Dtn 2 1 2017 by Daily Times of Nigeria

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ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Army says it

has recovered one AK47 assault rifle and uniforms belonging to DSP Mohammed Alkali and his police orderly allegedly beheaded by cultists. The policemen were killed by suspected cultist at Omoku, Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers during the

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Dec. 10 re-run legislative elections. Maj.-Gen. Kasimu Abdulkarim, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Port Harcourt, disclosed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Abdulkarim said that troops from the Division recovered the Continued on page 12

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MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 268

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GAINERS AS AT December 30, 2016 GUINNESS

Army recovers weapons, uniforms from slain policemen –GOC

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5 Nigerians bag Daily Times personalities of Year 2016

Ï Tony Elumelu is Man of the Year Ï Bukola Saraki, Politician of the Year Ï Kashim Shittima, Governor of the Year Ï Amina Mohammed, Woman of the YearÏ Pinnacle Broadcast Ltd, Company of the Year By Our Reporter

ÏÏÏ Daily Times of

SARAKI:

DTN POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR

TONY ELUMELU DTN MAN OF THE YEAR

New year tragedy: 8 Siblings die by drowning

KASHIM SHETTIMA

DTN GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

‘DISCOs should embrace ICT in revenue collection’ 12

MOHAMMED:

DTN WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Nigeria (DTN) has named some prominent Nigerians and companies as its personalities of the year. This decision was a fallout of the emergency board meeting held recently and with sustained efforts to further leverage the newspaper. Among those chosen 2016 personalities of the year include Dr. Bukola Saraki, President of the Senate, who was named DTN Politician of the Year (2016). Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), is DTN’s Man of the Year while the immediate past Minister of Environment and UN Deputy Secretary General, Mrs. Amina Mohammed is DTN Woman of the Year (2016). Pinnacle Broadcasts Limited is DTN Company of the Year (2016) is, and Governor of the Year (2016) is Borno State Gov. Kashim Shettima. Elumelu, a global financial icon clinched the honour after thorough evalu-

CHAIRMAN, (PINNACLE COMMUNICATIONS LTD)

DTN COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Count N’Deltans out of agitation 8 to divide Nigeria –Wike

Continued on page 8

Atiku, Ikpeazu, APC, others felicitate with Nigerians 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Page Four

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial 2016 in retrospect

esterday, January 1,2017 the world and indeed Nigerians will bid farewell to the year 2016. Like all the years before it, 2016 would be remembered by many in very different ways. While some countries would remember it with fortuitous glee and nostalgia, not many Nigerians would count themselves as too lucky with its embrace. The reasons are not hard to find. Majority of Nigerians would not forget in hurry, the economic recession and hardships. Matters were made worse by the fact that many state and non-state actors have succeeded in Balkanizing the county’s polity with their reckless utterances and even actions that continue to create an overwhelming sense of siege and political insecurity all over the country. Moreover, the raging Boko Haram insurgency in the country’s northeast and the continuing militancy in the Niger Delta region helped to add more fodder to an already volatile situation. Such sense of anomie was compounded more by the growing poverty and unemployment among Nigerians brought about by the falling Naira and lack of foreign and domestic investments. For the majority of Nigerians, the near comatose state of the economy has remained the biggest albatross weighing them down. Even at that, they are not consoled by any significant improvements now or in the future. The situation is made all the most galling by the fact that the country is endowed with vast natural and human resources. Yet, the paradox of a rich country but poor people has become the lot

of Nigerians. Incidentally, the Buhari administration is yet to administer any shock therapy to reinvigorate Nigeria’s dwindling fortunes. About 40 percent of Nigerians are estimated to be very poor, which translates to 70 million people living below the poverty line in a country that has earned at least 1trillion dollars from oil in the past 50 years. Incidentally, 2016 would remain a year the country failed to change it’s over dependence on oil for revenue and embrace other promising sectors as agriculture and solid minerals development. For this negligence, Nigeria has continued to suffer the consequences of the “Dutch disease”. For now, the country is stuck in the quagmire of partisan politicking between the two major parties of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) to the detriment of the citizens’ welfare. Sadly the enduring political developments in Nigeria have unearthed the true depth of the underlying spirit of her nationhood, even as it has also put to test, the character of our political leaders; who are supposed to be advocates of sound democratic political culture. Even in 2016, the parochial interests of the nation’s political, tribal, and religious leaders have made nonsense of the character of sound political leadership. As Nigerians wait the era of a new tiding in 2017, they would wish their leaders to embrace the spirit of statesmanship, national reconciliation, justice and service to all. It would be a disservice to the impoverished citizenry in their leaders would continue playing politics at the expense of the peoples’ welfare.

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Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi (2nd left); his wife, Rachel (2nd right); Chief Judge of the State, Aloysius Nwankwo; Mr. Jude Nkama and Commissioner for Finance, Dennis Ekumankama, during a grand reception for Nkama in Amangwu-Edda, Afikpo South Local Government Area ... recently.

L-R: Acting Director General NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Tariff and Trade of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Umar Abubakar and Assistant Comptroller General, ACG, Nigeria Customs Services, Mr. Umar Sanusi, during the joint press conference on the seizure of fake rice, in Abuja ... recently. PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle) presenting the 2017 budget at the State House of Assembly… recently. With him are Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kanu (right) and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe.

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Goodluck Jonathan

Matthew Ashimolowo

Julius Nyerere

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

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

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

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

5 News

Partner researchers to develop Nigeria, ASUU urges govt. in New Year message ÎÎÎThe Academic Staff

Union of Universities (ASUU) says government at all levels must now partner researchers in Nigerian universities to develop the country and invest in public education. ASUU said this on Sunday in a New Year message made available to newsmen in Ibadan by the Chairman of the University of Ibadan branch of ASUU, Dr. Deji Omole. The union also vowed to pursue a genuine course toward the repositioning of Nigerian universities and guaranteeing access to qualitative education in 2017. ASUU also advised the Federal Government to reflect on the 2017 budget and ensure that the agreements reached with the union in 2009 and Memorandum of Understanding of 2013 were properly captured. This, the union, said was to avert any industrial crisis in 2017 in the education sector. ASUU expressed the hope that

2017 would bring a genuine and positive changes to the nation. The union noted that adequate funding of public education would play a major role in reducing crime in the country. Nigerians, it said, must rise in 2017 beyond party affiliation, religious sentiments and ethnic bias and pursue the good of all, adding that poverty and suffering do not know political parties, religion or ethnicity. “May the New year bring genuine and positive change to our dear nation and universities and usher in genuine leadership that will be both responsible and responsive to the plights of the nation. ” In the spirit of the season, let us as scholars reflect on the state of our nation and universities and the various struggles and the sacrifices of our union in the past year and beyond. “Through our collective and continuous struggle, we shall usher in a true change that is required in the system to the

benefit of all. “While your sacrifices in the year 2016 are appreciated, we sincerely hope that you will

continue to support your union in its campaign toward the emancipation of our people. “Let us pray for sound health

L-R: Legal Secretary, Anglican Diocese of Lagos, Mrs. Folasade Adetiba; Provost of the Cathedral, Rev. Adebola Ojofeitimi; The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos & Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Adebola Ademowo and Deputy Registrar, Mr. Segun Ajayi, at the New Year service in Lagos… on Sunday. Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE.

Clean-up: Ogoni Traditional rulers pledge to work with MOSOP

ÏÏÏTraditional

rulers in Ogoniland say they will work together with the apex sociocultural organisation of the Ogoni people, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) for the peaceful implementation of the Ogoni clean-up. The programme is expected to commence in January 2017. A statement issued by Mr. Fegalo Nsuke, MOSOP’s Publicity Secretary on Sunday said the traditional rulers spoke during

series of meeting with Ogoni members of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project – HYPREP governing council. According to Nsuke, the meeting is led by the President of MOSOP, Dr. Legborsi Pyagbara. The board of HYPREP was inaugurated in August 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari to function as the policy making and top management organ for the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoniland.

Pyagbara assured the Ogoni people that the clean-up of Ogoniland would commence within few weeks beginning with the implementation of some emergency measures which include provision of water. He called for the cooperation of traditional rulers for peace to be sustained in Ogoniland during and after the exercise. In their separate responses, the traditional rulers all pledged to support the exercise and called for transparency in

the process. They commended the initiative of the team to work with them and hoped that the employment generated through the clean-up implementation will help to mitigate the increasing restiveness in the area. Nsuke quoted King Godwin Gininwa, the Gbenemene of Tai and Chairman, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, as pledging to support MOSOP to promote the interest of the Ogoni people.

Bishop blames inability of churches to accomplish projects on recession ÏÏÏMost Rev. Martin Uzoukwu,

the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Minna, has said that churches cannot accomplish their projects due to the nation’s current economic recession. Uzorukwu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Sunday. According to him, the economic recession is a challenge to everybody, including the church, because some churches have projects to accomplish but

cannot do so because of the recession. The cleric said the more the recession affected the church members, the more it affected the church. “The recession is an issue every church in Nigeria is committing to God in prayer because the church needs money for the work of God and for charity. “If patients go to hospitals, only to tell stories that they can’t pay hospital bills, the

and minds as we struggle through the New year 2017 in line with our mandate,’’ the union said.

church writes it off for them,’’ he said. According to him, the recession has “increased our burden in paying school fees for many indigent students that their parents can’t help any longer “You do know that I am a Bishop and not a Principal or a Headmaster. So, if we continue to offset bills for people, how can we maintain our schools, hospitals and then pay the staff. “The burden of the recession is taking its high toll on us and

we are not relenting in prayers as we expect a radical turn around in this year 2017,’’ the cleric said. Uzorukwu urged Nigerians to pray for the nation’s leaders to enable them to contribute their best to the development of the country. “There is need for them to know that they are the servants of the people and servants of God. ”The commonwealth God has given to the country is for everybody,” he said.

Sunny, hazy atmosphere to prevail on Monday –NiMet ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted Sunny and hazy conditions over the central states of Abuja, Minna, Kaduna and Bida on Monday. NiMet made the prediction in the Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office on Sunday in Abuja. It added that the region would have day and night temperatures of 27 to 35 degrees Celsius and 11 to 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. The agency predicted that the Southern states would experience dust haze conditions with visibility range of two to five kilometres with localised visibility values less than 2000 metres over Benin, Enugu and Akure. It also predicted day and night time temperatures of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius and 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, respectively during the forecast period. According to NiMet, northern states will experience sunny and hazy conditions with day and night temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius and 11 to 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Saraki: The making of a political colossus ÎÎÎWhen the story of Nige-

ria’s politics, especially the 8th National Assembly is written, the name, Bukola Saraki will likely occupy an epic place as one who came, saw and conquered. While many may remember the leadership crises that followed the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as president of the 8th National Assembly, the action for most Senator was a clear way to strengthen the independence of the legislative arm of government from external manipulations. His emergence was hailed as a victory for populist democracy and a defeat of such manipulations that bedeviled the leadership of the National Assembly before it. The Senate president’s travails, including the prosecution by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) under what was viewed as phantom charges, was also seen as an attempt

ÎÎÎIf

anyone qualifies to be named a worker of miracle in Borno, at the moment, the state governor Alhaji Kashim Shetima, is by every standard, very qualified to be so described. For the man, who for close to seven years, had to put up with fighting deadly insurgents and ravaging militants in an unconventional war, yet throughout the battle, he not only remained unruffled, but also managed the affairs of the state very well, providing succor to those affected by activities of the militants without discrimination. It is also on record that Alhaji Kashim Shetima lived a low profile life, which endeared him to his people, so much so that even at the heat of the battle, he had to drop his bullet proof jeeps in sympathy with the poor people of Borno, who according to him, “are not in the position to enjoy such luxury.” He said the bullet proof cars are reserved for the use of visitors, who might be afraid to use

by some powers that be to rubbish the leadership of the National Assembly. Despite these challenges, however, Saraki’s political profile has continued to rise as was attested to by President Muhammadu Buhari in goodwill message to the Senate president on his 54th birthday, where President Buhari described him as “one of the most influential politicians of our time, who has made tremendous impact on the country.” President Buhari noted that Senator Saraki has successfully kept the memory of his late father alive by identifying with the grassroots in his home state, Kwara. President Buhari used the opportunity to solicit for closer cooperation between the executive and the legislature to ensure the smooth implementation of government policies and programmes.

According to the president, “whatever differences that may occasionally arise between the two branches of government should not be allowed to compromise their common goals of promoting the greater progress and development of Nigeria.” Saraki started his political career when he was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his special assistant on budget issues in 2000. As part of his contributions to the development of transparency in handling of government finances, Senator Saraki initiated the Fiscal Responsibility Bill while also serving on the Economic Policy Coordination Committee. As governor of Kwara state, Saraki also served as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), an umbrella body of governors of the 36 states of the federation. It is on record that under his

headship of the NGF, the body established a new process, including the State Peer Review Mechanism, developed to ensure closer working and collaboration, and that best practices could be shared between states. “The mechanism allowed case studies to be shared between states in a number of policy fields, including power projects, primary healthcare centres for villages and other rural locations, road works, water, solar schemes and the construction of specialist hospitals and state universities. Projects such as these had previously remained.” Senator Saraki was the first Nigerian governor to be awarded the national honour, a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He also initiated the community health insurance scheme, environmental ‘Clean and Green’ scheme and agricultural transformation scheme, which have been praised as

Bukola Saraki one of the reasons Kwara has remained both profitable and clean state. Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the medical doctor cum politician, was born on December 19, 1962 to the Olusola Saraki family in Ilorin, Kwara state. He attended attended the

Kashim Shetima, the miracle worker in Borno Govt House

Alhaji Kashim Shetima ordinary cars. As a result of his consistent and painstakingly efforts, most of the displaced persons have started going back to their

homes, which they were forced against their wish to abandon. Governor Shettima recently embarked on the reconstruction of over 823 blocks of classrooms destroyed by the insurgents, amongst other project, following the gradual return of peace in the state. He declared that the plan was part of government’s agenda of “reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration,” to consolidate the return of peace after a prolonged Boko Haram crisis. Already, massive reconstruction works are currently ongoing at Auno, Jakana, Maikok, Benisheihk, Mayinta Kururi, Tamsu Kawu and Ngamdu with emphasis on girl-child education. Yet for this man, whose ascendency to power was enshrouded in some dramatic divine arrangements, nothing that has happened so far shows that he

was a less qualified person to become governor of Borno state. Despite the fact that the January 2011 ANPP primaries saw the emergence of Engineer Modu Fannami Gubio as the party’s governorship candidate, the unfortunate demise of Gubio saw Shettima selected in a second primary in February 2011, before his election to power in the April 26, 2011 elections. The “People’s Governor” as he is fondly called, recently put smiles on the faces of Christians in the state when he promised to rebuild churches and other structures destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents. “We will rebuild churches, private and public buildings destroyed by the insurgents, “We are going to rebuild churches and others structures destroyed in Lassa and other communities around. “We are saddened by the

large scale destruction in Lassa, which is a predominantly Christian community. “We are doing this because we have a duty as a government to ensure fairness, equity and justice in all our endeavors. “We believe that the Christian community has rights to be served like its Muslims counterpart, since we have rebuilt Mosques destroyed in other places, we must rebuild churches too.” “We have to dare the terrorists; I have bullet proof cars, but I do not use them; I want to be exposed to the elements as the ordinary people do,” Mr. Shettima said. “We have so many bullet proof cars but we only use them for our guests. “Sometimes, I drive myself round the town to see things for myself,” Mr. Shettima said. Speaking on his achieve-

Amina Mohammed, a consummate professional Bonny Amadi

ÎÎÎ

The Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations (UN) and Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, has bagged the Daily Times Nigeria Woman of the year 2016 award. She has remained an advocate of inclusive developmental process through a planned agenda for people, planet and prosperity to avert environmental degradation, ecological disasters, depletion of natu-

prestigious Kings College, Lagos and proceeded to the University of London, where he obtained his M.B.B.S (London). He worked as a medical officer at Rush Green Hospital, Essex, from 1988 to 1989. He was a director of Société Générale Bank (Nig) Ltd from 1990 to 2000.

ral resources and deprivation which lead to rising insecurity and conflicts. Mohammed was elected for the esteemed honour as Daily Times Woman of the year, based on her contributions to the development of global and Nigeria’s environmental landscape and environmental sustainability. She is consolidating in global developmental process with her appointment as Deputy Secretary General of the UN and as a key player in the recent Post-2015 developmental

process, serving as the Special Adviser to immediate past UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, on Post-2015 development planning. In this role, she acted as the link between the SecretaryGeneral, his High Level Panel of Eminent Persons (HLP) and the General Assembly’s Open Working Group (OWG), among other stakeholders. All through her career, she has distinguished herself as an intellectual per excellence. Prior to this position, Moham-

med served as Founder and CEO of the Center for Development Policy Solutions and as an Assistant Professor for the Masters in Development Practice programme at Columbia University. Her services touch on Institute of Scientific & Technical Information, China, Hewlett Foundation on Education, Action aid International “Right to Education Project”, Adviser Global Development Programme of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, amongst others.

Amina Mohammed

ments in office, Shetima revealed that such achievements were the results of “dedication and hard work.” “There is no magic in our achievements, except that where there is a will, there is the way. Like I always say, there is no politics better than the contentment of the people. You are there not because you are the best among the people of the state; I am the governor not because of my political sagacity, intellectual prowess, parental back ground or physical strength.” He also shared the success with his cabinet. “Even within my cabinet, there are many people who supersede me in all these attributes. For him, “Power is a very humble experience; it is about what you can do to a great number of people within the time allotted to you to pilot the affairs of the state.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

ÎÎÎWhen Pinnacle Broad-

casts Limited emerged the winner of the second Broadcasting Signal Distribution License Network for transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in 2016 after a protracted battle, not many people gave them half a chance of success. But it took the company just eight weeks to clear, built up and instal some of the finest transmission systems in the world at the Mpape site that culminated to the launching of first ever minimum of 30 channels free television stations for Abuja residents. In what has been described as a clear example of the Nigerian spirit of positive daring, as well as a major statement for our country’s entrepreneurial ability, Pinnacle Communications achieved the feet to prove to the amazement of many, WHAT that spirit is capable of achieving, especially when guided by a focused entrepreneur, like its chairman, Sir Lucky Omoluwa. Registered as Pinnacle Communications Limited, it is an international communications equipment company focused on providing product, system, and service solutions that takes its customers to the next level. The company provides a wide range of products and services for wireless, broadcast, network support, and government markets. It is also into advanced transmitter equipment, systems, and services for digital tele-

7 News

Pinnacle Communications, a broadcast, digital network to watch vision, DTV, and digital radio equipment. The company was incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with Registration Number RC 245722 on May 9, 1994. Since then, it has been solely responsible for the radio communication of several states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as design, supply, installation and commissioning of Radio, AM/FM and Television broadcast equipment. The company was given the right to midwife Nigeria’s migration from analogue to digital broadcasting after a keenly contested bidding process organized by the presidential team on digital migration, BSDGROUP, after beating 15 other companies, which had expressed initial interest in the project. This bidding process came after the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) experimented the switch-on of broadcast transmission from analogue to digital broadcasting in Jos, the Plateau State capital From the five bids, Phase3 Telecoms Limited, Pinnacle Communications Limited and Trendcorp Africa limited met the mandatory requirements and were therefore qualified for technical evaluation. The technical evaluation saw Pinnacle Communications, which scored 74.8 per cent and Phase3 Telecom

Lucky Omoluwa Limited, which had 71.1 per cent scaled through to the financial phase, but expectedly, Pinnacle, which bided N618 million, or 31.1 per cent higher than the 20 per cent prescribed for the preserved price of N500 million, defeated Phase3 bided N100 million, which has less than 20 per cent. With the process over, Pinnacle Communications Limited wasted no time in deploying a national terrestrial broadcasting signal distribution network to actualize the dream Before the current successes recorded by Pinnacle, the International Telecommunication Union, (ITU) had in 2006, fixed June 17, 2015, as the deadline for the transition of analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in the VHF, 174230 MHz and UHF, 470-862

MHz frequency bands. In the agreement, it was also stated how frequencies will be used in an all-digital environment as well as governing cross border interference in the transition period leading to the final deadline of 17 June, 2015. Following the Abuja switchon, Abuja residents are expected to watch 30 TV channels, offering fares in news, entertainment, sports and business. Under the arrangements, the bouquet of programs offers local, regional and national television channels; The Set Top Boxes are also interactive, offering the unique opportunity for government to communicate directly with the Nigerian people; an innovation that will create a catalyst for broadcasting in various spheres, including educa-

tional programmes broadcasting as well as emerging Nollywood movies. The initiate has created possibilities of instant feedback, which would assist in deepening the democratic process. These initiatives will also enhance the possibilities of opening up for NOLLYWOOD film and creativity industry to offer access to the rich repertoire of Nigerian films, that would sweep the carpets from the feet of pirates, thus bringing more funds to help develop Nigeria’s film industry, rated as the third largest in the world. In the new digital ecosystem, 70 per cent of content on 24-hour television would be local. This offers jobs opportunities as well as wealth creation for Nigeria’s very creative young through the entire broadcasting value chain. The introduction of a Digital Access Fund (DAF) would become platform to help collect television licenses in Nigeria, thus present opportunities for local governments around Nigeria to get funds that can aid the development of the grassroots. With this great feat by Pinnacle Communications, the Nigerian dream of achieving the June 2017 timeline to complete a nation-wide digital switchover is assured. Chairman of Pinnacles Communications Limited, Sir Omoluwa, is an illustri-

ous entrepreneur. Pinnacle, a Nigerian broadcast engineering company, has consistently won international awards from Nigeria, Ghana, the UK and USA companies in the areas of international best business practice, performance and commitment to commercial relationships and trade between the USA and Nigeria. Sir Lucky, as he is fondly called is a dedicated philanthropist in his native Nigeria, where poverty constitutes a major issue. He silently, but eagerly reaches out to the Church, widows, the less privileged and orphans in the society. Though an astute businessman, Sir Lucky, owing to a strong passion for good education along with his wife, set up The Centagon International School, Abuja, Nigeria. Sir Lucky, who has a background in golf, which he plays in his spare time, still enjoys the game. He also enthusiastically promotes the game of golf through sponsorships of amateur and professional competitions in Nigeria. Sir Lucky, who was knighted by Pope Benedict in 2010, is on the board of several companies with interests cutting across construction, oil and gas services as well as international procurements. Sir Lucky was awarded a special congressional recognition by the US Congress in Washington DC in 2012.

Tony Elumelu, a global financial icon

Bonny Amadi

ÎÎÎChairman of the United

Bank for Africa (UBA) Mr. Tony Elumelu, has emerged Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) man of the year. Elumelu clinched the honour after thorough evaluation of his contributions to the global economy from the African perspective. He dwarfed other top business moguls across Africa in his entrepreneurship developmental strides. Elumelu, the Africapitalist and founder, Heirs Holdings, has continued to impact Africa and the global economy through many fronts, the latest of which is the nurturing, mentorship and empowerment of 1000 youthful African entrepreneurs every year. Through this, he has sufficiently demonstrat-

ed his philosophy of shared approach to African development. He had earlier reminded all that shared approach to Africa’s development remains the only course to realizing sustainable political stability, economic development and fiscal prosperity across the continent. Elumelu, is a global financial leader and chairman of a Pan-African financial institution with operations in 19 African countries and three global financial centres- London, Paris and New York. .The philanthropist founded Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to take global and Africa’s economic development to a higher altitude by identifying, empowering and nurturing youthful entrepreneurial geniuses across the continent and beyond.

TEF is Africa’s leading philanthropic organisation committed to fishing out budding entrepreneurial ingenuities across the continent as the elixir for sustainable socio-economic growth in Africa. Supported by the TEF, Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), ensures that 1,000 entrepreneurs selected from across Africa receive funding and mentorship every year, since 2014. TEEP with a $100 million mutual fund solely contributed by the philanthropist was launched in December 2014, with a target of collectively creating one million new jobs that can guarantee US$10 billion added revenues in the process. The foundation has a 10year, US$100 million commit-

ment to training, mentoring and funding 10,000 African entrepreneurs. The first round of 1,000 youthful entrepreneurs’ beneficiaries of the TEF was announced in 2015. The success of 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs reflects the impact of the Programme, including, Momar Mass-Taal in Agriculture, Gambia who turned his $5,000 seed capital into $1.2 million in revenue. Bukhary Kibonajoro of Tanzania Education & Training sector, who used the mentorship and training to launch his business, create 34 new jobs and provide growth services for more than 100 local business in 12 months. Also, Nigerian Chioma Okonu of Waste Management sector has created ancillary revenue streams for more than 6,000 households,

Tony Elumelu created 40 jobs and generates over $50,000 in profit. TEEP announced the selection of 1,000 entrepreneurs for the second round of the programme in March, with Nigerians dominating the selection as 589 entrepreneurs from the country are set to join the programme. Mr. Elumelu is spread-

ing the knowledge that his economic philosophy of ‘Africapitalism’ provides a blueprint to stimulating economic growth in Africa as a whole.According to him, African unity should be about shared challenges and experiences, shared ideas and goals and bonds of blood and trade.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ƾè ƾƠơƣ

5 Nigerians bag Daily Times personalities of year 2016 Continued from page 1 ation of his contributions to the global economy from the African perspective. He dwarfed other top business moguls across Africa in his entrepreneurship developmental strides. Elumelu, the Africapitalist and founder, Heirs Holdings, has continued to impact Africa and the global economy through many fronts, the latest of which is the nurturing, mentorship and empowerment of 1000 youthful African entrepreneurs every year, thereby demonstrating his philosophy of shared approach to African development, among other achievements. The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), and Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, who bagged the Daily Times Nigeria Woman of the year 2016 award, has remained an advocate of inclusive developmental process through a planned agenda for people, planet and prosperity to avert environmental degradation, ecological disasters, depletion of natural resources and deprivation, which leads to rising insecurity and conflicts. Amina Mohammed was elected for the esteemed honour based on her contributions to the development of global and Nigeria’s environmental landscape and environmental sustainability. She is consolidating in global developmental process with her appointment as Deputy Secretary General of the UN and as a key player in the recent Post-2015 developmental process, serving as the Special Adviser to immediate past UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, on Post-2015 development planning.

And when the story of Nigeria’s politics, especially the 8th National Assembly is written, the name, Bukola Saraki will occupy an epic place as one who came, saw and conquered. While many may remember the leadership crises that followed the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the 8th National Assembly, the action for most Senators was a clear way to strengthen the independence of the Legislature from external manipulations. His emergence was hailed as a victory for populist democracy and a defeat of such manipulations that bedeviled the leadership of the National Assembly before it. The Senate President’s travails, including his prosecution

by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) under what was viewed as phantom charges, was seen as an attempt by some powers that be to rubbish the leadership of the National Assembly. Despite these challenges, however, Saraki’s political profile has continued to rise as was attested to by President Muhammadu Buhari in goodwill message to him on his 54th birthday where the President described Saraki as “one of the most influential politicians of our time who has made tremendous impact on the country.” If anyone qualifies to be named a worker of miracle in Borno, at the moment, that would be the state governor, Alhaji Kashim Shetima by every standard. For the man who, for close to seven years, had to put up with

fighting deadly insurgents and ravaging militants in an unconventional war, he not only remained unruffled but also managed the affairs of the state very well, providing succor to those affected by activities of the militants without discrimination. It is also on record that Governor Shetima, who bagged the DTN Governor of the Year award, lived a low profile life that endeared him to his people, so much so that even at the heat of the battle, he had to drop his bullet proof jeeps in sympathy with the poor people of Borno, who according to him “are not in position to enjoy such luxury.” Pinnacle Broadcasts Limited, which is DTN Company of the Year, was not given much chance of succeeding when it emerged winner of the 2nd Broadcast-

ing Signal Distribution license Network for transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, in 2016 after a protracted battle. But it took the company just eight weeks to clear, built up and install some of the finest transmission systems in the world at the Mpape site that culminated to the launching of first ever minimum of 30 channels free television stations for Abuja residents. In what has been described as a clear example of the Nigerian spirit of positive daring as well as a major statement for our country’s entrepreneurial ability, Pinnacle Communications achieved the feet to prove to amazement of many, what that spirit is capable of achieving, especially when guided by a focused entrepreneur, like Sir Lucky Omoluwa as chairman of the company.

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Wike: Count Niger Deltans out of agitation to divide Nigeria ÏÏÏ Leaders and people of Niger Delta will always strive to defend the unity of Nigeria, because to them, the country remaining as one indivisible entity is ‘non-negotiable’ and of paramount importance, Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, has said. Speaking in Sokoto when he

paid a visit to Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad at his palace, Wike said the interest of Nigerians and Africans will be better served with Nigeria remaining as one “strong and united nation.” Said he: “Let me first of all sincerely thank you, our father the Sultan, for what you are doing for

this country, working tirelessly to ring peace and to bring unity to the people. So, for all of us this is what is meant by one Nigeria. “We cannot run away from this country. The unity of this country is very, very paramount. The unity of this country is nonnegotiable. I am from the Niger

New Year Tragedy: Siblings die by drowning

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ Tragedy struck at OkeIjetu along Ilesa garage in Osogbo, the state capital of Osun on the eve of new year as two siblings drowned inside a river and died. Our correspondent learnt on Sunday that the victims were teenagers. It was learnt that the victims

had travelled to Osogbo to celebrate the new year festival. According to sources, the victims are from same parents. One of the eyewitnesses said, “the two siblings who are 16 and 14years of age respectively are playing football in a pitch very close to the river. “They came all the way from Lagos state to celebrate their new year with one of their elder sisters in Osogbo when they died.

They drowned while attempting to pick their ball that felt into the river.” Our correspondent authoritatively gathered that the corpse of the two deceased were deposited at the Asuebiro hospital mortuary in Osogbo. When contacted the Osun state Police Public Relation Officer, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, confirmed the incident but could not give concrete details.

Delta, from Rivers state to be specific so I cannot see us in a divided country. No way. We stand for the unity of this country,” Wike added. According to the Governor, his administration has put a lot of time, resources and energy to protect national assets especially the ones in Rivers State. “In Rivers, you hardly find pipeline vandalisation. We are working at all times to protect national assets in our state. In my state, I am governor for all the people living in the state. I am not a governor of a particular political party, but a governor for all the people of Rivers State.” While commending the Sultan for his leadership of the Muslim community in Nigeria, Wike said he was in Sokoto to felicitate with his colleague, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who gave out his daughter in marriage on Saturday.

He equally dispelled the notion that his relationship with Tambuwal had political connotation, saying his Sokoto state counterpart has been his friend for a long time, “long before politics defined who we are now.” “Tambuwal is my friend for a long time. If anything affects him, it affects me also. If he gives out his daughter in marriage, I have to be here to support him. If any problem happens to him, it affects me as well. “Your Eminence, I am here to seek your royal blessing. You have blessed me before, that is why I am growing. So, let me wish you a prosperous new year ahead,” he added. In their remarks, both the host Governor and Sultan implored Nigerians to live in peace with one another, and wished their countrymen and women a year full of happiness and blessings.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Politics

Abia legislature and politics of intrigues and power play Patrick Okohue As the much awaited 2017 makes its grand entry, the year 2016 will remain evergreen in the memory of many Nigerians, especially in the political terrain. This is because the year was very eventful and intriguing, especially in the political terrain where many notable events marked the year out and one to remember. For example, while the people of Edo and Ondo states look at the year as one in which the election of their governors was conducted and new helmsmen emerged to take charge of the affairs of the state, those in Rivers State will also not be in a hurry to forget the turbulence that greeted the legislative rerun election in the state. However, in Abia State the year ended with a lot of drama in its legislative arena as it witnessed the impeachment of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Martins Azubuike and election of Hon Kennedy Njoku as his replacement. But, the event took a more dramatic turn as the new Speaker; Njoku surprisingly threw in the towel barely 24 hours after his election, citing personal concerns. So, up until the last working day of 2016, the drama continued, as Chikwendu Kalu was again elected as Speaker to fill the gap. The impeachment of Azubuike, which the members of the House of Assembly had tried previously without success to do, was not a secret as about two days before the event; there had been report that his impeachment was imminent. The impeachment process was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Cosmos Ndukwe, while the Clerk of the House, Mr Pedro Irokansi oversaw the affairs of the House in session. The motion for the impeachment of the Speaker was moved by Solomon Akpulonu, Deputy Majority Leader, representing Obingwa East State Constituency who read out fivepoint-allegation against Azubuike. The allegations were that the former Speaker lacked the character of transparency and accountability of public fund in his custody; that he did not ensure equitable distribution of position and power among members of the State House of Assembly, that he remained insensitive to the rights and needs of members and staff of Abia House of Assembly, and that he abused the office of the Speaker by using same to further his personal interest. The House stated that pursuant to Section 92, Sub-section 2C of the

1999 Constitution, members of Abia State House of Assembly resolved to remove Martins Azubuike, member, representing Isiala Ngwa North as Speaker at Abia State House of Assembly. Out of 24 members in the House, 20 signed in support of the impeachment of the former Speaker, leaving out only three members who did not sign. Speaking after signing the impeachment documents, Cosmos Ndukwe told the House that the mandatory two-third of members needed before impeachment could be carried out was 16 members, while they had 24 members in support. Azubuike was, therefore, impeached and his position replaced by Njoku who was made to take oath of allegiance at the floor of the House without delay. Ndukwe said by 24 members assenting their signatures, the House had exceeded the 16 members required by the constitution, “and having received this matter of urgent importance, I, hereby, call for a member to nominate someone for the election of a new Speaker.” Speaking before the nomination of the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, Irokansi told the lawmakers that the constitution did not permit a vacuum nor recognise the position of acting Speaker. He called for nomination and the member representing Osisioma Ngwa North state Constituency, Kennedy Njoku was nominated by Chibuzo Okogbuo, representing Bende South state constituency in the House. The election was eventually conducted between Njoku and another nominee and Njoku emerged the winner by 16 votes against three for his opponent. The house eventually adjourned. A report said that the former Speaker, who contested his impeachment strongly with other members, eventually stormed out of the House with one of the maces, but the House used another mace to conduct the impeachment. However, the drama was not yet ended, as barely 24 hours after hie election Njoku resigned from his position. According to reports, Njoku was elected at about 4.10 p.m. on Thursday following the impeachment of Azubuike , but he announced his resignation at the resumption of plenary at about 2.50 p.m. on Friday, thanking the members for the confidence they had reposed in him by electing him as Speaker. He, however, promised to continue to provide effective representation to

Governor Ikpeazu

Hon Martins Azubuike

Hon Kennedy Njoku

Chikwendu Kalu

The allegations were that the former Speaker lacked the character of transparency and accountability of public fund in his custody; that he did not ensure equitable distribution of position and power among members of the State House of Assembly, that he remained insensitive to the rights and needs of members and staff of Abia House of Assembly, and that he abused the office of the Speaker by using same to further his personal interest

his Osisioma-Ngwa State Constituency. The Deputy Speaker, Cosmos Ndukwe, who presided over the session, described Njoku’s resignation as “shocking”. The Clerk of the House, Irokansi, immediately called for an election to be conducted to fill the vacuum created following Njoku’s resignation. The member representing Umuahia East Constituency, Chukwudi Apugo, nominated Chikwendu Kalu, representing Isialangwa South Constituency, and was seconded by Ifeanyi Uchendu, representing Ohafia South Constituency. Kalu was elected by consensus and was affirmed with a voice vote by the 24 members of the Assembly. With his election, Mr. Kalu, an Aba-based legal practitioner, emerged the tenth Speaker of the sixth Abia Assembly. Though speculations were rife a few days before the impeachment, when news broke that the Speaker

was on his way out, news from the grapevine had it then that the impending impeachment was a power tussle between the Speaker a certain powerful individual in the House, who had an eye for the seat. The source had alleged that Azubuike had an understanding with the powerful lawmaker that he will step down for him after sometime, an agreement which Azubuike was said to have reneged on. However, after the impeachment of Azubuike and the election of Njoku, many had heaved a sigh of relief that the speculations was wrong afterall, but with the resignation of Njoku and election of another person order than the speculated members a few hours later, it is now not clear if the last has been heard of the development in the Assembly. Whatever follows this development will definitely be a matter that will interest political observers from within and outside the state.

10 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Lack of funds has stagnated growth of Taraba â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Amb. John Ambassador Musa John was the Nigerian Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Taraba State and presently, the Executive Chairman, Taraba State Agricultural Produce and Maintenance Agency (TAPMA). In this interview with OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS in Jalingo, he bares his mind on the performances of the three democratically elected governors that Taraba State has produced since creation. Taraba State, since creation some twenty five years ago has witnessed some developmental strides and some governors have had the fortune of ruling the state. What is your comment on this the development of the state? I came back from Jos, the Plateau State capital some two days ago and I had to pass through Bauchi and Gombe states. I traveled a lot through Nassarawa and Benue states to Abuja, especially by road. I used to be the Art Council Chairman of the Governing Council of Ondo Federal College of Education. I think leaders of the state have tried in the days of the Military. There were a lot of financial constraints, they were able to lay the foundation and we think that the civilian dispensation was also able to take the state to another step, but we can do better from where we are now. I was in Jos for some days, the whole place is very neat, and people were saying David Jang was only able to develop his Birom sector of the Plateau. But all the roads, the infrastructure that was laid, if you have another person from other area let him also come and develop his own. I have seen very massive work that

was done in Plateau in terms of infrastructure. In places like Gombe, a lot of work has been done. You will be surprised that Taraba State is older than Gombe State. We are still lagging very far behind, very far behind. We need to really reposition ourselves to take this state to the next level. His Excellency, Governor Darius Dickson inherited the state that was financially comatose, in comma so to say. But when you sit with stakeholders and not only within the state, but our elites outside Taraba, there are one or two suggestions they can make. We cannot be sitting down and waiting for things to happen, nothing will happen unless we just wait for the deepening of poverty. The state is in a very bad shape, I am sorry to say it, but it is not moving at all. We have been doing one or two things but the financial constraints that we are facing in the state have rendered the state almost to a standstill. We are almost standing still. The only major project that we have which I see is ongoing is the dualisation of Kona road and maybe the on-going work in Takum. Otherwise, we are almost at a standstill. Since the creation of the state in 1991, the state has

Ambassador Musa John had two executive governors with the incumbent, Darius Ishaku making three. So, how can you assess the performance of these governors so far? Well, the first person to have governed the state under civilian dispensation is His Excellency, Rev. Jolly Nyame; Rev. Nyame did his own, he was the architect of Jalingo Airport, I used to see it as a white elephant project, but I think it is necessary because he want to open the state to investors and the need for them to come and go by air, not stay twelve to thirteen hours by road. So, the Airport is a good project by Jolly Nyame regime. You have the Stadium, it is one of the best in the nineteen Northern states but then, you will discover that in advanced countries, facilities like that are good where people are prospering. There is this saying that a hungry man is an angry man. So, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the stadium is underutilised, apart from swearing in ceremonies

or other major functions, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find much use of the stadium. Facilities there are falling apart, I have been there, I go for exercise occasionally. Jolly Nyame tried with regards to the Specialist Hospital, it is also a very good facility but then, the maintenance of the equipments and the training of doctors is still very low. There are very few doctors at the Specialist Hospital. It is a very good project, but unfortunately, it has not been funded properly. So, the place is almost falling apart, falling apart in the sense that the Federal Medical Centre is now frontline. Jolly Nyame also was responsible for the Housing Estate, the Tecnobat in Mile Six. I think he did his best in developing the state. We are looking at Danbaba Suntai. I believe that Danbaba would have positioned the state in a better way, he did his own by opening some roads but I think, with the resources available at the disposal of Danbaba, he had good planning towards en-

Development is not an accidental process, it is a planned process and you have to follow up. The situation we are in today, Darius wants to work but there is no money. No matter your level of sagacity, if the money to work is not there, then it is almost a no go area. It is like just stagnating and this is exactly what we are facing now suring that there were more advanced infrastructural developments in the state. Unfortunately, he had an accident but I believe that if he had completed his tenure, the state would have been more developed than its present position. Development is not an accidental process, it is a planned process and you have to follow up. The situation we are in today, Darius wants to work but there is no money. No matter your level of sagacity, if the money to work is not there, then it is almost a no go area. It is like just stagnating and this is exactly what we are facing now. What is the way forward? Well, like I said earlier, I read an article credited to the present Emir of Kano, who was the former Central Bank Governor. You see, the dynamics of progress is linked to the people. The peoCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

11 Politics

Lack of funds has stagnated growth of Taraba –Amb. John CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

ple must be the centre peace of governance. If you borrow money and you invest in areas like Agriculture and then, of course, you generate a task system where you get good returns from money you invest, people will prosper. Taraba has the capacity to feed the whole of Nigeria. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo came recently, he said the same thing but then, we have dormant resources. People are too poor even to go to the farms. Gone are the days when you carry hoes and then you go and plow the farms. You use either the cows, that’s the rudimentary way or you use tractors. We need to invest in the Agricultural sector. A lot of people come to take away our woods, we call it Madrid and they pay very little money. For a truck of that very wood, the kind of raw materials that they take out, when they finish, the final product is in excess of 5 – 6 Million Naira or more per truck of that wood. We collect only 550 or 500 Thousand Naira from them. What we need to do is to get those companies, whether they are Chinese, Italian, etc to come and establish their own factories in Nigeria. This will add more value and again, there will be capacity training because youths from the state and country will be trained on how to process and export the woods. But as it is, you only have massive deforestation; we get crams for what we produce. Then the other sector is the solid minerals in the state. We have to look at what we have closely and then, we engage companies. Government can create an enabling environment for companies to come in or go on public sharing formula of 40,60. The companies can say, take 50 percent because we come with the statement, you own the land and the mineral resources, we take 40 percent. This will go a long way to develop this nation. We can also push for the Federal Government to develop the Gembu

Hydro Electric Dam, on the principle of derivation. If we generate 50 percent of the total energy use for Nigeria, then of course, if people in the Niger Delta get money for the oil they produce, we should get money for power generation. Taraba can be a frontline Power Generation State. We can fast track the process. There are companies out there that can do all these things; all we need to do is seek for partnership with them and I want to tell you that the Federal Government will not spend a dime. The state government can kick start the process and the Federal Government will partner with the state government so that this can be done within three years. And then, we come back, what do we do? We fold our hands and that’s very unfortunate. There is so much we can do to turn around this state. It is just waiting for money to come. What we are doing is just waiting for money to come and four years is not a long time. By the time we count, the years have gone and we may not have anything to show for it. Darius wants to work but then, he has to be more innovative, he has to be able to look at ways of generating money. Even if you borrow money and the money is going to be utilised for the purpose of development, why not, it is not a wrong thing. The only problem is, if the money is misapplied and is not utilised, that is where the problem lies. There are so many ways we can move the state forward. You aspired for the governorship seat of the state in the last general election under the banner of the PDP and now you are working under the Darius government and as someone who has a vision for the state, how can you rate him in his journey so far? Darius was able to stabilise Taraba State in terms of conflicts that we had when he came in. A lot of violence and conflicts, some of them

to prosperity. You need the prosperous people; you need to look at agriculture, the animal husbandry very closely.

Ishaku religious, some of them ethnic, there is nothing you can do without peace. So, I give him credit for the peace he has brought to Taraba State. Within the limit of his own resources, he is one of the few governors that have been able to sustain payment of salaries of Civil Servants out of the nineteen Northern states. Taraba is one of the six states that have been consistent in the payment of salaries. And then, apart from salaries, of course, there are series of work that have been undertaken. The completion of the dualisation of the Palace Way, the Kakara Tea estate, the completion of the electricity at the site there so that the tea production can increase. I was in Takum recently, on familiarisation tour, most of the roads are being tarred, nylon tar. I have been to Kona recently, dual carriage way, very good work being done by the contractors. So many things have been done in the past one year of Dar-

Governor of Taraba

I believe he is doing his best under the circumstances, but we believe that the best can get better. There are things that can still be done if he plans properly, especially with regards to prosperity ius administration in spite of the very severe economic crunch. So, I believe he is doing his best under the circumstances, but we believe that the best can get better. There are things that can still be done if he plans properly, especially with regards

You came in to reposition TAPMA from its devastating position. How far have you gone since you assumed duty? Well, we believe that we are also victims of the present financial crisis that is going on around the country. Our facilities, some of them were inherited from the then Gongola State. Due to lack of funds, we have not been able to repair a single TAPMA facility for now. We don’t have vehicles, there used to be trucks in TAPMA, they have all been auctioned because they are no longer serviceable. So, we don’t have even operational vehicles. As an Executive Chairman, I use my own personal vehicles to carry the members and some officers. We don’t even have vehicles to move around talkless of the capacity to do anything. We just go to the office, we meet well. We can get permission from the state government to approach the Central Bank and collect loan because we can stock our produce and then sell it and generate revenue for government. We will soon swing into full operation, but we cannot do that without the permission of the governor. We have already started making moves to discuss with the Central Bank so that we can raise money, we don’t think that we will be able to get much money from the state government and we are talking about the produce procurement. We are talking of monies in two, three billion Naira. We may not go for two, three billion, even if it is half a billion or one billion, we can start off. We can use the revenue we generate, to buy trucks, we can repair our warehouses, we can buy and sell produce to the general populace at highly subsidised rate, during time of crisis, and we can do a lot by God’s grace.

News 12 ‘The DISCOs should embrace ICT gadget in revenue collection’ Simon Ugwu

ÏÏÏ Distribution Companies (DISCOs) should improve their revenue collection by utilizing Information Technology (ICT) facility as means of improving revenue generation and checking by-pass of meters and energy theft. The Chairman/CEO, Dansaki Petroleum Limited, Dr. Ade Afolabi, gave this task in an exclusive interview with Daily Times in Lagos last week. “The government should encourage gas to power producers, so that we can generate more power supply, so also the Discos should improve their revenue collection. They should embrace the ICT facility being used now. It will help. Eko Disco has embraced the technology and it is working for them”, he said. On the issue of debt owed by the government ministries, departments and agencies to the Generation Companies (GENCOs) and DISCOs, he said the government has to do something with regards to settling debt owed by its ministries, departments and agencies. It is very vital according to him if the government wants a turnaround in the industry. Speaking on vandalism of power equipment and energy theft, he said the challenge can be overcome through the use of the recent technology in place. They need to get inspectors to follow through, not just relying on information technology and sit back in the office. The inspectors should be going round to check the prepaid meter so that nobody bypasses the meter. On preventing the vandalism of the pipelines, the Chairman called on the government to make sure that nobody builds or encroaches the right of way of the pipelines. “The industry is built on respect for the right of way, they should make sure that nobody passes or encroaches the right of way of pipelines. Anytime you allow squatters to encroach they may build on the pipelines. We have to devise a means that will prevent people from going close to the pipelines, using the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps to police the pipelines. Anybody who goes close after all these efforts to deter people from going close should be arrested”, he further stated.

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ƾè ƾƠơƣ

Army recovers weapons, uniforms from slain policemen –GOC Continued from page 1 items during a raid on four militant camps and cultist’s hideouts in Ujju community near Omoku. According to him, troops also recovered assorted types of arms and ammunitions stashed away by bandits in the area. “Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area has over time witnessed criminal acts ranging from attacks on critical national infrastructure and brutal murder which affected economic activities of oil companies and citizens. “The barbaric nature and manner of criminalities led the 6 Division to conduct a raid on December 31 on four suspected criminal

camps located across the River, in Ujju community. “In the raid, 6 Division troops in conjunction with Operation Delta Safe Special Boats Service and air component, engaged the suspected criminals in exchange of gunfire. “Troops later arrested some suspects and recovered several weapons, ammunitions and uniforms, including uniforms and rifle belonging DSP Mohammed Alkali and his orderly, Sgt. Urukwu Nwachukwu. “Our forces also recovered one AK47 rifle, two G3 rifles, five Double Barrel guns, two pistols, 31 empty AK47 magazines, 242 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammu-

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nition. “Others are, 322 rounds of other ammunition calibres, bulletproof jackets, seven other police uniforms, 31 handsets, Automated Teller Machine Cards (ATMs) and a First Aid box,” he said. Abdulkarim said the clean-up operation was in continuation of efforts by the Division to recover weapons from cultists and militants who refused to embrace Amnesty offered by Rivers’ government. He said that in spite of the just concluded amnesty programme offered by government, armed groups had continued to terrorise residents in Omoku town. The GOC said that 15 persons

including a soldier, four Civil Defence Corps personnel; two policemen and eight civilians were brutally murdered while several others kidnapped in the area in December alone. “This trend of violence cannot be left unchecked as the Division will sustain ‘Operation Cleanup’ to enable oil companies and the people to go about their businesses in peaceful environment,” he said. Abdulkarim urged the public to provide security agencies with vital information that would lead to the arrest of cultists and militants and assured that their identities would be kept in confidence.

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Atiku, Ikpeazu, APC, others felicitate with Nigerians Tom Okpe, Abuja and Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Former Vice President and

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, the Abia state governor and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) have declared 2017 a year of new hope for Nigeria and Nigerians. In a statement released to mark the New Year celebrations, Alhaji Atiku, the Turakin Adamawa, described the outgone 2016 as a year in which our nation faced a multitude of challenges, but which ended on a high note, giving citizens hope and confidence in what they, as a nation, can achieve when they stand to work together. “Our military has recorded

an important victory over Boko Haram and we should be grateful for the sacrifice our men and women in uniform are prepared to make to keep us safe. To honor them, we should also remember that it is our collective responsibility to make peace, and not just in the North East. “I believe we can and will work around our differences, because we know that our strength lies in our diversity. And when we make our New Year’s resolutions, I hope my countrymen and countrywomen will join me in aspiring to be tolerant and to listen with an open mind and heart to those who do not share our views. We should respect each other’s views and traditions, and we should remember that our humanity shows in how we treat the

most vulnerable.” The Turakin Adamawa also addressed the economic challenges Nigeria is facing. “On the economic front, the federal government has given assurances of a speedy recovery. I am confident that we will see investments in key sectors, and that steps will be taken to restore business confidence. We’ve been dealt a cruel hand, but things are looking up, and I’m confident we will emerge stronger: we’re learning to be more efficient and effective, and we’re learning to evaluate what we really need and what we can afford. We’re suffering, but we’ll become more innovative and competitive.” In the same vein, Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has urged Abians to hold unto God’s

unchanging hands, believing that year 2017 will be better than past years. In his new year message to Abians, Ikpeazu said: “We remain grateful to God for His mercies and protections. It is not by our power that we have made it to 2017, it can only be God. Therefore, I urge us to keep holding into God’s unchanging hands. “As Government, we are not yet in the land of Canaan. Therefore, we remain resolute in our efforts to continue in the infrastructural redevelopment of our state, as we shall embark on construction of more roads and bridges this year. “Our agricultural revolution will take a more serious dimension this year, as we shall launch the community palm plantation in all our communities.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Chibok, Sambisa and the struggle for liberation

Jibrin Ibrahim

he various crises affecting different parts of the country have created a vast humanitarian crisis… The challenge before the nation is the reconstruction of the Nigerian State and the placement of the safety and welfare of Nigerians at the centre of the governance agenda. Let 2017 be the year in which the reconstruction of the Nigerian State makes significant progress. On one front at least, the year 2016 is ending on a positive note. One week ago, camp zero in Sambisa forest, the veritable world headquarters of the Islamic State in West Africa was taken by the gallant armed forces of Nigeria. 1,240 Boko Haram fighters were taken prisoners over the period and reports indicate that the flag of Abubakar Shekau was recovered after he had apparently fled the area. The war against Boko Haram, which was announced to have technically ended in December 2015, is finally ending. The cost has been very high. At least 15 million people have been directly affected by the insurgency. So many officers and men of Nigeria’s armed forces and over 20,000 civilians have lost their lives. Millions of people in the North-East have been displaced within and outside the country. Today, at least 100,000 people in the zone are facing severe malnutrition and even starvation, and in Borno State, at least half of the homes have been destroyed. It was for these reasons that the Nigerian State had to destroy the Boko Haram movement and it’s pleasing to end the year on the note that this is actually happening. Its clear that Boko Haram is being defeated and it has had to change its tactics to essentially sending innocent girls as unwitting vehicles delivering bombs that are killing other innocent civilians. Their leader Abubakar Shekau remains an enigma by releasing videos every time he is declared dead or defeated. It appears that this time, if he is not dead, he is in hiding and his capacity for military action is clearly degraded. The emerging victory must be consolidated and extended to other spheres of conflict in the country. The common wisdom in Nigeria is that Boko Haram should never have developed the military capacity to carry out the mayhem and atrocities it has carried out against the Nigerian people. It should have been destroyed and mopped up when it was still a rag tag group of insurgents. Through the non-challant attitude of the previous administration and mas-

sive corruption that made it difficult for the armed forces to carry out its tasks at the time, Boko Haram developed strong military capabilities, mainly from our army, occupied and kept significant Nigerian territory, leading to its declaration of a Caliphate. We are today turning the page from that sad and frightening episode of our history. Sambisa has fallen but the majority of the Chibok Girls have still not be founded and liberated. For a long time, the expectation was that they were kept captive in the forest and the liberation of the forest would lead to their freedom. Today, 991 days after their capture and bondage by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014, 196 girls remain in captivity. No one had imagined that the girls would be in captivity for so long. The Chibok Girls have remained one of the top concerns of the entire world as a statement of what should not happen. Girls must not be captured and enslaved simply because they went to school to acquire knowledge. It had been assumed that slavery was abolished two centuries ago so it was a real shock to see a movement openly proclaiming that it had enslaved human beings. It was for that reason that the whole world had been been demanding from the Nigerian government to #BringBackOurGirls. The attitude of the Jonathan Administration was that they did not care about these particular citizens. For that reason, the Chibok Girls became a huge statement about the Nigerian State because it revealed to the world a clear narrative of a country not caring about the fate of its

citizens. The Buhari Administration came into office with a singular determination to crush the Boko Haram insurgency. Success took much longer than they had anticipated. Their first challenge was to recreate a fighting force from an army that was already used to two forms of action only – corruption and running away from the war front. We must commend the president, the Armed Forces High Command and our troops for building back the capacity of our forces to the level where it could begin to fight again. I recall that at the beginning of the struggle for the liberation of the Chibok Girls, we had gone to the Defence Headquarters to ask why no action was being taken to rescue the girls. The response we got from the military high command was that the Nigerian armed forces had not received new military asset since the Shagari regime of 1979 to 1983 and were not in a position to fight the insurgents. Following the probe of the diverted $2.1 billion arms funds, we now know that a lot of money was released to the armed forces by the Jonathan administration for procurement of hard ware but that most of the money was simply stolen. Our prayers today are that the struggle against the insurgents should continue until all those captured by the insurgency are found and liberated. Chibok for me has always been a signifier for all those placed into bondage by the insurgency. The girls became important as the global symbol for the defence of the dignity and sanctity of human life; of the girl

child, of women, of the right to education and for defending all those who are oppressed. It is for this reason that all those placed in bondage by the insurgents must be liberated by the Nigerian State. Nigeria is today facing many other security challenges. These include the herdsmen/farmers killings, cattle rustling and rural banditry, kidnapping and the return of militancy in the Niger Delta. The security agencies are stretched but this is not the time to relax their efforts. We must all strive to make 2017 the year in which significant progress can be made in liberating Nigeria and its people from the forces of evil and destruction. It is important to note, however, that the insurgency in the North-East is an expression of the underdevelopment in the zone, which would require urgent action. The North-East is however only marginally more underdeveloped than the rest of the country. The response of promoting development must therefore be broad based and national. The various crises affecting different parts of the country have created a vast humanitarian crisis affecting millions of internally displaced Nigerians and hundreds of thousands of refugees spread across the three neighbouring countries that must be addressed. The challenge before the nation is the reconstruction of the Nigerian State and the placement of the safety and welfare of Nigerians at the centre of the governance agenda. Let 2017 be the year in which the reconstruction of the Nigerian State makes significant progress. Wishing a great new year to all my readers.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

15 Opinion

The banana peels of the Gambia

T Owei Lakemfa

he challenge in the Gambia is a simple one. But it can be made complicated depending on the choices we want to make. It is a straight forward story. On December 1, 2016, elections were held in which opposition leader, Adama Barrow defeated incumbent President Yahya Jammeh by 263,515 votes to 212,099. That is a 51,416 vote difference. The following day even before the final results were announced, Jammeh who had ruled the country for twenty two years publicly conceded defeat, saying that Gambians and God want him to take the back seat. Four days later, the electoral commission made two shocking announcements. First, that the total votes cast were actually 9.1 percent lower than those it had announced. Second, that there were errors in its counting as some of the votes counted in Barrow’s favour actually belonged to Jammeh. Based on these, it released another set of results which showed Barrow with 227,708 votes – 35,807 votes lower that what had been earlier declared, and Jammeh with 212,099 or 3,612 more votes. With this, the

vote difference narrowed from 51,416 votes, to 19,212 votes. I was not comfortable that a national electoral commission could not properly tally votes that were less than six hundred thousand. Four days after the reversed results were announced, Jammeh rejected the entire results demanding a rerun of the elections on the basis of what he claims are “… serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process.” He therefore decided to appeal the results at the Gambian Supreme Court in accordance with the country’s laws that allows a candidate dissatisfied with electoral results to appeal these within ten days. But the world seems to have risen up against Jammeh; they do not want him to avail himself of the electoral rules in his country, but that he should simply give up power. The United States said his decision to seek constitutional/ legal redress is merely an attempt to hold on to power. The African Union, which takes care of the interest of Africans, ruled that since President Jammeh had initially accepted the results, his subsequent rejection was “null and void”. Jammeh’s colleagues in the Economic Community of West Af-

rican States (ECOWAS) initially took mediatory steps, but when they met in Abuja on December 17, the gloves were off. They told him to “accept the result of the polls and refrain from any action likely to compromise the transition and peaceful transfer of power to the President-elect.” In taking a firm stand against Jammeh, they resolved: “That all Head of States will attend the inauguration of the President-elect Adama Barrow who must be sworn in on 19th January 2017 in conformity with the Gambian constitution.” In the unfolding narration, it is pertinent to ask: Was Jammeh sincere when he initially accepted defeat even before the final vote tally? I am inclined to answer in the affirmative. Why he subsequently changed his mind becomes a matter of conjecture. Perhaps, the electoral commission’s review of the votes alerted him to possible electoral fraud. On the other hand, he might just have decided to hang on to power. If the latter were the case, was he reacting to threats by victors, including Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, chair of the victorious opposition, to skin him alive or he succumbed to pressure from his inner circle? There seems to be some unanimity that the Gambian Supreme Court, to which Jammeh has ap-

pealed, will not deliver justice despite it being headed by a Nigerian, Justice Emmanuel Olusegun Fagbenle. I am not a fan of Jammeh, but what is clear to me is that he is seen as a bad boy of Africa, and perhaps an embarrassment to some of his colleagues. So they want him out, even if it means depriving him of his constitutional right of appeal, or trampling on Gambian laws. The ECOWAS threat to intervene militarily may not be the best option; what has happened to our legendary African wisdom in resolving disputes? Supposing Jammeh refuses to budge and Gambia’s bigger brothers send in troops through the Senegalese border as threatened, do we know what the eventual outcome will be? Can Africa not learn from mighty NATO’s invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan? President Jammeh is like a man holding a sword, you may be badly cut trying to snatch it from him. It might be better to persuade him to sheath and handover the sword. We may know the beginning of an armed conflict, and even accurately predict its outcome, but we may never know when or how it will end and its implications. Owei Lakemfa, former Secretary General of African Workers is a Human Rights activist

Society, debt and repayment: An “Iborinic” Conundrum

Frisky Larr

alking of society and debts, no doubt, the learned mind reflects first and foremost on state lending, interest rates, lending institutions and the generational transfer of repayment burden. In the lending system of third world impoverishment, the rules are simple. A state ascertains its needs for a crucial project to better the lot of its citizenry. It needs, perhaps, to build railway lines to ease the conveyance of goods from the urban conurbation to the needy folks of the hinterland and boost economic activities across the countryside. It approaches the lending institution to strike a deal. The institution ascertains the feasibility of the project and is satisfied. The same trouble accompanies the country, when we talk of moral debt on top of physical debt in cash and kind, in the pockets of Dicks and Harries of the highest echelon. It is a double jeopardy. But wait a minute. Remember the days? The days when the economy in Africa was cashless? The days when trade was done by barter? Corruption was not in our vocabulary. The reality today, though, is as simple as the murky rules of third

world impoverishment. It is murkier. It is devastating not because of the lending institutions. It is devastating because it is Iborinic! Go through life the normal way. Find a way to quit abjection and hit the streets of England and Wales. Earn yourself a living rocking through the lands in the bouncing routine of the clean-up crew. A few check-frauds here and there and get a brush with the law with sentences that don’t mean a thing. Then fate smiles at you and you hit the right buttons meeting the Who-Is-Who of the land of your birth and you quickly become a Pharaoh of a state with milk and honey. With documents adjusted and history revisited, you effect an identity transformation for marketability. You symbolise a generation that the people yearn for. Young and dynamic and highly promising too! State funds became your private funds. Allocations were stuffed in private banks, far, far away. You ordered private jets. State-of-the art. You pay off your cashier-daysmortgage with the chicken feed of the funds of your state. Income was hardly generated for the state that you loot. The Iborinic conundrum means wealth and power. Illicit wealth and power! The obsession with stolen wealth from public sources is un-

fortunately, a crazily hyped African affair. Nowhere else in the world is the obsession so great, with stealing as much as one can, when in positions of influence. Nowhere else is it so widespread than in Africa. They acquire flashy cars and do not seem to care that there are no roads to drive them on safely. In their obsession, they can’t have enough. They compare themselves and compete with the Rockefellers, the Buffets and all the Bill Gates of the world without an iota of common grounds covered by their biographies. Having acquired stupendous illicit wealth ruining state resources, they move one step further to form alliances with political power houses with the ultimate goal of determining the political future of their ridiculed land. They seek to steer the boat of political leadership by aiming for the highest position for even more stolen wealth that neither they nor their family can ever spend in generations. To ensure the endlessness of their status, they channel the funds of their state to the political ambitions of those higher up than them. They appease the establishment characters, who pull the strings from behind the scene. People that they seek to emulate and inherit by installing gangsters in higher

places. In other words, the future of the nation is mortgaged for a few generations ahead, to a gang of kleptomaniacs, who know nothing about nation-building. The story of an unknown senator, Peter Nwaoboshi perfectly suits this scenario. To boost the Iborinic conundrum, he travels to London to pump a lot of air into the brain of a celebrated looter and pitiable convict of the British crown. Irrespective of the trail of blood, economic and political devastation that lines the path to the packed reception room of the now officially coronated Criminal of the Delta State house, the deplorable senator lived up to Nigeria’s own conundrum with a pack of lies. As if the bloating of the ego of James Ibori was what Nigeria needed most, we were thrilled to the lies of installing almost every powerful political personality in today’s dispensation, from the comfort of a modest British prison cell. No doubt, access to stolen state funds will have been granted and ordered from the prison cell and appeals made to the political surrogates of old including successors and aides, the margin of Iborinic contribution to the installation of a rogue Senate President and rebellious Speaker of the lower house can safely be described as marginal.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION My resolve to fight corruption is unshaken —Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has again assured Nigerians of his “unshaken” commitments to tackle corruption, no matter who is involved. Against the background of recent criticisms of the federal government anti- corruption policy and revelations of alleged involvement of some of the President’s men in Corruption acts, the President declared that he will spare no one in this fight, because he is fully aware that the nation’s fate hangs on the success of the anti corruption war. He therefore assured that he will “not allow the boat of Corruption campaign capsize mid stream” Many had criticized the President’s anti corruption policies as being one sided and attempts at witch hunting of political enemies, while turning blind eye to some of his aides and close associates who are taking advantage of the power shift to line their pockets with ill gotten public funds. The Secretary to the government of the Federation SGF, Babachir Lawal was recently accused by a Senate ad-hoc Committee of violating public Procurement Act, 2002 by awarding contracts worth over N200M to a company he founded to clear evasive grass at the Yobe IDP camp Even the President’s choice for the plum EFCC Chairmanship position Ibrahim Magu, was recently rejected by the Senate over a security report which allegedly indicted him of some wrong doings as a junior officer with the anti- graft agency. But in his new year message to Nigerians, the President assured that the distractions notwithstanding, the anti Corruption war will be brought to logical conclusion. “Our determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remains unshaken. This fight, which will be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of government” “It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream.” The President also used the opportunity to again expressed the nation’s gratitude to the heroic and gallant efforts of the Nigerians military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism. “Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram.”

Buhari

The President revealed that the fact that 21 Chibok girls have reunited with their families and community for Christmas, gives hope that those who are still in captivity will one day return to the loving arms of family, friends and well-wishers. The President called on Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as our armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest. He also warned those he referred to as “Misguided elements who decided to take up arms against constituted authorities” vowing that they “must be brought to face the full weight of the law” “The support of all Nigerians to security agencies to enable them successfully execute their mandate is crucial in our bid to effectively secure our country.” He noted that it is a thing of joy to see the return of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their various communities, including Damasak town in Borno State, following the reopening of Maiduguri/Gubio/Damasak road in Northern Borno on December 25, 2016, reassured us that the voluntary return of IDPs in other parts of the country is imminent. He assured that Federal Government will spare no effort in seeing to the resettlement and rehabilitation of the unfortunate victims of terrorism and insurgency. I urge state governments, privileged Nigerians, donor agencies and countries to redouble their contributions towards this goal.

“Government is aware of some mistakes and wrongdoings in handling the affairs of IDPs. We are taking measures to correct those mistakes and punish the culprits.” He also reassured all Nigerians that the defence and security forces are more than ever before ready to perform their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in the country; and we will surely overcome all other forms of security challenges. “The lingering security issues in several states will be frontally addressed. These ugly crises cannot be allowed to fester as they strain the unifying bonds of brotherhood and neighbourliness” The President called on sections of the press and politicians to avoid provocative and inflammatory statements, while the government is painstakingly trying to find solutions to our challenges.” “ I want to remind you on the first day of this New Year of an African proverb that says “it is easy to break a broomstick but not a bunch”. Nigeria is a bunch and is more than equal to troublemakers.” “I have interacted with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, the old and the young, and they have told me unequivocally that they believe in the unity and stability of Nigeria” “The year 2017 provides an opportunity for us to build on those aspects of our national life that unite us. We are courageous, hardworking, hospitable, steadfast and resilient people, even in the face of difficulties.” “These are the attributes that define us and have for years confounded the pessimists who do not believe in our continued existence as a united and indivisible nation. We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities for national development. We must continue to support and tolerate one another and live together as one.” “We will continue to pursue peace initiatives in the Niger Delta as I again, call on our brothers in that region who have taken to violent disruptions of economic infrastructure to come to the negotiating table.” “As for our brothers and sisters of the Shia Community, we urge them, too, to embrace peace. They must accept the laws of the country they live in. They cannot be islands by themselves. At the same time, the law enforcement agencies must treat them humanely and according to the rule of law.” “On our part, in the past 20 months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, we have focused our energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation. I am encouraged that we are getting things right.”

ICPC seeks effective ACTUS in MDAs

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has organised a Service Wide Sensitisation and Peer Review Meeting for members of AntiCorruption and Transparency Monitoring Units (ACTUs) in government establishments nationwide to enhance their effectiveness. The Peer Review Meeting, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of ACTUs was organised with the support of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and Justice For All (J4A), a programme of Department for International Development (DFID) for Governance, Justice and Anti-corruption. Speaking on the importance of ACTUs in the fight against corruption, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office (OHCSF), Mrs. Nuratu Batagarawa said, “ICPC established ACTUs in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to tackle corruption in civil service through the preventive approach and the institutionalisation of a culture of transparency and accountability in the conduct of government business”. Mrs. Batagarawa further said that because of the role of ACTUs in MDAs, a caucus stakeholders meeting was convened recently by Civil Service Transformation Department, ICPC, Federal Ministry of Justice and J4A to review the status of ACTUs in MDAs, their state of effectiveness and how to move the units forward. She explained that after extensive deliberations at the meeting, it was agreed that some of the actions that would strengthen ACTUs include: creating a budget line for ACTUs in MDAs annual budget while a circular with the attachment of revised template of Quarterly Reporting and ICPC Standing Order should be issued and sent to permanent secretaries and heads of agencies to remind them of ensuring the representation of ACTUs on relevant disciplinary, administrative and procurement committees in the civil service for improved transparency. In her opinion, “It is a known fact that the present administration has the fight against corruption as one of its main pillars, hence, ACTUs are a veritable tool that must be recognised and empowered to work efficiently in the anti-corruption campaign”. She pledged the commitment of her office towards the success of ACTUs through collaboration with ICPC and J4A, adding that steps had been taken to implement the agreements reached at the stakeholders meeting to enhance the functions of ACTUs.

18 Times Against Corruption

How ICPC recovered the 40 Official Vehicles

ICPC chairman seeks secured e-Governance platforms The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, recently charged stakeholders operating e-Governance platforms to ensure their safety. The e-plate form include the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information system (GIFMIS). Nta charged operators to draw-up integrity plans that will improve the safety and security of the platforms in Nigeria. Stakeholders who attended the meeting were drawn from various organizations to brain storm on Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) of Nigeria’s e-Governance System organized by ICPC for organisations such as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); Office of the Head of Service of the Federation; Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) among other government establishments; selected commercial banks; and Galaxy Backbone, an information technology company. The meeting was organised in collaboration with other anti-corruption stakeholders with support from European Union (EU) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The ICPC Chairman said: “Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA), a strong corruption prevention tool, should be carried out to check vulnerable areas of corruption in systems, procedures and programmes of any institution so as to block any breathing areas of corruption.” He added that with the change from manual to e-payment platforms initiated by the Federal Government there was a great expectation for the reduction of corruption in payment systems in Nigeria.

Following the recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the World Food Programme WFP, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the anti-graft Agency has moved into action to check the quality of services at the camp of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs starting with those in Abuja. The signing of the MoU is aimed at curtailing unwholesome practices as well as the incidence of abuses in the handling of humanitarian supplies to the IDP camps, is coming amidst reports of diversions of food and other humanitarian items supplied to the camp. The plan is in direct fulfillment of earlier pledge by the acting Chairman of the EFCC), to ensure that transparency and accountability are entrenched in the use of the resources meant for Internally Displaced Persons IDPs across the country. The EFCC acting Chairman’s action followed several complaints of corruption in IDP camps, coming from International humanitarian organisations and other civil society organisations (CSOs) that are helping the distressed victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the city and beyond. Since the anti- graft agency began its interventions in the camp the agency has succeeded in restoring hope, just as food

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Nta

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has revealed that some civil servants with the Ministry of Water Resources had made away with 40 official vehicles belonging to the ministry which were later recovered by the Commission. This much was revealed recently by Abbia Udofia, of the ICPC during a panel discussion on “Reducing Impunity: Recovery of Proceeds of Crime for Sustainable Development.” Udofia who stood in for the Chairman of the ICPC, Ekpo Nta, revealed that 16 of the officers had on retirement gone home with 27 vehicles attached to their offices, while another who was still in active service commandeered 13 for himself. The Chairman’s representative also added that when the matter was reported to ICPC, the Commission swung into

action and recovered the vehicles. He further told the audience that the suspects were arrested and that when investigations were completed they would be charged to court. Mr. Udofia lamented that with such officers, it would be difficult to achieve sustainable development as all of government’s good intentions would be undermined by their actions. He held strongly that the way to doing away with impunity was “by putting in place systems, procedures and practices that will prevent corruption.” Earlier in his keynote address, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said that for Nigeria as a r to succeed in the fight against corruption, Nigerians must make transparency and accountability the way of doing business. Dr. Fayemi also said that proactive efforts should be sustained to make Corruption Risk Assessment and implementation of remedial and integrity plans a culture with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Minister also called for adequate funding of anti-corruption agencies. In his words, “The anti-corruption and accountability institutions have to be adequately equipped with adequate financial and human resources. This will enable them to stay one step ahead of the corrupt that are sparing no efforts to devise new ways of looting our common resources.” He added that “appropriate funding of these agencies will serve as a strong demonstration of political will by the government to fight corruption.” Dr. Fayemi also pointed out that there must be leadership by example, “The highly-placed must show example by

following due process and avoiding impunity.” Country representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cristina Albertin, in her goodwill message said that people from all walks of life must all unite to end corruption. Albertin said “Corruption is a direct threat to infrastructure investment; it does not discriminate but impacts rich and poor countries alike. And it isn’t any other that suffers the most than the weak. If we do not unite to successfully eliminate corruption, we risk economic growth being slowed and prosperity hindered.” Deputy Chief of Missions at the United States Embassy, Mr. David Young, in a goodwill message said that corruption was a cancer that affects countries all around the world, therefore, creating the need for all to join in the fight against the scourge. Mr. Young added that “By reducing corruption, we pave way for a better future for our children.” In the same vein, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Michel Arrion, who was represented by Richard Young, said that the International Anti-Corruption Day affords everyone the opportunity to restate their commitment in the fight against corruption. Arrion said that corruption was the biggest impediment to achieving sustainable development goals. He called on all Nigerians to be involved in the fight against corruption. The event also witnessed the unveiling of the report of the Pilot Corruption Risk Assessment in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-Related MDAs of Water, Health and Education.

Magu gives hope to IDPs supplies is said to have become more stable. Despite the fact that the IDPs were in dire need of every help they can possibly get, incidence of food diversion and out right thievery were the order of the day. The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA was fingered to be at the center of the food crises where the organization claimed that they had distributed all the food they got, whereas most of the food Reports had indicated that In August, 2016, Internally displaced persons from two different camps had to block the highways linking Borno to adjoining states in protest of “poor feeding and ill-treatment” at the camps. First to protest were the IDPS at the Arabic Teachers College Camp on August 26, and they were followed by those from the Bakassi Camp on August 30. “The protests prompted the state government to scrap its central feeding programme, under which food was cooked at the central kitchen and shared to IDPs, and adopt the household sharing system that allocated raw food to family heads according to family sizes. The IDPs may have succeeded in sacking the central feeding

committee, but it appears the problem runs deeper.” “There are IDP camp officials who have bad character; when some donors bring relief materials, these officials pass them on to their families rather than the IDPs who need them,” the Civilian JTF member says.

“Instead, they will hoard it — and in the night, they will take the items to their families and friends. We have that problem in many camps, especially the NYSC Camp, Muna Garage Camp and Bakassi Camp. In these three camps, I have seen this happen. It’s a very terrible problem how officials hoard donations to IDPs.

EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu sharing gift items to some Internally Displaced Persons IDPs at the Kuchigoro and Area 1 IDP camps he visited in Abuja.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Senator Abe commends three trekkers on his victory Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

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Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, on Sunday received three youths who trekked from Port Harcourt to Bera, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, to congratulate him on his re-election in the December 10, 2016, legislative rerun election in the state. The three young trekkers had embarked on the journey on Wednesday December 14, 2016, and arrived Bera, Gokana LGA on Thursday December 15, 2016. However, they could not meet with the then Senator-elect until yesterday when he publicly received and honoured them. The trekkers are Nuhu Taminu (24 years) from Nasarawa State, Monday Joseph (20 years) from Nasarawa state, and Blessing Peter (23) from Abia state. Receiving the youths at his residence in Port Harcourt, Senator Abe said that it was unfortunate that he could not meet them when they arrived Bera, Gokana, his home town, because of his trip to Abuja for his swearing-in. “I was actually in Abuja when I heard that they had embarked on a walk from Port Harcourt to my village to come and congratulate me. I didn’t have the opportunity to receive them then. I heard they were threatened by some PDP thugs along the way but they persisted and insisted that they must keep to their promise. That is why I decided to send for them to acknowledge them publicly and to say that

Gunmen abduct Kogi traditional ruler, demand N20m ransom ÏÏÏ

Some unknown gunmen have abducted a traditional ruler in Kogi, a family source said in Lokoja on Sunday. The monarch, whose name was given as Alhaji Isah Achuja, the Ohi of Ajaokuta, was returning from Lokoja, the state capital, on Saturday when his vehicle was intercepted on the LokojaAjaokuta road at gunpoint and the ruler taken to an unknown destination. A member of the royal family, who did not want his name in print, told newsmen that an aide to the traditional ruler and his driver narrowly escaped being hit by the bullets of the abductors. He said the abductors had already contacted the family and demanded a N20 million ransom. Contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Williams Aya, said the incident had not been reported to the command. He, however, promised that police would swing into action in a bid to to rescue the monarch as soon as the details of the abduction were available.

Nigeria remains a free country and people in this country are free to do what their minds tell them; they are free to walk to any part of Nigeria that they want to walk to in order to express themselves,” Senator Abe said. He commended them for their courage, stating that their resistance is a reflection that freedom, which was a tenet of democracy, was a right of citizens for which the Nigerian constitution guaranteed and congratulated them on their discipline and commitment to un-

dertake the journey. Senator Abe pointed out that what they had displayed was a statement that Nigeria was a democracy where citizens had a right to express their feelings unmolested in accordance with the law. According to him: “You are a symbol of the Nigeria that we want to build; a country that cuts across ethnic and religious lines; a country where people can express themselves freely without fear. You are also the symbol of courage that we want to see in the young people of

this country.” The former Secretary to Rivers State Government said his problem with PDP and Gov. Nyesom Wike was that “they do not want the people to exercise their freedom in the choice of their candidate rather they prefer to intimidate the people and select winners.” Senator Abe said his election has showed that the will of the people will triumph if only the Nigerian state will protect and guarantee their right of freedom against the enemies of democracy.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Mother of the new born Baby, Mrs. Aderonke Akande; Her Husband, Olumide during, the presentation of gifts to new year baby at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos… on Sunday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Immunise your children against killer diseases, Ambode’s wife counsels mothers

Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏWife of Lagos state governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, on Sunday urged mothers to always immunize their children against killer diseases, just as she encouraged pregnant women to cultivate the habit of washing their hands to avoid infection. Mrs. Ambode, who spoke during the presentation of gifts to first babies of the year at three different health centres in the State, said it was important for mothers to always ensure that children have the full complement of routine immunization, while expectant mothers should always attend ante and post-natal clinics. The Wife of the Governor, during the celebration, presented gifts to first babies of the year at Badagry General Hospital, Amuwo Odofin Maternal and Child Centre and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. The annual First- Baby- Of-TheYear celebration started in 2000

and the Office of the First Lady, through the initiative, celebrates the first baby born from 12 midnight on new year’s eve. Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Ambode said nursing mothers should take advantage of routine immunization provided by the State Government through the primary healthcare centres to protect their children. She said: “I would like to encourage mothers to always ensure that children have the full complement of routine immunization available in all the primary healthcare centres across the State, and to also make good use of family planning services. “Expectant mothers should cultivate the habit of washing their hands to avoid infection and should attend ante natal and postnatal clinics regularly,” she noted. Mrs. Ambode commended the State Government for transforming the health sector through massive infrastructure upgrade,

personnel training and provision of modern equipment, adding that the new health insurance scheme planned for commencement soon, would significantly boost the State’s health credentials. She also thanked the corporate organizations that had partnered all the hospitals chosen for the first baby of the year programme and the State Government in the pursuit of excellent healthcare delivery, while urging other organizations to step up their corporate social responsibility efforts on worthy causes. Mrs. Ambode, however, counseled parents on the importance of birth registration upon delivery. Mum’s packs, baby essentials and other baby gifts were presented to the babies and their parents by the Wife of the Governor. The first baby was delivered in Badagry and Island Maternity at 12:01am simultaneously, both male, weighing 2.8kg and 3.1kg respectively.

