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Rivers Rerun: INEC suspends further results Ï Announces Abe as winner of Rivers East senatorial poll Ï Wike cries foul, disagrees with declaration of Abe Ï Calls on INEC to release results won by PDP Ï Flays use of military to deny PDP agents access to collation centres

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State, on Sunday suspended further announcement of re-

sults of the rerun elections held in the state for National and state Assembly seats.

The Commission may likely continue the declaration of the results today.

Continued on page 6

Nigeria needs 7 $12bn to generate 180,000mws –BPE

L-R: Mr. Tayo Amusan, Chairman, Persianas Ltd (owners of the Palmas Mall, Lekki); Chief Diana Chan, CEO CIG representative of GAC Motor in Nigeria; Ms Chioma Udeh, Founder and CEO, Afriff; Mr Liu, Commercial Counsellor, The Chinese Embassy in Lagos; Mr Kunle Afolayan, Ace Movie Director; Visiting Mr Yu Jun, Deputy Director of the executive Committee and General Manager of GAC Motor at a dinner to welcome Yu Jun to Lagos for the launch of GS4 at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday.

Constitution review: We’re not tampering with immunity 12 clause –Reps Abia community protest Fulani 19 herdsmen’s menace Recession: CBN tasks banks on 12 revival of economy

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

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Editorial As Nigerians celebrate Yuletide

E

very year, the month of December heralds the Yuletide in the Christian calendar. Not only is December the last month in the year, its symbolism is made manifest by the flurry of breathtaking activities across the entire globe. From the north to south and from east to west, the entire humanity celebrates the month with feverish relish and Nigeria is no exception. It is a fact that each year, Nigerians eagerly wait for December including the shopping frenzy and travels that characterise the season.

Many Nigerians see December as opportunity to travel home to reunite with families, friends and well wishers. Therefore, the month is often associated with huge vehicular movement of people, goods and services within the length and breadth of the country.

Incidentally, the Yuletide also records the highest number of car crashes and other mishaps involving commuters and other revellers.

According to a United Nations report, Nigeria is ranked 191 out of 192 countries in the world with unsafe roads with 162 death rates per 100,000 populations from road traffic accidents. Unfortunately, most of these accidents occur within the month of December.

By coincidence, December also records the highest number of infernos that affect houses and other properties due to careless use of fireworks and storage of hazardous materials. This is why the warning by the Lagos State Government to residents against the use of fireworks and other incendiary devices this season is very welcome.

This warning is urgent when viewed against the background

that the harmattan season is at its severest in December and with its risk of fire to persons and properties, including poor visibility on the roads. We are ,therefore, counselling drivers and other road users to err on the side of caution whenever they are on the road. It has been observed, that in December many commercial drivers are always driving dangerously on the highway. Such reckless attitude is informed by an erroneous desire by drivers to make quick money.

In the process, they undertake many trips in a day than required; thereby putting put their lives and those of passengers at risk. More alarming is the fact that unscrupulous owners in a bid to make a large profit hastily put all manner of unserviceable contraptions and road unworthy vehicles into service.

Not left out of the milieu, are the dastardly activities of criminals and other dangerous elements that rob, kill and maim other citizens, even as the costs of goods and services sky rocket due to activity of traders and speculators.

That is why we are calling on all concerned government agencies and non-profit organisations to use the Yuletide season to sensitise all segments of the Nigerian society on the need to be more safety conscious in their daily activities. Moreover, drivers and other road users should make it a point of duty to avoid unnecessary accidents. Finally, as people are preparing to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones, it is imperative they take to modesty in all their activities in order to stop the blood flow, pain and tears that are associated with some unwholesome activities in December.

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Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (middle) and others during an inspection tour of work at the new fertiliser plant under construction in Sokoto… at the weekend.

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L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and Majority leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the opening of the retreat organised by the House of Representatives Special Ad-Hoc committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Abeokuta, Ogun State... at the weekend.

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Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right) inspects the burnt shopping mall in Benin, Edo state… on Sunday

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Any priest who preaches resurrection of Jesus Christ without seeing the resurrection of the economy - is wasting his time

Ibrahim Babangida

Wole Soyinka

“The work of Nigeria is not complete for as long as there is any one Nigerian who goes to bed on empty stomach.”

“The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

5 News

Police uncover fake embassy in Lagos Joy Anyim

ÎÎÎ

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command, has discovered fake embassy operating in Lagos where many innocent members of the public had been swindled.

The policemen attached to the squad swooped on them and two Chinese and two Nigerians were apprehended during the raid on their office situated inside a hotel, Golden Point and Suite on Duduyemi Street in Isolo.

The Chinese: Liu Honyang, 47, Sun Xinai, 49 , and their Nigerian collaborators; Oriyomi

Olawale, 47 and Desmond Chinedu, 25, conspired and swindled Nigerians who had planned to travel out of the country to seek greener pastures.

The Lagos State commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni had given expressive approval to the operatives RRS to act on the intelligence reports received from members of the public after Millions of Naira has been collected using Nigeria citizens as cover.

RRS Decoy’s Policemen had lodged in the hotel for 9 days watching and monitoring their activities before eventual arrest.

On hearing the arrest News, some of their victims, showed

up at the RRS’s Headquarters, recounting how they were duped respectively, hence their deportation from Trinidad and Tobago.

According to one of the victims , Adekunle Adefuye, “I met these people (suspects) through one of their agents, Dorcas Slyver. She is a daughter to my brother’s pastor in Abeokuta. I told her my intentions and zeal to travel to United States of America.

After a while, she told me to come to Lagos that she can procure the American visa for me.

On getting to Lagos, she took me to these Chinese where I was told that I should

Deputy governor charges christian pilgrims on sacred obligation Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎThe

Kwara State Government has urged christians to see pilgrimage exercise as a sacred religious obligation that should be taken very seriously.

The Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira gave the charge yesterday at the valedictory service for prospective pilgrims to this year`s Holy Pilgrimage to the State of Israel, Rome and Greece held at Mount Olive Anglican Church, Ilorin.

Elder Kisira called on Christian faithful to take up the challenge and desire a Holy Pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime adding that the era of apathy and lukewarmness to the sacred religious obligation is gone.

The Deputy Governor noted that participants usually derive enormous physical, spiritual and moral ben-

efits from the journey apart from religious rejuvenation and reawakening which are trademarks of the exercise.

He implored Christians to strive hard to ensure that the benefits of pilgrimage do not elude them by participating in the 2017 exercise.

He equally challenged them to be worthy ambassadors of the State and the Nation while in the Holy Land to portray the Country in good light.

Elder Kisira commended the Management and Staff of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for a job well done stressing that the government would continue to support and empower the board for greater success.

The Deputy Governor also thanked all stakeholders particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria, Church Leaders Conference and other Christian Organisations for their support in ensuring participation and success of

go to Trinidad and Tobago.

They persuaded me to go Trinidad and Tobago, that it was easier to secure employment with at least 3,000 dollars as salary”.

He continued: Initially, I declined to take their bait, insisting that I preferred America to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

But in the long run, they brainwashed me into agreeing to go to Trinidad &Tobago. It was at this point, I was told that I would pay N1.3 million for the whole process including visa processing and flight fare.

The payment was made in installment. N376, 000 for Visa, ticket N850,000, accom-

modation N39,000 and Visa Fee N33,000, which I obliged and paid all the monies into Dorcas’ GTB Accounts; 0130671906.

He revealed that he and another person were rounded up immediately they got to Trinidad and Tobago by the country’s immigration officers for coming into the country with fake visas.

“We spent two days underground inside the Police custody. They treated us like common criminals trying to enter the country illegally”, he added.

“We left Lagos enroute Lome on October 19th, 2016.

From Lome to Sao Paulo in Brazil.

From there, we moved to Panama where we boarded another plane to Trinidad and Tobago.

On getting to the country, we were arrested by their security operatives accusing us of entering their country with fake visa and documents.

We were locked up for 48 hours before we were deported on October 22nd, 2016 and arrived Nigeria the following day”, he added.

Adefuye stressed, “when we arrived Nigeria, we didn’t let them know we have been deported. They thought possibly we were lucky to have entered the T&T without any challenge.

From the Archives: Josy Ajiboye

the exercise.

In his sermon themed “a pilgrim worthy of emulation” Reverend Bode Amoo of Dominion Life Bible Church, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin urged the pilgrims to personally study the Bible and pray fervently while in the Holy Land.

Reverend Amoo prayed that the Pilgrims would have a personal encounter with God. The Leader of Delegation, Reverend Julius Adesina noted that the Pilgrims have been briefed on their role and what to expect at the Holy Land.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Anthony Gana-Abu said ninety self sponsored pilgrims would participate in the exercise.

Gana-Abu stated that the Pilgrims going to Rome and Greece would leave the Country this evening while those going directly to Israel and Egypt would leave on the nineteenth of this month.

Students’ union demands withdrawal of soldiers from Kwara poly Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎ

Students under the aegis of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) at the weekend, demanded for an immediate withdrawal of the men of the Nigerian Army from the campuses of the Kwara Polytechnic, Ilorin.

The Vice-President of the association, Comrade Kamal Dosunmu made the demand at a press briefing in

Ilorin.

The Students’ union leader described the military men as agents of oppression, intimidation and occupation, who had turned the campuses of the polytechnic to a warlike zone with the way and manner the military have comported themselves.

According to him, not even in the Boko-Haram ravaged North-East do soldiers have the kind of powers of molestation, dehumanisa-

tion and open display in the campus.

“They must on or before the last working day of the year 2016, be disengaged and returned to their barracks.

“The invasion and occupation of the Kwara polytechnic campuses by men of the Nigerian Army is unknown to law, ultra vires, illegal and uncivil.

“They have only come to dehumanise and distort the sanctity of an environment which is fashioned to thrive

on divergent plethora of reasoning.

The union also demanded for the unconditional reinstatement of Comrade Imam-Murtador Olarewaju, who he said expelled for being the Welfare Secretary of the school.

“The callous, barbaric and inhumane unjustified expulsion of the Kwara state Polytechnic’s Union Welfare Secretary, Comrade Imam Murtador Olarewaju over trump up charges, after he

had written his final exams and submitted his thesis write up.

“It must be noted that Comrade Imam was one of the vociferous critic of the instruction’s anti-students’ policies”, he said.

He asked the management the school to henceforth hands off the activities of the school’s Students’ union and order for an election to be conducted in line with the dictate of the union’s constitution on or before the last

working day of 2016.

The union also demanded for an commencement of payment of all outstanding bursary claims by indigent students and institution of a credible scholarship scheme to be manned and managed by eminent nonpartisan Kwarans on or before Dec 20, 2016.

“With the mandate of the over 2 million Kwara students scattered all over the country and beyond, we say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ ơƾè ƾƠơÕ

Rivers Rerun: INEC suspends further results Continued from page 1

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, in a press conference at the INEC Headquarters, last night, said the suspension was to enable the commission conclude the results in Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers West Senatorial District.

Before the suspension of further release of results, the electoral umpire had declared Senator Magnus Ngei Abe of the All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, having scored 125,938 votes against the25, 394 votes scored by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Olaka Nwogu.

Announcing the results last night, the INEC returning officer for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District election, Prof.

Onuekwusi Gideon Chinedum, also stated that Mr. Kingsley Onyekwere of the Labour Party (LP), scored 549, Mr. Comrade Oke Brown of the NNPP scored 46, while Mr. Brown Elfreda of the UDP garnered 99 votes respectively.

However, Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called on INEC to release the Rivers East and Rivers West Senatorial Districts, untampered with, declaring that the PDP candidates had already won both elections based on what he said were results from the polling units.

Announcing Abe as the winner of the Senatorial rerun, Prof.

Chinedum said, “Magnus Abe of the APC having certified the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

In his acceptance speech after the announcement of the result, Senator Abe said that the race back to the Senate has been a titanic struggle and a very difficult two years for Rivers people and

for all involved.

The elated Senator said: “My victory in this election is a reward for faithfulness. I have been faithful to my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). I have been faithful to my people, the people of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District and I have been faithful to my leaders and I think God in his infinite mercies has rewarded me with this unprecedented victory.

There is no victor, no vanquish.

Senator Abe continued: “I want to thank my leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, my wife, my family and most importantly, the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District. You have spoken and you have spoken loud and clear. We should respect your views. We should work together to make this district a better place for Nigerians to live.”

Rejecting the outcome of the

results, however, Wike called on INEC to immediately release the results of Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency and Andoni State Constituency, which he claimed were also won by the PDP. In a press release signed by the Special Assistant to the governor on electronic media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, Governor Wike said it had never happened in the history of elections that the Rivers East Senatorial District result declaration exceeded 24hours.

According to him, the result of Rivers East has been held down by the plots of INEC, the Army and the Police to manipulate the results of Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas for the purpose of concocting the senatorial results in favour of the APC. He said: “As I speak with you, they are doing everything possible to rewrite the result of Emohua Local Government Area to

ensure that the APC wins.”

The governor alleged that since the conclusion of voting, INEC has been playing pranks, moving collation back and forth from Emohua to Port Harcourt to create room for rigging.

“For now, all the collation officers have refused to be compelled to declare false results. As such, the collation officers have left and INEC has resorted to using her internal staff for the collation of results.

“Release Rivers East Senatorial District where Senator George Sekibo has won clearly. Release Rivers West Senatorial District where Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu has won clearly. INEC should release Andoni/OpoboNkoro Federal Constituency where Abiante has won and Andoni State Constituency where Ikunyi Ibani has won clearly,” he said.

He described as unfortunate the deliberate use of the Nigerian Army to deny PDP agents access to collation centres, so that INEC staff can concoct results.

“It is most unfortunate that they will descend to the level of win at all costs,” he said.

The governor reiterated his statement that the Nigerian Army and SARS personnel were deeply involved in the violence that characterised the elections, pointing out that the violence claimed five lives in different parts of the state.

He said that the half hearted denial of the military evaporates in the face of overwhelming evidence of their misconduct during the polls.

“When the security is apolitical you have free and fair elections.

But when the security descends into the arena, the entire process is compromised,” the governor noted

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Recession: CBN tasks banks on revival of economy Motolani Oseni

ÏÏÏ The Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN) has called on banks to help salvage the Nigerian economy from its current woeful state through effective financial intermediation activities and deployment of innovative approach to the nation’s development agenda.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who made the charge in his opening address at the 2016 Bankers’ Committee retreat in Lagos over the weekend, noted that at a critical time in the country’s history, emphasis on diversification and support for its achievement must be accorded priority by bankers.

At the event with the theme, “Economic Recovery: The Role of the Banking Sector,” the governor

reiterated that banks must come up with innovative solutions that will enable the finance sector to play a key role in driving Nigeria’s growth and development.

The retreat, which is the 8th in the series, is an annual event where members of the Bankers’ Committee engage in strategic reviews of critical developments within the financial system and the economy.

“The focus on economic recovery by bankers is timely, given the sustained external headwinds we are grappling with triggered by several factors. Chief of such is the 70 per cent plus decline in the price of crude oil between June 2014 and June 2016.

“With over 90 per cent of our export revenues coming from

the sale of crude oil, the drop in its prices along with the end of quantitative easing programme in the United States, has led to a huge impact on our economy, particularly in the foreign exchange market,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has charged banks to take their roles in the quest to revive the economy seriously.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, he called for a change of orientation and support for policy instruments that are aimed at achieving the overall goal of reviving the economy.

“We must innovate now, because there is no option to get out of the recession. We must get it

right too. The banking sector has a major role to play because the survival of other sectors depends, in part, on sustainability and vibrancy of banks,” he said.

He also assured that the suggestions of the bankers will be given due consideration by government and its agencies, with a view to serve as a guide in policy formulation.

But noting that there is a paradigm shift, Emefiele said that emphasis is now on creating an enabling environment for a more diversified growth structure that is not dependent on the sale and production of one produce - crude oil.

He said that the new move dwells on improving the productivity of farmers, manufacturers and firms, as well as their access

to finance, in order to produce goods and services that can be made in Nigeria, thereby improving job creation and growth for the nation as a whole.

The bank chief reiterated that two key sectors are central to the recovery efforts - agriculture and the manufacturing sectors.

“They are recognised worldwide as catalysts for rapid growth, job creation and poverty reduction. Agriculture, for example, remains the largest employer of labour in Nigeria and contributes about 24.2 per cent of our GDP. For quite some time now, funding the necessary investment required for the transformation of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors has become a major priority of the CBN.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

7 News CPC orders VIP Express to refund N25 million to aggrieved consumers

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Representative of Executive Chairman, Lagos Universal Education Board, Mr. Disu Taiwo; Head, Private Education and Special Programmes, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ajoke Gbeleyi; Principal/CEO, Olashore International School, Mr. Derek Smith and CEO African Brand Review, Mr. Ayodele Joseph, at the 2016 Primary School Conference and Awards, in Lagos… at the weekend.

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ Founder and President

of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Federick Fasehun, has said that the Yoruba race has learnt its lessons on marginalization of descendants of Oduduwa in the federal appointments despite the massive support of the South West for the present administration.

He said the current economic recession is surmountable in spite of the present challenges expressing hope that Nigeria would not fall into depression.

He said as a race, the Yoruba has taken in its stride perceived marginalization by the current

Buhari govt, Yoruba have learnt their lessons -Fasheun administration and will respond at the appropriate time the damage done to her people.

Speaking at the weekend in an interview in at the weekend in Lagos when the OPC honoured some Nigerians, cutting across ethnic divide, Dr. Fasehun said the Yoruba will not be like the “mad dog” that barks all the time, but will take calculated steps to make its position known on the state of affairs of

Nigeria.

He said it was not right for a people, all the time to always criticise government, rather they should know that their contributions to national struggle has not been appreciated.

Fasehun said the Yoruba are keenly looking forward to the next election, adding that: “The Yoruba have learnt a big lesson for what has happened

in this country in the last administration as well as the current government. We have assisted other ethnic groups to get to power and that struggle has not been appreciated. But, we have recorded it. But, as a decent race, we will not be like the ‘mad dog’ that barks all the time. We do not have to criticise the government all the time.

Yoruba have taken everything in their stride from the people

doing the damage to us.

Yoruba will learn how to react and we look forward to the next general elections.”

Fasehun said the OPC decided to honour some Nigerians, who are not Yorubas as evidence that the group is interested in defending the human rights of all.

He said the group also remembered its heroes that died in the last few years.

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has ordered a tourism hospitality firm, VIP Express Tourism Limited, to refund over N25 million to 63 aggrieved subscribers of its holiday packages, due to gross violation of their rights.

The CPC’s order which was signed by its Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, disclosed that its investigation substantiated various allegations of violations of its enabling Act, arguing that “the complainants having paid various sums of money to the respondent at various times are entitled to a refund, because the contract is obnoxious, unscrupulous, exploitative and therefore cannot be enforced against them.”

According to the order was the outcome of its investigation into the operations of the company, following complaints alleging gross abuse of consumers’ rights against the company.

The Council’s investigation was informed by the multiplicity of consumer complaints concerning the quality of service provided by VIP Express Tourism Limited and in particular allegations that consumers of its services had been pressurized, manipulated or deceived into contracts for the provision of vacation accommodation services.

VIP Express Tourism Limited is into hospitality business through which it enlists subscriptions from the public with the promise of facilitating subscribers’ holiday destination desires after their completion of agreed payments.

Nigeria needs $12b to generate 180,000MWs

Reps summon Adeosun, Waziri. Agwai over SURE-P N1tr rail contracts

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Vincent Akpotaire, has said that Nigeria needs a total of N12 billion to generate 180,000 megawatts of electricity.

Akpotarie made the statement at the weekend with newsmen while commenting on the alleged non-transparent and fraudulent sale of power assets.

Giving a breakdown of the privatisation of generation, distribution and transmission segments of the unbundled PHCN assets, Akpotarie disclosed that Nigeria requires a sum of $12 billion to generate 180,000MWs between now and 2030 for the country to break

out of the circle of power poverty.

He added that between 2012 and 2014, the sum of $5 billion was spent on self-power generation, which could have added 5,000MWs to the country’s power requirements.

Recently, Nigeria’s power generation dropped from 5000 megawatts recorded on September 16 to 3,321 megawatts on December 1, according to data gathered from Nigeria Electricity System Operator and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The Association of Power Generation Companies (GenCos) recently revealed that the country needs 180,000 megawatts of electricity to be sufficient.

The body through its Execu-

tive Secretary, Dr. Joy Ogaji, said the need for 180,000 megawatts electricity is due to Nigeria’s 180 million population.

“The rule of thumb for an industrial nation is about 1MW for every thousands of the population. This puts Nigeria’s energy needs in about 180,000MW range given its population of about 180 million. The Federal Government has a target of 40,000MW by the year 2020,” she said.

Towards seeking funding for the power sector, the Federal government recently announced that it will also privatise the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank (AfDB), United States Agency

for International Development (USAID) were therefore called upon to invest in the sector.

According to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, government wants investment not only in the Transmission sector, but also seeks investment in the generation and distribution sectors of the industry.

He said the funding gap in the sector was wide and required investments to improve electricity supply.

Fashola said the sector has huge investible propositions, which only bigger corporations have the capacity to meet, adding that the sector has the capacity to provide returns on investment for any company that invests in it.

ÏÏÏThe House of Represen-

tatives adhoc committee on Failed Rail Contracts has summoned the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) boss, Mrs. Farida Waziri and the former Chairman of SURE-P, Lt. Gen. Martins Agwai (rtd), including 22 others to explain their roles over alleged N1trilion failed rail contracts between 2010-2014.

In a letter dated December 8, the committee summoned the principal actors who actively participated in the execution of the contracts within this period.

Those summoned are expected to appear before the Rep Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonyinma led adhoc committee on

tomorrow.

Apart from the minister and the two other prominent persons expected to appear before the committee, the chief executives of firms that executed the alleged failed contracts have been summoned.

Also to appear are management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, accountant general of the federation, auditor general of the federation, chief executive of the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, Dr. Mark Tomlinson, director general of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Chairman. Federal Inland Revenue Service, Minister of Budget and Planning, that of transport and others involved in the implementation of the SURE-P scheme.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

NCAA suspends 5 crew members over drug for six months.

.......to undergo mandatory rehabilitation for psychoactive substance abuse.

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Civil Avia-

tion Authority (NCAA) has suspended the medical certificates of five Cabin Crew members on account of drug related offences.

The five crew members (names withheld) tested positive to marijuana (Tetra Hydro Cannabinol – THC) during a Multi – Drug Screening Test (MDST) conducted on participants of the Cabin Crew Training Basic Course – 30 (CCTB – 30) at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Kaduna State on 2nd June 2016.

A statement by Sam Adurogboye general manager public affairs N CAA said their suspension was in furtherance of its heightened safety oversight.

According to the statement, In the light of the above and in accordance with the provision of Part 2.11.1.8 (f) (i) of the Nig. NCARs 2015, the NCAA sus-

pended their medical certificate for a period of 180 days from the date of receipt of NCAA letter to them.

It will also put on hold the processing of their initial cabin crew licence and will be requested to repeat the examination but will not be issued the cabin crew licence even if they pass the examination until they are successfully rehabilitated and re – issued the medical certificate.

They are mandated to undergo rehabilitation for psychoactive substance abuse under the strict supervision of a consultant psychiatrist at designated medical centres forthwith.

According to NCAA, at the end of the rehabilitation exercise, a report is expected to be forwarded in strict confidence by the medical centre to the Authority for consideration of re – issuance of their medical certificate in accordance with the provisions of Part 2.2.9.2 (a) of the Nig. NCARs 2015.

Dogara commiserates with Akwa Ibom over church collapse Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Speaker, House of Rep-

resentatives, Yakubu Dogara, has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the people and government of Akwa Ibom state over the death of over 50 Christian worshippers who died when the church building they were worshipping in collapsed in Uyo the state capital on Saturday.

This is as he has admonished Muslim faithful to see the Eid Maulud celebration as a time to pray for the country.

The Speaker in separate press releases and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Hassan Turaki, described the Akwa Ibom

incidence as great tragedy that has befallen the nation.

He called for a thorough and comprehensive investigations into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse of the church building.

The government department responsible for approving and enforcing building plans must also be brought to book to avoid future occurrences.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and quick recovery of the injured, Dogara commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for staying back to personally supervise the rescue operation despite being among the rescued persons from the horrible incidence.

Meanwhile, Dogara has

felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of 2016 Eid Maulud to mark the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker charged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion of the remembrance and celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed to imbibe and promote the virtues of humility, love, peace, harmony and mutual coexistence which the prophet exemplified.

He noted that as this year’s Eid-el-Maulud comes just a couple of weeks before the end of the year 2016, Muslims and all Nigerians should seize the opportunity

to offer special prayers for the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria and for the country to overcome its current economic challenges as we march into the new year.

“Maulud Nabiyy is a special period that calls for sober reflections and special prayers to the Almighty for our leaders at all levels for God’s wisdom and guidance.”

“We must also put aside our ethnic, religious and political differences and come together to build a more united and peaceful country.”

“I therefore enjoin us all to put the past behind us and forge a new path of greatness and prosperity”, the speaker admonished.

Maulud: Unite to build united, prosperous nation, Tambuwal tells Nigerians Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÏÏÏ

Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to put aside all differences and collaborate with each other to build a united and peaceful nation where everybody would feel free and safe.

In a message to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud issued in Sokoto Sunday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, the Governor further enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and strive to live with one another in peace and harmony.

“Same way the birth of the Prophet in Mecca ushered in a new dawn for humanity, Nigeri-

ans should view the occasion of this year’s Maulud Nabiyyi as an opportunity for a new beginning.

“As a nation, we will make progress towards the realisation of our shared vision of a strong, united and prosperous nation if our people imbibe the Prophet’s lessons of peace, tolerance, honesty, selflessness, sincerity, justice, equity and peaceful coexistence,” the Governor added.

While rejoicing with Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful, on the occasion of Eid-elMaulud, Tambuwal assured the people of Sokoto of his determination to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all citizens.

Bad portion of Oke Aje, market by NTA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State… on Sunday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Recession: Edo will be the most prosperous economy in S\South, says Obaseki Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ

Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed his administration’s desire to make Edo state the most prosperous economy in the South-South within the next three years.

According to a press statement endorsed by his chief press secretary, Governor Obaseki expressed confidence that in another seven to ten years, his desire was to position the State as the number one economy in the country.

