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S’West Govs meet over herdsmen menace

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ÏÏÏ The governors of

the South West region of the country, yesterday, met in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital to canvass for a concerted effort to tackle the menace of rampaging Fulani herdsmen in the zone, boost commercial ag-

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 299

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GAINERS AS AT February 13, 2017 BETAGLAS

riculture and spur the youths into embracing commercial agriculture in the region.

The governors, who stormed Ekiti State to hold a meeting in continuation of the Regional Integration of the zone under the Development Agenda for Western Commission (DAWN), include:

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20% of currency in circulation is fake -Former CBN boss

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Strong institutions, key to national growth -Jonathan

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Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÏÏÏ A former deputy gov-

ernor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, on Monday, released bombshell as he disclosed that not less than 20 per cent of the currency circulating in Nigeria is fake.

Continued on page 6

Apo 6 killing: Again, court defers judgment till March 9 5

‘Why 2016 National Honour Awards is on hold’ 12 2017 budget: Saraki lists 6 conditions for success

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Buhari speaks to Trump on telephone, invited to Washington -Presidency 5

Soldiers invaded our meeting, killed 5, injured 20 –IPOB

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Buhari speaks to Trump on telephone, invited to Washington -Presidency ÏÏÏ

Apo 6 killing: Again, court defers judgment till March 9 Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Chief Judge of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ishaq Bello, on Monday, again deferred judgment on the murder charge filed against a police officer and five policemen for the killing of six traders in the Apo district of Abuja in 2005 to March 9, 2017.

Justice Bello had in November last year scheduled the judgment for Monday after counsel to the parties readopted their briefs.

At the resumed sitting yesterday, audience and relatives who had gathered for the long awaited judgment left the court disappointed as the judge communicated the adjournment date of the matter to both the prosecution and the defence lawyers in his chamber.

The defendants: Danjuma Ibrahim, an Assistant Commissioner of Police and former officer in chàrge of operations, FCT Police Command, Othman Abdulsalami, the former DPO Garki Police Station (now at large)and four po-

licemen: Nicholas Zakaria, Ezekiel Acheneje, Baba Emmanuel and Sadiq Salami were alleged to have murdered five young Apo traders at a check point in Gimbiaya street area 11, Garki Abuja , and one other victims at Garki police station.

They were charged by the Attorney-General of the Federation in 2005 for killing Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Augustina Arebun.

The matter which gen-

erated public outcry had dragged on in the trial court for more than 12 years with five policemen in custody while the officer has been on bail on health ground.

The pool of evidence includes certified copies of medical reports of the examination conducted on the deceased, guns and other weapons allegedly recovered in connection with the incident.

The alleged recovered weapons were said to be in contradiction to Section 237 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

S’West Govs meet over herdsmen menace Continued from page 12

driver of inter-modal transportation system for the whole region.”

Fayose however disclosed that the governors have agreed to host the next meeting in Ogun State in April, 2017.

Earlier, the governors bemoaned the federal government’s allocation in the N7 trillion worth 2017 budgetary provision to the South West, describing it as inadequate and meager to drive development in the zone.

Fayose pointed out that to move the South West zone forward, there must be respect for the political be-

liefs and opinions of others and urged the governors to refrain from doing anything that will undermine one another.

“For instance, in the 2017 federal government budget, the South West is one of the least beneficiaries. The federal government 2017 budget is about N7 trillion and the only capital project allocated to Ekiti State is the Akure – Ado Ekiti road to which N250 million was earmarked.

“What can N250 million do on Akure – Ado road that is begging for reconstruction? There is even no guarantee that the N250 million budgetary provision will be

made available at the end of the day. I am sure this is applicable to other states too compared to other zones.

“We must therefore ask pertinent questions. How much did the federal government allocate to irrigation, construction of dams and storage facilities to boast agriculture in the South West?

“We must equally take collective interest in the annual national budget to ensure that states in the South West are adequately catered for.

This we must do by using our technical people to study the budget and make inputs on our behalf,” he said.

Harping on the need for

Yoruba race to stand united regardless of diverse political interests, Fayose said “Americans go about fighting their political battles without undermining the collective interests of their country, and that is the kind of spirit with which we must operate if the Yoruba nation must regain its pride of place in the Nigeria nation.”

He appealed to the governors to always take proactive actions to convert their deliberations into physical development, saying this remains the only way the regional integration programme can be respected by the people.

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, had a telephone conversation with the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, from London, where he is presently spending his extended holiday.

The two world leaders, who spoke at the instance of the American President sworn into office on January 20, spoke on wide range of issues, a statement from the Presidency, said.

The conversation, according to Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, was cordial and President Buhari congratulated Trump on his election as President of the United States, and on his cabinet.

The two leaders, Mr. Adesina added, also discussed ways to improve cooperation in the

fight against terrorism through the provision of necessary equipment.

According to him, President Trump encouraged President Buhari, who last week extended his holidays to enable him complete his circle of medical tests and collect the results of such test from his United Kingdom based doctors, to keep up the good work he is doing, and also commended him for the efforts made in rescuing 24 of the Chibok Girls as well as the strides being taken by the Nigerian military.

President Trump, he added, assured the Nigerian President of US readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism, concluding that President Trump also invited President Buhari to Washington at a mutually convenient date.

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20% of currency in circulation is fake -Former CBN boss Continued from page 1 Mailafia made this known at the venue of a public hearing by the National Assembly on the implementation of the N7.298 trillion 2017 budget estimate by the federal government.

Mailafia in a paper presentation titled: “Public Finance in the Context of Economic Recession: Innovative Options,” said it was saddening that the concerned authorities appear to be oblivious of the gravity of fake currency circulation, which he noted, was highly detrimental to the growth of the economy.

According to him, when fake currencies of that magnitude circulate, original currencies become scarce, noting that “bad money chase away good money.”

He described recession as a situation where the gross domestic product (GDP) output falls more than two quarters, while describing recession as the situation where GDP growth falls for more than five, six, seven years.

The ex-CBN official attributed the current recession in Nigeria to a myriad of factors such as global fall in the prices of crude oil, dwindling foreign reserve, weakening of the Naira, negative growth and existing gap in public policy.

Other factors, he listed, were poor banking practices, stock market crisis, speculations, regulatory failure, corruption and fraud and weak macro-economic management.

Mailafia in an attempt to stress that Nigeria is not the first country to witness recession, alluded to the American depression of 1929, describing it as one of the worst in world history.

He recalled that though the crisis was caused by stock market crash, it was compounded by government’s myopic nature and its failure to apply the right policy to address the problem.

According to him, the depression in US was worsened more by increase in the interest rate, instead of lowering it as he warned the federal government and financial regulators against toying with high interest rates, pointing out that it will further compounding the economic woes.

He also warned against increase in tax, suggesting that the federal government should rather drive for more income tax by getting more people to pay, instead of increasing it because it will further compound growth and investment.

He, therefore, advised the legislature and executive to deploy the current budget process to stimulate the economy, focus on factors that can rejuvenate growth, stabilise the exchange and interest rate and provide a stimulus package that will ensure a synergy between the economic growth and budget package.

He said it was unfortunate that CBN allowed the MMM initiative to operate in Nigeria, a situation he said could be further detrimental to an already crippled econo-

my in view of Nigerians’ gross involvement in the Ponzi scheme through withdrawal of monies in the bank and subsequent investment in the scheme, describing the scheme as risky for banking business.

He further advised the government to reposition key institutions, invest in key infrastructure that can create employment to teeming youth on the streets, re-

invent railway operations and reduce taxation.

In his own submission, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, traced the forex crisis to 1986 when Naira was first devalued by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, saying since then, the Naira has been devalued annually.

Ogbeh also supported views on lower interest rate, saying unless

economists and bankers collaborate on a reduced interest rate, “disaster lies ahead for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Representative of Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who is the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said the 2016 budget failed to achieve its target because of certain factors.

Continued on page 12

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2017 budget: Saraki lists conditions for success Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Senate President , Bu-

kola Saraki, has declared that the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the 2017 capital budget proposal supports activities that will help to speed up the diversification of the economy and the promotion of the non-oil sector as well as create jobs for our youths.

Saraki who gave the hint Monday at a National Assembly Joint Committees on Appropriation’s public hearing on the 2017 budget stated that it is also expected that “Made-in-Nigeria” (that is, domestic production of foods, materials and other commodities) will be encouraged. “ In addition, 2017 capital budget proposal is intended to engender private sector partnership in infrastructure as well as other critical sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing and services”, he said.

The Senate President, however, expressed concern that the extent to which the budget proposal will succeed in achieving its overall

objective of pulling the economy out of recession depends on a number of imperatives.

“These include: how well the capital spending targets critical sectors of the economy;how much of the capital allocation is devoted to real developmental projects as against administrative capital project; the level of details provided in the budget that will aid proper oversight of budget implementation; and, ultimately, the realization of projected revenues and borrowings,” he said.

He explained further that the purpose of a public hearing on the 2017 budget put together by the National Assembly is to “increase the efficiency of government and its responsiveness to citizens’ needs as well as improve overall transparency and accountability in governance.”

Saraki in his address at the event organized by the Joint Appropriation Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, noted that the event “is the first public hearing on the budget that brings together all stakeholders involved in the budget pro-

cess.”

He noted that budgets, “if well-crafted and implemented, remains the most potent fiscal policy instrument of government in delivering socio-economic benefits in an all-inclusive manner.

“The best way to achieve this is to ensure that all stakeholders are made a part of the decisionmaking process especially as it relates to the provision of public services and distribution of social benefits,” he said.

The Senate President further observed that fact that the country is currently at a crucial stage of its development cannot be overstated.

He said by engaging critical stakeholders and members of the general public to make input into the 2017 budget, the National Assembly hopes to increase the efficiency of government and its responsiveness to citizens’ needs as well as improve overall transparency and accountability in governance.

He added: “You will agree with me that the current state of the economy is needing of, among

others, a credible budget that will stimulate real economic activities, fix our critical infrastructure and provide cushion for the poor and vulnerable.

“The challenge, however, is how best to ensure that the budget is utilized as an effective policy in achieving these. It is, therefore, in line with this belief that the 8th National Assembly deemed it necessary to bring Government, Civil Society Organisations, Private Sector, and other key actors in the economy to deliberate on the budget proposal.

“Through this engagement and others to come, we hope to increase the efficiency of government and its responsiveness to citizens’ needs as well as improve overall transparency and accountability in governance,” he said.

According to the Senate President, the issues challenging the nation’s economy range from low government revenues, shortages in foreign exchange supply, slowdown in economic activities, rising unemployment and cost of living.

He said: “We are all affected in one way or another. With key eco-

nomic indicators heading south, there is no better opportunity to reset the fundamentals of our economy.

“What we have before our consideration is the 2017 budget proposal of N7.298 trillion, which we believe has been designed based on a medium-term recovery and growth plan.

“At the various sub-Committees, we are objectively reviewing the planned expenditures especially as it relate to its feasibility and relevance in delivering the broad objectives of the budget which are to:pull the economy out of recession, invest in the people of Nigeria; and lay the foundations for a diversified, sustainable and inclusive growth.

He stated that while the government has made efforts to ensure that provisions in the Budget proposal align with the over-arching goal of pulling the economy out of recession and laying the foundations for diversified growth, “certain provisions are clearly off the path. The budget must address the critical issues setting back our national growth and development.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

Politics Defection rumour: I remain loyal to PDP, Lagos lawmaker Alade Tasma

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Amuwo Odofin constituency 01, Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu has said that he remains loyal to the PDP, the party that brought him into office in 2015.

The lawmaker stated this while reacting to the defection rumour of six of the eight PDP members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Olorunrinu said the crisis in the party is not enough for him to defect to the APC more so that the crisis is not peculiar to the PDP. “Though, there is an iota of truth in every rumour, we all represent different constituencies and we have our different goals. I have not decamped and I was shocked to read the news in the media. If anybody should decamp, he or she should be proud to declare it.

“APC is not the only party in Nigeria, there are others, such as, APGA and Labour Party, so, I see no reason for the noise. Nobody spoke to me about decamping or invited me to the APC. Immediately I joined the government, I know I belong to all the people in my constituency including those in the APC, Labour Party or APGA,” Olorunrinu stated.

The lawmaker who said he believed in accessibility and loyalty, maintained he owed the party that took him to office total loyalty.

According to him, the party has done its best for him as there were others that could do it better before he was called upon to represent his constituency. He disclosed he was away from the country, when the news of the defection broke out, saying he has no reason to leave the PDP now.

Asked why the Minority Leader in the House has not been able to ensure that the PDP members provide a formidable opposition to the ruling APC government, the lawmaker said he was not in a position to answer the question, saying the question should either be directed at the party or better still be put at the Minority Leader.

He however, said he believes in service delivery to his people, which he said has been his preoccupation since he got into office in 2015.

Olorunrinu who disagreed with the notion in some quarters that the PDP could not win the governorship election in Lagos State in 2019 said the crisis in PDP is not peculiar to the party and that anything is possible.

The lawmaker faulted the method the APC-led Federal Government is using to fight corruption, saying the noise being made over the matter is driving investors away.

“You don’t announce that you want to chase armed robbers.

Announcing that you are fighting corruption is chasing investors away. I would also like the Federal Government to concentrate on the implementation of its policies and stop blaming the past administration,” Olorunrinu concluded.

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s I won 2015 Anambra Central Senatorial election –Umeh Patrick Okohue

Former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, has maintained that he won the March 28, 2015 Anambra Central Senatorial poll, noting that the then candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was the ruling party at the centre, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, only used security agents to rig the election.

Umeh made the assertion while responding to Ekwunife’s statement that he cannot win any election in Anambra State.

Ekwunife while speaking with journalists after last Friday’s Supreme Court judgement that dashed her hope of returning to the Senate and brightened Umeh’s chances of going to the Red Chamber, said the APGA candidate would never be a Senator. Expressing displeasure over the ruling of the Apex Court, she alleged that Umeh only won because he has spent all his life in courts and have

come to know all the judges.

But in his reaction Umeh said: “Well, she is my younger sister.

And I can’t join issues with somebody who has lost. You can say that she is frustrated and angry.

But I will use this opportunity to plead with her to exercise restraint. She doesn’t need to speak recklessly because she lost an obvious battle. When she went to the House of Representatives, I was the one that helped her to get there through APGA. “I was a good man then. And now that she has tried to bite the finger that fed her and she got burnt what do you expect me to tell her. She should respect the constitution. And the Justices have told her that National Assembly election matters end in the Court of Appeal. As to whether I can win an election or not, it’s a joke.

“I defeated her in that election.

She used the police, the army and the connivance of some people to rig the election. She never won it. The results from the field were clear that she didn’t win the elec-

tion. From the first victory they gave her that she scored 101, 000, at the tribunal it turned down to 93,000 votes. And my own was 86,000 votes. Is that something that will make somebody to be that audacious to tell you that I will never win an election when I polled 86, 000 valid votes compared to her 93,000 rigged votes? I can understand she is bitter and I forgive her.”

The APGA chieftain added: “I want to advise her not to attack the judiciary because she lost. If she failed today, she should take it calmly and wait for another time. This is not a do-or-die-battle.

If I had lost today, I would have worked away from this court. I won’t go to ECOWAS Court. You understand. I exhausted the judicial processes. I don’t do protest. I have never used violence throughout my political life. What I have done is to use the machinery of justice. What the constitution says or the law says – those are the things I do.”

Group caution Plateau Deputy Speaker on unguarded utterance Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

A group under the aegis of Concerned Garga Citizens, yesterday cautioned the Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, on utterances linking his kinsmen to Boko Haram.

The group who also hail from the same constituent with the Deputy Speaker, also alleged that the number two man in the Plateau State House of Assembly, has linked its own constituency to have same boundary with

the dreaded Sambisa forest.

In a press briefing signed by chairman of the group, Ibrahim Aliyu Bawa, it read’s in part that “on 24th January, 2017, the Deputy Speaker moved a motion of Public importance seeking to declare Garga District as “a place of abode for Boko Haram and claimed that Boko Haram were sighted there because it share border with Yankari Game Reserve which as he said is linked to Sambisa Forest.”

The group is also said that the allegation by Hon. Gagdi

From left: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the Director Events, National Theatre, Mr. Biodun Abe, during the inspection tour of the National Theatre in Lagos.

is malicious, misleading and tantamount to denting the image of the peace loving people of Garga District and the entire Kantana constituency in Kanam LGA and by extension Plateau State.

“We feel very much ashamed and guilty that our representative in the respected Plateau State House of Assembly is ignorant of the

boundaries of the area of his legislative jurisdiction. His linking Garga District with Sambisa Forest, Gombe State and Yankari Game Reserve epitomizes his ignorance of the terrain and or environment he was over whelmingly elected to represent in the House of Assembly.”

However, when our correspondent contacted the Dep-

uty Speaker, he dismissed all the allegations calling it the handy work of mischief makers.

According him, “all that is contained in the text is nothing but mischief, I can send the tape at the floor of the House during the said sitting and after watching it, you will find out that my detractors are on it again,” he said

10 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

New Lagos environment law is to enhance standard of living of Lagosians -Fafunmi Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi is the member representing Ifako Ijaiye Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fafunmi is the Chairman, House Committee on the Environment. In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE, the lawmaker speaks on the new Lagos State environmental law currently in the Committee stage at the state Assembly and why the law is very important to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

That the Lagos State government is planning a new environmental law is no longer news, but many people have expressed worries about the details of the law, but what is the law really all about?

Essentially, the intendment of government is to have a piece of legislation that will address all the environmental needs of the state. You will agree with me that Lagos being the pace setter, we want to have a compendium of our laws for ease of referencing; don’t forget this comes with our having to repeal certain sections of the law that don’t conform with the realities on ground. One other reason we are having the new law is to make provisions for areas that were not expressly stated in the extant laws as it is now.

For example, this new law will accommodate the use of concessionaires to come in and take charge of the domestic waste, for a very long time we have entrusted the collection of domestic waste to the PSP operators and we can bear witness to the extent to which their efforts can take us and we now have a governor who has zero tolerance to waste and he is one person who understands the importance of the environment, who knows that the right to a good environment is the right of every Lagosian and in view of that he proposed certain amendment in the waste management section and that is the amendment of the LAWMA law and that will be accommodated in the proposed law and we have also tried to see areas of overlap of duties and responsibilities of ministries and agencies and it intends to

bring all the agencies under the ministry to synergies their operation. Generally that is the intendment of the bill.

The bill will also make provision for a trust fund which was not part of what was envisaged when all the laws on the environment were passed.

You will agree with me that the exigencies of the moment call on us all as stakeholders in the business of the environment, because environment is the very reason why we are all still alive. If the last tree on earth is fell, no human being will survive a day on this planet earth.

That is to tell you the importance of the environment to the existence of humans, that is why the governor wants to take environment to the next level in Lagos and investors have shown interest to be concessionaires and partner with us. This is because waste itself is wealth. The Commissioner for the Environment showed us some things, he was able to draw comparison between the city of New York and Lagos State. The city of New York, in the United States of America is a city that generates a waste of 10,000 metric tons, while in Lagos we generate a waste of about 13,000 metric tons and only about 57 percent of the waste generated is what goes to dumpsite while the remaining are being recycled, but in our own case, about 90 percent of our waste goes to the dumpsite and we get to recycle very little. That is while the government is trying to reform our TLS’s, so that most of them can turn to MRS stations where we can do certain level of recycling and that will generate economic activities which will ultimately increase the rate of

Fafunmi employment in the state, so it’s just a total reform, a holistic reform of the environmental laws in the state with a view to ensuring that the needs and expectations of Lagosians are met.

To concession waste management in the state, in the view of some people is another way of adding to the IGR of the state, which will eventually increase the burden on the people through increment of rate, is that fear not genuine?

All over the world, there is not a place where people don’t generate waste and there is no part of the world where people don’t pay for waste disposal and I don’t see an exception here. We often run into the issues of PSP operators not being able to meet their obligations because people do refuse to pay, we have been faced with such challenges. We often also see that people in a bid to avoid paying for their waste will pick such waste and throw it on the high way. The intend-

ment of the law is to capture all these, capture all residents, all houses, all tenement and ensure that everybody pays. You will agree with me that if I pay for my waste every month and at the end of the day the operator does not come to clear my waste, I will not be happy, but this law provides avenue for me to make report and even make claims on them. What more can anyone possibly want, the concessionaire is coming with a technology, is coming with new equipment, coming with an improved, tested and proven service that can meet the needs of the people. I know your fears, it is about the pricing, the cost, but I can assure you that when everyone is in the net, for example, how many people are currently paying for waste management, but when more people are in the net and paying, the people will pay the same amount they are already paying or even less. Because when you know that it is a must for you to pay for your waste, because there is no human being on earth that is still living

We now have a governor who has zero tolerance to waste and he is one person who understands the importance of the environment, who knows that the right to a good environment is the right of every Lagosian and in view of that he proposed certain amendment in the waste management section and that is the amendment of the LAWMA law and that will be accommodated in the proposed law and we have also tried to see areas of overlap of duties and responsibilities of ministries and agencies and it intends to bring all the agencies under the ministry to synergies their operation. that will not generate waste, even when he dies the body becomes a waste. So, as a result it forms part of the responsibility of anybody to pay for waste disposal and when you pay for your waste disposal you will not see the need for you to pick your waste from your house and drop it on the main road, you will want the concessionaire or those operators to come and carry your waste and once your wastes are being carried, there are trackers which can monitor when your waste is being taken. We are equally going to have some special numbers that people can call. Look if my waste has not been carried, my PSP has not come as at when due I have a report line that I can call and say this man has not done his job, which is different from what is obtainable now, so in a way we should expect a cleaner Lagos. A more environmentally friendly Lagos, a Lagos of our dream, a Lagos that is prepared and engineered towards a mega city status and that is what we all CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

11 Politics

New Lagos environment law is to enhance standard of living of Lagosians -Fafunmi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

want.

What happens to the staff of the present day PSP operators?

The staff of the present day PSP operators will be absorbed. The PSP operators presently are going to move to commercial. These are the established organisations, companies, they will continue to pick the waste of all the companies we have around, while the concessionaires will be for the general public.

The PSP operators are just about 350 and the commercials that we have in Lagos is such that if you are the PSP operator of one or two companies, you will know that you have to go to those companies to pick your waste and you collect your money at the end of the month. Before now there was an agreement, the government will earn 40percent and the PSP operator will earn 60percent, but the government is now saying look we will give you the 100percent. Government is not saying they should lay off anybody, because we are even expending the net. Before now, you will see that the high ways are being cleaned, but we are now expending that to inner streets and roads to create a cleaner environment, that is the intendment. With this bill government is trying to expand to even employ more. We are planning to employ about 26,000 people to clean the street. They will go into the inner streets, everybody will be paid at least a minimum wage or something slightly more and they will clean within their vicinity, their wards. We want to take our personnel off the high way because some of them get knocked down by vehicles and we have lost so many of them.

So what happens to the high ways that they were cleaning?

As I said those cleaning the high ways will be moved into the inner streets to continue cleaning and more people will be employed. Now, the local governments have been broken into wards and in a ward there will a number of people that will clean there, so that we

have a cleaner environment, it’s an holistic approach to environmental issues. Now on the high ways, especially the presidential routes you will see motorised vehicles like is seen in developed countries, which the concessionaires are coming with that will sweep the high ways. How on earth will people be sweeping the Third Mainland Bridge, you can imagine the number of lives that would have been lost, they are exposed to series of hazards, now government is saying it is passionate about the people, it is passionate about the environment and government now wants to bring this technology to play in Lagos and that is the essence of this bill.

What will this bill do about companies that push their waste especially chemical waste into the canals, thereby creating more hazards for the people?

That is one of the responsibilities of LASEPA, LASEPA are the police of the environment, what they do essentially is to look at these production companies and tell them to have an effluent treatment plant, the essence of that is that whatever waste that is being generated does not go into our streets to contaminate our water body. What they do basically is to they have an effluent treatment plant and I can tell you that over the years LASEPA has made many companies to have an effluent treatment plant.

The law as it is will sufficiently address the issue of those companies that discharges chemical waste to contaminate our water body. I know that a couple of companies, especially the manufacturing companies, they have been able to construct their effluent treatment plants and ultimately what is being discharged is no longer hazardous, what goes into the environment are normal clean water.

