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ÏÏÏ Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (ACJN), Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, on Monday, declared that the seventeen Justices of the Supreme Court are enough.

Onnoghen said the appointment of more judges and justices and the creation of three more courts

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in the Lagos judicial division of the Court of Appeal were not the solutions to judicial delay and court congestion.

It was at the commissioning of the remodelled and upgraded Court of Appeal, Lagos division where he spoke that even the SuContinued on page 12

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 259

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EFCC chair: We haven’t rejected Magu –Senate Ï Cites DSS’ letter as reason for deferring clearance Ï Awaits President’s clarification on intelligence report Ï Reverses self on SGF, says he will be given fair hearing Ï As Justice Minister keeps mute on Buhari’s probe order

Customs uncovers arms, ammunition concealed in containers 5 We must not allow ethnicity to destroy our ties, Sultan tells Igbo 12 Recession: Lagos generated more revenue in 2016 –Ambode 12

Tony Ailemen and Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Indications emerged on Monday that Senate may have bowed to pressures and soft-pedaled on its

earlier decision not to confirm Mr. Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This followed revelations Continued on page 6

L-R: Former Chairman of Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni; Publisher, Daily Times Newspaper, Fidelis Anosike and 1st Miss Nigeria, Madam Grace Atinuke Oyelude at the 40th Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant grand finale in Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos...on Monday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI

FG to service debts with N1.7trn in 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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Editorial Alarming cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria

R

ecent research has shown that cardiovascular disorders have overtaken infectious disease as Nigeria’s number one killer.

Making this assertion, a Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Kamar Adeleke listed the health challenges to include Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) hypertension, heart failure and heart attack (Coronary Artery Disease). He said the diseases have taken over from Malaria as the nation’s leading killer disease.

Kamar lamented that the increasing incidence of the diseases is seriously affecting life expectancy in Nigeria, which now stands at between 51 and 52 years, thereby ranking the country among the lowest in Africa.

Cardiovascular diseases are a generic term encompassing an array of conditions for coronary artery disease, and are now a leading cause of death. In 2008, 30 percent of all global deaths were by cardiovascular diseases. Deaths by the diseases are also higher in low and middleincome countries as over 80 percent of deaths caused by the diseases occurred in those countries, even as it is estimated that by 2030, over 23 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases each year.

In Nigeria, undetected hypertension or high blood pressure was the major reason why more people are suffering and dying of stroke and heart disease.

Medial experts say cardiovascular diseases are caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which in turn can lead to chest pain, arrythmias, heart attacks and heart failure.

Other causes include years spent in a noisy workplace, which takes a toll on both hearing and heart health. Cardiovascular diseases are also known to

rise dramatically among people who spend two or more hours a day sitting in front of a computer screen, television or video-game box, including those suffering from high blood pressure. Others causes are smoking, diabetes, and insulin resistance obesity and family history of heart disease.

It is fact that many Nigerians with heart diseases do not know that they have high blood pressure until their hearts start failing. We are not just worried that the number of cardiovascular disease is going up, it is of concern that many Nigerians do not know how to manage them. Aside the fact that about 50 percent of Nigerians are at risk of cardiovascular diseases, 30 to 50 million of them in their reproductive age are more at risks. Incidentally, because the diseases have no symptoms, it is possible for majority of people to be victims Therefore, early detection will go a long way in ameliorating the complication. However, studies reveal that healthy lifestyles can help reduce cardiovascular diseases, as evidences show that eating oily fish (herring, sardines, mackerel, salmon, kippers, pilchards, fresh tuna, etc) helps to protect against heart disease. In addition, fruit and vegetables, as well as being low in fat, also contain antioxidants and Vitamins, which may help to prevent atheroma from building up.

Regular exercise can help to lower stress levels and decrease incidence of cardiovascular disease. Most importantly, there is need on the part of government to create more awareness on the dangers of the disease.

We are, therefore, calling on the government and other stakeholders to improve the capacity of health care workers by engaging them in regular trainings in order to check the increasing killer disease in the country.

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

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Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (4th left) after a dinner he hosted in honour of 72 scholars of Kwara State origin who graduated with first class degree in various disciplines.

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Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Choir Performing at NOWA’s Festival of Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons in Lagos on Monday

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

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (second right) cutting the tape to commission a building while the chairman, Persians Mr. Tayo Amusan (right) Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, SSG Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and others at the event.

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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 Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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Aviation unions begin strike over Arik Air salary arrears Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎThe National Executive

Council of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), have directed their members and other aviation workers, to commence a joint strike action at Arik Air with effect from

today, Tuesday.

The strike, according to a statement jointly signed

by Abba Ocheme, Olayinka Abioye and Frances Akinjole for the three unions, will continue indefinitely until the management of airline allows total unionisation of its employees in compliance with extant labour laws and with respect to the country’s constitution.

The statement disclosed that the management of

Arik Air sacked employees who have been victimised for their roles in the effort to bring about unionisation in Arik Air. It stated further called on the airline to pay off salary arrears of seven months with commitment to pay salaries as at when due hence forth.

Other requests included, the immediate review of all employee remunerations which have remained the

Customs uncovers arms, ammunitions concealed in containers Joy Anyim

ÎÎÎ

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, has uncovered two separate containers with arms and ammunitions concealed in them.

The containers which are personal effect containers were said have come into the country from the United States of America on November 29, 2016, but upon re-examination on the 30th it was discovered to have concealed the prohibited items.

Reading out the items recovered in the two containers during a press briefing at the command yesterday, the Area Controller, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf said, “The first Container had a Toyota Corolla car, 2004 model with chassis number 2DIBR32E54C30984.

Two magazines with 10 live rounds of Hornady 40 X & W were discovered upon thorough search. No suspect has been arrested in connection with the discovered items.”

