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Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading insurance market, has issued a warning to Nigerian airline operators that it might be forced to blacklist the country in the face of continued failure of some operators to fulfill their ob-

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Continued on page 12

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 254

NSE QUICK BITE 106.23

ligations of paying their premiums to the insurer regularly.

The new development was revealed in an official statement signed by the Assistant Secretary, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Ewos Iroro, which was made available to newsmen yes-

NDLEA seizes drugs worth N4bn at Lagos airport 12

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Rivers rerun: PDP, APC reject INEC results Ï PDP rejects S’East results won by APC Ï APC denounces East, West results clinched by PDP Ï APC cites irregularities for decision Ï No election in S’East, says PDP Ï Wike condemns external influence on election

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt.

ÏÏÏ The two major political parties

in contention for senatorial seats in the re-run elections in Rivers State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC), have rejected the results of the polls released by the Independent Na-

tional Electoral Commission (INEC).

While the PDP rejected the results as announced by the presiding officers of INEC declaring APC candidates Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, Friday Nke-Ee, Innocent Barikor and others winners of their respective offices in Rivers South East SenatoContinued on page 6

Group General Manager, Daily Times Newspaper (DTN), Mr. Olisa Egbunike (8th left); Daily Editor, DTN, Ms Rose Moses (7th left) and 2016 Miss Nigeria contestants during their courtesy visit to the corporate head office of DTN at Agidingbi, Lagos… on Monday.

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

MISS NIGERIA EST 1957

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Minister hails 25 Channels TV at 21

Calls for restructuring not same as break-up –Atiku

6

Service Chiefs not retired –Defence Hqtrs 12

PAGEANT GRAND FINALE

Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Date: Monday, 19th December, 2016

Time: 7:00pm

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Page Four

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Editorial Growing cervical cancer cases in Nigeria

I

f there is any disease mostly dreaded by Nigerian women, it is cervical cancer. Available statistics show that more than 100,000 women die every year in Nigeria from the disease, even as this is particularly tragic because the vast majority of the cervical cancer deaths in the country are preventable.

According to Professor Oladapo Walker of the Department of Pharmacology, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo Ogun State, the increasing spread of the disease is traceable to poverty of ideas and mind of the victims. The medical expert revealed that the disease has a long gestation period of no less than 20 years and normally starts with a chronic infection of the Human Papilloma Virus, type 16 or 18, which are the casilogenic ones.

Experts define cancer of the cervix as cancer of the entrance to the uterus (womb). The cervix is the narrow part of the lower uterus, often referred to as the neck of the womb and occurs most commonly in women over the age of 30. In addition, there are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell cervical cancer and adenocarcinoma of the cervix, even as risk factors include smoking, giving birth at a young age and having a weakened immune system.

Others include having had at least three children in separate pregnancies, long-term use of some common contraceptive pills, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and experiencing high levels of stress over a sustained period. Moreover, cervical cancer-causing HPV types can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person.

However, women who have had many sexual partners are at higher risk of infection with HPV, which

raises their risk of developing cervical cancer, even as a link between becoming sexually active at a young age is also a factor of cervical cancer. In addition, studies reveal that women in deprived areas are more likely to have higher rates of cervical cancer. Surprisingly, less than 0.1 per cent of Nigerian women have ever had cervical cancer screening in their lifetime and less than 1 per cent is aware of the existence of this silent killer.

Incidentally, the most common symptoms of cervical cancer are, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding in post-menopausal women, discomfort during sexual intercourse, smelly vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. Due to this, we advise that women should regularly go for medical screening to ensure early detection, especially when they attain the age of 21 years. Cervical cancer is ranked the second most frequent cancer among women in Nigeria, and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 45 years of age.

In order to reduce the morbidity arising from cervical cancer, it is pertinent that the authorities immediately map out strategies to improve women’s health, rather than wait for the capacity of the country’s health infrastructure to approach that of the industrialised nations. One of the major challenges towards the management of this disease can be only attributed to the inadequacy of public enlightenment and poverty. It is therefore otiose on the government to embark on mass enlightenment campaign on the dangers posed by cervical cancer to women. Now is time to reduce the burden of disease in the community through education.

Editor, Daily Rose Moses Deputy General Manager State House/Northern Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh Business Times Andrew Odioko

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Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo

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Group Political Editor Lateef Ibrahim Sports Editor Andrew Ekejiuba Features Editor Gbubemi God’s Covenent Snr Ag. Head, Graphics/Design Sunday Gabriel Idagwu

Group Head Commercial & Marketing Konnie Agu 09033765031

L-R: Enugu State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Assistant State Commander, Operation and Intelligence, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Achi Idris, and Principal Staff Officer, Mrs. Calister Nmeka, during Ugwuanyi’s courtesy visit to NDLEA’s state headquarters in Enugu… on Monday.

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L-R: Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and his Chief of Staff, Engr.

Chukwuemeka Woke, during a celebration rally at Government House, Port Harcourt… on Monday.

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Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Group General Manager Olisa Egbunike 08034004224

L-R: Chairman and Chief Executive of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh; his wife, Olusola; Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at the 21st anniversary of Channels Television in Lagos… at the weekend.

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Nelson Mandela

Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!

“There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average route”.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

5 News

The Daily Times, a national heritage -Egbunike Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎThe

Group General Manager of the Daily Times newspaper, Mr. Olisa Egbunike, on Monday, described the newspaper as a national heritage that must not be allowed to go into extinction.

Egbunike stated this while receiving Miss Nigeria Pageant contestants from the 36 states at the Daily Times com-

plex in Agidingbi, IkejaLagos.

He said the newspaper, which began operations in 1926 in spite challenges, will continue to remain a credible medium of balanced reportage of events and issues in Nigeria.

Egbunike also informed the Miss Nigeria Pageant contestants that the Daily Times Newspaper’s archive is the biggest in Africa.

He said the archive, which is open to members of the public, is one of the mainstream of the company in sustainability and generation of funds.

Egbunike also stated that the newspaper, which was one of the first companies to be privatised by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, having been acquired by Folio Media

Twin bomb blasts: Bindow visits Madagali, clarifies stance on Hijab Tom Garba, Yola

ÎÎÎAdamawa

state governor, Senator Muhammad Umar Jibrilla Bindow, has visited the scene of the recent Madagali twin bomb blasts that killed over 50 people and injured many others.

The governor, who made the visit on Monday, symphatised with the people of Madagali over the loss of lives and properties in the area, and promised that prompt assistance will be made available by the government to aid the swift recovery of the affected people.

Bindow further assured that strategies were being stepped up to ensure the safety of lives and properties, and emphasized the importance of security vigilance, information sharing and cooperation with the security agencies.

He then stated that the government, the council of Islamic ulamas and some religious clerics will meet to deliberate an acceptable strategy to curb the use of girls with hijabs to perpetrate such heinous act.

“It has become imperative to look at the use of Hijab in Madagali and other high risk areas. All the attacks carried out here were by young girls in Hijabs. The government, security agencies and the Islamic clerics will be discussed the use hijab in this high-risk areas”, Bindow explained.

The Governor was received by the chairman of the local government, Hon Yusuf O C, Madagali, State Assembly member, Hon Emmanuel Tsamdu and some elders and was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Abdulrahman Abba Jimeta, State commissioner of police, state director of

Group, has since then been contributing its quota in nation-building.

He noted that one of the challenges facing the media industry in Nigeria, as well as other countries, is the advent of social media.

“Instead of buying newspaper, readers now go online to read most of the news,” he said.

He also said that the newspaper is growing in quality as it employed

quality professionals to head key positions.

Also speaking, the Editor, Daily Times, Ms Rose Moses, told the Miss Nigeria Pageant contestants that the journalism profession is improving unlike when it was dominated mainly by men.

“We now have more females in the profession even at the top echelon,” she said, adding that anyone wishing to come into the profession must

be driven by passion.

She promised the contestants that when next they come visiting, there would be a remarkable difference in the company.

The excited contestants who marveled at the physical structures and activities of the oldest media house in the country, applauded the management for its ability to resuscitate the newspaper.

From the Archives: Josy Ajiboye

SSS and some top military officers.

Bindow made a stop visit to the survivors of the bomb blasts who are receiving treatment at the General Hospital Michika.

The governor went round the wards where victims were admitted, reassuring them of government’s commitment to provide adequate care for their full and speedy recovery.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, said they had earlier received 78 injured persons but lost four of them to serious injuries and the 74 other survivors are stable and responding to treatment.

The State Emergency Management Agency have also been deployed to the hospital, providing feeding and materials assistance to both the patients and their relatives.

Gunmen kidnap police inspector in Lagos Joy Anyim

ÎÎÎDetectives

from the Lagos State Police Command have begun a manhunt to rescue an Inspector of Police who was captured by hoodlums at

Akodo area of Ibeju Lekki of the state.

It was gathered that the police officer, identified as Musa Sunday, was captured while on rescue mission of a resident who was attacked

by suspected land grabbers known as omo nile who stormed the area with guns and other weapons to dislodge a rival faction.

It was learnt that the gunmen killed three per-

sons and abducted a man but the police got wind of the fracas and chased the hoodlums.

A source who requested anonymity said: “The gunmen kidnapped a man. They shot at oth-

ers and killed three persons. Police got wind of the attack and chased the hoodlums. One policeman was shoot while they kidnapped an Inspector identified as Musa Sunday.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, who led police detectives to the scene where they recovered AK 47 rifles, have deployed his men to the area to rescue the Police Inspector.

News 6

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Rivers rerun: PDP, APC reject INEC results Continued from page 1

rial District, the APC specifically turned its back on the result of the Rivers East Senatorial District.

INEC had declared the candidates of the PDP for Rivers East Senatorial District, Senators Goerge Thompson Sekibo and Osinakachukwu Ideozu of the Rivers West as winners in their respective districts.

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who lost the governorship election in 2015 to Gov Nyesom Wike, said on Monday, shortly after the results were announced by INEC, that APC would reject the result of Rivers East Senatorial District rerun election.

Peterside told a news conference in Port Harcourt that the collation of the district’s election results was marred with irregularities. He stated that information available to the party showed that results of some local government areas in the district had not been collated.

Peterside, who is the Deputy Leader of APC in the state, also alleged that due process was not followed in announcing the results. He added: “You are aware that elections were inconclusive in Etche Local Government Area; the results for Emohua Local Government Area have not been collated, the results for Port Harcourt City Local Government Area were partially collated.

“The APC agent was beaten at the collation centre in Port Harcourt. Without him being present, the result was announced in favour of the PDP candidate.

“Whatever result is declared for Rivers East will be ridiculing democracy; APC will not accept any of that,” he said, adding that the party would use constitutional means to resist the alleged irregularities.

Announcing the results, INEC returning officer for Rivers East senatorial district, Professor Orji Oni Ekumukami said Sekibo pulled 93,098 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Mr. Andrew Uchendu, who scored 34,193 votes.

Senator Ideozu was returned elected with 107, 166 votes to defeat his APC rival, Mr. Otelemaba Dan Amachree, who polled 46, 898 votes.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chairman of the PDP, Bro. Felix Obuah, said its rejection of the results of South East Senatorial District stems from the fact that election never took place in the whole of the District.

He challenged the APC, INEC, Army, Police or other security agencies to show proof that there was election in the zone.

Obuah further added that what happened on the Saturday re-run election was like scenes from a classical movie, where military might was brazenly deployed to over-run a hapless and defenseless people.

He said that the situation became most unfortunate when it recalled the series of outcry raised by the party on Saturday on the unwholesome activities of some chieftains of the APC in Ogoni, including Derrick Mene, Executive Director Finance/Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who connived with INEC, Military, SARS and APC thugs to hijack the process, regretting that these outcries fell on deaf ears, as it was the same INEC, Police and Military, who were expected to arrest the situation that turned blind eye.

He lamented the alleged arrest of over 200 innocent citizens, while scores were allegedly shot at and one killed “by the army, sponsored by Mr. Barry Mpigi, candidate of the APC for Tai/ Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency.

“In Barako, Gokana LGA, army

invaded the community on the orders of the Senatorial candidate of the APC for Rivers South East, Mr. Magnus Abe, and whisked away scores of persons, including one Chief Awindi Dughor, a chieftain of the PDP to an unknown destination,” he alleged.

However, announcement of the result was characterised by confrontation between some PDP supporters led by Governor Nyesom Wike at the Port Harcourt City Council Hall, the collation centre where the result was announced, and APC supporters.

The governor had stormed the venue to demand that the result be announced, fearing that it could be doctored to favour the APC candidate, Mr. Uchendu.

Governor Wike led hundreds of PDP members including His Chief of Staff, Mr. Emeka Woke, the Attorney General of the state,

Emma Aguma, Uche Secondus, Chief Sergeant Awuse to barricade the area.

Both the APC and PDP supporters thronged the Port Harcourt Municipal Hall, trying to defy the order of security operatives that nobody was allowed to cross the areas between the Rivers State House of Assembly at Moscow Road and the NIPOST at Azikiwe Road. The security operatives shot into the air to scare away both parties.

The PDP members from their side of the divide were heard chanting: “We are ready to die, nobody can change our result.”

Tension however, eased as the results were finally announced and the PDP candidate was declared winner, which caused the supporters to break into jubilation.

Governor Wike, after the re-

lease of the results, expressed gratitude to God and Rivers people. He said: “I thank God for the strength and courage he has given to us in this election. We have really sacrificed. I know that freedom comes with sacrifice. Rivers people were murdered for just a simple legislative election. The federal government came with their might to conquer Rivers State, just because they want to win. They killed people because they want the state.

“The blood of those people they killed will be on their heads.

States that cannot pay their workers salary and cannot carry out meaningful project in their states brought money to rig election in this state. They should be ashamed because they won one, but we won two of the senatorial seats. They fought but God said, no way! Do not be intimidated.

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Calls for restructuring not same as break-up –Atiku Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Former Vice President and

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, said it is odd and unhelpful to equate every demand for restructuring of Nigeria with attempts to break up the country.

This is even as he declared that what got the nation into her current over-centralized, and centre-dominated federal system, is political expediency and fear, bolstered by the command and control character of military regimes.

Atiku stated these in his remarks at the public presentation of a book titled, ‘The Nigerian Federalism: Continuing Quest for

Stability and Nation-Building,’ edited by Okechukwu Ibeanu and Mohammad J. Kuna in Abuja.

Atiku’s view was coming against the backdrop of the position canvassed by President Muhammadu Buhari that Nigeria’s corporate existence, as a nation is non-negotiable, prompting him to make strident attack on the agitators for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra and the Niger Delta republic.

However, the former vice president, who was the chief presenter of the book, maintained that every form of human relationships is negotiable and that every political relationship is open for negotiations, without pre-set outcomes.

According to him, “as a democrat and businessman, I do not fear negotiations. That is what

reasonable human beings do.

This is even more important if a stubborn resistance against negotiations can lead to unsavoury outcomes,” he said.

Atiku stressed that what he finds odd and somewhat unhelpful is “the argument of those who say that we cannot renegotiate our union and who proceed from there to equate every demand for restructuring with attempts to break up the country.”

Continuing, he said, “We must acknowledge that what got us to our current over-centralized, and centre-dominated federal system is political expediency and fear, bolstered by the command and control character of military regimes.

“But after 50 years of unitary federalism, we are now in a position to clearly see that it has not

worked well.

“The federating units in the First Republic had their disagreements but none claimed to lack autonomy of action and none waited for federal fiscal allocations before it could implement its programs and pay salaries.

“The current structure may be working for some elites but it has clearly not worked well for any section of this country and the country as a whole.

“We should take deliberate steps to change this structure to serve us better. And we should not dither for too long that we let fear and expediency stampede us into another disastrous policy shift that may not serve us well either.

“We have to acknowledge that federalism is work in progress: there is no ideal federal system or

so-called true federalism.

“Each nation has to work out the best federal system suited for it. In Nigeria’s case we must acknowledge that it is disingenuous if not outright dishonest to say that the system is not the problem.

“If the problem is just the operators how come we have failed for 50 years to produce the right people? Should we import them from outer space?

“I believe that every form of human relationships is negotiable.

Every political relationship is open for negotiations, without pre-set outcomes. I have spoken a number of times in the past several years on the need to restructure our federation in order to devolve more power and resources to the federating units”, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday December 13, 2016

Ambode advocates agriculture, backward corporate integration to save economy Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ The Lagos State Gov-

ernor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has advocated agriculture and backward integration by corporate as a way of revitalising the Nigerian economy. The governor, who was recently on a courtesy visit to Nigerian Breweries, said agriculture, which was once the mainstay of the nation’s economy would only thrive when backward integration is encouraged by not just the government, but corporate organisations, such as Nigerian Breweries have been doing through their sorghum and cassava value chains.

“With the thousands of jobs you have created through your sorghum and cassava value chains, it is clear that we can use agriculture and backward integration to revive and reflate this economy. We would like to partner with you in this regard to increase employment in Nigeria,” the governor said.

He lauded the management of the company for taking the initiative to engage over 250,000 farmers in its sorghum and cassava value chain, saying that it has gone a long way in providing jobs for the people, “I am excited about the fact that you are employing about 250,000 farmers in your value chains and that you also have 4000 direct employees. You create jobs for Lagosians and we

are very happy that you are part of the success story of our Lagos. People employed in all the beer parlours and restaurants are part of the indirect jobs that you have created for Lagosians,” he said The governor congratulated the company on its 70th anniversary and also praised it for being a responsible corporate citizen, adding that it has done more than any other company in terms of corporate social responsibility in the state. The governor pledged continuous co-operation and partnership between the state and Nigerian Breweries Plc. “We are part of this partnership and we shall do all to support it”, he said, while assuring of his government’s support in creating an enabling environment for the company.

Earlier, the Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu, in his welcome address, lauded Governor Ambode for his development strides since he assumed office, especially in the areas of road construction, security improvement and support for industry.

“Your Excellency, as it is often said the morning shows the day, your superlative performance within the first few months of your administration has shown that Lagosians made the right choice. Our company would continue to join hands with you in the march to make Lagos the cynosure of all eyes,” Jamodu said.

Startimes broadcasts FIFA Club World Cup Games live Simon Ugwu

ÏÏÏ

StarTimes Nigeria, popular pay TV platform, has commenced exclusive broadcast of the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup officially known as the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016 to its viewers in Nigeria from December 8 to December 18.

The all-champions football tournament, currently in its 13th edition, is a FIFA organized international club football tournament between champion clubs from each of the six continental confederations, as well as the national league champion

from the host country. The tournament will be hosted

by Japan and beamed live on Startimes sports channels including sports focus and world football.

On Thursday December 15, Real Madrid will play W2 by 11.30AM, available on Startimes world football channel 254 or 245.

Startimes Nigerian viewers can enjoy sizzling sporting entertainment and actions on StarTimes World Football Channel 254 or 245, sports focus or other startimes sport channels” said Israel Bolaji, StarTimes head of public relations.

7 News

AIG assures commuters of safety on highways Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Onikan Lagos, AIG C. K. Aderanti, has assured commuters of safety on the highways in the two states of Ogun and Lagos during the yuletide season.

The AIG who gave this assurance in a press statement issued on Monday 12th December 12, 2016, stated that

all hands were on deck with sister security agencies to ensure a smooth sail during the festive period and beyond.

With particular emphasis on the many challenges posed by the ongoing construction on the Lagos/Ibadan Express Road, especially the traffic gridlock and incidents of robbery on the axis, the police boss disclosed that the Zonal Anti-Kiddnapping Team, Zonal Intervention Squad, Mobile Policemen and patrol teams

from Lagos and Ogun states’ police commands have been deployed to the axis as well as other parts of the two States.

According to AIG Aderanti “the deployed teams are to ensure a crime free environment throughout the yuletide. They will also support the officers of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) in the discharge of their duties. “ Members of the public should be rest assured that with the measures put in

place, there shall be free flow of traffic before, during and after the yuletide session.”

While wishing members of the public a merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance, the AIG however urged the many intending to ply the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway to coorporate with the police and other agencies in their quest to checkmate the excesses of miscreants as well as reduce cases of accidents during and beyond the yuletide.

L-R: Sustainable Development/AiS Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Osita Abana; Assistant Director, CDS, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos, Victoria Akowonelehin; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale, Camp Director, NYSC Lagos, Akhamie Priscilla and Schedule Officer, DRINKIQ, Ezinne Uguru at the DrinkiQ responsible drinking training programme at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos… on Monday.

Crisis tears Edo NMA apart over embezzlement, suspension Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ

Crisis is looming in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch following alleged misappropriation and embezzlement of funds belonging to the association by its former State Chairman and the subsequent suspension of its principal members which has caused acrimony and tension in the affairs of the Association.

In a statement signed by Dr. Ujaddughe Moses, a member of the Association and Coordinator, Edo Central Zone of the NMA alledged that a past Chairman of the Association; Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro, who is being investigated by the NMA disciplinary committee was allegedly found guilty of several offences by the Disciplinary Committee including illegal withdrawal and embezzlement of N6,000,000 (six million naira) which he took as an unauthorized loan from a new genera-

tion bank (name withheld) and withdrawn from Edo NMA’s account after his tenure.

Ujaddughe who alledged that the said loan was credited to the Association’s account on July 31, 2014, the same day his executive committee was dissolved, alledged that “Between August 1, 2014 and August 5, 2014 after his tenure, he withdrew over N6,000,000 (six million naira) from the Association’s account before handing over the account”.

He also alleged that the past chairman had abused the office by committing the following fraud which he was indicted of by the disciplinary committee of the Association which, include: conversion of the Association’s property for his personal use, complete absence of documentation and original receipts of expenditure throughout his tenure as Chairman and embezzlement of fund generated from AGMs, Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs

and from funds paid by people to use the hall in the doctors’ house. “The total loss of the Association cannot be fully estimated because Dr. Ighodaro presumably took away all the duplicate copies of the receipts used in his time and kept absolutely no documentation of his expenditure throughout his tenure making it impossible to verify any of his claims.” Ujaddughe alledged.

Ujaddughe who expressed dismay at his suspension and others said it is so shameful that an association as the NMA will be aiding persons who have been indicted for misappropriation and embezzlement of funds belonging to the Association.

He said, “It is so shameful that an association of this kind will be giving protection to people who have misappropriated and embezzled funds belonging to the association, an association will be playing politics more than principles, it is unfortunate. As a statutory vice

chairman of Edo state NMA, my executive under the chairmanship of Prof. Ernest Omoti uncovered financial misappropriation amounting to about 163, 000,000,00 (one hundred and sixty three million naira) allegedly committed by the immediate past state chairman, Dr Ighodaro Emmanuel and his team. On the recommendation of the state branch of the association, I wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation. Unfortunately, this year, the leadership at the national level changed and today we have a national leadership that is in bed romancing with corruption and corrupt tendencies. My only crime is that I blew the whistle to expose corruption. I guess you now also understand why Prof. Omoti has been joined in the suspension spree. Simply because he is perceived to be the one who created the enabling environment for the corrupt activities to be uncovered.”

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Revamp ailing economy, FG urged ÏÏÏUnless the Federal Gov-

ernment act fast to revamp the dwindling nations economy, its influence in Africa and the global community will continue to slide.

This was the submission of participants of a book launch in Lagos. The book, “Caught in a Trap: Issues in Nigerian Democracy and Development,” was written by Rear Admiral Akinsola Michael Johnson (rtd), was presented to the public at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at the event,chairman of the occasion, Commodore Olutunde Oladimeji (rtd) enjoined the Federal Government to move mast to revamp the currently

dwindling economy.He also enjoined Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority, to act on those things that will bring development to the country, saying the time for rethorics and complaints are far gone.

Book reviewer, Prof. Charles Dokubo maintained that the hitherto respect and influence Nigeria commands in the comity of nation will soon become history if urgent steps are not taken to revamp the nation’s current economic downturn.

The author, in an interview, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to involve more youths with proven track records in governance, and jettison corrupt politicians and cronies in the corridors of power.

No cabal should hijack, sabotage Obaseki`s govt -Edo APC Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ

The APC in Edo State has called for support, prayers and patriotism to help protect Governor Godwin Obaseki from sabotage or hijack by any cabal.

The party says such which are cabals are enemies of the society and the political parties in which they operate by playing politics as a conspiracy against the society.

The party’s position is contained in a goodwill message the state publicity secretary of the party, Mr Godwin Erhahon delivered to the Edo state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ , during her annual Press Week.

Erhahon, who is a former State Chairman of the Edo NUJ in Benin City also said that such cabals thrive on negativism, always scheming to hold the ruler hostage by brainwashing.

He said, the cabal insists that, “everybody outside the

cabal is an enemy of the administration and that the administration cannot survive without the cabal. Whereas they only fight for their own selfish interest to remain seemingly indispensable to the authority”.

“APC suffered this almost to a point of self-destruction in the last dispensation. Vestiges of this moribund cabal are still strategically planted our new administration like land mines”.

Erhahon said the State Executive Committee of the APC will support Governor Obaseki and protect him from all manners of sabotage and diversionary antics as it, “satisfied with his loyalty to the party”.