The governor stated this while declaring open a 3-day

strategic policy dialogue workshop with the theme ‘Setting Agenda for the new Administration’ with permanent secretaries in the state civil service as participants as well as political leaders and critical stakeholders in the state.

He said, “15 to 20 years, we want to be the number one investment destination in the continent,’’ adding that to achieve this vision for the state, “first class institutions capable of nurturing transformation policies must be built.”

He noted his administration’s quest to deliver on infrastructure that would be better than what was available in the Federal Capital Territory.

“We must deliver on infrastructure that is better than what is available in the Federal Capital Territory. We must aim at generating revenues much more than Lagos without putting unbearable tax burden on our people.

“We must therefore aim at developing our institutions because in the cause of this workshop, we shall be work-

ing on six thematic areas, which are the key pillars of our goal for the state.’’

He said the workshop would address issues such as how the state would achieve economic revolution that would translate to having a developed world class infrastructure.

According to his words, “How do we ensure institutions are reformed so they can deliver? How do we ensure that we can create a state that is socially conscious and create emphasis on the welfare of our people?

“How do we ensure that our culture which is world class acclaimed is displayed and made available for the world to enjoy our tourism as well as sustain our environment.”

The governor noted that in the case of the economy revolution, the thematic group should focus on how the State would establish investment bureaucracy that could begin to attract world class investment.

He added that focus should be on strategic plan that could create minimum of 200,000

jobs as well as many small scale and medium enterprise that was sustainable.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, retired Justice Samson Uwaifo, stated that effective leadership required good decision making, describing the workshop as revolutionary approach to governance.

The former Supreme Court Judge therefore urged the people not to misunderstand or abuse the dialogue platform as it was a sign that the governor was ready to serve with the best of intentions.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Politics

9

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My experience as first timer in House of Reps -Edionwele Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja Since the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly, Nigerians have lauded the efforts put in so far by the lawmakers who in its first six months of existence sponsored a total of 327 bills as against 132 presented within the first six months of the 7th Assembly. This figures which were presented by the current House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila who coincidentally was the Minority Leader in the last Assembly is a plus to the Yakubu Dogara led leadership of the House.

While many House members have remained mere bench warmers thereby making their constituents to make case for their recall, some others have been up and going in the discharge of their legislative duties.

In the second category falls the like of Rep. Joe Edionwele, the member representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State. Though a first termer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), legislator has brought his wealth of experience to bear in this present assembly. He has this to say as a first termer; “As a first timer, one of the challenges of being in the House is the quotation of standing orders of the House. We have 19 orders and over 200 sub-sections and rules; so you don’t just stand up and say whatever (comes into your head); you have to know the order on which you are talking about. We are learning fast.”

Edionwele who was a civil servant, serving under the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, where he rose to the position of chief accountant has 18 Motions and 1 Bill to his credit. The most celebrated is the Motion on Fraudulent Extortion from Employment Seekers by Government Agencies and Recruitment Firms which was moved on August 12, 2015.

Giving a brief on the need for the Motion, he stated; “It is because we have a lot of unemployed graduates in the country. I am from an academic background, Ambrose Ali University and I know how many undergraduates drop out every time because of this discouraging fact and the burden of the unemployed graduates fall back on us. They come to meet you and say ‘give us money’; how much?

N2,000 for job application. Tomorrow, another one comes and that’s how they keep coming. You also have to pay their transport; you have to pay for the photocopying of their credentials; they have to take passports; sometimes, they have to travel for their aptitude test to a place that is far away from home and all these require financing. So, there is a need to stop that, at least, the graduates should

Edionwele

be able to freely participate in employment processes. The worst is that they are likely not to be employed, yet allowed to go through rigorous processes.

“I think our primary responsibility in the House is to ensure that the welfare of our people, particularly our youths is taken care of. Otherwise, you saw what happened when the Immigration recruitment exercise was conducted. Let’s suppose these same people demanded a refund of the money they paid, would they have paid back? Definitely no! So, these are my worries” The Motion has since been referred to the Committee on Labour and Productivity.

Edionwele who is a former chairman of Esan West Local Government also has to his credit the Motion to Stop the practice of sending underage offenders to prison custody instead of borstal homes or remand centres which he moved on September 30, 2015. His dream is to see that every state in the federation has a borstal home for juveniles. The Rep member who seems obsessed with the issue of unemployment especially among youths co-sponsored a Motion on 27 Oct, 2015 on how to mitigate unemployment by way of legislative intervention.

Others include, Need to investigate huge funds that have accrued to the Na-

I think our primary responsibility in the House is to ensure that the welfare of our people, particularly our youths is taken care of. Otherwise, you saw what happened when the Immigration recruitment exercise was conducted. Let’s suppose these same people demanded a refund of the money they paid, would they have paid back? Definitely no! So, these are my worries

tional Housing Fund from inception. A co-sponsored Motion on Need to protect contributors to the National Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and insulate the scheme from abuse; Need to investigate the non remittance of workers contribution threatening the continued existence of pension scheme in Nigeria.

He also called attention of government to address the deplorable state of the Ekpoma-Ukpenu-Emuhi-Igor-UgiameUgbitoko-Uhi-Ehor road. Urgent call for review of the country’s university Curricular to reflect present day needs of Nigeria Technological Advancement and Development.

Edionwele was a member, Local Government Service Commission in 2002 and thereafter, became the Zonal Secretary, South South of PDP, from which he resigned and contested and won election to the House of Representatives.

Disclosing his passion for wanting to put a stop to the fraud in employment schemes in the country, Edionwele informed that, the Federal Statistics Office gave the unemployment official figure as 27million unemployed people. “So, because of that, that pressure, that figure, that high rate of unemployment makes a fertile ground for fraudsters.

“Just imagine if they have to collect one thousand from each job seeker, that’s already N27billion for maybe a space of 10 or 100. This is criminal. It is bad enough not to be unemployed and again someone is exploiting you. The unemployment rate is bad to the extent that unemployed youths have turned themselves into consultants and recruitment agencies because it is a simple way to actually raise money.

“So, it is a fertile ground for fraud while the fraudsters smile to the bank and the unemployed graduate is suffering waiting for employment. The worst is that, whatever it costs, even if you put it at N100, you know what it will amount to and so that is not good enough especially in the ministries and government agencies.

“They are supposed to have personnel departments that do these recruitment for free instead of monetising it.

Besides, we have good institutions like ASCON in Badagry; they can conduct these interviews for free. That is a federal institute; we have them across the states even WAEC can conduct it for free.

That’s to say if it is done based on merit and you pass and you are now asked to pay some administrative charges, that’s more considerable. But it’s wrong asking a job seeker to pay for the purpose of participating or being able to access recruitment forms, he said.”

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Monetisation of electoral process destroying Nigeria’s democracy -Etta Ntufam Hilliad Etagbo Etta is the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), South South. He was recently at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Center, Calabar, the Cross River State capital and EDEM EDEM, used the opportunity to take him up on some local and national issues, including the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and why there is no virile opposition political party in the country. He also took time to assess the Governor Ben Ayade-led government in the state.

What were the magic your party adopted to win several PDP states?

The first thing a political party must do in a class like ours is to entrenched internal democracy and that was the first thing we did, the primary of the party was transparent, it was inclusive, it was representative and the outcome was embraced by the majority of the people. In Ondo State, that was what we did.

That was the first step. Again, in Ondo State, which was designed and orchestrated by God was that Rotimi Akeredolu became the flag bearer of the party, he could have gone to any other party, he could have been a member of any other party, he may have been found in Ondo but God orchestrated that at this time and at this point, he should be the one to carry the flag of the party in Ondo State.

His antecedent cannot be over emphasised, he had been the National President of NBA, he had been a human right lawyer for a very long time, so this is a seasoned progressive, this is a lawyer with outstanding capacity and his love for his people is unparallel. He was offered appointment at the federal level; he turned them down because of his love for his people. All of these and the desire of the people of Ondo to have a different Ondo from what they have had in the past eight years was basis to which election was predicated.

We can only be thankful to God that this wonderful thing was happening in our party.

What is your take, on the crisis in PDP? The crisis in the PDP is self inflicted, it did not come impromptu, you started hearing things like harmonisation in the early life of the PDP, we heard things like marrying lists instead of people canvassing for votes, lists were married, lists from godfathers were married to become the structure of the party, to become the candidate of the party and so it was long in coming and people like us who were original members of the PDP who saw this long time ago had warned that this things will happen because you cannot at every election circle create a colony of disenchanted and dissatisfy memberships and you think that one day they will not have a voice, that is exactly what happened to the PDP. And that was what fuelled the crisis in PDP and the basis for the crisis in PDP. The PDP needed to do much more than what they are doing now. They need to sit down and agree that there is a need for regeneration, that there is a need for rebuilding and that there is a need for recreation. The party needed to be recreated if the party must still be in existence

Etta

In your view, is there any way forward for the party?

My opinion is that there is no need for that party to remain in existence and Nigerians have a right to come together and form an opposition party, that is virile, that is strong, strong as in character, strong as in ideal for democracy, so that Nigeria could have an alternative to our party. I am a democrat to know that our party cannot remain in government in eternality, that there will come a time where Nigerians must seek alternative ground to democratic governance.

PDP has accused your party of using

federal might to deal with her, particularly during elections, what do you have to say?

Using of Federal might to clinch states controlled by PDP? If that was the case, we would have won in Bayelsa, if that was the case, why didn’t APC role over Bayelsa people and take over the government of Bayelsa. I have told you where the problem of PDP lies, if they are interested in recreating themselves, they can do so by owing up on the reason for the crisis, understanding it and work at it, but this attitude of any time they lose an election, they wine and come to town with story that

It is unfortunate that Nigerian political parties have monetised the entire process. The APC cannot be absolved from this and PDP cannot be absolved from it, no politician can be absolved from it, anybody who say we do not have that problem is being clever by half, we have a problem that people who wants to procure votes simply because of the economy situation in the country makes money available

APC wanted to take over the entire state of the country.

It is going to cause them some energy and resources and they have never been known to be a thinking people and so any man who doesn’t think is always making excuses, nobody has come to say that the election was not credible or not fair, what they say was that the PDP crisis was instigated by APC, but it’s not so.

When Governor Fayose and Governor Wike went to bring Amodu sheriff to be the chairman of PDP was the APC consulted, was APC in alliance, was it APC that compelled them to do so? How can it be that now that the man has said they made him chairman and he remains chairman, that he has said that Makarfi is not the leader of PDP, they have now brought the name of APC to it, how does this concern us, how is it our concern?

There is this notion that Nigerian political parties monetise elections, what is your take on this?

It is unfortunate that Nigerian political parties have monetised the entire process. The APC cannot be absolved from this and PDP cannot be absolved from it, no politician can be absolved from it, anybody who say we do not have that problem is being clever by half, we have a problem that people who wants to procure votes simply because of the economy situation in the country makes money available.

It did not start today, for us who are politicians, the truth must be told, there has never be any election from 1999 till date that money has not played a vital role in the kind of votes you get. Let us not because the APC is in power today, members of the PDP will come to press and say that APC monetise the process, they are clever by half.

It was rumoured that the three senators in the state are responsible for the de-confirmation of Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla into the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission [NCC] as a Non – Executive member representing the South-South zone, how will you react to that?

I feel very sad and saddened that the process that was televised, a process that was done in the various sitting room of Nigeria, when Nigerians saw the confirmation of our son to represent the South South on that Board, for that process to be truncated by few individuals is to say the very least scandalous and I am intending to write an open letter to the President of the Senate asking that the process be respected and that the Senate return the name of Chief Obono Obla and duly clear him at the plenary of the Senate. ******How do you feel about the current economic situation in the country?

A lot of Nigerians understand the issues that are involved in this economic situation that we found ourselves. More than as you may want to speculate, it is very easy for the people especially the elites sitting in the comfort of their rooms to say that a lots of NigeCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

11 Politics

‘Monetisation of electoral process destroying Nigeria’s democracy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

rians are not happy with the APC. If the President says he is not going to talk about the economy, I will say that yesterday determine today, a people who discountenance history are a people who have condemned their future.

Just of recent, I heard that Nigerian schools have removed History from its curriculum, it is only a black man that will do that, it is only a black man that is not interested in where he is coming from, but if you must influence tomorrow then you can never discountenance yesterday, how did we arrive at this economic situation that all of us are complaining about, how did we arrive here.

For me there are two things, one, we are depending solely on oil, we are not in control of the oil markets, oil at a time was going at a hundred and something Dollars per barrel, today it is going for fourty-four Dollars for a barrel. If you were earning a hundred and fifty thousand Naira as salary per month, all of a sudden, the salary is cut to 44, 000, my brother, there will be dislocation in your home. That is exactly what has happened in Nigeria.

That is no 1, no 2, if you were earning N150, 000 and you have never saved, you never bothered saving, when the thing clash to N44, 000, you will suffer more than the person who was earning the N150, 000 but saved some money, so that when the raining day comes, he will use it. Let me remind you perhaps, a lot of Nigerians have forgotten, when President Ya’adua died, we had 38 billion Dollars in our excess crude account and we had 62 billion Dollars in our reserve, when President Jonathan left after 6 years of oil boom where oil was selling beyond 100 Dollars, please tell me what was left in the reserve. So it is a combination of the crash of oil price, no 1 and no 2 it is the consequence of planlessness and no 3 it is the consequence of corruption.

The tenure of local govern-

Ayade

ments in the state is expiring in December 2016, in the event that the PDP government led by Governor Ayade fails to conduct elections what will you do?

First of all, let me tell you that Ayade will never organise local government elections in Cross River State, that one is sure because he is scared of losing elections in his local government area, Obudu and if he organises it, we are sure of taking over all the local government areas from him and PDP, that is no 1, number 2, what do we do to force him to obey constitution and conduct elections in local government areas in the state. You see we can go to court but we have gone to court for a lot of issues including when

Buhari

we were short out in the local government elections. The case is still in court, by December 10th 2016, the life of the local government will expire and yet that matter is still in court. It has not been determined.

So sometimes, you just feel that our justice system is not working for the people, it is not working for those who want a change in our polity, so sometimes you just let it go, what you do is perhaps, put a lot of pressure on government to do what is right, the court has not helped us at all.

Are you satisfied with the way Governor Ayade runs the government?

It’s crisis of monumental proportion that we have an Ayade as the

governor of our state, it is a crisis, we have never had a similitude of this government in the past one and half years, there is no government in Cross River State, none whatsoever, I went round Calabar Municipality today, I am ashamed of what Calabar Municipality has been turned to. Calabar Municipality is the face of Cross River State, it is the sign post of Cross River State, whether anybody likes it or not, this is the capital city of Cross River State, beyond that it is a historical city, the first city of modern Nigeria, the first capital of modern Nigeria.

There are so many first, the second oldest secondary school is situated here, we have historic lyrics,

these ought to be a priority but in any case, I don’t want to go to all that, there is no area of governance, what I would say is that, he has done nothing here, he has not tried here, let me paint a picture of what I feel about Ayade. For me, I feel Ayade is like a little child in the hinterland, perhaps a place like Akpabuyo, you take him without giving him any notice, you put him in a plane and land him in Dubai mall, and you allow him to wonder, everything is exciting to him, he is in perpetual excitement and our governor is in perpetual excitement, a man who cannot pay the salaries of workers is moving around with a fourty something car convoy, of course he is in perpetual excitement.

A man who likes to flaunt names for project that can never be conceived by the federal government is in perpetual excitement, so to me it is a very infantile exposition that we have in Cross River State in the place of government What will 2019 look like?

Except and until there is a virile opposition political party to even contest on the platform of ideas with us contest for votes in all knocks and crannies of Nigeria, there may not be an election the way we had in 2015, we will just have APC role over everywhere because what we have now as PDP cannot stand for any election, they cannot even stand for local elections like governorship elections. Do you expect them to stand for presidential election? I foresee a situation where Makarfi group will have their presidential candidates and Sheriff also have their presidential candidate.

We want to see in Nigeria where we shall have opposition political party. APC needs it, we need it to be on our tolls, we need a virile opposition political party that Nigeria can see as an alternative voice, the moment Nigeria sees that kind of political party as an alternative then the APC will be careful and not joking and toiling with the aspirations of Nigerians, we need it but we don’t have it for now.

Ifako/Ijaiye rerun: Why I congratulated Akinwumi -PDP candidate Patrick Okohue Hon, Candidate of The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency bye-election in Lagos State, Babatope Akinyele has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the election, Hon Nurudeen Akinwunmi credibly won the election and he had no choice than to congratulate the winner.

Akinyele told journalists in Lagos that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted

a credible poll, adding that his party lost due to divisions and rancor.

The bye-election was occasioned by the death of Hon Elijah Adewale, who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, Adewale died in Abuja on July 20.

According to Akinyele, the electoral body has improved on the electoral process with the way it conducted the Dec. 3, bye-election in the state.

“The electoral body, with what I have seen so far, was neutral; I did not see any bias from them. So, as far as I am concerned, INEC did its

job well.

“I think INEC has improved from previous elections, the way and manner it conducted this election was good.

“I analysed the results, polling unit by polling unit, seriously, APC candidate, Hon Nurudeen Akinwunmi , as far as I am concerned won, the INEC was neutral.

“There is no reason why I should not congratulate the winner. If I have Akinwunmi’s phone contact, I would have called him instead of addressing press to congratulate him.

“Our politics should be devoid

of violence and should not be a door-die affair if our dream of better Nigeria would ever come through,” Akinyele said.

The candidate, who lauded INEC’s introduction of simultaneous accreditation and voting, said that the development made the process efficient and less stressful.

He, however, said that he would have won the election if there were no rancor and divisions in the party at the local level.

Akinyele said, “I did well, the only challenge was the strength of the party behind me. It was Akinyele

against APC. The support of my party was not as it should have been.

“There are so many divisions.

The unrest in PDP is enormous. The problem at both the national and local levels made us lose election. Our house is completely divided.

“And when a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand and there is no way it can win elections.”

On voter apathy, the candidate said that he expected such but not in that magnitude when only about 10, 000 voters out over 70,000 voters that voted in 2015 General Election came out to vote.

News 12

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Madagali bomb blasts: Bindow may review use of hijab in security prone areas Tom Garba, Yola and Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Adamawa State governor, Senator Muhammad Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, is considering a temporary review of the use of hijab in security prone areas of the state as part of measures being put in place to contain suicide bombers.

The governor stated this on Sunday through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, in Yola.

He was addressing newsmen on the outcome of an emergency security meeting over the Friday’s twin bomb blasts in Madagali market that led to many deaths and injuries, just as former Vice President and Turaki Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, condemned the blast, calling for greater vigilance and more intelligent surveillance.

This is even as another twin blast, Sunday, hit Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where three people have been confirmed dead in the bomb explosion.

Sajoh said Gov. Muhammadu Bindow would meet with members of Adamawa Muslim Council and other stakeholders to discuss the possibility of taking that temporary measure, adding that those that carried out the Madagali suicide attack, were in hijab.

Sajoh said the meeting also underscored the need for people to be more vigilant during this festive period and in places like markets, motor parks, churches and

mosques.

“We also resolved in the meeting, based on security recommendations, to assist members of vigilance groups in the areas in view of their contribution to security agencies.

“We also want to appeal to the media on sensational reporting and the need to verify their facts before reporting.

“The media need to know that the terrorists are banking on such sensational reports.”

The commissioner said victims of the attack were responding to treatment in Michika General Hospital and already, the governor had directed all health personnel in neigbouring Hong and Mubi Local Governments to move to the affected area.

“The state emergency management agency has also been directed to give urgent support to victims and relations of victims.”

However, former Vice President and Turaki Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the latest bomb blast in Madagali, calling for greater vigilance and more intelligent surveillance.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain also proposes intelligence surge to avert such horrendous attacks and greater vigilance on the part of citizens, especially in the liberated communities.

In a statement issued on his behalf from his media office, the former Vice President expresses grief and regrets over what he described as a heartless disregard

for human lives by terrorists, saying “indiscriminate mass murderers should not be allowed to defeat humanity and impose their reign of terror on the people.”

He said, “The Boko Haram terrorists still pose a real threat to the country so, we must redouble our efforts and unite against them.”

Alhaji Atiku urges greater vigilance on the part of citizens and increased intelligence, as the military ramps up its operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

“I am highly embarrassed that these terrorists are hiding behind religious ideology to commit atrocities against innocent people, despite the fact that Islam, and indeed, any other religion

prohibits the murder of innocent people; virtually crippled Northern economy and disrupted its social life,” he regretted.

He called on the federal government to redouble its efforts in the war against terrorism, adding that the militants have contempt for peace and therefore, should be fiercely confronted.

Meanwhile, the Maiduguri explosion, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday in the Bulumkutu area, just in front of Shehu Elkanemi College, according to a witness who spoke with an online news media, “the vehicle exploded on traffic and there were two people inside the car.”

Personnel of the local vigilante called Civilian-JTF, involved in

Constitution review: We’re not tampering with immunity clause –Reps Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

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Uyo church building collapse: Gov. orders arrest of contractor

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ÏÏÏ Following the collapse of the roof of the Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has ordered the arrest of the contractor handling the project.

Governor Emmanuel disclosed this in a broadcast to the people of the state on Sunday, and also declared a two-day mourning.

The two-day mourning, which began Sunday, would end today (Monday) with flags flown at halfstaff in all government establishments across the state.

The governor also declared a solemn assembly on Tuesday afternoon at the end of the mourning at Government House to pray for the victims of the incident.

Gov. Emmanuel had on Saturday announced that the government will set up a high-powered panel of inquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes leading to the collapse of the build-

ing with a view to forestalling the recurrence of such incident and bring to book persons found to have compromised professional standards in the construction of the building.

He also said the State Government will bear the medical cost of all those injured, noting that the state never had such a shocking incident in its history.

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Murtala Mani, on Sunday, said 27 persons died when the uncompleted Reigners Bible Church collapsed on Saturday in Uyo. It was the first official figure to be released about the tragedy and debunked speculations that as many as 60 or 120 died in the incident.

Mani also said 37 people were injured.

The police chief told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday that the casualty figures were collated at the end of evacuation exercise late Saturday.

the rescue and evacuation of victims of the blasts, confirmed the death to journalists. “So far, three persons are dead,” Alhaji Danbatta told journalists on phone, although state officials said one person died in the blast.

“It was a suicide bomb attack, we are trying to ascertain the actual number of those injured in the hospital now,” said the member of the vigilante. The explosion was said to have occurred in a crowded area near Maiduguri’s main market. The two blasts occurred in quick succession at about 8:48 a.m. The police spokesperson in the state, Victor Isuku, confirmed the blasts, which he said were near Old NEPA office not far from Monday market.

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He also said that 37 persons who sustained injuries were receiving treatment in three hospitals.

“For now, we can confirm that 27 persons died during the church building collapse on Saturday.

“We have concluded rescue operation but we are monitoring the situation to see what happens further,” Mani said.

The victims evacuated from the collapsed church along Uyo Village Road near Government House, were receiving treatment at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, St Lukes Hospital, Ibom Specialist Hospital and Lifecare Hospital.

The state Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, said that 22 bodies were deposited at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

Uwah, who could not confirm the total number of deaths in other hospitals, said that he had mobilised all medical practitioners in the state to be part of the rescue operations.

He said that it was not possible to identify the number of government officials and clergymen involved in the casualties because the focus of rescue operation was on saving lives.

A visit to the church on Sunday showed that people were still thronging the scene of the collapsed church to catch a glimpse of what happened on Saturday though the premises were locked.

Security operatives were also seen in large number at the premises to prevent possible riot from the aggrieved persons, who lost their dear ones.

Meanwhile, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the people and government of Akwa Ibom State over the incident.

The Speaker in a press release signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Hassan Turaki, described the Akwa Ibom incident as great tragedy that has befallen the nation.

ÏÏÏ The contentious issue of whether or not retain the immunity clause from the constitution came up again in the front burner of public discourse as the House of Representatives distanced itself from the growing agitation to jettison the status quo.

Worried by what is generally considered a blanket shield for perceived corrupt state governors, by the immunity clause in the constitution, civil right activists have been agitating for the review of that clause of the constitution so that suspected corrupt state helmsmen can face the wrath of the law even while still in office.

However, the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Special Adhoc Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Hon. Lasun Yussuff, has said that removing immunity for prosecution for governors in the constitution “is a no go area”, insisting that “there is nothing wrong in the clause that is already in the constitution.”

The Deputy Speaker, while defending his position, stressed that the immunity clause the governors enjoy does not stop them from being prosecuted for criminal charges but only protect them from being prosecuted for civil charges, noting that removing the clause would distract the Governors from administering their States properly.

The Committee was in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital on a three-day retreat ‘The Imperatives of Constitution Review/ Amendment in Nation Building’ on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

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14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Crowding the private sector into Africa’s Climate Action

T

Chinedu Moghalu

he global community for climate action was spooked by the November 8 election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States. The US president-elect had earned the sobriquet of “climate denier,” for his claim that climate change is a hoax. However, there is cautious optimism that his presidency will not overturn the global agenda on climate change.

In the meantime, stakeholders are pressing on with formulating strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations’ agency on climate change held between November 7 and 18 in Marrakech, Morocco.

At the climate talks, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, Pakistan and seven other countries ratified the December 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. A total of 111 countries, including the United States, China and member countries of the European Union ratified the agreement by the time COP 22 concluded.

Since the Paris accord entered into force on November 4th, quite earlier than anticipated, global action against climate change has effectively shifted to strategic programming. Therefore, in Marrakech, Canada, Germany, Mexico and the United States published their plans to significantly decarbonise their economies by 2050. A group of 47 developing nations also committed to running entirely on renewable energy sources “as rapidly as possible.”

Some of the plans are already gaining traction. Investments in renewable energy totalled $286 billion in 2015. This surpassed by 3 percent the previous high of renewable energy investment achieved in 2011. Data gleaned from Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2016, a joint publication by United Nations Environment Programme and Bloomberg, further revealed that last year coal and gas-fired electricity generation drew less than half the record investment made in solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.

The trend in renewable energy investment is a mixed bag, even in developing countries. China alone accounted for 55 percent of total investment last year; Africa’s share was less than five percent. As climate change mitigation is being driven by investment in green energy, Africa is already taking the familiar position at the back seat on the ‘green energy train’.