When the monthly environmental sanitation restrictions was abolished by the government many people expressed fears that the government may be on its way to re-introducing the Health Inspectors like it

We are equally going to have some special numbers that people can call. Look if my waste has not been carried, my PSP has not come as at when due I have a report line that I can call and say this man has not done his job, which is different from what is obtainable now, so in a way we should expect a cleaner Lagos.

A more environmentally friendly Lagos, a Lagos of our dream, a Lagos that is prepared and engineered towards a mega city status and that is what we all want. was in the past to inspect environments and compounds and anyone found liable may be penalized through fines or other ways, will this law address issues of sanitary inspectors?

Well, the role of sanitary inspectors cannot be over emphasized, most of them are based at the local government level and I will probably have to look for ways we can incorporate them, it is a very good thing and if we do it will also be a way of bringing the local government into the implementation of this law. We will find a way of accommodating their interests, because my colleagues have spoken extensively on how we can bring the local government into this law and some of them are even of the view that we are usurping the powers of the local government, but those who feel like that still don’t understand the provisions of the law. This is because section 7 of the constitution talks about the local government, section 8 talks about the functions of the local government, which are in the 6th schedule or so, are exercisable pursuant to the laws made by the House of Assembly and if the House over the years have made laws on waste management, made laws on

Saka Fafunmi

signage and LASSA and today people are still talking about the usurpation of powers, it is funny, because such thing does not apply here, because even the existence of the LAWMA which we have operated over the years rest on the provisions of the constitution that allows the House of Assembly to make laws pursuant to that section 8 of the constitution, for the local governments to perform those functions listed in the constitution. So, it is not an area that anyone should take their mind to, because when some members raised it I wasn’t quite at home with it.

We still find cart pushers on the roads despite PSP operators and one thing that the government said when it introduced the PSP was that it will eliminate cart pushers, yet people patronise them, when this law is fully in place will there be sanctions for those who do not patronise the concessionaires to deter them from patronising the cart pushers?

The beauty of this law is that when everyone is cap-

tured, when every tenement is made to pay, let us now see who will patronize the cart pushers, cart pushers are born out of necessity, when it became apparent that those PSP operators were failing in the discharge of their duties, and that ultimately they could not do what was expected of them, that is when they come in like an intervention to augment what those PSP could not do, now what we are saying is that if the concessionaire does not carry your waste you have a tribunal within the ministry to drag them to and if you are not satisfied with the decision taken there, you have a right of appeal to our high courts and magistrate courts and we will be having special units to handle environmental issues.

It is something that will help the entire people of Lagos, I assure you.

What will be the sanction for those who will fail to register with the concessionaires?

It shall become an offence, because there are provisions for sanctions.

News 12 20% of currency in circulation is fake -Former CBN boss Continued from page 6 According to her, GDP growth fell from below 4.39 per cent target to 1.55 per cent; production volume from targeted 2.2 million to 1.81 million; inflation rose from projected 9.8 per cent to 17.8 per cent; exchange rate depreciated from projected N197 to $1 to N305/$, while revenue target of 3.8 per cent only yielded 2.117 per cent.

She added that oil revenue declined sharply, while fall in oil price and shortage in oil production compounded the situation.

She said the 2017 budget was designed to achieve economic recovery, stimulate growth, pull Nigeria out of recession and sustain macro-economic growth, adding that the budget was planned to expand the frontiers of privatepublic partnership (PPP), create jobs through small and medium enterprises (SMEs), create wealth and foster social safety for the poor and vulnerable in the society.

She further explained that this year’s revenue projection of N4.942 trillion is 28 per cent higher than N3.85 trillion in 2016 with 11 per cent projection on recovered loot; 4.9 per cent etc.

When he arrived the venue of the event later, Udoma said in line with submission of Mailafia that the government had no plan to increase tax and VAT rates but rather seeking to broaden collection base.

“I will like to talk about taxation. A view was expressed that we should not increase taxes. We should broaden the collection of taxes, that is, precisely what is in the budget. There is no increase in VAT, there’s no increase in company income tax, there’s no increase at all in taxes,” he said.

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S’West Govs meet over herdsmen menace Continued from page 1 the host, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Mr. Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos ) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga.

The governors, who adopted a policy for the pursuit of common educational, security and agricultural policies for the zone, in a communiqué, which was read on their behalf by the host governor, Mr. Fayose, pointed out that it is expedient for the zone to exchange notes in the area of security through convergence of security chiefs and other intelligence institutions to manage the aerial, land and waterway security architecture of the zone.

While speaking at the opening session of the meeting earlier, Governor Fayose expressed concerns over the menace of herds-

men and the destruction they are doing to farmlands, noting that they are causing colossal damage to food production in the zone.

Fayose said: “In promoting agriculture, we must take into consideration the menace of herdsmen, which has become major impediment. The question is, how do we continue to encourage our people to embrace farming when their investments are being lost daily?”

The governors in the communiqué also agreed to build a multimodal transportation systems, including highways, water and air, energy and power, leisure and entertainments as well as infrastructure.

“The governors are unanimous in addressing the declining moral standards and put in place structures to manage the loss of values and virtues in the society. A first step is a quality assurance and morality framework as a critical part of regional education.

“One centre each is to be do-

nated by the governments of the states of western Nigeria as Regional Centre of Excellence”, Fayose said, adding that Governor Ambode of Lagos State has also showed commitment towards making his state a critical stakeholder and critical part of Odua Investment group.

Fayose said the governors have also adopted the South West Regional Integrated Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (RICARD), with Lagos to champion a structured regional food exchange programme.

“We also approve the report of the sports development strategic plan of action for South West Nigeria. Lagos was carefully chosen to host of DAWN inter-collegiate games to strengthen the bonds and competitiveness among the youths in the region.

“States were also mandated to design modalities to key into the proposed rail project as a primary Continued on page 5

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Soldiers invaded our meeting, killed 5, injured 20 –IPOB ÏÏÏ The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday, raised the alarm that soldiers from invaded the venue of their meeting at Okwe Primary School, Oshimili North local government area of Delta state, at about 5.30 pm, and opened fire on their members, killing five people and injuring over 20.

In a statement by its media and publicity secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, IPOB alleged that some Hausa-Fulani people living in Okwe had informed their brothers in the army that IPOB members were having a meeting in Okwe Primary School and the military officers quickly invaded the place and opened fire on them without interrogating anybody.

“This is another senseless

massacre of our members. Does it mean that we do not have freedom to meet and interact with our members? Will the military say we were demonstrating? Did anybody complain that the IPOB members having the meeting were disturbing the peace of the public?

“Organizations and community unions have meetings on Sundays. Why will IPOB members, having a meeting in a public school, be shot? If it is a secret meeting that is aimed at achieving an evil plan, it would have been in a secret place, not in an open compound like a primary school,” the IPOB spokesman said in the statement.

The group vowed that it will never accept the incident, stating: “We must know who the

Hausa-Fulani people that gave the information to their military brothers are and who they are working for and what is their motive for giving such information. They must tell us how many times they have been shot by the military while they were having their meetings.

“This is another senseless military massacre that we will not accept. We must never take that. Somebody must pay for this.

We will never allow this one go unpunished. We have taken too much of these military senseless massacres.

“We will know if it is only the Hausa-Fulani that are in Nigeria and whether they are the only people that will live in this country. We will know whether they are the only people that will live,

meet and move freely in Nigeria.

We will see to the end of this idiotic massacre. This country does not belong to Hausa-Fulani people only.

“It is time they pay with their own blood, we have warned that nobody should provoke us to carry arms but it seems the time is ripe for that now. We must defend ourselves.”

The Delta state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, said there was an altercation between some soldiers and Biafra militants, who tried to dispossess a soldier of his rifle at Okwe Central Primary School. Aniamaka claimed that one of the Biafran militants was killed during an exchange of fire with the soldiers who came to rescue their colleague.

‘Why 2016 National Honours Award is on hold’ Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ President Muhammadu Bu-

hari has ordered a comprehensive investigation of a majority of those shortlisted for the 2016 annual national honours awards.

The 2016 national honours awards, which ought to have taken place as far back as October last year, findings showed, have now been put on hold as the President was said to have been dissatisfied with most of the names that were contained in the list of the nominees that were sent to him for final approval.

The national honors award is a yearly exercise that is coordinated mainly by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. The list of those short- listed for the various honor awards is compiled by the office of the SGF and thereafter sent to the President for final approval.

Investigations by the Daily Times newspaper revealed that as soon as the file containing the names of the short- listed persons for the national honor awards for the year 2016 was sent to President Buhari sometimes last year, he immediately went through the file and subsequently rejected it.

The rejection of list by the President, it was gathered, was due to the category of most of the names he saw in the list which he seriously frowned at.

It was learnt further that the president thereafter directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, to run a detailed security checks on some of the nominees.

A source in the office of the SGF, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity on the issue said, “the 2016 national honours awards was supposed to have taken place between September and October last year.

However, as we speak now, nobody can say precisely when the awards would take place.

“The reason for this is because the list of the nominees sent to the President was rejected by him. He raised objection over a majority of the names contained on the list.

“The President immediately returned the file containing the names of the shortlisted nominees to the SGF and has ordered the EFCC and ICPC to investigate most of the names on the list. It is only when this process is completed that anybody can talk about the issue,” the source said.

The awards, which take place every year, is an avenue to honour deserving persons, who have contributed in one way or the other to the national development.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

s

13

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Encouraging local fuel refining

T

he call by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on the Federal Government to demonstrate commitment on local refining of crude oil is a welcome development. According to General Secretary of the association, Mr. Bayo Olowoshile, only domestic refining would end the crises in the oil and gas sector. He, therefore, advised that the importation of petroleum products be cut by 50 percent.

It is a sad commentary, that Nigeria as Africa’s largest crude oil producer is yet the continent’s biggest importer of refined petroleum products. This has undoubtedly created a lucrative market for refineries in Europe and the U.S.A. Only recently, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, advocated that for the country to surmount the current challenges of falling crude oil prices, it must increase local processing and consumption.

However, it is well known that progress in this area has been impeded by lack of investment in the downstream petroleum sector, as well as a very outdated policy and regulatory environment for the oil and gas sector. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the largest importer of Nigeria’s oil, the United States of America, is now the world’s biggest producer of Shale gas which is effectively competing against crude oil at the world spot market.

Until very recently, sustained high oil prices as well as an increasing demand by growth-induced countries such as China, India and other emerging economies, has encouraged the development of new sources of oil. It is therefore a crying shame that a country with over 35 billion

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crude oil reserves and production of over 2.5 million barrels per day has no functional refineries to process its fuel needs. Of all members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria is the only still relying on importation of petroleum products for domestic needs.

So far, all efforts to reverse this development has been thwarted, apparently due to mismanagement of government-owned refineries and lack of incentives to stimulate growth in local private refining capacity. Of all the more than 243 by-products associated with crude oil, only three are maximised in Nigeria. Presently, the country spends about $60bn for importation of refined products. What this entails is that local refining will not only reduce the cost and stress of exporting crude to bring in refined products, it will also create jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

Currently, the country imports more than 35 million litres of petroleum products, representing about 85 per cent of domestic demand daily into the country at a cost of N3 trillion. Also, subsidy on imported fuel has been responsible for the enormous strain on the Federal Government budgets every year. Curiously, rather than spending the nation’s scarce resources on refining oil, government still prefer importing the refined products.

Unfortunately, the situation is unlikely to change any time soon because all the four refineries had been operating well below installed capacity, as they are at different states of disrepair. They should be rehabilitated and put to full use. We believe that domestic refining of petroleum products holds enormous economic benefits for the country and its citizens and should be given a chance.

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L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Ag. General Manager, National Theatre, Mr. George Ufot, during the inspection tour of the National Theatre in Lagos… at the weekend.

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Sen. Danjuma Goje, during the 2017 national budget hearing at the National Assembly in Abuja… on Monday.

PHOTO: TENITOPE BALOGUN.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

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Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo (middle) and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (right), being welcomed by Rivers women to the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday for the meeting with stakeholders of the Niger Delta.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Goodluck Jonathan

Matthew Ashimolowo

Julius Nyerere

“Nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian”.

“If you must make a difference in life, then change your mind set”.

“Independence cannot be real if a nation depends upon gifts.”

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Kano Govt furnishes public schools with N360m -Ganduje Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÎÎÎKano

state government has purchased and distributed instructional and related materials worth N360 million to public primary schools in the state.

The items include 10, 000 specially built 3-seater desks/chairs and teachers’ furniture, thousands of p1 – p6 curricula, textbooks, computer sets and accessories and motorcycles to local education authority technical staff for projects inspection.

Distributing the materials at the headquarters of the state Universal Basic Education Board, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje explained that “the move is part of sustained commitment to revitalize the basic education sub-sector for improved leaning outcomes.”

The governor noted that the fact that the state has “over 3 Million pupils in 6, 000 public basic education schools, with 52, 000 teachers, makes the challenge in the sector higher than that of many states in the federation.”

Regarding school furniture, he lamented that his administration inherited

198, 832 sets of furniture available for the 30, 126 classrooms as against the required number of 914 549, while toilet facilities are far below the requirement in most of the schools.

Stressing that the challenges are too enormous for the administration to handle alone, he urged individuals and organizations to continue to support the government in its bid to revamp the sector of education.

Governor Ganduje appealed to teachers and education administrators to ensure that the materials donated were properly used.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman, Kano state Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Malam Zakari Ibrahim Bagwai explained that despite challenges of infrastructure, facilities and manpower, the board would remain committed towards discharging its mandate.

In a related development, Governor Ganduje used the opportunity of the occasion to commission a repository donated to the state Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, by ESSPIN, a DFID funded project.

Strong institutions, key to national growth -Jonathan

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎImmediate past President of the country, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has harped on the need to build strong institutions in Nigeria, saying such is key in the development of a nation.

This is even as he predicted that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the 2019 general elections in view of the fact that the party still remains the biggest and strongest political party in Nigeria as of now.

Dr. Jonathan said these while receiving a report from the PDP’s Strategy Review and Inter-Party Affairs Committee in his Abuja home.

The committee has former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, as chairman.

The erstwhile president, who handed over power to

President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015 after losing the presidential election, made it clear that he strongly believes that for a nation to grow, its institutions must be very strong, stressing that was what is needed in Nigeria currently.

In his words, “There is no way a nation will grow with weak institutions, because everything about politics is about the people, not about individuals.

“As long you are interested in the people, you are interested in the growth of the society and the development of the nation. The only thing that will make this possible is that the institutions must be strong.

“You see as powerful as America is, look at President Donald Trump’s decision and the court said `no you can’t do this’ and of course, they have to shut down the decision to move forward.

Gowon Estate residents protesting 3-week-old power outage 13/02/2017

Power Outage: Gowon Estate residents disrupt Ikeja Electric operations ÎÎÎThe residents of Gowon Estate, near Egbeda, protesting a three-week-old power outage slammed on them by Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric), on Monday, disrupted the company’s operations at Akowonjo Business Unit.

The residents prevented movement in and out of the unit’s premises over the blackout, allegedly occasioned indebtedness by military quarters.

The protesters bearing placards that asked the electricity company to re-

store their light immediately, chanted solidarity songs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that inscriptions on some of the placards read: ``IKEDC, restore our light immediately’’ and ``We can’t continue to suffer for the sins of others’’.

Others are: ``Stop punishing us because some people owe; this is wickedness’’, `` Restore light to our feeder’’ and `` We cannot suffer because of others’ indebtedness.”

President of the Estates Youth Movement, Mr. Da-

vid Ogunbor, described the development as “injustice.”

Ogunbor, who led the protest, said: ``This protest is all about Ikeja Electric punishing us because the military quarters in the estate is owing them bills. ``Ikeja Electric is punishing the whole estate residents because of a minority. We say no to this. If people owe, there should be a better way to recover the money and not by punishing us for the sin of other people. ``For about three weeks now, there has been no

light whereas areas the estate’s environs have normal supply. We are being punished wrongly. Let the company restore our light with immediate effect and find ways of recovering money from its debtors.

They can’t do that to the military quarters if civilians were the ones owing.

It is not right.’’

Ogunbor also said the residents had contacted the management of Ikeja Electric and were told that power would not be supplied to the area until the military quarters paid.

ELAN canvasses leasing for economic development Kenneth Maduka

The Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) recently canvassed the use of equipment leasing to facilitate the achievement of developmental plans as the government works to pull the economy out of recession.

In its yearly review, the

Association stated that “Equipment leasing globally, has been established as a creative financing alternative that facilitates access to capital equipment. The whole essence of leasing is to enhance the planning, improvement and development of any economy by building and supporting productive ventures”. Leasing thrives

whether the economy is booming or in a recession.

Highlighting the essence of leasing to the growth of the Nigerian economy, the Association stated that, leasing has the capacity to drive the recovery and growth agenda of Government. The planned huge investment in infrastructure, agriculture, education and job creation,

creates a wider scope for leasing participation in meeting the expected demand for capital equipment.

Essentially, in achieving Government’s plans for self- sufficiency in food production for the nation, leasing can facilitate the provision of basic equipment for the entire agric value chain.

AMCON appoints KPMG to undertake forensic audit of Arik airlines Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

The new management of Arik Airlines has appointed KPMG, worldclass financial experts to undertake a forensic and diagnostic audit of the finances of the airline to ascertain the true status of its finances.

According to the statement made available by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria

AMCON, the review will among other objectives cover the position of assets and liabilities, and their utilization; recording and utilization of loans, propriety of third party transactions; fraud controls over Procure to Pay (Pt’).

It also included. Agents and Business Partners and Financial Reporting and Arik Airline’s financial position as at Janu-

ary 31, 2017. The report is expected to be delivered within 12 weeks.

“We have hired KPMG to look into the financials of Arik with a tooth comb and advise us with verifiable facts on what went wrong with the airline. We need to do that because the outcome will help us plug the loopholes and stabilise the airline,” the statement added. The whole intention is to identify what

went wrong with Arik to enable the new management to bring it back to full operations.

The federal government intervened last Thursday February 9, 2017 in the airline following daunting complaints of huge indebtedness of the airline to various creditors and the frequent interruptions in its operations, and the concern to safety and security.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

15 Opinion

Weak tailwinds and a sick economy

N Uddin Ifeanyi

ews out of and about Nigeria, last week, was largely upbeat.

Chances of the 2017 appropriation bill being passed a lot earlier than has been the norm since 1999, were enhanced with the passage by the National Assembly of the 2017-2019 medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) and fiscal strategy paper (FSP).

Okay, so the legislators tinkered with a few assumptions, especially by pushing up the document’s proposed oil benchmark price from US$42.50 per barrel (pb) to US$44.5pb. But then, the agreement between the oil producers’ cartel (OPEC) and a few non-members to support global oil prices by cutting their respective domestic production levels appeared to hold: the West Texas Intermediate blend closed Saturday at US$53.24pb, even as OPEC announced, weekend, that it had already removed 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) from the market and Russia another 100,000bpd (more than was agreed at their December 10 2016 meeting).

It also emerged that in the first two weeks of this year, a combination of higher oil prices and improved crude exports (following the resumption of the payment of stipends to the militants

in the oil rich Niger Delta region) pushed the contribution of crude oil sales to the nation’s gross external reserves up by US$1.380bn (or 5.3 percent). On the back of which, the nation’s gross external reserves closed January 16, 2017 at US$27.22bn (up from US$25.84bn as at December 30, 2015).

If the finance minister was to be believed, the federal government has completed plans to deal a mortal blow on the parallel market for the naira, and by extension, restore the national currency’s “lost glory”.

And in Davos, Switzerland, where he was head of the Nigerian delegation to the summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the vice president announced the end of the economy’s recession. Much earlier in the week, the IMF had revised its forecast for domestic growth this year from the 0.6 percent it put out when its World Economic Outlook (WEO) was released in October 2016, to 0.8 percent in the January 2017 edition of the WEO. Welcome though all this optimism is, all of it is, in truth, reliant on one variable. As the IMF put it, “Nigeria’s forecasts were also revised up, primarily reflecting higher oil production due to security improvements”. Put differently, even as it could be argued that the economy’s near-term prospects have brightened recently, not much has changed, structurally, in

the economy to support a brighter medium-term outlook.

If our poor economic performance last year taught any lesson, it is of the need to improve domestic productivity growth in order that output growth may compensate for our rather high population growth rate, while leaving room to spare.

Improvements to domestic productivity will include better state of the art infrastructure (especially, highspeed broad-band access), up-to-date school curriculum (coding being taught in the secondary schools), better health-care services, more liberal business environments, and more effective government spend.

These should combine to drive trend GDP growth rate to between 7 percent and 10 percent, enough to compensate for rising population levels.

In other words, with 0.8 percent growth this year, we barely scratch the surface of the economy’s problems. Indeed, it is fair to suppose that both unemployment and inflation will continue to rise this year. Part of the impetus for the latter will be the continued failure of domestic policy responses. Much was made of this dimension of our polity last year, by commentators on the wrong side of this government.

Unfortunately, none of the developments last week supported a sense of an impending correction

of the poor policy prescriptions this year. If anything, the federal government’s sense of what must be done to address the naira’s exchange rate crisis only further exacerbates the fear over poor policies.

It is clear that — as a very good friend reminded me, last week — our government is not aware of the fact that at one level, the naira is simply a commodity: with two prices. The first price is domestic — inflation — an expression of how much a given amount of the national currency buys over clearly defined time frames. The second is external — its exchange rate — an expression of how much of it nonnationals are willing to accept in exchange for their own currency.

Too much of the naira in circulation at any given time drives up how much of it is used to buy goods locally, and how much of it foreigners demand in exchange for their own currency. So, rather than suggest the solution to the naira’s exchange rate is the outcome of some tactical approach to the problem, including through having bureaux de change operators quote prices on some websites, better instead that the government addresses the “immediate and remote causes” of the central bank having extended so much credit to it last year.

All last week’s “gains” will be temporary without addressing such fundamental questions.

Ohakim and his continuing political ambition

T

Fred Nwaozor

he last time I checked, 2019 which would mark another interregnum in Nigeria was fast approaching to the delight of the country’s teeming politicians, particularly their likes in Imo State. This implies that both the politicos and the electorate are currently warming up toward embracing the said era, thus can’t wait.

It appears the immediate past governor of the aforementioned state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim is one of the few individuals that are strongly preparing to be in control of the state’s Seat of Power otherwise known as Douglas House, come 2019.

It would be recalled that Chief Ohakim’s emergence as the Imo governor in 2007 was seemingly miraculous.

His victory was occasioned by the lingered impasse between the then Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) flag bearer for the Imo gubernatorial polls, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.

Prior to anointing Chief Ohakim to wear the shoes of Sen. Araraume, although under a disguise, the agreement was that the former would decamp to the PDP if he emerged as the governor of the state, and consequently he fulfilled his own

part of the deal when he eventually found himself in the Douglas House.

Aside decamping from the PPA to the PDP, during his reign as the Imo State governor, it’s worth noting Chief Ohakim was making frantic effort to satisfy a few individuals who could be best described as king makers.

Like any other leadership, it’s noteworthy that Ohakim’s was characterized by several social cum political challenges. Apart from the lingered court proceedings between him and Sen. Araraume, the social plights experienced by him was one of the reasons that gave Chief Rochas Okorocha – the present governor – an upper hand during the 2011 governorship election in the state.

Though I’m not here to state his accomplishments and shortcomings while he was the state’s governor, it’s imperative to acknowledge that his four-year tenure, which came as a surprise to millions of onlookers, ended in an unpopular style. Despite his strong intention to continue for a second time in office, it was obvious that over seventy-five per cent (75%) of Imolites wanted him to take a bow, probably due to the misunderstanding that ensued between him and a Catholic priest which was widely politicized. In addition, the popularity of Chief Okorocha who was then his

closest rival brought more pains to his continuity aspiration.

Coupled with the rumour making the rounds that the Mbano-born politician is still aspiring to return to Douglas House come 2019, penultimate week, one of the dailies confirmed the news. Chief Ohakim who few months ago notified the general public that he had temporarily retired from active partisan politics, equally aspired for the same position in 2015 but never secured a ticket at the primary level, in PDP precisely.

