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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 528

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Beware! Sufferers of heart failure in danger May not live more than 5 years

Ladesope Ladelokun, Lagos ÏÏÏThe heart, experts say, is about the size of the fist of the owner. Described as the engine room of the body where blood flows to other parts of the body, the heart is not insulated from diseases like other sensitive parts of the body. One heart disease that recently brought cardiologists across Nigeria under one roof is heart failure. According to Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah, who is a lecturer at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, 50 percent of heart failure patients don’t live beyond five years. Hypertension, he said, is the major

Folio Group, Daily Times Publisher, salutes Buhari @ 75 P.5

cause of heart failure. Inspired by the need to dispel misconceptions about heart failure and put the right information in the public space, consultant cardiologists from Federal Universities in Nigeria recently converged on the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, fielding questions from journalists , with a view to educating members of the public. Between heart failure and heart attack Consultant Cardiologist and the President of the Nigerian Cardiac Society, Prof. Amam Mbakwem, provided explanation on what heart failure is, stating how it is different from heart attack. He said, “When you talk about

N1.8bn subsidy fraud: Supreme P.5 Court okays prosecution of Yanaty by EFCC

heart attack, it is a bit different from heart failure. It is the same broad spectrum of disease, but the vessel that brings food, oxygen and blood to a part of the muscle of the heart is blocked and it does not partake in the functions of the heart. When you talk about heart failure, it means the heart is not performing its function the way it should. Even when it does it, it struggles.’’ How to know you may be suffering from heart failure Experts say even though heart failure is a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed, agreeing that being able to recognise and check the symptoms of chronic heart failure is imporContinued on page 6

1,317 Nigerians rescued from Libya in 10 days - NEMA P.7

Yinka Ayefele: Life on the feet far better than being confined on wheelchair

L2 & L3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

5 News

Yuletide: Obaseki assures of improved security, business climate Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Governor of

Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured Edo People and residents in the state of improved security in the Yuletide season. Obaseki who gave the assurance in Benin City, said the ongoing work on a new security architecture by the state government in partnership with the federal government, has reached advanced stage and urged the peace-loving people of the state to take advantage of the improved business environment for brisk sales that characterise the season.

“I urge you all to enjoy the festive season without any fear of molestation. We have commenced the retooling of security agencies to be able to pre-empt crime well ahead of time and respond at great speed to distress calls from victims, if any,” he said. He called for vigilance on the part of the citizens and urged them to report suspicious individuals and situations to law enforcement agencies. The governor added that “several failed roads are being reconstructed across the state to ensure smooth commuting by our people during the festive period.”

L-R: President of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel A. De Souza and President Muhammadu Buhari, during a courtesy visit to President Buhari in Abuja… on Friday.

N1.8bn subsidy fraud: Supreme Court okays prosecution of Yanaty Petrochemical by EFCC Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Supreme Court on Friday gave the nod to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute Yanaty Petrochemical Limited over N1.8bn petroleum subsidy fraud allegedly committed in March 2011. In a unanimous judgment, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the firm and added that the Federal High Court in Abuja unduly interfered with the statutory power of the EFCC which basic function is to investigate fraud. The Supreme Court further upheld the decision of Court of Appeal in Abuja that the EFCC has the powers to investigate and prosecute the firm if it found that it committed the fraud and had a measure of discretion ‘‘to determine whether an investigation should continue, has been concluded or be re-opened.’’ Delivering the judgment prepared by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola but read by Justice Ajembi Eko, the apex court agreed with the Court of Appeal that the Federal High Court was wrong to have stopped the anticorruption agency from investigating the oil firm for the alleged fraud. It ordered the oil marketing company, to submit itself for investigation by the EFFC, over the alleged N1, 840, 768, 720 petroleum subsidy fraud.

The EFCC was about rounding up its investigation based on the findings of the Special Fraud Unit, the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on Petroleum (downstream) and the defunct Aig- Imokhoude-led Committee, when the firm obtained a restraining order stopping the EFCC on the grounds that it had concluded its own investigation. Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered on Monday, December 7, the oil marketing firm (Yanaty Petrochemical Limited) had filed the appeal at the Supreme Court. The Daily Times recalls that the EFCC had dragged the firm before the appellate court to set aside the judgment of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that all investigations into the alleged petroleum subsidy fraud against the defendant had been concluded. EFCC claimed that fraud was perpetuated when Yanaty’s Managing Director, Elias Adeojo, was given approval by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to import 30,000 tons of premium motor spirit, PMS, under the Petroleum Support Scheme in the first quarter of 2011. The firm claimed it imported 31, 256 .992 metric tons equivalent to 42, 171, 630 million litres in March, 2011 via MT Beaver.

Yanaty purportedly discharged the product at Lister Oil Jetty, Lagos, which is managed by Oando Marketing Plc. As a result, Yanaty allegedly received N2, 731, 942, 103.73 as subsidy for purportedly discharging 42, 773, 279 million litres of PMS. But during investigation, Oando, operator of Lister Oil Jetty, disclosed that MT Beaver discharged only 10, 187.353 metric tons, which is equivalent to 13, 952.926 million litres) of PMS for Yanaty, as opposed to 31, 256.992 it claimed to have discharged. Yanaty, therefore, allegedly received N1, 840,768,720 as unearned subsidy from the Federal

Government. Lawyer to Yanaty, Michael Anache, had filed a case against the PPPRA and its Executive Secretary before Justice A. R. Muhammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking a declaration that all investigations against them by law enforcement agencies had been concluded. Though the EFCC was not joined in the suit before Justice Muhammed, judgment was given in favour of Yanaty. Also, in an effort to prevent further investigation into its activities, Yanaty, thereafter, filed another case against the EFCC before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking an

interpretation of the judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed. It urged Justice Ademola to rely on the earlier judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed declaring that all investigations against it (Yanaty) had been concluded. But the lawyer to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that EFCC was not joined in the first suit before Justice Muhammed. Reacting to the apex court’s judgment, Tahir said: ‘‘The judgment of Supreme Court is a vindication of our appeal against the judgment of the lower court, which made an order restraining EFCC from further investigation and interrogation

of Yanaty and its officials on the grounds that investigation against the company had been concluded. ‘‘We insisted that investigation was ongoing because the case is clear. EFCC started investigation against Yanaty in February, 2012. But while it was subsisting, they surreptitiously filed a case against the PPPRA and its former executive secretary, without joining EFCC. The core issue in that case was whether the Advance Payment Guarantee, APG, issued by Sterling Bank Plc in favour of PPPRA still subsisted or had expired. It has nothing to do with the fact that they had been investigated or that the issue had been concluded.

Folio Group, Daily Times Publisher, salutes Buhari @ 75 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏAhead

of his 75th birthday on Sunday, the Chairman of Folio Communications Group, publisher of The Daily Times, Mr Fidelis Anosike and the entire management and staff of the group have felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari on the historic occasion. In a statement personally signed by Anosike on Friday night, The Daily Times publisher said Buhari has distinguished himself as a patriot, national leader and hero. The statement reads in

part: “Mr President, you have over the years left no one in doubt that you are transparent, trustworthy and ready to reposition the fortune of this nation and take her to a greater height. “In the last two and a half years when you assumed the leadership of the country, you have proved that you are a man of honour and vision and a father figure of the nation. “It is instructive to note that the pariah status in which Nigeria was tagged in the recent past was erased during your tenure and the country readmit-

ted into the comity of nations and reckoned with now as being responsible. “This you have been able to do through your fight against corruption which has enhanced the country’s rating on the corruption index, where Nigeria was removed from anticorruption watch.” On the fight against insurgency, Anosike stated that the military under the President’s command has been able to recover the lost territories and pushed back the insurgents who are unable to launch massive attacks as they were doing before Buhari as-

sumed leadership as the Commander -in- Chief of the Armed Forces. “It is gratifying to note that you have remained as an advocate of a united and indivisible country and taken the sail off the wind of those bent on disintegrating Nigeria. “Truly, President Muhammadu Buhari is ‘for everyone and for no one’. “As you clock 75 on Sunday, Your Excellency, we wish you more wisdom, strength and ability to lead this nation out of the current socio-political and economic quagmire,” Anosike added.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Beware! Sufferers of heart failure in danger Continued from page 1 tant. Shortness

L-R: Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Nuhu Gidado, presenting certificate of attendance to the District Head of Katagum, Alhaji Usman Mahmood, during a capacity building for enrolments of the Girl-Child Education in Bauchi State… on Friday.

$1bn for Boko Haram: FG must apologise over false claims -PDP Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday described the approval for the release of $1bn to the APC-led Federal Government under the guise of fighting insurgency in the northeast as curious and alarming. The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party was alarmed by the manipulative plot by the APC administration to secure approvals without recourse to due process, and for purposes of fighting the same insurgents it claimed to have since defeated. The PDP also wondered why the APC-led Federal Government had to recourse to the National Economic Council (NEC) while “avoiding the direct constitutional appropriation channel of the National Assembly for funding of items already provided for in the federal budget if it actually has nothing to hide. “The PDP supports the fight against insurgency. We hold our officers and men confronting the terrorists and securing our territorial integrity in high esteem, but we are concerned about the manipulative tendencies connected with the approvals as well as the veracity of claimed purpose of the fund. “Nigerians would recall that the APC-led Federal Government had claimed that it has since defeated the insurgents. “If it would take a billion dollar from a nation’s savings to kill what they long claimed

dead, then we challenge APC government come clean and tell Nigerians the whole truth. “The era of lies and propaganda is long gone and Nigerians now know the truth. The Federal Government must be held accountable and stopped from any move to fritter away our national savings. “We therefore call on the National Assembly to interrogate this proposed disbursement and subject it to a thorough but rapid interrogation”, the statement said. The PDP also noted that the development has rubbished the integrity of the current administration and demanded that it apologizes to Nigerians for lying to them about the actual state of the fight against insurgency in Nigeria. “By accepting the $1bn for fighting insurgency, the APCled Federal Government has admitted that it lied when it announced that it has defeated the insurgents. They should therefore apologize to Nigerians for giving them a false sense of security, resulting in their vulnerability to attacks by terrorists”, the party said. The PDP recalled that the three points upon which APC hinged their promise were security, corruption and economy and it is apparent that they have failed in all. “On the economy, they have taken us into recession; on security, Boko Haram is still ravaging our people; on the corruption, the APC Government has only embarked on witch hunt of the opposition while enmeshed in monumental corruption

thriving unabated right inside the engine of its administration”, the party said. The PDP vowed to ensure the APC does not continue to play with the intelligence of Nigerians, who are now only waiting for 2019 to consign them into the dustbin of history. Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has described government’s decision to withdraw $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to fight Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region as a means by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government to fund President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019. “For posterity sake, I wish to place it on record that I was not among the governors, who approved the withdrawal of almost half of our savings in the Excess Crude Account, which belongs to the three tiers of government to fight an already defeated insurgency,” he declared. In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Friday, and signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; “Since they said they have defeated Boko Haram, what else do they need a whopping sum of $1 billion (over N360 billion) for; if not to fund the 2019 elections? “The APC promised to wipe out Boko Haram within six months, now it is 31 months and what the APC government is wiping out is the economy of Nigeria and the means of livelihood of the people,” Governor Fayose said.

of breath has been identified by heart diseases experts as one of the symptoms of heart failure owing to the fact that it can cause the fluid in the body to gather in the lungs which may cause one to feel short of breath during everyday activities. Another symptom of heart failure, according to cardiologists, is tiredness. This is because heart failure means less oxygen-rich blood is circulating the body. Because the muscles and tissues need oxygen for energy, this means people with heart failure can feel tired easily. Moreover, the heart sometimes starts to speed up to compensate for its reduced ability to pump blood around the body, making rapid heartbeat another symptom of heartbeat, The Daily Times has gathered. Other symptoms of heart failure include Loss of appetite, sudden weight increase, shortness of breath when lying down, swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen, and frequency of urination. The Risk Factors People at risk of heart failure have risk factors, says Prof. Kamilu Karaye. The consultant cardiologist from Bayero University Kano says the risk factors can be classified into two: those that can be modified and those that are not modifiable. His words: “The risk of heart failure increases with age. The important ones among those that are not modifiable include increased age. In other words, as our age increases, the risk of heart failure increases. Another important non-modifiable one is genetic predisposition. Some are disposed to certain forms of heart diseases. “Those that can be modified include High Blood Pressure. Anybody who has High Blood Pressure is at significantly high risk. Diabetes mellitus is another risk factor. High cholesterol which can be caused by diet high in cholesterol is another risk factor. There is another risk factor. Cigarette smoking is quite important. Obesity is quite important.’’

Everybody needs to give up something – Nigerian Cardiac Society Prof. Ammam C. Mbakwem, a consultant cardiologist and President of Nigerian Cardiac Society, says a lot can be done by governments at all levels, pharmaceutical industries, the media and other stakeholders to check the spate of heart failure. Mbakwem called on the Federal Government to earmark more funds to the health sector in its annual budget. On why the media should assist cardiologists and members of the public, Ammam said there is need for the press to take the right information to the public sphere owing to the level of misinformation about heart failure among Nigerians. She said: “A lot of our patients don’t understand what heart failure is. Some patients will tell you ‘’if my heart has failed how come I’m alive?”! So, they believe that once your heart fails, you must die. We need you to put the right information out there. “But the government needs to help us, when we do our budget, go check the health budget. It’s not up to the 15% we signed on to at Addis Ababa.’’ She added: “And then, the dollar to the naira exchange rate is going up. 50% can’t afford the care they need, what they do is buy affordable care. Affordable care may be one medication out of three I have written for them. Everybody must come on board. Everybody needs to give up something even the pharmaceutical industries need to give up a bit of their profit.’’ Managing heart failure and why death may be first evidence While there is no cure for heart failure, there are steps to take to manage it. According to experts, the first evidence that a person has been living with heart failure may be death. Hence the need for Nigerians to go for regular medical checkups. They advised patients to desist from smoking, taking alcohol and eating too much at a time. Taking more vegetables, eating less salt and taking enough rest, they say, could be very beneficial.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

News 7

Buhari tasks ECOWAS, AU on accountability, co-existence

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Bu-

hari has tasked the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Marcel A de Souza and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on the need for accountability and good neighbourliness in the sub-region and the African continent. Buhari stated this on Friday at the State House, Abuja after holding talks with the two leaders in his office. Receiving Marcel de Souza, Buhari said it was gladdening that ECOWAS was demanding accountability from its headquarters staff, which made it to recently invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from Nigeria, to look into its books. “Thanks for being firm, and for insisting on transpar-

ency and accountability at the ECOWAS headquarters,” Buhari said, adding that Nigeria would continue to fulfill its obligations to the sub-regional body. Nigeria hosts the 52nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Saturday in Abuja. Buhari said he expected a formal report on the situation in Guinea Bissau at the meeting, saying that : “We need our troops back home, and I hope the President of that country will accept a constitutional way to resolve the situation there.” The ECOWAS Commission boss thanked Nigeria for agreeing to host the 52nd Ordinary Session at short notice, adding that the impact of Nigeria was quite strong in the organization. “We are under financial pressure due to terrorist attacks in the sub-region, but Nigeria being out of recession will have

an impact on the entire region,” de Souza said. He noted that Nigeria was the highest contributor of troops to Guinea Bissau, but admitted that “the troops can’t be there endlessly.” At the meeting with Moussa Faki Mahamat of the African Union Commission, Buhari said good neighbourliness and relationship were important for security and economic development. Buhari said, “That was why I visited all our neighbours. Such relationship is crucial for security, and economic development, so that our youths can get jobs.” On the situation in Libya, Buhari reiterated that not every Black man is a Nigerian, saying

that it was important to authenticate the origin of the people in distress, before their evacuation. He said, “We are trying to bring as many as possible from Libya. But not every Black man is a Nigerian. Others claim to be Nigerian, when they are not, and because they have destroyed their travel papers, we can’t claim them, except there is proper documentation.” On the issue of Lake Chad, which he has been in the vanguard of across the world, Buhari said, “The earlier we get it done, the better, so that our youths don’t continue to dare the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.” The AU Commission boss congratulated Buhari for what

he was doing for Nigeria, and for Africa. He said, “Without President Buhari, and without Nigeria, many things would not have been possible. I appreciate the role you played in my election, and all that you do in ECOWAS, Lake Chad Basin Commission, and the entire continent. “We follow your battle against corruption, and it is not by chance that you have been chosen by other African leaders to champion the battle in 2018. “Your commitment is notable, and I seek your support for reforms that we intend to introduce in AU. Your guidance is vital. We need Africa to speak with one voice, and the voice of Nigeria is preponderant.”

EFCC vs. Diezani: Court fixes February 12, 2018 for further hearing Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏA Federal High Court in La-

gos on Friday fixed February 12, 2018 for further hearing in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking final forfeiture of $4.760million two Penthouses linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun had fixed the date, following the non appearance of lawyers representing both parties in the suit. The court had on December 5, ordered that the said properties: Penthouse 21 building 5, Block C, 11 floor (Bella Vista Estate) Banana Island, Ikoyi, and Penthouse 22, Block B (Admiralty Estate) also in Ikoyi, Lagos, be temporarily forfeited to the federal government, pending the conclusion of investigation. The judge made the order while granting the ex-parte application filed and argued by the EFCC lawyer, Anslem Ozioko, against Diezani and one Donald Amamgbo and two companies: Schillenburg LLC, and Sequoyah Property Limited. The judge, however, refused to grant the order authorising the anti-graft agency to appoint a competent person(s) or firm to manage the said two properties. But when the matter came up on Friday, there was no lawyer either from the EFCC nor the respondents named in the suit. Consequently, Justice Olatoregun, adjourned the matter till February 12, 2018, for further

hearing. The anti-graft agency in the Ex-parte application marked FHC/L/CS/1793c/17, which has the former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Alison-Madueke, Donald Amagbo, Schillenburg LLC, and Sequoyah Property Limited, as respondents, asked the court for an interim forfeiture order of the court, forfeiting to the Federal government the said buildings. EFCC also asked the court for an order prohibiting any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the said assets/properties, as they were suspected to be proceed of unlawful activity. And an order authorising the EFCC to appoint a competent person(s)/ firms to manage the said two properties. Ozioko had told the court that the application was brought pursuant to sections 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other fraud related offences Act number 14, 2006, and section 44(2)(b) and(k) of the constitution. The EFCC in affidavit deposed to by one of its investigators, Abdulrasheed Bawa, stated that during investigation into the ownership of the two properties, YF Construction Development and Real Estate Limited, and that the firm’s deputy Managing Director, one Mr. Fadi Basbous, volunteered extra-judicial statement, wherein he stated that the two properties were sold at $3.570 million, and $1.194 million, and owned by Sequoyah Properties Limited, and Schillenburg LLC.

L-R: Deputy Secretary of State, USA, John Sullivan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama, during the USNigeria Binational Commission meeting in Abuja… on Thursday.

1,317 Nigerians rescued from Libya in 10 days - NEMA Myke Uzendu

ÏÏÏThe

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that a total of 1,317 Nigerians have been repatriated from Libya in the last 10 days. The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, stated this while receiving a fresh batch of 116 Nigerians who arrived the country on Friday morning. The new set of returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos aboard a Buraq Airlines with Registration Number 5A-WAC at about 5:39am. It was further gathered that

about 3,000 Nigerians had been repatriated from Libya through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) support programme in the last few months. Maihajja, represented by Suleiman Yakubu, south-west zonal coordinator, said that various batches of migrants had been repatriated between December 5 and December 15 with the assistance of the IOM and the European Union (EU), following the volatile situation faced by migrants attempting to cross over to Europe through the Mediterranean. According to him, the figure has already surpassed the 1, 295 Nigerians who voluntarily

returned from Libya in November. Maihajja said that the federal government would continue to work with the international organisations to ensure the return of more Nigerians from Libya where they had been facing severe hardships and rights violations. The returnees comprised 46 adult females, 60 adult males and 10 children and infants respectively. Also, on ground to welcome the returnees were officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the police.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Lecturer cries out over 35 months salary arrears Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏIA lecturer with Nwa-

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr. Demola Sogunle; former Chairman of Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Atedo Peterside; his wife, Dudun; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc., Mr. Yinka Sanni and Independent Non-Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, (SAN), during the 2017 Stanbic IBTC Fine Arts and The Acts event in Lagos… on Friday.

Pension Arrears: NLC gives Cross River 7 days ultimatum Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Labour

Congress (NLC) Cross River State Council has given Cross River State Government seven (7) days ultimatum beginning from December 13th to implement all the agreements reached on July 2nd 2017. The Union had on July 2nd 2017 suspended its industrial action, when the Union and state government signed Memorandum of Understand (MoU) to implement all the agreement. In a communiqué read by the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade John Ushie after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Calabar, the Union expressed displeasure at the attitude of Governor Ben Ayade and the state government. “At the end of State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, SEC in session viewed it seriously and expressed disappointment with the Cross River State Government for failure to honour some of the critical aspects of the Memorandum of UnMRS OLUWAYOMI ADEFUNKE JEROME UZAMA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss AJAYI Oluwayomi Adefunke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwayomi Adefunke Jerome Uzama . All former documents remain valid. General public note.

derstanding (MoU) that was agreed on July 2nd 2017. “Amongst them were: Failure of government to pay gratuity to the retirees from June 2013 to date. After the strike action that was suspended on 2nd July 2017, the government, promised to pay the retirees without further pressure or delay, the following week but up till today, nothing was done. The Union said that the agreement was not kept and government has jettisoned the agreement again and noted that the Paris Club refund was specifically meant for payment of arrears of salaries, arrears of gratuity and pensions. “Permit me to mention here that for Cross River State, from 2015 till date was not owed any arrears of salaries but they owed arrears of gratuity and pensions. “For us as Labour, we thought that when this money came, government will use it to clear the arrears of gratuity and use the remaining for payment of salaries, as it was agreed initially but our disappointment

is that government did not keep to that agreement “Governor Ayade has told us that the Paris Club refund will be used for the 2014 gratuity today as it stands, government of Cross River State is owing gratuity from 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and soon will shall enter 2018. Comrade Ushie said that the Government has also failed the people of the state and workers by refusing to implement the promotion. “The SEC in session is aggrieved at this action.” Government, according to him, has failed to regularize the state payroll. “Since 2016 when the government employed consultants to handle the payroll system, we pointed out that these consultants will not be able to handle it, because we had in place a perfect payroll system where people from other states came to copy us, today, government was paying half and distorted salaries to our members etc. “There is this conflict that the Accountant General Office will pay salary this month and

MRS OLUWAFUNMIKE OMOTOYOLE MICHEAL OBADIMEJI

EMEM ORITSEWEYIMI ARUEYINGHO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss OluwaFunmike Omotoyole Olatemiju now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwafunmike Omotoyole Micheal - Obadimeji. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EMEM JOHN EAKIN now wish to be known and addressed as EMEM ORITSEWEYIMI ARUEYINGHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

next month Head of Office will pay, confusion everywhere. “Again, SEC viewed it with dismay the selective payment of impress, we have said it and continue to say it that there is no government that function well without impress but nothing was done, the civil service is grinding to a halt. In Cross River State, Commission is collecting money to process document because there is no impress. He said all efforts made to reach out to Governor Ayade and government on the resolution stated above did not yield fruitful result, we have done that severally in writing, whatsup messages, text messages and social media but no respond. “Consequent upon these, SEC in session has given the state government seven (7) days ultimatum with effect from December 13th to fully implement the MOU signed on July 2nd 2017. “Failure to do this, the state shall witness industrial action they did not dream of as the Union will resume the suspended strike action” he stated. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that FRANCIS ANIDIBIE DINZEI is the same person as FRANCIS DINZEI , as it is written in some of my document, now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS ANIDIBIE DINZEI. All documents bearing any of these name remain valid. General public and the relevant authorities please take note.

for Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chinwe Valentia Ohagba, has cried out to Governor Willie Obiano to come to her aid. Ohagba who alleged that the Provost of the College, Dr (Mrs.) Ego Uzoezie terminated her appointment after journalists made inquiry into the arrears of salary she was being owed, also appealed to Obiano to urgently ensure that justice is done by reinstating her. Addressing newsmen in Onitsha, the lecturer said she was the best graduating student of the college in 1990 and was promised a job by the College management any time she wanted. In 2005, Ohagba said, she returned to the school after graduating as a lawyer and was offered a part time appointment, which was made full in 2006. Since then she was working until September 2013, when she was issued a letter to proceed on suspension on half salary without any query, even though they stated in the letter that her suspension was based on her refusal to answer a query issued her on December 7, 2011. But she went to the management with her own copy of the reply of the query signed by G.U. Okeke which they endorsed on Dec 9, 2011. In spite of this glaring evidence they insisted that Ohagba should proceed on suspension, which she went from Sept 23, 2013 to February, 2015. Consequently, the Anambra State Government set up a Visitation panel, which looked into her case and recommended her recall and payment of all arrears of salary owed her in the white paper of May 2015 report of the panel. However, the Dr.Uzoezie, the Provost of the college jettisoned the White paper report and set up her own panel: Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee to investigate her case through a letter dated July 21, 2014. After the Committee’s sitting and heard from her, it also recommended that she should be recalled and all her arrears paid to her, which now compelled the management to recall her via a letter dated February 2, 2015. Ohagba said when she was on suspension under the former Provost, Dr Mrs. Clara Osuagwu, she was paid her half salary for 15 months but immediately Dr. Uzoezie, took over the first thing she did was to remove her name from the payroll after a letter she wrote to her to intervene

in her case. From February to November 2015 after her recall, she was not paid, hence she wrote requesting the payment of her salary, which has now accumulated to 25 months, but the Provost invited her to her office where she warned her never to ask for the arrears again. “She threatened me that if I continued, she would sack me but I told her that I would ask for the money, because there is no reason for me to forfeit it. From that day she started using her machineries, executive powers to fight me. She personally instructed my Head of Department, Mr. F.O. Okafor and my Dean, Mrs. Edna Obi to raise queries against me. From January 2015 to September 2016 I had problem till date she generated 20 queries against me, which I have responded to,” said the lecturer. She said based on those queries Dr. Uzoezie set up a committee headed by Dr. F. A. Chukwuemeka, to terminate her appointment. It sat without inviting her to hear her own side of the case and recommended that her appointment be determined. Ohagba said Uzoezie submitted the report to the Council, alleging that before setting up the committee she had removed her name from payroll for the second time without suspension or termination letter since October 2016 till date. Her name, according to her was also removed from all official assignments, saying all these she did before taking her name to the council. The Council however set up a committee on the matter, headed by Prof. C.A. Umeobi, which recommended after sitting and heard from her that all her arrears of salaries including half and full should be paid in bulk within one month of council’s approval of the report. The Provost was also directed to restore all her course and fully integrate her into the system with immediate effect, in addition to her appraisal for promotion from 2016 to date among other recommendations. “The committee frowned at the discriminatory practices observed in the College and wishes to state that they negate the constitutional provision of section 42 subsections 1 of the 1999 Constitution,” Ohagba said. Despite this report, she continued, Uzoezie refused to implement the report, rather wrote a rejoinder that she should be sacked based on her poor attitude to work, which was not what she initially accused her in the committee she set up, rather she accused her of “non-invigilation and failure to produce results”.