“We are satisfied with his loyalty to the party and commitment to due process as demonstrated so far. We shall deal mercilessly with any group or individual who attempts to derail him from his laudable course”

FG, states urged to support African culture, religion Oguntade Ismaila, Lagos

ÏÏÏ

Governments at all levels in Nigeria have been urged to support the efforts of individual and groups to promote and elevate Nigerian culture.

They were also implored to accord traditional religion with appropriate legislation and recognition equivalent of Christianity and Islam.

The speakers, which include the traditional ruler of Osolo kingdom, HRM. Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, a lecturer Dr. Fafolarin Agboola of Obafemi Awolowo University, a German tourist, Michael Ehrenberg and President of Ifa Olokun foundation, Dr. Ifakayode Faluade bemoaned the neglect

of traditional religion and inadequate promotion of culture by successful government in the country.

Speaking at the grand finale of 2016 Ifa Olokun Festival, held weekend at Sango- Ota, Ogun state, they appealed to government at all levels to embark on moves that would ensure the nation’s various customs and culture do not go into extinction.

In his speech, HRM. Oba Agbabiaka lamented that traditional religion such as “Ifa” and others had been neglected by both federal and state governments, with preference given to Christianity and Islam.

Pointing that this does not ensure equality, the monarch posited that equality rec-

ognition must be accorded the traditional religion and backed with the appropriate legislation by government.

He urged that public holidays must be granted traditional religion worshippers to celebrate their activities as usually granted Christians and Muslims during their festive period.

“Government needs to play active role in promoting elevation of our culture, especially traditional religion, they have neglected it in preference for Christianity and Islam and does not amount to equality. I calling on them to also give public holidays to traditional worshippers to celebrate our culture like other religion”, the traditional ruler implored.

The German tourist, Ehrenberg, who said he was in the country to acquaint himself with the culture of the south- west, observed that the infiltration of the western culture has caused the neglected of the Yoruba culture.

While commending the Ifa Olokun foundation for the festival, he urged both the federal and state governments to support efforts of individual and groups at promoting the culture of every tribe in the country so that it does not go into extinction.

Dr. Agboola in his own word, urged the entire black race to imbibe the “Ifa” deity, saying it is pathway to success and progress of the black race.

L-R: Representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed; chairman of the occasion, Commodore Olutunde Oladimeji (rtd) and representative of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Seth Oyelade (rtd) at the public presentation of the book titled: “Caught in a Trap: Issues in Nigerian Democracy and Development,” at the NIIA, Lagos… recently.

We’re among few states that have paid salaries up to date -Lalong Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏGovernor

Lalong

Simon Lalong of Plateau State, said that Plateau State is among the two states that have paid the salaries of the state civil servants up to December.

Lalong said one of his topmost priority is to pay salaries, which is far better than to sponsor pilgrims to the holy lands.

The governor stated this at the “Plateau Unites In Prayer and Praise Unity Service”, organized by the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), held at the Redeemed Christian

Church of God in Jos recently.

He said: “I always do my best and when I do my best, I don’t expect any personal gratification; all I demand from civil servants is for them to remain loyal and do their duties to the best of their ability and to the service of Plateau State.

“When I was paying the arrears of salaries inherited from the previous administration, I said, I will pay, but be diligent in your duty and when I paid, I kept check on them to ensure that they come to work.

“Now that we are going to pay up till December, you will

realise that we will be among the only two states that has paid salaries, pension and gratuity, up till December, in the whole of Nigeria and in that case, there will be no excuse for any worker to play truancy of duty”, Lalong said.

The Plateau State number one citizen has always said in different fora that government remains committed to the regular payment of workers salaries and allowances as well as the payment of pension and other entitlements of retired civil servant as when due.

Even when the state stopped

receiving bail out funds, Lalong said, “we will not relent in the pursuit of alternative sources of raising funds to clear up the pending back logs of salaries, pension and gratuity seeing that the remaining bail out from the federal government has been delayed.

According to him, government have already demonstrated her commitment by clearing the over seven months salary arrears of workers in the state as well as the continuous payment of pension arrears and the harmonization of over 500 pensioners captured recently, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Politics

Oshiomhole

9

s

Tinubu

Saraki

Huge pensions for ex-govs, deps: Who delivers the people?

Patrick Okohue Former Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole recently relinquished power after serving out his constitutionally guaranteed two terms of eight years of four years each. While many applauded him for his efforts at repositioning the state and making it a model, many said though he tried his best, but that the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) did not do enough to justify the euphoria that greeted his coming to office after a protracted legal battle.

To the second set of persons, Oshiomhole’s larger than life image that made people vote for him in large numbers after his stint in NLC, and made a person like the late human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Gani Fawehinmi weep because Oshiomhole, a presidential material by his estimation, was descending so low to contest governorship, could not justify the reputation with his lack luster performance.

However, besides whatever anyone may say about the former governor, one thing that shocked many of his supporters was the revelations shortly after he left office that the Edo State House of Assembly which he is believed to have a huge influence over while his tenure lasted passed a bill to give him and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu a parting house gifts worth N200million and N100million respectively in any place of their choice.

This bill which seeks to amend the pension law for the state’s helmsmen took many people by surprise, and has made people wondering

how a state like Edo with many months of unpaid pension arrears for retired public servants who served many years, some up to 35 years, could contemplate such a humongous amount for a governor and his deputy who after serving only eight years have garnered so much peck of office, to last them their life time.

This development has set tongues wagging and many people have spoken out in condemnation of the bill and calling on the state Assembly to withdraw it or for the new governor, Godwin Obaseki not to sign it into law.

Prominent among those who have spoken up against the bill is the executive director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Adetokunbo Mumuni, who has called on the Edo State governor, Obaseki to “immediately withdraw the bill, and use the funds to clear the backlog of pension arrears spanning between seven and 45 months.”

In a statement he personally signed, Mumuni said, “Coming at a time the Edo State government can’t even pay its pensioners and salaries

of workers, the amendment by the Edo State House of Assembly is immoral, unfair, unconstitutional, unreasonable, and a rip-off on a massive scale. Governor Obasaki must reject this grotesque bill if he’s to fulfill his election promises and lift millions of Edo State pensioners out of extreme poverty.

“This so-called proposed legislation means that millions of Edo pensioners and workers will have to fund the massive and unjust pensions for former Governor Oshiomhole and his deputy and others that will come after them.”

The statement reads further: “Many of the retirees whose pensions have not been paid have been evicted from their apartments due ing to SERAP’s information, one of such retirees is Ihama Friday who at 60 is now squatting with friends. Another pensioner Osa-Aighobarueghia who retired as a head teacher continues to live a life of debts because the Edo State government has refused to pay her 30 months’ pension benefits.

Many of the retirees whose pensions have not been paid have been evicted from their apartments due to their inability to pay their rents . According to SERAP’s information, one of such retirees is Ihama Friday who at 60 is now squatting with friends. Another pensioner OsaAighobarueghia who retired as a head teacher continues to live a life of debts because the Edo State government has refused to pay her 30 months’ pension benefits

“SERAP is aware that the Edo State government is not the only state passing such obnoxious pension laws to provide outrageous retirement benefits to former governors and deputy governors and that many of them are already in the National Assembly receiving multiple benefits and putting their personal bank accounts ahead of the common good. SERAP is finalising a comprehensive legal strategy to challenge these unjust laws and to name and shame those who continue to benefit from such laws.

“Nigerians should not be made to subsidise these bloated pensions and clearly undeserved perks. Governor Obaseki should not see disadvantaged Nigerians and poor pensioners according to Orwell’s Animal Farm dictum: ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’. Approving the amendment by the Edo State House of Assembly will amount to a fundamental breach of the governor’s constitutional oath declaration to serve the interest of justice, common good, transparency and accountability.

“SERAP is appalled by this apparently unfair and discriminatory law. There is absolutely no justification for such law at a time the pensions systems across the country are in poor shape, and pensioners continue to be denied the fruit of their labor. Former governors and their deputies can’t lawfully give to themselves a steady stream of public funds for life at a time millions of pensioners including in Edo State face cut to their pension schemes and remain in poverty without any state support.”

True to SERAP’s assertion, many states CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Huge pensions for ex-govs, deps: Who delivers the people?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

across the country have passed laws approving various sums of pension for their former governors and their deputies without recourse to public interest.

To worsen matters for the people, many of these former governors and their deputies are currently holding positions either as Senators or members of the cabinet as ministers. 21 of such former governors and their deputies are in the Senate and President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

The former governors who are now senators include Bukola Saraki (Kwara) who is also Senate President, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Kabiru Gaya (Kano), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Theodore Orji (Abia), Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara), Joshua Dariye (Plateau) and Jonah Jang (Plateau).

They also include Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto), Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), George Akume (Benue) and Isiaka Adeleke (Osun).

Former deputy governors in the Senate include Ms Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti) and Enyinaya Harcourt Abaribe (Abia) while Danladi Abubakar Sani was the acting governor of Taraba State.

Former governors who are now ministers include Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Chris Ngige (Anambra) and Babatunde Fashola (Lagos).

Despite the fact that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) approved the payment of 300 per cent basic salary as severance allowance for political office holders on leaving office, the various state Houses of Assembly have gone ahead to approve a wide range of entitlements for ex-governors and their deputies.

For example in Lagos State, the House of Assembly passed a pension law that was approved by former Governor Bola Tinubu in 2007, and provides that a former governor be entitled to two houses, one in Lagos and another in Abuja.

He is also entitled to six brand new cars replaceable every three years; furniture allowance of 300 per cent of annual salary to be paid every two years, and close to N2.5 million as pension (about N30 million pension annually).

He will also enjoy security detail, free medicals including for his immediate families. Other benefits include 10 per cent house maintenance, 30 per cent car maintenance, 10 per cent entertainment, 20 per cent utility, and several domestic staff and his family will continue to enjoy this benefits even after his death, until his last

Kwakwanso

Akpabio

wife dies.

In Rivers State, the law provides for a 100 per cent of annual basic salaries for ex-governor and deputy, one residential house for former governor “anywhere of his choice in Nigeria”; one residential house anywhere in Rivers for the deputy, three cars for the ex-governor every four years; two cars for the deputy every four years.

His furniture is 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years en bloc. House maintenance is 10 per cent of annual basic salary.

In Akwa Ibom, the law provides for N200 million annual pay to ex-governors, deputies. He enjoys a pension for life at a rate equivalent to the salary of the incumbent governor/deputy governor respectively.

A new official car and a utility vehicle every four years; one personal aide and provision of adequate security; a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the governor at a sum not exceeding N5 million per month and N2.5 million for the deputy governor. There is also a free medical services for governor and spouse at an amount not exceeding N100 million for the governor per annum and N50 million for the deputy governor.

Also, there is a five-bedroom mansion in Abuja and Akwa Ibom and allowance of 300 per cent of annual basic salary for the deputy governor.

He takes a furniture allowance of 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years in addi-

tion to severance gratuity.

In Kano State the Pension for governors and deputy governors Law 2007 provides for 100 percent of annual basic salaries for former governor and deputy. Furnished and equipped office, as well as a six-bedroom house; “well-furnished” four-bedroom for deputy, plus an office.

The former governor is also entitled to free medical treatment along with his immediate families within and outside Nigeria, where necessary. It is same for deputy. Two drivers are also for former governor and a driver for his deputy; and personal staff below the rank of a Principal Administrative Officer and a PA not below grade level 10. There is a provision for a 30- day vacation within and outside Nigeria.

In Kwara, the 2010 law gives a former governor two cars and a security car, replaceable every three years, a “well-furnished 5-bedroom duplex,” furniture allowance of 300 per cent of his salary; five personal staff, three SSS, free medical care for the governor and the deputy, 30 per cent of salary for car maintenance, 20 per cent for utility, 10 per cent for entertainment, 10 per cent for house maintenance.

In Zamfara State the law, signed in 2006, gives former governors pension for life, two personal staff, two vehicles replaceable every four years, two drivers, free medical for the former governors and deputies and their immediate families in Nigeria or abroad. The law also gives the for-

mer governors a four-bedroom house in Zamfara and an office, free telephone and 30 days paid vacation outside Nigeria.

Though many Nigerians are at a loss about what to do to stop the ex-governors and their deputies from fleecing the states, it is believed that as long as many of the state Houses of Assembly remains the apron string of the governors nothing much can be achieved and not even with constitutional amendment.

This they reason is because before any clause of the constitution can be amended it requires two third concurrence from all state houses of Assembly and because most of the state Assemblies are subject the dictates of the governors none of them is likely going to agree to outlaw such practice, that is even if it sails through in the National Assembly, which has become the retirement offices for former governors.

Speaking on why it will be difficult to do anything about the issues, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Epe Federal Constituency, Hon. Lanre Odubote, said as long as the consent of the state Houses of Assemblies are required before any aspect of the constitution can be amended, and so long as the state Assemblies remains tied to the apron strings of their various governors, nothing may be achieved.

According to him, “The constitution gives the powers to states to make laws concerning all those things and we have to go back to the constitution to look for the solution to these things.

But it is a delicate thing because you cannot amend the constitution without their consent.

“The solution lies with the media and civil society groups, who will continue to sensitise the people on why there must be equity in the society, it must continue to be topmost in opinion pages and editorials, keep speaking on it until it gets to the right places. But I must admit it is not going to be easy, how do you think we can legislate against it? It is not possible, but I believe that one way out is that this recession may force everybody to begin to look inward and see how they can resolve their issues.

“Because even the laws from the state Assemblies are being teleguided by the governors, that is really unfortunate,” he said.

From all indications, it is clear that the only way Nigerians can get their resources back from the stranglehold of the ruling class is by coming together to demand that equity and fairness reigns in the distribution of public wealth and stop the present practice were nothing is seen to be wrong provided it is done by the party or persons we support and until then things may just remain the same.

Lagos PDP chieftain blames party agents, INEC for failure in Ondo Iniobong Iwok The defeat suffered by the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) candidate Eyetayo Jegede in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo State have been attributed to the manipulation of Jimoh Ibrahim sponsored agents of the PDP who were aiding INEC in perpetuating fraud during the election.

A chieftain of the opposition party and vice chairman of the Lagos chapter of the party, Chief Ola Apena

stated this in a telephone interview with DailyTimes, noting that there was little the party could have done in such circumstance, adding that INEC had schemed the election to favour the ruling All progressive congress (APC).

Apena berated the electoral umpire for refusing to postpone the election inspite of clamour by the PDP, stressing that the Commission had postponed recent governorship election in Edo State when it was obvious the opposition party was heading for a victory.

He said “The election was manipu-

lated and the party was handicapped.

This was done by the fifth columnist of the APC, who were parading themselves as agents of the PDP, these people were Jimoh Ibrahim’s sponsored agents.

“INEC was not fair to our party because there was no reason not to have postponed that election and the law is clear on that. Why did they postpone the Edo election? If they had not postponed that election at the initial date they would have lost. INEC is working with the APC led government; we have

gone to court I am sure there would be some pronouncement on that,” he disclosed.

Apena, a grassroots politician from Oshodi/Isolo federal constituency, debunked insinuations that the PDP was factionalised in Lagos State, he stressed that those parading themselves as factional executives of the party in the state were only seeking attention.

He debunked reports of an hijack of Lagos PDP by Chief Bode Geroge, adding that the former national dep-

uty chairman of the party had paid his dues in politics in the country to deserve his position.

According to him,” segun Adewale has been parading himself as the factional chairman of PDP in Lagos State, it is an insult those people are just seeking cheap popularity, where was segun Adewale when Bode George won five of the six state in the South West for the PDP as deputy national chairman? They are just seeking relevance, where was Kola Balogun,” Apena added.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

11 Politics

Rivers rerun: Group asks Wike to set up judicial commission A Civil Society Coalition has asked Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to immediately Commission a judiciary commission of inquiry to investigate killings and atrocities committed against the people of Rivers State in the 2016 elections rerun of March 10 and December 10, in the state.

“The barbaric incidents that happened on the two dates must be investigated and documented for implementation and posterity,” Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution

(CDNDC) said in a statement.

The group in a statement by it coconvener, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, tasked Gov. Neysom Wike, “to as a matter of urgency sets up a judicial commission of inquiry to bring to book all those involved in the electoral assaults against the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, Gov. Wike owes it a duty to the dead, the injured, their relatives, the people of Rivers and the democratic world to constitute this commission to urgently document all cases when it is still easy to gather evidences.

“It is our candid belief that, if the perpetrators are temporarily shielded by any power, they cannot be permanently shielded from justice. A time will come when they will all account for their deeds and that time will come.

“However, if we don’t open the books to record their deeds, many more will commit the same dastardly acts and even more, and the future will question our sense of commitment to justice and sanctity of lives,” the statement added.

CDNDC also berated the leadership of the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) for compromising standards and “for allowing some desperate politicians to run riots against the electoral system.

“We recently called on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood to step down because Nigerians have lost confidence in his leadership, the Rivers reruns have further vindicated our position.

“INEC under the present leadership will bungle the 2019 general elections. This is our fear, except we have new hands and something urgent is done,” the coalition said.

Wike

NYSC scheme has failed Nigerian youths, says Lagos lawmaker The member representing Epe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade, has condemned the handling of the

National Youth Service (NYsC) scheme, saying the scheme no longer makes any sense and unfair to the present Nigerian youth.

Olulade gave this reaction in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, lamenting the recent series of tragedies occurring at various

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi( middle); his wife, Rachel and the Senior Pastor in Charge of Christ Embassy, Abakaliki 1, Eunice Oyeyemi (left) at a special thanksgiving service by the church in Abakaliki

orientation camps, leading to avoidable deaths of young people, especially in careless circumstances.

Speaking in a statement issued over the weekend, the lawmaker said the scheme, which was primarily established after Nigeria’s civil war to foster unity in the nation, has outlived its purpose, just as he added that young people have rights that must be respected under all circumstances.

The lawmaker also noted that the scheme, which was meant to encourage inter-cultural relations and patriotism to the fatherland no longer serve the purpose, but rather has become a mere exercise and platform for meting serious injustices against the present Nigerian youth.

He observed that on no account must a young person lose his/her life for being a corps member, adding that the scheme is no longer dignifying, as refugee camps are often better than orientation camps across the nation.

According to Olulade, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, there is no doubt that the ideology of the scheme was a good one in the beginning, but however, it is not a

bad idea to review it holistically and conclude whether it is still useful or not.

“As a parent, it is painful to see a promising youth lose his/her life in deplorable circumstance as we are seeing today in our orientation camps across the nation.

“It is also not dignifying to see Corp members being treated like refugees at the orientation camps all in the name of a service scheme, as this contravenes fundamental human rights of the concerned youth.

“The scheme presently represents the attitude and character of a nation that has no respect for human lives and human dignity. It must be holistically reviewed and made better or scrapped if the Federal Government can no longer maintain a healthy scheme in this regard,” Olulade said.

He pointed out that it is sad that the National Assembly is not seeing the matter as critical as it is. “The issue surrounding NYSC scheme is more pressing than the separation of State/ Local Government joint account which the National Assembly now flexes muscle over,” he added.

Coalition government likely in 2019 -Okorie The National Chairman of United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okoriehas said that following the present political situation in the country, there is every possibility of a coalition government come 2019 general election.

The UPP leader said he had earlier predicted and knew that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would turn to a Fulani outfit and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having lost the 2015 presidential election would find it dif-

ficult to find its feet and rather ridiculed in division, while Yorubas who made great contribution by reaching the minimum of 21 political office holder for All Progressive Congress (APC) may not have it sweet in the scheme of things of APC leadership under Buhari.

He said if people could recall things, they would see that all his predictions is exactly what is happening now.

Chief Okorie said with the situation of things on ground, it would be difficult for one politi-

cal party to win election without a run-off. “I see this coming; it happened during the Second Republic when NPN went into slide wining and that was when rigging that has found its feet now started in Nigeria.”

“I predicted six strong political parties that will have their base.”

He said United Progressive Party UPP is working hard to consolidate on their areas of strength to remain strong and relevant in national politics.

Chief Okorie regretted that South East politicians who be-

long to big political parties only get appointments that cannot even take care of their immediate family let alone handling the problems faced by Ndigbo.

On the APGA crisis, the UPP National Chairman said he had really been vindicated after what he passed through in the party, adding that he never sold APGA for any political gain as APGA chairman, rather he maintained to uphold the wishes of the people and the aim and objectives of the party.

“Unlike what is happening in

the party today. See what happened in the last election, they just went and adopted Jonathan as their presidential candidate, and what happened at last. Thank God for those who realised my role in that party, knowing full well that I founded both APGA and UPP.” He maintained that the 50 recommendations which were unanimously agreed at the National Conference if implemented Nigeria will be a better place, adding that 2019 presidential election will bring it to the front burner.”

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ ơƢè ƾƠơÕ

Lloyds to blacklist Nigeria’s airlines over unpaid premium

Continued from page 1

terday in Lagos.

According to the statement, representatives of Lloyd’s of London market, who were in Nigeria recently, observed that the Nigerian market is a high risk one, yet the volume of business from the country is quite modestly small and airline brokers are not paying their premium.

To this end, and according to the statement, the visiting representatives cautioned that in view of the fact that airline brokers in Nigeria have in recent times failed to pay their premiums, the Lloyd’s market might have no other choice than to blacklist the country which might have farreaching consequences for the aviation industry and the country to a large extent.

Commenting on the Lloyd’s warning, AON chairman, Sir Nogie Meggison, disclosed that, although, the airlines have said that they have Naira but unfortunately, cannot pay the premiums due to forex constraints.

Meggisson further revealed that Lloyd’s market accounts for about 92 per cent of reinsurance of airlines globally, five per cent

by Russian market, Cyprus and others, while a mere two per cent is retained locally, worldwide, adding that “the Nigerian market is grossly unable to effectively underwrite risks in aviation because of the high exposure of an average $500 million for just one airplane to cover hull, war and third party liability. When this figure is multiplied by the number of aircraft operating in the country, it becomes clear

that Nigerian insurance companies can’t cope, considering the enormous volume of resources needed to cover all those aircraft of which the total coverage value will be in excess of $6bn.”

“Virtually 100 per cent of the aircraft being operated in Nigeria are re-insured in the Lloyd’s market. Hence, Nigeria can’t afford to be blacklisted as a nation because this will have very grave and deleterious consequences, as the entire domestic airlines will shut down since airplanes can’t be operated without being insured,” he stressed.

The airline operators equally pointed out that it will take some days at best to switch to the secondary market of Russia and China, whose premiums will also have skyrocketed if we are blacklisted by Lloyd’s.

Speaking further, Meggison said: “A blacklist will certainly have a negative impact on the Nigerian economy arising from inability to acquire aircraft from Lessors with no insurance, total suspension of operations by airline charter and oil support helicopters, job losses, and other sectors being reinsured by Lloyds market such as oil rigs, vessels, high rise buildings, airports and terminal buildings etc. Similarly, a downgrade or outright blacklist will mean very high premiums due to high risk levels.”

Also, the AON chairman had cautioned that if Nigeria is blacklisted from Lloyd’s, market operators might still have a difficult time getting their aircraft insured because the alternative is the Chinese or Russian markets, which might find it hard to

absorb them due to the fact that Lloyds has blacklisted us.

For instance, if Nigeria is blacklisted, the premiums will rise by 300 per cent due to the high risk, he said, adding that even the national carrier of Russia, Aeroflot Airlines, has 98 per cent of its risks underwritten by Lloyds of London market while two per cent is retained locally in Russia. So is Air China.

“We are not keeping to payment dates. Domestic carriers have a 4-months backlog on payment. It will be funny to wait until there is an incident before the airline tries to pay its premium,” Meggison warned.

“We therefore, use this medium to call on the honourable minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of domestic airlines operating in the country by forging a joint working group with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to brainstorm and cross-fertilize ideas on how the nation can take exigent steps to forestall a potential backlash on the Nigerian economy and totally avoid the downgrade or blacklist in the interest of safety and economic prosperity of the country,” Meggisson pleaded.

Service Chiefs not retired –Defence Hqtrs ...Says it’s a rumour 0 ƏƌƆƏ yƈƅƆé^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ƌ Ɖƈ ƐƈƊƑ ƄƑƄ Ɗ Ə æƋƆƇƐç Ɨ ƅ ƈƏƌ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƅƅ ƈ è ƈƆƇ Əƈ nƅ Ɔè Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƍƑƄƋƈƅ ƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛƈ Ƈ Ƅ Ɗ ƐƈƐƋƆƗë ÒMƈ ƆƏƈ 0ƆƗƆƏ Ƌƈ ƌ Ɛƈ Ƒƈ _ƑƆ Ɛ Ƈ Ə dƑ Ɛ ƈ ƄƈƋƈƐƕ Ɨ M Ɛƈ ƑƈƋƗƈ ÿè ƈ E Ɨ #ƈ ƐƏƈƅƐè ƄƑƉ Č L Ɨ ƕê

NDLEA seizes drugs worth N4bn at Lagos airport Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ

Chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd), has said that the agency’s counternarcotic measures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, had led to the interception of the largest quantity of ephedrine with a total weight of 83.390kgs.

