Dtn 17 1 17

THE

DAILY

Saraki: The making of DTN’s Politician of the Year

TIMES

When the history of Nigeria’s politics, especially that of the 8th National Assembly is written, the name of the Senate president, Dr. Senator Bukola Saraki, will occupy an epic place as one who came, saw and conquered.

On the Nigerian political rating, Senator Saraki is the third most power-

NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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Continued on page 12

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 279

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GAINERS AS AT January 16, 2017 FLOURMILL

18.09

18.20 0.61%

STANBIC

15.52

15.82

N150

LOSERS AS AT January 16, 2017 1.93%

GUINNESS

73.02

69.99

-4.15%

FO

74.00

73.58

-0.57%

East-West Road: Reps, ministry on collision course

Ï Produce N323bn contract agreement within 48 hours –Reps Ï Berate ministry for denying them access to contract documents, releases of funds, others Ï Allege that despite 50 per cent mobilization fee paid, less than 25 per cent job done Ï We can’t produce documents in 48 hours –Ministry Ï Insists current completion status of contract is 91 per cent

Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts on Monday, issued a 48hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Niger Delta to produce the contract agreement and all financial details relating to the dualization Continued on page 8

In search of the missing Chibok school girls… Co-convener, Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili (2nd right); Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (3rd left) and other security officers during an operational visit to Yola and Sambisa forest in search of the abducted Chibok school girls… on Monday.

2017 budget: Reps blast FG on exchange rate, domestic borrowing 7

Sale of OML 52, 53, 55: A’Court 8 adjourns Chevron’s case against Brittania-U

Bomb explosion 8 FG lines up NJC kills Prof, three scribe, 13 others others in UNIMAID against Justice ÏAttack worrisome –Atiku

Ademola

Fayose imposes curfew over obaship tussle in Ekiti town

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Page Three

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Rising drug abuse among Nigerians

I

t is no more news that there is increasing consumption of dangerous drugs in Nigeria, especially among the youths. Many social commentators have attributed this development to reasons ranging from the dire economic situation in the country and the influence of the internet that predisposes this segment of the population to emulate their peers in other societies. Definitely, we are not only alarmed at this development but also call on the authorities to urgently tackle this social malaise before it gets out of hand. There is no denying the dangers posed by substance abuse on the youths and future of the country. According to United Nations report, the value of illegal drugs traded around the world is put at more than $322billion yearly.

Definitely, drug abuse and trafficking is a problem and major deterrent to humanity and the well being of the youth in particular, even as it poses greater problems to the socio-economic and political stability of any nation. To underline the problem, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has described substance abuse and the illicit trafficking of drugs as an evil in any society. Incidentally, substance abuse often includes problems with impulse control and impulsive behaviour.

Furthermore, there are cases in which criminal or antisocial behaviour occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug. Statistics reveal that there are more than 120 million users of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and other synthetic drugs.

There is no denying the fact that drug abuse and the illicit trafficking of substances is a worldwide malaise that has far-reaching consequences because of its direct and indirect relations to crime, corruption and international terrorism. The strong nexus between the traffickers, the terrorist organisations and the money launderers, has allowed this monster to become a magnet for luring people to engage in crimes

and mayhem.

In Nigeria, evidence reveals that many youths are becoming drug addicts. Before now, the country used to be a transit point but recently, it has assumed the position and destination for hard and illicit drugs. With a population of some 170 million people, Nigeria has become a thriving market for the consumption of illicit drugs. Due to new technologies, which have improved the mass production of some of these drugs, many of them have become very cheap and therefore affordable.

There is no denying that substance abuse and the new trend is becoming a significant medical, psychological, social and economic problem facing the country. More worrisome is the increasing number of secondary school and tertiary institution students taken to consuming hard drugs. Other groups of abusers are drivers, conductors, civil servants and artistes.

The consequences have been extreme violence, gang rape, drug induced suicide, paranoia, poor academic performance, school dropout, poor health condition and indebtedness. It also bears repeating that drug abuse is associated with anti social vices such as cultism, thuggery, racketeering, and armed robbery.

We are, therefore, calling on the authorities to take appropriate in combating the epidemic of hard drug abuse among Nigerians, especially youths.

However, this requires the keen involvement of parents in the educational progress of their children through effective collaboration with the school.

In all, agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,NDLEA,National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), should increase the tempo of their effectiveness by investing even more on technological devices that can enhance its ability to detect hard drug traffickers or consumers to frustrate the use of hard drugs in the society.

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

Deputy Editor, Daily Ken Madueke

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

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Group Political Editor Lateef Ibrahim

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (right), with wife of a former governor of Niger State, late Engr. Abdulkadir Kure, Hajia Zainab, when the Senate President led a Senate delegation on a condolence visit to the Kure’s family in Minna, Niger State… on Monday.

Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, checking details of the Ukawu water project in Okawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi… recently. With him are Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Fidelis Nweze and Senior Technical Assistant on Projects, Oka Uchechi (right) and others.

L-R: chairman, Mubi North Local Government Council of Adamawa, Alhaji Musa Ahmed; Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa; Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmad Sajoh and other dignitaries at the closing ceremony of 2016 state qur’anic recitation competition in Mubi, Adamawa… recently.

Words On Marble :

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

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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.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ơƣè ƾƠơƣ

7 News

^ ƋƈƅƆ ƏƏƆ Ɛ ƌ Ƈ Ə 2017 budget: Reps blast FG on ƊƈƋƋƈ ƓƈƇƆ ƈ R Ƒ exchange rate, domestic borrowing Abiodun Taiwo,

Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The House of Representatives on, Monday, berated the federal government on the official exchange rate of N305 per one US dollar projected in the 2017 budget, declaring that it would engender huge corruption as the naira exchanges at almost N500/dollar at the parallel market.

The lower chamber of the national assembly also queried the domestic borrowing plan of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, saying it will stifle funds that could have been made available to the real sector and promote the growth of small and medium businesses to grow the economy and move the country out of recession.

Daily Times reports that out of the N2.321 trillion to be borrowed to fund the 2017 budget, N1.253 trillion

is to be sourced from the domestic market.

The lawmakers gave this verdict during an interactive session between the executive arm of government and the House committees on Finance, Appropriations, Aids, Loans & Debt Management, Legislative Budget and Research and National Planning & Economic Development on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

According to the green chamber, the government was not doing enough to reign in the spiraling inflation which presently stands at 18.55 per cent.

Lawmakers present at yesterday’s session further accused the federal government of not consulting with stakeholders, especially the National Assembly while developing the MTEF, adding that the parameters contained in the 2017 budget are different

from those in the MTEF initially submitted to the National Assembly.

Responding to these queries however, the Minster of Budget & National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, said the government has a multi-facetted plan to move the country out of recession.

Commenting on the rising inflation, Udoma said that “it is our objective to move towards a very low inflation environment because we need to move to a low inflation environment so as to have sustained and sustainable growth.

“We believe that, as the Central Bank had said, many of the things that were feeding into the inflation in 2016 is that once we can stabilize the exchange rate and other aspects of the economy, we will reduce the rate of inflation.

“But we need to do a lot more than that. We need to reduce the cost of doing business and we have a

number of plan to achieve that. We need to get Nigerians back to work. We need to get single interest loans particular in the key areas such as agriculture and all that to get people back to work. Already the Central Bank is working on that.”

The national planning minister added that the federal government is doing a lot to restructure the nation’s economy.

According to him, the difficult and challenging phase the country is passing through is seen on the part of the executive as an opportunity “to change things in a fundamental way.”

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun in her remarks said the government has put a lot of measures in place to stimulate the economy back on the path of growth, just as she warned people to be careful of putting their faith in the black market as it drives inflation

Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ The

Ogun State Police Command on Monday said it had arrested a man, Mathew Oguntade, for allegedly killing his wife.

The accused, who resides at Anglican Church, Owode-Ijako in Ado-Odo local government area of Ogun state, was said to have been married to the wife for about 20 years.

In a statement signed by the Command spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said Mr. Oguntade allegedly killed her during a minor disagreement between the two and was arrested following a report the Police received from the CDA chairman in the area.

His words: “The incident happened on the 13th of January, 2017 at about 01:00 am in the mid-night when the couple engaged in fighting due to a minor disagreement between them.

The CDA Chairman of the Community, Iskilu Ka-

reem who reported the case to the Police said that he received a telephone call from one of the vigilante group in the area that the couple were into serious scuffle, but before he could get to their house, the husband had strangled his wife to death, threw the body outside through their window and ran away.”

“The DPO Sango Ota, SP Akinsola Ogunwale led detectives to the scene and removed the corpse to General Hospital, Ifo morgue before launching serious manhunt for the suspect.”

“Their efforts paid off the following day when the suspect was apprehended and taken to custody.”

Oyeyemi added that The Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Iliyasu PSC+ has directed that suspects be transferred to Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department Eleweran Abeokuta for discrete investigation.

News 8 FG lines up NJC scribe, 13 others against Justice Ademola Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The federal government, on Monday told Justice Jude Okeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court that it would call 14 witnesses to prove its case against Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court Abuja, his wife, Olabowale, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joe Agih.

The three defendants were rearraigned last week on a 16-count criminal charge, bordering on corruption offences alleging that Justice Ademola and his wife conspired and also received N30 million gratification from Joe Agi (SAN) and associates between March 11 and March 26, 2015.

At the commencement of trial yesterday, the prosecutor, Segun Jegede, told the court in his opening statement pursuant to Section 300 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, that the complainant would be calling 14 witnesses in order to prove its case against the defendants.

The prosecutor further told the court that 12 out of the 14 assembled to testify are “factual witnesses.”

Jegede said the federal government would be calling the Executive Secretary of National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court who “are to be subpoenaed to produce documents difficult to obtain from these institutions.”

Among the “Fact witnesses”, the prosecutor said he would call is an operative of the DSS who will testify mainly on the search conducted at the residence of Justice Ademola on October 7, 2016.

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ơƣè ƾƠơƣ

East-West Road: Reps, Ministry on collision course Continued from page 1 of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

The ultimatum was issued at an investigate hearing organized by the House committee, which was attended by officials of the Niger Delta ministry, led by its Permanent Secretary, Mr. William Nwankwo Alo. At yesterday’s session, the committee regretted that the ministry has persistently denied lawmakers opportunity to see the contract agreement and all other relevant documents pertaining to releases of funds, current state of contract execution and outstanding payments.

While the permanent secretary informed the House committee that the contract documents were

within reach, the committee however frowned at the reluctance of the ministry to produce the documents demanded.

Responding to the ultimatum, Mr. Alo complained that the 48 hours given the ministry to produce all relevant documents relating to the East-West Road was too short for the ministry to reproduce 40 copies of the contract documents as demanded by the committee, considering their sensitive nature and volume.

“As I speak with you, there is no light in the ministry with which to reproduce the documents for you in 48 hours.

“We will therefore plead for two weeks, considering the volume of the documents you are asking and their quality. It’s not something we

do in a hurry. We are not also expected to take government documents to commercial centres for production and reproduction,” Alo said.

But the committee chairman, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, insisted the ultimatum remains sacrosanct, even as he announced that the committee would conduct an assessment tour of the road project to ensure that the committee is not being misled by the documents that would be supplied by the ministry.

At Monday’s hearing, a member of the committee, Rep. Gabriel Onyenwife (APGA/Anambra), queried why the ministry mobilized the contractors handling the four sections of the road up to N312billion, leaving N11billion as outstanding payment when the

Sale of OMLs 52, 53, 55: A’Court adjourns Chevron’s case against Brittania-U

Peter Fowoyo

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Bomb explosion in Unimaid kills Prof, three others ÏÏÏ A

professor of Veterinary Medicine and four others were yesterday killed in suicide attacks that rocked the University of Maiduguri early hours of Monday.

The attacks, according to reports, took place at two separate locations within the school.

The explosions was said to have rocked the university while some students and staff of the university were observing prayer at about 6:00 am.

While the first one happened at a mosque close to the university’s first gate with only the suicide bomber as casualty, the second one, which occurred at Gate 5 killed a staff of the school alongside the professor.

project has not been completed.

He quoted from the 2013 audit report of the auditor general of the federation, which according to him, indicted the ministry for discrepancies in the handling of the contract, where only 24 per cent had been accomplished, in spite of the fact that over 50 per cent mobilization had been paid to the contractor handling the project.

In his defence, the permanent secretary stated that the current completion status of the contract was 91 per cent, maintaining that the ministry followed due process in the award of the contract and payments made to the contractor, adding that all the payments were approved by the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Federal Executive Council.

ÏÏÏ ƐƐ ƅƊ Ɠ ƏƏƈ ƌƆè Ɨ ƆƏ Ƒ –Atiku Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that four people were killed in the blasts.

Speaking in a statement, head of public relations of NEMA, Sani Datti, said 17 people injured in the explosions had been taken to the hospital.

“There were two explosions in the University of Maiduguri at around 5:00 a.m. this morning.

“One of the suicide bombers detonated his explosion at a mosque near Gate 1 when people were observing their early morning prayer, the second one occurred around Gate 5 of the university.

“Rescue and security officials

were at the scene and the 17 injured victims were evacuated to hospital.

“Four persons, two in the university and two suicide bombers, were confirmed dead.”

Reacting to the bomb attack, former vice president and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, condemned the attack, describing it at as a dangerous development.

In a statement by his media office in Abuja, yesterday, the Turakin Adamawa said that following the February 2014 attack on the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, in which 40 male students were murdered, as well

as the April 2014 kidnapping of over 200 girls from their school dormitory in Chibok, Nigeria has not experienced any such act of terrorism perpetrated within a school.

“The attack on UNIMAID is not just about a bomb exploding in a mosque,” Atiku says. “Once again, education in the North East of Nigeria is under attack.”

The former Vice President adds that a lack of education was one of the most alarming threats to security in the North East, as many of the terrorists have been shown to be people, who have either never had the chance or ability to read the Koran for themselves and interpret the tenets of Islam beyond the false teachings of their terrorist commanders.

ÏÏÏ Two and half years after Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and others instituted an appeal against the judgment of a Federal High Court, Lagos, which assumed jurisdiction to entertain a suit brought against them by Brittania-U Nigeria Limited over the divestment of Chevron interest in OMLs 52, 53 and 55, the Court of Appeal, Lagos, has fixed a date for hearing.

The three-man panel led by Justice J. S. Ikyegh, after listening to the lawyers representing all the parties, fixed June 5, 2017 for hearing of the substantive suit.

Other appellants are: Chevron U. S.A. Inc, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Mr. Hermant Patel and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited.

When the matter came up at the weekend, counsel to the respondent (Brittania-U Nigeria Limited), Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko SAN, informed the court about a pending application praying the court to dismiss the appellants appeal for want of diligent prosecution because of the failure of the appellants to transmit record or file appellants’ brief.

He stated that the appellants in the meantime filed a motion for extension of time to compile and transmit records of appeal despite the fact that it was Chevron that filed the appeal since two and half years ago, after the lower court ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Politics

Ogidi

s

Ojougbo

PDP blames woes on INEC, chides judiciary on Justice Abang Nosa Akenzua, Asaba The South South chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has blamed the party’s current travails on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of compromising acts, warning that unless there will be changes, 2019 elections might portend blood bath.

The party’s South South Zonal Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi who spoke to a group of journalists in Asaba yesterday, disclosed that the party had commenced reconciliation of its aggrieved members within the South-South region, adding that the PDP as a party will not allow 2019 elections to be manipulated.

While noting that the current crisis in the party which created two factions, were challenges emanating from violation of the party’s constitution, Chief Ogidi explained that it was unfortunate that Ali Modu Sheriff went through litigation; suggesting that he may not have had the party at heart.

His words: “if he loves the party and follows the party’s constitution, he would not be doing what he is doing at present, when people rejected him, he refused to go, the process that brought him into office was faulty, but we are asking that all of us must berate Dr. Cairo Ojougbo,” whom he said lost out in the South South Vice Chairmanship race, only to be appointed as member of the National Working Committee (NWC).

9

…Insists 2019 might be bloody if...

He said that South-South region had remained the stronghold of the party even though the All Progressives Congress (APC) tried to take over it, as its supporters allegedly did everything possible to destabilise the zone, but PDP members, he said refused to give in to their threats, adding: “look at Edo State, for instance, APC members are afraid because, once the tribunal sits, we are going to take over the state, there were so many irregularities in Edo Election, and it is very sad, President Goodluck Jonathan made the INEC to be independent, but now INEC is no longer so, the umpire appears to have compromised.”

While assuring that the crisis rocking the party will come to an end before 2019, Chief Ogidi said that people are yearning to dump the APC for PDP, especially in the North where it claimed larger population, asking: “How much is kerosene now?, How much is gas?”

He argued that because Nigerians are not talking does not mean that they are comfortable with the situation. On judiciary, the PDP South-South leader explained that the Judiciary as an institution cannot be an appendage, rather it has continued to show transparency for implicit confidence from Nigerian people, disclosing that Ondo State election’s

case for instance, proved the clear transparency of the judiciary as the Judge refused to be compromised.

Chief Ogidi noted that most times, Nigerians ask for a change without knowing what they want, saying that a few years after the change came, they have resumed a new song, insisting that the fight against corruption is not working and that President Buhari cannot fight corruption with the use of EFCC, ASC and others.

“You cannot play politics with security issues, remember that so many things were used against President Jonathan, but you can see that what the people are using for security were procured by President Jonathan” he added.

Emphasising that INEC had been the manipulating tool for the recent elections, the PDP chieftain said: “we have been begging aggrieved members of our party to come back because we are brothers, every PDP member is supporting the Senator Markafi led caretaker committee, and we have also observed that INEC in the recent times play compromising role, that we will resist in 2019.”

Meanwhile, reactions have started trailing the redeployment of a “controversial”Federal High Court Judge, Justice Okon Abang from the Federal High Court, Abuja to the Asaba Division in Delta State.

Describing Justice Abang as a stooge of the ruling APC, the Delta State People’s Democratic Party Alliances for Good Governance (DSPAGG) in a statement signed by its chairman, Fredrick Ikechukwu, with a copy made available to our reporter, stated that Delta State, is a PDP state with people who never had problem with Federal establishments in the state, adding “It is our genuine fear that should the posting of Justice Okon Abang stay strange things will begin to happen in the area of judicial dispensation.”

DSPAGG, the statement further said viewed the redeployment of Justice Abang from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court as part of the deliberate plans of the APC to wrestle power from the PDP in Delta in 2019 elections.

The statement noted the jubilation that greeted the posting of Justice Abang to Delta State by APC supporters and the faction of PDP led by Ali Modu Sheriff as clear pointer to the expected patronage to the Federal High Court Judge who is allegedly known for giving judgment against the PDP.

Ondo APC commends vigilance group for foiling kidnap of monarch’s wife The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has commended members of the local vigilance group for foiling the kidnap of Mrs Grace Faduyile.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victim is the wife of Oba Babatunde Faduyile, the Abodi of Ikaleland, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The party, in a statement on Monday

by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, on Monday commended members of the vigilance group and the police for their prompt response to the distress call.

NAN reports that policemen and members of the vigilance group had rescued the victim who was abducted on Sunday in Ikoya community in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

Adesanya said that the action of the kidnappers was sacrilegious and a taboo

in Yoruba land.

He lauded the bravery of the vigilance members as well as residents of Ikale for confronting the kidnappers to secure the release of the victim and killing one of the hoodlums in the process.

Adesanya urged the police and other security agencies to boost their intelligence gathering mechanism in order to provide adequate security for traditional rulers and the citizenry alike.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

INEC assures of better electoral system ahead of 2019 Patrick Okohue Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday said that the commission was poised to build a functional electoral system ahead of 2019 elections.

Yakubu disclosed this at the opening of a strategic workshop organised to review the implementation of the commission’s strategic plan for 2012-2016.

The chairman said that the workshop had become imperative as part of the commission’s strategic plan towards a successful 2019 General Elections and beyond.

He highlighted the need to reflect on the constitutional and legallydefined responsibilities of the commission as well as analysing the legal and procedural framework for election management in Nigeria.

According to him, this includes the standard principle, processes and regulations for election management in the country.

“The objective of this workshop is to retrospect and project, in a two-day period, and to come up with better ideas and solutions.

“We need to re-strategise for the 2019 General Election and beyond to come up with practical solutions

Yakubu

on how to strengthen the electoral process.

“And this we will do based on the policies of fairness, transparency, credibility, and impartiality,” the INEC boss said.

The professor, who also reacted to the issue of misdemeanor on the part of some INEC officials, stated that no such unprofessional conduct would go unpunished when

brought to the attention of the commission.

He said that the commission had administrative processes already in place to tackle all unprofessional conducts by any official.

The INEC boss added that over 102 cases of arrest made by the police during the Rivers re-run, Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections were currently in court.

Yakubu said that 62 of the arrest had been prosecuted with varying degree of sentences.

Meanwhile, Mr Shalva Kipshidze, the Country Director, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) said, “The success of every institution is characterised by the institutions’ willingness to plan.

“As we all know, the relevant nature of a strategic plan cannot be over emphasised, as strategic planning is important to an organisation because it provides a sense of direction and outlines measurable goals.”

Kipshidze also used the opportunity to congratulate newly appointed national commissioners of the commission.

He prayed the commissioners carry out their various responsibilities to ensure INEC achieves its mandate credibly.

Kogi election petitions tribunal reserves judgment to Jan. 18.

The National and State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal for Kogi State sitting in Abuja on Monday reserved its judgment in the Ofu State Constituency election to Jan. 18.

Mr Salifu Idachaba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ofu State Constituency had challenged his loss against Mr Friday AlihAdoyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a petition before the tribunal.

Idachaba had challenged the victory of Alih-Adoyi, declared winner in the Feb 20, 2016 and the subsequent July 23, 2016 supplementary polls declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Idachaba’s petition alleged injustice against his candidacy and called for the nullification of the polls while calling for a fresh election.

According to the petitioner, he was excluded from participating in the Feb. 20 election and the July 23 supplementary election for Ofu State Constituency as a result of

some misunderstandings within his party.

The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Cathrine-Ifeoma Nwobodo had reserved judgment after receiving the final written addresses of counsels to the contending parties.

The tribunal also adjourned for judgment to Jan. 18, the petition filed by Mr Abdulrahman Abubakar of APC challenging the election of Air Marshall Isaac Alfa as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for Kogi-East Senatorial District under the PDP. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja division recently sacked Alfa following a pre-election appeal against him by Sen. Atai AidokoUsman also of PDP. The tribunal also adjourned for judgment to Feb. 6, the petition filed against Mr Haruna Idoko-Musa of the APC, representing Idah State Constituency of Kogi.

Mr Ukubile Ochijenu-Acharu of the PDP had challenged the election of Musa as illegal and not in accordance with the Electoral Act.

Lagos Speaker tasks journalists on training Alade Tasma Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has tasked journalists in the country to seek more knowledge in doing their job of informing the people about what is happening in the society.

Obasa said this in his speech at the second edition of awards ceremony of the Lagos State House of Assembly Correspondents Association (LAHACA), saying it is regrettable that some journalists mis-inform the people due to their lack of exposure.

The Speaker who was represented at the occasion which took place at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the Assembly by Hon. Tunde Braimoh, said that the House is actually averse to anything that could cause division or make some lawmakers appear better than others, he however, said the House appreciates the efforts of the journalists in giving awards to deserving lawmakers and other recipients.

The Lagos chief lawmaker

explained that the country is in recession due to the alleged leadership style of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which according to him, mis-managed the money the country got from oil boom.

“The performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is hindered by the mis-rule of the past. We used to have oil boom during the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan. But the money we got from it was mis-managed.

“We have to painfully adjust to the new oil price. We will find a middle way soon and we should be happy that our President is Muhammadu Buhari, who is not corrupt,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Abdulateef AbdulHakeem, commended members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for supporting Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the state.

Abdulateef disclosed that it would be impossible for the governor to perform if he does not enjoy the support of the lawmakers, adding that their laws are what helps the performanc-

es of the government.

He emphasised the importance of legislature saying it is the most important arm of government as the lawmakers represents the entire people of the state from their various constituencies.

Recipients of the awards, which are for 2016, are Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Relentless Advocate of The People), Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (Legislative Leadership Award), Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Best Lawmaker at Plenary, Male) and Hon. Segun Olulade (Most Friendly Lawmaker, Male).

Others are Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho (Best Lawmaker at Plenary, Female), Hon. Tunde Braimoh (Personality of the Lagos Assembly) Hon. Bisi Yusuf (Exceptional Legislative Service Award), Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Promoter of Peace in Parliament) and Hon. Lasbat Lawal-Miranda (Most Media Friendly Lawmaker, Female). and a Yoruba radio broadcaster and presenter on Bond 92.9 Fm, Alhaji Tajudeen Ajani aka Ojuelegba (Ambassador of Yoruba Language).

