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Noise pollution: When disorder becomes the norm

Babalola Mujeeb

ÏÏÏThat noise is hazardous to human health is an understatement.

More so, it is an enemy of the environment.

Investigation has revealed that noise pollution in Nigeria is mainly generated from religious houses, record stores and bars. The most modern entrant to the noise scourge in the country is product promotions by companies, blaring music on the

streets with the strength of Nigerians – our youths - some of them graduates, dancing in the hot sun to earn peanuts per hour.

Sometimes, one begins to wonder if the God Nigerians worship is different from the God civilised countries worship that makes religious houses blare their sessions through high powered amplifiers. The noise range generated therefrom is measured to stretch for hundreds of metres long.

It is instructive to note that we worship God at the top of our voices while developed countries worship their God quietly in peace and serenity.

The Daily Times recalls that the Lagos State government had in 2015 announced the sealing off of about 53 churches, mosques, and hotels across the state and also 70 churches, 20 mosques and about 11 hotels

I want to be seen as Cuppy not as Otedola’s daughter –DJ Cuppy L2 & L3

Continued on page 6

S’East Govs Forum Economic Summit begins in Enugu today

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7 Court voids Sen Ndume’s suspension, orders Saraki to pay his outstanding salaries, allowances

4I5 millIon people living with diabetes in the world - CMD

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

5 News

Whistleblower faults EFCC, denies receiving cash t 8F OFWFS TBJE XF IBWF QBJE XIJTUMFCMPXFS o $PNNJTTJPO

Myke Uzendu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

whistle-blower that gave information leading to the recovery of humongous N13billion cash from Flat 7B Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, has faulted the claims of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he is now a millionaire and is undergoing counseling of fund and business management.

Lawyer to the whistleblower, Mr Yakubu Galadima, stated this on Friday.

Galadima further alleged that EFCC is yet to pay the five percent statutory recommendation to his client, saying that he had already written to the federal government on the matter and also reminded the government of its commitment to his client.

The lawyer, who spoke with journalists on the premises of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Friday, described as false the statement from the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, that his client is now a millionare.

He also claimed that EFCC has abandoned his client and does not know his whereabouts Magu had on Thursday in Vienna – Austria, stated that the “young man” who blew the whistle had already become a million-

aire. We are currently working on the young man because this is just a man who has not seen N1million of his own before.

“So, he is under counseling on how to make good use of the money and the security implication. We don’t want anything bad to happen to him after taking delivery of his entitlement. He is a national pride.”

Debunking the claims, Galadima alleged that the whistle-blower, whose name was not disclosed for security reason, had been abandoned, adding that EFCC does not even know his present location let alone offering him counseling services.

The lawyer said, “The EFCC does not even know the whereabouts of my client. He is presently living from hand to mouth having been abandoned by the commission.

“We have written to the President and even to Magu himself and we have yet to get any form of response. I even sent Magu an SMS this morning debunking the allegation that my client has been paid; but as I speak, I have yet to get a response from him.”

The lawyer further disclosed that he had written a letter dated October 10, 2017, to President Muhammadu Buhari , through the Office of the Attorney General of the

Federation, Federal Ministry of Justice, but neither the President nor the AGF had given them any information.

But the EFCC has clarified its earlier statement on the whistleblower, insisting that the Commission never said that it has paid him the percentage due to him.

In a statement on Friday in Abuja by its Head, Media and Publicity, the EFCC explained that what Magu said was the need to encourage citizens to be more vigilant and embrace the whistle blowing policy if not for anything but for the monetary reward that comes with it.

The commission added

that the reference to whistleblower as a millionaire is only an illustration.

The statement reads in part, “It has become necessary to clarify the statement credited to the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu regarding the status of the whistle blower in the Osborne Tower cash recovery.

“What Magu said at the 7th Session of the Council of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Vienna, Austria, was that citizens should be encouraged to embrace whistle blowing because of the incentives attached.

“To illustrate this, he stated that the gentleman who provided the information that triggered the huge recovery at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi was already a millionaire based on the incentive in the whistle blower policy where information providers are entitled to between 2.5 and 5 % of the recovered sum”.

Quoting part of the earlier misinterpreted statement, Uwujaren said, “We are currently working on the young man because this is just a man who has not seen one million Naira of his own before. So he is under counseling on how to make good use of the money and also the security implication. We don’t want anything bad to hap-

pen to him after taking delivery of his entitlement.

He is national pride”.

Uwujaren also stated that “Magu never said that the young man has been paid. The Commission is not even directly responsible for the payment of rewards to whistle blowers.”

On the exact amount recovered in the apartment and the expected reward to the whistle blower, Uwujaren said, “There is also no controversy about the exact amount recovered in the operation which was streamed live, the first of its kind, and witnessed by the whistle blower, security at the Towers and representative of the Agency which claimed ownership of the money”.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Zakari Mohammed (middle) and other officials, during the presentation of the 2017 National Olympiads Awards in Abuja… on Thursday.

Buhari’s anti-corruption fight successful – Sagay

...Called for strengthening of CCB Myke Uzendu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Prof Itse Sagay (SAN), has described as delusional, those saying the anti-corruption fight of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has failed.

Sagay stated this on Friday in Abuja during PACAC interactive session with stakeholders.

The PACAC boss maintained that those who criticize the war are mostly those who have been benefiting from the unabated corruption going on the

system for decades.

He said, “Regardless of what some elitists Nigerians who are unhappy beneficiaries of the past corruption are saying, the anti corruption war has been extremely successful.

“I don’t think Nigeria has ever seen anything like it has seen in the last two years, and I challenge anybody to contest that position. This year alone, Federal Government is going to take N500billion from what has been recovered so far to assist in operating its budget.

“Anybody that is saying the anti corruption struggle has failed is delusional, because the reality is stack, what has been recovered

from Deizani alone surpass any recovery in the history of the country”.

According to him, PACAC was established as an advisory body that will coordinate the activities of all anti-corruption agencies, providing them capacities, necessary information, monitoring and direction to ensure the government succeeds in its anti-corruption war.

He went further to explain that aside providing guidance and requesting for reforms on enabling laws, PACAC recently engaged prosecutors and judges through a manual that would facilitate smooth discharge of corruption cases in special

crime courts set up by the judiciary.

Sagay, who took time to explain the mandate of the Committee, said that prior to Buhari’s election, the national treasury was bastardized by the previous government while looters enjoyed their booty without being questioned.

He said, “Nigerians have very short memories, they have forgotten what happened in 2015, when Nigeria was leaking from every side, everything we had was being divided and taken away blatantly.

“I did not hear you all complain, now when the government is doing something about it, then you begin to talk. In the short

period of six weeks when the general elections were postponed, just six weeks, the amount of dollars that was disbursed by that government were mind boggling.

“All the Obas in the West would tell you stories of how our money was being dished out for electoral reasons all that happened and nothing is wrong with that.

“A government comes and it is institutionalizing the struggle against corruption and its commitment to it and people are complaining.”

Reacting to the feud between him and members of the National Assembly as well as with the APC leadership, Sagay said, “You are saying I attacked the National Assembly, is

that a sin, remember that members of the National Assembly have taken hundreds of millions of naira home every year, the Nigerian minimum wage is N18,000 a month.

“We pay them for the cloth they wear, because they have wardrobe allowance, we pay them for seating in a comfortable air conditioned, cushioned place, and we are paying them hardship allowance, for being in those places.

“We are paying for cutleries that they use in their houses, we are paying them for newspapers that they read, and you are saying that I should keep quiet, I am going to be very aggressive when people become unreasonable.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Noise pollution: When disorder becomes the norm

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal , during the 9th meeting of the National Council on Industries, Trade and Investment in Sokoto... on Friday.

Continued from page 1 in 2016 by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) as a result of noise pollution.

But findings by the newspaper revealed that the 2015 and 2016 action by LASEPA has not resulted in curbing the noise generated by religious houses in Lagos State.

Speaking with The Daily Times on Friday, a cleric and also an Arabic teacher in a public school in Lagos, Mr. Kamorudeen Onituwo, disclosed that the incessant noise pollution generated from the religious houses, hotels, bars, disc jockey stalls and many others can be drastically reduced if strict policies are imposed on them coupled with effective execution by the government.

“Mega phones should be mainly used for call to prayers, delivering of sermons because some individuals can be easily influenced by the word of God and also special days while other activities like announcement, thanksgiving and many others should be done silently within the mosque premises to ensure a peace of mind,” he told The Daily Times.

Onituwo further stated that the idea of night prayers popularly known in Islam as Taajud that usually lasts till the second day should be corrected by the Islamic stakeholders, adding that it can be done silently without megaphones or better still to be stopped at 12am.

Pastor Michael Abiola, while speaking with our correspondent, said the uncontrolled noise from the churches can be attributed to the overpopulated makeshift churches across the states.

He stated that some Nigerian

pastor rent apartments, shops, and also space for canopies as a church in local residential areas, adding that the sealing off of religious houses in 2015 and 2016 in Lagos followed series of complaints from residents who were fed up with the uncontrolled increase of noise pollution from them.

He said: “Makeshift churches execute more than four programmes in a week including night vigils and also strive hard in securing foreign loud speakers that could take care of 150 audience or more for just 20 to 30 audience, yet the minister stills shout on top of their voices”.

He further stated that individuals have turned religious act as an avenue of exploiting people and also a means of camouflage to cover their bad and hidden handworks and urged religious authorities to serve as a watchdog for them.

At a rendezvous with a pastor in Lagos, who spoke on condition of anonymity, he revealed that more than average Nigerian pastors are controlled by their egos and belief.

He stated that pastors who anchor programme on air still shout on top of their voices just to gain attention of the listeners.

According to the pastor, Nigerian Christians believe if a pastor is shouting on top of his/her voices and jumping at the altar that is when their prayers can be answered.

He said: “My fellow Christians, religion is a practice that has protocols and requires proper way of execution that should be able to influence and change the mind of people, thus it should be exercised wisely in peace and serenity”.

He further stated that the idea

of using loud speakers for night vigils is a source of noise pollution considering the stress people faces during week days in their various work places and still suffer another disturbance from their megaphones at nights, adding that it can be controlled if the religious houses abide by laid down rules.

In a chat with a government school mathematics teacher in Lagos, Mr. Ifeanu Agboola, he said disc jockey stalls and street dancing from companies organising promotions has done more harm to the students, precisely the public school students.

He said public schools situated at the local areas are sometimes disturbed by the loud noise generated from them.

“Students who are expected to go home after school activities and be of help to their parents or engaged themselves in acquiring a skill in a profession branch at the roadsides to participate by dancing, clapping, shouting if the need be,” he told The Daily Times.

According to him, this act has recorded a lot of accidents and kidnap of students in the recent years.

He concluded that the government should act fast, adding that if little or no attention is paid to the control of noise pollution in the country, the more risk the people will face.

According to Mrs. Oluchi Ifeanyi, a business woman in Lagos, while speaking with our correspondent, Nigeria cannot continue to exist as a country where everything goes.

She said religious houses, clubs, hotels, bars and many others must be made to abide by the rule of the land.

She further stated that disc jockey stalls situated at popular

garages in the local areas have indirectly contributed to the ills in the society.

“Commercial bus drivers at the garages dance to the Fuji or hip hop songs played to their ears and sometimes coupled it with drinking of alcohol and smoking which makes them misbehave on the highways,” she said.

Mrs. Ifeanyi also disclosed that politicians and elite in the society prefer to build hotels rather than schools, event centres, and many others because of the fast income generated from such at the end of the week.

She then urged the government to help in building event centres at affordable prices to reduce the performing of naming ceremonies, birthday parties and other events on the streets.

Role of Lagos State Government In a chat with Mrs. A Olaitan, a scientific officer in the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), she said it is wrong for people to believe the agency is not functioning as it used to be in previous years.

She said: “We act according to the complaints we receive from people. We also have five different zones which are zone A to zone E that are in-charge of every geographical locations and also different zonal offices

situated at Agege, Ikorodu and Amuwo-Odofin.

“Also, we have spies that are present at the scene to confirm, gather necessary information to ensure a clear picture of complains we receive”.

According to her, when complaints are received concerning makeshift religious houses situated at residential areas, they are given ultimatum of seven days or a month to relocate while hotels, bars, and many others are given directives on how to minimise their noise.

She further disclosed that hotels, bars, and many others who refuse to abide to the directives are given pre-sanction before ultimatum if they still refuse to abide to the directive.

She concluded that there are stipulated fines that are charged based on how grievous their offences are and urged the public to call the agency for any complaint.

Meanwhile, experts said other issues resulting from noise pollution includes hypertension, social disorder, psychological and psychiatric disorder and many others. They regretted that Nigerians are too economically harassed to care, but called for a change of attitude.

Samuel Luka,

ple in the sub-saharan Africa had diabetes in 2015 and are projected to double by 2040. Although there is no current National prevalence survey in Nigeria, a prevalence of 2.8% was reported in 2015 and more than 60% are undiagnosed’’.

He also stated that November 14 every year was earmarked by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as the World Diabetes Day (WDD) since 1991 and it became an official United Nations day in 2006 via Resolution 61/225.

According to him, the World Diabetes Day ‘serves as the primary global awareness campaign of the disease, saying that cases could be prevented by lifestyle modification which required a high political will.

The CMD said, “The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘’Women and Diabetics-Our right to a healthy future’’. It has been realized that 1 in 7 births globally is affected by gestational diabetes and currently 199 million women are living with diabetes which is projected to reach 313 million by 2040.

Moreover, two out of every women living with the disease are in their reproductive age. Although data in the country are scanty, the scenario is not encouraging as we already have a bad maternal mortality situation’’.

4I5 millIon people are living with diabetes in the world - CMD

Bauchi

ÏÏÏThe

Police in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau has smashed a notorious robbery gang that operates around Chip District of Pankshin and part of Shendam Local Government Area of the State.

The National President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN), Dr Mohammed Alkali, who is also the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) has disclosed that about 415 million people are living with diabetes across the world.

The CMD added that the ailment has assumed a global epidemic position, saying that it is regrettable that diabetes has remained the dominant non-communicable disease that constitutes a major health challenge particularly in developing countries.

Alkali stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Friday as part of DAN’s preparation to celebrate the World Diabetes Day (WDD) on November 14, 2017 in Abuja He said, “In the year 2015, there were about 415 million people living with diabetes (PLWD) which is projected to reach 642 million by 2040. More than 14 million peo-

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

News 7

Court voids Sen Ndume’s suspension, orders Saraki to pay his outstanding salaries, allowances Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏJustice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declared the suspension of former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume ( APC, Borno South) from the Senate as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

Consequently, the judge set aside the suspension letter of March 30, 2017 issued to Senator Ndume by the Senate.

The court also ordered the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola and the Senate (the 1st and 2nd respondents) in the suit

by Senator Ndume, asking the respondents to pay all his outstanding salaries and allowances.

Senator Ndume had approached the court following his suspension from Senate via a letter dated March 30, 2017 for expressing as a matter of privilege the insinuations/allegations made online and national newspapers that the invitation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hammed Ali by the Senate was informed by seizure of the bulletproof SUV vehicle belonging to the Senate President which he alleged was purportedly cleared with fake National Assembly documents. The senate also accused him of igniting rumour on the alleged first degree saga of Senator Dino Melaye .

In his judgment on the matter, Justice Quadri held that Ndume’s suit is meritorious and succeeded in part.

The judge said, “Based on this, questions 2, 3 and 4, are hereby resolved in favour of the plaintiff while question 1 is not determined because I did not consider the issue of breach of Section 39 as I found doing so unnecessary in the circumstances. Consequently, reliefs 2, 3 and 4 are hereby granted.

“The suspension of the plaintiff is hereby declare illegal ,unlawful and unconstitutional. The purported suspension contained in the letter of 30th March , 2017 is hereby set aside .

“The first and second defendants are hereby directed to pay the plaintiff his outstanding salaries and allowances forthwith.”

The judge ,however, held that relief no 5 on the issue of damages is refused because “ I hope this will facilitate reconciliation in the Senate between the plaintiff and other members of the Senate and bring peace to our nascent democracy and all senators will hold sacrosanct their standing order, rule of rule by extension the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Justice Quadri made no order as to costs while the parties would bear their costs.

Beside Saraki, the Senate; Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions) that recommended Ndu-

me suspension was also named as co-defendants to the suit.

Ndume had in the suit asked the court to declare that his suspension for 90 legislative days (6 months) as a Senator in the service of the Senate via a letter dated 30th March, 2017 for expressing as a matter of privilege the insinuations/allegations made online and National Newspapers that the invitation of the Comptroller-General of Customs was informed by seizure of the bulletproof SUV vehicle belonging to the Senate Presisent purportedly cleared with fake National Assembly documents and the alleged First Degree saga of Senator Dino Melaye is a violation of his fundamental rights to fair hearing and freedom of expression.

The senator urged the court to hold that the above rights are guaranteed by sections 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 7(1) and 9(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He is also seeking the following prayers : “A declaration that the suspension of the plaintiff for 90 legislative days (6 months) from the service of the Senate as a Senator in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from 29th March, 2017 as contained in the letter of 30th March, 2017, is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional as it was done in violation of sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) and Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“An order setting aside the purported suspension of the plaintiff from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as contained in the aforesaid letter of 30th March, 2017.

“An order directing the 1st and 2nd defendants to pay to the plaintiff his outstanding salaries and allowances (howsoever called) forthwith”.

But the court declined to award N500million damages to Ndume as general, exemplary and aggravated damages over his suspension from the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Senate has said that it will file an appeal on Monday to challenge the court’s judgment that set aside Senator Ndume’s suspension .

Reacting to the judgment on Friday, the Senate’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said his client “respectfully disagrees with the said judgment.”

He said, “For the records, the Senate had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to entertain the matter on several grounds, portions of which are outlined hereunder for the purpose of emphasis, as follows:

That the Plaintiff wrongly joined several causes of action in his Originating Summons.

“That an action for the enforcement of fundamental rights to fair hearing can only be brought against a court or a tribunal, established by law as held by the Supreme Court in several current cases, and not against Committee of a legislative body.

“That by the provisions of sec-

tions 3 and 30 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, the trial court lacked requisite jurisdiction to hear the suit of the Plaintiff.”

“The Senate’s argument was supported by various and current decisions of the apex court.

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which has the strong conviction that the decision of the trial court will be overturned by the Court of

Appeal, has accordingly instructed the law firm of Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers, to file an appeal against the judgment immediately.

“The notice of appeal is ready and would be filed unfailingly

by Monday morning. An application for a stay of execution of the orders of the court will also be filed same time.

L-R: Ex- Nigerian International, Nduka Ugbade; former Consultant, Sports Psychologist to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo and Ex- Nigerian International, Mutiu Adepoju, during the 10th year Anniversary of Founder, International College & Sports Academy, Segun Odegbami Wasinmi, Ogun State… on Thursday.

South East Governors Forum economic summit begins in Enugu today Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏThe South East of

Nigeria is once again poised for economic revitalisation, enhanced entrepreneurship and industrialisation, as the South East Governor’s Forum holds an important economic summit in the region’s historic Coal City, Enugu.

In a statement made available to The Daily Times on Friday, the economic summit is scheduled to hold today at the Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, to feature discussions centered on the media.

The economic summit, according to the planning committee, is arranged to bring prevailing rewarding investment opportunities in the region to the global business community, as prospective investors in the region will benefit from the prevailing ease of doing business in the region, unhindered

peace, security, which have remained the focus of the South East governors among other indices that give investors in the region good returns on their investments.

With the sub theme paper entitled: “ The Role of the Media in Development: A Road Map for the South East Region” to be delivered by Emma Agu, eminent media personality and publisher, and the lead discussant, Prof Okunna, mass communication expert and educationist, the forum is poised to take the South East Investment opportunities to the global centre stage driven by the media.

Stakeholders and entrepreneurs with keen interest in doing business in the region, it was gathered, have already arrived in advance in the city of Enugu, to benefit or contribute to the content of the summit, already adjudged to have assembled core professionals and

intelligible participants of diverse entrepreneurial ingenuity, to deliver and achieve on the summit’s set goals.

The summit promises to further enhance the region’s economic fortunes through further addressing issues that militate against business growth or discourage foreign direct investment in the zone.

The South East Governor’s Economic Summit, The Daily Times gathered, with theme on the media, is set to serve as an informative session, a special meeting of the leaders of the region and stakeholders to xray prevailing economic conditions, opportunities, challenges that impact on new or existing businesses and opportunities and a workable strategy to project a formidable economically viable region driven by right communication of opportunities therein to the global investment opportunities.

News 8

Okafor

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Nwoye

Obiano

Ezeemo

Obaze

Senate committee lauds INEC over readiness for guber Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed satisfaction with the commission’s preparedness towards the conduct of the governorship election in Anambra state on November 18.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Nasif, stated this while addressing journal-

ists at the headquarters of the INEC in Awka, shortly after being conducted round the commission’s premises.

He said the members of the committee had seen all the non-sensitive materials needed for the exercise, especially the card readers.

Senator Nasif observed that with what the members had seen about the card readers, the election would not record any challenge.

The Senate Committee chairman also assured

the people of Anambra State that the governorship election will hold as scheduled notwithstanding some insinuations in some quarters to the contrary.

Also speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, said the commission had entered into the red zone, which comprised posting of ad-hoc staff, deployment of non-sensitive materials to local government areas among others.

He observed that the

state was second in the country in terms of the collection of permanent voter’s cards, stressing that the collection of the cards would end on November 15.

According to the REC, the commission will be deploying field technical officers who will handle challenges arising from the malfunctioning of the card readers.

He also explained that the commission would be deploying one card reader machine per voting point.

‘No vacant seat in Awka Government House’-Nwawuzie ÏÏÏThe chairman of Og-

baru Main Market,Chief Victor Nwawuzie, has said there are several reasons why traders are eager to cast their votes for Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, saying that there is no vacant seat in Government House, Awka.

According to Nwawuzie, who moved the motion for the endorsement of Governor Obiano, one of the reasons was that before now, vehicles were crushing his traders and their customers who crossed over the ever busy expressway in Lagos Park to purchase items in the market.

He said Governor Obiano solved the problem once and for all by constructing pedestrian bridge which linked the market with the Lagos Park and Nwugo Market, saying that this bridge stopped the untimely deaths of his members and their customers.

Nwawuzie said his market was a beneficiary at choose your project, which was flooring one of the major road in the market and the project he said has not only been completed but commissioned about a fortnight ago when they celebrated their 32 years of existence.

The chairman said with

that project, the traders were happy in the market because it has added value to the market and the traders themselves because each time there was rainfall, they do not put their feet on the flood as it easily channeled into the drainage system.

He said that any trader who failed to acknowledge Obiano’s feat against armed robbers and kidnappers was unfair because security was the fulcrum at any business .

He added that for traders at Ogbaru Main Market, hoodlums terrified them and their customers along Lagos Park, Owerri Road

and sometimes stormed the market with Okada. He however, said the development has stopped since Obiano assumed office.

He said, “These are just few reasons we are solidly behind Governor Obiano.

He did a lot to improve the lots of markets but let me say this. There is no vacant seat in Government House, Awka. The seat still belong to Obiano. When he finishes his second tenure, then it will move to South.That time, the south or Anambra people will choose somebody from the South. Who knows, it might be me’.

Chidoka

Why we are backing Obiano for second term - Market leaders Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏ

The Chairman of Ngbuka Amazu Old Motor Spare Parts, Ogbaru, Nze Cyprian Ezechukwu, has said that Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano is the only chief executive since the creation of both old and new Anambra State to remember the market.

Nze Ezechukwu, who spoke on Friday at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium when the traders adopted Obiano as their candidate, said that is the major reason the traders in the market have in their resolution decided to support Obiano’s candidacy hundred percent.

He said with the secretariat complex being built for them through the N10million choose your project , Obiano has given them a sense of belonging.

Ezechukwu said the adequate security

provided by Governor Obiano to the people of the state in the last three and half years was among other reasons the traders were supporting him.

He said for them as traders, security of lives and property was a top priority because absence of it will negatively affect their businesses.

Ezechukwu said Obiano was one politician he has seen who does what he promised and therefore he can be trusted with their mandate.

He said, “And that is why we are here today to demonstrate our unflinching support for him. We are indebted to him because this is first in history a governor will site project in all the markets in the state”.

