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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.97

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FG warns Buhari against running parallel govt g4

•They’re just being fussy, says president-elect

L-R: Company Secretary, Dangote Cement Plc, Ityoyila Ukpi; Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO, Onne van der Weijde; and Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Devarkumar Edwin at the 6th Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos ... on Wednesday.

Jonathan Court orders Coscharis to g6 sacks NPA boss, document release appoints g 6 Ado Bayero 12 Kebbi legislators move to impeach Governor g4

Oduahgate

Buhari urges incomingg16 legislators to fight graft

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Reforming Nigeria’s civil service

T

here is the consensus among the majority of Nigerians that the civil service system as currently structured cannot serve the overall interests of the country. This is because the system is weak, unwieldy and unproductive due to flawed recruitment process.

Evidence shows that those already there, lack proper focus on what their job roles entail. That is why we are calling on the incoming Buhari administration to overhaul the country’s civil service in order to aid governance and raise productivity.

Incidentally, the present system is a holdover from the colonial era with no attempt being made towards orientating it to suit the country’s developmental needs. We are aware that since 1954 a total of 21 attempts have been made at reforming the system which culminated in such exercise as the Udoji Reform; Bureau of Civil Service Reform and the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisations of the Federal Government Parastatals, Commission and Agencies etc. Unfortunately, not all the attempts have yielded the desired results because the emphasis has been on handing out more money to civil servants without emphasis on how to provide efficient and cost effective service to the country and citizens. The effect is that the civil service is still considered stagnant and inefficient.

For example, bureaucrats see themselves more as bosses out to rig the system for unbridled wealth acquisition and self-aggrandisements. The sheer size of the federal bureaucracy is not only unwieldy; it has become a profound source of waste on a monumental scale.

At independence in 1960, the federal civil service had staff strength of only 30,000, this increased steadily to more than 1,000,000 today due to political patronage. With that, many unqualified personnel joined the civil service, which resulted to over sized workforce that gulped more than 87 percent of the total government revenue.

It is therefore imperative that the incoming administration looks into the recruitment process, which has been grossly compromised.

As presently constituted, the civil service is bottom-heavy in terms of number and quality.

There is a prevailing belief that the present process is not merit based but skewed in favour of those with the “right connections”. Even the promotion process is flawed. A system where all civil servants are promoted every four years irrespective of individual competence and vacancy availability cannot be said to be efficient. Definitely, what the country needs is a professionalised civil service and a result-oriented management that would enable the government to achieve its macroeconomic and social policies that would transform the economy and its people.

To achieve this and improve productivity and performance, there has to be the injection of market conditions to staffing and remuneration in a manner that facilitates healthy competition, retention of the best staff to enable for better talent management. The Buhari administration must place emphasis on reforming the civil service for optimal performance if his government is to deliver on the election promises to Nigerians. The time to get started is now.

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When will these needless deaths stop?

Sam Nzeh

•••The

disclosure by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday that Nigeria accounts for over 14 percent of the world’s maternal deaths has heightened fears that unless a revaluation of measures is put in place to tackle the scourge, the country may continue to lose more women needlessly during child birth.

Making the disclosure in Abuja, the UNFPA representative in Nigeria, Ratidzai Ndhlovu, noted that with only two per cent of the world’s population, the country has a maternal mortality ratio of 576 per 100,000 live births.

He said: “Wide regional variations exist in maternal mortality across the zones in Nigeria. Maternal mortality in the North West and North East is six times and nine times respectively the rate of 165/100, 000 live births recorded in the South West Zone.”

The high incidence of these needless deaths clearly shows that the main causes of the scourge are yet to be confronted headlong. These include hemorrhage, infections, unsafe abortion, eclampsia, malaria and anemia, among others.

Until more women have access to maternal mortality lifesaving commodities and access to interventions for preventing or treating pregnancy and birth complications, not a few say the nation may not see the maternal

Words On Marble :

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deaths nosedive.

So, it is in the interest of all Nigerians to reverse the trend. For this to happen, governments at all levels in the country should undertake a quick review of current strategies to tackle the scourge and also ensure that women are provided with access to skilled care including emergency obstetrics care and quality maternal mortality lifesaving commodities.

These measures will amount to nothing if pregnant women for reasons including religious and cultural beliefs do not make themselves available to the nearest health facilities in their vicinity as and when due. Therefore, all hands must be on deck for the needless deaths of women during child birth to stop.

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Nikki Giovanni

Michael Jordan

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Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Everything will change. The only question is growing up or decaying.

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.

If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Head Graphics King Ododoru

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

News 4

5 News

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

FG warns Buhari against running parallel govt Egena Egena Abuja

•••The Federal Executive Coun-

cil (FEC) on Wednesday warned the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, against constituting himself into a parallel government ahead of the May 29th handover date.

However, General Buhari’s spokesman, Alhaji Garba Shehu, told the Daily Times that the outgoing government was only being fussy by the allegation.

FEC expressed objection to some utterances by the Presidentelect as well as some points of reference handed over to the transition committee of the incoming government, headed by elder statesman, Alhaji Ahmed Joda.

Specifically, the FEC said that

the actions of the Buhari team suggested that the sitting government was being stampeded or intimidated.

The Minister of National Planning, Suleiman Abubakar, told State House correspondents that the magnanimity of President Goodluck Jonathan should not be mistaken for cowardice. Abubakar joined his information counterpart, Patricia Akwashiki to brief the reporters after the weekly FEC meeting.

The National Planning Minister told the reporters that he speaking at the press conference in his capacity as chairman of a sub-committee in the Federal Government’s transition committee.

Also on Wednesday, FEC approved the establishment of two new private universities in Delta

and Imo states.

Wednesday’s resolution by FEC tends to lend credence to the insinuation that the relationship between the Federal Government’s transition committee headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo and that of Buhari had been frosty.

According to Abubakar, President Jonathan had consequently directed heads of ministries, departments and agencies to carry on with their duties and not feel intimidated.

He said: “We did receive from in-coming government transition committee some terms of reference which we looked at critically.

And council did agree that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan-led administration remains the current government of this country.

“The incoming government should avoid creating a parallel government while the government is still on.

“We take exceptions to some utterances, to some of the terms of reference that looked as if the current government is being stampeded or intimidated.

“Council frowned at most of the statements, most of the provisions and council members are advised to work in line with the terms of reference of the current government.

“Council members are also that the terms of reference as formatted by our transition committee should be strictly complied with.”

He added that the Buhari-led incoming government should be patient and not be in a hurry as they would have all the time to im-

plement their programmes from May 29.

“When the incoming government takes over government, they can come out with their programmes, they can come out with their own agenda, they can decide to come out with policies with the way they feel like.

“This government remains resolute to the various programmes and projects it’s pursuing and the government will continue to do that until the morning of May 29th.

“While Council enjoined members to be steadfast, Mr. President also enjoined members to come out with programmes, projects to be commissioned, that need to be inspected and members in council should work as governContinued on page 6

I’m ready for probe, says FCT minister •••

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed has said that he was ready and available to account for his actions while in office.

The said having being in the saddle for five years, he was armed with documents and records to account for his actions in office.

Mohammed said this in an interview with State House correspondents inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He was reaching to statements credited to the All Progressives Congress that he was embarking on last-minute award of projects and recruitment despite that the

government he is serving winds down on May 29.

He said, “We are not afraid of being asked to account for our actions, because we are accountable.

“For someone, who has stayed in FCT for five years, definitely I must be accountable for all my actions, and I am ready with all the records and documents that we have with all modesty to justify my actions while I superintended over the place.”

The minister said the APC was wrong to accuse him of panic recruitment when indeed the exercise was approved by the board of the FCDA.

A queue of vehicles and jerry cans at the Fajgbems filling station at Berger, Otedola Estate, Lagos… on Wednesday PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

12 Kebbi Assembly legislators move to impeach Governor Usman Abubakre Kebbi

•••

One month to the end of their tenure, the Kebbi State House of Assembly is in turmoil.

On Wednesday, 12 of the 24-member Assembly claimed to have issued an impeachment notice to the state Governor, Saidu Usman Dakingari,.

The 12 had on Tuesday claimed to have also impeached the Speaker, Mohammed Shalla and deputy Mohammed Ja’afaru.

They thereafter claimed to have elected a former Speaker of the House, Habib Jega, who was impeached in a controversial manner in November 2014.

The lawmakers on Tuesday night constituted an impeach-

ment committee which, according to them, drafted a six- count charge against the governor.

In the notice, made available to journalists on Wednesday, the legislators accused the governor of violating Section 5(1) (a) of the Kebbi State Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Bureau Law 2008, which stipulates that the Chairman of the Bureau should be a retired Civil Servant.

In the notice, they told the Governor that his impeachable offences include that he: “… appointed one Barr.

Aminu Usman as Chairman of the Bureau, when he was the Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General of the State Ministry of Justice. With this move, you have committed a gross miscon-

duct; “You Usman Nasamu Dakingari obtained a loan facility to the tune of N2 billion from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Support Fund set up by the Central Bank without obtaining necessary confirmation from the Kebbi State House of Assembly; and “You also violated section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) which enjoins you to ensure the existence of democratically elected Local Government Councils, but you continue to work with unelected local councils in the State.”

Other allegations are: “Between the period of January and April 2015, you mis-

appropriated the sum of N1, 800,862,872.00K from the Kebbi State Government funds in the name of general election 2015 and there is no provision for that expenditure in the Appropriation Law 2015.

“Misappropriation of N965,000,000,00 during official visit of Mr. President, Vice President and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between November 2014 and March 2015, and that Mr. Vice President and the First Lady did not make any official visit to Kebbi State within that period and thereby committed a gross misconduct; “That you issued the renovation and furnishing of the Presidential Lodge and other government lodges at the cost of N558,

560,416.00 to unknown contractor in September 2014 and you wrongly inflated the cost to the tune of N788,813,490.54k from N1,347,373,906.54K.” The Secretary to the State Government, Garba Kamba, described the action of the 12 legislators as unconstitutional.

Kamba said: “By this very act, the purported members have pre-empted the decision of the Kebbi State High Court,” adding: “These members aim to cause disaffection and truncate the smooth transition of government following the recent election.”

He declared that the government would continue to recognise Shalla as Speaker of the Assembly.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Buhari inaugurates 19-member transition panel

•••The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), on Wednesday in Abuja, inaugurated a 19-member Transition Committee to liaise with its Federal Government counterpart to ensure a smooth handover.

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the terms of reference of the committee included developing a clear framework for liaison with the out-going administration for purposes of a smooth hand-over, and to receive hand-over documents from ministries, departments and agencies and itemise the most important or most urgent issues confronting the in-coming government He said the committee was also

saddled with reviewing and making preliminary assessment of the balance sheet of government, with particular emphasis on the status of assets and liabilities, cash flow position, quantum of domestic and external debt and their deployment, government’s outstanding contractual obligations and its ability to meet such obligations and the status of implementation of capital projects.

The committee is also expected to undertake a preliminary assessment of the security challenges facing the country and the counter-insurgency measures taken by the government thus far, the counter policy measures being implemented in the Niger Delta to deal with unrest and major economic crimes in the area.

In particular, the status of the Amnesty Programme, the readiness of the police and other national security and intelligence agencies in addressing threats to law and order, and provide a brief over-view of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigerian Communications Commission, Customs and the Federal Inland Revenue Services.

Other terms of reference of the committee include suggesting ‘quick fixes’, which would result in tangible, visible and practical measures, so that change would be seen after about six months of the administration taking office, and to make any other observations which, in view of the Committee, would be helpful to

the transition and take-off of the new administration. The committee has two weeks to conclude its work.

Speaking at the inauguration, on Wednesday in Abuja, Buhari charged the committee to “assess the information provided to you and advise me on its quality and accuracy. It is a simple matter that you must have the right information if you are to shape appropriate policy decisions.

“Needless to repeat that your committee and, indeed, our Government, are not on a witch-hunt or engaged in fault-finding. We want the facts, and nothing but the facts. What has been done cannot be undone. Our job is to learn from the mistakes of the past and attempt to avoid them.”

Glo donates 100kva electricity gen to NYSC camp ••• Globacom has, once again,

President-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) (middle); Vice President-elect Prof. Yemi Osinbajo left and Chairman Transition Committee, Alh Ahmed Joda; APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie Oyegun (3rd right) and others in a group photo after the inauguration of President-elect Transition Committee in Abuja… on Wednesday

Adamawa lawmakers drag gov to EFCC over N180m bullet proof cars Wale Akintunde Yola

•••The last has not been heard from the factionalised Adamawa State House of Assembly, as the faction led by Ahmadu Fintiri, on Wednesday, passed a resolution calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe alleged procurement of 50 Toyota Hi-lux vans and two bullet proof jeeps at a cost of N580 million by the administration of Governor Bala James Ngillari.

The lawmakers also called

on the state government to reinstate the Director-General of the State Public Procurement Bureau, Mallam Bello Umar, who was sacked by the state government for querying the purchase and not following the due process.

Also, the House, at its plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, recommended the conferment of a national award on Umar, for doing his job in querying the purchase and other executive excesses that cost him his job.

The House resolutions came

under Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Kwamoti Laori, who told the House that the state government had sacked Umar for his position on the purchase of the vehicles.

Gov. Ngilari

restated its commitment to corporate social responsibility in the country.

The telecommunications company also expressed its readiness to take on civic and social projects that would have a direct and significant positive impact on the lives of youths in various communities across the country.

Globacom Business Director, Lagos State division, Mr. Kunle Akanmu, made this remark on Tuesday in Lagos, when Globacom donated a 100KVA electricity power generator to the Lagos State Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in order to enhance the comfort of corps members.

“We are aware of the need by youths to have regular access to electricity, so that they can have unrestrained access to data and voice call services. They need to call their loved ones when they are on the mandatory one year National Youth Service and also be on the social media regularly. It is this knowledge that has moved us to donate this power generating set, so that they can stay abreast of happenings around the globe without fear of power interruptions,” Akanmu said.

He stated further that the donation was one of the ways Globacom gives back to the society, adding that the company would lend support to youth empowerment .

5 News FG to pay marketers N156bn subsidy today Mathew Dadiya Abuja

•••

The Federal Government said it had concluded arrangements to pay the petroleum marketers the sum of N156 billion from Thursday, as part of its effort to put an end to the long queues at petrol stations. Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said that all outstanding payments to the marketers would be resolved as well.

“We’ve paid N350 billion in December; we paid them N31 billion in foreign exchange differentials and, by tomorrow (Thursday), we will be paying them N100 billion, for which we had earlier given them IOUs for as well as their interest rate differentials of N56 billion,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

She appealed to the marketers to bear with the Federal Government, as it tries to prioritise its policies in the face of dwindling revenues.

Delta community accuses Shell of insensitivity Joe Ogbodu Warri

•••The people of Okpealama Community in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of Delta State, have accused Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria of alleged destruction of their fishing traps.

They claimed that SPDC authorities had been uncooperative over the development, which had caused them hardship, since fishing was their only means of livelihood.

Addressing newsmen in Warri over the development, the community’s Chairman, Comrade Yabrade Moses, said that he had led a peaceful protest to SPDC Beach, at Madangho, to register its grievances over the development, but Shell had remained insensitive to his people’s plight.

According to him, though the drilling supervisor of the Shell Flow Station at Ogidigben and the Beach Master, SPDC Madangho, who spoke to the protesting villagers, had assured them that their message would be communicated to SPDC, he said nothing had been done about the anomaly, two weeks on now.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

FG warns Buhari against running parallel govt

Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (right) and United States Consul General, Lagos, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins during a congratulation visit to the governor on his re-election at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta... on Wednesday

Continued from page 4

Court adjourns suit over Amaechi’s planned council polls Faith Faithful, Port Harcourt

•••A

Federal High court in Port Harcourt has adjourned till further notice a suit seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voters register to the Rivers State Government for the conduct of local government elections.

Justice Lambo Akombi adjourned the matter sine die after hearing from counsel to the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN).

The adjournment came after Nwofor informed the court that he had entered an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court to handle the matters. He had also filed a motion on notice to restrain further injunctions/ proceedings on the matter.

The court also listened to counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emma Aguma.

The PDP fears that Amaechi wants to conduct the election un-

der a state-controlled electoral commission and thereby ensure that candidates of his All Progressives Congress (APC) take control of councils in the state, although the party to form government in the coming election is PDP. The PDP is also opposed to the Governor’s plan on the ground that the administration had failed to conduct the election for about two years.

Counsel to the PDP, E.C. Aguma, in an interview with The Daily Times said his clients were in court to restrain INEC from handing over the register to the state government for the elections.

He added that the implication of the Federal High Court decision to adjourn indefinitely is that INEC would not go ahead and give the voters register to any of the parties pending the determination of the matter in court.

Nwofor told Daily Times that his clients went to the Appeal Court because the lower court had no jurisdiction over local government election matters.

He said the matter is squarely before the court of Appeal.

Jonathan sacks NPA boss Egena Egena Abuja

•••

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday sacked the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Habib Abdullahi.

A terse press statement by the Presidency Spokesman, Reuben Abati announcing Abdullahi’s sack did not state any reason reason for the action.

The statement, however, said President Jonathan has approved the appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as the new managing director of the NPA. Alhaji Sanusi, a lawyer, has from Kano state.

His appointment, according to the statement takes effect from today, Thursday, April 30 2015.

ment, should perform their work without intimidation and that government especially civil servants, directors, director generals should see this government as the current government and not do anything that will rock the boat so as not to put this country in a bad light.

“The magnanimity of Mr. President should not be taken to be cowardice, and that is why Mr. President and indeed council members enjoined Nigerian people to see the olive branch extended to Nigerians and international community as a way of keeping this country intact, as a way of ensuring peace in Nigeria, and as such whatever the outcome of the election, what is important is Nigeria’s national interest. And that national interest should be protected, enhanced and promoted at whatever level we are.

“These are issues that bothered on transition programme discussed in council.

“These are issues before the transition committee, these are issues that were raised on transition programme.”

On the level of work so far achieved by the transition committee, the National Planning Minister said 80 percent of the committee’s work had already been done as almost all the MDAs had turned in their handover notes and executive summaries.

“We did mention to council that as at yesterday 28th April, almost all the MDAs that were advised to submit briefs, handing over notes have complied except for one or two ministries.

“The committee is having on ground right now two versions of presentations, we have the executive summaries of all the MDAs hand over notes and the entire

hand over notes from almost all the MDAs. “The transition process is on course in terms of hand over notes and briefs, we have covered almost 80 per cent of our assignments,” Abubakar said.

The two new universities approved by FEC are Edwin Clark University to be located in Delta and Hezekiah University to be sited in Imo state.

The approval, according to Akwashiki, followed a memo presented to council by the Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau.

She said the new universities would address the inadequate access to university education and enrollment of students in the country.

According to the Information Minister, “the National Universities commission (NUC) also explained to Council why the two universities merited approvals and there were so approved.”

On Nigerians killed in Indonesia for drug related offences, Akwashiki explained that, the Foreign Affairs ministry had been on it before the execution.

He described the incident as unfortunate and urged Nigerians wishing to travel and earn a living abroad to be mindful of the kind of things they do so as not to fall foul of the laws of their host countries.

Akwashiki while fielding questions from Journalists at the post FEC briefing also assured that the fuel queues would soon disappear from the filling stations as government would commence payment of subsidy arrears to oil marketers today (Thursday).

She also blamed the suspension of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Danjuma Sheni by the Federal Government on breach of procedures by the Perm Sec.

Court orders Coscharis to release document on Oduahgate Moday Agu Jnr

•••

An end is not in sight to the controversy over the purchase of bullet-proof cars by the Ministry of Aviation under former minister, Mrs Stella Oduah.

Acceding to the request of a pressure group, the Enough-isEnough, a Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the company from which the vehicles were bought, Coscharis Motors Limited, to release information on the transaction, contracted

through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) sometime in 2013.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa on Tuesday gave the order in an application for mandamus by the organisation.

The group had, through its counsel, Mr. Ayodeji Acquah, sought an order to compel the car dealer company to release to it documents on the two cars with numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP41010DW68044 allegedly purchased on the order of the minister for about N256m.

The Enough-is-Enough claimed to have resorted to the court action following the alleged refusal of the company to honour its request via a letter dated October 28, 2013.

The group urged the court to compel the Attorney General of the Federation to commence criminal proceedings against the company for alleged wrongful denial of access to information in contravention of Section 7(5) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

But Coscharis, in opposition

to the plaintiff ’s prayers, argued that the FOI Act was not binding on it since it is a private limited liability company with no government investment.

Its counsel, Mr. Ndubuisi Chito, maintained that his client, which was not being funded by tax payer’s money and did not enjoy any type of government subvention, could not be regarded as a public service outfit, which might be subject to sections 1(1) and 4(a) that the applicant relied upon.

Chito urged Yunusa to dismiss

the suit for want of jurisdiction.

However, Yunusa, in his judgment, assumed jurisdiction and held that the provisions of the FOI Act was binding on Coscharis.

The judge subsequently ordered the automobile company to furnish group with information and documents on the cars.

The court did not, however, compel the Attorney General of the Federal to commence criminal proceedings against the company as prayed by the plaintiff.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

7 News

SCOAN: Coroner concludes inquest, fixes June 2 for final address

Court strikes out Fayose’s suit against Ekiti APC lawmakers

Titilope Joseph

•••A

•••The

Coroner’s Inquest into the September 12, 2014 collapsed building at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), was on Wednesday, fixed for June 2, 2015 for submission and adoption of final written addresses from parties.

This followed the decision of the court to stop receiving evidence into the ongoing inquest.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the Chief Magistrate, Oyetade Komolafe, rounded off the inquest after listening to the last witness from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Victor Oyenuga.

Between October 13, 2014, when the Coroner began sitting, and now, many witnesses had been called by parties to give evidence on what could have caused the collapse of the six-storey guest house which was under construction.

Some of the witnesses were Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Ministry of Works, the Surveyor-General of the state, the SCOAN building contractors, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism.

Andrew Orolua Abuja

Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, struck out the suit filed by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State seeking to stop members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Assembly from impeaching him and his deputy, Kolapo Olusola.

This followed an application by his counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN) withdrawing the suit amidst

speculation of moves to resolve the dispute between Fayose and members of the APC-dominated House of Assembly out of court.

However, Daily Times gathered that the withdrawal was to allow the plaintiffs pursue a fresh suit filed before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the same Federal High Court.

The plaintiffs, Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly (described as being occupied by the Peoples Democratic Party factional Speaker, Olugbemi Joseph Dele); Ekiti State House of

Assembly, Fayose and Olusola, through their counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, had approached the court praying it to halt impeachment moves against the governor.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the plaintiffs informed the court of his clients’ intention to withdraw the case. The application was not opposed by the defendants’ counsel.

Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed struck out the suit.

The fresh suit before Justice

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) and newly elected, ProChancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Prof.

Sam Oyovbaire during a meeting in Asaba... recently Fayose

Judge reserves verdict in trial of Igbinedion’s brother

Titus Akhigbe Benin-City

•••Justice Mohammed Liman

of the Federal High Court Benin, on Wednesday, reserved sentence on the money laundering case involving the younger brother to the former Edo Governor, Mr Michael Igbinedion.

Liman, who called for a recess after over three hours, however, failed to return to the Court, citing fatigue.

It would be recalled that Liman had, on Tuesday, failed to deliver

judgement in the case that had been on for over three years.

On Wednesday, Liman had found the Igbinedion and one Patrick Eboigbodin not guilty of some of the charges.

