Dtn 1 2 16ok

Anti-graft war: Judiciary is my main headache -Buhari

Ï Says Jonathan govt failed to pay counterpart funding for rail projects ÎÎÎPresident

Egena Egena,

Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said the judiciary remains his

Abuja

major headache as far ongoing anti-corruption fight of his administration is

concerned.

President Buhari stated this in Addis Ababa,

Ethiopia during a town hall meeting he had with Continued on page 12

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 35

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 29th January 2016.

NESTLE

708.85

739.99

31.14%

CADBURY

17.54

19

1.46%

DANGCEM

129.4

128.91 -0.49%

CAVERTON

1.95

1.86

-0.09%

SEPLAT

185

194.25

9.25%

GUINNESS

110

115.5

5.5%

UPL

6

5.7

FBNH

4

3.93

-0.07%

-0.3%

Boko Haram unleashes terror on village, kills 85 ÎÎÎNo fewer than 85 peo-

ple were reportedly killed when suspected Boko Haram fighters unleashed terror on Dalori village at the outskirt of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the Nigerian Army, emergency workers and local resi-

Ï Kids among those burnt alive in Dalori village – Witness Ï Boko Haram seeking cheap media attention, desperate to embarrass govt - Buhari

dents said Sunday.

The Boko Haram terrorists struck Dalori, some kilometres from Maiduguri

on Saturday night after the Isha’i prayers, burning down the village and sending residents fleeing into

the bush.

Confirming the attack on behalf of the Nigerian Army in a statement in

Maiduguri, Col. Mustapha Anka, the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole Theater Command,

said it was targeted at members of the local vigilance group, the Civilian Continued on page 6

PDP Govs back Forum DG, Onaiwu, for Edo guber 8

2016 budget is achievable, says Udoma 23 FG spent N3tr to B1 service domestic debts in 5 yrs

Executive Director, Centre for Peace and President US-UNESCO Clubs, Mr. Guy Djoken (left) presenting 2016 Award of Excellence to Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade when a delegation from the organisation visited the Governor in Calabar… at the weekend.

Top five benefits of board games L4, L5 Ï Anambra PDP: Uba brothers trade tackles over Supreme Court verdict

6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Page Three

s

3

Editorial Nigeria’s latest corruption ranking

I

f any news has stopped shocking Nigerians, it is that from Transparency International (TI). In its recent corruption ranking for 2015, Nigeria placed 136th out of 168 countries in the world with a measly score of 26 percent.

The ranking released last week, showed that Nigeria dropped by one point in the TI index. Usually, the index rates countries on a scale of zero to 100. The country had in 2014, placed 136th among 176 countries, but scored 27 percent. Even at that, we cannot but be disappointed at the continuing poor ranking of the country on the corruption perception index. While no African country ranked among the first 20, only Ghana improved on the scale, placing in the 56th position.

This development is anything but cheering, given that corruption remains the biggest impediment to the political, economic and social progress of the African continent. Unfortunately, the scale of corruption has attained an epidemic proportion in Nigeria, where the malaise remains a way of life. Incidentally, the cankerworm hits hardest at the poor who make up more than 70 per cent of the population.

According to estimates, more than $160 billion has left Nigeria illicitly in the past decade. Such corrosive nature of corruption can be felt everywhere, including the civil service, public institutions, health and medical services. Even the police and courts that are created to safeguard citizen’s rights are seen by the citizens as the most corrupt, with over a quarter of those who had dealings with them saying they paid a bribe. It is a fact that corruption creates and increases poverty and exclusion. Sadly, as a corrupt few with political power enjoy lavish life, millions of their fellow citizens

are deprived of basic needs like food, health, education, housing, access to clean water and sanitation.

Despite the huge promise of development capability and an enormous array of resources, the country’s economy continues to witness stagnant growth due to corruption and gross mismanagement. Indeed, corruption in Nigeria has become systemic, making it difficult for anyone who is part of the system to escape from experiencing and being a part of it. The country has thus witnessed a situation where corrupt behaviour has dogged successive political leadership at different levels, and in varying degrees.

Unmitigated levels of corruption and leadership crisis have also manifested in the collapse of public facilities, with funds meant for social infrastructure diverted to private ends by both appointed and elected class of public officials and their cronies. It is not out of place to infer that the birth of the terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, is traceable to the wide-scale kleptocracy of the Nigerian government, accused of pilfering trillions of naira of oil revenues and having spawned a massively corrupt civil service. There is no gainsaying that corruption has hindered sustained economic growth, inhibited foreign investments and wasted a sizable percentage of public resources that would have been channeled towards development ends.

We may not need TI ranking, or a wake-up call from any organisation or country before battling the ogre headlong. It is in our interest, as well as those of unborn generations, that we make our country safe for business and fully guided by integrity.

As President Muhammadu Buhari often says, we must kill corruption before it kills us.

Daily/ Online Editor Biodun Durojaiye Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

ÏÏÏFormer

President Olusegun Obasanjo appears to have acquired a new skill since leaving office a little above eight years ago.

That skill is letter writing; and he wastes no time to pen down his thoughts on issues whenever the need arises.

Of course, knowing the former president as someone who is not afraid to speak his mind, some of the issues he raises in his letters end up stirring more controversies than solutions. Example is the 18-page letter he wrote to former President Goodluck Jonathan on December 2, 2013 wherein he (Obasanjo) levelled sundry but grave allegations against Jona-

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can absolve himself and his erstwhile administration of the allegations he leveled against the lawmakers. Can the former president, for instance, absolve himself and his administration of impunity, fiscal irresponsibility and corruption? How come the anti-graft war under his watch was branded as selective?

Not a few will forget that it was during Obasanjo’s regime that the idea of constituency project for lawmakers was mooted and legitmised. If the former president had put his feet down and rejected the matter, Nigeria could have saved the whooping sums that are yearly appropriated for these projects most of which cannot be traced, talk-less benefiting the constituents of the lawmakers. So, before the former president writes another letter, he should offer solutions not just stir controversies.

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than. That letter not only heated up the polity but further strained the relationship between the duo.

Just last Wednesday, another letter written by Obasanjo to National Assembly members leaked to the press. As usual, the Ota farmer was in his true colours and this time, he accused the lawmakers of fiscal irresponsibility, impunity and corruption.

He also alleged in the letter that a number of the 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives were receiving constituency allowances without maintaining their local offices as required by the law.

Clearly, the issues raised by the former president in his letter to the lawmakers are germane and the lawmakers need to come clean on them.

However, it remains to be seen if Obasanjo

Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Managing Editor Yinka Olujimi

Obasanjo and his letters

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Goodluck Jonathan

Richard Aki njide

“We can no longer afford to willfully sacrifice the blood of our citizens on the altar of dangerous partisan politics. It is not worth it.”

“When you are in a hole and you continue digging the hole, you are making your situation.” worse.”

Ben Okri “The magician and the politician have much in common: they both have to draw our attention away from what they are really doing.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

CNPP backs Buhari on probe of NNPC Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎ

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has thrown its weight behind the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to probe past financial transactions of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The CNPP, in a statement made available to Daily Times by the Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said the reforms being introduced by the Minister of State/Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has exposed the activi-

ties of the cabals who hitherto held the oil sector hostage.

According to the statement, the best gift the President has brought to the table in recent times was the appointment of a non-partisan professional and technocrat, Ibe Kachikwu as the Honourable Minister of State/Group Managing Director of the corporation.

CNPP warned that it was aware of moves by the cabal to blackmail the Minister of State and continue business as usual, but warned that Nigerians are ready to defend the minister in

his attempt to sanitise the sector.

The CNPP maintained that Nigerians now have hope in the leadership of the oil sector that has seen some positive and masses oriented reforms in the last few days, and thereby warned that the upcoming probe by the government should not be politicized for any reason.

“CNPP is aware that the worst set of dangerous black marketers in the world exist within the NNPC as oil cabal and this is to sound a warning to them that Nigerians will not tolerate any unwarranted attack under any guise by

these agents of darkness, to either bring the corporation down or pull the government down on its people oriented leadership” Ezugwu added.

He said the new helmsman has proven to be interested in probity and transparency of every single kobo that the country earns from crude oil, adding that he would encouraged to keep his books open and allow Nigerians to face the cabal while himself and the President are allowed to concentrate.

He urged Kachikwu to be courageous, saying he has the support of Nigerians.

5 News

Edo 2016: Party won’t compromise due process, APC chair Titus Akhigbe, Benin City

ÎÎÎGroups renew call for

creation of new Oyo state Eminent personalities, including traditional rulers, chiefs, academia, technocrats, leaders of though, religious leaders, politicians and professionals from 14 Local Government Areas in Oyo and Oke Ogun geo-political zones of Oyo state, last weekend, renewed their call for a new Oyo state with Oyo town as capital.

This was the resolution during a special reception held in Oyo, in honour of

elected representatives, Senator, House of Representatives members and House of Assembly members from the zone, including the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu.

The event, organised by the trio of the Oyo Pinnacle Club, New Oyo state Forum and Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, was used to draw political office holders’ attention to facilitate the completion of abandoned projects in the zone and attraction of other developmental projects to make the proposed state viable to take off.

ADB to partner Nigerian on job creation Akor Ejumene, Abuja

ÎÎÎMinister

of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi has called on African Development Bank (ADB) to include in its project implementation activities in Nigeria the accommodation of local content thereby giving room for indigenous engineers in project implementation.

Ocholi stated this in Abuja when he received a delegation from the African Development Bank (ADB), led by the Director of the Bank, Pitamber Sunita.

The Minister added that the main thrust of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is job creation for the teeming

unemployed youths, while expressing the ministry’s readiness to partner with the Bank to create job opportunities for the unemployed and under employed.

Ocholi stressed that one critical area of assistance that ADB could be of assistant to Nigeria in its efforts at job creation is in the area of vocational skills and capacity building.

The Minister re-affirmed that government alone cannot create jobs, emphasising that President Muhammadu Buhari is redoubling efforts to ensure that the campaign promises he made to Nigerians are delivered, most especially in the area of job creation and tackling of terrorism.

Groups renew call for creation of new Oyo state

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) in talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt at the sidelines of the 26th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia… on Sunday.

Tension in Bayelsa Assembly over refusal to swear-in ADC candidate Akam James, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎ

There was a noticeable silence at the Bayelsa state House of Assembly over the alleged refusal of its leadership to swear-in the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the April 11, 2015 Bayelsa state House of Assembly elections in Ogbia Constituency 3, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara as directed by the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Riv-

ers state had in December annulled the April 11th, 2015 state House Assembly victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Naomi Ogoli and declare the ADC candidate, Gabriel Ogbara as duly elected member of the House.

The Court of Appeal, after annulling the PDP candidate’s victory and direct the withdrawal of the Certificate of Return issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ordered that the candidate of the ADC, Gabriel Ogbara be is-

sued a Certificate of Return and sworn-in as duly elected member of the Assembly.

Our correspondent however, gathered last weekend that though the INEC has issued the ADC candidate his certificate of Return, the state House of Assembly is reluctant to abide by the directive of the Court.

While some members of the state House of Assembly denied the alleged claim of reluctance to obey the Court order, and attributed the delay to the ongoing controversy triggered by a ruling from

the Court of Appeal against the Speaker, Hon. Kombowei Benson.

Others claimed that the delay was caused by the ongoing discussion between the ADC leadership and the PDP on some soft landing for the sacked PDP member and absence of the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.

When contacted on the development, the state Chairman of the ADC, Brisibe Kpodo, denied any secret discussion between the PDP and the ADC over the matter, and asked.

ÎÎÎ

Eminent personalities, including traditional rulers, chiefs, academia, technocrats, leaders of though, religious leaders, politicians and professionals from 14 Local Government Areas in Oyo and Oke Ogun geo-political zones of Oyo state, last weekend, renewed their call for a new Oyo state with Oyo town as capital.

This was the resolution during a special reception held in Oyo, in honour of elected representatives, Senator, House of Representatives members and House of Assembly members from the zone, including the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu.

The event, organised by the trio of the Oyo Pinnacle Club, New Oyo state Forum and Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, was used to draw political office holders’ attention to facili-

Ajimobi tate the completion of abandoned projects in the zone and attraction of other developmental projects to make the proposed state viable to take off.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Benjamin Lala, while decrying the alleged marginalisation of the zones

by Ibadan, said the aim of the organisers was to serve as pressure group to influence all tiers of government towards taking positive action on issues beneficial to various communities including the creation of New Oyo state out of the present Oyo state, with capital in Oyo.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Boko Haram unleashes terror on village, kills 85 Continued from page 1 JTF. ``It was a desperate reprisal attack on the strong, determined and committed members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and innocent citizens.”

He said the terrorists launched the attack through Yale from the rear of Dalori village, adding that they came to the village in two Golf salon cars. ``The terrorists were believed to have arrived in two Golf salon cars and motorcycles before they started opening fire and burning houses. ``Their motive was to cause rancour and penetrate crowd with suicide bombers. ``Also, while people were running for their dear lives

to Gomari Kerkeri village, three female suicide bombers attempted to make their way into the crowd but were intercepted and subsequently blown up. ``During the incident, lives were lost while some people sustained injuries.’’

He said the terrorists also attempted to penetrate the Dalori IDP camp but the attempt was resisted by the troop which resulted into detonation of Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs) by suicide bombers.

Local residents told AFP they fled into the bush when the Boko Haram fighters descended on Dalori.

“We were seated outside our home shortly after the Isha’i prayer when we heard gunshots and within a few minutes the invaders

had arrived,” Malam Masa Dalori, a community leader, told AFP. “They came in Golf saloon cars and began to shoot sporadically. Many people ran to the bush including myself,” he said.

“When we came back in the morning the entire community had been razed. At least 50 people were also killed, many others injured,” he said.

Mallam Hassan, another villager, gave a similar account.

“I lost an uncle in the attack. But I thank God I escaped with my children,” he said.

On Sunday, there were reports that the death toll had risen to 85. Also, 62 other people reportedly

sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Maiduguri the capital of the state.

Most of those affected were fleeing women and children who ran into suicide bombers in a nearby village, an official of the National Emergency Management Agency reportedly said.

On Sunday, the State Emergency Management Ageny’s Zonal Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Kanar, told Channels Television that the death toll could rise, as other rescue organisation were involved in providing aid to the victims.

A survivor hidden in a tree said he watched Boko

Haram extremists firebomb huts and heard the screams of children among people burned to death.

Scores of charred corpses and bodies with bullet wounds littered the streets from Saturday night’s attack on Dalori village, according to survivors and soldiers.

The shooting and burning continued for four hours, survivor Alamin Bakura said, weeping on a telephone call to The Associated Press. He said several of his family members were killed or wounded.

The violence continued as three female suicide bombers blew up among people who managed to flee to neighboring Gamori village, killing many people,

according to a soldier at the scene who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists.

The total number of people killed could rise as bodies still were being collected on Sunday, including from the surrounding bushes where the insurgents hunted down fleeing villagers, according to Abba Shehu, a security guard helping collect corpses.

An aid worker, who did not want to be named, said the bodies of the victims had been evacuated to the hospital.

“I think they should be more than 50, while several others were injured,” he said.

Boko Haram seeking cheap media attention, desperate to embarrass govt -Buhari Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari Sunday in Abuja called on all Nigerians, especially those that are resident in areas previously ravaged by terrorists, to be more vigilant and ready to work with security operatives in ending the war against insurgency.

Reacting to the spate of suicide bombings in Chibok market, Dolari Internally Displaced Person’s (IDP) camp in Borno State and the Gombi market in Adamawa State, President Buhari said the insurgents had suffered immensely from the sustained bombardments of their camps and hide outs by the Nigerian military and had resorted to using desperate measures to gain cheap media attention.

“I urge all citizens wherever they live to own the war against terror and to be part of the fight because it is the only way we can finish the remaining work that needs to be done to make our country safe again,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

President Buhari, the statement noted, said the ter-

rorists had been rendered weak, confused and homeless after repeated bombings and ravaging of their camps and hide outs by the military, forcing them to find their way back into the society to wreak havoc, like the case of the Dolari IDP. “Having lost the war, they are seeking ways and means to gradually find their way back into society. They are not returning to contribute but to cause more havoc.

They are so desperate to embarrass the government and the people that they have no qualms attacking isolated communities and markets,” he added.

The President noted that the materials for the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were locally sourced by the insurgents, urging Nigerians to be more circumspect and report suspicious purchases and movements of unusual components in any part of the country, especially the North East, the statement said.

It added that President Buhari extended his condolences to all the people of Chibok, Gombi and Dolari who lost loved ones in the recent attacks and prayed that the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the injured persons quick recovery.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (2nd right) being briefed about the progress of work at the ongoing 2x 60 MVA 132/33 KV Sub -Station Kukwaba by the General Manager, Transmission of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company(NDPHC), Engr.

Claudius Ogunrinde (right), while others listened, in Abuja... at the weekend.

Uba brothers trade tackles over Supreme Court verdict

Ï My election to Senate not voided- Andy Ï Stop deceiving the people, says Chris Ï Says team would storm INEC for certificates of return today Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Uba brothers on Sunday traded tackles over the verdict of the Supreme Court on Friday which upheld the Ejike Oguebego-led Executive Committee as the authentic leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State.

While the Senator Andy

Uba representing Anambra South in the Senate said the verdict did not void his election as being misrepresented, his younger brother, Chief Chris Uba, warned him and former Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah and others to stop parading themselves as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chris Uba further disclosed that he would be lead-

ing other members of the party who emerged as candidates under the Oguebego monitored primaries to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission today (Monday) to demand for their certificates of return.

Senator Andy Uba’s position was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to news-

men in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement, however, urged his supporters to remain calm, law abiding and disregard the misrepresentation of the court’s ruling.

It said that the Supreme Court ruling dealt primarily with leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

PPP can resolve infrastructural glitches, says Finance Minister Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Finance Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said that adopting the use of Public-Private Partnership, in executing government projects, would solve decades of under-investment and poor maintenance, which she said were factors that had left Nigeria’s infrastructure in a bad shape.

She stated this in a key note address through the Permanent Secretary if the ministry, Dr. Mamoud Isa-Dutse, at the opening of a two-day Stakeholders’ Workshop on Public-Private partnership at the ministry’s auditorium, in Abuja.

Dickson’s aide kidnapped in Rivers ÏÏÏAn

aide to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Captain Henry Ungbuku (rtd), was, on Sunday, kidnapped by gunmen.

Ungbuku, who is the Special Adviser on Aviation, was abducted as he was about leaving the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Light House Parish, after service.

It was gathered that his abductors had laid siege to the church located in Iwofe, Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, as early as 8.50 a.m., waiting for their victim to

She noted that infrastructural development was critical and in consonance with the present administration’s people-oriented change agenda, adding that it had become a global trend for governments to partner with the private sector that had the requisite expertise to maintain and elongate infrastructural life span.

According to the minister, despite the benefit associated with PPP, there were challenges militating against its use, which included: limited number of PPP projects that were currently being procured at the federal level, the role of MDAs in the delivery of infrastructure projects, and how to expand the use of PPPs to dif-

ÏÏÏA Lagos Chief Magistrate

Court, sitting in Ebute Metta, Lagos, has ordered that the branch chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW), Meiran, Mr. Wasiu Onibuda, be remanded in prison custody over alleged offences of conspiracy and murder.

The order was made on the sixty-two years old accused by Chief Magistrate Afolashade Botoku, following an application for remand filed and argued before the court by the police prosecutors, Mr. Godwin O. Osuyi and Daniel Ighodalo, of the Legal

ferent infrastructure sectors.

She enjoined the participants to examine the reasons for the relatively low number of PPP projects and consider how best to encourage MDAs to put forward projects for consummation as PPPs.

come out at the end of the service before pouncing on him.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that an unsuspecting Ungbuku, who came out of the church some minutes after 10 a.m., was stopped by the hoodlums as he drove out of the premises of the church.

Ungbuku’s abductors were said to have asked him to open the door of his vehicle while one of them pointed a gun at him.

The gunmen, according to the source, drove their victim away to an unknown destination after forcing him into a waiting vehicle.

“They were about four, but we did not know whether there were others hanging around the premises of the church. They forced him out of the car at gun point and took him away.

Murder: NURTW boss remanded in prison custody Titilope Joseph

Adeosun

She reaffirmed the support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the PPPs agenda, while assuring that the government would continue to create a conducive environment for PPPs to thrive.

In his welcome address, read by the Director Human Resources Management, Mar Daniel Tifato, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mohmoud Isa-Dutse, said that one of the aims of the workshop was to build the capacity of Management Officers in the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), who were directly involved in the PPP project delivery.

department of Lagos state Police Command, Panti, Yaba.

Through an application filed, pursuant to Section 264 of Administration of Criminal Justice of Lagos State, 2011, Osuyi informed the court that the accused was alleged to have conspired with others now at large and killed on Taiwo Ogunlaja, by stabbing him severally on the body.

Osuyi further informed the court that the accused committed the offence during a NURTW’s meeting that was held on December 3, 2015, at the union’s headquarters situated at 365, Abule-Egba, Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos.

7 News Eight dead in Ebonyi fire Ogodo Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏTragedy

struck in Ohufu village, Ogboji community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as eight persons from a family lost their lives in a fire outbreak that occurred at 3a.m.

Those killed by the disaster included a woman and her seven children, while the husband, Sylvanus Nefuru, and one of the children, Ukamaka, escaped.

The fire razed two thatched houses where the family members were sleeping. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by the inferno.

Ogun State governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (right) discussing with Babaloja of Itoku market, Chief Phillips Adekunle (left) during the governor’s visit to the market…. at the weekend. Photo: DAIVD IDOWU.