He urged others, especially traders who are still on the fence to come and join Obiano’s victory band wagon in November 18, 2017.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Politics

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Anambra governorship: Contenders, pretenders and jokers–P10

9

PDP Chair: Daniel’s experience, network great assets for PDP, say party chieftains–P.12

Mixed-reactions trail Lagos eviction of former deputy speaker from residence Alade Tasma On Friday, November 3rd, 2017 Policemen from the office of the Lagos State Governor without the order of the Court invaded the No 3, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja residence of the Tejuoshos, evicted some of the occupants while others were imprisoned within the premises and finally sealed off the property on the excuse that the property was being occupied illegally by Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, a fourth term member and former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

The issue has however, continued to generate controversies within the state especially in the political arena.

While the Tejuoshos in a press statements issued on Monday by the husband of Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, Kayode accused the state government of unprovoked harassment and persecutions, the state government through the Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde claimed that the inability of the occupants to fully pay for the property necessitated government’s action.

The state government has exonerated the office of the governor as being alleged, saying it was a tussle of ownership on a government property between an interloper and the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

And that while a couple has stepped forward to claim ownership of the said property, it is therefore, a misdirected claim as the couple did not make any purchase on the property.

The company that made the purported purchase, the government said did so in error and is yet to step forward to challenge the cancellation of the purchase since the company, according to Ayorinde, a certain Debam Mega Solutions - which paid only a portion of the offer price never completed payments on it that would have entitled its full takeover and access to Certificate of Occupancy.

The incomplete payment, Ayorinde said has since been refunded to the company and the property retrieved so that it can continue to serve as the official quarters of the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The statement further said that while government acknowledges a form of monetisation policy that allowed certain levels of government officials and political appointees to purchase official quarters in their individual capacity on owner-occupier basis, this policy never extended to companies like Debam Maga Solution which being no government entity could not have legally made a bid for a government property.

And that the names of the two directors of the said company are never Lagos State officials and went further to challenge the media to investigate the names of those directors with the Corporate Affairs Commission, whether the company is owned by the Tejuoshos or not as claimed by Kayode Tejuosho.

Recall that Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho’s husband, Kayode in a statement issued to

AMBODE

the press titled; “Unlawful imprisonment in the property belonging to Hon. (Mrs) Funmi Tejuosho family and eviction from same property by agents of the State government” accused the state government of forceful eviction of his family from their house 3A, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja.

“I, along with our children have been forcefully and brutally evicted from our home and rendered homeless by the government after days of tortuous siege on our residence due to no fault of ours, but out of what I consider sheer political persecution and uncommon vendetta.

“Let me quickly lay the facts bare to correct the falsehood being peddled by the government to justify their unlawful act and outright violation of our rights.

During the administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu, the Lagos State government adopted the Federal Government’s property’s monetisation and redevelopment policy by offering several of its properties to public/civil servants occupying same for sale as well as companies under redevelopment schemes.

“This monetisation policy was continued by the Babatunde Raji Fashola’s government, as a result of which several officials benefited, including the present chairman of the Lagos chapter of the APC, Mr. Henry Dele Ajomale.

“In furtherance of this policy, my wife and I being the present occupiers were equally afforded the same opportunity of acquiring the property which we chose to do through a company in which we have interest.

“This company called Debam Mega Solutions Limited, by a letter dated November 21, 2008 addressed to His Excellency, the governor of Lagos State, Debam Mega Solutions Limited sought the concession and approval of the governor to acquire the right of occupancy over the property at 3A, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

“At the time Debam Mega Solutions Limited sought the concession of the governor, the property housed a dilapidated

MRS. TEJUOSHO

At the time Debam Mega Solutions Limited sought the concession of the governor, the property house a dilapidated and abandoned structure. Further to the said application and by a Lagos State Government, Ministry of Housing letter dated March 26, 2010 with reference No. MHEST/627, the Lagos State Government offered to sell the property to Debam Mega Investment at the ultimate agreed purchase price of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) and abandoned structure. Further to the said application and by a Lagos State Government, Ministry of Housing letter dated March 26, 2010 with reference No. MHEST/627, the Lagos State Government offered to sell the property to Debam Mega Investment at the ultimate agreed purchase price of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).

“This amount was eventually fully paid to the government on the 28th day of May, 2015 thereby concluding the sale of the property from the government to the company.”

Kayode who said the property no longer belong to the state government since the completion of payments, but that of the Debam Mega Investment and upon the acquisition of the right of occupancy over the property, the company continued to be in active possession of the Tejuosos who improved the property to its present state.

Tejuosho went further to say Debam Mega Solutions Limited has enjoyed quiet and undisturbed possession of the property since the acquisition of the property

OBASA

until about 11:00am on Friday, 3rd of November, 2017, eight years after, when policemen from the office of the governor of Lagos State invaded the property, evicted some of the occupants and imprisoned the others, who have remained imprisoned since. “Also, the property was sealed since the 3rd day of November 2017 with fierce police officers stationed within and outside the premises with my daughter and other aides inside.”

Tejuosho went further to rubbish the claim by the State government that the said property was the official residence of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly when he challenged the state government or the leadership of the State House of Assembly to name any Deputy Speaker of the House that ever occupied the property.

“Contrary to the lies being peddled by the Lagos State government that the building is the official residence of the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, the two previous Deputy Speakers before my wife, Honourable (Mrs.) Funmilayo Tejuoso were Farouk Oshodi and Toun Adediran whilst the two after her were Bola Badmus and Kolawole Taiwo.

None of them ever lived here at No. 3A, Sasegbon Street and I make bold to say that no Deputy Speaker has ever lived in this property. Let them mention if any.”

Tejuosho disclosed that a former Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Budget, Mrs. Dawodu handed over the property to them which was only a colonial building with wooden deck as at the time it was handed over to them.

Meanwhile, the issue has continued to generate mixed reactions among supporters and loyalists of both the state governor, Akinwumi Ambode and that of Hon. Funmi Tejuosho.

According to an APC chieftain, Engineer M. Ade Shoyebo, he viewed the action of the state government as pure vendetta on Funmi Tejuosho, because of her closeness and unflinching support for CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Anambra governorship: Contenders, pretenders and jokers Patrick Okohue Governorship elections in Nigeria come every four years. It is normally an opportunity for the electorates to mark the script of the governor and the ruling party, because the four years of governance is considered an examination for them. It is the people who are the examiners that will mark the script and score them according to how the governor and his party have performed.

In most cases, when the governor or his party are not sure of their performance or even when they are sure, but not sure that the people are convinced with it, they have to go out to showcase their performance or out rightly meet the people, sometimes one on one to try to convince them on their performance and capacity to do more when re-elected.

Unfortunately for them, at such times there are many others who also want the seat who will also go out to try to convince the people that what the incumbent has done is nothing compared to what they would have done where they the ones in office.

This scenario is what is currently playing out in Anambra State and next week the people will have the opportunity to score their governor.

Has Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano done well as the governor of Anambra State in the last four years that will qualify him to be scored pass by the people and therefore re-elected? For the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), his political party and their supporters, the answer is an emphatic yes and very worthy of re-election, but to many others who are seeking to unseat him either for themselves or for those they support, Obiano has failed in this last four years and deserves to be booted out.

Fortunately, the scoring of performance or decision on who occupies the Anambra Government House does not fully lie with the politicians, even though many of them think it does, because they believe in their capacity to influence things in their favour whichever way, but the bulk of the decision actually lies with the people, the electorates and on Saturday, November 18, they will file out to decide on their future and elect a governor who will direct their affairs in the next four years.

The questions now is who among the about 37 candidates of the various political parties will it be? Who is worthy to wear the crown that the Anambra people is about to bestow? Can the people trust Obiano with another four years or will a new king be crowned? And if they are to pick another who will it be?

Well, even though the choice of who will be the next governor of Anambra State squarely lies with the people of the state, it is important to look at some of the notable candidates from among whom the people will have to make a choice and saddle with the responsibility of ruling the state for the next four years.

It is worthy to note that while some of the candidates are in the race for the crown and are serious about getting elected into the exalted office, many are there just to find relevance in the political setting of the state and the nation, others are there just to catch fun and others for the nuisance value they bring into the race, while yet others are there to pose a stumbling block to some other persons who they may think without obstacles have a good chance of emerging.

So, whichever category a candidate falls, it is left for the electorates to see through their

run for the office of the governor.

For the governorship seat, Nwoye stands a good chance to unseat the incumbent, infact he seems to posse a better chance in the race besides the incumbent because of a lot of things that falls in his favour.

For a start, Nwoye is holding the ticket of the ruling party at the centre, the APC, so he has the federal might to his advantage.

He also has people in the state that can be described as political heavyweights as members of his party in the state, such persons as former governor and current minister for Labour, Dr. Chirs Ngige, he also has the like of Sen. Andy Ubah among many others to rely on for support.

This is also besides his political experience, either as a student activist, running for party leadership in the state, contesting for the House of Representatives and also governorship.

OBIANO

NWOYE

OBAZE

EZEEMO

intentions and cast their votes in accordance with the individual conviction, in line with what they believe serves best their own interest.

Tony Nwoye, APC Tony Okechukwu Nwoye is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

Nwoye, born in 1974 is a medical doctor turned politician; Nwoye started his political career as a medical student at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he functioned in different capacity as a leader.

A man with many first, he was the first medical student to become the speaker of the student union house of representative in the University of Nigeria. He also served as the national president of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS). He was the first and only Igbo student to have attained that height.

He rose to state power as Assistant Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Anambra State PDP in 2005 and by 2006 at the age of 31, he became the Chairman of the State Executive Committee of the Anambra State PDP, making him the youngest State Chairman of a major political party in

the entire nation.

A former member of the House of Representatives representing Anambra East/West constituency of Anambra State, Nwoye is also a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2013 election in Anambra State, but later joined the APC where he won the ticket to again

The scoring of performance or decision on who occupies the Anambra Government House does not fully lie with the politicians, even though many of them think it does, because they believe in their capacity to influence things in their favour whichever way, but the bulk of the decision actually lies with the people, the electorates and on Saturday, November 18, they will file out to decide on their future and elect a governor who will direct their affairs in the next four years.

Chief Willie Obiano, APGA The emergence of Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano as the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) prior to the 2013 election shocked many members of the party and beyond.

Though he was described by many as an unknown quantity as far as politics in the state is concerned, he struck a feat that is rare in politics.

Chief Obiano holds a B.Sc. Second Class Upper in Accounting from University of Lagos and an MBA in Marketing also from same university, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Chief Willie Obiano was John F. Kennedy Essay Winner 1974 at CKC and holds a national Merit Certificate for outstanding service during his NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) in Benue State.

He is the President AMP (Advance Management Programme) of Lagos Business School for Ten years running and also a 2006 BNV (Building New Ventures) CLASS member of Harvard Business School, Boston USA, also Standard University.

Obiano started his banking career as Officer in First Bank in 1981 from where he moved to Texaco Nigeria Plc as Accountant.

He was promoted 4 times in his eight-andhalf-year-service at Texaco to become Chief Internal Auditor.

He is a specialist in Bunkering, Lubeblending and Refinery Audits. He was part of the team that audited Texaco Refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1989.

He joined Fidelity Bank from Texaco in 1991 as Deputy Manager and head of Audit and rose to become General Manager in 2002 and Executive Director in October, 2003 and was still in this position when he resigned to contest the governorship in 2013.

In the last two years, Obiano’s achievements in the area of returning sanity to Onitsha, which is the commercial capital of the state, his achievements in restoring security, the area of education and the one project per community initiative will likely speak for him at the election.

However, it should be noted that along the line he has made for himself some formidable political enemies, like the former governor, Peter Obi who was responsible for his emergence as governor in the first instance among others and that may make things a little difficult for him. But, it is believed by some political watchers that he is likely to be victorious at the end of the day.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

11 Politics

Contenders, pretenders and jokers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Oseloka Obaze, PDP Oseloka Henry Obaze born in 1955 is a former United Nations diplomat who has served across Europe and Africa, an international civil servant with the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, administrator, writer and politician. He is the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Anambra State Governorship Elections.

Prior to working at the United Nations, Obaze worked as an international civil servant with the Nigerian Diplomatic Service from 1982-1991.

Following his resignation from the United Nations, Oseloka Obaze was appointed as Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State, from June, 2012 till June, 2015 by both former Governor Peter Obi and incumbent Governor Willie Obiano.

In addition to his roles as the Secretary to the State Government, Obaze served as Board of Trustees Chair of both the Anambra State Flood Disaster Emergency Fund and the Anambra State Flood Disaster Relief Coordination Committee.

He was a delegate to the South East Zonal Review of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution held in 2012 and Chairman of the Anambra State Government Handover Committee in 2014. Oseloka played leading roles in returning his Alma mater, Christ the King College Onitsha and other mission schools in Anambra State from the government back to missionaries who were their initial owners and raising over N25 million towards revitalisation projects at C.K.C. Onitsha Obaze first came into politics in 2013 at the state level when he contested for the governorship of Anambra State under All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), but was disqualified by the party on the basis of voters’ card technicality.

Though Obaze’s task of clinching the governorship seat in Anambra State this time will not be easy, his chances are enhanced by the mere fact that the forces that ensured victory for Obiano in 2013 are currently queuing behind him, the only snag being that at the time they stood behind Obiano the incumbency factor was at play, but now, that is not the case, as Obiano enjoys the advantage of incumbency, which always has a lot to do in Nigerian elections.

Godwin Ezeemo, PPA Godwin Chukwunaenye Ezeemo, a graduate of Marketing from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State is a man with his hands in many pies, including being the Chairman, Orient media group, Orient export, Orient daily newspaper, Orient mega radio station, Orient Energy Review, Honeywell hotel and tourism, Business Potters, Union haulage Ltd, Sokka Ltd, among others.

The Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, born politician is the governorship candidate of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA).

Born in 1954, Ezeemo a devout Christian, who has organised programmes in his local area to promote Christianity and denounce indigenous religions, is also an established philanthropist and founder of Ezeemo Trust for the Less-Privileged.

A notable community leader, he founded and headed the Ugo Age Grade of Amanasaa, Umuchu. He also chaired the Works Committee of the Age Grade that carried out the perimeter fencing of Girls’ Secondary School, Umuchu, (now Pioneer Secondary School), built doctors’ quarters at General Hospital, Umuchu and Perimeter fencing at Umuchu General Hospital.

He also built and donated the Police Divisional Headquarters, Umuchu, sunk boreholes and laid reticulated water pipelines in Umuchu, and single highhandedly built St. Peter’s Anglican Church (Zion City)

Chekwas Okorie, who had earlier nurtured the APGA to limelight, the race will be tough for Chidoka.

CHIDOKA

EDOCHIE

Umuchu. His philanthropic impact has been felt in all Christian denominations; Anglican, Catholic, Salvation Army and Pentecostal churches.

A seasoned and refined politician no doubt, but the concern is whether his philanthropic activities mostly in and around his community will be enough to sway the entire state to cast their vote in his favour, more so that he is running on the platform of a political party whose strength even in the South East is not really visible anymore.

Osita Chidoka, UPP Osita Chidoka is one young man that has remained an inspiration to many members of the younger generation and even his age mates who yearns to be like him.

Born in 1971 in Obosi, he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in management in 1995 from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). He also obtained his graduate diploma in Marine and Ports Management from the National University of Singapore in 2002 and a Masters Degree in Transport Policy and Logistics from the George Mason University’s School of Public Policy, United States of America in 2006.

Chidoka emerged the best Youth Corper in the entire Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 1996, where he served his father land.

He later worked in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and then served as Personal Assistant to the Minister of State for Works and Housing as well as

OKAFOR (MRS)

OJIBA

Minister of Transport. He was later elevated to Special Assistant to the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Legal Matters.

He was also appointed Senior Advisor, Government and Business Relations to Mobil Corporation. In 2007, he was appointed Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at the age of 36. His quest for breaking new grounds was recognised, and another position, the President, African Group of International Road Safety Organizations was given to him. It is however on records that, he is the youngest Nigerian to ever head FRSC in that capacity.

Chidoka was later appointed Minister of Aviation by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, becoming the first Nigeria to transit from managing road traffic to managing air traffic.

Today, he is the candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

There is no doubt that Chidoka has an impressive credential to run and make impact in the Anambra governorship race, but the question is, can he fly with the platform that he has chosen?

Many believe that where he to be on the platform of the APC or PDP, he would have given the APGA flag bearer a good run for his money, but that with the UPP that is not only a fairly new political party, but without any solid structure and political heavyweights, beside the founder, Chief

Adaeze Okafor, APDA Another interesting development in the Anambra governorship race is the emergence of Mrs Adaeze Okafor, an Architect, who emerged as the candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), becoming the first ever female candidate of any political party in Anambra governorship election.

Adaeze holds a B.A degree in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, BSc and MSc Architecture from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and California Teaching Credential from National University, Los Angeles.

Though nothing much is known about her political history, the fact that she dares to venture into the race considered by many as a dangerous terrain is enough reason to give her kudos and also the fact that she has become a frontrunner for other female politicians, she has showcased what is possible.

Perhaps the boldness to step forward may actually be the whole thing about her foray into the race, as she is running on the platform of a relatively new political party that is not known to have enough political base.

However, whatever happens, she has set the stage both for the women folks in the state and for the party in other elections across the country.

Yul Edochie, DPC Yul Chibuike Daniel Edochie, Nigerian actor, son of another Nigerian actor, Pete Edochie is the candidate of the Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC) in the Anambra State governorship election.

Born in 1982, Yul was raised both in Lagos and Enugu. A graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts, Edochie’s claim to the race is believed to only be based on his popularity as an actor and son of another actor.

Yul Edochie’s declaration was made in anticipation of a Not Too Young To Run Bill passed by the Senate, but was however made official on the 22nd of August 2017, when he picked up the nomination form of the political party Democratic Peoples’ Congress and was eventually the flag bearer and gubernatorial candidate of the party to run for governor of Anambra State.

Yul is however believed to be testing the political waters with a view to playing important roles in the future, but for the coming governorship election in Anambra State, he is not yet prepared for the race, some political watchers said.

Other candidates in the race who may spring surprises include Uju Uchendu Ozoka, AA, Nwezi Felix Amechi, AGAP, Oby Kate Okaforf ACD, Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba, ACPN, Paul Chukwudi Obianaso, ADC, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, ADP, Nweke Chukwudubem, APP, Ohanugo Ikem Cecil, BNPP, Emmanuel Uchenna Nwibe, DA, Onuorah Basil Onyeachonam, GPN. Others include Samuel Osita Oraegbunam,HDP, Ndife Franklin Ikenna, ID, Rufus Okeke Sunday Ezeokolonkwor, KOWA, Christian Okechukwu Enemuo, LP, Okafor Onyeka Christian, MMN, Praise Okechukwu, MPPP, Chinedu Uzoma Okpalanma, NCP, Benneth Abaniwu, NDLP, Felix A.R. Obi-Okafor, NEPP, Okafor Charles Ogbonna, NNPP, Val. Okey Oguejiofor, NPC. The list also includes Nnoli Amechi Justin, NUP, Agbata Martin Ikechukwu, PDC, Henry Ikechukwu Onuorah, PPN, Kenneth Ejike Modezie, PPP, Stephen Obiorah Mbah, PRP, Ifeanyi L. Obalum, SDP, Stanley Uche Ezeanyaku, UDP, Ozoemena Nonso, YDP and Nnaemeka Ifeoma Ezibe, YPP.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Politics

s

Anambra governorship: Contenders, pretenders and jokers–P10

9

PDP Chair: Daniel’s experience, network great assets for PDP, say party chieftains–P.12

Mixed-reactions trail Lagos eviction of former deputy speaker from residence Alade Tasma On Friday, November 3rd, 2017 Policemen from the office of the Lagos State Governor without the order of the Court invaded the No 3, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja residence of the Tejuoshos, evicted some of the occupants while others were imprisoned within the premises and finally sealed off the property on the excuse that the property was being occupied illegally by Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, a fourth term member and former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

The issue has however, continued to generate controversies within the state especially in the political arena.

While the Tejuoshos in a press statements issued on Monday by the husband of Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, Kayode accused the state government of unprovoked harassment and persecutions, the state government through the Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde claimed that the inability of the occupants to fully pay for the property necessitated government’s action.

The state government has exonerated the office of the governor as being alleged, saying it was a tussle of ownership on a government property between an interloper and the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

And that while a couple has stepped forward to claim ownership of the said property, it is therefore, a misdirected claim as the couple did not make any purchase on the property.

The company that made the purported purchase, the government said did so in error and is yet to step forward to challenge the cancellation of the purchase since the company, according to Ayorinde, a certain Debam Mega Solutions - which paid only a portion of the offer price never completed payments on it that would have entitled its full takeover and access to Certificate of Occupancy.

The incomplete payment, Ayorinde said has since been refunded to the company and the property retrieved so that it can continue to serve as the official quarters of the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The statement further said that while government acknowledges a form of monetisation policy that allowed certain levels of government officials and political appointees to purchase official quarters in their individual capacity on owner-occupier basis, this policy never extended to companies like Debam Maga Solution which being no government entity could not have legally made a bid for a government property.

And that the names of the two directors of the said company are never Lagos State officials and went further to challenge the media to investigate the names of those directors with the Corporate Affairs Commission, whether the company is owned by the Tejuoshos or not as claimed by Kayode Tejuosho.

Recall that Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho’s husband, Kayode in a statement issued to

AMBODE

the press titled; “Unlawful imprisonment in the property belonging to Hon. (Mrs) Funmi Tejuosho family and eviction from same property by agents of the State government” accused the state government of forceful eviction of his family from their house 3A, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja.

“I, along with our children have been forcefully and brutally evicted from our home and rendered homeless by the government after days of tortuous siege on our residence due to no fault of ours, but out of what I consider sheer political persecution and uncommon vendetta.

“Let me quickly lay the facts bare to correct the falsehood being peddled by the government to justify their unlawful act and outright violation of our rights.

During the administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu, the Lagos State government adopted the Federal Government’s property’s monetisation and redevelopment policy by offering several of its properties to public/civil servants occupying same for sale as well as companies under redevelopment schemes.

“This monetisation policy was continued by the Babatunde Raji Fashola’s government, as a result of which several officials benefited, including the present chairman of the Lagos chapter of the APC, Mr. Henry Dele Ajomale.

“In furtherance of this policy, my wife and I being the present occupiers were equally afforded the same opportunity of acquiring the property which we chose to do through a company in which we have interest.

“This company called Debam Mega Solutions Limited, by a letter dated November 21, 2008 addressed to His Excellency, the governor of Lagos State, Debam Mega Solutions Limited sought the concession and approval of the governor to acquire the right of occupancy over the property at 3A, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

“At the time Debam Mega Solutions Limited sought the concession of the governor, the property housed a dilapidated

MRS. TEJUOSHO

At the time Debam Mega Solutions Limited sought the concession of the governor, the property house a dilapidated and abandoned structure. Further to the said application and by a Lagos State Government, Ministry of Housing letter dated March 26, 2010 with reference No. MHEST/627, the Lagos State Government offered to sell the property to Debam Mega Investment at the ultimate agreed purchase price of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) and abandoned structure. Further to the said application and by a Lagos State Government, Ministry of Housing letter dated March 26, 2010 with reference No. MHEST/627, the Lagos State Government offered to sell the property to Debam Mega Investment at the ultimate agreed purchase price of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).

“This amount was eventually fully paid to the government on the 28th day of May, 2015 thereby concluding the sale of the property from the government to the company.”

Kayode who said the property no longer belong to the state government since the completion of payments, but that of the Debam Mega Investment and upon the acquisition of the right of occupancy over the property, the company continued to be in active possession of the Tejuosos who improved the property to its present state.

Tejuosho went further to say Debam Mega Solutions Limited has enjoyed quiet and undisturbed possession of the property since the acquisition of the property

OBASA

until about 11:00am on Friday, 3rd of November, 2017, eight years after, when policemen from the office of the governor of Lagos State invaded the property, evicted some of the occupants and imprisoned the others, who have remained imprisoned since. “Also, the property was sealed since the 3rd day of November 2017 with fierce police officers stationed within and outside the premises with my daughter and other aides inside.”

Tejuosho went further to rubbish the claim by the State government that the said property was the official residence of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly when he challenged the state government or the leadership of the State House of Assembly to name any Deputy Speaker of the House that ever occupied the property.

