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Miss Nigeria 2016: Who wears 12the crown?

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Yuletide: NCAA steps up monitoring of airlines Ï Gives Arik clean bill of health Ï Air travellers groan under poor services Ï Scarcity of aviation fuel worsens Ï Air Peace commences flight to Uyo

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) aviation safety inspectors (ASI) has embarked on increased surveillance on airline operations to ensure their daily ramp inspections are diligently car-

Cross section of the Orchestra during the 2016 Christmas Concert organised by The Apostolic Faith Church, Anthony Village, Lagos… on Sunday.

ried out so as not to leave room for anyone to cut corners during the Yuletide.

The apex aviation agency, therefore, warned all industry stakeholders to avoid anti-competitive practices in the sector, expressing concern over recent cases of Continued on page 6

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Nigeria to get 3m Euros from Germany for military equipment 130 transmission projects abandoned since 2002, says official 12

Rivers people won’t partake in police probe 5 –Wike

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Senate vs SGF: Saraki, Dogara should first resign, say Arewa Youths 11

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Page Four

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Editorial Nigerians and access to safe water

T

he saying that water is life holds true for every society. In fact, life on earth will cease to exist in the absence of water. That is why the resource always takes the pride of place in the development templates of governments all over the world. The usefulness of water is made more imperative by that fact that it covers 70 percent of the earth’s surface. Unfortunately, the provision of potable water to Nigerians has not received the attention and urgency it deserves by successive administrations in the country.

Such lack of investment in this critical resource has continued to impact negatively on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 66 million Nigerians lack access to safe water, while 110 million do not have improved sanitation. Consequently, about 150,000 children under the age of five die annually from diarrhea related diseases that are mostly traceable to unsafe drinking water. The situation is more even more depressing in the rural areas where polluted ponds and stream water remain, the only sources of water for drinking and other household chores.

Statistics from the World Health Organisation reveal that Nigerians will continue to suffer grave health hazards because of water-related problems. It is a common sight in our urban centres to see women, girls and boys with containers searching for water every day.

Even where water is available, the supply is often erratic and sometimes contaminated because it is piped through a network of old, rusty and unhygienic drainages that contain high proportions of carcinogenic metal, and bacteria. Embarrassingly, most of our public health institutions lack basic running water for

washing after minor procedures, sanitation and hygiene.

Probably, to solve this water shortage, governments, corporate bodies and individuals are resorting to boreholes. However, studies show that more than 50 percent of these boreholes are either spoilt or contaminated due to lack of maintenance.

It bears repeating that the access to potable water is a fundamental right of the citizens. The is even more important because the United Nations Organisation declared the year 2015 for achieving the Millennium Development Goals’ (MDG) target of 75 per cent coverage for access to safe drinking water by the citizens.

Sadly, not only has Nigeria failed in this regard; the country ranks very low on the list of those with high population density without access to potable water. Experts say that unsafe water has serious implications on hygiene, child mortality, poverty, hunger, maternal health and diseases. We have to restate that the water situation will continue to deteriorate as more and more people migrate from the rural areas to cities.

Moreover, due to rapid urbanisation, increased industrialisation and improving living standards there will be increased demand for water in the near future. It is therefore imperative that governments devise creative ways of solving this conundrum.

This they can do through the installation of several small water stations in both urban and rural areas rather than planning for the building of giant water reservoirs that take longer time span to construct.

There is no gainsaying the fact that without water, sanitation and hygiene, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have sustainable development.

Governments should therefore invest more on water to save the lives of the people.

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Abia State, Deputy Governor, Hon. Udeh Okochukwu (left) and director, MTNN Foundation, Mr. Denis Okoro at the commissioning of the brand new maternal wards donated by MTN Foundation to hospitals in Abia State… at the weekend.

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L-R: Sarkin Zazzau of Suleja, Mallam Awwal Ibrahim; Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alh Sa’idu Namaska; Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello; his father, Col. Sani Bello (rtd) after the turbaning of Col. Sani Bello, in Kontagora, Niger State… at the weekend.

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L-R: Adamawa State Governor, Umar Bindow; former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and Speaker, of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara during the wedding Faitha of A’Isha Umar Pariya, daughter of Atiku’s Personal Assistant, in Pariya, Fufure LGA, of Adamawa State… at the weekend.

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Nelson Mandela

Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

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

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

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

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

5 News

Rivers people won’t take part in police probe, says Wike Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÎÎÎ

The governor of Rivers state, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that the government and people of the state would never participate in the probe panel instituted by the Police Headquarters to investigate the audio tape allegedly indicting him of threat to lives of electoral officers and electoral malpractice.

Governor Wike, who spoke at the Victory Thanksgiving Mass of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at Our Lady Chaplaincy of the Catholic Institute of West Africa for a successful rerun/supplementary

election, said that the “police cannot deliberately murder Rivers people in cold blood and turn around to investigate.”

He further declared that the probe on the rerun elections has a predetermined goal aimed at indicting PDP members in order to commence “their politically motivated prosecution.”

“We are not a party to their so-called panel. We have passed that stage and we cannot fall into the trap of a panel of inquiry. After killing our people, you want us to assist you unravel what? It is the police that killed our people,” he contended.

Governor Wike wondered why the police would claim it wanted to investigate issues

surrounding the Rivers Rerun Elections, when it was allegedly one of the interested parties involved in the attempt to subvert the will of the people.

He pointed out that it was the Police High Command that refused to prosecute the APC chieftains allegedly caught on camera printing fake result sheets ahead of the elections, adding that petitions to the command on the “negative activities of ACP Steven Hasso and the Commander of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Mr. Akin Fakorede, were disregarded.”

Furthermore, the governor noted that even when Akin Fakorede was “videoed beating up electoral officers at the

Lagos to create 45,000 jobs, plans sustainable wealth from waste Oguntade Ismaila

ÎÎÎAs

part of the newly launched Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) the state through the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, has announced a robust plan to employ over two percent of its entire population over the next few years with the implementation of new environmental policies and procedures.

According to him, the CLI will have employ 25,000 community sanitation workers (CSW) who will be engaged mostly as street sweepers within the next 12 months.

“Every sanitation worker will reside in the Ward they operate for convenience and to curb high cost of transportation to work. They will be well trained and given an attractive welfare package.

In all, we hope to generate a total of about 45,000 new jobs directly.”

The main idea of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative is to create value and empower those at the bottom of the

value chain. It allows citizens to finally be a part of the solution by taking responsibility for their immediate environment all while solving the challenge of poor waste management in their communities.

The sanitation workers will be well trained and equipped with protection gear (uniforms, gloves and boots) and equipment such as pickers, brushes, carts as well as mobile phones to communicate with the control centre. And will be well paid above the current federal minimum wage.

The benefits of a mass employment scheme such as this unprecedented effort and tie directly back to the Lagos State Government’s sustainability goals.

For example, CSWs will only be allowed to work in the communities they live here by reducing carbon footprint because they will not need to take public transportation which is better for the environment but also has added the advantage for the workers with virtually no transportation cost, there

Rivers East Senatorial District Collation centre, the police swept it under the carpet.”

He stated: “If it is a country that believes in its image, so many people would have lost their jobs. They cannot ask themselves why 28,000 policemen, yet to be ascertained number of soldiers, police dogs and Horses, gunboats, and helicopters could not police ordinary legislative elections.

“It is because the police were the ones committing the fraud, violence and election materials snatching. We are accusing the police of mass murder and they turn around to set up a panel of inquiry.

“After killing our people,

you fraudulently set a panel of inquiry. Up till now they don’t know that we are far ahead.

This panel is a mere booby trap to indict PDP members. If they cared about lives, they wouldn’t do what they did,” he said.

The governor said that Rivers state survived the alleged onslaught of the “federal might” because of God’s grace and intervention, explaining “we are here to thank God for the victory he has given Rivers state. We came out from a battle and God was our leader during the fight. We owe God a lot”, he concluded.

Last Friday the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, raised a team of detectives and

experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the audio tape released by Sahara Reporters in which the online medium claimed that the voice in the tape was that of Wike threatening to kill some INEC officials if they failed to rig the election in favour of PDP candidates.

According to the statement released by the force spokesman, Don Awunah, the panel was mandated to conduct forensic analysis on the audio report and also look into the statement of the INEC chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmud, which alleged that there were 70 incidents that tended to derail the December 10, 2016, rerun elections in Rivers state.

From the Archives: Josy Ajiboye

is more disposable incomes which they will be spending within their local communities.

In a related development, the Lagos state government has proposed a paradigm shift in the approach to environmental waste management filled with radical reforms and projects coming up in the near future.

Olusosun landfill that has been a dumping ground for years will soon become a model for urban renewal and waste to wealth initiatives being undertaken by the State.

Speaking at a press conference announcing the launch of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, stressed the Government’s commitment to finding renewable energy sources for the grossly underserved State.

He noted that five new power stations – one in each division in the state – will be built to generate electricity from waste, and that the numerous dumpsites dotting parts of the state will soon be a thing of the past.

Npower verification of 200,000 graduates completed in 13 states ÎÎÎAs the Federal Government prepares to commence the payment of monthly stipends to the 200,000 graduates engaged under the N-Power job creation programme of the Buhari administration, 13 states of the federation have now submitted verified lists of the graduates and more expected later this week.

Disclosing this on Sunday while giving a news update on the programme, Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President stated that also in some states the graduates have also been deployed to their primary places of assignment, noting that payment of the N30,000

stipends for the graduates will commence this month once verification and deployment have been done.

Under the N-Power Volunteer Scheme, the Federal Government announced the selection and engagement of 200,000 unemployed graduates as the first batch of the half a million the Buhari administration plans to hire

for the 2-year paid volunteer job programme.

In his budget speech Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that the Social Investment Programmes would be continuing in 2017 with another allocation of N500,000.

According to him, “the 2017 Budget estimates re-

tains the allocation of N500 billion to the Special Intervention programme consisting of the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment programme, N-Power Job Creation Programme to provide loans for traders and artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and the new

Family Homes Fund (social housing scheme).

He added that the “N-Power Programme has recently taken off with the employment of 200,000 graduates across the country, while the School Feeding Programme has commenced in a few States, where the verification of caterers has been completed.”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ ơÖè ƾƠơÕ

Yuletide: NCAA steps up monitoring of airlines Continued from page 1 disinformation prevalent in the industry.

NCAA gave the warning in an official statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Sam Adurogboye, which was made available to newsmen yesterday.

This is as the scarcity of aviation fuel affecting the industry got worse over the weekend as many air travellers across the country endured varying degrees of hardship due to flight cancellations.

From airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and in the North, Daily Times gathered that virtually all the airlines cancelled one or more flights over the weekend due to unavailability of Jet-A1 and enough aircraft to service the teeming passengers.

The NCCA in a statement noted that “it is unfathomable that some questionable sources have been posting and circulating some cruelly fictitious stories about some airlines, insinuating a crash or claiming a particular carrier does not possess aircraft spares to sustain a safe operation using the online platform.”

It further confirmed that the authority only recently carried out a safety audit on Arik Air and that there were no issue of safety concern found; adding that such reports should be discountenanced.

“All those involved in this nefarious activity should promptly desist from this course of action as the consequence is seriously detrimental to the industry, particularly the confidence of the passengers.”

On the issue of insurance, contrary to some claims, it is inconceivable for any carrier/flight crew to carry out any flight operation (private or commercial) without valid or all requisite safety certificates, NCAA stated.

“According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) 18.11.2, No person shall operate any aircraft in public air transport category without adequate and valid insurance. On this strength, the authority will continue to statutorily provide robust

regulation for safe and secure airline operations. The authority hereby appeal to the passengers to show understanding and not take laws into their hands when it becomes inevitable that flight has to be delayed or cancelled on account of unfavorable weather conditions or any other operational issues such as unavailability of fuel whenever it arises,” the agency appealed.

NCAA also said that the Consumer Protection Directorate has been strengthened to enforce the Passengers Bill of Rights as it relates to passengers and the airlines.

Meanwhile, Daily Times notes that some of the airlines, which were due to operate two or more flights to some destinations, cancelled their flights and merged all into one flight for the day leading to over booking.

The rescheduled flights later took off in the evening, while many spill-over passengers were left unattended.

So many passengers had to wait for several hours at the terminals for boarding to be announced, only to be told much later in the day that their flights had been cancelled.

At the Murtala Muhammed Air-

port Terminal 2, it was observed that passengers, who booked ahead of their flights, were the most affected as they could not afford money to purchase tickets for the next available flights.

There were several announcements of delays and rescheduling “due to unavailability of aviation fuel.”

Apart from aviation fuel, which consumes 40 per cent of the total running cost and now sells for N145 per litre, shortage of aircraft is mostly responsible for the present situation across the country’s airports.

Arik Air, which operated most of its flights, had long queues of desperate passengers while some sat on the floor at the terminal.

Nonetheless, Air Peace Airlines in the midst of this has announced extension of services to Uyo as the carrier commences scheduled flight operations to the city, yesterday.

In a related development, the airline has assured air travellers that it has made adequate preparation with vendors for the supply of aviation fuel throughout the festive period and beyond to ensure hitch-free flight operations.

A statement issued by the Corporate Communications Manager of

Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah, said the airline was expanding its flight operations to Uyo in response to the yearnings of Akwa Ibom people and other air travellers.

He said the timing of its maiden flight to the state was to give air travelers on the Uyo route a dependable alternative and cater to the huge traffic to the state during the yuletide On its part, Arik Air later alerted its passengers on the severity of scarcity of aviation fuel and how the situation was affecting its operations.

In a statement by its Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, the airline noted that the scarcity, which has been on and off in the past few weeks, had reached an alarming proportion as oil marketers were finding it difficult to cope with the requirements of the carrier.

According to the statement, the fuel scarcity, which has been on for several days, is becoming more intense with the inability of approved major fuel marketers to meet the demands of airline, especially at this time when maximum numbers of passengers are traveling for the Yuletide.

“Arik Air, the largest airline operator, has been operating over

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Bakasi IDPs seek empowerment from UNHCR

ÏÏÏ

The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Bakasi Camp in Maiduguri, have called for empowerment from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

The IDPs made the call on Sunday when the UNHCR High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, visited the camp Chairman of the Camp, Mr. Buba Gamashi, who spoke on behalf of the IDPs, commended the commission and other donor

100 daily flights and therefore, experiences a larger impact of this scarcity compared to other airlines. The airline requires a daily supply of approximately 500,000 liters for its operations but it has been getting between 180,000 and 200,000 over the past 10 days, which has severely impacted the scheduled flight operations,” the statement noted.

Dana Air, however, said the airline had put all necessary things needed to ensure smooth operations, especially during the Yuletide period.

The image maker for Dana Air, Kingsley Okwudili, told Daily Times that the airline has tried as much as possible to avoid delays and cancellations but confirmed the airline’s predicament as a result of fuel scarcity.

When contacted for comments, chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt Nogie Meggison, simply said the AON has long made their position known to the authorities to redeem the industry by doing the needful.

Nogie said government was aware of what to do with all the solutions recommenced by AON and other stakeholders on the way out of the present embarrassing situation.

agencies for providing shelter at the camp.

Gamashi said the government had been meeting their feeding needs, calling on the agencies to introduce skill acquisition programme to help them to be selfreliant and take them out of idleness.

He explained that about 90 per cent of the IDPs were farmers that had been displaced from their communities as well as dispossessed of their means of livelihood.

According to him, such programme like carpentry, tailoring, shoe-making and other skills will not only reduce their dependence on humanitarian assistance but also help them overcome trauma and psychological imbalance.

“We are also asking for provision of drugs and other consumables in our clinics and ambulance in case of emergency.

“We also need more toilets because what we have at the moment is not enough and many of us are still sleeping on the bare

floor because there are no enough mattresses,” he said.

Gamashi, however, commended the federal and state governments for providing food and other necessities at the camp.

Also, speaking, the Relief and Transportation Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Said Alkali, said the major challenge of the IDPs was idleness.

Alkali, who is the Camp Coordinator, said that idleness could cause another crisis in future if

something was not done to empower them while the plans to resettle them were on.

He disclosed that the camp currently had a population of 21,194 from five local governments of Monguno, Gwoza, Guzambala, Marte and Nganzai comprising 3,987 men, 6,116 women, 5,093 boys and 5,989 girls.

The coordinator also disclosed that the school in the camp currently had about 3,000 pupils, adding that more children needed to be encouraged to get enrolled.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

‘Nigeria must address recession without IMF, World Bank’ Simon Ugwu

ÎÎÎ

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) must look for a way of tackling the current recession experienced by the country without following International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank formula.

The Principal Consultant of B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, stated this at the 2016 Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) workshop for Business Editors and Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Kaduna.

He pointed out that the recession currently experienced by Nigeria started at the last quarter of 2013 as the nation’s foreign exchange earnings started depleting from 2014.

Jack Lew, US Treasury Secretary stated recently that: “All major economies need to deploy a full toolkit of economic policy measures, including monetary and fiscal policies and structural reforms to address weak demand, boost employment and raise standards of living…”

According to Adedipe, the full kit for Nigeria would include fiscal, monetary and commercial policy harmonization. Spending massively

to drive inclusive growth and be ready to live for the time being with inflationary implications. Stimulus across all policy plants, focused on “made in Nigeria” in production, consumption and trade activities.

Boost domestic production and value added, devote particular percentage of public spending to goods and services produced in Nigeria and provided by Nigerian entities.

This, he further said, “is the best time to get ready for the impending economic recovery and stop whining about recession. The signs are already there, no doubt. Think what to do with the box, think outside the box and think possibilities. The recession is not all bleak, if it has a message that eludes most people, it is that recovery is inevitable. What you do then matters more than what you do during recession,” he said.

Also speaking in the same vein, Wutrika Dauda Gotring, Acting Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said investors can still retain confidence in a currency, even if the economy is in recession, depending on prospects for renewed growth and underlying competitiveness.

“The sustenance of flexibility in

the Foreign Exchange (FX) market remains the most viable option for Nigeria in the light of dwindling external reserves and the motivation to drive exports and support import substitution consumption,” he said.

He listed the way forward for Nigeria to include diversification of the economy, increase investment

in agriculture, mining and solid minerals, increase investment in infrastructure to lower cost of doing business, enhancement of local manufacturing capacity and import substitution. Others include policy consistency that would encourage capital flows and promote local production, fiscal discipline, increased

7 News implementation of the cashless initiatives and closer collaboration of the CBN with fiscal authorities.

However, the acting director said it is evident that Nigerian economy is going through though times with the decline in foreign exchange inflows and the continuous demand pressure for foreign exchange management remains one of the major tools the bank uses to influence economic activities. “Recession often shakes the confidence of investors, especially in a country like Nigeria with a huge import bill and external debt,” he said.

L-R: Head, Public Relations and Communications, StarTimes, Nigeria, Israel Bolaji; Nigeria’s ex-international, Jonathan Akpoborie; Marketing Director, StarTimes, Nigeria, Dare Kafar; StarTimes, Bundesliga Legend, Jay Jay Okocha and Manager, International Market, DFL, Tobias Ross at the press conference on StarTimes Bundesliga Legend Tour in Lagos… at the weekend. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Skye Bank customers relieve product experience APC planning

Kenneth Madueke

ÏÏÏ

Customers of Skye Bank PLC have expressed delight at the experience they have enjoyed for being customers of the bank’s priority accounts named Skye Select Account.

Okechukwu Okafor, a Lagos- based business man who operates a Skye Select account, expressed his appreciation to the bank, saying “I was travelling with some of my friends; I didn’t know that being a holder of the priority pass card would give us a privileged advantage”.

He explained, “We were full of excitement because for starters,

the card gave us access to the lovely lounge at Murtala Mohammad International airport where we were given priority treatment. I, also, had the opportunity to watch the live football match of my soccer team in comfort”.

Another customer who simply identified herself as Christine also explained, “At Amsterdam, we had an eight -hour stopover before our next trip and the card gained us access to two of their executive lounges where we relaxed.”

According to her, “Imagine just waiting at the general waiting area/airport gate for eight hours

with thousands of other travelers, the wait would have made our stop at Amsterdam uninteresting.”

Speaking on the accounts, the Group Head of Retail, Mr. Ndubisi Osakwe, noted that Skye Select Account is an individual Current Account designed for the discerning Priority client to deliver fast and convenient value added services - which include a wide range of loans products in an exclusive package that matches one’s lifestyle.

The account requires an opening and operating balance of N200,000 along with other product features.

Customers who open and operate

the account enjoy lots of benefits including, Higher Spend limit on the Platinum debit card, Free Priority Pass yearly membership card with access to over 1000 airport lounges in Nigeria and abroad along with Two free airport lounge usages per year. Discounted retail loans by 2% compared to standard rates and Zero current account maintenance fee when you maintain the minimum operating balance. In addition to all these, the customers will also have access to Credit cards, Internet, and Mobile banking services, fast track services and dedicated relationship managers.

Eastern Consultative Assembly challenges FG, Kano Govt over Bridget Agbahime Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏAn all-embracive Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA), has vehemently condemned “the silence and non-arrest and prosecution of Fulani herdsmen who beheaded and carted away the head of citizen Ndubuisi Uzoma in Iddo, airport road Abuja last week.”

This came even as controversy continues to trail the release of the five suspects charged with the murder of the 74-year-old Bridget Agbahime with a strong urge on the federal government and Kano state government

to ensure that the suspects were rearrested and brought to justice.

The call was made by ECA in a communiqué issued at the end of its 4th meeting held in Enugu, during which it deliberated on a number of national issues as they affect the place of ndigbo in Nigeria.

In the communiqué signed by the leader of ECA, Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor and secretary, Evangelist Elliot Uko, the group vehemently condemned the release of Dauda Ahmed and his four accomplices who were later freed.

The septuagenarian trader, Mrs. Agbahime, was a victim of religious

motivated killing when she was hacked to death on June 2, 2016 over alleged blaspheming of Islam and Prophet Mohammed.

Part of the communiqué read: “We condemn in its entirety the release of Dauda Ahmed and co, who were charged for the brutal murder of 74-year-old Bridget Agbahime in Kano, on June 2, 2016, and urge both the Kano state government and the federal government to re-arrest and retry the 5 murderers in order to bring to justice the killers of this woman, as earlier promised by President Buhari, when the ugly incident happened.”

The group which has in its fold cler-

ics, leaders of town unions, market association, student unions, women and youths organisations warned that “unjust developments” such as the discharge and release of those that shed Igbo blood that without appropriate sanctions that “garner more converts to the secession movement and further make it difficult for our people to believe in one Nigeria.”

“Silence of the authorities over this heinous crime sends shivers down our spine, on the kind of Nigeria, President Buhari is constructing, and the place and future of our people in a Nigeria where our lives don’t seem to count,” ECA lamented.

to set Edo INEC office ablaze, PDP alleges

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the weekend alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State was planning to burn down the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the state with a view to preventing the electoral umpire from providing credible evidence at the tribunal.

The Edo State governorship election, held recently, was won by the APC candidate, while the PDP is contesting the victory at the tribunal.

The PDP made the allegation in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of its National Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, in Abuja.

The party has, consequently, called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the State Security Service (SSS) to immediately arrest this ugly situation by providing adequate security to forestall breakdown of law and order.

The PDP expressed the firm belief that this show of anxiety and aggression of the APC will continue if nothing is done urgently in the interest of general good.

The PDP said that as a peace loving party, it stands on the side of justice and equity and abhors any form of violence, adding however that it will not succumb to intimidation.

News 8 Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎThe

Kwara government on Sunday announced the termination, with immediate effect, the ongoing construction of Wara-Osin/ Airport road project in llorin West local government area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya, disclosed this in llorin while speaking with the Daily Times after an on the spot assessment of the road project.

He said the government action

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Kwara terminates abandoned road contract has become imperative following uncooperative attitude of the Contractor handling the project, the United Civil Engineering Limited.

The Commissioner said that “the state government has resolved to terminate the contract after two years of the contractor abandoning the site.”

Yahaya said the contractor had not executed up to 60 percent of the three kilometre road before aban-

doning in the last two years.

The commissioner, who did not give accurate figure of the contract sum for the project, said the contractor had already taken over 50 percent of the contract sum.

According to him, the termination of the contract would serve as a warning signal to other contractors handling various ongoing projects in the state.

“Any contractor that fails to work

in line with specification and vision of the state government will not be paid”, the Commissioner warned.

In a swift reaction, the contractor handling the road, Mr. Kayode Osho, who spoke with the Daily Times in llorin on Sunday, said he had not abandoned the project as alleged but was unable to go back to site following refusal of the state government to pay him a sum of N21m for the completion of the

road project.

“I have a certificate of N21million since three years ago which was refused to be paid by the state government which incapacitated me to complete the job”, the contractor said.

Osho said that he had borrowed money from a commercial bank for priming and commencement of asphalt over laying on the road without payment from the state government since over three years.

GAC Auto unveils flagship GS4 Nigerian assembled cars Bonny Amadi

ÎÎÎLeading

Chinese automobile manufacturer, GAC Motors has unveiled its hi-tech GS4 auto series at an elaborate event which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The launch which took place recently, has repositioned the company impact in Nigeria’s automobile market and further strengthened its foray in Africa, via the Nigerian automobile market.

The launch reinforced Nigeria’s crucial position at building the company’s creativities as well as service network in Africa, the country having become a formidable member of the GAC Motors global production network, consisting of 14 countries globally.

The GAC motors is partnering with Miss Nigeria organisation and has sustained a robust support for Nigeria’s creative industry, which explains the sound representation of the Nigerian creative industry at the GS4 launch in Lagos.

The GS4 model becomes the first GAC-branded vehicles to be assembled in Nigeria since the auto firm ventured into the Nigerian market in 2013. Rather than importing directly from its plant in China, GAC Motor partnered with the SKD Project to build a plant where the vehicles were assembled locally. The SKD Project was introduced in Nigeria this year through CIG Motors, the sole distributor of GAC Motor in Nigeria.

The two-part event included a press briefing and the official unveiling. It

was graced by several dignitaries including the Minister of Information & Culture Lai Mohammed, the Oludo of Ido, Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi, the Chinese Consul General Chao Xiaoliang, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, the General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun, Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan, Founder of Nike Art Gallery Nike DaviesOkundaye as well as Nollywood stars Stephanie Linus and Kate Henshaw.

GAC Motor is a subsidiary company of GAC Group that commits to developing and manufacturing worldclass quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories.

The company ranks top eight among all brands in J.D. Power Asia Pacific’s 2015 China Initial Quality Study, and has sustained status as the highest of all Chinese brands for the third consecutive year.

General Manager of the company, Mr. Yu Jun, said the vehicles were designed with the best technologies and modern gadgets, including Shadow 2.0 and innovative lights described as highest level in international quality.

“The signature GS4 cars are powered by world-best engines that make low fuel consumption possible. The vehicles are designed to have large spaces and are fitted with elegant exterior designs. We are bringing these premium products and services to exceed the expectations of Nigerian and African customers. We designed the vehicles to give users all-new driving experience and also bring about safer and more comfortable journey”, Jun said.

Crackdown begins for Enugu police killers Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎThe Enugu State Police Command

on Sunday said it has commenced a massive crackdown for suspected killers of its officer clubbed to deathon Saturday at the popular New Artisan Market within Enugu metropolis.

The incident followed the officer’s attempt to apprehend alleged tricycle driver.

The tricycle operators around the New Artisan Market at the time of the incident were allegedly said to be predominantly Hausa men who resisted the officer from arresting one of their colleagues before disposing

him of his gun, a source who claimed to be close to the scene of the incident at the time but preferred to be anonymous hinted Daily Times that the police officer died as a result of the hard object used on him.

The New Artisan Market area has been a hot bed for hoodlums, who operate mostly at night. However, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration had upon assumption of power made effort to sanitize the area.

Spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Ebere Amaraizu, while reacting to the incident said that the police had begun massive crackdown and investigation into the matter.

