30 10 15

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ÎÎÎPresident

Muhammadu Buhari declared on Thursday in New Delhi, India, that Nigeria and other African countries

must work harder to achieve greater political stability and security before they can enjoy the full benefits of partnership arrangements such as the India-Africa Forum.

He also asserted that the African con-

tinent has all it takes to become a major growth region of the world.

Buhari said there is therefore the need for India and Africa to strive together to build a virile framework for partnership and coop-

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eration in order to address common challenges in key areas such as infrastructure.

Addressing the Plenary Session of the Continued on page 6

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.220

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 22nd October 2015.

BETAGLAS

45.15

2.15

4.76%

PZ

26.1

0.92

3.52%

GUINNESS 142.2

-8.60

-6.05%

UNILEVER 42.85

-1.98

-4.62%

GLAXOSMITH

39.99

0.99

2.48%

OANDO

10.4

0.53

5.10%

OKOMUOIL 32.16

-3.47

-10.79%

DANGCEM 163

-1.55

-0.95%

At last, Senate clears Amaechi

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power of the majority played out in the Senate on Thurs-

day as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators voted to confirm former governor of Rivers State,

Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, as a minister along with 17 other ministerial nominees.

Recall that Amaechi’s screening was shifted for three times and when he was eventually was screened

last week Thursday, the Senate put Continued on page 6

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TIMES Friday, October 30, 2015

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2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Ending exodus of medical practitioners

R

ecently, a paediatrics consultant, Prof. Olufemi Jaiyesimi raised alarm at the increasing exodus of medical doctors, paramedical consultants and other practitioners to overseas countries due to obsolete medical facilities and non-improvement of incentives to practitioners in the country. Prof.

Jaiyesimi therefore called for a need to arrest the attendant growing mortality rate in the country through policies that would bring the country’s health institutions back to reckoning. We all but agree with the medical expert on his altruistic diagnoses of the state of the country’s health system. No one needs to go further to see the massive deterioration of Nigeria’s public health institutions. From the north to south and from the East to west, the spectacle of decay is all too palpable.

This unwholesome situation is responsible for the uncontrolled proliferation of private clinics and other health facilities across the country which are mostly patronised by the poor who are not only ripped off but more so are at the mercy of unlicensed practitioners and quacks.

It bears repeating that the sorry state of Nigeria’s hospitals and other health institutions is responsible for the increasing exodus of the well to do citizens to other countries where the health facilities are not only modern but also manned by competent professionals. According the Nigerian Medical Association, over USD 500 million is lost annually to medical tourism, Sadly, the vast majority of Nigerians who are too poor to afford medical treatment abroad have become victims of the embarrassing rot in the country’s health sector. In fact investigations show that since the Abuja Declaration in 2001, Nigeria has never spent more than eight per

cent of its annual national budget on health. Indeed, Nigeria and 27 other countries have worse health care systems than Liberia’s. A report from the non-profit organisation, Save the Children, published in March 2015, ranked 72 countries on six measures of health-care provision for children, including the newborn mortality rate, the number of health-care workers per 10,000 population, immunisations and skilled birth attendance. The result, found that 28 countries fared less than Liberia which ranked 44th with Nigeria coming a distant 70th.

Such report definitely, seems to confirm an earlier one by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that 50 to 80 per cent of medical equipment in low-income countries, including Nigeria is out of service. Over the years, the situation has remained worrisome even to non-professionals. To worsen an already bad case, we note with regret that corruption has permeated the system and is threatening to suffocate what is left of the rot. Due to corruption, our healthcare system has been neglected for an extended period, evidenced by the lack of funding, undersupply, inefficiency, decrepit equipment, poor quality, needless deaths and unhappy workforce.

Today, many of the country’s general hospitals stink (literally and figuratively) and are breeding grounds for infectious diseases – many also do not have sufficient beds so corridors are turned to sleeping wards.

To solve the problems, there is need for increase in public health centres, fully equipped with adequate drugs and modern facilities and manned by specialists. The challenges of the Nigerian healthcare system are many. We therefore call on the government to prioritise them in order to have positive impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians

So, Shekau is alive Segun Adio

ÎÎÎChief

of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, is racing against time to meet the target set for him

by President Muhammadu Buhari to crush the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents.

He, and by extension, the military, has only 63 days from today to meet that target which has been considered by many as Herculean.

In a move to prove is mettle, Gen. Buratai, on Wednesday, at the Maimalari Cantonment Youth Centre, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, de-

clared 100 members of the notorious sect wanted. At the occasion, the Army chief presented to the Nigerian public a poster displaying the faces of the wanted terrorists.

Of the 100 photos on the poster, most of them are teenagers, with only three above the age of 70 years.

Attached to each of the terrorist is a number with which they could be identified. Gen. Buratai also reeled out three mobile telephone numbers where information as to their whereabouts could be communicated, assuring such informants of total secrecy and protection.

Of interest is the character tagged No 100 in the poster, whose photograph

Words On Marble :

dwarfed every other ones.

If one’s eye is still to be believed, the man tagged No 100 is the acclaimed leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau.

It is unbelievable to see that Gen. Buratai included Shekau in the list of wanted terrorists after all the noise of his death time and time again. So, Shekau is alive after all.

If that is the case, then the Nigerian public deserves unreserved apology from the military which had fed them lies that Shekau had long been ‘dispatched.’

With this latest move, it is sure that the new crop of military chiefs are determined to bring an end to insurgency in the country.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Ag Head Operations Segun Bamigboye

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714

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Muhammadu Sunusi II

Akin Osuntokun

Mahmood Yakubu

“Terrorism did not start from the air; there are breeding grounds like ignorance, poverty, injustice and corruption.

“If you want to begin to address the problem of Nigeria seriously, you are going to find out a way of taking power away from the centre and devolving it to the zones”.

“No election will be won or lost at the Headquarters of INEC”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

5

Why FG opposed devaluation of naira, by Osinbajo ...Govt plans $25 billion Infrastructural Fund ÎÎÎVice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday, said devaluation of the naira was not an appropriate option in the current economic realities in the country stressing that it offered no solution as far as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was concerned.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to Osinbajo on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, stated that he spoke when he received the Italian Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Fulvio Rustico and the Canadian High Commisioner in Nigeria Mr. Perry John Calderwood.

Osinbajo said, “I don’t agree on devaluation and it is not that I am doctrinaire about it.

“In the first place, it is not a solution. We are not exporting significantly and, the way things are, devaluation will not help the local economy”, he added.

According to him, “what we need to do is to start spending more on the economy and then things will ease up a bit.”

He observed that the issues around the economy were no exact sciences, stressing that it was important to be reasonably flexible in dealing with them.

He outlined the federal government’s plans to set up a $25billioninfrastructural fund, which would be sourced from local and international sources including through Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund and also the pension fund, among others.

Osinbajo disclosed that already other sovereign wealth funds had indicated interest in the fund which would be used to address the nation’s decaying road, rail and power infrastructure.

He maintained that the approach was to speed up the country’s infrastructural development.

Osinbajo explained that the current foreign exchange restriction was a temporary measure to ensure that foreign exchange was not depleted substantially at a time when the prices of oil in the international market was dropping.

He added that the restriction was also to bring some stability to the country’s foreign reserves without which foreign firect investment (FDI), might be affected.

He said FDI was more forwardlooking than portfolio investments which was being affected by the decision to manage the foreign exchange resources of the country at this time.

Osinbajo disclosed that the federal government would work with the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that legitimate businesses were not badly impacted by the current foreign exchange restrictions, especially those who had previous contracts and loan commitments.

Osinbajo expressed the appreciation of the federal government to both envoys on behalf of the President, saying that he looked forward to closer and deeper ties between Abuja and their countries.

L-R: Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed wearing glasses for one the beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation Eye Restoration Intervention Scheme, Phase 2 in Ilorin, Kwara State... recently

Dickson

Bayelsa PDP, APC tango over abducted Sylva’s running mate’s mother

Akam James Yenagoa

ÎÎÎThe

kidnap of the mother of the running mate to the flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Madam Ebifeghe Dikoro, has continued to raise tension in Bayelsa State.

The centenarian was reportedly kidnapped at about 1a.m. on Thursday at her community in Foropa, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Council by some gunmen in three speed boats.

The spokesman of the State Police Command, Astimin Butwat, who confirmed the incident said the details were not available because it has not been briefed by the victim’s family.

Already, the abduction had sparked off claims and counter claims between the campaign organisations of the Chief Timipre Sylva and Governor Seriake Dickson.

Be ready for jail, Oyo APC tells Accord Party members Ogunyemi Esther

ÎÎÎOyo State Chapter of the All

Nigeria would’ve been in crisis if… Jega Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÎÎÎThe former Chairman of the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has disclosed that the country would have been engulfed in constitutional crises had the 2011 and2015 general elections stalemated into a run-off, and had there been no outright winner.

Jega who made the disclosure, on Thursday, in Abuja, while delivering a lecture titled: “Nigeria Electoral Reforms: Challenges and Prospects,” organised as part

of University of Abuja Public Lecture Series, said the constitutional provision requiring a run-off to be conducted within seven days if no outright winner emerged, would have been difficult to be implemented by the commission, maintaining that INEC required at least six weeks to prepare for any run-off instead of the seven days allowed by the constitution He said, “Presidential run-off would have ignited constructional crises. We recommended to National Assembly, in 2013, an amendment to certain sections of the constitution particularly

those requiring seven days to conduct a run-off but they never heeded our request. It is a compelling necessity.” On the need for a sustainable electoral reforms, Jega said that given the fact that elections were the major pillar of leadership selection and governance in liberal democracies, constant and un-seizing effort for the reformation of the electoral process was imperative, especially in all countries that are democratising.

He said, “It is especially necessary in countries in transition to democracy, such as Nigeria,

where there is a long history of badly conducted elections; where elections have been bastardised, and where many voters have become despondent and have virtually given up hope of their votes counting in choosing their elected executives or representatives in legislatures.”

The former ASUU boss further lamented that Nigeria’s fledgeling democracy needed to be demerged from what he called a series of badly conducted elections that created perpetual political instability and easily reverse the gains of democratisation.

Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, accused five chieftains of the Accord Party of hatching vicious ploys to mislead the judiciary and members of the public in their alleged surreptitious plans to unseat Senator Monsurat Sunmonu who defeated their candidate, Mr. Oyebisi Ilaka, in the last general election.

It will be recalled that five persons had in a suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/760/2015 filed last month at a Federal High Court, Abuja claimed to have been misled into casting their respective votes for Sunmonu of the APC against other contestants and having discovered that “she is a British citizen”, they prayed the court to remove the Sunmonu who is representing Oyo Central Senatorial district at the Senate.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Senate clears Amaechi amidst protest Continued from page 1 off his confirmation till this week.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the Senate staged a walk out when it was apparent that they would be overwhelmed during the voting session, siting the case of corruption against Amaechi as reason they refrained from endorsing him.

The Senate, in addition cleared other ministerial nominees who had been screened for appointment.

Thursday’s sitting of the

Senate was characterized by dramas amid intrigues at the instance both the APC and the PDP to push their different positions on Amaechi.

Indication that Amaechi was not going to have it easy had emerged before the day’s plenary commenced when the PDP Senators held an emergency meeting to take a stand on the former governor during the process of confirmation of nominees.

The PDP Senators after the meeting went straight to the chamber with a resolve not to vote in favour of Amaechi, even despite pleas from Sena-

tors who were favourably disposed to him.

With combined efforts, Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu, Danjuma Goje and others joined in appealing to the PDP Senators to temper their anger against Amaechi, although their pleas fell on deaf ears as the PDP stood their ground to heckle the process of Amaechi’s clearance.

The Senate after clearing the INEC Commissioners and the new Chairman immediately after they were screened dissolved into an executive session with intent to harmonise position on the confirma-

tion of the last batch of the nominees.

The Plenary had hardly resumed when Minority Leader, Godswill Obot Akpabio, who spearheaded the fight against Amaechi on behalf of PDP Senators, raised a point of order, siting order 43, while insisting that the report of a petition pending against Amaechi should be tabled and debated before he could be confirmed.

A counter motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, to seek an express confirmation of Amaechi sparked some forms of pro-

Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III (left) and Director General, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri during Omeri’s courtesy visit to Sokoto State… on Thursday

tests from PDP members who said the report on petition against Amaechi should be tabled and debated before any other business of the Senate.

On that note, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, called the Chairman of Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to present the report for debate.

Reading the Committee’s recommendation, Anyanwu said: “Following the discovery that the matter before the Senate is actually before a competent court of law, the Committee, accordingly recommends as follows: “That since the ministerial nominee had gone to Court of Appeal, to challenge the content of the petition and the white paper of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, the Senate is unable to recommend the consideration of his (Amaechi’s) confirmation”.

A PDP member, Senator Thomson Sekibo, after being recognised by the Senate President, said what the Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended was that Amaechi’s clearance should be suspended since the matter on him is pending still before the court.

Sekibo said the allegation of corruption against Amaechi was weighty, bothering on mismanagement of the resources of Rivers State and sales of public property in his state during his tenure as gov-

Buhari: How Nigeria, Africa can benefit from partnerships Continued from page 1 3rd Summit of the Forum, President Buhari said that to attract the massive investment in-flows which they need to overcome the challenges of unemployment and wealth creation, Nigeria and other African countries must also establish policy environments that guarantee the sanctity of contracts on the basis of the rule of law.

This was contained in an emailed statement by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

The President, according to the statement, told the gathering that since its inception in May this year, his administration has been

working with determination to establish these preconditions for rapid socioeconomic development and re-focus governance on the real needs of ordinary Nigerians.

“As a Government, we have demonstrated our strong determination to change the direction and content of governance, including the management of our resources through accountability, transparency and result-orientation in governance.

“We are confident that India, as a tested friend and dependable partner, will always stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the discharge of the mandate entrusted to us by our people,” President Buhari was quot-

ed as saying.

He expressed the hope that the India-Africa Forum will deepen, in practical terms, the South-South Cooperation that countries of the South have desired for so long.

“The current international economic and political environment is far from being favourable, particularly for developing countries.

Fresh political conflicts have erupted, accentuated by terrorism and extremism in the most awful forms.

“Trans-border crimes, illegal arms trade, irregular migration and cybercrimes have all added to the new global threats that demand our collective action.

“Furthermore, the world is facing the challenge of

Climate Change in which Africa remains badly affected with severe threats to food security and social stability.

“From the West to the East, North to South, virtually every country in our respective regions is faced with unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment and a youth bulge.

“India and Africa must develop a new spirit of solidarity, cooperation and partnership to confront these emerging threats. We must recognise that, in this globalised age, we all live interconnected lives in a fragile planet. We must therefore work together to uplift the lives of our people in a manner that preserves the sustainability of our living environment.

“These challenges call for a renewed sense of urgency among African countries for economic development.

It is an open secret that Africa possesses all the prerequisites to become a major growth region of the world.

“There is therefore the need for India and Africa to strive together to build a virile framework for partnership and cooperation in order to address common challenges in key areas including health, education, interconnectivity, power and employment generation as well as the strengthening of institutions of governance and democracy,” President Buhari told Prime Minister Narendra Modi and African Heads of State and Government.

ernor.

Senator Omoworare, however, offered a leeway for the clearance of Amaechi when he told the Senate that the Committee of the Whole which they had constituted on the clearance of the ministerial nominees has the power to amend the report of any committee of the Senate.

He referred to section 41 Rule 7 of the Standing Rules of the Senate to state that the Senate is not liable to receive any petition on a matter pending before the Court.

Omoworare, however seconded a motion moved earlier

by Ndume that Amaechi and others be cleared, and contended that the Senate, going by the rules should not have received the petition in the first instance on the basis that it was still in court.

Trouble started when the Deputy Minority Whip, Biodun Olujime (Ekiti) decried attempt by the APC to shut out the PDP from the process of clearance of the nominees, arguing that in any democracy, the minority should be allowed to have their say though the majority could have its way.

When Senator Akpabio rose to buttress the point made by Senator Olujimi, the Senate President did not recognise him, stating that another Senator, Barnabas Gemade, had earlier been recognised to speak.

Akpabio then mobilised all the PDP senators to stage a walk out as they were jeered at by APC senators who urged them to leave the plenary as quickly as possible.

Senator Gemade, who spoke next, affirmed that the Senate had allowed the Minority to have its way and that since members of the opposition had made comments on the report by the Ethics and Privileges Committee, the Majority should then have its way.

It was on that note that Gemade moved a motion urging the Senate to quash the report by the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee on petition against Amaechi, an efforts which enabled the Senate President to call for votes which ensured the clearance of Amaechi and other nominees.

Other nominees so cleared include Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Khadija Abba IbraContinued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏNurses under the umbrella of

Professional Association of Public Health Nursing Officers of Nigeria (PAPHNON) has concluded plans to sensitise food vendors at the Garki market of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the importance of hygiene practices before selling food to the public.

The Chairman of PAPHNON, FCT, Mrs. Salome Shiden Tor, who stated this at the Annual National Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the association, in Abuja, on Thursday, expressed concern that people were still losing their lives to food poisoning in the country.

She said that the choice of the market for the sensitisation was to enable the advocacy against food poisoning get to the various communities in and outside the FCT

Nurses take food advocacy to Garki market through market men and women.

Tor, who said that PAPHNON members had not been given the opportunity to operate on the ways they were trained, maintained that the members are fully ready now to cancel, educate and sensitise the general public on the need to consume only the foods that were safe for consumption in the country.

The National President of the association, Mrs. Adeyemi Oluwatayo, said the 4-day conference offered the participants the opportunities to showcase the association’s advancement and exchange of best practice models among other stakeholders in public health.

NBA condemns abuse of rule of law by Imo govt Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Bar Association

(NBA) has decried the alleged fragrant abuse of the rule of law by the Imo State Government, stressing that a situation where legislature assumed executive functions negates the tenets of democracy and rule of law. It said the action of the State Government was not only preposterous but against the rule of law.

Daily Times had reported that Governor Rochas Okorocha, in September 2015, appointed mem-

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏGovernor

Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged off the 15 km Ogboro-Amibo-Acha Road in Isiukwuato Local Government Area, urging the contractor handling the project to complete the job on schedule.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ikpeazu advised the contractor to channel all funds meant for the project into the job and give gratification to nobody.

He expressed his determination to make things easier for the people of the state, assuring the people of Isiukwuato that the Abia State Road Maintenance Agency would reconstruct the Akara-Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) Road which is in a bad state.

He called on the people of the state to intensify prayers for his administration, saying he was aware of the activities of en-

7 News

bers of the state legislators to run the local government system in the state for a period of three months.

Addressing a news conference in Owerri, on Wednesday, the Chairman of NBA Owerri branch, Mr. Stanley Imo, said it was not done anywhere in the world where the rule of law was observed and respected that legislature assumed the duties of the executive. He therefore, called on the State Government to restore the rule of law in the state, saying that the current practices should be jettisoned.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (2nd left); in a handshake with the Chairman, Enugu State Chapter, Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA), Dr. George Ugwu during a courtesy call on him by the state executive members of NMA, at the Government House, Enugu... on Thursday. With them are Deputy Governor, Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo and others.

NCC gives Nov 16 deadline to MTN to pay $5.2b fine Friday Atufe with agency report

ÏÏÏNigeria’s telecoms regulator

said, on Thursday, that it had set a November 16 deadline for the South African mobile giant, MTN to pay a $5.2 billion fine for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM cards.

“The deadline set for the payment of the fine is November 16,” Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) spokesman, Tony Ojobo, told a foreign news agency.

“The key issue is whether MTN breached the law or not. Certainly, there was a breach. And if there is a breach, we will apply the law.”

Early in August, the NCC issued

a directive to mobile telecoms companies operating in Nigeria to deactivate all unregistered SIM cards within seven days or face severe sanctions.

MTN — Africa’s largest telecoms firm — missed the deadline to deactivate its 5.1 million unregistered subscribers, prompting a 200,000-naira ($1,000) fine for each unregistered SIM. The penalty saw the company’s shares crash on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and raised questions about the renewal of its licence in Nigeria next year if the fine was not paid.

MTN had more than 62.8 million subscribers in Nigeria by the second quarter of this year.

Senior officials of the Nigerian government, the NCC and MTN began talks in Abuja on Thursady, to thrash out a solution to the matter, Ojobo said.

But he did not specify what precise sanctions MTN could face.

Under the law, the NCC’s powers include “granting or revoking of permits for connection of customer equipment” and “determination of services and new undertakings eligible for licensing from time to time.”

On what would happen if MTN failed to meet the deadline, Ojobo said: “When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it. The deadline set for the payment of the fine is November 16.”

the programme, Kingsley Kuku, of failure to make proper documentation of the beneficiaries before leaving office.

It noted that its members numbering about 1,000 received the May and June allowances but were shocked when they were not alerted by their banks of July, August and September allowances.

The group confirmed that other ex-militants benefiting from the scheme had been paid for the three months.

The group said a protest letter had already been written to Borth but yet to see any positive response from the government.

The statement said: "We like

to make it known to the whole world that there is going to be total uprising again in the NigerDelta region if the thousands of people benefiting from the scheme are not paid.

“So many people fought the Ijaw struggle on the intellectual front while so many others were also enlisted into the Presidential Amnesty Programme because they are from the affected areas.

“We deem it fit to say that we expect the present coordinator of the Amnesty programme to carry out proper documentation instead of wanting to throw people into the already congested labour market and further make youths go back to acts of criminality.”

Ikpeazu moves to complete Isiukwuato road Ijaw youths decry politicisation of amnesty programme emies of democracy, who build roads on the pages of newspapers and the social media.

Ikpeazu

Oyetubo Olabimpe

ÏÏÏA

group called Integrity Youth Association of Ijaw Kingdom in Ondo and Bayelsa states, on Thursday, raised the alarm over alleged plan to reduce number of ex-militants benefiting from the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The group alleged that since Brig. Gen. Paul Borth was appointed as the co-ordinator for the programme, he had only been paying selected beneficiaries the monthly stipend.

A statement signed by Akinyemi Iroju and made available to reporters in Akure, Ondo State capital, also accused the immediate past coordinator of

8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Politics Otti, APGA and desperate ambition

Æs

Okechukwu Ukegbu

“Good things come to those who wait, but only those things left by those who hustle”. - Abraham Lincoln.

Ambition is noble and should be pursued with vigour, but what is disastrous is over ambition because it defies decency, honesty, fairness, and responsibility. Over ambition has marred kings and rulers; it has plotted the downfall of many mighty warriors; over ambition could equally pull down

angels. The All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti and his co-travelers are over ambition personifiedthey could go to any length to achieve their ambition. The more they try to hoodwink the people, the more their underbelly is exposed.

Recently, a Non- Governmental Organisation, (NGO), Independent Democrats, gave Otti a serious knock over his “antics of desperation and relevance-seeking message on the 24th anniversary of Abia State.

President of the group, Jonathan Ebere urged Otti to wait for his time as governor before embarking on such activity.

Ebere was of the opinion that since Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has made a broadcast on the anniversary, there was no need for anybody, including politicians, to embark on such activity, except sending goodwill messages to the government.

“I have never seen such a thing happen since 1999 and I have never seen such a thing anywhere in Nigeria. How can he do such a

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 Otti

Yari: Why governors clashed with Jonathan over Amaechi

Yari Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari has revealed the genesis of events that led to the governors’ disagreement with former President Goodluck Jonathan over former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

Speaking on the crisis that characterized the NGF in the past, and how he has piloted affairs of his colleagues since assumption

Jonathan of office, Yari explained out that division in the forum started in 2013 over a misconception that the NGF was all about Excess Crude. “The NGF is not about excess crude, but about the general economy of the nation” he said.

He continued: “We discuss agenda set by the secretariat and by extension office of the Vice President, we also have experts that we hire, consultants in different sectors of the economy”.

Appointments: Tivs lament marginalisation In the last six years, due to marginalization, no Tiv man has neither been appointed a minister nor a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Government, the Tiv nation has lamented.