One thing that is yet to be clear is the political party the man in question would be vying under. Is it going to be the PDP that failed to secure victory in 2011, rejected him in 2015, and that he chose to temporarily retired from barely few months ago when it needed him most? Will it be the All Progressives Congress (APC) that is already loaded with aspirants noted to be men of unquestionable character; in other words, a party where there is ostensibly no iota of vacancy? Is he going back to the PPA that he relegated to the background when he became the governor of the state in 2007, or considering coming up with a totally different political party? These among many more pertinent questions are currently on my thoughtful mind.

However, whichever party he may choose to operate under toward actualizing his keen objective, I wish to unequivocally but humbly advise the statesman to have a rethink as regards such an ambition. If I were in his shoes, I would never dream of aspiring for governor, or a second term, again. Not because he had been defeated twice at the polls – both at the primary and secondary levels – or because he is not qualified, but simply owing to the fact that his chances of emerging victorious again are apparently infinitesimal.

The APC has seemingly dominated Imo State within a shortest time frame.

It suffices to say that whosoever that would be vying for the Imo gubernatorial polls come 2019 under the auspices of the APC, or to be anointed by the aforesaid governor, would definitely have an upper hand at the polls.

Even if Chief Ohakim eventually decamped to the APC, there’s no up to 10% guarantee that the party’s ticket would be given to him because there are several others who had ab initio worked relentlessly for the party and are equally qualified for the position in question, thus it’s high time he jettisoned this unquenchable ambition towards thinking of something different. Think about it!

16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Senate demands transparency in Ogoni project funding Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Senate on Monday

demanded to ascertain the true source of funding for the Ogoni-land remediation project entered into by the federal government through the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in collaboration with major oil companies including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

At a budget defence of the Ministry of Environment organized by the Senate Committee on Environ-

ment, the Senate urged the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, to intimate Nigerians on how funding for the projects which is aimed at cleaning up Ogoniland from Oil pollution and rehabilitating its inhabitants is being sourced.

Although the Minister had earlier informed the legislators that the project is being completely funded by the two expatriate oil giants, while the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) provides staffing on the interim, the

lawmakers expressed worry that the federal government is not involved in its financing wondering why expenditures of the programme being coordinated by the Ministry of Environment is not brought before the senate for the purpose of appropriation.

“We need to know the source of funding that the SPDC and NNPC are providing, because going into expenditure will require appropriation, irrespective of source in order to account for the project value and report accurately at the end of

the financial year. The exclusion of the National Assembly in appropriating those figures calls for question,” Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North) noted, adding that from indications it could even be from the Joint Venture Companies (JVC) for which the federal government owns 60percent.

He stated that there is need to trace the source of the funding and come up with a breakdown of the activities that the ministry is going to go into utilizing the fund.

Senator Foster Ogola

(Bayelsa West) on the other hand, criticised the pattern from which the Ogoniland project is being coordinated.

He expressed concern that the Ogoni clean up constitutes only about two percent of the entire Niger Delta and noting that it should not be covered in politics of funding.

“It gives us worry that we are playing politics with the source of funding, there has to be transparency on the expenditure, we own 60 percent of shell, so what is our own cash backing,” he asked, observing also that

the impact of a $10 million take off grant for the project as explained by the minister is not visible.

The minister told the committee that the project estimate is N154 billion paid for by the joint project of SPDC and Shell, while federal government provided staff for the project.

Mrs. Mohammed also said that an interim sum of $1 billion was agreed on over a period of five years with $200 million to be provided every two years for the Ogoni clean-up programme.

Justice Ngwuta trial: FG engaged new prosecution counsel Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏFollowing

the dramatic withdrawal of the International Criminal Court (ICC) lawyer, Charles Adeogun-Philips, from the prosecution of Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta at the Federal High Court Abuja the on Monday, the federal government has engaged a new counsel, Mrs. Olufemi Fatunde.

Sequel to an application made by the new prosecution counsel, Mrs.

Fatunde, prayed the court at the resumed trial for a short adjournment to enable her go through the case file.

Fakunle told the court that she was briefed about the matter few days ago after she was informed that the matter was for reexamination.

She told the court that for her to carry out a successful re-examination, she will require a short time to study the case file and subsequently interview the witness before taking further steps.

“I know this is not a bid

to slow the space but as a matter of necessity, I will be obliged if my application is considered,” she added.

The application was not objected by the defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN. The trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, subsequently adjourned the trial to March 16 and 17 for continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that Adeogun-Philips engaged for the high profile corruption case due to his wide experience in criminal matters from the ICC

announced his dramatic withdrawal from the case.

Adeogun-Philips did not give reasons in the open court why he was withdrawing from the case but told The Daily Times in an interview that he was dissatisfied with the withdrawal of the N2.2 billion fraud charge against the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and two others. The Attorney General of the Federation said yesterday that Adeogun-Philips was sacked.

Justice Ngwuta is one of the judges arrested by

the Department of State Services (DSS), on October 8, 2016 over allegations of bribery and professional misconduct.

He was arraigned before Justice John Tsoho of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and professional misconduct.

The federal government accused Ngwuta of illegally retaining, in his possession, N35.4 billion contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and that he reserved in his custody

$319,596 and 25,915 pounds sterling.

The prosecution also claimed that the monies were part of the proceeds of unlawful act contrary to the Money Laundering Act. It went further to allege that four diplomatic passports, one official and two standard Nigerian passports all having the name of the defendant on them, were found during DSS search of his home on October 7 and 8.

The prosecution has so far called one witness to testify against Justice Ngwuta.

a

Ortom seeks partnership with Sports Ministry ANDREW EKEJIUBA Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, says he will collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to boost employment and create

wealth for the youths of Benue State.

Ortom made the remark when the Youth and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, paid a two- day working visit to the state.

“Our Ministry of Youth and Sports

will work with you. I want to urge you to include Benue State in your provisional programs so that our youths can benefit from skills acquisition, youth policy formation, training, sports, etc.

“We are soliciting that you kindly facilitate our hosting of national and international sports festivals as this will open our state to investors. We propose a partnership with your ministry to host competitions such

Page 18

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

J

oseph Imeh and Sarah Adegoke have emerged Men and Women singles champions of the 3rd Rainoil/ Ikoyi Club 1938 Masters Tennis Championship.

Imeh defeated Emmanuel Idoko 6-3, 6-4 while Adegoke retain the women’s title with a 6-1, 5-0 (rtd) scoreline over Ronke Akingbade. The winners each pocketed N250,000 while the finalists got N200, 000. The four semifinalists at the five-day tournament were also rewarded with N150, 000 each. Other participants also got range of cash prizes.

Speaking at the end of the final, Group Executive Director, Rainoil, Mrs Godrey Ogbechie said the energy outfit will continue to invest in the development of youths through sports especially tennis for those that want to take it as a career.

She said, “We have been involved in tennis sponsorship for over 13 years and we want to take Nigerian tennis to an enviable height. My husband,

as schools sports, sports festivals and inter-collegiate competitions.

These activities will help in identifying talents, promoting recreation, tourism as well as physical fitness of our young people,” Ortom said.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

in particular, is so passionate about tennis and I know he will go any length see the sport develop. He has the desire to see a Nigerian player in the Grand Slam” NTF President, Sani Ndanusa commended Rainoil for their unrelenting commitment to Nigerian tennis adding that their backing of Sylvester Emmanuel, who is on a $ 90, 000 scholarship at the Pereriba Tennis Academy in Barcelona, Spain, which speaks volume of their passion to see Nigeria excel at the sport at global level. He disclosed that in 2015 Rainoil had also sponsored Emmanuel to a US training trip.

Ndanusa while presenting a giant trophy as a gift to Rainoil in NTF appreciation of their commitment to tennis development said “Similar to our plan, you have mapped out a route for a Nigerian player regarding the Grand Slam. The NTF will continue to give technical support, monitor as well as give opportunity to make sure that the dream is realized.”

Imeh, Adegoke shine in Rainoil/Ikoyi Masters Tennis

Royal International,others boost T/Tennis in CRS Edem Edem, Calabar Royal International Farms and Estates limited, First Royal Microfinance Bank and Triple Star Printing Press Limited have donated modern standard table tennis board and other equipment valued at N700, 000 to Cross River State at the maiden Primary/Secondary Schools Table Tennis Championship that held between February 8th - 10th 2017.

Over one hundred schools participated in the competition.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon Orok Otu Duke said the sponsors of the competitions, Royal International Farms and Estates limited, First Royal Microfinance Bank and Triple Star Printing Press Limited responded in kind and procured the table tennis for the

commission.

“The Table tennis board are quiet expensive, it is the latest model and is sold at about N700, 000 and donated to us for the Primary/Secondary table tennis competition in Calabar Metropolis.

“The state is one of the leading states when it comes to table tennis tournaments. For the past 18 years, we have been dominating in national and international championships particularly in female categories. Offiong Edem and Janet Effiom are in Portugal and at the last national tournament, a Cross River State indigene Cecilia Otu won. We have 3 out of the 4 national and Africans players from this country, Offiong Edem, Cecilia and Funke”.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, the General Manager Royal International Farms and Estates limited Bishop Usen

Umoh stated that the making of successful children tomorrow is predicated on giving the children the right kind of education today. He said, education is described as the total process of human learning by which knowledge is imparted, faculties trained and skills developed.

And as we are all aware, sports and physical education are collectively considered integral part of quality education.

Ghanaian coaches commend NTF after bagging ITF certificate Two Ghanaian coaches that participated in the ITF Level 1 Coaching Course, which was concluded over the weekend in Lagos have expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) for helping them become professional coaches.

Samuel Appiah and Hilda Amankwei, who are respectively from East Legon and Accra described as priceless, the ITF Level 1 coaches certificates they bagged alongside thirty seven other Nigerians in the nine-day course conducted

by ITF Instructor, Rotimi Akinloye.

Appiah, a coach for over ten years, said he can now return to his country with his head high knowing he is now an ITF-certified coach.

“I have waited for almost eight years to have this

course in Ghana but our Federation could not arrange it. It’s a very important course as far as tennis is concerned and I’m very happy to have this certificate. It means I’m not just an ordinary coach but a professional,” he stated.

Amankwei, a female coach, on her part said the NTF shows that it’s a well-organised and functional body to have the programme which will develop the game further.

“We are really grateful to the NTF for facilitating this course because we don’t have it in Ghana. We know the value of the course and that is why decided to take advantage of our closeness to Nigeria. The instructor, who incidentally is a Nigerian, is a well-grounded ITF expert.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

EXTRATIME

19

INTERVIEW The Special Adviser on Sports to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Mr Effiom Effiwatt, opens up to Extra Time duo of ANDREW EKEJIUBA and EDEM EDEM on various issues concerning sports development in the state. He speaks on the Governor’s passion for sports development, the renovation work going on at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar and hosting of major grassroots sports competitions in the state. Excerpts:

T

here is an insinuation outside there that Governor Ben Ayade is not interested in sports development in Cross River; is he really interested in sports?

Of course Governor Ben Ayade is truly interested in Sports and he is a youthfriendly governor. We all know that sports is one of the ways we can bring the youths together and engage them profitably; so for any person to insinuate that our governor is not interested in sports development is a huge fallacy.

Gov. Ayade has displayed beyond reasonable doubt on his interest in everything that has to do with young people; be it sports, be it agriculture or education or any aspect of youth empowerment, Prof Ayade is fully in support of them.

Only recently, the Chairman of Cross River State Sports Commission spoke to us about efforts being made by the state to get some sponsors in certain sports in schools, such as table tennis and taekwondo; are

“The governor has a very positive feeling and attitude towards sports. His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade is a sports-loving governor, his is a youth-loving governor, and he prioritized everything that puts the youths of Cross River State in focus. You know that sports is huge employer of youths and the governor says that in his administration, no family, no young man, no young woman, no old man, no old woman will go to sleep without food on his or her table, so he cannot neglect sports because that will be putting a lot of people out. So, I can tell you without fear of contradiction that our governor is a sports-loving governor.”

Popoola

Effiwatt

Ayade passionate about sports development –Effiwatt you really sure that such assurance will really yield the desired dividend for sports development from the grassroots in the state?

Yes, you know that Cross River State has sports policies that focus on grassroots sports development, facilities development and elite athletes’ development. The Cross River State Sports Commission thought it wise to embark on grassroots sports development and sponsorship drive; I am sure, nobody is in doubt in Nigeria, the economic reality that we currently faced.

The sports commission thought it wise to look outward because sports is capital intensive. In very many instances, you need sponsors to organize competitions, you need to bring in sponsors to source for equipment and coaches and all that, so the sports commission thought it very wise that in fulfilling their capacity, they shouldn’t rely on funds coming in from government’s purse. So they have reached out to sponsors and the results are positive.

Actually, contact has been made to get sponsors for taekwondo, table tennis and few other sports that will be bankrolled in the first quarter of the year.

Taekwondo competition ended few weeks back and in this first week of February, table tennis competition has commenced. All these competitions are funded and supported by the private sector in Cross River State.

2017 is here, what future holds for sports in Cross River State?

Well, the projects as regards sports development are big and huge in the state, if you have been to our stadium you will see for yourself the kind of work that is going on there. Unfortunately, at the advent of this administration, Nigeria experienced a downturn in her accruing revenue that affected not just Cross River State but all the 36 states in the country.

So, Cross River State has to prioritize its expenditures. We need in excess of N600 million to complete the facilities at the stadium. In the last 12 months, you will agree with me that in view of payment of salaries, running of government and doing all the other project has been a difficult task, government has huge amount to source. We need about N600 million just for completion of facilities at the stadium, then we will now talk about equipping some of them and also doing all the financial framework required for hosting competition such as the National Sports Festival, so the government decided to take it in bit. If you go to the stadium, you will also notice that the swimming pool area was privatized and general stadium sanitation and outlook and the rest were shifted into 2017 appropriation bill which

“Well, the projects as regards sports development are big and huge in the state, if you have been to our stadium you will see for yourself the kind of work that is going on there and unfortunately, at the advent of this administration, Nigeria as a whole experienced a downturn in her accruing revenue, that affected not just Cross River State but all the 36 states in the country.”

has just been signed into law. So, in no time we expect that the contractors will return to sites and Cross River State Government will deliver on all her policies concerning sports in the state.

You are the eyes of Governor Ayade on sports; can you tell us how the governor sees sports in the state generally?

The governor has a very positive feeling and attitude towards sports. His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade is a sports-loving governor, his is a youth-loving governor, and he prioritized everything that puts the youths of Cross River State in focus. You know that sports is huge employer of youths and the governor says that in his administration, no family, no young man, no young woman, no old man, no old woman will go to sleep without food on his or her table, so he cannot neglect sports because that will be putting a lot of people out. So, I can tell you without fear of contradiction that our governor is a sports-loving governor.

Our governor is a youth-friendly governor and to match word with action, you need resources and resources has been a challenge, not just in Cross River but entire country, at least in the last 12 months it has not been easy.

Looking at the stadium, there are so many abandoned properties, particularly those imported from abroad for renovation work, they are deteriorating and what’s your take on this?

No, No, No, they are not abandoned; there are a lot of containers housing sensitive materials meant for stadium renovation work and they are kept in good condition, but only less sensitive ones are the ones you see. I can tell you that all the materials needed for the renovation work are properly stored and there is no deterioration whatsoever.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Times Law

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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Justice in this case is for both parties- the Plaintiffs and the Defendants. The court has a duty to guard against an attempt by any of the parties to make an ass of the law and its rules of procedure.

Ngwuta, JSC. in MFA and Anor v. Inongha (2014) 1-2 S.C. (Pt. 1) 43.

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

Delay in Onnoghen’s confirmation as CJN a sad development -Oyeyipo INTERVIEW How do you see the delay in the confirmation of Justice Walter Onnoghen as substantive CJN? On the face it is a very sad development however, I have never been in government, I don’t know how government works, perhaps they are conducting some investigations, and perhaps they were trying to make up their minds.

But why I said it is very sad is because it was allowed to linger for too long and so gave room for speculations. That is why you find a lot of people were saying all kinds of things in the press.

Some were even threatening and the distinguished Justice came out and said don’t fight for me, let them do what they want to do.

The constitutional provisions governing the appointment of CJN, Chief Judge of a state, Chief Judge of a Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court or President of the Court of Appeal clearly stipulates that either the NJC, if it is a federal court or the State Judicial Council, if it is a state court, would recommend to the appointing authority, which is the head of the executive arm of government (Governor or President) the name of somebody to be appointed as substantive CJ or CJN or President as the head of the court.

The head of the executive arm of government would then consider, and if he thinks it is right, would forward it to the legislative arm of government for confirmation. Those are the checks and balances.

Once it does that and if the legislative arm is satisfied, then it will go back to the President, who will make the appointment formal. These are the safeguards we have in our democracy and I think that in order not to raise unnecessary suspicions, each arm ought to do its own part as quickly as possible.

The constitution clearly provides that where there is vacancy, the NJC or the state Judicial Council would forward the name to the head of the executive but in the interim, the most senior Judge or Justice on the bench acts, but he cannot act for more than three months because three months is more than enough.

You know the man’s history on the bench, it is not shrouded in any mystery, his records of ser-

He is among a team of lawyers that challenged former President Olusegun Obasanjo in court when he declared the position of his vice president, Atiku Abubakar, vacant because the later decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to then Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN). Adetunji Oyeyipo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in this interview with PETER FOWOYO, speaks on President Muhammodu Buhari’s vacation, the doctrine of necessity, lawyers’ fees, delay in the confirmation of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria among other sundry issues.

Oyeyipo

vice from High Court to Court of Appeal and Supreme Court is there. If it is not there you look at his CV, if you think he has committed some offence in the past, I don’t think it will take security operatives three months to investigate.

I think the delay was rather unfortunate and that is why people are saying all sorts of things.

What is the position of the law when a president transmits a letter to the National

Assembly asking that his vacation be extended?

It is a novel thing but let us look at it from the point of Section 145 of the Constitution, which requires the president, who intends to go on vacation to notify the National Assembly that he is going on vacation and to indicate the vice president will act for him in his absence. The section does not clearly talk about extension of vacation but the correct interpretation of that provision would be

Legal JOKE A stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove wrong the saying, “You can’t take it with you.”

After much thought and consideration, the old ambulance-chaser finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died.

He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillow cases. He then directed her to take the bags and of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed. His plan: When he passed away, he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to heaven.

Several weeks after the funeral, his widow was up in the attic cleaning, and came upon the two forgotten pillow cases stuffed with cash. “Oh, that darn fool,” she exclaimed, “I knew he should have had me put the money in the basement.”

that if he needs notify the National Assembly or the Senate that he is going on vacation, he should also notify the National Assembly of his intention to extend his vacation.

So, the fact that the Constitution does not make express provision for it does not mean that the president cannot ask that his vacation be extended and as a matter of fact, even if the president does not inform the Senate of an extension of his vacation, if the National Assembly comes to the conclusion that the vacation be extended, the Senate will allow the vice president to continue to act. I do not see anything wrong at all in him notifying the Senate that he was extending his vacation.

Does the Constitution stipulate how long the extension can be, or it could be indefinite?

No. The Constitution does not stipulate but again, it cannot be indefinite because the Constitution clearly provides for a

situation where it appears to the National Assembly that the president cannot perform his duties. The Constitution makes provision as to what the National Assembly can do and that is the Vice-President should step in.

Now, you remember in the case of our late President Umaru Musa Ya’adua, what his cronies where trying to do was to shield his illness and the fact of his inability to perform his duties from the National Assembly so that could not trigger the power of the National Assembly to ask the vice president to act.

The impression they continued to give was that the president was alright and he was actually giving out instructions even from wherever he was at that time, whereas a lot of Nigerians believe that the president was terminally ill and that he could not even function.

So, where the president is away for a very long time and all reasonable circumstances suggest that he is not available to perform his duties, the National Assembly can trigger that Constitutional provision and ask the vice president to act in his absence.

In the case of former President, Musa Ya’adua, there was a ‘doctrine of necessity.’ What is doctrine of necessity and is it known to our laws?

It is not really a legal terminology. I am not aware that it is but I imagine that they saw it as a practical thing to do. They were faced with a situation where nobody, and I mean it, nobody really knew what was happening or people, who knew pretended that they didn’t know and for some reason, some people did not want the then vice president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to take over the office of the presidency, even as acting president. So, they had to come up with some form of compromise and say the doctrine of necessity.

The mistake most of us make, especially our political leaders and even some lawyers…the Constitution is written in letters but the way we are suppose to view the Constitution is to look at the spirit of the Constitution, which for me, can be gleaned from the words of the Constitution.

Talking of extension, if the president didn’t write that letter, what would have happened?

The Constitution does not realCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Law 22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

He made me abort 3 pregnancies, woman tells court A 28-year-old trader, Ayodele Oluwakemi, who alleged that her estranged husband abandoned her and their child, has pleaded with an Agege customary court in Lagos to dissolve the union for lack of love.

Oluwakemi, a mother of one, who resides at No 5, Adekanbi Taylor close, Oke-Ira, Ogba Lagos, prayed the court to terminate the union between her and Oladimeji Famurewa on grounds of abandonment, lack of love and irresponsible acts towards her and their child.

The petitioner, who described her husband as a lazy man that does not want to take responsibility over the only child between them, pleaded with the court to dissolve the relationship because she no longer loves him.

“I met him way back in Year 2010, and he lied to me that he was working but whenever I ask for money from him, he will refuse and during that period I became pregnant but he made me terminate the pregnancy.

“Each time I made attempt to end the relationship, he always come begging, and that is how

I ended up terminating three pregnancies for him.

I eventually got pregnant and he asked me to keep it but he didn’t have an accommodation of his own. He was living with his elder brother and when he approached my parent, they refused to allow us formalized the union because he does not have a home of his own.

The petitioner also alleged that her husband is highly irresponsible and does not take care of their child, even when she is sick and when she enrolled her in school, he did not drop a penny, claiming that he is not ready to enroll her in school.

She therefore pleaded with the court to separate them as she is no longer interested in him.

In his defense, the respondent, Famurewa, a car dealer, who resides at Morenikeji Street, OkeIra, pleaded not guilty to the allegations, though admitting to have abandoned them for four months.

According to him, he genuinely wanted to formalized the union between them because he had loved her then but her parents vehemently refused to

give consent, probably because he didn’t have a good job then.

Moreover, he claimed that she also said it is whatever her parents say that she will do.

“Her father normally prevented me from seeing my child and even when I decided to be checking on my child at her shop, her father also threatened my life.

“He kept embarrassing me and even when my child clocked one, she refused to bring her to my house to celebrate her birthday. Her father also named my child against my wish,” Famurewa said.

The court president, Mr. Phillip William, however admonished the estranged couple to be more careful and be of good behavior, especially the petitioner, who claimed to have terminated three pregnancies for whatever reason.

The court also ordered the respondent to pay the sum of N40,000 for the upkeep of the child within seven days, while the petitioner was also ordered to bring the child to court so that the father can have access to her.

The case was adjourned till February 23, 2017.

Bus conductor to spend 21 years in prison for killing roommate Stories by Titilope Joseph A 23-years-old man, Joseph Robert, has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment by Justice Sedotan Ogunsanya of Lagos state high court Ikeja over the killing of one Kalu U. Kalu, who was his roommate.

Robert who worked as a bus conductor in Lagos, was charged for the murder of Kalu, whom he stabbed on the neck with a knife during a fight at their residence.

While passing down the verdict, Justice Ogunsanya said “The accused is hereby sentenced to 21 years imprisonment, which would run concurrently.”

She also said the sentence was passed on the convict based on the consideration that he had no intention of killing the deceased.

“On these grounds, the sentence is based on manslaughter, not on murder as earlier charged.”

The prosecution, led by the Attorney General of Lagos State, Adeniji Kazeem, informed the court that the convict committed the offence on February 2, 2017 at No. 1 Shokunbi Street, Shasa in the Ikeja Division.

He said the offence is contrary to Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code law. Cap C.17 Vol.2, Laws of Lagos State.

Robert, through a confessional statement he made to the police, said he co-habits with the deceased in a one-room apartment until he decided to harbour his girlfriend, Blessing,

who happens to be a sister to a co-tenant in the area.

