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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 747

N100

Sets up sexual offenders’ register nationwide Register’ll assist in tracking identity of culprits, says DG

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has disclosed that it will establish sexual offenders’ register as part of measures to check gender- based violence in the country.

The Director-General of NAPTIP, Julie OkahDonli, stated this in Abuja on Friday at the public presentation of official gazetted copies of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.

The gazetting of the Act in 2018, was facilitated by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme of the British Council and funded by the European Union.

The Act prohibits all forms of violence against persons in private and public life and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.

Okah-Donli said that the register would serve as a template for keeping data record of all sexual abuses across the country.

According to the NAPTIP boss, the register CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

China Bank, Afreximbank sign $500m pact on trade infrastructure

N1.8bn fine imposed on Stanbic IBTC in national interest g5 – CBN

39-year-old man impregnates neighbour’s g 3 14-year-old daughter

Earth tremor: FCT Minister suspends quarry activities in Mpape, Gwarimpa, Garki g5

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Why I am passionate about entertainment industry-Toni Tones g 11

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

NAPTIP goes tough on human trafficking

Continued from page 1

will not only serve the purpose of accessing records of cases of sexual abuses in the country, but will be shared among stakeholders to enable them identify culprits.

She said, “It will serve as a tool for comprehending these offenders because we had a case whereby we kept someone in one of the shelters without having a knowledge of his past records and he tried to abuse the girls.”

Okah-Donli further stressed the need to have functional and effective shelters for victims of violence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She said that the agency was doing its best to house the victims of violence in the NAPTIP shelter, saying, however, that , “there is need for the FCT to establish more shelters to take care of the increasing number of victims of violence in the six area councils.’’

“We have before us today, gazetted copies of the VAPP Act 2015 and simplified version of the law for sensitisation. These two documents will serve judicial, administrative and informative purposes.

“It is a step forward in

ensuring the protection of women and children who are often victims of violence in our society,’’ she added.

NAPTIP’s Director, Legal and Prosecution, Mr Abdulrahim Shaibu, had earlier said that the VAPP Act provided the requisite legal instrument for prosecution of violence-based cases.

According to him, five persons are currently behind bars standing different violence related trials.

He said, “We have not less than 10 cases on our hands, so the implementation of the VAPP law is effective.”

On his part, the National Programme Manager, RoLAC, Mr Daladi Plang, said that violence became prevalent in the country which necessitated the call for concerted efforts to eradicate it.

Plang, while noting that so far, Oyo, Anambra and Ebonyi states had domesticated the Act since 2015, urged other states to see the need to fast-track the process of domesticating the law.

Priscilla Ankut, Gender and Social Inclusion Manager of RoLAC, who also spoke at the event, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain

advocacy and increase awareness on the issue of violence against persons.

She said, “It is necessary that we continue to work in the direction of tackling gender-based violence within the contest of VAPP Act. “There is need to create massive awareness in form of national orientation to educate people to understand their reproductive sexual rights and eradicate violence in the society.

“If people don’t know their rights, they may not know when they are abused and this is more with children.”

Ankut also appealed to the stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with community leaders and faithbased organisations, noting that people hide under the guise of tradition to abuse children sexually.

In her own contribution, Mrs. Roseline Edem, Desk Officer, Gender Unit, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Nigeria Police Force, Abuja, said that the implementation of the VAPP Act had assisted the police immensely in tackling violence against persons.

She said, “With the help of this law, we are having breakthrough in some of the cases.”

39-year-old man impregnates neighbour’s 14-year-old daughter Adewale Momoh, Akure

A 39-year-old man has been apprehended by the officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command for allegedly impregnating his neighbour’s 14-year-old daughter.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Pedro Awili, made the disclosure while parading the suspect at the corps state headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure.

Awili, who explained that the suspect and the victim’s parent are living in the same area, said that the girl had been earlier molested and defiled by the suspect’s son, Femi, before he took over and impregnated her.

“In our investigation, Omoju’s son (Femi) has earlier had sexual intercourse with the girl some years back and the father having discovered that took over from his son and continued the business of having sexual intercourse with the girl.

“And presently the girl is two months pregnant,”the NSCDC commandant said.

Speaking with the journalists, the victim, who was in SS 1 going to SS 2, said that Omoju had been sleeping with her since when she was in JSS 3.

“The first time he gave me N500 and N300 in second time.

“The first time he slept with me was when I came to play with his daughter who is my age mate and I slept off that day.

While I was sleeping in the night, he came to where I slept in the sitting room and raped me.

“There was a day I was with his daughter in his house also, he sent his daughter an errand while I was still in their house and he slept with me before his daughter came back.

“It was my mother that discovered my pregnancy when I was spitting around before she took me to hospital for test.

“And when the test showed positive I was forced to confess who made me pregnant before I told my parents that it was Omoju that impregnated me,” she said.

But Omoju, who is living at No 38, Ajegunle Street, behind Lao in Akure, denied having sexual intercourse with the girl and said that the girl lied against him.

In a related development, the Corps Commandant also disclosed that Dayo Samuel, a 35-year-old bricklayer of OkeObere at Ijoka area of Akure, also defiled his 13-year-old neighbour’s daughter.

According to NSCDC

commandant, Samuel has been threatening to kill the girl if she ever mentioned to anybody that he defiled her.

The NSCDC commandant also said that a case of 13-year-old boy who raped a 3-year-old girl was brought by the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs to the command.

Awili, who noted that abuse of minor and defilement had become a rampant in the state, said that NSCDC and other security agencies are already collaborating towards curbing the ugly trend.

He, therefore, appealed to members of public to see reason while they should work with the command by sharing some security information so that the Corps could able to deliver on its mandate.

“Any information given will not be divulged or exposed the informant. We are going to protect the informant.

“We also call on those people in the habit of planning evil or committing crime here and there to stop because all the security agencies have vowed to ensure that peace continue to remain in the state.

“If you are caught, the law will take its cause, so, it is better to stay away from crime so that you be a free citizen of the country.”

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

President Muhammadu Buhari (second left); his wife, Aisha and others during the arrival of the President after his 6-day official visit to Beijing, China, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja...on Friday.

L-R: Director of Accounts, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments,Training and Pensions (ETP), Mr. Deji Koko; Permanent Secretary, ETP, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde; President, Joint Negotiating Council, Lagos State, Comrade Falade Rasaq; Lagos State Commissioner for ETP, Dr. Akintola Benson-Oke and Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State, Comrade Idowu Adelakun, during a capacity building workshop in Lagos.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

China Bank, Afreximbank sign $500m pact on trade infrastructure Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

China Development Bank (CDB) has signed an agreement to provide a $500-million facility to the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to enable the African trade finance bank support trade enabling infrastructure projects across the continent.

The facility will also be used to support Afreximbank’s trade finance intermediaries to provide medium to long term financing for subprojects in various sectors, including energy, telecommunication, transportation, agriculture, medical sector, industrial park or any related trade finance transactions.

Afreximbank’s Head, Communications and Marketing, Obi Emekekwue, in a statement made available to The Daily Times, said that the facility carries a 10-year tenor

agreement and was signed on Friday in Changsha, China.

Zheng Zhijie Liu, Vice Chairman and President of CDB, and Prof.

Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, signed the facility agreement on behalf of their two institutions during a ceremony held on the sidelines of the “4th Investing in Africa Forum” which took place in Changsha.

Prof Oramah said, “This facility strengthens our capacity to realize our mandate and makes it possible for Afreximbank and CDB to achieve important development outcomes in Africa.

“We are actively seeking to drive Africa’s development by working with partners to support employment creation, increased economic activities, and increased tax earnings for governments arising from increased commercial activities resulting in increased earnings and

profitability.”

He also said that the facility would contribute to the promotion of South-South trade, particularly between China and Africa, while providing long-term funding which Afreximbank would transfer to its clients.

Also speaking, Zheng Zhijie said that as a development finance institution of the Chinese government, CDB had always promoted ChinaAfrica cooperation as the focus of its international business.

He added that since 2006, the bank had provided more than $50 billion for nearly 500 projects in 43 countries, saying that those funds had been used to support a large number of key projects in infrastructure, energy and minerals, telecommunications, agriculture, etc.

Several other agreements involving other institutions were also signed during the ceremony.

Earth tremor: FCT Minister suspends quarry activities in Mpape, Gwarimpa, Garki No cause for alarm, says Agency

Idu Jude, Abuja Worried by the negative impacts of quarry companies operating at Mpape, a suburb of Abuja, following the earth tremors experienced by residents for two days, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has directed the suspension of further quarry, mining activities and borehole drilling in Mpape, Gwarimpa and Garki Districts of Abuja, pending the outcome of investigations on the root causes of the incidents.

The Minister gave this order when he paid an on-the-spot visit to Mpape, the epicentre of the reported incidents of earth tremors in parts of Abuja recently.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, the Permanent Secretary, Chinyeaka Ohaa, advised residents of the affected areas that there was no cause for alarm, adding that geological experts have counseled that Abuja was not on the line of any major seismic danger.

The minister has therefore asked residents of the impacted areas to go about their businesses without fear, disclosing that the FCT administration is engaging both local and international geological experts, in order to unravel the root causes of the earth tremors experienced in parts of Abuja.

Preliminary reports, he said, indicate that the activities of rock blasting from quarry and mining activities, as well as the proliferation of borehole drilling were likely causes of these tremors.

Consequently, he stressed that it has become necessary to suspend all quarrying activities in various sites of Abuja, especially Mpape, Garki, Gwarimpa and other contiguous areas.

Responding to the minister’s address, the District Head of Mpape, Malam Abubakar Ibrahim Gimba as well as the Chairman of Mpape Residents

Associations, Mr. Ameh Christian, recounted that the community had experienced tremors in the past, but that the recent incidents were more pronounced.

They thanked the FCT administration for its prompt response to the incident while acknowledging the presence of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The traditional ruler stated that the assurances given by the FCT administration would go a long way to calm the residents and assuage the fears of an immediate and pending disaster.

Meanwhile, the FCT Emergency Management Agency has urged the public to contact FEMA on its 112 toll free emergency number in case of any emergency.

Also, Mr. Alex Nwegbu, DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), has assured the general public not to panic over the earth tremor in Mpape.

Nwegbu, who said this at news conference in Abuja on Friday, further assured that there was no cause for alarm.

He said that the agency would keep close monitoring team for the next 48 hours within which arrangement ought to have been concluded for a detailed survey in the area.

According to him, the monitoring involves reflection seismic and gravity measurement.

Nwegbu said that the agency dispatched a team of geologists and geophysicists, immediately it received the news of a disturbing ground shaking, experienced by the inhabitants of Mpape.

“From the interview we conducted with people and the reconnaissance survey carried out, we found out that the vibration started around 2.30p.m on September 5 which lasted about a second but reoccurred three hours later around

5.30p.m.

“The vibration was again felt around 8pm which lasted for 10 seconds,’’ he said.

The Director-General said the survey carried out also showed that there were no cracks on the buildings or on the ground.

He advised that once people notice such earth tremor, they should move out of the house and monitor the progress.

Nwegbu, however, advocated increased funding to enable the agency properly carry out its mandate.

According to Nwegbu, earthquakes tend to be concentrated in particular zones which coincide with the boundaries of the tectonic plates into which the earth is divided.

He said such boundaries might either be spreading zones of transform faults of subduction zones.

The Directro-General said that it was erroneous to think that countries or zones not contiguous with plate boundaries were aseismic.

Nwegbu said that Nigeria was not situated at the plate boundaries and such the country was not at risk.

He said that the agency recently procured six earthquake monitoring seismograms to enable proper monitoring of all ground disturbances.

Nwegbu said that the process of installations of the seismograms had begun in six geological zones of the country.

According to him, the equipment will enable the agency warn people before hand, in case of any expected earth tremor.

He urged Nigerians to call the following emergency numbers: 08035956056, 08023154825 and08037000623.

The Daily Times recalls that earth tremor happened around Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Gembu in the Mambila Plateau and Ibadan, Oyo State in 1984.

5 News

Army kills 14 terrorists, rescue 21 hostages Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Nigerian Army has said that troops of 192 battalion of 26 Task Force Brigade engaged in operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force have neutralised 14 Boko Haram terrorists .

It said the incident occurred in Pulka, a village suspected to have being harbouring terrorists who ambushed a civilian vehicle on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

A statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations,Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu and made available on Friday, stated that the troop neutralised the 14 Boko Haram insurgents who have being holding 21 civilians hostages in Pulka village in Gwoza Local Government area of Borno.

Among those rescued from the terrorists were six women and 11 children, while four of the men victims also rescued are currently receiving treatment at the military hospital.

The troops attained the feat on Thursday September 6, 2018 during

an early hours clearance operation at Amdaga Madachi village in Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State suspected to be the hideout of the terrorists.

The spokesman added that the troops engaged the terrorists and subdued them following a superior fire power of troops in the village, saying that troop aggressive posture, tactics and marksmanship resulted in the neutralising the terrorists.

The insurgents had on Tuesday, ambushed military escort at Amdaga area in Pulka and burnt one passenger vehicle as well as abducted some travelers.

Meanwhile, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, has hailed the fighting spirit of 26 Task Force Brigade.

The commendation was conveyed by the Brigade commander, Brigadier General Dahiru who also commended the troops for their gallantry, urging them to maintain the momentum by taking out all Boko Haram terrorists within the division area of responsibility.

N1.8bn fine imposed on Stanbic IBTC in national interest – CBN The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday said the alleged deduction of N1.886 billion fine from Stanbic IBTC Bank’s account was in the national interest.

An official of CBN, who pleaded anonymity while confirming this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said he could not immediately give details, but the apex bank would issue a statement on the matter later.

The management of Stanbic IBTC Bank, had on Friday, alleged that the apex bank unilaterally deducted N1.886 billion from its account as a fine imposed on the bank.

Mr Chidi Okezie and Mrs Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, Secretary and Ag. Head, Marketing and Communications of Stanbic IBTC Bank, made the allegation in a statement.

NAN reports that the bankers’ bank, had on Aug. 28, ordered MTN and four banks, including Stanbic IBTC Bank to refund $8.1 billion illegal capital repatriation from their Nigerian operations to offshore investors.

This allegation was swiftly denied

by Stanbic IBTC with claims that it did not violate any regulation on money remittances.

The bank, however, assured stakeholders that the situation would not affect their transactions with the bank.

The affected banks, Citibank, Diamond Bank, Stanbic IBTC and Standard Chartered Bank, were to repay the sum of N5.87 billion for allegedly issuing irregular Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) on behalf of some MTN offshore investors.

Standard Chartered Bank was fined N2.4 billion, Stanbic IBTC N1.8billion, Citibank Nigeria N1.2 billion and Diamond Bank N250 million.

MTN was also directed by the apex bank to refund $8.134 billion to its coffers.

In a letter, dated September 6, 2018 to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Stanbic IBTC Bank, whose parent company, Stanbic IBTC Holdings,

is a quoted company, informed stakeholders that the CBN had debited N1.886 billion, the full amount of the stated fine from its account with the apex bank.