“Contrary to the lies being peddled by the Lagos State government that the building is the official residence of the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, the two previous Deputy Speakers before my wife, Honourable (Mrs.) Funmilayo Tejuoso were Farouk Oshodi and Toun Adediran whilst the two after her were Bola Badmus and Kolawole Taiwo.

None of them ever lived here at No. 3A, Sasegbon Street and I make bold to say that no Deputy Speaker has ever lived in this property. Let them mention if any.”

Tejuosho disclosed that a former Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Budget, Mrs. Dawodu handed over the property to them which was only a colonial building with wooden deck as at the time it was handed over to them.

Meanwhile, the issue has continued to generate mixed reactions among supporters and loyalists of both the state governor, Akinwumi Ambode and that of Hon. Funmi Tejuosho.

According to an APC chieftain, Engineer M. Ade Shoyebo, he viewed the action of the state government as pure vendetta on Funmi Tejuosho, because of her closeness and unflinching support for CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

13 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Akwa Ibom commissioner passes on Ï1 ƒê nƗ ƌ ƏƗƆƏ ƇƋ Ɛ ƄƆ ƇƋ Ɠ Ɛ ƋƇ mast in the state Bassey Willie, Uyo

ÏÏÏAkwa

L-R: Father of the Groom/Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Groom, Abolaji; Jigawa State Govenor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar and Father of the Bride/Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, during the introduction ceremony of Abolaji and Fatima in Kano, on Friday.

Justice Ngwuta earns N36m cash from palm oil, rice, foreign exchange- Witness Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏAminu

Ibrahim Ndakpoto, the 6th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court on Friday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the Justice of Supreme Court made huge sum of money in cash from trade in palm oil, rice and foreign exchange.

The witness added that the jurist claimed on the day the sum of N36million cash and other foreign currencies were recovered from his house in 2016 that they were proceeds of his trade.

Ndakpoto, who work with the Department of State Security Services (DSS) that raided Justice Ngwuta’s official residence, said huge sums

of money were found in bags.

The witness said Justice Ngwuta also claimed before the interrogators that part of the huge cash were his unspent medical allowances and sale of palm oil and rice.

Lead in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Mrs. Olufemi Fatunde, before Justice John Tsoho, the witness said he was part of the DSS team that interrogated Justice Ngwuta on October 9, 2016.

He also testified that Justice Ngwuta changed his earlier claim on how he came about the money the next day (October 10, 2016).

The witness further told the court that the jurist was found with multiple international passports which he allegedly used interchangeably.

Ndakpoto, said he was surprised that Justice Ngwuta later denied knowledge of the money, claiming that although he owned the bags in which the monies were found, he did not know how the DSS operatives came about the money.

The witness said: “I began the conversation with him on the items contained in the search warrant. The first thing that caught my attention was the cash listed on the search warrant.

“He (the judge) said the Naira in the money was the accumulation of the monthly allowances paid to him in cash by the Supreme Court. And that what formed part of the money are proceeds of his trading in agricultural products. He said he trades in palm oil and

rice.

“And that the foreign currency, Dollars, is from his trade in foreign exchange. The defendant said he usually buys dollars when the rates are low and that he sells when the rates are high.”

Ndakpoto said that when he asked the jurist how he sourced for the foreign currencies , he told him that he goes to Mallams, where they trade in foreign currencies and buy and also sell in the open market when he wants to sell.

He said the jurist traveled to United Arab Emirate (UAE), with an International passport he had claimed was lost and insisted he never visited the UAE. Justice Tsoho later adjourned the case to January 10, 11 and 12 , 2018,

IGP wants police officers to employ modern trend of tackling crimes Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏThe Inspector - General Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has urged police officers to employ modern methods of combating crimes in view of the changing sophistication trends being employed by criminals on daily basis.

The IGP stated this Friday at the Police Staff College in Jos, the Plateau State capital on the occasion of the Graduation of 48 Assistant Commissioners of Police on Strategic Leadership and Command Course.

Idris said, “In recent times, criminals and criminal acts continue to assume sophistication, thereby necessitating law enforcement officers to be abreast with modern trends of policing in a continuously evolving society”.

Represented by the Commandant of the Staff College, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Dorothy Gimba, the IGP said that the force is faced with the challenges of terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy herdsmen/farmers clash that

have taken a toll in the country.

He said, “The threats we face today as a nation are enormous and will require total commitment from us to handle them: Nigerians expect us to protect the country from terror attacks, kidnapping and at the same time protect our communities from crime; it is of course our constitutional mandate and we must accomplish these tasks”.

Idris also explained that the Nigeria Police has therefore emplaced various platforms for interactions, sensitization

aimed at engaging the cooperation of its citizens to further reduce crimes.

On her part, the College Commandant, AIG Dorothy Gimba, stated that the success of the Force to a large extent will be measured on how well its resources are managed, saying that the 48 graduating officers should play significant role in the implementation of most of the policies of the Force.

Our correspondent reports that the Police Staff College has the mandate to train and retrain officers of the Force.

Ibom State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Prof. Eno Ikpe is dead. He was said to have passed on after a protracted illness, which kept her away from duty for sometimes.

The news of her demise was announced by the state commissioner for information, Charles Udoh through a statement made available on Thursday The late Ikpe was said to be sick for months and reportedly travelled abroad severally for treatment.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has already directed that all flags in the state be flown half mast until further notice as a symbol of respect for the departed commissioner.

The information com-

missioner further described the departed colleague as an excellent mixer, who bagged various academic awards including the prestigious award of the German Academic Exchange Service.

Late Prof. Ikpe hailed from Etinan local government area of the state and was sworn in as a commissioner in Akwa Ibom State government on December 1, 2016 by Governor Emmanuel.

Some stakeholders in the state have also described her demise as a great lost to the state and the academic community in the state.

The immediate past commissioner in the ministry, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem in his comment on the social media, prayed that the soul of the departed found sufficient comfort in eternity.

NISLT to flush out quacks from laboratories Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ The Minister of

Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has reiterated the commitment of federal government to take science and technology to the next level in the country.

The minister stated this at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka on Friday while declaring open the conference of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) with a theme titled, “Economic diversification through science laboratory entrepreneurship dynamics,” Onu, who was represented by the Director, Science and Technology Promotion, Mr. Elkanem Udoh, said the ministry desire to take science and technology to the next level as developing the sector is one of the ways diversifying the economy from oil dependency.

In his remarks at the occasion, , the Director-General and Registrar of NISLT, Yemi Gbadegesin, said the institute will no longer allow organizations engage persons not registered to work in laboratories in the country.

He said, “For emphasis, no organization or employers are allowed to engage any person or persons not registered by the institute to practice in our laboratories.

“It is our statutory responsibility to check this unwholesome practice in

the system. We will ensure that anyone not licensed to practice as laboratory scientists are kick out from our laboratories”.

He lamented that one of the major problems of the institute is quackery among laboratory technologists.

He appealed to government for adequate and regular payment of welfare packages to laboratory workers.

Gbadegesin added that aim of the conference is to look for ways to proffer solutions in the area of science and technology especially in diversifying the economy and the development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof Charles Igwe, said “We must invest heavily in science and technology in other to attain innovative and developmental strides in the country. We are doing our best in this area because we have a department that offers a degree in science and laboratory technology. We should, however, show more interest in training professionals in this field.”

He urged the participants to devise ways of making science and technology better.

The event was attended by scientists, key industry players, government functionaries and the academia nationwide.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

How Justice Ajumogobia concealed her phones to frustrate investigation-EFCC Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏAn operative from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdullahi Lawal, on Friday painted a graphic details of how a Federal High Court Judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia tried to cover her tracks with 11 mobile phones while she was being investigated.

It was at the resumed trial of Justice OfiliAjumogobia alongside a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla, who was accused of bribing her with N5million.

Lawal told a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, how the judge concealed 10 mobile phones from operatives of the Econom-

ic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who were investigating her activities. While giving evidence in Court, the EFCC operative told Justice Hakeem Oshodi how Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia hid the phones under her clothes.

Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, Lawal said that Ajumogobia tried desperately to contact most of the people she knew the anti graft agency would invite for questioning, in connection to an investigation on how she came about monies in naira, dollars, and pounds in her bank accounts which EFCC alleged was above her lawful emolument.

His words: “Because she was under investigation, we wrote a letter

Ofili-Ajumogobia to her employer, the National Judicial Commission requesting for a detailed breakdown of her salary and allowances.

“The NJC replied and it was discovered that her annual salary as at the time of investigation

was N5.3million while her allowances were N7.5million.

“When we asked Justice Ajumogobia about the transactions of $50,000, $70,000, $20000, $30000, and $55,000 traced to her Diamond bank account, she told us that the monies were proceeds from lands she sold in Benin and Asaba.

“She further informed the EFCC that her lawyer, one Grant Ezenwa, helped her to sell the lands. But when Ezenwa was contacted, he claimed to have sold just a piece of land for her in Benin at the cost of N9.

7million.

“We set out with Justice Ajumogobia to Benin to confirm the authenticity of her claims. On our way, we discovered that

the judge was making desperate phone calls to some people.

“When we found out that she was interrupting our investigations, a mobile phone was seized from her.

“We also discovered two more hidden under her clothes. When we got to Benin, Ajumogobia denied knowing the location of her land and properties. In frustration, we decided to lodge in a hotel for the night.

One of our operatives later found Ajumogobia making calls in the bathroom. We recovered an additional three phones from her.

“The next day on our way to Asaba, we recovered three more phones from her. Again, two phones were recovered

by our female operatives from her cloth.”

The EFCC operative further revealed that Ajumogobia told the Commission that it was only her brother Donald Ofili that knew where her properties were located.

“When we contacted Donald, he also denied knowing where his sister’s properties were located. He said he could not remember where the lands and properties are located.”

Lawal, is the 12th prosecution witness of the EFCC to testify against Justice OfiliAjumogobia in her ongoing trial.

The matter has been adjourned to January 26, 2018 for continuation of trial.

You have a case to answer, court tells Evans, others Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏA

Lagos High Court, Igbosere on Friday said that the Suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans has a case to answer on two separate charges filed against him by the Lagos state government.

Evans and his co-defendant, Victor Nonso Aduba, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of weapons.

Justice Taiwo held: “I have read the proof of evidence.

The court is the view that there is sufficient reason to proceed.

It is immaterial that the first defendant has indicated interest to withdraw his confessional statement. I find that this court has jurisdiction to try the charges. I find that the application is misconceived and lacks merit. This application is subsequently dismissed.”

The duo were accused of conspiring and kidnapping Sylvanus Ahanonu Hafia at about 5:30pm on June 23, 2014 at Kara Street, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. They allegedly captured and detained Hafia and demanded a $2million ransom.

The defendants were arraigned after two applications

by Evans counsel Olukoya Ogungbeje to quash the charge was dismissed by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

The first defendant, through Ogungbeje, had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, competence of the charge and the prosection’s alleged lack of fiat to prosecute the case.

But, dismissing his contention yesterday, the court ruled, among others, that the proof of evidence attached by the prosecution made out a prima facie case against Evans and Aduba.

L-R: Chief Executive Officers, Adann Fashion and Accessories, Uchechukwu Abiakam; Crown Wealth Stores, Adeola Rotinwa; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Akintunde Oyebode; Chief Executive Officers, Toke Cosmetics Enterprises, Akinbajo Olabisi and SAJA, Seyi Fakoya, during the courtesy visit of Oyebode to LSETF Beneficiaries’ Pavilion at the ongoing 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair, on Friday.

Made in Nigeria products world class – SON DG Bonny Amadi, Lagos

ÏÏÏThe Director General / CEO

of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mr. Aboloma A. Osita has said that some made in Nigerian products are world best and that Nigerians should not be afraid of its products and services.

Speaking at Consumer Rights Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Initiative (CRAAI) 2nd annual consumer summit held at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) conference centre Ikeja, Lagos, Osita who was represented by Victoria Tori-

yo of the stressed that Nigerian cable products are the best globally speaking.

He therefore urged Nigerians to patronise Nigerian products that have MANCAP certification, even as he urged consumers to obtain original receipt when making purchases as it would enable them to make legal complaints if the products they bought turned out to be counterfeited or of low quality.

In the same vein Barrister Babatunde Irukera, DG Consumer Protection Council (CPC) who was represented by Mr. Tam Tamono called on consumer advocacy groups, manufactur-

ers and others to act as effective whistle-blowers in the war against counterfeit food and beverage products.

He said this would enable the government agencies to be more effective and efficient in their drive to ensure enforcement of the rules and regulations of the federal government bothering on sub-standard goods and services.

According to him product counterfeiters are criminals, and only, effective collaboration between agencies, consumers and NGOS can ameliorate or eradicate their evil activities across the country.

He said the counterfeiting of

products are evil in several ways, adding that experiences show that counterfeiters use child labour, cheap materials, support terrorism, criminal economy, hurt legitimate businesses and what have you.Earlier in his statement, CRAAI chairman Moses Igbrude had welcomed the consumers present and praised SON, CPC and NAFDAC for their unrelenting efforts in the battle against substandard goods and services.

Award were given to Cadbury’s Hot chocolate, Malta Guinness Herbs, Trophy Beer ,Okomu’s Banga Red Palm Oil etc for their excellence and quality.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

15 Opinion

Magu’s scorecard of excellence

Segun Adeoye

“

We will continue to fight corruption, whether anybody likes it or not. We are convinced that it is the only way we can bring succour to this country.”

Passionate words of resolution and determination from Ibrahim Magu, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while addressing members of staff on a day that the agency chose to quietly, but emphatically mark its 14 years of championing the course of fighting corruption in Nigeria, April 10, 2017.

It was a pledge renewed only a few hours after the anti-graft agency uncovered $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 cash, stashed in a private residence located on Osborne Road, Ikoyi, a cosmopolitan city, nestled between the Mainland and Victoria Island, Lagos. The revelation sent the world into a frenzy of shock, disbelief and bewilderment.

The recovered funds, which are believed to be proceeds of illegal activities, were on June 6, 2017 ordered forfeited to the federal government by Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

“If you go to the United States or the United Kingdom, they are all awash with news about our efforts in the fight against corruption, particularly the Malabu Oil scandal,” he said. “So we are succeeding, and it is pertinent for us to forget about personal interest, and consider the overall interest of this country and the interest of the EFCC as an institution.”

Indeed, for the EFCC, it

has been a period of coming of age, with the 14-year-old agency, having effectively warmed itself into the hearts of Nigerians, and the international law enforcement agencies.

Slowly and steadily, the anti-graft agency has, undoubtedly, altered the narrative of criminal prosecution in Nigeria, and set a standard for law enforcement agencies, within and outside of the country. Perhaps, more importantly, is the fact that in the past two years, the EFCC has redefined law enforcement, and restored unflagging faith in the agency – Nigerians and foreigners, alike.

At an auspicious parley with media executives in Abuja, the EFCC boss, apprised the Nigerian public of what was generally adjudged a worthy and commendable score sheet. The session provided media editors from the print, online and broadcast media platforms, an opportunity to engage with the agency.

“Between January and August 30, 2017, the EFCC recovered N409,270,706,686.75; $69,501,156.67; £231,118.69; 610,816.20; Dirham 443,400.00 and 70,500.00 Saudi Riyal,” Magu revealed to a startled audience.

He further informed that: “In July, the Commission recovered over N329 billion from a group of oil marketers for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.”

More thrilling, perhaps, was the revelation by the agency that 137 convictions were recorded nationwide

by August of 2017, with the number set to increase by the end of the year. It was a marked increase and improvement from the 125 convictions recorded in 2016, and 103 secured in 2015.

That the onslaught will not wane, is no doubt a statement of fact, considering the number of high profile cases, being prosecuted by the EFCC in various courts across the country.

The agency has beamed its searchlight on hitherto no-go areas. Apart from the prosecution of alleged culprits of the Malabu Oil scandal, involving about $1.1 billion, with charges filed against Mohammed Adoke, a former Minister

‘

of Justice, and Dan Etete, a former Minister of Petroleum, the prosecution of actors and players in the now infamous $2.1 billion arms deal scandal has continued unhindered.

Several witnesses have testified in court against a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd); a former Chief of Air Staff, Umar Dikko ; a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (retd); former Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosu ; Air Vice Marshal Alkali Mawu (retd); and Col. Nicholas Ashinze, with investigation of several other top military officers fingered in the arms deal scandal still ongoing.

The trial of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), is also ongoing, though it has suffered a number of setbacks due to his absence in court (he has been in the custody of the Department of State Services).

“In the area of prosecution of cases in court, we are also making progress despite the antics of some persons accused of grand corruption to delay trial,” Magu said.

Indeed, progress is also being made in cases involving former governors and serving senators, who are alleged to have defrauded their states, including Joshua Dariye, Danjuma Goje, Sule Lamido, Murtala Nyako and his son Abdul-Aziz, Orji Uzor Kalu, Rasheed Ladoja, Ibrahim Shema, Ahmadu Fintiri, Gabriel Suswam, and Jolly Nyame.

The significance of the progress achieved, makes the “palace coup” of the Nigeria Senate, which has twice rejected the confirmation of Magu as substantive chairman of the EFCC, pale into insignificance.

Kayode Oladele, Chairman House of Reps Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, describes the non-confirmation saga as a very unfortunate development that portends danger for democracy.

“The non-confirmation shows lack of synergy and creates problems for our nascent democracy,” Oladele said. “It shows that some-

“What drives me is the passion to do what is right by ensuring that we fight corruption to a standstill in this country,

’

thing is not right.”

Oladele wonders how a National Assembly with legislative agenda that makes fight against corruption part of its own priority, under a presidency that makes zero tolerance for corruption its mantra, would decidedly posit itself to be opposing the efforts of the executive to achieve its goal.

“If now we see someone [in Magu], who can fight corruption, so is that not what we need?” Oladele asked. “So I see it as egocentrism,” he declared.

But for Magu, the actions of the Senators (many of whom have corruption cases hanging around their necks), is simply a propeller to do more.

“What drives me is the passion to do what is right by ensuring that we fight corruption to a standstill in this country,” Magu said.

“The non-confirmation only helps to strengthen my resolve to do more and ensure that we fight corruption to the end.”

More is also being done to sanitize the judiciary, the acclaimed last hope of the common man, as members of the bench and bar, found wanting, are made to account for their misdeeds.

The trial of a number of lawyers and judges has intensified and are at various stages across the country, including Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia, who is standing trial along with Godwin Obla, SAN, for bribery and corrupt enrichment; Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, a serving Federal High Court judge; Justice James Agbadu-Fishim, a serving National Industrial Court judge; Rickey Tarfa, SAN; and Joseph Nwobike, SAN. The allegations of fraud in the judiciary, has been a cause for concern in recent times, so much so that Itse Sagay, Professor of Law, and Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), called for urgent actions to be taken to “cleanse the judiciary”.

Expanding partnerships Canada’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christopher Thornley, recently expressed the resolve of the Canadian government, to partner with the EFCC, in order to better represent itself in the global fight against corruption, as part of its mission to expand the operations of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), by having a post in Nigeria.

The efforts of the EFCC have also caught the interest of the Chinese govern-

Magu ment. This much was made known by L.I. Xiaohong, Director at Vice-Minister Level of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Inspection Tours of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In two years, the EFCC has expanded its operational reach in the country, with the aim of reaching out to the grassroots, and to galvanize all segments of the society to own the anticorruption crusade. From six offices in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Gombe, and Port Harcourt; four new offices have been added – Ibadan, Kaduna, Edo, and Akwa Ibom, with a rejuvenated Maiduguri office whose activity was crippled due to insurgency.

There have also been various engagements with members of the Civil Society Organizations, Organized Labour, and stakeholders in the public and private sphere, all geared towards rallying the Nigerian citizenry to join in the fight against corruption.

At an anti-corruption walk, organized by the EFCC, on May 23, 2017 the agency rallied members of the civil society, and labour, as it took its anticorruption campaign to the streets.

“The EFCC alone cannot win the war, no one has the monopoly of knowledge on how the battle can be fought and won,” Magu said at the rally. “We must all come together and strike a common consensus on how to confront and defeat this monster called corruption.”

The message of part-

nership was further highlighted at parleys with the media, social media personalities and labour leaders, aimed at ensuring a united front in the fight against corruption.

“All Nigerians must play their roles, because EFCC can only do its best, but we must support the agency, and the law should take its course, policies should be strengthened, and punishment must be meted out in good time,” said Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, while commending the EFCC for remaining steadfast in the fight against corruption.

Dan Nwanyanwu, a lawyer and politician, urged “every right thinking Nigerian” to support every effort being carried out by the EFCC to recover our stolen money and our patrimony”.

On his part, Dr. Joe Abah, former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, also commended the EFCC for taking the gauntlet in the fight against corruption.

“EFCC is a strong institution and it is the same institution that has produced credible leaders from inception,” he said.

For Magu, the EFCC is determined not to rest on its oars, because, “we believe there is still a lot to be done”, even though, “we have reached a level where nobody can stop us in the fight against corruption.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

FEATURES

s

Sadiq Daba cries out over degenerating health condition By our correspondent In an industry where the term ‘veteran’ has been bastardized, one man that truly merits that title is actor, Sadiq Daba. Sadly, he is not having the best of times and enjoying the acclaim that a true veteran deserves.

Daba has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This is coming barely months after the actor was hospitalised for months due to leukemia.

When Sunday Scoop, an online site which put a call through to him during the week to find out how he was doing reports, the ageing actor responded: “Right now, I have a catheter inserted into my penis to ease the movement of urine. I have been in and out of hospitals for a while now. Next week, I also have to go for a biopsy to determine if I would need to do a major surgery. I have leukemia to battle with, then this prostate issue comes in. The pain is just too much for me,” he stated, explaining his journey so far.

“I have been receiving treatment at LASUTH and OAUTH and the doctors have been wonderful. I was told that one of the side effects of the surgery is that my testicles would have to be removed. That means I would be castrated and I don’t think I want that!

“The other option is that I would have to take injections that would cost N150,000 every two months, and I have to take it for about two years.

You can imagine what the total cost would be,” he added.

On whether members of the movie industry have been helpful to him, Daba said, “A few of my colleagues have been wonderful; they have tried to help as much as they can. The DGs of NTA, Censors Board, and the president of PMAN have also been of help. I can’t start carrying bowls and be going all about the place begging for money.

I believe I have paid my dues. For those who know about my situation and want to help, they are welcome.

Everything that I have to do is tied to money. There is no drug that is cheap,” he lamented.

Sodiq Daba

DPP vindicates man held for alleged murder in Lagos Joy Anyim For businessman, Dr. Nduka Mang, who had been dragged into a murder case, the recent advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is a clear indication of freedom from Police harassment and a major step in restoring his image in the eyes of the public.

Nduka had been accused of conspiring with one Abdul-Lateef Tanko to murder his sister, Miss Mabel Mang in her Victoria Garden home in Lekki Lagos on August 17th, 2016.

An initial investigation by detectives at the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) had led to the arrest of Tanko who confessed to have stabbed the deceased with a knife and carting away some valuables.

However, a sister to the deceased, Dr. Oyediya Mang who had upon hearing the news of her younger sister’s demise returned home petitioning the Police to re-open the

Late Miss Mabel Mang

case file saying the earlier investigation had been compromised. She had also fingered Nduka to have a hand in the murder of Mabel.

According to Nduka who spoke with our correspondent, “After the police had completed their investi-

gation and we were even making arrangement to burry Mabel, Oyediya who hadn’t been in the country for over 20 years suddenly returned and alleged I was the person behind our sister’s death.

“I was arrested by men from Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island on the directives of the DIG Dangala in charge of Department of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department. I was detained for 17 days and later transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja where I was given an outrageous bail condition.

“I was even asked to keep coming to Abuja every two weeks which I did for sometime before I was charged to court for murder. This was in spite of the report by the police that I was not directly or indirectly connected to the murder of Mabel.

“I really thank God for vindicating me through the DPP’s advice.”

The DPP advice signed by Shitta-

Bay for the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner forJustice Lagos State made available to our correspondent reads in part, “We have carefully studied the duplicate case file and it is our considered opinion based on the facts contained therein that there are insufficient facts to establish a Prima Facie case of ‘Conspiracy to commit Murder and Murder contrary to section 233, 223, of the criminal LA, Cap C17, Vol 3. of Lagos State, 2015 against Page B1 (James Aikhiobare) and Page B3 (Dr. Nduka Okafor Mang) “In this case, there is nothing in the case file that links or tends to link Dr. Nduka Okafor Mang to either Abdul-Lateef Tanko. Further investigation has revealed absolutely nothing either direct or compelling circumstantial evidence to link Dr. Nduka Mang to the alleged crime.”