Edoror

Edo Assembly lifts suspension on ex-Speaker Titus Akhigbe, Benin The Edo House of Assembly on Monday, lifted the suspension it placed on its former Speaker and member representing Esan Central in the Assembly, Mr Victor Edoror.

The former Speaker was suspended for two months for failing to appear before Adhoc Committee set up to investigate alleged financial misappropriation leveled against him during his tenure as Speaker of the Assembly.

Presenting the report oF the committee to the Assembly, its Chairman and Chief Whip, Alhaji Kabiru Adjoto (APC Akoko-

Edo), said that Edoror appeared before the reconstituted committee and supplied all needed information.

Adjoto further stated that the committee came up with seven findings and four recommendations.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Justin Okonoboh, thereafter, ruled that the suspension be lifted, adding that the matter would be deliberated upon on a later date.

Meanwhile, the House has adopted 55 sitting days as business calendar for third quarter and second session of the sixth Assembly. (NAN)

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

11 Politics

Rivers Assembly to repeal N1bn compulsory monthly savings law passed by Amaechi Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

The Rivers State House of Assembly is set to repeal the State Reserved Fund Law, No. 2 of 2008, set up under former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaech, enabling the state government to compulsorily save N1billion every month.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, presented the bill tagged “Rivers State Reserved

Fund Repeal Bill, 2017”, from the executive, on the floor of the House at its resumed plenary on Monday.

When passed into law, the bill will ensure that “All monies standing to the credit of the Rivers State Reserve Fund are to be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state.”

The executive arm of government, through the Leader of the House, also presented a bill seeking to establish a Teaching Hospital for

the state-owned University of Science and Technology, RSUST. The bill, if passed, would enable the hospital to be capable of providing such facilities as were usually provided in medical schools forming part of a university for the instruction of medical students in such subjects as were usually taught in such schools.

“The hospital, when established, shall consist of the Rivers State University of Science and Technol-

ogy Hospital and such other health facilities/institutions in the state as the government may from time to time designate as component units of the hospital,” the bill read.

The lawmakers also at plenary, Monday, presented the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, 2017, privately sponsored by the House Leader, Hon Martin Amaewhule.

L-R: Former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd); former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, during the condolence visit on the family of late former governor of Niger State, Abdulkadir Kure, in Minna… yesterday.

ÏÏÏ^Ƌ ƆƗ ƏƆƍƆ Ƌ Ƌ ƅƊƈ ƈ intellect, foresight –Peterside Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The Director-General of Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has lambasted the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for trying to repeal the law which mandated the state to compulsorily save N1billion monthly.

Dr. Peterside who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2015 general elections, said that the governor lacked “intellect, foresight, ingenuity and capability” to take the state beyond the present generation and place her on sound footing.

He stated this while speaking on a bill presented before the Rivers State House of Assembly, seeking to repeal Rivers State Reserved Fund Law No 2 of 2008, today in Port Harcourt.

Immediate past governor of the state, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi, had upon assumption of office in 2007 informed Rivers people of the expediency to save for future needs, hence the passage of the bill in 2008 and assented to by him.

However, Peterside expressed shock over the decision of Wike to repeal such a landmark law among states in Nigeria, alleging that the governor seemed to lack creative

ideas on how to govern the state.

“At a time when countries of the world are working hard to secure a sustainable future for their people, looking for more avenues to increase their savings for future needs, when the Federal Government is doing all it can to increase our foreign reserves, Governor Wike is doing exactly the opposite.

“Rivers people are worried that the governor lacks sense of accountability and responsibility. This is a state where nobody saw 2016 budget, where 2017 budget recently signed by the governor is yet to be made available to anybody, including members of the House of Assembly. Wike should not make the future of our state seem hopeless,” he said.

Nigeria’s image better abroad under Buhari’s govt –NOA Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin The image of Nigeria outside the shores of the land has changed positively since the emergence of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the country.

The acting Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara State, Mr Olusegun Gbenga- Adeyemi made the observation in llorin on Monday during an interview with the Daily Times.

He observed that the nation’s image is now better following the fight of Buhari’s administration against corruption and other acts inimical to the economic growth and development of the country.

“As at date, Nigeria is having a better image than before following the frantic effort of Muhammadu Buhari since assumption of office in

May 2015,” the acting NOA Director said.

According to him, the nation now has a government in place that is seriously working on the image of this country by fighting corruption and promoting those things that can promote good image for Nigeria.

The NOA boss noted that President Buhari has displayed uncommon passion in the fight against corruption and other acts of indiscipline which initially brought the image of Nigeria to the lowest ebb.

Gbenga-Adeyemi advised Nigerians to imbibe and key into the Change Begins With Me agenda of the Federal Government stressing that Nigerians should resolve to always take their destiny in their own hands He further advised Nigerians to shun all acts of laziness, corruption and other negative tendencies for the country to achieve greatness.

Wike

Ekweremadu free to join APC, says state chairman Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has frowned at reports in some section of the media advising the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “clear the mess he contributed in no small measure in infesting the party with” and not think of defecting to the ruling party.

It said the party is opened to all genuine democrats and progressives in the state and South- East in general, adding that its three weeks registration exercise in the zone, expected to commence on Monday 16th, January 2017 in the zone “is open to all and sundry, including Ekweremadu “without any tariff.”

Speaking with newsmen yesterday at the state party secretariat Enugu, at the end of its leadership and stakeholders meeting, the state chairman of the party, Dr. Ben Nwoye, stated that APC’s door is widely open to all, adding that the purported media statement did not emanate from the party leadership in the state.

Nwoye explained that the meeting was convened with a view to raising awareness among the people on the forthcoming registration exercise scheduled to take place in Enugu and other south East states.

According to Nwoye, every one interested in the APC, “now have the opportunity of registering through their respective political wards, nobody should be barred from registering, the party is for all and sundry and lovers of true democracy.”

He hinted that some chieftains of the opposition PDP in the state, such as ex- Senate president, Chief Ken Nnamani, immediate past Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odo, among others, are set to embrace the ruling party.

It would be recalled that the state APC publicity secretary, Mrs. Kate Offor, had on Sunday issued a controversial statement stating that the party will not admit Ekweremadu.

Nwoye, said that the party expected the influx of both old and new politicians from PDP and other political parties into its fold, “because we have worked tirelessly since 2016 to build our structure as well as convince these politicians to join us for a better Nigerian.

“As it stands, we want the world to know that the PDP is in comatose in Enugu State, and we are fully prepared to wrestle power from them in 2019.”

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ơƣè ƾƠơƣ

Saraki: The making of DTN’s politician of the year Continued from page 1

ful politician in Nigeria, by virtue of his position as president of the Senate.

Despite the fact that Saraki’s emergence as the president of the 8th Senate had provoked a leadership crisis in the National Assembly, many political analysts saw the action as a clear way the National Assembly wanted to strengthen the independence of the legislature from external manipulations.

What followed was the creation of phantom charges by his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), using the Code of Conduct Bureau September 16, 2015, accusing him of offences ranging from anticipatory declaration of assets, to making false declaration of assets in forms he filed before the Bureau while he was governor of Kwara state.

However, his emergence was hailed as a victory for populist democracy and a defeat of manipulative politics that bedeviled the leadership of the National Assembly that came before it.

The Senate president’s travails, including the prosecution by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) under what was viewed as phantom charges, was also seen as an attempt by some powerful forces to rubbish the leadership of the National Assembly.

Despite these challenges, Saraki’s political profile has continued to rise as was attested to by President Muhammadu Buhari in a goodwill message to him on his 54th birthday, where the President described the Senate president as “one of the most influential politicians of our time, who has made tremendous impact on the country.”

President Buhari noted that Senator Saraki has successfully kept the memory of his late father alive by identifying with the grassroots in his home state, Kwara.

It is on record that Saraki’s quiet disposition has helped executive/legislature relationships as the experienced politician, who understands the importance of stability in the polity, continued to use his wealth of experience at various levels to cement such relationship despite the bad blood that was orchestrated by the leadership crises that followed his election.

President Buhari used the opportunity also to solicit for closer cooperation between the executive and the legislature to ensure the smooth implementation of government policies and programmes.

According to President Buhari, “whatever differences that may occasionally arise between the two branches of government should not be allowed to compro-

mise their common goals of promoting the greater progress and development of Nigeria.”

Under Saraki, the National Assembly and the Senate in particular, has enjoyed relative stability, oneness of purpose and less acrimonious and rancorous behaviours, even as the institution gradually works to strengthen its independence.

Under Saraki, the Senate has worked to expand the economic fronts and help the executive arm of government, which the Senate said will help to create no fewer than 7.5 million as recession-induced job losses persist. It is estimated that if the bills are passed,

Nigeria’s surging unemployment rate will drastically reduced as the number of Nigerians without jobs rose for the seventh straight quarter to 13.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2016 from 13.3 per cent in the previous quarters.

Saraki started his political career when he was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his special assistant on budget issues in 2000.

As part of his contributions to the development of transparency in handling of government finances, Senator Saraki initiated the Fiscal Responsibility Bill while also serving on the Economic Policy Coordination Com-

mittee.

As governor of Kwara state, healso served as chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), an umbrella body of governors of the 36 states of the federation.

It is on record that under his headship of the NGF, the body established a new process, including the state peer review mechanism, developed to ensure closer working and collaboration and that best practices could be shared between states.

“The mechanism allowed case studies to be shared between states in a number of policy fields, including power projects,

primary healthcare centres for villages and other rural locations, road works, water, solar schemes and the construction of specialist hospitals and state universities.

Projects such as these had previously remained.”

Senator Saraki was the first Nigerian governor to be awarded the national honour, a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

He also initiated the community health insurance scheme, environmental ‘Clean and Green’ scheme and agricultural transformation scheme, which have been praised as one of the reasons Kwara has remained both profitable and clean state.

yƈƅƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ɔƌƈ R ƈ ƄƉ æƌƈƗƗƋƆçì #ƆƋƐ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè 9ƇƆ ƕƈ RƊ Ɠ æƏƈ Ɛçì Lƈ ƈ ƐƆƏ Ƈ dƐ ƐƆ Ƈ Ə ^ƆƐƏ ƋƆƑƌ `Ɔ ƑƏƅƆ è 9ƄƆ E ƅ ƈƊƓƑ æƋƆƇƐç Ɨ ƐƏ ƗƈƐƈ Ƌ ƏƑƋƆƏ R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ ƏƏƈƒƆ Ɛ Ɔ dƐ ƐƆ Ɔ Ɨ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƈ ƐƆƏ ƅƐƈƒƆ Ɨƈ ƅƑ ƈ ƓƈƐ ƈƋéƍƏ ƗƑƅƈ ƅ ƌƌƑ ƈƐƈƆ Ɠ Ɛ ƅƑƏƄ Mƈ ƆƏ #ƆƋƐ ƅƏƈ ƈ Č L Ɨ ƕê

Fayose imposes curfew over obaship tussle in Ekiti town Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Obaship tussle has hit Awo

Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government of Ekiti State, which forced Governor Ayo Fayose to impose dusk-to-dawn curfew on the community to douse the raging tension.

The restriction, which affected human and vehicle movement, is to take effect from 6pm to 6am in the morning.

The community had been embroiled in crisis in the last one year following the enthronement of Prince Azees Olaleye Aladejuyigbe as the new Alawo of Awo Ekiti, before it snowballed into anarchy on Saturday.

Apparently to ward off any litigation that could stall his ascension onto the throne, Aladejuyigbe was immediately pre-

ÏÏÏ^ Ƌ ƅƆ Ƌ ƅƊƆƗ ƌ Əƅ Ɠ ƋƆƆƍ ƈ ƌ ƎƑƆ sented with the staff of office by Governor Fayose.

However, the crisis assumed a religious dimension, with princes, who are Christians claiming that some external forces were allegedly planning to Islamise the throne.

The monarch was said to have been barred from palace since enthronement and was said to be sleeping in the mosque since the crisis escalated last weekend.

Aladejuyigbe, according to sources, was not the preferred candidate of the elites of the town and kingmakers but was said to have been enjoying government’s backing, and the development had caused a cold war in the town.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola and the General Manager of a

private radio station in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Martins Ayoola, hails from the town.

Meanwhile, Governor Fayose in a statement signed on Monday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said the curfew is with immediate effect.

Fayose also directed the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu and other security chiefs to effect the restrictions.

“We are calling on the people of the town to embrace peace and toe the line of civility in resolving their differences. We are also assuring our people that religious crisis will have no place in Ekiti. We are one regardless of our political affiliations and this our government will maintain”, the statement concluded.

It was gathered that some po-

litical office holders in Fayose’s administration, mostly Muslims from the town, were said to have worked closely with Muslim leaders in the state to influence Aladejuyigbe’s appointment.

A source said: “The man claimed to be a prince, but there was no record to show that he has contributed anything to the development of the palace and the town at large. The Aladejuyigbe’s family has run several adverts to disown him that he was never a member of the royalty, so to us in Awo Ekiti, he was never a king.

“Well, why we are not unaware of the fact that the new king was not born in this town, what of his father. There was no record to show that he has made meaningful contributions in this town.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

13

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Emerging globalisation of Nepotism “Nothing is as gentle as a man in his primitive state, when placed by nature at an equal distance from the stupidity of brutes and the fatal enlightenment of civil man.”

-Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

J

Emmanuel Onwubiko

ean- Jacques Rousseau the French Philosopher was at his rational best when he uttered those fine and refined words.

But contemporary politicians have turned those words upside down through their misconducts.

There is now a new world political order that is taking shape from the Western developed societies to the socalled third World nations.

This trend can be summed up as the expanding frontiers of nepotism in top level political appointments.

In an incredible mix, both the United States of America, the South American poor country of Nicaragua and the notorious despotism going on in the African nation of Uganda have began to define the return to primitive human nature by World politicians.

Contrary to the notion by Bhola N. Roy that “Nature cannot act irregularly or capriciously,” the defining political episode of the appointment by political leaders of their wives, children or son-in-laws as Senior Advisors has shown that man’s primitive nature of selfishness has once more occupied the front burners of global conversations.

Nepotism has become the second nature of politicians in contemporary times beginning from our local terrains even up to international horizons but the difference between how both societies tolerate this evil of nepotism is that whereas in a place like the United States of America, the State institutions are strong enough to enforce the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability but in the third world nations, the idea of “bigmanism” and weak institutions means that nepotism directly weakens democracy.

For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari was once accused of appointing his nephews, nieces as cabinet level office holders in his government such as the aviation minister and his personal assistant, the Imo State governor Mr. Rochas Okorocha proudly parades his sonin-law as his Chief of Staff even as his wife reportedly controls four state ministries and the office of secretary to Imo State government.

In the Nigerian scenarios, there is a total absence of good governance just as the principles of transparency and accountability are strange in government offices which is the fundamental cause of the widening specters of poverty and crime in the Nigerian society.

In Nicaragua, the electorates were deceived by an unfortunate blackmail to an extent that a man and his wife have just been elected as the

president and vice president.

Nicaragua elected a husband and wife as president and vice-president, with former Sandinista guerrilla Daniel Ortega winning a third consecutive term in the poor Central American nation.

Global reporters said Mr. Ortega, 70, and his supporters pushed constitutional changes through Congress that ended presidential term limits in 2014.

International reporters also said being a staunch Left-wing ally of Venezuela and Cuba, the Nicaraguan President is praised for poverty reduction but criticized for what is seen as attempting to install a family dynasty.

“Indeed, his wife, Rosario Murillo, has long played a powerful role in Mr. Ortega’s government – leading to comparisons with the Netflix television series House of Cards, in which Frank Underwood’s wife is as Machiavellian and politically-astute as her husband”, according to www.telegraph.co.uk The news reporters are saying that the 65-year-old Ms Murillo is the official government spokesman, preventing anyone else from speaking on behalf of the ruling authority. This is indeed an emerging banana republic.

Now this is how the powerful housewife dethroned traditional political allies of her husband.

Reporters said she clashed with members of her husband’s inner circle, side-lining them one by one and kicking them out of their offices in the presidential palace.

“And, in her brightly-hued dresses and loud jewellery, she became the most visible member of the government – appearing on state television and handing over pigs and tin rooves to Nicaragua’s poor”.

In Imo state the governor’s wife is seen giving out badly built accommodations to poor widows in a series of propaganda video shown on heavily commercialised documentaries paid

with tax payers money. Imo is indeed the Nigerian version of Nicaragua.

BBC is reporting that the Ortegas effectively banned the opposition – several parties refused to participate – and prevented election monitors from observing Sunday’s vote.

But Mr. Ortega said the lack of international observers was a sign of progress, in a country whose 1980s civil war against US-backed Contra rebels cost 30,000 lives.

“Now it’s us, the Nicaraguans, who decide, because we no longer have a single Yankee general here,” said Mr. Ortega on Sunday, referring to years of US interference in the country’s affairs.”

Perhaps, Nicaragua proceeded with this charade upon the realization that the incoming President of the United States of America Mr. Donald Trump also has some issues with some of his top level appointments which is eroded by questions of nepotism.

President-elect Donald Trump named his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as one of his senior White House advisers, according to www.bbc.com.

The 35-year-old played a key role in the presidential campaign and his new White House job will cover both domestic and foreign policy.

Mr. Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, is a property developer with a wide range of business interests.

Democrats immediately called for a review of the appointment, citing nepotism laws and potential conflicts.

Members of the House Judiciary Committee urged the Department of Justice and the Office of Government Ethics to step in.

Earlier, Mr. Trump hailed his sonin-law as a “tremendous asset” and he was proud to give him a “key leadership role” in the administration.

The New York businessman will be inaugurated as the 45th president on 20 January.

Members of Mr. Trump’s team have argued that a law barring officials from giving government jobs to relatives does not apply to White House positions.

There are also federal ethics laws that mean government employees cannot profit from any businesses.

Mr Kushner’s lawyer has said he would step down as boss of his family’s real estate business if he took a White House job, and extricate himself from some of his assets.

Jamie Gorelick of law firm WilmerHale said Mr Kushner was committed to complying with federal ethics laws and had consulted with the Office of Government Ethics about what steps to take.

But unlike in America whereby there are institutional checks and balances, the African nation of Uganda which for over three decades has been under the Yoweiri Museiveni’s dictatorship does not care about checks and balances.

President Yoweri Museveni, of Uganda who took power through blood bath since 1986 has promoted his eldest son to become a special presidential adviser in a reshuffle of army commanders.

The BBC reports that Maj Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has risen rapidly within the military, fuelling speculation that he is being groomed to become president one day.

Analysts say his new role, working more closely with state house, will broaden his remit and experience.

Mr Museveni, 72, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

Nearer to us in Equatorial Guinea, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who has governed the small country since 1979, has appointed his son,Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue as vice-president.

In Angola, President Eduardo dos Santos appointed his daughter Isabel as the CEO of the country’s state owned oil firm, SONANGOL. As aforementioned, political nepotism has wrecked the economy of most African nations and even such smaller political components like Imo State whereby the issue of nepotism is pronounced.

Imo State is so broke because resources meant to provide social services and pay pensioners are allegedly diverted to private accounts and because the Presidency is not free from the accusation of nepotism there is therefore no political will to stop Governor Okorocha from perpetrating this political evil of nepotism.

Anti-graft agencies only chase after members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party.

In the Eastern neighboring country of Equatorial Guinea, nepotism has led to the bleeding by the son of the President of the resources of his country. As I write, he is standing trial in France for multiple charges of theft of public fund belonging to his country.

The following is how a French media www.france24.com reported the arraignment of this son of the dictator of Equatorial Guinea.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

15 Opinion

Nigerians, and love for the dramatic

“ Charles Dickson

The time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed, and you can beat a fool half to death but you can’t beat the foolishness out of him”, African Proverb.

I have said it countless times that Nigerians suffer low attention span, we suffer focus delinquency, like a one-year-old baby, so easily excitable, we pick on every matter and like a toy, after a while we drop it and move to the next one.

We just love the dramatics-- I will remind us a few. There was a certain Aluu 4, we even had a memorial song, signed petitions, so what happened, and then last year a boy was killed by the mob in Lagos, first we debated his true age, and followedup on whether he stole garri or a mobile phone.

Remember that drama like a tsunami over the Central Bank Chief (now) Emir Sanusi and Islamic banking--what became of all the foolish arguments especially against...or that Sanusi donated money to Kano? Today CAN, the umbrella organ of Christians says that it will kill

the current Central Bank Chief who is a Christian for heading one Islamic banking body.

Who remembers Ombatse anymore and all that DSS officers that died, like an auction market--it came with all the drama, and finally it went.

All part of the entertainment called Nigeria. We only grumble a bit but soon we forget.

Today the epicenter is in Southern Kaduna, before it was Plateau, Jos and environs, I recall Dogo Nawa, and more recently we have confine “Pray for Agatu” to the dirt bin of dramas that were exciting. Follow me let me refresh our minds to the theatre production of Christians were poisoning crayfish and palm oil, sending same to the North and Muslims poisoning suya and injecting oranges and apples to kill Christians...in the words of Miriam Toews “Depression is caused by asking oneself too many unanswerable questions.” Why do we love foolishness with a succinct staying power...?

I am guilty, you are, we all guilty.

We are only victims of a contagion that spreads fast and as it is, for now the cure seems far from us. So we are outdoing ourselves on the

peanuts that Dieziani stole...ordinary $158million, it’s all drama; we soon will forget the script.

For me our debates are dramatic as a people and largely expose our poor cerebral quality regarding nationalism and high amount of hooligan quotient in us.

Of all that I have read, know and what informed sources say, at best, we engage in crude fight for power, on the other hand, it is a fight with no moral, no agenda, a fight of ego and on a final count-there is no fight at all, it is all diversionary, nothing will come out of all our fights, we won’t even learn from it, just some drama for the moment.

What saddens me is that Nigerians have refused to learn. We are either fighting ourselves or fighting for those that are misgoverning or looting us blind.

I will end with this small gist; its author is unknown--There once was a farmer who discovered that he had lost his watch in the barn.

It was no ordinary watch because it had sentimental value for him.

After searching high and low among the hay for a long while; he gave up and enlisted the help of a group of children playing outside the barn.

He promised them that the person who found it would be rewarded.

Hearing this, the children hurried inside the barn, went through and around the entire stack of hay but still could not find the watch.

Just when the farmer was about to give up looking for his watch, a little boy went up to him and asked to be given another chance.

The farmer looked at him and thought, “Why not? After all, this kid looks sincere enough.”

So the farmer sent the little boy back in the barn. After a while the little boy came out with the watch in his hand! The farmer was both happy and surprised and so he asked the boy how he succeeded where the rest had failed.

The boy replied, “I did nothing but sit on the ground and listen. In the silence, I heard the ticking of the watch and just looked for it in that direction.”

You can educate a fool, but you cannot make him think, a whole lot of us as Nigerians have refused to sit on the ground and listen, we are all talking at the same time, are we really engaging in any critical-problem solving manner, we just do not want to think, or maybe we are not—Only time will tell

Transforming Imo Polytechnic to university

T

Fred Nwaozor

he last time I checked, there was an ongoing move by the Imo State government to transform the d state Polytechnic at Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Council – to a university. The intention was occasioned by the present administration’s perception that the institution deserves to be given a lift in all ramifications.

If one says a lift well-deserved, he might not be mistaken. In other words, if someone happens to state that the government’s move is commendable; his opinion shouldn’t be seen as irrational.

It suffices to say that the ongoing proposal by the Rescue Mission administration was well calculated, thus deserve applause. One good reason it ought to be tagged a ‘welcome development’ is owing to the obvious fact that Imo State is obviously yearning for additional universities, because more thousands of people from the state are, on a yearly basis, preoccupied with the quest to secure admission in a university.

However, it’s imperative to acknowledge that a step might be right but not in the right direction.

Though the aim of the Chief Rochas Okorocha-led administration may be genuine and ‘laudable’, it’s pertinent to take some facts into consideration for the interest of

education and the state in general.

The about-to-be stated observations must be considered closely if the paramount goal of the said move is for the betterment of the Eastern Heartland.

It would be recalled that the citadel of learning in question was initially ran as a monotechnic for agricultural studies – then it was known as College of Agriculture – before it was transformed to a polytechnic by the immediate past administration led by Chief Ikedi Ohakim. When it was a monotechnic, it performed tremendously well in the area of agricultural productions and processing that everyone could attest to.