L-R: Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan; A guest; General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun; Movie Producer, Mr. Kunle Afolayan; Publisher, Daily Times Newspaper, Fidelis Anosike and former Chairman, Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni during the unveiling of GAC Motor in Lagos...recently.

Entrepreneurship centre trains 135 youths on wealth creation Remi Oladoye, Ibadan

ÎÎÎ

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through its allied in entrepreneurship development training in the South West, Entrepreneurship Development Centre EDC, recently organized training for 135 people in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.

The four-week training programme, which was implemented by the Africa Leadership Forum, exposed participants to modules such as mindset reengineering business idea, money and livelihood, enterprise development and idea generation, business and financial management, Marketing and interpersonal relationship and others.

Osun state deputy governor, Otunba Grace Titilaoye Tomori, in her remark during the graduation ceremony, called on the youths of the state to embrace the opportunity and key in to the agenda of the CBN in developing entrepreneurs.

She lamented that it is quite sad that foreign companies who operates in Nigeria demands foreigners as workers due to perceived inexperience and effectiveness of Nigerians and urge the youths to end the aberration by proving their worth through the skills and training they

have acquired.

‘All the graduating trainees are expected to go and start businesses in the state in order to end poverty and enhance employment rate. The era of oil boom is gone and we have to take our hands to work. She further remarked on some of the business plans that were presented at the event that she believes things have changed in the state.

“This is not the first time that the CBN-EDC Southwest has partnered with the people of Osun State to provide entrepreneurship training cum business development services.

Seventy-five (75) SMEs were trained through Cooperative groups that organized entrepreneurship training for her members in July 2016”,sShe added.

Representatives of the CBN, Mrs. Oluyemisi, in her remark,said the apex bank is leveraging on research that has showed that economies thrive on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Program Director of the CBN-EDC Southwest, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, commended the state for being enterprising and for being the first state in southwest Nigeria to sponsor individuals and create avenue for the training of this magnitude since its commencement in

March 2015.

Dr. Ajayi further stated that of the 135 persons that had undergone the training, 125 (93%) had submitted their business plans; hence, the State Micro-Credit Agency will start interacting with them henceforth.

He urged the graduands not to waste the money they would be given for their businesses but to ensure that they create enterprises, employ other people in order to create more jobs. As at the end of the first batch of training, 21 people have already registered for the second batch of the training which would commence on October 24, 2016. This initiative will make the State of Osun a model for the other states in the Southwest.

In closing his remarks, he decorated all the guests on the high table with the CBN-EDC Southwest insignia.

The General Manager and CEO of the Osun Microcredit Agency, Mr. Dayo Babaranti, who urge the graduands to engage in what they are passionate about also inform them of the available interventions for the funding for businesses which included the Microcredit agency: N1,000 to N1,000,000; Bank of Industry (BOI) Fund, minimum of N5,000,000; and commercial banks N10million to N50million, all at maximum 9% interest rates.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Politics

Sheriff

9

s

Mimkko

Fayose

Markafi

Unending PDP crisis and Sheriff, Markafi’s double speak Patrick Okohue The Nigerian political climate cannot be complete with a reference to the robust contribution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that once prides itself as the largest political party in Africa, with some of its members boasting that the party will rule the country for the next 60 years.

The PDP was in power in the country from the return of democratic rule in 1999 until 2015 when the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), a conglomeration of different political parties that came together to merge with the sole aim of displacing the PDP came to power.

Today with the APC in power and the people not quite happy with the way things are going, many were looking to the PDP to provide a virile opposition, at least the type that the APC and before it the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) provided while the PDP held sway.

While the PDP was trying to put its house in order to provide perhaps the needed virile opposition after many attempts to stand in the gap and play the role expected of it, some of its leaders decided to bring in the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as its chairman.

That decision many believe was because of the realisation that because they were no longer in power, the members of the PDP may not be able to muster enough funds required to manage the activities of the party and that they needed a man with the deep pockets of Sheriff to be able to match the APC money for money, that move however has turned out to be the greatest undoing of the party.

This is because since then things have fallen apart in the party and now the center can no longer hold.

Trouble started when the leaders of the party realised that they needed to set things in order by having a proper convention to elect a chairman for the party that will take over from the interim committee of Sheriff and to do that a convention was set for Port Harcourt.

At that Port Harcourt convention another National Caretaker Committee, NCC, was elected to pilot the affairs of the party with former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi as its chairman.

However, Sheriff whose committee put the convention together rejected its outcome insisting that he remains the chairman of the party and will remain in that position till the next general election.

Since then the party has not known peace and every attempt to resolve the differences has met brick walls.

The crisis that followed has also caused the party very dearly, the last being the loss of the Ondo State governorship election which everyone had thought the party already had under its wrap.

Since then the blame game has intensified

with each camp blaming the other for the inability of the party to experience peace and make progress.

This has however not helped the situation, but rather it has worsened it, as it has become clear that mutual suspicion rather than trust had continued to be the bane of the party.

Last week, the Sheriff camp in a statement said it was ready for peace but that the problem is with the Markafi group who are not ready for peace, but the Markafi camp will have none of that.

Sheriff had said that the crisis rocking the party will either be resolved through negotiations or judicial process.

He said this while playing host to the executive members of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter of the party, led by its Chairman, Hon Jeji Musa, in Abuja.

Senator Sheriff made it clear that the most important thing for now is to ensure that the PDP is returned to the people, who are its authentic owners.

He noted that if the crisis within the PDP is to be resolved amicably through negotiations,

We wish to stress that the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi is ready and willing to settle all issue amicably with the Ali Modu Sheriff Group in the interest of peace and total reconciliation in the party. But he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Again, we are ready for total reconciliation with Modu Sherrif group or any other group that is aggrieved for that matter; only if they will come to the negotiating table with genuine intention

himself Sheriff and the other factional Chairman, Senator Makarfi will have to resign from their positions, while a neutral and non-partisan committee should be set up to conduct a national convention to elect new national officers for the party.

Sheriff recalled that he once invited Senator Makarfi to his office during which he made the proposal of a committee being set up to organise a convention for the party, pointing out however that the suggestion did not go down well with Makarfi.

The former Borno governor and two-term Senator stressed however that if negotiations among the two factions failed to resolve the crisis, then the matter will be left for the Court of law to resolve.

The factional Chairman, who noted with regrets that he had been called all sorts of names over his insistence that the right thing be done, maintained that PDP is bigger than both himself and Makarfi.

According to him, “My mission is to build the party and give it back to the people, the grassroots people. PDP must go back to its owners.

“I will not keep PDP a day longer than necessary. There is no name that I have not heard. I am not bothered about this.

“Only Nigerians should be allowed to determine who their leaders are. Governors or elected representatives should know that the people elected them and that they are accountable to them,” he said.

Continuing, he said, “If Makarfi believes in the PDP, then let the two of us resign and set up a committee and allow that committee to organise a national convention for the party.

“Enough of all this blackmail, we must go and chose our leaders. If Makarfi wants negoCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

SERAP drags Senate before UN over Magu The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the United Nations, UN Special Rapporteur, Mr Michel Forst, on the situation of human rights defenders over alleged “intimidation, harassment and unfair treatment of the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, by the Senate.

SERAP accused the Senate of working with other agencies of government to use a purported security report, which it said the Senate knew or ought to know is baseless and politically motivated to reject Mr Magu’s confirmation as substantive chairman of the EFCC.” SERAP said that “by relying on a report they knew or ought to know is baseless and politically motivated to reject Mr Magu’s appointment as chairman of the EFCC, the Senate of Nigeria has flagrantly violated his right to a fair hearing, and is implicitly working to weaken, intimidate, harass and ultimately undermine the independence and freedom of action of the EFCC in its efforts to combat high-profile official corruption.”

The organisation urged Mr Forst to “urgently intervene in this matter to stop further intimidation and harassment of a prominent anticorruption campaigner and human rights defender.”

In the petition dated 16 December 2016 and signed by SERAP’s executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said that, “SERAP believes that the action by the Senate of Nigeria and other agencies of government apparently working with them undermines and violates Nigeria’s international obligation to respect, protect, promote and fulfill the human rights of the citizens, which inevitably creates a duty for the government to establish efficient and independent anti-corruption mechanisms.”

The petition reads in part: “apart

from the fact that the allegations against Mr Magu are baseless and politically motivated, the Senate of Nigeria flagrantly denied him constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to a fair hearing by not providing him an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.

“The Senate confirmation hearing therefore amounts to a nullification, or destruction of the very essence of the fundamental principles of fair hearing.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria relying on a baseless and politically motivated report declined to confirm the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the country’s leading anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Senate claimed that its action was based on a purported security report forwarded to it by the State Security Service.

“But SERAP has reviewed the security report, which primarily alleged that sensitive and unauthorised EFCC official documents were found in Mr. Magu’s home. However, SERAP is aware that this allegation was part of the conspiracy to harass Mr Magu and frustrate his anticorruption work, as he was unjustly detained for three weeks.

“Following investigation by the police authorities in 2008, Mr Magu was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing, and in fact promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.”

“The report also incorrectly stated that Mr Magu currently occupies a residence rented for N40 million at N20 million per annum and paid for by allegedly corrupt person. But SERAP’s finding shows that the property was in fact paid for by the Federal Capital Development Administration.”

“SERAP thus believes that the purported rejection by the Senate of Nigeria of Magu’s appointment as

Magu

the chairman of EFCC is politically motivated and in bad faith and part of a persistent move by the National Assembly of Nigeria including the Senate and the House of Representatives and other agencies of government apparently working with them to undermine the ongoing fight against corruption which Mr Magu is leading, and invariably, the independence and freedom of action of anticorruption agencies including the EFCC. SERAP said it was deeply concerned about the intimidation, harassment and politically motivated allegations against one of the most efficient, focused, consistent and hardworking anti-corruption campaigners in the country.

“These politically motivated allegations are not only to victimise him as the head of EFCC, but also to harass, intimidate and frustrate the work of other anti-corruption and human rights campaigners and institutions in the country.

“SERAP considers Mr Magu to be a human rights defender within the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1998 (UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders).

“SERAP therefore urges you to urgently assert your mandates to put pressure on the Senate of Nigeria and other agencies of government apparently working with them to end continuing harassment and intimidation of Mr Magu by immediately withdrawing any politically motivated allegations against him.

“We also urge you to send a strong message to the Senate of Nigeria and other agencies of government that the campaign of intimidation and harassment against human rights and anti-corruption campaigners is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.”

Sheriff has support of 8 PDP governors –Gulak

Gulak

A former Political Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak has revealed that a factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has the backing of eight governors of the party.

Gulak was speaking in an interview where he noted that Senator Ahmed Makarfi, also a factional chairman of the party is planning to dump the party.

He said, “Makarfi and Co, are planning to move out of the PDP to form another party, and that is anti-party, I don’t expect them to do that.

“The PDP has given them a lot. Senator Makarfi was governor on PDP platform for eight years and he was senator on the same platform for another eight years and to see him trying to move people out of PDP to another party no matter how small the number is, will be unfor-

tunate. History will judge him on the negative side.”

The former aide to Jonathan added that Makarfi only enjoyed the support of only four PDP governors out of twelve.

He said, “I know as at today, only four governors out of the 12 governors are still with him.

“Mimiko, Fayose, Wike and to some extent, Governor Okowa, these are the four governors that are still with Makarfi.

“All the other eight governors have seen that it is Sheriff that has the key to unlock the logjam and take this party to the next level of development.

“In the National Assembly, the majority of members are with Sheriff. You see, some governors when they brought Sheriff, they expected him to do their biddings; to play to their games but later, they found out that this is a man who will not tolerate impunity.”

Abia LG polls: Oye urges ABSIEC to be fair to all The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has been advised to provide a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates in the Wednesday’s local government elections in the state.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ike Oye, made this appeal while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Umuahia on the forthcoming polls.

Oye said the commission should also keep strictly to the rules of the game and not engage in any acts that could undermine the prevailing peace and tranquility in Abia.

He described the commission’s chairman, Justice Igbozurike Akomas (rtd.), as “a man of principle and integrity.’’

“Let me tell you, I am not bothered about who is going to conduct the elections. What I am bothered about is due process.

Do what is proper and write your name in gold and leave posterity to judge you positively.

“Justice Akomas is my friend, everybody knows him. He is a man of integrity. If he chooses to use this election to rubbish his integrity that is his own business,’’ Oye said.

He expressed the confidence that the elections would be free and fair, saying that Abia people would vote according to their conscience.

He said that APGA was fully prepared for the elections and expressed optimism that the party would sweep the polls.

The national chairman described APGA as the ruling party in the South-East, saying, “South-East is our traditional home and APGA’s catchment area.

“Naturally, the Igbo man loves APGA. If you ask Ndigbo to vote for political parties, they will vote for APGA,’’ he said.

He said that it had become imperative for Ndigbo to identify fully with APGA, if they hoped to become a relevant force in the nation’s politics.

According to him the North and South-West geopolitical zones had used the All Progressives Congress (APC) to find a political direction for themselves, adding that the Ndigbo should likewise use APGA as a bargaining chip for its selfdetermination and the development of the zone.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

11 Politics

Senate vs SGF: Saraki, Dogara should first resign -Arewa Youths Patrick Okohue

Shettima

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has accused the leadership of the National Assembly of desperately demanding the sack of Lawal Babachir, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) when Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara are themselves deep in various allegations.

Saraki is facing the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) while Dogara was accused of padding the 2016 budget.

The AYCF, in a statement signed by its National President, Yerima Shettima, wondered why they remained in office in spite of the huge cry that they should step down for proper investigation.

The Senate recently called for Babachir’s sack over allegations of breaching the law in the handling of a federal government programme concerning displaced persons.

The AYCF said: “It is interesting to watch how desperately the Senate and the House of Representatives leadership is trying to nail the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir.”

While demanding honesty in the process of asking for the resignation of any public office holder, the AYCF noted that its argument against the Senate’s action is based on the facts that “it is evident that the leadership of both Chambers have skeletons in their cupboards; from the Asset Declaration scam to the criminal padding of the 2016 budget. There are sundry scandals involving underhand deals with certain heads of Federal Government parastatals bordering on extortion.

“Some 32 Senators have been involved in criminal cases in court at the moment and these cases are still fresh.

“Nearly 100 members of the House of Reps are yet to know fate on the frightening cases against them in court. This is not counting the sexual scandal that

nearly dented the nation’s image in far away United States of America, which the lower chamber leadership would wish it is quickly forgotten.

“The recent call for the removal of the SGF by the lawmakers is a decoy, designed to divert attention from the multiple criminal cases hanging on their neck.

“We therefore wish to caution the lawmakers in the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly to tread carefully because those in glass house should learn not to throw stones.”

While warning that Nigerians have become wiser and more enlightened, the group asked the leadership of the National Assembly to show good example by stepping aside pending the outcome of the multiple court cases that are ongoing.

“We demand a demonstration of their honesty and sincerity in calling for the resignation of Babachir by making the first move.

Unending PDP crisis and Sheriff, Markafi’s double speak

PDP felicitates with Pope Francis at 80

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

tiation tomorrow, we are ready. We will not allow a small group of people to decide our fate.

“Impunity must stop in PDP. Let the judiciary decide.

In the absence of any negotiation, we will let the court decide on the crisis,” he stated.

Speaking about the court cases instituted by the party, Sheriff said that he and his team have tremendous respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, stressing that it (the judiciary) is the last hope of the common man.

However, Senator Makarfi has faulted the claim by Sheriff that he (Makarfi)) is not ready to resolve the crisis rocking the party through negotiation.

Makarfi, on the contrary, said that the National Caretaker Committee led by him is ready and willing to settle all issues amicably with the Sheriff group in the interest of peace and total reconciliation in the party.

The NCC said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye in Abuja.

He however added that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

The chairman, NCC of the PDP emphasised that he is ready for total reconciliation with Modu Sheriff’s group or any other group that is aggrieved for that matter; only if they will come to the negotiating table with genuine intentions.

He however noted with sadness that, Senator Sheriff and Co stalled the Appeal Court hearing because with a 3rd petition to the NJC against the Special Appeal Panel claiming that the panel is biased and corrupt. Can such a man be ready for peace with his party?

The statement by NCC reads, “The attention of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to media reports again making the round that Sen. Sheriff and Co. is ready to make peace.

“For the umpteenth time, let us re-iterate that we are not averse to any peaceful resolution of the ongoing intraparty conflicts between the party and the Special Interest Group led by the former Borno State governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

“The PDP leadership made up of all the organs have demonstrated unbridled willingness overtime to settle peacefully all matters relating to the crisis brought about by the Sheriff led group and as such, we are demanding that the aggrieved persons/group should stop forthwith from personalising the matter to Senator Makarfi and Senator Sheriff.

“For the record, the National Caretaker Committee was inaugurated at the May 21st National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; and therefore, any attempt by any

group or person(s) to say or think that Makarfi is the issue is not having full knowledge that the Convention as the highest decision-making body of the PDP with the absolute powers to dissolve and elect or appoint/inaugurate national officers.

“Consequently, it is the only body that can rescind its decision(s). Any action(s) of NEC is/are on National Convention’s behalf to ratify or reject.

“It is equally noteworthy that Senator Sheriff refused inauguration of the 30-man Committee agreed upon by both parties for the peaceful resolution of the conflict to be held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel about two months ago.

“We believe he is playing to the gallery. If not, why is he calling off and on for impracticable peaceful negotiation that has caused the party’s loss of the Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections and some other previous elections in the country.

“For a man who claims to seek peace and fight against impunity, his actions so far are indeed contradictory. Nigerians are aware of how he has been manipulating the Judiciary to delay justice against the party; even as a Plaintiff, he prays the Court to delay the case which is unprecedented in litigation processes.

“Again today, Senator Sheriff and Co stalled the Appeal Court hearing, because with a 3rd petition to the NJC against the Special Appeal Panel claiming that the Panel is biased and corrupt. Can such a man be ready for peace with his party? We doubt it!

“We wish to stress that the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi is ready and willing to settle all issue amicably with the Ali Modu Sheriff Group in the interest of peace and total reconciliation in the party. But he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“Again, we are ready for total reconciliation with Modu Sherrif group or any other group that is aggrieved for that matter; only if they will come to the negotiating table with genuine intention,” the committee said.

With this development and with 2019 general elections around the corner, many political watchers are predicting that the PDP may not be able to play the role of opposition political party as required to defeat the APC. This development has given rise to insinuations that another opposition political party may emerge from among aggrieved members of the PDP and the APC, with intention of ‘rescuing’ the nation from the current economic crisis and political crisis currently facing it.

Whichever way things go however, one thing is clear, between now and 2019 the nation will be able to know what future the PDP holds for Nigeria and its people.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has felicitated with the Papacy, His Holiness, Pope Francis on the occasion of his 80th Birthday.

The PDP, in a statement at the weekend by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said it is remarkable to note that he (Pope Francis) is the First Catholic Priest of the Americas and the only non European to emerge Pope in history of the Catholic Pontiff.

The party pointed out that the Pope is known for his act of charity, humility, doctrinal conservatism and commitment to social justice.

According to the statement, “The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), H. E. Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, on behalf of the entire organs of the party and its family nationwide, graciously felicitate with the Papacy, His Holiness, Pope Francis on the occasion of his 80th Birthday.

Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catho-

Pope Francis

lic Church and Head of the Vatican City; born on the 17th of December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He chose ‘Francis’ as his Papal name on the 13th of March 2013 in honour of Saint Francis of Asisi.

Pope Francis began his priesthood journey following his ordination as a Catholic Priest in 1969 and in 1998, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Before then, Pope Francis was Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina (1973–1979), Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires (1992–1997), Titular Bishop of Auca (1992–1997) and Cardinal-Priest of San Roberto Bellarmino between (2001 and 2013).

He was made Cardinal by the Late Pope John Paul II. “Your Holiness, as you join the league of octogenarians today, the PDP family wish you many more years of pious contribution to the Vatican, the Catholic Church and all of humanity.

“Happy Birthday to the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Congratulations”, it said.

News 12

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Miss Nigeria 2016: Who wears the crown?

Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏ All roads lead to the Eko Con-

vention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, today to witness the emergence of Miss Nigeria 2016 and the unveiling of the Green Girl Project.

The prestigious event after the Red and Green carpet billed for 5:00 pm - 7:00pm.

A statement from organizers of the event states that highlights of the grand finale of the pageant include unveiling of the Green Girl Project, a fashion show, music, dance and other exciting shows of class and elegance.

The winner is expected to emerge through the automated voting system, which gives the audience a chance to determine who wears the crown. The audience will vote for their favorite contestant during the show, while the result collated alongside the judges’ inputs give a vibrant and fair chance to the contestants.

The event will, also, feature theatrical appearances by PANA Crooner Tekno, Nigerian ace comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY and Nollywood trailblazer/producer Lala Akindoju would be hosts for the evening show.

To take part in the voting process and also experience the glitz and glamour of the event, tickets are obtainable for N5000 or N10, 000 at Eko Hotel and Suits, or online at www.ariyatickets.com for a 50 per cent discount on tickets you buy.

Other outlets include Farenheit Hotel, U.S polo Surulere and Apapa Mall, Ebeano Supermarkets, Genesis Deluxe cinemas, Slot Surulere, Ikeja city mall, Saka Tinubu, Ikorodu, Festac and computer village, studio 24 nationwide.

For tables and enquires, the pageant organizers direct all enquiries to call 08033150455, 0706433209, 08176201460.

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The Miss Nigeria 2016 pageant is powered by Daily Times of Nigeria Newspaper and sponsored

by The Federal Ministry of Environment, Information and Culture, Pinnacle, Pathcare Nigeria and Zaron Cosmetics.

Other sponsors are Sari Signature, Powerhorse, Heritage Bank, Eko Hotel and Suites, Quilox, Arik Air, Air France and Eco Bank, NEPC, Shell, L’Avyanna Skin Naturals, Eventful, Edo State Government and Rivers State Government.

Media partners to the pageant are Nigerian Television Authority, Vanguard, Classic 97.3 FM and the Beat 99.9 FM. Other media partners include, The SUN Newspapers, The Nation, Leadership, The Guardian, BellaNaija, Linda Ikeji Blog, and

Pulse.ng.

Others yet are ThisDay Style, Onobello and Ovation magazine, Style Vitae, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Daar Communications and the New Telegraph Newspaper.

Metro 97.7 FM, Inspiration 92.3 FM, Cool TV, LTV, Goldmyne Entertainment, News Agency Nigeria are also media partners to Miss Nigeria 2016.

The 40th edition of the Miss Nigeria pageant unveils the thirty-six contestants, who will represent the rich heritage of the thirty-six states in Nigeria plus the FCT. These contestants are the successful candidates who passed through the audition stages held in four different locations - Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Lagos.

The beautiful contestants after their emergence were camped immediately after the auditions.

While in the camp, they were involved in diverse activities, which include a three day intensive empowerment training at Nigerian Export Promotional Council (NEPC), etiquette classes with Mrs. Janet Adetu and fun choreography sessions.

Other activities undertaken during the camping session include courtesy/facility visits, the international beach soccer, courtesy of PowerHorse, and mentorship by a renowned WIMBIZ member, amongst others.

These selected contestants will be judged based on the following criteria; punctuality, etiquette, daily tasks and also the Green Girl challenge.

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Nigeria to get 3m Euros from Germany for military equipment ÏÏÏ Nigeria to get 3m euros from Germany for military equipment Germany is to provide Nigeria with three million Euros for the procurement of surveillance equipment, mobile medical care unit and other support services for the country’s armed forces.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, announced this on Sunday at joint news conference with the German Defence Minister, Ursala Von dar Leyen, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Germany defence minister was in Abuja to hand over some military equipment donated by her country to Nigeria.

Dan-Ali said that the money would be provided through the extension of the German Technical Advisory Group Agreement for three years, 2017 to 2020.

The minister said that under the existing agreement between the two countries under the group, 2012 to 2016, Germany had donated two mobile care units with extensive care unit facilities to the country.

Also donated to the country

by Germany, according to DanAli, are Vallon metal detector/ Improvised Explosive Device and Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment, as well training of personnel and maintenance of the device.

He said Nigeria had also received three Mobile Tactical Ground Surveillance Radar systems from Germany for border security in the North East.

The minister thanked Germany for the assistance it had extended to the Nigerian armed forces so far to enhance their capacity to fight the Boko Haram terrorists.

130 transmission projects abandoned since 2002, says official

Opeoluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏ Managing

Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Dr. Atiku Abubakar, has said that about 130 power transmission projects have been abandoned since 2002. He made the revelation at the electricity customer’s forum organised by the Eko Electricity Distribution Plc in Lagos on Sunday.

However, he said the administration of Buhari will ensure execution of the projects.

He said one of the projects in Omotosho/Egbin KVA line, would be given priority attention in the 2017 budget. ``We have the capacity to generate 7,500 megawatts of electricity but we are faced with issues of gas challenge. ``The country power generation

hover between 3,200 to 3,000 megawatts which was challenged due to inadequate gas supply,’’ he said.

Abubakar, however, regretted that the development could not be attained now causing generation to shrink to about 300 megawatts due to gas constraint in the country.

According to him, the incumbent government is disturbed by the current challenges facing the transmission segment of the nation’s power sector and is determined to turn the challenges to opportunities which would cause the growth of the sector.

In his remarks, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Mr. Daniel Asuquo, emphasised that the lower chamber is cooperating with the Federal Government to ensure the growth of the nation’s power sector.

Asuquo commended the new

owners of Eko Electricity Distribution Company on the initiatives taken to improve the quantity, quality and reliability of power supply to its customers within its network despite the shortfall in power allocation from the national grid.

He said the initiative by the electricity distribution company, DISCO, to source for supplementary power through embedded generation options by ramping up excess power from existing captive generation within its license area and entering into bilateral agreements with Independent Power Providers would not only guarantee greater stability of supply but would also reduce the DISCO’s Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collections Loss, ATC&C. He enjoined the DISCO to im-

prove on metering its customers, adding that improved metering of customers and the embedded generation options being explored by the DISCO would not only improve revenue collection efficiency, it would improve its distribution network and overall performance.

Head, Consumer Affairs, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Mr. Hardley Blue-Jack, assured of his agency’s desire to make power sector works through appropriate regulations which should be strictly adhered to by both service providers in the sector and the consumers.

Speaking, the Managing Director of Eko Electricity Plc, Mr. Oladele Amoda, revealed that there was no visible investment in the power sector 30years before sell-

ing the assets of the successor companies of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to private sector.

He also said 70per cent of the assets were in dilapidated form when the assets were sold in 2013,adding that investors had actually spurred the growth of the sector hitherto in spite of the liquidity challenge.

He said his company is desirous of giving its best to the customers with a view to satisfying them and providing value addition services.

He added that the company has in the last three years metered substantial number of its customers, even as he said it has also placed order for five hundred 138 transformers in order to ensure steady supply of electricity to customers during the festive season.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 19, 2016

13

GAC Motor Launches Its Flagship GS4 in Nigeria With the launch of the GS4 model of cars on Monday, GAC Motor has expanded its foray into the Nigerian automobile market. The leading Chinese automaker, GAC Motor, unveiled its hi-tech GS4 series at an elaborate event which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

market in 2013. Rather than importing directly from its plant in China, GAC Motor partnered with the SKD Project to build a plant where the vehicles were assembled locally. The SKD Project was introduced in Nigeria this year through CIG Motors, the sole distributor of GAC Motor in Nigeria. veiling. It was graced by several dignitaries including the Minister of Information & Culture Lai Mohammed, the Oludo of Ido Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi, the Chinese Consul General Chao Xiaoliang, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, the General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun, Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan, Founder of Nike Art Gallery Nike Davies-Okundaye as well as Nollywood stars Stephanie Linus and Kate Henshaw. ager, Mr Yu Jun, said the vehicles were designed with the best technologies and modern gadgets, including Shadow 2.0 and innovative lights described as highest level in international quality.

