Daily Times Newspaper For Friday, 14th August 15 by Daily Times of Nigeria

Shekau’s ‘death’, credit to Jonathan

By our correspondent

ÏÏÏThough yet unconfirmed, the reported death of Abubakar Shekau, leader of

the blood-thirsty Boko Haram sect brings to focus the largely unacknowledged efforts of the immediate past Federal Government, led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

d Shekau had been reported dead in battles with troops numerous times, only for him to resurface and taunt the governContinued on page 25 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.170

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 12th August 2015.

212

7.02

3.13%

PORTPAINT

3.95

0.18

4.56%

MOBIL

156.8

-8.20

-5.23%

GUINNESS

127

-4.00

-3.15%

126.5

0.50

0.40%

DANGCEM

184.15

0.15

0.08%

NESTLE

860

-5.00

-0.58%

SEPLAT

298

-2.00

-0.67%

Senate probes Obasanjo, Yar’Adua g4

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L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Army Staff; Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai and Chief of the Naval Staff; Vice Marshal Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas after the decoration ceremony of the new Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa Abuja… on Thursday

Data, voice recorders of crashed helicopter not yet found g25

Boko Haram must end in three months – Buhari

Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday ordered the new service chiefs to do all in their powers to end the scourge of CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Bid to eject Mark from Senate hots up g 7

Palace declares seven-day market closure in Ile-Ife g 25 Mass sack coming in NNPC, says Kachikwu g 4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Politics Page Three Æ s Special Report Proliferation of illegal baby factories

s Nigeria continues to battle illegal child trafficking, a new phenomenon is gradually replacing the traditional method of abduction and sale of children by human traffickers. This phenomenon has more to do with the disturbing proliferation of illegal “baby factories” in many parts of the country. Much to the shock of Nigerians, these illegal maternities have become places where pregnant young girls are encouraged or forced to become pregnant and give up their newborns for sale. Curiously, some of the girls have admitted going into the obscene business for purely pecuniary motives. Bizarrely, these facilities and their proprietors employ the services of virile young men to impregnate the girls. The resulting babies are mere objects of trade to the highest bidder who either adopts or resells them. And worryingly, there is no way of knowing what eventually becomes of many of the babies procured in this way. Unfortunately, many of these illegal clinics have been accused of complicity in the abduction, stealing of babies and child trafficking, even as they are mostly managed by quacks that claim medical qualifications. Investigations show that the girls are usually quarantined in small inhospitable rooms without communication gadgets, and subjected to all manner of forced labour and servitude. Reports reveal that some of the babies sell for as low as N200, 000 for boy-child and N150, 000 for girl-child. Before now, orphanages and foster homes were licensed by government to care for abandoned and unwanted babies – and from there childless couples or those in want of particular sex can adopt children legally. As the business thrived, many unscrupulous Nigerians saw an opportunity of making quick money no matter how unconscionable and illicit. Definitely, no society that values the dignity of human life would accept the pernicious activity of selling babies like common commodities.

That is why the law enforcement agencies must identify and shut these illegal human incubators, in the interest of the victims, who are mainly young girls, and their babies. Nigeria should not allow human life to be so debased as to allow for the existence of baby factories. In the first instance, the babies so mass produced and traded away in the most unholy fashion did not commit any crime, even as they did not consent in any way whatsoever to be produced for sale. Child bearing is a thing of joy. More so, human life is sacred and so its protection is what places the human civilisation above those of other lesser creatures. There is every reason to believe the existence of cabals as masterminds in this devilish enterprise. We say so because the logistics of procuring young girls and intimidating, forcing, cajoling and or luring them to become pregnant, including the efforts put in selling and transporting the new born babies are very complex and mind boggling. The Police and other related bodies must engage in a concerted effort to find out the real brains and financiers of this fraud. Anyone identified in the establishment of such monstrous outfits must be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as deterrent to others. The earlier the country realises the hard and brutal fact that it is fighting organised criminal syndicates, the better for the society and victims. We believe that government can reduce the establishment of illegal baby factories by elevating and emphasising the institution of adoption. Adoption regulation, processing and other incidental overview conducts regarding adoption should be the exclusive preserve of the government. It should therefore upgrade adoption laws and regulations; and employ and train more officers to conduct, regulate and supervise the process. It is a shame and a black spot on our collective conscience that young girls are now deliberately impregnated for babies that would be immediately sold as articles of trade.

Will the hawks heed Deby’s counsel? Sam Nzeh ÎÎÎNot many of the hawks surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari will be happy with the Chadian President, Idriss Deby, who on Wednesday, counselled the Nigerian government not to negotiate with the Boko Haram sect. Deby, who gave the advice in N’Djamena on the 55th anniversary of Chad’s independence from France, also revealed that the insurgent sect that had wreaked havoc in northern part of Nigeria and neighouring countries, Chad inclusive, now has a new leader, Mahamat Doud, implying that

its acclaimed leader, Abubakar Shekau, may be finally dead. Hear him: “There is someone apparently called Mahamat Daoud who is said to have replaced Abubakar Shekau and he wants to negotiate with the Nigerian government. For my part, I would advise not to negotiate with a terrorist”. The advice, of course, runs counter to the position of the hawks urging President Buhari to negotiate with the insurgent sect which over the past six years has killed, maimed and displaced thousands in states in the north, especially Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. The sect’s activities have also crippled the economy of the north particularly the aforementioned three states.

Words On Marble :

These hawks, many of whom are masquerading as civil society/human rights groups and mediation experts, no doubt, are pushing for negotiation with Boko Haram mainly for pecuniary purposes. While they insist that negotiating with the sect is in the interest of the country, they fail to realise the dangerous precedent which will be set if their advice is heeded. These hawks must not be allowed to have their way. The Federal Government should heed the counsel of the Chadian president as doing otherwise will apart from setting a dangerous precedent, make nonsense of the human and material losses which Nigeria has incurred in the bid to checkmate the terror sect.

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Itse Sagay

Femi Gbajabiamila

“And anyone who knows that his hands are dirty, should come out and confess. I am sure, certain lenient terms can be obtained by him, but let them not hide under the cloak of selectivity ignoring that their hands are deep red with guilt.

“There is a speaker in place and I intend to continue to work with him to the best of my ability in moving our country forward”.

Ken Nnamani

It is true that political parties form government when they win election but once they have formed government, government takes the life of its own. It becomes the government of the federation.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Senate probes Obasanjo, Yar’Adua Olufemi Samuel & Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Senate on Thursday indi-

cated resolve to revisit the probe of the power sector from 1999 to date just as the federal executive named two foreign firms to audit the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The Senate set up an ad hoc committee to conduct a through investigation on the management of funds appropriated for the sector since 1999. The House of Representatives had conducted similar investigations on the Power with determi-

nation to unravel the sum of $16 billion said to have been spent on the sector without success during the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Members of committee include Babajide Omoworare, Dino Melaye, Sola Adeyeye, Mohammed Hassan, Margata Wammako, Shabba Lafiagi and Abubakar Kyari as Chairman. The Senate took the decision on a motion moved during the plenary by Senator Ali Ndume with a view to committing the Federal Government to re-connect Maiduguri to the national grid having been disconnected through the ac-

tivities of Boko Haram. Ndume while presenting the motion lamented that despite the huge sums of money sunk on the power sector Nigeria with a population of 150 million people could only generate 4, 600 megawatts of electricity, while South Africa with a population of 40 million could boast of 40, 000 megawatts. He argued for Nigeria to have alternative sources of power warning that over-dependence of the country on thermal power with incessant vandalisation of gas pipelines will not do the country any good. Against this background, the

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in a warm handshake with the Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Com. Bature Musa flanked by Chairman, Senate’s Adhoc Committee on Media and Publicity, Sen. Dino Melaye after the leadership of the association visited the Senate President at the National Assembly, Abuja…on Thursday

Expect mass sack in NNPC, says Kachikwu Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, vowed on Thursday to take the ongoing restructuring of the organization down the ladder to ensure that only those who could add value to its operations were retained. He stated that the sacking of the Group Executive Directors (GEDs) which he recently carried out, was just the first stage of the reorganisation of the corporation, saying that their replacements were expected to take the exercise down to the lower rung of the organization. Kachikwu disclosed this in an interview with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari

at Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja. “It’s A to Z restructuring. I have done the first three layers which is going to the GEDs to GGMs and General Managers. You are going to have a lot more now. The GEDs and GGMs will take it to the next layer which is the lower layer,” he said. Kachikwu added: “The whole idea is to go back to being able to look at your appraisals; how well have you done in the job and if you’ve done very well, how do we elevate you to a position where you can offer more service? If you’ve not done well enough, we can retrain you and if you’ve not done well enough and there is no possibility of retraining you, we will let you go. “At the end of the day, NNPC isn’t public service. It’s a corporation and we run like a company

generating money for the people of Nigeria. And so, that whole concept of anything goes should stop. This is the first stage of that whole process. The NNPC boss said further: “It’s a three-pronged process that I am pursuing. There’s a people aspect which we are dealing with now; there is a process aspect. After the people at the right places, you are going to get forensic audit done so that we know clearly, proper forensic audit that will cover us all the way to 2014, 2015, that will be able to say to you, this is the state of the company. “We are going to put processes and control in place, we are going to do retraining and repositioning and then, we are going to re-engage our majors and minors, all those who are active in the sector, for us Continued on page 6

Senate condemned in strong terms the inability of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) to provide continuous and uninterrupted power supply to all parts of the country. It also directed the Joint Task Force (JTF) to clear Maiduguri of insurgents and provide security for the TCN to reconnect the area to the National Grid. The Senate in addition, urged the Federal Government to complete the Mambila power project. Meanwhile, the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday appointed two international firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and KPMG to conduct forensic audit of the NNPC. The NEC had in its meeting of June 29th set up a four-man committee to probe an alleged N3.8 trillion not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC between 2012 and May 2015 as well as $2.1bn said to have been deducted from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) without its approval. The committee which has as members Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja Thursday where it announced the appointment of the audit firms. Briefing State House correspondents, Oshiomhole said the committee had extended the scope of the probe to cover other revenue generating agencies in the audit that would be carried out by the two firms. He said, the committee had so far received briefings from several agencies including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Security and Exchange Commission, the Customs Service, the ministry of finance and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation. He said: “This probe will now cover value for expense” as the affected agencies will be made to account for things expended on at their correct value. “This is about making Nigeria work for the benefit of other Nigerians and we have to bear in mind that governments are not run on the basis of collection of crude oil but government regardless of colour or political affiliation, is run on taxes and so if you have tax generating agencies that are not remitting taxes, government cannot run like that”. He added: “So in the long run Nigeria has to live on taxes.” The Federal Government under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan had engaged the services of PwC to carry out forensic audit of the accounts of the NNPC over allegations of missing $20 billion oil revenues. The forensic audit conducted by PwC indicted the NNPC and requested that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, the upstream subsidy of the NNPC should refund about $1.48billion to the Federation Account for various unreconciled transactions. According to Oshiomole, the previous audit by PwC was limited to the NNPC alone which the firm also complained to the NEC committee that it was restricted and constrained by non-compliance by few government agencies including the CBN.

Don’t truncate anti-graft war, APC tells leaders Continued from page 1

ÏÏÏNigerians,

especially opinion leaders, should not truncate President Muhammadu Buhari’s pledge to wrest the country from the grip of corrupt persons, according to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governing party made the admonition in a press statement issued by its national spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos on Thursday. The party warned against any attempt to truncate the anti-graft

war “under any guise.” It also expressed “total support” for President Buhari’s determination to end the scourge in the country. The party appealed to all to ensure that their actions and utterances do not give comfort to those who have looted the commonwealth. ‘’Our party promised Nigerians change, but the change that we promised and which Nigerians desire so much cannot be achieved if we allow the resourcContinued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14 , 2015

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏWorried by the low take home

pay by the Nigerian workers, the Niger Labour Congress (NLC) has mandated its national leadership to immediately draw up a new proposal for the upward review of the current N18, 000 national minimum wage. The National Executive Council (NEC) of the congress which met in Abuja recently, vowed to push for increase in workers’ salaries, maintaining that Nigerian workers cannot continue to face hardship as a result of the meagre salaries given to them by their em-

7 News

NLC pushes for minimum wage review ployers. After reviewing the deteriorating purchasing power of Nigerian workers, caused by the massive devaluation of the naira, as well as the fact that the Minimum Wage Act of 2011 has reached its statutory five year mark for review, the labour organ urged the present administration to begin the process of reviewing the workers’ salaries, hence the proposal.

Buhari reinstates sacked NPA MD, Abdullahi Tobi Dada

ÏÏÏIt was drama on Thursday as

President Muhammadu Buhari reversed his predecessor’s decision in who manages the Nigerian Ports Authority. At the twilight of his administration, former President Goodlu8ck Jonathan had relieved then Managing Director of the NPA, Mr. Habibu Abdullahi and in his place appointed Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, said Buhari had ordered Abdullahi’s reinstatement with immediate effect. Adesina said Bayero had been

Pita Chikwem

Minna Niger State House of Assembly has directed Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to set up a commission of inquiry to probe the former governor, Babangida Aliyu, on the fraudulent manner his administration conducted the activities of the state. The hope of former governor, on Thursday, to evade investigation by the present administration seems to be an allusion as the resolution was taken by members of the state House of Assembly during its sitting. The motion which was moved by the member representing Bida II constituency, Hon. Mohammed Haruna, listed 22 activities of the past administration due for investigation. Top activities for investigation include the operation of Local Government Joint Account, Ward Development Projects, Bonds, the Three Arms Zone project, Minna Airport City Project, the sale of government property to commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly and other poli-

ÏÏÏ

ordered to hand over the NPA and all government property in his possession to the reinstated MD. The statement read: “President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero. “The termination of Alhaji Bayero’s appointment is with immediate effect. “He is to hand over the management of the NPA and all government property in his possession to Mr. Habibu Abdullahi who has been reinstated as Managing Director of the NPA by President Buhari. President Buhari wishes Alhaji Bayero well in his future endeavours.”

Niger Assembly directs gov to probe Babangida Aliyu ticians, the 10km local government projects, Minna City center projects and the alleged N2.6 billion shared among public officers at the eve of the end of the past administration. Other activities include, IBB University, Lapai, former College of Education which was turned into University of Education, SUBEB, SURE-P projects, MDG Projects, the Pension Board, Minna Building material market, Five Star hotel, the rental paid by government for the former Governor's House amongst others. The member representing Bida II constituency, Hon. Haruna, who moved the motion, observed that the present administration inherited an empty treasury due to the financial recklessness of the past administration who milked the economy of the state dry, adding that the state is almost bankrupt which has delayed speedy progress of the state.

Landlord Association, Jikwoyi Phase 1 Extension, in Abuja protesting at the National Assembly over demolition of their homes by Federal Capital Development Authority in Abuja… on Thursday

Monday Agu Jr. Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Former Senate President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator David Mark will on August 18 be cross-examined as the battle to wrest his Benue South Senatorial seat from him hots up. The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State fixed the date on Thursday in a petition brought against Mark by his main opponent in the election, Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Senator Mark was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Onjeh had told the tribunal that the election was marred by malpractice. The APC candidate also ar-

Bid to sack Mark from Senate hots up gued that there were substantial breaches of the Electoral Act 2011. He also averred that INEC officials were compromised and voters were financially induced by the PDP agents at the various polling units in the district. The petitioner, therefore, urged the court to nullify the election and order for fresh poll. Mark's lead counsel, Mr Kenneth Ikonne told the court on Thursday that his client would be appearing in person to testify during the next adjourned date to enable him close his case. Ikonne had also called five witnesses who testified that the elections were free and fair. The witnesses denied financial inducement of voters as alleged

by petitioner. However, under cross-examination by petitioner's counsel, Mr Tunji Oso, one of the witnesses, Mr Abuh Adesi, admitted that card readers were used to accredit voters in his polling unit. Meanwhile, Adesi had earlier deposed in his written statement that incident forms were used for accreditation instead of card readers in his polling unit. At the end of the testimonies and cross-examinations, Ikonne prayed for an adjournment, promising the closure of his case with the testimony of Mark. The Tribunal chairman, Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, therefore, adjourned the case to August 18 for further defence.

NUC denies 11 private varsities licenses, issues nine others Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÏÏÏ National

Universities Commission (NUC), on Thursday, denied 11 private universities full operational licenses, while nine others were lucky to receive theirs out of the 20 private universities that applied for full operational licenses. Those that were denied approval were given a grace of two years to meet the requirements or risk losing their provisional licenses. Presenting the licenses to the nine lucky universities, the Executive Secretary

(NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, congratulated them saying that they were found worthy to be given full license as a result of their extra effort at meeting all the requirements set forth by the Commission. He extolled the commitment of the owners of those universities for their discipline and selflessness that led to their making all the necessary sacrifices just to ensure that their universities, not only got full accreditation, but also met the challenges of qualifying for full operational license. He, however, urged the rest 11 that could not qualify for full licensing to use the period

within the next two years to work out their qualification, promising that the Commission would not hesitate to give them full license if they can qualify before the two years. He named the nine universities with full licence as Salem University, Lokoja, Veritas University, Abuja, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti and Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. Others are Caleb University, Lagos, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja, Western Delta University, Delta state, Fountain University, Osogbo and Adeleke University, Ede, Osun state.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Politics

Æs

Lagos Gov Election Tribunal’s decision wrong – Onwenwunor Barrister Clement Onwenwunor, one of the young and brilliant lawyers in the country represented Lagos State PDP governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje at the Tribunal over the outcome of the election. He spoke with TITILOPE JOSEPH on his views about the ongoing election petitions at the tribunal as well as other sundry issues. Excerpts:

Onwenwunor

Ambode

Jimi Agbaje

What are the kind of matters you’ll not handle in your firm? As a lawyer, I’m not permitted to reject any one but my background is always a problem when it comes to choosing briefs. I was trained by Chief Gani Fawehinmi

of blessed memory and I think I have exceptions to cases that involved confirmed armed robbery case; but it’s also not necessarily based on where I was trained but CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Fayose’s economic blueprint? Ride Okada, drink at jedi joints – Orire Dr. Bayo Orire is the spokesman of the Ekiti State Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and chieftain of the party. In this interview with GBENGA SODEINDE, he spoke on the intimidation and harassment of APC members by Governor Ayo Fayose-led government in the state. What’s your comment on the recent sealing off of the allottees’ house at the state government owned Irewolede Housing Estate in Ekiti State by Governor Ayo Fayose which the APC described as intimidation against APC members? Everybody knows that mortgage arrangement is a legal thing, if there are defaulters, there are legal means of going about recovering of funds that has to do with the scheduled payment arrangements. There are civilised means, not just to wake up within two weeks, or within one month and begin to break into houses, demolishing fences, and physically padlocking, gates and doors, putting security agents at the gates and etrances to prevent people from gaining entrance into their apartment and even preventing them from entering into the Estate. This is absurd, abnormal, illegal, barbaric and unacceptable. Apart from politics, it is

Fayose not civilised. Majority of these people are civil servants, you can make arrangement for de-

Orire duction from their salaries. Majority of them have Ekiti State as their stable place of abode,

you can take them to court, there are arbitration panels, there is the legal court and so

on. If they have been defaulting, then there are prescribed ways of approaching it, apart from any political sentiments, it is not acceptable anywhere in the world. UK operates on mortgage system, USA also operates on mortgage system whereby they seize houses from defaulters. But it is not done in a day. And it is not done in a way by pulling down fences and padlocking their houses. Though, there is no reason why anybody should not pay his mortgage, there are thousands and one reasons why people may not be able to pay. You listen to them, some of them are politicians who have served the government are owed their severance allowances, some of them are being owed their furniture allowances, while some of them are being owed their salaries. But Fayose would not want CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

OGD accuses Soyinka of selective advocacy

Wole Soyinka

Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has accused Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka of selective advocacy in his recent criticisms of the Daniel Administration.