While the first accused, Eboigbodin was found guilty of counts 50 - 59, Igbinedion was found guilty of three counts 79 - 81.

On the counts in which the accused were discharged, Liman held that they lacked evidence of origin of illicit transactions.

Mike Igbinedion, along with five others, are being tried for an

81-count charge of money laundering.

The N25 billion money laundering case was instituted against the accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Other persons mentioned in the case are, Patrick Eboigbodin and their four companies. Michael served as the Personal Assistant to the former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, the four companies are Gava Corporation Limited, Romrig Nigeria

Limited, PMI Securities Company Limited and PML (Nigeria) Limited.

They were arraigned on an 81-count charge bordering on money laundering, misappropriation of funds, conspiracy and abuse of office. The crime was committed when Igbinedion was Governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

It would be recalled that the former governor had earlier been arraigned for a related matter, but, he was freed by the court after a plea bargain.

16 suspects remanded in Ilorin prisons over riot Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

•••

The Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ilorin and presided over

by Justice. N.A Adeyanju has

Chukwu was filed by seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the House; Dele Olugbemi Joseph, Ajibola Samuel Oyedele, Israel Olowo, Alex Ade Ojo, Adeyinka Adeloye, Adunnsuupe Olayinka and Ayoka Fatunmbi.

In it, they listed the Inspector General of Police, Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin and 21 APC lawmakers as defendants.

Justice Chukwu had, Thursday, last week, while ruling on an exparte application brought by the plaintiffs ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the House of Assembly to maintain the status quo in their bid to impeach the Fayose.

ordered 16 suspects remanded in the Federal Prison, Mandala, Ilorin, Kwara State over alleged criminal conspiracy and disturbance of public peace.

They were arrested on April 28,

on information received by two persons, Abdullateef Abdullahi and Abdulrahaman Shuib of Alimi Agbarere Popo Igbonna area Ilorin.

According to the FIR, several

houses and other valuable properties belonging to the informants and their family members located at Agbarere community and IdiApe were destroyed and burnt by hoodlums led by one Ariyo, male, of Idi-Ape area now at large.

Why I want to be Senate President – Binta Garba Sunday Isuwa Abuja

•••The

Senator-elect on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Adamawa North Senatorial District, Binta Masi Garba, said on Wednesday that unity is sure at the upper legislative chamber if she is elected as the first female Senate President.

Binta said as the only female Senator from the North, her interest to contest for the office of the President of the Senate was to bring transparency and openness in the leadership of the red chamber.

The three-term member of the House of Representatives from both Kaduna South and Michika/ Madagali Federal Constituencies, told journalists in Abuja that she had written to all her colleagues and other Nigerians on the need to support her candidacy to emerge as the first female Senate President in Nigeria.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Politics

EL-RUFAI

Æs

Kaduna: The challenge before El-rufai is daunting - Sen. Aliyu

Sen Lawal Aliyu is a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC). In this interview with journalists, Lawal said the transition committee should establish the exact debt profile of the state and people who took them. The former chairman of the defunct ANPP also pledged that the governorelect, Nasir El-rufai would transform Kaduna. SUNDAY ISUWA was there. Excerpts: What is your assessment of the gubernatorial elections

which APC won?

So far, so good; this is a struggle we started 17 years ago and by the grace of God, we’ve been vindicated. The true strength of our party is now manifest, we thank God and the good people of Kaduna State for standing with us for the number of years we’ve been in the opposition, their trust in us and today, they have voted us into power.

How do you assess the performance of INEC and the security agents?

We must give kudos to INEC this time around under the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega INEC who introduced the PVC and the card reader. It was the instrument that brought about transparency in the electoral process. On the part of security agencies, we have to commend them because they understood that the mood of the nation was for change. People are tired, there was insecurity, impunity, corruption and poverty at a level never CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Why APC zoning formula is being delayed Akinjide Akintola

Buhari

Fintiri

As the jostle for positions in the incoming dispensation hots up, south west leaders have been giving reasons why the zone deserves better treatment than what obtained in the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

This development, sources close to the party is what is delaying the announcement of the zoning arrangement of the All Progressives Congress (PDP) for sometime now.

The zone believes it was not adequately catered for in the last administration as it was nowhere to be found in the first 20 key positions in the country.

Despite protests and grumblings about this ugly development from the generality of the people and stakeholders in the zone, nothing was done until towards the end of last year when Chief of Staff to the President,

How nine lawmakers impeached Adamawa Speaker at Govt House

Mike Oghiadomhe allegedly resigned and someone from the south west, General Jones Arogbofa was appointed as his replacement.

Thus the south west sees itself as having been used and dumped by the Jonathan administration for whom it had fought religiously to be re-elected in the 2011 presidential election only to be given the short end of the stick after he assumed power.

It was believed that this was responsible for the way the people of south west voted against him despite last minute effort

by President Jonathan to assure the south west that he would make amends if he wins elections for his second term.

Ironically, it was the opposition party then known as Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that scuttled plans of the outgoing PDP government to ensure that CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

WALE AKINTUNDE, YOLA The gale of controversial impeachments touched down in Adamawa State on Tuesday when nine of the 26 lawmakers impeached the speaker of the state assembly, Hon. Umaru Fintiri.

For some time now, there had been a lingering face off be-

Tinubu

tween the executive and legislative arms of government in the state with the legislature polarized as some supported the state governor, Bala Nggilari while others are in the camp of the speaker, Fintiri, himself a former acting governor of the state following the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako by the assembly.

The development had caused

the speaker to put the gates of the assembly complex under lock and key for the past three weeks now.

The ding dong affair however came to a dramatic end on Tuesday when members believed to be loyal to Governor Nggilari sat at the conference hall of the Adamawa State Government House and impeached CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Thank God, a stop has been put to PDP’s disaster in Kaduna -Sen. Aliyu Yero. In essence they are easily traceable and thank God, Sambo and Yero, the architects of these loans are alive.

These seemingly bogus loans must be verified, the people of Kaduna State must know the quantum of loan, the projects if any accessed in terms of content, relevance and cost for the incoming government to decide as appropriate. Otherwise, what this cabal has planted will continue to hold this state to ransom for the next 50 years without people knowing who is responsible.

Secondly, it is not only the state government that is heavily indebted. Local Governments are equally indebted to the tune of billions of naira without even a culvert to show for it. So all state resources have been stolen blue and black and the future mortgaged. The only consolidation is Gov. Yero CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

witnessed in the history of our dear nation. Security agents were being killed at an alarming rate. Nothing was working and people needed change and this is where we are. This is a new Nigeria and a new beginning and we believe, it shall be well with us.

Before the election, there were bitter campaigns. What will you say about all that transpired?

This is politics and basically, you disagree to agree but definitely not to destroy. Everybody has the right to contest for positions and people contested, some lost, and some won. But what is important is for the party to focus on emancipating our people from the clutches of these dangerous people that have enslaved us and destroyed every single institution that we have. We want

to make sure we have a Nigeria of our dream where there will be peace, justice and equity.

Now that the APC has won, what plans does your party has for Kaduna people?

APC has a lot of plans for the people of Kaduna State, but you have to understand that we have lots of challenges. The first challenge is the huge debt. It must however be said that when Governor Makarfi handed power to Namadi Sambo, Kaduna State was not indebted to any financial institution. In fact, Kaduna State received refunds from Federal Government on account of debt forgiveness during Obasanjo regime. Today Kaduna is the second most indebted state in Nigeria, with nothing to show for it. The debts were primarily acquired eight years ago by Namadi Sambo, Patrick Yakowa and Ramalan

‘‘Secondly, it is not only the state government that is heavily indebted.

Local Governments are equally indebted to the tune of billions of naira without even a culvert to show for it. So all state resources have been stolen blue and black and the future mortgaged.’’

9 Politics

that, a stop is now being put to this disaster called PDP government in Kaduna State. Thirdly, there is also the challenge of dwindling resources from the Federation Account; this singular challenge has already made it impossible for some state governments to pay salaries in some cases for a year now. These are the challenges of corruption. They have succeeded in corrupting every official of government including the Local governments.

Some LGAs have over 100 drivers with no more than 3 functional vehicles. Some LGAs can’t pay salaries. So, the governor will have a lot of challenges in Kaduna State. The only good thing is the quality of the governor that we now have in the person of Elrufai. Everybody knows that his capacity to deliver is not in doubt even his enemy can attest to that.

Fourthly, we also have a total decay of infrastructure. In most cases there is none. In zone one where I came from, in five LGAs of zone 1, there is no single decent functional secondary school.

I’m talking about Kudan, Ikara, Kubau, Soba and Lere Local governments; this is not talking of institutions of higher learning.

If there is, I challenge anyone to come and tell me where it is.

In these LGAs that am talking about, there is no single decent functional hospital. There are only two hospitals in these five LGAs which where built in the 70s. Go and find out, there is nothing in those hospitals. These scenarios I’m pointing to you in zone one is what is obtained in zone two. Go to Igabi, Chukun, Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGs. Same with their schools and hospitals. So, the challenges are too many to count. But I’m very sure the governor is equal to the task.

I want people to understand this and not expect magic because of the level of infrastructural decay, debt, and corruption that was entrenched in our dear state.

You have been an active politician in Kaduna and Nigeria. How can APC deliver dividends of democracy to the people?

You have to understand we are a party built on people’s will. The focus of this government will be service to the people as opposed

‘‘The first challenge is the huge debt. It must however be said that when Governor Makarfi handed power to Namadi Sambo, Kaduna State was not indebted to any financial institution. In fact, Kaduna State received refunds from Federal Government on account of debt forgiveness during Obasanjo regime. Today Kaduna is the second most indebted state in Nigeria, with nothing to show for it. ‘‘ Makarfi

Sambo

to the previous system where political godfathers siphon state resources. Where politicians, big and small feast on state resources. This government will be about service delivery. We got peoples’ votes freely and willingly and we must give them development in return. So, I can tell you, without mincing words, the governor has the people of Kaduna state at heart. I know he is prepared to be governor. I know he is very clear about the quantum of problems he is inheriting from the PDP government whether in Education, Security, Health, Water supply, and several other things that I cannot even mention. I can assure the people of Kaduna state that we have reached a point where we can begin to see the dividends of democracy. We will begin to see government that identifies with the poor and try to solve their problems. Build up the capacity of the children of the poor, education, health system, jobs, roads and provide water to the people of Kaduna State. These would be in contrast to what was obtained under the PDP where the Zaria water project (in the town where Sambo came from) has been going on for close to 20 years without completion with billions and billions spent without result. The people of Zaria have been suffering because of mindless corruption and insensitivity on the part of Namadi and his PDP. With the emergence of Elrufai as governor, coupled with the type of leadership Kaduna people has had, a lot of people will be eager to see how Kaduna will be transformed. Do you see him performing?

I have no doubt about that. The elected governor has the capacity to and will transform Kaduna State. The only thing is that he will inherit monumental challenges because of the staggering debts. State grants from the federal account is declining, the people should appreciate this. Its not going to be easy and I will crave the indulgence of Kaduna people to be patient with him and give him some time to settle down and plan how to tackle these issues.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Why APC leaders disagree on positions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the south west gets the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives which was zoned to the south west in its zoning arrangement in 2011.

The ACN joined forces with the splinter group of PDP from the north which was bent on frustrating the zoning formula by ensuring that Aminu Tambuwal from Sokoto State, north western zone emerged speaker despite the fact that the north already produced the Vice President in Namadi Sambo from the same zone and Senate President from the North Central Zone in the person of Senator David Mark.

The south west was belatedly given the position of house leader in Hon. Mulikat Adeola, the only position that the entire south west has both in the executive and legislative arms of government since 2011.

Consequently, the zone demanded a better deal which it appeared to have seen in the opposition party now known as APC which had planned to undo what it had earlier effected in 2011.

Thus, it was a normal situa-

tion to expect better treatment of South West from the APC which was partly responsible for being in the cold for four years, especially when the zone also played an important role in its election.

However, in the sharing and zoning of the positions, what the stakeholders are ensuring is that no part of the country should be sidelined as it happened to the south west in the outgoing dispensation.

But all the positions should be properly aligned and equitably distributed in line with federal character policy of the country.

Besides, sources close to the party said efforts are also on to ensure that even within the south west itself, the insistence that Lagos, or Ogun states dictate or take everything are is being discouraged in order that the positions are distributed equally, so that an area is not seen as monopolizing the positions of the zone.

This development, sources within the party said are what is delaying the announcement of who gets what in the new dispensation.

‘‘The ACN joined forces with the splinter group of PDP from the north which was bent on frustrating the zoning formula by ensuring that Aminu Tambuwal from Sokoto State, north western zone emerged speaker despite the fact that the north already produced the Vice President in Namadi Sambo from the same zone and Senate President from the North Central Zone in the person of Senator David Mark.’’

Odigie-Oyegun

Drama in Adamawa, Speaker impeached at Govt House

Nyako CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

speaker Fintiri.

Before now the 11 aggrieved lawmakers have issued a statement accusing Hon. Fintiri of highhandedness and unilateral closure of the house which lasted for weeks and issued a warning to the effect that by

that action they have no alternative other than to convene the sitting elsewhere.

Shortly after the March/ April general election, the house of assembly went on a three week recess to allow members to rest after the electoral process.

However, a day to the opening of the house after the recess, 11 members believed to be loyal to the governor issued a statement expressing their dissatisfaction with the leadership style of Fintiri and threatening to effect a leadership change in the house.

This development forced the speaker to shift the plenary sitting which out to have commenced on Monday 20th April till Monday 27th April 2015 and even at that, the house could not convene on the appointed day as the house of assembly premises remained under lock and key prompting the aggrieved lawmakers to issue another statement warning that since the speaker could not open the house for legislative functions, they have no alternative than to sit somewhere else.

As the crisis heightens, nine

among the 11 aggrieved lawmakers on Tuesday 29 April convened at the conference hall of the Government House where they impeached the speaker and his deputy. it all started shortly after the nine lawmakers arrived the conference room, and member representing Gombi constituency, Hon Jerry Kumdisi, moved for the appointment of Wale Fwa as Protem Speaker and was seconded by member representing Girei constituency, Abubakar Umar Girei.

After assuming his role, Protem Speaker, Hon. Wale Fwa noted that the reason for convening of the session follows consistent refusal of the Speaker to open the house after series of entreaties made to him fell into deaf ears.

She added that majority of the lawmakers have lost confidence in the leadership of Fintiri as a result of which 17 lawmakers representing 2/3 of the lawmakers duly signed for his impeachment and his deputy.

“All the members who signed the impeachment notice have resolved to remove the speaker and his deputy,” she noted.

It was at that point that member representing Verre constituency, Hon. Salihu Kabillo moved for the impeachment of the speaker and his deputy leading to the removal of Fintiri.

After this, he again moved for the nomination of Hon. Jerry Kumdisi as the new speaker and was seconded by member representing Yola South, Hon Abuzarri Ribadu.

In his acceptance speech, Kumdisi pledged to end the era of impunity as was entrenched

by Fintiri’s leadership which led to his eventual fall.

He promised to work in harmony with the executive arm of government as the relationship was earlier frosty which affected the people of the state adding that Fintiri also ensured that the house has remained under lock and key for some months.

However, he described some of the lawmakers who failed to turn up for the impeachment as cowards adding that despite their failure to show up at the sitting the decision to impeach the leadership of the house remained sacrosanct as their

signatures were duly appended and acknowledged.

The new speaker later moved for the adjournment of the sitting to Wednesday at 10:00am.

While reacting to what he called a nullity, the embattled speaker of the house, Fintiri said he remains the constitutionally recognized speaker of the assembly as those that claimed to remove him from office did not follow due process of the law.

His words: “It beats my imagination for nine lawmakers who are under the payroll of the governor of the state to sit down with a fake mace at the government house to effect my removal”.

He said the people of Adamawa State know who their representatives are and called on the media to safeguard the truth and the Constitution of Nigeria.

According to him, “their action is a nullity as they did not follow the due process of the law. If they are right, they ought to come to the floor of the house and effect my removal not at Government House,” he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Senator Oluremi Tinubu represents Lagos Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. In this interview with Journalists in Lagos, the Senator speaks on her second term re-election and the APC’s government plans to transform Nigeria. Kwasu Alhamdu was there. Excerpts...

How do you feel like going back to the Senate for a second time?

I think this is the glorious way to go back to the senate and if you recall, I once said that if we do not have power at the center (Federal level) I don’t think I should go back. Don’t you see that it is a glorious joy to me that I’m going back again? I’m looking forward to a government that will transform the concept of this country.

Now that APC would be in government, infrastructure, security, education, social welfare would not be taken for granted. But you see, it would take the effort of everyone in Nigeria to support this new administration. You know, what we inherited has been corruption. So, this is not the government people wanted and you can see how people voted for the APC. Buhari is ready to rebuild Nigeria and you can see how many states APC has won. That tells you that people are tired of what we got into for the past 16 years.

What Nigerians should expect from the incoming government?

We are looking forward to rebuilding Nigeria in every segment. We would go through a general overhauling. We are going to overhaul every segment from power sector, healthcare sector and infrastructural development.

Education would be given a top priority. To every Nigerian, you have to be patient with this new government coming in because they are not the people who turned this country into what it is today. 16 years of the PDP government has been bad. We as senators are ready to work. I believe that general Buhari is ready to work. Our governors are ready

11 Politics

APC’ll transform Nigeria - Sen. Tinubu Oluremi Tinubu

work. You have seen what we’ve done in APC. You’ve see some of our governors are re-elected because of their performances.

We are ready to work and people should cooperate with us. People should learn to be fair to us when this new administration commences activities. What is meant for one person should be given to that person. You don’t have to take a portion and keep it for another. We have to learn how to make sacrifices.

How would the next battle be like?

It has never been battle for me. Anything that has to do with battle is a sin. For me, its either I contest for senate seat or not. But for now, I’ve won and I will wait for God to decide.

What are your plans for the second time?

I will still continue with my programmes. If you’ve been to my town hall meetings, I always say, by God’s willing, all the programmes they want, I will do them. And I’ve decided not to stop but to continue. Some of these programmes such as the scholarship scheme would continue. Mrs Buhari was at the last town hall meeting and she said I have to continue. She thanked me on behalf of all those that received the gifts. So, we are going to look at it and look at it in more critical way for people to be more engaged. We also have to train our children to show gratitude when ever anybody extends the hand of fellowship or provided welfare to them.

‘‘I’m looking forward to a government that will transform the concept of this country. Now that APC would be in government, infrastructure, security, education, social welfare would not be taken for granted. But you see, it would take the effort of everyone in Nigeria to support this new administration.

You know, what we inherited has been corruption.’’

Transition panel should establish Kaduna’s debt profile – Sen Aliyu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Aliyu

I have no doubt in my mind that there will be development in Kaduna. What we will experience now is the era of peace, prosperity, and service delivery; we will never see the bad things we saw under the PDP led government.

The party has won and if you look at it, must people that won elective position also held offices within the party both nationally and in

the state. How can APC build a strong party that will maintain the winning spirit beyond 2019 elections?

If we can be able to win an election with a brand new party that is barely a year, winning election in 2019 won’t be a problem. We’ve shown the PDP that in a free and fair election, we can defeat them over and over again. I have no doubt in my mind that with our

performance, when elections are going to be held in Kaduna State, come 2019 there won’t be PDP again. We would show people the difference between PDP and APC which is like black and white. We are not going to disappoint anybody and history will judge our performance.

How will APC bring out good people that will help them in governing Kaduna State?

Well, this is the primary responsibility of the governor.

And am very sure and confident with the capability of the governor being very educated, experienced and excellent track record, we can be very sure of having good people in place to serve our state. The leadership is the best a state can hope for.

People should not entertain any fear about what to expect from Mallam Nasir El-rufai.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Ondo NASS, State Assembly tribunal begins sitting Monday ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

•••

The Ondo State Petitions Tribunal for the 2015 National and State House of Assembly elections, would begin sitting in Akure, the capital, on Monday.

Its Secretary, Mr. Musa Jamilu

Bakko, said on Wednesday in an exclusive chat with Daily Times correspondent in Akure.

Bakko said the tribunal had picked the National Industrial Court for the venue of its sitting, as a result of the on-going industrial action embarked upon by the judiciary workers.

He revealed that the tribunal had so far received four petitions from the recently concluded National Assembly elections held in the state.

He noted that the four petitions were received from the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC); three from the party’s

House of Representatives seats and one from the senatorial seat in the southern district of the state.

It would be recalled that the APC had vowed that it would challenge the outcome of the elections in court.

Crisis rocks Abia NLC Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia

••• There is a different dimension

A cross section of members-elect, Lagos State House Of Assembly, displaying their certificates of return at the INEC office, Yaba, Lagos… on Wednesday.

Photo: Quadri Olowolagba

NCAT denies appointment of life chair Mathew Dadiya Abuja

•••

The National Committee Against Touting and Other Related Matters (NCAT), on Wednesday, debunked an allegation that it had crowned its pioneer Chairman, Dr. Ike Linus Anikwendu, as its life chairman.

Speaking to journalists in

Abuja, Chairman of NCAT, Chief Ifeanyi Gabriel Iyoh, called on the general public, stakeholders and relevant agencies to disregard the story, describing it as untrue.

Iyoh said that contrary to the claims, the Board of Directors had, during its recent Annual General Meeting, resolved that Anikwendu, having served for 16 years, should step aside, due to his health status, lack of ac-

countability, transparency, and forgery of NCAT documents.

He informed that the board appointed Anikwendu life patron in appreciation of his role as its founder and not life chairman.

According to documents, the Board of Directors had, at various times, petitioned the Inspector General of Police on the alleged nefarious activities of the former chairman.

in the leadership tussle that rocked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the national level, in Abia State.

The contestants for the chairman of the union in the just-concluded state congress have called for cancellation of the election, until the formation of a united union.

This was the stand of the body at the state secretariat in Umuahia, when the out-going State Chairman, Comrade Silvanus Eyeh, briefed journalists.

He said that the aggrieved contestants, including himself, Comrades Chris Okoro of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Chizobem Akparanta of Nigerian Union of Teachers (N UT) and Eze Idima of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) resolved to call for the cancellation, following the failure of the congress to comply with the standing guidelines.

Eyeh and Okoro, who represented their colleagues from NUT and NULGE said their complaints included the fact that the election was conducted in disregard to a court injunction against one of the factional chairmen, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe.

TAN to establish industrial parks in six geo-political zones Ben Nwachukwu Abuja

•••

Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) will embark on the establishment of industrial parks across the country, as part of its mandate to generate employment for the teeming unemployed youths.

In a statement by its Director of Media, Mr. Afam Ilounoh, TAN noted that its primary objective, as a non-government organisation (NGO), was to press for good governance and the transformation of Nigeria, but added that the body would continue to build on the legacies of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ilounoh also noted that Nigerians saw the public advocacy arm of TAN with the build up to the 2015 general elections that had come and gone.

“Apart from the role TAN played in sensitising Nigerians to vote for credible candidates, in the recently concluded general election, we will embark on our other objectives, which include establishment of industrial parks in the six geo-political zones of the country and extend it to all the states.”

He noted, further, that the foreign partners of TAN had shipped the first phase of the parks, which would be installed at the regions that are ready to partner with the body.

He said that TAN would engage in humanitarian activities by reaching out to the less privileged in society and support sports development among the youths.

Ogun govt intervenes in council crisis Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

•••

Following the crisis rocking the legislative arm of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, the state government has intervened by advising the warring factions to sheath their swords.

The crisis, which had led to the suspension of some principal officers of the council, was settled,

on Wednesday, by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo.