On the second seizure, the Area Controller said, “also in another vessel which had come in with one 2007 used Nissan Amada with chassis number

5NIAA08A69N709779, some prohibited items were also neatly concealed. They are: one piece of military bullet proof vest, one military helmet with rain proof, one set of military gas mask with two spare glasses, one piece of Pistol punch, one piece of riffle punch, two pairs of military booth, 26 packs of military ready made food, 7500 pieces of premier hollow point (air gun pallets), one Omani American tactical riffle with S/No. AR48634, one Masters American Pump Action with S/No. U648018, one pair of camouflage wears and a jacket.”

One suspect identified as Christian Mbachi, a cousin to the importer has been arrested in connection with the seized prohibited items.

The recovered items as well as the suspect were handed over to the Department of State Security represented by the Director of the Service, Tincan chapter, Mr. Julius Odey for due diligence and further investigation.

Comptroller Bashar advised those in the Diaspora to import only those items that can better the society rather than bringing in things that are detrimental to societal peace and general

same since inception of Arik Air over ten years ago.

Immediate commencement of negotiations of Conditions of Service to be concluded within four (4) weeks and remittance of Pension, Tax, and statutory deductions to the appropriate authorities.

It also urged Arik Air management to comply with Nigerian Expatriate Quota law.

The unions noted that to-

wards the full realisation of the strike action, all aviation workers, in complete solidarity with their enslaved comrades in Arik Air shall withdraw all services being rendered by third parties.

They stated that the aviation workers will be supported

by Nigerian workers from all other sectors throughout Nigeria to underscore the seriousness of the matter at hand.

“In the above respect, all ground handling services,

security clearance for Arik Air ticket holders, marshaling, aviation fuel supply, air traffic control, safety inspection, etc will be completely withdrawn.

“All Arik Air employees, aviation workers, and other stakeholders are hereby enjoined to ensure full compliance with this directive” The head of corporate communications could not be reached for comments on the issue.

From the Archives: Josy Ajiboye

good.

He said, “I have always applied the principles of everyone being a suspect in dealing with individual daily cargoes.

This to me is the core of the 21st century Nigeria Customs Service. It is as a result of this that I have advised my men to treat all cargo uniquely and do a thorough search to ensure we don’t endanger the lives of our brothers and sisters.

“We must all come together to safeguard our country. I really wonder why people can’t import machines that can help produce some basic things in this country. They can even import electric blenders to help ease the stress of our women in the kitchen.

“Why would a holder of the green passport import things that will cause us pain and havoc? This should not be encouraged. People should be educated on items that are absolutely prohibited.”

The Area Controller called on all importers to comply with the law of the land as the command was prepared to nip in the bud any attempt to violate the Customs law or use the Port to perpetrate any criminal act.

A’Ibom Gov lauds Globacom over Carol fiesta sponsorship ÎÎÎSaturday,

December 16 was a glorious day for the people of Akwa Ibom State both home and in Diaspora as they converged in the Uyo Township Stadium to observe the ninth edition of the annual Glo-sponsored Christmas Carol Festival.

The event was solemn and celebratory as the people of

Akwa Ibom state rose above the tragic event that occurred in Uyo recently, to observe the traditional musical splendour of Christmas in the state.

In his welcome remarks, the Chief Executive of the State, Emmanuel Udom, who spoke in an emotion laden voice, described the Carols Festival as a perfect submission to the will

of God and a demonstration of the doggedness of the people to overcome setbacks and hope for a greater future.

The governor reaffirmed the faith the state has in God before everyone present including top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, clerics, international artistes and tourists from across

the world, saying that despite the monumental tragedy “our love for God is sacrosanct.”

Udom said Christ, who is the reason for the season in his teachings showed that there is eternal life after physical death of man, adding that therefore, the state would remain focused, and will not succumb to evil.

He lauded Globacom for its unflinching support to the state and for committing its resources to putting smiles on the faces of the people of Akwa Ibom by sponsoring the event festival.

To commence the Carol, pigeons representing all the local governments in the state were released to signify peace

and tranquility across Akwa Ibom State.

Top local and international gospel music artistes, including Don Moen were on ground to render soul-lifting songs in worship of God. He rendered his popular songs including ‘Thank You, Lord’, ‘Father forgive us’, ‘God will make a way’, among others.

News 6

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EFCC chair: We haven’t rejected Magu –Senate Continued from page 1 on Monday that the Upper Legislative Chamber was yet to take a final decision on the confirmation of Magu as the chairman of the anti- graft agency.

This is even as the Red Chamber also refuted reports that it has indicted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawan, over allegations of breach of nation’s Procurement laws by awarding contract to a firm in which he has controlling interest, to clear invasive plant species in Yobe Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, made the latest position of the Senate on Magu while speaking with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa on Monday shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that Senate while deliberating on report of the its ad-hoc committee on “Mounting humanitarian crisis in the North East” had reportedly “indicted” Lawal for allegedly awarding a contract of N233 million to clear invasive plant species in Yobe State to Rholavision Nigeria Limited, a company which they said was linked to him.

The Senate which considered report of the Shehu Sani-led Committee had asked President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend Lawal and ensure his prosecution over alleged breach of Nigerian laws in handling contracts awarded by the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE).

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also on Thursday declared that “the world was watching President Muhammadu Buhari on how he would handle the Senate’s Wednesday’s resolution calling for the sack of the SGF”.

But speaking with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, on Monday, Senator Ali Ndume, said Senate did not categorically reject Magu as EFCC

Chairman.

His words: “No, no, no. Let me say categorically that the Senate did not reject Ibrahim Magu as the chairman. What happened was that when we slated his confirmation for Thursday, we had an issue or a letter from the Department of State Security (DSS) that could not allow us to continue with the confirmation without further clarifications.

“So, we now concluded that since we have a letter that we cannot ignore, we could not do the confirmation. So, it was not that we sat down to take a decision that we have rejected Ibrahim Magu. So, I want that to come out clearly.