This was not unanticipated by climate policymakers. Although China is the clear leader in investment in renewables. But the advanced countries appear to be reneging on their pledges to help finance both mitigation and adaptation frameworks in the developing world, including Africa. This generated some rumblings in Marrakech, with regard to the commitment by the developed countries to raise $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate actions in developing countries.

Disappointing as this is, the pros-

pects of improvement in international assistance at the required scale are not assuring. One, virtually all the advanced countries have been bedevilled by over half a decade of weak economic growth. This has put investment in infrastructure below ideal levels, suggesting near-term pressure on the fiscal regimes to close the infrastructure gap, create domestic jobs, and boost economic growth.

Two, the economic malaise is also driving populist nationalistic sentiments in Europe and the United States. The backlashes for the emerging isolationist regimes are expected to include decline in international trade, further political uncertainties, shrinking and closed borders, and volatility in financial markets – acting together to further put downward pressure on economic growth and constrict foreign aid.

Three, the developing world has ceased to be monolithic. A handful of the countries have recently made significant economic and financial advances. These countries, including the BRICS economies, and the countries of the Gulf States that have amassed huge reserve savings, are expected to underline their climate strategies by investment. The less fortunate countries will continue to rely on overseas development assistance, although the gap between pledges and delivery will continue to widen. Without a united front, commitment to pledges for climate change mitigation and adaptation will continue to slack, with consequences for vulnerable populations.

Africa, which is left behind in the transition to the green economy, will be worse off than it is today. As the drive towards decarbonisation gathers pace, Africa’s oil economies will face more intense fiscal challenges.

Given the strong link between government balance sheets and private sector balance sheets, this will result in serious constraint for business growth and profit. Therefore, it is in the enlightened self-interest of African private sector to begin to mobilise investment capital for Africa’s climate action.

For starters, the private sector is

best suited to take the lead role in innovating climate solutions and green development. In Africa, the frontiers for the innovations are in power and agriculture. These are sectors that have been far less developed, compared to the services sector. Happily, countries including Nigeria have recently enacted reforms in both their power and agriculture sectors. These reforms are geared towards mobilising private sector resources, having relaxed statist control and incentivised investment.

Accordingly, the private sector can leverage reforms that have relaxed the centralisation of the power grid to innovate and finance off-grid electricity solutions. Opportunities for Public Private Partnerships are also opening up as subnational governments are seeking to accelerate improvement in the power sector. These are happening in the region that is well endowed with solar energy and wind resources.

Similarly, various reforms in the agriculture sector have factored the need for climate resilience in national food security policies. But there is significant knowledge gap in Africa’s agriculture which cannot be left to the smallholder farmers and governments to fill. Private investments across the agriculture value-chain are needed to help close the knowledge gap and support adaptation mechanisms in rural farming communities.

Token actions towards building the green economy cannot remain an option for Africa’s private sector. The risks are dangerously stacked. Without adequate climate action, African farmers could lose between 40 and 80 percent of their croplands for growing grains. Also, the effects of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are dire for even urban populations.

But the question remains: How will private sector resources be mobilised?

No doubt, significant capacity lies with African financial institutions, including the development finance banks and to a lesser extent the export credit agencies. But there has been risk aversion and shortage of risksharing market instruments. In the Nigerian banking industry, for exam-

ple, aversion towards risk in agribusiness has hampered funding by financial institutions. And funding pooled at the instance of Central Bank of Nigeria for on-lending to agro-SMEs has historically under-performed. A further drag is the macroeconomic conditions, which are driving interest rates more and more beyond the affordability of agro-entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers.

At the supra-national level, the African Risk Capacity (ARC) was founded in 2012 as an agency of the African Union with the mandate to finance climate resilience and crisis response.

In line with its mandate, the ARC is planning to create an Extreme Climate Facility, which will issue multi-peril, climate change catastrophe bonds. The securitisation instruments will bring scale and knowhow to Africa’s climate risk management and climate change adaptation efforts, with tremendous benefits to the agriculture sector. XCF’s catastrophe bonds are expected to attract not only investment from indigenous African banks but also from international financial institutions. One hopes that the XCF will soon become a reality, and the rigorous risk modelling it plans to have in place will serve other market initiatives.

Necessary as it is for Africa to take responsibility for its resilience to climate change and to develop its adaptation mechanisms, the continent should not be denied ‘climate justice.’

The heavily-industrialised countries account for overwhelming proportions of the emissions that are heating the planet and are intensifying climate risks for vulnerable populations in less-industrialised developing countries. This makes the delivery of aid towards adaptation in developing countries quite mandatory. Foreign aid is also required to catalyse market frameworks in developing countries, and secure part of the moral planks on which the much-celebrated Paris accord rest.

Chinedu Moghalu is Head of Corporate Communication, Nigerian ExportImport Bank.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

15 Opinion

Buhari’s chances and hurdles in 2019

F William Bozimo

or a former military head of state in Maj. Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, who bestrode the country with frightening images of sending many politicians into jail from December 1983 to August 1985, for many, the tiger has not changed his spots.

For 2003, 2007 and 2011 MuhammaduBuhari tried to win the presidency but could not until 2015 when he allied himself with some four parties to form what then was a marriage of unlike minds.

With determination, he emerged victorious over President Jonathan and the PDP which had ruled the country for some 16 odd years.

After taking over from Jonathan, Buhari launched into what had come to be known as anti- corruption push anchored on the $2.1 billion Arms-gate under the watch of Col SamboDasuki (rtd).

It would seem, the APC as a party, had been driven on the wheels of propaganda and its continued credibility will also rely on repeated propaganda antics.

With the talks making the rounds about a possibility of a second term for the incumbent President, many seem persuad-

ed to ask what his chances are.

With the creepy subterranean under-currents of mistrust between the ‘Jagaban’ Bola Ahmed Tinubu [BAT] who has been linked with former Vice President the Turaki Adamawa,AlhajiAtikuAbubakar, it is not too clear if Tinubu and Atiku are up to any mischiefs and deals for 2019 presidential election.?

Atiku has a long distance desire to be President of Nigeria but when he fell apart with former President OlusegunObasanjo, he was by-passed by OBJ who reached for the late Musa Yar’dua.

And with Daily Independent’s lead story on the possibility of not picking Osibanjo as a running mate for the 2019 second term gamble, there must a moving away from the Tinubu’s loyalist.

If the story true it means that Buhari would go for either former Governors Fayemi of Ekiti state or Orji Kalu of Abia state.

The permutations for 2019 seem rather dicey as many Igbo believe that after Dr Alex Ekwueme’s outing with President ShehuShagari in 1979, they ought to graduate beyond the vice presidential role.

To want to sentence the Igbo to a permanent position of Vice President, would offend their sensibilities especially with the Biafra dream always rumbling in the background.

If a President Jonathan had won the 2015 presidential elections, perhaps, it would have been easier for the Igbo to be given a chance at the Presidency in 2019 because of his close affinity with the Igboa second Niger Bridge from Delta to Onitsha and his middle name ‘Azikiwe’ and for appointing for the first time an Igbo Gen. Ihejiria as Chief of Army staff since the war ended, it was believed he would work assiduously for a President of Igbo extraction.

But the predictions and all round speculations failed. The new direction of Buhari could be headed toward another Yoruba candidate and the Minister of Solid Minerals Fayemi.

If Fayemi could collect the vice presidential slot on a platter of gold, he had better prepare himself.

What happens to Orji Kalu? Can he over turn Fayemi?

Politics is a game of chess and anything could happen before 2019.

Familiar names like Chief Jim Nwobodo and Ken Namani are in the good books of Buhari. But Orji Kalu a well- known business tychoon seems more loaded than the rest to win the Igbo to the APC fold.

The Igbo are generally known for their business acumen and if money could still bring to Aso Villa as Vice presidents, they could

mobilise enough billions to capture even the Presidency.

For most commentators the hurdles appear more stifling than the chances for Buhari’s second term bid.

There is a latent feeling of the human rights abuse by the Buhari government where most court judgments calling for the release of detainees in either EFCC or DSS custody are denied release from their cells. Col Sambo Dasuki and Comrade Kanu of IPOB are still pinning away in detention.

The human rights deficit in Buhari’s government would make it a hard sell in the EAST while the oil facilities bombing Niger Delta militants, added to the Boko Haram snipers and suicide bombers are hurdles PMB must address before 2019.

The economic depression in the country will also prove a difficult sell for the second term agenda.

On the flipside, Buhari seems to stand tall in the eyes of the Northern hegemony who see in him a folk- herobeing worshipped for the wrong reasons of religious bias and inclinations.

That his anti- corruption posture successfully exposed the depth and dimensions of pilfering in the polity and for that people hail him as a Messiah.

Will time tell if these parametres will prove positive for his second term bid.?

Soyinka’s recent comments,ill advised

R

Fred Nwaozor

ecently, the respected Prof. Wole Soyinka was apparently drowned by myriad of public opinions that he thought it wise, albeit ignorantly, to put his America’s Green Card at stake, forgetting that politics does not share common features with literature. On hearing the bet, I could not help fisting my chest amid the laughter. Although if the reality must be faced squarely, at 82 his entire life ought to be domiciled in the clan he hails from.

After the US 2016 presidential polls that informed the aforementioned expensive joke, everyone worldwide was only interested in seeing the don fulfill the pledge that was made publicly, though subconsciously. Subconscious, in the sense that if given a second chance, he would want to retrieve the ill-advised utterance.

Nigerians were not left out in the picture of those who earnestly looked forward to embracing that moment when he would ascend the podium and do as promised.

It’s noteworthy that most well meaning Nigerians are in the first place, unhappy that Prof. Soyinka could go that far. Everyone was

surprised that he could tender such an answer to an interview pertaining to elections in which he was never one of the contenders, or a citizen of the affected country. It suffices to say that they saw his reaction as mere tantrum.

Rather than admitting the goof, which could be made by any mortal or anyone who possesses the human skin, he went ahead to constitute further embarrassment. In an interview granted to him lately upon his arrival to Nigeria, he unequivocally said “I’m going to hold a private wake on inauguration day not to mourn the decision of Americans in the choice of President but to mourn the death of Nigeria common sense.” It didn’t stop at that; he went further to call Nigerians names including imbeciles, barbarians, illiterates, and blabbermouths. “I’m embarrassed that I’m occupying the same nation space with these imbeciles …” he stated.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have considered coming up with this critique, considering that senility can be characterised by various antics. But in view of the fact that silence could mean more harm, I was left with no option. What

he displayed is a clear indication that one of the worst moments of critics is when they are being criticised; they detest being criticised but enjoy criticising others.

How do you reconcile this?

Prof. Soyinka indeed underestimated Nigeria as a nation, and Nigerians as a people, to have summoned the impetus to publicly display such an effrontery. Countless great Nigerians of note existed before him, but none, despite the numerous challenges faced at one time or the other, let Nigeria down by using abusive words on her. Even at the moment, there are many who share the same greatness with him, yet living a quiet life. I am not in any way opining that everyone ought to possess the same character, because every unique character was created for a purpose, but one is required to realise when his/her boundary is being overstepped.

Most importantly, at a time when one is unanimously being celebrated by his people, their interest or happiness should be placed first before any other. But, at that interview, it appeared Prof.

Soyinka was beclouded by his boiling temper. People, especially public figures, must learn to con-

trol their temper at all times.

However, he still has a chance to make amends if only he has realised his mistakes, which are not peculiar to his person.

As for me, I’m damn willing to forgive if he is ready to jettison his ego towards doing the needful.

I truly want him to retrace his steps, because even if he means nothing to my person, I’m not unaware that he’s being adored, if not worshipped, by millions of Nigerians; and this set of individuals cannot afford to miss him.

So, on their behalf, I urge him to have a rethink. Nigeria, no doubt, comprises a set of understanding personalities, thus would be ever prepared to accept his unalloyed apology when tendered.

By making that utterance, Prof. Soyinka has refused to convince me that, ab initio, he had meant well for this country. But he still has the opportunity to disabuse me of my thoughts; hence, I alongside fellow aggrieved Nigerians have decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he chose to remain adamant of the pains he had caused us, I’ll then consider it that he has already turned his back on a country that made him.

Think about it!

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

Corruption breeds injustice —Ban Ki-moon Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has identified corruption as a major factor militating against efforts to eliminate injustice in most societies.

This was contained in a goodwill message delivered at the weekend, to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day, which was facilitated by the IATT in collaboration with the European Union (EU), US Embassy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ban Ki-moon described corruption as a deadly monster that strangles people, communities and nations. “ By diverting domestic and foreign funds, corruption wrecks economic and social development and increases poverty. It harms everyone, but the poor and vulnerable suffer more” He noted amongst other things that corruption has also contributed to weakening institutions, including education and health, adding that it also undermines electoral processes and reinforces injustices by perverting criminal justice systems and rule of law.

The programme with the theme: “Corruption: An impediment to the Sustainable Development Goal”, was held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

He therefore, enjoined world leaders to reaffirm their commitment to ending the deceit and dishonesty that threatens the 2030 Agenda and the efforts to achieve peace and prosperity for all on a healthy planet.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of UNODC, Yury Fedotov, harped on the need to unite to successfully eliminate corruption.

The UNODC Executive Director assured that the organization would continue to en-

Ban Ki-moon

sure that they offer technical advice on invaluable Legislative reform and help build capacities in the area of law enforcement and successful prosecutions. “ But change cannot come without the active engagement of the private sector to create a zero tolerance culture especially, in the supply chain. Policies should promote private sector competition and the fee for services should be reasonable and affordable” Minister of Solid Minerals and Chairman of Inter Agency Task Team, Dr. Kayode Fayemi in his address, called on Nigerians to key into the anti-corruption crusade of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in order to achieve meaningful and sustainable development in the country.

Fayemi, who noted that Nigeria was one of the first countries to sign on to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC, when the document was opened for signature in Merida, Mexico, in 2003 observed that as a people, concerted efforts must be directed at fighting the monster called corruption in Nigeria for it to be tamed.

“There is no denying the fact that our country has massive corruption problems”, he said.

Fayemi, however acknowledged the efforts towards making Nigeria corruption free nation saying, “the current administration is running an anti-corruption agenda anchored on prevention; public engagement; sanctions and enforcement; and recovery of proceeds of corruption. The sanction and enforcement mechanism is ensuring that there are no sacred cows.”

According to him, “Nigeria has an array of legislations and institutions for fighting corruption. The institutions range from the Police, Code of Conduct Bureau, Office of the Auditor-General at the Federal and State levels, to the ones created in this millennium such as, the EFCC, ICPC, Bureau of Public Procurement and the NEITI among others.”

He further stressed that the government had signed on to the ‘Open Government Partnership’ and developed an action plan for implementation in order to promote transparency within the polity.

Earlier in the day, Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, as part of activities to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration, led staff of the Commission on a road walk from its headquarters to the venue of the celebration. Dressed in different colourful attires, members of staff carried various banners with messages, urging members of the public to “kill corruption before it kills Nigeria”.

EFCC docks woman for N13.2m land scam The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Dr. Rabi Cengiz Rakad before Justice Dije Abdu Aboki of Kano State High Court on a 5-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N13,250,000 (Thirteen Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only).

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the accused person was arrested by the opera-

tives of the EFCC, following a petition by one A.A Sani on behalf of the complainant, Yahaya BappaTaura.

The complainant alleged that, the suspect in March 2012 fraudulently sold a parcel of land with Certificate of Occupancy No: LKN/CON/COM/90/72 under the pretext that the property was free from encumbrances at the cost of N14,000,000 (Fourteen Million Naira Only). The money was paid into the accused person’s company account (Turk Import &Export Company Ltd with account number

3000712404).

However, it was later discovered that the accused person had in 2005 mortgaged the said property to Skye Bank as collateral for a Five Million Naira loan and having failed to pay the loan, the Bank transferred the property to a third party in 2008.

Count one read, “That you Dr. Rabi Cengiz Rakad on 26 March, 2012 in Kano within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million naira only) from Mallam Baffa Yahaya Taura (through

the FCMB Plc. Account No. 3000712404 of Turk Import_Export Trading Co. Ltd.) for the sale of a portion of land covered

by Certificate of Occupancy No. LKN/CON/COM/90/72 situate at Tsamiyar Boka, Hotoro Quarters, Kano under the false pretence that the said land was free of any encumbrances which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

17

s

How IART DirectorGeneral, others scammed institute N115m — Witness The EFCC has continued the trial of Prof. Benjamin Adefemi Ogunbodede, a former Director- General, DG, Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, IART, Ibadan, Oyo State, and two others, with a prosecution witness, Toluola Tola-Ukaba, giving detailed account of how in connivance with his co-defendants, he used different company names to divert money meant for the payment of hazard allowance of the staff of the Institute.

Ogunbodede is being prosecuted alongside Zacheaus Tejumola, Adenose Clement and Jalekun Omotowoju on a 17-count charge of conspiracy, misappropriation and diversion of funds to the tune of N115million before Justice N. Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Trouble started when the Academic Staff Union of IARTA petitioned the EFCC, alleging that the former DG falsely claimed to have used the sum of N115million to pay hazard allowance to its members in December 2013. They also alleged that, he claimed to have used the sum of N15million to harvest crops, when he actually spent N800,000 (eight hundred thousand naira only).

Tola-Ukaba, an operative of the EFCC, while being led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Nkereuwen Anana, stated that the EFCC received a petition dated 17th December, 2012 from the Joint Action Committee of Staff Union of the IART, Ibadan, regarding the alleged offence.

“The team handling the matter wrote letters to different banks to furnish the Commission with the necessary information regarding the transaction that occurred in the personnel emolument account of staff of the institute (IART)”, Tola-Ukaba said.

According to her, the analysis of the information received from one of the banks, Access bank, showed that the Institute received subvention from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the tune of N606million in two tranches of N303million in November and December, 2010.

“A transaction of N177million was initiated from the personnel emolument account to another account of the Institute titled: ‘Staff Club Account’ domiciled in Access Bank and whose signatory were the 1st and 2nd defendants (Ogunbodede and Tejumola).

Ogunbodede

18 Times Against Corruption

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Buhari charges women to be change agents Magu

EFCC gets women support to fight corruption Tom Okpe and Jude Idu. Abuja

The recent move by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu to mobilize women’s support for the anti-corruption war, has received strong commendations, especially from the womenfolk.

The involvement of women in the fight against corruption constitutes a new paradigm shift in the anti-corruption war and efforts by President Buhari’s administration in bringing financial crimes to abrupt end.

Many at the event believe that it is a move in the right direction given the number of notable women who participated and made contributions at the flag-off of the event at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

On of such commendations came from the former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Muktar rtd, who noted that women’s roles as change agent cannot be overemphasized.

Justice Muktar, one of the women who spoke to Daily Times correspondent in the sidelines at the recent Flagg off of the Women Against Corruption campaign, by wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, said women can help check corruption by rejecting ill gotten wealth in their homes.

She noted that if the war is to succeed, women must have a role to play, given the power of intuition which God has given to them.

EFCC quizzes suspected fraudsters for cloning , forgery Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt, Rivers State have quizzed three suspected internet fraudsters who allegedly specialized in cloning facebook accounts and telephone numbers of businessmen, high profile politicians and top government functionaries.

The suspects: Obasi Ebere Emmanuel, Nwankwo Christian and Alieze Ikechukwu were arrested by operatives of Department of State Security, DSS, and handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The suspects were picked up at their hideout at a hotel in Port-Harcourt.

Investigation reveals that the suspects used to send out mails, advertise non-existent job vacancies and forge document of banks and oil companies with which they extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

A search conducted on their residence unearthed several implicating documents including laptops.

The suspects who have admitted to committing the alleged crime will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

There may soon be no room to hide ill gotten wealth, if women across the country heed recent calls to be change agents and wage a determined and sustained war against corruption in Nigeria.

With this charge, it is expected that women will now serve as whistleblowers against corruption people within their domains, their husbands, children, brother, etc, inclusive.

Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, wife of the president, made the appeal in a keynote address while flagging off the Nigerian Women Against Corruption, WAC, project of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC, December 7 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Mrs. Buhari, who described corruption as monster and cankerworm that had eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation, said for it to be tamed, the role of women had become critical.

“My dear fellow Nigerian women, to totally erase the effect of corruption on us and our children, we must rise up to our role as responsible mothers and nation builders. It is time for us to go back and be the builders that we are meant to be. Every woman is the pillar of her home as well as in the society. We should not stand and fold our hands while our homes and lives are being destroyed by this cankerworm called corruption”, she charged.

She further encouraged women to use their natural instincts to care and nurture their children, who in turn would exhibit sound values that would bring the country out of the doldrums.

While calling on women to effectively harness their immense, but largely untapped group power for a sustained and effective fight against corruption, Mrs. Buhari also called for the emergence of a ‘Women Anticorruption Network’ to serve as a link between the Commission and women groups across the country.

In her presentation titled, “Women, The

Missing Link In The Fight Against Corruption”, the guest speaker,Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, identified a major cause of corruption as the pressure that some women place on their male counterparts to live above their means.

Aloma-Mukhtar, who is a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), admonished women to be contented and refrain from leading the men to yield to the temptation of Corruption adding that participation of women in commercial activities should be encouraged, as it will definitely obviate the penchant to push the men to seek favours that may have corruptive tendencies.

She also advocated for assistance from the government and financial institutions to encourage aspiring female entrepreneurs, politicians and policy makers to participate actively in contributing to society.

“We must not relent in our efforts to fight assiduously to kill this cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. This is a fight that both men and women must be involved in, whether they are working in government or privately”, AlomaMukhtar added.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Acting chairman, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, identified corruption as the reason the

Aisha Buhari

country has been unable to transform its rich natural and human resource endowment into prosperity.

He stressed that the challenge of corruption the country was facing calls for the collaboration of all stakeholders, particularly women.

“We are here today to enlist women all over the country to be part of the fight against corruption. The Women Against Corruption project will create public awareness through the mass media, develop anticorruption programmes that will be women-focused and women-driven, involve women directly in the fight against corruption and thereby enhance their roles as watchdogs, whistleblowers and foot soldiers’, he said.

The anti-corruption czar highlighted the roles expected of women in the war against corruption, to include the need for personal integrity and transparency, practice of a simple life style, among others.

He said beyond the official-flag off of the project in Abuja, “the advocacy will be taken to the zones, states and local government levels for effective grassroots mobilization and mass participation”.

The historic event was attended by dignitaries from all works of life, including: wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo; Professor Grace Alele-Williams, first female Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin; Mrs Laraba Gloria Shoda, President, National Council of Women’s Societies; former EFCC Chairperson, Farida Waziri ; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi; Dr. Sa’adatu Abdullahi, representing wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki; Senator Binta Masi Garba; Wives of Governors of States of the Federation; Wife to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Magu; Captains of Industry; Market Women Associations and women from the armed forces, the police and paramilitary organizations.

EFCC’s permanent site ready soon

Ï &ƊƓƆƏƆƌ ƗƑ ƑƏƆ Ƈ Ɔ ƐƆô Ƒƍƍ ƏƐ Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has expressed delight at the progress of work at the permanent site of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under construction and pledged the Senate’s support towards its early completion.

He made the pledge while being conducted round the edifice by Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Commission.

“I am very impressed with this edifice, it is befitting of not just the EFCC, but our country Nigeria. Nigeria is the biggest country in Africa and all of our friends and brothers in Africa look up to Nigeria for infrastructure facilities as they will want us to lead in infrastructure and copy from us.

“I am indeed very proud that we are putting up this project for our anti-corruption agency; and I do hope that this will not only serve as a centre of excellence, but also be a place that will help Nigeria get out of the corruption index”, Ekweremadu said.

While expressing optimism that the building when completed will be put to

good use, Ekweremadu called on all Nigerians to key into anti-corruption crusade of the present government in order to have a new Nigeria of our dream.

The deputy senate president was accompanied on the visit with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Chukwuka Utazi.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, being received by the EFCC acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, during the Senate oversight visit to the permanent site of the EFCC currently under construction.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Bombing: Plateau to secure boundary at Christmas, says security chief Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÎÎÎ

The renewed bombing in the northeastern part of the country, has spurred security agencies in Plateau state to beef up security within its borders to forestall any form of attack by terrorists even as Christmas gets underway.

Speaking at the weekend in Jos the state capital, the Coordinator, Operation Rainbow (a state owned security out-fit), Maj. Gen Steven Guar, said that water-tight patrol within the borders of the state is in

place aimed at halting those with bad motives from coming into the state.

Guar said that he has synergized with other sister agencies in information gathering to ensure that any attempt by miscreants to cause havoc in the state during and after the yuletide season is forestalled He noted that the peace process put in place by the state government is yielding result hence the need to sustain it especially in times such as this when renewed bombing is gaining headlines especially when Christmas is few

weeks ahead.

His words, “During the festivity, we shall intensify our physical patrol within the state to ensure that everybody is assured of his safety and nip in the bud any situation that will otherwise create tension and sense of insecurity”, he said.

Guar hold the view that the current crisis rocking neighboring Southern Kaduna State is as a result of the failure of providing internal security, adding that the border between Kaduna and Plateau is currently being beefed up to check influx of people within the said area.

“It’s unfortunate that this is happening just at the fringe of our border and now what we are contending with is the influx of people from southern Kaduna crossing into Plateau for sanctuary.”

He dismissed the insinuation from some quarters that the Fulani attacking southern Kaduna are from neighboring Chad or Cameroon, saying that Fulani in other countries have nothing to do with the people of southern Kaduna, hence the need to step up internal security in all states of the federation.

Pure water operators accuse commission of exploitation Babajide Okeowo

ÏÏÏAssociation

of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Lagos has accused the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), Arch. Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, of exploiting their members, saying that the clamping down on their members is uncalled for which has led to the increase and scarcity of the product.

“We started producing pure water 22 years ago, but due to working under harsh climate, the price of a sachet of pure water became N10 late last year. Because of the harsh attitude of Abdullahi against us, some of our members have shut down business”, the group said.

A reliable source revealed that the Executive Secretary imposed the payment of N5, 000 on each member, the source further disclosed that Abdullahi began to close down the factories of its members while they are still negotiating the payment of the money to the commission.

According to the source, two pure water factories were closed down during the negotiation. The two factories are Shower Pure Water Factory in Somolu Local Government and Mavis Pure Water Factory in Surulere Local government.

The group alleged that what they found strange was that the money was to be paid into a private account and not a government account.