The legislators had, during the crisis, impeached their principal officers, Mr. Tayo Oyekanmi, Leader of the House; Mr. Obeki John, Deputy Leader, and Mr. Peter Moses, Chief Whip.

Oladipo urged the factions to stop quarrelling in the interest of the people, the All Progressives

Congress (APC) and meaningful development.

He cautioned them from fuelling discord that could further affect the progress of the party and their political carrier.

Oladipo maintained that the State Government’s intervention was to resolve the crisis, promote unity of purpose among members and to stabilise the party as a formidable force in the zone.

Basorun Oladipo later told the

twelve warring members to vote, in a bid to determine a new leader between the impeached leader and the newly-installed in his office, Abeokuta.

Considering the outcome of the election, the leadership of the House returned to Mr. Tayo Oyekanmi.

He promised to co-operate with the leader in a bid to move the council and the All Progressive Congress (APC) party forward.

Amosun

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Burundi blocks social media amid protests •••Messaging

services including Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter and Tango have been cut off in Burundi amid protests over the president seeking a third term.

The regulator ordered telecoms operators to block mobile access to certain sites, reports AFP. The government has banned protests, deployed the army and shut down the main independent radio station.

There have been days of protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to stand for reelection in June.

Social media messaging services have been used to coordinate the protests which are the biggest in Burundi since the civil war ended in 2005.

African Public Radio, known as "voice of the voiceless", is one of three radio stations whose live broadcasts have been stopped.

The government said the radio station was disrupting the peace.

The BBC's Maud Jullien in the capital Bujumbura says people are defying the ban on protesting for a fourth day. Protestors in Musaga raise their arms when the police approach to show they are unarmed. Mr Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader, has warned that anyone who wants to create

Mugabe, Zuma in Harare for SADC summit •••

Presidents Robert Mugabe and Jacob Zuma arrived on Wednesday at a plush hotel in Harare for a South African Development Community (SADC) summit that has been overshadowed by recent xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The South African president was seen striding along the red carpet at the Rainbow Towers Hotel flanked by Zimbabwe's foreign minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and other top Zimbabwe government officials.

Press reports have forecast that Zuma will have a "rough ride" when faced with regional leaders whose nationals have been killed or forced to flee in the xenophobic attacks that hit Durban and Johannesburg earlier this month.

A choir was at the hotel to serenade the arriving heads of state.

Mugabe, who is the current chair of SADC, arrived at the crowded conference room soon after 10:00.

Protestors in Musaga raise their arms when the police approached to show they are unarmed

problems for the governing party would find himself "in trouble".

At least three people were killed on Sunday as police dispersed crowds with live ammunition.

Under the constitution, presidents can only be elected to two terms in office but Mr Nkurun-

ziza's allies say his first term does not count as he was appointed by parliament.

More than 300,000 people died in the conflict between the minority Tutsi-dominated army and mainly Hutu rebel groups, such as Mr Nkurunziza's CNDD-FDD.

The United States has condemned the president's bid for a third term in a press statement.

Top US official Tom Malinowski tweeted that he is on his way to Burundi and "disappointed" that the president has violated the peace accord.

Stop hiring Zimbabweans, Botswana farmers told

•••

13 Africa

Botswana has reportedly barred local farmers from employing "cheap" Zimbabwean workers, saying farmers should pay farm workers well so that they can attract Batswana to work in their farms.

According to New Zimbabwe. com some Botswana famers had pleaded with government to allow them to hire Zimbabweans to work in their fields, arguing that they were "effective" and that Batswana were not keen to work for locals.

But Home Affairs Minister Edwin Batshu rejected the request, saying government had reserved farm jobs for locals and did not issue permits to foreigners in that sector. "What will happen if the Zimbabwe economy improves at the time when Batswana are relying on their cheap labour in their farms," Batshu was quoted as saying. This comes as News Day reported on Wednesday that Zimbabwe was losing skilled agriculture workers to South Africa and other neighbouring countries.

US appeals to African leaders not to stand more than two terms

The US has appealed to African leaders to desist from changing constitutions to ensure them more than two presidential terms.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, David Gilmour briefed journalists from eight African countries including Ghana, Burundi, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda on the USA’s policy towards Africa.

The journalists are part of the US State Department and Foreign

•••

workers lost their jobs in 2014.

The Zimbabwe finance ministry said 4 600 companies closed down between 2011 and October 2014, resulting in 64 000 job losses.

A Zimbabwe Statistical Agency (ZimStat) revealed that the lack of work opportunities in Zimbabwe and the need to increase income for the household were some of the major reasons for emigrating.

The revelation comes after a spate of xenophobic attacks which killed at least seven people in South Africa. South Africans accuse foreign nationals of taking local jobs by offering cheap labour.

Zimbabwe's economy is currently on its knees and according to the country’s central bank, over 4 000

Batshu

Press Centre’s sponsored tour for African journalists on reporter security and press freedom.

During a discussion on Burundi’s upcoming election, he reminded African governments that are part of the Arusha agreements of the commitments they made. This includes presidential terms limited to two years.

In Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, protests broke out and, according to reports, several people were killed since Sunday in what

is regarded as a revolt against President Pierre Nkurunziza seeking a third presidential term.

“It is not a good idea to violate the agreed upon commitments to the Arusha-agreement.

I’m calling on Burundi to proceed peacefully and we are hoping for a free and fair election," Gilmour said.

Gilmour urged African governments should be responsive to citizens and ensure all people have a voice especially minorities.

Chad to receive $1.1bn debt relief

•••

Chad will receive $1.1bn in debt relief after completion of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), its finance minister said on Tuesday.

Kordje Bedoumra said in an interview that the oil-producing central African nation - one of the poorest countries on earth - had cut its growth forecast for this year to 5%, from 7% in 2014, following a slump in international petroleum prices.

Chad was producing roughly 130 000 barrels of oil per day by the end of last year and aimed to double that in 2015 as new fields come on stream.

However, government spending has been stretched by an influx of refugees from conflicts in neighbouring countries and by military commitments as part of a regional alliance fighting the Boko Haram Islamist group in northern Nigeria.

The IMF said on Monday that Chad had qualified for debt relief under the HIPC initiative, but added that a formal announcement required the approval of the World Bank Executive Board. It did not provide further details.

World 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

EU demands more reforms in Ukraine •••

Ukraine’s military reported Tuesday pro-Russia separatist rebels fired rockets on a government-held town in eastern Ukraine, in what appeared to be the latest violation of a shaky ceasefire. The news came just hours after the Ukrainian government and the European Union held their first formal summit in almost a year.

Speaking at an investors’ conference in Kyiv that followed the talks, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko urged Western nations to remain united behind Ukraine.

“We are still under the threat of war. That is a reality. Every single moment the war can be started. But we are set to make a breakthrough. There is no ex-

cuse for hesitation, or reluctance or retreat,” said Poroshenko.

The European Union has promised humanitarian and other support for Ukraine. That includes $2 billion in financial assistance, along with another $77 million to help clean up the area around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

But the European Union has

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (C), European Council President Donald Tusk (L), and European Commission President JeanClaude Juncker pose for a photo during the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday

not responded to Ukraine’s call to deploy peacekeepers in the eastern part of the country. At the Kyiv summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said that for now, Brussels will only send a civilian mission to assess the security needs in the area.

The EU is also pushing Ukraine’s government to speed up reforms. Kyiv has qualified to receive billions of dollars in international credit in return for cutting spending, increasing decentralization and cracking down on corruption.

Jean-Claude Juncker, who currently heads the European Commission, the EU executive arm, said more work is needed.

“Reform must continue. It must be credible. It must be swift, it must be sustained. You keep reforming and we keep supporting. That is the contract we make with you,” said Juncker.

Ukraine last year signed an association agreement with the European Union which lays out a political and economic relationship with the 28-member block. Poroshenko says he believes his country will be able to meet EU membership conditions within five years.

Worker North Korea executes 15 persons ••• crushed in Thai factory meat grinder

•••

A migrant worker from Myanmar was killed after he slipped into a meat grinder at a pet food factory in Thailand, police said on Wednesday. The man, who police identified as 37-year-old Zaw May Zir, died on Monday evening at a factory in south-eastern Chonburi province, 80km southeast of Bangkok. "It was an accident," Lieutenant Thaninthorn Suaypan, a case officer with Chonburi police told AFP by telephone.

"I went to examine the man with the doctor and the lower half of his body was crushed," Thaninthorn added. Police said they believed the man, who had worked at the factory for five years, was unable to extricate himself from the grinder because it was filled with glue used to create artificial bones for dogs to chew on.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the execution of 15 people this year, including several top officials, South Korean intelligence says.

The agency told a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday that they were executed by firing squad on spying charges.

Those killed include two vice ministers who challenged Mr Kim over his policies and members of an orchestra, intelligence officials said.

South Korean politicians were told that one of the officials killed was a forestry minister who had complained about North Korea's forestation plan, Yonhap news agency reported.

"Excuses or reasoning doesn't work for Kim Jong-un, and his style of rule is to push through everything," said Shin Kyung-min, a member of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee, quoting an intelligence official.

From outside Pyongyang, it's impossible to know exactly what's going on in Kim Jong-un's in-

ner circle. The South Korean spy agency may have informants but it also relies on hit-or-miss methods like analysing photographs in the North Korean state-controlled media.

We do know that Mr Kim's uncle, Chang Song-thaek, was executed in 2013 because North Korean media reported it.

Last year, six important officials suddenly vanished from public view and South Korean media reported they had been executed. If it is true that 15 senior people have been executed in the four months of this year - a rate of one a week - it would indicate that the regime is getting tougher.

Kim Jong-un has been in power for just over three years. He is as secure in his job as any dictator can be, but does he feel secure?

Mr Shin's office told Reuters news agency that the unnamed official had added that the executions were a "showcase" in response to what Mr Kim saw as a challenge to his authority.

Four members of North Ko-

rea's Unhasu Orchestra are also believed to have been executed in March. Reports say that Mr Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju was a singer in the orchestra before her marriage.

South Korean politician Lee Cheol-woo told Yonhap that the head of the orchestra had been executed, possibly for leaking family secrets.

There has been no confirmation from North Korea about the executions but Mr Kim has purged his opponents before.

In 2013, Mr Kim put his uncle, Chang Song-thaek, to death, along with a group of officials who had been close to him.

Jong-un

Hong Kong police in manhunt for kidnap gang •••

Hong Kong police have launched a city-wide hunt for a group of six men accused of robbery and kidnapping.

The men broke into an apartment in the Tseung Kwan O region on Saturday, stole valuables and abducted a 29-year-old woman, authorities said.

They demanded ransom and the woman's family paid 28 million Hong Kong dollars ($3.6m; £2.3m) for her release, local media said.

The woman - who has not been identified - was found safe unharmed on Tuesday.

Police have released descriptions of four of the men and made a public appeal to find them. They have also placed roadblocks on major routes to prevent them from leaving Hong Kong.

The men escaped in a white car after collecting the ransom payment, authorities said.

Saudi king appoints new Crown Prince

•••

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz reshuffled a number of top posts Wednesday, including naming his nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as the new crown prince.

Prince Mohammed, 55, the new heir apparent, replaces the king's youngest half brother, Muqrin, who had been named crown prince in January when King Salman took power upon the death of King Abdullah.

The king's son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 30, is the new deputy crown prince, making him second in line to rule the kingdom. In naming the Prince Mohammeds to new positions, King Salman has effectively decided the line of succession for decades to come in the world's top oil exporter. The reshuffle also means Salman will be the last of the sons of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, to rule.

Five of his brothers had ruled before him. In another move, the king replaced longtime diplomat Saud al-Faisal as foreign minister, appointing the current Saudi ambassador to the U.S., Adel alJubeir, to replace him.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

15 Opinion

Migrants: Responding to tragedies on Mediterranean Sea

L Fr. Daniel Adayi

ast week the European Union held an emergency meeting to address the rising number of people who died in the Mediterranean Sea in their bid to cross to Europe. In one of the latest events, about 700 people perished when their boat capsized some 130 km off the Libyan coast. It is feared that the 2014 total of 3,279 migrants drowning in the sea will be surpassed this year because summer is yet to arrive. It is a very disturbing situation to different segments of the world but for different reasons as can be adduced from the shades of responses that the sad event is eliciting from the stakeholders.

The flurry of reactions is overwhelming. While Africa mourned the loss of young men and women, The Sun, A British tabloid ran a provocative piece referring to the immigrants as “a plague of feral humans” (IRIN African English Reports, 4/22/2015).

Some key figures in the British Government are opposed to any increase in the search- and -rescue operation. They say it will only serve as a ‘pull factor’ and encourage more migrants to undertake the perilous journey across the sea to Europe.

It, therefore, did not come as a surprise that the joint meeting of the Foreign and Interior Ministers of the European Commission (EC) came up with a 10-point plan of action on migration, which reflects the great trepidation with which the issue is approached

by European politicians. The UN special rapporteur on human rights of migrants, François Crepeau, offers a solution set that is not only opposed to that of the EC but also is rooted in the inalienable dignity of the human person.

Crepeau categorises the migrants into refugees from war-torn areas like Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan; and economic migrants who come largely from Sub-Saharan Africa. For the refugees fleeing from violence, he calls for the kind of action that was applied when millions of Indochinese fled when the communist governments were established in 1975.

More than 2.5 million refugees were absorbed and resettled in North America and Europe.

For the economic migrants, he advocated that they be allowed to follow economic currents as it happened between 1950 and 1975 when millions of North Africans, Sub-Saharan Africans and Turks migrated to Europe for economic

reasons. He rejected the denial by Europe and others that they cannot welcome migrants because they do not have enough jobs for their citizens. He questioned why most countries are willing to accept skilled workers but not low– wage migrants, even though both flows are due to globalisation.

All said, the position of Crepeau is more dignified option because it recognises the universal brotherhood of all human beings and the shared responsibility, which all nations must bear for the pain of the other. Crepeau also recognises that migrants are compelled to undertake the dangerous crossings as a last resort; they have to make the journey against obvious odds that they are aware of. A militarised response will not solve the problem.

It has always been there. What is required is a systematic, wellthought- through that is built on the ideals of our common humanity and care for the survival of the human race. In the words of the legendry Reggae King, Bob Marley, “…

Until the philosophy which hold one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned… until there no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation…” (Sic), world

peace will remain but a fleeting illusion. How much will the sinking of smugglers’ ships or the tracking down of smugglers go to address the economic and crisis issues in the countries where people are forced to abandon the fatherland and head for exile? It is indeed true that the increasing number of persons fleeing from conflict, violence and oppression requires a new and concerted strategic approach, it must be a holistic response that answers all the pertinent questions.

A holistic response will demand more than the 10-point action-plan of the European Commission or the solutions proffered by the UN rapporteur.

The latter carries the seed to an immediate response because of the globalised outlook embedded in the unalienable dignity of the human person. A long term solution must address issues like arms trade which feeds insurgencies and wars; the anthropological aspects of climate change and its attendant ripple effects on small nations; and the deliberate economic policies of the Western world that continue to hinder sustainable economic growth in developing nations. The tragedies on the Mediterranean are inextricably tied to the aforementioned realities.

Ota and environ: Amosun, Buhari, please note

W

Timi Awoyemi

e need not reiterate that the whole of Ado Odo Ota and its environs, in Ogun State, like most progressive sections of the country, went agog at the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the federal and state elections respectively in what some described as an “upset”, and ‘’a bumper-to-bumper” result.

The unique opportunity to control the centre which has for long eluded a party of the southwest ‘’origin’’ eventually came their way at the last election which elated both the young and the old of this ethnic extraction amongst others.

Ota residents too, are particularly happy that Senator Ibikunle Amosun who during his first term, launched an’’ infrastructural revolution’’ in Ota and Ogun State generally, to the chagrin of his political opponents, was re-elected for a second term.

Ota, also being an ancient town is naturally and strategically placed complementing Lagos in so many ways. Ota and its environs for so long has had to bear the brunt of the Lagos Commercial and Industrial spill-over, amongst others: housing and electricity needs, population explosion, etc. and the aftermath of all these; such as crime, violence and others.

While we note with dismay, that Ogun State slogan is “the Gateway State” Is it not ironical that most of the roads are barely passable and not particularly motor-able. With these, ascribing the status of a gateway state is in fact laughable! Therefore, for Ogun State to live up to its billing, concrete and decisive steps will have to be taken to ensure that our roads are not only good and motor-able, but will also endure. Our philosophy of “Ogun standard” must be critically guarded and well protected, so as not to be sacrificed for shabby and shoddy construction works on our roads and others as observed in most states.

In the light of the above, the

time cannot be farther from now to rectify this age-long neglect.

Therefore the President-Elect (GMB), most respected for endowed traits of sound leadership, fairness and equity and our Governor/Governor-Elect (SIA) “The Revolutionary Leader” should expedite action as a matter of urgency to the quick completion of the Tollgate axis in Ota; construction of standard tarred roads with drainages for the roads within Ota and environs, to beautify the ancient and industrial town for which drainages are virtually absent for now; immediate expansion of LagosAbeokuta road to an 8-lane highway to absorb the heavy traffic with necessary flyovers, roundabout at pre-determined junction namely Iyana Ipaja, Abule Egba, Toll Gate, Ifo, etc. Also, the immediate upgrade of Idiroko road to an international route to a deserved 10-lane highway, being the industrial hub of the state and with the necessary flyover at determined junctions such as the critical traffic point at Ojuore, Atan, Iju, Owode, Idiroko, amongst others to resolve the

traffic gridlock along this route; construction of a train route to decongest the heavy haulage vehicular movement of trailers away from the roads; completion of the Ota-Ijoko road to Ibadan expressway at Berger, Lagos, to ease traffic on Lagos-Abeokuta expressway; and immediate commencement and completion of the Iyana Iyesi to Osuke/Idimu and Ilasa via Iyesi Road as promised by our able governor.

To close the gap, especially of the long years of neglect in developing Ogun State, now more than ever, there is the dire need for a complete synergy between the centre and the state government for the rare opportunity that has just presented itself for the centre and the state to be controlled by one and same party.

We congratulate you both for a well-deserved victory and wish you a successful tenure. Long lives Ado Odo Ota! Long lives Ogun State! Long lives Federal Republic of Nigeria!

SIA GMB! SIA BABA! •Awoyemi is chairman, Ayelabola CDA, Iyesi Ota, Ogun State.

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Buhari seeks collaboration from 8th NASS to fight corruption, insecurity Augustine Aminu Abuja

•••

The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has called on elected members of the 8th National Assembly and other elected leaders to be transparent in the discharge of their duties.

Buhari made this statement in Abuja at the induction ceremony of the new legislators of the National Assembly, on Wednesday.

He said it was imperative for all elected leaders to ensure prudence in the management of public resources and be transparent in the discharge of their duties.

According to Buhari, the legislature is a critical component and necessary ingredient of democ-

racy and good governance, adding that legislators carry heavy burden of representation with all the seriousness it deserves.

“The legislature by nature is inherently democratic, in the sense that all members are equal and are elected representatives of the Nigerian people.

“For a president to be successful in addressing community development and general welfare of the various people of the country, he or she would benefit from working closely and in harmony with the legislative arm of government. I, therefore, commit myself to working with the legislature as development partners motivated by the desire to deliver good governance,” Buhari

stressed.

He lauded the maturity exhibited by the political class, the professionalism of Nigerian security agencies, the competence and resilience of INEC, the doggedness of Nigerians, as well as their commitment to ensuring that their wishes were represented and respected.

While speaking further, the President-elect described his victory as equally a victory for all political parties and their leaderships for according due respect to the electoral process and accepting the results in most cases.

“I wish to specifically acknowledge the role played by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for accepting the results of the election

before final announcement was made,” he added.

Gen. Buhari, who enumerated nine challenges confronting the nation and needed to be tackled as soon as he takes over on May 29, noted that appropriate policies needed to be put in place, and such policies may have to be translated into laws.

“I see these development challenges as the mission of my Presidency. I need the support of the Members of National Assembly on the battle front. I need your support in many respects,” he stated. According to him, the oversight function of the legislature is critical in ensuring that policies were implemented effectively and transparently.

EFCC tasks bankers on money laundering, terrorism financing Mathew Dadiya Abuja

•••

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admonished Nigerian bankers to make effective use of the nation’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) measures put in place by the Federal Government in the on-going fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.

Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, made this remark during the anti-money laundering workshop organized by the Chattered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja.

Lamorde noted that in the 2012 report on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), Africa was estimated to be losing more than $50 billion annually to illicit financial flows.

Peace returns to warring Ebonyi community May Day: NLC Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

•••

L–R: Service Manager, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mrs. Nkechi Okolo; Marketing Manager, Smart Phone, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mr. Bolade Oyekanmi; Executive Director, Mobile Business, Lenovo, Mr. Shashank Shama; Sales Manager, Smart Phone, Lenovo Technologies, Mr Shadrack Otura during the Lenovo Inaugural Breakfast meeting with the media and the introduction of Lenovo in Lagos… on Wednesday Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

Don’t sell equity in joint ventures, RMAFC tells Buhari •••

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has asked the Presidentelect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, not to sell Nigeria equity in Joint Venture partnerships with international oil companies.

In a statement made available to reporters, in Abuja yesterday, Chairman of RMAFC, Mr. Elias Mbam, described reducing Nigeria’s stake in the ventures through equity sale, as unwise in view of the fact that the country, in the long run, would lose rather than gain revenue in the proposed transaction.

Governor of Central Bank of

Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefile, had reportedly urged Buhari to consider selling about 30 per cent of the nation’s stake in the ventures in order to raise funds required for immediate infrastructure development.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, on behalf of the government, holds about 55 per cent equity in the joint venture operations with multinational oil corporations, including Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total, Nigerian Agip, and Pan Ocean.

Government wholly-owned exploration company, the Nigerian

National Petroleum Development Company, an arm of NNPC, had not lived up to expectation as it is not yet a force to be reckoned with despite the huge exploratory business in the country that is dominated by the IOCs. According to Emefiele’s proposal, Nigeria stands to generate about N14.9trn required for critical infrastructure development if it sells about half of its holdings in the JV operations.

However, Mbam said outright sale of the federation’s equity holdings in the JVs with IOCs would directly impact negatively on the federation account.

Normalcy has returned in Ezillo community of Ishielu local government area in Ebonyi State, following government’s directive that anyone staying in the disputed land should vacate within 24-hours, and warning that defaulters would be treated as criminals.

Fear and apprehension gripped the people after reports of fresh hostilities in the area at the weekend, as human and vehicular movements were halted for three days, with the popular EnuguAbakaliki Expressway blocked by irate youths, while motorists diverted to alternative roads to continue their journeys.

Ezza detainees, who had been in prison custody for over one year and were released last week, allegedly returned to the disputed land, where they had lived for decades as settlers, when the Ezillo people became angry and began moves to protest their return to the land, which equally led to tension in the community.

As the furore continued, the state government, through the Deputy Governor and Governorelect, Chief Dave Umahi, summoned stakeholders of both Ezza and Ezillo to emergency meeting .

urges Buhari to tackle joblessness Akor Ejumene Abuja

•••

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the May Day, come Friday, May 1, the President-elect, Gen. Muhammandu Buhari (retd) has been charged to tackle the issues of joblessness, hunger, illiteracy and lack of access to education that make Nigerians easy prey to perpetrators of the dastardly acts, when he takes over the leadership of the country on May 29. Deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Chairman of the May Day Committee, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, who gave the charge at the pre-May Day press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, expressed worry that the past leadership of the country failed to take Nigeria out of the monster that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation.

