When we adopt new technology, we should also engage distributive skills transference programmes because one of the challenges we still face on the continent is illiteracy. Usually, when a machine is employed to deliver a service previously performed by human beings, the end result is job losses for ordinary people. A diametrically opposed outcome to inclusive and sustainable development.

Such outcomes are inconsistent with the vision of the people of Africa, as espoused in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Aspiration number 6 of the Agenda 2063 recognises that the development of Africa should be people-driven, ‘relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.’

As such, I’d suggest that the motive forces of Agenda 2063 are young people and women. They should never, therefore, be confined, in the words of one great African patriot ‘to a ghetto, patronisingly described as “the most disadvantaged”, and shoved into one basket containing the women, the youth and people with disabilities.’

To ensure that these, the motive forces of Africa’s renaissance, are the key drivers of modernisation and development of

industries, we must open up university networks for information sharing among young African graduates and undergraduates - aiming to influence government policy, as well as product research and development in the corporate sector.

Rural women and youth should have access to affordable and fair financial resources for fruitful and long term investments. Children in schools, especially rural schools, must be the beneficiaries of improved access to information and communication technologies (ICTs).

These motive forces of Africa’s renaissance have a significant role to play in contributing positively to innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the creative tapestry of Africa. They should therefore be accorded opportunities for employment, access to education, skills and technology, as well as adequate health-care services.

To achieve these continental goals, so that in the end the people’s aspirations and potential find expression in what our nation states - through their governments - do, we must engage in a palpable process to do away with the addiction and dependence on foreign aid, by building state capacity and enhancing domestic savings, to feed the children of Africa from what Africa produces.

Accordingly, this requires that we defeat the demons embedded in our societies: corrupt leadership, rampant and rapacious illicit financial flows, tribal conflicts, youth marginalisation, women and children abuse - all of which continue to flourish, in the main, because of weaknesses in leadership.

As Africans, we should and we must cease to be the wretched of the earth, in perpetuity.

To see to it that the miracle of Africa’s renaissance in the 21st century is realised, we need the nourishment of fresh and collective thinking, coherent solutions, connected enterprises and clarity in forecasting our future bearings, as a people.

A recent example is how one of our universities in South Africa, the Walter Sisulu University, has twinned the efforts of its faculty of sciences’ medical department with the regional government department of health, to give students real life exposure of what they’re learning on text, marrying that with the practical realities of their

immediate communities. Due to their significant advances, they have been visited by the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and others to learn from their problem-based learning model.

If we are to see more of such laudable development efforts, we have to ensure that there is a harmonious relationship between people and their leadership in regional and national governments.

The objectives of our leadership in government must emanate from the mandate given by ordinary people; the point is that the collectivity of our cabinet ministers must comprise a capable, modern and agile crop of people who have the vibrancy and expertise to serve and oversee the complex management of international and regional needs. Along with competency skills, we need a leadership with strong ethical fibre.

Like the artful Creator who was immersed in studying his gigantic canvas and the uncharted landscapes, our people who assume leadership positions must therefore be in touch and well versed in understanding what is to be done to address the needs of the people - so we can stay on course in achieving Africa’s renaissance project.

In this regard, I’d therefore like to quote the African patriot to whom I earlier referred, the then Executive Deputy President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, in 1998, said: ‘The time has come that we call a halt to the seemingly socially approved deification of the acquisition of material wealth and the abuse of state power to impoverish the people and deny our Continent the possibility to achieve sustainable economic development.

Africa cannot renew herself where its upper echelons are a mere parasite on the rest of society, enjoying a self-endowed mandate to use their political power and define the uses of such power such that its exercise ensures that our Continent reproduces itself as the periphery of the world economy, poor, underdeveloped and incapable of development.’

Bosiu, is a thought leader and communication alumnus of the Tshwane University of Technology, S’Africa. Source: Polity.org.za

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani

TIMES SPORTS

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

FIFA ranking: Super Eagles, Croatia drop, Argentina, Iceland maintain positions The Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped one place from 47th position to 48th in the latest FIFA world ranking.

The latest ranking was released on Thursday on FIFA’s official website.

Also in Africa, the World Cup-bound Super Eagles dropped from sixth place to seventh.

This was expected as the three time African champions lost three of

their last five games.

The Super Eagles also lost 17 points from last month’s 635. They are now on 618.

Incidentally, none of Nigeria’s group opponents at the Russia 2018 World Cup rose in the ranking.

Argentina remain fifth in the world, while Croatia who the Super Eagles will face in their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup game dropped two places from

18th to 20th.

World Cup debutants Iceland remained 22nd.

Germany remain in first position, Brazil in second, Belgium in third, Portugal fourth and Argentina fifth.

In sixth place are Switzerland, France are seventh, Poland moved up three spots from 10th to eighth while Chile retain their ninth position and Spain completing the top ten ranked teams.

World Cup: NFF begs Nigerians to believe in Super Eagles despite friendly losses Gernot Rohr: Super Eagles The Nigeria Football Federation has urged fans to keep faith with the Super Eagles in spite of the two recent losses recorded in their pre-World Cup friendly matches.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Super Eagles lost their second straight game 1-0 to Czech Republic in their final World Cup warmup game at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium, Schwechat, Vienna, Austria.

It was, indeed, a loss which left many wondering whether the team was really ready for the competition which gets underway on June 14.

Out of their five friendly games, the Super Eagles lost three, won one and drew one. They beat Poland 1-0, lost 2-0 to Serbia, drew 1-1 with DR Congo, lost 1-2 to England and lost 0-1 to Czech Republic.

A bigger cloud hangs in the horizon with the fact that Nigeria’s first match is on June 16, against Croatia in Kaliningrad, just about 10 days away.

The NFF SecretaryGeneral, Mohammed Sanusi, who spoke to NAN in an interview on Thursday, urged the team’s fans not to panic ahead of the 2018 World Cup billed to kick off on June 14 in Russia.

He said that the team would respond positively to the losses when the 2018 World Cup proper kicks off.

“We are not worried by these defeats suffered in the pre-World Cup games.

“These are only friendly games and they are meant to enable the technical crew try out new tactics and blend the team, the results don’t really matter because I know our boys were not at

their best.

“There is no cause for alarm, the Super Eagles will bounce back,’’ Sanusi said.

“You know the boys are not giving their best because they don’t want to sustain injury before the start of the World Cup. “They are playing safe and I am sure they will go full blast when they face Croatia next week.’’

The NFF Scribe noted that the federation had done their part in preparing the team for the World Cup, adding that it was now left for them to reciprocate the gesture by getting results in Russia.

“So, Nigerians should keep faith in the team that they will deliver in Russia,’’ he said.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is in its 21st edition, is expected to hold from June 14 to July 15 in Russia.

AWCON qualifier: Falcons seal 1- 0 win against Scorpions of Gambia The Super Falcons claimed a 1-0 away victory against the Queen Scorpions of Gambia in the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers in Bakau.

Amarachi Okoronkwo’s long range shot 19 minutes into the game separated both sides in the first leg encounter at the Independence Stadium, Bakau.

The visitors escaped conceding an early goal as Gambia’s Penda Bah heads wide a good opportunity for the hosts off a brilliant cross.

Four minutes later Chinese based Asisat Oshola’s header found Francisca Ordega but the latter’s effort went inches wide from goalpost.

Bah again in the 60th minute attempted a goal via a long range effort but goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi made an easy catch to thwart the move.

Anam Imo nicely tapped in the ball

following Oshoala’s cross which would have made for the second goal 10 minutes later, but centre referee ruled for offside.

The eight time champions proved to be a solid nut for the home team to crack as Thomas Dennerby ladies quietly snatched the needed three points.

The return leg is scheduled for the Agege Stadium Lagos on Monday with the winner of the fixture qualifying for the AWCON tournament in Ghana in November.

not yet ready for World Cup

The 2018 FIFA World Cup starts in Russia in eight days’ time, but Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has given a damning verdict that his team is not yet ready for the eagerly anticipated football showpiece.

Rohr gave his honest opinion after the Super Eagles were beaten in their second consecutive test game on Wednesday by a less fancied Czech Republic team in Austria.

After losing to England 2-1 at Wembley last time out, expectations were high that the Super Eagles should be able to handle a Czech Republic team that were beaten 4-0 by Australia in their own last outing.

That, however, was not the case on Wednesday as the Super Eagles were beaten 1-0 by their opponents.

Despite fielding a strong starting XI which could pass for what might obtain in the opening group game against Croatia in 10 days’ time, the Super Eagles fell behind to Czechs in the 25th minute.

Tomas Kalas was the goal scorer for the Czechs and Nigeria could not find her way back into the game despite the flurry of chances that came their way.

Despite the disturbing situation, Rohr insists that the results in Russia are more important that what obtained in the friendly games “We’ve 9 days to be ready for our first match vs Croatia, as at today we are not ready,” Rohr said after the match.

“I am not sad because of this result, the result that matters will be in Russia.” Rohr was quoted

as saying on the official twitter handle of the Super Eagles after Wednesday’s defeat against the Czech Republic.

It is now the fourth game in a row that the Super Eagles have failed to get a win.

The last victory for Gernot Rohr’s men was against Poland before losing against Serbia, England and forcing a draw against Congo DR. The Super Eagles will open their World Cup campaign with a tie against Croatia on June 16 before they go on for the other clashes against Iceland and Argentina in Group D. Rohr will be hoping his young Eagles eclipse the country’s best showing at the global showpiece which is Round of 16 finishes at the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2014 editions.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

31 Times Sports

Sharapova hits back at Serena in book row

Former world number one Maria Sharapova hit back at Serena Williams’ criticism of her autobiography on Wednesday -- two days after their much-anticipated showdown at the French Open was scuppered by an injury to her American rival.

Williams had described Sharapova’s book “Unstoppable”, in which the Russian claimed the American hated her for beating her in the 2004 Wimbledon final and reducing her to “guttural sobs” as “100 percent hearsay”.

The 23-times Grand Slam champion also expressed her surprise that so much of Sharapova’s book revolved around her.

“I didn’t expect to be reading a book about me, that wasn’t necessarily true,” Williams said earlier this week.

Sharapova, 31, had her chance to reply on Wednesday after her chastening quarterfinal defeat by Spain’s

Garbine Muguruza in which she won only three games.

“Well, I think it would be strange for me not to include someone that I have competed against for so many years,” a glum Sharapova, who has lost 19 of her 21 matches against Williams, told reporters.

“I think there is a lot of autobiographies out in the world, especially in the sporting world, that don’t necessarily speak about whether they were rivals or someone they competed against.

“And I think we played many matches. Some of those matches were very defining for me. It would be very strange if I didn’t write anything about her. I think everyone would ask me questions, as well.

“So I’m not entirely sure how to go about that answer.

When you’re writing an autobiography, I don’t think there is any reason to write anything that’s not true.”

PECTORAL INJURY

Sharapova also said she had been surprised by Williams’s withdrawal with a pectoral injury shortly before they had been due on court on Monday.

“I hadn’t had a withdrawal (against me) in -- I don’t know how long. It’s probably been maybe like six years or something.

“So I didn’t really know what to do. Is there a Lucky Loser coming? I mean, I think she made everyone wait a little bit.”

Sharapova was back at the French Open this year, scene of two of her five Grand Slam titles, for the first time since 2015. She was banned in 2016 following a failed doping test and last year, shortly after she returned to the Tour, organizers declined to offer her a wildcard.

Her return has not been entirely smooth and she has won only one title since making her comeback.

But after a solid claycourt season in which she reached the quarter-finals in Madrid and semis in Rome, Sharapova appears to be heading in the right direction and she will be close to the top 20 again when the rankings are published on Monday.

“Coming into this part of the year, I was losing a few first-round matches, matches that I wanted to be winning, of course,” she said.

“But to have had the victories that I have had, to have the results that I have, obviously moving a step in the right direction. But today was certainly not one of those steps.”

Super Eagles could be a surprise team at World Cup Dutch coach Simon Kalika has said Super Eagles could pull one of the major surprises at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Kalika bust into Nigerian football fans’ hearts helping Samson Siasia to guide the U20 national team, Flying Eagles, to the final of the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in his native country, Netherlands.

Flying Eagles eventually capitulated 0-2 to a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina in the game.

Three years on, Kalika also assisted Samson Siasia to reach the 2008 Olympic Games Soccer in Beijing, falling yet again to Lionel Messi and his Argentina U23 squad by a lone goal.

Kalika expressed his thoughts on Super Eagles chances at the World Cup which kicks off on June 14 with Nigeria’s opening group D match against Croatia billed for June 16.