Politics Benjamin Omoike It was a time of honour for three former governors of Lagos State, the first governor and Military Administrator of the state; Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson Rtd., the first civilian governor of Lagos State; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom Ambode described as the architect of modern Lagos; when on Wednesday Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave them a special recognition. The event was the commissioning of the Johnson, Jakande and Tinubu (JJT) Park, named after the three past governors. According to Governor Ambode, one of the hallmarks of every progressive society is to always recognise and reward the efforts of heroes who contribute to the growth of that society. In the case of Lagos, he said, there were many heroes who had toiled and laid the solid foundation for the Lagos being enjoyed today. He said one of the things his administration had tried to do this year, as part of activities to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Lagos, was to immortalise heroes who worked hard for the emergence of Lagos as the Centre of Excellence and one of the most prominent City-States in Africa. “Today, we are here to celebrate and honour three past governors of our dear state who were outstanding in their contributions to the development of Lagos State. These eminent Lagosians, are some of the very few brave men that stood to be counted on the side of justice and who by their performances while in office have written their names in gold for future generations. “The roles played by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson Rtd., the first governor and Military Administrator of the state; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor and architect of modern Lagos; can never be forgotten. They are the true legends of our state, and architects of the Lagos we are proud of today. “Brig. Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson Rtd, laid the foundation as the pioneer governor of the newly-created Lagos state in 1967.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

PDP Convention: The controversies, conspiracies and reconciliation–P10&11

Group endorses Atiku for 2019, lambasts Buhari, APC for mis-governance–P.12

When Ambode honoured Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu at launch of new park

JAKANDE He constructed the 60.7-kilometre Lagos– Badagry Expressway linking Nigeria with countries in the West African sub region, the Itoikin Bridge linking Epe and Ikorodu; the Eko Bridge and a network of roads and bridges that opened up the new Lagos,” he said. Govermor Ambode said Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, was the first elected civilian governor of Lagos, and held office for four years. He said Jakande’s tenure witnessed the introduction of masses-oriented programmes particularly in the education, housing and health sectors. He stressed that apart from the successful implementation of Jakande’s Free Education Programme, his administration established new neighbourhood Primary and Secondary schools, and also constructed over 30,000 housing units in different parts of the state for the benefit of low income earners. He added that Jakande’s tenure also witnessed the completion of the General Hospitals in Gbagada and Ikorodu as well

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as the establishment of about 20 health centres within the state. The governor stressed that Alhaji Lateef Jakande conceived and initiated the metro line transit system that would have provided a solution to the challenge being experienced in the transportation sector today. Regarding Tinubu, he had this to say: “Our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the architect of modern Lagos. His tenure witnessed the development of a blue print for the future development of our state and which successive administrations have continued to build upon and actualise today. “One of the remarkable achievements of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was the reform of the state tax administration system which resulted in the state attaining the status of the most viable and self sustaining state in Nigeria. He also made huge investments in education and initiated new road constructions, required to meet the needs of the fast-growing popu-

lation of the state. “Asiwaju also established the institutional framework which ensured that the state was properly and efficiently run. It was under Asiwaju’s government that institutions like LIRS, LAMATA, LASTMA and many others came into existence. “We have decided to honour these illustrious heroes and Patrons of our state while they are still alive through this beautiful Garden that has been named the JJT Park – Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu Park. It is our expectation and hope that this garden will be a constant reminder to us of the sacrifices of these our heroes and the need to protect and preserve the virtues of our heroes and what they stood for. “More importantly, it will serve as a reminder and a source of inspiration for leaders who would have the honour and privilege to occupy the seat that was once occupied by these great men of history,” Governor Ambode concluded.

Ajimobi throws weight behind installation of Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo Patrick Okohue The Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has declared the maximum support of his government for the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land designate, Dr Gani Adams and the activities of his official installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo due for the 13th of January, 2018 in Oyo town. Otunba Gani Adams was proclaimed the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland designate on the 15 of October this year by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. Declaring his support and that of his government for the emergence of Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, Ajimobi, while playing host to the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate in his office, said Adams has made history. Appreciating the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate for his visit, Senator Ajimobi said the Aare has started on a good footing with the visit to him in Ibadan. According to him, Ibadan is not only the political capital, but also the intellectual and socio cultural capital of the entire black race.

AJIMOBI Stressing that Oyo State is the potpourri of all culture, the governor said the state has a place of strategic importance and historical achievement. He said as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, there is no other place to host the people in celebrating the proclamation as the 15th holder of the Aare title than Oyo State, and by extension, Ibadan, the capital of the state because it was founded by warriors. “It is a thing of honour having the

ADAMS Generalissimo here. There is no territory that can hold claim to you but Only Alaafin can appoint the Generalissimo for the entire Yoruba land. “You are very deserving of the title. In the time of need for the security of our people you stood tall above all others,” the governor observed. Further acknowledging the qualities that made the Aare stand out for the title, Ajimobi said he has “made the

image of our Socio-/cultural groups enviable. “You have brought respectability to it through your conduct and carriage. We assure you of our support spiritually, culturally and financially, because you are playing a role that is desirable to our people “You are a pride to Yoruba land, Africa and the world.” Concluding, the governor said the Generalissimo of Yoruba land, deserve all the accolades being showered on him. Speaking earlier, Dr Adams said he was visiting the governor in the political capital of Yoruba land to handover the event of his official installation to him, being the host governor and to appeal to all stakeholders in the state to take advantage of the event to showcase the Tourism potentials of the state. According to the Aare designate, the Kakanfo title is the only title that brings the entire Yoruba race together, hence his desire that the state leverage on the opportunities being provided by the coming event.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

PDP Convention: The controversies, conspiracies and reconciliation SECONDUS

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Financial exchange Prior to the convention, there were allegations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar doled out a whooping sum of N1.2 billion to bank roll the convention. Although there was no disclaimer from the ever active Atiku Media Office, the former National Caretaker Secretary of the party, Senator Ben Obi described the allegation as a fiction. The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also called for the probe of Governor Nyesom Wike, who according to them spent over N15.5 billion belonging to Rivers State to garner votes for Secondus. “We are truly miffed and embarrassed about the damning report reaching us, indicating that Governor Wike wasted a whopping sum of N15.5 billion of Rivers State funds to finance the candidature of his stooge, Prince Uche Secondus, for the office of the National Chairman of PDP,” APC said in a statement signed by its state chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya. “We have always been aware of the notoriety of Governor Wike in acts like this, so we are not surprised that he is today derisively referred to as The Port Harcourt ATM by PDP top stakeholders on account of his huge financial inducement as he is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to take full control of PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections.”

Agbaje was truncated, the zone found it difficult to accept the new reality that the principle of micro-zoning was no longer feasible. It is not strange for several aspirants to declare interest in political offices, but there was an erroneous assumption by the South West elders that other aspirants will chicken out of respect for elders and tradition. Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State did not hide his feeling about the inability of the zone to make meaningful contribution to the party even when President Olusegun Obasanjo who was from the zone was the President. Wike also pointed out the crises rocking most of the state in the region and how they allowed themselves to be swept away by the APC broom in the 2015 election. According to Wike, the zone has not made any tangible contribution to the party to deserve the exalted position of the national chairman, but advised them to go home and work harder so as to have a stronger bargaining power. The former Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi had earlier attributed damaging campaigns as one of the reasons the zone lost the Chairmanship position. He said, “For the South-West, it was at the convention venue that they resolved on a consensus candidate. And even then, another candidate came to the state box and met the leaders and said, look, they never resolved, that he was still in the race. So, it was a total confusion,” he said. “Somebody signs on behalf of other candidates and say ‘we now have a

Myke Uzendu, Abuja The elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have come and gone, but left behind tales of celebrations, regrets, blames and woes. The new National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus had in his acceptance speech, declared that his victory was for all the members of the party and promised to do everything possible to reconcile aggrieved members of the party and bring back to the fold those who abandoned the party following the defeat the party suffered during the 2015 general elections. Last minute alignments Realising that the chances of the South West zone in clinching the chairmanship position was becoming slimmer than they could ever have imagined, aspirants for the position from the zone decided to adopt a new strategy to see if it will be possible to savage the situation at the last minute. The aspirants threw tradition, respect for elders and consensus to the winds and it became a free for all fight. Taking cognizance of the implications of an elder losing out to the younger, and aware that the multiplicity of aspirants from the zone is to their disadvantage, Chief Bode George commenced a tactical withdrawal from the race, but the time was too late to salvage the situation and muscle enough support for Adeniran who remained the lone standing candidate. Chief Bode George, who was the first to surrender in the contest said, “I have entered the contest on the fundamental predication of the micro zoning principle as laid down by our founding fathers. “The zoning principle which was publicly reinforced last year in Port Harcourt had specifically and rightly affirmed the South-West as the zone to produce the National Chairman. “But this old, legitimate and morally sound micro zoning principle has now been trashed, dumped in the waste bin, flung into the gutter by very little men who have compromised the pivotal moral anchor of civilised engagement for temporary selfish gains. “I hereby withdraw from this brazen fraud and absolutely preconceived, monetized, mercantilist convention” George said. A few hours later, other aspirants also surrendered to Adeniran, a timing too late to secure his victory. Senator Rashidi Ladoja who was one of the aspirants said, “We all agreed that the chances of one person winning

BODE-GEORGE are better than those of seven people who are likely to divide the votes coming to the zone. Since then, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Chief Olabode George, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Mr. Olusegun Aderemi have withdrawn from the race. “Accordingly I am of the opinion that Professor Tunde Adeniran should become our consensus candidate for the South West Zone” Ladoja told the press in a statement. The controversial result. Announcing the results of the election, the former governor of Benue State and Chairman of the election sub-committee, Mr. Gabriel Suswam said that Prince Uche Secondus scored a total of 2000 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prof. Tunde Adeniran who scored 230 votes, while High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi came third with 66 votes. He also announced that the total number of valid votes were 2,296. Soon after the announcement was made, there was information all over the social media that the number of valid voters were more than the number of accredited voter, a situation that made the convention a nullity if found to be correct. The media posted that the total number of accredited voters were 2,119 while the total number of valid votes were 2,296 making the number of votes more that the accredited voters. However, the new National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan is yet to clearly clarify this matter save the comment he made that sometimes error find its way into activities of such magnitude.

The Odds against South West The South West zone stakeholders were very hopeful that the next Chairman of the party will come from the zone. As the Port Harcourt convention which was narrowed down to Jimi

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

11 Politics

The controversies, conspiracies and reconciliation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

consensus candidate and please support him’ and another going round and saying ‘no, we don’t have a consensus candidate. “The whole issue of the South-West was its inability to put itself in order in good time. And then allowing some characters that cannot stand up in terms of credibility to occupy the political and media landscape; all kinds of abuses. “And we cautioned them that that negative campaign by one individual was damaging them as people and members of the PDP and they needed to call that person to order. Still, they never called him to order. And as far as I know, 90 percent of PDP members that that person comes to will run away,” Makarfi stated. The unity list One of the events that nearly marred the convention was the emergence of a unity list. Dokpesi who first raised alarm over the list described the unity list as a charade that may destroy the party. Dokpesi told newsmen at the convention ground that the process of voting has been rigged, following the distribution of a unity list containing names of candidates believed to have won elections into various national leadership positions in the party. He explained that the 21 names of candidates contained in the list appeared on the ballot papers as number one and in the voting boots as number one, Dokpesi said it is unfortunate that a party which is just getting out of a major leadership crisis will be involved in acts of impunity and election malpractice. The media magnate however called on the party leadership to urgently rectify what he called an anomaly and a charade before it becomes another major challenge in the party, ahead 2019 general elections. Also condemning the list, Taiwo Akeju, Director, Media and Publicity, Tunde Adeniran Campaign Organisation said, “We reject the entire electoral process of December 9, 2017. The election has been grossly compromised to achieve a predetermined end in line with the illegal Unity List prepared by Governor Wike and Ayodele Fayose and foisted on the entire delegates. “Consequently, we submit that this election is a sham and the result therefore is unacceptable. We reject it in its entirety. “We consider this so-called election as a travesty of democracy and due process, which further entrenches the culture of impunity that has done a great damage to the party in the past. “Our position is also that this election should be cancelled and the entire leadership of the party should be handed over to the Board of Trustees which we regard as the conscience of the party, to organise a credible election for the party in due cause,” Adenira stated. In defending the unity list, the newly elected Legal Adviser of the party, Mr Agbo Emmanuel, said that it was a normal phenomenon and also said that there were other lists that were being distributed during the convention. “In any election, there is always a lineup, it is not a Nigerian phenomenon, it is a global thing. “Whenever you have an electoral college, there is always a line up by the contestants so in the last convention,

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there were a lot of lists generated by the different blocs that contested that election, so, that is not an issue,” Agbo said. Also one of the defeated candidates for the position of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bamidele Salami, said that there is nothing illegal about the process. “Of course I have my reservations about certain elements in the new leadership of the party, but the beauty of democracy is in accepting its outcomes regardless of whether they satisfy our fancies,” said Salami.

Convention have further exposed the PDP as a party not ready and willing to change. Indeed, the PDP has once again displayed itself to the generality of Nigerians that it is a party with corruption deeply rooted in its DNA.” The PDP however did not spare Abdullahi and his APC, reminding them that they have flouted their constitution due to their inability to hold a convention which according to the APC constitution, must be held every two years. PDP challenged them to convene any meeting as little as a National Executive Council meeting and see if the party will not collapse like a pack of cards. PDP said, “Is it not disgusting, reprehensible and embarrassing that the APC that has repeatedly failed to hold meetings, congresses and convention in the last three years and has flagrantly continued to violate its own constitution is questioning our party’s rights to perform her legitimate and constitutional obligation? “Perhaps APC leaders have never

APC makes U-turn, congratulates PDP After throwing tantrums at each other following the outcome of the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) which had described the convention as a sham later congratulated the party. An earlier statement by the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi wrote that, “The abnormalities that trailed the PDP National

We are pleased to announce that our contacts were well received, our overtures were well received. The Committee will undertake several visits to some of our leaders who are aggrieved. We call on all leaders of our party to be careful with the comments they are making. We don’t want a situation where their comments will be inflammatory and misconstrued as negative remarks. We assure all of you that these issues and grievances will be looked into. The party is not resting on its oars

read Article 25 (A)(i) of their party’s Constitution which stipulates that “the National Convention of the party (APC) shall be held once in two years at a date, venue and time to be recommended by the National Working Committee (NWC) and approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) subject to the giving of the statutory notices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and at least 14 days notice given to members eligible to attend.” The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun seem to have gotten the signal and quickly sent a congratulatory message to the PDP. In the congratulatory letter, Oyegun said, “Our party wholeheartedly welcome opposition because we believe that democracy cannot thrive without a vibrant but responsible opposition that puts the nation first. This will often challenge you to balance partisan interests with overall national considerations. “I assure the PDP National Chairman of my willingness to engage him robustly in an atmosphere devoid of acrimony and rancour. I believe that working together we can both elevate the language and temper of politics in our country, thereby providing the enabling environment for democracy to thrive in our country,” Oyegun stated. The Reconciliations In a move to bring all warring factions in the party under one umbrella, former President Goodluck Jonathan led a team of party elders on a visit to some of the aggrieved aspirants, to reconcile them with the party. Some of the personalities in the entourage of the former President were his former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN); a former Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, a former Minister of Finance, Esther Nanadi Usman, Yuguda Usman and King Turner his close ally. The Daily Times gathered that Jonathan was also in the residence of a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Suleiman Abubakar, in Abuja. Also on the move is the Reconciliation Committee of the party led by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State. The Committee visited one of the Chairmanship aspirants, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Ina Ciroma, who contested for the position of Deputy National Chairman, North, former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu and many others. Speaking on his responses from the visits, Dickson said, “Generally we are pleased with the outcome of the exercise. We have established contacts with some of them who have grievances and we want to interact with all the aspirants to find out what the problems are with a view to promoting understanding. “We are pleased to announce that our contacts were well received, our overtures were well received. The Committee will undertake several visits to some of our leaders who are aggrieved. “We call on all leaders of our party to be careful with the comments they are making. We don’t want a situation where their comments will be inflammatory and misconstrued as negative remarks. “We assure all of you that these issues and grievances will be looked into. The party is not resting on its oars,” Dickson assured.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Group endorses Atiku for 2019, lambasts APC for misgovernance Henry Omunu, Abuja The New Nigeria Vision Group (NNVG) has endorsed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer for the 2019 general elections, just as it lambasted the misadventure and maladministration of the All Progressive Congress (APC) under President Muhammadu Buhari since 2015. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, national leader of the group, Emmanuel Iriogbe said that the group is committed to the emergence of a new nation where good governance will improve the quality of lives of Nigerians. Iriogbe stated that the body will mobilise Nigerians to elect a visionary president as the panacea to engender the rebirth of a new Nigeria. He described Atiku as a dedicated Nigerian who believes in an indivisible entity where every Nigerian will have equal opportunity to achieve their life goals and aspirations, adding that his aspiration to govern the country is borne out of his genuine desire and love for Nigeria and its citizens, and is not about the attainment of power for its own sake. “A true believer in the principles of justice, equity and fairness, Atiku is a staunch advocate of restructuring and social justice which a modern Nigeria needs. He is a promoter of free enterprise that will create sustainable jobs, restore the trust and waning confidence of Nigerians in governance and is capable of healing the wounds of discord and disunity. “Atiku is a humble, detribalised Nigerian and an accomplished administrator of men and resources. He believes in a

ABUBAKAR government that is accountable to and caters for the people in words and deeds, and a true believer in the teeming youth of this nation. “If elected as president in 2019, the New Nigeria Vision Group is convinced that he will tap the energies of the youth of this country to bring about a new nation that is strong and independent economically and will be the pride of every Nigerian and envy of the African continent, and the globe. “We therefore, want to use this opportunity to formally declare our unalloyed commitment to ensuring the emergence of Atiku Abubakar, the Wazirin Adamawa as the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria’s elected president in 2019 to save

our dear nation from its present state of anomie,” Iriogbe added. Presently, he said that Nigeria is at a cross road politically and socio-economically, and tilting towards complete anarchy because of the multiple dysfunction in all sectors of the economy, coupled with the intransigence of the ruling class and the growing apathy amongst the masses. According to him, “where Nigeria is today, is mainly due to leadership failure at the national level which in turn has taken a toll on the other levels of governance in the country. “Today, the country is gripped in the throes of growing hunger and despair, high unemployment, dearth of infrastructure, violent agitations across the length and breadth of the nation, unceasing attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in the North East geo-political zone and rampaging killer herdsmen, kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes with the Buhari administration lacking the will power to end the senseless killing of innocent and hapless Nigerians. “The enormous goodwill enjoyed by the Buhari administration in our view, has shrunk in quality to the displeasure of majority of Nigerians, especially the youths and those at the bottom of the social ladder who had high expectations about the ability and capability of the APC to fulfill their dreams and meet their expectations of a better Nigeria,” the group stated. He accused the Buhari government of ineptitude and incompetence, nepotism, religious bigotry and enthroning impunity in governance, acts the body said are inimical to the sustenance of democracy in a plural society like Nigeria.

Stop planting discord in the S/West, PDP tells APC Myke Uzendu, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from planting seeds of discord among PDP members in the South West, saying that the zone is already disenchanted with bad governance and lack of Federal Government presence in the zone. In a statement on Thursday in Abuja signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party noted that APC was disappointed that there were no crises after the party’s national convention, and now is poisoning the minds of PDP members from the zone over their inability to clinch the position of the national chairman having failed in stopping the convention. He said, “The people of the South West have, however, seen through the antics of the APC propaganda machine and would not allow themselves be deceived. “The South West leaders who contested for the PDP National Chairmanship position are all men of quality and credibility; the fallout of the convention cannot, in any way diminish their standing as core nationalists and statesmen whose interests, particularly in the PDP, and the nation, are not driven by personal or ethnic considerations. “In fretting, the APC does not seem to realise that people in the Southwest are as much victims of its misrule as other Nigerians. Those in the Southwest suffer from the current chaotic state of the economy which the APC administration has inflicted on the nation; they groan from the APC’s negative policies on foreign exchange as well as the heavy taxations that are killing industries and businesses; they suffer the misery in the land resulting from the spiral rate of inflation, decline in the stock market and decayed.