The President-General, Mzough-U-Tiv, Chief Edward Ujege, decried the systematic marginalisation of the Tiv nation which according to him, is the fourth largest single ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement which he signed and made available to The Daily Times in Makurdi, describing the MzoughU-Tiv as a socio-cultural organisation that speaks on the interest of the Tiv people worldwide.

Amaechi He added that the 2013 crisis emanated from the presidency.

His words: ”the issue of division in 2013 was over the interest of the then federal government, and resources; they (NGF) were telling the government to do the right thing, don’t siphon funds that do not belong to you and all the one you kept for yourself, bring it out for the three tiers of government to share in line with section 162 of the constitution”.

He added that it was this issue

that reportedly brought a clash between former president Jonathan and the then chairman of NGF, Rotimi Amaechi.

He however denied insinuations that the NGF was used as a platform to blackmail the former president for the governors’ interest.

Said he:”How do you blackmail a sitting president? your own president? How do you intimiCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Unogo CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

9 Politics

How Jonathan Presidency caused crisis in NGF, by Yari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

date your president? The forum is about good governance and not the way people look at the NGF, he said The NGF chairman also bemoaned the fact that in the last one year of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the federal government was borrowing money to pay salary.

His words: “Former Minister of Finance, Okonjo Iweala mentioned times without number that they do borrow to pay salaries, to augment. Government at the centre has the capacity to do a lot of borrowing but at the state we are tight”, he said.

According to him, diversification of the economy and develop-

ment of infrastructures across the country are the long term panacea to the nation’s economic challenges and dwindling resources.

He observed that the current bail out fund to states government to tackle their obligations in the face of dwindling resources will remain a temporary solution unless steps are taken to drive Nigeria away from mono economy.

The diversification of the economy, according to Yari, should focus on Agricultural sector and mining emphasising that the diversification should be simultaneously pursued with infrastructural development noting that infrastructural decay is one of the bane of present state of the economy.

The NGF chairman who gave this indication while fielding questions from selected journalists in Abuja said “what can save us out is diversification of the economy, we have so many ways, the agriculture sector is there, we have mining and infrastructure development.

“Since the nation started oil export, government did not do much to develop other sectors of the economy; in case of this kind of economic problem (fall in revenue), all our infrastructure are in decay.

He pointed out that: “If you look at India and China, their earning in rail transportation alone is nearly equivalent to our total federation earning” He stressed that if Nigeria had

Otti, APGA and desperate ambition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

thing? From what he has done, it has clearly shown that he is desperate in his quest to become governor of Abia State. I think such desperation ought not to be the case at this point.

“Even though I recognise and accept the fact that his fundamental rights are enshrined in the constitution, but such rights have limits and did not make room for desperate individuals who must bring the entire people into embarrassment,” Ebere said.

Over ambition is the mother of all vices and it breeds inconsistency. A man of honour is a man of his words, and Otti is the perfect opposite. Recently, the mantra was” my governorship mandate non- negotiable”.

Otti, who said that “he was emboldened and resolute to explore all legal means possible to reclaim his alleged mandate, and that his stand was that justice and fair play must prevail”, no longer have confidence in the court of law, which they say is the last hope of the common man.

It is disheartening and his cohorts who once expressed unflinching confidence in the judiciary have now resorted to campaign of calumny against the chairman and members of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal because the wheel of jus-

tice they earlier canvassed did not go in their favour.

The campaign came to a head when APGA called for the jailing and possible execution of the judges of the tribunal, alleging” huge sums of money in form of gratification have exchanged hands between the PDP leadership in the state and cronies of the justices. Consequently, some of the judges have been responding in line with the dictate of the lucre as evidenced in the current dismissing of all petitions filed by our party against the PDP candidates. The bribe funds, we understood, were delivered to the

judges outside the country and through proxies in order to leave no traces”.

APGA’s action to malign and denigrate the integrity and character of the members of the tribunal is a meditated and intentional act to ridicule the hallowed institution of the Nigerian judiciary.

It smacks of desperation and over ambition. The law provides a window for them at the Appellate Court if they feel that their petitions have not been judiciously addressed.

Their sole aim is to tarnish

Ikpeazu

Otti

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

vigorously developed it’s infrastructure in the past, the economy would not be same adding: “we need to diversify, and that is the only way we can survive, otherwise the issue of oil is no longer going to attain $120 in the next two years; may be in the range of $70-85, but if we diversify, definitely, we will get something better, but for now where we are, we will only get a temporary solution”.

He however expressed optimism that: “we are hoping that looking inwards and also with blocking of leakages, maybe, but there is no better way than to diversify Nigeria’s economy to bring more revenue to the federal and states governments” he stressed.

Yari

Appointments: Tivs lament marginalisation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

He was speaking against the background of the recent ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari where the name of a Tiv was conspicuously missing.

According to him, he lamented the level of marginalisation meted out against the Tiv nation in the past six years. His words: “Since the demise of President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010, no Tiv man has been appointed a substantive minister.

“Also, about the same period, since the retirement of Prof Ignatius Ayua from the Federal Service as Permanent Secretary, no Tiv man has been found good or qualified enough to be promoted to the same rank again”, he lamented.

The President-General also complained about the recent ministerial nominees by President Buhari, stating that no Tiv man made the list. ‘This negates the principle of compensation for hard work and undermines the massive votes Governor Samuel Ortom, Senators Barnabas Gemade and George Akume garnered for APC in their respective senatorial districts in the last general election”, he said.

Chief Ujege lamented that the Tiv nation, which was once reckoned with nationally, was fast losing ground even at the

Gemade state level which he said is a clear signal of deliberate collaborated marginalisation by the powers that be.

“To our greatest chagrin and disapproval, at each of the recruitments by Federal Agencies, parastatals and the paramilitary establishments, the Tiv nation, which is the dominant ethnic group in the state has always been shortchanged.

“So, where is the Federal Character Principle as far as recruitments of the Benue indigenes into federal establishments is concerned”?, Ujege asked.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to adequately reward the Tiv nation based on their numerical strength as well as political participation and their contributions during the last general elections.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Loan for polls: Dickson, Sylva at war

Dickson Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State, a war of sort may be ongoing over sourcing of funds for the polls as the state governor, Seriake Dickson is being accused of planning to obtain about N11 billion to prosecute the elections.

The Daily Times gathered that the government of Dickson is cash-strapped following the non-release of balance of bailout funds to it by the Federal Government which it was said to have planned to use as war-chest to

Sylva win the elections.

But it was learnt that the Federal government got wind of this and decided to hold unto the funds, running into billions of naira until after the December 5 election.

Following this development, the Dickson Administration is said to be desperately sourcing for funds in order to prosecute the forthcoming election which included plans to obtain new loans with the backing of the state house of assembly.

Already, the Sylva-Igiri Gover-

norship campaign organisation in the state has raised the alarm over plots by the PDP led administration to throw the state into more debt by sourcing for an unwarranted loan.

However, the state government dismissed the purported claim of fresh loan as untrue describing it as a clear case of mischief on the part of the opposition party in the state.

A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Gubernatorial campaign, Chief Nathan Egba, said the party had

uncovered the plan to use the State House of Assembly to secure about N12 billion loan to prosecute the election by the PDP. The statement indicates that the plot is to use the leadership of the House to cajole the lawmakers that bulk of the money would be used to clear their outstanding allowances and purchase of new cars.

The values of the two loans are N2.5 billion and N10 billion naira.

It advised banks and financial institutions in the country not to grant the loan request as the incoming APC administration would not honour such a bogus transaction especially as the request has not been presented to the House.

The statement read in part: “Members will also be informed that the second loan of N10 billion will be used to fund constituency projects, whereas in truth, this money is expected to be used for the campaigns and election expenses”.

It added: “The APC in Bayelsa has been aware for some time now that Governor Dickson, realising that he will lose the forthcoming elections, has refused to release funds already in his possession for the elections. Instead, he has been shopping around for funds from individuals and organisations, most of whom have turned him down, resulting in his bid to use the State House of Assembly to raise funds”.

The statement said the APC had called on the EFCC, the Department of State Security and other security agencies to help the people of Bayelsa track the secret transaction in order to stop PDP from obtaining the fraudulent loan.

But the Bayelsa State Government has denied the claims. A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the purported claim of a fresh loan was misplaced and a clear mischief on the part of the opposition party in the state.

According to him, rather than looking for a new loan, the Bayelsa State Government was only drawing from an existing loan facility that had since been approved for the airport project it said was at 60 per cent level of completion.

He said it was unfortunate that the Sylva campaign was raising the issue of loan, saying the APC candidate and his campaign officials should be ashamed of their past in this regard.

While praising Governor Dickson over prudent management of resources, which it said had made it possible for the state to witness the huge infrastructure and other development projects in the last three and half years, he slammed Sylva for plunging the state into huge debts running into N432 billion, under his CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Otti, APGA and desperate ambition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

the hard-earned reputation of the honourable jurists, and in extension, the Nigerian judiciary. My appeal to the honourable jurists in particular and well- meaning Nigerians in general is that they should not interpret the character of Abians from the conduct of these few disgruntled elements.

Abians are decent and civilised.

Abians also respect the rule of law and impartiality of the judiciary and the judgments so far delivered.

Their actions could be excused for their ruthless desperation to grab power by all means which has pushed some of them to forge certificates. This shows that there is no limit desperation and over ambition cannot stretch man to. One would wonder what

Abia State would have become if left in the hands of those who told lies about their educational qualification, contest primaries in a different party in another state, and also contested election with another party in Abia.

Back to the issue of Otti’s mantra on his alleged stolen mandate.

The claim is as laughable as anything one can think of. Otti had a monument of odds stacked against him before the elections.

From the controversy that surrounded his ethnic origin to his entrance to APGA through the back door which dealt a deadly blow on the party and which the party is yet to recover from.

The crisis that engulfed APGA in Abia State, which was fueled by who was the authentic governor-

ship candidate came to a climax when few days to the gubernatorial election, a faction of the party that paraded the crème de la crème adopted the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as their candidate.

The resolution by the group reads: “the decision was taken after a careful perusal of Dr. Ikpeazu’s programmes”. The group added that it realised that Ikpeazu’s agenda opposes” loans and borrow” agenda of some of some of his (Ikpeazu’s) opponents.

“We had equally extracted a firm commitment from Dr. Ikpeazu that he is going to be his own man contrary to erroneous views in the discharge of the duties attached to the office of the governor and would not succumb to un-

due influence from any quarters”.

The group further enjoined its teeming supporters to vote massively for Ikpeazu, adding: “the Arochukwu/ Ohafia ticket done in the name of our great party is reminiscence of the Gideon Orkar coup where attempt was made to shut off certain parts of the country. The single local government area governorship/ deputy ticket is both naive and irresponsible and designed to provoke an integral part of the state to a breach of the peace”.

PDP in its bid to assuage the clamour by Ngwa people to produce the governor of Abia State ceded its ticket to Abia South dominated almost exclusive by Ngwa people. This spurred on the people. In a bid to benefit from

this exclusive consideration, Otti was said to have swiftly gone to court to swear affidavit changing his place of birth from Arochukwu in Abia North to Ngwa. Ngwa people kicked against him vehemently denying such claims. And in a bid to solidly hold firm to being an Ngwa man, Otti nominated his running mate from Ohafia, a neighbouring town where it is alleged Otti comes from. Therefore, Otti’s ticket was seen as an exclusive ticket of Abia North. With all the flaws enroute the election, Otti’s ambition to rule Abia State was dead on arrival and a defeat foretold. The million dollar question is: “If greater number of Otti’s party members had abandoned him few days before the election, who then voted for him?”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

11 Politics

Re- In Guinea Conakry, Tinubu’s political prowess holds sway Desmond Afolayan The acclaimed national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress was recently in Guinea where he was reportedly involved in influencing the outcome of the October 11 presidential election in favour of the 77 years old incumbent President Alpha Condé. In a statement of triumphalism by Sunday Dare, his media aide, Bola Tinubu is adulated for extending the frontiers of his illustrious political empire beyond Nigeria.

Mr. Tinubu’s forays into another African country to openly take sides in the highest level of their domestic politics should ordinarily be seen as the private business of a private citizen with no risk of negatively impacting on Nigeria’s foreign relations interests, it is however important to note that the former Governor of Lagos state failed to appropriately draw the lines between acting in his own capacity and posturing that can suggest he was covertly acting on behalf of President Buhari or the Nigerian state.

To start with, Dare offers us an insight into how Bola Tinubu met his “friend and brother” President Condé in May this year at a meeting during his 5-day state visit to Nigeria for President Buhari’s inauguration. He went on to provide details of how “Tinubu in June 2015 visited Conakry, Guinea to further assess the country’s political terrain and the direction of the presidential campaigns” and how soon after, Tinubu moved into Conakry personally with his election strategy and planning team to work as an integral part of the president’s campaign team with barely 60 days to the election. What this means is that President Condé came to Nigeria on a state visit and returned with a machinery that helped prosecute his re-

Tinubu election agenda.

The chest thumping by Tinubu’s media office necessitated disclosing that President Condé’s sensitive decision not to postpone the election in which he was a candidate was as a result of the fact that “Asiwaju Tinubu played a key role in advising the President to stick to the date, October 11. He reportedly provided context for the Presi-

dent by letting him into the experience Nigeria had during the last presidential election.” It is worth mentioning that the seven opposition parties called for a postponement, citing alleged irregularities in the electoral roll, but their pleas were rejected by the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Cellou Dalein Diallo, the candidate of the Union of

Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) also petitioned the Supreme Court of Guinea to have the election postponed, but it was rejected.

Not a few diplomatic watchers would wonder if President Buhari had an interest in returning his Guinean counterpart to office for a second term? Was Bola Tinubu acting on behalf of the Nigerian President and the Nigerian state? I doubt. The actions and statements by Bola Tinubu’s office however leave room for the possibility of mottled interpretations. This is against the backdrop of the diplomatic sacrilege that occurred 2 days to the May 29, 2015 handover date when visiting President Condé on arrival in Nigeria shunned former President Jonathan and the diplomatic courtesies usually extended to every visiting head of state and instead chose to be received by Mr. Tinubu – a private citizen – apparently on the instruction of President Buhari who was then on an unofficial visit to the United Kingdom.

In a country whose democracy is yet fragile and in an election that was just the country’s second free multiparty national election since it gained independence in 1958, the help any true friend of the people of Guinea should have offered leading up to and during the election should have been in such critical areas as the advocacy for a peaceful and watchful conduct by the people, capacity building for state institutions like the electoral umpire and security agencies to perform their duties without fear or favour, and the advocacy for exemplary behaviour by the candidates and other key political operatives that will result in peaceful electoral outcomes.

Even if Mr. Tinubu absolutely had to support President Condé, conventional wisdom would have prescribed that he did so discretely without showing his

hand. He has however taken sides overtly, and though his horse in the race was victorious with 58% of the votes, there are 42% of other voters – a significant minority by any standards – who may one day wonder who the Nigerian was that denied them of their preference for the office of president.

In this complex era where Citizen Diplomacy is an increasingly important tool in advancing the interests of countries and where private citizens and corporations have been known to shape the texture of foreign relations a country has with others in more effective ways than diplomatic services can, it is important to keep an eye on the activities of our influential Nigerians on the global stage, especially those seen to be close to the president and the Government of Nigeria – off course without impugning on legitimate individual liberties and interests. Nigeria cannot afford hostilities from other countries after an alternation of power in the future brings to office individuals and political interests who nurture resentment for Nigeria for being seen to have worked behind the scenes to help sitting presidents utilise the power of incumbency to perpetuate themselves in power.

Perception is just as powerful as reality.

This calls for greater vigilance by active citizens and the media in spotlighting what goes on in the famed corridors of power during state visits as power brokers with ulterior motives can be inadvertently conferred sovereign legitimacy simply by appearing in the company of thepresident. At this rate, as “Tinubu seems to be about the business of installing presidents across Africa”, the Presidency needs to deploy the finest tact in ensuring that as Mr. Tinubu goes along his way in his mission, he is seen to be acting on his own.

Dickson, Sylva at war over election funding

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

watch as governor.

According to him, Sylva’s profligacy as governor ranked Bayelsa State as one of the most indebted states in Nigeria, but now reversed under the Dickson administration, which had since serviced the debt to a manageable level of N90 billion naira and thereby making the state now one of the least indebted

states in the country.

“Under Sylva, there was routine diversion of funds meant for payment of civil servants’ salaries and benefits. A whopping N300 billion agriculture loan from the World Bank had no tangible effect in the state.

Where were the projects established or farms set up or the fisheries development as proposed

under the loan?

“What happened to the N3 billion MDG funds made available to Sylva? It is unfortunate that Sylva left a legacy of a crippling debt profile in Bayelsa State as governor. As a matter of fact, the bond obligation of the state totaled N125 billion under his watch,” he said.

Sylva

Dickson

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Senate confirms Mahmood Yakubu as new INEC chair

Finally, Senate confirms Amaechi as minister

...5 other commissioners too

him, Heineken Lokpobiri, Claudius Ololeye Daramola, Baba Sheuri Mustapha, Ocholi Enojo James, and Hon Bawa Bwari.

Others include Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Zainab S Ahmed, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, Okechukwu Eyinna Enelamah, Professor Anwuka Anthony Gozie, Mohmammed Musa Bello, Adamu Adamu and Aisha Abubakar.

Meanwhile, the PDP caucus in the Senate has said notwithstanding staging a walk out against the clearance of Rotimi Amaechi for ministerial appointment, it would not withdraw its support for the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The PDP caucus while addressing the media on the issue after plenary said it was not the support of its members alone that made Saraki to emerge as Senate President.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, who addressed the media, said since Saraki emerged unopposed to become the Senate President, the question of withdrawing support from him does not arise.

He explained that the PDP staged a walk out during the process of confirming Amaechi mainly because of the need to put it on recorded that members were not part of the illegality the Senate perpetrated to rail-road Amaechi’s passage.

Akpabio said the Senate should have refrained from clearing Amaechi on the basis of the recommendation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition, which investigated the petition against the former governor.

Some members of the PDP caucus during plenary had argued that the plan by the Senate to clear Amaechi at all costs will continue to constitute a moral burden on the Senate and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting to Amaechi’s confirmation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State described it as a victory over the forces of darkness.

“These dark forces as represented by Caretaker Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, went to absurd lengths in their plot to stop Amaechi from becom-

Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎTHE Senate on Thurs-

day confirmed the nomination of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The Senate also confirmed the nominations of five others as federal commissioners to represent the various geopolitical zones of the country.

Those confirmed as federal commissioners of the electoral body were Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo, Dr. Anthonia Taiye Okoosi

Simbine, Mrs Amina Zakari, Dr. mohammed Mustapha Lecky and Mr Soyebi Adedeji Solomon.

The confirmation of their nominations came after they were successfully screened by the Red Chamber.

Meanwhile, the new INEC boss when he appeared for screening at the Senate on Thursday said he will not allow manipulation of elections during his era.

He said under his chairmanship, “No election will be won or lost at the Headquarters of INEC.”

He also said the State Headquarters of the electoral body would be carried along on his principled commitment to conducting free and fair election without compromises during his tenure.

Prof. Mahmood said he has the character to head INEC more effectively, stating “I cannot be intimidated. It is too late for that. I have the character to do the right thing.

He raised the hope that Nigeria would soon be deploying the use of electronic machine to conduct future elections, although he said INEC would take cautious steps in adopting electronic machine.

He said e-voting is desirable, adding “whereas experiences have shown that we have to tread cautiously before adopting e-voting.

We will not rush into using it because there is room for improvement.

The new INEC boss rose in defence of the use of card readers during the last general election in 2015, noting that the shortcomings that greeted the use during last elections were normal.

He alluded to the problem of manpower and the expertise, weather and other logistics problems as the bane of the Card Readers used during the conduct of the last general elections.

A cross section of new Commissioners, Special Advisers and Consultants in Ogun State taking oaths of office in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital … on Thursday.

Photo: David Idowu

Appeal Court rules on Saraki’s trial today ÎÎÎThe Appeal Court will

today deliver judgement in the case instituted by Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, challenging the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to subject him to trial based on the 13-count charge of false assets declaration filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The CCB had filed a 13-count corruption charge against Saraki for failing to declare his assets fully,

alleging that he misused state funds to purchase private assets while serving as Kwara State governor.

It would be recalled that Saraki’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), had urged the court to expeditiously determine his client’s appeal on the ground that time was very important in the ongoing case.

Along with the appeal, the Senate president’s lawyers also filed an application seeking for proceed-

ings before the CCT to hold on pending the determination of his appeal.

But that would not be necessary any longer since the appellate court has promised an accelerated hearing on the issue.

The court had on Friday, October 16, after taking arguments from parties, fixed judgment for 2 pm on October 19, but failed to deliver it on the ground that the judgment was not ready.

The judgment was then

reserved indefinitely, with the court promising to communicate a new date to parties.

It was gathered that notices were sent to parties informing them about today’s date.

The delay by the Court of Appeal to deliver its judgment had stalled proceedings before the CCT, which has chosen to await the Appeal Court’s decision before taking any further steps in the Senate president’s trial.

Continued from page 6

ing a minister but Almighty God has used President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to scatter their evil plans,” Rivers APC said in the statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya and issued on Thursday in the state capital, Port Harcourt.

Furthermore, the party said: “Today, 29th October, 2015, will remain a great milestone in the annals of Rivers State when against all odds, centering around the mischievous propaganda by enemies of the state led by the impostor Governor Nyesom Wike, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirmed one of the best sons of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as a Minister despite the sinister petitions against him by misguided enemies of Rivers State.

“Today, we have come to understand that truly God is with Amaechi and none of the plots by his enemies can have any impact in his life if the meanings of his names are anything to go by – Chibuike, which means ‘God is all Powerful‘ and Rotimi, an abridged version of Oluwadurotimi, meaning ‘the Lord stands by me’, while Amaechi means ‘who knows tomorrow?‘ plays a lot in most of the actions of this patriotic, an enigma, the Lion of Niger Delta Politics, the Pillar and embodiment of the change mantra in the politics of Nigeria and a true son of God. “The Eighth Senate has by this action proved that they are not only patriotic and nationalist but also that they cannot allow petty politics to becloud their sense of reasoning as they seek to accomplish the onerous task of building a virile, vibrant, united and strong Nigeria.”

The Rivers APC warmly commended President Buhari for nominating Amaechi and the Eighth Senate for confirming him, “thereby disappointing the very enemies of Rivers who by their devilish acts painted Rivers State and her people as ingrates who have no regard and respect for her leaders.” The party pleaded with Nigerians not to judge Rivers people by the vindictive actions of Wike and his cohorts as Rivers State and her people are good-natured and great people.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

13

International14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

US, China to discuss South China sea tensions

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, right, shows the way for German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a welcome ceremony held outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Oct. 29, 2015.

ÏÏÏChina’s

Defense Ministry said it will voice its “solemn position” to the United States when top navy officials from both countries hold an hour-long video teleconference Thursday to discuss tensions in the South China Sea and naval ties. Admiral John Richardson, the U.S. chief of naval operations, and his Chinese counterpart Admiral Wu Shengli will participate in the talks. The two countries have previously held two other video teleconferences.

According to the U.S.-based news website Defense News, a U.S. official said the call on Thursday

was not scheduled but the two navies agreed to hold the teleconference “in light of current events.”

Earlier this week, Washington took its biggest step to date to challenge China's claims in the South China Sea, sailing a U.S. navy warship within a 12 nautical mile zone of man made islands in the hotly disputed waters.

Beijing, which claims most of the South China Sea as its own, responded angrily calling the trip a “deliberate provocation” and filing a formal protest to the U.S. Ambassador in Beijing.

Chinese defense officials have warned that further forays into

territory that it claims as its own may “trigger eventualities.”

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun commented on the teleconference call and said that China would raise its “solemn position regarding the U.S. vessels entry without permission.”

Yang also urged Washington to not continue to go down what he called the wrong path. “If they do, we will take all necessary measures in accordance with the need," he said.