It was gathered that the company which the ES directed the water operators to be paying into belongs to a family company named “EXPANSE RESOURCES CONSULTING LIMITED” with private account at Ecobank or Zenith Bank.

It was gathered that the company is owned by one Oladele Oluremi and Oladele Rasheedat of 3, Irepodun Street, Alimosho Local government area.

Reacting to the allegation, Mr Ahmed Abdullahi, debunked the allegation, describing it as untrue and the handwork of those that wants the activities of the commission to fail.

L-R: Managing Director, Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole; Onikotun of Ikotunland, Oba, Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju and Chief Saliu Akinrogun, during the 1st anniversary of Onikotun and appeal fund raising in Lagos… at the weekend.

19 News Work on Sokoto’s N250m fertiliser plant begins ÏÏÏ

Construction work on a new N250m organic fertiliser plant has started in Sokoto.

When completed, the factory will produce 15,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser annually while also providing jobs to over 20, 000 persons.

Inspecting the progress of work done so far at the site, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said 100 percent of the raw materials to be used in the production of the fertiliser will be sourced locally in Sokoto.

“Apart from opportunity for wealth creation, this factory serves as part of our wider vision to partner with willing investors at home and abroad to explore abundant natural resources for the development of our people.

“The most important natural material required in the production of fertiliser is phosphate, and I am glad to say that we have it in abundance in at least 17 of the 23 LGAs of Sokoto State.

“Importantly, there’s a huge market for the product in Sokoto and surrounding areas including Niger Repubic. This administration will provide the needed incentives, and necessary legal framework for the successful take off of this new plant, Tambuwal added.

The Governor said the state government will be the number one buyer of all the fertiliser to be produced by the plant, and will hold an equity share of 40% in trust for the people of Sokoto.

Proprietor of IML Ltd, the company constructing the plant, Alhaji Bilya Sanda, commended the state government for its keen interest in the project, and assured that majority of the staff of the new company will be sourced from the host state.

Abia community protest Fulani herdsmen menace

Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏThousands of men, women and

youths of Isiugwu Ohafia in Abia state, at the weekend, matched through the length and breadth of their community, including the Ohafia local government council headquarters, protesting the menace of suspected Fulani herdsmen, last Wednesday night.

The protesters, carrying leaves, palm fronds and placards with different inscriptions and singing Ohafia war songs, said they were particularly grieved that even a suspect the community caught “disappeared” and escaped.

One of the protesters, Mr. Akanu Okey Kalu Ndukwe, who claimed to be the community’s youth leader, said they were on peaceful demonstration to make the local government chairman realize the havoc cattle is causing them in harvesting their farm produce, stating that they were going to the of the Divisional Police Station in Ohafia to also let him know that cattle is allowing them to eat the fruit of their labour.

He said they had the same issue four years ago, when someone was even wounded by the Fulani herdsmen and they took him to the police.

“We have reported to the police and we also reported to the Army Barracks in Ohafia, and nothing was done about it”, refuting that there was no accord signed with the Fulani community.

“The same thing has happened again last Wednesday. The Fulani herdsmen entered into our farms with their cattle which destroyed and ate our farm products, and destroyed our rice farms.”

Also narrating their ordeal to Daily Times, Gabriel Osu Emmanuel, who said he is the spiritual leader of the community, explained that “at 2 am on Wednesday night, the Hausa/Fulani attacked us in our Isiugwu Ohafia community.

“They destroyed all our cassava, rice, everything and this is the period of rice harvest. They caused anguish throughout the community, and since then, the community could not sleep.

“We were privileged to report to the police in order to secure peace.

We arrested one Fulani young man

we caught red handed at the spot. Unfortunately, when we got to the police station, the young man escaped and rolled into a pit and disappeared. We thank God that the policemen came there and saw the damage - the cassava, the rice and that is why we are demonstrating to express our feelings to the government so that they can come and help us.

“I have a 78 years old woman whose farm was totally destroyed and who has been threatening to kill herself over the nigh because she has no hope of living apart from her farm”, Emmanuel lamented.

According to him, they have gone to the local government chairman who promised he will report to the state government, as well as having gone to the police, who also sent some officers to go and see the level of destruction of their farms and ascertain how it happened.

“Why we are lamenting is for our brothers, Ndigbo to come to come to our aid. Come and see how the aged are crying over what they have been farming since January through December have been lavished as they

cannot now afford to buy a cloth to wear and cannot feed their children.

“Is it at this period of economic recession that we will be suffering like this? We are calling on the government to come to our aid, especially those close to the powers that be. You should not allow us to die.

When contacted, the Ohafia DPO, who was seen discussing with a top Abia state government security officials referred newsmen to the State Command PPRO for official comment.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, Nta Ogonnaya Nta, confirmed the incident.

Reacting, the Ohafia LGA Transition Committee Chairman, Sampson Anagha, said the issue at stake is a state government matter, stating, “they are handling it.”

Speaking on the issue, the Enachioken IV of Abiriba Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, said the problem of herdsmen is all over Nigeria and not unique, stating that traditional rulers in the LGA have been suing for peace and are working hard on how to stop the menace of the cattle rearers in the area.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monay, December 12, 2016

LOSS OF DOCUMENT LOSS OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF ASSOCIATION OF IBADAN HOME FOR MOTHERLESS BABIES IBADAN CAC / IT / 6424 THE ABOVE ASSOCIATION WISH TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE ABOVE ORGANIZATION HAS GOT LOST AND ALL EFFORTS TO LOCATE IT PROVED ABORTIVE. WE HAVE APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ANOTHER CERTIFICATE (C T C) ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA, ABUJA. SIGNED TOYE OWOEYE SUITE 40,AREA 2,SHOPPING COMPLEX,ABUJA- FCT 08033684861

SAMMY SOTOMI CHARITY FOUNDATION 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Sammy lrebami Akanni Sotomi 2. Mrs Juliana Folake Adesina 3. Miss Mary Kehinde Sotomi 4. Miss Victoria Mbang 5. Brigadier General Yusuf Kamal Ishola 6. Mr Segun Balogun.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To contribute financially to the improvement of all human endeavour, protect and preserve the environment, public life, habitats, community health and promote good public order.

2. To render financial help to orphanages, orphans, less privilege persons, sick, elderly, disable persons and those in need of urgent medical assistance in Nigeria.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARRISTER VICTORIA

21 Public Notice

IN THE DAYS OF HIS POWER AND GLORY CHAPEL The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES: I. PASTOR JOHN FELIX JOSEPH - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. ADEJUMO OLADIMEJI SUNDAY - MEMBER 3. PASTOR BASSEY AKPAN MBONG.-FOUNDER/ SECRETARY. 4. BARR KINGSLEY NWOFOR - LEGAL ADVISER. 5. PASTOR DENNIS CHINEDU OKANUMEE - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: I. To preach the gospel of Christ.

2. To win souls for the kingdom of God. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. OKOYE JACINTA. FAITH GARDEN ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, MAGBORO. FAITH GARDEN ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION,

ADVOCACY FOR HUMAN VALUE FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Chief Emmanuel Nnamdi Madufor, 3. Mr. Adeyinka Tiwala Sorungbe, 5. Adejumo AbdulFatai Ademola.

7. Alh. Adegoke Oluseun Ayodele,

TRUSTEES 1. FATIMA MUHAMMED HABIB - CHAIRMAN 2. PROFESSOR YAGANAMI KARTA 3.MOHAMMED KYARI DIKWA, MNI 4. HAJJIYA LARABA SHUAIBU ESQ. 5. MOHAMMED HABIB ACIPM 6. FATIMA UMAR WATHANAFA 7. HADIZA AHMED UMAR 8. RUQAYYA BALA TAHIR 9. FATIMA HABIB 10. LIMAN ALKALI HABIB- SECRETARY

2. Mr. Aderemi Onipede, 4. Pastor Elufioye Sunday Elubode.

6. Mr. Oridani Emmanuel Omoluabi, 8. Eddy Brarhovwe.

THE AIMS ARE: To enhance Security and Environmental Sanitation, Physical development and welfare of Residents of the Estate.

AIMS &OBJECTIVES 1. To assist the less privileged members of the society self help 2. To cater for the needy in all strata of the society

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

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

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Association has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria in force.

NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES 1. H.R.M OFOBUIKE A. EZEOKE 2. CHIEF GEOFFREY CHUKWUJEKWU 3. FRANCIS OKAFOR CHIEF 4. DONATUS CHINEDU NZEKWE CHIEF 5. EDWARD ABATTAM SIR 6. ABASILI SUNDAY SIR 7. ANSALEM AFORKA CHIEF 8. IKECHUKWU EGWUONWU CHIEF 9. BENARD AFORKA SIR 10. BARRISTER B. S NNAKAENYI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To observe and obey our cultural heritage and to indulge in activities aimed at promoting the interest of our quarter in Amichi and our community.

2. To promote social integration and to engender members interdependency in all situations.

3. To fashion out rules and regulations for the conduct of the affairs of our quarters, members and community.

4. To ensure peaceful co-existence as the first son of Amichi in our quarter, community and to choose patriotic individual as a candidate for the position of Igweship in Amichi to lead our community to a great height.

Anybody who intends to object to the registration of the above Association shall furnish a Notice of Objection in writing stating the ground(s) of the objection to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: IKE, MALACHY CHIJIOKE ESQ

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.

DIVINE CREATION AND HERITAGE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY INTL

YOUNG GRADUATE AID INITIATIVE

TRUSTEES 1. ADEJOBI ADEYINKA JOHNSON. - PRESIDENT 2. ADEBUKOLA HENRY ADEOYE. - SECRETARY 3. GBENGA AKINPELU. - TREASURER 4. MAYOWA MOSES ADEYEMI. - PRO AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To foster unity among members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED OMOTAYO ALADE-FAWOLE. ESQ

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. AMEH FRANCIS 2. ATEBOH OYINTARE

xxx

TREASURE LAND WORLD HARVEST ASSEMBLY

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OHAJI EMEKA JUDE - CHAIRMAN 2. OHAJI EVENLYN OGOCHUKWU - SECRETARY 3. CHUKWUDI UCHE IHEONWUEKWU AIMS AND OBjECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY TRUSTEES.

SHALOM HIGH POINT CHAPEL

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP CHRIS ACHAPU 3. REV. LUCKY E. BENIN 5. PST. IFEOMA NDUDI

2. REV. (MRS) EBITIMI JOYCE ACHAPU 4. DEACON COLLINS USIEKPE EGBAMUDO 6. PST. JOHNSON OJOMONU AJEKA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To Help Young Graduate Achieve Their Desire Ealy Enough In Life

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE THROUGH THE GOSPEL. 2. EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE TO STAND OUT. 3. REACHING OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED.

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

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

Signed: Secretary

THE TRUTEES ARE:-

SIGNED: Prince Saheed Apanpa Onisiwo, Prince Rasheed Babatunde Onisiwo, Dr. Sikiru Elegbede, Prince Labral Bashorun and Prince Temitayo Bashorun

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

ONE CLOVE CLUB

RESURRECTION AND CROSS OF SALVATION MINISTRY

We the entire youths of Onisiwo Royal family hereby express our total support and loyalty to Oba Mohammed Musliu Adio Yussuff and we are not in anyway contesting his Royal stool.

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

OKPALA DESCENDANTS UNION AMICHI

THE TRUSTEES ARE:-

THE ONISIWO YOUTH FORUM

IFEADIGO FRIENDS SOCIAL CLUB The general public is hereby informed that the above named Club has applied to the corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ojukwu Cosmas Chimezie (Chairman) 2. Chika Chukwuma Gabriel (Secretary) 3. Agbo Uchenna (Treasurer) 4. Ikeaswuoha Clement Ejike (Provost) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote peace unity and progress among members.

2. To offer help to our members.

3. To assist the less privileged and alleviation of poverty Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: OJUKWU COSMAS CHIMEZIE

SIGNED BY TRUSTEES

POWERFUL GLOBAL WOMEN FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Anita Chioma Duckworth Bradshaw (President) 2. Prisca Eusebius Okoro (vice president).

3. Glory Chukwu (Secretary) AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1 To promote peace, unity and Love among members.

2. To eradicate domestic violence in our society Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

ABIGAIL IKHIEDE MOSES.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABIGAIL AMHIEMHIT SEMHE IKHIEDE WISHES TO BE ADDRESS AS ABIGAIL IKHIEDE MOSES. General public please note.

OMOAFENI AIGBOCHIE IKHILE.

ZHANG YONG.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ZHANG JERRY WISHES TO BE ADDRESS AS ZHANG YONG. General public please note.

CHRISTY WILLIAMS

I, formerly known and addressed as AIGBOKIE IKHILE CHRISTOPHER, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOAFENI AIGBOCHIE IKHILE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA ADEIFE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHRISTY WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

NGOZI SIMPLE ONWUKA.

NERUS ROSE ROSER

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NGOZI SIMPLE MORGAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. NGOZI SIMPLE ONWUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

LAMI AMINU

I, formerly known, called and addressed as KOMOLAFE FUNMILOLA ODUNAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ASIKPATA FUNMILOLA ODUNAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AKINSOLA GODWIN OLUWASEGUN

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES That I am the one bearing EBIBAYELO CORDELIA IDOWU which I used in some of my documents. That I am also the one bearing BAIYELO CORDELIA IDOWU which I also used in some of my documents. All former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SOWUNMI TEMITOPE TOYIN , now wish to be known, called and addressed as SHODIPE TEMITOPE TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GOODNESS IJEOMA URUAKPA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GOODNESS IJEOMA DURU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was Wrongly written as Adeyinka Famewo Joshua instead of Famewo Adeyinka Joshua.

All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

ISAAC JAMES DURU

AYENI BOLAJI OLUFUNKE

I formerly known and addressed as IKHIDE DORA now wish to be known and addressed as IMOOHI DORA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JULIANA AKIKA now wish to be known and addressed as JULIANA ADEBAYO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as NWANI JOSEPH IDENALA instead of INWUALE JOSEPH IDENALA . All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

CORDELIA EDUGIE OJUROMI.

IDEYI KEMI SHAKI

EMMANUEL OLAYEMI ALABA.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEWUNMI OLUWAKEMI now wish to be known and addressed as IDEYI KEMI SHAKI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MRS ALABA AWOYEMI OLAOGUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMMANUEL OLAYEMI ALABA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLUCHI OGBONNAYA GRACE

MERCY ACHETU AGENE

PAUL MOSES UWAH.

CORRECTION OF NAME:

OMOWUNMI AJIBADE

I formerly known and addressed as OGBONNA NGOZI JUDITH now wish to be known and addressed as MGBEOKWERE NGOZI JUDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CORDELIA EDUGIE OSAZUWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CORDELIA EDUGIE OJUROMI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LUCY AJIBADE now wish to be known and addressed as LUCY OMOWUNMI AJIBADE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLAWUNMI DAMILOLA OLAWALE

NWADIGO ANGELA ONYINYECHI.

I formerly known and addressed as SALAMI DAMILOLA OLAWALE now wish to be known and addressed as OLAWUNMI DAMILOLA OLAWALE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ALAYO BUKOLA OLOLADE.

SAMUEL ENIYOMA NWOGU

I, formerly known and addressed as SHEDRACK SAMUEL ENIOMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMUEL ENIYOMA NWOGU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OLUCHI DANIEL OKORO now wish to be known and addressed as OLUCHI OGBONNAYA GRACE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

JULIANA ADEBAYO

AKINSANYA GRACE TAIWO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLADUNJOYE GRACE TAIWO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. AKINSANYA GRACE TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

VICTOR TITILAYO.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as IBIJEMILUSI TITILAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as VICTOR TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to confirm that AGNES EWACHE and AGNES OKOKO EWACHE, are one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as AGNES OKOKO EWACHE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLANREWAJU AYENI now wish to be known and addressed as AYENI BOLAJI OLUFUNKE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

IMOOHI DORA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ODEWUNMI BUKOLA OLOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALAYO BUKOLA OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. Techblow Nigeria Ltd and general public take note.

AFOLABI KOLA KASHMAL

I, formerly known and addressed as ADESHINA KOLA AFOLABI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AFOLABI KOLA KASHMAL. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as INNOCENT ROSE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NERUS ROSE ROSER. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ISAAC JAMES AKPAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ISAAC JAMES DURU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known as Miss.

Alice Chinenye Agwu wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alice Chinenye Udoye .All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

PASCAL SIMON OKECHUKWU

OLUBIYI IYANUOLUWA DAMILOLA

SHODIPE TEMITOPE TOYIN

ALICE CHINENYE UDOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as OKECHUKWU JOSEPH NWADIOGBU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PASCAL SIMON OKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note I, formerly known, called and addressed as OGUNNAIKE IYANUOLUWA DAMILOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUBIYI IYANUOLUWA DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

GOODNESS IJEOMA DURU

MGBEOKWERE NGOZI JUDITH

JOY OBINWANNE OKECHUKWU-OZOR

I, formerly known and addressed as JOY OBINWANNE NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JOY OBINWANNE OKECHUKWUOZOR. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known as Tina Effiong wish to be known and addressed as Bassey Tina lme. All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

ASIKPATA FUNMILOLA ODUNAYO

AGBAJELOLA DEBORAH OLUWAKEMI

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS Agbudeloye Olabisi Funke,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onadipe Olabisi Funke.

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note

CHIMEREMEZE EJIKE IHEOMA.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIMEUMEREZE ONWUASOANYA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHIMEREMEZE EJIKE IHEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

BASSEY TINA LME

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as BOBA KALANGA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as LAMI AMINU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ONADIPE OLABISI FUNKE

IKUDORO RAMOTU AINA

I formerly known as Ikudoro Okunola Ramotu Aina and Okunola Ramotu Aina wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikudoro Ramotu Aina .All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

My name was wrongly written as AHIABA UMAR on my Access Bank Account, while on my BVN, my name was written as AHIABA JIBRIN EDIME insted of AHIABA UMORU JIBRIN. That my correct name is AHIABA UMORU JIBRIN. General public and Authorities should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINSOLA GODWIN OLUWADARE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINSOLA GODWIN OLUWASEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BABALOLA OLUWAKEMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AGBAJELOLA DEBORAH OLUWAKEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

BELTLAND EGO PATRICIA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UJPABI NWAKAEGO PATRICIA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BELTLAND EGO PATRICIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I formerly known and addressed as ESSIEN MOSES UWAH now wish to be known and addressed as PAUL MOSES UWAH. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

USORO SYLVESTER UKPE

I formerly known and addressed as MERCY ACHETU OKPE now wish to be known and addressed as MERCY ACHETU AGENE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

DESTINY EDET JOHNSON

I formerly known and addressed as FRIDAY EDET JOHNSON now wish to be known and addressed as DESTINY EDET JOHNSON and my date of birth is 1/1/1991.

All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

OSAJINDU IFUNANYA ADAORA

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as RASAK AYINDE instead of RASAKI ANIMASHAUN ADEOLA and my correct date of birth is 30/08/1981. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note ADERIBIGBE ENIOLA OLUWAKEMI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OJO ENIOLA OLUWAKEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADERIBIGBE ENIOLA OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OSIKI SAMSON AKPODE

I formerly known and addressed as ADABI UGBONNA now wish to be known and addressed as OSIKI SAMSON AKPODE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OSSY EKWERE UKPE now wish to be known and addressed as USORO SYLVESTER UKPE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OSAJINDU BLESSING IFUNANYA now wish to be known and addressed as OSAJINDU IFUNANYA ADAORA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME:

FRANK IFEANYI OBANOR

ADEPOJU AYOTUNDE ABDULKABIR.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as NWADIGO JENNIFER ONYINYECHI now wish to be known and addressed as NWADIGO ANGELA ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

This is to confirm that the bearer of these names ORIHABO FRIDAY and ORIBABOR FRIDAY PAUL refer to one and same person. Henceforth, i wish to be known and addressed as ORIBABOR FRIDAY PAUL while 26th June, 1980 is not my birthday. My correct date of birth is 16th April, 1978. former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Frank Chibuike Onyeukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Frank Ifeanyi Obanor. All former documents remain valid.

General public, note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TUNDE ADEPOJU now wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU AYOTUNDE ABDULKABIR. All former documents remain valid. General public, note.

This is to confirm that my name was mistakenly written as NWAKOR CHUKWUNONYE MICHAEL instead of NWAKO CHUKWUNONYE MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank and general public take note.

ODUNLAMI SEGUN DANIEL

AINA EMMANUEL OLAIFE

ADEYEMI IDOWU MARY

AGBATA CHIAMAKA HOLYDAY

EZINWANYI NWODO COMFORT

I, formerly known and addressed as ODUNLAMI OLUWASEGUN DANIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ODUNLAMI SEGUN DANIEL. My correct date of birth is 18th of September, 1989.

All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Akindele Emmanuel Olaife now wish to be known and addresses as Aina Emmanuel Olaife. All former documents remain valid.

General public, note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI IDOWU now wish to be known and addresses as ADEYEMI IDOWU MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public, note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANUJURU CHIAMAKA HOLYDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBATA CHIAMAKA HOLYDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWASO MONICA, now wish to be known and addressed as EZINWANYI NWODO COMFORT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

OKONKWO CHINWEIFE FRIDAY.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO CHUKWUNWEIFE FRIDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO CHINWEIFE FRIDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

NNAMANI IKECHUKWU SAMSON.

UDEAGBALA BLESSING CHINENYE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKONKWO BLESSING CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEAGBALA BLESSING CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ILOH EVELYN OLUCHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as NNAMANI NWAFOR SAMSO, now wish to be known and addressed as NNAMANI IKECHUKWU SAMSON. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ILOH GENEVIVE OLUCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ILOH EVELYN OLUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public should please take note

ANI NNEDIMMA SYLVIA

NWEZE UZOMA JECINTA.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANIOMA NNEDIMMA SYLVIA, now wish to be known and addressed as ANI NNEDIMMA SYLVIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

I, formerly known and addressed as EIGBEDION TINA, now wish to be known and addressed as EIGBEDION CELESTINA OFURE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

AKAEZE AUGUSTINE CHINOYELUM

NWANKWO CHIAMAKA PRECIOUS

I, formerly known and addressed as AKAEZE AUSTIN CHUCKS, now wish to be known and addressed as AKAEZE AUGUSTINE CHINOYELUM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as OBINANI CHIAMAKA PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CHIAMAKA PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

ONYEDUMEKWU OLIVIA UDOCHUKWU.

EMMANUEL NATHAN ONYEKA

UDEH JULIET NKIRUKA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIEKE JULIET NKIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEH JULIET NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm and certify that, NWANKWO CHUKWUMA CHUKWU and NWANKWO CHUKWUMA JOHN refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CHUKWUMA JOHN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The general public is hereby notified of the loss of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) belonging to OMBEAT ENTERPRISES NIGERIA of No. 101 Zik Avenue, Uwani, Enugu. Land situated at Akpaiama Land Umuchigbo, Iji Nike, Community, Enugu, Registered as 8/8/1598 which got lost. If found please contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Enugu.

BANJOKO: I, formerly known as MISS OLOGUNGBIRI DORCAS BOLUWATIFE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BANJOKO DORCAS BOLUWATIFE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEYAN: I, formerly known as SADO FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYAN FAITH SADO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES AZEEZ: This is to confirm that, AZEEZ ZULIFAT ADEOLA and JUBRIL ZULIFAT KADIJAT is the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ ZULIFAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that I, SAIDI OLAWALE RASAKI is the same person answering SAHEED RASAQ. All documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public take note.

JOEL UGBEDE

UGBEDE: I, formerly known as OGBADU JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as JOEL UGBEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MARY JEREMIAH EDET

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. MARY SAMUEL EFFIONG, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. MARY JEREMIAH EDET. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

DAUDA MOHAMMED

DAUDA: I, formerly known as DAUDA TAIYE, now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IMABO OYEDELE

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. DIMABO ABBEY, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. DIMABO OYEDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PAUL AKPAN EKPO

AKPAN SAMUEL EMMANUEL.

OBINNA CHINWE EDITH

I, formerly known and addressed as, BASSEY ENO DAN, now wish to be known and addressed as, PAUL AKPAN EKPO. All former documents remain valid. WAEC, NLPC, FCMB BANK AND General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, SAMUEL AKPAN SAMMY, now wish to be known and addressed as, AKPAN SAMUEL EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AMAEFUNA CHINWE EDITH, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OBINNA CHINWE EDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SALIU JAMIU OLAYINKA.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKE OLAYINKA JAMIU, now wish to be known and addressed as SALIU JAMIU OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEBOGUN ADENIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBAJO ESTHER BOLATIWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ADEBOGUN ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EIGBEDION CELESTINA OFURE

JOSEPH CHIDIMMA

I, formerly known and addressed as OSUAGWU CHIDIMMA, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BONY NWACHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MR. BONIFACE CHIKA NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. BONY NWACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADELEKE TOLULOPE OMOLOLA

ISA WALSHAK DABO.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKEDELE TOLULOPE OMOLOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELEKE TOLULOPE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ISA WALSHAK, now wish to be known and addressed as ISA WALSHAK DABO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EJILIBE EBERE ELIZABETH I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAMANI ELIZABETH EBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EJILIBE EBERE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MIDALA ADAMU AKINYEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as ALFRED ONYEKA NATHAN, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL NATHAN ONYEKA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public should please take note.

NWEKE ELIZABETH VICTORIA

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. PREYE ISOWO SUTTON, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. PREYE JOANNE YELLOWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take.

NNADI KYIRAN AMECHI.

I, formerly known and addressed as AMECHI KEVINSTINE KYIRAN, now wish to be known and addressed as NNADI KYIRAN AMECHI. My correct date of birth is 14th June, 1984. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZOEMENE UZOMA JECINTA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWEZE UZOMA JECINTA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm and certify that, OKOYE SABINA AYATALAUKA and OKOYE SABINA AYATALA refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOYE SABINA AYATALA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

REYE JOANNE YELLOWE

ADAMU MOHAMMED

NNACHI PETER IZUCHUKWU.