“We specifically asked chairman media to issue a statement.

What we said was that on that Thursday, the Senate could not go ahead with the confirmation of Mr. Ibrahim Magu and that we are in possession of a letter from the Department of State Service which requires clarification from Mr. President, who is the head of the government. That was what happened.

“Even if the rejection is going to come, it is not going to come from the Senate because we have not done anything anyway”.

When Senator Ndume was reminded that the Senate spokesperson said the Senate rejected Magu, he said Senate has not taken such decision.

“I hope we are not arguing. I listened and I still listened because of this controversy that can come out. I’m part of the persons that wrote the short press statement which states that the Senate cannot continue with the confirmation. It is different from saying that the Senate has rejected him,” he said.

Also speaking on the fate of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Senate Leader, said “it is not an order we are giving”.

He said: “The Senate resolution is a recommendation, it’s not a law. What the Senate considered is work in progress because it was an interim report.

“The committee issued an interim report and the interim report seemed to indict the SGF.

Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Federal Government has allocated the sum of N1.66 trillion to debt servicing out of the total N7.298 trillion proposed for the 2017 budget while the overall projected fiscal deficit of the budget stood at N2.36 trillion, which is about 2.18 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This was revealed on Monday by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, during the budget presentation in Abuja.

Justifying the fiscal deficit

of the presidency has been drawn to a number of reports in the media, in which various accusations of corruption have been levelled against some top officials in the administration”.

The statement went further to state that “President Buhari has instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate the involvement of any top government officials accused of any wrong-doing”.

He assured that no one who is liable will escape prosecution, adding “if any of them is liable, they will not escape prosecution”.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami who met with President Buhari at the State House on Monday obviously over the directive by the president to investigate top government functions linked to corruption however refused to speak with journalists over the directives to investigate the allegations.

When approached by correspondents on his mission, he declined to speak.

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FG to service debts with N1.7tr in 2017

Mathew Dadiya

The consequences of that indictment is what they recommended, but we are not there yet because the report itself is interim.

“I hear coming from the SGF that he has not been given a fair hearing, so the hearing has not finished. We can give him an ample of time to go before the committee and clear himself”.

Senator Ndume disclosed that he was at the Presidential Villa as part of routine visit to confer with President Buhari as Leader of the Senate.

“Let new say that my meeting with Mr. President is not a new thing, in that you have been seeing me here in and out for two reasons.

“I’m the Senate leader by the grace of God and two Gen. Buhari, the President is one of my mentors and we have been relating since 2002. So, we normally come intermittently to compare notes on issues”.

It would be recalled that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had last night issued a statement saying that “attention

figure, the minister said it was “within the threshold stipulated in Forward Rate Agreement (FRA). The budget deficit is to be financed mainly by borrowings which have been projected at N2.32 trillion. Of this amount, N1.067 trillion (46 percent of this borrowing) is intended to be sourced externally while N1.25 trillion will be sourced domestically. The debt service to revenue ratio is projected to be about 33.7 percent in Financial Year (FY) 2017.”

A careful study of the Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure of N2.98 trillion shows that Person-

nel costs was allocated N1.86 trillion (63 percent) while overhead was put at N229.81 billion (7 percent).

Also, the Service-Wide Vote pensions was allocated N89.98 billion (3 percent) while Consolidated Revenue Fund Pensions was allocated N191.63 billion (6 percent) and other Service-Wide Votes got N116.50 billion (5 percent).

The Presidential Amnesty Programme was allocated N65 billion (2 percent) while Refund to Special Accounts was budgeted N50 billion (2 percent) and Special Intervention Programme as part of the recurrent budget got N350 bill

(12 percent).

The largest capital allocation goes to Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing which got N564 billion (7.7 percent) (25 percent increase over 2016 estimate).

The Budget was predicated on certain key parameters that included a benchmark oil price of US$38/pb, Oil production 2.2mbpd, exchange rate N197/ USD, deficit (Fiscal Deficit to GDP ratio) - N2.20 trillion (2.14 percent of GDP), inflation 9.81 percent as well as GDP Growth Rate of 4.3 percent.

“To address contractors’ liabilities, the Federal Government

intends to issue over N2 trillion worth of bonds to clear outstanding contractors’ liabilities,” the minister said.

“These bonds would have a 10year maturity and the amortization is expected to begin in 2018,” he added.

He further explained that, “With regard to existing liabilities on bonds which were issued to contractors by past administration, we have set aside the sum of N177.46 billion in the 2017 budget as a sinking fund to retire the maturing bonds. The second largest Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Lagos Police arrested 4 kidnappers, 33 bandits in one month Oguntade Ismaila

ÏÏÏNo fewer than four suspected

kidnappers and 33-armed robbery suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos state Police Command in the last one month.

Also, four other suspected kidnappers lost their lives in a gun battle with police detectives under the same period.

The Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, made the disclosure on Monday while updating journalists on the breakthrough recorded by the command between 18th of November to 18th December,2016.

Owoseni disclosed that two out of the suspected kidnappers were members of a kidnapping syndicate that kidnapped a Nigerian doctor at an hospital in Onikan area of Lagos Island recently.

He added that the suspects were arrested in Delta state by operatives of the command, following intelligence and scientific approach.

Furthermore, Owoseni said the suspects led detectives to a forest where the doctor was successfully rescued by them According to the police boss, four other suspects lost their lives in an ex-

change of gun battle with the police during the operation, a vehicle used in kidnapping the doctor and a Beretta pistol were recovered from them.

The two others, according to Owoseni, were apprehended by the operatives, with the assistance of residents, following intelligence report at the early hours of yesterday in a notorious forest tagged “ White Sand”, a swampy part of Lagos that stretches from Isheri-osun to Festac town and Amuwo Odofin creek.

He hinted that the suspects had found the forest as a comfort zone and converted it to their hidden place.