It’s mind-boggling that one would hardly locate a monotechnic in most quarters across the country. A monotechnic enables specialization, thus encourages division of labour, which invariably leads to greater productivity. But due to the quest to earn more income via the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) scheme, every government would want to introduce more departments to an existing monotechnic, which can only be possible by transforming it to a polytechnic. It is the same quest that usually warrants transformation from a polytechnic to a university.

But that of Imo state is relatively different because the state is apparently the only place across the

federation where education is free ranging from nursery, primary, secondary to tertiary level. This implies that why the government intends to transform the polytechnic is ostensibly as a result of the compelling need for the state to boast of more functional universities coupled with other related reasons.

Whatever the actual aim might be, we need to note that polytechnic was invented for a particular purpose. The basic objective that informed the introduction of polytechnic education into the educational system was not unconnected with the rising need to have a platform that would technically impart academic knowledge to its teeming seekers. It’s pathetic that lately this very purpose had been abused in various quarters, not just in Nigeria but across the African continent. This is why currently in the labour market; holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate are often discriminated by employers of labour.

Polytechnic was designed to go straight to the point when it calls for impaction of knowledge, technically, compared to the mode of operation of conventional universities. Hence, those calling for polytechnics to be scrapped, or elevated to degree awarding institutions, need to reexamine the reason behind the call. Rather than soliciting for such change, we

ought to be more concerned about how to address the ongoing uncalled dichotomy between degree and HND certificates in the labour market. Any HND holder that’s employed in any establishment should commence with Grade Level eight, just as the degree holders are entitled to. Ending the lingering impasse is the only way to address the anomaly, and not to out rightly scrap polytechnics that’s on cause.

If the Imo government eventually succeeds in transforming the Imo State Polytechnic, that would create a scenario where the state would no longer boast of any polytechnic; such circumstance wouldn’t unequivocally augur well for any society that truly means well for education, and Imo is not an exception. So, it’s either the government jettison the move, or consider establishing another polytechnic for replacement without much ado. The latter would be very difficult, because we are not unaware of the economic challenges currently faced not just by the state but the country at large. In view of this, I suggest we keep this proposal pending till further notice.

Let it not be that I’m against development, but the fact remains that if any targeted meaningful development is channeled inaptly, it may end up generating crisis instead of the intended positive change. Think about it!

16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

‘Rangers E title defence intact — Ocheme

nugu Rangers central attacker, Edoh Ocheme has said his side’s title defence is on track despite their top-flight opening loss to oriental neighbours, Abia Warriors.

The title-holders were shocked 2-1 by Warriors in Sunday’s top-flight matchday 1 clash at Enugu.

Ocheme said his side have resolved to perfect their goalscoring act to further stamp out unfavourable and shocking results in the ongoing top-flight.

“Our title defence is quite intact, despite the defeat to Abia Warriors on home ground.

“I’m not sure anything has gone wrong, rather the defeat will serve as a wake-up call for us to sit up in subsequent matches.

“Last season we lost our first league match at Kano Pillars and still went ahead to be crowned the league champions.

“Right now we have similarly lost our first match on home soil to Abia Warriors. I see history repeating itself again.

“However, I think we have work to be done on our goal scoring ability to be sure we get it right in other matches.

“Aside the disputable officiating in the clash against Abia Warriors we lost several chances at goal which if we had converted the chances the outcome would have been different.

The Coal City side will be the guests of Nasarawa United in their midweek NPFL matchday 2.

Page 17

Ocheme

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Obaje continues search for foreign club, may head to

Turkey T

he search for a club overseas for Nigeria league hotshot Godwin Obaje will continue after he did not bag a contract at Club Africain of Tunisia and there are now strong indications he will explore possibilities in Turkey.

Last month, a reported deal to Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel for the Wikki Tourists striker first came to nought.

A high-profile move to top Russian club Spartak Moscow had also crashed.

“Godwin is now looking at considering some offers he has in Turkey,” a source informed AfricanFootball.com “He’s now back in Nigeria from Tunisia.”

Last NPFL season, Obaje fired 18 goals to help Wikki finish third in the championship.

Over the years, NPFL hotshots have cashed in on their goals to move overseas - Gbolahan Salami moved to Finland and Emem Eduok transferred to Esperance of Tunisia.

Obaje

Debut goal pleases Ogbugh Ifeanyi Ubah

E

meka Ogbugh has spoken about his happiness at scoring his first ever goal in a competitive match for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Rivers United.

Ogbugh came off the bench to net United’s second goal in the 87th minute at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium as El-Kanemi Warriors were tamed 2-1 in the Pride of Rivers’ opening NPFL game of the season on Sunday.

The striker said it was heart-warming to get off the mark on his competitive debut and is hoping to continue that streak in the coming days.

“When the coach told me I would start from the bench, I was

disappointed but not angry because I knew I would get my chance.

“As I watched from the bench, I studied our opponents and knew what to do to exploit the weaknesses I noticed.

“I missed a good chance earlier but I stayed calm and scored eventually,” he told reporters.

United have plenty of attacking talent upfront and Ogbugh knows he has to perform at a consistently high level to stay in the team.

“I know there are many good strikers here, (at Rivers United) but I am ready to work hard to impress the coaches.

suspends team manager

I

Ogbugh

feanyi Ubah have suspended team manager Jonathan Igwe for ordering the team to abandon the opening match of the new Nigeria league season at Kano Pillars at the weekend.

He is also fined a month’s pay.

In an official statement, the Nnewi club described as “sad events” the abandonment of the NPFL opening match at Kano Pillars on Saturday.

The club said they have

investigated the incident and found Igwe culpable and hence the sanctions imposed on him.

They therefore apologized for the “autocratic and unprofessional manner (Igwe) took laws into his hands by dishing out orders to the team without due recourse to the statutes and ethics of the game”.

The League Management Company (LMC) is expected to rule on this match.

18

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

EXTRATIME

EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…

Robben

Robben agrees Bayern renewal until 2018 A

Chiellini: Juventus a work in progress Giorgio Chiellini described Juventus as “a work in progress” in the wake of Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fiorentina.

The reigning champions remain top of Serie A, but have lost four times at the halfway stage, having suffered only five topflight losses in the whole of last season.

Chiellini acknowledged things are not going as smoothly as before and urged his team-mates to up their effort.

“We need to work, work, work,” said the defender.

“That has always been the secret to our success. The fact is that we are still a work in progress and we need to perfect our balance and spacing.

Gomis can´t wait to

welcome Payet to Marseille Bafetimbi Gomis would be delighted to welcome Dimitri Payet back to Marseille if the unsettled West Ham star opts for a return to Ligue 1.

Payet went from hero to villain with the West Ham faithful when manager Slaven Bilic told reporters the France playmaker had declared he would not play for the club in the build-up to Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

According to reports by La Provence, Marseille president JacquesHenri Eyraud will travel to London on Monday to meet with West Ham representatives and discuss an unexpectedly swift return for Payet to the club he left in 2015.

Pep Guardiola is at crisis point - Danny

Guardiola

Guardiola suffered his heaviest league defeat as a manager on Sunday as City lost 4-0 at Everton, and the Spaniard admitted afterwards his side’s 10-point gap to Premier League leaders Chelsea may be too big to overcome in the title race.

Mills, who made over 50 appearances for City, believes the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is frustrated that his possession-based style of play has failed to make an impact at the Etihad. Ibrahimovic

rjen Robben has reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2018.

The Netherlands international’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, but he has opted to stay put for an additional season.

Robben joined Bayern from Real Madrid in August 2009 and has since established himself as a key figure at the Allianz Arena.

The 32-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the Bavarians, winning five Bundesliga titles, four DFB Pokals, the Champions League and the Club World Cup during his time at the club.

His personal highlight came in the 2-1 Champions

League final win over Borussia Dortmund in 201213, when he netted the winner in the closing stages at Wembley to help his side to European glory.

“Arjen is one of the best players in the world in his position,” chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. “He has been at Bayern for nearly eight years and has become an integral part of this club.

“We are very happy that he will be wearing the Bayern jersey for one additional season.”

Robben added: “I am happy that I will be playing at Bayern for one extra year. Bayern are one of the best clubs in the world and Munich is like a second home to me and my family.

“I want to keep playing at the highest level and win as many titles as possible.”

Hazard: Goals do not matter to me

E

den Hazard is adamant he does not care about scoring goals and supplying assists so long as Chelsea are winning and the fans go home happy.

The Belgium international has been in good form this season after a disappointing 2015-16 campaign, scoring nine goals in 20 Premier League outings.

Nevertheless, personal success is not what drives Hazard, who claimed he just wants to enjoy himself and please the supporters.

“For me, football is like this: I go on the

pitch and I try to enjoy it. I do not look at statistics, I do not look at goals, I just want to go on the pitch,” Hazard told media men.

“I prefer to win 5-0 and I play an amazing game, but do not score or assist, than play a bad game where I score two goals and we win 2-0.

“Football is simple, you just have to win games, so I go on the pitch, I try to do my best and try to make the fans happy. This is why I play, for my enjoyment and also for the fans.

Hazard

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

19

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Senate cautions FG on abandoned projects Olufemi Samuel and Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The Senate on Mon-

day reaffirmed its determination to cut down on wasteful spending by government just as it urged

President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the sustenance in policies, programmes and projects of previous administrations.

At an investigative hearing by the Senate committee on FCT, on the abandonment of N8 bil-

Edo Guber: Legal fireworks resume at tribunal Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÎÎÎ The Edo State Elec-

tion Petition Tribunal resumed sitting on Monday after a three-day adjournment it granted parties to the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, challenging the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki at the September 28, 2016 Edo gubernatorial polls.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ahmed Badamasi had last week Wednesday granted the adjournment to enable counsel in the matter sort out non-contentious

Gov. Obasaki

documentary evidence in conjunction with the Tribunal Registrar.

When the tribunal resumed hearing of the petition yesterday, counsel to the petitioner, Mallam Yusuf Alli, SAN, who led 41 other lawyers, disclosed that the parties had verified Forms EC8A (result sheets) for the 18 local government areas in the state, in addition to Voter Registers for two local government areas.

He requested the tribunal to grant two more days to enable the parties verify the Voter Registers for the remaining 16 local government areas and adjourn the matter till Thursday this week.

Counsel to the respondents aligned themselves with the request for adjournment but counsel to Governor Obaseki and APC, Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN and Niyi Akintola, SAN, respectively, prayed that the petitioners would complete the tendering of their documents on Thursday and commence calling their witnesses on Friday.

Fake mendicants engage Professor Johnbull in new episode ÎÎÎ

Professor Johnbull, the Globacom-sponsored television drama series this week delves into the issue of contrived begging as a social malady.

The episode is the 12th in the series. Titled “Eye of the Blind”, the episode will be on air on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8. 30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, while a repeat broadcast will air on Friday on the same channels and time.

Executive Producer, Globacom, said in a press statement that the episode” promises to be as entertaining and educa-

tive as the previous episodes, as it brings to our consciousness, the negative effect of fake and corporate begging and how it has been hampering the chances of those who genuinely need help in our society.”

Globacom added that viewers will encounter the erudite Professor, Johnbull (Kanayo O. Kanayo) as he handled the attempt

by Flash acted by Stephen Odimgbe to exploit him as well as numerous unsuspecting members of the society by opening a phony Go-Fund-Me-Account, under the pretext of suffering from a terminal illness.

lion Code of Conduct Bureau Office headquarters, the senate raised concern on the rate at which successive administrations have abandoned projects started by their predecessors.

According to Chairman of the committee, Senator Dino Melaye, “the alarming increase in the number of abandoned projects has become a great concern to well-meaning Nigerians who see the need for such projects to be completed by the various government’s that initiated them from the beginning.

Melaye also observed that new ones are initi-

ated only to be abandoned again by yet another successive government, adding that the trend has been recurring while the nation’s resources continue to be wasted.

“It is instructive to state that this is not so with the developed countries. Projects and programmes, as well as policies are sustained. They place nation’s interest above other considerations. This sustainable policy has yielded positive results as these countries have moved from developing to developed world.”

The lawmaker, who represents Kogi West

senatorial district in the National Assembly, while reminding the present administration of its commitment as an advocate of change, charged the executive arm of government “to right all administrative wrongs championed by past administrations.”

Lamenting the rate at which projects across the country were abandoned by successive governments since 1999, Senator Melaye said, “the Senate was utterly dismayed when it received a motion in respect of the abandonment of N8 billion Code of Conduct Bureau office headquarters projects.”

Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr. Sam Saba, who came under fire over the bureau’s decision to abandon a building project already budgeted for, was charged by members of the committee to ensure its completion by pushing for its inclusion in the 2017 budget.

A member of the committee, Senator Francis Alimikhena, who objected to the procurement of a new office building for CCB, told the Chairman that the abandonment of the initial building project was an indication that it was conceived to fail.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu; Secretary to Edo State Government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie and others at the election petition tribunal over the September 28 governorship election sitting in Benin City, Edo … on Monday.

We’ve paid over N30bn unclaimed dividends –SEC Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The Securities and Ex-

change Commission (SEC) has said that over N30 billion has so far been paid to investors in the Nigerian capital market from the backlog of unclaimed dividends estimated to be N90 billion as at January, 2016.

Determined to reduce the unclaimed dividends profile and curb its growth in the country, the Commission stated that it has notified the investing public that it will continue to underwrite the cost of e-dividend enrolment till 30th June, 2017.

SEC, in a statement made available to the Daily Times on Monday maintained “With a view to ensuring all investors

benefit from the e-dividend programme free of charge, the SEC had committed to pay the cost of enrolment throughout the year 2016, and had resulted in getting about 48% of investors to enroll for the e-dividend payments. Arising from this exercise, over N30 billion which was hitherto unclaimed have so far been credited to respective bank accounts of investors.

Therefore, the advantage of the e-dividend is not only to enable investors collect subsequent dividends electronically but it allows all accrued dividends be credited to investors’ bank accounts.

“The Commission has. however, observed with concern the challenges being experienced by investors in the course of the

e-dividend registration and therefore commits to further defray the cost of registration till June 30th, 2017 to enable investors continue to enjoy the free registration,” the SEC stated.

The SEC, also, reminded the investing public that at the expiration of the free registration period, dividend warrants will no longer be issued as it would be replaced with electronic dividend payments.

According to SEC, this decision underscores the Commission’s strong focus on market development and enhancement of investor confidence. All investors in the Nigerian capital market are therefore advised to take advantage of this extended grace period by approaching their

bankers or registrars for enrolment before the deadline.

E-dividend payment platform was introduced to address the rising incidence of unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market.

It is, also, expected to address the lingering problem of unclaimed dividends, which the market had sought solution for the past 20 years.

SEC;s Director General, Mounir Gwarzo, had recently said that efforts made by the commission to ensure that the era of stale dividends and huge unclaimed dividends in the market become a thing of the past was already achieving result with the e-dividend registration system.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

BABA SALEM HOLY FRIEND OF JESUS EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for change of trustees. registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prince babatunde omojola 3. Samuel omojola 5. Rev. Olaniyi olufunsho

2. Aminat omojola 4. Whesu samson

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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

Old Trustees 1. DR ATILADE ADEYEMI MAGUNS2. ALHAJI MUSA BABA CHUKURI 3. CHIEF OBIDIGBO CHrISTOPHER NWANKWO 4. DR. YAKUBU IBRAHIM MICHIKA. 5. DR. ALAHJI UMARU NANGE 6. DR. HEART ENOCH IFEANYI 7. DR. SALAMI ABDULKARIM ABDULSALAMI 8 CHIEF. EUGENE OSITA NWACHUKWU 9. ALHAJI DR. ADAMU BASHIRU 10. ALHAJI. YURADU DANTATA New Trustees 1. EGHO FELIX OLAOLUWA 3. IDOWU JOHNSON OLAWALE 5. ABUBAKAR HARUNA 7. DIKE JAMIKE UBA

2. UGOCHUKWU EMMANUEL 4. NDUBUISI OSMOND EMMANUEL 6. OKOLOLISE ROBERT OKONAIGBE 8. OLWABHELE OMON

Aim and objectives remain the same Any objections to this change of trustees should be forwarded to the Registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

CHRIST THE SPIRIT OF LIFE RESTORATION CHURCH The general public is hereby informed 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. L/Evangelist Olalere Kehinde Oluwafunke- General Overseer 2. Otunba Oluremi Olorunsogo - Secretary 3. Pastor Ojetunde Moses 4. Makanjuola Olusegun Isaac 5. Engineer Ayoola Rafiu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication Signed Secretary

OLD NAME: INITIATIVE FOR COMPLETE HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARENESS IN NIGERIA. NEW NAME: INSIGHT INITIATIVE FOR HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

This is to inform the general public that the above named initiative has applied to the corporate affairs commission for change of name, addition of trustees and (c.t.c) of the new constitution under the part “c” of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

(The trustees are): 1. Dr Nnenna Mba-oduwusi - Retained 2. Fabian Ogunmekan - retained 3. Siji Oduwusi - retained 4. Dr. Susan Kanu - Retained 5. Dr. Oluwatosin Kolade - Newly Appointed The Aims And Objectives remain The Same Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission, maitama , abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Signed Secretary

Signed: Trustees

21

ASSOCIATION OF IMAMS AND ALFAS OLODO IBADAN

REWARD LIFE FOUNDATION

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI YUSUF MOHAMMED SHEHU - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. ABASS-GIWA DAHOOD ADEKUNLE - SECRETARY 3. IDRIS MORUF ADEKUNLE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF DONATUS OKENYEKA 2. LOLO CHINELU RACHAEL OKENYEKA

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE ISLAM 2. TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY AND LOVE AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEREGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIQGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO SUPPORT THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR SELF RELIANCE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED SECRETARY

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

GENESIS HOPE EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE FOR NIGER DELTA

TRUE PATH TO LIFE MISSION INTERNATIONAL.

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

The general public is hereby inform that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990

The general public is hereby inform that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1)ABIKWI ISAH GODSON -Chairman 2)ALFRED OBI -Secretary 3)ONYEOKORO JOY CHINYERE 4)DR. DAKU JEREMIAH NDAZGHA GA 5)IFEDIORA MICHAEL TOCHUKWU 6)USANI ELIZABETH UGURU 7)IBIORIKA ALH. ISA AMIEBI 8)EDEREKUMOR FESTUS 9)JAIYEOLA JOSEPH PREACHER

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. MOTHER ENUMAH, UZOMA TOCHI 2. APOSTLE ENUMAH, CHINEDU ERIC, 3.ELD. OKAFOR, EMEKA JOSEPH. 4.PRIEST CHINEDU ALEX ENUMAH.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Joseph Babatunde Awe - Chairman 2. Awe Racheal Funke - Member 3. Awe Oluwatoyin Ebunoluwa - Secretary 4. Dr Olumayowa Awe - Member

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To promote the welfare of Niger Deltans.

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.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:: 1.TO WORSHIP GOD IN TRUTH AND SPIRIT. 2.TO WIN SOULS FOR JESUS CHRIST. 3.TO TRANSFORM & SHOW MANKIND THE TRUE PATH TO THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To help the less privileged in the society.

2. To support and contribute to humanity development and growths.

3. To offer support and promote quality self development to every individual in the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication

SIGNED:- SECRETARY

SIGNED: APOSTLE YAAQOBH (08063497117).

Signed Secretary

PRINCIPAL LOTTO COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA.

MARY DINAH FOUNDATION

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1). ADEOYE OLAJIDE ALEX (2). AJAYI FREDRICK OLUWOLE (3). OGUNNAIKE ADEBAYO ZEALOT (4). BASHIR YAHAYA (5). FADAYOMI LAWRENCE OLAOTAN (6). EZE EKENE FRANCIS

NAME OF TRUSTEES: 1. Mary Adetokunbo Dinah 2. Oluwadamilola Deborah Dinah

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: (1) TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS. (2). TO INCULCATE INTO MEMBERS THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AND PRUDENCE IN BUSINESS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES.

UCHENNA EUNICE OBIM.

Formerly known and addressed as UCHENNA EUNICE ODOH, now wish to be known and addressed as UCHENNA EUNICE OBIM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IRENE ADAKU ADIBENMA.

Formerly known and addressed as IRENE ADIMBIM, now wish to be known and addressed as IRENE ADAKU ADIBENMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FANU, JOHN. Formerly known and addressed as ADANDE FANOU, now wish to be known and addressed as FANU, JOHN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

HAMZA YAKUBU ADAMU.

Formerly known and addressed as ISAH ALHAJI MADOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as HAMZA YAKUBU ADAMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To support youth development and empowerment through job counselling, vocational training, seminars and symposiums on youth empowerment and job creation.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corpotate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed Management

AKANBI PRAISE BOLANLE.

Formerly known and addressed as AKANBI BOLANLE ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as AKANBI PRAISE BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEOSHUN OLALEKAN AJANI.

Formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ ISHOLA OLANREWAJU, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOSHUN OLALEKAN AJANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GAFAR ADEKUNLE SANUSI-SHOLABOMI.

Formerly known and addressed as GAFAR ADEKUNLE SANUSI, now wish to be known and addressed as GAFAR ADEKUNLE SANUSISHOLABOMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OZOANAGBUO CHINONSO BENSON

Formerly known and addressed as OZOR CHINONSO BENSON, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOANAGBUO CHINONSO BENSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGWUDU MNENA HELEN

Formerly known and addressed as MISS BIAMEGH MNENA HELEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGWUDU MNENA HELEN All former documents remain valid. General public take note JAFURU UMUYETU JOY.

Formerly known and addressed as EDET BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as JAFURU UMUYETU JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABRAHAMS IDOWU OLADIPUPO

Formerly known and addressed as BERNARD ABIODUN OLADIPUPO, now wish to be known and addressed as REV. ABRAHAMS IDOWU OLADIPUPO. All former documents remain valid.

ASIGBO SAFURAT.

Formerly known and addressed as GBADEBO SAFURAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ASIGBO SAFURAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OGUNYIMIKA OLUJUMOKE OLUBUKUNOLA.

Formerly known and addressed as LASAKI OLUJUMOKE OLUBUKUNOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNYIMIKA OLUJUMOKE OLUBUKUNOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JOHN EMEKA DARLINGTON

Formerly known and addressed as OKORO EMEKA DARLINGTON and NWAOGU EMEKA JOHNSON now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN EMEKA DARLINGTON. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FUNMILOLA ALAKIJA.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS DAMOLA FUNMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MS. FUNMILOLA ALAKIJA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DEBORAH FUNMILAYO OLUWAFEMI.

Formerly known and addressed as FUNKE SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as DEBORAH FUNMILAYO OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

ADUGBO GLORIA FOLORUNSHO.

RICHARD, VICTOR EROMOSELE.

I formerly known as Miss JOSEPH GLORIA wish to be known and addressed as Mrs ADUGBO GLORIA FOLORUNSHO. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known as RICHARD MOSES VICTOR wish to be known and addressed as RICHARD, VICTOR EROMOSELE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

JAIBI LARABA SARAH. I, formerly known and addressed as WILLIAMS HAWA TUMPU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JAIBI LARABA SARAH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

UWEJEYAN OKWUKWE FAITH. Formerly known and addressed as OSEMEKE FAITH OKWUKWE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UWEJEYAN OKWUKWE FAITH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OKAFOR UJUNWA BLESSING

JOHN OLUSOJI OLOWU.

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

IJEOMA MARY EMENIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as LARRY OLOWU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JOHN OLUSOJI OLOWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

SANNI KEHINDE CHRISTANA

KING-TINUBU ARAMIDE ENIOLA

I formerly known as KING ARAMIDE OMOTOYOSI wish to be known and addressed as KINGTINUBU ARAMIDE ENIOLA . All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name was wrongly written on my documents as ADEBALU YEMI ATABI instead of ADELABU YEMI ALABI. That my correct bane is ADELABU YEMI ALABI. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OSONDU PATIENCE OGADINMA.

AKAMO LUCKY BLESSING. I, formerly known and addressed as IDAWANI LUCKY JOY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKAMO LUCKY BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as RITA MAMFE STEPHANIE YESE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as RITA MAMFE STEPHANIE YESE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MUTIU LATEEF ALADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MUTIU LATEEF ARIYIBI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

BERTHA TAKON KAMALU. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BERTHA A. TAKON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. BERTHA TAKON KAMALU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

That on my document, my name was wrongly written as AGBONMAGBE SAKIRU OLASILE instead of AGBONMAGBE OLASILE TITI. That I was born on 10/10/1968. General Public and Authority Concerned should please take note.

ALIYU AISHAT.