I, formerly known and addressed as IZUCHUKWU EMMANUEL NNACHIPETER, now wish to be known and addressed as NNACHI PETER IZUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEDUMEKWU UDOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEDUMEKWU OLIVIA UDOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as ANEKE CHUKWUDI that I now wish to add EMMANUEL to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as ANEKE EMMANUEL CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

NWEKE: I, formerly known as NWEKE IGWE ELIZABETH VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWEKE ELIZABETH VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONYECHI JOSHUA EBUBECHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYECHI JOSHUA EZENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYECHI JOSHUA EBUBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

23

PRINCESS HODGE ABANG. I, formerly known and addressed as PRINCESS HODGE, now wish to be known and addressed as PRINCESS HODGE ABANG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, OGUNSEYE ABOSEDE SILIFATU wish to state that my name was wrongly written as OGUNSEYE ABOSEDE ANIKEI instead of OGUNSEYE ABOSEDE SILIFATU. That my correct name is OGUNSEYE ABOSEDE SILIFATU. The general public take note.

MAYAKI SAMSON DANIEL.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKPEJI SAMSON DANIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MAYAKI SAMSON DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BANJOKO DORCAS BOLUWATIFE.

IMAOBONG UKO UNO

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IMAOBONG JOHN ETIM, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. IMAOBONG UKO UNO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PHILIP ROSELINE

I, formerly known and addressed as, AKINDUYO ROSELINE P. O., now wish to be known and addressed as, PHILIP ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note AZEEZ ABASS OLANREWAJU

I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ ABASS MONDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ ABASS OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FOLARIN ABIOLA KAFAYAT.

I, formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE ABIOLA KAFAYAT, now wish to be known and addressed as FOLARIN ABIOLA KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OSEPH YANA.

I, formerly known and addressed as JUDE YANA, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH YANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEYAN FAITH SADO

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES:

PENIEL CHRIS-ENWENWEN.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. PENIEL JOHN ETIM, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. PENIEL CHRIS-ENWENWEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MSHI BENJAMIN.

I formerly known and addressed as Benjamin Sughter Daniel.now i wish to be known and addressed as Mshi benjamin.All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note PHILIP STEVEN DAWA

I, formerly known and addressed as DAWA ALI STEPHEN, now wish to be known and addressed as PHILIP STEVEN DAWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note GODFREY BLESSING OGBONNE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NGWU BLESSING OGBONNE, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS GODFREY BLESSING OGBONNE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SANNI RILIWAN AYINDE.

I, formerly known and addressed as SANNI RIDWAN, now wish to be known and addressed as SANNI RILIWAN AYINDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

ALADESOYIN SHOLAPE CHRISTIANA

ALADESOYIN: I, formerly known as MISS SHOLAPE DAMILOLA OLANIYAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALADESOYIN SHOLAPE CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAMSON DESTINY EJIRO

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. OGBORE DESTINY EJIRO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. SAMSON DESTINY EJIRO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MARGARET SAMPSON ETIM.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MARGARET PUALINUS UDOFIA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. MARGARET SAMPSON ETIM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODEH AGNES OLAYI: I formerly known and addressed as Agnes OLAYI, now wish to be known and addressed as ODEH Agnes. All former documents still remain valid. The general public and authorities concerned should please take note.

KUDIRAT FUNMILAYO AMODU

I, formerly known and addressed as KUDIRAT ALADE, now wish to be known and addressed as KUDIRAT FUNMILAYO AMODU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OSIGBEAME MARY KEMOSI

I, formerly known and addressed as ITIMI MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as OSIGBEAME MARY KEMOSI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

JULIET OMONIGHO

I, formerly known and addressed as JULIET OGALLA, now wish to be known and addressed as JULIET OMONIGHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Buhari gives reason for banning importation of vehicles laying ceremony of Eastern Moses Oyediran Vehicle Assembling Limited Enugu and launch of EVAL Vehicles.

President Muhammadu Buhahri, who was repreBuhari says the major reasented by his Senior Special sons Federal Government Adviser on Legal and Elecbanned importations of vetoral Matters, Barr. Juliet hicles through land borders Ibekaku also promised to was to encourage Nigerians put in place enabling envito patronize locally assemronment to encourage and bled vehicles, create jobs and protect locally assembled vemove the nation’s economy hicles. forward.

The President said, “I comThe President stated this mend the commitment of in Enugu at the weekend Eastern Vehicle Assembly during the foundation stone Limited to key into the eco-

ÏÏÏ

nomic development agenda of this administration by building a vehicle manufacturing assembling plant in Nigeria. Federal Government is solidly behind this project and will do everything to support you. We assure you that we will create enabling environment to protect your investment.

“We are already fine tuning our procurement policy to support preferential purchase of local vehicles. We are optimistic that in no distant time the support we are giving the

automotive sector will generate more jobs and career employment for our young and teeming youths as well as drive the economy. The recent ban on importation of vehicles through land boarders will further encourage Nigerians to patronize our local assembled vehicles like EVAL”, he said.

In his speech, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State said the establishment of Eastern Vehicle Assembling Limited in the state is part of plans by both Federal

and Enugu state governments to drive investments into the country.

The governor who was represented by Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr.

Sam Ogbu said, “This is yet another welcome addition to the burgeoning business environment in Enugu State and an apparent indication that the efforts of Federal Government and our own efforts, to encourage both local and foreign investment in the state, are yielding desired results despite the current economic difficulties

L-R: Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs. Omobolanle Olonisakin; Guest Speaker, Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar; wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Muhammadu Buhari; wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Grace Allele-Williams, during the Flag-off Women Against Corruption in Abuja… recently.

Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

LOSS OF DEED OF CONVEYANCE

RABO MONDAY ENNEOGOEN

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public of the loss of a deed of Conveyance registered at the Lands Registry Office, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos as No. 19/19/1697 and dated 2nd February, 1978 over a property situate, lying, being known as No. 7, Oluwole/ Jesus Street, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos.

I, formerly known and addressed as RABO MONDAY MONDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as RABO MONDAY ENNEOGOEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, AFFALOGBA DIEUDONNE wish to state that my name was wrongly written as AFALOGBA GODWIN instead of AFFALOGBA DIEUDONNE . That my correct name is AFFALOGBA DIEUDONNE . The general public take note.

The general public and most importantly, Lands Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GANIYU SAMUEL SAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ISAAC SAMUEL RASAKI BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Signed: Mrs Margaret Aderoju Koshoni

ISAAC SAMUEL RASAKI

SAMUEL EDET ASUQUO

I, formerly known and addressed as SHADRACH SAMUEL ASUQUO, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL EDET ASUQUO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS IN NIGERIA

HOPE FOR THE GIRL CHILD INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Chief Kingsley Okafor - Chairman 2.Dr. Joshua Segun Ijagbemi 3.Rev. Justus Obizue - Secretary 4.Mrs. Rosemary Akande THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote creativity among the citizens of Nigeria.

ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION NO 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198 MAITAMA DISTRICT ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Barr (Mrs) Ifeoma Chinwe Adaghara 2. Ndubuisi Onuoha 3. Chinenye Nwachineke 4. Emeka Okpaleke 5. Chinazom Onuoha AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To protect the girl child against modern day slavery, early marriage, domestic and sexual violence 2. Advocacy for girl child education 3. Provide access and safe space for the girl child.

4. To carry out leadership and youth empowerment programmes.

5. To carry out research, representation and rehabilitation of the girl child.

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

Signed: Secretary

Maulud: Saraki, Tambuwal felicitate with Muslims ÏÏÏThe President of

the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Sunday urged Muslims to imbibe the injunctions of Prophet Muhammad which teaches humility, gratitude and charity toward one another.

Saraki gave the advice in a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, to mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad).

He also urged the Muslims to use the occasion to practice Prophet Muhammad’s precepts of piety, tolerance, justice and peaceful co-existence within our communities in the collective effort to overcome the current national challenges.

“With the current economic hardship in the country, there is no better time in applying the teachings of the holy Prophet on how to live a life of simplicity, ‘’he said.

Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has also urged Nigerians to put aside all differences and collaborate with each other to build a united and peaceful nation where everybody would feel free and safe.

S’East human rights group alleges genocide by Nigeria govt

Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

A coalition of human rights and pro-democracy organization has alleged that there has been silent genocide in Nigeria in the last 17- year old second republic, in which about 101, 500 defenceless Nigerians were killed extrajudicially.

The South East based Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (SBCHROs) made this allegation yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra state during a briefing to mark this year’s 68th anniversary of the declaration of human rights.

Chairman of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the International Society for the Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) Nze Emeka Umeagbalasi, who spoke for the group said the high political terror and militarization policies of the Muhammed Buhari administration has led to the

emergence of 18 new armed opposition groups and upsurge in the inflow of illicit small arms and light weapons in non-state actor hands, which has risen to an all high of 5million in 2016.

The group described killing outside the law to include killing people who were taken into detention alive, killing of unarmed and defenseless citizens engaging in church vigils and street protest and processions as well as electoral killings.

Other killings, according to the group, include “military invasion and massacre of unarmed and defenseless villagers, raiding and killing by security forces of unarmed and defenceless persons in their homes,churches, mosques, and markets, any form of killings of civilians or non-combatants by armed opposition groups in war and peace times, killings arising from inter-communal and religious violence particularly as they concern unarmed and defenceless citizens.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

25 News

Ikpeazu wants state of emergency declared on federal roads in Abia Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

The Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency on federal roads in the state.

The governor made the call when the House of Representatives Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, House Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, paid him a courtesy call, as part of their oversight functions.

Dr. Ikpeazu lamented that “as at today, Aba-Owerri road is the only entry and exit route into Aba, which is the commercial hub of Abia and states around, and even that was made possible because the state continues to intervene on the road.

“Both Port Harcourt and Ikot Ekpene Roads are completely closed to vehicular traffic. This has made it difficult to visit Abia State from Akwa Ibom and Rivers State through Ikot Ekpene, Opobo

and Port Harcourt road.

“We want the federal government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Abia. I therefore urge the members of the House of Representatives to help make a very strong case for federal roads reconstruction in Abia state.”

He said his government has applied to the federal government to allow it reconstruct some of the roads in order to facilitate trade and commerce where Aba

has comparative advantage, even when the state has not received reimbursement for previous works done.”

Governor Ikpeazu stated that the state would have been completely cut off from the rest of Nigeria, if not for the intervention of his administration through palliative repair works on federal roads.

Responding, Hon. Okechukwu, said the Committee would ensure the state is reimbursed with the cost of

maintaining federal roads in the state.

According to Hon Okechukwu, “we are in Abia state to ascertain the condition of Federal Roads in the State as well as assess performance of contractors handling federal road projects in the South East.

“In due course, the House will take a look at those claims made by Abia state, so as to make sure she is reimbursed for maintaining federal roads in the state”, Okechukwu assured.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Director, Mrs. Aisha Pamela Sadauki; another Director, Mr. Dennis Okoro, MTN Foundation and Director, Musical Society of Nigerian (Muson), Mrs. Marion Akpata, at the MTN Foundation-Muson scholars’ donor appreciation concert in Lagos...recently.

Food security: Bello cautions against export of food items Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏ

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has called for caution in the freighting of essential farm produce to neighbouring countries for monetary gains at the expense of the masses, saying the act is capable of undermining national security.

He made this call at the weekend during the commissioning of a modern integrated rice processing and milling plant financed by the Government of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Bida.

The governor stressed that as much as government will encourage the

people to engage in legitimate business within and outside the country, the need for patriotism and national security should not be played down.

He noted that the bumper harvest recorded this last farming season was a product of a deliberate policy of All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration at the national and state levels to re-position agriculture as the mainstay of the economy and to ensure national food security.

The governor cautioned that efforts by government may be threatened “if we produce so much and our people cannot get the food to buy at reasonable price”.

He observed that the bumper harvest recorded this

year has not translated to fall in prices of food items as a result of alleged activities of some individuals who for monetary gains are ferrying food items for sale in neighbouring countries.

Gov. Sani Bello said plans afoot by the state government in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to buy off the farmers some strategic and major food items. This he said was to help protect farmers from being exploited and to ensure food security.

The governor commended the government and people of Korea for financing the rice processing plant, stressing that the sitting of the mill in the state was a fulfilment of his resolve to explore all avenues to attract

investors and projects to the state, especially through Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.

He then directed the state Ministry of Agriculture to ensure proper management of the rice mill by engaging competent firm to manage the facility.

Earlier the Korean ambassador, Mr. Noh Kyu-Duk said his country gesture was informed by Nigeria’s huge potentials, comparative advantage of cultivating rice and becoming self-sufficient.

He however noted that non-availability of high rice production capacity has been the major obstacle of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production in Nigeria.

Prof Etinagbedia passes on ÏÏÏ

The Director General of the Institute of Chartered Administrators and Researchers of Nigerian (IARN), Prof Jacob Edesiri Etinagbedia, has passed on to glory. He died after a brief illness.

Until his death, Prof Etinagbedia was also President/Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Marketing and Management of Nigeria (ICMM), the Institute of Corporate Management Accountants and Managers of West Africa (ICMAMWA).

He was the Proprietor/ Chairman Governing Council of a newly approved private polytechnic, the IARN Polytechnic in Delta state.

In a press statement signed by Rev. David Vama Idabor, Coordinator of the Etinagbedia Group, calls on all members of the Institutes to jointly give their late DG and President a worthy honour, during his burial ceremony which holds on Friday December 16, 2016 in his home town Okurekpo – Okpara in Delta State. However, the Christian wake keep comes up on Friday 9th December, 2016 in his Lagos residence at Ojokoro Lagos.

Late Etinagbedia

Imo pensioners suspend planned protest

Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏ The Imo state branch of

the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) at the weekend, suspended its planned demonstration earlier scheduled to take place on today in Owerri, the state capital.

It will be recalled that the state NUP leadership on December 7 issued a statement directing each of the 27 local government area chapters to send at least 10 members to participate in a demonstration.

However, in a statement on Sunday in Owerri, the leadership of the NUP explained that the suspension of the protest followed commitment made by the state government to pay the arrears of pension owed to them before Christmas.

The statement jointly signed by Chief Gideon Ezeji and Livinus Asiegbu, the chairman and secretary of the NUP respectively stated that the union believed the assurance of government that pensioners will be paid their arrears before Christmas. ``Pensioners in Imo will be so glad to get the arrears owe them by Imo government to enable them join other Imo people and Nigerians to celebrate the 2016 Christmas.’’

The statement listed the arrears as at November 2016 as follows: civil pensioners (21 months), local government pensioners (22 months), retired primary school teachers (31 months), IBC pensioners (42 months), retired permanent secretaries 21 months and Alvan Ikoku College of Education pensioners 76 months.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Features

s

Why airlines are dying -Jaja If the name, King Jaja of Opobo, rings a bell in Nigeria’s history, then, you are one-on-one with his great grandson, Prince Emmanuel Jaja. He is an aviation worker and unionist. In this exclusive interview with FEMI GANIYU, ADEYEMI AKEEM and ABOSEDE AKINDIYA, he revealed that the aviation industry is not only capital intensive, but highly challenging to run. Excerpts What has been your life experience?

Life has not been easy; but by the special grace of God, I have continued to impact lives.

I was the deputy president of Air transportation. I was also an Auditor in the Trade Union Congress, TUC, for three years; and I took another post from TUC. I served for six years during the time of former President of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Peter Isele. I have been privileged to move all over the world by the grace of God. To compare what is happening in our country today to other parts of the world, it’s a different ball game altogether. Nigerians believe so much that things will turn around, so, we are hoping that things will be better for us in future.

What are your experiences as a labour person, particularly in the aviation industry?

Fortunately, I have worked for the Aviation industry for about 20 years now, and I can tell you it has not been easy.

If you go down history lane, you will recall that some airlines have come and gone, like the Okada Airlines, Chachangi, Nigeria Airways, to mention but a few. I must be sincere with you: to run an aviation industry is a capital intensive project, because 95 per cent of the aircraft spare parts is procured in dollars. Also, the market is international in operation.

It is on that basis that you see Aero Contractors going up and down due to their peculiar challenges. Most airlines have foreign partners, but with the increased difficulty in getting dollars now, it has become very difficult for some of them to continue in the business; and it’s going to be tougher for the operators to run the business with the current rate of dollar.

How many Airlines do we have here that had just come and gone over the last couple of years?

I heard that Nigeria wants to form another airline, the ‘National Carrier’. We are waiting to see how they would do it. We have a lot of technocrats here in this industry, a lot of pilots, engineers, that can handle the industry very well, and everything also depends upon the government as to what they want to do.

In Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Airlines come here for business, but in that country, what do they have? In fact, that country gets about 50-60 per cent of their income from their airline.

Again, just look at the South African Airlines; they come here two or three times daily, and they are making it.

Everything in the sector is capital intensive, and we don’t produce anything in Nigeria. It’s a lucrative business and in most countries, what some of them do is to contract it out to people who know about it.

Jaja

Unfortunately, Nigeria Airways is dead. So, we are waiting for the government to form another airline.

But air transportation is one of the most lucrative businesses in the world, why is Nigeria different?

It’s a lucrative business if you manage it well. There is no business that is not lucrative, everything boils down to management; and if you have people who don’t know about aviation and you bring them to be at the helm of affairs to manage it, we won’t go anywhere. Not until you bring people; pilots, engineers, technocrats, who know what it takes to manage an industry like that, things will not work.

It is not an easy thing for people who have money to just go and buy airplane and start flying from Lagos to Port Harcourt. It can work for a period of time, but if you don’t have people who know about the aviation industry, you will have problems, and this is because airline business is not like danfo (bus)business, where, maybe, when one tyre bursts, you go and buy a tokunbo tyre, fix it and start running it; it’s not like that in the aviation industry.

Everything in the sector is capital intensive, and we don’t produce anything in Nigeria. It’s a lucrative business and in most countries, what some of them do is to contract it out to people who know about it.

If you leave everything in the hand of government, government will do it to a certain level, and when they

begin to see they can’t manage it anymore, then things will begin to go down, that is what happened to the Nigerian Airways in those days.

We have over 600 pilots roaming the streets because most airlines are dead; most of them are no more viable.

The pilots also move from one airline to another, because they have to make ends meet; that is what’s happening. It is also the same thing with engineers. You can imagine the pilots and engineers that worked in the Nigeria Airways in those days were highly trained. In fact, the airline was one of the most powerful airlines in the country then.

Infact, some of the people in Ethiopia came to Nigeria Aviation school in Zaria for training, but, today, go to Zaria, what is happening there? Nothing. Now, we go to South Africa and other parts of the world to learn pilot engineering.

Is the situation so bad that Nigeria has lost everything?

We will not say that Nigeria has lost everything 100 per cent, but there have been lots of maladministration in the past; and it’s only when government learns how to put things in their proper perspectives, that we would be ready to go.

Labour issue has been very critical to the aviation industry. As a unionist, what specifically do you face in your organization?

In my own union, which is the Air Transport Services Senior Staff

Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), we have been agitating to make sure that we keep our members in employment.

However, if any airline is winding down, the thing we do is to come and find out from the company what is happening there. For instance, the Labour Law says, “If you want to declare redundancy, you have to tell all the unions the extent of what you want to do”.

At this moment, there are some companies in which we are still negotiating exiting pay for our members.

This is because, the owners of the business will tell you they don’t have money to pay. However, the union would continue pushing because when you push people out of job, there is every possibility that some of the people will not get another job, that’s why you see the Union will continue to pressurise.

Afterall, one of the major things the union stands for is to fight for the right of workers, fight for the welfare of our workers and our members and we have never relented and we will not relent.

There is the issue of collective agreement, labour barging, how has this worked out in your organization?

It is a law that is binding, and collective barging is a standard thing all over the world. However, where we have some problems is that some employers that are afraid of the union, maybe, they think union will come

and close down their businesses or whatever. Base on that, they don’t come out to support the union.

In any company where a union exists, there is something we called procedural agreement, which the labour sign with the management. With this procedural agreement, that’s from there that any time there is either redundancy or you want to negotiate increment, negotiate welfarism for worker..., you invite the union and the two parties will sit down for negotiations.

To God be the glory, labour of today is no more like the labour of 30-40th years back, when unions will come and fight. Now, what the labour union does is to sit down and discussed with organization, the strike you see some people do now, is when they have gone to the level that there is no option again, otherwise, we don’t go on strike these days.

You are a traditional person, someone who came from a royal family; a Prince of King Jaja of Opobo. What experience did you gain from your background?

My great, great grandfather was a merchant, who was involved in business to showcase himself around the globe. What he did was that he built his family and then, sent his children to school in Europe, London. Today, some of his great grandchildren are now pursuing different professions, including academics.

What you are saying is that there has been a lot of transformation in that great family?

Absolutely, because if you come to Opobo, we don’t have land to farm, we are in an Island. Rather, what our people do is, go to the hinterland, to buy things and sell.

What do you think informed the decision to confer a title on you in Aboru land?

Yes, that is where we live. We have seven Igbo-speaking states, and if you look at it, Igbo people have about five state; southeast state coupled with Delta and Rivers so, what we did in Aboru land was to form an association; and this association is where we gather to share knowledge and help one another and also to support the people that give us place, which is our landlords (the Yoruba people).

What is your philosophy of life?

It’s to keep going, being sincere, help mankind and have in mind that life is a journey; when we get to a place, we would stop and other persons will take over; that’s why we carry people along, because one day, we all go and live the rest for the people to continue from where we stopped.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

27 Features

Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM create music for Apple -Ubosi

Mr. Chris Ubosi is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MegaLectrics Limited. He spoke with TONY NWAKAEGHO in this interview on the operation of his broadcast outfits and the achievements that stand the organization out in the broadcast industry both within and outside Nigeria. Excerpts May we know your organization?

I am the Chief Executive Officer of MegaLectrics Limited. We run Classic FM, Beat FM Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt and London, Naija FM Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt, and Lagos Talks 91.3 which is a new Talk Radio Station. The newest of them is our Beat and Classic, which started seven years ago. Naija FM started four years ago while Lagos Talks started in October this year.

Recently, Beat FM won an award; could you let us into how it all happened?

Beat FM Lagos and Ibadan have been winning quite a few awards. The key thing is that Beat FM in London 103.6 won the best Radio Station in Urban Music Award, won the best Radio Station and the best Show at the London Media Award.

How does the entire team feel about this outstanding award in London?

We all feel really good about it, and it is always good when your work is being validated by your peers. When your peers give you honour, it is something that we really appreciate. It has gingered us up and made us to work a lot harder to achieve further.

What distinguishes the Beat FM from other sister radio stations you have?

Each of our stations targets different demographics and psychographics. We have Classic FM, which programmes older music for the more matured mind, which is not necessarily defined by age, it depends on how you feel. People like music like older music, people like Classics of the past. We therefore not only tailor the music to suit that category of people, we also tailor the presentation style, conversational style, the news and everything. Beat FM targets younger audience; so, we play a lot more contemporary and current music , as well as, the news and the likes more geared towards younger audience things like entertainment news, entrepreneurial programme; things that target the young.

Naija FM is a Pidgin and local languages station, which plays local music and 100 percent local and African music and also speaks in the Nigerian languages as well as Pidgin English. Lagos Talks is a talk radio format which discusses issues of the day as it affects everybody. That is targeted towards people who want just to be involved in a conversation about how the country is being run; events that are going on in the country; occurrences in the social, political and economic landscape. So they are all targeted towards different people.

As a broadcaster, how has it been in the beginning and now in the profession?

God has been very faithful. We have put in a lot of hard work. Nobody thought we will be able to achieve what we had in the short time that we have been doing it. We have been able to put in a lot of works and researches into this. We are not resting on our oars; we keep trying to improve, trying to ensure that we keep serving the audience that we are trying to serve.

Did you envision that your station

Ubosi

This year has been big for the entertainment industry in Nigeria. We had two or three artistes signed with massive international labels. We have Sony music in Nigeria. We have Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM creating music for Apple.

We have led the part for continuous progress. will be able to record this mileage owing to the fact that there were other radio stations established before your own?

I am a very optimistic person, and I have a very good team that puts in hard work. You know nothing comes easily. We do a lot of hard work, brainstorming, a lot of research before we put out the product. You know the whole world is becoming digital and that was our drive in starting. Now, because of competition and technological advancement you are no more able to broadcast to people. You have to meet them wherever people want to consume you. People want to consume you on their phones, cars, computers and social media. So, we started from digital stand point. We have Apps. You can download all our Radio Stations Apps and listen to us anywhere in the world. You can listen to us online. We podcast significant

events that take place in the radio.

A lot of our programmes are podcasted so that if you miss one, you can go back to the App or online and listen to it. We are, also, very active on the social media. Beat FM was the first station to be verified by Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We try to satisfy our listeners and we try to be available for them where they want to listen to us and how they want to consume us.

What is that unique thing that stands your station out among its peers in the entertainment industry?

We are a personality- based radio station, where we focus on our personalities and try to make sure that all our personalities are tuned to the audiences they are trying to address. That is something that stands us out and probably we have the biggest celebrity presenters in the industry.

Are we really doing enough in terms of local content in the broadcast industry in Nigeria?

With the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), we have to play fully 60 percent local content in all the stations. We do that and we also have a station that plays totally local music. If we are able to provide content for these number of radio stations in these percentages, then I think the industry is doing quite a lot. I recalled when I started in broadcasting, we couldn’t even fill the 40 percent content at the time. My take is that private broadcasting has done a lot to enhance local content, because there are now avenues for these artistic works to be aired and exposed. It encouraged a lot of them to go to the studio and produce music knowing that it will be aired. Every day now, we receive at least 10 new CDs from up and coming artistes. We do our best to expose them. If you look at what we have achieved globally, I think we have Davido and Wizkid signed to Sony music and Techno also signed up. The international world is taking notice of the Nigerian music industry and that is largely due to the private broadcasters.

What is your assessment of the entertainment industry in Nigeria this year?

This year has been big for the entertainment industry in Nigeria. We had two or three artistes signed with massive international labels. We have Sony music in Nigeria. We have Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM creating music for Apple. We have led the part for continuous progress.

What are the challenges facing the private broadcasting stations in Nigeria?

We have power problems. There is lack of training; so we have to invest all that. But the key thing is that nothing we use in our studio is made in Nigeria. We are really being hit hard by the Naira/ Dollar exchange rate. Every single thing that we use from the transmitters, studio equipment to microphones are all made abroad. We used to import our studio desks but we now make them here.

We are unable to get money at the controlled rate and so we have to go to the parallel market to fund our operations. And that is not being reflected in our rate that we are charging because the market is also sensitive to price changes. We also have the perennial issues of Advertisers not paying on time.

Where do we expect to see Beat FM and others in the next three to five years?