“The Super Eagles have a young team. The players are quite young and can fight hard against opponents”, Kalika said.

“Some (of the players) could be playing in the World Cup for the first time but their physical strength will be an advantage.

“I must say the coach (Gernot Rohr) made a good selection in his final 23-man team.

“There is experience which Mikel (Obi), (Victor) Moses, (Odion) Ighalo will provide and I think, yes, the Super Eagles can do something great in Russia”.

Prided on the likely stage the three time African champions could berth, Kalika said it depends on how they manage their especially after the group stage.

“For the group stage, yeah, Super Eagles will qualify.

“They can move on fine if they manage their knock out games well and if they do, they can become the surprise team of the World Cup because Nigeria has plenty talents”.

Vladimir Putin: World Cup stadiums must not turn into flea markets President Vladimir Putin firmly told regional leaders Thursday not to turn World Cup arenas into flea markets once the football showpiece wraps up next month.

Space around stadiums such as Moscow’s Luzhniki became bustling hubs that sold everything from fruit to clothes during Russia’s post-Soviet economic crisis in the 1990s.

The money helped pay for the land — but also fed unregulated and crimedriven trade.

The authorities tore them down once growth picked up and Moscow acquired Western-style shopping centres.

The one in Luzhniki only closed its doors in 2011.

Putin told an annual televised phone-in that the World Cup kicking off next Thursday must leave a lasting sports legacy in which the new arenas play

an integral part.

“I want to address colleagues from the regions — no matter what, you cannot allow these venues to suddenly turn into some sort of markets like those in the mid 1990s,” Putin said.

“That is categorically inadmissable.”

Russia has spent at least $4 billion (3.4 billion euros) either building or refurbishing 12 arenas in 11 host cities for the month-long celebration of the world’s most popular sport.

FIFA boss Giovanni Infantino said in a statement issued by the world football governing body on Wednesday that Russia was “100 percent ready” as hosts.

“The whole world will see what a hospitable country Russia is, how well everything is organised,” said Infantino.

But the World Cup’s

entire budget adds up to more than $13 billion and FIFA is keen to see the investment pay dividends for Russia that make other nations want to stage future tournaments.

The question of what happens to the huge arenas after the July 15 final has been hounding Russia since it won the hosting rights over England in 2010.

Host city Sochi did not even have a football club until a second division side was moved there this week.

Others are home to teams that have not played top flight football for years and draw just a few thousand people on the best of days.

The head of Russia’s Premier League has also questioned why organisers decided against fitting the arenas with roofs that make watching games more inviting for fans in colder northern cities.

Kevin Durant scores 43 to spark Warriors to brink of NBA title Defending champion Golden State, powered by 43 points from Kevin Durant, moved to the brink of a third NBA title in four seasons Wednesday by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-102.

The Warriors seized a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals and by winning game four Friday can complete the first championship series sweep since Cleveland was blanked by San Antonio in 2007.

No team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series, but the Cavaliers made the best comeback in NBA Finals history in 2016 from 3-1 down to swipe a title from Golden State.

Durant added 12 rebounds and seven assists to his career-high playoff scoring total, but it was not until his 3-pointer with 49 seconds remaining to give the Warriors a 106-100 lead that Cleveland’s fate was

sealed.

“That was amazing what he did out there,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

“Some of those shots, I don’t think anybody in the world but him could have made those shots.”

Durant’s last basket was eerily like a 3-pointer he made late in game three last year against the Cavs that clinched a Golden State victory.

It was another dagger in the title hopes of Cleveland

star LeBron James, who had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists while Kevin Love added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers had been 8-1 at home in the playoffs with eight wins in a row since losing their firstround opener to Indiana.

But the Warriors improved to 10-2 against the Cavaliers since Durant joined Golden State before last season.

QUOTABLE QUOTES “If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

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FLASHBACK in Times: June 8, 1953

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 672

N150

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED. Operational Headquarters: Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, MaItama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Email: bonamelah123@gmail.com

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Business Times

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

NCC to resolve N165bn South Africa’s business Vandalism: AEDC donates surveillance debt owed by telecom confidence index eases again in May operators van to FCTA

Privatisation: BPE rakes in N2.8trn from 53 enterprises • Sets to privatise Afam Power plant, NIPOST, 4 others in 2018 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Not less than a whopping N2.8 trillion or $7.8 billion has been generated by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from privatization of 53 enterprises in the last 18 years.

The Bureau also, unveiled plans to privatize and concession six federal government’s enterprises in 2018.

The plan, according to the agency, is aimed at raising money to meet the N400 billion funding of the 2018 budget which is expected to come from the BPE. Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex A. Okoh disclosed this while briefing journalists on the 2018 work plan of the agency on Thursday in Abuja.

Okoh said that the current initiatives embarked upon by the Bureau are aimed at positively impacting the Nigerian economy in areas of power generation and supply, improvement in overall infrastructure, job creation, food security and human capital development leading to the overall economic growth of the country.

The DG disclosed that the agency generated $7.8 billion in the last 18 years, from 53 privatized enterprises.

The BPE boss further disclosed that the agency spent N330 billion for payment of entitlements to the staff of the defunct National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) which was privatized during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He listed the initiatives as the Privatisation of Afam Power Plant, concessioning of Terminal “B” Warri Old Port, restructuring & recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA),partial

commercialisation of the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) and the restructuring/ commercialisation of three River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

The others are the partial commercialisation of three selected National Parks, re-privatisation of Yola Disco, power sector recovery initiative and development of data management framework for the power sector.

Okoh who made this known in a paper titled: The role of National Council on Privatisation (NCP) in the Privatisation Programme said that through the privatisation and commercialisation programme, the BPE has attained some

broad milestones in the past 18 years.

He said notable amongst these are the expansion of private sector participation in the Nigerian economy, attraction of quality foreign investors and capital.

Others are achieving a more efficient allocation of government resources by redirecting funding of public enterprises by government to other key sectors of the economy that are socially imperative such as healthcare and education among others ; and encouraging the private sector to be the engine room of economic growth and development.

The Director General maintained that the execution of the mandate of

the Bureau was being undermined by the non-cooperative attitude of some of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who are a part of the privatisation programme and called for the intervention of the Stakeholders Engagement Committee (SEC) for the continued success of the execution of the mandate of the Bureau.

Okoh, however, noted that paucity of funds was also an impediment to the attainment of some of the objectives of the BPE as “the treasury of the federal Government is becoming leaner in view of competing demands and dwindling government revenues.”

L-R: Executive Director, Public Sector, Abdullahi Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, in Calabar...

Buhari sets to commission Abuja light rail Idu Jude, Abuja The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Chinyaka Ohaa, has said the most awaited Abuja light rail will be commissioned in a couple weeks by the President, Mohamadu Buhari.

Ohaa, also said that FCT is very optimistic that the coming into operation of the Light Rail service would accelerate FCT economy by opening windows for investments

and job creation.

He reaffirmed FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring that the Mass Transit service is commissioned in a matter of weeks, “already the Administration has written to the Presidency for a convenient date.”

The Permanent Secretary gave the assurance on Wednesday when he led directors and management staff of the Administration on inspection tour of the 78km Abuja Light Rail on Wednesday.

In his words, “the benefits of the project include the potential for over 20,000 jobs, aside boosting the economic fortunes of the Territory.”

According to the Permanent Secretary, the Abuja Rail project which started in 2009 would help to curtail drastically traffic congestion in the nation’s capital city.

Ohaa added that all the necessary infrastructure and human personnel have been put in place for a successful event.

A tour of the project from the

Metro Station up to the Airport Terminal station up to Kubwa station showed that about 98 percent of the work has been completed.

The Permanent Secretary, who described the project as a new experience in Africa, added that he is impressed with the level of work done so far. He further revealed that the facility has ample escalators and lifts for physically challenged and adequate security devices for protection of passengers.

Nigeria to strengthen economic ties with Tanzania, FG assures President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Tanzania that Nigeria was ready to boost economic relations with her for the benefit of citizens of both countries.

Buhari gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the Letter of Credence from the High Commissioner of Tanzania to Nigeria, Muhidin Moweto, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that both countries had a lot of potentials which can make them key economic actors in the region.

The President congratulated the Government of Tanzania for the recent discovery of gas reserves in the coast region, noting that it offers a lot of opportunities for the country. ‘’Nigeria and Tanzania have a lot of potentials. We will do our best to improve relations, which dates back to the pre-colonial era,’’ the President said.

In separate remarks, President Buhari who also received the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Lee In-Tae, commended the Korean Government for its education development programmes in the country through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Earlier the Tanzanian High Commissioner underscored the presence and positive roles of Nigerian firms in his country, particularly in the manufacturing and banking sectors. ‘’My primary objective is to strengthen and enhance existing relations of both nations and to take our economic ties to a new height. We need more Dangote’s (companies) in Tanzania to help in developing the country,’’ the High Commissioner said.

The Tanzania envoy conveyed the appreciation of the President of Zanzibar, which is a semi-autonomous region within Tanzania, to President Buhari for the deployment of 41 Nigerians teachers in the region under the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ‘’The teachers are doing very well,’’ Moweto said, appealing for the deployment of more Nigerian teachers to Tanzania.

In his remarks, the Korean Ambassador praised Nigeria’s new economic plans encapsulated under Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP), which among others targets 7 per cent GDP growth rate in Nigeria by 2020.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

NCC to resolve N165bn debt owed by telecom operators Ladesope Ladelokun The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Danbatta, on Thursday said the commission was taking pragmatic steps to resolve the N165 billion interconnect debt owed by some telecom operators.

Danbatta disclosed this when the President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola led his team to visit the NCC headquarters in Abuja.

Interconnect debt results when an operator fails to settle the cost of termination of service rendered to it by another operator

in the industry. Interconnection is important in the telecoms industry because it enables the subscriber to experience the smoothness of a connected or one network.

Thus, with interconnection, a subscriber does not care and does not need to know whether the person at the other end of the network subscribes to another network operator.

He said that because of the realisation of the implication of the debt burden on the industry, NCC arranged a very important meeting of all the telecommunication companies recently.

“We mediated on what the actions and powers of what the

commission can do in terms of crisis like this because there is a debt crisis in the industry.

“But it is being managed very well. We all agreed yesterday that pragmatic ways must be found to settle the debts and a deadline had been given as mid-July for the payment plan.

“That is pragmatic, it is being worked out in order to ensure that those who owe will start paying and those who are being owed start receiving what is being owed to them,’’ he said.

The EVC also said the commission made a presentation to the National Economic Council (NEC) where the members of the Governors Forum were in

attendance on the challenges that face deployment of broadband infrastructure in the country.

He said NCC complained about lack of adherence to the provision of NEC document.

“A document that specifies a tax of about a N145 per meter length of fibre but unfortunately, states in the country are charging in excess of the amount between N7,000 to N8,000 per meter length of fibre.

“At that meeting, one of the resolutions was that the provision of the NEC report should be respected; it is still an extant provision and therefore all states of the federation should ensure compliance to N145 per meter,’’ he said.

L-R: Managing Director, Canon CCNA, Roman Troedthandl; #MyNaija winner, Mohini Ufeli; Canon Brand Influencer, TY Bello; #MyNaija winner, Deji Oyebamiji; and Head of Emerging Markets Business Unit, Canon, Stefano Zenti; at the Canon Showroom in Lagos.

Arik Air launches new Mobile App Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading airline, has introduced a new mobile booking app to further boost customer experience.

The new mobile app makes booking, boarding, accessing products and services by Arik Air easy and convenient. Personalized to the customer, the app gives passengers instant access to the information they need, when they need it all the time.

This user-friendly service allows the booking of tickets up to three hours before flight departure, and can accommodate any last minute travel plans.

The features of the mobile app include: Book and pay for a flight; Manage your booking; Online check in; Access to frequent flyer program; Flight status and many other useful features.

Free to download on Google Play store and IOS App Store, the app presents consumers with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.

Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said the airline is proud to introduce the app to our esteemed customers.

He said: “This is another in the series of innovations aimed at positioning Arik Air as a truly customer friendly airline.

“We believe that this will improve customer interaction with our airline, while boosting customer experience.”

Minister wants misconception on FG’s privatisation corrected Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has decried the misconceptions on the Federal Government’s privatisation and Commercialisation programme, saying there must be deliberate efforts to correct the misconceptions.

Mohammed said this at a oneday orientation programme for members of the Stakeholders Engagement Committee (SEC) of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the onus was on members of the Committee to correct the misconceptions.

According to him, members of the Committee need to engage

the media at every stage of key government projects and not to wait until the implementation stage of such programmes.