“Following our earlier announcement to NSE on August 30, 2018 in respect of the penalty of N1.886 billion imposed by the CBN on our banking subsidiary – Stanbic IBTC Bank, in relation to the remittance of foreign exchange on the basis of certain capital importation certificates issued to MTN, we write to update the NSE that the CBN has debited the account of our banking subsidiary with the CBN for the full amount of the above stated fine.

“But Stanbic IBTC has not breached any extant laws relating to CCI executed on behalf of MTN. “Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC as well as our banking subsidiary maintain our position on this matter which is the fact that the Bank has done nothing illegal.

“And accordingly, the Bank will continue to provide CBN with documents and details in support of our contention that our actions in relation to these transactions were not illegal,’’ the statement said.

Going by point-to-point rebuttal, the letter from the bank examined different allegations contained in the CBN’s letter.

“Regarding the claim that the shareholders of MTN Nigeria invested the sum of $402,590,261.03 in the company from 2001 to 2006, the bank states as follows: “The 20 CCIs transferred to our bank

by Standard Chartered Bank and which in the above quoted sum were re-issued from existing CCIs that had been issued

by Standard Chartered Bank to the original investors in MTN. “These CCIs were transferred to our Bank to facilitate the repatriation of the proceeds of MTN’s Private Placement which took place in February 2008,’’ the statement said.

The Stanbic IBTC Bank reiterated its preparedness to engage with the CBN in order to resolve the matter.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

2019: APC assures women aspirants of level playing ground in Enugu Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Enugu state chapter of the ruling All progressive congress (APC) has assured women vying for various elective positions in the 2019 general election in the state of a level playing ground between them and their men folk.

The party said it believes strongly in democratic tenets and women equality that all the aspirants would be treated equally and fairly.

Chairman of APC in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye stated this at the party’s secretariat during the official declaration of Madam Juliet Egbo, wife of former Enugu state Commissioner for Capital Territory Development, Chief John Egbo, who is running for the Enugu North /South federal constituency in the National Assembly.

He said, “APC will continue to create a conducive atmosphere in the political space for women, as a way of encouraging them to participate effectively in politics.

The chairman, advised women in the state to ensure that only credible candidates are given the mandate to serve during the polls.

Addressing her teeming supporters who came to show her solidarity at the event which attracted chieftains of APC from the two council areas of the federal constituency, Madam Egbo promised to make effective representation her watch word if elected.

According to her, “I want to go to Federal House of representative to serve our people with all honesty, am not going to the green chamber of the National Assembly (NASS) to amass wealth, but to render service.

“Please, I want to urge you to support my aspiration, especially

our women, as you will not regret it, don’t sell your votes during the election to those who do not have your interest at heart”, advising members of the party to be weary of some PDP surrogates in their fold who are determined to destabilize the APC in the state for their selfish interest.

Egbo noted that since the inception of the Enugu South/North federal constituency, no female has represented the area in the green chamber of the NASS. “So, the time has come for women in the area to rise up and take their rightful position in the political scheme of things in the constituency”, she insisted.

“I have absolute confidence that APC has the capacity to rewrite the wrongs of our political history in Enugu and country at large, hence the need for all Nigerians to embrace the party ahead of the 2019 general election.

Short News Ondo govt to scrap state’s football agency Adewale Momoh, Akure The commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Saka YusufOgunleye has stepped up plans to ensure that the Ondo state Football Agency (ODSFA) is scrapped.

The committee set up by the Ondo state government on how best to run the three football teams in the state (ODSFA) has submitted its report and recommendations to the government.

The three-man committee had, Barrister Gbenga Adesioye as chairman, while Mr Daodu Alex and Mr Gbenga Fabomi are members.

The chairman of the committee, Gbenga Adesioye said the committee was set up on July 14th to advise the government on how best to run and get the best result for the three teams under the management of ODSFA Sunshine Stars, Sunshine Queens and the feeders team Rising Stars.

PDP congresses: Senator Mark cautions against imposition of candidates Tunde Opalana, Abuja Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential hopeful, Senator David Mark has canvassed for rancour free Congresses as party faithful elect delegates for the 2019 polls just as he cautioned against imposition of candidates.

Senator Mark told party faithful in a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh in Abuja today to conduct themselves peacefully according to the rules of the game, stressing that the will of the people must be allowed to prevail.

He added: “as we converge to elect delegates to the Congresses beginning from Saturday, we must be guided by democratic tenets and observe the principle of fairness and justice.

“We must demonstrate to fellow country men and women that we are truly democratic. I am sure that our members nationwide will showcase our reformed and rebranded Party as the preferred choice for the people.”

‘Party supremacy, key to democratic growth’ Adewale Momoh, Akure

L-R: Managing Director, South-South Innovation Hub, Oluwatobi Gege and Edo State Focal Person, National Social Investment Programme; Osayuwamen Oladeselu, at the Innovation Hub, in Benin City.

Accra hosts second Glo Laffta Fest show

Accra, the capital of Ghana, will host the second edition of Glo Laffta Fest show tomorrow (Sunday), at Fantasy Dome, Trade Fair.

Laffta Fest is a comedy show featuring the biggest humour merchants on the continent and is packaged by innovative telecoms operator, Glo Mobile Ghana, to delight its subscribers in that country.

The first edition of the show which was held at the same venue turned out to be one of the most entertainment shows ever held in Accra in recent times.

According to company sources,

the second show promises to be as entertaining as the first as it will feature eight renowned comedians from Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda who will thrill the audience alongside up-and-coming acts who will have the opportunity to showcase their raw talent. They include Uganda’s Salvador as well as Basketmouth, Gordons, Dan D Humorous, Senator, DKB, Khemikal and Foster Romanus.

The telecom company assured subscribers in Accra and environs of a memorable evening of fun as the artistes were ready to serve them rib-cracking jokes all through the show. Salvador, who expressed

excitement on the prospect of returning to Accra, said guests would experience “comedy like never before”, and urged them to “troop to the Dome” to have the time of their lives.

Glo called on those who do not already have a Glo SIM but wished to be part of the show, to visit any Glo shop or approach any of the mobile promotional teams of Glo to purchase a pre-bundled SIM for GHc30 and secure their entry tickets instantly. The SIM already has a 3.2GB Data and anyone could buy it, register and begin to enjoy the best of data from the grandmasters of Data.

The lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Hon Bamidele Baderinwa has emphasized the need to let party supremacy supersede personal interests in the nation’s democracy.

Hon Baderinwa stated this while speaking with newsmen after collecting expression of interest and nomination forms at the Party Secretariat in Abuja to re-contest the House of Representatives seat he is occupying.

The lawmaker who commended the system put in place by the national leadership of the party in the conduct of the process towards the 2019 general elections stressed the need for party loyalists to respect party’s constitution, rules and regulations in every conduct.

Adamawa, Gombe PDP promise level playing field for Saraki, others Tunde Opalana, Abuja Adamawa and Gombe states chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have promised to provide a level playing field for all the party’s presidential aspirants during the forthcoming primary elections.

The pledge is a booster to the presidential aspiration of the Senate President considering that two of the aspirants vying for the same ticket, Atiku Abubakar and Ibrahim Dankwambo hail from the two states respectively.

Director General of Saraki campaign organisation, Hon. Mohammed Wakil made this disclosure in a statement issued yesterday.

Receiving an advance team of the Senate President that visited them separately on Thursday, the PDP delegates, officials and other stakeholders in the two states said they were committed to the unity of the party to ensure its victory in the 2019 presidential election.

In Yola, Adamawa state, the state chairman of the PDP, Barrister Attahiru Shehu urged the delegates in the state to set aside sentiments and consider competence and capacity in choosing the party’s presidential flag bearer.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

Turaki, Makarfi accuse APC of plan to derail democracy Tunde Opalana, Abuja Two presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiti Tanimu Turaki and Ahmed Makarfi have accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempt to truncate the nation’s democracy with recent utterances of gladiators in the party and actions of its followers.

Turaki, accused the APC-led federal government of derailing from the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers while Makarfi knocked APC supporters over Thursday attack on supporters of the PDP

by APC sympathisers at the PDP Wadata secretariat.

Meeting with the Kwara State governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed at the Government

House, Ilorin as part of his nationwide consultations ahead of the PDP presidential primary, Turaki said legacy of good governance built over 16 years of PDP governance have been truncated within just three years of APC administration.

According to Sola Atere, Media Director of his campaign organisation, Turaki noted that the PDP administration of President Goodluck Jonathan left behind a booming private sector, with the economy rated as the number one in Africa and the third fastest growing after China and Qatar on May 28, 2015, lamenting that: today, the economic is in doldrums.

“Today, the economy is witnessing disinvestment. No economic team or adviser for the first time in the country’s history. Today, things are being done

intuitively. Today, Nigerians are hungry and angry, prompting them to be impatient and prone to provocation easily”, said the former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs who lamented further that the country is so divided like never before with the heightened resurgence of ethnic self-determination, besides experiencing profound security problems under the APC government.

“We cannot continue to run a nation where people feel discriminated against or feel alienated from access to opportunities.

This was not the intention of our founding fathers.

“That is why today, we are looking for someone (leader) who will do things differently to halt the slide and ensure equity, fairness and justice for all.”

7 News

Short News My administration will create regional industrial cities - Dankwambo Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia In all electioneering campaigns he has witnessed in Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo says, he noticed a common tool for voters’ persuasion amongst our political aspirants.

In an interactive social media chat with the Presidential aspirant, he said they all promised employment generation and diversification of the economy from a single resource, noting however, “What we have seen in the last couple of years attest to the contrary. We have witnessed increase in both unemployment rate and dependence on Crude Oil”.

According to him, “I offer myself to champion the industrialisation of this blessed country by reducing the export of our raw materials and creating an environment that encourages the processing of these raw materials locally for exports. We will create industrial cities starting from the regions to the states.”

Ebonyi PDP suspends Gov Umahi’s aide, State Assembly aspirant Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Wigbeke ward II in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State yesterday suspended a member of the Abakaliki Capital Territory Development Board (ACTDB), Chief Geoffrey Mgbada for alleged anti part activities.

Also suspended is an aspirant into Ohaukwu North State Constituency, Chief Emeka Igwe.

In a 10- point letter of suspension signed by the PDP ward chairman of Wigbeke ward II, Chief Clement Elom was accused of anti party activities including allegedly purchasing APC nomination form in Abuja.

Elom further alleged that the duo was suspended from the party at the ward level after critical stakeholders’ meeting and party executives, where it was confirmed that Igwe and Mgbada were seen in APC office in Abuja negotiating shortly after the former lost the mock delegate election to Chinedu Awo.

Ex-Niger Delta agitators get new leaders Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Solomon Dalong (middle): Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Oyeyemi Boboye and others during the visit of Dalong to the FRSC headquarters in Abuja... on Thursday.

2019: Market men, women pick forms for Gov Abubakar Bello Tom Okpe, Abuja Market men and women across 25 Local Governments in Niger State on Friday stormed the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja to purchase nomination form and expression of interest for the incumbent governor of the State.

The association of traders in the State, led by their chairman, Alhaji Saidu Asheda who addressed newsmen through their spokesperson, Ahmed Salihu after buying the form stated that they decided to do that because of the present performance of Governor Sani Bello.

According to Salihu, “In the history of Niger state, this is the first time that Market Association decided to pick nomination and expression of interest forms for any aspirant in the state. ”As chairman of the Niger state market association, Alhaji Saidu Achida and other stakeholders in the market, we do this

because the governor has achieved a lot not only for market people but to the entire Niger people especially fixing all the roads in the market.

“He also provided three 500 KVA electricity generator to the market. He did this because he wants to discourage the use of small power generating sets in the market in order avoid fire disaster. So, for these reasons, the market people decided to come together to do this for him. We are here on his behalf without even his knowledge.

After here we are going back to the state present it to the governor as a big surprise.

“If the market association has the financial means, it would have first purchased the form for President Muhammadu Buhari for what he has done to enable him complete the good work he started”.

Speaking on how the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State has increased, Salihu disclosed that improvement in market activities in the State has made it possible saying, “Under governor Bello’s administration, the state IGR has improved

just as commercial activities have risen”, he said.

In a related development, 12 members of Sokoto State House of Assembly who refused to join former Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to defect to the erstwhile ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also disclosed on Friday that they contributed a sum of N22.5 million to purchase forms for Faruok Yabo Malami, the governorship aspirant under the party platform.

A member of the delegation, Sani Alhaji Yakubu disclosed to journalists that they were ready to dislodge the present Government led by Aminu Tambuwal.

The lawmakers insisted that the APC will take over power in the State in the 2019 general elections noting that, “As you can see, we have all contributed a total sum of 22 million, 500 thousand Naira to obtain form for Malami.

“We decided to contribute our hardearned salaries to purchase this forms for the gentleman because we find it imperative”.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo has appointed new leaders for the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Leadership Forum.

Those appointed include High Chief Selky Kle Torughedi, aka General Young Shall Grow as National Chairman and Hon Nwogu Justice C, aka General King Jay as the state chairman of the Rivers State Ex-Agitators Leadership Forum. Gen King Jay also doubles as the National Secretary of the Forum.

State chairmen and Coordinators of the Forum were also appointed by the Special Adviser.

In a letter conveying the approval of the new executives of the forum dated August 22, 2018 and signed by the Special Adviser stated, “Sequel to the change and introduction of the new executives of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Leadership Forum to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, I hereby recognize and endorse the new leadership because of their credibility and Accountability which I was able to deduce from track records of their activities in the Niger Delta as the umbrella body of all Ex-Agitators.”

2019: Imo guber aspirant rejects direct primaries Tom Okpe, Abuja An All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship aspirant in Imo State, Chima Anozie, has urged his supporters to disregard the reports that the State chapter of the party has adopted indirect primaries as the mode to elect its flag bearers in the 2019 general elections.

Anozie, who briefed the media after obtaining his expression of interest and nomination forms for Imo State Governorship race on Friday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, noted that the State APC stakeholders have not met to take a position on the mode of primary for the elections.

A faction of Imo State APC, under the chairmanship of Chidi Nwafor met on Thursday in Owerri and announced that it has adopted indirect primary to elect its candidates.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

Oshiomhole in Kano, welcomes Short News Torrential rain destroys Shekarau, others to APC property in Kwara Yakubu Salisu, Kano

Barely 12 hours after the Daily Times reported that the Chairman of the Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) Adam Oshiomhole and other top notch members of the party would visit Mal. Ibrahim Shekaru, the scoop has come to a reality. Scoop The National Chairman, APC, Adam Oshiomhole, on Friday officially welcomed Mal. Ibrahim Shekaru to the APC during an official visit to the Shekarau’s residence in the company of the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

According to Him, Shekaru’s return to the APC is a matter of reunion rather than defection as he (Shekarau) happens to be one of the founding father of the Ruling APC stressing that, going by the records, nobody is more progressive than the former minister whose records while in power, preceded that of others.

“I am most delighted to be at your residence to officially welcome you back to our great party the APC, the party you assisted to form.

“We know that you would have not

committed great amount of efforts in the formation of the APC right from the beginning if you didn’t believe in it. But due to some issues you had to leave.

“I have always said that, going forward, the real progressive would unite and the conservatives would move away. The conservatives have moved away and that offers us a new opportunity for the real progressives to reunite.

“I have come to pay my respect to you your Excellency, to look forward to working with you and the Governor of the state whose progressive credentials are also well known,” he said.