Online commentaries in the wake of the trip have been heated,

with some urging the Chinese military to ram U.S. vessels if they return and others calling for a military response over the dispute. Some have argued that China’s leaders need to be more like Russian President Vladimir Putin in protecting their country’s interests.But despite the heated reaction online, from officials and in state media, the two countries appear to be continuing efforts to engage and keep the doors of communication open. In addition to the teleconference on Thursday, there are reports that U.S. Pacific Command Commander Admiral Harry Harris and U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift are planning to visit Beijing in the coming weeks.

The Communist Party-backed newspaper Global Times ran a front-page story Thursday that said Admiral Harris is slated to visit Beijing on Monday, November 2. However, a defense ministry official said Thursday that the two sides are still working on a final date for the visit.

It is not just the U.S. Navy that is increasing its engagement with China. A French frigate is currently on a four-day visit to China’s main South China Sea base in the southern province in Guangdong.

And next week, two Australian warships will hold exercises with the Chinese navy in the South China Sea.

South Africa students protests escalate

Groups demand action over Myanmar 'genocide' ÏÏÏTwo weeks after South AfÏÏÏHuman

rights groups on Thursday called on the United Nations to establish an independent investigatory body to look into what it describes as "ongoing genocide" in Myanmar.

The persecution of members of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar is tantamount to genocide, Yale's International Human Rights Law Clinic and human rights group Fortify Rights said at a joint press conference in Bangkok.

"The treatment of the Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine state fits the definition of genocide under the Genocide Convention of 1948," Katherine Munyan of the Yale group said.

Under the convention, genocide is the destruction in whole or in part of an ethnic group.

Genocidal actions against the Rohingya include the restriction of movement, the refusal of childbearing rights and forced evictions, according to Munyan and her colleagues.

rican students launched protests over proposed university fee hikes — and just days after winning a major concession from the president — the demonstrations that rocked South Africa show no signs of stopping.

Recent protests have not seen the intensity of those last week, which prompted clashes with police. Cape Town officers arrested 29 students after a heated protest, while Pretoria police fired tear gas on protesters who attempted to force their way into negotiations between students and elected officials.

Students at Johannesburg’s University of the Witwatersrand — site of the first protests that launched this national phenomenon — said Monday they had no intention of stopping until they reached their greater goal of economic equality.

By Tuesday the flame had quite literally continued to burn as university officials extinguished several campus fires started “deliberately and simultaneously.”

The university's student council says it want leaders to address issues like free education, institutional autonomy and racism.

If anything, it seems that President Jacob Zuma’s Friday concession — that there would be no fee hikes for the 2016 academic year — has only fanned the flames of what could be a major conflagration.

Even the students say they’re surprised and pleased that their original protest has morphed into something bigger.

“When we started our #WitsFeesMustFall protest, we had no idea the kind of momentum it would gain or the impact it would make not just nationally, but internationally,” said a statement issued by the student council of Wits. “The 0% increment is a victory. It is not the final objective of our movement but it is nonetheless an initial victory.”

President Zuma issued a statement acknowledging his decision was merely a temporary fix and that “discussions would continue.”

“The campaign for accessible education is far from over,” the

party’s leadership said in a statement. “Many of our institutions of higher learning remain untransformed with exclusionary practices still entrenched as part of the fabric of the institution. We welcome the institution of a process as alluded to by the president to address, amongst others, the holistic living conditions at institutions of higher education, transformation and the institutional autonomy of universities.”

The root of the problem, as it often is in South Africa, is the legacy of apartheid. The racist system of government ended in 1994, but to this day many black South Africans — who comprise the majority of the population — remain economically disadvantaged.

Zuma

China ends one-child policy ÏÏÏChina

has ended its longstanding, one-child policy and will now allow all couples to have two children.

The plan was unveiled Thursday following high-level, closed-door political meetings this week in Beijing. Analysts said a two-child policy, while a welcome move, will do little to help lift the country’s declining birth rate or shrinking workforce. The two-child policy is a further relaxation, after China, in late 2013, allowed couples, one of whom has no siblings, to have a second child. Policy: China first instituted its one-child policy in 1980 in a bid to control the country’s population, which is the world's largest, at nearly 1.4 billion.

Controversy: The restrictions have led to an imbalanced sex ratio because of a traditional preference for boys -- studies say there are 117 boys for every 100 girls.

Also, heavy-handed enforcement sometimes included forced abortions and sterilizations.

Ruling party candidate wins Tanzania presidential vote ÏÏÏTanzania's electoral commis-

sion says ruling-party candidate John Magufuli has won the presidential election.

The commission said Thursday that the CCM party's Magufuli defeated main challenger Edward Lowassa of the opposition Chadema party, 58 to 40 percent.

Lowassa had rejected the official results of Sunday's vote before they were announced, citing alleged fraud.

French news agency AFP reports he rejected the results again Thursday and accused the electoral commission of trying to "rob the citizens of Tanzania of their democratic rights."

Tanzania's October 25 elections for president, parliament and local seats had been expected to be the closest in the nation's history.

President Jakaya Kikwete is stepping down after completing two five-year terms.

CCM faced its strongest challenge in decades from a coalition of opposition parties led by Chadema.

On Wednesday, the electoral commission in semi-autonomous Zanzibar nullified voting results there, citing "gross violations" in the voting process. Commission chairman Jecha Salim said there is a need to hold fresh elections in the archipelago.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

15 Opinion

Otti and his APGA co- travelers

G

Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

ood things come to those who wait, but only those things left by those who hustle.”- Abraham Lincoln.

Ambition is noble and should be pursued with vigour, but what is disastrous is over ambition because it defies decency, honesty, fairness, and responsibility. Over ambition has marred kings and rulers; it has plotted the downfall of many mighty warriors. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti and his co-travelers are over ambition personified- they could go to any length to achieve their ambition. The more they try to hoodwink the people, the more their underbelly is exposed.

Recently, a non- Governmental Organisation, NGO, Independent Democrats, gave Otti a serious knock over his “antics of desperation on the 24th anniversary of Abia State.

President of the group, Jonathan Ebere urged Otti to wait for his time as governor before embarking on such activity.

Ebere was of the opinion that since Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has made a broadcast on the anniversary, there was no need for anybody, including politicians, to embark on such activity.

“I have never seen such a thing happen since 1999 and I have never seen such a thing anywhere in Nigeria. How can he do such a thing? I think such desperation ought not to the case at this point.

“Even though I recognise and accept that his fundamental rights are enshrined in the constitution, but such rights have limits and did not make room for desperate individuals who must bring the entire state in embarrassment,” Ebere said.

Over ambition is the mother of all vices and it breeds inconsistency. Recently, the mantra was” my governorship mandate non- negotiable”.

Otti, who that “he was emboldened and resolute to explore all legal means possible to reclaim his alleged mandate, and that his stand was that justice and fair play must prevail”, no longer have confidence in the court of law.

It is disheartening and his cohorts who once expressed unflinching confidence in the judiciary have now resorted to campaign of calumny against the chairman and members of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal.

The campaign came to a head when APGA called for the jailing and possible execution of the judges of the tribunal, alleging” huge sums of money in form of gratification have exchanged hands between the PDP leadership in the

state and cronies of the justices.

Consequently, some of the judges have been responding in line with the dictate of the lucre as evidenced in the current dismissing of all petitions filed by our party against the PDP candidates. The bribe funds, we understood, were delivered to the judges outside the country and through proxies in order to leave no traces”.

APGA’s action to malign and denigrate the integrity and character of the members of the tribunal is a meditated and intentional act to ridicule the hallowed institution of the Nigerian judiciary.

Their sole aim is to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the honourable jurists, and by extension, the Nigerian judiciary. Abians are decent and civilized. They also respect the rule of law and impartiality of the judiciary.

Their actions could be excused for their ruthless desperation to grab power by all means which has pushed some of them to forge certificates.

Back to the issue of Otti’s mantra on his alleged stolen mandate. The claim is as laughable as anything one can think of. Otti had a monument of odds stacked against him before the elections. From the controversy that surrounded his ethnic origin to his entrance to APGA through the back door.

The crisis that engulfed APGA

in Abia State, which was fueled by who was the authentic governorship candidate came to a climax when few days to the gubernatorial election, a faction adopted the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as their candidate.

The group further enjoined its supporters to vote for Ikpeazu, adding” the Arochukwu/ Ohafia ticket done in the name of our great party is reminiscence of the Gideon Orkar coup where attempt was made to shut off certain parts of the country. The single local government area governorship/ deputy ticket is both naive and irresponsible and designed to provoke an integral part of the state to a breach peace”.

PDP in its bid to assuage the clamour by Ngwa people to produce the governor of Abia State ceded its ticket to Abia south dominated exclusive by Ngwa people. This spurred on the people. In a bid to benefit from this exclusive consideration, Otti was said to have swiftly gone to court to swear affidavit changing his place of birth from Arochukwu in Abia North to Ngwa. Ngwa people kicked against it vehemently denying such claims.

The million questions: “If greater number of Otti’s party members had abandoned him few days before the election, who then voted for him?”

Ukegbu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Umuahia, Abia State.

Shettima: Caught between fate and fury

M

Ikechukwu Orji

y heart goes out to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State. He is not the man he used to be. Shettima is a broken shell of a governor. One wonders how he sleeps. Under his leadership, the state has witnessed unprecedented terror. Innocent women and children are being brutally and viciously murdered on a daily basis. In fact, the state can be described as hell on earth.

To oversee such a state must be a crushing experience for Shettima.

Even if one puts on all his courage, energy and grit, he will still be in pains over the state of affairs in Borno. This proud land of the Kanuris has been raped and desecrated.

What a tragedy to befall the Kanuris of the old Kanem Bornu Empire.

This empire that peaked under the reign of Mai Idris Aluma was a pride of the black race. Aluma, the son of a Kanuri father and a Bulala mother, is remembered for his piety, organisational skills and military reforms. He fought and thoroughly humiliated the Hausa to the west, the Tuareg and Toubou to the north

and the Bulala to the east. He was eulogised for his victories in 330 wars and more than 1,000 battles.

His active participation in diplomacy enhanced relations with Tripoli, Egypt and the Ottoman Empire. The great Ottoman Empire once sent a 200 ambassadorial party across the desert to Aluma’s court at Ngazargamu. His achievement in trade and commerce was unprecedented. According to a historical source, Aluma cleared roads, designed better boats for Lake Chad, introduced standard units of measure for grain and moved farmers into land.

What an irony! This land with a great history is not even safe for demons let alone human beings. Most people do not know that at the height of the Kanem Bornu Empire, it extended westward into the land of the Hausa. When the Fulani warriors were busy conquering the length and breadth of Northern Nigeria, the land of the Kanuris put up the greatest resistance to the holy war championed by Usman Dan Fodio.

Even the collapse of Ngazargamu did not dampen the spirit of the Kanuris. Muhammad al-Amin alKanemi, who checked the Fulani advance, built another capital at

Kukawa in 1814. The Kanem Bornu Empire is one of the longest dynasties in regional history.

It is mind boggling to think of what has happened to this people in recent years. Borno is now making history for the wrong reasons.

The mass kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls is an international issue that has tarnished the image of the country. The question is what really went wrong with the state that Boko Haram became a rave of the moment? Even the Lord’s Resistance Army (L.R.A) in Uganda is child’s play compared to Boko Haram.

And nobody really knows when all this madness will end. Oh! The pain of Shettima continues. There is no day his heart will not skip a bit for a people he loves so much.

This handsome and dynamic man deserves our prayers not condemnation. It grieves my heart when people insult and abuse him over what is happening in the North East.

Some people even insinuate that he has a hand over the kidnapping of the Chibok girls. That is the height of callousness and insensitivity.

According to Shettima, the death of any Borno son or daughter diminishes him. I am usually thrown into emotional torture any time a life

is lost in Borno especially by manmade brutality because, as your governor, I am under obligation, constitutional and moral, to ensure your safety. I consider myself a father to all orphans, a brother and friend to every one of you, a son to every parent and a member of every family in Borno State regardless of religion, tribe and geo-political affiliation. I share in your moments of despair more than you can ever imagine because, regardless of the intrinsic worth of any programme and project put in place by any government, however laudable, a citizen has to be alive or safe to enjoy the benefits of such programme or project. Therefore, the most important role of any responsible government is the security of lives and property.

My prayer for Shettima is that God will make the enemies of his people vanish like wild flowers. The people of Borno will succeed, not by military might, or by strength, but by the spirit of the Lord. Mr. Governor, God will make obstacles as great as mountains disappear before you.

He has seen the pains of your people and his eyes are ten thousand times brighter than the sun. But always remember to wear faith and love as a breastplate.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Business Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

17

Insecurity: Royal Navy warship arrives Nigeria Ï ƍ ƏƐ Ƈ nE commitment to Nigeria Adeshina Oluwaseyi HMS Lancaster, one of the Royal Navy’s state of the art Type 23 Duke Frigates arrived Nigeria on Tuesday. On arrival the ship’s captain and the UK’s Defence Adviser in Nigeria Colonel Dominic Fletcher made a call on the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command Apapa, and were received by its Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu.

According to a statement from the British High Commission the HMS Lancaster visit shows continuing UK commitment to Nigeria, and to supporting NigerianGERIAN military as they deal with security threats at land and at sea.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Paul T Arkwright said “The visit of HMS Lancaster is a signal of our commitment to Nigeria and Nigeria’s military forces as they face security challenges. The U.K. government is firmly committed to supporting President Buhari’s government , and priorities across the board, in particular when it comes to scarcity” Since the frigate, the first to fully deploy the Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopter berthed in Lagos, a number of joint exercises have taken place between the Royal Navy and Nigerian Navy.

On Wednesday, the ship played host to Nigeria’s security top brass among them a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral OC Medani, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu and representatives of Army Headquarters , the Nigerian Police and National Security and Civil Defence corps.

Briefing journalists on board on Wednesday, the ship’s Captain commander Peter Laughton MBE said “HMS Lancaster is currently conducting an Atlantic Patrol Task to provide ongoing protection and reassurance to British regional interests and is maintaining the continuous Royal Naval Presence in the Atlantic . During such tasks Royal Navy ships call at ports to interact with Navies of our partners , foster relationships and to improve maritime security.”

L-R : Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parminder Vir Obe, CEO, United Capital, Toyin Sanni, Acting President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr Oluwaseyi Abe and CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange Mr Oscar Onyema at the 19th Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference in Lagos yesterday

CIS tasks African govt, entrepreneurs on sustainable development

Friday Atufe

Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has urged African entrepreneurs and governments to develop a dominant and pervasive culture of financing ventures and projects through the capital market, in order for the continent to break out from the vicious cycle of poverty into prosperity.

Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, Acting President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) stated this at the 19th Annual Conference of the institute in Lagos yesterday.

He said the capital market mechanism optimally allocates capital and enhances economic performance and it also pro-

vides a window through venture capitalism for the growth of small and medium scale enterprises and catalyzes industrial growth faster.

He added that it engendered pro-poor growth through greater employment opportunities, creates greater opportunities for home ownership and promotes macro- economic stability.

The president described a typical entrepreneur as someone of very high mental aptitude, who pioneers change and possesses characteristics found only in a small fraction of the population.

“He or she translates an innovative idea into new demand to create substantial wealth with more rapidity than the ordinary business owner. But generally speaking, an entrepreneur is

someone who has opted to work for himself or herself, and be an employer of labour. He/she develops a business from ground up-comes up with an idea and turns it into a profitable business. Whichever be the case, the idea is to establish the link between entrepreneurship and the capital market to create synergy for a quantum leap.”

Abe said the theme of this year’s conference, ‘‘Entrepreneurship and the Capital Market: Fast Tracking a New Economy for Africa’’ is indicative of their pan- African sentiment, adding that the theme and subthemes were conceived to enlighten African businesses, entrepreneurs and governments on the way forward to fast track new and prosperous economies across the continent.

He said Africa needs to break out from a vicious cycle of poverty with its attendant socioeconomic disequilibrium, and we believe this can be achieved through optimal utilization of the instrumentality of the capital market to finance and drive entrepreneurship.

The importance of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs in economic development cannot be overemphasized Abe said, contending that entrepreneurship has been defined as the capacity and willingness to develop, organise and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a profit and hat it is also a journey of opportunity exploration and risk management to create value for profit and /or social good.

NNPC announces steps to avert fuel scarcity in the North Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has announced several measures aimed at eliminating noticeable fuel queues in some major cities in the Northern axis caused by tales of an impending fuel scarcity.

The Corporation in a release in Abuja signed by its General Manager Public Affairs, Mr. OHi Alegbe stated that within the last 48 hours petrol products truck-out to most major cities across the country especially in the Northern part of the country has been increased considerably to accommodate some noticeable shock in the system as a result of the grow-

ing panic demand for petroleum products in the affected cities.

He said: `` We can confirm that an additional daily supply of 306 trucks of PMS which is the equivalent of over 10 million litres of petrol has been injected to provide extra daily supply to Kano, Minna, Suleja/ Abuja, Gusau, Katsina as well as Kaduna,’’

Alegbe also disclosed that similar steps have been taken to consolidate the prevailing stable fuel supply situation in the Gombe, Bauchi, Jos, Yola and Maiduguri and other axis The Corporation advised members of the public to refrain from panic purchasing of petroleum products noting that there is enough products in store to satisfy demands.

Business News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Shun anti-masses calls for naira devaluation, Labour tells Buhari Joy Ekeke

From left: British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright being welcomed on board HMS Lancaster by the Commanding Officer of the Ship, Commander Peter Laughton during the reception that took place recently in the ship in Lagos.

Customs laments revenue loss due to CBN forex restriction policy Funmi Coker

The revenue of the largest revenue collecting command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) – the Apapa Area Command – plummeted for the third straight month due to the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) restricting sales of foreign exchange to the importers of 41 select items.

The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Charles Edike, told stakeholders in Lagos that the command collected N23.8 billion in September this year as against the N30.4 billion it collected in the corresponding period of last year, representing about 22% loss of revenue.

Edike also painted a gloomy picture when he declared that the situation would not get better anytime soon.

He attributed the decrease majorly to the low level of importation, which he said was as a result of some government policies, especially the CBN policy.

He said, “Since the CBN policy was rolled out, for the first three months, the remnant that came in were the ones we have been clearing but the remnant is now dwindling, finishing and so that explains why this month may not be as rosy as the previous month was.

“We also know that so many containers are trapped in the port.

This month is not too rosy as at

now and we all know the reason.

“The trend is not moving as it ought to move and importation is very low and that is the major reason because we only collect duty on things imported but when there is no importation, we cannot collect revenue.”

He also announced that the command would offer reprieve to importers whose goods were trapped at the port as a result of the implementation of the forex restriction policy.

“Before you import, you are supposed to get your proforma invoice with which you will approach your bank and the bank will help you with your Form ‘M’ to customs portal and then customs approves your form M, that is only when you can now import.

“When you import, before your goods arrive here, your papers would have been ready and that makes it pre-arrival. But many people would rather import and when the goods are about getting to our waters; that is when they will now start going to the bank to get Form M and begin to rush.

“Those set of people were the people that by the time the CBN policy (restricting sales of foreign exchange to importers of select imports) came, they were caught off guard and because there is no PAAR, we cannot clear them and they are trapped in the port.

“So that things will not get too bad, we want to grant conditional release to those containers that are trapped,” Edike said.

He added that after the conditional release, the importer would still be require to apply for PAAR to ascertain if the appropriate duty has been paid on the consignment.

“At the end of all this, you will still go for PAAR, and when the PAAR is gotten, then we will know whether you are paying more or less,” Edike said at the meeting he had with representatives of the freight forwarding associations and other stakeholders.

The organised private sector including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have all condemned the policy introduced by the apex bank on June 23.

“Significant disruptions, distortions and dislocations have been created in the business environment by the CBN as a consequence of the following policy measures: restrictions on the use of export proceeds, denial of access to foreign exchange market for 41 broad categories of products, including critical inputs needed in manufacturing and service sectors, prohibition of cash lodgements into domiciliary accounts and tight exchange controls and administrative allocation of foreign exchange are typically characterized by lack of transparency, corruption and considerable abuse,” President of LCCI, Remi Bello, said the chamber’s third quarter press conference.

The Trade Union Congress has decried the recent calls on the federal government by eminent Nigerian economists for the devaluation of the local currency and the removal of fuel subsidy.

A statement signed by the President and Secretary General of TUC, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Comrade (Barr.)

Musa Lawal, stated that the recommendations will only serve the interest of a privileged few while plunging the masses into unprecedented hardship.

“We consider it unfortunate that these “experts” evidently failed to consider the worsening situation of critical growth and development areas which have exacerbated the poverty level in the country.

“The Congress feels particularly pained that while the impoverished masses of the country are still grappling with myriad of daunting challenges ranging from high cost of living, the current dollar/pound sterling rates, outrageous electricity bills, and high rate of unemployment caused by unfriendly policies of successive governments, a privileged few are supporting and proposing naira devaluation. Some even advocate fuel subsidy removal despite the

fact that the government is yet to meet the necessary palliative preconditions.”

The statement also stated that, “No doubt the value of the naira has already been drastically rubbished. The current bizarre rate of about N197 to a dollar has essentially eroded wage income of millions of workers, increased the cost of domestic production, fuelled inflation and undermined the ability of local industries to survive. No one needs a crystal ball to know that further devaluation in a non-exporting, importdependent economy like ours would take away more jobs and sound the death knell on the economy.”

“Over the years the labour movement has severally called for diversification of the economy and strict monitoring of the nation’s borders which have continued to allow the influx of goods that have local substitutes. We decried the reliance on oil even while the price of crude oil was above $100 per barrel, but our calls fell on deaf ears. Nigeria thus lost the opportunity to diversify between 2009 and 2014 when the exchange rate was relatively stable and oil prices as high as $110. Our leaders simply did not demonstrate the requisite sense of responsibility.”

Intels jittery over boycott of facilities by importers Funmi Coker The management of Integrated Logistics Limited (INTELS) is presently growing goose pimples over the massive boycott of its facilities by Nigerian importers and their agents.

The port concessionaire, who provides logistics supports for oil and gas-related cargo at Onne, Warri and Calabar ports, has lately been hit by mass exodus of its customers who are protesting what they called ‘’its extortions, high charges, arrogance and wilful disregard for the Federal government policy on dollarization’’ Prior to this period, importers and their agents have cried themselves hoarse over high charges at the intels facilities which they claimed were three hundred times more than charges at other terminals. ‘’But rather than address our grievances, they treated us with levity and arrogance due to their perceived closeness to political

powers’’, an angry operator declared. ‘’Previous governments have so much pampered them that they have turned them into a huge monopolistic octopus that has attained the image of a cult hero among its peers’’ another operator observed.

However, the pronouncement of former president Goodluck Jonathan at the twilight of his administration gave the spark to the smouldering anger and resentment of importers and their agents against the service providers.

Few weeks to his exit, the erstwhile president has declared that all oil and gas –related cargo should be handled at oil and gas designated terminals which are incidentally the haven of intels in Onne, Warri and Calabar ports.

This pronouncement generated a furore among importers and their agents who described the call by the former president as creating intels into a monopolistic giant.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

19 Real Sector Digest

Supporting agribusiness in Africa Facilitating trade and market access for agricultural products, investing in value added agro-food chains and financing to facilitate agribusiness investments in countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group were among the topics discussed at a conference organized during the Milan Expo 2015.

The two-day event was attended by over 100 participants representing farmers’ organizations, development partners, financial institutions and the civil society.

Philippe Scholtès, Managing Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), presented the Organization’s work in helping developing countries add value

to their products and develop agribusinesses and agro-industries. “Through better organization and improvement of products, small farmers can reach new markets and more jobs can be created for young people,” he said.

L-R: Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Chairman, National Consultative Committee on Cancer Control in Nigeria, Prof. Francis Durosinmi-Etti, and TV Veteran, Ms. Moji Makanjuola, at the Breast Cancer Awareness Summit sponsored by MTN Foundation in Abuja.

We are interacting with more people than ever before – CISCO CEO Stories by Siaka Momoh ‘Now instead of most people being in your building, they’re all over the world.

The ability to collaborate effectively helps our productivity, decision making, and business relationships.’