2019: Yuguda should contest Bauchi South senatorial seat, stakeholders insist Samuel Luka, Bauchi Former Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda has been called upon to contest for the seat of the Bauchi South Senatorial district of the state come 2019 general election. The clarion call was made by a coalition of various political organisations, parties and trade unions in Bauchi State who besieged the guest house of the former governor along Bauchi Dass road. The coalition said the call for the former governor to contest the senatorial seat became imperative in view of his enormous contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State. “Mallam Isa Yuguda should not only contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat come 2019 elections, but should equally lead other aspirants to various elective offices across the state in the forth-coming elections,” leaders of the coalition said. They argued that only the former governor who ruled Bauchi State for eight consecutive years has the wire-withal to lead credible aspirants to various elective offices in the state under any political party of his choice. They also want the former governor to select or breed a credible aspirant for the governorship of Bauchi State come 2019 polls, saying “We solemnly rely on Mal-

lam Isa Yuguda for this tedious task”. “We have every confidence that former Governor Yuguda who ruled the state for eight good years from 2007 to 2015 has in his ‘Think-Tank’ a credible governorship aspirant that could scale the hurdles of electoral processes to emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.” Receiving the coalition on behalf of the Baraden Bauchi, Alhaji Umaru Dahiru, a disciple of the former governor, Haruna S. Noma expressed delight with the visit, assuring that they will communicate the message to the former governor. Malam Haruna Noma, described the supporters’ call as highly desirable coming at an appropriate time when the country need people like Isa Yuguda to salvage it from economic doldrums and political misfortunes. Noma, also described former Governor Yuguda as a versatile politician, banker and businessman who, judging from his track records could facilitate the socioeconomic and political transformation of Bauchi State. “I am very optimistic that aspiring and subsequent election of Isa Yuguda into the Senate and his credible aspiring political team to various elective offices will see to the salvaging of not only Bauchi State, but Nigeria from unemployment and abject poverty afflicting

YUGUDA the people, especially graduates of the various educational institutions,” he added. Noma however expressed regret that Bauchi State has today found itself in soup with multifarious socio-economic problems arising from the influx of IDPs from parts of some North Eastern States without credible leadership that could

punch on such problems. “As a result of the IDPs influx from other states in the sub-region, Bauchi has its social amenities and infrastructural facilities such as roads, pipe-borne water, electricity, schools and health institutions, among others over-stretched with attendant turning out of unemployed school graduates,” Malam Haruna Noma therefore stressed the need for Bauchi to have credible leadership with political will that could see to the establishment of industries, reviving existing ones and provision of enabling environment for investors that could invest in the state with a view to creating job opportunities and meeting the needs and aspirations of citizens. The present ugly scenario, according to Noma, calls for the leadership of such credible people like former Governor Yuguda and an orientation tailored manifestoes of a party like the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) to come to the rescue of the state. Noma also observed that the popular support exhibited by the Bauchi people to the present APC administration in the state right from the 2015 electoral polling booths to date did not deserve the treatment meted to them, coupled with the attendant crippling of virtually every facet of development in the state.

ÏÏ

News 13

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Ex-Rivers lawmakers endorse Wike for second term Amaka Agbu, Port Harcour

ÏÏÏ

Former Legislators of the Rivers State House of Assembly have endorsed the State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for a second term in office. The former state lawmakers premised the endorsement of the Rivers State Governor on his state-wide roll out of projects and the excellent implementation of the New Rivers Development Blueprint. Speaking during a solidarity visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Leader of the Forum, Senator Adawari Pepple, also announced that the Forum has passed a vote of confidence on the Rivers State Governor. He said: “We are convinced by the Governor’s excellent performance that he should continue to lead Rivers State

beyond 2019. “Therefore, as a forum, we call on the governor to present himself to contest the 2019 Governorship election. We believe that the Rivers State Governor deserves a second term.” He said that the performance of Governor Wike has promoted the image of Rivers State across the globe, leading to several prestigious awards. He saluted the efforts of the Rivers State Governor in ensuring that Prince Uche Secondus emerged as the National Chairman of the PDP. Responding, Wike, stated that his administration would continue to deliver projects to all communities, irrespective of their political affiliation. He said the mandate of the people is an opportunity to serve, noting that he would always give the interest of the

people priority attention. He said: “We will never play politics with infrastructure. At present, we have ongoing projects in 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas. The remaining Local Government Area will witness projects implementation by early next year “. On the election of PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Governor Wike thanked Governors, National Assembly members and PDP chieftains from the six geo-political zones who worked for his victory. He said as Governor of Rivers State, he will always pursue the good of the State. While thanking the former state lawmakers for their commitment to the growth of the State, he said that the state must work as a team for greater development.

FG pledges support for Edo’s science, tech-based devt initiatives ÏÏÏ The Federal Ministry of

Science and Technology has pledged its support for the various science and technology-based development initiatives of the Edo State Government. Speaking at the 15th meeting of the National Council of Science and Technology in Benin City, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, commended the Edo State Government for its scientific approach to governance and for implementing the resolutions of the 14th meeting of the National Council of Science and Technology. Onu stressed that science and technology hold the potential to developing the country beyond crude oil.

In his remarks, the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, highlighted his administration’s adoption of ICTbased reform initiatives in the state’s civil service, revenue collection and explained that the Edo State government was committed to data-driven governance. Obaseki who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Emmanuel Agbale, said a strong partnership between the Federal and Edo State governments would support the state government’s various technology-based initiatives in the educational, agricultural and other sectors. Onu urged that innovativeness and the commercialisation of research findings be given prompt attention.

“The ministry has started the implementation of a road map on Science and Technology which is target to run from 2017 to 2030 to mitigate the problems being faced in the country. “Science and technology will drive productivity, competitiveness and economic activities in all sectors of the economy via protection of intellectual property in the country and commercialisation of research findings which would be sustainable via private sector partnerships,” the minister said. He assured that the federal government was determined to halt the negative trend of importing raw materials and products that are available in the country.

FG pledges sustainability of environment for economic activities Moses Oyediran, Enugu

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The Federal Government has reiterated its commitments at tackling environmental challenges as well as ensuring the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians and sustaining the environments for unhindered socioeconomic activities. The Minister of Environment, Mr. Ibrahim Jibril stated this at the 2nd Mid Term Review (MTR) of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Enugu. The minister who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shehu Ahmed said the new national Policy on the Environment as approved by the Buhari Administration has issues such as climate change, coastal erosion, desertification, pollution and insecurity as priority actions. He said it was for this reason that NEWMAP which was at the instance of Federal Government of Nigeria and with the approval of World Bank Board is supporting the country towards achieving greater environmental and economic security. “NEWMAP was specifically designed to support the country in addressing the age long and yet worsening problems of erosion and land degradation, especially to reduce vulnerability to ravaging gully erosion in the targeted watershed. He said NEWMAP is to fund investments in the areas of civil works, vegetative land

management, watershed protection measures and community-led adaptive livelihood initiatives, adding “The sustainability of these investments will be reinforced to improve governance, regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring etc, thus strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to promote and implement climate-resilient, lowcarbon development. He noted that the Mid Term Review is important for its successful future project implementation and completion as well as for the presentation of the results accomplished. “Between February 2016 and now, the project has made remarkable progress. Civil works implementations in 21 gully erosion sites across the first mover state is at an average of 85% completion after compulsory payment of compensation to 1,264 Project Affected Persons (PAPs). The minister however called for the strengthening of the project institutional arrangement to ensure smooth implementation of planned activities. “I urge all participating State Governments to suspend the movement of specialized/trained project staff especially now that the project is the additional financing pending the completion of the Review of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM), which will also be carried out after the MTR. According to him, “This is in order not to jeopardize the success of the Additional Financing.

Group petitions Presidency, others over Army officers’ promotion Joy Anyim A Security Information Group under the aegis of SPG Transparency Coalition has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Army Council to review the just released promotions of some military officers who have directly been linked to cases of corruption or indicted for corruption in the past and reverse the promotion in the interest of the fight against corruption. The group, in a petition to the presidency, the Army Council and EFCC, which was made available to journalists in Lagos recently, al-

leged that many of the newly promoted officers have cases to answer in the ongoing trial of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and other criminal diversion of security funds. The group further alleged that two Brigadier Generals who have been linked to Dasukigate were among those promoted to the rank of Major General. It therefore called on the Presidency, the Nigeria Army and other security agencies in the country to review the promotion exercise to save the country from the embarrassment it may bring to the country in future.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

14 News

Onitsha Business man raises alarm of threat to life From Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏAn Onitsha business-

L-R: Groom Father Mr Emmanuel Adebayo. Bride Father Chief Ojewuyi David, Groom Mr Samuel Adeosun, Bride Mrs Taiwo Olaronke, Bride Mother Mrs Abosede Ojewuyi, Groom Mother Mrs Margret Tanimowo Adeosun. Marriage Ceremony Held at Ipaja Lagos.

FG opens N10.75bn 1st tranche, N150bn Green Bond Monday Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government of Nigeria will on Monday 18TH December 2017, open the first tranche of the much awaited Green bond valued N10.67 billion, of the total of N150 billion approved. This was disclosed by the Director General (DG) Debt Management Office (DMO) Mrs. Patience Oniha at the Investors Forum held Friday in Lagos. It was disclosed that the offer of the five year debt instrument will close on Wednesday 20th December 2017. According to the offer documents, minimum subscription is pegged at N10, 000,000, and N1, 000,000 increments. Also minimum denomination is pegged at N1, 000.00 and N1, 000 incre-

mental. At the forum which attracted custodian investors, pension managers’ financial institutions and other stakeholders, the DMO DG said that the Green bond is a product of mutual effort between the DMO and the Federal Ministry of Environment, also represented at the Lagos investors’ forum and road show. She explained Green bonds market instrument used exclusively to fund projects that have specific environmental and/or climate benefits which explained the role of the federal ministry of environment in the bond issuance. The DMO boss said that the instrument carries all features of federal government bonds in terms of coupon and tenor and would be

listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the FMDQ for trading in the secondary market. Oniha said that Green bond offers two-fold contribution to the preservation of Nigeria’s climate and economic development and provides competitive investment returns relative to conventional bonds which its only risk has to do with sovereign risk exposure. According to her, the government is conscious of the debt service to revenue ratio and foreign exchange volatility, hence the government is working towards reducing domestic borrowing. The debt, she said offers economic and social development and expected to grow the economy by 5% annually, improve the standard of living. Enhance electric-

ity access for all and also enhances afforestation. Final use of Proceeds “Green Projects” according to her would be as selected by the Federal Ministry of Environment and included in the budget. She expressed confidence that the bond would be oversubscribed, considering the meager nature of the instrument. All designated projects are to provide clear environmental benefits quantifiable by the issuer The projects will require linkage with key targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions (“NDC”), which reflect Nigeria’s commitment to the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

man, Chief Eric Uwaoma has raised alarm of fresh threat to life, violence and conducts likely to breach peace over empty shop space he acquired from Mgbelekeke family of Onitsha, the owners of the land. Chief Uwaoma in a petition to the Police in the State alleged that one Chibuike popularly known as Chibuyke and his agents have been disturbing, harassing, threatening lives of his people and used thugs, Army and Police to destroy his shops situated on Haruna Street, opposite, 30 Haruna Street in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra state.

Chief Uwaoma said Chibuike who is the brother of the owner of a property close to his own has been laying claim to his property, while the two property are distinct and separate. He said that following the actions of Chibuike’s men, he has been facing a lot of hardship with his people as they now live in fear of being maimed or worse still killed in the place which is a street market. He said in a petition by his lawyer, Atewodi Akawu, “we implore you to use your good offices to investigate the matter with a view to discovering the truth behind this matter and bring back the peace that has always been enjoyed by the members of our clients in the market.

N231m tax default: Bayelsa Revenue board seals Federal Poly Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe Bayelsa Board of

Internal Revenue (BIR), on Friday sealed off the liaison office of Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe situated in the state capital, Yenagoa. Also sealed are the operations of a Sand Dredging firm, Azikel Group. The action was a punitive measure for failing to remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax deducted from their employees for several years. The operation was led by the Head of Enforcement of BIR, Mr. Reuben Lugard who had served a court order on the staff of the two organizations before they ordered them to leave their offices. According to the court orders pasted at the gates in the premises, the outstanding employee tax debt from the Federal Polytech-

nic, Ekeowe stood at two hundred and thirty-one million, three hundred and thirteen thousand, two hundred and ten naira only (N231, 313, 210) Azikel Group owed thirty million, three hundred and sixty four thousand, six hundred and forty-five naira, fifty-eight kobo only (N30, 364, 645.58) Mr Ramsey Omukoro, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa BIR, said the state government took the steps following fruitless efforts made to recover the outstanding tax deducted from workers’ salaries since 2009. Omukoro said the operation was part of renewed efforts to boost the internally generated revenue of the state, and to send a signal to all taxable adults and organisations that the Bayelsa government is serious in its drive for tax revenue.

Police to recruit more officers, personnel in 2018 - Buhari By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

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The 2018 budget captured a budgetary allocation that accommodates increase in number of Police personnel, says President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari stated this Friday at the Passing Out Parade Ceremony Of Cadet ASP Course, at the Police Staff College in Jos, the Plateau State capital. He said, “Another round of re-

cruitment of more Police officers and men, to positively deal with the problems associated with our internal security is contained in this budget year. “As this goes on, my administration will also continue with improving the welfare of Police officers, who put their lives on the line for us all to live peacefully and move freely around the sovereignty”. Represented by the Minister

of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd), President Buhari also said, “immediately on assumption of office, I directed for the recruitment of a total of 10,000 eligible young graduates and able bodied school leavers into the Nigeria Police Force: I am proud to note that just as 767 Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police are passing out at the Police Staff College in Jos, another set of Cadet Inspec-

tors are graduating at the Police College, Ikeja”. On his part the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris said the task of Policing any democratic society depends largely on the number of personnel on its pay-roll, adding that their professional competence, training acquired and equipment available in the discharge of their duty is also key. Represented by CP Ntom

Chukwu, DIG, Department of Research and Planning, Nigeria Police, the AIG also said the act of increasing Police personnel is in line with the United Nations recommendation ratio of 1Policeman to 400 people. However, in her remark, the Commandant, Police Staff College, AIG Dorothy D. Gimba, laud President Buhari for his fervent desire to increase the ratio of Policemen to a targeted population aimed at guaranteeing the security of citizens.

News 15

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Army sentences soldier to death for killing five rescued civilians ÏÏÏA

General Court Martial sitting in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced a soldier serving in Operation Lafiya Dole, Lance Corporal John Godwin, to death. The court sentenced Godwin to death for killing five rescued civilians in the Yamteke area of Borno State during investigation. This is just as some other soldiers were jailed by the court for various offences ranging from manslaughter to illegal possession of fire arms and ammunition. The soldier was charged with murder, which is punishable un-

der Section 106 (a) of Armed Forces Acts (Cap A20), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004. According to Lt Colonel Kingsley Samuel, 7 Division’s spokesperson, who confirmed the sentence, “The civilians were earlier rescued by troops of Godwin’s battalion and were taken for investigation at the time he shot and killed five of them. “Another soldier, Sergeant Innocent Ototo, was sentenced to life imprisonment for manslaughter after torturing and killing a 13-yearold boy who he said stole his phone.

The incident happened at Zamanbari area of Maiduguri in Borno State.”

Tukur Buratai

Myke Uzendu.

ÏÏÏThe

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that a total of 1,317 Nigerians have been repatriated from Libya in the last 10 days. The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, made the disclosure while receiving a fresh batch of 116 Nigerians who arrived the country on Friday morning. The new set of returnees arrived at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos aboard a Buraq Airlines with Registration Number 5A-WAC at 5:39am. Records show that so far, about 3,000 Nigerians have been repatriated from Libya through the Interna-

NEMA repatriates 1, 317 from Libya in 10 days - DG tional Organisation for Migration (IOM) supported programme, in the last few months. Maihajja, represented by Suleiman Yakubu, south-west zonal coordinator, said that various batches of migrants have been repatriated between December 5 and December 15 with the assistance of the IOM and the European Union (EU) following the volatile situation faced by migrants attempting to cross over to Europe through the Mediterranean. According to him, the figure has already surpassed the 1, 295 Nigerians who voluntarily returned from Libya in the month of November.

Buhari tasks ECOWAS, AU on accountability, co-existence

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari Friday tasked the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission on the need for accountability and good neighbourliness in both the sub-region, and on the African continent. Buhari stated this on Friday at the State House, Abuja, with the two leaders in his office. Receiving first His Excel-

lency Marcel A. de Souza, president of the ECOWAS Commission, President Buhari said it was gladdening that the organization was demanding accountability from its headquarters staff, which made it recently invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from Nigeria, to look into its books. “Thanks for being firm, and for insisting on transparency and accountability at the ECOWAS headquarters,” President Buhari said, adding that Nigeria would continue

to fulfill its obligations to the sub-regional body. Nigeria hosts the 52nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government Saturday, December 16, 2017, in Abuja. President Buhari said he expected a formal report on the situation in Guinea Bissau at the meeting, noting: “We need our troops back home, and I hope the President of that country will accept a constitutional way to resolve the situation there.” The ECOWAS Commission boss thanked Nigeria for

agreeing to host the 52nd Ordinary Session at short notice, adding that the impact of Nigeria was quite strong in the organization. “We are under financial pressure due to terrorist attacks in the sub-region, but Nigeria being out of recession will have an impact on the entire region,” de Souza said. He noted that Nigeria was the highest contributor of troops to Guinea Bissau, but admitted that “the troops can’t be there endlessly.” At the meeting with His Excellency Moussa Faki Ma-

L-R: Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Alhaji Umar Dankane; Executive Director, Loans and Mortgages, Hajiya Rahimatu Aliyu; Managing Director, FMBN, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa and President, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, during a public hearing on a bill to repeal the FMBN Act Cap F16 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, at the National Assembly in Abuja… on Thursday.

hamat of the African Union Commission, President Buhari said good neighbourliness and relationship were important for security and economic development. “That was why I visited all our neighbours. Such relationship is crucial for security, and economic development, so that our youths can get jobs,” the President noted. On the situation in Libya, President Buhari reiterated that not every Black man was a Nigerian, and it was, therefore, important to authenticate the origin of the people in distress, before they were evacuated. “We are trying to bring as many as possible from Libya. But not every Black man is a Nigerian. Others claim to be Nigerian, when they are not, and because they have destroyed their travel papers, we can’t claim them, except there is proper documentation,” the President said. On recharging of the Lake Chad, which he has been in the vanguard of across the world, the President submitted: “The earlier we get it done, the better, so that our youths don’t continue to dare the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.” The AU Commission boss congratulated President Buhari for what he was doing for Nigeria, and for Africa. His words: “Without President Buhari, and without Nigeria, many things would not have been possible. I appreciate the role you played in my election, and all that you do in ECOWAS, Lake Chad Basin Commission, and the entire continent.

Maihajja said that the federal government would continue to work with the international organisations to ensure the return of more Nigerians from Libya where they had been facing severe hardships and rights violations. They comprised 46 adult females, 60 adult males and 10 children and infants respectively. Also, on ground to welcome the returnees were officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the police.

Robbery: Police to arraign ‘Burna Boy’, four others ÏÏÏNigerian

dancehall star, Damini Ogulu popularly known as ‘Burna Boy’ on Friday submitted himself to the Lagos State Police Command to state his side of the story over allegations of his involvement in a robbery attack on a fellow artiste, Mr. 2kay. He was subsequently arrested, interrogated and detained and is expected to be charged to court on Monday alongside four of members of the gang earlier arrested. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, after the interrogation, said the State Police Command has zero tolerance for all forms of crime and would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable in any criminal offence perpetrated in the State. “There would be no sacred cows. This Command is poised to ensure that every resident can feel safe wherever they are and carry out their businesses without fear or favour. Anyone therefore found to be involved in this case would be made to face the law to clear his or her name or face prosecution,” Imohimi said. The pop musician, who was declared wanted by the Lagos Police Command in connection with the robbery attack on another popular musician, Mr. 2kay at Eko Hotel and Suites early last month, reported to the Command headquarters in Ikeja at about 5pm. Tunmise Omotore, gang leader of the suspected robbers, had confessed on how they disguised as room service to rob Mr. 2kay at Eko Hotel and Suites on the instruction of Burba Boy’s Road Manager, Joel Kantiock.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

FEATURES

mediterranean-migrants

154-nigerians-deported-libya

Shameful politics of African migrants exposed Lucky Aghedo African countries are politically independent, yet they still remain in some kind of perverse bondage; namely economical. These countries are plagued with corruption and insecurity. There are ram-shackled infrastructures and as a result, poverty, unemployment, messy urbanisation and anxiety is wide-spread. Migration to Europe, through the desert and the Mediterranean Sea, is seen as a means to escape the failure of the leadership in Africa. The adverse effect of Western policies towards Africa and the hypocrisy of European politicians is in the backdrop of all this. It is true that Italy and Spain have been receiving and hosting significant numbers of African migrants, but many other countries turn blind eyes to the terrible predicament of migrants. They even politicise it to their political advantage. Over the years, Africa has either been a food basket for Europe or a raw material patch; hence the struggle for it. Africa has endured years of servitude, colonisation and religious moderation. The consequence of this is the enormous suffering and deprivation, which has extended to the newest age-groups. To worsen the situation, countries in Africa have methods of governance that have been overthrown and replaced by Western model of democracy. Democracy as a concept is not bad after all, but its democratic model cannot help an underdeveloped Africa. It takes sincerity, only such exhibited by veteran writer, Basil Davison (Black Man Burden), to understand that Africa had a superior democracy or representative government before her invasion. Such sophistication shown by the Bini Kingdom (Nigeria) and the Ashanti Kingdom (Gold Coast) would have placed most of the nations in prosperity and peace. As if that was not enough, the West decides who rules different African nations. Once such a leader supports the Western bid then they can rule for what would seem like eternity. As seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central Africa Republic, the government may oppress or repress its people. No Western power opposes that, providing that the resources are theirs to plunder. Through technical hitches with the West, there eventually comes the option for a regime change. Sometimes these changes just happen; very much like a match being struck. So, when looking at the bigger picture, how could the government of Kabila thrive even after overstaying its mandate? It is now apparent that the pretence is not as fearsome as it looked. The illegal invasion of Libya and eventual death

of Cornel Mohammed Gadhafi opened the floodgate of migrants using the Mediterranean to Europe. Despite the exclamation over the extremist views of the field marshal, Libya had unity. The sub region was free from insurgents, terrorists and mass migration. The current insecurity and exodus from West African and Syria is directly caused by the action (or inaction) of the Obama administration. Hilary Clinton’s poor understanding of the regional and political dimension of African countries plays a factor in this. The understanding is so poor, to the extent that the US only considered their economic and political interests and abandoned one of their finest diplomat in Benghazi. Ambassador Christopher Stephen, the American ambassador to Libya, was gruesomely murdered after he made a desperate distress call; which was not acted upon. This is an aberration of American’s principle. There is a right to life under their constitution. Also highlighted here is the Western “I don’t care” attitude which is akin to throwing away the keg with the wine in it. There have been enough lessons evident from the regime change in Iraq. Suffice to say, that Libya’s political predicament was avoidable. In desperate foolishness, migrants look at the horizon. With high hopes they plunge and delve into the unknown; beyond the sea. Notwithstanding, little preparation for their precarious endeavour risks everything in their lives. Footprints left on the spotless domes of the Sahara Desert are soon obliterated by the wind and storm. Yet unaffected by the harsh conditions, their match to Europe continues with minds fixed on the trophy; namely, a life in Europe. In great numbers, African youths of all ages move from different African countries; through desert into the Mediterranean Sea and then to Europe. All in all, these young Africans are desperately seeking greener pasture. In rafters and over loaded boats they brace the sea. The Red Cross counts the dead and rescues the lucky survivors. The missing are estimated, no one truly knows the actual numbers as the footprint on the sands are wiped away and there are obviously no foot print on the oceans, rivers and embankments. Those who are rescued become traumatised by their experiences, yet they are left without counselling. This has led to many metal health problems. Crimes and tension with their host communities becomes more likely. On the other hand, Africa is losing significant labour force, as able young men and women go forth into the exodus to the “greener pasture”. Asylum applications are often rejected on the ground

that it fails the criterion set on the asylum requirement. The economic wellbeing of any nation is an echo of her political decisions. Therefore, the dilemma of economic migrants should be carefully determined. The reckless political and economic decision of politicians has blurred the line, thus differentiating political and economic categorisations of asylum. This must critically be reviewed. Political independence short of economic independence is subjugation. As a consequence, Africans still suffer from colonialism; this should have ended decades ago. It should have ended before the United Kingdom’s Enoch Powell had anything to say about decolonisation. The motivation for taking the precarious journey is lack of hope for a bright future. Development plans are cut short due to lack of continuity in government. Insecurity is rampant and this is reflected in the massive unemployment rate, basic amenities, exorbitant cost of education and the oppression and marginalisation of minority tribes. It is true that Europe will not be administrators in Africa again, nevertheless they still pull the strings. They are similar to Mario Puzo’s Godfather in that respect. The multinational companies operating there have duties in the development of their immediate operational areas. The Western leaders are as culpable as their African counterparts. They aid and abet corruption as they encourage and do business with these leaders. It is indeed very similar to the Mafioso in a lot of ways! Further migration to Europe will be fuelled by the current political situation in Nigeria and Spain. The agitation in South Eastern Nigeria worsened by the poor political decision of the government to invade and violate peaceful demonstrators. While on the European shores; crisis looms large. Catalans had a referendum despite the Spanish government’s swift opposition. A democratic course which will embolden oppressed observers and people like the Biafra people or the Oduduwa Kingdom. Democracy is only good if it is governed well. The oppression of people anywhere in world will be overthrown no matter how long or difficult it takes. It is a natural tendency of all to aspire to greatness and freedom. Hence all the oppressed people crave for self-determination and autonomy. Whether capitalist or socialist everyone deserves freedom and better life. No nation or race deserve the label called refugees. Aghedo writes in from the United Kingdom

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

19 Features

Revitalising PHCs across the country using NSHIP Kazeem Akintunde The trip to Nasarawa State was meant to be a brief one. The agenda was for the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, to inspect three Primary Health Care facilities funded in three different ways to test run the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP), and to pay a courtesy visit to the Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura. A workaholic that he is, he directed his staff to fix other appointments for the day from 4pm, believing that he would have returned to Abuja after the ‘short trip’ to Lafia. But the ‘short trip’ to the Nasarawa State capital from Abuja took Professor Isaac Adewole, Nigeria’s Health Minister, the whole day. But even at that, he was happy he went on the tour. The One- day facility inspection of three PHC facilities funded in three different ways was meant to test run the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) in Nasarawa state and it was an eye opener for the Minister. The tour was part of a mid-term review of the implementation and impact evaluation of NSHIP in the three pilot States of Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Ondo, and was designed to assist the Federal Government in deciding which funding method is best for the management of Primary Health Care Centres, PHCs, across the country. The inspection took Adewole and his team to the PHC centre in Andaha, Akwanga Local government Area of Nasarawa State; he also inspected the non PBF non BPF 10 staffed facility at Wulko, Nasarawa Eggon, local government area of the state as well as the PHC at Alizaga, Nasarawa Eggon. And at the end of the day, the tour actually achieved the purpose which it was meant for. Indeed, there are three models of funding used for the three PHCs visited. These are: Result Based Financing (RBF), Performance Based Financing (PBF) and Decentralised Facility Financing or Direct Facility Financing (DFF). Since his assumption of duty in 2015, the revitalisation of over 23, 000 Primary Health Care facilities across the country has been the cornerstone of his health care delivery projects in the country. He is of the view that if the basic health care needs of Nigerians could be provided for at the PHCs level, over 80 percents of Nigerians would have been covered and adequate health care guaranteed for millions of Nigerians. This way, there won’t be much pressure on Secondary and Tertiary level of health care delivery programmes in the country and the slogan of health for all would have been adequately met. In consolidation of this fact, he set out to revitalise an already comatose health care programme at the local level by ensuring that there are adequate and well

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole going through files and records at Wulko Primary Health Care centre, Nasarawa State.