The report further stated that Nduka had no case to answer and should be released if still in custody.

Crime

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

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19

Female tenants steal 6-month-old baby in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Female tenants whose identities are yet to be known in Alihiame Quarters of Agbor, Delta State have allegedly stolen a six-month old baby of their co-tenant and disappeared into the thin air.

It was reliably gathered that the incident which occurred on Thursday evening in the area, had built up palpable tension of fear of the unknown.

Police sources in Agbor said the landlord (names withheld) of the house, a retired civil servant, is being interrogated while they (police) had intensified search for the suspects and the baby.

Mother of the alleged stolen baby, Mrs. Elizabeth Igbinoba told journalists that the suspects barely moved into the house two weeks ago as she was yet to be acquainted with them very well before the

bubble burst.

She said: “They just moved into the same house with me, and they became friendly with my baby, and on the fateful day the suspects claimed they are from Kogi State, and they were in Agbor for a programme. One of them carried my baby, and demanded for a cooler that they want to go and buy food, they both went with my baby and did not return”.

Police Officers at Agbor Police Division, who did not want their names in the print, said that the suspects were on a mission as the bags they came with were discovered to be loaded with dirty clothes including parts with complementary cards of some highly placed persons, adding that they will do everything possible to fish them out.

Investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly hoodwinked their landlord that they were NYSC

members transferred to buttress their claims.

The suspects were alleged to have moved into the house with six months payment out of one year they were asked to pay.

However, intrigues surrounding the alleged stolen baby are currently being unraveled by the police in Agbor who confirmed that the landlord was being interrogated.

Meanwhile, the police attached to the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Nnebisi road Asaba branch, have arrested a robbery suspect in his attempt with his gang members to steal a parked car.

Eye witness said the robbery suspects had removed some belongings inside the car when the bubble burst.

Unfortunately, one of the suspects escaped with the items.

Speaking to journalists, the suspect who claimed to be Nnamdi, said: “We are from Oguta in Anam-

Police nab 16 suspected kidnappers, armed robbery gang The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 16 suspects for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in Sabo Wuse in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The suspects are: Abdulkareem Isah, 48, gang leader, Ahmed Musa, Muhammadu Mustapha, 25, Abdullahi Mohammed, Abdulmalik Sadiq, Ahmed Suleiman and Yakubu Sulieman.

Others are: Yunusa Mohammed, 40, Ahmadu Musa, 23, Bashir Yero, 30, Tanko Isah, 40, Usman Adamu, 42, Usman Ibrahim, 29, Usman Bawa, 75, Sani Ahmed, 37 and Alex Egor, 33.

The Force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Tafa on Thursday.

Moshood said that items recovered from the suspects are: Two AK 47 rifles, one locally made revolver pistol, Sub Machine Gun, three pump action guns and two Beretta pistol.

Others are: one air rifle, 85 rounds of 7.62, ammunition, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three live cartridges, six rounds of 380 auto, five AK 47 magazines, one fabricated master key, one Toyota muscle car, two Toyota Corolla cars, one box of fake dollar notes and one Tecno cell phone.

Moshood said that the suspects were arrested on November 6 after a sustained surveillance and raid of the criminals’ hideous by a combined police teams.

“All the suspects arrested confessed to the crime and admitted to the various roles they played in the commission of the crimes.

“They will be arraigned in court on completion of investi-

IGP Idris

gation and investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects at large, “he said.

He said that the InspectorGeneral of Police (I-G), Mr Ibrahim Idris, had directed the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the zones and commands to replicate same feat on the highways and major roads.

He said that they were also to beef up security in their areas of responsibility and ensure massive deployment of armed police personnel, patrol teams and undercover operatives to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots.

The spokesman assured that the police would sustain the ongoing raids on criminal hideouts across the country.

He said that Idris commended residents of towns and

villages along Abuja – Kaduna highway for the support and assistance by always giving prompt information to the police on people suspected to be involved in criminal activities.

“The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to reduce crimes and criminal activities in the country remains unwavering, “he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Force had on July 25 commenced ‘Operation Absolute Sanity’ on Abuja-Kaduna Highway to check incessant cases of kidnappings and armed robbery.

NAN also reports that the operations were to complement the ongoing Joint Police/ Military operations on ground before now.

On July 31 and Aug. 3, the police also arrested 31 and 40 suspects at Katari and Rijana areas respectively, along the Kaduna-Abuja road.

Gov. Okowa

bra State, I don’t have the number of my colleague who escaped, and we are hungry forgive us”.

The suspect was later handed over to the police at the “A” Division where he is being currently detained for further investigation.

Also, armed robbers numbering over five on Thursday evening attacked a popular petrol station in Achalla-Ibusa and allegedly carted

away an undisclosed amount of money after disarming the attendants at gun point.

The armed hoodlums, reports said, drove into the petrol station with a Toyota Car without registration number.

But the Police Image Maker in the state, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the robbery incident, said the police were on the trail of the armed hoodlums, and no stone will be left un-turned to fish them out.

In another development, armed hoodlums have allegedly robbed a lady handset around Ezenei area of Asaba in the early hours of yesterday.

Eye witness said the lady had gone to Onitsha to buy goods and on her way back she met the armed robbers who allegedly blocked her car, and ordered her to surrender her GSM handset including cash of N20, 000 before they disappeared into the thin air.

Court dissolves 7-yr-old marriage, docks Romeo pastor for daring court A Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan on Friday dissolved seven-year-old marriage between Omolara and her husband, Abiodun Ojeyemi, for adulterous lifestyle.

Omolara had petitioned the court to dissolve the union over alleged threat to her life.

The President of the court, Chief Ademola Odunade, held that the society was fast undergoing an unprecedented decay in morality, especially how adultery was ruining marriages.

“It is so tragic that a man can deliberately impregnate a housewife with children.

“It has never happened in the history of this court that a concubine will accompany his mistress to the court with the intention of daring us, saying nothing will happen.

“In the interest of peaceful living, the union between Omolara and Abiodun has ceased to be, henceforth.

“Abiodun shall take custody of the two children produced by the union,” he said.

Narrating his ordeal, Abiodun, a staff of Nigeria Breweres, said that Omolara, his wife, was an unrepentant adulterous woman in spite of his genuine love for her.

“My lord, ever since I got married to Omolara seven years ago, little did I know that she had been occupied with all sorts of escapades in the name of going to church vigil.

“What I know is that she usually tell me that she was going for church vigil and I never had any reason to suspect her because I trusted her.

“However, around June this year, Omolara started starving me of usual sexual intercourse between husband and wife.

“Before I eventually knew the truth, Omolara had told me that her concubine was her uncle and I was relating with him well as an in-law.

“One day, I got home and discovered that she had packed all the property away, including mine.

“In fact, I have never failed to per-

form my responsibility as a husband to her and as a father to our children.

“It was wrong for Omolara to hide under any stupid disguise to be neck deep in adultery.

“Omolara’s concubine is a priest at a Celestial Church, Emmanuel Parish, Elewiodo-Ojo, Ibadan,” Abiodun, the respondent in the case, said.

Testifying in the matter, Omolara’s father confessed that Abiodun was a complete gentle son in-law whom he liked so much.

He said that he usually rendered Abiodun and Omolara monetary assistance anytime they were in need.

“I know that Abiodun has a great future ahead of him and I used to tell Omolara, my daughter, to keep calm.

“If there was any problem, Abiodun never hesitated to inform me.

“I never gave any wife to that naughty concubine and I know that he only wants to cause disaster to the happy relationship between my daughter and Abiodun,” Omolara’s father said.

Omolara’s mother also added that her daughter and her concubine had been expelled from the church after hearing that she got pregnant for a concubine.

Corroborating Omolara father’s testimony, all others who gave evidence, confirmed that Omolara was deeply into extra-marital affairs even with some other men.

Abiodun’s younger brother told the court that he had at various times caught her in different hotels with different men on adulterous mission.

However, Omolara, who was the petitioner, had earlier informed the court that she was no longer interested in continuing in the marriage over alleged threat to her life with scissors attack and irresponsibility

by Abiodun.

She argued that Abiodun impregnated her shortly before she moved away from his home.

“My lord, I can no more endure hunger and lack of care in Abiodun’s home.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

20 Foreign News

Poland citizens to ‘breed Miss Bumbum 2017 contestants like rabbits’ to counter dress in meat bikinis falling birth rate Bonny Amadi with agency reports

ÏÏÏ The country of Poland has urged its citizens guide against negative impact of dwindling population and strive to raise larger family sizes.

The move, according to agency report is the new approach taken by the core catholic country in tackling shrinking population.

In the report made popular by agency reports, the Polish government encouraged citizens to go forth and multiply like rabbits.

The health ministry of Poland, which has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, has put out a short video praising rabbits for producing many offspring.

The YouTube video shows rabbits munching on lettuce and carrots while a rabbit “narrator” reveals the secret of their big families — exercise, a healthy diet and little stress. The brief appearance of a human couple enjoying a romantic picnic hints that a little

Polish president Andrzej Duda romance might help, and a wine glass turned upside down suggested an anti-alcohol message.

The Rabbit centered program viewers were told: “If you ever want to be a parent, follow the example of rabbits.”

It is the latest step by the conservative government in this mostly Catholic country of 38 million to reverse a shrinking population.

ÏÏÏ In a dress manner that could be interpreted in different ways, irrespective of the explanation given by the models, contestants at a beauty pageant in Brazil recently wore “beef bikinis” to protest against sexual assault and harassment.

The costumes said that they were inspired by the “meat dress” - an outfit made entirely of raw meat - worn by Lady Gaga at the MTV Music Video Awards in 2010.

Agency report revealed that five models in the Miss Bumbum competition which took place in San Pablo Brazil, in the course of the show, posed in the meat sewn outfits to show solidarity with victims of assault, amid the ongoing harassment scandal in Hollywood.

The women were reported to have worn about 50kg of beef steaks to make a statement about being treated as “pieces of meat” in the entertainment and model-

ling industries.

According to Independent U.K, one contestant told Brazilian media outlets: “We are not just a piece of meat. We are blamed for being too sexy. And with Hollywood actresses, what was the excuse?”

The costumes said that they were inspired by the “meat dress” - an outfit made entirely of raw meat - worn by Lady Gaga at the

MTV Music Video Awards in 2010.

The 2017 edition of Miss Bumbum contest, an annual pageant featured 27 contestants from across Brazil, took place in San Pablo this week.

Last year, contestants caused outrage when they posed in bikinis to recreate Christ and his disciples in their version of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Miss bumbum beauty queens wearing meat- ikinis

Gambia’s President powers gender balancing, swears in female VP Aggressive’ dog foils park rapist attack on owner ÏÏÏ

Gambian president, Adama Barrow have intensified discussion on gender balancing and equality with his recent appointment of a woman Vice president and her subsequent swearing into office on Friday 10th November.

President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, officially appointed Fatoumata JallowTambajang as his vice-president. The president made the announcement via his Twitter handle on Thursday, 9th, November 2017.

Africanews report revealed that the Gambian president, named her his vice in January

this year after beating longserving Yahya Jammeh in elections last December. The appointment was, however, mired in controversy as the nominee was said to have exceeded the age limit to hold the office.

Local media reports indicate that the necessary legal rectifications were done in order to properly allow her to occupy the post. The president described her as ‘a woman with wealth of experience highly required for rebuilding the New Gambia.’

Photos from the presidency showed Barrow handing her a legal document after which she is seen appending her signature to a register.

ÏÏÏ

The need to have a companion all the time manifested recently in Winnersh Berkshire, a large, suburban village and civil parish in the borough of Wokingham in Berkshire, England, as a dog obstructed rapist attempt on its owner.

Agency report said that Police is currently hunting for the attempted rapist who on Thursday, fled after pulling the dog owner, the woman to the ground and trying to undress her for the action to begin.

The would-be rapist was however frightened off by the aggressive dog following attempts to rip of the body of the attacker who

held the owner down at the park tried to attack its owner in a park, the suspected rapist had to flee for his dear life as the dog charged to eat him up.

According to the report, the Investigators said the 36-yearold victim was walking her dog through the park when she was grabbed from behind by the suspected rapist.

The Independent U.K report quoted the spokesperson for Thames Valley Police, that “the attacker pulled the victim to the ground and attempted to remove her clothes,” “However, the victim’s dog be-

came aggressive towards him and he then fled the scene.”

Officers said the woman was left severely distressed in the incident shortly before 6pm on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Stone said: “This was a very distressing and traumatic experience for the victim and she is being supported by specially trained officers at this time.

“I understand that people in the area will be very concerned about this incident, but I would like to reassure them that we have begun a full and thorough investigation.

Indian gang raped survivor teenager gets justice at last ÏÏÏ

A gang raped teenager whose report to the police in BHOPAL India was treated with levity by the police turned the case against her as having consensual sex with the four rapist, now has

India bhopal gang -rape-accused

…As jury discards earlier consensual sex’ report

justice, as her allegation has been justified.

Amid condemnation by the opposition congress, state minister Sharad Jain conceded that the

use of the word “consensual” in a gang-rape report was dreadful just on the basis of “humanity”.

“Nobody will be spared if guilty ... On the basis of humanity we can’t act without proper knowledge,” he was reported to have said.

Bhopal is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of Bhopal district and Bhopal division. The consensual sex earlier report has now been discarded and replaced with a rape case.

According to the latest re-

port,” a 19-year-old woman who was tied up and gang-raped last week in Bhopal “had consensual sex with two of the accused” says a medical report now binned as a “mistake by a junior doctor”.

According to NDTV report, the report was prepared by a junior doctor and they rectified the error immediately,” said Karan Peepre, the Superintendent of the government-run Sultania hospital.

The report revealed that the teen, studying for the Indian Police Service (IPS), was assaulted on October 31 near the Habibganj

Railway Station, in the busiest part of the Madhya Pradesh capital, by four men who kept taking tea and gutka (tobacco) breaks.

She was grabbed as she headed to the station to take a train home after coaching classes. Ten police officers were suspended and three transferred for an 11-hour delay in her complaint being filed; one officer had dismissed her account as a “filmy story”.

The woman and her parents - both in the police forces and stationed in another city - later spotted two of the rapists and dragged them to the police station, after which the police acted.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

MRS ANYANWU NKECHINYERE CHINEYERE

ONYIAH ANDY EMEKA

ANI EUCHARIA JANE AMAKA

I, formerly known and addressed MISS EKEZIE NKECHINYERE STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANYANWU NKECHINYERE CHINEYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed ONYIAH EMEKA, NNEKA , now wish to be known and addressed as ONYIAH ANDY EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

EDEH CYNTHIA CHIZOBA

ABEL UZOCHUKWU NDUBISI

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OKEKE IFEOMA NWANNEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as ABEL UZOCHUKWU PETER, now wish to be known and addressed as ABEL UZOCHUKWU NDUBISI. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

CHINWUBA PAUL AKONABU

21 Public Notice

I, formerly known and addressed ANI EUCHARIA NDIDIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ANI EUCHARIA JANE AMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS OBASI MARYPAULINE NNENNA

MRS DIALA BENITA EBERE

MRS ONWUSAKA CHINWENDU NORA

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EZEAGBA NKECHI GERTRUDE

CHIOMA PAUL EYISI

EZEOZUE CHRISTIANA ADAOBI

AKPOTUZOR OMAMOEZI MARK

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NWEKE NWABUNWANNE RAPHEAL

MRS EMEKA-UWALAKA ESTHER E.

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OHAEKENYEM CHISOM MARY CHRISTABEL

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MRS OKONKWO ANULIKA JOY

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EDIGBO JOHN OKANGA

EJIOGU LIVINUS IKEACHODO

ODOKUMA EGUONO SARAH

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CHRISTIAN IDEMUDIA AGBONIFO

EMMANUEL CHIJIOKE OKORO

SANUSI MODINAT AYOKA

OKAFOR FREEMAN CHUKWUBIKEM

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CONFIRMATION OF NAMES/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

EMMANUEL PRINCEWILL ABUMCHUKWU CHARLES

In some of my documents (BVN) my name appears as BOLUWAJI SAMUEL While in other ones (Voter’s Card) it appears as BOLUWAJI BABATUNDE .The names refer to the same person. I was born on 08/07/1965 not YETUNDE ADEYINKA WRIGHT I formerly known and addressed as YETUNDE ADEYINKA ADEBIYI now wish to be known and addressed as YETUNDE ADEYINKA WRIGHT . All former documents remain valid.

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ADEBISI ADESOLA JULIANA

I formerly known as ANIEBO CHINWIKE CHARLES and ANIEBO CHARLES EMMANUEL wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL PRINCEWILL ABUMCHUKWU CHARLES .

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OYEBAMIJI ESTHER LARA

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This is to confirm and certify that I, OYEBAMIJI ESTHER JEMILATU is one and same person bearing OYEBAMIJI ESTHER and OYEBAMIJI ESTHER LARA. All former documents bearing both names remain valid. General public take note.

IKEUNOBE FREDRICK PATRICK

AKINBOBOLA JUMOKE VICTORIA

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IKECHUKWU ODUH

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OMOBOLANLE OMOWUNMI AREWA

ADESOLA EMMANUEL IDOWU

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CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL TABERNACLE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named 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. OKODUWA EHI ENOCH 2. ELIMILEONMEN SAIBU MATTEW 3. EDOMWONYI ARUNDE FRED. OBJECTIVES : 1. To preach the word of God Almighty.

2. To go for Evangelism and mission.

3. To preach and promote love,preach unity to our nation and world.

4. To organise prayer network for people.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420 Tigirs crescent, off Aguyi ironsi street, Maitama, pmb,198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

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ONYEKAMMA DORATHY CHINWE

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MRS UZOHO CHIBUZO STELLA

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MRS NWOJI PEACE ADAMMA

MRS NWARANOROH AMARACHI RUTH

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SPACE FOR SALE

SPACE FOR SALE SPACE FOR SALE

ÏÏ

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

IGP urges police officers to employ modern trend of policing Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏ

The changing sophistication trends in crime has assumes on daily basis calls for Police officers to employ modern ways of combating these trends, says the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

The IGP stated this Friday at the Police Staff College in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, on the occasion of the Graduation of 48 Assistant Commissioners of Police on Strategic Leadership and Command Course.

He said: “In recent times, criminals and criminal acts continue to assume sophistication, thereby necessitating Law Enforcement officers to be abreast with

modern trends of Policing in a continuously evolving society”.

Represented by the Commandant of the Staff College, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Dorothy Gimba, the IGP said that the force is faced with the challenges to wit Terrorism, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Militancy, Herdsmen/Farmers Clash that has taken a toll in the country.

“The threats we face today as a nation are enormous and will require total commitment from us to handle them: Nigerians expect us to protect the country from terror attacks, kidnapping and at the same time protect our communities from crime; it is of course our constitutional mandate and we must accomplish these

tasks”.

Mr Idris also explained that the Nigeria Police has therefore emplaced various platforms for interactions, sensitization aimed at engaging the cooperation of its citizens to further reduce crimes.

On her part, the College Commandant, AIG Dorothy Gimba, stated that the success of the Force to a large extent will be measured on how well its resources are managed, saying that the 48 graduands should play significant role in the implementation of most of the policies of the Force, she said.

Our correspondent reports that the Police Staff College has the mandate to train and retrain officers of the Force.

L-R: Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command (NTC), Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo; Executive Secretary, Joint Tax Board, Mr. Oseni Elamah and Coordinating Director, Support Service Group, Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), Mr. Peter Hena, during the a visit to NTC in Abuja… on Thursday.

Plateau community petitions UN over genocide Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏ

A group under the aegis of Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) in Plateau State, has petition the United Nation and Africa Commission of Human and Pupils Rights to intervene in the killing of its members and other indigenes of Plateau State by suspected Fulani herdsmen before they are all wiped out.

In a press statement signed by the General Secretary of the group, Davou Choji Davou, after the ambushed and killing of nine youths in Diyan village in Riyom Local Government Area of the State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, while returning from Makera market, Davou said: “The Berom nation have been abandoned to their fate as if they do not qualify to be protected under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is why we are now constrained to call on the United Nations, the Af-

rican Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ECOWAS Commission and all other international bodies that promote and defend freedom, liberties, rights and identities of indigenous and autochthonous people to treat the case of the Berom people in Plateau as a typical case of genocide and systematic ethnic cleansing.

“BECO on its part has continued to voice out document and report the prosecution of this agenda to the National Security Adviser’s Office, the Governor and all other security outfits right up to the highest level of government, in hope that the perpetrators of these crimes will be ‘fished’ out and brought to justice.

“Sadly, this has remained just a wish as no concrete action has been taken or result witnessed: to make matters worse, BECO has not received any acknowledgement for any of its numerous complaints and correspondences.”

The statement said it is clear to BECO

that the enemies of peace are bent on continuing their massacre of Berom with the hope to displace and dispossess them of their God-given land.

“We therefore conclude that silence on the part of security agencies and government is a tacit endorsement of the bloody massacres and heinous crimes visited on the Berom and on some of our neighbouring communities? more so, these ugly events continue to occur with no government sending in relief and support, neither do they make condolence visits, particularly in these very difficult times.

“We conclude that silence on the part of security agencies and government is a tacit endorsement of the bloody massacres and heinous crimes visited on the Berom and on some of our neighbouring communities; these ugly events continue to occur with no government sending in relief and support, neither do they make condolence visits, particularly in these very difficult times.”

CRUTECH students lock-out VC, others over proposed ASUU strike

By Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏ

The students of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) numbering over two thousands prevented the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh, management staff, and lecturers from leaving the campus of the university along Ekpo Abasi junction.

The investigations carried out by The Daily Times revealed that students aim was to prevent Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) CRUTECH chapter from embarking on a proposed strike action. For over six hours, the students our findings revealed have their ways as they prevented the VC and other lecturers from going out while others were also stopped from coming into the campus.

The university that has only one official gate experienced tensed situation and the students sang all kinds of solidarity songs and beat several drums and danced in jubilation. However, the gate of the University was left opened at about six pm and the Vice Chancellor and others were allowed to go. There was no crisis.

Disappointingly, the ASUU in a bulletin no 1 announced

indefinite strike action and said the union has forfeited certain entitlements, resulting to some huge debts, hindering the varsity progress. “It is on record, that ASUU CRUTECH has done everything within her power, including forfeiture of some entitlements, amounting to huge sums of money, in order to ensure that CRUTECH survives for the benefits of our students and the state.

“Finally, it has become imperative that we meet with the Visitor, and discuss CRUTECH, to avert its impending collapse.” the bulletin reads. In search of solutions to the lingering issues militating against progressive academic activities, ASUU CRUTECH Expanded Executive Council met with CRUTECH Management on August 26, 2016. Far reaching resolutions were made and signed by both parties.

“To strengthen the resolutions and other issues raised, a visitation team sent by ASUU NEC to CRUTECH met with the Governing Council and Management of CRUTECH on September 23, 2016. The Governing Council promised to implement the resolutions, with deadlines provided. Regrettably, deadlines have long lapsed and key aspects of the resolutions are not met.

Youths protest non-inclusion in N-Power scheme in Delta

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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Aggrieved youths in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have faulted the ongoing N-Power artisan scheme verification exercise over their alleged non-inclusion on the list of beneficiaries in the area.

Reports said that the protesters in the early hours of yesterday accused the stakeholders of allegedly scheming them out of the programme.

The N-power scheme, expectedly, is being organized by officers of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and desk officers of the N-Power Scheme which started November 2017 in some local government areas of the state but allegedly started in Warri North council with only two beneficiaries shortlisted for verification in the entire council area.

Spokesperson for the angry youths, and the secretary of Koko Community Management Authority, Mr. David Atie alleged that the two beneficiaries were not indigenes of the Local

Government Council saying that the way youths were deliberately left out of the exercise had been unfair.

He noted that the alleged politicization of the N-power Scheme had denied many youths the opportunity of benefiting from the present administration nationally.

Mr. Atie told journalists that their grievances would be channeled to the appropriate authorities concerned in order to forestall any repeated occurrence in the future.

However, efforts made to get comments from officials of Warri North Local Government Council was not successful.

But the Chief Orientation and Mobilization Officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Esther Madamedon, the Desk Officer, N-Power, Mrs. Belinda Edema said the exercise in the council area had been successful and lauded the federal government for the scheme, and however regretted the abysmal low turnout as a result of poor sensitization of the N-Power scheme in the area.