MURITALA KAFAYAT OMOWUNMI

MARY NWADIALOR. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MARY EYONG EKPE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. MARY NWADIALOR. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

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

ODEGA PETER ONWNYELI

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

I formerly known and addressed as OMLOKWU ONWNYELI FRED now wish to be known and addressed as ODEGA PETER ONWNYELI.All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note

NGOZI GLORIA IWUCHUKWU

SAHEED ADIGUN IBIKUNLE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAHEED ADIGUN ANIYALOYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAHEED ADIGUN IBIKUNLE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. ABDULSALAM IDRIS OLAIDE.

I formerly known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ABDULSALAM OLAIDE now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULSALAM IDRIS OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABIKOYE WANDOO EBUNOLUWA.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADAMS WANDOO EBUNOLUWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ABIKOYE WANDOO EBUNOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

KWENTUA-AYUK JULIET OKWUONYEKWU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MRS AYUK JULIET OKWUONYEKWU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS KWENTUA-AYUK JULIET OKWUONYEKWU ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH & GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. BAKARE MUILI MICHAEL.

. I formerly known and addressed as BAKARE OLAWALE MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as BAKARE MUILI MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OJO OLADIPO . I formerly known and addressed as ABIODUN ABAYOMI now wish to be known and addressed as OJO OLADIPO.All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OKE OLUWASHOLA TIMOTHY now wish to be known and addressed as KAYODE OLUWASHOLA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DANIEL ONORIODE OKOGBA now wish to be known and addressed as DANIEL ONORIODE ONOKPISE.All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EYEFON JOSHUA WILSON now wish to be known and addressed as MFON NDIANABASI EKAH. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note

SAADATU VANESSA ALIYU.

ASHAFA OLATUNDUN RAFIAT

OPEOLUWA AFOLABI . I formerly known and addressed as GEORGE OPEOLUWA TOSIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OPEOLUWA AFOLABI.All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note

ESTHER NGOZI VICTOR

I formerly known and addressed as SAADATU ORIAKU ALIYU now wish to be known and addressed as SAADATU VANESSA ALIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note GBADEBO QUADRI ADEBOGUN

GBADEBO: I, formerly known as GBADEBO QUADRI ROTIMI, now wish to be known and addressed as GBADEBO QUADRI ADEBOGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

KAYODE OLUWASHOLA TEMITOPE.

. I formerly known and addressed as ASHAFA-AJAYI OLATUNDUN now wish to be known and addressed as ASHAFA OLATUNDUN RAFIAT.All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note AYODELE OLUWAKEMI REBECCA

AYODELE: I, formerly known as OLANIYAN OLUWAKEMI REBECCA, now wish to be known and addressed as AYODELE OLUWAKEMI REBECCA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EBERE RUTH NNENNA.

ADENOWO ADENIKE ADEOLA

GLADYS ILELE CEPHAS I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IFU GLADYS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. GLADYS ILELE CEPHAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

PAUL OBASI

ALAKIJA AYODELE OLUSHOLA

BROWN EIGBIREMHONLEN VICTOR

I, formerly known and addressed as TORA BROWN EIGBIREMHONLEN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as BROWN EIGBIREMHONLEN VICTOR. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ADEYEMI ALFRED ALAKIJA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALAKIJA AYODELE OLUSHOLA. That I was born on 27/12/1990. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MARY NKECHINYERE EKEH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IJEOMA MARY EMENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as UDEMBA IZUNNA HENRY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UDEMS IZUNNA HENRY. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

JIMOH SULE MAITO.

OLADELE OLUBUNMI ABIMBOLA.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNDOWOLE OLUBUNMI ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLADELE OLUBUNMI ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

SALAWU JAMES KOLAWOLE

I, formerly known and addressed as SALAWU KAZEEM AKANNI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SALAWU JAMES KOLAWOLE reason based on religion ground. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as JIMOH SULAIMON MAITO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JIMOH SULE MAITO. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLEGHE TOPE ELIZABETH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADENOWO ADENIKE ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

UDEMS IZUNNA HENRY.

KAYODE BIMBOLA DUPE.

I, formerly known and addressed as FALOYIN BIMBOLA DUPE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KAYODE BIMBOLA DUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

OJUOLAPE EJIDE MAJEKODUNMI

I formerly known as OJUOLAPE EJIDE MAJEKODUNMI wish to be known and addressed as OJUOLAPE EJIDE MAJEKODUNMI OLUWAKEMI .

All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOEL PATIENCE OGADINMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSONDU PATIENCE OGADINMA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLOWOGAMO YEMISI CHRISTANA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SANNI KEHINDE CHRISTANA. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME That on some of my documents my name appears as GRACE IMOBEKHAI, while on some, it appears as GRACE ADUKA. That I am the one bearing both names mentioned above. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

NASIRU ADEYEMI RASAK

I formerly known as ADEDAPO ADEYEMI NASIRU wish to be known and addressed as NASIRU ADEYEMI RASAK . All former documents remain valid, General public take note.

DANIEL ONORIODE ONOKPISE

OLAJIDE OLAWUNMI BUKOLA OLAJIDE: I, formerly known as DURODOLA OLAWUNMI BUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAJIDE OLAWUNMI BUKOLA, due to marriage. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MFON NDIANABASI EKAH.

. I formerly known and addressed as ESTHER NGOZI KING now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER NGOZI VICTOR.All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note SABITU MORUF AFOLABI.

SABITU: I, formerly known as ADEWALE OLUFEMI AFOLABI, now wish to be known and addressed as SABITU MORUF AFOLABI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

RITA MAMFE STEPHANIE YESE

I, formerly known, called and addressed as RUTH OKUWE NNENNA and EZEH RUTH NNENNA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EBERE RUTH NNENNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MUTIU LATEEF ARIYIBI.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Aliyu lucinat. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Aliyu Aishat.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH & GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MURITALA OMOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MURITALA KAFAYAT OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

EDIDIONG ESSANG I formerly known and addressed as SALOME OGADIMMA EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as EDIDIONG ESSANG .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SULE ABEL now wish to be known and addressed as SULE ARUDI SALIHU.All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

DADA OLUWAKEMISOLA TEMITOPE.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAOSEBIKAN OLUWAKEMISOLA TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DADA OLUWAKEMISOLA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABIODUN YEWANDE OLUSESAN

ABIODUN: I, formerly known as ADEKOYA YEWANDE OLUSESAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIODUN YEWANDE OLUSESAN, due to marriage.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNYEMI OLUWASEUN OPEYEMI

OGUNYEMI: I, formerly known as OGUNDIPE ISMAIL OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNYEMI OLUWASEUN OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

SULE ARUDI SALIHU

BLESSING ENE EMMANUEL. I formerly known and addressed as JANE ENE EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING ENE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABIODUN THOMAS ABIODUN. ABIODUN: I, formerly known as ABIODUN EMMANUEL AGBONJINMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIODUN THOMAS ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OPARA ANTHONIA CHIKA.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANTHONIA CHIKA OFURUM, now wish to be known and addressed as OPARA ANTHONIA CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

23

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

NDUMANYA IKECHUKWU CHRISTIAN

I, formerly known and addressed as MR. NDUMANYA IKECHUKWU and MR. NDUMANYA IKECHUKWU CHRIST, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. NDUMANYA IKECHUKWU CHRISTIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EBHODAGHE JANET ESOSA.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS IGBINOGHODUA JANET now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EBHODAGHE JANET ESOSA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUWATOYIN GABRIEL ISAAC

ABDULLAHI MOHAMMED USMAN.

I, formerly known and addressed as Muhammed Abdullahi, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdullahi Mohammed Usman.

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

BABATUNDE OLUWATOYIN.

Formerly known and addressed as KEHINDE FRANCIS AYODEJI now wish to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NDUBUEZE AMAKA DORATHY

Formerly known and addressed as Olaleye Olasunkanmi Okanlawon, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwatoyin Gabriel Isaac. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ANYAMENE AMAKA DORATHY now wish to be known and addressed as NDUBUEZE AMAKA DORATHY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NATACHI LOVEDAY TITOO.

OGBONDA THERESA OROKPO

I, formerly known and addressed as, NWAEKE DEBORAH JANE, now wish to be known and addressed as, NATACHI LOVEDAY TITOO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. OSHI THERESA OROKPO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OGBONDA THERESA OROKPO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADETILOYE ALICE CHIOMA

PRECIOUS TAMUNO-OMIE FYNEFACE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ONUOHA ALICE CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ADETILOYE ALICE CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, PRECIOUS INIWORIKABO-OFORIYE FYNEFACE, now wish to be known and addressed as, PRECIOUS TAMUNO-OMIE FYNEFACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

EDIDIONG MATHEW EZEA

I, GOWON ZACCHEAUS, AND GOWON ZACCHEAUS AFEKHOGBO, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, GOWON ZACCHEAUS AFEKHOGBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note AKINSOLA FELICIA OLABISI

Formerly known and addressed as AKINSHOLA FELICIA, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINSOLA FELICIA OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BAMIDELE ADEDOYIN AROWOLO

I formerly known and addressed as BAMIDELE ADEDOYIN SOWANDE. Now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDELE ADEDOYIN AROWOLO. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

SALAMI ABIOLA ISIAKA.

Formerly known and addressed as MUKAILA ISIAKA ABIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI ABIOLA ISIAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

YUSUF SIDIKAT ADEDOYIN. Formerly known and addressed as ANGO SIDIKAT ADEDOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF SIDIKAT ADEDOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAMUYIDE ADUKE IDOWU

Formerly known and addressed as FAMUYIDE ADUKE ABIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as FAMUYIDE ADUKE IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAKA MONSURU SUNDAY.

Formerly known and addressed as SAKARIYAU AKONI MONSURU now wish to be known and addressed as SAKA MONSURU SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OZOWA IKECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as OZOWA IGNATUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OMOPEYE OMOLOLA ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as OMOPEYE-OMOLOLA OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ISIBOR DARE FRANK. Formerly known and addressed as ISIBOR SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as ISIBOR DARE FRANK. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TUNRAYO GANIYAT UBI

CORRECTION OF NAME That my name was mistakenly written as OMOLAYO OMOYEMI SANYAOLU instead of SANYAOLU OMOLAYO CAROLIN. That my date of birth was mistakenly written as 28/1/1982 instead of 21/1/1982. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FELIX ROSELINE ANIOKE. I, formerly known and addressed as, FELIX ROSELINE UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as, FELIX ROSELINE ANIOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OZOWA IGNATUS.

I Formerly known and addressed as as TUNRAYO GANIYAT AKINBOLU now wish to be known as TUNRAYO GANIYAT UBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note SIMON RICHARD.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ADEBAYO SAHEED ARE, now wish to be known and addressed as, SIMON RICHARD. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OKAFOR VITUS CHUKWUEMEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as, OKAFOR VITUS EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, OKAFOR VITUS CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AGBA AONDOYILA RAPHAEL

OMOPEYE-OMOLOLA OMOLARA

UBANI BLESSING IHECHILURU

I, formerly known and addressed as, EMENIKE BLESSING IHECHILURU, now wish to be known and addressed as, UBANI BLESSING IHECHILURU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

OMOROGIEVA UZOAMAKA RACHAEL

MICHAEL NWABUEZE OZOKPOR

CONFIRMATION OF NAME:

JENNIFER OBIOMA ASOEGWU. Formerly known and addressed as JENNIFER OBIOMA IKECHELU, now wish to be known and addressed as JENNIFER OBIOMA ASOEGWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UKAUWA TEMITOPE ENIOLA

Formerly known and addressed as ADEKOYA TEMITOPE ENIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as UKAUWA TEMITOPE ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IKECHUKWU NDALI BENEDINE

Formerly known and addressed as OFILI NDALI BENEDINE, now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHUKWU NDALI BENEDINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLANIYI AGBOOLA OLUMIDE.

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNBAYO AGBOOLA OLUMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYI AGBOOLA OLUMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEOLA DEBORAH ARIBA.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEOLA DEBORAH ROTIMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOLA DEBORAH ARIBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OCHAJE PATIENCE OOJA.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS EYIMOGA PATIENCE UNOGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OCHAJE PATIENCE OOJA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANELE H. RAPHAEL I, formerly known and addressed as, MR. ANYANWU AUGUSTINE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MR. ANELE H. RAPHAEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, MOZIE CHINONSO GIFT, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, MOZIE GIFT, instead of, MOZIE CHINONSO GIFT, in my bank account details.

I now wish to be known and addressed as, MOZIE CHINONSO GIFT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OGUNGBAYO OLABISI AFUSAT

ONYEKACHI VICTOR UKWUOMA.

EBOSETALEH ERNEST EROMOSELE

I, formerly known and addressed as, DANDISON NELAMA EROMOSELE, now wish to be known and addressed as, EBOSETALEH ERNEST EROMOSELE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

GODWIN ELIJAH ELIJAH.

Formerly Miss. Edidiong Parchi Umoh now to be addressed as Mrs. Edidiong Mathew Ezea.

Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

Formerly known and addressed as ONYEKACHI UKWUOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKACHI VICTOR UKWUOMA. And that I am the owner of lost MTN lines:- 08160856643 and 08138346879. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODESOLA ROMOKE

Formerly known and addressed as HAZZAN RUKAYAT OLUWASEYI now wish to be known and addressed as ODESOLA ROMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, GODWIN UMOH IKWEI and GODWIN UMOH UMOH, now wish to be known and addressed as, GODWIN ELIJAH ELIJAH. All former documents remain valid. All relevant authorities concerned and the general public should take note

AUSTINE FRED BIRIBO.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEONYILIMBA UZOAMAKA RACHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMOROGIEVA UZOAMAKA RACHAEL. All former document remain valid. The general public please take note.

This is to confirm that I, NAPOLEON IKE OPARA is also known as NAPOLEON AHUMARAEZE OPARA. All documents bearing the above names remain valid General public take note

OMONIYI LUKUMAN.

I, formerly known and addressed as, OMONIYI LUKMAN MAYOWA, now wish to be known and addressed as, OMONIYI LUKUMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AWOYODE OLADELE SAMUEL

Formerly known and addressed as AWOYODE DELE LEKAN now wish to be known and addressed as AWOYODE OLADELE SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, AUSTINE AMACHREE, now wish to be known and addressed as, AUSTINE FRED BIRIBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly called and addressed as AGER RAPHAEL and AGER AONDOYILA RAPHAEL now wish to be called and addressed as AGBA AONDOYILA RAPHAEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABESHINBIOKE OLABISI AFUSAT now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNGBAYO OLABISI AFUSAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AKASHORO OLAMILEKAN OLUWATOBILOBA

Former BVN name: Akashoro Olamilekan Ayomide, now Akashoro Olamilekan Oluwatobiloba.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MAYALEEKE BANJI KUNLE.

Formerly known and addressed as MAYALEEKE OLANIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MAYALEEKE BANJI KUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SACHDEV CECILLIA TAIYE

Formerly known and addressed as TOSSOUVI CECILLIA TAIYE, now wish to be known and addressed as SACHDEV CECILLIA TAIYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWABUEZE MIKE OZOKPOR now wish to be known called and addressed as MICHAEL NWABUEZE OZOKPOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

BENEDICT STANLEY CHINEDU

Formerly known and addressed as OYENEKE STANLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as BENEDICT STANLEY CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHUKWULOBE UCHE CHRISTOPHER

Formerly known and addressed as CHUKWULOBE UCHECHUKWU CHRISTOPHER, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWULOBE UCHE CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NDEANAEFO FLORENCE NWAMAKA.

Formerly known and addressed as AMAKA NDEANAEFO, now wish to be known and addressed as NDEANAEFO FLORENCE NWAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

BAMIGBOYE OLUWAFUNMILAYO

LAWAL MARIAM AYOMIDE

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBOLA OLUWAFUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIGBOYE OLUWAFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MALIK MARIAM AYOMIDE now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL MARIAM AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MUTAE OLIVIA.

Formerly known and addressed as MINABOWAN OLIVIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MUTAE OLIVIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLAWORE BILIKIS GBEMISOLA

Formerly known and addressed as OBADIMEJI BILIKIS GBEMISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAWORE BILIKIS GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUWA MUINAT DASOLA.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBAYO MUINAT DASOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUWA MUINAT DASOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EDWIN ADA PRECIOUS.

Formerly known and addressed as UKAEGBU ADA PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as EDWIN ADA PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

ormerly known and addressed as OMENE TONY now wish to be known and addressed as IGBINOVIA HARRY OGHOGHO. And that my correct date of birth is 17 July 1969 and not 24 March 1983. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Court orders Police to keep close watch on convicted oil moguls Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏ The absence of Ontario Oil and

Gas Managing Director, Adaoha UgoNdagi, who collapsed on Friday when she was convicted of a N744 million fuel subsidy scam again stalled her scheduled sentencing on Monday as Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court, ordered that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police should keep the convict under watch pending when she would be transferred to prison.

The judge also ordered the medical directors of Havana Hospital, Surulere and the Lagos University

Teaching Hospital (LUTH), to both swear to an affidavit of means, clearly stating her health status.

Recall that Ndagi, oil mogul, Walter Wagbasoma and their company, Ontario Oil and Gas were convicted by the court for their roles in a N744m subsidy fraud brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At the resumed of the proceedings yesterday, counsel to Ndagi, Y. A. Kadiri explained to the court the reason for his client’s absence even though the court had already slated Monday for the convicts sentencing.

“When she collapsed on Friday she

was rushed to Havana Hospital where she was placed on life support and oxygen. The prison official was with her throughout Friday and on Saturday she was referred to LUTH where she is currently receiving treatment,” Kadiri told the court.

Kadiri also presented a copy of the medical report from Havana Hospital while also informing the court that they were also trying to get the medical report from LUTH. In his reaction, EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs, the medical report, reminded the court of the antecedence of the matter, adding that the first convict, Wagbasoma had told the

court that he was incarceration at the National Hospital Abuja when it was uncovered that he was at Germany, despite the fact that his internationals passport was with the Chief Registrar.

“We are aware that the convict was at Havana where the prison officials and some EFCC operatives kept watch over her. The prison officials were however not comfortable with the private hospital and she was transferred to LUTH on request,” Jacobs told the court.

“As at on Friday, Ndagi was in stable condition and doing very well, while asking the court to pronounce sentencing in the absence of the con-

victs”. Jacob said.

In her ruling, Justice Okunnu noted that there seems to be a lacuna in the law as to the sentencing of the convicts in absentia. She however reserved the sentencing and ordered that the Commissioner of police to keep Ndagi under watch.

“The medical report presented by the second convict must be accompanied by an affidavit which must be filed today. The medical Director must also swear to an affidavit stating her exact medical condition,” she ruled.

Justice Okunnu however adjourned the matter till 18 Jan.for sentencing.

BAKARE RASHEED BIDEMI I formerly known and addressed as BAKARE RESHEED OLAMIDE. Now wish to be known and addressed as BAKARE RASHEED BIDEMI. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

Founder, Community for Women Initiative, Comrade Funmi Ajayi (left); Chairman, United Action for Democracy (AUD), Lagos State, Comrade Abiodun Olofinnade (2nd left); Convener, Barr. Gabriel Ojuma (5th right); Human Rights Lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (3rd right); General Secretary, Joint Action Front, Comrade Biodun Aremu (2nd right) and others, during a joint peaceful protest over alleged austerity policies of President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos ...on Monday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

ENEH CHIDERA CELESTINE

I formerly known and addressed as ENE IFEANYI CHIDERA and ENEH IFEANYI CELESTINE. Now wish to be known and addressed as ENEH CHIDERA CELESTINE and that my correct date of birth is 3-1-1991. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

OLUKANNI OLATUNDE I formerly known and addressed as OLUWAKANMI JOSEPH OLATUNDE. Now wish to be known and addressed as OLUKANNI OLATUNDE. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

OGBUAGU VERA UCHECHUKWU.

My name was wrongly written as NWAOBA OKECHUKWU, instead of NWOBA OKECHUKWU PETER. My date of birth was wrongly written as 31st July, 1985 instead of 31st july, 1986. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, AROGUNDADE OMOTAYO wish to add OLUWASEUN to my existing names, therefore my names are now AROGUNDADE OMOTAYO OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MOZIE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS. MOZIE VERA UCHECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGBUAGU VERA UCHECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARTINS VICTORIA ABOLORE

OLANREWAJU MONSURAT BIOLA.

SADOH AWAWU MARIA.

Formerly known and addressed as YISA AMINAT ABOLORE, now wish to be known and addressed as MARTINS VICTORIA ABOLORE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SULIMAN MONSURAT, now wish to be known and addressed as OLANREWAJU MONSURAT BIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AYONUWE OMOEFUEL MARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as SADOH AWAWU MARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

JOHNSON AKINWALE EDWARD

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNBIYI AKINWALE EDWARD. Now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNSON AKINWALE EDWARD. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

AFOLAYAN FOLASHADE OLABISI

I formerly known and addressed as KESHINRO FOLASHADE OLABISI. Now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLAYAN FOLASHADE OLABISI. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

OLUWASEUN TEMITOPE.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OJO TEMITOPE RACHAEL. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUWASEUN TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

EZE BLESSING UKAMAKA.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBONNA BLESSING UKAMAKA. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZE BLESSING UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

AJISAFE MOJISOLA APEKE.

OKOYEUZU CHINAZOR UDOKA

ILOBINSO: Formerly known and addressed as ILOBINSO CHINAZOR UDOKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOYEUZU CHINAZOR UDOKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UDO OFFIONG UCHE

UDO: Formerly known and addressed as UDO OFFIONG DONALD, now wish to be known and addressed as UDO OFFIONG UCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAMUEL EZENWABACHILI MARTINS.

I formerly known and addressed as AJISAFE OLUFEMI OLABODE. Now wish to be known and addressed as AJISAFE MOJISOLA APEKE. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as CLEMENT SAMUEL OGBONNAYA. Now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL EZENWABACHILI MARTINS. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

OBOT NSE JOSEPHINE I formerly known and addressed as OBOT NSE PATIENCE. Now wish to be known and addressed as MISS OBOT NSE JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

I, MPAMUGO CHIKWUDI DANIEL wish to add CHIKWUDI to my existing names, therefore my names are now MPAMUGO CHIKWUDI DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

JOY IBIOHOMO ROTIMI.

JOY: Formerly known and addressed as MISS. JOY IBIOHOMO OHIOKHARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOY IBIOHOMO ROTIMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OBIAGBAOSO OGOCHUKWU MARIAGORRETTI

I formerly known and addressed as OKPARA OGOCHUKWU MARIAGORRETTI. Now wish to be known and addressed as OBIAGBAOSO OGOCHUKWU MARIAGORRETTI. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I, IWUAGWU JOSEPH UGOCHUKWU wish to add UGOCHUKWU to my existing names, therefore my names are now IWUAGWU JOSEPH UGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEKOYA KOLAWOLE OLANIYI

I formerly known and addressed as ADEKOYA KOLAWOLE EMMANUEL. Now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOYA KOLAWOLE OLANIYI. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

OLASODE COMFORT AYOOLUWA

BECKLEY: Formerly known and addressed as MISS. BECKLEY COMFORT AYOOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLASODE COMFORT AYOOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FABODE IBIDUN EUNICE.

I formerly known and addressed as FABODE BUKOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as FABODE IBIDUN EUNICE. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

PEDRO IZUCHUKWU IKECHUKWU.

I formerly known and addressed as PETER IZUCHUKWU ASHIKODI. Now wish to be known and addressed as PEDRO IZUCHUKWU IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

ADEDEJI OLUWASEUN TOSIN.

I formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ SEUN TOSIN. Now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDEJI OLUWASEUN TOSIN. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Obaseki commends officers over giant strides Titus Akhigbe, Benin Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, on Sunday commended the Nigerian Army for its selfless efforts at ensuring peace and its successful curtailment of activities of Boko Haram in the country.

Obaseki, speaking at the 2017 Army Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Benin, said that the military should be accorded ‘First Line Charge’ for their selfless services.

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Hon Philip Shaibu said that Nigerians should recognize the efforts of the Army and hounor them while they are alive.

According to him, this day is to reflect on the corporate existence of the country and at the same time to remember that while we were sleeping, people were having sleepless night to protect the territorial integrity of this country and ensure peace.

“I want to salute the military for the giant stride they achieved especially recovering the territory taken by Boko Haram and equally the successful taken over of the Sambisa forest.

“The lesson for Nigeria is for us to remember that the only way we can have peace and get out of the economic recession is for us to contribute to nation building and put the country first.” he said.

Also speaking, The Edo Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Benito Eze and the Edo Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mr. David Adi, said that the Remembrance Day was worth celebrating.

The duo said that the day was to remember the efforts of past heroes which would serve as motivation to serving and retired officers to know that their efforts would be remembered.

Federal Medical Center Yola embarks on medical outreach Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Yola, has embarked on medical outreach to rural communities facing dysfunctional health care facilities and transportation constraints.