This decision gave rise to their misunderstanding because he said Blessing was sent packing by her elder brother and the convict decided to harbor her into his room.

The idea didn’t go down well with the deceased, who complained bitterly about the girl’s attitude and the manner in which Robert took the matter.

All efforts to deter Robert from accommodating the girl into the house proved abortive.

However, on that fateful day at about 11pm, the deceased grew very furious over the long stay of the girl and threatened to throw her out of the house.

The confrontation by the deceased resulted in a fight, which led to the convict to take a knife with which he fought the deceased. Robert threatened to stab Kalu, if he dared come close to him, but the deceased called the threat a mere bluff and went up against him.

Robert, however, stabbed the deceased on the neck and he fell to the ground, while blood gushed out profusely from his body.

The convict, having realized that his roommate was badly injured, rushed him to the hospital but he didn’t make it as he died on the way.

The corpse was later carried back to the house and the landlord, one Mr. Saheed, and other tenants, decided to report the matter to the police, who got the convict arrested.

Delay in Onnoghen’s confirmation as CJN a sad development -Oyeyipo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

ly mention the word if he extends his vacation but the Constitution uses the word: “If he is unavailable.” That unavailability can be due to protracted illness or whatever. The point is, is he available to do the work he is elected to do?

What can we do? That is why the vice president is there. On a lighter mood, I remember in 1979, one governor referred to his deputy governor in derisive tone that he is just a spare tyre. In a case, he is correct because when one tyre is bad, you need a spare and there is no doctrine of necessity in that one and that is why the spare tyre is there, that is why the vice president is there.

Can such doctrine of necessity be applied in this case by the National Assembly, if the President does not return within a stipulated period?

Oh definitely, definitely! I mean, the Senate can notify the vice president that he should continue to act even without resort to doctrine of necessity. That is what the Constitution says they should do. A lot of people misunderstand the position of deputy governor, vice president. As I said before, he is there to step into the shoes of either the governor or

Oyeyipo

the president in his absence. That is why he is there.

It is because the Constitution recognises the fact that if it happens that the substantive president or the substantive governor cannot perform his functions for sometime or at all, we cannot afford to have a vacuum, so, Mr. Vice President steps in, Mr. Deputy Governor steps in. Don’t forget that a person cannot run for the position of president or for the position of governor alone. He must have a running mate. They are elected on a joint ticket.

A vice president or a deputy gov-

ernor is not subservient so to say. If you look at the United States from where we borrowed most part of our Constitution, the vice president is the president of the Senate.

There was a case of a female secretary, who went for screening some days ago, the vote was 50-50. Fifty for, fifty against so the Senate was not clear on it. The vice president had to come in and cast his vote in her favor and that was how she was cleared with a vote of fifty-one for, fifty against.

I think a situation like that would make us realise how important the position of the vice president

is and the deputy governor, instead of seeing them as mere appendages of the president or the governor.

And because of the ‘derogatory’ manner in which we look at the deputy governor or the vice president that made our former President Olusegun Obasanjo to unilaterally declare that the office of the vice president was vacant when the then VP, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, decamped from PDP to ACN and he said because he did that from the constitutional provision and said his position was vacant without having that power. And if you remember, a team of lawyers in which I was a member, challenged that position and the court said no, he couldn’t.

That office is not a minor office to be looked down upon. It is a constitutional office and the Constitution makes very clear provisions for when they can come in and it is all in the interest of the state or the nation.

Is there a law that stipulates how much a lawyer can charge his client(s) as professional fees?

Lawyers render professional services in various ways. If you do a legal opinion for somebody, that’s a professional services for

which you might charge a fee. If you give a client a legal opinion you can charge your client. That is why they say some lawyers ask for consultation fees. If you assist a client in preparing document of transfer of property, for instance, landed property or preparing a mortgage deed, or a debenture, that is still legal services, and if you represent a client in court in civil, criminal matter or in arbitration, that is some form of professional services.

However, it is only in cases pertaining to documentation for land transaction or mortgage debenture that you have a particular weight of scale calculated in relation to the value of the transaction. In all those other instances that I referred to, there are no clear scales for it. However, the Legal Practitioners Rules of Professional Conduct gives general guideline with a warning that the fees should not be excessive.

Now, what is excessive? It is not really defined but, there are some guidelines for example. You are required to look at the monetary value the client stands to lose in that case and you use that to determine how important that case is to the client, you can use that as a basis to charge your fees.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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CYILIC OSAZUWU I, formerly known and addressed as CYRIL OSAZUWA as indicated on some of my Bank documents, now wish to be known and addressed as CYILIC OSAZUWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that in some of my documents my name appear as OLUYEMI VICTOR as well as OLUYEMI VICTOR MICHEAL. All documents bearing the above names remain mine. General public take note.

MRS. IJIYEMI OYIZA ESTHER I, formerly known and addressed as MISS SHEIDU ISLAMIA BILIKISU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IJIYEMI OYIZA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS. CHUKWUDUM GOODNESS CHIOMA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS IRIELE GOODNESS CHIOMA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. CHUKWUDUM GOODNESS CHIOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Public Notice 24 DENNIS FANS CLUB

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

DIVINE WILL OF GOD PROPHETIC AND

AFFIDAVIT OF FACT

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 of 1990 .

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY WITH HEADQUARTERS IN LAGOS HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTER ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE ; 1. DELLY TUDUO (Chairlady/President).

2. MUMBOH PRINCESS EDISEMI (Secretary) .

3. JEME HANNAH ALPHEUS (Treasurer).

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZE DONATUS CHUKWUDI 3. TOBIAS ANIAGOLU 5. EZE CHUKWUEMEKA FRIDAY 7. AROJO MODUPE OLUTAYO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. To set up small and medium scale businesses for members and the needy public.

2. To promote and enhance sustainable economic activities in the country.

3. To source for social funds to achieve the goals and aims of the organisation.

4. To carter for the social wellbeing of members and to the less privileged.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

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

I, MR.UCHE AJA, a Christian and native of Akanu Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Residing at No.114 Port Harcourt Road,Aba,Abia State do hereby state as follows. I am the deponent therein. That BOB OGBONNAYA AJA is my Brother. That my Brother BOB OGBONNAYA AJA owns a Mini Estate Livestock Farm at No.114 Port Harcourt Road Aba, Abia State which I am taking care of. On 5th June 2016,around 7am in the morning, I heard a noise and footsteps of people and when l looked, saw haggard people pouring petrol all over the building and they came with machetes and weapons destroying my brother’s Mini Estate and Livestock Farm. When l saw people running, I had no other option than to run away. From a far distance l saw my brother’s whole properties on fire. When l arrived the next day, l found out that it was only my brother’s house and farm that was burnt down, with the livestock and nothing was spared. Every effort made to apprehend the arsonists proved abortive. This is for the information of the authorities/General public concerned to please take note and prove that my brothers Mini Estate and Livestock Farm was consumed by fire on 5th June, 2016.This is True and Correct sincere conscientious declaration to the best of my knowledge and belief, in accordance with the Oaths Act of 1990.

SIGNED: ESTHER EZE.

Sign: Uche Aja

Signed ; DELLY TUDUO Chairlady/President

2. NNADUIHE IJEOMA QUEEN 4. AKAH EXANTUS 6. UKERIA NNEAMAKA

1. TO STAND FOR THE FUNDAMENTAL F FAITH, TEACH THE WORD OF GOD AND PROJECT ORDERLINESS IN CHRISTENDOM AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE. 2. TO EVANGELIZE THE WORD OF GOD AND GLORIFY JESUS CHRIST. 3. TO ADMINISTER DELIVERANCE ON THE CAPTIVES AND THOSE OPPRESSED BY SATAN.

THE NEW DIVINE DEMONSTRATE MINISTRY WORLDWIDE

NZUKO UMMUNA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

ASSOCIATION OF BAR OWNERS OF YENAGOA

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PAT UTOMI - CHAIRMAN 3. NGOZI ODUMUKO 5. REV FR JUDE CHUKWUNEKE

TRUSTEES: 1) JOSEPH NWANBUEZE. 2) TONY OSUMAH. 3) OJO PATIENCE. 4) UDOH PEACE. 5) OSIRIM ONE CHRISTABEL. 6) EMAKPOR ESE AGBIA. 7) OKEIBONU KING. 8) OKWUDUBA NKIRU

TRUSTEES: 1) REV. JUSTICE AGGO ATIEKIMIEMA. CHAIRMAN 2) DR GOSPEL EWA-SECRETARY. 3) MRS TAMFE JUSTICE AGGO-TREASURER. 4) BARR. KEMEPA OPUSIGI- LEGAL ADVISER

2. CHIKA MOORE 4. GREGORY MUONYILILO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO SERVE AS A RELIABLE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE IGBO INTELLECTUALS AND THE POPULACE. 2. TO PROVIDE PLATFORMS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, AND DEVELOP ACTIONABLE ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-CULTURAL STRATEGIES FOR ALAIGBO. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED. SECRETARY - GREGORY MUONYILILO

GUJBA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO ASSIST, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE WELFARE AND INTEREST OF MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AFRICAN VOICELESS MOUTHPIECE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES ARE: (1) MOHAMMED GALTIMA B DAIRO (2) MAI ALI KACHALLA (3) ABUBAKAR A ISA.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. ENGR. EUGENE AKHAMIOKHOR IGHABOR ( CHAIRMAN ) 2. AGHEDO CELESTINA OLERE ( SECRETARY ) 3. DR. UMARU ALKA ( MEMBER ) 4. MATTHEW ALIU ( MEMBER )

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) TO ASSIST IN DEVELOPING YOUTHS IN GUJBA COMMUNITY. 2. TO ASSIST AND PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN GUJBA & YOBE STATE 3. TO ASSIST IN DEVELOPING THE YOUTHS IN NIGERIA IN GENERAL.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO CREATE AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN, YOUTHS AND WOMEN FOR ALLEVIATING POVERTY.

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 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF 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, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED:- ENGR. EUGENE AKHAMIOKHOR IGHABOR 07069006905

LIVINGWAY APOSTOLIC INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH MINISTRY THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR OLORUNTOBA FELIX TAIWO. SNR. PASTOR 2. PST. YEMISI FELIX-TAIWO 3. PST. KOLA OYEBAMIJI 4. MRS. OLUWASEUN OYEBAMIJI

AFRICAN VOICELESS MOUTHPIECE FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. ENGR. EUGENE AKHAMIOKHOR IGHABOR ( CHAIRMAN ) 2. AGHEDO CELESTINA OLERE ( SECRETARY ) 3. DR. UMARU ALKA ( MEMBER ) 4. MATTHEW ALIU ( MEMBER )

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO CREATE AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN, YOUTHS AND WOMEN FOR ALLEVIATING POVERTY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE DIVINE GATEWAY GLOBAL MINISTRY

SIGNED:- ENGR. EUGENE AKHAMIOKHOR IGHABOR 07069006905

MARITIME REPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JIMAH KAYODE BASHIRU 2. JIMAH BEATRICE AFEMERO 3. JIMAH BABATUNDE JOEL 4. JIMAH GIDEON GODSPRAISE 5. AMBROSE OKE OJO.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLOJO FUNSO JOHNSON - CHAIRMAN 2. OBI IFEYINWA TRICIA - SECRETARY 3. ONI ADEGBOYEGA ADEMUYIWA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE UNDILUTED WORD OF GOD AS CONTAINED IN THE HOLY BIBLE AND IT’S POWER TO SAVE, HEAL AND COMPLETELY DELIVER THOSE BOUND BY THE DEVIL.

AIMS AND ONJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT WILL PROMOTE THE STANDARD OF MEMBERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

SIGNED: BARRISTER OLUGBENGA TOBE

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SOLID ROCK KINGDOM CHURCH (CAC/INC/NO 7352) The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Certified True Copy (CTC) Certificate as a result of loss of its original certificate of incorporation All efforts made to trace It proved abortive.

Any objection to this, Application must reach the Application General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publicatiion Signed: Secretary EBUDIN PEOPLE’S FORUM

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.SIR OMOFOMAN AUSTINE ODEODE-President 2.SIR IKHIDUANUMHEN MATTHEW EHI-Member 3.MR. EROHUBIE ANDREW OMORIAWO- “ 4.MR. ALIKA RAPHAEL EGBOR- “ 5.BARR. OMO-IRABOR CASELY -Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To promote unity peace and love amongst the members.

2.To influence and promote the development and growth of the community and also to empower the youth of Ebudin community through poverty eradication, skill acquisition and self reliance.

3.To promote the rich cultural heritage of the people.

Any objection to the 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: BARR. B. IRABOR (Solicitor)

CRUZ GARDEN IKATE ELEGUSHI RESDIENTS ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIEDMATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR JOEL IGBUDY 3. MABEL OJORA 5. CHIEDU IYIZOBA

2. IDU OKWUOSA 4. OLUGBENGA EYITAYO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CATER AND MAINTAIN THE ESTATE PREMISES 2. TO ENCOURAGE ITS MEMBERS ON THE NEED OF PEACEFUL OCCUPATION IN THE ESTATE PREMISES 3. TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS AND MEETINGS TOWARDS ACHIEVING A BETTER COMMUNITY 4. TO MANAGE THE ESTATE PROPERTIES AND ENSURE THAT UP TO DATE EQUIPMENT ARE IN STRATEGIC POINTS IN THE ESTATE ENVIRONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THEREGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJAWITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday February 14, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS QUADRI IBRAHIM AKOREDE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS QUADRI IBRAHIM ABIODUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as AKINOLA MATTEU ADU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINOLA DADA ELIJAH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as OLORE RASHEED OMOTAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSENI OLORE RASHEED. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as SAMSON IKENNA IGWILO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMSON EBERECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ANAZONWU TOCHUKWU URSLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DAVID UZOWULU URSLA TOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as KAZEEM FOLAKEMI ELIZABETH, now wish to be known, called and Addressed as AKINREMI FOLAKEMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINAWO SAMUEL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADESEUN SAMSON SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ladenike Abiodun Adejoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olaniyi Abiodun Adejoke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

That my name was wrongly arranged as AFOLAKE ELIZABETH BANKOLE instead of BANKOLE, AFOLAKE ELIZABETH. That the correct arrangement of my name is BANKOLE, AFOLAKE ELIZABETH. Nigeria Immigration Service, general public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULRASHEED RUKAYYAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as RUKAYYAT SHERIF SHEHU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULLATEEF BABATUNDE OLAWUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AGBOMEJI BABATUNDE OLAWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS JONES AINA MORAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OYEWOLE AINA MORAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as CHIGBATA CHINONSO, now wish to add ‘PAULINUS’ to my name. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHIGBATA CHINONSO PAULINUS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINOLA BOLANLE IDIAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KASALI BOLANLE IDIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

That my name was wrongly written as ORIBHABOR VIVIAN OSALUMESE instead of ORIBHABOR OSALUMESE on my bank savings account. That my correct name is ORIBHABOR OSALUMESE. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

CHANGE OF NAME

RE-ARRANGEMENT OF NAME

On my document, my name was wrongly written as BALOGUN LATEEF ABIODUN instead of BALOGUN LATEEF ABAYOMI. That my correct name is BALOGUN LATEEF ABAYOMI. General Public and Authority Concerned should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as SADIQ OVONDI KHADIJAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MUYIDEEN KHADIJAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUSOGA MOJISOLA OLABISI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUSOGA MOJISOLA ANNIE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that the name BERTHA CHIOMA ANUFORO, BERTHA CHINELO ANUFORO, BERTHA ANUFORO and BERTHA CHINELO CHIOMA ANUFORO refers to one and the same person; now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BERTHA CHINELO ONYIMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly MISS OLUWAYEMISI SUSAN ODUNEYE Now MISS OLUWAYEMISI SUSAN OYEWUNMI All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

I formerly Olufunmilayo Adetoro Adewusi. Now known Address as Mrs Olufunmilayo Adetoro Adesanya. All documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADIZUA ANTHONIA UJU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS UZOMA ANTHONIA UJU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA ONOJOWO now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as YUSUF YUNUS now wish to be known and addressed as YUSSUF YINUSA OMOTOSHO .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHUKWUEZE

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as YAHAYA AMINU YAHAYA instead of YAHAYA AMINU MUHAMMED.My date of birth was wrongly written as 3/3/1993 instead of 3/5/1996.All the documents bearing all the names are valid.General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZE JOHN CHUKWUDI, now wish to be known and addressed as MAKATA JOHN CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEZE JOHNMARK, now wish to be known and addressed as BENEDICT JOHNMARK NGENE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKOLER:

IHEBORO:

PETER:

I, formerly known and addressed as IHEBORO POLYCARP NNAMADI, now wish to be known and addressed as IHEBORO POLYCARDP CHRISTAUGNUS. All former documents remain valid.

Banks andGeneral public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that I ARANSIOLA YINUSA OLABISI is one and the same person and also known as ARANSIOLA YINUSA. My correct date of birth is 24TH MayI982. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME ON BVN My sister name was used to register my BVN as ADELEYE TOYIN RUTH, my correct names are OLADUNJOYE OLANIKE EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. General public and authorities concerned please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADAMS NUHU MUHAMMED now wish to be known and addressed as ADAM BABANGIDA NUHU .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOLER CHALSE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLIE CHARLES CHUKWUNONYEREM. My name in my Voter I.D was not complete “CH” means Charles. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOYE MERCY EBERE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKOYE PRECIOUS EBERE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF MAMES/ DATE OF BIRTH:

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as IKE OBASUYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSAS OBASUYI F. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formally known and addressed as FELUKWU QUEEN ONYEISI, now wishes to be known and addressed as MADUENO QUEEN ONYEISI. All documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MARIA PAUL OMARI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EGENA MARIA OMARI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as NWOSU CHIDINMA ESTHER, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKPARA CHIDINMA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as TAOFEEK OLADIPO AKINDELE ,now wish to be known and addressed as TAOFEEK AKINDELE IJAODOLA ,all former document remain valid general public take note

. I formerly known and addressed as ABOLAJI JELILI SANNI now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFEMI ADEYEMI .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

This is to confirm that FAKORODE KAYODE O. is one and the same person as FAKORODE KAYODE OLANREWAJU especially as it appears on my BVN. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as FAKORODE KAYODE OLANREWAJU. That all documents bearing both names are mine and hence remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Okeke Chika Glory now wish to be known and addressed as Nnamele Chika Glory. All former documents remain valid,NYSC and the general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADEGOJU THOMAS ADESHINA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGOJU ADESHINA LATEEF .All former documents remain valid.

Financial Institutions and General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MODINAT OLUWABUKOLA RAHAMAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MODINAT OLUWABUKOLA BAKARE. All former documents remain valid, general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MGBAJIAKA RUFINA IJEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as GODWIN RUFINA IJEOMA.All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DOSUNMU FEYISARA OMOWUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as DOSUNMU FAIDAT AJOKE .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

25 Public Notice

I, formerly known and addressed as PETER MIKE EZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL CHIBOY EZE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OGUEZUONU LINDA ULOMA now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEZE LINDA ULOMA .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME In some of my documents my name was written as ABIKE TITILAYO SHABI While in some other ones It appears as AMOPE TITILAYO SHABI.The names refer to the same person.My date of birth was wrongly written as 18/06/1933 instead of 01/01/1950.All the documents bearing all the names are valid.General public to please take note.

OZOIGA:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZOIGA EUCHARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EUCHARIA OFODILE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

NWABUEZE:

I, formerly known and addressed as NWABUEZE OGECHUKWU IMMACULATE, now wish to be known and addressed asMBAH OGECHUKWU IMMACULATE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as WARIBOKO ESTHER DAFIRIBARA,now wish to be known and addressed as NNABUIHE ESTHER DAFRIBARA,all former document remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as NURUDEEN OLALEKAN ADEBOWALE now wish to be known and addressed as NURUDEEN OLALEKAN ADEBOWALE SALIU .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

In some of my documents my name was written as OKEKE SYLVESTER and I wish to add CHUKWUDI to my name. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE SYLVESTER CHUKWUDI.All the documents bearing all the names are valid.

General public to please take note

ONOS:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONOS COMFORT NJIDEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NJIDEKA COMFORT EKENE-OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADVERT SPACE FOR SALE

Formerly OLUSEGUN TEMITOPE AISHA now TEMITOPE CHERISH ABATI All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM SALAMI OMOTUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULSALAM IBRAHIM OMOTUNDE .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as EKONG PETER and I wish to add UDOH to my name.

Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as EKONG PETER UDOH.All the documents bearing all the names are valid. General public to please take note.

CHINAWA:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINAWA NORAH UZODIMMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOLIE, NORAH UZODIMMA. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. MADU CHINEMEMMA AGNES, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. UGOCHUKWU CHINEMEMMA AGNES. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Public Notice 26 CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IHENACHO NGOZI ASSUMPTA JANE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GEKU EBIWARI NGOZI JANE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, ALLISON OPU-OWIBO HARVEST, now wish to be known and addressed as, HARVEST GODWIN OPU-OWIBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday February 14, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. NWAEZE AMARA CHIDIOGO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. EKWUFULEM AMARA CHIDIOGO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OKAFOR:

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, AKANGA MERCY BENJAMIN, now wish to be known and addressed as, AKANGA MERCY TONBARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

UDEH

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OZOUGWU

I, JAMIU OLANREWAJU, AND JAMIU OKE OLANREWAJU, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, JAMIU OKE OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZOUGWU EDITH CHIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ASOGWA EDITH CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKAFOR BRIDGET AFUENU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UBANI BRIDGET AFUENU. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank andGeneral public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDEH CHINWE LOVETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIA CHINWE CHINYERE LOVETH. All former documents remain valid.

Generalpublic should please take note.

OFORNAEKE

ONYEGU:

ONYIAOSUOFIA

AGBO:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OFORNAEKE CHRISTIANA ANULIKA , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGUNWAENYI CHRISTIANA ANULIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ODOH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODOH AUGUSTINA OBIAGELI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AUGUSTINA OBIAGELI EGBUNE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as NWATU IKECHUKWU that I now wish to add NWANKWO to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as NWATU IKECHUKWU NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss. Oladosu, Damilola Christiana, now Mrs. Sodeinde, Damilola Christiana, former documents remains valid.

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ABIODUN I, formerly known as MISS NWOSU ULOMA CHIGAZU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MBAMA ULOMA CHIGAZU. All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, OMOYEDE BOSEDE CHRISTIANA is the same person answering OMOYEDE BOSEDE C. while my name was also mistakenly written as OMOYEDEDE BOSEDE CHRISTIANA instead of OMOYEDE BOSEDE CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as LAWAL RUKAYAT KEMI wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL RUKAYAT LOLADE and corrected Date of Birth is SEPTEMER 12 1990. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Ezeadichie John Ikechukwu wish to be known and addressed as Ezeadichie Ike John. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEGU FELICIA IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AHAEGBU FELICIA IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid.

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OGUEJIOFOR:

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUEJIOFOR EMMANUEL . I., now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES IKECHUKWU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

ADAMU

Formerly Ali Adamu now Adamu Ali Zatva.

Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYIAOSUOFIA CHUWUDIMMA MARITHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TEMPLE MARITHA CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as DANJUMA PAULYCARP GYANG now wish to be known as GYANG DUNG PAUL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly ADAMU ZAUWA IDRIS Now IDRISA ZAUWA. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Eneanya Anita Uchechukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Ugwu Anita Uchechukwu. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as UMEH CHIKEZIE CALEB now wish to be known and addressed as OBI CHIKE CALEB.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as IBRAHIM MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as ABRAHAM MARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as EJIRA WILSON ONAH, now wish to be known and addressed as EJIRA OKEDE FRIDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUBUIKE CHARITY NNEDINMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKWUEME CHARITY NNEDINMA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Ogunsolu Yemisi Ibironke wish to be known and addressed as Ajayi Yemisi Ibironke. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Kuye Olushola Joseph wish to be known and addressed as AJEGBOMOGUN OLAMITUNDE. All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, was Formerly known and addressed as Tawakalitu Abosede Akande now wish to be known and addresses as Tawakalitu Abosede Omigbule all former document remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as PETERS NDUBUISI wish to be known and addressed as OKEUGO PETERS NDUBUISI. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MISS ADA CHINONYEREM MARY JANE ONYEZEBE wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADA CHINONYEREM MARY JANE DURUO-OKPALIKE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGBO GIFT GINIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBO JACINTA GINIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWORAH: I formerly known as MISS NWORAH NKIRU PERPETUAL now wish to be known as MRS OKOYE NKIRU PERPETUAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES...