Oshiomhole notes that the reunion would help advance the position of the party and that of the state and country at large.

Speaking shortly after the National Chairman’s remark, Ibrahim Shekarau said that, “In view of all the recent developments in the state, history is about to repeat itself”.

He added that, he had all along, “I have said it that, any history of APC without the name of Shekarau is never complete. I have the singular honour of being the chief midwife of the

APC”.

Shekarau, assured that his homecoming would not only move the state forward but the nation at large.

Furthermore, he said regardless of whatever political party he and his colleagues found themselves, the mission remains the same. That is, sincerity of purpose and reality of political activities.

Responding, Governor Ganduje stated that, the same Hyena and Lion that drove the former minister out of the APC, followed him to the PDP also that, Shekaru and himself share same principles, ideology, and are both bureaucrats.

Ganduje, stress that, he had always maintain relationships with the former minister as a good friend and brother as such, he is the happiest man to receive him back into their folk for the betterment of the State as he is rest assured that his administration and Shekaru would share great ideas to move the state forward.

“Today, our dreams have come true, a friend and a brother has returned to us. Together we would move the state forward for the development of our people,” he stated.

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Property worth millions of naira was lost to flood caused by heavy downpour on Thursday night in parts of the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara state.

The Daily Times gathered that the rain, which started at about 8:00pm, poured intermittently till early hours of Friday morning.

Some of the affected areas include Harmony Estate, Akerebiata, Gerin Alimi, Isale Koko, and Kulende among other parts of the metropolis.

It was gathered that the flood swept many vehicles, several metres away, from where they were parked in some areas.

Among affected victims of the flood were concrete block makers and traders who had outlets along the roads and selling such items as bagged food items, tailoring materials and household items, among other wares.

2019: Guber aspirant supports party on direct primaries Tom Okpe, Abuja A Governorship aspirant under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Kabiru Mafara has indicated his support for the Direct Primaries envisaged by the National Working Committee (NWC) as approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

Senator Mafara representing Zamfara Central Senatorial zone in the Senate also said as a party faithful he wants his party to win the 2019 election at all levels through the direct party stipulated by the party.

Speaking to journalists at the party secretariat in Abuja on Friday when he came to collect his nomination and expression of interest form, Senator Mafara said: “If the APC headquarters say they want direct or indirect primaries at all level in the forthcoming election, it’s okay”.

2019: Senator Hunkuyi declares for Kaduna guber race Tunde Opalana, Abuja

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje (fourth left sitting); National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole (standing); former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and others during the visit of APC leaders to Shekarau at his residence in Kano... on Friday

LASEMA receives recognition award Benjamin Omoike, Lagos The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has been identified and recognised as the most improved Emergency Response Agency in Nigeria, for its effective response to emergency interventions.

The Agency was decorated with the Award on Thursday at the 2018 Nigerian Risk Awards & Summit held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at the event organised by Conrad Clark Nig. Ltd, the Founder Mr. Joachim Adenusi, acknowledged the contribution of LASEMA to the entrenchment of public safety, as well as reducing disaster risk in the state.

He further noted that the objective of the this year’s summit and award is to create the perfect vehicle for Nigerian professionals, both in the private and public sectors to discuss practical approaches to addressing key challenges of governance, nation building, security, political

risk, offer possible solutions and to present awards to individuals and organisations who have contributed to effective management of risk in the state.

The General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, in company of his management staff received the Award on behalf of the Agency - from the duo of Dr. Christopher Kolade (CON), Summit Chairman; and Mrs Funmi Olonisakin (Special Guest Speaker).

He said the Award is dedicated to all emergency responders in the state.

Senator representing Kaduna North senatorial district in the National Assembly, Suleiman Hunkuyi, has declared his intention to contest the governorship seat of Kaduna State.

Hunkuyi made the declaration during a PDP town hall meeting of eleven local governments in Angwan Wakili, southern Kaduna on Friday.

Recall that Senator Hunkuyi recently defected from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

In his declaration, Senator Hunkuyi called on all present that “it is time to kill this change in Kaduna state”.

He added that his decision to contest the governorship election stems from the people’s desire to chart a new direction for the state.

Accordingly, eleven out of twenty three local governments present, unanimously resolved to support the lawmaker in the 2019 governorship elections.

They also resolved to vote out the ruling APC led by Nasir el-Rufai out of power next year.

Bindow loyalist constructs culvert in Michika Tom Garba, Yola A loyalist of the Governor of Adamawa state, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow has constructed a culvert linking many communities for the benefit of Washika village, Bazza, Michika LGA. Mr Bitrus Jebu Sohe who is a staunch supporter of Bindow’s administration said there is no better way to support the person he calls “Boss” (Bindow) than to consolidate in the ongoing rapid infrastructural development in the State.

According to Sohe, his decision to support Bindow in carrying out some projects is to further bring the people to Government as it is not all communities and villages that can immediately witness the performance of a given government.

Bitrus is known for his philanthropic works in many villages of Michika and Bazza, his immediate constituency.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

9 News

Short News Over 3,000 Action Alliance members defect to APC in Kwara ‘Delta records 250 cases Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara on Friday, received a boost with the defection of over 3,000 members of Action Alliance (AA) across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state to APC. The defectors, led by the state Secretary of the party (AA), Mr Afolayan Ibrahim, were received by one of the APC Governorship Aspirants in the state, Ambassador Abdul Fatai Yahaya-Seriki on behalf of the State Executive Committee.

The ceremony was held at the campaign office of one of the APC governorship aspirants in the state,

Ambassador Abdul Fatai YahayaSeriki.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ibrahim said that they decided to leave their former party to APC following laudable achievements recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari within the short period of his administration.

He expressed optimism that the President will embark on more meaningful programmes aimed at uplifting the standard of living of Nigerians.

The former state Secretary of AA pledged the cooperation and loyalty of the new members to the leadership of APC at all levels of government.

He added that the defectors

were motivated by numerous empowerment initiative of YahayaSeriki.

Receiving the defectors on behalf of Bolarinwa, the aspirant, YahayaSeriki debunked the rumour that he is a stooge of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

He solicited the support of Nigerians for the reelection bid of President Muhammad Buhari for second term to enable him sanitize the country of corruption and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

He assured the defectors of equal treatment and promised not to let them down.

The ceremony was attended by APC Ward Executives from the 16 council areas of the state.

of leadership tussle’ Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

At least, 250 cases of leadership tussles at various communities in Delta State were reported to have been handled, and resolved by the state government, while six persons were allegedly feared injured during power struggle involving Ekokotor/Eroghor communities in Okpe local government area of the state.

Special Adviser to the state Governor on Conflict Resolution, Rural Development and Peace Building, Chief Edwin Uzor who made this Known to journalists in Asaba on Friday, disclosed that the leadership tussle involving Ekokotor/Eroghor communities were however resolved amicably, adding that the matter portended serious crisis of warfare and six persons were feared injured.

‘Doctors don’t need police authority before treatment of gunshot victims’ Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Police Command has told the doctors operating in Ekiti State not to wait for police clearance before treating gunshot victims.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Friday, by the Command’s Police Commissioner, Mr. Bello Ahmed, said waiting for police authorization could cause deaths of innocent Nigerians, who fell victims of robbery and other vices.

The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Caleb Ikechukwu, however directed the doctors to immediately report such incident to the police after the victim must have been attended to as stated under Section 4 of robbery and firearms special provisions) Act 1984.

2019: Tsamdu pledges to consolidate on past achievements Tom Garba, Yola Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left) and his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, during an interaction with market women in the state when the jubilant traders paid a solidarity/endorsement visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu... on Friday.

Nigeria records $85bn trade with China Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja The Embassy of China in Nigeria has put the total trade volume between both countries at 85 billion US dollars.

The economic and commercial councillor, China embassy in Nigeria, Zhaor Lin Xiang, at a media parley in Abuja on Thursday, said the figure was based on the trade volume recorded as at July this year.

He states that the Chinese government is making plans towards increasing economic ties between Nigeria and the Asian giant.

“Exports to Nigeria from China cumulated to 75 billion USD, and 9.6 billion from the Nigerian side.

“This shows that Chinese products are very popular in Nigeria and it is meeting the needs of Nigerians,” the envoy noted.

The Charge’d Affair, Chinese Embassy, Lin Jing reassured that China will continue to explore means that would improve economic and bilateral cooperation with Nigeria.

He stated that the Beijing action plan 2019-2021 has as a cardinal point of action, the industrial and capacity building programme for African countries.

“This will translate to the establishment of 10 Lubab training centres, the centres will equip Africans with unique manufacturing skills, and provide 50,000 scholarships opportunities,” Jing disclosed.

He said China will support Nigeria in producing products that meet international competitiveness standards, adding that in November, China will host an import-export trade fair meant to attract more trade and investments from other countries, as a way of improving

bilateral trade.

The Chinese embassy also refuted claims that China is on a mission to colonize Africa, stating that the Chinese president is doing all he could to ensure equality in all his dealings with the continent.

“You are aware that President Xi Jinping presented five major approaches that will guide China relationship with Africa,” he stated.

He said these approaches are “no interference with African countries pursuit in the development path, no interference in internal affairs, no imposition of our will on African countries, and no attachment of political gains”.

Jing described the approach as what has made the relationship between his country and Africa a successful one.

“Remarkable achievements have been recorded between both parties, and this is something that cannot be denied,” he concluded.

The Adamawa state House of Assembly (ADHA), Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Emmanuel Tsamdu has declared his intension to contest for Michika/Madagali House of Representatives seat at the National Assembly.

Honourable Tsamdu who is the current member representing Madagali at the ADHA said he has records of historic achievements as a ranking state legislative and his intention to represent the people is to enable him consolidate the good works he is known for.

Tsamdu, while picking his nomination and expression of interest forms revealed that for over two decades, he has made himself a servant of the people who never derailed from doing what they wanted him to do.

We are bringing power back to people -PDP stalwart Tom Garba, Yola A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Kaduna State, Rt Hon Dogara Matoh Dari has said that the opposition party is bringing power back to electorates in 2019.

According to him, PDP remains a party for Nigerians especially those from the grassroots.

“PDP is the only political party in Nigeria that gives power directly to the people and that is exactly what the PDP stands for, we will never compromise”. He stressed.

He reiterated that the PDP mandate and manifesto are conversely for the people to have leaders answerable to them.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

Edwin Clark’s home raid: Secondus blasts police, FG Tunde Opalana, Abuja The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has fiercely criticized the Federal Government and the Police for the disgraceful raid on the home of the elder statesman and former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin K. Clark saying the action shows lack of respect of this regime for our elders.

Prince Secondus said that the shockingly unacceptable act shows the real character of this government and their attitude towards the nation’s senior citizens who should be accorded due respect for their contributions to the growth and development of the country.

The National Chairman said in a statement from his media office signed

by Ike Abonyi that the operatives acted in line with the body language of the administration.

According to him, the invasion of

Clark’s home has brought to the fore, the rascality of this government in abusing human rights with the IG as a major culprit forgetting that they would not be in power forever.

“History is recording all the atrocities of this government and time would come when every actor would be made to answer for their roles in one way or the other.

Prince Secondus noted that this is what you get when a President of a country is seen saying publicly that he would jail more people when he is not a court, the deduction to the operatives hearing that from a Commander- inChief is that everybody especially perceived enemies of the government are preys who should be dealt with at the slightest opportunity.

The PDP boss said that rather than make the operatives the escape goat, the Inspector General of Police should take responsibility as he would have jumped to take credit if they had found arms in Chief Clark’s home.

“The IG is trying to play smart by

sacrificing the operatives when he would have owned up the operation and taken the credit if they had succeeded in their illicit mission.

“What we are seeing is the image of an administration that has little or no regard for rule of law and human rights and operatives cash in on it at will.

The National Chairman said that further inquest should be made on the unfortunate incident to explain how they got the search warrant and who authorized the operation in the first place.

According to Prince Secondus, the embarrassment meted out to Chief Clark must have been designed because of his vocal stance in defence of his people of the Niger Delta region.

He then regretted that human rights abuses akin to what happened to Chief Clark go on under this administration on daily basis but are hardly reported but warned that no evil would ever go unpunished.

Short News VON restructuring sacrosanct - DG Idu Jude, Abuja The Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, says his office will stop at nothing in its restructuring plan, targeted at ensuring that primary duty of selling Nigerian culture to the world through the media is achieved.

The organisation in recent time has embarked on massive installation of information communication technology backbone through Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) e-learning facility to enable it reach the world through digital broadcasting.

Mr. Okechukwu, while welcoming the Director General of the NITDA, Dr. Isah Patani and his team Thursday during the commissioning of ICT equipment donated by the information technology agency, said that his leadership will not relent but would ensure that the agency gets the latest of technological acquisition.

Taraba govt owes pensioners over N20bn gratuity - Union Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo Retirees in Taraba State are being owed gratuity of over Twenty Billion Naira (N20bn) by the State Government.

The State Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Hassan Abubakar said the debt affected about Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Two Pensioners (8122) in both State and Local Governments.

He disclosed this during a press conference held yesterday at the Union Secretariat, Jalingo.

Comrade Abubakar, who decried over what he described as inhuman attitude to retirees said, “The sorry story is that since the inception of this administration, a kobo has not been appropriated for payment of pension gratuity, which as at present, amounted to about twenty billion Naira.”

2019: Buhari is committed to credible elections -Aspirant Akam James, Yenagoa

L-R: INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; National Commissioners: Malam Mohammed Haruna and Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu during a consultative meeting with the leaders of political parties on the readiness of the forthcoming elections in Abuja... on Friday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Benue senatorial aspirant picks nomination form Tom Okpe, Abuja

Benue State zone ‘C’ Senatorial aspirant, Mr. Daniel Onjeh has picked the nomination and expression of interest form to represent his Senatorial zone in the Senate in 2019.

The Board Chairman of Project Development Institute (PRODA) and Senatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform said he is in the contest to redeem his people who had been subjugated for long, without the presence of the Federal Government.

He stated this while speaking with newsmen after obtaining the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest the Benue South Senatorial district election in 2019.

In the same contest is the immediate

past Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Stephen Lawani and Chief Mike Okibe Onoja, a former permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence will be slugging out with the immediate past Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Onjeh, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), contested against Senator David Mark in 2015, who later went to the election tribunal where the court ordered a re-run election in 2016.

In the February 20, 2016, re-run election, Onje pulled 71,621 votes while his opponent got 84,192 votes.

The former President of the Senate had obtained the PDP’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest for the president of the Federal Republic in the 2019 election.

Onjeh stressed that President Muhammadu Buhari had proven mettle and had done exceedingly well in the key areas of our National affairs adding that the President had proved his capacity to resolve the cause of the country’s underdevelopment, and that Benue South people would vote for him en masse come 2019.

He alleged that Benue South had been completely disconnected from the Federal Government and lacked democracy dividends, stating that he was in the race again because the issues which warranted his earlier aspiration in 2011 were still lingering and unresolved.

“I aspire to effectively represent my people at the red chamber, to carry the silenced voice of the vast majority of the Benue South people to the National level”, he said.