This year, we have expanded to Abuja, London and Port Harcourt. We are the sole broadcaster of English Premier League on Nigeria Radio as well as the NFF local league. In three to five years, we should have consolidated a bit more in these new places where we have opened. We are looking to making some further international acquisitions. We want to grow organically, and that is what we have been steadily doing and hope to do a lot more on that.

Foreign 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

UN urges Gambia’s Jammeh to step down

Trump faults CIA’s conclusion on ÏÏÏAs AU kicks Russia’s alleged ÎÎÎAgency reports on Sunday aid in polls victory revealled that the United NaÎÎÎ

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says the Central Intelligence Agency conclusion that Russia interfered in last month’s presidential election to boost his chances of winning was “ridiculous,” calling it was “just another excuse” by Democrats for his upset of former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“I don’t believe it. If you take a look at what [the CIA] said, there’s great confusion,” Trump said Sunday. “Nobody really knows. They have no idea if it’s Russia or China or somebody. It could be somebody sitting in a bed someplace.”

Trump told Fox News that he does not oppose President Barack Obama’s order to review cyberattacks the CIA concluded came from Russia during the lengthy presidential campaign, but said “you should not just say ‘Russia.’

You should say other countries also, and maybe other individuals.” The CIA said it had “high confidence” that Russia sought to help Trump win.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the final stretch of the presidential campaign to help Trump win the presidency, and not simply meddle in the U.S. electoral process as previously believed, according to senior Obama administration officials. The conclusion is based to some extent on a finding that Russians hacked the Republican National Committee’s computer systems, in addition to those of Democratic organizations, but disclosed only embarrassing emails from the Democrats, via WikiLeaks.

The Republican Trump’s rejection of the CIA conclusion came as the party’s losing 2008 presidential nominee, Arizona Senator John McCain, and three other senators called for an investigation into Moscow’s interference in the election, saying that it “should alarm every American.” McCain, along with Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrats Jack Reed and Chuck Schumer, said the United States needs to stop “the grave threats that cyberattacks conducted by foreign governments pose to our national security.”

President-elect Donald Trump

tion (UN) Security Council has called on Gambia President, Yahya Jammeh to hand over power after defeat in elections.

President Jammeh initially conceded to Adama Barrow in last week’s vote but has since refused to accept the end of his 22-year rule.

The UN added that a handover should come without condition or delay. In a unanimous statement, the UN’s 15 council members called on Jammeh to “respect the choice of the sovereign people of The Gambia”.

The president’s U-turn was condemned by The African Union (AU), who described his statement as “null and void”.

His reluctance to step down has also been criticised by the US and neighbouring Senegal.

A heavy military presence has been reported in the Gambian capital, Banju, but the streets have remained calm.

The BBC’s West Africa correspondent, Thomas Fessy, says the main question now is whether President Jammeh has managed to split the army, retaining a faction ready to back his announcement.

Mr. Barrow said he was sure the military supported him as the country’s new leader.

President Jammeh first seemed to accept the loss but then backtracked and said, on Friday, that he “totally” rejected the result.

According to the electoral commission, as a result of the vote on 1 December: Mr. Barrow won 222,708 votes, accounting for 43.34 per cent, while President Jammeh took 208,487 representing 39.6 per cent, while a third-party candidate, Mama Kandeh, won 89,768 or 17.1 per cent.

Mr. Barrow, a property developer, is due to take office in late January. The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, with a population of fewer than two million. In his 22 years in power, Mr. Jammeh reputation waned over the years.

Meanwhile, the African Union has called on Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh and Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow (right) accept the results of the presidential election earlier this month as he said he would.

AU Commission Chairperson Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma said, “The chairperson of the

commission strongly urges President Yahya Jammeh to facilitate a peaceful and orderly transition and transfer of power to the new president of the Gambia.”

New secretariat to boost Ghana, Nigeria economic, social ties

Bonny Amadi

ÎÎÎ

Nigeria Ghana trade and public relations is poised to record greater mileage with the propose construction of the proposed befitting secretariat by the National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON).

The association’s president, Mr. Frank Quaye disclosed this weekend in Lagos Nigeria at the Association’s awards/Dinner night during which funds were also raised for building the association’s secretariat in Lagos, Nigeria.

He said that the 2016 edition of the NAGHACON gala night, the fifth edition, organized in collaboration with the Ghanaian business community ‘the great minds’ targets at ensuring sustained representation of the business community and Ghanaians in the diaspora in collaboration with the High commission through a point

of call, a new secretariat which is supplementary to the High commissioner’s office.

NAGHACON, Quaye said, was put together by the Ghana High commissioner to foster unity , provide welfare and support services to members far away from home and also to promote economic and social well being of the people and the two Anglophone West African countries that share similar historical backgrounds.

“With all the prospects and opportunities, it is quite difficult without a secretariat. So as we have gathered here tonight, no longer as two countries, but as one, we appeal for assistance in cash and kind in order for us realize the dream of having this secretariat and making things easier for all concerned” He said that the secretariat when completed would not just help Ghanaians in Ni-

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama

geria or Ghana wishing to do business with Nigeria or Nigerian, but also help to cement the trade ad cultural relation with Nigeria as Nigerians will have easy access to the NAGHACON center and obtain all relevant information, reducing the burden on the High commission. ‘ I will use this time to appreciate our host country , Nigeria for making the atmosphere so conducive for us that a lot of us pride ourselves

as citizens of Ghangeria, comfortable both in Ghana or home country and Nigeria our host country” Awards were given in five categories, transport, communication, construction/ infrastructure, personal and environmental categories.

Transport category wards went to ABC Transport and African world Airlines. Communications Awards went to Globacom and Slot systems, while construction and Infrastructures Awards went to Dangote Group for contributing to construction and infrastructures development across Africa.

One of the NAGHACON awardees under the personal category for contributing towards real estate, education and tourism development in Africa, Mr. Martin AmoAyesu, told Daily Times of Nigeria that the association has over 2million registered members and that construc-

tion of the secretariat would further enhance the social and economic relations of the two countries.

Amo-Ayesu, the personal assistant to NAGHACON president, said that recently the Ghanaian government established modalities for her citizens in Nigeria to process their residence documents in the country, of which he added that the proposed secretariat would boost documentations of trade, residency and personal identification data.

‘Sometimes, the people have to go to the embassy and the embassy in turn will have to call the NAGHACON President for verification” AmoAyesu said “with the secretariat in place , other people or organizations that want to invest in Ghana, will have to utilize the manpower of the association to access information they cannot easily get at the embassy”.

Italian President names Paolo Gentiloni as new Prime Minister

ÎÎÎItalian President Ser-

gio Mattarella has chosen Paolo Gentiloni to form a new government after reformist leader Matteo Renzi lost a referendum on constitutional reform, on which he had staked his job.

Gentiloni is expected to hold the post until February 2018 elections. After the announcement, he vowed to move “within the same framework” as Renzi’s outgoing govern-

ment.

“Not by choice, but out of a sense of responsibility I will be forming a government based on the outgoing majority,” Gentiloni said.

Reports said the new government leader is expected to introduce a list of ministers to Mattarella by early Monday.

The 62-year-old member of the Democratic Party, close Renzi ally, and former journalist said in a

brief statement there is an “urgent need for a fully functioning government” in order to focus on social and economic issues.

All major parties have called for elections as soon as possible, but the proposal was rejected by the Italian president.

Renzi was prime minister for almost three years.

He resigned after voters rejected a package to increase his power to push through economic re-

Former Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi forms he said would bring political stability in Italy.

While economic and political factors drove voters to punish Renzi, analysts

say Italy’s migrant crisis also played a role and the issue is likely to feature in forthcoming election campaigns.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

29

Match-winning E

Eduok red carded in

Turkish derby

mem Eduok grabbed the headlines for the right and wrong reasons on Saturday as he scored before subsequently getting sent off for Turkish club, Kasimpasa in the 1-0 victory over Caykur Rizespor as the Süper Lig entered matchday 14.The attacker who earned a solitary senior cap for Nigeria in 2015, prodded home, left-footed from close range after the Rizespor

defence failed to clear their lines.

It was his second goal in as many Süper Lig matches for Kasimpasa following his strike against Galatasaray on December 4 at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadyumu.

Eduok will however not have the chance to net in his third consecutive league goal as he will be suspended for the next league game following the red

Page 30

card he received on Saturday.

He was sent off as a result of a second bookable offence in the contest decided at Yeni Rize Sehir Stadi (Rize).

He will miss the club’s next league fixture against Besiktas on December 17 but is expected to make a return to the Kasimpasa first team three days later in the Cup when they face Inegölspor.

Emem Eduok

Monday, December 12, 2016

Ranger FC team

N

igeria champions Enugu Rangers will begin their title defence at home against regional rivals Abia Warriors on the opening day of the new season.

However, the date for the big kick-off has yet to be announced.

In other matches, Enyimba take on Sunshine Stars, MFM are home to Niger Tornadoes, Kano Pillars face FC IfeanyiUbah, 3SC welcome Lobi Stars and Wikki battle Nasarawa United.

In other opening day clashes, Akwa United will be away to ABS, Rivers United face El Kanemi in Port Harcourt, Katsina are home to another promoted club Gombe United and new boys Remo Stars battle Plateau United.

Four clubs have been promoted to the top flight – Remo Stars, ABS FC, Gombe United and Katsina United.

Rangers were champions last season with Rivers United finishing as runnersup.Both teams will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League.

Wikki Tourists placed third and will feature in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup.

Rangers begin title defence against Warriors

Iwobi, Iheanacho in race for CAF Awards

A

rsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City are in the running for various CAF Awards.

In the category of Most Promising Talent, Iheanacho is listed with fellow Nigerian Oghenekaro Etebo, Guinean Naby Keita, Elia Meshack of DR Congo and Ramadan Soby of Egypt.

Iheanacho scored in four consecutive matches for the Super Eagles against Mali, Luxembourg, Tanzania and Zambia, and has been impressive for his English top tier club, for whom he scored in the UEFA Champions League last week.

Etebo was the hero of Nigeria’s bronze medal feat at the Olympics in Brazil, scoring four goals in the 5-4 thumping of Japan.

The Youth Player of the Year list was headed by Iwobi, who scored Nigeria’s first goal of the 2018 FIFA

World Cup race, away to Zambia in Ndola in October. He contests with Ghanaians Eric Ayiah and Sandra Owusu-Ansah, Ivorian Franck Kessie and Mali U20 ace Sidiki Maiga.

Super Falcons’ forward Asisat Oshoala was listed alongside South African Janine Van Wyk, Ghanaian Elizabeth Addo and Cameroonians Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene and Raissa Feudjio Tchuanyo for the Women’s Player of the Year.

Oshoala won the award in 2014, alongside being named Youth Player of the Year. Cameroonian Gaelle Deborah Enganamouit was named Women’s Player of the Year 2015.

Florence Omagbemi, the only person to have won the Women Africa Cup of Nations as captain and coach, contests for Coach of the Year with DR Congo’s Florent Ibenge, Uganda Coach Milutin Sredojevic,

Nacer Sandjak of CAF Confederation Cup winners MO Bejaia and Pitso Mosimane of CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will battle for Women’s Team of the Year with Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, while Nigeria’s U23 team, bronze winners at the Olympics, will tug with DR Congo (CHAN winners), Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Uganda (the last two for qualifying for 2017 AFCON). Guinea Bissau are making their debut while Uganda are back among the elites of African football after 38 years.

Sundowns, Bejaia, TP Mazembe, Zamalek and Zesco United compete for Club of the Year, while Gambian Papa Gassama, Egyptian Ghead Grisha and Senegalese Malang Diedhiou are in the race for Referee of the Year.

Okiki debutes,

target first team shirt in Argentina

N

igeria striker Afolabi Okiki hopes he will enjoy a better run in the top league in Argentina after he finally made his debut at table-topping Estudiantes.

Okiki’s Talleres Cordoba held hosts Estudiantes to a goalless draw and the former Sunshine Stars striker started the game.The 21-year-old striker played for 46 minutes and was booked in the 41st minutes before he was replaced.

“It was great to finally make my debut for my club in Argentina after I have proved myself with the second team,” Okiki said.

“I hope to now get a decent chance in the main team.

“I am not coming down to Nigeria for the Christmas holidays because I wish to focus a lot more so that I could establish myself

quickly in the first team.”

Okiki’s club are now ninth on the Primera Division with 20 points from 13 matches.

Okiki

Monday, December 12, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

African beach soccer tourney kicks-off Dec. 13 in Lagos

Nwabulu hails teammates for clean sheet

W

ikki Tourists goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu was pleased to get a clean sheet in the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League Super Four match day two encounter.

Baba Ganaru’s men played a goalless draw with Enugu Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Friday night.

Nwabulu made his second start of the competition and he was delighted to help his team grab a point against the reigning NPFL champions.

“Tonight was a good outing for the entire team,” Nwabulu told Goal.

“Our objective was to secure a good result and we did just that.

“As a goalkeeper it’s always good to keep a clean sheet and help the team achieve its objective.

“I am glad that in one way or another; I helped the team achieve that.

“My team-mates must also be applauded for the way they supported me throughout the match. They made it easier for me.”

Emeka

Supersand Eagle team

S

tarting Tuesday December the 13th, Nigeria will host Africa as the 2016 Beach Soccer Cup of Nations kicksoff in Lagos. Hosts Nigeria will look to wrestle the crown from African champions Madagascar and pick a ticket for the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup to be held in Barbados.

The competition will start on the 13th of November through to the 18th as the best seven Beach Soccer teams on the continent slug it out with hosts Nigeria for the African title.

Coach Audu Adamu Ejors squad have been in residential camping in Badagry as they prepare to mount a challenge for the Africa crown.

Beach Soccer poster boy Abu Azeez has come out of international retirement to help the squad while regular faces like Victor Tale, Emmanuel Owheferia, Bartholomew

Ibenegbu and the veteran Ogbonnaya Okemmiri.

The Sand Eagles are in Group A of the competition alongside Ghana, Egypt and old nemesis the Ivory Coast [below] in what is regarded as the toughest group.

Group B has defending champions Madagascar, Libya, Morocco and Senegal who will jostle for the top spot and a place at the World Cup in the Bahamas in 2016.

Group stage match schedule for the 2016 Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations.

Current champions Madagascar [above] are early favorites even though three-time champions Senegal aren’t far away with the Ivory Coast also in the running for the title.

Madagascar dethroned Senegal at the last edition in Seychelles defeating the Beach Lions after extra time as they could only muster a 1-1 draw after regulation time.

Nigeria smashed the Ivory Coast 9-1 in

the third place classification game but it wasn’t enough to see the team through to the World Cup. Super Sand Eagles goal poacher Abu Azeez [below} believes Nigeria has all it takes to win the title and a slot at the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup. Current champions Madagascar [above] are early favorites even though three-time champions Senegal aren’t far away with the Ivory Coast also in the running for the title.

Madagascar dethroned Senegal at the last edition in Seychelles defeating the Beach Lions after extra time as they could only muster a 1-1 draw after regulation time.

Nigeria smashed the Ivory Coast 9-1 in the third place classification game but it wasn’t enough to see the team through to the World Cup. Super Sand Eagles goal poacher Abu Azeez [below} believes Nigeria has all it takes to win the title and a slot at the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup.

I’m experimenting at Super Four — Amapakabo E

nugu Rangers coach, Imama Amapakabo has revealed that he is experimenting with his squad at the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super Four competition.

The Flying Antelopes started with convincing 2-0 win against Rivers United before being held to a 0-0 draw against Wikki Tourists.

“Good game for me and I am satisfied with what I saw. The Super Four affords me the opportunity to see my squad in real match situation and so far, it has really been good,” Amapakabo told Goal.

“I wanted to experiment a whole lot of things and the result looks good. I tried out three left legs in the midfield and it made some real sense.

“Even with that Rangers are still at a good point to lift the trophy, it’s still in sight and shall emerge champions.

“As regards Wikki Tourist, i think their first game was below average but they stepped up in the second game though.”

Enugu Rangers will lock horns with FC Ifeanyi Ubah on the final in the 2016 Super 4 on December 11.

Amapakabo

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Editor Daily: ROSE MOSES

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016

VOL. 2. NO. 253

Rangers begin title defence against P 29 Warriors

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F

Super Falcons continue protest Enyimba to play home games in Calabar E nyimba will now play their home matches in the new season of the NPFL in Calabar, according to chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu.The Enyimba International Stadium is under reconstruction and that was why they staged their home games in Umuahia and Port Harcourt this past season.

Enyimba will therefore welcome Sunshine Stars to Calabar on the opening day of the new season.

Anyansi said they believe Calabar will be home away from Aba. “Playing in Calabar will help our preparations,” he said.

“We have previously played in Calabar and we chose to return there because there is no premier league club based there, so Enyimba we will be the focus there.”

Two-time African champions Enyimba finished last season without a major trophy.

Enyimba FC team

Super Falcon

lorence Omagbemi’s ladies are not ready to leave their Abuja camp until they get their entitlements for winning the Awcon in Cameroon.The girls continued their protest a week after winning the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations despite sports minister Solomon Dalung’s assurance.

On Thursday, Dalung held a meeting with the players, pleading that process to secure their entitlement was still on but his pleas yielded no success as the new African queens insisted they will only quit their Abuja hotel until they were paid.

Earlier this year, the Women’s U17 and U20 teams were decamped with token N10,000 and N30,000 following their early exits from the Jordan 2016 Fifa u17 Women’s World Cup and Papua New Guinea 2016 U20 Women’s World Cup respectively.

Confirming the continued protest, a Falcon star on anonymity told Goal: “We are not ready to leave the hotel. We have heard enough promises but all we want is for our entitlement to be paid.

“We’re not really happy with the way we’re treated. We are not even talking about getting reward yet.

“But a workman should be paid after his or her service but ours is not like that rather they speak to us in a manner like we don’t deserve to be paid.”

The Anambra Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Buhari must find ‘magicians’ for our economy - Obiagwu AT 3

Relocation crisis hits Onitsha AT 4 drug market FG pledges support for dry season farming in Anambra ÏÏÏ The Federal Government

Governor Obiano (middle) cutting the tape to commission the new ASUBEB building in Awka... recently. He is flanked by officials of ASUBEB.

Indigenes hail Obiano for new N20m community projects ÏÏÏ The

The

Anambra

T E A M

people of Anambra State have hailed the re-introduction of community projects in the 2017 budget proposal presented to the state assembly by Governor Willie Obiano.

The N20 million community projects in each of the 177 communities is the second by the governor this year.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka last week, the people were unanimous in commending the governor’s effort in the development of communities.

A trader, Chief Fabian Nwibe, said that with a second round of such development projects, there would be a great transformation.

“With another N20 million

to each of the towns that made up Anambra for community projects, definitely the towns will change for the better.

“Already, the effect of Obiano’s first N20 million is visible for all to see,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Peter Ikeotuonye said that Anambra State would not remain the same if the governor emerged winner of next year’s election.

“With the pace at which Governot Obiano is developing towns in Anambra, the state will soon outshine other states in Nigeria,” he said.

Mrs. Ngozi Ubaka, a civil servant, said that the governor would excel in politics.

“As it is now that recession is here with us and our governor is doing all this work,

Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

doling out money for development purposes, it means that politically he will still go

higher than his present position in Nigeria’s politics,” she said.

1 ƐƄƍ ƍ ƃ ƊƊƆ Ɔ dn & ƂƏƆƉƕƆ John Chinenye Ƒƈ

ÏÏÏ Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has commissioned a two storey building belonging to teachers in the state, under the umbrella of Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).

The building is situated at ASUBEB premises, Awka, Anambra State capital, would house a library, procurement offices and many more.

Commissioning the project, Governor Obiano said the building would help solve some pressing challenges teachers were facing in the past.

The Governor disclosed that the welfare of teachers was paramount to his government, saying there was provision for workers promotion in the 2017 estimated budget presented to the State House of Assembly.

Governor Obiano noted that the

workers would always tap from his administrative magnanimity and would receive allowances accrued to them, including a bag of rice before Christmas.

He commended the teachers’ productivity, stressing it had projected the state to global recognition as Anambra students take lead internal and external competitions.

In his address, the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, (ASUBEB),Chief Nzemeka Olisah, said the teachers in the past had passed through various challenges such as lack of accommodation for training and retraining for effective capacity building among others things.

Olisah maintained that those challenges gave rise to erecting of the building through strict supervision and monitoring as well as prudent and judicious spending.

has pledged to support dry season farming in Anambra State to ensure food security in the state.

Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, said this during the celebration of World Food Day and inauguration of Dry Season farming by the Anambra State Government in Awka last week.

Ogbe, who was represented by the state Director of Agriculture, Mr. Albert Odukwe, commended the state government for making agriculture its number one economic driver.

He urged farmers in the state to come out en mass and redeem their farm inputs as soon as they received alerts on their phones.

“I want to pledge the continued support of my ministry to the success of 2016 dry season farming in Anambra toward the national goal of food sufficiency and security of our dear Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, said no fewer than 364 farmers were selected for dry season irrigation farming on rice production.

Mbanefo said the government was interested in efficient land utilisation to ensure optimal output in spite of having the second least arable land in the country.

According to him, the effective collaboration with sister ministries and relevant agencies as well as partnership with donors has positioned the state agricultural value chain to produce for citizens and export to other states.

Mbanefo said the state had commenced the implementation of its Community farm development programme aimed at ‘capturing land from various communities in readiness for agricultural developCONTINUED ON PAGE ET 2

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Obiano urges FG to address Anambra erosion menace

ÏÏÏ Governor

Willie Obiano has called upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to profile Anambra State as an erosion disaster zone and subsequently declare a state of emergency on the state with respect to the challenge.

Gov.Obiano made the renewed call at a meeting with a delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Erosion and Habitat led by the Chairman, Honorable Obinna Chidoka, at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.

The delegation was in the state, as a major location to visit in their tour of state in the South East zone on inspection of Ecological Funds

Office Projects and Erosion Sites in the various states.

Addressing reporters after an extensive closed door, Governor Obiano decried the effect of the 962 active erosion sites on Anambra State, pointing out that if nothing was done in the next 10 years, the state will have lost half of its size.

“The attendant calamities will be too much to handle,” the Governor stressed.

He emphasised that the state had been making efforts to handle the menace, but also lamented that “it is beyond the state capacity at the moment”.

The governor, however, expressed

hope that the visit of the House Committee would add impetus to the intervention so desired on the challenge.

Responding, Honourable Chidoka corroborated the fears of Governor Obiano on the massive loss of land to erosion based on their findings in several locations visited.

He, however, assured the Governor that the committee, at the end of the tour, would make recommendations that would make the Federal Government act with a sense of urgency in addressing the gully erosion ravaging not only in Anambra but other states in the South East zone.

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, cuddling a baby during her tour of the Primary Healthcare centre in Otuocha, Anambra East LGA recently. Behind her is the wife of Anambra State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oby Okeke and others.

ABSG earmarks N5.4bn in 2017 budget to boost agriculture ÏÏÏ The Anambra State Govern-

ment says it set aside N5.4 billion in the 2017 budget to boost agricultural production in the state.

Mr. Afam Mbanefo, Commissioner for Agriculture, stated this last week in Awka, when he received a 10-member delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development/ Federal Government of Nigeria (IFAD-FGN) Supervision Mission to Anambra State.

Mbanefo explained that the allocation, which was increased by 500 per cent compared to 2016 budget, also aimed at increasing assets and capacity development of farmers in the state.

“We plan to develop over 100 hectares for seed multiplication in the next year’s farming season.

“Between January and February, farmers will be overwhelmed by offtakers and millers who have indicated interest to do business in the

state,” Mbanefo added.

He said that the state had surpassed the estimated production of 210, 000 tonnes of rice for 2016 due to the intervention of Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) to farmers.

Earlier, Dr. Ben Odoemenam, the team leader and Country Programme Officer for IFAD Nigeria, said the delegation was in the state to monitor the impact of VCDP on farmers.

Odoemenam lauded the state government for assisting farmers with inputs and for paying its cash counterpart fund of over N94 million for the programme in the 2016 farming season.

“The good thing about the programme in Anambra is that it has increased productivity, improved minimum economic scale and made farmers to take farming as business.

“It had caused a new generation

of youths to embrace farming in Nigeria.

“It was interesting to learn that rice farmers in the state are already making a net gain of N700, 000 per hectare.

“This is the second year of the intervention and has four more years to go, but we have created an import substitution of about four per cent from the state alone,’’ he said.

In a remark, the State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Mr Nnamdi Agwuncha, said technical training on best agronomic practices was provided for rice and cassava farmers.

He said 220 farmer organisations with 3,001 farmers had been networked and supported with NPK, Urea and herbicides valued at over N88 million.

The team visited cassava farms at Igbariam and Achalla communities, and rice farms at Ifite-Ogwari and Ufuma communities.

APGA chieftain frowns at re-emergence of road blocks in S’East Ï ƍ ƏƋ ƉƉƄ Ƅ ƄƃƏƍƆƎƓ ƋƄƍ ƎƆƐƄ ƃ ƉƉƄƃƎƄƕ MÖƂ ƅƍ Ɗ ƍ ƕ ƂƉ ƃƈ Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

A member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of All Progressives Alliance (APGA), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has frowned at the re-emergence of toll gates on roads in the South East zone by security operatives in the country, which have not only impinged free movement of people in the zone but has equally been used as an avenue to extort money from motorists and roads users.

Chief Ezeonwuka, who is the Ogirisigbo, told newsmen in an interview that he was shocked at the mounting of toll gates where these security operatives collected illegal money from motorists and travellers.

Chief Ezeonwuka’s anger is coming on the heels of an allegation from a pro-democracy group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety)’s allegation that the Nigerian Police and the Armed Forces may have collected about N9 billion from road blocks mounted in the various parts of the zone since 2015.

Stating that road blocks were illegal in Nigeria as democratic country, the Ogirisigbo said he doubted if these security operatives collecting tollgates got the nod of their commanders.

“Our people should not give them any money. No officer worth his salt allows his men to collect toll on the road as some of their men are now doing. Stop and search is not time to create obstruction for our people who are coming home for Christmas. Our people should not be

harassed. What is happening is bad. I am using this opportunity to urge our security hierarchies not to send their men to mount toll gate and collect money from our people returning for Christmas. Report any of such thing to superior authority,” said Ezeonwuka.