That i hereby wish to say that SHAKIRAT THANNI and SHAKIRAT ABOABA is one and same person. All other documents remain valid.

Public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I IFEDAYO OWOLABI FELIX is the same person as OMOMULE OWOLABI FELIX. All documents bearing the names remain valid. General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as ADEYEYE ABIODUN KUDIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ABIODUN KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS REMIJUICE THOMPSON CHINENYE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AMANZE THOMPSONSMITH CHINENYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLS TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Aminat Atinuke Ibiyemi wish to be known and addressed as Aminat Atinuke Biobaku. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as ONYBUCHI EZIRIM wish to be known and addressed as EZIRIM ONYEBUCHI CHRISTIAN. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AKPOMUDJERE ODIRI SANDRA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ODOSI SANDRA ODIRI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EZEIEGBO

I, formerly known and addressed as EZEIEGBO CHIDIEBERE CHUKWUDI now wish to be known and addressed as EZEIGBO CHIDIEBERE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank, Sky Bank and General public should please take note.

UNOR:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UNOR CECILIA EGHONG, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SAMPSON CECILIA UNOR. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

OKWUCHUKWU:

I formerly known as MISS OKWUCHUKWU EKENE DEBORAH now wish to be known as MRS UDO DEBORAH EKENE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MR. JOSEPH OVUTOR OMENIHU, now wish to be known and addressed as, MR. JOSEPH OVUTOR EBULU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODO:

I, formerly known and addressed as FELIX ODO, now wish to be known and addressed as FELIX EZE. My correct date of birth 18/1/1955. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

ODOH:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODOH AUGUSTINA OBIAGELI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AUGUSTINA OBIAGELI EGBUNE. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as FREDERICK AUGUSTINAthat I now wish to add KOSISOCHUKWU to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as FEDERICK AUGUSTINA KOSISOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Roseline Nkechi Anunobi now wish to be known and addressed as Roseline Obiageri Okorie.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZEMA CORDELIA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as ENETE CORDELIA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Akinlose Oluwakemi Elizabeth .

Now . Falaiye oluwakemi Elizabeth. Former documents remains valid.

General public please note.

Formerly known as ABBAS OLUSHOLA MARIAM now wish to be known and addressed as SADIQ OLUSHOLA MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as ADEOLA OMOTOYOSI OMOBOLAJI, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL IDRIS ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHIBUZO ALEX IKENNA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AGOMOH ALEX IKENNA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as ODUSANYA ADEBOWALE MUYIBI wish to be known and addressed as ODUSANYA BOLAJI MUYIBI. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, JERRY CAROLINE GLADYS, now wish to be known and addressed as, JERRY CAROLINE OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, AREGBESHOLA IDOWU ISEOLUWA is the same person answering AREGBE IDOWU ISEOLUWA while my name was also mistakenly written as AREGBESHOLA IDOWU ISEOL, now wish to be known and addressed as AREGBESHOLA IDOWU ISEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY known as ARIYO OPEYEMI LAWAL. NOW KNOWN ADDRESS AS OGUNDELE SEUN OPEYEMI. All documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Taiwo Olanshile Oluwaseun wish to be known and addressed as Taiwo Olashile Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid, General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, IKPE EDMOND EKONG, now wish to be known and addressed as, IKPE MFON EKONG. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Features

27

s

Valentine: The joy, the bliss, recession Ladesope Ladelokun The 2017 Valentine Day is here gain. Indeed, worldwide, love is in the air; and tomorrow, it is in fact,going to be infectious indeed.

In Nigeria, in spite of the biting recession, the young at heart are not only simply going to be engrossed in some ecstatic love, but show uncommon affection to their friends, wives, husbands and the likes.

They will swarm, like a group of ants, parks, joints and other interesting places to share jokes, gifts and love among themselves to rekindle their burning energies and desires.

Because Emperor Claudius II believed married men made bad soldiers, the Roman Emperor had banned marriages in a bid to have a dependable army.

But a certain St. Valentine was suspected to have surreptitiously arranged marriages. And, for defying the order of the Emperor , St Valentine got jailed and sentenced to death.

While serving time, the love of his jailer’s daughter captured his heart.

On the day of his execution, he sent her a love letter which he signed ‘From Your Valentine’, on February 14.

Emperor Claudius II sentenced St Valentine to Martydom and that birthed the celebration of St Valentine’s Day. According to a British newspaper, The Telegraph, more than 50 million roses are given each year to celebrate Valentine’s Day and about a billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year.

Love is in the air again on this February 14, which is Valentine Day!.

But, St. Valentine’s Day means

And, for defying the order of the Emperor , St Valentine got jailed and sentenced to death.

While serving time, the love of his jailer’s daughter captured his heart. On the day of his execution, he sent her a love letter which he signed ‘From Your Valentine’, on February 14.

different things to different people generally. For some, it is a day to show love and affection by exchanging flowers, cards and messages, while for some it is a day for public display of affection and do the wild thing.

Some Nigerians have bared their minds on Valentine’s Day and it’s celebration.

One of them is Kemi Aleshinloye, a student at the University of Ilorin.

She sees no reason for celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. ‘‘ Valentine’s Day means nothing to me. It’s just a day like any other day to me. I’m not going to do anything special on the day. I’ve never celebrated it; and I don’t think I will ever do so,’’ she said.

Adegboyega Tope, believes he celebrate’s Valentine’s Day when he

Continued on page 27

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 13, 2017

Valentine: The joy, the bliss, recession

Continued from page 26 takes care of his family, especially his wife. ‘‘ I think, I celebrate Valentine’s Day everyday I Provide for my family,especially when I buy gifts for my wife. That is my own way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Who is Valentine?

Does he know me? Why should I celebrate a man I don’t know and does not even know me”?

On his part, John Princewill, a civil servant, says it is a day that provides everyone the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God and man with a view to making it better. ‘‘ St. Valentine’s Day ,for me, is beyond just putting on red shirts and messing around.

If we say we celebrating love,

we must also know that God himself is love. We should use the day to reflect on our relationship with our neighbours and the less-privileged among us. That is true love and God himself will be happy with us,’’ he said.

Indeed, Valentine has in deed, atakenits firm roots in the country, as, pupils in primary and secondary schools have also joined the fray.

Pelumi Akande,13, is a student of Divine Model College in Adesan, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State. She told The Daily Times that plans were underway by the management of her school for a grand Valentine’s Day celebration.

She said, ‘‘we are paying N200 just like we did last year to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day. We have been

told to let our dressing reflect what we want to become in future. For instance, if you want to be a doctor, you will dress like a doctor; if you want to be a lawyer, you will dress like one, and anyone who wants to be in red and white can also do. Last year, we had a wonderful celebration, I believe we would have a better celebration this year,’’ Pelumi said Another secondary school student, Toba Adekunle, a JSS1 student, said, ‘‘ my school is planning something for the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebration.Our proprietress is organizing a seminar for us to commemorate the day; and we are going to sing and dance and exchange gifts.

Meanwhie, some religious leader’s have expressed divergent views on Valentine’s Day and it’s celebration.

A Kingdom Hall elder and a Jehovahh’s witness, Paul Okon, says it’s not Biblical to celebrate Valentine’s Day. He wondered why a day must be set aside to celebrate love. ‘‘ Where is it written in the Bible that you should celebrate Valentine’s Day ? It’s just like saying you are celebrating your birthday, I put it to you, where is birthday celebrated in th Bible ?

The only person that celebrated birthday his birthday was King Herod, and you know what happened?

She added, ‘‘ Just because he was happy and couldn’t control himself, he asked his daughter to ask for what she wanted, and she requested for the head of John the Baptist, and

‘we are paying N200 just like we did last year to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day. We have been told to let our dressing reflect what we want to become in future.

For instance, if you want to be a doctor, you will dress like a doctor; if you want to be a lawyer, you will dress like one, and anyone who wants to be in red and white can also do. Last year, we had a wonderful celebration, I believe we would have a better celebration this year’ you know what happened later .

The Herod we are talking about was not even a Christian. So, birthday, Easter, Christmas and Valentine’s Day celebrations are all not Biblical. If you give me a gift I will collect from you,but if you give me on Valentine’s Day, I will reject it out rightly. Any true witness will not celebrate Valentine’s Day.’’ But an Islamic cleric, Rasheed Olowookere, says nothing is wrong in celebrating Valentine’s Day as long as it is not seen as an avenue to perpetrate immorality. You can stay in your house or take your wife out to enjoy yourself , Allah is not against that.’’

Moreover, as a result of the economic downturn, some businessmen that are into gift items have lamented low patronage.

Frank Ugochukwu, who runs a supermarket around Berger area of Lagos shares his experience: ‘‘ By this time last year, I know how people were coming to book hampers, but it’s a different story entirely this year. Nobody has come to ask for anything for Valentine, let alone book something.

Everyone is complaining about the hardship in the country. No doubt people will still come , but the difference between now and last year is very, very huge.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

29 News

Osinbajo assures Niger Deltans of unprecedented development Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe

federal government on Monday assured the people of the Niger Delta of its preparedness to put smiles on the faces of the people of the region by changing their current condition of agitation and restiveness to that of rapid, sustained, and unprecedented development.

The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who was speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a stakeholders meeting, also declared that the Federal Government was committed to ending what he described as the “vicious cycle of environmental

degradation” which had adversely impacted on fishing and farming, the two main occupations of the people of the region.

Professor Osinbajo, accompanied by the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of state for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, among others, said that there was “need for the Federal Government’s meaningful steps to restore the region to greatness and prosperity.”

He said the Federal Government was committed to sustaining the amnesty programme, saying, “After the visit of the leadership of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum in No-

vember 2016, we decided to offer some of these communities in the Niger Delta a new vision.

I have a strong personal affinity for Niger Delta, having spent my youth corps years in the former Bendel State, now Edo and Delta, which is very much an integral part of the zone.

“This has provided me an insight into the potentials and opportunities and the challenges that people in this part of the country face on a daily basis. It was a time that I realised that giving the resources of the area, there is a lot that should be done in a deliberate and determined manner to improve the lives of the Niger Delta people.

“The experience also provid-

ed an insight to the dangers of the exploitation of oil and gas resources pose to the environment and lives of the people.

These experiences I talked about were about 38 years ago.

“It is, therefore, extremely discomfiting to know that you are still confronted with the very same situation, including the lack of basic amenities in the presence of plenty. This vicious circle cannot continue.

We just have to take meaningful steps to bring about prominent peace and prosperity to the Niger Delta. Rivers State is home to many.

Speaking on the clean-up of Ogoni, he said: “The Federal Ministry of Environment has set about establishing

the framework strong system required to carry the project through its 25-year-life cycle.

We have a robust governing structure. The Governing Council and Board of Trustees were inaugurated in November 2016 and have since had two meetings. The project office would be staffed by an initial staff of 30 from both federal and state governments,” he said.

Earlier in the meeting, the Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, declared that the state was not in contention with the federal government as it remained committed to the unity, progress, and indivisibility of the country.

R-L: Provost, Bayo Tijani College of Education, Mrs. Matilda Amaechi; Chairman/CEO of the College, Alhaji Hammed Bayo Tijani; Ag. Registrar, Mr. Oseni O. Abbey; Ag. Bursar, Mrs. Suliyat T. Sulaimon and Dean, School of Arts and Social Science, Alhaji Uthman Bolawaye, during the 2nd matriculation ceremony at Egan, IgandoIkotun, Lagos ... recently.

Blackmail won’t stop N/assembly from scrutinizing 2017 budget - Dogara Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏSpeaker

of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Monday said no amount of blackmail will stop the National Assembly from properly scrutinising the 2017 Appropriation Bill.

Dogara made this assertion at the opening of a 3-Day public hearing on the 2017 budget organized by the Senate and House of Representatives joint committees on Appropriation.

He declared that “no legislature worth its salt, such as ours, will ever abdicate this onerous constitutional responsibility no matter the

degree of intimidation and blackmail the legislature is subjected to by persons who want to cow the legislature and brazenly put our democracy in a recession.

“The legislature, which is the most immediate representative of our people, must and will always exercise its powers for the general good.

“For us in the House of Representatives in particular, today’s event represents a fulfillment of one of the major goals we set for ourselves in our Legislative Agenda adopted at the beginning of the 8th Assembly.

“That the House shall examine the efficacy of conducting public hearings on

the budget before legislative approval as this exposes the national budget to increased citizen and stakeholder participation.

“At another occasion, I had cause to make the following pronouncement on the issue of public hearing on the budget which I hereby adopt. I said then that subjecting the annual budget to public scrutiny at the National Assembly will give stakeholders the opportunity to make their inputs and challenge incorrect assumptions in the budget.”

This process, he added, will involve the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other professional bodies,

insisting that “the National Assembly will benefit from the research skills of various CSOs and the technical expertise of professional bodies at the enactment stage of the appropriations bill.

“I am aware that many CSOs scrutinise the budget yearly and usually point out areas of duplications and wastage. We need to institutionalise this mechanism.

“We pass an appropriation bill every year and 2017 will not be an exception, but we have tasked ourselves particularly this year on reforms of the budget process to ensure a more transparent and accountable system.

Court adjourns Patience Jonathan’s $15m suit against EFCC Mar. 6 Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏA

Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, further adjourned hearing in a suit filed by the former first lady, Mrs Patience Faka Jonathan, challenging the frozen of her $15.5 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Justice Mohammed Idris, yesterday adjourned the suit till March 6.

Mrs. Jonathan, in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, sought an order of court to defreeze the accounts where the money is domiciled, so that she can have access to it.

Respondents in the suit are; the EFCC, Skye Bank, Dudafa and the four companies.

The companies are: Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd, Transocean Property and Investment Company Ltd and Globus Integrated Service Ltd. When the matter came up yesterday, lawyer representing the companies, Jeff Kadiri, who stood in for Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed the court that he has just been briefed and will need time to file the necessary process.

Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), had while expressing his readiness to proceed with the matter informed the court that he had served his processes on all parties in the matter.

Adedipe (SAN) was however did not opposed Kadiri’s request for adjournment saying it is in order.

Ambode approves fare hike for BRT, LAGBUS, BFS from march 1

Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Govern-

ment has approved an increase of between 20 to 50 per cent in fares on different routes along the operational corridors in the State.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents in Alausa on Monday, the Managing Director/CEO, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engineer Abiodun Dabiri, said the increment became necessary due to the economic downturn, which has affected financial projections of the operators.

The increment in fares will affect the three major operators in the State such as Primero Bus Service, managers of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), Bus

Franchise Scheme (BFS), and LAGBUS. According to Dabiri, “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved a fare increase for the three operators effective from Wednesday, 1st March 2017. The average increases approved range from 20 per cent to 50 per cent on different routes.

“In approving the fare increase, government weighed the justification of the operators for the increase vis-à-vis the effect on the commuters.”

“The current financial crunch however has seen an average cost of operations increase to up to about 110 per cent. With cost of fueling going up by 71 per cent, oil prices up by 64 per cent, tyre costs up by 90 per cent, continued operations is thereby threatened, “ he said.

30

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2016

Tech Times

NITDA boss lists regulations, cyber security as top priority

Microsoft profit increases as cloud service demand soars

Gilat Satcom unveils one minute voice, data network

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Internet: Majority of 3.9bn unconnected people in Africa – ITU Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations agency in charge of telecommunications, has revealed that some 3.9 billion people globally are yet to be connected to the Internet.

The agency disclosed that as to-date, 53 percent of the world’s population is still offline, with the majority located in Africa and Asia-Pacific.

This was part of the revelations at the special presentation during a session hosted by the United Nations Broadband Commission at the just ended World Economic Forum at Davos Annual Meeting 2017.

The special presentation titled ‘Connecting the Unconnected’ indicated that out of the 3.9 billion unconnected people 58 percent is female, and 60 percent the rural dwellers.

ITU revealed further that unconnected people constitute at least half from countries with $6.5K Gross National Income (GNI)/capita.

The Internet, according to the presentation has the potential to positively impact and transform people’s lives and bring benefits in a great number of areas, including health, education, financial services, transport, energy,

Houlin Zhao ITU Sec Gen

agriculture, and more.

“However, to-date 53 percent of the world’s population is still offline, with the majority located in Africa and AsiaPacific,” the Commission said, adding that the reasons for being offline or for limited Internet use are manifold, including that many do not have access because they live in remote or difficult to-reach areas and do not have access to digital or other basic infrastructure such as electricity or transport.

Other reasons adduced are that some do not see the benefits of being connected,

Glo leads in NIWBQR 4G/LTE broadband study ranking National Independent Wireless Broadband Quality Report (NIWBOR) has released its study of broadband quality of experience as well as technical quality of the networks.

NIWBOR returned a not very favourable study using the proprietary methods to rank service providers according to the quality of wireless broadband service experienced in their networks.

It showed that out of the five networks covered in the report, Glo stood out in uplink and downlink application layer throughputs.

The report commissioned by Enextgen Wireless, compared the services of Glo; MTN; Estream; Ntel; and Smile on January 11 in the same area in Victoria Island.

NIWBOR paid for the SIM with the highest throughput offered by each of the service providers in order to perform simultaneous FTP data transfers and Pings on all five networks.

The throughputs and other performance measurement indicators recorded are therefore those that customers with similar subscriptions are likely to experience.

NIWBQR said that “MTN did not have contiguous LTE service along the driven route. As such, some of the application layer throughput recorded for MTN was in UMTS. The logged data contains detailed

over-the-air messages that can help the service provider identify the source of performance issues on its network. We can make the data available to the service provider for a fee.”

The report went further to provide short comments on the performance of each of the five service providers including a justification of its ranking.

For Glo, NIWBQR said that the network had excellent RF coverage and quality and there was no evidence of any common Radio Frequency (RF) performance issues – RRC Call Drops, RRC Connection Failures, Handoff failures, excessive call setup delays and so on.

On smile, it said “Lower uplink and downlink application layer throughputs than most. This might be due to undeclared throughput cap imposed by the service provider.

often because of limited awareness, cultural impediments or limited relevant digital content.

“Still others are illiterate, and many are too poor to afford even the most basic of Internet packages and devices.

Existing inequalities in terms of income and education, particularly prominent among women, and other factors exacerbate the problem,” part of the presentation read.

In order to tackle the large offline populations, ITU disclosed that within its Connect 2020 Agenda, it has made it a goal to bring 60 percent of the world’s population online by 2020.

ITU explained that the key challenges in meeting Connect 2020 Agenda Targets are finding replicable solutions that could be scaled to connecting the large rural offline populations at minimal costs, and finding effective strategies for narrowing the usage gaps (including the gender gap across all regions.

ITU hinted that though a significant amount of initiatives have been implemented, targeting both the rural, urban divide and the usage gaps largely at the local, community or national level, it is unlikely that large-scale rural ‘almost free’ solutions will be deployed within the next three years.

Telecom companies connect 236m lines in 14yrs The telecommunications companies in Nigeria have connected about 235.6 million lines to their networks in the 14 years of their operations in the country.

Rising from just about 400 lines in 2002, the industry has continued to grow in terms of penetration, adoption and investments, despite many challenges it had to cross within the period ended December 30, 2016.

According the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), of the total connected lines in the system, only 154.53 million or 66.72 percent are active, leaving the rest 81.068 million or 34.41percent as redundant lines.

Of the total figure, players in the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) subsector of the industry such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat together recorded the largest percentage amounting to of 231.525 million lines out of which only 77.4 million or 33.43 percent are inactive.

The Code Divisional Multiple Access (CDMA) players followed by 3.586 million connected lines out of which only 217,566 lines are active.

Fixed wired and wireless lines connected to telecoms system so far in the country now stand at 352,045 with only 154,513 units still working; the voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) has 59,236 subscriber base only 33,099 of which are active.

Tech Times 31

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2016

NITDA boss lists regulations, cyber security as top priority

Gilat Satcom unveils one minute voice, data network

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim, director general NITDA has maintained that due to the upsurge in Cybercrime activities within the country and in line with its mandate, regulations and cyber security will stand among NITDA’s top priority.

The Director General of the Agency said there was need to create awareness among the general public on the various threats caused by cybercrime activities which affect the country’s output.

He made the remarks while receiving the delegation from Verint Systems who paid a courtesy visit to the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja to seek collaboration with the agency towards curbing the menace of cybercrimes in Nigeria.

The NITDA boss, while expressing his delight at the visit noted that he is impressed with the Cyber Security Intelligence Solutions provided by the company which will create avenue for curbing cybercrime activities affecting the country.

He promised to review the document presented on Cyber Security

Intelligence Solutions with enthusiasm to have a win - win relationship that will aid in curbing cybercrime activities in the country, stressing

DR ISA ALI IBRAHIM, DIREC-

TOR GENERAL NITDA (PICTURE)

that implementing such security measures will help to improve the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) including the growth and development of Information Technology (IT) in the country.

Mr Avi Dadush (Horizon) leader of the delegation briefed the NITDA management on the its Cyber Security Intelligence Solutions, adding that the solutions to be rendered by the company are in areas of Security Analyst, Domestication of Data and Capacity building to aid more creation of awareness about cybercrime traits and diverse ways of curbing such traits.

On his part, Mr Enemarie Alexander (Horizon) added that these solutions when fully deployed, will aid in tapping into organisations with interest in cyber security, capturing all traffics, store configuration, identifying traits and create avenue for multi-tenant system that will curb the menace of cybercrime activities.

Alexander advised that NITDA should regulate the cyber security for other Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and should create a small unit that allows for monitoring.

Microsoft profit increases as cloud service demand soars Microsoft Inc. has reported a 3.6 percent increase in fiscal secondquarter profit, helped by growth in its fast-growing cloud computing business, but it witnessed a slight decline in margins in the unit that includes its flagship cloud platform Azure.

Shares of the world’s biggest software company were up about 1.1percent in after-hours trading.

Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft, Satya Nadella since taking charge in 2014, has steered the company toward cloud services and mobile applications, and away from its slowing traditional software business.

Gross margins for Microsoft’s socalled “commercial cloud” business, which includes Azure and versions of its online Office 365 product sold to businesses, were 48 percent, said Chris Suh, head of Microsoft’s investor relations.

That is down from last quarter’s 49 percent but up from 46 percent a year ago, Suh said. The figure is watched closely by investors as a sign of the actual profit made of Microsoft’s cloud products, which the company does not publish.

The Azure platform competes with cloud infrastructure offerings from market leader Amazon.com, Alphabet’s Google, IBM and Oracle.

“We’re not at Amazon’s margin today,” said Suh. “Their infrastructure business is much larger. They have the benefit of scale. We track more like what Amazon was when they were closer to our size.”

During the company’s earnings conference call, CFO Amy Hood fielded questions from analysts about Azurespecific gross margins. She did not disclose a number but said there was a “material improvement” since last quarter.

Analysts also questioned Microsoft’s practice of providing a combined gross margin for cloud infrastructure, which at other firms tends to have gross margins around 30 percent, and cloud software, which at other firms has higher margins of 70 percent or 75 percent. “I do think it will be a blend of those,” Hood said.

But Nadella emphasised the company thinks of its cloud offerings as a comprehensive line-up of both software and infrastructure, as it did with its historical business as a combination of products with different margins, like Office and Windows Server.

“We have a cloud strategy that is not just about infrastructure,” Nadella said, pointing out differences with Amazon Web Services.

Revenue from Microsoft’s ‘Intelligent Cloud’ business, which includes Azure,

along with other data centre software, rose 8 percent to $6.9 billion in the quarter. That beat analysts’ average estimate of $6.73 billion, according to research firm FactSet StreetAccount.

Microsoft’s estimates for next quarter were $6.45 billion to $6.65 billion, only slightly higher than FactSet’s $6.61 billion estimate.

Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft, Satya Nadella

Dan Zajicek, CEO of Gilat Satcom

Gilat Satcom has unveiled its ‘One Minute Network’, a voice and data network that can be assembled and connected to the company’s global satellite network within one minute.