You can’t fight corruption if you’re corrupt – Tsanni Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Director-General of Think Nigeria First Initiative (TNFI), Abubakar Tsanni, has said that the desire and action of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari to rid the country of corruption and insecurity was gaining momentum, because only those who had not soiled their hands could declare a total war against misdemeanours that had undermined national development, which, for decades, had denied Nigeria her rightful place in the comity of na-

Tsanni

tions.

Tsanni told journalists, at the weekend, in Abuja, that there had never been a time in Nigeria’s political development that an opportunity presented itself to steer the country towards the consolidation of national growth

and development than now.

He admonished those who were criticising the anti-corruption fight of the present administration to put aside partisanship and support Buhari, adding that “anybody who thinks about Nigeria knows that there are changes in all facets of the Nigerian economy.

“Considering where this country is coming from, the Buhari administration is progressing in the right direction. As Nigerians have testified, the electricity situation, security and fuel supply have improved. We have also seen that the days of rampant and blatant impunity by public officials are over.”

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Politics

s

PDP Govs back Forum DG, Onaiwu, for Edo guber

Onaiwu, with Governor Adams Oshiomhole at a recent event Stories by Akinjide Akintola

The political equation in the Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter, may have been altered following indications that governors of the party may have thrown their weight behind coordinator of their forum, Osaro Onaiwu.

The indication emerged Wednesday night after a meeting of the governors in Abuja to review activities in

the party and forum.

A source close to one of the two PDP governors in the North told our correspondent that the governors feel more disposed to their coordinator, who they say have done well over the years.

“The Edo election is important to the governors as they are determined to start the reclaiming process of states once a stronghold of the PDP. From what I saw, the governors are standing behind the

coordinator of their forum, Earl Onaiwu.

“They believe that the coordinator has imbibed the necessary experience to deliver if elected. A particular governor told his colleagues that the coordinator has been there at the formative stage of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and has demonstrated uncommon loyalty to the party, therefore should be given the necessary support for the governorship,” the source stated.

How SDP plots to unseat APC, PDP in South-West Amidst allegations of collection of N100 million to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is planning to root out the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South West Region of the country.

Both the PDP and the APC have shared out the six states in the zone with APC having four states to PDP’s two, with SDP unable to make any inroad into the zone.

To make matters worse, the SDP is enmeshed in allegations that it collected N100 million from the PDP in the last elections which its Chairman, Chief Olu Falae agreed he collected and spent on the polls.

But the Ogun State chapter of the party denied receiving any money for the purpose of any election.

However, top chieftains of the SDP from Osun and Oyo states have met to strategise on how to wrest power in the two SouthWest states from the ruling APC in the forthcoming elections The meeting which took place at the state SDP Secretariat, along Osogbo-Ikirun road in Osogbo had in attendance the Osun state Chairman of the party, Chief Ademola Ishola and members of his Executive Committee while Oyo delegate was led by the party’s governorship candidate in the last general election, Mr. Seyi Makinke.

Makinde who had earlier been conferred with 2015 Merit Award by the Zone IX of the Nigerian Police Command presented by Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police, Kalafite Adeyemi explained during the parley that the only party that can bring “true change” to Nigeria is the SDP, while urging members of the SDP to work together towards achieving this goal.

“With what I have seen in SDP in Osun state, I know we are prepared to chase away APC and Rauf Aregbesola out of Osun in 2018 and we are ready to bring a party with a clear vision and mission to govern this state with all sense of responsibility”, he stated.

He stated that every positive thing would be done to ensure that SDP takes over the entire

South-West from the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that the party “is the only better alternative for the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large”.

Makinde praised members of the state SDP for their continuous mobilization of more members into the party with assurances that both the Osun and Oyo states members of the party would join forces in the 2018 governorship election in Osun.

Also speaking at the meeting, Ishola reiterated the commitment of his party members towards their efforts to win more people across the 30 local governments of the state to its fold, saying this reflected in the just concluded of its state congress.

“I also wish to say this that APC has no reason to remain in power in Osun because our people are already disillusioned with the way Ogbeni Aregbesola is conducting the affairs of this state. Our education system has collapsed, the economy is down and we are being fed with lies every day by the people in government.

“The same thing is going on in Oyo, Governor Ajimobi has not done better and Governor Ibikunle Amosu has not done enough. We need to work together to take over Ondo in 2017, Ekiti and Osun in 2018 and Oyo, Lagos and Ogun in 2019. We can achieve this” “We have called for Aregbesola’s resignation and we still stand by that because he has failed in all aspect of governance”, he stated.

Delegates from the two states agreed that the meeting should be continuous and expanded to the remaining four states of the South-West.

Falae

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

9 Politics

States control of LG account has checked corruption —Lagos council boss Iniobong Iwok States control of Local Government allocations through the Joint Account Committee has helped in checking corruption and aided good governance in local councils across the country.

This was position of Mallam Ahmed Moyo, Executive Secretary of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos in an exclusive interview with Daily Times.

He noted that the supervision of LG account by states had become necessary because of increasing fraudulent activities and siphoning of public funds by some LG bosses in the country.

“For example, in the past, some fraudulent chairmen had diverted money meant for the council, leading to teachers not being paid for several months, but with the current supervision, teachers’ salaries are paid directly by the state, as the state is breathing down the LG with a view to making them perform. “ A situation where you give me N600 million and nobody checks what I do with the fund, I can mess up the state”, he said adding: “They (states) are not controlling, they are acting within the law, the law says Lagos should add to the money and help the LGs”.

On internally generated revenue in view of the fall

Ambode

in allocation from the Federal Government which he acknowledged, he said that his council has initiated and innovative ways of revenue collection aimed at checking leakages through agents and staffs of the council.

“We have been working with a British NGO –GEM. They introduced this innovative revenue collection system where we encourage people to use ATM card and ATM is popular like phone.

So if you come to my shop, instead of giving me cash, you are encouraged to pay with ATM at the point of sale and the money goes straight into the council purse,” he added He urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, saying that the President should be given time to correct anomalies he inherited in the country.

“Nigerians are very impatient, it took some people 16 years to mess up this country and we want a man that took over less than a year to correct it like that, its not possible.

“I admire his anti corruption war. Look at the revelations Dasuki is making now, if they had allowed him to go abroad, it would have been impossible. We need a strong leader to be able to change this country and it is Buhari that can do it and I’m sure after the first term they would beg him to continue.”Ahmed stressed.

Mallam Moyo

Saraki

Dogara

NASS Budgets: Fortifying facts with figures Johnson Eze When the popular American theologian and ethicist, Reinhold Niebuhr wrote that “man’s capacity for justice makes Democracy possible; but man’s inclination for injustice makes Democracy necessary”, he perhaps never had Nigeria in mind.

But what seems to be playing out in the nation’s politics demands some lessons from that observation.

Of course, Nigeria like other parts of the global community needs Democracy in its body polity such that the wishes of the people can always prevail to create better chances of ushering good governance.

Interestingly, the legislature, which the National Assembly represents, is the hallmark of democratic system.

However, it appears that the frenzy of having found ourselves on the track of democratic governance after so many years of military usurpation of political powers has beclouded our senses of reasoning to now forget the elements and essence of it.

Otherwise, how can certain individuals often underrate the multi-functions, enormous value and huge logistics involved in Legislative

business being shouldered by NASS so much so that whenever issues of budgeting and funding are being discussed, the cost of running NASS is always a reference point for swipes?

While constructive criticism on any issue is a welcome development that has the positive tendencies of keeping its target on check, the NASS inclusive, it must discretely be applied on its merit so that it does not constitute unnecessary distraction it has become in recent times. The proponents of ‘NASS budget must be cut campaign’ forget that NASS encompasses 360 honorable members, 109 senators and thousands of senior and junior staff.

Hence, whenever any allocation is made in that direction, it is being shared to the various components. When properly examined, most constituencies cover two to three local governments. Nobody has taken time to do the simple arithmetic of the monthly cost of maintaining local council chairmen office which these federal constituencies cover in multiple folds in terms of land mass or on the other hand, the cost of running state governor’s offices. If that figure is multiplied by the 360 members in

the House of Representatives, I believe that it must be outrageously unaffordable.

Critics need to avoid the fixation on the total figure designated to NASS budgets or its projects noting that it is meant for very many group of strategic, eminent and respectable class in the society who deserve nothing than the best. If official vehicles for instance are to be for official function, common sense tells one that due to the underlying economy of scale, the overall cost will definitely be relatively high when compared to any other arms of government fewer in number.

For clarity, NASS is one of the three arms of government of Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the doctrine of separation of powers of the government of the state, it has its constitutionally ascribed status and powers which by standard is not inferior to any other arm of government and distinct to the powers or functions of the executive or Judiciary. Where there is fidelity to the spirit and letters of the law, no other arm of government can ignore or usurp the function of National Assembly.

Most importantly, it is the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

NASS Budgets: Fortifying facts with figures CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

presence of a functional legislature like NASS that distinguishes a democratic government from any other form of government which underscores why the institution of legislature should be given all it requires to advance in function and impacts. It therefore amazes any sensible observer to behold that certain individuals and group have been referring to issues relating to NASS in such sensationalism as to portray this foremost legislative institution in bad light.

Come to think of it, making of laws and exercising of oversight function which are the primary responsibilities of legislature occupy strategic position in the life of any nation state. As we know, laws govern the conduct and aspiration of citizens, group and institutions, as well as prescribing penalties for defaulters in such ways as to discourage contraventions.

Over the years, and most especially since the advent of the current dispensation, NASS credentials have actually proven beyond any reasonable doubt. That it has the capacity to deliver democratic dividend to the nation and can indeed compare favorably with legislative arm of government in any part of the world, developed or developing with towering trump card.

Dogara

For instance, the national budgets, the fiscal laws usually prepared at annual basis to guide spending and project execution nationwide is known to be a regular handcraft of the NASS and any keen observer of development in contemporary Nigerian society will admit that measurable growth in infrastructural development in the last 16 years owe its successes on the budget artistry and unrelenting oversight of NASS. At various critical points of Nigerian history, NASS has risen to the occasion by coming out in technical fashion devoid of creed, ethnocen-

Saraki

trism or geopolitical interest to invoke the necessary legal instrument or constitutional provision to put the nation on the right track.

For instance, towards the end of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, there arose an influential political movement that threatened to extend the constitutional right of the incumbent president to contest and occupy office for a third time.

With deceptive appeal that the president needed more time to complete key project, the movement which wielded so much political, financial and material influence vented

formidable force to amend the constitution, but NASS resolution ended it all like a 100 metres dash. The rest is History.

Also in the memory of political watchers of this country, remain the events that followed the sudden demise of President Umar Yar’Adua, without the requisite transmitting of a letter to his vice to act in his absence. It was the NASS that rose to the occasion and miraculously came out with the doctrine of necessity that eventually assisted the executive arm of government to exit from the lock-jam.

In times of crises, NASS in its usual wisdom has acted deservedly in accordance with the constitutional requirements to assist the president make the best of decisions most of which had to do with declaring state of emergency or approval of fund to fight terrorism or insurgency.

Cognizant of the principle of separation of powers in our style of government, it is pretty unfair for anybody, group or institution to uphold that NASS budget or its total emolument should be cut simply because the total figure is high bearing in mind that the members sharing it is as well high.

Any insight to the subject should compare per head earning of NASS legislators with the heads of other arms of government as each member is elected on individual merit. With the enormous responsibility NASS members are charged with, they deserve the utmost support in terms of care, protection and funding.

Anything to the contrary amounts to injustice which Niebuhr stated necessitated the evolution of democracy. With NASS as the symbol of democracy in Nigeria, it has the constitutional potential to fight for itself. All that is needed is for people of good to remain united in its support.

Johnson is the publisher of Instant Africa Magazine and wrote from Abuja.

Sen. Akpabio denies ownership of foreign accounts The Minority Leader of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio on Friday in Abuja denied reports in the social media alleging he made an attempt to withdraw money from his foreign accounts.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Anietie Ekong and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the senator said that he did not own any foreign accounts.

NAN reports that the social media was awash with news of an alleged foiled attempt by the Senator to withdraw 7.2 bil-

lion dollars from his foreign accounts in Dubai. ``The attention of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to a report circulated in the internet linking him with ownership of houses/mansions in Dubai. `` We state categorically that Senator Akpabio does not own any foreign account in any part of the world. ``If such account is found, the Federal Government of Nigeria should seize the money and investigate the origin of such account, and prosecute the owner.

``In addition, he does not own any property in Dubai or in any foreign country. ``Akpabio served his people diligently for eight years as the governor and the transformation of the State within this period, which has gained world acclaim, is there for all to see,” it said.

The statement said that two foreign groups ``Wikileaks” and The Global Peace Movement Group, UK had in 2010 cleared Akpabio of having any foreign account while he was governor.

It accused the opposition in Akwa Ibom of masterminding the reports of quest to with-

draw money from his foreign account. ``That some people out of political mischief should publish a purported attempt by the senator to withdraw through a CBN source a phantom sum of 7.2 billion dollars is ridiculous. ``It is the height of character assassination. We challenge these purveyors of falsehood to publish the full details of the purported 7.2 billion dollars account. ``We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to seize such sum and prosecute the owner if it does exist,” it said.

Akpabio

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

11 Politics

NLC kicks against Okorocha’s concession policy The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo chapter, has criticized the state government’s plan to concession some of its institutions, expressing fears that the policy would expose the people to serious danger.

The Chairman of NLC in the state, Mr Austin Chilakpu, expressed the workers’ fears in an interview in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Sunday.

NAN recalls that Gov. Rochas Okorocha on Jan.17 announced the sack of more than 5, 000 workers in 19 parastatal organizations, agencies and departments in the state, in line with the policy.

But Chilakpu said, ``concessioning the primary health sector and the Imo State Agricultural Development Agency (ADP) for instance, is one big mistake that will expose the entire Imo people to danger. ``A lot of international donor agencies funding healthcare and food security programmes in the state would withdraw their support immediately these government outfits get into private hands. ``If Imo state goes ahead with the socalled concession policy, it means that the state would be cut off from assessing funds from IFAD, for instance.

“This international donor funds agriculture and polio eradication programmes in the country. ``I foresee a situation where cases of

Wabba

Okorocha

wild polio infection will re-surface in the state.

“The matter is made worse when the health workers are sacked and Lassa fever and bird flu are lurking around; the people will be endangered in the event of any outbreak.’’

The chairman told NAN that the leadership of NLC was not opposed to reduction in the number of workforce of the

state government, considering its dwindling resources. ``What NLC is kicking against is the faulty process because these workers are employed under the civil and public service rules.

“The statute book engaging them spelt out the ways and manners they shall be hired or fired,” he added.

Chilakpu said that already, the NLC had

given seven days ultimatum to the state government to reverse the decision.

The NLC added that if the government failed to do that, labour would take the next step considered necessary.

He advised the affected workers to continue to report for duties despite the reported molestation by some groups who claimed to have been authorized by government to take over the affected establishments.

Kogi/Anambra dispute: Igala-Igbo group sues for peace Members of Igala-Ibo socio-cultural group have expressed determination to resolve the lingering dispute between Kogi and Anambra over oil fields.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Umar AkuGoodman and Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, co-founders of the group and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Sunday.

The group said that the crisis over the ownership of the oil fields had led to wanton destruction of lives and property on both sides, adding that there was the need for amicable resolution to give peace a chance.

The statement said that the group, comprising Igala and Igbo leaders, was a merger of two organisations, a step that was adopted as part of measures to foster the desired peace between both states.

It added that the group

Bello

had visited the Obi of Awka, Gibson Nwosu, at Awka, adding that the delegation was received by the monarch and Ohaneze Ndigbo leader

Obiano

and former governor of old Anambra, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

The co-founders said that Obi Nwosu condemned the

idea of using violence to end crisis.

The statement quoted the Awka monarch as condemning the use of violence in the

dispute and said that his heart often bled when people talked of war ``while trying to define an interest over an issue’’.

“I was among the first Nigerians that started Nigerian Air Force in 1962. l was in the civil war in the country and I saw myself fighting my colleagues and course mates; it is not a good experience. ‘’We pray that we should not witness such things again,” he was quoted as saying.

Nwosu was said to have commended the group’s initiative and urged others to key in to stop the crisis between the two states.

The statement also quoted Mr Idechu Ikani, National President, Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), as saying that Igala and Ibo people in the two states had rich historical links which could not be ignored.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Uba brothers trade tackles over Supreme Court verdict

Continued from page 6

The statement further explained that the spirit and letter of the judgment were misrepresented as none of the National Assembly members from the state was a party to the suit, adding that their positions could not have been affected by the court ruling. ``It should furthermore be noted that neither I, Sen. Andy Uba in particular, nor all the other members of NASS from Anambra State was ever mentioned in the body of the ruling.

“This is not my first encounter with the Supreme Court. I have a history of subjecting myself to the ruling of the Supreme Court, however unpalatable they may be to my person.

“Nigerians will recall that in 2007 when the Supreme Court, in its wisdom, ruled against me as the then governor of Anambra State, that as a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in spite of personal consequences to my person and the people of Anambra State, I vacated office as ordered.

“I, therefore, having been so advised by my lawyers and having gone through the contents of the ruling of the judgment, understand it to what the Supreme Court intended unequivocally to be a suit determining the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State and no other matter.

“I will, therefore, enjoin my supporters, the people of my constituency and all wellmeaning Nigerians to disregard previous misrepresen-

tation of the informed ruling of the revered Justices of the Supreme Court,” the statement added.

On the other hand, Chief Chris Uba, a staunch member of the Ejike Oguebego faction of the PDP in Anambra State, while arguing that the judgment of the Supreme Court last Friday which affirmed an earlier High Court verdict recognising the Oguebego Exco as the state’s authentic leadership, advised the affected his elder brother, Andy and ‘former’ senators and House Representatives members to accept their fate and honourably step down.

He said he would be leading other members of the party who emerged as candidates under the Oguebego monitored primaries to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission today (Monday) to demand for their certificates of return.

Chris Uba, who described himself as “Senator representing Anambra South” while speaking with reporters in Abuja on Sunday, said he was shocked that those who should be conversant with the laws of the land could be deceiving the public regarding their true status after the Supreme Court failed to recognise the dubious way through which they got to the Senate.

Hear him: “The time for substitution had passed and we were busy doing our campaigns when, one week to the election, the Andy Uba faction went to the Court of Appeal and set aside the judgment of the High Court.

“Based on that, they took

the judgment to INEC and their names were used to substitute our own. We cried foul then, insisting we were not party to the suit but INEC insisted that our names were initially published based on an earlier court order and that we should go on appeal.

“We appealed to the Supreme Court and the verdict on Friday clearly vindicated our position as the Supreme Court set aside that judgment of the Court of Appeal, agreed with the judgment of the High Court and even granted all our five prayers.

“Now, they (Chris Uba and Oduah) went on the air and issued press statements to deceive the public that the order from the Supreme Court did not affect them because they were not a party to the suit.

“The question is: when our names were removed

by INEC and replaced with

theirs, were we party to the suit? Now they are shouting and trying to misinterpret a clear judgment that has removed them and given us victory.

“They are just deceiving the public. We will demand for our certificates of return from INEC on Monday because the judgment is clear.

We do not need to seek for any further clarifications”, he said.

Speaking further, Uba said: “When the whole exercise wanted to start, INEC wrote a letter to the PDP headquarters to avoid confusion, telling the PDP that the Ejike Oguebego Exco was the one that it would recognise based on court order of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

“Unfortunately, the PDP ignored that letter and, instead, set up a two-man caretaker committee to come to Anambra State to conduct

primaries. Of course, there was no room for that caretaker committee to operate in the state because the key to conducting the primaries is the 3-man delegates from the 326 wards in the state.

“It was obvious that without the state exco, the caretaker committee cannot be functional because the people who are supposed to organise the state congress were expected to liaise with the state chairman. From there, they would set up a committee to go to all the wards where the delegates would emerge from for electing candidates into the National and state assemblies. So when they set up this caretaker, the Ejike Oguebego Exco went to court and got a judgment recognising it as the right exco therefore making null and void the caretaker committee. The judgment also instructed INEC and the PDP

to conduct all the electioneering exercise under the Ejike Oguebego Exco including all the candidates who were participating. So, we obeyed the court order and did our primaries as instructed. The exercise was duly monitored

by INEC and all the relevant papers were signed.”

He said it would amount to injustice if the court had ruled in favour of the other group comprising of Andy Uba, Stella Oduah and others who allegedly did not undergo any primaries nor even visited Anambra.

“They just sat in their houses in Abuja. The INEC and the PDP got copies of the results of our primaries and even sent our names to INEC and that was why the list containing our names was published as candidates before they went through the backdoor to remove it”, he stated.

Debris of burnt Dailori village by members of Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Borno State… at the weekend.

Anti-graft war: Judiciary is my main headache -Buhari Continued from page 1

Nigerians living in Ethiopia, adding that the fight against corruption in Nigeria could only be effectively tackled with the strong support of the judiciary.

According to a statement

by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, President Buhari said far-reaching reforms of the judiciary remained a key priority for the present administration.

He said his travails in courts up to the level of the Supreme Court in his three previous attempts at becoming the President were clear indications that the judiciary needs urgent

reforms.

The President said: “On the fight against corruption vis-à-vis the judiciary, Nigerians will be right to say that is my main headache for now.

“If you reflect on what I went through for 12 years when I wanted to be the President, I attempted three times and on the fourth attempt through God and the use of technology, it was possible for Nigerians to elect an APC candidate as President.