He said: “The signature GS4 cars are powered by world-best engines that make low fuel consumption possible. The vehicles are designs. We are bringing these premium products and services to exceed the expectations of Nigerian and African customers. We designed the vehicles to give users all-new driving experience and also bring about safer and more comfortable journey.” its growth by increasing its annual sales from 335,000 to one million cars sale in Africa. He said the premium quality offered by GAC

vehicles. to building its growth and service network in Africa, noting that the covering 14 countries.

The Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed who

the development of the creative industry in Nigeria. He commended ria, Chief Diana Chan for her generous donations to the promotion of Arts & Culture in Nigeria and called on the Nigerian people to embrace the GAC Motor range of cars. bution of the GAC Motors in the area of culture, especially in the area of the creative industry and I wish them many more years of collaboration,” he said. gerian people for their warm welcome and urged them to extend that welcome to the GS4 Car. He reassured the people of the GAC excellent choice for use on Nigerian roads. “I would like to reassure the African people, especially our customers here in Nigeria, how seriously GAC Motor takes the quality and safety of its vehicles. We are very passionate about our goal to provide a safe transportation experience for all drivers, passengers and pedestrians.” to receive a Chieftaincy title in Nigeria described herself as a Nigecommitment to providing great service to the people of Nigeria.

GAC Motor is a subsidiary company of GAC Group that commits to developing and manufacturing world-class quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories. GAC Motor ranks top

General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun (left) and Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan

Quality Study, the highest of all Chinese brands for the third consecutive year.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

Chinese Consul General Chao Xiaoliang.

Guests at the unveiling.

General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun Nobel Laureate, Prof, Wole Soyinka (left) and Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan Guests

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed; Founder of Nike Art Gallery Nike Davies-Okundaye and Oludo of Ido Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi.

: L-R: Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan; A guest; General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun; Movie Producer, Mr. Kunle Afolayan; Publisher, Daily Times Newspaper, Fidelis Anosike and former ChairCross section of guests man, Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni.

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Transforming Leadership: Accessing the Inner Field

D

Dr. Charles Anosike

alai Lama makes mindful to opine on the growing systemic disconnects that are giving rise to a gnawing anxiety in our conflicted society. In his recent article, “our anxiety, the fear of being unneeded.” He recounted that although violence and rogue regimes continue to plague some corners of the world, it is a better time to be alive. In his natural grace, Dalai Lama painted a hopeful picture of our society, however, emphasized the need for leaders to show more empathy, mindfulness, and inclusion that could induce a purposeful collective attunement. Imbibing a new leadership dimension that seeks to alter the origin of our actions is a more challenging and uneasy task. Dalai Lama makes vivid the contradictions of religion “Even as the world’s major faiths teach love, compassion, and tolerance, yet unthinkable violence is being perpetrated in the name of religion.” Incredible greed and corruption continue to stunt development in many developing countries. On the upside, he pointed to the progress being made: fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read today.

In many countries, a growing recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm.

Very insightful rather troubling to note that in spite of the modest progress, persistent conflict continues to challenge our existence, provoking anxiety-laden leadership.

The progress we have attained is fevered by conflicts, making it contestable, indeed. As humans, we cannot abdicate our self-responsibility regardless of class.

It is not in any man’s self-interest to exist as a parasite in a productive society. Both the wealthy and poor, leader-follower have access to rationality in a free society, therefore, to stay aboard in this unequal existence of man without devaluing your mind, your interior condition must be regenerative. To be whole is to put in practice the act of mindfulness that enriches your thinking, seeing and sensing to embrace the unfolding now and let come the undivided self, enabling a deep communion with the “source.” The complexity of our problems requires a more indepth understanding of how individual elements interact with the larger whole-understand the underlying structures and interrelationships and how they work to make conflicts persistent to

interventions. In this sense, individual elements are the embodiment of the wider reality.

Almost all the problems confronting us are the resultant effects of policy makers doing the wrong things and trying to do them writer. Inattentive leadership permeates the political landscape forming interconnections of a dysfunctional egocentric economic system of government designed to perpetuate the status quo-growth dilemma.

Increasing desolation and conflicts, such persistent divide, be it ecological, spiritual, economic, and social could be instructive to leaders-policy makers, bringing to bare the need for self-attunement. The blindspot of leadership? The “source” of our action-a leader’s interior condition is essential to leadership effectiveness in the 21st century. Our new hope lies not in the numerical context of individualized statistics number of people lifted out of poverty or monetary based incentives but in transformative initiatives that seek to deepen our collective well-being (a sense of connection) to enable a shared identity among inhabitants, providing the glue to integrate parts into a cohesive whole.

Dalai Lama makes a point worth repeating: Leaders need to recognize that a compassionate society must create a wealth of opportunities that could enable productive work. In so doing, everyone who is capable of contributing can do so. A com-

passionate and mindful society provides easy access to quality education to all people. Quality education to children and greater ethical understanding and practical skills is essential to ensure economic security and inner peace. A compassionate society must make policies that protect the vulnerable without entrapping people in misery and dependence. Building such a society is no easy task. No ideology or political party holds all the answers.

Unconscious thinking from all sides contributes to social exclusion. Working together even when in disagreement creates a new concept of collaboration needed to drive dialogue. Because to simply invoke dialogue without a deliberate effort to enduring divergent and conflicting views, reduces the power to unite. For this purpose, adopting adaptable collaboration-a collaboration that enjoins the drive to unite (love) and the drive to self-realization could elevate the collective desire to achieve productive co-existence. Systemic Change Facilitator, Adam Kahane, put succinctly, it is counterproductive to view people who do not agree with you as the enemy. The essence of dialogue is to generate the consensus to actit is not to agree but rather to be freely creative even in moments of disagreement-a transformation journey of learning. The new leadership perspective must attend to our inner conditionthe source of our action. A self-

transformation is required to enable the collective change of our system.

Systemic disruption is becoming and knows no boundary; no government is impervious from this unfolding phenomenon.

The emerging world requires a speedy retreat from paternalistic approach to development and advance toward an all attentive and conscious inclusion, where citizens get involved in developing and implementing policies on matters that concerns their lives. In a multi-minded system generating consensusagreement to act in an instance is dependent on leadership. A new form of leadership (Leading from the source) that attunes the individual inner regulator with the collective mind through a dialogic process, informed by an open mind, open heart, and open will. The system begins to experience change as collective sensing unfolds, enriching the will to act and conduct our conflicted system.

The present state of the system in which we live contains inevitable primordial sentiments, separateness, ethnic divide and deep anger, beauty, hate as well as unconditional love. Our leaders must embrace the transformative power of dialogue in the collective mind. In a meaningful dialogue, each person is participating-a participatory consciousness is the organizing principle. It needs to be recognized that dialogue is not negotiation, debate, or a method of sharing resources or demonstrating ethnic alliances¬commercialized dialogue. Genuine dialogue develops a shared meaning from the emergent frictions-it takes participants on a personal contemplative practice, transcending the ego and revealing awareness decoupled from self-perception.

Management Professor, Otto Scharmer was unambiguous when he said the ability to shift the inner place from which we operate both individually and collectively is the essence of leadership. The problems we face cut across traditional categories; so is our dialogue. We are confronted with complex problems created by our old ways of thinking, it is about time for a deeper reflection, listening more and telling less to bring our collective power into a coherent whole. And reveal the systemic mindset needed to address the structural disarrangements of our system. Because the system is not the sum of its individual parts-it is the interrelationship and interactions among the parts that determine the system behavior.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

15 Opinion

POB, Biafra and Amnesty report

O

Chinedu Nwobu

ne week after, I am yet to recover from watching the gruesome videos published

by Amnesty International in a damning report that implicated Buhari and the Nigerian army in the cold blooded murder of hundreds of peaceful pro-Biafra/IPOB protesters. I have been traumatised by a video that was both macabre and chilling. In scale and scope, the video evidence represents the greatest possible constitutional abdication by the Buhari administration. It is also evidence of the utmost inhumanity and decadence of the infamous Nigeria army. Without question, the cold-blooded extra judicial execution of peaceful protesters is a moral obscenity that assaults the very concept of our common humanity. It is a crime against humanity that violates not only the most fundamental dictates of the Nigerian constitution but also the United Nations Charter and the African Charter on Human and people’s rights.

It is exactly for such heinous, unconscionable, reprobate and dastardly crimes that the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established. What kind of an army would relish the killing of its own unarmed citizens

for exercising their constitutional right to dissent and peaceful protests? What kind of a democracy would utilise the army to suppress by lethal force the right to differences of opinion expressed through peaceful assembly and protests that underpins the very essence of democracy? What kind of a nation, leadership and army would chose to address the grievances of its citizens by killing them? What kind of a cowardly and barbaric army, trained and paid by the citizens would turn around and take so much pleasure in killing the same citizens? Why would the peaceful and democratic demand for the right to self determination: a right recognised by the UN and African Charters and the same right with which we got independence from British Colonial masters without a fight be a reason to kill your own citizens?

In 1995, Quebec settled their demand for independence from Canada through a democratic referendum. In 2014, Scotland settled their demand for a right to self-determination from Britain through a democratic referendum. In 2015, Britain settled their demand to exit the European Union/ federation through the “Brexit” referendum.

Neither the Canadian government, the British government nor the European Union with some of the most powerful armies in the world

resorted to killing its own citizens to stop those who sought independence or self-determination. Buhari and the Nigerian army for what it is must understand the right to self-determination. It is a fundamental as well as a democratic right for all peoples as enshrined in the UN and African Charters.

Nigeria is signatory to these conventions and is bound by them.

Killing your own citizens as Buhari and the Nigerian army is disposed as a means of suppressing dissent and the right to self determination is not only a crime against humanity—such methods have never worked anywhere. More often than not, history teaches us that repression leads to armed revolt. The continuing mishandling of IPOB separatists will assuredly lead to more crises. Were force of arms alone enough to stop secessionist movements, we wouldn’t have IPOB, MASSOB, Niger Delta Avengers, MEND and other such self determination groups in the aftermath of the Biafra-Nigeria war. This is a fundamental lesson Buhari and the Nigerian army is yet to learn. No nation can ultimately succeed or enjoy enduring peace when it is run as a colonial or Apartheid state.

Nations endure and succeed by nation building, justice, equality, the rule of law and more importantly based on fundamental democratic freedoms. It is not an

accident that nations where all fundamental rights are given rarely if ever disintegrate. On the contrary, practically all states where conflicts, separatist groups and general violence are prevalent are states where the instruments of state, i.e. the army and police are used to violently suppress dissent or any agitation for self-determination. Consequently, such nations are locked in endless conflict, most often becoming failed states.

Colonialism and Apartheid is the only fitting description for a regime that so callously kills its own citizens for espousing different opinions. When in June 1976; the South African Apartheid regime unleashed its police on protesters killing many in Soweto; a shocked and outraged world condemned it. Incidentally, Nigeria voiced its criticism of the Soweto massacres.

But today; the Nigerian army in a supposed free state can kill hundreds of peaceful IPOB protesters in cold blood, kill hundreds of peaceful Shiites in cold blood, hold Nnamdi Kanu, El Zakzaky and other peaceful agitators in detention against court orders and practically act as it deems fit. The sadistic killing spree of the Nigerian state under Buhari has become worse than a colonial and Apartheid state put together. This is a no win route that will lead nowhere other than to further balkanisation of Nigeria.

Cagey Igala man and lucky Igbo man’s opportunity

P

Olugu Olugu Orji

icture a marketplace scenario where you chance on a situation like this: a fellow is negotiating to purchase an item you are prepared to pay any price to acquire. How would you feel if the fellow begins to badmouth the item? You should feel great, and you would certainly be elated were he to walk away.

About 25 years ago, this scenario nearly played out when I found myself in Benue State in fulfilment of my National Youth Service obligation. It turned out that an Igala kinsman had earlier summarily dumped the pretty lass I had earmarked to spend the rest of my life with. His face-saving reason at the time was that the gap between their educational attainments was irredeemably disproportionate. To him, a Higher National Diploma and a few credits in the Senior Secondary School Certificate were worlds apart. That excuse survived until I sauntered in brandishing something a bit weightier than a HND. The seven eventful years I spent in what was unarguably Africa’s most beautiful campus and the many bittersweet experiences I garnered in my explorative liaisons

with the opposite sex afforded me more accurate insights into the dynamics of matrimony. When I rammed into the sweltering heat of Makurdi in 1988, I had a detailed idea of what my life-inmate should look like.

On the physical side, I love smaller-sized women or what you would call “portable.” I imagine something I could pick up and take off with on short notice in the event of conflict. The Biafra debacle taught us the esoteric art of determining the most precious item to vamoose with when the enemy is at the door.

Cantilevers are features I fell in love with while studying Architecture. In buildings, I find them aesthetically appealing.

I love women with a deep, unassuming spirituality capable of generating initiative and are selfdriven. And when she is an excellent cook-cum-magician like my late mama, I would usually respond as one under a spell.

It took about 15 months of focused tracking and a commensurate dose of fervent supplication to conclude that the pretty, portable Igala lass was the one I was prepared to be stuck with for life. With massive encouragement from friends like Nwachukwu Achebe and late Adama Adagole, I initiated an irrevo-

cable process that saw me dragging my septuagenarian father from Ohafia all the way to Idah to do what only a loving father could. Saturday December 12 1992, Jumai and I were married at the Qua Iboe Church, Lobi Quarters Makurdi.

Soon afterwards, I discovered the real reason why my predecessor had scrammed: Jumai was the de-facto breadwinner of her family.

Being the first of 10 siblings, she inherited that unenviable status when their father died in a freak accident. As an accountant, the young man had taken accurate stock of the concomitant cost of marrying such a girl and had predictably grown cold feet. Moreover, in nearly 23 years, I have come to know through experience what he knew only by inference.

A few months ago, I met my predecessor for the first time at the funeral of a man who was mentor to my missus. He treated me as though I was long lost friend; and why not. I helped clear the mess he had created very back; a mess I am actually glad he was led to create. I have a hunch he took a studied look at my missus and concluded I had not done too badly. There was no bitterness, no ill feelings and hopefully, there will never be any regrets. One man’s real fears became another’s bright

opportunity.

I have thought deeply about my marital odyssey and it bears striking resemblance to the essential Ndiigbo experience. We have this knack for picking up what others reject or ignore and making something out of it by deliberate and sustained nurture. Sometimes the capacity to assume risks that enable us last longer than the competition equates smartness. And that could be why Ndiigbo fancies them as being endowed with the smarts.

Here is to my Igala forerunner who took a hike when reality registered: you are no coward. Your courageous flight helped secure the happiness of many more than you could ever imagine. By your actions, you have earned a place on my roll of heroes.

And to you, Christiana Jumai, my fellow life-inmate in this gaol of bliss: I have just aborted our proposed trip to the moon. I am researching a destination not polluted by human excrement, a place far removed from the lunacy of human hypocrisy. Until then, I am condemned to dragging you all around with me; and ogling as much as I possibly can.

Because at 40-something, you still rock, my delectable cantilever baby!

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

17

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

s

The many battles of Ibrahim Magu

Magu

The refusal by the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC may have succeeded in creating a quagmire in anti-graft programme of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Watchers of the current anti corruption war of President Buhari see the development as possible cog in the wheel of progress that may lead to awkward complexities in the years ahead, unless something urgent is done by Mr. President to rebuild public confidence in his anti graft war.

So far, many who had followed the developments in the hazardous battle to tackle corruption under the current administration had given kudos to these efforts especially, to the team at the EFCC led by Ibrahim Magu.

Daily Times checks however indicates that Ibrahim Magu’s woes may not be unconnected with the ways he has carried out his duties so far.

The EFCC acting Chairman is also said not to be in the Good books of many including some close associates of the President who see him as too strong to bend.

The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media andPublicity, Alhaji Abdulrazak Namdas disclosed that the National Assembly is currently amending the EFCC Act to remove areas of friction between the office of the Minister of Justice and the

EFCC. “ It is obvious that even in the Presidency, not everyone like what Magu is doing and therefore will not want him to continue. But to resolve areas of conflicts between the EFCC and other agencies as well as part of our plans to give more powers to the EFCC, we are currently working to. amend the EFCC Act.” Thus the uproar that greeted the decision by the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the anti graft agencies is therefore understand given the successes recorded so far.

This is also why informed opinions believe that President Muhammadu Buhari must act fast to sustain the current momentum in the battle against corruption by moving fast to ensure that whatever is needed to be done is done to sustain public confidence in the anti graft agency.

The EFCC Act 2002 clearly established that Agency must be constituted and run in accordance with the provisions of the Act establishing it.

Thus part 1(1) of the EFCC Act stipulates that “There is established a body to be known as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (in this Act referred to-as “the Commission”) which shall be constituted in accordance with and shall have such functions as are conferred on it by this Act.” Part 2(1) went further to state that; The Commission shall con-

sist of the following members; (a) a Chairman; who shall be the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Commission The Act went further under section 3(1) to explain that the “Chairman and members of the Commission other than ex-officio members shall be appointed by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate.”

The issue therefore is whether the President will prefer to retain him in acting capacity with the implications that his tenure must be regularly renewed and how long can that last for.

The danger here is that the EFCC Act is silence of such appointment in acting capacity. This is because the framers of the Act did not envisage a situation the country has found itself in currently.

The President also has the option of proceeding to nominate someone else as a replacement and forwarding same to the Senate for approval, hoping that the new nominee will find favour with the law makers.

Some of the allegations that denied Ibrahim Magu the Chairmanship of the Commission include that some sensitive documents belonging to the EFCC where found in his residence during the tenure of the former EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Ferida Waziri Part of the security reports upon which the Senate based their decision also has to do with an allegation that Mr. Magu is currently occupying a house worth N40M which was allegedly rented for him by one Umar Mohammed who is said to be under EFCC investigation.

“That the acting EFCC chairman regularly embarked on official and private trips through a private jet owned by embattled Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (Rtd).”

“On 24 June 2016, he (Magu) flew Emirate Airlines first-class to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj at the cost of N2.9m. This is in spite of Mr. President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.”

As at the time of compiling this report, the Presidency was yet to make a formal reaction to the development saying that it has not received the official resolution of the Senate on the matter.

EFCC, SEC collaborate on local, foreign investments Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has identified accountability, probity and transparency as crucial in protecting the investments of local and foreign investors in Nigeria.

He made this observation while playing host to members of the management team of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, who were on a visit to the EFCC at the Commission’s Head Office, Abuja.

The EFCC boss commended the collaborative efforts between the two agencies which he said had led to recoveries of stolen monies.

“The work is so enormous but the collective efforts and collaboration is absolutely necessary so that a lot of ground will be covered”, Magu said.

He assured the SEC DG of the Commission’s commitment to the agency’s mandate and implementation of the MoU between the SEC and the EFCC. He also pledged that joint trainings would be organised in the near future to bridge the gap between both agencies.

The anti-graft czar however, advised the SEC to always tip off the EFCC before suspension of erring brokers in order to increase the chances of successful investigations and recovery of monies.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mounir Gwarzo, who is also the Director-General, SEC, in his remarks lamented the limitations to their enforcement authority which has over time, hampered the SEC’s effectiveness in recovering monies lost by investors to fraudulent brokers and dealers.

He recalled the numerous benefits of the close collaboration that the SEC and the EFCC had shared which he said had yielded invaluable training of SEC staff by the EFCC, as well as the MoU in the works.

Gwarzo also mentioned that several criminal cases against defaulters of SEC policies that are not under the SEC’s jurisdiction had been sent to the EFCC, and sought feedback on the status of such cases.

The DG SEC stressed that closer collaboration between both agencies would go a long way in restoring confidence of local and foreign investors.

He was accompanied on the visit by Amos Ali, Head, Enforcement; Daiyabu Umar, Assistant Director; Naif Abdulsalam, Head, Corporate Communications and Mohammed D. Ali, Assistant Manager, Enforcement and Investigation Department.

18 Times Against Corruption Banker jailed for N8b currency scam

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Court adjourns former Gov. Dariye’s trial

A banker, Tope Akintade was during the week, convicted and sentenced to two and half years imprisonment by Justice Emmanuel Ayo Nathaniel of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The former staff of Ecobank, Ibadan branch sentenced to two and half years imprisonment on each of the three counts of stealing and conspiracy pressed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Akintade was convicted over his complicity in the infamous N8billion CBN currency mutilation Scam.

The convict is also to forfeit a Shopping Plaza and another property located in Ibadan, allegedly acquired with proceeds of crime.

One of the counts that sent Akintade to prison reads: “That you, Tope Akintade between 2010 and May 2011 in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspired with Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kayode Phillips and John Paul to convert the sum of and Ninety Million Naira) only which sum was illegally derived from Central Bank of Nigeria, to wit: by inducing the central Bank of Nigeria to deliver the said sum to EcoBank Plc as against the actual sum Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to -

Wonder Bank operators jailed in Gombe The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of three operators of a wonder bank Dayo Peter Bulus also known as Bulus Maiyaki, Oyeleye Adetunji alias James Adetunji and Martins Adebajo for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false predred and sixty-eight thousand naira, fifty kobo).

The convicts were arraigned on Thursday, December 8, 2016 before Justice Mohammed of Gombe State High Court on a 2-ount charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

The convicts allegedly used a company, unsuspecting victims to pay twenty percent of any amount they intended to borrow as loan for just twelve percent interest without collateral.

By this, many innocent individuals have been tricked and swindled of their hard earned income.

The offence breaches Section 96 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

They all pleaded guilty to the charge when they were read to them.

In view of their plea, counsel to the EFCC, them based on their plea, relying on Section 28 of Evidence Act, 2011.

However, the defense counsel, Mairo Moda, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that the defendants were first offenders, who had no past criminal records and were also bread winners of their various families.

Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Gudu, Abuja, has adjourned till January 18 and 19, 2017 for further proceedings in the trial of a former governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye.

Dariye is facing a 23-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of funds, to the tune of N1.2billion.

The criminal matter, which had been fixed for December 13, 2016 for continuation of trial, could not proceed, as the defence led by G. S. Pwul, SAN, once again failed to produce two witnesses, who were to testify in the case.

At the last sitting on December 9, 2016 the defence had failed to produce the same witnesses, informing the court that they were not reachable; this made the prosecution led by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, to express concerns that “unnecessary adjournments may delay conclusion of this matter”.

The defence had also notified the court that it wanted to again cross-examine the first prosecution witness, Musa Sunday, an EFCC operative, who had during his testimony on January 25, 2016 being cross-examined by Pwul.

At the resumed sitting, today, Sunday was in court, but Pwul, was not with his witnesses.

“As at Friday [December 9] the report from the bailiff is that the witnesses have not been served”, Pwul said.

The Justice Banjoko, however, cau-

tioned Pwul not to allow a scenario where he would be seen to be deliberately delaying the trial.

“What I wanted was to take all the witnesses together, and I understand the frustration of the prosecution, and this is not what the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and judicial policy anticipates, and this is against every directive issued to all judges,” the trial judge held.

Jacobs, however, raised objections to the decision of the defence to again cross-examine the prosecution witness, arguing that “we have already closed our case, and our witness has been cross-examined by the defence, and discharged by the court”.

Joshua Dariye

He argued that: “A party applying to re-examine a prosecution witness, must supply the trial court with facts as to the reason, and what he intends to put to the witness, including the new areas he wants, which the defence has not done.”

At this point, Pwul notified the court that the defence already prepared the motion, but that the counsel with it was not in court.

The trial judge, while urging him to “file the motion and serve the prosecution and let’s see it in black and white”, then hinted that arguments on the matter would only be entertained in January 2017.

Tempers, however, flared, when Jacobs, immediately expressed concerns that Pwul deliberately wanted to drag the case into the new year.

“That is what he wants, and the Supreme Court has already condemned him for delaying this case,” Jacobs said.

His response, however, sparked an immediate reaction from Pwul, which necessitated the trial judge to intervene to calm frayed nerves.

While adjourning to January 18 and 19, with a stern instruction to the defence to serve the prosecution with the motion before the fixed date, the trial judge, noted that “having a speedy trial is not having a speedy acquittal or conviction, but is based on the merit of what you put before the court.”

EFCC arraigns man for duping Irish woman £53,000

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC efforts to check cyber crimes has continue to yield positive results.

This followed the arraigned by the organization of one Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tombrown alias Michael Freeman and his company, Yoshinaka Corporation, before Justice A. O. Faji of the Federal High Court, sitting in Asaba, Delta State on a 34-count charge bordering on obtaining by false presence.

Tombrown is alleged to have duped an Irish businesswoman, Izabela Glogowspounds) through internet scam.

According to Glogowska, the petitioner, Tombrown posed as a prominent online trader, Michael Freeman, to hoodwink her to part with her money.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tonbrown alias Michael Freeman, Yoshinaka Corporation, on or about the 8th day of May, 2015, at Warri, Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did represent yourself as one Michael Freeman a famous online trader and obtain the sum of Five thousand, Eight Hundred Euro’s false pretence that you were going to pay

the said sum into Izabela Glogowska’s Perfect Money account, a pretence you knew to be false, and thereby committed the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punish-

“That you, Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tombrown alias Michael Freeman, Yoshinaka Corporation, on or about the 11th day of May, 2015, at Asaba, Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did represent yourself as one Michael Freeman a famous online trader and obtain the sum of Four thousand, Three Hunka under the false pretence that you were going to pay the said sum into Izabela Glogowska’s Perfect Money account, a pretence you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sec-

in prison custody.

Counsel to the defendant, I. B. Azago made an oral application for bail which was refused by the court. He was asked to make a formal application for bail.

Justice Faji adjourned the case to January 23 and 24 2017 and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of his bail.

and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, of the said Act. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, S. Hussaini asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and that the accused person be remanded

Magu

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 19, 2016

19 News PTAD registers 4,370 pensioners North East zone

Alleged N1.4bn diversion: OAU senate faults acting VC’s invitation

by EFCC

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

The Senate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has faulted the invitation and interrogation of the institution’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The condemnation was contained in a resolution obtained by our correspondent after the institution’s Senate meeting, which held on Friday.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the resolution when contacted on the telephone on Sunday.

It was gathered that the university senate met on Friday to review and discuss issues relating to the security, peace and order on the university campus.

The senate also treated reports submitted by two task force committees’ setup to investigate activities of the university’s past administration before the emergence of Prof. Elujoba and other matters.

During the meeting, the resolution specifically stated that members of the senate frowned at the allegations levelled against the acting VC.

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ The Managing Director

of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, has restated the commitment of the Commission to complete all on-going projects in the nine Niger Delta states.

Mr. Ekere was speaking at the funeral service held in honour of Elder Inyang Willie Akpan, a one-time sole administrator of Southern Uruan Local Government Area and Caretaker Chairman of both Ikono and Obot Akara LGAs, at the Primary School, Afaha Itam in Itu, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

In addition to completing ongoing projects, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer promised that the Commission will construct

Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Bonnie Iwuoha (left) in a handshake with former Secretary to the Government, Abia State, Mkpa A. Mkpa, during a courtesy visit on Iwuoha in Umuahia, Abia… at the weekend.

Court bars Imo from demolishing NBA House Val Okara, Owerri

ÏÏÏAn Owerri High Court

has issued an interim order restraining the Imo State Government and its agents from demolishing the Owerri Branch office of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

In a suit, No. HOW/ 724/2016 instituted before Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka-Chikeka of Owerri High Court by the NBA Owerri Chairman, Mr. L.U.N. Nwakaeti and Secretary Mr. Ishmael Nkwocha, challenging an alleged plan by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s

administration to destroy the Bar Center located inside the High Court premises, Orlu road, Owerri.

Other defendants in the suit are the state Attorney General, Commissioner for Works and Housing and Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning. The case has been adjourned to today, December 19, 2016 for further hearing.