The Minister said there was need for town hall meetings with the Nigerian populace to educate them on the programme.

He called for advocacy and enlightenment on the privatisation programme, adding that the programme was meant to add value to national assets but regrettably it was not the case for some privatised enterprises.

Earlier, Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex A. Okoh had declared that the current initiatives embarked upon by the Bureau are aimed at positively impacting the Nigerian economy in areas of power generation and supply, improvement in overall

infrastructure, job creation, food security and human capital development leading to the overall economic growth of the country.

He listed the initiatives as the Privatisation of Afam Power Plant, concessioning of Terminal “B” Warri Old Port, restructuring & recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), partial commercialisation of the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) and the restructuring/ commercialisation of three River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

The others are the partial commercialisation of three selected National Parks, reprivatisation of Yola Disco, power sector recovery initiative and development of data management framework for the

power sector.

Okoh who made this known in a paper titled: The role of National Council on Privatisation (NCP) in the Privatisation Programme said that through the privatisation and commercialisation programme, the BPE has attained some broad milestones in the past 18 years.

He said notable amongst these are the expansion of private sector participation in the Nigerian economy, attraction of quality foreign investors and capital.

Others are achieving a more efficient allocation of government resources by redirecting funding of public enterprises by government to other key sectors of the economy that are socially imperative such as healthcare and education among others ; and encouraging the private sector to be the engine room of economic

growth and development.

The Director General maintained that the execution of the mandate of the Bureau was being undermined by the noncooperative attitude of some of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who are a part of the privatisation programme and called for the intervention of the Stakeholders Engagement Committee (SEC) for the continued success of the execution of the mandate of the Bureau.

Okoh said paucity of funds was also an impediment to the attainment of some of the objectives of the BPE as “the treasury of the federal Government is becoming leaner in view of competing demands and dwindling government revenues.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

B3 Business News Obaseki plants first tree in N5bn Urhonigbe rubber plantation

•

Plantation to create 350 jobs

L-R: Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education/Acting Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, during the inspection of reconstruction work at College of Education, Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

Vandalism: AEDC donates surveillance van to FCTA In an effort to motivate security operatives in the FCT, and in ensuring the securing of its properties against vandals, management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has presented a brand new Hilux Van to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to strengthen the security department to fight vandalism on public assets as well as maintenance purposes.

Making the presentation on behalf of AEDC CEO, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya, the Head of Accounts Management of AEDC, Hajia Hauwa Kulu Muhammad, said the gesture was in fulfillment of an earlier promise the Company had made to FCTA in a recent visit to FCT Minister, Malam

Muhammad Musa Bello.

Hajia Muhammad, who was accompanied by AEDC’s Head Public Affairs, Mallam Ahmad Shekarau and other senior staff of the company, commended the FCT Minister, for his diligence in the payment of the electricity bills of FCT establishments and facilities.

According to the AEDC Account Management Head, “despite its use for maintenance purposes, the vehicle will also serve as a means of rapid response to areas where the street lights are having problem, under vandalism or knocked down by careless road users.”

Responding, to the AEDC gesture, the representative of the FCT Minister, the Director, Department of Facility

Maintenance and Management (FMM), Engr. Niyi Olaloye, thanked the AEDC Management for their show of support. He described the donation as a potent demonstration of the partnership between thBye FCT Administration and stakeholders in the power sector aimed at ensuring adequate power supply in the FCT. In the interim, the FCT Administration, the FMM Director revealed, has mounted 22 Generator sets to assist in powering the street lights in because of the paucity of power supply to the FCT, pending when supply improves.

He indicated that some phone numbers have been dedicated to enable members of the public to rich the FCTA’s quick response

team, in case of vandalism, crime or breakdown of the streetlight systems.

They are 08150181818, 08150191919, 08152151515, and 08152141414. Engr.

Niyi urged FCT residents to always call any of these numbers whenever they notice any of these breaches.

It could be recalled that some months ago the Managing Director of AEDC and his management team paid a courtesy visit on the FCT Minister with a view to building strong working relationships with the Administration. He had lamented that the shortage of power afflicts the City with darkness and encourages crime as well as vandalism on these public assets. Bello appealed to the Company to improve their power distribution to FCT.

Promote peace, stability, Ekere charges TROMPCON The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Nsima Ekere, has charged traditional rulers to promote peace, stability and security to aid the development process of the Niger Delta region.

Dr Ekere was speaking when the executive and members of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, paid him a courtesy visit at NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

With him to receive the royal fathers were the NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration, Mr Mene Derek, and the Executive Director Projects, Engr. (Dr) Samuel Adjogbe.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer urged the traditional rulers to continue to contribute their quota to the peace and security of the region and by extension, the entire country, stating that the Commission was conscious of the critical role TROMPCON played in national development and the economic growth

of the country.

He remarked: “We are in a very delicate period of electioneering. As royal fathers, you will be called upon to admonish your subjects to play the game of politics according to the rules. You have a duty to remind politicians that the democracy we are enjoying today was hard earned because some people paid for it with their blood.

“We have a responsibility to protect and preserve our democracy. You must, therefore, advise your subjects to play the game with the spirit of sportsmanship, recognising that power comes from God.” The NDDC boss said that Niger Delta and indeed Nigeria needed peace and stability at these trying times. He added: “We need stability in our country because that is one sure way of attracting foreign direct investments. It will also help our businessmen to grow their investments.”

Ekere noted that the Niger Delta region was occupying a very important position in the country, stating: “We are the goose that lays the golden eggs and the stability

of the region translates to economic prosperity for Nigeria.

“We have a duty to continue to show total commitment, respect and support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Federal Government has in the last three years shown an unwavering commitment to national growth and development. The President has also shown an uncommon passion to fight the ills of our society, especially corruption.”

Ekere congratulated members of the newly elected national executive of TROMPCON, stating that they were chosen because of their pedigree as distinguished traditional rulers. He assured them that NDDC would sustain the support that it had always given to TROMPCON. In his address, the National Chairman of TROMPCON, Owong (Dr) Effiong Archianga, congratulated the NDDC on its achievements in providing basic infrastructures such as roads and other development facilities in the nine oil-

producing states in the Niger Delta region, in spite of lean financial resources.

He said that as a father, TROMPCON had always stood by NDDC, especially in advocating increased funding from the federal and state governments, as well as oil companies in other to fast track development in the Niger delta region.

The TROMPCON Chairman said that traditional rulers were major stakeholder in the region and should be actively involved or be consulted on important issues, especially the determination of projects and their locations in various communities to ensure effective monitoring and early completion of jobs.

Owong Archianga lamented what he called the unfair treatment of the Niger Delta region by the lopsided appointments into the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC board, “where 10 directors are from the north, 3 from the south west and only two directors from the South-South, the area which produces 90 per cent of the oil and gas of the country.”

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said his administration has taken deliberate steps to re-position the state as an agro-based industrial hub in the nation that specialises in rubber, cocoa and oil palm produce.

He stated this while planting the first rubber tree at Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

Obaseki disclosed that the motion to establish the rubber plantation was moved by his grandfather in 1952 and expressed his excitement in leading the re-development of the plantation.

He thanked the management of Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited for investing about N5.1billion in Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation as the move will create employment for the youths in the area.

The governor called on the company to partner with the community and enter into an agreement to donate more land for planting of rubber to create more agripreneurs.

“We are set to accelerate the economic growth of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, starting from the base, as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is introduced in all our primary schools to integrating them into the Edo-Best programme.”

He assured that more resources will be channeled into improving the healthcare system in the area while efforts will be made to accelerate the construction of roads in the council.

The governor assured the people that his administration will re-construct the old roads and open up the area for more economic activities, adding that the “the community people will be involved in the development of the area.”

He said his administration will ensure the security of life and property in the council by establishing a formidable police post soon, and added, “I am consulting with the Inspector General of Police to ensure this plan comes to reality.”

Obaseki assured those affected by the last storm in the area that the government will support them as arrangement is already on ground to address their issue and noted that efforts are being made to resolve the boundary dispute between Edo and Delta states.

“Urhonigbe technical school will be equipped and more teachers will be sent to the school,” he promised.

The Managing Director of Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited, Mr. Philippe Carty, expressed his delight at the occasion, and noted that the presence of the governor is a bold demonstration of his support for the development of Urhonigbe Community and his commitment to Agriculture in the state.

He said the planting operation will be in two phases as the first will cover 1,300 hectares while the second will cover 1,000 hectares.

“We will invest about N5.1 billion in Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation and a total of 350 workers will be employed in the plantation,” Carty said.

Real Estate B4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

How to start a real estate business in Nigeria Stories: Motolani Oseni Starting a real estate business in Nigeria is one of the best opportunities in Nigeria available to anyone seeking to generate cash flow. Although a house may be considered a liability because it can get dilapidated, but housing and real estate business in Nigeria is an asset worthy investment.

According to Robert Kiyosaki, finance guru and real estate tycoon, ‘An asset is only something that puts money in your pocket. If you have a house that you rent out to tenants, then it’s an asset. If you have a house, paid for or not, that you live in, then it can’t be an asset. Instead of putting money in your pocket, it takes money out of your pocket.

That is the simple definition of a liability.

The simple definition of an asset is something that puts money in your pocket. This is accomplished through four different categories, one of which is real estate. When I say real estate, I don’t mean your personal residence, which is a liability. What I mean is investment real estate, which is a great investment because it puts money in your pocket each month in the form of rent.’

Furthermore, findings have it that every penny invested in the real estate business is like a seed which when sown, bears more seeds later in the future. Hence, industry experts note that propert investment has almost 400 per cent appreciation rate.

For instance, a plot of land that was sold in Ikorodu for N500,000 in 2014 but appreciated to N3 million in 2017, indicating a significant appreciation of N2.5million in less than three years.

With the above analysis, it has shown that the profit potential in real estate business in Nigeria is huge. However, this article primarily addresses real estate investment categories which are peculiar to Nigeria, particularly for rookie real estate investment business persons.

Land Flipping Land flipping is one of the smartest investment options in the business and usually, requires little to no effort whatsoever. With your money and an understanding of the real estate business and you are good to operate. You will require a tangible sum of money if you are aiming to generate hundreds of millions nonetheless you can begin on a low-budget by purchasing a single plot and expand to buying tens of plots and acres of lands and consequently continue trading year-round.

Open Space Leasing Open space leasing operates in a simple, easy and unique process. Acquire an investment property in a fantastic location then lease it on the market for makeshift use. You can either lease it to churches or establishments that need to build a makeshift outlet like a car wash and mechanics. They will be paying for a periodic rental fee but at the same time, the property continually appreciates for prospective future trade. It is exactly like borrowing money for an individual and being paid double interest nevertheless getting your money back.

Real Estate Agency This one is the common and easiest of them all. Real Estate Agency is not necessarily an investment per se but service rendering. This is how it operates. You go around and seek out properties to let and for sale, advertise and

market your service and help secure clients for the property owners. You get to be paid a certain percentage as commission based on the price the property is sold or rented. You can begin with little or no money and if you are smart enough, you will quickly evolve to become a giant real estate investor.

Property Development Property development is the category where the top players in the industry are mostly found.

They acquire landed properties in nice locations, develop it into luxury apartments, commercial structures, and a lot more and then trade at very high profit margins. Say you decided to invest N200 million in developing a property, you should plan to sell for double that amount.

House/Office Rent Build a house and put it up for rent, make profits all through the calendar month for a lifetime. That is precisely how this operate there is however much more to it.

Many people have the assumption that to become a successful real estate agent in Nigeria, you just need to be good in convincing people to buy properties and houses. Of course, persuasion skills and good communication skills are necessary to succeed as an estate agent but it doesn’t end there.

You also need to be familiar with the intricacies of the real estate industry. Going for a good real estate course or training with any real estate school in Nigeria is very important. Obtaining a property license or real estate license in Nigeria is required to practice real estate if you want to be taken seriously.

Lafarge warns of plastic danger to aquatic life Lafarge Africa Plc has warned of the dangers of plastic pollution, especially for aquatic life in the country.

Its Director of Communication Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, gave the warning at an awareness session to mark the World Environment Day, held last Tuesday.

“As individuals, we can contribute our quota to beating the plastic pollution by re-using our plastics rather than dumping them on the streets or throwing them out of the windows of our cars as we often do. If you cannot re-use, dispose your plastics properly,” she said.

Mrs Ambrose-Medebem called on Lagosians to be committed to proper disposal of plastics by recycling them.