“In my first attempt in 2003, I ended up at the Supreme Court and for 13 months I was in court. The second attempt in 2007, I was in court close to 20

months and in 2011, my third attempt, I was also in court for nine months.

“All these cases went up to the Supreme Court until the fourth time in 2015, when God agreed that I will be President of Nigeria.”

The President however assured members of the Nigerian community that with the support of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, he would continue to do his best to improve the nation’s judicial administration system.

Also, President Buhari on Sunday in Addis Ababa said that the African Union’s (AU) vision to silence the guns and reduce prevent-

able conflict-related deaths in the continent by 2020 must be achieved ``now’’.

Speaking at the 26th AU summit, President Buhari decried the use of scarce resources in Africa on armed conflicts rather than economic and social development of the continent.

A statement by Presidency spokesman, Femi Adesina, which disclosed this said Buhari challenged fellow African leaders to engage decisively with the people and government of South Sudan and Burundi to bring the conflicts they face to a speedy end.

He added, according to the statement, that African leaders must also forge a

united front to rid the continent of the scourge of terrorism and face together with determination the noble goals of Agenda 2063, as espoused by the AU. ``We have all shed blood for Africa to be free, but the irony is that, today, we are now killing each other. ``Rather than facing the developmental challenges confronting us, we are spending our scarce resources killing our children and inflicting unspeakable horrors and unimaginable hardship on our brothers and sisters. ``That is truly a tragedy and it must stop. Enough is Enough! ``Within the framework

of the African Union, we have to, as a matter of urgency, reach a consensus on how to silence the guns.

Not by 2020 but now.

Why must we wait? We must say “NO” to wars and conflicts on our continent,’’ the President said.

Emphasising Nigeria’s determination to wholly defeat terrorism and bring the war against Boko Haram to an end, President Buhari said Nigeria would continue to partner with other member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and Republic of Benin, through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the statement noted.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

13

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Buhari pledges improved budgetary allocation to Women ministry, others Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari has said that his administration will continue to guarantee the economic rights of women by increasing budgetary allocation to projects by Ministries,

Dementia Friends Nigeria launched ÎÎÎA university don, Pro-

fessor Felia Ogunsheye, has called on the Federal Government to initiate a national policy that would promote dementia awareness, so as to cater for the welfare of the elderly, who were living with the disease.

She made the call at the launch of Dementia Nigeria, at Moniya, in Ibadan, last Thursday, and stressed that the implementation of the policy would obviate the nonchalant attitude of relations and the society at large to the plights of the aged who had served the nation in their youthful days.

Ogunsheye said that aging and its attendant challenges, such as living with dementia, could happen to any person, adding that the disease was no respecter of class, religion, sex or ethnicity.

She asserted that it was a stage at which most people went through as a manifestation of aging.

Dementia that is associated with gradual loss of memory could destabilise a family if relations were ignorant of how to cope with its associate problems.

Dr. Wale Ojediran, who represented Professor O. Baiyewu of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, explained that dementia could make those living with it to behave as toddlers. He urged understanding and tolerance of the queer behaviour that the disease could induce to give such elders a sense of belonging and help their comfort.

Agencies and Departments, specifically targeted at improving the lives of women.

Speaking at the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on Saturday night, in Addis Ababa, President Buhari said that the Federal Government under his watch has demonstrated its commitment to the rights of women by appointing women of proven integrity to key positions within the cabinet. ``We have increased the budgetary allocation of Ministries that have direct bearing on the lives of women particularly health and education, with greater

emphasis on girl-child education. ``As you all know, the terrible activities of the Boko Haram sect led to destruction of thousands of lives and property in the North eastern part of Nigeria displacing millions from their respective homes, most of whom were women and children and are now at various IDP camps across the country. ``In order to fully restore and protect their rights, government is in the process of massive rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of the affected victims in the North eastern part of the country, with the ulti-

mate goal of restoring normalcy in full to that region as well as improving the well-being of the affected persons,’’ a statement issued by the Presidency spokesman, Femi Adesina quoted the President as saying.

According to Adesina in the statement, President Buhari welcomed the AU’s decision to declare the year 2016 as the “The Year of Human Rights in Africa with special focus on the Rights of Women”.

He said Nigeria has amply demonstrated its commitment to issues relating to rights of women by upholding several human rights treaties and conven-

tions specifically targeted at women. ``In guaranteeing the economic rights of women, the Federal Government is embarking on massive employment programmes that will promote small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), in order to provide succour to our teeming women and youth populations,’’ Buhari was quoted to have said.

He also used the occasion of his address to the AU summit to congratulate President Idris Deby Itno of Chad on his election and assumption of office as the Chairperson of the African Union for 2016, the statement noted.

Saraki

APC Ilorin Emirate sends SOS to Saraki Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎA save-our-soul call has gone to the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Emirate ward secretariat in Ilorin, the Kwara state Capital.

In a statement signed by its ward Emirate Chairman and Secretary respectively, Alh. Bashir Aduagba and Fati Ajetumbi, said that since the inception of the present administration, members are not being carried along in the provision of amenities such as, distribution of Haji, Political offices, Jerusalem, Mecca and many others. Bashir said this became necessary since the government came on board from the Emirate ward comprising of five Local Government Areas.

Ekiti govt advocates tourism as alternative to oil Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti Board member, International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Sir. Godfrey Ohuabunwa (left) and former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr, Robin Renee Sanders, during the just concluded World EMMY AWARD and Dinner at the New York Hilton… recently.

Bayelsa: Embattled Speaker files suit against Court verdict Akam James, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎThe embattled Speaker

of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Konbowei Benson, has filed a suit at the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, challenging the legality of the December 9th controversial ruling nullifying his election into the State Assembly.

According to the suit filed

by Kombowei Benson, the Court of Appeal should stay action on the controversial judgement and uphold the judgment delivered in the open Court on the 9th December, 2015, which dis-

missed the appeal of his opponent over the Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 seat in the Assembly, Ebifeghe Orunimighe of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kombowei Benson, while speaking in Yenagoa with newsmen at the State House of Assembly Complex, said pending the determination of the suit, he remained the authentic Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

According to him, “I stand by the judgement of 9 December, 2015 dismissing the appeal of my opponent.

And until otherwise proven beyond reasonable doubt, I remain the Speaker and

would preside and rule over the affairs of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly”.

Benson, who failed to display a copy of the court judgment delivered in the open court, insisted that “What transpired in the open court on the 9th of December, 2015 in the presence of lawyers of both the APC, my lawyers and others lawyers, who were in court for other purposes was outright dismissal of the appeal brought by my opponent, Mr. EPO Orunimieghe.

“The judgement was delivered in the open court, I emphasise, the judgement

was delivered in the open court by Justice Ejembi Eko (JCA), who was represented

by Justice M L Garba (JCA), thereby upholding my election in the state House Assembly representing Southern Ijaw 4”, adding that he had been to the Appeal Court for a record five times and he had yet to see or hear that the appellate court could deliver two different judgments on the same case.

He said it was unheard of that an honourable court like the Appeal Court would openly give judgement in a matter and turn round to secretly give another ruling on the same matter.

ÎÎÎEkiti

state government has suggested tourism as a viable alternative sector towards uplifting Nigeria’s economy that is presently down following the slump in the oil price.

Making the suggestion during a press briefing marking the beginning of Miss Culture 2016, a programme being planned by Ebony T. Creation, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, said the country’s economy will spring up if the government can diversify into tourism rather than depending solely on oil.

The Commissioner, said, though the present economic downturn in the country must have brought about hardship and slowed down the speed of development, saying the situation has helped in bringing out the best initiatives out of those in government and other citizens.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

15 Opinion

Can ‘Buharisation’ cause genuine change? (2)

A

The electorate’s expectations

Kaoli Olusanya

bout 60 percent of voters in 2015 elected Muhammadu Buhari as the President because of the perception that he was the most trusted and acceptable among the Presidential Candidates. The ruling party was rejected due to broken promises, financial recklessness, impunity, crass corruption and criminal insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian. The peak of the insanity in government was when the government engaged in denial of obvious incompetence to tackle problems of insurgency, unemployment, and infrastructure breakdown. By the time it was reported that 200 Chibok girls were kidnapped by the Boko Haram insurgents, government people labelled it a framed story meant to embarrass the President. It was not until foreign leaders and the press waded into the matter before the reality dawned on the Presidency.

Given the resources Nigeria is endowed with, what the people expected from the government are modest provisions of access to our common wealth and egalitarian opportunities for all.

Speaking from my experience as a former public servant and currently as a private employer of

labour, I think what the people expect from the government include: 1. National values and visionary leadership.

2. Uninterrupted power supply.

3. Adequately funded public education.

4. Full employment backed by accessible financial policy.

5. Infrastructure for efficient public transportation, and public utilities.

6. Disciplined, well-motivated and efficient law enforcement agencies.

7. Strong and durable institutions.

The Buhari 7-month score card Seven months are actually too short in four-year tenure to expect giant strides, but we must all agree that in those seven months, he has indicated his direction.

He has decimated the Boko Haram insurgency, reducing the sect’s hold on North-Eastern Nigeria from 24 local government areas to three.

His administration has unearthed a cesspool of corruption involving government leaders.

He has been able to stabilise the supply of premium motor spirit (petrol), while embarking on a programme of gradual fuel subsidy removal.

He is countering the sabotage from groups like the MASSOB, IPOB, Shiite Muslim sect and the Niger Delta militants.

There has also been improvement in electricity supply, despite all the sabotage against this, including vandalism of gas pipelines.

The reality

The reality is the monumental, hydra-headed, all-pervading corruption that has crept into every crevice of our national life.

Corruption is the reason why:

nel, especially policemen and soldiers, is on the low ebb, resulting in frustration, and therefore, poor delivery of their services.

purposes are diverted into private pockets. ioned out to achieve money laundering so that such diverted funds can become untraceable. geria’s revenue mainstay, is the order of the day, such that the country now finds it difficult to sell crude oil legally because the buyers are getting it illegally at cheaper-than-official rates.

of feeding, accommodation, general welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners. ment parastatals which helps to fritter away fund. ble source of revenue for any government, is inefficient. ing to poor development of all sports, including football.

It is this reality that President Buhari swore to tackle headlong. As expected, all such battles will meet with strong opposition, because a lot of people do not want a change.

Conclusion How far President Buhari can go in bringing about a genuine change in Nigeria’s political landscape depends not only on him, but on all of us. He cannot be everywhere, so all citizens who are sick of corrupt practices in this country must assist his government in blocking avenues of corruption in every way possible so that fund can be freed for all manners of infrastructural development that this country needs.

It is in this way that Buhari can go far in causing genuine change in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Concluded

don’t have modern means of transportation like sophisticated rail systems and water transportation vessels. expectation.

ployed, and those in employment live in daily fear of losing theirs. tion system at all tiers has fallen like a pyramid of cards, such that these tiers now produce graduates who cannot hold their own amongst better-educated peers. has fallen due to non-acquisition of modern hospital equipment, inadequate training and retraining of hospital personnel and importation of fake/ counterfeit/ substandard drugs into the country.

Aftermath of Okorocha’s concessioning policy

F

Fred Doc Nwaozor

ew nights ago, the government of Governor Rochas Okorocha announced the concessioning of government owned agencies in Imo State.

What is currently being witnessed in Imo State as regards the recent concessioning policy is nothing but attempt to take Imo back to the Stone-Age. It is no longer news that most of the state-owned parastatals and agencies were recently concessioned by the Rochas Okorocha led administration; and in consequence to the measure, the affected civil servants were purportedly sacked by the government - a decision that had generated uncontrollable uproar in the state and beyond.

The NLC has told those affected not to adhere to the purported dismissal and asking them to remain in their various duty posts without fear even if they are served with death warrants for their defiance.

In respect to the NLC directive, I learnt that efforts made by the Transition Committee Chairmen of most of the LGAs in the state who had gone to displace the distressed workers with help of security personnel proved abortive. According

to information, the futility of their efforts was not unconnected to the actions taken by the host communities where the various affected parastatals are situated.

I, albeit humorously, mocked one of my childhood friends some days ago amidst an informal gathering.

Thereafter, the said fellow confided in me and disclosed wholeheartedly that he learned a lot from the sarcasm I used on his person. What are we saying in essence? Life is all about criticisms and ability of the supposed recipient to absorb them.

Thus if a certain criticism is targeted to someone, he/she ought not to be dismayed by the gesture, rather is expected to try as much as possible to learn something tangible from it.

Concessioning, disengagement, suspension or what have you, may have been the order of the day in Imo thereby constituting series of cacophony in various quarters, but it’s imperative for us to comprehend some vital facts. This very piece was informed by the one penultimate week entitled ‘Okorocha and the suspended Imo workers’, the subsequent reactions to the write-up as well as the latest development to the purported disengagement.

The fundamental and crucial facts to acknowledge are as follows: con-

cessioning of firms or parastatals is a worthwhile idea provided tangible and rational reasons are given, and in this case we were informed the action was occasioned by the fact that the affected parastatals were moribund. Another fact is that most of the workers are due for retirement; hence deserve to go for a compulsory rest to allow for young and vibrant prospective civil servants would fill the gap.

But at this juncture, we need to ask ourselves some questions. If truly those parastatals were moribund, was it the government, workers or public responsible? Unravelling the answers would save us from distress.

Unequivocally, it’s pitiable that every occurrence had been blamed on the present economic meltdown in the country; to this end, there’s a compelling need for us to go back to the drawing board with a view to putting some paramount things in order.

Rochas Okorocha might have taken a gigantic and commendable step but it is important for him to note that diplomacy remains the best avenue towards reaching a dialogue.

Thus, it is high time we went back to the discussion table.

Several discussions undoubtedly might have taken place prior to this time but there’ is need and room

for more. Any project begins with discussion and equally ends with it.

We can’t continue like this because the distress is already telling on the entire populace. Therefore, there’s an urgent need for total turnaround.

The private investors involved ought to also assist in the proposed peace talks if their intentions are really genuine. On their part, the workers and the NLC as an organised body must endeavour to eschew violence because that is the least we expect from them.

My paramount worry is that the health sector is deeply affected by the ongoing mayhem especially at this moment the country is experiencing the reemergence of Lassa fever and ‘Bird flu’ which is tantamount to placing the state’s health status in jeopardy. The health workers who are not willing to vacate their duty posts are being distracted, and we are aware of the consequences.

I learnt the affected workers had been asked to report to their respective ministries or places of primary assignment for onward relocation to other viable parastatals, departments or agencies. It is no doubt a welcome development. I plead with the government not to play politics with such sensitive issue that has already overheated the polity.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Features

17

s

Adopting measures for maintaining healthy eyes

Eye

By Jacinta Nwachukwu, NAN Opticians observe that eyes are very important organs in the body which cares people must pay attention to.

They observe that lack of care for the eyes has caused many people to lose their sight unconsciously to many eye diseases.

According to them, apart from routine medical check-up on the eyes, people should encourage balanced diets for a sound vision. ``Intake of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E can help ward off age-related

vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, Miss Yemisi Olowookere, a nutritionist with Garki Hospital, Abuja, said.

She also recommended regular eating of green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, collards salmon as well as oily fish, eggs, nuts, beans; other non-meat protein sources and citrus fruits or juices to guarantee healthy eye. ``Good intake of okro, which is a good source of Vitamin A and beta carotene are essential nutrients for maintaining good eyesight. ``Vitamin A promotes good eye health and protects against age related eye dis-

orders,’’ Olowookere said.

Ophthalmologists note that blindness is prevalent because the public lack adequate sensitisation to what the care for the eyes ought to be.

They note that due to silent progression of an eye disease called glaucoma, most of those affected in the developed countries, are not aware of the disease.

Dr Martin Chukwukaodinaka, an ophthalmologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, described glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve.

He said that most types of glaucoma progressed without warning or obvious

symptoms to the patient, except the patient engaged in regular check-up.

He advised Nigerians on the need for regular medical check-up on the eyes to ensure early detection and effective management of glaucoma and other eye defects. ``Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside the eye and increased pressure which is also called Intraocular Pressure (IOP) could damage the optic nerve which transmits images to the brain.

Continued on page 18

Features 18 Continued from page 17 ``If the eye pressure continued due to the damage to the optic nerve, overtime, glaucoma could cause loss of vision which could not be reversed. ``It is also established that some people with normal IOP may still have glaucoma, therefore, the diagnosis of glaucoma is not just based on IOP alone, other factors are considered,’’ he said.

He said incidence of glaucoma was higher from the age of 40 years and above, observing that it usually occurred in both eyes.

He said glaucoma had no early symptoms or pain from increased pressure, noting that prevention was very important through regular eye screening.

He said the diseases could be diagnosed and managed before long-term visual loss, adding that in some critical cases, medication could be administered to manage the condition.

Chukwukaodinaka said the risk factors associated with glaucoma could be inherited in the family which posed a greater chance of contracting the diseases.

He urged the public to take a preventive measure by engaging in regular eye screening as early diagnosis of glaucoma would help in managing the condition.

In the same vein, an optometrist with the Abubakar

Any time the scope of your side-view starts narrowing gradually, something is wrong and the cause could be glaucoma; people with such experience are advised to go for eye check-up immediately. ``If the situation degenerates, the person affected will notice that he or she can only see things straight but not side views.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Adopting measures for maintaining healthy eyes

Carrot

Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Dr Iguodala Wilfred, advised people with eye defects to monitor the situation to ensure they did not mistake such defects for glaucoma. ``One way of early detection of glaucoma is the narrowing of the side views of the eyes.

In any normal sight; when you look straight; you will view things by the side of your eyes. ``Any time the scope of your side-view starts narrowing gradually, something is wrong and the cause could be glaucoma; people with such experience are advised to go for eye check-up immediately. ``If the situation degenerates, the person affected will notice that he or she can only see things straight but not side views. ``We call it tunnel vision.

The next stage will be for the person to become blind, once it is a case of glaucoma. ``Glaucoma is a gradual silent killer that can cause irreversible blindness because the nerves of the eyes are affected,’’ he said.

According to him, regular eye check-up, even by those who do not feel any sign of ailment, is important.

He also recommended the

use of dark spectacles or sunshade at the appropriate time to protect the eye. ``If the sun is too high, the rays affect the eyes. Under this circumstance, the wearing of dark spectacles will give cover to the eyes,’’ he said.

Expressing concer n for children, a consultant ophthalmologist, Dr Tarela Sarimiye, Medical Director, Ancilla Hospital Eye Centre, Lagos, said that early diagnosis and treatment were

critical to maintaining a child’s vision.

He observed that the commonest eye conditions among Nigerian children were poor vision, conjunctivitis, cor nea, scarring and eye injuries. ``These are few of the common eye conditions in childhood and for which care is needed; a child with poor vision can be suspected of such when he or she seats close to the television screen to watch programmes.

``Other signs of poor vision in children include complaints that the child is not seeing the chalk board or he likes copying notes from friends and not the board. ``If this poor vision is not addressed on time, it may result in a less functionally developed eye due to reduced stimulus for the eye development; and which is much difficult to treat,’’ he said.

Sarimiye urged parents to ensure that their children did not play with harmful objects that could lead to eye injuries which were commonly seen in some children visiting ophthalmologists.

He urged parents and teachers to educate children on the importance of the eyes in order for them to be more careful when they played at home or school. ``Children are very vulnerable when it comes to play at home or in school and as such, they need to be taught what they should not play with to prevent eye injuries,’’ he warned.

He advised the public to see eye doctor regularly, get enough sleep and give eyes regular breaks while using a computer.

However, ophthalmologists insist that it is important to take care of the eyes appropriately because they are the windows to the world.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

19 Features

Advocacy, value re-orientation campaign as tools for fighting insurgency A News Analysis by Deji Abdulwahab, NAN The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, recently visited some areas affected in Borno by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents to obtain information that could help in the fight against terrorism.

The minister, accompanied by some journalists, paid an inspection visit to the Theatre Command of the Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, Bama, Konduga, and other areas affected by the crisis.

Expressing concern about level destruction in the areas, he said that his ministry would inaugurate a national security campaign against insurgency to sensitise Nigerians to the need for active participation of individuals in security matters. ``Intelligence gathering and robust advocacy would be used to sensitise Nigerians on the need to wage war against the insurgents. ``No nation succeeds in the fight against insurgency without the civilian component; so, we will let Nigerians know that the fight against insurgency is a national issue,’’ the minister said when he visited a camp of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bama.

According to him, the Federal Minister of Information and Culture will roll out national jingles to educate Nigerians on the need to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.

He noted that although security awareness messages had been going on as broadcast in many radio and television stations, there should be more awareness campaign, especially at the grassroots. ``I urge Nigerians to be vigilant in public places and ensure that they know their neigbours’ means of livelihood with a view to complementing the military’s efforts against the insurgents. ``I also call for synergy between the military and the media to enhance mutual understanding in the war against insurgency because security is everybody’s business,’’ he said.

Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubakar,

Internally Displaced Persons at a camp in Borno State

the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, also said that every Nigerian had a role to play to complement the military’s efforts at ending insurgency.

In his response, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno acknowledged that Mohammed was the first Minister of Minister of Information and Culture that visited the state to get firsthand information on the war against insurgency.

The governor said the state had witnessed unimaginable destruction of 27 local government areas from 2009 to date by the insurgents.

Shettima, who blamed the insurgency on poverty and unemployment, urged the Federal Government to address the problems of poverty, unemployment and lack of hope for the youth.

Beside this, the minister stressed that there should be effective value re-orientation for positive attitude to sustain the ethics and values among Nigerians. ``We need to re-inject values into our society as value reorientation is imperative to the achievement of the change agenda of the present administration,’’ he said recently in a meeting in Abuja.