Chief Medical Director, Prof. Muhammad Auwal Abubakar, led his management staff to Jada General Hospital, in Jada Local Government Area in the state at the weekend for a facility tour.

Abubakar told the gathering that the initiative was designed to carter for people of the state situated at the southern zone having fulfilled the collaborative requirements needed saying that, the people of northern zone are enjoying theirs in Madagali council which is being served by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

He explained that his centre will be in collaboration with state Government through Ministry of Health to ensure efficient and professional handling of these medical outreach centers for the benefit of humanity.

He also announced that the FMC Yola is in the process of upgrading to a teaching hospital status noting that an assurance of having more qualified personnel to the centre which will be extended to the medical outreach centers across the state.

Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏFor alleged stealing of office properties valued at N250, 000, a former House of Representative member, Nze Chidi Duru, and a senior lawyer, Smart Iheazor, were yesterday arraigned before a Tinubu Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

The duo who reside in Abuja, are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, breach of peace and impersonation preferred against them by the police.

They were alleged to have conspired to commit the offences on January 11, 2017.

The defendants who are both senior lawyers of 28 and 30 years at the bar respectively, allegedly committed the offences at 65 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun Ikeja Lagos.

The prosecutor, P. O Idenyenmia,

told the court that the defendants and others who are still at large allegedly stole three office files and one HP Laptop valued at N250,000, property of First Guarantee Pension Ltd (FGPL).

He said that the duo also conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by wilfully and unlawfully invading First Guarantee Pension Ltd office with intent to forcefully take over the management and assets of the company.

Idenyenmia said that the defendants with intent to defraud introduced themselves as vice chairman and Secretary respectively of First Guarantee Pension Ltd and acted same in an attempt to take over the management and assets of the company.

According to the prosecutor the offences committed is punishable under sections 409, 285, 166 (D) and 378 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge against them.

Earlier before the arraignment of the former House of Representative’s counsel, Emeka Etiaba SAN, told the court that his client, Duru, was on the verge of collapsing inside the court room and that he was just discharged from the hospital this morning (yesterday) and was whisked to the court, and that he can’t even stand on his own.

But the prosecutor told the court that the doctor at the police hospital were Duru was treated certified that he was ok to go home and that he can’t take him back to the police custody and a warrant had already been issued on him on Friday by a magistrate.

However, the magistrate, Mr A. A Adefulire, ordered that the defendants should be docked before him.

After the arraignment, the defence counsel urged the court to grant the

25 News defendants bail on self-recognisance stating that the offence they committed is a bailable offence and that they have been in the police custody for four days, which is far beyond the constitutional rights of the defendants as their rights have been infringed upon.

The counsel also said “first defendants is a member of the bar of 28 years and was a two times former member of the house of representative and a chairman of Guarantee Pension.” He is the founder and promoter of Guarantee Pension and it was going to be forcefully taken.”

“The second defendant is his counsel and a partner at their law firm White and Kings Chambers in Abuja.”

I urge the court to grant them bail in the most Libra term.

The prosecutor objected to the bail on self-recognition adding that they should be given sureties as they do not reside in Abuja and also practice in Abuja.

Consequently, after listening to their submissions Magistrate Adefulire granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

Plateau co-ordinator, Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), Jessica Vonkat (left), presenting farming tools to representative of governor of Plateau State, Alice Asaije, during the World Rural Women Day celebration in Keran village, Plateau... recently.

Kano 30 months free of polio, tremendous achievement –Bill Gates Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÏÏÏ

The Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, has described Kano state as one of the most successful states in northern Nigeria in its fight against poliomyelitis especially on supplemental and routine immunization activities over the last four years.

This is coming on the heels of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the state government signed with Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations on strengthening routine immuniza-

Bill Gates

tion in the state.

This was disclosed during a video conference held at Kano state Government House by the Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the President, Dangote foundation during the end of year review meeting with Kano and Kaduna state governments.

Gates, who described the 30 months free of polio cases recorded in the state, further commended the efforts of the present administration under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for its judicious utilization of funds allocated for the eradication of polio virus and improving routine immunization. He also commended Kano State Government for honoring all its pledges and putting in its counterpart funds as contained in the tripartite memorandum of understanding between Kano State Government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation.

The President Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, expressed satisfaction for the smooth conduct of immunization against polio in the State. He

enjoined the state government to step up efforts to sensitize Local government chairmen, religious leaders, Imams and voluntary organizations to complement government’s efforts in polio eradication and routine immunization. Also calling on individuals and corporate organizations to invest in the health sector due to its significance in the lives of the populace.

The state Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje reiterated the administration’s determination and commitment to continue funding polio eradication and routine immunization exercises despite the financial crunch the country is facing. That following the expiration of the tripartite agreement between Kano State Government, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation, the State is poised to take over complete funding of the program and is committed to sustain the gains made so far.

He commended Mr Bill Gates and Alh Aliko Dangote for their unflinching support in improving the quality of health care delivery in Kano State. He further

appreciated the efforts of other development partners who have also been supporting the state government in order to achieve the set objectives.

Adding that, the state government will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the state is certified polio free and its health indices are greatly improved.

He commended Kano Emirate Council and all other stakeholders for their support in this direction.

In his keynote address at the occasion, the Kaduna state Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai commended the 2 foundations for their supports to the 2 States and also rejoiced with his counterpart the Executive Governor of Kano state for recording 30 months without reporting a single case of wild polio virus in the State. He stated that the success is a clear testimony of Government’s commitment and seriousness in improving the wellbeing of its teeming populace.

A new MoU with the 2 partners that is targeted at improving child health care in the State has since been signed and will come into effect before the end of January, 2017.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Times Law

s

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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

Nigeria judiciary 2016: Matters that shaped or marred the sector FEATURE Layi Babatunde Nigeria judiciary, no doubt, faced its worst challenges last year when the rot going in the sector was exposed to the point of ridicule.

The Temple of Justice came crumbling when the Executive, acting through the Directorate of State Service (DSS) swooped on some prominent judges of superior courts, breaking down doors of their houses and arresting them in the dead of the night on allegation of corrupt practices. This type of gestapo action by the DSS left the country with a great dent and several questions on why due process and civilised procedures were not followed. The judiciary was the worst for it and is still bearing the brunt.

In the same year under review, some senior lawyers were also arrested and charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over bribery and corruption for which the matters are still in court.

Indeed, last year presented to the judiciary serious problem it needs to tackle this year, 2017 in order to restore the confidence of the public to the institution and at the same maintain an integrity that is above board all its dealings.

In this review by Mr. Layi Babatunde, a Lagos-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the publisher of the Supreme Court Law Report (Lawbreed Limited), captured the essence of the under review as it affected the judiciary and the way forward in 2017.

2016 was a particularly challenging year for the Bench and the Bar. It was a year in which the dignity of the the noble profession came under severe attack, on the alter of grave allegations of judicial corruption . Things almost got to a head, following the unprecedented midnight lightening raid by the DSS , on the homes of some serving Justices of

Babatunde (SAN)

The out-gone year, no doubt was one of soul searching for the Bar and the Bench. A period of deep and sober introspection for the bar and the bench, as to what we should be doing differently in the years ahead, for the greater good of our profession and our country . The paradox though, is that it was also a year, in which the anti corruption agencies, particularly the EFCC, claimed to have secured several convictions in court, perhaps more than ever before. This tells me, that the story of the Nigerian judiciary in 2016 was not all gloom and that the judiciary certainly has credible, knowledgeable and hard working judges within it. They deserve our gratitude and respect inspite of the obvious challenges, instead of painting the entire institution black.

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.”

superior courts , two of whom are justices of the Supreme Court. One of the justices, is presently standing trial. Some serving high court judges were also charged with corruption related offenses. The Judiciary , since the Justice Salami damning allegations against the then CJN; Justice Katsina Alu, has never had it so bad. Indeed, but for the eventual prevalence of good reasoning, the constitutional

internal cleansing mechanism of the judiciary anchored by the National Judicial Council ( NJC) was almost supplanted by an executive body, in the course of waging the war against alleged judicial corruption. Thankfully, sanity was gradually restored.

The outgone year, no doubt was one of soul searching for the Bar and the Bench. A period of deep and sober introspection for the bar and the bench, as to what we should be doing differently in the years ahead, for the greater good of our profession and our country . The paradox though, is that it was also a year, in which the anti corruption agencies, particularly the EFCC, claimed to have secured several convictions in court, perhaps more than ever before. This tells me, that the story of the Nigerian judiciary in 2016 was not all gloom and that the judiciary certainly has credible, knowledgeable and hard working judges within it. They deserve our gratitude and respect inspite of the obvious challenges, instead of painting the entire institution black.

The NJC will do well to act swiftly in accordance with it’s rules, by showing corrupt judges the way out of the bench and recommending them for prosecution in appropriate cases. This will not only save the hardworking and honourable judges the indignity, odium and embarrassment of generalized accusations against the bench, but will go a long way in building public confidence in the institution .

However on no account should we allow our frustrations with the system incline us to treating the judiciary as scum or even attempting to intimidate or bully it. We may all soon come to grief, if we do that . No doubt, the Bar and the Bench should look inward and improve on their images, in the years ahead . The peace, security and prosperity of our country, leans on an impartial and incorruptible judiciary.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Tenants in court over assault, stripping neighbour’s of clothes Titilope Joseph Three tenants were on Monday charged before a Lagos State Magistrates court , Ikeja for allegedly beating their neighbour, Paul Simon, to a pulp and stripping him of his clothes.

The accused persons, Emmanuel Adeyemi, 24, Omotayo Abiodun, 21, and Gloria Lawrence, 32, who are residents of No. 14, Akinola St., Aguda, Ogba in Lagos are being tried on a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Babaji Ishaku told the court presided by Magistrate Mr. J.A Adegun that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 29 at their residence, at about 3.30a.m.

He also said the accused conspired and assaulted the complainant, by beating him, tearing his clothes and stripping him naked.

Ishaku further alleged that the accused also made attempt to set simon ablaze.

According to Ishaku; ‘the complainant’s claimed that while he was doing his early morning prayers/ devotion in the compound, the accused suddenly gathered around him.

“The trio started raining curses on him and turned him to a punching bag, making him to sustain grievous injury.

“The accused claimed that the complainant is a ritualist. That he usually comes out at the early hours of the morning wearing a red garment.

The accused made an attempt to set Simon ablaze but were stopped by the prompt arrival of the police who whisked them away, Ishaku said.

He however informed the court that the offences contravened Sections 170 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 while Section 170 prescribes a three-year jail term for assault.

The accused persons pleaded innocence of the offences and were granted bail in the sum of 20,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

Justice Atilade (Lagos CJ)

AGF plans special training for prosecutors nationwide Ibe Uwaleke Plans by the Federal Government to build capacity of prosecutors across the 36 states of the Federation on the modern techniques of drafting charges which is in furtherance to the request by the Body of Attorneys-General of the States in Nigeria have reached advanced stage.

The special training which is expected to begin on the first week of March and concluded on the last week of May this year is also in line with the objectives of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to fast-track the prosecution of high profile cases some of which will be handled at the state level to stem corruption.

A press statement made available to the media on by Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, special adviser on Media and Publicity to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, (SAN) disclosed that the special training to be held at zonal level will kick-start in Yola, Adamawa State for the North East zone on March 7th-8th, 2017.

According to the training schedule drawn out by the Special Assistant to the President on Research and Special Projects, Mr. Sylvester Imhanobe, it will round up on May 30th-31st, 2017 in Ibadan for the South West zone.

The other zones are as follows: North West (March 22nd-23rd) to be hosted in Kaduna State, North Central (April 4th-5th) in Jos, Plateau State, South East (April 22nd-23rd) in Enugu, Enugu State as well as South South (May 9th-10th) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Isah hinted that the training to be spearheaded by the Office of the

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is sequel to the proposal by the National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC) in collaboration with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Corruption (UNODC) to organize the training.

A letter of invitation to the Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice of the 36 states of the Federation to nominate participants to attend the training signed by Imhanobe who doubles as the Secretary of the NPCC and titled, Invitation to nominate participants to attend a special capacity building workshop for prosecutors on drafting charges read inter alia: “On the request of the Body of

Attorneys-General of the States of the Federation for support to training prosecutors in the States on drafting charges, I am pleased to inform you that the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN has approved the request of the Body.

“To this end, the HAGF has also approved the proposal of the National Prosecution Coordination Committee of the Federal Ministry of Justice (NPCC/FMOJ) in collaboration with the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Corruption (UNODC) to organise the training programme.

The proposed training programme will be conducted on the basis of geopolitical zones”.

Malami (SAN) AGF

27 Law 23 year old apprentice sentenced to spend 5 years in prison over N2.8m theft A 23-years-old Apprentice, Ogbonna John has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos for stealing the sum of N2.8 million belonging to his employer.

The convict, John was sentenced

by Magistrate Mr. Alexander Komolafe, after he pleaded guilty to the offence.

While delivering the judgement, the presiding Magistrates said: “Based on the facts of this case, confirmed report and the plea of leniency, I hereby sentence you to five years imprisonment without an option of fine”.

Earlier, the state prosecutor, Sgt Joseph Ajebe had informed the court that the convict committed the offence with others at large between 2011 and 2012 at No. 14, Williams St., Ifako- Gbagada, Lagos.

He further informed the court that the complainant, one Mr Orji Eze reported that the accused was an apprentice working for him in his electronics shop.

“John signed an agreement with the complainant to be an apprentice for six years.

“But after three years of his stay, the complainant noticed that a total of N2.8 million was missing from his business which John could not give accounts of.

“Efforts were made to retrieve the said amount proved abortive hence the report, “ Ajebe said.

According to Sgt Ajebe, the offence committed by the accused is contrary to Section 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Igbo lawyers warn on Nnamdi Kanu, Justice Onnoghen Ibe Uwaleke Lawyers of Igbo extraction under the aegis of Otu Oka-Iwu (Law Society) have warned the Federal Government to ensure that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu is accorded all his civil rights.

In a statement on the “state of the nation” signed by its President, Chief Chuks Ikokwu, the influential body expressed “deep concern” on the reported planned secret trial of the IPOB leader, adding that “The Federal Government must ensure that he and other defendants are accorded their full rights under the Constitution of Nigeria.”

The association said it was “watching with keen interest” the unfolding drama on the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Noting

that the “hallowed succession plan” in the Judiciary has been truncated by the appointment of an acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Otu Oka-Iwu urged the Federal Government “to take immediate steps to redress the uncertainty occasioned by this unfortunate situation by acting swiftly on the recommendations of the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Council (NJC). In line with the dictates of the rule of law, the Executive arm must not be seen to meddle in the affairs of another independent arm of government, as this is unhealthy for any polity.”

Urging the government to “tackle the rampaging hunger in the land,” the umbrella association of Igbo lawyers also said it was “highly disturbed” by the Amnesty International report indicting Nigerian security agencies for extra-judicial

execution of unarmed ‘Biafran agitators’ in the South-East. It stated that “The recent bloodletting and massacre of defenceless women and children in Southern Kaduna by gunmen without any protection from government is inexcusable.”

“The primary duty of every government is the protection of lives and property,” it stated.

“The Federal Government must therefore demonstrate in clearer terms that it has the capacity and, more importantly, the political will to protect every Nigerian citizen irrespective of his creed or political affiliation.” They warned that where citizens are victims of human rights abuses either at the hands of state actors or by government neglecting its responsibility to offer them protection, “they have every right to take legitimate action to enforce their fundamental human rights.”

The association however commended the Federal Government for the reported release of funds for commencement of work on the Second Niger Bridge and ongoing rehabilitation of some South East roads, and urged the government to ensure that the projects are not abandoned midstream.

Reflecting on the outcome of the recent Ohanaeze Ndigbo elections held at Enugu, Otu Oka-Iwu congratulated Chief John Nnia Nwodo Jr. and the other officials on their success at the polls.

Noting that Chief Nwodo “has an uncommon pedigree as an astute lawyer, a law teacher and a two-time federal minister among others” to lead the apex sociocultural union of people of Igbo extraction as its President, the association said it has “implicit confidence in the ability of the foremost technocrat to chart new frontiers for Ndigbo.”

28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Tech Times

Ekeh urges FG to invest in ICT, create more youth billionaires

Diamond Bank MD advocates use of technology to empower unbanked Nigerians

Government can save N36bn from harmonized database - NIMC

s

Nigeria imports N25bn foreign lottery technology annually - Adekunle Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Operators of lottery business in the country spend an average of N25 billion annually to acquire, deploy and maintain lottery technology.

Niyi Adekunle, managing director, and CEO of Lotgrand - operator of Grandlotto Yellow Terminal brand - disclosed this in Lagos adding that lottery has emerged as one of the most popular forms of gaming in the world, while his company has revolutionized the lotto business in Nigeria with the Machine Number Series (MNS).

“We can save huge foreign exchange for the benefit of the economy if our technology sector can support our business with the right technology software and hardware,” he said.

He explained that technology hardware component alone constitutes 40 percent of lottery operators’ technology spends, adding that “Payment for the acquisition of software licenses

and support services constitute another 20 and 40 percent of our annual technology budget spends respectively.”

According to him, the game

has more followers than online casino and “it is easy to play”, adding that lotteries are extremely thrilling, and “promise players good profit”.

Lottery operators strive to make these games even more fun by utilizing technology which would witness an exponential increment in 2017.

“I see more players in the industry spending huge on instant game inventory management systems, lottery gaming systems, retail pointof-sale technology, mobile apps, USSD platform, data and communications links and internet platforms,” he stressed.

He said that MNS has become a differentiating factor for the brand through the use of technology, and urged indigenous IT players to focus their innovations on the lottery industry and compete for a big portion of the market share so that the local economy can reap from the hyper growth of the lottery industry.

He stated that through its MNS, the company paid a bonus of over N100 million to a lotto player from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State.

10 Nigerian innovative startups to secure N10m seed investment on TAP show U.S-based Digital Marketing Agency, AIS Media, recently announced that the Amazon Project (TAP) will provide up to NGN10 million in seed capital and business incubation support to 10 Nigerian participants, who can demonstrate their superior abilities as entrepreneurs, The premiere season of The Amazon Project (TAP) which is a 13-week television production aims at selecting and investing in the brightest entrepreneurs and business ideas in Nigeria.

AIS said the programme will be aired on terrestrial and satellite television channels towards the end of the first quarter of 2017 to an expert panel of carefully selected judges and, ultimately, the viewing audience.

TAP judges are Foluso Phillips, Chairman of Phillips Consulting; Funke Bucknor, CEO of Zapphire Events; Anne Agbakoba, Founder, Numeris Media Group; and Wole Faroun, CEO, NetPlusDotCom. There will also be guest judges throughout the season.

Wole Faroun, CEO of the project said: “Doing business

in Nigeria in a recession is a like wading through the famous Amazon rainforest where only the toughest and smartest survive. This project will reward entrepreneurs that can prove they have what it takes to make it in Nigeria by applying innovation and smart economics to meeting needs and solving complex business problems.”

Segun Lawal, the creative anchor and lead producer of TAP, said: “The Amazon Project is ‘entrepretainment’ at its very best. In this intense reality TV show, business meets entertainment in a manner tailored to the Nigerian environment, and geared at promoting local industry and innovation.”

TAP is sponsored and supported by a leading telecommunications firm and a foremost commercial bank. Both institutions are ideal partners for this project, having demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses over the years.

The show will be produced by Ultima Studios, and the episodes

Wole Faroun CEO NetPlusDotCom

will be recorded at their studio complex in Lagos.

To ensure the integrity of the contestants’ selection process, both short listing and

voting will be overseen by a leading entrepreneurship and capacity building organization, in collaboration with a major consulting firm in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

29 Tech Times

Ekeh urges FG to invest in ICT, create more youth billionaires

By Tony Nwakaegho The Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo-Stan Ekeh, has said that government needs to invest in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to create more youth billionaires.

Ekeh made this assertion while chatting in a recent interview with Cable News Network (CNN), adding that with the right kind of investment in technological platforms and the overwhelming support of the government in providing the requisite enabling environment, Nigeria could effortlessly produce global billionaires.

Ekeh, a serial digital entrepreneur, who has built arguably Africa’s most integrated ICT conglomerate – the Zinox Group – is confident that with significant investment in ICT, the challenge of youth unemployment, inadequate opportunities, and growing restiveness among the youth can be arrested.

For this to materialize, he said that the government has to actively engage youths by investing massively in ICT which has become the fancy of young people.

“The miracle of ICT is that it is the only profession in the world today that can make the child of a poor man the richest man in the world. The challenge, however, is that majority of our youths are

Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh (picture) in a closed community in which the standards are still poor so they cannot exhibit their innate intellectual strength. As a result, they are seen as defeated and a lot of them are unemployed.

“We are doing our bit to correct this situation but government support will go a long way in helping the country achieve more.

Currently, Zinox is building digital training centres and tech hubs across the country and empowering

many of our youths. We have also committed some significant investment in a number of tech start-ups. Recently, we invested in an Ibadan-based software company – Xputer. Interestingly, some of the apps being created by the young chaps at X-puter are driving the business processes of the major e-commerce outfits in the country.

All they needed was a bit of exposure and support to help them scale up.

“The same situation applies to many of our youth. Today, if you give these youths the right platforms, which I must say is not expensive, Nigeria can produce a minimum of 10 billionaires from the ICT sector in the next few years.

“90 percent of youths today want to go into trending professions; lifestyle professions and that is what ICT really is. If the government invests in this sector as it should, Nigeria is capable of producing several billionaires straight out of the technology space,” he enthused.

Ekeh is the founder and Chairman of the Zinox Group, a technology company based in Nigeria that manufactures and distributes computers at home and abroad. Zinox employs 1,800 Nigerians and Ekeh thinks the company can play a role in improving the tech economy while tapping into Nigeria’s young population.

Among his many tech ventures, Ekeh pioneered Zinox Computers, Nigeria’s first internationally certified and most popular indigenous computer brand which has powered several international conferences including the African Union conference in Gambia and the 18th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Abuja in 2003, in addition to being severally deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the registration and successful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

NSE engages with MTN to list shares in 2017 Agency Report The Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) is working “very closely” with South African cell operator MTN to list its shares this year, according to the head of the bourse.

“The pressure on MTN has never been higher to list,” Oscar Onyema, NSE Chief Executive told a business conference recently.

“There’s a project team working with them.”

Onyema, NSE Chief Executive

IT in real estate market to reach $8.91Bn by 2021 The global real estate market is estimated to grow from $5.03 billion in 2016 to $8.91 billion by 2021, at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 12.1 percent during the forecast period.

Key factors driving the growth of IT in real estate market, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets, are increasing demand for smart technological solutions in the real estate sector to cater to varied preferences of real estate customers, popularity of asset & property management solutions, increasing demand for enterprise applications to manage projects, and growing need to manage data and ensure security of sensitive information.

Some of the prominent key players in the IT real estate market are SAP SE; Oracle Corporation; Microsoft Corporation; IBM Corporation; MRI Software LLC; RealPage; Yardi Systems, Inc., Salesforce; The Sage Group PLC,

Global Market Outlook 2016 Trends in real estate private equity

and Accenture PLC. The business process management (BPM) segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2021.

Based on the enterprise application, the business process management segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2021.

This is due to the fact that a BPM suite for real estate includes userfriendly modeling & optimization and system integration tools, as well as help monitor dashboards and enhances case management capabilities for end users.

BPM software ensures fast decision-making, enables businessIT collaboration, and reduces total cost of ownership. BPM in real estate uses automation to remove tedious or distracting processes, thereby enabling employees to interact with customers or perform tasks more effectively.

The cloud deployment type segment is anticipated to grow

at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

On the basis of deployment type, the IT in real estate market has been segmented into onpremises and cloud. The cloud deployment type segment of this market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2021.

This growth is mainly attributed to the fact that the deployment of cloud-based solutions helps real estate companies reduce costs and create a flexible working environment.

The IT in real estate market in the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

North America is estimated to account for the largest share of the IT in real estate market in 2016, owing to the presence of prominent real estate players, such as Real Estate Maximums, Century 21, Keller Williams Realty, Coldwell Banker, and ERA Real Estate in this region.

Tech Times 30

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Diamond Bank MD advocates use of technology to empower unbanked Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Mr. Uzoma Dozie, Managing Director/ CEO, Diamond Bank Plc, has described technology as the best way to empower and bring the unbanked Nigerians into the banking system.

According to him, one of the greatest examples of the empowering nature of technology has been the meteoric rise of mobile banking across Africa.

Mobile banking, he said, has revolutionized the way financial transactions are made across the continent and positively transformed millions of people ability to conduct business and their everyday lives.