The ephedrine, which was concealed in female hair attachment by a suspected drug trafficking syndicate going to South Africa, has an estimated street value of N4billion.

In addition, two bags, one containing heroin from Nairobi, and another containing cannabis going to London, were equally abandoned at the

airport.

Ephedrine is a precursor ingredient used in the production of methamphetamine.

The estimated street value of the ephedrine is about N4 billion. According to Abdallah, a bag containing ephedrine was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the departure hall during outward screening of a South African Airline flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Three suspects, including luggage handlers and a clearing agent are currently being interrogated in connection with the crime. The NDLEA boss described the ephedrine seizure as the single largest quantity seized at the Lagos airport.

Abdallah warned that the “NDLEA will continue to resist attempt by criminal syndicates to compromise security mea-

sures through strict law enforcement practice. Anti-narcotic agents have been placed on the alert and will remain vigilant in detecting any act of sabotage. The case is under investigation and anyone found wanting shall be prosecuted in line with the NDLEA Act.” NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Ahmadu Garba, gave the names of the suspects as Unegbu Daniel Chukwu, 42, Ettah Joseph, 28, and Wopara Bright, 31. “Officials of the NDLEA at the departure hall detected a bag and during search, it was found to contain substances that tested positive for ephedrine with a total weight of 83.390kgs. So far, three suspects apprehended are being interrogated to determine their level of culpability.

Meanwhile, the parcels

of ephedrine was concealed amidst artificial hair,” Ahmadu stated.

Besides, a bag containing 2.500kg of heroin was abandoned at the arrival hall during the inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Nairobi, Kenya.

Similarly, a luggage containing 4.6kg of cannabis meant for export to London on a British Airways flight from Lagos was abandoned at the airport Preliminary investigation revealed that Unegbu Daniel, who works as a clearing agent, collected the luggage from his client and took it to the airport.

He hails from Anambra State.

Two luggage handlers allegedly worked with him are Ettah Joseph, who hails from Cross Rivers State and Wopara Bright, who is from Rivers State.

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Defence Headquarters, DHq, has faulted the reports on social media and on-line publications claiming that some service chiefs have been retired and replaced.

The DHq specifically described those reports as baseless and unfounded.

The Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar told an online medium, PRNigeria, that there is no iota of truth in the rumours making the rounds.

Brigadier-General Abubakar said, “the rumours are baseless and unfounded”.

He pointed out that the Service Chiefs are still discharging their official responsibilities.

General Rabe said: “It is disturbing and embarrassing the cooked up stories going round in the social media.

“There is no iota of truth in the misleading information.

“We ask the public to ignore the report as baseless and unfounded,” he said

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

13

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Ghana 2016: The art of losing elections

I

Jibrin Ibrahim

was an observer of last Wednesday’s elections in Ghana with the National Democratic Institute. The outcome of the presidential election was victory for the opposition candidate, Nana AkufoAddo on his third attempt, with a massive 54.2 percent of the votes, while President John Mahama got only 44 percent of the votes. The victory ended what Ghanaians call the ‘John Jinx’ after having successive presidents with John as first name – John J. Rawlings, John A. Kuffour, John A. Mills and John Mahama, before the movement to Nana.

Normally, the gap between the winner and loser in Ghana’s presidential election is very narrow.

Something happened this time, leading to the rejection of the incumbent who had argued vigorously that he was yet to have his second term in office. In recent electoral culture in Ghana, ruling parties succeed in winning a second term, and after eight years in office are defeated by the opposition CHANGE candidate.

It happened to former presidents Jerry Rawlings and John Kuffour.

The outgoing president appeared confident that it would not happen to him because he served out the final months of late President Mills, so he has not had his full eight years in office, although his party had indeed been in power for eight years. Of course the convention is not a rule and citizens can vote in and out who they like and that is what they did.

The elections were an impressive display of smooth, professional, almost incident-free operations.

Electoral procedures were strictly followed, turn out was however relatively low, with the verification machines working almost without failure, and voters found their names on the register. The culture of free, fair and credible elections has clearly been established in Ghana. The Electoral Commission had announced that the results would be released within 72 hours but they delivered in 48 hours. The incumbent president called his opponent and congratulated him on his victory, and the victor made a gracious acceptance speech.

This veneer of success hides the deep bitterness between Ghana’s two leading parties. The opposition candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, ran his campaign on the belief that his party, the NPP, had won presidential elections on two previous occassions but were out rigged by the NDC, and that on this third attempt by their candidate, they would succeed because they have developed mandate protection strategies. I have discussed with many specialists and they all concur that there is no evidence that the two previous elections were rigged but as we find out increasingly in popular electoral culture, many do not care about facts when belief in partisan positions is

much more confortable. Of course the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, is 72 years old and clearly, this is his third and last chance to bid for power. The campaign was very bitter and acrimonious but our question today is what did the opposition do well this time to account for their success?

President Mahama had campaigned on what he called his excellent record on infrastructural development in the country. His successes in this regard are clear. He has carried out significant expansion of water supply in the Greater Accra zone. The roads in Accra have been transformed with expressways significantly reducing traffic congestion. The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra is one of the leading sites of urban dazzle in Africa. Major trunk roads to various regions have also been built. His achievements also include the construction of new teaching and district hospitals. His basic campaign argument was that if he gets a second term, Ghana would see more development. His arguments were not as convincing as they should have been for two reasons.

First, the Mahama government was considered as one of the most corrupt in Ghana’s history. The opposition party hammered on the corruption of his regime throughout the campaign. The argument about his achievements on developing infrastructure got weakened by the counter narrative that the projects

were vehicles to deliver mega looting through over-inflated contracts.

Second, he failed to keep his promise of ending erratic power supply, which was something all Ghanaians could see. Third, his management of the economy was weak. People simply did not believe his assertion that he had created 400,000 jobs in four years. The slide of the cedi, relative to the dollar, created an atmosphere of economic collapse. Finally, his attempt to stop the withdrawal of cash in dollars from domiciliary accounts created a huge rift between the government and the significant upper middle class in the country, which received salaries, collected rents and executed consultancies in dollars.

I was in Accra when the policy was announced last year and I witnessed a spontaneous street demonstration of Ghana’s elite, who felt threatened by the economic policy thrust. Mahama was forced to withdraw the policy but the harm had already been done; he had lost elite support.

The opposition NPP was able to mount a more convincing campaign programme based on the principle of even development. Their core argument was that they would reverse the Accra-Kumasi focused development approach and spread development projects to all the nooks and corners of the country. They proposed two key programmes. The first is the “One District, One Factory” project, through which they said they’d build a factory to provide jobs in each of the country’s 216 districts.

Secondly, they made a formal commitment that each of the country’s 275 parliamentary constituencies would be allocated at least one million dollars every year for four years for it to carry out poverty alleviation programmes. In other words, they would not concentrate the execution of development projects in the centre but would spread the funds. It might have been for this reason that they won seats in many regions that they had not won seats in previously.

The NPP campaign programme was effective but at the end of the day, Akufo-Addo did not win the elections, John Mahama lost it. Ghana’s electoral geography is well known and there are swing districts that change to deliver victory or defeat to incumbents. The swing districts all moved to the opposition. The greatest undoing of Mahama however was that in his “secure” districts, turnout was low; too many habitual NDC simply did not come out to vote; they had lost the enthusiasm they had for their candidate. The concern for many NDC supporters was that their party had lost its expected commitment to helping the poor and marginalised and the president had become aloof and arrogant after being surrounded by a corrupt cabal. Core NDC supporters would never vote for an NPP candidate but by staying home rather than voting, they ensured that their candidate who they loved less than they did previously would not have a second term in office.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

15 Opinion

Restoring trust and confidence in times of crisis

T

Taiwo Odukoya

he Argentine economy was one of the worst hit by the emerging market crisis of the 1990s. It officially slipped into a recession at the end of 1998, imploded in 2001, and went into a depression in 2002. A long history of corruption and waste, plus the overvaluing of its local currency, the peso, had made it particularly vulnerable to external shocks. But the government of the day rose to the occasion. It pursued a path to recovery through a series of clear, decisive and disciplined efforts that boosted investor confidence and got the economy back on track. The peso was devalued, import levies were increased, and export was made more attractive.

The effect was the boosting of local industry and employment, trade surpluses and the accumulation of huge foreign reserves, leading to Argentina’s first fiscal surplus in decades.

In 1991 Finland also suffered an economic crash. The Finnish economy had huge export exposure to the Soviet Union, so that when it collapsed, it wiped out over 30

percent of Finnish exports in one fell swoop. But something curious happened. Contrary to what happens elsewhere under such circumstances, suicide rates in Finland reportedly declined. And part of the reason is because the Finns united in solidarity to tackle the problem.

The government took tough decisions that steered the country back to growth, investing hugely in education and Research and Development.

South Korea, in October 2008, saw an unexpected 5.1 percent slump in its economy, plunging it into a tough economic downturn. The government immediately announced billions in tax cuts and 36 million in fiscal spending measures to prop up the economy, and the central bank set about vigorously cutting interest rates: 3.25 percentage points within a couple of months. Lee Myung-bak, South Korea’s president, encouraged the chaebol companies – Samsung, Hyundai, etc – to see the silver lining in the recession.

The government threw more money into R&D programmes and gave tax breaks for companies in that regard. The result was a boom in product development, exports and subsequently the economy.

We appreciate the dogged efforts the government has been making to tackle this manypronged issue. We understand how daunting it has been. We would however encourage it to keep the communication lines open and to find the mental, emotional and ideological flexibility needed to navigate this period.

The truth is, no country is completely immune to the boom and bust cycles of the economy.

What differentiates nations, however, is how they respond in the event of a crisis. Beating an economic recession requires the intelligent rallying of human and investment capital. And rallying capital demands that leadership inspires trust and confidence. As Richard Edelamn said, “Trust is key to restoring investor confidence. Rebuilding trust requires business to think and communicate differently.”

Economics is not an exact science as some would say. What worked in one country, may not necessarily work in another.

The local context and peculiarities of each country calls for unique, thoughtful and dynamic approaches to dealing with local economic problems against a global backdrop. But principles are universal. One clear thing most of the countries in our

examples above did when faced with their respective economic crises was to shore up the manufacturing sector, which over the years, relative to other sectors, is almost non-existent in Nigeria. Poor infrastructure, inadequate power supply, access to loan facilities, etc., have all contributed to strangle manufacturing across the country. In the last one year, numerous businesses have folded up, with about fourteen airlines leaving the country.

This calls for adequate attention to research and inward thinking, with the aim of producing a policy that would provide the needed stability to improve the economy.

We appreciate the dogged efforts the government has been making to tackle this manypronged issue. We understand how daunting it has been. We would however encourage it to keep the communication lines open and to find the mental, emotional and ideological flexibility needed to navigate this period. We encourage, also, the Nigerian people to find the sense of solidarity the Finns found to confront the problems facing them with a united front. I have no doubt in my heart that Nigeria will yet pull through. Our best days are ahead of us.

Economy: Any path out of the woods?

L Uddin Ifeanyi

ike the fate of flies before wanton boys, the outlook for the domestic economy is pretty hard to call at this juncture. True, a plethora of key indices are headed in the wrong direction. First, it was inflation. At 13.7 percent, the April headline count came in higher than the March measure (12.8 percent). The March count was that much higher, too, than the February count.

Concerned by rising inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) duly tightened monetary conditions. Not a few cads then observed that the central bank’s measures might be an inadequate response to the crisis because the main driver of domestic prices was at the cost end, and not the result of rising demand. Building up to this week’s meeting of the MPC, this argument was at the core of the main conversations.

Then, last week, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released output numbers for the first quarter of this year. In the three months ending March 2016, the economy apparently shrank by 0.36 percent (year-on-year) in real terms. In the three months

before that, the economy had grown by 2.47 percent — allowing a number of commentators to insist that they saw light at the end of what was turning into a very long tunnel. A multi-billion-dollar economy, and Africa’s largest to boot, was only growing slower than before. Indeed, it was growing faster, however marginally, than the population growth rate.

With about 186 million people, 76.9 million of whom were economically active, the end-December 2015 growth rate still meant an abundance of opportunities.

There was barely time to repurpose this narrative, when the numbers for unemployment for the first quarter of 2016 came out (again, last week). Yes, so according to the NBS, “the labour force population (i.e. those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 78.4 million”.

Immediately, the narrative around numbers which our own Dr. Panglosses love to put out brightened.

The number of economically active Nigerians was up in the three months to end-March 2016 by 1.5 million: a huge labour pool, as well as a large market to sell to for businesses that are able to discern a way through the fog.

All of these, potentially, of course. For unemployment rose in the same quarter to 12.1 percent from 10.4 percent in the last quarter of 2015. Add the unemployment rate to the inflation rate, and the measure of domestic misery is up significantly. Thus, though the gods may not deign yet to kill us for their sport, we may have brewed a perfect storm for ourselves out of pure cloth.

Enter, here, the most powerful argument remaining for advocates of the Buhari government. These numbers were all to be expected.

Remember the Jonathan administration? As incompetent as it may have been corrupt on an industrial scale, all it did in seven years in office was save up all these problems. To then expect the incumbent government to have solved all of it by now is to probably expect too much.

But this is to ignore the fact that the Buhari administration has been in office for almost a year now. And that in this period, it has not significantly altered much structurally in terms of how the economy is run. In the 11 years to mid-2014, the economy benefited from rising commodity prices (largely crude oil export prices), strong inflow of foreign

capital, and reforms to the structure of the economy. In the two years since, the first two of these measures have tanked, leaving government with the third leg, structural reforms, as the only remaining driver of domestic output.

Unfortunately, not only has the incumbent administration failed to reform, its policies have stiffened the economy. Somehow, it would seem that even the central bank has forgotten how the “impossible trinity” works. The Buhari government has tried simultaneously to fix the exchange rate, invite foreign capital, and subordinate the central bank to the fiscal side. Of course, you can only have any two of this.

Besides by abjuring market solutions to supply-side constraints in many parts of the economy, the administration, as in the downstream oil and gas industry, has cost the economy considerable tempo. It may now be embarked on a policy reversal at the petrol pump-station, but similar worries about how much of the market this administration has appetite for, dominate discourse about the outlook for the foreign exchange market.

That is the new dawn.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

17

COPA Lagos: Adebayo delighted with MVP award ANDREW EKEJIUBA

P

epsi Academy star, Ajao Adams Adebayo, has expressed delight after winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the opener of the 2016 COPA Lagos Beach Soccer tournament.

Adebayo, an Office Technology and Management student of Kwara State Polytechnic, who made his debut at the tourney on Sunday was presented with a

plaque by the Special Adviser to Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, for his feat.

“I’m happy, to be given this honour after our match against hard-fighting Enyimba squad. I’ve not played in COPA Lagos before because of my academic pursuit, but I’ve been playing friendly beach soccer games with Pepsi.

“I see this as a motivation and I commend the organisers of this tournament for this great honour,”

Adebayo said.

Meanwhile, Supersand Eagles were humbled 8-3 by their Switzerland counterparts in the one-day 2016 COPA Lagos tournament at Eko Atlantic Beach.

The Nigerian team went into the game with high hopes, taking a deserved 2-0 lead in first quarter of the cracker.

The Europeans returned in the second period and cancelled out the deficit and took a commanding 5-3 lead going into the final quarter.

It turned out a one-way traffic for the visitors as they dominated the last quarter, scoring three more goals to leave the final scores at 8-3.

The match eventually became a litmus test for Supersand Eagles as they get set for the CAF Beach Soccer Nations Cup qualifiers slated for the same venue today.

The tournament will also serve as World Cup qualifier to select Africa’s representatives in next year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Page 18

Pepsi Academy star, Ajao Adams Adebayo (left) receives his MVP award from the Special Adviser to Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Pinnick steps up plan to

grab CAF seat According to reports, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has already perfected his ascension to the CAF executive committee as it is expected that Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi will step down for him and in turn he will support the GFA chief to stay put on the FIFA council.

Both the CAF executive committee and FIFA Council polls are slated for March 2017.

“Pinnick and Nyantakyi are from the same zone and he has now hammered out a plan

for Nyantakyi to step down for him for the CAF position, while he will fully support him for his re-election for a seat on the FIFA Council,” a top source specially informed AfricanFootball.com.

This explains the close alliance between the two men in recent times.

Pinnick flew Nyantakyi back on his chartered flight from the recent AWCON final in Cameroun for them to attend a sports award in Lagos together.

Nyantakyi was also among the 18 football

federation presidents who Pinnick hosted during the visit of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to Nigeria in July.

A lawyer and banker, the 48-year-old Nyantakyi has been GFA president since December 2005.

He was first elected on the CAF executive committee in February 2011.

He is also the president of the sub-regional WAFU B and owns Ghanaian club Wa All Stars.

Pinnick

NSCDCwinsKoreanAmbassador’sCup Obaje,‘Muazam’, ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he 7th edition of the annual Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo championship ended in Lagos at the weekend with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) team emerging tops by winning 4 gold medals ahead of Team Ogun that came second with 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze making a total of 5 medals.

The third position went to Team Kebbi that clinched 2 gold and 3 bronze medals.

Ogun State fighter, Richard Oyenusi won the overall best male athlete award, while his team mate Halimat Animasaun also of Team Ogun emerged as the best female athlete of the entire championship.

Nelson Oluigbo of Ogun State was adjudged as the best referee of the tournament, while the best coach of the

tournament award went to Coach Samson Ajayi also of Team Ogun.

Over 300 taekwondoists drawn from 22 states and 25 clubsides from cross the country plus 3 international teams from West Africa featured at the threeday exercise that lasted from December 8-10, 2016 at Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Multipurpose Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

In his keynote address during the closing ceremony of the tourney, the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Barr.

Solomon Dalung pleaded with executive board members of various sports federations operating in the country to embrace peace by closing ranks and working together to develop sports in Nigeria instead of being busy fighting one another.

Using the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria to buttress his point, the minister insists that taekwondo would have been among the sports Team Nigeria would have featured in at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil if not the internal crisis that bedeviled the sports by setting the exco board members at daggers-drawn position.

Dalung also hinted that his ministry has since drawn the road map to Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan which he said will kick-off in the second quarter of 2017. He then charged all sports federation to submit their threeyear programme of action to the ministry and warned that any federation that fails to comply with this directive should forget being part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Imenger undergo trials at Etoile N

igeria league hotshot Godwin Obaje, Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazam’ and Barnabas Imenger will undergo trials with Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel this week.

Obaje, who finished top scorer of the NPFL with 18 goals, failed to bag a contract with top Russian club Spartak Moscow after he did not pass a medical.

Former Nigeria U-17 and U-20 star Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazam’ rose

to prominence as the star of the 2013 Golden Eaglets that he was compared to the legendary Nwankwo Kanu.

He has been connected with several European clubs in Sweden and Belgium.

Imenger, 25, who has posted a brief stint in Sweden, has been capped at full international level

by Nigeria.

He is the son of former Eagles striker Barnabas Imenger Snr.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

EXTRATIME

19

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE… ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE… ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Napoli can

Chelsea are not title trouble Real favourites —Wenger

— Butragueno

A

rsene Wenger believes Chelsea are candidates to win the Premier League, but does not feel any team has earned the right to be called favourites.

Chelsea sit top of after 15 matches, three points clear of Arsenal and on a winning streak of nine consecutive top-flight matches.

But Arsenal themselves have not suffered a league defeat since the opening day against Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s side, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United making up the rest of the top six.

And Gunners boss Wenger thinks the title race remains wide open, with consistency over the busy festive period vital to any side’s hopes of glory.

“What I believe is Chelsea will be one of the candidates,” Wenger said ahead of his side’s trip to Everton today.

“They are of course one of the teams doing extremely well, but there is no super favourite in there at the

moment.

“They will have to maintain that like everybody else at the top. When you look at the league it is down to consistency.

“It is very open, very interesting.

Every time a team is the favourites to win, they struggle.

“When you look at the teams

Jones resurgence Marquinhos surprises Mourinho calls for

Jones

P Vardy shuns critics after hat-trick L

Wenger

eicester City star Jamie Vardy is not paying attention to his critics after Michael Owen claimed the Englishman’s goalscoring feats relied a lot on luck.

For the first time in 16 matches, Vardy scored and he did it in style, netting a hat-trick as Premier League champions Leicester stunned Manchester City 4-2 on Saturday.

Vardy

Last month, former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Liverpool and England striker Owen said Vardy is not a natural finisher.

Responding to Owen and others, Vardy - who scored 24 Premier League goal last season - said: “I don’t listen to that. He can say what he wants. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

“I’m not going to read anything to it and that’s up to them what they say. I’ll just get on with it, work on the training field and hopefully take it into the matches.”

The win at home to City ended a fivematch winless streak for Leicester, who are four points clear of the relegation zone.

Vardy added: “At the end of the day the team comes first. Although we’ve not been getting the results and a few of the performances have been below par, deep down we knew we were still the team we were last year.

“On Saturday’s performance we’ve definitely got that back and we’ll look forward today now at Bournemouth.

“I don’t think we can start talking about streaks and stuff like that just yet, but we’ll have to wait and see.

“Obviously with what happened last year, a lot of expectations go up. Against City we showed exactly what we’re about and what we can do.”

around us, you can see the margin of difference between the teams has shrunk a lot.

“The way you respond in every game is absolutely vital. It’s a very important period where everybody has to be absolutely focused on our results and the way we want to play.”

Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno has stressed they cannot afford to take their Champions League round of 16 tie with Napoli lightly as the Serie A side have what it takes to trouble the titleholders. Madrid were paired with Napoli after finishing second in their group behind Borussia Dortmund and Butragueno has warned Maurizio Sarri’s men are a force to be reckoned with.

hil Jones’ performances in recent weeks have surprised Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury problems.

The 24-year-old missed the majority of last season and was also absent during the opening stages of 2016-17 due to a knee issue.

Jones has been a regular starter of late, though, forming a defensive partnership with Marcos Rojo, and Mourinho is

pleased with the duo.

“I am surprised how Jones has coped because, even with me, he had this injury that stopped him for a long time,” Mourinho said at a news conference on Monday to preview United’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace in midweek.

“He was recovering first with people he trusts in the medical department.

“Then he was working hard with one of my guys for a few weeks before he joined us, and he had a big improvement in his physical condition.

“Now he looks fresh, and strong, and fast and agile. He has played six matches and I do not remember the last time he did that.

“Marcos also had lots of problems and injuries, but he looks also free of it.”

Mourinho faced the media shortly after United were paired with Saint-Etienne in the first Europa League knockout round, with Paul Pogba due to face his brother Florentin.”

calm at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos called for cool heads to prevail after his side battled back to grab a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ligue 1 leaders Nice. Unai Emery’s men remain four points adrift of Nice in third position after Sunday’s match, but the gap would have been a damaging seven had it not been for Edinson Cavani’s second-half double after Wylan Cyprien’s superb freekick and Alassane Plea’s strike put the visitors two up.

Marquinhos

Crewe director

Gradi Klopp defends suspended Karius, slams Neville brothers by FA

L

iverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has defended goalkeeper Loris Karius after his mistakes against West Ham, insisting his side’s problems are not all about one player. The Reds’ error-strewn 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday saw Karius scrutinised for both of the visitors’ goals – he failed to get across to Dimitri Payet’s free-kick and was hesitant for Michail Antonio’s strike. The German goalkeeper, 23, also made a crucial mistake in Liverpool’s late collapse at Bournemouth last week, but Klopp feels it would be wrong Klopp to focus only on him.

Crewe Alexandra have confirmed director Dario Gradi has been handed an interim suspension by the Football Association. The FA is undertaking a wider investigation into allegations of historical child sexual abuse in football. It is alleged Gradi attempted to “smooth over” a complaint of sexual assault when he worked as Chelsea assistant manager in 1974. The claims came from an unnamed former youth player at Chelsea in a newspaper interview earlier this month and Gradi denied any wrongdoing at the time of publication.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

FAKUNLE HIGH SCHOOL OSOGBO OLD STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION 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 of1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Dr. Aromolaran Adekunle (2) Mr Olateju Michael Adebowale (3) Mr Olawin Jamiu Alamu (4) Mrs Adeniyi Funmilayo Adekemi (5) Mr Akintomowo Michael (6) Mr Bello Aderemi Abubakah (7) Pastor Sanusi Adeleke (8) Mr Oladele idowu Olanrele (9) Prof Amusa Yemisi Bola (10) Mr Aderinoye Akinola Abiodun AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To promote the development and progress of Fakunle high School Osogbo (2) To promote and foster Unity in and amongst the old and current students of the Fakunle high School Osogbo (3) To protect the general interest of members of Fakunle high School Osogbo Old Student’s Association (4) Cooperate and co-exist with the government and any other organization or other branches of Fakunle high School Osogbo Old Student’s Association both in Nigeria and diaspora (5) Co-ordinate and serve as the Umbrella body to all branches and work together towards ensuring a strong and effective Fakunle high School Osogbo Old Student’s Association (6) Do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects of Fakunle high School Osogbo Old Student’s Association 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: TRUSTEES.