She said Lafarge Africa is willing to contribute her quota by way of coprocessing of plastic wastes for our common good Giving more statistics on the dangers posed by plastics, Lafarge Africa Environment Manager, John Nya said 3.6 percent of the 500 billion tonnes of plastic bags consumed in the world end up in the oceans.

EU-UNICEF extends NDSP water, sanitation project to 3 LGAs in Edo

L-R: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mohsena Islam; Director, Admin. and Supplies, Edo State Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Mrs. Dora Osabuohien; Permanent Secretary, in the ministry, Mrs. Oboh Akongie Usiriedo; Chief Samuel Dogo; Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya; and Enogie of Evbuobanosa/Abudu, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on the implementation of the WASH project, in Benin City, on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

NDDC, EDSOPADEC to reconstruct Benin-Abraka Road – Obaseki Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is in talks with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC) on the reconstruction of the BeninAbraka Road.

Obaseki said this during a town hall meeting in Abudu, headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, and disclosed that the “Design for the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road, has been completed.

“As the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo visits the state next week, the state government will agree on a deal with the NDDC and EDSOPADEC on the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road.”

He said the plan to reconstruct the road was to provide farmers in Orhionmwon Local Government Area with access road to move their farm produce

from their farms to the market, adding that there are plans for the reconstruction of all old roads within the area.

According to Obaseki, “An 11-member wardbased development committee would be set-up in the area with representative from the traditional ruler and two youth and women representatives.

It will include three other persons from the area to include a political leader from the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and another member from the opposition parties.”

He said a similar committee will be inaugurated in Uhunmwode, today Thursday, noting that the committee in Orhionmwon will be inaugurated soon to interface with the state government on the development needs of the area and monitor ongoing projects to ensure quality and prompt delivery.

He explained that poverty and lack of education account for the high rate of human trafficking and

illegal migration in the area, noting that efforts are being made to change the narrative through ongoing reforms in basic education, healthcare, and reconstruction of old roads to revive economic activities.

Obaseki urged the people to actively participate in development initiatives at the community level and assist government succeed in her drive to develop the area.

The Enogie of Evbuobanosa, His Royal Highness, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, who expressed appreciation to the governor for the visit, noted, “The construction of the Abudu bridge linking it with the southern part of the council is commendable. This would assist in opening the area to more economic activities and development.”

He also lauded the governor for the steps being taken to reposition the College of Education in Abudu.

Edo State Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, has said that the European Union-United Nations Children’s Fund (EU-UNICEF) Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project under the Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) has been extended to three more local government areas in the state.

Idaiye said this at a one-day sensitisation programme organised for stakeholders in the three local government areas on the implementation of the WASH project, held in Benin City, on Thursday.

He said the local government areas include Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode and Owan West local government areas, noting, “The areas would benefit from the EU-UNICEF Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene project which have been fully implemented in Etsako West and Ovia South-West local government areas in the state.”

Idaiye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Akongie Oboh, noted “The WASH project being implemented under the EU-UNICEF Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) would assist the state government in improving sanitation and providing water infrastructure in rural areas across the state. This would take development closer to the grassroots.”

He said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has invested N600 million in the WASH project, urging the benefiting communities in the three new local councils to make the best of the projects.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

B5 Business Int’l

South Africa’s business confidence index eases again in May South Africa’s business confidence fell for a fourth month in a row in May, mainly due to a slide in trade activity and higher consumer inflation following a hike in Value Added Tax. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Sacci) monthly business confidence index (BCI) fell to 94.0 in May from 96.0 in April, the business body said in the statement.

It was the lowest reading since October 2017, but only just shy of last year’s average of 94.4.

The measure of private sector confidence had climbed to a 2-1/2 year high in January after Cyril Ramaphosa’s election as leader of the ruling African

National Congress in December in anticipation of business-friendly policy reforms following years of uncertainty under former president Jacob Zuma.

Sacci said if trade with the Southern African Customs Union was excluded, exports and imports had shown a sharp decline since March, with the rand’s strength in the first quarter of the year particularly dampening commodity exports.

Between mid-December and April, the rand gained about 10 percent against the dollar, but has since retreated over a simmering global trade war sparked by the United States’ decision to impose import tariffs on metals and other commodities.

Construction of buildings and private sector borrowing were the other subsectors that had a negative impact on the monthly reading.

The business body said the economy and business conditions remained on track for recovery, even after domestic growth figures on Tuesday showed the largest quarterly contraction in nearly decade.

“Sacci believes that once the challenge of good governance has been achieved, attention will focus on structural economic issues, placing South Africa on the road to sustainable economic recovery,” the chamber said, referring to the change in political leadership in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (right) accompanied by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah retd, (2nd right) and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Julius Otele (centre) inspecting the 1600 Units Low Cost Housing Estate being executed by the Restoration Government at Anyama Ijaw in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State. Photo by Lucky Francis.

‘Politics suppressing rail infrastructure in Africa’ Election cycles and governance have an inherently negative impact on railinfrastructure planning and the construction thereof in Africa, says multidisciplinary engineering consultancy WSP Africa transport and infrastructure director Vishaal Lutchman.

He adds that many African countries have fallen victim to high levels of political turbulence, adding that governments that come into power typically do not follow through on many of the initiatives of the previous regime.

“Planning is not good in terms of a growth path in such countries, where a fragmented approach is often adopted to infrastructure development without strategic planning, compared with South Africa, where infrastructure is planned

well in advance,” he elaborates.

Lutchman points out that the lack of continuity in government leads to unfinished projects and decaying railinfrastructure. He says this is evidenced by many case studies across Africa.

“For example, a built project will be initiated and, while construction is under way, there is a regime change that also results in major projects being halted while sovereign budget spending is reviewed – and sometimes reallocated. With this, some projects end up being abandoned altogether.”

He says it is “disheartening” to see such projects in Africa go to waste because “government, for ethnic reasons, no longer wants to uplift a certain community in favour of another, with the focus

completely shifting to other initiatives”.

However, he mentions that implementation in many African countries is easier than in South Africa – “the regulatory environment is less prohibitive making it easier to sign engineering, procurement and construction agreements and concessions, but unfortunately, there is a missed opportunity in terms of planning the implementation of projects”.

A fresh approach needs to be taken in Africa and governments need to realise the importance of long-term planning and implementing the improvement of railinfrastructure using African technology, rather than short-term plans that change or are disregarded with shifts in power, Lutchman concludes.

Engineering News

Interest in IFC’s solar procurement solution growing The International Finance Corporation (IFC) reports that its programme to support African governments and utilities in procuring solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity from independent power producers (IPPs) has made significant headway in four countries, with construction of the first project under way in Zambia.

Dubbed Scaling Solar, the programme combines best-in-class procurement practices, which have been garnered by the IFC and the broader World Bank Group over the past three decades, into a comprehensive package, which is then tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of the procuring country or entity.

IFC country manager Saleem Karimjee tells EngineeringNews Online that an increasing number of African governments and utilities are interested in adding grid-scale solar PV to their electricity mixes, particularly in light of the rapid decline in technology costs.

However, many of countries still lack the confidence, the capacity or the institutional frameworks to engage with IPP developers in a way that gives the country comfort that it is procuring the lowest-cost solar solution possible.

“Through Scaling Solar we are able to boost the confidence of the procuring entities by offering a tried-and-tested template for conducting competitive bidding processes and for engaging contractually with IPPs,” Karimjee explains.

The documentation is only part of the “secret sauce”, with IFC also offering procurement process management expertise and debt financing, where required. The institution’s involvement is also designed to unlock commercial, as well as other development finance to ensure the project proceeds.

In the case of solar projects, it is also possible to attract climate-related funding, as the projects are aligned with the World Bank Group’s objective of supporting generation solutions that either avoid or displace greenhouse gas emissions.

Likewise, the involvement of the IFC and the World Bank decreases uncertainty for IPPs, as it offers assurances that the projects are not only bankable, but that they will be free from government interference and that timeframes for reaching financial close will not be overly protracted.

“We believe we can reduce the timeframe for progressing a project from concept to construction from over five years to less than two years, which significantly increases the attractiveness of these projects to IPPs.” The programme was initially piloted in Zambia, where two 50 MW projects have since been procured by Zambia’s State-owned Industrial Development Corporation using the Scaling Solar framework. The process attracted 19 high-quality bidders, Karimjee highlights.

Money B 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Currency swap deal: Naira stables as CBN issues guidelines on Renminbi transactions Stories: Motolani Oseni The Nigerian currency, Naira, on Thursday remained stabled against the United State dollar at the Investors and Exporters (I&E FX) window and other Foreign Exchange segments, just as the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) issued regulations on Renminbi transactions in order to kick-start the N720 billion bilateral currency swap agreement it had with the Peoples Bank of China.

The latest guidelines were contained in a document signed by the Director, Financial Markets Department, Dr Alvan Ikoku and posted on its website.

The regulator, in document titled, “Regulations for Transactions with Authorised Dealers in Renminbi,” said it might conduct bi-weekly trading sessions to ensure liquidity for trade and direct investment between the two countries.

The Apex bank in the guidelines mandated commercial banks and merchant banks, authorised dealers to open Renminbi bank accounts and provide details to the CBN. The CBN said, “All Authorised Dealers shall open Renminbi accounts with a corresponding bank and advise CBN with its Renminbi Account details which may either be with a bank onshore or offshore China.

“Importers intending to import from China shall obtain Proforma invoice denominated in Renminbi as part of the documents required for the registration of Form M. “FX purchase in the window shall not be used for payments on transactions in which the beneficiaries are not in China.

“Authorised Dealers shall not open domiciliary accounts denominated in Renminbi for customers.”

The CBN, however, said the deal would

not stop levies on imports and exports, while unused funds by authorised dealers more than 72 hours would be returned to the apex bank for repurchase at the bank’s buying rate.

It added that authorised dealers might not earn more than 50 kobo in a customer’s bid.

The CBN on May 3 signed a bilateral Currency Swap agreement with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) worth about $2.5billion. In local currencies, the swap is worth 15billion Renminbi (RMB) or N720billion.

The deal is expected to reduce the demand for US dollar by Nigerians importing goods from China, and consequently strengthen the value of the Naira.

The deal will reduce certain barriers for Nigerian importers of goods from China as well as the cost of transactions in multiple currencies.

Meanwhile, the exchange rate of the Naira at the I&E FX window stood steadied against

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); acknowledges cheers from some students, residents of Agric-Ishawo in Ikorodu during his inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of Agric-Ishawo Road on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

the Dollar at N360.94 the same rate it traded the previous day, even though it opened at an appreciable rate of 360.66 compared to N360.80 recoded on Wednesday.

The special forex window, however, traded total transactions turnover of $138.87 million lower than $195.37 million sold on Wednesday.

At the Bureau De Change Window (BDC), the Naira was sold at N360 to the dollar while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N490 and N425, respectively.

Ecobank showcases bouquet of Digital Products at Pay Expo 2018 Ecobank Nigeria, is showcased a bouquet of Digital Products at the Digital Pay Expo 2018 that opened during the week in Lagos.

Products on display by Ecobank include the Ecobank Mobile App which enables customers instantly open Ecobank Xpress Account; this account type does not attract any account fees, paperwork or minimum balance requirements.

Digital Pay Expo is an event which brings together stakeholders in digital financial services to discuss key issues affecting the payments industry.

Announcing Ecobank’ s participation at the Expo, Carol Oyedeji, Executive Director, Consumer Banking said Ecobank is a frontline financial institution offering world class digital products that has further pushed the frontiers of financial inclusion across the continent. According to Mrs. Oyedeji the Digital Pay Expo 2018 is just another opportunity for Ecobank to showcase its leadership position in digital payments and financial inclusion with innovative financial services for the vast majority of Nigerians.

She further stated that the Ecobank Mobile App which has won several international awards does not only remove barriers to financial inclusion but also provides convenience on cardless withdrawals, transfers and bill payments. The Ecobank Mobile App has attracted over 5 million new customers in the past 6 months” Also on display, is the new EcobankPay, the newly launched unified payment solution using QR to accept MasterPass, mVisa and mCash payments at merchant’s locations.

FBNQuest Merchant Bank backs 2018 Oil and Gas Africa Assembly Head of Energy and Natural Resources at FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, has said that financing oil and gas in a cyclical industry means that a long term view on the underlying growth prospects of the recipient or project is necessary.

He also stated that risk mitigation is about understanding the bankability of the project as much as it is about appetite”.

Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani said these while speaking on funding strategies for the future African E&P Sector at the recently concluded 2018 Africa Assembly Oil & Gas conference in Paris. Themed ‘The new African Horizon’ and hosted by the Oil and Gas Council, the 2-day event is the region’s most influential corporate development strategy, finance and investment gathering of key stakeholders and seeks to promote the growth and development of the African energy

industry.