While addressing à cross section of newsmen Mr. Nwakaeti, said that it would be in the interest of the state government to obey the court order as anything to the contrary would be

an invitation to anarchy in the state. He also used the opportunity to decry Governor Okorocha’s refusal to grant financial autonomy to the state judiciary.

“As we speak, judges in Imo state have not been paid their state allowances since March 2016. Judiciary staff are being owed more than three months’ arrears of unpaid salaries. This is because the governor has refused to hands off money meant for the judiciary.

“It is illegal, constitutional and an impeachable offence. This has killed the judiciary in this state. The

federal government and many states have implemented this financial judicial autonomy but Imo has blatantly refused. Right now, the workers in the state judiciary are supposed to be on strike but we are begging them because of what the masses will suffer if they go on strike.”

The NBA also kicked against the alleged 60 percent forfeiture of arrears of unpaid pensions to retirees in the state, saying that it was unheard of that retired public servants would be held under duress to forfeit their pensions and gratuity.

We will complete all on-going projects, NDDC MD assures the Mbiabong-MkpanobongItam Road in Itu LGA next year.

He declared: “We shall send a team to carry out a survey of the road. We shall in the year 2017 construct the road in the memory of Elder Akpan. We will be glad if at the completion of the project the local government can name the road after him.”

He appealed to the people to continue to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the other levels of government in the country, stating that he was

confident that the policies of the Federal Government would bring the country out of recession very soon.

He remarked that Itu and Ibiono local government areas benefited from many NDDC projects because they had a very vibrant member in the Senate for many years. “I know that Senator Ita Enang, who represented Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial district in the National Assembly attracted many NDDC projects to the area,” he said.

Mr. Ekere again commiserated with the Akwa Ibom state government and families of the victims of the recent Reigners Bible Church building collapse in Uyo. He said that the tragedy which occurred while thousands of worshippers were inside the church was avoidable.

“That tragedy affected the entire state. Our prayer is that this type of affliction will not arise a second time,” he said.

Mr Ekere prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead and God’s healing upon those

who were at different hospitals with injuries sustained during the collapse. “I wish them quick recovery. And I pray for comfort to their souls, spirits and bodies and declare that this tragedy will not befall us again,” he said.

He said that at this time when Christians all over the world were preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, everyone should pray fervently to God, so that this season would not be one of tears and sorrow, but would truly be one of peace, joy, charity and goodwill to all men.

The Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, at the weekend revealed that it has successfully captured the biometrics of 4, 370 pensioners, in the NorthEast zone of the country.

This was contained in the interim report from the zone as shown in a statement is issued by the Public Affairs department of PTAD. According to outcome to the verification exercise of Civil Service pensioners which covered Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe, the Directorate was able to capture the biometrics of 4, 370 pensioners, a figure which represents about 75 percent of the projected number of pensioners in those four states.

The team, which was personally headed by the Executive Secretary of the Directorate, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor, travelled through the four states within a week to carry out the exercise.

Those who did not have Bank Verification Number (BVN) during the exercise, according to the statement, were given on-the-spot assistance to the banks to obtain their BVN in line with the transparency initiative of the PTAD under the Executive Secretary.

Barr Ikeazor has, since assumption of office, reiterated her determination to weed out ghost pensioners from the books and records of the Agency.

The Directorate also visited the hospitals to capture those who were indisposed.

Earlier, in a similar exercise of checking the books, about 9,000 pensioners who did not have their BVN details were weeded out of the records of the Agency across board.

According to the Executive Secretary of PTAD, “we are not only determined to clean up the books in line with the zero-tolerance initiative of the President, we are poised to remove the negative perception which the Directorate has suffered before this new administration.

“We will continue to insist that the right things are done in a manner that will enhance the operations of the Directorate to meet its core mandate to pensioners”, she said.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

NOT BY BREAD ALONE MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO.1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.VICTORIA WOBO NYECHE - PRESIDENT/ CHAIRMAN 2.JOY OROMA NYECHE 3.JUSTICE UCHE EBBIS - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATION. TO PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE CHRISTIAN LITERATURE AND MATERIALS TO PARTNER WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN NIGERIA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTS OF THE MINISTRY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHRIST THE LAMB INTERNATIONAL CHURCH .

This is to notify the public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the addition of Trustees and to file her amended constitution in article 4 to include additional four Trustees to the existing five, thereby making it nine Trustees, under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Old Trustees ; 1. Bishop Deborah Alabraba.

2. Senior Evangelist Aisha Galadima.

3. Senior Evangelist Biobele Galadima.

4. Evangelist Belema Briggs.

5. Evangelist Tamunonimitien Briggs.

New Trustees.

1. Jacks Gloria Young.

2. Ero Sarah Eghosasere.

3. Diepiri Boma Gordon.

4. Peters Banimi.

Any objection to this addition of trustees should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris. Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed : Bishop Deborah Alabraba.

Chairman. Senior Evangelist Aisha Galadima. Secretary.

CHIEF DONATUS NDUBUISI AGU-EJIDIKE JP FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO.1 OF 1990.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: Chief Donatus Ndubuisi Agu-Ejidike JP Foundation Mrs. Chidi Celina Ejidike Kenechi Donatus Ejidike Ifenna Henry Ejidike Chibuisi Promise Ejidike

AIMS/OBJECTIVES a. Support sporting activities b. Create opportunities through sport to the people in the impoverishedpart of the country. c. Provide free legal aid in the drive to de-congest our prisons. d. And every other programme that wouldaid the growth of the country and the world in general.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SINGED: SECRETARY. THE ORZORA CENTRE FOR GENDER EQUALITY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.

21

NEWWORD GOSPEL PAVILION LORDS AMBASSADOR THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR ODAFE QUINCY JONATHAN - PRESIDENT 2.OMODUEMUKE EJIRO DEBORAH - VICE PRESIDENT 3.EROMOSELE JAMES - SECRETARY 4.OSIA KELLY OMOEREREYI - CO- ORDINATOR 5.OMODUEMUKE RUKEVWE DAVID AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO MINISTER DIVINE DELIVERANCE FROM FOUNDATIONAL HOLDS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI MAITAMA, ABUJA,WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: J.K NANA CROWN KINGS CONSULTANCY CO. 08037769526 THE WORLD ASSEMBLY OF AL AZHAR GRADUATES KWARA STATE CHAPTER (NO 60, IBRAHIM TAIWO ROAD, ILORIN, KWARA STATE)

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. Ifeanyi Chiedozie Nwaogazie.

2. Ulari Fiona Nwaogazie.

3. Ngozi Lilian Okoli.

4. Nneka Chiazo Chidoka.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr Jimoh Mahamood 3. Dr. Sakariyah Shehu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. Empowering women and youths for sustainable development in our communities through research, training and advocacy.

2. Educating women on issues affecting their development such as climate change, food, security and socio economic issues.

3. Encouraging female and youth participation in good local governance at all levels.

4. Promoting sustainable livelihood programs.

5. Building capacity for women’s entrepreneurial skills as a tool for development.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Register-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse, Zone 5 , Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed ; Ulari Fiona Nwaogazie.

2. Abdul Raheem Babatunde 4. Muhammad Labeeb Nababa

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE: 1 . To foster unity and promote welfare of her members 2.

To promote and encourage close relationship between this Association and other related Associations.

3. To foster unity and promote mutual co-operation between the government of Nigeria and Egypt on Educational, Cultural, and Economic Advancement.

4.

To embark on some programmes such as seminars, conferences, symposia and to support scholars in their research activities within and outside Nigeria.

5.

To award scholarship and bursary to distinguished students and scholars and tertiary institution.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFIARS COMMISSION, 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B, 198, MAITAMA,ABUJA, WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Dr. Jimoh Mahamood

AUTHENTIC LIFE CHURCH This is to inform the General Public that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1- OLUSEGUN FOLAJIMI OLAIDE 2- OLUFUNKE OLAIDE 3- OLUWASEUN KADIRI 5- CHUKWUMA AHIAKWO 7- AKINWALE AKINBODUNSE

- [Chairman] - [Secretary] 4. OLANREWAJU PHILIPS 6. SUNDAY ADEOTI 8. SAMSON OPUORO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) TO EDIFY AND PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES AND GET NEW CHRISTIAN CONVERT. (2) TO ESTABLISH CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLIES IN THE NAME OF THE CHURCH IN NIGERIA AND OTHER PART OF THE WORLD. (3) TO ESTABLISH BIBLE INSTITUTIONS,CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS GOSPEL SINGERS BAND AND EVANGELISTIC TEAMS FOR PROMOTIONAL,PREACHING AND SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL. (4) TO REACH THE WHOLE WORLD WITH THE GOSPEL BY ALL MEANS AND METHODS ACCORDING TO THE HOLY BIBLE. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY : ITOHAN EVBUOMA, PARADIGM LAW SOLUTIONS SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES, 90 NORMAN WILLIAMS STREET, IKOYI. LAGOS

22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

IRESANMI TRADITIONAL HEALERS ASSOCIATION SECRETARIAL ADDRESS - 5/7 CHIEF BOSE ABATAN AVENUE FOWOSEJE ESTATE, OFFIN SAGAMU OGUN STATE

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:-> (1) AMBASSADOR OREAGBA BASIRAT ABOSEDE - FOUNDER (2) CHIEF AREMO JEKAMI AGBOOLA BABATUNDE (3) PRINCE ADEYINKA SHITTA OREMOSU (4) CHIEF TOBILOBA FAGADE - SECRETARY (5) ALHAJI ADETAYO BADMUS - TREASURER (6) CHIEF FAKOYA IFAYEMI MUYIDEEN - FINANCIAL SECRETARY (7) PROF. IFEDAYO OYEKOLE - PATRON THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY ; AMBASSADOR OREAGBA BASIRAT ABOSEDE

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to notify the general public of the loss of land document for PLOT NO 400 located at kubwa layout cadastral Zone O7-O5 , BWARI AREA COUNCIL FCT. ABUJA belonging to IRENE NKECHI OPARA , of NO 10 Oyinbodudu / o str. Oke afa isolo lagos got missing. All the effort to trace the missing document proved Abortive. If found please report to nearest police station

ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS

INITIATIVE FOR HEARTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF WOMEN.

This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part C of the companies and Allied matters Act1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part C of the companies and Allied matters Act1 of 1990

Names of Trustees are: 1. Pastor Emmanuel Olujide Babajide - Chairman.

2. Dr Adeigbe Christopher Olubunmi - Secretary.

3. Pastor Thompson Bosun Shokunbi.

4.Prophet Festus Olonade Bamise.

5.Dr(Mrs) Adegbite Deborah Doyinsola.

6.Elder Augustine Oluwasegun.

7. Dcns (Mrs) Oluranti Olurin.

Aim and Objectives: 1. To train christian Counsellors for the confuse world and provide counselling services to the needy.

2. Accreditation and regitration of products as licensed christian Counsellors in Nigeria.

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

Signed : Trustees

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Mr John Anene, 2)Mr Okwuchukwu John Anene, 3) Mr Chikodi John Anene, 4)Mr Elias Ike (sec) 5)Evang Dr Mrs Glory John Anene (president) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ worldwide.

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

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

2. Deacon Adeniyi Akanmu Awesu 4. Sister Abiola Ajao

NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Deacon Konyehi Ndubueze Ben - President 2. Mrs. Mabuyaku Oritsematosan Joan - Secretary 3. Deacon Adesola Adelowo Abiodun 4. Brother Omikunle Adekunle A. 5. Mrs. Raji Sekinat Olabisi 6. Mr. Oyekola Oluremi Francis Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed Secretary

AJUONUMA FOUNDATION

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

2. Dr Norah Logun 4. Dr Lateefah Adebiyi

AIMS: 1. To improve women and children well-being in health, empowerment, and civil rights.

2. Educate women about their health.

3.Empower women to improve economic growth.

The Old Trustees are: 1. REV/EVANG S.O. GBAKARA-RETAINED 2. DEACON S.O.L. OGHENEJABOR-RESIGNED 3. DEACON B.O. IGBIGBI-DECEASED 4. MRS. J.O. GBAKARA-RETAINED 5. ELDER S.A. EJORHEYA-DECEASED The New Trustees are: 1. ELDER KPOMAH ORESIRI-APPOINTED 2. ELDER GBAKARA EMMANUEL EJIROREMU-APPOINTED 3. ELDER ALA SOLOMON AJOMATA-APPOINTED The Aims and objectives remains the same.

Any objection to this publication should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja – FCT, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed:BARR. SILAS ONWUGBONU - 08063926267

BATON OF ZION ROYAL MINISTRY 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. ODEDOYIN SAMSON OLUSEYI 2. ODEDOYIN STELLA CHINWETA 3. EUNICE ADEYEMI ADENIKE 4. OYEDIRAN TUNDE JAMES 5. OGUNLAJA SULAIMON ADEBAYO

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

Signed. Secretary

Signed: Trustees.

DESTINED TREASURE-VALLEY FOUNDATION.

ITU DEVELOPMENT UNION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the 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 Union 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. OBINAGHA EBI CHIMEZIE 2. REUBEN KING - SECRETARY.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Efanga James Usua -Chairman 2. Senator Anietie Okon 3. Elder Udoekop Udousoro 4. Obonganwan Grace Ekong 5. Prof. Ottobong Akpan 6. Hon. (Barr) Kennedy Ekong - Secretary 7. Elder (Dr) Okon Uyire Eniang

CHAIRMAN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. To assist orphanage and destitute home.

2. To assist young people acquire skill development with particular emphases on children from deprived background 3. To offer educational scholarship to less privilege children.

4. To relieve poverty among vulnerable children.

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

(CHIARMAN)

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster unity and love among Itu people.

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

Signed: Prof. Efanga James Usua CHAIRMAN.

THE WAY OF LIFE SALVATION MINISTRY

CHRIST MERCIFUL REVIVAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL. The general public is hereby inform that the above named Church has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for change of Trustee 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 has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

Trustees are: 1. Rev Akamdiocha Chidi Kenneth -General Overseer 2.EMMA OKOYE. 3.RAPHAEL OJIMA .

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AJEWOLE PETER FISAYO -PRESIDENT 2. AJEWOLE OLUWASEUN TEMITOPE -SECRETARY 4. AJEWOLE OYENIKE OLUREMI - MEMBER 5. AJAYI BABATUNDE - MEMBER

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : soul winning, gospel preaching, setting captives free.

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Signed,Barrister C .E .Nnbuenyi-Anukwu[Mrs)

Signed: Secretary

EMERALD PROGRESSIVE WOMEN ASSOCIATION NSUKKA.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To Help The Less Privilage Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication

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

Trustees are.

1.Professor David Nwoye Exeh.

2. Honourable Solomon Izuchukwu Noah 3. Ugwu Onyekachi.

4. Dr. Okpe Chidozie.

Aims and Objectives: (1) To give moral and financial supports to the less privileged in the society, especially, widows, orphans and the aged.

(2)To inculcate value, self-worth, discipline and hard work into women in our society.

(3) To organise lectures, seminars. Workshops and any programmes that promote women support and emancipation.

Any Objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed . Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dim Anna Ajuonuma - President.

2. Ifeoma Iroegbulam - secretary

CAC/IT/NO: 11279

Aim And Objective: 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.

SIGNED ; OBINAGHA EBI CHIMEZIE

CHRIST BAPTIST CHURCH GBAGADA, LAGOS

OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Deacon Abioye Oyelowo 3. Deacon Ben Konyehi 5. Brother Adekunle Omikunle

TRUSTEE. 1.Dr Mansurah Badrudeen 3. Hajia Khadijah odubanjo 5. Dr Ridwan Hamed

GOD’S WILL MISSION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Removal and Addition of Trustees under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

CLOUDCOVER FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NICK DIXON - Chairman 2. OLUSEYI OLUGBENGA AJIBOLA - Treasurer 3. IMADE VIVIAN OKOH -Secretary 4. UCHENNA OBIAGELI AGBO 5. ALEXANDRA NOVITSKE 6. ONOME OBRUTHE 7. ARIANE BAUJARD-DIXON 8. MUYIDEEN KAZIM 9. MODUPEOLA FADUGBA 10. TITILOPE BABATUNDE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To cater for the less privileged in the society Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

BLUESTOCKINGS & GEMSTONES INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mervin Azeta - chairman 2. Christian Love - Secretary

AFRICAN SOCIAL DEFENDERS INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

OLUFUNKE ATITEBI FOUNDATION

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Encouraging the girl child to pursue careers in science and technology 2. Empowering the girl child and women to participate in innovations and invention 3. Promoting women intelligentsia and intellectuals 4. Facilitating Programs and projects to achieve set objective.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. COMRADE JERRY OBASI 2 . MRS. GRACE OBASI AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1 . EMANCIPATE THE AFRICAN MAN GLOBALLY 2 . CREAT TOTAL AWARENESS IN LEADERSHIP AMONG AFRICANS ESPECIALLY OUR YOUTH Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKINWONUOLA OMOKEHINDE ATITEBI 2. OMOBOLADE ADEOLA ATITEBI

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AREWA MARITIME WELFARE AND PROGRESS FOUNDATION.

HOME ECONOMICS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROFESSON PATRICIA ETUNA MBAH 2 . DORCAS OLAPEGBA OSENI 3 . MRS. ANNA AMODU 4 . MRS. BOLANLE ADEBIMPE KEHINDE 5 . PROF. ELIZABETH UGONWA ANYAKOHA 6 . PROF. AISHA ZOKARI MOHAMMED 7 . MRS. SABINAH OLUSOLAPE OLOJOLA

TRUSTEES. 1.ABDULLAHI MOHAMMED _ CHAIRMAN 2. ALIYU DAHIRU ZANYA_ GEN.SECRETARY. 3.EKO ALI ADOLPHUS_ VICE_ CHAIRMAN. 4.SUNDAY OHEPO _ ASST SECRETARY GENERAL. 5.ISHAAQ KHALID _ TREASURER. 6. LANKA SYLVANUS EMMANUEL _ FINANCIAL SECRETARY. 7. DAVID JUNGUDO _P.R.O. AIM AND OBJECTIVE. FOR THE PROMOTION OF GENERAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS,PROGRESS DEVELOPMENT AND PEACEFUL COEXISTANCE OF MEMBERS AND THE SOCIETY IN GENERAL. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED. BARRISTER SABO ABDULAZIZ 08033260382

ESAN NOBLE FRIENDS CLUB This is to inform the general public that the above named “CLUB” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of Companies and Allied Matters Acts 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1.EGBADON ANTHONY OKHAREDIA 2. ODIANA KINGSLEY OGBEIDE 3. ARHEWOH JERRY OSEZUA 4. ARABOME FELIX 5. EBHOBAGHE LAWRENCE EROMOSELE 6.IMOISILI EMMANUEL ITUA 7.AKHILE ENAHORO LAWRENCE 8.ANUGE ERNEST 9.OMODIAGBE FRANCIS IKERAMENRE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1.TO FOSTER UNITY, PROMOTE PEACE AND ENCOURAGE FRIENDSHIP AMONG MEMBERS. 2.TO EMPOWER YOUTHS AND WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY. Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed By TRUSTEES

CHRIST POWER & PENTECOSTAL PRAYER MOUNTAIN MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KALE DAVID ADEWOLE - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. KALE DEBORAH FUNMILAYO - SECRETARY 3. AKINYEMI LOLA BOSEDE - MEMBER 4 OGUNSANYA TAIWO CHRISTI – MEMBER 5 ADEMOLA ADEBISI ABIMBOLA - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To foster love, peace and unity amongst brethren.

3. To proclaim the good works of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES

SAVED BY FAITH INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1) REV DR AJILEYE DENNIS DAYO - LEADING PASTOR / OVERSEER 2) PROFESSOR (REV) DADA MARTIN OLORUNTOBI - SENIOR PASTOR 3) REV TITILAYO ISRAEL WALE - PASTOR 4) ASEDE CHRISTOPHER - PASTOR 5) AJILEYE TALE OZOHU - CHIOR - MISTRESS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2) TO DELIVER THE OPPRESSED AND MAKE THEIR LIVES FULFILLED IN CHRIST ( ISAIAH 61 1:3 , LUKE 1 74 -75 ) 3) TEACHING BELIVERS TO LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH AND PERSEVERING PRAYERS (LUKE 18 VS 1-8 ) Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrat General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi lronsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of Publication SIGNED BY REV DAYO AJILEYE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1 . FOR THE WELFARE OF THIER MEMBERS Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

23

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To engage in charitable objects such as diffusing useful knowledge to children, disabled and children Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

THE GREATER REDEEMED APOSTOLIC CHURCH MISSION RC N0: CAC/IT/N0 50482

This is to inform the general public that the above named Church which registered under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 has removed some of its trustees: THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SNR. APOSTLE ERNEST CHIMA 2. SNR ELDER MICAH NWANORO CHINDA - REMOVED 3. SNR ELDER ALPHAEUS OZICHE CHINDA 4. SNR ELDER CLIFFORD NWOSU 5. SNR ELDER EZEBUNWO TAGBO 6. ELDER CHRISTOPHER ENWUSONYE EJEKWU 7. REV KELECHI OGBONNA 8. REV BLESSING NNEJI REMOVED 9. DIST. DEACON JOEL GODSPOWER 10. DIST ELDER KENNETH AMADI Any objection to this removal should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SNR. APOSTLE ALPHAEUS OZICHE CHINDA

GOOD FRIENDS CLUB OF OZALLA NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OGBU IFEANYICHUKWU (CHAIRMAN) 2. IGBOKE JOHN (SECRETARY) 3. AGWA EMMANUEL (MEMBER) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To foster unity and love amongst members.

2. To help members in times of need.

3. To help the less privileged in our society.

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

Signed: OGBU IFEANYICHUKWU

LIVING SPRING ORPHANAGE AND OLD PEOPLE HOME. This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1ADEOBA GRACE - Chairlady 2 ADEOBA ADEMINIYI TUNDE - secretary 3 AIKULOLA OLUWAKEMI ADEBOLA 4 OREKOYA ADEDOLAPO OLUBUKOLA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To assist the less priviledge in the society 2 To care and cater for old people in the society 3 To run old peoples home.

ABAKPA MARKET LANDLORDS AND SHOP OWNERS ASSOCIATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHINWETALU COSMAS CHINEDU (CHAIRMAN) 2. OZOH CHIKE BARTHOLOMEW (SECRETARY) 3. EZEAKO CLETUS EZEAKO (MEMBER) 4. AMEKWE CALISTUS (MEMBER) 5. NWEKE SIMEON (MEMBER) 6. UKPAI EMMA PRINCE (MEMBER) 7. ORANEKWU CHRISTOPHER NWABUEZE (MEMBER) 8. IGWE ANAYOCHUKWU SEXGUS (MEMBER) 9. OKOYE ROBERTH OKOYE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote sense of unity among members 2. To unit members into one body Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES

EXCELLENT WOMEN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP WORLDWIDE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 TRUSTEES ARE : 1) OKUNGBOWA CHINYERE KATE - PRESIDENT 2) EKE AKUDO PRISCILLIA - VICE PRESIDENT 3) OPASINA OLUSOLA MORADEKE - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 4) ANYANWU PROMISE NNENNA 5) AGNES ADAEZE AKAEMEH - SECRETARY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrat General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi lronsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of Publication

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) RESCUE HOME FROM DESTRUCTION 2) PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER AND BEARING EACH OTHER BURDENS, REACHING OUT IN LOVE AND TRANSPARENCY Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrat General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguyi lronsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of Publication

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

SIGNED:SECRETARY

OZOR MONDAY.

Formerly known and addressed as MMADUABU CHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOR MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BOLATITO AYOMIDE OLATUNJI.

Formerly known and addressed as OGUN BOLATITO AYOMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as BOLATITO AYOMIDE OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EGBETOKUN FLORENCE AKANKE.

AKAN OLUCHI MODESTA

Formerly known and addressed as EGBETOKUN FLORENCE AKANKE F., now wish to be known and addressed as EGBETOKUN FLORENCE AKANKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EZEDIMBU OLUCHI MODESTA, now wish to be known and addressed as AKAN OLUCHI MODESTA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AFOLABI AKINFEMI KAMAL.

OGUNNIYI ALAO OLABISI

Formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI KAMAL ADEGOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI AKINFEMI KAMAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNNIYI SUNDAY ALAO, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNNIYI ALAO OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PIUS ELIZABETH OHA.

Formerly known and addressed as AGOGO ELIZABETH OHA, now wish to be known and addressed as PIUS ELIZABETH OHA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADESHINA EWAOLUWA ADIJAT

Formerly known and addressed as ADESHINA EWAOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESHINA EWAOLUWA ADIJAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

ANYANWU PHINA CHINENYE

I, formerly known and addressed as, PHINA PAUL CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as, ANYANWU PHINA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

UWAWUIKE -AZUBUIKE, CHINWE GLORIA

GRACE AMARACHI AMAEWHULE

I, formerly known and addressed as, AMARACHI GRACE OKOAFOR, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GRACE AMARACHI AMAEWHULE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MRS AZUBUIKE, CHINWE GLORIA Now Wish to be known and addressed as MRS UWAWUIKE -AZUBUIKE, CHINWE GLORIA. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

That Nengi Saya & Onengiyeofori Saya refer to the same person, & she was born on the 12th of June 1983. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

YOHANNA KIBU.

TONY CHIMCHETAM DARLINGTON

I, formerly known and addressed as, JOHN LIKITA, now wish to be known and addressed as, YOHANNA KIBU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IDEMMILI ONYEKA ALEX. CHUKWUDI: I formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUDI ALEXANDER ONYEKAnow wish to be known and addressed as IDEMMILI ONYEKA ALEX. All former documents remain valid.

Zenith Bank and General public should please take note.

OKPARA NGOZI BLESSING.

IKEH: I formerly known and addressed as IKEH NGOZI BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as OKPARA NGOZI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

RUFAI AYINDE AKOLADE

I formerly known and addressed as Raheen Biliaminu Lanre now I wish to be known and addressed as Rufai Ayinde Akolade. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note MICHAEL-PRAISE CHRISTIANA TAIWO FOLAKE

I, formerly known, called and addressed as SODIA CHRISTIANA FOLAKE and ODOGWU CHRISTIANA FOLAKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MICHAEL-PRAISE CHRISTIANA TAIWO FOLAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUWADUSI ABIDEMI OMOLAYO .

Formerly Miss Ajayi Abidemi Omolayo Now Mrs Oluwadusi Abidemi Omolayo . former documents remains valid. General public please note.

I formerly known and addressed as UGWOEZU DARLINGTON Now Wish to be known and addressed as TONY CHIMCHETAM DARLINGTON . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ONYIBO OLUCHI GENEVIEVE

MAGBO: I formerly known and addressed as MISS MAGBO OLUCHI GENEVIEVEnow wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIBO OLUCHI GENEVIEVE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UMEH PATIENCE NDIDI

NWACHUKWU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWACHUKWU PATIENCEnow wish to be known and addressed as MRS UMEH PATIENCE NDIDI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OARHE ANTHONY CHRISTOPHER

I formerly known and addressed as ANTONY IZEKOR now I wish to be known and addressed as OARHE ANTHONY CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

LUKE ONATEH

I formerly known and addressed as LUKE ONATE. Now Wish to be known and addressed as LUKE ONATEH.all former documents remain valid,general public take note.

EVELYN NNENNA OKOCHA

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EVELYN NNENNA PATRICK, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. EVELYN NNENNA OKOCHA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ISABELLA AKWUGO UCHE

Formerly known and addressed as AKWAUGO ISABELLA KALU now wish to be known and addressed as ISABELLA AKWUGO UCHE. All former documents remain valid, general public should take note ENEJE EMENIKE BARRY.

JOY SOMKELECHI UWAWUIKE.

OBED CHIZURUOKE UWAWUIKE.