With technology, people now interact with more people and from more places than ever before, Dare Ogunlade, the chief executive of CISCO Nigeria, West and Central Africa said recently at the Nigeria-South Africa October Breakfast Meeting which held in Lagos.

Said he: “We are interacting with more people than ever before, and from more places than ever. The boundaries of “the office” and “the desktop” are disappearing. Today technology gives us the capability to work independently of time, space, and

Family farmers feed the world ‘Family farmers have strong economic links to the rural sector; they contribute strongly to employment, especially in developing countries where agriculture still employs the majority of the labour force.’

Family farming is inextrica-

technology mandate. People don’t want to have to think about “how do I?” just about “what do I want to do?” The PC still forces people to figure out how. The key is to take advantage of intuitive technologies that let people focus on the information and the task at hand.”

He argued, “More of our communication is live. The real value is people interacting with information and each other in real time. The number of people you interact with has increased along with the number of ways you interact. Now instead of most people being in your building, they’re all over the world. The ability to collaborate effectively helps our productivity, decision making, and business relationships. “.

Dare Ogunlade whose keynote paper was titled ‘Increasing productivity of SMBs through unified communication’ said

business transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s a journey we’ve all already begun. “In the context of business, people are at the center of productivity.

The information we share is really our expertise.”

“Like you, I want to contribute my expertise. At the same time, I value the community. First, there’s the benefit of feedback from others, and second, the importance of being heard. But most important is the ability to bring our ideas together to come up with solutions, answers, and new ideas. Finding ways to improve the connections between people and the information they need to share is at the center of improving business productivity.

The goal of collaboration technology is to allow people to share and interact as naturally as possible.

And this is the real value and real power of collaboration,” he said.

The answer, then, he said, is in

improving our collaborative performance. Creating optimal environments to support and simplify collaboration. And that’s where collaboration technology can play a part.

And Ogunlade said 63 percent of CEOs feel a collaborative environment is critical to draw out the best from their workforces.

He explained: “Just think about how your workday has changed in only a few years. “Because when we’re able to separate content and services from devices, we can step back and focus on what people do – and design from there. And while we move forward, collaboration keeps us aligned as we work toward common goals. Technology no longer dictates how we communicate and collaborate and do our jobs.”

He argued: “The definition of collaboration can vary depending on who you talk to, how important it is to an organization,

and others. One broad definition is that collaboration is the act of people working together to reach a common goal. The common denominator is that people are at the center. Collaboration could not happen without people. People are your business opportunity and competitive differentiator.

We truly believe that if you empower and engage your employees, you can unlock innovation.

Empowering them to collaborate helps them engage and innovate.

“It’s being able to contact people where they are, know when they’re available, interact in multiple ways, and see each other on big screens, little screens, handheld screens. Until recently, your interactions probably centered around documents, email, reports. And your work centered around your desk. But that is no longer the reality.”

He explained: “60 percent collaborate with at least 10 people in their day-to-day work; 80 percent report that their workloads have increased over the last three years; Two-thirds do more collaborative work than they did three years ago; Business leaders believe they need 20 percent higher performance from employees.

bly linked to national and global food security, a report by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has said. According to the report, both in developing and developed countries, family farming is the predominant form of agriculture in the food production sector. It says family farmers carefully manage their lands to sustain remarkably high levels of productivity despite having less access to productive resources such as agricultural inputs and support (most research shows an inverse

relationship between land size and productivity).

The following are excerpts from the report: Family farming preserves traditional food products, while contributing to a balanced diet and safeguarding the world’s agro-biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Family farmers are the custodians of a finely adapted understanding of local ecologies and land capabilities. Through local knowledge, they sustain productivity on often marginal

lands, through complex and innovative land management techniques. As a result of the intimate knowledge they have of their land and their ability to sustainably manage diverse landscapes, family farmers are able to improve many ecosystem services.

Family farming represents an opportunity to boost local economies, especially when combined with specific policies aimed at the social protection and well-being of communities.

Family farmers have strong eco-

nomic links to the rural sector; they contribute strongly to employment, especially in developing countries where agriculture still employs the majority of the labour force. In addition, the incremental income generated by family farming is spent on housing, education, clothing etc. in the local non-farm economy.

In Brazil, family farmers provide on average approximately 40 percent of the production of a selection of major crops working on less than 25 percent of the land.

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

SON’s long walk against sub-standard products

Odumodu

Friday Atufe When Dr. Joseph Odumodu assumed office in 2011 as the then new Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, he realized that the task facing the agency was very severe so he formulated the Six –Points-Agenda and insisted on the zero tolerance initiative in a bid to curb the level of inferior goods in the country.

Before then, the agency was faced with the issue of product adulteration in all facets of life.

However, before coming up with a solution to the problem, he needed to be certain his colleagues in the agency army shared his philosophy, vision and strategy which is why he initiated a series of internal reform programmes which included agency re-branding (due to the fact that people mistook SON for the SUN, NAFDAC or KAI), staff training and rehabilitation of agency facilities. This formulated the SON’s current spirit in defence of quality.

Following the internal reforms, Dr Odumodu’s Six-Points-Agenda point agenda was formulated, giving the agency clear focus and it was made up of Capacity building, Compliance monitoring, Consumer engagement, Media engagement, Global relevance and competitiveness of made in Nigeria products.

These were the first steps the agency took in fighting the production and importation of sub-

standard goods in the country.

Market raids were executed on industries such as the cement, iron rods, cables, tyres, phones and many more revealing the alarming quantity of inferior goods in the country. At this stage, the greater emphasis was on life endangering products.

It was clear a lot of funds would have to be invested in the areas of consumer and media sensitisation as a lot of people were ignorant of certain substandard practices by some greedy dealers and importers in the market. So a large number of advertisements were undertaken in various forms, as well as organised market help desks, various stakeholders’ forums and seminars in a bid to inform and educate unsuspecting retailers and consumers of the detrimental effects of inferior goods to the society.

It is important to understand what it entails to live in a quality society because the benefits are immeasurable. When consumers purchase products in the market there should be basic things expected of that product including: durability, safety, and value.

If the average Nigerian product exhibited these traits, then issues like buying mobile phones accessories, light bulbs or even electric cables over and over again will be reduced. For example Nigerians would spend less on light bulbs and phone accessories if they were of standard and quality because they would last longer as opposed to the usual life span

of three weeks for bulbs and perhaps a month for some phone accessories.

There would also be a reduced number of fatal accidents if people worked with the fact that every tyre has an expiration date of four years and also, less building collapse issues if people bought standard blocks and iron rods when constructing their buildings.

Standard products naturally guarantee safety. They also last longer and provide a better living condition for citizens in a country which also improves the economy of nations.

It is in this same vein, SON has continued to pursue a quality culture and persisted in the creation of quality frameworks which will serve as a guideline for the implementation of quality infrastructure helpers which ultimately assures Nigerians are equipped with quality materials.

These institutional frameworks perhaps started with the National Quality Policy, a document which aims at streamlining the regulatory frameworks, institute infrastructure development models and modalities for national total concept practices, forming the basis for standards in the public and private sectors.

In the same vein another institutional frame work known as the National Accreditation Body is being set up to draw the roadmap for accreditation and certification schemes, with a view to providing an accreditation body in Nigeria.

These frameworks have laid the pathway for quality infrastructure helpers to exist and promote the development of Nigerian products. For example, the historic accreditation of the two food technology labs, ensures that Nigerian agro allied products are certified here and accepted anywhere in the world.

Hitherto , these products were taken to Ghana for certification before export, meaning that they were seen as exports from Ghana.

What this means is if you are a farmer or local entrepreneur who has an ambition to export agro-food crops such as yams, rice beans e.t.c your products will undergo certain tests once in Nigeria. Now if the products have been validated you will be given test reports that will enable the acceptance of your products in foreign countries and save monies that could have been wasted conducting the test

outside the country.

To support exporters further SON is also facilitating the accreditation of other labs and has almost completed the construction of a 4 story world class lab at Ogba that will contain 20 laboratories, testing rooms, training rooms, a research faculty, conference rooms and staff support facilities.

In addition, the very first Nigerian National Metrology Institute is undergoing construction which will provide accurate measurements for Nigerian industries and guarantee that consumers get value, safety and fairness in any commercial transactions. This Institute will be supported by the metrology unit which has been upgraded to a department with a state of the art metrology lab as well as a mobile metrology lab for on-site calibration services.

These quality infrastructure helpers are instrument of standards which should ensure Nigerian importers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs follow due process in producing and importing standard and quality products thereby curbing the level of substandard goods and practises further.

NowSON is also taking the fight to the distribution chain through an initiative known as Operation E-flush. From what I have gathered Operation E-flush is an expansion of the agency’s scope of engagement geared towards fighting substandard products at the distribution chain so that it doesn’t get to the consumers. Retailers who buy substandard products will have their stores closed down so that these retailers will veer from doing business with dealers in substandard products.

Such is the ferocity of the agency’s approach and commitment to the cause that in a recent interview with Tell, the Director General of SON promised to reduce the level of substandard goods in the country to 10 per cent before the end of the year.

SON’s legendary walk against substandard goods is slowly transforming the state of standards in the country and perhaps it is a reason why the six point agenda was collapsed into the MINFOW plan (Made In Nigeria For The World) so that it goes beyond turning the tide on substandard goods but eventually creating a forum where Nigerian goods are accepted and respected all over the world.

It is also no coincidence that the “World Standards Day” Nigerian theme was coined to reflect this position hence the title “Standards the Power to Partake in Global Wealth” and it demonstrates the agency’s commitment in supporting the growth of SME’s, entrepreneurs, manufactures and other stakeholders in the supply and demand industries.

With the harmonization of standards through the conglomerate of African standards body, the retooling of certification schemes and awards and the enumeration of more standards in different fields there should be no reason why it would be impossible for SON to eradicate substandard goods in the country.

However, for SON to truly complete their quest the agency will need to fast-track the accreditation of other labs in different areas therebysupporting other sectors and key players of the economy.

SON must also ensure human capacity development especially in technical areas such as the National Metrology Institute and tests accredited labs. They must increasingly deploy technological tools to fight substandard product and practises better.

Furthermore, the government must create incentives for private investors to invest in a quality infrastructure as SON cannot do it all alone. In addition manufacturers should be encouraged to buy into the philosophy of working and complying to standards which automatically guarantees better living conditions and in extentthe promotion of Made in Nigeria goods.

If the agency continues to fight substandard goods in this manner and desist from complacency then maybe someday a Nigeria will exist where standards and quality goods will reign supremely for the benefits of the Nigerian citizens and economy.

Like a group of evangelists, on a humid October 14th, the SON staff and other students of standards proudly displayed their banners, fliers and placards with statements on them like“Substandard kills the Economy”, “Walk Against Substandard”, “Say Yes To MANCAP & SONCAP” and many more as they continued their long walkto rid the country from substandard goods and practises. And they might not be far awayfrom reaching the promise land.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

21 Public Notice

SCHOENSTATT FATHERS NIGERIA

DIVINE WOMEN HARMONY FOUNDATION

CHRIST BUILDER HOUSE CHRISTIAN CENTRE

The general public hereby notified that the above named Schoenstatt Fathers Nigeria has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Change of Trustees under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Cap 59 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Mrs. Wahab Adebisi Oluwaseyi 3. Mrs. Olukunle Ibidun Abiodun 5. Mrs. Lawal Aminat Olaide

The Trustees are: 1. Takon Samuel Ojong 2. Obi Margaret Ogar 3. Talabi Maria Temitope 4. Wisdom Ahmed Eneche

OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REVD. FATHER ALFRED KISTLER - Removed 2. REVD. FATHER KLAUS DESCH - Retained as Vice President 3. BRO. CHARLES OZIOKO - Removed NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. FR. KINGSLEY OKEREKE - Newly Appointed as President 2. REV. FR. CLAUDIUS UWAOMA - Newly Appointed as Secretary General 3. REV. FR. REGINALD IBE - Newly Appointed as a member 4. REV. FR. PAUL NWACHUKWU - Newly Appointed as a member The Aims and Objectives are remained the same.

Any objection to the application and approval should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Agusi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28days of this publication.

2. Mrs. Babalola Yetunde 4. Mrs. Ishola Temitope Deborah 6. Mrs. Azeez Funke

Aim and Objective: 1. Provide for the less priviledge.

Aim and Objective:

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Kayode Ali Balogun

Signed: Trustees

Counsel to the Trustees

HIS BLOOD END TIME MINISTRY The General Public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

Trustees 1. Rev. Omojola Rotimi Aderemilekun - President 2. Rev. Omojola Stella Bolatito Oluwatoyin – Vice President 3. Pastor Fatoba Olorunesan Isreal – Secretary 4. Mr. Nubi Michael Olukayode – Elder 5. Omojola Rotimi Adedeji – Ass. Secretary Aims And Objectives 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ 2. To set the captive free from their bondage 3. To spread the new of his coming back to the whole world Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

FRIENDS OF MARY CLUB

ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS 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, 1990.

The Trustees Are:(1) Mr Deji Afuye Adedeji Omotola (2) Mr Abiola Adeniran Olumuyiwa (3) Mr Briggs Ibiba Festus Daniel (4) Mr Abdul Abayomi Olawale (5) Mr Siyanbola Adedamola Akeem

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, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Mr Nweke Ejike Nicholas 2. Mr Uzoigwe Emeka 3. Mr Anumba Ikechukwu Simeon 4. Mr Ugbala Innocent Ogbonnaya

The Aim And Objective Is:To Provide And Create Leadership Studies That Identify Key Aspect Of Information Technology And Applied Information Management Of Human Resources In Public And Private Services, And Provide Training, Development Programs And Consultations Complete With Qualify Information Management Practices. .

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

Signed: Secretary

(Chairman) (Secretary) (Treasurer) (Member)

The Aim And Objective Is:To promote friendliness amongst 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, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY:Emeka Uzo Agbaim esq (Attorney to the club 08133704698)

THE RESURECTION GRACE ASSEMBLY

CHRIST THE KING HEALING PRAYING MINISTRY

CONVENANT CHOSEN FELLOWSHIP

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

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

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

Trustees 1. Eyam Daniel Awuna - President 3. Emmanuel Agonor - Secretary 5. Adhijo Ntun Ating – P.r.o

TRUSTEES 1. Rev. Prophetess Gideon Ifunanya Elizabeth – President/ Chairman 2.

Sis Onwusonye Chibuikem Kelechi – Member 3.

Sis Nnabuife Celine Ogochukwu – Member 4.

Bro Gideon Emeka Caleb – Member 5.

Bro Nwamuo Uchechukwu Prince - Secretary

2. Ebisori Anthony – Vice President 4. Sarah Daniel - Treasurer

Aims And Objectives 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ 2. To set the captive free from their bondage

Aims And Objectives 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ through healing ministry 2. To preach the efficacy of prayer to all nation 3. To establish branches for the preaching of the gospel of prayer and healing

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Cor-

porate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ROYAL STAR BROTHERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affiars Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ezenwa Chimankpa Sabinus 2. Nnaegbo Chigozie Veron 3. Obadike Oluchukwu Anthony AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster the spirit of oneness among members 2. To promote mutual understanding and cooperation among members 3. To promote good relationship between the club and other organisations.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affiars commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, pmb 198, maitama, abuja within twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. AKUDINOBI REX T.

NEW HEAVEN CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL The General Public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

Trustees 1. Prince Obinna Martins 2. Martins Lionnell AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the second coming of Jesus Christ 2. To preach salvation and love Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AGHOGHO RU URHOBO ASSOCIATION 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. Governor Omuvi 3. Regina Akpojevwa 5. Rebecca Sanni

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Dzissah Shine Kwasi 2. Equagoo-Dzissah Ami Carolyn 3. Suzane Uduagele THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To propagate the message of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

2.

4.

David Omonikuko Christiana Omonikuko

Aims And Objectives: 1. To foster unity and close ties among the Urhobo Residents in Lagos; 2. To promote the spirit of togetherness & brotherhood among Urhobo & their families through social/cultural interactions; 3. To provide counselling services to members; 4. To co-operate towards the social development & financial support of members & humanity; 5. To provide a forum for general discussions by members of the Association in Lagos on matters affecting their general welfare; 6. To uphold and promote the culture & cultural heritage of the Urhobo people; 7. To promote the teaching of Urhobo language & culture to our children and other interested people; 8. To harness the combined resources of members to project & foster the noble image of the Urhobo; 9. To assist in preserving the identity & unity of the Urhobo; Any Objection To This Registration Should Be Forwarded To The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

GOD RULES SPEECH AND HEARING REHABILITATION CENTRE

TSUR FOUNDATION MISSION

GRASSROOT FARMERS YOUTH INITIATIVE PROGRAMME OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies Allied Matter Act 1990

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 No 11 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Dr. Olawale Ogundiran: Chairman (2) Pastor Owolabi Oluwole: Vice Chairman (3) Mr. Kayode Idowu: General Secretary (4) Dr. Adedayo Olugbenga Olaosun: Financial Secretary.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev Ebenezer Gbenga Bamishe 2. Pastor Mrs Lucy Olabisi Bamishe

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To offer free consultation to those with voice and ear impairment 2. To offer free hearing and voice assessment and comprehensive treatment 3. To offer free hearing aid fitting to those we are satisfied ailed 4. To offer free hearing and speech conservation as therapists to victims Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama- Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

3. Rev Dr Elizabeth Emme Ikem 4. Mrs Lucinda Abiola Ogidan

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To preach and teach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ,To pray, To organize and support programme across interdenominational boundaries to promote the Christian faith.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigis Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Malttanna PMB 198, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Nnodu OKeke Esq Suite 212 Jinita Plaza, Central Business District, Abuja 08037146277

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 The Trustees are:1.Nana Olusoji 2.Naphytali Olanireti AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To provide employment to youth farmers and create an awareness of the benefit of agriculture in Nigeria.

Any objection to the registration of the above named should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of the publication of this notice.

Signed: Trustees

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Foundation inaugurates rights c’ttees in Abia oil communities Oyetubo Olabimpe

ÏÏÏA

non-governmental-organisation (NGO), CLEEN Foundation, has inaugurated committees to track human rights abuses in two Abia oil communities.

The communities are Umuorie and Owaza, both in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. Inaugurating the committees during sensitisation workshops on Voluntary Principles on Security & Human Rights, Mr. Ifeanyi Anyanwu, a programme officer of the foundation, said that the essence of the committees is to track human rights

abuses by security agencies attached to oil companies operating within their localities.

He said that the committees would be interfacing with CLEEN Foundation periodically to review the reports of the human rights abuses and look for ways of addressing them.

Anyanwu, in his presentation highlighted the potential benefits of voluntary principles to include promotion of respect for human rights; encouragement of communities participation in security arrangement of companies operating in their communities.

Inconsistent A’Court judgments, bane of effective justice – Don Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏInconsistencies

in the judgments dished out by the Court of Appeal judges has been described as one of the bane of effective justice system.

Dr. Gbenga Ojo from the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University (LASU), made the submission on Thursday while delivering a lecture under the theme, "Effective Justice System as Panacea for Change," at the 2015 National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) annual lecture.

Dr. Ojo noted that the delay in the administration of criminal justice has remained a major constraint in the real time dispensation of justice across the country.

He suggested that a central portal be created for the appellate court judges to have a cross exchange of ideas.

While maintaining that such inconsistencies in the appellate court judgments are becoming embarrassing, the law lecturer expressed concern that the Nigerian judicial system has continued to remain analogue rather than going digital.

According to Dr. Ojo, "Le-

gal practitioners are not doing enough in ensuring effective justice system in the country.

"There is therefore the need for continuous legal training for stakeholders in the Nigerian legal system.

"The menace of corruption must be fought holistically if it must be eradicated. "There is the need to deploy massively, Information Communications Technology (ICT) in the practice of law in Nigeria.

"Appeal Court judgments must be made consistent at all times.

"There is also the need to have specialised judges for specialised cases. I am also suggesting that there is the need for specialised courts for financial crimes."

In his response to the lecture, Executive Director (ED), Assess to Justice, Joseph Otteh, commended the media for its role in furthering the course of change in Nigeria. While adding that effective justice system is needed to guarantee change, good governance and democracy, Otteh pointed out that the judiciary is the guardian of the constitution all over the world.

UDEH CHINWENDU JUSTINA

MRS. AGABA AUGUSTINA UCHU-NNA GERTRUDE

I, formerly known and addressed

I, formerly known and addressed

as Okolie Chinwendu Justina,

as Miss. Anih Augustina Uchu-Nna

Now wish to be Known and

Gertrude, now wish to be known

addressed as Udeh Chinwendu

and

Justina. All Former documents

Augustina Uchu-Nna Gertrude, all

remain valid. The general public

former documents remain valid.

take note.

The general public take note.

addressed

as

Mrs.

PDP guber candidate, Pwajok dies in India …PDP mourns Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State in the April 11 gubernatorial election, Senator Gyang Pwajok is dead.

GNS, as he was fondly called by friends, died on Wednesday night in an Indian hospital at the age of 49 after a protracted liver disease.

Pwajok took ill in May last year and was therefore unable to join his colleagues in the valedictory session of the 7th Assembly.

Consequently, he has been on treatment for a long period of time and rumour had it last year before he declared his intention to run for the governorship that

his tommy was swollen beyond proportion and was flown abroad for treatment.

Another rumour of his death rented the air immediately he lost the April 11 governorship election, but his media aide quickly dispersed it calling it the handiwork of his detractors.

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on Thursday, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the PDP, expressed shock at the news of the sudden death of the its flagbearer in the 2015 governorship election in Plateau state, Senator Gyang Nyam Pwajok The party said it was

particularly shocked at the death of Pwajok especially coming at the time when he was still pursuing justice on his deprived victory at the April 11 governorship election.

However, Senator Pwajok was recently flown to a London hospital and was subsequently transferred to an India hospital for a better medical care, where he eventually gave in to death on Wednesday.

A source from his family, who disclosed the news to newsmen, said he died of a cancer related illness (in particular, cancer of the liver).

He added that arrangements are in top gear to return his remains to the country.

In reaction to his death, a one-time Federal House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the PDP, in the 2015 elections, Ado Ali Katyen, described the death of Pwajok as a monumental and unimaginable loss to the people of Plateau.

According to Katyen, "Pwajok died in his prime as a young man. He was full of promises even though he lost at the governorship election, it still did not take away the fact that he was an intelligent young man", Katyen said.

When the death of Pwajok filtered into town, rumour had it that he died after he lost out at the tribunal which judgment was given on Monday.

L-R: General Manager NTA 10 Lagos, Mrs. Temitayo Daramola; StarTimes Brand Ambassador, Mr. Jonathan Akpoborie; Director, NTA-Star TV Network, Mr. Maxwell Loko; another StarTimes Brand Ambassador, Kanu Nwanko ; Director, StarTimes, Mr. jack Liu and Marketing Director, StarTimes, Mr. Oludare Kafar during the media conference to unveil Ambassadors in Lagos... on Thursday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Provost tasks graduates on entrepreneurial skills Ogunyemi Esther

ÏÏÏThe

Provost of College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Prof Francisca

Aladejana, has advised graduates of the institution to fall back on the entrepreneurial skills acquired in the school to

serve their employment needs.

Aladejana, who advised the graduates not to be discouraged if they

could not get jobs on time, said entrepreneurship would give them self-employment and selfsufficiency.

ULTIMATE DELIGHT INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS CLUB

RIPPLES CHARITY ORGANIZATION

Notice is hereby given 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 (Cap 20) 2004.

This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied for change

OLD TRUSTEES

New Trustee:

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Onyeka Okafor (2) Mechelyn Nwaka (3) Clement Anunobi (4) Obumnaeme Okafor (5) Ifeanyi Ikeh (6) Emmanuel Eze

1, Ms Anne Philips - RETAINED

1, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye (Added)

2, Mrs. Eniola Bello - RETAINED

2, Mr. Keith Richards (Added)

3, Mrs. Olufunke Owonubi - RETAINED

3, Mr. Rotimi Toba (Added)

4, Dr. Mrs. Anne Fabiyi - REMOVED

4, Mr. Yomi Toba (Added)

5, Mr. Ayodele Durowaye - REMOVED

5, Mr. Shesan Owonobi (Added)

The Aims and Objectives are To foster friendly relationship among members and promote business ideas among members

generating projects and environment programmes

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed; Trustees

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate

Agaba

of trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1)To assist in the relief of poverty of women and children through sustainable income (2) To relieve poverty among women and children in particular but not exclusively and by such charitable means as the board thinks fit.

Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Amosun swears 18 commissioners, 18 advisers in Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

Ogun State Governor, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun, has sworn in 18 new Commissioners, 18 Special Advisers and five Senior Consultants to man government ministries and provide the much needed leadership for effective service.

At a ceremony held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, the state’s capital, on Thursday, the Amosun charged the appointees to see their appointment as a call to service and not for personal ag-

Ugwuanyi reconstitutes Council on prerogative of Mercy

grandizement He also charged them to redouble their effort in the task of rebuilding the fortunes of the state.

He thanked residents of the state for their support and understanding for his administration’s policies and programme.

Said he: “I charge you to regard your appointment, out of a pool of equally well qualified people, as entirely a call to service. You must realise that your appointments are an opportunity to prove your mettle as we jointly forge ahead in the “Mission to Rebuild” our dear state. You must always be conscious of the fact that the responsibility for taking our dear state to unprecedented heights of development and prosperity in an environment of peace and harmony now rests squarely on your shoulders.”

Amosun also urged the appointees “to see your appointment as an opportunity to contribute your

own quota to the development of our dear state. And, as you take up that responsibility today, I enjoin you to be ready to work twice harder than before in order to collectively bring accelerated development to our great state.

“As you take up this mantle of leadership, you must be reminded that your duties must be carried out in consonance with the best practices. You must be professional in your dealings, most especially in the area of proper administration and financial prudence. You must be conscious and careful in your dealings and avoid any financial profligacy and/or impropriety that will put your name into disrepute. Be aware that the change mantra of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has percolated down and the eagle eyes of the anti-graft agencies are everywhere.

“In addition, you must not see your elevation as a weapon to be

used against rivals, either perceived or real. The leadership status that your new position confers upon you makes it imperative that you rise above pettiness and become unifying agents in your respective constituencies, while of course taking the entire state as your ultimate constituency.”

Besides, Amosun charged them to “use your office to bring about stronger feed-back mechanism to the State Government. This will in turn be a platform for achieving good governance and better service delivery at the grassroots.

Therefore, you must always strive to relate with your colleagues and subordinates alike with consideration and decorum. The expectation of our people is to have increased returns on the valiant sacrifices they made in bringing about this current democratic dispensation in terms of good governance and better service delivery.

This should be your focus”.

Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has reconstituted the state Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy with a charge on its members to approach their assignment with diligence, commitment and transparency.

The Council has as its Chairman, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Miletus Eze, and the State Director of Civil Litigation as Secretary.

Other members are Dr. Cletus Ozordiulu Eze, Mr. Suleiman Isa Ketare and Abba Benedicta Chinyere. Other members are Hon. Sylvanus Chukwuma Anioke, Mrs. Cordelia C. Onah and Godwin Ike. Speaking during the swearingin ceremony at the Government House, Ugwuanyi said that the reconstitution of the Council was in keeping with the power conferred on him by the constitution of the country.

In his words, “By virtue of Section 212, sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) a state governor has the power to pardon, grant respite, substitute severe punishment or revert any punishment for any person committed of an offence.”

Ugwuanyi

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; C.E.O & President of Laing Consulting and Research Group, Mr. Zhivargo Laing and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello during the State Leadership Retreat at the Golden Tulip Hotel, FESTAC, Lagos… on Thursday

23 News Bamanga, Wanbai bag ICAD fellowship awards Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Intellectual capacity-building and high profile recognition were jointly celebrated, at the 4th quarterly lecture and investiture of the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICAD), when two staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were conferred with fellowship of the institute.

The NNPC staff were Alhaji Mohammed Bamanga, the immediate past General Manager on National Assembly Liaison and Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, a serving Senior Accountant in the agency.

The event, which took place at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, was attended by eminent personalities, captains of industry and policy-makers.

In the lecture entitled: “Talent Management Strategies in the Service Economy – Managing the Challenges”, Dr. G. C. Onyekwere who is also the Chief Learning Officer of the institute, took the audience deep into the world of intellectualism justifying the opportunity cost of every attendant.

He described talent to mean natural skill or abilities that a person possesses or marked innate capacity, a natural endowment or ability of superior quality, adding that the word in its modern context consisted of those individuals who could make a difference to organisational performance either through their immediate contribution or in the longer term by demonstrating the highest level of potentials.

According to Onyekwere, some organisations had broadened their understanding of the word “talent” to mean the staff of their organisation, thereby seeking ways to develop their strengths.He maintained that with such definition accepted in corporate world, it meant that talent was the entire workforce of the organization.

One dies, many injured during Ooni’s entry into Ife Sodiq Adekunle

Osogbo ÏÏÏOne person died and many sustained injuries, on Wednesday, during the grand welcoming of the Ooni-elect Adeyeye Ogunwusi into Ile-Ife for the commencement of coronation rites.

It was learnt that the victim died near the Ife toll-gate, in what was described as a stampede.

It was learnt that the incident

occurred after some over excited drivers drove very recklessly.

When our correspondent visited Ile-Ife on Thursday, the city was agog as as residents thronged drinking spots, wining and dining, as they discuss the personality of their new monarch.

The compound of the Ogunwusis, in Agbedegbede area, was also in celebration mood as guests were entertained there.

Policemen were stationed at the family house of the new monarch to ensure safety of life and property. The crowd had gathered at strategic places in the town from about 09 a.m.

Among the crowd were Ile-Ifebased groups and associations, who displayed banners to welcome the Ooni-elect.

Markets women, traders and commercial drivers also suspend-

ed their trading activities to honour the arrival of the new monarch. As the Ooni-elect arrived in a black vehicle, he raised his hands to acknowledge accolade from the enthusiastic crowd. It was also learnt that the Ooni-elect would bear the title of Ojaja II, during his reign. The Ooni-elect, who arrived amid fanfare, was expected to begin the rites that would enable him access the throne and palace.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Kogi PDP, APC trade blames over anti-graft campaign Monday Agu, Jnr

ÏÏÏThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State chapter, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from spreading misinformation about what it described as the burden of corruption.

The Chief Communications Manager to the governor, Mr. Phrank Shaibu said that the choice of Prince Abubakar Audu as the APC governorship flag bearer,

flies in the face of the President Muhammadu Buhari anti-corruption posture.

"His ambition is a direct clash as it relates to the stands of his party, it is a slap on the Buhari anticorruption campaign. Yes, there is the presumption that a man/woman is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

"But yet, there is a moral burden here. The case has been going long for as long as you can think, with Prince

Audu Abubakar employing frivolous injunctions to stall the course of justice.

"And now, he is trying to hide under the anti-corruption mantra to seek immunity from justice.

“Let our dear President Buhari detach himself from Audu Abubakar’s political quest. Emphatically, Abubakar Audu’s dusty past of corruption is a virus that will defame President Buhari’s stature on anti-corruption” he stressed.

Shaibu stated that Audu Abubakar’s issue should be avoided because this is not about today’s rampant politically motivated accusations, noting that records on Audu Abubakar is dated back to 10 years before the formation of the APC. He noted that if the APC is not careful, Audu Abubakar’s ambition will ruin Mr. President’s good agenda on change.

In a swift reaction, the All Progressives Congress

(APC) in Kogi State has tackled the ruling Peoples Democratic Party-led administration for allegedly squandering over N.5trillion in the past few years.

In a statement by the Head, Media Directorate, Prince Abubakar Audu Governorship Campaign Organisation, Dr Tom Ohikere said that despite the dearth of social infrastructure in the state, the PDP government under Governor Idris Wada has wasted over N.5

trillion without any proper financial record.

Buhari

Kwara Gov tasks FG on roads infrastructure Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe Kwara State gov-

ernor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that ownership of roads by the federal government has contributed to continued deterioration of such infrastructure across the country.

Speaking at the maiden international conference of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) in Ilorin on Thursday, the governor, therefore advocated that Federal Government should divest itself from

L-R: Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Adefemi Adeniran; Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Sunday Adeyemi with Director, Human Resources, Airtel Nigeria, Gbemiga Owolabi during the courtesy visit of the CIPM team to the telco’s Banana Island headquarters, Lagos… on Thursday

Ambode expresses worry over Lagos traffic, robberies Ogunyemi Esther

P’Harcourt airport ready in 2016, says FANN boss

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏManaging Director of

the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, has expressed the hope that the new Port Harcourt International Airport terminal and the remodeled old terminal would be commissioned in 2016.

He made this remark on Thursday when he paid a working visit to the airport to supervise the on-going construction works at the airport.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government has embarked on an ambitious project of constructing five new international terminals at the nation’s five international airports including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and

Enugu.

Engr. Dunoma, accompanied by Engr. Ogunode Olufemi, Director of Maintenance and Engineering, Capt. Henry Omeogu, Director of Airport Operations and other top officials of the Authority, was conducted round the new projects at the airport by the Regional Manager, South South/ South East, Dr. (Mrs.) Anne Egbadon-Enyinnaya and the Port Harcourt Airport Manager, Engr. Chigbo Nwobu.

While on the working tour to the airport, the FAAN boss noted that this laudable project had obviously created some discomfort to the travelling public and other airport users.

He assured the public that the situation was under control as FAAN was doing everything possible to proffer

solution to the challenges faced by all airport users, within the shortest time possible.

He craved the indulgence of the general public while the construction works would last at the new ultramodern international terminal and the remodeled old terminal, which would be commissioned simultaneously in 2016; noting that the project would increase capacity and ensure delivery of efficient services at world-class standards and best practice as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

He also assured the general public that FAAN would continue to upgrade facilities at the nation’s airports to ensure security, safety and comfort of all airport users.

ownership of roads to improve infrastructural development in Nigeria.

The governor, who said that roads played an important role in the economy by enhancing smooth movement of goods and people from one place to another, added that the current deplorable state of Nigerian roads had made the task difficult.

He said that states where roads are located should be made to take ownership, after the legal and fiscal adjustments necessary for

ÏÏÏLagos

State governor, Mr. AkinwunmiAmbode, on Thursday, released the policy direction of his administration for the next three and half years, just as he appealed for the support and cooperation of all Lagosians in moving the state forward.

The governor, who spoke

at the inaugural retreat organised by the state government for Commissioners, Special Advisers and body of Permanent Secretaries in the state, expressed deep concern over the persistent traffic gridlock in the metropolis, and the increase in spate of robberies.

He said in the interim, he has directed the fixing of all potholes to ease ve-

Abducted Ondo Chief Matron Kidnappers demand N35m 'Tosin Ajuwon

Akure ÏÏÏThe Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mrs. Eralkhuemen Unulkiere, a Chief Matron with the Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited clinic, in Araromi Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The Command's Police Public Relations Officer

(PPRO), Femi Joseph, who disclosed this to reporters on Thursday in Akure, said Mrs. Unulkiere was kidnapped penultimate Sunday on her way to Church along Alaye-Araromi road.

Joseph explained that the kidnappers, numbering about five and armed with dangerous weapons, whisked the victim away in her Pathfinder jeep and

control, recommending that the respective governments should concession key roads nationwide to the private sector on build and operate arrangement.

To address the prevalent cases of building collapse in several parts of the country, the national chairman of the institution, Engineer Robbie Owivry, said that federal government should enact a law that would prevent non-qualified engineering personnel from carrying out engineering activities. hicular movement, just as security agencies have been mandated to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called Okada riders on highways, noting that aside the risks of accidents, such can also be a security threat to the people. Governor Ambode, who said the government is also working hard to restrict street hawking, urged the people to stop patronising them, so as to discourage street traders from the highways.

immediately contacted the family for ransom to secure her release from captivity.

He added that the abductors, who are demanding the sum of N35 Million naira have also reached out to the management of the Rubber Plantation Company to raise the fund or risk her life.

Daily Times gathered from co-workers in the Company that the Edo state born victim is the only matron at the company's clinic who had served for many years.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

25

Features Æ s WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY:

Finding a lasting solution to the menace of mental illness The World Health Organization (WHO) says 20 to 28 percent of Nigerians suffer from mental illness; this translates to about 35 million Nigerians or succinctly put, 1 out of every 4 people. A trip to any of the psychiatrist hospitals dotting the landscape of the country reveals a rising figure of mentally ill patients. As the world marks the World Mental Health Day, BABAJIDE OKEOWO in this report takes a look at the issue and the challenges facing mentally ill people in the country.

In Nigeria, mentally ill people

A mentally ill patient shackled

are often treated like pariahs; taken to traditional herbalists, spiritualists, witch-doctors and other religious places where it is believed that the priests can consult the gods to drive away the evil spirit the victims have been bewitched with.

In these places, the mentally ill patients are subjected to the worst inhumane treatment because of the belief that they are possessed by evil spirits, they are fed with bad food, made to drink all forms of concoctions and are made to sleep outside on the floor in the worst of weathers, while others are incarcerated in dark, lonely, damp cells with no lights.

There is the belief that the victims are not capable of doing their own reasoning and only will reason if beaten. Some of these priests turn the victims into beggars taking them around the streets in shackles, begging alms and making money out of them. It could not get worse and these have gone on for so long in Nigeria’s various communities, because everybody considers it acceptable.

The families of the victims in Nigeria do not equally help matters; they simply want to get rid of what they consider as embarrassment and are quick to dump the CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

TEENAGE PREGNANCIES:

The rise and rise of the dream killer (1) Without any shadow of doubt, teenage pregnancy is a dream killer; it has not only shattered but also killed the dreams of many of its victims. AKERELE RUTH OLUWABUNMI reviews the worldwide scourge of tomorrow’s mothers and reports.

Many teenagers who would have been the Hillary Clintons, Blessing Okagbares, Joke Silvas, Linda Ikejis, and Chimamanda Adichies of tomorrow have been sent to their early graves as a result of this dream killer. It has successfully cut short the education, hopes and aspirations of many mothers leaving them unmarried, poor and uneducated. Apart from various health threatening challenges, illness and injury it has inflicted social, emotional stigma and imbalance on victims which sometimes lasts for a lifetime. A teenage pregnancy is an important issue that seriously impacts the future of a young woman and even the baby.

The proportion of births that take place during adolescence is about 2% in China, 18% in Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 50% in sub-Saharan Africa. Half of all adolescents births occur in just seven countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, the Democratic republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and the United States.

A set of pregnant teenagers

I take a cue from the true story of a 16 year old girl who got pregnant without herself knowing she was pregnant. It took sometime before she was told by her friends who discovered that she was pregnant; this came as a shock to her because she never knew what it takes a female to become pregnant. On listening to her side of the story, she said she had a boyfriend who had engaged her in sexual intercourse but she didn’t have the faintest idea that sexual intercourse could lead to

‘‘The proportion of births that take place during adolescence is about 2% in China, 18% in Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 50% in sub-Saharan Africa. Half of all adolescents births occur in just seven countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, the Democratic republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and the United States.’’

pregnancy. This may sound awkward, but let’s face the facts this is the same story with many other females outside there.

Another key factor responsible for unwanted adolescent pregnancy is rape. Studies from South Africa have found out that 11-20% of pregnancies in teenage girls are directly linked to rape. A US research institute has also found out that 60% of girls who had sex before age 15 were coerced by males who, on average, are six years their senior. Up to 77% of women who gave birth in their teens were sexually molested as young girls. Narrowing it down to our place of abode, Nigeria where almost every family in the country either has a victim or knows someone who was a victim.

Despite the fact that many victims do not file reports of rape cases with the authorities in Nigeria; Lagos alone, according to a police report released recently records over 738 rape cases in one single year. There are many stories of rape victims in the country who have elicited pity. One of such is the story of Rita (not real name) a teenage university student, who after losing the rest of her family members went to live with her sister. Rita was been pestered for sex by her sister’s husband but she constantly refused, and was afraid of reporting to her own sister for fear of been misunderstood and thrown out into the streets.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Features 26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Teenage pregnancy:

Adolescents learn about sexuality the wrong way

Victims of a society that doesn’t care about its teenagers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

On a fateful day, her sister’s husband invited her to his office to deliver a message. On getting there she was overpowered and raped by her sister’s husband right inside his office. This led to an unwanted pregnancy, and when her sister discovered, she refused to believe her side of the story and threw her out of the home with the pregnancy. This marked the end of Rita’s university education as she later ended up a prostitute on the streets of Lagos.

This and many more stories seems unending; today it is no longer unusual to hear of even fathers impregnating their own daughters, desperate young girls been coerced into sex so as to get sponsorship for their education, young adolescents raping innocent girls, these vices contributes immensely to the widespread of

teenage pregnancies in the society today.

The media also play a greater role if not the greatest in encouraging sexual drive among teenagers through home and foreign movies, music videos and even advertising which in turn stimulates them to involve in sexual acts leading to unwanted pregnancies. The society at large is another direct influence on the increase in unwanted pregnancies among adolescents by the standard of living it supports and portrays. A society that keeps quiet at the ongoing child marriage in the northern states seems to be indirectly portraying agreement to these disastrous vices.

Considering also the high rate of poverty in the country many teenagers who have no other options become victims of unwanted pregnancies in a bid to keep body and soul together. Again,

many girls are ignorant, poor or unashamed to seek contraception services. Girls in Nigeria give in easily to sex overtures from men, unable to refuse unwanted sex or resist coerced sex which is most times unprotected and therefore leads to unwanted pregnancies.

The U.S centers for Diseases Control and Prevention notes that babies born to teens may have weaker intellectual development and lower skill set scores at kindergarten, they may also have ongoing medical issues and behavioral issues. In Nigeria, especially in the Northern areas too often, teens do not seek adequate medical care during the pregnancy due to lack of medical awareness and assistance (anti-natal and post-natal care). Most Northerners teenagers are in delicate, life threatening situations during pregnancies as their womb is not matured enough to carry a child

‘‘In Nigeria, especially in the Northern areas too often, teens do not seek adequate medical care during the pregnancy due to lack of medical awareness and assistance (anti-natal and post-natal care). Most Northern teenagers are in delicate, life threatening situations during pregnancies as their womb is not matured enough to carry a child as even they themselves are still developing.’’ as even they themselves are still developing. This makes certain process uneasy for them during that state, for example their urination comes out unconsciously as the weight of the baby disorganises the internal systems responsible for such actions. Other serious health challenges connected with teenage pregnancies are anemia, toxemia, high blood pressure, placenta previa and premature birth of the baby. Recently in Nigeria, it has been reported in the news that this dream killer (teenage pregnancies) is on the rise and increasing tremendously It is commonly believed that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow; and if this supposed leaders of tomorrow (the youths) would be successful then they must rise up to fight this dream killer who poses a threat to the realization of a successful tomorrow. Let’s not forget that this dream killer does not only kill the dreams of the females alone but everyone is affected. Teenage pregnancies affect the society in various ways and one of such is overpopulation; with the continuous increase in unwanted pregnancies, definitely the population of the country is also expected to rise in the near future. Taking a look at the population of the country today, with the rate of poverty associated with it; we can then imagine what the future would look

like if the continuous rise of this dream killer is not curtailed. The society that grows does not ignore half part of its citizens in the development process but everyone is actively involved in creating a desirable society. Every girl child has the right not to be educated about academics alone but also on sexual matters and it begins in the home. Parents protect the dream of your daughter by talking to her about sex today before she learns it the wrong way, you have the greater capability of preserving a great leader of tomorrow; in institutions of learning mostly the primary and secondary school, the teaching of sexuality education should be incorporated in the curriculum. Teenage pregnancies is not just an health issue, it is a determinant factor in the development of the leaders (children) of tomorrow. The society as a whole must stand up andput an end to this dream killer that have been on a continuous rise due to the failure of systems and institutions in addressing it.

Awareness campaigns should be carried out in the Northern part of the country as most females there are uneducated about most of the facts involved in development of females during puberty; medical enlightenment and services are also necessary as fe-

Experts advocate improved policy to protect mentally-ill people CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

victims in these despicable places to cover their shame. Many do not go back to see their mentally ill relations leaving the victims at the mercy of those who are supposed to cater for them who in turn treat the victims like criminals.

Mental illness and matter arising World Mental Health Day is observed every 10th of October world-wide with the objective of raising awareness for mental health issues around the world and mobilizing support for mentally ill people. The day provides

an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about what needs to be done to improve on mental healthcare and make mental healthcare a reality for mentally ill people.

According to Dr. Peter Ogunnubi, a Consultant Psychiatrist, “mental illness is any condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling or mood that may affect his or her ability to relate with others and function properly on a daily basis. Each mental patient has different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.”

“A mental health condition isn’t

the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, interlinking causes. Genetics, environmental and lifestyle combine to influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events like being the victim of a crime. Biochemical processes and circuits as well as basic brain structure may also play a role” he disclosed According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, a support group for mentally ill people, 1

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

A mentally ill patient chained to a tree

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

27 Features

It’s sad to see mentally-ill people been discriminated against — Ogunnubi

A group advocating for mentally ill people.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition every year. 1 in 20 lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In addition to the person directly experiencing mental illness, family, friends and communities are also affected. 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24.

Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Mental illnesses sometimes run in families, suggesting that people

who have a family member with a mental illness may be somewhat more likely to develop one themselves. Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Experts believe many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in many genes rather than just one or a few and that how these genes interact with the environment is unique for every person (even identical twins). That is why a person inherits a susceptibility to a mental illness and doesn’t necessarily develop the illness. Mental illness itself occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other factors -- such as stress, abuse, or a traumatic event -- which can influence, or trigger, an illness in a person who has an inherited susceptibility to it.

According to research, certain infections have also been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms. For example, a condition known as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder (PANDA) associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.

Another common cause of mental illness is drug abuse.

People who engage in the use of chemical substances like cocaine, heroin and other hard drugs in particular have been linked to anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

Mental patients are stigmatized in Nigeria – Experts According to Dr. Ogunnubi, it is sad to see mentally ill people discriminated against and stigmatized, a practice which he said must be stopped.

“I am sad at the way mentally ill people are been stigmatized in Nigerian as against what is obtainable in other countries. In Nigeria there are no adequate provisions to cater to the need of mentally ill people, there are no adequate psychiatrist nurses, no social

workers and adequate facilities to cater for them, they are left unattended on the streets sleeping under bridges and so many other despicable conditions.”

Echoing the thoughts of Ogunnubi, Dr. Mary Stephen of the Prevention and Control of NonCommunicable Diseases, WHO, admonished the societal acceptance of mentally ill people.

“We can develop innovative ways of dealing with some cultural and societal belief with regards to mental illness. There is need to educate the general public on mental illness, the causes and also the available treatment for mentally ill people” she admonished.

Stakeholders advocate improved policy to protect mentally ill people Stakeholders in mental health are of the opinion that a mental health law is required if the challenges of mentally ill people are to be solved. According to investigation, there is no comprehensive mental health law in Nigeria after existing mental health policy document was formulated in 1991. A bill that would have effectively made mental health policy effective is currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

According to Dr. Ogunnubi, it is sad that the country does not even have a mental health act “Why is it impossible for us to have a mental health act, for more than ten year now this thing (the bill on mental health) has been going on and on in the national assembly, it is referred to as an orphan bill, a bill that has no sponsor. It is so sad that a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa does not have a law on mental health, even Ghana has passed their mental health law. When we have a mental health law, all the problems associated with mental illness will disappear. The rights of the mentally ill people will be guaranteed, there will be provisions of subsidized medications and treatment,” he said Going beyond that, Dr. Mary wants the government to improve mental health. In her words, “there are a number of things that the government can do to improve on mental health delivery in the country, for instance the government can increase the allocation to mental health care in the budget to provide treatment for mentally ill patients, provide insurance cover for mentally ill patients amongst other things,” she disclosed.