21 Public Notice

CHRIST GLORIOUS APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF SALVATION

G12 FOOTBALL CLUB

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

The 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: 1. Oketayo Josiah Babs – Pastor (chairman) 2. Odufayo Adebanjo Albert (Dr) 3. Oketayo Joseph Temitope (secretary) 4. Oketayo Adebisi (Mr.) 5. Oketayo Ayodele Nathaniel 6. Abogunloko Alice

TRUSTEES: 1. Hakeem Mustapha 3. Johnson Gbenga Ojo

2. Sulaimon Nurudeen Olabisi 4. Osawe Kehinde Adebayo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To teach and establish men in the truth of the Gospel

Aims and Objective: 1. To promote unity, peace and welfare assistance among the members.

2. To re-awaken people’s interest and encourage the club’s participation in the welfare and improvement in the members.

3. To promote unity initiative, leadership and togetherness 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, Mataima 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, Mataima Abuja Within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE WONDERFUL VOICE OF JESUS MINISTRY

SHADADI COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Board of Trustees (1). PASTOR JEGEDE TAIWO TOPE (2). JEGEDE IBUKUN (3). MRS ITIOLA LYDIA YETUNDE (4). JEGEDE KOLA.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1. MR. LUQMAN LIADI - CHAIRMAN, 2. MR. FASHORO PATRICK - SECRETARY, 3. MRS RAZAQ FATAI - VICE CHAIRMAN, 4. ALH. YACHI MOHAMMED - FINANCIAL SECRETARY, 5. MR. OKORO AUSTEEN - ASST GENERAL SECRETARY, 6. MRS ADEGOKE WUMI TREASURER, 7. MAL. IDRIS ABDULKAREEM -P. R. O.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES (1). TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Aims and objectives To support community development.

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

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

REMOVAL OF THREE (3) DECEASED TRUSTEES, APPOINTMENT OF NINE (9) TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION OF SAMUEL SPIRITUAL MISSION, NIGERIA - CAC/IT/NO. 322 The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Removal of old Trustees, Appointment of New Trustees and Amendment of the Constitution, under Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 THE DECEASED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MATTHEW UDO OBONG 2. MATTHEW UFOT 3. ABEL AKPAN UKANG THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HIGH PRIEST BENJAMIN SAMUEL AKPABIO 2. APOSTLE ELIJAH OKON ASUQUO 3. APOSTLE OKON UMOH OYO 4. REV. ANIEKAN EFFIONG INYANG 5. REV. CHINWE ROOSEVELT NWANGUMA 6. PRIEST EMMANUEL JOHN MOSES 7. PRIEST ANTHONY ARCHIBONG UKPONG 8. REV. UBONG ENOCH UFOT 9. PRIEST SAMUEL KOKOETTE BENJAMIN REASON FOR REMOVAL/APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES: 1) The former Trustees are deceased, new trustees were appointed for the smooth running of the Church.

2) Also the signatories were changed.

AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION: The entire constitution was amended as a result of increase in the number of Trustees (Board of Trustees) and to comply with the new C.A.C. standard.

Any objection to the Re-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 Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: UDEME UMANAH, ESQ.

SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES.

SIGNED.. SECRETARY

REDEEMED BLOOD OF LIFE MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Board of Trustees (1). OYENIYI JOHN ADELERE (2). OYENIYI ESTHER FOLUKE (3). APANJOLOSUN PAUL OMOBOLAJI.

MOUNTAIN OF TESTIMONY AND BREAKTHROUGH MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 1. ABANIKANNDA - ALEX OLUGBENGA. 2. ABANIKANNDA - CAROLINE MORADEKE. 3. ABANIKANNDA - JAMES OLAWALE. 4. ABANIKANNDA YEWANDE KEHINDE. 5. ABANIKANNDA - YETUNDE TAIWO.

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 from the date of this publication.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of lord Jesus christ.

2. To heal the sick through the power in the name of Jesus christ.

3. To set the captive free through the preaching of the word of God. 4. To deliver the oppressed and all those that are under the bondage of the devil through the power of holy spirit.

5. To make heaven and to take as many people as possible with us .

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: (1). TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

EGBEGOLU JAMES CHIMAOBI I, formerly known and addressed as EGBEGOLU JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as EGBEGOLU JAMES CHIMAOBI. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

AJAERE JOHN-STANLY FRANCIS

I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN FRANCIS STANLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as AJAERE JOHN-STANLY FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

DAUDA ISAAC JOSEPH

EKWE VICTORIA ERINMA

UGWU CHISOM DEBORAH

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ORJI LINDA ERINMA,now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKWE VICTORIA ERINMA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

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

AGBMABINU OLUWASEGUN DANIEL

CONFIRMATION OF NAME In some of my documents my name was written as OLAMIDE AMUSA LATEEF while in some other documents it was written as AMUSA OLAMIDE OLAOLUWA.I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGBOMABINU SEGUN D. now wish to be known and addressed as AGBMABINU OLUWASEGUN DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ELUEME FRANCES ADAOBI

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

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ELUMS CHRISTIANA ADAOBI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ELUEME FRANCES ADAOBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

NWANKWO JOHN

JACOB VICTOR LAR

I, formerly known as DOMINIC JAMES JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as JACOB DUNRET VICTOR, now wish to be known and addressed as JACOB VICTOR LAR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

JIMOH FATIMOH TEMITOPE I, formerly known and addressed as JIMOH FATIMOH ASHABI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JIMOH FATIMOH TEMITOPE. That my date of birth is 16/MARCH/1991. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

RICHARD NICHOLAS CHIBUNDU

I, formerly known as UDEMBA NDUBUISI NICHOLAS, now wish to be known and addressed as RICHARD NICHOLAS CHIBUNDU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

UGWUANYI UGOCHUKWU ALEX I, formerly known and addressed as CHIKA ALEX UGOCHUKWU IDOGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUANYI UGOCHUKWU ALEX. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

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

NWOKWOR OGBOZOR

ANINWOBODO EBERE MARGRET

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

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EWO EBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANINWOBODO EBERE MARGRET. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

HOPE DICK N. OSARO

AKINYEMI SEUN FEMI

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. HOPE CHIOMA DIELE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. HOPE DICK N. OSARO CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, AKINYEMI SEUN AJANI , now wish to be known and addressed as AKINYEMI SEUN FEMI. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK and The General public should take note.

KPAKPA CYPRIAN BEATE

TITUS IMEZE

ISHORO UYOYOU JULIANA CELESTINE

I, formerly known, called and addressed as, KPAKPA CHARLES BEATE , Now wish to be known, Called and addressed as, KPAKPA CYPRIAN BEATE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known, Called and addressed as, TAIWO IMEZE, now wish to be known, Called and addressed as, TITUS IMEZE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ISHORO UYOYOU JULIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ISHORO UYOYOU JULIANA CELESTINE . All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note .

SALAWU RAFIYAT OPEYEMI

AJAGBE AYANWALE OLUWASEUN

I, OGOKE MICHAEL MMADUABUCHI wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as OSOKE MICHAEL MMADUABUCHI, in my BVN and OGOKE MICHAEL in my Union Bank, Diamond Bank and Unity bank Account.

My correct name and complete name is OGOKE MICHAEL MMADUABUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

KENNETH ALI DOGO

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

I formerly known as SALAUDEEN ROFIAT OPEYEMI now wish to be known, called and addressed as SALAWU RAFIYAT OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

OKAFOR, JACINTA NWANNEKA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKOYE, JACINTA NWANNEKA (MISS) NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKAFOR, JACINTA NWANNEKA (MRS). ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as GLORY NDIDI ULU, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORY NDIDI AMAKA CHUKWURAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

GLORY NDIDI AMAKA CHUKWURAH

I formerly known as AJAGBE AYANWALE GODWIN now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJAGBE AYANWALE OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SPARTAN UDEME EFFIONG I, formerly known and addressed as SPARTAN EFFIONG AKPANADIAHA, now wish to be known and addressed as SPARTAN UDEME EFFIONG. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

JOSEPH YANA

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.

OLOJEDE DAUDA OPEYEMI.

OBUMNEME ERNEST ONYEACHONAM

Formerly known and addressed as ERNEST ONYE NONYE, now wish to be known and addressed as OBUMNEME ERNEST ONYEACHONAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AMAKA FIDELIS OKONKWO

Formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ DAUDA OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OLOJEDE DAUDA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMAKA: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. AMAKA OSAKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS. AMAKA FIDELIS OKONKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODELE ADEBAMINJO JOHN.

ANJORIN OLANREWAJU.

I, formerly known and addressed as AYORINDE SOLOMON JOSHUA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODELE ADEBAMINJO JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLORUNNIMBE LARINDE SHERIFAT MOPELOLA

Formerly known and addressed as OLORUNNIMBE SHERIFAT MOPELOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLORUNNIMBE LARINDE SHERIFAT MOPELOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARGARET ASEKOMEH.

Formerly known and addressed as AGBOYI DIKO MARGARET AGBEABE, now wish to be known and addressed as MARGARET ASEKOMEH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PEACE EKAETTE AIYEDOGBON

PEACE: Formerly known and addressed as Peace Celestine Jacob now wish to be known and addressed as Peace Ekaette Aiyedogbon. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANJORIN LUKMON ISHOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ANJORIN OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEFOLAKE TINUKE OSHIBAJO

Formerly known and addressed as ADEFOLAKE TINUKE OWUYE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEFOLAKE TINUKE OSHIBAJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHUKWUMA UTULOR NWANKWO

Formerly known and addressed as UTULOR CHUKWUMA NWANKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUMA UTULOR NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEDOYIN MODINAT ABIODUN

Formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN ABIODUN MODINAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDOYIN MODINAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that, OKORIE JOHNSON NNAMDI, OKORIE NNAMDI and JOHNSON NNAMDI, refer to one and same person. I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing names are valid. Banks and general public to take note.

COLUMBUS OBIAGERI HAPINESS.

ALARO BASHIR AKANBI

Formerly known and addressed as ALARO BASHIR JIMOH, now wish to be known and addressed as ALARO BASHIR AKANBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IDONI OZIOMA ANULI

I, formerly known and addressed as ONWOCHEI OZIOMA ANULI, now wish to be known and addressed as IDONI OZIOMA ANULI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NNADOZIE UGOCHI JENNIFER.

BONIFACE NKIRUKA PERPETUAL

I, formerly known and addressed as ODIKETA UGOCHI JENNIFER, now wish to be known and addressed as NNADOZIE UGOCHI JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKORO NKIRUKA PERPETUAL, now wish to be known and addressed as BONIFACE NKIRUKA PERPETUAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ISRAEL KELECHI NWAKORO

JIMBA BUNMI BLESSING.

Formerly known and addressed as FACUS OMOBOLANLE OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI OMOBOLANLE OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ISRAEL KELECHUKWU ONYEDIKACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ISRAEL KELECHI NWAKORO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BELLO BLESSING BUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as JIMBA BUNMI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EGEDE VICTORIA IFEYINWA. .Formerly known and addressed as EGEDE VICTORIA NWAKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as EGEDE VICTORIA IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MOSES MACAULAY

ADEBAYO OJO BLESSING. Formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO BLESSING LEKAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO OJO BLESSING. My date of birth was wrongly written as oct 4th 1980 instead of oct 4th 1979. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OLUKOYE OLATUNJI, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUKOYE OLATUNJI OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKUNNE MOSES EDIGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES MACAULAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ELIZABETH OLUWATOYIN SODEHINDE.

BLEWUSSI JAMES

OCHE DOUGLAS MARK.

ELIZABETH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Oluwatoyin David, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Sodehinde. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

KOKO: Formerly known and addressed as KOKO KNAGIN SALLA now wish to be known and addressed as BLEWUSSI JAMES. My correct date of birth is 20/04/1992. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OCHE: Formerly known and addressed as OCHE OCHAYI MARK now wish to be known and addressed as OCHE DOUGLAS MARK. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHIKE AGHAUNOR LILLIAN C

Formerly known and addressed as AGHAUNOR LILLIAN C., now wish to be known and addressed as CHIKE AGHAUNOR LILLIAN C. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLASOJI ANUOLUWAPO ESTHER

Formerly known and addressed as MISS SHOSANYA ANUOLUWAPO ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLASOJI ANUOLUWAPO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADESHIPE ADEBUKOLA FUNMI

EKUNDAYO KEMI DEBORAH.

OLAOLUWA BUKOLA BOSEDE REBBECCA

Formerly known and addressed as OLAITAN KEMI DEBORAH, now wish to be known and addressed as EKUNDAYO KEMI DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BADA BUKOLA BOSEDE REBBECCA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAOLUWA BUKOLA BOSEDE REBBECCA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TITILAYO OLUFUNMI

MOHAMMED FATIMO BOLANLE.

Formerly known and addressed as HAMIDU KALAKALA FATIMO BOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED FATIMO BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MOJEED SHAMUSIDEEN AMOO

Formerly known and addressed as JEJENIWA ADEBUKOLA FUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESHIPE ADEBUKOLA FUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. TITILAYO OLUFUNMI OLAWOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS. TITILAYO OLUFUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUKOYE OLATUNJI OMOTAYO

TIJANI OMOBOLANLE OLUWAKEMI

Formerly known and addressed as SHAMSINDEEN MOJEED, now wish to be known and addressed as MOJEED SHAMUSIDEEN AMOO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BRAIMAH ABUDURAMANNU.

MUDASIRU MUINAT OLAMIDE.

MILLERAND DESTINY IFUNAYA.

Formerly known and addressed as OBI DESTINY IFUNAYA, now wish to be known and addressed as MILLERAND DESTINY IFUNAYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. AGBARAKWE OBIAGELI HAPPINESS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. COLUMBUS OBIAGERI HAPINESS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BRAIMAH PETER, now wish to be known and addressed as BRAIMAH ABUDURAMANNU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ADIO MUINAT OLAMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MUDASIRU MUINAT OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OSAYANDE OLUWAYEMISI ADEDAYO

Formerly known and addressed as AKEREDOLU OLUWAYEMISI ADEDAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as OSAYANDE OLUWAYEMISI ADEDAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OROPO FATIMO WUNMI

Formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ FATIMO OYEWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OROPO FATIMO WUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARY IMEH OKANLAWON

I formerly known as MARY IMEH IKANNAH wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. MARY IMEH OKANLAWON .All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

BRIGHT GRACE UGOCHI.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWENI GRACE UGOCHI ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BRIGHT GRACE UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UMAR JEMILAT

Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM JENNIFE SANWA, now wish to be known and addressed as UMAR JEMILAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EZENWA OGOCHUKWU ROSE UDEOGARANYA: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. UDEOGARANYA Ogochukwu Rose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. EZENWA Ogochukwu Rose. All former documents still remain valid .The general public and authorities concerned should please take note.

OKAFOR RUTH CHIMA

Formerly known and addressed as INNOCENT RUTH CHIMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR RUTH CHIMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note ONUOHA NWAEZE OKEPE

Formerly known and addressed as ONUOHA NWAEZE PRINCE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONUOHA NWAEZE OKEPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JUSTICE TOCHUKWU IBEH

I formerly known as JUSTICE UNAEGBU IBEH , JUSTICE TOCHUKWU UNAEGBU wish to be known and addressed as JUSTICE TOCHUKWU IBEH. All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

Our company, DE - PLATINUM CARGO LTD, situate at 14, Seinde Calisto Crescent, Charity Bus stop, formerly known as MOON WAVES CARGO LTD has hereby indicated intention to Auction all demurrage consignment which are long overdue within 14 days commencing from this date of publication of which the company shall not be liable to any customer.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

SIGNED: DE - PLATINUM CARGO LTD MANAGEMENT (Under the soliciting firm of Standard Practice Legal Practitioner, 22, Igbo-Elerin Road, Okokomaiko, Lagos)

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

23

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Emulate the Prophet, Ahmed charges Muslims

Lagos NMA crisis: Association suspends Omojowolo’s led faction

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

Lara Adejoro

ÏÏÏThe

ÏÏÏ The Dr. Olubunmi Omojowolo-led

Kwara state governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Maolud Nabbiy.

In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor called on Muslims to emulate the virtues of the holy prophet Muhammed which earned him the accolades of being an exemplary character to mankind.

“Prophet Muhammad signifies peace, love and humility which are essential ingredients for a harmonious and progressive society. As we celebrate this noble prophet of Allah, I call on all and sundry, regardless of religious persuasions, to show love to one another and be ambassadors of peace and care for all,” the governor said.

Governor Ahmed, while wishing the Muslims a happy celebration and more divine blessing, renewed his commitment to deliver more dividends of democracy through infrastructural development.

“I thank all religious leaders, clerics and religious associations for their supports and prayers for this administration and promise that the worst is over of the state despite the current instability in the country’s economy,” the governor said.

faction of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos state, has been suspended indefinitely by the national body of the association.

The decision was made known in a communique issued at the end of the National Executive Council meeting of the association held in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital between December 9 and 10, 2016.

“In accordance with its constitutional provisions, NEC resolved to indefinitely suspend forthwith the following members of the association namely: Dr. Olubunmi Omojowolo, Dr Alabi Babatunde Musbau , Dr. Sekumade Adebayo, Dr. Onasanya Olade Abeni, Dr. Uwajeh Kenneth, Dr. Abiloye Kemi, Dr. Ayodeji Olaniyi and Dr. Balogun Babatunde,” the

communique read in part.

The National Executive Council also resolved that Dr. Tope Ojo (immediate past chairman of Lagos state/zone of the NMA), should be recommended to the NMA National Disciplinary Committee.

The communique was signed by the President and the Secretary General of the association, Dr. Mike Ogirima and Dr. Yusuf Sununu respectively.

Recall that in July 2016, the Lagos chapter of the NMA held its election, which produced two different executives, with each faction claiming the leadership of the body.

The two elections, which held separately at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), produced Dr. Olubunmi Omojowolo and Dr. Odusote Olumuyiwa as chairmen re-

spectively.

Dr. Omojowolo, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, said the decision of the national body of the NMA cannot stand as the case is in the court.

His words: “That decision cannot stand anywhere. The case is in the court and we will give appropriate response.

The court has said that I am the chairman and they (the NMA) can’t take any decision on that because the case is still in the court.”

However, the NEC of the association also authorised the president and any other aggrieve member to seek redress with the disciplinary committee who should look urgently into cases of professional misconducts that are very rampant in the profession in accordance with the code of medical ethics.

Representative of the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sunmoni (left), presents Best Female in Business/ Management Award to Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Shade Okoya, during the W’FM 91.7 VOW conference and award night in Lagos… on Sunday night.

Lagos to build five new arts theatres in 2017 Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday unveiled plans by his administration to build five new arts theatres across the state as part of efforts to engage the youths and promote tourism through arts and entertainment.

The governor, who spoke at a stage play titled ‘Heartbeat The Musical…

A New Beginning’ held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, and directed

by Olu Jacobs and Joke Silver, said the theatres would be up and running before the end of 2017.

Speaking shortly after the stage play, Governor Ambode said he was thoroughly impressed by the production of the play, saying it was a confirmation that Lagos is not only the destination for arts, culture and entertainment, but has youths ready to showcase their talents.

He said, “I never believed I could sit down for two hours, I thought I would just pop in briefly and then leave, but this is awesome and fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mere fact that I believe strongly in arts, entertainment and sports, everything that is arts, like I said, before the end of next year, we are going to have five new theatres in Lagos.

“We are already engaging the Terra Kulture and we are speaking to another consultant and the truth is that we want to have the theatres in Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho and on the mainland. We already have one in Victoria Island. This is where the energy of Lagos is and that is where we should go.

“It’s not so much about physical infrastructure, but 67 per cent of the Lagos population is below the age of 35, so we need to start finding things to keep the younger ones more creative and then open the space for them to be able to just show their talents.”

Aregbesola urges media to assist in economic recovery Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ The governor of Osun state, Og-

beni Rauf Aregbesola, has challenged the media to use their platforms to educate Nigerians on the implications of the economic situations in the country.

Aregbesola specifically said radio broadcasters have great roles to play in ensuring the understanding of all and sundry.

He said this can be done by promoting the peace of the society and discouraging hate messages that could also negatively affect communal peace and stability.

The governor stated these at the official commissioning of Oodua FM, established by a former member of the House of Representatives and an

actor, Hon Rotimi Makinde, in Ile-Ife Sunday evening.

Lamenting the depleting state of the nation’s economy, Aregbesola challenged media practitioners to design programmes that would quicken the recovery of the nation’s values and socio-economic and democratic loses.

He said “the media should endeavor to sensitize the public on the current economic predicaments through educative and informative programmes capable of orientating the general public on the need to be productive and take their minds away from crude oil revenues that have crashed.”

Aregbesola said radio stations must at this time of hardship do all they could to support the government’s efforts in promoting innovative and technology-based ideas to move the

nation forward.

He said: “My advise for the owner and the entire management of this station is to use the medium wisely to promote peaceful coexistence among the people in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

“Please do not politicise your activities at this radio station. Let this establishment be for the promotion of the highest values and ethos of Yoruba people.

“Strive to let this station be for the promotion of peace, harmony, love and affection among Nigerians especially Yoruba people.

“Shun any divisive tendency and use this station for educational purpose. Use it to promote our culture and balanced entertainment.

“Also, use this station to promote

industry, productivity and efficiency as these, will go a long way in rescuing our society from the current recession we are all in.”

Commending the owner of Oodua FM, Aregbesola called on the management of the station to always avoid progammes that would make the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction it.

“The management is further urged to stick to the government’s efforts at advancing innovative, technological and inventive knowledge that have been the hallmarks of our government”, he stressed.

Earlier in his welcome address, the owner, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, said the station would promote unity, love, peace and harmony of Nigerian people.

Aregbesola

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Minister hails Channels TV at 21

1Ə Ƒƍ Ə ƈ Ɔ ƅ ƅƆƏ ƒƆƏ ƇƏƆƎƑƆ Ɛ Ə ƍƆè ÏÏÏ The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ƒƈ ƋƆ ƅƆ ƈ Ɛ has congratulated Channels Television on its 21st Anniversary, saying Ɠ ƌƆ è ƈƏƋ the station has distinguished itself in Nosa Akensua, Asaba

ÏÏÏA coalition group, “the civil

Society Action Coalition on Education for All” (CSACEFA), Delta State Chapter, has raised concern over the alleged frequent rape and violence against Women/Girls across the state.

While alleging 261 rape/violence cases against women/girls in the past eight months, the group state secretary, Mrs. Augusta Keneboh however sought effective media collaboration and support in the hue and cry of violence and what she described as absurdity against women/girls hitherto.

Noting that the growing tread of kidnap and other forms of child abuses in the school and home fronts have culminated in the hampered access of women/ girls to quality education and safety, Mrs. Augusta Keneboh told journalists yesterday in Asaba that the media should create space and time for wider stakeholders’ engagement on female gender rights by increasing information sharing and co-operation in areas of news coverage, relating to educational activities of the coalition, as well as the sharing of data base statistics of trailed, prosecuted cases of violence against women/ girls, with details of compensation measured to the victims or survivors of such violence.

Her words: “We have recorded 261 cases of alleged rape, violence against women/girls in the past 8 months, and we want the media to collaborate with us on the threshold of kidnap against the absurdity, it is wrong to rape and violence against women”.

its short existence.

In his goodwill message at a gala night held in Lagos on Sunday to mark the anniversary, the Minister said no accolade is too much to describe Channels on the occasion of its 21st anniversary.

“I have no doubt that for Channels Television, the future is even brighter.

“I say the future is brighter because this Administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria successfully transits from Analogue to Digital Television will bring immense benefits, not only to Channels Television but indeed to all TV stations in the country,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said with successful Digitization in 2017, at least

one million jobs will be create in the next three years through the manufacturing of Set Top Boxes that will be required for each of the television sets in the country that currently boasts of 24 million Television households.

“These jobs will come from TV Production. Digitization will make it possible to have at least 180 state channels, 30 regional channels and at least 10 National channels, catering for local music, news, film, children programming and sports. The need for content to feed these stations will translate to huge number of jobs.

“The jobs we are talking about will come from Film Production. From VHS tapes to VCD and DVD, Nollywood will next move to Push and Subscription Video On Demand on the STB and online, bringing piracy to the lowest ever, making distribution cheaper and easier and putting much more money into the hands of

film producers, who will create more films of better quality, ultimately surpassing 2000 movies a year. The number of writers, lightning and sound technicians, cameramen, editors, actresses, actors, insurance costume will simply blow up,” he said.

The Minister said other advantages of digital broadcasting include savings in cost of infrastructure; improved coverage quality, better picture and sound quality, introduction of mobile broadcasting, instead of just delivering television services to fixed receivers, provision of value-added services, Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) and better utilization of frequencies.