But Intersociety in a statement said one of the ulterior motive behind Army establishing Operation Python Dance in the South East was to collect millions of naira through the roads blocks.

The group in a statement signed by its Board of Trustee Chairman, Nze Emeka Umeagbalasi, said road blocks by the Police and Armed Forces in the zone are about 1,200, (200 for the Army and Navy) and 1000 for Police).

The group said that the Army used proxy in collecting their tolls, while Police employ open method or what they called direct extortion at gun point, saying that the choice of South East was due to high commercial activities that take place in the zone.

“Our updated checks as at last week show that there are not less than 230 Police road blocks on Anambra’s Federal and State roads as well as the city roads.

And each of the Police road block extorts minimum of N50 and N100 from commercial motorists, translating to at least N30,000 for each road block per a day N7.5m daily from the not less than 250 road blocks, N22million monthly and N2.7 billion per a year in Anambra State alone,” the Intersociety alleged.

FG pledges support for dry season farming in Anambra CONTINUED FROM AT 1

ment’.

He lauded the more than 97, 500 farmers in the state, pledging that the government would continue to stand by them to enhance their productivity of food for the state and the country.

In his speech, Governor Willie Obiano said agriculture which was the number one pillar of his administration would continue to enjoy priority.

Obiano said his administration increased the budgetary allocation to the sector from one billion naira in the 2016 fiscal year to N5.5 billion in the 2017 proposed budget.

The governor, who acknowledged climate change combined with surging world population was putting pressure on food availability, said the method of farming must change to avert food disaster.

He described the theme for the celebration “Climate is Changing; Food and Agriculture Must Change” as apt, noting that dry season farming spanned from October to May which was usually hot and dry.

Obiano announced the donation of inputs, which included 29 motorised irrigation machines to enable the all year round farming as well as motorcycles for extension workers.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Buhari must find ‘magicians’ for our economy - Obiagwu ÏÏÏ The Chairman, Old Motor Car

Park Dealers Association, Ugwuagba in Obosi of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “put on his cyber eyeglasses and sort out the ‘magicians’ that will assist him fine-tune the nation’s economy in the next 12 calendar months.”

Chief Obiagwu made the remark when Anambra Times visited his office inside the market popularly known as ‘Ngbuka’, where all parts of almost any vehicle is hardly lacking.

He also believes that Nigeria is not new to this hard time, though not under a democratic dispensation.

He therefore called on all Nigerians to support the “President to put the economy back on track. Even here, we are trying our best to create a conducive atmosphere for both our customers and ourselves. For now, everybody should cut his coat according to his/her cloth.”

The chairman also commended the Governor Willie Obiano government for assisting them by providing some infrastructure to ease their struggles.

“We have transformers given to us by the government; the major road to Ngbuka here is tarred and we also have pipe-borne water here, though there is a need for more as we are expanding daily. We can beat our chest and say that the present government has Ngbuka people in mind. Nonetheless, there some roads that needed to be touched.”

On the issue of security, the chairman explained that there is a synergy between the market and the government security personnel. He assured all customers coming to Ngbuka that they are safe to come and trade with them.

The first encounter Anambra Times had on getting to the chairman’s office was the setting of a mini court as he was settling numerous cases between the traders, with some Police personnel present, a situation he explained is a daily occurrence.

Clerics who succumb to financial gains, carnal pleasure will go to hell first - Archbishop Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ The National President, Asso-

ciation of Nigerian Bishops, Most Rev. (Dr.) Christopher Tobechukwu Onuorah, has frowned at some men of God who fall for financial gains and carnal pleasure, saying they will go to hell first.

Rev. (Dr.) Onuorah, who is the head of Spiritual Communion, Holy Chapel, Enugu, spoke in Nanka, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during an award presentation to the founder of Tree of Life Ministries, Rev. Dada Obi. Lamenting that the church has failed in its divine mandate in this part of the world because of the inordinate quest for crass materialism and carnal pleasure, the Archbishop declared that “Bishops and church leaders will go to hell first before their members”.

He said: “They have left what God asked them to do and they are pursuing money. Priests and pastors will go to hell first. Missionaries built hospitals and schools that were free at least for the indigent members but now schools owned by churches are the most expensive. The ordinary members of the church cannot afford it. They use it for profit motive. Hospitals are the same. People are dying because of exorbitant hospitals bills”.

He said if today’s Christian leaders like early missionaries should reduce school fees and hospital bills, so that the poor can have the opportunity, but “if you don’t have money for hospital fees, they will abandon

you to die. But as we do this here, some hospitals in the North are free.

Education is also free. We are too greedy here”.

Furthermore, the Archbishop said: “Our appeal is that priests and pastors should fear and obey God. Don’t sleep with married women and all these young girls. Any man of God who does that is satanic.

Some go to native doctors. We practice immorality, adulatory, iniquity and abominable things. They preach but they keep what they preach. It is very shameful”.

He said the award of Excellent Leadership (Pillar of faith) was given to Rev. Dada Obi because of his contribution to the work of God and advised him and the wife, Abuoma, who was awarded the Sarah of our time, not to have any other gods except the almighty God. In his response on behalf of Rev. Dada Obi, the Vice President, Tree of Life Ministries, Apostle Gerald Ihesinulo, expressed the elation of the members of the church over the award.

He said that their desire was that God will continue to use him to bring the word of God and peace not only to Anambra State and the Igbo race but also to Nigeria and the entire world.

Dada Obi’s son who had earlier read an address of welcome expressed their happiness that the Association of Nigerian Bishops shared in his father’s efforts in the vineyard of God, his contribution to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.

The Anambra Times 3

Second tenure: Ogbaru backs Obiano

Philip Balepo Onitsha

ÏÏÏ

Governor Willie Obiano’s second term quest gained some boost last week as the whole of Ogbaru Local Government Area proved to be the needful Anambra voter, willing to be guided properly in order not to be misled by people who are unhappy and averse to the air-tight security and accelerated development the state is currently enjoying.

This brought about the need to bring to the unreached and the uninformed the message of Governor Willie Obiano’s many achievements in just two years and eight months and to further mobilise support for his second term.

To this end, the people of Ogbaru within the week witnessed the inauguration of “Operation reach all in Ogbaru for Obiano.”

The inauguration which was conducted by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu, had all the immediate past Ward Chairmen and LGA Executive members led by the former Chairman of

All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Ogbaru LGA, Pastor Onochie Obiora, in attendance and other members.

The team will be engaging in a month-long outreach cum contact and mobilisation that will see them traverse the entire 16 communities in Ogbaru LGA, covering over 48 settlements and camps.

Other members of the team include former (elected) Deputy Chairman of Ogbaru LGA, Hon. Josephat Eli (Ezeodiligbo); the current woman leader of Lagos State APGA, Mrs. Sofia Azaka; a former Chairman of APGA Ikeja, Lagos LGA, Mazi Obiajulu Awogu; the Director of Planning and Strategy (2) U-AYA, Hon. Ogochukwu Nwasike; the Chairman, Atani Ward 1, Hon. Chigozie Obi; President, Urban Drivers Welfare Association Anambra State, Ogbaru Chapter (UDWAAS), Chief Ikechukwu Nwaora (Ifenweluoge); Chairman of Ogbaru Keke Riders Association, Hon. Chuka Osadebe; Dr. (Barr.) Philip Chukwuma (Akajiugo); Dr. Frank Orabunwa; Chief Francis Udeorji Ofuebe (Okosisi Aguleri); a former President General of Amiyi

Community, Chief Victor Udeopu (Chukwujindu); Engr. Okey Udenze and Mrs. Lillian Emesim. All UAYA State and LGA Excos, Ward Coordinators, Deputy Coordinators and Secretaries are all members of the team. The team has already commenced operation.

Speaking to newsmen, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu explained that “‘Operation Reach All In Ogbaru For Obiano,’ is designed and aimed at reaching all the unreached in Ogbaru LGA this festive period and beyond with the undiluted gospel of Gov. Willie Obiano’s trail blazing achievements, particularly targeting those returning home for the duration of the festive period and those who may be oblivious of the governor’s feat and to lay bare the need for all in Ogbaru to support Obiano’s continuity bid.

It thus implies that while others are making merriments, the team, numbering 87 “Williests” will be searchers and converters of men and women for Gov. Willie Obiano; hoping to reorder the political equation in Ogbaru.”

Ariel view of Ngbuka Market, Onitsha, Anambra State...recently.

Anambra NUJ to honour Obiano, others as press week begins today ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, starts her Press Week and Awards ceremony today (Monday) at the Chief Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre in Awka, the state capital.

The annual event actually started with an opening church service on Sunday at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area and will hold for the rest of the week.

The Press week offers lectures and seminars, facility tours and rounds up with media awards to some individuals and corporate bodies who have in the last one year been very supportive of the media, with the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, as the distinguished guest of honour.

Other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are the State Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta; Chief Godwin Ezeemo, who doubles

as the landlord as well as the chief guest of honour; the State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nwajiugo Chris Eluemuno, who will chair the day, while the royal father of the day is the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe G. O. Ezechukwu. The guest speaker is Comrade Max Ngene.

The Press week would also end with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, on Sunday, December 18, 2016.

The Anambra Times 4 Alphonsus Nweze Ƒƈ

ÏÏÏ Drug

distribution and administration have always been a sensitive issue that should be handled with utmost care and professional touch. Little wonder government of every country is concerned about the distribution and administration of drug in their respective countries.

The Bridgehead drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State is very strategic in distribution network of drugs in this part of the county, nay in the entire country.

Apparently due to its strategic and sensitive nature, the market was not strange to controversy.

Some years ago when the late Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili was the Director General of the National Administration for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC), she shut down the market for its notoriety in importing and selling of fake, substandard and expired drugs.

While the closure lasted, the traders whose means of livelihood depended on the market went through hard times until the market was reopened after NAFDAC was satisfied that it had cleaned the market of all these bad drugs and extracted commitment from the traders that they will no more sell or encourage the sale of fake drugs in the market.

Since then, the market has had relative peace until recently when the leadership concluded plan to move out of its present location to another site in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state in compliance with the Federal Government policy that there will no more open sell of drugs in Nigeria as from July, 2017.

The chairman of Association of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products Dealers, Onitsha (AMPPDO), Mr. Uche Ezeh, said the relocation to Oba has become imperative meet the deadline by the Pharmaceutical stakeholders in the country that there will be coordinated Wholesale Centre in each state, which the registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), had written Governor Willie Obiano of the state to inform him of the dire consequences that will befall the state if they fail to comply.

Consequently, said Ezeh, the Governor minuted the letter to the State Commissioner for Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation for a collaborated effort in locating an appropriate place for the traders to relocate to meet the June 2017 deadline.

It was this search that took them to a private developer,

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Features

Relocation crisis hits Onitsha drug market ÏL ƐƄ Ǝ RƂ ƆƊƋƄƍ ƎƆƐƄè Ǝ ƊƄƄƎ 1 ƐƎê ƕƄ ƕƉƆ Ƅè Ɠ L^^#R ƃ ƆƍƊ Ï#ƄƃƆ Ɔ Ə ƆƉ ƎƄƍ Ɖ ƕ ƑƆƉƉ Ƅ Ǝ ƉƄ Ǝƍ ƕƄƍ éRƋƋ ƆƎƆ Ƌ ƈƄ Ɗ Burkam Nigeria Limited who has a property in Oba. The State Ministry, Burkam Nigeria Limited and the traders signed a tripartite agreement for the traders to move into Burkam’s property.

But this is where the point of disagreement came in as some key stakeholders opposed this move to move to Oba in another man or organisation’s property. Recently, the leadership of AMPPDO took the traders of Ogbogwu market as the market is popularly to pray, while the opposition also organised some of the traders to protest against the relocation.

According to the spokesman of the opposition and former secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the defunct OPPMDU Caretaker Committee, Mr. Chubuzor Nwokeji, their main grouse against Ezeh and the members of his executive was their unilateral decision to take them to Oba in a property somebody or company already has interest against their demand that they should go to virgin land that will be trouble free.

He said most of the traders had agreed that they will relocate to Umuleri, where the land is not only virgin but less costly but Eze and his team preferred to entangle the traders in a land already in possession.

He said that contrary to their agreement with the leadership of the market that the line chairmen and secretaries as well as other stakeholders should be consulted, they went and signed agreement with a private developer to mortgage the interest of the ordinary trader in the market.

The former secretary questioned the rationale for the rush

by Ezeh to move the traders out of the present market, saying this was not the first time the Ministry of Health has fixed deadline. He said since 2014, deadlines have been fixed till now and none of them has been complied, wondering why this must be sacrosanct given the enormity of work to be done before relocating, accusing Ezeh of hurriedly trying to relocate the traders out of the present Ogbogwu market in Head Bridge because he has minimal stake in the market.

He said for some of them who had several shops ranging from two to seven, worth several millions of naira, they were not

Uche Eze, President, Bridgehead Drug market (middle) with other members of executives and stakeholders at new market site in Oba in a hurry to leave the present market without ensuring the authenticity of the new place they are packing to.

He also accused Ezeh’s executive of registering a fresh association in place of OPPDMU which was proscribed by Court without the consent of the stakeholders after the past Caretaker Committee had registered an association for the market.

But Ezeh insisted that it was to comply with the Federal Government order that they had to take a decision to relocate to Oba and the decision which was a collective one was in the best interest of all the traders in the market.

“After the tour of the three places I earlier mentioned by 54 stakeholders, 52 chose Oba, while two opposed it. So we had to carry the decision of the majority of the people. These people now opposing it were there.

Nobody cajoled anybody. It was a consensus but some disgruntled elements want to scuttle it because their bidding was not done,” Ezeh said.

The President-general dismissed the claim that some of them in the executive have no stake at the market, wondering how he can become the secretary for the market for four years and later elected as the President-General of the market if he does not have any stake in the market.

He alleged that some of the people opposing their relocation

Bridgehead Drug market traders praying at the new ground in Oba to Oba had counselled them to move to Umuleri including offering them money and plots of land, which they resisted because of the overall interest of the traders and posterity.

“In taking this decision, we considered a lot of issues, including proximity, accessibility.

Posterity will not forgive us if we take these traders to Umuleri. We refused the bidding of a few. We have a clean bill of health on the land. The 25 acres of the land belong to the traders and it is virgin land. We the traders are going to fund the market”, he said.

Ezeh said there was no protest as the opposition claimed, saying that it was few hired persons

who shouted themselves hoarse.

The President-general said the advantages of moving to the market far outweigh personal interest of any group or individual.

“The greatest advantage is the reduction of the issue of fake drug. The market has one entrance and exit. It will also create jobs” said Ezeh.

In the tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation as the owner and Bukham Nigeria Limited as developer and the traders as allottees, only the Commissioner, Mrs. Amaka Ilobi and the Permanent Secretary, Comrade Leo Imoka signed.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12 , 2016

Nigerians may lose money if telcos lead mobile money services -CBN Page B3

NIPC lauds auto policy, to create 700,000 jobs

Page B2

CIIN threatens to decertify errant members

Page B7

FG launches N13bn housing scheme for civil servants

L: R : Chairman, Best Food, Emmanuel Ijewere, Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Philip Ikeazor and Special Assistant to Gov Akinwumi Ambode on Food Security Hon. Ganiyu Okanlawon Sanni, during 3RD Nigeria Rice Investment Forum in Abuja ...on Friday.

Joy Ekeke The Federal Government has launched a N13 billion Federal Civil Servants Mortgage Refinancing Scheme to benefit 5,635 federal civil servants. ister of Finance, said at the launch in Abuja that the scheme was in line with government’s overall objective of providing the necessary stimulus to ensure growth in the economy.

She said that in recognition of the importance of housing, the federal government had in the 2016 Budget provided N40 billion for the implementation of a comprehensive housing scheme.

“This is to address the housing challenges facing the country, improve the living conditions and welfare of our work-force and people, as well as generate gainful employment for our teeming youths,” the minister said.

Adeosun said that civil servants played an important role in nurturing and developing the nation.

“It is only fair that those who serve the country can be afforded the opportunity of owning their own homes at retirement.

“We have to put in place the right incentives as part of our anti-corruption drive to plug leakages,” she said.

She said the scheme was a collaboration steered by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB).

The minister said that the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme (FISH) and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (NMRC) were also part of the collaboration.

BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

CBN, banks target N30b new intervention fund in 2017 Motolani Oseni

N30 billion in early 2017.

As part of efforts geared towards reviving the nation’s economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee have agreed to establish a new intervention fund targeted at raising no less than

The Bankers’ Committee comprising the Chief Executive Officers of all the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) believe that the new intervention scheme, which is basically for Agriculture -Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (AGSME), would further

help in diversifying the Nigerian economy in 2017.

However, it is worthy of note that the fund will be drawn from contributions from a portion of Profit After Taxe (PATs) of Deposit Money Banks as a deliberate strategy to support funding and access to finance by SMEs and pri-

mary agriculture.

The modality for the fund which will operate as an Equity Fund, Daily Times gathered, will be worked out by the Bankers’ Committee and will be communicated to the public in due course.

This new development was disclosed by the CBN

OPEC: Non-members cut deal falls short of 2000b/d Opeoluwani Akintayo OPEC and non-OPEC producers over the weekend reached their first deal since 2001 to jointly reduce oil output, ease a global glut, and shore up prices, with nonOPEC members cut falling short of 2000 barrels per day.

Oil producing countries outside OPEC agreed to reduce output by 558,000 bpd, short of the initial target of 600,000 bpd, however, the cut was still the largest contribution by non-OPEC producers in history.

Of the 558,000, Russia will cut 300,000 bpd, Novak said.

He added it would be gradual and by the end of March Russia would be producing 200,000 bpd less than its October 2016 level of 11.247 million bpd.

According to Alexander Novak, Russia’s Energy Minister, Russian output would fall to 10.947 million bpd after six months.

“They are all enjoying higher prices and compliance tends to be good in the early stages.

But then as prices continue to rise, compliance will erode,” said veteran OPEC watcher and founder of Pira Energy consultancy Gary Ross.

Amrita Sen from consul-

tancy Energy Aspects said: “Compared to two months ago when the prospects of a deal were fading rapidly, this is a huge turnaround. Skeptics will argue about compliance but the symbolism in itself cannot be understated.”

Ross added that OPEC would target an oil price of $60 per barrel as anything above that could encourage rival production.

With the deal finally signed after almost a year of arguing within OPEC and mistrust in the willingness of non-OPEC Russia agree, oil prices will now comply with the agreement.

OPEC has a long history of cheating on output quotas.

Analysts say the fact that Nigeria and Libya were exempt from the deal due to unrest, Saudi Arabia will be pressured to shoulder the bulk of supply reductions.

Russia, which 15 years ago failed to deliver on promises to cut in agreement with OPEC, is expected to perform real output reductions this time.

However, analysts question whether many other non-OPEC producers are attempting to present a natural decline in output as their contribution to the deal.

Governor, Godwin Emefiele at the close of the 2016 Bankers’ Committee retreat in Lagos over the weekend with the theme, “Economic Recovery: The Role of the Banking Sector.” The governor reiterated that banks must come up with innovative solutions that will enable the finance sector play CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Don’t scrap BOI, MAN warns ... Says BOI effectively performing functions Charles Okonji The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the Bank of Industry (BOI) must not scraped as proposed by the National Assembly (NASS), since the bank was effectively performing its functions.

Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs, President, MAN, who stated this over the weekCONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

STERLING BANK

NSE industrial goods sector tops shareholders negative returns

L-R: Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, Health Minister and Mr. Yemi Adeola, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Sterling Bank Plc during a meeting with the Health Minister in Lagos...on Friday.

Joy Ekeke The Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) has lauded the implementation of the new automotive policy which is expected to create over 700,000 jobs.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ forum on the Nigeria automotive industry, NIPC Executive Secretary, Ms. Yewande Sadiku, who was represented by Director, Department of Real Sector, NIPC, Mr. Reuben Kifasi, said the implementation of the automotive policy would create jobs in different clusters in the country and across the automotive value chain.

She said: “First and foremost, the automotive industry is the most global of industries and a clear policy and strategy will serve as the route map towards Nigeria becoming a major automotive hub and significant contributor to the global value chain.

“This will create much needed jobs, add value, boost exports, help local businesses to grow,

ÏGƆ Ɨ ƓƈƐ éƢƠêÖƤ ü Bonny Amadi

NIPC lauds auto policy, to create 700,000 jobs stimulate regional development and sustain inclusive economic growth.”

According to Sadiku, it will fast-track the growth and development of other intervening industries such as automotive spare parts, auto servicing, steel industry, rubber, petrochemicals and plastic industries, among others.

She noted that the Nigerian National Automotive Policy, enacted in 2014, underlined the commitment the government was making to create an enabling environment where investors, local and international, can profitably serve customers in Nigeria, throughout Africa and beyond.

Sadiku added that the publicprivate-dialogue was a powerful vehicle for crafting and realigning policies, and that the feed-

back from such an experienced and well-informed audience will provide invaluable feedback to temper policy and sharpen strategic direction for a renaissance of the automotive industry in Nigeria.

“As the agency of the government of Nigeria responsible for attracting domestic and foreign investment and helping indigenous companies expand, NIPC is committed in 2017 to closely collaborate with National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC) and other key stakeholders to promote investment into the automotive industry,” she said.

The NIPC boss said the agency was committed to fulfilling its policy advocacy role to sustain improvements to the investment climate, thereby creating a con-

CBN, banks target N30b new intervention fund in 2017 CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

a key role in driving Nigeria’s growth and development.

He explained that the banking system recognizes its critical role as agent for economic development and obligation to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery, adding that DMBs operating in the country are also willing to support government’s effort aimed at developing adequate infrastructure that will help productive Small and Medium scale Enterprises in 2017.

This is just as the committee also promised that it will reduce cost of funding and increase its access, particularly for agriculture and manufacturing, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs).

According to him, “We will identify opportunities to provide funding and necessary support for agriculture and manufacturing SMEs including structures and systems to improve the ease of regulatory compliance.”

Commenting on the moni-

toring framework for the new scheme, Emefiele said the Bankers Committee will finalize strategy, governance framework action plan and assign responsibilities for implementation for the Committees 2017 programmes that will achieve the desired results and outcomes.

“The sub-committee on Economic Development and sustainability will co-ordinate execution of the programme and provide feedback to the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee.

ducive environment for private investors to actively drive the development of the sector for the benefit of the economy and people of Nigeria

Sadiku

The Nigerians industrial goods sector for 12 months running has rewarded investors on the equities market with the highest negatives returns on their investments with a -30.98 returns year to date (YTD) for the week ended December 9th 2016.

The sector led all sectors with slash of -30.98 percent on the value of their investments for period of one year, with -18.47 percent returns quarter to date and -1.36 per cent month to date.

As the close of trade last Friday December 09th 2016, the sector recorded -3.33 per cent week to date as well as weekly change of -51.59.

This showed that investors in the industrial goods sector continued to count tier losses as the challenging operating environment sustains its grip on the running of companies, retarding earnings and expectations of shareholders.

The sector closed the week on Friday 9th December 2016 lower at N1, 495.47, having opened on December 02nd, 2016 at 1,547.06.

The industrial goods sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is made up of subsector such as the building materials subsector, electronic and electrical products sub sector, packaging/containers, metals subsector and mining services.

Some of the companies that have driven the highest negative returns include African paints Nigeria, Ashaka cement, Berger paints and Cap plc.

Others are Cement co. of Northern Nigeria, First aluminum, Lafarge Africa, Meyer, Paints and coatings manufactures and Portland paints & products Nigeria, among others.

Don’t scrap BOI, MAN warns CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

end, noted that BOI was effectively performing the functions envisaged by the merger in the Bill of establishment, saying, all that was needed was urgent legislative action to regularise the BOI Act for the institution to continue with its work with minimum distraction.

Udemba noted that the emphasis at this time should be to increase the capital base of Bank of Industry and the other existing Development Finance Institutions such as BOA, NEXIM, Infrastructure Bank for effective deliv-

ery of their mandates.

He said; “The existence of the BOI has made the creation of this National Development Bank of Nigeria as proposed in this Bill unnecessary. It would amount to a duplication of the one already inaugurated by the last administration, a development that the country can ill-afford at this time.

“Instead of concentrating effort on the establishment of this proposed bank, the National Assembly should assist the Executive in making operational the Development Bank of Nigeria established by the last administration in March, 2015.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

B3 Money Market

Nigerians may lose money if telcos lead mobile money services -CBN Stories by Motolani Oseni

and have “decided to grow from the bank-led.”

The Central Bank of NiEmefiele, who defended bankgeria (CBN) fears Nigerians may led model of mobile money serlose their hard- earned money if vice, noted that Kenya’s telcos-led telecommunication companies model has done very well as there (telcos) take the lead in offering has never been any reported risk mobile money services. of financial lose from that end, but The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin pointed out that Nigeria is a differEmefiele, who made this declara- ent environment. tion on Thursday, said this could While describing digital finanpose a problem for the CBN. cial services as payments, savings, In his keynote address at this loan or insurance products which year’s Businessday financial in- are provided through electronic clusion summit held in Lagos, platforms, such as mobile phones, Emefiele said that was why the the Internet, or electronic cards, apex bank will not now allow tele- the governor said digital financial communication companies to lead services can promote financial inmobile money services in Nigeria, clusion, because they are capable

of dismantling the existing barriers to financial inclusion.

He identified one key barrier to financial inclusion, in line with Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, as the remoteness of access to financial services, adding that many people do not use financial products because they live too far away from a physical financial access point such as bank branch, an insurance agent or Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Digital financial services, according to Emefiele, transcend such physical barriers as they can be accessed through virtual channels such as mobile phones, which today are everywhere.

For instance, he referred to a McKinsey study which shows that digital financial services can increase Nigeria’s GDP by 12 percent or US$88 billion by the year 2025. There are three channels through which digital financial services are predicted to affect GDP: In terms of the latter channel, digital financial services have the potential to create three million new jobs in Nigeria by 2025.

For financial services providers, digital financial services are estimated to reduce the cost of providing financial services by 80 to 90 percent compared to the cost of a traditional bank branch.

The CBN, he noted, and other

Emefiele

stakeholders have implemented several initiatives to drive the adoption of digital financial services in the country.

Private sector business conditions continue decline – Report Business conditions in Nigeria’s private sector worsened for the seventh straight month, with the sector downturn continued in November, even though a renewed rise in new orders provided a welcome boost to business conditions.