The conference focused on discussions around Africa’s oil and gas industry with panel sessions to highlight regulatory foundations for developing a sustainable and efficient energy industry, private equity and alternative funding, innovative financing solutions for local and international oil and gas companies, changing operational environments as well as future opportunities for the African market.

FBNQuest Merchant Bank, as sponsors, joined over 800 delegates from across the world to contribute to the discourse on strategies needed to showcase Africa on its next stage of oil and gas industry growth.

Speaking further on the subject, Afolabi Olorode, Deputy Head of Investment Banking at FBNQuest Merchant Bank, said: “Over the last few years, the Nigerian upstream sector has increasingly

diversified its funding sources from traditional reserve-based lending by banks to other sources, including off-take/ pre-sale arrangements, ECA and OPIC financing, and private equity funding. We view this as a positive development for the sector especially in relation to funding gas monetization plans of the independent E&P companies.”

Akinkugbe-Filani, also moderated the Women’s Council Breakfast Briefing at the conference, which focused on Women in the African Energy Industry. The growing trend of women emerging as foremost entrepreneurs and leaders is shaping the Energy industry and has seen women take on bigger roles, including a new generation of female professionals seeking careers in the oil and gas fields. This encourages diversity and overall productivity which adds to the bottom line of the economy.

According to Akinkugbe-Filani, “In

Nigeria where the oil and gas industry has honed local content so well, some consideration of “gender content” in the oil and gas value chain may not go amiss if such policies are well targeted and periodically monitored. The Nigerian Content Development Act 2010 defines the minimum level of Nigerian content required for each sub sector of the oil and gas industry, thus providing a number of opportunities for local SMEs – implicitly including those owned by women - to create linkages to industries where their participation has been historically insignificant”.

Every year, the Africa Assembly brings together senior industry stakeholders all under one roof, from E&P C-level executives, to key representatives from NOCs, ministries and local regulators to analyse the changes and evolution of the sector emerging into the new world order.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

B7 Stock Exchange

Nigerian Stock Exchange Price List as at June 8, 2018

Industry B8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Group berates FG, sues Adeosun over tobacco, alcohol excise duty Stories: Ladesope Ladelokun

A Non-Governmental Organistion (NGO), Business Renaissance Group, has berated the Federal Government for what it described as insensitive and draconian increase in excise duty rate. The NGO, Business Renaissance Group, asserted that would cause job loss, loss of revenue by government and make Nigeria a dumping ground for cheap products.

As part of fforts to stop the implementation of the new excise duty rate increase on alcohol and tobacco which went into effect on Monday, BRG has dragged the Federal Government to court.

The suit, which was brought to court by Christian Hon, from the Law firm of J-K

Gadzama (SAN), on behalf of the group, had in its summons, asked the court to compel the Minister of Finance , Mrs. Adeosun, and her agents while reviewing any tariffs, to consider the interest of the Plaintiffs, the consumers as well as the Nigerian Constitution as it relates to the free flow of commerce for the benefit of all Nigerians as a fundamental obligation of Government.

The group also wants the court to declare that the excise duty rate increase on alcohol and tobacco is against public policy and not in tandem with sections 16 and 42 of the Nigerian constitution, 1999 as amended. They asked the Court to declare that the tariff rate increases on alcohol and tobacco is indefensibly and unjustifiably selective, discriminatory,

unreasonable and unfairly oppressive to a particular segment of the Nigerian society including the plaintiff, whose products and means of livelihood are threatened by the new oppressive tariff regime.

The plaintiff is also seeking a declaration from the court that the propagation and enforcement of said discriminatory and oppressive tariffs is an act of executive bad faith, recklessness and is not a bona fide or positive exercise of governmental power.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference on World No Tobacco Day, the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, hailed the increase in exercise duty rate on cigarette, calling for more stringent measures reduce the cigarette consumption in Nigeria.

Minister of transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and others during the inspection of East-West Road Bridge at Kaiama Delta/Bayelsa Port Harcourt Road... on Thursday

Pay attention to perception – ISOQAR QMS auditor tells SON The perception of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) by its stakeholders is the reality of the organisation’s true worth and is shaped by seeming intangibles.

Mr. Joseph Stephens, team leader of the ISOQAR, International Quality Management Systems (QMS) Auditors, made this assertion at the closing meeting of the 2018 revalidation and transition audit of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria at the Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.

According to him, perception makes or mars the outlook of an individual or institutions, thus requiring that great attention be paid to all issues that can shape the perception of stakeholders from regular two way communication with internal and external stakeholders, provision of a conducive work environment,

good customer relations to such issues as good sanitation facilities and directional signs within the organisation’s premises nationwide.

The ISOQUAR Lead Auditor commended SON management for the tremendous improvement observed in its internal and external communication machinery in the last one year, particularly the WhatsApp forums for interactions among departments and state offices as well as the headquarters.

Others, according to him, include the interactive website, publications and broadcasts on social media platforms, regular publication in national newspapers and the weekly radio and television programmes to inform and educate the public on the organisation’s activities.

Mr. Stephens also applauded

the deliberate efforts at grooming younger officers within the organization, the establishment of the Ogba laboratories complex, call centres for enquiry and complaints handling, implementation of electronic initiatives like e-product registration, e-mancap and e-payment at ports and border operations.

Areas of improvement identified by the ISOQAR Auditors include, inadequate standards at the State Offices, delay in issuance of laboratory results, inadequate financial resources and operational vehicles in some departments.

He expressed overall satisfaction with SON quality management system, particularly the cooperation of the staff in providing necessary information during the audit exercise and

urged the Management to work hard on the identified areas of improvement.

Responding on behalf of the Director General, Barr. Richard Agu, the Management Representative on the SON QMS thanked the ISOQAR representatives for their auditing approach which focused on value addition to the organization’s system.

He allude to a commitment to promote greater communication within the organization as well as with stakeholders and assured the international Auditors that the SON Management remains resilient in tackling inadequate resources through provisions in the 2018 budget proposals.

He further assured them of SON’s commitment to positive perception of the organization

by Nigerians through increased tempo of sensitization activities.

World Environment Day: Nestle sets 2025 target for 100% packaging recyclables Determined to fulfill its pledge of actively combating plastic pollution, Nestle Nigeria has hinted that it targets 2025 for making 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable.

The company said apart from making the market for recycled plastics larger, it will be vociferous in its campaign to help consumers dispose of used materials in the right way, adding that its vision is global but local in execution.

According to the food and beverage maker, says it aims to develop a well-organised collection, sorting and recycling schemes across all countries where it operates. In Nigeria, Nestlé is one of the five member companies of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) incorporated to serve as the sector Producers Responsible Organisation under the Extended Producers (EPR) scheme.

This alliance has completed the development of a viable collection and recycling plan with initial focus on the major food and beverage packaging materials that pose significant challenge for the Nigerian national waste management system.

Nestlé’s said its efforts to help address this issue highlight the importance of the United Nations’ World Environment Day on June 5, a global day of action that promotes worldwide awareness for the protection of our environment.

This year’s theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, emphasizes the need for all hands to be on the deck to reduce the serious impact of plastic pollution on our environment.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), half of all consumer plastics are single use, one tenth of all human-generated waste is plastic, and in the next 10-15 years, global plastic production is projected to nearly double.

UNEP urges individuals, the private sector and policymakers and all stakeholders to collaborate to entirely rethink the approach to designing, producing and using plastic products.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

L1

Matters Arising

Buhari and the June 12 saga Reuben Abati There are three aspects - the strategic, the political and the legal - to the Federal Government’s decision to replace May 29 with June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, and to confer on the late Chief MKO Abiola, the highest honour in the land.

Strategy: Long before now, the Buhari government had needed to review its strategy of engagement with the public, move from blamepassing, propaganda, in-fighting, enemy-seeking approach to a more legacy-driven, result-oriented mode.

It is like this: when a government is in decline, and it is losing popularity and goodwill, then it is time to change the narrative. That is precisely what the Buhari government has done with the masterstroke of a special focus on June 12 and Chief MKO Abiola at a time when virtually everyone from the Catholic Church, the opposition, prominent political figures, the media to estranged members of the APC are carrying placards against the government.

When you change the narrative, what you do is to divert attention from the prevailing negative discourse; you find something else for the people to talk about in the hope that this will give the government a breather, and allow it to get back on traction and restore some goodwill.

Whoever suggested the June 12 and Abiola move to President Buhari is quite smart and I commend him and the government.

But the “changing the narrative” strategy is not a deus ex machina.

Its fall-out has to be managed, and government must be in a position to manage the gains or the challenges.

This strategy can also prove to be a test of a government’s status. An accidentprone government may even in the long run gain nothing from such a move.

For the Buhari government, however, the June 12 move should change the narrative for a few weeks, except there is another accident on the security or political scene. But whatever happens, President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered as the Nigerian President who successfully placed the proper historical accent on June 12, and MKO Abiola’s contributions to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The Jonathan government, which I served, had tried to do this in 2012 by renaming the University of Lagos after Chief MKO Abiola, but the UNILAG community - resident and alumni - reacted like cry-babies, they considered the name of their university too sacred, and too big for Abiola, and in the face of the overwhelming sentiment, the significance of the gesture was overpoliticized.

The political: The politics of June 12 and Chief MKO Abiola has been a recurrent decimal in the debate about how best to remember the struggle that led to the exit of the military on May 29, 1999 and the role played by the pro-democracy coalition. Indeed, since 2000, the prodemocracy coalition and supporters of Chief MKO Abiola have lamented that the eventual beneficiaries of the struggle for democracy were the ones most determined to deny and erase Chief Abiola’s role in that significant moment in Nigerian history. They wanted Federal Government

recognition for MKO Abiola. When this did not happen, the states controlled by the then Alliance for Democracy in the South West declared June 12, Democracy Day and a public holiday. In Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo, monuments were named after Abiola, his statues were erected, other heroes of the struggle were honoured and every June 12, pro-democracy processions were held in these states.

The celebration of May 29 as Democracy Day has therefore been consistently opposed on the grounds that it is wrong to celebrate the exit of the military but better to commemorate June 12 – the day in 1993 when Nigeria held the freest and fairest election in its history – the Presidential election of that day united Nigerians across ethnic, religious and ideological lines.

But as it happened, some military leaders considered Abiola unfit for the office, for their own personal reasons and therefore annulled the election.

This brazen assault on the people’s sovereignty resulted in a prolonged protest for the restoration of the people’s mandate, and a nationwide rebellion against military rule. For six years, Nigeria stood at the edge of a precipice.

June 12 is indeed a watershed in Nigerian history. Its formal recognition is symbolic and instructive. This should assuage the pains of the proJune 12 group, and help to restore the memory of that moment in history and the aftermath. I once wrote about how many young Nigerians born in 1993 or after do not even know who MKO Abiola is. I was asked on one occasion by a young Nigerian: “This MKO Abiola, what about him?” In a country where history is not taught, that is what you get: an emerging generation that does not know Nigeria. With June 12 now part of the country’s calendar, the story will be told, and that turning point in Nigerian history will be recorded permanently for posterity.

The decision to honour Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi post-humously, and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe with GCFR and GCON is a good move, but the question of legality with regard to Abiola and Fawehinmi has been raised and here we confront the dilemma of a conflict between what is reasonable and what is legal.

The legal aspect: Are the posthumous awards really illegal? I recall that in 2014, the Jonathan administration had tried to honour Chief MKO Abiola and Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh by having their names on the National Honours List. Justice Alfa Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) who has now spoken up to declare the post-humous award to Abiola and Fawehinmi, “illegal” was the Chairman of the National Honours Committee at the time. The advice given at the time was that the awards could not be given post-humously, and that the law should not be bent to accommodate political interests. The Jonathan government, with the uproar over the re-naming of the University of Lagos still fresh in the minds of its officials, chose to tread with caution.

It is noteworthy that this same issue of legality has again cropped up.

By giving post-humous national awards, the Buhari government has now provided us an opportunity to interrogate the law.

President Buhari

The relevant law is the National Honours Act No 5 of 1964 - Section 3(2) thereof reads: “Subject to the next following paragraph of this article, a person shall be appointed to a particular rank of an Order when he receives from the President in person at an investiture held for the purpose – (a) the insignia appropriate for that rank; and (b) an instrument under the hand of the President and the public seal of the Federation declaring him to be appointed to that rank.”

The operative phrase here is “in person.” Can a dead person be honoured in person? I think not. But it would appear that upon a careful and calm reading of Section 3(3), the President is actually given the power of discretion to vary Section 3(2).