In a statement by his media aide, Steve Oliyide, Otunba Daniel expressed disappointment in what he said has now become the character of the respected literCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Gbenga Daniel

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

9 Politics

Fayose afraid of his own shadows – Orire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

to listen; look at the day he seized cars from the people who served in the last administration. Overnight, he just woke up and started seizing vehicles, whereas these people’s entitlements that are being owed by the government is much more than the worth of the car you seized from them. Why can you just do addition and subtraction? Since there is no day the government would not pay the money owed them, so why don’t you just wear a human face, and make them pay in a subtle way. I see this as vendetta against the APC. If its not vendetta? What else could it be? Fayose’s wickedness is such that he cannot stand any opposition. He is too weak by nature to stand opposition, he is too irrational to stand opposing views and he is too afraid of his shadow to stand any opposition so, he wants to use a sledge hammer to kill any of his perceived opposition in the state. Look at what is happening within his own party; so we are not surprised. But it is the ranting of a drowning rat, you can see that PDP is already crumbling under him, we are not bothered about that. But as far as we are concerned, that is witch-hunting, that is vendetta, it is barbaric and unacceptable. Which of Governor Fayose’s policy do you see as the best? Does he have a policy? Fayose does not have any policy. Somebody who went to the market, and started kicking people’s wares on the road; is that a policy? Can’t he arrange task force, or security system to do it? Riding on okada, is it a policy? Drinking in beer parlour, opaeyin and jedi joints, is that a policy? Is carrying armoured

Orire tank to his party office a policy? Does he has any policy on education? Does he have a policy on housing? Does he has policy for even his party? He simply doesn’t have policy in anything; he is not systematic, he is not a man that would follow normal protocol in anything. Fayose is not a normal administrator, he doesn’t approach anything empirically; he is noted for impromptu arrangement, and there is no way such a person can have a policy. Fayose recently described Buhari’s anti-corruption war

as mere noise making, selective, diversionary and witchhunting against the PDP and Jonathan government, saying, Buhari should start the anti – graft war from his party, APC. What’s your comment? Our Governor is noted for blind criticisms, unwarranted outburst, and evil prognosis on issues. That was how he said Buhari would die before the election and Buhari is still alive today, travelling all over the world, correcting issues and giving value and virtue to Nige-

Daniel accuses Soyinka of selective advocacy

ria. And I know majority of the people would prefer to be associated with Buhari than to be associated with Fayose. On the anti-corruption war, has Fayose forgotten that the wife of Senate President Bukola Saraki, an APC chieftain is being investigated by EFCC? Has he forgotten that Nyako is being investigated by EFCC? Has he forgotten that an in-law of Buhari has been docked for asking for gratification before seeing him? And many others like that. So, let Fayose continue to say anything, he is not cerebral, he is not methodical, he is not matured, he is not civilised, so he can talk anything. He is saying we should concentrate on APC now, so we should forget about the oil subsidy? We should forget about outright misplacement of funds by the past administration? Funds that were spent without appropriation? We should forget about outright lawlessness of Jonathan’s administration. We all know Buhari is focused, we all know that Buhari would prosecute the anti-corruption war with fearlessness, with equity, and with maturity. Fayose is the one that is trying to divert the attention of people and his rant is just the ranting and railing of an ailing child of delinquencies which can never be taken serious. At least, Buhari’s anti-corruption war has started yielding positive results now, everybody knows that this is a serious government. You can see that some people who stole money have started bringing back the money without problem; the international communities have promised to work with us, and since Buhari came to power, billions of naira have been re-

ary icon, his disparaging refrences to the former governor. His words: “We have read with disappointment and mixed feelings some of the uncharitable statements credited to the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka in Zero Tolerance, a publication of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “In the said interview, we noticed what has now become character about the respected literary Icon, the disparaging reference to Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State. “We need to state unequivocally that we are disappointed because by training, conduct and culture, a younger man is disadvantaged to respond to elders in this part of the world, and we relate to this statement with mixed feelings because, Professor Soyinka is somebody Otunba Gbenga Daniel holds in high esteem as a great Ambassador of Africa, part of the reason why his 70th birthday was celebrated with pomp and ceremony during the administration of Otunba Daniel. “However we need to set certain records straight on some of the issues raised so that the unsuspecting publics would not continue to be misled and misguided by the misrepresentation of facts on our recent history especially coming from someone of Professor Soyinka’s standing. In the first instance, he said Soyinka needed to be reminded that the police institution had never been, was and is not yet in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Judiciary should do more to deepen democracy – Onwenwunor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

it has to do with my own personal experience. I’ve had the misfortune of being robbed for seven times and the seventh time almost claimed my life at Warri. Since that time I’ve always have problem when it comes to handling armed robbery matters if I am convinced that the person is a confirmed armed robber except

if the judge orders me to represent the person, then I’ll take it as statutory order but personally, my conscience will not allow me take up such matters. Presently, we have so many election petitions at the tribunal, what’s your view on how the tribunal has been handling election matters? One of the greatest benefits of democracy is the ability to go to

court and challenge the result of an election when you feel that you have been robbed of your victory and our law is robust to have provided such in the constitution as well as in the electoral acts 2010 as amended. In this past election, every other elections have been challenged apart from the presidential election that is not being challenged. It is an opportunity for the growth of our

democracy to be able to have unrestricted access to the court to complain that a person that has been returned elected was not properly elected on several counts; which could be that you had the majority votes and you are not returned elected; it could also be that at the time the person was elected, he was not qualified to do so; it could also be that there was serious malpractices

during the election which may affect the credibility of the election and therefore demand that such election should be nullified. That is why several election petitions are now pending in court. Many have been disposed while others are still pending and I’m also aware that there are lots appeal already that are pending CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

‘Soyinka guilty of selective advocacy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

the hands of any state’s governor to use at his whims and caprices saying “accusing Otunba Gbenga Daniel of putting the Ogun State House of Assembly under lock with “Mopol guiding it” is totally out of place and reprehensible. It is also instructive to note that Otunba Gbenga Daniel was one of those who believe in the idea of State Police as a veritable way of curbing crime, but the reality is that it is still a Federal Government institution”. He said what transpired in the Ogun State House of Assembly in the period under reference was taken to court, before Justice Onamade, and one would wonder what line of argument would Professor advanced had OGD interfered again in an issue which was already taken before another arm

Wole Soyinka

of government competent enough to decide on such sensitive matter and contradictions in affairs of government. That judgment has not been appealed by anyone, including Professor Soyinka even after five years. “ We also need to remind Professor Soyinka that the ruling of the court recognised the Soyemi Coker- led House of Assembly which Prof and some others who took same line of thoughts with him decided to deride and condemned using only ‘abstract’ knowledge to interpret. We are well aware that Professor Soyinka is too intelligent to know that not everything that “looks” morally permissible can be constitutionally right. Except of course, Professor is advocating the abrogation of our secular state for an ecclesiastical style of government where affairs of government will be conducted on

spiritual morality. “We frowned at the ‘selective’ advocacy Professor Soyinka had recently descended to in his version of ‘activism’ as if the whole world should be made to look at political issues ONLY from the ‘selective’ prism and perspective of Professor Soyinka. We think not. The world had moved on with a lot of sophistication which Professor should endeavour to relate to with open minds. 5. We would rather think in consonant with age, status and accomplishments and respects which go with all these, Prof should wake up to the reality of the law of diminishing returns and be circumspect in speech and public utterance, especially as he has the latitude of personal intervention on matters of conflict in CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Gbenga Daniel

‘Judiciary should do more to deepen democracy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

against those that have been disposed; from people who are not satisfied with the decision of the trial tribunal and I think this is the best form in our modern day to handle election issues in the country rather than taking arms against ourselves. What’s your take on the stand of the tribunal court in handling some of these electoral matters? Presently, I’m handling about five petition matters, two have been concluded. One has been ruled in my favour; that is the one of Ondo State House of Assembly while the other one that has to do with Lagos State governorship election that has been ruled against us and we are very dissatisfied with that, we can not accept the reason why the petition was struck out. We feel the decision was wrong in law and issues are being put together to know the line of action to take before our period of appeal expires. We are working on that very seriously and we should have a report on that before our tenure expires. I’ve also been privileged to be involved in the Delta State senatorial election which has also being going on well and the tribunal over there is working hard and the other ones we have in Lagos have been progressing; we are almost concluding trial in one of the petitions while we are still at the statutory stage on the other one. We hope by the end of next month, we shall conclude some, if not all of the petitions. How do you feel, handling a sensitive matter like the election petition against top lawyers in the state?

I have the privilege of being trained by one of the best lawyers in the country, Chief Gani Fawehimi of blessed memory. And as early as 2002, I’ve started appearing at the Supreme Court. I’ve had the privilege of doing cases with some of the best lawyers in the country. I’ve done a case against Chief Rotimi Williams of blessed memory, I’ve also done a case against Chief Sofola of blessed memory and several other Senior Advocates (SAN) in the country and this has made my confidence in legal practice so robust that with my law reports, I can stand against the very best in the country. I’m still involved in some other high profile matters; some at the Court of Appeal, and some at the state high court level even some at the Supreme Court. So it’s a normal thing for me and it gives me joy that I have to appear against serious, very high and respected senior advocates in any case I’m doing. It means I have to work extra hard and be able to challenge them in all ramifications as far as defending my clients well is concerned, and I think we have done a lot in this regard. Don’t you feel intimidated by the status of these senior lawyers? Maybe that has happened at the early stage of my practice in 2001 when I had to argue an application case against Chief Williams, but because I have handled so many cases and because law is all about having access to legal literature and I have been blessed to have all legal practice books in law reports. I have never been intimidated by any senior advocate CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Fayose clueless, has no plan for Ekiti, says Orire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

covered into the coffers of the government. Fayose should note that this is not Jonathan business as usual government; he should be aware that this is a serious government that is focussed towards’s making Nigerians, and Nigeria proud. So, let him say anything, the President is performing and he is achieving results, and Nigerians are happy with this. Has your party recovered from the colossal defeat it suffered in the last elections

in the state losing to the PDP and what are the measures being put together by the party to ensure it regains power in the state? We are recovering fast, the fortunes of APC is waxing, while the fortunes of PDP is weaning, even though there some internal scuffles and even though there some internal factions within the APC in the state. You will find out that nobody has decamped from the party, but rather it is people from the PDP and other parties that have been trying to troop into the APC. All

the factions in APC are working towards the welfare of the party and we are preparing seriously towards elections, and we are organising our party, we are re-organising our Exco. Everything is working out positively for us, everything is playing out the way we want it. APC is learning from it past mistakes, APC is getting ready for elections and we shall continue to win elections in the state very soon. Although the damage has been done, and our people will expect a landslide result; but to repair is always slower and more task-

ing than breaking down. We know the people who did us in in the last government and we are taking correction, we are not fighting, we are not quarrelling, but we are reorganising, we are strategising, we are regrouping and repositioning in a civilised way, and we are not maltreating ourselves, or shooting ourselves like the PDP, we are a family in APC, and we are civilised and we are working together. Though it’s a show of shame, but we are getting out of the shame and the shame is turning to shine. The shame is turning to power for us

and we are coming out strong. That is why Fayose is using all means to try to demoralise us. Because he knows we are going to regroup and get stronger. We are regrouping that is why he is chasing away our members; that is why he is picking anybody that he feel he can lay any criminal thing against and around, and using thugs against us. But despite that, we are not bothered, rather, we are becoming stronger for it and we shall continue to wax stronger as a party no matter his intimidation against us.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

11 Politics

Lawmakers have commercialised oversight roles — Maruf Tıjani Alade Tasma Members of the legislative arm of government ın the country have been alleged to have commercialised their oversight functions to the detriment of the system they are meant to protect. In a paper titled; ‘Dwindling Economic Fortunes: Strategy For Sustainable, Efficient and Virile Legislative Assembly,’ at the quarterly capacity building lecture for staffers of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a chartered Accountant staff of the State legıslatıve arm, Mr. Maruf Tijani saıd a virile legislature should exercise its functions as stipulated in the Nigerian constitution. Accordıng to Tıjanı, a virile legislature ın performıng ıts oversıght functıons wıll expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of law within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it. His words: “This is the time the House should expedite action on the ‘Sun Set Bill’ which aims at examining MDAs that have outlived

He advised that the legislature must see the need for executivelegislative rapport and optimize the gain of such parley without necessarily compromising its independence. Commentıng on the 50% pay cut by the President and the Vice President of the country, Tıjanı stated that no sacrifice should be too much for legislators to make as representatives of the people.

He said where members find it difficult to accept salary/imprest pay cut, members may sacrifice the luxury of travelling on business class for economy on official journey if the journey is unavoidable. “The legislature should therefore, be at the forefront for the campaign for scaling down of overhead cost across board. Sacrifice for political office holders will help free

up resources that could be channelled to infrastructural development to promote economic growth and development,” he maıntaıned. Reactıng to the shortfall ın the natıonal ıncome as a result of the fall in the price of crude oil, a major source of revenue for the country, thıs he saıd, has contınued to have serious implication on the country’s economıc growth and development.

Bukola Saraki their usefulness or not in line with the mandate of the present administration. “The constitutional and important role given to the Public Accounts Committee cannot be left out in the control of public expenditure. The PAC must be alive to its responsibilitıes if we are to survive the lean time. Erring MDAs and officials must be sanctioned appropriately to serve as deterrent to others. There should be no any sacred cow in the course of execution of sanction for erring and corrupt government officials even, where members are affected,” he stated.

Daniel faults Soyinka’s claim on tenure CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Ogun State; he could simply call and seek audience with Otunba Gbenga Daniel and or any of the other principal actors involved then to make an unbiased judgment. “We also need to put on record, that despite of the various attempts to demonise the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration by Professor Soyinka and some others who constituted themselves as Opposition to the government, in

contrast to the experience in other parts of the country, while the opposition simulated crisis lasted in Ogun State, no single soul was lost under the watch of His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel and no single act of violence was recorded contrary to the Propaganda they painted to the outside world. “We believe that while it lasted, OGD have proven to have a better democratic credentials than most people, especially politicians that Professor Soyinka had chosen not

to cristicise in his self-styled social activism”. Daniel then implored those who might have been so misguided by the orchestrated falsehood, lies and deceits and misrepresentations spurned out to encourage Professor Soyinka to do critical review of the performances of some of the governments and political actors he had promoted, supported and helped installed in relation to the commonwealth and improvements of the living conditions of the average citizens.

‘The bench should do more to deepen democracy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

and I’ve passed the stage of being intimidated because I also know the position of the law as regards whatever you are saying; I respect them but I always provide substantial answer and sometimes even much more than the senior lawyers can give. I am not and cannot be intimidated anymore. Personally, do you think the tribunal has been fair in handling some of these election matters? I can only talk about he ones I’m involved in. Like the one that happens in Ondo State, the tribunal had two grounds in dismissing the petition but as regards to what happened in Lagos, we feel justice was not done in that decision and hence, we are making preparation to see possible way of proceeding against that decision and because I was not privy to the materials pending in this petition before the decisions were reached, its difficult for me to say exactly what might have happened but I guess the legal practi-

tioner who represented the other party felt they were not satisfied with the decision reached against them, they have the platform to register their grievance at the Court of Appeal which I’m aware some of them have done already. There are speculations that your client don’t want to appeal the tribunal judgment because he does not have a good case, how true is this? I can tell you categorically that we have the best chance in appealing the decision of the tribunal and when I said initially that justice was not done in the judgment, I was referring to the issues which I know we canvassed but were not the basis upon which that decision was reached and if a decision is reached in law on a matter different from what the party canvassed for, then the Court of Appeal has the responsibility of granting both party right of hearing and that is what we feel we are expecting on this petition, and as far as the judiciary is concerned, we have a very good chance. On the basis

that our client is not interested in pursuing an appeal, I don’t have the instruction to speak on that, I need clear instruction to speak on that. How was it like working with late Chief Gani Fawehinmi? That was my first working experience, though I have the privilege of working with Mr. Festus Keyamo for five months but my real work experience was with Chief Gani Fawehinmi chambers. He afforded us the great platform to learn legal practice and I can tell you that most of the things am able to do now are attributed to his benevolence and legal training. You’ve worked with prominent lawyers that are well known for activism, what could you say they’ve impacted in you? I could tell you the very first one is hardwork, honesty; and I take issues of clients seriously and when it comes to being able to put up the best legal representation in any matter, we have been

doing that. Activism wise, I have very soft spot for it but I can tell you that whenever am required to provide legal assistance pertaining to activism, I’ll always be ready to render legal service free of charge. Chief Gani was also a disciplinary and I worked for him for eight years and I can tell you that I passed through there without a single query in my file, which is almost impossible. I was also able to achieve that because of my own personal training from home. Chief was a disciplinary; he was a no nonsense person. He’ll task you mentally and physically but because of my home training, it was easy for me to cope with his disciplinary life style. I was also able to adapt quickly because I was young and eager to learn, all these made me to adapt to his attitude to life and work. What’s your opinion on the present condition of Nigeria legal system? Our legal system has developed substantially, apart from some little lapses here and there,

the judiciary has contributed immensely to the growth of democracy even before the amendment of the 1999 constitution, the courts have done a lot to be able to open legal spaces to allow every aggrieved person to register their grievances. Court has also been able to develop a lot of principles, although there are still some challenges which is expected but on the whole, I think they’ve done well, but we are expecting them to do more. Can you mention areas where you think the judiciary can improve on? Seriously, there should be more reformation in the electoral process. Particularly, the electoral act needs to be reviewed and further amended. The constitution also needs to be amended but all these are for the legislature not the judiciary because the judiciary actually can not go against the written law of the land. So it is the duty of the legislature to amend it and streamline it to modern trend. They’ve done well but they need to do more.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

‘Boko Haram must end in three months’ Continued from page 1 terrorism in the country not later than three months. Buhari noted that the nefarious activities of Boko Haram insurgents had grossly disrupted the social and economic lives of Nigerians since the past years. He spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja while decorating the service chiefs with their new ranks. He said: “You are all aware of the various security challenges facing our nation. These challenges include the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping, militancy of various forms to mention a few. “The activities of these misguided groups and individuals have resulted in wanton destruction of lives and properties of our citizens as a disruption of social economic lives of millions

of Nigerians. “The increasing incidence of attacks, destructions, perpetrated by these insurgents have led to the deployment of various instruments of national power in a bid to contain their activities and restoring law and order in every part of the country. “Rightly the armed forces have been in the vanguard of the fight against terrorism. “While commending the efforts of the armed forces so far, you need to brace up and continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well coordinated joint effort which will bring a desired end to these insurgencies within three months.” President Buhari, however, warned that in delivering on their mandate to end Boko Haram insurgency, the service chiefs must abide by the rules of engagement by paying utmost attention to the observance of the rights of civilians.

He also charged them to be conscious of the welfare of their troops who would be doing the battle by promptly making available what is die to them. Buhari equally insisted that they should be accountable for men and equipment placed under their care. “In the course of carrying out this assignment you must be accountable for all men and equipment placed under your command. “Your troops’ welfare must be upper most in your mind; take care of them and make available what is due to them. Concerted efforts should also be made to make judicious use of resources that are available to you in search for solution to these challenges,” the President charged. Buhari assured that government on its part should be ready to provide the troops the needed resources to achieve this feat. He reminded the service chiefs

L-R: Ogun State Deputy Governor Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; Ogun State Head of Service Mrs. Modupe Adekunle; NIPR National Chairman, Dr. Rotimi Oladele The NIPR National Chairman Dr. Rotimi Oladele duriring the lunching of NIPR Journal at the 2015 Nigeria Institute of Public Relation Colloquium/Award held in Abeokuta, Ogun State... on Thursday

of his recent visits to several countries with the sole aim of canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria. The service chiefs and their new ranks are General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt-General T.Y. Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.

Don’t truncate the fight against corruption, APC warns Continued from page 4 es that belong to all Nigerians to be appropriated by a few. How do we upgrade our decayed infrastructure and provide jobs for our people when the money meant for that has been squirelled away by a few? ‘’President Buhari has promised to break the vicious cycle of corruption that has held Nigeria down. How can he do that if he allows those who have looted the treasury to escape justice, and then use their ill-gotten wealth to fight the government? How can he do that if he turns a blind eye to the monumental cases corruption in all sectors? ‘’We know that fighting corruption in a society where the cankerworm has eaten deep into its fabric will not be easy. We know that corruption will always fight back. But there is no other choice than to confront and destroy this monster once and for all, lest it destroys Nigeria,’’ it said.

Mass sack coming in NNPC, says Kachikwu Continued from page 4 to work as a team to try to take Nigeria forward. It’s going to be the process stage.” The final stage, according to him, will be the business stage “which is now looking at all the existing contracts; are they good, are they ok, do they need to be re-kitted and redone?” He said further: “Look at the PSCs, what do we do, going forward? Look at the challenges posed by very reduced balance sheet as a

result of $40 $50 per barrel type oil, what do we do to energise recovery and income growth so that government will have money to work with? “It is a very intensive work, very calibrated work, a lot of us are not spending time sleeping but over the next five six months, you will begin to see a new NNPC, a new process of oil administration in the country and obviously, giving fillip to Mr. President’s dream of taking the oil industry back to where it should be.” According to him, the restruc-

turing, when completed, would entrench a culture of accountability and service delivery “so that the new NNPC that you are going to see will be a different institution altogether.” On the directive by President Buhari to all agencies of government to operate a single bank account, the GMD cautioned that the important thing was to strike a balance between accountability and openness, adding that nobody could run an oil company without funds. “All that is being looked at. The

In an interview with State House correspondents, General Olonishakin said the forces were already working on how to deliver on the presidential order. He said: “We are already strategising on how to handle most of the challenges since we were appointed a month ago. And all these strategies we are beginning to put them in place, so we just put in more efforts to ensure that we achieve the desire of the President”.

reality is that to run an oil company, you’ve got to have funds to do it. If you don’t, you close down the corporation and the production system will close down. “So, we are looking at how to merge the need for accountability and openness with the need to make sure that the industry itself survives. We cannot throw away the baby with the bathe water,” he said in answer to a question on the dilemma that the corporation would face with the Joint Venture Companies on account of the policy.”

APC said the President’s sincerity of purpose can be seen from his statement that any of his party members who is found to be corrupt will not escape justice. ‘’Therefore, those who are shouting themselves hoarse by saying the Buhari Administration’s fight against corruption is selective or is a distraction are only seeking to sabotage the epic battle. ‘’If they have any case of corruption against any member of the APC, they should forward their evidence to the appropriate anti-corruption agency. But to take to the airwaves and the pages of newspaper to use their paid agents to launch a campaign against the anti-graft fight is to fight against the very existence and survival of Nigeria. ‘’The danger in truncating the fight against corruption is that it will consign Nigeria to poverty, insecurity and unemployment in perpetuity. That is why we are restating our unalloyed support for the President, and urging him not to be deterred or distracted by those hiding under sophistry to weaken the fight,’’ the party said. It said those who are engaging in nitpicking on the anti-corruption fight are simply implementing a well-oiled plan to make enough noise by accusing the Buhari Administration of being selective, and hope to create enough confusion and distraction to hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians. ‘’We are glad that most Nigerians have lent their support to the government’s fight against corruption, going by their interventions on the Social Media which has now become a people’s parliament of sorts, and other fora. We urge them not to relent in their support, irrespective of the antics of the naysayers,’’ APC said.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday August 14, 2015

Diplomats call for restraint, dialogue in Burundi ÏÏÏ A group of

international envoys has called on the government of Burundi to show restraint and resume political dialogue in an effort to end political, humanitarian and economic crises stemming from the president's decision to seek a third term in office. The diplomats from the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Belgium and the United States called for an end to violence, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the resumption of an inclusive political dialogue. "Following months of unrest and the controversial electoral process, the Burundian government can begin to restore credibility through engagement in an inclusive political dialogue with political parties," the envoys said in a statement. "The Burundian government cannot afford to continue down a road marred by instability, division, extreme economic decline and humanitarian crisis." President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term in office triggered a failed coup in June and sparked criticism from

Police drive by the scene of a grenade attack on a parked car downtown Bujumbura, Burundi, on the eve of a presidential election, July 20, 2015.

those who say he is undermining the constitution and the Arusha accord, which effectively ended the country's 13-year civil war. Burundi's constitutional court ruled he was eligible because he was first elected by parliament,

not voters, in 2005. The July 21 vote in which Nkurunziza was re-elected was widely viewed as flawed. More than 200,000 people have fled from Burundi and are seeking refuge across the region.

The statement commended Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya for their "humanitarian contributions" as hosts for refugees.

UN takes action on sexual abuse in CAR peacekeeping missions ÏÏÏU.N. Secretary-General Ban

Ki-moon has taken strong action in response to the latest sexual abuse allegations against U.N. peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. He asked for and accepted the resignation of his top envoy in the C.A.R., Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, a long-time Senegalese diplomat and military officer. At a hastily called news conference Wednesday, the U.N. chief said although General Gaye had served tirelessly at the head of the U.N. Mission, he wanted to send a strong message. “I want to be clear that this problem goes far beyond one mission or one conflict or one person. Sexual exploitation and abuse is a global

scourge and a systemic challenge that demands a systemic response,” Ban said. It is extremely rare for a senior U.N. official to be asked to resign. Ban said he could not articulate how “anguished, angered and ashamed” he is by repeated reports of sexual abuse and exploitation by U.N. peacekeepers. “When the United Nations deploys peacekeepers, we do so to protect the world’s most vulnerable people in the world’s most desperate places,” he said. “I will not tolerate any action that causes people to replace trust with fear." The U.N. chief urged victims to come forward and report abuse saying, “You should not feel shame. Shame belongs to the

perpetrators.” The U.N. deployed its mission, known by its acronym MINUSCA, in September last year to quell escalating inter-communal violence. It was preceded by an African Union led international support mission and a Frenchbacked peacekeeping force. There have been several allegations of sexual abuse of children, first against the French and international forces and later against U.N. peacekeepers. In June, the U.N. chief appointed an independent panel to look into the accusations and the U.N. response. Its report is due in the coming weeks. Amnesty International brought the latest allegations to light on Tuesday, saying a

12-year-old girl was raped by a peacekeeper during an operation last week in the capital, Bangui. U.N. police from Rwanda and Cameroon were operating in the area where the attack allegedly took place. Ban said he has requested the Security Council convene a special session on Thursday to discuss sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. He also will hold a video conference on the same day with his envoys, force commanders and police commissioners in all peacekeeping missions to underscore their responsibility. He said U.N. leaders must report allegations immediately, investigate thoroughly and act decisively, “Failure to do so will have clear consequences.”