“Looking specifically at Nigeria and its evergrowing population of over 182 million people, we still have huge numbers

of people who have limited or no access to convenient banking. If you think a bricks and mortar branchled strategy is going to be the way to bring these people into the formal economy, then, in my view, you will fail.

“Instead, it is only by creating a digital infrastructure that the banking industry can scale rapidly enough to support the needs of those currently left out. Moreover, following changing lifestyles, Nigerians are some of the most digitally advanced consumers on the planet.

“Therefore, when financial service firms think about the Nigerian market, they absolutely must provide a fully integrated, seamless digital offering. Failure to do so will only jar with the prevailing zeitgeist.

“What is exciting is the potential ecosystem the

UZOMA DOZIE

Managing Director/CEO, Diamond Bank Plc

digital infrastructure can help create. Through an integrated digital platform,

consumers can access bundled services and products from multiple

Be proactive on IT security, education, ESET boss urges Nigerians Mr. Olufemi Ake, country manager, ESET Nigeria, and Ghana, has said that competent approach among internet users in the country, particularly on information and communication technology (ICT) will help curb growing trend of security threats.

Commenting on IT security in the country, Ake complained about increased cases of breaches, adding that most users are more reactive to the matter.

ESET had in its 2017 report cautioned that common occurrence in recent times has been the emergence of malicious apps in the official iOS and Android app repositories.

The company described the phenomenon as first seemed extremely rare but that has unfortunately become more common over time.

According to internetlivestats.com, which estimates Nigeria’s population at 186,987,563, there are 86,219,965 internet users in the country as at 2016 at the

penetration rate of 46.1 percent.

“On apps, I don’t think Commenting on IT Security organizations have more than Education, Ake said it is more one ‘same’ app with different reactive than proactive as the versions as the apps are majority of users are only updated version-wise without aware of the need to secure being duplicated on the play their devices after a breach, store or other app markets,” he adding that very few in this said. climate place IT security as a He stated that the only risk top priority, including business would be that an app may be decision-makers. cloned with malicious content “ESET often advise device which may ultimately pose owners, businesses owners threat to a user’s device and across major sectors to be data when and if downloaded. proactive with first-level IT security measures as it saves a fortune to be safe than sorry. IT Security breaches cost organizations a lot more such as data loss, productive downtime, huge financial loss, government fines, customer lawsuits, brand smearing, etc.

“In addition, ESET Mobile Security app is available on app stores with features that constantly scans, cleans or quarantine malicious apps on user devices. It is highly recommended these days as most organizations rely on mobile devices to carry out dayOlufemi Ake, country manager to-day businesses.

ESET Nigeria and Ghana

partners best suited to facilitating their lifestyle,” he said.

Citing an example, he said: “Through Diamond Mobile, our customers can manage their finances, search and book international and local flights, as well as purchase movie tickets, and this is only the start of what can become an even more integrated and far-reaching platform. It’s also the start of a concept that I call ‘Beyond Banking’.

China’s Wechat – an instant messaging service which allows online banking – is a powerful example of what the possibilities are when it comes to an integrated ecosystem. It is also a sign of the times that the CEO of a bank should be talking about the business model of a company that is seen as far removed from the traditional banking model, but I think this is the future

and the start of a new category altogether, he added.

He explained that a key element to making sure the most valuable and consumer-centric proposition is developed and brought to market is through the use of data.

By analyzing the behaviour of consumers’ digital interactions and their financial transactions, he noted that banks can build a detailed picture.

“This valuable insight can then help banks build the most appropriate infrastructure required to best support consumers’ needs. Clearly, as the digital revolution unfolds, there will be legitimate questions about data security and privacy that will need to be answered, but I don’t see these risks, as real as they are, as insurmountable,” he pointed out.

GSMA commends successful launch of 4G services in Egypt The GSMA has commended Egypt for the successful launch of 4G services, which it attributes as an important milestone for Egypt’s economy and society.

“We welcome the successful launch of 4G services by mobile operators in Egypt, and believes that Egypt’s leadership in 4G will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and deliver broad societal benefits,” GSMA’s Director General, Mats Granryd, said in a press statement.

Granryd, who attended the CAIRO ICT Forum and engaged with leaders from the mobile operators and other Egyptian ICT companies, also lauded the government’s plans to release more spectrum in 2017.

The GSMA DG is optimistic that the spectrum will further enhance the newly launched 4G services, allowing all mobile operators to offer quality 4G services to the people of Egypt.

“We stand ready to engage with all stakeholders in Egypt to ensure continued success and growth of the Egyptian mobile economy. Having lived and worked in Egypt for several years, I feel confident that the launch of 4G will prove to be a key milestone for the country,” he added.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has maintained that abundant spectrum is essential to promoting competition

GSMA’s Director General Mats Granryd and innovation in telecommunications markets.

The government’s plan to release more spectrum in 2017 may go a long way to ensuring that sufficient spectrum is available for the delivery of high quality, competitive 4G services and to incentivize further investments in 4G networks.

John Giusti, the GSMA’s Chief Regulatory Officer commented: “In looking at other successful launches of 4G services, the total amount of spectrum assigned to each operator for 4G should be in the range of 2x30MHz to 2x60MHz, across a range of coverage and capacity bands, with a minimum contiguous bandwidth of 2x10MHz in each band.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Government can save N36bn from harmonized database - NIMC Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The Nigerian government can save about N36 billion and launch Nigeria into the world of big data if all the independent databases can be harmonized according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Aliyu A. Aziz, director general and chief executive officer of the agency, which has the mandate to establish and maintain a unique national identity database in Nigeria, disclosed this at the Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue 2016.

“Having various databases from Permanent Voter Card (PVC), Sim Card Registration and Bank Verification Number is a chaos. Nigeria government has a prospect of saving about

N36 billion and make the country a world of big data if we are able to harmonize our database from various agencies of government,” he said.

Aziz revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria/ Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System has about 16 million records; the Independent National Electoral Commission has about 60 million records; the Nigerian Communications Commission has over 150 million records; Federal Road Safety Commission boasts of about 5 million records, while the Nigeria Immigration Service has 20 million records in its database.

Commenting on the Identity Management Life Cycle, he stated that there has been no single source of unique identity for citizens throughout their lifetime from birth to death, adding that

Engr Aliyu A. Aziz, Director General and Chief Executive, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)

citizens’ identity has consistently changed from the period of their birth to the period of their death.

He affirmed that the consequences of the

various databases of the massive exclusions, underdeveloped sectors, security issues and lack of competitiveness, result in high operational cost and losses due to fraud.

31 Tech Times Norway emerges first to turn off analogue FM radio in digital move Norway recently completed turning off analogue FM radio, making it the first country in the world to fully transition to digital audio broadcasting (DAB), broadcasting officials said.

The analogue FM broadcasting system in the northern county of Nordland was initially shut down, as public broadcaster NRK and other commercial broadcasters switched over to the DAB standard.

“It was a historic moment,” NRK broadcasting Chief Thor Gjermnund Eriksen said, noting that Norway was the first country in the world to make such a transition on a nationwide basis.

The move will finally see both state and commercial broadcasters leave FM radio for DAB, which is said to be more robust and use less power to operate, while offering more channels and better audio

quality than Norway’s ageing FM broadcast equipment.

Norway’s topography, with many small communities spread across mountains and valleys, is difficult to reach with FM radio, has also been cited for the switch.

Eriksen observed that “for the first time everyone in Norway will have an equal offering from NRK,” regardless if they live in the capital Oslo or the municipality of Rost that is part of the Lofoten archipelago off northern Norway.

Parliament approved the transition in 2011, and the government said the transition was to be completed by December 13 in the country of about 4.2 million.

Listeners will need a DAB radio set, smart phone or computer to listen to DAB broadcasts, and many motorists will need to convert their car radios.

Two key factors pushing robotics worldwide spending to $188Bn - IDC New use cases and expanding market acceptance are two factors pushing worldwide spending on robotics and related services to more than double by 2020, growing from $91.5 billion in 2016 to more than $188 billion in 2020, according to the newly updated Worldwide Commercial Robotics Spending Guide from International Data Corporation (IDC).

Moreover, spending data on robotic systems, system hardware, software, robotics-related services, and after-market robotics hardware, the robotics spending guide now includes data on commercial purchase of drones and after-market drone hardware.

“The market for robotics continues to experience tremendous growth. This growth is really fueled by a combination of technology improvements, expanded use cases, and acceptance in the market. Innovators in the field of robotics are delivering robots that can be

used to perform a broader range of tasks, which is helping to drive the adoption of robotics into a wider base of industries,” said John Santagate, research manager, Supply Chain at IDC Manufacturing Insights.

More than half of all robotics spending comes from the manufacturing with Discrete Manufacturing delivering 31 percent and Process Manufacturing providing 28 percent of the worldwide total in 2016.

This situation will remain relatively unchanged throughout the forecast with the two industries investing nearly $110 million in robotics in 2020.

The leading robotics use case in Discrete Manufacturing is assembly, welding, and painting, while mixing is the leading use case in Process Manufacturing.

After manufacturing, the three industries with the largest robotics spending in 2016 were Resource Industries ($8.0 billion),

Consumer ($6.5 billion), and Healthcare ($4.5 billion).

These industries will maintain their relative positions throughout the forecast, although Consumer spending will significantly narrow the gap with Resource Industries by 2020.

Cross Industry robotics spending, which represents use cases common to all industries, such as warehouse pick and pack, will also rank among the top segments throughout the five-year forecast.

The industries that will experience the fastest growth over the 20152020 forecast period are Consumer, Healthcare, and Retail.

“Robotics is now an integral part of industry transformation, which has brought about significant improvement in operational agility and efficiency in both developed and emerging markets.

“We are seeing faster growth of robotics adoption in general industry roles, and some of the leading

suppliers we tracked have enjoyed compound annual growth rates of more than double that for the automotive industry for the past few years.”

From a technology perspective, purchases of robotics systems, which include consumer, industrial, and service robots, and after-market robotic hardware, will total more than $40 billion in 2016.

Services-related spending, which encompasses applications management, education & training, hardware deployment, systems integration, and consulting, will come to more than $20 billion in 2016.

The fastest growing segments of robotics spending are drones and after-market drone hardware, which will grow to nearly $20 billion in 2020.

On a geographic basis, the Asia/Pacific region, including Japan, will account for more than two-thirds of total robotics spending throughout the

John Santagate, research manager, Supply Chain at IDC Manufacturing Insights

forecast.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) is the second largest region with expenditures of $14.7 billion in 2016, followed by the Americas with a 2016 spending total of $12.9 billion. Robotics spending

will more than double in Asia/Pacific over the 20152020 forecast period, making it the fastest growing region followed by the Americas, which will edge ahead of EMEA in total spending by 2018.

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Amuneke appointed AFCON Tv pundit F

Amuneke

Gothia cup: screening

dates and venues announced

A

head of this year’s Gothia Cup in Sweden, dates and venues for the screening to select players who will represent Nigeria have been announced.

Tiki Taka development Nigeria, the body responsible for selecting the Nigerian players who will participate at the event, had already announced states where the screenings will hold across the country, and they have now released the particular locations where the exercise will happen in each state.

The Gothia Cup is an annual youth tournament which takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden, and this year’s edition will feature players born in 1999 or later.

In Oyo State, the screening will take place at the Lead City University football pitch in Ibadan from February 16th to 18th, while the same event in Abuja will hold from February 20th to 23rd at the

Millenium Park.

In Ogun State, the screening exercise will hold at the Ijebu Ode Stadium from February 24th to 27th, and in Kano State, it will be at the Sabon Gari Stadium from February 21st through the 23rd.

There will also be a screening exercise in Plateau State at the Bukuru mini stadium from the 22nd to 24th, also of February.

In Lagos, it will hold from March 16th to 19th at the Cappa Ground in Oshodi, while in Anambra, it will be at the Rojenny Games Village in Oba, from February 27th to March 3rd.

The programme will also be held in Akwa Ibom, at the Rusal training pitch in Ikot Abasi.

Kaduna will have its own at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium from January 21st through the 25th.

Kwara will also not be left out, as the screening will take place at the Kwara sports complex in Illorin.

ormer Africa Footballer of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke is acting as a television pundit for AFCON 2017 in Doha, Qatar.

The former Nigeria U20 coach, who won AFCON 1994 with Nigeria, is working with Bein Sports TV for the African championship being staged in

Gabon.

Amuneke said he would have wished Nigeria had qualified for AFCON 2017, but hopes the Super Eagles will be at the next tournament in Cameroon in 2019.

“It’s not such a good feeling that my country of birth is not at the AFCON again,” said Amuneke, who assisted Samson Siasia for

the crucial AFCON 2017 double header qualifier against Egypt in March.

“It’s a bitter experience, but we can make up for this by qualifying and doing well at the next AFCON.” Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is also a TV pundit at the AFCON in Gabon.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Devt of small scale industries will create opportunity for specialisation, employment AT 4 – Eze Onyegbule

N10b Paris Club refund: Govt searches for extra N700m to settle civil servants AT 2

ABSG to drive pillars of development through desk officers Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ In order to drive its five pillars

of development in the state, Abia State government says it will set up Desk Officers in all the Ministries that are directly connected to the five pillars of development of the present administration.

The State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, disclosed this in an interactive forum cum dinner with Abians in Diaspora at Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, disclosing that the Desk Officers would be liaising with investors to drive home the economic development of the state.

Ikpeazu said the One-Stop-Shop built by his administration in Aba which has been completed and would be commissioned soon was dedicated for handling all issues about investments in the state, assuring that the shop will answer all questions about investments and would be populated with workers that are serious minded and who understand the need to attend to investors.

He said that within two weeks, an investor who visits the shop will get all he needs to establish his business, including acquiring land and its Certificate of Occupancy and others.

The Governor commended Abians in Diaspora for a wonderful and robust relationship existing between them and the State government, maintaining that he has

The

Abia

T E A M

Govt targets N2.5b monthly IGR

Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu (centre); Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Abia State chapter, Lt. Col. Aboaja (rtd) (1st right) and other service staff during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Umuaha ...on Sunday enjoyed their ideas in medical missions and expatriate, revealing that, currently, Abia State University is collaborating with the Governor’s office to bring home Abia Professors resident abroad to teach in ABSU, pointing out that Abia students would gain a lot from such a venture.

Abia State, he said, has hospitals that are under-utilised and invited them to bring their friends to come and utilise the hospitals as well as partner with the state in so many other areas.

The state Chief Executive, who used the opportunity to enumerate the achievements of his adminis-

tration so far, especially, the administrations’ giant strides in the five pillars of developments and their enablers including Small & Medium Scale Enterprises, Oil & gas, Trade & Commerce, Education, Agriculture, health and infrastructure among others, pointed out that his plans for agriculture has laid to the state raising two million palm seedlings in collaboration with an individual to plant cashew plantation in the 17 LGAs of the state and cashew nut processing plant is been built.

According to him, soon, Abia State will no longer import rice again as plans are on the way to

ÏÏÏ Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie

proving revenue collection processes to block leakages as well as ensure rapid improvements in road infrastructure at Aba and Umuahia as additional incentive for citizens and residents to pay all statutory revenue.

“Our target for 2017 is to hit N2.5 billion monthly IGR. When we came in, the internal revenue profile of the state stood at N500 million monthly. We have been working very hard on this, especially in Aba and as at today, we have hit the N1 billion. We are not satisfied yet. Our immediate target is to hit N2.5 billion by December 2017, so that we can be able to pay salaries without going to Abuja.”

According to him, “a businessman from Abia State is collaborating with

Ikpeazu, says the state is targeting N2.5 billion monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from December 2017.

Speaking during an interactive/ dinner session with some Abians in the diaspora at the Banquet Hall, Governor’s Lodge, Umuahia, Ikpeazu assured that the target will be met and informed the gathering that to enable the state meet this target, his government is committed to im-

Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

give grant of at least N20,000 to every rice farmer in Bende LGA and to build a rice processing mill to support rice production.

In road infrastructure, he informed his guests that he has completed 18 roads in Aba alone, stressing that the emphasis in building Aba roads was intentional as fixing Aba would help Abia State get more money to do other places, revealing that the idea has been yielding results as the state’s IGR has risen to N1 billion monthly.

The state, he said, targets N2.5 billion per month, adding that if it gets to that, the state would no

longer depend on federal allocation to pay salaries, disclosing that the state has received counterpart fund from the Universal Basic Education Commission to be used in fixing schools, assuring that the fund must be used accordingly.

For Trade & Commerce, Dr. Ikpeazu said that the Nigerian Army has ordered for the Abamade shoes for its men, stating that he was making efforts to ensure the state will be supplying Aba-made-shoes and uniforms to all security agencies in Nigeria as Aba was capable of doing that.

The Governor used the occasion to announce that next week, he would embark on town-hall meetings in the three Senatorial zones of the state to intimate Abians on how the state would spend the N10.6 billion Paris Club refund.

In their separate speeches, Prof.

Paul Nwulu and Dr. Godson Abraham among others expressed joy that the Governor was interested in collaborating with investors and Abians in Diaspora to bring about development in the state, while urging the Governor to ensure that every necessary thing was done to make business easier for people, including friendly environment and capacity building of the workers.

They also assured him of their support and called on all their colleagues to support the Governor’s vision.

the State Government to develop and commercialise the large cashew plantations around the Umunneochi area. This man plans to establish cashew plantations across the state and build cashew processing plants to produce cashew for consumption”.

The Governor appealed to Abians in the Diaspora to support his government by investing at home, promoting made in Aba goods/services and representing the state well at their countries of residence.

Gov. Ikpeazu further implored them to avoid engaging in crimes as “crimes offer no sustainable benefit and as people of God’s own state we must live exemplary lives for others to emulate”.

Gov Ikpeazu

The Abia Times 2

News

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

N10b Paris Club refund: Govt searches for extra N700m to settle civil servants Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Abia State Government says it will

source for extra N700 million to augment the N5.3 billion to help offset the arrears owed workers in the state, adding that it has commenced the process of disbursing the N5.3 billion Paris club refund for payment of arrears of salaries owed workers in the state.

This, the Government said, will enable it pay primary and secondary school teachers two months’ salary arrears from the Paris inflow funds, latest by next week.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku, who disclosed this to newsmen, said this followed the resolution of the committee set up for that exercise, stating that the state government dedicated the N5.3billion, being 50 percent of the first tranche of the N10.6 billion Paris Club refund to pay arrears of salaries and pensions. He added that the NLC, TUC, and NUP were part of the committee that presided over the distribution of the fund.

The Finance commissioner, who commended the leadership of the NLC in the state for shelving its planned industrial action, also stated that the state govern-

ment is in talks with NUT to suspend its proposed strike in the state.

According to him, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu increased the money from N5.3billion to N5.8 billion to enable the fund go round the MDAs, teachers, pensioners, including local government workers, while some MDAs will receive their leave allowances.

He explained that more than 300 local government workers were discovered to have been parading fake certificates, 3000 staff of the LGA were absent at the biometric exercise, while over 130 ghost workers were found to have been earning salaries based

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (left); his deput, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu (centre); and the Senator representing Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa at the burial of the late Abia State PDP treasurer, Chief Steve Omeoga, at his hometown, Ikpa Mgbelu Otampa, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of state at the weekend

Monarch prefers entrepreneurial skills to vehicles, tricycles empowerment by politicians ÏÏÏ

The Chairman, Umuahia South Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Godfrey Onwuka, has insisted that gaining entrepreneurial skill is far much better than empowering youths with vehicles, tricycles or bikes.

In a chat with newsmen in Umuahia, Eze Onwuka, who advised politicians to have a rethink and rebrand the old system of empowerment whereby they give out buses, cars, tricycles to youths and the unemployed in the name of empowerment in the guise to reduce social vices and unemployment in the society, said a youth who is educationally empowered or exposed to one skill or the other remains at a reasonable advantage than those empowered with vehicles.

He argued that some of those unemployed youths who were given cars as a source of empowerment hardly maintain, let along sustaining it and thinking of employing another.

He said a person that acquired skill has been packaged for selfsustaining and in the due course will employ one or two persons, thereby reducing the number of the unemployed in the community.

He said: “They should impart knowledge on them, not empowering them with bikes and cars. Impartation of knowledge changes human perception of life. Engaging them in skill acquisition is better instead of giving out bikes and cash as empowerment. I discourage such things”.

Eze Onwuka thanked God who brought his community peacefully to the year 2017, advising his subjects to do better in the New Year.

“Those things that are bad like gangsterism, cultism, drug abuse, etc., should be dropped.

They should look up to Christ in 2017. In the area of development, we can’t rely so much on government. There are things we need to do on our own as a community, as a people of like minds and cultural background. We should try and do those things on our own, then allow things like roads to the government. We should be able to get individuals who can sink boreholes for our community. As a community, we should be able to repair our schools, those ones that government cannot do. So I call upon my people to move a step or two in 2017,” the monarch said.

On the argument that unem-

ployment attributes to about 95 percent of social vices in the community, the Royal father said: “I don’t agree in totality. Unemployment plays a role in social vices associated with some youths in the community but then you discover that there are youths also who are not employed, yet you don’t find them into all these habits. So you cannot say it is unemployment in totality”.

Eze Onwuka, who called on the government to lay a good preparatory ground for children, passionately appealed to the state governments to pay teachers and give them other incentives that will motivate them.

The Towe I of Umutowe Autonomous Community, who commended President Buhari’s stand on local government elections, called for a fourth tier government to do more to development to the grassroots.

He said: “It will make development move down to the grassroots level. Traditional rulers know more of their people, their problems and other issues that needed urgent/adequate attention unlike those at the local government who are mainly politicians”.

on the bio-metric exercise embarked upon by the state government in the recent past.

He assured that the Paris club funds have been moved to the already existing banks for onward payment of salaries and pensions, stating that Gov. Ikpeazu does not toy with the welfare of Abia workers and pensioners.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General of the local government has been mandated to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the fake certificate, absence from biometric and ghost worker menace in the state with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

Foundation rescues farmers with N100m soft loans ÏÏÏ A

Non-Governmental Organisation, Adiaso Foundation, at the weekend, gave farmers in Abia State a lifeline of N100 million soft loans to enable them grow more food and fend for themselves.

This was part of a comprehensive welfare package, which included free medical services, higher education scholarships and the provision of rural infrastructure by the NGO. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony for the welfare schemes during the opening of his mother’s maternity home which he revived and upgraded it into an ultra-modern specialist hospital with modern equipment at Obieketa Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State in honour of his late mother, Lay Reader Mercy Adiaso, the Managing Director of Mayfair Project Limited, and the founder of the foundation, Chief Chamberlin Okechukwu Adiaso, said he had instituted several other foundations to cater to the need of the less privileged people in the society.

Chief Adiaso said the reason why the ultra-modern hospital was built in honour of Mercy Adiaso was because “We don’t want any of her legacies to die.

That is why we revived her maternity home and upgraded it into a specialist hospital with very modern equipment,” stating that he was also unveiling an education foundation which was giving out scholarships to indigent Abia State students.

According to the philanthropist who also held a memorial service for his late mother, the

agricultural loan scheme was disbursed through the Nma Abia Co-operative Society, adding, “I am the initiator of Nma Abia.

We gave out agricultural loans free of interest in 2016. There are so many young men and women who are loitering in the streets because they have no one who can give them even the sum of N20, 000 to support their education. We have set up an educational scheme that cuts across the length and breadth of Abia State.”

Chief Adiaso said that Nigeria needed leaders and not rulers, lamenting that the society was dominated by rulers who would rather be served than serve others, He said: “When you lead people, you don’t expect to gain anything for yourself but you work to touch the lives of as many people as possible.

“Leadership is all about living by example and doing things that will add value to the well-being of less privileged people. Apart from giving out agricultural loans and scholarships, I have also been engaged in upgrading infrastructure in the rural communities. I started grading roads in my local government area and beyond to help open up the rural areas and create access to the villages”.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director General, Think Nigeria First Initiative (TNFI), Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni, commended the achievements of Chief Adiaso, while advising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukwa Ngwa Local Government Area to imbibe the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari by electing leaders and not corrupt rulers.

News

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

3 Abia Times

Fourth-tier govt not necessary in Nigeria – Eze Iheuwa Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The various calls for the in-

stitutionalisation of traditional rulers as fourth-tier of government have been described as inappropriate.

This assertion came following the success of the local government election in Abia State and beyond and the subsequent call for a fourth tier government by some traditional rulers.

However, the traditional ruler of Umuokorodo Autonomous Community, Amachara, Umuahia, HRH Eze Akpunku Iheuwa, has described such calls as unthinkable.