This is to confirm that, I MIRABEL SOMKELECHI UWAWUIKE and JOY SOMKELECHI UWAWUIKE refers to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as JOY SOMKELECHI UWAWUIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to confirm that, I MICHAEL CHIZURUOKE UWAWUIKE and OBED CHIZURUOKE UWAWUIKE refers to one and same person.

Now wish to be known and addressed as OBED CHIZURUOKE UWAWUIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONYEABOR KELVIN NDUBUISI. I, formerly known and addressed as, PETER KELVIN NDUBUISI, now wish to be known and addressed as, ONYEABOR KELVIN NDUBUISI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODINAKA ADAJI JOY. I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBELE EGI ADAJI JOY Now Wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODINAKA ADAJI JOY. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. KESIENA OYABUGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. KESIENA EMOKINIOVO IGBEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKOH LORRITTA IFESINACHI

CHUKWUEDE OGBONNAYA DANIEL

KELECHUKWU: I formerly known and addressed as KELECHUKWU BLESSING ANAYO now wish to be known and addressed as KELECHUKWU NGOZI JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHUKWU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU LORRITTA IFESINACHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOH LORRITTA IFESINACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBONNA: I formerly known and addressed as OGBONNA EDEH DANIEL now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEDE OGBONNAYA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANICHEBE MICHEAL IKEAGUN

OLI VICTORIA ODINAKACHUKWU

ILEGBU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS ILEGBU VICTORIA ODINAKAnow wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLI VICTORIA ODINAKACHUKWU.All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANICHEBE: I formerly known and addressed as ANICHEBE MICHEAL GODY now wish to be known and addressed as ANICHEBE MICHEAL IKEAGUN. My correct date of birth is 15/7/1956 All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHIKA EZEIGWENEME This is to inform the general public that my name EZEIKWEREME CHIKA was wrongly written in my driving licence and opening of my account but now wish to be corrected and addressed as CHIKA EZEIGWENEME. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public should please take note.

AKINWANDE DEBORAH OLUWATOYIN

ROSEMARY EDET UMANA.

Formerly known as Mrs Ogundokun Deborah Oluwatoyin wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinwande Deborah Oluwatoyin. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ROSEMARY FLANNAN EKONG now I wish to be known and addressed as MRS ROSEMARY EDET UMANA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME That on my document, my name was wrongly arranged as IGWEBUIKE NWAJI AGUOGU insted of NWAJI IGWEBUIKE AGUOGU. That the corect arrangement of my name is NWAJI IGWEBUIKE AGUOGU. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

MICHAEL-PRAISE AYODELE.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ODOH NDIDI EDWARD, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLIVER CHINEDU EDWARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ODOGWU MICHEAL AYODELE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MICHAEL-PRAISE AYODELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARY OCRAN

KESIENA EMOKINIOVO IGBEN

KELECHUKWU NGOZI JENNIFER

ENEJE: I formerly known and addressed as ENEJE EMENIKE RAPHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as ENEJE EMENIKE BARRY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLIVER CHINEDU EDWARD.

NGOZI GRACE MOEMEKE

NANCY ODINAKACHI UZOWURU

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NANCY ODINAKACHI EMEKA. Now Wish to be known and addressed as MRS NANCY ODINAKACHI UZOWURU.all former documents remain valid,general public take note.

MICHEAL CHINONSO EZIKE I, formerly known and addressed as MICHEAL DREAD EJIKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MICHEAL CHINONSO EZIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

GARBA MUSA SARINA

I, formerly known, called and addressed as GARBA MUSA SAEED, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GARBA MUSA SARINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME.

NWUZAM PATIENCE REGINA I, formerly known and addressed as DAVID IDENYI PATIENCE REGINA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWUZAM PATIENCE REGINA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

GLORY CHINATU KALU

I, formerly known, called and addressed as GLORY GREAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GLORY CHINATU KALU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONAH FAVOUR CHINACHEREM.

I, formerly known and addressed as Chimamerem onuoha, now wish to be known and and addressed as Onah favour Chinacherem. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OSITA ELIJAH CHUKWUNONSO

IGWILO: I formerly known and addressed as IGWILO CHUKWUNONSO OSITA now wish to be known and addressed as PROPHET OSITA ELIJAH CHUKWUNONSO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

IGENEBOR RITA ELO

I formerly known and addressed as OGRIH RITA ELO now I wish to be known and addressed as IGENEBOR RITA ELO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note ADELAJA OLUWADAMILARE.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS BAKARE OLUWADAMILARE, wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ADELAJA OLUWADAMILARE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINBILEJE OLUWAFUNMILAYO MARY

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AYOOLA ADEDAYO AKINTUNDE

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEDAYO AKINTUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as AYOOLA ADEDAYO AKINTUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NGOZI GRACE NENE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NGOZI GRACE MOEMEKE. All former documents remain valid.

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Formerly Mary Paul now to be known and address as Mary Ocran . All former documents remains valid. General public please note.

That my name was mistakenly written on my BVN as IJEOMA RACHEAL KANU instead of OLAWUNI TIMILEHIN VICTOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEBAYO IDOWU LATEEF

TIMIALA TAMARANATU

CHIGOZIE CHUKWUDI ONUYA

MORDI OLABISI ADENIKE

ADAMOLEKUN OLALEKAN JOHNSON

AZEEZ MUIBAT ADUKE

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

I formerly known and addressed as BURUTU TIMIALA now wish to be known and addressed as TIMIALA TAMARANATU All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EZEKIEL CHIGOZIE ONUYA now wish to be known and addressed as CHIGOZIE CHUKWUDI ONUYA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ESHO OLABISI ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MORDI OLABISI ADENIKE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADAMOLEKUN OLALEKAN OMODUNBI now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMOLEKUN OLALEKAN JOHNSON All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ MUIBAT OLAWUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ MUIBAT ADUKE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

FUNMILOLA AYILEKA

OSAZE OSAROGIE KESTER

NWOKORO OBINNA FRANKLIN

UCHECHI BENARD

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OLUYEMISI TITILAYO BANWO

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I formerly known and addressed as OLUYEMISI DADA BANWO now wish to be known and addressed as OLUYEMISI TITILAYO BANWO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UCHECHI ANYANWU now wish to be known and addressed as UCHECHI BENARD All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME:

My name was wrongly written as OKON CLEMS SAMUEL instead of OKON CLEMENT SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public to remain valid. General public to please take note.

25

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Oniba’s Kidnap: How palace guard, okada rider died of bullet wounds, by Pathologist

Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ

A consultant pathologist, Dr. Sunday Soyemi, on Friday revealed how two persons died of bullet wounds fired by militants who kidnapped the Oniba of Iba in Lagos State, Oba Goriola Oseni on July 16, 2016.

The state government had charged four suspects arrested in connection with the crime before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere. They are Duba Furejo, Ododowo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh.

At the resumed hear-

AJAERE CHIDIMA MAGRET

I formerly known and addressed as AJAERE CHIDIMA MERCY JANE now wish to be known and addressed as AJAERE CHIDIMA MAGRET All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

DIWE EDWARD BONIFACE BONIFACE: I, formerly known as and called ONWUDIWE BONIFACE, now wish to be called and addressed as DIWE EDWARD BONIFACE. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The management and staff of the Rivers State (now Ken Saro Wiwa) Polytechnic, Bori and all relevant institutions and the general public should please take note DURU PERPETUAL OLUCHI

NNAMANI: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS NNAMANI PERPETUAL OLUCHI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS DURU PERPETUAL OLUCHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. OLUMEGBON NURAT ABENI.

Formerly known and addressed as OLUMEGBON NURAT IYABODE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUMEGBON NURAT ABENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONI OLATUNDUN

ing of the matter, Soyemi, who is also a senior lecturer at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said the security guard attached to the Palace, Sunday Okanlawon and a motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke died as a result of the wounds of the bullet fired by the kidnappers.

While being led in evidence by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Soyemi told the court that he performed the postmortem on the two deceased persons and that the re-

WOHAN BUNWO JACOBS

JOSHUA SUNDAY JIMOH OMERA

head.”

The Pathologist added that the base of the skull shows fracture and there was bleeding into the brain and extensive cerebral laceration.

He said the result of the autopsy revealed that the death of Okanlawon was ascribed to “severe crenel cerebral injury following a penetrative injury to the skull.”

Besides, Soyemi said that the autopsy result of Okeke revealed a destruction of the left femoral vessel.

He said from investigation, there was an entry

SABINA CHIKWARE INNOCENT

I formerly known and addressed as VICTOR JACOBS now wish to be known and addressed as WOHAN BUNWO JACOBS All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note

I formerly known and addressed as JONAH JIMOH ENITAN now wish to be known and addressed as JOSHUA SUNDAY JIMOH OMERA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME: THIS IS TO CONFIRM/CERTIFY THAT MODINAT ATINUKE ADISA YEKIN -ODUOLA AND MODINAT ATINUKE YEKIN ODUOLA IS ONE AND SAME PERSON. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known as IBRAHIM BOLA AYONI wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM BOLA IDAYAT. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known as JEJELAYE BUKOLA KAFAYAT ADESHINA wish to be known and addressed as ADESHINA BUKOLA . All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

ISAAC ATETE.

NNEKA LYNDA EMEHELU.

RABO MONDAY Formerly known and addressed as RABO MONDAY ENNEOGOEN, now wish to be known and addressed as RABO MONDAY. All former documents remain valid.

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VINCENT KEMI

Formerly known and addressed as MISS BALOGUN KEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. VINCENT KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

QUADRI KUDIRAT TAIWO.

Formerly known and addressed as KAYODE KUBURAT OLATUNDUN, now wish to be known and addressed as ONI OLATUNDUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OWONLA KUDIRAT TAIWO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. QUADRI KUDIRAT TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWAOKORO CHIKAODI LEONARD.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that OMOLAYO JOHN AKINLABI and OMOLAYO TANIMAWO OLUWADAYOMI is one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as OMOLAYO JOHN AKINLABI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NWAOKORO CHIKA LEONARD, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAOKORO CHIKAODI LEONARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

sult revealed that they died of bullet wounds.

Soyemi said the body of Okanlawo was identified by his son, Seun Okanlawon, and the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the case, Sergeant Ademo Rahim, while that of Okeke was identified by the said IPO. In his testimony, Soyemi narrated that “the essential findings on Okanlawon were a circular hole on the shoulder at the back, a structure on the bridge of the nose, and a structural defeat on the upper part of the

IBRAHIM BOLA IDAYAT.

Formerly known and addressed as JERRY VANDI, now wish to be known and addressed as ISAAC ATETE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/CONFIRMATION OF BIRTH DATE

That I formerly known and addressed as JOY NNENNA CHUKWUEMEKA now wish to be known and addressed as KANU NNENNA ORJISON and that my date of birth is 30th August, 1975. All documents remain valid.

THOMAS NONSO DESMOND EMMANUEL

Formerly known and addressed as ONUCHUKWU NONSO EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS NONSO DESMOND EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UGO NGOZI HELEN.

Formerly known and addressed as CHIME NGOZI HELEN (Nee Okoye), now wish to be known and addressed as UGO NGOZI HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SABINA CHIKWARE OKOLI now wish to be known and addressed as SABINA CHIKWARE INNOCENT All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADESHINA BUKOLA

Formerly known and addressed as MISS NNEKA LYNDA EGBARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NNEKA LYNDA EMEHELU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MALIK OLAMILEKAN SIKIRU.

Formerly known and addressed as IDOWU OLAMILEKAN SIKIRU, now wish to be known and addressed as MALIK OLAMILEKAN SIKIRU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

POPOOLA OLAMIDE BAMIDELE

Formerly known and addressed as OLAKUNLE OLAMIDE BAMIDELE, now wish to be known and addressed as POPOOLA OLAMIDE BAMIDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHRISTIAN-OBIALOR PEACE CHINEDUM

Formerly known and addressed as NDEM PEACE CHINEDUM, now wish to be known and addressed as CHRISTIAN-OBIALOR PEACE CHINEDUM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

and exit wound and such was usually caused by bullet wound, adding that the wounds on both bodies were consistent with bullet wounds gun shot.

He said after the postmortem, death certificates were issued to the families of the deceased persons.

During cross examination by the defendants’ lawyer, Soyemi reaffirmed the results of the autopsy.

It would be recalled that the IPO (Rahim) had earlier testified in the matter where he told the court that in the course of in-

CORRECTION OF NAME:

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as Adeshina Bola F. instead of Adeshina Fausat Bolanle. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLARINDE FATAI ADESHINA .

I formerly known as OGUNRINDE FATAI wish to be known and addressed as OLARINDE FATAI ADESHINA .

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

vestigation, he discovered that the security guard at Okanlawon was shot in the head.

The defendants are standing trial on an eightcount charge bordering on kidnapping of the Oniba of Iba, conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, armed robbery and felony preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.

Meanwhile, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo has adjourned the case to February 3, 10 and 14, 2017 for continuation of trial.

ISAAC JAMES EKERETTE.

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

I, formerly known as Miss Ekwegbalu Adaobi Chinenye now wish to be known as Mrs Mazi Adaobi Chinenye former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

ELEKE EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA

ERIWOJO MOSES EVANS

Formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as ELEKE EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AKPODARIE MOSES EVANS, now wish to be known and addressed as ERIWOJO MOSES EVANS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKOYE PATRICIA OBIAGERI

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KOLADE REMILEKUN KHAFILAT

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SOLAJA ADEDAYO OLOLADE

Formerly known and addressed as SOLAJA ADEDAYO MATHIAS, now wish to be known and addressed as SOLAJA ADEDAYO OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OWOLOWO OLUWASEUN ABAYOMI.

Formerly known and addressed as DESTINY OLUWASEUN ABAYOMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OWOLOWO OLUWASEUN ABAYOMI.That my date of birth is 15/05/1993. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JOSEPH DUPE OLUWABUKOLA.

Formerly known and addressed as OLABINJO DUPE, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH DUPE OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MOMOH-RAFIU ABDULKARIM.

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General public take note.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Interview

s

Nigeria needs to establish culture of dialogue -Nneji The Commandant General of the National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC), Dr. Chinedu Nneji, while speaking with select journalists in Abuja, in his office on Wednesday, said the passing into law of the Peace Corps Bill by the Senate, would be highly welcome. He also spoke on other national issues. TOM OKPE was there

ÏÏÏ

The passage of the Peace Corps Bill by the National Assembly the senate, what does it mean to you?

The passage of the Peace Corps Bill by the Senate means that Nigeria has come very far and Nigerians should expect good things to come. It also shows that the unity of the country is sacrosanct. It also shows unisom that all ethnic groups in Nigeria have spoken with one voice to vote for the unity of the country. So, this is exactly what that bill shows.

How do you think that Nigerians will benefit from this?

In the first place, it is a bill that seeks to unite all the ethnic groups that make up the country; and for Nigeria and the Nigerian youths, they will enjoy total peace. They will enjoy employment from government. They will also have the opportunity with various ethnic groups to discuss their problems. They will also witness a situation where there will be a resolution of crises between herdsmen and farmers. There will also be an avenue for issues of Boko Haram to be tabled and discussed and amicable solutions reached. It will also be avenue for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute in the area of peaceful resolutions of the crises. It will also serve as an opportunity for this government to institutionalize their change mantra. It will also help those of us who are already working to experience peace in our society.

The bill was passed on the 25th of November.

How much do you think Nigerians have welcome this agency before this passage?

Let me start by telling you that Nigerians in Diaspora and those of us at home have actually been applauding the efforts of the Nigerian National Assembly to pass this bill. An example is what happened in “the carol of nine lessons”. You could see how the entire Nigerian media houses came together; and at that point, an award was given to Peace Corps in Nigeria, it also shows that everybody has recognized it as a fact.

In the National Assembly, senators were present; former Nigerian Presidents were there; and you saw the way all of them were clapping and saying, yes, Nigeria needs peace now more than ever before.

If you recall, the crises we have been having in Nigeria over the years, especially in the recent past where we have witnessed loss of lives and properties. We are calling on Nigerians, to support all efforts aimed at the passing of this bill; Nigerians, who have been yearning for peace and have seen it as one avenue of reducing loss of lives to the barest minimum, have also welcomed this arrangement.

Recall in Kaduna recently, that there was loss of lives and properties as a result of the inability of our people to understand one another. Recall also in northern parts of the country, where we have witnessed such things as communal clashes with dire consequences. The emergence of this bill is an avenue to resolve those things. Nigerians have been asking us, ‘when we are taking off; so that issues like this could be resolved amicably?’.

There were insinuations that some agencies were against the passage of this bill. How did you cope with this opposition?

Nneji

Just like you do when election is usually held, the people that are calling on the government not to assent to the bill, if you ask me from my own estimate, are just 10 per cent out of one hundred. Public hearing, usually in our law, is an arrangement where people come and defend, either say in favor or against any bill that is about to be passed.

At the time this bill was presented for public hearing, 97 per cent of the people that came supported it. And those who came are from various agencies, private institutions, as well as individuals, emirate councils, they came together in one voice and supported it, including the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members; because they know that graduates have not been finding job appointments easy in the country over the years; and even more worse is that,there were no employment opportunities that had been created for them. It is only when we told this new administration about the challenges that the issue of employment now came up; and the government was now looking for ways of creating employment opportunities for the youths. It is going to help Nigerians.

In your aims and objectives you said that the corps will serve as a link between government and citizens, by practicing the noble intention of the government to the people at the grass root in a more rigorous and effective manner.

Governments come and go; and all of them have made a lot of unfulfilled promises to the youth. How do you intend to achieve this?

Let me also tell you that with what we are doing today, we are not going to do the normal thing. I was in Japan and there was a culture created in Japan where every citizen or Japanese from childhood to adulthood, is institutionalized; cleanliness in their

culture is such that in Japan today, they almost sweep their houses more than ten times a day. This is a culture that has been created by people.

In Nigeria, we need to create the culture of dialogue, when there is dispute; we want to create a culture of peace. From this, what we intend to do is that we intend to create what we call mediation centers in all our communities. This mediation centers, we want to institutionalize it in such a manner that those mediation centers will keep existing.

Government will come and go, but those mediation centers will remain. The moment you institutionalize it and make sure that the people imbibe the spirit of dialogue when there is dispute, you will see that the country will be a better place to live in.

Take for instance, you have me, you have a Fulani herdsman, you have a farmer, you have a dispute over farmland, over grazing reserve and all that, by the time you bring them to a round table discussion, would you think that there will be an amicable resolution to the crises rather than a situation where people will take to jungle justice and begin to maim one another in a country where we are supposed to exist in oneness?

Before now sir, you must have achieved one and two things that gave the national assembly the guts to pass your bill. What are those things you think you have achieved so far or you have mediated in the past?

I want to start with the Ife-Modakeke crises. Some of you may not know that the National Peace Corps played a vital role in that. You will also recall that issue of Ezza and Izzi crises in Ebonyi state, there is also the issue of Jukun and Fulani in Taraba state; and there is also an issue that has to do with the Umuleri and Aguleri crises in Anambra State.

We have put an end to these issues due to the effectiveness of our mediation counselling. and we intend to do more because, there are other areas begging for answers. And I have already mentioned here that the issue of Boko Haram, which has been begging for answers, shall also be attended to. And I want to assure Nigerians that as soon as the Peace Corps take off, the country would witness peace now more than ever before.

There is also the issue between National Peace Corps and National Unity and Peace Corps. Are you people having any issues with them; how do you intend to resolve it?

I want to assure you that between National Peace Corps of Nigeria and National Unity and Peace Corps, there is no difference, there is no issue at all.

There is no problem at all existing between the two organisations.

First of all, I want to start by telling you that we are all Nigerians; and because we believe in the same thing; that is peaceful resolution of crises, controlling all those issues that will lead to crises and making sure that Nigerians live a better live as citizens is paramount on us. So, whatever differences you see are individual differences, but collectively and objectively, we are one. And as you may see now, as soon as the President gives accent to this bill, the two organisations will bring their staff together and work with a common purpose of trying to make sure that the organisation exists and the country remains united.

Again, where there are crises, we support the idea that resolutions should be reached, dialogue should be the panacea for peace and that any time there is crisis, we should find a way of resolving it. It won’t be proper for us, as peace makers, not to demonstrate that to our people. My approach has always been that if there are any problems, any crises, any misunderstanding, we will toe the path of dialogue and the path of peace. For Peace Corps Nigerian and National Unity and Peace Corps, today, we are now Nigerian Peace Corps and one.

So what is your appeal to the President on the Peace Corps generally?

President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of faith and a man of integrity. He is a man of change; and he has launched what we call the ‘change mantra’.

We have seen him and he has demonstrated that in his administration, new agencies have emerged.

The Nigerian Peace Corps bill is one of them.

We are appealing to him to give accent to that bill. You know, we use to say try National Unity and Peace Corps and Nigerian Peace Corps and see if there will not be total peace in this country. Give Nigerians three months; as soon as the President gives his accent to the bill, who knows, we will bring total peace in this county and Nigerians will go about their normal duties unmolested.

In United Arab Emirates, if you go to that country, the crime rate is almost zero. In Nigeria, we can equally witness that. If you engage the youths, give them employment, provide them with the opportunity to use their God-given endowment to bring total peace in the country, you will see that there won’t be problems again as we had witnessed in the past.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Miss Nigeria in retrospect

Oyelude

adebowale

Anyamaeluna

Etule

Ohio

Tetsola

Miss Nigeria, is an annual pageant show that showcases special and positive attributes of the Nigerian young women.

Also, the show seeks to promote and build up women’s integrity in combination with beauty and intellect.

The Daily time’s newspaper found Miss Nigeria in the year 1957. Interestingly, winners of the pageants have portrayed effective use of moralty, beauty and intellect before they emerges as winners of Miss Nigeria.

Here are some of the few queens of the Miss Nigeria pageants, although in no particular order.

Grace Atinuke Oyelude 83-years old, Grace Atinuke Oyelude, was the first woman to be crowned Miss Nigeria. She was born

Edem

Okwuosa

on November 16, 1931 in Kano, she is a nurse by profession; as well as a hospital administrator. She has also being conferred with several chieftaincy titles such as, Iyaolu of Isaluland and Iyalode of Okunland.

Oyelude, has variously been described as a woman who combines beauty and intellect to help others. She remains a woman who would continue to be remembered for a long time to come.

Helen was the second woman to be crowned as the nation’s queen, collecting the crown from her successor.

She was a student as at 1958. She became the first queen to wear the crown without being an indigene of Nigeria, although, she was eligible, as South-

Okeke

ern Cameroon was under the Nigerian Constitution in 1958.

Nene Etule Nene was the 3rd woman to wear the Miss Nigeria’s crown; but she was later to get married to the former Director of the United Nations Information Services in Nigeria, Pen Malafa.

Idowu was Miss Nigeria in the year 1962, coming from the western region of Nigeria. The semi-finalist at Miss United Nations is now referred to as, Yemi Majekodunmi.

A native of Lagos state, she became the 8th queen to wear the Miss Nigeria crown; and she also became the only official Miss Nigeria to go for Miss Universe in the year 1964.

Grace Oyelude

1987 1988

Stella Okoye Wunmi Adebowale

1959 1960 1961

Nene Etule Rosemary Anieze also Clara Emefiena

1990 1991

Binta Sukai Bibiana Ohio

1963 1964 1965

Alice Aleebe Edna Park Anna Eboweime

1993

Janet Fateye

1998

Regina Nwabunar

1967 1968 1970 1972 1977

Rosaline Balogun Foluke Ogundipe Stella Owivri Victoria Bamidele Toyin Monney

2000

1980 1981

Syster Jack Tokunbo Onanuga, dethroned Rita Martins Cynthia Oronsaye Rosemary Okeke Rita Anuku

2002 2003 2004

Vien Tetsola also known as the “Millennium Queen” a. Valerie Peterside, dethroned b.Amina Ekpo replaced Peterside Sylvia Edem Nwando Okwuosa Ene Lawani

2013

Akudo Anyaoha

First Miss Nigeria, Grace Atinuke Oyelude, and the 38th winner of Miss Nigeria, Ezine Akudo in an exclusive interview with ALLI MUTIAT, shared their experiences on what Miss Nigeria pageant looked like during their tenure Nigeria then and Miss Nigeria now?

Then beauty pageant were really beauty pageant; the whole prestige was around it. Looking at that time now, there are so many things you emulate and so many things you bring back.

You have also witnessed so many editions of Miss Nigeria; what were the things you think were there before, and are missing now and what are the things that were not present then?

To be honest, I only experienced one Miss Nigeria since I was Miss Nigeria maybe, 60 years ago.

So, you didn’t crown the next person?

I was not even in the country then; this is the first one that I have actually met.

Please, can you tell the current beauty queen and the outgoing one, your experience?

Doing my time, we had the camp before the grand finale. We had to camp like two weeks, where all the girls came together and experienced one another. It was like a group camp, there where training sessions for different vocational activities, at the last day of the camp, we started with the dance individually; we had to come out with our evening dresses from de-

signers’ sponsors. Then, they picked the top10 out of 21; they asked all of us questions. Then, they picked the top5; then, they picked the 3rd runner up; the 2nd runner up and, thereafter, the winner was picked.

Mama these were things they did, what was it like during your time?

We did what was expected of us, I was living in Kano then and like I always said, I have always been repeating the same thing,. My brother saw it in the papers that I have to go to Lagos,

Oyelude

2001 2001

formerly called Prest-Davies, was crowned Miss Nigeria in 1979. At age 19, and was born on 17 September 1959, she is now a distinguished, active lawyer, writer and former beauty queen.

Strikingly, her daughter competed for MBGN 2012.

Ezinne Akudo, was crowned Miss Nigeria for the year 2013, at the age of 22 years. The Imo state-born ex-queen, has been described as the woman who is truly beautiful ‘physically and mentally.’

Slyvia Edem became Miss Nigeria in the year 2002, and was the first Edo woman to wear the coveted crown.

She is the 46th woman to be crowned as Miss Nigeria. She is a graduate of International Relations, from Obafemi

How I became first Miss Nigeria -Oyelude ÏÏÏ What is the difference between Miss

Features

Past holders

1957

1982 1984 1985 1986

Ekpo

27

because I have been selected as one of the Miss Nigeria contestants to be interviewed in Lagos. I said , go to Lagos.? I have not applied to be a Miss Nigeria, then, he said he saw it in an advert that anyone who wanted to be a Miss Nigeria should apply. So, he applied, and they result came that I was supposed to be in Lagos for the Miss Nigeria; and I was working in the UNC then, and they too were involved in the Miss Nigeria.

The following day, they got me on a plane to Lagos, and that was it. We arrived in Lagos, but there was no accommodation for us, we all had to look for our accommodation on our own; we were asked to come to the Daily Times office after.

We all met , about 200 of us. I was the only one from Kano; we were interviewed, I told them I flew in a plane for the first time in my life, and was looking forward to that, we met and they told us to come back. That was three weeks running. We went back to the Daily Times office. There was no much interview that time; they asked simple questions, like, where you come from; our back ground. They didn’t ask us why we wanted to become Miss Nigeria, because I won’t have known what to say.

On the day of the Miss Nigeria. it was on Saturday, 1957; we met in Lagos Island , we were

Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Rosaline Balogun, was the first Miss Nigeria to participate in the Miss World contest in 1967. She was from the western region of the country. There were only four contestants that represented Africa in the contest. They were drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.

Amina Ekpo, a native of Akwa Ibom State, who replaced Valerie Peterside.

Amina Ekpo is the 44th winner of Miss Nigeria. She was crowned in 2001; and has since then used the platform to help the society. After over a decade of royalty, the Kaduna State-born mother of one, is still passionate about undertaking new projects.

offered drinks and someone came and told us we would be asked to go to a wall and many people were around, and then, they asked us to walk around. Whuch we did.