Mozambican refugees shun camp in Malawi ÏÏÏHundreds of

Mozambicans have fled into Malawi because of fighting between government forces and the opposition party RENAMO. Many of the displaced people are resisting being relocated to a refugee camp. The Mozambicans started entering Malawi in early July after RENAMO fighters carried out two attacks in Tete province. RENAMO disputes the result of

last year's elections and wants autonomy in northern Mozambique, where it has the most support. The refugees are settling at Kapise II village in Malawi’s southern district of Mwanza. Headman William Michiwe told VOA his village is hosting 775 Mozambicans so far. "They are men, women and children. But they are living in appalling conditions, mainly because of lack of food and

other basic necessities of their day-to-day life,” he said. Malawi's government has started to move the Mozambicans to a designated refugee camp in the neighboring district of Neno. “Over 119 of them [registered refugees] were relocated to Luwani camp where they are properly been hosted by the government of Malawi with support from the UNHCR and the World Food Program,” said

Lapozo. But authorities say many of the Mozambicans are shunning relocation. Some flee into the bush if they see a Malawi government vehicle, while others conceal their identity. Some people staying in makeshift shelters at Kapise II this week denied being Mozambicans. They told VOA they were only visiting displaced Mozambican friends who at the time were away “to do some piece work.”

13 Africa Guinea-Bissau's President Vaz sacks his govt ÏÏÏ Guinea-Bissau's President

Jose Mario Vaz has dismissed the government following a rift with Prime Minister Domingos Pereira. The two men are said to have disagreed on a number of issues including the use of aid money and the return to Guinea-Bissau of a former army chief of staff. The West African state returned to civilian rule in June last year. With a history of coups, no elected leader has served a full term since independence from Portugal in 1974. Many senior military officers have also been accused of turning the country into a narco-state as it is a major hub for cocaine smuggled from Latin America to Europe. BBC Africa's Zenaida Machado says the announcement follows weeks of tension between the president and the prime minister. In a televised address, Mr Vaz said a simple reshuffle would not be sufficient to solve the problem.

Egypt frees proMorsi politician

ÏÏÏOpposition

politician AbulEla Mady was released on Wednesday after nearly two years of pretrial detention, Mady's son Ahmed said, two days after a court ordered him set free. Mady was a supporter of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, who was removed from power by the army following mass protests against his rule in 2013. Mady was detained on charges related to violence during protests between supporters and opponents of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood in July 2013. The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, his deputy, Khairat el-Shater, and other Brotherhood leaders are also defendants in the case, judicial sources said. Mady's release does not mean the case against him has been closed, Ahmed Mady, who is a lawyer, told Reuters. Egyptian law limits pre-trial detention to two years and a court on Monday ordered his release.

Morsi

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Yobe Tribunal admits report of election irregularities against Gaidam

Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Yobe State Election Pe-

tition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, admitted as exhibit a report listing irregularities – including falsified election results compiled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the April 11, governorship election won, by Mr. Ibrahim Gaidam of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The PDP supervising agent, Alhaji Mamu Mohammed, told the tribunal that the irregularities showed inconsistencies in accreditation of voters and the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mohammed testified as a key witness for the petitioner, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, who is contending that Gaidam was wrong-

ly returned. The said report, now in evidence, also contained the number of people accredited for the election, card reader and manual register and recorded number of Form EC 8. The document further contained detailed analysis of the number of ballot papers used for the election, which the author claimed were less than the total votes cast. It would be recalled that the tribunal, on Wednesday, admitted, as exhibit, another report issued by the Financial and Economic Crimes Commission (EFCC), on the N15 million bribery allegation against the Yobe State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). A witness from the EFCC, Mr. Emmanuel Aremo, who tendered the report said he was an investigation officer, who probed the

matter and that some persons attempted to induce the state REC to favour the incumbent governor. The tribunal had admitted, last Thursday, the testimonies of two witnesses, who told the tribunal how N15 million was allegedly paid into the account of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Yobe State, shortly before the April 11 governorship election. Two senior personnel of two new generation banks had testified before the tribunal, last Thursday, on the lodgment of N8million and N7million into the accounts on April 8, 2015. But Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN), counsel to the state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, described the allegation as baseless, and that the petitioner was only out to entertain the tribunal. He told the tribunal that he would raise objection to the report in his ad-

dress. According to the witnesses, only N23, 000 was in the account before the money was deposited. Umar Alkali, the Operations Manager of the Damaturu Branch of one of the banks admitted some of the documents and bank statements of accounts and tellers that the money was paid. The REC and the aide-de-camp (ADC) to Ibrahim Gaidam, were joined as respondents in the petition. Alhaji Waziri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is challenging the victory of the governor at the tribunal. In his petition, he alleged irregularities and corruption. Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned till Tuesday, next week, at the instance of the petitioners, who intends to call their last witnesses.

ÏÏÏThe

Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara

State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has commiserated with his Osun State counterpart, Ogbeni AbdulRauf Aregbesola and the people of the State of Osun on the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, describing the late traditional ruler as an icon of international status who bestrode the traditional institution with candour and panache. In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Gov Ahmed said the passage of Ooni marked a glorious close of a glowing chapter in the tradition and culture of the Yoruba nation, describing it as a monumental loss to the country’s traditional institution and the nation at large. Governor noted that late Ooni would be sorely missed, not only by the people of Ile Ife, Osun State, but the entire people of Nigeria.

Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏAn Ekiti State High Court

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sidi (right) presenting Dignity Kits to one of the internally displaced pregnant women, Mrs. Habiba Muhammad (left), during the presentation of the kits to 410 women in Borno... on Wednesday. With them are Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima (2nd right) and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Daouda Toure.

NASENI presents light weapon designs to Buhari Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Olori Oladunni

Kehinde Akinpelu

Court begins hearing on Ekiti NURTW boss murder

Olori Ogunbanke is dead death has been announced of Olori Oladunni Obafemi Ogunbanke, the wife of the immediate past Okemu of AlaIjebu, Oba Elikannah Jebb Ogunbanke. Born about 93 years ago, Olori Ogunbanke, in her prime, worked meritoriously at various times in the circulation department of Nigerian Tribune newspapers and the defunct Sketch newspapers, rising in both organisations to the rank of senior circulation officer for a cumulative period of over 35 years. She retired from active employment in 1982 to embrace fully the service of God. Ogunbanke’s indelible footprints were etched in the sands of time in all her places of sojourn at Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Ijebu and Ifo all in the South-West of Nigeria. She was a devout Christian. A release by her family said that Olori Ogunbanke would be buried at Ifo, Ogun State tomorrow. She was survived by children, grand-children, and great grand-children.

Kwara Gov mourns Ooni

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), on Thursday, presented light weapon designs and laboratory equipment to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidentla Villa, Abuja. Other NASENI inventions presented included new energy-saving LED lamp products. Buhari urged the agency to do

more to publicise its inventions for the benefit of Nigerians. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that Buhari observed that unless the agency’s inventions were adopted and further developed by manufacturers, the country and ordinary Nigerians would not enjoy the fruits of its good work. Buhari, who was impressed, also directed NASENI to explore ways of working with the Defence

Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Kaduna to manufacture the light weapons it has designed.

Buhari

has begun hearing on the murder case of the former state Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Omolafe Aderiye, with an assurance from the judge to give it an accelerated hearing. Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, who gave the assurance, at the court sitting on Thursday, said he was ready to ensure that the matter was disposed of as early as possible if lawyers in the case co-operated with him. Eight persons arraigned in court in connection with the murder included Bayo Aderiye namely – Niyi Adedipe, Sola Durodola, Kayode Ajayi, Oso Farotimi, Sola Adenijo and Rotimi Olanbiwonnu. The suspects are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy to murder in the murder of exNURTW boss Aderiye. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. Counsel to one of the accused persons, Nathaniel Oke (SAN), urged the court to give the case an accelerated hearing on account of long incarceration of his client and the co-accused in prison custody.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

15 Opinion

Letter to Ab’oba ku of Ife Dear Abo’baku,

ood day sir, wherever you may be and reading this letter. I write to you, not as a son of Ile-Ife where you held fort, but as a true son of Oduduwa, our progenitor. I have read in the media with utter disgust, how you braved the night and escaped from the palace of the Ooni at a time your services are most needed. Whatever informed your decision, I appeal that you reconsider your action and come back home and be counted among true sons of the ancient kingdom and as ardent believer in the tradition from which you benefited so much since 1980 when you chose to take up the title of Ab’oba ku to Oba Sijuwade. While you held court as the Ab’oba ku of Ife, I never for once envied your ‘exalted’ position knowing that as the Ab’oba ku, you will die alongside the king. You knew more than I do, the demands of the office to you occupied in the palace as the Ab’obaku of the ‘Source’. May I remind you that your job, among others, was to serve the Ooni whilst he lived and also attend to him in the afterlife. You should be reminded of the famous Yoruba adage that says, Eyele kii b’onile je, ko b’onile mu, ko di ojo iku ko yeri, (A pigeon does not wine and dine with

Segun Adio

its owner and abandon him in death). Already, your action has caused a lot of embarrassment not only to the royal throne of Ile-Ife, but to the entire Yoruba race. Though born many years after independence, I have not known of any of the numerous Ab’oba ku in

palaces across Yorubaland that had acted the way you did. May be you never knew, but there are fears now that many people holding similar office as you in Yorubaland could be considering what is now being regarded as “The Ab’oba ku Option;” a strange terminology in

Yoruba lexicon. This, some elders say, would not only demystify the revered Yoruba culture and tradition, but could spell doom for its continued relevance. As at last count, there are about five persons declared missing in Ile-Ife after the dreaded Oro cult went round the kingdom. Some now say if you had not absconded, there probably would be no need going after innocent souls to take your place in the burial rites. Some are even trying to subject your action to legal interpretation but are usually reminded that the constitutionally guaranteed right to life does not extend to an Ab’oba ku in Yoruba land. I plead of you to save Ile-Ife and the rich Yoruba culture, the embarrassment that surely will follow it due to your preference for affluence and ephemeral wealth. Soon, there would be a coronation of another Ooni which means that that another Ab’oba ku would also accompany him to the palace. I have no doubt that anyone angling for that hitherto exalted position in the new dispensation would become an object of scorn and derision all due to your lily-livered action. I plead that you can come out of hiding and take your rightful place in history, since the burial rites for the Oni is now over. I am sure you would come back a hero, but where you fail to show up, your action would consign your descendants to perpetual ignominy.

The foundation of an ideal home ‘’Except the Lord build the home, they labour in vain that build it. Except the lord keep the city; the watch man waketh but in vain’’ (Psalm 127:1)

Marriage clinic

with

Samuel Omotoso

arriage is a God’s oldest institution under which a man Adam) and a woman (Eve) become legally united as husband and wife on a permanent basis (Gen.2:23, 25) i.e. a lifetime choice that binds a man and a woman together to live as husband and wife until death do them part. It is also a lifetime contract that none of the spouses or an outsider is allowed to break unless death comes (Matthew 19:5, 6). The Creation of the world solely rests on five important pillars. These pillars are religion, politics, the

family, the education, and the Law with planning. It is noteworthy to state categorically that the main pivot of these pillars is the “the family” from which other pillars emanated. Contrary to God’s Master Plan for Creation, it is unfortunate today, that the society at large in which the above mentioned pillars exist, are morally and spiritually decaying which is characterized with moral decadence, waywardness, worldliness and deadly amusement (2Timothy 4:10) Why? Because the foundation of the homes is cracking and faulty. More so, our nation, society, the churches and other religious bodies are full of unpleasant odours simply because, the family that constitutes them is full of rotten eggs. Hence, call for “Marriage Clinic”. The Foundation of Marriage is

sick and it needs an urgent divine surgical attention. It is only the family that is Christ-centered that can be a strong pillar for a nation that will prosper and become a salt to the civilized world (Matt 5:13, john 14:27). Before a certain home can be said to be a model or an ideal home, there must be scriptural premises on which that home has to be laid (1 Corinthians 3:11). FACTS ABOUT FOUNDATION A foundation is the platform or bedrock on which a structure rests (Matt 7:24-27) It is the root or origin of a thing (psalm 18:15; 102:25) Foundations have spiritual and physical implications on a life, home, city and nation (psalm 11:3;11kings 2:19-21) Whatever happens to the foundation will surely affect the structure

built on it. The longevity and brevity of a building or life is hinged on the foundation(Matt 7:24-27) The strength and weakness of a structure is predetermined by its foundation (Matt 7:24-27) Spiritually, foundation is the determinant of one’s destiny. The resistant power of any life or building against any unfavourable occurrences depends on the Foundation(Matt 7:25) The fulfilling power of a destiny is embedded in its foundation. The foundation that is faulty (which is not rooted in Christ) can not carry or sustain any landmark achievement (2King 2; 19). Omotoso can be reached on 08029531853, email:onwardforchrist2015@ gmail.com

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Reps unhappy over non-payment of 3, 600 midwives Henry Omunu & Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

House of Representatives, on Thursday, said it would investigate the non-payment of allowances to over 3,600 midwives employed for the implementation of the Integrated Maternal, New-born and Child Health (IMNCH) scheme across the country. The scheme, which is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health, is part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, which Nigeria and 188 other countries adopted at the United Nations General Assembly, in September 2000. The House, therefore, mandated its Joint Com-

mittee on MDGs and Health to investigate the non-payment of the allowances to the midwives and ensure that concrete modalities were mapped out to immediately offset the debts by the federal government. The sponsor of the motion, Mr. Mark Igbillah (All Progressives CongressBenue), said that the Federal Government introduced the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS), in 2009, in a bid to provide improved skilled human resources at the primary health centres (PHCs) level through the mandatory yearly deployment of midwives to primary healthcare facilities in all local government areas, including the FCT. As a signatory to the MDGs, he added that Nige-

ria was under obligation to adopt necessary strategies and measures to achieve the MDGs 4 and 5, aimed at reducing maternal mortality ratio by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015, as well as reducing child morbidity by three-quarters within the same period. He said that the Midwives Service Scheme being managed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and funded by the MD Relief Gains (DRG), based on a memorandum of understanding between federal, state and local government areas, where the NPHCDA provided the midwives with a monthly allowance of N40,000, while the host state and local government areas provides a supplementary

allowance and accommodation, with the understanding that the midwives would be retained in the service of related states after two years of participation in the scheme and was renewable after the initial mandatory one-year period. He expressed concern that considering the nearconclusion of the MDGs and the pivotal contribution of the Midwives Service Scheme to the recently acclaimed success of Nigeria in meeting the MDGs, particularly in the area of maternal mortality, over 3,600 participating midwives in the scheme had not received their monthly allowances from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, since September 2014.

L-R: Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Amb. Olayinka Oresile; Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development; Mr. Hakeem MuriOkunola and Director, Youth Development, Mr. Bode Adams during the 2015 United Nations International Youth Day celebration held in Ikeja, Lagos…on Wednesday. Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Rivers Tribunal commences pre-hearing session Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, reluctantly shifted its pre-hearing session slated to Friday, as respondents to the petition

Wike

failed to file their pre- hearing replies. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, whose petition is challenging the election of Governor Nyesom Wike was slated for pre-hearing session on Thursday. But the tribunal found that some of the respondents were yet to file their replies to the application. At the resumption, counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Goddy Uche, informed the tribunal that they needed time to file their responses. Consequently, the tribunal, headed by Justice

Mu’azu Pindiga, adjourned further hearing till today to enable the respondents mainly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP and Wike file their responses. The tribunal had during one of its sessions dismissed the objections of the PDP and Governor Wike’s to its sitting in Abuja, instead of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Wednesday, last week, it also dismissed four out of the five petitions challenging the election of Wike as the governor of the state. Though, one of the four petitions marked EPT/RV/ GOV/05/2015 was volun-

tarily withdrawn by the petitioner, Kemka Elenwo, who was KOWA Party’s governorship candidate in the election, the three others were dismissed on technical grounds based on the application by Wike and the PDP. Other petitions that have been dismissed by the tribunal included the one filed by the Labour Party (EPT/ RV/GOV/01/2015), the one filed by the All Progressive Grand Alliance and its candidate, Charles Harry, (EPT/ RV/GOV/02/2015) and the fourth petition marked EPT/RV/GOV/03/2015 which was filed by Minaibim Harry of the Social Democratic Party. (SDP)

Okowa hails Buhari on Kachikwu's appointment Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏDelta

State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for appopinting Mr Ibe Kachikwu as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He observed that though the new NNPC boss was appointed on merit, the President still deserved to be

Ogun Police docks fake journalist Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏA 56-year-old man, Se-

gun Odofin was, on Thursday, arraigned at Abeokuta Magistrate Court III, for alleged false representation of himself as a journalist. The Prosecutor, Cpl Moshood Hammed, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on August 9 at about 4:00p.m at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, in Abeokuta.

commended for appointing a Delta son. He said he also sought the intervention of President Buhari on the dredging of the Escravos basin, in Warri, adding that he equally requested Buhari to intervene in the Gas City project located at Ogidigben in Delta State. He told journalist at the State House that the project had the potential to create jobs for the teeming jobless youths in country.

He said that the accused falsely presented himself as a journalist attached to The News magazine. “The accused was caught by some members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council, during the thanksgiving ceremony of Mr. John Abolurin, the former Commandant General of Nigeria Civil Defence Corps. “He was arrested and taken to Ibara police station, where he was questioned and he confessed to being a fake journalist and that The News magazine identity card found in his possession was forged, at a printing press in Abuja", the prosecuter stated.

Edebiri gives condition for success of Vision 20-2020 Titus Akhigbe

Benin ÏÏÏThe Federal Government’s quest for the actualisation of vision 20-2020 may be a mirage after all, if efforts are not geared towards capacity building. According to the President, Nigerian Institute for Welding, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, a failure to develop steel industry, welding and fabrication capacity, nondestructive technology, machining technologist capacity may spell doom for the Nigerian industrial aspiration. Edebiri, who is also a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant, said this in Benin City at the induction of 20 candidates, sponsored by Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to the Republic of Turkey to train in advanced welding processes. He tasked them to take

advantage of the several opportunities opened to them to acquire and improve upon their welding skills with a view to developing local content. "Welding is successfully and continually contributing positively to all human endeavours and the quality of life. It does this in numerous ways, whether through creating power for lighting and cooking, potable water and safe sanitation; a multitude of machines for different industrial applications, medical, health and safety devices etc. “Without welding, people around the world cannot switch on a light, turn a tap to access water, travel by train, road or air, or use a computer. In fact more than 90% of construction and installation in manufacturing, oil and gas industry involve welding and fabrication operations,” he said.

Business Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

NSE warns Conoil, others on non-filing of 2014 audited financial statements The Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE) has warned Conoil, others on the implication of non-filing of 2014 audited financial statements. NSE has also confirmed that as at August 3, 2015, 89% of the active listed companies have filed their audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014. The NSE stressed that of the 11% per cent of active listed companies yet to file their audited accounts for the year end-

ed 31 December 2014 are Conoil Plc, Costain West Africa Plc, Evans Medical Plc, Daar Communications Plc, Nascon Allied Industries Plc, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, Standard Trust Insurance Plc, Nigerian German Chemicals Plc, and RT Briscoe Plc. The Exchange said therefore that it wishes to again remind the affected companies of their obligations under the Listings Rules (Section 19.5 of the Amendments to the Listing

Rules). Tinuade Awe, Head of Legal and Regulation Division of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) explained that late filing has the potential to adversely affect the market and their shareholders as well as creates grounds for avoidable doubts regarding companies’ performances. “The Exchange is monitoring the compliance status of these companies very closely and is engaging the affected companies accordingly. We encourage

investors to always check the X-Compliance Report and Released Financials on our website for full details of the compliance status of listed companies before making investment decisions” She stated. For failure to file audited reports timely, the NSE sanctions range from penalties to regulatory delisting of the securities from the Daily Official List of The Exchange. These penalties accrue on weekly basis and further depletes the bottom-line of

the companies’ earnings. These penalties are also expected to be disclosed in the annual reports of the companies. During the last two years, NSE has granted all listed companies a month’s grace after their respective regulatory filing dates noting the regulatory challenges of adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by the listed companies and socio-political uncertainties that prevailed in the country in recent times.

R-L Dr. Primus Igboaka, Secretary, Nigeria, USA Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC), Mr. Chuk Nnabuife, Chairman, the Ambassador to the United States, Prof Ade Adefuye and Mr. Lee Kareem, CEO, NUSACC.

MAN raises alarm over imminent mass closure of factories Charles Okonji The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has said it is likely that sudden closures of factories may occur in a few weeks time, following the difficulty being experienced in importing raw materials for production. Recall that the central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recently placed a ban on forex access for 41 goods. Some of these items MAN argue are either raw or intermediate raw materials. Dr Frank Jacob Udemba, President, MAN, who disclosed this on Tuesday at a special briefing

with the media on the state of the Nigerian economy, held at the association’s office in Ikeja, Lagos, stated that the problem of inadequate foreign exchange and the new foreign exchange guidelines of the CBN negatively affected productivity. He noted that the situation enormously increased the cost of manufacturing, stressing that manufacturers experienced difficulties in importing raw material inputs into the country. Udemba, however stated; “All these, without doubt, could result in factory closures and consequent loss of jobs if not addressed quickly. The above challenges conspicuously reflected

in the performance of key macroeconomic indicators in the first quarter of 2015, as corroborated by statistics churned out by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the CBN and the Organisation of Oil Producing Community (OPEC).” He said noted that the real GDP growth was on the negative side, explaining that the real GDP growth recorded in the first quarter was hovering around 3.96 per cent which is below 5.94 per cent that was recoded at the last quarter of 2014. Udemba lamented that the inflation rate significantly increased from 8.2 per cent to 8.6, adding that the interest rate also

rose from 16.84 per cent to 26.48 per cent, while the external reserves marginally declined from $29.8 billion to $29.01 billion. He stated; “The crux of this challenge emanated from the decline of crude oil prices recorded in the last quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015. The trickle-down effect of the declining price of crude oil created a highly challenging environment for the manufacturing sector in the country which has been historically challenged by dearth of infrastructure.” The president noted that the association is aware of the present economic challenges facing the country, particularly the

need to arrest the dwindling value of Naira by the CBN as the apex bank has taking some deliberate steps to shore up the value of Naira. He said; “We, however believe that it is necessary that genuine cases presented by manufacturers should be given some level of consideration to avoid creating more socioeconomic problems of unemployment and crime that could emanate from the closure of factories. If the productive sector continues to find it difficult to procure necessary raw materials and spare parts within the next few weeks, closure and retrenchment may become inevitable.”