A state Assembly aspirant on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Bayelsa, Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha, has assured members of the party in the state, concern Bayelsans, Civil right organisations, APC faithful, student community, artisans, political class and the major stakeholders of the party that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to conducting a free and fair election come 2019.

He gave the assertion yesterday in Yenagoa immediate after a closed door meeting with different stakeholders of the party in a bid to choose a consensus aspirant from Ekeremor Constituency two to contest in the primaries.

Dauyegha urged the people to mobilize potential voters on the need to secure their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from desperate politicians in the state.

Osinbajo commissions FCT MSME one-stop-shop Idu Jude, Abuja Federal Government says that it is ready to free Nigerians from over dependency on oil by promoting the development of other sectors of the economy, improving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), one-stop-shop project.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, made this known Thursday in Abuja while launching the FCT MSMEs with handing over of take off grants to some women.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, described the one-stop-shop as a platform designed to eliminate the hassles that start-up businesses encounter in their efforts to access registrations and other support services provided by government agencies.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Life & Times

11

Why I am passionate about entertainment industry - Toni Tones Toni Tones’ passion has always been to be creative and excel since childhood. Little wonder after her graduation, she faced her dream and kick-started with photography, then music and acting. Having featured in few movies, Toni Tones has shown that her passion for the entertainment industry at large is second to none. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, she talked about growing up and reflects on her experience in living her dreams among other issues. Enjoy…

You’re into photography; music and acting; which did you start first?

When I relocated to Nigeria, I started with photography and that was in 2009.

Then, I had no idea of how to get into the entertainment industry. As a photographer, I just went to different magazines and showed them my portfolios and asked if I could snap for them. They liked my work and that was how I took off. If you remember D’banj reality show, Koko Mansion, that opportunity gave me a lot of exposure and really kick-started my career. At a certain point, I became more familiar with the industry and subsequently, I delved into music and acting.

How did you start your photography career and what was your motivation?

I developed passion for photography in my last year in the university though I had always liked to snap pictures. In my last year as an undergraduate, I began to develop interest in it professionally.

Subsequently, I had a mentor in London, Subby and Sinem, who coached me for three months in photography and I started making money pretty quickly. If clients like your work, they’re willing to pay upfront unlike in acting.

Music wise, are we still getting more of you, because it seems you have fallen in love with acting?

Yes, I took time away from music to really focus on my acting career. I wanted people to know that I am a true actor and not just a musician that is now acting. I am a trained actor, I’ve gone to film school in Los Angeles for acting and I wanted to let people to know that asides music I am a serious actor. And I have done that. I am extremely happy with where my acting career is at the moment. I have been privileged to work on a number of projects that I am proud of, Lara and the Beat being one of them. There’s also King of Boys coming soon, there’s a whole lot of them coming out that I believe that I have gone on to cement my place in the acting industry and now I am a force to reckon with. I also have new music coming out this year. I am on two of the songs on the LATB (Lara and the Beat) soundtrack, and then I have my own music coming out in a couple of months.

Music and acting, which is it for you?

People always ask me that question, I can’t choose. If I could, I would have. I love both equally, so I’m doing both. Music is

difficult though because it needs a lot of funding. Music is very expensive. Acting on the other hand is not, you act, you are paid, and you go. With music, you have to look for funding and all that. It’s very expensive business until you get to that peak where you blow. That’s the downside of music.

Being a music artiste and experiencing music in a film, what was it like in a film like Lara and the Beat (LATB)?

LATB is a bit of a musical without coming with the drag that musicals tend to come with. They don’t really throw the music in your face, but we did an all-new soundtrack.

So there is a whole album that was made.

I’m on it, Seyi Shay, Vector, and others… and they are all original songs. I thought that was really great because the songs are lovely and produced by TY Mix. So this is the first time we get a film that we genuinely enjoy the music as much as we enjoy the drama that the film brings. I’ve never experienced anything like that in a Nigerian film. LATB pretty much has a film, fashion and music concept going on. Asides the music though, the movie is very fashion forward. It reminds me of Sex and the City. What they did with Sex and the City was that the fashion was a huge statement. This film will do that in a way no other Nigerian movie has done in the past.

You played the role of Trish in the movie Lara and the Beat; is there any part of that character that resonates with you?

Nothing, no part of her. I’m nothing like her, to be honest. I love her, she’s bold, doesn’t take any nonsense, she goes for what she wants, but I don’t think there were any similarities between her and me.

What attracted you to the script?

First off, the script was funny. When I read it, I couldn’t stop laughing, and you know that funny movies are always a winner. I thought it was brilliantly written.

Sometimes, you are reading a script and you can’t wait for it to finish, but this was like reading a book. From the moment I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. It was a page-turner, and almost every page had me laughing. The moment I read the script, it was a no-brainer for me; I wanted to be a part of it.

people don’t realize that sometimes you shoot for 24hours straight. So you can be on set by 7am and you are literally not leaving till like 6am the next morning. Of course, it’s not all the time, but it can be really long hours. Sometimes, you can get to set, do five hours and leave, depending on what is expected of you for the day.

Sometimes you can be there for 12, 16 or 18 hours. But for me, as long as I love what I am doing it’s not really a choice. It’s all part of the job. So I don’t really mind it so much.

Speaking about your acting career, what are some of the most challenging moments on set for you?

I would say that the long hours. A lot of

So what role would you never play?

I don’t do sexual roles. I don’t do any role that has me showing a lot of skin or has me having sex in a film; I would never

take roles like that. The rule is: my mother has to be able to watch everything that I act in. If my mum can’t watch it, I can’t do it.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in Lagos and in a Christian family. We’re catholic. I have three sisters and one brother but I’m the last born and the apple of my parents’ eyes. I attended Our Lady of Apostles Primary School and subsequently, Queens College, Lagos after which I attended University of Lancaster.

I was much protected as a child and if I wasn’t in school, I was at home with my mom. It was at the end of my secondary education that I started socializing, visiting my cousins, grandmother and friends. I was mommy’s pet.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

Ibinabo Fiberesima’s Miss Earth set to hold Stories by Mutiat Alli Miss Earth is one of the most prestigious pageants in the world and Nigeria is well represented in the League of Nations. This is made possible by Serendipity Media, under the leadership of former Beauty Queen and actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima.

This year’s Miss Earth Nigeria will hold today, Saturday, September 8.

The Nigerian pageant is a muchanticipated one and is one of the three largest pageants in Nigeria while the

international one is also one of the three biggest pageants.

Just like other pageants, Miss Earth is an annual event designed to empower women who are role models and also to maintain environmental friendliness.

“Miss Earth pageants strongly believed in being socially responsible for our immediate environment, unlike other pageants that raise queens, Miss Earth pageant believed in raising ambassadors that will pioneer sustainable development in their environments.

“Every year the winners of the

beauty pageants (4 in number) will represent the 4 main elements of the world each which includes Water, Air, Fire and Earth with the aim of promoting environmental awareness,” says Fiberesima.

The 4 winners of Miss Earth Nigeria pageant will re-contest to bring out the overall winner who will be seen as the environmental Earth warrior and ambassador and will represent the country at international level.

The beauty contest will feature a series of awards such as Best in a creative outfit, Miss Photogenic, Miss Talent and Miss Friendship.

I Go Dye

I Go Dye counsels Uduaghan over senatorial ambition

Facebook, Afrinolly partner Dayna Lynne North, Amy Aniobi to launch ‘Naija Storybuilders Bootcamp’ Building on the successful Facebook for Creators training programme in Nigeria, Facebook and Afrinolly today announced the launch of its new ‘Naija Storybuilders Bootcamp’, in partnership with critically acclaimed writer/producers, Dayna Lynne North & Amy Aniobi from the ground-breaking US HBO series INSECURE. Aimed at empowering creative communities across Nigeria and providing expert mentorship and advice, this week-long intensive workshop is designed for up and coming storytellers who are focused on developing short-form content for digital platforms. Led by Dayna Lynne North and Amy Aniobi, the programme will take 20 aspiring local storytellers and explore tailored topics such as creating compelling characters, grabbing and keeping your audience, practical first steps to creating your

project, as well as best practices on how to create and promote content on digital platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Sherry Dzinoreva, Policy Programs Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa at Facebook said “We’re thrilled and honoured to be able to work with Afrinolly, Dayna and Amy to bring this special one-off workshop to Lagos.

As leaders in their creative fields, they have a wealth of experience to offer ambitious Nigerian storytellers. At Facebook, our goal is to continue to support and invest in diverse creative talent, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent and this is just another step in highlighting our commitment.”.

Commenting on the partnership and Naija Storybuilders Bootcamp Dayna Lynne North and Amy Aniobi said: “We are thrilled at the opportunity Facebook is providing!

Nigeria is an exciting country, full

of amazing creatives, talents and visionaries. For one of us, this is a chance to go back home to our roots and share the knowledge and experiences we’ve gained over the years; for the other, it’s an incredible opportunity to mentor the next generation. We are both passionate to meet the Naija Storybuilders and get started.”

The Naija Storybuilders Bootcamp’ programme is set take place in Lagos from Monday 15th - Friday 19th October 2018, and will be free for selected participants.

Chike Maduegbuna, CEO, Afrinolly added: “The Naija Storybuilders Bootcamp is a further step in our partnership with Facebook. Having Dayna and Amy as central to this, and here in Lagos, is a great opportunity for the chosen 20. I look forward to seeing how they progress in their storytelling journeys.”

Delta State-born humour merchant and social commentator, I Go Dye, born Francis Agoda, has written an open letter to erstwhile governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, begging him to shun his senatorial ambition as nothing could be ascribed to him, in terms of infrastructural and human capital development during his tenure as governor. This, according to him, is enough reason the former number one citizen of the State shouldn’t seek any other elective position in Delta State.

“Honestly speaking, what does he want to achieve for Delta State that he failed to do, when he had all the resources in his control of 25 local governments as the Executive Governor, compared to becoming a senator with lean resources to undergo mere constituency projects worth two hundred million? (200,000,000). In reflection of what should be ideal, Ex -Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan should be advocating for a younger candidate ,instead of the personal ambition to run for the senatorial position in Delta State,” he said in the open letter made available on his Instagram page.

Part of the letter reads; “ Interestingly, if he had transformed Delta State to the least part of Lagos in terms of social and structural development or built a modern city even in his local government council of origin or within our coastal areas, there wouldn’t have been any reason for him to buy a property in Banana Island.

“Obviously, Delta State is blessed with wonderful landscapes that can offer such platforms, like the glorified Banana Island, but nothing has been developed in these regards. The template of ‘Delta beyond Oil’ that he promoted during his tenure only existed in the media; no foundation was built by him to verify this claim.

“I have no personal interest but I am speaking the minds of Deltans, whose pensions were not paid even during his

tenure, when he was Governor. The list is endless, the general consensus is very open.

We all have a role to play in rebuilding Nigeria and I must play my part, regardless of who is concerned.

This is our fatherland and we cannot give emptiness to our children.

He further stressed that he was not speaking out of personal interest, saying he has become the voice of the voiceless in view of his capacity as the UKAID Goodwill Ambassador on ‘Making a Difference Against Corruption’.

“This is not about our personal interest, it is beyond the blame that is being placed on the political parties either as PDP or APC. The fundamental problem are the people who have failed to live according to the ideology of their irrespective political parties and against the desires of the people.

“I shall continually act in the interest of the larger society, I have no grudge against anyone, but I am reflecting one simple fact for politicians to understand, that when leadership opportunities come their way, they should leave legacies that will speak for them. Money is not everything, prosperity will judge us. I will continue to invest my profile and risk commendation, because a future that we fail to protect today, we shall live inside, as slaves in the future.

“Consequently, my passion as a Global Goals Ambassador has inspired me towards consultation with some stakeholders. I will advise him to become an elder statesman and agitate for the re-opening of sea ports across Niger Delta “Interestingly, I have submitted different plans and initiatives to expand the opportunities for our youths as a means to create jobs.

“We cannot keep silent, hoping the best for today or the future. We all should speak for the betterment of our people, irrespective of our status, they should know that leadership without sacrifice is wasteful privilege,” he wrote.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

13 Society Gist

TEEIN Initiative berths in Lagos with youth empowerment

Jim Ovia’s dynamism Isaac Oguntoye, Lagos Corporate guru, Jim Ovia’s vigorous activity and progress in the banking sector has emerged winner of the September edition of the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Month Award.

His entrepreneurial skill no doubt earned him recognition with the Badge of Honour for outstanding entrepreneurs.

The editorial board of make it said it unanimously chose Ovia for his advocacy and support of Nigerian youths and the development of ICT entrepreneurship in the country.

But beyond banking, Jim Ovia is

also one of Africa’s leading advocates for youth entrepreneurship and empowerment, through Information and Communication Technology He is also the founder of the Jim Ovia Foundation, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to empowering youths and ICT entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

An astute investor and a doyen of technology, Jim Ovia is one business mogul whose passion for innovation and youth inclusion in sustainable development has distinguished him amongst contemporary entrepreneurs.

Jim’s corporate goals, are aims at inspiring more Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship as the surest path

to a brighter future, by regularly celebrating in a spectacular way entrepreneurs who have broken great barriers to excel.

Mr. Ovia perfectly fits this narrative. He started as a bank clerk and rose, due to his vision, passion and hardwork, to become one of the most respected bank chiefs in Nigeria today.

“When we started Zenith in 1990, it was extremely difficult as the necessary resources and infrastructure to do business, particularly banking, were not in place. There were no ATMs, no mobile phones and ICT was a rarely known concept in the business space”, Jim Ovia said.

Lukman Mustapha talks tough The leading All Progressives Congress gubernatorial aspirant, Alhaji Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha, has described as baseless, unfounded and malicious, the attempts to link him with Dr. Bukola Saraki, stressing that it is nothing but a calculated attempt to soil his hard earned integrity.

Lukman Mustapha, who was addressing newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, bemoaned the undevelopmental pattern Kwara’s electioneering process is taking, emphasizing that while aspirants in other climes are sectorally dissecting societal ills and proffering solutions, we’re engrossed with politics of blackmail and mudslinging, stressing that we need to redirect our focus to how to attain a viable and competitive State through massive investment in small and medium scale enterprises, massive investment in infrastructure, youth education and engagement among others.

He said: “My hereafter determines my actions and inactions on every seconds, if I’ll govern Kwara and loss my Jannah, then May I not get there.

“My journey to Rebirth Kwara started

during my undergraduate days, I have always believed Kwara and Kwarans deserves better” “I have been fighting to get better deal for Kwara and Kwarans even before the present dramatis personae ever knew about politicking in the State.

“I have never benefited a kobo in cash or patronage from any Government in Kwara since my adulthood till date, it’s an insult to insinuate I am a front for those that are responsible for our present

predicament.

“It is an insult on my person, achievements, career attainment and exposure to be termed a stooge and tool in the hands of our collective tormentors.

I will be an ingrate to my creator after all unmerited blessings God has showered me with to now serve as a destabilizing factor towards the attainment of a Kwara we all can be proud of. My offsprings will never forgive me if I do such condemnable, barbaric and animalistic act.

“When I threw my hat into the Guber race last year, I was warned about the kind of attacks and blackmail that’ll trail my person. I however waved it aside knowing that nothing is too big a sacrifice including personal comfort towards changing the sardonic narratives of Kwara and Kwarans. No sacrifice is too much to ensure we leave Kwara better than we met it,” he stressed.