Teenagers get pregnant without knowing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

males residing in the North especially for pregnant teenagers who need these basic knowledge and medical necessities. Adolescent marriage of any kind in the country should be strongly opposed and stopped. Perhaps a sexual offence bill should be signed into law to curtail or decrease the continuous rise in vices that leads to teenage pregnancies such as rape, incest, sexual harassment etc. Together we can conquer this dream killer, and secure the future for a better Nigeria.

The rape factor Generally speaking, rape is the forceful act of having sex with someone against his/her will, especially using violence. Over 90% of forceful sex is perpetrated by males against females. There is no age limit regarding rape as children, adolescents, matured mothers, grandmothers and women of over 70 are been raped. There is yet no end in sight to the prevalence of this monster (rape) in Nigeria. In January this year, Leadership newspaper reported that Kano State had the highest number of rape cases in 2014. The year before that, Premium times also reported Niger Delta as the rape capital of Nigeria. According to

the report of a crime survey conducted by the Cleen Foundation, the online news medium reported that ‘one in ten women surveyed in Niger Delta was either raped or survived a rape attempt’. It is believed according to a police report that there are over 738 rape cases within a year in Lagos state alone. Compared to other states of the federation, one can easily imagine the number of the total rape cases in Nigeria. This indeed it would be totally disastrous.

Among the numerous number of rape cases is what happened not long ago in the University of Lagos when a part-time lecturer of Accounting, Dr. Afeez Akin Baruwa allegedly raped a student in the name of helping to secure her admission into the University. It was revealed that the 18 year old was raped inside a study room. Upon investigation with the police, the lecturer claimed that the sexual intercourse was consensual indicating that he did not rape the victim. During the process of the ongoing battle, the management of the University of Lagos denied the lecturer, stating that he was never an employee of the institution. This case which was charged to court

so as to avoid a re -occurrence is the unending tale of some young females seeking admission into the higher institutions of learning in the country year after year.

While some people and certain organizations blame rape on immodest dressing, or the victims behavior; how should the rape of a minor be explained? What about the situation of fathers raping their under aged daughters?

And to where do we quantify the growing rate of incest whereby a 67 year old man rapes his niece?

Are we forgetting that modestly dressed women are raped all the time? Indeed this act is not just an urgent sexual desire but an unwarranted display of violent expression of power/ right over lives of others. This monstrous act is the highest form of abuse over anyone who fall a prey of it.

Most victims of rape are female children and teenagers and to a lesser degree women both young and old. Many young children who fall into this dilemma are those hawking on the streets in towns, cities and especially villages. These children are often lured or kidnapped forcefully into the predators homes which are most times uncompleted buildings and raped. Poverty

A pregnant teenager

and lack of access to education have warranted the avenue for the defilement of underage girls.

Hawking has become a norm in many societies whereby female children are given oranges, groundnuts, pepper, plantains and other items to sell most times after school hours in a bid to assist their families to meet ends meet. They mostly end up becoming victims of rape amongst other prevalent social vices like armed robbery. They can be easily lured into secret

places or rooms by men disguising to buy items from them and a handful number of them end up deflowered in an aggressive way.

After these acts they never remain the same, in fact no rape victim ever remains the same as it does not only reduce their physical value but also leaves them with a psychological turmoil that they may never get over for the rest of their lives.

Such is the story of a victim who recently spoke with the Youth newspaper.

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA:

South-South group kicks against secession As the agitation by the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), a pro-Biafra Group reaches a crescendo in the Eastern part of the country, from an unusual quarter comes a dissenting voice. BABAJIDE OKEOWO and JUDITH UZOMA report.

Since the arrest of Radio Biafra director, Nnamdi Kanu by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), pro-Biafra sentiments has shot through the roof.

Kanu, who is also acclaimed to be the Director of Biafra Television and the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in Lagos by security operatives, as he flew into Nigeria from his base in the UK. His arrest has however sparked series of protest, just last week quite a large number of people in Anambra and Port Harcourt took to the streets to protest his arrest, some of the protesters were subsequently arrested and charged with treason.

This has also set the internet abuzz with videos and pictures of

Nigerians in the Diaspora tearing their Nigerian passports in support of the pro-Biafra group and speaking against the Nigerian government. Their actions even made cover pages of newspapers in the country.

Count us out of your agitation – South-South Alliance Project Group This unrest has prompted a group, the South-South Alliance Project Group to dissociate themselves from IPOB and condemn in unequivocal terms actions of the group.

According to the coordinator of the group, Charles Inko-Tariah “On behalf of the good people of the South-South, we unequivocally condemn the recent protest and activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) within the territory of the South-South especially Port-Harcourt. We watch with dismay the ongoing brainwashing, blackmail and propaganda by few of our Ibo neighbors within Port-Harcourt and its environs geared towards coercing the innocent and uninformed people of the region to their personal

Inko-Tariah and members of the group

and self centered agenda,” he said Speaking further, Inko-Tariah said “we want to make it categorically clear to those behind this wicked and selfish act, especially the so called IPOB that no part or territory of the South-South belongs to the South-East. Rivers State and indeed other SouthSouth States are not Igbos, so don’t involve us in your planned agitation and struggle for Biafran state. We don’t believe in Biafra and their so called Biafra radio, we believe in ourselves as NigerDeltans, our challenges are peculiar, so stay clear from our land with your so called struggle. We believe in the sovereignty of the Nigeria and the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian state, we have absolute confidence in

the administration of President Buhari and his ability to develop the South-South in line with his campaign promises and in his ability to fast track the Nigerian economy” he disclosed.

We will defend our land – Inko-Tariah Preaching the need for peaceful coexistence as a of this tool in the development of the Niger Delta, Inko-Tariah called on people of the Niger-Delta to stand firm in the face of this unrest.

“We use this opportunity to call on our South-South brothers, fathers, mothers and all stakeholders to stand and defend our land from this modern day invasion of our rights and territory that our ancestors like Isaac Adaka-Boro, Ken Saro-

Wiwa and many other fought for. We call on Nigerians residing in the South-South states; the Hausas, Igbos and Yorubas to remain calm and go about their lawful duties and business without fear or favour. Let us all continue to enjoy the peaceful cohabitation already existing and the good harmonious relationship because we believe and are committed to the Nigerian project” he said.

It will be recalled that IPOB is a separatist movement calling for the independence of Nigeria’s former Eastern Region – proclaimed the Republic of Biafra in 1967 and reannexed to Nigeria three years later, following a civil war that claimed between one and three million lives.

JUST HUMAN

7.15 am. Silva Estate, Idimu, Lagos. Photo Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr/096

Tomorrow’s model. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/097

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Art Review Æ s

29

Ogwo goes for Life is Beautiful…this time

Ogwo

Agozino Agozino Painter and documentary photo artist, Emenike Ogwo will, on Saturday November 7 open new show of his latest paintings.

The exhibition, Life is Beautiful, opens 3pm in Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Showing for public viewing until November 16, the Life is Beautiful, will offer Ogwo’s passion for the environment, cultural festivities and, particularly, the classical mode of painting pictures.

One of the few artists who still derives joy in lavish use of

pigments and heavy impasto, Ogwo lays colours in chunks, leaves coats that makes relief of his canvas and arrives at images that gripe as much by virtue of the techniques as they serve eyecatching vista.

He also likes the indefinite as he leaves his images half-implied and partly vivid.

Remarks of artist who have encountered the Life is Beautiful collection give out the depth in his repertory.

Painter Ben Osaghae described the artist as daring and independent minded. Ogwo’s recent works, he reasoned is charged with electrifying mis-

sions.

“Emenike is not preoccupied by the proliferation of resources at his disposal for art production. He is rather more obsessed with editing them, with trying to select the condiments, however seemingly few, necessary for the realisation of the work.

For the picture to achieve its desired goal, it must fulfill that. If he has fifteen pieces of sketches ready for a painting for example, he may end up using just five in the long run, having found ten unwanted.

“Emenike has a fascinating sensitivity to his subjects and themes. He ‘honors’ them by al-

lowing the absolutely vital element of art left in them to speak out, as it were. Thus, their aesthetic virtues make themselves unashamedly felt. When an artist works under circumstances as congenial as these, by giving himself, among other things, a couple of technical options to work with, not only is he able to diversify the picture by confidently changing the course that it was heading, but he can also serialize it. This challenge is easily dealt with in his woks.

The same recurring decimals may be discernible in some of the pictures, but each piece has a uniqueness that distinguishes

the one painting from the other.

“Oil and acrylics on canvas are his preferred media and he has produced most of his finest work in them over the years of his studio practice. “ Emenike often enjoys portraying his form when the latter is in motion. Most of his forms are motorbikes (Okada riders), tricycles (Keke-napeps) and masquerades all of which afford the artist enough room to use colors as arbitrarily as he wishes. The masquerade has featured repeatedly in Emenike’s excellent oeuvre. In this particular outing, it is on the Ijele Masquerade’ that he turns the searchlight, being the largest mask system in Anambra state. By and large, Ijele is a spiritual bond between certain communities in Anambra state and it is a harbinger of peace, love and dialogue among them.’’

The artist drops hints of what his show will offer: “Work is worthless unless mixed with brains. The quality of your work will have a great deal to do with the quality of your life. If your work quality is down, your character will be down, your standards down, your ideas down. So whatever I have tried to do in my life, I have tried with all my heart to do well. What I have devoted myself to; I have devoted myself to completely. That makes “Life so Beautiful.”

Emenike graduated from the Painting department of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, in 1994. He was an instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Markurdi, Benue State during his NYSC.

Group seeks better identity for photographers Judith Uzoma Phtographers in Ikorodu area of Lagos now want to know who is who among their practitioner.

They said, their profession of the art industry is no longer going to be all-comer affairs as they evolve a system whereby every practitioner’s work will mark him out.

The body made this known recently at a one-day seminar for photographers organised by Direct Vision Concept (DVC) in Sherifyt Royale Suite, Odogunya, Ikorodu, Lagos. The workshop which has Exposure Triangle as a

theme was colourful as it paraded established and new acts Adekoya Olumide, executive director of DVC and the brain behind the workshop expressed delight at the turnout of participants.

“We want to separate the wheat from the chaff so that we can put works of true professional in a better perspective. The aim is also to work for the promotion of our member’s interest particularly on issues of intellectual property; protection of vital infringement which has caused untold damage to many professional photographers,’’ Olumide said.

He said the essence of the event is to “first support one another, to strategies for uniformed mode of operation, and then to provide a wealth of knowledge for photographers in Ikorodu area of Lagos,’’ According to him, the workshop is designed for practitioners in the field to ensure a new streak in the photography scene.

“This seminar is all about developing photographer’s skills.

If you look around you will be shocked to discover how quacks have hijacked the industry without respect for professionalism.

What we are saying here is that people should know that such

Uche Iroha, Olumide and others at the closeing ceremony of the event.

constitute a major crime,’’ he noted.

He said a situation where only a few tertiary schools teach photography in Nigeria also not a good development, adding that

even in the few schools like Yabatech, the facilities are not updated to meet the fast changing technological changes in the field while the academic programmes are antiquated.

Art Review 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Nnenna Okore, ten others step out at Wheatbaker

Agozino Agozino

As the global art world gathered in London recently for the Frieze art fair, The Contemporaries, an exhibition showcasing works by eleven cutting edge Nigerian contemporary artists, went on display at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Contemporaries which runs from October 12 to November 13, 2015, is supported by Veuve Cliquot.

The stunning exhibition of 21 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and mixed media works, is a timely reflection of current trends in Nigeria and makes stirring and sometimes, tongue-in-cheek com-

ments about a nation expectant of change.

Participants at the exhibition included Nnenna Okore, Duke Asidere, Uchay Joel Chima, Gerald Chukwuma, Raoul Olawale da Silva, Anthea Epelle, Taiye Idahor, Chika Idu, Adeyinka Akingbade, Tony Nsofor and Onyeama Offoedu-Okeke.

A kaleidoscope of art that offers fresh perspectives on environment and development issues, feminism, unity, identity, history and tradition, and freedom of expression, draw on the artists’ unique heritage and perspectives were displayed. The exhibition is a robust exchange of ideas challenging the audience not to mere-

ly think outside the box, but to, literally, stand on the box and use it as a platform to behold new vistas.

Sculptor and environmental activist, Uchay Joel Chima, whose skillfully crafted charcoal and paper relief addresses rampant environmental degradation and security challenges is juxtaposed against the masterly paintings of children swimming under-water created by Chika Idu, who tried to escape the nightmare of traffic gridlocked streets by relying on water transportation, only to be confronted with the daily struggles of coastal communities affected by dredging, pollution, flooding and all forms of urban pressure.

Without a care by Chika Idu, acrylic on paper.

Agozino Agozino From being one of the fresh voices promoting artistic collections and their crafts through her insightful pieces, culture journalist Evelyn Osagie, who is also a performance poet, made her debut as she joined the league of individuals documenting Nigeria’s rich cultural and artistic heritage through photography. Inspired by two renowned female artists, Lauren Greenfield and Elisa Paloschi, Osagie brings her experiences covering the arts/culture sector to bare in her photography at the exhibition.

She made her debut as an artist at a two-month group exhibition that opened recently at the prestigious Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi’s GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre, Olambe, Ogun State.

Nigeria’s master print maker and greatest experimental artist, Bruce Onobrakpeya led the group exhibition, which was complemented by paper presentations and the presentation of the maiden edition of the GreenHouse Art Journal by Prof. Onobrakpeya.

The well attended exhibition which featured installations, painting, watercolour, textile, ceramics/pottery, mixed-media, sculpture and photography, was led by Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, and featured works of 12 celebrated artists. They include: Sam Ovraiti, Princess Theresa IyaseOdozi, Dr. Mabel Oluremi Awogbade, Ato Arinze, Stella Awoh, K.K.Olojo, Juliet Ezenwa Pearce, Bolaji Ogunwo, Stella Ubigho, Oke Ibem Oke and of course the debut photographer, Evelyn Osagie.

In line with the exhibition’s theme, Nigerian Visual Artists and Politics, Osagie showcased a body of works, featuring nine

Okechukwu Evelyn and Odia at the exhibition

Artists and Politics: Osagia debuts with probing lens pieces in coloured and monochrome in varying sizes. Her displays highlight issues such as politics, tourism, culture/art, artistic and religious expressions, hope, peace and unity, among others.

Her body of works explores the interaction between people, their art, their environment and their attendant power-play. The pieces, spanning eight years of her career as a journalist, feature images showcasing places like Idanre and Osogbo; artists/poets like Prof Wole Soyinka, Odia Ofiemun, Chief Muraina Oyelami of Iragbiji, the late Suzanne Wenger, religion, children, and 2011 and

2015 elections.

Osagie who disclosed that her choice of subject stems from the desire to share in the stories that unfold around her, also noted that she sees photograph as an artistic self-expression of reality, thus, she uses her camera to unearth and explore the world around her.

“I have always imagined photograph as unspoken memory garnished with experience.

Whether it is a walk down a hill with a friend, the serene town resting in between mountains or the embrace of two iconic poets, each image is a memory of diverse tales in man’s existence.

Capturing these unspoken scenes

in a flash is what excites me as a journalist and artist. The most exciting of all, which I consider beautiful, is that each of those moments is kept alive in photographs.” She said.

Born in Lagos, Osagie’s foray into photography dated back to her undergraduate days at the University of Benin, where she engaged in poetry performances, creative writing and other artistic endeavors.

As a student, this graduate of English and Literature became interested in landscape and wildlife, while visiting relations, and other universities, canvassing for a joint-undergraduate writers’

association.

Osagie, an award winning journalist is currently a Senior Correspondent with The Nation Newspaper in Lagos. Her reportorial engagements have also touched a plethora of issues bordering on cultural advocacy, women and child rights, civil rights, mental health and a host of others.

On the advocacy front, she has been deeply engaged in campaigns, seminars, workshops and other commitments aimed at fostering better policies in rights protection for many NonGovernmental (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs).

Daily Times Nigeria Friday,October 30, 2015

31 Opinion

As Professor Mahmud Yakubu takes over at INEC

ÎÎÎIt was as if

the Nigerian political tsunami had seized time and allocated the fiendish hours of happening to itself- yes, in a way, it had, if one considers the effusive and rapid way the news of politicians losing their coveted offices broke over our nation space- and unleashing its power and potent.

The power and the potent of the political tsunami are as visible as the joy, wrought for those whose mandates were stolen and have now been restored to them by the law, as the sadness of those who wear the shame of losing mandates that were not freely handed out to them by the electorates. Truly, the Nigerian political tsunami is an oxymoron!

Forgive me for exaggerating the power of seizure and allocation; the essential truth, here, is that the Nigerian political tsunami possesses that power to seize time or to allocate the hours of happening to itself only as a factual gift that the law grants to it. The point I make here is that without the law and the tribunal, the political tsunami- the kind that washes the crust of our political landscape

away to reveal the criminality of politicians and the collaboration of our law enforcement officers and agents of security agencies who help to foist brigandry and the culture of ballot-box stuffing and the falsification of election results-we experience every post-election cycle will not happen.

Enter Akwa-Ibom and Rivers states. Nowhere is the tsunami and its aftershock felt than both states, now infamously held out as the worst cases of how elections should not be conducted; how the rights and freedoms of the electorates to choose their political leaders were exercised for them by politicians who snatched ballot papers in broad daylight and wrote fictitious results under the cover of darkness. In all of this, money was a factor, if not the determinant factor, as we have seen with the allegation of bribery of INEC officials making the rounds in our social media. The allegation that the ruling party in Yobe state bribed the Resident Electoral Commissioner with the sum of fifteen million naira to deliver votes to the party is a case

Yakubu in point. The circumstances in which the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Kano state died give credence to the widely held belief that he was murdered by those who bribed him to falsify the Kano results. Sadly, this is another case in point. These allegations remain largely unproven, though; but for many, who argue that the March and April elections were a sham, the allegations, whether or not they are proven, are anecdotal evidences of fraud and highlights of the disturbing lows of our electoral system, ambushed and sabotaged by a coterie of electoral umpires and state officials, notably of the Department of State Security (DSS).

While one cannot entirely blame politicians over the sham that elections have become in our country, one cannot but depre-

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cate the roles INEC and the DSS played in making the last elections a poor parade of the repressive officialdom. That these institutions persisted in their shameful roles long after the elections were concluded to validate the obvious negation of the aspirations of the electorates through the criminal destruction of electoral materials, suppression of evidence, intimidation and harassment of witnesses are pointers to the fact that those charged with the statutory responsibility of securing the sanctity of the electoral process are invariably the destroyers of the electoral process itself. Nothing makes this view clearer than the statement credited to Justice Pindigi, who was removed as Chairman of the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal a few weeks into his

stewardship, it must be stated. The shorthand of his claim is that the DSS tried to coerce him into subverting justice. God knows how many Justices were subjected to such inordinate pressure and how many of these Justices buckled under such intense pressure to deliver judgments that neither appealed to common sense nor the rational.

The appointment of Professor Yakubu Mahmud comes at the most inauspicious time; at a point in time that the ‘little credibility” earned during Professor Jega’s time at INEC is disappearing fast as the dews in the heat of the morning sun. The revelations of brigandage of our politicians and the criminal collaboration of our security agencies that have emerged from the various Election Petitions Tribunals sitting

across our country put the integrity of Jega’s INEC to question. Professor Mahmud, an Oxbridge scholar, certainly has a huge task, at least, to grow back the confidence of the electorates in the electoral process and in INEC. His intimidating pedigree, as a first class scholar and public administrator of some considerable repute, suggests that he is capable of putting the spokes back to the rounds of INEC’s wheels; but he must, first, on assumption of office, admit that the electoral process hasn’t been properly managed by the electoral umpire. It is only on this basis, he can begin to solicit support for his reform agenda. I have no doubt that Professor Mahmud is capable of delivering on his statutory mandate, capable of righting INEC’s faltering footings, given the environment, free from interference, as we march towards 2019.

Finally, being saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of INEC and delivering free and fair elections to a heavily polarized country is like being served the poisoned chalice. The tale of poisoning is not unfamiliar to INEC chairmen who end up with the pursuit of mammon rather than God. Professor Mahmud would do well to avoid the goblet with poisoned chalice by serving above board and by discharging his duties without fear or favour. I wish him the very best.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.220

Price: N150

SEXWALE’S FIFA

BID SUFFERS SETBACK ANDREW EKEJIUBA WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

okyo Sexwale’s bid to become FIFA president has been dealt a blow after he failed to receive the initial support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The South African is a contender to replace outgoing president Sepp Blatter, who remains suspended by FIFA over investigations into an alleged “disloyal payment” to UEFA counterpart Michel Platini - whose own bid is on hold after he was temporarily banned for his part.

Sexwale, a businessman and former political prisoner, is being backed by the South African Football Association and had hoped to earn the support of CAF, FIFA’s biggest confederation with 54 associations.

However, the CAF Executive Committee met in Cairo and subsequently stated that they will wait for the campaign process to take its course before publicly backing a candidate.

“The CAF Executive Committee at its meeting at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, has taken note of submissions by candidates for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for February 26,

UNDERSTANDING THE WORKINGS OF AMUNEKE –X8

2016,” read a CAF statement.

“The meeting served the climax to the CAF annual meetings, and between October 25 and 28, 2015 audiences were granted to four declared candidates for the FIFA presidency. They are Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Gianni Infantino and Tokyo Sexwale.

“After discussions with them, the CAF Executive Committee unanimously decided to leave the administrative procedures for the registration of candidates to take its course, while giving plenty of time to decide, with the interest of the continent the primary objective.”

FA investigates Rooney laser incident –X6

Embattled Mourinho ready for Klopp visit –X6

Life&

TIMES Friday, October 30, 2015

Elvina IBRU Life as a billionaire’s daughter

L2

P

Society Feature L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

I started work at 17 when my mother died – Elvina Ibru

Daughter of multi billionaire business mogul, Olorogun Michael Ibru, Elvina is a dynamic entrepreneur who also doubles as an on air personality. In this interview, she spoke extensively about her career as a radio presenter, her child, her aspirations, and why she preferred to date younger men. She also spoke on life as daughter of a moneybag and why she started work in her school days, at age 17, despite being from a wealthy home.

Life&

T E A M

In one word, what has been your contribution to the Arts?

(Laughs) To be honest, I don’t know how to blow my own horns, so to speak. In a nutshell, I just believe in the youth and when you have the opportunity to help a young person that is trying to grow and you see potentials in that person, which I think every young person has, you lend a helping hand. That’s how I live my daily life. If I can help, I help. If I can’t, I can’t. If I think what they are putting forward is a good idea I would say this is not a good idea but why don’t you try A, B, C, D. You have been on radio for a while now, how is it like?

I love it and I look forward to going to work everyday. Generally, the profession I’m in, entertainment, is something I love, and I think to be able to do it well, you really need to love it because it’s not an easy sector, even though the people outside think you just have fun everyday. It’s actually not an easy sector to be, especially for women but I love it. And work at Classic F.M just adds another nut to my belt, so to speak. And I have been getting surprised. I was surprised when I received a letter from Exquisite magazine; they nominated me for outstanding female OAP of the year. It was a shock because I never imagined that after just one year, I would be getting noticed at all. Although, I’m very happy and even if I don’t win it, its an honor being nominated.

I understand you have a background in broadcasting but what formed your decision to go to Classic FM? Classic FM? The decision was formed for me. (Laughs). Before I started at Classic FM, I had a little bit of radio experience but not in this form. I worked with BBC in England, but it was a different style of work, it was not being a radio presenter. It was more like radio actor. We had a script, it was a show for children so, and everything was scripted for you. I would go in with another fellow and we do a little act together. We were teaching children instruments and listening to music from all over the world. So, it was a different kind of experience but I enjoyed it. Now the M.D of Megaletrics, owners of Classic FM, Beat FM and Niger FM has been telling me for years, Elvina, come and do radio and for some reason I had thought I would not be able to do it. I had seen OAP in action, and its not easy. Especially, as one would have to operate….and I’m very afraid of modern technology, anything that is more than texting and receiving text on a phone is problem for me. So, when he kept telling me, come and do this thing, I know you would be able

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

to do it, I was reluctant. One day I went to see him for a different reason, I was doing a project and I wanted to partner with Classic FM. So, while I was there, he was like I don catch you. He called someone from production department to go and put down my voice so they could listen to it. They took me upstairs, they asked me to say a few things and after everything when I was back down stairs, he said Elvina, this voice is a radio voice. Come and work for Classic FM. I asked him if he felt I was good enough, then he said: ‘I would ask head of programmes to listen to you, take you through a few things and if you go through the proper interviews and if they feel its your world, go for it’. And I went through series of interviews, they wrote a letter, saying we like you to come and work for us and I trained for about three weeks or so, and officially I started 1st of August 2013.