In a related development, the police commissioner said a kidnap attempt of one Toyosi Akerele, a radio presenter, was foiled by police operatives under the period review.

“On the 14th of December, 2016 Toyosi Akerele, the presenter of Arise, some kidnappers on a bike snatched her where she parked to make a shopping while she was in the car and drove her off She was smart enough to jump out of the car and called the police. Policemen responded swiftly, foiled the kidnap bid and recovered the car”, Owoseni narrated.

On the 33-armed robbery suspects, he said they were arrested in different

parts of the state while dispossessing their victims of their valuables under gun point.

The police commissioner identified two of the suspects to include one Obinna and Kelvin Ogia.

He disclosed that Obinna, with others at large, had robbed a Chinese national of one million naira along

Oshodi expressway, while Kelvin connived with others to kidnap and also robbed his boss of one million naira.

Kelvin, a driver, who was traced to Edo state, according to Owoseni had conspired with others and tricked his boss, a caterer that they had a contract for him.

“Kelvin called his boss on phone

il Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, on Monday said it had deployed 6000 officers and men to provide security in the state during the Yuletide season.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps’ spokesperson, Mrs. Chinyere Ekenkwo.

The statement quoted the Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Tajudeen Balogun, as saying that officers and men on leave had been recalled to ensure adequate security for people in the state.

“6000 officers of the corps will be deployed to strategic locations to watch over critical infrastructure,

event centres, places of worship, government houses and black spots within the state during the period.

“Officers and men of the corps have been recalled from leave and all forms of leave have been suspended.

“Intelligence officers of the corps in plain clothes have also been deployed to mount surveillance and

gather intelligence information from different parts of the State”, Balogun was quoted as saying.

The commandant appealed to the members of the public to be law abiding and security conscious.

He urged them to report all suspicious movements or gatherings to the relevant authorities.

All set for Digital Switch over in Abuja -Minister

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said all is now set for the launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in broadcasting in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister announced this in Abuja on Monday during the tour of key facilities of Pinnacle Communication Limited, the signal distribution for the Abuja DSO. “We are impressed by the speed, commitment and passion of Pinnacle to this project and we have come here to ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure smooth Digital Switch Over in Abuja on Thursday,” he

said.

Alhaji Mohammed said 30 free channels will be available for Abuja residents upon the switch over on Thursday and that over 450,000 Set-Top Boxes have been provided for the flagoff.

“It’s a revolution in the broadcasting ecosystem as far as Nigeria is concerned because not only are we going to have better clarity and audio but the average resident of FCT who is in possession of our Set-Top Box will have 30 free channels from news, entertainment, music and others. This is going to open a new vista for content,” he said.

and tricked him that they have a contract for him. Upon meeting with them at Unilag area of Akoka, they kidnapped and drove him round Lagos before ordering to go and withdraw the sum of One million naira as ransom before they would release him. They followed him to a bank where he withdrew the money with his ATM card and gave to them before his release”, he explained.

He added that the suspect also went away with his victim’s Camry XLE saloon car, with registration number MUS 663 EG, but later changed it to GUE 271LV.

L-R: Groom’s grandfather, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adebapo Tejuoso, Mr. Benjamin Aluko and others during the Holy solemnization between Princess Layebi Tolulope Tejuoso and Mr. Olalekan Oluwadamilare Aluko, at St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State … at the weekend. PHOTO: DAVID IDOWU

Yuletide: NSCDC recalls officers, deploys 6000 for security in Lagos

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Security and Civ-

7 News

The Minister expressed confidence that within 3 years of the digital transition, 1 million jobs will be created in the development of television content, technical services, software development, as well as the installation and repair of Set-Top Boxes for over 24 million TV households, among others.

The Minister said even though the Digital Switch Over will not take place in one fell swoop across the country, the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to meeting the 2017 deadline for the DSO. Also speaking at the Call Centre of the National Broad-

casting Commission (NBC), he said the government is equally concerned about customers’ satisfaction, which informed the setting up of the Call Centre where subscribers can call to make inquiries or complaints for prompt response.

Alhaji Mohammed, who was accompanied by the NBC Director General, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, and the Chairman of DIGITEAM Nigeria, Mr. Edward Amana, inspected facilities at the Monitoring Room, Transmission Station and the Call Centre.

The Pilot Scheme of the DSO was launched in Jos, Plateau State, on 30 April 2016.

2 dead, 17 injured in A/ Ibom market stalls collapse ÏÏÏTwo

women have been confirmed dead, while 17 other persons sustained various degrees of injuries following the collapse of market stalls at Urua Edet-Obo, a popular market at Ikot Akpatek in Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Murtala Mani, confirmed the tragic incident in a telephone conversation with newsmen on Monday in Uyo. “Two women died during the tragedy caused by the collapse of an old wall that fell on them.

“Others who sustained injuries have been taken to the hospital for treatment,” Mani said.

An eye witness account said that the remains of the dead victims had been deposited at Immanuel Hospital in Eket, a neighbouring local government area.

The eye witness added that some of the injured victims, many of them women, are responding to treatment in the hospital.

The incident happened nine days after a Church building collapse that claimed the lives of scores of worshipers at Reigners Bible Church in Uyo on December 10.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Crisis: OAU’s ASUU faction dissolves excos Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏA faction of the Academ-

ic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Obafemi Awolowo University branch has dissolved the cabinet of the union.

This was contained in a resolution signed by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu.

A copy of the resolution made dent stated that the executives were dissolved after the report of an investigative committee.

The resolution was taken at a congress held December 14, in which a voice vote was used to remove the suspended members of executive of ASUU from office.

The names of the suspended members of the executives are: Dr Caleb Aborisade; branch Chairperson; Dr Deborah Makinde; branch Vice Chairperson; Dr. Temitope Olomola, sec-

retary; Dr. Omolola Komolafe, assistant secretary.