He, however, enjoined the rumour mongers to endeavor to engage in productive and developmental discuss, adding that no amount of blackmail or name calling will make him jettison the fight to get a better deal for Kwara and Kwarans.

In a bid to put an end to youth unemployment, increase in rate of cyber-crimes and kidnapping coupled with ailing economy, The Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Initiative of Nigeria (TEEIN) has decided to organise and champion youth entrepreneurship skill development, promoting rural women empowerment while improving community health care delivery and supporting the entrepreneurial education of the Nigeria child.

The event which is tagged, “Power Youth: “Creating Wealth Through Entrepreneurship” is organised in conjunction with the University of Lagos and Kwara State University.

The first face of the event, according to the organisers, which is the summit lecture is scheduled to hold on Monday, October 1, 2018 at the prestigious Multipurpose Hall of University of Lagos, Akoka between 8:00am to 4pm. After that there will be a Gala/Award night Dinner which will be holding on the same day at Raddisaon Blue Hotel, Ikeja from 6pm till 11pm.

Meanwhile, this summit and Gala Award Dinner promises to be a convergence of young and emerging entrepreneurs, seasoned business practitioners, academicians, researchers and government policy makers in the field of entrepreneurship development with

about 2,500 participants.

Some of the guest expected to grace the occasion include President Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra-Leone; His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Frederick E.O, CON, Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugboland; General Ibrahim Babangida, former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and other notable personalities.

Double A, Adeniyi Akanni’s uniqueness It is now an open secret that a renowned artist, Double A, Adeniyi Akanni, who goes by his entertainment name, Neyoswaggz, is making waves with his fans and lovers with his modern age style.

He is an amiable actor who has won so many awards to his credit both locally and internationally. The handsome actor is at the prime of his career and has so many home works to his credit.

On what makes him different from others, he said: “I don’t really know what you mean by being different but however, I will say ‘Focus’. I have a vision and I focus on my mission, the mission is to go higher and make a difference, I produced scandal and relationship tales which our out, karma and the chase which are not yet out. I also shot corpers journal

along with Mtec team then launch my taking over as the new NEEP CEO’ he responded.

On the rumour that he has intimacy with several girls on set, he said: “It is just a working relationship if I notice that a lady is productive, I will submit myself totally to the job for better production, you see people will surely talk and they don’t care if they are spoiling your personal sex life but when you remain focus you won’t mind the side talks, “I appreciate positive reactions from people and above all I appreciate God for crowning my effort, I really work hard though but some actors too who work harder were not privilege to be in my place and its really cool and encouraging to see positive reaction people give to something you work hard on”.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Mixed Grill Actress Tayo Sobola unveiled as Glee Hair ambassador Stories By Mutiat Alli Talented Nollywood actress, producer and entrepreneur, Tayo Sobola, better known as Sotayo Gaga, has been unveiled at the new brand ambassador to fast growing hair brand, Glee Hair.

In a chat with the CEO, Happiness Adetayo disclosed that the actress was considered as the face of the brand due to her outstanding personalities and look; she said ‘It’s the colour hair season in vogue and Sotayo has been seen rocking several colors of hair, been on board with the brand will not just increase sales but also place Glee Hair among distributors of quality hair.

When asked how long the

Chef Fregz set for exclusive seafood dinner experience

deal will last, the CEO further reiterated that although the initial signing is just for a year but she is definitely certain their working relationship will last longer noting that it s a multimillion naira deal .

Speaking on her deal with the new brand, Sotayo stated that she is glad to be a part of a growing brand knowing fully that the CEO is a goal getter and passionate entrepreneur; as such been board, she will further use her personality to influence positively on the brand.

On rocking several colors of hair, Tayo said “There is no kind of hair I cannot wear. I have almost all colors of hair and I am not scared to wear them. I have blue, white, orange, lemon and green hairs. And I want to have more. Most times, whenever I rock a hair, people like to try it.”

Ebenezer Obey, Relume Foundation, others partner on free healthcare in Idogo The Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministries, an arm of the Decross Gospel Ministries, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, led religious and healthcare organisations, the Relume foundation and the Household of God Church to preach salvation to give free healthcare services to Idogo town, Ogun State and its environs.

The two-day event, turned Idogo and neighboring communities into a melting pot, as both the old and young thronged to benefit from the free healthcare scheme at the popular Idogo Community town hall.

According to Obey, the programme was part of the activities lined up to celebrate the Seventh year remembrance of his late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Juliana Olaide Obey-Fabiyi, as various health problems were met, as well as the spiritual lives

of people were reawakened, as there was for counseling and prayers section.

Obey shed light on the project thus: “The healthcare and spiritual care are both what man needs here on earth. People would go astray if the spiritual aspect of life is not taken care of and anytime man is doing what he is not supposed to do, he cannot be a happy person. So, the spiritual aspect is very important and we thank God that we are able to balance that through the initiative. The turnout has made it clear that the care that people need matters lot. I thank God and also appreciate the Relume Foundation from the United States, anchored by both Dr and Professor Adeosun, in conjunction with the Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry and the Household of God Church of the Reverend Christe Okotie, in making this a reality.”

The president of the foundation, Professor Sherri Adeosun told DailyTimes that the vision of the foundation in collaboration with the Household of God and the Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministries was to impact the lives of the needy and provide free healthcare services for the rural people.

Chairman of the foundation, Dr Sunday Adeosun, restated that the programme was designed to take care of people medically, physically and spiritually. He reassured: “The foundation will is committed to spread this initiative across Nigeria and other African countries. We want to thank everyone that is supporting this dream from onset. We also want to acknowledge the support of the medical experts and clerics that made this programme a success. I am happy to give back to my

source. Though the challenges are there, we show the government how to best serve our people. This is why we are embarking on this. We also have the support of the Yewa South Local Government,” he added.

Onidogo of Idogo, Oba Saheed Adebiyi thanked Obey for his various contributions to the growth and development of the community. The monarch added: “We are sincerely grateful for the kind gesture and we are confident that it will be of great benefit to us all. The good health and spiritual life of people is very important and that is what the organisers have addressed. I want to use this opportunity to charge all other well-meaning Nigerians, especially indigenes of this town to take a cue from this initiative in order to have a total developmental growth in Idogo and Ogun State at large.”

Lovers of good cuisine are in for a memorable experience with celebrity chef, Gbubemi Fregene at the Lagos edition of The Chef Fregz Tour.

This expedition aims to explore the flavours in different Cities, preparing new recipes influenced by them using their local produce.

The evening of good food is scheduled to hold under a perfect seaside ambience at the upscale 788 on The Sea Restaurant, Lekki on September 7 and 8 respectively.

The renowned Chef, represented by his management,

foremost pan-African talent agency, Temple Management Company (TMC), is set to deliver an exquisite 4 course dinner inspired by the hustle and bustle of the ever-vibrant Lagos we all know. The innovative mystery menu will be carefully developed by the Le Cordon Bleu trained chef stimulated by all the City elements from the busy workers to the brewing traffic to the signature yellow buses.

With the first edition held in Abuja, this is the second in a series expected to continue later to choice destinations in Nigeria and around the world.

It’s curtain call at the 2018 AMVCA as stars shine on TV’s most prestigious night On Saturday, the 1st of September 2018, the much anticipated 6th edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) held to much fanfare, glitz and glam at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

As expected, the crème de la crème of the African film, TV and entertainment industry turned out on the famous AMVCA red carpet and the show, which was hosted by the returning

duo of IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini started with an electrifying performance by the critically acclaimed Niger-Delta dance troupe, Seki.

Other performances of the night include renditions by famous singer-producer Cobhams Asuquo, and Nigerian opera singer, Omo Bello who performed together with her orchestra.

Nigerian rapper Falz also thrilled on the night, even as he won the ‘Best Supporting

Actor in a Drama’ award.

The big winners of the night include Adjetey Anang and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde for ‘Best Actor in a Drama/ Movie’ and ‘Best Actress in a Drama/Movie’ respectively while Jade Osiberu won in the ‘Best Director’ category for the movie ‘Isoken.’

Another highlight of the night was when renowned Nigerian cinematographer Tunde Kelani was presented with the Industry Merit award, a decision that

was well received by the audience as evidenced by a prolonged standing ovation. In the same vein, the Trailblazer Award was given to Bisola Aiyeola in recognition of her growing impact in the African film and TV space.

The crowning of the night was the announcement of Phoebe Ruguru’s ’18 Hours’ as the Best Overall movie, a fitting tribute to an event that featured many other Kenyan winners.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

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MultiChoice talent factory: Reinforcing commitment to Africa’s creative industry Motlani Oseni

L-R: Alero Ayida-Otobo, Board Member, Teach for Nigeria; Feyi Ojugo, Head of Teaching and Administration, Greensprings School; Lolade Sasore, Head, Communications and Knowledge Engagement, FBNQuest Merchant Bank; Folawe Omikunle, CEO, Teach for Nigeria and Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman, Teach for Nigeria at the Teach for Nigeria 2018 Fellows Graduation which took place in Lagos.

NERC bemoans DisCos poor remittance in Q1 2018 As 11 DisCos remit N51.6bn market invoice

Motlani Oseni The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has condemned poor remittance of electricity invoice by the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) in the first quarter of 2018.

NERC in its 2018 first-quarter report published on its website said that tariff deficit was partly responsible for the industry poor remittance, with DisCos remitted only N51.2billion of electricity invoice out of the total N163.1 billion they received during the period under review.

The latest report indicated that liquidity challenges in Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) had continued to manifest

in the first quarter of 2018.

It, however, emphasised that DisCos needed to improve on their remittances, adding that the remittance performance did not reflect the level of revenue collection.

The report said the commission would enforce actions to ensure equitable distribution of market revenue under a structured regime.

It further said that a framework to further ensure transparency in the utilisation of market funds to improve the liquidity in NESI was being developed by the commission.

The commission said was due to the level of remittance of market invoice.

NERC said DisCos remittances were invoices received for energy purchased from the Nigeria Bulk Electricity

Trader (NBET) and those received for administrative services from the Market Operator (MO).

“In the period under review, whereas DisCos were issued a total invoice of N163.1billion for energy, only N51.2billion of the invoice was settled, creating a total deficit of N112.0billion”, it said.

NERC said similar to fourth quarter remittances in 2017, none of the DisCos remitted up to half of their market invoices in the first quarter of 2018.

According to NERC, only Eko and Ikeja DisCos settled up to 45 per cent of their market invoices, while all other DisCos settled below 40 per cent of their invoices in the quarter under review.

NERC, however, said overall market remittance improved from 24 per cent

in fourth quarter of 2017 to 31 per cent in the first quarter of 2018, but noted that the remittance performance remained significantly low.

“Similar to the fourth quarter of 2017, MO received 40 per cent remittance of the invoice issued for service charge during the first quarter of 2018.

“Although there was no noticeable change in the overall revenue collection efficiency of the DisCos. According to NERC, Eko DisCo had the highest remittance of 45 per cent, indicating a 2 per cent drop from its remittance performance in the preceding quarter.

“There was 7.3 per cent increase in total combined remittance to NBET and MO in the first quarter of 2018 relative to the last quarter of 2017”, NERC said.

Economy diversification: Osinbajo shares N4.5m grants to 223 market women

Blue chip companies drop price on NSE

Commissions FCT MSME one-stop-shop

Idu Jude, Abuja Federal Government Nigeria, says that it is ready to free Nigerians from over dependency on oil by promoting the development of other sectors of the economy, improving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), One-StopShop project.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, made this known Thursday in Abuja while launching the FCT micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) with handing over of take off grants to some women.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, described the One-Stop-Shop as a platform designed to eliminate the hassles that startup businesses encounter in their efforts to access registrations and other support

services provided by government agencies.

Under the arrangement, spaces are provided under one roof for agencies like the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and others. So far, the shops have been launched in six states including Cross River, Osun and Plateau states among others. But the Abuja shop is the first fully digitalized platform.

In the Vice President’s words, “All the assistance you need to start your business is domiciled in one place, including the ones provided by the Abuja Enterprise Agency.

The candidates have to deal with a familiar environment where he or she could easily access the mini suites in order to overcome the stress, or fright and intimidation that come with dealing with huge or distant organizations and agencies.”

He urged practitioners to key into the

opportunities provided by the Federal Government which, as he noted, has been relentless in its efforts to support MSMEs in the country. They were urged to reciprocate Federal Government efforts by making effective use of the opportunities provided.

The Vice President also used the occasion to distribute grants of N20, 000.00 each to 223 market women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the umbrella of their various cooperative societies.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, remarked that the MSME sector was crucial to job creation, economic empowerment and poverty alleviation among a majority of Nigerians.

He said: “I would like to acknowledge the energy and resources His Excellency, the Vice President, has invested in the

The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) initiative has been described as an indication of the company’s commitment to growing and developing African creative industries.

This was said during a press brunch hosted by MultiChoice on the eve of the 6th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) to engage with Pan-African media and stakeholders about their role in creating shared value for the industry by investing in local content while igniting the future of Africa’s creative industry through MultiChoice Talent Factory.

The session was led by a panel which included members of the MultiChoice leadership including Yolisa Phahle, Video Entertainment CEO, MultiChoice General Entertainment; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria and Nkateko Mabaso, Acting CEO, M-Net SSA. In his remarks, Ugbe said that the MTF was established to ensure better production of African stories, which will not only resonate with Africans but also with audiences around the world, because according to him, there is a need to take African content to the rest of the world.

Echoing similar sentiments, Phahle, said the MTF is MultiChoice’s way of contributing to the countries in which the company operates as well as a way of magnifying the opportunities for African storytelling, adding that the world is ready to embrace African storytelling in an unprecedented way.

On her part, Cheryl Uys-Allie, Director, MultiChoice Talent Factory, explained that the initiative is about developing the skills of local filmmakers and the growth of the local film industries. She explained that the initiative was launched in May 2018 in Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya, the three countries that will host the MultiChoice Academies.

Each academy will provide 20 students with a full-year academic programme in various aspects of filmmaking. The 60 students, who resume in October, were selected from 3,108 applicants from across the continent. Berry Lwando, Academy Director, Southern Africa, explained that the selection was done in conjunction with experts in local film industries

promotion of MSMEs in the country. His drive and passion bear eloquent testimony to the faith of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in the subsector.”

According to the Minister, MSMEs onestop-shop provides required institutional framework for the coordination and execution of the national policy on MSMEs and synergy among all stakeholders, stressing that this would ultimately culminate in the attainment of National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) in the FCT. “As we are all aware, the MSMEs OneStop-Shop is designed to provide, sound institutional framework for the coordination of implementation of the National Policy on MSMEs as well as provide linkages and synergy among all stakeholders. This is with a view to ensuring the effective execution of the National Enterprise Development Program (NEDEP) in the FCT, among others, he explained.”

Some of the major blue chips listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, recorded price depreciation as a result of profit taking by investors.

Blue chips generally sell high-quality, widely accepted products and services.

They are companies known to weather downturns and operate profitably in the face of adverse economic conditions a development that helps to contribute to their long record of stable and reliable growth.