He said his ministry would soon begin a nationwide campaign against indiscipline, Af-

rican-time syndrome and loss of social norms and values. ``I have convened to present to you the template for the massive, nationwide re-orientation campaign to be embarked upon by this ministry very soon. ``Those invited to this meeting have been painstakingly selected because I believe they have the necessary expertise to help drive the campaign. ``However, let me state unequivocally, that everyone in the Ministry of Information and Culture as well as its parastatals, is key to the campaign. ``This is because as the lead ministry, we must first buy into the campaign before we can propagate it,’’ he said.

The impending campaign must take on indiscipline, the lack of respect for time, loss of our time-tested values and generally lead to attitudinal change in such a way that there will be a paradigm shift in the way we do things.

The minister said that the National Orientation Agency would spearhead the campaign to ensure positive change of attitude, values and behaviours among Nigerians. ``Make no mistake about it, we need to change the way we do things in Nigeria; it is important to let our people know that they cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different result. ``The impending campaign must take on indiscipline, the lack of respect for time, loss of our time-tested values and generally lead to attitudinal change in such a way that there will be a paradigm shift in the way we do things.,’’ he noted.

The minister said the change agenda of the present administration could only succeed if Nigerians decided to change their attitude.

Muhammed said the merger of information and culture would make the ministry to drive the change agenda effectively.

Sharing similar sentiments, an Islamic scholar in Abuja, Alhaji Mufutaudeen Balogun, urged the religious leaders to inculcate moral values in children.

He said the inculcation of education and moral teachings were fundamental to national development. ``One of the purposes of ac-

quiring knowledge is to gain the good of this world, not to destroy it through wastage, arrogance and reckless pursuit material comfort. ``Broad steps should be taken by our religious leaders to inculcate moral values in our children in the early childhood since their hearts will be pure at that tender age. ``Once we have that assistance in guidance, there will be no more violence or terrorism,’’ Balogun said.

In his view, Alhaji Nuru Khalid, the Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Abuja, observed that security challenges had, over the years, become a concern in the world.

He urged Nigerians to support government’s programme aimed at de-radicalising the thoughts of the youth. ``Religion is the tool they (insurgents) use to indoctrinate extremism in the minds of our children; they misinterpret our scripture to radicalise the youth against us but religious leaders have a duty to discourage this,’’ he said.

For inclusive advocacy, the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, insists that all religious leaders must support the Federal Government in fighting terrorism through their sermons on the need to ensure peace in the country.

20

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MEDIA INITIATIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT NIGERIA

GLORIOUS POWER LIBERTY CENTRE

CHRIST LIBERATION MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. JAHMAN ANIKULAPO 2. MRS UDUAK OGUAMANAM 3. MRS ULOMA MECHA 4. DR TUNJI AZEEZ 5. MONSUR ADIO AKINYELE Aim and objective 1. To use radio , television , film , and theate as tools to reach and communicate health messaging.

2 Design and create radio and television spots as campaign initiatives to create social and health awareness ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed. Secretary

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY. NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR SOLOMON AKPAN PETER. - General Overseer 2. FELIX FIDELIS EKANEM 3. ESTHER SOLOMON PETER 4. IDOABASI SAMUEL IKPO 5. EDIDIONG EFFIONG UYOUKO - Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

2. To help the less privileged in the society ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. UCHENNA OKEKE 2. MR. SOMTOCHUKWU OKEKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ 2. To preach the words of God as in the Holy bible 3. To evangelize and win souls for God’s kingdom 4. To help the poor and the needy in the society 5. To conduct deliverance, healing and breakthrough crusades and seminars in order to win souls for Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja.

Signed: EMEKA CHUKWUDI

YOUTH CENTRE FOR CHANGE AND POSITIVE RE- ORIENTATION OF NIGERIA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY. NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

Trustees 1. Sadiq Umar Abdullahi 2. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye 3. Azodoh Uzoma 4. Kizito Akpa 5. Austin E. Mbamah Aim and objective 1 To set up centers all over Nigeria for youth empowerment through creativity, innovation and interpreneural skills acquisition ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Secretary

SIGNED: BARR. AUSTIN .U. NWAROH Solicitor

MANNA DEVELOPMENT & EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY. NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

Trustees 1. GBEMISOLA ADEOJO 2. FOLAKE KAYODE ALAKE 3. ABISOLA ADEPOJU Aim and objective 1. To cater for the socio Economic welfare of indigent persons,especially women and children.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Barr. Longe Omomeje Modupe

FIRST MACEDONIAN GLOBAL MINISTRY

GABASAWA AND ZAKARI AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) AKANJI OGUNBAYO KEHINDE -CHAIRMAN 2) ELIZABETH OLUFADEKE KEHINDE 3) OLUSOLA OSARETIN EZEKIEL 4) OLUGBENGA AYODELE KEHINDE 5) IBITOYE ROTIMI JOHN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH, TEACH, EVANGELISE AND PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BY PLANTING CHURCHES, FELLOWSHIPS, CAMP MEETINGS, RETREATS AND CONFERENCES IN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA. 2) TO RAISE SELFLESS DISCIPLES AND MINISTERS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO ARE COMMITTED TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST, HIS CROSS AND GOSPEL. 3) TO PREPARE PEOPLE FOR THE RAPTURE AND ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN. 4) TO MEET PEOPLE’S SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, PHYSICAL AND MATERIAL NEEDS BY HELPING THE POOR, NEEDY, HANDICAPPED, WIDOWS, AGED AND ORPHANS IN THE SOCIETY. 5) TO HELP PEOPLE ATTAIN THEIR GOD ORDAINED PURPOSE AND DESTINY IN LIFE. 6) TO BUILD UP SPIRITUAL WARRIORS AND TRUE WORSHIPPERS. 7) TO DELIVER THE OPPRESSED, HEAL THE SICK AND SET THE CAPTIVE FREE. Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY.

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

The Trustees Are: 1, Shehu Hassan (chairman) 2, Abdul Alasan (secretary) 3, Muktar Suleiman Aims & Objectives: 1, To buy and sell auctioned goods, document, property auctioned by government and its agencies, corporate bodies and individuals 2, To promote love, peace, economic security and progress among its members 3, To encourage and promote cooperation among its members.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

AQUILA & PRISCILLA HELPS INTERNATIONAL

HEART OF RUTH TRUST FUND

The General public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Mr Festus Olugbenga Awosika (2) Mrs Oluwakemi Judith Awosika (3) Miss Ibukunoluwa Oluwaferanmi Awosika (4) Mr Oluwafikunmi Ereoluwa Awosika (5) Prof. Abiola Olanrewaju Awosika-Fapetu (6) Dr. Omobola Omobonike Awosika-Oyeleye (7) Dr. Victor Oladokun (8) Barrister Dele Akinmusuti THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1)To assist the poor, the needy and the challenged to overcome their predicaments (2) To help children and youths in health, education, feeding, clothing and housing.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 2004 THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Adesoji Adesugba (2) Adedayo Adesugba (3) Oloruntimilehin George ( 4) Oluwasoromidayo George THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) Cater for the vulnerable groups especially the women and the girl child by improving their living conditions; (2)Promote the welfare of the less privileged to live a decent life; (3)Empower the disadvantaged in the society to access legal means of livelihood; and (4)Address the real need at the grassroots level and assist in the development efforts.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed by SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRlS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: THE SECRETARY

COLOURS OF GRACE FOUNDATION

THE HEART OF LOVE HERITAGE FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Erioluwa Akinlaja 2. Omotayo Akintola 3. Olakunle Soriyan 4. Yetunde Okulaja THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:Assisting and promoting the welfare of the less privileged in the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BY:- PRESIDENT

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Pastor Olabeye Folajoke Awosika – (Chairman) (2) Prince Adedeji Adewole Itiolu (3) Pastor Dr. Olubayode Olugbenga Awosika (4) Barr Oluwayemisi Titilayomi Awosika – (Secretary) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To work with other relevant stakeholders 2. To promote philanthropy with a view to carrying out programmes beneficial to the social and economic wellbeing of people in General.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

CITY OF VICTORY & GRACE BIBLE CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY. NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

Trustees 1. Rev Sylvester osawaru idemudia, 2. Rev mrs Patricia i idemudia, 3. Engr Eghosa Joshua Idemudia, 4. Dr victory Esosa idemudia, 5 Rev Danbaba Bitrus Aim and objective 1. The preach the gospel of the lord jesus christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed Barr. Sunday Adebayo Olawoyin

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

Trustees 1. OYEWOLE ADEBISI JULIUS - (chairman) 2. OYEWOLE OLUWATOBI ENOCH - (general sec) 3. OYEWOLE FLORENCE ADUKE 4. ADELAKUN ADEJOLA AIMS: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGISTS OF NIGERIA (AIMN)

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. MR STEVE OSAI 2. DR DANIEL .K. OLUKOYA 3. DR MRS H.M SOLOMON THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1.To create a forum where industrial microbiologist meet to deliberate on matters affecting the profession 2. To collaborate with related national and international bodies,

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY:- DR JOY CHIWUOGU ONYIBE

ANOINTED MUSIC SERIES FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named “MINISTRY” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE (1) OLUSOJI JAMES KAYODE. - President.

(2) OLUSOJI MOJI OLUSEYI. - Secretary.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (1) To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the instrumentality of the word and music as well.

(2) To help groom the true worshippers who will in turn worship God in spirit and truth.

(3) To raise generation which will not be defiled or conterminated by the excessive cares of this world.

(4) To ensure that wholesome music with clean content dominates our entertainment industry.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

ARAROMI MUSLIM COMMUNITY MOSQUE IJEBU-ODE , OGUN STATE

OKE-OGUN PROGRESSIVE FOUNDATION

CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS GLOBAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Owodunni lamidi olayinka 2. Salisu nurain agboola 3. Jagunna rahman olawale 4. Owodunni nurudeen olugbenga 5. Salisu Hadi Olatunde 6. Owodunni Tamuramut Oladipupo 7. Olorede Sariyu A debrisi Aims & objectives To propagate the Religion of Islam and render charitable services Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed by: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. PROFESSOR JOSHUA DADA ADENIYI – CHAIRMAN 2. CHIEF BARRISTER OLAWUWO SIYANBOLA – SECRETARY 3. DEACON SAMUEL ADEDEJI OYEDEMI 4. OTUNBA BAMIDELE DADA 5. ALHAJI CHIEF GANIYU KOLAWOLE ALAKA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE GENERALITY OF THE PEOPLE NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL ECONOMIC OR SOCIAL DIFFERENCES OR INTEREST. 2. TO PROMOTE PEACE AMONG COMMUNITIES WHEN EVER THERE ARE INTER AND INTRA COMMUNAL DISPUTES WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OKE-OGUN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. OLAWUWO SIYANBOLA-SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 The Trustees are: OLD NAME: CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS GLOBAL CHRISTIAN CENTR NEW NAME: CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO REFLECT THE CHANGES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE AND AMENDMENT SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. GIDEON NWANKWO

EDUPLUS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

POVERTY ERADICATION & EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION

PECULIAR TREASURE INT’L CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. OWOFEN DANIEL AMOKACHI 2. ZAINAB HUSSEINI AKWANGA 3. NAZIN AMOKACHI 4. KALIM AMOKACHI 5. HAJARA HUSSEINI AKWANGA OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. 2. TO EMPOWER WOMEN AND YOUTHS ECONOMICALLY BY GIVING THEM SKILLS ON VOCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. 3. TO EDUCATE WOMEN AND YOUTHS ON THE NEED TO BE SELF RELIANT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: UKAGA O. K. ESQ. 08033155820

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION AS AN INCORPORATED TRUSTEE UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP. C-20, LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1). ENGR. ROTIMI WILLIAMS AJILEYE – PRESIDENT 2) DR OMOKOREDE EVELYN AJILEYE 3). MR DENNIS KAYODE OLUKASEU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO SET UP AN ENDOWMENT FOR EMPOWERMENT 2. TO ERADICATE POVERTY AMONG THE POOR BY EMPOWERING THEM 3. TO ESTABLISH AN ENDOWMENT FUND 4. TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT SKILL ACQUISITIONS FOR THE YOUTH ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRESIDENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES 1. PST MRS KPALIKU MONIQUE SARAH (PRESIDENT) 2. MR. BRIGHT OBI WELENDU (SECRETARY) 3. PST CHINDA WAHWURI JOY 4. APOSTLE TENNEH DIVINE 5. DR. PAUL WOWHOR 6. EVANGELIST NGOZI ISAIAH 7. EVANGELIST MBANASOR THANKGOD. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EVANGELIZE THE WORD OF GOD. 2. TO PREACH THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST 3. TO INCULCATE MORAL VALUES TO THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

BIG GOD IN A SMALL HOUSE MINISTRY

YOUTH FOUNDATION FOR PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied for the Registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004. The Trustees are: The Trustees: 1. Prof Shuaibu Ibrahim - President 2. Prof Ismaila Mohammed Zango - Member 3. Captain (NN) Abel Memuduagham (Rtd.) - Member 4. Hajia (Dr) Hajo Sani - Member 5. Flight Lieutenant Aliko Ibrahim El-Rasheed - Executive Secretary.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To empower NIGERIA YOUTHS, assist the needy and encourage girl child education.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

MAIZE GROWERS AND PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 OLD NAME: MAIZE GROWERS AND PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA NEW NAME: MAIZE GROWERS, PROCESSORS AND MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO REFLECT NEW STATUS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE AND AMENDMENT SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: OBY ONYEKWULUJE SOLICITOR

This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ASOTAIBE ANGELA ONYINYE 2. DIGWE NGOZI 3. DIGWE STEVE AZUBUIKE 4. ASOTAIBE ERNEST AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate, promote and spread the word of God. 2. To teach people the word of God through preaching His word and convening crusades and seminars.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BENNETT CHUKWU Eclat Chambers; Suite 305B, NCWS Building, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. 08033159623

PNEUMA OF LIFE MINISTRY INT’L

OYIGBO WEST COMMUNITY PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT FORUM

CANCER REHAB NETWORK, NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. THADDEUS MBONU 2. MR. ALPHONSUS OHANACHOM 3. MR. LEONARD IBETO 4. MR. KYRIAN EJIONYE 5. MR. CHIJIOKE IGWE 6. CHIEF ERNEST NWAUGO THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster peace, understanding and unity among members at both the central and zonal levels 2. To protect and promote the image of residents of oyigbo west community Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. KINGSLEY NWACHUKWU

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. OLUSEGUN AKINSULI 2. MR. SAMUEL AKINSULERE 3. MR. IFEDAYO AKINSULI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To enhance the public awareness of the common cancers in Nigeria 2. To advocate on behalf of cancer patients while seeking care in public and private medical facilities.

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR AMBROSE AMEN - CHAIRMAN 2. PASTOR (MRS) CHRISTIANA AMEN 3. PHILOMINA RACHEAL ODUNLEYE - SECRETARY 4. ALAKIA OMINIYE GEORGE 5. PASTOR FAVOUR JOHN AGBO THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: S. M. YACIM & CO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS

CITIVIEW RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION AREPO

DESTINED AMBASSADORS CLUB

GOD EVANGELICAL AND MIRACLE MISSION

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

The trustees are:1. BOYI JOSEPH KPAKOMERIA 2. SORUNKE AFOLABI AKANBI 3. HASSAN JIBRIN 4. BAMIDURO ABEL TAIWO 5. ADEBAYO ROTIMI JESSE The aims and objectives of the Association are: 1. To serve as an umbrella body and representative for all residents of Citiview Estate, Arepo.

2.. To promote, unity, peace, mutual understanding and good relationship amongst the residents of the Estate.

3. To strive for the development of the estate and promote good living conditions and welfare for residents on the Estate.

4. To administer and receive donations and contributions from residents towards the development and welfare of the Estate 5. To provide physical, social and economic assistance to residents in the Estate as the need arises and when deemed necessary Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: MRS. BENEDICTA OVOKE SADARE 12B, Fagba Crescent, Off Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Raheem Folusho Mubeen 2. Agbelusi Eniola Adebusuyi 3. Tukur Kayode Muslim AIM AND OBJECTIVE To promote peace and unity among members.

Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ojuko Tai Oladapo. -G.O 2. Ojuko Basirat Olayinka. -Secretary 3. Ojuko Emmanuel Oladapo.- Member 4. Ojuko Joshua Oyindamola. -Member 5. Ojuko Noah Ayobami. -Member 6. Ojuko Elizabeth Fadekemi. -Member 7. Ojuko Abisayo -Member 8. SALAKO Sulaimon Matthew. -Member.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

23

Ibeshe boat mishap: Lagos govt to 2016 budget is move against sub-standard vessels achievable - Udoma ÏÏÏFollowing

the unfortunate boat incident that occurred on Saturday, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) will, on Tuesday, February 2, hold an emergency meeting with all commercial boat operators in the state, just as it has vowed to clamp down on boat operators, who continue to contravene the rules and regulations guiding their operations.

The Managing Director of LASWA, Mrs. Abisola Kamson, said that the meeting, which would focus on the compliance with safety standards of vessels operating on the

state’s waterways, would hold at the LASWA office in Falomo, Ikoyi, at 9.30 a.m.

“Despite efforts by the State Government to enforce the safety standards on the waterways, some boat operators still flout the rules and regulations, thereby, putting the life of innocent citizens at risk.

“The Lagos State Government will not tolerate the operation of sub-standard vessels on the waterways. Any individual or corporate entity found to be operating vessels not deemed water worthy will be prosecuted in accordance with the

Ambode

provisions of the law,” she said.

Kamson, who confirmed the boat mishap at Ibeshe, Ikorodu, said that the incident occurred at

approximately 10:20 a.m. on a boat, Amen Limited, belonging to Aki Marine Company, owned by one Mr. Akeem Balogun, which was sailing from Ijede to Badore East.

She said that although all passengers on the boat were wearing their life jackets, the covered design of the boat made rescue efforts challenging.

Kamson said that survivors rescued were immediately taken to the Ijede General Hospital for treatment, while investigations were ongoing in collaboration with the Marine Police.

Osun Assembly vows to ensure projects completion Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

State of Osun House of Assembly has said that it would give priority to its oversight function by strengthening its monitoring mechanisms in 2016.

It said that this paradigm shift was necessary to ensure that the state government increased its internally generated revenue and judiciously use the same for the completion of all ongoing projects and embarked on new ones.

PETER UJAHSOI

The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, dropped the hint during an interview with journalists, after a meeting with officials of the state Ministry of Information and Strategy.

According to him, the resolution of the Assembly was informed by the fact that what the state needed, at this critical period of the economic downturn, was to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, especially for

Aregbesola

the completion of ongoing projects and pending programmes, in line with the policy of the state government.

He said that, “The situation in Osun State, at this

critical period, requires that all stakeholders play their role, through the blockage of waste and the improvement of internally generated revenue.

“If you look at the 2016 budget before the House, it is essentially revenuedriven and the Speaker, Honorable Najeem Salaam, has advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to develop ways to generate more revenue without imposing an unnecessary burden on the people.

ÏÏÏMinister

of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, has assured that the 2016 budget was be achievable in spite of falling oil price.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Information in the ministry, Mr Charles Dafe, in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that the minister stated this when a delegation from the African Development Bank (ADB) visited the ministry.

The statement said that ongoing reform targeted at diversifying the revenue base of the country would guarantee the achievement of the budget.

Said he, ``Our budget is achievable; we have ongoing reforms targeted at diversifying our revenue base away from single oil commodity economy. ``Our Minister of State

Emir of Ilorin seeks empowerment for women Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏEmir of Ilorin, Alhaji

Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has described women as major component of the nation-building that should be well catered for.

He added that “Education is life; women must be well groomed with morality to further enrich

SULAIMAN GANIYU ABOLAJI

AKHERE ANTHONIA OBEHI

UCHENNA UDOKA EZEKIEL

I formerly known and addressed as PETER UJASOI now wish to be known and addressed as PETER UJAHSOI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OKOAWO ANTHONIA now wish to be known and addressed as AKHERE ANTHONIA OBEHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known. UCHENNA UDOKA ONWUKA now wish to be known and addressed as ERIC UCHENNA UDOKA EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

SOMADINA AMAKA EZEKIEL I, formerly known. DEBORAH SOMADINA AMAKA ONWUKA Now wish to be know as now wish to be known and addressed as DEBORAH SOMADINA AMAKA EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly known and addressed as Subulu Salaam now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Sulaiman Ganiyu Abolaji. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

OGUNYEMI BUKOLA ELIZABETH

MAUREEN DAMILOLA EGBAH I formerly known and addressed as MAUREEN AMIDALA EGBAH now wish to be known and addressed as MAUREEN DAMILOLA EGBAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ADEDIRAN DAMILARE ISAAC I formerly known and addressed as ADEMOLA DAMILOLA DAMILARE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDIRAN DAMILARE ISAAC. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

OGUNRONBI GLORY MERIT I formerly known and addressed as MISS KANU GLORY MERIT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNRONBI GLORY MERIT. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BAYODE KATE ADEDOJA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYEWO KATE ADEDOJA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

JULIANA OGUNSEMOWO I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWAJUWON JULIANA OLAEGBE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MRS OLUWAJUWON JULIANA OGUNSEMOWO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

BLESSING ADAKU DIALAEME I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS. BLESSING ADAKU AMADIEGWU. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. BLESSING ADAKU DIALAEME. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

NKOLI EUCHARIA OKEKE I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS NKOLI EUCHARIA NZELI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS NKOLI EUCHARIA OKEKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I formerly known and addressed as Johnson Oluwatetisimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogunyemi Bukola Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NKIRUKA ANTHONY-ALIFA I formerly known and addressed as MISS EVERLN NKIRUKA OLUGBUE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EVERLN NKIRUKA ANTHONYALIFA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, is assiduously applying innovative financing in the oil sector to address any likely revenue gap from our projected oil revenue. ``Plugging leakages through zero tolerance to corruption, application of sound public financial management and improved revenue collection system are reforms targeted to achieve the budget,” it said.