There was music on late Bobby Benson that was playing then; we went round the first time, the second time and the third time; they asked us to go and sit down, we sat down. Later, Miss Lady Alakija and a lawyer, two of them came and they left.

I was wondering about who the Miss Nigeria for 1957 is, and I didn’t hear that until someone touched me and they took me up to the stage, that I was the one, and that was how I became Miss Nigeria.

That night, I had to find my way. My brother was a broadcaster, he was one of the people that were in the broadcasting profession in Nigeria.

He was on duty when they told him, and he said ‘that is my sister’, and that is the story of how I became Miss Nigeria!

What did you think the criteria were?

I don’t even know what they were looking for; and majority of us didn’t know too.

Were there any benefits you got for wining anything?

I said after the Miss Nigeria ended, I went straight back to work and I was given 200hundred pounds. That was a lot of money then; a wardrobe 4 beautifully cotton dresses, and a trip to London.

Part of the things you were tasted for; do you recall if you did posing for camera?

Check my pictures.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Umahi to clerics: Don’t be idle, have handiwork

Edo hails Buhari’s selfsufficiency initiative Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ

ÏÏÏ

Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi, has called on ministers of God to have other means of livelihood by engaging in productive activities.

Umahi, who also enjoined them to remain a symbol of peace and unity in the state, said it was not ideal for any minister of God to be idle since God does not encourage idleness.

He spoke during a Christmas dinner party he organised for Divine Mandate Pastors, a group that served as his prayer band during his electioneering.

The governor, in a statement on Saturday by his spokesman, Emma Anya, said, “if you look at the Bible, when Christ came, he never called the man that was idle. I don’t believe that for you to be a pastor, you must not be doing something.

“The greatest of the evangelism is not even when you are in the house of God. I believe in young men and women that combine evangelism with doing something with their hands.”

He assured the ministers that his administration would empower them through the Welfare and Religious Matters office.

The governor added that some of them would be engaged early next year to start full time school and hospital evangelism in the state.

Umahi enjoined the ministers of God to spend quality time on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ instead of harbouring quarrels among themselves.

Abia State, deputy governor, Hon. Udeh Oko Chukwu (left) and director, MTNN Foundation, Mr. Denis Okoro at the commissioning of the brand new maternal wards donated by MTN Foundation to hospitals in Abia State… at the weekend.

S’Court judgement: Prayers was my antidote -Bindow

Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ

The governor of Adamawa state, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, has attributed the favourable verdict he obtained in the Supreme Court over in his electoral battle to the prayers of people of the people of the state.

He reiterated his belief that nothing prayers could not, stating that

“prayers can move mountains”, noting that his victory is a success to all Adamawa people.

Governor Bindow, while speaking in Yola the state capital on Sunday, promised to work for the general interest of the Adamawa whose mandate he rode to become the governor of the state.

“I and my deputy, Engr Martins Babale, will join hands to make sure that

everybody feel the impact of our government”, Bindow stated.

His supporters in their thousands thronged the airport to welcome him and to show their support and solidarity for him.

Bindow, who spoke with journalists at his residence in Yola, said now he has realized that God wants him to work for the people of Adamawa state.

The governor would

have been out of office if the apex court had ruled in favour of Murtala Nyako in the case between the former governor and the 7th State House Assembly which impeached the former.

On his part, the erstwhile governor, Nyako, through a telephone chart with a local radio station in Yola, thanked the people of the state for their support throughout the “period of his trials.”

Edo state government at the weekend commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s self-sufficiency initiative on local production and consumption of goods.

The state government’s commendation arose from the recent federal government’s pronouncement on the ban of importation of rice and clothing materials as part of its efforts to encourage self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and small and medium scale businesses.

Edo state deputy governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, made the commendation at the Women Empowerment Programme organized by the member representing Akoko Edo Constituency II in the state House of Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Agbaje, in Igarra.

Shaibu, who at the occasion, reiterated that the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, would never renege on his electioneering promises, disclosed that plans had been concluded to commence the process of registration of youths for employment.

He said, “Edo state government, under the leadership of my boss, the governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has decided in line with our electioneering promises, before election, that we would create about 200, 000 jobs.

Shaibu commended Hon. Agbaje for his initiative, saying that ``what the Honourable has done today indicates that he has given you a hook to fish.

Nestle provides clean drinking water for over 1,000 villagers ...As FG seeks partnership with OPS on development Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏAs part of its corporate

social responsibility, the Nestlé Waters Nigeria has inaugurated a community water facility to provide access to safe and clean drinking water for over 1,000 villagers in the Maderegi suburb of the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja.

While handing the water facility to the Representative of the Traditional Ruler of Abaji, Alhaji Mahammed, at the weekend, Country Business Manager of Nestlé Waters Nigeria, Jason Lambs, expressed

the firm belief that effective use of the water would ensure “healthy hydration.”

In the words of Jason Lambs, “We are committed to helping people lead healthier lives as water is surely the best way to fulfill daily hydration needs.

“We have pledged globally to water stewardship in an effort to adopt sustainable water practices, especially in areas where we source our goods, where pur factories are located and where our suppliers and consumers live,” Lambe stressed.

He added that local communities play a very important role in achieving this objectives The new facility makes it the second community water project to be donated in Nigeria by the company which started water business in Nigeria in 2005, after Korogboji community in Agbara, Ogun State, the host to the first water factory.

At the inauguration, graced by the Third Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland, Lionel Rochat and the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon Abdulrahman Ajiya, the Market-

ing Manager, Mrs. Gloria Nwabuike, said over 800 students, 300 Teachers across 140 Schools have been trained in Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Abaji in partnership with Project WET, an international NGO, to create awareness about water conservation and proper hydration.

Meanwhile, the federal government has urged the organized private sector to partner with her initiatives to attain the sustainable development goal.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources. Mrs. Rabi Jimeta commend-

ed Nestle for the provision of the facilities in Nigeria.

According to Jimeta, “This is one initiative that the federal government craves from the private sector to attain the sustainable development goals.

“We sincerely appreciate and recommend the Nestlé Nigeria module of Corporate Social Responsibility if we must develop,” Jimeta stated.

She addes that government was working towards generating electricity from the over 375 Billion Cubic Metres Water potential of the country to create jobs and ensure food security.

Jimeta, who was represented by the Director Of Hydrology in the Ministry, Mr. John Ochigbo, said the vast quantities of water in the Country are held in the small and large dams, while he stressed that “appreciable progress has been made to achieve set goals under the Sustainable Development Goal with access to water and sanitation for all” She added that government has embarked on integrated approach to improve on water supply coverage, food security, productivity, risk management and employment generation.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

29

Ex-Black Stars O keeper excited to be with

Enyimba

ne-time Ghana Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has said he is excited to team up with a top club like Enyimba.

The 31-year-old Dauda, who has also played in South Africa with Orlando Pirates and Chippa United, has joined Enyimba along with defender Tijani Joshua.

Both players joined from top Ghanaian club Ashanti Gold SC. “I am pleased to sign for one of the best clubs in Africa with a rich history,” said Dauda, who was voted Goalkeeper of the Year in Ghana in 2008.

“I want to thank the general coordinator of Enyimba Jude Anyadufu by

Page 30

the way he has received my team mate and I. He has been very warm.”

Seven-time Nigeria champions Enyimba are embarking on a massive re-organisation after a very disappointing past season.

They finished 10th last campaign and failed to win a major trophy.

Dauda

Monday, December 19, 2016

Nasarawa FC team

N

asarawa United beat the newly crowned NNL champions Katsina United 2-1 in a preseason friendly played in Jos Saturday.

Nassarawa United, who have lost almost their entire first-team from last season, showed sign of making a statement in the new season with new players showing sign of promising as ‘The Solid Miners’ were the better team throughout this friendly.The likes of Bature Yaro, Ifeanyi Nweke and Esosa Igbinoba have all departed Nasarawa after the Lafia club failed to win this year’s Federation Cup Nasarawa United chairman Isaac Danladi said: “We have replaced the players who have gone to other clubs with quality and I am glad that some of them proved themselves today (vs Katsina United).

“But we are still in the market to buy more players to beef up this squad.”

Nasarawa

beat Katsina in pre-season friendly

Conte has given Moses confidence, says Mikel

J

ohn Obi Mikel believes Chelsea manager Antonio Conte should be credited for VIctor Moses ‘ transformation and goal scoring form this season,.The 29-year-old who is yet to make an appearance for the Blues this season said Conte’s confidence in Moses has given him the boost to express himself and make the difference in the team this season.

Moses since returning from West Ham on loan has been a key player in maintaining Chelsea’s 10-games unbeaten run in the league, scoring four times in his new right wing back position.

“Victor is fitter and sharper than he has ever been before, but I think a key thing is playing for a

manager that has belief in him at Chelsea for the first time,” Mikel told Standard Sport.

“That in turn has given Victor more confidence to express himself on the pitch and look to make the difference.”

Mikel whose contract ends at the end of the season at the Stamford Bridge claimed that the departure of Colombian winger, Juan Cuadrado to Juventus on loan paved way for Moses’ services in Chelsea after spending three seasons on loan at Liverpool, Stoke and West ham.

“There was a chance Cuadrado would have had the right wingback role instead, but he wanted to leave Chelsea,” Mikel continued.

“The situation with Cuadrado

made it easier for Victor, but he had already impressed in preseason.”

Benjamin hopes to win with Enyimba

F

Conte

ormer CHAN Eagles and Sunshine Stars left fullback Benjamin Francis has joined up with Enyimba so as to win trophies.Francis, who has also played for Heartland and in Israel, was spotted in the camp of Lobi Stars last week, has finally opted for Enyimba because he wishes to win trophies.

“I need to win trophies and Enyimba can make this possible. I am a fighter and I am a winner,” declared ‘Papa’, as he is affectionately called by his admirers.

Francis featured at the 2014 CHAN in South Africa, where Nigeria placed third.

Benjamin

Monday, December 19, 2016

EXTRATIME

FC Ifeanyi Ubah defend Yatshuhashi

dismissal N

igeria Professional Football League side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah have explained the full picture for the dismissal of Japanese Kenichi Yatshuhashi, a month after his appointment.In a statement credited to the Chairman of the club’s board, Mr. Chukwuma Ubah, the Japanese gaffer was axed for his failure at the NPFL Super 4 tourney, for omitting key players at the pre-season competition in Enugu, which forced players to join other clubs and his strange, weighty training routines.

“You do know we are a very professional outfit, driven by excellence while aiming for success and achievement of any stipulated goal at any point in time” Chukwuma Ubah said in statement on the club’s website.

“When the position of the Head Coach became vacant, we immediately swung into action to scour the planet for the perfect man for the job

who had the right experience, passion, vision and above all, team spirit in order to help us achieve our lofty ambitions in the forthcoming season.

“We identified acting Head Coach, Black Stars of Ghana, Yaw Preko who we believed had a reputable pedigree to take our club to the next level. However, Yaw Preko whom we held in high regards suggested Kenichi Yatsuhashi to us based on his previous working relationship with him and we adhered which Yaw Preko who is still with us can attest to. This was the biggest mistake we made as we failed to carry out our due diligence on whom we sought to employ, depending solely on the recommendation of his former assistant.

“All demands, financial and otherwise made

by Kenichi were met by the club, including all the requests which the club deemed as exorbitant and irrelevant. We did all we could to make him comfortable as we wanted results.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah team

MFM are destined for greatness in 2017 – Irumekhai A

tu Irumekhai is hopeful that MFM FC will take it a step further in the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.The Church Boys started their debut season in 2016 with a win away but lost momentum when it mattered most and had to rely on their last gas and coordinated prayers from their faithful fans on the last day beat the drop.

“We (MFM FC) are destined for greatness in 2017 if we continue to work hard and don’t get distracted because consistency is key. We have observed improvement in all department and hopefully so it will reflect in our performance next season,” Irumekhai told re-portersl.

“Yes for sure from our experience last season it will even make us a

better team because we now know what to expect before,during and after games.

“Honestly speaking, that’s true but that has improved, we won the highest goal scorer award at a preseason tournament we participated in this month.

“That’s to show that has been real improvement as regards we converting those chances we create.

31

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD,

email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08051000448.

Editor Daily: ROSE MOSES

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

VOL. 2. NO. 259

Nasarawa beat Katsina in

P 30

pre-season friendly

Price: N150 News Hotlines: Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

N

Mikel close to

joining Marseille — Rohr Egbuchalam heads for Etoile E

nugu Rangers star forward Chisom Egbuchulam has left for Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel as both clubs are now discussing a transfer fee for the player.

“Chisom has left for Tunisia to undergo a medical with Etoile du Sahel,” a top source at Rangers informed.

“The two clubs are now discussing a transfer fee for the player.

“Etoile want to pay $150,000, but Rangers now want $250,000 after they first demanded for $500,000.”

Egbuchulam scored 16 goals last season as Rangers emerged champions in October.Etoile have raided the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this month.

NPFL hotshot Godwin Obaje and Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazam’ have already undergone a medical at the Tunisian champions.

Etoile will feature in next year’s CAF Champions League.

Egbuchulam

Mikel

igeria coach Gernot Rohr has revealed Mikel Obi is closer to joining top French club Olympique Marseille after he has been frozen out at Premier League club Chelsea.According to Rohr, who has seriously defended Mikel’s lack of action at Chelsea, Marseille are a very serious option for the Super Eagles skipper.

“I saw him in London. He is in advanced discussions with Marseille,” Rohr told Europe 1.

After more than 10 years at Stamford Bridge, Mikel’s contract is up next year.

He could now be allowed to go on a free.The midfielder has also been linked with big-money transfer to China.

He has yet to be listed by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte this season.‘The Blues’ matched an 11-win club record Saturday when they won 1-0 at London rivals Crystal Palace.

They are now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with 43 points from 17 matches.

The Anambra Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

What we’re doing to ensure Anambra remains safest state - Police spokesperson

AT 4

2017: Obiano’ll lead APGA to victory, says BoT member AT 2 New political group, Mega Party, creeps into Onitsha Philip Balepo Onitsha

ÏÏÏ The whisper that nobody

Wife of Anambra State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Obiageli Okeke presenting gifts to children and women at Uke in Idemili North LGA...recently

Obiano’s wife tasks mothers on healthy feeding for children ... As Anambra commits N25m on drugs for deworming 2.5m children

Alphonsus Nweze

ÏÏÏThe

The

Anambra

T E A M

wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, has charged parents to feed their children with quality diets which include vegetables to help the children escape worm infestation that may lead stunted growth.

Mrs. Obiano spoke during the launching of Anambra State-wide free de-worming programme for school age children of 1-15 years at Central Primary School, Isu-Anaocha, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.

She said that the launch of the de-worming programme was very important because worm-free children grow healthy and strong, stressing the need for mothers to give

children balanced diet.

Her words: “The food a child eats while growing up is important because it helps both their physical and mental development. Although resources are scarce and we are in recession, mothers should try and feed children with vegetables”.

Mrs. Obiano, who launched the de-worming programme, thanked the implementing partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and people of Isu-Anaocha especially women, teachers and the children for coming out en mass to witness the occasion.

The Anambra State Health Commissioner, , Dr. Joe Akabike, in his speech, said the State Government has committed the sum of N25 mil-

Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

lion worth of drugs to the deworming programme aimed at ensuring healthy growth of the children in the state.

Lauding the programme, the Commissioner for Health said the deworming exercise across the state will take one week.

Dr. Akabike said that the exercise was launched to prepare children in primary schools for the Federal Government School Feeding programme to ensure that the children are worm-free and ready, as well as keeping the food hygienic and safe from worms before consumption.

The Commissioner commended the implementing partners for conducting the needs assessment survey of Poverty Distribution and Access to Social Services in 21 Local Government areas in Anambra State conducted by the UNDP in conjunction with Anambra State Ministry of Economic Planning He said the team identified

six under-served Local Government areas mainly in remote agrarian communities of the state, including Anambra North which was chosen for the launch of the free deworming programme.

Dr. Akabike said Anambra State scored nine points in the nation-wide assessment of the Rate of Stuntedness to come first ahead of other states, even as he said that the state is committed to reducing the rate of prevalence to zero.

While reassuring the government’s determination to improve the health and living conditions of people in the state, he highlighted many of the programmes of the state in the health sector including rehabilitation of 65 Primary Health Centres, Drug Revolving Fund, setting up of a Central Drug Store, rehabilitation of General Hospitals in the Senatorial zones as well as the Health Insurance Scheme which would soon take-off among others.

seemed to have heard is now an open secret: that the Mega Party is seriously taking shape and like a bolt out of the blues, it is now in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held at Isiugo Place in Inland Town, Onitsha, at the weekend, the Mega Party coordinator, Barrister Nonso Isiugo Arinze, made it clear that the Mega Party has come to stay.

“We have come to make the difference. People are wont to say that all these parties are the same, just change of name and movement of people, but I am making it clear that Mega Party is for the masses who have been deprived and depraved all these years. What we plan to offer would take the masses off the ground. Our change is totally different from what APC is doing; we are more grassrooted than you can imagine.

“You and I know that Nigerians are in dire need of true leadership and the Mega Party has come to provide that,” Arinze explained.

The Anambra Times gathered that from the look of things, most of the initial members of the party are former strong members of PDP, APGA and APC, who are apparently disgusted with their original parties or are just political rabble-rousers.

Nonso Isiugo Arinze

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

2017: Obiano’ll lead APGA to victory, says BoT member

Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

Against the predictions of the political enemies of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, a member of Board of Trustees, (BoT) of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has expressed optimism that the Governor will lead the party to victory in the 2017 governorship election in the state.

Ezeonwuka, who spoke in his country home at Oba, Idemili Local Government Area of the state during the Tuesday-Tuesday court he holds in his home, said Gov. Obiano has what it takes to lead his party, APGA, to victory in the coming election.

Ezeonwuka, who is the Ogirisigbo, gave the assurance following

the complaints of many Anambra citizens including APGA members about Governor Obiano’s cabinet, said the Governor will come out with the re-organisation of the party and his government to ensure total victory in the next governorship election.

“He is the leader of the party. If the party dies, it is the leader that would be held responsible but he has shown the capacity to lead the party to victory,” Ezeonwuka said.

Many Anambra people have complained that Obiano was not giving attention to road rehabilitation and construction as well as surrounded himself with Diaspora people who are cut off from the reality of the people of the state.

But the APGA chieftain said a lot were being done on Anambra roads, stating that with the dry season setting in, the Governor has

commenced comprehensive rehabilitation of Anambra roads, and expressed confidence that before the end of the season, a lot of roads in the state would have received attention.

He said: “The miracle of zero potholes is going on in the state now.

All these failed roads including IgboUkwu road are being worked on.

The governor is working on Umunya-Awkuzu portion of the Enugu –Onitsha Expressway. Some of these roads are Federal Government roads, yet he is working on them.

All the bad roads in Anambra State must visited.”

As the yuletide approaches, the APGA chieftain advised members of the public to be more security conscious even though there is security in the state, saying the people should know the right time to suspect people.

Governor Obiano (middle) cutting the tape to commission the new ASUBEB building in Awka... recently. He is flanked by officials of ASUBEB.

Anambra SWAN gets new leaders Philip Balepo R ƆƎ

ÏÏÏ The Anambra State chap-

ter of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held the election of new officers on Friday at the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ Secretariat, Awka, with Tony Oji of Orient Newspaper emerging the chairman unopposed.

The other elected officers are Patrick Anaso of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who beat Chuks Ugokwe of Voice of Nigeria (VON) by six votes to two to become the secretary. Pamela Eboh of New Telegraph Newspaper is the new Treasurer, while Ikem Asika of Purity FM, Awka emerged the Assistant Secretary and Ikenna Nwokedi

of Unizik FM, Awka is the Financial Secretary. All were elected unopposed, but for the secretary.

The office of the Vice-Chairman was not voted for as the only contestant, Dan Ukpai, was unavoidably absent. And the constitution states that there is no absentee vote. But such a person might be appointed later by the new executive, if they so desire.

The election was supervised by the National Vice-president South-East, Cajetan Nkwopara and witnessed by the State Chairman of the NUJ, Sir Emmanuel Ifesinachi and his secretary, Emmanuel Udeagha, the National Treasurer, Chigozie Chukwuleta, while the Returning Officer was Atupuluazi Jude of the

Fides Newspaper, Awka.

The new executive promised via the chairman, Mr. Oji, “to better the lots of sports writers in the state by first and foremost, carrying them along in all events. We shall not run a closed door policy, or one-man administration.

SWAN in Anambra has come to stay,” he said.

In his own speech, the Vicepresident expressed “the joy that there is a spirit of peace in Anambra SWAN, adding: “I pray the new executive should build on that little peace you met. Anambra was visible in almost all fora we had this year. I want the new executive to work with your advisory committee and members too.

Once more, welcome to the family.”

Child trafficking scam: Incarcerated cleric regains freedom Ïd Ɠ è ó9 ƐƄ ƂƆƎƎƄƍ Ƅ Ɔ Ǝ ƓƂ ƕƓô Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

A High Court sitting in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has freed Pastor Chinedu Strongson, the General Overseer of Gospel Fire Cathedral Church, Nkwelle Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Delta State Police Command had few weeks ago arrested and arraigned Pastor Strongson on the allegation of child trafficking.

It was gathered that the police from Asaba in Delta State were investigating an alleged trafficking of children of the Motherless Babies’ home located at Nkpor, also in Idemili North Local Government Area, from where they arrested the cleric, using a certain lady as their point person.

It was also gathered that at Ogidi police station in Anambra State where the embattled pastor was first detained before taking him to Asaba,, about five little children allegedly recovered from suspected children traffickers from the Compassionate homes located at Nkpor were linked with Pastor Strongson’s arrest.

But when he was paraded in Asaba, the Police also alleged that they brought out many other kids linked who were linked with him.

When the case came up for hearing at the High Court, the Police could not prove all the charges against the Pastor, hence the dismissing of the case by the presiding Judge.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the police, Pastor Chinedu said he has no hands in the allegation leveled against him, noting

that he was humiliated by those who felt disturbed by his relentless crusade against sins, crimes in the society as well as the work of darkness.

“It is abundantly clear that the devil is not happy with me and my members. For couple of years now, we have been at war with native doctors in Ogidi Community, where our headquarters is located. I am not surprised at what happened recently because if you have been following my preaching and boldness in condemning the activities of the cult groups and criminals, you would not be surprised by their relentless battle against me,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “You can see, I am back and I have nothing to regret about all that happened.

I have just discovered that it was God that sent me to prison just to proclaim His words to the oppressed and while in prison, God made me to prophesy for the oppressed. Through me, many gave their lives to Christ right in the prison.

“My God’s miracle knows no bound, even while I was under incarceration, God used me to open many doors for the prisoners and prison authorities and most importantly, those who never had the opportunity of reconciling with God, reconciled with Him during my short stay in the prison”.

“The war is not of the flesh but of the spirit. I am not having animosity against anybody. I am praying God not only to forgive my accusers including the Police that were used as instrument to persecute me but to make them repent and give their lives to Christ.

Radio Sapientia clocks five Philip Balepo R ƆƎ

ÏÏÏ The first radio station owned

by the Catholic Church of Onitsha Archdiocese, Radio Sapientia, turned five penultimate week and offered both Anambra and Delta states’ residents’ unlimited fun cum music that left mothers, children, adults and even the not so young asking for more.

The event featured popular local artistes like Ikem Mazeli, Pammy Udu Bunch, and Fancy Papaya among others. The highlight of the night was invitation of Fancy Papaya on stage which sent the crowd frenzy. And he lived up to expectations by thrilling fans till the wee hours of the next day.

The station manager, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Orakwe, expressed gratitude to the numerous customers that patronise the station, saying:

“This is just a tip of the iceberg. We shall not drop our standard, rather we are working towards taking broadcasting to a higher level.”

On the rumour making the rounds that the station wants to go into television broadcasting, Fr. Orakwe refused to let the cat out of the bag.

The turnout indeed confirmed the fact that the two neighbouring states are really in great need of recreation.

To that the station manager made a promise that next is going to be bigger.

“And we are looking into the feasibility of creating recreation on a regular basis for the teeming fans.

Such refreshes the mind, the individual as well lifts one from many depressions that we live with. But most of all, be on the lookout for what Sapientia has for her listeners,” the Rev. Fr. concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

nƂ Ƃƍ Ǝ Ƅƍ è &ƔƄƄƊ è j Ɔ Ɛ ƍ ƆƎƓ ƅ Ə ƕƄƍè Ǝ Ƅƍ Ǝ ƂƄ ƏƍƄƕ Alphonsus Nweze Ƒƈ

ÏÏÏ Senator Andy Uba, his brother

and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Chris Uba, and Chief Godwin Ezeemo, leader of Progressives Alliance (PPA) in Anambra State are among prominent citizens that will be honoured by Uga community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on December 26, 2016.

Other illustrious sons and daughters of Uga who have made tangible contributions for the development and progress of the town who will be honoured during the Centenary edition of Obuofor festival of the town include the founder of Tansian University, Very Rev. Monsignor (Professor) John Bosco Akam, Chief Bath Nwibe, the member representing Agauta 1 constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ik Umenwa and the Commissioner for Environment in the state, Hon. Romanus Ejikeme among others.

Speaking to newsmen on the celebration, the President-General of Uga Improvement Union (UIU), Chief James Umeozuruoha Egbigwe, said the award will be part of the activities to mark the centenary edition of Obuofor festival, saying that Gov-

ernor Willie Obiano was expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of honour with Chief Martin Ukachulwuchu and Chief Rufus Umeilechukwu co-chairing the occasion.

Chief Umeozuruoha explained that Obuofor was an age grade celebration of men of Uga who stood for the community and fought the white men who came to build Anglican Church and school during the era of the colonial masters in 1916.

“Obuofor age grade were brave warriors who erroneously fought the white missionaries who came to establish Anglican Church and school.

They fought and killed the white men on the ground that they came to distract our people from going to farm by asking them to go to church and school where they stay idle but at the end of the day the white men conquered Uga and we lost twelve warriors. Obuofor is the day we remember the twelve warriors,” he said.

Corroborating Chief Umeozuruoha, the chairman of the Planning committee, Nze Hycienth Ezealisiji, said that every arrangement has been made for a hitch-free festival and called on the people of the town across Nigeria and overseas to come home and pay centenary respect to the fallen heroes.

The Anambra Times 3

Activists in Onitsha decry Nigeria’s worsening state of human rights

ÏL ƍƈ ÕƢƎ ƆƐƄƍ ƍƓ ƅ n ƆƐƄƍ Ɖ #ƄƃƉ ƍ ƎƆ ƅ 6ƏƊ ƍƆ Ǝ Philip Balepo R ƆƎ

ÏÏÏ Onitsha, the commercial nerve

centre of Anambra State, last week celebrated the 68th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which actually occurred on the 10th of December, 1948, by the Anambra State chapter.

The event was marked with series of lectures organised across the state to enlighten the masses on the benefits of Human Rights and need to identify with the group.

Speaking on the anniversary, the chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the group, Comrade Sam Njoku, lamented that “activism, terrorism and economic recession as a result of military in civilian cloth administration has really put the Human Right Organisation in a vulnerable position.”

He however added all that would not stop the body from celebrating the giant strides they have achieved over the years as Human Rights objectives hinge on “improving the physical, social, and cultural and even the spiritual well-being and

LƄƕƆƃ Ɖè ƕƄ Ǝ Ɖ Əƍ Ƅ ƃ ƕƏƃƎ ƅƍƄƄ ƄƍƐƆƃƄ Ɔ nƊƏƉƄƍƆ

ÏÏÏ A team of

Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi chapter last week conducted a- three day free medical outreach at Umueri general hospital in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Addressing the team, the Anambra State Health Commissioner, Dr. Joe Akabuike, assured citizens of the state of government’s support for humanitarian services, saying that ‘‘the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano will not relent in encouraging good courses that aim at promoting health in line with the governor’s health intervention programmes.’’.

More than fifty patients benefited from the free medical outreach. About

20 of the patients got free fibroid, goiter, appendicitis and hernia surgeries while others were treated of infections, diabetes, malaria, typhoid and other ailments by the team of medical professionals. A consultant obstetrician and Gynecologist, and a member of the medical team, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeana, said their aim of the medical mission was to make medical services available to the people, especially the down trodden.

In their remarks, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Chidi Osakwe and Chairman of the group, Prof Gerald Ojukwu noted that the team decided to move away from Nnewi to a local community where their services are most needed.

welfare of the vulnerable group of people globally.”

The theme of this year’s event was “The State of Human Rights in the present democratic administration.”

The topic was justly treated by Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi, who doubles as the Chairman of the BoT Inter-society and the leader of SouthEast Coalition of Human Rights Organisation. He was very emphatic on the latest move by the present administration to make life near unbearable for the average Igbo person through the Operation Python Dance.

He said: “This is totally inimical to our state which is acclaimed the most (peaceful) secured state in the country. Why are the army blocking the Niger Bridge which is 51 years old, bearing in mind that in building/construction parlance, there is what we call ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ that affects every structure as the years go by. Is the government really thinking of the welfare of the Igboman with this act? The crowding of that bridge portends more danger than the presupposed life they are claiming to protect. The Police Force in Anambra State has proved to be

L-R: Chairman, Tony Oji; Secretary, Patrick Anaso; Assistant Secretary, Ikem Asika; Treasurer, Pamela Eboh and Financial Secretary, Ikenna Nwokedi, during their swearing-in as new executives of Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Awka ...on Friday.

Mrs. Obiano takes pet project, CAFÉ, to Uke Philip Balepo R ƆƎ

ÏÏÏ

The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebele Obiano, took her pet project – The Caring Family Enhancement initiative (CAFÉ) to Uke last week as part of the promise she made that she must visit the 177 communities that make up the state before her husband leaves office.

The visit, according to the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Obiageli Okeke, who stood in for the governor’s wife, who due to some logistics, was unavoidably absent, afforded the First Lady “the opportunity to felici-

tate with the indigents and also feel the pulse of the community as first, a mother, a wife and the first wife of the state.

“She is really concerned about the women and how and what can be done to better the lot of most of them, especially the ones in the rural communities. That is why the First Lady insisted that she must touch the whole 177 towns, recession notwithstanding,” Mrs. Okeke said.

The visit, which brought out a good number of the women, saw the poor, some widows and some vulnerable kids receive some gifts like rice, clothing and cash from the First Lady.

competent enough, why choke us with this overbearing presence of the Army?”

Comrade Umeagalasi beckoned on members and prospective ones to bear in mind that the “Human Rights task is enormous. We are change agents who must be very willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of others, always and everywhere. And as change agents, we can collectively create a better society.”

He also appealed to members not to abandon ship when the going gets tough, saying: “We are not Human Rights only when there are some goodies. No. We are to stand up for our oppressed brothers and sisters and go the extra mile to help. Be it a Police case or a civil one.”

In his closing remark, the chairman of the day, Elder Comrade Anyim Sunday Anyim, thanked the Anambra State Human Rights group for their steadfastness and tenacity.

He also reminded them that “the future is going to get tougher hence we should all brace up for the struggle.

Now that activism is on the rise, some for good cause, some as opportunists, we have to be very diligent and committed to the struggle,” he concluded.

Responding, the leader of Uke Development Union, Women Wing, Dr. (Mrs.) Theresa Edwin-Maduekwe, thanked the governor’s wife for her “caring and concern; while pledging the total support of the women for Governor Obiano’s administration.

She also made some requests for executive toilets for the popular Eke Uke market as well as support for the physically challenged indigenes of the town.

In her own speech, the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Chukelu, reminded the women that the state would not let them down; that their request would

get to the appropriate channel and the women who were not part of the event would be accommodated in the next phase.

The Igwe of Uke, HRH Charles Chuma Agbala, who was in attendance with his full cabinet, expressed joy, saying: “The First Lady came to visit us, especially our women, who are really benefitting from her generosity. I also use this medium to thank Governor Willie Obiano, the husband, who gave us a brand-new town hall, from the N20m Chose-your-project initiative of the administration.”

The Igwe, who is a surveyor by profession, is a consultant to the N20m

Chose-your-project initiative of Governor Obiano.

The President-General of the town, Mr. Ikedi Obi, called on all Uke people especially those in the diaspora to join hands and turn Uke to a bigger tourist attraction.

“We are a blessed land; our market Eke Uke attracts people from all over Nigeria and the Holy Ghost Adoration Ground is now a global praying ground,” Obi said.

He used the opportunity to promise all the indigenes that “they would all enjoy electricity this Christmas season, saying, “This is the most important need we have now”.

The Anambra Times 4 Nwode Nkeriuka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), is the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Anambra State Police Command. A graduate of Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi State, Nwode is the first female PPRO of Anambra State Police Command.

In this interview with ALPHONSUS NWEZE, Police image maker in Anambra State, speaks on the mandate of her office, Police relationship with sister agencies and efforts of the command to ensure a crime free environment for the citizenry in Anambra State among others. Excerpts:

As a female officer with this enormous task of moulding Police image in Anambra State, how do you intend to achieve that?

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police (CP), Sam Okaula, is no doubt, a silent operator, a well-groomed operational officer with so many years’ experience in fighting crime and criminality. With all sense of humility and God by my side, I have always left unforgettable legacy in places I had worked. Now that God has used my Commissioner of Police to bring me to this position, I want to say with all sense of responsibilities, I will ensure that every activity of Police and policing in Anambra State within my tenure would be effectively publicised. It would be a period that the people would say” there was a square peg in square hole” and myself would be able to say, “I have done my best possible”.

How have your Command been able to sustain the low crime rate in the state?

It is not magic; my hardworking Commissioner of Police Sam Okaula is equal to the task. His hubby is to burst crime where ever he is. Thank you for noticing that the crime rate in Anambra State has gone down drastically. It is as a result of the CP’s consolidation of already existing synergy between his predecessors, AIG Hosea Karma and other sister agencies. Despite this, I am still calling for more cordial and maximum cooperation of the members of the public in the area of useful information, credible information for that matter. On my side, the Almighty God who made it possible for me to be here as the first female PPRO in the state, wants me to partake in this history making era. God will definitely help me meet up with the demand of the present task.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Interview

What we’re doing to ensure Anambra remains safest state - Police spokesperson Before your appointment as the PPRO, where else have worked?

Before now, I was attached with the Department of Operations, Anambra State Police Command.

What are the functions of a Police PRO? As a PPRO, my work is to contribute to the creation of a renewed image, not just for the Command but also for the entire Nigeria Police and to also lift high the flag of Nigeria and Anambra State. I am to also project a positive image of the force, work in tandem with the strategies of the Commissioner of Police to propagate his working principles, especially in the area of bringing down crime and criminality in Anambra State. I am to also take feedbacks from the Commissioner of Police to the communities of the state. I am going to stand as a bridge or gap between members of the public and the Nigeria Police Force. Most essentially, I operate an open door policy, people should be free to call me at any time for their complaints, criticisms, and inquiries amongst others. These are the essence of my position as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

Police bail has become problematic and controversial.

What do you have to tell the public about bail?

The Anambra State Police Commissioner as the man I know very well, will and has never condoned the giving or taking of bribe. Bail is completely free.

Mind you that he/she who gives bribe is guilty as he/she who receives the bribe. Let me use this medium to urge the members of the public to always report any act of bribery, especially among our officers and men promptly to the office of the Commissioner of Police. The Commissioner of Police also operates a policy of openness and accountability and has no patience for corruption.

It is also necessary to know that bail is obtainable in simple offences but in capital offences like armed robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, amongst others, such bail are sought through the court of law.

Is there synergy between the State Government and Anambra State Police Command?

That amounts to stating the obvious. I must commend the number one citizen of the state, Chief Willie Maduabuchukwu Obiano, (Akpokuedike) for his unrelenting support to Anam-

Nkeiru Nwode

Let me use this medium to urge the members of the public to always report any act of bribery, especially among our officers and men promptly to the office of the Commissioner of Police bra State Police Command both financially and otherwise. The Governor being the Chief Security Officer of the state, is partnering effectively and efficiently with the State Police Command.

Everybody now knows fully well that Anambra State is almost a crime free state and number one in the country in terms of security. And who made it possible? It is God, through Chief (Dr.) Wille Obiano, the Executive Governor of Anambra State. Our patrol vehicles, pick-up vans and other security gadgets are witnesses to this fact. My Commissioner of Police is thanking the Governor for his assistance towards security in the state and for fighting crime and reducing it to its barest minimum.

How does your relationship with other security agencies in the state look like?

It has been very cordial and

we are relating fine. Though we have different mandates, we are all heading towards one direction. And what is that direction?

It is to have a crime free Anambra State and make the state a better place for investors (both local and foreign) based in Anambra State, which slogan is “The Light of the Nation”.

Notably, with other security agencies, we are out to set a landmark for other states to emulate in terms of security in the country. The relationship with other security agencies has been so smooth and superb. Remember that “two good heads, they say, are better than one” and we have a Joint Taskforce (JTF) that involves other sister agencies.

How do you intend to relate with the public?

My boss, CP Okalua, as I said earlier operates open police door policy and as the image-maker of the Command, I will always work in line with the Commissioner of Police’s open door policy. By the time I might have worked and redeployed, the image of the police in the state command might be better than I met it. Let me also say that in many parts of the world, accountability between the public and the police is largely examined through the lens of journalism. In the past, our image was swimming in the mud but it has drastically changed and we will improve upon it.

The Christmas and New Year festivals are here; what is the security plan of the State Police Command to secure lives and property of the citizenry as well as ensure free flow of traffic at the Onitsha Bridge?

I want to assure members of the public of a crime-free Christ-

mas and New Year celebrations.

Christmas and New Year periods are like every other periods in the country because police is always at alert. The State Police Commissioner has adopted new strategies this time around. There is going to be high visibility policing. It is going be Joint Taskforce policing phenomenon as my CP has designed a framework with other sister agencies. This is to ensure Anambra remains the safest state. For the first time in the history of the state during festivities, all the bridges, pedestrians, vehicular ones and even flyovers will have undercover operatives and there would be intensive surveillance in all these places.

From feasibility study, I don’t envisage any problem even though it is said ‘man proposes, God disposes’. With the smart American styled vehicles donated by the Executive Governor to the State Police Command, the State Commissioner of Police has directed and it has fully complied that the vehicles be strategically positioned.

Sometimes, you see policemen on the road, conducting search on some vehicles, is it part of security measures adopted by your boss?

It is a standing order; I am appealing with the public to always stop when policemen on the road stop them. If there is any problem, you let the officer(s) know.

There is a standing order on stop and search. The order must be obeyed, carried out but must not be abused.

You are a pretty lady and as a woman with this enormous task, how do combine your job and your family life?

Before I made up my mind to join the police, I knew it would be challenging and I also knew that God made woman. So, I am applying what God endowed me with to do His wish, while on earth and to Him alone be the glory.

I mean how do you resist the temptations of some men who would behold your beauty and try to lure you?

Well, in as much as I am an agent of open door policy officer of my State Commissioner of Police, I still have reservation for my dignity as a woman and the moment one goes contrary to the police duties before me, that one does not concern me again.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, cooking, watching football and of course, most importantly, policing.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19 , 2016

Why distribution companies are recording losses –Expert

Appropriate pricing’ll engender building of new refineries Page B8

Emefiele chairs IILM governing board

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Dangote, Putin, Trump, Merkel most powerful persons in the world – Forbes Foremost Entrepreneur and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was at the weekend named along other world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, American President-elect, Donald Trump and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel as the most powerful persons in the world.

These personalities were ranked along with 7o others as the most powerful people with Dangote ranked as the second most powerful in the African continent.

The Nigerian business mogul has constantly featured in the list since 2013 when he was listed as the only black African so rated by the popular Forbes Magazine in the list of 100 most powerful persons.

Listed as number 71 most powerful last year ahead of the American President-elect, Dangote, Africa’s richest man, moved up the ladder of influential people as he was named as the 68th most powerful in the world weekend, coming only after the Egyptian President, Abdel el-Sisi, who was adjudged the most powerful in Africa and 44th in the world.

The famed American business CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Capital Square Limited/ViceChairman, Financial Services Group of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Obinna Anyanwu: General Manager, Corporate Banking Group, Sterling Bank Plc /Chairperson, Financial Service Group,LCCI, Mrs. Mojisola Bakare; President, LCCI, Mrs. Nike Akande and Director-General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, at the LCCI Financial Service Group Cocktail held at Civic Centre on Friday in Lagos...at the weekend.

How oil companies defraud Nigeria using service contract agreements Opeoluwani Akintayo With the Federal Government recently ending the tenure of payment of Joint Venture Cash Calls, stakeholders in the oil and gas industry think this could be the right time to review the Production Sharing Contracts (PSC), Joint Operating Agreements (JOA), and Service Contracts between the Interna-

tional Oil Companies, (IOCs), National Oil Companies (NOCs) and Nigeria.

This is because, investigation revealed that the Contract falls short of some irregularities and ambiguous clauses which especially IOCs have for years, taken advantage of in defrauding Nigeria of monies that belonged to her.

Aside from the fact that Nigeria

stakeholders blame the FG for entering into contracts with mostly with IOCs without reading and understanding most of the clauses in the contracts which the foreigners take advantage of, investigation also revealed that there are even clauses in the contracts which Nigeria ought to take advantage of but probably due to ignorance or negligence, failed to make use of.

DMO calls for creativity to aid economic recovery Bonny Amadi The Director General of Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, has called for more creativity by Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts at getting the country out of

BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

recession.

Nwankwo on Friday in Lagos during interaction with stakeholders noted that the duty of advancing the nation’s economy from prevailing economic recession and challenges rests on collaborative dedication to bailing out the economy.

The DMO boss was optimistic that the measures taken so far by the Federal Government to ensure that the country’s economy becomes sustainable, would be fruitful, noting that there was no reason to despair.

According to him, the authorities were exploring

other regenerative areas that abound in the country as part of measures aimed at strengthening the economy.

“Indeed, I am emphasizing that what we are supposed to be focusing on is being able to establish the minimum amount of resources we need to get out of the woods. Let us put our thinking together and identify the needed resources from the most appealing and attractive sources,” Nwankwo said.

“Let me emphasis that our focus is on raising revenue in a way that we will use our resources to solve our prob-

lems. The focus for all us is to do whatever we can do to set ourselves on the path of sustainable growth. That path entails that we will diversify our economy in such a way that we have several sources of foreign exchange. That should be one of the indicators.

“If we can replace as many as the things we import, we should be able to establish a sense of sustainability in terms of our recovery. I am optimistic that while the challenges are enormous, the means to get to sustainable growth are abundantly available,” he stated.

Equity Crude represents governments share of crude oil production, (excluding domestic crude) obtained mainly from three (3) arrangements: Joint Operating Agreements (JOA) with IOCs, Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) and Service Contracts. Equity Crude Oil proceeds are remitted into the Federation account as export proCONTINUES ON PAGE B2

New labour body emerges as 25 unions elect Ajaero Joy Ekeke No fewer than 25 industrial unions has picked Comrade Joe Ajaero to led as inaugural president of a new labour body, United Labour Congress (ULC).

The unions elected Ajaero, the General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese, was elected its

Deputy President. Three Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Auditors, Financial Secretary among others were also elected to run the affairs of the Centre. Leaders of the new Labour federation said their first major outing would be an onslaught against a leading airline in the country on, for alleged unfair Labour practices including seven months unpaid salaries to workers some of who were affiliates of ULC at the ULC maiden CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Why distribution companies are recording losses –Expert Simon Ugwu The Distribution Companies are recording losses and don’t have money to invest in smart metering. It is only when we achieve market viability that the distribution companies can generate enough to go into smart metering.

The Managing Director of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Johnson Chukwu, made this revelation in an exclusive interview with Business Times in Lagos.

“The distribution companies don’t have the money to go into smart metering and the banks have shut giving them facility.

So they are recording losses so they can’t go to the bank to raise money and they don’t generate enough cash from the power they are selling. Even meet their overhead loan and payment obligation not to talk about having enough for capital projects like meter acquisition”, he said..

“If we achieve market viability, there will be an incentive for even the distribution company because they will generate enough cash to go into smart metering and then eliminate some of these bottle necks that they are encountering”.

“And that way, the distribution company can say this is the volume of power we have feed to this

district and meter from that point and now do the individual metering from their office and then determine what each consumer is taking. The challenge we have is that there is no new investment going into sector because of lack of market viability”, he pointed out..

“When you have a smart metering, a distribution company can meter you from their office.

If you bypass supply, once they look at the power load within the locality, they will easy discover that you have bypassed power metering. We should adopt smart metering instead of the more of analog metering that we are using today. And that way, the distribution company can say this is

the volume of power we have feed to this district and meter from that point and now do the individual metering from their office and then determine what each consumer is taking”, he said.

Speaking on the effect of the fallen price of oil, Chukwu argued that there should be a concerted effort to restructure the economy.

“I am happy about what is going on in the agricultural sector, the read recently that the government is going to build about 40 dams. So there is going to be a lot of irrigation farming. I think the government needs to invest a lot on irrigation so that we can have the dry season and rainy season farming.

Dangote, Putin, Trump, Merkel most powerful persons in the world – Forbes magazine, Forbes in the latest edition of its 74 World Most Powerful People ranking list released at the weekend showed that the 64 year old Russian President, Vladimir Putin is the most powerful in the world, ahead of Mr. Donald Trump who is second on the list.

While the German Chancellor Angela Merkel is ranked the third most powerful person in the World, out-going American President, Barack Obama placed 48th on the list.

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis is the fifth most powerful person while the world Richest, Bill Gates comes seventh. Chinese President Xi Jinping comes before the Pope in number four while the Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerberg is the number 10 most powerful person in the world.

L-R: Executive Director, Lagos Commercial Banking Directorate, Skye Bank, Mrs. Markie Idowu, receiving Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) Award for ‘The Most Consistent Watch listing Bank’ from Chairman of NeFF and Central Bank’s Director of Banking & Payments System, Mr. Dipo Fatokun. With them is the Chief Internal Auditor, Skye Bank, Mr. Rotimi Omotayo.

How oil companies defraud Nigeria using service contract agreements CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

ceeds, DPR accounts as Royalties and FIRS accounts as Petroleum Profit Tax. According to the Petroleum Revenue Special Task force (PRSTF) which had Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman and Olasupo Shasore SAN as Member/ Secretary, and commissioned by the Petroleum Revenue Management on 28 February 2012, there is no single point accountability for the income and expenditure streams of upstream petroleum operations, compounded by the past structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,

(NNPC) such as multiple roles executed through the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and its Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD).

A decline was also observed in national investments that would increase the nations proven reserves.

Accordingly, despite the increase in crude oil production in Nigeria over the years, the nation’s entitlement decreased as a result of various alternative funding arrangements for its upstream investments.

As a result legislation governing the industry and agreements

with third parties are outdated, do not reflect current economic or legal realities; or include ambiguous clauses.

Also, there are some provisions within the legislation that could significantly improve government’s revenue that the government is yet to take advantage of.

An examples includes a provision to ensure that the share of the government of the federation in the additional revenue be adjusted under the Production Sharing Contracts if the price of crude oil at any time exceeds $20 per barrel; and the requirement for a periodic review of provisions in specified time frames.

AFSCMS records successful year, declares dividends Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Airport Fire & Safety Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited (AFSCMS), in its 16th Annual General Meeting demonstrated a successful turnout of the 2016 Financial Year, declaring a dividend offer across board for all its members.

The AGM which held at Murtala Muhammed Airport Staff School in Ikeja, Lagos over the weekend, attracted members of the cooperatives Society cutting across Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency NAMA, Accident Investigation Bureau AIB and other aviation agencies.

Speaking at the AGM, President of the Society, Mr Gbade Richard Tella said the society has assisted its members in its 16 years of existence, saying that it has helped a lot of members in terms of welfare.

Although, Tella acknowledged the effect of recession on the activities of the cooperative in 2016 but said that they have equally assisted members to come over the recession period, thereby making their lives better.

“We have done a lot to help the people in terms of welfare.

Those who ordinarily cannot own a house have been assisted.

We have been able to provide new cars to our members. We also have estates in our housing scheme. We have at Iyesi, two phases at Isheri Olofin and people are already residing there.

Today, we are giving our stewardship of our activities for the past one year”,Tella said.

New labour body emerges as 25 unions elect Ajaero CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Delegates Conference in Lagos.

According to ULC the new Labour federation, is aimed at restoring hope to Nigerian workers, the oppressed, the victimised, the neglected and other relegated members of the society who have been left to wallow in hardship, sufferings and frustration.

The new labour body emerged after a two-year internal crisis that split the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Ajaero, who was elected unopposed, said that ULC would fight for the interest of workers and

ensure a more equitable Nigeria where workers’ dignity and the work place would become less prone to impunity.

He said that the emergence of ULC would strengthen the labour movement and generate a new vigour that would re-awaken elements that would make workers strong. ”The new labour centre instead of weakening the movement will present labour as a creative partner that has strategic benefits for its publics, especially the employers and the government,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

B3 Money Market

Recession: Financial institutions charged on creative service delivery Stories by Motolani Oseni As the downturn in the Nigerian economy continues to bite harder, growing from the current full blown recession to depression, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has charged financial firms operating in the economy to be creative and innovative in their service delivery, in order to be able to withstand the current economic storm.

This is just as the corporation warned Nigerians to desist from dealing with wonder banks such as the Mavrodi Mundial Move-

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ment (MMM) and the emergence of similar online investment schemes, stating that anybody transacting business with these institutions was doing so at his own risk.

Managing Director/CEO, of NDIC, Mr. Umaru Ibrahim, while speaking at a workshop organised by the corporation for Business Editors and Finance Correspondents in Kaduna State, noted that commercial banks, most importantly, Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) must be creative to

survive the current turbulence facing in the country.

According to him, banks are facing different challenges, from high Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), high inflation rate, forex crisis, which eventually results in the need for some commercial lenders to raise fresh capital, but difficult to achieve in recent times due to the current state of the Nigerian economy.

He noted that the corporation will not desist from discouraging Nigerians patronizing wonder banks since their re-emergence,

while promising unrealistic profits to the unsuspecting public, adding that they are not regulated by neither the apex bank nor the NDIC. “As a regulator, we will continue to sensitise the public on the need to avoid patronising wonder banks as they were never regulated by NDIC or CBN. They are illegal and are out to dupe the unsuspecting public. We have information about two wonder banks currently in operation. We have called on the people to stop dealing with them,” he pointed out.

Moreover, he disclosed that the corporation was unhappy with the way in which Nigerians are patronising Mavrodi Mundial Movement(MMM), noting that this was an outfit operating in the cloud.

Warning the public not to be beclouded by greed because of attractive promises being given to its clients. He added that MMM launched a website targeted at the Nigerian audience in November, 2015, noting that the scheme promises a 30 percent per month returns.

Emefiele chairs IILM governing board The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has been recently selected as the chairman of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

A statement by CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor says that by this development, Mr. Emefiele was also the Head of the General Assembly of the financial body comprising of nine countries and Islamic Development Bank with headquarter in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (the IILM) is an international institution established by central banks, monetary authorities and multilateral organisations to create and issue short-term Shari’ah-compliant financial instruments to facilitate effective cross-border Islamic liquidity management. By creating more liquid Shari’ah-compliant financial markets for institutions offering Islamic financial services (IIFS), the IILM aims to enhance cross-border investment flows, international linkages and financial stability.

The body’s major mandates include developing a robust Islamic

liquidity management as a catalyst for cross-border financial linkages and facilitating effective cross-border liquidity management instruments for institutions that offers Islamic financial series.

The organization is also charged with the responsibility of enabling a future global finance industry with greater connectivity, stability and sophistication.

The body which was established in 2010, is open to central banks, monetary authorities, financial regulatory authorities or government ministries or agencies that have regulatory oversight of finance or trade and commerce, and multilateral organisations.

Sterling bank, CBT partner for seamless JAMB registration

L-R: Ecobank Team Lead, North and FCT, Robert Ahidjo; Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Anthony Okpanachi; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Ecobank Relationship Manager, Joy Justus-Uyo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edward Onoja and Business Head, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Shehu Jafiya, when the management of the bank paid the governor a courtesy visit over the weekend.

Interbank rate falls to 3% in anticipation of ample liquidity

Emefiele

The nation’s interbank lending rate eased on Friday to around 3 percent when the market closed for the week, down from an average of 3.9 percent in the previous week, on expectation of improved injection of naira cash liquidity from the budget allocation into the banking system this week.

In spite of efforts and resources investing in diversifying the Nigerian economy by the federal government, Nigeria and other concerned stakeholders, Africa’s biggest economy still relies heavily on crude oil sales for two-thirds of national income, as all government

revenue shared among the country’s federal, state and local governments every month.

Consequently, the central government as at the end of last week distributed no less than a whopping N387 billion ($1.27 billion) revenue, among the three tiers of government. A portion belonging to state and local governments is passed through the banking system.

“Interbank rates are priced at 3 percent on the expectation that the budget allocation will be credited to the system on latest by Monday,” a forex dealer disclosed.

Also, before the end of last week the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised N147.48 billion ($484.33 million) worth of treasury bills and 69.2 billion naira in bonds maturing in five, 10 and 20 years’ time at auctions, as traders believed that the market remains liquid enough to support the prevailing rate.

Therefore, traders expected cost of borrowing among commercial lenders to stay flat in the coming this week as banking activities slow ahead of the festive season and the year-end closure of financial year.

Sterling Bank Plc and Computer –Based Test Centre Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (CPAN), an association of CBT owners in Nigeria are partnering in order to ensure seamless registration of students ahead of 2017 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The appointment of the Bank is

based on its laudable contributions towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria and the impact on the major stakeholders across the value chain.

The Association’s Chairman, Engr. Sage Udebuami who disclosed the appointment of that Bank at a press conference in Abuja said the

decision of the Association to partner with Sterling Bank was also based on its capacity, commitment and provision of infrastructure needed for the consistent growth of the sector especially in the last three years.

His words: “It is a known fact that we have our challenges. To help

checkmate these challenges, we have decided to look in the direction of Sterling Bank. We are confident that with its robust IT platform that suits the new model recently introduced by JAMB for adoption by our members, seamless process for the registration of students sitting for JAMB next year is guaranteed”.

The current shareholders comprise of central banks and monetary authorities of Indonesia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Development Bank.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Oil price surge, budget buoys stock market by N306 bn Stories by Afolabi Adesola The Nigerian Equities market recorded a positive close for the third consecutive week. However last week which ended with a growth of 3.44 percent in lead market indicators, had only four trading days due to the Federal Government of Nigeria declaring Monday 12 December, 2016 as a public holiday.

The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization closed the week at 26,707.10 points and N9.189 trillion respectively, having grown by 889.41 points and N306 billion respectively.

The week’s performance showed investor’s appetite strengthened towards oil and gas stocks at the beginning of the week, as the price of oil across the globe saw increases on signs of producer’s compliance with output cuts.

The Nigerian 2017 budget which was also presented midweek, saw the lead market index (ASI) rise steeply by 1.29 percent as market capitalization added N116 billion to cross the N9 trillion mark, having settled at N9.086

trillion at the close of Wednesday’s trading.

The Federal Government had announced a 2017 budget of N7.3 trillion to the lawmakers, hoping that the recent rise in crude prices would support government expenditure for the coming year.

Summarily, Forty (40) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than twenty-seven (27) equities of the previous week. Nineteen (19) equities depreciated in price, lower than thirty-six (36) equities of the previous week, while one hundred and sixteen (116) equities remained unchanged higher than one hundred and twelve (112) equities recorded in the preceding week.