Dangote Cement topped the price losers’ chart, dropping N1 to close at N20.9 per share, with UBN followed with a loss of 55k to close at N5.3 per share.

Lafarge Wapco depreciated by15k to close at N23, while Oando Oil and Zenith Bank lost 1k each to close at N5.25 and N20.9 per share respectively.

The All-Share Index lost 72.31 basis points or 0.21 per cent to close at 34,037.91 against 34,110.22 recorded on Thursday.

Business Times 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

NNPC allays fear over NUPENG proposed strike Idu Jude, Abuja Against the promises by the NNPC that the country may not experience fuel scarcity in a long run, after 2017 problem, NNPC has again allayed fears of possible hiccups in petroleum products supply in parts of the country following an ultimatum issued by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The NNPC, said that the reason

for NUPENG strike action, is over a purported intervention by an arm of the security agencies in what the union viewed as purely labour matters involving a company and its workers in Delta State.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in a statement Friday in Abuja, said the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru and his Management team, were engaging the parties involved, saying the

Union Bank names winners in Campus Innovation Challenge

parties are close to resolving the issues.

Mr. Ughamadu advised motorists and other consumers of petroleum products not to engage in panic buying as the NNPC Management was close to reaching an amicable resolution of the challenge.

NNPC assured that the corporation had adequate storage of petroleum products across the country, advising that they should not entertain any fear of petroleum shortages.

Air Peace flight returns over smoke alarm, NCAA renews licence Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Air Peace Lagos-Owerri flight returned to base on Friday after a passenger on board informed the crew that he was smelling smoke in the cabin.

A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the Owerribound flight had to return to Lagos as a precautionary measure and in line with the airline’s zero-risk policy.

It stated that the flight, however, landed smoothly in Lagos with passengers on board maintaining their calm.

But checks by Air Peace engineers confirmed that there was no smoke anywhere in the aircraft.

“We confirm that our 9 a.m. LagosOwerri flight returned to base on Friday

How mobile phones can transmit virus, germs – Expert A Public Health Physician, Dr Michael Oguntoye, has warned that mobile phones could transmit diseases and infections if it comes in contact with body fluids of an infected person.

Oguntoye said that phones are “fomites” which could serve as medium of transmitting viral organism, causing diseases and infections on people.

He described fomites as any non-living object or substance capable of carrying infectious organisms, such as viruses or bacteria.

“Taking a cell phone into the bathroom and then leaving with it, can carry diseases and germs, especially when you do not wash your hands and then coming out,” he said.

According to him, phones can transfer diseases and virus from one individual to another.

Oguntoye, an epidemiologist with Kwara Ministry of Health, advised people to keep phones away from the toilet and observe personal hygiene such as hand washing at all times.

He also recommended cleaning of phones with disinfectant that would not harm the phones.

after one of our esteemed guests informed our crew that he was smelling smoke in the cabin. Although nothing indicated in the flight deck that there was anything wrong with the aircraft, our crew decided to return to base as a precautionary measure and in compliance with our zerorisk policy.

“The aircraft landed smoothly in Lagos and our team of engineers immediately conducted thorough checks on the aircraft while all our guests calmly remained in their seats. The checks confirmed that there was neither smoke nor any other fault with the aircraft.

Despite the assurances of our engineers that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the aircraft, we decided to transfer our valued guests to another aircraft to enable our teams do another round of checks in line with our high safety

standards.

“We commend our valued guests for their calm disposition and cooperation while the checks lasted. Although checks by our engineers confirmed that the aircraft was in perfect working condition, we encourage our guests to always feel free to share anything they notice in our flight operations with us as critical stakeholders of the Air Peace family”, the airline stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has renewed the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of the carrier after subjecting its operations to months of rigorous audit.

The AOC signed by the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Usman Muhtar, said Air Peace was authorised to undertake scheduled, cargo and charter operations.

Motolani Oseni Winners have emerged in the Union Bank Campus Innovation Challenge, following a pitch event which held recently in Lagos.

The Innovation Challenge provided a platform for students of tertiary institutions to present innovative, technology-driven ideas that address social and business challenges, for a chance to attract financial and mentorship support from one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions, Union Bank and leading social innovation hub, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub).

During the 1 month entry period which spanned from July 4 to August 5, over 800 entries were received from students across the country with innovative ideas that sought to solve various challenges in the society.

Following the entry period, 9 semi-finalists were shortlisted from the vast pool of entries and invited to present their ideas which were judged based on criteria including business model, innovation, capacity to execute, market opportunity and level of social impact.

The panel of judges included Union Bank’s Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Lola Cardoso and Head, Transaction Banking, Chidi Ileka; Director of People at CcHub, Toun Tunde-Anjous; SouthWest Executive Director at Bank of Agriculture, Bode Abikoye and Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Femi Taiwo.

The duo of Kolawole Tomisin

and Erioluwa Morenikeji, from the University of Ibadan emerged 1st prize winners of 1.5 Million Naira for their initiative – Vinsighte, a health technology project that makes use of technology to help blind and visually impaired persons live a happier, more comfortable life.

First runners up, Obasogie Okpamen, Hermans Joshua and Usifoh Benedict all from Landmark University, received 1 million Naira for their sustainable power project, Ina Lite while the second runnersup from Federal University of Technology Akure, Alabi Oladimeji and Solomon Fabusuyi got 500,000 Naira for Farmally, an agricultural funding initiative.

In addition to the cash prizes, all 3 winning ideas will access a 6-month incubation programme with CcHub where they will receive the necessary support to for their innovative ideas.

Speaking at the event, Lola Cardoso reiterated Union Bank’s focus on encouraging innovation among the youth of Nigeria having identified its importance to the future of Nigeria. She said: “Union Bank remains focused on supporting youth development and innovation; two elements we have identified as being vital to national growth and sustainability.

We applaud the finalists and winners for their impressive ideas and hope the Campus Innovation Challenge will continue to inspire young Nigerians to think innovatively about creating solutions that will ensure Nigeria’s long-term development.”

Nigeria, Netherlands partner on cattle farming model Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr Michel Deelen, says Netherlands is partnering with Nigeria to develop cattle farming models.

The envy made this known during on Friday in Lagos, where he explained that the partnership was against the backdrop of

President Mohammadu Buhari’s visit to the Netherlands in June to garner intelligence on successful cattle farming.

He said: “The issue of cattle farming among other things was discussed during President Buhari’s visit to the Netherlands.

“We had discussion with the Ministry

of Agriculture on how we can develop the process of rearing cattle without having to walk through other people’s farm.

“That is an issue that has to do with many things but basically cattle undertake those long journeys because they are in need of food.

“If you can produce that food in one

location, then there will be no need for the cattle to walk through other people’s farms to graze.

“This is something that is basically an international effort because you need to find the right animal food that grows in the country, ‘’ Deelen said.

L-R: Managing Director Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Africa Group, Toyin Sanni, Managing Director, FBN Quest Funds, Ijeoma Obatoyinbo, during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Panel Session on Financial Inclusion and Wealth Management in Abuja.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

17

‘Why I am in support of lawmakers working on part time’ Gbemiga Amuludun is an aspirant for the House of Representatives, Alimosho constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Amuludun recently spoke with ESTHER TAIWO on his aspirations and why Nigeria should go for part time legislature instead of full time as well as the importance of the Not Too Young to Run law to the 2019 elections.

What informed your decision to vie for a position as member of the House of Representatives?

My decision to go to the House of Representatives is simply to serve, Alimosho is a large constituency, the largest in Nigeria and the people deserves a good representation, the type that is unique and will bring dividend of democracy to their door steps. Over the years, efforts have been geared at achieving that but I believe with a vibrant young man like myself, such is achievable.

What change do you hope to bring to bear in Alimosho constituency?

I want to do more in terms of healthcare, educational facilities, infrastructural development among others; all these are achievable with the support of the good people of Alimosho. I want to engage the people, to be able to have meaningful engagement in my constituency and that will inform what I will take to National Assembly in terms of co-sponsorship of projects that will bring development to my people. Politics is not about giving money to people or buying bags of rice for them, it’s about serving people based on their needs. In addition to that I want to bring intellect to politics, one does not need to rely on a god father to get into position you can also share ideas and visions, in my years in politics I am yet to see someone with core values or ideas that will drive his mission and aspirations in line with service to the people.

I have a slogan SERVE, which is an acronym for Service, Excellence, Respect, Vibrancy and Empathy. I want to be able to empathise with the people of Alimosho, understand their pains and with a level of respect and vibrancy as a youth, I want to achieve excellence by serving them.

Have you considered the power of incumbency especially when the candidate is an ex-chairman of Alimosho Local Government?

I want to serve, if there has been any evidence of service from this aspirant you spoke of, interestingly he’s my former principal whom I worked with till October 2017. I have his ideas and visions and if I can’t project them through him then I can project them myself. That is why I always encourage youths like myself to stop seeing barriers to their aspirations, stop seeing incumbency or money as barriers, once you have good ideas and visions, you don’t need any godfather to get to that post, people will automatically support you.

What makes you think APC will still have a grip of power cone 2019 after all the defections we are witnessing from party members?

Defections are expected during electioneering season, people will want to go to a party where they feel their dreams and aspirations can be met, some may want to do it for personal reasons and claim they are doing it for national development, I am an APC member and I believe in the leadership of President Muhamadu Buhari.

One might be wondering why I am supporting an old man being a young man myself, but basically when you look at somebody’s mission and character, this will help you in determining the direction to take. I don’t see the opposition party dislodging us just because some people are defecting.

Did the Not Too Young to Run bill motivate you into what you are doing presently?

First of all I am a registered member of APC, although I had joined politics and became a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) well before the APC was formed. As a grassroots politician and one with a passion to serve, I quickly became a household name within the party. I have served in various capacities within APC such as local government and ward coordinator among others, what I want to say is that the Not Too Young to Run

bill will not mean anything to young aspirants if young people don’t come out to support and encourage them.

Talking further about the Not Too Young to Run bill, in France for instance, we have a young man as the President, but here you are supporting an elderly man, are you saying the bill is exclusively for some positions other than the Presidency?

In the real sense none of the people running for Presidency is 35, they are well over that, the bill will not be effective if young people themselves don’t come out because where there is a will there is a way, young people should stop seeing barriers, stop seeing incumbency, money or inability to move round as constraints, once they bring out their will they will be surprised, the way will come. My issue with the Not Too Young to Run bill is not about the old but the young people, we should take

In the real sense none of the people running for Presidency is 35, they are well over that, the bill will not be effective if young people themselves don’t come out because where there is a will there is a way.

Amuludun

ownership, contest at the House of Reps, National Assembly or anywhere, the nomination fee should also not be an issue, we should think outside the box, think of how you can meet up despite the attempt to shut out young people.

What do you think APC will do differently come 2016?

You know that a lot of damages have been done for over 16 years by the opposition party PDP and four years is never going to be enough to restore all the damages, President Buhari is trying his best, all I want from people is to support him and identify people who we can vouch for their integrity, vision and ideas. If President Buhari has a good vision and other arms of the government such as the judiciary are not cooperating then his vision for Nigeria cannot be realised, but if he has people of like minds surrounding him then governance becomes easy.

With the drama going on in the National Assembly, do you think legislature should be part time or full time?

I am in support of legislative business being a part time because when one looks at their

calendar, it shows it’s part time, out of 365 days they only work for about 180 days, also it will reduce just any Dick and Harry from seeking political posts.

Also focus should be shifted from the remuneration that is attached to the post, we should focus more on the system where things are done accordingly and where financial gains do not supersede service and such it will not be all comers affair. Now we need to set the standard, media should run debates for aspirants even before obtaining the nomination form. On constituency projects, people should also concentrate on implementation and execution.

Rep members should monitor implementation and execution of constituency projects that are executed. I am of the opinion that constituency projects should be more of capital rather than empowerment. Constituency projects need supervision, execution and implementation.

Nigerian youth should learn to engage politicians, ask them the reason why they are vying for that position so as to hold them accountable. Youth should also be self sufficient, they should not rely on any politician so as to be able to look at such in the eye and ask questions.

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

2019: There’s need for level playing field for aspirants - Adeyeye Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye is the immediate past Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly. An indigene of Ondo town in Ondo State, he is presently the Special Adviser on Health to the Ondo State governor and an aspirant for the House of Representatives to represent Ondo Federal Constituency. He recently celebrated his 50th birthday which attracted many dignitaries to the ancient Ondo kingdom. PATRICK OKOHUE spoke with him shortly after the celebration and he bares his mind on the reasons behind the celebration, adding that it has nothing to do with his ambition or to intimidate his opponents.

You just concluded the celebration of your 50 birthday, that was filled with many activities and the crowd today was huge, how will you describe your feelings after today’s event?

Well, I want to really thank God and say that I am now much more disposed to serving my community, the community showed a lot of love, the community showed me that all these while that I have been serving them is not in vain, that it is appreciated, by the turn out at my birthday ceremony, by the turn out at all the events that I held towards marking my 50th birthday. There is a great sense of commitment in me to continue to serve this community.

Your governor described you as one the pillars of his government and a digital adviser, how does that make you feel?

Well, only he really understands what he means, but then what the governor has done is to again give me greater responsibilities.

Because with that, even people that hitherto were not consulting with you before concerning the government will now start talking to you and you will now have much more responsibilities to discharge to the people as far as Ondo State government

Adeyeye

is concerned. We give glory and adoration to God that the governor too appreciates my little contributions to the government of Ondo State.

When you say the turn out and the love that your people showed has given you a responsibility to do more, what exactly do you mean?

I started this ceremony precisely on Tuesday 21st and by that Tuesday, the quantum of gifts that I got from the

community was so enormous that I cannot even believe that it is I that attracted that much gifts from the people. Secondly, on Wednesday during the church service, that day was the day of a major Muslim festival, but despite the Muslim festival, because in this town, we are inter related, Muslims marry Christians, and Christians marry Muslims, the church was still filled with people that came to rejoice with me that I was 50 and on Friday I had

empowerment programme, deliberately I did not advertise the empowerment programme until Wednesday, so, people basically had about 72 hours notice to attend that event, but at the empowerment event on Friday, we had well over a 1000 people attending, even though we gave empowerment to only about 689 people.

Yes, you could say that it was because we wanted to give somethings free to them, but it is also possible that you call people that you have food to give to them to eat and they say they don’t want to eat your food, so if people accept you and accept your gifts that you are offering, it is a thing of joy, irrespective of the fact that you are giving it and they are receiving it.

That was on Friday, on Friday evening I had a picnic on my farm, where my friends, family and family friends attended in very large number and the joy, the mood at the farm was awesome, very encouraging and the last day was today, we had over 3000 guests that came just because I was celebrating my 50 birthday.

We had two governors, two deputy governors and a lot of very distinguished Nigerians attended the event, what more can I ask for, people from Lagos, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Governor-elect of Ekiti State, the present governor of Ondo

State and his deputy were all in attendance. My Speaker for eight years in the Lagos State House of Assembly was also in attendance and several others.

I don’t think I could have wished for more, it can only be that God again in His infinite mercy has extended further privileges to me.

I overheard some people say that the event of today is a sort of warning notice to anyone interested in the House of Representatives position in your constituency, that they should just go and sit down, with the turnout of event today will you agree that you have successfully intimidated others who are aspiring with you for that seat?