“I have no doubt that Channels Television, a multi-award winning trailblazer, will leverage heavily on the goodies of digitization to leapfrog to the stratosphere of Television and beyond - in the years ahead,” he added.

R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè dƆ ê 9ƄƈƊƑ ƋƆ ƌ Ƒ æƢƏƗ ƋƆƇƐçì ƅ ƈƆƇ ƉƑƗ Ɔ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƆè CƑ ƐƈƅƆ RƋ Ɛ ƊƑ Ƅ RƋ ƍ ƗƆ æƏƈ Ɛç ƇƐƆƏ Ɛ Ɔ ƓƆ Əƈ ƈ Ƈ LƏê C RƋ Ɛ ƊƑ Ƅ æƾ Ɨ ƋƆƇƐçì LƏ ê Ƅƈ ƗƑ ƗƆ Ƌ d Ƅ ƕ Ɨ LƏ ê & ƈ Ƌ ƗƆƉ ƏƆ 0 Ƅ ƌƓ ƆƓ ƉƑƗ Ɔ ƈ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ CƑƗƈƅƈ Əƕ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ &ƔƆƅƑƐƈƒƆ Ƒ ƅƈƋ ƌƄƆƏè RƊƆéL è ƄƆ ƊƑƐ è R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆČ ƏƆƅƆ ƐƋƕê

Onitsha NBA faults arrest, arraignment of judges Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏThe arrest of

Nigerian judges at midnight for alleged corruption by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and subsequent arraignment of some of the judges by the Federal Government came under the scrutiny of legal practitioners at the annual Bar week of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Onitsha branch.

Ike Akariwe, a former national vice- chairman of the NBA, who was the guest lecturer set the ball rolling when he condemned the manner of the arrest of Judges by the DSS, whose statutory function was not to fight corruption but to ensure the security of the country.

Akariwe said a more civilized way should have been used to arrest the

Judges by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) by inviting them through the body assigned with the function of disciplining of Judicial officers in Nigeria, National Judicial Council (NJC).

He contended that while there is corruption in the judiciary, it was insignificant when compared with what was obtained in the other two arms of government; the Executive and the Legislature.

In his contribution to the lecture a senior member of the Onitsha Bar, Chief Ikenna Egbuna, said corruption in the Bar was one percent of the entire corruption of other arms of government.

He decried the manner of the arrest of the Judge in unholy hours of the night by masked people who identified

themselves as DSS operatives clutching riffles with which they appointed their victims and asked them to sign that so much money was collected from their houses, saying that no sane person will resist to sign under the circumstances for the safety of his or her life.

Egbuna said in Nigeria law, it was not the duty of DSS to fight corruption not to talk of going to arrest Judges in the midnight, saying that the constitution created the NJC to regulate the activities of judicial officers and from all available evidence they were doing the job.

He said most of the Judges arrested and now being tried were victims of politics, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) were not happy that the Judges at the Supreme Court

did not give them governorship elections petition cases especially that of Rivers State.

The legal practitioner also frowned at what he called media trial by the DSS and Federal Government, saying that when they briefed the media about the whopping sum of the money found in Judge’s residences, the media celebrated the report without crosschecking if the claim was true or not and a lot of people tend to believe the reports.

Others who spoke toed similar line, querying why an Army officer commits an offence he or she is court-martialed but unfortunately, the Judges with all the express constitutional provisions were searched and arrested in the dead of the night without search warrant.

25 News zƆ ƓƈƋƋ ƅ ƆƅƊƌ ƐƆ ƍƈƍƆƋƈ Ɔ ƒ Ɨ Ƌ è ƒ Ɠ 6Rdj RL Isaac Olamikan, z ƏƏƈ

ÏÏÏ

Comrade Agadia Samuel, Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) Delta State chapter, has asserted that the youts of the Niger Delta region are now set to challenge the activities of oil pipeline vandals.

He told Daily Times in an exclusive interview in Warri that the time to stop the evil associated with destruction of oil pipelines which tantamount to economic sabotage in the country is now and that he and other concerned youths of the region are getting set to spearhead the campaign via a million man march hour that would be held around major towns, villages and locations of Delta State.

According to him, “the idea of the march is to sensitise all and sundry that vandalisation of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region would ultimately serve no one any good. The local folks would have their means of feeding and livelihood disrupted n the course of such vandalism. Not only that, the majority of the inhabitants’ health would be affected by the pollution which the vandallsm would lead to.

“One thing that we will achieve with the march s that the message will be crisp, clear and well spread.

If a vandal refuse to be repentant and team up with us to preach the message his siblings and even parents would be part of the enlightenment programme.

“It is high time we take the path of peace and ensure that generations yet unborn will not blame us for negligence or show of lack of concern for the need for a peaceful, crisis free Niger Delta.”

Comrade Agadia emphasized that the major setback for the actualization of the project is lack of sponsors.

“Once we have the necessary financial support we will role out the drums for the march and let the world truth about the incessant crisis that has continually reared its ugly head in the oil rich Niger Delta region.

The youth activist gave the thumbs up to President Muhammadu Buhari for giving a listening ear to the cries of marginalization by the Niger Delta region.

“We use this opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for given the HOSTCOM and indeed the people of the Niger Delta region a listening ear. We have never had it so good. This is the first time that the HOSTCOM will bbe recognized by the Federal Government. The heght of iit will be the endorsement he will give to our agitation to be awarded pipeline surveillance contract n our communities.”

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Times Law

s

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

A pedophile deserved no less than to be kept out of circulation for a while, so that his pedophile instinct may cool off. He is of dangerous specie and of low moral pedigree.

-- Muntaka Coomassie, JSC, in Adonikev.State (2015 1 S.C. 42

EDITOR: Ibe Uwaleke, 08033151041, ibeuwaleke 2012@yahoo.com

Stop amendment of CCB, CCT Act, Adesokan tells Senate INTERVIEW Wale Adesokan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), graduated from the faculty of law of the University of Lagos in 1986 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on October 1987. In this interview with PETER FOWOYO, he speaks on alleged corruption in the judiciary, amendment of the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act and other sundry issues.

How independent is the Nigerian judiciary?

Well, the Nigerian judiciary is substantially independent. However, we still have issues in the area of control of its fund, appointment of judicial officers and so on. I think the powers of the president in this regard needs to be whittled down. It is important for us to have more participation and stronger force of Nigerian lawyers as to who replaces Justices at any level of our superior courts.

What is your take on the amendment of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Act by the National Assembly amidst the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki?

I have not seen the amendment but the fact is that it is ill-timed because it is coming at a time when the Senate President is facing trial. This is a wrong time to do the amendment, no matter how good their intentions. Legislators are supposed to make laws while the enforcement is the work of the executive and the judiciary. So, any attempt by the legislature to put the implementation of the law within their purview is wrong.

You see, this is the first time that we are having a major engagement of the Code of Conduct law. So we should allow it a little time to run and watch it for some years. This is not the time to carry out any amendment. I think it’s a bit premature for the National Assembly to amend the CCT and CCB Acts now. The engagement of the law under this regime is not up to a year, so what is the haste in amending it?

How best do you think lawyers can help in the fight against corruption?

First, lawyers must adhere strictly to the ethics of the legal profession.

The Nigerian Bar Association has a lot of work to do by ensuring that all lawyers abide by all professional ethics. We have been hearing of so many cases of breach of professional ethics of late, and something urgent has to be done.

The NBA will only wait for somebody to report or write a petition against a lawyer before it investigates and charges the erring lawyer before the disciplin-

Adesokan (SAN)

ary committee. That is far too little. The NBA must have a mechanism for the continuous monitoring of the practices of lawyers on a regular basis. It’s just like the National Judicial Council monitoring the activities of judges. The NBA must move beyond waiting till the time a petition is written before taking action. It must be pro-active. I have people who have closed their offices in London owing to the strict monitoring of activities of lawyers over there. They expect lawyers to abide by their rules, policies and guidelines. There is no mechanism in place by which NBA monitors the conducts of lawyers. A lot need to be done in this regard. Structures that will ensure periodic monitoring of lawyers’ conducts and books of accounts should be put in place. All these things should be done on a continuous and systematic basis.

Do you agree with the assertion by the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed, that the Federal Government and state governors are to blame for corruption in the judiciary?

Well, if the former CJN’s assertion was due to inadequate funding of the judiciary, I doubt whether we will have a time when the arm of government will be well funded. Sadly at the moment, we are in a recession. But, I agree with the former CJN that a lot more could have been done for the judiciary. A situation in which the judiciary has to please either the executive or legislature before it can get its entitlements leaves very much to be desired. We all know that an

I have not seen the amendment but the fact is that it is ill-timed because it is coming at a time when the Senate President is facing trial. This is a wrong time to do the amendment, no matter how good their intentions. Legislators are supposed to make laws while the enforcement is the work of the executive and the judiciary. So, any attempt by the legislature to put the implementation of the law within their purview is wrong. You see, this is the first time that we are having a major engagement of the Code of Conduct law. institution in which rank and file are underfunded will surely be exposed to corrupt practices. But I don’t think underfunding is solely responsible for corruption in the judiciary.

Besides underfunding, what other factors would you say are responsible for corruption in the judiciary?

It is unfortunate that all eyes are now on the judiciary and the legal profession. Perhaps, rightly so because we are supposed to be the watchdog. But

the judiciary is operating within the context of a nation. The people in the judiciary are Nigerians. May be, we are expecting a bit of a higher standard, but by and large, the judiciary will surely reflect the Nigerians in it. If an overwhelming populace of Nigeria are corrupt, it would not be strange that we find cases of corruption here and there in the judiciary. When you are in the devil’s country, you are not likely to see too many angels. So, the impact of the society is bound to rub off on the judiciary. Regardless, I can say that the judiciary is not as bad as it is being portrayed in recent times. If you place the executive, legislature and judiciary side by side, the judiciary is still the best in terms of integrity. Judiciary is still the best of the three arms of government.

There are more cases of corruption in other arms of government than in the judiciary. Comparatively, the corruption cases involving the judiciary are so few when you compare it with what we see in the executive and legislature.

How do you feel when you hear of corruption at the apex level of the ju-

diciary? I mean when Supreme Court Justices are accused of being corrupt?

These are still allegations yet unproven. If and when it is proved, it would be a sad day for the judiciary. At this stage, it is still an allegation.

Some of these judges that were suspended over alleged corrupt practices insinuate they have been presumed guilty already. What is your take on this?

The training I had is that I should never condemn anyone until I hear his or her own side of the story. No one can be found guilty of a crime until he has been tried in the court of law. Allegation can come from anywhere and inasmuch as it has not been proven, it still remains an allegation and the person still remains innocent. These judges are still innocent. Let them have their day in an impartial and properly constituted court. It is only when they are found guilty that we can be saying other things.

What do you make of the allegation by some of these judges that their travails are sequel to their refusal to do the bidding of some serving ministers?

For me, I don’t like commenting on newspaper reports. I depend so much on court records. Four journalists enter a court room to cover proceedings in a matter, but when they are writing their reports, it will be from different angles.

So, I am not usually carried away by newspaper reports about court cases.

But copies of the letters written by these judges to the former CJN are already in public domain. Are you saying these judges are not the authors of these letters?

Allegations, counter allegations, accusations and counter accusations. Let the court decide the matter and come up with a position on the whole issue.

What is your take on a new policy by the National Judicial Council aimed at stopping media report on petitions against judges?

It is not fair to be having media reports about an issue under investigation, it puts the whole process in jeopardy. At the time when a matter is being investigated, you need much secrecy

Legal JOKE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

GUESS WHO A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged, balding man standing at the counter methodically placing “Love” stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying scent all over them.

His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the balding man and asks him what he is doing. The man says “I’m sending out 1,000 Valentine cards signed, ‘Guess who?’”

“But why?” asks the man.

“I’m a divorce lawyer,” the man replies.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Man arraigned for biting, beating wife Stories by Titilope Joseph A 43-year old man, Ifeanyi Anuma has been charged before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly beating and biting his wife, inflicting on her bodily injury.

In the suit No: MIK/B/275/2016 filed before Magistrate B.O. Osusanmi, Mrs. Chinyere Anuma informed the court that on November 24, 2016, the husband Anuma had demanded for his phone charger and while she was giving it to him, he also grabbed her Samsung Galaxy valued at N200,000.

Chinyere said while she was trying to stop him from taking the phone, he started beating her.

“When the beating became too much, I held his manhood and he bit me in the cheek and right hand,” she said.

Anuma further told the court that the husband does not sleep with her and does not sleep at home and equally beats her regularly in the presence of their children.

The state Prosecutor, inspector Simon Imhonwa further informed the court that investigations revealed that, the husband and wife who reside at Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos live like cat and dog at home due to the kind of friends the wife keeps.

Ifeanyi Anuma however pleaded not guilty to a count charge of assault preferred against him by the police.

Bizwoman docked for allegedly charming daughter’s friend A 62-year-old businesswoman, Sanusi Adewumi, has been docked before a Lagos Magistrate Court, Ikeja for allegedly charming her daughter’s friend by giving her a substance to drink.

The accused, who resides at No. 15, Balogun Street, Oshodi, Lagos, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Alexandre Komolafe, on a two count charge of conspiracy and trial by ordeal.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Joseph Ajebe, the accused committed the offence with one Alfa Osa, (a Muslim Cleric) still at large in Nov. 19 at about 7.45p.m at shop 5 Ariyibi, Oke- Oshodi, Lagos State.

The accused claimed that the complainant one Mbanude Ogochukwu had stolen her daughter’s laptop from her shop when he came on a visit.

Ajebe further alleged that the accused consulted the Muslim cleric who made some incantations inside the water and forced Ogochukwu to drink it.

He further informed the court that Ogochukwu ran mad immediately after taking the substance.

Presidential aide presents book on progressives today The Special Assistant to the President on Research and Special Projects, Mr. Sylvester Imhanobe will formally present his much awaited book, Long Walk of the Progressives in Nigeria: Political Cases in Perspective to the public today.

In a press statement issued in

Abuja, chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Comrade Salihu Othman Isah disclosed that the 961 page book dedicated to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is billed for presentation at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in the Federal Capital Territory by

11am-2pm.

Isah, who is the Special Adviser to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN said the immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will chair the occasion.

According to the LOC chairman,

L-R: NBA president, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), General Secretary NBA, Isiaka Olagunju, Chairman Lagos Branch of NBA, Martins Ogunleye at the human right day event in Lagos over the weekend.

Two persons involved in a N1.4billion Bank of Industry fraud, Enoche Ugbabe and Enebeli Theophilus has challenged the veracity of the charge brought against them before a Lagos High Court, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The two defendants, along with the Chief Executive Officer of Mobitel, Mr Johnson Salako were charged before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye by the EFCC for allegedly defrauding the Bank of Industry of N1.434bn.

The alleged charge against the duo held that they stole the sum of N1, 424, 774, 000 property of Bank of Industry (BOI) by falsely representing to the bank that the facility was meant to finance a project.

The commission also alleged that the defendants, forged a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of Lands Registry of Lagos State which they pledged as security to obtain the facility, an of-

27 Law the book is written to salute the victory of the APC in the 2015 general elections. With former Minister of Information and ex-National Chairman of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), Chief Tony Momoh writing its foreword, the book which comes in ten chapters analysed critical political cases in the nation’s history.

Among the political legal tussles it x-rayed are the presidential elections from the time of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) presidential flagbearer, Chief Obafemi Awolowo up to 2011 when then General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the CPC went up to the Supreme Court to upturn the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan.

With these as background, the author arrived at the conclusion that the judiciary since the pre-independence days has been unfair to the progressives in Nigeria.

Some of the dignitaries expected at the occasion include the Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi as keynote speaker; Imo state governor and Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha as book presenter and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as Special Guest of Honour while Malami will serve as Chief Host.

N1.4bn BOI fraud: Defendants challenge EFCC allegations fence contrary to Section 467 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State.

EFCC further alleged that, two title deeds were also alleged to have been forged and presented by the accused to the Bank of Industry to obtain the facility.

The commission has also declared, Salako who is the principal actor in the alleged crime wanted, due to the fact that he has never appeared before the trial court.

However, co-defendants, Enoche and Enebeli have challenged the appropriateness of the charge brought against them urging the court to strike out the charges against them.

While moving the application to

quash the charges against the defendants, their counsel, Prof. Tayo Oshipitan, told the court that the proof of evidence before the court does not disclose commission of any offense by his clients.

Prof Oshipitan argued that the allegations of stealing, conspiracy and forgery against his clients were frivolous as they never participated in obtaining the said N1.4bn loan nor took part in the spending of the money.

He further informed the court that the said N1.4bn loan was paid into Mobitel account and that his clients have no role in the administration of the company or the usage of the money.

Prof Oshipitan also urged the court to strike out the charges against his clients on the ground that EFCC lacks the power to prosecute an offence committed against the Federal Government before a state High Court.

EFCC Lawyer, Kayode however prayed the court to discountenance the argument of the defendants while he maintained that the commission has disclosed sufficient link between the defendants and the crime allegedly committed as required by the law.

Justice Ipaye, after listening to arguments from both parties, adjourned the matter to February 10, 2017 for ruling.

‘Stop amendment of CCB, CCT Act’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

and privacy. You can imagine an allegation against a lawyer or even a judge.

Allegations can be raised at anytime.

You see, all these things have a way of affecting those concerned, particularly, when it has been reported in the media.

So, to avoid situations in which people are unjustly accused, there should be a time when the investigating authorities can quietly do their work. In this clime, people are only interested in knowing allegations; most of the time, they are not interested in knowing the outcome and hardly do we get as much publicity

when it is finally resolved as it was reported when it broke. So, I will not like a situation in which matters being investigated are leaked to the public by the press. It is not good even for the system.

In situations like these, vital witnesses may disappear while data evidences may be compromised. So, I think the policy has a good foundation. The policy has a good reason because I see it more from the angle of protecting a process.

But we must all play our part. I appreciate the reason behind the policy. But if there is a petition against somebody who has allegedly committed a crime

and it gets leaked despite the best of intentions, the investigative agencies cannot be stopped from performing their jobs.

How best can NJC be reformed?

The NJC is doing very well regardless of recent events. But it can do better. How many times have you found legislators sanctioning themselves? Is it because they don’t commit crimes? Are they not Nigerians? Are they not our leaders? Is there a special law for them?

Look, like I said earlier, judiciary is far less corrupt than other arms of government. The NJC is a standing mecha-

nism of the judiciary. Can you please tell me the equivalent of the NJC in both the executive and the legislature?

On the contrary, they have been defending themselves. The other day we had allegations from the American Embassy concerning some House of Representative members, we all know how it was treated. But for the judiciary, the NJC is a standing mechanism and it is doing well. Of course, it can be improved upon and one of the improvements we are clamoring for is that lawyers should have greater voice in the decisions of the NJC.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tech Times

PIN unveils first digital rights report on Africa Page 30

Galaxy Backbone gets waiver on Right-ofWay from Enugu State Page 30

s

NCC provides insight on VAS, Interconnect … lauds IXPs Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has described the Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) as the focal point of the internet and, therefore, critical for the development of the internet in any country.

Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, said this in Lagos in a keynote speech at the recent Telecoms Executives and Regulatory Forum (TERF) 2016 edition. He added that the IXPs not only reduced the cost of internet traffic by keeping local traffic local, but more importantly, they enabled additional applications, which have a considerable multiplier effect on the economy.

According to him, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) saves the nation over N2 billion annually, which would have been paid out to international carriers in US dollars if this facility was not available in Nigeria.

IXPN Prof. Danbatta, represented by Engineer Ubale Maska, NCC executive commissioner (Technical Services), said that IXPN as an initiative of the Commission enables Internet Service providers, telcos, content providers and educational institutions to exchange Internet traffic locally within Nigeria.

“The NCC also provided the seed funding that set up IXPN as a not-for-profit organization with the key objective of improving the ICT ecosystem. The Nigerian IXP is now the second largest IXP in Africa, I’m sure we can be the first, based on the commissions’ initiative on local content and access to broadband for all.

“It also reduces the delays associated

with routing local traffic internationally; this drop in latency increases speed and better quality of service to end us-

Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman NCC ers. For every internet content hosted locally it saves us foreign exchange which would have been paid to foreign companies, this ensures that local data centres flourishes, hence creating more jobs and increase technical competency for our engineers.

“The IXPN has become a very critical national resource that has made it possible for Nigeria to host critical Internet resources such as the E-Root, F-Root and J-Root Domain Name Servers (DNS).

“These servers are the anycast instance of the 13 DNS root servers that resolve lookups for domain names all over the world and form a critical part of the global Internet infrastructure. It offers referrals to the name servers run by each Global Top Level Domain (gTLD) and Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD). Consequently, this translates to faster website download and better user experience to all networks in Nigeria,” the EVC maintained.

VAS & Interconnect While giving some regulatory insights into some of the topics discussed at the forum, he said the Commission’s approach to interconnect and VAS debts in the telecom industry is persuasive.

“The regulator is not interested in micro managing financial and relationships between, and among service providers, that have been substantially protected by subsisting commercial agreements.

“Interconnect debts have not been really a big issue in the industry except in cases of disputes. But there have been cases of interconnect fees disputes between service providers. In such cases, the regulator has intervened. In the past one year, such intervention has resulted in payments of about N10.5 billion from about reported N17 billion disputed interconnect debts. Agreements have also been reached for the settlement of outstanding debts.

“On the VAS segment, we believe that the absence of detailed regulation with appropriate market segmentation is responsible for interconnect disputes. We have received reports, especially from the VAS providers, of alleged exploitation by the big operators. On the other hand, the service providers have complained about the parasitic nature of this service. There is also a fusion of roles between the identified market segments, resulting in distortions in the market,” he said.

The commission has conducted a consultative process, Danbatta said, and is about concluding arrangements for introduction of a regulation to guide the activities of the VAS market. This will substantially address the issues arising from VAS interconnect debt.

Continue on page 31

WhatsApp, Viber, others erode gains of Nigeria’s telecom companies –Moolman

FG set to launch Information App, Thursday Page 31

The chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Ferdinand Moolman, has said that the activities of ‘over-the-top’ (OTT) services like WhatsApp, viber and others have adverse effects on the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Moolman stated this while making a presentation at a recent hearing convened by Senate Committee on Communications in Abuja.

The hearing chaired by Adeola Olamilekan, vice-chairman of the committee, was organised following the now suspended data tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

At the hearing, Moolman highlighted factors impacting Nigeria’s telecommu-

Moolman, CEO MTN Nigeria nications industry to include “the depletion of operator revenues by unlicensed providers of “over-the-top” telecoms ser-

vices who do not have any physical presence; nor pay any taxes; nor make any significant contribution to employment or other socio-economic objectives of government in Nigeria.”

He mentioned WhatsApp, Viber among others as the services that were eroding gains of Nigeria’s telecom companies and asked Nigeria to take action like the United Arab Emirates did.

He also lamented the inability of operators to access foreign exchange, stressing, “This is particularly debilitating given that most of our inputs are sourced off-shore.

This has very significantly increased both operating and capital expenses.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

29

Tech Times 30

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

PIN unveils first digital rights report on Africa Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) has just released the first edition of its Digital Rights in Africa report, titled “Choking The Pipe: How Governments Hurt Internet Freedom On A Continent That Needs More Access”, on the sidelines of the recent Internet Governance Forum in Guadalajara, Mexico.

This builds on PIN’s previous work that profiled, each year over the last two years, the status of digital rights in Nigeria, and features information about the status of digital rights in 30 African countries, including five countries in Central Africa (Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo and Gabon).

Others are in seven East African countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda); four countries in North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia); nine West African countries (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and five countries in Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

Mr Tomiwa Ilori, PIN’s Programme Assistant (ICT Policy), and a Digital Rights in Africa report team member, stated that, “The year 2016 has shaped up to be the year of Internet shutdowns in Africa, with numerous documented cases of shutdowns recorded across the continent. This is in addition to an increasing number of legislations and policies that violate digital rights; and arrests of numerous bloggers, journalists and citizens who exercised their right to freedom of opinion and expression online.

“A common trend for Internet shutdowns across the continent

has been government orders to private telecommunications and Internet companies to cut off citizens from the Internet, and this shows that private businesses – including global businesses working in countries where they respect citizen rights – still act, in many cases, at the behest of governments across Africa.”

On his part, Mr Babatunde Okunoye, another member of the PIN Digital Rights in Africa report team, stated: “2016, however, was not just about African governments’ actions to constrain Internet freedom. It was also very much about how citizens fought back and stood up to defend their rights. In response to the spate of Internet surveillance and shutdowns across the continent, citizens across African countries increasingly took up the use of circumvention tools and led efforts that challenged the action of their governments.

“Internet shutdowns and violations by the governments across Africa turned out to be the source of enduring power for African citizens to mobilize in order to defend their rights.