From what you said, I think you enjoy it, what aspects do you consider challenging?

Are there really any challenges? There are no challenges. The only thing that might have been a challenge is the idea of working for someone because I have owned my business for many years; I’m used to being the big boss, (mild laughter) you know, madam at the top, so to speak. So the only thing that might have been a challenge is the idea that I have to answer to this boss, I have to take permission to do this but honestly, coming from a background of humility, its not been a problem. I walked in there knowing fully well that I was going to have Ogas and I was prepared to work with them as an employee. And everybody is very nice, anyway. We all get on very well. There are no challenges. The only thing was at the beginning, training. Like I said, the machine, I never thought I would be able to operate it, you have to be on the internet, and you have to answer phone calls. It’s multi tasking but after a while, it just become like a second nature. You learn what to say and what not to say. The working hours for me are fine, I work from 9 to 12midnight, I still have time during the day for my other businesses, you can see now, I’m talking to you.

So did you impose the working arrangement and the time belt?

When I was asked to start, Queen Hadiva had left. Queen Hadiva was the one who used to do the mellow magic slot, when she left, she’s still at Classic but she works only on Sunday. They looking for OAP to fill in that slot and when they told me about it, I loved it because I love the hours. I thought oh, I can still be running my production office, I

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

can still be doing my acting, writing, I still have the whole day to do whatever else I want to do, so that was how it happened.

Every worker looks forward to the pay day. Do you do the same?

Of course! Who does not? Of course, I do. I don’t just work because I like to work; I work to make a living.

S o w h a t g o a l s have you set for yourself as an OAP at this point?

One must always strive to get better. I have only been an OAP for few years, so I listen to other OAPs that I think are brilliant and I strive to always be a better OAP. Its so funny everything I have done, people have always pushed me into it. Maybe I don’t believe in myself as much as people believe in me.

My sisters have been disturbing me for years that I should start a talk show and I believe that being an OAP is giving me a lot of practice in the way of speaking, communicating with wide audience. So, I’m now seriously putting together a talk show. I can’t say much about it yet because its not something I have confirmed but I do have a good idea for a talk show that will be very different and very interesting.

Are there OAP you admire?

Of course. I love Afrologic, I love Olisa, I like my boss, Chuko, the person that trained me. Of course, I learn from him. There are a lot of things…subconsciously I do what he does. I really admire and look up to. I love Osam and OTB on Niger FM. Those guys are crazy; they make me laugh a lot. I like OJB as well, from Wazobia. Of course, there are lots of OAP that I admire. Oh I love I.K, wild child. I.K is very good, funny too.

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Onyemali Kingsley

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

L3 Society Feature

It’s a disadvantage being an Ibru I have listened to you on radio and the fact is that you know your onions. Monitoring you, I also discovered so much people are following you. What do you think is responsible for this large number of fans in a short spate of time? Don’t you think it’s because some people want to listen to you as an Ibru?

(Emotionally laden voice)I think maybe because I am open. I’m not a person that thinks too high of myself. (Back to normal mood) I’m not someone that hides. I try not to do anything that I would be ashamed of or would have reason to be ashamed of in the future and I feel I’m a friendly person. I don’t look down on anybody. I think people feel that about me. And again, this name, this Ibru name. a lot of people think I have gotten to certain places not based on my talent but by the fact that I’m an Ibru. Trust me, its not that easy. Every time somebody said something to me like you just did that you enjoy my show, it really does mean a lot to me because it makes me feel: ‘Elvina, there is something about you that is worth paying attention to’. My slogan is, average girl next door, and I really do look at myself like that because average girl next door has friends, she gist, she’s a nice neighbor, so that s how I look at myself.

So, what do you think is your selling point?

I think it’s the same answer. The openness; I like to break down a lot. I’m true to who I am, where I am from. I’m proud to be a Nigerian. So, may be those things subconsciously come out and it might be why people want to listen to me, I don’t know.

(Laughs) As a single mother, especially, one that is fond of her child. How do you cope with work day and night?

(Cuts in) My Elisha, my Oga at the top.

(Laughs) Number one, Elisha is a very understanding guy. He understands what mummy does and understands mummy has to go out and work. I don’t spend as much time with him as I would like to but I do make sure that Saturdays and Sundays are his time, particularly Sundays. Sometimes on Saturdays I might have events and so on, if it’s something that is okay for children I would have him with me and I have him with me as much as possible during the weekends. During the week.

I have an office in Apapa, most times I go to the office in the morning, when he comes home from school, I try to spend time with him. But Elisha understands and we are very close. We talk about everything, even though, he acts like an old man. I think he’s a re-incarnation of my dad, even though my dad is still alive. He’s an old soul. I think he’s cool; he assures me he’s cool. Another thing that helps is that he has many mummies.

You know my brothers and sisters live in the same yard, like a mini estate, so he has plenty mummies; my two sisters and wives of my brothers, he’s surrounded by love. He gets enough love. When I’m not there, another person is there.

Don’t you think the fact that you guys don’t live with each other is having its effect?

No, because, his dad and I are best of friends. His dad lives in Port Harcourt. He tries to come here as much as possible if not, Elisha goes to him. And fortunately, his dad got married to a very wonderful girl. She’s

a fantastic person and Elisha loves her. We get along very well. Sometimes, when we sit like a family, people get confused because they wonder how I can be so close to my ex and his wife. I think life is too short to concern yourself with worthless things. If I quarrel with my ex and his wife, who suffers? It’s my son. I’m just happy about the kind of wife God has given him because my mind is at rest. And from the way we were raised in my house we are not allowed to say half brother or sister.

But did you not get married to Elisha’s father?

I have never wanted to get married.

Why? I really don’t know. May be it has to do with my polygamous background. I don’t know.

Maybe it has to do with other marriages that I see because, I have a few female friends and when you go to lunch with them, you tell people around the table and they don’t have good things to say about their husbands.

If every woman is complaining about their husband, what’s the point? To be honest, I don’t think marriage is a fair competition in this country. I really don’t and I feel until we put aside the double standards, I’m not in the mood. I love Elisha’s father so much but as much as he asked me I never got interested.

There’s a coincidence here. Your elder sister has a child just like you and she’s not married. Why? I think you would be in better position to ask her why she’s not married. She’s not me and I’m not her. I believe if she meets the Mr. right, she will get married but if I meet Mr. right, I don’t want to get married. I have never wanted to get married and now I don’t.

Maybe in ten years. I have never been for marriage. I’m not saying marriage is not a good thing. If it’s for you, please go ahead but for me, at least not now. It’s an individual thing.

So, how do you cope without a companion?

I have a companion but it’s just that there is no certificate.

Could that companion of yours be a married person?

He’s very single.

Could it then be that you like going out with younger people like some are saying?

Is anything wrong with going out with younger people? You see what I mean by double standard in this country? If its 60-year-old man that is getting married to a 30-year-old, nobody has any issues with it.

They will even be praising him. But when a 60-year-old woman comes out tomorrow that she wants to marry a 30-year-old, then you hear people go like: ‘hey, Jezebel’. We need to stop this nonsense in this country.

Once two people are matured and they are consenting, as far as I’m concerned there is nothing wrong with them having a relationship. And besides, you asked if my guy was married and I said no. Most men in my age group are married so, is it better that I should go and meet somebody else’s husband or I should go out with a young guy? In Nigeria, I think we need to start living and let people live. Let us focus on things that are important. We should be thinking about why old men are marrying nine, 10-year-old and giving them belle and VVF, instead of thinking about two consenting homosexuals. I’m very

open about these views.

We need to talk about this and not weather Elvina Ibru is following men that are younger to her or not. As far as I’m concerned, it’s nobody’s business. So far I’m not following somebody else’s husband.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an Ibru?

Advantages.

Well, education, very good. You get the best.

Came from a privileged background, we were never spoilt but we had things to push us forward in life at our disposal. Disadvantages. I know this might sound strange but it’s the fact. People don’t take us seriously. You asked me earlier on whether I look forward to pay d a y.

Why

won’t I look forward to pay day? Because I’m an Ibru? Ultimately, my father doesn’t come and drop money at my door step. I have been working since I was 17 years old.

I started working at 17 when I was in school.

My mother died when I was 17 and I come from polygamous home. Put two plus two together. And my mum was the first wife. They say when cat is away rat comes out to play.

Make anything of that. So, we have always been hard working, we have always worked for our money. The disadvantage is that you want to do a project and you walk up to a cooperate organization for sponsorship and you hear: ‘Elvina, do you want to make fun of us’? Honestly, it’s a disadvantage.

Are there things you would want to change about you, physical things?

Honestly, I want this big Ikebe to go and belle. (General laughter) I would love to be darker. I love dark skin. If one would be allowed to be superfluous now, I have always wanted to be very petit. And character wise, seriously now I have a terrible temper which I did not grow up with. I really want to calm it down. Although, everything is over as soon as I let out my mind.

How were you able to lose your plus size to this figure?

I’m not at my goal yet. I still want to loose a few more KG. I don’t want to be skinny because I would be looking sick. I used to weigh 210 but I weigh 105 so I have a little more to go. I will be very happy if I can get to one 100 or 98.

Photos L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Meet some of the contestants o

Prior to the 15 pictures published on the Life &Times Page on Wednesday, today we bring to you photographs of other contestants drawn from the several regional auditioning held in Abu officially on Monday. Watch this space as we unveil our finalist for his year’s pageants with the theme ‘Metamorphosis: Where beauty and brains blossom

Achonye Chinyere

Addoh Evi

Adeyemi Kehinde

Agunbiade Princess

Chidinma Nelly

Chinedu Agatha

Chisom enyinnaya

Confidence Nmesoma

Eze Onyinyechi

Ezuguwa Lois

Fatima Umar

Favour Chamaka

Frances Ikelegbe

Helen Chidima

Mercy Lagele

Mgbeme Chiamaka

Mosunmola Coker

Kalu Ikpo

Obuhoro Ijelikwe

Kelechi Anthonia

Okechi Odinaka

Umahi Chioma

Maxwell Nenji

Okwuwa Nkechi

Vivian Ogbeyeanu

Akhanamoya Tobiloba

Debrah Waters

Olowofoyeku Eniola

Umezinwa Nkiruka

Onachi Okeke

Akpan Peace

Diasy Osamede

Onwualor Chiamaka

Utibeima Miracle

Uwakwe Amarachi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

L5 Photos

Miss Nigeria 2015

of

uja, Benin, Port Harcourt, Lagos and a host of other regions. It is important to note that out of the contestants drawn from all regions; only 36 contestants will make the final slot to be announced

Amarchi Ayozie

Asianah Mary

Asoro Eunice

Azauru Ezinne

Babalola-James Mary

Ehika Chinyere

Elise Ajoku

Eriokpa Vivian

Eteng Pamela

Ibe Amaka

Igbafe Princess

Igwemma Linda

Ikegbune Chinelo

Iroegbu Ebere

Sodiq Olive

Ndidi Odogwu

Nwafor Princess

Nwizugbo Blessing

Obianuju Peace

Obidike Chisom

Rhoda Olajumoke

Oputa Chisom

Orjiako Juliet

Ozoalor Chioma

Paula Nkuma

Princess Igugunda

Winnie Ochanya

Wokoma Sakiemi

Madubuike Chinwe

Charity Awoke

Sophia Obianuju

Theresa Ndidi

Sophia Dike

Uzoma Ijeoma

Event L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Afolabi Omobolaji

Where & When

Oga madam live 2015 @ Muson Center, Lagos - Nigeria by 4pm on Sunday, 1 November, 2015 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) @ Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Sunday, 15 November, 2015

Lagos International Poetry Festival Muson Center, Onike Lagos when: 7 PM Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st

Our traditional festivals can be used as tool for cultural Diplomacy - Otunba Gani Adams

The determination of Otunba Gani Adams, the National Coordinator and Convener of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) to liberate the Yoruba race from cultural suffocation through a robust packaging and promotion of the cultural heritage and value is yielding great dividends going by the success recorded at the 2015 Olokun Festival.

That Otunba Adams has successfully established and brought Olokun Festival to the consciousness of the nation is like stating the obvious having packaged 13 editions which have all

showcased that culture is a weapon for unity and integration.

The 2015 week-long celebration commenced with prayers to the Almighty.

There was also the the World Press Conference at the White House. Ikeja, Yoruba quiz competition at All Season Plaza, Agidingbi, Ikeja; the Festival Lecture held at the grand finale in Badagry by Muyiwa Falaye; the Miss Olokun Beauty Pageant; beach soccer match at Suntan Beach Badagry, dotting it with festival float, boat regatta and Ayo Olopon competition. All these events were planned carefully and expertly packaged. They showcased the relevance of Yoruba cultural values to humanity. The grand finale of 2015 Olokun festival packaged on the platform of Olokun Festival Foundation which took place at Suntan Beach , Badagry showed the world that Yoruba socio – cultural and economic unification is at hand.

The goat concert 2015 @ The Shell Hall of the MUSON Center.

November 14, 2015

Lil kesh +l.a.x live in Cyprus Where: Lions Garden Famagusta when: 30th of October

Abuja-based singer, promoter wants Jazz music developed

Artist says lack of funding, sponsorship responsible for decline in Nigerian’s fine arts

Bidemi Treasure, the Chief Executive Officer of Tigris Studio and a popular saxophonist has called for the development and promotion of Jazz music in Nigeria.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. NAN reports that Jazz is a genre of music that soothes the mind and calms the soul.

According to the jazz promoter, the music is yet to receive adequate attention by promoters in the country.

He said: “jazz should be promoted and given adequate attention for it to grow in this part of the world.

“The interest of Nigerians, especially the young ones is growing daily, but adequate support in terms of its development is yet to be given to it.

“Jazz knows no language barrier and it inspires and brings people of different climes and cultures together.”

Mr Tayo Olayode, a Fine artist and specialist in painting and sculpture, has attributed the declining growth of Nigeria’s Fine Arts to lack of sponsorship and funding.

Olayode told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that like other forms of Arts, music, films, fashion, fine arts should enjoy sponsorship and funding as well.

“Musicians, film makers, and artistes generally including Fine Artists, should get proper assistance from the Nigerian Government and corporate bodies by establishing Fine Arts galleries and standard institutions across the country.

“Fine artists should equally be used as ambassadors to organisations, for adverts just like musicians, actors and actresses.

“Fine art which is also an aspect of arts, therefore, should not be neglected by corporate bodies and the government,” he said.

Olayode, who is also the coordinator of “Iponri Artists” in Lagos, while making reference to his group, said many artists outside Nigeria appreciated the nation’s fine arts at exhibitions across Africa.

Hon. Desmond Olusola’s wish Desmond Olusola Elliot is a Nollywood actor cum politician. The Lagos House of Assembly member is leaving no stone unturned in making sure the people of his constituency enjoy the dividend of democracy. The Surulere Constituency 1 representative wish for one thing in life which is ruling the people of Lagos state someday. This kind hearted politician divulged this in a brief conversation saying: “I’m looking forward to becoming the elected Governor of Lagos State in not too distant future. I want to serve the people of Lagos and I know I can do it. People say that politics is a dirty game, I don’t know exactly how dirty it can get but my intention basically is to serve humanity. My choice as a representative of the good people of Surulere constituency 1 is an added advantage for me to utilize my humanitarian service to my people.

To me it is a bold step and a stepping stone; and I promise never to disappoint my constituents”, the cool dude concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Society Gist L7

Isaac Oguntoye

What’s the fate of GBOYEGA ISIAKA ?

ALAKE OF EGBALAND President to celebrate 10th anniversary Buhari’s The paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo is presently in a joyous mood as preparations to celebrate his 10 years anniversary is in the top gear. The event which will kick off from 16th and end on 19th November, 2015 will have eminent personalities from all spheres of life in attendance. Already invitation cards have been sent to important dignitaries within and outside the country.

Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo

Where is

Bola Shagaya?

Prince Gboyega Isiaka is a renowned businessman turned politician. He contested twice to be governor of Ogun State but failed to win the last general election that brought Governor Ibikunle Amosun in as governor. This he has challenged at the election tribunal. The hope of GNI as he is fondly called, of reclaiming his alleged stolen mandate from the incumbent governor was dashed penultimate Friday as the election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta further affirmed the election of Senator Amosun as the authentic winner of the April 11 governorship election in the state. Now, the question on the lips of many is that, what will be the faith of Prince Gboyega?

In fact some people said he should adopt the style of Mr. President who keeps fighting for what he believed in until he finally gets it

Dayo Adeneye breaks new grounds The story of Nigerian entertainment industry will not be complete without mentioning Dayo Adeneye, popularly known as D1 and Kenny Ogungbe. Kenny Music half hour on Raypower FM is no doubt a household name in the entertainment industry. Dayo Adeneye took the bull by the horn when he announced his interest in politics. Not many people took him serious until his poster flooded the entire Ogun State. D1 came to contest the House of Representatives election coming out under Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun State on APC platform before he was told to step down for another candidate. Though many argued his affiliation to Ogun State as his state of origin, but he was able to prove that beyond reasonable doubt. Meanwhile, the success story is that, his name is among the newly five nominees sent by Governor Ibikunle Amosun to the State House of Assembly for confirmation as Commissioner in Ogun state.

Maryam Yakubu reveals his

Secrets

Hajiya Maryam Munir Yakubu is the pretty wife of Katsina State deputy governor and a strong member of APC. Maryam is a hardworking and easy-going cousin of President Buhari. In a recent interview, the product of Kaduna Polytechnic where she graduated in Catering Services, Community Development and Social Administration revealed some secrets of her cousin, saying “It is his nature. Just forget that facial look you know when he was in the military, he acted as a military man and now that we are in a democracy, he would adjust. I want to tell you that he has a very simple mind, he is very understanding and he listens to people’s problem. He is a very honest person. You know one funny thing, even at home, he sometimes forgets that he is no longer in the military and the moment we alert him that ‘oga, you are no longer in the military again’, then, he will laugh and adjust.”

Bola Shagaya Saying that Bola Shagaya is a wealthy businesswoman is an understatement. She’s a fashion enthusiast. She is one of the richest women in Africa with several businesses to show for it. Hajia Shagaya is a very close confidant and friend of the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan who offered her opportunities for invaluable contribution to the nation.

Though, she tried to be close to the wife of the new president, but her effort was foiled by some close allies. Now, the one time wave of the moment socialite is nowhere to be found on the social scene.

Dayo Adeneye

many things have been Family announces H.I.D AWOLOWO’s saidSo about the burial arrangement for the late Mama H.I.D Burial arrangement Awolowo. It was learnt that,

H.I.D AWOLOWO

Cousin, Hajia

some Nigerian politicians plan to hijack the burial arrangement from the family so as to be able to use it to score political point.

But we gathered the family insisted they are up to the task.

As you’re reading this, all roads lead to Ikenne on November 25, 2015 as the remains of the late Awolowo Matriarch, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo will be committed to mother heart.

Her death which has been described by notable Nigerians as the demise of a great hero will be a state burial.

“Tourism is the greatest employer of labour” - DG NTDC, Sally Mbanefo Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, has described tourism as the greatest employer of labour in the world.

She made this assertion during a festival event held recently in Badagry. In her words: “Out of every 11 people employed, at least six are in the tourism and hospitality industry. Global contribution of tourism to GDP today is

10percent. Last year, it was 9.7 percent. Other countries in Africa, tourism contributes 17.7 per cent to the GDP of Gambia; 13 per cent to Egypt; 12 per cent to Kenya; 11.9 per cent to Mexico; nine per cent to South Africa,13 per cent to Brazil and six per cent to Cuba.”

“Talking about domestic tourism which is the reason why we are here today, and the campaign of NTDC is that, we want to encourage activities like this where we can encourage Nigerians to go down to the root of their local communities. In Lagos we have Badagry, we have the slave town. Outside Lagos we have Osun Osogbo Festival, Oyo has Sango

Buhari

Sally Mbanefo Festival. Do you know that Sango Festival is celebrated in over 40 countries in the world today? Including Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Portugal. So, you find out that our culture, especially the Yoruba culture has be exported on its own outside Nigeria.

L8 TV guide

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 30, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

150 Africa Magic Showcase

141 Eva Channel

23:00

02:30

Fri, 30 Oct | PG13

Fri, 30 Oct | 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

I CAN MATCH RONALDO AND MESSI, AUBAMEYANG BOASTS gX7

Poster!

TOSIN OKE

g X4,5

Friday, October 30, 2015

Guardiola: Bayern to battle for treble g X7

H E S I L O

INVITES 2 2 , S N I T MAR R O F S R E OTH U G N A L H I S

Ejidike

secures insurance cover for sports journalists

g X2

g X3

X2

Friday, October 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Pinnick

OLISEH

invites Martins, 22 others for

Sihlangu ANDREW EKEJIUBA

W

ith a firm accent on current form and ability, Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 23 players, including USA –based Obafemi Martins and six home –based professionals, for the Super Eagles’ 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Swaziland.

The two –legged fixture will take place over four days next month, with the first leg in Lobamba on Friday, November 13 and the return at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, November 17.

Martins, who has not featured for the Super Eagles in two years, has been in great form in the Major League Soccer, and his invitation shows clearly that FIFA Technical Study Group member Oliseh has an open mind to all Nigerian players across the globe.

The invitation is also a sweet birthday present to Martins, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday. He scored for Nigeria on his debut in a friendly match against Republic of Ireland in London in May 2005.

Six home –based professionals, who all played notable roles in Nigeria’s qualification for the 4th African Nations Championship at the expense of Burkina Faso, are in the 23– man mix.

Chelsea of England midfielder John Mikel Obi, Portugal– based former junior internationals Dele Alampasu and Abdullahi Shehu and Arsenal FC’s Alex Iwobi are also invited, as well as

Returnee Super Eagles dare-devil striker, Obafemi Martins. former junior

praises Eaglets, wants focus on trophy EDIDIONG FREDERICK

P

resident of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has applauded the six-star performance of the Golden Eaglets in routing Australia to reach the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter -finals on Wednesday.

The Cup holders started slowly as the Aussies swamped all over the pitch at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar, but the tactically aware and inventive Eaglets waited for the right time to land the sucker punch, and then took the game

international defender Wilfred Ndidi.

Oliseh has directed all the players to arrive at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, November 8 as training commences same day by 7pm.

The full list of invitees are goalkeepers Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars) and Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal).

Defenders are Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); G o d f r e y Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe by the jugular as the young boys from Down Under literally went Ambrose (Celtic down under the superior savvy and precision of the world champions.

FC, Scotland) “I must start by pouring encomiums on the players and officials and Austin of the Golden Eaglets, not just for the victory over Australia that Oboroakpo has taken us closer to the objective of retaining the trophy, but (Abia Warriors). also for their general comportment and discipline which has been

acknowledged by all at the World Cup in Chile.

“They have been doing the nation proud.

The victories over USA, host Chile and now Australia were well –deserved, because they toiled and invented and never let up, even when leading the opposition. Even when they lost to Croatia, they played with their hearts. The NFF is very proud of Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and the players,” stated Pinnick.

Before the players departed for Argentina for their final training camp, Pinnick met with Amuneke and the players and charged them to do everything they could to retain the trophy, won for an unprecedented fourth time for Nigeria by the Manu Garba–led Class of 2013.

The NFF boss reminded the players and coaches that President Muhammadu Buhari was the first Nigerian leader to receive the FIFA Cadet World Cup, in his first coming as a military Head of State in 1985. That year, Nduka Ugbade led the squad that won the inaugural tournament in China.