Adewole inspecting drugs at Nasarawa Eggon PHC, Nasarawa State.

trained staff, drugs and other essential facilities available at most PHCs across the country. Though most of the PHCs are owned by state governors, Professor Adewole, with support from President Muhammadu Buhari, promised to assist states in getting the required funds from international donors, many of whom are keen in rendering assistance to the country in the provision of health care facilities for the people. His plan is to revitalise three health care facilities in three different pilot states of Adamawa, Nasarawa and Ondo States in order to determine which model of funding to recommend to state governors and should be implemented by the people who are expected to own and manage the facilities. At the end of the tour, a happy Adewole told Newsmen that the essence of the mission was to visit three facilities that are funded in three different ways. “We have visited a PBF supported facility, a DFF supported facility and one that is an orphan with no support, and the different is clear. “Part of our challenge is to decide which one we are going to use to fund PHCs all over the country. Maybe I am biased, but I am a supporter of DFF and if you ask me to grade the PHCs I have visited today, the DFF is the best, followed by the one in Akwanga and then the other one at Wulko. “Our job is to adopt a model that is peculiar to the people as we don’t want to do anything that is strange to them, we want the people to decide on their own, which model to adopt, own it, manage it and then make it work. It won’t be owned by the federal government, the state won’t own it, but they can render support, and we are going to put the policy there; it belongs to the people at the local level”. He added that the federal government intends to have one

was adopted in the National Health Policy of 1988 as the cornerstone of the Nigerian health system as part of efforts to improve access and utilization of basic health services. Since then, primary health care has evolved through various stages of development. In 2005, primary health care facilities were found to make up over 85% of health care facilities in Nigeria. Historically, there were three major attempts at evolving and sustaining a community and people oriented health system in Nigeria. The first attempt occurred between 1975 and 1980. The fulcrum of this period was the introduction of the Basic Health Services Scheme (BHSS). It came into being in 1975 as an integral part of Nigeria’s Third National Development Plan (1975 – 79) and was structured along ‘basic health units’ which consisted of 20 health clinics spread across each LGA, which were backed-up by four primary health care centres and supported by mobile clinics serving an approximate population of 150,000 each. The drawback of this attempt was the non-involvement of local communities who were the beneficiaries of the services. This led to the inability to sustain the Scheme at the close of the third national development plan period. A second attempt which was led by late Professor Olukoye Ransome-Kuti, occurred between 1986 and 1992. This period was characterized by the development of model primary health care in 52 pilot local government areas all of which were implementing all eight components of primary health care. A key result of this dispensation was the attainment of 80 percent immunisation coverage for underfive children. Since then, there hasn’t been any significant step taken to

state-of-the-art PHC in each of the 774 local governments across the country and would probably adopt the Decentralised Facility financed model. During his courtesy visit to Governor Al-Makura, Professor Adewole pleaded with state governors to allocate more resources to the health care sector, describing such a gesture as a win-win situation. He noted that once there is an excellent facility at the local level where people can treat Malaria fever, attend anti-natal, deliver safely and immunise their children against killer diseases, most state governors won’t need to give money to the electorate to vote for them during campaigns as the people will identify with such a government. “Investing in Primary Health Care facilities is a win-win, as I have said severally, if you invest in PHCs, it is certain the people will vote for you. They will identify with you because you have identified with them”, Adewole said. He told the Nasarawa State Governor that the federal government will support the State’s School of Nursing in its bid to provide middle level man power to the state by ensuring that its programme is fully accredited. The Minister of Health also promised to promote partnership between the federal government and the state in the deployment of medical doctors on the employ of the federal government to assist the state government in its health care delivery programme. “Most of our medical doctors at the Federal Medical Centres don’t do much. They attend to two or three patients in a day and that is it. We have it in Sokoto State and we want to encourage that in most of the states across the country. With little incentive for the doctors, they will be willing to assist you”. In Nigeria, primary healthcare

broaden the scope of PHCs by successive administrations in the country until Professor Adewole came along in 2015. His approach was that since most Nigerians live in the rural areas with little or no access to health care facilities, the best approach to reach them was to revitalise the PHCs across the country. Although health is on the concurrent list, Adewole’s approach saw the need to set up a model PHC in each of the 774 Local Government Councils across the country that would be supported by the Federal Government with funds coming from International donor organisations. He is also of the view that once the basic health care needs of the people can be taken care of at the PHC level, 80 percent of health care needs of most Nigerians would have been taken care of. “Once we can treat Malaria, provide anti-natal, treat children of common ailments, provide immunisation for newborns up to five year olds, test for HIV and other minor ailments, the health care needs of most Nigerians would have been covered”. He has been preaching the gospel of revitalised PHCs to state governors, assuring the chief executives at the state level that once there is a fully functional PHC at the local level, winning elections would become a done deal as the people would vote for those who took care of their health needs. “I have been preaching to Governors that they don’t need to give money to voters during campaigns or Election Day. Once you provide basic health care for your people, your re-election is a done-deal”. It is hoped that his plan for a revitalised PHC system using NSHIP as a springboard would go a long way in turning the health care sector in the country around for the better. Akintunde is the Special Assistant, Communication and Strategy to the Minister of Health

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

20 Foreign

Rwanda Sisha Smoking

Rwanda places total prohibition on water-pipe tobacco

Bonny Amadi with agency reports

ÏÏÏIn a bid to protect the

citizens of Rwanda, the government of the Central/ Eastern African country has placed total ban on water-pipe tobacco known as Shisha in Rwanda. Rwanda on December 15th 2017 placed a total ban on the use of water-pipe tobacco popularly known as ‘shisha, ’with immediate

effect. Rwanda becomes the second country in Africa to ban shisha smoking after Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli imposed the ban in July last year. Other countries with similar bans are Pakistan, Jordan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.Shisha smoking has become increasingly popular among young people in Africa, including in Kenya. Cigarette smokers typi-

cally take eight to 12 cigarettes with a 40 to 75 millimetre puffs and inhaled 0.5 to 0.6 litres of smoke unlike shisha smoking sessions which typically last 20 to 80 minutes, during which the smoker may take 50 to 200 puffs which range from about 0.15 to 1 litre each,” it said. According to agency report, a statement signed by the Health Minister, Diane Gashumba, said the ban

was in pursuant to a World Health Organization (WHO) advisory note. “The note expressed that shisha tobacco smoking is damaging, addictive and dangerous on human lives. Adding that the smoke from shisha pipes contained intoxicants that were harmful to human health. The Ministry of Health informs the general public that the use, advertisement and import of water-pipe to-

Gang up against Weah peaks as Liberia’s ruling party seeks injunction on Dec’ 26 run-off ÏÏÏThere

seem to be increasing gang up against probable winner of the just suspended Liberian general election, as the ruling party, which its candidates trails behind George Weah in the first round of the election, has strengthened effort to abort the election run off. Liberia’s ruling Unity Party it has been gathered has gone to court seeking an injunction to stop the scheduled December 26, 2017 election run-off. According to agency report, the petition lodged at the Supreme

Court was issued by current vice president Joseph Boakai, who came second in the main polls. The petition is challenging the credibility of the elections body, the Liberia National Electoral Commission, NEC, to conduct the December 26 process. It is not known when the petition will be due for hearing by the court. Boakai is expected to enter the run-off with former football star, George Weah, who came tops in the first round but failed to secure the 50% plus of popular votes.

The Supreme Court in a majority decision recently threw out a petition lodged by the opposition Liberty party, the judges said evidence presented was not sufficient to warrant a cancellation of the entire first round. They, however, tasked the NEC to undertake key reforms ahead of the run-off. The body announced the new date its said after taking into account directives of the judges. Winner of the elections will replace Africa’s first democratically elected female president,

Weah

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has been president of the West African country for the past 11 years , since 2006.

bacco known as SHISHA tobacco is banned from Rwandan territory effective from 15th December, 2017. “Accordingly, the Ministry of Health informs the general public that the use, advertisement and import of water-pipe tobacco known as SHISHA tobacco is banned from Rwandan territory effective from 15th December, 2017,” the note added. The WHO have said smoke inhaled in a typical one hour shisha smoking session is

equal to inhaling smoke from as many as 100 sticks of cigarette. But the country is not the first in the sub region to have made such a move. Neighboring Tanzania took the lead in that direction. Other countries to have banned it include Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Pakistan. The smoking of shisha has become fashionable especially among young people across the continent.

Uber driver accused of raping 16-year-old girl arrested by Police ÏÏÏAn Uber driver in Georgia, identified as 58-year-old Abdoulie Jagne has been arrested after a 16-year-old girl accused him of sexually assaulting her before dropping her off at her destination. A police in Gwinnett County was reported to have said they received a 911 call on Monday from an apartment complex off Old Norcross Tucker Road about a teenage girl banging on an apartment door asking for help. According to agency report, the girl was found by police with her pants

around her ankles, Fox 5 reports. Investigators said the teen appeared to be heavily intoxicated. The girl told authorities that she had been hanging out at a bar with friends and one of them arranged for an Uber to take her home. She said the driver allegedly raped her before dropping her off at her apartment complex. The teen was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police contacted the ride-sharing company and identified 58-year-old Abdoulie Jagne as the driver.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

News 21

Huge arrears of pension our problem in Abia –Pensioners

Finance minister commends Agro15 cooperative society

Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has commended the staff cooperative society known as Agro15 for keying into the agricultural programme of the present administration. Adeosun gave the commendation on Thursday when she inaugurated the Ministry’s Staff Multi Purpose Cooperative Society mini-shop.. Speaking at the brief ceremony held at the conference room of the Ministry in Abuja, Mrs. Adeosun urged staff of the ministry to sustain Cooperative Society describing it as a proactive step that will secure their future. The AGRO 15 Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society is an initiative of staff of the finance ministry with the objective securing their future especially life after retirement but it cuts across civil servants, military, paramilitary, as well as business men and women that have passion for agriculture. While recounting the giant strides agriculture has made in the history of the country, the Minister who was repre-

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Union of

Pensioners, NUP in Abia has said the major constraint facing pensioners is the piling up of huge arrears of unpaid pensions and gratuities owed retirees in Abia State. Presenting his address on the occasion of the 2017 Pensioners’ Day celebration at the NUP permanent site, Umuahia, the State Chairman of the union, Comrade Chukwuma Ndubuisi Udensi lamented that the refusal of government to meet the leadership of NUP in Abia State to agree on the way forward with regards to liquidating the debts. Udensi who regretted that government only listen to protest, demonstration of workers and pensioners said

they would never relent in engaging in protest to press for payment of backlog of pension owed them. He however opined that government should devout some percentage of funds gotten by the state for payment of pensioners according to their year of retirement on monthly basis, maintaining that pensioners in the state have gone through a harrowing experience because of lack of payment of pension. He appealed to the government to determine to begin to pay pensioners in the State from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC funds on monthly basis and set up a committee to work out modalities for implementing the various percentage awards to pensioners by the Federal Government aimed at harmonizing and increas-

ing the monthly take home packages of pensioners especially in Abia State, where some pensioners still receive as low as N500 as monthly pension. He said, “We have also suggested modalities for the disbursement of the release and subsequent ones, to include ten percent of the money released be set aside to attend to pensioners with proven need of assistance; whereas the ninety percent left be paid out to pensioners in full according to their year of retirement on a first come, first served basis”. Udensi however commended the Abia State Government for making available, last October, the sum of N100m to begin to scratch payment of gratuity to Abia pensioners and urged the government to make such releases a monthly affairs. In his sermon, Rev. Chris-

topher Abarugo advised Pensioners in Abia state not to lose their trust in God in the face of frustration arising from several months of pension owed them. According to the clergy, God was capable of visiting the aged in their various needs and worry, stressing that worry has never solved any problem rather it increases one’s chance of getting ill. He therefore urged the pensioners to put their hope in God for a turn around in their travails. Earlier in his opening remarks the former Chairman of Local Government Service Commission in the state, Chief Dan Egbeogu pointed out the need for pensioners to keep fighting for their right, adding that they were entitled to their pension but suggested they do it without violence.

Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏGovernor Willie Obiano

University lecturers threaten to protest abduction of colleague ÏÏÏLecturers of the Ignati-

us Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, have threatened to down tools and take to the streets to protest the kidnap on Thursday of one of the lecturers of the university, Dr. Adokie Kalio, by unknown gunmen. Up until the time of this report, the whereabouts of the

ÏÏÏThe

sented by her aide, Mr. Benjamin Ajanaku, hailed the initiative of the staff charging them to actively participate in the initiative. “According to the minister, “you need to take time to participate, take time to visit the farm and take time to get your hands dirty,” he added. In her welcome address, President, AGRO 15 MCS, Mrs. Adenike Bello said the establishment of the MCS was borne out of the government policy on diversification. According to her, the initiative is to encourage savings among members; wealth creation; make food available for all at the lowest cost and ensure that retired members are fully engaged in commercial farming. “The establishment of AGRO 15 shop came up to enable us create market for our produce and also encourage our members and the entire staff to have access to some of the agricultural products from the farm at the lowest cost,” she said. Some achievement of AGRO 15 MCS includes: cultivation of 25 hectares maize farm; 30 hectares beans farm; among others.

Obiano reads riot acts to criminals, launches Operation Udoka

Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (right), presenting a Diaspora Magazine to the Minister, Deputy Head of delegation, European Union delegation to Nigeria, Richard Young, during his visit to Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja… on Thursday.

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

Mathew Dadiya and Nafisa Abubakar

lecturer was still unknown and the abductors had not contacted his family or the university authority to make demands or state the conditions for his release. The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education branch, Dr. Ugochukwu Ake, who confirmed the abduction to newsmen in Port Harcourt said the lecturer was abducted around 12:00 noon.

Dr. Ake said: “We will not fold our hands and watch while our colleague remains abducted. If nothing is done between now and the weekend, we will meet with the congress of the university to take the appropriate measures.” The chairman also said that the members of the university might be forced to go onto the streets to protest if the abducted lecturer was not released soon. He continued: “We are ap-

pealing to the government of Rivers State, the security agencies to redouble their efforts and ensure that our abducted colleague is released.” He also appealed to the general public with useful information that would lead to the rescue of the abducted lecturer to help the security agencies “to help us to search and rescue our colleague who has been in captivity in for two days”.

of Anambra state on Friday read the riot acts to criminal, especially Okada riders who terrorise and rob residents to relocate if they want to remain alive. Governor Obiano who spoke during the launching of 2017 Anambra Ember Month Security Initiative tagged “Operation Udoka” said however those whose lives are not dear to them can remain in the state. He said the operation was a non-nonsense operation, saying that the members of the team should deal ruthlessly with criminals but polite to the law abiding citizens of the State. He said the security team will maintain 24 hours patrol in all parts of the State including difficult parts of State. Obiano said the team was composed of 125 specially trained security personnel, including plain clothes who will gather information on the criminals and their activities. Obiano who vowed to be part of the patrol team asked Ndi Anambra to come home and enjoy the security of the State, saying “come home

with your best cars. Come and display your wealth in your state. We will secure your lives and property. Now you have energised me, I will keep awake to ensure you sleep” he said. Continuing he said “this is an opportunity to warn criminals to stay away from Anambra so that they will not spend the Christmas and New year in jail”. Earlier in his speech, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Umar, stated that the launch was another effort of the Governor to secure the state this yuletide period. “This explains the meaning of Operation Udoka. We started the operation during the election till now. “For the past 11 months the security operatives have done much to the state and we also assure the people of peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration” he said Speaking, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, zone 9 Umuahia, Mr Karma Hassan, commended the people for the peaceful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election which returned the incumbent Governor without any lost of life.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

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This is to inform the general public of loss of Land Document Reg. as 17/17/1067 at Enugu Land Registry belonging to MR. ANTHONY IKEGBUNAM IYIZOBA is the owner of the property at Ugwueke Abakpa Nike Enugu. All effort of trace the said document has proved abortive. If found please contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.

. I formerly known as SULAIMON OLABODE ISHOLA wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ OLABODE SULAIMON. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OMEREONYE CHRISTIANA NKECHINYERE, now to be known and addressed as DOCHIE NKECHINYERE CHRISTY. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and General Public should please take note.

IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR

OLATUNBOSUN TAOFEEK OLALEKAN SHOLOLA.

OSENI SAHEED OLALEKAN

IFEAKA CHUKWUEMEKA PETER

ATTAH JOHNSON JACOB CHINWE.

I, formerly known and addressed as ABOUBACAR MAGASSOUBA, now to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and General Public should please take note. BITRUS JAMES

I formerly known and addressed as JAMES BITRUS YAKUBU now wish to be known and addressed as BITRUS JAMES. That my date of birth is 01/01/1990. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TAOFEEK OLALEKAN SHOLOLA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLATUNBOSUN TAOFEEK OLALEKAN SHOLOLA. THAT MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 12/04/1960. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

KAZEEM ADEWALE OLASUNKANMI

I formerly known and addressed as KAZEEM ADEWALE now wish to be known and addressed as KAZEEM ADEWALE OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Olalekan Oluwaseun Oseni, now to be known and addressed as OSEN SAHEED OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written as YAKUBU A. ABUBAKAR instead of YAKUBU ALHAJI ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DOUGLAS EGUALONA, now to be known and addressed as IFEAKA CHUKWUEMEKA PETER. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

MRS CHIBUZOR –AMAKA RUTH ONYENANIA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIBUZOR RUTH OGBEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIBUZOR –AMAKA RUTH ONYENANIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ATTAH JUDE NDUBUISI, now to be known and addressed as ATTAH JOHNSON JACOB CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written as OGEZI CLEMENT instead of OGEZI CLEMENT AMUSI. That my date of birth is 23 September 1979 and not 09 October 1983. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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

AZUBUIKE AMARACHI KINGSLEY

I, formerly known and addressed as OHANWE AMARACHI KINGSLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as AZUBUIKE AMARACHI KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I hereby confirm that OMAFUAGBARHO EVELYN ONOME is the person as OMAFUAGBARHO HELEN. Therefore, I now wish to be and addressed as OMAFUAGBARHO EVELYN AKPOESIRI. CORRECTION OF NAME This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written as GAGU TERNA on my Sterling Bank BVN instead of ONJEH FRANCIS PATRICK. That I wish to be known and addressed as ONJEH FRANCIS PATRICK. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Crime

Police release suspects after claiming relationship with Osinbajo Esther Taiwo

Three suspected criminals found with three pump action guns, a pistol, Police Identity Card and vehicle have regained freedom two days after their arrest by the order of one Bashiru Olawale Fakorede who claimed to be a friend of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. On December 1, 2017, Olugborogan town in Eti Osa Lekki was thrown into confusion as the young and elderly ran for their lives when suspected criminals invaded their community and shot sporadically and ordered everyone to relocate. Head of the Olugborogun family, who is also the head of Olugborogun community, Prince Rotimi Olusesi recalls that a similar incident took place some 10 years ago. According to him, information was sent to the Police Force Head-

quarter of an intended attack by some people on the community and the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) from Abuja effected the apprehension of the suspected criminals, identified as Morufu Kowope,Afisu, John Sadauna and recovered from them three Pump Action Guns, a pistol, Police ID Card and a Vehicle with designated plate number “SPECIAL “ which they use for their operation. Minutes after the arrest, the culprits started threatening the police officers and residents that they will be back within two days and that they have the backing and support of one Bashiru Olawale Fakorede who claimed to be a very good friend of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Oba Tijani Akinloye of Ajiran who was also noted to be behind the heinous crime also vowed to bring the suspects home from Abuja.

Presently, information made available to The Daily Times is that the three suspects operating with unlicensed guns and pistol have been released and presently harbored at the residence of a serving Federal House of Representative member in Abuja. While speaking on the issue, Prince Oluwakemi Olusesi who is also the secretary of the Family, expressed his disappointment in the present day government despite all the relentless efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to allow justice which is the last hope of the common man to reign. “We are experiencing a situation where some people see themselves as “untouchable” and can perpetrate any form of crime and go scot free because they know the Vice President. “Since I was shot some years back while returning from the court, I have been

Bashiru Olawale Fakorede and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo

through medical treatment and surgery in India and Nigerian Hospital to keep me alive coupled with the fact that the particular criminal that shot me was among those ar-

rested, it was very sad to see him laughing at me without showing any remorse”. Prince Isiaka called on the Lagos state government, the Federal government and well

meaning Nigerians to come to their aid in curbing this modern day slavery and rescue their community from the hands of the oppressors and self acclaimed untouchables.