Although, it is a slight expansion of new work and was the first since January this year, with output and purchasing activity both fell regardless, recording a decline in the former accelerating to a steep rate.

Looking at the employment rate in the country it was broadly stagnant, but while considering the price front, cost pressures eased in the latest period, whereas charges rose at a faster pace.

According to the headline figure derived from the Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), posting 47.7 percent, up slightly from 47.5 percent. The latest reading indicated that the pace of contraction had moderated further from August’s record (46.3), but was nevertheless sharper than the 2016 average (48.4).

Commenting on November’s survey findings, Ayomide Mejabi, Economist at Stanbic IBTC Bank, said: “While the private sector is still characterized by contraction, the rate of contraction eased in November. This improvement was attributable to new orders.

New orders expanded modestly for the first time since January.

Notably, the pace of contraction in new orders has been

broadly decelerating since August. Actual output is still declining, with the pace of contraction accelerating in November. Indeed, every other facet of activity deteriorated in November.

After improving in October, to record some growth, employment slumped again. The index measuring stocks fell back to 50 in November. Hence, while the overall PMI has actually improved marginally since the end of the third quarter, averaging 47.6 compared with 47.3, there is no assurance that the moderation in the pace of contraction in economic activity will be enduring. Of course, if stocks were to actually dwindle, then improving new orders could presage an eventual turnaround in production. But it is still too early to ascertain that such a turnaround is imminent.”

The main bright spot from November’s survey was renewed growth of new work. The rise ended a nine-month sequence of either stagnant or falling new business. That said, with new orders from abroad continuing to fall sharply, the increase in total new work.

Output remained a significant drag on the headline index. The latest fall in activity was the second-quickest since data collection started in January 2014, behind only that seen in August. Panelists attributed the reduction to a number of factors including subdued demand, high raw material costs and an erratic power supply.

Council member, Institute of Credit Administration, Adabonyan Opeyemi, FICA presenting the Institute of Credit Administration Industry Award for Credit Relationship Manager of the Year to the Regional Bank Head, Apapa Region, Fidelity Bank Plc. Obaro Odeghe at the Institute’s Industry Awards 2016 in Lagos at the weekend.

Diversification: Keystone Bank to boost rice farming with N1b Keystone Bank has set aside N300 million had been for primary producers in the agricultural value chain, particularly rice farmers, with plans to increase funding to N1 billion in the immediate future.

The bank, however, urged government stakeholders including state governments, farmers, processors and investors to approach the bank and access funds for their rice projects.

The bank’s Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, made this declaration in Abuja while delivering a lecture on” Keystone Bank Intervention in the Nigeria’s Rice Value Chain’, at the NEPAD 3rd Nigeria Rice Investment Forum (NRIF 2016), saying the bank had earlier financed 37 rice cooperatives under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund in Niger State.

He assured that the bank would sustain current support for the agricultural initiatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as government’s efforts to diversify the economy through investment in the sector.

Ikeazor, who was represented by the Executive Director, Northern Directorate, Keystone Bank, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, listed some of the projects which had reached advanced stages of the bank’s financing as including 47 Rice Cooperative Farmers (500 members in Taraba State); 29 Rice Cooperative Farmers (296 members in Sokoto State);28 Rice Cooperative Farmers (381 members in Zamfara State); and 10 Rice Cooperative Farmers (100 members in Anambra State).

He said agriculture remained a veritable source of the country’s

economic diversification strategy and would be accorded importance by the bank.

According to him: “The importance of rice to Nigeria’s food security must be acknowledged as it represents the highest in the import bill (about $2.5billion annually) amongst food items being imported to the country.

In recent times the Agric Industry has witnessed an upsurge in activities of farmers, processors and investors in the rice sector in Nigeria.

“This is due to the policy initiatives of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development and the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the inherent challenges militating against the production of this staple food locally.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Forte Oil tops last week trading, as NSE market adds 0.30% Stories by Afolabi Adesola

Registrars and N.E.M Insurance.

The All-Share Index (ASI) and market capitalization barely appreciated last week to close at 25,817.69 and N8.883 trillion respectively, mirroring the sluggish improvement of composites.

Despite the slight improvement in Investors’ appetite, the number of equities with price appreciation remained stable at 27 as was the previous week. Thirty-six equities depreciated in price, higher than 32 of the previous week, while 112 equities remained unchanged, compared with 116 previously.

The top three gainers for the week were Forte Oil, Portland Paints and Transcorp, that gained 63, 27 and 20 percent respectively to close at N106.23, 2.29 and 85 kobo respectively. Other gainers numbering 25 included FBN Holdings, Total Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Livestock Feeds, Honeywell Flourmill, Africa Prudential

On the other hand, Guinness Nigeria led the week’s declining stocks by 12.5 percent to close at N77.90 per share. Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals and Avon Crowncaps & Containers similarly depreciated 9.09 percent each to close at 60 kobo and N1.20 per share respectively.

Lafarge, UACN, Vitafoam, Diamond Bank, Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC and Unilever Nigeria also recorded losses of varying degrees.

Overall, a turnover of 894.759 million shares worth N10.629 billion in 13,418 deals were traded in contrast to a total of 2.479 billion shares valued at N9.988 billion that exchanged hands in the previous week in 12,059 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 695.612 million shares valued at N2.542 billion traded in 6,978 deals. This contributed 77.74

percent and 23.92 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods followed with 71.988 million shares worth N5.956 billion in 2,362 deals. The third place was occupied by Conglomerates with a turnover of 56.868 million shares worth N112.727 million in 717 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely – Diamond Bank Plc, Wema Bank and FCMB Group (measured by volume) accounted for 381.114 million shares worth N299.228 million in 1,202 deals, contributing 42.59 percent and 2.82 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 2,850 units of Exchange Traded Products valued at N355,162.85 executed in 21 deals, compared with a total of 2,340 units valued at N39,848.85 transacted last week in 15 deals.

SEC, NSE suspend Resort Savings and Loans The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has suspended trading on the shares of Resort Savings and Loans, a mortgage banking institution at the behest of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) The NSE, through a notice of full suspension released at the weekend, said “The Securities and Exchange Commission has directed The Nigerian Stock Exchange to place the shares of Resort Savings & Loans Plc on full suspension.”

It further stated that “In compliance with the provisions of Section 35 of the Investments and Securities Act, 2007 and in order to give effect to the above directive, The Exchange has placed a full suspension on trading in the securities of Resort Savings and Loans Plc effective, Tuesday 06 December 2016,” adding that “the suspension will remain in force until further directives from the SEC.” Forte Oil appoints Nigerian Breweries CEO to its board

Forte Oil appointed Mr. Nicholaas A. Vervelde, the chief executive of Nigerian Breweries, as Independent Non-Executive Director.

“The appointment of Mr. Vervelde as an Independent Non-Executive Director will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Board of Directors of Forte Oil, following his diverse experience,” a Forte Oil statement.

The company hopes the appointment will enhance the board of Forte Oil in ensuring that the company continues to fulfill its vision of being the foremost energy solutions provider and be in the forefront of global best corporate governance practice.

Besides being the CEO of Nigerian Breweries, Vervelde sits on the board of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the advisory board of the Lagos Business School. He also chairs the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Breweries Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.

Summary of trading activities on NSE

L – R shows Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Raoul Sawhnay, Director, Music Week Africa; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Audu Maikori, Founder, Music Week Africa; Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’banj, Nigerian Singer-Songwriter, Musician; Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, COSON and Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, NSE at Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange.

ASI

25,817.69

DEALS

2,512.00

VOLUME

108,525,720.00

VALUE

1,637,017,562.56

CAP

8,883,255,385,686.80

SEC, IFC collaborate for market integrity, foreign investments The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, have joined forces to strengthen market integrity with a standardized corporate governance scorecard for public companies in Nigeria.

“The scorecard will identify strong performers through enhanced disclosure, strengthen investor confidence and encourage foreign investments in the country,” according to the SEC. In 2014 IFC and SEC partnered

to develop the Nigerian Corporate Governance Scorecard which was launched in November 2015. Following the launch, both institutions have jointly trained various stakeholders to prepare for implementation.

These stakeholders include Chief Finance Officers, Company Secretaries, Audit Committee and Board Chairpersons.

The training sessions generated awareness for the new disclosure requirements of SEC. These disclosures will be used annually to assess corporate

governance practices of listed companies in the country.

Corporate governance scorecards are quantitative tools used to measure the level of observance of a code or standard of corporate governance. The scorecard was developed using indicators from the SEC code of corporate governance and will assess individual, sectorial and market-wide level of compliance with standards of best practices.

Speaking on the development, Mounir Gwarzo, the commis-

sion’s Director General, said: “A key focus of the SEC is to provide regulatory oversight to ensure public companies comply with best practices in corporate governance and boost their performance.

Having built considerable market awareness for the scorecard with IFC’s support, we hope that as companies comply, they will improve their performance and contribute to growth in the nation’s economy.”

Also commenting, Eme Essien Lore, IFC Country Manager for

Nigeria, said: “IFC works with firms to attract and retain investment by promoting the adoption of good corporate governance practices and standards.

We have partnered with SEC over the last two years, developing the Corporate Governance Scorecard and sensitizing stakeholders. We hope that as implementation begins in January 2017, the trained officials would translate progress made into ongoing processes that boost performance, attract investments and help the economy grow.”

01-Oct 04-Oct 07-Oct 10-Oct 13-Oct 16-Oct 19-Oct 22-Oct 25-Oct 28-Oct 31-Oct 03-Nov 06-Nov 09-Nov 12-Nov 15-Nov 18-Nov 21-Nov 24-Nov 27-Nov 30-Nov 03-Dec 06-Dec 09-Dec

B5 Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Price Chg %

NSE All Share Index

29,500 Naira Value (m)

13,000

27,000 9,500

6,000

24,500 2,500

22,000 (1,000)

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday,December 12, 2016

B6 CSR

Between CSR, community and brand equity Godwin Anyebe All over the world, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become firmly grounded in the corporate daily routines and considerations, and consumers have a better understanding and are more optimistic overall about their own ability to make a positive impact.

As a matter of fact, a good percentage of consumers believe that their purchases make a moderate-to-significant positive impact on social or environmental issues. This understanding of consumers about CSR may change the face of CSR for brand owners.

Many companies in Nigeria and other climes embark on CSR activities in order to provide sustainable social development benefits to the society in which they are operating. These companies are investing and managing their CSR initiatives for the well-being of the society. On the other hand the users of the products of these companies are also found to be brand loyal, which positively affect the equity of the brand.

Daily Times findings from consumers and companies engaged in corporate social responsibility activities reveal that there is a very strong correlation between corporate social responsibility and Brand Equity. The companies who are investing in CSR activities are enjoying good consumer loyalty and the brands they operate enjoy healthy profits and sustainable market positioning.

The report also shows that corporate social responsibility has a huge impact on company’s profitability and Brand sustains comparative advantage.

For example, one of the telecom companies in Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria has CSR initiatives that appear to connect with the emotions of their patrons. Tagged ‘Airtel touching lives’, it is an inspiring corporate social responsibility initiative that seeks to offer practical relief, succour, hope, opportunities and credible platforms to liberate and em-

L - R: Regional Director, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Mr. Zoran Bogdanovic; the Legal, Public Affairs & Communications Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Mrs. Folasade Morgan; the President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Frank Jacobs and the Managing Director, NBC, Mr. George Polymenakos at the company’s 65th Anniversary Cocktail held at Eko Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday. power the underprivileged, disadvantaged and hard to reach persons in Nigerian society. And the initiative has no doubt positively affected the bottom line of their business and the equity of their brand.

Speaking on this issue, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsonya said; “at Airtel we believe that corporate social responsible has a lot to do brand equity, and that is Airtel is committed to creating long-term and sustainable value for its stakeholders across its entire value chain. We want to make a positive change in the lives of our stakeholders, including society and environment, by leveraging our core competencies of network presence, reach and accessibility. This business-sustainability co-dependence has been embedded in our brand essence of “enriching lives”.

“In year 2011, we made a commitment to widen our sustainability approach.

We made social inclusion as the cornerstone of our sustainability programme to ensure that more and more people get included in the benefits of a sustainable and enriched life. We finalised our ‘Blueprint for Social Inclusion’, which was aimed at addressing our stakeholders concerns

and ensuring that Airtel can be a force of good, positive change in the society.”

He said.

According to him, “we have made rapid progress over the years, and upheld the onus of being a responsible corporate citizen, contributing to a sustainable future, not just for economic benefits but also for society and environment. While recalibrating our strategies in order to remain aligned with our sustainability vision and fortifying our drive, we launched a comprehensive and a structured ‘Sustainability Plan 2020’.

The Plan outlines our corporate responsibility and how we aspire to empower millions more through social and economic development. It shall guide us on scaling up our sustainability endeavors to make rapid progress in the years to come.”.

Although Nigerian consumers factor social and environmental considerations into many daily decisions, breaking through is proving to be harder than ever.

Yet, the consequences of not reaching consumers are high. Response from some consumers have that, they only pay attention to company CSR efforts if an organization is going above and beyond what other companies are doing. Meanwhile, a consumer living in Lagos

Emmanuel Ugbu told Daily Times that; “he will assume companies in Nigeria are not acting responsibly until he hear information or witness it himself. The onus is on companies to ensure their CSR efforts and results are being delivered and heard in a way consumers understand.”

In his view on this issue, the president and Executive creative director of Oseme group, Isi Eromosele said; “A sure way to creating positive brand image lies in building connections with society through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.”

According to him, “Corporate Social Responsibility creates a landing place in the minds of the target consumers. It not only caters to the brand equity awareness among the consumers but also leads to a positive brand image in the minds of the potential consumers.

A vast majority of consumers would switch to a brand associated with the good cause. A new concept of codonation has been triggered by some major companies in which they are giving donations that involve consumers by letting them codonate or co-decide what kind of social responsibilities will be carried out, as happened with Pepsi Refresh.”

“An increasing majority

of global private companies embrace corporate social responsibility not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it strengthens their brands.

The percentage of brand value represented by corporate social responsibility is trending upward while all other identifiable contributors to corporate brand value, which includes advertising, market cap, and the industry in which a company competes appear to be declining,” he noted.

He disclosed that; “codonation and cause related marketing help promote competition, which in turn leads to corporate innovation. This is essential for developing sustainable products and promoting sustainable consumption around the world. For brands, it is an excellent way to show they care, taking the lead with innovative “give back” schemes.”

Citing example of companies that have demonstrated some of these things in the past, he said; “Procter and Gamble teamed up with UNICEF to introduce Nutristar, a powdered drinking product that addressed micronutrient malnutrition in some populations and by acquiring the PuR brand to bring low-cost water purification technologies to consumers in developing markets. The company also

promoted better hygiene in at-risk communities and in return had the benefit of forming new markets for its products like soap and toothpastes.”

Exposure to any type of well-conceived promotional initiative for a brand leads to more positive feelings and judgments about the brand in a consumer’s mind. A promotional initiative emphasizing a brand’s affiliation with a social cause has a high degree of affinity. How much a given initiative will help or hurt a given brand will depend on the characteristics of its target markets.

Also speaking on this issue, a brand management consultant, Bernard Okhakume said; “consumers would weigh the style of marketing as positive with those types of affiliations that have alignment with a cause like cancer research, environmental protection or disaster relief. Moreover, a social-cause affiliation could also have a “halo effect” on how a brand is seen on other attributes, such as trustworthiness or quality.

Those initiatives in which the logic behind the brand’s affiliation can be easily recognized by most consumers typically produce a more positive effect on consumer brand judgments and feelings than initiatives with weaker fit.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12, 2016

Royal Exchange General pays N1.68bn claims in Q3 Royal Exchange General Insurance Company (REGIC) paid N1.683 billion as claims to clients as at the end of third quarter 2016.

The Managing Director of REGIC, Benjamin Agili, who disclosed this in Lagos, noted that the company is committed to prompt settlement of genuine insurance claims, and that would remain the business philosophy of the firm in years ahead.

He added that the company will continue to support the business community as it strives to increase the manufacturing capacities of industries in the country.

“Royal Exchange has once again demonstrated its strength and ability to honour its financial obligations and also protect the interest of its various corporate and individual clients, as there is a conscious effort to have a genuine partnership with clients based on trust and integrity, core values instilled by the founders of the company and have continued to drive the operations and strategic directions of the company.

“Customer satisfaction is the fulcrum of insurance business and this inevitably builds customer loyalty. Once Royal Exchange is able to pay customers claims as they arise, more and more customers and the general public will have faith to take out insurance policies on their lives and properties because they are convinced that should a claim/ loss arise, Royal Exchange will be able to meet its financial obligations to its clients,” he posited.

Mutual Benefit hosts NCRIB members tomorrow Mutual Benefit Assurance will tomorrow host this month’s Members’ Evening of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers at its Lagos secretariat.

According to Mr. Ayodele Ayeleso, Head of Communications, the get-together will attract over 300 brokers in the Lagos area.

The meeting would be a winwin event for both Mutual Benefit Assurance and insurance brokers as it would facilitate harmonious relationship between both parties. “It is a known fact that insurance brokers constitute a crucial chain in the insurance industry in Nigeria given the enormous clientele controlled by them,” he added.

B7 Insurance

CIIN threatens to decertify errant members Stories by Ayode Adelowokan The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has threatened to withdraw the certificates of members who breach the examination process and engage in other unethical practices.

Lady Isioma Chukwuma, President of the Institute disclosed this over the weekend in Lagos at the 2016 graduation and fellowship awards ceremony that the certificates issued remains the institute’s property and could be withdrawn from the holders if the institute has reasons to do so.

The President who was represented at the event by the Deputy President of the Institute,

Mrs Funmi Babington-Ashaye, said the institute reserves the right to withdraw its certificates from any holder, if it discovers any breach of examination process, adding that a further reason for such withdrawal could emanate from acts unexpected of a holder of the institute’s professional qualification.

“The policy of our Council is that all certificates issued by the Institute remain the Institute’s property and could be withdrawn from the holders if the institute has good reasons to do so. Let me state unequivocally that the Institute reserves the right to withdraw its certificate from any holder, if it discovers any breach of the examination process. A further reason for such withdrawal of certifi-

cates could emanate from acts unexpected of a holder of the Institute’s professional qualification. This policy remains in force.”

She warned that the attainment of professional qualification should not be seen as an end in itself but as a means to an end, stressing that it therefore behoves all holders of professional qualifications to be mindful of the efficacy of continuous professional development (CPD).

“As you are aware, the CPD has become institutionalized with varying degrees of enforcement by most professions.

In our own case, it engenders a scheme which requires all members to locate themselves in the point scoring index, hence it is

Chukwuma

referred to by our Institute as the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme,” she added.

L-R: Deputy President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Mrs Funmi Babington-Ashaye and Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association, Eddie Efekoha, at the 2016 graduation and fellowship awards ceremony of the institute in Lagos.

NAICOM to unveil new distribution channels Towards deepening insurance penetration in Nigeria, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) says it has concluded arrangement to introduce new distribution channels.

‘Rasaaq Salami, Head, Corporate Affairs of NAICOM, in a statement said that the commission has created new distribution agencies to be known as “Referral Partners/Agents”, stressing that this channel entails integrating and involving many organizations to be

Partners/Agents of insurance companies in the distribution of insurance products across the country.

Salami noted that the initiative is expected to create opportunities for individuals and regulated corporate entities to play a vital role in the insurance distribution chain to access and reach the underserved majority of the Nigerian population without being exposed to any liability.

He maintained that the draft guidelines to ensure seamless

operation of this initiative are ready for exposure after which it shall be issued as an operational guideline.

Salami, however said that the commission will be meeting with relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies to discuss the modus operandi and benefits of this new initiative.

He posited that inadequate Insurance distribution channels has been roundly identified as one of the major challenges of deepening insurance

penetration in the country and the commission believes that expanding the channels of distribution will go a long way in bridging the gap of insurance awareness and penetration in Nigeria.

Also, when implemented, according to him, the new initiative will not only achieve the desired increase in insurance penetration, but would contribute to the federal government’s drive to create employment and wealth in the economy.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 12 , 2016

‘The quest for cleaner energy will address health issues’

By Simon Ugwu The clamour for cleaner energy thickens as it has been argued that it will address health issues associated with use of firewood, adulterated kerosene which kindle fire outbreak, and other health hazards experienced by women and children in the course of engaging in domestic chores. The Executive Director, Spaces for Change, (S4C), Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, throws more light on this issue in this interview with Simon Ugwu. Excerpts Why Cleaner energy like gas should be made affordable to women.

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) should be made available to women in smaller quantities such as three litres, six litres, 12 litres so that the down-trodden can afford the prices. This is because the low income earners may not afford the prices of big cylinders available. This will address health matters associated with the use of fire wood and kerosene which sometimes is adulterated.

Welfare of women and Children Welfare of women and children should be paramount as there is substantive evidence showing that indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuels is a cause of respiratory health problems. One estimate suggests that 4.3 million deaths were attributable to household air pollutionin 2012 from cooking with solid fuels (WHO 2014). Of these fatalities, pneumonia accounted for 12 percent, stroke 34 percent, and ischaemic heart disease 26 percent, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Ohaeri

(COPD) 22 percent and lung cancer six percent. Adverse health outcomes associated with IAP include asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, cataract and other eye conditions, low birth weight, and heart disease. Such women and children spend more time indoors than men, and because they are responsible for cooking, they are more likely to experience these effects. For example, women exposed to indoor smoke are three times as likely to suffer from COPD, such as chronic bronchitis, than women who use cleaner fuel types. Introduction of modern

energy sources which reduces the reliance on biomass can address health consequences.

Why expanding women’s access to cleaner energy should be prioritized.

Access to cleaner energy should be prioritized as the time taken to secure energy supplies, for instance the collection of firewood, is expected to fall.

Secondly, the time taken to execute chores may fall as a result of using more efficient fuel sources. Cooking on LPG, for example, is more efficient and takes less time than cooking on

kerosene due to the higher heating value of the former. Electrification of water pumping may reduce the time spent by women and girls in collecting water. Access to lighting reduces the need to collect lighting fuels such as kerosene, and thus allows for other activities.

Apart from time-saving benefits, the introduction of modern energy sources can lead to other important, positive outcomes for women in terms of improvements in welfare, productivity and empowerment.

Productivity One of the effects most frequently ascribed to improved access to modern energy for women relates to their ability to engage in income generating activities in the home, in the informal sector, or in the formal sector.

Expanding opportunities for women’s welfare gains Increased electrification in South Africa and Guatemala led to an increase in female empowerment by nine percentage points, due to women spending less time on domestic chores.

Alternatively, pathways by which modernization of energy services could lead to increased opportunity for income generating activities include increased labour demand as a result of electrification in the local community and availability of energy to run small business or work at home. However, ability to realize and profit from these potential opportunities depends on whether women are empowered to do so, and this is where the Nigeria power programme can play a critical role.

Empowerment

It has been defined ‘’as the ability of women to access the constituents of development, in particular health, education, earning opportunities, rights, and political participation’’. Educational opportunities and outcomes have been closely linked to women’s empowerment, by enhancing their bargaining power within a household. Looking at direct effect of modern energy access on educational outcome, there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that access to modern energy improves educational opportunities for girls. For example, a study in Tunisia suggested that as street lighting was introduced, parents became more likely to send girls to school as they were less concerned about security.

There is some evidence that access to modern energy sources can improve women‘s empowerment, either as a result of their direct participation in the energy sector, or as a result of the increased income that they earn . A study in West Africa finds improved participation by women in decision making as a result of their role in community level energy projects, while another study found improvement in women’s status and their participation in public and family decision making following the introduction of women solar engineers in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. However, realizing the transformative potential of modern energy access is likely to depend on identifying and addressing the unequal relations and structural barriers that exist, and incorporating these into the design and implementation of energy policies.

Life&

TIMES Monday, December 12, 2016

Seriki:

I don’t want to have a Baby mama

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Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 12, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 12, 2016

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Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 12, 2016

How my girlfriend inspired ‘Marry Me’ song-Seriki Ibiyemi Seriki Sulaimon better known as Seriki Omo-Owo, a descendant of the Coded tunes clique of ID Cabasa, is one of the fastest growing indigenous rappers in the entertainment industry whose musical prowess cannot be over-looked. The Yoruba rap Major general as he is sometimes called, gained more collaborations with big names in the industry and known for his punch lines, Seriki has carved a niche for himself with his distinctive style of rapping. Seriki, who paid a courtesy visit to Daily Times, in this chat

The year is almost over, how will you describe your 2016?

The year has been a fruitful one for me and a journey I will treasure so much. We learn a lot in life and that I have been able to achieve this year, music wise and all others. With the pace at which my 2016

After the release of the song, what has been the comment from the street?

Do you think your forth coming album will do better than your past albums?

For somebody that has been in the industry for quite some time, why did it take you so long to release your album? two years, for the fans I felt I needed to release the second one. A lot

Does this mean that in the nearest future, we should be expecting Seriki doing Nigerian\Russian tune?

to the quality of the lyrics and the quality of the videos, it has A lot of your music colleagues these days have also dabbled into acting, will you consider a script very soon?

relevant.

What should we expect from the album?

Well, we should expect the unexpected because it is different

From someone who came from “Agbalomo” to “customer

If by chance you were not doing music, what would you have been doing?

lyrics, how do you pick your choice of words?

What kind of business?

consumption. has a bit of Indian intonation? each time she visits me, all she does is watch Indian movies, Zee

would just convert it into music.

How long does it take you to do a song professionally?

It depends on how inspired I am at that particular moment. I can

the music.

also at the event I can remember vividly, so we are at the event and mood and how inspired I am.

Who is your mentor in the industry?

God is my mentor. I have a whole lot of artists that I respect and admire and I have a lot of respect and admiration for them but God is my mentor.

Did you give the autograph?

Where did you sign the autograph?

still part of Alapomeji?

I still maintain a cordial relationship with 9ice; he is someone I respect When should we expect a song from Seriki and 9ice?

The Entertainment industry before you joined, and now that

Life&

T E A M

industry is in the fore front of African music; we are not where we

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

ready. I do not want to have a baby mama. I want to have a wife.

What qualities do you look out for in a woman? between.

When you told your parents you wanted to take on music, how was their reaction?

Trust me, I cannot face my dad and tell him I want to do music,