Section 3(3) states: “If in the case of any person it appears to the President expedient to dispense with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this article, he may direct that that person shall be appointed to the rank in question in such a manner as may be specified in the direction.”

With due respect, at issue is this: assuming that post-humous awards do not meet the conditions set out in Section 3(2), can the problem be cured

by Section 3(3)? And is there any manifest ambiguity in the provisions or are the words in their ordinary meaning clear enough? Or could the action taken result in any absurdity? Or are there issues of procedure that may have been breached? Do we even have a National Honours Committee in place and if so, what recommendations did that committee make to President Buhari in pursuit of its functions as a clearing house? Any public-spirited person can go to court to test the National Honours Act and raise these issues. It is the duty of the courts to interpret the law, and with our progressive judiciary, I believe they can and should guide us on the true intent of the Honours Act. Ordinarily, a national honour does not harm anyone nor is it likely to injure the country itself.

However, the National Honours Act is overdue for review, and the process of appointing persons to the National

Orders needs to be reformed. Should it become necessary to amend the Act, the National Assembly can do so in a week at most. In terms of process, the area of concern is the manner in which successive governments have tended to give out these honours as if they were mere chieftaincy titles or civil service allocations. Section 1(3) of the Act lists the number of awards that may be given every year, but the prescribed total minimum number is so large that every National Honours investiture ceremony ends up looking like a carnival where all kinds of undeserving persons are decorated.

Still on the legal aspect, some persons have drawn attention to Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act CAP 40 LFN while that section of the law gives the President power to appoint any day as public holiday, it does not grant him the powers to unilaterally substitute a day with another as he has done with May 29 and June 12. The Schedule to this Act as it is, recognizes May 29 as Democracy Day, not June 12. The Public Holidays Act would still have to be amended appropriately but since there is no plan to declare June 12, 2018 a public holiday, and the President’s statement in its last paragraph specifically uses the phrase “in future years”, the Federal Government has more than enough time to seek a proper amendment of the Public Holidays Act by the legislature. So, I don’t see a problem here.

All told, the plan to honour the AbiolaKingibe 1993 Presidential joint ticket and Gani Fawehinmi, the legendary human rights crusader, is imbued with much meaning and significance even if this does not automatically settle the matter about the results of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election. The Federal Government should take some additional steps. First, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be directed to release the results of that election officially and for Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe to be recognized strictly as a matter of record as President-elect and Vice-President-elect respectively. The results of that election need to be validly declared to put a closure to the injustice

that was committed. This is the more important matter. The major legal issue here, however is that both men can not be accorded recognition as former Heads of State – they never took oath of office, and the Constitution under which they were elected – the 1989 Constitution is no longer in existence.

It stands abolished. Since equity does not act in vain, what has been done is at best symbolic.

To further heal the pains of the affected, the Abiola family should be recognized and compensated for his arrest and detention that ultimately led to his demise. On Gani Fawehinmi: I had expressed fears about the likelihood that his family may reject the honour, Chief Fawehinmi having rejected a similar honour while alive. The Federal Government must be relieved that they have accepted the honour.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi is of course most deserving of the highest honours in the land. For more than 40 years, he was in the forefront of the struggle for a better Nigeria. He was committed to the progress and well-being of the ordinary man, the rule of law and human rights as the main pillars of good governance. He pursued this objective through the instrumentality of the law. Of him, President Buhari writes: “…the tireless fighter for human rights and the actualization of the June 12th elections and indeed for Democracy in general, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN is to be awarded posthumously a GCON.” I can only add that there are others who were also part of that struggle for the “actualization of June 12” whose contributions were no less important, and pain and suffering no less, who should also be considered for national honour. They even did more for the struggle than Chief Abiola’s running mate, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe who is now being honoured, not for his contributions, I assume, but merely for being part of the ticket! They include Chief Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Professor Wole Soyinka, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Frank Kokori, Col. Abubakar Umar, Beko RansomeKuti, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Alao AkaBashorun, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Ayo Opadokun, Kudirat Abiola, Chima Ubani, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, US Ambassador Walter Carrignton and all the journalists and media owners who were lied against, harassed, shot, assassinated, or jailed. This list is by no means exhaustive but it is representative enough for the benefit of those who insist on ethnicizing June 12. It was a pan-Nigerian struggle: between good and evil, between heroes and villains, and by the way, I agree that Professor Humphrey Nwosu – the man who presided over the election as National Electoral Commission Chairman – also deserves recognition.

The reading of motives – all that talk about timing, the South-West and 2019 - is beside the point. In the South-West, there were many Yoruba anti-June 12 elements who refused to acknowledge Abiola as the symbol and focal point of the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, and who may still be indifferent today. Timing – it is better late than never. 2019 – there is no strong indication that this would have any significant effect on the voting numbers in 2019. The Nigerian voter may not be as stupid as we often think he or she is.

Feature L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Tackling the scourge of Ebola Virus in Nigeria’s airports Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The recent outbreak of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the ninth time an Ebola outbreak has been recorded in the central Sub-Saharan African country since the virus was first discovered there in 1976.

Each time, the outbreak is declared, neighboring countries like Angola, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Zambia shiver. Apart from these countries with common boundaries, countries like Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries that share common air connectivity also suffer the same fate with their next door neighbours.

Whether West or Eastern African neighbours, one way the outbreak poses danger to other countries is through the rapid spread through their respective land, sea and airports which serve as gateways to virtually all the countries. Being a contagious and communicable disease, an ailment of such magnitude, experts say, can easily move from country to country through air travels.

In Nigeria, the agency saddled with the responsibility of managing all the airports, Federal Airports of Nigeria (FAAN) has not failed the country one bit in that regard. Right from the very time that the Liberian medical terrorist, late Patrick Sawyer intentionally brought the virus into the country, four years ago, the aviation agency has been on top of its game, making sure that the dreaded virus did not spread into the country, particularly through the international airports.

For instance, FAAN has not relaxed since the first declaration of the outbreak. Even after Nigeria was declared ebola virus free, the agency has continued to screen international passengers for high fever especially at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and every other international airport across the country.

Enlightening the media recently on a first hand inspection of the screening process at the Abuja airport, the regional general manager, Mahmud Sani , explained that the scanning machines have been put in use since the 2014 cases and the airport never stopped the process.

Sani who is also the airport manager also noted that the minister of health had visited the airport for the spot assessment.

Also speaking, the deputy general manager and head of aviation medical clinics for FAAN, Doctor Adamu Adamu said “right now, we have public health emergency contingency plan at the airport which we have activated.

We are at the alert phase now and we are looking at temperature scan, travel history basically and we have upgraded our sanitation generally at the airport in terms of toilets. We have sanitizers installed at different areas to ensure that passengers that come into Nigeria have facilities to clean up their hands and also washing facilities

MD FAAN, Engr Saleh Dunoma

at the toilet. We also have public health messaging.

“We are sending out information on our PH system to the airport on how to prevent communicable diseases, hand washing and awareness that there is an ongoing Ebola outbreak outside the country and we are just trying to make sure that we don’t have an outbreak within the country. “We are doing this in conjunction with Port Health Services of ministry of health.” On if anyone with high temperature has been detected so far, he said, “If the scanner detects anyone, the alarm would go off.

The scanners have alarm that flags off any temperature that is above the threshold that we set”, Adamu added.

According to Adamu, the alarm can also flag off if you have a phone on you and if it detects it, it will trigger and the PHS will

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bring out the passenger and do another screening to know if the temperature is actually real or if it’s an art factual rise.

The trigger, he said allows the officials to do secondary check to determine if you really have fever or not, adding that “the scanner has the capacity to capture children. The camera is about distance and it has the capacity to capture children. The camera has targets and it tracks individuals.

“We have one at the International arrival and another one at the International departure. All the internationals airports in Nigeria have it presently. We have Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.

Right now, we are focusing on international airports, right now we are at the alert phase and we have to prevent importation. So, the entry screening now is where we are focusing on”.

FAAN has not relaxed since the first declaration of the outbreak. Even after Nigeria was declared ebola virus free, the agency has continued to screen international passengers for high fever especially at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and every other international airport across the country.

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At Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), FAAN is also putting in great efforts to see that it contained the virus.

Recently, the agency intensified thermal and body screening of inbound and outbound passengers at the airport as part of efforts to sensitise them on steps taken to curtail any spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.

Port Health officials with thermal scanners, now subject inbound passengers to body screening, using hand held equipment to ascertain their body temperatures. The use of the hand held scanners is in addition to the thermal scanners installed at various arrival points at the airport.

Commenting on the strategy recently, regional manager, MMIA, Mrs. Victoria Shin -Aba said an emergency contingency plan in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Health Organization (ICAO) has been activated to ensure that any passenger with traces of any communicable disease is isolated and attended to.

She said the new arrangement where passengers are screened bodily with the prescribed scanners is carried out to convince airports users that the authority is on top of the situation. Mrs. Shin -Aba said a few weeks ago, a mock exercise was carried out to prepare the relevant personnel on the procedure to adopt in the event of any outbreak of communicable disease.

She assured that FAAN will continue to stick to the public health emergency procedure to ensure that the relevant international standards are maintained. The regional manager added that sanitisers and soaps were being provided at toilets at the airport to ensure passengers maintain high level of hygiene.

Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu is also experiencing rigorous screening of passengers by FAAN officials, just like the agency does in every other international airport across the country.

Assuring air passengers that travelers passing through Enugu airport are safe, the Airport Manager of AIIA, Enugu, Mr. Mgbemene Orjiako stated that stringent measures are being taken to ensure that the virus does not spread uncontrolled.

Mgbemene added that the airport has also been able to get the cooperation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which has assisted in giving sensitization talks with all the agencies in the airport.

According to him, the talks which are not only centered on ebola, also extend to other communicable diseases that are possibly moveable through the air or by means of air travel.

“You know air travel is the quickest means of moving around from continent to continent. So if there is a contagious disease of such magnitude it can easily move from country to country.

So WHO has been here and has equally assisted us in giving talks on how to tackle it and what to watch out for and what to do to prevent the spread”, Mgbemene said.

On what the airport is doing to avoid any spread, the airport manager said that the Port Health Authority (PHA) in collaboration with other agencies at the airport had held an emergency meeting where they carefully planned on how to forestall Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at the airport.

He said Enugu airport was very serious on controlling the ebola outbreak in DR Congo because international flights are coming into the airport three times a week.

Mgbemene noted that the airport had also created an area where they can take away any passenger that was discovered to have an abnormal temperature.

“That area in the arrival hall where we keep them and also check their temperature discreetly while they are coming in without their knowing. We also have sanitisers in different corners at the airport where people can wash up themselves”, he said.

According to the manager, there was always a joint monitoring of the movement of passengers into the airport every Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturday, adding that they “pay greater attention to those moving into the airport because most of them may be coming from Addis Ababa but they may be transiting from other areas of the world. So we want to be very cautious and we don’t want anything to go wrong”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

L3

For The Record

Need to resolve national question Concerned that despite 58 years of independence and 19 years of uninterrupted civil rule, the capitalist ruling class has failed to develop Nigeria.

Instead, the condition of the working class, the youth and the oppressed masses has continued to grow from bad to worse.

Aggrieved that the promise of democracy has been largely unfulfilled. Despite 19 years of uninterrupted civil rule, Nigeria is not a democracy. Democracy requires popular participation and presence of choice. But this is not the case in Nigeria. Elections in Nigeria are mercantilist exercises. The people’s choice rarely informs the outcome.

With the rampaging attacks on democratic rights and living conditions across the country, it is clear that Nigerians are no less free than they were under jackboot military authoritarianism.

DETERMINED to begin the immediate and earnest mobilisation of the working people, youth and oppressed masses to resist all anti-poor policies and fight for SYSTEM CHANGE, 37 pro-masses organizations comprising trade unions, professional groups, civil society groups, left-leaning political parties, community associations, informal sector operators, youth and students groups gathered at a POLITICAL SUMMIT held on 29 May 2018 at plot 34, yard 158, first bank bus stop, Oregun Lagos and after exhaustive deliberation agreed and pledged to the following: NIGERIA IN CRISIS This year’s May 29 marks 19 years of uninterrupted civil rule but only the corrupt capitalist ruling elite can celebrate.