The statement assured that the ministry would proactively plan, advice and monitor all matters relating to national development, adding that it would also ensure that vital development policies were properly implemented by all stakeholders.

It explained that 30 per cent of the budget allocated to capital projects was critical for the stimulation of economic development.

OYEWO KATE ADEDOJA

FO

ALE S R

the cultural image of the country, which is fast losing her historical recognition, due to low knowledge and political unrest among other ills.”

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari stated this, at weekend, when the national leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by its President, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowale, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.

The monarch, however, appealed to government, at all levels, to fast-track policy thrusts that would further empower the women folk, and stressed that “Educating a woman is as good as educating the entire nation”, and urged the people to endeavour to be well- equipped with the history of their respective communities and that of the country at large.

He commended the members of NAWOJ for the visit and charged them to create more awareness and advocacy on a need for women be more steadfast, articulate and productive in their respective obligations.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Catholic faithful bemoan transfer of Fr. Mbaka Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎMembers of

the Catholic Church wept, uncontrollably, at the weekend, as the spiritual director and fiery priest of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka, moved out of the Christ the King Parish, GRA, where he presided over for 20years, to his new parish at Emene, a suburb of the state capital.

Mbaka was sacked from the GRA Parish by authorities of the Catholic Church, shortly

after his controversial prophesy that President Muhammadu Buhari would be assassinated for fighting corruption and his subsequent visit to the president at the villa.

Thousands of the church members, who thronged the Christ the King Parish (CKP), GRA, Enugu, shed tears as several trucks, buses and cars lined up to convey the belongings of the priest and the Adoration Ministry out of the premises.

But Fr. Mbaka, who managed to control his emotions, as

he looked at the wailing crowd, declared that his transfer was the will of God, but quickly added that he was convinced the leadership of the church approved it to make him suffer.

He said those who plotted his transfer wanted tom punish him, as they did not consider his security and where he would put his head.

Reviewing how much he had contributed to building the CKP parish, from 1997, when he was posted there, without any structure till now, he stated that he had been transferred

to a location, where there was not enough provision to enable him continue his ministry.

He said: “I know I am going there to suffer between now and the next few months. I am going to suffer, because I have no place to put my head. I am going to suffer, because I have no place to keep the ministry’s assets. I know I am going to suffer and, fortunately, it is going to happen in the month of Lent. Although, I have accepted it as the will of God, it is a mega suffering. All these while, we have been keeping

the vineyard and building the Christ the King Parish. All the money I got from my cassettes and crusades were spent on the church, the school and parsonage.

Decrying what he described as attempt by some persons to politicise the church, by peddling falsehood, he noted: “I am giving God the glory and I welcome the church’s choice and action with absolute acceptance and obedience.

“So, there is no negation to what God has approved and the church’s decision. Nobody

should see me as a recalcitrant priest. I am not. I have taken an oath of obedience and I stand on it,” he said.

Fr. Mbaka

40th Anniversary: Ondo rolls out drums

Osun judge tasks politicians on harmony

’Tosin Ajuwon,

Ilorin

Kehinde Akinpelu

Akure

ÎÎÎA

ÎÎÎThe Ondo State Govern-

ment, on Sunday, said the 40th anniversary of the state, and the 7th year anniversary of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, would commence on February 3.

The Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Hon. Akin Adaramola, made this known at a press conference, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, in Akure, the state capital.

Adaramola, who is also the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, flanked by his counterpart in the Ministry of information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, at the briefing, said the anniversary would commence with a special broadcast programme to the people of the state.

Mrs. Saraki stresses importance of education for maternal health

ÎÎÎWife of the Senate Presi-

dent, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, has called for an increased emphasis on health education through midwives, to protect women in crisis settings by ensuring that they had the knowledge needed to protect themselves and their children.

In the same vein, she also called for more awareness on the highly probable effects of the Zika virus – a mosquitoborne illness with dire effects on pregnancy and newborn babies that is currently having an adverse effect pregnant women in South America.

Heap of refuse at Bonojo Junction, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State… on Sunday.

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Girei attacks: No govt. official visited, offered relief items to us, victims cry out Tom Garba, Yola

ÎÎÎExactly

one week after over 30 persons were killed by group of armed Fulani herdsmen that attacked Koh, Taboungo, Ndikajam and Demsare settlement in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, none of the officials of the state government has visited the affected community.

Although the death toll has risen above 80, some of the villagers who suffered various degree of attacks have flayed what they called inexplicable insensitivity and neglect by they are were still suffering from untold hardship unleashed on them by Fulani attackers.

One of the survivors of the attacks, Mr. Anthony Chema, who has since returned to

Koh, said women and children had been asked to remain on the islands, where they were taking refuge, for fear that their assailants may return.

Narrating their ordeals, Anthony said that “the attacks appeared to have had the approval of key organs of government, noting that more than a week after the attacks, no government official had visited their communities nor had any relief been brought to them by aid agencies, to cushion the deprivations being experienced by the victims.”

He said that, “These attacks have exposed the hypocrisy of the government. The state government and other organs of security have turned their eyes the other way, so that our people will be maimed and cleansed by the Fulani people.

“But since that has failed, the state government has re-

fused to come to our aid. It has bothered less to see the extent of the destruction caused by the attacks.”

The traditional head of the Bwatiye communities, Chief Kefas Garkuwa, also decried the state government’s neglect, noting that the communities had continued to discover more dead bodies of missing persons with 46 additional corpses uncovered in the bush.

Stressing that the Bwatiye people and their Fulani brothers in the area had co-existed for decades, peacefully, despite recurring clashes between the farmers and the herdsmen, he wondered why it would now be different, given the scale of the destruction of life and property caused by the mayhem.

Investigations revealed that since the attacks on Koh settle-

ment and nearby Bwatiye villages of Taboungo, Ndikajam and Demsare, the state government appeared undisturbed about the incidence, because no relief materials had been given to the survivors of the attack, which has claimed 86 lives.

Over 200 women and children displaced from the affected communities, taking refuge on the neighboring island adjoining Koh, Taboungo and Ndikajam are threatened by starvation, since their food supplies have run very low, since in the attacks.

Many of the victims, mostly women and children who have taken refuge on the island and are living outside in the open without shelter, said that the absence of beddings and clothing had caused most of the children to contract pneumonia as a result of cold.

High Court Judge in Osun State, Justice Yinka Afolabi, has called on politicians in Ile-Ife, irrespective of their political leanings, to come together and, raise the Ife youths above the poverty level they were presently battling with, so that they could also be useful to the society.

Justice Afolabi said this at the 2016 Colloquium of the Ife Zenith Club titled, “Ife Youths – Catalyst for Change”, which he delivered at the weekend.

His words, “If I may ask, which of our politicians since Chief M.A Omisade and Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode’s demise has ever featured prominently in national politics?

What about Yoruba politics?

How many of them are in decision-making level of Afenifere, Yoruba Council of Elders et al? None.

“Ife politicians, this is the time for you to think. Are you building the youths to succeed you or destroying their future? How many of your own children have ever fallen victims of political molestation? Think! For the holy book says, what we sow, we will reap. It may not be now. It may be in the future. It may be in the time of our unborn generation. Think and fashion out ways to assist our youths to be useful to our society”.

He also tasked the youths to change their current disposition to politics, which had kept them below poverty level over the years.

According to him, “This is the time for serious rethinking by our youths They should ask these politicians what will accrue to them not in monetary terms, if they vote these politicians to power.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

25 Opinion

#Naijawogau Yinka Odumakin ÏÏÏ If Adegoke Adelabu were to wake up for just a minute today, he would quickly apologise to Nigerians for coining penkelemesi at a time we were not yet in a peculiar mess.

We were somewhat in some mess as at the time he made use of that expression but it was not as peculiar as what we are in today in Nigeria of 2016.

This column wrote last week that all eyes were on Kogi State to see whether the APC-led Federal Government was going to make a bad history by going ahead with the inauguration of Yahaya Bello who scored only 6000 votes in a supplementary election in which he had no running mate as required by the law.

The reign of impunity festering in the land was in full swing last Wednesday as the circus show that produced Bello as governor went on to swear him in as governor with John Oyegun, the National Chairman of APC, presiding over the festival of shame.

The enormity of the

sheer bravado and mindless impunity being displayed by the ruling party was bewildering. In what appeared a practical joke of some sort, the curious governor was railing against impunity in his maiden speech. Only in Nigeria!

Hours after the shenanigans in Kogi, news filtered in that the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed the election of Nyesom Wike as Rivers State governor setting aside the concurrent rulings of the Election Tribunal and the Appeal Court.

As if a direct mocking of the impunity in the land, there was a breaking joke on the social media to the effect that the APC candidate, Peterside Dakuku, was going to appeal the judgment of the Supreme Court and that the Presidency has created a Supreme Court of Appeal to hear the matter.

In that joke is encapsulated the fact that anything can happen in Nigeria under the APC watch.

I have very little worry over what the APC is doing given what we know of its moving spirit. In fact, what they are presently doing is what the Yoruba call “onmeye bo lapo”. A man dips his hands into his pocket trying to bring out a bird.

You should not call the bird’s colour until he brings it out. When these characters are finished with Nigeria, we would be shade worse than a banana republic.

My worry for now is what those who should

Bello

Oyegun

see evil in the land are doing playing the ostrich.

The newspapers truly reflected the sordid drama in Kogi State the following day with captions such as “Kogi swears in Governor without deputy”. In normal time, you would have seen our so-called community of conscience fuming over this travesty. But not a word from our civil society groups. The “radical lawyers” all kept mute.

Nothing flowed from the pens of our intellectuals.

The conspiracy of sinful silence was baffling.

It is now a recurring pattern. N50 increase on

W E A T H E R ABUJA

ASABA

LAGOS

Low 21°C High 38°C

Low 22°C High 41°C

Low 23°C High 37°C

KADUNA

IBADAN

ILORIN

Low 17°C High 41°C

Low 21°C High 43°C

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a litre of Kerosene in one day and not a whimper.

N50 stamp duty on every bank transaction by fiat and it is ranka dede!

It is now manifestly clear that the APC will commit murder and get away with it because it has bewitched, brainwashed and compromised most of the hitherto vocals. One day, this hapless country will know that the party in power now overspent the ruling party then to capture power in the biggest bazaar called elections in Nigeria.

Their “Metuhs” may not be in chains at the moment while their

“Dasukis” may be waxing lyrical on the anti-graft war but the silence on the part of those who should speak say it all.

Joseph Goebbels was right after all when he said, “The essence of propaganda consists in winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never escape from it.”

The Chief propagandist of the Third Reich also said of the big lie -”If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for

such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/ or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”

This is where Nigeria is today and I guess it is going to be a free fall for a while.

I saw a hashtag on social media recently which captured our peculiar mess: #Naijawogau (Nigeria is in trouble).

R E P O R T KANO Low 15°C High 36°C

BENIN CITY Low 11°C High 26°C

P/HARCOURT Low 21°C High 38°C

CALABAR Low 23°C High 42°C

ENUGU Low 21°C High 39°C

WARRI Low 23°C High 38°C

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Our Heritage

s

Odia Ofeimun’s statement on ANA land unpardonable –Raji writer and author of several

tenure, still believes that he faith. In this interview after the

Delegates to the last ANA convention in Kaduna were shocked when ace poet, Odia Ofeimun, just before the election, claimed that the ANA leadership disappointed the members, especially, regarding the Mamman J. Vatsa land. Were you surprised by his reservations?

I am glad you know this and have mentioned it because it is very unfortunate that someone like Odia would make that kind of statement. I have told him that he is one of those who do not live by example.

The truth is that I was not there at the time he reportedly made the statement, which, I believe, was uncalled for, that was why I confronted him in Lagos to let him know he shouldn’t have made such careless statement, because he is one of the elders in the association. If he has any issue bothering him, he should be

bold to come up with it. Ask Odia, was he not a former President of ANA? What did he achieve? After his presidency, what did he do?

That he spoke that day was not the issue, but, speaking in the way he did was very wrong.

Does Odia want to become a contractor of the said land?

We won a case with N10 million damages awarded to us. I went to Odia’s house, where I slept. I asked him how ANA could get N10 million to settle the problem and he promised to meet with the former President (Goodluck) Jonathan to get the money, but, eventually, he did nothing. That is Odia for you.

Is that how to run an association?

The kind of statement he made was unpardonable. That is why I have told him to stop, henceforth, because everyone knows he has no moral ground to say what he said.

What was it like to be ANA President for two terms?

Well, as a former President of ANA for four years, I had the opportunity to supervise the largest body of writers in Africa, you can imagine the challenges. ANA has writers with great potential and you can see them all over the country. So to me, the question is what we want to achieve in terms of the legacies that our founding patriarchs left for us. So, what we did was to try and be engaged practically and be more involved in networking, while sourcing for fund for our literature, that was what we did, especially, in the area of generation of fund from government and corporate organisations. Our literature is vibrant and it has always been so.

What do you consider to be your achievements?

Well, as you know, we had a publication called the Scorecard.

Raji

It contains what we did every month. I cannot mention everything here, but I will advise anyone who wants to look into our record to pick the publication. There was the outreach programme on lectures and workshops for Nigerian university students under the Yusuf Ali programme, we did that for more than three years. Under the programme, we shuttled from reading to writing for students, especially, in Abuja. The result of that is going to be an anthology of short stories by Nigerian students, to be published soon.

Apart from that, our greatest achievement was the Mamman J. Vatsa land, which we reclaimed through a court judgement. For about four years, we were in court, until we reclaimed the land. After the reclamation, I laid the foundation of the building project with Prof. Wale Okediran and Prof.

Jerry Agada. The project is ongoing and we pray that the new executive committee would carry on from where we stopped. Also, in 2012, we signed the bill to activate the ANA constitution. The bill had been in the making for a

long time until we signed it into law making the ANA constitution our official guideline and that is what we are using till date.

How did you become a writer, was it accidental or a deliberate decision?

I set to be a writer, because I was lucky to grow up in a circle that assisted my career. I, actually, wanted to be an actor, because I usedto watch old Yoruba plays at NTV Ibadan. As God would have it, I, actually, wanted to study Theatre Arts, but, I did not get the opportunity, so, I studied English.

However, the English turned out to the best for my training, because in the English Department, I studiedmost of the characters I have heard in theatre arts, so, that became an advantage for me.

My beginning as a writer, however, dated back to my secondary school days when I used to recite Yoruba poems called Ewi, including those of veterans like Olatunbosun Oladapo.

Apart from the oriki tradition that I was immersed, I was part of the Egungun tradition. In Yoruba culture, there are poems that address various occupations, I am well- versed in poetry. Also, in my secondary school, I had the opportunity to publish my poetry.

So, when I, eventually, found myself in the University of Ibadan, it was a fertile ground where that inspiration began to germinate.

Every month, writers like Femi Osofisan, Niyi Osundare, Biodun Jayefo and others converged on UI, you remember the Chris Okigbo, Mabel Segun of this world?

They all played a role in my life, so, from one step to another, the journey continued. It has been a long journey, but, I will say that I was prepared to be a writer, because I find fulfillment in it.

El Anatsui’s five-decade retrospective in Sydney

El Anatsui

With its lofty industrial proportions, Sydney’s multi-arts centre, Carriageworks, has the potential to dwarf the contemporary exhibitions within. Not so with internationally acclaimed Ghanaian artist El Anatsui’s first major Australian survey, organically inhabiting the expansive foyer area and the adjoining Anna Schwartz Gallery.

Presented in collaboration with the Sydney Festival, the retrospective spans five decades of work from the 1970s. It

comprises over 30 pieces including early ceramics, drawings and woodcarvings incorporating West African adinkra symbols alongside Anatsui’s sculptures and monumental wall and floor installations, merging both sculptural and painterly techniques.

These captivating works are created with folded and crumpled pieces of discarded metal in a myriad of colours. West African printing plates, tin boxes, assorted alcohol bottle labels and thousands

of recycled bottle caps are meticulously bound together, usually with copper wire, to create luminous yet weighty tapestries draped on walls with heavy folds, sometimes cascading onto the surfaces beneath. Others are poured across the polished concrete floor with ripples shimmering through their densely patterned fields.

Anatsui was awarded the esteemed Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2015 Venice Biennale.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Discover Katsina’s hospitality Katsina State was created on the 23rd of September, 1987, out of the old Kaduna State. The demand for the creation of the state, which is predominantly Muslim started shortly after the country was given a 19-state structure in 1976. Katsina State is agrarian. About 80 percent percent of people are farmers. In order to encourage farming in the state, special agricultural schemes were introduced by the State. Tourists also will find the palaces of the Emirs of Daura and Katsina, which reflect traditional architecture, worthy of a visit. The Durbi Takusheyi monument comprises three mounds be-

lieved to be the tombs of the first Hausa Kings of Katsina dating back to about 1000 A.D. These mounds were exhumed by a Colonial officer in 1907.

Katsina city itself is the home of polo with the ruling family pioneering the game in Nigeria. In the palace of the Emir of Katsina, trophies won over the years in polo, by the family are displayed. Some of these glittering trophies date back to half a century. In the state, traditional boxing and wrestling as well as celebrations of Muslim festivals attract visitors. The first Teachers’ College in Northern Nigeria is also in Katsina State. The college, built in 1922, produced

such leaders as the late Prime Minister, Alhaji (Sir) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir, Ahmadu Bello.

Katsina State, has made some impact in the development and promotion of tourism. Tourist attractions in the state include historical monuments, some of which are the Gobarau Minaret, Kusugu well, Dan -Marina Tomb, the Kofar Yandaka gate through which Lord Laggard entered Katsina in 1903, Durbi- Ta Kusheyi, Old Katsina, Daura and Ganuwar Amina wall.

The three hundred year-old Gobarau Minaret is an interesting place to behold.

Arist impression of Queen Amina of Zaria

Shonibare revisits childhood memories in Singapore

Shonibare

British-Nigerian artist, Yinka Shonibare MBE presents a series of sculptures and screen prints in his latest exhibition, Childhood Memories.

Drawing inspiration from the series and folk tales from Nigeria, Shonibare creates whimsical pieces fraught with personal meaning.

He showed his works under Pearl Lam Galleries recently as part of Singapore art week. Balancing Knowledge, one of his works exhibited at the event hearkens back to childhood reminder from his father as his father had wanted him to become a lawyer.

The issue of identity is also close to Shonibare’s

heart. He pushes forth the notion of a “universal human being” . He cites appreciation of arts and culture as one of the universal experiences of being human that transcends political and geographic boundaries.

Having grown up in both Britain and Nigeria, Shonibare is aware of how complex and flexible ‘cultural identity’ can be.

Childhood Memories was borne out of the context of global conflicts and wars today. With a dose of innocence and nostalgia, it aims to provide a respite from all the heartache. As Shonibare puts it, “art has always been a form of escape and an exploration of the imagination.”

27 Our Heritage

West Ham invite Enyimba star for trials

A

CHAN Eagles star, Ezekiel Bassey.

mbitious English Premier League side West Ham United have invited Enyimba forward Ezekiel ‘Hazard’ Bassey for trials.

“Bassey has been invited for trials by West Ham,” a top source disclosed.

Last year, Nigeria defender Azubuike Egwuekwe trialed with

‘The Hammers’.

Bassey has already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, when he made his debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in October in Port Harcourt.

The former Akwa United star was on the final squad to CHAN 2016, but he only played a bit role

as he struggled with his form in pre-tournament training camp in Pretoria, South Africa.

He is a left-sided winger with dazzling footwork and dribbles who has earned the nickname ‘Hazard’ after Chelsea star, Eden Hazard, in his first season at champions Enyimba.

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Monday, February 1, 2016

Guinea send Chipolopolo

Amaju fully in charge of NFF

packing at CHAN

—Dalung Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

T

G

uinea have booked themselves a spot in the 2016 CAF African Nations Championships (CHAN) semifinals after beating Zambia 5-4 on penalties at Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi, Rwanda on Sunday evening.

Chris Katongo, Daut Musekwa and Stephen Kambamba scored from the spot, while Mohamed Youla, Sory Soumah, Aziz Keita, Thierno Camara and Mohamed Thiam netted for Guinea after the quarterfinal match ended 0-0 following 120 minutes of action.

From the first minute Syli Nationale took control of the match and enjoyed good touches in the Chipolopolo half.

With Zambian skipper, Katongo, a highly watched man by Guinea defenders, George Lwandamina’s side was forced to play long balls.

Doumbia set for Newcastle medical

Christopher Katongo (right) of Zambia challenged by Ibrahima Sory Soumah of Guinea during their CHAN 2016 quarterfinal match on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Rubavu Stadium.

Consequently, chances on goal were at a minimum as both teams defended stoutly.

In the 27th minute Salulani Phiri tried to beat Keita from long range shot as he spotted the keeper off his line, but the ball went wide.

With 10 minutes to go before the half time break, a good shot by Ibrahima Sankhon nearly beat Jacob Banda, but it went inches wide off the far post.

It was 0-0 at the interval.

With the start of the second half rain

began to fall which resulted in both teams’ play becoming a little sloppy.

A well taken shot by Sankhon from a set piece nearly put Syli Nationale ahead in the 72nd minute, but his effort struck the woodwork.