Abia communities petition Buhari over missing monarch, wife Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

Three Communities in Umuahia North Local Government, Abia state have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ask the security agencies to help them in locating the whereabouts of their monarch, his wife as well as the leader of the proscribed indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who were alleged to have been missing since September this year. In a petition jointly signed by the representatives of Okwulaga, Enyiukwu and Isiama Autonomous communities, said since the military exercise codenamed Operation Python Dance II in Afaraukwu Ibeku, the whereabouts of the said monarch Eze

Israel Kanu, his wife Lolo Sally, Nnmandi Kanu, as well as some of his subjects have remained unknown after the Army invaded his palace on September 14. Both IPOB and members of the community have insisted that the Army should be held responsible for the disappearance of Kanu and his parents but the military authorities have denied any culpability. The communities in an open letter to President Buhari demanded that the Army be compelled to produce their traditional ruler who they have not seen since his house was invaded. According to the petition, a copy of which was made available to newsmen Friday in Umuahia, some

members of the community are still missing since after the military raid, heightening fears that they might have been killed and their bodies taken away by the invaders along with IPOB members. The communities demanded that a panel of enquiry be set up with a view to investigating the role of the Army in the invasion of their traditional ruler’s home and his subsequent disappearance as well as the killing of some locals during the invasion. The petition signed by the President Generals of all three autonomous communities in Afara clan namely: Levi Ogbonna, Cletus Uwaechi, and Chief Ikechukwu Ndubueze, respectively.

It also demanded full compensation for the desecration of the palace and the return of household property allegedly carted away from the palace by the invaders. “ We implore you to set up a panel to determine the compensation to be paid to the Afaraukwu Clan of Ibeku Umuahia for the desecration of the palace of our traditional ruler Eze Kanu, loss of life and the destruction of properties”. According to the petition, the whereabouts of some of the members of the community have also remained unknown since after the invasion of the palace. The petition read in part: “That since September 14, 2017 the whereabouts of one of our traditional rulers HRH Eze I. O Kanu,

members of his family including some members of Isiama Afaraukwu community is still unknown. “On Sunday September 10, some heavily armed military personnel invaded Isiama Afaraukwu community in their Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and started shooting indiscriminately near the house of Eze Kanu who is also the father of Nnamdi Kanu, and in the process, killed some visitors and a lady Miss Adaku Odoemelam who is an indigene of Isiama Afaraukwu. “That on Sunday the 8th of October 2017, some military personnel including the police invaded Isiama Afaraukwu Community again, moved into the house of Eze Kanu and carted away some household prop-

erties in the absence of the occupants of the house. “That since September 14, our community has continued to suffer intimidations, harassments, and dehumanisation from the hands of military personnel stationed within Isiama Afaraukwu Community.” The locals explained that they are not members of IPOB, and should not be treated as members of the proscribed group. “May we point out that we are not members of IPOB or any terrorist organisation and we do not have any right to prevent people from moving freely within Afaraukwu community ...., and we should not be punished for allowing visitors into our community.”

Saturday, December 16, 2017

EXTRATIME

Stories by Frank Jumbo with Agency Report

ortuna Sittard’s Nigerian manager, Sunday Oliseh, has played down his side’s ambition of gaining promotion to the Dutch topflight league at the end of the current second division season, Completes-

Oliseh plays down Fortuna Sittard’s promotion ambition

portsnigeria.com reports. Fortuna Sittard, currently occupy one of the two automatic promotion spots, second position, in the Dutch Jupiler League. Oliseh’s side are on a four game winning streak and could make it five in a row with a win away to FC Den Bosch tonight

(Friday). “There are good teams in the division so we are just taking each game as it comes,” Oliseh told Completesportsnigeria. com. “The most important thing is that we are not struggling like we used to in the past. We don’t

want to talk about promotion now, but winning games and be consistent. “The first half of the season is just coming to an end. We hope to maintain that and for sure see where it takes us to.”

Oliseh

Ebonyi to build a stadium modeled after Emirates Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki

he Ebonyi state government will build a state-of-the art stadium that will be at per with the Emirates at Nnorom, Abakaliki the state capital where it has acquired a large expense of land for this purpose, the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emma Uzor has said yesterday. This according to Uzor, would help leverage the state’s economy which he noted had left indelibile mark in all sectors, adding “Ebonyi state is making wave in all sectors, in spite of the challenges it inherited from past administrations”. The Governor’s media boss noted that sports was a veritable engine that the economy of any nation, and added that the government had modernized and provided world-class facilities at the already constructed stadium with the aim of positioning it for both national and international matches and other sporting activities. Uzo spoke when the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigerian (SWAN) Ebonyi State Chapter, led by the Chairman, Chukwuemeka Opara paid him a courtesy call in his office at the Government House Abakaliki.

Women national teams before a match

FIFA RANKING: Nigeria is best female team in Africa

IFA, has released its end-of-year international ranking of Women’s National Teams, with the Super Falcons of Nigerian the top ranked team in Africa. In the global ranking, Nigeria have dropped two spots and now occupy the 37th position. Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa complete the top five teams in Africa in that order. Nigeria’s possible opponents at the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations qualifiers Burkina Faso were not ranked because they have been inactive for more than eighteen months, while Gambia were not listed. United States of America maintained their top spot at the summit, followed by Germany, England, Australia and Canada. The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 23 March 2018.

Rohr

Sokari could make Eagles team against Poland

uper Eagles manager Gernot Rohr is considering inviting CS Sfaxien midfielder Kingsley Sokari for the pre-World Cup friendly against Poland on March 23, 2018, according to reports. Although respected Tunisian outlet Gnet has claimed that the playmaker will definitely be summoned by the Nigeria Football Federation for the friendly in Poland, it is known that the list will not be made public until the first week of March next year. The former Enyimba star, dubbed the New Iniesta in his homeland, has consistently churned out brilliant displays in the Tunisian Ligue 1 in the on-

going season and has taken part in all but one of the games played by the club. Sokari was named CS Sfaxien’s Player of the Month for November 2017 and officially picked as Man of the Match in his team’s 1-0 win over Metlaoui late November. A product of Port Harcourt City Academy, Sokari starred for the Flying Eagles at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup and was on target from 25 yards out in their 4-0 win against Korea DPR. He has full caps for the Super Eagles but has not been invited to the national team since the appointment of Gernot Rohr.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

EXTRATIME

Kanu leads other African legends to play for IDPs in Kano

ormer African football stars including Nwankwo Kanu; former Senegal and Liverpool forward, El Hadji Diouf; former South African Captain, Aaron Mokoena, and former Zimbabwe star, Benjani Nwaruwari were all in action thursday as some legend of the game in the continent played Kano Pillars FC in a charity game at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. These former stars trooped into the ancient city to play in the charity match put together to raise funds for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East of Nigeria. Although the game watched by a capacity crowd at the Sai Masu Gida ground ended 2-1 in favour of the NPFL team, the legends showed glimpses of what made them popular amongst African football fans. Akide Ibrahim scored both goals for Pillars while former Mokoena got the Legends’ consolation goal. Ex Nigerian players including Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal and Tijani Babangida played on the side of the legends with Super Eagles Brown Ideye also spicing up the team with fresh legs. Speaking shortly after the game, Kanu expressed his happiness being part of the game. He described the initiative aimed at bringing succour to persons made homeless as a result of the terrorist activities in North East as a laudable one. “It’s an opportunity for us (ex internationals) to show support for the internally displaced persons and we are glad to be here in Kano today. “The organisers have done a good job in arranging this game and bringing all these former African stars here. I want to say a big kudos to them,” concludes the former African player of the year who also has a foundation for taking care of children and persons suffering from heart diseases.

One of the organisers of the event, Moo Mohammed Mustapha, had earlier described the game as “just more than a game.” He indicated that it was the first time in the history of football that a group of legends would be playing to raise funds and highlight the challenges of IDPs in Nigeria. Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Miss Abi Goodman, painted a pathetic picture of the disheartening condition of the IDPs. She urged the world to rise up to action to support the Federal Government’s efforts to make life meaningful for these displaced persons once again.

Kanu

U-17 Women WC - Nikyu confident of victory over Ethiopa

ead Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, Bala Nikyu, says the Flamingoes are well prepared to edge Ethiopia over two legs with home win at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Saturday to guarantee Nigeria’s place in the final round of African qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay. Nikyu’s side were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Addis Ababa Stadium a fortnight ago. The 6th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals will hold in Uruguay from the 20th November – 13th December 2018. An outright win or a goalless draw will see the Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team advance to the next round of the competition where they will face the winner of the Cameroon/Algeria fixture in the second and final round of the qualifying series. Cameroon defeated Algeria 4-0 away in Algiers a forthnight ago.

“We are much prepared even than we were for the first leg in Addis Ababa. Collectively, we have worked on the noted areas of weaknesses and we are good to go for Saturday in Benin,” Nikyu told thenff.com. Meanwhile the Ethiopian delegation have arrived in Benin City, Edo State capital for Saturday’s game billed to kick off at 4pm.

Sanusi

NFF top official knew about Shehu’s suspension

igeria Football Federation Secretary-General, Mohammed Sanusi has disclosed that he was quite aware Super Eagles defender, Abudullahi Shehu was not eligible to play the final World Cup qualification match against Algeria. Nigeria national football team players pose prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Nigeria and Cameroon at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, southern Nigeria, on September 1, 2017. FIFA deducted three points from the Super Eagles and the match awarded to Algeria, after it was clear that Nigeria violated the rules, fielded the player despite warning from FIFA. ‘’We received that communication from FIFA long ago and we sent it to the relevant department for them to take note of,” Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said. ‘’You will agree with me that the office of General Secretary is like a clearing house, when information is sent, it is forwarded to the relevant department for them to make use of and if there is any progress they now revert to the office of Secretary-General. ‘’That is why we have departments that are in charge of different segments. We have Technical, Competitions, we have Accounts. ‘ ’As I said, we do not want to trade blames here, we do not want to say this is the one that is at fault. A committee has been formed and we wait for the committee to finish their job.’’

Algerian Federation chief vows to punish staff who failed to spot Eagles error

lgerian Football Federation Vice President, Bachir Ould Zmirli, says it came as a surprise that the Desert Foxes were awarded a 3-0 win and three points after Fifa took the decison to sanction Nigeria for fielding an ineligible player on the final day of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Just like his Nigerian counterpart Amaju Pinnick, Zmirli has admitted that he was unaware Nigeria committed an offense un-

til Fifa’s announcement and vowed to punish the erring Federation officials. ‘’I have just learned that FIFA has awarded us the points of the match in Nigeria, without any reservations,’’ Zmirli, who is the chairman of the National Teams Committee, was quoted as saying by Le Buteur. ‘’That means that we have not been aware of the offense and that is serious, even if there is no issue since we are eliminated. It’s

simply mismanagement. ‘’It is very serious that there is this kind of error. We must punish the perpetrators of this fault and take the necessary measures’’. Even with three points awarded to the Algerian team, they still finished last in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (CAF Third Round) with four points, nine less than the Super Eagles.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

EXTRATIME

PREMIER LEAGUE...................PREMIER LEAGUE....................PREMIER LEAGUE

anchester United boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he expects Eric Bailly to miss up to three months’ worth of action as he requires surgery on an ankle injury. Bailly’s ankle injury, which could sideline him for three months, is a major problem for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United. After being without his best player, Paul Pogba, for two months, this long-term injury to another key member of the squad is a huge blow. The manager loves to find an excuse for his failings but it would be unfair not to acknowledge that United have been unfortunate when it’s come to injuries this season. Rivals Manchester City have had their most important players, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, fit for every Premier League game this season, while Pogba has missed morethan half United’s league matches. Mourinho’s back line has been hit with injuries throughout the course of the season too, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, the latter in particular, again proving they’re made out of glass. But the repeated injuries to Bailly have been the most damaging. The Ivorian may have an unconventional approach to defending, often winning the ball with his body contorted in to the most unusual of positions, but he has quickly proven to be a fan favourite thanks to his no-nonsense style. United have been desperate to replace Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand for a few years and Bailly has come the closest to looking like a defender capable of reaching their level. Still only 23, he is years away from his peak and looks set to have a great future ahead too, but his troubling fitness is a concern. Bailly was injured on six different occasions last season, missing United’s games against City in the cup, Arsenal away, Liverpool at home, among many others, as a result. This season, he has played in just 10 of United’s 26 games in all competitions, and could now be facing ankle surgery that would see him ruled out for some time yet.

Bailly to miss three months due to ankle surgery

His last appearance was more than a month ago after returning from international duty with the injury. He has played in a couple of matches since, with Mourinho revealing the player has been receiving some conservative treatment, but with that not having the desired effect, it looks as though surgery might be the last option. With David De Gea having such a fantastic season, the loss of Bailly isn’t as damaging as it could be, but it does mean that United will have been without their best defender for most of the season. United have conceded just four goals in the 10 games he’s played. The fact that Marcos Rojo, United’s second best defender of last season after Bailly, didn’t play a single game until the end of November, and is still being eased back in, has only compounded United’s frustrations at the back. The Argentinian went off with an injury at half-time against City and was missing from the squad for their midweek win over Bournemouth. All teams suffer injuries and that is where squads come in to play, but it’s hard to get away from the fact that United have struggled more than many, and certainly more than the only team above them in the league. Over this busy festive period, where United will play six games in a fortnight, they really could have done without this latest Bailly news. They will now have to hope that Jones, Smalling and Victor Lindelof can stay fit for the next few weeks, with Rojo’s return date yet to be set. Yet fatigue could become a problem, with Smalling having already played 90 minutes for the past 17 consecutive games. That works out at a full game every four days, which isn’t ideal preparation for this busy runin. Like Mourinho has begun to trust academy graduate Scott McTominay with more playing time, with him starting against Bournemouth midweek, supporters will be hoping that Axel Tuanzebe is afforded the same chance in some of the easier fixtures. But if Rojo doesn’t return soon and one of the other defenders gets injured, Mourinho may have little choice but to dip in to the reserves.

Klopp

Bailly

Bolasie set for Everton return after long-term injury

annick Bolasie could return to the Everton squad for the visit of Swansea City after more than a year on the sidelines. The winger suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage during the 1-1 draw against Manchester United in December 2016 and underwent two operations. He made his comeback earlier this week in an Under-23 match against Leicester City and is set to feature in Friday’s Premier League International Cup game against Dinamo Zagreb. Everton face the Swans on Monday and manager

Sam Allardyce confirmed Bolasie had a chance of being involved if he emerges from his next outing unscathed. “We’ve got Yannick Bolasie training and he will probably play some part for the Under-23s tonight,” said Allardyce on Friday. “We’ll see what happens with that and may – depending on the whole team here – have a discussion on whether that makes him available for selection on Monday night against Swansea.” The Goodison Park club have enjoyed a recent resurgence to climb to 10th in the table.

Red-hot Salah wins

ohamed Salah’s stunning form in November has earned the Liverpool star the Premier League’s Player of the Month award. The 25-year-old, who is the first Egyptian to claim the honour, scored seven goals in four topflight matches last month. His tally for the season is 19 in 24 matches across all competi-

Saturday, December 16, 2017

EXTRATIME

PREMIER LEAGUE....................PREMIER LEAGUE....................PREMIER LEAGUE

Klopp defends Liverpool rotation policy

urgen Klopp has defended his rotation policy after making changes for Liverpool’s backto-back home draws in the Premier League this month. The Reds were held by Merseyside rivals Everton last weekend and laboured to a goalless draw when West Brom visited Anfield on Wednesday. Having beaten Spartak Moscow 7-0 in the Champions League, Klopp rested the hat-trick hero from that game against the Toffees, as Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho joined compatriot Roberto Firmino – who also scored against the Russians – on the bench. They started against the Baggies, but Klopp

felt he was justified in affording his leading talents a rest from time to time. “We have to make sure we have as fit as possible players for the specific game,” the Liverpool boss said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth. “We thought and we still think the squad gives us that opportunity. I can understand after two draws at home there is criticism – but they were two completely different games. Against Everton we were unlucky and against West Brom it was not a good game. “Even the players I rotate still have two games per week, rather than three games per week. “We had a very important game against Moscow and couldn’t think about anything else. Other teams could rest players for that last round.”

Willian

Man United eye Chelsea’s Willian

Wenger

Wenger confirms Wilshere contract talks

rsene Wenger confirmed that contract talks with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will begin before the end of December. Wilshere’s current deal expires at the end of the season, meaning Arsenal face the prospect of losing the England international on a free transfer, and this week the 25-year-old said talks had yet to begin over an extension. Injuries have seriously curtailed Wilshere’s development over the last few years, and Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with West Ham was his first Premier League start of the season. Wenger praised Wilshere’s performance after that match at the London Stadium, with the playmaker looking sharp and bright in midfield. And when it was put to the Frenchman that Wilshere’s showing could not have done his contract chances any harm, Wenger told reporters: “That’s for sure. “Yeah, we will talk to him. I said at the end of December, and we are at the start of December now, so it [discussions] is not far off. “I wanted to see how he could contribute and see how he could last physically. I consider him an Arsenal man, but it’s also important for him to feel happy here.” Wenger confirmed that Aaron Ramsey’s hamstring injury is likely to keep him out for up to three weeks, though he did not commit to giving Wilshere an extended run of games in his absence, with Newcastle United visiting on Saturday. “I don’t know yet,” Wenger said. “I rotate a little at the moment, so we will see how everybody recovers [in training].

Player of the Month tions, with Salah topping the Premier League goalscoring charts on 13. The former Roma winger has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to fifth in the table, with a last-16 Champions League showdown against Porto to come following a group phase in which the Reds scored 23 times. Pep Guardiola took the Manager

of the Month prize for the third time in a row, having stretched Manchester City’s winning streak to a record 15 matches. Meanwhile, the resurgent Wayne Rooney landed the Goal of the Month award for his audacious long-range lob for Everton against West Ham. The retired England legend has nine league goals this campaign.

ith the calendar soon turning over to the new year, the gossip ahead of the January transfer window is heating up. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest

Rooney

rumours. It was reported a couple of weeks ago that Jose Mourinho has asked his scouts to find him a “magician” in January and Chelsea’s wing wizard Willian has emerged as the leading target, according to the Daily Mail. The Brazilian was in fine form in the Blues’ victory over Huddersfield on Wednesday but has struggled to nail down a starting spot this term. At 29 and with a World Cup just around the corner, it’s no surprise to learn he’s desperate for first-team football. That could see Manchester United sneak in with a January offer, with Willian previously playing under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and fitting the manager’s ideal profile for an attacking midfielder. Chelsea could look to Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey as potential replacements, while the report adds that United expect to receive bids for the out-of-favour Henrikh Mkhitaryan when the transfer window opens.

Rooney wins goal of the month

ayne Rooney has won November’s Premier League Goal of the Month award for his strike from his own half in Everton’s win over West Ham United. Rooney, 32, scored a hat trick in the 4-0 win over the Hammers in the final game before caretaker manager David Unsworth handed over the reins to incoming full-time boss Sam Allardyce, who was watching from the stands at Goodison Park. Captaining his boyhood club on the night, Rooney produced the longrange effort to complete his treble in the 66th minute. Goalkeeper Joe Hart’s long clearance landed in front of Rooney, who struck the ball back over his former England colleague’s head and into the unguarded net. The goal was reminiscent of his famous goal at Upton Park for Manchester United in 2014, when he beat Adrian Lopez from just inside the West Ham half for the first of his brace in a 2-0 win.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes confident of owners’ support

he Welshman is the favourite to be the next Premier League manager shown the door, with the Potters having accumulated their lowest tally of points after 17 games since promotion in 2008. The squad were confronted by angry fans at Stoke railway station following last weekend’s 5-1 loss to Tottenham and Tuesday’s last-gasp defeat to Burnley, although a much-improved performance, left them only two points above the bottom three. Saturday’s home clash with second-bottom West Ham has been billed as a potentially crucial match for Hughes’ job prospects. But the 54-year-old, who has been in charge since 2013, remains confident he has the full backing of chairman Peter Coates. Hughes speaks to either Coates or chief executive Tony Scholes almost every day and the current travails will not stop them all celebrating together at Thursday’s staff Christmas dinner. Asked if club chiefs were offering the support Hughes wants, he said defensively: “Why wouldn’t they? They’re good football people, they’ve been around football a long time and they understand what it’s about. “They know they’ve got good people working for them and one of their constants is that they allow people who can get the job done to get on with their job and do the job that they’re paid to do. And that’s what they’re doing with me. “The owners are fans, they’re the biggest fans if you judge by what they’ve done for the club. If they see a committed performance, if they see players working hard and running as much as they possibly can, which is what they saw on Tuesday night, they’ll be happy. “Because they know, if you work that hard over a period, you will get results. They’ve been in the game a long time, they know it’s not always a smooth path.’’

Saturday, December 16, 2017

EXTRATIME

EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO…

Ronaldo ‘happy and proud of recent achievements

eal Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of his “pride” in recent individual achievements, including a fifth career Ballon d’Or trophy and becoming the leading scorer in Club World Cup history. Earlier this month, Ronaldo equalled Barcelona’s Lionel Messi by winning it for a fifth time, having recently also picked up the FIFA The Best prize for 2017 for a second consecutive year. On Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, the Portugal captain scored his sixth goal in six games in the Club World Cup with the equaliser in the 2-1 win over Al-Jazira, moving ahead of Messi, Barca’s Luis Suarez and ex-Monterrey forward Cesar Delgado, who have all found the net five times in the competition. Speaking to RMTV from Abu Dhabi, the 32-yearold former Manchester United man said: “I am very happy and proud, first of all for my football career, principally at Real Madrid. “Winning my fifth Ballon d’Or and becoming the top Club World Cup scorer for me is a motivation to keep working happily and with sacrifice.” Ronaldo’s long-term future remains a subject of debate, with the widespread speculation that he

Ronaldo

Donnarumma plays down Milan exit rumours

C Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma moved to clarify suggestions he wanted his contract renewal annulled, playing down claims he was pressured. After a drawn-out saga, Donnarumma, 18, signed a new deal with Milan in July, committing until 2021. However, reports in Italy suggested Donnarumma’s agent Mino Raiola had told the San Siro club the shot-stopper felt pressured into agreeing the extension and wants the contract to be cancelled – making him a free agent at the end of the season – with Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs reportedly interested. Donnarumma was in tears prior to kick-off in Milan’s 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Verona as he was abused by fans. The goalkeeper dismissed reports he was pressured, with his focus on his performances. “It was a bad evening, one I did not expect,” Donnarumma wrote on Instagram. “I have never said or written that I suffered moral violence when I signed the contract. “Despite everything I look forward with my head focused on the next game. Forza Milan!” Donnarumma

wanted to leave during the summer not being publicly explained, but he suggested he is keen to remain at the Bernabeu. “I want to thank also my teammates, because without them it would be impossible to win,” he said. “But the truth is that I am very happy. I will keep battling and making my fans happy, the people follow Cristiano. I am very happy.” Meanwhile, Argentina legend Diego Maradona has questioned Ronaldo’s own claim at the Ballon d’Or ceremony to be the greatest player ever. Speaking to AS from the United Arab Emirates, where he is now based as manager of second-division side Fujairah, the Argentina legend was asked if he agreed. “Don’t screw with me,” he replied. “For me, for the little I saw, [Alfredo] Di Stefano, [Johan] Cruyff ... and then Messi. And Cristiano too.” Asked what he liked about Ronaldo’s game, Maradona said: “His finishing. Another thing I recognise is that when his team needs him, Cristiano Ronaldo is there. He has that. And look, after Cruyff there have not been many players with this quality.” Maradona said Ronaldo and Messi dominating the

Lewandowski demands focus ahead of Christmas

Griezmann will R be allowed to leave – Simeone

A Griezmann

Ballon d’Or award through the last decade had been “boring,” while tipping Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe as the next big star and saying he had advised Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign the France teenager to replace Gareth Bale in their squad. “It is very difficult to give the Ballon d’Or to one player,” he said. “Because just giving it to Cristiano and Messi is boring. For me the revelation is Mbappe. I think he will pass out many of them. I told Florentino to sign Mbappe, when we saw each other at FIFA. He told me ‘You know I have Cristiano, and this other one’ ... they should sell Bale, give him away...” During Maradona’s heyday in the 1980s, only European players were eligible for the Ballon d’Or, and he said he “would have more than Cristiano and Messi” if the rules had been different at that time.

ntoine Griezmann will be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid “at some point”, according to coach Diego Simeone. Griezmann, 26, has been linked with an Atletico exit, with Manchester United among the clubs reported to be interested. But the France international is contracted until mid-2022 at Atletico, the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2014. However, Simeone said Griezmann would be free to leave the LaLiga giants, just as Diego Costa and Arda Turan once were. “I love my players a lot and I love to see them grow. I am not ungrateful,” he told L’Equipe. “If a player comes to me and says, ‘Coach, I have a once in a lifetime chance to play for a certain team, I want to leave’. If he did all he could for me as Griezmann does, I’ll say it’s no problem. I know that he needs to grow. “Of course Griezmann will be able to leave at some point, the same way Costa and Arda Turan were allowed to leave.” Griezmann has scored seven goals in 18 matches in all competitions this campaign, having netted at least 25 times in each of the past three seasons.

obert Lewandowski has demanded that Bayern Munich do not lose their focus as they prepare for their final two matches before the winter

break. Jupp Heynckes’s side beat Cologne 1-0 on Wednesday thanks to Lewandowski’s 60th-minute goal to go nine points clear in the Bundesliga. Their final league game of 2017 on Saturday sees them travel to Stuttgart, before Bayern close out the year against Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal four days later. And Lewandowski has demanded that Bayern keep their eye on the prize in the coming week. “You cannot think about Christmas yet,” Lewandowski is quoted as saying by Sport Bild. “We have to be careful about the final [match of the year] against Dortmund. We know that we have played and lost twice here [in Munich] in the cup against Dortmund in recent years. “We’ve already beaten [RB] Leipzig in the cup, and now comes Dortmund, so the two best opponents in Germany. We have to stay focused and physically give everything we have.”