News 23

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

PHED throws half of Calabar to darkness for a month

By Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏClose to a month after a House

wife and a student of Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH) were reported dead at no 14 Adak Uko street in Calabar, Calabar South and part of Calabar Municipal and Odukpani local government have remained in dark and without electricity supply for about a month now.

No reason for non-connection of the electricity to the aforementioned areas by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) of Nigeria. Economic, Social and Political activities in the area have been brought to standstill.

Investigations conducted by our correspondent revealed that following the throwing of the area into darkness, cult and cult related

Osinbajo pledges FG’s commitment to Lagos-Abidjan Highway realisation

activities including armed robbery and kidnapping strives in the state as a result of darkness and the people are leaving in fear of being victim of such attack or robbery.

The outage of electricity according to our findings also affected social, economic and political life of the people. Social gathering such as football, political party gathering, and night vigil can no longer take place in the early part of the Osinbajo evening.

The business men and women ÏÏÏVice President Yemi Osinbajo has that make their leaving from selling pledged the commitment of the Fedof foodstuff, restaurant operators, eral Government to the realisation of beer parlours closed down as they the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway complaint of no money to buy fuel development and its completion on to power their generator for those schedule. that have. Sadly, political gathering Osinbajo made the pledge in his keycould not hold as usual as politi- note address at the 9th Steering Comcians ended meetings abruptly for mittee Meeting for the Abidjan-Lagos fear of unexpected since there was Corridor Highway development on no electricity.

Friday in Abuja.

He said that the Federal Government was excited over the opportunities provided by the project to small businesses, adding that when completed, it would constitute the primary driver of economies of the sub-region.

According to him, the development of the corridor will hopefully set a stage for the formalization of the vast informal economies that exist in and around countries of the region.He said that the steering committee meeting was a testimony to the strong relationship existing among ECOWAS countries.

“We may live in different countries, speak different languages, spend different currencies but we share a common history, goals and aspirations.

“The development of the AbidjanLagos corridor is one of the flagship projects of the ECOWAS and we believe it will promote regional integra-

tion, trade, tourism and other forms of economic activities.

“There is no doubt that connecting West Africa by means of an efficient road network is one of the easiest and most direct ways of boosting local and international economies.” The vice president said the development of the corridor would also go a long way in resolving hindrances to cross border trading in West Africa.

Osinbajo commended the commitment of development partners including the African Development Bank, Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and other financial institutions to the realization of the project.

He urged members of the committee to also deliberate on ways to promote unity, peace, good neighbourliness, security and rule of law within ECOWAS and the African Union.

NISLT to flush out quacks from laboratories

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

L-: National Coordinator, Election Monitor, Mr. Abiodun Ajijola; Administrative Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission, FCT, Hajiya Salamatu Ibrahim and Coordinator, Enough Is Enough Nigeria, Ade Ogunsanya, during the presentation of the 2017 Anambra Governorship election Observation Research Guide in Abuja, on Friday.

Islamic clerics extoll virtues of late Shaykh Awelenje ÏÏÏEminent Islamic scholars across

the country gathered at the University of Ibadan recently to extol the virtue of a renowned Islamic scholar, Late Shaykh Ahmed Tijani Mustapha Awelenje popularly known as ‘Alfa Saki’.

The occasion was an international colloquium put together by the Tijani Awelenje Foundation in collaboration with Al-Manarah International Institute for Research in Islamic Civilization & Development and the De-

partment of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Delivering his goodwill at the colloquium, the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, (MUSWEN), Professor Dawud O.S. Noibi said the Ummah is pleased with the organisation of the colloquium because according to him it is expected to help the contemporary Nigerian society to learn from the wealth of Shaykh Awelenje’s teachings about unity.

“If alive today, he (Awelenje) would have given unrelenting support to the unity that MUSWEN is working tirelessly to achieve and so , would have strongly discouraged the kind of campaign of hate which a section

of the media and commentators in this part of the country currently indulge in against certain ethnic groups in the country.

“He probably would have drawn attention to Quran 49:11 & 13 where Allah warns against despising other racial or ethnic groups and against indulgence in tribal sectionalism often for religious reasons”, Noibi said.

He said there is no doubt the fact that a colloquium held in Awelenje’s honour will bring to limelight the great contribution of the Shaykh to the intellectual and social life of the Muslim community of the region in his time.

Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) says it will no longer allow organisations engage persons not registered to work in laboratories in the country.

Director-General and Registrar of NISLT, Yemi Gbadegesin, disclosed this on Friday in his remark at a conference organised by the institute held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with the theme “Economic diversification through science laboratory entrepreneurship dynamics”.

He said: “For emphasis, no organisation or employers are allowed to engage any person or persons not registered by the institute to practice in our laboratories.

“It is our statutory responsibility to check this unwholesome practice in the system. We will ensure that anyone not licensed to practice as laboratory scientists are kick out from our laboratories”, he said.

He lamented that one of the major problems of the institute is quackery among laboratory technologists.

He appealed to government for adequate and regular payment of welfare packages to laboratory workers.

Gbadegesin added that aim of the conference is to look for ways to proffer solutions in the area of science and technology especially in diversifying the economy and the development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has reiterated commitment of Federal Government to take science and technology to the next level in the country.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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EXTRATIME

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Frank Jumbo with Agency Report

sante Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong has disclosed he could leave the club ahead of next season should the club agree a fee with Nigerian outfit Enyimba FC. According to the 25-year-old right back, he is ready to test his wits abroad, hence playing for the two-time CAF Champions League winners will be a step in the right direction.

“I have been contacted by Enyimba of Nigeria over a possible move but at this stage

Kotoko captain Frimpong confirms Enyimba interest it is being negotiated at the management level and we will see how it goes,” Frimpong told Graphic Sports.

“It will be great to welcome a new challenge in my career and I believe moving to Nigeria won’t be a bad idea either, should everything move smoothly.”

Frimpong led the club to win the President’s Cup and the FA Cup title after dispatching arch rivals Hearts of Oak 3-1 in the grand final, and also played an instrumental role in the Black Stars B team that won the WAFU Africa Cup of Nations few months ago.

Frimpong

Iwobi

Why Iwobi chose Nigeria - Wenger

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rsenal coach Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alex Iwobi opted to represent the Super Eagles at senior international level because England were dragging their feet in their pursuit of his services. The Hale End Academy product turned out for England at U16, U17 and U18 level before committing his international future to his country of birth in 2015. ‘’He had the potential to play for England and for Nigeria. Today he looks very happy with Nigeria. When I speak to him, he’s had very positive experiences,’’ Wenger told Arsenal Player, according to arsenal.com. ‘’He brings his quality to Nigeria - he’s absolutely a creative player going forward. He’s very strong in small spaces and he’s starting to score goals as well. ‘’For a while it was open between England and Nigeria, and England didn’t really push for Alex during that period. Nigeria were more willing to have him. ‘’I’ve seen many times that sons of parents from Nigeria want to go back to their parents’ country.’’

Having made his international debut in a friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo in October 2015, Iwobi became cap-tied to Nigeria when he played the last eight minutes of an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in March 2016.

Faith Ikidi extends contract with Pitea IF

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eteran Nigeria defender Faith Ikidi has signed a two-year contract extension with Swedish outfit Pitea IF. The 30-year-old’s - who joined the LF Arena from rivals Linkoping in 2011 - contract was due to expire at the end of the season. However, Pitea announced that the Nigeria will now remain with Stellan Carlsson’s ladies until the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

Ikidi

Okpara

Ex Eagles defender Okpara dragged to court by wife

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Oshoala

Oshoala bags top female scorer award in China

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igeria’s Super Falcons and Dalian Quanjian attacker Asisat Oshoala has been named the Chinese Women’s Super League ‘Best Striker of 2017 the season’.

This is after the 23-year-old scored 12 goals for Quanjian in her maiden season in the CWSL top tier since her surprise switch from Arsenal Women at the beginning of the campaign.

Oshoala’s exploits helped Quanjian to a league and cup double and her efforts did not go unrecognized as she walked away with the top scorer’s gong.

Interestingly, despite the tender the age of 23, the former Liverpool Women forward clinched her fifth and sixth career titles at the Asian capital.

These include the Nigeria Women Premier

League (NWPL) and two Nigerian Women’s Cup trophies all with Rivers Angles. With Arsenal, she won the FA Women’s Cup trophy in 2016.

Oshoala took to Instagram to show off her award whilst she also paid homage to her supporters.

PROUD MOMENT !! All GOLD everything!! 2017 Chinese women’s league award, BEST STRIKER OF THE SEASON (Top Scorer) .... Thanks to everyone for your support. I dedicate this award to my precious and loving sport mum, my sister and my best friend, whom has pushed and encouraged me throughout my season, thank you for everything @onosky5 , you are one of a kind. God bless and uplift you for me. #GoldenGirl #Buzzing #Alhamdulilah

ormer Nigerian central defender, Godwin Okpara is in the news again. This time, he has been dragged to court by his wife Lynda Oladoyinbo Okpara over ownership of property, which she said was acquired when the going was good with the family.

Campbell said the husband is currently denying her of the privilege of getting her share of properties and has dragged him before an Ikeja Magistrate Court court seeking justice for herself and her three living children.

She allegedly separated with the husband when she caught him sleeping with Tina Okpara, the girl she adopted but whose real names are Awawu Simoni. “Her father worked with one of my uncles.

When they fired him, I adopted her daughter and that was also when her mother died. There was nobody taking care of her and she had developed kwashiorkor and I decided to take her in.

“I finally caught Tina with my husband on my bed, my husband held me and she was able to run outside the house. I am okay with him dating girls outside, but not inside my matrimonial home. It was when I was arrested that I opened up. So I know that the girl had hepatitis B, because I did test before adopting the girl”, she told our reporter.

She got married to Godwin Okpara in December 31, 1992 and had four children together, Stephanie, 25, Shawn 22(now late), Sharon 18 and Sidney 17, all based in France.

Godwin Okpara had a good time playing then for the Super Eagles and the club side, PSG in France but issue of persistent wife battery and child trafficking soon led him out of football into jail.

He is now back home in Nigeria but he is allegedly withholding share of the property from his wife.

She also said the children; three of them in France have been abandoned by Godwin Opara. She practically wept reading the test of her children just asking her to send stipend to feed.

Besides, she said she was humiliated by her husband who hired thugs to assault her and even stripped her Unclad in her compound before onlookers. For this, she said it will be difficult for her to forgive Godwin Okpara whom she loves so much.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Ibukun chases double with Angolan team

P Joshua

Anthony Joshua taunts rivals on Twitter

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orld heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua goaded his rivals in a series of provocative Twitter posts on Thursday as he looks to line up his next fight.

Having successfully defended his IBF and WBA titles against Carlos Takam last month, Joshua has voiced a desire to unify the division.

He sent tweets to WBO champion Joseph Parker and WBC title-holder Deontay Wilder, as well as taunting fellow Briton Tyson Fury, who has not fought since November 2015 due to fitness and mental health issues.

Joshua, 28, sent New Zealand’s Parker a GIF of Kermit the Frog drinking tea, along with the message: “@ joeboxerparker Sips tea, continues to read tweets and refreshes email.. Still No Offer.”

He sent Wilder, known as the ‘Bronze Bomber’, a link to an 18-minute YouTube interview in which he spoke of his desire to fight the American, who has said he would be prepared to fight Joshua in Britain.

In an accompanying tweet, Joshua wrote: “A little word on the @BronzeBomber fight. Ready and waiting for the offer.”

His third and final tweet, sent to Fury, included a profanity-laced insult that called Fury “fat” said he needed to “get fit.”

Joshua complained on Wednesday that potential opponents were happy to talk up the possibility of fighting him without attempting to make a bout happen.

He said his promoter, Eddie Hearn, was flying to the United States to try to strike a deal to fight Wilder.

But Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, has claimed his fighter has an agreement to fight Joshua next.

rimeiro D’Agosto of Angola’s Nigerianborn playmaker Ibukun Akinfenwa will put team glory above personal honours as his team attempts to win the double when they file out against eternal rivals Petro Atletico Luanda in the final of the 36th edition of the Taça de Angola or the Angola Cup on Saturday at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, Luanda.

Ibukun, who’s the reigning Angolan league’s best foreign player is optimistic of annexing the Cup to cap an eventful season for himself.

“We have worked very hard to reach the final and we are not willing to let go now having come this far. It won’t be easy because we know Petro Atletico very well.

They have good players and are our direct rivals but we’ll give this our all and come out victorious,” he said.

Primeiro D’Agosto, which retained it’s league crown by pipping Petro to the Girabola title last weekend by a three-point margin be facing Petro Atletico for the third time this season. Ibukun had an extended time out on the sidelines with injury but is grateful to be able to bounce back in time to help Primeiro win an 11th league title.

He said: “The injury really affected my participation this season but I’m glad I came back fully fit. Now I want to repay the club’s faith in me by giving my all on Saturday. We are going for victory.” In the first meeting between both sides, they battled to a 0-0 goalless draw but Primeiro won the reverse fixture 1-0 as they cantered to a successful defence of their title.

To reach the final, Primeiro defeated Progress 3-2 aggregate in the semifinals, squeezed past Interclube 2-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals but required something of a miracle to overcome Academica Lobito 5-3 on aggregate, needing a 4-0 win away after losing 3-1 at home in the second round.

On their part, Atletico edged Bravo Maquis 1-0 over two legs in the semi-finals, defeated Rita de Cassia 3-2 aggregate in the quarter finals while they walked over second division side JGM in the Round of 16.

Agu returns to Turkey, talks about injury

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Zambia Keeper: We must forget loss to Nigeria and beat Cameroun

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Agu

uper Eagles midfielder Mikel Agu is back at on-loan Turkish club Bursaspor after a niggling knee injury ruled him out of Friday’s World Cup qualifiers against Algeria in Constantine as well as next week’s friendly international against Argentina.

Speaking exclusively to completesportsnigeria.com on Thursday evening, Agu also lifted the lid on the injury and revealed he’s seeing club doctors for evaluation.

“I left the Super Eagles camp in Morocco today (Thursday) and I’m now back home in Turkey. Actually, it was not as if I sustained a fresh injury. I had been feeling a bit of pain on my knee since the Super Eagles game against Zambia but it wasn’t anything serious because I kept playing for my club. Between the Zambia game and last weekend, I have played five games for my club

Ibukun

and didn’t feel too much pain. Now I’m back, I will see the doctor for evaluation but I hope to be back to action as soon as possible,” he said.

And despite not being a part of the squad, Mikel had kind wishes for the national team in the two games.

“We have qualified but we should round up on a high by getting a win against Algeria. It’s not impossible because we have the team to do just that and against Argentina, I’m sure the guys will give a good account of themselves. I wish the Super Eagles best of luck against Algeria and Argentina,” the FC Porto player rounded off.

Mikel has played in the last three Super Eagles World Cup qualifying games since making his debut against Togo in an international friendly last June.

hipolopolo of Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has urged his teammates to put their 1-0 defear to the Super Eagles of Nigeria behind them and play for pride and honour this weekend against Cameroon in their last 2018 FIFA World Cup African qualifying Group B match in Ndola.

Zambia and Cameroon meet in a dead-rubber matchday six clash on Saturday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The Super Eagles clinched the group’s sole ticket after their win against Zambia in Uyo on October 7.

Zambia occupy second spot on seven points, a point ahead of Cameroon with Algeria at the bottom with just a point from five games.

And for Mweene, it is important to move ahead and look ahead to the bigger picture “There are disappointments in life, but if it wasn’t meant to be, is not meant to be. As professional footballers, we will have a lot of disappointment but we have to forge ahead because that is not the only game,” Mweene told Cafonline.

“If we continue dwelling on that game (loss to Nigeria) we won’t come out of our shell and will always be disappointed.

“What is important is to look forward to this game on Saturday bearing in mind that it may not be important but as a player it is important to finish on a good note.

“It will be encouraging and it will bring positive energy as well considering the team is composed of young players who were playing in their first qualifiers and will be motivated to work extra hard.

“It will be encouraging not only for the younger guys

but for us seniors too. We have to show we respect our flag and nation,” the Mamelodi Sundowns goalie added.

The Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper added that this weekend’s match should serve as the platform for the new-look Zambia ahead of a busy schedule in early 2018 that begins with the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco in January for the homebased players in the team and thereafter, the resumption of the Total Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2019 qualifiers in March away to Namibia.

Kennedy

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Mourinho worried over City’s 8-point EPL lead

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ose Mourinho admitted after the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last Sunday he was “worried” about the eightpoint gap Manchester City have opened at the top of the table.

But not so worried, he said, as he would be if he was managing in Spain, Italy, Germany or France.

If Manchester United are going to chip away at City -that is certainly Mourinho’s hope -- the next two months are critical. By the time they line up against Newcastle at Old Trafford after the international break, their season will have comprised of 18 games in 100 days. After that, their next 16 games will be crammed into 59 days.

Between homes games against Newcastle on Nov. 18 and Stoke on Jan. 15, they

will play two games a week in all four competitions including 12 in the Premier League -- one more than they have faced in the first three months of the season.

Mourinho said in his news conference at Stamford Bridge he hoped his team would “be on a high,” during November, December and January.

And he will hope the relentlessness of English football during the winter months is something he can use to his advantage.

United managed the fixture congestion well last sea-

I will return to Madrid - Morata

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son. Between Dec. 8 and Jan. 10, they won nine straight games. It was part of a wider run of 17 games unbeaten from the start of November to the end of January.

During the same spell last season, City went on a run of seven wins from 15 games, including four Premier League defeats in December and January. City started last season with 10 straight wins, but averaged just 1.4 points per game during December and January. United averaged 2.3 points during the same period.

Pep Guardiola’s team have clearly improved since. They have won 15 of their 17 games so far this season, including impressive league victories over Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Morata

lvaro Morata will never close the door on a return to Real Madrid, but he wants to have a “great career” at Chelsea before departing.

Spain international striker Morata has made a strong start to life at Chelsea following a reported £70million move from Madrid, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists in 15 appearances in all competitions.

There was speculation about the 25-year-old’s long-term future when he revealed last month he was having difficulties adjusting to the “stress” of living in London, but he clarified his comments by saying he would be happy to remain at the club for 10 years.

However, a third stint at the Santiago Bernabeu is seemingly never out of the question for Morata.

“Of course, I would go back, after winning everything at Chelsea and having a great career there,” Morata told El Larguero.

“It is very difficult to say no for someone who is a Madridista. I don’t honestly think it will happen, but you never know.

“I do not even think about it because I’m very happy in London.”

Morata expressed gratitude to Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane for retaining him after the club exercised an option to bring him back from Juventus, but decided to move on after failing to establish himself in the Frenchman’s starting line-up.

“I appreciate a lot that he told me to stay after returning from Juve.

We won great titles in LaLiga and the Champions League,” he said.

“I played a lot of games but in the Champions League knockouts I got 10 minutes. I wanted to leave to be more important.

“The same as if next year goes badly, which I hope it doesn’t, and Chelsea sell me and I have to go to smaller teams.

Lampard: Don’t blame Mourinho if United fails title bid Mourinho

Mourinho

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ose Mourinho will not be to blame if Manchester United fail to win the Premier League, according to Chelsea great Frank Lampard.

Mourinho has faced criticism for his style this season, with United falling eight points behind runaway leaders and rivals Manchester City.

United (23 points) are back in the chasing pack, along with Tottenham (23), Chelsea (22), Liverpool (19) and Arsenal (19).

But Lampard – who won three Premier League titles at Chelsea, including two under Mourinho – said it would come down to the quality of players at his former manager’s disposal if United were unable to claim the crown.

“Mourinho is a manager that likes to win and he has a way of winning. It’s different to Pep Guardiola, different to Antonio Conte and that’s his way,” he told Omnisport, speaking thanks to Chelsea FC club partners Yokohama Tyres.

“If Manchester United don’t win the Premier League, for me it’s the quality of the players.

“Manchester City have a very strong squad this year, Chelsea still have a very strong squad and I think particularly the first XI, if everybody’s fit, Chelsea are very strong.

“When I look at Manchester United, they’re there around that area, but maybe the other teams can be stronger.

“I certainly don’t think it’ll be the manager, and I actually do think that Manchester United will be competitive towards the end of the season, so we’ll see.”

United have won just one of their past four league matches, having drawn with Liverpool (00) and lost to Chelsea (1-0).

O”Neill blames Ref Ovidiu for defeat

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orthern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill lambasted referee Ovidiu Hategan’s decision to award Switzerland a decisive penalty in their 1-0 World Cup play-off win at Windsor Park as “staggering” and “bewildering”.

Ricardo Rodriguez scored the only goal from the spot in Belfast to put Switzerland in the driving seat ahead of Sunday’s return in Basle.

The visitors dominated for long periods but the manner of their winner understandably irked O’Neill, with Corry Evans penalised for handball in the area even through Xherdan Shaqiri’s rasping volley appeared to strike him on

the back as the turned away from the shot.

“It’s staggering really to think that the referee can award a penalty in that situation. He’s five or six yards from the incident, it’s in his line of sight,” O’Neill told Sky Sports.

“The ball hits Corry more at the back of his shoulder than his arm.

It’s incredible.

“No one claimed for it. It’s bewildering in this day and age.”

O’Neill’s grievances with Hategan were not limited to the penalty call.

Switzerland centre-back Fabian Schar was only booked for a reckless early lunge on Stuart Dallas, who attempted to play on before finally hobbling out of the action after half-time.

“The opening tackle by Schar was a borderline red card. The referee didn’t do us any favours,” O’Neill said.

“We have to process it, we have to forget about it

Lampard

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Croatia defeat Greece in 1st world Cup play-off

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roatia put one foot toward a place in Russia next year with a 4-1 win over Greece in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying playoff on Thursday.

Luka Modric, Nikola Kalinic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric all scored in Zagreb, and Croatia will secure their World Cup place if they can hold on in the second leg in Greece on Sunday.

Real Madrid’s Modric opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis miscontrolled a backpass and brought down Kalinic, where he was fortunate to only see a yel-

Korea stun Colobia 2-1 in tense friendly

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on Heung-min netted a brace to give Shin Tae-yong his first victory as South Korea boss in a 2-1 friendly win over Colombia on Friday.

Cristian Zapata did head in a late consolation for the visitors, but it was not enough to overshadow Son’s star turn.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing through the legs of Zapata after he wriggled away from two defenders and debutant goalkeeper Leandro Castellanos.

Korea, who booked their place at the World Cup despite winning just four of 10 matches in the final stage of qualifying, tallied up eight shots to two by half-time and made their dominance count on the hour.

Castellanos this time allowed Son’s tame shot from the edge of the area to wriggle under his body, capping a forgettable first international appearance for the 33-yearold.

Zapata gave Colombia a lifeline when he headed in James Rodriguez’s free-kick in the 76th minute, but the home side held on to record their first win.

low card.

It was 2-0 in the 19th minute when Kalinic used his heel to turn in Ivan Strinic’s low cross.

Greece found a lifeline on the half-hour mark when Sokratis Papastathopoulos headed a corner back across goal, and Marcelo Brozovic could not keep it out despite getting a head to it on the line.

But just three minutes later Croatia restored their lead as Sime Vrsaljko found Perisic with a cross to the back post, and the Inter Milan winger headed home.

It was nearly worse for Greece as Karnezis pulled off a fine double save to deny Kramaric and Kalinic, but four minutes into the second half Kalinic took advantage of another defensive miscue to make it 4-1.

Konstantinos Stafylidis tried to chest Ivan Rakitic’s cross back to his keeper but left it short, and Kramaric pounced from close range.

Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic did well to deny Kostas Mitroglou with a diving save in the 90th minute, and Kyriakos Papadopoulos’ follow-up went through the six-yard box untouched, leaving Greece to overcome a threegoal deficit in the return leg.

Southgate blames Wenger for playing Wilshere out of position

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ngland manager Gareth Southgate believes Jack Wilshere is being played out of position at Arsenal.

Wilshere, 25, was left out of the England squad for upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil having played just 25 minutes in the Premier League.

The midfielder, who has been hampered by injuries throughout his career, has played more regularly in cup competitions.

However, Southgate questioned how the 34-time international was being used by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“Jack played as a number 10 all of last season on loan at Bournemouth,” Southgate said.

“That is not the way we are playing. When we have played with a 10, we have had Dele [Alli] and [Adam] Lallana, but we are not playing with a 10 tomorrow.