He said that no country would boast of meaningful development if its citizenry wallows in poverty, joblessness, illiteracy, lack of electricity, lack of access to education and others.

Features DR. EBERENDU AMBUJA

Indian doctor who performs seven caesarean operations a week in Nigeria

There’s nothing odd if a Nigerian or African being is found to be a Hindu worshipper, but when you see a Born Again, tongue-speaking and Holy Ghost filled Indian national, something out of the ordinary certainly must have taken place. OVIE DANIEL spoke with one recently and filed in this report.

Dr Ambuja Eberendu is a Nigerian-Indian by marriage born in Hyderabad in the Middle Belt re-

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Æs

17

Features Editor: Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr. E-mail: gbubemi.godscovenantsnr@dailytimes.com.ng

gion of India in 1954 to a business man father and a simple housewife mother.

The 3rd of four children, Dr Eberendu as she prefers to be called is married to Mr. Sistus Eberendu, a son of Mbaise East Local Government Area of Ngeria’s Imo State. A medical practioner of many decades in three countries, Eberendu took our correspondent to the circumstances that made her prefer a Nigerian to an American engineer for marriage and the encounter that re-

vealed Jesus Christ to her as her Lord and Saviour: Growing up in India: As an adolescent growing up in her home country, Eberendu attended the standard six class under India’s primary educational structure and went on to the senior high school for five years.

Thereafter she enlisted into the Pre-Nurse City Coast before joining a specialized medical school.

It wasn’t in her dream to be a docCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Dr. Eberendu

Vehicles wading through flood in Lagos

In Lagos, it’s rain, rain. go away...

GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR moved around the flood prone areas of Lagos and reports that Lagosians at worst hit zones are bracing themselves for the worst.

Apprehension is building up again among residents of flood prone areas in Lagos, as the rainy season gathers storm for its 2015 reign of terror over the state.

In spite of the enormous money and labour sunk into constructing drainage infrastructure by the successive governments of Lagos State under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to check the juggernaut, the devastation wrought by the rain continually reveals that the best of the last two governments of Bola Ahmed

Tinubu and out-going Babatunde Raji Fashola have not tackled the problem from its roots.

The season is one of intimidating problems associated with flooding all over the city and, when it happens, many homes are swamped, property worth fortunes are destroyed and, sometimes, human lives are involved, as the floods sweep away everything in their paths, leaving residents to recount tales of woes.

Added to their predicament is the storms that accompany the rains, and the devastating floods that ensue afterward. The rains in Lagos actually are not the major problems, but the floods resulting from the deluge, which normally lead to great loss of lives and property.

Lagos residents, both rich and

poor, all dread a torrential rainfall, as it becomes a nightmare for commuters and motorists to manoeuver through roads, as most major highways are flooded and snarled by traffic gridlock.

Many times commuters are forced to trek long distances to their offices and market places; others, who cannot face the stress, return home after waiting for hours at various motor parks and bus stops in vain for commercial vehicles that would not come.

When Daily Times visited Mafoluku, one of the worst flood prone areas of Oshodi, it was observed that some residents have started a yearly routine of taking their important belongings to higher grounds and sojourning with friends and relations outside the area.

“Ah, this is what we do every year; we no longer see the raining season as a period of blessing,” borehole engineer, Fidelis Nwigwe, said. He was a tenant in this area, until he built his own house eleven years ago in the same zone.

“As it is, the damage to our homes and our personal losses increase every year; sometimes it becomes far worse than what we expected,” Nwigwe added.

A source at the Ministry of the Environment & Physical Planning, who preferred anonymity, revealed that flooding in Lagos will take many decades of serious work and funding to overcome.

He revealed that the worst areas during and after a rains include Mainland areas like Ogba, Ikeja, Orile-Agege, Alagbado, AIT Road, Iyana-Ipaja, Ipaja, Ayobo,

Moshalashi, Kollington, Oke-Odo and Ahmadiyya. A portion of the road between Ahmadiyya and Ijaiye on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway has collapsed, leaving commuters stranded.

Daily Times investigation also revealed that other areas like Arowojobe and Akinwunmi estates, the Maryland parts of Ikeja GRA, Dolphin and Park View estates, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Ibeju-Lekki, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Yaba, Surulere, Gbagada, Oworonshoki, Mafoluku-Oshodi, Iyana-Ejigbo, IsheriOsun, Berger-Alagbole Road, Ajegunle, Ikorodu Road, Ogijo and Odogunyan, are all on the flood CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Doctor: ‘We Indians don’t work because of money’ - Eberendu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

tor, she told Daily Times.

“I did not decide to be a doctor, it is God’s will. I applied for all the courses after my secondary school but one of my relation suggested I apply for medicine also, so I rushed to get all the papers for the medical course, and when the list came out, I was the first on the list.”

She said of her husband: “We courted for six months then we got married on the 13th of December 1982. We stayed in Delhi for six months and on the 7th of May 1983 we came to Nigeria and stayed in Kano”.

The mixed marriage produced a son and a daughter. The son, whom Dr Eberendu calls ‘Baba’ is Kelechi John Eberendu, now 26 read applied zoology but did his second degree in aircraft maintenance engineering. Now a graduate of aircraft engineering

Kelechi is working with an airline here in Lagos while the daughter of the family is in Canada reading medicine. He said of having a Nigerian father and an Indian mother: “Well there’s really no special feeling, except that the lifestyle of my mother is clearly different from the general lifestyle we have with mothers in Nigeria. The Indian mother is more disciplined and straightforward. She tells you things strict and don’t attempt to pet you”.

Of his Nigerian father he said: ‘My father is the typical Nigerian father, so we grew up in a very disciplined home’.

At the opposite end of his father’s profession, Kelechi feels that flying is a boring job; ‘Exciting to some other people may be, but to me, it’s a routine profession: what the pilot did today is what he’ll do tomorrow, but in engineering we’re diverse and dy-

namic; we do a lot of things and is a lot more handy’.

I was recalled to Nasarawa Hospital after a time and I constituted the team that opened the new theatre at Sabo Bakin-Zuwo. After that I sort a break from the Nigerian environment and went to Saudi Arabia where I worked for two years. In 1992 her husband called me and broke the news that our property in Kano has been robbed during the Hausa-Ibo crisis. I had to leave the job and returned immediately to Nigeria in 1992 because apart from the property, our two children were in Kano also.”

Of medical practice in Nigeria she said: “Well it was very good; at least I was doing about seven caesareans a week and other surgeries are there in between. I was very busy at Adeniyi Jones.”

Specialists in her team include a surgeon, entomologist, dermatologist, paediatrician, Ear Nose

and Throat (ENT), orthopaedic, cardiologist, and a respiratory doctor.

Comparing the difference in medical practice between Nigeria and India, Eberendu said there’s a vast difference: ‘We Indians don’t work because of money, we work because it’s

our duty; we devote our lives towards our patients; we work hard to make sure our patients are alright. But here in Nigeria’, she hesitated, and shook her head; ‘I don’t know, please don’t let me say anything about medical practice in Nigeria; I don’t want to commit any offence.”

Kelechi and mom

Lagos floods: ‘Much of Lagos lies below sea level’ - Experts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

risk list.

Parts of Ogun State, being areas that share boundaries with Lagos, that were submerged included Akute, Alagbole, Olambe and Ojodu-Abiodun, among others, are also not spared.

Our source at Alausa pointed to the dumping of waste materials in drainages as the foremost issue to be addressed in combating the floods. It said further, “If you take a look at the flood whenever it rains, what you find is thousands of water sachets, rags, shoes, stationeries and all sorts of domestic wastes, which usually block the drains, pushing the water to road surfaces, which eventually lead to pot-holes and craters. Then you ask yourself ‘how did these items find their ways into the drainages?”

But on the contrary, an expert on Coast and Small Island (CSI) matters, Mr. Zenob Emmanuel, insisted that government is to blame for the recurrent flood disasters that happen in Lagos State annually.

“The ‘City of Excellence’ remains fragile and vulnerable to the rains, and endangers lives and properties year-in and year-out

because the government has not approached the flooding problem with any sense of professionalism “Whenever it rains, many areas in Lagos and some parts of Ogun State experience torrential rainfall that leaves untold hardship on the people due to bad city planning, compounded by bad roads that leave the affected areas submerged in flood,” he lamented.

Government has itself to blame “Lagos apparently has itself to blame for this state of affairs.

Much of the state lies below sea level and, despite this, it has embarked on unprecedented land reclamation. One result is the enormous environmental damage, as the indiscriminate draining has tilted the balance in the ecosystem.

“As a proactive and responsive administration that is committed to the overall well-being of the residents, this alert becomes necessary to sensitise all the people, especially those that reside in the flood-prone areas, to be on the alert in order to prevent the loss of lives and property,” he advised.

It would be recalled that a study on Flood Management and Governance Structure in Lagos

Lagosians swimming after a rainfall

on ‘Lookman Oshodi’ recorded that flood is a natural threat that makes no distinction in the status of any society in the world. Its occurrence in different parts of the world has shown that it is a global phenomenon that does not ostracise any community.

The common characteristics of all these disasters are massive devastation to the physical and emotional fabrics of the respective environment.

In many jurisdictions, flood threats cannot be totally avoided, but minimizing its destructive impacts on lives and the environment becomes a strong priority for many governments.

Issues to be addressed There is lack of standard or regulatory framework to man-

age the development and delivery of tertiary and many secondary drainage facilities at the community level.

In many communities in Lagos, especially on the Mainland, construction and management of tertiary drains are at the discretion of individual plot owners.

The decision to construct and manage depends on how compelling and affordable is the drainage channel to the respective plot owners. Equally, construction and management of secondary drains are through contributions from the community members.

The contributions are often meager and erratic, leading to poor quality drains and mostly, abandonment. At individual and community levels, the construc-

tion and management of the drains are executed without any development guide, approved layout plan, regulations or any prescribed operational standard.

In the schedule of responsibilities for the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, construction and maintenance of secondary channels are integral parts of the ministry’s duties.

The provision of drainage infrastructure is not at commensurate level with the rate of urbanization and population growth in the state.

Massive and incessant land reclamation and dredging projects across the water bodies in the state are with little or no regards for environmental impacts of such projects.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Crime Customs records over 45% increase in seizures

Æs The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs, has released her first quarter report of antismuggling activities of the zone.

The report which was presented by the controller, DC Usman Adamu Turaki had it that 482 different Seizures were made this quarter.

The seizures which includes 133 50kg parboiled rice, 74 different seizures of smuggled frozen poultry products, 86 units of assorted fairly used vehicles, 189 general goods such as new and used textile materials, new and used foot wears, vegetable oil, mosquito insecticide, wine,

Stories and pictures by Anyim Joy Ndudi

various soap and spaghetti.

All the seizures were put at two hundred and twenty eight million, nine hundred and six thousand, one hundred naira only (N228,906,100).

The DC stated that the success which, when compared with the corresponding period of 2014, represents over 45% increase in terms of quality and quantity of seizures.

DC Usman who promised to continue to strategise on the operational plans so as to ensure the zone is a step ahead of smugglers said, “We have institutionalised the concept of CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Dikko

15 year old kidnapped, sold for N10,000

Suspects Kelvin and Ogbonnaya

19

Precious is smart and good looking, but greed led her maternal cousin to sell her off for prostitution for as little as N10,000. Speaking to Daily Times as friends and family members celebrate her return from Libya at their Igboroko Street, Lakwe, Ajah residence, Precious recounted her ordeal that began on May 25, 2014 on her way back from school.

“I left home about 5 pm and boarded a bus to my school in Ikene Ogun state. Unfortunately, we ran into a gang of suspected cultists in Ijebu-Ode. I was tortured and assaulted, before one of the gang members had a second thought and decided to rescue me from his other gang members.”

The encounter took a different turn when her ‘rescuer’ instead of allowing Precious continue her journey to school, the gang member (name withheld) took his victim back to his house at the Ojota area of Lagos where she was held hostage for days.

But on one of those days when precious was given the opportunity to move around the environment, she met one Kelvin who is a relative from her maternal family. Thinking she had finally found her deliverer, she gladly followed Kelvin who sold her off for a token sum of N10,000, exploited her parents and subsequently exported her to Libya for prostitution.

Following her parents report to the divisional police office in Ajah about their missing daugh-

ter, the case was transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Panti for proper investigation.

Fortunately the case received a breath of fresh air when information reached the State Commissioner of Police, CP kayode Aderanti who ordered the officer in charge of the Special Antirobbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja to rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators of the cruel act.

This operation paid off as three suspects, Innocent Onyekwe (38), Ugwu Christopher Maduabuchi (37) and Christian Mercy Chima (27), were arrested. They however, supplied the police with useful information which led to the arrest of the kingpins, Kelvin Okorie (27) and 20 years old Ogbonna Njoku. The duo are alleged to have perpetrated the devilish act and requested for various sums of money ranging from $30,000. N200, 000 and N30,000 from the victim’s parent.

CP Aderanti recounted how the suspects were arrested. “The process was long, tortuous and harrowing. We deployed cutting edge technology and adopted out-of-the-box tactics to achieve results. At every turn the safe liberation of the victim was top on our minds, taking into account the pains and trauma of the parents.

“Numerous suspects were arrested, but the breakthrough came when a decoy team of SARS led by the irrepressible officer in charge of the squad, SP Abba Kyari arrested one KelvinO korie, a cousin to the mother of the victim. Through him, contact was established with the gang’s member in Libya which subsequently led to the safe reCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Crime 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

We will suppress smuggling - DC Usman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Customs Community Relation (CCR) which is meant to provide an enabling environment for operations in our places of assignment. This became imperative as a result of cases of incessant attacks of our operatives at some volatile areas.

“We have also collaborated and synergised with the various Security Agencies in line with six point agenda of the CGC. In

addition, we have incorporated ICT in our anti-smuggling drive and the resultant effect has been phenomenal.

“We have recorded remarkable seizures through the concept of Risk Management and Cargo Selectivity. This method enables us to access the seaports and areas under our watch to ensure effective control and monitoring.

All these became possible through the magnanimity of the CGC, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko

CFR, who directed the upgrade of our ICT facility.”

He also re-emphasised that the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja is an Enforcement Arm of the Nigeria Customs Service, with multifaceted responsibilities which include (but not limited) to suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legitimate trade and enforcement of implementation of Federal Government fiscal policy on trade.

Part of Custom’s seizures

‘I lied about calling her parents’ - Kelvin CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

turn of the victim to Lagos on Friday April 24 2015, almost a year after the abduction of the teenager.”

The key suspect Kelvin, who also spoke with Daily Times denied knowledge of what precious was led into. According to him, “I was only trying to help so that my family can also have someone abroad. The N10,000 I collected was just money Daniel gave to me for accompanying him to supply beans somewhere.

I know I lied about calling her parents to give their consent for her to travel. I know I was very wrong for allowing Precious travel without her parent’s knowledge. I am very sorry.” He said Also, Ogbonna claimed he knew nothing about the deal. “I

was not there when Daniel gave Kelvin N10,000, and I never knew my brother was into trafficking of persons for prostitution. I just know he does business in Libya.

I did not know the kind of business.”

CP Aderanti used the opportunity to admonish parents, especially those who have children in boarding schools to take it as their responsibility to take to or pick their children from school.

And if need be, only trusted persons should be allowed to do so on their behalf. He also stated that medical processes have been initiated to fully rehabilitate the victim.

CP Aderanti however assured that the command will partner with INTERPOL and other agencies to rescue other of such victims in Libya and also bring the perpetrators to face the law.

Precious backing the camera

Update on Banker in police net over death of husband It would appear the fate of young banker and widow of late Seun Olafare, Mrs. Busayo Olafare is still far from visible as she is still at police custody awaiting the result of police autopsy on the late husband.

Daily Times visited the suspect at the State Department of Criminal Investigation (SDCI), Panti, Yaba but was unable to speak with her as the police she is still held under suspected murder charge and is not allowed visitors for now.

Our investigations revealed that parents of the late husband are pressing hard on the case but the police insist on waiting for the autopsy before further action can be taken.

Upon learning of the publication of her in the Nigerian press, Busayo was said to be sad, saying it must be the handwork of her late husband’s parents who never liked her from the first day of her marriage to their son.

It would be recalled that Mrs. Busayo Olafare, a banker was alleged by her inlaws to have a hand in the death of her 36 year old husband, Seun Olafare who died in their home in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

Seun who until his death was

a pharmacist was married to Busayo and blessed with two children. Despite the hard times the family had faced, the couple had lived together until that Sunday when Seun was said to have ended his own life.

Busayo who pleaded her innocence recounted the incident that preceded the death of her husband on that Sunday morning.

On the day of the incident, when we woke up that morning, I was preparing the children for church service, but he was just not making any attempt to prepare for church.

Busayo

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Today in History Æ s Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

Cartoons from our Archives

1789 The first presidential inauguration In New York City, George Washington, the great military leader of the American Revolution, was inaugurated as the first president of the United States.

In February 1789, all 69 presidential electors unanimously chose Washington to be the first U.S. president. In March, the new U.S. constitution officially took effect, and in April Congress formally sent word to Washington that he had won the presidency.

He borrowed money to pay off his debts in Virginia and travelled to New York. On April 30, he came across the Hudson River in a specially built and decorated barge. The inaugural ceremony was performed on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street, and a large crowd cheered after he took the oath of office. The president then retired indoors to read Congress his inaugural address, a quiet speech in which he spoke of “the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American

1803

people.” The evening celebration was opened and closed by 13 skyrockets and 13 cannons.

As president, Washington sought to unite the nation and protect the interests of the new republic at home and abroad. Of his presidency, he said, “I walk on untraded ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn in precedent.” He successfully implemented executive authority, made good use of brilliant politicians such as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in his cabinet, and quieted fears of presidential tyranny. In 1792, he was unanimously re-elected but four years later refused a third term. In 1797, he finally began a long-awaited retirement at his estate in Virginia. He died two years later. His friend Henry Lee provided a famous eulogy for the father of the United States: “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Louisiana Purchase concluded

On April 30, 1803, representatives of the United States and Napoleonic France concluded negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase, a massive land sale that doubles the size of the young American republic. What was known as Louisiana Territory comprised most of modern-day United States between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains, with the exceptions of Texas, parts of New Mexico, and other pockets of land already controlled by the United States?

A formal treaty for the Louisiana Purchase, antedated to April 30, was signed two days later.

Beginning in the 17th century, France explored the Mississippi River valley and established scattered settlements in the region.

By the middle of the 18th century, France controlled more of the modern United States than any other European power: from New Orleans northeast to the Great Lakes and northwest to modern-day Montana. In 1762, during the French and Indian War, France ceded its America

territory west of the Mississippi River to Spain and in 1763 transferred nearly all of its remaining North American holdings to Great Britain. Spain, no longer a dominant European power, did little to develop Louisiana Territory during the next three decades. In 1796, Spain allied itself with France, leading Britain to use its powerful navy to cut off Spain from America.

In 1801, Spain signed a secret treaty with France to return Louisiana Territory to France.

Reports of the retrocession caused considerable uneasiness in the United States. Since the late 1780s, Americans had been moving westward into the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys, and these settlers were highly dependent on free access to the Mississippi River and the strategic port of New Orleans. U.S. officials feared that France, resurgent under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, would soon seek to dominate the Mississippi River and access to the Gulf of Mexico.

In a letter to Robert Livingston,

Daily Times March 30, 1961

the U.S. minister to France, President Thomas Jefferson stated, “The day that France takes possession of New Orleans...we must marry ourselves to the British fleet and nation.” Livingston was ordered to negotiate with French minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand for the purchase of New Orleans.

France was slow in taking control of Louisiana, but in 1802 Spanish authorities, apparently acting under French orders, revoked a U.S.-Spanish treaty that granted Americans the right to store goods in New Orleans. In response, President Jefferson sent future president James Monroe to Paris to aid Livingston in the New Orleans purchase talks.

On April 11, 1803, the day before Monroe’s arrival, Talleyrand asked a surprised Livingston what the United States would give for all of Louisiana Territory. It is believed that the failure of France to put down a slave revolution in Haiti, the impending war with Great Britain and probable Royal Navy blockade of France, and financial difficulties may all have prompted Napoleon to offer Louisiana for sale to the United States.

1917 Battle of the Boot

On this day in 1917, the socalled Battle of the Boot marked the end of the British army’s Samarra Offensive, launched the previous month by Anglo-Indian forces under the regional commander in chief, Sir Frederick Stanley Maude, against the important Turkish railroad at Samarra, some 130 kilometres north of Baghdad, in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

Fresh from the triumphant capture of Baghdad, Maude decided not to hesitate before moving to consolidate the Allied positions to the north, where Turkish commander Khalil Pasha’s forces had retreated from Baghdad to await reinforcements sent from Persia.

In the Samarra Offensive, begun on March 13, 1917, some 45,000 Anglo-Indian frontline troops were sent up the Tigris River towards the railway at Samarra; on March 19, Maude’s forces seized Falluja, preventing the Turks from flooding the Euphrates River onto the plains and hampering the British advance. Though an attempt on March 25 to intercept the Turkish reinforcement troops, led by

Ali Ishan Bey, met with failure, the British were able to capture another city, Dogameh, by the end of March.

As the Samarra Offensive continued into April, the Turks had backed up to positions between the Tigris and the Al Jali Canal; the Samarra railway itself lay in between. Heavy fighting beginning on April 21 resulted in a Turkish defeat two days later and they were forced to cede Samarra to the British. Less than a week later, Ishan suddenly reappeared with the majority of his troops at Dahubu in an attempt to surprise the British forces; they were aware of his movements, however, and the Turks were met by several infantry brigades, commanded by General William Marshall, and forced to retreat to prepared positions in the foothills that spanned the river at Band-iAdhaim. The subsequent action that took place, beginning early the morning of April 30, became known as the Battle of the Boot, for the boot-shaped peninsula of high ground on which it was fought.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

23 News

Okebukola wants more investment in human capital devt Sam Nzeh

Ex-National President, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Mr. Faleye Idowu (left) in handshakes with President Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Ayuba Wabba during MHWUN national delegate conference in Abuja… on Tuesday. With them are President, MHWUN, Mrs. Ladi Itya and Deputy National Chairperson NLC, Mrs. Oby Eze Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

May Day: Northern Govs hail workers, harp on accountability, selflessness Pita Chikwem Minna

•••Chairman

of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, on Wednesday, called on workers in the country to mark workers’ day celebration by reflecting more on what they can do to fast-track national development.

Aliyu, who made this known through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel Ebije, said workers in the

country must be innovative, exhibit high moral standards in the area of accountability and must place the interest of the country before theirs.

He said the role of workers was sacrosanct in achieving Nigeria’s collective development aspiration, adding that more was expected from the Nigerian labour force as the country was prepared to savour change of government following the outcome of the last general election.

According to the gover-

nor, “Let me salute the resilience of Nigerian workers in the face of daunting work challenges. As a labour leader, in the 1980s, I am aware of the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.

I am, indeed, happy Nigerian workers are capable of working under any terrain and that is why we will always show appreciation by marking a day set aside for workers.”

“Let me, however, urge our workers on the need to be more innovative, adhere to the principle of account-

ability and be ready to place the interest of Nigeria above self. Once every Nigerian worker understands that success of the country depends on every sector of the economy, she will, indeed, fare better economically, socially and politically.” Aliyu further said that the real change must come with transformation.

He said the task of nation building should not be left in the hands of politicians alone, and that the task of nation-building was a combined effort of everyone.