19 News Olokoro Professionals challenged over innovation, advancement in technology Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏOlokoro

Professionals have been challenged to make innovation and advancement of technology part of their culture and called for the establishment of a polytechnic in Olokoro, a community in Umuahia. The resource person and traditional ruler of Amangwo-Olokoro autonomous community, Umuahia South L.G.A, of Abia state, HRH Eze Dr. Chris. N. Onyegbule made the challenge during the maiden conference of Olokoro Professionals’ Forum (OPF) worldwide, last week, held with the theme ‘Olokoro in the 21st century: Prospects and Challenges in Development and Empowerment.’ Presenting a paper on the theme at Olokoro civic hall, Eze Dr. Onyegbule said with the favoured topography of Olokoro, the people should think about development of clusters of small scale industries, adding that in the face of a competitive and technology driven 21st century, the people of Olokoro need to engage in serious strategic planning (at least for a period of five years) with a view to determining where they want to be in the future and develop benchmarks. The royal father said in order not to lag behind in the world that is now very competitive, the community needs to go for qualitative and motivational leadership at all levels of the clan, adding that such leaders must undergo regular training to ensure effectiveness. Interacting with newsmen shortly after the event, the OPF coordinator, Don Ndubuka said the forum is about moulding the future of Olokoro by connecting people, ideas and resources and to cater for the welfare of members, inspire the people to be best they can be in the clan. He said the theme of the conference is apt and timely as it will encourage Olokoro people to know where they should be in the 21st century. “The conference has achieved its goal because the message has been delivered, the people will now take the message home, that our people should respond to the modern trend of life that is visible in the 21st century”. The coordinator advised Olokoro youths to be innovative in what they are doing. “For instance, a young man whose parents happened to be traders should try to understand how his parents were able to make it through trading and were able to pay their school fees through trading. So, if your mother or father is a trader and you are an engineer and there is no engineering job for you, what do you do? You buy into the trading your father is into and that is what we call comparative advantage. Instead of carrying your certificate, going around the town, looking for job, there is already developed business in the system for you. That is the advice we are set to give them”, Don Ndubuka pointed out.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

One of the greatest joys of this season is an opportunity to say Thank You for your support and patronage. May the New Year delight your life and bring you prosperity, good health, peace and happiness. We wish you a very Happy New Year 2017.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

I AM INTERCESSORY MISSION INT’L The general public is hereby inform that the above named mission has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Dr. Babatunde Oladoyinbo - Chairman 2. Prof. Gabriel Emiola Akinbola - Vice Chairman 3. Chap. (Mrs.) Ednah Ebun Olugbohunmi - General Secretary 4. Dr. Adekunle Admuyiwa Abiade Member 5. Mr. Oluranti Olumoroti. financial secretary 6. Com. Odumegwu Favor Odumegwu Member 7. Pastor Bamidele Tajudeen Lasisi Member 8. Mrs Florence Aduke Ajiginni Member 9. Olugbohunmi adegboyega james -member Aim and objective 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus christ. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication Signed: Chap. (Mrs.) Ednah Ebun Olugbohunmi - General Secretary

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

HOUSE OF HIS GRACE

CHRISTIAN CENTER.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORM THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, DEGREE NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES 1. PST GBENLE OLAKUNLE DAVID PRECIOUS. - CHAIRMAN 2. OLUWAYEMISI ADENIRAN -SECRETARY 3. OMAGE JOY OMOIKHOSEN - TREASURER 4. KIKELOMO HELEN OJERIAKHI. - MEMBER 5. AKINYELE OLUWASEUN. - MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEREGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIQGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OLUWAYEMISI ADENIRAN -SECRETARY

WET LEAF HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORM THAT THE ABOVE NAME FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, DEGREE NO. 1 OF 1990.

Trustees 1. OLAKUNDE BAMIDELE HERITAGE 2. OLAKUNDE ABIODUN COMFORT

TRUSTEES 1. MR ERIC EZEKIEL 2. MISS ALICE EJET IKANG 3. MR BRIGHT CHINENYE CHIDIEBERE 4. MR. UMA AGWU UDUMA

Aim and objective 1. To preach the gospel of our lord jesus christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO EMPOWER INDIGENT MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY THROUGH ECONOMIC AID 2. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGE IN THE SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEREGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIQGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

Signed: Secretary

SIGNED EMEGHA $ ASSOCIATES

GRASSROOTS ORIENTATION & EMANCIPATION INTERNATIONAL

CHRIST MERCIFUL REVIVAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for change of trustees , removal and appointed of trustees under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 199O

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 1. Dr Martins O. Iwuoha. - REMOVED.

Trustees are: 1. Rev Kenneth Chidi Akamdiochs 2.Mr .Emmanuel Okoli. 3. Raphael Ojimma

THE NEW TRUSTEE ARE: 1. Mrs Uzoma Odera Okoye 3. Dr Mrs Catherine I Oreh 5. Dr Martin . O Iwuoha 7. Mr Anyanwu Donald Chibuzo

Aims and Objectives : 1. soul’s winning, 2. gospel preaching, 3. setting captives free.

2. Abada Ifeanyichukwu M. 4. Dr Agbakoba J.C.A 6. HRH Eze Emeka J. Njoku

ACTIVE FIVE EDUCATION FOUNDATION The general public is hereby inform that the above named foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990. TRUSTEES 1. AYEBAYE DANIEL WANATOI 2. AGBO JOSEPH 3. OMALE STEPHEN 4. DANIEL BABY-ANGEL 5. NTESAT EZEKIEL OBJECTIVES 1. GIVE SCHOLARSHIP TO INDIGENT CHILDREN IN NIGERIA FROM PRIMARY TO UNIVERSITY Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication SIGNED: TESAT EZEKIEL (FOUNDER)

ST BARNABAS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORM THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES , REMOVAL AND APPOINTED OF NEW NEW TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, DEGREE NO. 1 OF 1990. OLD TRUSTEE 1. PROF. ENOCH ANYANWU ( CHAIRMAN) 2.PROF. DR. MRS B. N ANYANWU. - SECRETARY 3. REV. J. D. J. ONYERERI 4. LADY B. ADA. NWOGU 5. BARR. M. O. UZOMAH. NEW TRUSTEE 1. .PROF ( MRS) B. N ANYANWU. CHAIRMAN. - RE-APPOINTED 2. PHARMACIST CHUKWUMA ANAYANWU. - SECRETARY 3. BARR. M. O. UZOMAH. - RE. APPOINTED 4. MRS. CHINYERE ADANNA MGBEBUIHE. 5. SIR. FRANCIS MGBAJAH AIM AND OBJECTIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE CHANGE OF TRUSTEES , REMOVAL AND APPOINTED OF NEW TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEREGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIQGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR TOLA OLULENU

AGULERI LEGEND CLUB

This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. CHUKWUDI CHARLES ONOCHIE -PRESIDENT 2. MR. ANEKWE EDWIN OFORDILE. -SECRETARY 3. MR. EDWIN GIDEON OKEKE. -MEMBER 4. MR. FIDELIS EGBUCHE. - MEMBER 5. MR. ANTHONY CHIEJI. -FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6. MR. EMMANUEL OGUGUA. -P.R.O. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1.To promote and foster unity among members through various activities of the Club. 2. To promote and encourage activities aimed at the general development of Aguleri. 3.To promote the welfare of members of the Club. 4. To promote and assist in the formation of programme(s) geared towards the realization of the objectives of the Club. 5. To promote benevolence to the members of the Club and to deserving non-members approved by the Club for such gestures. 6. To promote and undertake community development and corporate social responsibility projects. Any objection on Registration of the Club should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Aim and objectives are remain the same Any objection to the change of trustees , removal and appointed of New trustees should be forwarded to theRegistrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED Secretary

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

ARMY OF ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH

IFE OOYE ELEGANT WOMEN ASSOCIATION

THE GODSWILL FRIENDS CLUB OF NIG

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.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990. The Trustees Are: 1. IRESE REX AGHO 2. JANET ALOFOJE 3. ERHUNMWUNSE PETER OSAHON AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. To establish churches and Christ Christian centres. 3. To engage in evangelism and win souls for Christ. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication Signed: Jeremiah Edo Esq (Legal Practitioner) No 12. Nwaezeapu Street Asaba, Delta State. 08067371261.

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

Trustees are 1 mrs temilomo lawal president 2 mrs felicia pemi adereti folarin vice president 3 mrs bolatito olaobaju Secretary 4 mrs diyaolu olutoyin exco member 5 mrs fara adeniran exco member 6 olori adeola ogunwusi exco member 7 mrs taiwo abiola exco member 8 mrs funmilola lawal exco member 9 princess titilade adewuyi ijiwole exco member Aims and objectives are 1 to provide mora and financials assistance to members 2 to create awareness among and assist less privileged women in ile- efe and its environment. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication Signed: Durojaiye esq 08061503014

SIGNED: CYRIL ONYEOGAZIRI Plot 864B Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

The Trustees Are: 1)Mordi Nnabuife John 3)Idokoh Obinna Oliver 5)Okafor Okezie Celestine

2)Onwunje Ifeanyi Peter 4)Okoli Chinoso Vincent

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To Promote Peace, Unity and Love Among members 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: Barr Mrs Anyanwu.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FOUNDATION

SUPERMEGASEVEN FOUNDATION

SATELLITE TOWN MUSLIM COMMUNITY RC: 5377

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

The general public is hereby notified that the named body has applied for Change of Trustees under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 OLD TRUSTEES ARE 1.Alhaji Abdul Hamid Adegoke Aderogba (remove) 2. Alhaja Fatima Jolade Alabi (retained) 3 Alhaji Salawu Ayinla Animashaun (removed) 4.Alhaji A. Semiu Folami (retained) 5 Alhaji Ikhlilu Adio Ademola Sanyaolu (removed) NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Muyideen Alade Oladimeji Aroyewun (appointed) 2. Alhaji Raheem Kola Ajose (appointed) 3 .Alhaji Jimoh Opoola Adebayo (appointed)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Josephine Nwogo Anenih -Chairman 2. Anwuli Joy Ogbechi - Secretary 3. Dr Humphrey Unufiname. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote and support capacity development of community in public health. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Oni Olayinka Paul (Chairman) 2. Balogun Abosede Seyon 3. Adebunmi Adedamola Adesola 4. Olalere Steven Oluwasegun 5. Oni Olugbenga Olakitan (Secretary) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Encouraging the orphans that there is hope for living 2. Showing love to the needy 3. Helping less privileged children to attain academic, spiritual and moral goals and values Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affaris Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi lronsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

IJEOMA ESTHER IZUCHUKWU

I formerly known, and addressed as MISS IJEOMA ESTHER OKOLIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IJEOMA ESTHER IZUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note. OLUWATOYOSI ADEYOSOLA ABIODUN

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

DURU PERPETUAL OLUCHI.

AKANDE, KEHINDE ORIOLA HASSAN

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

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COKER ABIMBOLA ADEJOKE

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ORIOWO OLUREMI ADETOUN.

EZE CHARITY JENNIFER

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZE CHARITY AMARACHI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS EZE CHARITY JENNIFER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THAT MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 14TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1989 AND NOT 14TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1990. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLORUNSHOLA IYEKEMI ELIZABETH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMORUYI IYEKEMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note. SONUBI TITILAYO PERPETUAL

Formerly known and addressed as SONAME TITILAYO PERPETUAL, now wish to be known and addressed, as SONUBI TITILAYO PERPETUAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note AMEH JOY

Formerly known and addressed as MATHEW BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed, as AMEH JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ABDULLAZEEZ ADAMU-ASUMEHE.

Formerly known and addressed as ABDULLAZEEZ ADAMU, now wish to be known and addressed, as ABDULLAZEEZ ADAMUASUMEHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

YUSUF RAHMAT OLAJUMOKE.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS ADEWUNMI ABIMBOLA ADEJOKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. COKER ABIMBOLA ADEJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NKECHI JUSTINA JONATHAN

ADDITIONAL/ CONFIRMATION OF NAME

PEACE BARRY

Formerly known and addressed as PEACE STELLA UJU, now wish to be known and addressed as PEACE BARRY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ODUTAYO OLUWATOYIN FUNMILAYO.

DUROJAIYE MODUPEOLA ALICE I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNLOLA MODUPEOLA ALICE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DUROJAIYE MODUPEOLA ALICE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note. AYINLA IBRAHIM ADAM

Formerly known and addressed as ADAM IBRAHIM ABIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AYINLA IBRAHIM ADAM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AKANBI OPEYEMI ABIODUN

JAMES OLA EMIOLA- DAKOBIRI.

MUKAILA HAMZA SODIQ.

KENNETH AMARACHI STELLA.

Formerly known and addressed as NWOKO CONFIDENCE NWADIMA, now wish to be known and addressed, as KIM CONFIDENCE NWADIMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as JAMES OLA EMIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed, as JAMES OLA EMIOLA- DAKOBIRI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MUKAILA ISHAQ DANJUMA, now wish to be known and addressed, as MUKAILA HAMZA SODIQ. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IHEDIOHA AMARACHI STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed, as KENNETH AMARACHI STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLOGUDU TOLANI AKANDE.

OLADEJI IBRAHIM RAHMA.

ALOWONLE ESTHER JUMOKE.

SULAIMON JIMOH NOFISAT ADENIKE.

CORRECTION OF NAME

KIM CONFIDENCE NWADIMA.

Formerly known and addressed as MARY BONA CHIDI, now wish to be known and addressed, as MARY BONA ORIESO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKORO DESTINY OKHIAFE

Formerly known and addressed as OKORO CHRISTI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO DESTINY OKHIAFE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ANIH GODWIN JEFF.

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

DOLAPO VICTORIA ADEPEJU

I, formerly known and addressed as DOLAPO VICTORIA OLADEPO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DOLAPO VICTORIA ADEPEJU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNNAIKE OLUWATOYIN FUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed, as MRS. ODUTAYO OLUWATOYIN FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NKECHI JUSTINA ENEMUO, now wish to be known and addressed as NKECHI JUSTINA JONATHAN EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARY BONA ORIESO

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

ADELALU TEMITOPE TEMIDAYO

I Formerly Known As ADELALU TEMITOPE ADEDAYO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ADELALU TEMITOPE TEMIDAYO GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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

Formerly known and addressed as MUFUTAUDEEN RAHMAT OLAJUMOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF RAHMAT OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

My name was wrongly written as ADELEKE ADUKE ADEDEJI instead of ADELEKE RISIKAT ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZIEFULA GOODLUCK ADAKU.

I formerly known as ADEOLU AMINA AGA wish to be known and addressed as AGA DORIS AMINA. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

OMOLOLA FUNMILAYO BUSOLA

Formerly known and addressed as AKINBOWALE TOLANI MATTHEW, now wish to be known and addressed, as OLOGUDU TOLANI AKANDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

This is to confirm and certify that OJOOLA MORUFU ADISA is same person bearing OBA MORUFU DISA OJOOLA, ADISA ADEKUNLE OJOOLA and MORUFU ADISA ADEKUNLE OJOOLA. Documents bearing all names remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OLADEJI ABOSEDE ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed, as OLADEJI IBRAHIM RAHMA. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ALOWONLE JUMOKE ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed, as MRS. ALOWONLE ESTHER JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SULAIMON NOFISAT ADENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed, as SULAIMON JIMOH NOFISAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

23 News

Lagos Speaker assures on positive changes, urges Nigerians to be steadfast and prayerful Alade Tasma

ÎÎÎThe

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has assured Nigerians of positive changes in their socio-economic life in 2017. Obasa also charged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers and avoid activities

or utterances that can cause breach of peace in the society. The Lagos Assembly Speaker stated this in his New Year message to Nigerians particularly the people of Lagos State. The message which was released in Lagos on Saturday, December 31, 2016 was signed by his Chief Press Secretary,

Musbau Razak. “It is a critical period in our political history but we thank God that progress has been made no matter how little it may be. The coming year is bringing in lots of hope and I assurr you that we will all have cause to rejoice in Year 2017,” Obasa said. He stated further that,

Unilorin dismisses fraud allegation against VC, JAMB Registrar ÎÎÎThe authorities of the Uni-

versity of Ilorin have described as untrue the fraud allegation against its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, and his predecessor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who is now the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). A release signed by Mr. Kunle Akogun, the institution’s Head of Corporate Affairs, described the allegation as “largely empty merely rehashed to make it look real.’’ The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some officers of the South-West Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had last Wednesday submitted a petition to the Ibadan office of the EFCC. They accused the two dons of pension fund fraud running into N2.5 billion and called on the anti-graft agency to institute a probe into the matter.

NWAFOR FAITH IJEOMA.

Formerly known and addressed as OPUTA FAITH IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed, as NWAFOR FAITH IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Akogun described those behind the petition as “enemies of progress’’ who are aghast at the pace of progress and continual giant strides being daily recorded by the university where transparency, honesty, accountability and due process were the key elements of administration. He said there was nothing new in the allegations contained in the petition, adding; “the same fellows made the same allegations in August this year while shamefacedly kicking against the nationally acknowledged well-merited appointment of Prof. Oloyede as the Registrar of JAMB.’’ “And of course, no one took them seriously, as even President Muhammadu Buhari, who is well-known for his zero tolerance for corruption, is not unaware of the due diligence credentials of the successive administrations of the University of Ilorin,” he said. “What the administration of

BLESSING WILLIAMS UKUANOVWE.

I, formerly known and addressed as Blessing Abah. Now wish to be known and addressed as blessing Williams Ukuanovwe. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

NGOZI EVLOGIA CHARITY ORGANISATION.

This is to inform the general public that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act of 1990. TRUSTEES 1, CHUKWU NGOZI BLESSING 2,CHUKWU EMMANUEL EMEKA 3,CHUKWU SAMUEL UCHENNA 4,NWORJI EMMANUEL CHINONSO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1, TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED 2,DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY 3,TO UPLIFT STANDARD OF NIGERIAN YOUTHS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE. Any objection should be forwarded to Registrar General corporate Affairs commission abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed BARR MOKWE MACRAY CHUKWUEMEKA 08035908033

Prof. Oloyede did was what the law and ICPC directed all universities to do: that instead of the 7.5 percent being hitherto deducted from the basic salary of workers, the deduction ought to have been from the gross emolument,’’ he said. He pointed out that it was that clarification that had since guided the university management’s action. The university spokesman said that the deductions were being credited to the Pension Fund Administrators’ (PFA) accounts as at and when due till the government started the deduction from source. “It is also fallacious to allege that the university management did not carry the unions along in all these. ” The truth is that management met with the unions on the new development and all parties agreed that the PFAs should be credited the full 7.5 per cent. “It was the initial under-

AYOADE ADETUNJI.

I, formerly known as Ayoade Mustapha Adetunji. Now wish to be known and addressed as Ayoade Adetunji. All former documents remain valid general public should take note

“government at all levels is determined to put in place and execute projects and programmes that will not only enhance and improve the welfare and standard of living of our people but which will also ensure that they enjoy dividends of democracy even at their doorsteps. “However, we cannot

achieve all these without your prayers, cooperation and support, hence I want to urge you not to relent in your prayers and support for us while avoiding activities and utterances that can cause breach of peace”. The Lagos chief lawmaker also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and ensured that they report any strange

person or activities to security agents so that crimes can be nipped in the bud. “Maintaining security is a collective duty for all of us and we must not shy away from playing our roles,” he said. While wishing all Nigerians a properous New year, he advised them to be modest in celebration and avoid over celebration which can cause chaos and confusion.

deduction that was spread for payment over a 24-month period. This had since been concluded a couple of years ago,’’ Akogun said. He described the petitioners as “disgruntled elements” and “remnants of the notorious 49.’’ Akogun pointed out that

their activities within the last one year had been targeted at disrupting the well-known uninterrupted academic calendar of the University. He said they have tried all the tricks in the book to infiltrate the students’ body and brainwash them to take uncon-

stitutional action against the management. The plots, he said, have so far failed, adding that this had probably accounted for the resort to the “long-knife tactics of crying wolf where there was none just to blackmail the progressive administration of the better by far university.’’

Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami (right) and representative of Commanding officer, 234 Reece Battalion, Ibeteko Barracks, Badagry, Lieutenant, Kolo Ibrahim, during the handing over of new 2.5 MVA and 33/11 KV capacity transformer to Ibrahim in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos… recently.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME. This is to confirm that, I,FALOYE LINDA OMOLOLA refers to one and same person as FALOYE LINDA OLUWATOSIN OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Chief Festus Agah is using this medium to inform the general public that my consent was not sought before my name and/or picture was printed on anywhere as the Chairman, Umuedeachi Family Kindred, anywhere such appears is purely in error and was never authorised by me, we are still in court over the chairmanship of the kindred. Sign: Chief Festus Agah

AYOADE FRANCISCA CHIDINMA

I, formerly known as Ugwuanyim Francisca Chidinma now wish to be known and addressed as Ayoade Francisca Chidinma. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

ADEPOJU ELIZARBETH ABOLANLE

Formerly known and addressed as ABOLANLE ELIZARBETH ADEPOJU, now wish to be known and addressed, as ADEPOJU ELIZARBETH ABOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

My name and date of birth was wrongly written as Oladehinde Taiwo Teshin and January 12, 1987 instead of Oladeinde Taiwo Teslim and January 12, 1985. That my correct name and date of birth is Oladeinde Taiwo Teslim and January 12, 1985.

FOR SALE

NWOFOKE FIDELIS OGBAGA.

I, formerly known as Fidelis Nwofoke Timothy. Now wish to be known and addressed as Nwofoke Fidelis Ogbaga. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FOR SALE

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Lagos Govt hands over power transformer to Nigerian Army Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎThe

Lagos state government has assured its residents of improved and community-driven government by ensuring that every resident enjoys the dividends of democracy for a more meaningful livelihood. Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami, made this

known during the handing over ceremony of a new 2.5MVA and 33/11KV capacity transformer to the 243 Recce Battalion, Army Barracks, Ibereko in Badagry. Speaking during the handing over, Hon. Muslim Folami noted that the Barracks requested for the Transformer due to the electricity challenges they were facing in

the last two years saying that due to Governor Ambode’s magnanimity, he responded swiftly to ensuring that their electricity was restored without further delay. He maintained that the State Government had also delivered six different Transformers of various capacities to various Communities adding that 10 Transformers will also

be handed over to other communities very soon. He reiterated that the Transformer will be beneficial to the entire populace within the Barracks and its environs and consequently boost the economy. In his vote of assurance, he noted that the State Government will not relent in ensuring that all the infrastructural amenities were adequately put in place. In his remarks on be-

half of the Commanding Officer, 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko, Barracks, Lieutenant Kolo Ibrahim, thanked the State Government for her good work in Lagos by ensuring good standard of living for the citizenry. He appreciated the State Government for giving the Barracks the Transformer which he said, would solve the issue

of electricity challenges which they had faced in the last two years. Among those who witnessed the handing over were the Director of Power, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Biola Olowu; Head, Electrical Unit, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Engr. Oluleke Adesalu and Engr. Oshikoya Adebola.

Family commissions foundation to help indigent students in Alayi

Gov Ayade promises to pursue his industrialization programme

Umuahia

Calabar

Sunday Nwakanma

Edem Edem,

ÎÎÎ

ÎÎÎCross

The Elendu family in Alayi, Bende local government area of Abia state, at the weekend, set aside N10 million to encourage and assist Alayi students who wish to pursue their educational career up to PhD level. This gesture came during the commissioning ceremony of the Bernard and Rose Elendu memorial library, Alayi, by the family. A member of the family and the initiator of the project, Mazi Eugene Elendu, used the occasion to urge parents to invest in education, insisting that a child that is well educated has hope of a brighter future, and called on well-meaning Nigerians to help indigent students, acquire standard education. He said he named the library after his late parents: Bernard and Rose Elendu, to immortalize them, describing his parents as people who laboured to train their children. He also said that library the project started in 2007 and was completed on time but the commissioning delayed due to circumstances beyond the family’s control. Mazi Elendu said he built the library to promote education in Alayi community, Bende LGA and Abia North in general, and urged the state government to enter into Public Private Partnership with the community, for proper maintenance and sustenance of the library.

MD/CEO, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim (left) presents a souvenir to Media Trust Director, Umar S. Abdullahi during a courtesy visit on Ibrahim at his corporate’s head office in Abuja… recently.

Osun parliament to Nigerians: Celebrate with optimism Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎOsun State House of As-

sembly wants Nigerians to embrace the new year with high sense of purpose, positive resolve and optimism The Assembly hinged its submissions on the determination and signals from the efforts of government stressing that it has rekindled hope that the economic challenges facing the nation would be tackles in the New Year. In the new year message of the assembly, signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Assembly noted that the efforts of the government have shown that there is commitment to bring succour to the country. The parliament, which ac-

knowledged the tenacity and perseverance of Nigerians in the face of economic recession, called on citizens to support the government policies and programmes aimed at revamping the economy. It also encouraged the people to approach the new year with positive outlook and can-do-spirit, saying, since the act of insurgency has been largely curtailed by the subjugation of Sambisa Forest, the base of Boko Haram, the government would be able to concentrate more on how to tackle the economic challenges facing the country. The parliament said, there is need for effective collaboration between the government and the people, which, it said, is imperative to overcome the nation’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

It urged Nigerians at the Individual level to be more strategic, proactive, forward looking and look inward towards adding value to the National agenda. According to the Assembly, the steps that have been taken so far by the present government at the national and state levels are strong indications that within a short term, Nigerian would start counting the achievements and progress recorded by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in the area of economy. The Assembly also commended the state government under Governor Rauf Aregbesola for summoning the leadership courage to tackle the hard-economic effects. It said the state government with the support of

the state House of Assembly has done remarkably well in addressing some of the burning issues to make lives more meaningful to the people in the face of recession. “The state Assembly is delighted that notwithstanding the negative effects of the economic recession, the government efforts towards addressing the issues, has given hope’ “As Nigerians, we must therefore celebrate and approach the new year with strong determination and optimism that we will overcome our challenges as a nation sooner than later. “To achieve this, it is very crucial for the government and the people to continue to work together to ensure total restoration of our economy and set it on the path of progress oncemore,” it said.

River state governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has promised to pursue with vigour, his administration’s industrialisation agenda by ensuring the actual commencement of the construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the 260-kilometre Calabar-Bekwarra-KatsinaAla Super Highway in 2017. In a new message made available to our correspondents and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, the governor said the focus of his government in 2017 would be to increase the momentum of economic activities in order to create more jobs. Accordingly, Ayade said “as we step up effort at industrialising the state in 2017, we will pursue with vigour the commencement of the construction of our signature project, the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the 260-kilometre Calabar-Bekwarra-Katsina-Ala Superhighway” He said in line with the cardinal focus of his government, “We will continue to make the people the priority of our administration by ensuring the prompt and regular payment of salaries as well as ensuring the overall welfare of the citizenry” The governor noted that “even as we renew our commitment to offering our sincere and dedicated service to the state, we cannot but count on your support and cooperation for us to realise our vision for our dear state.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

25 News

Lagos @ 50: Ambode assures on limitless opportunities Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎLagos state governor,

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed optimism that the new year will present limitless opportunities and true happiness for all residents. Governor Ambode who addressed a mammoth crowd at the grand finale of the ‘2016 One Lagos Fiesta’ held at the Bar Beach

front in Victoria Island to usher in the New Year, restated his commitment to roll out programmes and policies that will further showcase the progress the State has made so far. “Our vision remains the same: to create a smart mega city where business and creative opportunity abound; where physical and social amenities are world class; and where lives and property

are safe and secured.” Governor Ambode while alluding to the fact that 2017 is significant as Lagos would mark its 50th Anniversary since its creation, said the State is exceptionally blessed with human and capital resources, which he said his administration will continue to explore to make life more comfortable for the people. “Welcome to 2017, our

anniversary year where Lagos is 50. Lagos, the smallest, the oldest, the richest, most populous and most prosperous State in Nigeria. “We are undoubtedly the world’s largest and most celebrated black city state. But we also recognize the need to reflect and be strategic and this is why our approach to governance has been low in hype and flop but high

in performance by keeping our promises to you at all times. We promise not to disappoint you in this new year,” he said. He said the One Lagos Fiesta which ran from December 24, 2016 to January 1, 2017, was expanded to celebrate the inclusiveness and diversity of the State across the five locations including Ikorodu, Badagry, Agege, Lagos Island and Epe.

Governor Ambode also said that in recognition of the fact that the youth represent the symbol of the State’s verve and vitality, his administration will provided more platforms of opportunities in 2017. “Let me personally urge you to take advantage of the various events in this year’s tourism calendar to showcase your skills and talent,” he said.

APGA seeks policy reforms from Buhari in 2017 Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Commander, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman; Deputy Force Commander-Land Component OPDS, Brig Gen. Kelvin Aligbe and others during the Ikang Border post, Bakassi Exercise Safety Check, in the Niger Delta creeks… recently.

2017, our year of recovery, Aregbesola says Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎ

The new year, 2017 will be the year of consolidations on the various achievements recorded in Osun state. This was the summary of the governor’s new year broadcast to the people of the state as they ushered in year 2017 on Sunday. This was just as the Governor reeled out the achievements of his administration in the year 2016 ranging from accomplishments in education, infrastructure, social protection services, urban renewal,

provision of massive supports for business initiatives and several others. The governor said in his broadcast, “this year, 2017, is going to be our year of consolidation. We are going to consolidate on all our programmes, especially in education, agriculture and road infrastructure. We are not going to abandon any of our projects. It is going to be our busiest year so far. “We have great hope and faith that 2017 will be the best year for us and all the people of Osun.” The governor admitted that the year 2016 was one of huge

trials, travails and tests; rejoicing however that “it was also a year of great victory and accomplishments.” The governor expressed satisfaction that his government recorded landmark achievements in the commissioning of many schools, a philosophical disposition towards just and equitable sales of consumer goods with the launch of Osunwon Omoluabi (Omoluabi Scales and Measures) and others. He said, “In the field of education, we commissioned to the glory of God, Anthony Udofia Elementary School, Osogbo, St Michael Elementary

School, Ibokun, St Thomas Elementary and Middle School, Iwoye Ijesa, Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo, Adventist Government High School, Ede and AUD Government Elementary School, Sabo, Osogbo. “The commissioning of Osogbo Government High School coincided with the 25th anniversary of the creation of our state which was celebrated with pomp, pageantry and funfair, including breathtaking calisthenics display by 4,000 pupils from Osun’s public schools. We also successfully hosted President Muhammadu Buhari, who commissioned Osogbo Government High School.”

YDP declines appeal against Edo Gov, calls for inclusive governance Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The Young Democratic Party (YDP) has said that it will not appeal a court case it instituted to challenge the election of Mr. Godwin Obaseki as governor of Edo state. YDP had gone to court

seeking the nullification of the election that produced Mr. Obaseki as governor on the grounds that the party logo was wrongfully printed in the ballot papers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The National Chairman of YDP, Comrade Bishop Amakiri, in a statement made available to the Daily Times, said

in the interest of democracy, they were discontinuing the court case and urged governor Obaseki to ensure an allinclusive governance. According to Amakri, the party’s governorship candidate, Engr. Nurudeen Nwafero has also agreed with the party that their legal team should withdraw from the move for Appeal.

“In the interest of Democracy, we urge governor Godwin Obaseki to ensure all-inclusive governance,” the national chairman stated. Meanwhile, the National Chairman of YDP, Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri has called on Nigerian youth to massively register as members of the party as they enter the year 2017.

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has reinstated its commitment to support people oriented policies just as it urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on policy reforms for government to record remarkable success in 2017. This was contained in a new year message issued by the party’s National Director of Publicity, Ifeanacho Oguejiofor. The party expressed optimism that 2017 was full of hopes for the economy and urged Nigerians to show care, love and engage each other in activities that will promote peace, common good and general interest of the country just as it called on politicians to be altruistic and sensitive to the sufferings and needs of the people in order to extenuate the unacceptable harsh economic cum social conditions Nigerians are subjected to at present. APGA raised concerns at the lopsided manner the present administration is handling some of her activities like the war against corruption, electrons processes, the Niger Delta amnesty programme, the agitations from the Independent People of Birthday (IPOB), the farmers and herdsmen clashes among others. “This approach has to be really changed if the APC government is to turn round the faltering and depressing economy. “While there is improvement in the war against Boko Haram, new theatres are opening in the South East and South South mostly as a result of the government’s poor handling of the hitherto minor agitations. The party

calls on the government to use practical approaches that are less confrontational to resolve the issues. “The development in the Niger Delta region calls for concern. The Federal Government must find constructive ways of engagement and resolution of the issues that gave rise to the recent upsurge in militancy. If disruption of oil supplies continues in this 2017, the economy of the country will be crippled and Nigerians especially the less privileged will be the worse for it than it experienced in the preceding year. “The party also condemns the activities of the herdsmen that do not seem to get the level of attention that groups like IPOB get from the federal government and calls on the security agencies to be up and doing and proactive. “APGA advises the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to be mindful of the poor and negative public perception of its electoral activities, and to start conducting it electoral affairs as its name implies and the statute that established it stipulates, instead of the present bizarre and shenanigans of manipulation of vote and allocation of scores, as the party witnessed during the Bye-election of the Toto/Nassarawa federal constituency, in Nassarawa state, and the last Edo State governorship election. The body should stop its officials from conniving with some unscrupulous Politicians and law enforcement Personnel on election duties from writing false election results. Also, it should guide against the body’s seemingly general disposition as if it were a department of the ruling party; the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Features

New superhighway threatens communities, wildlife in Calabar

Wild life like these could be threatened

Femi Ganiyu, with Agency report An endangered silverback Cross River gorilla, whose habitat would be threatened with destruction if construction of a proposed superhighway in Nigeria’s southeastern region is allowed to proceed, according to conservationists. Giving a graphic detail of the proposed road project, Ann M., a SimonsContact reporter, said the development, if it sails through, could cause extensive damage to communities in the area and the flora and fauna in the area, just as concerned environmentalists have cautioned the Cross River State Government to halt the project. Consequently, pressure is mounting to stop construction of a proposed six-lane highway through a Nigerian rainforest that is home to hundreds of thousands of people and vulnerable wildlife. The road, locally referred to as a superhighway, is planned in southeastern Nigeria’s Cross River state, and would be 162 miles long with six miles of cleared land on either side.

Conservationists say the construction would displace at least 180 indigenous communities and slice through a national park and adjoining forest reserves that provide habitats for some of the country’s most beleaguered species, including the endangered Cross River gorilla, chimpanzees, forest elephants and pangolins— the world’s most poached mammal, whose scales are prized in traditional medicine. The project pits advocates for environmental and cultural habitat preservation against those who believe the region could benefit from much-needed

infrastructure improvement, and spotlights the often-contentious global development issue of conservation versus growth. Owai, a male drill, is seen in 2002 at the Drill Ranch in Calabar, a key city in Nigeria’s southeastern Cross River state. The state plans to build a 162-mile superhighway. (Boris Heger / Associated Press). The so-called Cross River Superhighway, the brainchild of the state’s governor, Ben Ayade, would stretch from northern Nigeria to a proposed deep seaport in the south, on the shores of the

Atlantic Ocean. It is expected to include modern facilities such as Wi-Fi access, according to information from the governor’s office published in the Nigerian press. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari gave the project the green light more than a year ago, praising it as a significant milestone toward transforming the economic agenda of the state, according to local media. Conservationists fight back But conservationists and many local communities are mobilizing against the highway, which they say would have a devastating effect on the rainforest habitat of animals, and the thousands of people who risk being displaced. As now planned, the road would cut through several protected areas such as the Cross River National Park, Ukpon River Forest Reserve, Cross River South Forest Reserve, Afi River Forest Reserve, and the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. These sites are home to various threatened species, including Nigeria-

Continued on page 27

27 Features

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Continued from page 26 Cameroon chimpanzees, drills, Preuss’s red colobus monkeys, slender-snouted crocodiles and African gray parrots, among many others. Survival of the world’s rarest great ape, the Cross River gorilla, which numbers fewer than 300, is also at risk if its habitat is disrupted and impaired, wildlife officials said. Notice of revocation of rights of occupancy from the government of Cross River state, Nigeria, that was published in local newspapers in January 2016. “It is very troubling and worrisome for us that the great work that Nigeria has done to create these areas and protect them could be undermined by this (highway) development,” said John Calvelli, executive vice president of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s public affairs division. ISeeking to persuade Nigerian authorities to halt the project, reroute it away from protected areas and community forests along the border area with Cameroon, or to rehabilitate existing highways, the Wildlife Conservation Society has launched an international campaign. As of Dec. 13, it had generated 100,081 signed petitions, according to officials from the organization. The process of clearing a corridor for the project had already begun but was temporarily stopped after protests from local communities and groups including the Ekuri Initiative, a forest stewardship organization run by one of the indigenous communities in the path of the proposed expressway. A public notice issued by the Cross River state government and published in the local press in January stated that there would be a 656-foot offset on either side of the center line of the roadway and a further six miles of buffer. The land was being “revoked for overriding public purpose,” the notice said. Conservationists questioned why the buffer abutting the road needed to be so wide, when the buffer on Nigeria’s federal highways is typically about 165 feet. Nigerian officials have been unclear about the need for such a large swath. Many of the activists have accused the government of staging a land grab. They have helped to initiate an environmental impact assessment and have delivered about 253,000 signatures to the federal government urging President Buhari to protect their ancestral forests, according Calvelli. “We’re particularly concerned about the communities,” Calvelli said. “Without those communities we are not going to have good stewards of our natural world.” There is also concern that the road would provide easy access to wildlife traffickers. “Building a highway of that size through a natural park will only bring poachers closer to the wildlife,” Calvelli said. In this file photo, a gamekeeper at the Drill Ranch in Calabar, southeastern Nigeria, feeds mangos to young drills. One of Africa’s most endangered primate species, drills are found only in

Wild life like this could be threatened

Government allays fears of any threat

Gov. Ayade

parts of Nigeria, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. (Boris Heger / Associated Press). Support for the project Backers of the project insist that the superhighway would provide a muchneeded boost to the region’s infrastructure and economy. They cite the benefits of being able to easily transport goods to and from the proposed seaport, and the jobs the construction project would create, among other advantages. Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has rejected suggestions the

Consequently, pressure is mounting to stop construction of a proposed six-lane highway through a Nigerian rainforest that is home to hundreds of thousands of people and vulnerable wildlife. The road, locally referred to as a superhighway, is planned in southeastern Nigeria’s Cross River state, and would be 162 miles long with six miles of cleared land on either side. new highway would significantly harm the region’s wildlife and dubbed opposition to the project “a campaign of lies” concocted by a couple of disgruntled officials, according to Nigerian media. Despite the public notice to the contrary, the governor has insisted that only a corridor of about 115 feet to 280 feet would be cleared to accommodate

the highway. And communities affected by the road would be compensated, he has said. “All you need to construct a road of this nature is balancing between the development and environment,” the website Cross River Watch, quoted Ayade as saying. Ayade said, “Environment does not forbid development. And that is what we teach students in the university, development must come.” Nigeria’s minister of environment, Amina Mohammed, has also lauded the project as crucial for the development of the state and its people, according to Cross River Watch. “Everyone here is in agreement that infrastructure is the bedrock [on] which we build sustainable development and this project will touch everybody particularly those at the grassroots,” she said this year, according to the website, CD Blog. The road ahead Calvelli, the wildlife official, said he was hopeful that further dialogue between Nigerian authorities and conservationists could lead to a mutually agreeable resolution. On Tuesday (Dec. 13) he met with the charge de affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and delivered a thumb drive containing the more than 100,000 petition signatures opposing construction of the highway under the current proposed plan. Calvelli said the tone of the “positive and cordial” and the diplomat promised to share the information with Nigerian state and federal officials. “We are not anti-development,” Calvelli said. “We firmly believe that development done effectively with nature in mind is in the best interest of the longterm growth of the nation.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monay, January 2, 2017

28 Foreign News

Nightclub massacre prompts questions about competence of Turkish security ÏÏÏ

An hour into the New Year and shocked first responders were counting bodies in a nightclub on the coast of Istanbul’s Bosphorus. The 39 dead and the dozens wounded had come to celebrate the arrival of 2017 but already, thanks to a lone gunman, this year appears set to be a bloody repeat of 2016 for Turkey. Terror attacks have come right on top of each other in the country in an accelerating succession of bombings and shootings Last month alone saw

ÏÏÏ

U.S. officials say they have no information that a power grid in the northeastern state of Vermont was penetrated, even as they continue to investigate suspected Russian malware found on a utility’s laptop computer. The Department of Homeland Security said late New Year’s Eve that the laptop was not connected to the electrical grid operated by the Burlington Electric Department. The U.S. agency

44 people killed and 163 wounded in a twin bomb attack on a football stadium in Istanbul. Just 11 days ago in the country’s capital, Ankara, the Russian ambassador was gunned down by an off-duty policeman who announced the slaying was in protest at Russia’s indiscriminate bombing of Syrian rebels and civilians in eastern Aleppo. Since July 2015 more than 500 people have died in Turkey in terror attacks claimed either by the Islamic State terror group or Kurdish separatists. Eight

IS members were detained last week suspected of preparing a suicide attack for New Year’s Eve. Few security experts doubt the killing on Saturday night is somehow linked to the Islamic State terror group. While Kurdish separatists tend to target Turkish soldiers whether they are on or off duty, the only discernible pattern in who is targeted by jihadists is that there is no pattern. It is the ‘where’ that’s important, say counter-terror experts.

Turkish police stand guard on a road leading to the Reina nightclub by the Bosphorus, which was attacked by a gunman, in Istanbul, Jan. 1, 2017.

US: Russian malware found on utility’s computer did not penetrate power grid said the utility “took immediate action to isolate the laptop” after finding the malware code used in Grizzly Steppe, the name U.S. authorities have given to suspected malicious Russian computer intrusions. The discovery of the malware sparked concern in the U.S. about the vulnerability of its key infrastructure operations.

The Homeland Security officials declined to say whether other utilities or groups had reported finding similar malware on their systems, but said such information would be confidential. The Vermont incident prompted several U.S. states to have cybersecurity officials re-examine their utility networks to make sure they are free of

malware that could affect their electrical grids, but there were no immediate reports of problems. U.S. congressman Peter Welch said Russian hackers’ malware found in Vermont was evidence of “rampant Russian hacking,” but President-elect Donald Trump says such charges should be investigated carefully.

Burundi minister shot dead in capital on New Year day

Burundi nationals from across the U.S. and Canada, along with supporters, demonstrate outside U.N. headquarters, calling for an end to political atrocities and human rights violations in Burundi

Police in Burundi say the country’s environment minister was shot dead in the capital early Sunday, New Year day. Police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said in a tweet

that Emmanuel Niyonkuru, who was 54, was killed in Bujumbura while on his way home. The shooting is the first of a senior government official since Burundi fell into politi-

cal turmoil nearly two years ago over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid for a third term. Human rights groups have warned that the tiny African country is at risk of genocide, calling for international action. They recently released a report that documents widespread abuses under the government of Nkurunziza. The report describes killings, tortures, rapes and disappearances in Burundi since popular protests erupted in 2015 against the president’s third-term bid. The report also says more than 1,000 people have died, hundreds have gone missing and thousands more are

Hundreds of migrants try to storm border into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta ÏÏÏ Around 1,100 sub-

Saharan African migrants tried to cross into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco on Sunday by storming a border fence, though most were eventually turned back, the Spanish government said. Dozens of migrants made it to the top of the 6 meter barbed wire fence in the early hours of Sunday before being lifted down by cranes, footage from local TV station Faro TV showed. Only two people were allowed into Ceuta to be taken to hospital while the rest were returned to Morocco, the Spanish government said in a statement. Five Spanish police and 50 from Morocco were injured, the government added, after migrants used rocks and metal bars to try and break through gates to access the fence and clashed with authorities.

being detained or fleeing the country. It says many of the abuses were committed by youth militias and government security forces. The United Nations (UN) investigators have also warned of risks of a genocide in Burundi, and the International Criminal Court is considering a full investigation into alleged atrocities. The government, Spain’s two enclaves in which denies its forces are involved in abuses, recently Morocco, Ceuta and Melannounced it was pulling out of the ICC. The human rights groups have called for an international peacekeeping mission and political dialogue to resolve the crisis.

illa, are often used as entry points into Europe for African migrants, who either climb over their border fences or try to swim along the coast. Spain has drawn criticism from human rights groups for allowing some migrants to be immediately turned back to Morocco in such incidents. They argue that skipping the lengthier deportation procedures deprives people of the opportunity to claim asylum. In early December more than 400 sub-Saharan African migrants managed to force their way over the Ceuta border fence. However, Libya has become a more common departure point for African migrants, most of whom come from sub-Saharan countries and attempt the crossing to Italy by boat. 2016 was the deadliest year ever for migrants in the Mediterranean, with almost 5,000 deaths, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Equatorial Guinea’s spendthrift VP faces corruption trial in Paris Teodorin Obiang Nguema has luxuriated in spectacular mansions in Malibu and Paris, traveled in expensive sports cars, yachts and a private jet, amassed a multimillion-dollar art collection and once went on a reported $80,000 shopping spree at

Gucci. But increasingly, the long arm of justice seems to be catching up to the jetsetting, 47-year-old son of Teodoro Obiang, Equatorial Guinea’s veteran hardline leader — not in his impoverished homeland, but in

the western nations where he flaunts his allegedly illgotten gains Obiang’s latest legal battle takes place Monday in Paris, with the opening of a graft trial against him. The Equatorial Guinea vice president is not expected to be present

and he reportedly will plead not guilty to charges of corruption, money laundering and embezzlement of public funds. Still the trial is considered groundbreaking in France, a favorite haunt for Spain- An African migrant stands on top of a border fence as Spanish African leaders with ques- police stand guard below during a failed attempt to cross into Spanish territories, between Morocco and Spain tionable fortunes.

Federer can R win another Grand Slam — Annacone

oger Federer can return from six months out and win another Grand Slam, says his former coach Paul Annacone. The 35-year-old, who has won 17 majors, is due to make his comeback from a knee injury against Britain’s Dan Evans in the Hopman Cup in Perth today. Annacone, who coached the Swiss from 2010 to 2013, told BBC Sport: “Last year was a very tough year for him and he still got to the semis of Wimbledon.

“There is no reason why he can’t play at that level again.” Annacone believes Federer’s best chance of another major title will come at SW19, where he has triumphed seven times. The American added: “When you look at his track record, particularly on grass, if he’s healthy, it’s going to be very difficult not to put him in the sentence as one of the favourites. “Again, it’s about staying healthy, but I

Page 29

absolutely think he can contend for a major title.” Federer has not played since hurting his left knee as he lost in the Wimbledon semifinals to Milos Raonic in July. He is competing in the Hopman Cup team event with compatriot Belinda Bencic. Federer had knee surgery in February 2016, he missed the French Open with a back problem and played only 28 matches in 2016. Federer

Monday, January 2, 2017

toke City manager, Mark Hughes has taken the credit for Victor Moses’ meteoric rise and newfound defensive solidity at English Premier League leaders, Chelsea. Moses has been one of the mainstays in Antonio Conte’s Blue juggernaut that have produced 13 league wins on the spin this season. Hughes says he is “not surprised at all” at the progress made by the Nigerian international and identifies his time on loan at the Potters (2014/15 season) as a crucial moment in his professional football development. “I’m not surprised at all by how he’s been doing, although when he got here (Stoke) he couldn’t defend. “We taught him how to defend and they’re reaping the benefits,” Hughes said. Meanwhile, Moses’ importance to Chelsea has been underlined by the club’s former assistant manager, Ray Wilkins. Wilkins is one of many wowed by Moses’ impressive displays this season and he was quick to brand the 26-yearold “irreplaceable.” “Easy to play down the importance of Victor Moses but when you look around the squad, he is one player who appears not to have a replacement in the team at the moment. “Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante are players you think they can’t replace but in the squad they have players who play similar role as them, so easy to replace them unlike Moses,” Wilkins posited.

Moses

Hughes takes credit for Moses’rise

Katsina Utd rookies will take NPFL by storm —Nikyu

atsina United coach Bala Nikyu has expressed confidence that his ‘rookies’ will more than hold their own in the Nigeria premier league. Katsina have staged a return to the top flight of Nigeria football after a 12year absence and experienced Coach Nikyu said he has a group of players who now wish to make a big statement in the premier league. “With what I saw in my players during the NNL Super 4, if they could maintain that tempo and remain focused as a team, Katsina United will make a statement in the NPFL when the new season commences,” declared the coach.

“I have some boys who are playing in the NPFL for the first time, players from Amakson Football Academy and some youth clubs. “The players I have here are those who want to do well for their club and carve a niche for themselves. “And also this game is about giving the young players opportunity to showcase themselves. That is how I discovered Terna Suswan and Eugene Salami. “I took Terna to Wikki Tourists when I was coaching them and from there he became one of the best players in the NPFL before going abroad to play for Vitoria Setubal of Portugal.”

Nikyu

Success missing in NewYear’s Day duty

igerian striker, Success Isaac was missing in his side’s English Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day. Success is one of eight Watford first team stars sidelined for the visit of Spurs to Vicarage Road. The 20-year-old has yet to recover from an MCL knee ligament injury he sustained on December 22, 2016. Watford manager, Walter Mazzarri is understandably saddened at the situation but says his side has coped reasonably well in the absence of Success and his injured teammates. “Until some weeks ago, I have to say it has been perfect and the season has been going very well. “Of course, I think together with the club, we have been working very well since preseason until today. “But there have been some injuries which have a little bit conditioned our game and

our results. “I think that other clubs, with the amount of injuries that we have, would have suffered more than us. “So we have still been working very well even with the amount of injuries. “Of course, we have been doing very good and hopefully, we can continue like this,” he said.

Success

Monday, January 2, 2017

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…

Miller: Celtic are beatable!

Hart not Liverpool’s target

Kenny Miller insists Rangers are good enough to beat Celtic this season, despite suffering their third derby defeat of the campaign. The Ibrox side pushed the runaway Ladbrokes Premiership leaders close during Saturday’s thrilling derby battle. Veteran striker Miller even put Mark Warburton’s team ahead after 13 minutes, but in the end Celtic’s quality told, with goals from Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair sealing a 2-1 win.

Turan leads football’s condolences to Istanbul

Hart

Turkey captain Arda Turan has led condolences from the world of football after Istanbul was hit by a terror attack on New Year’s Eve. At least 39 people were killed when a gunman opened fire on a nightclub in the Ortakoy region of the city. Istanbul was also affected by a bomb attack outside of Besiktas’ stadium in December, which killed 44 people. Arda posted on Twitter: “Yes, we are suffering, but we will come together, stand as one and we will not let terrorism prevail. My condolences to you, my Turkey.”

Hart´s wages too

high for Torino

Torino will not be able to sign England goalkeeper Joe Hart on a permanent basis, club president Urbano Cairo has confirmed. Hart is on a season-long loan with Torino from Manchester City after losing his place at the Etihad Stadium following the arrival of Pep Guardiola, who went on to sign Claudio Bravo from Barcelona. The Serie A club are enjoying having Hart at their disposal but say they cannot afford his wages for a full transfer, leaving the 29-year-old with an uncertain future beyond the 201617 campaign.

oe Hart is not a target for Liverpool in this transfer window or the next, according to sources. The 29-year-old has won two Premier League titles with Manchester City but lost his place as first-choice goalkeeper following

Giroud’s ‘scorpion

livier Giroud’s incredible scorpion kick set Arsenal on the way to a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace which moved them up to third in the Premier League on January 1, 2017. With a cross from Alexis Sanchez delivered behind him, Frenchman Giroud elastically reached the ball with his left foot, looping it over his head and in off the underside of the bar. Giroud’s ‘scorpion kick’ eclipsed a recent similar strike by Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan – not least because it was scored from an onside position, was probably even more acrobatic but also was the culmination of a thrilling, flowing move from Arsenal. An Alex Iwobi header gave Arsenal a scrappy second goal before Palace briefly rallied to force saves from home

good season and are on the heels of leaders Chelsea in the Premier League title race but their goalkeeping situation is in flux. German 23-year-old Loris Karius arrived in the summer but lost his place last month after a couple of high-profile errors and Simon

Mignolet has been back between the sticks for Liverpool’s last four Premier League fixtures. However, sources report that, despite the goalkeeper uncertainty, the Reds are not planning to try and land Hart at some point this year.

Mourinho hails

kick’ downs Palace Fellaini’s comeback

Rodriguez will stay at Real, says father

Rodriguez

the arrival of Pep Guardiola. Hart is on loan with Italian club Torino but reports have emerged suggesting he hopes to return to England in the summer and sees Liverpool as a possible landing ground. The Reds are enjoying a

laymaker James Rodriguez will stay at Real Madrid despite being linked with a move, according to his father. Rodriguez, struggling for game time at the La Liga leaders, is reportedly wanted by Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United. But his agent, Jorge Mendes, and now his dad Wilson have said Rodriguez will remain at Santiago Bernabeu. He has made just eight league appearances for Madrid this season, with four of those starts.

goalkeeper Petr Cech. The win moved Arsenal nine points behind leaders Chelsea, while Palace stay 17th, two points above the relegation zone. They visitors have won only once in 12 league games, with manager Sam Allardyce awaiting his first victory since taking over from Alan Pardew.

Giroud

ose Mourinho hinted that Marouane Fellaini did enough on a redemptive outing back in the Manchester United side to keep his place when they travel to West Ham today. Named in the XI to face Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve, Fellaini had not started a game for United since November 6 and had been admonished in that time for a disastrous substitute outing at Everton, where he conceded a late penalty. The Belgian was as tidy as typically physical against Boro - a game in which Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba struck in the final five minutes to snatch a 2-1 win. With Michael Carrick missing the Boro game due to illness, Mourinho specifically praised Fellaini, saying

that United fans who had booed him in recent weeks would change their tune. Also discussing the fitness of captain Wayne Rooney, Mourinho told reporters: “I hope Carrick will be fit at West Ham. I don’t know. Rooney has a little chance and Michael has a bigger chance, let’s see how he is. “But I’m really happy with Fellaini. I’m really happy with the way he played. “The connection with the fans, I think they realised how useful he is, they realised how much he is with the team.” Mourinho paired Eric Bailly with Chris Smalling in defence, despite Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo striking up a strong partnership of late and the Ivorian jetting off for Africa Cup of Nations duty ahead of the West Ham game.

Monday, January 2, 2017

EXTRATIME

Mbengue, Sow back for Senegal

AFCON 2017

enegal restored experienced defender Cheikh Mbengue and striker Moussa Sow to their 23-man squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon. The pair had missed November’s World Cup qualifier in South Africa but both return to participate at their third Nations Cup tournament. Henri Saviet of St Etienne was also recalled by Coach

Aliou Cisse for the three-week tournament where Senegal play in Group B against Algeria, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. The squad includes 12 players who competed at the last Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea, where Senegal failed to get past the first round despite being one of the pretournament favourites. Senegal open their campaign in Franceville on January 15 against Tunisia in Franceville.

Mbengue

Renard names ‘killer’ squad for AFCON M

orocco have named their provisional squad to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon which kicks off on January 14 according to Coach Herve Renard. The Atlas Lions who are in Group C at AFCON 2017 alongside DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo play their opening match on the 16th against the Leopards in what is expected to be a cracker. Morocco will embark on residential camp in the United Arab Emirates where they will play warm-up matches against Iran on January 6 and then Finland to gear up for AFCON. The two-time AFCON winning coach has kept faith with the bulk of players who

did duty during the AFCON 2017 qualifiers. The squad includes: Goalkeepers— Yassine Bounou (Girona, Spain), Yassine El Kharroubi (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria) and Munir Mohamedi (Numancia, Spain). Defenders are Amine Attouchi (Wydad Casablanca), Mehdi Benatia (Juventus, Italy), Fouad Chafik (Dijon, France), Manuel da Costa (Olympiakos, Greece), Nabil Dirar (Monaco, France), Hamza Mendyl (Lille, France), Mohamed Nahiri (FUS Rabat) and Romain Saïss (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England). Midfielders invited are Youssef Aït Bennasser (Nancy, France), Nordin Amrabat (Watford, England), Younes Belhanda (Nice, France), Sofiane Boufal (Southampton, England), Mbark

AFCON:

Mourinho angry over Bailly’s departure to Ivory Coast

Bailly

Renard

Boussoufa (Al Jazeera, United Arab Emirates), Mehdi Carcela (Grenada, Spain), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord Rotterdam, Netherlands), Fayçal Fajr (Deportivo Coruña, Spain), Ismail Haddad (Wydad Casablanca), Mourir Obbadi (Lille, France) and

Oussama Tannane (St Etienne, France). Finally forwards are Rachid Alioui (Nimes, France), Khalid Boutaib (Racing Strasbourg, France), Youssef El Arabi (Al Lekhwiya, Qatar) and Youssef Ennesyri (Malaga, Spain).

Medjani,Feghouli missing for Algeria C

arl Medjani and midfielder Sofiane Feghouli’s names were surprising omitted as Algeria named their 23-man squad on Saturday for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon. Algeria, among the pretournament favourites, left out Medjani, who has been a consistent choice since his debut in 2010. Feghouli also, had featured in just seven league games for his club West Ham United this season and had been subject of speculation over a move back to France. The choices by Coach George

Leekens came after just one match in charge for the veteran Belgian trainer, appointed only last month after Algeria’s poor start to the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign. He included uncapped 21year old Rennes defender Ramy Bensebaini in his squad who will warm-up with two friendlies against Mauritania next week before heading to the tournament. Algeria open their tournament against Zimbabwe in Franceville on Jan. 15 and also meet Tunisia and Senegal in Group B.

Medjani

anchester United boss Jose Mourinho voiced his frustration with Ivory Coast after they refused to delay Eric Bailly’s Africa Cup of Nations departure by 24 hours. Bailly featured in United’s starting XI in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough and Mourinho was hoping the defender would be available to take on West Ham on Monday as well. But Mourinho told the club’s website Ivory Coast’s Coach Michel Dussuyer was not willing to take the risk as they prepare to defend their African title. “Bailly is leaving - he goes to the national team,” said Mourinho. “He has to be with them today. We asked them for him to be on January 3, but they refused, so he cannot play against West Ham. “With these kind of decisions they are controlling every second, so for sure they are going to win the African Cup,” said Mourinho. But the United manager says the club should not be harmed in the short-term. “I know I lose Bailly for a month so I’m going to have Smalling, Rojo, Jones... three players for eight matches.” Bailly, 22, has had a mixed start to his United career, starting the season strongly before suffering a knee injury.

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Hughes takes credit for Moses’rise

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E Etebo

Arsenal, Leicester in hot chase for Etebo NFF appeals to Police

on late Uzama ANDREW EKEJIUBA

he Nigeria Football Federation has called on the Nigeria Police to intensify efforts to fish out the killers of former Nigeria youth international Douglas Uzama, who was killed in Benin City on Thursday, 29th December 2016. The Gombe United FC player was said to have been murdered in the capital of Edo State where he had gone to celebrate the yuletide with his family. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said at the weekend that the Federation was in deep grief over the manner of death of the former Golden Eaglet and Flying Eagle. “Only two months ago, we had a similar case of a player of Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan (Izu Joseph) who was murdered in cold blood in Rivers State. “We are really worried about this trend and we use this opportunity to call on the Police to hunt down and arrest the killers of Uzama, as well as intensify efforts in Uzama their search for the killers of Izu Joseph.”

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP TABLE Team

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PTS

25 22 23 18 10 2 2 -3 -5 -8 -10 -11 -10 -7 -5 -6 -18 -25 -23

43 40

36 27 26 24 24 23 22 22 21 20 18 16 14 13 12

nglish Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Leicester could go head-to-head for talented Super Eagles star, Oghenekaro Etebo during the January transfer window. The two Premier League clubs dispatched scouts to watch the 21-year-old Nigerian international in action for Portuguese side Feirense in their 1-1 draw with Porto in the Taça da Liga on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Etebo made global headlines at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) during the summer when he became the first player in 44 years to score four goals in an Olympic fixture in Nigeria’s thrilling 5-4 win over Japan. His rising stock also saw him claim African football’s Most Promising Talent award in 2015 in which he has the chance to defend this year. However his talent is not going unnoticed across Europe with British tabloid, The Sun reporting that AS Monaco and Serie A side Atalanta are also tracking his progress. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has dropped little hints over his plans during the transfer window but could be looking to build towards the future with an eye on Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid Dayotchanculle Upamecano. Etebo has scored once in 10 appearances for across all competitions for Feirense this season.

The Anambra Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Leadership by trial and error must AT4 be a thing of the past - Dr. Obidigbo

Pomp as monarch celebrates first Ofala 17 years after AT 3 Archbishop dedicates Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Philip Balepo, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ What a colourful ceremo-

Governor Obiano (middle) cutting the tape to commission the new ASUBEB building in Awka... recently. He is flanked by officials of ASUBEB...recently

Obiano, Ezeemo, Uba, others sue for peace Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏ

The

Anambra

T E A M

Prominent citizens of Anambra State including Governor Willie Obiano, Senator Andy Uba, and Chief Godwin Ezeemo have stressed the need for peace in various communities of the State to engender development. They spoke in Uga last Monday during the centenary celebration of the Obuofo 12 who were killed by the British colonial masters in 1916 for opposing their establishment of colonial administration in the community. Governor Obiano, who was represented at the occasion by the Head of Service, Mr. Harry Udu, said the Governor’s major thrust was peace and security because without it, there can be no meaningful development in the communities and the state in general. Lauding the return of peace in Uga community which resulted in the celebration of this year’s Obuofo

festival in grand style, the Head of Service said “the peace in Uga is what we need in every community. That is the effort of the Governor. Peace and security go together and the Governor has strived hard to ensure security of lives and property in the state”. He said Governor Obiano was part the peace that exists in Uga, assuring the people that their own of government amenities will not be denied them in Obiano’s administration. Udu also urged the people to support the young traditional ruler of the community, Eze Chidi Ezenwugo and the leadership of Uga Improvement Union. Senator Uba in his speech expressed satisfaction at the return of peace to the community and commended who brought the entire community together to celebrate the centenary of Obuofo festival. Stressing the need for unity, the Senator said if they came together

Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

they will perform wonders and expressed his appreciation for the selection as one of the awardees of the day. Chief Ezeemo, who is the leader of Progressives Peoples’ Alliance (PPA) in the state, said there were crises in many communities today because people who ought to say the truth have refused to do that. “Nobody will come here to rule you. It is you that will rule and build your community. You should imbibe think home philosophy. Bring your investment outside to your community. This place will change. Your representatives should organise town hall meeting to brief you how they are representing you. We must communicate with the people and it will be good for the community. Everybody has what he or she can do to move the town forward. No one person can rule forever,” said Ezeemo. The traditional ruler thanking the people for the return of peace in the community and honouring the occasion said that they were striving to develop Uga and everybody must come on board, saying that there should be no retracing of steps or slacking back.

In his speech, the PresidentGeneral of Uga, Chief James Umezuluora, who traced the history of Obuofo 12, said the centenary was to honour their heroism and sacrifice to Uga people. He said the occasion was also to celebrate Ugo people who have distinguished themselves in different spheres of lives as well as raise about N1.2 billion for projects in the community. Noting that Uga has prominent people in different human endeavours, Chief Umezuluora called on them to sustain the peace that has returned to the community and support in the development of the town. Other awrdees include the proprietor of Tansian University, Rev. Fr.(Monsignor Bosco Akam; the Uba brothers, Andy and Chris; Chief Godwin Ezeemo; Prof Theodora Akachi Ezeigbo, writer and literary critic; her sister, Prof. Stella Okunna, a former Commissioner and Chief of Staff under former Governor Peter Obi and a Professor of Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe Universty and their father, late Joshua Obinali-Adimora, who was the last District Officer (D.O) of Old Aguata province who received a post-humous award.

ny! What a colourful celebration!! And what a memorable day for all the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Bridge-Head Housing Estate, Onitsha, penultimate week as their new church building was dedicated to God. The ceremony, presided over by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke and over 31 priests, was so much soaked in the highly revered Catholic Church’s tradition of over 2,000 years. The church, which took eight years to complete, had its foundation stone laid on the 8th of July, 2008, three years after it was made a parish. The dedication became the combined and determined efforts of the happy parishioners who tasked themselves to erect one of the best spiritual structures for God in Onitsha. Hence, the Dedication Committee Chairman, Chief Okwudiri Otti, made it clear that “ours was a total communal effort and no one should lay claim to the success we attained today.” The highlights of the day came in series as the Catholic Church is always meticulous and methodic. First, the keys of the church were handed over to the Archbishop by the dedication chairman, who blessed and opened the main door to let all inside. The Archbishop made it clear that “the dedication of any church is the exclusive right of the Local Ordinary. And it must be done on a Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation with a very large number of the Ecclesia in attendance.” He explained further that the Church has what he called “the four (4) points of every dedication which are: “Prayers offered over the entire church; the anointing of the 12 pillars of the church after the altar was anointed with the chrism oil; the lighting of the pot of fire on the bare altar from where incense is taken and the altar, the pulpit, the holy tabernacle and the entire church is incensed; and “a new church, a new altar and a new people of God are born, as the people are re-dedicated also to God.”

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Cleric visits Onitsha prisons, fetes inmates Auto crash claims six in Anambra Philip Balepo Onitsha

ÏÏÏ The Catholic Archbishop of

Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, paid a visit to the Onitsha Prisons on Christmas day and held a mass for the inmates with some 12 other priests in attendance. He afterwards offered breakfast of rice (eight cooked bags with a cow) to the inmates. The Archbishop also provided some snacks like Indomie noodles, cabin biscuits, toiletries and a big Christmas cake and later presented the inmates a live cow for their New Year celebration. The highlight of the breakfast with the inmates was the turning of the sod for the building of the Skill Acquisition Centre by the Archdiocese for the training, moulding, formation and mentoring of the inmates as better persons by the time they leave the four walls of the prison. The centre, when completed, will have six departments offering courses for school certificate exams students, skills in computer, carpentry, tailoring among

others. It will be solar powered as an alternative to electricity. The Archbishop promised that it will be commissioned by the Christmas of 2017, if there are no hindrances from the government’s end. In his homily, the spiritual head of the Catholic Church in the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, implored the inmates “to emulate Christ, who is the Prince of Peace,” adding: “We should aspire to be peaceful with ourselves; we should live for peace and die for peace.” He commended the Comptroller of the prison, Alexander Odita, who has “shown so much cooperation with the Catholic Church and keyed into our vision and mission; promoted and really followed that, thereby adding value to the life inside the school.” It is on record that His Grace, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, visits the prisons three times annually: every Easter, every October 20th being his birthday and every Christmas day. On each occasion, he holds an early morning Holy Mass, breakfast and some other

corporal works of mercy. He has been doing this since the past five years. Anambra Times sought the views of the Comptroller on why out of the 729 inmates - 30 females and 699 males with only 81 convicted - 77 males and four females; while the number awaiting trials stood at 646. Odita said: “We lack the authority to determine the swiftness of the cases of the inmates. Rather, we are more concerned with their welfare.” But he advocated that the policy should be that “lesser fines should be applied to some offences that would reduce bringing every Dick and Harry to the prison once they leave the Police desk. Again, hardships of the present day economy contribute to frequent crime, hence the growth of the prison population.” Odita however commended the likes of Mrs. Anthonia Tabansi, “who has made it a point of duty to handle cases for inmates freely and often pays fines for them. I highly pray that some of the lawyers should emulate her,” he added.

ÏÏÏ

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said no fewer than six people lost their lives in road crashes in Anambra in the last seven days. The FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Ajayi, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday. Ajayi, who said that the deaths were unfortunate, described the 2016 patrol as successful. “The patrol during the peak of Christmas was successful but for the ghastly crash at Abba junction of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway where a family of five perished and another involving one person. “However, I must say the traffic was safer this time when you place it side-by-side with that of last year. “It has shown that it is possible to have heavy traffic without hazards of crash and insanity on the roads, ” he said. Ajayi commended stakeholders, including Special Marshals,

for the free flow of traffic on both the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the River Niger Bridge, adding that motorists had stress-free drive. He said the command would not lower its guards as it had already braced up for the post-Christmas and New Year traffic. The sector commander urged motorists to cooperate with traffic personnel to enable the commission achieve its target of hitchfree roads. “Accidents are avoidable. That is why we harp on lane discipline, obedience to simple traffic rules and cooperation with those whose duty it is to control traffic. “We are assuring the motoring public of continued visibility on the road, especially the head bridge, adequate equipment have been mobilised to ensure that broken down vehicles are quickly evacuated to avoid gridlock. “I thank every stakeholder that made the Christmas patrol a success because the FRSC cannot do it alone without their cooperation.”

ABSG donates land for FG’s automotive industrial park

ÏÏÏ The Anambra State Govern-

Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke (middle); Rev. Fr. Innocent Egbunike, Parish Priest, (left) and the pioneer Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okoye, during the dedication of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Bridge-Head Housing Estate, Onitsha...recently .

Menakaya, others shower encomiums on Obiano ÏÏÏ

Former Minister of Health, Dr. Tim Menakaya, has commended the Anambra State government for selecting and assembling indigenes of the state of great repute for the Anambra @ 25 Award ceremony. Menakaya, who spoke to the press at the award ceremony held at the governor’s lodge Amawbia recently, stressed that as the light of the nation, the Anambra State has achieved a lot under the administration of Governor Willie Obiano.

On his part, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman for Ayamelum Local Government Area, Chief Livinus Onyenwe, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Willie Obiano’s administration for achieving a lot so far in office, and asked the people of Anyamelum to give him their maximum support in the 2017 governorship election. Contributing, the traditional ruler of Umueje, Igwe Dr. Elias Nneli, who bagged the award of the icon of tradition and service to humanity from

the state government, commended the state government for recognising his effort and pledged his unflinching commitment and dedication in the cause of developing Anambra State. In his message to the people of the state, a former chancellor of the Awka Catholic Diocese, Very Reverend Monsignor Prof. John Paul Nzomiwu, urged Christians to strive to redeem themselves through repenting of their sins and redeeming others too by bringing the message of salvation and giving them joy.

ment has donated 80 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the construction of an automotive industrial park in the state. Governor. Willie Obiano handed over the Certificate of Occupancy to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah, at the site in Unubi on Thursday. The land was donated by three communities–Akwaihedi and Unubi in Nnewi South Local Government Area and Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of the state. Obiano said that the land was half of what was requested by the Federal Government from the state for the automotive industrial park. “I commend the three communities for accepting to donate this land we are presenting today, which is half of what the Federal Government requested. “We believe that when we begin to see the benefits, we will donate more. “Anambra has the least land mass in the country and erosion is further depleting our land; so we do not have land to give to anyone for free. “But we have seen that this government wants effective partnership with states; that is why we are donating this,” he said. According to him, the Certifi-

cate of Occupancy had a caveat, stating that the land must be developed within 18 months. The minister, in his remarks, thanked the people of the state for their hospitality and resolve to give out the land. He also gave assurance that work would start on the land, assuring that the benefits of the park in terms of development and employment would be derived. The minister stressed that the Federal Government was passionate about partnership with states. “From childhood, I have always known Anambra people to be very industrious; you cannot talk about industrialisation in Nigeria without talking about the state, particularly Nnewi. “When I was called upon to serve, I told myself that we must industrialise Nigeria and Anambra is the right place to start achieving that. “This partnership being entered into will boost infrastructure in Anambra and also provide employment opportunities,” he said. The minister said that the park, when fully functional, would attract investors to the state. The event was attended by Mr Aminu Jalau, the Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council and traditional rulers of some communities in the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

The Anambra Times 3

Pomp as monarch celebrates first Ofala 17 years after Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏ Ofala festival in Igbo land

is a period of celebration. It is a time the traditional ruler of a people celebrate with the people or the subjects for the bountiful harvest, life, good health and the general wellbeing of the members of the community and faithfulness of God on them during the year. It is a time the king presents himself to his people to catch a glimpse of him for those of them who rarely or have not seen him in the course of the year, Ofala will avail them the opportunity to see him. The traditional ruler uses the opportunity of Ofala festival to honour those who have in one way or the other contributed to the development of the community. Ideally, Ofala festival holds every year during the dry season to allow wider participation of the people but due to unforeseen reason(s), it may not hold in a particular year or several years depending on the community. And this was the case of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Bernard Uyaemanam Udeze Ezeokafor, the Otoko n’Oboko, EzeEzu 1 of Ikem –Ivite Nando in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State, who could not conduct his Ofala festival for 17 years. But the traditional ruler broke the jinx last December 28, 2016, when he celebrated his first Ofala festival in which he gave an award to several people in the community and beyond for distinguishing themselves in the development of the town. The Ofala festival no doubt elated the indigenes of the community who have not seen such fanfare and large gathering of people in their community in the past years. The ofala was a carnival and spectacular to behold with different masquerades, musical and dancing groups as well as Nollywood actors and actresses, who attracted the attention of the local communities. For the typical local villagers especially the children, the youth and the women, it

was a period of sight-seeing, joy and coming face to face with the culture and tradition of their forebears. An Okada rider and indigene of the community, Mr. Nicholas Okchukwu, who conveyed this reporter to the venue of the event, expressed his elation when he said the event was the best thing that has ever happened to IkemIvite Nando since he became an adult. He was full of eulogy for their traditional ruler for having made them proud by celebrating the ofala festival in spite of the challenges that would have aborted it, saying that with the celebration, he has opened the community to a lot of people, which he was sure will usher in development to their community. In his speech, Igwe Ezeokafor, lauded Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State for the giant strides he was making in the state in the area of crime, agriculture, payment of workers’ salary as and when due and other projects in all parts of the state. He particularly commended the Governor for the construction of Awkuzu Express-Abube-Agu-NkwoNando, which its bridge has been awarded. The traditional ruler therefore requested for the construction of the remaining stretch from Nkwo to IkemIvite Nando which terminates at Aguleri-Anaku road. Igwe Ezeokafor declared his support for Governor Obiano’s second term ambition, pledging that the people of his community will vote him massively when the time comes to continue his good works. One of the awardees, Chief Victor Ikechukwu Anigbata, a former governorship candidate of the defunct National Democratic Party (NDP), who was conferred with chieftaincy title of Ebubedike for his contribution to the development of the community, was full of encomium for the traditional ruler and his council in chiefs for the recognition accorded him. He said it was the recognition for those things that he brought to the community

“I challenge our people to come forward and help their community in any way they can. Anybody can help by doing something. No effort is too small

Igwe Ezeokafor when he was the PresidentGeneral of Nando such as electricity, saying that he had always helped people within his capacity in area of educational endowment, poverty alleviation and other forms of philanthropy. Anigbata said his political ambition has not gone into oblivion but sometimes after one’s attempts, one withdraws to assess the situation, one‘s strengths and weaknesses, how to amend and improve one’s chances if one storms the scene again. He said that since his brother, Governor Willie Obiano from Omambala part of the state is the Governor, he has decided to lie low until after his tenure, stating “if it is God and people’s will that I will be governor, I will surely be governor. I am being quiet because my brother is the Governor. This is not the time for all of us to be aspiring to be Governor again. We should support him fully to do well”. He commended the Igwe for honouring him in this first Ofala festival after 17 years on the throne and wished him many years of reign, describing the traditional ruler as “a good and hardworking man” who is desirous to give his people development. Dr. Agustine Okigbo, who

was also given chieftaincy title of Nwachinemelu 1 of Ikem Ivite Nando, expressed happiness that his effort and that of others to develop the community have been recognised and rewarded. He said he has been a major contributor to ensuring that there was security in the town as well as helping the youths of the community when he was in charge of Chief GUO Okeke football club, through which many of them travelled abroad for greener pasture in professional football. He noted that Ikem Ivite Nando like any other community has its own problems, reechoing the fact that road

was their major challenge followed by security challenges which they have been gradually addressing. He said: “I challenge our people to come forward and help their community in any way they can. Anybody can help by doing something. No effort is too small. Charity, they said, begins at home. I sent 20 people from my community abroad through GUO football club. I have helped in paying for GCE and NECO for about another 20. Some of them are graduates today. I played role in resolving the crisis in the community”. Summing it up, the Palace Secretary, Chief John Iwunoh, explained the delay in organising the Ofala festival, saying it was not something you do in a hurry and pleaded that now that Igwe has celebrated his first Ofala festival everybody in the community should rally round him, since he was doing well.

Obiano committed to improving living conditions of citizenry -ASWAMA boss ÏÏÏ The Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Barrister Phil Chinwuba, has restated the determination of Governor Willie Obiano to improve the living conditions of the citizenry. Chinwuba stated this while speaking to the press in his office at the Government House Awka, the state capital. He said that the Governor has provided insurance for ASWAMA staff and noted that the insurance policy would be of great

help to the workers because they are prone to accidents because of the nature of their job. Chinwuba commended Governor Obiano for the kind gesture, adding that it would encourage the staff to discharge their duties with more commitment especially now they know that the present administration recognized the hazards of their profession. The ASWAMA boss reassured the commitment of the agency towards sustaining the efforts of the governor in maintaining clean and healthy environment.

The Anambra Times 4 Dr. Chike Obidigbo is a foremost industrialist in Anambra State, with his industries spanning over Enugu and Ebonyi states. A former governorship aspirant in 2014 governorship election in Anambra State on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which he along with other aspirants lost to Governor Willie Obiano, Obidigbo has again renewed his interest in the number one position in the state but this time on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). Recently he spoke with newsmen in his home town, Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State of his vision for new Anambra State and how to achieve it. Our Correspondent, ALPHONSUS NWEZE, was there and brings excerpts: What is your agenda for again aspiring to govern Anambra State? My agenda is to bring the wind of positive change with just society in Anambra State and that is why I am urging all to work together to make Anambra state great again. The change that will bring different political groupings that work against each other in Anambra State to an end. A time when there should be no APGA Anambra or PDP Anambra or APC Anambra. There should be only one enterprising - Anambra working for the growth of people of Anambra State. We need leaders that work for people of Anambra State not leaders that work against people of Anambra State but work for few in their political grouping. The time has come for all Anambra State people to think and act for Anambra State first before any interest group. The time has come for the people of Anambra to take their government back. A wind of positive change is gathering in Anambra State to unshackle Anambra State from the grip of the unscrupulous politicians, exploitative groupings and individuals planted into the state that have plundered and hampered the growth of Anambra State and brought the people of Anambra down to their knees. A wind of positive change for better society with all hands working together in Anambra State. A wind of positive change where every single person from Anambra State will take back their government. A positive change, where the people of Anambra are saying

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Interview

Leadership by trial and error must be a thing of the past - Dr. Obidigbo that enough is enough. What are those specific things you want to achieve in Anambra State as a Governor? At a time when our country is going through economic readjustment with pains to our people, it is time for us to rethink how Anambra State can come out of this worldwide economic downturn to a more enterprising state in the country. At such a time, it is natural and right that we all should pause to take stock of our position, to look back at what we have achieved and to look forward to what lies ahead us as a state. It is heart-breaking that our people are bleeding into poverty. It is dreadful that majority of normal Anambra people are not able to feed themselves or send their children to school in a state with great human capital and abundance of enterprising spirit. It is unforgivable that our people that are working day and night cannot make ends meet. Our people are hurting and we cannot go on this way. Yes, in the last 20 years, we have on a few occasion been lucky to get very few past leaders in the state that have made commendable contributions to the development of the state. However, in the same last 20 years of the statehood of the people of Anambra, we have failed to build a strong and independent economy founded upon a healthy enterprise, agriculture, education, thriving and resilient industries. We have so much depended on the handout from the Federal Government; this is not the people we are. Leadership by trial and error must be a thing of the past for Anambra State. We want people in Anambra State who will be honest about the choices and the challenges we face as a state; a leader that will listen to our people and learn from our people. We want a leader that even when we disagree, they won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to know. We need a leadership that will put Anambra State people above all other things. The leadership that recognises our young people are bleeding and bleeding to death through the burden of unemployment. We the people of Anambra State, we need to say that the time has come to move beyond the government of un-productivity, bitterness, pettiness and anger

Dr. Chike Obidigbo

All we need are leaders that understand the world of creativity, industry and have demonstrated the capacity to develop enterprises from nothing to something, from zero employment to maximum employment. We need leaders that know how to create employment for the youths of our great state of Anambra that have consumed our state at this moment in time. We are one people. And our time for positive change has indeed come. We the people of Anambra State should be ready to redeem our state from the brink of economic disaster that is facing us. Let Anambra State be Anambra State again. Let us work together for Anambra to be the positive dream it used to be. We need to work together to make Anambra the pioneer on the plain of economic growth. Let us work together to unleash the full energy of creativity of Anambra people. We need to work together to position Anambra State to be the positive dream that dreamers dreamed. Let us work together to transform Anambra into the state where unscrupulous, unprepared and low energy leaders can never connive nor corrupt leaders and their followers’ scheme. It is so vital that we work in partnership to make Anambra the land of opportunities, where opportunities are

real and people are empowered to grow our natural talents of entrepreneurship. Let us work together to ensure that little boys or girls in our villages, towns and cities can dream that one day they can also become successful industrialists like Chief Innocent Chukwuma, the CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd; Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President and CEO of Coscharis Group and other successful industrialists and entrepreneurs in Anambra and indeed in Nigeria. I want to say that we have the capacity to transform Anambra State to become the land of modern technology. We have the talent and the capacity to make Anambra State the silicon valley of Nigeria. We have people to develop our infrastructure without waiting for handout from the Federal Government. All we need are leaders that understand the world of creativity, industry and have demonstrated the capacity to develop enterprises from nothing to something, from zero employment to maximum employment. We need leaders that know how to create employment for the youths of our great state of Anambra. Let us work together to make Anambra the employment powerhouse of Nigeria. I urge our people to work together to make Anambra again. Which of the political party platform do you want to contest the 2017 Governorship election? I want to make special request. I presented myself to serve the state. I am not the normal politician. If given the opportunity, I

will provide change for the people of Anambra State. I am an industrialist. I have created jobs. People should look at me as a provider of Jobs. With instrument of power, I can create more jobs. It is not difficult but need supreme knowledge. The Pringles we buy from shops all over the world is made from patoto in United States of America. We can make our own yam Pringles but government should come in. There was a time we had Cocoa plantation, palm plantation, rubber plantation, and ground nut pyramid. I have what it takes to do these things. The power I want is not the power for selfish interest, for money. It is based on conviction that l can offer something but I need media. In 1946, 18 men met in USA and they are media people and Jews and took decision to have their own home land. In 1948, the Jews had their own homeland. The media is possible because they started propagating. The economic energy, muscle of Ndigbo are outside Igbolannd. Any governments that want to succeed must bring than back. I urge you to see what I am seeing, consider what I am considering. What I am saying is that our children are suffering. Those who want to do something most rise up and do something. Are sure APC will give you ticket given the experience of some people in the past? I have volunteered to serve the people of Anambra State and I want to contest in the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). I have offered myself to the people of the State. When we were engaged in the struggle in the last dispensation, I was in APGA, but I have resigned and taken the membership of APC. At my level, you know I can’t rush decisions. Some people who claimed APGA are not APGA. As a leader, you also don’t allow people to take decision for you. If APC gives those who suffered with them ticket, that is sound way of compensating consistency. But in an election especially presidential and governorship, there is second position. I think they have learnt their lessons. What they need is who will win the election for them. They have greater percentage of chances if they field me, they stand a good chance. If they don’t field, I am not a desperate politician; I will go back to my business.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

23,512 skilled workers get NDE certification in 2016 Page B2

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector saw a revenue fall of 5 percent between 2013 and 2014, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) latest report has revealed. The total revenue flow for the sector fell from $58.07 to $55.5 billion between 2013 and 2014, a decline of about 5%. However, the solid minerals sector in 2014 saw a boost, as it showed a marked improvement over the previous year(2013), with a 48% rise from the N37.676 billion of 2013 to N55.8 billion in 2014. The report also said that Nigeria earned $55.5 billion from the oil and gas sector and N55.82 billion from the solid minerals sector in 2014. A total of $4.7 billion and N318.2 billion that should have been remitted into the Federation Account were not remitted by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, and its umbrella company, NNPC. At the close of the 2014 audits, NPDC had not paid the outstanding $1.7 billion for the eight OMLs under the Shell JV divested to it by NNPC. NPDC had also not paid for the four OMLs under the NAOC JV divested to it by NNPC. Those four assets were recently valued by DPR at $2.25 billion; NPDC had sought clarification for the basis of the valuation. Losses from the crude-for-product swap and Offshore Processing Arrangements (OPA) were put at $198.7 million in 2014.

Government should provide enabling environment for airlines – Bankole

Improve ICT, experts tell government Page B7

Page B8

Oil & gas records 5% revenue loss between 2013-2014 - NEITI The report also said forty-one (41) oil and gas companies and 16 government agencies were audited for the 2014 Oil and Gas Audit year. These companies made material payments of $5 million and above to the federation in 2014 and the government agencies that received funds on behalf of the fed-

eration. 109 producing assets were active in the year, comprising: 59 Joint Venture (JV) licenses; 26 Sole Risk and Marginal Field Operating (SRMF) licenses; 23 Production Sharing Contract (PSC) licenses; and one Service Contract (SC) license.

The 2014 oil and gas audit also revealed the following: 22 billion litres of petroleum products were imported as against the 20 billion litres imported in 2013, with 950 million litres of the products locally produced in 2014 as against the 2.6 billion litres locally produced in 2013; N1.2 trillion was

L – R: Wale Akinrinde, Group Head, Propositions and Products, Sterling Bank Plc;, Asisat Oshoala, Arsenal Ladies striker and Henry Bassey, Chief Sterling Bank Plc during a courtesy visit by Oshoala to Sterling Bank … recently.

Industrial Goods, Oil/Gas, insurance post highest negative returns in 2016

Bonny Amadi

Against expectations that negative returns by the industrial sector, oil and gas

BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

processed as subsidy claims in 2014 as against the N1.3 trillion processed for subsidy in 2013; and N426.6 billion was distributed in 2014 under the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SUREP), same as the SURE-P figure for 2013.

Ï ƈ ƍƄƃ ƍƕ Ɔ Ƅ Ǝ ƍƄƎƏƍ

and the insurance companies would abate by the end of the year, the reverse was the case as the three sectors offered investors the highest negative returns on investments for the 2016 financial year. The industrial goods sector closed the 2016 trading year with the highest negative returns on invest-

ments, at -26.37 per cent. The sector had opened trading for the last week of the year at 1,597.67 and closed at 1,595.33 on Friday December 30th, 2016. On the whole sector recorded negative returns through the measuring indices as it closed a one year investment period at .-26.37 per cent. Industrial goods also

recorded -13.03 over a six months investment period while -0.15 was recorded for a one month business period. The NSE oil and gas index during the period fell by -12.31 per cent over a one year trading period. The oil and gas measuring index opened the last trading week for the year at CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

PTAD affirms zero tolerance for fraud The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has vowed to ensure zero tolerance for corruption in the handling of pensioners funds. PTAD Executive Secretary Sharon Ikeazor made this known on Saturday in Abuja during an interview with newsmen. Ikeazor said that PTAD would strive to sustain its professionalism, integrity, honesty zero tolerance for fraud and

ensure transparency and accountability. She said that the agency had set up anti-corruption transparency unit in collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to ensure that there was no room for corruption in PTAD. “There should be no room for corruption in PTAD. That is why I set up anti-corruption transparency unit in collaboCONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

23,512 skilled workers get NDEPTAD affirms zero tolerance for fraud certification in 2016

Joy Ekeke

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) trained 23,512 skilled workers in various vocational schemes in 2016, despite low funding. Acting Director-General, Olakunle Obanya, told newsmen that although the number represented a slight improvement over the 2015 figure, it was, however, a far cry from the number of persons trained by the agency in 2013 and 2014. He said due to poor budgetary releases, the Directorate was unable to implement some of the critical job creation initiatives it planned for 2016, such as the registration of the unemployed and the rice production project through cooperative societies in the six geopolitical zones. He said out of the N1.8 billion capital allocation to the NDE in 2016, only N154.058million was released, leaving a balance of N1.7 billion thereby affecting the ability of the Directorate to deliver maximally to the nation. While expressing optimism that 2017 will be better for the Directorate, Obanya said already, it has secured a collaboration with the Michigan State University in the US, to train about 10,000 graduates with sponsorship from MasterCard. He said this year, NDE intends to engage 720,000 unemployed youths in agriculture by keying into the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrow-

ers scheme for which about 72,000 cooperatives have been registered, while another 7,770 young graduates would be trained to function as Smart Farmers agents nationwide. Obanya said as part of government’s efforts at diversifying the economy, using non-oil initiatives, the NDE will empower graduates and non-graduates with skills that will enable them to add value to mining operations. Activities in mining, he said, will include training artisans in the iden-

tification, cutting and polishing of gemstones in order to increase their value, while graduates would be trained to identify and organize sales outlets for finished products. He said as part of its efforts to enhance effective skills delivery at its various skill centres, 68 of them will be rehabilitated this year, while the complete refurbishment and retooling of 18 mobile training workshops and 111 mobile training caravans will be carried out too.

The Nigerian capital market and the nation’s economy have been positioned to record more long-term debt instrument to further boost the economy and infrastructural developments. Experts explained to Daily Times that it is expected that in 2017, the federal government would exploit the opportunities in

Nwankwo

ration with ICPC,’’ she said. She said that the work of the unit was to address any fraudulent practices with pensioners’ funds. “Some fraudsters usually come up as pensioners and we find out they don’t work in isolation. They must have inside information to know whose pension is being processed. “Once the pensioners have been able to identify the person, we hand the person over to ICPC and ICPC will investigate before handing over the person to EFCC for prosecution,“ she said. According to her, pensioners covered under the Defined Benefit Scheme are Civil Service Pensions Department, Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Police Pensions and Parastatals Pension S-Department. Ikeazor listed key stakeholders that PTAD had been work-

ing with to include National Pension Commission, Budget Office of the Federation, and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. Others are the Nigerian Union of Pensions (NUP) and their sector unions, Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON) and National Association of Retired Para-Military (NARPO). The executive secretary said that the organization had been training its staff to handle elders with dignity, empathy, and compassion. According to her, before assuming duty, contacts of staff with the pensioners did not measure up to her expectations. “I feel they must have empathy when dealing with our pensioners. Besides empathy, you must treat them with a certain level of dignity; the highest level of dignity and to have patience with them.

Industrial Goods, Oil/Gas, insurance post highest negative returns in 2016 CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 Minister of Labour and Employement, Chris Ngige

Sovereign, other debt instruments to soar in 2017 Bonny Amadi

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

the capital market to raise funds for infrastructural development. Principal partner, Matog Consulting, Mr. Matthew Ogagavworia, told Daily Times that based on reduced earnings from the equities market, more investors would begin to trade on debt instruments, adding that the market is fertile for the federal government to raise developmental funds. The Debt Management Office (DMO) publication on yield and closing price as at December 28th 2016 showed that the three dollardenominated Eurobonds with 2018, 2021 and 2023 maturity dates reflects impressive yields and commanding rates. The Nigerian Eurobonds include 5.125% US$500M JUL 2018 which on December 28th, 2016 commanded 3.658 per cent yield from 5.375 per cent yield at issue was traded for $102.167. Also, Eurobond 6.75% US$500M JAN 2021 opened trade on Thursday, December 29th, 2016 closed

trade at $101.458 closed at 6.337 per cent yield from 7.000 per cent yield on the issue. While Eurobond 6.375% US$500M JUL 2023 opened trade December 29th, 2016 at $97.051 at a higher yield of 6.944 per cent, from 6.625 per cent yield on the day of issue. Nigeria’s domestic debt stock by instruments as at June 30, 2016, showed a total value of N10,606,334,215,592.50, excluding FGN bonds in the sum of N680.42bn issued to restructure states’ commercial debt. The N10.61 trillion domestic debt stock is made up N7, 473,539,169,592.51 70.46 Federal government bond representing 70 per cent. Nigerian Treasury Bills N2,901,807,046,000.00, accounting for 27.36 per cent, while Treasury Bonds of N230,988,000,000.00, accounted for 2.18 per cent of the total Nigeria domestic debt stock.

317.35 and closed the week lower at 312.68. Negative trends characterized the trends, -4.67 recorded in the last week of the year, -1.47 posted in a month’s trading period (mtd0 while -6.31 was also recorded over six months trading period, Some of the oil and gas stocks quoted on the floor of the NSE are Japaul Oil and Maritime Services, Oando, Conoil, Eterna Oil, Forte Oil, Mobil Oil Nigeria, MRS Oil Nigeria, Total Nigeria and Seplat Petroleum Development Company, among others.

The Insurance sector placed third in negative returns for the 2016 financial year ended December 31st, 2016 with -11.44 per cent returns on investment for the year. The sector opened the last trading week of the year at 122.95 and closed higher at 126.29 on Friday, December 31st, 2016. Mixed performances trailed the sector through the year posting -2.54 over a six months period and positive returns over the quarter and months period at 1.90 per cent and 2.72 per cent respectively (qtd and mtd).

New MD for Chevron Nigeria Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and CNL, has announced the appointment of Jeffrey “Jeff ” Ewing to the position of Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron companies in Nigeria. The appointment took effect yesterday. Jeff Ewing succeeds Clay Neff, who has been named president of Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production (CALAEP), with effect from January 1, 2017. Jeff, who is currently the Director, Deepwater & Production Sharing Contracts

(PSCs) for the Nigeria Mid-Africa Business Unit, will be responsible for Chevron’s upstream operations in Nigeria and West Africa in his new position. Jeff joined Chevron in 1985 as a Drilling Representative in New Orleans after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. Since then, Jeff has held numerous technical and management positions of increasing responsibility in different locations; including Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Kuwait, Scotland, the United States of America, Venezuela and Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

B3 Money Market

Bright outlook for economy, banking industry Stories by Motolani Oseni As economies across the world continue to strategize on how to enhance their policies and strengthen their financial institutions, Nigeria fiscal and monetary authorities are also not left out. They remain optimistic that the largest economy in Africa would have a better economic year in 2017. 2016 was regarded by many as a tough calendar year, for not only the banking sector but the Nigerian economy as a whole. In fact, the sharp lower oil prices have unfavourable effects on the growth of the banking sector, as the sector recorded high NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) in 2016, with some banks violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) average NPL requirement of five percent in December 2015 to above 11 percent as at

third quarter (Q3) of 2016. Analysts at both Standard Chartered Bank and Moody’s have predicted a bright economic outlook for 2017 as they predicted that Nigeria’s economy would recover from its current recession and record growth in 2017, despite the challenges posed by weaker oil earnings and foreign exchange. The two experts, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Global Research, Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, and senior analytical adviser at Moody’s, Aurelien Mali, noted so in an advisory note and in an interview with Reuters respectively. While Khan predicted a 2.8 percent growth, Mali predicted 2.5 percent expansion provided the country can achieve 2.2 million barrels per day production. Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is in its worst economic crisis in 25

years, which was caused by low oil prices that have eroded both government reserves and spending, and the shortage of foreign exchange in the system. According to Khan, “Growth in the non-oil sector, which accounts for 92 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),

Adeola

ting her on board was very apt because she believes strongly in what we are doing and what we stand for.” “STEM is an initiative which started eight years ago and essentially covers all the programmes which Sterling Bank runs geared towards caring for our environment. So far, about half a billion naira has been invested in this initiative. When STEM started, the primary focus was the kitting of highway manag-

dollars that should come, we expect that Nigeria would be able to accelerate the implementation and acceleration of the budget, we expect that (growth) could reach 2.5 percent in 2017.” he said. Also, the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Professor Segun Ajibola, said that the federal government must show a strong commitment to the diversification of the Nigerian economy from oil, in order to leapfrog from the current economic crisis in 2017 and beyond. According to him, there is the need for government at all levels to review other countries’ experience who had been in a similar situation and learn from their them. Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) 2017 Budget proposal was presented to the joint sitting of the

National Assembly on December 14, 2016, by President Muhammadu Buhari, tagged “the Budget of Recovery and Growth.” In his speech, the president said that the Federal Government’s priorities in 2017 will be a continuation of the 2016 plans but adjusted to reflect new additions made in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. “The Full Year 2017 budget will continue the diversification of the economy from reliance on oil on one hand and also serve to pull the country out of recession. The FGN is estimated to spend N7.298 trillion as against projected revenue of N4.94 trillion with the deficit of N2.36 trillion to be financed through external and internal borrowings.” Therefore, in order to restore growth, a key

Ajibola

Environmental sustainability : Sterling Bank spends N500m The Managing Director and Chief Executive of Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, has said that that the lender has committed over N500 million to various activities under its Sterling Environmental Make-Over (STEM) social responsibility initiative in the last five years. These activities include a partnership with agencies responsible for waste management in 14 states of the country, tree planting, and the national cleaning exercise. The Sterling Bank boss who disclosed this in Lagos at the weekend also explained that the Bank decided to collaborate with celebrities to connect with their audiences. ‘Many of them have become inspirational figures to a lot of people. He noted that the partnership with Funke AkindeleBello at the Oyingbo cleaning exercise was informed by her unique character and passion for promoting cleanliness and a sustainable environment as she has impacted several lives. “Get-

was finally positive (but only just, with ‘growth’ of 0.03 percent year on year (y/y), following two consecutive y/y contractions in first quarter (Q1) and second quarter (Q2). On his part, Mali explained that “With the resumption of oil production and the

ers and sweepers in the employment of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) “Asides Lagos, we have extended this partnership to 14 other states in the country. We give 25,000 units of the uniforms to LAWMA on a yearly basis. This has been beneficial to sweepers, as the reflective uniforms are seen from a distance by motorists and give a sense of identity to the sweepers and highway managers,” he noted.

Dealers anticipate stable interbank lending rate Following the official closure of the money and foreign exchange markets for the celebration of the New Year, dealers say they anticipate interbank lending rates to remain stable when the markets open for the first week in 2017. In the just concluded week, 206-day treasury bills worth N93.18 billion matured in the secondary market. In line with dealers’ expectations, interbank rates decreased across all tenor buckets amid liquidity ease –Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for overnight funds, 1month, 3months and 6 months funds decreased week on week (w-o-w) to 10.04 percent (from 23.23%), 17.72 percent (from 18.74%), 18.56 percent (from 19.95%) and 22.21percent (from 23.37%) respectively. Meanwhile, Nigerian Interbank Treasury Bills True Yields (NITTY) moved in mixed directions – yields on1month and 12months maturities rose to 15.64 percent (from15.45%) and 22.67 percent (from21.79%) respectively.

However, the yields on 3 months and 6 months maturities fell to16.64% (from18.75%) and 19.65 percent (from19.75%) respectively. “This week, treasury bills worth N125.845 billion will mature via the primary market. They include 91-day bills worth N28 billion, 182-day bills worth N42 billion and 364day bills worth N55.845 billion, making dealers at Cowry Assets Management to anticipate stable interbank lending rates. The foreign exchange market in the just concluded week had the Naira depreciating against the dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market by 0.12 percent to N315.00/ USD. Elsewhere, the Naira appreciated at both the Bureau De Change and parallel market segments by 1.23 percent and 1.01percent to N482/USD and N490/ USD respectively amid the persistent scarcity of the greenback. According to foreign exchange traders, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

sold USD1billion to clear a backlog of USD obligations in some specific sectors amongst which include airlines, fuel importers, and manufacturing firms. Dealers from Cowry Assets Management said the sales may have had an impact that led to the further appreciation of the Naira against the USD. Meanwhile, the weekly movements in most dated forward contracts at the interbank over-the-counter (OTC) segment implied marginal stability of the Naira relative to the US dollar amid an increase in the foreign exchange reserves – external reserves increased week-on-week by 1.86% to USD25.72 billion as at Wednesday, 28 December 2016. The spot rate, 1month, 3months, 6months and 12 months forward contracts were stable at N305.25, N320.18/USD, N330.537/USD, N346.07/USD and N378/USD respectively. There was a USD7.5million intervention sales by CBN to banks during the week.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Market Recap for the year The overall value of the market represented by the market capitalization shrunk by N605 billion from N9.851 trillion it closed in 2015 to the N9.246 trillion as the closing figure for 2016. The NSE’s flagship index, the ASI declined by 6.17 percent to close at 26,874.62 in 2016, in contrast to a decline of 17.4 percent in 2015 when it closed at 28,642 points. The declining performance was however due to a combined prevalence of political uncertainty, currency volatility, uncertainty in global crude oil prices, unrest in oil producing communities, and other macroeconomic challenges leading the nation to an economic recess. A review of sector performance for the year indicated that the NSE Industrial Goods Index was worst hit in 2016 plunging 26.37 percent. This was followed by the NSE Oil and Gas Index that dropped 12.31

percent and the Insurance Index that fell 11.44 percent, while the main board dropped 10.02 percent The Premium Index and Banking index were the year’s gainers, following an uptick of 6.98 percent and 2.17 percent respectively, showing that market indices worsened at a slower pace than previous year. Analysts have however argued that a successful implementation of the nation’s 2017 budget could turn the fortunes of the capital market for the better, especially for investment portfolios that align with the Federal Government’s Capital Expenditure plans. “The NSE’s ability to continue to provide a credible platform for financing the economy as well as the achievement of key objectives formerly outlined at the start of the 2016 year, including the demutualisation of the Exchange, will further boost investor confidence.”

SEC, CBN outline guidelines for securities settlement The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria have introduced guidelines on securities settlements in Nigeria. According to the regulators, the guidelines are outlined to promote competitive, efficient, safe and sound post trading arrangements in the Nigerian financial market. The guidelines set to promote and facilitate the development of efficient and effective systems for settlement of transactions, and should ultimately lead to greater confidence in securities markets and better investor protection and in turn limit systemic risk. Furthermore, the document stated that the guidelines seek to improve the efficiency of the mar-

ket infrastructure, which should, in turn, promote and sustain the integration and competitiveness of the Nigerian securities markets. The guidelines set out the procedures for the settlement of securities in Nigeria, including the rights and obligations of the parties. It also covers the settlement procedures and settlement cycle for the trades executed on the following exchanges: The Nigerian Stock Exchange-traded securities; Financial Market Dealers Quotation Over-The-Counter Securities; National Association of Securities Dealers Over-The-Counter Securities; Nigerian Commodity Exchange-traded Securities; and the Afex Commodities Exchange.

Summary of trading activities on NSE ASI

26,874.62

DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

1,714.00 156,796,559.00 1,598,915,315.98 9,246,922,819,355.66

(L-R) shows Makin Soyinka; Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, NSE; Professor Wole Soyinka; Ms. Tinuade Awe, General Counsel/Head of Regulation, NSE and Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE at the 2016 year-end Closing Gong Ceremony.

Stock Market closes final trading week up 1.47 percent Stories by Afolabi Adesola Stock market activities for the final trading week of the year 2016 ended on a strong note, recording a growth of 1.47 percent to sustain the positive thrust noted for most of November and December. The upward performance thus reduced the market’s negative year-to-date returns to -6.17 percent for the 2016 financial year. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) and Market Capitalization closed the week at 26,874.62 and N9.247 trillion respectively. Similarly, all other Indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE ASeM, NSE Oil/Gas and NSE Industrial Goods Indices that slipped 2.35 percent, 1.47 percent, and 0.15 percent respectively Thirty-seven equities, led by Unity Bank with a 19.15 percent

growth, appreciated in price during the week, higher than 26 equities of the previous week. Twenty-one equities, topped by Diamond Bank that fell 5.35 percent, depreciated in price, lower than 36 the previous week. One hundred and seventeen equities remained unchanged, compared with 113 in the preceding week. Meanwhile, 405.939 million shares worth N3.724 billion in 6,363 deals were traded in the week in contrast to 1.261 billion shares valued at N17.520 billion that exchanged hands previous week in 14,861 deals. The Financial Services Industry as measured by volume led the activity chart with 305.885 million shares valued at N2.066 billion traded in 3,445 deals. This contributed 75.35 percent and 55.46 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 30.974 million shares worth N793.114 million in

FMDQ lists Vetiva S&P Exchange-Traded Fund FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange has admitted 10 million units of the Vetiva S&P Nigerian Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund (“VS&P ETF”) on its platform. It becomes the second fund to be listed on the OTC Exchange, following the Greenwich Plus

Money Market Fund. FMDQ, in a statement, said: “The listing of the VS&P ETF will serve to drive increased confidence in the possibility of the nation’s investment climate, and the Fund will undoubtedly enjoy the prestige provided by FMDQ’s listings and quotations service

The FMDQ remains unyielding in its mandate to revolutionize and promote the development of the Nigerian financial markets.” It is strategically positioned to boost the development and competitiveness of the markets under its purview. In the fixed income market, specifically, the exchange provides

a most reliable platform for the registration, listing, trading and valuation of debt securities. The VS&P ETF, as part of the benefits for securities listed on FMDQ’s platform, will be availed global visibility through the OTC Exchange’s corporate website and the FMDQ-Bloomberg E-

1,096 deals and the third place was occupied by Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 19.701 million shares worth N24.689 million in 261 deals. The most-traded stocks for the week as measured by volume were Omoluabi Savings and Loans, Guaranty Trust Bank and FCMB Group. They accounted for 128.546 million shares worth N1.222 billion in 715 deals, contributing 31.66 percent and 32.82 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Also traded during the week were 9,965 units of Exchange Traded Products valued at N56,446.35 executed in 16 deals, compared with 10,170 units valued at N123.641.70 transacted previous week in 22 deals. There were no bond transactions last week, contrasting with 25,219 units of Federal Government and Corporate Bonds valued at N24.458 million in the previous week in three deals.

Bond Trading System. Looking ahead into 2017, FMDQ will remain committed to the delivery of its mandate, leveraging on, as it must ensure success, the concerted and collaborative efforts of its stakeholders, to support economic development pertinent to the resuscitation, where applicable, and growth of the Nigerian financial markets.

10-Oct 13-Oct 16-Oct 19-Oct 22-Oct 25-Oct 28-Oct 31-Oct 03-Nov 06-Nov 09-Nov 12-Nov 15-Nov 18-Nov 21-Nov 24-Nov 27-Nov 30-Nov 03-Dec 06-Dec 09-Dec 12-Dec 15-Dec 18-Dec 21-Dec 24-Dec 27-Dec 30-Dec

B5 Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Price Chg %

29,500 NSE All Share Index Naira Value (m)

13,000

27,000 9,500

6,000

24,500 2,500

22,000 (1,000)

Daily Times Nigeria Monday,January 2, 2017

2017: Expectations and Agenda

Outlook for the economy

By Simon Ugwu

Welcome to 2017, a year of great expectations. To see what the year has in store, it is necessary to look back at how the Nigerian economy fared in the last quarter of 2016. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation, increased by 18.48 percent (yearon-year) in November 2016, 0.15 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in October (18.33 percent). Increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yield the Headline Index. Communication and Insurance recorded the slowest pace of growth in November, at 5.61 percent and 6.76 percent year-on-year, respectively. The Food Sub-Index increased by 17.19 percent (year-on-year) in November, from 17.09 percent in October. During the month, all major food sub-indexes increased with Soft Drinks recording the slowest pace of increase at 7.76 percent year on year. Price movements recorded by All Items less farm produce or Core sub-index rose by 18.20 percent (year-on-year) in November, from October’s18.10 percent. During the month, the highest increases were seen in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, Clothing materials and other articles of clothing, books, liquid fuel, passenger transport by air, motorcycles and shoes and other footwear. On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased 0.78 percentage points in November, 0.05 percentage points lower than the rate recorded in October (0.83 percent). It should be noted that the Headline Index is made up of the Core Index and Farm Produce items. As Processed Foods are included in both the Core and Food sub-indices, this implies that these sub-indices are not mutually-exclusive. The Urban index rose by 20.07 percent (year-on-year) in November from 19.91 percent recorded in October, the Rural index increased by 17.10 percent in November from 16.95 percent in October. On the month-on-month basis, the urban index eased 0.03 percent, while the rural index went by 0.05 percent. The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve-month period ending in November 2016 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve-month period was 15.0 percent higher from 14.20 percent recorded in October. The corresponding twelve-month year-onyear average percentage change for the urban index increased

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

from 15.32 percent in October to 16.19 percent in November, while the corresponding rural index also increased from 13.25 percent in October to 13.90 percent in November. ALL ITEMS INDEX COMPOSITION OF THE MAJOR INDEX AND SUB-INDICES All Items = Farm Produce + Core index Food = Farm Produce + Processed Foods Core = All Items – Farm Produce StatisticalNews Price Statistics November 2016. The Composite Food Index rose by 17.19 percent in November 2016. The rise in the index was mainly driven by an increase in prices of imported foods, Meat, Bread and cereals and Fish. On a month-on-month basis, the Food sub-index increased 0.88 percent in November from 0.86 percent in October. The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending in November 2016 over the previous twelve-month average was 14.39 percent (0.57 percent) from the average annual rate of change recorded in October (13.82 percent). The ‘’All Items less Farm Produce’’ or Core subindex, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce increased by 18.20 percent during the month, 0.10 percentage points lower from the rate (18.10) recorded in October as all key divisions which contribute to the index increased. On a month-onmonth basis, the Core sub-index rose by 0.71 percent in November, down by 0.04 percentage points from the 0.75 percent recorded in October. In November, the highest price increases were reported in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, Clothing materials and other articles of cloth-

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun

ing, books, liquid fuel, passenger transport by air, motorcycles and shoes and other footwear The average 12-month annual rate of rising of the index was recorded at 14.54 percent for the twelve-month period ending in November 2016, 0.79 percent points higher from the twelve-month rate of change recorded in October. Against this backdrop, financial experts expressed expectations of Nigerians in 2017. The Principal Consultant of B. Adedipe Associates, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, said the outlook for Nigerian economy is based on three premises namely the structure and the trajectory of the key sectors and also the direction of government policy and spending. He listed sectors in focus, including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, real estate and Small and Medium Enterprises. Oil, according to him, remains important but more attention will go to gas. “The expectations and opportunities are as follows: the best case for Nigeria will be if the Crude Oil price rises up to $75 per barrel. The nominal interest rate at lower double digit, Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 12 percent, and lending rate at 22.5 percent. Inflation rate drops to 13.2 percent in third quarter, 2017. Improvement in power supply, gas to power Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and proliferation of off- grid power systems, transport infrastructure renewal, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) delivery model for commercially viable assets. This will be largely driven by improved agricultural output and productivity and a strongly expanding manufacturing sector,” he said.

He, however, stated that most likely, the Crude oil price will rise to $55 per barrel in 2017. Nominal inflation rate at upper double digits (MPR 11 percent, and lending rate at 22.75 percent in 2017. Inflation rate according to him goes to 22.4 percent until the third quarter of 2017. Exchange rate (official) N325/US$ by 2017/2018. Dr. Adedipe listed critical factors as including an improved power supply, improved gas supply, progress made in alternative, renewable power, and Improved transport infrastructure renewal. The full kit for Nigeria, he said, include fiscal, monetary and commercial policy harmonization. “Spend massively on to drive inclusive growth and be ready to live (for the time being) with the inflationary implications. “So also stimulus across all policy planks, focused on made in Nigeria in production, consumption and trade activities. Boost domestic production and value added, devote a particular percentage of public spending to goods and services produced in and provided by Nigerian entities,” he said. Supporting this view, the acting Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Wutrika Gotring, said there should be diversification of the economy, increased investment in Agriculture, Mining and Solid Minerals, increased investment in Infrastructure to lower cost of doing business, enhancement of local manufacturing capacity and import substitution. He maintained that there should be policy consistency that would encourage capital flows, and promote local production. Gotring did not leave out fiscal

discipline, increased patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and services, sustained implementation of the cashless initiative and closer collaboration of the CBN with fiscal authorities. Speaking in the same vein, the Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mohammed Umar, said the government should remain focused on its efforts at diversifying the economy and other policies put in place to ensure quick economic recovery from current recession. When that is done, he said the economic environment will be conducive for the banks to operate safely which reduces the risk of failure and hence negative consequences on the NDIC. “There should be more intensive and synergistic collaborations between and among the safety- net participants who incidentally are also members of the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC). The activities of the committee through regular meetings as well as subcommittees and working groups should be intensified. Considering the inter-connectedness of the sub-sectors in the system, such collaboration should include cooperation with regards to issues of smooth information sharing, capacity building for all regulators and greater coordination of regulatory activities in the financial system”, he said. This, he said, could lead to efficiency in activities of all the members, greater ability to take prompt decisions as well as better position all the regulators to tackle any challenges that might arise in the sub-sectors resulting from the downturn being experienced. The director maintained that this would encourage continued stability of the entire system as well as confidence in the system. Also speaking in the same vein, the director, Special Insured Institutions, NDIC, Joshua Etopidiok, said the government should pursue strong macroeconomic policies, implement high impact and priority capital expenditure projects, contain fiscal deficits, improve tax collection and expanding the tax base. He listed others to include adopting Safe Net for the vulnerable, a more forward-looking Monetary Policy Strategy, enhance vigilance of the financial services sector and reducing impediment to growth by building physical and social infrastructure. Supporting this view, the director, Banking Examination department, NDIC, Adedapo Adeleke, said a full recovery from the recession is hinged on the recovery of the economy itself.

2017: Expectations and Agenda

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Improve ICT, experts tell government By Tony Nwakaegho The Information and Communication Technology Industry in Nigeria has been touted as the channel through which the country could get out of the economic recession, yet the sector in 2016 was overburdened with over taxation, among other challenges, Tony Nwakaegho examines what industry watchers envision in the ICT sector in 2017. Some experts opined that even though the country have an ambitious programme for growing the digital platforms in order to modernize the Nigerian economy; support innovation, improve productivity and competitiveness could be done in 2017 through increased spending on critical information technology infrastructure and also by promoting policies that facilitate investments in this vital sector. Meanwhile, economic and technology analysts said the President really need to widen his horizon on the ICT sector which is one of the viable sectors that the nation’s economy could sit on, adding that apart from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) comparative edge from the sector into government coffers, its market potentials are wealth yet untapped. This was also confirmed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg , who said when he visited Nigeria that “there are expansion and investment opportunities in Nigeria’ technology industry. The nation telecommunication and technology entrepreneur sub-sectors are enough market potentials that could generate economic boom, contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP and as well address the teeming unemployment among the young adults in the country, just if government would really look inward.” Increasingly, Nigeria is becoming a centre for big tech investment and commercially oriented start-ups, many who have set up shop in Lagos’s Yaba district. There you can find the headquarters for e-commerce start-up Africa Internet Group and digital payments venture Paga, located near incubators Andela and CoCreation Hub. Mr Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director of VDT Communications, Director Bitflux speaking to Daily Times on ICT in 2017 said that “I am seeing that the momentum is about building up and in 2017 I am sure from all indication that momentum will continue to actually achieve the targeted broadband penetration

of up to 30 percent. In terms of regulation in the sector it has been fair as the regulators themselves are just grapping now; try to take charge of current regime of data before now they have been concentrating on regulating the voice. Now there are some challenges concerning the floor plan. It is a very necessary thing for them to build a framework and in their attempt to build that frame work I think some mistakes were made. But for the mere fact that they took the initiative is quite commendable. I want to believe that they will go back to the drawing board because they can’t leave that sector unregulated. Unregulating it is a problem. The first step they took it appeared they were trying to regulate it from the price point. It is good to regulate it from price point, but price alone cannot do it. They should have taken this and some other things like quality together. Some of the people you see that were actually dropping prices if you queue them on a quality level, many are not delivering the quality. If a metric has been built between two, three factors the regulation could have been more complete. NCC has just started and they are trying to actually find its feet about what to hold people on to build a frame work.” Olusola Teniola president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said “Government should adopt the local content bill and the implementation that we have in the oil and gas sector in this ICT sector through the Office of the Nigerian Content for ICT, (ONC) which is part of NITDA. That will help to reduce the capital flight which has been recorded from 2 billion plus 1 billion dollars that is associated with the software that is flying out of the country on annual basis. I say local content because it has been predicted that by 2019 that Nigeria will make on foreign goods, property and services will be about a 170 billion plus, according to the new DG of NITDA.” ATCON, he said will be more involved in the ICT 2016-2017 road map yet to be approved by Federal Executive Council and also work with the regulator for members to have spectrum at affordable rate to assist in broadband penetration as we are getting close to 2018. However, the involvement of governments across Africa will be a critical factor in the rise of information and communications technology (ICT) in 2017. Frost & Sullivan senior industry analyst for Africa ICT Naila

ADEBAYO SHITTU Govan-Vassen explained that 2017 will be the year that solid ICT plans to guide investors and other stakeholders need to be developed, with the “pressure on” for governments to have clear visions and understandings of the benefits of ICT for the respective citizens, countries and economies of the continent. “Government needs a realistic roadmap on how ICT infrastructure needs to be deployed. And there is also a clear need for government to collaborate with the experts on the industry.” Government involvement, the industry watchers said will be critical to the success or failure of ICT infrastructure deployment, particularly in efforts to extend connectivity reach into less densely populated areas, both urban and semi-urban in 2017. Govan-Vassen pointed out that the release of spectrum, refarming of existing spectrum, facilitating public–private partnerships, creating Internet demand and dealing with power supply challenges were some of the immediate actions to be expected from African governments in the coming year.

Minister of Communications On her part, the Chief Executive Officer Technology Distributions “TD” Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, said that her company plans to unveil an arm that will offer its present market a dedicated source for the best in class ICT solution as well as orchestrate a boom in online transactions in 2017 in Nigeria. National president of National Association of Telecom Subscribers (NATCOMS) Deolu Ogunbanjo stated that in spite of the sector’s growth and its attendant benefits which include employment, access to internet and data, improved means of communication and information sharing, supporting start-up companies, access to affordable means of communication, creating an innovative workplace, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of over 18 billion dollars and an addition of four percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amongst others; the sector is still bedeviled with a number of challenges which includes customers complaint of issues such as high tariff, poor network service, undue credit deductions, dropped calls, excessive billing, automatic data renewal plan, charges for

services not rendered among others. He called on the regulator to fully implement all the subscribers have been complaining about the sector during Consumers’ Parliament, Town Hall meeting among others in 2017. Nigeria has barely six months to achieve digital switch over. The Minister of Information and culture, Mr Lai Mohammed has assured Nigerians that government will meet the deadline as the scheme had kicked off in Jos and Abuja. The Post Master General of the Nigeria Postal Service, Bisi Adegbuyi, has restated the commitment of the Service to key into the knowledge-based economy and digital convergence drives of the Federal Government being promoted by the Ministry of Communication through the deployment of technology to tackle financial and other leakages in the Service. The PMG said that as revenue generating agency of the Federal Government, so much is expected from the sector especially with the fall of oil revenue to the federation account.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Government should provide enabling environment for airlines – Bankole Alhaji Muneer Bankole, Managing Director, Med-View Airline, is a consummate administrator and air transport expert. In this interview with some aviation journalists in Monrovia when the carrier launched services to Accra, Freetown and Monrovia recently, he speaks about integrating Africa by

What is your motivation for expanding to other African countries? We are preaching what we call integration. We are from West Africa; we have to unite the people. We have 15 Heads of State of countries that are united. Who will carry them? People come from East Africa, selling tickets at $2000 for a destination of four hours. People come from Morocco, North Africa, where are the people from West Africa? That is why we are here. We have the market in West Africa, but Nigerian airlines are not consistent. Airlines come up but after a while, go away, what is the assurance that you will remain on this route for a very long time? That is the example of what we are seeing on the domestic front. We came together in 2012, we have been consistent and you have seen that on the ground. That is what you have seen in London. We went there. God has been on our side. That is what we did in Saudi Arabia. We have been there for 10 years, and we are still there. So, if we open a route we remain there. This route has come to stay because we don’t just open routes, we consolidate. It took us six months to sit down and say we want to be on this route. We went through some logistics, business development. One thing with Medview, we have invested much on manpower. You see them smiling. You saw our staff both in Nigeria and other places. If they are not happy, they won’t show this level of enthusiasm. People in West Africa have been integrated. One thing with Medview is that we invest so much on manpower. We have seen airlines come and go in Nigeria. What exactly is the benchmark and why do they have a short lifespan? What do you think, we, as a people and government, can do to stem this tide? The government that we have should support their own, make the environment enabling for

aircraft. Maybe we will offload some of you in Accra and spend a night there. We have been using this aircraft every winter. You have seen it over the years. We have a partnership with a European carrier, they trusted us, believe in our integrity and our pedigree over the years. What we say is what we do. We have been able to tell them. Now in Europe, it is winter, they have a challenge. What we do every year, we call for the aircraft to support our operations because Nigerians travel a lot. We have opened Owerri; we have opened Enugu; we have opened Port-Harcourt direct flights five times a week to Owerri right from today. We have opened a lot of routes. We have opened Freetown, Monrovia, and Accra, so you can understand where we are heading to and by the Grace of God, we are already in Dubai. In a couple of days, we will be in Dubai. What about insurance issues airlines are facing now?

Bankole airlines to survive. The only product that you have in your country in terms of boosting your economy and selling your image outside is the airline. You can see me talk with the Minister of a country, talk to the Prime Minister of GuineaBissau; if not for the airline, it won’t be possible. Nigerian government should think twice and see what they can do. This is the only window. They have assured that they want to help in the area of fuel; we hope they will do this as they have promised. Fuel is a lot of problems. Of what impact has the crises in the aviation industry in Nigeria been to you in overseeing your foreign routes. A top official of an airline recently said Nigerian airlines

to London have helped to curtail sharp practices by some foreign carriers, what is your view? Let me give you a secret. For you to run a project, you must do your cost analysis and ask yourself if it pays you. London is six hours flight. You run an aircraft. Most of our colleagues make mistakes. Medview owns this aircraft that we operated to Monrovia and Free Town. You don’t buy an aircraft out rightly; you go on a lease purchase, you conserve your capital to probably 24 months. We own these properties. How do we own them? We master our cash flow; we consolidate on our Naira so that the banks can see something to work with us so that we can fly this aircraft that we are

flying now. So, they give us loans to do what we are doing. That has reduced our hardship, our overhead, and not looking for the dollar to pay anybody. This aircraft, as it is going now, has its cost. The people flying this airplane are paying for this aircraft. I am just like a passenger inside this aircraft. We put a cost on this airplane; we put a cost on the fuel on this airplane, how much fuel you will take as a burn-off. On this route now, we calculated the fuel in and out and we knew very well how much it cost us, we calculated the number of passengers. Some airlines charge $2000 between here and Ghana; we started with $580 and $600 now. You can see the number for the first flight. When I get to Accra from Freetown there won’t even be available seats on this

The issue of insurance is dollar-related. Nigerian insurance companies have no capacity to carry the brunt. The entire Nigerian insurance companies including brokers, about 26 of them, have only 15 percent capacity to carry, the rest are farmed out to European and other countries. So, what happens here is that whatever you pay on insurance is equally dollar, so what the insurance people are doing is a two-way thing. Some of our colleagues have done something bad, they have disappointed in paying the premium, as and when due. So, the people are now saying, gentlemen, you are having a crisis, don’t wait until something happens, you need to pay your premium, it is a commitment. Everything I am doing here today is to go through some of the processes myself. This is my way of life. I fly like this. I go through it so that nobody will tell me a story. I know the people in Monrovia and I am here to know their problems, discuss their problems and we move on.

Life&

TIMES Monday, January 2, 2017

Dear Nigerian artiste, this is why you should be like 2Baba L2 P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Opinion: Dear Nigerian artiste, if Superman lost his life, who are you? By: Bayo Omisore

2Baba is smart. 2Baba is humble. Be like 2Baba. 12 years ago, Eedris Abdulkareem was an overlord. Despite the fact that Ruggedman (the sword-bearing verbal ninjitsu version; the half-man/ half-machine rapper that was before the MC Hammer dancing bubblegum character) had the number one artiste in Nigeria. determined. So, he worked on his act. And boy, was Eedris a great performer or what? infamous, character. He caught the attention of then President Olusegun Obasanjo. You need to understand that it takes a special kind of special for your music to get to our ruling class; especially the nonagenarians. into contact with it, he felt compelled to respond to the lyrics in the public space. This, ladies and gentlemen, was pre-social media. This was bigly. Absolutely!

And the towel. Gaddemmit, that towel. If you knew him, on his day, he was a great guy. But you head around an idea. Maybe that was the problem. Too many things wrapped around his head. The thick blunt smoke. The herb-inspired ideas. The towel again. And therein, in my not-sohumble opinion, lies his downfall. Eedris was a believer. And his belief always shined through the fog and smoke in the air swirling around his turbaned skull. before Nicklas Bendtner. He believed in himself. He believed his own hype. He was the best rapper in Africarrr! Actually, he was the best in Lagos. Lagos is Nigeria. Nigeria is Africarrr! Or something like that. music. The behemoth called Nigerian Breweries invested

millions of dollars in a touring brand that actually gave many a struggling Nigerian talent a platform for expression and make some decent earnings at the same time. Eedris somehow convinced himself that he (read that as all Nigerian artistes) was being cheated by the head honchos at Nigerian Breweries. Cent) was rumored to have pocketed a cool million dollars. Then, they had the nerve to put the American in a private

excite me much until The Headies a few days ago. Then I knew there was a purpose to the article.

much of him. But I had to respect the pictures my eyes were processing. Eedris had been building up his rhetoric all night in the bus that represented backstage for him. Once he had the stage, he started to serve up his audience with his spoken word. He would raise a hand to stop the music and rant for minutes; his fans listening with rapt attention. He literally had them eating out of the palm of his hand. By the time he ended his performance in Lagos, the deed was done. He had implanted the notion that his sponsors had little or no respect for the Nigerian artiste. He was going to take Dear Nigerian artiste, if Superman lost his life, who are you? Stop acting invisible. This music business of a thing is very tough. Since you are in it, you know this. You know how much money, time; effort and sleepless nights went into getting you where you are. Did I mention the money you had to shell out at every turn? And radio station? Second chances are very rare. fans that would literally do anything for him; a well-paying job. Heck, he was one of the Nigerians to carry the Olympic torch. But, at the height of his powers, he felt the need to show off. He felt the need to shake things up. He fell off the pedestal that Instead, be like 2Baba. 2Baba, who is undoubtedly the Lazarus of our generation. 2Baba, who was pronounced dead but managed to come back and take back his number one

T E A M

Cally Ikpe on television, is still very relevant in Nigerian music. 2Baba, who has made the transition from being an important musician to being a very important Nigerian. 2Baba, who, despite all he has achieved, has no airs. 2Baba, who does not understand why people cry when he sings; who does not know that there are people all over the place who would spend their

Life&

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

last kobo if ever he needed it. 2Baba is smart. 2Baba is humble. Be like 2Baba. I was moved to write this a little while back. But I struggled with my spirit man until recently when I had to write for a

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

where they were nominated. A platform that has supported them and been instrumental to their growth. It has become expedient to set them straight. Let me use my son to try to explain. At age one, I gave him a cheap phone so he would not feel the need to touch mine. That phone was everything to him. The phone helped his gum when he was teething. Even though it was my phone, it was his phone! By the time he was two, you could not separate him from brand new. It had no tyres by Tuesday. Not that he noticed. He did everything with it: slept with it; had his meals with it; wanted to go to church with it. yoyos between a scooter and a football (amen!). But my son has a cap that his Uncle, Efa, gave to him when even now, more than three years later, he is still smitten by the headgear. process. tyres and siren. The scooter and the football would be, say, Tekno and Phyno. The cap? Easy. The artiste formerly known as 2Face. You know what they say: soldier come, soldier go, barracks remain. Look around you. There are artistes that were bigger than you are. They rocked shows and had sex too. They just like you do. They were adored by the same people that egg you on today. The challenge is the minute a shiny new toy came on the scene, the audience moved on. Nuff said!

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, January 2, 2017

Wellness L3

Mutiat Alli

Maintaining that good breath Halitosis affects how you feel about yourself, not to mention how others perceive you. Bad breath is mostly caused by bacteria that breeds inside your mouth, it can also be caused by smelly food like onion, garlic and some spice can cause bad breath. The odour lingers while food particles stay in your mouth but these foods give you a double whammy, once they make it through your system their stinks chemicals travels through your blood stream to the lungs when you breathe them out. Here are few tips on how to maintain a good and fresh breath: Brush your teeth occasionally with baking soda - The bacteria that causes bad breath thrive in an acidic oral environment. Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps to neutralize excess acids found in the oral cavity. Eat foods rich in fiber - high fiber food actually helps prevent halitosis. Avoid eating heavily processed food that contains refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cakes, sweet and ice cream. Use mouthwash - some mouthwash or oral rinses are effective at preventing bed breath, however you should never use alcohol based mouthwashes because the alcohol makes the mouth very dry which would actually make the problem worse. Avoid drying medications - try not to take antidepressants, pain reliever and antihistamine unless it is medically necessary. These drugs inhibit saliva flow and can cause chronic dry mouth. Clean your mouth after eating meat, fish or dairy products - practicing consistent and thorough oral hygiene is an effective prevention tool. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth - try to address any snoring or sleep apnea issues that could be affecting your breath and causing dry mouth. Stop smoking - studies has shown that smokers

are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Furthermore, people who smoke may also engage in other habits that promote this condition such as drinking alcohol and suffering from chronic anxiety conditions that require exacerbating prescription medication. Keep your mouth! Post by drinking plenty of water. Proper oral care - brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, be sure to get a tooth brush with soft bristles and also use fluoride toothpaste. Brushing and flossing

helps to remove any food and plague which can be used as fuel source by the anaerobic, sulfur producing bacteria that are at the root of these problem. Take a dietary supplements - Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D and Vitamin B are effective at helping your body eliminate excess mucus and toxins naturally.

Nutrition L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 2, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Mangoes: Healthy and sweet-tasting Lush, succulent, and delicious, the king of the fruits, mangoes, are back in season again. Though it is widely believed that whatever is tasty can never be healthy. Mangos are rich in the goodness as much as it is in the taste. They have many

identify the actual mechanism in mangoes that helped this occurrence. In another study, researchers at the Institute for Obesity Research and Program Evaluation, revealed that compounds, such as those found in mangoes, possess

special nutrients for the season. Mango is a member of the drupe family, a type part surrounds a shell with a seed inside. They also belong to the genusMangifera, consisting of numerous tropical fruiting trees, cultivated mostly for edible fruit. There are different species of mangoes size. While the skin color of mangoes can vary from green to yellow or orange, golden yellow. They have a sweet and creamy taste and contain over 20 vitamins and minerals. consuming mango include a decreased risk of macular degeneration, a decreased risk of colon cancer, improvement in digestion and bone health and even Daily consumption of mangoes can help manage high blood sugar, particularly which included 20 adults, both men and women, it was determined that mangos considerable reduced their blood glucose

equivalent of less than one mango) provides you with up to three times your and Vitamin C. Vitamin C, an antioxidant important for protecting the body from infection, is required in the formation of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels. Vitamin C also aids the absorption of iron, necessary for transporting oxygen from the lungs to cells all around the body. Mangoes are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are and vitamin B6. Mangoes are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and copper, and they are one of the best sources of quercetin, beta-carotene, and astragalin. These powerful antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Mangos are good for the eye . Being an are one of the best foods to consider maintaining optimum eye health. They also slash Blood Cholesterol, because

mangoes can help eliminate anemia by increasing the red blood cell count in the body. Mangoes are iron requirements during pregnant is extremely essential. However, as a note of caution, the temptation to eat too much mangoes may come with some side effects. Too much of mangos may lead to diarrhea if The condition is a common cause of irritable bowel gas, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation. People with DFI can also have indigestion and excessive belching. Mangoes are one of many foods that can increase symptoms of IBS because they are higher in fructose, or fruit sugar, than they are in glucose. The fructose in mangoes is problematic for some

out. They can be stored at room temperature for one to two days. How to make mango chutney Mangos are mostly eaten fresh and raw. But there are more creative ways to use mango. They can be used for fruit salads, salsa, as mango juice and in ice creams and sorbets. They can also be used to make mango chutney using semi ripe mangoes which gives a sweet and tangy taste to the chutney. Mango chutney is native to India and can be served as a side dish along with a main course meal. Ingredients 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped 2 large mangoes, peeled and chopped 1/2 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

suffering from DFI, fructose is absorbed poorly; as a consequence, it gets transported to the large

gingerroot

the colon, resulting in the production of methane noticeable increase in intestinal gas Selection and storage When selecting mangos, choose a fruit that is no sap on the skin. Mangos should be handled gently, as it bruises easily. Pick it up and gently

pectin and vitamin C, mangoes help lower blood serum cholesterol levels and cut the low density lipoprotein content, thereby reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. It is a common notion that mangoes are bad for diabetics. In fact, it is also widely believed that diabetics should avoid many types of fruits. However, according to Yemisi Olowookere, a Nutritionist in positive effect on the arteries.

Mangoes can also help improve digestion as they contain certain enzymes that speed up the breaking of protein. They strengthen the Brain and boost concentration and memory due to the glutamic acid present in them. In India, raw mangoes soaked in water were a cure for heart ailments like stroke

some black speckling outside or a little bruising. black all over. mangoes. 99per cent of the time, a mango that smells wonderful tastes wonderful. If the stem end

and salt Preparations 1. 2. can just remove the pulp. 3. Combine apples, mangoes, red pepper, sugar, onion, raisins, vinegar, and gingerroot in a large stainless steel or saucepan. 4. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, and boil gently, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until fruit is tender and mixture is thickened, stirring occasionally. 5. 6. Boil gently for 5 minutes. 8.

you can take it home and ripen it yourself.

soak the green mangoes in water in an earthen pot and then drink it. a few days until it colors, develops a sweet aroma, Mangoes are rich in iron, which makes and is a bit soft when you press it very gently. But never refrigerate a mango. Storing a mango below

thick. 9. Remove the mango chutney in a bowl. 10. Serve mango chutney warm or at room temperature as dip or spread. 11. Mango chutney stays good for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.