A turnover of 1.656 billion shares worth N12.580 billion in 12,860 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 894.759 million shares valued at N10.629 billion that exchanged hands last week in 13,418 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity

chart with 1.504 billion shares valued at N6.183 billion traded in 7,311 deals; thus contributing 90.82 percent and 49.15 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 51.395 million shares worth N4.753 billion in 2,027 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 46.282 million shares worth N52.408 million in 553 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities by volume were Union Bank Nigeria Plc, United Bank For Africa Plc and FCMB Group Plc. They accounted for 865.701 million shares worth N3.370 billion in 999 deals, contributing 52.26 percent and 26.79 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 2.439 million units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N18.276 million executed in 15 deals, compared with a total of 2,850 units valued at N355,162.85 transacted last week in 21 deals.

Resort Savings and Loans elects new chairman, MD Resort Savings and Loans, a mortgage banking institution, has announced Bar. Joseph Jideofor Chukwuocha as the chairman of its board.

According to a statement from the company signed by its Company Secretary LPC Solicitors, Barr. Joseph, a non-executive director was elected Chairman at the meeting of its board of directors held on December 14, 2016, following the resignation of the erstwhile Chairman, Chief Francis Babatunde Adefarati The company’s statement said Mr. Michael Olaonipekun Oyinloye was also appointed as the new Managing Director of the mortgage Bank, and was until his appointment, the Executive Director of

Operations, following his appointment to the Board of Directors on March 4, 2016 and approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria in August 24 2016.

The board stated that the new appointments were part of efforts to reposition the mortgage company, stating that they expected the new chairman to bring his wealth of experience as a successful businessman to reposition the mortgage bank in its ongoing restructuring exercise.

These appointments, are however coming on the heels of a recent suspension, placed on the trading of shares of Resort Savings and Loans by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which took effect from 6th December 2016.

Summary of trading activities on NSE ASI

26,707.10

VOLUME

874,335,397.00

VALUE CAP

4,386,021,380.53 9,189,282,485,678.17

NSE urged to strengthen dormant branches Bonny Amadi

L – R. shows Mr. Adeyemi Osoba, Head, Branch Network, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Bosun Adekoya, Member, Lagos Branch Council; Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON, NSE; Mojisola Adeola, Head, Council Secretariat/Council Secretary, NSE and Mr. Emmanuel Ortswen, Member, Lagos Branch Council at the NSE Lagos Ibadan Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Exchange on Friday.

NSE holds 2015 Lagos/Ibadan Zonal AGM The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) held the zonal annual general meeting (AGM) of its Lagos/Ibadan branch at the Stock Exchange House in Lagos last Friday to receive and consider report on the operations of the branch Exchanges for 2015 and reelect members of its branch council.

The report in operations of the branch Exchanges tendered at the AGM showed that trading floor activities remained at sub-

optimal level. “Four of the branch offices did not trade during the year on account of bandwidth issues while active trading on the remaining floors was relative low. Value of trades in the other nine branch offices totaled N11.26 billion a decline of, 36.7 percent when compared with N17 billion recorded in 2014.

According to the report, the downward spiral in trading activity in the branch office is primarily attributed to the economic slowdown

across the country, culminating in the decline in key macroeconomic and stock market variables.

The report raise concerns on the observed unwillingness of stockbroking firms to trade from branch offices even when there are evidences of the engagement of resident stockbrokers in those branch offices.

Concerns on the observed knowledge gap in understanding of the Exchange Traded Products (ETP’s) at the off site locations were

also raised, which resulted in very low transactions in all the branch offices.

Amongst all 13 branches, the Abuja office was the most active, trading approximately 560 million shares valued at N4.7 billion in 15,394 deals, and was followed by Kaduna with 274.3 million units of shares traded valued at N1.9 billion in 8,936 deals while the Ibadan Office emerged the third most active office with 221.0 million units valued at N1.6 billion and traded in 10,506 deals.

The Nigerian stock Exchange (NSE) has been called upon to ensure that dormant branches of the exchange are made operational or shut down to save funds.

The call was made, following the recent NSE’s Lagos /Ibadan zonal branch council Annual general meeting, of which report showed that while trading took place in nine branches of the exchange, four other branches did not record a single transaction.

The AGM which was almost marred as it commenced later than the scheduled 1PM commencement time due to late attendance of members even as the NSE CEO reported early for the meeting. A higher number of stock brokers adorned in wine color jackets entered the hall simultaneously about

1.20 PM, following which the meeting commenced and was concluded about 12 minutes later.

Meanwhile, the activity report of the zone showed that Abuja recorded highest volume of transactions with 559,880,206 shares valued N4,698,182,853.21 in 15,394 deals, followed by Kaduna with 274,268,854 shares , worth N1,937,938,581.39 in 8,936 deals and Ibadan with 221,023,885 shares ,worth N1599,807,515.96 in 10,508 deals, and Port Harcourt recording the least number of transactions with 7,660,025 shares worth N48,237,409.71 in 277 deals, elicited stakeholders concern who have called on the NSE to ensure that the enabling infrastructures in the dormant branches are put in place to ensure commencement of seamless trading in the dormant branches, Abeokuta, Owerri, Yola and Bauchi..

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Price Chg %

29,000

NSE All Share Index

6,000.0

Naira Value (m)

28,500

5,000.0

28,000 4,000.0

27,500 27,000

3,000.0

26,500

2,000.0

26,000 1,000.0

25,500 16-Dec

06-Dec

26-Nov

16-Nov

06-Nov

`

27-Oct

17-Oct

07-Oct

27-Sep

17-Sep

25,000 07-Sep

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Monday,December 19 , 2016

B6 ICT

Review of ICT industry in 2016

Kudos, kicks, knocks in ICT industry in 2016 Tony Nwakaegho In the midst of the macroeconomic challenges facing the country in 2016, the performance of Nigeria’s telecoms sector has been marked by steady subscriber growth, a renewed regulatory mandate and continued infrastructure development, notwithstanding other controversies.

The Federal Ministry of Communications oversees five parastatals: the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Galaxy Backbone, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and the National Information Technology Development Agency.

In all, the telecommunications sector has contributed N 1.4 trillion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2016, or 8.0 percent, which represents a decrease of 1.8 percent points relative to the previous quarter, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In September 2016 – the end of the third quarter – there were 153,271,581 subscribers. Subscriber data is broken into four sections according to the technology type used. The first two are for mobile technology; Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Core Division Multiple Access (CDMA), whilst the latter two are fixed lines, either wireless or wired.

Mobile subscribers using GSM dominate, and accounted for 99.72 percent of the total in September 2016, followed by CDMA with 0.18 percent of the total, while fixed wired and wireless make up 0.08 percent and 0.02 percent respectively.

Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu

The rapid uptake of mobile data subscriptions over the past few years, plus the steadily rising number of Smartphone handsets in circulation indicate significant unmet demand for digital products and services.

By July 2016 the country was home to 150.3m active telecoms subscribers, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The mobile sector is dominated by four major mobile operators: Globacom, a locally owned firm; MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group; Airtel Nigeria, a subsidiary of Indian telecoms conglomerate Bharti Airtel; and Etisalat Nigeria, a subsidiary of Etisalat, UAE-based firm.

The four established mobile operators have in-

vested heavily in 4G LTE networks in recent years, while simultaneously building out existing 3G capacity in an effort to provide basic data services to remote areas and rural populations.

In March 2016 the NCC resuscitated a much-anticipated 2.6-GHz spectrum licence auction that had been suspended by the commission’s previous leadership. In June 2016 MTN announced that it had won the auction, after being listed as the sole approved bidder for the spectrum block.

Nigeria’s NBC is in the process of preparing the country for the planned switch from analogue to digital television broadcasting, which is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2017 and will help free up additional spectrum.

Challenges The year saw MTN being fined over N1.04 trillion by the Nigerian Communications Commission and the MTN Nigeria agreeing on a staggered payment of N330billion over the next three years. The balance of N280Billion will be made in six tranches in the following order March 31, 2017 — N30Billion; March 31, 2018 — N55Billion; December 31, 2018 — N55Billion; March 31, 2019 — N55Billion and the balance will be in May 31, 2019 — N55Billion.

Another controversy stemmed from the Communications tax bill as some stakeholders in the ICT industry kicked against the nine percent communication service tax bill waiting for the public reading at the National Assembly (NASS),

adding that the bill when passed into law, would add to more drain in the dwindling financial strength of most telecoms users in the country and this may lead to stunt broadband growth in the country.

Boidun Omoniyi CEO VDT Communications in his own assessment on the communication tax bill said that “naturally nobody would want to pay tax, so why are they singling out communication to tax. Is it because they believe that it is a thriving industry? If they want to do a trade tax then it should be something general. So singling out and taxing communication is in a bad taste and it destroys investment.”

Mike Zeckerburg CEO Face book also paid a visit to Nigeria to the Co-Creation hub Yaba and then Andela, a Nigerian start up that recruits talented Africans and shape them into world-class developers through a four-year technical leadership programme among others.

Zuckerberg invested $24 million in the startup earlier this year through the Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan’s fund.

“His visit reinforces not only his support for Andela’s mission, but his belief that indeed the next generation of great technology leaders will come out of Lagos, Nigeria, and cities across Africa,” Seni Sulyman, director of Andela Lagos said.

Mr Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director of VDT Communications, and Director Bitflux said that “2016 in the ICT sector like in every other sector has been relatively wait and see attitude as investment could actually have been better, but they are beginning to see some things come up now on broadband given the projection that the industry had concerning 30 per-

cent broadband growth.”

Mr Rudman Mohammed, managing director/ CEO Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, (IXPN) said that the year 2016 has been quite tough for the operators, the exchange rate, and the devaluation of the Naira has not been easy for some of them like MTN that was fined by the regulator. Across the board I believe it’s quite tough and I believe that 2017 will be better as the telcos and service providers reorganizes, rearranges themselves to brace up for USD and the economy.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami recently indicted his predecessors for turning the government IT clearing house to more of a contract giving agency.

Pantami made this disclosure at this year’s West Africa Convergence Conference in Lagos, while fielding questions from journalist on his mandate and strategies that he intend to use to move the agency, saddled with the responsibility of creating capacity especially among the youths.

The major challenges since his appointment few months ago, he said is contending with stakeholders, who floor the premises of the NITDA to seek for contracts that are not tied to the NITDA’s mandate.

“We are ready to work with different stakeholders on how best to move NITDA and indeed Nigeria forward. But one of the challenges I am presently dealing with is people come to NITDA, looking for one contract or the other without really giving suggestions and ideas that can help achieve our mandates. What this tells me is that of my predecessors succeeding in turning NITDA to where contracts are given to contractors,” he said.

He revealed that NITDA, under his leadership was presently working on a blueprint that would be used to rejig the agency.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19, 2016

Recession: NCRIB chief hints on strategies for survival Despite continuous fall in economic strength of Nigeria, the President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Kayode Okunoren, has said insurance brokers need to be creative and adhere to high ethical practice to stay afloat amid economic recession.

Okunoren, at the Council’s December members’ evening in Lagos, said that brokers must continually seek for ways to add value to their clients and covenant their services.

He noted that insurance generally tend to suffer in this clime during economic down turn as many individuals and even corporate institutions still ignorantly hold the views that insurance should be consigned to the rung of necessities list, which is ill informed.

In his word, “I must also not forget to mention the crippling challenges of the economic recession which adversely affected the business of members during the year. It is a known fact that insurance generally tend to suffer in this clime during economic down turn. Many individuals and even corporate institutions still ignorantly hold the views that insurance should be consigned to the rung of necessities list, which is ill informed.

“Rather, insurance should be a major consideration at this time, given the difficulty or reduction of replacement capability in the event of a loss.

“I think we should all as professionals know this fact and take it as a marketing campaign to reaffirm the believe of clients in insurance at this time.

“Also, the times we are in calls for creativity and high ethical adherence by professionals to stay afloat.

We must continually seek for ways to add value to our clients and covenant their services,” he said.

B7 Insurance

GNI, IGI, 15 other firms struggle with accounts, fail to hold AGM

Stories by Kayode Adelowokan

As corporate firms across the country may have closed their account for the 2016 financial year, no fewer than 17 insurance companies, some of who are publicly quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), are still struggling with their financial records which prevented them from conducting their 2015 Annual General Meetings (AGMs).

This number is against the total of 52 licensed insurance companies in the country, according to information on the website of Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Although, some of the companies according to records over the last five years have not been able to present financial records for the regula-

tor, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to look into, nor given back to their shareholders.

In the same vein, reports have showed that the affected companies had already closed their books for year under review which makes their 2015 AGM is not visible.

The requirement stipulates that any company, especially, listed entity, must give a 21-day notice to its shareholders prior to an AGM date, and as it stands, none of the companies has done so.

While the likes of Linkage Assurance, African Alliance Insurance, UNIC Insurance, NICON Insurance and Guinea Insurance are still battling regulatory issues, as they were unable to do the needful to have their accounts approved by the insurance industry regulator, the National

Insurance Commission(NAICOM) as at 7th of November, 2016, Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc, Goldlink Insurance, Alliance & General Insurance, Alliance & General Life, Investment & Allied Insurance Plc, Spring Life Assurance Plc, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation(NAIC) and Unitrust Insurance Company Ltd have not even submit their 2015 accounts to the regulatory authority.

It is also worthy of note that Fin Insurance, Equity Assurance and International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc that have gotten their accounts approved, were unable to brief their respective shareholders on the financial positions of the companies in 2015 financial year end.

Meanwhile, most of the affected

STACO pays N1.445bn as claims in 2016

L-R: Marketing Services Manager Services FBN Holdings Plc, Tunde Lawanson; Corporate Affairs Manager, Staco Insurance Plc, Dr. Tunde Odeyemi; Head of Corporate Communications, Mutual Benefits, Assurance Plc, Mrs Ellen Offo; Head, Corporate Affairs National Insurance Commission, ’Rasaaq Salami and Head, Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Insurers Association, Davis Iyasere at the end of the year party of insurance journalists in Lagos over the weekend.

NAICOM turns to stockbrokers for insurance distribution In it continuous effort at deepening insurance penetration and acceptance in the country, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has visited the Director- General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Munir Gwarzoto, to intimate him of the need to engage stockbrokers as referral agent in the insurance distribution channel.

Deputy Director, Authorization

and Policy NAICOM, Leonard Akah, who led the NAICOM delegation, outlined the role of stockbrokers in the sales of insurance product as being limited to referral partners/agents to the insurance companies without being exposed to any risk.

In return, he said the stockbrokers will earn a percentage commission on any business they are able to generate to the insurance

company. This initiative is expected to create opportunities for the stockbrokers that are interested without distracting them from carrying out their core functions.

He added that that draft guidelines to ensure seamless operation of this initiative will be sent to SEC for input before the final exposure.

In his response, the DirectorGeneral, represented by Isyaku

Bala Tilde, Head Monitoring Department thanked NAICOM for this initiative and promised to collaborate with the Commission to ensure its smooth execution.

In the bid to deepen insurance penetration NAICOM has identified various other professionals for consideration in the referral agency model.

These include Accountants, Lawyers and a host of others.

Leadway underwrites N18.08bn motor insurance in 5 years The Leadway Assurance Company Limited for the past five years has made N18.08 billion from motor insurance, making it the lead underwriter in the country.

According to a report obtained from the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), the company recorded N3.70 billion in 2010, N3.71 billion (2011), N3.88 billion (2012), N3.24 billion (2013) and

underwriters are loss-making institutions and till date are still having challenges balancing their books.

The last time GNI Plc briefed its shareholders on its financial status was in 2014 financial year, when it combined three AGMs together.

However, some investors are already trying to acquire the company after years of loss-making streak, which could have be a turnaround in the fortune of the firm.

Equity Assurance on the other hand has equally gotten approval from NAICOM to go ahead with its 2015 AGM, but a Cote D’Ivoire Insurance Company, Sunu Assurances Vie Cote D’Ivoire, earlier in the year, acquired a 60 per cent stake in the company, which market analysts say could be responsible for its inability to hold the AGM.

N3.50 billion (2014).

The firm was followed by NEM Insurance Plc, which raked in N14.16 billion within the period under review.

Making, N2.34 billion; N2.88 billion; N3.15 billion; N2.66 billion and N3.13 billion.

Staco Insurance Plc, came third with N11.23 billion, making N2.23 billion; N2.51 billion, N2.65 billion; N1.85 billion

and N1.99 billion.

Axa Mansard Insurance Plc, within the period also made N9.96 billion, recording N1.87 billion; N2.30 billion; N2.66 billion and N3.13 billion.

According to the report, the industry recorded N42.91 gross premium income and N40.41 net written premium in 2014.

Chairman of the NIA, Eddie Efeko-

ha, said about five vehicles are insurance presently in the country, a figure provided the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID). He maintained that the association is collaborating with State Governments to deepen motor insurance, stressing that most state government had resolved to enhance their revenue through motor registration and insurance.

The management of STACO Insurance Plc says it has paid a total sum of N1.445 billion as claims to her various clients between January and September 2016.

According to the third quarter results released by the firm over the weekend showed that the amount is about 9.1 percent increase in claims paid compared with the corresponding period of 2015 where the sum of N1.324 billion was paid as claims.

The 2016 claims figure showed that N596.55 million was paid on Fire business as against N436.38 million paid in 2015, this is the class of business with the highest claims paid. This is closely followed by General Accident class of business where the sum of N389.96 million was paid on claims as at the third quarter of the year.

Total claims of N197.32 million and N119.83 million were paid on Marine and bond respectively, while the sum of N82.70 million and N46.10 million were paid on Oil and Gas business and Motor business respectively amongst other claims.

The company assured its numerous customers of its commitment to promptly payment of claims as at when due.

The Head of Finance and Accounts of the Company Jaiye Fatungase reiterates that the company’s strength lies in its passion for high standards and prompt settlement of claims.

In the same vein, the company has reported an increased shareholders fund of N3.626 billion as against N3.409 billion reported in the corresponding period of last year, Fatungase asserts that the company will continue to grow its shareholders fund to enable it play bigger in the Insurance Industry and particularly in the Oil and Energy sector of the economy, he further said that STACO is committed to providing exceptional service to her numerous customers.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 19 , 2016

Appropriate pricing’ll engender building of new refineries The investors will not be eager to go into building

Johnson Chukwu

The Federal government targeted 7,000 megawatts of electricity generation by end of this year. The year remains a few days to go and generation averages only 3,000 megawatts. Will this target be achievable? What do you think the government and other stakeholders like you should do to improve power supply on a sustainable basis?

Well, clearly we are off target currently because the year remains few days to end. And we are not even sure that the gas required to fire the thermal stations can even be restored in the next couple of months because the problems affecting gas availability is fundamental. We need to address militancy in the Niger Delta before we address gas supply. And that doesn’t look like something you we can do within a short time.

We need to review the model of the entire structure of the power sector.

We need to adopt more of Island models in generation and distribution such that power generated can be distributed within proximate localities.

The challenge is that we have an integrated transmission system where power generated from various power plants is first wheeled to a central switching center located in Oshogbo before being transmitted back to the distribution centers. This integrated system has lead to several system collapses. Today, you would have to transmit power generated in Afam near Port Harcourt to Oshogbo before it can be channeled back to Port Harcourt Disco for distribution. I think that is a weak system for Nigeria because that it requires a lot of robustness in the transmission

grid which capacity we do not have now. We need to have more of Island mode generation and distribution for us to stabilize electricity supply in at least some parts of the country. In localities we should be able to have 24 hours of power supply because power is generated and distributed within that locality. And then whatever is surplus can be transmitted to the national grid to be distributed to the nearest demand point where it is needed. We need to change the entire architecture of the power system.

Electricity generation and distribution companies said huge debts amounting to about N1 trillion militate against their anticipated performance and the chunk of this debt is owed by government ministries, departments and agencies, what is your take on this?

I think that is just a small part of the problems with the power sector because the issues of debts owed by government agencies ministries and department are issues that can be easily resolved. But the bigger challenge is that we have not achieved commercial market viability in the electricity industry. And that market viability is very critical for the distribution companies to generate enough revenue to cover their operating cost and to cover payment to the generation company. It is only when that is achieved that you can talk of power trading, stability and additional investments. Clearly the issue of unpaid debts by government is a drawback but the most important problem is for the industry to achieve commercial viability without which you will not have fresh capital injection necessary to optimize the sector.

Vandalisation of power equipment and energy

theft through bypass of meters and illegal connections has become a challenge, what is the way out of this crime?

I think that is a low hanging fruit because it is easy to address with smart metering. A distribution company can meter a customer from their office. If a customer bypass the supply meter, once they look at the power load going into the premises, they will easy discover that someone has bypassed the supply meter.

The Discos should adopt smart metering instead of the analog metering system they are currently using.

That way, the distribution company can from their offices determine what each consumer is consuming.

The challenge we have is that there is no new investment going into sector because of lack of market viability.

If we achieve market viability, there will be an incentive for the distribution companies to invest in smart metering and thereby eliminate some of the collection losses.

The distribution companies don’t have the money to go into smart metering and the banks are not willing to grant them fresh loans.

Oil production stands at 1.6 million barrels per day while targeted production is 3 million barrels. What can the government do to optimize production?

I think the first thing the government needs to do is to address the issue of the Niger Delta. The major problem we have is the restiveness in the Niger Delta.

And now if you ask me, the government’s approach to militancy is not working because the government is talking with the traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the localities, unfortunately, the militants are not

Chukwu

subject to the authorities of the traditional rulers or opinion leaders in the localities. These militants listen and respect those who have the power to enforce and such enforcers are the militant leaders. So just like the Yar’ Adua’s administration did, the federal government must find a way of bringing out those militants from the creeks and talking to them.

When there is fall in the oil price as being experienced now, Nigeria is hard hit, how can the government overcome this challenge in the future?

Well, it is going to be addressed through a concerted effort to restructure the economy. I am happy about what is going on in the agricultural sector. I read recently that the government is going to build about 40 dams. So there is going to be a lot of irrigation farming. I think the government needs to invest a lot on irrigation so that we can have the dry season and rainy season farming.

Take for instance the rice farming, there is what we call upland and paddy rice.

Today what we farm mostly in Nigeria is the Paddy rice.

There is also opportunity to cultivate upland rice. There are two seasons of the rice production. I think that if we have the two seasons of the rice farming we will achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. Beyond the out growers system, the government has to find ways of ensuring that there are off takers who will buy off all the produce to stabilize price and make sure that the silos we are effectively used. If we diversify nation’s economy, we would have weaned ourselves from dependence on crude oil exports. We used to have a more balanced economy in terms of exports in the 60s, 70s and even the 80s, we can go back to that era. We used to export cocoa, groundnuts, palm produce, textiles, leather wears, bags, things that were produced locally in Aba, Onitsha, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, etc. We have to restore the manufacturing sector. We have to look into what incentives to grant to specific sectors of the economy where we have competitive advantage. We have a proof of concept in the

cement industry, with appropriate trade policies Nigeria is now a net exporter of cement instead of a net importer of cement. We can replicate that in other sectors. That is the only way we can reverse our dependence on crude oil for our exports earnings.

The Federal government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) still subsidises petrol, do you subscribe to full deregulation of the downstream?

The issue of full deregulation of the downstream is an inevitable cause of action that will eventually take place. As it stands today, the government’s resource is very thin, and the government does not have the capacity to continue subsidizing petrol consumption. If we achieve appropriate pricing of petroleum products, we should in the next couple of years have local refineries. The interface of market forces of demand and supply will eventually lead to lower price of petroleum products.

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TIMES Monday, December 19, 2016

Daily Times

top 5 celebrity marriages of 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 19, 2016

Monday, December 19, 2016

Miss Nigeria unveils contestants for its 40th edition The 40th edition of the Miss Nigeria pageant unveils the thirty-eight contestants who will represent the rich heritage of the thirty-six states in Nigeria plus the FCT. These contestants are the successful candidates who passed through the audition stages held in four different audition locations (Abuja, Portharcourt, Enugu and Lagos).

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Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, December 19, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Blossom Chukwujekwu and Maureen Ezissii

One of the current and hot English actors, Blossom Chukwujekwu, took his lovely wife, Maureen Ezissii, to the altar on the 15th October this year. The couple did their traditional wedding last year December and most people thought this year. The traditional wedding was great and fantastic because the couple dressed in different attires, the white wedding was as well beautiful. Part of Agwu, and Uti Nwanchukwu and they took lovely pictures with the couple. The couple were grateful to everybody that was present at the wedding. But other celebrities were also present and they include RMD, Adesuwa Etomi, Linda Ejiofor and many more. Some of the wedding videos were also posted on Instagram for people to see. We wish you guys luck in your union.

Sheyman and Cynthia Okoronkwo sound engineer, Oluseyi Ademoye, popularly known as Sheyman, decided to join the marriage line with his beautiful love Cynthia Okoronkwo, secretly at Imo state on the 26th of November this year. public to know about his wedding, and so he decided to do it secretly, just with his close friends and family. When the artist was asked why he decided to make his wedding secret, he said “wedding is a beautiful thing and there is nothing secret about it, let just say we decided to make it known only to our close friends and family�. The public will really be glad to know when the white wedding will be coming up. Of course, we wish you both a happy married life.

Top 5 celebrity marriages of 2016

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controversies, and landmark achievements amongst others in 2016. As we enter into another new year, Daily Times Life & Times looks into some of the celebrities that got hooked up with their beau this year in no particular other. So, without further ado, SOREMEKUN GBEMISOLA gives you a rundown of the celebrity marriage in the year under review.

Tolu Oniru and Tunde Demuren Our very own sexy OAP, princess Tolu Oniru popularly called Toolz tied the knot with her hubby; pilot Tunde Demuren, on the 28th of May this year at Dubai. Most people were actually waiting for that day to come because, when they got engaged last year, the news was everywhere. Toolz herself posted her engagement ring on the Instagram and almost all her fans and followers congratulated her and were waiting for their wedding date to be announced. The wedding was so great and fantastic, even some of her

colleagues in the industry were present there. Some celebrities arrived Dubai a week before just to support the couple and they include Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Ebuka, Mercy Dolapo Oni and many more. Some media houses such as Bella Naija were also present to take the pictures of the couple and what most people have been waiting for is the announcement of their baby shower. We wish you both happiness, joy and God direction to lead you throughout your marriage lifetime.

Femi Adebayo and Omotayo Sanusi

The soap opera and the Nollywood star, Kalu Ikeagwu, tied the knot with the love of

designer wife, Omotayo Maimunat Sanusi, on October 9th this year. As the special adviser to the governor of Kwara state on art, culture and tourism, he was very happy to get married again after eight years that he has been divorced from

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Tolu& Demuren

Kalu Ikeagwu and Ijeoma Eze

The Yoruba actor and a movie producer, Mr. Femi Adebayo, also a politician, got married the second

three kids, Khadija. Friends and family supported him as well as his colleagues in the movies industry.

The wedding was elaborate that most of the Yoruba actors were there including Odunlade Adekola, Dayo Amusa, Desmond Elliot,

Life&

The entertainment in general has been

Bimbo Oshin among others.

After the wedding, the groom posted some of the videos on his instagram page for people to see; he also thanked everyone that was there to support him Lord will bless your union.

up artist. The actor gave an interview about his wedding to one of the bloggers, Kemi Filani, saying his concern about the marriage and not wedding. They started the journey of the wedding since November last year and they had their traditional wedding at Enugu. The couple had their white wedding on the 27th of June this year. But before the wedding, the couple took and everybody was just happy and eager to know when the wedding was commencing. The actor decided to keep his wedding on a low key.

According to him, he is a private

unlike other actors that will invite their colleagues in the industry to share the joy with him and his lovely wife. The couple looks so happy together, we pray the love of God will continue to live with you both.