Well, the intention was not to intimidate anybody, the intention was just to appreciate the goodness of God in my life, the intention was just to celebrate the privileges that God has given me, having stayed this far. Off course there are reasons to believe that so many people attending one event might be a source of concern to other would be aspirants for the position of member of the House of Reps, but be that as it may, my party is a very fair party and I am sure they would create a level playing ground and the best man will still get the job.

Rivers 2019: ‘Emergence of Tonye Cole as APC’s preferred aspirant ‘a breath of fresh air’ Theresa Tekenah The senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Andrew Uchendu, has described the emergence of the Rivers-born billionaire entrepreneur, co-founder and former executive director of Sahara Group, Tonye Cole, as a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State chapter, as ‘a breath of fresh air’.

Uchendu, Acting Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, stated this during an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He said: “Even though APC has so many Rivers people who are eminently qualified and competent to contest the governorship election in 2019, the

choice of Architect Tonye Cole is a breath of fresh air into the politics of the state.

“We need this breath of fresh air in all sectors in Rivers State, ranging from the economy, security, education, tourism, to agriculture, etc., so that our dear state will be brought back to what our political forebears wished for us to have as a state.

“It is for this reason that they agitated, got humiliated and finally created a state for us in 1967, hence we are duty-bound to reward and honour their selfless sacrifices with a choice that will get us back on track.

“It is therefore, a clear signal that APC is ready to rescue and rebuild Rivers State through this our illustrious son. We have chosen one of the most credible persons for the governorship seat of Rivers State come 2019. He is a well-trained and wellinformed Rivers son, with broad-based education, who has a full knowledge of what it takes to govern people and a state,” Uchendu opined.

The representative of Rivers East Senatorial District said the statement attributed to him concerning Cole’s popularity was laughable.

“I have known Tonye Cole for the past 12 years now, and I have watched his general candour and respectable mien.

This is why he is a son in whom majority of Rivers people are well pleased.

“And this was why I found it laughable when mischievous characters in Governor Nyesom Wike’s government said I do not have Tonye Cole’s phone number. That is nothing but arrant nonsense and complete falsehood.

“The senatorial district that I represent is the core of Rivers State, and I am privileged to have interacted with about 90 percent of the captains of industry in the state, including Architect Tonye Cole, who is a successful international entrepreneur,” Uchendu said.

He disclosed that the leader of the party in the state, Chibuike Amaechi did

not impose any governorship aspirant on the leadership of the APC, stating that necessary consultations were made months before the decision to ‘support’ Cole was reached.

“We agreed in all our meetings some months ago that after the necessary consultations, our leader, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, should not choose any candidate on his own, rather he should consult widely, including leaders of the party and owners of the state, and that after all his findings, we will sit down together, discuss with him and make a choice. And that is exactly what happened. Amaechi did not impose anybody on us.

“I wish that Rivers people will accept with open hands this illustrious son of ours, a successful business man who will not tamper with our kobo because God has blessed him, and he has made a career in life. Let him come

and join hands with other well-meaning Rivers people to deliver the state from Wike’s purposeless, greed-ridden and kindergarten administration,” Uchendu stressed.

Cole

Crime Times Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 8, 2018

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Initiation into cult go awry as police arrest 11 . Suspects rob residents, injure many

Joy Anyim, Lagos What could have passed as an ordinary initiation ceremony into a newly formed secret confraternity named ‘The New Black Movement of Africa’ turned sour on Thursday after a recruit who could not take the torture of the initiation absconded.

The recruit (names withheld) alongside many others had been taken to a hideout in Ajah to be initiated to the new confraternity

which is a break away from the Aiye cult group.

The Daily Times gathered that the recruit had absconded just after the initiation process had started at about 12:10 am on the said day.

Eleven members of confraternity were sent after the youngster who fled to his mother’s house at Jakande Estate , Ajah Lagos.

The alleged cultists had attacked the boy and his family but for the swift intervention of the Divisional Police Officer in

charge of Ilasan division, CSP Onyinye Onwuamaegbu who led a contingent of policemen to the estate and arrested 11 members of the group.

The suspects with an average age of 25 years include- Godwin Victor, Benjamin Daniel, Saviour Anioffiong, Lawal Ibrahim, Shola Odekunle, Sodiq Olawuyi, Segun Fagbohun, Bashiru Lawal, Chinedu Francis, Wahab Adams and Ifarinde Adeniyi. They have also confessed to the crime.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,

Mr Imohimi Edgal, who confirmed the incident, parents and guardians need to educate their children on the many disadvantages of cultism.

Giving more details on how the suspects were arrested, Edgal said, “ The recruits in question couldn’t endure the torture and other initiation rites he was subjected to, so he bolted for his dear life and ran to his mother’s house at Jakande Estate, Ajah Lagos. “ Miffed by the apparent show of cowardice by the intending

I hide guns for robbers in dustbin truck, suspect reveals Joy Anyim, Lagos A 20-year-old refuse bin carrier, Musa Hassan, who was recently arrested by the police in Lagos, has confessed hiding guns,arms and ammunition for notorious criminals terrorising Ikate Itire area of Lagos.

The suspect, who was sighted at a glance following a tip off from members of the public, was arrested by detectives of the Rapid Response Squad patrol at a dump site in Ikate while trying to hand over a black bag containing the weapon to a client.

Hassan, who hails from Nasarawa State, confessed to the crime and said that he usually keeps guns for one Taofick Ayinla who uses it for his robbery operation He was about handing over the bag to Ayinla who upon sighting the police abandoned the bag containing the weapon and took to his heels.

During interrogation,

the suspect said, “As a refuse truck disposer, I give information to robbers.

Whenever people ask me to come into their homes and carry dustbin and I see there are good household appliances or even a car, I give the house address to robbers to go and operate. “ If they are successful in the operation, I am rewarded in cash.

Sometimes N5,000 or even more depending on how much they get.”

Hassan said also claimed he sleeps at the dustbin site and in the morning he will start his daily refuse work.

Items recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol (cut to size), six expended bullets, jack knife and a long UTC axe painted with black and red at the bottom.

The police said the suspect will soon be charged to court when investigation is concluded.

Suspected cultists from the Black Confraternity Movement of Africa in Ajah, Lagos State.

Robbers who disguise as okada riders nabbed in Lagos Joy Anyim, Lagos Three notorious highway robbers who disguise as Okada riders have been arrested by operatives from the Raider team of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Lagos State Police Command.

The suspects identified as Kehinde Ramon (20), Afolabi Ibrahim (23) and Sheriff Ogundeji (25) operate around Okokomaiko, Igando, Pipeline and Ajangbadi axis.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command , Mr Imohimi Edgal, who paraded the suspects before journalists at the Command Headquaters in Ikeja, said Ramon had attempted to snatch a lady’s (names withheld) handbag at Okokomaiko, but luck ran out on him and he was arrested.

Edgal said Ramon led detectives to arrest the other two members of his gang.

The Lagos CP said, “ On August 22, 2018 at Okokomaiko, operatives of the Command arrested Ramon who is an Okada rider but behind the scene, he is a notorious highway robber with specialty in attacking commuters, snatching handbags from unsuspecting ladies. Infact he robs whenever the opportunity presents itself. “ During interrogation, he confessed that he is a traffic robber and that he usually operates with members of his gang along Okokomaiko, Pipeline, Igando and Ajangbadi axis. Further revelations from him led to the arrest of Afolabi Ibrahim and Sheriff Ogundeji at Odusan Street behind Akesan market Igando.”

Items recovered from the suspects are one Italian made pistol; one locally made double barrel pistol; several ammunition and their operational motorcycle.

Edgal said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

recruit and the fact that he may give them up to the police, the group chased him to his mother’s residence and began to beat up everybody in sight, at same time, robbing residents of the estate who were woken up by their noise. “ Unfortunately for the group, the mother of the runaway boy, sneaked out of the house and placed a distress call to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ilasan division, CSP Onyinye Onwuamaegbu who led a contingent of policemen to the estate and arrested 11 members of the group, all males.”

The police team also recovered the one locally made shotgun, four live cartridges, three cutlasses, one sledge hammer, 10 horse whips and assorted charms from the suspects.

In a related development, the State Police Boss also hinted that two notorious cultists - Rasheed Yusuf (aka Radical) and Abel Okwo - were arrested during a supremacy battle between the Aiye and Eiye confraternities at Akerele street, Oworonshoki.

P r e l i m i n a r y investigations revealed that Okwo had been charged to court two months ago by the Command for cult related offences only to come back to terrorise the town the more.

The Commissioner of Police therefore vowed that the Command will not relent in its efforts at ridding the state of members of these unlawful societies.

While thanking Lagosians for always providing the Command with information about the activities of these outlaws and solicited for more cooperation, Edgal said, “ I call on parents to hold heart to heart talks with their children, male and female alike, on the evil consequences of belonging to cult groups.”

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FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

g 21

Manager of Ethiopia’s $4bn Nile dam project committed suicide

Aid group calls for migrant evacuations from Tripoli Aid group Doctors Without Borders has urged the evacuation of thousands of migrants trapped in detention centers in Libya’s capital Tripoli, which is under a fragile cease-fire after deadly clashes.

The cease-fire brokered by the UN was agreed between armed groups on Tuesday after at least 63 people were killed in days of fighting around the city.

Doctors Without Borders, also known under its French name Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), said migrants in squalid detention centers close to the frontline could yet come under shelling and artillery fire.

Analysts say the cease-fire is doomed without a sustainable political agreement between the myriad armed groups.

Ibrahim Younis, MSF’s mission chief in Libya, said food supplies to the detention centers were sparse as international groups had been forced to suspend their work due to

the clashes.

The charity has been completely cut off from one of the most crowded detention centers, depriving some 700 people of aid, and has pulled some staff from the city.

The UN’s refugee agency, the UNHCR, last week said it had “evacuated” some 300 migrants from the Ain Zara detention center to another a few kilometers away as they risked getting caught in the crossfire.

But Younis said this was not good enough.

“Moving endangered refugees and migrants from one detention center to another in the same conflict zone cannot be described as an evacuation and it is certainly not a solution,” he said in a statement.

The aid group called on the UNHCR and the governments of peaceful countries to organize a mass evacuation for the migrants, who could then claim asylum.

The International Organization

for Migration could arrange for those seeking to return home to do so, MSF said.

The group also called on the EU and Libyan authorities to stop blocking boatloads of migrants seeking to flee the conflict-torn country, “with the goal of reducing arrivals to Europe at all costs.”

Sub-Saharan African migrants have suffered appalling abuses since Libya descended into chaos following the death of dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011.

A video showing African migrants being sold as slaves sparked global outrage last year.

Some 8,000 people picked up by the Libyan coast guard while trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe are being indefinitely held in detention centers, according to the UNHCR. EU countries have offered support and training to the Libyan coast guard in a bid to stem the influx of migrants to Europe.

Qatar’s $11bn Germany deal alarms analysts Doubts have been cast over a multibillion-dollar investment Qatar plans to make in Germany, with one analyst warning that Doha could struggle to fulfil its financial pledge.

Qatar said on Friday it would invest €10 billion ($11.6 billion) in Germany over the next five years, including the possible creation of a liquefied natural gas terminal, Reuters reported.

“To express our trust in the strength of the German economy and the importance of investing in it, I announce the intention of Qatar to pump investments that amount to €10 billion into the German economy in the next five years,” Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was reported as saying.

One analyst said that Doha could find it difficult to fulfil the deal due to the boycott on Qatar by the Anti-Terror Quartet. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have imposed sanctions on Doha over its alleged support of terror groups.

Doha denies the charges.

Ghanem Nuseibeh, founder of Cornerstone Global, a management consultancy focused on the Middle East, said that Qatar is making the German investment “partly from a political standpoint.”

He added: “They will not be nostrings-attached investments and whichever Germany project they invest in, (people need) to be aware of that.”

Nuseibeh said that Qatar is known for failing to fulfil its investment pledges. “Given the financial pressure the Qatari economy is under due to the sanctions, Qatar may find it difficult to carry out whatever it has promised Germany,” he said.

“In addition, contractors working for Qatar including for FIFA 2022 are known to have faced delays in payments, and the most notable case is Carillion which has collapsed, despite senior British government intervention with the Qatari government.

“The Germans need to be very cautious about Qatari promises and be aware of serious risks that such collaboration would entail.”

News of the pledged Germany investment follows another warning over Qatari deals in Europe.

Qatar could saddle British taxpayers with a bill for billions of pounds by defaulting on payments for military equipment ordered from the UK, it emerged this week.

A leaked UK government document revealed that a deal to sell Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar will require “unprecedented” support from the British taxpayer, The Telegraph reported on Monday.

Officials expressed concern that underwriting the £6 billion deal risked “billions” of government funding if Qatar defaulted on the agreement.

The documents indicated that there is concern over whether Qatar can meet its obligations, with Qatar reportedly missing a July deadline for the first instalment.

The project manager of a $4 billion Ethiopian dam who was found dead in his vehicle in Addis Ababa on July 26 committed suicide, police said on Friday.

Simegnew Bekele was the public face of the Grand Renaissance Dam project on the River Nile — the centerpiece of Ethiopia’s bid to become Africa’s biggest power exporter.

Scores of people took to the streets following his death, both in his home city in Ethiopia’s north and in the capital Addis Ababa, where he was found with a bullet wound below his right ear, sparking allegations that he might have been murdered.

On Friday, police ruled out foul play.

“His death was not the result of a murder. The investigation concludes that it was suicide,” the head of Ethiopia’s Federal Police Commission, Zeinu Jemal, told reporters.

Forensic examinations matched gunshot residue to a gun he had owned for a decade, he added.

Zeinu said the investigation had shown that the victim had been under pressure from delays in the construction of the dam, and that conversations with his secretary an hour before his death, and with his

children the evening before, “seemed like farewell statements.”

Ethiopia has been pushing on with the project in the face of opposition from Egypt, which fears the dam will affect the flow of the Nile, its main source of water. In June, the leaders of Ethiopia and Egypt vowed to iron out their differences peacefully.

The government has only acknowledged recently that the dam, begun in 2011 and originally expected to be completed this year, might take another 10 years to finish.

Last month, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the government had terminated the contract of the state-run Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC), the contractor for the project’s electromechanical and hydraulic steel structure divisions.

Italy’s Salini Impregilo remains the main contractor building the dam, which is designed to churn out 6,000 megawatts (MW) of power on completion.

Zeinu said the preliminary indications were that Simegnew’s suicide was linked not only to the delays but also to the extra costs they were incurring for the government: “All this added up to pile pressure on engineer Simegnew.”

UK embassy accuses Russia of ‘disinformation’ over Skripals The British embassy in Moscow on Friday accused Russia of spreading “disinformation” after London charged two Russian citizens with the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the UK. The UK this week identified the men as Russian intelligence officers and said President Vladimir Putin was “ultimately” responsible for the March attack.

Moscow said pointing the finger at the Kremlin was “unacceptable.”

“Russia is distracting from the facts,” the UK embassy said on Twitter, after ambassador Laurie Bristow held a briefing on the case for foreign diplomats in the country.

The embassy accused Russia of spreading “37 disinformation narratives since March.”