In the 80th minute Katongo nearly scored when he saw his header going wide off the far post.

Regular time ended 0-0 and the match moved into extra-time.

CHAN 2016:

he Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr Solomon Dalung has stated that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss, Mr Amaju Pinnick, is still fully in-charge of the football ruling body in the country.

He stated this while interacting with newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, before jetting off to South Africa at the weekend.

Dalung confirming that the NFF is still under the leadership of Pinnick, stated thus: “When Chris Giwa wrote his petition, his lawyer wrote me, and I drew Amaju’s attention to it and directed that he should be served a copy which was done.

“Amaju has consequently also replied, but Chris Giwa, taking the laws into his hands, went on air and threatened to take over as the boss of NFF within 21 days which was wrong. However, I have spoken to Giwa that what he did is not right and not in the best interest of Nigeria and the growth of football in the country, more especially now that we are preparing for the Olympics.”

The Honorable Minister said he has further advised Giwa to allow the mechanism he has put in place to address the issues to stand because he has seen a copy of their allegation and I have also received their responses.

Dalung assured that he has put in place a mechanism that will ensure that the matter is properly addressed in-line with the law.

Malian coach hails team’s fighting spirit G

Ex-HFN official decries team’s poor show in Egypt

T

in the third quarterfinal match on Sunday.

Djibril Drame, the Mali head at the on-going 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) coach, was full of praise for his players who showed high levels of fighting spirit at the Nyamirambo Stadium.

“The boys fought for the entire 90 minutes and did not give up,” said a happy Drame after the match.

He admitted that his team started badly by giving the opponents lots of space to pass the ball and run at them.

“But in the second half we changed our approach and made it difficult for them,” he added.

Mohamed Ali Monser gave Tunisia the lead after only 14 Action recorded on Sunday, January 31, 2016, between Mali and Tunisia at the ongoing CHAN 2016 quarterfinal tie. minutes, but the Malian team fought back to score through he Eagles of Mali shocked tournament favourites Tunisia 2-1

Aliou Dieng from the spot and added another goal with a beautiful strike from Abdoulaye Diarra.

The Tunisians tried to fight back to get an equalizer, but failed to break down the Malian defence.

Drame revealed that his defenders also played well against a good attacking line of Tunisia.

“I think the defenders kept us in the game because they contained Tunisia’s dangerous striker Akaichi.

“We shall approach the next game with lots of caution because Cote d’Ivoire have a different style,” he concluded.

aruba Attahiru, the 1st Vice-President, Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), on Sunday decried the dismal performance of the National Male Handball Team at the just concluded African Nations Cup in Egypt.

Attahiru spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said the team’s inability to qualify was due to lack of harmony between the Veterans Handball Association and Yusuf Dauda-led board.

Attahiru, who served the association from 2000 to 2004, said the problem had affected development of the sport to the detriment of the players and country’s image at international tournaments.

Attahiru, also a former Executive Director of Commonwealth Handball Association, said the players pulled their weight and were enthusiastic in trying to excel in the tournament.

Also, Toyin Aluko, a member of the HFN, expressed displeasure over the team’s poor performance at the competition. The team had the following results in the tournament: Nigeria vs Cameroon 16-24; Nigeria vs Egypt 20-34; Nigeria vs Gabon 31-30; Nigeria vs Morocco 20-25; and Nigeria vs Algeria 23-31.

Monday, February 1, 2016

EXTRATIME

Nigeria on standby to host Africa Rugby Cup

Australian Open:

Djokovic beats Murray to win title W orld number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday beat Andy Murray in straight sets to win his sixth Australian Open title and condemn the Briton to a fifth final defeat.

The Serb, 28, won 6-1 7-5 7-6 (73) to claim his sixth Melbourne title, tying the record of Australia’s Roy Emerson.

Djokovic also draws level with tennis greats Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver on 11 Grand Slam titles.

Second seed Murray, 28, has now

lost all five Australian Open finals he has played, four of them against Djokovic.

The Scot becomes only the second man - behind his former coach Ivan Lendl at the US Open - to lose five finals at the same Grand Slam since the open era began in 1968.

He was expected to head straight to the airport after the final to return to London and his wife Kim, who is due to give birth to their first child in the next two weeks.

Djokovic has now won four of the past five major tournaments, including three

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

N

Djokovic

in a row, and will try to complete his career Grand Slam with a first French Open title in June.

Murray: “I feel like I’ve been here before.

Congrats Novak. Six Australian Opens is an incredible feat. The last year has been incredible. Good job.

“I’d like to thank my team for getting me to this position. Sorry I couldn’t get it done.

Thanks for all your support during a tough few weeks off court.

“And finally to Kim, my wife, who is going to be watching at home. You’ve been a legend. I’ll be on the next flight home.”

igeria has been asked to be on standby to host the 2016 African Rugby Cup 1C Tournament in case Morocco fails to meet up wit h obligations to host the tournament.

Nigeria lost the bid to the North African country due to security reasons.

It will be recalled that Nigeria placed a bid to host the 201 6 Africa Cup 1C in Lagos, but according to Rugby Africa, afte r careful considerations, the Exe cutive Committee awarded the hosting rights to Morocco citin g security reasons.

According to a mail sent to the Nigeria Rugby Footba ll Federation last week, thro ugh the operations manag er of Rugby Africa; Coralie Vanden berg; she said “despite agreein g that proposed host city, Lag os might be incident free, som e countries could feel insecur e and choose not to travel which would jeopardize the tourna ment”.

They resolved that should Morocco be faced with the same security threats or no longer in a position to host the tournament, the executive committee will reconsider its position and advise sufficiently ahead of time.

Sexwale committed to FIFA race

T

okyo Sexwale is totally committed to his FIFA presidential campaign and has denied reports that he is coming under pressure to withdraw from the race.

Sexwale said: “I remain committed to being a candidate. The decision of what happens going forward, I leave in the hands of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). They also have a say in my candidacy and I leave it

in their able hands.”

The South African businessman has been trying to position himself as Africa’s candidate, but he has found it difficult to convince CAF members to back him.

Sexwale thought he was close to winning the governing body’s endorsement, but it is likely to announce in Rwanda on Friday that its 54 votes will be going to Sheikh Salman.

Sexwale has been in Qatar this weekend

29

but he is returning to Johannesburg to meet the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Tuesday to update it on the progress of his campaign.

There have been reports in the South African media that SAFA is worried about his “lacklustre” campaign but these reports have been dismissed

by Sexwale and SAFA chief executive Dennis Mumble.

Sexwale

30

Monday, February 1, 2016

EXTRATIME

Double injury blow for Atletico

A

tletico Madrid have confirmed that Diego Godin and Augusto Fernandez suffered knee ligament injuries in Saturday’s defeat to Barcelona.

Fernandez was substituted with 15 minutes remaining in the 2-1 loss, with Atletico already down to nine men after Godin followed Filipe Luis in being sent off.

The Uruguay defender had also suffered an injury early in the game, though, as his club revealed in a statement.

It read: “Diego Godin has undergone radiological tests on Sunday at the FREMAP Majadahonda Hospital, which confirmed the injury to his left knee.

“The Uruguayan international suffered ‘a sprain (Grade I) on the internal lateral ligament in his left knee’.”

P

ierre-Emerick Aubameyang is keeping one eye on chasing Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga record after reaching 20 goals for the season so far.

The CAF Player of the Year scored both goals in Saturday’s

Aubameyang

sets sights on Muller’s record

L

uis Suarez was Barcelona’s match-winner once more as the European champions took firm control of the La Liga title race by defeating closest rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Barca were far from their best on Saturday, but even Atletico’s rocksolid defence was powerless to stop a two-goal burst in eight minutes just before half-time from Lionel Messi and Suarez.

Victory moved Barcelona three

M

Double delight as Zenit sign Zhirkov, Kokorin

Z

enit have completed the signings of Dinamo Moscow duo Yuri Zhirkov and Aleksandr Kokorin. The Russian champions, who announced the deals late on Saturday, expect both players to join up with the training camp in Portugal in the coming days. The transfer fees have not been disclosed.

makes the difference for Barca’

Suarez

BRIEFS Monaco seal Jemerson deal

mark - a figure he had guaranteed to coach Thomas Tuchel before the campaign started - and is two ahead of Bayern legend Muller’s tally at the same stage of the 1971-72 season, when he went on to score a record 40 goals.

“I still need to score 20 goals to do it, right?” he told reporters when asked about the prospect of surpassing Muller’s record. “That’s a lot, but in football you never know.”

Aubameyang says his wager with Tuchel is not quite fulfilled, however, despite his stunning scoring form so far.

“It’s true I’ve achieved my goal, but I haven’t yet managed to fulfil my bet with the coach, you’ll have to be patient,” he said.

Aubameyang is three ahead of Robert Lewandowski in the scoring charts but the 26-year-old says a rivalry is not something that distracts him.

‘Suarez

Aubameyang

Diego Godin (left) was sent off and injured in Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona.

onaco have announced the signing of Brazilian defender Jemerson from Atletico Mineiro. The 23-yearold has signed a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 side for a fee reported to be close to €10million. Jemerson, who earned his first call-up to the senior Brazil squad last November, spent six years with Atletico Mineiro after joining from Confianca.

hard-fought 2-0 win over Ingolstadt to move Borussia Dortmund to within five points of leaders Bayern Munich ahead of their game with Hoffenheim.

Aubameyang has taken just 19 appearances to reach the 20-goal

points clear of Atletico - having also played a game less - and seven ahead of third-placed Real Madrid and Simeone was quick to cite the importance of Suarez to Luis Enrique’s side.

“He is such an important player, he makes the difference. Without doubt, his arrival has given Barcelona more penetration than they already had,” said Simeone.

“He has different qualities to the rest. He is strong, a typical No 9 in the

area, he is a very complete player and he has enriched Barcelona.”

Suarez forms part of Barca’s threeman attack alongside Messi and Neymar and the former Liverpool striker has scored more goals this season than anyone else in Europe with 31 in 32 games.

“I think he was already a very complete player at Liverpool and here he has been even better,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique. Luis gives us a lot of things and all of them are positive.”

Allegri focused on Scudetto, as Juve equal win record

J

uventus coach Massimiliano Allegri claims he does not care about his side equaling the club’s run of successive Serie A victories, but praised their convincing display in Sunday’s 4-0 win at Chievo.

Alvaro Morata scored twice in the first half at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi before Alex Sandro and Paul Pogba completed the triumph in Verona.

It matched Juve’s record run of 12 successive league victories in a

single season - set during 2013-14 - and kept the pressure on Napoli in the title race.

Aside from a Roberto Inglese effort well saved by Gianluigi Buffon in the final stages, Juve were rarely troubled and Allegri was thrilled to see his side continue the recovery from a woeful start to their Scudetto defence.

But, asked about equaling the record, the Italian told reporters: “I do not care. I’d like to do 20 straight wins, but even then maybe we would

not be able to win the Scudetto.

“The run is proving successful, although I did not expect it happen so quickly. There are still 16 games left, but we are in a good moment and now we have to continue like this and improve further.

“There is still room for individual growth, both mentally and physically.

Just see the final shot from Pogba, when he took the cross down and hit it hard and hit the crossbar when he could have placed the ball.

Allegri

Monday, February 1, 2016

EXTRATIME

PREMIERSHIP TRANSFERS… PREMIERSHIP TRANSFER.

..SPREMIERSHIP TRANSFERS…

Arsenal recall

BRIEFS

Lennon inspires Everton to FA Cup win

E

verton breezed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory away to League Two side Carlisle United on Sunday.

Aaron Lennon teed up Arouna Kone to open the scoring with just two minutes on the clock and the former Tottenham winger doubled the lead inside the first quarter of an hour. Ross Barkley drilled in a deflected third after the break to seal Everton’s victory.

y r b a n G

from WBA A

rsene Wenger says he will recall Arsenal midfielder Serge Gnabry from his loan spell at West Brom.

Gnabry, 20, has struggled to make an impact at The Hawthorns and has made just one league appearance under Tony Pulis.

The Germany U-21 international has been left out of the Baggies’ matchday squad on a number of occasions this season and Wenger

Teixeira keen to progress at Anfield

J

oao Teixeira hopes to make the most of a second chance to start his Liverpool career after gaining valuable experience in cup competitions this season.

The 23-year-old has played in all three of the Reds’ FA Cup ties, putting in a useful performance in the goalless fourth-round draw at home to West Ham on Saturday evening, after featuring in a Capital One Cup game back in October.

He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the Premier League win at Fulham almost two years ago but was then loaned to Brighton for the whole of last season and it was only the current injury problems which propelled him back into firstteam contention with a crop of the academy’s top talent.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to see what the club’s younger players can do and Teixeira is one of a number looking to impress the German.

“I don’t know what happened after his debut,” said the Portuguese, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2012 for £850,000.

“It was frustrating because when you do well, you want to play more and more. Sometimes things happens and you have to respect the decisions.”

says the midfielder may be sent out on loan to a different club in order to get more game time.

“I am tempted to give him some competition because at the moment, he has not played at West Brom, so I am tempted to let him go somewhere - to do with him what I did with Francis Coquelin,” said Wenger.

“To go somewhere for a month or two and then come back.”

Championship club Brighton are rumoured to be interested in taking

R

oma striker Seydou Doumbia is set to undergo a medical at Newcastle ahead of a loan deal for the rest of the season.

But a move for Atletico Madrid left-back Guilherme Siqueira has broken down, according to reliable sources.

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren is keen to boost his squad before the transfer window closes today and is also looking to add an-

Doumbia

Sturridge ‘hung out to dry’

L

the midfielder on loan until the end of the season.

The winger has made 19 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Stuttgart’s academy in 2011.

Gnabry

Doumbia set

for Newcastle medical other striker and a left-back in addition to Doumbia.

Siqueira was scheduled to arrive on Tyneside for a medical on Saturday but failed to turn up as planned amid interest from Gary Neville’s Valencia and Newcastle have now shifted their attention elsewhere.

The Magpies are focusing their efforts on strengthening their attack on three forwards - Doumbia,

Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis and West Brom’s Saido Berahino.

Newcastle have struggled to score goals this season and their total of 25 from 23 games is the sixth-worst in the Premier League.

Georginio Wijnaldum has scored nine league goals from midfield but strikers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Papiss Cisse - who is sidelined with a groin injury have managed just four and two respectively.

Everton move for

Niasse E

31

Niasse

verton have made a bid for Lokomotiv Moscow this season for Lokomotiv, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 21 matches. striker Oumar Niasse, according to sources.

Last week, manager Roberto Martinez admitted The 25-year-old, who was voted the Russian Premier League’s player of 2015, has been in great form Everton would “keep their options open” after allowing

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hung Daniel Sturridge out to dry and created an unworkable dynamic between the two, according to reports. The England international, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered last month against Newcastle and Klopp insists Sturridge won’t play for Liverpool again until he has 10 days of uninterrupted training, something he has so far been unable to complete.

Fellaini charges Martial to keep improving

M

arouane Fellaini has told Manchester United teammate Anthony Martial that he still has much to learn in the Premier League despite an impressive first season in English football.

Martial arrived at Old Trafford for a reported £36million from Monaco in September and has been one of the brighter lights of an otherwise gloomy campaign for United, scoring eight times in 28 appearances.

Steven Naismith to join Norwich City in a deal worth £8.5m.

Martinez has only two recognised senior forwards at his disposal Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone - and the potential addition of Niasse would provide him with extra firepower for the final four months of the season.

If Niasse does complete a move to Goodison Park, he will become Martinez’s second signing of the January transfer window following the addition of young Swiss forward Shani Tarashaj from Grasshoppers.

Tarashaj will link officially link up with Everton in the summer after being sent back to Grasshoppers on loan for the remainder of the season.

Published by FOliO cOMMUNicAtiONS ltD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948.

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Aubameyang sets sights on Muller’s record

Australian Open:

Djokovic beats Murray to win title

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29

West Ham invite Enyimba star for trials 28

Pellegrini hands

o h c a n a e Ih

s n o i p m Cha l l a c e u g Lea Iheanacho

M

anchester City coach, Manuel Pellegrini, says he is prepared to add Kelechi Iheanacho to its Champions League squad and ranks the forward as one of the most talented youngsters he has coached.

Teams in the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition will have an opportunity to alter their 25-man squads for the knockout stages next week and Iheanacho, who missed the cut for City’s group-stage campaign, further pushed his case with an FA Cup hattrick at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The 19-year-old has eight goals across all competitions in an increasingly impressive debut season and appears to be an obvious

choice to bolster Pellegrini’s attacking options ahead of the tie against Dynamo Kiev, with Kevin De Bruyne (knee) and Samir Nasri (hamstring) definite absentees and fellow striker Wilfried Bony nursing a calf problem.

“It’s a decision we are going to take during this week before the set date that we can do it. But of course he pushed a lot,” Pellegrini said.

“We need him because Bony is also injured so that is just one fit striker, Sergio Aguero. We’ll see – not because of the three goals, but because we need another striker.

“We’ll see, we’ll talk it over with the doctor.

Samir and Kevin will be out until the end of

March. I will see during the week.”

Pellegrini went on to liken Iheanacho’s emergence to those of Javier Mascherano, Santi Cazorla and Isco, who he coached at River Plate, Villarreal and Malaga respectively during their formative years.

“We have a young player who is very important for our club,” he added. “I’ve had the opportunity to do it with Santi Cazorla, with Isco, with Mascherano – so I know we have a player that deserves space in the squad and I think that Kelechi can do it.

“But it’s just one game. I’m not impressed because he scored three goals, I’m very happy because he improves in every way that he works with the squad.”

CHAN 2016 Q/FINA L RESULTS Tunisia 1 - 2 Mali Zambia 4 - 5 Guinea ENGLISH FA CUP RESULTS Carlisle United 0 3 Everton M/Keynes Dons 1 - 5 Chelsea SERIE A RESULTS ChievoVerona 0 4 Juventus Bologna 3 - 2 Sampdoria Genoa 0 - 0 Fiorentina SSC Napoli 5 - 1 Empoli Torino 0 - 0 Hellas Verona Udinese 0 - 0 Lazio LA LIGA RESULTS Sevilla 3 - 1 Levante Valencia 0 - 1 Sporting Gijo n BUNDESLIGA RESU LTS Wolfsburg 1 - 1 FC Cologne Bayern Munich 2 - 0 Hoffenheim LIGUE 1 RESULTS Caen 2 - 0 Nice Bordeaux 4 - 0 Rennes EREDIVISIE RESU LTS JC Kerkrade 2 2 Ajax Cambuur 0 - 1 SC Heerenve en Feyenoord 0 - 2 ADO Den Ha ag FC Twente 3 - 1 FC Utrecht INTERNATIONAL CLUB FRIENDLIES Winterthur 0 - 3 St. Gallen Ural 1 - 0 Rad Beograd Hammarby 0 - 2 Oestersunds F

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

MFBs, ASBON decry disbursement pattern of N220b MSME fund Page B3

Thought Leadership

N1trn premium income target is realistic, says Okunnoren Page B5

Page B4

Airline operators demand review of BASAs

Prepaid meter: Key into CAPMI, Discos urge Nigerians

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Chairman, Capt. Noggie Meggison has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency review existing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) signed between Nigeria and other countries.

This was as he hinted that the body would meet with the Federal Government to see how it could assist the aviation industry to cushion the effects of the ever rising dollars against the Naira, fall in oil prices and other challenges facing the inCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Ï &E&# Ɛ ƊƆ delivery of 40,000 smart meters Opeoluwani Akintayo

L-R: Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Governing Council, Arch. Mohammed Dewu; 38th Convocation Lecturer/President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chancellor, ABU, His Majesty, Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, 38th Convocation Lecture, His Highness, Alh. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano at the 38th Convocation held in ABU, Zaria… at the weekend.

FG spent N3tr to service domestic debts in 5 years Motolani Oseni

Debt Management Office (DMO) has said Federal Government spent a total amount of N2.95trillion to service domestic debts for a period of five years, from 2010 to 2014.

According to the statistics obtained from the DMO at weekend, the actual amount spent on ser-

vicing the domestic component of the country’s total debt rose from N334.66bn in 2010 to N846.64bn by the end of December 2014, adding that the amount spent on domestic debt in 2015 is not yet available.

Daily Times gathered that each year, the Federal Government sets apart funds in the budget for the servicing of both foreign and domestic debts. The actual amount

paid, however, may differ from what is budgeted.

The debt service obligation of the Federal Government showed an increase of N511.98bn within the period of five years. This means that in the period, the country’s domestic debt service obligation rose by 152.99 per cent.

The increase also reflected the rise in the size of the country’s do-

External reserves drop $682m in 18 days Motolani Oseni Nigeria’s external reserves fell to $28.1billion against the $28.782 billion it stood as at 11th of January, 2016, reflecting $682 million drop in 18 days.

It is worthy to note that the recent fell in the country external reserves is the lowest level in 16year; data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has showed.

Monday, February 1, 2016

The Federal Reserve stood at $28.782 billion as at the middle of January but fell to $28.1 billion as at Friday, representing a drop of $682 million in 18 days.

Statistics obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the stoppage of foreign exchange sale to Bureau De Change operators also failed to prevent massive decline of the nation’s foreign reserves, which dropped by $108m three days after the

move by the CBN. The rate at which the reserves fell in the three days after the ban was more than what was recorded between December 31, 2015 and January 11, 2016, the CBN data showed.

The CBN claimed that with the continued depletion of the foreign reserves, providing forex to the BDCs was no longer sustainable.

The CBN Governor, Mr. God-

mestic debt portfolio from N4.55tn in December 2010 to N7.9tn on December 31, 2014, a difference of 73.63 per cent.