The evidence, from observing the incidents of Internet shutdowns and violations across the continent, suggests that governments got away with encroaching on rights only to the extent citizens allowed them to do so.”

Oluwaseun Ajayi, a Google Policy Fellow resident at PIN and member of the Digital Rights in Africa report team, said that: “This report, which focuses on the year 2016, recognizes the importance of citizen vigilance and lawful action against the constraining of Internet freedom across the continent and gives a brief account of the legislative and policy environment around Internet freedom, highlights incidents around breached Internet Free-

GBENGA SESAN

Executive director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria

dom, and provides information about the telecommunications space in Africa.”

She added, “The methodology employed in preparing this report involved desk research and a survey conducted among experts resident in the featured African countries. We hope that the report will spur action among an increasing number of active citizens, noting that we are responsible for upholding and defending human rights and dignity in cyberspace.”

According to PIN, the report is part of the organization’s work towards the creation of awareness about, and advocacy for, digital rights in Africa.

“As we create awareness on the threat to Internet freedom and provide information on what can be done to improve digital rights across African countries, PIN leads advocacy efforts for digital rights of citizens and other stakeholders; complete digital rights training for media, advocates and civil society organizations; host the annual Internet Freedom Forum where various stakeholders

discuss prevailing issues; and produce this annual report that highlights incidents and discusses digital rights challenges and opportunities across the continent,” Gbenga Sesan, PIN Executive Director, said.

Sesan also believes that “active citizens and civil society constrain the tendency of those who abuse positions of authority to perpetuate digital rights violations. Or, at least, the problem gets attention and forces either denial or in some cases, reversal of violations.

“With at least 10 countries imposing Internet or Internet application shutdowns, unfortunately, Africa was the hotbed for violations to digital rights. Africa is already behind on many development indices but the Internet presents perhaps a chance to bridge many of those gaps through the access it grants to life-changing information, communications, education, opportunities and its role in the development of the political space.

Those who constrain Internet freedoms should be seen as adversaries of development – something Africa needs in a hurry.”

Galaxy Backbone gets waiver on Right-of-Way from Enugu State Enugu State government has resolved to promote sustainable technological development through information and communication technology (ICT). Consequently, the administration has granted right of way (RoW) waivers to Galaxy Backbone to enable it deploy critical broadband infrastructure in the state.

The state governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented by Engr Greg Nnaji, the State’s commissioner for Science and Technology disclosed this at the recent TechDev Summit in Enugu.

Ugwuanyi emphasized the importance of TechDev Summit 2016 to the state, especially at this time when the country is in dire need of a broad-based development of the ICT infrastructure, adding that the government was ready to partner with techpreneurs who would strategically apply new technologies in growing the state’s economy.

“We also understand the full import of this summit where experts in ICT have converged, especially in view of its potentials for creating employment, a prospect that means keying into one of the aims of most of our programmes as a government.

“Today, Enugu is one of the fastest growing ICT states in the country, a feat achieved through propagation of her status as a host to various tertiary educational institutions.

“On our part as a state, we have continued to promote sustainable Technological Development through information and Communication Technology (ICT) by taking various steps in that direction.

For instance, there is this Galaxy Backbone which is providing a National Information & Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone to which our administration has granted a waiver for Right of Way and an accommodation/free lease agreement at No 29 Okpara Avenue, here in the state capital.

“It is on record that this administration has assigned the supervision of the project to Ministry of Science & Technology, Enugu. We have also successfully reactivated the Enugu State Friendship Emergency Call Centre short code 117.”

Internet access necessary to address poverty, climate change –UN Scribe

Access to information and communications technology has been termed as indispensible in the quest to addressing the challenges of poverty and climate change. enabling role in our efforts to fulfill Ban Ki-moon, outgoing UN Secrethe great promise of the 2030 Agentary-General, made this assertion in da for Sustainable Development. his message at the 11th session of the “They can deliver smart soluInternet Governance Forum in Jalistions to address climate change, co, Mexico, delivered on his behalf by hunger, poverty and other global Lenni Montiel, Assistant Secretarychallenges.

General for Economic Development.

“They are tools for providing “I welcome the theme of this sesdigital and mobile health care and sion: ‘Enabling Inclusive and Sustainwider access to education to those able Growth’. Indeed, the Internet in rural areas. They can also help and information and communication to empower women, generate effitechnologies can play an important

ciencies in industrial and agricultural production, and safeguard the environment,” he said.

The 2016 gathering, he said was the first since its 10-year renewal by the General Assembly, which reaffirmed the importance of the Internet Governance Forum multistakeholder platform for public policy dialogue.

“Your efforts have made profound impacts as we strive to-

gether to create an equitable, human rights-based knowledge society,” the UN Scribe said.

Ban Ki-moon tasked the forum to keep working to ensure universal access to a more open information society. Let us address the challenges we face by empowering people everywhere with these transformative technologies so that they can help build a better future for all,” he added.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

31 Tech Times

Ericsson unveils solution to assist operators shorten network build time

FG to launch Information App, Thursday

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

The federal government is to launch an information dissemination App, according to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The minister said this in Abuja at a recent meeting with Resident Information Officers (RIOs) in the ministry, adding that “government is doing so much, yet people keep saying they do not know because we are not communicating through the right channel.”

The minister explained that gone were the days when newspapers and the television stations were the major means of information dissemination.

According to him, there was the need for the RIOs deployed to all government ministries and agencies to adopt the use of the social media in disseminating government activities real time.

“Newspapers are no longer as powerful as they used to be.

Before newspaper editorial can bring down a government.

“Gone are those days when the ‘Sunday Times’ sold half a million copies in one day. But today the new media is the social media and unless you are there and show a very strong presence, you are not communicating to the world.

“We need technology to inform the world on what we are doing and with the new applications every person in the world will get to know what is happening in the country real time.”

The minister said the new App to be launched before the end of the month would bridge the gap by using the social media to “tell the world what the government is doing.’’

He urged the RIOs to rise up to the challenge because they would be the one that would feed the App with stories.

He said government will organize workshop starting with 25 to 30 key ministries and parastatal agencies as pilot scheme before others will be keyed in.

Earlier, Mrs Veronica Adeyemo, the Director of Information Technology in the ministry, said the information apps would go on hand held devices and it would be functional every minute of the day all year round.

On his part, the project consultant, Mr Falope Olawale, said the app would help to correct many falsehood and unbalanced stories about the country in local and foreign media.

Following successful pilots with operators in both developed and emerging markets, Ericsson has unveiled Accelerated Network Build, a new solution to accelerate and streamline the network build process for operators to deliver a faster time to market with quicker return on investment.

The new solution delivers the increased speed by cutting build time 50 percent, improved quality by reducing number of site visits by 70 percent and better predictability with 99 percent first-time right delivery.

It provides minimal impact to operators’ customers during build out or introducing new technologies, while improving coverage and capacity.

Fredrik Jejdling, head of Business Unit Network Services, Ericsson, said: “Results from the pilots show that Accelerated Network Build makes a difference to our customers. By combining technology innovation, cloud-based tools with streamlined processes, our solution will revo-

L-r: Leo Stan-Ekeh, GMD of Zinox Group; Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communications and Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, former EVC of NCC, at TD Award night in Lagos, recently lutionize how networks are built and set a new standard in the industry.”

Michael Sullivan-Trainor, executive analyst at Technology Business Research (TBR) Telecom Practice, said: “Fast time to revenue and reduced cost is a must have right now – it’s a pain point for operators that need to be solved with innovation. New technologies are going to make things even more complex and it’s very timely that Ericsson is addressing how to fix the infrastructure deployment model

now, both for today and for tomorrow when 5G and the Internet of Things will come.”

According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G subscription uptake is projected to be faster than previous generations with over half a billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2022. Internets of Things (IoT) devices are also set to skyrocket, passing mobile phones as the largest category of connected devices as early as 2018.

This provides operators with the need to build the networks of the future quicker than ever

before, with minimal impact to the business operations during build. Current solutions and traditional methods of network build have multiple handovers between activities and parties resulting in lengthy deployments.

Based on a proprietary cloudbased toolkit that delivers streamlined process improvements and a host of technical innovations, Ericsson Accelerated Network Build delivers a solution that meets the evergrowing demands of both operators and their customers.

Part of the solution is Ericsson’s Network Deployment Delivery Platform, an industry-first cloud-based delivery platform for build services that was released in September 2016.

Building on the delivery platform is a more streamlined twophased deployment approach, including an offsite preparation phase and a single execution phase where activities are conducted concurrently on site.

Optimized supply flow reduces the time needed on site and remote tools and activities can take realtime control of the rollout. This facilitates a faster build and removes the need for additional site visits to meet quality compliance.

NCC provides insight on VAS, Interconnect Continued from page 28

Funding Telecom Investments in Nigeria On funding telecom investments in Nigeria, he said that the Nigerian telecom market thrives on private sector investment.

For about 20 years from 1990 to 2001, the industry could only record some paltry $60 million private sector investments.

“The partial deregulation of the industry with Decree 72 of 1992 did not change this investment climate. However, the digital mobile licensing process of 2001, and the Nigerian Communica-

tions Act of 2003, which grew the investor confidence has resulted in the attraction of sector investment from 2001 to 2016, to about $68 billion.

“This is huge, but it is by no means adequate for one of the fastest growing telecommunications market in the world. The capital intensity of the industry, the need for service providers to increase their infrastructure deployment to satisfy the ever-increasing demand, creates room for double the size of this investment in the next ten years. We have about 40 million Nigerians yet to be reached with

basic infrastructure and services.”

He affirmed that the commission’s roadmap for broadband has created new frontiers for investment, as the quest for data and social media enables services, as well as the increasing value-added creates new frontiers for investments.

Earlier, Mr. Olusola Teniola, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) president said that the forum is one of their growth initiatives for the telecom industry in Nigeria.

“Specifically, it is designed for the purpose of creating a veritable opportunity for key industry

players to interact with the industry regulator, with the aim of building a continual good working relationship between industry players and the regulator,” he said “It is also aimed at creating a platform for the regulator to update the industry on the regulatory direction and plans for the industry in the coming years. This, hopefully, would enable industry stakeholders to understand how best to cooperate with the regulatory agency in ensuring the effectiveness and success of policies and regulations in the industry,” he added.

Kano attains 90% digitalization of TV stations Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has said that due to the significance of the broadcast industry, the state government has completed over 90 percent of digitalizing of the state radio and television stations.

The governor made the statement in Kano while declaring open the recent fifth national delegates conference of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), describ-

ing the broadcast industry as “one of the backbones’’ of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

Ganduje, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, hinted that the industry should be given more attention, adding that his administration had invested much in the broadcast industry in the state.

He urged members of RATTAWU to deliberate on avenues of promoting the industry.

Ganduje promised to consider the

request by Mr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the outgoing President of RATTAWU for a piece of land to establish a broadcast institute in the state.

Earlier in his address, Bamgbose commended members of the union for their support and cooperation during his tenure.

“Such achievements include the procurement of a permanent secretariat for the union and the unionization of many private media workers,” he said.

Bamgbose called on the incoming leaders of the union to work harmoniously with every member of RATTAWU to ensure more success for the union.

He called on owners of private media organizations to give the union necessary support, especially on the issue of unionization of their workers, adding that if their workers were allowed to form a union, it would motivate them to work hard for the progress of their organization.

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op football stakeholders in the country who were on hand to witness the 2016 National Election of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), have commended delegates and members of the electoral committee for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.

The roll call include former FIFA and CAF executive member, Dr Amos Adamu, ex-Secretaries General of NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba as well as one-time president of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

The exercise which took place at the media centre of Teslim

Balogun Stadium in Lagos at the weekend recorded over 250 delegates from all the states of the federation and it saw the emergence of Rev. Samuel Ikpea as the new National Chairman.

In his comments, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi gave kudos to the delegates for maintaining peace and orderliness throughout the exercise. He urged them to sustain the brotherly atmosphere for the advancement of the club and its ideals.

On his part, Dr Ojo-Oba commended leaders of the club for their efforts in keeping the club together as one family.

On the question of a possible parallel exercise by some

members of the club outside Lagos, Ojo-Oba said attendance at the Teslim Balogun Stadium session should be a testimony to the authenticity and approval by the larger part of the NFSC. To produce a credible and acceptable election results, both men served as members of the verification panel which ratified the election results.

Earlier, a top member of the club who is now a traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Otadaferun Edward Igho, The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State visited the international headquarters of the NFSC to give his royal blessing to the election.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

When Ohafia honoured Abia Deputy Governor AT 4

Army will patronise Made-in-Aba products – Buratai AT 2 Reps pledge to ensure Abia gets refund for maintaining federal roads ÏÏÏ Just as the Abia State Gov-

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Legion Abia State chapter, Col. Sam Aboaja (rtd); Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; his deputy, Sir Udeh Oko Chukwu and Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, during the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch in Umuahia...recently

Our IGR now stands at N700m monthly –Ikpeazu

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

The Abia

T E A M

Abai State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has described working on roads in Aba as a strategy to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), adding that the state’s IGR has increased from N300 million to N700 million monthly as at November ending.

He disclosed this at the weekend in Ohafia while on a visit to celebrate with is deputy, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, as he was honoured by traditional rulers in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.

This revenue, he said, is generated mostly from Aba, stating the need to work in Ohafia LGA for more revenue. He added that the state government depends on the IGR to succeed.

Ikpeazu said he will not be working in one senatorial district in the state and forget the others,

pointing out that an ultra-modern market and an international standard golf course is underway in Ohafia so that the economy of the LGA will support that of Aba in terms of IGR for the state.

The Abia State Chief Executive further disclosed that his administration has concluded plans to establish an agricultural centre in Ohafia area next year, and urged the people of the area to vote in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) massively or the area may slide from its number one position in the state.

He pleaded with them that whatever was their annoyance between their stakeholders should be put aside for the party to move forward in the area.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly and now the Deputy Chairman of the (PDP) in the state, Chief Princewill Onyegbu, said every party has its stronghold, and that the PDP has

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

its stronghold in Abia.

Speaking with newsmen in Ohafia while attending to the same occasion the governor came for, Onyegbu said that though impunity made the party not to seem to be in firm grip, the PDP is now getting it right and will now

be able to galvanise its political structure.

“PDP has done its homework”, he said, adding that “if the victors and vanquished can put hands together, no party in the state can defeat us. They are jittery”.

... Says, Igbos desperate for peace in Nigeria ÏÏÏ Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of

Abia State has said that if there is any group of people in Nigeria, in need of peace, it is the Igbos, who are found in all parts of the country doing business.

Ikpeazu made the remark when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who paid him a courtesy call.

“If Nigeria is perpetually in trouble, it will not augur well for the Igbos, who are republican and found everywhere in the country,” the governor said.

According to Ikpeazu, Igbos are desperate for peace in Nigeria.

He said the people of the state would continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to move the nation forward.

The governor, who donated

two Hilux vehicles to support the army operation in the state, commended the military for degrading and decimating the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.

He also commended the army for curbing violent crimes in the state, as well as pipeline vandalism.

Earlier, Buratai informed the governor of the ongoing “Exercise Python Dance” in the South East, explaining that it was meant to train troops on internal security.

He further explained the exercise in addition to other exercises and operations going on across the nation were aimed ensuring security, safety and peace for the unity of the country to enable the citizenry go about their lawful businesses.

ernor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has asked the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in the state, the House of Representatives says it would ensure Abia State is reimbursed with the cost of maintaining federal roads in the state.

The Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, gave the assurance in Umuahia when the called on the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as part of the committee’s oversight activities for which they can rely upon to make laws.

Okechukwu said: “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 the state is reimbursed for maintaining federal roads in the State”.

Responding, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, pleaded with the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in the state, lamenting over the bad condition of most federal roads in Abia State.

Gov. 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.

“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 states through Ikot Ekpene, Opobo and Port Harcourt road.

“We want the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Abia State.

I therefore urge the members of the House of Representatives to help make a very strong case for Federal roads reconstruction in Abia State.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Ikpeazu pledges free medicare for ex-service men ÏÏÏ The Abia State Government

is to designate a general hospital in each of the three senatorial zones of the state to offer free medical services to ex-service men for their patriotic services rendered to their fatherland.

The state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu made this known in Umuahia during the Armed Forces Appeal fund and emblem launch, promising also he will make available the sum of N1 million monthly from his personal allowance for medical bills of the ex-service men.

He therefore, directed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Eme Okoro, to work out the details of the scheme, pointing out that what the war veterans need is a soothing and caring hand.

Ikpeazu, who also announced the donation of N5m to the state council of the Nigerian Legion for the emblem launch, said the sacrifices of the heroes past in protecting the

country deserves commendation.

He disclosed that his government will appoint a Senior Special Assistant from among the legion to serve in his office to draw his attention not only to their subvention payments but also their welfare.

The Governor aligned himself with the legion’s desire to develop their landed properties in Abuja and in the state and requested them to give him an idea of the type of building they have in mind as well as the cost implication.

Earlier, the chairman, Nigeria Legion, Abia State, Colonel Sam Aboaja (rtd), who said the theme of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance celebration is “Appreciating the resilience of Nigerian Armed Forces,” said the purpose of the event was to render assistance to their widows and dependants through the creation of the necessary awareness of the services rendered by the fallen heroes.

Army will patronise Madein-Aba products – Buratai

ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Army has expressed its readiness to partner Abia State in patronising made-in-Aba products.

Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, dropped this cheering news In Umuahia on Thursday during a courtesy visit on the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, stating that he acknowledged the receipt of Ikpeazu’s letter on the patronage of made-in-Aba products.

“I want to acknowledge and say that I received your letter sometimes back on the patronage of certain products that you produce as I can see them in my front”.

“We’ve long keyed into this. The army has been partnering and we’ve been directing our suppliers to con-

tact the producers to ensure that they get made-in-Nigeria products. This will continue.

“We are looking more inwards rather than going out, trying to conserve scarce foreign currency and do more things. We are channeling them home so that our local industries can thrive and serve us better,” he said.

Gen. Buratai thanked the Governor for the excellent relationship between the Abia State government and people and the Nigerian Army and disclosed that the purpose of the several training programmes by the Nigerian Army was meant to train the troops.

According to him, his team was in the state to conduct medical outreach and assured that the army is not out

to intimidate the people as is alleged in some quarters.

Receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, congratulated the Gen. Buratai on the wonderful job the Army was doing in the country especially in ensuring the unity of the country, noting that the morale of men of the Nigerian Army has improved under his watch and commended him for the various operations going on in the army with all aimed at optimizsng the capacity of his men.

Gov. Ikpeazu urged the army to repose her faith on the Igbos and Southerners and assured that Igbos were in support of the president in maintaining the oneness of the country.

New PFN chairman to foster revival in Abia

ÏÏÏ The new chairman of Pentecos-

tal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Abia State chapter, Bishop Chikezie Elekwa, says his administration will foster powerful revival in all Pentecostal churches in the state.

Presenting his address shortly after his inauguration in Umuahia recently, Bishop Elekwa said this has become needful following the proliferation of churches and invasion of the Christian institutions by diabolic and fake pastors, stating that he will always hold Christian programmes and activities that bring all Pentecostal churches, ministers and gospel ministers together for united prayer, enlightenment seminars and workshops.

The need to properly constitute credible leadership in PFN Abia State chapter, he said, has become more cogent, “as we see the springing up of many fake churches and ministries in our beloved state, Abia and the nation in general”.

“Pages of our daily newspapers are filled with horrible news of dirty and ungodly practices of many socalled Pentecostal churches or ministries whose identities are not known to this body. We all know that religion is a volatile and a sensitive issue not only in Nigeria but also in the world at large. Therefore any constituted body whose duty is to properly guide and manage religious bodies should be encouraged and promoted by both the government and the general public,” he said.

On the theme of the event, “Exemplary Leadership”, the Abia PFN chairman said it is the resolve of his administration to carry every Pentecostal minister, church and ministry along, and strongly promised that

whatever flaws in the past administrations in the area of communication and interaction with Pentecostal churches and other Christian bodies in the state will be corrected by his administration.

In order to achieve the set goals and objectives of his administration, he appealed to members to make themselves available whenever called upon.

His words: “Of a truth, managing churches and ministries from different denominations with different doctrines and beliefs will not be easy. I am aware that past administrations laboured as much to ensure that unity of these churches were achieved. No matter the difficulty, success is sure as you volunteer yourselves, your churches and ministries to be part of this army of the body of Christ”.

Interacting with newsmen later, the National Chairman PFN Inauguration Committee, Archbishop Joseph I. Ojo, said the proliferation of churches is not all that bad as it will enhance and boost the spreading of the gospel of Christ which must be conveyed to all the nooks and crannies of the entire world, stating that the government should be held responsible for the springing up of churches in the society.

He pointing out that if there were enough employment opportunities, the proliferation would not have been as it is now, while the menace of “Man Must Wak” pastors would not have been noticeable.

Speaking in the same direction, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Abia State chapter, Bishop Goddy Okafor, said the proliferation of churches simply means that God is still calling people to work in His vineyard.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (left) with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (right) when the COAS visited Ikpeazu in Government House Umuahia...recently over Made-in-Aba products.

Ubakala communities shun relocation from powerline ÏLive under 330 KVA tension line following rip off

ÏÏÏ

Unless the Federal or state authorities intervene, an outbreak of skin cancer and other health challenges may ravage members and residents of Umuosu, Laguru and Amino Ubakala communities in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State over non-adherence to the advice of relocating from under a 330 KVA high tension line that traverse the communities.

Recall that Vice President Yemi Osibanjo recently commissioned that power line in Akwa Ibom State and the impact of the power surge is already being felt in these communities, but especially in Umuosu where almost half of the residents live under the high tension line.

Reports available to the Abia Times in Umuahia, indicated that shortly before the commencement of the project

by Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited which began in 2007, affected families and corporate bodies were duly notified of the need to move away from the power line for safety, especially with the impending demolition of their ancestral homesteads,

having been assured of adequate compensation by the power company.

Their refusal to vacate from under the power lines may not be unconnected with alleged assessment and valuation by the company, where it was alleged that the consultants, Way Leave Consultants, did not do a thorough job which led to the under valuation of properties located under the power lines.

The Abia Times gathered that what were handed over to the affected families in cheques as compensation when the assessment and valuation were completed were considered by the affected families as unreasonable for their landed and infrastructural property even as it was further gathered that the monies released were grossly inadequate to relocate the hapless victims which hampered their relocation.

According to an Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Emeka Nwaobiala, who said he adopted the open market approach in quantifying the properties, the properties were greatly undervalued even as it was found out that Way Leave Consultants used what he called

“Depreciative Replacement Method” which he said was a rip off on the families.

One of those affected, Friday Ariwodo Cyril, who spoke to newsmen, disclosed that the people were paid monies which were inadequate for them to relocate since they will still buy land before erecting their houses, just as he insisted that what the consultants did was a rip off on the hapless citizens who just accepted the money offered them in order not to lose out.

His words: “The true report is that the consultant and its agents had rendered the entire families homeless and helpless for the past one month. The firm had infringed on their human rights by using unauthorised military men to humiliate, intimidate and dehumanise the entire community”.

With the energising of the transmission lines, the rural dwellers are under serious threat of forcible eviction, resulting from the unusual sound and vibration produced from the emission of hot radiations.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

3 The Abia Times

Ikpeazu urges NYSC members to reflect Abia qualities ÏÏÏ A total of 2,296 batch B, stream 1

corps members deployed to Abia State have been implored to reflect on what they can take away from the state during their service year.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who gave the advice at the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the permanent orientation camp at Umunna, Bende LGA, recently, said there are a lot that they can learn from the state to make them self-reliant at the end of their stay in the state.

He said that Abia State as the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) capital of the South East has a lot to offer the corps members, adding that the state boasts of other resources like oil and gas as well as good soil for agriculture.

The Governor stated that his administration is anchored on five pillars including trade and commerce, oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure and stated that their presence in the state is an added advantage and urged them to make use of the oppor-

tunity to enhance their skills.

He announced that he will be taking made-in-Aba NYSC shoes and uniforms to the Director- General of the NYSC in Abuja to show what the state can offer.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of the NYSC in the state, Mrs. Francisca Ifon, assured of the commitment of NYSC to the development of the state especially in the area of healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, rural infrastructure and sanitation.

She said that the orientation course is aimed at exposing the corps members to the ideals and objectives of the scheme as well as to prepare them for leadership roles in the society.

The chairman, NYSC Governing Board, Barrister Hagler Okorie, charged the corps members to participate actively in all camp activities in order to maximize its benefits.

Highlight of the event was the administering of the oath on the corps members by the state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Uzokwe.

Clerics urge ABSU VC to purge school of cultism ÏÏÏ Abia State University, Uturu Vice

Chancellor, Prof. Eleazer Uche Ikonne, recently held a non-denominational church thanksgiving to celebrate his one year in office.

During the service, four ministers from different churches ministered to the congregation that gathered at the school’s cafeteria hall venue of the event and they include Rev. Fr Pascal Onyemelusi, Rev. Barr. Wembley Uduma, Very Rev. Prince Ahiabuike and Rt. Rev. Manasess C. I. Okere.