For the working class, youth, students and oppressed masses, there is nothing to celebrate because no real progress, freedom or improvement has come their way. Instead of lightening the burden of the poor, succeeding governments since 1960 and particularly since the advent of civil rule in 1999 have worked tirelessly to increase the yoke of exploitation through implementation of anti-poor and neoliberal policies of privatization of social services like public education, health care, electricity and water supply, public spaces, informal clusters and the commanding heights of the economy. Even the Buhari APC administration which took power three years ago on the promises of change has continued the implementation of rabid anti-poor capitalist policies. Little wonder then that nothing fundamental has changed since three years ago. Corruption, mass poverty, unemployment, inequality, insurgency and violent conflict have continued. The Buhari APC administration, just like previous capitalist governments before it, has failed abysmally to resolve any of the economic and social contradictions plaguing Nigeria. These anti-poor policies have had tragic consequences. Today, public education and health care are on the verge of collapse, there is a growing rate of out-ofschool children as well as rise in infant and maternal mortality. Also increasing poverty, mass unemployment, homelessness and destitution, collapse of electricity generation and supply, growing rate of crime and criminality, ethno-religious conflicts and killings across the country are the order of the day. For instance, privatization of the power sector has proved to be colossal failure.

Tragically, the distribution companies now force people to pay for electricity they do not consume through “crazy” or estimated billing. The situation in the power sector is one of the clearest testaments to the failure of

Buhari

privatization as a policy to develop Nigeria.

We call for the re-nationalization of the power sector under democratic control or of workers and consumers.

Together with multiple taxation and persistent harassment of small shop owners and traders by Local Government authorities, demolition of shops, markets and informal settlements in Lagos and other cities across the country have added to the mass misery of ordinary Nigerians. This policy which has led to dispossession of people’s homes and sources of livelihood to the profit benefit of land grabbers and billionaire property developers must be resisted. We want cities that work for all and informal sector workers as well as social services like education, health care and social housing. As far as we are concerned, urban development should not be about skyscrapers or demolishing people’s homes and shops without adequate compensation. We also want autonomy and democratic control of the administration of Local governments by shop owners, traders, residents, workers, artisans, etc. so they can be real vehicles for grassroots development instead of the menace on shop owners and traders they have been turned to at the moment.

The conditions of public education and health care are unacceptable. Nigeria’s health sector suffers from lack of facilities, frequent strike as a result of poor pay and working conditions, brain drain, medical tourism, wrong diagnosis applied to patients leading to unnecessary deaths and privatization of services including mortuary resulting in alarming rate of mutilation of dead bodies for ritual purposes. We demand provision of

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free education and healthcare at all levels and the improvement in the pay and conditions of workers in the sectors. We also demand reversal of fee hike in tertiary institutions and all anti-poor education and health policies.

Despite 19 years of civil rule, freedom of speech and association is frequently attacked almost like it was in the days of jackboot military rule. On campuses, several students’ activists have been suspended and expelled for resisting anti-poor education policies while students unions are often proscribed.

Equally, worker activists are also routinely sacked while staff unions are also banned.

The media is no less free than it was before the advent of civil rule. We condemn these attacks on democratic rights and call for recall of all victimized students and staff activists, restoration of all banned unions and respect of democratic rights.

NO PATRIOTIC OR PROGRESSIVE RULING CLASS TO SAVE NIGERIA The real lesson of the past 58 years and in particular the failure of the Buhari APC regime is that, we Nigerian people i.e. workers, unemployed, drivers, students, traders etc. must shed the illusion that any section of the ruling class (whether big or small or a coalition) will deliver Nigeria as they are all repositories of class exploitation, ethnic tension, religious crises and everything negative. There is no patriotic or progressive ruling class in Nigeria.

Despite the inadequacies of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chapter 2 of that constitution contains the ingredients to begin to resolve the problems that Nigeria faces but tragically no government since 1999 has implemented this programme. This confirms the impotence of the Nigerian ruling class. Any illusion that any section of this ruling class can save Nigeria is bound to end in disappointment. The implementation of chapter 2 of the Nigerian constitution will no doubt require the coming to power of a socialist government.

The fundamental problem in Nigeria is class exploitation which is at the root of all ethnic, religious conflicts that Nigeria is enmeshed in and only system change can begin to resolve all the problems plaguing Nigeria.

Therefore the new call for restructuring which does not address the question of class exploitation is diversionary and a gimmick by various competing sections of the ruling elite to mobilise the people for their own self-seeking agenda. This summit calls on the working and toiling people not to be hoodwinked to queue behind any section of the ruling elite. Rather we enjoin all pro-people organizations and groups to embrace the call for system change which is only possible when the Nigerian working people and downtrodden intervene directly in governance by booting out the current ruling class.

By system change, we mean a government

Democracy requires popular participation and presence of choice. But this is not the case in Nigeria.

Elections in Nigeria are mercantilist exercises. The people’s choice rarely informs the outcome. With the rampaging attacks on democratic rights and living conditions across the country, it is clear that Nigerians are no less free than they were under jackboot military authoritarianism

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formed by workers, traders, professionals, students, youth and the poor masses and armed with socialist economic and political programme to implement far reaching social reforms on the basis of collective ownership the commanding heights of the economy under democratic public control and management.

Going by the collective failure of the ruling class since 1960, they cannot be trusted with the collective fate and future of the people of Nigeria. In fact the way Nigeria is being run is not only acceptable but also cannot guarantee a secure future. Nigeria has a huge youth population but there are no plans for job creation to take care of this rising population. Unless the working people and the poor masses quickly take action now, disaster looms.

In view of the above, this summit hereby resolves as follows: KEY RESOLUTIONS All organizations participating in this summit agreed to struggle against all neoliberal progammes and policies such as privatization of public goods and services, especially in education, electricity, health care, public water supply as well as public spaces and informal workers clusters.

All organizations participating in this summit agreed to work together to achieve the goal of system change. For this purpose, we need to draw up a minimum programme that unites us.

All organizations participating in this summit agreed that we need a political alternative to fight for political power.

All pro-people political parties and organizations shall work together to present a joint political programme and platform for 2019 and beyond.

The summit resolved to present a political alternative to the prevailing anti-people status quo and prepare for the inevitable battles that will follow the 2019 general elections.

This summit should be the beginning.

We must organize similar summits in other parts of the country as part of the process of mobilizing the working people and oppressed to take political power.

A 13-member committee was set up to draw up programmes and action plan towards the implementation of the resolutions of the summit within a timeframe of three weeks. A follow-up summit will be convened in the next four weeks to take the committee’s report and consider the next steps.

The summit commended JAF for initiating the Summit and urged it to facilitate the implementation of the resolutions.

The summit congratulated two leading comrades who recently clocked 60 years of age. They are comrade Segun Sango who was the inaugural national mobilization officer of JAF and comrade Femi Falana – a strong ally of JAF in the struggle to defend the working class and downtrodden.

Lastly, the summit paid tributes to the memories of all comrades who have paid the supreme sacrifice in our collective struggle to defend the cause of the working masses and to liberate Nigeria including Comrades Abubakar Momoh and Olawale Salami (Don).

Being a communique of the political summit organised by the Joint Action Front (JAF) in alliance with pro-people civil society groups held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Public Discourse L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Open letter to President Buhari Tundun Abiola Your Excellency, I write to offer my most heart-felt thanks for your historic gesture. I cannot overstate my appreciation as a citizen of our great country and as the daughter of a great man.

Thank you for displaying moral courage, leadership, equity, honesty and a noble example worthy of emulation. You have put right a grievous wrong and lifted a heavy weight. Of all the Presidents of the Fourth Republic, I am thankful that it was you and not the one who actually owed him. There is no debt or sentiment behind your decision.

It is simply the right thing to do.

Your acknowledgement of the winning Muslim/Muslim ticket of my father and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe GCON harkens back to a time when that was not unthinkable in Nigeria.

This yearly commemoration will remind us of who we were, Nigerians first. We were a nation that based judgments on competence, character and antecedents, not tribe or religion.

Thank you for fanning the embers to restart the fire for national unity and brotherhood.

The immoral anulment of our

Abiola freeest and fairest election, my father’s four year incarceration without a fair trial and conviction by a competent court of law, his appalling neglect, suffering and then murder should have been the nadir of the tragic situation but it was not. I always thought you could only kill a man once but every time my father was referred to as the “presumed winner”, he was robbed and killed again. With every effort by some to diminish or entirely erase his contributions, he was robbed and

killed again.

Every government since 1999 is a direct result of the struggle initiated by this man but the struggle would never have ignited without the support of other peerless Nigerians who fought alongside him. Contrary to every human instinct of fear, selfinterest and self-preservation, people like Chief Gani Fawehinmi GCON challenged a brutal regime. It cost some their lives.

My step-mother, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was brutally, needlessly

Buhari assassinated at the young age of 45 leaving behind seven children.

I recall Chief Alfred Rewane, a man who died at the hands of far lesser men than himself for the offence of being an outstanding patriot. These and many others are Nigerians who invested their all into our country unlike those whose sole aim is to exploit.

With a stroke of your pen, you have ensured that they did not die in vain. The weight of living with a grave injustice that Your Excellency has freed my family

from is one that no Nigerian should carry. Perhaps your return to the leadership of this country was to heal not just the wounds of corruption and misrule but of all historical injuries since the Civil War. In the words of our national anthem, “the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain”. May Your Excellency never labour in vain. God bless Nigeria.

With the highest regards, Tundun Abiola

There’s nothing illegal in posthumous award of GCFR to Abiola – OAGF’s official A senior official in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has disclosed that there is nothing illegal in giving posthumous national honours, saying that what President Muhammadu Buhari did in giving the highest honour of GCFR to the late Chief MKO Abiola is not against the law but a break from tradition.

The official, who spoke in confidence, stated that what previous leaders have done on national honours was “more of a convention to give to only living persons”.

He also faulted the claim of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore, who descried the posthumous award to Abiola as illegal, insisting that it is regrettable that the former CJN is confusing two categoriesHonours Warrant and The Star for Fallen Soldiers.

The source said, “The Hon former CJN is confusing the

Honours Warrant with the The Star for Fallen Soldiers which is only given posthumously to members of the armed forces.

“There is nothing in the National Honours Act that precludes giving national honours posthumously. If the law expressly forbids it, President Buhari will not have granted it. The president has broken with tradition without breaking any law.”

The former CJN was the chairman of the national honours committee in 2016.

Meanwhile, the official gazette for the award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to MKO Abiola will be presented to Buhari for his signature any moment from now.

This will provide a legal seal on the award.

Buhari had on Wednesday announced the award of GCFR to Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election who died in government custody in 1998.

The President also gave the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Abiola’s running mate in the election, as well as the legal luminary and foremost human rights activist, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN).

Buhari further declared June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day to replace May 29, which constitutionally remains the day the president and governors elected during a general election are sworn in.

Buhari was said to have directed AGF Abubakar Malami, to prepare the gazette for presidential signature before making the official announcement of the honours.

The source also said, “By the provisions of the National Honours Act of 1963, national honours must be gazetted.

Section 3 (1) of the act says: “The President shall by notice in the Federal Gazette signify his

Malami intention of appointing a person to a particular rank of an Order.”

GCFR is Nigeria’s highest honour usually reserved for heads of state and presidents, while GCON is usually given to vice-

presidents.

But President Shehu Shagari awarded GCFR to Obafemi Awolowo while President Goodluck Jonathan gave GCON to Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

L5 Public Discourse

24 years after, Fashola presents house gift to Bonfrere Jo Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN If you know Emmanuel Okala, Martins Eyo, Tunde Bamidele, Kadiri Ikhana, John Orlando, Best Ogedegbe, Muda Lawal, and Segun Odegbami you will remember that the team used to be known as the Green Eagles until they were renamed Super Eagles.

You will remember that they became Super for doing something Superlative - They won the African Nations Cup for Nigeria for the first time.

For this act of patriotism, they were allocated houses since 1980, but while they had possession these members of the Super Eagles had no documentation.

But 38 years after, the Buhari Government has changed that. Letters of Allocation have been issued to these remaining 8 (Eight) allottees.

They will tell you that change means solving a 38 year old problem.

We gather today because another problem in our Sports Sector that is 24 years old has been resolved by the Buhari Government.

This is the case of Mr Bonfrere Jo, the Assistant Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles who won the 1994 Nations Cup and were given houses by the Government of Nigeria.

Sadly, Mr Jo never got his own and his lawyer wrote a letter to Government to this effect on 20/9/1996.

We gather today because Mr Bonfrere Jo knows what change means.

Change means that the Buhari Government has solved a 24 year old problem.

Change means that Mr Bonfrere Jo now

Fashola handing the key of the house to Coach Bonfrere Jo

has his house 24 years after.

Change means that a 24 year old pledge has been redeemed and this is how Mr Bonfrere Johannes Franciscus puts it in his letter of 13th February 2018.