The One Minute Network has been developed for use throughout Africa including disaster areas, refugee camps and NGO offices, as well as temporary sites including events and mining research initiatives.

Gilat Satcom, a subsidiary of The Eurocom Group has been successfully deployed in 50 countries worldwide and in 2016 was named as the Best African Satellite Provider in Africa in recognition of its investment in the development of a whole host of innovative technologies across both its satellite and fibre networks.

The One Minute Network was designed in response to demand from a variety of existing customers including those working in disaster areas in Africa. The network is a ready-made system that contains all the components required to build a reliable and always-on network that can support voice, internet and video.

The One Minute Network includes base stations, Mobile VSAT terminals, repeaters, Satellite PTT phones and personal tracking units that can be used by individuals to send emergency signals. It can be powered by solar and/or batteries.

Dan Zajicek, CEO of Gilat Satcom, said “Our engineers have used all their expertise and experience to produce a system which can be built quickly and easily. We have firmly established ourselves as one of the most reliable and consistent providers of broadband connectivity; The One Minute Network will offer the same QoS as all of our other networks.”

Gilat Satcom is a communication solutions provider that offers satellite and fibre-based connectivity solutions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The customers include cellular operators, major ISPs, banks, NGOs and Government projects.

Gilat Satcom consistently delivers high-quality, cost-effective and efficient communications solutions to telcos, ISPs, governments, enterprise customers, international organizations and has been successfully deployed in 50 countries worldwide. The company operates three international teleports in Europe and the Middle East, fourteen hubs/PoPs in Africa,

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD,

email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08051000448.

Editor Daily: ROSE MOSES

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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COSAFA President, Philip Chiyangwa

COSAFA endorse Ahmed for CAF presidency All set for Lagos Corporate Cycling ANDREW EKEJIUBA The stage is set for the mega city of Lagos to host one of the biggest cycling competitions in Africa, Lagos Corporate Cycling (LCC) 2017. The organizers of the event revealed to Extra Time that the event which is expected to further promote cycling as a major sporting activity in the country is designed to champion healthy competition among corporate organisations and encourage healthy lifestyle among corporate executives and Nigerians in general.

In a statement by Mr Olabamiji Adeleye, Chief Executive Office, Addefort Limited, the organizer, LCC 2017 will include; the Elite Race, Professional Challenge, Corporate Contest and the children/ youth race.

According to him, “Corporate organisations through their participations are to encourage

the general public to engage in cycling in their various communities for healthy living. Corporate representatives will compete for medals, it will provide a platform for talent discovery and grooming (Children and Youth Participation), and professionals will compete for various category of prizes.”

Mr Adeleye explained that Lagos Corporate Cycling is part of the Cycling Nigeria Project from the Addefort Group, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle and cycling in the country.

He noted that the organisation is working with key stakeholders in the sector to stage a cycling competition that will meet international standard and further enhance its development in the country.

Activities for the month long project scheduled to run between May 13 and June 10, 2017 will include brand exhibition, coaching and talent discovery/development programme.

T

he Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) held a meeting on Saturday and President Philip Chiyangwa was left impressed with the proceedings.

According to a statement, the meeting produced a number of resolutions including the full endorsement of the Madagascar Football Association president, known simply as Ahmed.

The Malagasy president is reportedly seeking the position of president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the continental governing body’s elections in Ethiopia next month.

It has also been resolved that the regional football governing body will only support sitting presidents of the various football associations when individuals vie for CAF or FIFA elections.

COSAFA also decided to support equal representation within both CAF and FIFA positions, as well as the different language category representation as articulated in recent CAF statutes.

Speaking on Saturday, Chiyangwa said he was pleased with the clarity provided by the Council and the decisions made.

“This was our first meeting since the new executive was voted into office and we are happy with the resolutions taken by the Council, which I think will change the face of the region,” Dr Chiyangwa said.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

We’ll defend our farms with the last drop of our blood AT 4 –Eze Akaliro

ABSG issues seven days ultimatum AT 2 to transport companies NLTF donates sports equipment to 49 primary schools ÏÏÏ The National Lottery Trust

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle); Leader of the delegation from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Land East Hub Manager, Mr. Sam Ezugworie (5th left) among other top government officials and delegation from Owaza Community in Ukwa west LGA after their meeting at Govt.

House, Umuahia...recently

Ikpeazu to SPDC: Abia will no longer accept unfair treatment

Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏAbia

The Abia

T E A M

State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has told Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) that the state will no longer accept the disdainful attitude of the multinational oil firm towards the people of the state.

Shell has been operating in Ukwa West Local Government Aarea of the state since 1958, and long before the creation of Abia State in 1991.

Governor Ikpeazu, who frowned at the oil company for non-remittance of taxes to the state government, also wondered why the company neglected oil bearing communities, where oil exploration activities of the firm has caused untold health and environmental challenges to the life and properties of the people.

Speaking at a meeting with the management of Shell at the Abia State Government House Umuahia recently, the Governor said he

convened the meeting between the Government and Shell after his recent tour of oil installations at Owaza and other oil bearing communities in the state.

He said that the meeting was aimed at resolving the issues of neglect of oil communities in Ukwa West as well as the non-remittance of taxes to the state government by the oil companies operating in the state.

“I am aware that previous attempts to get Shell to pay tax to Abia State failed, which means we are only oil producing state on paper. What it means also is that you don’t even have people of the oil bearing communities working in your company since their taxes cannot be paid to Abia. Your workers live in Port Harcourt and work Abia. What will happen if you employ our people who will live and work in our state?” the Governor asked.

Ikpeazu, who commended the youth of the oil communities for their peaceful disposition to the oil company, also said that there is

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

need for the company to review its relations with their host community and the state government.

He said: “Shell has not been very fair to Abia State and the Ukwa West people in particular.

I do not see why there is no Shell office with staff in Umuahia, even if it is just for the management of their office sweepers. If it is just to rent a flat and put Shell logo there so that if the oil communities want to complain they go there. It is very provocative.”

Governor Ikpeazu, who also expressed dissatisfaction with Shell’s intervention in the oil communities since its inception said: “I listened carefully to some of the interventions that Shell has made.

Whether Shell came in 1958 or 1964, there is just nothing to show commitment to the community where your operations have been going on smoothly while your corporate social responsibility practices leave much to be desired.

“We are very proud of the disposition of the youths of Ukwa West and other LGAs where big companies do business in Abia State.

We are very proud of them in the sense that now that militancy and disruptions of oil business has become the order of the day, we make bold to state that in Abia State our people have comported themselves

in the most orderly way,” the Governor added.

Speaking, leader of Shell delegation to the meeting, who is also the Land East Manager of Shell, Mr. Sam Ezugworie, thanked the Governor for the meeting and said that his company is prepared to collaborate with the state government and host communities to improve things. He disclosed that the company had in the last six years expended N420 million as its social investment in its host communities of Owaza, one of the oil bearing communities in Ukwa West.

Ezugwurie further stated that the company has offered scholarships to 457 secondary school students and 74 university students while 210 persons have benefited from their enterprise development activities in addition to building a cottage hospital and five legacy projects in the last six years.

On his side, Chief Sam Nwogu, who spoke on behalf of the host communities, disclosed that three oil wells in Uzoaku in Ukwa West are tagged to Obigbo in Rivers State without any revenue coming to Abia State and pleaded with the Governor to prevail on the SPDC to change the name IMO River to reflect the community where the oil is produced.

Fund (NLTF) on Thursday in Umuahia donated sports equipment to 49 public primary schools in Abia State for the advancement and promotion of sports development.

The Executive Secretary of NLTF, Habu Gumel, said during the presentation that the programme would help to secure the interest and involvement of children of primary school age in sports activities.

Gumel said the programme would further enhance the nation’s capacity to grow and expand its talent-base in sports.

“I urge the beneficiaries to use the equipment judiciously and ensure its proper security.

“A monitoring team will visit each school to inspect the equipment every quarter,’’ he said.

Speaking also, Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the Federal Government wanted to encourage increased youth participation in sports activities through the programme.

He said government was particular about interest in those sports considered to be elitist.

Lawal, who was represented by Amina Shamaki, an official in the SGF Office, called on stakeholders to contribute to the scheme to improve the lives of Nigerian youths.

“This programme will also help to boost their morale and self-confidence,’’ he said.

Kingsley Ibe, the South-East Zone Coordinator of NLTF, said the selected schools would be given equipment for athletics, volleyball, basketball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo and taekwondo.

Ibe said the programme was expected to improve the nation’s future performance in sports at all levels, by harnessing young talents’ potential and turning them into world-class athletes.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, while speaking also, said the strategic importance of sports to the cognitive development of school children cannot be over emphasised.

“I commend the Federal Government for its commitment towards the well-being of the people and I assure the agency of the state government’s support,’’ he said.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

New PG of Ahuwa Oboro honoured by Eze-in-council ÏÏÏ The Chairman, Oboro Council make the welfare of his people, his of Ndieze and the traditional ruler of Ajatanigu autonomous community, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, King Larry Ogbonnaya Agwu, weekend installed Engr. James Obadiah Uchegbuo, the President-General of Ahuwa Oboro community as the Uzu l of Ajatanigu kingdom.

Speaking in his Eze Onyeoruru palace during the occasion, King Agwu said the President General was honoured because of his positive vision and for creating academic chances/ employment for his people at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

In an interview with journalists after being crowned as the Uzu l of Ajatanigu Kingdom, Engr. Uchegbuo expressed surprise as well as happiness at the King’s decision (as he was not informed about the event beforehand), and promised not to play with the confidence reposed on him.

Uchegbuo, who promised to always

priority, lamented the ugly activities of some of the youths in the community, stating, “Our community has been having series of security challenges, arising from youth restiveness which includes cultism and other criminal vices”.

He equally lamented the headaches his community is facing in the hands of Umuode people in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state, stating, “Ahuwa-Oboro shares common boundaries with Umuosu Ngwa, who incidentally gave part of their land to Umuode people many years ago. Umuode people in their desperate desire to expand, encroached into Ahuwa-Oboro land and instituted a court case against us, claiming N500, 000.00 as damages.

“We pray to every Oboro son and daughter to help, to enable us protect Oboro territorial land from Ahuwa-Oboro axis from being ceded to Umuode in Isiala Ngwa North”.

Abia LG election: Court adjourns matter till Feb.16 ÏÏÏ An Abia State High Court sit-

ting in Ikwuano, last week Monday, adjourned till February 16, 2017 the case between the Abia Central Zonal Chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Ichie Onyeanula Igbokwe, PPA candidates in the December Local Government election in the state and other stakeholders as plaintiff against Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abia State as respondents.

Adjourning the matter, the High Court presided over by Justice O.A.K. Ogwe in the suit number HIK/ IM/2017 brought before him by the applicant seeking for nullification of the Local Government election held on December 21, 2016 in the state, said the respondents had filed an application seeking for extension of time to enable them respond to the suit, noting the need to accommodate them to come up with any objections since it was their first appearance.

This was following a prayer by the

respondents, Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for an extension of time to enable them come up with their objection.

It would be recalled that the applicant had prayed for nullification of the election based on the ground that Local Government election never took place in Abia State, let alone sworn-in the new Chairmen.

Speaking shortly after the adjournment, the Counsel to the applicant, Barrister Nkem Nwosu, described the excuses by the respondents as childish and expressed his confidence on Justice O.A.K. Ogwe over his competence, reputation and integrity.

Also speaking, Abia Central Zonal Chairman of PPA, Ichie Onyeanula Igbokwe, said PPA has confidence on Justice Ogwe’s High Court, stating the readiness of the plaintiffs to head to the Appeal Court if the matter did not favour them.

Govt. set to revive Nsulu Games village -Commissioner be used for the hunting of talÏÏÏ Abia State Commissioner for would ents at the grassroots level.

Sports, Chief Chinwe Nwanganga, said at the weekend that the state government would soon sign a Memorandum-of-Understanding (MoU) with an American firm to fully develop Nsulu Games Village.

Nwanganga said this in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital, while speaking on efforts of the present administration to develop sports in the state.

He said that representatives of the firm would visit the state in April for the signing of the agreement on provision of modern facilities for the training of talents in different fields of sports.

Nwanganga said that the games village, located in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the state,

“Sports have become a major source of financially-rewarding employment for youths all over the world.

“This administration intends to harness the potentials in sports by developing the sector to provide gainful employment for the youths,” the commissioner said.

He also said that Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu had approved N70 million for the commencement of the development of three sporting facilities in the three senatorial districts of Abia North, South and Central.

Nwanganga also spoke on the reconstruction of the Enyimba stadium in Aba, the economic hub of the state, and gave assurance that the project would soon be completed.

Erosion menace: FGGC Umuahia principal cries out to FG, ABSG, others Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

Unless the relevant authorities come to their rescue, a female hostel block at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Umuahia, the Abia State capita, will soon go down with an erosion menace in the school.

Towards addressing this problem which is beyond the school authority, the Director/Principal of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) Giginna L. I., during the school’s annual inter-house sports festival recently cried out to the Federal Government, State Government and spirited individuals to come to the rescue of students as rainy season approaches.

The Principal expressed her fears that the ravaging gully erosion currently threatening to uproot the hostel block is now causing nightmare to the students in the school.

Dr. (Mrs.) Giginna therefore called for urgent intervention by stakeholders and lovers of the school, observing that the Parents

Teachers Association (PTA) of the school has been supportive, appreciating also other membership of the public for being unrelenting.

She thanked the Federal Government who through the Federal Ministry of Education promoted sports which resulted in the FGGC Umuahia emerging 2nd position in 1,500 meters race among 104 Unity Colleges in the federation in last December Federal Colleges games held in Enugu, stating that the College is hunting for funds to assist in the development of sporting needs in the area of football, handball, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.

Speaking at the event, the member representing Umuahia South state Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Nwachukwu, said with the importance the nation attached to sports, the Abia State House of Assembly will use the 2017 Appropriation bill to boost other sporting activities outside football and commended the students for coming 2nd position in the 1,500 metres race among

other 104 Unity Colleges in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the occasion, Chairman Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Chief Sam Njoku and former Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Youth Development/PDP Chieftain, Elder Uzomma Uwuka, among others urged that sports should be included in college academic curriculum to pave away for students to enroll it as subject for productivity and encouraged the College to be consistent in sporting activities in order to project the image of FGGC, Umuahia even to outside world.

Meanwhile, the Director, Basic and Secondary Education Department, Mr. Mbaaka J.A., represented

by South East desk officer, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Azuka Anele, extolled FGGC Umuahia for living above board, noting that the Federal Ministry of Education has continued to encourage sporting competitions and emphasised on the teaching of physical and health education in Unity Colleges as part of Government deliberate policy to promote good health for students.

NLC and TUC members from Imo and Abia states protesting in Umuahia recently on the continued stay in office of Chief Medical Director of FMC Owerri, Dr. Angela Uwakwe.

ABSG issues seven days ultimatum to transport companies ÏÏÏ

Abia State Government has issued seven days ultimatum to transport companies operating along major streets of Aba, including Asa Road, Park Road and Milverton Avenue Aba to move their inter-State Hummer Buses at Umungasi Modern Motor Park, Aba or face the wrath of Government.

State Commissioner for Transport, Barrister (Mrs.) Nnenna Obewu Onwuka, gave the directive after a meeting with managers of transport companies in the area, observing that her regular meetings with transport stakeholders over the year was aimed at giving them ample time to make amends

and cooperate with government in that direction.

The transporters, she however said have not headed her instructions, regretting the non-adherent attitude of transporters, especially transporters from neigbouring states operating in Abia who have continued to flout government policies aimed at sanitising the sector and who had chosen to exhibit patriotism and loyalty in other states of their operations.

She therefore warned that drastic measures are now awaiting those flouting the government directive and who sabotage government’s good intention of keeping the state clean as well as deprived the state of

its Internally Generation Revenue (IGR) to carry on the rehabilitation of major roads in the state.

Barrister Obewu commended some transport operatives in the state and which include Nana Motors, Prime Time, Adam and Eve, Aka Villa, Galloping as well as Bicos and NURTW Luxury Transport Unions for attending the meeting and urged other transport companies that were not in attendance to sit up or have themselves to blame.

Meanwhile, Mr. Moses Onuoha of Nana Motors, Samuel Ihenkoronye of Aka Villa, David Nwobodo of Galloping Motors and Ezeji Richard appreciated State Government’s approach in that direction.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

3 The Abia Times

Abia PDP chieftain rewarded by S’African organisation ÏÏÏ The Chairman, Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Sir Johnson Onuigbo, was recently given an award of “Price for Peace and Alternative Dispute Resolution” by an international organisation based in South Africa and Nigeria.

The body, African Emerging Leadership Research and Development Organisation (AELDO) said “the prestigious prize is a major step aimed at identifying him as an illustrious son of the great state, and also recognising him for the immense contribution to the upliftment of democratic institutions both at the grassroots, state and the national levels”.

Speaking while conferring the award, President of the organisation, Prof. Maurice Fangnon, described Sir Onuigbo as a man that cannot become moved, especially when a battle line is drawn between competitors.

Prof. Fangnon, who was represented by the Head of Research, African Regional Head of AELDA, Dr. Rhuefe Kharse, said “when you have people who have faith, they succeed in governance and there is peace”, hence Prof. Fangnon said the success of Sir Onuigbo at the December 2016 local government polls in the state and his ability to keep the party intact even in view of teething problems is a clear example.

“Despite tensions and negative prediction by very large distracters and few confused and misguided elements, he was able to prove his critics wrong by putting shame into now divided enemies’ camp”, and described the party chieftain as one who would like to know people well before establishing relationship with them and one building a legacy of the founding fathers of PDP. “This is a testimony of a tested leader who maintains leadership qualities while maintaining good

relationship with his colleagues”, Prof. Fangnon said, disclosing that the award was a collective decision during a meeting of the organisation held in South Africa.

In his opening speech, the Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Chairman, Abia State PDP, Hon. P. Onyegbu, said the key issue of the occasion was the ability to recognise people’s ability, reminding the audience that with just two years in office by Sir Onuigbo, two things had happened - impossibility of factions to exist in the party and Onuigbo’s ability to conduct the last local government election in the state, hence, the need to appreciate him.

Hon. Onyegbu described Onuigbo as a humble man who is also peaceful, promising that members of the state party executive will give him the support to carry the party forward.

Responding, Sir Johnson (Akinbod) Onuigbo said he accepted the award because it came from a reputable organisation and that he saw it as an award from international level, credible and well merited.

He said he accepted the criteria for which he was rewarded, stating that he dedicated it to God and the good staff of the party who worked tirelessly to attract the award, promising that the award will spur him to a higher service and thanked the organisation.

In his speech, the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who represented by the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Haggler Okorie, said the award came when the state was specifically mentioned in the federal budget of 2017 because of Aba and Made-In-Nigeria is on the high point, stating that Abia State is blessed with a humble man as the party chairman with a captivating profile.

Pool promoter pledges not to flout govt. directives ÏÏÏ

Following threats by Abia State Games Board to ban some pool promoters in the state for non-compliance in pools staking, Chairman/CEO Yoebil Pool Company, Chief Mike Wosu, said the company will not be affected by the scourge.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after their meeting in Umuahia recently, Chief Wosu disclosed that he was in the state to address his agents on the current odds being approved by the board.

According to him, Yoebil Pools has been in business for over 26 years and would not indulge in an activities that will flout directives of Abia State Games Board and enjoined stakers in the state to feel free and do business with the company as their payment after winning was granted.

Chief Wosu, whose business is operating in nine states namely

Abia, Imo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Beylsa, Enugu and Anambra states respectively, said Yoebil Pools was currently online world wide, just as he said stakers can stake their games in any part of the world.

He appreciated Abia Stakers on their resolve to patronise Yoebil Pools Company and assured them of trust and quick prompt payment devoid of stress, rancour and acrimony while promising to make the meeting a regular routine aimed at addressing arrears of needs.

Speaking on the challenges confronting pool businesses, Chief Wosu observed that government policies and frequent review of law concerning pool industry and information was major setbacks, saying people should see pool industry as business and not gambling and appealed to government on the need to moderate and curtail over taxation in pool business.

Abia State PDP Chairman, Sir Johnson Onuigbo (right) with Dr. Rheufe Kharse displaying the award plaque bestowed on him by South Africa based African Emerging Leadership Research and Development Organisation (AELDO) last Thursday in Umuahia

Sexual ‘runs’ illicit and will ruin your career, VC warns students

ÏÏÏ LRn n Ɗ ƎƍƆƃƏƉ ƎƄ ƾèÕƟƾ Stories by Sunday Nwakanma nƊƏ Ɔ

ÏÏÏ The Vice Chancellor, Michael

Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia (MOUAU), Prof. Francis Otunta, says most students in the university are culpable of sexual trade tagged “runs” indulged in either for pecuniary interest or practiced to hoodwink lecturers into award of undeserved marks.

The VC made this statement on the occasion of the schools 24th matriculation recently, describing the act as “illicit”, warning that “a certificate obtained under false pretenses has a repercussion” as the person would not be able to defend

its value when the need arises.

Prof. Otunta reminded the students that the university is a community of decency and moral decorum which “should not be a society of rascals or a hub for acts of prostitution”, hence the need to dress modestly.

Warning the students, Prof.

Otunta said: “A rape of the rudiments in your academic progress would jeopardise your status in the society in the long run. For instead of honors, it is dishonor” and advised them to shun cultism as the school has no space, no place and no tolerance for cultists and cultism.

He informed that the management of the school is employing

all known techniques to ensure it becomes a world-class university, stating that his joy was “provoked on the reminiscence of the challenges faced during the school admission process.

He highlighted the challenges to include “the unfortunate incidence of the closure of some departments as a result of Federal Government’s policy that universities of agriculture should not run non-agricultural programmes, which are alien to the original mandate establishing the university and a struggle to ensure that the National Universities Commission (NUC) shores up its admission quota for the university to accommodate more teeming admission seekers”.

Catholics celebrate 2017 World Day of Religion in Umuahia ÏÏÏ As religious men and women

all over the world, last Thursday, celebrated the 2017 World Day of Religion, an Umuahia Catholic Priest, Fr. Peter Ofodueme, has explained reasons for the celebration, noting that on that day, “those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Christ to the world”.

Presenting a welcome address during the occasion at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral Secretariat, Umuahia, the Abia State capital, shortly after a mass conducted by the Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ofodueme said consecrated life is a gift to the Church and a blessing especially in difficult times for human life and for the life of the Church, adding, “as consecrated persons, we are called to celebrate this day in a special way”.

On the reasons for the religious day celebration, Fr. Ofodueme said: “It serves as an answer to the inti-

mate need to praise the Lord more solemnly and to thank Him for the gift of the consecrated life which enriches and gladdens the Christian Community by the multiplicity of its charisma and the edifying fruits of so many lives totally given to the course of the kingdom. It promote the knowledge of and esteem for the consecrated life by the entire people of God”.

He said the third reason which concerns consecrated persons directly, is that it creates “a nice opportunity to invite them to celebrate together solemnly, the marvels which the Lord has accomplished in them, to discover by a more illumined faith, the rays of divine beauty spread by the spirit in their way of life, and to acquire a more vivid consciousness of their irreplaceable mission in the Church and in the world”.

In a paper titled, “Sustainability of Religious Congregations in Nigeria: The Imperatives”, Rev. Fr.

Innocent Ekeagwu said religious congregations like any other organisation have their sources of funding which include support from friends of the congregation, returns from projects and investments, income from members of the congregation, grants and aids from Vatican and other donor agencies, etc.

According to him, religious congregations understand clearly that the survival of their congregations depends on their corporate contributions and corporate cooperation unlike the diocesan setup, where the local Church is always available, pointing out that no congregation is established with the mind of going into extinction.

Rev. Ekeagwu opined that a well constituted strategic planning committee be engaged to help management of congregations in structuring and identifying priority areas of development that will lead to sustainable development.

The Abia Times 4

Interview

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

Herdsmen attack: We’ll defend our farms with the last drop of our blood –Eze Akaliro

His Roya Majesty, Eze John Onuoha Akaliro, Member, Federal Republic (MFR), Obasi Ukwu II, is the traditional ruler of Umuobasi Ukwu Ozuitem Autonomous Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. He was a former chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers. Late November, 2016, his community was attacked by roaming herdsmen, leading to casualties, many who are still at the hospital. However, late January this year, more herdsmen trouped into the community, leading to more face-off with their host community, Umuobasi Ozuitem, with many more wounded.