“I don’t think Jack is a 10. I think he is a deeper player, but he is not playing deeper. You’d have to ask Arsene why that was.

“But I want to be clear – I really like Jack Wilshere as a player.

I think he is a talent and I really respect him as an individual. And I’m hoping that we are in a position in March where we can pick him.”

Last season marked the first time since 2013-14 that Wilshere made at least 20 league appearances in a campaign as he played 27 games for Bournemouth.

West Ham’s Arnautovic blasts Neville over criticisms

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est Ham forward Marko Arnautovic has ridiculed Gary Neville’s ill-fated stint as Valencia head coach in response to criticism from the former Manchester United defender.

Arnautovic came under fire from Neville and fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher for his performance in the Hammers’ lacklustre 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion last month.

Neville, who was sacked from a brief stint in LaLiga last year, suggested the Austria international “thinks he is better than he is” and is deluded into believing he compares to Cristiano Ronaldo.

But 28-year-old Arnautovic, a club-record signing from Stoke City, says the ex-England international’s opinion carries little weight.

“I respect what Gary Neville achieved as a player. He was brilliant at Manchester United and hats off to him,” Arnautovic told Austrian broadcaster Laola1.

“But what did he do as a coach at Valencia? His job is to criticise, that is 90 per cent of his job.

“I am not saying Gary Neville is a nobody. He has accomplished a lot in his life, he is a legend.

“But as a coach? Let him stay on the TV.” Arnautovic also took aim at his online detractors and promised to prove the doubters wrong.

“Most of them have no work, probably no life and no idea,” he said.

“I respect the real fans and I understand them. They were all happy to have me come to West Ham because I had done very well at Stoke.

“But the fans only see what happens in the stadium, they do not see what you do at training and in private.

“I know how strong I am mentally, how I work on myself. I have lost nothing and I’m not in crisis.

West Ham can count on me 100 per cent.”

Brazil cruise over Japan 3-1

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stunning strike from Marcelo was the highlight of Brazil’s comfortable 3-1 victory over Japan at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Friday.

The Real Madrid left-back lashed a sensational effort from just outside the box into the top-left corner with his weaker right foot as Tite’s side made it backto-back triumphs having finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with one win in three.

It was Neymar who opened the scoring in Lille, though, converting a penalty after referee Benoit Bastien made use of the VAR system. However, he failed to double his tally when Eiji Kawashima saved his second spot-kick of the match.

Marcelo ensured the Japan goalkeeper’s celebrations were short-lived with a thumping strike, before Gabriel Jesus continued the strong start to his burgeoning international career with his eighth goal in 12 caps.

Maya Yoshida hit the woodwork before Jesus struck, but Japan - who left out star trio Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki - pulled one back when Tomoaki Makino headed past substitute keeper and debutant Cassio.

There was to be no comeback, though, as Tite’s men saw out the victory in routine fashion and now face a trip to Wembley to test themselves against England on Tuesday.

After Giuliano and Jesus made early breaks into the box, Brazil were awarded a penalty by referee Bastien following a VAR review.

Replays showed Yoshida hauling Fernandinho down in the box and Neymar took full advantage, sliding the ball into the bottom-right corner after a stuttering run-up sent Kawashima the wrong way.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

EXTRATIME

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By Frank Jumbo

MMA: “Rampage” Jackson signs multi-fight deal with Bellator

RUGBY: Fiji beats Italy, reaches World Cup quarters

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iji have advanced to the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals however their 38-10 win over Italy has been overshadowed by an ugly incident after Jarryd Hayne was sin-binned.

Hayne and Joe Tramontana were marched from the field for 10 minutes late in Friday night’s first half after an all-in scuffle in which the Italian dummy-half threw a punch at Suliasi Vunivalu.

As Hayne and Tramontana walked up the GIO Stadium tunnel, Tramontana had to be restrained by an Italian staff member after seemingly taking offence to something said by Hayne.

Despite the tournament not imposing an automatic sin-bin rule for punching - which is enforced in the NRL - referee Robert Hicks had no hesitation in sin-binning Tramontana.

He was one of three players sin-binned in what was a diabolical first half, as the Bati finished top of pool D and will meet the loser of Saturday’s New Zealand-Tonga clash in the quarter-finals.

Fiji winger Vunivalu scored three times in eight minutes - to extend his tournament tally to eight - to take the game out of Italy’s hands midway through the second half.

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ellator has today announced that it has reached a multi-fight deal with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (37-12), exclusively securing the talents of one of the most well-known and fan-favorite competitors in MMA history. This multi-fight deal was the result of a lengthy negotiation with Jackson’s manager Tiki Ghosn from Arsenal Sports Agency, and it promises to deliver to the Bellator fans more of the signature MMA action “Rampage” is known for.

“Rampage” is expected to return to the Bellator cage in early 2018.

Fighting out of Irvine, Calif., “Rampage” has made five appearances with Bellator, accruing an impressive mark of 4-1. His legendary career has seen him compete against some of the top names in the sport, generating a loyal army of fans along the way due to his exciting fighting style and unique personality. The former PRIDE star and UFC champion is the proud owner of epic highlight-reel slams and knockouts earned throughout his epic battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, “King Mo,” Kevin Randleman and, perhaps most-notably, his trilogy with fellow Bellator athlete Wanderlei Silva.

The Memphis, Tenn.-native was also a coach on one of the most memorable and successful seasons of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike in 2010. Coaching opposite Rashad Evans, the season featured multiple future Bellator stars, including Matt Mitrione, Roy Nelson and the late Kimbo Slice.

“I am excited for this new beginning and looking forward to an action packed 2018,” Jackson said. “I can’t wait to get back in the cage and put on exciting fights for both the ‘Rampage’ and Bellator fans.”

“With ‘Rampage’ Jackson, you know what you’re going to get every time he steps inside the Bellator cage – an exciting fight and interest from fans all over the world,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “I knew that keeping ‘Rampage’ with Bellator was integral to our continued growth as a promotion and I’m pleased that we were able to come to an agreement that allows us to plan some great future matchups for him.”

Formula 1: Alonso decries “very bad” season

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Williams

TENNIS: Serena Williams returns to training

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Jackson

t seems like Serena Williams has started her preprations to defend her Australian Open title in 2018.

The former world no. 1, who gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September will soon be seen hitting the practice courts soon again.

‘Serena is already training in the gym to regain form slightly,’ Williams’ physical therapist, Ruben Mateu, told DPA. ‘She is always motivated, but even more so now. If she returns, it is because she wants to win.’ Mateu, who has been a part of Serena’s team for a year now, will soon reach Florida to help Serena to be back in her best shape.

He is confident that it will happen.

‘When someone’s muscles are so well-developed, it is easier for them to recover because muscles have a memory. It is easier to achieve results with that kind of person,’ added Mateu.

‘The capacity for recovery will be faster for Serena than for any other sportswoman at her level.’

Alonso

ernando Alonso has described McLaren’s 2017 Formula 1 season as “very bad”, saying the lowly results and frequent mechanical failures far overshadowed any of the campaign’s positives.

McLaren has endured a disappointing third F1 season in partnership with Honda, suffering a lack of power, reliability and results that leave it languishing ninth in the constructors’ championship with two races to go.

Successful aerodynamic development of its 2017 chassis has left McLaren feeling it is close to matching Red Bull on certain circuits and “giggling” with excitement about its prospects for 2018 on the back of a switch to customer Renault engines.

Alonso claimed McLaren now has the best car on the grid, after posting the fifth fastest time in Q1 at the last race in Mexico, but speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, the double world champion said this progress does not disguise a terrible campaign for the team.

“I think it was very bad,” Alonso said, when asked for his assessment of the season so far. “It was not a good season, despite the progress that is noticeable we did with the car, and despite the optimism for next year.

“I think we all believe inside the team it will be a fantastic 2018 season – we have a better mood now in the team. “[But] I think if we look back and we launch the car in McLaren in February - new regulations, four months to work on the engine, to power a little bit what we had in 2016, the hopes for this season were much different, from myself and from the team.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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EXTRATIME

SPECIAL FEATURE

ibiana Steinhaus had pictured the moment many times before. Walking out onto the pitch as a Bundesliga referee, the eyes of 50,000 fans and the glare of the world’s media trained on her.

Now it was happening for real. On September 10, 2017, Steinhaus made history in Germany by becoming the first female to officiate a top-level league match.

The setting was iconic too -- Berlin’s 74,000-capacity Olympiastadion has hosted Olympic Games, World Cup matches and a Champions League final.

“It actually gives me goosebumps now as I’m thinking back to it,” Steinhaus says, running her hand up her forearm.

“When we actually walked out there in Berlin in this Olympic Stadium -- which is pretty impressive -- and the noise and the atmosphere ... it was just a wonderful moment.

“A moment that we all worked for such a long time and it’s just beautiful that we Media scrutiny The 38-year-old first received the news via email three days before her match between Hertha Berlin and Werder Bremen was due to take place, as is customary with Bundesliga refereeing appointments.

Hearing Steinhaus talk about that moment, you get a real sense of just how much pride it still gives her.

Her smile is wide and beaming and her gestures become increasingly animated as she describes the emotions of the ensuing few hours as a “rollercoaster.”

But before long, however, it was back to business as usual.

“We took a deep breath as a refereeing team,” she recalls. “And, from that moment on, we prepared this game like every other game.

“We prepared as a team, we prepared the kickoff so when it finally came we were totally focused.”

Steinhaus admits she didn’t anticipate the worldwide media attention her appointment drew, expecting it only to be news in her native Germany.

“It was a lot of pressure,” she says, but continuing to smile as though it was a challenge she clearly relished.

Steinhaus’ performance received widespread approval, but the attention she drew for her second match between Schalke and Mainz was, it’s fair to say, altogether different.

“Nobody cared,” she laughs. “Nobody was really interested, it was like a mini note in the media.

“That showed me it’s accepted, people accept a good quality referee no matter what sex, no matter what size, no matter what background, what religion, what culture.

“If you have the quality and if you have the passion to do your job as best as you can then doors are open. And that’s what we want for the beauty of the game.”

Sexism on the pitch Steinhaus’ Bundesliga breakthrough in Germany should not be underestimated. This is the same organization, after all, that still banned women from taking part in football as recently as the 1950s.

Germany’s female equivalent of the Bundesliga, the Allianz Frauen-Bundesliga, is now one of the most organized and competitive leagues in the women’s game.

No country can boast as many Champions League winners, with Frankfurt, Turbine Potsdam, Wolfsburg and Duisburg having won the competition a total of nine times. Frankfurt hold the joint alltime record of four along with Lyon.

Though Steinhaus, Germany and football as a whole are making steps forwards -- she is keen to emphasize that every fourth official in the group stages of the recent Under-17 World Cup was female -- sexism inevitably still persists.

One Spanish newspaper recently wrote an article about Karolina Bojar, a Polish referee officiating in her country’s men’s youth league.

The headline read: “Karolina Bojar, Europe’s sexiest referee is a Barcelona fan.” This of a woman who, as well as refereeing, is a law student and an accomplished 800m and 1,500m runner.

Steinhaus herself has been subjected to sexism while on the field of play.

In 2015, during a second division game in Germany, she sent off Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Kerem Demirbay for two “reckless” yellow cards.

Upon receiving his red card, Demirbay turned to

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Steinhaus

Bibiana Steinhaus: The Bundesliga referee shattering football’s glass ceiling Steinhaus and told her: “Women have no place in men’s football.”

She filed the incident in her match report and Demirbay’s own club took disciplinary action against him, suspending him for five matches and making him referee a junior girls’ match.

“If you’re not fine with women around you, you don’t have to play,” Steinhaus says matter-of-factly. “It’s your choice, right?

“The federation is always promoting the game for male, for females, for youngsters and grassroots. This is the way it should be and so that’s why I reported the comment.

“If you think that way, you don’t belong on my football field.”

Steinhaus was again in the news at the beginning of this season -- before she had refereed her first Bundesliga match -- in what was then the biggest game of her career.

During Bayern Munich’s German Cup victory over Chemnitzer, winger Franck Ribery, while bending over to put the ball on the ground, untied Steinhaus’ shoelaces.

The Frenchman had never before or has never since done the same to a male referee. It is put to Steinhaus that this prank could be seen as a sign of disrespect, though she disagrees.

“I would handle the situation with Franck Ribery again in the way that I did,” she explains.

“Because it didn’t feel like he wanted to underestimate my respect as a referee. It felt more like a great love, like a sign to say: ‘Welcome to the Bundesliga’ and that is the way I took it.”

Referee by day, officer by night Alongside her job as a Bundesliga referee, Steinhaus also works as a police officer.

She says certain aspects of the two jobs complement each other well.

“Two teams discussing one situation, they are not actually on the same page and you have to manage the situation,” is the way she describes it.

However, her new found fame means she can no longer patrol on the streets and is now based in an office.

“People stopped me and wanted to talk about offsides,” she laughs.

Steinhaus is inherently humble but incidents like these serve as a reminder of how far she has come since she first decided she wanted to become an official.

Growing up, her father was a referee, too, and an “inspiration” in her early career, though that wasn’t the only reason she decided to pursue the profession.

“I understood pretty fast that ... I’m not a very successful football player,” she quips. “So I picked up the whistle and just gave it a try.”

It was important, she believes, for her dad to teach her from an early age that not everything in football is positive, which may explain how she was able to deal with Dermibay’s sexism so calmly.

“He definitely showed me what to expect as a referee,” she says.

“There are not only good sides of the game, so that’s a message I want to give out to everybody that’s involved in football: Just treat each other with respect.”

From local amateur games, women’s football and through the ranks to the highest level, there isn’t much Steinhaus hasn’t seen.

The full-time, professional Bundesliga referee sounds just as enthusiastic about her profession as the amateur who just refereed for fun all those years ago.

“I still think it’s the best occupation in the world,” she says, again smiling broadly.

“So I have the passion and I just love what I’m doing and so I continued doing it and progressed over the years, from one level to the next and this ... kind of guided me to the Bundesliga.

Enjoying the moment Steinhaus agrees that it’s fair to say most kids dream of becoming footballers, and far fewer dream of becoming referees.

They are forced to make split-second decisions, which are then scrutinized relentlessly by fans, managers and players, who usually make their judgments with the benefit of television replays.

But now she is in the limelight and a role model to many -- a “beautiful” position to be in but one, she admits, that also brings “pressure” -- what advice would Steinhaus give the young girls and boys who can picture themselves in the middle of the pitch wearing black?

“If you want to be part of this beautiful game and if you find your way to refereeing, grab the opportunity, go for it, take the whistle,” she says, repeatedly punching her fist into her palm.

“It was one of the best decisions in my life. You’re working under the pressure of everybody looking at you thinking: ‘Oh, I can do that better,’ so you have to prove your quality in every game.

“It’s a big challenge every game and it’s just beautiful when you leave the pitch knowing you performed the best you can.”

After having made history in Germany and with Russia 2018 on the horizon, is the World Cup the next logical step in Steinhaus’ career? She insists she isn’t thinking that far ahead.

“The next step for is staying healthy, not getting injured, enjoy every game as much as you can,” she says.

“Because you never know how long refereeing lasts -- you never know how long your career as a sports person lasts. So I’m really happy, grateful, and thankful for what I’ve achieved and I enjoy the moment.” Ï nGG&# 0`RL MMê

Saturday, November 11 2017

EXTRATIME

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ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP…

Evra sacked, banned for entire season for kicking fan

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atrice Evra has been sacked

by Marseille and handed a season-long ban by UEFA from the federation’s club competitions after kicking a club fan

during a touchline fracas.

The former Manchester United and Juventus full-back was initially internally suspended by his club for the incident, which took

place prior to kick-off in a Europa League clash against Vitoria.

And just minutes after UEFA made public a season-long suspension for the player, Marseille

in turn revealed his contract had been terminated “by mutual consent”.

Lewandowski to miss remaining Poland friendlies

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obert Lewandowski will sit out Poland’s friendlies against Uruguay and Mexico to rest a thigh injury.

Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, 29, suffered the injury against RB Leipzig on Oct. 28 and was substituted at halftime, missing last Tuesday’s Champions League win over Celtic.

However, the Poland captain played the full 90 minutes against Borussia Dortmund at the weekend, scoring against his former club.

Lewandowski has said he feels his injury problem may be linked to his heavy workload at Bayern because of the club’s lack of a back-up striker.

“I had a minor injury. At the same time, injuries to other players who could not play at all meant I did not have an opportunity to rest or play for a shorter time,” he told Reuters.

“Sometimes even playing 20-30 minutes less in a game or just missing a game means everything comes back to normality.

Patrice Evra kicking the fan

Dembele steps up recovery ahead Neymar denies Emery rift El-Classico

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arcelona forward Ousmane Dembele may yet make it back for the El Clasico. The France international, 20, has been sidelined since September due to a torn hamstring.

It was expected Dembele would miss three to four months, likely ruling him out until 2018.

But the specialist who operated on the forward recently said Dembele could return for Barca for the Clasico against rivals Real Madrid on December 23.

Judging by the training put in by the former Borussia Dortmund star, he may be on track to face Madrid.

Dembele has made just three appearances in all competitions for Barca since his €105million move from Dortmund in August.

Without him, Ernesto Valverde’s men have opened up a four-point lead atop La Liga, and sit eight points ahead of Madrid.

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eymar has emphatically denied claims of a rift with Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery.

According to a report in L’Equipe, relations between the duo have become fraught, just months after Neymar moved to PSG from Barcelona for a world-record €222million fee in August.

The 25-year-old moved to quash those suggestions, adding that his relationship with Edinson Cavani, who he had a public spat with over the right to take a penalty in the 2-0 victory over Lyon in September, is fine too.

“I’m very well in Paris, I’m happy. I’m motivated to be a player who gives everything on the pitch,” Neymar told a news conference after scoring in Brazil’s 3-1 win over Japan on Friday.

“Anyway, there’s something that is bothering me a lot – I don’t have a problem with Cavani, I don’t have a problem with the coach.

“I want you to stop inventing stories that I have problems with the coach. I came to help, to contribute, I came to help my coach.

“It’s something that has been bothering me, I even talked about it with Tite. So I’m asking you to stop.

“I’m very realistic, I don’t like rumours, I don’t like stories.

“It’s easier for you to hear from my mouth. I have no problem with PSG, what bothers me is the pressure of the press.

I’m a guy who likes Neymar to win, I like titles and I went to PSG for this. I’m happy, I was happy when I left Barcelona and I’m happy now.”

Balotelli gets one-match ban for red card vs. Dijon

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ario Balotelli has been banned for one match after he was sent off for a late tackle in the closing stages of Nice ‘s 1-0 win over Dijon at the weekend.

After scoring the only goal of the game, Balotelli was dismissed for his challenge.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker converted a 39th-minute penalty for his sixth league goal of the season after Alassane Plea was brought down by Jordan Marie.

But his afternoon ended on a sour note when he was shown a straight red card for a tackle from behind on defender Cedric Yambere.

The French Football League’s Disciplinary Commission, sitting on Thursday, imposed a two-game ban but suspended one of those matches.

It means Balotelli will miss the league meeting with Caen on Nov. 19 but is available for the visit of Lyon a week later.

“I’m happy with this punishment,” Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere said.

“We saw the pictures again and you can see the foul is minor, that Mario has no intention of tripping someone up but wants to get the ball to Alassane [Plea].

“The disciplinary commission is always willing to listen and they let us express ourselves.

“They listened to the player and took their decision with the impartiality that characterises them.”

Saturday, November 11 2017

EXTRATIME

NBA star Nick Young sells California home at a loss

Nadal confident of being fully fit before ATP finals

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BA star Nick Young has just sold his Tarzana, California home for $3.25 million, a $200,000 loss.

The newly signed Golden State Warriors point guard bought the San Fernando Valley home for $3.45 million in 2013 through the 2 LEGIT 2 QUIT TRUST, for which his mother, Mae Young, is listed as a trustee, records show. This sale has yet to hit public records.

“I enjoyed my time at the house, but it was time to move on to focus on this upcoming season with the Warriors. I will find my ideal house when the time is right,” Mr. Young told Mansion Global in an email statement.

It is not known whether Mr. Young, 32, will focus any future real estate searches in his hometown of Los Angeles, or closer to the Bay Area where the Warriors are based.

The 6,630-square-foot house—which hit the market in April with an asking price of $3.595 million—has six bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, a formal living room and a game room.

Outside there’s a pool, a spa, a basketball court (which Mr. Young didn’t install), an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit.

“He was just ready to move and find something a little more his style,” said Kofi Nartey of Compass, the listing agent.

The property’s guest house has a living room, a full kitchen and two bathrooms.

Mr. Young embarked on a few little customizations of the home Mr. Nartey said, but no major changes. He previously lived there with his ex-fiancee, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, but they split up in 2016, according to reports.

The previous owner of the house was pop star Selena Gomez, who purchased it through Warren Street Trust. She paid $2.175 million in 2011, records show.

Last week, Mr. Young’s teammate Stephen Curry, sold his Walnut Creek, California, mansion for $2.94 million; he also took a loss.

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L-R: Maxim Vylegzhanin, Alexei Petukhov, Evgenia Shapovalova

Four Russian cross-country skiers get life bans for doping

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our Russian cross-country skiers have been banned for life from the Olympics after being found guilty of doping at the 2014 Sochi Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday.

Maxim Vylegzhanin, Alexei Petukhov, Evgenia Shapovalova and Yulia Ivanova had been “found to have committed anti-doping rule violations,” the IOC said in a statement.

“The four athletes are declared ineligible to be accredited in any capacity of the Games of the Olympiad and the Olympic Winter Games subsequent to the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014,” the IOC said.

The IOC did not reveal the nature of the doping violations and said a fifth unnamed athlete had escaped punishment.

The statement came hours after the Russian cross-country skiing federation announced that the IOC’s decision would see Russia stripped of two silver medals won by Vylegzhanin in the 50km freestyle and the team sprint.

The ruling brings to six the number of Russian cross-country skiers sanctioned this month for violating antidoping rules as part of an IOC investigation into allegations of widespread doping among Russians and sample

Young

tampering by laboratory and security officials at the Sochi Games.

Petukhov, Shapovalova and Ivanova did not win medals in Sochi. Petukhov, twice a world medallist, won bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games in the team sprint.

Ivanova was part of the Russian team that placed sixth in the relay in Sochi. She also finished 17th in the 10km while Shapovalova finished 19th in the 15km sprint.

Cross-country skiers Alexander Legkov and Evgeniy Belov last week received life bans from the Olympics over doping at Sochi.

Legkov won gold in the 50km and silver in the 4x10km relay event. The IOC said all of Russia’s 4x10km team, which included Vylegzhanin, would be disqualified.

Belov, who competed in the men’s skiathlon 15+15 km mass start event and the 15km classic country skiing event, did not win a medal at Sochi.

The Russian cross-country skiing federation has said it will appeal the IOC’s decisions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The IOC had also attempted in 2011 to pass the so-called “Osaka rule” where athletes with a doping sanction of six months or longer would be automatically ruled out of the next Games, but that was also blocked by CAS. The IOC has been re-testing all Russian athletes’ samples from the 2014 Games following revelations by Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow’s suspended anti-doping laboratory, of a scheme to cover up home

eigning French and U.S. Open champion Nadal begins the quest for his first ATP Finals title against Belgian David Goffin on Monday World number one Rafa Nadal is confident he will be “100 percent fit” at the ATP Finals event in London as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

The Spaniard pulled out of the Paris Masters before his quarter-final match against American John Isner after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during his third-round win over Pablo Cuevas.

“Hopefully the knee is good,” Nadal told Sky Sports. “I’ve done everything I’ve needed to do in order to get ready for London... Let’s see if I am able to be 100 per cent to compete.

“If nothing happens, then I will play.

I visited my doctors after the Paris Masters - it was a tough day for me having to pull out of Paris.

“I know I’m confident because I’m having a great season with one event to go. I am here to try my best.”

Reigning French and U.S. Open winner Nadal begins the quest for his first ATP Finals title against Belgian David Goffin on Monday and will also compete with Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Austrian Dominic Thiem in his group.

Nadal

Former British Olympian Jess Varnish sues UK Sport & British Cycling

F

ormer Great Britain Olympian Jess Varnish is suing UK Sport and British Cycling.

A source close to Varnish has told BBC Sport her legal action is based on claims the 26-year-old suffered sex discrimination, detriment for whistleblowing, victimisation and unfair dismissal.