Speaking in his palace, Eze Iheuwa said: “I don’t think there is need for fourth tier government made up of traditional rulers and the inhabitants of the autonomous communities where they rule.

“The autonomous community is part of the local government and the local government is part of the state, the state is part of the Federal Government. I do not see the need for a fourth tier of administration, to be administered by the traditional rulers”.

Eze Iheuwa said the tradition-

al rulers are exercising their powers under the aegis of the state governor who appointed them as traditional rulers, and “they cannot assume or claim to be a fourth tier government and it will be very unreasonable”.

The Royal father queried: “Who are they superintending over? They are superintending over a little unit. For example, there are about 13-14 autonomous communities in Umuopara clan and there are three clans in Umuahia South L.G.A - Umuopara, Ubakala and Olokoro. So how many 4th-tier governments will you get in Umuahia South?

I don’t think there is need for it.

“What a traditional ruler should do is to respect the governor that has appointed him and ensure that he succeeds in his operations and advise him where he feels he (the governor) is erring. There is no governor that will appoint a traditional ruler and deliberately tramp on his community”.

Eze Iheuwa said the recent local government election conducted in the state is very commendable.

He said: “In fact, the staff from the various local governments are commending it, that it will guarantee the payment of their

Abia State PDP Chairman, Johnson Onuigbo (right) and Mr. P.C Onyegbu during the burial of the late Abia State PDP treasurer, Chief Steve Omeoga, at his hometown, Ikpa Mgbelu Otampa, Isuikwuato Local Government Area at the weekend salaries as at when due, because the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will hands off the resources of the local government and it will come straight to the Chairman of the local government and they have the right to disburse the money the way they like and I am sure they will take charge of pensions too”.

On the allegations by the other political parties that the recent local government elec-

tion in the state was one sided and only PDP affairs, the traditional ruler who was once the Chairman of the then Ikwuano/ Umuahia Local Government Area, said: “The local government election was conducted by the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) and the results was announced by them and there is nothing that makes it impossible for a one party to win the whole local government. Noth-

ing makes it abnormal. Abia is a PDP administered area and if PDP won in all the seats in Abia, it is not surprising.

“What is important is the third tier in the local government should be given monetary autonomy, to enable them execute projects which they proposed. They should not be physically controlled by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs”, he further stated.

20 months at NASS: Sen. Orji lists achievements

ÏÏÏ Senator Theodore Orji has

listed erosion control at Emede and Umueze, rehabilitation of Umuahia/Ikot-Ekpene road, installation of transformers at Ahiaeke, Nvosi, Ikwuano and water boreholes at Osisioma as part of his achievements at the National Assembly.

According to his Media Aide, Obinna Don Norman, the immediate past governor of Abia State who is representing Abia Central Senatorial District at the Red chamber of the NASS, has also as part of his legislative oversights sponsored eight bills which are at various stages of passage in less than two years, a feat Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, had described as “very intimidating”.

In addition to these, Sen. Orji also introduced annual scholarship scheme worth N24 million for the physically challenged and indigent undergraduates which has so far produced 120

beneficiaries including a blind University of Nigeria (UNN) first class undergraduate, Mr. Mpama Frank Ifeanyi.

The less privileged, Norman said, were also not left out as 720 bags of rice were shared among the elderly and the widows, while buses, tricycles, grinding machines, motorcycles, sewing machines were donated to youths and artisans. 200 liquid fertilizers enough to boost 200 hectares of farmland were also given to farmers to boost agriculture in line with his political ideology.

He said Sen. Orji, who made this declaration while giving his scorecard to his constituents in Umuahia at the weekend, had said that with these, he has given good account of himself in his short stay at the Senate.

One of the bills, the Food Security Bill, was listed as one of the eight most important bills sponsored by senators in 2016.

Norman highlighted the Bills

sponsored by Sen. Orji to also include the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council Act Cap N 117 2004 Repeal and Reenactment Bill (1st Reading), with the objective to further encourage, promote and co-ordinate investment in the Nigerian economy; National Planning Process Bill

2015, SB.73 (1st Reading); and Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act CAP PD3 LFN 2004 (Amendment), Bill 2015 (SB – 11 9) (2nd Reading).

Others are the Nigerian Biodiversity Bill 2015 (SB 79), (1st Reading); Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration), Portfolio Designation Bill 2015 (1st Reading), Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), Bill 2015 (SB 78), (1st Reading); and a bill for an Act to Establish a Centre for Diseases Control and other Related Matters (1st Reading).

Abia PDP late Treasurer, Steve Omeoga buried amidst tears ÏÏÏ

The remains of late Chief Steve Omeoga, treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State, has been laid to rest at his hometown, Ikpa Mgbelu Otampa, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State amidst tears and encomiums.

Speaking during the funeral service held at St. Michael’s Methodist Church, Mgbelu Otampa, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described death as a harvest time, adding that “life does not consist of how long you lived but the impact you were able to make while you

were alive”.

He promised that in remembrance of the positive role the deceased played in the making of the 2015 political history of the state, he will rehabilitate the Amiyi-Otampa road and equally contribute in the completion of the St. Michael’s Methodist Church, Amiyi-Otampa.

In his condolence message, the State PDP Chairman, Chief Johnson Okebaram Onuigbo, said the deceased will be remembered as a humble, honest and forthright politician, who took delight in the goodwill of other people.

Earlier in his homily during the funeral service, the Archbishop of Umuahia, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Grace Most Rev. Chibuzo Opoko, charged the congregation to always strive to live good lives so that their deeds will always shine bright in the minds of people even when they are no more.

He also stressed the need for one to impact on the lives of those around them while alive, warning that anyone who is unprepared to meet his heavenly father would be taken unaware in the day of his death.

Abia Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Interview

Devt of small scale industries will create opportunity for specialisation, employment – Eze Onyegbule What’s your take on the economic recession currently plaguing Nigeria? ÏÏÏ My first university degree is in Economics and if you study Economics, you will see that one of the things you will learn is business circle. We have the business circle repeating itself in centuries, decades and all that. But you have a period of boom after which you will have a a trough, a decline.

Once it is there, there is no place to fall again and then the human mind that is at work; the individual, because they want to survive would become creative, looking for solutions on how to survive. That will lead to technological advancement as you have to improve on how you do things to survive at that stage and all that. So all these add up to kick the economy out of trough. Of course you need to have the right policies to encourage people. Just like what I said in my lecture, “Olokoro In The 21st Century: Prospects and Challenges in Development and Empowerment”, during the 2016 maiden conference of Olokoro Professionals’ Forum, it is about technology. Now, you are already in the pit and you want to come out, and so you must be creative. The question is how do I get out of this pit? As people deploy creativity, they find their way out of the trough, at that point in time you discover that you are at a higher level more than where you were before. Because you have used technology to solve the problem, it is just a circle, a business circle. The only thing is that government through its policies can manage it so that you don’t go and fall into the pit again. Government tries to manage it and all that and by the time you know it, it is inevitable. At times politicians politicise the whole thing, but business circle is not a political concept, it is an economics concept.

What your view on the development of clusters of small scale industries?

Development of small scale industries will create the opportunity for specialisation and employment. And if they provide employment, that means they contribute more to the development of the economy. The importance of employment is that you pay salaries and the people spend the money, taking care of themselves, pay school fees and all that and at the national level,

HRH Eze Chris .N. Onyegbule (Ph.D.) is the traditional ruler of Amangwo-Olokoro autonomous community, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. In this chat with SUNDAY NWAKANMA in Umuahia, the chartered tax practitioner and traditional ruler touched on issues bordering on tax, economic recession and small scale industries, stating that the development of small scale industries will create the opportunity for specialisation and employment. Excerpts:

Eze Onyegbule when you add all that (gains of having clusters of small scale industries), you will see that the economy is moving. If people are not employed, it means that the level of demand will be very low and it will affect every other thing. The big companies are fed by the smaller ones with raw materials, and so that is the advantage of having small scale industries all over the place. We are looking up to government for everything, which is not bad but I think we should play our own part. If you look up there (pointing towards the back of his house), I have a garden there and a small poultry. Every morning I go there to water the plants especially the ‘ugu’ and all those kind of things. By the time we are able to provide all these kinds of things for ourselves, the pressure on government will reduce. Even from such level of small scale businesses, people will be able to solve certain problems and government will generate revenue. It will not be a question of talking of the oil sector providing more than 80 percent of employment and revenue, but it will now be reversed to the extent that 75 percent of the revenue of the federation is

contributed by the small scale industries. It will also reduce crime rate because people have something to do. Though some will still take to crime but many people will not be tempted to take to the bad sector, the criminal subsector of the economy. So if I have a message for the people, I will say, individuals should try as much as possible to be self-sustaining. Educational sector should be slightly restructured especially the practical aspect of it, so that people would be able to acquire entrepreneurial skills, go to the universities, set up their own companies and in so doing, they will employ others. The question of having millions of people churned out of the universities without jobs will not be there.

How would you rate the economy, policies on ground and the growth of small scale industries in Nigeria?

We are drawing the attention of the government to that sector so that they can come up with policies that will make small scale industries thrive. As a tax person, I know that there are a lot of incentives for small scale industries. I believe also that other regulatory bodies like the

Ministry of Industry and others will also have such incentives.

All they need is to stir them up, since the oil sector has virtually crashed, though it may rise one day but the emphasis on it was misplaced, just one product- mono cultural system and it is not the best. It is not even that we were refining it here, in which case we would have had all the backwards and forward cases and all that. We were refining it outside, so once you had any problem outside, it will affect everything and that is what has happened to us.

What’s your take on the poor performance of small scale industries and Nigerians reference for foreign made goods?

If you look at the population, I don’t think that the percentage that consumes foreign products is high. It is just that it provided a means for people to do business and take the hard earned currency out of the country.

But I am not sure that majority of the people consume foreign products. For example, in my community, Olokoro, how many people do that? I am just using Olokoro as a typical example.

It may not be more than ten percent, or don’t you think so?

The foreign rice they are talking about, how many people eat it?

It is only in the urban areas and how many people live in the urban areas? Not up to 90 percent of Nigerians live in the urban area.

There is fear among local manufacturers over possible increase in tax payments as a result of high campaigns for Made-in-Nigeria products; is the fear justified?

I think people are scared maybe because of the experience they had in the past but the question to ask is why do you pay tax? It is compulsory to enable government provide social services and the infrastructure the people need. So what they should be after is the issue of accountability. You have to be accountable.

If we pay tax, you must provide those services and by providing it, the cost of production may even go down. So they shouldn’t actually be afraid of paying tax.

What they should be asking for is that the proceeds from the tax

collected are properly utilised.

For example, if they have good roads, it is not just about making the journey faster, the wear and tear on your vehicles and shoes you wear also reduce. People shouldn’t be afraid of paying tax.

What they should watch out for or what should be their concern is to ensure that the tax is properly utilised. People talk about too much tax here but when you look at the index, you discover that in the whole world, Nigeria is one of the poorest tax compliant nations. It is not really true that we are paying too much tax, we don’t really do. It is not true.

What is the way out of the present economic recession?

In order to come out from economic recession, we should improve on how we do thing. Even when you are technologically advanced, it will get to a point when that particular technology cannot carry you. So you just have to improve it. Take for example, manufacturers of soft drinks.

Some of them are using some technologies that are more than 30 years. It will get to a point it can no longer sustain you, all you have to do is to improve. There is also competition anyway. Some other people are moving up and if you don’t move with them, you will have problem and the cost of production will be higher for you. If the cost of production is high, you won’t run profitably.

That is when you find out that in most cases, the goods that are imported from technologically advanced countries are cheaper. They are cheaper because it is about mass production. It is about technologically advanced means of production and so they are cheaper.

If you want to get out of recession, you must be creative, do things differently that will improve your production process, so gradually you get out of the pit. It may take time. I like to discuss recession from economic point of view. Recession is not something new. You have had recession last 100 years, great depression and all those kind of things. So what we should even do is to study how the economies that survived then came out of it. Simply, it is by improved means of production.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

SEC extends free E-dividend registration till June 30

Page B2

Automotive policy to bolster sector’s growth - Ngige Page B6

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Oil exports cheating: FG sues Total, Chevron, others

Page B8

NSE summons 67 companies to clarify membership status Bonny Amadi The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as part of its effort to validate and authenticate membership status of all of its dealing members has given notice to 67 companies to appear

before its council in order to clarify their membership of the exchange. .Secretary of the NSE council, Mojisola Adeola, said in a “Notice to Appear” released to the general public recently, the companies affected have the

right to nominate any of their directors, CEO or official to represent them at the hearing, but failure to appear would not prevent the council from taking decisions and issuing such directives as it deems fit.

According to the Exchange,

the proposed hearing is in pursuance of the dealing members rule and the memorandum and articles of association of the NSE. The hearing also is to enable the dealing members affected whose dealing members licence

were revoked by the NSE between 1996 and 2007 to show cause why they should not be expelled as members of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, pursuant to Rule 6:4 (d) of the rule CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Ismail Omamegbe, Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, FirstBank; Muyiwa Majekodunmi, Vice-President & Administrator, Down Syndrome Foundation; Yinka Ogunmoyela, Chief Compliance Officer, FirstBank; Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Volunteer and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Down Syndrome Foundation; Deola Ajala, Accounts Manager, Down Syndrome Foundation and Solomon Idowu, Area Compliance Officer, FirstBank during presentation of household and food items by FirstBank to the Down Syndrome Foundation ...recently.

Simon Ugwu The National Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has called on the government to look into pricing

BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

NALPGAM calls for domestic pricing of LPG the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) meant for domestic use on domestic price.

The association made this call through the National President, Mr. Basil Ogbuanu, in an exclusive interview with Daily Times in Lagos.

“The NLNG that is supplying it today is supplying under what we call domestic LPG scheme

where a particular quantity is made available for domestic use. We are suggesting if it is possible for them to give us also what we call domestic pricing.

So that, that one that has been earmarked for domestic use will also be priced with Naira. Even though we are paying in Naira but it is in International Market price. This is not a dollarized

economy and this is Nigerian product,” he further stated.

“We are suggesting that either NLNG or the government should intervene because this is the easiest way to get out of this price issue otherwise when there is winter in Europe the price increases in Europe and you and I who are stakeholdCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Economy: High yields bond to cast shadow on equities market – Analyst Bonny Amadi Equities market performance in 2017 would be dictated in the first half (H1) of the year by economic direction of the nation as well as the bond market.

The readjustment to stability CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

NALPGAM calls for domestic pricing of LPG CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

ers of this products will be paying for what is happening in Europe. In my own opinion, it makes no sense to Nigerian people. The government needs to come in and look at it since it has structured a way that there is a quantity made available for domestic use let there be also a domestic price,” he said.

Mr. Ogbuanu further called for the rehabilitation of the two moribund companies building cylinders in Nigeria in order to assist Nigerians at the entering point of gas usage.

“Entering point means for someone to start using gas, he/she needs to buy cylinder, cooker, regulator, and so on, and

these products are not produced in Nigeria. When entering cost is taken away, more people will start using gas in Nigeria. So, the government should look at the cost of entering so that Nigerians can be encouraged like what happened in Indonesia, where the government asked the citizenry to bring their stoves and take cookers.”

He pointed out that there were two major cylinder producing company in Nigeria, but today they are moribund. According to him, if the government can intervene and revive these industries to start producing cylinder in Nigeria, this will save the foreign exchange spent on importing the items. “If we are

talking about 50 million Nigerians using gas, we will talk about bringing in more 40 million cylinders into the country. But if we are manufacturing in Nigeria, it will save the nation hard earned foreign exchange and also provide employment for the teeming youth unemployed, ” he argued.

But in a short run, he said before we start producing in Nigeria, the items should be dutyfree for about five years to develop and deepen this industry.

“We have made the presentation to the government before now.

When more people go into the usage of gas government will earn more revenue.”

SEC extends free E-dividend registration till June 30 SEC DG Gwarzo

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said it will continue to underwrite the cost of E-Dividend enrolment till 30th June, 2017.

The SEC which also affirmed that over the sum of N30b has so far been paid to investors in the Nigerian capital market from the backlog of unclaimed dividends extended the registration period as a means to further reduce the unclaimed dividends profile and curb its growth in the country.

According to a statement by the SEC “With a view to ensur-

ing all investors benefit from the E-Dividend programme free of charge, the SEC had committed to pay the cost of enrolment throughout the year 2016, and had resulted in getting about 48% of investors to enroll for the e-dividend payments. Arising from this exercise, over N30 Billion which was hitherto unclaimed have so far been credited to respective Bank Accounts of Investors.

Therefore, the advantage of the e-dividend is not only to enable investors collect subsequent dividends electronically

but it allows all accrued dividends be credited to investors’ Bank Accounts.

The Commission has however observed with concern the challenges being experienced by investors in the course of the e-Dividend registration and therefore commits to further defray the cost of registration till June 30th, 2017 to enable investors continue to enjoy the free registration” the SEC stated.

The SEC also reminded the investing public that at the expiration of the free registration period, Dividend warrants

Economy: High yields bond to cast shadow on equities market – Analyst CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

and growth expected in second half of 2017 would, however, be determined by stability driven by expected readjustment by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on monetary and fiscal policies.

Investmentone research titled ‘Nigeria’s macro and market 2017 outlook’ made available to Daily Times Nigeria expressed concern that the weak economic outlook and high -yields in the fixed income space will continue to cast a shadow on equities’ performance in H1 2017.

Though the Investment research company noted that growth drives such as a boost in crude oil prices, foreign exchange inflow from borrowings and expected early passage of the budget would impact positively on the equities market, yet, corporate earnings would continue to diminish, reflecting the fragile macro environment.

The multiplier effect of the weak operating environment in 2017 first half, noted the analysts, would translate to subdued All Share Index (ASI) in the Q2 accounting period.

“Beyond H1 2017, we expect some stability supported by our expectation that the apex bank may be compelled to adopt a more accommodative stance and a shift in the FX regime” InvestmentOne noted.

The company while stressing that challenge facing the consumer goods sector pacing into the Q2, fingered few two stocks, NB and Nestle as resilient to the sector’s headwinds over medium term basis, fingered cement companies and the banking subsector as the expected driver of the market.

According to the report, the prospect for recovery in eco-

nomic output remains dim given the combination of unresolved crisis in the Niger Delta, a challenging business environment, pressured consumer wallet, inconsistencies in policies and weakened investors’ confidence.

These factors would determine the market direction in the first half of the year as well as the second half. H1 2017 economic output, the report pointed would reflective foreign exchange shortages and weak investors’ confidence, irrespective of the potential for early passage of the budget and improvement in government spending.

“We expect oil sector output to remain sub-optimal asgovernment grapples with security challenges in the oil -rich region. However, government revenue may be supported by rising crude oil prices, borrowings and blockage of revenue leakages” Increased revenue , noted the report, will support government’s increased spending through capital projects expected to spur activities in the construction and real estate sectors having recorded declines in the past six quarters.

Projecting 2 per cent growth in economic output in 2017, in line with Moody’s earlier forecast of growth by 2.5 per cent, InvestmentOne noted that the manufacturing and trade sector activities are likely to remain uninspiring, dragged by poor access to FX, while the economy would sustain continued improvement in resilient sectors like Agriculture and ICT hence demand for local agricultural output and government efforts at diversifying the economy further serve as tonic.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

B3 Money Market

Nigeria’s economic growth rate to hit 0.8% in 2017 - IMF Stories by Motolani Oseni

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected hike in the Nigeria’s economic growth rate in 2017 to .8 percent from the 0.2 percent that the Fund had projected for the country last October.

In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF said its forecasts for Nigeria were revised up mainly to reflect high oil production due to security improvements in the country.

The Fund also revised its forecast for Nigeria in 2018 to 2.3 percent from its previous projection of 0.7 percent. The projections came about a week after the World Bank released its January 2017 Global Economic Prospects report, corroborating projections by the Federal Government that Nigeria will exit recession this year.

The World Bank stated in its report that: “Growth in South Africa is expected to edge up to a 1.1 percent pace this year. Nigeria is forecast to rebound from the recession and grow at one percent pace. Angola is projected to expand at a 1.2

percent pace.”

However, in its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF stated that although economic activity is projected to pick up the pace in 2017 and 2018, especially in emerging market and developing economies after a lacklustre 2016.

“There is a wide dispersion of possible outcomes around the projections, given the uncertainty surrounding the policy stance of the incoming U.S. administration and its global ramifications.”

According to the Fund, economic activity in both advanced economies and emerging markets developing economies is forecast to accelerate in 2017–18, with global growth projected to be in line with its October forecasts at 3.4 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively.

The IMF, however, noted that while outlook for advanced economies has improved for 2017–18, reflecting stronger activity in the second half of 2016, as well as a projected fiscal stimulus in the United States, growth prospects have marginally worsened for emerging market and developing economies, where financial conditions have generally

ment Bank), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Agence Française de Development (French Development Agency).

The bank is also finalizing agreements with the European Investment Bank (EIB).

To provide clarification, the operations of the DBN will not in any way, result in the elimination of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) or any other existing development bank as the operations of the bank is clearly distinct from other development banks as it is focused on supporting small businesses defined by size and not by sectors.

The DBN, will provide loans to all sectors of the economy including, manufacturing, services and other industries not currently served by existing development banks there-

Diamond Bank has so far given out a total of about N4 billion in the past eight years of its customer reward programme, Diamond Xtra-Savings promo.

Over 4,500 customers have been rewarded in the annual promotion, designed to reward loyal customers and encourage the savings culture among Nigerians. These disclosures were made at the weekend as 41 new winners emerged in the North Regional Draw Season 8, which held at the Nyanya branch of Diamond Bank.

Among the 41 win-

ners, 30 won cash of N500,000 each while ten went home with N1 million each, bringing the total cash haul to N35 million. The star prize of a Hyundai Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was won by Udochukwu Unigwe, one of the bank’s customers at the Jalingo Hamman Runway branch, Taraba State.

The 41 customers, including the star prize winner, participated in bank’s Xtra-Savings promotions for the northern region, comprising the 19 states in the zone and Abuja.

President Muhamadu Buhari

tightened primarily as a result of the sharp drop in commodity prices.

“For the countries hardest hit by the decline in commodity prices, the recent market firming provides some relief, but the adjustment to re-establish macroeconomic stability is urgent.

This implies allowing the exchange rate to adjust in countries not relying on an exchange rate peg, tightening monetary pol-

icy were needed to tackle increases in inflation, and ensuring that needed fiscal consolidation is as growthfriendly as possible.

“The latter is particularly important in countries with pegs, where the exchange rate cannot act as a shock absorber.

Over the longer term, countries highly dependent on one or a few commodity products should work to diversify their export bases,” the Fund stated.

Development Bank of Nigeria gets operational licence soon All seems set for the takeoff of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) as the Federal Ministry of Finance has confirmed the completion of the recruitment exercise for the Executive Management team.

The ministry has also formally applied for the issuance of its operational license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which is expected imminently.

The DBN was conceived in 2014. However, its takeoff had been fraught with delays. The Muhammadu Buhari administration inherited the project with a determination to resolve all outstanding issues and set a target of 2017 for its take-off.

The DBN will have access to N396.5 billion which has been jointly provided by the World Bank, KfW (German Develop-

Winners get N4bn in Diamond bank’s Xtra-Savings promo

Afdb President, Adesina

by filling an important gap in the provision of finance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

As a wholesale bank, the DBN will lend wholesale to Microfinance Banks which will on-lend medium to long-term loans

to MSMEs. The MSMEs contribute about 48.47 per cent to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Nigeria but have access to only about 5 percent of lending from Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

Stanbic IBTC provide solutions to school fees payment burden Stanbic IBTC Bank has provided a solution to help parents minimize financial burden as schools reopen for a new term.

The bank is encouraging parents to take advantage of its bouquet of payment solutions to assist its customers. The solutions include Short Term Loans, Salary Advance (SALAD) for salaried workers, and Credit Cards that parents can take advantage of to pay the school fees of their children/wards without negatively impacting the family income.

The lender said its prepaid cards are available to load pocket money for children/wards, while the credit cards, which currently offer a 55-day interest moratorium, can be used to seamlessly pay school fees. The school fees payment solutions underline the importance the financial institution attaches to education, it added.

Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Mr. Babatunde Macaulay, said the educational development of children is the key to unlocking a prosperous future for the family and the bank is desirous to offer the necessary assistance to parents/

guardians to ensure they bequeath their children this important legacy.

“Stanbic IBTC understands the pivotal role education can play in transforming a society, which is why we have developed these products tailored to the needs of our customers as they endeavour to provide quality education for their children/wards,” Macaulay said.