In this interview with SUNDAY NWAKANMA, the royal father warns that with the security agencies not doing anything to stem the tide of destruction of their farms and aggressive confrontation with the host communities by the herdsmen, they will have no choice than to now defend their farm lands, even with the last drop of their blood.

Excerpts: This issue of herdsmen is still ringing bell in Ozuitem. What was the genesis of the problem between Ozuitem and the herdsmen?

The genesis of the problem was that this people came and occupied our farm lands. Our people are predominantly farmers. They occupied the land and I made a report to the Commissioner of Police, who I understand is the chairman of the Hausa/Fulani/Community committee set up by the Abia State Government. I made the report through the present Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Eberechi Dick to the Commissioner of Police (CP) and the CP that day sent the Area Commander from Umuahia and the Divisional Police Officer in Bende to visit my community. They took record of all that were destroyed and later sent another group to come and take statement from all those people in my community whose farms were ravaged. They took the statements and went and I understood they made a report to the CP. But before the report could get to the CP, the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen attacked my people in their farms. A number of people were wounded and some of them are still at the FMC Umuahia. Last week Wednesday, I was also informed that the herdsmen came to Ozuitem and my people accosted them and took two

of them to the police and in the process of arresting them, one or two of them were wounded and they were sent to the same hospital where my people are at Uzuakoli. That is the beginning of the Hausa/Fulani invasion of my community. When the group the CP sent came to access the damages done by the herdsmen, they asked for how much would be paid to my community and my people told them that they do not need any money but for the herdsmen to leave our farm land as they have already displaced us in our home land. We have nothing again, we have no food. Even the people that were sent back from the north and who came home and embarked on farming, all their farm land have been ravaged and they now have no food. Those people who are also taking care of them in the community are also displaced. That is the story and the police, following my formal request are the people that are supposed to protect us, but they are not doing enough. They sent a detachment of mobile policemen who left few weeks after. I wonder what the government expects us to do. We have no other place to go to and cannot run away from our community. We are pleading that the government of Abia State and by extension, the Federal Government should come to our aid and tell the herdsmen to leave our farm land or else there would be serious problem there. I am not ready to talk to my people again as I have talked to them enough.

Information has it that your youths have given the herdsmen deadline to leave your community. How true is this?

Who are the youths? We are talking about the community and I am the head of the community. It is not the youths that are in charge. It is Eze Akaliro or Umuobasi Ukwu Ozuitem community.

Have you officially complained to Abia State Government putting into consideration the way the police has been handling the matter, especially over this recent event?

I told you that the Abia State Government set up a committee headed by the CP. What of recent events where herdsmen once again have invaded Ozuitem?

Police came there and I told them that we have to resort to protecting ourselves if the police would not be able to do so. During the last event, the army came. People from the Government House also came. Which other government do we have? People from the Abia State Government came and they have all the information. We need the government to come and

Akaliro help us out of this mess.

Have you had any contact with the traditional ruler of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state over the issue?

I have not called their traditional ruler, Yaro Danladi. I am not happy with him. I want to give room for reconciliation by the government.

May be, when we start the battle, he will come. He has not come to me, even after the herdsmen wounded my people and he did not call me. Why should I go to him?

Beg him to allow me stay in my community? That cannot happen.

Do you have any intention of petitioning the Inspector General of Police to ensure that his men in Abia do the right thing?

If it will be the last option, I would do it. I have to do that if it will help my case.

Apart from physical confrontation, are there no other ways of handling the herdsmen menace?

I don’t even know because, I have exhausted all avenues through complaints and now want to use the press to ask the government authorities to come to our help. The other way we can handle the situation is to stay in our place and defend ourselves. That is what we must do; stay in our place, stay in our farm lands and defend ourselves against any aggression.

Does the Army formation in the state know about this issue?

When we had the first confrontation, the army came. The DSS also came during last confrontation last week. So, all the authorities and security agencies know what is happening in Ozuitem and they have been there.

The state and the Federal Government should come to our aid, give these people where to stay and graze their cattle…

By staying in our farms and making it impossible for us to live a normal life in our community is not acceptable. We are going to fight it with the last drop of our blood Information has it that some traditional rulers in Ozuitem and some prominent people in your community sold some land to the herdsmen. Is this true?

That is not true, but lies. For a traditional ruler of my repute, how much can herdsmen give me?

I have money and I have name.

If I sale my land, they will show you documents. Even my cabinet chiefs, none of them collected any money from the herdsmen.

Why then did you disband your cabinet in the recent past?

I did not. My cabinet is still intact from the very first time I started, but the only thing is that I made a change of those people who died.

My cabinet has been intact since 18 years ago I started as the traditional ruler. All these are fabrications of useless people who do not know how we are running the place.

But you reached an agreement with Ozuitem neighbours to forestall the entrance of herdsmen into Ozuitem. How did the herdsmen manage to come in?

They usually come in from all flanks but we have been to all the communities around us, telling them that we are at war with the herdsmen and that they should not let them come in. We have been to Bende, Okwoyi Ibeku and Uzuakoli. But this time, they came in through a corridor between Umuahia and the people at Onu Inyaghi in Bende and we are trying to block the route.

How did you know that there is a corridor there?

They have been passing through that area and even know the area more than me, who is the traditional ruler. The last batch of herdsmen we accosted told us that they were coming from Akwa Ibom State, stating that they were only passing through Ozuitem and pleaded that their cows just gave birth to young ones and that we should allow them three days. When my people called on me, I urged them to allow the herdsmen to stay for the three days the herdsmen requested to enable them continue with their journey. Then, the recent problem that arose was from that same group.

So, what else can we do? Our neighbouring communities know our problem that is also not peculiar to Ozuitem. They also have such problems. Our case is special as the place they are camping is on our farm land and they have ravaged the entire place and we cannot take it anymore.

What is your word to the Federal Government?

The Federal Government should come to our aid. We discussed the issue with the President when we went there, informing him that we are living like a displaced people in our community and we cannot allow that to happen. A hungry man is an angry man. They (government) will not say we did not tell them. The state and the Federal Government should come to our aid, give these people where to stay and graze their cattle. If we need the cows, we will go there and buy from them. By staying in our farms and making it impossible for us to live a normal life in our community is not acceptable. We are going to fight it with the last drop of our blood. In my community, if you rear a goat, you must have a place to keep the goats. We do not allow goats to roams around and destroy people’s farms. Government should give the herdsmen a central place as grazing ground.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

ELAN canvasses leasing for economic development Page B2

Sterling Bank offers new products for Valentine

No due diligence in power sector reform –Thomas

Page B3

Page B7

Credible budget needed to stimulate economic growth – Saraki Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has reiterated the need for the national budget to be credible, saying the impact of credible budget on economic growth cannot not be underestimated.

Saraki made the remark on Monday in Abuja at the opening of public hearing on the 2017 budget organised by the joint committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Appropriation.

The public hearing, the first of its kind, was organised by the National Assembly to get the views and inputs of stakeholders and critical sectors of the economy in the preparation of the 2017 budget.

The intent is to make the budget credible and align with the goal of the federal government to diversify and pull the economy out of recession.

Saraki said: “the problem has always been how best to implement the budget, which is the best

tool for economic development.

“If the budget is well-crafted and implemented, it remains the most potent fiscal policy instrument of government in delivering socio-economic benefits in an allinclusive manner.

“The best way to achieve this is to ensure that all stakeholders are made a part of the decisionmaking process, especially as it relates to the provision of public services and distribution of social benefits.’’

The senate president gave as-

surance that the National Assembly was ready to assist the executive in its drive to achieve the desired development.

He said: “while government has made efforts to ensure that provisions in the budget proposal align with the goal of pulling the economy out of recession and laying the foundation for diversified growth, certain provisions are clearly off the path.

“The budget must address the CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L – R: Managing Director/CEO, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. , Mrs Funke Osibodu, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and Chairman, BEDC, Mr. Victor Gbolade Osibodu at the Graduation ceremony of the Graduate Trainees/Technicians scheme of BEDC held in Benin recently.

Nigeria loses $30b annually to infrastructure gap Simon Ugwu

Nigeria currently has infrastructure deficit of $30 billion annually which has been affecting the oil and gas

BUSINESS TIMES Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

sector negatively.

Dapo Oni from Ecobank Oil and Gas section, who stated this at the National Association of Energy Correspondents Retreat held recently in Lagos said that Nigeria should not have such infrastructure gap because the country has at least 600 undiscovered gas fields, adding that globally, there is need for $300 billion investment in Oil and gas annually.”

He noted that Nigeria has impressive performance as the country is still the biggest oil

producing country in the whole of Africa, noting that Nigeria is the only country one can buy oil field and start exploration immediately. The potentials he said are there.

Oni however noted that there was not enough incentive to develop gas in Nigeria. In the global front, he said, “Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has discovered that the global oil investment has dropped for three consecutive years, adding that the global oil supply is threatened as in-

Tuesday, February 14 , 2017

vestment is dropping in oil and gas sector. He maintained that OPEC would still cut production in June 2017.

“Regional supply is growing and over 60 per cent of the crude grade output of the West African regions is light and sweet.

By volume it is higher as it is near 75 per cent condensates constituting a rising amount of 15 per cent due to countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Nigeria,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

NERC to open 19 customer complaints offices in 2017

... As projected power generation drops below 4,000MW The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has said it will set up 19 customer complaints forum offices across the country this year.

In a chat with Business Times on Monday, Head, Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, said the customer care offices were for electricity consumers to report their dealings with the distribution companies.

“The monitoring and enforcement actions have been intensified by the Commission to ensure that the electricity industry operators, especially the DisCos comply with the rulings of the NERC Forum Offices and other regulations. A lot of the defaulting DisCos, including the TCN, some GENCOs have been sanctioned by the Commission.

Most of these defaulters have either fully paid the fines or applied for reconsideration. These regulatory oversights of the Commission have tremendously increased the rate of voluntary compliance by the electricity industry operators, especially on issues bordering on customer complaints”, he said.

On rumours doing the rounds that Commission favours the Discos over Nigerians, NERC as the sector regulator on power pursuant to the Electric Power Sector Reform EPSR Act 2005, said it is tasked with the responsibility of providing fair regulation to all stakeholders, including electricity consumers and operators as contained in Section 32&36 of the EPSR ACT 2005.

“Specifically, the Commission is by the law under the EPSR ACT to provide a cost reflective tariff for the operators based on prudent costs and create an enabling environment, while at the same time protect the interest of electricity customers to ensure they get value for money.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

L-R: Executive Chairman FIRS, Mr Tunde Fowler, President South -East South -South Professionals, Denzil Kentebe, Ex-President SESSP, Emeka Ugwu-Uju, Deputy President SESSP, Chike Okoroafor during a courtesy visit to the FIRS office in Abuja... recently. Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

SAHCOL to lose N80m due to Abuja airport closure Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The managing director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL has disclosed that the company may lose about N80 million due to the planned closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja by the federal government for six weeks.

Mr. Kadri said the amount the handling company was going to lose could be more as that was the amount the company makes on monthly bases at the airport.

Kadri noted that company could incur additional losses transporting the company’s staff and equipment to Kaduna airport He said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will be notified so as to compensate the company for their losses.

According to him: ”I am happy for what the government is doing; it is well overdue, it is very important for safety, so I think that the government is taking a right step in the right direction to get this runway repaired For us, we are still hanging in a balance, we are definitely going to lose a lot of revenue because if the airlines don’t fly into Abuja, that is our present burden, so if we make about 70, 80m in Abuja in a month we will lost that, who is going to give it to us” He said: “Now, we have to move our equipment to Kaduna airport, we have to spend money to transport staff, give them extra allowances, so that is a huge burden on us, we are even looking at how many flights that will be coming into Kaduna, how much manpower do we require there and how much equipment that we have to ship and we will definitely put a request to FAAN .

ELAN canvasses leasing for economic development Kenneth Madueke

The Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) recently canvassed the use of equipment leasing to facilitate the achievement of developmental plans as the government works to pull the economy out of recession.

In its yearly review, the Association stated that “Equipment leasing globally, has been established as a creative financing alternative that facilitates access to capital equipment. The whole essence of leasing is to enhance the planning, improvement and development of any economy by building and supporting productive ventures”. Leasing thrives whether the economy is booming or in a recession.

Highlighting the essence of leasing to the growth of the Nigerian economy, the Association stated that, leasing has the capacity to drive the recovery and growth agenda of Government.

The planned huge investment in

infrastructure, agriculture, education and job creation, creates a wider scope for leasing participation in meeting the expected demand for capital equipment.

Essentially, in achieving Government’s plans for self- sufficiency in food production for the nation, leasing can facilitate the provision of basic equipment for the entire agric value chain. Also, in the works and housing, transportation, health and education sectors, much can be achieved with leasing.

Equally, leasing would help to mobilise access to the much needed equipment for productive ventures, more so when outright purchase is difficult, especially to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), thereby strengthening their capacity for wealth creation.

Already, leasing has been contributing to the development of the Nigerian economy. In the past 15 years, leasing has contributed over N4.83trillion to the economy.

Today, the impact of leasing is

pronounced in all sectors of the economy, enhancing capital formation, generating employment and creating wealth.

The emerging opportunities in the Nigerian economy amidst recession are quite obvious, due to the increasing difficulties of mobilising capital for outright purchase. However, what is paramount is the need for Government to maximize this unique financing option to achieve the desired economic growth.

The Association therefore called on Government to continue to give the right support to the industry to enable leasing contributes maximally to economic development of the nation. While the Equipment Leasing Act 2015, provides a major platform for the development of the leasing industry, there is the need for further specific interventions such as, facilitating appropriate funding mechanism for leasing and direct policy on government’s utilisation of leasing in its developmental agenda.

Credible budget needed to stimulate economic growth – Saraki CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

critical issues setting back our national growth and development.

“On a more specific note, the 2017 capital budget proposal is intended to support activities that will help to speed up diversification of the economy, promote nonoil sector and create jobs for our youths.

“You will agree with me that the current state of the economy needs, among others, a credible budget that will stimulate real economic activities, fix our criti-

cal infrastructure and provide cushion for the poor and vulnerable.

“The challenge, however, is how best to ensure that the budget is utilised as an effective policy to achieve these.

“It is, therefore, in line with this belief that the 8th National Assembly deemed it necessary to bring government, civil society organisations, the private sector, and other key actors in the economy together to deliberate on the budget proposal.

“Through this engagement and others to come, we hope to increase the efficiency of government and its responsiveness to citizens needs as well as improve overall transparency and accountability in governance.”

Saraki enumerated the issues challenging Nigeria’s economy to include low government revenues, shortages in foreign exchange supply, slow-down in economic activities, rising unemployment and high cost of living.

Cashless Africa Champion Awards hold in Lagos CashlessAfrica Champion Awards 2017 to acknowledge and reward Innovation in the Digital Financial Services Ecosystem in Africa at the CashlessAfrica Expo, March 22- 23, Lagos Oriental Hotel, Nigeria.

During the main expo, leading thought leaders and panelists in the digital financial services ecosystem in Africa and beyond will address the issues around ‘The future of financial services’ The Cashless Africa awards are dedicated to acknowledging creativity, commitment and excellence in the digital financial services industry across Africa.

The awards honor the best of the breed across all sectors and segments covering financial technology providers, mobile network operators, financial institutions, mobile money providers, card services, financial institutions, application providers, regulators, microfinance organizations and individuals in the ecosystem in Africa and beyond.

Nigeria loses $30b annually to infrastructure gap CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

He revealed that one of the key things needed in Oil and Gas is corporate governance.

Also Speaking at the Retreat, Dr. Dauda Garuba from Natural Resource Governance Institute said to interrogate transparency and accountability in oil and gas sector governance in Nigeria (NRGI), the core challenge included dependence on resource rents (enclave economy) and price volatility, deepening governance problem resulting in failure of highly prized natural resources to translate into economic development (Misgovernance, corruption & conflicts), Non renewability requiring improved accountability and mitigation of potential revenue waste .

He listed the way forward to include prevention of leakages in public funds, improvement in public service delivery and access to basic social services, prevention of conflicts and vulnerability to poverty and access to private investment and finance for economic growth.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14 , 2017

B3 Money Market

Naira stable at 505/$1 on parallel market Stories by Motolani Oseni

The Nigerian currency, the Naira on Monday gained just a point to close at 505 per US dollar, compared to N506 that was traded over the weekend at the parallel marThe local currency hit a fresh low on the black market on Friday, quoted at 506 per dollar, as traders tested new levels to try to tempt dollar holders to sell.

The currency has hovered near the 500 level for more than two weeks and, with demand for dollars swelling, crossed the threshold as the unapproved retail market opened on Friday.

At the official foreign exchange widow, the naira

remained at 305 the range it has been selling since August.

The Naira, had closed at 499 and 498 on Tuesday and Monday last week, which came almost two weeks after the naira touched 500/ dollar briefly and returned to 498/dollar.

Economic and financial experts are divided over the outlook for the naira this year but many have said the local currency may depreciate further in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has revealed that the federal government hopes to raise about N142.43 billion (about $453.60 million) from the issuance of shortterm treasury bills to be

auctioned on February 15.

The auction is expected to raise about N32.43 billion in three-month debt, N30 billion in six-month bills and N80 billion in oneyear notes, through the Dutch auction system.

Payment will be due the day after the auction.

The treasury bills are to fund the national budget deficit, manage banking system liquidity squeeze and curb rising inflation in the economy.

With an outlay of N7.298 trillion, the 2017 budget has overall projected fiscal deficit of N2.36 trillion (about 2.18 per cent of GDP).

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, had said the deficit would be fi-

Sterling Bank offers new products for Valentine

nanced mainly by borrowings, projected at N2.32 trillion, consisting external sources (N1.067 trillion, or 46 per cent) and domestic sources N1.25 trillion.

During the consultative meeting with private sector operators on Monday, Mr. Udoma said the federal government was targeting at least seven per cent growth in the economy by 2020, amid efforts to lift the country out of its first recession in 25 years.

Besides, he said, as part of a medium-term economic recovery plan, government was also determined to ensure growth in the country’s gross domestic, stable foreign exchange rates, and a diversified and inclusive growth.

L-R: Grama Narasimhan, Executive Director, Retail Banking, Sterling Bank Plc; Omolara Akinfolarin, Head MSME Banking, Sterling Bank Plc; Moses Agosu, BM Ikoyi Branch, Sterling Bank Plc and Mark George, Principal Consultant, OMG Consulting at the Sterling Bank MSME Academy workshop held recently in Lagos.

Sterling Bank has launched a campaign tagged #THINGSWEDOFORLOVE. The campaign which is online and offline would cut across its internal and external stakeholders.

The Bank has also announced the introduction of other programmes and events to delight its customers and staff to deepen the celebration of the lovers’ day. The Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide on the 14th of February every year.

The Bank in a statement signed by its Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Henry Bassey explained that the programme lined up for the Valentine’s week includes visits by the Executive Management and Business Managers of the Bank to branches where they will take up specific roles serving customers.

In Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt, the Bank will also be randomly distributing free BRT tickets and cinema tickets to members of the public under the umbrella of its Sterling Cares project.

The CMO also added that nationwide, staff will on Valentine’s Day wear a touch of red as they serve customers and give them goodies in the spirit of the season.

Explaining how the online engagement would work, Mr. Bassey said: “Our followers on Social Media will be requested to send in stories that show ‘things

they have done for love with the hashtag #Thingswedoforlove. Submissions can be text, imaging (memes) and video content and sent to the Bank’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook handles.

“The most creative entries will win prizes of a loaded Sterling Gift card loaded with N20,000. The winners will be gifted on the 13th of Valentine to enable them spend the cards on Valentine if they so wish”.

He explained that the offline engagement will see the Sterling Bank Care team at select BRT bus parks in Lagos and similar parks in Ibadan, Abuja and Port Harcourt to give out BRT tickets and balloons to commuters and movie lovers during the Valentine Week while they share their #thingswedoforlove story on camera.

Sterling Bank MD, Yemi Adeola

Diaspora customers’ BVN registration hits 76,385 in 17 countries Stumpy responses from Nigerians outside the country, has been linked to the low 76,385 Nigerian Diaspora Banks’ Customers, registered so far for the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) registration exercise across 17 countries.

This is even as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued to extend deadline dates for the exercise, recording its first extension from the initial deadline in 2015 to January 31, 2016 and in a circular last February put it forward to 31 June but couldn’t call it a day with the result achieved and was forced to extend to 31 December, same

… As CBN extends deadline for third time in 12 months

year.

Although, this is because, BVN registration becomes necessary in the Nigerian banking industry due to the increasing incidents of compromise on conventional security systems (password and PIN), and hence, there is a high demand for greater security on access to sensitive or personal information in the Banking system.

The BVN gives each Bank customer a unique identity across the Nigerian Banking industry that can be used for easy identi-

fication and verification at Point of Banking operations.

However, the apex bank latest data showed that 76,385 Nigerian banks customers in Diaspora have registered for the BVN exercise in 17 countries as at Monday 23 of January, this year. With United Kingdom (UK) leading with the highest figure of 31,373 registered Nigerians, representing an average of 143.7 percent of the total figure.

This is followed by United States of America (USA), with total number of registered Ni-

gerian bank customers of 27, 322, representing an average of 76.6 percent. However, Canada maintained the third position, with 3,915, while second largest economy in Africa, South Africa seen on the fourth of the table with 3,398 registered Nigerian bank customers in Diaspora.

The CBN statistics also, indicates that Malaysia posts a total figure of 2,422 registered customers, while United Arab Emirate (UAE) has not less than 2,338 Nigerian bank customers.

The figure of 1,618 registered

in far India proofed that there is hardly any where you don’t see Nigerians, even though Italy only recorded 1,091 despite high number of Nigerians residing there and France with many Nigerians managed to register 794 local bank customers.

Others are China771; Australia 646; Netherlands 205; Saudi Arabia135; Ukraine 131; Brazil 126; Turkey the second bottom country has only 86 but sitting at the bottom of the table New Zealand recorded just 14 Nigerian bank customers.

Capital Market B4 Stories by Afolabi Adesola Investors yesterday opened the second trading week of February with a turnover of 141,916,837 shares worth N1, 381,887,721.20 and transacted in 386 deals.

The market capitalization closed lower at N8.74 trillion having opened the week’s trade at N8.77 trillion. The NSE All Share index closed lower at 25,244.29.

The market price movement table showed that 15 equities appreciated, while 17 others re-

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Investors stake N1.4bn on 142 million shares corded decline in their equities prices.

Betaglass led the day’s top gainers with by 4.99 percent to close at N34.72, PZ followed with a growth of 4.98 percent to close at N11.59 and UAC-Prop was third with 4.76 percent to close at N1.98. Air service and

Caverton came fourth and fifth respectively having added 4.74 and 4.44 percent to close at N2.87 and 94 kobo respectively.

NASCON and Transcorp led the day’s declining stocks with a loss of 5 percent each to close at N118.75, N7.03 and 76 kobo per share respectively. Cement

Company of Northern Nigeria dropped 4.89 percent to close at N4.28 and Eterna Plc fel 4.75 percent to close at N3.41 per share.

Guaranty Trust Bank emerged the most traded equity on Monday with an exchange of 26.0 million shares worth N630.2 million, It was trailed

by UBA that sold 25.9 million shares valued at N124.1 million, while Etranzact recorded a sale of 20.4 million shares worth N102.2 million; Fidelity Bank traded 14.7 million shares worth N12.4 million and FBN Holdings moved 9.9 million worth N31.3 million.

PZ Cussons H1 result hinges on price hikes to boost earnings …Records marginal Q/Q losses in PBT/PAT Bonny Amadi

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson; Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI) Mr. Waheed Olagunju and Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment Bayelsa State, Mr. Kemela Okara, during the signing of MoU between Bayelsa State Government and BOI in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State… on Monday.