Lewandowski

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Messi hopes football pays him back with World Cup win L ionel Messi hopes football “ends up paying” the debt the sport owes him at the 2018 World Cup after losing three straight finals with Argentina in a threeyear span. Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said after Messi’s hat trick at Ecuador in the 3-1 win in their final qualifier on Oct. 10 that football “owes Messi a World Cup.” The Albiceleste went into that game in danger of missing out not only on direct qualification but a spot in the playoffs. Messi’s performance earned Argentina a spot in next year’s tournament in Russia and again underlined the Barcelona forward’s importance to his national team. When asked to comment on Sampaoli’s remarks, Messi told FIFA: “Yes, I did hear it, and he said it to me too. I hope football does end up paying me!” He recently looked back at those three finals -- two Copa America and the 2014 World Cup -- he has lost with Argentina and felt his national team “deserved to win at least two of those.” Messi says the 2014 World Cup final defeat to Germany is still an open wound. “It’s going to be there forever,” he said. “I don’t know if they’re ever going to heal. We’re just going to have to live with it. The

Messi

Aubameyang eclipses Tony Yeboah’s record

ierre-Emerick Aubameyang eclipsed Tony Yeboah as the top-scoring African player in Bundesliga history this weekend, earning the Ghana legend’s praise in the process. For 16 years, the former Black Stars forward had stood as the undisputed king of African strikers in the German top flight after netting 96 goals during notable spells with Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburg. Over the last three seasons, however, Aubameyang has gradually eaten away at Yeboah’s record, and overtook it this weekend when he netted his 97th goal, equalising for Borussia Dortmund in their 2-1 home defeat by Werder Bremen. Most impressively, perhaps, Aubameyang took just 143 matches to hit 97 goals, while Yeboah struck his 96 in 223 games, having previously represented FC Saarbrucken in the German second division. “I’m very happy for Aubameyang,” Yeboah told the BBC World Football programme after the 28-year-old broke his record. “Since I left Germany, I didn’t see any

African player perform at my level. “His current performance shows that African players can perform in Germany, and reminds German fans of what I did when I was there.” While Yeboah has a great deal of admiration for the BVB hitman, he attributed the 2015 African Footballer of the Year’s successes to different reasons than his own. “Aubameyang does not have my kind of physique,” Yeboah added, “but he is a very intelligent player. “That’s what he uses in scoring the goals.” After overtaking Yeboah as the top-scoring African in Bundesliga history, Aubameyang will now set his sights on matching another of the Ghanaian’s feats. Between 1992 and 1994, the 51-year-old won back-to-back Golden Boots with Frankfurt, tying on 20 goals with Ulf Kirsten in 1992-93, before netting 18 goals - the same as Stefan Kuntz - in the 1993-94 campaign.

Neymar to play in Brazil charity match

eymar will take part in a charity match raising funds to provide food for the needy in Brazil, former Paris Saint-Germain player Nene has told Globo. Nene, who organises the annual match in his hometown, Jundiai, spoke to Neymar after attending PSG’s recent win over Lille. He confirmed that Brazil star Neymar would play in the match on Dec. 23, saying: “Neymar already took part back in 2014, and he enjoyed it so much that he promised me he would come back. “When I was with him last week, we talked a lot and he told me that we could count on him. “I am very pleased, and I hope that the stadium will be full so that there is a lot of

food.” The charity match will be held at Estadio Jayme Cintra and Nene will pick one of the two teams, with actor Caio Castro coaching the other. Last year, Romario and Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus were among the star names to feature, while Denilson, Deco and Marcos Assuncao are confirmed for this year. Neymar’s final Ligue 1 match is next Wednesday at home to Caen, after which the PSG players travel to Doha, Qatar, for their winter tour before Christmas. Considering that PSG’s final day in Qatar is the same as that of Nene’s charity game, Neymar does not appear set to be there for the entire stay.

World Cup is a very happy memory and a bitter one too because of how it ended, how it all worked out. But it’s always going to be there.” Messi is, however, glad to get another chance to win that title. “It was very important because missing out on the World Cup would have been a huge blow, firstly for the squad as a whole and then for me on a personal level,” he said. “I don’t know how I would have taken it. The same goes for the people of Argentina. Failing to make Russia would have been an all-time low for the country.” Messi turned 30 in June and says he is “very pleased” with life on and off the pitch. “To tell you the truth, I never thought about how I’d be feeling when I got here [30],” he said. “But I’m very happy with both my personal life and football. I’d say I’m in good shape on and off the pitch. I’m very pleased with where I am right now.” Argentina will take on Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria in Group D at the World Cup and Messi expects Argentina to give a better image than in qualifying. “We’ve had four competitive matches with a new coach [Sampaoli],” Messi said. “But the national team’s going to change now that the Ecuador game’s behind us. It’s going to grow and it’s going to get rid of all the tension and fear it felt because of that match and because of the risk of not achieving our objective. The national team’s going to change a lot.” Messi prefers to remain cautious regarding Argentina’s chances in Russian and when asked to end this sentence, “In 2018, Lionel Messi will be...” he said: “a father for the third time.”

FIFA bribery trial jury set to begin T

he Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, where the FIFA bribery trial is taking place Getty Deliberations are set to begin on Friday at the New York trial of three former South American football officials charged in the bribery scandal engulfing FIFA, world football’s governing body. Closing arguments at the trial concluded on Thursday with the lawyer for an ex-president of Brazil’s football federation (CBF) claiming his client was clueless about a bribery scheme and a prosecutor saying the testimony of the star government witness was “devastating” for the defence. Jose Maria Marin “never joined in the conspiracy... He sits here today an innocent man,” defence attorney Charles Stillman said on the second day of closing arguments in the federal court in Brooklyn. Marin, 85, became president of the CBF in 2012 to fill out the term of a predecessor who resigned. But he was a mere figurehead, while a younger official who’s the current president, Marco Polo del Nero, took command and got in on the scheme, Stillman said. Marin “became president by default,” the lawyer told jurors. “Del Nero ran the show.” Del Nero also is charged in the U.S. criminal case stemming from a sprawling investigation of FIFA, but has not been extradited from Brazil. Lawyers for Marin, Manuel Burga, of Peru, and Juan Angel Napout, of Paraguay, have sought to discredit several cooperating witnesses who testified that the football

officials took millions of dollars in bribes in exchange for their influence in awarding lucrative commercial rights to some of football’s biggest tournaments. Marin, Burga and Napout, a former president of CONMEBOL, the South American confederation, and a FIFA vice president, have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and other charges. One of the cooperators, former Argentine marketing executive Alejandro Burzaco, spent four days on the witness stand detailing how his firm paid 10s of millions of dollars in bribes to the defendants and other officials. Defence lawyers argued that Burzaco, who has pleaded guilty, was shifting blame to their clients so he could win a reduced sentence for himself. In a rebuttal argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Nitze told jurors that the cooperator’s account is backed up by other evidence like wiretaps and financial records. Defence lawyers “have to attack Alejandro Burzaco because his testimony was devastating,” he said. He added the witness would risk further charges by lying and “had more incentive to come clean and tell the truth.” Another cooperator, Brazilian businessman Jose Hawilla, made recordings played at the trial, including one of a conversation he had with Marin in 2014 in which prosecutors say the defendant negotiated a bribe by saying, “It’s about time to have it coming my way. True or not?” Hawilla responded: “Of course. That money had to be given to you.”

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BOXING: Joseph Parker says a March fight with Anthony Joshua is close

Royal wedding to clash with FA Cup final

rince Harry will wed Meghan Markle on May 19 next year at Windsor Castle Prince Harry will wed Meghan Markle on May 19 next year at Windsor Castle The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been announced for May 19 next year - and it clashes with the FA Cup final. The date has been set for the occasion at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on the same day as the famous cup decider at Wembley. And it has thrown into doubt whether FA president Prince William - Harry’s brother - will present the trophy to the winning captain as usual. No decision has yet been made by the FA over who will hand over the silverware. Harry is also a supporter of Arsenal, who won the FA Cup last

season and were handed their winners medals by William; the Duke of Cambridge. The Gunners also beat William’s beloved Aston Villa in the 2015 final, where he handed losers medals to his Villa heroes. The FA have confirmed the final will not be moved to another date and Kensington Palace say they will factor in the game as part of their wedding planning. A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “We are aware of it and we haven’t announced times yet. It will be considered as part of the further planning.” Asked why a Saturday, the spokesman said: “They felt it would give the public the greatest opportunity to watch, come out, support and get involved.”

UFC’s Dana White threatens to sue Pacquiao

8-year old Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has reportedly reached out to UFC champion Conor McGregor about a potential boxing match in April of next year. Pacquiao hasn’t fought since July, after he surrendered his WBO welterweight title to Jeff Horn, in a controversial decision in Australia, but is considering a return to the sport in 2018. Pacquiao told AFP that a fight between him and McGregor would be “OK with both of us.” That said, Pacquiao indicated talks have not progressed very far at this point. “Initially, but we have not yet had any follow-ups,” said Pacquiao, when asked if there has been communication between the two camps. “It depends who they can finalize as my opponent by April.” While Pacquiao says both he and McGregor would be OK with a fight, UFC President Dana White has a much different take on these rumors. White has threatened to sue if Pacquiao continues to push for a fight with the biggest name in UFC, because Conor McGregor is still under an exclusive UFC contract. “That would be weird, because (McGregor’s) under contract with us,” White told ESPN. “If that’s true, I will be suing Manny Pacquiao and whoever’s representing him. So, I’m assuming that’s not true.” McGregor has not fought since his loss to Floyd Mayweather, by way of a 10th round TKO, back in August. At this point it’s unclear whether his next fight will be in the boxing right or inside the octagon. In fact, thanks to the enormous amount of money McGregor made of the Mayweather fight, Dana White says it’s reasonable to believe that he may not want to fight ever again. Although, it’s hard to believe the 29-year old fighter is truly ready to hang up his gloves for good.

BO world heavyweight title holder Joseph Parker is confident that his next bout will be a unification fight against IBF and WBA champion Anthony Joshua. The New Zealand power puncher has said the fight is “close,” will likely go ahead in March, and that he is “excited” to showcase his skills in the UK for a second time having beaten Hughie Fury in Manchester in September. “I think the Joshua fight can go ahead early next year when both teams are locked in and happy,” Parker told ESPN. “In March we can definitely make it happen. I’m excited to showcase my skills in the UK more.” For the fight to be formally announced, Parker and Joshua’s promotional representatives — David Higgins of Duco Events and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing — will need to agree on the purse split. The purse split is determined before an event is confirmed so there is transparency over the money allocation each team receives on fight night, regardless of who wins and who loses. Parker is gunning for a 35% split of the purse, with the more popular fighter Joshua earning the remaining 65%. But this is not good enough for Joshua, according to Parker. Parker wants to be paid more before he agrees to a March fight with Joshua. Getty Images “They’re stuck at 30%, we’re stuck at 35, so it’s just finding the middle ground,” he said. “We’ll take 35%, which means Joshua will take 65, which is nearly double me.

Joseph

TENNIS: Federer voted BBC overseas sports personality of the year

R Federer

oger Federer has been voted BBC overseas sports personality of the year for a record fourth time after an astonishing season during which he picked up two more Grand Slam titles. Roger Federer The Swiss, 36, returned from six months out with knee trouble to win the Australian Open before picking up a record eighth Wimbledon crown and ended the season with a 52-5 record, ranked world number two behind his great rival Rafael Nadal. Federer previously won the award, which is voted for by the public, in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Muhammad Ali and Usain Bolt have each won it three times. “It makes me incredibly proud that the UK

public have chosen me as the BBC overseas sports personality of the year for 2017,” said Federer. “The support that the UK crowds give me whenever I’m here is amazing and to be recognised on the shortlist alongside some of the greatest sports people of all time is extremely humbling.” He overcame competition from American football quarterback Tom Brady, swimmer Katie Ledecky, para-athlete Tatyana McFadden, athlete Sally Pearson, and darts player Michael van Gerwen. Federer and the other award winners will be honoured during Sunday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Liverpool. AFP

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MMA: Two former champions slug it out in Winnipeg

Robbie Fowler and Rafael dos anjos

BOXING:

Floyd Mayweather admits he pays and charges for sex

loyd Mayweather admits he pay for sex in an explosively candid live stream chat directly with his fans online today. Mayweather’s love of strip clubs, strippers and women in general is legendary. So much so, he now even owns his very own lap dance club in Las Vegas called “Girl Collection” which he’s been promoting heavily since he retired from the sport of boxing. Speaking today on a live stream to his fans, Mayweather said: “One thing I don’t do – I don’t do nothing for free. I don’t even f*** for free. Either I’m paying her or she’s paying me. At the end of the day after all that paper – they keep saying Floyd bought this girl this, Floyd bought this girl that. Like I said before my man, I’m not no trick. I’m a sponsor. I put that money behind you to elevate you to the next level. If you’re willing to go the next level.” Mayweather also today revealed that he has had offers to comeback to fight already and said that if he wanted he could sign a multi-fight contract to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship under mixed martial arts rules. As it stands his pro boxing record stands at 50-0.

BOXING:

Promoter reveals plans for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight

Mayweather

global, mega Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight is something that all parties involved want and now one of the promoters has spoken of how he wants to do it. Tyson Fury received the good news this week that he is free to apply for his British Boxing Board of Control license again in January and straight away he called out Anthony Joshua once he got the good news. Following that, he also sent a “special message” to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn where he was less than complimentary to the Englishman. Speaking to IFL TV, Hearn spoke of his delight to see Fury back and how they plan on making a mega fight with him and current heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua: “I saw his Instagram to me but I’ve got a very love hate relationship with Tyson Fury. When I see him he tends to love me. We’ve talked to MTK. We’d like to make him an offer to fight and we would like to make that lead towards the Anthony Joshua fight. Obviously if he’s with us (Matchroom) its a lot easier to make that fight. Politics wont get in the way and in the mean time we’ve got a few other heavyweights for him to fight as well – Dillian Whyte, Tony Bellew, AJ. That’s a nice little three-fight deal. Listen, he’s (Fury) a character. We’re pleased to see him back.” A match between Joshua and Fury would easily be one of the biggest fights in world boxing given their history and star status at present. People who don’t even follow boxing would likely tune in to watch one of those rare boxing events that reaches many outside the sport. For the full interview with IFL YouTube check it out here:

ormer champions clash in Winnipeg, Canada, this weekend, as two experienced veterans put it on the line for a crack at the 175lb title. Rafael Dos Anjos has only had two fights in the welterweight division but in a solid debut against Tarec Saffiedine and a first round submission over Neil Magny, he has positioned himself against Dos Anjos in a contender fight in a very short time. Magny is a tall, well-rounded fighter and Saffiedine is an excellent striker with good takedown defence. Two tough tests for a former lightweight champion to see where he stacks up against the top 10 in the division above, and Dos Anjos passed with flying colours. Now it’s time to step up once more and the next level is “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, the former welterweight champion and one of the most respected and seasoned fighters in the sport. He showed up in the Octagon 15 years ago as a tough 20 year old brawler with natural power and a lot of potential. At this stage in his career he was still a raw talent, but fighting out of the renowned Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa he was improving fast. Alongside greats like Matt Hughes, Jens Pulver and Spencer Fisher, it was the perfect place for a young fighter to learn his trade. After amassing a UFC record of 4-3, taking him to 8-3 overall, his martial arts journey took him on a tour of the other big promotions around the world. That experience proved invaluable, and following appearances in Pride, EliteXC and Strikeforce, the ruthless one returned to his old stomping grounds and re-signed with the UFC. Almost 10 years since his last fight in the Octagon, Lawler made his presence known at UFC 157 in February 2013, knocking out Josh Koscheck in devastating fashion. By the end of 2013 he had three impressive victories and was set to face Johny Hendricks in the new year. In what turned out to be ‘Fight of the Year’ in March 2014, Lawler lost a hard-fought five round decision, but was back in title contention by December and was successful in the title rematch. In his first defence, at UFC 189, he not only retained his world title, but also his ‘Fight of the Year’ title. This time it was against Rory MacDonald in what was one of the most incredible fights I’ve ever watched. I actually have a photo from the fifth round on my home gym wall to inspire me during my own training sessions. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend that you check it out. Needless to say Lawler is one of the few fighters that achieved ‘legend status’ whilst still active. He lost the title last year to current champ, Tyron Woodley, but got back in the win column with a tough threerounder against Donald Cerrone at UFC 214 this summer. This fight is his opportunity to get back to the top of the division and a win here gets him half way there. I feel like Rafael Dos Anjos brings some new challenges to Robbie and I am intrigued as to how this fight will play out. Coming up from lightweight, Dos Anjos will be slightly undersized, giving up three to four inches in height and reach. What he lacks in stature though, he makes up for in work rate and aggression. Typical of the Rafael Cordeiro style of Muay Thai, Dos Anjos commands the centre of the Octagon with good hand combinations and punishing low kicks. Adding in clinch work and takedowns, he reminds his opponents that a ground assault is also an option, making them more jumpy when he moves forward. He is a skilled technician in all ranges, but will have to be cautious of that single punch knockout ability when closing in. Lawler learned early on what his gifts are and he built his whole game around them. Over a 15 year career he has honed those skills to the point where he was the best in the world in his weight class and he still feels like he can prove that status once more. For Dos Anjos it is about breaking a record and realising a dream. A win here gives him the opportunity to be the first Brazilian two-weight champion and add his name to a very exclusive page in the history books. They both have about as much experience as each other and they will both need to draw on that to get the victory this weekend and move on to the title attempt. This card is loaded with talent, from the first fight to the main event. Kicking off the preliminary card we have the UK’s own Danny Roberts, taking on a very durable and strong Nordine Taleb. Then the main card begins with Misha Cirkunov and Glover Teixeira, both trying to gain ground in the busy light-heavyweight top 10. The co-main between Emmett and Lamas will be a great scrap but the firecracker on the night will be Santiago Ponzinibbio against “Platinum” Mike Perry.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08038099089. Editor Daily: TONY AMOKEODO

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Business & Economy Daily Times Nigeria

N50 bn away from TSA - Baru denies linking Kyari to the act Page B2

Simon Ugwu The Forte Oil PLC and new owners of the Geregu Power Plant in Kogi State have invested $94 million in the plant targeting to raise its generation capacity from 414 megawatts to 434 megawatts of electricity. This development was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 22nd monthly meeting of the Power Sector Operators, hosted by the Kogi State Government in collaboration with Geregu Power Plc at Geregu Power Plant, Ajaokuta, Kogi State. The meeting according to the communiqué, “Acknowledged the Kogi State Government for resolving the way leave problems that were preventing progress on the

Lawmakers hail planned 3,000MW Power Project for Lagos Page B7

AFIA raises alarm over increasing fraud in public sectors Page B6

Forte Oil, Others Invest $94m in Geregu Power Plant construction of the TCN substation of Kabba. Completion of the substation will increase delivery of power to Kabba and environs. “It also acknowledged significant improvement of generation capability from what it was in January/March 2017, when it was constrained by gas and debts to GenCos and Gas Suppliers.” The meeting “Acknowledged that the 701bn guarantee programme has helped secure the production side of the value chain by enabling NBET to pay generating compa-

nies and gas suppliers. “As an example of improvements in generation, only one out of three turbines each in Geregu I and II were running when the Honourable Minister visited in 2016, and now all three turbines in Geregu I are running. The new challenge is that turbine output is curtailed due to insufficient distribution infrastructure to take the power from the power plants. The meeting also noted that available nationwide generation capacity has reached

over 7000MW, which can be evacuated due to TCN’s efforts to improve and complete transmission facilities with the support of state governments such as Kogi State. Distribution Companies have pledged to match the transmission capacity in order to deliver the additional 2000MW to consumers. “That on Friday December 8th, 2017, a peak generation of 5155MW was reached, surpassing the previous peak of 5074MW in February 2016, which is the product of teamwork from the Presidency,

IATA, African Development Bank sign MoU to advance

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu

Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Motolani Oseni

TCN, and all government agencies, as well as private generation and distribution companies and the support of the various communities, such as Ajaokuta, who play host to our vital power infrastructure. “Reiterated efforts to add incremental power in 2018, from the following plants: Azura (450MW), Katsina Wind Farm (10MW), Gbarain (115MW),Gurara (30 MW), DadinKowa (29MW), Kaduna (215MW), and Kashimbilla (40MW) which will require significant upgrades in distribution to reach customers, excluding the mini-grids and solar home systems that will come on-

Continues On Page B2

Ministry reinstates commitments to providing uninterrupted supply

L – R shows Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) presenting a replica of the gong to Annabelle Degroot, Managing Director, International Breweries Plc during the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange today in Lagos.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for collaboration to boost the

Saturday, December 16, 2017

aviation sector in Africa. The MoU was signed in Abuja on the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s World Aviation Forum, “Financing the Development of Aviation Infrastructure” by IATA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Alexandre de Juniac, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina. The aviation industry in Africa currently supports US $72.5 billion in economic activity and 6.8 million jobs. Over the next 20 years, the industry is forecast to grow at nearly 6% per year. “This creates signifi-

cant opportunities. But achieving this potential will not happen by chance; strong partnerships are key. The MoU with AfDB will help facilitate the growth and development of Africa’s aviation industry. “In so doing, it will expand prosperity and change peoples’ lives for the better in the continent’s 54 nations,” de Juniac told the African Aviation Ministers, Africa aviation industry experts, and airline executives present at the signing ceremony. Under the MoU, IATA and the AfDB will work in partnership to further Africa’s economic and social development by helping

build a safe, secure and efficient aviation industry. The two organizations have committed to create and implement programs and projects, including technical cooperation for capacity building. Priority areas will include improving connectivity, safety and aviation infrastructure. “The aviation sector is especially important as it opens up doors to investors,” said Adesina. “Very few invest where it’s difficult to travel to. That’s why ease of access via air travel is strongly correlated to economic growth. We must make regional aviation markets competitive and drive down costs.