Ita-Giwa eulogises Chukwumerije •••A former adviser to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has described the death of Senator Uche Chukwumerije as painful, noting that he was passionate about the plight of the Bakassi people.

In a statement made available to newsmen, on Wednesday, Ita-Giwa eulogised Chukwumerije, adding that he learnt on the job and understood legislative procedures.

In her words: “Death is a necessary end, but I join

millions of Nigerians in mourning a distinguished senator, colleague and politician, Senator Uche Chukwumerije.

“I have fond memories of my encounters with him and it's sad that he left at a time the nation required more of his political inputs and wisdom, especially as we transit from one administration to another.

“Chukwumerije was a good lawmaker, who learnt on the job and contributed tremendously to the democratic stability of

the nation's polity.

"He was always on hand to advise me, while I was the Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to two former Presidents.

"As a lawmaker, he was passionately concerned about the plight of my people and he supported the struggle. I take solace in the fact that he was a good man and he left his footprints on the sands of time.

“I pray for the repose of his soul and the fortitude for his family and friends to bear this great loss.”

•••Former Executive Secretarym of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, has called on federal and state governments to invest more in human capital development, adding that high-level human resources, in the right number would keep the economy afloat in a season of revenue scarcity.

Prof. Okebukola made the call in a lecture titled: “Taking Advantage of a Depressing Nigerian Economy to Accelerate Socio-Economic Development”, to mark the 2013/2014 convocation of the University of Lagos.

He regretted that the naChukwuemeke Iwelunmo

•••Arik

Air has announced a suspension of operation on its Dubai route. The decision was made by the company's executive board.

Arik's Communications Officer, Chigozie Okereke, said the challenging economic environment in Nigeria as well as increasingly stringent travel regulation controls in the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) had contributed to the decision to suspend the operations "Arik Air will continue”, he said, “to focus its attention on developing services in Nigeria and West Africa. Our present domestic network is fully developed with flights to most parts of the country,

Tackle education sector problems, NUT urges govt

Chukwumerije

•••The Lagos State wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), on Wednesday, urged the incoming government in the state to address problems of recruitment in the edu-

tion would seem to have refused to make such investments, during the time of plenty, noting that education and training, which were the heart of human capital development, had assumed a wavy pattern in the last two decades.

Okebukola, who is the Chairman of Council, Crawford University, Ogun State, while identifying three measures of human capital as human capital endowment, human capital utilisation and human capital productivity, added that an increase in human capital would lead to a more efficient adaption of superior technologies, thereby shifting the frontier of the production possibility outwards.

Arik Air suspends service to Dubai however we will continue to review our frequencies and fleet deployment strategy to ensure we continually match growing demand within and outside of Nigeria for air travel and also operate efficiently.”

“Arik Air is committed in its pursuit to meet customer’s expectations through operating and investing in state of the art aircraft and puts great emphasis on safety and reliability,” Okereke said. cation sector.

The NUT chairman, Mr Segun Raheem, told reporters in Lagos that there was a need to ensure that principals were properly appointed and more teachers urgently recruited.

Raheem said the number of teachers in the state was inadequate and it was important to employ more.

Said he: “So many teachers are retiring. Some have died and some others are having all kinds of issues one way or the other, so they need to be replaced.”

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

NSTIF moves to implement 33% pension payment Akor Ejumene Abuja

•••

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has raised a committee to ensure the payment of 33% pension increment to its retirees.

Managing Director of NSITF, Munir Abubakar, who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, after a two-hour meeting with the protesting former workers, said the decision to picket the premises was borne out of misunderstanding of how pension administration works.

Abubakar said that “The meeting has disabused the distrust that our retirees have against the management. Ever since this issue

started over two years ago, we have been doing our best to ensure that we find amicable middle ground that will be acceptable to the retirees. “I am, extremely, pleased that we have finally found an amicable solution to the matter. The picketing of our office by the pensioners’ union also afforded them the opportunity to see what the management has been doing and the efforts that have gone into resolving the matter”, he added.

He also lauded the team from the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) led by the Deputy National Secretary, Joseph Okunade, adding that the team, through the picketing, contributed to finding an amicable solu-

tion to the logjam.

“The NSITF is a big organisation and it is in the best interest of the Nigerian workers to create an enabling environment that will allow for smooth implementation of the Employees Compensation Scheme.

I assure the retirees that management is always seeking for ways to improve their collective interest. The management sees the retirees as our ambassadors and, therefore, we cannot do anything that will harm their well-being”, he added.

Abubakar also stressed that the NSITF had never defaulted in the payment of pension to its retirees, maintaining that they are paid first before the serving

workers every month.

According to him, “even when we were going through a tough period to the point of liquidation between 2004 and 2010, pension payment never stopped for one day. Why are we going to stop or delay payment of pension now that we have a programme we are running?”

The eight-man committee would find ways of implementing the 33% increment while it would also look into the differences between the two factions and how the 1% check-off dues would be remitted. The meeting also agreed that there would be regular meetings between NSITF and the in-house pensioners’ union.

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

•••

The Federal Government has withdrawn the letter of appointment of the Director of Finance in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) Mr. Tochukwu Bede Uchendu.

In a letter dated April 27, 2015, and signed by A. A. Tsafe, Director, Human Resource Management, for the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, read "We regretfully inform you that the letter is hereby withdrawn pending the conclusion of the necessary due process on the matter".

The letter further directed Uchendu to vacate the office until the “due process” was concluded and formal letter of appointment issued to him.

It would be recalled that the Air Transport Services

INEC urges Abia Gov-elect, others to be magnanimous in victory

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

•••The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has advised the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and other newly elected members of the House of Assembly to be magnanimous in victory and accommodate the losers in the just concluded elections.

National Commissioner, representing the state in INEC, Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku, while congratulating the victors at the INEC headquarters in Umuahia, where they collected their certificates of return, said that power belongs to God and urged them to make their administration all-inclusive.

Speaking on the occasion, Ikpeazu, who collected his Certificate of Return

alongside his deputy, and Speaker, House of Assembly, Sir Ude Okochukwu, thanked Abians for voting massively for him during the election and assured them that he would protect the mandate they gave him.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor-elect, Sir Udo Okochukwu, thanked the electorate for the confidence they reposed in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his principal

and assured them that they would not fail them.

Reacting, a former governorship aspirant in the state and PDP stakeholder from Okinawa local government area, Arc. Dan Nwankwo, expressed joy that what seemed impossible over the years in the history of Ndi Ukwa/Ngwa had come to fruition, advising the governor-elect and his deputy to perform creditably well.

Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), early last week, in a petition to the Head of Service of the Federation, called for the sack of two directors in FAAN for irregularities in their appointments by the Aviation Minister.

The former director was a board member of the Consumer Investment Company, believed to be owned by the minister.

A’Ibom APC congratulates Gov-elect •••The Akwa Ibom Chapter Chairmen and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) have commended the just concluded general election in the state, describing the process as generally credible.

Similarly, the APC chieftains congratulated the Governor-elect, Udom Emmanuel on his victory at the polls and urged APC governorship candidate, Mr. Umana Umana, to emulate President Goodluck Jonathan’s example by conceding defeat and joining forces with the incoming governor to develop the state.

In a media briefing entitled, Now that Akwa Ibom

R-L: Speaker and Governor-elect, Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd);Senate President, David Mark and APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun after the induction certificate course for the Eighth National Assembly members at the International Conference Centre in Abuja …on Wednesday

FG suspends FAAN Director

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

••• The All Progressives

Congress (APC) in Osun State, has called on the state Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and civil servants to exercise patience over the current economic crisis in the state because relief is very near.

Civil servants in the state are being owed five-month salary.

According to the party, the new APC Federal Government would look into the Federal Allocation to the states to reduce months of unpaid salaries, as soon as the new government is

people have spoken, the 17 APC chapter chairmen and some stakeholders told journalists that they were confident that the outcome of both the presidential and state governorship elections was the decision of God. The spokesman for the group and APC chapter chairman for Ini local government area, Mr. Uwem Ikamanyin Udo, who read the decisions of the chapter chairmen averred, “Let us put it on record that we in APC came into the elections with full intentions to convince and win the hearts of Akwa Ibom people and to emerge victorious.

APC assures Osun workers of better days ahead sworn in on May 29, 2015.

A press statement released in Osogbo on Wednesday by the Director of Publicity for the party, Barr. Kunle Oyatomi, added that "The long and difficult battle to defeat the forces of evil that have squandered the nation's wealth has just been won.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Hunter mistakenly shoots self instead of bush rat Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

••• A young man, simply identified as Bolaji, has mistakenly shot himself with his dane gun at Itagunmodi in Atakunmosa-West Local Government Council of Osun State.

Bolaji, a local hunter, was trying to shot a bush rat when his dane gun exploded at the firing point and hit him in the abdomen, thereby inflicting severe injuries on him.

"He is receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa," a family

source said.

When contacted, the state Police Command confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, another tragedy occurred in Ilesa, Osun State when a young man, simply identified as Opeyemi Ogundele, was electrocuted while attempting to illegally re-connect an electricity line to his house.

It was gathered that the youngman, of J11, OkeAyo in Ilesa, attempted to re-connect the electricity wire shortly after the officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) had disconnected the house over unpaid bills.

It was learnt that Ogundele was hired to assist the occupants of the house to re-connect the electricity wire illegally and he had charged them N1.500 for his services.

He was said to have hired a ladder and was in the process of carrying out the job when the incident occurred.

An eyewitnesses said, "He mistakenly touched the live wire on the electric pole and got electrocuted instantly. Immediately the incident occurred, the occupants abandoned the house for fear of being arrested by the police."

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•••As the crisis rocking the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) lingers, members of the party, under the leadership of Okuwa Bankole, have called for the immediate prosecution of Dr. Frederick Fasehun, who, according to them, had seized to be the party’s National Chairman.

In a statement made available to newsmen, on Wednesday, by the National Secretary of the factional members of UPN, Abdullahi Sokoto, the party accused Fasehun of compromise and character assassination of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, on issues that demanded Fasehun's prosecution by the security agencies.

Obiano's aide brutalised by security operatives Awka

@

Syntactic Errors Inadvertent Tense shifts Redundant Parallelism Misplaced modification Poor Punctuation and spelling Sloveness Malapropism

It was learnt that policemen in Ilesa were contacted and deposited the body at the Wesley Guild Hospital mortuary.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs. Folasade Odoro, confirmed the incident, saying that investigation into the matter had commenced.

Nkiru Nwagbo

Publishing

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IGP Arase

25 News

aide to Governor Willie Obiano and former Anambra State Co-ordinator for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in 2007, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Nwokoye, has allegedly been attacked and brutalised by men of the Department of State Security (DSS), on Monday.

He was allegedly battered and humiliated by the DSS for allegedly not releasing information on the 22 expatriate medical doctors invited by Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, for the indigent and less-privileged in the state.

As at the time of filing this report, Daily Times learnt that Nwokoye was partially blind, while the treatment he received at the Anambra State Teaching Hospital, in Awka gave him a life line.

But the security agency reacted and claimed that its operatives were held hostage at Nwokoye’s hotel and other operatives wanted to rescue their colleagues.

The State DSS Director, Alex Okeiyi, told Daily Times that the command was going to press charges against Nwokoye for assault occasioning harm and hostage taking.

He equally claimed that one of the DSS operatives was seriously injured and taken to the DSS clinic, in Awka.

According to him: “People should learn to respect security operatives, because we are working for them; securing Anambra is at a cost. People should help us. Our men are being targeted by hoodlums all the time.”

Okeiyi alleged that Nwokoye, his wife and his hotel staff held three DSS staff hostage, at May-Roses Hotel, until the office sent reinforcement to secure their release.

But Nwokoye told our correspondent that when they bundled him and his wife, Jessica to their office at Amawbia, they left him stark-naked and were hitting him with guns, helmets and other instruments until he fainted.

Obiano

Factional UPN members demand Fasehun’s prosecution "Fasehun alleged, in a publication that Buhari is the creator of Boko Haram.

He also said the presidentelect stole N2.8 billion. He has raised so many disturbing issues against Buhari, which, we believe, is pertinent for the security agencies to invite Fasehun to clarify. These allegations, we believe, he made to cause mischief ; to cause chaos and insecurity in the country,” the statement read.

Niger NYSC gets N2.5m mobile toilets Saka Bolaji Minna

•••The

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Foundation has donated ten mobile toilets and bathrooms worth over N2.5 million to the permanent site of the NYSC orientation camp, in Paiko, Niger State.

The foundation, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), represented at the inauguration ceremony, on Wednesday, by Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi, who is a member of the Board of Trustees, stated that the aim of providing the facilities was to have a more hygienic environment for the youth corps members throughout the country to complement government efforts.

Abdullahi stated that “In the past, we used to have a few youth corps members with adequate facilities, but, today the number has risen with little funds to provide for the high number of corps members".

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Health Æ s

Experts call for commitment, funds to end malaria scourge Stories by Lara Adejoro omolara.adejoro@dailytimes.com. ng Global experts are calling on stakeholders and government at all levels to urgently close the gaps in tackling the cases and deaths from malaria.

Annually, more than half a million lives are still lost to the preventable disease despite the declines in malaria cases and deaths since 2000.

“It’s even a thing of joy that in the last few years, we have been able to reduce the number of deaths from malaria to 54 per cent in children worldwide because any death at all by malaria saddens any family. There is therefore need to improve on what we have been able to achieve and that is why we feel we should continue the malaria awareness in the grassroots,” says Dr Baba-

jide Puddicombe, President, Malaria Society of Nigeria (MSN).

Dr Puddicombe highlighted the need to urgently address the gaps in preventive treatment for malaria during the society’s community outreach, free screening for malaria and free distribution of mosquito nets and malaria drugs at Ado-Odo, Ota, Ogun State.

The outreach was in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Department of Ado-Odo, Ota. “With about 100 million cases of malaria per year and about 300000 deaths mainly children under 5 years, Nigeria has the highest malaria fatalities in the world. I believe in more efforts on awareness campaign and getting to the nooks and crannies of this country, we can still get the death from malaria further down by intensifying efforts on malaria programme.”

Health Editor: Lara Adejoro Email: omolara.adejoro@dailytimes.com.ng

Quote Nigeria has recorded no case of Wild Polio Virus in the last nine months and is closer than ever before to becoming Polio Free Nigeria----------Polio Free Nigeria

Study: Bullying causes mental health problems than maltreatment A medical expert and member of the Malaria Society of Nigeria carrying out a frre malaria screening on a female resident of Ado-Odo, Ota

He said, the pregnant women and children under 5 are the most vulnerable group in malaria-endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

“When women are pregnant, their immunity is reduced, also children under 5 don’t have enough immunity against malaria attack and that is why we clamour for them to know what is going on and advise them on what to do to avoid malaria. An adult may have malaria and it may not be fertile but when malaria attacks a pregnant woman, it can affect the unborn child.”

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that the vulnerable groups receive preventive treatment to reduce the risk of malaria infection. Preventive treatments are highly cost-effective, with the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year. Coverage with such treatments, however, re-

mains low and needs to be significantly scaled up.

Puddicombe said, awareness programme for malaria should not be done once in a year but, “it should be a continuous exercise.

We know that government cannot do it alone because malaria is not the only thing government is handling, so, credible NGOs like MSN should be co-opted into the country’s awareness programme because what we are doing today is not getting any support from anyone.”

Moving towards malaria elimination will require political commitment and funds from government at all levels.

“We must take the malaria fight to the next level. Moving towards elimination will require high level political commitment and robust financing, including substantial new investments in disease surveillance, health

Bullying adversely affects children in later life more than being maltreated, according to new research from the University of Warwick.

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry shows that children who have been bullied by peers suffer worse in the longer term than those who have been maltreated by adults.

The research is led by Professor Dieter Wolke from Warwick’s Department of Psychology and Warwick Medical School.

The study is due to be presented at the Paediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in San Diego on Tuesday.

There is already an established link between maltreatment by adults and the mental health consequences for children. Professor Wolke and his team wanted to examine whether long-term mental health issues among victims of bullying were related to having been maltreated by adults as well.

Continued on page 27

Health workers may embark on strike May 8

Health workers protesting

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) may embark on a nationwide strike on Friday, May 8 f the Federal government fails to accede to its 15-point demands.

According to the union, efforts to meet President Goodluck Jonathan on the demands yields no positive result.

However, in a directive issued on Tuesday by the vicepresident of the union and

president of National Union of Allied Health Professionals, Mr Felix Faniran said, if the government fails to meet up with their demands, the leadership of te union will declare a natonwide strike ith effect from May 8, 2015.

Faniran said, “Dear all, kindly to the outcome of the last JOHESU ledaesr eetung, which wa held on Thursday, April 23 at Abuja as follow-up to the earlier

meeting of April 14, whwere a decision was taken to request an audience to see Mr President for immediate implementation of our 15-point demands as promised by Mr. President to the union’s leadership when he met us on February 1.

“Since there was no response, it was further resolved that a reminder be sent to Mr President to meet our demands on or before April 30.

A sad african child

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

27 Health

Rotary club donates toilet facility to school

The Executive Secretary of CECP-Nigeria, Dr Abia Nzelu; Head, Corporate Communications, NSE, Mrs Cima Sholatan; Mrs. M. Adeleke OON; Head, of Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr Bola Adeeko and the Chairman, CECP-Nigeria, Professor Pat Utomi at the NSE Corporate Challenge (Race Vs Cancer) press conference held in Lagos

NGO partners NSE to war against cancer In its bid to fight against cancer in the country, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) in collaboration with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched a scheme, ‘Race Against Cancer’ as part of the ‘Big War Against Cancer’ initiated by CECP towards raising funds to acquire Mobile Cancer Centres (MCC) for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos, Head, of Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr Bola Adeeko said, “we understand how important our activities are to the people and our immediate environment, so through the established Community Service Responsibility (CSR) department, we ensure that our work does not impact

negatively on the environment.

“It’s a fight against cancer.

The Corporate Challenge is way to raise fund to fight cancer.”

The challenge is a 5 kilometre race geared towards fun, fitness.

It is scheduled to take place in Lagos on Saturday, May 16, 2015.

Participants will commence running or jugging at Onikan Stadium by 71m.

Also speaking, Head, Corporate Communications, NSE Mrs Cima Sholatan said, the goal of the partnership is to acquire 37 MCCs, one for each state and the FCT, Abuja.

“This takes advantage of the scientific evidence that, one third of all cancer cases are preventable, another one-third is curable and the last one third have good quality of life with appropriate care,” she said.

The Corporate Challenge is

a professionally organised and volunteer-driven initiative involving over 400 companies listed on the Exchange and support organisations from the capital market community.

“To achieve this aim, we are working in close partnership with public and private sector organisations,” Sholotan said.

Though the challenge will be primarily open to teams of employees from the stock-broking community and companies listed on the NSE, non-commercial organisations such as Federal, State and Local Governments and other institutions will be in attendance as well.

Adding, the Executive Secretary of the CECP, Dr Nzelu Abia said the challenge is enormous “but with commitment, we can overcome the war.”

Malaria: Pregnant women, children under 5 mostly at risk Continued from page 26 systems strengthening and research,” says Dr Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “In addition, we urgently need new tools to tackle emerging drug and insecticide resistance, as well as innovative app roaches that will accelerate progress.”

Adding, the president of MSN said, “We just witnessed an election in this country, we all saw the amount of energy and commitment in terms of publicity es-

pecially by the two prominent political parties both at the Federal and State levels and the amount of money that went into that, if only we can use one tenth of what went into the preparation into the last election in terms of energy and financial resources for malaria awareness campaign, we will be able to drastically reduce the deaths from malaria.”

Increased political commitment and greater funding have averted more than 4 million deaths since 2001, and 55 of the

97 countries and territories with ongoing malaria transmission are on track to meet the current World Health Assembly target of reducing malaria incidence by 75 per cent between 2000 and 2015.

The World Malaria Day is celebrated on 25 April each year to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria control and elimination.

The theme for the 2013-2015 campaign is “Invest in the future.

Defeat malaria.”

Nine hundred and sixty four students of LEA Primary School, Gwarinpa, a suburb in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are to benefit from a 4 unit of toilet facility constructed and donated to the school by the Rotary Club of Abuja.

The project, according to Rotary, satisfies three of its areas of focus which includes water and sanitation, disease prevention and treatment, and basic education and literacy.

District Governor, Rotary District 9125, Nigeria, Mr Tolu Omatsola, who commissioned the project, stressed how the gesture had added value to the school.

He said the toilets which have water facilities would enable the students to ease themselves properly, wash their hands and avoid diseases.

He said: “What we are doing today is in tandem with the goal of Rotary Club International.”

“In executing the project, the Club was particularly concerned that a school with a population of 964 pupils, founded in 2002 did not have a modern toilet. Pupils and staff alike use a very old and ancient overflowing pit latrine with the attendant infection risks among others,” Omatsola said.

Chairman of the Service Project Committee of the Club, Mrs Angela Agbayekhai, recounted that the Club had been involved in carrying out projects in the school in previous years, chief among which were school scholarship given to 105 pupils of the school in 2009.

“The club, with the help of a District Grant, also executed a water borehole project in same school some three years ago”, she said.

Agbayekhai stressed how Rotary is still in the business of adding value to the society by carrying out projects such as the school project which consists of four units in all.

According to her,”two of the units would be for male students while the other two would be for female students.”

Head Teacher of the school, Malam Shuaibu Usman, stressed how the school had longed for a modern toilet facility like the one constructed by the Club.

He noted: “If all NGOs perform like the Rotary Club, primary schools will not lack in facilities.

Look round the compound and you will that there are no toilet facilities aside the one built by the club. Rotary Club is the first

to build modern toilet in LEA Gwarinpa. We say thank you very much and pray that this partnership will continue to thrive even as we expect through the help of the Director General that you add another toilet for us.”

A Primary Six pupil of the school, Master Nwachukwu Wisdom, said: “We thank Rotary for this facility. We now have a place where we can ease ourselves properly and protect ourselves from germs. We receive this with great pleasure.”

Speaking, Governor Elect for District 9125, Dr Mike Omotosho, said that Rotary was development oriented, humanitarian services, and providing services beyond self.

Omotosho stressed: “That is what we represent in Rotary Club: the urge to give back to society, the urge to make sure that life is more comfortable to the other person. The call is for every well-meaning Nigeria to come in and join Rotary. There is true fulfilment in being able to give back to society. It is not about what you have. It is about the sacrifice you are willing to make to make life better for somebody else.

“Usually, we do not get funding from government .We are augmenting what government is doing. In the provision of this toilet facility for instance, if government had the resources, it would have provided this facility; but we seek out gaps on what government is meant to do but was unable to do and we come in and make sure it is available. We get the support of government otherwise we will not be able to put this here. You will notice that this land belongs to the government.”

Omatsola

28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Business Times Æ s

Business Editor: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Email: emmanuelogbonnaya@dailytimes.com.ng

Xenophobia: Economic programmes exist to protect S’Africans – Envoy Godwin Anyebe

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; UNIDO Country Director, Dr. Patrick Kormawa and Dr. Chuma Ezedinma; during the inauguration of Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Abuja

The consul general of South Africa High Commission in Lagos State, Ambassador Mokgethi Monalisa has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, stressing that it cannot be justified as there were policy programmes to protect South Africans from external economic marginalisation.

He further stated that a lack of awareness was one of the factors to blame for the attacks as gthose perpetrating them were extremely frustrated people who were mentally incapacitated to appropriate available opportunities.

Mokgethi pointed out that: “When you as an African leave your country to go to another country, there is something more unique about you as an individual, you are likely to be more entrepreneurial, and when you arrive that country, you will extremely determine to succeed, you can’t afford to fail.