Money 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

L – R: Mr. Emomotimi Agama, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Mr. Oscar N. Onyema OON, Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE and Ms. Tinuade Awe, General Manager, Head, Legal and Regulation Division, NSE at the Induction Ceremony for the Newly Authorized Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange today.

Nigeria, others to launch cross listing of Exchange Traded Funds Discussions are currently underway between market participants in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to launch the cross listing of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). This will lead to improved liquidity on Africa’s exchanges and see increased cross listings of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) on the larger exchanges on the continent and provide domestic investors with access to opportunities from another market, in the convenient and cost effective form of an ETF. ETFs are a collection of equities, commodities or bonds bundled together in a fund to ensure that investor risks are evenly spread across this range of securities. By cross listing ETFs on African exchanges, investors will be given access to liquid company shares tracked by indices such as the FTSE/ JSE Top 40; the FTSE/ NSE Kenya 15 Index; and the MSCI/Nigeria. “ETFs are one of the fastest growing asset-class categories in the world. By collaborating with Africa’s largest stock exchanges, we hope to spearhead this trend in Africa,” Director for Capital Markets at the JSE, Donna Oosthuyse said. The cross listing of ETFs

will fulfil two main functions: Investors will have exposure to a diverse range of top performing Nigerian, Kenyan and South African companies in a convenient and cost effective way; and the cross-listings of ETFs will also improve the liquidity of Africa’s largest stock exchanges. Oosthuyse explains that the advantages for companies included in the ETF indices, and for the exchanges from whence they come, are that ETFs need to be ‘fully covered’. “This means that the asset manager that is managing the ETF portfolio has to buy and sell the underlying shares on the home exchange, depending on the activity of buying and selling of the ETF. If an ETF from Kenya or Nigeria for instance is listed on the JSE, then the asset manager in Kenya or Nigeria has to buy and sell the constituent shares on the home market, as units in the ETF are bought and sold. This drives liquidity in the home market. In addition to this, it provides extra visibility on the shares on that exchange to new investors who in all likelihood don’t yet trade on that market,” Oosthuyse further clarifies.

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Business Development at NSE, said “This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing investors with a wide range of investment products to help them realize their financial goals. ETFs are becoming attractive to many investors offering them portfolio diversification and reduce cost of investing. We are proud once again to be collaborating with reputable exchanges in Africa to bring this new and exciting investment opportunity to bolster trade across multiple markets.” As part of an on-going effort to deepen and promote liquidity, choice of products and investor interest across African markets, the JSE and the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), supported by the World Bank Group, will be hosting the third Building African Financial Markets Seminar from 16 - 18 September. The conference will gather key representatives from stock exchanges, regulatory bodies, stockbroking firms and other market participants from several African countries, where ideas on how to grow Africa’s capital markets will be discussed.

Reps tasks NCC to caution GSM operators over unfair practices Tony Nwakaegho The House of Representatives has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to stop certain “unfair practices” by mobile telecommunication service providers in the country. The House cited the increasing cases of “unsolicited caller tunes” and text messages to subscribers by service providers as one example that the commission must stop immediately. The lawmakers in a resolution in Abuja observed that the caller tunes and promotional text messages were not only unsolicited but also carried charges, adding that such charges were deducted from the airtime of subscribers in most cases without their knowledge. Hon. Ali Madaki, an All Progressives Congress member from Kano State who moved a motion, told the House that “In the recent past, mobile telephone service providers in Nigeria started charging their subscribers for caller tunes unsolicited in contravention of the NCC Act, 2003.” Madaki, explained to his colleagues how he once took his phone to a service provider’s office in Kano to have an unsolicited caller tune cancelled and his money returned. However, he became dramatic, sending his colleagues to laugh heartily when Madaki revealed how another unsolic-

ited “embarrassing” caller tune played on his phone a few days later. He lashed out at the operators when he revealed how another unsolicited “embarrassing” caller tune played on his phone a few days later with the following remark,“ Mr. Speaker, they played a caller tune, ‘My Sweetie, my lover’. “It is immoral to do such a thing by sending such tunes to subscribers who did not subscribe to them,” Madaki hinted. House Majority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, described such acts carried out by service providers as “harassment and invasion of privacy.” He informed the House that aside the powers conferred on NCC by the enabling Act; there were laws that guaranteed the privacy of Nigerians and cited Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that stated that when the privacy of individuals was invaded, they could seek the protection of the law. “If you invade my telephone with unsolicited information, there should be a penalty for it,” he said. A member from Kogi State, Mr. Tajudeen Yusuf, decried the condition of “deceiving” subscribers to participate in promotions with promises of nonexisting prizes. “People buy airtime and soon realise that the entire money is taken. This is illegal and it must stop,” Hon. Yusuf added.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

19 Money

Real Sector Digest Amazon ranks world’s No1 e-commerce company

Amazon, with a market value of more than $240 billion, is once again the world’s most valuable e-commerce company, a spot it lost after Alibaba’s record-setting $25 billion initial public offering in September. Alibaba’s current market capitalization is at about $180 billion, down more than 30 percent from its peak in November. Alibaba reported earnings on Wednesday showing that quarterly sales grew at their slowest pace in three years, with transaction volume falling short of estimates. Nigeria’s Konga and Jumia are growing by the day. Only recently, Jumia raised $150 million and Naspers has invested $50-million in Nigerian ecommerce site Konga, according to reports. Investors viewed Alibaba as a profitable alternative to the freespending ways of Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s chief executive officer. Now, concerns are focused on China’s cooling economy and slower consumer spending, as well as Alibaba’s reluctance to aggressively pursue business in the U.S. Meanwhile, Amazon impressed investors last month when it reported a surprise second-quarter profit, thanks to its fast-growing cloud-computing business and spending discipline. “You can’t overlook the China slowdown,” said RJ Hottovy, an analyst at Morningstar Inc. in Chicago. “Chinese consumer spending trends are in a slowdown.” Among investors, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wellington Management Group and TIAA-CREF Investment Management reduced their share holdings in Alibaba by an average of 42 per cent in the past three quarters, while increasing their holdings in Amazon by 65 per cent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. For now, the e-commerce giants are mostly steering clear of each other’s home turf. Amazon is focusing its overseas growth ambitions on India after investments in China failed to gain traction. Alibaba in June announced plans to sell its U.S. website 11 Main, and is looking to Russia and Brazil to expand. Rather than sell Chinese goods in the U.S., Alibaba is focused on encouraging American businesses to sell into China.

Alaba International Market, Lagos

Enterprise Strokes

How SMEs rip-off customers

Stories by Siaka Momoh

The Nigerian economy, like the economies of many other developing economies, is largely an informal economy. Small businesses loom large in Nigeria. Businesses you find in places like the Alaba International Market, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Otigba Village, otherwise known as Computer Village, all in Lagos, are small businesses. Similar markets across the country in places like Kano, Port Harcourt, Warri, Bauchi, Sokoto, Minna, Onitsha, etc, habour small businesses too. These businesses have a domineering presence in the economy. They constitute the engine of growth of the economy. How? Most of the big businesses you see today started as small businesses. There is a symbiotic relationship between small and large scale en-

terprises. Big businesses – manufacturing concerns and service companies, are serviced by small businesses. Product distributors, raw material and other company needs suppliers, are small enterprises. Big businesses outsource jobs to small businesses. Good as small businesses are, they traditionally engage in unethical practices. They do this everyday. Let us start from the very small businesses. Ask those who depend on ‘abokis’ for water they need in their homes for laundry, bathing and flushing of toilets, they will tell you how these domestic jobbers beat in their water containers to reduce volume of water delivered to you. With this trick, you pay more money for less volume . In the markets too, the same goes with food stuff sellers – sellers of beans (cowpeas), millets, corn, garri, etc. Those who trade in fabrics

play their own tricks too on their unsuspecting customers. They either shift the tape dexterously without you knowing (they are very smart at that) or sell to you a fabric that is a look-alike, a fake version of the fabric you pay for. Commodity traders who sell cocoa to exporters of this produce have sent many away from business. How? Product quality apart, one important factor that determines how much is paid for a particular consignment is the weight of the parcel. Cocoa, like several other agricultural commodities, is paid for in tonnes. Cocoa suppliers bring in adulterated parcels – parcels stuffed with granites. This is done to add weight and by so doing, get more value than merited for produce delivered. Building contractors are a terrible lot. There was this case study this writer’s group discussed at a session at Lagos Busi-

ness School’s Enterprise Development Centre few years back. The case study had to do with a company which got a contract to build branches for a bank. It was good business. He set out to work. He mobilised resources – builders, suppliers of building materials, etc. The job required the use of large tonnes of iron rods. This was where the devil struck. Where he needed 20 tonnes of iron rod, 15 was supplied; where he needed 50 tonnes, 40 was supplied. He found out he was paying more for iron than he had planned for. He decided to find out what the problem was. Guess what happened? His secretary, who had the mandate to ensure transparency, whose job was to ensure that quantity supplied was supplied, was an accomplice! Some contractors play this trick with supplies of other building materials like sand, gravels, cement, and paints.

Ford to start assembly plant in Nigeria

Ford will start assembling its best-selling Ford Ranger pickup truck in Nigeria by the fourth quarter, as it expands in Africa according to Reuters. The Nigerian assembly plant, in partnership with Ford dealer Coscharis Motors Limited, is the first outside South Africa, where Ford produces the Ranger for 148 markets. Ford Motor Company stated that it will start assembling its

best-selling Ford Ranger pickup truck in Nigeria by the fourth quarter, as it expands in Africa and the Middle East, the U.S. automaker. “Nigeria is a priority market for us in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Jeff Nemeth, the president and CEO of Ford Motor Company’s business in sub-Saharan Africa. “Depending on how Nigeria develops over time ... we are poten-

tially looking at using our Nigerian plant to service West Africa,” he told Reuters. The auto market in Africa’s biggest economy has huge potential but retails only a small amount of new vehicles annually, Nemeth said. He said the sector is dominated by imported used vehicles, while limited financing for consumers to buy new vehicles and the absence of an industrial policy

that would encourage suppliers to set up in Nigeria have stunted growth. The Ikeja plant near Lagos will assemble the Ford Ranger using parts and components imported from South Africa. The plant will have the capacity to assemble up to 5,000 units annually, which will be sold in Nigeria.Ford produces 85,000 units each year in South Africa, which are sold across 24 African countries.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Tourism Æ s

L-R: General Manager, Brand South Africa, Africa and Middle East, Sindiswa Mququ; South Africa Consular General, Lagos, Ambassador Sam Monaisa; Acting Chief Marketing Officer, Brand South Africa, Sithembile Ntombela and Brand South Africa Ambassador, Dr. Zweli Mkize at South Africa/Nigeria Dialogue Session held in Lagos recently.

Synergy of two creative arts: Nigeria, South Africa Tunde Fatoyinbo A roundtable dialogue comprising an audience of 30 participants (South African and Nigerian experts in the creative arts industries as well as business, media, youth and government) was held recently to examine the commonalities between the brands of Nigeria and South Africa. The purpose of the dialogue brought to fore the issues of na-

tion branding and competitiveness in the policy space of the stakeholders. From the previous discussions between the two African giants there has been much focus on the issues where the two diverge, thus discounting the many areas of convergence. The Dialogue session held on 24th July, 2015 was a deliberate initiative for the two countries to refocus on the rich heritage and creative arts industries to encourage further collaboration

between the two countries. In his keynote address, Dr Zweli Mkize, South Africa’s Nation Brand Ambassador, spoke about the need for greater synergy between the creative artists in Nigeria and South Africa to further enhance the creative arts industry of both countries. He said that Africa is nothing but a piece of land and the people should learn to be Pan-Africanist like the founding fathers. “African Union leaders have a

lot to address apart from political emancipation,” he said. In an illustration of the need to be each brother’s keeper and the need for the continent to forge unity, he asked everybody that was in the hall, to link up their right hand to the person sitting beside them and to simultaneously raise the right hand up. He asked: “After lifting the right hand up, what do you discover?” There was chorus of, “all our hands are up”, and he asked them to let the left hand down. Simultaneously all the hands went down. He said: “We can lift or suppress each other depending on our choice. It is for this reason we are seeking better cooperation between us and Nigeria, as well as other African countries.” He commended Nollywood for its effort in uplifting the film industry, saying: “Nollywood is a pride for us. They have combined folk stories with our rich culture and languages. Even when the stories don’t make sense, the setting remains that of our people, culture and heritage.” He assured that the issue of cooperation treaty between the Nigerian film industry and music with South Africa, which was raised earlier during discussion, will be addressed at the appropriate level. Alex Enyehia, a Nollywood film maker who spoke earlier took the audience through the history of film making in Nigeria claiming that, “it is erroneous to say that film making started with Living in Bondage. The history of filmmaking in the country can be traced to a film earlier produced in 1906.” He noted that the South African film industry is tilted more

towards the American and European films, unlike the Nollywood that mirrors the society by breaking the rules set by the Western world in film production. This, he believes, has led the Western world to come and understudy Nollywood.” According to him, “It is magic for the Western world to see us at Nollywood producing a film within a week or two while it takes Hollywood almost a year”. He noted that, South Africa has the upper hand when it comes to the technical area but Nollywood’s strength lies in the speed of its production. He enjoined the South Africans to collaborate with Nollywood and said that he looked forward to seeing a lot of collaboration between the South African film industry and Nollywood as South Africa has done with many other African counties. South African Airways Country Manager Nigeria, Thobi Duma explained the partnership between Brand SA and their commitment to the success of Brand SA. She spoke further, “For us in South Africa Airways, the creative artists, and all others are paramount to us. We are here to serve you. Our service to our customers is our leverage among other airlines,” Thobi said. Participants during the discussion commended the efforts of the South Africa in promoting their brand as well as providing the platform for doing so. However, they advised the Brand South Africa team to work on the visa procedure and intensify its marketing effort in order to grab a major portion of the ever growing market in Nigeria.

always something to do, with all the major sights within walking distance. Kano: The capital of Kano state and the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria, as well as the second largest city in the country after Lagos. Kano is a city of first-rate architecture, food, and cultural life. Some of its tourist attractions include Kurmi Market established in the 15th century, Kano’s centuries-old city wall, and Gidan Rumfa (Emir’s

Palace, the oldest continuous site of authority in Nigeria). Yola: A truly inspiring metropolis, Yola also serves as the administrative capital of the Adamawa state. Some of the best things to see and experience in Yola include: theThree Sister Hills, which are three scenic rock formations standing side by side at the same height; the Njuwa Lake fishing festival; The Lamido’s Palace and the annual horseriding durbar.

Five Northern cities you should visit! For many, the thought of Northern Nigeria conjures up images of bomb-damaged and dangerous cities with inhospitable residents; however, this is not entirely true as the region features idyllic cascades, picturesque plateaus, captivating architecture and welcoming locals who are proud to show off their local cities and culture. Those who are eventually drawn in by allure that the northern regions of the country has, very rarely know where to go in that corner of the nation, and so for the most part end up avoiding it all together. There is however something very unique and exotic about these cities that should make most Nigerians want to

visit at least once in their lifetime. Here’s a look at the top five cities to visit in Northern Nigeria! Suleja: May be the most attractively surprising city in Nigeria. It’s an overlooked treasure in Niger state. There are great restaurants and galleries, and a major dose of history. The Zuma Rock, situate in it, is a popular is a tourist delight. It is also recognized as a center of excellence for traditional West African pottery, namely the world famous Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre, established by Michael Cardew in 1950. This city is a year-round destination that is worth at least a weekend or one night of your life. Jos: Despite having been affected by religious and political

crises and other social problems in recent times, Jos is a city that should be on any Nigerian’s itinerary. The city has numerous sights and sounds, majestic wildlife and excellent food. It’s a city that, despite its recent history, still exudes an intangible charm. Zaria: Formerly known as Zazzau and a major city in Kaduna State in Northern Nigeria, Zaria is one of Nigeria’s oldest cities and therefore has lots of history to tell. It also has a young population due to the presence of the Ahmadu Bello University. There is a certain old world atmosphere in several of its neighborhoods radiating from a place where people typically reside in traditional adobe compounds. And there is

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

21 Public Notice

THE DANIEL OTTIH’S FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL

UGO UNITED CLUB OF NIG ABUJA BRANCH

NOTICE is hereby given to the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Igweshi Anthony - Chairman 2. 3. Egwu Peter 4. 5. Nwodo Jude Ikenna 6.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Ulebe Elohozino Kingsley (ESQ) 2. Mrs Ulebe Modupe 3. Ibeh, Cyril Chinedu (ESQ)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hillary Ottih 2. Magdalene Ottih 3. Nwamaka Ottih Aim and Objective: 1. To see to the welfare of widows. 2. To render medical services to the less privileged. 3. To provide shelter for the homeless. 4. To provide girl child education 5. To provide food for less privilege. 6. To provide scholarship education for the less privileged.

Emeloa Omenife - Secretary Mamah Uchenna Igwe Azubuike

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:To assist, promote and protect the welfare and interest of members

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY

MOUNTAIN OF GOD DELIVERANCE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL NOTICE IS HEREBY given to the General Public that the above named ministry has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Rev. Victor Elu Ayomoh 2. Pastor Angel Ayomoh THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:1. To preach the word of god worldwide 2. To win souls for Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate affairs Commission, Plot420,Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: BARR. OVIAWE EGHOSA LAURA 08130957163

NIGERIAN ALLIANCE FOR CLEANCOOK STOVES

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate affairs Commission, plot420, Tigris crescent ,off Aguiyi Ironsi street, maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: IBEH CYRIL CHINEDU (ESQ) SECRETARY (08036334333)

ASSOCIATION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF AFRICAN WOMEN ECONOMISTS

FREEDOM OF LIFE CONTAINER OFFLOADERS ASSOCIATION ABIA STATE

NOTICE is hereby given to the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elizabeth Asiedu 2. Biola Phillip 3. Eme Dada

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Marck Ugochukwu 3. Daniel Chike 5. Ezera Tochukwu Smith 7. Madubuike Arisa

Aim and Objective: 1. To enhance the capacity and skills of African women economists 2. To address the unique challenges faced by African women economists.

Aim and Objective: To assist, promote and protect the interest of members

PUSH AGAINST CORRUPTION INITIATIVE

This is to notify the General public that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. 59, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Ewah Otu Eleri 2. Barr. Huzi Ishaku Mshelia 3. Precious Onuvae

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Dr. Ibrahim Dauda -Chairman Board Of Trustees: 2. Comrade Bello Osaretin -Executive Secretary 3. Mrs. Patricia Daniel 4. Austin Osaigbovo Bello 5. Comrade Victor Kalu

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED BY: DR. NNANNA EWA OBAJI CHAMBERS BLOCK J, SUITE 7 SKY MEMORIAL COMPLEX, WUSE ZONE 5 ABUJA 08037882011

FATAI ATERE TRADERS ASSOCIATION LAGOS NIGERIA

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:1. To advocate against all forms of economic and financial crime. 2. To promote and reward ethical behavior that will enhance the fight against corrupt practices in the society. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate affairs Commission,plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street, maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: BARR. NJOKU SIMON 08183652566 SOLICITOR, ABUJA

YOUNG CHILDREN CENTRE POINT

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named center has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the additional of Trustees with the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 Part C.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Godwin Mbah 2. 3. Moses Njoku - Chairman 4. 5. Ekene Eze - Executive Secretary 6.

Trustees. 1. Mr. Emmanuel Achimugu - Chairman 2. Mr. Ekojah Daniel David - Secretary 3. Sadiq Rita Salamat - Founder 4. Mrs Alice Sani - Member 5. Sadiq Abdulrasheed - Member

Remiginus Nwaokonkwo Valentine Anierobi Olayemi Awosugba

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To promote the interest and welfare of members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: BARR. NJOKU SIMON 08183652566 SOLICITOR ABUJA

GRASSROOTS FARMERS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for change of name and amendment of constitution to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990

Aim andobjective 1. To promote indigent children education and welfare 2. To offer scholarship to the poor children in the society Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: CHANCERY CHAMBERS 08035920449

SIGNET BUSINESS CLUB INTERNATIONAL The General Public is hereby notified that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Melton Yakubu Ma`Aji - Chairman 2. Oluwakemi Melton Ma`Aji 3. Barr. Godfrey Eruore Jarikre - Secretary

AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION THAT ARTICLE 7, 7.1 AND CLAUSE 3 BE AND HEREBY AMENDED. OTHER PARTS OF THE CONSTITUTION REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this to this change and amendment should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: BARR. EYEE BLESSING 08032573457

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:To Promote Ethical Leadership And Civil Rights In Nigeria

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To create an enabling environment for the growth of clean energy market. 2. To strengthen the supply chain for clean cooking energy in Nigeria.

CIVIL RIGHTS & ETHICAL LEADERSHIP ADVOCACY CENTRE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and mentor protegee business relationship. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: FREDA LAW FIRM SUITE B 16 SHIRKAR PLAZA 3 MICHIKA STREET, AREA II ABUJA

2. 4. 6.

Nwaebo Ifeanyi Sylvester Chukwu Daniel Uzoma Agwu Daniel Robert

BWARI MOTOR SPARE PARTS DEALERS ASSOCIATION BWARI ABUJA The General Public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Thomas Ugwuoke - Chairman 2. Ukpai Edwin - Secretary 3. Nwobodo Felix 4. Ezeilo Edith 5. Nwagbo Chiugo Douglas THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To promote the welfare and interest of members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate affairs Commission,plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street, maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: BARR. NJOKU SIMON 08183652566 SOLICITOR ABUJA

OTTUNE BELOVED FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (CAC/IT/NO 62856) This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for change of name and amendment of constitution to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 CHANGE OF NAME OLD NAME: OTTUNE BELOVED FRIENDS ASSOCIATION T0: NEW NAME: OTUNNE BELOVED FRIENDS ASSOCIATION AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO REFLECT THE CHANGES Any objection to this to this change and amendment should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication. Signed: SECRETARY

DIVINE CONNECTION PARKS AND GARDENS INITIATIVE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Solomon Agoha - Chairman 2. Pastor Mrs Esther Solomon Agoha - Member 3. Dcns William Tei Narh - Secretary 4. Dcn Charity Alex - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To support, promote events and bring out the beauty of out town and Nigeria at large. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: FREDA LAW FIRM SUITE B 16 SHIRKAR PLAZA 3 MICHIKA STREET, AREA II, ABUJA

Public Notice 22 HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE POOR & LESS PRIVILEGED INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990. TRUSTEES 1. Rev. Mrs Rachel Aleje Ogoma - Chairman 2. Mr. Pedro Odewu - Secretary Aim andobjective To assist the poor and less privileged. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication. Signed: FREDA LAW FIRM SUITE B 16 SHIRKAR PLAZA 3 MICHIKA STREET, AREA II ABUJA

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

BLOSSOMVILLE FOUNDATION

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. Balogun Olatayo Opeyemi - President 2. Oyekanmi Bosede Felicia - Secretary 3. Olatayo Dorcas Kehinde - Member 4. Ajayi Gbenga Thomas - Member 5. Oyekanmi Segun Isaac - Member

TRUSTEES 1. Chief Akhabue Eyemue Peter- President 2. Solomon Esezobor - Vice President 3. Iriah Andrew - Secretary 4. Anthony Oamen - Financial Secretary 5. Charly Akhigbe - Treasurer 6. Emmanuel Aghazobe - Member 7. Alkhuele Odion - Member

Aim andobjective 1. To assists the less privilege 2. To help the needy

Aim andobjective 1. To foster love amongst members 2. To assist members, morally, materially and financially

CIVICS LITERACY AND VALUE ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE

RECEIVE GIFT OF GOD INTERCESSION MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. Uzor, Nnamdi Ikechukwu 2. Ottih, Michael Ikechukwu

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Samuel Wenekoro Chuku. 2. Mr. Daniel Gideon. 3. Kenneth Obioma Onyenweaku. 4. Rev. Ikechukwu Owah. 5. Promise Chisa Amadi.