Delivering their sermons on the theme: Ebenezer: “For hitherto hath the Lord helped us”, the men of God tasked the VC to root out cultism in the school, starting from the lecturers, some of who are cultists themselves and who encourage cultism in the school.

“75% lecturers of cultism instigate cult activities in the school. So checking it is from the top, not from the students”, they said warning all that “what a man sows, so shall he reap”, and advised the VC to “put his house in order and put away the idols”.

Acknowledging that Prof. Ikonne has re-awakened the university, they called for support for Prof. Ikonne, who is also the first VC of Ngwa extraction in any university in the world.

The clergy condemned some lecturers in the school, who also instead of commending the VC, are castigating him and advised the lecturers who they called “pompous idiots” that are inciting the students against the VC and who are planning to undo him to instead support the VC or “go home to see destruction waiting for them”.

The men of God advised all staff and students of ABSU to shun deviant behaviours and abide by the school rules and regulation, pointing out that “those who kill are candidates for hell”.

They said that Prof. Ikonne did not achieve the success so far in the school alone, but with the assistance of the government, school host community and school community, stating that he is not “like others who have nothing to show”.

In his goodwill message later, the Chairman, Governing Council of Abia State University, Uturu, Sen. Adolf Wabara, urged Prof. Ikonne to investigate the allegation of membership of cult by students and lecturers, as well as those who pay to obtain admission or those who demand money for admission.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uche Ikonne, said he rose to the position of Vice Chancellor through the ranks and as a result of not compromising the truth, stating, “Here I am and my colour will not change”.

Prof Ikonne said that on assumption, God inspired him to put his thoughts for the school in writing as his mandate and scorecard, stating “The Lord has richly led us, but it is not yet Uhuru”.

He warned students and lecturers who are cultists to “bow out” and thanked the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for his “unprecedented help to the school, including his coming to the school to teach the students.

“He bought for the school nine vehicles and has not abandoned us and has assembled the best of experienced members for the governing council.

“Abia State University, Uturu has the best of teaching staff and only an infinitesimal percentage of our staff is rubbing our face with oil”.

Within his one year in office, the university, he said, has harvested 12 inaugural lectures and also have the best crop of students with only a minute percentage that “carry the axe”, and assured the school of quality education.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (left) congratulating his deputy, Sir Ude Okochukwu, after his chieftaincy installation as ‘‘Ikeoha Ohafia’’ by the Ohafia Local Government council of traditional rulers at the council headquarters, at the weekend.

IPAC canvasses postponement of Abia LG poll

ÏÏÏThe

Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has advised the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) to postpone the December 17, 2016 Local Government election in the state.

The Chairman of IPAC in Abia State, Emeka Okafor, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) made the call at a press conference in Umuahia recently, accusing ABSIEC of not carrying the political parties along on its preparations for the poll.

Okafor, who sought the extension of the election by at least two weeks, stated that parties were not given enough time to prepare for the exercise. He said that the extension would enable the various political parties resolve the crisis

arising from their primaries.

The decision of the state government to conduct council election, according to him, is laudable but the exercise should not be hurriedly done, arguing that the council election are so important for grassroots development that the participating parties must be given enough time to prepare and canvass for votes.

According to him, “Council elections should not be rushed”, contending that proper grassroots sensitisation has not been done by the participating parties due to lack of time.

The IPAC Abai State boss also accused ABSIEC of charging outrageous fees for its forms, saying that the charges had put undue financial pressure on their candidates consider-

ing the worsening economic situation in the country.

While denying any plans to rig the polls within the two weeks extension IPAC is agitating for, Okafor said the body would meet and take decision on its next line of action should its request be turned down.

Adding his voice, the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Donatus Nwankpa, said the postponement had become necessary because ABSIEC failed to stick to its original timetable for the exercise.

He expressed fears that ABSIEC could not guarantee free and fair poll, alleging that the exercise had been designed to favour the candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Construct soak away outside fence, go to court – Ikpeazu ÏÏÏ The Abia State Government

has vowed to prosecute anyone in Aba who constructs any soakaway pit beyond his perimeter fence or drain sewage water on the roads.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed this while inspecting the progress of work on the Brass/ Faulks road being undertaken

by Setraco Construction Company, directing the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and the Aba Town Planning Authority to commence the process of prosecution of the offenders immediately..

Frowning at the ugly practice which he said is unfortunate and

ought to be discouraged, Ikpeazu expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work by the contractor handling the project, noting that the work is progressing according to specifications.

He mandated the contractor to keep up the speed in order to progress further before the rains set in, assuring that his government is determined to ensure nothing stops or slows down the pace of work. He stated that recovering the Ifeobara basin near Ukwu Mango axis is a task that must be accomplished.

The Governor, who also inspected other road projects going on around Ngwa road com-

prising of Aharandu through Onyebuchi and Ibadan streets, linking Ibere Street, charged the contractor handling the project to speed up work on the project before the next rains.

Conducting the Governor round the projects, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Eziuche Ubani, said the roads were being done in line with the designs and specifications, informing the Governor that some buildings that would obstruct the work have been identified and would be handled. He assured that the Governor will be satisfied with the quality of work at the end of the day.

The Abia Times 4

News

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

When Ohafia honoured Abia Deputy Governor

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ It was jubilation, expression

of happiness and wild celebration as the Abia State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, was celebrated and honoured by his Ohafia Local Government Area traditional rulers and handed down a “Royal Reception” to him at Ohafia Council headquarters, Ohafia last Friday.

The reception was unprecedented in the history of the area as more than 44 royal fathers in the area, led by the powerful Enachioken IV of Abiriba Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, came together in their royal regalia to honour the Deputy Governor as the “Ikeoha” (the people’s power) of Ohafia LGA. It was also a harvest of who is who in the land and beyond, even as more than 20 cultural dances and masquerades graced the occasion, including party stalwarts from the state.

The exceedingly large crowd could not curtail their excitement as the young “Atilogwu” dancers displayed their human pyramid which attracted a deafening ovation accompanied by thunderous

Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu

ÏI’m now a prophet with honour in my land, says recipient

clap and cheering from the crowd, including the governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and a retinue of his cabinet and aides, members of Abia State House of Assembly, the Deputy Governor’s former colleagues four years ago, and his Nkporo country home people.

The member representing Ohafia North in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Uko NKole, was there as well as the famous Ohafia War Dancers who thrilled the crowd with their nostalgic dancing skills and many more people that cannot be mentioned.

The 2nd Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chairman, Abia North Traditional Rulers Council and Ujureze II of Ebem-Oha Ohafia, Prof. Anya O. Anya, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Okwara Osonwa, his co-chairman as well as Prof. Obasi Igwe among others were also there to grace the occasion.

Performing the rites and crowning the Deputy Governor, the Enachioken IV of Abiriba Kingdom, who also is the Chairman of Ohafia LGA Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu briefly said the honour was a “mark of respect” for Chukwu’s resilience, stating that Chukwu is a worthy son who needs be celebrated.

Speaking with the Abia Times later, the Enachioken IV of Abiriba Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, said it took them more than one year Oko Chukwu became the Deputy Governor because the royal fathers wanted it peacefully and quietly and not to rush it.

“Ude Oko Chukwu is loyal and dedicated and carries the will of

Enachioken IV of Abiriba, Eze K.K Ogbu (l) honouring Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu (r) the local government area and that of the state government, having passed through the state House of Assembly for eight years without being found wanting”, he said.

Welcoming their guests, the Ohafia LGA chairman, Hon. Samson Anagha, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the occasion called for joy as the Deputy Governor has demonstrated that he is equal to the tasks before him and is therefore worthy the honour.

He thanked the LGA traditional rulers for initiating the honour, stating that the honour was well deserved by Chukwu.

Speaking, the co-chairman of the occasion, Prof. Obasi Igwe, described Chukwu as “respectful

Train accident cripples businesses in Aba ÏÏÏ

An early morning UmuahiaPort Harcourt bound train with number 2212 on Friday ran into an articulated vehicle in Aba but without casualties.

Both the train and the vehicle were damaged.

The accident, which damaged the electrical connections in the train’s engine, left it immovable on one part of the road, crippling traffic for many hours in the town.

The accident also left businessmen and women, workers stranded in a gridlock, thereby making it hard for them to attend to their businesses.

An eye witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the accident happened at about 5:45 a.m.

Mr. Cyril Ohaegbu, a bread seller whose shop is by the Railway Flagmen office, said he had resumed for business when the accident happened on the GRA/Eziukwu level crossing.

Ohaegbu said that some policemen were conducting stop and search at a spot very close to the railway track when the accident occurred.

“The driver of the articulated vehicle was being stopped by the police and he didn’t stop but when he reached a point, he became confused because of the intensity of the moving train’s horn.

“Because his vehicle is the long type, he did not know whether to go forward or backward, so he stopped there and ran away. That is why the train hit his vehicle,” he said.

Ohaegbu said that some flagmen were at work when the accident occurred.

Another witness, Okechukwu Igwe, who is a ticket issuer for commercial buses, said he was close to Mr. Biggs eatery when the accident occurred.

He said it had caused much confusion and left people stranded on the road.

Mr. Okechukwu Ebere said “policemen were stopping the driver of the articulated vehicle but he failed to stop.

Ebere suggested that the problem was caused because the railway level crossings in Aba had lost their Boom Barriers which bar vehicles from crossing when trains are approaching.

He urged government and NRC to replace the barriers to save lives of residents.

The Nigerian Railway spokesman, Mr. Uwalekwu, declined to make comments when a NAN correspondent approached him.

But the Police PRO, ASP Ogbonnaya Nta, said the Police Command believed the incident happened on Thursday and that it was the vehicle that hit the train.

He also said the command had not received any official report on the accident, adding that the Railway Police unit had arrested two people.

and intelligent” and was brought in by God to come and assist Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

He advised the governor and his deputy to continue to live in peace, warning Ohafia LGA people to be careful as it is only God that makes people king and should therefore support and be obedient to constituted authority in the state.

According to him, the governor and his deputy needs the allegiance of the people.

In his speech, the state Governor, Okezie IKpeazu congratulated his deputy for the honour he said is well deserved, stating that he aligns and associates himself with what the people of Ohafia LGA saw before honouring him.

Contrary to what a South West

prophet said that five deputy governors will betray their governors, including Ude Oko Chukwu, Gov. Ikpeazu said: “Ude Oko Chukwu is very humble and I am working with him. Nothing will separate us.

“This is because we have come together to say we will lift Abia up.

We do not have enemies. Even if we do, they are Abians”.

He described Ohafia people as warriors in all aspects and who also give the PDP bulk votes during elections, disclosing that the state government depends on the LGA succeed.

He pleaded with party stakeholders in the LGA to put whatever behind whatsoever is their annoyance and work for the good of the party.

Responding, the emotionally laden Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, said he considered himself lucky to have received the honour and pledged to live up to his responsibilities.

He said that unlike the biblical saying that a prophet is but without honour in his land, in his case, he said is different, while describing himself as “a man under authority”. He disclosed that he had the authority of his master, the state governor to receive the award.

The Abia Deputy Governor urged the Ohafia LGA people and the entire Abians to continue to support Governo Ikpeazu and his administration.

Reacting after the event, Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. P. C. Onyegbu told the Abia Times that the LGA is part of the party’s big block in the state, stating that the honour will challenge the deputy governor to do more.

“This is a solid support from his people”, he said.

Abia NUJ chairman urges religious tolerance among Nigerians ÏÏÏ

The Chairman, Abia Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. John Emejor, has appealed to Nigerians to eschew religious bigotry and work toward the unity and growth of the nation.

Emejor made the appeal on Monday in Umuahia while felicitating with the Muslim community during an event to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

He urged Muslims to use the period to reach out and show love to other Nigerians, adding that there was need for peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating what he described as “genuine commitment to ending insurgency in the North-East” and called for the support of all.

He said “the Federal Government cannot win the war against insurgency without the genuine support of all Nigerians.

“All hands must be on deck for government to wipe out insurgency completely from the North-East now that the army said that Boko Haram had been degraded.”

The NUJ chairman expressed concern over the menace of suspected herdsmen in different parts of the country.

He said the development posed serious security challenge to the present administration.

“The Federal Government should direct security agencies to take drastic steps to put an end to the phenomenon before it gets out of hand.

“It is incomprehensible how suspected herdsmen could invade people’s farmlands, destroy their crops and also attack the people with dangerous weapons, leading to bodily harm and deaths,” Emejor said.

He also commended the Federal Government’s anti-graft war, noting, however, that there should not be any sacred cow.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Afreximbank supports Egypt oil coy with $200m for electricity

CIBN, 50 tertiary institutions collaborate on curriculum development

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Why FG launched N13bn mortgage refinancing scheme for workers - Adeosun

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EKEDC procures 138 transformers to boost supply at Xmas Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) has procured over 138 transformers worth N700 million to replace faulty ones within its network to boost supply during the festive period.

Dr Oladele Amoda, EKEDC

managing director, disclosed this while inspecting newly acquired equipment at the firm’s Ijora main store in Lagos. ``We have embarked on massive replacement of faulty transformers within the network, and we expect customers

to reciprocate this gesture by paying their bills. ``We also expect communities who will benefit from the transformers not to see them as public property but as their own so that they can help us safeguard the transformers against van-

dalism by unscrupulous elements,’’ he said.

The EKEDC boss said that the company had lost over N1 billion to energy theft and equipment vandalism in the last three years.

He said that issue of by-pass-

ing of meter by customers was rampant within the network to avoid payment.

Amoda warned customers who by-pass the meter or engage in energy theft to desist, CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

PPP: Experts identify critical areas for effective delivery Godwin Anyebe

L – R: Executive Director, Commercial, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC), Mr. Abu Ejoor, a Director, Mrs. Martina Omojola; Chairman, Mr. Victor Gbolade Osibodu; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Funke Osibodu, and another Director representing African Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Batchi Balden during a courtesy visit by BEDC’s Board and Management to Obaseki in Benin recently.

Bonny Amadi Stanbic IBTC Nominees has urged investors to take to custody investing as this enables speedy economic development and also ensures rapid market development.

Stanbic IBTC Nominees, the custody subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Bank, organised a forum recently to fast track the ease of building of a more healthy market for custody services in Nige-

BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Stanbic IBTC advocates custody investment ria and also to support economic growth.

The move, also expected to deepen development of the local capital market and enhance investor appetite for market securities in the country, not only would it boost market confidence, but would ensure knowledgeable investing for the investor.

Deputy Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said the aim of the custody investment session was to examine contemporary issues in custody services and also to highlight the role of custodianship as a critical component in the capi-

tal market value chain. However, the level of awareness on how to harness the benefits of custodianship remains low in Nigeria.

“The need for excellent custody services in Nigeria remains strong. This is particularly driven by the impetus in cross-border investment activities, “Sogunle said “which we are well-positioned to provide. As the leading non-pension custodial firm in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC provides a steady guide for clients in having the confidence that their assets under the custody of Stanbic IBTC are well-protected,”

He remarked that aligning Nigeria with the rest of the world in money market and fixed income securities was a major factor that led to the appointment of custodians by the Central Bank of Nigeria, adding that the adoption of international best practices will enhance transparency in money market operations in the country and cause an attendant lift in investors’ confidence, which will in turn enhance growth of the financial services industry.

“Stanbic IBTC will continue to help financial services in Nigeria become even more sophisticated CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

For the Public–Private Partnership (PPP), initiative to work for infrastructure delivery in Nigeria, there is an urgent need for stakeholders to prioritise the review of existing legal frameworks, address adaptive and social challenges, adopt effective communication and stakeholder management as well as gender and social inclusion.

These were the views of experts who spoke at a two-day colloquium organised by the Center for Ethics and Sustainable Development (CESD), held recently in Lagos, with the theme: “Reshaping the Infrastructure Delivery Landscape for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

Speaking at the forum, a PPP expert and Professor at the University of Queensland Business School, Brisbane, Australia, Neil Paulsen, said communication among all parties must be effectively carried out in order to foster easier and faster infrastructure delivery. He also emphasised the need to identify potential stakeholders and involve developmental institutions to facilitate proper delivery.

“One of the key success points of ensuring effective communication is Consensus-building and Stakeholder Engagement. Again, in all PPP initiatives, there must be clear and visible benefits for all stakeholders. That is why effective communication must be a two-way street in which the stakeholders must be kept abreast of information. Above all, infrastructure projects must make good sense to stakeholders,” Prof. Paulsen said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2 EKEDC procures 138 transformers to boost Yuletide supply CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

adding that the company will not hesitate to prosecute and publish names culprits in the dailies.

He advised customers with wrong connection leading to energy theft to report to the company before they are discovered and penalized.

He said that the company had invested over N13 billion on meters, adding that the company has also commenced installation of over 200,000 free pre-paid meters to various customers within its network at no cost.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Afreximbank supports Egypt oil coy with $200mn for electricity The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has agreed a $200 million loan facility with the Egyptian General Petroleum Company (EGPC) to support the expansion of electricity generation and distribution in the country.

Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said at the signing ceremony that the facility would also ensure uninterrupted supply of energy for Egypt’s industrial sector through the financing of import of oil and gas products.

Dr. Oramah said that the facil-

ity was part of Afreximbank’s broad goal of supporting strategic sectors that could drive industrialization in Africa, noting that over the last few years, the bank had invested about $2 billion in energy generation and distribution in Egypt and in the export of energy products from Egypt to the rest of Africa.

Afreximbank’s support to Egypt’s energy sector was part of a broader strategic intervention in the country, continued the President, who stated that since it commenced operations in 1994, the bank had approved more than

Afreximbank CEO, Benedict Oramah

$7 billion for Egyptian entities and had disbursed $5 billion. The bank’s exposure to Egyptian entities currently stands above $4 billion, he added.

FG, investors set for South-East Economic Summit The federal government, state governments, top local and international business leaders, bankers, investors among many others are set to attend the maiden South-East Economic & Security Summit - SEESS 2016.

As part of efforts to build peace and engender progress and development throughout Nigeria’s southeast region, the maiden South-East Economic & Security Summit - SEESS 2016 has been scheduled for 22nd December 2016 at the Enugu State Government House, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The summit, which is an initiative of the South-East Economic & Security Summit (SEESS) Group - a non-governmental organization made up of top business, military, political, religious and community leaders from Nigeria’s southeast region – has the full commitment and support of the Governors from the five southeastern states, and is endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Stanbic IBTC advocates custody investment CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

L-R: National President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Shehu; Executive Director, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Mr.Waziri Adio and Managing Partner, Zenera Consulting, Mr. Meka Olowola, at the 5th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries Conference in Abuja… recently.

PPP: Experts identify critical areas for effective delivery CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

While emphasising the importance of feedback mechanisms, the university don singled out tools which provide effective communication to include; information, consultation involvement, collaboration and empowerment.

He also pointed out that communication for diverse audiences must be taken into account.

Earlier, the convener of the initiative, Dr. Olajumoke Akiode, who spoke on Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Infrastructure Delivery, emphasised that gender and social inclusion was a collaborative and inclusive means of infrastructure delivery that caters to the concerns and needs of all stakeholders- men, women, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups.

AfDB appoints MCBIM Fund Managers for ETF bond Bonny Amadi The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed MCB Investment Management (MCBIM), a subsidiary of MCB Capital Markets, as Fund Managers for its first multi-jurisdictional Fixed Income Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) in Africa.

The Board of Directors of the AfDB also approved a seed equity capital investment of USD 25 million for the ADBF. The ETF will be invested in both government and corporate bonds, and will initially be listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius.

A statement made available to Daily Times of Nigeria by APO on behalf of the Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd (MCB), pointed

out that the primary objective of the African Domestic Bond ETF (ADBF) was to encourage bond issuance in local currencies by facilitating access to local fixed income markets for investors.

The ETF will be invested in both government and corporate bonds, and will initially be listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius.

MCBIM pioneered this area in early 2013 with the launch of the MCB Africa Bond Fund, an actively managed USD denominated fund that focuses on the local currency bond markets of 13 countries in Africa. The fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark since inception and is up 9.52% in absolute terms this year.

The ADBF was conceived as

part of the AfDB’s African Financial Markets Initiative in 2008.

Through this initiative, the AfDB aims to strengthen African economies by reducing their dependency on foreign currency denominated debt, increase the range of available financing options and act as a catalyst for regional market integration.

AfDB’s Director for Financial Sector Development, Stefan Nalletamby, said “In developing markets, it is particularly important for the lead institutions to act to reduce financial market impediments and instill local and international investor confidence.

AfDB is leading the establishment of the ADBF as a sovereign fixed income ETF investing in different countries which will be the first

and robust to attract further investments into the country,” he added.

A custodian is a financial institution that holds clients’ securities for safekeeping in order to minimize the risk of their theft or loss. Among such clients’ assets include securities such as share certificates, bonds, stocks and treasury bills. Custody services are available to a wide portfolio of clients, including unit trust schemes, pension funds, corporate clients, high networth individuals, financial institutions, foreign, local and individual investors, insurance funds, fund managers, brokers, and dealers.

The session, which held in Lagos had in attendance local investors, fund managers, capital market players, regulators, policymakers, bankers and other stakeholders from the private and public sectors.

Executive Director, Capital Markets, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. HarunaJalo-Waziri, emphasised that the capital market is an enabler of wealth creation, which is vital for sustainable economic growth. He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the Exchange to develop and deepen the Nigerian capital market.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Stories by Motolani Oseni Nigeria’s external reserves increased by $754,857,142 in two months from $24.215 billion on October 12, 2016 to $24.97 billion yesterday, according to latest Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) figures The statistics show that the reserves also closed November on a positive note attributable to the apex bank conservative tightening stance on the foreign exchange market since September.

The data obtained from the CBN website indicated that the Nigerian foreign reserves closed November at $24,771,597,897 from $23,952,767,527 it closed in

B3 Money Market

External reserves rise by $754.8m in two months October 2016.

The foreign reserves dropped by 15 percent or $4.3 billion from $29,101,401,156 it starts in 2016 to $24,771,597,897 it closed November this year.

The evolution of the foreign exchange demand in the country has been influenced by a number of factors such as the changing pattern of international trade, changes in the economy and structural shifts in production.

While comparing the current statistics on the

CBN website to the equivalent in October, 2016, it was discovered that the foreign reserves dropped by $578 million from $24,531,257,239 it opened October to $23,952,767,527 it closed October.

This explained that the decline in October was due to slow inflow into the reserves as against outflow during the period.

The reserves have continued a steady appreciation as global oil price rose above $40 per barrel at the time.

Although, speculative pressures may have remained relatively passive in the foreign exchange market, as exchange rates across segments maintained a relative stability in almost all the trading days in November at N305/$1, although the wide spread between the official and parallel market rates remains.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of CBN at the 252nd meeting last month had observed that total foreign exchange in-

L-R: Group Treasurer, Access Bank Plc, Dapo Olagunju; Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Roosevelt Ogbonna; GMD/CEO, Herbert Wigwe and Chief Financial Officer, Seyi Kumapayi display the ‘Bank of the Year’ Award won by the bank at The Banker Awards 2016 organised by The Banker magazine in London at the weekend.

dinner night last month explained that inflow of foreign exchange have fallen by over $2.3 billion every month on the average over the last 26 months.

He noted that oil prices would remain low for a long period, and it is indication that foreign reserves will remain low.

In his words, “In view of the fact that oil prices would remain low for a long period, it is clear to us that foreign exchange revenue inflows will remain low, with relatively low foreign exchange Reserves, for a while. Given this scenario, we need to take bold and decisive actions at fundamentally changing the structure of our economy.

Heritage Bank, Centre to boost entrepreneurship in Nigeria

CIBN, 50 tertiary institutions collaborate on curriculum development The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has established linkage agreements with about 50 universities and polytechnics in Nigeria on curriculum development.

President of the institute, Prof. Segun Ajibola, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos that the linkage agreements were aimed at streamlining CIBN’s curriculum with those of the respective universities and polytechnics.

“The linkage agreement is to train the young students and blend their respective training in uni-

flows through the CBN decreased by 31.85 per cent, from $1,404.84 million in September to $957.37 million in October 2016.

“The decrease was due to lower crude oil and other government revenues in the period under review,” the Committee chaired by CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said.

The CBN’s committee also said in spite of the resumed Joint Venture payments in October, total outflows also continued to decrease, dropping significantly by 58.68 per cent from $2,456.86 million to $1,015.08 million during the same period.

The Governor at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)

versities and polytechnics with the CIBN’s professional curriculum.

“What we intend to achieve is that as they are graduating with either B.sc or HND, within a space of time, they just need to write a few papers to become chartered bankers,’’ the CIBN president said.

According to him, the CIBN has also started postgraduate programmes in over 20 universities with a view to build capacities at various levels of the country’s banking industry.

Ajibola said that the CIBN has trained and certified about 3500 man-

agement staff of microfinance banks as part of its 16 certification programmes covering all areas of banking.