“Therefore, that zeal in you will move you to get something started. All these, when you put side by side with a typical African

who does not have such orientation, he will feel he is being shortchanged. It is a mental situation that is not really good, if a lady who is weaving, opens a shop and a South African says the lady is taking her business, to be honest, it is not in order. One thing they have to understand is that it is a world of competition. Therefore, what they need to do is to open their own shops.”

According to Mokgethi, it is not easy for foreigners to even get jobs in South Africa: “People talk about foreigners taking jobs, it is not easy, in South Africa you need your papers, you need your work permit and so many things you are going to put in place before you can get a job, it is unthinkable for someone to start saying foreigners are taking his job. Even the economic empowerment program that exists is there to protect South Africans.

“So I believe that what you see is the outcome of frustrated people who don’t know what to do next, if it is not the foreigners that they are going to attack, they will attack the police or some other group of people.

FG opens UNIDO’s first technology and investment promotion office Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The Federal Government, on Tuesday, inaugurated the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s first global Technology and Investment Promotion Office (TIPO) in Nigeria.

The establishment of the Nigeria ITPO, the first to be located in sub-Saharan Africa, is a product of the discussions and negotiations between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, and the UNIDO Director General, Li Yong, in June 2014, on the desirability of establishing the Office in Nigeria.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Aganga said “Today, we are making history as we inaugurate the first TIPO in Africa to be located in Lagos, Nigeria.

This is a sign of UNIDO’s confi-

dence in the Nigerian economy and the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP). In June 2014, I officially requested UNIDO’s contribution to the implementation of the (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP), by setting up an Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Nigeria. I am delighted that that request has been granted, and it is one of my many parting gifts to my country.

“The long term objective of Nigeria ITPO is to drive the process for rapid industrial development, create jobs and expand the industrial base of Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. Specifically, the focus will be to promote investment, technology acquisition and transfer and industrial cooperation between developed countries inward (into Nigeria) and outward (to West and Central

Africa) in collaboration with UNIDO’s global ITPO Network. The purpose is to assist the Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in promoting both inward and domestic investments as well as technology transfer as a means to expand and diversify the local manufacturing sector.

“This project is in line with NIRP and NEDEP, as well as the expansion policy of global non-oil trade and trade with ECOWAS regions of Africa.”

The minister noted that through the implementation of ITPO, NIRP and NEDEP, Nigeria would achieve be able to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and economic diversification in the nearest future.

He said, “In January 2014, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan which is the national roadmap to improve our country’s industrial competitive-

ness and capacity. The objectives of this five-year plan are to: increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP to more than 10 per cent and to unleash its potential to diversify the economy and substitute imports and boost exports, with the ultimate goal of creating jobs, generating wealth and ensuring “In parallel to NIRP, the Government also launched the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP). The NEDEP is a strategic platform to promote local businesses and accelerate inclusive growth and job creation, through the realisation of the employment potential of the existing 17 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.”

In his remarks, The UNIDO Representative to Nigeria, ECOWAS and Director, Regional Office, Dr. Patrick Kormawa, said Nige-

ria ITPO would support Nigeria and ECOWAS to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrialisation.

He said, “Today marks another milestone of our collaboration with Nigeria as a trusted partner for over the past 40 years with the inauguration of the ITPO, the first of its kind in Africa.

“The Office will support the inclusive and sustainable industrialisation efforts in Nigeria and ECOWAS region by identifying, attracting and mobilising the financial, technological and other required resources and enhancing investments with development impact. The activities will also focus on capacity building of partners and on supporting SMEs through the mobilisation of know-how, expertise, technology and capital from companies and institutions in developed countries into Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

29 Insurance

Insurance industry and task before President-Elect

Buhari

Stories by Kayode Adelowokan Expectations and suggestions for the incoming government of General Muhammed Buhari (rtd) continues to swell, as experts from different sectors across Nigeria are putting forward blueprints on how to revamp and consolidate critical sector of the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Insurance Industry over the years have been struggling to catch up with countries like South Africa, Egypt, and some other African countries not to mention India, and other parts of the world.

However, operators and regulators in the industry have worked hard in the recent times to change the insurance mentality of an average Nigerians.

And to corroborate effort of the operators, the industry received some level of boost as the wind of transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, swept over the industry.

Now, the question is what fate awaits the industry when the President-Elect, General Mohammadu Buhari, eventually takes over from the 16 years reign of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) or what are the ex-

pectations of the industry.

Godwin Sunday Wiggle, Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), said that the expectations of the industry remains as it was from the outgoing regime but said that it is the economy policy of the government that will determine what the expectation of the industry will be.

Although, he said there are many expectations of the industry among which is deepening the insurance industry.

“We will want to see what the government economy policy is because it is the economy policy that will determine what our expectation will be. There are so much expectations we are looking forward to, because we need to deepen the insurance industry and what kind of economy policy will they put in place that will support the deepening of insurance.”

On the N1 trillion premium target for the year, Wiggle, who is also the Managing Director of Linkage Assurance Plc, maintained that the industry players need to wait to see what the economy blueprint of the government will be if it will continue from where the present government will stop or come out with

its own policy to know if the set target is still possible.

“Achieving the target of N1 trillion gross premiums for the year is still possible but we need to know if the incoming administration’s economy blueprint will support it.”

Though, Mr. Wiggle did not leave out the creation of enabling environment for the industry to thrive.

“You cannot build on nothing, we must see what is on ground before we can say this is what we can do or will do. If you don’t have a conducive environment, there is little or nothing you can really do. So we want to see what kind of environment they want to create that will support the enlightenment of insurance.”

Barrister Kunle Obijimi, Managing Director, Credo Insurance Brokers Limited, believed if the president-elect really wants to revamp the dying economy, he must concentrate on the insurance industry which according to him, “insurance is the bedrock of any nation’s economy.”

But the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Ayodapo Shoderu, on his part challenged the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to start giving serious thoughts to strategies for growing the nation’s economy through the provision infrastructural development and creation of jobs to enhance quality lives for Nigerians and by so doing increase their disposable income.

Shoderu, also stated that since no economy could develop without taking into cognizance the place of insurance and risk management, the in-coming government must see to it that insurance is given its pride of place in all strata of government operations.

Although, the President of the Registered Insurance Brokers did not overlook the fact that the move by President Goodluck Jonathan, to have conceded defeat even before the result was officially announced have been creating an enabling environment which is now impacting

positively on the economy, given the response of market forces to the political process.

According to him “there is an inextricable link between politics and economy and whatever affected one would definitely affect the other.”

Meanwhile, Director-General of Nigerian Insurers Association, Mr. Sunday Thomas, advised General Buhari to ensure that economic growth is the main focus of his government.

The DG challenged the incoming President to come out with a blue print for the economy that will enhance the living standard of Nigerians.

Said Thomas, “We expect increased government patronage of insurance, compliance with compulsory insurances as well as insurance of government assets, as well as review of the mode of taxation on insurance services. In all, we expect the new government to build on the achievement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration on insurance.”

Custodian and Allied posts N5.15b profit, 19% growth Adesola Akindele Audited consolidated annual results for the year ended 31 December 2014 released by Custodian and Allied Plc shows the company posting an impressive N5.15 billion in profits and about 19 per cent year on year growth.

Custodian and Allied Plc (CUSTODYINS on NSE), a wholly owned Nigerian investment holding company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and with significant investments in general and life insurance, pension fund administration, trusteeship and property holding businesses, indeed by the results, has demonstrated resilience in a challenging operating environment.

The Custodian Group’s Total assets base according to a statement, rose to N48.9 billion while Profit before tax and profit after tax were N5.15 bil-

lion and N4.09 billion, respectively, indicating a year on year growth of 19 per cent in profit before tax.

In furtherance of its commitment to regular dividend payment to shareholders, an interim dividend of 6 kobo per share was paid in September, 2014 and the Board of Directors have proposed the payment of an additional 12 kobo per share as final dividend thus making a total dividend of 18 kobo per share in respect of the results of 2014 financial year.

Custodian continues to maintain its leadership position in the Other Financial Services sector while its subsidiaries lead in their respective subsectors.

The Custodian Group consists of Custodian and Allied Plc (the holding company), Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited, Custodian Life

Assurance Limited, Custodian Trustees Limited and CrusaderSterling Pensions Limited.

Wole Oshin, GMD/CEO Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc

Brands & Marketing 30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

Star dedicates concerts to consumers’ achievements

Vindah

Stories by Godwin Anyebe It is known fact that, no matter how engaging a brand’s character can be, it cannot have a breakthrough without connecting with its target audience. Analyst also believe that handlers of brand must learn how to see value in their people, as this is what make some brands global icons while others remain inhibited.

Understanding this fact, through the course of six and a half decades and four generations of Nigerians, STAR from the stable of Nigeria Breweries

has consistently maintained its market leadership position by making sure the brand keyed into the thoughts and sentiments of consumers.

Like any other global brand, one of the channels the handlers of star brand used for registering itself on the minds of its consumers has been the emphasis on connecting with the youth demography through music and sports. The brand has been able to harness the power of music to pass messages across to youth consumers through such activities as the annual Star Music Trek, which is Nigeria’s largest

and most celebrated music festival. Star Music Trek tours the length and breadth of the country every year, bringing people’s favourite music stars close to them and giving young artists opportunities to showcase themselves on a large platform.

Speaking recently in Lagos at the 2015 Star Music Trek edition, with theme ‘My Superstar Story’ a tribute to the resilience, the Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Mr. Edem Vindah, said that, the brand acknowledges and supports the determination and work ethics of the typical young Nigerian who achieves success despite several obstacles. It celebrates the rise of the Nigerian youth to the top of the world against so many odds in every field of human Endeavour and inspires young Nigerians to view whatever situation they find themselves as a constant work in progress on the path to success.

According to him, as the product of a national icon, ‘My Superstar Story’ will have concert dates in Calabar, Awka, Makurdi, Auchi, Abakaliki, Sapele, Ibadan and Lagos, which also tells consumers in those locations that their superstar stories can be written anywhere they are, and that their location is not a limiting factor. This emphasis on inclusiveness is one of the things, which stand the star brand apart from the competition.

‘My Superstar Story’ is part of a renewed drive by the star brand this year to recognise and reward consumers for loyalty and their everyday achievement.

STAR wants to show consumers that just being themselves, doing the things they love, staying true to their passions and living their normal lives are things which are to be recognised, celebrated and rewarded. He noted.

Sunlight wraps up Alarambara with Owambe in Ibadan The culturally-rich and historically significant city of Ibadan comes alive in May with an Owambe (party), courtesy of Sunlight 2-in-1 detergent, sponsor of Yoruba drama, Alarambara.

According to the Category Manager, Sunlight, Doyin Abanishe, the party aims to appreciate loyal consumers, especially in the South-west of Nigeria, who not only use Sunlight, but

have also followed the Alarambara radio drama series since it started airing on select radio stations across the region earlier in the year.

Abanishe said, “We know our consumers work hard and enjoy coming together to catch up with friends in a relaxed atmosphere with good food, drinks and good music. This is why our Owambe has been tailored to attend to these specific attributes

in a bid to reward them.’’

She added that, ‘’The Sunlight brand will continue to bring smiles to the faces and homes of its consumers and we are proud to have them as partners.

We promise to sustain the quality of our brand, which is dedicated to delivering cleaning and freshening benefits and making laundry more enjoyable.’’

Samuel Ohemeng, Project Administrator at Esmagkids Ventures, Agya Appiah bitters ltd

Agya Appiah Bitters Limited, a leading manufacturer of alcoholic bitters in Ghana, has announced its official entry into the highly competitive Nigerian Alcoholic Bitters market, saying it is ready to take the market by storm.

The Nigerian market boasts of a host of Bitters brand coming dominantly from Nigeria and Ghana stables, speaking during a media briefing, recently in Lagos, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Agya Appiah Bitters Ltd Mr. Andrews Akolaa, said the introduction of this new product is to reinvigorate and fill the gap in the Nigerian Bitters market by providing it with the purest and most natural blend of alcoholic bitters which is currently being enjoyed in other markets around the sub region and other parts of the world.

He explained that the bitters manufacturer has always been driven by a need to do things differently and better. “We make bold to say that we are truly a bitters brand that is all natural in composition; no artificial color and no artificial flavour evidenced by a smooth running taste down the throat.”

Speaking on what makes the new entrant different from others; he noted that ‘our bitters’ medicinal values are widely acclaimed for improving the general wellbeing of both the young and old. Agya Appiah prepares bitters from acclaimed herbs.

These herbs have been used as a result of years of research into the useful properties of various medicinal plants.”

He noted that the founder, a foremost practitioner and former President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicinal Practitioners Association, developed these choice herbs from the magnificent forests of Ghana into a high quality alcoholic beverage.

“As a former president of the Ghana Federation of Traditional medicinal Practitioners Association and foremost practitioner, our founder has ensured that the product meets the best standards and is committed to quality excellence. And given this background the company has always toed his vision to remain natural in any

Another Ghanaian Bitters brand berths in Nigeria product we put into the market and this makes us different.”

“Agya Appiah is endorsed by the Centre for Scientific Research into plant medicine; the agency responsible for analysing plant based medicinal products in Ghana and an affiliate of W.H.O. The blend of 13 different medicinal plants come with many health benefits,” he stressed.

He stated that the product comes in a glass bottle size of 750ml and 200ml PET for connoisseurs on-the go - the perfect size that fits in any pocket.

To achieve success in this highly competitive market Agya Appiah has partnered with five distribution companies in Lagos and with their vast network of warehouses within major cities, a robust customer base and partners across the country, they are positioned to provide excellent and superior sales, logistics and support services to Nigerian customers.

Also speaking at the event, Samuel Ohemeng, Production Manager, Agya Appiah Bitters Ltd, expressed the company’s commitment to maintaining quality and the cultured taste of the product.

“Because of our natural content and potency, the name “AGYA APPIAH” has earned its stripes among our target market in Ghana and we are proud to introduce this brand to the Nigerian market.”

“In our quest for quality and sustainability, we at Agya Appiah have invested in a well-structured facility consisting of top of the range machinery that ensures our production processes: from selection of herbs, extraction of the medicinal components, blending, filling on the line and secondary packaging, all undergo consistent auditing standards,” he noted.

“We have spared no cost at ensuring quality; our teams of experienced quality assurance officers apply the latest standards of food quality management to ensure our products meet all the international standards and have the approval of the NAFDAC, FDA (Food and drugs Administration) and GSA. (Ghana Standards Authority)”, he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 30, 2015

31 Brands & Marketing

Boosting brand equity via tax compliance

Crude oil refinery

The fall of the price of crude oil at the international market, has made every oil producing nation of the world begin to look inward on how to generate more revenue and provide an enabling environment for brands to succeed – Nigeria is not an exception. GODWIN ANYEBE writes Brand building in the marketing communication space may take time, but is critical to products’ success. In other words, building a reputable brand has been the major driver for success in the competitive market place. Developing strong brands has been used as an effective defensive mechanism against competition by many business organisations.

While previous researchers have focused primarily on defining and measuring the concept of brand equity and, to a lesser extent, understanding its causes and effects, there is a broad-based agreement that one of the major contributors to brand equity is tax payment compliance, and must be adhered to strictly.

It is against this backdrop, that analysts believe that the only way and manner the equity of a brand can grow is when the govern-

ment of a state provides an enabling environment for business to succeed, and this can only be achieved when there is total compliance to tax payment from both the formal and informal sectors.

To this end, the larger society on the other hand must learn how to demand for accountability of their tax payment.

Speaking on how tax compliance can boost brand equity recently in Lagos, a tax specialist, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele said; “First, we have to start with tax awareness, people need to know their tax obligations, and more importantly, government have to put tax payers money into work. So that when people begin to see social services such as good roads, electricity, water, security, healthcare centre, schools, among others, people will feel more obliged to pay. Nobody would want to pay tax and use his or her money to fix road, and provide security, it is not encouraging. That is the major missing link; we need to make sure that tax payers’ money is put to work for them. When this is done, there will be a serene environment to do business and brand equity will grow there after”.

Reacting to how it could affect Nigerians with a different politi-

cal party at the centre, known for its emphasis on taxation in some of the states under the party’s control before now. His words; “It is not a matter of political party, whoever is at the centre has to focus on tax, the fact is for the government to have money, you can’t run a government without money. it is also worthy of note that, there is no tax that is introduced by a government other than what was already in the law, so what they are doing is telling people what is in the law, how to practice it. For instance, personal income tax has been in law, and the Lagos state government said let everybody pay, even if you are in the informal sector we must learn how to pay. Therefore, it is not the question of PDP or APC at the centre; it is just that Nigerians must do the right thing.”

The event on how to encourage tax compliance to help businesses grow in Nigeria was sponsored

by Coca-Cola. And while commenting on the rationale behind Coca-Cola throwing its weight behind such initiative, the Managing Director of Coca-Cola, Adeola Adetunji disclosed that; “We throw our weight behind so many initiatives, the important thing is leadership. For me the definition of leadership is the process of taking an organisation or a country from where they are, to where they are supposed to be progressively.

“And that is why as Coca-Cola we throw our weight behind several initiatives, as long as those initiatives will help to move communities, organisations from where they are to where they should be.”

Responding to the aggressive plan of the incoming government on tax compliance, the consul general of South Africa high com-

Oyedele

mission in Lagos State, Ambassador Mokgethi Monalisa, said that any government that want to succeed must make emphasis on tax compliance and Clearly the incoming government is on the right track by saying it will pay attention to taxation as sensible form of revenue generation for the country.

His words; “We are coming out of an era of relying on oil revenue which we know is fast disappearing. They said that you can only master an art when you practice it regularly, and we certainly not have become used to regular tax payment, and the whole taxation system itself is not one that has been geared toward a reasonable level of tax revenue for the government and for the people, and I think right now we are talking about twenty per cent of GDP which I think is extremely low.

“One thing is clear, the govern-

ment has to focus on it, and people need to be educated a lot on the need for paying taxes. There is a repercussion to that, the more taxes people pay, the more is their expectation from government and hopefully that will help to minimize the excesses of the government. So also, it make the government to provide a watch dog goal whereby people who are paying taxes will continue to demand for dividend of democracy.

“We must begin to look at technology as far as taxation is concerned, we must begin to enhance our legal system whereby people can be prosecuted if they are not paying taxes, and we must learn not to have any preferential treatment for people who are liable for tax payment. People must also learn to appreciate the fact that, it is their responsibility to pay taxes In order to make the society a better place.”

Culinary competition ‘Taste Quest’ returns Godwin Anyebe

Patricia, Taste Quest winner

Knorr, from the stable of Unilever Nigeria plc is back with another exciting season of its cooking show- Knorr Taste Quest. The show was birthed to reinforce Knorr’s culinary expertise and brings to live the brand’s love for Flavour. It is a platform for people to showcase their culinary skills, as well as bring to the homes of consumers the most exhilarating,

and educational cooking show in Nigeria.

Speaking to newsmen at a press conference recently in Lagos, the Brand Building Director Foods, Unilever Nig. Plc, Mrs. Nsima Ogedi Alakwe, said that, the Season III is no doubt going to be filled with more suspense and drama in the kitchen. The show is open to consumers who are passionate about cooking and are ready to explore the various creative ways there is

to cooking. In this “Master Class” edition, not only would the task be fiercer and more difficult, the bar has been set even higher as this season would take everything the contestants have got. They would need skill, patience, passion, speed, creativity and stamina to stand the heat in the kitchen.

According to her, “the wait is finally over as we have begun the search for the next best cook in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the modalities for the show, the category manager savoury, Mrs Nnenna Osi-Anugwa said interested consumers are to fill the entry form on www.Knorr. ng In this season, the winner will be going home with a whooping N5, 000,000 naira cash prize, kitchen equipments and loads of Knorr.

Also, prizes of N1, 000,000 and N500, 000 will be given to the first and second runner respectively.

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Money intelligence:

Tunde Oyedoyin

How to be smart with your money (1) •••

Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result is a sign of insanity - Albert Einstein

One of the greatest skills you can learn in life is how to be smart with your own money. And contrary to the misconception of many who are struggling with their finances, you actually don’t need to wait till you have a million dollars to learn how to be smart with your money. It’s not only those working for multinational oil majors or models plying their trade from Milan to Paris and of course, London, who need to be smart with their money. Be you a regular nine-to-five office worker or a gardener or even a primary school teacher, we all need to be smart with our money, which for many people is the salary alone. You must have read of the sorry tales of many former Nigerian footballers and artistes who earned much early in life, but died in penury. Learning to be smart with your money can never have a

best before date.

When I did volunteering work with a homeless charity based near Elephant and Castle in London, a few years ago, some of the users of the facility and other protested whenever I told them that in order to sort out their personal finances they should start small and save £5 each month.

A fiver looks ridiculous, but you’ll be surprised at the number of those who can’t boast a few weeks after getting paid.

Some have told me that how do I expect them to save that little or be smart with their money when they have so little or even don’t have any to start with. You too might be wondering, ‘how do I get to be smart with my money when it doesn’t stretch to the middle of the month to start with?’ You are right and in fact could go ahead and hire a lawyer to defend your position in a

court of law. The truth of the matter is that whether you earn £100 a month or just N30,000, or £20,000 a week like some premiership footballers, you will do yourself a huge favour by making no excuses to learn this lesson.

If you don’t, your money will slip through your fingers without you knowing it. As a matter of fact, you may even be the one gladly signing it away, hoping it will bring you some good returns in the future. If you don’t want to experience some form of Abracadabra - the more you look, the less you see- with your personal finance, then you need to acquire this almighty skill. One interesting thing about those who already have the skill is that they always want to get smarter with the money they have.

I saw an interesting headline about investors rushing to own a bit of prime location at the West End

in the City A.M, earlier this week. That’s how the smarties do. They want more – never begrudge them. Whereas, those on the other side of the divide just carry on doing the same thing they’ve always done with their money. It’s one of the reasons why the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer.

Knowing how to be smart with your money means you know how to optimise it. That means that none of your funds leaves your account or wallet (or even under your pillow or mattress) without you being aware of why you’re letting it go. When you learn to be smart with your money, you’ll even be able to keep fraudsters at bay, even if they dress smartly like the gentleman I came across recently.

Learning to be smart with your money will make you know when to

instantly switch on your antenna like I did while on the way home from work a couple of weeks ago. I’d come off the Southwestern train that brought me from Clapham junction to Victoria station, and still needed to take the tube nearer home, which I did.

As soon as I got on the Northbound Victoria Line train, a smartly dressed black chap, with the features of a Somalian joined me in the same carriage ,just before the train headed towards Green Park.

My fellow commuter and African brother looked respectable, and in fact seemed decent enough that you couldn’t have suspected that he was a conman and a fake believer rolled into one. ...To be continued.

Oyedoyin, founder of the Money Intelligence Coaching Academy®, lives in the UK

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Thursday, April 30, 2015

Aramide

Sarumoh The afro-soul diva

Like D’banj, like Durella

L6

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 30, 2015

My voice is my greatest asset…

Mutiat Alli She was one of the contestants on Star Quest in 2006, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and competitive music talent hunt shows and in 2008, she was a part of Divas Unplugged, a reality music show that took place in Jos. With a brand new video, ‘Iwo Nikan’, the talented musician who is signed on to Baseline entertainment, is stopping at nothing to reach the top. Aramide Sarumoh talks about her musical journey so far and other related issues in this chat.

So far, you’ve come up with beautiful songs that has been enjoying some level of air-play.

Would you say music has been rewarding for you?