This means that while the domestic debt component rose by 73.63 per cent within the period, the cost of servicing it, also increased by 152.99 per cent. However, some of the debts that had

Following consistent clamour by Nigerians over overbilling and inability of Distribution Companies of Nigeria (Discos) to fully meter every home since 2005, the electricity Distribution Companies, Eko and Ikeja have urged their customers to tap into the Credited Advance Payment Metering Implementation, (CAPMI) programme.

This was disclosed by spokespersons of both EKEDC and IKEDC during a chat with Business Times over the weekend.

The CAPMI programme involves customers within Lagos to independently purchase the Smart Meters with their own money if they know they cannot wait for their turn to get the meter for free.

Customers can buy their meters after which within 45 days of purchase, the Discos will install it free of charge and then pay them back with 12 percent interest which will be spread on every monthly recharge.

EKEDC’s Godwin Idemudia CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

win Emefiele, said between July 2014 and January this year, the country’s external reserves had suffered a great pressure from speculative attacks, round-tripping and front-loading activities by players in the foreign exchange market.

These, he noted, had led to a decline in the reserves from $37.3bn in June 2014 to $28bn currently.

There have been several calls for flexibility in the foreign exchange policies of the CBN as businesses continue to suffer from the restrictive policies of the central bank.

Emefiele

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

FG spent N3tr to service domestic debts in 5years

PPP can resolve infrastructural deficits — Adeosun

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

dustry.

He said this in a media chat with aviation correspondents at AON secretariat at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.

His comment is coming on the heels of the revelation by “The Regulator” the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) official magazine that, “Nigeria presently has Bilateral Air Service Agreement with 80 countries 29 of these BASAs are active .16 of them are in Africa, seven are in Europe, five in the Middle East/ Asia and USA.” The Federal Government, he stated must as a matter of urgency review the about 80 BASAs Nigerian signed with other countries, adding that most of the BASAs were not reciprocated by Nigerian airlines.

To buttress his point, Meggison stated that Nigeria cannot continue to feed other people’s children when her own children are suffering from malnutrition popularly known as kwashiorkor in local parlance, calling on the Federal Government to protect the Nigerian aviation market.

According to him, “The Federal Government must review all BASAs. We need to sit down and look inward as far as BASA is concerned .We cannot continue to feed other people’s children when our own children are suffering from mal-nutrition; kwashiorkor. The Federal Government must review them to make them mutually beneficial.”

The AON Chairman stated that 80 percent of the airline Nigeria signed BASA with did not creating jobs for Nigerians, as they come into Nigeria with their gauge spanners.

On the delays and cancelation of flights, the AON boss made it categorically clear that domestic airlines do not delay or cancel flights because of the weather condition in the country but that flights are delayed and cancelled due to the fact that the navigational aids installed at some airports were not working.

He hinted that in other aviation climes aircraft and people fly at zero visibility, wondering why Nigeria’s case is different.

He lamented that in Nigeria airports are closed 2,000, 500 metres, adding that in the past two weeks flights have been delayed because of this.

Meggison stated that in some

fallen due within the period might have been liquidated.

It will be recalled that as at December 31, 2010, the domestic debt of the Federal Government was classified as FGN Bonds, N2.9tn; Nigerian Treasury bills, N1.28tn; treasury bonds, N372.9bn; and development stocks, N220m.

However, by December 31, 2014; the FGN Bonds accounted for N4.79tn; Nigeria Treasury bills, N2.82tn; and treasury bonds, N296.22bn. The development stock had been phased out by then.

In terms of interest payment in 2014, the government paid N511.78bn on FGN Bonds; Nige-

Wabba

ria Treasury bills, N300.27bn; and treasury bonds, N34.59bn.

The previous year, FGN Bonds accounted for N464.67bn of the total interest payment; Nigeria Treasury bills, N293.88bn; while treasury bonds accounted for N35.55bn. The total interest paid on domestic debt for the year was N794.1bn. Generally, the nation’s domestic debt market has been very active and the rates are regarded as attractive. For this reason and because of the safety of the government’s debt instruments, a number of investors, including Pension Fund Administrators, have been very active in the market.

Labour warns FG meter: Key into CAPMI, over electricity tariff Prepaid Discos urge Nigerians Joy Ekeke

Disturbed by too much concentration on money making at the detriment of rendering needed service to the nation and outright violation of the law backing up the support of privatization of power sector, which demanded investors in the electricity to meter every building within 18 months, organised Labour have vowed to paralyse business activities in all DISCOs offices nationwide if the planned tariff increment is allowed to take effect from February 1, 2016.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Civil Society and the Electricity Consumer Protection Forum who issued the warning at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, expressed their disappointment over privatization of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and called on government to review the sale. They agreed that they would wear one trouser with government if its plan is to further impoverish Nigerian masses in the name of provision of electricity.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, Toluwani Yemi-Adebiyi and other stakeholders charged government to improve on provision of electricity before thinking of hike in tariff or else, it should be returned to the former state.

The labour and all the allied vowed to mobilise workers and civil society groups to protest and picket all the electricity distribution companies should the

Federal Government implement the tariff as scheduled on February 1.

Wabba described the 40 per cent to 45 per cent increase as exploitative and illegal and urged Nigerians to reject it.

“We reject the tariff increase based on the fact that due process was not followed according to the law.

“Organised labour and civil society groups were not consulted.

“There has also not been a significant improvement in the power supply situation since it was privatised.”

Wabba also said DISCOs had promised to provide pre-paid meters for its consumers within 18 months, but have yet to meet the expectations of the people.

He said: “The DISCOs promised to give Nigerians meters in 18 months, but they failed.

“This is corruption and it is ripping Nigerians off their money.”

Wabba said the increase in electricity tariff was not right because there was already a court injunction before Justice Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

According to him, the case is between Toluwani YemiAdebiyi, a lawyer, and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission and others.

He said this centred around the fact that there would be no increment until the determination of the substantive suit.

“The increment negates the present biting and prevailing economic situation and will further impoverish the people.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

said the company has already taken delivery of 40,000 smart meters and are about to commence distribution.

“We are giving out smart meters this time around and it’s free.

We are going to invite the media to see the meters so it won’t look like we are lying. After that, we will put out adverts inside newspapers so customers can see which area we are starting with. But for those who may be in a hurry and can’t wait for us to get to them, they can apply for the CAPMI and we will get it installed within 45 days. After then, we will pay them 12% interest rate. We will do this by giving them extra units on their monthly recharge until we finish paying for the amount they used in purchasing the meter,” he said.

Continuing, he explained that the smart meter is such that even after installation at customers’ residences, the meter is able to

Prepaid electricity meter

send signals which will be seen at their offices whenever it is being tampered with.

“Like I said, it’s going to be smart meters which means that we in our offices will be able to get signals from the meters already installed anywhere in case they are tampered with and we will correct them immediately,” he explained.

IKEDC’s spokesperson, Akinola Ayeni, appealed to customers to accept the electricity bill increment, assuring that the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, is capable of delivering on his promises.

He enjoined anyone with overbilling problem, to either wait for the smart meters or apply for it through the CAPMI programme.

“We are going round to beg our customers to accept the new increment. As you can see that we have a new minister who is serious and he also has joined us to appeal to Nigerians to be patient.

B3 Money Market

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Mixed reactions as FG backs CBN on naira non –devaluation Mixed reactions have continued to trail the recent support threw behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the federal government, for maintaining its stance not to devalue the nation’s currency, the naira.

Economic and financial experts have let out their distinctive views on the recent decision of the apex bank on the nation’s currency, naira, while President Muhammadu Buhari backed the apex bank for not succumbing to both the foreign and local pressure to devalue the naira.

While commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Ckukwu, said in Lagos, “This position is not sustainable, the CBN will find it difficult to keep and preserve the naira in the face of falling forex income to the nation.

But the President in a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, recently quoted the President saying: “ I had no intention of bringing further hardship on the country’s poor, who he noted had suffered enough already.”

He likened further devaluation of the naira to having the currency ‘killed’, adding that proponents of devaluation must work harder to convince him that ordinary Nigerians would gain anything from it.

However, Professor of Banking and Finance at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Leo U. Ukpong, who expressed his concerns through a telephone conversation that the CBN should have devalued the naira a little bit, so as to close the gap between the parallel and official market rates.

According to him, the economy is extremely suffering now and he would have expected that CBN would have reduced the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at least by 50 basis points.

In view of this, Ukpong noted: “The economy would accelerate a little bit into a recession, because the CBN action recently to me, was a puzzle. I think they missed the opportunity to adjust the economy. It is going to get worse before it gets better. But if they do not allow the market to adjust properly, it will take longer before it gets better.

L-R: Mr. Grama Narasimhan, Executive Director, Sterling Bank; Mr. Rajesh Mehta, MD/CEO, The Bazaar Limited and Mrs. Eniola Obe, Business Executive, Ikeja Sterling Bank Plc at the opening of a new Retail outlet by Bazaar Limited in Lagos at the weekend.

MFBs, ASBON decry disbursement pattern of N220b MSME fund ÏR Ƌƕ ƣ ƑƐ Ƈ over 10,000 members have accessed it — Egbesola Stories by Motolani Oseni Microfinance Banks (MFBs) operators under aegis of the National Association of Microfinance Bank (NAMB) and the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), have decried the stringent conditions attached to disbursement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N220 billion intervention fund, set aside for development of Micro, Small Medium and Enterprises (MSMEs).

In an exclusive discussion with Daily Times the weekend, the Chairman of NAMB South

Access Bank, Airtel to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria

West and Managing Director/ CEO, Iwade Microfinance Bank, Olusegun Awosoga said that MFB operators were not satisfied with the way the intervention fund is being disbursed in the country, adding that the association should have been allowed to handle portion that belongs to microfinanace banks, because it knows its members and their needs.

According to the NAMB boss, the association is self -regulatory; while CBN can then monitor by ensuring that the fund is being used for the purpose it was meant for.

“As a result of astringents conditions attached to this fund, even most of us cannot access it and we are not even expected to access it, because we would not do something that would have adverse effect on our banks.”

“However, if there is any shortcoming it is the association that would take care of the short

Access Bank has partnered with Airtel Nigeria to introduced Smart Savers initiative. The initiative would enable Airtel customers to open bank accounts directly from their mobile phones without the bureaucracy and complexities of traditional banking.

The campaign, which kicked off recently, will provide all Airtel subscribers the opportunity to open a savings account for customers who sign up.

The Smart Savers initiative, customers can enjoy real-time mobile banking services such as funds

coming, which in my opinion is better. But the way it is now, large chunk of the fund will continue to be lying fallow doing nothing.”

He said: “As a result of all these hiccups attached to the disbursement pattern of the N220 billion intervention fund, for me the scheme is not a success and the apex bank need to revisit the disbursement pattern because only very few people can access it.”

Also reacting, the President, ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola said, “There are indications that the CBN and the banks have concluded arrangement to increase lending to agriculture, real sector and the SMEs by N300 billion this year, but as long as is the same template they want to use, there will be no success as far as I know.”

According to him, I can confirm to you that till date, only few people have been able to ac-

transfer to accounts in Access Bank and other Nigerian banks’ accounts; as well as make quick airtime purchases, pay bills, view account statements account balance enquiry and much more.

Commenting on the initiative, Executive Director, Personal Banking, Victor Etuokwu, said, “The Smart Savers initiative is designed to enable Airtel subscribers conveniently open and operate a savings account from the convenience of a mobile device. This is a way of leveraging the evolution of technology to bring fast and convenient

cess the N220 billion MSMEs intervention fund rolled since 2013.

“If CBN want to be sincere, tell them to publish the name of the beneficiaries you will be surprised, because very few people have been able to access it, and it is because conditions that are attached to it are very difficult for SMEs in the real sense to access.”

The ASBON boss, however, said few people have been able to access it in ASBON but they are people that had been in business for many years and have very solid base financially; those are the people that can access it and any small business owners who started business five to 10 years is difficult for them to access.

“Even at that, out of over 10,000 members in our association, only seven have been able to access the fund, but if CBN really wanted to alleviate the SMEs sector, it must make funds available for them to grow the sector.

financial services closer to Nigerians of all socio-economic classes.”

He explained that the initiative would further reiterate the Bank’s commitment to Financial Inclusion and promotes the ongoing cashless policy campaign of the CBN. Also, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmad Mokhles, said Airtel is committed to providing innovative services that will empower and enrich the lives of its customers in line with its brand vision of connecting Nigerians to their dreams.

Thought Leadership B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Ten key regulatory challenges facing the financial services industry in 2016 [1] The complexities of the current regulatory environment undoubtedly pose significant challenges for financial institutions, as regulators continue to expect management to demonstrate robust oversight, compliance, and risk management standards. Regulatory mandates, and other stakeholder demands, such as those stemming from customers, investors, and counterparties, are not likely to subside in the foreseeable future, but rather, will likely only be augmented by unforeseen ones.

Although these challenges are particularly pressing for the largest, most globally active firms, including insurance companies, smaller institutions are also struggling to optimize their business models and infrastructures in order to address this growing scrutiny and pressure. The following are some of the key regulatory issues that are impacting our clients.

1. Strengthening Governance and Culture Despite heightened attention from regulators and organizations to strengthen governance structures and risk control frameworks across the financial services industry, instances of misconduct (i.e. professional misbehavior, ethical lapses, and compliance failures) continue to be reported with troubling frequency.

Regulators have come to see shortcomings in the prevailing industry culture as the root cause for this continued misconduct and are looking to boards of directors and senior management to push organizations toward cultural and ethical change.

Boards and senior management are now expected to champion the desired culture within their organizations, to establish values, goals, expectations, and incentives for employee behavior consistent with that culture, and to set a “tone from the top” by exhibiting their commitment to these actions. Line and middle managers, who are frequently responsible for implementing organizational changes and strategic initiatives, and who interact daily with staff, are expected to be similarly committed to adopting and manifesting the desired organizational culture by ensuring the “mood in the middle” reflects the “tone from the top.” The regulatory focus also extends to how organizations implement their business strategies.

Regulators expect firms to place the interests of all customers (retail and wholesale) and the integrity of the markets ahead of profit maximisation.

Further, they will consider the

business practices organisations utilize and the associated customer costs relative to both the perceived and demonstrable benefit of a product or service to the customer. Regulators are looking for organizations to conduct business in the “right” way, doing what they “should” rather than what they “can.” With the recent development of a robust framework by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in conjunction with KPMG, to bolster the consumer protection practices of financial organizations, businesses are sure to focus more on matters pertaining to consumer rights and conduct.

2. Improving Data Quality for Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting Although a long-standing industry problem, many financial institutions continue to struggle with improving their risk data aggregation, systems, and reporting capabilities. Banking organisations working to comply with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s Principles (BCBS 239) are particularly pressured, as regulators continue to lack confidence in the industry’s ability to produce accurate information on demand. However, enhanced process controls, data tracing, and risk reporting requirements are also top of mind for broker-dealers and investment banks. Similarly, anticipated requirements, such as the pending Single- Counterparty Credit Limit (SCCL) rule, which would likely require organisations to track and evaluate aggregate exposure to a single counterparty across the consolidated firm on a daily basis, further fuel the industry’s data concerns. Quality remains an ongoing challenge, with data integrity continually compromised by outmoded technologies, inadequate or poorly-documented manual solutions, inconsistent taxonomies, inaccuracies, and incompleteness. For insurers in particular, legacy actuarial and financial reporting systems will struggle to handle upcoming changes in regulatory reporting, new accounting pronouncements, enhanced market opportunities, and increasing sources of competition. Going forward, management will need to consider strategic-level initiatives that facilitate better reporting, such as a regulatory change management strategic framework, as well as more tactical solutions, such as conducting model validation work, tightening data governance, and increasing employee training. By implementing a comprehensive framework that improves governance and

emphasizes higher data quality standards, financial institutions should realize more robust aggregation and reporting capabilities, which in turn, can enhance managerial decision making and ultimately improve regulatory confidence in the industry’s ability to respond in the event of a crisis.

3. Merging Cybersecurity and Consumer Data Privacy Cybersecurity has become a very real regulatory risk distinguished by increasing volume and sophistication. Financial institutions and around the world, as well as their third-party service providers, are on alert to identify, assess, and mitigate cyber risk. Failures in cybersecurity have the potential to impact operations, core processes, and reputations, but in the extreme can undermine public confidence in the financial services industry as a whole. Financial institutions are increasingly dependent on information technology and telecommunications to deliver services to their consumer and business customers, which, as evidenced by recently publicised cyber hacking incidences, can place customer-specific information at risk of exposure. Some firms are responding to this linkage between cybersecurity and privacy by harmonizing their approach to incidence response for each of the two areas.

Protecting the security and confidentiality of customer information and records is of paramount concern to institutions and regulators alike, as reflected in their business and supervisory priorities for the coming year. For example a recent U.S. court case has affirmed that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority to regulate a company’s cybersecurity practices under its Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP) provisions and to undertake enforcement actions related to the security and privacy of consumer data.

Through its participation in the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council’s (FFIEC) 2015 Cybersecurity Assessment Tool and its supervisory authority over consumer privacy laws and regulations, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) may, in time, show similar interest. Areas of regulatory concern related to privacy may include: data access rights and controls; data loss prevention; vendor management; training; and incident response.

4. Accommodating the Expanding Scope of the Consumer Financial Services Industry

Regulators have exercised their authorities prohibiting financial companies (bank and non-bank) from engaging in UDAAP (Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices) very broadly, placing some companies that operate beyond the traditional financial services arena within their purview. In particular, actions have been initiated against nonbank auto finance companies, consumer goods retailers, post-secondary educational institutions, and telecommunications companies for practices associated with the financial products and services they offered their customers, including extensions of credit and third-party payments processing. For such cases, the regulators have sought both civil money penalties and restitution for harmed consumers. The regulators have boldly pushed forward on the boundaries of the traditional definitions for providers of consumer financial services and there is every reason to anticipate that they will continue to do so to carry out their mandate to protect consumers from financial harm by ensuring that the consumer financial markets are fair, transparent, and competitive. Areas to watch going forward might include: accounting, tax preparation, and law firms involved in refund anticipation loans and similar products; nonfinancial companies that provide thirdparty payments/billings processing to their customers; providers of retirement savings and benefit loans; and marketplace lenders.

Insurance consumers risk is also in the spotlight, and regulators are now examining for this risk.

5. Addressing Pressures from Innovators and New Market Entrants The financial services industry, including the insurance sector, is experiencing an increase in financial activity that encompasses the availability of new products and services introduced to meet a growing demand for efficiency, access, and speed. Broadly captioned as Financial Technology, or FinTech, innovations such as Internet-only institutions, virtual currencies, mobile payments,

crowdfunding, and peer-to- peer lending are changing traditional banking and investment management roles and practices as well as risk exposures. The fact that many of these innovations are being brought to market outside of the regulated financial services industry by companies unconstrained by legacy systems, brick-and-mortar infrastructures, or regulatory capital and liquidity requirements places pressure on financial institutions to compete for customers and profitability, and raises regulatory concerns around the potential for heightened risk associated with consumer protection, risk management, and financial stability. Regulators will be watchful of the key drivers of profit and consumer treatment in the sale of new and innovative products developed within and outside of the regulated financial services industry, and will separately seek appropriate regulatory regimes to capture the risks posed by new products and services while remaining cautious not to stifle innovation or limit credit availability.

About KPMG KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 155 countries and have more than 162,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.

For more information, please contact: Thierry Mbimi NG-FMMarketinghelpdesk@ ng.kpmg.com © 2016, KPMG Professional Services, a partnership registered in Nigeria and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (‘’KPMG International’’), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

B5 Insurance

N1tr premium income target is realistic, says Okunnoren

Stories By Kayode Adelowokan

President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Kayode Okunnoren, said the insurance industry can achieve the targeted N1 trillion premium income target by 2018 through sustenance of the anti-corruption war which is a good tool to curb all malpractices that have stemmed insurance growth.

Okunnoren, who said this at a press conference in Lagos over the weekend, noted that if all necessary things are done by the government and relevant stakeholders, the target could even be achieved this year.

Stating that if all government’s assets are insured and the public genuinely insure their properties, the target would be surpassed.

He maintained that the fight against corruption if sustained would really help change the way things are done.

While calling on the Federal Government to urgently commence work on legal framework for the institutionalization of

L-R: Head, Brand and Corporate Communication, Ensure Insurance Plc (EIP), Mr. Adetoro Adebayo; Head, Agency Network (E IP), Mr. Aparajit Bhattacharya; Head, Retail Channels Group (EIP), Mr. Oyetunji Oshiyoye and Ag. Chief Operating Officer (EIP), Mr. Gideon Ataraire at the (EIP) “No Wahala Process” Launch in Lagos… at the weekend.

the anti-corruption war, to enable the fight outlived the present administration, he added that it is high time the present administration commenced the conscientisation of Nigerians to re-create, in the minds of the cit-

izens, the real virtues of honesty and transparency which was our hallmark many years ago.

NCRIB, he said, will continue to cooperate with government in achieving the mandate on the war against corruption, stress-

ing that there is no way insurance industry could grow in an environment with systematic corruption.

“I wish to spare some thoughts for the present administration’s anti-graft war.

Ensure Insurance introduces ‘No Wahala’ package

Segun Adio

Nigerians are now to begin enjoying insurance patronage as Ensure Insurance launches ‘No Wahala’ insurance package to the market.

The package launch, held at the Ikeja Shopping Mall over the weekend, is said to revolutionise insurance trail distribution in the country through the use of technology and products that have been designed to benefit customers.