“I wish to first and foremost register my profound gratitude to the Hon. Minister for his kind gesture in redeeming the pledge made by the Federal Government of Nigeria pursuant to our historic feat in clinching the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations”

As we prepare for the 2018 World Cup this story of change must serve as an inspiration to our players and our officials that promises made will be kept.

Change means that the Buhari Government is solving difficult and old problems not only in Sports, but in infrastructure , like the Bodo – Bonny Bridge in Rivers State and the Mambilla Hydro Power Project which have been in conception for almost 40 years.

I thank you all for your attention.

Being remarks by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN during the courtesy call and handing over of keys of the government allocated house to Coach Bonfrere Jo at the conference room of the ministry on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

Our position: NASS Parliamentary Support Group Parliamentary Support Group of the Senate and House of Representatives is aware of the joint Executive session of the National Assembly held today and wish to state as follows: 1, That almost all the members and senators that spoke at the Executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP Executive session.

2, That it is disturbing and raised many questions of pre determined intentions that a known ally of the Senate President from Kwara State Hon Rasak Atunwa drafted what was adopted as the resolution and without voting against standard parliamentary practice.

3, That it is commendable that the Speaker tactically refused to make any comment at the session even after the Senate President took time to explain the issues which are mostly personal.

4, That most of the issues raised concerning the fight against corruption, insecurity and the rule of law has been severally discussed in the Senate and

the House and various resolutions passed.

5, That we commend the efforts of Mr President in the fight against corruption, tackling of the insecurity challenges and respect for rule of law and democratic institutions. Mr President is known for his non interference policy.

6, That every Senator or Member of House who has corruption or criminal allegation against him or her should clear his or her name without dragging the entire institution of the National Assembly into the matter.

7, That the National Assembly should as well look in ward and address the issue of suffocating Senators and members with dissenting or contrary opinion through coercion or extra legal means, 8, That PDP should recall how it members in the 7th Assembly sat comfortably in d chamber and watched a sitting Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal locked out of the National Assembly and all his security personnels withdrawn while APC members had to scale the fence to gain entrance into NASS.

Hon Jibrin

9, That we must exercise caution at this delicate period not to over heat the polity with statements that are capable of dividing the country, embarrassing us before the watching world and creating friction between the legislature, Executive and specifically Mr President.

10, We wish to reaffirm our support to Mr President as he works assiduously towards dealing with the challenges of our country.

Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin For Parliamentary Support Group Senate and House of Representatives

Foreign Feature L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

Ethiopia offers olive branch to Eritrea Awol K Allo It has been 18 years since Ethiopia and Eritreasigned the Algiers Peace Accord that officially ended the 19982000 war, which killed an estimated 100,000, displaced more than a million, and splintered thousands of families.

The Accord, brokered by the African Union, the United Nations and the United States, was not designed merely to end one of the most senseless and deadliest conflicts in the world. It was also meant to iron out the underlying issues and pave the way for peaceful co-existence between the two nations. Nearly two decades on, however, the two countries are still at loggerheads and see each other as the number one geopolitical threat that they face.

On June 5, the Ethiopian government announced its readiness to fully comply and implement the Algiers Peace Accord, an agreement it refused to comply with for 18 years. It also said that it will accept the outcome of a 2002 border commission ruling, which awarded disputed territories, including the town of Badme, to Eritrea.

Why now and what does this mean for the future of the two countries and the region?

In 1998, Ethiopia and Eritrea went to war over Badme, a desolate piece of land very few Ethiopians or Eritreans had ever heard of. Although Badme was a mere pretext to start a conflict fuelled by much deeper political problems, it has since been etched into the imagination of many Ethiopians and Eritreans and has taken on a deeper meaning.

Today, the name Badme condenses within itself a series of fundamental political and economic anxieties and hegemonic aspirations, acting as a byword for brutality, anguish, guilt, shame, fear, and pride.

In 2002, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) issued its final and binding ruling on the border between the two countries, which awarded Badme to Eritrea. Ethiopia refused to withdraw from the contested territory, effectively blocking the demarcation of the border.

The international community, which brokered the peace deal, failed to hold Ethiopia accountable for flouting the EEBC ruling.

Consequently the two countries remained on a war footing and engaged in hostile activities against each other, spawning proxy wars

It’s very much in Eritrea’s interest to accept

in neighbouring Somalia, and further destabilising an already unstable region. Ethiopia used its relatively stronger regional sway and diplomatic clout to isolate Eritrea, which was subjected to international sanctions.

The political anxieties that led to the war were compounded by the anxieties that resulted from the war, creating the intractable predicament that made dialogue between the two parties almost impossible.

A new era?

Ethiopia’s change of heart towards Eritrea is genuine, and is directly tied to themomentous changes taking place domestically.

Since coming to office a little over two months ago, Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reconfigured the Ethiopian political landscape and its strategic direction, moving with incredible speed to drive changes aimed at widening the political space and narrowing the social divisions and antagonism within the country.

Since assuming power, Ahmed linked the political, social and economic transformations in Ethiopia to regional dynamics, particularly Eritrea, with which Ethiopia has closer security, economic, and social ties.

During his inaugural address, the prime minister directly addressed Eritrea, expressing his readiness for dialogue and engagement. He

urged his Eritrean counterpart to reciprocate his efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the conflict and to forge a mutually beneficial relationship for the sake of “the common blood relations between the peoples of the two countries”.

Two months after making this commitment, he followed up with a decisive announcement committing Ethiopia to a full compliance with the Algiers Agreement. In a speech after the announcement, Ahmed said, “Putting an end to this situation and finding peace is necessary beyond anything else not just for Ethiopia but also for the wider Horn of Africa”.

The prime minister rejected the characterisation of relations between the two countries as a “no war no peace” situation, arguing that the psychological burden and the endless antagonism means that we are still in a state of war.

Ahmed said, “Every Ethiopian should realise that it is expected of us to be a responsible government that ensures stability in our region, one that takes the initiative to connect the brotherly peoples of both countries and expands trains, buses, and economic ties between Asmara and Addis Ababa.”

While subsequent Ethiopian leaders have expressed their readiness to resolve the crisis with Eritrea, no previous Ethiopian leader has expressed the desire to end the stalemate

with the determination, clarity and sense of purpose as Ahmed has.

The ball is in Eritrea’s court However, Ethiopia needs a responsible partner on the Eritrean side to resolve the dispute. So far, Eritrea has not yet replied to Ethiopia’s call. The Eritrean government has consistently demanded Ethiopia’s full compliance with the EEBC’s decision before normalising relations.

However, the insistence on unilateral withdrawal as a condition for normalising relations is not tenable, not least because Badme was under Ethiopian rule before the EBBC’s ruling and continues to be under the effective control of the Ethiopian government.

The two countries must come together in good faith to hammer out a number of details including the fate of the population there.

The ball is now in Eritrea’s court and Asmara can no longer claim Ethiopia’s occupation of its territory as an excuse for inaction.

Ethiopia’s call is genuine, and Eritrea stands to benefit as much, if not more, from a rapprochement with its western neighbour. By normalising relations, Eritrea can eliminate the biggest security threat it has been facing; it can end the compulsory recruitment of its youth into the military, and gain access to the largest market in the region.

Prospects for peace

While there will be some resistance to the prime minister’s move to return the flashpoint town of Badme to Eritrea, Ahmed has an unprecedented opportunity to close this dark chapter in the history of the two countries. He was elected at a critical moment for Ethiopia’s history with a strong mandate from his party.

He has created substantial excitement and optimism about the direction of the country. He has the vision, the determination, and, above all, the political capital, necessary to commit Ethiopia to the deal.

The political landscape in Eritrea remains the same. While a rapprochement with Ethiopia may bring its own political risks for the regime in Eritrea, these are minuscule compared with the significant social, political, and economic advantages.

The Ethiopia-Eritrean conflict is one of the most important latent conflicts in the region, with serious consequences for regional and global security.

The international community, particularly the West, has ignored the dispute for long.

Now that there is a newfound optimism for peace, the international community must seize the opportunity and act proactively and preemptively before local and regional dynamics change.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

L 7 Feature

By 2050 there may be more plastic in oceans than fish – UN

P

lastic pollution in the oceans has reached a stage where microplastics – pieces smaller than 5mm – now outnumber stars in our galaxy, according to UN Secretary General António Guterres, who also noted that by the year 2050, if present trends continue, there will be more plastic in the world’s oceans than fish.

Because of the huge amount of plastic pollution in the world’s seas, lakes and rivers, the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) has made the theme for this year’s World Environment Day on June 5 “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

Guterres says no place on Earth is untouched by plastic pollution, including remote spots in the Arctic.

The UN says its message to the global community on World Environment Day is to reject all “single-use” plastic items – those that are thrown away after being used only once. Its slogan is “refuse what you can’t re-use”.

Local initiative All over the world people are taking action on June 5 against plastic pollution to highlight the problem, to show how they have reduced their own plastic consumption and to challenge others to do the same.

Locally, some environment activists have formed the WasteReduction Far South group, and will be visiting restaurants, cafes and shops on the eastern and western seaboards of the Southern Peninsula to assess how businesses are dealing with the problem of single-use plastic.

Businesses will be asked 12 questions in a survey, and the results will be published.

Patrick Dowling of Kommetjie, a member of the group, said the vast amount of plastic pollution in places such as the Little Lotus River and Zandvlei had disturbed many locals, and had led to the group being established.

“This survey is one phase of a sustained plastic reduction campaign, not just a flash in the pan.

We really want to turn the tide of plastic pollution,” Dowling said.

They will target places that sell take-away food and drink, and ask how these businesses deal with items such as plastic straws and cutlery, packaging for coffee and food, plastic bags and styrofoam.

A ‘new’ water source “At the moment the big emphasis with water has been avoiding Day Zero, so everyone is focused on water quantity. But closely aligned is water quality, which means ensuring all water can be used productively, and

not polluted,” Dowling said.

He said the authorities were looking at using storm water as a “new” water source to recharge aquifers.

“If you look at the plastic that is taken along with the storm water, heaven help us. Can you imagine the systems that will have to be put in place to take out the plastic pollution?”

Dowling said some businesses had already started taking action against single-use plastic. One encouraged customers to bring their own coffee mugs, and gave them free coffee the first time.

Another offered free coffee to anyone bringing a bag of litter before 09:00.

“Plastic plays an important role in the economy, but single-use plastic definitely needs to be phased out,” Dowling said.

50% of plastic is single-use.

Head of UNEP Erik Solheim writes that there are 51 trillion microplastic particles in the world’s oceans, 500 times more than the stars in our galaxy.

‘ ,

They come from plastic items that break up, or are additives in facial scrubs and toothpaste. A single wash of acrylics can release over 700 000 particles.

Solheim says while there is debate and conflicting research, potentially harmful plastic fragments are getting into our bodies in increasing quantities. These can serve as a magnet for other pollutants such as dioxins, metals and pesticides.

But the problem is not plastic itself, he says, but what we do with it.

“We buy one million plastic drinking bottles every minute, and use roughly 500 billion disposable plastic bags every year. Some 50% of plastic is single-use. Nearly one third of plastic packaging escapes collection and clogs the city’s [systems]. Thirteen tons of plastic reach our oceans where it smothers coral reefs and threatens wildlife. It can persist up to 1 000 years before it fully disintegrates,” Solheim said.

He referred to research by Sherri Mason from the State University of New York who had tested more

We buy one million plastic drinking bottles every minute, and use roughly 500 billion disposable plastic bags every year. Some 50% of plastic is single-use

than 250 bottles of water from eleven global brands and found plastic debris in 93% of them.

Social media campaign Mason said while the exact implications of humans swallowing microplastic were not known, “we all have a pretty innate understanding that it probably isn’t good.

“We have seen the impacts on aquatic species – from dehydration/ starvation to the transmission of bio-accumulative toxic compounds – and we shouldn’t expect it to be any different for us.

Last month the European Commission proposed banning single-use plastic products such as straws and putting the burden of cleaning up waste on the manufacturers. The proposed ban would also require EU countries to collect 90% of single-use bottles for water and other drinks by 2025, and producers to help cover costs of waste management. * You can join UNEP’s global game of #BeatPlasticPollution by choosing a type of single-use plastic you are ready to give up; take a selfie showing yourself with the re-usable alternative that you are ready to embrace; share your selfie on social media and tag three friends, businesses or highprofile people to challenge them to do the same within 24 hours. Be sure to use the #BeatPlasticPollution hashtag and mention @UNEnvironment.

NEWS24WIRE

L8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, June 8, 2018

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