Aim andobjective 1. To inspire and educate Nigerians on the fundamental need for civilized values in our national life. 2. To raise the place or importance of values in our national life above the divisive sentiments of Citizenship Education, Values Education, promotion of personal values, and practice of simple examples of ethical conducts.

OBOMEIRELU PROGRESSIVE CLUB OF NIGERIA

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To preach the gospel of God. 2. To reach out to the poor and needy. 3. To enrich the spiritual life of members.

ASSOCIATION OF PROGRESSIVE HAIR DRESSERS, BARBER & COSMETOLOGY OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. TRUSTEES 1. Mrs. Remilekun Jaiyeola Soyewo - President 2. Mrs. Yinka Jolaoso - Vice president 3. Mrs. Olanike Rufus - Vice Secretary 4. Mrs Abeni Soyemi - Chief Taskforce 5. Abubakar Jemeel Olaitan - Financial Secretary 6. Mrs. Oyeniyi Oluwafemi Abosed - General Secretary 7. Mrs. Oluwashola Babalola - Treasurer Aim andobjective 1. To enhance the prestige of the Association. 2. To promote the spirit of oneness amongst it’s members.

GOD IS MY LIGHT MINISTRY

ASPIRATION ALIVE FOUNDATION

SAN - SAN FAMILY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION UGBEGE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Aniokwe Augustine Sunday 2. Aniokwe Nkeiruka Becky 3. Aniobi Chikezie Joel 4. Onah Tony James 5. Agwe Emmanuel Onochie AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and set captives Free. 2. To deliver the oppressed and heal the sick

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Owolabi Idris Abiola 2. Adeyemo Mutiu Adegbola 3. Adebisi Razaq Bukola

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mr. Appearance E. Kpatako -Chairman 2. Mr. Sylver T. Kpatako - General Secretary 3. Mrs. Asoro T. Kpatako - Treasurer 4. Mr. Nelson A. E. Kpatako - Fin. Secretary 5. Mr. Victor E. Kpatako - P.R.O

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote youths and community development 2. To promote the welfare of members of the foundation 3. To foster peace and unity among members of the foundation 4. To cater for the less privilege in our society.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Adeshina Adeniyi ESQ (Principle Partner), Legalbrain Solicitors & Advocates (Solicitors to the Applicant) 24, Adeyefa Street, Abule Oki Off Abeokuta Express Way.

GOD OF SOLUTION POWER MINISTRY

THE PARADISE CHURCH OF GOD ON EARTH EGBERIFA

The above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the amendment of constitution and adding and remover of trustees with the companied and allied matters act 1990 part c.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Prophetess Obiageli Alaebo 2. Mr. Innocent Okechukwu 3. Mr. Ebuka Okpara

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Oruebimiekumo Lawrence (JP)- Leader - Remained 2. Pastor Nieketien John Ayakpo - Remained 3. Bro. Nieketien Boboye David - Removed 4. Bro. Daniel Lawrence Oruebimiekumo -Add.

The Aims and Objectives To preach the gospel of Christ To all who are oppressed and to set at liberty all who are under the bondage of sin through prayers and the word of God.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ worldwide 2. To win souls for Christ 3. To teach undiluted words of Christ

Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28days of this Publication SIGNED: Babafemi Lucy (Lawyer)

STARPLACE BIBLE CHURCH WORLDWIDE

POWER OF GOD AND MIRACLES MINISTRY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To provide a platform for educational advancement of the Ugbege Community through scholarship schemes. 2. To promote de culture & tradition of the San-San Family. 3 To provide charity/ support to indigent members & foster homes at Ugbege. 4. To promote the social development of the Ugbege Community Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Barr Anasudu Simon Okeke- Solicitor. (08033498922)

UNBREAKABLE GOD GOSPEL ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named assembly has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. TRUSTEES 1. Prophet Martins T. Nnawuihe 2. Elder Hyginus M. Anochiri 3. Mrs. Mercy Ijeoma Nnawuihe Aim andobjective 1. To teach the bible in undiluted form 2. To propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ 3. To teach all people the way to salvation Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication. Signed: Secretary

SAINTS INLIGHT EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Ogbemudia Omiogie Daniel (3) Molokwu Enimielen Vivian (5) Williams Olanrewaju Oriasote.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Akingbesote Sina Frederick 2. Akingbesote Tolulope Juliana 3. Akingbesote Emmanuel Miracle

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evang. Williams Kujir Ayuba – Chief Servant of the ministry 2. Pastor David Obafemi Ezekiel – Mission servant 3. Br. John Eric Ugbesia – Administrative Servant 4. Br. Favour Chinedu Obiya – P.A to the Chief Servant

(2) Ogbemudia Faith Aimalohi (4) Joseph Chukwuemeka Anumbor

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ to all nation. (2) To promote Evangelism. (3) To deliver the oppressed, heal the sick and set the captive free. (4) To publish the word of God in print and electronic media. (5) To assist the less privilege in the church.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote mankind peace and oneness among members 2. To save souls for Christ 3. To organize revivals crusade and conduct deliverance services

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Braintrust & springboard consult

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: BARR. ONYINYE(08037791839)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Chairman

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Amosun's sack of civil servants draws flaks Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

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The decision by the Ogun State Government to sack some civil servants, for what it called “offensive examination question” for secondary school students, is now drawing flaks. The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last April’s election, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, described the act as an “act of wickedness, strange to a democratic setting.” The sack was also described as a continuation of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led-administration’s anti-workers policies that had seen many civil servants and teachers frustrated and sent out of service.

Isiaka, who expressed shock that Amosun was gradually turning out to be a fascist, also condemned the spate of demolition of property across the state for cosmetic projects, making many homeless and depriving them of their livelihood. He, however, urged the people of the state to be vigilant and watchful of subsequent draconian policies that could further destroy the sterling legacies of the state and impoverished the common man on the street. Isiaka, who spoke through his spokesperson, Comrade Ifekayode Akinbode, however, advised the government to review its decision and recall the sacked officers. Akinbode noted the contents in

the said ‘offensive’ article ought to have been dissected to assist government in policy formulation but “what we noticed in Ogun State was that instead of looking at the message they went after the messengers. This is unfortunate.” The affected workers were officials of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, which included two directors on Grade Level 17, Mrs. Folashade Oresegun (Director, Education Support Services) and Deacon Rotimi Ganiyu Odunsi (Director, Curriculum Development and Evaluation). Others were Mr. Oluwole Majekodunmi (Deputy Director, Curriculum Development and Evaluation on Grade Level 16), Mr. E.O Asegbe (Desk Officer)

Grade Level 10; Damilola Taylor (Proof Reader) on Grade Level 8 and a secondary school teacher, Mr. Joel Adegbenro, who set the English Language question. The two directors were asked to proceed on compulsory retirement, while others were dismissed from service after they had appeared before a panel set up at the Bureau of Establishment and Training. Akinbode noted that the article contained no new information that was not known to the general public, considering the rate at which people withdrew their wards from public schools because of poor funding, dilapidated infrastructure, obnoxious policies and lack of welfare scheme for teachers.

Clergy tasks Buhari on corruption, insurgency Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏA clergy and legal luminary,

L-R: General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), Mr. Paul Arinze; President, International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Nigeria, Mr. Chido Nwakanma; President, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Dr. Margee Ensign; Managing Director, Nielsen Nigeria and West Africa, Mr. Lampe Omoyele and Director, Centre for Leadership in Journalism, School of Media & Communication, Pan Atlantic University Globalisation/Imperative of ISO Certification for Communicators, Mr. Richard Ikiebe during the IABC 5th Business Leaders Forum held in Victoria Island, Lagos…on Thursday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Ebonyi govt trains farmers on mechanised agriculture Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏ As part of its effort to revolu-

tionise agriculture, farmers in Ebonyi State, would soon be trained on the use of modern mechanised agricultural equipment. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Uchenna Orji, who stated this at a joint press conference with his Information and State Orientation counterpart, Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, in Abakaliki, said the government had engaged the services of some “expatriates to train the farmers on the use of the mechanised agricultural equipment it has procured.” Orji said that five hectares of land had been acquired and cleared at the permanent site of the state university for the exer-

cise, adding that registered farmers and farmers’ co-operative societies would benefit from the training. He also said that “parboiling machines would soon be installed at the three modern rice mills owned by state government to get them fully utilised.” Orji announced the readiness of the government to enhance the aesthetic beauty of Abakaliki to make it a standard state capital, saying that the Executive Council had directed the Ministry of Environment to ensure that illegal structures were removed. The ministry is also to plant ornamental trees by the streets. Onwe restated the commitment of the council to the urban renewal programme of the state government, adding that the council had

approved N100 million to enable the Ministry of Power to continue with the on-going urban street light project. He hinted that it was the decision of the council that the street light project be handled systematically with the current rehabilitation of 200 kilometres of urban street roads by the Ministry of Works.

Gov. Umahi

Pastor Tony Okafor, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently procure modern equipment that would help his administration tackle corruption and insurgency bedevilling the nation. This, he said, was imperative, in view of the enormous lives and property that were being wasted on a regular basis across the nation due to the activities of insurgents, criminals and corrupt political office holders. Okafor, who is also the President, Men of Praise International Fellowship (MPIF), made the call during the body’s 2015 convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said that Nigeria’s security organisations needed modern crime fighting equipment and enabling environment to contain the riotous advancement of insurgents and acts of criminality. He urged the Buhari administration to step up security strategies, create institutions with in-built checks and balances, in order to subdue the present high level of corruption, wickedness and all divisive tendencies that slow down Nigeria’s march to true greatness. He advised members of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents to listen to reason now that it mattered most and cease their aggression against the Nigeria state and embrace peace in the interest of the unity adding that, “nobody has the right to take another person’s life, no matter the level of provocation, as life is sacred and must be respected.”

23 News FCT Task Force impounds 56 bags of cannabis Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Special Task Team on City Management, on Wednesday, impounded 56 bags of assorted hard drugs. The FCT Permanent Secretary, Engineer John Obinna Chukwu, made this disclosure, on Thursday, after meeting with the members of the team in his office. He said that the team discovered the hard drugs in a depot during its covert operation at Tura-Bura, behind Apo roundabout. His words: “The FCT Administration is gladdened by the proactive activity of the Task Team for this major discovery which would go a long way in reducing crime in all its ramifications in Abuja and environs”. According to him, “these 56 bags of cannabis and sundry hard drugs, seized by the FCT Task Team, will surely have positive multiplier effects on the fight against criminal activities in Abuja, because most crimes are committed under the influence of hard drugs”.

First Lady donates food items to Abia women

Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has voiced support for the 35 per cent of political offices for Nigerian women. She gave the assurance, during the distribution of cartons of tomatoes to women of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. While she enjoined them not to relent in their support for the federal government, Aisha further urged them to be patient with the president, stressing that he intended to lay a solid foundation for a society which everyone would be proud of. Represented on the occasion by the South East women leader of the party, Mrs. Sally William Chinedu, she maintained that “There are plans by the present administration to build a society where everyone, especially women will find fulfillment; a corruption-free and egalitarian society,” she said. She also said that the distribution of the item was a demonstration of motherly disposition and appreciation of the efforts of the women in the victory of her husband, as well as the recognition of their role as catalysts in building a stable home and nation.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

N’Central to petition Buhari over killings Moses Ikyaa-Gba Jos

ÏÏÏ Strong indication has

emerged that the people of the North Central geopolitical zone, known as Middle Belt, may be compelled to petition President Muhammadu Buhari over the wanton killings that persisted in the zone. Though, the killings in the zone did not start during President Buhari's tenure, the People of the zone are visibly disappointed with President Buhari,

for refusing to include the Middle belt in his request to US for assistance. Recall that during President Buhari’s visit to U.S, nothing was mentioned about the middle belt genocide. However, as a member of Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, whose members have been accused of perpetuating the killings in the Middle Belt, the people became worried that he didn't show any concern about their travails.

They argued that if Buhari had told the international community that the North central is also facing security challenges, they would have included the zone into their promise to help in rebuilding the North east. This action, according to them, show that the middle belt that has experienced longer terrorism, particularly in Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue states, and in some parts of Kaduna and Taraba states is but a forgotten area.

Recently, Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura, on a television interview, denied the ongoing killings in the state. However, the zone on her social media platform, called, "Middle-Belt Dialogue" expressed regret, noting that, "Despite the wanton destruction and loss of lives in the middle belt, no government of the middle belt states is making any request for reconstruction of the destroyed habitation of our people.

Reps to probe govts’ debt profile Henry Omunu & Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

House of Representatives, on Thursday, resolved to investigate the debt profile of all tiers of government with a view to

Abiodun Taiwo Governor Abiola Ajimobi (left) in handshake with Counsellor and Deputy Chief Mission, the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Mr. Masaya Otsuka (middle) and the Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Nakamura Hirotaka (right) during a courtesy visit of Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) to the Governor’s office… on Thursday

Integrated skills acquisition training for IDPs begins in Abuja Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Integrated Skills Acquisition Training for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) on Thursday, began at Pegi in Kuje Local Government Council of Abuja. It was organised by TY Danjuma Foundation in collaboration with All Children Charity International Foundation. The three months’ training is for 50 displaced persons. They will learn tailoring, shoemaking, poultry and fish farming. Ranti Bosede Daudu, founder of ACCIF, said, “It is the beginning of TY Danjuma Foundation’s funds for IDPs. The impact of the Boko Haram insurgency is immense. ACCIF is one

of the NGOs working to achieve this goal. The IDPs in Pegi need empowerment. Those that did not fit into the training will be provided with grinding machines.” Barr. Charles Odenigbo of ACCIF said, “If this gesture is emulated by Nigerians, the plight of these people will brighten up. Those who will undergo the training will own the tools afterwards.” A representative of TY Foundation said the scheme was part of the foundation’s mandate to empower the displaced persons. He said it was being done in batches, and that everybody would be accommodated. The Sarkin Pegi, Chief Iimiya, thanked the agencies for the gesture, adding that his community had

been assisting them with accommodation and food. Pastor Yakubu Luka, a displaced pastor, said organisations and individuals, such as the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) and an NGO from South Africa had been assisting them. He said former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala facilitated the admission of some of their children into school, but added that those that joined the camp after her initiative did not benefit. Charity Iliya, 17, lost her father during the crisis. She, like Abraham Wakil, 18, was in secondary school before the displacement. They both hope to return to school if the opportunities come.

Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

Ogun State government has assured rural dwellers that it would reembark on the rehabilitation of rural roads in the state as soon as the rainy period subsides. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructures, Engineer Kayode Ademolake, who disclosed this in a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, said government has already rehabilitated over 1,235 kilometers of such roads with culverts across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state in recent times. He said: “A lot has been done on rural roads, currently there is heavy downpour, most rural roads are hard stones and if you grade rural roads during the rainy season, it would amount to waste of public funds. Immediately the rain stops we would move in and start grading of all these roads”. Ademolake stated that the ministry would con-

"The federal government is expending heavy budget to rebuild the north east with no mention of the middle belt. "Plateau State is harboring significant number of the IDPs from the north east and the federal government is not saying anything about supporting the state in this feat. "Our communities are in ruins and no one is talking. Some middle belters, up till now still licks their wounds of the 2015 general election", they stressed.

Buhari

ensuring compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The resolution follows the unanimous adoption of the motion sponsored by Rep. Odebunmi Olusegun Dokun. The House therefore mandated its committee on aids, loans, and debt management to carry out the probe and report back to the House in six weeks for further legislative action. Moving his motion, Rep. Odebunmi said that the Fis-

cal Responsibility Act was enacted in 2007, to ensure the prudent management of the nation's resources, ensure long term macroeconomic stability of the national economy and promote greater accountability, and transparency in fiscal operations. According to him, sections 42 (1b), 42(3), and 42(4) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act provide for the management of the debt and indebtedness by all tiers of government in the country.

Ogun govt to resume rehabilitation of rural roads tinue to carry out construction and rehabilitation of roads within the state, adding that 30 Kilometers road in Ijebu–Ode–Epe garage, passing through Idowa to Ilese, had been rehabilitated.

Amosun

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

25 News

AIB yet to recover data, voice recorders from crashed helicopter Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) is yet to recover the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), otherwise known as black boxes from the wreckage of the Bristow Helicopter that crashed into the Lagos Lagoon on Wednesday. The helicopter was returning from an offshore oil platform. The commissioner of the AIB, Dr Felix Abali who disclosed this on Thursday said that the investigators of the accident had engaged construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, to assist with the recovery of the equipment, which is vital for investiga-

tion. He said that the AIB, would require the cooperation of Bristow to inform the families of the victims of the crash before the passenger manifest could be released. Abali said though the AIB has a copy of the manifest, it must observe the protocols of the International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO) before releasing it to the public. Abali said that it would be wrong to release the manifest without seeking the understanding of the families of the victims of the crash who are currently mourning their beloved ones. He said the AIB would soon release a preliminary accident report subject to the pace of its

investigations, adding that the agency had already collected the transcript of conversation between the pilots of the ill- fated helicopter and the control tower of the Lagos Airport. The AIB boss affirmed that the helicopter had 12 persons on board and that it was carrying the number of passengers prescribed by its manufacturers. He said the number of passengers that were on board would contribute significantly to the accident investigation. He said: “We have a copy of the manifest, but a lot of protocol is involved to release to the public. We have to inform the families involved in line with standard international procedures.

It would be nice to know the passenger capacity of the helicopter, but it does not contribute to the accident in any way. The investigation will reveal all that. We have removed the main part of the chopper rom the lagoon, but the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were not detached. We have to engage Julius Berger to continue to search

for the black boxes. AIB is considering all evidence and we intend to synchronize all parameters. We have collected the tapes of the last conversation with air traffic controllers. The preliminary report of the accident will be released very soon. It is the responsibility of the airline to release the manifest of the passengers.”

Seven-day market closure in Ile-Ife Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏIn-line

with the transition rites for the demised Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Okunade Olubuse II, markets and banks have been ordered to close for seven days. The order took effect on Thursday morning as some youths stormed banks and markets in the ancient city to enforce it. Traders had to hurriedly pack their goods and shut down their businesses. However, shops far from the palace continued to operate. It was learnt that customers in some banks at the Lagere Area of the city were forcefully sent out. Other areas majorly

affected by the order are Iremo, Obalufon, Odo Ogbe and London Road. But, when our correspondent visited Aderemi, Omisore areas people were still buying and selling. The announcement to bar the traders from selling read: “Don’t let us jettison our culture and tradition. No market is expected to open for seven days after the death of our king is announced. The king is (was) one of us. He is (was) also a trader (oloja). Let us all return to our homes before the Isoros come to send us packing.” Also, the palace assured people of the city to be calm, noting that the transitional rites of the demised Ooni would not affect peace.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Curve Communications, Mr. Adeola Odunowo; Head Coordinator, Women Empowerment and Enlightenment Campaign (WEEC), Mr. Kayode Odukoya, and CEO, Beez Ideaz, Abiodun Adegoke, during the press briefing for WEEC Creative Essay Competition 2015 in Lagos… on Wednesday

Shekau’s ‘death’, credit Buhari reinstates Abdullahi as NPA boss to Jonathan ÏÏÏOne

of the last-minutes appointments of former President Goodluck Jonathan was reversed on Thursday by the new leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr. Habibu Abdullahi, who was on April 29 removed by Jonathan as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was reinstated by President Buhari. Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, who was appointed to replace Abdullahi by Jonathan, was relieved of the job by the new leader. Bayero was appointed shortly after Jonathan lost his re-election bid in the March 28 presidential

election. The then President Jonathan gave no reason for the sack of Abdullahi one month before handing over to Buhari. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, disclosed that Abdullahi’s reinstatement was with immediate effect. Adesina said Bayero had been ordered to hand over the NPA and all government property in his possession to the reinstated MD. The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has ter-

minated the appointment of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero. “The termination of Alhaji Bayero’s appointment is with immediate effect. “He is to hand over the management of the NPA and all government property in his possession to Mr. Habibu Abdullahi who has been reinstated as Managing Director of the NPA by President Buhari. “President Buhari wishes Alhaji Bayero well in his future endeavours.”