The sprinter was dropped from British Cycling’s elite programme last year, after which former technical director Shane Sutton was found to have used sexist language towards her.

Sutton resigned but was later cleared of eight of nine allegations.

BBC Sport revealed in March that Varnish was considering taking legal action against British Cycling, but she has since decided to expand her claims to include UK Sport.

It is understood funding agency UK Sport had applied for a strike-out order to have her case dismissed, along with a costs order and deposit order, meaning Varnish’s assets would have been frozen pending the case.

Had these been successful she would have been forced to drop her claim.

But on Monday a judge dismissed the applications, allowing Varnish to proceed towards an employment tribunal.

A preliminary hearing in April 2018 will determine whether Varnish should be considered as having effectively been an employee of UK Sport and British Cycling when she was competing.

If her lawyers successfully argue that she did have employee status, the case could have major ramifications

Varnish

for all contracted British athletes who are funded by UK Sport.

If they are officially deemed to be employees, UK Sport would have to pay pension and national insurance costs. This is currently avoided because athletes are not regarded as members of staff.

The source close to Varnish said: “She’s not doing this for money. She’s frustrated that neither UK Sport nor British Cycling have changed the grey situation that athletes still remain in.

“Athletes still have no real rights, no pensions, no grievance and whistleblower procedures, and no course of action, outside of civil action. There are some really deep-rooted issues which she’s passionate about.”

A British Cycling spokesperson said the organisation was “in an ongoing and positive dialogue with Jess and look forward to reaching a resolution which all parties will regard as equitable”.

UK Sport told BBC Sport: “Because the legal process is still ongoing regarding Jess Varnish we are unable to comment on the issues mentioned at this time.”

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Editor Daily: TONY AMOKEODO

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017

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Business & Economy Saturday, November 11, 2017

Customs hampers textiles industry in Kano Page B2

NACCIMA plans Agri-Agro summit

Page B3

NERC urges MDAs to stop approvals for developments under high tension

Stories By Simon Ugwu

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission on Wednesday called on government agencies in charge of houses to stop approving building plans under high tension wires in order to avoid cases of

electrocution.

The Vice-Chairman of NERC, Mr. Sanusi Garba, who made the call during the unveiling of the Calabar forum office of NERC, specifically advised the Cross River State Government to heed the advice.

Garba, who was represented by the Commissioner in charge of Legal Licensing and Compliance, Mr. Dafe Akpaneye, lamented the loss of lives of 11 football fans at a viewing centre on April 21 and the electrocution of two other persons on Oc-

tober 24 in Calabar.

He said that in view of that, the commission had to set up the forum office in Calabar where customers’ complaints on electric poles and cables; breakdown of transformers among others would be addressed appropriately

Investment scams or Ponzi schemes: Need for investors to be cautious Page B8

Power generation peaks at 82,266 MW/h in Q3 2017 – NBS Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that a total average of 82,266 MW/h of energy was generated daily by power stations in the country for the third quarter of 2017.

It also said daily energy generation attained a peak of 3,880 MW on the 1st of September, 2017 and daily energy sent out on the same date was 3,825 MW. This represents the highest level of energy generated and sent out in the month of September 2017 and in Q3 2017.

But, the lowest daily energy generation, 2,354 MW, in Q3 2017, according to the data, was attained on 14th September, 2017 and daily energy sent out on that date was 2,310 MW.

We will resist attempt to extend tenure NDDC Board of Directors - Concern Niger Deltans Francesca Iwambe- Abuja

L-R: Executive Directors, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Kola Ayeye, Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ahmed Kuru; Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim and Mr. Aminu Ismail, AMCON Executive Director at the just concluded retreat of the Senate Committee at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja...recently

Yobe okays N1.4bn for irrigation, health, electricity projects The Yobe Executive Council has approved the sum of N1.4 billion for the execution of irrigation, health, electricity and education projects across the state before the end of 2017.

Alhaji Mala Musti, the state Commissioner for Information, disclosed this to newsmen af-

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

ter the State Executive Council meeting in Damaturu.

Musti said that the council had approved contracts worth N464.7 million for the construction of concrete lining of irrigation canals at Garin Gada.

He further said that N106.7 million was also approved for the transportation of mediFour of the nation’s power plants shut down this week, making the number of idle plants to rise to nine.

The number of power plants that did not generate any megawatts rose from five on Sunday to eight on Monday and one more shut down on Tuesday, the latest data from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and

cal equipment worth N1.8 billion donated to the state by the World Medical Relief, U.S. According to him, N186.7 million was also approved for the linking of 33kv transmission power line from Bayamari to Giedam.

“The council approved N298.5 million for the purchase of fur-

niture and equipment for the Medical College of Yobe State University as well as fencing of the college at the cost of N81.5 million.

He said that the council also approved landscaping of the frontage of Yobe Mosque and Islamic centre, Damaturu at the cost of N60.6 million.

Worried by the alleged planned moves by some group of persons to extend the tenure of the Board of Directors in the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC, the concerned Niger Deltans youths have vowed to resist the attempt saying, it will disrupt the rotation process that has been there since its inception.

In a protest letter titled “ Extension of Tenure of Out- Going NDDC Board- A Protest” signed

by Yekini Nabena and exclusively obtained by The Daily Times, the group said that extending the tenure of the Board members will have a very negative impact to the next State in line that is bill to benefit from the rotation process.

Citing the provisions of the NDDC Act 2000 particularly Sections 12 of the Act, the concerned Niger Deltans maintained that the positions of the board members have been rotating from inception and that anything contrary to that will be in breach of the enacted Act.

4 power plants shut down as idle plants rise to 9 Housing showed on Wednesday.

The latest four affected power plants are Sapele I, Alaoji NIPP, Omotosho NIPP and Gbarain NIPP. Other idle plants on Tuesday were Afam IV & V, Gbarain II, AES, ASCO and Rivers IPP, according to the latest data from the ministry.

Electricity generation from Egbin, the nation’s biggest power station, stood at 449MW on Tuesday, down from 1,085MW on March 15, 2016. The total generation stood at 3,837 megawatts as of 6am on Monday, with seven power plants, including Sapele II and Alaoji II not gener-

ating any megawatt. The power grid has suffered 24 collapses; 15 of which are total and nine, partial, this year. Unutilised generation capacity stood at 2,321.2MW due to gas constraint (1,137.2MW), line constraints (1,034MW) and water management (150MW).

Business Review B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11 , 2017

Customs hampers textiles industry in Kano

CG, ALI

By Yakubu Salisu, Kano The economic significance of Kano dates back to the pre-colonial Africa when Kano city served as the southernmost point of the famous TransSahara trade routes. Products exported from Kano to other parts of the country and other African countries particularly North Africa include textile materials and leather.

Kano known as the center of commerce in the country is also the commercial nerve center of the Northern part of the country which houses the popular and largest textile materials market known as the “Kantin Kwari” where all sort of textile materials could be found.

For many decades, the Kantin Kwari Textile market has been a major source of supplying textile material to other states in the country such as Yobe, Gombe, Maiduguri, Zamfara, Sokoto, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kogi, Lagos and as far as South East, South South and South Western States of Nigeria.

Insecurity, particularly the series of Boko Haram attacks in the state which was recorded in the market as well as inconsistent government policies have hampered commercial activities in the Market and state at large in recent years.

However, with the relative peace enjoyed in the state, commercial activities are beginning to pick up their pace as the various markets in the state are observed to be witnessing great number of people coming in for daily buying and selling purposes.

The situation, is however, not the same for the Kantin Kwari marketers who are pointing accusing fingers at the Nigerian Custom service whom they said is crippling their Businesses on a daily basis.

According to some of the marketers, the Custom service is making it difficult for them to import goods into the state. And when they succeed in bringing in their goods, custom officers follow them into the market and at times to their ware houses confiscating their goods.

A marketer Alh. Gambo Dan Pass said that their business partners from outside the state are not exempted. That when they come to Kano to buy goods from the market, they get stopped on their way and their goods are seized. This he said has driven away many buyers away from the state. “ We come to have a chat and sleep in our shops this days because our major partners from other parts of the country are now afraid of coming to Kano to buy goods. In this recession, no one is willing to take the

risk of losing his goods to the Custom or any other government agency. The series of fines and other expenses they make on their way back home is too much as they end up with little or no gain at the end of the day” he said.

Most of the people who spoke on the matter bears one form of grudges or another against the custom service. That they’re suspicious some persons in some quarters of government are using the custom service to frustrate commercial activities in the state which at the end of the day will affect the whole region.

To confirm these series of complaints, the leadership of the market was contacted in the person of Alh. Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru Chairman Caretaker Committee.

According to him, his committee has received series of complains about the activities of the custom service and are presently compiling the information to make a case to the Honorable commissioner of commerce for onward submission to the highest authorities.

He further revealed that through dialog, the committee has been able to achieve a level of understanding between it’s members and drivers who convey their goods with the state traffic agency popularly known as “karota” and at the moment

no cases of arrest by the agency is been experienced by their customers or members and hopes that same would be done in the case of the customs. “ We know that customs have the mandate to confiscate contraband goods but we do not know if there is any law that empowers them to operate within the markets. Whatever be the case we shall seek for room for discussion with the relevant persons concerned in order to find a lasting solution to the problem” Kwaru is optimistic that the state government under Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje would do it’s possible best to ensure that commercial activities thrive in the state considering the level of new development of modernization put in place in the Kantin Kwari market peace would be brokered between the two parties.

When contacted, spokesperson for the Custom Service Kano Command, Isah Dan Baba stated that it is true that arrests have been made in the Market in recent times but it has nothing to do with intimidation or witch-hunt rather the service is working within the ambit of the law that set it up to rid the country of contra-band products.

“When we storm the market for arrest, you will no-

tice that it’s not everybody’s shop we raid, we go straight to where we suspect contra band goods are kept. It is true but we are only doing our statutory duty” On arresting motorists Dan Baba said that such arrests are made following a tipoff that contraband products are conceded in such vehicles that during such operations, things like imported rice and other prohibited goods have been confiscated. “It is in no way intended to frustrate commercial activities in the state” he said.

Further more, the PRO revealed that efforts are been made at the moment with the Department of Language Studies of Bayero University B. U. K to interpret some of the rules and regulations on pamphlet of importing goods, what to import and what not to import into Hausa language for better understanding among the marketers.

It is hoped that quick measures would be taken by relevant authorities concerned to save the situation from degenerating into physical confrontations between the two parties.

There is also the n eed for marketers to abide by all the rules and regulations governing businesses in the country in order to have a better and strong economy.

Tours&Travels

s

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Ososo Carnival: Organisers unfold robust package for 2017 Stories By Simon Ugwu Ahead of this year’s Ososo Carnival billed to open on Saturday, December 23, at the Okunugbe Field, the Ososo Carnival Initiative, a new management team for the project, has unveiled plans for this year’s edition, a cultural event that showcases the cultural heritage, tradition and tourism potentials of Ososo community in Akoko-Edo local council of Edo State.

Under the theme, Ososo Carnival: A Catalyst For Sustainable Tourism Development, this year’s event will feature Bonfire Night, Beauty Pageant and Awards, Carnival procession, Musical Concert and a Formal Closing ceremony on Saturday, December 30.

Competitive bands include Orukhu Band, Ikuegbegbe Band, Casablanca Band, Kukuruku Band and Muegbesuegbe Band, while the non-competitive Bands are Governor’s Band led by governor Obaseki and Akoko-Edo Band led by the chairman of the local councils.

Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos to herald the festival, the President, Ososo Carnival Initiative Moses Teo Ajayi observed that this would be the first time Ososo Carnival will be engaging the press in a strategic and coordinated manner to provide publicity and raise public awareness about the event.

“Permit me to seize this op-

portunity to inform and assure gentlemen of the press present here, that this engagement is not going to be a one off event.

In the spirit of the new beginning, we shall henceforth consistently continue to engage with you. Without having to sign a memorandum of understanding, I have the authority of the Board of Trustees of Ososo Carnival Initiative to announce that, as long as the carnival exists, the press will continue to be one of our key strategic partners,” he said.

He noted that, as the team strives to make Ososo Carnival a brand, the role of the press would be very essential and indispensable, describing the Carnival as a complete package of leisure events, which includes street dance, parade of costumes, arena based performances, beauty pageant, musical funfairs, bonfire, cultural display, art and fashion exhibitions, visual creativity and sporting activities.

“These events are reminiscent of the rich culture, vast tourism potentials, hospitality and peace-loving nature of the Ososo people, who are inexplicably obsessed and passionate about their community and natural environmental endowments. I therefore urge you to key into this partnership and join us in our bid to make Ososo Carnival one of the most attractive tourist activities in Nigeria. Having made these preliminary remarks permit

me to focus on the subject of this press briefing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the entire concept of the carnival has been reviewed and redefined, with the vision to rejuvenate and elevate Ososo Carnival to a world-class event. Besides, the Carnival is no longer being perceived as a platform for mere entertainment; the business and economic angles are now being explored and harnessed for the benefit of Ososo community and Edo State at large.

In line with the new vision, the management of the Carnival has engaged a technical partner, Neo Media and Mar-

keting Ltd, which has the huge responsibility of sourcing for funds, promoting, marketing and providing event management services for a period of five years. Similarly, it has began the process of networking and engaging with organisers of major carnivals around the world, including The Carnivals in Calabar (Nigeria), Rio de Jeneiro (Brazil), Venice (Italy), Cologne (Germany), Quebec (Canada), London (UK), New Orleans (USA) and Nice (France).

The strategic engagement, according to Ajayi, is designed to afford Ososo Carnival Initiative the opportunity to learn from

the wealth of experience of these frontline carnivals.

“On this note, I wish to express on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Ososo Carnival Initiative our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah for sending a technical/observer team to study and assist Ososo Carnival Initiative. The strategic session held with the Executive Secretary of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham and the Head of Marketing of the Commission, Mr. Ojoi Ekpeyong last night was quite educative and instructive.”

Ososo Carnival

Alaghodaro Summit: Edo identifies 58 tourist sites for development The Edo State Government said it has identified over 58 tourist sites within the state, of which if properly developed and repositioned, will contribute in the creation of 200, 000 jobs target. This was coming in the heels of the planned Alaghodaro Investment Summit coming up in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, between November 10 and 12.

Gov. Obaseki

The forum would serve to project and market the destinations for potential public/private sectors development.

To provide the administrative framework for a more robust tourism sector, the chairman, organising committee of the Summit, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, said a tourism master plan is in the making and on completion, will provide

clear guidelines for the participation of the various levels of government at the federal, state and local He noted that institutional framework of the tourism master plan will support the ranking and grading of our hotels, restaurants, and other recreation and leisure places, to compete favourably with simi-

Continued from Page B6

B4

Tours & Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, November 11, 2017

Exploring Lasgidi with Google Simon Ugwu with Agency Report No doubt, Lagos remains the commercial nerve center of Nigeria and Africa in general. However, that’s not all it is about Eko, which is also considered the entertainment capital of the country. Therefore, beyond the hustling and bustling, the city boasts of rich cultural heritage that forms part of its tourism offerings.

Indeed, Lagos offers a wide variety of tourist attractions in the country, though many, especially residents, seem too busy to explore them. This includes its historical sites, extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for relaxation and other water sports, rich and varied handicrafts and other vibrant products depicting or expounding of native arts and lifestyle. A visit to places like Badagry clearly shows that, if well articulated, Lagos could join the league of top tourism destinations in Africa.

Therefore, when Google came up with the idea of a special tour of the city tagged GidiWithGoogle, it was indeed an opportunity to take a break and explore the other side of Lagos. Armed with some very useful Google applications such as Google Photo and Google Map, documenting and sharing the experience with friends on social media was a smooth sail.

The George Hotel, Ikoyi, provided a perfect home away from home for the team comprising of Google officials, journalists and social media influencers from Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. Set up to conform to quality standards of the world’s finest hotels, The George Hotel is situated on 30, Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, and provides discerning guests with exceptional levels of luxury in a serene environment. In fact, everyone on the team, including the victors, finds the hotel a perfect accommodation for the tour.

To set the tone for a three-day exercise that also created a platform for participants to bond and discuss the challenges and potentials of Africa, the organisers fixed a special dinner at the Backyard Bar & Grill, a style restaurant located in the heart of Victoria Island. All the introductions and familiarisation happened over the meal, before the team retried for the day.

After breakfast the following morning, the journey to the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) started as early as 8.15am. With three buses on ground, participants were shared into three groups with a team leader. And to further cement the bond, each group was a perfect mix of Nigerians, Kenyans and South Africans. Somehow, it really worked.

With dedicated free wifi on the go, searching locations and sharing contents online was swift.

On arrival at the Lekki Conservation Centre, the tour guide, who took time to give background information about the site, including the variety of animals in the nature park, conducted the group on a guided tour of the facility.

From its origin in 1990 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Lekki Conservation Centre has grown into one of Africa’s prominent and most-diverse urban Nature Parks due to its high species richness. Located in the coastal environs covering an approximate land area of 78 hectares, extending from kilometer 19 along the Lagos-Epe Expressway, it ends up a very close distance to the Atlantic Ocean near Okun Ibeju Village, Eti-Osa Local Council of Lagos State.

Some of the facilities include the 401-metre long canopy walkway, a scenic attraction reputed to be one of the longest canopy walkway in Africa. It is an engineering feat and an amazing suspended swinging bridge walkway through the mosaic of vegetation types characterizing the LCC Nature Park. It has the entry and exit portals connecting six towers treating visitors to unique experience/unforgettable chance to explore the Nature Park and get a bird’s eye/panoramic view of the habitat types and sight the unique wildlife that inhabit the Lekki Conservation Centre.

However, this is not for the fainthearted.

There’s also the 2-km board, which offers excellent nature walks and bird watching opportunities. The Family Park is a world-class picnic haven and offers nature walks, picnic & sporting facilities, while a visit to the Tree House always leaves guests with great impressions.

There’a also the Nature Station, Bird Hide, Swamp Look-out Station, Rotunda, 96-Seater Gazebos, 6 and 8-seater Family Huts, Floor Games (Ludo, Snake and Ladder, Draught, Chess and Street Tennis), Koi & Tilapia ponds, Beach Volley-ball courts with spectators’ pavilion and barbecue joints.

Others include Jungle gym facilities (Zip Lines, monkey bars, etc) and general serene and secure environment suitable for weekend getaways. Just few minutes in the park, the Internet was flooded with pictures taken by team members, who were obviously excited by the visit.

From the Conservation Centre, the buses rolled to Chef Eros’ kitchen in Lekki for a cooking lesson. Again, the jollof rice debate reared its ugly head again.

Really, who makes the best jollof rice? Nigeria, Senegal or Ghana?

Well, on this day, Nigeria carried the day; there was no Senegalese or Ghanaian to query the verdict this time. Besides, Chef Eros did justice to the jollof rice; everyone, who tasted it, confirmed.

However, the original plan was to stop over at the Lekki Craft Market for free shopping, but as it turned out, the traders lost one on their members; the market was shut for the day to pay last respect. So, there was an agreement to move the shopping the following day.

To make it a memorable experience, the organisers put together a boat cruise to a dinner on the bay. The take off point was at the Bay Lounge, a new destination restaurant and lounge tucked in the swanky Lekki neighborhood in Lagos. It boasts of a spacious interior and an expansive exterior that offers plenty of space for many fun activities such as dining al fresco, movie nights, live band and a discotheque with the Deejay spinning new and old school rhymes. However, on this day, the team was only on transit.

With a DJ blasting popular Naija tunes in the boat, cruising on Lagos water was indeed fun; even the visitors got hooked in the ride that lasted for close to an hour, before the boat berthed on the bay for dinner. From there, the team retired back to the hotel.

The final day saw the team visit Quintessence Ikoyi for shopping, before heading for the Freedom Park Lagos, where participants were taken on a tour of what used to be the old prison yard. Designed by architect Theo Lawson, Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos, which was for-

merly Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prison.

The Park was constructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians.

Monuments in the park reveal the Lagos colonial heritage and history of Her Majesty’s Broad Street prisons. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary independence celebration in October, 2010. Today, it serves as a National Memorial, a historical landmark, a cultural site, arts and recreation centre. The tour ended in a performance by a traditional troupe that saw participants showcase their dancing skills, as well as mastery of the drums.

From Freedom Park, the team moved to Kalakuta Republic Museum, Ikeja, former home of late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, where they were conducted round the facility. Located on Gbemisola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, it was renovated by the Lagos State Government and is to be and managed by Total Consult.

Fela’s trademark items like dresses; shoes and household materials are on display in the house. Also, his bedroom, sitting rooms, photographs, with over 3,000 of Fela’s clothes, is on display.

From Kalatuma, the team had lunch at the Jevnik Restaurant, GRA, Ikeja, and later moved to Bogobiri in Ikoyi, where the tour was wrapped with a farewell party that lasted into the early hours of the following day.

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, November 11, 2017

B5

Tours & Travels

African cities must adopt holistic approach to tourism growth – Mastercard Simon Ugwu with Agency Report Tourism is a catalyst for economic growth in Africa – a key theme during the UN World Cities Day celebrated today around the world. The sector is especially important now when governments are seeking out ways to drive diversification as part of their growth strategies. African cities need to find efficient ways to develop into smart cities capable to not only attract visitors, but also to offer unique experiences and overcoming growing infrastructure demands.

The Mastercard Global Destinations Cities Index (GDCI) provides insight into the motivations and travel spend of visitors – a prime driver for development in the sector. The Index ranks 132 global destination cities in terms of visitor spend, and provides insight on the fastest growing destination cities, and a deeper understanding of why people travel and how they spend around the world.

There were thirteen African cities ranked in the Index, indicating a great opportunity for tourism authorities to work together to better position the continents full and diverse offering. Cities ranked included: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Casablanca, Cairo, Durban, Accra, Dakar, Entebbe, Tunis, Nairobi, Maputo and Beira.

Learning from the world’s top destination cities Bangkok, a city that remained the top-ranked destination city by international overnight visitor arrivals with 19.4 million visitors in 2016 alone, provides a good case study on what cities in African can adopt. Additionally London, with 19.06 million visitors, can be used as blueprints for future planning given their strong focus on mobility.

Across the top 20 destination cities, the majority of travel is conducted for leisure purposes.

The Index indicates expenditure categories that illustrate how people are spending when they visit these top performers. Key contributors to spend include: dining, shopping, lodging and transport.

These top 20 cities provide a full experience, with many boasting strong infrastructure helping to enhance visitor’s opinion of the city and thus their willingness to spend.

GDCI indicates that more people than ever are visiting cities for business or leisure travel, and that at the same time, the research indicates that people expect their experience when traveling to be both seamless and personal.

African cities must do more to connect people with all that

the continent has to offer – but it is critical that cities identify on their uniqueness and overall appeal to visitors. Cities that know what they are about, and what they want to represent, attract more visitors and thus more spend. The continent has the widest range of sights and sounds, with natural beauty,

warm people and a uniqueness not often found around the world – this is very appealing to international visitors.

As the top destination city, Dubai sees over 14 million international overnight visitors, which is significantly higher than other cities in Africa. It’s no coincidence that Dubai ranks

number one as having the highest percentage of visitor expenditure of GDP (30.3%), given its global positioning as a hot shopping destination. It has carved out a unique proposition and the city thrives on this positioning.

The benefits are obvious, more than half of the top 20 destinations reported an increase in spend consistent with or greater than GDP growth. This reinforces the important role that travel plays in a country’s economy and indicates that the sector is growing much more rapidly than the combined average of all economic areas.

What can African cities do today to build for tomorrow?

Infrastructure and public transport is key: For highly attractive destination cities, like Bangkok, London and Paris that top the list, ease of travel is a big factor in drawing visitors.

This is why Mastercard is working with governments and cities across Africa to simplify access to urban services like public transport, helping to enable users to pay for their train or bus simply by tapping their card or swiping their phone.

Look deeper at the purpose of travel and spend: It’s safe to say that Africa is no longer just a safari destination, and the reason for travel to Africa varies largely by what a city has to offer. Using data to understand what appeals to travellers will give cities an upper hand to mine the popularity of that destination, and then further enhance the offering.

Data is a smart way for tourism authorities to effectively and efficiently gather important insights. Mastercard’s Tourism Insight Platform provides data on spend as well as insights from search engines – proving that data is the tourism industries greatest asset and must be taken seriously.