The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing wishes to restate that the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) of the Federal Government is aimed at rejuvenating the nation’s education system by providing uninterrupted power supply to a total of 37 federal universities and 7 university teaching hospitals. This clarification has become necessary in the light of the misrepresentation of the Programme as a mere “solar –powered streetlight project in nine universities across the country valued at N10bn,” by news media while purportedly reporting the proceedings of the 2018 Budget Defense Meeting of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy attended by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency on Thursday, 14th December 2017. News report claimed that the Senate “criticized a solar-powered streetlight project” thereby deliberately misrepresenting the Energizing Education Programme (EEP).Far from being a “streetlight” project, the EEP in fact seeks to rejuvenate the education system through electrifying a total of 37 federal universities and 7 university teaching hospitals, with Independent Power Plants (IPPS), which will boost effective learning, innovation and advancement through uninterrupted power sup-

Continues On Page B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

StarTimes introduces 3 exciting channels to customers Desirous of ensuring that customers receive the best possible access to great entertainment this yuletide season, leading digital Pay TV Company,StarTimes have introduced 3 new additional channels to its bouquet this December. According to the company, Ngbati and Arewa Television, both language channels will air on channel 137 channel 138 while U-LaffTV, a comedy focused channel will air on channel 131 all on the digital terrestrial platform. Speaking on the launch of the channels, the Brand and Marketing Director, StarTimes Nigeria, QasimElegbede,said: “We are very excited about our new channel offerings and the role of StarTimes in promoting local content and cultural values. It is a true testament of our vision to transform the paytelevision landscape in the country and make digital television services a musthave for all Nigerians. Subscribers can now look out for more interesting movies and series in Hausa and

Igbo languages and local English comedy. “StarTimes has in the last one month upgraded its channel list on the Digital Terrestrial platform, allowing customers who use the antenna to watch as much as 80 exciting channels cutting across Movies, News, Sports, Series, Kiddies, Animal Documentary, Religious Channels and lots more”, he concluded. Qasim furthered explained that “Our strategy is to contribute to Nigeria’s digital migration via sensible infrastructure investment and competitive service delivery. With the debut of, Arewa TV, Ngbati TV and U-laff Comedy TV,our viewers across the globe now have access to high-quality audio-visual channels to enjoy Nigerian life, culture, language, arts and entertainment. StarTimes is the leading digital-TV operator in Africa, covering the entire continent’s population with a massive distribution network of 200 branded halls, 3,000 conveniencestores and more than 5,000 distributors.

TCN adds 1,100 MW to national grid ...Completes 18 projects Myke Uzendu, Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has completed over 18 high voltage transformers to facilitate the evacuation of 1,100 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid by January 2018. The Interim Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr Usman Gur Mohammed disclosed this yesterday during a tour of some of the substations in Apo and Katampe in Abuja and Suleja in Niger state. According to the TCN boss, said that the projects have been completed and will be commissioned from December 2017 to the end of January 2018 after which it will begin to re-conduct transmission lines to ensure the added power capacities are evacuated after the first quar-

ter of next year. He noted that the projects are being executed under the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) which seeks to expand the grid to 20,000MW in the next four years. “In line with our strategy, we are completing across the country several projects which would cumulatively add over 1,000mw transformer capacity to the grid before January 31, 2018. The Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP) which is one of the projects under REP was successfully negotiated and finalised with the World Bank on December 8,” he explained. Mohammed lauded the company for wheeling the highest peak generation of 5,155mw recently saying, “We must work towards a national peak of 6,000mw in the early part of next year.”

Managing Director/CEO, GEOPLAX, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya; General Manager, Corporate Business, Sterling Bank, Gboyega Adegun; Chief Executive Officer, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Ranti Omole; Managing Director, Sterling Bank, Yemi Adeola and Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Sterling Bank, Kayode Lawal, during the 2017 PETAN Oil industry Dinner and award held at Oriental Hotel, VI Lagos...recently

N50bn outside TSA: Baru denies Kyari’s involvement

By Idu Jude Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclaimed the allegation that its Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, had ever stated in any fora that the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, “directed the Corporation to keep the sum of N5 0billion away from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).” In a press statement signed by the group general manager public affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the NNPC wishes to state that the allegation

is baseless, and is a clear misrepresentation of the truth, fabricated by an online publication recently. Ndu Ughamadu said that by virtue of the operations of the NNPC, the Corporation had made series of compelling cases to the Presidency and the Central Bank of Nigeria to allow certain categories of accounts operate outside the TSA, as they contain co-mingled funds governed by detailed agreements with local and international implications. He also said that the NNPC equally wishes to state that while these necessary ap-

provals sought by the NNPC were graciously given by the Presidency, the Chief of Staff merely conveyed the notice of these approvals to the corporation. In the same vein, members of the relevant committee of the National Assembly have requested for copies of such approvals, which were duly provided by the Corporation. To claim that the Chief of Staff single-handedly approved these exemptions was not only unfair, but is a complete misrepresentation of facts to mislead the general public. The NNPC under Dr. Baru

Baru has in the past few months been engulfed in several controversies including the battle with the Minister of state for Petroleum resources Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachuikwu.

Ministry reinstates commitments Forte Oil, Others Invest $94 to providing Million in Geregu Power Plant Continued from Page B1 ply. In addition to helping to extend electrification to rural and underserved areas in which the institutions are located ultimately, the Programme will enable the institutions benefit from world-class training schools, for the training of students in renewable energy, as well as provide optimized security, for the safety and well being of students and staff, through the installation of streetlights on campus which is only a small component of the Project. Although implementation of this programme is led by the power sector, through the Rural Electri-

Continued from Page B1

fication Agency, the Vice Chancellors and the Ministry of Education have signed onto this as a critical investment in the education sector. The deliberate attempt to water down the significant impact this Programme will have on the enhanced education of Nigerian students is outright unpatriotic as it seeks to prevent the socioeconomic development of our nation. In addition to the open and transparent coverage of the milestones attained preparatory to the take off of the Project like the Meetings and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the REA.

stream in 2018 – all off-grid. “The Honourable Minister disclosed that he had held discussions with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and various Chambers of Commerce to change the normal power conversation from ‘I have no power’ to ‘How can I get delivery of some of the unutilized 2000 MW generation capacity?’. “Identified projects which Kogi State is directly benefitting from NDPHC improvements in distribution infrastructure in Okene, Idah, Confluence Beach, Ankpa, Felele, Ohunene, and Ayingba areas of the state. “Progress was noted

on service related issues to improve the experience of power in Nigeria, such as minimising estimated billing, the rollout of metering, and improvement of service quality. “NDPHC noted that construction on Okija and Omotosho community connection project is complete and is awaiting energization by December 31, 2017.

“Generating Companies, Distribution Companies and TCN committed to improving customer service in the power sector by informing customers at least 7 days in advance of any planned repair or maintenance out-

Tours&Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Obangogo Hills: Heritage seeking for attention Simon Ugwu with agency report

Obangogo Hills is many things to many people. To some, it’s a mesh of interlocking caves where the people hid from advancing armies and slave raiders in times past. Meanwhile, there are legends alluding to a King, Elegha, the Ako Kereje, Kereje, whose coffin turned into a stone. In fact, a part of the hill is said to sound like the talking drum. However, one thing is certain; it’s a major tourism site for the people. Standing at an imposing height of 700 meters, Obangogo Hills in Egunbe Community in Kabba, Kogi State, is an eternal spectacle; inspiring fascination and awe in equal measure. Among the dozens of hills that surround Kabba, Obangogo is singled out for its myth. While the fables surrounding, which may sound ridiculous are chiefly promoted by the locals, its allure is being discovered all over again in recent years by an increasing stream of visitors, who are out to verify the supernatural powers that resides in the mountain or simply take advantage of the leisure benefits. At the peak of Obangogo is a pool of spring water, which is believed to possess healing powers. Similar curative abilities are believed of the five mystical lakes on the hill called Ako. The rock formation on the hills provides a spectacular and engaging phenomenon that will interest photographers and filmmakers. To others, Obangogo is a haven of peace for meditation. There are caves in the hill that people

hide in during the wars and slave raiding. Located about kilometers about five kilometeres off the Okene – Kabba Expressway, by the permanent site of College of Education (Technical), Gbeleko, the increasing pride of Kabba indigenes in promoting their cultural assets has compelled many of them to join the celebration tied around Obangogo, which holds on December 26. As the scope of the festivity expands every year, the Kogi State government may have to exploit the economic and social values of the festival by providing the necessary infrastructure like accessible roads, electricity and accommoda-

out of place to task wealthy and influential sons and daughters of Kabba to step and provide these facilities, if the government fails to do so. Since the Kogi State government has not shown a desire to exploit the vast tourism potentials in different parts of the state like the colonial heritage in Lokoja, expecting government intervention in Obangogo, while desirable, may be far-fetched. But the Kabba people can force the hand of the government to see the vast revenue that can accrue to it and the incredible streams of revenue that come to the locals if Obangogo is developed to maximize its advantage for sight-seeing, adventure, picnic, holidays and business.

Already, a group of Kabba natives led by Mr. Steve Babaeko, the founder and CEO of X3M Group, have begun a deliberate process to elevate Obangogo Hill into the reckoning for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The undiluted culture and natural history recommends this great tourist attraction. This may not be a difficult task since all they need to do is to follow the laiddown procedures, which similar sites like the Osun Osogbo Grove, to achieve this much needed global recognition. Last year, the First Lady of Kogi State, Mrs. Rashidat Bello was honoured as the ‘Face of Obangogo.’ She was expected to use her eminence to galvanise goodwill for sustainable

development of this emerging tourist site. Media reports detail the effort of the curator of Obangogo, Mr. Ben Owoleke. He said the Obangogo committee for each year has been striving to catch the attention of the world by creating awareness for the hill. He said,“Each year, we form a committee; we started making it open and going to the mountain in year 2013. That was the first time we visited the place in good numbers. By 2014, some people came from America and South Africa, 2015 was great and 2016 was the peak, a lot of government officials came and the first lady agreed to be the face of Obangogo, we had a great time.”

Kajuru Castle: Mountain resort with a difference Kajuru Castle is a remote piece of wilderness most Nigerians have never heard of – and only a few have been there. Designed typically European and similar to what is seen on Western TV or publications. Kajuru Castle is a luxury resort built in early medieval style at Kajuru village, Kaduna State in 1978 by a German expatriate, who lived in Kaduna at the time. It took five

years to build complete with turrets, armoury and dungeon, Located at about 45 kilometres from Kaduna on the Southern Kachia road is the village of Kajuru. If one takes to the road at the right, in the centre of the town and drives past the Local Government Headquarters, for about 5-7 kilometres, one will see on the left a strange sight on a mountain ridge; a European castle in Af-

rica! Indeed, the first timer may assume he is imagining things or his eyes are probably playing games on him, but this is for real. The breathtaking architectural master-piece is a tourist wonder of sorts. The style is very European and clearly German with a baronial hall, complete with suits of armour. Being surrounded on all sides by mountains and hills give the castle a setting and an ambience

that offers a ‘Home away from Home’ experience for visitors, who need the sort of serenity to refresh, to reflect or simply to get away from a busy schedule. The castle’s remote location and hilly topography is ideal for a hike. In the castle, there are bedrooms looking like dungeons and several towers with crenelated walls.

The rooms are spread across the castle’s three floors, inside the structure to the left, which is the one that has the turrets at the top. On the right is the cylindrical castle building, also with its own apartments and rooms which include four dungeon-like bedrooms, a master suite (referred to as the Landlord’s residence and a baronial hall with a complement of armour.

Tours & Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, December 16, 2017

Olu of Ibogun: The culture, glamour of monarch’s coronation The historic day climaxed activities marking the official coronation of a respected Oba, the Olu of Ibogun Balogun land, Ogun State, HRH Oba Fakayode Faluade Adeshina. And the occasion saw a display of custom and tradition of the people. Gaily dressed people from near and far thronged the coronation arena, singing and dancing to rendition of music and songs. The masqueardes were not left out as they entertained the audience with spectacular dance steps. Interesting, however, Ibogun is the ancestral community of Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo. For Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, it was mission fulfilled. Although Amosun said the state is still battling on how to resolve the over 250 Obaship’s request across its several domains, the day’s occasion was another historic moment of his administration. He said once an obaship case is resolved for good, the appointed should see he opportunity as a means to serve his people, the state and work towards the development of his domains. Amosun, who spoke at the official coronation and presentation of staff office to the new Olu of Ibogun Balogun land, HRM Oba Fakayode Faluade Adeshina on Saturday, believed that traditional institutions across the state would continue to be accorded respect with a view to enhancing culture, tradition and tourism development. Addressing the large crowd comprising government functionaries, traditional rulers

OBA SHOTOBI - At the grand finale of annual Ogun Festival kicks off and Ifa priest, among other dignitaries, Amosun, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Jide Ojuko,

said, “Let me reiterate that the appointment of an Oba has fulfilled the Biblical injunction: “Many are called but few are chosen!”

This is because there are too many requests for upgrading from the position of Baales to the status Oba from almost all settlements in our dear state, which are yet to be granted. I am, therefore imploring our new Kabiyesi, to see your appointment as a call to service. You should also ensure that you mobilize your subjects for the execution of worthwhile self-help projects, in a bid to complement government’s efforts towards socio-economic development of the state. Amosun enjoined Oba Fakayode to continue to champion effort that would further enhance peaceful co-existence with other royal fathers within ifo local government where the new monarch domain is also situated. He equally encouraged Fakayode’s subjects to work with him in developing Ibogun-Balogun which he governor described as developing community. He said, “On the part of our administration, we owe the people of Ibogun- Balogun and the entire people of Ogun State the benefits of dividends of democracy, which are already evident across the state. We remain unwaveringly committed to implementing religiously the ‘five-cardinal programme’ as enshrined in our ‘mission to rebuild’ our state.” To this end, I urge Oba to continue to mobilize your people to support our administration through prompt payment of taxes, rates and levies on which the government heavily relies to being the dividends

of democracy to our people. The Executive Chairman Ibogun-Coker Local Government, Juwon Gbadebo, said that Faluade’s was quite deserving, considering large heart. According to him, “Unequivocally, the people of Ibogun Balogun have made the right choice. Faluade’s qualities include integrity; honesty, steadfastness, and trustworthiness have given him the edge over other contenders to the throne. It is my prayers that our dear king lives in sound health and divine wisdom to rule and reign on this exalted throne.” “His passion for community development is second to none,” noted Kiadese, adding, “ “Having done so much as a private citizen, it is no doubt that his appointment will bring to bear his wealth of experience by attracting investment and providing jobs for youths in the land.” In his acceptance speech, the new monarch thanked Governor Amosun, former president Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom HRM Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosunmu, other monarchs in the state, as well as his wife, Olori Anifat Faluade. Faluade noted that lack of industrialisation and unemployment among youths had been affecting the community. He said, “We need not sleep on our oars! I do appreciate the people of Ibogun for choosing me as your new monarch. You are indeed my beloved family. As the saying goes, a tree cannot make a forest. I am therefore soliciting your maximum support, advice and cooperation to steer the wheel of prosperity of Ibogun Balogun.”

..as Olokun Festival Foundation adds colour to Lagos tourism Theresa Tekenah The Grand Finale of Annual Ogun Festival 2017 organised by Olokun Festival Foundation to celebrate Ogun the god of Iron, held on Tuesday 12, December at Ikorodu Town Hall, Lagos. The festival had in attendance many traditional rulers, community leaders in Ikorodu area and Oodua People’s Congress’ (OPC’s) coordinators worldwide. The crowd was thrilled to the rich cultural presentation by the Oodua

Cultural Troupe and music performance by King (Dr). Saheed Osuba (Obanla). The National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), Otunba Gani Adams said celebrating Ogun is always a unique experience, especially because Ogun is usually celebrated in the season of festivals. “I plead with you, to let us join hands as a people to redeem our culture. Let us be the leading light in the struggle to dispel the wrong beliefs about the

Yoruba deities, heroes, tradition and cultural heritage”. The Aare Ona Kakanfo designate said, “I am happy that indigenes of Ikorodu are versed in the knowledge of truth about Yoruba deities, ancestors, heroes and heroines, as well as our cultural heritage and traditions. “Today’s event is a testimony of progress and development for everybody here present, particularly the commercial transport business owners who make sacrifice to Ogun for spiritual, social and economic benefits.”

He said,”Because Ogun has shown love to you, please reciprocate his gesture by spreading love within your communities as well. “When all of us do that, the Yoruba landscape will be rich in love and the unity which we so much crave will be there for us because love provokes unity.” Also speaking, the Royal Host, HRM. Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi (KASI), said that Ogun worship is not a religion, but a tradition, while thanking everyone for making this year’s festival a success.

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, December 16 , 2017

Tours & Travels

Lagos contributes 73% to Nigeria’s ease of doing business rating – Ambode Stories By Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Lagos State alone contributed 73 per cent to the 2018 World Bank’s rating of Nigeria on the ease of doing business, a global competitive index for measuring business regulations, the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said. Also, the governor said the state, currently with an estimated population of over 22 million people, has received more foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the last two and half years than it received in the previous 15 years. He made the disclosure at a strategic meeting he held with the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer, alongside some delegates of the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) at the State House, Alausa yesterday. Established in 1998, MEDEF is the largest employer federation in France. However, MEDEF replaced the National Council of the French Employers (CNPF) founded in 1946. Now it has more than 750,000 member firms, 90 per cent of them being small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees. At the meeting which the Lagos State Officer of Overseas Affairs and Investment coordinated, the governor said the resolve of the state government to enhance the ease of doing business in the state had started yielding dividends. He noted that Nigeria moved 24 steps in the recently announced World Bank’s Ease of

Doing Business ranking, noting that it was most gladdening “to remember that Lagos State alone contributed 73 per cent to the World Bank’s ranking of Nigeria on this front.” He, therefore, said the state government would continue “to inspire confidence among investors worldwide and it is a fact that Lagos has received more FDIs in the last two and half years than it received in the previous 15 years.” By implication, the governor added that the state’s modest achievement “has been made possible by our resolve to improve security of lives and property in the State, by embarking on security and justice sector reforms, by lightening up Lagos streets and by easing the passage of traffic across the state.” “In the nearest future, Lagos State will put in place an intermodal transportation system, taking full advantage of our waterways, rail networks to mention but a few. As a country, we have had a great relationship with France even if this slowed down some time back,” Ambode explained. With what it has to offer, the governor said Lagos State could spearhead the revival of this relationship and the ushering in of a stimulating cooperation between Lagos and France, noting that Lagos is open to business. Consequently, he urged the French business community not “to miss out on the real and great opportunities that exist in Lagos State in such sectors as health, agriculture, transportation, energy, tourism and entertainment among others.”

He noted that Lagos might be the smallest state in Nigeria by size, but it was the most populous State in the country with 22 million people and with a GDP of $136 billion, which he said, earned it a prime place of Africa’s fifth largest economy, much bigger than several African states’ economies combined. The governor, thus, said now that the French business giants have witnessed the prog-

ress our government has made in the last two years especially in the area of infrastructure development and creating an enabling environment for business in the state, it is my hope that you will be encouraged to invest in Lagos.” In its 2018 report, the World Bank had ranked Nigeria 145th, precisely 24 positions better than the 169th position the country was ranked in the 2017 report. The report showed

that Nigeria was among the 10 top countries that improved on reforms. Although the report ranked New Zealand first on the ease of doing business index for the second consecutive year, it listed the areas that Nigeria improved with reforms to include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering a property, getting credit and paying taxes.

Association wants return of Ministry of Tourism Nkereuwem Onung, President Nigerian Tour Operators (NTO), has called for the restoration of the Ministry of Tourism, to enable the tourism sector contribute effectively to the economic development of the country. Onung stated this in an interaction with the News Men in Abuja. He said that the amalgam of the Ministry of tourism with Information led to tourism be-

coming a department in the ministry noting that `this has not augur well with the growth of the sector’. So we are calling on the Federal Government to give us a separate ministry so that we can articulate issues of tourism very well. “Nigeria now needs to get back to tourism in view of the global fall in crude oil price. He explained that if the min-

istry of tourism is restored, it would assist in boosting the revenue of the country also fast track tourism development in Nigeria. Onung said that this would also attract more foreign exchange to the country as well as create employment opportunities for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths. “Tourism runs through channels with statistics, it is not

based on putting the right structures in place for tourism. “We have the statistics; it is not about people coming to your country, it is about doing things that will appeal to people to come into your country,’’ he said. Onung also quoted Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information as saying that there were `several’ tourism centres in the country that have been abandoned but needed to be re-

vived. He said that going by the minister’s position, it has become necessary for the Federal Government to develop its tourism sector like countries such as South African, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt. Onung said that these countries through tourism have been able to generate more revenues to boost the economies of their countries.

Busines Review

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

AFIA raises the alarm over increasing fraud in public sectors Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Association of Forensic and Investigative Auditors (AFIA) on Friday raised the alarm over what it described as increasing rate of fraud and corruption in public sectors in Nigeria and the African continent at large. The association noted that with fraud costing entities an estimated 60 percent of their annual revenues, organizations lacking proactive fraud preventive measures are the most vulnerable. President of the association, Mrs Enape Victoria Ayishetu who made the disclosure during a training and induction of new members, titled “Transiction to Forensic and Investigative Audit 2”, added “virtually all entities suffer from fraud, though management might not know it.” Ayishetu said while the regulatory measures and internal controls in reporting requirements help to lessen the possibilities for falsified activities to take place, history has shown that indigenous employees can and have manipulated even the best control systems for personal gain. She explained that forensic and investigative auditors are trained with advanced auditing knowledge which enables them to see and detect what Statutory Auditors cannot see. The president called on Nigerian government to patronize made in Nigeria to grow Nigeria by ensuring the speedy passage of our bill at the Senate. She said “Our work majorly is to prevent, detect and put in place some measures to stop the wrong from taking place in future with the use of science and technology. This implies that after training of members they will be equipped with advanced Audit skills that enables them find out who, what, where, why, when and how the wrong took place. “More importantly they will put together and implement the right systems and meaningful controls to prevent internal and external fraud from happening again.” Forensic Auditing encompasses both litigation supports (expert witness testimony, presentation of supporting documents showing fraud, etc saying that AFIA is duly regis-

Buhari tered in Nigeria with the headquarters in Canada. Corporate crime is an unlikeable fact in today’s big business world. It has touched every country, every industry, and has no sign of stopping. In the past 10 years, the number of reported cases of fraud and corruption has continued to grow radically across regions. Compounding these are the challenges faced by the audit team and a general lack of the necessary skills set to collect right audit evidence so critical to criminal investigations. We are the world’s leading anti-fraud organization and premier provider of antifraud training and education. We are professionals from forensic and investigative audit fields desirous to offer a platform for energetic and practical professionals to learn the techniques that go beyond the basic knowledge of accounting, auditing and finance. In view of the forgoing, training of External and Internal Auditors, Statutory Auditors in public and private organisations and the general public through to certification to ensure they are equipped with the skills for fraud prevention, with the use of digital technologies is one of the major reasons

for our existence. No fraud, however big is technically sophisticated, only lack of control has helped it to go through in the absence of perfect training. Therefore, there is a need to have forensic auditors with advanced knowledge who understand the details of frauds, why they happen, how they can be prevented, detected and how best to move forward once fraud surfaces. Many cases of financial statement misrepresentation have been reported and to that extent affected a lot of companies and organizations locally and internationally. Invariably in most instances, it is the auditor that bears most of the blames. Please, it worth of note that Association of Forensic and Investigative Auditors are the last hope of our country Nigeria because traditional audit has failed us and already expired long ago, which was the reason for the case of missing $20 billion at NNPC in 2014 without detecting it with the prescience of internal and External Auditors. AFIA is capable of transforming traditional or statutory Auditors through training and certification to enable them get the necessary skills that can help them to detect and prevent fraud which in turn assists in

restoring sanity in Nigeria Financial Management system and bring back our economy to its original condition. The common failure in many organizations and business systems is that this control is largely set by employees who have no experience on reading fraudsters mind. They do not have adequate knowledge of what can go wrong. Therefore, this control becomes more of management information system (MIS) than control to prevent wrongs. Better the forensic auditors; better the controls and lesser the risk of fraud in any organisation in Nigeria. World over, secular losses, corporate collapse and major economic scandals have become regular business news item. This has drawn the line light on company directors, owners and regulators on below the mark corporate governance practices, failure of risk management strategies and the wide spread existence of unethical business practices. Technological advancement, change of workplace values and inadequate know-how on the part of audit and risk managers are some of the major contributions to this. Recent happening in most parts of the world show grow-

ing greed of human being and art of camouflaging of accounting facts and figures through deception by indulging in fraud and manipulation, depending upon the position that one holds. Government has lost a lot of money in the past few years to fraud which has emptied some country treasury’s like that of Nigeria, and this is due to the inability and inadequacies of traditional auditing process and reporting. Alarming increase of financial fraud, inability of internal audit to prevent and sniff out the financial fraud has given rise to new profession known as forensic and investigative audit. Consequent upon the importance of Forensic and Investigative Audit in fraud prevention, detection and the desires of Nigerian government to eradicate corruption from our dear life, a special call is being made today to Nigerian government and all stake holders to join hands in ensuring the passage of the bill of Association of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria, which has all it takes to stop all forms of financial fraud and unethical behaviour in government and private organisations, by putting in place preventive measures with the use of advanced Auditing knowledge and technological tools. The need of Nigeria to move at par with other countries of the world by making haste to pass the bill of forensic and Investigative Audit cannot be over emphasised. With this, our country will be attraction to other countries of the world who are scared of us. Besides, under development in our country will be a thing of the past, and untimely death as a result of abject pervert, criminal and criminalities will reduce because there will be enough money to employ youths, build hospitals ,roads for our people. To crown it all, it will save Nigerian government cost of inviting foreign Forensic Auditors to our country like in the case of NNPC missing $20 billion. Forensic Auditors look beyond and behind figures financial statement and figures as they focus on investigative audit in search of financial fraud by finding the inadequacies and shortcomings in the existing system and