On Wednesday Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned

the authenticity of CCTV photographs which the UK police released of the suspects, implying it was suspicious that the time on the photographs was identical.

“Maria Zakharova asked why the times on two CCTV images were the same: these were images of the suspects arriving in the UK taken from two cameras covering separate lanes at international arrivals,” the embassy tweeted.

The “operation (was) almost certainly approved at senior levels of (the) Russian state,” it said.

But the embassy added that “UK concerns are with the Russian state, not the Russian people.”

Britain has previously accused Russia of orchestrating the attack, but Moscow denies any involvement and insists it is ready to cooperate on an investigation.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

GOtv Boxing NextGen search 4 to hold in Abeokuta

Mutiat Alli, Lagos The fourth edition of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search will hold in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, between 13 and 15 September. The programme, sponsored

by Pay TV company, GOtv, and organized by Flykite Productions, was conceived to unearth young and talented amateur boxers desirous of tuning professional.

It will take the form of sparring sessions supervised by some of the country’s best boxing coaches, who will assess and select the boxers adjudged to

be ready to move into the professional ranks. The programme will hold at Dunkin Pepper Gym inside the MKO International Stadium Complex.

It is open to boxers between the ages of 18 and 25 from all parts of the country.

Boxers selected by the coaches will have the licences paid for by the sponsors, undergo free medical examination and are in line to fight in coming editions of GOtv Boxing Night.

This is the second time the event is holding outside Lagos since it debuted in 2015. Last year, it held at the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Gym, Wall Hotel, Ibadan. The first two editions held at

the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Gym in Surulere, Lagos. Each of the previous editions attracted over a hundred boxers, out of which an average of 25 were adjudged ready to make the leap into the professional cadre. The programme has helped many boxers rise to local and international prominence.

Reigning West African welterweight champion, Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, was discovered at the maiden edition of the programme. He went on to become the national champion before clinching the sub-regional title.

He also, on two occasions, won the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night,

g22

earning cash prizes of N2million and N1million attached to the award. Other products of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, who have come into the big time, include Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola, winner of the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night 15; Prince “Lion” Nwoye, Chukwuebuka “Wize King” Ezewudo and Osamudiamen “Chiso” Goodluck.

Registration forms for the event are available free of charge at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Gym, Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) Secretariat, National Stadium, Lagos; Alake Sports Centre, Abeokuta; and Akure Township Stadium, Akure.

Gernot Rohr: We’re in Seychelles for serious business The weather was exceedingly warm on Mahe Island on Thursday morning as Coach Gernot Rohr, alongside his assistants, took his charges through their paces at the Stade Linite ahead of Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter with the Pirates of Seychelles.

After the one–hour training session, attended by all 21 players available for the match, the Franco-German tactician told thenff.com that players and officials are very much aware of the crucial nature of Saturday evening’s game to Nigeria’s presence at African football’s major houseparty next year summer.

“Everyone realizes the importance of this match. We are currently number three in our group and that position

does not befit Super Eagles of Nigeria.

It is not good for us because it is outside the qualification range.

“The players know this. They know that on Saturday they have to show character to put our campaign back on track with a good result.”

Seychelles is a leading tourist destination with plane –loads of fun seekers trooping in on daily basis to spend good time relaxing on any of the major islands in the 115 islands that make up the archipelago.

But Gernot Rohr made it clear his boys are not vacationers looking for relaxation.

“We are not here on vacation. We are here for serious business.

“We have a young, ambitious team and Nigeria has a better pedigree in the

game of football than Seychelles. But we must not under –rate them in any way or take things for granted.

“The World Cup is behind us now, but we must allow the lessons we learnt in Russia to make us better and more efficient in our approach.

The Cup of Nations is the focus now and we must get a good result on Saturday to get our campaign back, and then we can now look ahead with determination to win the remaining matches in our group to qualify easily for the championship.”

Saturday’s Group E tie, which is one of the Matchday 2 fixtures happening across the African continent, will start at 4.30pm Seychelles time (1.30pm Nigeria time) at the 10,000 –capacity Stade Linite in Victoria on Mahe Island.

...calls up NPFL stars for Super Eagles friendly against Liberia Gernot Rohr plans to call up several NPFL stars for Tuesday’s friendly against Liberia in Monrovia, officials have revealed.

It was gathered that it will be the entire 21-man for tomorrow’s AFCON qualifier in Seychelles who will be available for the Liberia friendly and as such a number of players from the domestic league will be given a chance to show what they can do at this level.

Rohr has often been criticised for overlooking players from the domestic league as he has maintained that the country’s best players are based overseas.

Only Enyimba goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa made the final squad to the last World Cup in Russia as a result, while the likes of Stephen Odey and Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazzam’ were on the fringes of the national team while they were still featuring in the NPFL.

Arsenal sign nine-year-old Nigerian boy A nine-year-old Nigerian boy, Jayden Adetiba, has been signed to Arsenal Academy after five weeks on trial at the club’s academy in London.

The Nigerian-born Adetiba, who relocated from England to South Africa 2 years ago, played for the SuperSport United Soccer School in Cape Town.

Adetiba’s coach, Brent Sanders told KweséESPN that the boy has “something special”.

“Jayden worked with me for two years from the age of seven, and from his first practice session I could see that he was an exceptional talent that stood out in the group,” Sanders said.

“His mentality is different, the way he goes

about his training. His work ethic is a lot better than other kids his age, and I think that comes down to the way he was brought up,” he added The coach further stated that the wonder kid progressed almost with every training session.

He had “a real hunger to learn and was able to put that into practice quickly,” Sanders said.

Adetiba while Speaking to The Sun UK, said: “I thank God and my parents for this, I am very

happy” “The amazing thing is, I have always been an Arsenal fan and I will work hard every day to make the first team,” he added.

Adetiba and his teammate won a tournament last year when they went to the Futebol de Salao (FDS) World Cup in Johannesburg.

Serena Williams faces history maker Naomi Osaka in US Open final Six-time champion Serena Williams swept aside Anastasija Sevastova Thursday to reach a ninth US Open final, where she’ll face Japanese trail blazer Naomi Osaka. The last time they met in Miami Open last March, Osaka prevailed in two sets.

Williams, seeded 17th as she seeks to add to her 23 Grand Slam titles for the first time since the birth of her daughter Olympia last year, needed just 66 minutes to dispatch the 19thseeded Sevastova 6-3, 6-0.

Osaka, seeded 20th, became the first Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam final with a 6-2, 6-4

victory over American Madison Keys — last year’s beaten finalist.

Williams called her return to the US Open final for a ninth time “incredible” given that she was undergoing surgery for life threatening blood clots this time last year in the wake of giving birth.

“To come from that, in the hospital bed, not being able to move and walk and do anything, now only a year later, I’m not training, but I’m actually in these finals, in two in a row,” said Williams, who also reached the final at Wimbledon.

“To come this far so fast ….

I’m really looking forward to the

possibilities,” she said.

Williams lost out in the semi-finals of her last two US Opens, in 2015 and 2016.

But with six titles in New York she needs just one more to surpass Chris Evert for most all-time — and she needs just one more Grand Slam title to equal Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24.

Osaka, 20 and in the last four at a Slam for the first time, admitted she was driven by the idea of facing Williams.

Asked how she managed to save all 13 break points she faced, Osaka said: “I was just thinking I really want to play Serena.”

Osaka, who had already made history along with men’s semi-finalist Kei Nishikori as the first Japanese man and woman to reach the last four at the same Slam, had lost three prior meetings with Keys.

“I’m just glad I was able to get through this match,” said Osaka, who broke Keys at love for a 5-2 lead in the first set and after calmly serving it out broke her again to open the second set.

She made the break stand up, withstanding six break points in the next game.

Her overriding aim as she served for the match, Osaka said, was “Don’t double fault”.

In fact she closed it out with a service winner that bounced wildly off the frame of Keys’s racquet.

Osaka won her only prior meeting with Williams, in the first round at Miami in March — the American star’s second tournament since giving birth.

“I definitely wasn’t at my best,” said Williams, now in her seventh tournament back.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 8, 2018

23 Sports Times

Novak Djokovic admits 2018 US Open toughest mission Novak Djokovic believes that the man who lifts the US Open trophy on Sunday will have truly earned the mantle of champion, describing the hot and steamy 2018 tournament as the “toughest” he has encountered.

Djokovic, the winner in 2011 and 2015, faces Kei Nishikori in Friday’s semi-finals, his 11th successive appearance in the last-four.

An eighth final is within reach and to achieve that, the 31-year-old expects Nishikori to make him sweat — literally.

“From my experience, and I can only talk about myself, this has been definitely the toughest US Open in the last ten years that I have played in in terms of conditions,” said the 13-time major winner.

The US Open has been played out in sweltering temperatures — over the 30-degree mark most days — and crushing humidity.

Roger Federer was drenched through after his shock fourth round loss to world number 55 John Millman, complaining it was impossible to breathe down in the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic said he changed his shirt 10 times in his quarter-final victory over Millman in a match which was held up for more than six minutes at 2-2 in the

Anthony Joshua: I’ll dismantle Alexander Povetkin second set when the Australian left the court to change his clothes.

“It’s OK,” Djokovic told Millman.

“I need a rest.”

Djokovic admitted this event could be ranked “as the sweatiest Slam ever”.

“I personally have never sweated as much as I have here. Incredible. I mean, I have to take at least 10 shirts

for every match. It’s literally after two games you’re soaking.”

Federer, 37, had speculated that since the roof and its supports were built over the Ashe stadium, there has been an decrease in the air flow.

Djokovic said the tournament needs to address the problem of airconditioning in an arena which can hold almost 25,000 people.

Diego Maradona named coach of Mexican club Dorados Argentina great Diego Maradona has been appointed coach of Mexican second division side Dorados.

The club issued a short video on their social media channels with the messages ‘Welcome Diego’ and ‘Make it a 10’.

Although Dorados, who are based in Sinaloa state in northwest Mexico, gave no further details, Mexican newspapers said Maradona had been hired to replace Francisco Gamez.

Dorados fired Gamez on Thursday after a poor start to the season that saw them take three points from a Luka Modric said Cristiano Ronaldo sent him a text message telling him he deserved to win UEFA’s Player of the Year award.

Modric received the honour last week, edging out Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah, after winning the Champions League with Madrid and helping Croatia reach the World Cup final. He also joined Ronaldo and Salah on the shortlist for the FIFA Player of the Year award on Monday.

Ronaldo, who did not show up to the ceremony, was trying to win UEFA’s

possible 15. They sit 13th in the 15team league.

Maradona, 57, is considered one of the greatest players of all time after a career that peaked in 1986 when he captained Argentina to their second and last World Cup title.

He previously had short stints coaching clubs in Argentina and the United Arab Emirates but his longest spell in charge was with Argentina, who he led at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He will presented by Dorados this weekend and will debut as coach on September 15 when they face Cafetaleros de Tapachula.

Cristiano Ronaldo congratulated Luka Modric on ‘deserved’ UEFA award award for the third consecutive year.

“I have a good relationship with Ronaldo,” Modric told RTP3 after Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Portugal on Thursday. “It’s still the same. For me, the individual awards are important, but the collective ones are more important than individual ones. I’m not obsessed with these. We’ve already spoken.

“He sent me a message to congratulate me. He said he was happy for me and that I deserved it. He also said he would like to see me soon.

That’s it. We have a good relationship.”

Agent Jorge Mendes said it was a disgrace that Ronaldo did not win the UEFA award and left during the ceremony, although he claimed he did so to tend to transfer business.

“He scored 15 goals, and carried Madrid on his back to win another Champions League,” Mendes said at the time. “It’s just ridiculous — a disgrace. There is no doubt about the winner. He is the best in his position.”

Zlatko Dalic, Croatia’s coach, said

earlier this week he would not want Ronaldo on his team because of his ego, but clarified on Thursday that he did not mean his claim to sound negative.

“Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, in my opinion,” Dalic said. “This was part of my answer to the question because Ronaldo wasn’t at the award ceremony. I said that it was a little bit selfish, but the truth is that I didn’t want to sound negative. I was misunderstood.”

Meanwhile, former Juventus striker David Trezeguet said he believes Ronaldo’s scoring touch will come once he fully adjusts to life at his new club.

“A champion of that level looks to score as much as possible and he’s working for that,” Trezeguet told Sky Sport Italia. “He’s just getting to know his teammates and taking on board the methods of his new coach. He’ll score again because he’s incredible. I hope he’ll do it quickly for the good of Juventus. He’s very calm because the team is winning and has to continue developing with him.”

Olympic gold medal winner Anthony Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) insists he won’t be distracted by thoughts of potential megabouts against Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury as the world heavyweight champion prepares to defend his titles.

Joshua will put his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO belts up for grabs against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin on September 22.

It will be the British fighter’s first bout at Wembley since he stopped Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017.

Joshua has been repeatedly linked with clashes against heavyweight division rivals Wilder and Fury.

But the 28-year-old is aware mandatory challenger Povetkin is the first danger he must tackle.

“Povetkin is a massive threat because he wants to be in the position that I’m in,” Joshua told Sky Sports News.

“I think I’ve got good opponents on my record so far. Povetkin’s a good one and I’m at that stage where I do want to look past Povetkin, because the division is alight, it’s amazing.

“There’s some real good challengers out there, but at the same time you’ve got to focus on your opponent in front of you, and that’s why – is it a big threat? Yeah, but if I can’t get past him then what can I say, everyone is going to be a big threat.

I’ve got to dismantle Povetkin with ease, so I’m the threat, I’m the one to be reckoned with.”

Those future challenges will almost certainly be a high-profile clash against American WBC world heavyweight champion Wilder and possibly fellow Briton Fury.

Wilder and Fury announced that they have agreed to fight each other, although a date is yet to be set for the clash.

Joshua was asked if he was surprised the pair were set to meet.

“Not necessarily,” he said. “I think because they both need that fight.

“They are at that stage of their career, 10 years in, where they need meaningful fights as well.

“They are both building up their records, they’ve been in the game a long time.”

Free agent Godfrey Oboabona wanted in Cyprus Former Super Eagles defender and free agent Godfrey Oboabona could be soon heading to Cyprus if arrangements came through.

Oboabona has just returned from an unsuccessful trip to France, where he tried out with an undisclosed Ligue 1 side.

He is a free agent after his contract in Saudi Arabia was cancelled.

Though the identity of the Cyprus club could not be disclosed, the agent handling the potential transfer said it is still work in progress.

“We just want his consent. My partner in Europe is handling it”, the intermediary said.

Oboabona won the 2013 AFCON with Super Eagles in South Africa and also made the cut for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

The former Sunshine Stars skipper spent four seasons at Turkish side Rizespor before a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli in 2017.

With his Saudi spell ended

prematurely, Oboabona has been linked to a move to Cyprus.

“Nobody has told me anything about a move to Cyprus”, the reliable stopper quipped.

“Right now, I’m still in Lagos but truth is I’ve not had any contact or talks with anyone as regards a move to Cyprus.”

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FLASHBACK in Times: September 8, 1964

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

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Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS Plc. Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng; DTNcontent@gmail.com Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Editor: TONY AMOKEODO, Tel: 08111811228, Email: tonyamok@gmail.com