Build stronger cross sector partnerships: Expertise within the public sector must be harnessed, it is here where innovation is shaping African cities and helping to digitise economies. Tourism is a diverse offering, and governments are more willing than ever before to collaborate to realise the full potential of the sector. As indicated in the GDCI, cities must differentiate, provide unique experiences and ensure are capable of hosting people from around the world. This is achievable only via cross sector collaboration, and a willingness to adapt.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

B6 Tourism

Nigeria Travel Week: Organisers unveil nominees for The Balearica Simon Ugwu In readiness for the maiden edition of Nigeria Travel Week, organisers of the travel and tourism trade event has announced nominees for The Balearica Awards, which forms part of activities slated for the four days gathering that is geared at promoting Nigeria tourism both to the domestic and foreign markets as well as tourists.

Speaking at the media conference held recently in Lagos to update the media on the programe, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Travel Week (NTW), Efetobo Awhana, who is also the CEO of Avantgarde Tours, said that the award, which is to reward and recognise excellence and those, who have made immense contributions to Nigeria tourism, would transform the face of tourism, insisting that is it a unique one.

He explained that the choice of Balearica, which is the name of Nigeria’s national bird on the coat of arm, is symbolic in that it is used for the promotion of tourism. Hence they have adopted it as the brand name and symbol for the award, an indication of the overall mandate and focus of NTW. According to him, the awards categories are divided into 24 sections, with 20 of the categories to be voted for by the public and the votes vetted by a private auditing firm while four of the categories are not to be voted for by the public but selected by the organisers based on the contributions made by the people so honoured.

The four awardees in this category unveiled by him are Former President Olusegun Obasanjo for Life Time Achieve-

ment; Bankole Bernard, president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) as Travel Personality of the Year; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II for Royal Support for Tourism, while those nominated for Tourism Governor are Governors of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ondo and Bauchi States.

Those gunning for best tourism attraction of the year are Idanre Hills, Nike ART Gallery, Calabar Carnival, Kajuru Castle Kaduna, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and Kano Durbar, while for best airline (domestic) are Peace Air, Medview and Dana. Nominated for Best tour operators are Jemi – Alade Tours, Travelnextdoor, Motley Travels, SJ Tours, Obom

Tourism, Tour2Nigeria and Remlords Tours.

Speaking on other aspects of the event, which is billed to hold between November 20 and 25 in Lagos, the Chief Operating Officer of NTW, Toni Ukachukwu, who is also the managing director of Afro Tourism, said that they have secured strategic partners for the event. These include the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and SKAL International Lagos.

Ukachukwu also revealed that preparations have reached advanced stage with 52 hosted buyers from 23 countries across the world attending the event.

He said the essence of having hosted buyers, which cut

across various stakeholders in the industry – tour operators, travel agents and the media, is to expose them to Nigeria destination and offer them the opportunity to experience Nigeria and in return market the country through their various platforms.

To this end, he revealed that post – event tours to various parts of Lagos would be organised for the hosted buyers alongside their Nigeria counterparts. ‘‘Other events taking place during the Nigeria Travel Week include The Tourism Cup holding at Ikoyi Club golf course, which is a golf tournament to harness the power of golf in promoting tourism,’’ disclosed Ukachukwu.

‘The Travel Roundtable hold-

ing at The Wheatbaker Hotel, which brings stakeholders together to discuss key issues affecting tourism development; Village Square holding at Freedom Park celebrates Nigerian culture through dance drama and food and The Travel Hangout, where Nigerians can network and talk about tourism in a relaxed and natural environment of the Lekki Conservation Centre,’’ said NTW COO. The four days event would climax with The Balearica Awards, where the full names of the awardees would be revealed and celebrated for their different achievements. The occasion he said would attract the attention of both government and public operators.

Alaghodaro Summit: Edo state identifies 58 tourist sites for development Continued from Page B3 lar facilities in the best tourist destinations across the world.

According to him, the role of the private sector would also be highlighted, and enabling environment created, so that the state will receive its share of the over $1trillion revenue accruing to tourist destinations annually.

Some of the tourist products

and sites, the Professor listed, include the popular Benin Moat, Igue Festival, Igbabonelimi Masquerade, Aba Festival and the annual Okpekpe Mountain Race.

He said, “The popular Benin Moat will be developed for tourist earnings and jobs, the annual Okpekpe Mountain Race that is fast growing in popularity and rating among sports enthusiasts, is receiving a boost.

“Also, the large unspoilt water bodies criss-crossing the state, namely Orhionmwon, Ovia, Ogba, Ikpboba and other rivers in Edo central and North Senatorial Districts are to be developed into world class beaches.”

According to him, experts believe that the clear delineation of roles will unlock the potential in the sector and attract domestic and international in-

vestments.

“The annual Igue Festival, Igbabonelimi Masquerade, Aba Festival and other festivals will get their fair share of our new deal for the sector to attract more tourists to the state.”

The Prof added that the State’s vision for the arts, culture and tourism sector is to develop huge assets that abound in Edo State to international standard.

“Tourism is the highest employer of labour, providing one in every aspect 10 jobs globally according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

“It is a major instrument for environmental preservation and conservation as well as a major source of revenue through domestic and international tourist receipts.

Business Interview B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

NACCIMA plans Agri-Agro summit You are planning AgriAgro summit in conjunction with Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), billed to take place in Abuja towards the end of November.

Could you please tell us what NACCIMA intends to achieve through this summit?

The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson (MFR) recently granted interview to EDWARD NNACHI on the forthcoming Agri-Agro summit to be held in Abuja in conjunction with Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), backed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, among others. Below are excerpts from the interview:

NACCIMA is trying to contribute its own quota to the diversification of the economy, of which agriculture is the bone of contention; and when you talk of agriculture, it’s not just about tilling the land. We are talking about adding value chain into agriculture and thus add advocacy to what and which area we can invest in to make agricultural value chain a must for everybody so that we can have the positive effects of venturing into agriculture with modern technology which will bring about mechanised farming.

Talking about green housing, somebody said people now use bamboo to make buildings in a state in the west here, and very soon this could be mechanised.

And this tells you that there is bound to be technology upsurge from this agri-agro summit and are we not going to rest on our oars until Nigerians know that they are into real agriculture with modern technologies.

Why have you chosen to partner with NIRSAL in this project?

NIRSAL as an institution of the federal government is the one taking the risks and challenges that may arise in the way of stakeholders and farmers under this project. Therefore, we have chosen to partner with NIRSAL so that both the banks giving out loans to farmers and farmers in this project can have peace of mind doing their agribusiness in the country. The idea is to allay the fears of the unknown on the part of lending institutions and the entrepreneurs going into agriculture.

NIRSAL is not the only one involved in this. We have the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NIAC), Bank of Industry (BoI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), among others. We are also partnering with some embassies such as the Brazilian Embassy. We know that Brazil is very good in agriculture and that it is agriculture that is keeping their economy going. We are doing this so that we can garner as much knowledge and ideas as possible so that our country too

project, madam?

We plan to sustainably form them into cooperatives, which some of them are already into.

And we are going to provide them with affordable agro-services which many of them are lacking now. We shall provide them with agricultural machineries such as harvesters, tractors and silos, among others on rent at small amount, and then they would return them to the owners after use. This, we believe will help them to do mechanised farming.

For those of them in the clusters, this will help them to enjoy electricity, river basin facilities, special cassava species, and special seedling, among others.

A huge resource has gone into cassava, cocoyam, tomatoes and many other agricultural items. These are the things that farmers are going to gain during this forth coming summit.

We are also looking into how we can provide storage facilities for farmers and ensure they have ready end-buyers for their produce.

Penultimate Friday, we heard that you hosted a breakfast meeting for partners in the project. Have you really secured the commitments of these partners?

Iyalode Alaba Lawson can prepare fully to swing into action in its agriculture diversification drive.

We heard that the federal government through its Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources has given its nod to this project. What do you think could have necessitated the government’s involvement in this planned summit?

It’s very simple. Government is the one issuing the policies; we, in the private sector are stakeholders. And if we embark on public private sector partnership (PPP) with the government on this project and the government goes ahead to lift tariffs on imported agricultural machines, this will go a long way to achieving the federal government’s diversification agenda. For us to work together with the government as a team in agriculture, we must take the bull by the horn. Government is the custodian of policies. The government will ask for our input to make the diversification of the economy into agriculture to

succeed. By the time we tell the government what we want, government will go back to the drawing board and check if it still has any obsolete agricultural policies still rearing its ugly head in these modern times, and if there are, then they will do away with them to accommodate the new farming methodologies in demands this time.

We want to use this medium to thank the federal government, especially the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for relaxing conditions that hitherto made doing business in Nigeria difficult. Today, Nigerians and foreigners are experiencing ease of doing business in the country.

Both the public and the private sectors must work together to make this a permanent thing in Nigeria.

Recent reports that Nigeria could face acute food shortage in the near future have sent some palpable fears in stakeholders and citizens alike. Would you say the agri-agro summit is one of the initiatives to boost mass food

production in the country?

It is not just mass food production; we are talking about quality food production by our members and many others. We want to let them know that going into agriculture is business, which you have to understand and master before jumping into it. We are not just talking about producing massively; we are talking about producing quality organic food to help sustain the health of Nigerians, This is why we are going to all nooks and crannies of the country to bring in people like Papa Pascal Dozie and his company, Kunoch Limited as leading consultants to the project. We cannot claim to it all.

That is why we are partnering with all critical stakeholders to ensure that no stone is left unturned in making sure that the diversification of the economy into agriculture and ease of business crusade of the federal government are propagated to the letter. Therefore, we must all work together as a team.

What are your plans for Nigerian farmers through this

Of course yes; and which is why we are working with people like Papa Pascal Dozie. I personally adore Papa Pascal Dozie because he is a role model. At his age, which is over 70 he is still actively engaging in issues that impact on mankind positively.

He has been going everywheremeeting with the Ministers, talking to partners in the project and others. Like the Holy Book said, “A good name is better than gold”. The good name of Papa Dozie and that of our association, NACCIMA are involved in this project to make it a success.

What do you foresee as the outcome of this project, Madam?

I foresee everybody going into agriculture in a big and proper way, because even when our fore fathers practiced agriculture, they did it well and productively.

But today, there is a missing link and it is that missing link that we will find and get a handle for it after this summit. I see us having food sufficiency as a nation; I see us creating employment for our teeming youth; I see Nigeria becoming the exporter of choice of agricultural produce among the comity of nations.

Personal Finance B8 Bonny Amadi In February 2017, THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sealed up the office of Ponzi scheme Yuan Dong (YDEC) which operated in the country.

This was coming after the commission in 2013 November sealed up a Ponzi office, known as “Women in oil” operating in the garden city of PortHarcourt.

In most cases new era Ponzi schemes are computer and internet driven and involves a lot of sophistication.

In august 2017, the Ponzi scam, Mavrodi Mundial Moneybox (MMM), which collapsed not long ago. MMM became more popular and the SEC Nigeria in its reactionary manner waded in and sealed up all operating devices of the scheme in the country.

Investopedia defines a Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investing scam which promises high rates of return with little risk to investors.

The Ponzi arrangement is presented in a way that it generates returns for older investors by acquiring new investors. This is similar to a pyramid scheme in that both are based on using new investors’ funds to pay the earlier backers.

A lot of innocent investors have been scammed by the enticing appeal of the Ponzi operators and unsuspectingly lost their invested funds and that of their friends or colleagues who they may have also invited into the scheme to build their points.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 11, 2017

Investment scams or Ponzi schemes: Need for investors to be cautious

All these rules, amongst others, put in place points us in the direction of thinking GHW is not going anywhere soon as it also does not rely on new investors to make money.

Why regulators are hard on Ponzi scheme.

The Securities and Exchange Commission in sealing up the identified schemes in Nigeria maintained that they continue to rubbish the image of the country as they continue to swindle the people. The Ponzi operators are not licensed and not supervised by any form of regulation.

How YDEC operated According to SEC Nigeria “The investment period of the scheme is pegged at a minimum of 30 working days to a maximum period of 10 months with offer of interest rates on short and medium term basis, which include promise of a daily profit on the category of investment”.

It was further disclosed that the company also entices its customers with payment of bonuses should they convince more investors to invest in the scheme When SEC sealed up the Yuan Dong (YDEC) Ponzi in Kano, Head Corporate Communication of SEC, Naif Abdussalam, said in a statement that “The Commission has since conducted an investigation into the activities of this company and has established that its activities constitute a breach of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2007.

Furthermore it was discovered that contrary to their supposed existence in over 20 locations

across the country, the company only has functional offices in Asaba, Kano and Abuja.

The women –in oil Ponzi scheme In 2013, the Nigerian capital market regulator also sealed up a Ponzi scheme operating in Portharcourt and Sokoto state.

SEC said that Women-in-Oil took undue advantage of unsuspecting investors who applied to its portal, unknown that they would be swindled, through promises of mouth-watering returns on their investment which the organization routinely failed to deliver on.

The Commission said that the illegal entity even went a step further to vest its operations with undeserved credibility by claiming that the then president, was one of its backers.

Women – In – Oil claimed to be an indigenous oil company with head office in Port Harcourt which obtains funds from members of the public to make them part owners of the company and its crude oil prospecting and mining project.

It informs such victims/unwitting members of the public that a company membership fee of N120,000.00 which ought to be paid by them had already been offset by the Federal Govern-

ment courtesy of the bogey Presidential assent which the entity lays claim to.

The Ponzi scheme fashion was through initial collection of the certificate and local government verification” from its victims.

The sum is made payable either in one off payment or in two installments.

The entity claimed to have a membership of over 200,000 women and to hoodwink its unsuspecting victims, the firm flaunts an unending laundry list of benefits of joining the group which include: monthly profit sharing of up to N20,000, healthcare coverage for medical bills for members’ families, widowhood income support.

Others were facilitating access to unsecured business loan, car ownership through extension of credit with long pay off period, housing allowance and home ownership through access to 30 year mortgage.

Other Ponzi schemes that have surfaced in Nigeria and their styles of operation s are as enumerated below. Though these current Ponzi scheme sites did not make the list of top 21 most visited blogs in Nigeria, they’re are quite popular

Get Help Worldwide GHW presently known as GET HELP WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE claims to be a mutual aid and crowd funding scheme.

This scheme offers a better platform to operate than MMM. It would seem like they look thoroughly into the popular MMM scheme and decided to make theirs better by targeting all shortcomings of MMM and correcting them.

This latest Ponzi scheme offers a 30% cash ROI and 50% in 30 days via Bitcoin – the latest and trending cryptocurrency in the world today.

Now the question is why would this Ponzi scheme be considered better than MMM? GHW offers a platform with no guiders unlike MMM, and so there are no ridiculous or exaggerated amounts and returns.

There’s a re-commitment in 3days or the user risk been blocked, as if that is not enough.

It has a credibility score for every member on their profile which must not be equal to or less than zero as this also brings about blockage from the site.

All Ponzi schemes involve pledging and paying but GHW does not allow for pledge less than the member’s last pledge.

MMM Nigeria Ponzi Scheme Company The mavordi mondial money box cannot be exempted in the list of the world largest Ponzi schemes. Dating as far back as the nineties, started in Russia and also had its fall out in Russia but it would seem MMM is quite stubborn or resilient, be it whatever you might call it, and bounced back aiming at not only Russia but more than 20 countries.

The famous MMM came into Africa and was the latest Ponzi scheme in 2016 but it could not pass by without leaving its footprints in this continent. It entered into Nigeria, the giant of Africa, and it is dated to November 2015.

As usual, underground whispering began then became rumors then became warnings but even MMM could not succeed at first due to the sharp-wit of Nigerians, the country was not providing the backbone its people needed and by late 2016, MMM has started rooting among Nigerians.

MMM, with the vision of financial apocalypse that promises to break financial chains of slavery and make all equal, offers a 30% ROI in 30days.

It was true to its words but it was reported on the 13th of December, 2017 that all members account had been frozen for negative publicity and overloading of the system and it developed its popular ‘Moku Mogbe Modaran’ name.

MMM Nigeria was paying at a point and this induced more Nigerians to join the group based on its new proposed weekly payments, the scheme appeared to have stopped paying as it is said that upgrades are going on.

Also include Twinkas, Claritta, Wealthfundz and NNN Nigeria

v

Life&

TIMES Saturday, November 11, 2017

As DJ, I have more control over my creativity –DJ Cuppy

L2 & 3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

I want to be seen as Cuppy not as ‘Otedola’s daughter’ –DJ Cuppy Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, is a phenomenal personality who has taken the disk jockey trade to another level. Cuppy, who is the second out of four children of billionaire Femi Otedola has managed to carve a niche for herself in the Nigerian music industry. At 25, Cuppy has carved a distinctive niche for herself in the industry and thriving to tow her Tekno, Cuppy sure knows her way when it comes song delivery. In this chat daughter, and what makes good music amongst others. Enjoy…

What is the idea behind your song, Green Light?

A lot of people ask why it is called Green Light. So

that.

What informed your choice of Tekno?

twice.

With Tekno on board, are we still seeing more of the DJ in you?

own

are you going to explore?

people enjoy it.

do in the market?

How was it like always trying to play Nigerian music?

different.

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Interview L3

‘My father is my ‘Guy’ you have to break the rules.

What is the unique thing about being a DJ than an artiste?

The unique thing about being a DJ rather than an artiste is that you get a lot more of opportunities to express yourselves. We are not restricted to our own songs, so I feel like I get to have my cake and eat it too. I can play other I have more control over my creativity and you know, I have a lot more catalogue. Artistes go and perform and they can only really perform their own songs.

Has the BBC documentary boosted your career?

I did a documentary for BBC; it was called Lagos in London. And it was a long-term project where they followed me and other Nigerians and it was a big piece and it was globally broadcasted. important for people to understand that despite being from Nigeria and despite living in U.K, we still have our heritage and we are proud of what we do.

Are you making money from Deejaying or are you still a starving artiste?

I am making money and I feel like it is very

personal choice of branding myself. So, I have higher costs than a lot of people because I put a lot of my money into my business with everything I do.

I have a reputation of doing things in a certain way. The reality is that I generate revenue but I have a lot of cost some may call the unnecessary cost. But I feel like it is really important that anything you do, you do well. And that

brand is rising in value every single year, so it is all about creating a name that has value, I believe that

Do you think you would be famous without the name of your father? helps me and I am really proud of being associated with him. He is a great guy, he is an entrepreneur and he has done a lot for me. He has supported me

But people would probably be a bit less curious but having said that, it is an advantage. Also, there is a disadvantage too but the good ones are far better. For instance, I can do a really good DJ set but because someone may have a problem with my dad, they already decided that am bad DJ. You once said people should not really look at perception really changed?

I feel like it is changing. I being able to produce my own song and the song is actually a good song.

And working with someone like Tekno rather than maybe someone like Davido, it helps me show that actually, I am a credible musician. The perception is changing anyway.

Your sister just introduced herself to the music industry in Nigeria; will there be any form of collaboration?

Yes my sister, Tolani has just launched her musical career and she is my older sister and I am very excited for her. She has been doing music for a while but I am glad that the world

Was showbiz part of your family growing up or was it something you kicked-off?

Showbiz and music has always been a big part of my growing up. My father loves music and I think in the past he did some works with Sir Shina Peters and music has always been part of the entire house. My dad used to tell to when he used to go to the Fela Shrine and other things. Music was my exciting route to get happy.

As an artiste now, what do think makes a good music?

Am not a singer but as a DJ I can explain better; there is something called frequency. When you hear a song, there are certain sounds that clashes together and it either clashes in harmony reason the song works so well is the fact that it of the song. Most times you look at the actual cords, notes and the way they harmonise.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

L5

Miss Nigeria L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Large turnout recorded at Miss Nigeria Port Harcourt auditioning The 2nd phase of auditions for Miss Nigeria 2017 is presently on-going in Echelon Heights Hotel, Port Harcourt.

This time, Andy Ogbechei (Creative Director, A-Squared Network) and Enyinne Owunwanne (CEO, Times Multimediaorganiser of the Miss Nigeria pageant) are joined by 2 former contestants from 2016 – Anna Terna (Miss Benue) and Bozimo Blessing Ebi as guest judges. At the time of this report, over a hundred girls had arrived

the audition venue to vie for a chance at winning the coveted crown.

The Port Harcourt edition is the second leg of the auditions following the first which held in Abuja at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja.

It will wrap up in Lagos on the 11th and 12th of November in Lagos.

Visit www.missnigeria.ng for details on how to register or send an email to info@ missnigeria.ng. Forms can also be purchased at the audition venues.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Society circle L7

Isaac Oguntoye

Between Gov Ambode, Funmi Tejuosho and Lagos House

Nigerian pastors and tithing controversy

There is a popular saying that he who goes to equity, goes with clean hand. Like Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, Like Lagos Governor, Ambode.

Freeze

Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly called Freeze, a Nigerian radio host and presenter is back and stronger with his usual rant over the way and manner at which some Nigerian pastors have been deceiving members over paying tithes.

The Osun State born to a Nigerian father and a Romanian European mother, Samaranda Olarinde, who has been silent for some days after his Instagram account was hacked tors, does not look like someone who is ready to give up on the pastors as he continued from where he stopped.

According to the dude, any pastor that wants to debunk his argument should do so with scriptures not senti-

ment and emotional blackmail saying, devil WITH SCRIPTURES not with sentiments and emotional blackmail.

Debunk my argument with the word of God not with psychological tactics.”

And also on the issue of paying tithe or risk being curse, he said: “There is

cate disease in Africa while Aliko Dangote has just earmarked $100 million dollars, more than the cost of a private

happenstances in the Lagos State government, you must have heard about the unlawful eviction of Honourable Funmi Tejuosho from his N150 million abode located around GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

Fresh facts have emerged on what has been tagged illegal acquisition of a property by one of the lawmakers in Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho.

In fact, many tales were given to be the real cause of the invasion of her residence by security operatives on the orders of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

To some, she has done everything wrong by not vacating the building for other Deputy Speakers that came after her.

Some others believed she has settled the issue by buying the property from the government at N150m.

However, according to the is still generating mixed feelings amongst many in the state with appellation, Centre

Gov Ambode & Funmi Tejuosho of Excellence, is not only limited to the female lawmaker, who claimed to have bought the property from the state government through her company, Debam Mega Solutions Limited, when she was the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly through the monetisation policy of the government. revealed that the likes of Governors, Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola, Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, and Senator tion policy which saw them acquiring properties the way Funmi Tejuosho did.

Life & Times gathered exclusively that aside Funmi

Tejuosho, the governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode also when he bought his house on Glover Street, Ikoyi Lagos, a prominent part of the state.

Many who are privy to this information are wondering why Governor Ambode who intends to recover government assets sold at an undervalued price cannot start with his own property.

Aside the governor, there are so many other top govtion policy. Now, the question that is being asked is: why are others being shielded from the same treatment the female lawmaker is getting at the moment?

Superintendent of Police, Dolapo Badmus’s social lifestyle Superintendent of Police (SP), Ifedol-

Hon Jude Idimogu’s faith

headquarters in Lagos.

Having served in various capacities in -

Lagos State House of Assembly representing the people of Oshodi/Isolo constituency II. Lagos State House of Assembly is leaving no stone unturned as he has impacted several It was gathered that the happily married politician who defected to the ruling party, All Progressives Congress from Peoples Democratic Party still maintains an open door policy with the members of his constituency.

His priority, according to the people of his constituency, is bringing the dividends of democracy back to his people.

The soft-spoken industrious politician is actively involved in the politicking both in the house and at the party level. This, we learnt, has been keeping some of his colleagues on their toes. In fact, some of them have started insinuating he might get automatic ticket come

(DPO) Isokoko, Agege, she was later appointed as Lagos State PPRO for a couple of months before being elevated to and Lagos States.

Ifedolapo is one of the rare gems in the Nigerian police force. The graduate of Accounting and also a degree holder in Public Administration could be mistaken for a Nollywood star rather than a police The Ekiti State born super cop in the course of her career as a police woman has exhibited enigmatic virtues that propelled her movement from one position to another.

Meanwhile, the buzz and accolades media pages can be compared to those in the make-believe industry. Added to that, Life and Times gathered that she will be organising a “Meet and Greet Sec-

of my loved ones here want to have a being touched by our service to people we protect. In view of this, I am organisand venue will be communicated through

to you all as we pledge to continuously Her words: “I have noticed that a lot serve and protect you.

L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 11, 2017