Others are: Dr. Saheed Adekilekun; financial secretary; Dr. Luqman Bisiriyu, welfare officer; Dr. A.A. Ajala; investment officer and Dr. Adeola Egbedokun, internal auditor.

The resolution noted that “the congress also resolved that the suspended treasuer, Dr. M.O. Awoyemi, be retained as the branch treasure on the ground that he was not culpable of any wrong doing by the investigative panel.”

In same vein, congress resolved to “forward its decision on the removal of the affected members of executive to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union for ratification”.

When contacted, the chairman of ASUU-OAU, Dr. Caleb Aborisade said, “I still remain the chairman. ASUU matter is not meant for the press.”

Rerun: Abe’s election victory will be short-lived, says Rivers PDP Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ Still brooding over the

loss of the Rivers South East Senatorial District in the December 10 rerun election of Rivers state, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has warned Senator Magnus Abe, the winner of that seat, under the All Progressives Congress (APC), not to jubilate yet.

In a statement from the office of the chairman of the party and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jerry Needam, the PDP said that it was confident that the jubilation by Senator Abe would be short-lived “as the truth behind his emergence unfolds.”

The chairman who regretted what he described as the despicable manner in which Senator

Abe, Hon. Barry Mpigi, Mr. Derrick Mene and other chieftains of the APC in Ogoni allegedly connived with the Army, SARS, Police, and APC ‘thugs’ to kill and maim members of the PDP. The PDP said it was only a matter of time before the truth about the “ill-fated election held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 would be unraveled.”

The party further accused the Senator Abe and the APC of pushing their “desperation to the extent of kicking against the redeployment of the SARS Commander who was caught red-handed by drone cameras hijacking INEC result sheets and other materials.”

According to Chief Obuah, the recent events in the State had allegedly exposed the APC in their “unholy” quest to win

elections at all costs, pointing out that the Sahara Reporters audio tape on Governor Nyesom Wike was concocted, condemning it as a ploy to cover up the “atrocities they committed to ensure victory for Magnus Abe and other APC candidates.”

The PDP Chairman stated: “These actions exposed APC’s desperate moves because it knew the game would soon be up as their evil deeds would be exposed, maintaining that Abe had only a day before the illconceived, manufactured audio, boasted on a radio programme that an ‘audio evidence’ would soon be released against Governor Wike.” He wondered why Senator Magnus Abe would celebrate a victory allegedly secured through the shedding of innocent blood of PDP mem-

bers in Ogoni.

Chief Obuah also called for the arrest and prosecution of the Executive Director, Finance/Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Derrick Mene over the alleged killing and maiming of PDP members especially in Khana Local Government Area.

“Mr. Lenee Neebani, PDP Chairman Ward 10 was arrested by Mr. Derrick Mene’s police from his home town and taken to his hotel at Wiiyaakara in Khana Local Government Area of the State, beaten to a state of coma and released on Sunday evening, December 11, 2016. Mr. Lenee Neebani later died the following day in a hospital, following the beating and injuries,” Chief Obuah alleged.

NDIC tasked on protection of insured institutions Simon Ugwu

ÏÏÏ

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has been tasked to prepare for eventuality incase some insured institutions fail as a result of the general economic downturn in the country.

The Director, Research, Policy and International Relations Department, Mohammed Umar, gave his task at the just concluded 2016 NDIC workshop for Business Editor and Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Kaduna State.

“The Corporation needs to prepare for any eventuality in case some of the insured institutions fail as a result of the general economic downturn in the country. This is important in order to ensure that the failures are resolved fast enough and in a seamless manner without causing any disruption to the system”, he said.

“It is important to note that economic recession does not imply economic stagnation, this is because recession is just a cycle it comes and goes and will end at a point in time. What is important as is our ability as policy makers and stakeholders to develop an appropriate response mechanism to ensure that it does not last and also reduce the likely impact it will have on the Deposit Insurance System, the financial sector and the economy in general”, he stated.

Umar charged NDIC and other regulatory agencies to be more vigilant in terms of regulation and supervision in order to address any problem that could

arise as a result of the consequences of recession on the insured institutions.

“In order to address the likely issues of reduced collection of premium payable by the insured institutions and by extension the growth of its insured funds as a result of economic downturn and the fluctuations in the treasury bill rates, the NDIC needs to begin to explore other investment avenues/ channels in which to invest its funds”, he said.

The Director further stated that the government needed to remain focused on its efforts at diversifying the economy and other policies put in place to ensure quick recovery from the current recession. When that is done, the economic environment according to him will be conducive for the banks to operate safely which reduces that risk of failure and hence negative consequences on the NDIC. “There should be more intensive and synergetic collaborations between and among the safely- 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 co-ordination of regulatory activities in the financial system”.

Governor Godwin Obaseki in a handshake with the Speaker of the Edo State house of Assembly Rt. budget

Hon. Justin okonoboh after presenting the

Pastor, others remanded over illegal sale of property Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏA

pastor identified as Akintoye Joseph, has been arraigned before an Ado Ekiti Magistrate court alongside one Ogundipe Sunday and others at large on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, false pretence and conduct likely to breach public peace.

The pastor, alongside others who were said to be specialist in fraudulent sale of property without owner’s consent in Ekiti State were apprehended by the police who charged them to court.

The defendants were alleged to have conspired to sell a “building at No 1, Ijigbo Street, Mugbagba area, Ado Ekiti, property of late Idris Omole, (late chief Imam of Ijigbo mosque) at the rate of N7million,” without the consent of the late Omole’s family.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned before Chief Magistrate R. A. Adegboye. They were however, ordered to be remanded by the court until they are able to perfect their bail.