Yes, to an extent, it has. Some days are good, rewarding and some days are not so good. I consider those days very dry seasons. There are times that it is the season for celebrations, for a lot gigs. There are other times that it is the season for releasing music or for doing something different. It is seasonal. Sometimes, when it doesn’t pay, you get something extra in return, like maybe publicity and all that, if you’re not getting paid. Everything always adds up.

Nothing is entirely a waste.

When did you start doing music professionally?

I’ll say about four years ago. That’s when I moved down to Lagos. Before then, I was doing music in school, writing songs and all that. I learnt how to play the bass guitar along the line, learnt how to play the saxophone as well. And then, moving down to Lagos, I started performing at Open Mic centers like Taruwa, Freedom Hall, Freedom Park, places that accepted me for my kind of music.

How has your musical experience been like?

For me, it’s been bitter-sweet. I’ve been through a lot;different management and record labels and all that.

So, I’ll say it’s been challenging, it’s been great at the same time. It’s been a learning experience for me.

Life&

T E A M

What was your parents’ reaction when they learnt you wanted to do music?

Initially, my parents thought it was a hobby because I was always singing, disturbing people in the house. I was always writing. Besides music, I was also writing poems and all that. But

when I decided to take it as a career, they supported me, especially when they saw the way I was going about it. I was really passionate about it, to the point where I had to relocate from the North down to the West.

What was growing up like for you?

Growing up for me was a lot of fun.

I grew up in Jos, Plateau State, with my parents and my two brothers. I’m the only girl and I had a lot of love around me, a lot of attention and care. And from a very young age, I picked up music because I grew up in a house where my dad was a music freak. He used to listen to a lot of good music. And I think that is where I picked it up from. I spent my entire life in Jos where I had my primary, secondary and University, in Jos. I am a graduate of political science.

You say your write your songs.

What inspires your lyrics?

Song writing comes to me naturally. And it’s something that I’ve grown to really appreciate as a person because I can express myself through music. But what actually inspires my writing are the stories that happen around me, my environment, life, my life, the life of people close to me. Different things inspire my music.

As an artiste, what would you consider to be your greatest asset?

I would say my voice. For me, my voice doesn’t sound like any other person’s voice, it’s different. And that’s a good thing for me. And also, the fact that I can play an instrument as a female artiste is also an asset to me.

You play the guitar and the saxophone, why did you choose to learn to play the saxophone?

Growing up, I’ve always been a huge fan of jazz music. My dad too was a huge fan of jazz music. So, I think the fact that I used to hear a lot

of pure jazz music made me want to play an instrument that sounded like the things that I hear. And I think the saxophone has soul in it.

Do you think your music is getting the kind of acceptance it deserves in the country?

My music is called afro-soul and it is growing. The fan base is growing.

Most times, you don’t even know you like a particular kind of music until you listen to it. I would say it is growing and it is being accepted here. There is however hope for improvement.

Who are your role-models in the industry?

In terms of sound and artists that my music is similar to, I would say Corinne Bailey Rae, Lauryn Hill, India Arie. I’m also a huge fan of John Legend, Ray Charles because I listen to a lot of old music, a lot of piano-based jazz and soulful music. And then in the Nigerian music industry, my role models are Asa, Bez, Waje and Tuface.

What project are you currently working on?

I just dropped a single titled Iwo Nikan with the video as well, so, it’s still very fresh. The plan now is to drop another single because the album is supposed to drop this year.

So, hopefully, I’ll drop another single

by May and a video for it as well before the full album is released.

Aramide Sarumoh

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

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 30, 2015

Stories by: Mutiat Alli

Omotola takes women empowerment campaign to South Africa

Why Nollywood isn’t recognised at the OSCARS, AFRIFF boss speaks

Delectable Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is expected to lead other celebrities in a new campaign for women empowerment under the One campaign banner, to be held in South Africa. Tagged Poverty is Sexist, the project, which portends that women and girls are most seriously affected by poverty, seeks women empowerment, as a way to eradicate extreme poverty. The actress will from April 27th 2015 participate in a music thriller and a campaign song that will be performed by top African female singers, including Omawunmi (Nigeria), Judith Sephuma (South Africa) and Victoria Kimani (Kenya). The song will be co-produced by Cobhams Asuquo and Masterkraft. The event is expected to run till the first week in May, 2015.

“I am fortunate to be a young woman living her dreams, a trailblazer of my generation. But I also recognize that many women and girls are not so fortunate. Women and girls are hit hardest by the effects of extreme poverty, but when we invest in women and girls, we increase and accelerate the chances of overcoming extreme poverty for everyone” Omotola said.

Desmond Elliot directs last movie

Desmond on set

CEO of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude has revealed the reason Nigerian movies are yet to get the much needed recognition from global film awards and festivals. According to her, the major reason is because most of the movies do not have as much local language content as required to enter the Foreign Film categories at most of the world’s biggest award shows. She revealed this while speaking as a panelist at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference alongside Wunmi Obe, Femi Falodun and Theo Lawson.

‘We need to understand what this category is about and the criteria for entry. Movies Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

After disclosing in an interview with CCTV, Lagos State House of Assembly-elect, Desmond Elliot, noted that he will be leaving acting to concentrate on making laws and effect change in the lives of Lagosians as well as entertainment personalities. With a few weeks to his swearing-in, the prolific director cum actor was spotted on the set of Iyabo Ojo’s new project titled Black Val. Life &Times gathered that Desmond is directing the flick and assisted by Sadiq Adebayo. The movie parades other stars like Belinda Effah, Lekki Wives star, Kiki Omeli and Kelvin Ikeduba amongst other Nollywood acts.

Joan Unnane Beregba, Gbenro Ajibade & Osas Ighodaro Nwaneri, Obehi Oviojie, Big Sam, Prince Odianosen Okojie, City

in this category are expected to have rich cultural elements which must reflect in the language, story, music and all other elements present in the film.

Although, things are getting better now, as Nolly-

Omobutty set to open beauty store Curvy Yoruba actress, Biodun Sofuyi Okeowo known by her fans as Omo-Butty has disclosed exclusively to Life &Times that the official opening of her beauty store, Victoria Beauty store will take place on May 3rd, 2015 at the store’s head office located at Ojodu area of Lagos state. The opening is expected to be hosted by comedian Da ‘Lecturer. “Victoria beauty store will have in stock, quality beauty products and services,” Omo- butty noted.

Gbenro Ajibade, Osas Ighodaro others spotted at Mercy Johnson-Okojie’s child dedication Top celebrities led by Gbenro Ajibade and fiancee, Osas Ighodaro, stormed the Lekki home of Dumebi star actress, Mercy Johnson –Okojie and husband Prince Odianosen Okojie for the child dedication of her second child, Henry.

Mercy and husband earlier stepped out in matching outfits for their child’s church dedication before a gathering of friends and a mini party was held in their Lekki house. Spotted at the mini party includes, Uchenna Maduka, Richard Ngbaduka, Nuella Njubigbo, Joan Unnane Beregba, Ngozi

L3 Movie Gists

Samuel Olatunji, Prince Odianosen Okojie and Kunle Rasheed Rover publisher, Kunle Rasheed, Mrs. Mebell Egbonegbe

Omobutty

wood got an invitation from the Oscars last year, and hopefully will get a slot soon. The right film must have at least 51% local language content to be accepted into the Foreign Lan-

Mustapha Sholagbade Lolade

Single Mother movie gets May premiere date Emilomo Baba Olowo fame, Mustapha Sholagbade Lolade is set to release his much talked about movie titled, Single Mother, from the stables of corporate pictures. Written and produced by Lolade Mustapha and directed by Seun Olaiya, Single Mother will feature acts like Bukky Wright, Mustapha Sholagbade, Iyabo Ojo, Funsho Adeolu, Liz Da Silver, Dele Ogundipe, Alesh Onilegbale, Sunny Alli and many others. Single Mother is the story of a young boy whose parents were deeply in love before the untimely death of his father and total abandoning of her only child who is left to struggle alone.

Funmi Awelewa debuts with Amidu Amida Budding Yoruba actress, Funmi Awelewa has joined the league of producers in the makebelieve world with the production of her first work titled Amidu Amida.

The light skinned actress hinted that she will hit location alongside her crew for the shoot which will take place in Ibadan.

She further disclosed that Fuji Musician, Alhaji Taiye Currency, Wale Akorede (Okunnu), Baba

Funmi Awelewa Aderupoko, Ojopagogo, Toyosi Adesanya, Ibrahim Chatta, Akin Olaiya, Taiwo Ibikunle, Sunkanmi

Omobolane, Ayanfe Adekunle amongst others, are all expected to star in the film.

Music Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 30, 2015

Stories by: Opeoluwani Akintayo

Jay Z’s Tidal comes to Nigeria Optima Media Group and

its partners, unveil Nigerian Idol Top 12 contestants

Jay Z In just about two months since he launched his new music streaming company, Tidal, American rapper, Jay Z, has announced the arrival of the company into Nigeria. The father of one, Blue Ivy, and husband to Beyonce, hinted via his Twitter account that he sent his cousin, Bee-High, to Nigeria, to hunt for new talents for the company.

“My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talents. Tidal is a global com-

pany,” he tweeted at a late hour on Sunday, April 26.

Aside Jay Z working with Nigerian music producer and Mavin boss, Don Jazzy, he was recently sighted with Chocolate City rapper, Ice Prince. His cousin, Bee-High didn’t arrive Nigeria alone, he was in company with Roc Nation’s act, Jay Electronica. It would be recalled that Jay Z’s cousin, Bee-High, was also present at the recently held Social Media Week.

Tuface, Sound Sultan on Europe tour

Tuface & Sound Sultan

New single alert!

Tribute to Dagrin: Laylow drops See You Again As a way of paying tribute to the late indigenous rapper, Dagrin, who died exactly five years ago, Laylow has released a new single, See You Again. The 3 minutes track, has infusions of rap verses.

Top Nigerian artistes turned actors, Sound Sultan and Tuface Idibia, are on a European tour to promote the movie, Head Gone. Head Gone which received interesting reviews at the recently concluded Berlin Festival, parades entertainment stars like 2face, Ali Baba, Zack Orji, Basorge Tariah Jnr, BasketMouth, IK Osakioduwa, Eniola Badmus, Sound Sultan, Baba Dee and others.

The movie will premiere in London, Stockholm, Paris, Australia, Italy and Amsterderm in May this year.

Head Gone was produced by Sound Sultan’s elder brother, Baba Dee, while it was co-produced by Sound Sultan and Baba Dee.

Franchise owners of the Nigerian Idol TV Reality Show, Optima Media Group (OMG), has unveiled the last 12 contestants in the on-going season 5 of the show. The unveiling which took place at the Dream Studios, Ojodu-Omole at the weekend, was in association with Show sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria and partners, Payporte, Cool Fm, Tantalizers, Tom Tom, Zaron, Dabur Toothpaste, So-Klin, ORS and Ellen Suites. The top 12 most outstanding acts will be squaring up against one another from the week of April 26, for the N7.5 million top spot cash reward, as well as other multimillion naira juicy offers. Chief among the offers include a recording deal with South Africa-based Universal Music label and a brand new SUV

2015 Nigeria Idol contestant with some of the judges car. The Top 12 who made the cut include, Ogunmoyero Modolowamu (Dolu), Oyinkepreye Deborah Toun (Preye), Janet Ebiwari Ayoka (Ayoka), Godson Goodluck(Classic Tunez), Ogunrombi Kunle (K-Peace), Esther Aritheshoma Mon-

day (Sther), Adigwe Brenda Ada (Brenda), Ekeoma Victor Chibuzor (Prime), Paul Manuwa (P.Scholes), Okemiri Uloma Margaret (Uloma), Omodele Diana Fatoki (Modele) and Ese-Amadasun Imuetiyan (Nex2).

Psalmist Enilolobo launches album

Psalmist, Funmi Enilolobo has released her 2nd album titled Praise Him. The launch which took place recently at the Great Physician Ministry, Badagry, Lagos, had Pastor Komolafe as the Father of the day.

On ground to grace the occasion were the President, Pastor Mrs Onilude and members of Deborah Generation International, Zonal Pastors, Area and Parish Pastors, members of the RCCG, as well as the Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corp, who was equally on ground to give safety tips as part of the side attraction. The album which has six tracks in all, contains songs like I will Praise You, United We Stand, Jijoho-Egun Medley, and a Tribute to Pastor Adeboye at 70.

Funmi Enilolobo

New video alert!

Rocksteady unveils Okporoko Biz Hypertek Digital and 960 Music Group act, Rocksteady has released a new video titled, Okporoko Biz. Rocksteady recently featured in some of the songs in Tuface Idibia’s The Ascension album and Dammy Krane’s The Enterkraner album as well. The video was directed by Ivan Mayor and was shot at various locations in Lagos.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday April 30, 2015

L5 Movie & Music Gists

Opeoluwani Akintayo & Mutiat Alli

Photo speak

Chinedu Ikedieze holidays in Paris with wife

Photo of the day

R&B singer, Timi Dakolo inside Guitar Centre, Los Angeles

Actor, Chinedu Ikedieze was spotted alongside his soul mate & wife, Ijeoma in far away Paris. The actor wrote via Instagram, “Bold, Configured to be the best #my soul # my heart# Paris Experience.”

Photo Speak

Cynthia Morgan shows off nose ring, debuts red hair R&B singer, Timi Dakolo inside Guitar Centre, Los Angeles.

What your favourite celebrities are up to on Instagram Compiled by: Opeoluwani Akintayo

Mavin Records’ act, Dr Sid, delivering a speech at the University of Ibadan (U.I.)after being honoured as an outstanding past student of the school.

Singer, Falz signs deal as the ambassador for Nigerian car website, Cheki

Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim launches an online official page for her foundation

Actress and singer, Tonto Dike out with the video of new single, Sugar Rush

julietibrahim: Guys the foundation’s official page has been launched. Pls follow for a follow back. Thanks for the support @julietibrahimfoundation

tontolet: To all my Fans, lovers and my entire Pokonation, I am so happy to share my sweet brand new video titled Sugar Rush featuring @iambangalee

Issue L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 30, 2015

Copy

D’banj Durella like

Mutiat Alli The first time we heard about him, many wondered who the D’banj ‘wanna –be’ was, but after dropping four singles, it was time for a rethink.

Although he grew up in a certain ghetto part of Lagos, where the likes of Wande Coal emerged from Oluwadamilare Okulaja, the proud originator of the slang “In the Zanga”, seems set to carve a niche for himself in the entertainment industry with his own brand of music. On the other hand, Oladapo Oyebanjo fondly referred to as D’banj, actually made his debut in the entertainment industry shortly after the release of his hit track, Tongolo and has gone on to build an empire with his brand of music as well. To some, Durella has always imitated the character and charisma of D’banj. Although these artistes have succeeded in their various genres of music, Life & Times takes a critical look at these two artistes and examines their different and similar personalities.

where he grew up.

It is note worthy to add that both men have worked and excelled in their various genres of music.

Dress sense

Durella can always be seen in a fitted shirt and a pair of trouser, his dress sense is usually as simple as possible. He is however very particular about his accessories; sunglasses, neck chains and bracelets. These blinged out pieces does a lot of good to his image which most ladies considers sexy.

D’banj: When it comes to fashion, D’Banj is way over the top but you can’t fault him with his impeccable taste for high fashion which sits well on him. There is no doubt that off all the male artists in Nigeria, he comes out tops for always being well turned out with a good sense of style. Call him a show off when it comes to fashion and you won’t be wrong. His styles of dressing on stage can be linked to that of the late Abami Eda, Fela Anikulapo Kuti who was

an advocate of fitted styles of clothing.

Musical slangs

Durella: Who ever cares to listen, the Mushin born artiste has got a lot to offer in terms of street slangs which he incorporated into his style of music. These slangs includes; In the Zanga, 2gbaski, Omo Yapayaski, Miskiyaski, Wiskolowiska amongst others.

D’banj: When he started out as a musician, way back with the JJC and the 419 Squad members in the UK, no one ever thought he would get to the musical height he has since found himself. He came out with slangs like Kokolet, File; Don’t touch it, No Long Thing, Babylet, and Mamalet.

Stage performances

D’Banj: He is seen as an energetic, Charismatic, and infectious live performer who keeps the crowd yelling for more. He can also be a daring performer. One of his most daring performances was at the third edition of

How it all started

Oladapo Oyebanjo fondly known as D’banj got influenced by the performances of late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, but got stuck to the harmonica after the death of his brother, Ayodeji Oyebanjo in a plane crash.

Oluwadamilare Okulaja also known as Durella started music way back after been inspired by the music environment of Mushin

Koko garri sachet

2gbaski snicker

the Hip-Hop awards when he mounted the stage with a towel.

Durella: A great stage performer as well, his charisma on stage also gets the crowd yelling for more.

Environmental influences

Durella: His songs and lyrics reflect his Ghetto life style. Proudly born and raised in Mushin, he represents his locality as can be seen in most of his lyrics.

He doesn’t ever forget his roots as at least two to three tracks in any of his albums are always dedicated to the people of Mushin.

D’banj: His songs and

lyrics has little or representation to any particular environment as he considers himself a representation of the Nigeria. He however has a single, Mo bo lowo won in which he sand about his sojourn in the UK.

Kind of music

Durella: He considers himself as a hip-hop artiste who represents the street.

He is a versatile artiste who can easily fit in.

D’banj: His songs can be linked to influences from the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

What fans say about them?

D’banj: He is a sex sym-

bol to his fans most especially to his female fans as he is considered to be ladies man when it comes to his looks and attitudes. He also comes off as a humorous person Durella: He is cool and can be crazy at times but has less fan base compared to D’banj

Business acumen

Durella: He is the first Nigerian artiste to own a shoe line, Durellasneakers, named after his popular slogan 2Gbaski.

D’banj: He has a handful of businesses ranging from his popular Koko garri, to Koko water amongst others.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday April 30, 2015

L7 Music & Movie Review

Mutiat Alli and Opeoluwani Akintayo

Tiwa Savage: My Darlin

To say that the music, My Darlin started so well , what with the opening scene as an old woman and revealing a part of Tiwa Savage, many didn’t know, acting, would be stating the obvious. It was a right step in the right direction. Quite a long video, 7:07 seconds, it opened with a scene of Tiwa as an old woman who is happy to be alive to witness the wedding of her own daughter. She walks into the dressing room and meets friends of her daughter getting dressed for the big day. Typical of how older people behave, she chats up the ladies, infusing a bit of comedy, making the scene relatable. The setting, action and costume of that scene are to say the least, impeccable. Next, Tiwa flashes back in time to her younger days, how she met her husband, played by Mr. Nigeria 2014, Emmanuel Ikubese. The flash back scene is that of glamour, a party shot, with Tiwa sitting amidst her friends and Emmanuel amidst his friends too. He sights her, walks up to her and they immediately fell into each other’s arms in a romantic dance on the dance floor.

You can’t but fall in love with her body language all through the scene. Indeed she should start a career as an actress! Again, the costumes for the party scene was on point. And with Tiwa dressed up in all white, was angelic, adding to the coolness of the video. The flower garden scene is also a nice concept.

And then her dance moves are unbeatable She was able to perfectly combine singing and dancing making the video captivating. Basically, the video is a captivating music-drama, and the storyline was well chosen.

Fast forward to when the lovers got married and her husband had to go to the war zone as a soldier but never forgetting to often send her letters that was until the day she got the bad news rather than a letter. Her husband had died at the war front. Torn apart, she fell crying, only to notice a figure wrap his arms around her.

Looking up, it was her husband, wounded but alive! What a great reunion! Nice drama there.

The flashback ends, her daughter walks into the dressing room. Tiwa gives her a motherly hug as she hands her out in marriage. Her husband wasn’t present though, he must have died later.

The lighting is appropriate, dope setting, the beat is fun, nice costumes as earlier mentioned, good use of props with the dressing room scene; flowerbeds, ball lights, artificial fountain, baby cot, a real baby, wall pictures, not to mention good use of suspense.

The tail end of the video was also nice, Tiwa maintained the action until the cameras were turned off.

Little wonder the video which was released on November 25, 2014, already had close to 2 million views on online streaming channel, Youtube.

The video scores a 9/10.

Artiste: Tiwa Savage Running time: 7:07 seconds Producers: Baby Fresh and Don Jazzy

Director: Kemi Adetiba

Devil Love or something like that: in the details:

Beyond marital life and fairy tales

The rate at which the Ghanaian producers are taking the movie industry by storm is something our Nigerian filmmakers need to watch. With back to back productions from the stables of Sparrow films owned by versatile filmmaker, Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the movies are a commendable effort. With award winning movie The contract, Devil in the details and Love or something like that, one begins to understand why she is been seen as an acclaimed movie director. Frimpong-Manso’s prowess at building on-screen chemistry between her leads is still one of the best in this part of the continent. She wields her magic again with Joselyn Dumas and John Dumelo, two hugely talented acts in the flick. The movie which is tilted to enlighten audience about the danger of HIV/AIDS and cancer was well told.

Love or something like that is the story of a beautiful young surgeon, Kwarley Mettley (Joselyn Dumas) who got married to her prince charming Alex Mettley (John Dumelo). Kwarley and both had a perfect life. She had a good, supportive and understanding husband and a career she could never give up for anything. Her world soon falls apart after a chance meeting with her artist ex- boyfriend, Henry Dominic (O.C Ukeje). Henry had forceful had unprotected sex with Kwarley in the past and infected her with HIV/AIDS. This unfortunate incident threw Kwarley’s life in absolute chaos. This movie is very well crafted and its twists are almost as simple but effective as they come. It plays quite well with the audience’s emotional versatility and has the capability to cause emotional agony at the thought that the fresh couple has too much trouble to grapple with, too early in the union.

The film addresses the old issue of stigmatization, betrayal, anger, infidelity, ill-health, and jealously. Kudos should be given to John Dumelo who played his role perfectly and bravely pushes the boundaries. One could visibly see the connection between him and the character he plays in the film, what with an outstanding scene where he had to shed tears while revealing to his colleague, his wife’s illness. OC Ukeje who is well known for his strength, style and professional touch at interpreting roles didn’t disappoint as he did justice to his role as the dying ex-lover to Dumas. He was able to, through his character, bring the viewers closely to feel his pains and his desire to have Dumas (Kwale) back in his life.

Even with the professional touch, it is important to note that Frimpong misses it at some point with the make-up style for OC Ukeje.

The black circles around the eyes was not necessary. Also viewers were meant to believe that Alex and wife, Kwale got married in the church without doing the pre requisite health tests even though Kwale is a surgeon. I must add that the excellence deliverance of the message and the acts wowed me so well not forgetting the good use of HKN act, Davido’s Aye song, which was perfect for the movie.

The plot, setting, picture quality was crisp. Indeed, Love or something like that, can arguably, rival Hollywood’s love movies. I believe the movie might be clinching several awards just like her previous effort, The Contract, did shortly after its release.

I score the movie a 9/10.

Initial release: February 2014 (Georgia)

Producer: Frimpong-Manso and Joselyn Dumas

Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso

John Dumelo and Joselyn Dumas on set

Nse Nkpe and Adjetey in bathtub scene

Director: Shirley Fri mpong-Ma nso

Running time: 120 minutes

Cast: John Dumelo, OC Ukeje, Nana

Mensah

L8 Television

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday April 30, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

107 M-Net Movie

125 FOX Channel

00:06

13:00

Thu, 30 Apr | 16SNL

Thu, 30 Apr | PG

Twilight’s Robert Pattinson, lends his charm and good looks to this drama about a poor soldier who rises up society’s ranks using his irresistible powers of seduction. Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas. (2012) Declan Donnellan, Nick OrmeRod

‘S2/E20 - Anthology Of Interest’. Fansworth creates a ‘what if’ machine. Bender wonders what if he’s 152 meters tall. Leela is a little bit more impulsive. What if Fry would have never been frozen 1000 years ago?