Continued from page 1

ment and wreak more havocs. However, towards the tail end of the Jonathan administration, especially the six weeks of routing by the military shortly before the last general election, reports also filtered in that the cat with nine lives had finally been killed. From that period to date, the leader of the insurgents is yet to make a public appearance. On Wednesday this week, the Chadian leader Idris Derby disclosed that Shekau may have indeed been killed and that the in-

surgents have already appointed a new leader, Mahamat Daoud, who he said is ready for talks with Nigeria. Even if he resurfaces, Shekau is already a damaged leader for the group – credit for which should richly go to the outgone Jonathan administration. This is because the outgone administration had accomplished almost 95 percent of the anti-terror job in the fight against the insurgents. It is on record that Jonathan’s administration spent a whopping N4.62 trillion on national security in five years.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Our Heritage Æ s All through ages, across the globe, writers have had to pay unusual prices for writing unusual books. Similarly, many societies pay dearly for having some creative minds in their midst. It is just like the tale of a crazy, strong-breed that, sometimes, turn out equally weird narratives. Many writers are so hot for their abode that they just have to keep living in exile. Some meet with harsh fates like Walter Rodney, the famous Caribbean writer who wrote the classical work, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, who was said to have been assassinated because of the text. Similarly, some authors have a penchant for frequently writing books or posting works that attract controversies from religious or political sections of society, as if they are signposts to hell. Some writers are just crazy. And nature seems to have a way of making crazy things happen around them When the Nigerian civil war of July 6 1967 to January 15, 1970, broke out, the writers’ brotherhood played significant role to the extent that many of them almost lost their life, while others were on exile. Here are some authors and Biafrans intellectuals that were soaked in controversy during the war. As soon as the war began, civil defence activities in Biafra were held at Nsukka dubbed ‘University of Biafra’, before the administration ordered the evacuation of Nsukka for a major offensive. In four days, Nsukka was clawed by federal troops. Chukwuemeka Ike, coauthor of The University of Nigeria Nsukka 1960-1985, An Experiment in Higher Education calls the institution, a “university on wheels,’’ adding that when Nuskka fell, the university moved to its Enugu campus. It later moved to Umudike near Umuahia, where Biafrans also pitched their headquarters. But official addresses remained University of Biafra, Nsukka. From there, the writers’ brotherhood, intellectuals and students, met to support the cause of Biafra. Cyprian Ekwnesi, a veteran novelist, emerged the Directorate of Biafran information. Ekwensi once issued a release on 27 June 1967, “That Biafrans should be ready for an invasion on June 29 since ‘‘He was alluding to the day northern officers, led by Major T.Y. Danjuma, seized Gowon’s predecessor, MajorGeneral J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi and killed him in a forest outside Ibadan Novelist and broadcaster, Chinua Achebe, belonged to this brotherhood. In fact, Achebe recounted that the Rev. Victor Badejo, the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation

Biafra

Ojukwu

Achebe

Remembering

Forsyth

Okara

pen brotherhood Forty-five years after the Nigerian civil war, which saw the country almost torn apart, AGOZINO AGOZINO makes a retrospective trip on the roles played by writers and intellectual for the Biafrans struggle. (NBC), where he worked, warned him to stop coming to the office, because some soldiers came had been there to look for him. But why? Because his latest novel A Man of the People predicted the coup, which took place in 1966, the year the book was published. Achebe fled and later played significant roles in Biafra. Prof. Ikenna Nzomiro, a radical sociologist and Marxist scholar, as well as eminent scholar and Emmanuel Obiechina, belong to this guild. They later teamed up Achebe and produced what became known as the Ahiara Declaration book, which spelt out most of Biafra’s ideology. Veteran poet, Gabriel Okara, was not in the war theatre, but his poems also provided inspiration the Eastern Nigeria Region that believes the war was to liberate the region. Still, part of the brotherhood was Michael Echeruo (poet and critic) Uche Chukwumereije, a journalist and Marxist, as well as John Munonye (novelist and

administrator) Chris Okigbo (poet and librarian), Flora Nwapa (novelist) Chukwuemeka Ike (novelist and now the traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu town in Anambra State) were equally involved. Ben Obumselu (academia and critic) Soni Oti (professor and dramatist) Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (soldier and historian) produced influential literary works. Still, there were such eminent scholars and professionals as Pius Okigbo, Kenneth Onwuka Dike, Edward Kobani, Ignatus Kogbara, Silvanus Cookey, Okoko Ndem and G.E. Ofomata. ‘The Biafran Story’, by Frederick Forsyth was first published in 1969, by Hutchinson, a leading publishing outfit in Britain. The book was the outcome of Forsyth’s years as a journalist covering the war in Biafra. Forsyth, who eventually became a globally-acclaimed thriller novelist, was a close friend of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Biafran head of state. The writer does not hide his pro-

Biafran sympathies in the book. In the introduction he wrote: ‘I may be accused of telling the Biafran story.’ He portrays Biafrans as the underdogs and oppressed victims of the Nigerian behemoth, who had no option but to quit the country and fight for their lives. The Biafran Story is well written, with the graphic simplicity and factuality that foreshadowed Forsyth’s literary career. The book gives a heart rending account of the 1966 coups; the massacre – indeed, genocide – of Eastern Nigerians, the pulsating operations in the theatres of war and the kwashiorkor that brought Biafra to her knees. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, (leader of the secessionist struggle) was no less a small figure, when it comes to literary works. Ojukwu, who raised fund and financed the war efforts from the wealth bequeathed him by his father – Sir Louis Ojukwu – noted, as the richest in postindependence Nigeria, was a prolific writer and reader. Major Emmanuel CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Gordimer

Ike

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

The Biafra brotherhood

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Ifeajuna (alleged leader of Nigeria’s first military coup) and Ojukwu were two of the first university graduates commissioned into the army. While Ojukwu finished from Oxford, where he studied history, Ifeajuna was a product of University of Ibadan. Also, Achebe, Okigbo and Chukwuemeka Ike, were mates at Government College, Umuahia. Many in the writers’ brotherhood studied at the University of Ibadan, including, Achebe, Chukwumereije, Echeruo, Ifeajuna, Ike Kobani, Munonye ,Nwapa, Obumselu and Okigbo.

Many of them belong to either one or both of Nigeria’s campus literary groups (Mbari at Ibadan and Anthill at Nsukka), including Achebe Echeruo, Munonye and others. The spirit of the writers’ brotherhood was also alive in the work as enshrined in the Republic of Biafra’s National Anthem, Land of the Rising Sun. Ironically, the song was adopted from a poem of the same title, which Nnamdi Azikiwe, father of Nigerian nationalism, had composed, inside Biafra in 1968, after Claude Mckay’s American race conflict anthem If We Must Die (1919).

Ekwensi

Okigbo

Nwapa

Obiechina

Pondering Sigmund Freud’s Oedipus complex Agozino Agozino The common preoccupation of new age pastors is to ‘cast away the demon of wet dreams’ in people. How genuine, this notion is, leads to many deductions. To many, including the pastors and their teeming followers, a story that every boy can potentially kill his father to be sleeping with his mother is the most demonic tale to tell but that is what simple psychology says every child can do. German thinker, Sigmund Freud said it. Oedipus did it. Oedipus and his family are the central figures in the cycle of legends concerning the royal house of Thebes. In ancient Greece the tale about them were second in popularity only to the stories about the Trojan War and was a fruitful source of idea for poets and dramatists. In the fairy, King Laius of Thebes and Queen Jocasta are warned by

the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Your child is destined to murder his father and marry his mother. They were horrified by this prophecy and devised a plan which they thought would circumvent it. King Laius pierced the baby’s feet with an iron pin to prevent him from crawling and secretly gave him to a shepherd, with order to abandoned the child in the mountain where it would die from exposure. Hence Oedipus had swollen foot. But the shepherd turned out to be a merciful man. Oedipus was rescued. When he got to the mountain he gave the infant to his friend, a herdsman from Corinth, without revealing the child’s identity. He asked the Corinthian to take the baby

far from Thebes and later reported to King Laius that his order has been carried out. The herdsman was a servant of Polybus, the King of Corinth. When Oedipus became a young man he heard from rumor that Polybus was not his real father. So he went to Delphi to learn the truth from the oracle. In response to his question, the same warning was repeated. “Father...Murder, Mother...Incest”. Later Oedipus traveled through Greece and eventually came into the vicinity of Thebes, which at the time was being ravaged by a savaged monster. At a crossroads, he encountered an old man in a chariot, escorted by attendants. It was Laius, on his way to Delphi to find out how to rid Thebes of the monster.

27 Our Heritage

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14 , 2015

Features Æ s Pomp, as Elerinmo celebrates first year on the throne

The drums are already beating loud as the Elerinmo of Erinmo, His Royal Majesty Oba Micheal Odunayo Ajayi marks his first year on the throne of his fore-fathers, our correspondent reports. The reactions that followed the official announcement and the subsequent ascension to the throne of the Elerinmo of Erinmo by HRM, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II can best be described as a ‘joyful eruption’ of some sort. The entire town was in celebration mood as all the tra-

ditional royal rites were performed to install a new king to fill the stool that had been vacant since 2010. They became overwhelmed with joy as the government of the state of Osun presented the staff and other instruments of office to the Kabiyesi, barely a month after the traditional rites were

completed. Before his ascension to the exalted throne, Dr. Ajayi was one of the most influential and respected Nigerians who had ever lived or worked in Ghana. A popular businessman and business management consultant, he had worked with different multi-national organisations. Oba Ajayi can be said to be a multidimensional business investor, an industrialist, author, publisher, motivational speaker and socio-economic commenta-

tor who is widely travelled both locally and to all continents of the world. Ajayi’s ascendancy about a year ago has no doubt brought in a breath of fresh air to the community. It is indeed a new dawn for the people of ErinmoIjesa. His majesty in the last one year (among other things) has been able to reposition the community and placed it on the path of development. Erinmo now CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

FEMALE TRICYCLE OPERATORS SPEAK:

No food for lazy person — Ogunlana Bose Our features desk dedicates this weekend to celebrate the strength of the woman as one created to bridge the gap. Nature also packaged her as helpmeet and burden bearer among other altruistic qualities. LARA ADEJORO filed in this report with additional reports from DADA BLESSING and BECKLEY BIDEMI. Transportation is the big business of the age after food and shelter and it takes people with guts and daring to step in the gap to salvage an economic situation when the going gets tough. Daily Times features crew spread out in the Lagos metropolis during the week to search out courageous women in uncommon businesses and had a rendezvous with some female

tricycle operators who have turned the economy of their respective families around and added grace and beauty to the otherwise hazardous transportation business, especially in the chaotic Lagos traffic that has become part of our lives. They are courageous, energetic and daring. Brazing the society from dawn to dusk, these women have taken the bull by the horn and their determination and tenacity underline the adage that says where there is a will, there is a way. Lara describes as energetic and exciting, Mrs. Bose Ogunlana who abandoned her fashion designing business to operate a tricycle for a living for her family. In response to frowns from critiques of her work in the beginning, Bose had told all who squinted at her that the business is not only for the men folks alone. Running against tradition, CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

My husband lost his factory job 3 years ago, and nobody was willing to assist us. I was just brooding one day when I saw a woman driving this tricycle with passengers in it, and I snapped out of my mood: I was challenged. ‚— Bose Moyosoluwa Johnson

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

29 Features

I saw a woman driving this tricycle and I was challenged – Bose CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Bose, in her late thirties, plies Fagba-College Road-Ogba and Agege routes daily. While some see the job as energy sapping and one that could change the orientation of the woman to be like the touts or area boys, Bose debunked that and said the work is fun. She told Daily Times the circumstances that gave her the boldness to be a tricycle operator. “My husband lost his factory job 3 years ago, and nobody was willing to assist us. One of the days I was just brooding, not knowing what to do; then I saw a woman driving this tricycle with passengers in it, and I snapped out of my mood: I was challenged. I told myself, is this not a woman like me? Surely, I too can do it. That decided me and I went all out to find someone to teach me how to ride it. Fortunately for me, the man that taught me didn’t collect any money; even the fuel he used to train me was for free. “When people saw that I’d learnt how to ride, they began to lend me their tricycles, but only when they are tired or through for the day and sometimes, if anyone of them would not be working for 2 or 3 days, he will call me to work for those days. Later on, the chairman helped me to get a tricycle of my own though I am paying for it installmentally.” Life is a hustle Have you ever wondered how she maneuvers her way in the in the gridlock that is Lagos traffic? But Bose feels at home in the pressure. “Life is a hustle and you know there is no food for a lazy person,” she mused. “But I have an advantage though for which I thank God. I ply any route I find favourable, from Fagba, College road, Ogba or Agege, the choice is mine. It’s not as if there is no enforcement, but I’m opportune to go to places because I’m a woman. “When I started, we had issues before they could allow me go to places I’m not meant to go or have a passenger sitting in the front, but afterwards, I went to the office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and explained everything, and they permitted me.” Commenting on her day to day encounters, the Ogun State born Bose has this to say: “This work is not stressful for women; it is fun. Once I get to the park,

Mrs. Ogunlana

every other tricycle operator comes around me; even when I’m emotionally down, once I get to the park, I forget every depressing issue. It is not only fun; my colleagues, the passengers, meeting and interacting with such great number of men and women young and old, even children, oh, it is exciting.” Considering her daily take home pay, Daily Times found it is not exactly a gold mine; a lot of money is made, and a lot of it goes out to pay others. “Sometimes, I make N5, 000 on a good day, and out of it, I pay N600 for ticket, I buy fuel and at the end of the day, I get to make not less than N3,000 per day. Then I pay N15, 000 weekly for the tricycle I collected for N70, 000.” So Bose was able to take the bull by the horn and she is still riding the bull, but can that be said of every woman? Her response was a spontaneous “Yes, except for the lazy ones,” but hear the words of a mother and a wife caught in the grip of a man’s world: “If you think you are a woman, that you can’t do it, then you need to rethink. If you resort to

This work is not stressful for women; it is fun. Once I get to the park, every other tricycle operator comes around me; even when I’m emotionally down, once I get to the park, I forget every depressing issue. It is not only fun; it is exciting.— Bose depending on men for your daily bread, they might only give you N500 but if you decide to make a certain amount of money in a day, you will definitely get it. “The job is not for the men alone. The joy of the job is that even passengers prefer my tricycle and I am happy I’m doing this. I really am.” Coping With Male chauvinists Even as a mother of three girls, she still mingles with other male tricycle operators. She disclosed her formula of running with the male and earning her respect: “Humility is key to winning people’s heart. One has to be humble. We have people that

are older than me that I call by their names and some who are younger than I that call me by name; even the bike men around here, it’s just fun. I’m free with everyone and because of that, I get what others can’t easily get. “Most times I don’t buy food with my money for up to a week while at work. It’s now a routine amongst them to buy breakfast, lunch and dinner for me or any other thing I ask for, but I make sure I don’t abuse it.” Another brave woman who rose up to the challenge in a man’s business world is Mrs. Linda Okeocha. The mother of three from Southeastern Nigeria told Daily Times she ventured into the job as a result of

unemployment and low patronage in her business. “I could not sit down doing nothing; I needed to do something to support my husband. At first, he didn’t like the idea, but after much pleas from family members and their pastor, he finally allowed me. Like Bose, Linda summoned courage when she saw women like her doing the job. She paid someone to learn the skill and upon graduation, she collected a tricycle on higher purchase and started the business while paying off the money in weekly installments. Challenges Linda’s experience with male operators and the public is a little different from Bose’s. “Agberos (touts) don’t have regard for female drivers; they treat them the same way as the men. The rate of extortion, tickets, and other undesignated fees has no exemption for a woman. They collect money from us at every bus stop.” Managing her home and business reveals that something extra you can only find in a woman. ‘’I normally wake up very earCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

“I had no option. I was already in debt all the three months they seized my tricycle, so I had to borrow N20,000 and they took it. Then there are the policemen, council officers and agberos (touts): they extort and squeeze money repeatedly from us daily although in their cases, I am not alone even though I am a woman: tricycle operators are at their mercy every single day they work.’’ — Widow, Moyosoluwa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

ly to take care of my children, a girl and a set of twins, both boys. I prepare them for school before leaving for work. After school, my older daughter takes care of the twins until I return.” What would Linda say of her job? “I am happy doing the job despite the challenges I face; the important thing is that my daily needs are met, so my family is not under pressure.” Linda makes 10 trips or more daily depending on the traffic and remits N3,000 to the owner of the tricycle also daily, whatever is left from the proceed is what sustains the family. From Linda to the women folks: “I encourage all women to rise up to the challenge of engaging in trade or business to support their home when the man of the house is not financially able to cater for all the needs of the home.” Although Linda is not against a woman resting in the wealth of her husband if it is there legitimately, she however advised that no woman should be completely idle. “Even if your husband can meet all the financial needs of the home, the wife shouldn’t be lazy because today we know, nobody knows tomorrow. But if she must relax, she can play active roles in the society. At the Ogba-Berger route are hundreds of tricycle operators struggling for with the perennial traffic gridlock. Amongst them Daily Times spotted Mrs. Moyosoluwa Johnson, a native of Ajuwon area in Ogun state. She is fondly called ‘first lady’ in her beat because she was the first lady to operate amongst the men in that axis. A widow and mother of two, Moyosoluwa came into the business when death snatched her husband away. She had to cater

for her kids, but her ten thousand naira monthly salary was not sufficient to take care of her family. “I tried my hands on petty trading but the goods were bought on credit, we were feeding from there and of course, the business collapsed eventually. “Then one day, in my dream, I saw myself driving Keke Maruwa (Tricycle) and that gave me the assurance that driving tricycle is my next line of action. I sought the help of a brother who taught took me in driving lessons for four days and after that, I started in my hometown, Ajuwon, but later relocated to Lagos in search of greener pastures.” Do they face the hostilities and harassments their male counterparts receive from traffic officials? Her answer underlines the degree of greed and corruption that have eaten deep into the fibre of government officials anywhere in Nigeria. ‘’I faced a lot of challenges; recently, my tricycle was seized by Lagos State Traffic and Management Authority (LASTMA) officers. “My kids were have been sent out of school, so I went to their school to plead on their behalf and left the my tricycle with my uncle to help me get fuel and ticket so I can work and make money to pay my children’s fees. But before I came back, the tricycle was seized from him by LASTMA officials. When I got to their office, I begged them and explained to them that my uncle is a visitor but all my pleas fell on deaf ears. I bought them foods at different times, they ate; I bought credit cards at different times also and they recharged their phones, but the situation still remained the same. Believe me, my sister; my tricycle was at their office for four months; there was even

I encourage all women to rise up to the challenge — Linda

Oluwabusayo Ajani

one of the days the anxiety of my children’s school fees, my family problems and the pressure the officers were putting me through everyday caught up with me and I just fainted right there in their office, but they didn’t even look at me; they just continued with what they were doing. The Divisional Police Officer at Grammar School area heard about the matter and reported it to the press.” You would think that would bring some fear of the authorities in them, but hear what followed: “I went to their office and begged that they release the tricycle, the only source of my family’s livelihood managed by me, a woman; but they said I should go and wave what I wrote to the press. I told them that I don’t know anything about it but they ignored me, so I asked them: are you going to hold my tricycle forever? That was when

they said I should pay the sum of N20,000 before I can collect my tricycle.” So, after three months of not working, you had to pay the money? “I had no option. I was already in debt all the three months borrowing money to keep my house, so I had to borrow N20,000 and they took it. Then there are the police, council officers and agberos (touts): they extort and squeeze money repeatedly from us daily although in their cases, I am not alone even though I am a woman: tricycle operators are at their mercy every single day they work.” Daily Times gathered that ‘first lady’ is an [OND] holder of science laboratory and technology department at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State. How many trips do you go per day? Calculating her trips per day on the average, the lab technician disclosed that she could

make up to 20 trips on a good traffic day. “If the traffic is light, I could make like twenty runs on a good day; but a bad day would average about ten or a little more.” The tricycle operators, our correspondent gathered, are under a union run by a chairman in association with local council officials. So far business is good, but what is she looking up to in the future? “Ah,” she sighed; I will like to go back to school for my [HND] programme in the nearest future if such opportunity comes her way.” Unlike all the female operators our correspondents discussed with, Oluwabusayo Ajanaku, another female commuter is the only one that paid a sizeable sum to learn the trade for a few weeks. She ventured into transportation when her business was not thriving well. “I went in company of my friend to learn how to drive ‘Maruwa’ at the rate of 4,000; After I finished I collected one tricycle on higher purchase at the cost of N750,000 for which I pay N15,000 weekly installment. Reflecting on her work, Busola told Daily Times it takes a woman with a brave and courageous heart to operate a tricycle. She recalled one day she will never forget: “There was a day I carried some passengers and a trailer was coming in front; the passengers started shouting ‘’Madam, see trailer’’. Their shouts made me lose control and within a twinkling of an eye, we all fell into a gutter. It was passers-by that helped us out. I went home immediately after the incident because I couldn’t do any work again that day.” Her husband’s reaction when she started? “My husband fully supported me. It was an honest effort and he appreciated me for it.” A male commuter who joined the conversation said there’s nothing bad about being a female commuter once she makes money without prostituting.” However, she’s lucky with LASTMA officials unlike her female colleagues, she said ‘’they don’t collect money from me; what they normally do is to ask me to park and after some time, they will ask me to go. She urged women not to condone laziness but work to support and keep their home.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

31 Features

Elerinmo hosts traditional rulers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

HRM Oba Ajayi

enjoys unprecedented peace and unity under his reign. It is for this reason that the Kabiyesi and the entire people of Erinmo rolled out the drums with pomp in praise to Almighty God for His goodness and grace over the Kabiyesi and his domain. The anniversary celebration which started with a weeklong event, commenced on Wednesday 29th July, 2015 with the unveiling of a gigantic life size stature in the memory of AGIDANYIN the legendary ancestor and founder of Erinmo. All other activities continued from Monday 10th August 2015

through to an inter denominational thanksgiving service and will end on Sunday 16th August 2015. Activities lined up for the weeklong event include breakthrough crusade/praise and worship, health talk/free medicare and distribution of drugs. A kiddies’ party would be hosted by Kabiyesi Elerinmo, Ayo Olopon/draft games to commemorative Jumat services, youth soccer fiesta and interdenominational thanksgiving service. Daily Times gathered that the high point of the events is slated for Saturday 15th August 2015 where the Elerinmo will play host to several traditional rul-

ers within and outside the state, as well as other dignitaries from across the country and abroad. At the occasion billed to hold at the Erinmo Civic Centre, there will also be presentation of a book written in honour of Oba Ajayi, entitled: ‘The making of a Modern King’. His Majesty, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran (the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesa land) will be the Grand Royal Host; others include Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Frederick Obateru Akinruntan (the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom), Prof. Akin Ibidapo-Obe and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo among others.

JUST HUMAN

Umm ...well, even the latest masadi benz of 1960s belonging to Honorable Dino Melaye broke down at the entrance of National Assembly in Abuja yesterday! Photo:Temitope Balogun in Abuja.

Relishing a dream that went with The Moment. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/053

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FEMALE TRICYCLE OPERATORS SPEAK: No food for lazy person — Ogunlana Bose

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.170

How SMEs rip-off customers

Diplomats call for restraint, dialogue in P17 Burundi P13

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Fayose’s economic blueprint? Ride Okada, drink at jedi joints – Orire

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Our chaotic democracy “Will our politicians make sense of Saraki’s reminder and begin to act in a manner that makes politics less distractive or our democracy less chaotic? I doubt it.”

ÎÎÎ

As many perceptive observers have correctly noted, chaos lies at the core of our democracy. They point to the madness, or, more profoundly, the struggle over “who gets what, when and how”, of those who squeeze the civic out of our democratic order to gain political notoriety, as evidence. The madness that characterizes fraudulent party selections and the chaos and violence that often follow our general elections make the evidence irrebuttable. Two points are implicit here: the first one concerns order as the nature of democracy. The rooting of democracy is practically impossible in a polity reduced to chaos. The argument here is that how power is acquired is governed by rules and by the “principle of societal organization”. In effect, democracy must be rulebased in order to reduce or eliminate tension. The second one centers on representation as an essential character of democracy. For democracy to flourish, the recognition of otherness and difference must exist to promote harmony and unity

in the party political rank. The evidence seems to point out the problem we are always confronted with when we elect folks who turn public offices into the wonderland of mad people, the asylum of those whom the gods have condemned to death by first making them mad with power. Do I tar everyone with the same brush? No. There are folks who unfortunately find themselves inside the insane asylum of the men and women of power and who, like Alice in Lewis Caroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, despises the stereotyping because they were voted to be among mad people. I enjoin these folks to Cat’s message to Alice: “Oh, you can’t help that... I am mad. You are mad. You must be, or you wouldn’t have come here.” If the evidence truly exists, here it is: pugilists who turn the hallowed chambers of the legislature into boxing rings and their fellow colleagues into opponents or sparing partners. It doesn’t matter to them if the gavel, the symbol of legislative authority, becomes the hammer while the heads of their colleagues are the nails they hammer into nothingness. No sane person undresses in the public and lashes at anything or everything in sight like the bull in a china shop. The emptying out of psychiatric inmates

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of the state asylum system into our national and states Houses of Assembly where they display animality is a yearly ritual in our part. Foucault describes this ‘emptying out’ as a voyage outside the city walls to where mad people become prisoners of their own departures. In our case, we don’t send our mad legislators outside the city walls; in fact, we send them with our votes to Abuja and the states capitals of our country to mock our collective unreason, conjure up images of our collective insanity, and create party political squabbles. No sane person undresses in the public only to put on rags of shame as our legislators have consistently done since the inception of civil democracy in 1999. Politics makes things happen. In our case, politics makes things happen in strange ways. Consider, for example, the ceaseless Boko Haram attacks on innocent citizens in the northeast and elsewhere, conflict over land ownership and grazing rights in the north-central, the increasing theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta, and homes riven by hunger and hardship. To address these problems we need a programme of constitutional and legislative reforms and a stable legislature. How can all of this be possible when our leg-

islators display a certain proclivity for laziness and utter disregard for the pain we endure? The problem I see here is the high purchase on power that huge pomp, emoluments, allowances, salaries and entitlement afford our political leaders that they repudiate the very essence of politics thereby making our democracy empty. The appeal to force, might and power to resolve political conflicts, rather than seeking to mediate them through compromises and cooperation, makes our democracy chaotic. It is this appeal that births the idea that the will of the godfather is supreme or that it is the will of the godfather that constitutes the supremacy of the party, regardless of other competing wills. Not true. The idea that a political party represents the collective interests and aspirations of all members quite rightly makes the party supreme. The non-recognition of competing wills, otherness and difference, or “the difference of the other”, is most worrying. Yes, it is worrying, but I doubt if our politicians make sense of the destruction they unleash on our democracy and the chaos that threatens it. Bukola Saraki appears to make sense of this destruction when he tweeted recently, “It is time to remind our-

selves of the solemn promise to deliver real change, which can’t be achieved in atmosphere distracted politics” (sic). Will our politicians make sense of Saraki’s reminder and begin to act in a manner that makes politics less distractive or our democracy less chaotic? I doubt it. Here, the politics of chaos merely allows our politicians to negotiate new terms and framework favourable to their pursuits and engagements and to enjoy new privileges and entitlements. Saraki’s reminder, though correct, is a curious one, which makes sense only if our politicians accept that representation is not about sharing “two hundred positions” as a certain Abdulmumin Jibrin gleefully let out as the odious carrots of reward at the disposal of the House principal, Yakubu Dogara. Can our politicians redeem themselves? Can we fix our politics? Can we bring order back to our democracy. Yes, but it appears already late. The bull is no longer in a china shop; it is rampaging through our quarters of governance. Consider this: two acting DirectorsGeneral were announced at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) within three days. That too is chaos!

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Life&

Times Friday, August 14, 2015

Golden

Socialites L2,3,4

Society Feature L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Ageing socialites who still Nkarenyi Ukonu and Isaac Oguntoye In every society, there are people who make things happen in different ways. For the socialites, they turn heads with their dress sense, their glamorous and sartorial styles. A-list shindigs are incomplete without them as their presence is all the tonic a party needs to be rated as a good party. While some of these socialites are still quite young, most are actually past their prime but arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in a hurry to hang their dancing boots. Life and Times chronicles some of these party frolickers who are now patriarchs and matriarchs of the social scene.

Kessington Adebutu Ireti Asemota She is wife of auto merchant, Sunny Asemota and is close friends with Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Abah Folawiyo and Ireti Asemota. Just like her friends, Ireti has perfected the act of gracing parties with class and style.

Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu is unarguably one who discovered his purpose early in life and grew to derive so much joy and happiness in helping others to live their dreams and to fulfil their own purpose too. The businessman who attributes the secret of his youthfulness to his young wife, is one man who never shies away from attending events and relieving his youth by letting his hair down at these shindigs, even at over 70 years.

Abah Folawiyo

Yewande Onilere

Life&

T E A M

They call her the custodian of style and is one socialite one can expect to see at most parties, always in company with her friends, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Yewande Onilere and Ireti Asemota. She is however closest to Senator Florence Ita-Giwa who she shares a close bond with. The octogenarian who has a great wealth of experience in life and in the fashion industry, once ruled the fashion world through her label, Labanella Fashion House, a preferred brand amongst top socialites and celebrities in the 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and early 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The mother of another socialite, Segun Awolowo, Sisi Abah as she is fondly called, is the wife of famous billionaire, the late industrialist and Baba Adinni of Nigeria, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) AbdulWahab Iyanda Folawiyo, who died about six years ago. When it comes to honouring invitations, sheis one of the top socialites who never looks down on people or selects shindigs. She even gets invited to events by younger ladies who admire her and she still honours them.

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

She is one of the quartet that make up Senator Florence ItaGiwa, Abah Folawiyo and Ireti Asemota. Very unassuming, Yewande enjoys partying as long as she is in the company of her close friends whom she feels comfortable with enough to always let down her hair.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu On the social scene, some socialites make a fleeting passage like the beep of a mobile phone, while others bestride it with eternal grace. One woman who epitomises the latter category is Erelu Abiola Dosunmu. The eversmiling estranged wife of Chief Deinde Fernandez always adds glitz to any event she attends as the photographers delight in having a field day clicking their cameras at her anytime she steps out. In her mid 60s, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu is never short of admirers, thanks to her beauty which has not waned.

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Luke Utomi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

L3 Society Feature

make the social rounds Folorunsho Alakija Naturally, the presence of the richest woman in Africa at any event should be felt. And that is how it has always been whenever Folorunso Alakija who is also a well known fashion icon appears at any function. The over 60 year old oil baroness whose foundation, ‘Rose of Sharon Foundation’ helps widows and orphans by empowering them through scholarships and business grants, always leaves people’s mouth agape with her style, class and sleek dress sense each time she graces any top notch event.

Islar Animashaun She is a big name in the beauty world. Anyone who claims not to have heard about her at all might just be behind the news because she is not only one of the foremost dermatologists and cosmetologists that this country has produced so far, her name is symbolic to the different hair styles that we see in Nigeria’s hair business today. Yeye Tewase as she’s fondly referred to, has been in the beauty business for over thirty-seven years and has a clientele of top flight women in Nigeria who are proud to be associated with her. When she isn’t beautifying women, Islar lets down her hair by attending functions of her A-list clientele, something she still enjoys doing.

Sen. Florence Ita Giwa The beautiful Senator otherwise known as Mama Bakassi is not called one of the most influential women in Nigeria for nothing. In her late 60s, she not only has friends across ethnic divides, they also cut across different age groups as well as professional callings. Besides attending the functions of her legion of friends, the politician is known to host some of the grandest parties on this side of the divide. Who can forget the extravagant wedding she threw for her daughter, Koko, last year at the Eko hotel and suites. The guest list read the who is who in Nigeria’s political space, business world, entertainment sphere etc. Every Christmas, the sassy and sleek, ‘Mother of the Efik Kingdom’ finds time out of her busy schedule to organize a Christmas party for 3000 displaced Bakassi children in addition to distributing relief materials to displaced Bakassi persons on a regular

John Abebe He is the first son of Nigeria’s first indigenous chairman of UAC, Pa Christopher Abebe and a brother to former first lady, Late Stella Obasanjo. John who is currently the chairman of Inducon Nig Ltd, an oil and gas firm, is your quintessential socialite who knows what a good party is all about. For John, who is on a first name basis with most well heeled socialites, these socialites’ parties are hardly considered an ‘it’ party if he his conspicuously absent as he is considered the life and soul of most of these parties. He is a perfect epitome of old but young at heart.

Joko Oni Joko Oni has been on the social scene for over two decades and is still waxing strong. The CEO of Gold Rush, a jewellery and beauty outfit in Ikeja, Lagos, the grandmother enjoys the attention she gets each time she steps out for functions. The septuagenarian socialite whose signature makeup stands her out at any party is obviously not ready to relent on her love for parties, as she’s always at the forefront of every notable gathering both in Lagos, Ibadan where she was formerly based and Abuja.

Society Feature L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Nkarenyi Ukonu and Isaac Oguntoye

Ageing socialites who still make the social rounds Otunba Adekunle and Erelu Ojuolape Ojora

Senator Daisy Danjuma The Edo State born lawyer is another strong socialite who you cannot fail to notice at any important event. She graces events in grand style dripping in diamonds and designer clothes. The former chairman of SAPETRO who holds her own in the league of head turners in the society is said to own the largest collection of diamonds. The former Senator who represented Edo State at the National Assembly is one woman who still enjoys gracing top notch parties of friends.

Rasaq Okoya Razak Akanni Okoya, the billionaire industrialist and Aare of Lagos is one man with a bright mind. Or how else does one explain his steady growth to becoming the owner of one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest conglomerates, the Eleganza Group which encompasses manufacturing, real estate, hospitality etc. Besides the fact that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always happy to celebrate with people, he has his yearly ritual when he gathers friends, family and business associates to celebrate with. The 75 year old is always happy and wishes to be identified with happy people as well as merriments.

They are the quintessential couple, who have been married for 60 years and are like siamese twins. They are socialites who have perfected the habit of attending functions in company with each other with grandeur, style and class. They are such busy weekenders that one is likely to run into them on weekends at one social function or another. Interestingly, though grandparents, age has not affected their lifestyle as they still have the energy to make the social rounds where only the high and mighty mingle for business and for pleasure. A Lagos high Chief and Prince, Otunba Ojoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moniker is board room guru, on account of being on the board of quite a number of quoted blue chip companies on the stock exchange. The Otunba and his Erelu are in laws to the Senate president, Senator Bukola Saraki.

Opral Benson Saying that 80 year old Chief Mrs. Opral Benson still radiates beauty and charm just like when she was still very much younger is like stating the obvious. But no one will doubt when you say the lady of style is not ready to be relegated from the social scene as she sure knows how to blend both the old and new to make a good fashion statement. The Honorary Liberian Consular General to Nigeria runs the Opral Benson Training beauty Institute, an institute she set up 30 years ago and is still waxing strong till date.With a privilege background, of being born into the home of Honourable Johnson Boto Mason and Lilly Melissa Mason in Monrovia, Liberia, Opral Mason as she was then known, grew up knowing how to live a charming life. Fondly called Iya Oge, a title that was bestowed on her by the late Oba Oyekan of Lagos, she was married for 45 years to late TOS Benson, a former Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture in the first post-independence government.

Samuel Adedoyin A native of Agbamu in Kwara State, the CEO of Doyin Group of Companies, a wholly owned indigenous conglomerate comprising of fifteen subsidiaries, is a lover of parties on account of the many social clubs he belongs to. The 70 year old grandfather who is widely referred to as an apostle of industrialization, is a show stopper each time he steps out for events, sometimes alone or with his wife.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

L5 Society Gist

Isaac Oguntoye

Motunrayo Quincy Ayodele Adebayo Osinowo Adija Adeleye jets out to USA

If you are one of those who requires the services of Quincy herbal slimmers with the intention to have the head honcho, attend to you personally, you might have to wait until much later this month or early next month as the delectable Queen of herbal slimming in Nigeria, Dr. Quincy Ayodele, is presently not in the country. The Ogun State born lady who recently staged a society party for her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s burial in Abeokuta, is on summer holiday with her children and grandchildren.

gives back to society

As you read, the entire dwellers of Kosofe local government area of Lagos state have started enjoying the dividends of democracy as the construction of a drainage on Adebare road, Ogudu area of Lagos has commenced. An initiative of Hon. Adebayo Osinowo, construction of the drainage is ongoing alongside asphalt covering of potholes on Adebayo Mokuolu street, in Anthony village. The Honourable is obviously poised to reward his constituency for giving him the ticket to represent them at the State House of Assembly on the platform of APC.

Where & When

now selective of gigs

Penultimate week, Hon. Motunrayo Adija Adeleye, former member of the Ogun State House of assembly, representing Ifo II constituency, Ogun State, has ceased to the bubbly person she once was. Perhaps this may not be unconnected to her loss at the general elections for a second term at the house. Unable to withstand the taunts and humiliation from her former party members, the leggy beauty has decided to cut down considerably on her social outings, preferring instead to scrutinize the few parties she attends to avoid a face to face contact with her former colleagues. She now stylishly avoids anyone who is a member of APC. Recall that she clinched the ticket to represent her constituency on the platform of APC and had hoped she would be re-elected after she defected to the PDP.

What is happening to

Tunde Akinyera? That Tunde Akinyera is the personal assistant to business tycoon and the CEO of Globacom, Mike Adenuga, is no longer news. What is however news is that the man about town who has been linked to several Nollywood actresses is currently on AWOL from the social scene. He is no longer as visible as he used to be. Recently, some of his close pals were heard complaining about his absence from the social scene but none could give a clear reason on why he is on AWOL.

Standing ovation with Odogwu @ Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Sunday 18 August, 2015.

Battle of the year @ Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, August 23, 2015. Lauryn Hill live in Lagos @ Eko Hotel &Suites, August 30, 2015

6th City People Entertainment Awards @ Time Square Event Centre, Ikeja, Sunday 18 August, 2015.

Seyi Lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fast & Funny @Eko Hotels &Suites, Victoria Island, August 9th, 2015 Compiled by Mutiat Alli

Event L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Nkarenyi Ukonu

Akpororo Akpororo in his elements 3. Comedian, AY 4. Comedians, Gordons and Bovi 5. DJ exclusive, Chigurl and DJ Sose 6. Elvina Ibru 7. Former first lady of Lagos State, Abimbola Fashola 8. Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio 9. Gospel group, Midnite crew performing 10. Sammie Okposo 11. Timi Dakolo performing 12. Xplicit dancing group

1. 2.

Akpororo thrills fans at Eko Hotel

Warri-born comedian, Bowoto Jephta, more popularly known as Akpororo recently thrilled a huge segment of his fans at the second edition of his annual comedy show, which held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event which was packaged by one of the most enterprising events company in recent times, Lanre Makun Events, was to say the least, a huge success as the venue was not only sold out, celebrities and socialites trooped out to honour the Airtel ambassador with their presence. The fast rising comedian, singer and dancer, tore up the stage with his multiple talent show-case which he aptly tagged Akpororo Vs Akpororo Live. Celebrities and personalities in attendance included the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State now Senator Godswill Akpabio, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, CEO of Nigdel Oil , Joe Penawou, Former First Lady of Lagos State Dame Abimbola Fashola, Pastor Paul Adefarasin and members of his family, ace comedian Ayo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;AYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Makun, CEO of Hip TV, Ayo Animashaun, IK Osakioduwa, Seyi Law, comedienne Princess, music producer, Cobhams Asuquo and a host of others. Some of the comedians and musicians who thrilled guests at the event include: Bovi, Gordons, Accapella, Midnight Crew, Timi Dakolo, Tim Godfrey, Chioma Jesus, Nikki Laoye, Sammie Okposo, Henry Soul, Wonder J, Pita, Solomon Urete, DJ Xclusive, Ojo Mass Choir, Xplicit dancers and lots more. Akpororo has promised to take the comedy train to his fans in Port Harcourt, Abuja and UK.

3 Photos: Quadri Olowolagba

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

All you need to know about

Mutiat Alli

Seyi Law’s

It was a night filled with excitement as top celebrities and socialites gathered at the Eko Hotels and Suites, venue of Seyi Law’s Fast N Funny concert in commemoration of his 10years in the comedy business

The man Seyi Law

Man of the moment, Idileoye Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, otherwise known as Seyi Law gave a warm welcome to his audience who all thronged the venue of the comedy show to join him in celebrating his achievements as a comedian, noting that his wife is behind his numerous achievements and success recorded.

L7 Event

Fast N Funny concert

Seyi Law

Not just about comedy

The night was not just about the several appearances by top and budding comedians, it also featured top musical performance by YBNL boss, Olamide, who got all the guests on their feet dancing to some of his hit songs like Melo Melo, Voice of the street, Falila Ketan and Shakiti Bobo. Adekunle Gold on the other hand gave a wonderful performance of his Orente and Sade hit songs. To further spice things up, a member of the audience thought it wise to use the opportunity the show afforded him to make public his proposal to his fiancée, Oluchi.

2face Idibia with wife, Annie

A cross section of comedians at the event

Aare Bashir Fakorede and Yeye Aare Bashir Fakorede

Howie T and Shola Fajobi

Other side attractions

The event equally witnessed some magical moments when a member of the audience won a plot of land in Lekki area of Lagos State as well as other freebies made available to guests present.

Actress Tonto Dike makes first official outing as a married woman

Adekunle Gold thrilling guests

E-money, his wife and Kcee

Newly wedded Churchhill and Tonto Oladunni

Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike made her first major appearance shortly after her introduction ceremony with fiancée, Churchill Oladunni as they both bonded all through the night.

Roll call of guests

Yaw, Ali Baba, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Laide Bakare, Elenu, Zaaki Azzay, IK Ogbonna, Osas Ighodaro and husband, Gbenga Ajibade, Oritsefemi, K-peace, Ushbebe etc.

D’ija performing

Uti Nwachukwu

Lilian Esoro, Iyanya and Adebola Williams Photos: Quadri Olowolagba

L8 TV guide

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, August 14, 2015

Showing on

150 Africa Magic Showcase

141 Eva Channel

23:00

02:30

Thu, 13 Aug | PG13

Fri, 14 Aug | 16

‘S1/E104 - 1/104’. Marcelo and Marivi are saved thanks to Javier and Linares. Beatriz discovers that Jorge is having an affair with his son Marcelo’s wife.

101 M-Net West

‘S2/E104 - 2/104’. Ibrahim Musa-Philips and Jonathan Pepple, patriarchs of two competing sugar-growing families and former best friends are locked in an unending feud.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:39 Behind The Scenes: Chef 01:00 Entertainment Now! 01:30 Suits 02:10 Behind The Scenes: Mr. Turner 02:30 Reasonable Doubt 04:00 Britain’s Got Talent 04:38 Behind The Scenes: Ed Sheeran 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Big Bang Theory 06:30 The Good Wife 07:30 Battle Creek 08:30 The Last Days On Mars 10:30 The Big Bang Theory 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Britain’s Got Talent 13:00 NCIS: New Orleans 14:00 Hawaii Five-0 15:00 Suits 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Odd Couple 17:30 Britain’s Got Talent 18:30 Resurrection 19:30 Proof 20:30 The Expendables 3 22:35 G.I. Joe: Retaliation

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 Cruel Love 02:10 For Love And Justice 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 For Love And Justice 17:50 Cruel Love 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 For Love And Justice 22:00 The Queen Of The South 22:50 The Queen Of The South

154 Africa Magic Family 00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:00 Good Morning Africa 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Scarlet 08:45 Coco Bill 09:00 Katemba Mu Kkooti 09:30 Kumwesu 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 12:00 Music Block 13:00 Tinsel 13:30 Star Gist 14:00 Nowhere To Be Found 14:30 Rolling With Faith History

15:00 Lies That Bind 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 17:00 Kumwesu 17:30 Mashariki Mix 18:00 Katemba Mu Kkooti 18:30 The 5 Brides 19:00 Goal Diggerz 19:30 Liberty Villa 20:00 Karma 20:30 Rolling With Faith History 21:00 Goge Africa 21:30 Life Begins 22:30 Star Gist

00:20 Caught On Camera 01:15 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 01:40 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s... 00:27 The Weakest Link

10:35 Deal Or No Deal

02:35 Bad Ink

01:15 Endeavour

11:10 My Family

03:05 Guy Code

02:48 Come Dine With Me

11:45 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:37 EastEnders

12:30 Top Gear

03:30 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

04:07 Top Gear

13:30 Come Dine With Me

04:30 South Beach Tow

05:00 Only Fools And Horses

14:20 Celebrity MasterChef

05:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos

05:30 QI

15:10 The Weakest Link

05:50 World’s Wildest Police Videos

06:05 My Family

16:00 Casualty

06:40 Video Zonkers

06:35 EastEnders

17:00 Casualty

07:05 Whaddyado

07:05 Antiques Roadshow

18:00 The Cube

07:30 Caught On Camera

08:00 The Weakest Link

19:00 The Interceptor

08:45 The Cube

20:00 The Interceptor

08:30 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

09:35 QI

21:00 The Honourable Woman

10:05 Would I Lie To You?

22:00 The Honourable Woman

155 Africa Magic World 00:30 Jara 01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:55 Jacob’s Cross 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:05 Secret Adventure 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 Prem 11:00 Jacob’s Cross 12:00 Jacob’s Cross 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Music Block 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Star Gist 16:00 Star Gist 16:30 Star Gist

09:30 South Beach Tow 10:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 11:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 12:00 Video Zonkers 12:30 Whaddyado 13:00 Caught On Camera 14:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 15:00 South Beach Tow 15:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Caught On Camera 18:00 Whaddyado 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Barter Kings

17:00 Jacob’s Cross 18:00 Jacob’s Cross 19:00 So Wrong So Wright 19:30 Sins Of The Flesh 22:15 Music Block

20:30 Tattoo Nightmares Miami 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Hip Hop Squares 22:00 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:30 1000 Ways To Die

SAMPDORIA CONFIRM AMUZIE’S INJURY, AS IDEYE PONDERS WBA g X2 EXIT

Chelsea clash crucial, says

Sterling

– IBRAHIMOVIC

I’m happy at PSG

‘BARCA not

budging on PEDRO’ Friday, August 14, 2015

However, on May 12, 2014, Lallana was named in the 23-man England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He made his competitive debut on June 14 in the first group game against Italy, coming on for the last 10 minutes in place of Sturridge who had scored England’s goal in the 1–2 defeat.

England

England U-18 England U-19 England U-21

Liverpool

Southampton Bournemouth (loan)

EXTRATIME

On September 10, 2012, Lallana was called up to the senior England squad for the first time for the 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine although he was not selected for the match itself.

Under-21s.

Still on his international career, Lallana has played for England Under-18s, scoring on his debut against Slovenia, 18 months after undergoing an operation to correct an irregular heartbeat. He has also played once each for England Under-19s and England

at Southampton.

As a child, Lallana supported Everton, like his father. He is of Spanish descent through his paternal grandfather. He began his youth career with Bournemouth before transferring to Southampton in 2000, where he became a professional in 2006. After a brief loan back to Bournemouth he broke into Southampton’s first team as they earned two promotions from League One to the Premier League, becoming captain in 2012. After two seasons in the top flight and an international breakthrough, he joined Liverpool in July 2014. Lallana was given his senior international debut for England in 2013 and was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And prior to the World Cup, Lallana was subject to interest from Premier League runners-up Liverpool. After long periods of negotiation Liverpool placed a reported £25 million bid which was later accepted by Southampton. Following England’s return from the World Cup, Lallana signed for Liverpool, and was handed the number 20 shirt, the number he wore during his time

national team.

Adam David Lallana (born May 10, 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liverpool and the England

National team 2006: 2006: 2008: 2013–Till date:

2006–2014: 2007: 2014–Till date:

Youth career Bournemouth 2000–2006: Senior career

Southampton

Adam Lallana Adam David Lallana May 10, 1988 (age 27) St Albans, England 1.72 m (5 ft. 8 in) Height: Playing position Attacking midfielder/Winger Liverpool Current team: 20 Number:

ADAM LALLANA

g X4,5 ABOUT

ADAM LALLANA Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth:

Poster! PERSONAL INFORMATION

EXTRATIME

Friday, August 14, 2015

ADAM

Lallana

Friday, August 14, 2015

EPL: ARSENAL CANNOT AFFORD TO SLIP AGAIN

– CARRAGHER

Friday, August 14, 2015

EXTRATIME

Eaglets Korea

tourney still on course

he Golden Eaglets are expected to step up their preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile by taking part in an invitational tournament in South Korea, which was moved because of an epidemic in that country. Defending world champions Nigeria were to have featured in the tournament in June, but the competition was shifted because of ‘MERS’ (Middle

East Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic, which accounted for some deaths in Korea. The tourney will now be staged at the end of this month with the likes of Brazil and host country expected to feature. The Golden Eaglets are drawn with hosts Chile, Croatia and the USA in the first round of the U-17 World Cup, which will be played from October.

SAMPDORIA

CONFIRM AMUZIE’S INJURY, AS IDEYE PONDERS WBA EXIT

talian club Sampdoria have confirmed Nigeria U-23 defender Stanley Amuzie ruptured his cruciate ligament in a CAF Championship qualifier in Congo and so he will be out for as long as nine months. Initial scans in Abuja revealed the talented leftback, who is in Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh’s immediate plans, damaged his cruciate ligament by the time he was pulled out of the second leg qualifier against Congo in Pointe Noire. The injury forced him to be replaced by Chima Akas after only 25 minutes of action. “Sampdoria have confirmed initial

findings that Amuzie ruptured his cruciate ligament, it’s a similar injury a player like Osaze Odemwingie suffered last season at Stoke City,” a top official said. Meanwhile, Brown Ideye could be on his way out of West Bromwich Albion following the arrival to the club of Venezuelan striker, Jose Salomon Rondon. Rondon, a club-record £12 million signing from Russian club, Zenit St. Petersburg, was ineligible for Monday’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Manchester City. But the signing of the 25-year-old is likely to lead to the departure of Ideye

who joined the club on July 17, 2014 from Dynamo Kiev for a then club record £10 million. Ideye’s compatriot, Victor Anichebe may also be affected by the arrival of Rondon if the words of the WBA manager, Tony Pulis should be taken seriously. Ideye scored four league goals in 24 appearances for WBA last season while Anichebe, who had multiple injury problems, managed three goals in 21 league appearances for the Baggies in the 2014/15 season.

Amuzie

Friday, August 14, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEDERATION WATCH WITH OSARETIN

EMUZE

NBF ends AAG trials for boxers, ready to hit Congo

he Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) is ready to storm Congo Brazzaville with a bang, as 12 best boxers have been picked to represent the country for the All Africa Games after the federation’s trials. The Secretary of the Federation Oluwole Luke told Extra Time that they are ready for the games as the 12 boxers picked after the trials are the best the country can afford. ‘’We are ready to win medals for the country, the boxers are rearing to go and the federation through the National Sports Commission (NSC) have done a lot to keep the boxers in top shape,” he stressed. It will recalled that 26 boxers discovered during the Kenneth Minimah Boxing Championship were invited to camp last month at the Brai Ayonote Gymnasium in preparation for the All Africa Games holding from September 4-19, in Congo Brazzaville.

Upcoming Nigerian boxers in action during the Ibile Games in Lagos.

Ex-internationals hail MTN Football Scholar initiative Sports Editor

ormer Nigerian internationals and football icons have commended the MTN Football Scholars initiative, saying that the program is a veritable platform for talent discovery and development. The MTN Football Scholars is a youth-oriented football talent hunt initiative aimed at discovering budding talent in Nigerian football, focusing on boys between the ages of 14 and 17 years old. This year’s edition, the fifth in the series, saw the beneficiaries of the scheme taking on select universities across the country in a series of novelty matches. Ex- international and Sports administrator, Segun Odegbami who was in attendance as the Scholars

NCF to host 2016 Africa Cycling Championship

he Nigeria Cycling Federation will go home now an (CFN) has been gr d set in motion anted the mac hinery for a succ hosting right for essful hosting,” th e Af rica he said. Cycling Champions hip billed for 2016 , in the city of Abuja The member by Confederation House of of Representativ Africa Cycling (CAC). es hinted that th e fe de The President of ration showcased the Velodrome the federation built during the 20 Mohammed Nur Sh 03 All Africa Games erif told Extra Time held in Abuja, durin in Pietermaritzbu rg, South Africa, las g the congress an d t the cycling wo week, that the Co rld marveled at nfederation of Afric what a Nigeria has. Cycling (CAC) has awarded Nigeria th e hosting of the 20 “They have prom ised to help us by 16 Africa Cycling sending Union of Cy tourney during th e CAC Congress he cli ste International ld (UCI) officials at the KwaZulu Na to come and asse tal Province. ss the velodrome later “We have just finish this year; to enab ed the Congress le them approve mee and Nigeria won th ts for the country e right to host next . Very soon Nigeria year’s Africa Cycling Championship. will be hosting ch ampionships in “For quite a while the velodrome, now, we have which is one of th not hosted any e biggest and best meet in Africa, in so the world,” he during the congre enthused. ss we asked to be allowed to host on On th e Al l Africa Games e next year. And to Sherif predicted that Nige our surprise, it wa ria will win at least s granted and we two medals at the games.

NAFED election

Ex-international, Joe Erico (right), presenting a cheque of N250, 000 to one of the Most Valuable Players at the just concluded MTN Football Scholars

Andrew Ekejiuba engaged the University of Lagos team in the final match of the tour, described the program as an avenue that will brighten the future of Nigerian football. “When we look at this model of discovering talented footballers, I can say that the future is very bright in Nigerian football. The best part of this initiative is that Corporate Nigeria will look at what MTN is doing and try to emulate them. “They have been to the US and back, and you can see the tremendous improvement they have made. I see my boys for example; four of them in this team. They look so big and matured and yet these are still 17 years old players,” he said. In the same vein, ex-Green Eagles captain and an ambassador of the project, Henry Nwosu, expressed

delight at the development of the players who have returned from a football cum education training in the United States of America on the platform of the initiative and commended MTN. Legendary football icon and one-time Nigeria’s safe hands, Joe Erico who is the coach of the scholars program since it started in 2011, spoke brilliantly about his involvement with the initiative and noted its impact on Nigerian football. “I have been involved in this program since its inception. The good thing about it is the joy you derive from it as it gives the kids room to be educated and alongside their talent and that is key,” he said. In a four match series, the scholars lost to UniAbuja, won the UNEC team, played a draw against FUTA and signed out with a victory over Unilag Warlords.

gets date

he Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has fixed August 27 for election into the board of the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) that has been in turmoil for months now. NOC Secretary General Tunji Popoola said the date was fixed in line with the world body’s directives that election must be held before the end of August this year. He further directed the federation to forward a copy of the ratified NAFED Constitution to the NOC not later than Monday, August 17, 2015 with a copy also to the National Sports Commission (NSC). The NAFED election will place at the NOC Boardroom, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos by 12 noon prompt. Popoola said NOC shall be responsible for conducting the elections.

Nsc Boss re-echoes support for cricket

he Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Alhassan Yakmut has re-echoed the Commission’s commitment for the support of cricket and promised to always support the federation in in its grassroots development. Speaking at the finals of the Under-17 female championship held in Abuja, Yakmut said the commission will do all within its capacity to see to the development of cricket in Nigeria. The former Minister of Sports Alhaji Sani Ndanusa expressed joy and satisfaction at the level of cricket development in the country and pledged total support for

the sport in the country. He also promised to throw his weight behind the present administration led by Engr. Emeka Onyeama, to ensure that cricket continues to grow. The President of NCF, Emeka Onyeama, also used the opportunity to thank dignitaries that were present in the occasion, while assuring them that the Federation will continue to work tirelessly until the game is popularised around every corner of the country. He also used the opportunity to call on the Government to strengthen their support for cricket to enable the NCF achieve its goal of sustainable cricket in Nigeria.

Ameh Ejeh in jersey No 17 of Dodan Warriors trying to dribble past Celestine Nwafor in jersey No 7 of Union Bank during the final-8 playoff of 2015 DStv premier Basketball League at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Union Bank won by 63-57.

Adam Lallana Adam David Lallana May 10, 1988 (age 27) St Albans, England 1.72 m (5 ft. 8 in)

2006–2014:

Youth career Bournemouth 2000–2006: Senior career Southampton

Southampton

Height: Playing position Attacking midfielder/Winger Liverpool Current team: 20 Number:

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

EXTRATIME Friday, August 14, 2015

Lall

ADAM

ADAM LALLANA

He began his youth career with Bournemouth before transferring to Southampton in 2000, where he became a professional in 2006. After a brief loan back to Bournemouth he broke into Southampton’s first team as they earned two promotions from League One to the Premier League, becoming captain in 2012. After two seasons in the top flight and an international breakthrough, he joined Liverpool in July 2014. Lallana was given his senior international debut for England in 2013 and was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And prior to the World Cup, Lallana was subject to interest from Premier League runners-up Liverpool. After long periods of negotiation Liverpool placed a reported £25 million bid which was later accepted by Southampton. Following England’s return from the World Cup, Lallana signed for Liverpool, and was handed the number 20 shirt, the number he wore during his time at Southampton. Still on his international career, Lallana has played for England Under-18s, scoring on his debut against Slovenia, 18 months after undergoing an operation to correct an irregular heartbeat. He has also played once each for England Under-19s and England Under-21s. On September 10, 2012, Lallana was called up to the senior England squad for the first time for the 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine although he was not selected for the match itself. However, on May 12, 2014, Lallana was named in the 23-man England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He made his competitive debut on June 14 in the first group game against Italy, coming on for the last 10 minutes in place of Sturridge who had scored England’s goal in the 1–2 defeat.

grandfather.

Adam David Lallana (born May 10, 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liverpool and the England national team. As a child, Lallana supported Everton, like his father. He is of Spanish descent through his paternal

ABOUT

2006: 2006: 2008: 2013–Till date:

2007: 2014–Till date: National team

Bournemouth (loan)

England

England U-18 England U-19 England U-21

Liverpool

EXTRATIME

Friday, August 14, 2015

lana X5

Friday, August 14, 2015

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea clash crucial, says

Sterling M

anchester City attacker Raheem Sterling said it was “vital” his team’s clash against Chelsea on Sunday went their way. Manuel Pellegrini’s men made an impressive start to the Premier

League season, dispatching of West Brom 3-0 in their opener. A big early-season clash against Jose Mourinho’s side follows, and is important for a Chelsea team held by Swansea City in their first outing. Sterling said it was already a

crucial encounter for Manchester City, who played out two draws against their fellow title contenders last season. “I’ve done alright against them in the past and results-wise, I think it’s been pretty even overall so far in the matches I’ve played in,” he said. “But I’m hoping this one will go our way and it’s vital that it does. We’re on our own ground and with it being our first home game of the season, we want to get off on the right foot. “The only promise I will make is that I will try my best at all times - I will aim to create and score as many goals as I can for the team and work really hard every week. “I’ve set myself targets for goals and assists and I know where I want to be but I don’t really want to reveal what they

Controversial

MBEMBA

Kompany hails ‘phenomenal’

De Bruyne De Bruyne

anchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes Kevin De Bruyne is “a complete player” amid

Sterling expects the title race to be tight, with City and Chelsea expected to be joined by the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in challenging.

‘MOURINHO C

Mbemba “A lot has been said about my birthdate and the different ages. I proved exactly what the truth is. “People in Africa know, me and my family, friends and anyone who knows Chancel Mbemba knows I was born on August 8th, 1994. That is all that matters. “Sometimes in Africa when people see someone doing well they try to bring them down or harm they career. I am not that kind of person, I have my friends and family and I don’t have any harmful thoughts in my heart or in my head. “All that should matter to people is what I do on the pitch.” Mbemba, who caught the eye by

are because I’ll put myself under massive pressure - but I’ve got personal goals that I want to reach this season for City and hopefully I can meet them.”

should stick to managing players’

clarifies date of birth ewcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba clarified his age after claims of birthdays in three different years. The DR Congo international, signed by the Premier League club for a reported £8million in July, was alleged to be older than he is. Mbemba said he had undergone bone tests to prove his date of birth - August 8, 1994 - after he was alleged to have been born in 1988 and 1991. “I got bone tests done and, as me and my friends all know, the results prove what my age is. I just go out and play football, no misinformation,” he said.

Sterling

wearing a tuxedo to Newcastle’s clash against Southampton, said he was eager to contribute for Steve McClaren’s men. The 21-year-old started and played 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. “I want to help improve the team and improve myself. I am not one of the best players in the world, there are better,” Mbemba said. “I am learning from senior players at Newcastle who are teaching me every day on the pitch. “It is great to be included by them. Everyone, the team and staff are working together to make progress and get up the league.”

speculation of an imminent move to the Premier League. Wolfsburg midfielder De Bruyne is tipped to move to Manchester after City reportedly made a formal bid in the region of €45million. City manager Manuel Pellegrini refused to rule out the arrival of the reigning Bundesliga player of the year following Monday’s 3-0 win at West Brom.

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has been told he should stick to management rather than interfere with medical decisions too after the row over Eden Hazard’s treatment against Swansea. Karim Khan, of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, is the latest professional to defend Stamford Bridge doctor Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn for their actions at the weekend. Mourinho labelled them “naive” for coming on to tend to Hazard after he fell to the ground in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw with Garry Monk’s side on Saturday. The Portuguese felt his player was simply tired and was ultimately right but Khan believes Carneiro and Fearn had a duty of care to the forward when they were called on by referee Michael Oliver.

Khan told reporters: “From the media reports, it looks like the doctor has been completely undermined by the manager. The doctor was taking care of an athlete, which was her priority. “As the medical world and physio world have got behind her, you can see that this seems completely inappropriate. “The doctor has a duty of care to the athlete to do what is best for the athlete. That’s a relationship that is paramount and is not bounded by club and game pressures. “Sports doctors working at this level are very experienced at understanding football and understanding coaches. “The doctor shouldn’t be willy-nilly doing things inappropriately but if the doctor is called on by a referee then she had that obligation to take care of the player.

Mourinho And Kompany weighed in on the speculation, heaping praise on his 24-year-old Belgium team-mate. “Let’s put it this way, he definitely wouldn’t make the team weaker,” said Kompany. “Any team he goes to he will make them stronger. “He’s a phenomenal player. A complete player. “Our squad can become stronger just by getting everyone in the right

direction. We had so many players who just didn’t perform last season – and I was one of them. “If they do perform this year it will be like having six or seven new players. Then we will have a stronger squad. But players like Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph from what I’ve seen and Patrick Roberts too, they’ll give us something different, so many options.”

Friday, August 14, 2015

EXTRATIME

EURO

I’m happy at PSG

– IBRAHIMOVIC P

aris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists he is happy with the Ligue 1 champions despite being linked with a move away. Ibrahimovic, 33, has been linked to numerous clubs in the close-season, with Milan and MLS mooted as possible destinations. The Sweden captain said he

was content with life at PSG, with his contract set to expire mid2016. “I’m happy. I’m happy where I am. I have another year to play in PSG, another year on my contract,” Ibrahimovic said. “I’m playing with great players, the club is growing, have big ambitions, willing to do everything

to be the best and I’m enjoying it. “I’m a PSG player.” PSG clinched four trophies last season, with only the UEFA Champions League missing after a quarter-final exit. Ibrahimovic believes Laurent Blanc’s men are capable of challenging for the European crown this campaign.

‘BARCA

not budging on

arcelona will not consider selling winger Pedro to Manchester United unless his £21.2m release clause is paid in full, according to Graham Hunter. H av i n g fallen behind Lionel Messi,

PEDRO’

Luis Suarez and Neymar in the pecking order at the Camp Nou, the 28-year-old looks set to end his seven-year spell at Barca and move to Old Trafford in pursuit of regular first-team football. But, according to Spanish football expert Hunter, Barca and United are yet to reach an agreement over the fee, despite both the club and the player being resigned to Pedro’s seemingly imminent departure.

Pedro “Pedro accepts that leaving Barcelona is a real possibility but Barca seem to be sticking to that release fee of £21.2m,” Hunter said. “They will not budge. They want 30m euros up front, not in chunks, not in delayed payments.

“It is thought Barca will also snub a bid in excess of 30m euros which is made in installments. “They have made it quite clear, they want the release clause paid up front. That is proving to be the sticking point.”

DZEKO Aranguiz joins Roma, bids

Leverkusen sign

Man City farewell

Dzeko

din Dzeko has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City fans after joining Roma on a season-long loan and said he will always keep the Premier League club close to his heart. The Bosnian striker, who joined City in January 2011, has been loaned with a view to a permanent transfer to the Serie A club “if certain conditions are met”. “After four-and-a-half years, filled with your chants for me and my love for you, the time has come to say goodbye,” the 29-year-old said in a letter, posted on Twitter. “I have spent some of the best moments of my career at Manchester City, moments that I will never forget. “Thank you for everything.” Dzeko, scored 72 goals in 117 starts and won five trophies for the club but struggled to break into the starting line-up last season.

ayer Leverkusen have won the tug-of-war for Chile international Charles Aranguiz, signing the midfielder on a five-year contract. Aranguiz, 26, won the Copa America with his national team last month and also reached South America’s Copa Libertadores semi-finals with Brazilians Internacional. “We worked towards this deal for a long time, which did not become any easier after his outstanding performances both at the Copa as well as with his club,” Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade said in a statement. “At one stage we had even written the deal off. It also makes it that much better that we managed to beat a strong international competition.” Leverkusen, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, are facing Lazio in the Champions League play-offs next week for a place in the competition’s group stage, while the German league starts today. “The Bundesliga is one of the most attractive leagues in the world and Leverkusen are one of the top teams here for years,” said Aranguiz. Aranguiz

Friday, August 14, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW Jamie Carragher has taken a look at a mouthwatering Super Sunday as Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace at the ongoing English Premier League, followed by Chelsea’s trip to face Manchester City. The former Liverpool and England defender told Skysports.com in an interview that if Arsene Wenger’s side are to be considered as serious title challengers this season, then they cannot afford to slip up again at Selhurst Park this weekend. He also says the Premier League champions, Chelsea, will be more than happy to leave the Etihad Stadium with a draw on Sunday afternoon. Excerpts:

Unbelievable! Arsene Wenger (right) could not hold back his emotions as Gunners fell at home to West Ham in their Premiership opener last Sunday

EPL: ARSENAL CANNOT AFFORD TO SLIP AGAIN

– CARRAGHER

fter Sunday’s surprise home loss to West Ham, this match against Crystal Palace suddenly takes on huge importance for Arsenal. What’s your take? It does, and the atmosphere at Palace over the last few seasons, ever since Tony Pulis did well with them, has made it a very difficult place for teams to go. It is not the end of the world, Arsenal losing their first game, but they would not want to lose two out of two, and certainly not against teams we would not call giants of the Premier League in West Ham and Palace. So it would be a really poor start for them if they did and I am sure they will be desperate to get three points on the board. But as I said, what Pulis started, Alan Pardew has taken on. With players like Yohan Cabaye, Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie coming in, it is very difficult for teams to go there now. Questions were being asked about Arsenal’s shortage up front leading into this season. Has anything that

happened against West Ham altered those doubts? I do not think so, but we can all criticise Arsenal for not bringing in a striker. However, there are not that many out there really and when you look at the options Arsene Wenger has got, I think Olivier Giroud is a good player, while Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott can all play that role very well. But I do think they lack a Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero or a Wayne Rooney - a really top-class striker. There is talk of Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema coming in, but I think it will be very difficult to get him because that would leave them short. And you very rarely see Real moving players on, unless they have had enough of them, and I do not think that is the case just yet with Benzema. So it is not as easy as people say to just bring in a striker, as they have got to be better than what you have already got. Was the criticism of new Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech after his display against West Ham justified? It was not ‘either or’. Listen, if you

make a mistake, you get criticism, and he will know that. I think he will be a top-class signing for Arsenal, and we can assess that in a few months, the end of the season, or when his time is up in maybe three of four years’ time. He had a bad day, made mistakes - he made mistakes at Chelsea sometimes, as all goalkeepers do - but I think that over the course of time, he will prove to be a very good signing for Arsenal.

Yohan Cabaye made a scoring debut for Crystal Palace in their openingday win at Norwich. Do you think the Frenchman will have a key role to play in this match, if Alan Pardew’s side are to win? Yes, I think so. Palace, over the last few years, have been built on energy within the team and from the crowd as well, which transmits itself to the players on the pitch in home games. And they have created that great atmosphere and made Selhurst Park a difficult place to go through high energy, enthusiasm, aggression, and making it difficult for teams.

But when you bring someone like Cabaye in, it just adds that extra bit of class that maybe was lacking at Palace. And I think that with the Premier League and the money involved, our teams in the middle of the table can now go and buy players of this quality and add them to the team. You look at Stoke buying Xherdan Shaqiri as well and you would not normally associate these type of players with mid-table Premier League teams, but they are now coming to our league and adding that bit of class. Credit to Alan Pardew, who had a relationship with him at Newcastle. There is no doubt he is a top-class player. And for Palace to get a player from PSG, just shows how far they have come and also the Premier League. Is it too early to call this a must-notlose game for Arsenal? If Arsenal are entertaining any ideas of winning the league - which they should have, with the squad that they have got - then you can probably only lose four or five games. Now if you

lose two out of two, it puts you under massive pressure to go the next 36 games only losing two or three games, considering they still have all the big boys to play. So it is a very important game for Arsenal, and it is vital they do not lose. How key will Thibaut Courtois’ absence be for Chelsea at Manchester City? It will be, as him and David de Gea are the two best goalkeepers in the league. With De Gea not playing at the moment, it looks like he may move on. But in Courtois, Chelsea have the outstanding ‘keeper in the league and so he will be a big miss. Asmir Begovic is a good goalkeeper, but he is not quite of the standard of Petr Cech, who was their stand-in last year. So who knows, that may cost them, but he is very experienced in the Premier League and he was a very good goalkeeper for Stoke, with whom he actually won at City last season. So he has been there and done it last season and he will be hoping for the same result.