Business Features

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Lawmakers hail planned 3,000MW Power Project for Lagos

Ambode

Ayade

Simon Ugwu Some lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly said that the N1.046 trillion Lagos State Budget proposal Government would facilitate growth and development. The lawmakers hailed the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for prioritising capital expenditure. According to them, since the 2017 budget performance was above 70 percent, the 2018 budget will transform the state, especially through a planned power project. Ambode presented the 2018 budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Progress and Development” before the state House of Assembly on Monday. The budget size, which represented a 28.67 percent increase over the 2017 budget of N812 billion, had a capital expenditure of N699 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N347 billion. The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr. Tunde Braimoh said: “The budget is apt, ambitious, lofty and welltargeted at transforming the Lagos State economy and infrastructure.’’ Braimoh noted that the budget provided for a power project aimed at boosting econom-

ic activities of the state. According to him, the epileptic power supply has caused severe damage to the nation’s economy, and if Lagos State Government can provide regular power supply, it will boost investments. “The problem of power supply has made our country to lose its industrial base. The budget will change the topography of Lagos,’’ he said. The lawmaker, however, said that there was the need to sustain the robust relationship between the legislative and executive arms of the government for expedited implementation of the budget. On whether the budget will be passed before January, the spokesman said that it might not be possible as the Assembly would do proper scrutiny of the budget before its passage. Braimoh, however, said that the lawmakers would sacrifice their comfort to ensure quick passage of the budget without compromising standards. Also speaking, Mr. Setonji David, the Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said: “It is a great thing that the budget of

Lagos State is over N1 trillion. “It means Lagos is moving and more infrastructure development on the way. The ratio of capital expenditure to recurrent expenditure is fantastic, and this means the governor is visionary. “It is quite impressive that the governor budgeted massively for the embedded power project to light up the state for industrialisation,” David said. Mr. Olusegun Olulade, the Acting Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, said that the budget would galvanise result in accelerated development of the state. The Acting Chairman of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (Local), Prince Adebisi Yusuf, who expressed satisfaction at the 2017 budget performance, said that the 2018 Budget would be better implemented. Ambode stated during the budget proposal that his administration would have direct intervention in the power value chain toward generating 3,000MW Embedded Power Programme- a three-year plan to achieve regular power supply for the state in 2018. “The challenge of inadequate power supply must be

resolved for our economy to perform optimally, and we believe the provision of this essential utility can no longer be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone. “We must complement each other for the overall development of our nation,’’ the governor said. In a related development, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) granted the Cross River State Government a power generation license for the construction of a 528MW floating power plant in the state. The license was handed over to a delegation from Cross River led by the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade in a brief ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The vice chairman of the commission, Mr. Sanusi Garba commended Governor Ayade for providing the enabling environment for investors to invest in the state. “I would like to commend Governor Ayade for providing the enabling environment for investors like MGIG to invest in power generation. Cross River is endowed with lots of natural resources which en-

ables her to play a central role in the power sector” Also speaking during the license issuing ceremony, Governor Ben Ayade commended NERC for its capacity and professionalism while processing the license. “I thank the management of NERC for its professionalism while processing this license considering that the last document in the application was submitted last year” Governor Ayade also used the opportunity to advocate for proper monitoring of DISCOS to ensure better service delivery. He said the adequate supply of power is central to the industrialization policy of his administration and promised to assist NERC in carrying out its statutory functions. In his vote of thanks, a commissioner in the commission, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye thanked Governor Ayade for his dynamism and charged state governments to assist NERC in the areas of safety and removal of buildings under high tension cables. According to Akpeneye, other areas his commission needs assistance include Customer enumeration, electricity theft and payment of bills.

Personal Finance B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 16, 2017

Personal finance tips to adopt during festive seasons Bonny Amadi The common song in the voice of many people currently is merry Christmas in advance. While some would say season’s greetings, others would say merry Christmas and happy New Year. Indeed, the season comes with euphoria and this translates to impact on the finances of all irrespective of faith or gender. While many have learnt to manage the impulse and temptations associated with the season, many others are still being caught in the net of financial recklessness and associated excessive spending or indebtedness that trails the season. Experts, including Martin Upton, Director of the True Potential Centre for the Public Understanding of Finance at The Open University Business School UK and Gerard Phillips, managing Director of Wealth Smart Australia among others in their works enumerated the need to be more prudent in spending during festive seasons such as Christmas and New Year celebrations. Areas that should be of concern to personal finance are as enumerated below Make priority, budget for Christmas First, draw up a budget for your Christmas spending – not just presents, but the additional spending on food, drink and socializing. Embed this Christmas element of your budget within the rest of the household budget, so that you can manage the overall effect Christmas spending has on your finances over a number of months. Try not to allow yourself to be pressurised, by even by your children or close family, into spending more than you can really afford or already budget for. Adhere to strict management of your finances over the festive Season With Christmas on its way, you’ should have plenty of good fantasies and engagements beckoning for attention, which may include , weddings, parties, launchings, reunions with old friends, home decorations, and lots of delicious food. But it’s easy to get caught up in the hype and see a significant drain on your hard-earned savings. Debt can quickly pile up over the festive season, particularly with some overzealous gift buying and a few too many nights out with friends. We’ve put together

five easy-to-follow tips for keeping your Christmas spending under wraps this year, and not feeling the hangover well into the New Year. Your gift buying needs close monitoring Managing your gift buying and financial assistance this season is one of the most challenging issues to deal with during the season and, if well-articulated, you will come out of the season better of. No one will argue with the giftbuying culture that thrives at Christmas time. After all, we all love a good present. Plus giving gifts is also pretty rewarding. But gift buying is one of the main areas people go overboard each Christmas. We find ourselves spending more than we can really afford or expect to impress our friends and family and business partners. The reality is a more expensive gift doesn’t always mean a better one, and with some thought and creative thinking you can buy beautiful gifts without overspending. Make a list before shopping. Before you start shopping, list everyone you need to buy for, and estimate expenses on each person. If the total costs are too extravagant, revisit the list and re-evaluate the budget. It sounds clinical, but it will help your wallet in the long run. Having a few ideas for each person will also stop you spending more on an unplanned present. Shop smart and research the best places to buy online and in store. Researching helps you find the best prices and saves you money. If you’re buying gifts for work-

mates, bulk buy a special gift and distribute one to each colleague. Plan your function spending ahead of time The thing abo ut Christmas is there are loads of functions to attend, including family events, barbecues with friends and corporate Christmas parties with your entire office, plus the smaller one with just your team. And, these functions get expensive. Plan your social calendar so you know how many events you have coming up, what will and won’t be provided at each event, and how much you’d like to spend, including food, drinks, and a taxi ride home. Make sure you set yourself a budget for each night out and stick to it. New Years and Australia Day are still to come! And whatever you do, do not hand over your credit card at the bar. Share the load when it comes to hosting If you’re hosting Christmas day lunch, or even an event coming up to Christmas, don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring a plate. A Christmas day feast can cost hundreds of dollars, so if you’re hosting, supply the turkey or a ham and maybe a few veggies, and get everyone else to bring the rest! Every family member has their specialty, whether it’s desserts, salads or meat dishes. Encourage them to bring entrees or even a bottle of wine to lighten the load so you can concentrate on the pièce de résistance. There is ALWAYS enough food, so try not to over cater. Even if you think you’ve got the bare minimum and everyone’s going to go home starving, cast your

mind back to the leftovers from last year. Prefer cheap and easy family activities over ostentatious and expensive ones If you’re lucky enough to have some time off over the festive season to spend time with your family and kids, there’s no need to go overboard with expensive family catch ups, especially when you’re already spending money on gifts and food! For instance, there would be no need preferring to slaughter a cow when you can do with a goat, or slaughtering a goat when you can do with chicken or Turkey. Dinning in expensive restaurants or crowded places should be overlooked, they are not just means of spending more, but could also be security risks. Try planning a few of these fun activities with your friends, families and children. None of them will break the bank: Take public transport into the city to enjoy the Christmas decorations and festivities. Organise a barbecue in the park with your children and a few of their (and your!) friends. Everyone brings a plate or some meat. Head down to the beach for the day. Pack some sandwiches into an esky and keep a few dollars free for ice-cream on the way home. Lock it up and throw away the key! Well, at least until after the New Year. Credit cards and Christmas may seem like the best of friends but they’re actually the worst of enemies and can get you into serious trouble if you push their relationship too far. As we said before,

don’t hand your credit card over at the bar (unless you’ve got the dosh to shout a round, in that case – go you!), and leave it at home when you go gift shopping. The basic tip – only spend what you can afford. Using your credit card is the perfect way to trick yourself into doing the opposite. Now you’ve got your budgeting under control, remember to enjoy the festive season! Drive safe, don’t drink too much, and give all your friends and family a big hug and tell them you love them, because after all that’s what it’s really about. Gerard Phillips. Gerard is the Managing Director of Wealth Smart Australia Get your finances on track in the New Year Finally, once Christmas is out of the way, you might like to join our award-winning free online course “Managing My Money.” It starts on 5 January and lasts eight weeks. Supported by True Potential LLP, we’ll cover all of the key aspects of personal financial management, including budgeting. And it’ll give you the skills to manage the financial consequences of next Christmas even more effectively! Good financial planning will help you enjoy not only the festive season’s celebrations, but the New Year too. Join “Managing My Money” now. Use savings wisely Make sure you know how your extra spend is going to be financed. Perhaps it means withdrawing funds from a savings account, in which case make sure you access the money from the account paying the least interest.

Life&

TIMES Saturday, December 16, 2017

Yinka Ayefele: Life on the feet far better than being confined to wheelchair L P

2, 3

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

I’m still waiting, hoping for a miracle –Yinka Ayefele him to the wheelchair cannot be forgotten so soon. Celebrating 20 years of that all life endeavours. With his establishment of the current biggest radio station in Ibadan, Fresh FM, Ayefele has already created a path to success for his brand. accident, success story and the establishment of a radio station. Enjoy…

years? First and foremost, I give God the glory for sparing my life; by

it ); I said I did not want to die and at the end of the day, I am

in all I give thanks to God who has always been my shield and

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Interview

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;How I changed the face of radio jingles in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; In those early days while you were pain, were there moments you forget about the pain and felt like standing up?

A lot of people do not know where to classify your kind of the more reason you have not performed on platforms like

Fresh FM is one of the biggest radio stations currently in Ibadan; at what point did you conceive the idea of wanting to own a radio station?

Do you believe in miracles?

So why the name Fresh FM? What are some of those awkward things you did in the

We have seen you perform at several top politicians events; so will you be pitching your tent soon to any of the political parties?

As an indigene of Ekiti, a lot of people will wonder why So when you got the MON, how did you feel? Why? So what is your current staff strength?

With all these you have achieved, was the accident a good thing? Looking at what have achieved, what is your dream of what you should have attained?

A lot of people know you as a voiceover artiste then than a music act and there were instances that you played with Orlando Owoh. Is that not so?

What is your relationship like with other upcoming gospel singers?

While growing up, what were the earliest things you dreamt of becoming?

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Society circle

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Isaac Oguntoye

Who is after Saraki again?

Segun Adebutu breaks new ground It is the joy of every parent by their children. Sir Kensbond penultimate Tuesday when his son, Segun Adebutu, a Nigerian business magnate, philanthropist and trained Economist broke new ground. He has business interests in oil and gas, shipping, construction, real estate, agriculture and entertainment. The Petrolex Oil and Gas

Bukola Saraki

After Code of Conduct Tribunal had discharged and acquitted Senate President, Bukola Saraki over his trial for false assets declaration, Court of Appeal in Abuja has reversed the acquittal handed to him. This according to inside sources was coming

after few days that he was seen with Senator Dino Melaye embracing Uche Secondus after he emerged as the new chairman of Peoples Democratic Party at the just concluded party convention. It was said that this triggered some APC

stalwarts to go after him, saying that Saraki and Melaye were planted in APC by PDP topnotch against the will of the party. The duo has been described as controversial and a very tricky politicians.

Rt. Hon Abdullahi Idris Garba soars sion and mission. While the forgoing may not be news, especially to those who have been following his story with interest, he is recognised as a politician whose love for fellow human beings beggars description. He seems to have entered a vow with his Creator to impact positively on humanity. Perhaps, this explains why he

Abdullahi Idris Garba

The member Representing Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency, the Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba fondly called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mai Solarâ&#x20AC;? keeps putting smiles on the faces of the people he is representing at the lower chamber of the National Assembly through the various gifts and empowerment. Due to his widely acclaimed generosity and philanthropy, the acro-

nym, Mai Solar has within a short time become a household name across the length and breadth of the state. A case study of his life shows that he has always been driven, in his inspirational journey in life, by determination and clear vision. No wonder, he has over the years been able to sustain on the tripod of uncommon brilliance, strategic planning and faithfulness to his vi-

fellow human being in distress or wants. Besides, he is ever ready to donate generously to any course mediate environment. For instance, the politician recently provided 200 pieces of sewing Machines, 120 pieces of Jincheng motorcycles, 40 pieces of Keke Napep, 200 pieces of water pumping Machines for farmers, etc. These items he presented to them after commissioning 12 well equipped Health/Maternity Centers across these LGAs recently. The distinguished member of the House of Representatives is set to do more.

Petrolex Tank farm. The Tank-farm is the largest in Sub-Saharan West Africa, sitting on a 30,000 acers of land with over 600million litres capacity storage, 4,000 truck packing space and accommodation for drivers. The Tank-farm located at Ibefun, Ijebu Ogun State was launched amidst pomp and pageantry as top political dignitaries converged in their large numbers to witness history in the making in Ogun State. On Sunday, December 10, First Lady Aisha Buhari, also tion as she commended the effort of Segun Adebutu for the great feat. She further pledged the support of the

Segun Adebutu presidency. Top guests spotted at the grand launch were Vice President Yemi Osibajo, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu represented by his deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi, Governor

of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, Senate President Bukola Saraki represented By Senator Dino Melaye, Sir Adebutu Kensington, Minister for State Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachukwu, NNPC GMD, Mr. Baru Mikanti, former Ondo Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Oba Victor Adeboye among other dignitaries and royal fathers.

Between Ayade, Senator Ita-Giwa

In politics, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests. In this country, politicians change political loyalty after every presidential election, conveniently embracing erstwhile opponents and undermining erstwhile friends. This is what is happening between Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and his erstwhile godson, the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Senator Ben Ayade. But contrary to the report that the duo are at logger-heads over their party differences after Itagiwa defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), they have cordial relationship.

Ben Ayade & Ita Giwa

A source close to the Governor and the former senator confirmed wa and Governor Ben Ayade are in cordial relationship. Everybody is aware that they both share filial relationship. Governor Ayade still holds Mama Bakassi in high esteem. The duo lately often attended the planning committee meeting for the forthcoming Calabar carnival holding this December. Senator Ita-Giwa and

Governor Ben Ayade are both members of the committee as they are often seen together laughing, exchanging ideas and pleasantries together in the single motive of moving the carnival and state forward. I will tell you authoritatively that; they are both fine with their relationship they have put their differences behind them and moved forward. There is no frasource said.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Society circle L7

Isaac Oguntoye

Crisis between Olubadan, Chioma Chukwuka joins others for THISability campaign new kings deepens As part of their contributions towards the growth of the nation and further empowerment to the otherwise known as less privileged in the society, like minds that includes Nollywood screen diva, Chioma ChukwukaApotha, Ada Onwuka, Richard Njoku, Ehindonye Arinzechukwu and Utchay Odims has come together to lend their voices on the illtreatment of what they people in the society through the world Before now, no northern judge had the power to remove a king or eastern judge had that power to remove a king, not even a governor of a state had the power in western Nigeria. But as the relationship between the government and the traditional rulers evolved over time, so many things have been politicised. One of those things is

return to the warm embrace of their father, as the palace door is perpetually open.

side sources, is that some individuals are old enough to advice a judge on what happened and what international treaty Nigeria has. Meanwhile, while etunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, is patiently waiting for the outcome of the court case, the 21 Obas are also making moves to unseat the Olubadan if he

or group of high chiefs at any time and my own reign will not be an exception. At least, we have received applications from families of about four of the embattled high chiefs asking for their immediate replacement. But, like a prodigal son, we hope that they would sooner than later renounce the unrecognized crowns and return to the warm embrace of their father as the palace

cy is ready to receive his chiefs back like a prodigal son, if they would renounce the unrecognised crowns and

chiefs not to exercise fears yet, as their seats would not be declared vacant in the absence of court verdict. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By custom and tradition, no Olubadan has been recommended for

chiefs are hereby advised to emulate high chiefs in other places, who are not wearing crowns but still earn respect of their people for peace and progress to reign supreme in the land, â&#x20AC;? he said.

Friends, associates console Wasiu Ayinde Wasilat, a 34-year-old based in Canada was the daughter of the late M.A.B FetuFetugas are part of the royal families in

disbelief on Wednesday, December 12, 2017 when the news broke that the King Marshall, lost one of his daughters, Wasilat Olaronke Anifowoshe Marshall.

love repairs the Palace or throne house, showing their connection to throne. Meanwhile, many of his friends and associates are doing their best to console him, whilst also preparing for how to bury the young lady who had relocated to Canada about a decade ago. Wasilat at 34 was the only child of her late mom, reason why she had a special place in the heart of her dad, who we hear has been inconsolable since the sad news got to him.

to actively support and encourage people in the societies living with various forms and levels of disabilities. tiative, , Project CoConvener, Utchay Odims disclosed that one of the reasons for the campaign is further serve as an avenue to create employment opportunities for some of the physically chalagainst societal ills that are predominately meted out to people living

Public Relations Consultant, Ada Onwuka; Nigerian Actress Producer, Chioma Chukwuka at the announcement

with disabilities in the society and country at large. ability individuals received cash amount, food items courtesy of private donors. Lending her voice also, actress Chioma Chukwuka however called on both the state and Federal Government on the need to practice inclusive gov-

ernance where no one is left aside irrespective of the physical appearance as opportunities are expected to be based on merit and not biased means. ers have hinted that come 2018, a lot of programme awaits the special people that includes empowerment, entertainment and talent hunt amongst others.

COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo celebrates wife we are all floating like shells in failed while some have lived to belief is what best describe Pastouching tribute to his adorable wife, Modele Fatoyinbo on her 40th birthday. Commonwealth of God Assembly), who thanked the Methodist Church of Nigeria for presenting him with an Evangelism Award, reminded his wife of how she used to have holes in her shoes before they became wealthy. Now her husband is proud to be among the wealthy preachers in the country today.

Biodun Fatoyinbo and wife

Mixed Grill L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Olamide Live in Lagos holds tomorrow The much publicised concert of the year OLIC (Olamide Live in Concert) holds tomorrow, Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere where the capacity stadium to the brim. The annual Olamide Live in Concert, now in its fourth year, which previously held at the Eko Hotel & Suites will witness performance Tiwa Savage, Reminisce, Sound Sultan, Small Doctor, Ycee, Lil Kesh, Skales, Skuki and a host of many others. Acting Commissioner for Tourism in Lagos State, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola disclosed that the state is in support of the concert as it is line belief in promoting tourism through entertainment. The acting commissioner noted that all plans is now concluded to have a hitch-free concert and people should only come and enjoy the show.

Olamide

Man of the moment, Olamide has promised that the concert would be as natural as possible, adding that he would give his best for the concert alongside his crew. come out in their thousands for the concert and the “streets have always been loyal” to him.

New Music: Adey – Oluwawavy Ft. Femi Kuti & Olamide

Aunt Landa, Alibaba prepare Market Square to make Christmas memorable for less privileged Humanitarian Dr. Yolanda N. GeorgeDavid, also known as Aunt Landa and Alibaba, the Aunt Landa Market Square fair Chairman have announced plans for the “Happiness Edition” of Aunt Landa Market CPM International, Plot R 2nd Avenue Festac, Lagos on December Managing Director, Ali MultiChoice, Baba & AuntJohn Landa Ugbe 23, 2017. Aunt Landa Market Square is the only mar- corn makers, mini ov- their clusters as well as ket square in the world ens, and more will be donating whatever else they have to make sure where the needy get to given out for free. Speaking on the buy food, clothes, medicine and almost every reason for the market Christmas under the other thing they need square, Dr. Yolanda bridge somewhere.” The previous edition to survive for FREE at N. George David remarked: “The market the price of the “Aunt square is beyond just Landa Love Currency September 23, (Zero Naira wrapped in an event, it is a festival, on a shopping experience, 2017 at Havilah Events Apart from the fact a carnival, a concert that there will be a and a comedy show. Lagos, witnessed a medical clinic to pro- Alibaba and I want ev- massive crowd, and vide free professional eryone to be excited in attendance from some healthcare to attend- this season of love and of the biggest industry ees in need of medical to do that, we need to names, including comattention, several start- make it memorable. edy pioneer Alibaba, up equipment includ- Nothing gives us more popular on-air personing grinding machines, pleasure than seeing ality, Lolo 1, comedisewing machines, seal- everyone around us enne Lepacious Bose, Nikki Laoye and a host ing machines, clippers, happy. Anyone and everyof others. laptops, cake mixers, one can be a part of hair wash-basins, popthis by getting rid of

Ace Juju singer, Prince Segun Astrobe drops ‘My Testimony’ Prince Segun Astrobe is an enigma of talent with sonorous voice to com-

Wave-making producer, Adegboyega Ogunlesi, popularly known as Adey, has linked up in his new song, Oluwawavy, with two music heavy-weights, Grammy awardnominated musician, Femi Kuti and YBNL rapper, Olamide. Adey steps out of the console by adding his impressive vocals to his own sublime beat. The club-banging tune meets a perfect

The Temple Music producer and artiste choose to release his new hot tune on his birthday, Wednesday, December 13, 2017. Oluwawavy is now available on all local and international digital stores including iTunes, Spotify, Boomplay and Music Plus among others. With his new song, the dreadlocked producer ends his year on a high following a successful year as one of the biggest producers

that his street fans love dearly.

by Olamide.

in such a way that both the old and the youth can swing their waist without been forced. Prince, as the bundle of talented is usually referred to, just like every other great musician started from the church but after several years of using his voice to win soul to the vineyard, he decided to take the bull by the horn in 2002 when he form his own band, Band International. As someone who takes his time to master every terrain he found himself, he did not wax any album until this year when he married

his experience with talent to produce

“The album is basically about my experience in the music industry recording the album. Now, God has done a lot of miracle in my life, which is the reason why I titled the album, My Testimony,” Astrobe said. When he was asked why it took him this long to wax an album, he said: “We have been taken our time before delving into production due to the situation of the industry. But since we are able to study the industry and master our craft, we decided to drop our debut album”.