101 M-Net

00:30 Vice 01:00 Walking With Dinosaurs 02:30 Entertainment Now! 03:00 Winter’s Tale 05:00 MasterChef Australia 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 The Middle 07:30 NCIS: New Orleans 08:30 Chicago Fire 09:30 X-Men: Days Of Future Past 11:30 Mom 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 Carte Blanche 15:00 The Blacklist 16:00 Modern Family 16:30 Two And A Half Men 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Mike & Molly 18:30 MasterChef Australia 19:30 The Fixer 20:30 Mob City 21:30 NCIS: New Orleans 22:30 CSI: Cyber

118 Telemundo

00:40 Fearless Heart 01:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 02:20 The Impostor 03:10 Labour Of Love 04:00 Fearless Heart 04:50 Queen Of Hearts 06:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 07:10 Labour Of Love 08:00 Fearless Heart 08:50 Queen Of Hearts 09:40 The Impostor 10:30 Forbidden Passions 11:20 Labour Of Love 12:10 Fearless Heart 13:00 Queen Of Hearts 13:50 The Impostor 14:40 Forbidden Passions 15:30 Labour Of Love 16:20 Fearless Heart 17:10 Queen Of Hearts 18:00 The Impostor 18:50 Forbidden Passions 19:40 Labour Of Love 20:30 Fearless Heart 21:20 Queen Of Hearts 22:10 The Impostor 23:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Aurora

120 BBC Entertainment

00:25 My Family

10:35 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

00:55 My Family

11:20 Deal Or No Deal

01:25 Top Gear

12:00 My Family

02:15 Silent Witness

12:35 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:10 Come Dine With Me

13:20 Top Gear

03:55 EastEnders

14:15 Come Dine With Me

04:25 The Weakest Link

15:10 Dragons’ Den

05:10 Top Gear

16:10 The Weakest Link

06:00 Fool Britannia

17:00 EastEnders

06:25 QI

17:30 Deal Or No Deal

07:00 Would I Lie To You?

18:15 QI

07:30 EastEnders

18:50 Would I Lie To You?

08:00 Antiques Roadshow

19:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

08:55 The Weakest Link

20:15 Downton Abbey

09:45 The Cube

21:15 Blackadder II

155 AfricaMagic World

01:00 Tinsel 01:30 Living With Trisha 02:00 Star Gist

13:30 Channel O: Volt 14:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas

02:30 Making Of A Mogul

15:00 Through The Eyes Of An African

03:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas

15:30 53 Extra

04:00 Good Morning Africa

16:00 Making Of A Mogul

05:00 Channel O: Volt

16:30 Coco Bill

05:30 Channel O: Volt

16:45 Coco Bill

06:00 Comedy Club Live In Kampala

17:00 The African Child

02:05 Freakshow 02:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:55 The Black Lizard 04:20 Panic Button Canada 05:10 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:35 Unbeatable Banzuke 06:00 Brave Archer And His Mate 07:45 Video Zonkers

11:00 Repo Games 11:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 12:30 Video Zonkers

10:00 Comedy Club Live In Kampala

13:00 Channel O: Volt

01:40 Unbeatable Banzuke

10:30 What Went Down

08:25 A Good Enough Reason

00:25 Channel O: Volt

01:15 Unbeatable Banzuke

09:30 Most Shocking

08:00 Star Gist

12:30 Star Gist

00:50 Video Zonkers

08:35 Panic Button Canada

07:00 Good Morning Africa

12:00 Tinsel

00:25 Video Zonkers

08:10 Video Zonkers

154 AfricaMagic Family

11:00 Good Morning Africa

128 SONY MAX

13:00 Video Zonkers 00:00 Music On Africa Magic

09:00 Lies That Bind

01:00 Noose Of Gold

09:30 Lies That Bind

01:30 Good Morning Africa

10:00 Good Morning Africa

02:40 The Dzigbordi Show

11:00 So Wrong So Wright

03:30 Good Morning Africa

11:30 So Wrong So Wright

04:30 Good Morning Africa

12:00 Affections

05:30 Noose Of Gold

12:30 Jara

06:00 Good Morning Africa

13:00 Jara

07:00 Foot Prints

13:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

07:30 Foot Prints

14:00 Music On Africa Magic

08:00 Star Gist

15:00 Noose Of Gold

08:30 Star Gist

15:30 Noose Of Gold

13:30 Most Shocking 14:30 Panic Button Canada 15:30 What Went Down 16:00 Exposed 16:30 Stunts Unlimited 17:40 Panic Button Canada 18:35 Video Zonkers 19:05 Video Zonkers 19:30 What Went Down 20:00 Most Shocking 21:00 The Incredible Mr Goodwin 22:00 Freakshow 22:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

NFF

Puma didn’t snub us X3 g

Poster!

CHRIS JORDAN g X4,5

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Pacquiao g X7

pins hope on God Confed Cup: Action begins on Friday g X2

n o t h g Hou urges liverpool to spend big g X8

X2

Thursday, April 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

I’m proud to wear Henry’s jersey number Confed Cup: Action begins on Friday

Stories by Mike Otanwa

N

igeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, has said he would start calling up national team players to training camp next month, as he begins preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The tactician is keen to get an early jump on assembling the Super Eagles, having failed to lead them to this year’s AFCON finals in Equatorial Guinea - a shortcoming which almost cost him his job.

And, with the AFCON 2017 qualifiers set to kick-off in June, where they will face Chad in Abuja, Keshi, who was reappointed as head coach this month, is hopeful of getting an early start on his preparations.

“We need to start camping next month because time is not on our side again since the fixtures for the AFCON 2017 qualifiers have been released by CAF,” he said.

2017 AfCON qualifiers: Keshi opens camp in May

Warri Wolves squad

–Walcott

A Walcott

rsenal forward Theo Walcott has revealed that he wanted to wear No. 8 shirt when he first arrived at the north London outfit, but now he feels proud to wear the same number as club legend Thierry Henry.

Walcott joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old in January 2006 from Southampton and he has since gone on to become an important player in manager Arsene Wenger’s ranks.

The England international, whose current season has been interrupted by injuries, has revealed that when he first signed for the Gunners he wished to wear number eight jersey as he wanted a lower number, but couldn’t get it as it was being worn by Samir Nasri at the time.

As a result he had to settle for No. 32, the same as his time at St. Mary’s.

“At the time I wanted No 8”, Walcott was quoted as saying.

T

he Absa Premiership title race might be over, but Orlando Pirates and several other African clubs still have a chance to fight for glory in the CAF Confederation Cup. The action begins on Friday when FC MK Etancheite take on Warri Wolves at 16h30 in Kinshasa, while Club Africain will battle it out with ASO Chlef at 19h00 in Rades.

Then on Saturday Orlando Pirates host CF Mounana at 20h15 in Johannesburg while Etoile Sportive du Sahel take on Young Africans at

20h00 in Sousse.

On Sunday AS Vita Club will play Royal Leopards at 16h30 in Kinshasa, Hearts of Oak face Djoliba AC at 17h00 in Accra, ASEC Mimosas play Onze Createurs at 17h30 in Abidjan and FUS Rabat to take on Zamalek at 21h30 in Rabat.

Don’t miss African Stars Watch on Sunday to catch Live Coverage of the various games in this competition as well as the CAF Champions League in what will be a very busy Sunday of football.

Watford will maintain EPL status

–Ighalo

S

uper Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo, whose goals helped Watford to secure a Premier League ticket, has expressed confidence that the Yellow Army will maintain their Premier League status next Season.

Watford secured a return to the top flight league for the first time in eight years after a 0-2 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion, a weekend other Championship promotion

rivals failed to get positive results to keep the chase on.

The former Prime FC and Julius Berger FC forward had previously played for the Flying Eagles but he was in action for the first time with Nigeria’s senior national football team during the international break in March.

Ighalo believes that Watford has what it takes to compete in the Premiership.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Puma

didn’t snub us

–NFF

Stories by Mike Otanwa

C

ontrary to reports that they were snubbed by popular kit makers, Puma, before signing with American sportswear giants, Nike, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have denied such claims, insisting it was Nike that showed the biggest commitment.

Speaking, the director of Marketing at the NFF, Idris

Adama, described such insinuations as ‘a lie’, saying Puma didn’t show enough commitment to seal a deal with the Glass House.

“It’s a lie, Puma never showed interest,” he said. “They never showed any commitment and we cannot accept expressions of interest without commitment.”

The NFF last week announced a partnership with American kit manufacturers, Nike, after a contract signing ceremony in London, replacing former sponsors, Adidas.

‘My son, Iheanacho, will make U-20 World Cup’

J

ames Iheanacho, the father of Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has said that his son will make the Nigerian team to this summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

He disclosed that his son has fully recovered from his injury and will be ready for the U-20 World Cup. “I spoke with him and he told me he is fit now. He has been suffering from that injury (ankle) and it comes and goes”, he said.

Iheanacho

Give room for continuity in football –Club owners

T

he executive committee of Club Owners Association of Nigeria rose from its meeting in Abuja, with a call to various state governments (owners) and sponsors of Premier League clubs in the country to give room for continuity in the management structure of the League clubs, in order to guarantee stability.

This call became necessary in view of the upcoming transition ‎from one government to the other in many states of the Federation which own and fund Premier League Clubs in Nigeria.

A statement by the club owners after its meeting held at Prix Air hotel Wuse Abuja, which was jointly signed by the Ag. Chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Ag. Secretary, Alloy Chukwuemeka, urged the various club owners to allow continuity in the Clubs’ management structure even as the ongoing league is running smoothly without distractions.

Adama

BBC Award:

Ojo urges Nigerians to vote Oshoala C

onfluence Queens Media Officer, Ojo Oluwatosin, has praised Liverpool Ladies striker Asisat Oshoala for her enormous qualities, and likened her to a warrior.

The respected journalist took time to analyse the chances of Oshoala in winning the inaugural BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award.

“It has been a remarkable rise for Oshoala. I wasn’t surprised when she was listed alongside four other players for the Award. I’m using this medium to urge Nigerians all over the world to vote for her.

She has come a long way and should be encouraged,” Ojo added.

“I know her very well. She has great character and she is a great player, a fearless woman and a warrior who really wants to carve a niche in the round leather game,” Ojo said.

“She’ll bring her true qualities both on and off the field. Oshoala can play very well in any area of the pitch and that explains her versatility.

Oshoala

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

JORDAN

EXTRATIME

CHRIS

X4

Chris Jordan 26 years old October 04, 1988 Right Handed Batsman and Right-arm medium bowler England, Surrey, Sussex

TEST v Sri Lanka, Last v West Indies, Richards Stadium ODI v Australia, Last v Afghanistan, Ground T20I v Australia, Australia Last v Sri Lanka, Oval

Career

TEST ODI

Current Rank

Bowling

ICC Rankings

Lord’s Sir Vivian

The Rose Bowl Sydney Cricket

S t a d i u m

Kennington

Sep 16, 2013, 2015-03-13,

Feb 02, 2014,

2014-05-20,

59 46

Jun 12, 2014, 2015-04-13,

61 46 (3 up)

Career Best

•Jordan has had an on-off time in the ODI side. After an excellent ODI series against Sri Lanka at home, where he picked up 12 wickets in five games, the selectors gave him his first Test cap against the same opposition. He also played three Tests against India and kept on improving as the series progressed, but he could not translate the same performances in the ODI series. He only played one game in the five-match series and was not consistent during the Sri Lanka tour. The resurgence of Chris Woakes also meant that Jordan was pushed down the pecking order. Nonetheless, he has been named in the 15-man World Cup squad.

•Now, 2013 proved to be a fruitful year for Jordan as he signed up for Sussex. He took 6 for 48 on his debut against Yorkshire and was one of the leading wicket-takers in the County Championship. He earned an England Lions call-up for the ODI series against Bangladesh ‘A’ in August and was selected for the senior squad to face Ireland and Australia. He finally made his ODI debut against Australia and picked up three wickets in his first game in Southampton. This display earned him a spot in the limited overs squad for England’s tour to Australia and West Indies in early 2014. His heroics in the third T20I against West Indies grabbed eye-balls as he picked up three wickets in the match to help his side to a consolation win after smashing Dwayne Bravo all over the park, including four sixes, to take 26 runs in the last over which gave England a competitive total on the board.

•Unfortunately, injuries plagued him frequently after that and he ended up missing the entire 2010 season due to a back problem. His return in 2011 was not particularly impressive as he managed only 11 wickets, but he had a short stint with Barbados that winter and picked up 13 scalps. Coming back to Surrey in 2012, his form dipped and he was released at the end of that season. He again returned to Barbados and performed brilliantly, taking 16 wickets, this time at 15.18.

•Born in Barbados, Chris Jordan moved to England on the back of a sporting scholarship to Dulwich College. He burst on the county circuit as a 18-year old in 2007 when he picked up 20 wickets in five county championship games for Surrey.

•Born in Barbados, Chris Jordan moved to England on the back of a sporting scholarship to Dulwich College. He burst on the county circuit as a 18-year old in 2007 when he picked up 20 wickets.

Team:

Full name: Age: Born: Position:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

M 7 22 7

Tests ODI T20I

M Inn 7 13 22 22 7 7

Bowling stats

Tests ODI T20I

Batting stats

B 1302 1142 134

Inn 8 16 6 Runs 655 1065 181

Runs 159 132 80 Wkts 19 37 9

HS 35 38 27 BBI 18 / 4 29 / 5 39 / 3

Avg 22.71 12 20

BBM 50 / 7 29 / 5 39 / 3

Econ 3.02 5.61 8.23

SR NO 58.67 1 88.59 5 135.59 2 0

Avg 34.47 28.78 20.11

100 0 0 0

SR 68.53 30.86 14.89

50 0 0 5

5W 0 1 0

4s 21 12 5

10W 0 0 0

6s 1 3

Thursday, April 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

X5

X6

Thursday, April 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Madrid Atletico

Simeone

R

and to receive transfer ban

eport has it that both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could well be set to receive transfer bans.

Barcelona were recently prohibited from signing players, for breaking the rules associated with recruiting young players and, as such, would not be able to strengthen their first-team squad this summer.

However, with the two capital city sides now in the officials’ gaze, the report states that both Madrid club are set to be handed similar punishment for the same offence.

This would reportedly start this summer and last for two transfer windows, meaning that neither Diego Simeone or Carlo Ancelotti’s men would be able to add to their squads until the summer of 2016.

Fifa are reportedly ready to hand down the sanctions, in what would be a major blow for both clubs.

If this does come to fruition it would be good news for a number of Premier League clubs, who have seen their best players linked with Real Madrid in recent times.

Inzaghi

hits out at Milan bust-up rumours

F

ilippo Inzaghi has hit out at media reports of a bustup between himself and members of his Milan squad.

Milan’s poor season suffered a new low point in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Udinese, which led to an apology from head coach Inzaghi.

Worse was to follow for Milan’s suffering supporters as reports

in the Italian media suggested an argument had taken place between Inzaghi and his squad in the aftermath of the defeat.

Midfielder Nigel de Jong was said to be one of the players involved in the spat, although the Dutchman took to Twitter to write: “Press is the press for a reason. Always looking for a hype.

Don’t assume the first thing you are reading is the truth.

“You can have an argument as adults, but always with respect. If there is one who knows the value of this shirt it is our coach. As that being said let’s move on to what’s important. Leaving this issue for what it is and do the talking on the pitch together.”

Man U, Barca in US showdown E

uropean heavyweights, Manchester United and Barcelona will face-off in a glamour friendly in San Francisco on July 25, organisers of the International Champions Cup (ICC) have announced.

English giants, United, who won the 2014 tournament, will tackle Spanish league leaders Barcelona at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, which was only opened in July last year.

United will also play Mexican side

Club America in Seattle on July 17, San Jose Earthquakes on July 21, at a venue to be announced, and Paris SaintGermain at Chicago’s Soldier Field on July 29.

“Manchester United has a great history of visiting these US cities, creating memorable experiences for players and fans that date back as far as the 1950s,” said United managing director Richard Arnold in a club statement.

Enrique

Enrique pleased with Getafe thrashing

B

“After this month’s Manchester derby broke records to become the most-watched Premier League match in US cable television history, the club is excited to be returning to the United States at a time when the appetite for football is greater than ever.”

Barcelona are also due to play the Los Angeles Galaxy at California’s Rose Bowl on July 21 and Chelsea in Washington DC on July 28 before travelling to Florence to tackle Fiorentina on August 2.

arcelona manager Luis Enrique is pleased with his team’s emphatic win against Getafe at the Camp Nou, saying that his team’s performance gives him confidence for the remainder of the campaign.

The Catalan giants thrashed Getafe 6-0 with a brace each from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Xavi Hernandez and Neymar completed the scoreline to provisionally put Barcelona five points ahead of second placed Real Madrid.

Enrique’s men were very efficient in front of goal and raced into a 5-0 lead by the 40th minute of the match. The Austrian is pleased with his team’s effectiveness and feels that it would have been difficult to keep Barcelona at bay for any team.

“When the team has that level of effectiveness it makes it very difficult for any team”, he was quoted as saying.

“It was a difficult game but we managed to put it to bed in the first half.”

Thursday, April 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

M

BOXING:

anny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather amped up the anticipation for their blockbuster bout, feting fans on Tuesday before they get down to the final, serious preparations for Saturday’s welterweight showdown.

Boxing’s latest “Fight of the Century” - between two fighters reckoned to be the best poundfor-pound of their generation - has been more than five years in the making.

Meanwhile, Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is confident he can beat American arch-rival Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on Saturday, with the power of God, after abandoning a life he said was packed with sin condemning him to hell.

Pacquiao is in top form both in mind and spirit after he traded his boozing, gambling and womanising ways for a devout life of prayer, his spiritual adviser, Jeric Soriano, SAID. “Manny is a God-fearing man.

Inside his heart of hearts he really loved God. Except the world got to him,” Soriano said of Pacquiao’s party-boy lifestyle before he became born-again in 2012.

Pacquiao now dreams of becoming a pastor and is building a 6,000-square metre (1.5-acre) ‘worship house’ in his southern Philippine hometown of General Santos as a monument to his spiritual rebirth, Soriano said.

Pacquiao pins hope on God OHURUOGU Pacquiao

ATHLETICS:

relishing title defence

TENNIS:

Wimbledon hikes FORMULA ONE: prize money to £1.88m WILLIAMS

P Djokovic

GOLF:

rize money is increasing by 7 percent at Wimbledon this year, with 1.88 million pounds (US$2.85 million) going to the men’s and women’s singles champions.

The All England Club announced that prize money for the grass court grand slam will total 26.75 million pounds (US$40.60 million).

Organisers said the prize fund will be “the highest ever in professional tennis”, surpassing last year’s US Open purse of US$38.25 million.

The tournament will run from June 29 to July 12. The break between the French Open and Wimbledon, normally two weeks, has been extended to three weeks for the first time this year. The total prize money for singles winners will rise 8 percent from last year’s total of 1.76 million pounds, received by defending champions Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova.

Men’s and women’s doubles winners will earn 340,000 pounds, an increase of 15,000 pounds, while mixed doubles winners will receive a rise of 4 percent, to 100,000 pounds.

Martens aims high after ‘been to hell’

I

X7

f ever a golfer deserved to triumph in the face of morale-crushing adversity it is surely Ladies European Tour professional Caroline Martens.

The Norwegian has ‘been to hell‘ and back in the last two years, dislocating both shoulders and struggling to walk after being diagnosed with an illness she

prefers to keep to herself, but which the 28-year-old describes as “potentially life or death”.

Martens, who is down in 31st place on this season’s money-list, also had to experience the death of her grandfather and a close friend in 2013 plus the sudden, unexpected ending of a long-term relationship with her boyfriend.

“Everything was just a mess,” she said at the tour’s Buckinghamshire Golf Club headquarters on the outskirts of London.

“For me 2013 was an entire year of devastation but I came back at the end of the season to win Qualifying School by eight shots.

That taught me how strong I was.

relaxed over £42.5m ‘hangover’ loss

B

ritish Formula One team Frank Williams insisted on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that they were still “on track” despite announcing a £42.5 million ($64.7 million, 59.4 million euros) loss for 2014.

Team chiefs blamed the deficit on the on-going “hangover” from some poor results, notably in 2013 when Williams finished ninth in the Constructors’ Championship — their worst placing in history.

This led to reduced prize money and sponsorship after Williams— who improved to third last year— made a £11.9 million profit in 2013.

“While 2014 at first glance was disappointing, it really was what we anticipated. We’re on track,” chief executive Mike O’Driscoll said.

“What we are reporting today is essentially a hangover. We expect 2015 to be materially, significantly, better than 2014.”

W

orld 400m champion, Christine Ohuruogu, will compete at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in the former Olympic Stadium, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from July 24-26.

The event includes a two-day Diamond League meeting on Friday 24th and Saturday July 25, with the Sainsbury’s IPC Athletics Grand Prix Final taking place on Sunday July 26.

Ohuruogu will defend the world title she won for the second time in Moscow in 2013 when she lines up at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing in August and believes that the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games will provide an important test coming just four weeks out from the championships.

Ohuruogu

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

LIVERPOOL

L

iverpool legend, Ray Houghton, says they need to spend big this summer if the Reds are to return to the Champions League.

Liverpool are reeling after defeat last night at Hull City.

“The owners need to back Brendan Rodgers in the summer by giving him real money to go out and spend on players to compete,” Houghton said. “Chelsea will spend, Manchester City will revamp their squad, Arsenal look like they’ll spend more money and Manchester United certainly will.

n o t h Houg

urges liverpool to spend big Houghton

Rodgers calls for toughness

B

rendan Rodgers has ordered his ailing Liverpool team to toughen up if they are to mount a serious challenge for a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Reds saw their slim top-four hopes all but extinguished in their defeat at Hull as a testing campaign looks set to finish with little more than a whimper.

While manager Rodgers believes his side’s mid-season rally has cost them in recent weeks he will have been alarmed by the lack of desire on show at the KC Stadium, where they were upstaged by struggling Hull in every department.

Rodgers

Henderson

Don’t let the season fizzle out –Henderson

Fans protest hike in ticket prices L

L

iverpool supporters union, Spirit of Shankly, staged a protests outside Anfield on Tuesday as they continue to call for change over ticket pricing.

It organised a boycott of the trip to Hull after the Tigers charged Liverpool fans £50 for the match, while Stoke paid just £16 when they visited the KC Stadium in August.

Most teams run a category system for ticket pricing, with the big clubs forced to pay the most which effectively subsidies the less fashionable fixtures. Followers of clubs such as Liverpool now feel they are being penalised for supporting them and want action.

iverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is urging his teammates not to allow the season to fizzle

out.

Liverpool are reeling after defeat Tuesday night at Hull City.

“We’ve just got to keep going,” said the England midfielder. “Obviously everybody is disappointed with the game.

“We’ve just got to move on as quickly as possible to the next game, which is QPR at home, and hopefully just try to win every game from now until the end of the season and see where we are.

“We’ve got to keep working. We’ve got a great bunch of lads who are very disappointed too. But we’ve got to go again.

“We’ve got to lift ourselves because we know at the weekend QPR will be right up for it. It will be a difficult game.

Fans seen outside the stadium