Other benefits of the school fees loans, according to Macaulay, include low-interest rates, access to a revolving line of credit, flexible repayment terms and the opportunity to access credit up to 100% of the customer’s income.

With schools resuming for a new term, the school fees loans will help to alleviate the financial burden parents and guardians may face in paying school fees.

On how to access the products, Macaulay said the beneficiary must be a salary account holder with Stanbic IBTC Bank after which the customer can walk into any branch of the bank and apply for any of the loans in a few easy steps. The application is then processed within one week and the customer is contacted with feedback.

B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

D aily M ark e t Ro u n d U p Price (N) 1.19 2.80 10.14 0.80 6.89 3.44 15.90 255.09 3.15 15.82

Price Ch g % 7.2 % 4.5 % 4.3 % 3.9 % 3.0 % 2.4 % 2.1 % 2.1 % 1.9 % 1.9 %

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V olu m e Tick er V olu m e (m) DIA M O N D BN K 38.7 FIDELITYBK 29.6 ST A NBIC 12.0 A CCESS 11.1 FC M B 10.7 UB A 10.1 TRA NSC ORP 8.4 UC AP 6.4 GLA X OSMITH 6.4 FBN H 5.8 To p 10 Tr a d es b y V alu e

Price Ch g % 7.2 % 0.0 % 1.9 % 3.0 % 0.0 % 0.2 % 0.0 % 1.5 % 0.0 % 0.0 %

Price (N) 8.11 285.40 1.48 0.88 69.99 107.00 1.06 2.62 0.52 4.91

Price Ch g % -4.9 % -4.9 % -4.5 % -4.3 % -4.1 % -3.9 % -3.6 % -3.3 % -1.9 % -1.8 %

Tick er ST A NBIC SEPLA T GLA X OSMITH NB A CCESS ZENITHB A N K G U ARA N TY UB A DIA M O N D BN K W APC O

Price Ch g % 1.9 % 0.0 % 0.0 % -0.1 % 3.0 % 2.1 % 0.0 % 0.2 % 7.2 % 0.0 %

To p 10 G ain ers

0.2 % It w as a p ositive tra din g d ay f or t h e Nig eria n e q uities as th e A ll Sh are In d ex (ASI) a d d e d 18b ps t o close a t 26,373.83 p oin ts. Co nse q u e n tly, m ark e t p erf orm a nce w as drive n by f urt h er g ains in Tier-1 le n d ers

ZE NIT H (+2.1 %),

ETI (+4.3 %) a nd A CCESS (+2.9 %). M ark e t activity h o w ever re m ain e d mixe d as volu m e tra d e d im prove d by 17.1 % t o se t tle a t 174.0m u nits w hile valu e tra d e d f ell 68.7 % t o se t tle a t N1.2b n.

Ba n kin g Sect or Le a ds Sect or G ain er f or t h e 4t h Co nsecu tiv e Sessio n A ll sect or in dices close d lo w er save f or t h e Ba n kin g in d ex, u p 1.3 % d u e to active b uyin g in ZE NIT H (+2.1 %), ETI (+4.3 %) a n d

A CCESS (+2.9).

Co n trari w ise, Insura nce a n d O il & G as in dices close d 0.6 % lo w er a piece, dra g g e d by losses in C O N TINSURE (-3.6 %), W APIC (-1.9 %), T O T AL (-4.9 %) a n d F O RTE (-0.6 %). Similarly, t h e Co nsu m er G o o ds in d ex (-0.4 %) close d in

Tick er DIA M O N D BN K N A HC O ETI STERLN B A N K A CCESS ETERN A ZENITHB A N K M O BIL A FRIPRU D ST A NBIC To p 10 Losers Tick er NCR TOTAL CUTIX A GLEVEN T G UIN NESS 7UP C O NTINSURE U A C-PROP W APIC UBN

V alu e (m) 185.6 166.6 101.7 95.1 75.4 57.0 55.2 50.1 44.9 36.6

NSE A ll Sh ar e In d e x

29,000

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

12,000

t h e re d f or t h e 10t h co nsecu tive sessio n o n t he b ack o f sell-o f fs in G UIN N ESS (-4.1 %) a nd 7 UP (-3.9 %) w hile t h e In d ustrial G o o ds in d ex close d fla t.

28,000

10,000

27,000 8,000

M ark e t Bre a d t h Im pro v es Invest or sen tim e n t im prove d as m ark e t bre a d t h stre n g t h e n e d t o 1.1x (17

26,000 6,000

a dva ncing st ocks a g ainst 15 d eclin ers) rela tive t o 0.8x in t he previo us sessio n.

Th e b est p erf ormin g st ocks w ere DI A M O N D (+7.2 %), N A H C O (+4.5 %) a n d ETI (+4.3 %) w hile N CR (-4.9 %), T O T A L (-4.9 %) a n d C U TIX (-4.5 %) w ere t h e w orst p erf orm ers. Y est erd ay in t erest in b a n kin g st ocks w hich h as sust ain e d u p tre n d f or 4 co nsecu tive

25,000 4,000 24,000 2,000

23,000

sessio n d u e t o ch e a p valu a tio n a n d b arg ain h u n tin g. W e d o n o t exp ect t h e 16-Jan

13-Jan

10-Jan

07-Jan

04-Jan

01-Jan

29-Dec

26-Dec

23-Dec

20-Dec

17-Dec

`

14-Dec

11-Dec

08-Dec

05-Dec

02-Dec

29-Nov

26-Nov

23-Nov

20-Nov

t h e m acro-eco n o mic sp ace re m ain u n a d dresse d.

22,000 17-Nov

p ositive se n tim e n t o n b a n king st ocks t o b e sust ain e d f or lo n g as pressure in

M acro eco n o mic Gist

Term of t h e d a y D e m u t u aliz a tio n is w he n a m u t u al com p a ny o w n e d by its Fin a ncial users/m e m bCrises ers co nverts in t o a com p a ny o w n e d by sh are h old ers. In ef f ect, t h e users/m e m b ers exch a n g e t h eir A fin a ncial crisisf or is ash sitares u a tioin n int hwehich t hu e tvalu e oefdfin a ncial rig h ts o f use dem u aliz com p a instit ny u tio ns or asse ts dro ps ra pidly. A fin a ncial crisis is o f t e n associa te d w it h a p a nic or a run o n t h e b a n ks, in w hich invest ors sell o f f asse ts or w it h dra w m o n ey fro m savin gs acco u n ts w it h t h e exp ect a tio n t h a t t h e valu e o f t hose asse ts w ill dro p if t h ey re m ain a t a fin a ncial instit u tio n.

Th e N a tio n al Burea u o f Sta tistics rele ase d D ece m b er 2016 Co nsu m er Price In d ex re p ort. Th e re p ort sh o w e d a f urt h er rise in Y-o-Y H e a dlin e In fla tio n (by 7b ps) t o 18.55 % in D eca M-o-M b asis, t h e CPI rose 1.1 % in D ece m b er rela tive t o 0.8 % in N ove m b er.

W e exp ect e n ergy prices a nd FX ra t e m ove m e n t p ass-thro u g h o n im p ort e d Fo o d ite ms t o rem ain a driver o f in fla tion in 2017. N o n e t h eless, w e f orecast H e a dlin e In fla tio n t o dro p by minim u m 3 p erce n t a g e p oin ts by ye ar e nd 2017 d u e t o hig h-b ase f act or

Labour B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Automotive policy to bolster sector’s growth - Ngige

Stories by Joy Ekeke

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, tive policy will help to accelerate growth in the sector when fully implemented.

Dr. Ngige noted that the policy will bolster backward integration, diversification, revitalize the automotive industry, generate both direct and indirect employment, alleviate poverty, and create wealth.

The minister, was represented

by Wole Shadow at the Automobile, Boatyards, Transport Equipment, Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE) Extra Triennial National Delegate Conference in Lagos, tagged “The National Automobile Policy: What does the future hold for workers?”

According to Ngige, the automobile industry plays both strategic and catalytic role in economic development, particularly in employment creation and wealth generation. “The automotive policy is a right step in the right direction.”

“It is in the light of the foregoing that I enjoin all to support the government at all levels in general in the fight against unemployment in all ramifications through robust union policies, observance of due process and strict adherence to trade disputes act in the settlement of industrial disputes. of the occasion, Comrade Sunday Salako, represented by Comrade Yekeen Shittu said the industry will create significant good quality employment and a wide range of technologically advanced manufacturing opportunities. ”This industrial base can then form the foundation of other modern advanced manufacturing activities. For example, commercial vehicle, production will lead to the manufacture of agriculture, mining and railway equipment, mili-

tary hardware, and transport.”

“The policy can be more beneficial only if it can focus on dominating a certain part of the automotive industry, a part that is preferably labour intensive and one that the general population will have a natural advantage in. The tyre manufacturing part of the industry is the most likely candidate. It is relatively labour intensive. We have a natural advantage in the sense that we have a local rubber industry. It is a relatively simple process without the need for massive technology transfer.”

The National President of AUTOBATE, Comrade Edeki Osumah, ic approach to building the future of AUTOBATE. The first is to dedicate a large trunk of our budget to programmatic education. We will make sure that in every major meeting of the union, an educative programme

is ensued. This will help in arming the leaders of the union in intellectual and programmatic approach to labour and political education.

Also, we will decentralize our education programmes to the branch and the factory level to make sure our educational policy is robust and grass rooted.”

“Our target majorly in organizing is to reach three-quarters of our organizing ratio. We are at a less than average percentage now, and this is not good for us considering the expected boom in the industry where over 22 Motor Assemblies have been registered, and the Auto policy seems so promising. It is so gospel to us that our secretariat has been up and doing in engaging with the tenets and tits bits of the policy.

And creditably, we sit atop of the opinion moulding when it comes to the adoption and implementation of the Auto Policy, “he said.

Ngige

Union adverse to planned NRC concessions

The Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR) has kicked against the proposed concession of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as it would lead to job losses.

The union harboured reservations that public assets could be sold off without appropriate technical valuation and labour disengagement.

Its Secretary-General, Mr. Segun Esan, who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos, noted that concessions had reinforced underdevelopment, and encouraged massive unemployment with corruption.

He said the system threatened the country’s security and existence.

According to him, the system and the policy of concessions had been consistently observed, and that assets of privatized enterprises had been deliberately undervalued.

He described the policy as an abuse of due process, characterized by corruption, which has affected the outcome of the exercise, adding that the Bureau of Public Entreprise has failed to exercise its oversight functions in the privatization process.

The House of Representatives had, at its plenary, moved to investigate the planned concession of the Nigerian Railways Corporation to General Electric, to avoid violating Nigeria’s privatization law.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government constituted a 20-member committee on the concessions of the Eastern and Western Lines of the Railways.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated the committee headed by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, at the Presidential Villa in August.

AUTOBATE elects Edeki Osumah as president The Automobile, Boatyards, Transport Equipment, Allied Senior Staff Associaelected Comrade Edeki Osumah as the National The election was held at its Extra Triennial National Delegates’ Conference in Lagos.

Sola Olorunfemi, Gen-

state of working people in Nigeria, stressed that the price rise of kerosene and other oil products and the devaluation of naira are products of anti-poor policies of government directly dictated from the political laboratories of Bretton Wood’s institutions like the World Bank and the

International Monetary Fund.

He added that labour centres are to collaborate with the civil society to build a collective fightback that would ameliorate the hardship that is currently bedevilling the country.

According to the Union, “AUTOBATE officially announced the new NJIC

agreements where we won a new minimum wage of N90,400 comprising basic salary; Transport and Housing Allowance. The union urged other workers in the auto, Boatyards, and transport equipment union now and enjoy the new minimum wage. filiate of the Trade Union

Congress (TUC) elected Comrade Edeki Osumah as National President from Niger dock Nigeria PLC-FZE Branch, Comrade Chidi Oparah as National Deputy President from Tata Africa Service sley Onwuemeodo as National Vice President of Motor Parts Industry Branch, Comrade Bola Adenuga as Treasurer

from Boulos Enterprises Limited Branch,Comrade Emmanuel Adeyemi as Auditor from Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited branch, Comrade (Mrs.) son Women Commission from Nigerdock Nigeria PLC-FZE Branch, Comrade Innocent Udomfuh as Trustee from Galba Nigeria Limited, Port Harcourt Branch.

Capital Market B7

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Julius Berger commences closed period trading Julius Berger Plc on Monday announced the commencement of the closed period for trading in the company’s shares.

Julius Berger’s notice filed on Monday through the Nigerian Stock Exchange and signed by Company Secretary, Mrs. Cecelia Ekanem Madueke therefore declared January 13, 2017 to January 27, 2017 as a closed period.

Julius Berger notified the investing public that its Board Audit Committee would meet on Thursday January 26th, 2017 to consider the results of the fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2016.

Meanwhile, a close peri-

od is a period, usually of two months, prior to the release of results during which directors and other insiders are not allowed to trade in a company’s shares. It is also usual for companies to refrain from making other price sensitive announcements (e.g. trading statements) during the close period.

The company said “In this closed period all who receive notice of the closed period in Julius Berger (Julius Berger includes Julius Berger Nigeria and all its subsidiaries) are considered “insiders” and under the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Act Cap C20, LFN, 2004

(“CAMA”), the rules and regulations of the securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (“The Exchange), are under restriction not to trade or deal in the equity of the company.”

A review of Julius Berger Nigeria 2016 half year (HY) results showed a 94 percent decline in the construction company’s profit after tax of N136.1 million.

The company’s unaudited financial statements for the six months period ended 30th June 2016 indicated that the company’s profit for the period fell from N2.3 billion recorded for the corresponding

period of year.

the previous

Profit before tax similarly dropped 93 percent to N272.2 million from N3.8 billion, revenue declined by 39 percent to N47 billion from N77.8 billion as Earnings per share stood at 10 kobo from N1.77 posted for half year period of 2015. The company’s net assets in the review period also dropped 10 percent to N22.4 billion from N24.9 billion in HY 2015.

According to the company’s results, the decline recorded, resulted from the slow pace of work in the period under review.

Stock market resumes week with N16.5 billion gain Stories by Afolabi Adesola Trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) resumed for the new week on a positive note with growth of 0.18 percent in the All Share Index (ASI) The ASI added 47.9 points to close at 26,373.83 points, having opened the week at 26,325.93 points. Market Capitalisation likewise rose to N9.074 trillion following an addition of N16.5 billion.

The market recorded 17 gainers and 15 losers. The price gainers table was led by Diamond Bank with 7.21 percent to close at N1.19, followed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) with an increase of 4.48 percent to close at N2.80, while Ecobank Transnational International (ETI) grew 4.32 percent to close at N10.14.

Also, Sterling Bank appreciated 3.90 percent to close at 80 kobo, and Access Bank gained 2.99 percent to close at N6.89.

The decliners table was led by NCR with 4.92 percent to close at N8.11, Total Oil dropped 4.87 percent to close at N285.40, Cutix depreciated 4.52 percent to close at N1.48, A.G. Leventis closed at 88 kobo after falling 4.35 percent and Guinness recorded a 4.15 percent loss to close at N69.99.

Volume of trade transacted by investors in 3,075 deals rose 17 percent from 148.6 million units recorded last Friday to 174.0 million units, while value traded decreased

NSE staff supports financial literacy via give back initiative Employees of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week embarked on a voluntary programme geared towards educating students with physical challenges on financial literacy.

The employees in commemoration of their annual give-back initiative volunteered their time and resources to mentor some students in select school under the Employee Volunteering Programme (EVP).

According to the Exchange, Students of Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired Children, Lagos, were recipients of the time and talents of the NSE employees as they were taught about the basics of financial literacy with the help of a sign language interpreter.

Charities in communities where the NSE Employees work and live also received donations of food and sundry items as part of the annual give-back initiative. In addition, they donated fire extinguishers, plastic chairs and bags of rice to the school.

For the employee give-

back initiative, NSE employees donated food items, clothes and sundry items to three charities namely The Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Agege, Lagos, Total Parental Guidance Orphanage, Ibadan, Oyo State and Christian Relief Fund Motherless Babies Home, Obosi, Anambra State. On selection of the charity homes, employees submitted their choice beneficiaries and a raffle draw was done to pick three recipients.

The Exchange, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy instituted an Employee Volunteering Scheme and Employee Give-Back Initiative in 2015, to encourage employees ‘give back” to the community whilst providing them with “hands on” experience and the opportunity to make worthwhile difference to their operating community.

For the flagship scheme, the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children., Lagos, Heart of Gold Children s Hospice, Lagos and Regina Mundi Home for the Elderly, Lagos were chosen as beneficiaries.

Summary of trading activities on NSE ASI

26,373.83

DEALS VOLUME

3,075.00 174,009,553.00

VALUE CAP

1,175,491,197.08 9,074,611,091,340.48

Fortis Micro Finance Bank appoints Victor Emerson as Company Secretary

Oscar

68 percent to N1.2 billion from N3.8 billion recorded previously.

Diamond Bank topped the activity chart for the day, with the sale of 38.7 million units of shares worth N44.9 billion. Fidelity Bank followed with 29.6 million shares worth N26.6 million, while Stanbic emerged the third most traded

stock for the day with approximately 12 million shares amounting to N185.6 million. Access Bank came fourth having traded 11.1 million units of shares valued at N75.4 million while FCMB was fifth with 10.7 million shares worth N13.6 million.

Fortis Micro Finance bank has announced the appointment of Mr. Victor Aderemi Emerson as its new Company Secretary.

The bank in a statement published by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) noted that Mr. Emerson who recently joined Fortis as company secretary and Head of Legal, is a lawyer with over 24 years’ experience as a private legal practitioner, law teacher and more- recently an in-house counsel in a career which cuts across both locally and internationally.

The company’s statement endorsed by its Executive Director Finance

and Operation, Pauli Isiguzo said “He is qualified to practice both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (Solicitor) and is also a chartered secretary, Arbitrator and a financial and investment analyst which all complements is core profession as a legal practitioner.

“He has brought on board a repertoire of experience in corporate and commercial matters having lectured at the University of Westminster, University of Manchester and the London Metropolitan University all in the UK for close to ten years and having practiced in both Nigerian and in the UK.

Energy Opeoluwani Akintayo A Federal High Court yesterday in Lagos granted the Federal Government’s application to amend processes in its suit against Total Nigeria Plc over alleged under-declaration of crude oil exports.

The plaintiff (FG) had sued Total Nigeria Plc, alleging that it under-declared the volume of crude oil it shipped out of the country between January 2011 and December 2014.

The plaintiff accused the oil company of short-changing it to the tune of 245 million dollars by allegedly shipping several barrels of crude oil out of Nigeria without making due remittance to the Federal Government.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, Mr. Charles Nwabulu, announced appearance for the plaintiff, while Mr. H. Abudulkareem, appeared for the defendant.

Nwabulu had notified the court of a motion seeking a leave of the court to amend its pleadings.

He said the plaintiff had written to the court on Dec. 9, 2016, and had filed an affidavit of urgency to enable it to apply for the hearing of its motion to amend its processes.

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Oil exports cheating: FG sues Total, Chevron, others Nwabulu said his application was premised on the provisions of Order 17, Rules 1, 2, and 3 as well as Section 36 of the 1999 constitution.

He urged the court to grant the plaintiff ’s application for an amendment.

In response, the defence counsel, Abdulkareem, said he was not opposed to the application for an amendment, but urged the court to put it on record that the plaintiff had made several amendments in the suit.

He noted that the amendments of plaintiff ’s processes had foisted it on the defence counsel to make a consequential amendment to its statement of defence, adding that the same should be put on record.

Defence counsel also said upon granting amendment of the plaintiff ’s processes, a time frame should be given the defence counsel to regularize its statement of defence.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun

Kachikwu

enquired from counsel to the plaintiff how many times he had amended his processes and was told only twice.

In a short ruling, the court granted the plaintiff ’s motion and adjourned the case to March 23.

Similarly, a similar suit between the Federal government and Chevron Nigeria Ltd was also called up yesterday.

Mrs. Miannaya Essien (SAN) had announced appearance for the defendant, while Nwabulu also appeared for the federal gov-

ernment.

Nwabulu had also made a similar application for amendment of plaintiff ’s processes before the court.

He said: “My Lord, we have four motions in court and we had written a letter dated Dec. 9, 2016, with an affidavit of urgency informing the court of our motion if it pleases your lordship.”

Justice Olatoregun abruptly cut in, saying “it does not please me”.

She instantly chided plaintiff ’s counsel for showing what she described as “unseriousness” in the suit, adding that the case had been on for a long time with no remarkable progress.

She noted that the case was adjourned until today for the commencement of trial, and asked the plaintiff for its witnesses.

The judge frowned at the habit of “pushing processes” instead of focusing on the business of the day, saying “it is an unacceptable practice.”

OPEC, IEA, IEF, hold 3rd symposium on gas, coal market outlook

Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry (l) with Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC Secretary General, recently.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Energy Forum (IEF) have held the 3rd Symposium on Gas and Coal Market Outlooks. The conference held in Paris recently with the purpose of exchanging views and comparing outlooks for natural gas and coal markets in the short, medium and long term.

The meeting, held under Chatham House Rules, counted more than 80 participants, including experts, government officials, business leaders and representatives from the gas

International crude oil market sales update: How Angola crude outsold Nigeria’s Reports emerging from international crude oil market sales say Angolan oil is getting all sold out when compared to that of Nigeria.

According to statistics, Angola cargoes were largely sold out for February loading, while ample supply of light crude, sweet crude, and uncertainty of

loading dates are negatively affecting Nigerian crudes.

According to CLOV and Girassol traders, just two cargoes of Angolan February loading crude were still available as on Friday.

Angolan state oil firm, Sonangol, was also sold out, having sold a cargo of Girassol load-

ing on Feb. 19-20 and a cargo of Palanca. The Girassol was offered at dated Brent minus 10 cents.

However, for Nigerian crude, a large number of unsold February-loading cargoes are still left without buyers.

According to one trader, “the number of available cargoes is

in the high 20s, down from an estimate of about 30 on Wednesday”.

Nigeria’s highest grade, Qua Iboe, was last sold at dated Brent plus 75 cents.

According to sources, the deals being presented to buyers now are lower than Brent plus 75 cents which it was last sold for.

and coal industries.

The first session focused on recent gas market developments and future prospects.

It addressed the challenges of investing in a low-price environment and an oversupplied market and considered broader structural changes that could lead to more flexible contracts and alternative pricing mechanisms.

The second session focused on coal market developments and looked at a variety of topics including the impact on the coal market of the recent Paris Agreement, as well as developments in Asian coal demand and supply.

The last session of the day focused on the long-term sustainability of the coal and gas industries, particularly in the context of the growth in alternative fuels. Participants looked at the competition between gas and coal, as well as the competition with renewables, and explored the prospects for expanded use of new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

The Symposium, which has been held previously in 2012 and 2014, started after G20 leaders meeting during the 2011 Cannes

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Naomi Mac:

On style, growing up in Ajegunle……

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

My selling point is my small stature -Naomi Mac For former Nigerian Idol Music challenge winner, Naomi Mac, her musical career has grown beyond her expectation with the general acceptance recorded since her debut into the music industry. With few smashing hit singles that have cut across all tribes, Naomi is enjoying her current celebrity status. Petite as you may want to call her, Naomi is big when it comes to stage craft and has proved her musical prowess in the quality of songs that she has released. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Naomi leads us into her musical world and fashion style, amongst others.

Simply gorgeous, it has to be Ankara prints; it has to be something that has to do with Africa somehow.

Makeup and dress, that will take about I have a small stature and I think I love it and it is a one hour 30 minutes selling point and I love myself like this and I believe actually one hour God has a reason for creating me like that. I call for my makeup and myself forever young.

30minutes for my dressing. love to stay on the beach and actually, I am learning to swim.

bikini. I will wear it in my private pool

Absolutely I think no regrets. If I had not gone down the have gotten to where I to you right now. So, no regrets at all and I think it was all planned.

Life&

T E A M

I really like that part, growing up was quite interesting. I actually grew up in Ajegunle, not the one in Ikorodu, but the real Ajegunle in Apapa. It was quite interesting to run around with the kids, it was really cool and I am glad I had the experience to. It added to who I am today. There are some things that you go through that can shape your future; my experience in Ajegunle really helped, growing Like I said before, it is my stature and my voice so a lot of people will say I am too small but mighty, I up was fun. had to correct that statement that it is actually small Take away the music from Naomi, who is Naomi? and mighty it is an addition am really happy for that.

Naomi is a stylist, fashion designer and hairstylist and an actor, thespian a theater practitioner

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

L3 Eyola

Boost Your Confidence 1ne

2wo

3hree

4our

5ive

6ix

7even

8ight

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, January 17, 2017