Part of the charge against the defendants read that: you, Pastor Akintoye Joseph ‘m’, Ogundipe

Sunday ‘m’ and others at large on the 26th April, 2016 at about 2:00 pm at Mugbagba area Ijigbo Street Ado-Ekiti, in the Ado Ekiti Magistrate district did conspire together to commit felony to with Obtaing property by False Pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516(A) of the Criminal Code Cap.C16 Vol.1 Laws of Ekiti State.

That you, Pastor Akintoye Joseph ‘m’ Ogundipe Sunday ‘m’ and others at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did by False Pretence sell a build-

ing at No.1 Ijigbo Street, Mugbagba area Ado Ekiti property of Late Idris Omole ‘m’ at the rate of 7M (Seven million naira) only and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap.C16 Vol.I Laws of Ekiti State.

The accused persons were however, granted bail by the court in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties, one of which must be a level 14 civil servant, while one of them must reside within Ado Ekiti metropolis.

The case has been adjourned till January 11, 2017.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Politics

Bindow

9

s

Nyako

Atiku

Dec 16: A date to remember for Adamawa people Patrick Okohue and Tom Garba Finally, 16th December has become a day of celebration for all well meaning people and lover of Adamawa State. For the first time in the history of this administration the people of the state came out in their number to give a rousing welcome to the state governor, Senator Muhammad Umaru Jibrilla Bindow after the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by ex-Governor Murtala Nyako, seeking reinstatement to complete his tenure of office.

Bindow who was away to attend the wedding Fatiha of President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter when the verdict was given, came back to the state to receive a heroic welcome.

As early as 2pm, people from various local governments of the state began trooping to the Yola International Airport to welcome ‘the people’s governor’ and when at exactly 6pm the plane landed many, because of joy were trying to hug the plane before it stops.

The unprecedented crowd were shouting “ sai Bindow “, “Barda Da zuwa gwamnan Talakawa “,Kayi mun gani mai Jama’a”, Allah ya baka shekara takwas “.

From the airport to the market junction, it was a standstill as people were seen lining up along the dua carriageway road lifting up their hands in celebration of the moment.

All through the night to the next day, it was a celebration fanfare in the state, because the victory of the governor coincided with the wedding of a notable politician in the state, the Personal Assistant (PA) to former vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Turakin Adamawa, who will be giving his daughters’ hand in marriage to the ALGON chair-

man in the state, Barr Aliyu Wakili Boya.

The verdict which was given in clear terms was simple, brief and short and at exactly 9:45 am, Adamawa State was turned into a celebration mode as the judgement became a topic of discourse.

Clusters group of people in resting places, restaurants, market and even bear parlours were happily discussing and celebrating the success of the governor in the case.

Because of how the mammoth crowd blocked the road in show of solidarity, Bindow has to come out of his car and began to wave his hands to them, appreciating them for their support and prayers, while promising them a continuity of good governance.

Nyako was on July 15, 2014 impeached as governor of the state after spending three of the four years in office.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Tanko Muhammad who led the seven-man panel of Justices held that the appeal was lacking in merit.

Muhammad said: “This court agrees with the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal that declared Nyako’s removal from office as illegal.

“We also hold onto the decision of the lower court that fails to reinstate the appellant because of the special facts of the case.”

Muhammad added that the appeal had to fail because Nyako’s counsel compromised the case at the lower court when he withdrew the prayer seeking the ex-governor’s reinstatement.

According to him, “There could be no ground of appeal when a litigant’s case was compromised by his or her counsel and on that score alone the appeal has to fail.

“However, the remedy by the appeal of

court ordering the payment of salaries and other entitlements accruable to the appellant for the period he was illegally removed from office, was in order.

“There will never be a forum again where that issue of reinstatement would be raised again, and to that extent, that informs my dismissal of the appeal in its entirety.”

Nyako had through his counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje, filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court, Yola challenging his removal

There could be no ground of appeal when a litigant’s case was compromised by his or her counsel and on that score alone the appeal has to fail. However, the remedy by the appeal of court ordering the payment of salaries and other entitlements accruable to the appellant for the period he was illegally removed from office, was in order

from office by the state’s House of Assembly.

However, delivering judgement on suit on May 21, 2015, Justice Balkisu Aliyu struck out the case. The judge held that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the proceeding at the trial court, Nyako approached the Court of Appeal in Yola to challenge the decision of the court.

Nyako, after the filing of the appeal went on to brief another lawyer, Ibrahim Isiaku (SAN), to lead his legal team.

The confusion ensued at the point of adoption of written addresses when it was held that Isiaku had withdrawn the prayer seeking the ex-governor’s reinstatement.

Justice Jummai Sankey, delivering the decision of the Court of Appeal, Yola on February 11 held that the court set aside the decision of the trial court to hear the suit on its merit.

The Appeal Court had gone ahead to declare Nyako’s removal as unconstitutional as the impeachment proceedings were conducted in breach of his rights to fair hearing.

Sankey therefore ordered the Adamawa State government to pay all salaries, allowances and other entitlements to Nyako for the period he was illegally removed from office.

Now that that Adamawa State governor, Bindow has finally put behind him the court cases that have trailed his government for a long time, Adamawa people expects him to assert full authority; put a strong personal stamp on his government and take full responsibility of any actions or inactions of his government as the doors of excuses of distractions by court cases are now comCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Markafi’s faction blasts Gulak over claims on PDP govs The Sen. Ahmed Makarfiled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described as `unrealistic political dream,’ the claim that nine PDP governors support Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction.

Prince Dayo Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary of the Makarfi-led faction, made the remark in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

Adeyeye said that the party’s

attention was drawn to a statement credited to Ahmed Gulak, an aide of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff that up to eight PDP governors were in support of Sheriff ’s group.

“We naturally wouldn’t have dignified Gulak and his cohorts with a response but silence could be misinterpreted as admission of the lies of these pathological liars.

“We are amused by Gulak’s claims. Since the 21st May 2016 convention which held in Port

Harcourt, Ali Modu Sheriff and his renegade band have never missed any opportunity to blame the governors for the problems of the party.

“Only last week their self appointed Deputy National Chairman, Cairo Ojugboh was still castigating the governors for the party’s woes at a press conference. Why attack those who are supporting you?’’

Adeyeye said that if Gulak wanted to be taken seriously, he should name those gover-

nors who were supporting his group.

He added that Gulak should also disclose the type of support his group received from the governors.

“On the other hand, it may be a case of political hallucination (where someone sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that don’t exist outside their mind).”

Adeyeye said maybe Gulak actually meant the All Progressives Congress (APC) gover-

nors who are their sponsors and not PDP governors.

“The whole world knows that these are paid agents of the APC being used to destabilise our great party.

“We make bold to say that all PDP governors are fully in support of the Caretaker Committee which they and other stakeholders created “Gulak should wake up from his dream and come to the world of reality,’’ Adeyeye said.

(NAN)

LG chairmen: Dogara lauds Supreme Court The Supreme Court has been commended for holding that the sacking of elected local government chairmen and councillors by state governments and appointment of administrators are illegal.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, who gave the applause in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan in Abuja on Monday, said state governors do not have the constitutional right to sack duly elected local government officials.

He emphasised the need for local government autonomy to ensure their development.

He described the appointment of caretaker committees for local governments by governors as “executive recklessness. State governors have a constitutional responsibility to act according to the dictates of the judgment, as Nigeria is a nation of laws and not of men.

“Already, clauses granting financial autonomy to both local councils and State Houses of Assembly are being considered by the National Assembly in the ongoing constitution amendment.

“The proposals include denying federal allocation to local governments that do not have democratically elected council officials.

“In the interim, the Federal Ministry of Finance should be guided by the Supreme Court’s decision which makes it illegal to release federation account funds to an unelected council,” Dogara said.

The Speaker recently described the state/local government joint account as ‘evil’ and urged state legislators to move against governors who refused to conduct council polls and hijack their funds.

(NAN)

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (2nd right); former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke (right) and Publisher of Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena during an evening of music and camaraderie with the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Sunday

APC seeks removal of Rivers INEC Commissioner Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state, has demanded the redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, for allegedly colluding with the state governor, Nyesom Wike, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to rig the December 10 rerun legislative elections in the state in favour of PDP. The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, made the demand on Monday in a statement he signed in Port Harcourt. According to him, the revelation of the unholy partnership between Wike and Mr. Ikoiwak to deny the Rivers state electorate a voice during the rerun election, necessitated the call for the redeployment of the INEC Commissioner.

The party alleged that “Mr Ikoiwak had the audacity to announce PDP’s George Sekibo as a Senator

without adding votes from three LGAs of Etche, Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs which would have made APC’s Andrew Uchendu the winner.

“Based on this, we wish to ask Sekibo, Osinakachukwu Ideozu and their likes in the PDP not to celebrate their fake victories as we will not allow killers of our people to lead us but will use every constitutional means at our disposal to retrieve the mandate given to our candidates by the voters.”

Rivers APC said that the audio tape, where Wike was purported to be threatening some INEC staff, was a damning evidence of the governor’s complicity in electoral fraud.

The party said: “With this latest revelation we have been vindicated that Wike is the most bloodthirsty Governor in Nigeria who if not checked will surely derail our democracy. Who knows how many Rivers State people that Wike and his PDP hoodlums would have killed

for the sake of electoral victory if not for the Police and other security agencies?

“Having watched the outbursts of Wike before, during and after the December 10 rerun election, we have come to the conclusion that Wike is nothing but a comical tyrant and blackmailer who needs to be reined in before he derailed our hard-won nascent democracy. Gov. Wike has not ceased to accuse the Army, DSS, Police, INEC and APC leadership of collaborating to cause havoc during the rerun election while in actual fact he is the brain perpetuating all the ballot snatching of INEC sensitive materials and fake announcements of induced INEC results.”

The APC wondered how it could be working with the Police to force INEC to rig the rerun election, when PDP candidates were declared as winners in most of the results declared by INEC. The party asked:

“How come a Police Officer, DSP Mohammed Alkali was brutally beheaded with his aide at the usual spot where PDP hoodlums kill other security agents at Omoku?”

Addressing the issue of Police Probe Panel on the seventy incidents reported by the INEC, the APC insisted that Wike must submit himself to the Police probe to assist in unearthing those responsible for the killings in Rivers State.

Rivers APC commended the courage displayed by the Ogonis by voting overwhelmingly for the party’s candidates but also stoutly defending their votes. It added: “Not minding the tyranny of Wike, the Ogonis have proved that they are truly soldiers of democracy by ensuring that their son Magnus Abe was duly elected Senator, thereby shaming Wike and his army of undemocratic elements and appreciating the Ogoni clean-up initiative of President Muhammdu Buhari.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

11 Politics

Corruption charge: APC silent over calls to sack SGF Tom Okpe, Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to have understanding to refuse comments on calls by the Nigerian Senators calling for the sack and prosecution of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal.

Lawal was the APC National Vice Chairman North-East before his appointment as the SGF

by President Muhammadu Bu-

hari last year.

Last week, the Senate at its plenary asked the SGF to resign and called on security agencies to prosecute him for alleged misappropriation of funds earmarked for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Boko Haram devastated North-East.

Every attempt so far made to get the reaction of the party regarding the matter has met brick walls.

Some of the party’s national officers asked to comment re-

fused to talk while several calls and text messages sent to the APC new National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi who was out of Abuja at the time were neither answered nor replied.

Other national officers met by our correspondent refused to comment saying they were not authorised to speak on the matter.

The major agenda of the APC led federal government is hinged on the fight against corruption.

The Senate, which hinged its position on the report of the Senator Shehu Sani committee on the allegations of misappropriation of IDP funds said despite the claim by some federal government agencies, “what is on ground as seen by the committee does not justify or reflect the claims.”