FMDQ records 42.91% boost on FIC transactions to N10.65trillion …As T-Bills account for 80.60% of fixed income turnoverN10.65trillion Bonny Amadi

Investments in Nigeria’s fixed income space continued to soar as the FMDQ OTC exchange for the month of January sustained high momentum in fixed income, currency, Treasury-Bills, forex among others, as more investors take to secure investment.

The OTC market in its January transaction report released Friday showed that turnover in Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets for the month of January 2017 amounted to 10.65tril-

lion. This showed a 42.91 per cent, or 3.19trillion increase compared to January 2016 (year on year), as well as a 13.09 per cent or 1.65trilion reduction from the value recorded in December 2016 or quarter on quarter basis.

Treasury bills (T-bills) recorded highest growth in January with transactions according to the report, accounting for 48.00 per cent of the total turnover, from – 45.20 per cent posted in 2016 December. FGN2 bonds recorded 11.56 per cent, out of the total turnover, against – 10.62 per cent posted in De-

cember 2016.

In the same period, Money Market and Foreign Exchange market activities accounted 25.34 per cent and 15.10 per cent of total turnover respectively.

The January 2017 transaction report released by the company showed that foreign exchange features, the seventh Naira-settled OTC FX Futures contract NGUS JAN 25 2017, with total open contracts worth $274.38m, matured and was settled within the reporting month.

During the period under review, the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN) revised the rates offered on all outstanding OTC FX Futures contracts upwards, whilst a new 12-month contract - NGUS JAN 31 2018 - was introduced In the month of January, turnover in the Fixed Income market settled at the value recorded in December 2016, with transactions in the T-bills market accounting for 80.60% of the Fixed Income market turnover.

Nigerian banking system may collapse with high CRR – Cowry Assets Bonny Amadi The Nigerian banking system have been projected to collapse in the near future if the present hash operating environment characterized by high Cash Reserve ratio, TSA and liquidity draining from treasury bills are sustained.

Raising the alarm Thursday in Lagos, the Chief executive Officer,

Cowry Assets Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, one of the panel of discussants at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seminar in Lagos Thursday on way forward for implementation of the 2017 budget, said that the Nigerian banking system is endangered, Chukwu said that the government through policy direction has succeeded to suffocate the Nigerian banking

system, ostensibly reputed for driving the overall economy as well as the Nigerian capital market, adding that spending 70 per cent of the 2017 budget on recurrent, is not encouraging.

He said that the high lending rate occasioned by government policy towards checking inflation, should be jettisoned for a policy that targets growth which also should be driven by a regime of low lending rates.

Against the backdrop of depressed quarter on quarter performance indices recorded

by PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc in its second quarter result released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange recently, its year on year numbers soared.

The company’s second quarter result for the period ended November 30th 2016 made public recently, showed that sales grew for a second consecutive quarter, by 5.6 per cent y/y to N16.5billion while Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 231.1 per cent y/y to N2.0billion, thus hedging the negative impact of -N2.4bn loss in made in Q1.

Price increases helped the company’s top line growth hence the Personal Care business remained the best performing unit. The bottom line growth was mainly by gross margin expansion of 758bps to 34.4 per cent, reflecting old raw mate-

rials purchased at historical prices.

Meanwhile, the operating expenses (Opex) of PZ Cussons grew marginally by 1.0 per cent. A foreign exchange loss of N237million was recorded during the quarter, as trade payables amounting to N41.5bn during the quarter rose by 61.5 per cent.

While tax expense increased by 179 per cent y/y to N709million, Profit after tax (PAT) still grew by 259.7 per cent y/y to N1.1billion.

Though sales declined by -1.2 per cent y/y. The company’s results on quarter and quarter basis showed superior contrast.

PBT and PAT consecutively showed a sustained loss along the P&L lines as pre and post-tax losses of –N425m and –N358m respectively were recorded in the second quarter, even as The H1 results showed sales growth of 8.8 per cent. In the first quarter, PZ Cussons posted PBT and PAT losses of N-2.4bn and –N1.4billion.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI

26,580.22

DEALS

3,423.00

VOLUME

219,025,579.00

VALUE CAP

1,407,679,637.39

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

29,000

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

28,000

B5

12,000

10,000

27,000 8,000 26,000 6,000 25,000 4,000 24,000 2,000

23,000

`

06-Dec 09-Dec 12-Dec 15-Dec 18-Dec 21-Dec 24-Dec 27-Dec 30-Dec 02-Jan 05-Jan 08-Jan 11-Jan 14-Jan 17-Jan 20-Jan 23-Jan 26-Jan 29-Jan 01-Feb 04-Feb 07-Feb 10-Feb 13-Feb

22,000

-

Labour B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Minister urges Japanese envoy to recall companies from Ghana Stories by Joy Ekeke The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has reached out to the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke to help facilitate the return of Japanese companies that abandoned Nigeria for Ghana and other African countries.

According to Ngige, most of the issues that necessitated the relocation of those companies have been favorably resolved, resulting in a more business friendly operating environment.

Ngige told the Japanese Ambassador: “Investment climate in Nigeria has improved with the firm measures already taken by this administration to shore up power supply, effectively tackle corruption and improve the safety of lives and property. These are some of the factors that drove these factories, but the iron cast resolve of the Federal Government in putting them behind us is not in doubt.

“The era where foreign investors lose their investments to fraudsters is over as government has ensured adequate protection for their investments and profits.

So, we want you to invite Japanese companies who were here to not only come back but also invite others to invest in fertile opportunities offered in our agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors.”

“Look at the potentials in our huge rubber belt across Nigeria for example. Michelin was here but relocated to a neighboring country but the opportunities for brighter business prospects is still better in Nigeria. These companies will surely do better here under the environment we are creating.”

Sen. Ngige said Nigeria would learn from the resilience of the Japanese to overcome the present economic challenges, urg-

ing Japan to fully tap into the improved investment climate in Nigeria.

He added that Nigeria under the present administration has looked inwards to regain lost opportunities hence, its emphasis on agriculture and mining, calling for Japanese investments and the training of extension workers in this area.

The Minister urged the ambassador to increase the number of Nigerians billed for participation in the yearly training programme from fifty to a thousand so as to have a meaningful impact on a large population like Nigeria.

While regretting the trade imbalance between the two countries, he pleaded with Japan to close the gap by enabling skilled Nigerians live and work in their country under the International Labour Migration policy of the International Labour Organisation.

KUSAOKE

Earlier in his remark, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke pledged Japan’s more active role in Nigeria’s economic diversification programme through the expansion of its businesses into agriculture and mining. He also commended the anti-terrorism and anti-corruption efforts of the present administration as well as its determination to protect foreign investors.

“We are very hopeful that government policy is going to do well in three important areas of antiterrorism, anti-corruption and economic diversification. But I believe economic diversification is the area where the Japanese are most useful. We have a lot of contributions to make to the diversification of the economy,” said the Japanese Ambassador.

The Ambassador tied the job creation efforts of the Federal Government to Nigeria’s ability to expand existing businesses while creating opportunities for

Japan-Ambassador

NGIGE

new ones, saying that his country would encourage more Japanese to invest in Nigeria.

“I think first of all, we want to encourage Japanese business through investment here.

We want to expand our existing business in Nigeria and such expansion is the most important factor to improve the labour or employment situation. In the last one year, there are four instances of Japanese companies that have opened businesses in Nigeria in auto-motorcycle, beverage and chemical manufacturing. Some are in joint partnership with Nigerians. We want to bring in more,” Karaoke said.

He said these businesses apart from creating employment would assist in transfer of skills to Nigerian employees. He further extended invitation to fifty Nigerians to a yearly training programme in various skills in Japan taking off August 2017.

Minister of Labour

Ogun partners CBN on Anchor Borrowers Scheme ÏTargets 10,000 unemployed youths Over 10,000 youths and other small-scale farmers in Ogun state have been targeted to reap the gains of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme.

The State in partnership with the CBN intends to use the platform to boost food security as well as provide gainful employment for the youths and other existing small scale farmers.

The state Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Tosin Ademuyiwa, disclosed this in Abeokuta at the flagoff of the programme to empower the youths and others in the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

He explained that the programme was to give financial support to them to boost production of cassava, rice and maize, adding that attention would also be given to fisheries and poultry farming.

Admonishing youths to key into the opportunities offered by the programme to earn a living, he said everything would be done to ensure that they benefited maximally from the programme.

The coordinator, Ogun State Youth in Agric Business, Comrade Olugbenga Ige, thanked the state government and the CBN for the opportunity to be self-emfying the economy.

Kwara denies mass sack of teachers

Abdulfatah Ahmed

The Kwara State government has refuted a report by an online medium, The Point that 700 teachers that were recruited into the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in 2014 without approval have been laid off.

The state government through a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, Dr. Muideen

Akorede, described the report as false, misleading and lacking any basis in fact Akorede said that the government had neither sacked the teachers nor has any intention to terminate their services.

He clarified that the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed had directed TESCOM to regularize the employment of the affected staff based on qualification and needs.

The Governor’s media aide noted that the State Executive Council (SEC) had approved sanctions for the officials, including serving and retired personnel that facilitated the unauthorized recruitment of the workers.

According to the statement, TESCOM will conduct relevant process for the normalization of employment of the affected staff with emphasis on those

with appropriate qualifications in Mathematics, English and the core science subjects.

Akorede referred to a Government House statement issued last Tuesday, which noted that Governor Ahmed ruled out sacking the affected workers in order not to worsen the unemployment situation in the State.

He, therefore, urged the public to disregard the false publication by The Point.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

‘There’s a lot of shadow ownership in Nigeria’s oil fields’ Nigeria Oil fields are being covered by lots of shadow ownership. This means that the real owners are hidden, using someone else to front for them.

This is part of the corruption bedeviling the oil and gas sector of the economy.

An oil expert in Ecobank Oil and Gas section Dapo Oni, made this revelation at the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Retreat held in Lagos.

“There is a lot of shadow ownership in Nigeria Oil fields.

One of the key things needed in Oil and Gas is corporate governance.

He maintained that funding is needed to take care of the financing needs, in the area of exploration and appraisals, new projects, diverse oil field/ licensing rounds, secondary recovery, infrastructure, LNG train, Gas processing plants, pipelines (Oil and Gas) refineries and jetties. The industry according to him needs at least $ 15 billion this year. The sources of funding investment he listed to include Domestic Banks, International Oil Companies (IOCs), Foreign Independents, private equity, domestic and foreign investors.

The Ecobank Oil and Gas expert stated that the key requirement to attract investment in petroleum industry is governance such as Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), regulatory environment, fiscal terms and incorporation of Joint Venture in Gas sector/Gas supply.

Others he listed to include Forex policy, Corporate Governance, security in Niger Delta, market driven downstream prices-fuel and electricity.

Experts believe that the stable regulatory environment permits resource non-discriminatory administration of laws, impartial dispute resolution, minimized obstacles to building and operating facilities, freedom to negotiate commercial agreements, sanctity of contracts.

So also that International Oil Companies (IOCs) contributions include technological expertise, project and operational excellence, financial strength, corporate citizenship, high ethical standards, respect for local cultures and National Content development collaboration is required to assure business sustainability for continued value creation for all.

Stories by Simon Ugwu The power reform is said to lack due diligence and those who bought the 10 Generation Companies (Gencos) and the 11 Distribution Companies did not do due diligence and did not also understand the power business.

The Managing Director of Frontier Oil Limited, Dada Thomas, made this known in an exclusive interview with Daily Times in Lagos.

“Unfortunately the actual implementation and execution of the process was corrupted. And we had what I call chronic capitalism that put us in the situation where we are today. In my view those who bought the 10 Gencos and 11 Discos did not do adequate due diligence and they did not fully understand the power business,” he said.

Dada Thomas who is also the president of Nigerian Gas Association said in order to achieve constant power supply, gas is needed. “The way gas matters are been treated by Nigeria is no good. We ignored gas for too long, thank God we have realized the importance of gas, thank God the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has put forward the seven big wigs policies. One of the big wigs is the gas policy. The

B7 Energy

No due diligence in power sector reform –Thomas

DADA THOMAS ministry issued a draft gas policy to the generality of Nigerians, to companies like ours and the Nigerian Gas Association, which I am the president and we made

comments.”

“We are looking forward to see the final policy and indeed to what extent they took stakeholders comments on board. The final

part of the seven bigwigs policy was issued, which is the fiscal policy. We are looking forward to seeing the government pay attention to the gas that we deserve because no gas is equal to no electricity and no power is equal to no economic development,” he stressed.

Speaking on deregulation of the downstream sector, he said, “Unequivocally, it should have been done long ago, if I were the president of Nigeria, on May 30, 2016, I would have fully deregulated the downstream sector. If it has been done, we will not have the situation we have today. So what we have all these days is quasi deregulation. If you deregulate a sector, you don’t fix the price. You seed it to the public to determine the price, who comes to buy and who sells. We are only taking half measures and it doesn’t instill confidence.

When you know what to do and you are taking half measure, in a long run you are causing more pain than gain. I call upon the government to fully deregulate the downstream and get itself out of the mess involved.”

NNPC explains shortfall in gas supply The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, an upstream subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has explained the gap in its supply of gas for power generation.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu in Abuja.

“In a presentation to the House Committee on Local Content, Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Yusuf Matashi, noted that the pulverization of the Forcados trunk line by mili-

tants in 2016 gravely impacted gas production by NPDC and its JV partners,” he said.

He said the attack which primarily led to a loss of about 70 per cent of NPDC’s crude oil production capability also had an effect on gas production.

“Unfortunately gas production in the region we operate is not non associated gas but associated with the crude oil we produce so by the time we shut in the oil well, we also shut in most of the gas. That is why we now see the level of gas supply shortage for power generation.”

He said though other opera-

tors might have other reasons for the shortfall in gas supply in their domain, the damage of the Forcados export terminal supply line was the biggest obstacle to the production of gas by the NPDC and its JV Partners.

Matashi however enthused that the Company would increase its gas production by as much as 50 per cent whenever the Forcados line is back on stream.

Describing the impact of the attack as immeasurable, the MD said within the last one year, the company has struggled to mitigate the effects on its produc-

tion.

On the NPDC local content compliance level, Matashi noted that as an indigenous exploration and production company, the NPDC is in sync with the letters and spirit of the provisions of the Nigerian Content law in the oil and gas industry.

Chairman of the House Committee on Local Content, Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, said members of the Committee would in due course embark on an oversight visit to NPDC facilities for proper appraisal of the company’s compliance level with the extant law on local content.

Business Features

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 14, 2017

NAEC and challenge of Nigeria’s Oil, Gas industry

By Simon Ugwu The Current decline in oil prices has forced a global cut back in investments, and a 75 per cent reduction in Joint Venture (JV) profitability compared to 2015, additionally, vandalism and community unrest have resulted in significant production losses. The resultant effects include scaled down operations, limited new hire opportunities, reduced personnel, project deferments and contract renegotiations.

The Importance NOC/IOCs relationship: National Oil Companies (NOCs) brings secure access to resources, political/regulatory knowledge and vision for resource development. While the International Oil Companies (IOCs) brings State-of-the-art technology, global experience and proven ability in project execution.

The Arha North phase two example shows the Delivery of an additional peak production of 65,000 b/d of crude to Nigeria, which is cost savings to government - project started up five months early and $400 million under budget and $2 billion local investment for goods and services.

So also in Owowo is projected to hold over 1billion barrels of crude oil reserves; this could have significant positive impact on national economy, employment opportunities for Nigerians and increase national revenue if the right regulatory and operating environment is in place.

These demonstrates confidence in the growth potential of the country despite shrinking investments in upstream, encourage international trade and free markets, promote diversity of supply and maintain stable regulatory and fiscal environments.

The stable regulatory environment permits resource nondiscriminatory administration of laws, impartial dispute resolution, minimized obstacles to building and operating facilities, freedom to negotiate commercial agreements, sanctity of contracts.

IOC contributions are listed to include technological expertise, project and operational excellence, financial strength, corporate citizenship, high ethical standards, respect for local cultures and National Content development collaboration is required to assure business sustainability for continued value creation for all.

Threats, abduction of contractors, blockades and protests pose a risk to our operations and impact our ability to generate revenue for the state, as well as our social investments.

The Oil and gas long term business outlook and investments can remain positive only if all stakeholders genuinely collaborate towards maintaining an atmo-

sphere that is conducive for business In this regard, National Association of Energy Correspondents held a retreat in Lagos to find lasing solutions to the current challenges.

Speaking on the theme: Improved Management of Oil revenues, Oyindamola Adedekun from Facility for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER) stated that Nigeria didn’t save a the time of plenty and at the time of scarcity we adjust life style of spending. She also said that Obasanjo administration set up Excess Crude Account to manage excess revenue from Crude Oil. She pointed out that Nigeria could not maintain the excess crude account because the governors were agitating to share all the money accrued from Oil. She noted that Non Oil States got more allocation than Oil states.

Speaking on Natural Resources, she said wealthy countries designed systems and instruments of saving and stabilization over the last two decades. Ghana saved almost $1 billion, Libya saved $66 billion while Nigeria saved only $1.4 billion and there has been no addition since as the governors are in court to stop Excess Crude Account.

Accountability according to her should be at all levels and there should b increased transparency and accountability, adding that a constitutional stabilization mech-

anism improves management of social instruments.

Speaking on the theme: Beyond Transparency: Gaps and Realities in Oil and Gas Sector Governance in Nigeria, Dr. Dauda Garuba from Natural Resource Governance Institute said to interrogate transparency and accountability in oil and gas sector governance in Nigeria, the core challenge include dependence on resource rents (enclave economy) and price volatility, deepening governance problem resulting in failure of highly prized natural resources to translate into ecoernance, corruption & conflicts), proved accountability and mitigation of potential revenue waste .

He listed the way forward to include prevention of leakages in public funds, improvement in public service delivery and access to basic social services, prevention of conflicts and vulnerability to poverty and access to private investment and finance for economic growth.

Dr. Garuba maintained that the three realities about Oil and Gas Sector is the most investigated sector in contemporary Nigeria, probably with the least reform efforts and regrettably the least responsive to even the minimal reform efforts ever made.

Also speaking on the theme: Attracting Investment in Oil and Gas sector, Dapo Oni, from Oil

and Gas section of Ecobank said Nigeria is currently has infrastructure deficit of $30 billion annually which has been affecting the oil and gas sector negatively.

“Nigeria has infra structure gap of $30 billion annually. So also Nigeria has at least 600 undiscovered gas fields. Globally there is need for $300 billion investment in Oil and gas annually.” He said.

He however noted that Nigeria has impressive performance as the country is still the biggest oil producing country in the whole Africa, noting that Nigeria is the only country one can buy oil field and start exploration immediately. The potentials he said are there but there is no enough incentive to develop gas in Nigeria.

In the global front, he said, “Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has discovered that the global oil investment has dropped for three consecutive years, adding that the global oil supply is threatened as investment is dropping in oil and gas sector. He maintained that OPEC would still cut production in June 2017.

“Regional supply is growing and over 60 per cent of the crude grade output of the West African regions is light and sweet. By volume it is higher as it is near 75 per cent condensates constituting a rising amount of 15 per cent due to countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Nigeria,” he said.

He revealed that there is a lot of shadow ownership in Nigeria oil field, adding that one of the key things needed in Oil and Gas is corporate governance.

Speaking on the Role Of Energy Reporters In Oil And Gas Sector By Mr Goddy Ikeh, CEO, Fortworth Communications Agency listed the roles to include, promoting and galvanizing the resolve of the people in achieving progress, development and meeting contemporary challenges, serving as stokers of equity, responsible and accountable players and stakeholders, providing viable information about development in the sector, providing a forum for expression for marginalized groups, serving as de facto ombudsmen for peoples complaints and grievances and independent and first hand reporters of news. Others are serving as mirrors of reality for information, education and entertainment, playing crucial role in creation of institutions that are transparent, responsive, capable and accountable, providing information needed by the people to participate in debates and decisions that shape their lives and coping with poor budget for media development.

He further stated that the expectations to be classified into three major headings namely Governance Impact – how your roles have impacted society and good governance – exposure of corrupt practices, oil field allocations, activities of the, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and agitations in the Niger Delta, Economic Impact: Information needed for investments by stakeholders, governance monitoring, crude oil theft and Social Impact – Need for sustainable development which requires participation of citizens in the sector, especially in supplying information that will help citizens to change their behavior towards host oil companies.

In the area of execution of the Roles, he said NAEC has been able to meet some of these expectations from the people and the industry players despite the harsh operating environment. Developments in the association, increase in membership and interests of development partners and support of major oil companies testify to this accomplishments.

But Mr. Ikeh pointed out that there are perceived Challenges in the area of capacity Building, selfCensorship, funding challenge, absence of investigative reporting, poor Working Condition and sourcing Stories.

In order to close the gaps, he said there should be collaboration with industry players, expanding areas of coverage – environment, gas and NDDC.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

Iyabo Ojo:

On the industry, youthful look...

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

Paparazzi comes with acting -Iyabo Ojo

Iyabo Ojo is a name that is synonymous with you for many years. Don t you have any other names apart from Iyabo Ojo? Ojo is my marital name, it is a name I have been using since when I was married and it was the name that I brought into the industry, even after I left my husband I still stuck to the name Ojo. So Iyabo Ojo was like a brand name to me. My names are AliceIyabo Ogunro, I am from Ogun state, and my father is from Abeokuta, while my mother is from Benin Edo State.

My mother parents are from Delta – Ibo so you could call me Nigeria half –cast (general laughter) So what has industry did for Iyabo Ojo as an actress and as a society lady?

The industry has done a lot of things for me, because it has opened a lot of doors, it has given me an opportunity to meet with people of high society and also make me to make a lot of money so I can say the industry has been so good to me, at least I would say I am blessed to have been in the industry But despite the good things that the industry has brought to you, there must be some sorts of black spots. Like the negative side of the paparazzi Well paparazzi comes with our job is a thing you expect to come with the job, and so when it comes you have to adapt to it, so you don t see it as part of defect again, you see it as part of your profession, part of the

industry, is a price one has to paid for stardom, and if you look at it from that perspective you don t see it as any big deal anymore, you see it as part of what you go through as actress. Like the popular saying there is no gain without gain, which is what we see as celebrities.

People encroach into your private life and write all sorts of stories they like about you some which are not even true, and these are the sorts of stories that society will use to judged you, and we just have to move on not to bordered about the stories been written about you And talking about bad press, do you still have any bad memory of press that hunts you most?

Like I said, I am sued to it, so I don t get upset with what has been written about me, especially bad news, when it comes it comes with a lot of news and it goes.

the past, because me talking about it brings back bad

After close to two decades in the industry what legacy are you put into the industry, especially for the upcoming ones?

Yes I have put in a lot, especially the upcoming ones I tried to tell them how to do it right. I let them to understand that humility is very important and to be humble. I also told them to look at the footstep of those who are successful in the industry. Obviously you don t need to take to the steps of someone who was not successful in the industry. If you moved with the right click you will be successful and if you are humble and respectful it will opened doors for you, and if you work very hard and have the fear of God in your heart to get to the top quickly, they forgot that everything is step by step with endurance. You don t come to the industry because of money, because if you come to the industry and you did not get it in time, you will get frustrated, but if you come for the arts you will enjoy it even when the money is not yet forthcoming, and with time people will get to know you and notice you, then the money will come

Life&

T E A M

Talking of caucus, which caucus do you come

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

from or you belong to?

I belong to Odunfa Caucus Tell us the secret to your youthful look?

I eat in modest. I believe in my youthful look, been an actress and a celebrity so I have to be careful with my look and stature, I need my look, so I could continue to act, so I take very good care of my body and skin, I don t eat late, I don t eat too much junk food and I try to drink a lot of water, so I take very good care of my skin and face because that is the business I do and like they do say looking good is a good business.

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017

5 Thoughtful

Mutiat Alli

things to do for bae this Valentine’s day Snap chat.

Your friends will wish they were

that will get you all excited with free pass to getting cuddles all night long while munching on sweet treats like popcorn, drinks or chowing down good food.

Waking up to delicious and sweet-smelling food -

o in the kitchen while the other is somewhere else with rite meals together. Playing games and gisting while

Picnics are more spontaneous, intimate and roput on your to-do list.

a three-course meal that includes some delicious -

dessert.

Post the photos on Instagram and pepper them on

we mean. *winks*

L3

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2017