“I assure you that President Buhari will also be waiting to receive the trophy again this time, and you all would be the first group of footballers to be hosted specially by the President,” said Pinnick.

Friday, October 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

BASKETBALL:

Sprite Triple Slam activation sets IMSU aglow ANDREW EKEJIUBA

S

tudents of Imo State University (IMSU) were treated to a day of exhilarating fun when the Sprite Triple Slam activation took over the campus auditorium recently.

The auditorium was fully packed with excited students who were eager to experience Sprite Triple Slam and showcase their skills in Basketball, Music and Dance. As the floor opened for students, there was an amazing display of unique Basketball skills. Students who displayed exceptional dunking skills were rewarded with cool Sprite branded items. . Sprite also gave students the opportunity to participate in a freestyle rap contest. Short-listed freestyle Rappers were rewarded with Sprite branded bottles, sling bags, backpacks, headbands and wrist bands. The Sprite branded items were

also awarded to those students who showcased brilliant Dance moves.

Speaking on the Sprite Triple Slam activation, Senior Brand Manager, Flavours, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Toyin Nnodi described Sprite as a youth-oriented platform, which encourages youths to express themselves in the three passion points of Basketball, Music and Dance.

According to Nnodi, the Sprite Triple Slam activation in Imo State University had so far the highest attendance in the activation held this year.

To end the successful event was the star performance by the much anticipated, award-winning artiste Kiss Daniel, known for his chart-topping singles, “Woju. And “Laye”. His performance of these 2 hit songs, got the excited crowd singing and dancing along to the well-known lyrics, thereby ending the event on a high note.

Adamawa State Governor, Senator Muhammed Jubrilla Bindow (right), Nigeria Polo Federation President, Francis Ogboro (middle) and Alhaji Audu Usman (left) during the final game of the just concluded MTN Yola 2015 Polo Tournament.

Nigeria Polo Federation hails MTN Yola Polo tourney ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) has commended leading ICT Company, MTN, for its immense support towards the growth and development of the game in the country.

The NPF President, Francis Ogboro, who was speaking during a special dinner hosted for participating players and officials of the NPF following the just concluded Yola Polo Tourney, praised the ICT giant for partnering with the Yola Polo Club to organize this year’s edition of the tourney.

According to Ogboro, MTN’s involvement in the promotion of Polo and other sports in Adamawa State

has provided a platform for youths and other sports enthusiasts to direct their energy to gainful activities.

While describing MTN as a leading light with respect to NPF sanctioned tournaments in the country, Ogboro, further noted that the company has made a huge impact on the promotion of the game in Nigeria through its sponsorship of Polo competitions nationwide.

The General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, re-affirmed MTN’s commitment towards the promotion of polo. While describing sports as a rallying point for Nigerians, he added that the game of Polo was just one of the platforms through which MTN connects with its teeming consumers.

Ejidike

L-R: Director, Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and Coordinator of the Nigerian Beverage Alliance, Mr. Clem Ugorji; Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Lawrence Anukam; and Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Remi Ogunmefun; during the Stakeholders forum on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organized by NESREA and sponsored by the Nigerian Beverage Alliance which took place recently in Lagos.

MFM FC not conducting open screening – Ilechukwu VIVIAN OREKYEH

F

idelis Ilechukwu, the chief coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football club of Lagos has advised aspiring footballers to stay away from his trainings unless invited.

The youthful coach who helped MFM FC to gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of last season insisted that his

team was opened only to footballers that he invited for screening or based on recommendation by fellow coaches.

“I really don’t know where the story about MFM FC conducting open screening came from. We are not running an academy where everyone is allowed to come and be tried.

“My team is solid. All I need are very experienced players to plug loopholes in this team. I don’t even have time to look at everybody because I know what

I want,” he said.

Kamara as he is fondly called by his players assured the team’s supporters and Lagosians that he is confident that MFM FC won’t be found wanting when the new NPFL season kick starts next year.

In preparation for life in the elite division of the NPFL, the club is training at the Dr. D K Olukoya Sports Complex situated within MFM Prayer City along the Lagos /Ibadan Expressway.

secures insurance cover for sports journalists ANDREW EKEJIUBA

I

t was a historical and ground breaking event at the Prestigious Bovina Hotels & Suites in Ilorin, Kwara State, as a new insurance policy was secured for all sports journalists in the country, courtesy of the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike.

The MOU was signed between the National Secretariat of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Office of the Nigeria Pillar of Sports and top officials of Standard Alliance Insurance PLC Lagos.

The event was witnessed by the National President of SWAN Mallam Saidu Abubakar, National Secretary

Ejidike Mr Andrew Abah, Ag. National Vice President South-south, Mr Honour Sirawoo, two national officers Alh Yusuf Isah from Yobe and Alloy Chukwuemeka from Kwara.

Others were the host SWAN chairman Bunmi Adedoyin of Kwara who is now the newly appointed CPS to the Deputy Gov. SWAN secretaries of Kwara State, Mallam Jimoh Bashir and that of Rivers State Mr Lekan Ige. Earlier in his speech the National President of SWAN Mallam Saidu Abubakar who spoke in an emotion laden voice was in tears over the death of ace sports writer late Dr. Felix Okugbe, whom he described as a hardworking and honest man, and who according to him had on several occasions supported and guided him in the business of sports reportage.

Tosin Oke (born October 1, 1980 in London, England) is a Nigerian track and field athlete, who competes in the triple jump. Born a dual national, he initially competed for Great Britain. He set the current UK junior indoor record and was 1 cm shy of the outdoor junior record.

He was the 1999 European Athletics Junior Championships Champion, and came 5th at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. After multiple indoor and outdoor UK titles, he later switched to compete for Nigeria. Since competing for Nigeria he has won back-to-back African Championships in Athletics titles and the Commonwealth Games championship and is the current All Africa Games Champion.

At the 2012 Summer Olympics Oke finished seventh in the triple jump final, the best Nigerian result of the Games.

Tosin went to Amhurst Primary School, now called Brook Community School, where he left early to attend Secondary School in Nigeria’s best Federal Government School – King’s College Lagos. After just under 2 years, he returned to London to attend Christ’s College, a private School in Blackheath, followed by A-levels at Thomas Tallis sixth form. From there he went on to study Chemistry at the University of Manchester, and Osteopathy at the British School of Osteopathy.

Oke began competing in 1997 for Cambridge Harriers, South-east London. Within 2 years, at age 18, he won the 1999 European Junior Championships with a jump of 16.57 metres, and in the same year jumped the UK indoor junior record of 16.12m, that still stands today. He also finished fifth at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and twelfth at the 2002 European Championships.

In 2003 he came fourth in the European Cup. His 16.65 metres from the 2002 Commonwealth Games was his

About TOSIN OKE

Tosin Oke Nigeria/United Kingdom October 1, 1980 (age 35) 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in) 77 kg (170 lb) Nigeria Athletics Triple jump Mizuno

2011 Maputo Commonwealth Games Gold medal: 2010 New Delhi

All Africa Games Gold medal:

Achievements and titles World ranking: 7th Personal best: 17.23m Gold medal: 2012 Porto Novo Gold medal: 2010 Nairobi

Name: Nationality: Born: Height: Weight: Country: Sport: Event: Club:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4 Friday, October 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Tosin Oke

In 2009 at the Mobil Nigerian National Championships, Tosin jumped a World Championship B standard of 16.65m, and represented Nigeria for the first time at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. At the World Championships he did not reach the final, but came 7th in his qualification group achieving a new personal best of 16.87 metres. He finished the year ranked 47th in the world.

In the 2010 season, Tosin jumped a series of personal bests indoors, finishing with 16.89m in Birmingham. In his finest season so far, he went on to win the 2010 African Championships in Nairobi, Kenya with a personal best jump of 17.22m, 1 cm off the Championship record, and to top it off, became the 2010 Commonwealth Games Champion in New Delhi, India with his second furthest jump ever—17.16m. Oke finished the year ranked 9th in the world.

Due to the long 2010 season, Tosin decided to give the indoor circuit a miss. He opened up outdoors in Daegu with a modest 16.74m, and within two Meets jumped 17.14m at the Nigerian National trials, backed up with a 17.20m in Barcelona – where he got injured, and a 17.21m at the Diamond League meeting in London – where he got injured again! Needless to say, with multiple injuries, the World Championships in Daegu was not a happy hunting ground; he jumped 16.60m, came 8th in his qualifying group, but did not make it to the final. Two weeks later, a heavily strapped up Oke, was able to rise to the occasion for his country, and jump a last gasp 16.65m at the 2011 All-Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique for the gold medal. After the end of season heroics, Oke finished the season ranked 14th in the world.

Tosin opened up the 2012 Olympic season with a bang, a 17.23m personal best at his National trials in Calabar really signalled his intent for the year ahead. A few days later he went to Porto Novo for the 2012 African Championships in Athletics, to defend his title.

He did so with a 5th round jump of 16.98m a distance he deemed sufficient to retain his title, and make his countrymen proud once again. His next competition was the Diamond League in London, where he came third to Christian Taylor & Leevan Sands with a jump of 16.93m in the rain and wind of London.

Next it was the big one, the 2012 Summer Olympics...Oke was ranked 11th in the world going into this competition, and qualified with relative ease with a jump of 16.83m to come 9th overall in the qualifying round. The final was a different affair, he managed two very different 16.90m+ jumps and was suffering from runway issues due to a recurrence of his hamstring injury from 2011. He came a creditable 7th, but knew the opportunity for an Olympic medal was lost after his great start to the season.

He finished the season ranked 8th in the world, and is due to see the world-renowned Dr.Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt to solve his hamstring problem.

personal best for many years.

In August 2007 he finally set a new personal best, jumping a World Championships B standard of 16.86 metres at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

In 2008, Tosin declared his interest in competing for his country of origin, Nigeria.

EXTRATIME

Friday, October 30, 2015

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Friday, October 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Pellegrini buoyed by stand-in strikers

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Embattled Mourinho ready for Klopp visit J

ose Mourinho saw his beleaguered Chelsea side lose again in midweek - but the Portuguese insists his players will be ready for the visit of Liverpool on Saturday.

Premier League champions Chelsea have endured a nightmare start to the season and relinquished their grip on the League Cup - which they won in March - with a fourth-round penalty-shootout defeat at Stoke City on Tuesday.

Mourinho’s side, who sit 15th in the Premier League, have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions and reports suggest that a loss to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool could spell the end of the Portuguese’s second reign at Stamford Bridge.

However, while admitting that lifting his squad for the weekend will be tough, Mourinho feels Chelsea’s stars can take heart from their performance at the Britannia Stadium.

“It’s difficult - but it’s more difficult when you play very badly and lose, than playing well and losing,” the former Real Madrid boss said.

“They go home with sadness but with a positive feeling. How can Eden Hazard, or Oscar, or John Mikel, or John Terry, to say some names - I could say everyone - how can they go home with a lack of confidence?

“They played well, they didn’t make many mistakes. They participated in the game a lot.”

Mourinho

By contrast, Mourinho’s opposite number Klopp heads into Saturday’s match riding the crest of the wave of positivity surrounding his appointment at Anfield.

Klopp oversaw his first win in charge of Liverpool on Wednesday - a 1-0 League Cup victory over AFC Bournemouth - following three successive draws since replacing Brendan Rodgers.

Christian Benteke missed the Bournemouth tie with a knee issue, but Klopp expects the Belgian - who came off the bench to score the opener in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Southampton last week - to be fit for Saturday.

anchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has backed Wilfried Bony and Kelechi Iheanacho to impress again up front in the absence of Sergio Aguero when Norwich City visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Aguero injured his hamstring while on international duty with Argentina earlier this month and is expected to be out until early November.

However, in the prolific striker’s absence, Bony has scored three times and young forward Iheanacho marked his first senior start with a goal in Wednesday’s 5-1 League Cup victory over Crystal Palace - somewhat ominous form for Norwich, beaten 7-0 at City in the corresponding fixture in November 2013.

Pablo Zabaleta was withdrawn with a knee injury in the fourth-round win and is doubtful to be back this weekend, although David Silva could return from an ankle problem, with Pellegrini keen for his attacking players to make the most of Aguero’s absence again.

“I think in this moment it’s important for the team to have Kelechi and Bony as options without Kun,” he said.

FA investigates Rooney laser incident

Ramsey hails Ozil´s impact at Gunners

A

rsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has voiced his admiration for Mesut Ozil following the Germany international’s fine performances in 2015-16.

Ozil has already set up seven goals in nine Premier League appearances this campaign, scoring once himself, and Ramsey is in awe of his teammate’s passing skills.

“He has a great eye for a ball – he has many assists – and his weight of pass is fantastic as well,” Ramsey said.

“He finds those little pockets of space very well and links up the play.”

Nevertheless, Ramsey has made it clear Ozil is not the best player he has played with at Arsenal since joining

the club from Cardiff City in 2008.

“Cesc Fabregas is the best player I have played with at Arsenal. He plays in the same position as me and to have him to look up to when I first came here,” the Wales international added.

“He was playing every week, assisting, scoring. He was just a very accomplished midfielder, so probably him.”

Ramsey also had words of praise for Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi and has backed the 19-year-old to shine.

“Alex Iwobi is one to look out for, I think. He is very gifted and has great feet, so I am sure he will be one to look out for in the future,” he concluded.

Rooney

T

Ozil

he English Football Association (FA) has confirmed it will look into the incident during which Wayne Rooney had a laser shone at his eyes as he stepped up to take a penalty in Manchester United’s League Cup defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

Both sides failed to find the net from open play, with a penalty shootout eventually deciding Wednesday’s encounter.

Rooney was first to step up for United, but a green laser beam

appeared on his face as he prepared to take his penalty. The England international took his shot regardless of the laser, but saw his effort kept out by goalkeeper Tomas Mejias.

The 30-year-old refused to blame the laser for his failure from the spot in post-match interviews, yet the FA has nonetheless opened an investigation into the incident.

Rooney’s miss from the spot was followed by unsuccessful spot kicks from Michael Carrick and Ashley Young as Middlesbrough eventually recorded a 3-1 win after penalties.

Friday, October 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

Simeone charges Atletico trio to impress

I can match Ronaldo and Messi, Aubameyang boasts B

orussia Dortmund’s PierreEmerick Aubameyang is confident he can match the goalscoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after his stunning start to the season.

Aubameyang has been in remarkable form for the Bundesliga outfit this term and has already netted

20 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old is not satisfied yet, though, and wants to reach goalscoring levels usually only achieved by Real Madrid and Barcelona superstars Ronaldo and Messi.

“If Cristiano Ronaldo can score 50 goals in one season, why should I

Douglas ruled out as Barca injuries mount

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arcelona full-back Douglas is set to miss up to two months of action after fracturing a bone in his right foot during the 0-0 draw with Villanovense on Wednesday.

The Spanish champions were held in the first leg of their Copa del Rey opener at the Estadio Romero Cuerda with Douglas playing the full 90 minutes.

However, the Brazilian has since been found to have fractured the scaphoid bone in his foot and looks set to miss much of November and December.

“Barca returned to training on

Thursday with the news of Douglas’ fall,” read a club statement.

“After taking a hit during the Copa match against Villanovense, tests have shown that the Brazilian has a crack in the scaphoid of his right foot. The estimated downtime will be around eight weeks.”

Alongside Douglas, Coach Luis Enrique is already without Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Rafinha and Sergi Roberto due to injuries, with Javier Mascherano handed a twogame suspension on Wednesday.

The Argentina international was sent off against Eibar on Sunday for a rant at an assistant referee.

Aubameyang

not be able to do the same? I aim to become one of the best strikers in the world,” Aubameyang said.

“What am I still missing? I have to remain consistent and continue on this path. I have to put in figures like this season after season, just like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are doing.

“I do not want to let up. I said a

few years ago that I want to become a striker who gets 40 goals a season and I am working hard to achieve just that.

“I have improved a lot in front of goal and have become much more clinical.

“I have come a long way and it is nice to be rewarded now. But this is by no means the end just yet.”

Diego Simeone has warned young stars Yannick Carrasco, Oliver Torres and Saul that they must not rest on their laurels after impressing for Atletico Madrid this term.

Carrasco - who joined from Monaco in the close-season - was on target as Atletico beat Valencia 2-1 at Vicente Calderon last weekend, a result that left the capital club just two points off top spot in La Liga.

The 22-year-old is not the only youngster enjoying plenty of game this season, with Torres and Saul, both 20, also earning plaudits for their performances.

“Carrasco provides options on either wing and has also played as a forward,” he said ahead of today’s trip to Deportivo La Coruna.

“Oliver has started the league campaign well and Saul always works hard and can score too.

“It’s a great raft of talent but none of these players can rest on their laurels.

“The season after we won the league title was complicated, we competed well but it was hard. We achieved our pre-season objectives and now we’re getting used to a new bunch of young promising players.

“That in itself assures nothing however. What we need to do is read and interpret each game, what has gone before counts for little.

Villas-Boas rules out Zenit move for Falcao Guardiola

Guardiola: Bayern to battle for treble

P

ep Guardiola believes Bayern Munich have a realistic chance of winning the treble this season if they remain focused until the very end of the campaign.

The Bavarians have been in superb form in 2015-16 and already hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table, while also impressing in Champions League and DFB-Pokal.

Guardiola has warned they have not won anything yet, but is optimistic they can go far in all three competitions if they keep their feet on the ground.

“I am completely convinced that we will be fighting for every title right until the very end if players, coach and club can keep this up,” Guardiola said at a

news conference.

“The most important thing for me as a coach is to make the players realise that we have not won the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal yet. It is still only October.

We have not won anything yet.

“There is no such thing as perfection. Things are going very well at the moment, but you never know how long things last.

“We have to be hungry for the ball each game. With the individual quality we have, things are bound to go well so long as we have the ball. Bayern bought these kinds of players. I do not really have a hand in what they do. I am not the one to show them how to dribble an opponent. They all have that ability already.”

Zenit head coach Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed speculation that he will make a January move for Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao despite trying to sign him in the close-season. Falcao is on a season-long loan at Stamford Bridge having endured a poor loan spell at Manchester United last term in which he scored just four goals in 26 Premier League appearances.

I always intended to stay at Real –Di Maria Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria always intended to stay at former club Real Madrid as he prepares to return for the sides’ Champions League clash. The Group A rivals meet in the Spanish capital next week with Di Maria set to feature at the Bernabeu for the first time since leaving for Manchester United in 2014.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Morakinyo Abodunrin

T

hey said the more you look, the less you see! Yet here is a better explanation to that common expression which I have found very edifying if we are to understand the workings of Emmanuel Amuneke, Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 team.

Wise counselorship noted that, ‘we should not place too much confidence in unreliable sources or untested claims’ and it is on this premise that I’m devoting some attention to the stern-looking coach of the Golden Eaglets.

There are more reasons than one that Amuneke is called a ‘ Mafioso’ within the Golden Eaglets fraternity and I felt it was about time I let the ‘cat out of the bag’ in spite of the negative perception of others.

Amuneke is undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood Nigerians in the football circle - though he means different things to different people. I had been looking for the right opportunity to look at the enigma that is Amuneke and it came after a chance discussion (bothering on the misconception about Amuneke) with Alhaji Ahmad Kawu, Member of the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and some Golden Eaglets’ technical crew recently at the Value Hotel Worldwide High End in Suwon.

They said the husband of Chika (that’s the pet name Amuneke calls his amiable Spanish wife) is a mad dog. They said Amuneke is a bribe taker. They said Amuneke knows next to nothing about football. They said Amuneke is arrogant and hostile. They said he doesn’t have eyes for talent. They said Amuneke is an ‘Aradite’ - an euphemism for someone who is not charitable at giving gift, whether in cash or kind. Maybe we should look at some of these fallacies so that in the final analysis, we would appreciate the former FC Barcelona winger much better.

Of course, yes; people cast a simple glance at Amuneke and what do they say? ‘This guy is mean.’ But back in the days, Amuneke had this innocent boyish look which has been ‘tampered’ with the wear and tear of old age.

“My kids don’t think I was a fine boy growing up,” Amuneke said some time ago when I showed him a poster boy shot of his that was used in the Complete Football magazine published in 1992.”I’ m growing old now; how I wish I can still maintain that small boy look.”

Amuneke may no longer have that graceful look of the 1990s but you don’t look further for a man with a graceful heart than Amuneke. On a daily basis, he gets all kinds of request and sometimes we wonder if has a ‘bottomless’ pit from where he ‘collects things’ as if he’s running a charity organization. Yet he does his bit to those who came knocking for one assistance or the other.

“Emmanuel is a man with wonderful heart,” one benefactor told this writer.

“He has always been there for me since I knew him and he has not changed all

Understanding the workings of

Amuneke these years.”

Of course, he remains true especially to people dear to his heart. One heard of a story about how he gifted a bungalow apartment and a BMW car to one of the coaches that molded his career soon after he made his big-money move from Julius Berger of Lagos to Zamalek FC of Egypt. There was another story about how he doled out thousands of US Dollars to an indigent former Nigerian international player of Yoruba extraction during his early days with the Super Eagles in the 1990s.

There was also a story of how he helped about ten of the local guys (made up of different tribes) he grew up with to relocate abroad during his days at FC Barcelona.

Yet, they say Amuneke is just a mere tribalist- a classic case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

Of course, Amuneke is an Igbo, but he is a citizen of the world. His years playing and living abroad must have rubbed off positively so much that he’s at home with everybody irrespective of where you come from. Apart from that, Amuneke grew up amongst people of a ‘thousand tribes’ in Orile, Lagos before moving his family to Festac in Lagos

where he’s still ‘The Man of the People’apologies to the great novelist, late Professor Chinua Achebe.

Those who accuse Amuneke of ethnic bigotry often say majority of youngsters in Amuneke’s Golden Eaglets are of Ndigbo nationality, but a comprehensive look at the 35 players on Nigeria’s provisional list to FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 gave an interesting insight: the players came from all parts of Nigeria with Edo and Benue states parading more players than any other state - including Imo where Amuneke comes from.

“I’m Igbo but I could have been a Yoruba or Hausa,” Amuneke often says while talking to his wards. “So, I don’t want to know where you come from; I’m only interested in what you are capable of doing.

“The biggest problem we have in Nigeria is that we the elderly ones have not told the youths the truth; that you don’t have to be Yoruba, Ibo or Hausa to play for Nigeria because there are other tribes that make up Nigeria.”

Coming to Amuneke’s prowess in discovering talented footballers, he can be likened to that legendary Australia’s 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning coach,

Bob Dwyer who reportedly said: ‘I was never a coach to focus on outcomes and have certainly never been a coach that would sacrifice quality for a winning strategy.’

Amuneke’s pragmatic approach was to pick players that can function as a cohesive force rather than looking for stylish crowd pleasers. If there was any doubt about his coaching ingenuity, he has proved time and again that he has trained-eyes to distinguish between good and bad players.

I think it is disrespecting to say that someone who had a storied career playing for FC Zamalek of Egypt; Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and FC Barcelona in Spain knows next-to-nothing about football. Those who cannot even see beyond their noses would even go further to damage his reputation: ‘Amuneke is a corrupt coach.’

Yet Amuneke often tells his wards:’ God will not forgive me if I start asking you for money because I did not pay a dime to anybody or any coach throughout my career.”

How many Nigerian coaches can reject financial gifts from those who want slots for their players on the Golden Eaglets’ list? How many coaches would have the

audacity to chase away blood relations from their teams even when they cannot offer anything meaningful?

Amuneke’s demeanor has always been that he has not soiled his fingers in any way and that equity and fairness have always been some of his innate qualities. He seemed to have hearkened to the profound saying of that former American Basketball player and coach, John Wooden (Wizard of Westwood) that: ‘Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.’

Time and again, he has called on his traducers to produce concrete evidence about their spurious claims but none has been forthcoming.

From the foregoing, does Amuneke have his own foibles? Yes. Many soccer fans love Amuneke for his humility and gentlemanly disposition. He has a pride of place in Nigerian and African football, yet he doesn’t throw his weight around in spite of the fact that he had the rare privilege of scoring match-winning goals that ensured Nigeria’s glory of winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic football Gold Medal.