Ajibola

The CIBN president noted that the major crisis facing the nation’s banking industry was skill gap and dearth of experienced and competent hands.

He said that the Institute has introduced Continued Compulsory Professional Development for its members to bridge the skills gap.

Ajibola said that the CIBN has inaugurated a new body of bank chief executive officers under a new leadership to ensure effective communication among practitioners, operators and regulators and government.

As part of efforts to reduce unemployment rate in the country by creating jobs and build a network of entrepreneurial leaders through commitment to continuous learning, Heritage Bank has partnered the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) to host the grand finale of the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).

The EDC is the entrepreneurship centre of the PanAtlantic University which was set up in 2003 as the Centre for Enterprise Development Services (EDS).

The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) is a year-round platform of programmes and initiatives aimed at creating one global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

GEN helps people in 160 countries unleash their ideas and turn them into promising new ventures— creating jobs, accelerating innovation and strengthening economic stability around the world.

Speaking at the grand finale of the GEN held in Lagos recently, Mr. Peter Bankole, Director of the EDC, said the event brought together all entrepreneurs that are alumni

of the centre to wine and dine, especially in this year of economic recession.

He said it was also an opportunity to encourage the alumni that despite what has happened to the economy, they could still do better going forward.He said some of the students were sponsored by the World Bank, the Africa-America Institute and other partners.

Bamkole said the huge turnout of entrepreneurs at the event was an indication that there is so much potential and energy in our country that needed to be harnessed for sustainable growth of the economy.

About 421 students graduated from the EDC in the 2016 batch of the GEW while some of them were inducted as life members of the centre.

Research has shown that globalization of entrepreneurship has brought an explosion of programmes, startup communities and investment into a new field where there is a paucity of data around what works and what does not in supporting nascent entrepreneurs and new firms forming and trying to scale.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Entertainment industry seeks listing under NSE’s special classification Bonny Amadi The entertainment industry wants to be listed under special classification on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), as the capital market works towards enlisting more companies and generating greater investor confidence.

Revealing this recently to Daily Times, founder and president of Chocolate City Entertainment, Audu Maikori, said that the entertainment industry commands greater value which could be enhanced by listing on the exchange under special classification.

“Listing on the exchange is where the money is, look at Face book for instance, it was after

the company floated its IPO that the price of its shares increased and it became more attractive to investors,” he said While unable to point at one entertainment group likely to list soon, Maikori admitted that listing on the exchange required strenuous conditions to be met, which many upcoming companies may find difficult to meet up with.

“We wouldn’t know which company is coming to list, obviously it is very rigorous, not every company can list. You need to reach a minimum standard, your subscription, your annual revenue, your board of directors all need to be in place.”

The Chocolate city president said, “I am not the

one that is listing, there are couple of companies that are already preparing themselves, but we are working on the NSE to ensure the establishment of a special categorization for entertainment industry” He acknowledged that if there are special funds for the entertainment industry, market instrument or listing could enhance the fortune of the sector and the companies concerned. “For a wrapup, for instance, if I want to shoot a movie and it requires N50 million and my company has sold shares and raised over N400 million, that means my company can shoot more of such movies.

He said that when a company lists on the ex-

change, it would attract investors’ confidence and its equity price will be enhanced, placing more value on the company and its shareholders, just like Facebook.

He, however, said that generating industry data that would drive investment in the sector is paramount and that the stakeholders are working towards harmonizing the industry, earnings opportunities, and data generation.

“Data is the first thing, listing on the exchange is not the first issue, data on the industry explains how much money is tied up there. We are working on industry report on industry data which would be released by the second quarter of 2017.

Nigerians urged to embrace insurance for earnings, development Bonny Amadi Nigerians have been urged to embrace insurance in all activities as, this would not boost personal and family well-being, but enhance national economic development.

However, the insurance companies also were charged to step up on product offering, value addition and education to grow sector confidence, earnings of the companies and returns on investment to shareholders. Greater performance by the sector would enhance their performance and boost dividend payment.

National coordinator of Pragmatic shareholders association of Nigeria, Mrs. Bisis Bakare revealed this to Daily Times, calling on Nigerians to understand the value of insurance and how it impacts lives positively.

According to her, people have to invest to get good dividend and hence insurance companies don’t pay good dividend, “they pay maximum of about 5 kobo and some people will ask what they are going to do with 5 kobo. That is what is pulling down the share

price of insurance companies”.

Innovative effort by the sector, she maintained would drive premium earned and enhance reward to shareholders, stressing “I think when insurance companies start paying good dividend, their share prices will appreciate because of increase demand for their shares.”

According to her, while the advanced countries of the world take policy on every item or movement, the same is not here, which explains why insurance companies in the country are plagued with poor performance year after year.

“The insurance industry needs to step up its enlightenment exercise to educate people on the benefits of insurance and, if possible, making Nigerians to ensure everything they have, including pets.”

Bakare said that even as prospective policy holders expected to drive insurance business are discouraged by suspicious process of policies in the country, the sector needs to consistently rebuild confidence of investors and policy holders with value added services.

Summary of trading activities on NSE

L – R Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Sam Oyemelukwe, Head of Anglophone Africa, Trace TV, Kenny Saint Brown, Recording Artist; Oscar N. Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Audu Maikori, Founder, Music Week Africa (MWA); Raoul Sawhnay, Director, MWA and Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria at MWA Forum at the Exchange....recently

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

Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers clinch 2016 ‘Best Dealing Member’ on NSE Afolabi Adesola Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited (SISL) has for the fourth consecutive year clinched the award for the Best Dealing Member firm on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The firm is responsible for at least one-sixth of the total transactions carried out on the NSE out of over 200 stock broking firms, according to analysis by Business Times.

The NSE had in November noted that Stanbic moved 9.1 billion units of shares worth N144.6 billion, which represented 14.48 percent of

total transactions.

According to the NSE, the award to SISL was for maintaining an outstanding performance in the 2016 trading year.

The NSE CEO Award is an annual capital market award in three sub-categories recognizing excellence and exceptional performance by market operators in a given year.

The award seeks to reward outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the capital market and the NSE. During the NSE CEO Awards 2016 which held last Friday, SISL was applauded for a high performance culture that has helped it retain its position as Nigeria’s

largest stockbroking firm in terms of transaction value. During the period under review, the company retained its position as the largest stockbroking firm in Nigeria in terms of transaction value executed on the NSE, a position it has consistently held for a decade.

Chief Executive, SISL, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan, said the award reflects the company’s unfailing performance over the years, a feat made possible from a robust strategy to set clear values, objectives and processes to ensure that investors derive optimal value from their investments.

The company, she said, will continue to leverage on the stellar

reputation and expertise of the Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs, to provide robust services in the capital market. “We are absolutely delighted to be recognized for our contributions towards the development of the Nigerian capital market. The award reflects our strong commitment to a culture of high performance, excellence, and consistently delivering relevant, innovative and timely solutions to our ever-growing local

and foreign clientele. Our business will always be value-driven,” Ogungbesan said.

She said Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited remains steadfast in collaborating with The Exchange and other stakeholders to nurture the Nigerian capital market into a world-class hub, a mission made particularly imperative by recent market volatility caused by the impact of plummeting global oil prices on Nigeria’s economy.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Labour B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Civil servants seek cordial relationship among cadres

Stories by Joy Ekeke

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), has called for the strengthening of the working relationship between all cadres of workers.

The Secretary-General of the Union, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, made the declaration in a lecture he delivered at the ‘2016 Annual Seminar of the Ministry of Defence unit of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)’ in Lagos.

Lawal however said that the managements and workers have their respective interests to protect during negotiations and must always be guided by the knowledge that the survival of the organisation in question is a primary prerequisite for their continued existence as management and workers.

“This is precisely why industrial relations experts always recommend that employers and the employees must learn to moderate their demands on each other and

accord the corporate interest of the organisation a priority while pursuing their separate goals,” Lawal said.

The ASCSN scribe, who addressed the theme: “Understanding the Principles of Negotiation, Collective Bargaining and Social Partnership in the Workplace,” posited that collective bargaining is governed by Convention 98 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the right to organise and collective bargain.

Group to host business-career fair In a bid to create platforms that will bring both the schooled and unschooled youths together for business, career and mentorship, a non-governmental initiative Shun Unemploment in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development is set to host a business career fair on December 16th 2016 in Lagos.

The convener of Shun Unemployment, Mr. Mayowa Ajibodu, said the initiative aims at harnessing and supporting youth talents, skills and initiatives as well as reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria by creating an empowerment platform, through a model that consists of three integrated ideas, Train, Empower and Nurture (TEN).

According to him, graduates, undergraduates and

Mayowa Ajibodu

artisans can, through the instrumentality of this platform be encouraged to start off on their own without seeking white col-

lar employment.

“The discovery and support of the passionate and the talented Youth Entrepreneur can birth brilliant

ideas into profitable and sustainable businesses, which will in turn create jobs as well as other entrepreneurs. In this process, the Shun Unemployment Project can greatly, reduce poverty, unemployment, crime, and boost the Nigeria economy through the much needed diversification and more importantly, bring forth global business leaders.”

“This Project began through a Pilot Phase, starting with an event held at the Lagos State University on 19th February 2016 and at the University of Ibadan on April 7th 2016 and also partnered with churches and religious bodies to train youths on business start-ups. Just recently, the initiative also produce a short film titled “HOPE” to help inspire youths for greatness.” Ajibodu said.

Association hails ban on vehicles importation The Automobile, Boatyards, Transport, Equipment and Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE) has commended the Federal Government’s ban on importation of vehicles through land borders.

The General Secretary of AUTOBATE, Comrade Sola Olorunfemi, told journalists in Lagos that the ban was a decision in the right direction.

The government on Dec. 5 issued an order banning the importation of vehicles through land borders.

He said, “Prohibiting the importation of vehicles – new or old – through land borders is a welcome development and if well implemented will create employment.’’

He said the policy would energise the automotive industry as many people would have to patronise locally manufactured vehicles.

The scribe said locally manufactured vehicles might be expensive at the initial stage, but with increased patronage, prices would reduce with the

emergence of more manufacturers.

Olorunfemi, however urged the government to ensure comprehensive implementation of the policy to improve the economy and enhance productivity.

It will be recall that the Federal government has banned importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land borders.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Wale Adeniyi, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Mon-

day, December 5th, 2016 in Lagos.

According to the statement, the prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles.

The ban is sequel to a Presidential directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigerian seaports only.

“The order takes effect from Jan. 1, 2017.

The restriction on importation of vehicles follows that of rice, whose imports have been banned through the land borders since April 2016.

Lagos disburses N941m to 228 retirees in November The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has disbursed about N941 million to 228 retirees of the state government.

The payment was made to those who retired from the Mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Teachers Establishment and Pensions Office (TEPO) and other parastatals of government for the month of November.

LASPEC DirectorGeneral, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, who disclosed this said the amount was issued as bond and presented to the retirees at the 33rd Retirement Benefit Bond Presentation ceremony in Lagos.

According to her, the administration has, from August, 2015 to date, paid N21.9 billion as accrued pension rights to 5,027 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme

(CPS).

She urged them to take good care of their health by going for comprehensive check-ups and desist from frivolous spending.

She also advised retirees not to desire quick gains as fraudsters would make offers to defraud them of their benefits.

She reiterated that Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is interested in the welfare of the employees both in and out of office hence, salary and pension issues are given priority.

She further explained that beneficiaries can only choose Programmed Withdrawal benefit option as it is the option tenable presently pending the time, that Life Insurance Companies would open operational account jointly with a Pension Fund Custodian (PFC) to secure the funds for the provider of annuity services.

Onanuga

NUEE, IE hold roundtable dialogue on workers’ welfare Following several picketing of the Ikeja Electric Company by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) over several issues have agreed to setup committees to address issues being raised by workers.

Speaking during the gathering in Lagos, the Chief Ikeja Electric, Tony Yogwere however assured its employees of commitments to handle issues raised with importance.

The General Secretary

of NUEE, Joe Ajearo, also adviced employees to desist from sharp practices that will invariably short change the company financially, he ity employees to be diligent in their jobs.

It will recall that the protest by workers of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company earlier in the year and other back-door issues raised by the NUEE over workers welfare has resulted in several dialogues for both parties to be on the same page.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Stories by Babajide Okeowo The Chief Executive Officer of TrustBond Mortgage Bank, Adeniyi Akinlusi has revealed that the failure of the National Assembly to pass the foreclosure law has contributed to the unprecedented housing deficit in the country.

This is even as he said that the non-existence of an effective foreclosure mechanism in Nigeria is constituting a disincentive to housing investors.

Akinlusi made this disclosure while addressing shareholders at TrustBond Mortgage Bank Plc’s 7th yearly general meeting in Lagos recently.

According to him, the National Assembly must expedite action on the passage of the law affecting the legal and regulatory framework of the Mortgage sector; especially related to foreclosure to motivate mortgage banks to increase their loan portfolios.

“Foreclosure law” is a legal mechanism, which allows the

B7

Property

Absence of foreclosure law retards housing development - Akinlusi lender to take possession and sell the secured property (foreclosure” or “repossession) to pay off the loan in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan or oth-

erwise fails to abide by its terms.

‘The major challenge is the issue of foreclosure. There is no effective foreclosure mechanism put in place, if you go to court, it

would take donkey years’, said Mr. Akinlusi.

And at such, if mortgage banks find out that people who default are not paying their loans they cannot sell their houses, they are not motivated to increase their loan portfolio or give more people loans because the ones you have, you are having more problems with it.

“The foreclosure law needed to be passed by the state and National Assembly so that we can have more people owing their own home. Until we have a lot of Nigerians own their homes, it will be difficult to address the issue of economic disempowerment because when you own your home, you can be empowered to attract capital from the banking system.”

He emphasized the need for each state to come up with an effective law that will make foreclo-

sure easy in the state to attract the needed funding and capital from the mortgage bank.

“The major stakeholder, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank and Central Bank of Nigeria, are going round the states to tell the states to pass their own law. Each state can simplify the law by coming up with an effective law that will make foreclosure easy in the state.

“Once you have a state that passes this, it would attract funding and capital from the mortgage bank because you can use it as an example. There are one or two states that have passed it and we are engaging with some other states so that once you have good examples in this regard, more funding will go to people in those states and they can own their houses.”

UPDC delivers ‘The Residences’ in Lagos Why FG launched N13bn mortgage refinancing scheme for workers - Adeosun The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, at the launching of the federal government’s N13b mortgage refinancing scheme for workers has revealed that proper implementation of a comprehensive housing scheme is in line with the government’s overall objective of providing the necessary stimulus to kick-start growth in the current challenging economic environment Adeosun further revealed that the N13 billion mortgage refinance investment commitment by the NMRC would signal to investors at home and abroad that there are significant opportunities in the Nigerian housing sector.

In the first phase, a total of 5,635 civil servants would benefit from the scheme, which the government said would address the housing challenges facing the country, improve the living conditions and welfare of its workforce and people and generate gainful employment for the youth.

Adeosun, while launching the scheme in Abuja on Friday, said “the government had in recognition of the importance of housing earmarked N40 billion in the 2016 budget for the implementation of a comprehensive housing scheme in

Adeosun

line with the government’s overall objective of providing the necessary stimulus to kick-start growth in the current challenging economic environment.”

According to the Finance Minister, “the Federal Civil Service workforce plays an important role in nurturing and developing our nation. So it is only fair that those who serve the country can be afforded the opportunity of owning their own home by retirement.”

To check untoward activities, Kemi Adeosun stated that government has “put in place the right incentives as part of our anticorruption drive to plug leakages.”

The scheme is a collaboration initiated by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc. Managing Director of NMRC, Prof Charles Inyangete, assured the government that the agency would continue to provide liquidity to the housing market, noting that with the huge housing deficit in the country, “there is need for those involved in housing delivery to come up with affordable houses for the people.”

Real estate developer, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC), last week, delivered another residential project in Lagos, dubbed “The Residences.”

The newly commissioned project is a milestone towards reducing the huge housing deficit in Nigeria in general and Lagos State in particular.

The Residences, located within the former Durban Hotel, now Golden Tulip Festac Hotel, Janet Fajemigbesin Street, Off Festac Link Road, Amuwo Odofin, has a total of 198 units of one and two bedroom apartments on eight floors.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the edifice, UPDC’s Managing Director, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, said though some challenges arose following the acquisition of the property from the Federal Government’s privitisation and commercialisation scheme, it was gratifying that, The Residences has now been completed for subscribers to move in.

According to him, the project was created from “Our desire to create a truly-mixed real estate development that will offer comfortable and best-inclass residential, commer-

cial and retail accommodation.” He added that the initiative is the first of its kind in Lagos and consists of Golden Tulip Festac, Festival Mall and The Residences, which consist of three wings of eight floors.

For now, according to Ogunniran, 50 per cent of the homes were already sold, adding that, from all indicators, the entire units would be sold before the middle of next year.

As part of the developer’s marketing strategy, Ogunniran said: “Our partnership with Natanelflorens under a rentto-own scheme has also helped to push the property into the market. We are confident that by the middle of next year this place would be fully occupied given what we have already done.”On power generation, he said UPDC had also partnered with a major power provider to generate a 5 Megawatt IPP scheme that powers the hotel, the Mall and the Residences.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its infrastructural projects that has significantly added value to the area.

Prior to the commissioning ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan

Lawal, who commended UPDC for the project and the initiative, said the project, was in line with the state government’s drive to cushion the effects of housing challenge in Lagos.

“This is in line with the policy of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, to acquire abandoned government properties and turn them to highly-valued residential or real estate haven and the ministry of housing is working to ensure we utilise all under-utilised properties in Lagos.”

According to the commissioner, his ministry had conducted a study, which stipulates that for Lagos to bridge the housing gap, it must on yearly basis be construction about 200,000 housing units, which the government cannot do alone, hence, the need to encourage more private developers to partner with the state.

Speaking on The Residences, UPDC’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mrs. Titi Gbadamosi, said it was created from UPDC’s desire to have a truly mixed real estate development that will offer comfortable and best-in-class residential, commercial and retail accommodation.

Energy Opeoluwani Akintayo The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said that the federal government is working towards achieving a five percent economy growth in 2017.

The minster made this known during a live interview with CNBC on Monday.

According to the minister when asked about what a $60 per barrel oil would mean for Nigeria’s economy, he said a five percent growth will be a starting point for putting the country back on its feet.

“We have been in recession and have had very negative growth rate within the last eight months. But if we can get to 2017 and clean the year out with a growth of between 5%, we will be delighted”, he said.

The minister also revealed that 30 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings is being spent on the importation of refined oil products.

He explained that the oil sector is still very important to Nigeria despite the country’s effort towards diversifying into agriculture and services. According to him, the federal government is doing all it can to revive its already dead refineries.

“What is more important is that oil got us here and oil will be used to get us out of this. We have to clean up our oil sector, make sure the right incentives and momentous are there, eliminate corruption and contractual terms that don’t make sense.

And then, begin to grow refining because we can’t continue to ship out all the time. We need to get into petrochemicals.

30% of our foreign exchange burden goes into importation of refined petroleum products.

It is regretful for a country that

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 13, 2016

FG projects 5% growth for economy in 2017 - Kachikwu ÏƢƠü Ɔ Ə ƈ ƍƆ Ɛ ƏƆƇƈ ƆƗ ƈƋ ƍƏ ƗƑƅƐ Ïd ƕ R^& Ɠ ôƐ ƅ Ɔ Ɛ ƈƋ ƅƑƐ

Kachikwu

produces billions of barrels of crude not to have working refineries. That’s what we are focused on right now”, he said.

On fears that the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, will not follow through with the cut deal, Kachikwu said both OPEC and non-OPEC countries are serious about the scaling back in order to increase prices.

“Everybody now realizes that for investment to continue in OPEC countries, some sensible number of oil price like $60 per barrel is needed otherwise investments would dry up like in the last 18 months. The deal is still ongoing as we are trying to sign the MOU. I think this deal is different. In the past, we tend to force people towards a coalition. But this time, there is a

major concession because everybody realizes we have to do this for most of the OPEC countries to survive. A group has been set up to monitor this, and both the OPEC and non OPEC group understand that both houses will have to keep to the deal otherwise we will be in trouble. I think the urgency of the matter and criticality of the economies we have to protect is enough for

everybody to be alive this time around,” he said.

On the notion that Nigeria’s oil had lost patronage at the international market, Kachiwu said the country’s oil is still being purchased in Asia.

“My experience with India is that the price sensitivity becomes high once it crosses the $60 per barrel, and countries are going to deepen their ability to look for alternatives, save cost by the virtue of limiting their consumption. There is still a good appetite for Nigerian oil in Asian countries but there is sensitivity towards pricing. I believe once the price crosses $60, we are going to begin to see some old level of reaction again”, he said.

The minster said the country had lost time after wasting its surplus earnings without diversifying its economy from oil.

“We have lost years of surplus income that could have been very well applied to other sectors of the economy. Now there is a race against time. We are trying to restructure the economy, move more to agriculture and services. And the GDPs of these sectors are growing by the day”, he said.

Kachikwu said U.S shale oil producers are now threat to the market as there is fear that the country might flood the market with more oil.

FG to revise N453bn gas master plan The Ministry of Petroleum is to revise the three Central Processing Facilities (CPFs), the centerpiece of the infrastructure segment of the Gas Master Plan.

This was revealed by Gbite Adeniji, the ministry’s Senior Technical Adviser, Upstream & Gas, in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, in place of the gas master plan, “the government will encourage the development of processing plants on an opportunistic basis.”

The Gas Master Plan which was developed between 2006 and 2008, proposed three CPFs, each of at least 1 billion standard cubic feet capacity to be located respectively in the Warri/Forcados area, Obiafu/Port Harcourt area,

and the Akwa Ibom/Calabar area.

These facilities were proposed as regional hubs.

The plan also proposed three gas pipeline transmission systems, including a 1,200km northsouth line, a 700km western system with 200km offshore extension and a 200km pipeline to interconnect the two.

The plan was to have investors fund the construction of these huge projects and government would serve as franchise owner.

However, none of the proposed plan happened and findings revealed that no company has made any form of commitment to the project.

Instead, there have been small-

er, gas gathering projects in the South East (Seven Energy/Frontier driven) and in the Western Niger Delta (Oben), that have begun to take the shape of regional hubs.

As far back as 2015, the government said to actualise the Nigerian Gas Master Plan (NGMP), $2.3 billion (about N453.1 billion) would be needed for the construction of 2,300 kilometres of pipelines identified under the Plan.

A study conducted by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), which gave the figure, calculated that if an average amount of $1 million is required to build a kilometre of pipeline, then the country would require $2.3 billion to implement the NGMP.

Lead Director, CSJ, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, revealed that depending on the terrain, it would cost between the sum of $800,000 and $2 million to develop a kilometre of gas pipeline.

The report further noted that going by the rise as well as the risk of political violence, majority of the international oil companies are not willing to invest such an amount in the gas sector.

“The construction cost of developing natural gas pipelines and infrastructure vary between $800,000 per kilometre and $2 milliion per kilometre (for large diameter projects over rugged terrains).

“If we take the average cost of $1 million for each kilometre of

gas pipeline and 2,300 kilometres of pipelines identified under the NGMP will require about $2.3 billion.

“Due to a number of reasons, mainly the risk of politicallyinspired violence, vandalism, the risk of expropriation and the long gestation period before the investment becomes profitable, international oil companies are unwilling to invest in gas projects while government and citizens are desirous of gas investments,” the report stated.

It said since the multinational oil companies are not willing to invest in the sector, the Federal Government can take advantage of their unwillingness to channel resources for gas infrastructure.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, December 13, 2016

I will never go for a sugar daddy -Princess Chineke

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Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

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Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

I’m scared of marriage

-Princess Chineke my ideal man is that very man that can convince me on the reasons i should get married to him. He rest of my life with him.

It hurts me a lot.

After the bite incident, what has been happening to you?

Nothing much. I took a break to take care of myself. Now, I have fully recovered and ready to have my groove back on. Princess is back and

How then do you relate with Chrystabel now?

relate with her in any way.

there, what would you do?

healed emotionally, mentally and otherwise.

Left for me, I would have left it for God to handle, because I believe this is not ordinary. In my whole life, I have never heard that someone was bitten

How would you rate 2016? raise them and then bounce back. always a blessing around the corner. I believe God

the United Nations and the event was graced by different Presidents from different countries. The

such a huge scar. I never believed such a thing was in February, I have fully recovered and moving

Mr. Right around the corner?

No!

answer?

family, colleagues were all there for me too.

What has that taught you about life?

This whole drama drew me closer to God in a

T E A M

dare come close. I can only wave at them from a far. It makes me smarter, careful and sensitive.

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

We heard you once had an affair with expresident Olusegun Obasanjo, is that true?

year would be a lot better.

not in my hands anymore.

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acting.

How then do you cope as a single lady, especially the cold nights?

For a good start, i am so scared of marriage. So

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo