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SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 422

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BABY MAMA SYNDROME:

The celebration, stigma and uncharted future

A cross section of baby mamas

Ladesope Ladelokun, Lagos

ÏÏÏThe expression on Temilade’s face

was that of disapproval.

In a fit of anger, Bimpe Anjorin, Temilade’s mother, had called her father an irresponsible man. Captured by the feeling of guilt, Bimpe drew Temilade closer, patted her on the back, “You caused it,” she whispered, wiping her face with her left hand.

Bimpe, who became a ‘baby mama’ shortly after she left high school, plays both fatherly and

motherly roles to ensure that her 7-year-old daughter does not lack all that she needs.

The trained nurse tells her story: “I would say whatever happened before now was just destined to happen. I’m lucky to have a family that has always been there for me. I admit I made a mistake, but I’m wiser now to face life.’’ On her daughter’s father, she said: “He’s now married with children. I don’t have a problem with that. But what I’m worried about is the fact that he has left me to take care of our child alone. All efforts to make him

be a responsible father have failed.

I’ve since learnt to carry my cross myself.’’ For a teenage mother, one would say she has a big heart.

Another baby mama, Wunmi Adesola, said she had her daughter when she was in her first year at the Ekiti State University while she was studying Economics. Prior to when she put to bed, she had revelations that she must not abort her pregnancy, else it would have dire consequences.

A member of a white garment church, Wunmi said she was in Continued on page 6

Nigeria now 7 Fashola’s father worked producing medical for Daily Times as advert doctors who prefer manager, pioneer GM 5 working abroad 14 Going Down Memory Lane:

You ‘re a weak man if you beat your wife – Jaywon L2 3000 delegates to attend PDP’s convention in Abuja today as party clears 6 for 7 Anambra guber

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Going down memory lane 5

Fashola’s father worked for Daily Times as advert manager, pioneer GM

The Fashola family with winner of the Photographic competition in memory of their late father, Pa Ibrahim Fashola, at the City Hall, Lagos.

to Nigeria and left in the care of his paternal grandfather, Tiamiyu Bashorun Fashola, the first born of Alfa Bello Fashola.

Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola started his primary education at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Idumagbo Lagos from 1938/39 before going to Ade Oshodi Memorial School. He later attended Methodist Boys High School, Broad Street, Lagos until 1954. He worked briefly at the Clerical Department of General Hospital Lagos before proceeding to England for further studies in 1956.

Upon his return from England in 1967, Ibrahim Ademola Fashola toook appointment with the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc as advert manager and

later became the pioneer General Manager, Times Leisure Services Ltd, a subsidiary of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc. His contemporaries at the Daily Times includes Alhaji Babatunde Jose, Prince Henry Odukomaya, Prince Tony Momoh, Aremo Segun Osoba, Mrs. Agbeke Ogunsanwo, and Prof. Idowu Sobowale to mention a few.

Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola particularly had a deep passion for photography, a hobby he continued with till his death on 5th August, 2013.

To honour and immortalise him, the family instituted the Fashola Photographic Foundation where upcom-

ing photographers could be assisted to achieve their professional dreams.

The foundation was launched on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at City Hall Lagos. Prior to the launching a one week photographic workshop was organised for upcoming photographers.

Fifteen (15) people participated in the workshop. Each of the participants at the end of workshop was required to practicalise the training through photographic competition.

The photographic entries were exhibited along the exhibition mounted by the Daily Times and the winner of the completion was given a free all-expensive paid scholarship for training at New York institute of Photography, USA.

Late Pa Fashola

Tunji Okegbola

ÏÏÏ Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, the father of

the Minister of Power, Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, who was recently immortalised by the family was once a member of staff of Nigeria’s heritage newspaper, The Daily Times.

He was an advert manager with the company, a job he was very passionate about. He later became the pioneer General Manager, Times Leisure Services Ltd, a subsidiary of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, the position he meritoriously served until he resigned to join the public service as Secretary, Surulere Local Government, Lagos.

He was born on September 25, 1933 in Lagos to Raji Olayinka Fashola and Sikirat Amori Fashola (nee Shomade), both of blessed memory.

When he was 2 years old, he moved to Acheampong Town, Gold Coast in Ghana with his grandmother, Mama Kike. He grew up there until 1938 before being brought back

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Mr. Tunji Okegbola, during the Photographic exhibition in memory of the late Pa Ibrahim Fashola.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

BABY MAMA SYNDROME: The celebration, stigma and uncharted future Continued from page 1 church on a Sunday morning when a prophet prophesied that she must not even contemplate aborting her pregnancy, else the consequences will be fatal.

“I was shocked because I had never met or seen him, he didn’t know me from Adam. Though the father of my baby and I didn’t plan to have the baby then, I had to keep the pregnancy.’’

On her single parent status, she had this to say: “That I have a baby outside wedlock is not a disease. I can’t feel inferior to anyone because I’m not married to the father of my baby. I can go with my girl anywhere and hold my head high.

I believe whoever loves me will accept me the way I am and love my child as well. My life won’t stop because of the mistake I made in my youth.’’

According to Wikipedia, the term ‘baby mama’, which the Oxford dictionary defines as the mother of one or more of a man’s children, especially one who is not his wife or current partner, originated in Jamaican Creole language as “baby-mother”, with the first printed usage appearing in the Kingston newspaper.

Investigations have shown that the baby mama syndrome is worldwide and has also taking root in Nigeria, especially

among youths. From movie stars to music stars and the wellknown to the not-very-known, having baby mamas, observers say, is now commonplace.

Commenting on the issue, sociologist, Abiodun Teriba echoed that change is the only constant thing in life, “But certain changes could spark worry and threats to the society. The things that the society frowned at many years ago have become fashionable, unfortunately. Having a baby mama or daddy is not something new anymore, but I think the difference between then and now is the fact that, before now, people were shy about having children outside wedlock; but these days, it is celebrated among our celebrities; and youths that look up to them think it is the vogue,” he said.

Marrying a baby mama, the sociologist pointed out, could shatter trust between couples in a marriage.

A marriage counselor, Bimpe Atobatele, says baby mamas are mortals and, like every human, they are not infallible. “A man and a woman can live their normal lives regardless of their ugly past. What is important is how they manage the situation they find themselves,” Atobatele said.

Throwing societal propriety to the wind, the counselor declared that marrying a baby mama or

a baby daddy is no longer a big deal.

“If a man had a baby mama when he was 18, are we saying he shouldn’t marry again because he has a baby? What if a woman discovers her husband had a baby mama some 15 years into her marriage that already has procreated many children?

“While I’m not in any way encouraging moral impropriety, it’s also important to state that baby mamas are also humans.

Having a baby outside marriage should not stop anyone from marrying properly thereafter.”

Atobatele argued that if a woman is married to a man with a baby mama, for instance, and he says nothing is going on between his baby mama and himself, the woman just has to trust him, until he proves otherwise.’’

Hell awaits baby mamas, if…

But Islamic Cleric, Abdul Rasak Umoru will not have any of that “nicety”; “Having sex outside marriage is forbidden in Islam,” he stressed and gave a strong reason: “It’s a great sin that if one does not seek repentance, it can lead that person to hell.”

He read a quote from the

Quran: “And come not near unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Faahishah (anything that transgresses its limits: a great sin), and an evil way that leads one to hell unless Allaah forgives him).” In the same vein, Pastor Uzo Okoli of God’s Power Church of Christ says numerous scriptures declare sex before marriage a sin.

“God abhors sex before marriage. It’s established in Acts 15:20 and Galatians 5:19. The Bible teaches complete abstinence before marriage so, whether it is baby mama or baby daddy, God frowns at it,” he declared.

Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu (2nd left); Assistant General Manager, Operations, Channels Television, Kingsley Uranta (2nd right) and others, when delegation led by Mr. Ibrahim Magu visited Channels Television headquarters in Lagos… on Friday.

Recall suit: Melaye knows fate Sept 11 as court Chibok schoolgirls’ strength reserves judgment inspiring, says UN Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Federal High Court

in Abuja, on Friday reserved its judgement till September 11, 2017 on a suit filed by Senator Dino Melaye, seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from embarking on his recall process from Senate.

The vacation judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba reserved his judgment after lawyers representing the parties adopted their addresses and prayers.

Justice Dimgba also fixed September 11, 2017 for his judgement in a sister suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 12 others, who are members of the Kogi state chapter of the party against the INEC, challenging the planned recall of Melaye.

Arguing the substantive suit, lawyer to Melaye, Nkem Okoro, urged the court to grant the plaintiff ’s reliefs seeking to stop the recall process which the electoral commission kick started in June this year following petition for Melaye’s recall.

Melaye, whose originating summon was amended on August 7 after the electoral Commission applied for the vacation of an interim restraining order, said he had challenged the petition for his recall on five grounds.

According to the embattled senator, “the petitioners ought to

have availed him with facts and circumstances upon which the alleged lost of confidence was based on prior to submission of the petition to INEC “.

By not giving him copies of the petitions, Melaye told the court that “INEC has violated the rule of natural justice and fair hearing.

Melaye further argued that even when the petition was submitted, the electoral body failed to give him a copy.

The lawmaker also challenged the constitutionality of required numbers of signatories to the petition in line with Section 69 of the Constitution, which requires more than half of registered voters in his constituency. Beside, Melaye’s lawyer told the court that “majority of the signatures/ signatories to the petition are non existent, dead and forged.

In addition, Melaye’s lawyer insisted that the petition was “initiated as a result of political malice, bad fate and animosity.

Lawyer to the 2nd to 5th plaintiffs, Ponsak Bigun aligned himself with submission of Okoro, and urged court to grant Melaye’s prayers.

But the lawyer to INEC, Sulayiman Ibrahim, in a counter affidavit he filed on July 14, 2017, urged the court to dismiss Melaye’s suit on the grounds that his application lacked merit.

He also argued the suit was premature and an attempt to conjure

the court to stop the commission from performing its constitutional role, saying that the court lack jurisdiction to entertain it.

The 2nd to 4th defendants who were later joined and represented

by Anthony Adeniyi, urged the court to discountenance the submissions of Melaye’s lawyer.

Ibrahim had earlier argued INEC’s preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear Melaye’s suit as presently constituted.

INEC had claimed that the amended originating summons dated 7th August, but filed on the 8th, “is incongruous and grossly incompetent having been filed contrary to Order 3 Rule 9 and Order 17 Rules 4, 5 of the Federal High Court Procedure Rules.

The INEC’s lawyer further told Justice Dimgba that, “My Lord, after leave was granted for amendment of the originating summons, the 1st plaintiff (Melaye) filed an affidavit that was completely at variance with order of court without obtaining the necessary leave from the court.”

But replying on points of law, Melaye’s lawyer urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection, insisting that “the amended originating summon is in compliance with Order 3 Rule 9.

Okoro also informed the court that INEC had even responded to Continued on page 7

ÏÏÏThe

UN Deputy SecretaryGeneral, Amina Mohammed, has described the strength of the rescued Chibok schoolgirls as “inspiring”.

Mohammed gave the remarks while briefing the UN Security Council on her visit to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo from July 19 to 27.

The UN deputy chief said: “In Nigeria, we were moved by our meeting with the Chibok girls facilitated by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs.

“Their remarkable strength as survivors rather than victims is inspiring. Many are receiving education and psychosocial support to prepare them for reintegration.

“But thousands of other young women who have been abducted and returned, subjected to sexual violence and affected by conflict in other ways are still to receive adequate support.

“We also interacted with displaced women and girls who are facing exploitation and abuse in the camps. We held meetings with women leaders who underscored the need to address mental health and women’s empowerment.”

She commended the governments of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria for their efforts to promote stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force

within the Lake Chad Basin Regional cooperation.

According to her, international support will continue to be crucial in addressing the root causes of the crisis in very complex situations.

“I am pleased to note that since our visit, the Acting President of Nigeria has established a Judicial Commission to investigate alleged violations of human rights

by Nigerian security agencies, and to recommend ways to prevent such violations.

“I commend this initiative and encourage the relevant authorities to include sexual- and genderbased violence within the Commission’s work.

“The United Nations stands ready to support this important effort and also to reinforce protection measures for displaced women and girls,” Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment, said.

She said in Nigeria, the eightyear conflict in the Northeast has generated a risk of famine, displaced 1.9 million people and left 8.5 million people in need of assistance.

“These dire circumstances are being made worse by the large gap in humanitarian funding including meeting the commitments made at the Oslo Humanitarian Conference.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Recall suit: Melaye knows fate Sept 11 as court reserves judgment Continued from page 6

the summons, “and had waived his right by already joining issues.

“My Lord, his complaint about variance assuming without conceding that it is an irregularity, cannot nullify the originating summons based on the provisions of Order 51 of FHC rules.

“Supreme Court has said that technicality cannot stand on the way of substantial justice” Okoro added.

Meanwhile, in the suit filed by the APC against INEC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/601/2017, the court took arguments from the plaintiff and defendant and fixed September 11 for judgement.

Adopting his originating processes, lawyer to the APC, Samuel Ologunorisa (SAN) urged court to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

Ologunorisa argued that there was no counter affidavit from the defendant, insisting that the affidavit was deposed to by one Alhaji Addy Ametuo, a litigation clerk, who failed to disclose his source of information.

He said, “My Lord, this is fundamentally defective. All that was stated in the counter affidavit was that the deponent works in the chamber of Yusuf Ustaz Usman, But the INEC’s lawyer, Yunus Usman (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the entire suit lacks merit. He said the plaintiff should wait for INEC to conduct a verification of signatories to the petition and if they were not invited, before coming to the court.

7 News Terrorism:

DSS arrest 18 suspected kidnappers, others Court remands ÏÏÏ The Department of State Services (DSS) said it had arrested 18 suspected members of notorious kidnap gangs operating across the country.

The suspects include: Haliru Hassan, Usman Abdulkadir, Yusuf Saidu, Abubakar Shuiabu, Abubakar Suleiman, Uzairu Bawa and Sani Abubakar.

A statement issued by an operative of the service, Mr. Tony Opuiyo, said that the suspects were arrested on July 3, at the Kakuri industrial area of Kaduna State.

Opuiyo said that the suspects had been terrorising motorists and commuters within the Rijana and Katari axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

He said that the service had also arrested two notorious kid-

nap suspects, Rabiu Sani alias Dogo, and Abubakar Sani.

He said that the suspects were arrested on July 4, along the Zaria-Funtua road in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operative said that Sani was a notorious kidnapper and gun-runner who had been supplying arms and ammunition to criminal elements in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba and Plateau states.

He said that items recovered from them include: a blue Volkswagen Vento car with Reg. No. MGU 106 EA, one Pistol,four AK47 Magazines and five FN rifle.

Others are: 989 rounds of Ammunition, one round of 9mm ammunition, one Beretta magazine, and N457, 140.

Similarly, Opuiyo said, the ser-

vice had arrested two high profile kidnappers on July 5 July, at Ikara Junction, Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State.

He said that they were members of a kidnap gang which had been operating at the Falgore forest in Kano State.

He said that 26 live cartridges and a bullet proof vest were found in their possession during their arrest.

The operative said that the service had also arrested five kidnap suspects responsible for kidnapping in the FCT and two others in Kogi.

On terrorism, Opuiyo said that the service had arrested a high profile Boko Haram cell leader alongside six of his accomplices in Sakwai, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

L-R: General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Lolade Agiri-Johnson (right), presenting certificate of handover to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, during the commissioning and handover ceremony of water project in Ibadan South-East Local Government Council, Ibadan, Oyo State… on Wednesday.

8 in Suleja prison

ÏÏÏEight people accused of car-

rying out acts of terrorism and belonging to a terrorist group, were on Friday remanded in Suleja Prison.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered that they should be remanded until Sept. 20 when the case would come up for hearing.

The defendants, Mukau Mohammed, Abdulmumuni Idris, Abdullahi Maigari, Ismaila Ibrahim, Ibrahim Mohammed Madaki Mamman, Abu Sani and Umar Abdullahi were arrested in October 2016.

They are facing a three-count charge bordering on terrorism and belonging to a terrorist group.

According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Malik Taiwo, they allegedly attacked Natako, a village in Lokoja with sophisticated weapons and killed Ibrahim Abubakar, the chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Kogi Chapter.

In the charge, which was read to them in Hausa through an interpreter, the defendants allegedly confessed to belonging to a terrorist group.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Taiwo urged the court to remand the defendants in prison custody.

The counsel to the defendants, Mr. G.O. Adih, did not object to the prosecutor’s submission.

Over 3000 delegates to attend PDP’s convention today

...as attempt to stop convention through court fails Ï ƋƆ Ə RƗƑ è nƄ è Ƈ ƑƏ Ɛ ƆƏ Ƈ Ə ƌƄƏ ƑƄƆƏ ƍƏƈƌ Əƕ Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Over 3,000 delegates are ex-

pected to attend the special non elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, holding in Abuja today.

Already, attempts to stop the convention through a court order on Thursday has failed.

The National Publicity Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee, NCC, of the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye disclosed these yesterday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the preparation for the party’s convention.

He said:”Some people tried to scuttle the convention through the courts but they failed.”

When asked for details, the party spokesman said since the plot did not succeed, there was no point talking about it.

It was however learnt that the attempt was made by some chieftains of the party in the South West zone, which is still enmeshed in crisis.

Adeyeye said no fewer than 3000 delegates from the 36 states and

the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) will participate in the Special non-elective National Convention.

He noted that the convention will also be observed by the various foreign missions and international organizations.

The PDP spokesman said the special convention will be an avenue to reunite members of the opposition party after the 14 months leadership crisis that bedeviled it.

According to him, the “Unity Convention”, will afford the PDP members across the country an opportunity to celebrate the Supreme Court victory that rescued the party from the precipice.

Besides, Adeyeye said the PDP will use the convention as an avenue to send a strong signal to the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) about its preparedness to regain power in the country in 2019.

He said with its leadership crisis over, the opposition party is poised to sack the APC led government, which he described as “an abysmal failure” in every aspect.

He said, “We wanted to make it a unity convention . Hence we

decided to bring so much people to serve in this committee. Those who were with Sheriff have been intergrated in the convention committee. The policy of no ‘victor, no vanquished’ has been fully implemented by the caretaker.

“We have seen so much enthusiasm by members. It is going to be a carnival like convention. PDP members across the country are coming “We are expecting over 3000 delegates.

Foreign missions are invited. International Organizations are coming to observe this convention. Our members in the diaspora have started arriving ,” he stated.

The PDP however declared that the governing APC has squandered a lot of goodwill given to it by Nigerians in 2015, just as it blamed the resurgence of Boko Haram in the country after the PDP, on the failure of the party to continue with the insurgency fight after it took over power.

The party described the charges against former Minister of Petroleum Resource, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke as wild allegation and challenged the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go to court if it has any case against her.

Adeyeye said, “This is not the way to prosecute anti-war, go to court if you have any charge against her. It is only the court that can pronounce her guilty.

“If you said you recovered N150 billion, why is Nigeria in recession? What are you doing with recovered loot?APC propaganda will not save you,” Adeyeye advised.

At the same time the party has cleared for the primaries six out of seven aspirants seeking to be the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party,in the forthcoming Anambra state governorship election.

The aspirants were cleared by the screening committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 18 Anambra State governorship elections.

The aspirants who were cleared yestetday were; Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Stella Odua, Hon. Lynda Ikpazu, Prince Okechukwu Emeka and Dr. Alex Obiogbolu.

However the seventh adpirant, Mr. Oseloka Obaze was given

provisional clearance pending a waiver by the national leadership of the party while Ufodike Akolisa was disqualified for dual citizenship.

The Chairman of the screening committee and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Mina Waziri who issued certificate of clearance to the aspirants, said Akolisa was disqualified because he possesses Nigerian and Candiian citizenships contrary to section 182 (1) of the Nigeria Constitution.

He however, said any aspirant who feels dissatisfied with the outcome of the screening should appeal to the Appeal Committee.

Alhaji Waziri disclosed that the committee relied on three documents - the Nigerian Constitution, the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Guideline, in screening exercise.

He said the decision of the committee was unanimous. “PDP has learnt its mistakes and has rebranded,” he added, urging the aspirants to respect the committee’s decision and work with whoever that eventually emerges as the PDP candidate for the election.

8 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Police avert violent clash between pro, anti-Buhari protesters in Abuja

Paradigm shift of the police has changed a lot of things -CP

Myke Uzendu, Abuja

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ

In what could have turned out as a bloody encounter, the police on Friday averted violent clash between pro and antiPresident Muhammadu Buhari protesters.

A group, Our Mumu Don Du, which is being led by Charley Boy, is protesting against the continued stay of Buhari in London, asking him to either return to the country or resign. The group started its protest on Tuesday.

But another group emerged on Thursday to counter the Charley Boyled group, insisting that Buhari’s absence did not infringe any part of the constitution.

The pro-Buhari group, under the platform of Center for Civil Society and Justice, CCSJ, and led by one Comrade Prince Goodluck Obi Nelson, argued that the President should be left alone to recover fully from his ailment and continue his fight against corruption.

It added that there is no vacuum in government.

But a mild drama ensued at the Unity Fountain, when the pro-Buhari groups arrived at the place while the anti-Buhari groups were already conducting their own protest.

What could have turned into a mayhem began when allegation and counter-allegations were raised as the pro-Buhari supporters approached the “Our Mumu Don Do “ group.

But the police and other security agencies quickly intervened and nipped the crisis in the bud.

In a statement signed by both Charly Boy and Deji Adeyanju and made to available to newsmen after the mild drama, the anti-Buhari group alleged that Aso Rock recruited some thugs to attack them.

The statement titled , “Resume or Resign : Aso Rock Working With Recruited Thugs to Attack Us,” the groups claimed that they were “reliably informed that these thugs are sponsored by the Federal Government and members of the cabal that seek to prevent us from asking for full disclosure of the health status of President Buhari.”

Representative of the Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr Peter Opara (r), presenting award to the Representative of the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Ismail Aminu during the graduation ceremony for students of Advanced Conflict Management Course of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Abuja on Friday (11/8/17). With them is the Head of National Peace Academy, Dr Bose Awodola

Justice policy, panacea for resolving cross institutional problems-CJN, AGF, others IbeUwaleke

ÏÏÏ

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has expressed satisfaction of the policy that sets out with agreed principles and guidelines for effective and efficient service delivery.

He made this known in his opening address at the National Summit on Justice which took place in Abuja, yesterday.

Special Adviser to the AGF on Media and Publicity, Salihu Othman Isah revealed this in a statement to newsmen in Abuja, saying the AGF added that the policy provides framework for resolving cross institutional problems, developing and managing an allinclusive reforms, as well as coordinating the implementation of reforms.

Malami, who was represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Hon Opeyemi Falegan, has canvassed for settlement of rift in PDP and said that genuine reconciliation among members of the party remains the key in its bid to reclaim power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections.

He said PDP’s victory in the recent Senatorial by-election in Osun State was possible in view of the unity of purpose among members of the Senators Ahmed Markafi and Ali Modu Sherif factions, and urged members at all levels to take a cue

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun revealed that the policy provides a blueprint which outlines the various reforms desirable in the justice sector to engender smooth, fair, just and transparent administration of justice in the country.

He reaffirmed that the policy would provide the needed professional guidance for all justice sector institutions in the discharge of their duties and the attainment of an effective and efficient administration of justice.

The AGF further stressed that the participants at the technical session made recommendation for a national summit to be held annually to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the policy.

He said: “I wish to express our appreciation to distinguished participants for their response to a call to contribute to a national assignment. Your invaluable contribution to the

draft policy has in no small measure demonstrated our collective determination to reposition the justice sector for better, efficient and effective service delivery.”

The Minister therefore expressed his appreciation to members of the Technical Committee on Justice Policy under the chairmanship of Prof. Muhammed Tabiu, SAN, for their diligence and hardwork in the development of the draft policy.

In his keynote address, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki who was represented

by Senator David Umaru, Senate Committee Chairman on Justice, Legal and Human Rights said that the justice system is about front line delivery and making a difference.

He added that justice is about keeping the people safe, tackling harm, rehabilitating, supporting victims and administering the rule of law.

“Efficient justice delivery

is central to the nation’s economic growth, development and socio-economic wellbeing of citizens. Investors will only put their money in a place where there is a functional judicial system and where every citizen is governed in equal measures by rule of law”.

On his part, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen, represented by Hon. Justice Mary Odili, in his address, pointed out that, “it is hoped that the policy will achieve its goal of building consensus among justice sector institutions and practitioners for the purpose of addressing collectively the major challenges facing the justice delivery system in the country and evolving a justice that is fairer, more effective, accessible, efficient and responsive to the hopes and aspirations of our people “.

Falegan canvases reconciliation in PDP to enable the party re-enact its winning streaks.

The United Kingdombased politician said in a statement that the recent Supreme Court judgment on the leadership crisis that erstwhile rocked the party should be explored to strengthen and as well reposition the PDP. According to him, the Apex Court verdict is a welcome development as it will assist the party to kick-start a process of taking over power at the center in 2019 general elections.

He said the latest scenario has again shown that PDP is a party that believes in the rule of law.

It also shows PDP members as people who respect the Nigerian Constitution as a bidding force to a greater country.

“The expressions of fundamental human rights by the two key players in the tussle, Sen Alimodu Sheriff and Sen. Ahmed Makarfi were embarked upon to save the party from total collapse and extinction, hence the need for a genuine reconciliation after the matter has been laid to rest”, he said Falegan, who said the way the leadership crisis was resolved should be a recipe to members who had erstwhile lost confi-

dence in the party and as well attract new members in order to make it more formidable and united for the task ahead, added: “What we need now is unity and cooperation of all. At the same time, we should see the judgment as an opportunity to correct all wrongs in the party since no single faction can pilot the affairs of the party to a promised land.

“PDP is a big umbrella and it can accommodate all interests without rocking boats to the extent of destroying the platform, hence the need to always respect the feelings of all members across the board at all times”.

The Delta State Police Command has said that the paradigm shift of the police which used to be “looked down upon” by members of the public, has changed, disclosing that the police recently introduced measure called “Democratic policing” to strengthen police force.

Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, the State Commissioner of Police who made this known yesterday in Asaba when members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists paid him a courtesy visit, lauded the “Democratic Policing” introduced into the police force by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim.

Zanna Ibrahim noting that the police are not magicians warned against hate speeches by section of group of persons adding that those who engage in hate speeches, have worsened the current insecurity bane in the country.

He said: “The police are not magicians, but will want to relate with members of the public to get sources of information, hale speeches portend further crisis to the present insecurity challenges bedeviling Nigeria as a country, instead there is need for peaceful co-existence among Nigerian people”.

While urging journalists to always cross check their stories before going to press, the police boss disclosed that the synergy between the police and the press cannot be ignored, adding: “As fourth estate of their realm, your role will help in the information gathering and sources for the police to work with, the press is a vital tool and credible platform meant for the nation’s building”.

“Reasons for the prevalence of crimes in Delta is as a result of unemployment among the youths hence I have introduced whistle blowing measures to help nip in the bud strategies of hoodlums/ underworld man, we must expose what is incorrect whistle blowing will extend to all areas so that the police can know how far they have failed” Zanna Ibrahim added.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Politics

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I defected to APC to help bring development to Abia - Ogah ≥≥P10

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KASHAMU

GEORGE

PDP’s convention and challenge of peace in South West chapters Patrick Okohue

Today, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will hold its Non-Elective Special National Convention at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The convention which is aimed at meeting some constitutional requirements of the party in dealing with leadership issues is also aimed at amending its constitution and putting in place modalities for dealing decisively with issues of discipline, internal democracy and administrative bottlenecks.

The convention follows a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party which resolved among other things to reinstate all states executive elected at the April 2016 congress that were later removed by Ali Modu Sheriff.

The last national convention of the party in May 2016 threw it into a leadership crisis. At the event Ali Modu Sheriff was removed as national chairman while Ahmed Makarfi was appointed as National Caretaker Committee (NCC) chairman.

But Sheriff challenged the decision of the PDP, insisting that he was the chairman of the party. This tussle continued until recently when the Supreme Court declared Makarfi as the authentic chairman of the party.

However, despite the intention of the NEC to use the convention as opportunity to realigning its leadership in the states and the region, how the convention intends to bring peace to the party in the South West region where the members have been at war with itself remains to be seen.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling which settles the leadership tussle of the party once and for all, the leaders in

the party in the South West seem bent on taking the fight further and ensuring that peace will not rein in the region.

This is more worrisome when one considers what is happening in the Lagos State chapter of the party, where since inception internal wrangling has not allowed the party to make significant impact in the state.

The crisis in the South West came to public fore shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, when the executive members and leaders of the party in the South-West region decided to raise a disciplinary committee to sanction Senator Buruji Kashamu, representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, over what it called anti-party activities.

At a well attended meeting held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the leaders while congratulating Senator Ahmed Makarfi for what it called landmark victory, condemned the actions of some members of the party, including Kashamu.

Senator Kashamu is formerly the Chairman of the South West Mobilisation Committee of the party.

The party in a communique after the meeting declared that the anti-party activities of some of the members led

the party to lose elections in Ondo, Ogun and Edo states, hence the need to sanction them.

Zonal Chairman of the party, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, flanked by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Chief Bode George and Otunba Iyiola Omisore while reading the communique at the end of the expanded meeting, urged the Ogun State chapter of the party to do away with anything that has to do with Senator Kashamu and to stop dealing with him henceforth.

Part of the communique reads: “First and most the south West Zonal leadership congratulate the National Caretaker Committee of the party under the able leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and other distinguished members of the National Caretaker Committee of our great party over the landmark victory recorded at the Supreme Court on the 12th of July , 2017 “The Zonal Leadership also hereby condemn and regret the action and ignoble role of some of its membership that led to the unfortunate experience and trauma that held the entire party down for over a year now and pray that may such never recur again in our great party

Despite the lingering crisis in the South West chapters of the party, one thing the national leadership of the party has made clear is that though it will deal with every errant member who is not ready to turn over a new leaf, but those who are ready to abide by the party’s guidelines will be accommodated. It remains to be seen however, how those at daggers drawn in the region will be made to sheath their swords and embrace peace for the sake of the party in future elections.

“The entire South West leadership and stakeholders condemn the destabilising and anti-party activities of Senator Buruji Kashamu and demand disciplinary actions against him for his roles in the loss of the party in Ogun, Ondo and Edo states.

“The zonal leadership and stakeholders hereby dissociate the zone from the activities of Senator Buruji Kashamu and resolve further to henceforth desist from dealing with him in any capacity in the zone, and the leadership of the party in Ogun State are hereby directed to stop all dealings and meetings involvement with Senator Buruji Kashamu and his agents until further notice “The Zonal Leadership and stakeholders also hereby reject any association whatsoever with Senator Buruji Kashamu henceforth “It is hereby resolved that a special committee be set up at the zonal and national level to reach out and appeal to all those who had left the party as a result of the disruptive and destructive activities and act of sabotage visited upon the party,” the communiqué added.

Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose while speaking earlier said the Supreme Court did justice to Nigeria and not PDP. Fayose who said that the party which was now in opposition was optimistic to retain the power in 2019, noted that “The whole problem of PDP in SouthWest started from Ogun state.”

Those who were present at that meeting included former Governor of Ogun State Gbenga Daniel; Senator Ayo Adeseun; former Chairman Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Sarafadeen Alli, former Chief of Staff in Oyo State, CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

I defected to APC to help bring development to Abia - Ogah

Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State in the 2015 general election. He lost the December 2014 primaries, but not satisfied, he dragged the party and the winner of the congress, now governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to court to ‘reclaim his mandate’, and it went as far as the Supreme Court. He recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with SUNDAY NWAKANMA in his Umuahia campaign office, Ogah explaines why he left the PDP, benefits of restructuring Nigeria as well as other national issues. Excerpts There is this widely spread rumor by Nigerians and your fans that you have left the PDP and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Is there any truth in this rumor?

It is not a rumor, it is the truth. You know after the Supreme Court decision on the 2015 Abia governorship election, I took time to rest even though many political parties have approached me to join them but I remained calm. After careful consultations, I finally decided to join APC, the reason being that APC is a party at the centre and Abia as a state needs the party. Those in APC are all progressives and the party is well positioned. APC will choose among the best to be its flag bearer not just any person like the PDP does. I believe in change. As long as Abia State is concerned, the state needs a change for better governance and to achieve this, Abians voting for APC in 2019 is the answer.

So you have the desire to run for the 2019 Abia governorship race under the platform of the APC? For now, I have not made up my mind on the 2019 governorship race in Abia State. I believe that the party, APC will choose who runs and that person must be the best. It is not about saying it is this party or the other, APC will rule Abia because it is at the central government or it controls the central government and the state will benefit much, not only in political appointments but in the provision of infrastructure. APC is structured and internal democracy is working too unlike PDP that is characterised by infighting and crisis upon crisis.

Are PDP members in the state aware that you are no longer their member and what attracted you to the party at the centre?

PDP is aware because I have stopped attending their meetings for long. The way PDP is structured in Abia is like a cult. Cult is not for the masses. Cults protect the interest of its members alone and popularise itself.

In Abia State, people are sitting on the resources of the entire state, sharing public fund among themselves. I believe that anything that will not benefit or interest the masses, I get myself out of it. My belief is adding value to the lives of the people.

Do we now associate your statement with a whole lot of industrial city you have brought to your place Onuaku Uturu in Abia State?

Well I believe in policies that will affect the masses.

Before the Federal Government came up with industrialisation policy, I saw the vision and started it here.

I adopted this strategy when I traveled to China and what that country believes in is to develop its hinterland with its resources and that is why most companies in China are named after the city of its operation. It could be Onuaku Industrial City. When you talk of development, you go to China. What you have seen in the Master Energy Industrial City here in Onuaku is the first phase out of the five phases, and by the time we finish the fifth phase of this industrial city, we will have minimum of fifty thousand people in our payroll.

We want to create a city within here. The city will have shopping mall, staff quarters and all the rest. By this, we are growing our cash flow and the profit derivable will help us to develop others. So if you look at APC as a government and what President Muhammadu Buhari has done, you will agree with me that he is on the right track.

A friend analysed the situation of Nigeria to mean a situation where your grandfather has gone everywhere to blow all the resources and sold every land and was

DR. OGAH

bringing food and everybody was eating and you don’t know that what you were eating is from a borrowed resources. Suddenly the grandfather died and then your father wants to correct the ills the grandfather did by paying all the debts his father borrowed and at the end of the day, you don’t have anything to eat. With this, will you say your father is not a good man? The answer is no. what your father was doing is to control and get the entire thing right once again.

This analysis shows how PDP lavished the nation’s resources and we all know. As at the time President Obasanjo was leaving office, he left $68billion while Jonathan left only $26billion, the difference of $42billion. My brother, if you give me a loan of $1billion, I

I finally decided to join APC, the reason being that APC is a party at the centre and Abia as a state needs the party. Those in APC are all progressives and the party is well positioned. APC will choose among the best to be its flag bearer not just any person like the PDP does. I believe in change. As long as Abia State is concerned, the state needs a change for better governance and to achieve this, Abians voting for APC in 2019 is the answer.

will change the face of the nation, after all a nation used $1.5billion to build a road under the water. If today I leave, my son should take the business to the next level. Ask yourself when you come in and when you left, can you give statistics for people to know what you did and how far you were able to create development.

The only road from Enugu to Port Harcourt that leads to the South-South zone was not done by PDP government. That of Onitsha to Enugu is in a bad state, Aba to Calabar road is so dilapidated and so where was this money spent.

A lot of people were sitting in their homes with billions of dollars without using it for the interest of the nation and what will benefit the citizenry. God has given us the brain and it is in the brain that God resides. I don’t need to be a professor to use my wisdom to develop my place. I know how much I have spent to build these industries in Abia. Apart from what I have done in Abia State, I have industries in Lagos and Ogun States but I felt I should establish one in my state, like the Chinese that have industries in each of their province. It is all about competition. If we have visionary leaders and governors, each should be competing with the others. If the governor of Ebonyi State builds a fly over, the governor in Abia should build a better fly over or if he develops a rail transport, another governor should be able to do a better rail. This is what China calls Provincial Development. With this competition and massive industrialisation, more jobs will be created and there will be no kidnapping.

Crime is as a result of lack of jobs for youths. In Abia, people have sold off their industries just like other states. Let every Abian who feels he has the capacity to do what I have done, do more than me. That you want to be governor or any other thing should not be for personal reasons. Let it be for the interest of the masses and how to make them happy.

What is your view of the much agitated restructuring of Nigeria?

Let us understand and ask ourselves what is the fate of Nigeria. What is the binding factor in Nigeria? All successful nations were built under a common fate.

Whether you are from the East, West, North and South something must bind us together. For me, restructuring is for the interest of all. In the 1960s we were under regional structure and there was regional competition whereby the North was growing groundnut, the East growing palm oil and the West growing cocoa. The West developed a TV Station and called it first in Africa, and the South East will develop and called it second to none and the North the same and there was competition among the regions. By 1966, the Eastern region was the fastest growing economy in the whole world. Imagine if we have sustained that, there is nothing we will not have done. Therefore there must be a binding factor and that is unity. In the South East, we have no yam, no tomatoes, no carrot and no pepper and if our own is trade and commerce, good enough. What we do here in the South East is subsistence farming. Restructuring is not all about secession, but let there be equitable development. There is strength in unity.

What will be your advice to your supporters as it concerns2019 election and empowerment?

First of all, I must say that Abia youths are enterprising and intelligent too. What the youths in Abia need is just a touch. I appreciate them and I assure them that the best is yet to come from me. Very soon, I will empower them and I want to encourage them to be supportive.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Patrick Okohue Following the invasion of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State on Sunday August 5th, in which 13 people were killed and many others critically injured, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called for sober reflection and serious national concern and a return to the teaching of morals values in our society.

Making the call in a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Fred Akokhia, the political party described the attack as not only despicable, but barbaric and sacrilegious, noting that it was a desecration of a place of worship and an invasion of God’s sanctuary.

According to the party, “It is a dastardly act that should be condemned by every reasonable person and it calls for concerted effort from all well-meaning Nigerians because of its dire political, social and religious consequences. We at the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in the shooting.

“One thing is very clear, from whatever perspective the dastardly act emanated, the incident has brought to the fore the need for the realigning of the teaching of morals and values in our society and the present day Nigeria.

“One recall with sobriety that times in the past, even the pagans who we referred to as “idol worshippers who may not know God”, during their

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Dr. Saka Balogun; Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, Hon. Jelili Adesiyan, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Elder Wole Oyelese and Hon. Muraina Ajibola.

Others are Senator Hosea Agboola, Mr. Lowo Obisesan, Hon. Demola Ojo, Mrs. Bose Adedibu, Mr. Dare Adeleke, Mr Femi Babalola, Hon. Ladi Adedibu and Hon. Asimiyu Alarape; Hon. Mulikat Adeola and Mr. Tajudeen Oladipo among others.

But if the South West leadership of the PDP who gathered in Ibadan to take the anti-Kashamu decision thought that the Ogun State born Senator was going to take the attack on him laying low or come back to them crawling and begging, then they were mistaken.

Few days after their meeting, Kashamu also gathered those loyal to him in Lagos for a meeting and there declared the members and leaders of the party who gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State as “impostors and errand boys”.

Chairman of the faction, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe said he remains the validly elected chairman of the party in the region which has been affirmed by two court orders.

Ogundipe who addressed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting noted that Olafeso’s tenure as PDP chairman in the zone ended on 11th October, 2014 according to a Federal High Court pronouncement of June 24, 2016.

He said the zone under his leadership would mobilise for today’s non-elective convention of the party in Abuja.

According to him, the excos have set up reconciliatory committee to woo

Ozubulu Killing: NNPP calls for return to teaching of morals values, thorough investigation

OBIANO

processions, drumming, singing and dancing, when they get close to a place of worship (either church or mosque), they would stop all these, and maintain absolute silence until they have passed

the place, before they resume their drumming and singing.

But the big question is “what has become of those values we held high in the past”?

“How did we get to this point of gunmen going into places of worship to spill blood. One will recall similar incidences in the past, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria, where some people had wreaked havoc in places of worship like mosques and churches, leaving several people dead and several others injured in the name of terrorism, and or insurgency.

“It is for this reason that NNPP is calling on all Nigerians, the government and security agents to keep an open mind, and put all options on the table as they go about their investigations into the senseless and needless killing.

“We quite appreciate the quick response of the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano and the police

11 Politics

authorities in the state. To us at NNPP, we believe their response was timely and meant to douse tension and the possible ugly consequences which could have come with avoidable consequences, especially in view of the ugly mutual distrust which has pervaded our land in recent time.

“It was possible that there could have been reprisal attacks, wrongly or rightly, as a result of misconceived motives for the killing in the house of God. Having said this, we hope the government and the police have not come to the final conclusion that the killing was only traceable to drug war.

“If this is the fixed position of the investigations into the dastardly act, we also can conveniently conclude that the investigation may suffer a still -birth, as it will not yield any positive results that will unravel the motive(s), and those behind it. It is a known practice everywhere, that in situation like this, especially drug war, warlords avoid place of worship and the shedding of blood of innocent persons.

“By narrowing our line of thought to one direction-drug war, we might be jumping to conclusion, and allowing the culprits to escape justice. It is a known fact that perpetrators of crime like this always use decoy, to lead investigators to embark on a “wild goose chase”, pursing wrong leads. This is why we are calling on the government and the police to extend their dragnet of investigation to both the likely and unlikely directions,” the party said.

‘PDP’s convention and challenge of peace’ back members who dumped the party.

The factional chairman also urged the National Caretaker Committee of the party to desist from relating with Gov. Fayose whom the faction declared as persona non grata.

He said, “We unequivocally condemn the hostile, authoritarian and destabilising activities of Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose and demand that he should be called to order before he sounds the death knell on the party in the South West.

“The authentic zonal leadership and stakeholders hereby declares Fayose a persona non grata and dissociate the zone from his activities.”

Those who attended the briefing include Senator Kashamu, the immediate past National Secretary of the Party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, former Treasurer, Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, and factional chairmen and members from the six states of the zone.

He noted that PDP in the country remains one even as he assured that by 2019, the number of PDP governors would increase.

As the South West crisis has remained difficult to resolve so also that crisis in the party in Lagos State.

Despite that, the factional chairman of the party in Lagos State, Chief Segun Adewale has handed over the state secretariat of the party to the Board of Trustees (BoT), following the directive from the national headquarters of the party, he has made it clear that those now leading the party in the state had already left for another party.

Adewale explained that the National Caretaker Committee of PDP had

ordered that the state secretariat should be handed over to Chief Bode George and other members of the party’s BoT in Lagos.

He instructed all his supporters to stay away from the secretariat in the interest of peace, even if the key is given to someone else.

He however said, “It is quite unfortunate that those, who as at last week Saturday, were campaigning against PDP while in Labour Party, now want to take over the secretariat.

“I was the one mobilising for the party during last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

“Even at that, I am ready to leave the secretariat, the police asked us to sign an undertaking that there will be peace in Ikeja.

“I am not fighting with anybody, because if we continue this way, we will continue to lose elections in Lagos,” Adewale said.

It will be recalled that the crisis rocking the party at both the national and state levels made those loyal to Makarfi and led by Hon Moshood Salvador made an alliance with the Labour Party for the recent Lagos State local government election.

However, Adewale said the “party’s faithful” would resist any attempt to subvert the interest of PDP. He accused George of being a principal actor in the crisis.

He said for peace to be achieved, BoT members should stay within the confines of its mandate of taking possession of the secretariat.

“The directive was to handover the state party secretariat building to the

Commissioner Police. This we have fully complied with. Reports that we handed our mandate to Honourable Moshood Salvador and his team is misleading and untrue,” the statement read.

“We are aware that Chief Bode George is going around claiming he has the authority of the NCC to hand over the party leadership to his stooge. This is not true as the party’s faithful will vehemently resist any attempt to subvert the interest of our people.

“Our members will resist any attempt by certain members of the BoT to return the PDP in Lagos to its dark days of imposition. Despite being fully aware that Chief Bode George a member of the BoT is a principal actor in the crisis, we abided by the NCC decision for peace. We strongly believe in the unity of the party and that the PDP is bigger than any single individual.

“For us to achieve lasting peace, however, BOT members involved should stay within the confines of its mandate of taking possession of the secretariat pending when the NCC fully reconciles all aggrieved members in Lagos,” he said.

Despite the lingering crisis in the South West chapters of the party, one thing the national leadership of the party has made clear is that though it will deal with every errant member who is not ready to turn over a new leaf, but those who are ready to abide by the party’s guidelines will be accommodated. It remains to be seen however, how those at daggers drawn in the region will be made to sheath their swords and embrace peace for the sake of the party in future elections.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

12 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12. 2017

Knocks, commendations for Adamawa Senators over performance in NASS Tom Garba, Yola A public commentator and Lawyer from Adamawa North Senatorial district, Sunday Joshua Wugira has said that Senator Binta Garba Masi has disappointed the people of her zone for sponsoring just a bill at the National Assembly despite her many years of experiences as a lawmaker.

He said that the lawmaker is not having any tangible excuse to tell the people of the zone for not doing what she has been voted to do and as such she is ‘’Poorly representing” the area.

Wugira lamented that cronyism brought most of the senators and by chance of providence they became lawmakers with an unplanned agenda to offer what is required of them by the electorates.

The issue of the performance of the lawmakers have become a topic of discourse in many places in the state following a report published recently by a national newspaper, (Not The Daily Times) that the Senator Representing Adamawa North senatorial district, Mrs Binta Masi Garba and the Senator representing the southern zone, Alhaji Ahmed Moallahyidi are only having one bill each to their credit in two years as lawmakers. ‘’If others Senators have no reason to sponsor a bill, Binta Masi have reasons to sponsor more than one bill, when her people are living under the a serious hardship caused by Boko Haram insurgents, living under pains that could be better imagined than experienced,” he said.

Wugira complained that there were so many laws that needed to be sponsored

by Garba to alleviate the suffering of her people but failed and refused because she don’t have the capacity or felt the people did not make her a senator. ‘’The whole of Northern zone are still living under an excruciating condition, from 1999 to date one will be much comfortable with Binta to perform more than the other two senators considering her years of experience in the business of making laws at the House of Representatives, but ended up disappointing us with one bill while her people are living in abject suffering and need the support of the Federal Government,” Sunday said He added, ‘’It is rather an unfortunate thing at the present circumstances we found ourselves at the mercy of insurgents and other economic mishaps that our lawmakers are not doing much to save the entire country.”

He adviced that people should be patient and jealously guard their voter’s card to 2019 in order to vote out those that are not representing them well, calling on people to join political parties and alliances to root out bad leaders from the system He warned that the electorates should wise up to stop voting people on the basis of religion and tribal sentiments

South-East leaders task Oyegun, Tinubu, others on Anambra, Ekiti, Osun elections Patrick Okohue

BINTA GARBA MASI

MOALLAYIDI

because it can give the entire nation wrong leaders to hold the affairs of governance.

Another commentator and a Youths activist who believes in true democracy, Comrade Kabiru Duhu also said Sen Binta Garba being the only female Senator in the whole of Northern Nigeria and representing the most ravaged communities by Insurgents is not performing well.

According him the ranking lawmaker should be able to create, initiate and even lobby for bills that can further reduce the scorches of poverty that is prevalence in every part of the zone, to push out bills that will drastically stop the work of Boko Haram and prove to Nigerians that northern women can favorably compete well with their other counterparts elsewhere.

“For sponsoring one bill, Binta is not really making us proud in the zone and indeed the Nigerian women.

“With her three terms experience as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives she should have all the advantages of coercing, making and pushing a bill for the sake of not only her people but for the Nigerian masses,” he said Duhu said that Northern Adamawa is the most backward in any aspect one can think of, wondering why the laziness and sitting down, not pushing bills that will directly touch the lives of the people positively if some of her colleagues will push more than twenty bills in two years why not her too and as such she is performing below expectations.

After much efforts made to speak with Senator Binta Masi failed as her two lines were not going through to respond to the rising complaints against her from her constituents, one of her staunch loyalist who wants to be anonymous said the one bill she pushed is far better than twenty bills others pushed in two years.

According to him the bill is geared towards ensuring peace, security and safeguarding the lives of Nigeria popu-

lace and to generate employment to the teaming unemployed youths roaming the streets of Nigeria.

To him there are bills and there are bills, but Binta’s bill remains the most outstanding and remarkable to the people of Northern senatorial district because it will help in curbing the issues of insurgency and any form of insecurity in the zone.

“As you know the work of a Senator is not only to push bills, but to equally align, oversees and checkmate the duties of the executive which is wonderfully doing well.

“Have you ever watched her or listen to her contributions on the floor of the House? Oh yes you will know that an intellectual woman is saying something good for nation building,’’ he said Also speaking, the Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan said the Senators representing the state are doing well in the Senate chambers, reiterating that the contributions of Senators in nation building during plenary, motions raised by senators for debates most a time are more than so many bills passed into law if the bills does not have much effects in the lives of the people. For the much contributions of Senator Binta Garba, Abdulaziz Nyako and Ahmed Moallahyidi are doing during and after the plenary cannot be over emphasized.

The complaints came as a result of a report reviewed and published by the newspaper saying that: “Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia), Binta Masi Garba (APC, Adamawa), Paulker Emmanuel (PDP, Bayelsa), Abubakar Kyari (APC, Borno), Gershom Bassey (PDP, Cross River), Sonni Ogbuoji (PDP, Ebonyi), Benjamin Uwajumogu (APC, Imo), Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC, Kaduna), Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi), Atai Aidoko Usman (PDP, Kogi), Philip Gyunka (PDP, Nasarawa), Suleiman Adokwe (PDP, Nasarawa), and Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf (APC, Taraba) have sponsored one bill each.”

Stakeholders in South-East on have applauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) for sustaining democracy in the country.

They also praised the APC government for translating the hopes and dreams of the people into reality and creating for Nigeria an environment of good order and civilization.

According to them, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) government is the most efficient and accountable in the history of Nigeria’s democracy.”

At a meeting focused on mapping out strategies for the November 2017 Anambra State Governorship Election, the leaders praised the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun for opening up the ruling party to every Nigerian citizen and compelling government functionaries at the various levels to better their people and their surroundings.

In a statement from the SouthEast Unity and Advancement Forum (SEUAAF) after the meeting in Awka and signed by its National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Okoye, they described the alleged N850 Million bribery story as wicked, baseless and reckless.

“The story is spurious. It is a political fabrication aimed at undermining the national chairman’s integrity and causing confusion in the party.”

The leaders condemned the suspended National Deputy Publicity Secretary of APC, Comrade Timi Frank and those behind him for encouraging anarchy in the party.

“It is totally irresponsible for Frank and his sponsors to promote chaos and tribal bitterness in the country’s ruling party. Frank and his sponsors want to turn back the clock on the progress we have made.”

The leaders charged Oyegun, APC National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others to work round the clock to ensure that the party wins in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states.

“We come from different background with divergent political ideologies. We also hold a variety of views. However, let us put the people ahead of political interest. Let us support President Muhammadu Buhari, Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the National Working Committee of our great party in creating a country which everyone experiences a better life. Let us work in cooperation for 2019.”

Oyegun, according to the leaders, transformed APC into a formidable, highly disciplined political machine that outperformed other parties in presidential, National Assembly and governorship elections in Nigeria.

They also promised to teach the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others a lesson in democracy on Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

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Editorial

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PHOTO TIMES

Increase in domestic violence

I

f there is any issue that calls for national attention, it is that to do with the alarming increase of domestic violence in various Nigerian homes. No week passes without screaming headlines of spouses physically assaulting each other. Most times, these assaults are also visited on children, wards and house helps.

There is no denying that domestic violence is gradually eroding the peace in many homes and by extension that of the nation. We may ask what constitutes domestic violence. These acts include, but not limited to physical abuse; sexual abuse/exploitation including rape, incest, sexual assault; starvation; emotional, verbal and psychological abuse; economic abuse and exploitation; denial of basic education; intimidation; harassment; stalking; hazardous attack including acid bath with offensive or poisonous substances; damage to property and deprivation.

It is a fact that domestic violence is an epidemic. And like any epidemic, it cannot be controlled or eradicated unless it is addressed. Social commentators posit that the risk factors driving the epidemic of domestic violence include macho constructions of masculinity, excessive alcohol consumption and the culture that encourages it and peer pressure to conform to these destructive patterns.

While women bear the physical brunt of domestic violence, the damage is much greater for children. Children who witness domestic violence in their home can, themselves, grow up to become abusers.

Although most victims of domestic abuse are women, men can suffer at the hands of an abusive partner as well.

Definitely, many reasons have been adduced for domestic violence. However, the enduring one is that most domestic abusers grew up witnessing domestic abuse and violence in their own homes. They learned to view physical and emotional violence as valid ways to vent anger and cope with their own internal fears and

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self-perception issues. Therefore, psychology experts say that the common triggers that set off an abuser are disagreement with their intimate partner; protracted periods of unemployment; financial issues; desperation when partner threatens to leave; anger escalation; humiliation stemming from problems at work or other perceived failures; jealousy and envy.

Many experts believe psychopathology, developed by growing up in a violent and abusive household causes domestic violence to continue as a generational legacy. Witnessing abuse as the norm, or being abused, destroys the child’s ability to trust others and undermines his or her ability to control emotions. This produces hostile, dependent, and emotionally insecure people with a deeply impaired ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Victims of domestic violence may be trapped in domestic violent situations through isolation, power and control, cultural acceptance, lack of financial resources, fear, shame, or to protect children. As a result of abuse, victims may experience physical disabilities, chronic health problems, mental illness, limited finances, and poor ability to create healthy relationships.

It is therefore time the authorities wade into the increase in incidence of domestic violence across the country. This can be done by dismantling hierarchical constructions of masculinity and femininity predicated on the control of women, and eliminating the structural factors that support inequalities are likely to make a significant contribution to preventing intimate partner and sexual violence.

Even though the causes of domestic abuse remain poorly understood, it is critical that society stands strong against the crime of domestic violence and support laws and social programmes put in place to stop the cycle. We commend Lagos and other state governments that have put in place structures to tame the scourge and hope that those yet to do so will see reason to come on board.

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Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left), in a handshake with Miss Cynthia Ali, who had A1 in all her nine WAEC subjects, after the governor awarded her a first degree scholarship in Government House, Enugu ...on Thursday.

Monsignor Livinus Ukah

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L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, receiving a souvenir from the Chinese vice Minister of the State Council Information Office, Mr. Guo Weimin, after the signing of MoU between the two countries in Abuja… on Friday.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike Group Head Finance/ Administration Tobi Oyeniyi 07060528139

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right) in a handshake with Chairman, Presidential Panel of investigation to review complains of the armed forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagements, Justice Biobele Georgewill (2nd left), during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja… on Friday. With them are members of the committee.

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Being rich is no longer fashionable if it cannot be used for human development.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Pope John Paul II

What God purposed and did before time cannot be destroyed by time, because once upon a time, there was no time at all.

Christianity is called to offer a genuine ‘DNA’ for a universal humanity; a Trinitarian vision and life that can animate a civilisation of love.

14 News Inadequate funds cripples population census in Nigeria –Investigation Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏInadequate fund has

crippled the conduct of population census in Nigeria. Investigations conducted by our correspondent revealed that the last population census was done in 2006 and the next one suppose to have been conducted in 2016, but almost a year after, there was no sign that the population will be carried out this year.

Our source from the National Population Commission (NPC) said that the Commission was ready but there was no fund and proclamation by government to proceed with the work. “More importantly, we need money and thereafter proclamation for census to commence” a source from NPC hinted.

It was gathered that NPC was depends on government and whenever the government is ready, the workers are ready.

“We are going on with the preparation” a worker who decline given her name said. She said that last population was conducted in 2006.

Speaking with Daily Times in Calabar, the Cross River State Director of NPC, Mr Billy Bassey Eteng lamented the inability of government conducting population census as and when due and blamed it on none release of funds.

“Our challenge is that we have to wait for government to make releases to us to continue with the work otherwise, there is no other challenge” He said that the commission was currently doing enumeration area demarcation, so as the commission get releases from government; they go ahead with the project and added “We are waiting for government to give us a go ahead” “We are waiting for government to come up with proclamation on census, the last census was in 2006 and the next one supposes to be 2016. Our staffs are on ground, our facilities are on ground and we have our offices ready but even that is not a challenge” He further said, “We are just waiting for government as they release, we go ahead, it even better for us because it gives us time to do the job properly” he stated.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Why IPOB leader has not been re-arrested - Minister

Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Minister of Interior Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazzau has stated that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Namdi Kanu has not been re-arrested because it is only the court that has powers to revoke his bail.

According to Danbazzau, the court that granted bail to Kanu knows the procedures laid down and the conditions of the bail, adding that since Kanu still has dates with the court, they can then determine if has faulted his conditions and revoke it if necessary.

The Minister stated this Friday in Abuja while addressing the press on the efforts of the present administration to ensure

that promoters and sponsors of hate speeches receive adequate pinishment.

Danbazzau stated that although Kanu has faulted some of his bail conditions, no body has the right to order his arrest and government cannot take any further action unless it is directed by the judiciary.

“Nnamdi Kanu violated his bail conditions but it is not time for him to go back to trial and I think that it is the court that will determine because it is the court that gave those conditions.

“So when he goes to court, the court will determine whether those conditions are violated or not.

If those conditions are violated, then the court knows what to do. But we

cannot assume that those conditions are violated” Danbazzau stated.

Similarly, he also said that the Arewa youths whose arrest were ordered after the October 1st declaration by the Kaduna State governor could not be arrested because the group told the Department of State Security (DSS) that they were misrepresented by the press. He said that the DSS invited the leaders of Arewa Youths after their altercations in Kaduna and they denied the news peddled by the media.

“I am very much aware that the DSS invited all of them and had a meeting with them and they wrote a statement to the DSS to the effect that what was reported in the media was not what they said.

“Furthermore they wrote to the Acting President indicating that they did not make inciting statement as to the issue of violence or forceful ejection of Igbos in the North” the Minister disclosed.

They said, according to the Minister, that at no point did they make statements inciting violence nor make a statement on forceful ejection of the Igbos. He said that on the strength of their clarification, the arrests were not made..

He added that a lot of efforts has been made by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and other elders to ensure that ethnic tension and hate speeches is eliminated from the polity.

L-R: Presales Consultant, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Mr. Chinedu Eze; Country Managing Director, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Nigeria, Mr. Chuks Okpaka; Managing Director, Edgebase Technologies, Mr. Joel Egbai and Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, during the SMART CITIES Nigeria conference, in Abuja… on Friday.

Government appointees seek alternative means to make ends meet.

Kingsley Chukwuka,Jos.

ÏÏÏ

Most elected officials in the Executive Committee of the Plateau State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), have started looking for alternative sources of livelihood, as the party has no provision for them in its pay role.

Our Correspondent reports that most of the members of the APC EXCO in the State have no offices to operate from at the state secretariat of the party.

Our sources in the party had told our correspondent that, “the Public Relation Officer (PRO), the State Publicity Secretary and the State Legal Adviser of the state chapter are hardly in office because they have engaged themselves in other activities that would better their lives.

“Some have gone back to their farms and others gone back to Lagos to fend for themselves, as the party has no provision for salaries.

“If you go round the state secretariat, you would notice a huge lack of care; the fence of the secretariat has fallen in the past two months and nothing has been done about it thereby, exposing members and EXCO members to risk” Our correspondent also discovered that the party’s office in the state is mostly under lock and key.

Nigeria now producing doctors who prefer working abroad Angela Onwuzoo

ÏÏÏ

The challenges confronting the nation’s health sector is far from being over as a new survey conducted by NOIPolls in partnership with the Nigeria Health Watch, has revealed that eight in 10 Nigerian doctors representing 88 percent are seeking employment abroad.

The reasons for their leaving the country in the recently released survey, were because some of the countries of their destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa among others, appreciate their doctors by

providing them with better facilities and work environment, higher remuneration, better welfare packages and benefits, career progression and professional advancement.

Sadly , while the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria(MDCN), Dr Ibrahim Abdulmumini and other stakeholders are lamenting that the 3,000 to 3,500 doctors produced annually in Nigeria are not enough to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard, 88 percent of the few available ones are making frantic effort to leave the country in search of greener pastures.

According to Abdulmumini, going by WHO recommendation of about one doctor to 600 patients, “we have over 3,000 patients per doctor in this country”.

The survey titled: “Emigration of Nigerian Medical Doctors” which involved 705 doctors at home and abroad, revealed that the reasons why many of the doctors in Nigeria were migrating to others countries particularly to the United States and the United Kingdom, were because of high taxes and deductions from salary(98 percent), low work satisfaction(92 per cent).

Others were poor salaries and emoluments(91

percent), huge knowledge gap(47) percent, poor quality of practice, among others.

Findings by The Daily Times revealed that on the MDCN master register, Nigeria has about 45,000 doctors on ground while 15000 to 20000 are working outside the country.

In a country that contributes 10 percent of global maternal and child deaths, this development experts say, is worrisome and therefore, calls for urgent attention by the government.

According to experts, the shortfall in the number of doctors and specialists has worsened the health care system in the

country.

Reacting to the survey during an interview with The Daily Times, Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)Idi-Araba, Prof. Chris Bode, said for him, the government did well in the 70s and 80s to have invested heavily in healthcare capacity building.

Bode said with over 36 teaching hospitals in Nigeria that produce doctors, the country has what he described as “impressive” capacity to produce adequate manpower required in the country, stressing that the training of doctors is strictly regulated by MDCN.

Crime

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

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Alleged ritual hideouts in Lagos: Owoseni condemns acts of jungle justice

Stories by Joy A nyim and Saka Bolaji

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni has cautioned Lagosian to desist from taking the law into their own hand and engaging in jungle justice.

Owoseni who made this known in a press statement issued on Friday reiterated that the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended which states thus: “It shall be the duty of every citizen to respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood” “No person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment” needs to be upheld at all time.

Making reference to the activi-

ties of alleged ritualist dens uncovered at various parts of the state, the State Police Boss said, “In the past few days, the Lagos State Police Command has recorded some incidents of jungle justice across the State. Some recent cases are: The incident of 8th August, 2017 at Ajala Bus-Stop, Ijaiye-Ojokoro where two (2) persons suspected to be Kidnapers/Ritualists were completely burnt, while some buildings were vandalized.

“The incident of 10th August, 2017 at Ile-Zik Bus Stop, along Old Abeokuta Road, where mob attempted to carry out jungle justice on some destitutes, suspected to be Ritualists/Kidnappers. This was prevented by quick intervention of the Police and Sister Security Agencies. Also the incident of 11th August, 2017, where a destitute who appeared to be mentally deraigned was set ablaze by mob on the allegation that he possessed a telephone.”

Owoseni stated that in the course of the disdainful acts, vital evidence are destroyed and that in the course of discharging its Constitutional responsibilities and prevent the barbaric act, Police officers were fatally wounded, while stones were hurled at them as well as Police Patrol Vans.

Although a numbers of persons were arrested in this regard, Owoseni however said, “The foregoing has made it imperative that the general public be reminded that there is no justification for jungle justice on suspected persons.

It is barbaric and uncivilized. It is a manifestation of the erosion of our moral values and a disregard to sanctity of human lives.

“It violates the rule of law and dents the image of the State. Above all, it is a violation of the law, and all those arrested in connection with the aforementioned cases will be made to face the full wrath of

the law.

“The General public is advised to report any suspicious happening in their areas to the Police and other Security Agencies. The public is assured of the renewed commitment of the Police and other Secu-

rity Agencies to prompt response to such reports. The public is also assured of renewed synergy amongst the institutions saddled with criminal justice administration towards

ensuring quick dispensation of justice,” he said.

Niger Police nab robbers, recover motorcycle Two notorious cultists that have been terrorising residents of Ogun and Lagos States have been arrested by men of the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad (FSARS), Adeniji Adele, Lagos.

A notorious armed robber who has been terrorizing Agaie Local Government Area of Niger state is now in the hands of Operatives of the state police command.

The suspect, Salihu Mahmud, 30, of Emi Ubandawaki in Agaie council was trailed and arrested by the police operatives last

Thursday.

It was gathered that the Mahmud tricked one Alhaji Alhassan, of kudugi Fazogi village in Gbako Local Government Area returning from Baddegi in Katcha Local Government Area with his Bajaj motorcycle into taking him to Zhirikolo village in Agaie with aim of snatching him of his motorcycle.

Our correspondent further gathered that on their way the suspect drew out a knife and stabbed the victim and ran away with the his motorcycle.

LASG taskforce impounds 146 motorcycles, prosecute 21 suspects The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force yesterday, impounded a total of 146 motorcycles and arrested 21 riders at 2nd Rainbow area along Mile 2 in Lagos.

Chairman of the Agency, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi who addressed journalists on the activities of the agency, disclosed that the enforcement operations were carried out based on series of complaints to his office by innocent members of the public on the criminal activities perpetuated by these motorcyclists around Mile 2, Orile-Iganmu and Coker Aguda areas.

He disclosed that robbers use the cyclists to terrorize innocent members of the public both day and night by dispossessing them of their phone, jewelries and other valuables.

In his remark, the taskforce boss called on the association overseeing the affairs of motorcycle operators to live up to their duties. He advised that Two suspects identified as Adegoke Ademuyiwa Johnson, 43, and 52-years-old Juliet Enweazu recently appeared at a Chief Magistrates Court in Tinubu, Lagos, charged for defrauding air passengers of the sum of N2.3 million.

Investigations revealed that the suspects specialise in collecting money from air travelers and subsequently using stolen credit cards to pay for tickets.

They however meet their waterloo when a major airliner (name withheld) became suspicious and requested some passengers who had acquired their tickets through the swindlers to alight from the aircraft for questioning.

The passengers were directed to appear at the American Consulate for explanations on how their tick-

Suspects

the body screen out criminals amongst their membership and educate others to stop plying any of the restricted 475 routes which includes highways and bridges across the State.

“I also enjoin owners of private power bikes (200cc and above), particularly corporate bodies to warn their dispatch riders to stop engaging in commercial activities as anyone caught violating any sections

Impounded motorcycles

of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 would be prosecuted.”

He however confirmed that after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni was well briefed about the enforcement operations, he directed that all those arrested be charged to court for prosecution.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi of the Lagos State

Mobile Court sitting at Oshodi on Tuesday, forfeited the impounded 146 motorcycles to government and subsequently sentenced 21 arrested riders/ operators to 2 weeks imprisonment with N5,000 as option of fine.

Prosecuting Counsel, Barrister Adedoyin Odukoya disclosed that 21 arrested motorcycle riders/operators were convicted after they all pleaded

‘Guilty’ to the 2 counts charge levied against them.

“The two counts charge are Driving/Riding Motorcycles on restricted routes, contrary to Section (1) item (22) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 and ‘Conducts likely to cause Breach of Peace’ contrary to Section 166 Sub. (1) (d) of Lagos State Criminal Laws of 2011.

Two suspects in court for defrauding air passengers of N2.3m ets were bought. But they were later concluded to be victims and not collaborators in the unlawful act.

The case was swiftly reported to the Special Fraud Unit, Lagos.

Upon interrogation, it was discovered that the passengers paid a total sum of N2.3 million to Enweazu, who operates a travel agency at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspects however, confessed to have been running another travel agency in Ibadan for over five years. Adegoke also confessed to have defrauded a family of 11 in December, 2016 of huge sum in the guise of procuring air tickets.

The Commissioner of Police,

Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, Ibrahim Lamorde, who spoke on the development, said the case is another reason why air travelers must be careful. “Air travel passengers should only patronise registered International Air Transport Association (AITA) agencies to procure their travel tickets to avoid issues like this.

“Air travelers are also expected to be careful with the use of credit cards used for tickets bought by third parties except if the card will be available for presentation at the point of boarding.

“The suspects will be properly prosecuted not only because they were alleged to have stolen credit cards but for many innocent peo-

The Sienna car abandoned by the suspect

16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

FEATURES

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Living with sickle cell is about sharing information –Chidinma Olusola Ogboso Franca Sulem-Yong

Chidinma Olusola Ogboso is a lady living with the sickle cell anaemia, and the condition has turned her into a “sickle cell warrior” of sort.

Despite the resultant crisis from her condition, the 27-year-old Nigerian from the rock city, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, who has survived the physical, social and emotional peaks and troughs of her condition, courageously bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Babcock University five years ago.

As you read this, Chidinma is a successful entrepreneur, who co-founded and jointly runs CEEJAYS Exclusive Fabrics, a multi million Naira international fabric trading company, situated opposite First Bank, Idumota market in Lagos.

At a rendezvous she had with The Daily Times during the week, the vibrant and cheerful woman enjoins every sickle cell patient to find a means of sharing advice of the disease.

Attributing the secret of her success to absolute faith in God, Chidinma told our correspondent that she did not entertain the belief that she would die quickly.

“The reason I did not nurse such fear is because I am blessed to be part of a family which constitutes a strong support system. My mum in particular was very supportive. She would tell me sickle cell is no big deal. She would tell me I look better than the average healthy person because I am always happy and no one would know I have the disease unless I tell them.”

How did she manage crisis moments in and out of her business? She reminded our correspondent that she is an entrepreneur.

“I am an entrepreneur and I know my limits, so I can afford myself the luxury of a break anytime the crisis comes. I always bore in mind that I have to savor every blessed moment and did not concentrate on how far I was going to go.”

Growing up “I experienced it differently at different stages of my life,” she began: “As a child, everything was pretty normal as I did not really take it to heart. Besides, I was always conscious of my limits from the beginning. If ever I was playing and I sensed the symptoms, I would immediately stop, but as I grew older and took cognizance of the stakes involved, it dawned on me I had to focus on how to take care of myself.

“Over time, I became aware of the physical, social and emotional aspects of sickle cell. The bleak scenes of excruciating pain, urgent hospital runs, regular tests and medication became part of my life”.

Inspite of her optimism, however, Chidinma acknowledged that her humanity sometimes comes to play occasionally.

“Emotionally, I worried about growing up and living long, getting married and having children naturally because I was told that these would be difficult if not impossible. Also, I was very conscious about the colour of my eyes and I was shy to make eye-contact with people for a long period of my life.

“Socially, I faced humiliation from peers who made jest of me because of my condition. I faced issues while looking for admission into schools. I was told not to sit for certain exams and sometimes I was denied promotion into the next class. In what seemed like an endless, tedious journey, I learnt to adapt to circumstances,” she said soberly.

In retrospect, Chidinma recalled how she surfed through the challenges of her growing up years.

“Initially, I became hardened. When you are bullied, you learn to put up a defensive mechanism to alert provokers. This may make one aggressive and unapproachable and people would conclude you are a snub, but I had to. Sickle cell makes you tough and my condition made me a strong and happy woman ready to fight for myself and face any challenge.”

Discipline with medication was another area she became apt. “My medication was one aspect I became

A people brought together by fate

Chidinma

more alert. I took my drugs regularly, ate well and covered myself whenever I sense cold. I also do lots of research on the disease and that has help make me more knowledgeable; my mind broadens every day.

“All the time I make sure I dress well, wear good clothes, put on good make up and put up a perfectly healthy posture always.

“Above all these, I learnt to be happy. I harnessed a positive outlook about life. Like my mum says, I have already experienced sickle cell and the worst may never happen. It would only get better so, I hold my head high up as I live in self-acceptance and self-esteem, knowing that the best is yet to come.”

To fellow sickle cell “warriors, Chidinma sends these words of hope: “I know that living with sickle cell can make you lose confidence in yourself because of your size, the colour of your eyes and sorts. But you can camouflage all these by dressing well and looking good. This would make you feel good and confident of yourself.

Also, try to always be happy and cheerful despite the pain you feel often.

“Of key importance is, do not be silent and don’t build a fortress around you because of your condition.

Since I joined a group of patients known as Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation (SCAF), I have become more enlightened. I used to think I was alone, but now that I know there are others struggling with their condition and who can understand me.

“I have learnt to break my silence about the disease and I am proud to call myself a survivor. I urge every sickle cell patient to join a group or find any means of sharing experiences about the disease. Remember, no man is an island and if you stay alone because you are ashamed about your condition, you may not know alternative solutions to the crisis. We all need encouragement and support so let us face our issues together.

“Lastly, expand your horizon, tell your success story and inform your boss and peers about your condition so they can know what to expect from you. It is important to note that the experience of living with sickle cell is about giving and receiving advice so do not go through it alone.”

Directing her advice to the government of the day, Chidinma reiterated that she has been blessed.

“I make bold to say I’ve been blessed to do all my consultations in private hospitals, but I am aware that some patients cannot afford it. I urge government to provide adequate healthcare and instant medication to sickle cell patients in government hospitals. Few government hospitals have appropriate equipment; without it the patient may die if not attended to instantly; so government should put that in place.”

Bright hope for tomorrow “I wish to get married, raise children, expand my business and provide support for sickle cell patients by sharing advice and, hopefully, I would create my own foundation on the long run.”

Where there is a will, they say, divine providence will make a way.

19 Features

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

God’s Covenant Snr with agency report The damages to lives and properties in the Nigeria since insurgency teamed up with militants in the Niger Delta can never be quantified in the history of this nation.

But the worst hit is the Northeastern Nigeria, comprising Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba which have suffered a lot of devastating impacts arising from attacks from the Boko Haram insurgency.

These attacks have led to loss of thousands of lives, destruction of property and social amenities which has negatively affected the region.

Worst hit are Borno and Adamawa states where the wanton destruction of lives, properties and social amenities including schools and hospitals is unquantifiable.

For instance, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State observed that the region has lost more than 9.2 billion dollars’ worth of property due to the insurgency in which the loss in Borno alone accounts for 6.7 billion dollars of the amount.

According to him, this has led to further degradation of the region that has been experiencing underdevelopment before the advent of the insurgency.

These attacks have also led to displacements of Nigerian citizens in the region who had fled to other states in the country while some others are refugees in neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Also, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) notes that there are more than 2.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of the insurgency in the region with several children orphaned.

An intensified action to combat the insurgents by the Federal Government gave need for the deployment of more military intervention to liberate all the communities taken by the insurgents.

The intervention recorded huge success as the military recovered most of the territories occupied by the terrorists and guaranteed the safety of indigenes in return back to their communities.

Irrespective of this, concerned citizens observe that the Federal Government has evolved pragmatic efforts at rebuilding, reconstructing and rehabilitating the region although there have been earlier several humanitarian interventions.

The interventions include those from the Federal Government, various United Nations agencies, international and local non-governmental organisations.

Observers, however, note that the intervention has suffered effective coordination and synergy among development partners and humanitarian actors.

To address this, Federal Government set up the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative (PCNI) for effective action on the region’s reconstruction.

Inaugurated on October 26, 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari, the initiative will serve as the primary national strategy, coordination and advisory body for all humanitarian interventions, transformations and long term economic development of the region.

Parts of its mandates include the safe return, resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons, including IDPs and refugees.

The presidency appointed retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) to serve as the committee’s chairman with members of the committee drawn from key ministries departments and agencies.

The committee has embarked on an assessment of the level of destruction in the region and has developed strategies to adopt in rebuilding it as soon as possible to ensure safe resettlements of the displaced persons.

Mr. Tijjanni Tumsah, vice-chairman of the committee, said PCNI ought to be the apex governing body for coordination

Boko Haram distruction

Why rebuilding the Northeast must not be politicised

Displaced persons

to provide guidance for all interventions in the region, including humanitarian, reconstruction and resettlement.

He said that the first charge the committee received was the collation and harmonisation of all existing intervention and resources from all stakeholders.

“The committee developed a plan of action referred to as the Buhari Plan which contains holistic approach to addressing the root causes of the insurgency and a guide to achieving its mandates,’’ he said.

While noting that more than 7 billion dollars would be needed to rebuild the region, he observed that Buhari Plan would serve as a blueprint in rebuilding a safer and prosperous north-eastern region for socio-economic recovery and development.

“Buhari Plan is a five-year time framework which is divided into three components for immediate implementation which are; the short term (immediate), intermediate and long term.

“The short term components would focus on immediate comprehensive relief, social stabilisation and early recovery aimed at addressing the immediate challenge of more than seven million people in need.

“The intermediate component would focus on relocation, rehabilitation and resettlement aimed at supporting the

voluntary resettlement of 2.4 million displaced persons.

“The long term component would focus on economic and development strategies of the north-east which is aimed at providing sustainable growth for 21.4 million citizens.

“We hope to achieve all these in a five-year time frame; the short term component from six months to 12 months, the intermediate component between six months and 24 months and the long term component from six months to 60 months.’’ Tumsah said.

He said that under the Buhari Plan, more than 21,000 projects had been listed for implementation by ministries, departments and agencies, states, development partners, international and local nongovernmental organisations.

He also said that quite a number of the projects had been captured in the 2017 budget with an allocation of more than N100 billion naira.

“The PCNI on April 5 recorded another milestone in achieving its mandate with the launch of the Dashboard, a web based platform that captures and displays important information on the interventions in the region,’’ he said.

He said the platform was designed to ensure and effective coordination of programmes and projects in the region

by giving update on the effectiveness of interventions.

Mr. Mohammed Danjuma, Head of Programme, Management and Coordination of the committee, said the dashboard contained important information on the Buhari Plan.

“Quite a number of actors are engaged the recovery efforts in the north-east and a huge amount is already being sunk to addressing the humanitarian needs, the early recovery and ultimately, the long term recovery.

“The need for proper coordination by all these multiple stakeholders cannot be overemphasised, hence the dashboard was developed to provide coordination and synergy.

“In the dashboard, development partners would be able to register, see for themselves what have been done and where needs urgent attention and resources.

“It would also enable PCNI to identify where they are gaps and advise actors on projects that are of priority and how to direct their resources and ensure that there is no duplication of efforts.

“The dashboard is a result based tool that would enable us to track our progress in the implementation of the Buhari Plan and a periodically assess the progress we are making,’’ he said.

Danjuma said that the committee was committed to ensuring the safe and dignified return of the people back to their communities putting in place security and basic social amenities.

To quicken the rebuilding, Mr. Rashid Bemassaud, World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, said the bank would support Nigerian government with 775 million dollars.

He said the intervention fund would focus on addressing service delivery gaps in health, education, social protection, livelihood deficit, youth unemployment and social cohesion issues created by the insurgency.

Similarly, the United Kingdom said it would continue to support the Nigerian government in intervention for the reconstruction of the region.

Mr. Robert Watt, Head Region Office of the UK Department for International Development, said the humanitarian funds from the UK to Nigeria increased from 1 million pounds in 2015 to 82 million pounds in 2017.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Court denies 10-year-old rape victim’s abortion plea Bonny Amadi with Agency reports A district court in Chandigarh, Kuala Lumpur: has denied a plea by a 10-year-old rape victim for abortion, after it was confirmed that she is 26-weeks pregnant.

The court has also ordered the girl to carry her foetus to term, ruling that her pregnancy too advanced to have an abortion.

The English version of Astroawani reported that the court of additional district and sessions judge Roonam R Joshi made the ruling on the basis of medical report submitted by the doctors of Gynecology Department of Government Medical College and

Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, the Indian Express reported.

According to the Indian law known as Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, abortions beyond 20 weeks are not allowed unless if the fetus is not viable or if the mother’s life is at risk.

The case came to light when the girl complained of stomach aches. Doctors who examined her confirmed that the girl is six weeks pregnant.

The child claimed that her maternal uncle had raped her six to seven times, when he visited them.

According to the report, the man is currently being held in police custody.

36 dead, 109 injured after trains collide in Egypt’s Alexandria

Two trains collided in Egypt’s coastal city of Alexandria on Friday killing 21 people and injuring 55 others, Egypt’s Al-Ahram news reported. One of the trains was travelling from Cairo, and the other from Port Said.

The death toll in a train collision in Alexandria according to the report rose to 36, with at least 109 injured, health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed was reported to have told Al-Ahram Arabic.

English ahram news reports that Egypt’s prosecutor-general, Nabil Sadiq, has ordered an urgent investigation into the collision.

Following the collision, Prime

Minister Sherif Ismail ordered winches to be dispatched to the site.

Megahed said that the dead were transferred to Koum ElDekka morgue, while injured passengers are at El-Mery, ElGomhoria, Ras El-Tin, and Mostafa Kamel hospitals.

According to the report, masscasualty train accidents in Egypt are not new to the country. A train derailment in Badrashin in Giza killed at least 19 people in 2013.

In 2012, a collision between a train and school bus on a rail crossing in the town of Manfalut in Upper Egypt killed 51 people, mostly children.

Zuma welcomes Ellen Johnson, expresses concern over peace, security in Liberia South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma freshly out of vote of no confidence vote has expressed concern over peace and Security in Liberia.

Zuma who hosted his Liberian counterpart Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the Union Buildings on Friday afternoon, said that South Africa is greatly concerned about challenges threatening the continent’s peace and security.

He has condemned acts of terrorism and extremism, saying

they hinder much-needed development in most African countries.

The President has meanwhile extended his gratitude towards Johnson Sirleaf for her visit.

“We are also happy that you have visited us at a time when South Africans are celebrating Women’s Month. It is, therefore, an opportune time ... your tenure as the first female head of state and government in the continent.”

20 Foreign

Siblings become sex slaves to father, uncles and grandfather

Two siblings have reported that they were raped by their own father, two uncles and grandfather, in which one of them became pregnant.

According to the report, a team from the CID headed by Inspector Vimal Nathan has arrested all suspects at their home at around 3.30pm, Friday.

“The suspects were aged between 26 and 57 and worked as farmers,” he said.

Astro Awani Malaysia news report said that Sarawak Crimi-

nal Investigation Department (CID) chief Datuk S. Dev Kumar confirmed the report after being informed about the incident by Serian Hospital at around 2.30pm today.

“We were informed that the victim is pregnant and was referred to the hospital for examination,” he said.

Initial investigations revealed that the victims were treated like sex slaves, where the eldest have been treated that way since she was 13.

“What’s more sad was that the victim’s younger sister who is nine years old was treated the same.

“All incidents happened at the family’s house at Kampung Daha Seroban and they were all living together,” Dev said.

The case is being investigated under Section 376B of the Penal Code for incarceration and will be brought to the Samarahan Magistrate Court tomorrow morning for remand application.

25 Kenyan women emerge parliamentarians, governors …As police take measures against protests 22 Kenyan women contestants in the August 8 elections, were elected as parliamentarians and governors, beating their male counterparts’ challengers.

Among the number, six women made history in Kenya for being the first women to win seats as governors and senators since the country’s promulgation of the 2010 constitution.

Three women won gubernatorial seats which have always been won by men.

The 22 women secured seats in Kenya’s 350-member parliament to represent their constituencies across the country.

Though a small number, it is an improvement from the 2013

elections when only 16 women made it to parliament.

13 of the women contested for the ruling Jubilee Party, five for the main opposition party Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), one each for Kanu party, Party of Reforms and Democracy, Wiper Democratic Movement and independent candidate respectively.

Another three women won seats in the 68-member Senate, making them the first women to be elected in the lower house of parliament.

Women have had no elected representation in the Senate but were appointed based on party seat numbers.

Meanwhile, Kenyan police is taking security precautions ahead of an expected announcement that President Uhuru Kenyatta has won re-election despite allegations of vote rigging by opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Police stationed extra forces at the airport in the western city of Kisumu in a bid to forestall any protests. The city is in a province that is Odinga’s stronghold.

“We are securing the airport so people can get in and out,” Kisumu County police commissioner Joseph Keitany told Reuters. “We are only putting vehicles in certain areas we deem to be hotspots.”

KENYA WOMEN JUBILATING

More feared dead as fighting erupts in South Sudan near Ethiopian border Heavy fighting erupted in the South Sudanese town of Pagak, near the Ethiopian border, when rebels launched an offensive against government forces, the rebels said.

Fighting from August 8 to 11 claimed the lives of over 300 people and forced more than 60,000 others to flee their homes.

Former vice-president Machar

has refused to come back to Juba until the deployment of a neutral force of African troops -- a plan approved by the US and African Union but until now rejected by Kiir.

Rebel spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel told Reuters that the rebels wanted to regain the town of Pagak, which was captured by government forces on August 7.

Dickson Gatluak Jock, a spokesman for the forces of South Sudan’s First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, also said they were engaged in fighting.

Recently, South Sudan accepted the deployment of a regional intervention force after escalating violence put a fragile peace deal in danger, the head of the East African bloc IGAD said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

21 News

IGP sets up special Panel to investigate alleged bribery in Police Special promotions ...to submit reports in two weeks Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ

A cross-section of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters, during the familiarisation tour of the PDP’s elders at Ado-Odo Ota, Local Government Area, Ogun State… on Thursday.

Channels TV to train EFCC staff in effective communication ÏÏÏ

The management of Channels television has expressed readiness to train some staff of the Public Affairs Department, PAD, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in effective communication.

This was disclosed on Friday, during a courtesy visit by the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to the station’s Chairman, John Momoh, in Lagos.

Speaking on the planned training, the Assistant General Manager, Operations, Kingsley Uranta, who received the delegation led by Magu, said it was important that spokespersons in the Commission be trained in the art of effective communication, particularly with the members of the community, who are their

target audience.

Uranta, who added that one of the ingredients of effective communication was getting feedback from target audience, said: “I wish to convey the Chairman’s appreciation of the existing relationship with the EFCC over the years.

“I also want to convey the management decision to deepen the skills of your staff in the area of communication with the community.

“Consequently, we will give a slot or two to your spokespersons to attend our high-end training.”

Uranta further stated that working with the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies comes naturally to the station, adding that, “we are in the service of the community to promote good governance and openness.”

Earlier, Magu thanked the management of the television station for what he described as “your untiring support in the fight against corruption.”

“I have also come to congratulate you on the excellent work you are doing and for which you are know The EFCC boss used the occasion to stress the fact that corruption had been troubling the minds and souls of Nigerians.

He said: “That corruption is fighting back is not in doubt. But it has never been like this before.”

He, however, expressed confidence that the war against corruption would be won.

According to him, “We are fighting to see that we dismantle all the pillars of corruption and I can tell you that the corrupt elements will run away.”

Bayelsa govt. orders APC to vacate Secretariat Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏ

The crisis rocking the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, took a new twist as the state government ordered for immediate vacation of its secretariat located along Melford Okilo expressway, Kpansia, Yenaoga.

Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa, the Solicitor General of Bayelsa State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justices, Mr. Preye Ageda, Esq. said the state government acquired the said property in 2010 from one chief

Ipigansi Izagara.

He said: “in the year 2010, the Bayelsa State Government acquired a property belonging to Chief Ipigansi Izagara along Chief Melford Okilo Express Way, Kpansia – Epie Yenagoa as a Government Guest House. The assessment, valuation and discussions towards the acquisition of the property was handled by the Executive Secretary of the Capital City Development Authority, the then Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Opuala Charles and the former Governor of Bayelsa State Chief Timipre Sylva.

“The property was duly paid for and the government took possession of the property as owner and the keys were handed over to the state Government by Chief Ipigansi Izagara.

“Thereafter, the property was rehabilitated by Gefesco Enterprises Nigeria Limited for a total sum of Forty Three Million Naira (43,000,000.00) of which the final payment of Twenty Three Million Naira (N23, 000,000.00) was made by the current administration after an initial payment of Twenty Million Naira (20,000,000.00) by its predecessor.

Following the complaints and allegations of bribery leveled against the Nigerian Police Service Commission(PSC) and the office of the Inspector General of Police(IGP) on the recent promotion of officers, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris has set up a special Investigation Panel to investigate the alleged favoritism and lopsided nature of the special promotions.

This is coming days after the outburst of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isah Hamma Misau who was a former police officer, revealing that officers pay as much as N2.5 million as bribe for special promotion in the Force.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had also been been petitioned by some lawyers and activists under the aegis of United Global Resolve for Peace(UGRFP) to intervene in the alleged one sided promotion characterised with flaws.

It was gathered that the Special Investigation Panel has consequently upon the directive of the Inspector General of Police invited Senator Isah Hamma Misau to a meeting to shed more lights and provide more details to the Panel that will assist them to conduct a very discreet investigation into his complaints and allegations, and those of other aggrieved Police officers.

According to a statement issued

by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh O. Moshood, the Panel amongst other responsibilities is: “to investigate the complaints from Senator Isah Hamma Misau on allegations that Police Officers pay bribe for special promotion. Also investigate other complaints, petitions and grievances from Police Officers within the Force and from other members of the public on allegations of giving money for promotion, either special or otherwise.

“To determine the substance of the complaints, petitions and grievances from aggrieved Police Officers and members of the public on allegations of giving money for special promotions. And determine those who were involved “To recommend appropriate judicial action and other punishments as it is appropriate in line with the provisions of Public Service Rules Section 030401 (j) (k) and other statutory enabling laws/Acts.”

The Panel is expected to submit reports to the Inspector General of Police within two (2) weeks.

To ensure the success of the investigation by the Panel, concerned Police Officers and members of the public are to use the following phone numbers or Whatapps to submit their petitions and complaints to the panel: 08054904443, 08035896648 and 08181895582

Ikorodu hosts Glo Laffta Fest Sunday Nigeria’s comedy icon, Bright Okpocha, popularly called Basketmouth will be leading other accomplished comedians to the city of Ikorodu in Lagos for the mega comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest this Sunday (tomorrow).

According to a press release from the head office of the organisers of the show, Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications company, Globacom, the show is slated for the Ikorodu Musical Village at 1 p.m.

Other top comedians expected to thrill Ikorodu residents include Gordons, Salvador from Uganda, Helen Paul, Bash, Kenny Black and Acapella.

Foremost actresses, Ebube Nwagbo and Uche Jombo, will anchor the show, which is expected to attract Glo subscribers and dignitaries from different areas of life.

The show will also feature special appearances by Nollywood legends, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G),

Odunlade Adekola and Mr. Latin.

“We are taking the fun to the heart of Ikorodu this Sunday.

The people of this city should get ready to enjoy themselves like they have not done before. The experience will be simply breathtaking,” Globacom said.

Basketmouth gave a hint of what awaits fun seekers, as he charged them to expect “a pleasant surprise.” In the same vein, another successful comedian Godwin Komone, popularly called Gordons, said, “it would be a Sunday to remember for the people of Ikorodu.”

To attend the Ikorodu Laffta Fest comedy show, Glo subscribers are expected to use up to N2,000 credit within one month and text LOL with the location name to the short code 240; for example, “LOL Ikeja” to 240.

However, subscribers who do not meet this criterion but who wish to attend the show can buy N2,000 airtime at the venue to get a ticket for admission into the hall

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

FG working hard to meet electoral pledges –Minister

ÏÏÏ

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said contrary to what naysayers want people to believe, this Administration is working assiduously to redeem its electoral pledges, especially in the critical areas of developing the economy as well as fighting corruption and insecurity.

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Friday while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the visiting Chinese Vice Minister of The State Council Information Office, Mr. Guo Weimin, in the area of media and cultural relations.

“Contrary to the lies that are being purveyed daily in the Social Media, this government has been working assiduously to redeem its electoral pledges.

Our fight against insecurity is

yielding very positive results.

“Our fight against corruption is focused and is ongoing and we are resolute and we have resolved that we are going to fight corruption until corruption goes under. We are happy that in this regards, we have a very good partner in China because we are aware and we know how China fought corruption and how China is fighting corruption. ‘’We have succeeded in nursing a very sick economy and very soon, Nigeria will get out of recession,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed, who said the signing of the MOU will further deepen the already excellent relationship between the two countries, expressed optimism that some provisions of the MOU that encourage the news agencies of Nigeria and China to reflect, in their reporting, the

social, economic and cultural development in both countries, will eliminate the phenomenon of fake news.

“This is significant because we are today in the era of fake news.

Unlike China, the Social Media here is completely unrestrained.

Therefore it is important that you get your news directly from the official source,” he said.

The Minister sought the support of China towards the training of the Ministry’s Resident Information Officers on modern Governance Public Communication methods in order to build their capacity as the respective spokespersons of Ministries, Department and Agencies.

Alhaji Mohammed also sought partnership with China in the areas of film produc-

tion and distribution, development of community cinema houses and collaboration in the co-production of films as well as screening of Nigerian films in China and vice versa.

He called for cooperation between the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board and the China Censorship Board to curb the importation and exportation of pirated and adulterated movies of both countries.

In his remarks, the Chinese Vice Minister said the signing of the MOU between the two countries marked a new beginning in the relationship between the two countries, particularly in the area of media and cultural relations.

He said staff training and programme exchanges will further solidify the cultural ties between both nations.

Adamawa is most peaceful, Bindow tells Int’l peace advocacy group Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Executive Governor of Adamawa state, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow told an international Peace advocacy group that the state is more peaceful than perceived through the efforts of President Muhammad Buhari.

The group came to Yola in a “Peace Pilgrims Mission” to meet,pray and sympathise with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been either traumatized and facing a lot of psychological and social problems.

Bindow assured the delegation ninety nine percent of the IDPs they met at the camps are not from Adamawa state but indigenes of Borno who have been receiving a magnanimous support by the State.

“We have closed down one of the Major IDPs camp in our state and ninety nine percent of the IDPs in the other camps In the state are not from Adamawa, we are keeping them because they are human beings and they deserves our magnanimity support.’’ Bindow Said Jibrilla further said that the insecurity problem the

country is facing is being fuel by some unpopular politicians who have nothing to offer to the electorates.

The delegation of the group led by his grace eminent President of the World Lutheran Church council,LCCN,Most Rev Musa Panti Filibus organized by the world council of churches (WCC) facilitated by Transforming, Analyzing, Accompanying And Building Change Organizations (TAABCO) with headquarters in Nairobi Kenya,said their interaction with the IDPs revealed that the two dominant religion are lovers of peace and encourage peaceful coexistence.

In her earlier submissions, the Moderator of the Church Council,Dr Mrs Agnes Aboum while appreciating the efforts of Governor Bindow making sure that normal life will return to all places in dilemma as a result of war or disasters. ‘’We are to see for ourselves how the IDPs are faring and to give our Support in terms of counselling,education on trauma handling and to help the over come the stigma of being IDPs when the return to normal life.”

Navy sets up committee for Made-in-Abia products Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal shuaib; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Emir of Argungun, Alhaji Samaila Mera, during the traditional leaders quarterly meeting in Sokoto… recently.

Okowa mourns Olikeze of Asaba , says he was a leader of repute Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday expressed deep sadness over the death of the Olikeze of Asaba and Secretary, AsagbaIn-Council, Chief John Iloba, who passed on at the age of 91 years.

He described the late Chief Iloba as a devout Christian and community leader who promoted harmonious relations be-

tween Asaba indigenes and inhabitants of the State capital.

Governor Okowa in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, commiserated with the Iloba family, Asagba-in-Council and the people of Asaba on the demise of the nonagenarian veteran journalist, prolific writer and Diokpa of Isieke quarters, Asaba.

According to the Governor, “the late Chief Iloba

was a great author, poet, sports enthusiast, devout Christian and community leader who promoted harmonious relations between indigenous people of Asaba and inhabitants of the state capital.

“On behalf of my family the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the Iloba family of Isieke quarters, the Asagba-inCouncil and the people of Asaba over the painful loss of our leader and fa-

ther Chief John Iloba.

“He will be remembered for his phenomenal and outstanding contributions to the development of Asaba and for his advocacy for the review of traditional and customary laws of Asaba people to suit the city’s state capital status.” he said.

Governor Okowa prayed God Almighty to grant the family and the people of Asaba the fortitude to bear the loss.

Nigeria Navy says, it has set up a committee to partner with Abia State government for the promotion and. patronage of the Made-Abia products.

The new Flag Officer Commanding (F. O.C) Navy Training Command, Lagos Rear Admiral Obi Ferdinand Offodire disclosed this in Umuahia while on courtesy visit to the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, stating that what remains is the signing of necessary documents to enable the partnership commence.

While expressing the appreciation of Nigeria Navy over the support of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to the Navy, the Flag Officer promised to continue to assist the state in maintaining security in the state.

He also appreciated the Governor for deciding to construct in the Navy school, Owerinta as well as a guest house for the Navy which is now 90% completed..

Rear Admiral Offodire informed that he was in the state for a familiarization tour of his formation in the state following his new appointment as the Flag Officer Commanding commended the State government for building.

Responding, the state Governor Dr.Okezie. Ikpeazu appreciated the support of the Navy for the Made_in-Abia products and called for more partnership with Abia State government in the promoting the made-in Abia products.

The Governor, who was represented by the acting Secretary to the State government Dr. Vivian Umah, urged the Nigeria Navy to continue to maintain peace and security in the state as well as requested that Abia indigenes be admitted into the Nigeria Navy.

Ikpeazu assured that the state would always support the Navy in its operations in Abia and informed that his government is building a guest house for the Navy in the State.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

News 23

Ex-Ambassador charges youths to make honesty their trademark in business Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ Former Nigeria Am-

bassador to Guinea Bissau Chief Justina Eze, of Nigeria has urged youths to make honesty their trademark in business if they want to succeed in life.

Eze gave the advice on Friday at University of Nigeria, Nsukka during the 2nd International conference organised by Young Innovators Forum in collaboration with Lifyead Africa and Youth Friendly Resource Centre with the theme, “Creativity, Technology and Innovation towards Sustainable Development’. she said doing business with honesty and fear of God help to increase one’s business empire. “ The best way to promote and advertise your business is by being honest to your customers and business partners.

“Avoid buying stolen items, stealing one’s intellectual property or cheating your business partners if you want to succeed in business.

“Remember to pray every morning before going out, so that God will bless all your activities for the day, “she said.

She urged young men and women to always ask themselves what they could do to solve one of the economic problems facing the country so as to be remembered by generation yet unborn.

“Let your role model be one whose achievements and character will inspire you to work harder as well as render selfless to your fatherland.

“Remember the type of life you live as youth today will determine what your tomorrow will look like,” she said.

In a remark, Prof. Ben-

x MRS OKOLIE ANGELA CHINENYE

xx CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known ,called and addressed as MISS OGBONNA ANGELA CHINENYE , Now wish to be known ,called and addressed as MRS OKOLIE ANGELA CHINENYE .all former document remain valid general public take note .

This is to inform the general public that my name OKONKWO BRIDGET NWAKA was wrongly written during my BVN registration but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OKONKWO BRIDGET NWEKE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

EKPENYONG UNYIME PAUL

CAROLINE CHUKWUDI EZE

I, formerly known and addressed as COMFORT MENIM OKON, now wish to be known and addressed as EKPENYONG UNYIME PAUL. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FELICIA CHUKWUDI EZE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CAROLINE CHUKWUDI EZE. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 12TH JULY 1964. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ANYAEGBUNAM OBIANUJU

xx OGBODO OGOCHUKWU JULIET

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOYE OBIANUJU, now wish to be known and addressed as ANYAEGBUNAM OBIANUJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EZE SUNDAY

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBODO ABIGAIL UZOMA, now wish to be known and addressed asOGBODO OGOCHUKWU JULIET. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OGUJIOFOR UGOCHI FAVOUR

I, formerly known and addressed as ONUNZE SUNDAY .A., now wish to be known and addressed as EZE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TAMBA UGOCHI FAVOUR, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUJIOFOR UGOCHI FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS ANIGBO JENNIFER AMUCHE

NWODO CHIEDOZIE LIVINUS SHEROFF

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU JENNIFER AMUCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIGBO JENNIFER AMUCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWODO CHIEDOZIE SHEROFF, now wish to be known and addressed as NWODO CHIEDOZIE LIVINUS SHEROFF. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

jamin Ozumba, the ViceChancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka challenged young people to help towards increasing technological developmental through creative thinking and innovation. “ The quality of youths in any country determine to an extent what the economy future of that country will look like.

“As young entrepreneurs and innovators continue to think on to find solutions to toothing economic problems facing your fatherland.

With number of things displayed, constructed locally by young people. it’s an indication that the future of the country is bright,”he said.

The VC who was represented by the Deputy Vicechancellor Academics, Prof. James Ogbonna urged participants to make judi-

cious use of opportunity provided by the conference to interact with themselves so as to improve on their knowledge.

Earlier in a remark, the Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Vicky Onu said the yearly conference for young entrepreneurers and innovators was to raise generation of thinkers and creative future leaders who would contribute immensely to the development of the country “for any country to conquer poverty hungry and unemployment it has to impart essential skills into its citizens in order to achieve robust economy and technological breakthrough. “if any country wants to be among top world economies of the world and not to remain a consumer nation it must equip its youths with innovative skills.”she said.

ADDITION OF NAME

ANAGWAONYE IKENNA ZENITH

That I was formerly known and addressed as EKWE KENNETH that I now wish to add AMOBI to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as EKWE KENNETH AMOBI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed asANAGWAONYE IKENNA JOHNBOSCO, now wish to be known and addressed as ANAGWAONYE IKENNA ZENITH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASEGWUTA GABRIEL IFEOMA

DIKE EDITH CHINWENDU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EGWUTA GABRIEL PETER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED ASEGWUTA GABRIEL IFEOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as DIKE EDITH JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as DIKE EDITH CHINWENDU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public please take note.

MRS EMEKA-CHIGBO SCHOLASTICA NCHEKWUBE

MRS NKIRUKA PATIENCE NWACHUKWU.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEH SCHOLASTICA NCHEKWUBE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMEKA-CHIGBO SCHOLASTICA NCHEKWUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NKIRUKA PATIENCE OFORKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NKIRUKA PATIENCE NWACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHIDERA MARY-QUEEN EZEMOKA

NNAJI JOSEPHINE OBIAGELI

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIDERA MARY- QUEEN OKOLO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDERA MARYQUEEN EZEMOKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NNAJI JOSEPHINE OBBY, now wish to be known and addressed asNNAJI JOSEPHINE OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public please take note.

EZE MODESTA CHIDEBELU

BUNMI TOYIN OTUYA-BOLUJOKO

I, formerly known and addressed as EZE MODESTA ADAEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZE MODESTA CHIDEBELU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known called and addressed as BUNMI TOYIN BOLUJOKO, now wish to be known called and addressed as BUNMI TOYIN OTUYA-BOLUJOKO. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note.

She said only countries that have trained their children in innovation, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship were in position to improve their economic fortune of their families as well as the country. “if children are taught how to be creative in primary and secondary schools it will go along way in making them job providers instead of job seekers when they graduate from tertiary institutions. “the level of employment is high in the country because our school

curriculum from primary school to higher institutions are not creative and skill acquisition oriented, “ she said.

The coordinator commended young entrepreneurs and investors for attending the conference.

Onu urged governments, corporate organizations and philanthropists to assist the young inventors so that they could mass produced what they invented for public consumption .

The highlight of the occasion was exhibition of locally constructed inverters, generating among other items.

MISS AGBOROGUN ELIZABETH AIMBOLA

OREDOLA TEMITAYO AYOOLA

I formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and addressed as AYOOLA TEMITAYO EUNICE as MRS SOFOLUWE ABIMBOLA OLUTOYIN, Now wish to be wish to be addressed as known and addressed as MISS OREDOLA TEMITAYO AYOOLA AGBOROGUN ELIZABETH BIMBOLA. , Zenith Bank, GTB and General All former documents remain valid.

Public take note General public take note.

MRS EZE CHINENYE PATIENCE

MRS OKIJE ANTHONIA NWALUWE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODO CHINENYE PATIENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE CHINENYE PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDOGU ANTHONIA NWALUWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKIJE ANTHONIA NWALUWE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS DUHU CATHERINE

ASIHEDIGBO OBINNA ISAAC

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS DUHU CATHERINE NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DUHU CATHERINE. But my voters card was wrongly written as “CATERINE” and my correct date of birth is 31/12/1967. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IHEDIGBO IKEM ISAAC, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED ASIHEDIGBO OBINNA ISAAC. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS ANICHUKWU AMARACHUKWU JUDITH

I, formerly known and addressed as MISSIBENEDO AMARACHUKWU JUDITH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANICHUKWU AMARACHUKWU JUDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEREKE IGWE CHRISTIE ADAEZE

I, formerly known and addressed as IGWE CHRISTIE ADAEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEREKE IGWE CHRISTIE ADAEZE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ILO CECILIA NWAZULUOKE

NNAJI IFEANYI RAYMOND

I, formerly known and addressed as NNOKE ANN , now wish to be known and addressed as ILO CECILIA NWAZULUOKE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNAJI IFEANYI MOSES, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNAJI IFEANYI RAYMOND. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

NNANA MOSES CHIMA

MR. ANYIMIGBO JOSEPHAT

This is to confirm that the name ANOZIE MOSES CHIMA and NNANA MOSES CHIMA refers to one and the same person; now wish to be known and addressed as NNANA MOSES CHIMA. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. ANUMAIGBO JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. ANYIMIGBO JOSEPHAT. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

a

Peters for Lagos Junior League symposium Andrew Ekejiuba

T

he Lagos Junior League has named ex-Super Eagles coach James Peters (Jaypee) as chief resource person for

their first symposium coming up on August 16, 2017.

Executive Secretary of the Lagos Junior League, Tunde Disu (OFR) stated that Peters would lecture

stakeholders on football coaching at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Disu, a former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), said that besides

Peters, other resources persons would address stakeholders as they aim to take Lagos Football to higher heights.

According to him, Dr. Adesina Isiaka would lecture on medical,

while top referee, Moses Adebanjo will speak on officiating and refereeing.

Other resource fellows for the Lagos Junior League symposium, according to

Disu, are Morakinyo Aboderin (media), Alhaji Kosoko (football administration and its business), while Nunayo Travih would speak on role of Lagos Junior League Sports Officers.

Page 24

24

The symposium would be rounded off with a football game between Surulere LGA Team and Onigbongbo LCDA Team on August 17 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Eagles, Squirrels clash in CHAN qualifier Ben Nwachukwu with Agency Report

B

enin will welcome Nigeria in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier on Sunday.

The West Zone B first-leg encounter will take place at the Stade de l’Amitié in the capital city of Benin, Cotonou.

Benin booked their place in the second qualifying round after defeating Togo 8-7 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on aggregate last month.

Nicknamed the Squirrels, Benin have never qualified for the CHAN finals since the inception of the tournament in 2009.

The Squirrels are under the guidance of Oumar Tchomogo, who will look to mastermind a victory over

CHAN Eagles in training.

Nwosu, Rufai, others for All Stars Cup

Andrew Ekejiuba

P

eter Rufai, Nduka Ugbade, Henry Nwosu are among ex-Nigeria international stars that are set to feature in the 2nd Edition of All Stars Football Cup in Lagos soon.

The tournament is a rare opportunity for stars of yesteryears to once again dazzle football fans every Saturday and Sunday at the Nigeria Ports Authority Sports ground, off Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.

Ex-Green Eagles midfielder and now

Nwosu

Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Henry Nwosu (MON), stated at a press conference Wednesday that the All Stars tournaments aimed at promoting friendship among players of yesteryears would kick off officially on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Nwosu, a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning Green Eagles squad said the tournament involving 24 teams is open for sponsorship.

“Surely, the All Stars Cup is to promote unity and business contact for the 24 All Stars teams.

Unlike last year when we had 16 teams, 24 teams are competing this time around.

“There would be prizes for the top three teams, while top referees would be officiating.

“We will also ensure that there is adequate medical and security personnel at the NPA Sports ground from kick off date to the final day,” he said.

Nwosu however, pleaded with sports loving individuals and corporate groups to give moral and financial support to the All Stars Football Cup that has Peter Rufai as its Ambassador.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee, Wole Eliphus has promised an exciting All Stars Football tournament.

Following the draws held at the SWAN Secretariat, National Stadium, Lagos - Group A has FKJ, PACO, Egan and Saint Mary’s All Stars Teams. Group B comprises of Arsenal, Enomi, Apapa/Ajegunle, Otto, LASPOTECH and Firm All Stars. Group C has Ajah, FFC, Ikeja, Maracana, Kirikiri and Eti-Osa teams while All Stars teams from Festac, Obelle, LASU, Unique and Mushin are drawn in Group D.

Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Nigeria did not take part in the first qualifying round as they had to wait for the winner between Benin and Togo.

The Super Eagles have participated in two CHAN finals. They finished third in the 2014 tournament, before failing to reach the knockout stages last year.

Salisu Yusuf, the Nigeria coach, has 29 players in camp, but he has revealed that 10 will be dropped ahead of their first clash with Benin. Referee Mustapha Ghorbal, who hails from Algeria, will be in charge of the encounter between Benin and Nigeria.

The second-leg game will be played in Kano, Nigeria next weekend. The winner on aggregate will advance to the finals.

1st Willie Obiano Tennis tourney serves off

Obiano

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he maiden edition of Governor Willie Obiano Tennis Tournament has served off in Anambra State. The opening ceremony of the sporting event took place at Onitsha Sports Club, Onitsha.

The tournament which will see 12 Sports Clubs across the state participate, with a designated prize money of N1.5m for the first position, while the first and second runners-up will get N1m and N750,000 respectively.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Governor Obiano said his administration remains committed to the development of sports as a way of improving the health of the citizenry.

The Governor who also during the event donated a 33-seater bus to the Onitsha Sports Club, announced that next year, the State Football Club will be floated to produce talents that will represent the State in future competitions, adding that schools across the state are being supported to develop the talents at their disposal.

Gov. Obiano while calling on the players to imbibe the spirit of fair play, urged the referees not to be biased to ensure that the best team wins.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youths Entrepreneurship and Sports Development, Mr. Linus Nwankwo said the tournament is part of the integrated programme of the Obiano administration for the development of sports in the state.

The President, Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Tobechi Ejezie who noted that a healthy body is a healthy mind, said the tournament will help them keep fit and avoid sicknesses associated with accumulated cholesterol in the body.

For his part, the National Coordinator, Stakeholders for Willie Obiano Second Term Bid, Chief Ekene Enefe thanked Governor Obiano for his support towards the event, stating that with his efforts, Anambra State will once again reclaim its prime position in the nation’s sports sector.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

EXTRATIME

25

CNS tourney attracts unprecedented crowd

Andrew Ekejiuba

T

Black Stars CHAN squad looking set to upset Stallions of Burkina Faso today.

Stallions,Black Stars in CHAN showdown!

Frank Jumbo with Agency report

Burkina Faso and Ghana will go head-to-head in a 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou this evening.

The Stallions and Black Stars automatically booked their place in the West Zone B Second Round qualifi-

ers, with only Benin and Togo in action in the First Round.

Burkina Faso will be aiming to book their place at a CHAN Tournament for only the second time having crashed out in the group stages of the 2014 edition hosted in South Africa.

Ghana reached the final of the very same edition, losing to Libya in the showpiece while the West Africans

also emerged as runners-up at the inaugural edition hosted in 2009 in the Ivory Coast.

In all, Ghana have qualified for the CHAN Tournament on three previous occasions and they will be slight favourites heading into the clash despite Burkina Faso sitting higher than their opponents on the latest FIFA World Rankings.

In head-to-head meetings, the two teams have clashed on 17 previous occasions with Ghana coming up trumps 10 times compared to five wins for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up.

The second-leg will take place in Kumasi next week with the winner booking their place at next year’s tournament to be hosted in Kenya.

Morocco bids for 2026 World Cup

M

orocco’s football federation (FRMF) announced on Friday it had told the sport’s world governing body FIFA it will bid to host the 2026 World Cup. It would be Morocco’s fifth candidacy having come up short already in 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010.

“Morocco considers itself capable of organsining a World Cup,” youth and sports minister Rachid Talbi Alami told reporters.

“We have the necessary infrastructure in terms of stadiums, transport, hotel capacity and sanitation.”

In April, the United States, Canada and Mexico had already announced a joint North American bid to host the tournament.

Morocco’s Youth and Sports Minister, Rachid Talbi Alami.

If successful, Morocco would become only the second African country to host football’s flagship event following South Africa in 2010.

The north Africans have received backing from African Confederation (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad.

“We are convinced that Morocco could organise this competition just as was done by South Africa in 2010,” said Malagasy Ahmad after he was elected to succeed Cameroon’s Issa Hayatou as head of the African body.

However, FIFA last year accepted that the country had paid bribes to the former head of the North and Central American Confederation in trying to win the right to host the 1998 and 2010 tournaments – something that could prejudice any future bid.

But Fifa president Gianni Infantino has echoed Ahmad’s endorsement, saying that Morocco has the necessary “infrastructure and organisational capacity” to host the World Cup. The 2026 tournament will be the first with an expanded 48-team tournament, up from the current 32 qualifiers.

Morocco had won the right to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations but pulled out at the 11th hour over concerns related to the Ebola outbreak in western Africa at the time. But the country has embarked on a professionalisation drive to improve its football infrastructure while increasing its candidacies for various tournaments in order to improve its chances of landing a much coveted World Cup. Morocco has hosted two Club World Cup tournaments, in 2013 and 2014, although that is a vastly smaller and shorter tournament.

he on-going Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) organised Chief of Naval Staff Football competition for U-14boys and U-17girls has attracted unprecednted crowd in the host city of Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Declaring the tournament open, representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admirer, Raphael Osondu noted that the Nigerian Navy is happy with the successes recorded over the years by the Federation and urged all the teams to remain focused and disciplined throughout the duration of the competition, “The Navy High Command is proud to associate with YSFON who have over the years used the championship to discover hidden talents at the grassroots who later did the country proud in various age grade competitions.

“My advice to the various teams is to remain focused, be disciplined and play to the rules of the game as that is the only way they can achieve success in the round leather game,” he stated.

In his reaction, Deputy Director of Sports, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Navy Captain Friday Ture expressed happiness at the screening exercise which ensured that only eligible players were allowed to participate in the competition even as he promised that the Navy will continue to sponsor the championship.

“I’ m highly impressed with the screening and if all football tournament organisers will emulate YSFON the issue of age cheats in our competitions will be a thing of the past.

Blankson tasks Delta Force FC on form Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Coach of Delta Force F.C, Tosan Blankson has called on his players not to lose faith in their quest of being promoted into the Nigeria Professional Football League next season.

He made the call after his side was held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home by visiting Bayelsa United in their Nigeria National League encounter at the Austin Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi-Uku. Speaking after the game, the coach expressed his disappointment, but urged his players not to dwell on

the result but focus on their next game in Lagos.

“The game has come and gone, I want to beg everybody, we should not lose faith, we can go to Lagos and win, we are down but not out,” he said.

In a game that was full of controversy, Delta Force was denied a blatant penalty in the first half after Ufuoma was brought down in the penalty box, but the referee was not interested in their appeal, which made the atmosphere in the Stadium a little tensed.

Three minutes later, Bayelsa United were also denied a penalty, after their striker appeared to have been brought down by the Delta Force goalkeeper, but the referee waved play on.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

EXTRATIME

25

CNS tourney attracts unprecedented crowd

Andrew Ekejiuba

T

Black Stars CHAN squad looking set to upset Stallions of Burkina Faso today.

Stallions,Black Stars in CHAN showdown!

Frank Jumbo with Agency report

Burkina Faso and Ghana will go head-to-head in a 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou this evening.

The Stallions and Black Stars automatically booked their place in the West Zone B Second Round qualifi-

ers, with only Benin and Togo in action in the First Round.

Burkina Faso will be aiming to book their place at a CHAN Tournament for only the second time having crashed out in the group stages of the 2014 edition hosted in South Africa.

Ghana reached the final of the very same edition, losing to Libya in the showpiece while the West Africans

also emerged as runners-up at the inaugural edition hosted in 2009 in the Ivory Coast.

In all, Ghana have qualified for the CHAN Tournament on three previous occasions and they will be slight favourites heading into the clash despite Burkina Faso sitting higher than their opponents on the latest FIFA World Rankings.

In head-to-head meetings, the two teams have clashed on 17 previous occasions with Ghana coming up trumps 10 times compared to five wins for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up.

The second-leg will take place in Kumasi next week with the winner booking their place at next year’s tournament to be hosted in Kenya.

Morocco bids for 2026 World Cup

M

orocco’s football federation (FRMF) announced on Friday it had told the sport’s world governing body FIFA it will bid to host the 2026 World Cup. It would be Morocco’s fifth candidacy having come up short already in 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010.

“Morocco considers itself capable of organsining a World Cup,” youth and sports minister Rachid Talbi Alami told reporters.

“We have the necessary infrastructure in terms of stadiums, transport, hotel capacity and sanitation.”

In April, the United States, Canada and Mexico had already announced a joint North American bid to host the tournament.

Morocco’s Youth and Sports Minister, Rachid Talbi Alami.

If successful, Morocco would become only the second African country to host football’s flagship event following South Africa in 2010.

The north Africans have received backing from African Confederation (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad.

“We are convinced that Morocco could organise this competition just as was done by South Africa in 2010,” said Malagasy Ahmad after he was elected to succeed Cameroon’s Issa Hayatou as head of the African body.

However, FIFA last year accepted that the country had paid bribes to the former head of the North and Central American Confederation in trying to win the right to host the 1998 and 2010 tournaments – something that could prejudice any future bid.

But Fifa president Gianni Infantino has echoed Ahmad’s endorsement, saying that Morocco has the necessary “infrastructure and organisational capacity” to host the World Cup. The 2026 tournament will be the first with an expanded 48-team tournament, up from the current 32 qualifiers.

Morocco had won the right to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations but pulled out at the 11th hour over concerns related to the Ebola outbreak in western Africa at the time. But the country has embarked on a professionalisation drive to improve its football infrastructure while increasing its candidacies for various tournaments in order to improve its chances of landing a much coveted World Cup. Morocco has hosted two Club World Cup tournaments, in 2013 and 2014, although that is a vastly smaller and shorter tournament.

he on-going Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) organised Chief of Naval Staff Football competition for U-14boys and U-17girls has attracted unprecednted crowd in the host city of Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Declaring the tournament open, representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admirer, Raphael Osondu noted that the Nigerian Navy is happy with the successes recorded over the years by the Federation and urged all the teams to remain focused and disciplined throughout the duration of the competition, “The Navy High Command is proud to associate with YSFON who have over the years used the championship to discover hidden talents at the grassroots who later did the country proud in various age grade competitions.

“My advice to the various teams is to remain focused, be disciplined and play to the rules of the game as that is the only way they can achieve success in the round leather game,” he stated.

In his reaction, Deputy Director of Sports, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Navy Captain Friday Ture expressed happiness at the screening exercise which ensured that only eligible players were allowed to participate in the competition even as he promised that the Navy will continue to sponsor the championship.

“I’ m highly impressed with the screening and if all football tournament organisers will emulate YSFON the issue of age cheats in our competitions will be a thing of the past.

Blankson tasks Delta Force FC on form Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Coach of Delta Force F.C, Tosan Blankson has called on his players not to lose faith in their quest of being promoted into the Nigeria Professional Football League next season.

He made the call after his side was held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home by visiting Bayelsa United in their Nigeria National League encounter at the Austin Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi-Uku. Speaking after the game, the coach expressed his disappointment, but urged his players not to dwell on

the result but focus on their next game in Lagos.

“The game has come and gone, I want to beg everybody, we should not lose faith, we can go to Lagos and win, we are down but not out,” he said.

In a game that was full of controversy, Delta Force was denied a blatant penalty in the first half after Ufuoma was brought down in the penalty box, but the referee was not interested in their appeal, which made the atmosphere in the Stadium a little tensed.

Three minutes later, Bayelsa United were also denied a penalty, after their striker appeared to have been brought down by the Delta Force goalkeeper, but the referee waved play on.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

EXTRATIME

26

TRIBUTE

Okwaraji lives on, 28 years after!

Andrew Ekejiuba

A

ugust 12, 1989, exactly 28 years ago will forever be etched in the minds of football fans as one of the darkest moments in the history of Nigerian football. Reason? It was the day death combed the soccer scene and froze the hands of Nigeria’s midfield dynamo, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji.

That day, fans had thronged the National Stadium, Lagos, with the aim of watching the then Green Eagles fly over a stubborn Palancas Negras of Angola squad in a make or burst Italia ‘90 World Cup qualifying match. Little did they know that Okwaraji on that hot steamy afternoon will answer the great call from his Almighty creator!

In the excruciating and energy-sapping encounter, Okwaraji held tight the midfield and gave the Angolans a dose of his soccer artistry. However, at the 77th minute the soccer world bade goodbye to an icon of the round leather game as Okwaraji slumped and died and efforts made by the Nigerian medical team to bring Sammy back to life proved abortive!

As a kicker, Okwaraji was to Nigeria what Pele is to Brazil and Maradona is to Argentina. He was an epitome of flair, commitment and doggedness and till his last breath, he gave his all for his fatherland. Not minding whether his effigy or memorial bust at the National Stadium is polished regularly or left to the dictates of varying weather conditions, fans must continue to eulogize this patriotic Nigerian who spoke seven languages fluently and gave up his life for Nigerian football to grow.

Okwaraji in very short description, came, saw and conquered!

He never had respect for Nigeria’s perennial rivals in football and worked hard to crush them in the battle field.

At Maroc ’88 Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon had a feel of his sting as he scored the fastest goal of the tournament against ‘mighty’ Indomitable Lions.

Okwaraji was one of the many discoveries of German tactician Manfred Hoener in an era that is still regarded as part of the glory days of Nigerian football. He went for the tackles, aerial balls and in fact did more than his fair share of safe guarding the perimeter of the 18-yard box to earn himself a place in Nigeria’s first Olympic team in 1988.

This enigma, who shared common hairstyles with Holland star Ruud Gullit, eternally played himself with amazing skills, into the consciousness of every Nigerian from the day he began his astonishing debut for the Eagles on January 30, 1988 at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu, where he scored a stunner that hit the roof of the net of the then Dessert Warriors of Algeria.

Unlike footballers of today, Okwaraji did not leave the football shores of Nigeria for the greener pastures of Europe to get a call-up to the national team. He was in Europe to study when his unrelenting passion to serve his fatherland as a footballer got hold of him. He went to Europe to study Law and he earned a Master’s degree. He

“As a kicker, Okwaraji was to Nigeria what Pele is to Brazil and Maradona is to Argentina.

He was an epitome of flair, commitment and doggedness and till his last breath, he gave his all for his fatherland. Not minding whether his effigy or memorial bust at the National Stadium is polished regularly or left to the dictates of varying weather conditions, fans must continue to eulogize this patriotic Nigerian who spoke seven languages fluently and gave up his life for Nigerian football to grow.”

also had a great flair for football and table tennis.

It was at this juncture of indispensability at club side, Okwaraji’s heart became so sore and the only healing medicine was to play for the Green Eagles. Though overlooked by national team selectors on several occasions, it did not kill his undying love to play for Nigeria.

Okwaraji soon had his chance to play for his country of birth, but his club would not hear of it. His club manager asked the NFA to pay an estimated cost of $45, 000 for their star player’s match bonus and an expected loss in the club’s gate taking for the period in which he would be on national duty. Hearing about this agreement, this patriot hit back at his club saying: “I signed to play football for you on certain conditions, but I don’t think it includes reselling my services to my country. You cannot stop me playing for Nigeria and let me tell you, I am going to represent my country in the World Cup in Italy whether you like it or not and I would very much like for you to be there.”

Unlike some players who today hold the nation to ransom on bloated winning bonuses and flight ticket refund, Okwaraji paid his way to play for Nigeria without asking for a dime. He would come to camp uninvited and beg the coach to throw the jerseys on the floor for players to fight for. It was this move that heralded the era of throwing the camp open. He was not afraid to put his career on the line for his country and even put his life on the line too!

Late national team coach Paul Hamilton once said: “Whether he was invited or not, he would travel down to battle for a place in the team, even when he won’t be paid a dime. He is definitely a man to be remembered for all he has done for Nigerian football. A foundation should be set in his honour to cater for the family he left behind.”

As noted earlier in this piece, at Maroc ‘88 Africa Cup of Nations, ‘Waski Pele’ as he was fondly called by his admirers during his heydays at Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, Imo State, shone like a billion stars and in the process was named man of the match twice and his wonder strike against

Cameroon stood till date as one of the fastest goals in the African football fiesta.

For the love of Nigeria, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died fast at the National Stadium, Lagos from a congestive heart failure. He was aged 25.

Born in Umudioka, Orlu, Imo State, on May 19, 1964, his father, Mr. David Okwaraji was a late duty officer at the erstwhile Nigeria Airways and the mother, Mrs. Janet Okwaraji, a retired headmistress. The late soccer star was the fifth in the line of seven children, five of whom were boys and two were girls.

Former team mate Etim Esin ‘Maradona’ remembers the impact of his death on the national team’s hope of qualifying for its first World Cup. “A very great footballer! He was the first player to wear a dreadlock in the national team which was strange to Nigerian football at that time.

His death cost us the Italia ‘90 World Cup ticket because we were all scared to slump. I still recall that at the airport en route Cameroon, Peter Rufai, Richard Owubokiri and some players dropped out,” Esin recalled with a tinge of regret.

Okwaraji’s love for Nigeria went beyond him on the pitch as he craved for a conducive environment created where up and coming footballers could express themselves and be recognized. And against the old order of picking players based on sentiments, he wanted a vibrant, agile and a resourceful national team in place at all times.

28 years after his painful exit from this planet, the questions begging for answer are: Has he been celebrated enough considering his selfless service to the country and circumstances leading to his death? Why is it a near impossible task for our football administrators to keep to their simple promise of resting his jersey number 6 and immortalizing him properly?

It is the stand of the writer of this piece that the Federal Government should in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports rename the National Stadium, Lagos, after the late soccer icon for paying the supreme price in order for our country’s football to grow!

Saturday, August 12, 2017

EXTRATIME

27

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP…

Coutinho hands in transfer request to Liverpool

Swansea expect Llorente to stay

aul Clement expects Fernando Llorente to stay at Swansea City this season, despite continued links with Chelsea.

Speculation has connected Llorente to Chelsea throughout the transfer window, with the Blues looking for some experienced back-up to new signing Alvaro Morata, last season’s star forward Diego Costa having been marginalised.

But Clement is confident of keeping the 32-year-old, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season but is out injured with a broken arm suffered while cycling on holiday.

“He has got a year to go on his deal and we’d like him to stay for this year and longer,” Clement said of Llorente.

“I’m confident he will because of the conversations I’ve had with Fernando. He’s happy here, he likes the work we’re doing, and he likes the way we play.

“He’s a really good player and it’s a shame with the injury he got in the summer. It’s a freak one and he did finish off the season strongly. His goals were vital and we want to have him as an option.”

“We would still like to do a couple of other things and we have until the end of August to do that.”

Clement also called for compromise between his club and Everton over the future of Gylfi Sigurdsson, believing negotiations have reached a critical stage.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has insisted an agreement is close despite Swansea’s reported £50million asking price, but the Welsh club’s other transfer business is on hold until the matter is settled.

win trophies and be paid what he felt he was worth, in a dig at the club’s wage structure.

The England international has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United following the interview, but released an apology amid reports he has been fined two weeks’ wages for conducting the interview without the club’s permission.

“Having had time to consider my actions, I acknowledge now that the timing and manner of what I said was illjudged,” left-back Rose said

in a statement distributed by his representatives Base Soccer Agency.

“My words were not meant to offend and for that I would like to apologise to the chairman, manager, my team-mates and the fans.

“I’d also like to wish the lads good luck ahead of Sunday’s game against Newcastle United.”

Tottenham finished second in last season’s Premier League, but are yet to make a signing in the transfer window.

Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Reports

B

arcelona target Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool, according to widespread reports.

Coutinho has emerged as a top target for Barca as they look to replace Neymar, following his €222million switch to Paris SaintGermain.

The Reds are reported to have turned down two bids from the La Liga giants, the second worth an estimated £100m, and Fenway Sports Group - Liverpool’s owners - released a statement on Friday insisting that further offers for the Brazilian would not be considered.However, just a few short hours later, it emerged that Coutinho had reportedly demanded a departure from Anfield.

The move will boost Barca in their attempts to replace Neymar, after seeing a bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele rejected on Thursday.

The France winger was sanctioned by Dortmund for failing to report for training on the same day.

Coutinho will be out of action this weekend when Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign against Watford due to a back injury.

He scored 13 goals and assisted seven more in 31 Premier League appearances last term, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side finish fourth.

Llorente

P

Coutinho

Rose apologises to Spurs after explosive interview

D

anny Rose has apologised to Tottenham after criticising the club’s transfer market performance and suggesting he would be open to a move away.

The 27-year-old, currently out with a knee injury, caused controversy this week by urging Spurs to sign top players that you do not “have to Google” and expressed his belief they lacked players of sufficient quality outside of their regular starting XI. Rose revealed he was open to a move as he wanted to

Jesus

Jesus welcomes Aguero’s competition at Man City

G

abriel Jesus hopes competition between himself and Sergio Aguero can drive Manchester City towards success this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side open their Premier League campaign at newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion today, where they will aim to bounce back from a trophyless 2016-17.

Jesus’ arrival from Palmeiras in January threatened to spark a title charge for City as the Brazil striker netted three times in his first two Premier League starts.

The 20-year-old’s instant impression left Aguero – largely unchallenged as the club’s premier forward since signing from

Atletico Madrid in 2011 – on the bench, although Jesus suffering a broken metatarsal against Bournemouth in February earned him a reprieve. The duo were paired together in attack during the closing weeks of last term and started City’s final preseason friendly in tandem, each striker finding the net in a 3-0 win over West Ham in Helsinki.

Guardiola’s reported desire to bring Alexis Sanchez to the Etihad Stadium and his previously reserved praise of Aguero means the Argentina star’s future at City remains a matter of intrigue.

But Jesus maintains a good relationship with his team-mate and insists any friendly rivalry will benefit a

quest for honours.

“Sergio Aguero is a highquality player,” he said. “I’m a big fan of his, both of his football and his humility.

“But ultimately it’s the manager’s decision. If he wants us to play together we can, as we have already shown. But if he wants me to play up front alone, it’s his decision.

“I just hope that any competition between us benefits the team, that it inspires both of us to score plenty of goals for City and leads to the club winning lots of matches and trophies.”

Jesus ended last season with seven goals in eight Premier League starts, although arguably his two most famous strikes were disallowed for offside.

Rose

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De Boer unsure if Reds’Sakho will sign Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Reports

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rank de Boer says he would be keen to sign Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho but does not know if a move is close.

Sakho joined Palace on loan in January and impressed in eight appearances to help them seal Premier League safety.

The centre-back missed the end of the season with a knee injury but was praised by former boss Sam Allardyce for his impact on and off the pitch, thoughts echoed by De Boer.

But the Dutchman is unsure if Sakho will be following Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jairo Riedewald, the trio of signings who have moved to Selhurst Park in

Indi

the transfer window.

“I don’t know,” De Boer said of the prospect of signing Sakho at a news conference ahead of today’s league opener at home to promoted Huddersfield Town.

“He was a major impact last season, everybody knows what he did. He was not only good on the pitch but also in the dressing room.

“If you can get that kind of quality of player it always benefits your team.”

He also confirmed Palace want to sign a new goalkeeper, with their only current options being veteran Julian Speroni and Wayne Hennessey after Steve Mandanda’s move to Marseille.

Stoke land Indi on five-year deal

B

runo Martins Indi has signed a five-year deal with Stoke City after completing a €7.7million (£7m) move from Porto.

The Netherlands international was on loan with the Premier League club last season, making 35 appearances in all competitions.

And Mark Hughes now has the 25-year-old defender at his disposal on a permanent basis for the coming campaign.

Potters chief executive Tony Scholes said: “We are delighted to have secured a deal to bring Bruno to the club in a permanent transfer and I know that Bruno feels the same.

“Bruno loved being with us last season and made no secret of his desire to move here permanently when his loan spell came to an end.

“We’ve had to be patient in our dealings with Porto, but we’re really pleased with the outcome.”

Martins Indi has won 34 caps for his country and was part of the squad that came third at the 2014 World Cup. Stoke’s recent transfer activity includes the signings of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from Schalke and Kurt Zouma on loan from Chelsea.

Conte expects sixteam EPL title race A

ntonio Conte is expecting a six-way battle for the Premier League title this season, while he predicts teams will give “120 per cent” against champions Chelsea.

Conte led Chelsea to the title in his first season in English football and his win ratio of 79 per cent is the best of any manager in the history of the Premier League.

Conte

Chelsea begin their defence at home to Burnley today and the Italian is expecting a tough battle as Chelsea seek to become the first team to retain the league since Manchester United in the 2008-09 campaign.

“I don’t know if this season could be more difficult than last season,” Conte told reporters on Friday. “I don’t know.

“We are champions. We have

to face every game in the right way. The other teams will try to give 120 per cent against us.

For this reason we have to pay great attention every game, to have the right approach, to have the right intensity. For this reason I’m telling you we’re working very hard to try to improve our team.

“When you start a new season it’s very important to think of ourselves, not to see the others. To assess the other teams is not important for us.

“You know very well that in England there are six top teams ready to fight for the title. This is normal in England. I think also in this season, this will happen.”

After spending heavily on players including Wayne Rooney, Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen and Michael Keane, Everton have been tipped to break into the top six this season.

And Conte believes Ronald Koeman’s men are well-placed to compete for honours in the coming campaign, despite losing former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United for £75million.

Guardiola

Guardiola unmoved by Man City favourite tag

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ep Guardiola is unmoved by Manchester City’s standing as preseason favourites for the Premier League title.

Guardiola has added five first-team players courtesy of an estimated £200million spending spree in the closeseason, overhauling City’s defence in particular.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss presided over his first season without a trophy as a senior coach last term, as City failed to live up to their billing and fell well short of champions Chelsea.

Having been installed as favourites once again, Guardiola refuses to get carried away, with a trip to newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion their first hurdle today.

“Last season we were favourites too and we finished 15 points behind Chelsea,” Guardiola told a news conference.

“Last season in my first press conference we were the favourites so nothing has changed. I was confident last season too.

“It’s the same pressure as I had last season. We are here to win the games and titles.

“The big fail now takes one week in football.

“I’m honest in my job. I will do my best like I did last season. If the club decides I am not able, we are going to take a solution.

“I feel the same pressure as Barcelona when I arrived. People say in the first press conference we are favourites. We have to deal with that and handle that.

We are going to see at the end of the season what happens, knowing how difficult it is.”

New signing Benjamin Mendy and long-term injury victim Ilkay Gundogan are unavailable to face Brighton, and Guardiola is wary of the challenge Chris Hughton’s side will pose.

“From my experience, in the beginning of the season the new teams are the toughest ones,” he added.

“We spoke and I saw how tough the league is last season. Every game is a battle.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the top teams or lower teams. The first four, five, six games are so complicated, especially away. It will not be easy but we travel to win the game.”

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Neymar cleared to make PSG debut

Medel joins Besiktas from Inter C

hilean international defender Gary Medel is joining Turkish league champions Besiktas from Inter Milan, the Istanbul club said on Friday.

Besiktas are in formal talks with Inter on completing the deal, the Turkish team said in a stock market announcement which usually precedes any transfer.

Reports said that the player arrived in Istanbul on Friday afternoon before undergoing a medical, after which there would be a signing ceremony.

It said Besiktas would pay Inter €2.5 million with the player earning €2.3 million a year over three years.

Medel, 30, has played more than 100 times for Chile during the country’s most successful period, helping them win back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016.

Before joining Inter in 2014, he played a season with Cardiff City.

For years in the shadow of Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, the Black Eagles have won the Turkish Super Lig title for the last two seasons.

Besiktas thus claimed Turkey’s sole automatic Champions League spot and will hope for a drastic improvement on their group-stage exit from last time around.

They have already signed Portuguese international defender Pepe from Real Madrid and Spanish international striker Alvaro Negredo from Valencia.

Stories by Ben Nwachukwu with Agency Reports

N

eymar has been cleared to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain against Guingamp on Sunday after his world-record €222million transfer from Barcelona was officially ratified.

The French Football Federation (FFF) received Neymar’s transfer certificate on Friday and the Brazil international is now available to play for PSG for the first time.

Neymar’s participation in the Guingamp game had been in doubt due to a delay in the necessary paperwork being processed, with a banking issue with Barcelona having been reported.

But PSG confirmed in a statement on Friday that Neymar has now been given the green light to make his debut at the Stade de Roudourou.

“On Friday August 11, the FFF received the International Transfer Certificate from its Spanish counterparts, permitting the ratification of Neymar Jr’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain, through to 30 June 2022,” read a club statement.

“The FFF and the French Professional Football League have finalised all administrative details, qualifying the Brazilian international to play for Les Rouge et Bleu immediately.

“Neymar Jr is available to first-team coach Unai Emery for Sunday’s Ligue 1 Week 2 clash against Guingamp.”

PSG head coach Unai Emery has confirmed Neymar is fit enough to be named in his starting XI this weekend.

“He is physically ready to play the entire match,” said the Spaniard. “We’ll wait for the Federation’s formalisation. We want him to start in the 11. He had a good workout. He’s ready to play.”

Ancelotti defiant in face of Effenberg criticism

C

arlo Ancelotti insists he is not in fear of losing his job after former Bayern Munich captain Stefan Effenberg claimed the Italian could be on the way out.

Effenberg suggested the club’s patience may wear thin if Bayern fail to improve on last season, which did include a fifth successive Bundesliga title but also yielded their earliest Champions League exit since 201011.

Pre-season losses to Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter, Liverpool and Napoli have added to the sense that Bayern have lost momentum, but Ancelotti – who oversaw a DFL-Supercup win on penalties against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday – is not concerned, despite taking additional flak from an unimpressed Dietmar Hamann of late.

“There are a lot of critics, but as I said, no pressure for me,” Ancelotti

Neymar

Robben, Alaba returns boost Bayern A rjen Robben and David Alaba could play a part for Bayern Munich in today’s DFBPokal clash with third-tier Chemnitzer, coach Carlo Ancelotti has

Ancelotti

said at a media conference ahead of this weekend’s DFB-Pokal match against third-tier Chemnitzer. “The pressure is for the game. I like to be here, I like my club, I like my players, I like my supporters.

“Everyone can have his opinion in football. I cannot say to Effenberg or Hamman ‘you are wrong’, because in football there is no truth – everyone can have his opinion.

“In football there is no one thing good, another thing wrong. You have to respect the opinion.

“For sure, I’m not under pressure from these critics, because there are critics, but from the other side there are the opinions of the people who are with you. It’s a balance.”

Robben

confirmed.

Bayern, who have won the knockout competition a record 18 times, started the season with a DFL-Supercup win over Borus-

sia Dortmund, which Robben and Alaba were sidelined for.

Netherlands star Robben suffered a calf injury while on holiday and consequently missed much of Bayern’s pre-season preparations, while Alaba sustained a knock in the Audi Cup loss to Liverpool at the start of the month.

“Arjen Robben and David Alaba are fit,” said Ancelotti. “They won’t start, but I could bring them on from the bench.”

That positive news from the treatment room was weighed against the continued absences of Manuel Neuer (foot), Jerome Boateng (thigh), Javi Martinez (calf), James Rodriguez (thigh), Thiago Alcantara (abdominal muscle) and Juan Bernat (ankle).

Ancelotti revealed that goalkeeper Neuer, who missed the back end of the last season through the same injury, could return for the Bundesliga opener against Bayer Leverkusen next Friday.

“It’s all going according to plan,” added the Italian. “He’s already back working with [goalkeeping coach] Toni Tapalovic and we’ll see if there’s a reaction over the next few days. We’ll take a decision after that.”

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Song resumes coaching role with Cameroon Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Report

F

ormer Cameroon captain, Rigobert Song, who suffered a brain aneurysm ten months ago, is preparing for his first coach-

ing mission with the home-based national Cameroon side.

The local Indomitable Lions are away to Sao Tome and Principe today in the first leg of the latest round

of qualifiers for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) - a tournament which is contested by footballers playing in their own domestic league.

Song has called up 20 players for the two-legged tie.

“Initially I had no idea about Sao Tome and Principe, but I have done my homework to know their playing style,” Song said.

“I have prepared my team to help

Song

them give their best performance and put our opponents in difficulty”.

Song resumed his coaching job just months after suffering the brain aneurysm which almost claimed his life.

The legendary defender took ill in October 2016 and was hospitalised in Yaoundé where his condition stabilised before he was taken to Paris.

He returned home in April and after some months, resumed duty as head coach of the local based squad.

He insists he has recovered and says he is fit enough to resume his coaching duties.

“My situation today is ok, I can say I am 80 percent fit already,” said Song.

“People should stop thinking that cheating death means I no longer have a normal life.

“I feel good and with my staff we are working for better results,” he added.

As he now embarks on the weekend’s CHAN qualifier, he does admit to being a novice in the coaching arena.

“It is my first time, but I have worked hard with my assistant coaches and we will try our best.

“We have confidence our players will put up their best performance” Song said.

Kaizer Chiefs invite Afolabi on trial Ben Nwachukwu with Agency Report

T

he embattled club is still searching to bolster their attack with the help of a renowned striker Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly invited Nigerian-born striker Okiki Afolabi as their latest trialist in an attempt to shore up their attack.

The club has recently and during the course of last season invited several players on trial, with many being turned away.

The only one who managed to turn their head was Venezuelan-born

Afolabi

striker Gustavo Paez, who joined the club in January and has since formed a good pairing with Bernard Parker upfront.

Chiefs recently invited three players in Arnaldo Gomes, Darren Lurie and Argentinean Jonathan Phillipe on trials. The first two have since been turned away while Phillipe stays on.

Komphela is yet to be convinced on his fitness levels.

They have now brought on Afolabi, who has played for clubs in Nigeria, Argentina and Malaysia. At 22, he has represented his country at youth level.

Shina Oludare speaks on Ofolabi’s qualities.

“Afolabi, last season was one of the most highly rated strikers in the Nigeria Professional Football League,” said Oludare.

“In fact, many had tipped him for a Super Eagles call-up before he joined Argentina second division club then, Talleres de Córdoba.

“He featured in just one game before he was declared surplus to requirement. And not too long ago, reports had it that he teamed up with Malaysia’s Kelantan FA. His strongest asset is his aerial prowess,” concluded Oludare.

Given his age, he still has time to reach his peak and it remains to be seen whether he draws the attention of Steve Komphela as Paez did.

The need for goals has been an outcry, with their front men in the recent times, showing inconsistency in performances, they will be hoping they have found what they are looking for in Afolabi.

Azarenka

Azarenka pulls out of Cincinnati Open Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Report

F

ormer world number one Victoria Azarenka has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open next week because of “a family matter”.

The 28-year-old from Belarus only returned to tennis in June after giving birth to her son, Leo, in December.

Azarenka reached the fourth round of Wimbledon before withdrawing from last month’s WTA event in Stanford, California, with a viral illness.

Defending champion Marin Cilic is also out of the Cincinnati Open.

The Croat has pulled out with the adductor injury which has sidelined him since Wimbledon, where he lost to Roger Federer in the final.

“I still don’t feel at 100% to

compete at the top level and to defend my title,” said Cilic, who beat Andy Murray to win the Cincinnati title last year.

Murray withdrew from the Cincinnati event earlier in the week because of an ongoing hip injury.

The US Open - the final Grand Slam tournament of the year gets under way in New York on August 28.

Song played 137 times for his country and had spells with English clubs Liverpool and West Ham. Before taking up his present role, Song signed up as the national coach of Chad in 2015 but his stay was short-lived.

WAC:Team Nigeria receive camp allowances Andrew Ekejiuba

T

eam Nigeria to the IAAF World Athletics Championships (WAC) in London have been paid all camp allowances due to them.

The 14 competing athletes received $100 dollars per day for 14 days being $1,400 for each athlete except Edose Ibadin who left camp earlier with $800.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung who facilitated the payment said it was necessary to give the athletes their dues to encourage better performance.

“We will continue to support our sports men and women and pay them all their entitlements.

Again we have paid the athletes all their allowances as a responsibility and to encourage them.

These athletes are our pride irrespective of their performance.

We have settled all their camp allowances today and that will also ginger them to good performances in the remaining events.”

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau thanked the Minister for making it possible for the athletes to be paid.

“I want to thank the Hon Minister Barrister Solomon Dalung for his kind gesture. The athletes’ morale has received a boost with the payment of their camp allowances. This payment, I believe will lift the athletes’ spirit in time for the relays where we are expecting a respectable result by our athletes” Gusau said. Nigeria is still hopeful of a podium finish in the 4x400m women and 4x100m women.

Abike Agbeniyi is expected this morning in time to compete in the 4x400m women on Sunday.

Agbeniyi was given a visa late Friday while the federation booked her on the next available flight to arrive this morning.

The Championship ends on August 13, 2017.

WAC: Fifty affected by illness, four with norovirus Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Report

F

ifty people have been affected by illness at the World Athletics Championships (WAC) , with four confirmed cases of norovirus, Public Health England have announced.

The virus has affected athletes and officials at the Championships.

Health representative Dr Deborah Turbitt said: “PHE has been working to provide infection control advice to limit the spread of illness.”

Botswana’s Isaac Makwala was denied entry in the 400m final on Tuesday under suspicion of having norovirus.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

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SPECIAL FEATURE

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) receiving his CAF Award from Sports Minister, Barr.

Solomon Dalung.

Tasks before newly inaugurated board of Sports Federations Frank Jumbo

T

he recently concluded Sports Federations elections in Nigeria was not without controversies and acrimony. It cut a perfect picture of the archetypal Nigerian elections, whether into government office or otherwise.

There was a healthy dose of intrigues, backstabbing, violence and threats.

One of the contestants Mr. Olukayode Thomas, who contested for the presidency of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and lost was a very bitter man. He repeatedly accused the Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung of assembling a biased electoral team and changing delegates to predetermine the results. He threatened darkly, that he was in the process of submitting a powerful petition to the National Assembly on the matter.

This however did not prevent Dalung from inaugurating the officials of the 31-member sports federation a few weeks later.

At that event, he urged all the federations to cultivate the habit

of meeting regularly, and in his suggestion, at least once every quarter. He tasked them further on the need to boost membership and far more importantly, to engage in fundraising activities.

In conclusion, he strongly advised them to be transparent in their finances in order to reflect integrity.

Unfortunately for the new federation officials, the minister was very clear on the issue of funds for the administration of their federations. The message was simple - There will be no additional government funding apart from the usual allocations.

The ability of these federations to generate funds on their own remain their biggest challenge.

In the past, they relied heavily on government and corporate organizations to fund their activities and programmes.

Organisations such Mobil, Globacom and other organizations pumped millions of Naira into sports sponsorships. Globacom for example, was at the forefront of sports sponsorship, particularly football since 2003. It actively

supported all National football teams; the Nigeria Professional Football League and even the Nigeria Football Supporters Club activities. As at the time Globacom withdrew this crucial support lifeline, it had expended over N8 billion on Nigerian sports.

With the arrival of the League Management Company, it pulled out of the Nigeria Professional Football League. Globacom did not offer any reasons for its withdrawal, but many observers suspect that it bothered on funds management, outright corruption and wastage.

They suspect that after carrying out a careful cost-benefit analysis of their intervention, the pulled out in spite of the clear-cut social responsibility advantages it enjoyed.

Similarly in early 2011. Mobil Oil Producing, the sole sponsor of the All Nigerian Open Athletics Championships withdrew their 21-year-old sponsorship. Like Globacom, the organisation did not offer any apparent reason for its withdrawal.

However, the information that eventually leaked to the

“Unfortunately for the new federation officials, the minister was very clear on the issue of funds for the administration of their federations. The message was simple There will be no additional government funding apart from the usual allocations. The ability of these federations to generate funds on their own remain their biggest challenge. In the past, they relied heavily on government and corporate organizations to fund their activities and programmes.” press at that time was that the organisation cited increasing cost of the programme and certain image challenges. Apparently, unknown to outsiders, Mobil staff in charge of the programme were having frequent face-offs with Athletics Federation’s staff and journalists. They were regarded as being arrogant and over-bearing and this forced Mobil to look critically inwards and call a halt to the programme.

And just like Globacom, it did this in the face of the fact that the programme provided them a platform for unprecedented visibility and image enhancement.

In the final analysis, these two giants in spite of investing billions of Naira, realised that they were failing in their attempts to improve sports in the country and honorably called it quits.

In the case of Mobil, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria was stunned.

All their attempts to persuade Mobil to have a change of heart failed woefully and the matter died a natural death.

One of the newly inaugurated federation presidents, Honorable Ibrahim Gusau of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria took time to pick his words at his swearing-in.

“There is so much we could do for athletics in Nigeria. I am calling on everyone that is a stakeholder and even those who are not, but have passion for the sport, to all come out so that we can work together.

We need to go back to those beautiful days of Mary Onyali, Sunday Bada, Chidi Imoh, The Ezenwa brothers who were getting medals left, right and centre,” he said.

His Vice President, Honorable Olamide George made a direct appeal to former sponsors.

“The private sector must wake up to revive Mobil sports, Chevron events and other sponsors. We should not leave the funding of sports to government alone. All of us, the individuals, the private sector and sponsors must come together,” he pleaded.

These appeals fall short in the face of reality. Nigerians will recall that before the Rio Olympics, they were shocked to wake up to a GoFundMe appeal launched by Nigerian silver medalist, Regina George on the internet. She launched the appeal to raise $4000 dollars to enable her represent

Nigeria for the second time at the Rio Olympics after winning silver in 2012.

George cited the short notice from the government who asked them to sponsor themselves as reasons for her appeal. Fortunately for her, she received instant support from sympathizers and her target was met within two days with extra $300 to spare.

Needless to say, the media and the internet was awash with criticisms of the Nigerian government’s heartless treatments of its sportsmen.

The story of our Olympic football team to the same Rio was another shocker. But for the quick intervention and patriotism of John Obi Mikel, the captain, the team would have been stranded and disgraced without funds.

When examined against how other nationalities enjoy government support and sponsorships, the Nigerian condition is simply put, appalling.

According to an article published on the US website “Sports management Degree Hub”, the top five richest American Olympians support their careers through private endorsements.

Every year, thousands of American sports people are able to afford their education through scholarships from organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or from their sporting activities getting noticed.

Sports tournaments are strictly sponsored by their associations together with sponsors from corporate America.

It can therefore be seen that the structure of their system already makes a significant effort in supporting their sportsmen.

It provides a solid platform for take-off and hope for a successful career.

A one-time lawyer to one of the sports federations who prefers to remain anonymous as he is still very active in Nigerian sports, gave an insight into how these federations are managed.

“The officials and staff come to work as they please. Some do not show up for a few days claiming external engagements. Their offices are nothing to write home about. Whatever government releases to them as allocations does not reflect on their activities.

You begin to wonder what they do with such monies. Let me tell you the truth, they are not in any position to attract private sector sponsorship in a depressed economy. It would be like trying to squeeze water out of stone. It is a hopeless situation,” he lamented.

The UK, Australia, Korea, China, Russia and a host of others have well-oiled programmes to sponsor sports in their domain.

These are clear examples of countries whose governments have invested heavily in the Olympics; football and other sports are reaping bountifully from such investments.

Not until sports truly become part and parcel of government thinking, plans and strategy, we seem to be doomed with continous struggle for funds and sponsorship’s in order for our athletes to compete at the global stage.

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Business & Economy Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Why there’re fears over funding of AIB from FAAN’s IGR Page B2

Ryan Graves, Uber’s former CEO steps down Tony Nwakaegho, with Agency report Uber’s first employee, Ryan Graves, who briefly served as its first CEO before becoming senior vice president of global operations, said Thursday he is stepping down from his day-to-day role at the company.

In a note to Uber employees provided to CNN Tech, the longtime Uber executive framed the move as helping to pave the way for Uber’s next CEO. He will however remain on Uber’s board of directors.

“My hope is that ensuring my transition is known and planned for well before our board’s decision on CEO it will help to make it clear to our team and to our new leader that I will be there to support however I can,” Graves wrote.

In early 2010, Uber cofounder Travis Kalanick tweeted that he was looking for an “entrepreneurial product mgr/ biz-dev killer” to join the new startup, with promises of “BIG equity.”

Graves replied on Twitter with his e-mail address and became Uber’s first employee. He served as CEO briefly in 2010 before being replaced by Kalanick. He eventually earned another title thanks to Uber: billionaire.

Graves is just the latest in a long list of top Uber execs who have stepped aside this year as the ride-hailing startup deals with sexual harassment allegations and legal battles.

Uber is currently operating without a CFO, COO, CMO or president. Its CEO, Kalanick, resigned in June, but also remains a board member.

Graves’ name has come up in multiple troubling reports.

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Sultan Beach, multifunctional site, says Group Page B3

Processes and benefits of personal finance Page B8

Nigeria seeks N1.4trn to achieve rural electrification target Simon Ugwu A federal government Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan has disclosed that to meet its national target of providing electricity to all its citizens by 2040, Nigeria will need about N1.4 trillion.

Contents of the strategy document stated that within the pe-

riods 2020 and 2040 the government will attempt to achieve electrification rates of 75 and 100 per cents respectively, requiring N525.8 billion and N1.4 trillion as well. But this cost would also include the operational costs of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an agency of the government set up to manage Nigeria’s rural electrification processes.

It equally explained that the

funding expected to be domiciled in a shielded rural electrification fund, would be contributed by a combination of sources comprising governments (federal, state, and local); companies in Nigeria; international donors and development banks; commercial banks (both domestic and foreign); and equity investors amongst others.

Considering Nigeria’s age

long peculiar challenges of funding rural electrification projects, the document noted that a systematic plan had been created to ensure constant financial contributions to meet the target.

Governments; Discos; Gencos; donors and development partners; as well as commercial banks would be encouraged to contribute to the pool, the document noted.

Public, private sectors need alignment to attain smart cities – Danbatta Tony Nwakaegho

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Global Utilities Management Company, GUMCO, Abu Ejoor; Chairman, Vigeo Group, Victor Gbolade Osibodu; Executive Vice President, International Marketing, Genus, Ramachand Ran Viswanathan and Business Development Manager, Vigeo Group, Tosin Osibodu, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos…on Friday.

Fidelity Bank bags SME Friendly Bank Award Sam Nzeh Fidelity Bank Plc has been awarded the “SME Friendly Bank of the Year 2017” in recognition of its support for Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The accolade which was recently bestowed upon Fidelity Bank Plc at the 2017 Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Awards, is a clear testament of the Bank’s resolve to raise a new generation of entrepreneurs.

As part of its core mandate of trade promotion and business & policy advocacy, the LCCI recog-

nizes deserving corporate organisations, public institutions and individuals that have contributed meaningfully to the development of commerce and industry in different sectors of the Nigerian economy on an annual basis.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, the Bank’s Divisional Head, Brand & Communications, Charles Aigbe, thanked the LCCI for the recognition, stating that it validates the bank’s efforts at promoting small enterprises. “Medium and Small enterprises are the engine room of any economy thus creating a dedicated SME Banking Division

that ensures that we focus on providing solutions to their challenges through a multifaceted approach” he said.

He reiterated the Bank’s unflinching commitment to drive economic growth by helping government to reduce its dependence on oil income.

Speaking in the same vein, Senior Business Advisor, Managed SME Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Isaiah Ndukwe said the Bank has supported a huge number of customers expand the scope of their business. “Fidelity Bank has always being in the business of helping people grow. We are extremely happy to be associated with this and it is such a great honour to receive this award”, he stated.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has called for alignment of synergy between the public and private sectors with a view to attaining the goal of smart cities in Nigeria.

Danbatta made this submission recently in Abuja while chairing a session to discuss “Building Innovative Public Private Partnerships for Achieving Nigerian Smart Cities Vision”, at a conference, Smart Cities Nigeria, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications.

“To ensure the deployment of required infrastructure towards meeting the National Broadband Plan objectives as well as building the foundation for smart cities in Nigeria, there is the need for partnerships and collaborations between the public and private sectors,” he pointed out.

According to the professor of telecommunications, however, the partnerships should aim at aligning the government’s objectives of driving pervasive broadband infrastructure for socio-economic development in the country and the objective of private sector for business opportunities.

“This alignment of objectives requires innovative funding and financing mechanism as well as incentives that will provide the required impetus for the private sector to take lead in driving the attainment of smart cities in Nigeria,” he noted.

Business Interview B2 Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Few months ago, the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had ordered that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should be remitting five per cent of its Passenger Service Charges (PSC) to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on monthly bases.

The ministerial order was a result of a request earlier made by AIB, demanding for 10 per cent of such fund from the Aviation Ministry.

Before now, AIB is funded from three per cent of total revenue derived from Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) in addition to their yearly budgetary Federal Government allocation since the United Nation’s charter on Aircraft accident investigation does not allow them to charge for services rendered as IGR.The proposal has not yet been implemented but that singular pronouncement has sent jitters in the minds of all the stakeholders in the aviation industry including, operators, agencies, labour unions, pensioners, passengers and even the general public. Different opinions have however been made while a wide range of commentators have expressed fears about the new development.

Their fears seem to hinge on the fact that FAAN needs adequate funds to operate without hindrances, so as to meet up the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) prescribed standard. This they say has a lot of safety implications to the very sensitive sector in terms of safety and security. It was also gathered that FAAN presently is already remitting about 20 per cent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the federation account in addition to huge wage bills, unpaid staff allowances and with over 6,700 workers and 4,000 pensioners to be settled financially.

Operationally, FAAN oversees all the airports in the country. With such status, it is burdened with the funding and servicing of all the facilities at the over 25 domestic airports and international airports in the country. It also sees to the security, facilities, firefighting, Reports have shown that out of the over 25 domestic airports and about 5 international airports; the 4 viable airports in the country

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Why there’re fears over funding of AIB from FAAN’s IGR are just Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Port Harcourt while others are not rated as viable airports. The implication is that the bulk of their funding falls on FAAN to finance and service those ones that are not viable from revenue generated from the viable airports, a situation which has created huge overhead for the aviation agency.

Kicking against the ministerial directive, Chairman of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) of the Federal Airports of Authority f Nigeria (FAAN) branch, Comrade Danjuma Ahmed said that revenue of that nature cannot be given to a sister agency without recourse to the law.

Suggested that the minister should get an approval to access the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) fund and the Aviation Security fund, Danjuma emphasized that removing 5% from FAAN is definitely going to be a serious problem to them and that is why ATSSSAN is kicking against the ministerial directive.

Describing the directive as unpopular, Comrade pointed out that such step is detrimental to the operations and performance of FAAN. According to Comrade Danjuma, FAAN was established by an Act of Parliament which approves their expenditures through their budget and as such, it is only that National Assembly that can warrant any removal of such revenue to any agency.

The ATSSSAN leader who made it clear that FAAN cannot afford to remit a Kobo to any agency, said that already FAAN remits about 20 per cent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the federation account, part of which this PSC is involved.

Emphasising further, Danjuma stated that the PSC is the tariff, FAAN charges their passengers for services they offer to them in respect to terminal

GALADIMA NAAPE PRESI DENT

SIRIKA

building, screening equipment, conveniences for travelling passengers and any other which is only N1, 000.

Danjuma said that, the amount generated is inadequate and FAAN is even finding it difficult to operate and provide those services efficiently as expected by their passengers. He therefore affirms that the request by the minister for 5 % remittance to AIB will definitely affect FAAN’s performance, vis-à-vis the provision of those services.

“That is why we as a responsible union have said no to that; we strongly object it. We sincerely acknowledge the fact that AIB needs funding but there are many ways through which the minister can get funding for AIB”, Danjuma said.

With huge wage bills, unpaid staff allowances and with over 6,700 workers and 4,000 pensioners, Danjuma said that the 5% remittance will further prune down their revenue being that PSC contributes their 60 to 70 per cent of their IGR. According to the union leader, FAAN does not get any subvention from the federal government and that there is laid down rule that they should not spend more than 45 per cent for overheads.

He also added that the union has written to their management and even the minister bringing sugges-

now, trying to unlawfully rob FAAN to pay AIB, when both were established by law stipulating their source of funding”.

According to ANAP and NUP, yearly budgets are being prepared and defended by both FAAN and AIB base on individual IGR and have obtained approval before appropriation. They therefore, stated that for the minister to direct FAAN to be remitting 5% from monthly PSC without due process of law amounted to an outright illegality on the part of the Minister of State and shall also result into threat to safety and security for which FAAN is statutorily empowered.

Having critically looked into the reasons given by the commissioner/CEO of AIB for requesting for more funds to enable AIB Operates and meets her statutory responsibilities, the aviation unions stated that such demand, may be feasible but surely, not from the overburdened FAAN. However, members of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) have a different view on the issue.

According to NAAPE, the dissention calls to the minister’s proposal are misplaced, adding that there exist substantial grounds to support the 5% IGR remittance to AIB. According to President of NAAPE, Comrade

tion on how to handle the situation.

Shortly after the proposal was made by the minister, two major aviation unions in the country: Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) And Nigeria Union Of Pensioners (NUP), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Branch called on the Presidency to intervene on the 5% proposed grant to AI The union in a letter addressed to the President and Commander in Chief, Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari recently, stated that it is not in order to ask any money from FAAN which is already overburdened with a lot of responsibilities.

The labour unions in the document signed by the Secretary General of ANAP, Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu and the NUP General Secretary, Comrade Emeka Njoku stated that “While we are not against the commissioner for requesting for more funds for AIB, we saw the approval and directive of 5% PSC of FAAN to AIB as an abuse of office by the Minister of State, Aviation. Government owned companies, parastatals and agencies, were established through enabling Acts, stating how funds or revenue could be provided.

It is therefore dangerous

Galadima Abednego while addressing journalists recently “The task of modern accident investigation is very exerting, requiring high tech equipment and high caliber personnel.

This is inherently a costly venture which cannot be handled adequately in an atmosphere of limited funding” “Even though the bureau’s proclaimed task is to investigate air accidents, its real objective is accident prevention. It is NAAPE’s considered view that this task is all important. Therefore, funding impairment should be far removed from its operations’, Galadima said.

FAAN is a service organization statutorily charged to manage all Commercial Airports in Nigeria and provide service to both passenger and cargo airlines.

Generally, to create conditions for the development in the most economic and efficient manner of air transport and the services connected with it.

On the other hand, AIB is also under the Ministry of Transportation and is charged with the responsibility to investigate any civil aircraft accident and serious incident arising out of, or in the course of air navigation and occurring either in or over Nigeria, or occurring to Nigerian aircraft elsewhere.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

B3 Tourism

Sultan Beach, multi-functional site, says G roup Ebere Chibuzor Members of Living Waters Unlimited Church, Isolo branch, visited Sultan Beach recently. Ebere Chibuzor, in this piece ,captures the church activities in the beach and reports that sometimes, such environment could be an ideal place for spiritual and social interactions Relaxation, prayers, intermingling and other social factors prompted members of the Living Waters Unlimited Church, Isolo branch, to observe a one-day picnic at the Sultan Beach tucked away in Badagry area of Lagos State.

According to the church members, who visited the beach recently, the picnic has been able to unite them, stressing that both the pastorate and other church administrative organs were all impressed with their recent visit to the beach.

“The picnic connotes its spiritual and social aspect, just as it provides the avenue for prayers and an ample opportunity to observe nature”, a youth leader and church member, Allan Iroh told The Daily Times, recently.

Iroh said that picnic brings about cordial relationship and understanding among the picnickers who participated.

Although, he pointed out that some see it as a boring adventure, while a lot more see it as an outright fun, a platform for reconciliation and also to have a quiet time.

Iroh, who emphasized that they introduced different games, such as swimming, football, volley ball, dancing competition among others, said such addition are some of the ways the organizers have made it to be more interesting.

Recounting his relationship with the church, Iroh said, “One thing or the other one needs to uplift the spiritual life, then a couple of years back, I was invited to worship in this church by my elder sister, Jane Iroh; and late Engr. Henry Anyagu.

Then, I came for the first time in October 2012 pre-

The Church group at Badagary slave camp

The group leader cisely, and I started worshipping with them; and I saw something different from other churches.

So, from my little experience, I discovered that there are something spectacular to this church, especially from the way they preached the word of God.” Explaining why they came to the Beach, Iroh said “our youth went to Badagry for picnic to meet one on one, outside church environment for the first time. It was not really easy initially, but

by God’s grace, we were able to make it. Before we came, I was even thinking that it was not going to be easy because some youths were complaining that the time was too short. Thank God that, we have made it”.

Iroh, who was also impressed by the high turnout of his members, said, “I was impressed with the huge turn up as up to 80 percent of the youths were at the beach and I never expected to see such a huge participation.

Speaking on the topic titled: “To Be A Sustainable Youth,” the youth president advised his

members not to be despair, urging that they should not look down on themselves irrespective of what one is faced and they would make it.

Iroh equally expressed optimism on his leadership, as he was not going to end it in the church, just as he hoped to extend such leadership po “I knew one day I am going to lead outside the church because this is not the first time, “ even in my dream God has already shown that to me and my dreams come real”, he said.

A youth member, Emeka Martins said, the outing was something everyone wants to go for. He added that such occasion was capable of bringing the youths together as they were able to settle some of their differences during such trips.

Martins, who opined that it was worth the while, also noted, it was good for church members to see themselves outside church. “Though we paid N2,500 each but everybody confirmed the fun they got worth the fun.

On her own part, Aishat Kareem said, “It

was fun and it worths it”, adding that more of such events needs to be organsied in the future. “ It better for us to have any experience at different areas because going to the beach enable us to know each other more; even, there are some people in the church that did not respond well to each other, but it is a different ball game in t h i s beach. After the outing the friendship is much more OK.” Another youth member, Evange- l i s t Abiodun Oluwadunm i

said the outing was an agreed one and everyone was happy, explaining it was equally his birthday.

Actually, I have been going out before, but this very one has been able to bring us together. Before now, we used to have lots of grudges”.

Oluwadunmi, who said their trip was inspirational said, “we have learnt a lot here due to the seren- ity of

The church group at Sultan Beach

the environment.

To Rosemary Williams, the trip is not the type one can go without his or her partner. She, however, regretted not coming with her partner.

“Actually, I did not catch more fun because I was not with my love, I expected him to come with me, but unfortunately, he was not with me. It was so boring for me; I was just playing alone, next time I will do everything possible to make sure my partner comes with me”.

She, however, applauded the organizers for putting the picnic together, noting that it was still ok and fantastic.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

B4 Tourism Personality

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday,August 12, 2017

B5 Tourism

Entertainment industry boosts tourism, employment –O3media Boss

Stories by Ebere Chibuzor

Alex Ozone is the Chief Executive Officer O3media.

With B.Sc. in Business Administration, Ozone is believed to be the engine room of most successful Nigerian artistes. In this interview with Daily Times, the talent manager who is targeting to work with more artistes reveals the story of his success, the entertainment industry, challenges and what the government needs to do.

How many countries and cities did your artistes perform on the tour?

We toured 12 countries and about 18 cities. I don’t know if I can be able to mention all the countries and cities off hand, but I can remember Czech Republic because it’s more like my base, Austria. We did about three cities in Austria, two cities in Germany, two cities in Italy, we did Paris, we did two cities in Norway, two cities in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Malta, and so on. I must also mention that from Tekno, Skales to Patoranking history has been made regarding Nigerian or African artistes performing in major cities in Europe in terms of big turnout of fans. It’s indeed a new face for the Nigerian and African music.

You have been away with some artistes on Euro tour, how did it go and what was the experience like for you?

Euro tour is what we‘ve been doing for the past six years or so; and just as I was saying, passion is our driving force.

I think it all started when I traveled to Europe with Terry G; and while there I found out that some people were doing this thing but were doing it wrongly. I found out that many of the so- called promoters were deceiving and promising Nigerian artistes that they were going to do this and that but at the end they will do nothing. They will take the artist to Europe and the moment they got there the story will change, they will not provide anything. Then, I said to myself that though the task seems to be very difficult, but I would make a difference, and that is what we have been able to achieve for these years.

Part of my game plan was to avoid looking at what to gain or loss. but at the positive result, though we are not totally there yet but looking back at where we were then and where we are now, it is safe to say that we have succeeded. Part of the positive changes we have made so far is positively projecting the image of Nigeria and Africa to the outside world through entertainment.

I was the first promoter to take

Looking at the general society and the polity, what do you think about it?

OZONE Davido on foreign tour, and from there people began to pick more interest, because, then, no one really want to pick interest in the Nigerian culture and music. But the moment the guys over there saw the progress we were making with what we were doing, they began to pick interest. Though some other guys were there even before us doing it, they were not doing it the way it should because they didn’t have this connectivity with the Nigerian artistes as we

Destinations Badagry One of the first Nigeria tourist sites Badagry located in Lagos State is well known for its slave trade. Badagry was one of biggest slave routes in the early 1500s and the site showcases what slaves went through before they were boarded on ships and taking out of Africa.

have. One of my success secrets is that I know the basic problem of the average Nigerian youth; and these artistes you see are good examples of the Nigerian youth, I understand them very well because, I have been there; and I am still there as one of the them; so, I know how to tackle their problem.

I know how to put them through; and along the line, we manage to build a strong bond to achieve positive result I talked about earlier.

My brother nothing is working in this country I won’t tell you lies.

In fact, Nigeria feeds me with pain and sorrow whenever I come back into this country. Right from the airport, nothing is really working here. Hunger everywhere, suffering everywhere, anguish, pain and frustration all over the place. It’s no longer funny, they promised us change, but the way it appears now it seems we are now in chains. It is even so funny that nobody is talking about this, we all travel outside this country, we see how things are being done over there, but rather than come back and do what is right to help our people, we will do the opposite. They promised us change and nobody is asking questions, what is happening to the change?. Is this the change they promised us? What is happening?

Why is no one asking questions?

No electricity, no food, no job, nothing and everyone pretends

as though all is well. The cases of suicide and suicide attempt in Nigeria is becoming so alarming.

How did we get ourselves to this position? Why is no one talking?

Why is it that anytime I want to come back to Nigeria I always feel agitated? The answer is simple, it is because I know what I would be coming back to face. I know the kind of suffering and frustration I would be coming back into.

Benin City is about 5 hours journey from Badagry is located in Edo state.

The city is very famous for it’s unique bronze and ivory work of art. The royal palace of Benin and the Benin moat is a must see attraction. The kingdom of Benin started around 900 AD.

Why did you do that?

Do you think the poor health condition of President Muhammadu Buhari is part of the reason things are not working?

The president’s health has got nothing to do with what is going on in Nigeria because it has always been like this. The president is just an individual, he has his cabinet and runs the affairs of the country through these cabinet members, so the president illness does not stop his ministers from working.

Must the country be grounded because Mr. President is sick?

Don’t we have Acting President again? Don’t we have ministers?

Are they all sick as well? The problem is not the health of Mr. President. The problem is actually those who are working with Mr. President. Take for example, I have been away for some time now in Europe and my office is still functioning. That is made possible because I put capable hands in place. We Nigerians need to start thinking outside the box because these so called politicians are like wolves, the only thing they think about is how to feed themselves and their families and how to make themselves comfortable. I even feel pity for some youths out there who are killing themselves and destroying the little they have because of these politicians who doesn’t care about them. Look, these people only care about themselves, check out the

“To ensure true and rapid development and promotion of tourism in Nigeria, with domestic tourism as a catalyst, we must consciously infuse tourism interest in the minds of the Benin City

stacle might be.

Yankari Game Reserve recent the wedding ceremony of the daughter of former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, all these people both from the north, south, east and west, they all gathered, they were all smiling as they merry but the poor masses were shut out because that place is not for the poor. Look, we must do something, wemust say enough is enough. Buhari is not the issue here unless we want to deceive ourselves. Anyone can fall sick, I can for sick and my office will still be running because everybody have got their jobs to do, everyone has got their role to play.

Based on what you have just said, are you by any means trying to say that those Mr. President have chosen to help him run the affairs of the country are not capable of doing the job?

They are all capable but they

don’t want to do the job, they are selfish. They always want to blame someone else for their failure.

You have to own up to your responsibility, that way you can be able to evaluate your progress. Minister of power must own up to his responsibility, the minister of Agriculture must own up to his responsibility, minister of Sports must own up to his responsibility and so on. >> The reason the previous person was removed and you put in that place is for things to change and work for better. Not for you to come back to us every now and then with excuse of how the previous man did not do it

therefore the thing cannot be done. So why are you there? If the previous man had done it then there wouldn’t have been a reason to change him. Minister of works must make sure that the roads are in order, minister of agriculture must make sure there is food, minister of power have to make sure there is electricity. That is why they are there, they are not there to be giving us excuses or blame another person for their failure.

You don’t blame your predecessor for your failure.

Because your predecessor failed doesn’t mean you must fail too Recently, you posted

a picture and a video clip of you and former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a flight, what is your connection and relationship with the former Nigerian leader?

You see, I actually wanted to pass a message particularly to the Nigerian youth through that my little encounter with Chief Obasanjo, I used the term ‘little’ because it wasn’t a major. As an aspiring entrepreneur, as an artist, as a young person, whoever you are, whatever you want to do or be, they say opportunity comes but once. So when you see an opportunity don’t fail to grab it no matter the ob-

Arochuku Arochuku is located between Abia state and Cross River state. The people are a mixture of cross river Igbos, Annangs and Ibibios.

Most tourist who visit Arochuku go to see the slave route.

Abuja

This is the capital of Nigeria. An ultra modern city with all the facilities you can find in any other modern city.

It has a lot of architectural pieces, huge skyscrapers and lots of attractions. It is famous for its huge rock known as Aso rock.

What I did there was to pass a message to our youths to take a good advantage of the opportunities that come their ways no matter what. No matter who the person is, if you feel he is who you really desire to meet, please go ahead, he may bless you, he may cures you, but the most important thing is play your own part which is to take the bold step to approach him, and also be ready and willing to accept whatever the outcome of that your step is.

But most importantly, never fail to clear your conscience because if you don’t, one day you might look back and regret not taking those chances.

Meeting Obasanjo for me was an ordinary thing because it was not actually major, it was not planned. We were just on the same flight returning to Nigeria. When I saw him I observed that no one was going to meet him or exchange pleasantries probably they were scared or something. Though initially I was like, what is baba doing here? Because, ordinarily, he was supposed to be rolling with a private jet as former president.

So, I got up from my seat and approached him.

When I got to him I simply said, ‘Baba o’; and he said, ‘’how are you’’? I responded and introduced myself as Alex Ozone of O3 Media, from there we started talking. Obasanjo I must

say is really a nice and jovial person. In the course of our discussion he asked me what I do. I told him that I am into entertainment business, and that I was coming back from European tour with my artist. It was a very nice and pleasant experience for all us on the flight.

Have you tried to contact or approach him for any favors since you came back?

Not really. I am also important in my own right, so, when I need baba I will reach out to him, but for now, I will not want to abuse the privilege he gave me by calling him unnecessarily. I survive through myself, I hustle, I work hard for myself, for my family, for the Nigerian youth, and for the general society. I help push and positively project the image of Nigeria to the outside world through my work.

Based on that experience with Obasanjo, what would you like the youths to learn from it?

My message to everybody out there, not just the youths, though the youths are my primary constituency, is that they must believe in themselves. Self confidence leads to so many good things in life.

You must believe that nobody is better than you, you must believe that nobody is bigger than you, you must believe that you can achieve whatever you set out to achieve.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12,

Tourism body to revive Argungu fishing festival Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has said it will help revive the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural festival.

The newly-elected Vice President North West of FTAN, Nura Sani Kangiwa made this known in an interview at the weekend in Abuja.

Kangiwa said that the association was planning to partner Argungu Emirate Council and the Kebbi State Government to bring the event back on.

“Argungu festival releases a riot of multilayered cultural events that glitter in their gushing profusion and astonished the world in both authenticity and variety of content, this no doubt gave Kebbi State honour, dignity and pride.

“We will therefore work more closely together and make an effort to exchange regular and truthful information that will help to ensure sustainable growth of the Argungu Fishing Festival.

xxxx “In line with the mission of the current administration’s call to diversify the economy and lessen the dependence on oil, this tourism product will be revamped so that collectively, we can satisfy the yearnings of the people,” Kangiwa said.

Kangiwa, who also holds the traditional title of “Turakin Kebbi” noted that the festival was already a tourism product “that is acclaimed worldwide’’. He also revealed that the body will host a conference of traditional rulers aimed at fostering tourism for

The ancient city, recently discovered by archaeologists, was the trade capital of the empire that later moved its headquarters to Great Zimbabwe, according to the discoveries that include the chevron pattern synonymous with Great Zimbabwe.

A proposal for a bridge at the point was first mooted in the late 1990s after South Africa attained independence when it was felt the freedom should bring easier movement between people living on the borderline.

The establishment of the Transfrontier Park shared

by Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa brightened hopes for such a bridge as it was expected to boost tourist arrivals. Tourism

West Africa Travel Firm, Afro Tourism Gets New CEO Afro Tourism West Africa Ltd, a travel Media Company based in Lagos, Nigeria, has announced the appointment of Mr. Anthony Ukachukwu as the new Chief Executive Officer of the firm.

According to a press release by the travel company, Mr Anthony Ukachukwu is a seasoned travel, hospitality and customer relations professional with international exposure and more than ten (10) years’ experience.

The release said Mr Ukachukwu has provided strategic and people leadership for leading hospitality and aviation busi-

nesses in emerging markets.

It stated that his senior-level experience cuts across Media, Aviation, Marketing and Corporate Communications. He is the founder of Aviators Africa® magazine and also a finishing school instructor for airlines.

Afro Tourism specializes in providing dynamic travel resources on Africa and its surrounding islands.

The new CEO who assumed office last month has already hit ground running as he works toward repositioning Afro Tourism as a leading voice for tourism in Africa.

sustainable development.

Kangiwa said that the conference, tagged: “Peace Through Tourism”, was expected to facilitate tourism initiatives, which would contribute to sustainable tourism development of the country.

“The conference will, among other things, discuss the role of traditional rulers in the promotion of sustainable tourism development in Nigeria,” he said.

FTAN is the apex body of all tourism associations in Nigeria.

Tourism players in Zimbabwe demand new bridge across River Limpopo to South Africa

VILLAGERS from Maramani in the Shashi area of Beitbridge are asking authorities to reconsider building a bridge linking Zimbabwe and South Africa in their area 100km west of Beitbridge town.

The villagers were convinced the bridge would help thousands of people from their area and beyond whose traditional links with people in South Africa date back centuries ago.

“We have relatives across the river (Limpopo) in South Africa and having to travel 100km to Beitbridge for immigration and other formalities and the same distance on the other side to visit someone just across is wrong,” headman Lemohang Mahopolo said.

“Prior to this boundary being in place, our area was just one known as Mapungubwe stretching across the river and our ancestors walked to and from across the river without restriction,” he said in an interview.

Mapungubwe is an ancient city of Munhumutapa known to have been built before Great Zimbabwe located in South Africa just about 5km across the Limpopo River south of Maramani in Zimbabwe.

B6 Tourism

players from both countries pressed for the bridge when most visitors expressed displeasure about delays at Beitbridge Border Post.

A source in the Immigration Department said plans for the bridge reached peak stages that saw an immigration office built at the point in Maramani. “We thought things were moving and our dream was becoming a reality,” headman Mahopolo said.

A series of meetings were held and the bridge was viewed as one that would ease the pressure at Beitbridge, which handles thousands of people travelling between South Africa and Zimbabwe day In 2004, the project “died a natural death” and was nev-

Kenya is the only African Country in Top10 sex tourism destinations in the world It turns out that while planning for a vacation, there are people who actually are looking for places where they can have uninhibited sex – not necessarily with their partners.

Some people look at sexual encounters while travelling as a way of enhancing their travel experience.

And to top it all, the sex tourism industry is worth billions with millions of sex workers, both legal and illegal scattered around the globe.

Here are 10 of the biggest sex tourism destinations around the world: Germany: Prostitution and even street prostitution is wide spread and organised sector in Germany and it is completely legal. The country has a long history of sexual tourism with organised prostitution in the country dating back to the 1200’s AD. Interestingly, people join the flesh trade in Germany willingly and there are advertisements, and job offers through HR companies. Frauenhäuser

(“women’s houses”) have always been a common part of German history and were looked upon as places which helped curb greater crimes by offering their services.

The practice carries on till date.

Dominican Republic: Travellers to the Dominican Republic will see legal brothels, marriage parlours and prostitutes openly roaming around in many of the downtown areas of Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata.

The Dominican Republic ranks fourth highest in the world among countries exporting large numbers of sex workers.

Spain: Party destinations in Spain that include Madrid, Ibiza and Barcelona which are known for their riveting club and bar scene have also become popular sex tourism destinations.

Street that is known as the red light area.

Malaysia: While prostitution is illegal in Malaysia, it is still rampantly practiced and services are widely available. The demand is

particularly high in places like Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. Most of the sex workers are trafficked from neighbouring countries like China.

Kenya: While it is one of the countries in Africa which is relatively easier to visit, it also has one of the largest sex tourism industries on the continent. The country does not discourage the practice despite the high level of STDs and HIV prevalent. Interestingly, Kenya is a popular destination among older white women who want to ‘buy’ some time with a man. Children are lured into prostitution by tourists willing to pay handsomely for sex in secret locations.

The Netherlands: Often considered to be one of the most popular sex tourism destinations in the world.

Prostitution is legal and regulated while Amsterdam’s, De Wallen, is the largest and most famous red-light district in the city and a famous destination for international sex tourism.

Business Review B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Menace of fraud in e-payment system Simon Ugwu The menace of e-fraud in epayment system has posed a great challenge to electronic payment service. This needs collective efforts by stakeholders in the financial industry such as customers, banks and financial sector regulators in addressing the menace.

This according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the biggest challenge facing the electronic payment service.

CBN Director, Banking & Payments System Department, ‘Dipo Fatokun who spoke at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) BiMonthly Forum in Lagos, said fraud not only leads to loss of funds, but reduces confidence of customers using e-channels.

He maintained that e-fraud has never been completely eliminated, even as bank customers lost over N2 billion to e-fraud last year.

Speaking on the theme: “Electronic Payments Industry’s Performance and Regulatory Issues”, Fatokun described e-payment as any form of payment that allows the use of electronics system to initiate, authorize and confirm the transfer of money between two parties.

The transaction reason, he said, could be for the payment for goods and services, settlement of obligations, gifts among others.

He explained that e-payments are driven by a network of interconnected systems, which make it possible for exchanges of value between payer and payee, sender and receiver or donor and receiver.

“Banks, Payment Service Providers (PSPs), Financial Authorities and Central Banks play various roles in developing the payments system infrastructure to drive electronic payments, that is nationally utilized. The e-payments industry refers to all stakeholders, operators, regulators, infrastructures, merchants, retailers and the final consumers of the payments products and services. Payment technologies and platforms bind the industry together in a tight ecosystem,” he said.

Speaking further, the Director disclosed that global non-cash (electronic payment) transaction volumes grew at 8.9 per cent to reach $387.3 billion in 2014, an increase, driven by accelerated growth in developing markets.

“Cards have been the fastest growing payments instrument since 2010, as cheque use has declined consistently and significantly. Debit cards accounted for the highest share (45.7 per cent) of global e-payment trans-

actions and were also the fastest growing (12.8 per cent) payments instrument in 2014,” he stressed.

According to him, global noncash volumes are estimated to have grown by 10.1 per cent to reach $426.3 billion in 2015, aided by high growth in emerging economies across the world, including Africa even as the Nigerian e-payments industry has been evolving in line with the evolution in global payments in both Wholesale and Retail systems.

“Banks, PSPs, and the CBN have played various roles in developing the payments system and creating products and channels for electronic payments.

The Retail Payments Transformation Programme of the CBN has led to the introduction of various electronic payments products and services by operators in the industry. The electronic products are gradually reducing the usage of cheques and cash, as noticed consistently in the annual performance report since the inception of the Cashless Policy in 2012,” he added.

He said the volume and value of transactions based on cheques and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) have been consistently reducing annually since 2013, while same data for the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System- NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP), Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and mobile money channels have been on the increase. This is an indication of users’ preference for instant value channels over non-instant payment channels.

“The ATM Channel accounts for the highest volume of transactions, while the NIP accounts for the highest value of transactions annually. This is because the ATM is usually the e-payment channel that new and lower value account holders always interface with, while corporates and upwardly mobile middle class customers make transfers using NIP,” he said.

The CBN director disclosed that banks and other e-payment service providers operate in a highly regulated environment.

“Regulation is necessary to ensure that operators focus on delivering products and services that enable compliance, efficiency, financial stability and a positive customer experience. The attempt to regulate electronic payments in Nigeria started with the CBN Electronic Banking Guidelines, issued in August 2003,” stated Fatokun.

Also, in furtherance of its effort to promote and facilitate the development of efficient and effective systems for the settlement of transactions, including

DIPO FATOKUN the development of electronic payments system, the CBN has since 2008, issued and reviewed several e-payment related framework, guidelines and circulars.

He also stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would soon come up with regulations to tighten the process of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card swap for telecom subscribers.

“Some of the fraud we are still battling with is the issue of SIM swap. We have heard of instances where people would say for three days my phone did not work. And because many of us carry more than one phone, if one is not working, at least one will work.

In order to address this holistically, the CBN director advised banks and other e-payments service providers to develop a vision and programmes for compliance with regulations.

“Operators should inculcate a proactive and collaborative compliance mindset in their people and processes, to achieve efficient adoption of regulatory practices requirements into dayto-day operations. Collaboration between regulators and operators is a key strategy to achieving an effective policy formulation and regulation. Holistic approach, anticipation of regu-

latory actions, industry collaboration and dialogue are the best ways for the industry stakeholders to maximize Return on Investment in compliance efforts,” he stated.

He however, stated that the CBN: FinTechs Won’t Usurp Banks’ Traditional Roles The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured that Financial Technology (FinTech) companies will not take over the roles played by commercial banks in delivering services customers.

He pointed out that the demand for the services of FinTechs will continue to rise, even as they need commercial banks’ to enable them operate effectively.

Fatokun noted that the increasing roles of FinTech companies in the payment system will allow banks to focus more on their traditional roles of financial intermediation.

Stating that the need for collaboration between the FinTechs and banks will always continue to be on the rise, he said “none can displace the other. There will be more prominence for the FinTechs going forward.”

The CBN director explained that banks in developed world are now focusing on their core functions and leaving other roles to service providers. “FinTechs have always been in existence, it is just that more prominence

is being given to their roles. In some jurisdictions FinTechs are being allowed, or plans are under way to allow them connect to the central bank which, previously, was the exclusive preserve of the commercial banks,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “The fear has always be there that FinTechs will take over the roles of the banks and that a time will come when there will be no bank. Fintechs are not licenced as financial institutions, they cannot take deposits, they can make payments out of bank accounts. They can only facilitate payments or make it easier but the banks will still continue to play a very big role”.

“Banks provide hundreds of services outside of payments.

They open Letters of Credit, give out loans and you can only give loans if you take deposits. They banks provide guarantee, either an advance payment guarantee or a performance bond for contractors. For you to do that you need to be a licenced financial institution,” he said.

In order to address this problem, he said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would soon come up with regulations to tighten the process of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card swap for telecom subscribers.

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B8 Personal

Finance

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 12, 2017

Processes and benefits of personal finance Bonny Amadi The general belief in many quarters is that personal finance is for the rich, but the reality is that personal finance is for every one and not only for the rich.

Personal finance include aggregation of ones wealth management plans to position the individual for a more rewarding future life either on retirement or towards the accomplishment of target project/s.

Wikipedia defines Personal finance as the financial management which an individual or a family unit performs to budget, save, and spend monetary resources over time, taking into account various financial risks and future life events.

When planning personal finances, the individual would consider the suitability to his or her needs of a range of banking products, checking, savings accounts, credit cards and consumer loans or investment private equity such as stock market, bonds, mutual funds and insurance such as life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance products.

It also include participation and monitoring of, as well as employer-sponsored retirement plans, like social security benefits, and income tax management.

Personal finance main processes The key component of personal finance is financial planning, which is a dynamic process that requires regular monitoring and re-evaluation. In general, it involves five steps.

Evaluating your assets & liabilities or assessment: This has to do with income statement of a person. A personal income statement lists personal income and expenses.

Before venturing into personal finance, one needs to do thorough evaluation of his/her assets and liabilities and determine how leveraged (indebted) or buoyant you are.

A person’s financial situation is assessed by gathering basic kinds of financial statements including balance sheets and income statements.

Investopedia reveals that a personal balance sheet lists the values of personal assets such as car, house, clothes, stocks, bank account, alongside personal liabilities such as credit card debt, bank loan, and mortgage amongst others.

Agenda setting: for a personal finance planner, having several goals is common, including a blend of lesser- and long-lasting goals. For instance, a personal finance planner’s long- term could be to “retire at age 60 with a personal net worth of N5, 000, 000,” while a short-term goal could be to save up for a new car or holiday trip abroad in the next one year.

Aiming and setting financial goals helps to direct financial planning. Agenda setting is done with an objective to meet specific financial requirements.

Plan design: The financial plan details how to accomplish the goals. It could include, for example, reducing unnecessary expenses, increasing the employment income, or saving in the stock market, investing in the money market, debt instruments or taking various forms of insurance policies.

Plan Implementation: Execution of a financial plan often requires, will, discipline and determination. Many personal finance planners often seek support from specialists such as accountants, financial planners, investment advisers, and lawyers.

Monitoring and reassessment: As time passes, the financial plan is scrutinized for probable modifications or reexaminations.

According to findings, personal finance goals vary according to age brackets, but always have convergence. Typical goals that most adults and young adults have are paying off credit card/ student loan/housing/car loan debt, investing for retirement, investing for college costs for children, paying medical expenses amongst others.

Focus of personal finance Areas of focus should be on how much you save and not how much you earn. As long as one earns money either as an entrepreneur or as an employee in an organization, one can personally plan for the future.

Financial position: According to Investopedia personal finance, is concerned with understanding the personal resources available by examining net worth and household cash flow. Net worth is a person’s balance sheet, calculated by adding up all assets under that person’s control, minus all liabilities of the household, at one point in time.

From this analysis, the financial planner can determine to what degree and in what time the personal goals can be accomplished.

Delayed gratification: Delayed gratification, or deferred gratification is the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward. For creation of personal wealth this is one of the key. .

Adequate protection: This has to do with analysis of how to protect a household from unforeseen risks. These risks can be divided into liability, property, death, disability, health and longterm care. Some of these risks may be self-insurable while most will require the purchase of an insurance contract.

Determining how much insurance to get, at the most cost effective terms requires knowledge of the market for personal insurance.

Tax planning: typically, the income tax is the single largest expense in a household. Managing taxes is not a question whether or not taxes will be paid, but when and how much.

Investment and accumulation goals: This has to do with

planning how to accumulate enough money for large purchases and life events which is what most people consider to be financial planning. Major reasons to accumulate assets include, purchasing a house or car, starting a business, paying for education expenses, and saving for retirement.

Achieving these goals requires projecting what they will cost, and when one needs to withdraw funds. A major risk to the household in achieving their accumulation goal is the rate of price increases over time, or inflation.

Retirement planning is the process of understanding how much it costs to live at retirement, and coming up with a plan to distribute assets to meet any income shortfall. Methods for retirement plan include taking advantage of government allowed structures to manage tax liability including: individual (IRA) structures, or employer sponsored retirement plans.

Benefits of financial planning Benefits of financial planning include, Freedom to do things one wants to do One is more likely to be out of debt Guaranteed financial security for the future

Life&

TIMES Saturday, August 12, 2017

Jaywon: Nigeria’s music industry now lacks creativity

L2 & 3

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Nigeria’s music industry now lacks creativity –Jaywon

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Interview L3

You’re a weak man if you beat your wife –Jaywon anyway, I just go to the studio and make record, is just always good for you to take your time, make good record push and at the end of the day you will make one of the biggest song. If I tell you how I recorded this year, I was non-challant and unserious that day at the studio. For me God almighty is the only Hit maker.

With the trend of musicians now wanting to intention for governorship; do you think it is right?

For me nothing is wrong in Kcee or any entertainer

government is looking for a way to contribute to the

These days, the industry has witnessed lots of clap-back amongst artistes; will you clap-back at any of your colleague who put a shot at your squad?

If the person is right, there are some things people will say about you that you will know its true. I feel like you can never ridicule the hand that once fed you in public, is like you discouraging people investing in

have what it takes to run and you show how credible that the constitution was amended and gives a lot of should be careful because of the future of the young ones coming behind them. For me as entertainer, I love my people in Kogi state and I am passionate

they get carried away easily, and when you get carried away, you forget that the position you are today, there are lot of people out there praying to have what you have.

Sometimes you just have to be wise and be very careful. there is no point responding to you unless it is otherwise

myself that I will support all the younger generation of entertainers coming out from Kogi state.

Are you in touch with any of the political heavy weight so to speak in your state?

Am in touch with the present governor, if you know me you will know am a follower of senator Smart Adeyemi, he is like a godfather to me. My governor, Yahya Bello is doing his best to transform the state even though the state is faced with so many challenges and he is a great supporter of talents from the state.

That means you are not likely to be a fan or supporter of the colorful Dino Melaye?

I would love to be his fan but when you ignore your people and start to see the social media as your house when you have a lot to do. A lot is going on in Kogi not the type of leader that just want to be popular on social media, we need a strong leader in Kogi state, we have more problem in Kogi state than any other state except we want to deceive ourselves and I just pity only cares about themselves we need someone that will care about us, we need someone that will stand for us. When some someone asks me why am I talking like this about Dino, I will talk like this because he is my senator, he is the one representing my constituency, everything that he is doing might be funny to the whole that is someone who is supposed to represent me and the entire youth of Kogi state, he need to do the work that he voted for.

With the recent argument of entertainers on the supposed plan of Federal Government to ban entertainers from shooting their videos outside the country; what is your own take on this?

If Americans can come to Nigeria to shoot musical now too big that we cannot shoot outside the country.

One irony about this country is that we still celebrate people who shoot their work outside the country than those of us who shoot here in Nigeria. If the present

surely respond.

On issue of domestic violence; Omotola JaladeEkiende is of the opinion that violators should get death penalty, will you subscribe to that too?

How can you kill a person because of domestic violence, is not right, but the thing is both parties need domestic violence amongst women while a lot of people forget that there are cases where the woman abuse the man too. But the honest truth is any man that raise his hand to beat a woman is a weak man, so to say an animal, why will you lay your hands on someone that you truth be told, some people cannot control their anger, have never tried it before and maybe is because I can control myself. For instance a woman has slapped me before and all I did was to look for my car key and I drove off to chill.

You are a proud father; what has been a father taken away from you?

It has not really taken so much from me but one fact want to appear as a bad father to my son. I want to live for him at all time. Being a father has really helped me in cutting off so many excesses.

So when will you be settling down properly with your woman?

Only God has that timing but when the right time

If not music, what else will you have engage in?

Yoruba movie industry as a multi-tasking person who does acting, directing and production. And also I will have given my brother Odunlade Adekola problem because he

Your favorite quote from the Bible? lead him before great men

Society Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Ajibade Alabi

Is Dimeji Bankole on bad weather?

Widely travelled Jumoke Adeyanju set for the top

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Juliet Ibrahim shows undying love for Nigerian rapper, Iceberg Slim

When socialites honoured Esther Jegede

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Society Gist L5

Ajibade Alabi

Abdulsamad Rabiu on the radar of his passion telecom alongside United

out early this week that billionaire businessman, Abdulsamad Rabiu will be taking a shot at the acquisition of the embattled nine year old 9mobile formerly Etisalat, the move inspired some head scratching in the business community.

While the bid for the telecom company is yet to be made public, reports BUA group is leading in the race to acquire the

Cece Yara Child Advocacy centre launches forensic interviewing facility in Lagos

and South Africa.

When it comes to making money, the Kanoborn chairman and CEO of BUA group, a privately owned conglomerate with an annual gross estimated at $2 billion is a tenacious player. He has stakes in a wide range of business interests including manufacturing real estate, haulage, oil & gas, port concessions and shipping.

Oba elect unveils plans for his people From L- R: Mrs Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode – Assistant Director, The Cece Yara Foundation, Mrs. Bola Tinubu – Founder Trustee, The Cece Yara Foundation and Dr. Princess Olufemi – Kayode – MD/CEO Media Concern Initiative

Representatives of the child protection community in Lagos State gathered recently to attend the launch Oba Lekan

Oba Olalekan Anthony Fasesin, Arolagbade 1, the Alade Okin of Oriade town in Osun State who is expected to be installed before the end of this year has stated in a telephone interview with Daily Times recently that his priority when he is eventually installed is to use agricultural as a tools of development to move the town via the community to the next level of development “ I want to use develop Nigeria economy through the agriculture I believed this boast up naira up naira in foreign market. We are going to see how we are going to specialized on cocoa and palm kernals production” When asked how is he going to implement it he says “ I have consulted some organizations here (UK) who can partner with us to execute it in a professional way and I am planning to meet IITA too, and all these will start immediately I am crown, because we are working underground . I want my town to be the best cocoa producing in Nigeria. And I am going to be a sole sponsor of it from the beginning there after I will propose it to the government to support the programs “ When asked why did he want to leave UK to Nigeria for kingship he replied in Yoruba proverb no matter the situation. “ Also I want to bring what is happening in western world on agriculture to my people and this is the only way to use my wisdom and to support them” concludes Oba Olalekan who is also a professional pilot

art Forensic Suite for children who have experienced sexual abuse, in Lagos.

A forensic interview is a structured conversation between a Forensic Interviewer and a child with the objective of obtaining detailed information or accounts of events that the child may have experienced or witnessed. The interview is usually carried out in a child friendly setting, at the beginning of a police or child protection investigation. It is especially valuable especially where there is no witnesses or physical evidence, and the outcome of the case depends on the account is also digitally recorded.

In recent times, Nigeria has recorded an alarming rate of child sexual abuse more than ever in history.

It is regrettable to know that only a minimal number of perpetrators are convicted or punished for this crime.

Underreporting, improper interviewing, the inability of our community and law enforcement agents to react appropriately to disclosures of child sexual abuse, as well as the limited ways to assess the credibility of testimonies of victims, may have also contributed to the

increasing number of unprosecuted cases.

At the launch, Mrs. Bola Tinubu, the Founder Trustee of the Cece Yara Foundation, stated that the Forensic Interview Suite was in the forefront of technology and research-based investigation of child sexual abuse cases, and would be transformational in assisting the police to the carry out more thorough investigations and the discovery of high quality evidence.

“It is a professional discipline that can make a fundamental difference to the way in which we approach the investigation of these crimes against young children.

Now our children have a child friendly environment to disclose all the details of their abuse to a professional that understands them and who understands the challenges they have articulating the details of the abuse due to their age, the range of their vocabulary, and the effect of trauma.” - Mrs. Tinubu said.

The team was trained by Dr. Princess OlufemiKayode, who has worked for nearly 20 years with sexual Rape Crisis Centre in Nigeria in 2005, and is the founder of Media Concern Initiative for Women and Children (MediaCon), a Non-Governmental Organization committed to responding to issues of sexual violence against women and children.

Olayemi, Lekan Alabi son weds in London It would be a day of joy for prominent Chief and the Agbalakin Olubadan of Ibadan land Lekan Alabi when his son Olayemi will get marry to his heart rob in London and like his father who also married his mother , Adetokunbo (nee Laditan) at St John Anglican Church , Hampstead , London , United Kingdom on August 12, 1978, in a colorful wedding the son also follow suits by going “home” to pick his wife

royal family of Ile-Ife, Osun State will be

tying their own nuptial knots in a different church in Tottenham and UK, on Friday, 25th August, 2017. This will be preceded by the traditional engagement on Friday 18th August, 2017 also in UK Dignities expected to honor the barons of industries, statement men and other VIPS from all corner of the world.

Daily Times learnt that Olubadan of Ibadanland HIM Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 has graciously accepted to be the Royal Father of day at the two ceremonies

Lekan Alabi

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Michelle Dede, Kiki Omeili clash with Ebele Okaro in ‘What Lies Within’ Nollywood actors Paul Utomi, Tope Tedela Vanessa Nzediegwu are set to leave a big mark on the silver screen with a suspense-filled romantic drama thriller, What Lies Within.

The young and talented filmmakers have previously excelled with

survivor, Kechi Okwuchi has once again impressed Got Talent show after her soulful rendition of Donny next round which is the live shows. ell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Mel B and the guest

winning Best Actor in African Magic while Nzediegwu and Utomi have both show class in Mnet Productions, Edge Of Paradise and Hush, respectively.

What Lies Within is the brilliant tions, VeeBlu Productions and Kukuruku Inc. The soon-to-be-released flick chronicles 24 hours in the lives of two women as they are thrust into the centre of an incident that could have far reaching consequences on their lives and loves ones. The movie touches on themes of trauma, betrayal and domestic violence.

What Lies Within is directed by Vanessa Nzediegwu and it features an ensemble cast of Michelle Dede, Kiki Omeili, Paul Utomi, Ken Erics Ugo, Okey Uzoeshi, Tope Tedela,

Kechi Okwuchi excels at ‘America’s Got Talent’ live show

Vanessa Nzediegwu, Odenike, EbAhead of its anticipated release in ful premiere to be attended by the crème de la crème is planned to hold sa, Director revealed, “Making What

standing ovation.

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sure is you deserved your place here tonight, not just on your story, but on your talent.

Kechi Okwuchi was one of the two survivors of the crash on December 10, 107 passengers.

The crash occurred on Kechi Okwuchi her way back to Port Har- crashed 20 minutes beday with other students fore the estimated landfrom her school, Loyola Je- ing time.

AU, AFRIMA Jury unveils AFRIMA 2017 Nominees list

it was quite an experience. We tried to tell a simple and enjoyable story that explores quite a few themes and we hope people find it interesting.”

“It was a scary and exhilarating really glad that the film will be out soon for everyone to see,” added coproducer Utomi.

Mo Eazy’s Aunty Yeh is star studded Namata, juror representing East Africa, from Tanzania and other members of the juror

have unveiled the Nominees List for the 2017 sance Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria.

The highly anticipated Nominees List for the acts on the continent was announced in the pres-

nominees were picked based on production quality, talent and creativity, melody, originality and authenticity, composition and arrangement.

It has to do with the quality of music not on the number of views from any online video platform, some songs from certain regions have more than half a billion views and would have garnered the awards based on such sentiment but it is not so. It has noted that the adjudication process was a com-

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hinted that all is now set for the brand new music video release of his de-

of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The video which also features VJ Adams, DJ Nana, Iyabo Ojo, Lolo 1,

already gaining massive media attention.

With a stellar cast of celebrities, the video features stars that includes

ers sees two groups of ladies, models

professionals and music artistes were received at the close of a two-month entry submission window on July 17 this year. He described the nominations process as rigorous and thorough,

leaving the judges with the decision of their lives. sa, mixed by Bennie Macaulay with its

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Oke, Dayo Amusa, Toke Makinwa, Moët Abebe, Kaffy, Damilola Adeg-

Mo Eazy manages to bring out the unexpectedly fun personas of some

nominees, media executives and other stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industries in Africa.

also noted the great improvement of the submissions this year, as it is more impressive than previous years. shows the appreciation and recognition of the

evolve a desire and expertise in the needed of unity among African artistes and the need for continental integration while celebrating its rich music and heritage. The Best Female Artistes

need for music lovers in Africa to explore different genre of music from all regions on the con-

been released while the nominees in the continental categories will be announced much later.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Relastionship L7

Mutiat Alli

Why should he be blamed?

Life they say is not bed of roses, so also goes for love that would never be a promise of a rose unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion. This was all that Oluwadamilare showed excuses. I was blind folded by lust not love. It took me so many years to realize the deadly mistake I made that have cost me a fortune. Come to think of it, will I ever be forgiven for that I have done. I need an advice please.

I woke up one morning hoping to have a wonderful moment with my so-called boyfriend, but to my surprise all that was supposed to be nice became sour with the kind of attitude I put up just for the reason been that I saw a guy that I considered better than him. I realized I should have taken my time before taking that decision that brought a stigma to me. I never meant what I did, only that I was blind folded by lust not love. That decision I made changed everything about me and would love people to learn from that.

When I meant Oluwadamilare back in 2002, things were going smoothly because the chemistry between us was so strong that my colleagues in school had several feelings that it might lead to a blissful marriage.

I had gone to read in preparation for my fourth coming examination, he starred at me in the library. Later that same day, he came running after me and all he said was friendship. time went on, I had no choice than to give in to his proposals because then, I was already in love with him. All I was even thinking before he course mate wants him too. know what went along the line, I told him I wanted a break for some while. working out any longer. Even before I told him my intention of quitting our 2years old relationship, the sweet memories of the days shared together would continue to linger in my mind as the most remarkable one was the celebration of our one year relationship where we both had a nice treat at the popular Kuramo Beach before heading to Eko Hotel and Suites where we had a memorable day together. One thing led into another as worry my baby, I was only pulling your legs, I reserve that till when I get you married fully.

Instantly, I had mixed feelings that it was just a normal saying by guys of nowadays so I was not confused about him getting married to me, I

to give me a call which he did as promised. All through the night even while sleeping close to my boyfriend, all I was thinking was the nice peck Nifemi gave me at the party.

It took me two months and half to set my eyes on him again as Damilare would not allow me follow him whenever he goes visiting.

It got to a stage that I would sneak out of the house to see Nifemi on several occasions.

Nifemi promised all I assume Damilare should tell me, he promises to make me his wife only if I am ready to quit my relationship with Damilare. I told him to give me some time to think over the issue, after some time, I gave a call to him telling him that I have accepted his proposal.

The day my world came crushing was when we had gone to attend a birthday party of his friend, Nifemi at the Nu-Grotto club on the Island.

He inquired that we dance together while Oluwadamilare was still busy drinking his beers. We danced for some while before my baby boy joined

I started doing things that would up set him and eventually I got the better part of him as he slapped me after an argument erupt between the two of us. I saw that as an opportunity to tell him that I was already sick and tired of the relationship. Damilare felt remorse about his reactions, he pleaded but I gave a deafen ear to him since that was one of the opportunity I was seeking.

Few weeks later, I started a relationship with Nifemi; I must

monitored his moves while still holding Damilare closely.

All through the party, my eyes were closely focused on Nifemi, I was carried away by is handsomeness, he sexy lips and his bold smiles, I

as we had sizzling moments together ranging from the visitation to various places and much more the beach side experience.

Things worked out the way I thought as I had the dream of getting

him holding me close to his heart.

After the whole day partying with the birthday boy, it was time for us to leave but I made way by confusing Damilare for us to stay a little longer which he obliged as he continue to remind me of the fact that I was the apple of his eyes. Before our discussion ended, I had already gotten his number at the time; Damilare stepped out to use the toilet. He promised

parents was so nice as I was highly welcomed by his parent who later gave advices on things that would make our relationship last longer.

We made way for the preparation of our said wedding, all the arrangements were made so well, but the only disappointing aspect best man for the occasion. I had mixed feeling immediately that if it were to be a planned game. Nifemi gave me more courage that such would never happen as he never invited Damilare in the On the very day of our wedding, I was happy and at the same time sad at the other end as my heart told me something weird was going to occur. When the of vows, I was still not balanced; all I was hoping was that the programme comes to an end so soon. The pastor later asked for whoever, will want to the wedding to take place, then Damilare was just coming in into the church, my mind was beating so fast and the top it all, I was already sweating abnormally. All I saw at the end was that he went to have his sit, at this time; my senses were just working as expected.

Later after the church and reception programme, he came congratulating us but later whispered into my ears that he was going to get me back at all cost after hugging me.

I kept on pondering on the word but never allowed Nifemi to know about it, soon after our blissful wedding, Nifemi demanded sex from me which I told him I was not ready due to the stress I had early experienced before and after the wedding; he never gave a listening ears as he used to, but rather all he did was to pounce on me and worst part of it was that I was beaten blue black by him as he even dare to show me more if I refuse to give in to him. Life later became much more miserable for me; as all I thought of was to have a wonderful marriage with Nifemi which later turned out to be soar.

Everything about the marriage was now unbearable for me, I can no longer cope in line with the behaviors of Nifemi, I kept regretting my walking out from my sweet relationship.

Things later got so bad that Nifemi never bordered about what goes on in the family as he barely ask if there was still food stuff at home and things like that, all I notice was that the little moves I take in preparing the meals, all he said was that he had taken enough on He hardly eat my food, not to talk of sleeping on the same bed with me, I could no longer play along the whole situation, so I rather kept calm of the whole issue.

Things got so bad one day as I have gone to the nearest market lady in my kitchen ditching out food for my husband. I was shocked as they eat. I asked Nifemi who the lady was only to be shocked by what he responded with. “You see this lady here is the new woman in my life as the marriage contract between us has expired and the only thing I can tell you now is to pack your things out of my house since you are now irritating me� he said. leave my husband alone, Nifemi only replied in place of the lady by giving a dirty slap.

It was at that point that I realized by presence was no longer needed in the house, so I had to pack out of the house to continue with me life.

My life struggle continues and after about a year and half, I met Damilare again; on sighting him, I thought of running but was hold back by him as he asked after my family. As I turned to explain to me, tears dropped from by eyes.

One thing led into another again as he asked if we could continue our relationship and if possible seals it. He gave me courage to forget everything about my past.

The problem I have now is that I have promise to reconcile with him, but he gave me time to think about it. Therefore I am still contemplating if I should go back to him or rather go into another relationship with another person entirely.

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Home Affairs L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Folarin Leonard

Factors to consider when transforming your sitting room How would you like to discover various ways to transform your living room to somewhere you never feel happy to leave? These tips include that which even works for a tiny budget. To all dĂŠcor lovers,

Available space You must consider your available space before minimum effort. Sometimes the simplest changes can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of a

location. Your items should be kept in designated areas.

Curtains You may have formerly used heavy curtains that prevent rays of light. You may want to consider simpler be amazed how much larger a room will appear and

Color Have you maintained a particular color? You may want to Change the color scheme at this point. This Plan your scheme carefully before you so as to keep you on-track both with the balance of color and pattern in the room and also the budget. For busy homes that receive visitors often, a hard-wearing paint is essential.

Wallpapers To achieve a sophisticated look without overspending, a single panel of wallpaper within a large architrave frame can be as impressive as a whole feature wall.

Lightening Other steps include; adding warm and proper lightening and if you use a carpet, replace with a rog

clean, fresh feel. Tiles are recommended for solid use of cable concealers. sofa and a couple of chairs, consider a scaled-down single couch, small sectionals make perfect sense for a cramped space by offering as much seating as a separate sofa and chairs but in a smaller footprint.

use glass-item tables either at the center or forward center of the room.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clutter-free. Papers, books, surfaces all around the house, and the sitting room is no different. You will need a household information center where you can access entertainment like that.

The tangle of wires in the house can be really annoying. Fortunately, there are several options for taming cords in the sitting room. You should make

Play zone Create a Play Zone

where there might be

you have a lot of small, Have your books and Your Houseplants in cute plant stand or several decorative pots. The type of houseplants you the room.

doors, or open doorways make a room more spacious. Furniture with thinner bodies on raised legs reveal more space to the eye.

Wall spacing You should also leave space between the walls

Center attraction You should have a center of attraction. The most common focal points are up against one

against a wall, the room can seem cold and unwelcoming. Pull the furniture inward on at least two or three sides to create a more intimate area.

You can replace some furniture with glass or less

large windows. Place seating arrangement along the other three sides of the room, at right angles or angled slightly toward the focal point.