Speaking to journalists at the launch, Head, Retail Channels Group of the company, Oyetunji Oshiyoye described the new product simply as “Insurance without the red tape.”

He also explained that the idea was borne out of the need to bridge the distribution gap between insurance and Nigerians.

It was discovered that with the ‘No Wahala’ insurance package, the process saves time, money and mitigates fraud. Oshiyoye further disclosed that Ensure has already partner the product with Forte Oil, Total Filling Stations, Chicken Republic outlets and Ebeano Supermarkets among others.

NAICOM gives lifeline to 108 brokers with lapsed licences

Kari

Premium Pension enlightens pension officers

National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has issued a lifeline to the 108 insurance brokers whose licences had expired and were de-registered by the apex regulatory body of the industry to re-register under the same name.

NAICOM in a circular obtained by Daily Times titled, “REQUIREMENTS FOR REREGISTRATION OF AN INSURANCE BROKER WITH LAPSED LICENCE” grouped the requirements under seven phases.

Under the phase one, the brokers are requested to submit a letter of Appeal giving reasons why the last licence lapsed and payment of N250,000.00, which

Premium Pension Limited (PPL) has enlightened pension desks officers and human resources managers in a bid to create awareness and promote understanding of the workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the country.

The enlightenment programme, which took place at PPL head office in Abuja, recently, was the first in the series which is intended to cover

is non-refundable for processing of the appeal.

In the phase two, an application for re-registration only if appeal is sustained by the Commission: Payment of application fee (N250,000); Certified True Copy of CAC’s Forms C02 and C07; Evidence of payments of the fee in phase 1 above; Payment of all outstanding ISS levies due before the license lapsed.

Other requirements under phase two includes, nomination of qualified CEO and Executive Management for NAICOM’s approval and submission of a Management Account/Statement of Account as at the last day of last month of the period

as many establishments as possible across Nigeria.

Speaking at the seminar, the Managing Director, PPL, Mr. Wilson Ideva, emphasised the importance of the forum as an avenue for interaction between the company and officials saddled with pension issues.

According to him, you serve as an intermediary between us and your various establishments. The level of compliance with the pension

since the last approved account.

Phase three, the brokers will apply for NAICOM’s approval of the Members of the Board of Directors of the firm.

Also in phase four, re-registration Inspection of Broker to determine non-violation of the Insurance Act and payment of penalties for identified violations/non-compliance.

Phase five, the insurance brokers will attend and must be successful at the Re-Registration Interview which will be conducted by the Commission.

Under the phase six of the requirements, the brokers will submit Professional Indemnification, sworn declarations, other Declarations, tax clear-

scheme would further increase if we all work together.

In the company’s resolve to be a major contributor to the growth of the pension industry, Ideva pointed out that the company is the first and only Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) in the country to receive the Information Security Management System ISO-27001:2013 certification

by British Standard Institute (BSI).

“This is a clear testimony to our

ance for the expired period of license, certificate on Oath from the External Auditors and payment of License Fee, N2,250,000.00, then the brokers will be entitled to issuance of License in the phase seven.

Daily Times had reported that the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) setup committee to hear the affected brokers and mediate with NAICOM to show some level sympathy for the brokers. It was gathered that the regulator, after it listened to the plea of the broking fraternity, decided to temper justice with mercy, by requesting the interested brokers to re-register their firms.

penchant for information security, sound service delivery, good corporate governance and global best practice,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the company, Mr. Kabir Ahmed Tijani, stated that the forum became necessary to shore up compliance level of establishments in the public and private sectors with the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Stock market last week GlaxoSmithKline receives divestment Stock market index rises 0.38% The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSEASI) last week advanced by 0.38 per centWoW, as equities market consolidated on prior week’s gains, to trim Year-to-Date loss to -16.50 per cent.

Market watchers attribute the upbeat performance to the sustained bargain hunting activities initiated during the previous week, as 39 stocks appreciated in value relative to the 29 stocks that recorded price declines during the week ended.

The volume of shares traded and market turnover pared by 47.95 percent and 11.99 percent respectively WoW. Among the stocks traded in the week are Cadbury which out-performed the others, gaining 36.79 percent WoW to close at NGN19.00. Other top gainers were Seplat (+23.96 per cent),Trans Nationwide Express (+13.64 per cent),Guinness (+13.40 per cent), and A.G. Leventis (+13.11 per cent).

On the losers side were Caverton which lost (-16.96 per cent) to lead the losers’ chart. It was

trailed by Unilever (-14.24 per cent), FBN Holdings (-12.67 per cent), Livestock (-10.00 per cent) and Berger Paints (-9.63 per cent).

It will be recalled that in the course of the week, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the end of its first meeting in the year, elected to maintain status quo on all policy variables.

Experts expect mixed reactions from capital market participants in the short-term, and the Naira to remain seemingly pressured in the parallel market.

A turnover of 1.133 billion shares worth N9.463 billion in 16,680 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 2.177 billion shares valued at N10.753 billion that exchanged hands last week in 21,471 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 954.328 million shares valued at N5.533 billion traded in 9,797 deals; thus contributing 84.23per cent and 58.47 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

notice from Suntory Beverage & Food

Board of directors of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK Nigeria) has filed a notification to The Nigerian Stock Exchange stating that it has received a non-binding offer from Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd (SBF) for the divestment of its drinks bottling and distribution business.

According to the statement, the Board has therefore granted Suntory access to certain due diligence information in GSK, adding that there can be no assurance that Suntory will make a binding offer following com-

pletion of their due diligence review, or whether the terms of any such offer will be acceptable. The financial terms of Suntory’s non-binding offer remain confidential.

It stated that the decision was subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. “If the transaction is agreed and the shareholders and regulators were to approve the sale, the retained business of GSK Nigeria would comprise of its Wellness, Oral healthcare, Nutrition and Pharmaceutical/Vaccines businesses, and the company would

remain listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE),” it added.

The statement added that the application for Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd to acquire Ribena and Lucozade was not granted approval. For the second time now GSK is showing commercial body signals that are not comfortable to shareholders.

GSK’s consumers’ products are selling faster than the vaccines and drugs. It advised Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd to withdraw its plans in its own interest.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

23,916.15 3,270.00 241,371,591.00 2,002,531,236.15 8,225,210,629,382.94

L-R: Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Adefemi Adeniran; Zonal Business Manager, Lagos North, Chioma Agogo; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and his wife, Folake and Regional Operations Director, Airtel, Lagos Region, Oladokun Oye during a courtesy visit to Soyinka at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State… at the weekend.

Oworu joins FirstBank board as Mahey, Abiru retire Stories by Azubike Nnadozie First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s most valuable banking brand and foremost financial institution, today (January 29) announced the appointment of Mrs. Olusola Adetoun Oworu (FCA) to its Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director, and the retirement of Alhaji Mahey Rafindadi Rasheed, OFR and Mr. Adetokunbo Abiru from the Board.

Mrs Oworu’s appointment, which is still subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is in sync with FirstBank’s strong corporate governance credentials and best practice, ensuring that there is

balance of knowledge, judgment and experience at the highest decision making organ of the Bank. This corporate governance posture has won the Bank much respect and recognition both locally and internationally.

Mrs. Sola Oworu was Honourable Commissioner for Commerce & Industry in Lagos State from 2011 to 2015 and before then Special Adviser to the then Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, on Commerce & Industry from 2007 to 2011. She spearheaded the development of a number of greenfield projects, initiated schemes to improve the investment climate and led the drive to attract new individual investments to Lagos State. She is a fellow of the

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and had an enviable career in consulting and banking spanning over 20 years.

She started her career at Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and subsequently joined NAL Merchant Bank (now Sterling Bank Plc) and later Citibank Nigeria, where she rose through the ranks to the position of Vice President, with a strong bias for credit risk management and marketing.

Alhaji Mahey Rafindadi Rasheed, OFR, was appointed to the board of FirstBank in 2009 as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He brought his in-depth expertise across industries on the implementation of the Bank’s strategic objectives.

He started his career at the New Nigeria Development Company, Kaduna and was a Principal Investment Executive before joining the Central Bank of Nigeria, as an Assistant Director. He rose to the position of a Departmental Director, and was subsequently appointed a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank. He was a major player in economic and financial policy formulation and implementation during his career at the Central Bank. Alhaji Rasheed, an Edward Mason Fellow of Harvard University has held several Federal Government appointments and sits on the boards of various institutions in the country. In addition, he is currently the Chairman of the

Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund. He was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2004.

Mr. Adetokunbo Abiru joined the Board of FirstBank in 2013 as Executive Director, Corporate Banking. He brought his far reaching experience to bear on the Bank’s board. Prior to joining the board, he was Group Head, Corporate Banking and also a pioneer Business Development Manager in 2006 at the inception of that business model by the Bank. In the same year, he won the prestigious FirstBank MD/CEO Merit Award as the Best Branch Manager of the Year.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 29-01-2016

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 1, 2016

Don’t let auto policy fail, AUTOBATE president tells FG ‘‘I’m talking of control, I’m talking of proper monitoring; I’m talking of agencies like the SON which need to fasten their seat belts and make sure that what is brought in is up to standard and also Customs need to be alive to their responsibilities otherwise the policy will be rubbished and we will go back to square one.’’

Joseph

In this interview with JOY EKEKE, the Deputy National President of Automobile, Boatyards, Transport, Equipment and Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE), and also an engineer at the network service department of TATA Africa service, Comrade (Engr.) Ogunyemi Joseph, speaks about the importance of implementing the national automotive policy to industrialise Nigeria amidst challenges of infrastructure deficit.

What is your evaluation of the automobile policy?

The federal government has actually put up a very brilliant policy as regards automobiles especially the one that borders on those that are bringing so many parts into this country, actually if you are to partner with the federal government in bringing in automobiles you must be able to show a sense of belonging, making sure that you establish your mechanic plant in the country and there and then be able to make use of some local content and manufactures.

The policy as was formulated by the federal government was good but the implementation is what we are looking at because in this country if any policy is formulated and it’s not followed strictly they are a lot of people that seize the opportunity of not having proper control of it by abusing it, the fact is the agencies that is supposed to work with the federal government to make the policy work better need to be at alert in their responsibility, otherwise people will just be hiding in the pretence of saying they want

to bring their plants into this country and be sneaking out and sneaking in those parts that this policy ought to have stopped from bringing in to this country.

I’m talking of control, I’m talking of proper monitoring; I’m talking of agencies like the SON which need to fasten their seat belts and make sure that what is brought in is up to standard and also Customs need to be alive to their responsibilities otherwise the policy will be rubbished and we will go back to square one.

What impact is expected of this policy?

The aim and objective is to develop our country technologically because by the time federal government says if you want to bring in your vehicle you must have a plant it will serve as a means of employment to our teeming graduate, because if you take a look at our universities you will see that they have mechanical engineering and they are producing about 200 graduates from each university so this will serve as a means of employment to graduates and it will equally regenerate our

economy because automobile is supposed to be an important sector in our economy if all this things can be properly actualized.

What are the major issues or challenges affecting automobile sector?

I have said initially that Nigeria is regarded as a dumping ground, the challenges we are having now is to mop up the market and send away all those that import junks into this country and discourage them from coming again, because if you go to the market you will see three to four categories of spare parts faked by the Chinese, the original part is supposed to come from United Kingdom or India but by the time you go to the market they will ask you if you want the fake or the original, the genuine maybe N2000 while the fake maybe N1000, so by the time you fix all these fake parts into your vehicle it becomes a burden to you.

Though it’s not going to be easy to get it perfectly right, it also falls on AUTOBATE to put their resources together by making press statements and organising seminars were these things will be addressed so that attitudes can be changed.

What is your take on casualisation in the labour sector?

Casualisation is slavery and the International Labour Organization, ILO, has said that every organization in a country that can employ up to 50 staffs should be unionized and that every worker must belong to one union or the other. Casualisation is illegal and it’s another means of enslaving Nigerians and we in AUTOBATE have been putting up a lot of effort, from now on we are going to combine our effort with Trade Union Congress and all other affiliates of TUC under the um-

brella of labour unions to stop and discourage casualisation.

What can you say about the recent layoffs in the public service domain?

It is quite unfortunate that our democracy is becoming something else. Nigerians have opted for democracy but we are not getting the dividend of democracy, this is because those at the helms of affairs are self-centred politicians, if you see any governor complaining that he cannot pay the national minimum wage such a governor should be investigated thoroughly.

The major factor of production is labour, so if a state is willing to move forward, those at the helms of affairs should manage the human resources very well, inability of the government to manage these human resources is what makes them to say they want to sack or retrench their workers.

They are a lot of ways a state government can generate money, they could use revenue collection or tax but because in Nigeria people expect so much from the government and they are not ready to pay tax if you go to the developed countries they pay for what they are using.

It is only in Africa that governments are dubious and you will see someone embezzling funds and a lawyer is still backing him up.

What can you say about the issue of unemployment rate in Nigeria?

The unemployment rate in Nigeria is to alarming, thousands and millions of graduates are out there without jobs and you see a lot of them turning to be armed robbers and all of that and causing problems due to the fact that they are not employed; so it falls on the new serious government to channel

our money to what we can see as practical development because if you see the 2.1 billion dollars that was embezzled through the office of the national security advisers, if the government decides to build schools, hospitals and industries with the money in the 36 states of the federation, they can.

The only solution is having responsible leaders and government that is responsible the people and by the time all these loopholes are blocked then they can divert the resources of this country to a practical way of establishing something that will elevate the problem.

A responsible government is the only solution and the duty of the government is to make sure that those that are trained in the tertiary institutions are given jobs, because if you go to some foreign countries they train people based on what their economies need.

What are the expectations from government in line with the vision of the union?

We want government to partner the unions whenever the government is willing to formulate policies that will have bearing on the workers; they should take the contributions from the officers of the unions and we should discusses at a roundtable and at same time unions by now should participate fully in this administration.

Participation in the sense that the Minister of labour should open his door and allow people to come in especially the unionists to come and render one advice or the other in the mission of the sector they belong to.

Currently I think the Minister of Labour should work hand in hand with the unionists and let’s see how we can solve the problems of labour in the country.

Life&

TIMES Monday, February 1, 2016

Oliver

Enwonwu Sustaining his father’s legacy

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

My father did not like people around him when he was working

Oliver Enwonwu Like a mythical phoenix which soon after death regenerates itself, late Professor Ben Enwonwu, the patriarch of modern Nigerian painting, renowned for its female forms did not vacate the art space without

the legendry artist, has been at the helm of family art phenomenon and Society of main body. He talks to AGOZINO AGOZINO on his father, the art industry given the fact that art is becoming a global source of income and more. Enjoy‌ As son of the legendry Prof. Ben Enwon-

that is IT-based.

out until the day I decided to try my hands on solo exhibition which was a sellout.

Actually while growing up, I used to watch my father paint. But honestly I did not really know who he was until people started telling me. Yes, I knew my father was an artist just like some of my friends whose parents were doctors and lawyers. But I found it a little odd, because the life of artist is not well-structured. My late faof inspiration as a professor. It was an interesting experience, by and large. But he wanted me to be a priest.

Yes, he wanted me to be the one he would give to the house of the Lord, you know. He wanted to dedicate his youngest son to God. But that was not to be. I started out studying Biochemistry. It was later on that I went back to school to study art. Initially, I took it for granted, because deep within me, I wanted to be a doctor.

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I used to enjoy watching him. I have always been inspired by his works. I feel he was highly gifted. He was not just a painter, he also sculpted. But the truth is that he did not like people around him when he was working. So most times you would not even get the opportunity to watch him.

When he was getting a bit older, he would actually ask me to help him do some strokes while painting because his hands were shaking. That was when he needed to do a straight line in his work. There is this particular job he was doing for the Metropolitan Club. It was a portrait of Adetukunbo Ademola. He wanted to

No, I have a younger sister, who draws and paints. She is however more into website design, employing her basis in art though. I am into the traditional art, while she is into the one

to go back to study Medicine again because a lot had actually changed. I had started exhibitions and was selling works. When he passed on, we buried his brushes and materials with him at Onitsha. Even his frames we were given

Life&

T E A M

It was later in life, when i discovered that most of the things I was doing that pertained to arts were more successful. So naturally, I gravitated towards art.

were shaking due to old age. He asked that I should help him do that. That was the only situation when he would ask me to work with him.

Otherwise, he would not want anyone around him. But I must give him credit in the area of learning the rudiments of water colour painting.

May be, the reason why I ended up an artist is because I did not become a doctor like I had planned. I was given Biochemistry and when I

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

I know it is sculpture. I am a painter. I do not do sculpting. It is very demanding. Since I am into book publishing, I would rather do painting to relax myself. Sculpting is work.

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just like my father did. Some of my paintings show that. I am also part of Olokoto, an Onitsha group of artists. But I see art as an international phenomenon, which has grown past being a You cannot be saying Nigerian physics. It is international.

The major one is funding. Most corporate bodies would prefer putting their money in musical concerts because they tell you that only few people attend exhibitions. Then there is also the issue of school curriculum. It should be enhanced now to prepare the artist for the challenges of society. They will teach you the rudiments of painting and sculpting but not how to survive with your art works.

When I was elected as the President of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), one thing that I

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Adebambo Segun

had in mind was, how do I make a difference.

I was aware that art is not only about painting and exhibition but practical activities that can impact positively on everyone with a stake in the industry. So, since our election, I have been driven by what we can do to empower every Niabout promoting the industry so far.

We are opening up many international spaces exhibitions for artists. But we really cannot do much unless someone joins the body. Any

do.

First, the person must go through an interview where he would be asked a couple of professional development just to ascertain his capacity to work as an artist. Secondly, the person must be ready to be active and engage the opportunity to people who would not value the association. That is why we offer the opportunity only to people who are interested in the body. For the younger artists, we always organise competitions for them especially, students. The Lagos State chapter of the body is also doing that and brings it to the national level.

We hope that with more seminars, competitions and mentoring opportunities, the younger artists will be better prepared for the challenges of their career.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

L3 Buzz Bytes

Mutiat Alli

ON Set

Movie title: Three Wise Men

Movie title: Aisan (Sickness)

Produced by: Opa Williams Cast: Ebele Okaro, Richard Mofe Damijo, Zack Orji, Victor Olaotan amongst others Location: Lagos

Produced by: Feyisara Hassan Directed by: Titi Jeje Cast: Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Jide Kosoko, Shebaby, Kunle Afod, Allwell Ademola

Shebaby, MC Alade and a cast Cross section of cast and crew members RMD as Mr Kef

Victor Olaotan and Ebele Okaro

Zack Orji, RMD, Victor Olaotan on set of ‘Three Wise Men’

Yinka Davies Is ‘Amebo’ in #LoveIsTheMusical3

Sunkanmi Omobolanle flanked by few cast members on set

Reminisce signs new act

Ï jƆƊƆ # ƈ Ɖ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ y ƆƃƄ ƕ d Ə ƕ dƏƉƎ Ɔ ƄƉƄƂƍƆƎƓ 0ƍƆƄ ƕ The countdown to the greatest Musical Baba

Hafusa

crooner,

February 5 gets closer. A musical account of a poet, a professional dancer and a businesswoman on a journey in search of Love, the show will feature the talents of Yinka Davies as a neighbourhood busybody, Sound Sultan as the celebrity friend of lead character Juliet, and Timi Dakolo as the voice of reason that tries to counsel the hearts and minds of the characters.

In addition to the A-list trio, comedians Gordons, Igos and Emma Oh My God feature as metropolitan news reporters walking the streets of Lagos, researching for the deep truths on the matter about love and sharing ers are Efe Paul The Poet, The Poet Donna and Dayo of Ijodee.

Commenting on his involvement in the show, Sound Sultan said: “I have always wanted to do something like this, not just because it is a lot of fun but also because I come from an Arts background and my family is involved in theatre arts and the

label has signed new act Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji better known as Ola Dips into his hood which equally houses talented act Jahbless.

Ola Dips who shot to lime-

a merger between my two passions. I cannot wait to get up on that stage on February 5 and show a different side of my artistic personality.”

Directed by renowned choreographer, Ice

making waves among music fans.

over 40 cast and crew-members and it is pro-

was signed unto the label few weeks and has now released a new single which features label lead act, Reminisce.

According to the new arrangement, Ola Dips, who also dropped a cover of at the height of its rave, also doubles as an act under His new jam which features Reminisce is titled

Yinka Davies

Shebaby, Jide Kosoko and Sunkanmi

Ola Dips

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

L5

Wellness L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

Maria Oluwatimilehin

Excessive

air conditioning and its hazards Technology has indeed brought numer-

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conditioning -

The Risks of too much air conditioning

Too much air conditioning can also make the -

The constant noise -

air-conditioned

your body s y s t e m

t e m chang-

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Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

L7 Nutrition

Joy Onyeaghala

Foods to make you feel good inside and out boosting neurotransmitters.

Egg:

Chicken soup:

Oats and oatmeals: Oats provide complex carbohy drates that are slowly digested and provide the brain

which have great antioxidant properties. Tryptophan is important as it is converted into melatonin in the pineal meal with no sodium added.

Berries: Fruit is

Hummus: Yogurt:

tassium. It provides numerous vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories.

are two things that cause they have a

are easily digestible. berry has its own unique nutritional

percharge your diet

berry patch.

Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are super healthy Tea:

Avocados: Avo cado is high in ome other essential vita mins and minerals. in protein than other

the texture is so in

healthy they are. You butter in some reci ree avocado and add to salad dressing.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday February 1, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

102 M-Net EDGE Channel

112 Studio Universal

01:00

05:20

Mon, 1 February | 13

Mon, 1 February | 16L

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

154 AfricaMagic Family

L8 TV guide

128 SONY MAX