The SGF, Babachir Lawal was indicted for awarding a contract to a company where he is allegedly said to be the Director as at September, 2016.

Babachir

C’River celebrates Ayade 575 candidates to contest chairmen, councillorship slots in Abia –ABSIEC over S’ court ruling Edem Edem, Calabar

Government activities across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State were brought to a standstill yesterday as workers abandoned their official duties to receive the state governor, Prof Ben Ayade who recently got victory in Supreme Court over a case between him and his kinsman, Joe Agi (SAN) Our correspondent who monitored the arrival of the governor from the Margaret Ekpo International Airport to U. J. Esuene Stadium observed that all offices were closed as workers thronged the airport and stadium to receive the governor.

All manner of cultural displays both within and outside the state were in attendance.

Also at the airport and stadium to receive the governor were non indigenes including the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other ethnic groups residing within and outside the state. Consequently, the entire routs where the convoy of the governor passed, heavy traffic was noted and people were stopped from passing for over two hours.

However, small business owners including sachet water dealers, ice cream, orange and other fruits sellers made brisk business as they sold all they had to thirsty and hungry residents. Interestingly, the E. J. Esuene Stadium was filled

to capacity with all kinds of cultural play performing.

At the time of filling this report, Governor Ayade was yet to address the people at the stadium as a source hinted that the governor had gone to his house to refresh and possibly have few minutes rest with his family whom he left for sometimes to Abuja to listen to Supreme Court judgement.

Ayade

Forty three chairmanship and 532 councillorship candidates from four political parties have been cleared to contest in next Wednesday’s local government elections in Abia State.

The Secretary of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr Tony Mgbarine, made the announcement in Umuahia on Monday.

He said the candidates would contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP).

A breakdown of the number of contestants per political party indicated that PDP has 17 candidates for the chairmanship posts in 17 local government areas and 292 counsellorship candidates in all the 292 wards in the state.

The APGA has 13 chairmanship and 153 councillorship candidates; APC has 11 chairmanship and 71 councillorship candidates and Labour Party has two chairmanship and four councillorship candidates.

Mgbarine said the commission was ready for the polls, stressing that the commission had obtained voter register from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said that the register was being

“mass produced” and could not be displayed as required by law before the polls “for want of time.”

He said that the register would be made available at every polling booth for prospective voters to cross-check their names during accreditation.

According to him those who voted in the 2015 general elections would be eligible to vote because their names are still in the register.

He said voters whose names were not in the current register would not be allowed to vote.

“It is the responsibility of INEC to carry out a periodic review of the voter register. It is not our fault that INEC failed to discharge that function and ABSIEC cannot take the blame,” he said.

Mgbarine said the commission held a two-day training for adhoc staff, including presiding officers, polling clerks, orderlies, supervisors and returning officers, drawn from the state’s civil service.

He said the commission was collaborating with the security agencies in the state to ensure adequate arrangement for the exercise.

He restated the position of the commission that card readers would not be used for the elections.

He said the commission could not afford the cost of hiring the machine from INEC. (NAN)

Dec 16: A date to remember for Adamawa people CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

pletely closed.

Nyako’s attempt to make a comeback, some political analysts say is merely continuing an old political rivalry between himself and former vice president Atiku Abubakar which dates back to 2003; it is also an attempt by the Nyako group to settle personal scores.

However, some political watchers say, to be fair to the Nyako group, they have reasons to be aggrieved. According to them, in the build-up to the 2015 elections, a very small committee was setup to shop for a saleable governorship

candidate, three names emergedDahiru Bobbo, former Director General of National Boundary Commission, Boss Mustapha, APC chieftain and Tahir Mamman former DG, Law School, Yola campus.

Bindow’s name was not even on the list. The Nyako group had to field Bindow during the primaries as they did not have an option, because among all the contenders, it was only Bindow who openly opposed Nyako’s impeachment and the group felt they could be at home with him.

Atiku, in his political reasoning opted for Ibrahim Yayaji Mijinyawa, probably because of loyalty.

In fact, the APC governorship primary election was a contest between Atiku and Nyako. Governor Bindow won the APC governorship primaries solely by relying on former governor Nyako’s political structures. And twice, Bindow beat Atiku Abubakar’s preferred candidate, Yayaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa in the primaries. But Atiku now pull the strings.

Some political observers are of the view that Governor Bindow appears ‘self-assured’ in the murky waters of Adamawa politics, because he thinks, once one has Atiku’s group by his side- most political opponents can easily be dealt

with, because of Atiku’s immense war chest and history of successes in political legal battles that easily scares off his opponents.

Both supporters and antagonists of the Adamawa State governor, share a common view – that Governor Bindow has performed well so far, and he is doing well especially, in terms of infrastructure development.

But they also believe that Bindow has also failed woefully, notably in the political arena. He is believed to have made a political blunder in his failure to manage the widening division within his own party and the growing discon-

nect between him and some political bigwigs in the state.

Governor Bindow is believed to have erred by side lining many members of the legacy partiesACN, CPC and the ANPP. The only political bigwig the governor rollicks with is former vice president Atiku Abubakar.

With the Nyako court cases closed, in few months, it is believed that Bindow’s true face will emerge. But, the question on the lips of many is, will Bindow prove that he is a man of himself or indeed a man who relies on the powers that be when he is in need, like they say, time will tell.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ ƾƠè ƾƠơÕ

Creation of more courts not solution to congestion –Ag CJN Continued from page 1 preme Court of the United States of America has nine Justices.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat OlurantiAdebule, also commended the upgrade and pledged the state’s support for the judiciary.

Appeal Court President, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa led a host of dignitaries including Supreme Court Justices, George Oguntad (rtd), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Sidi Bage, justices of the Sokoto, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Makurdi, Abuja, Jos and Yola Divisions of the Appeal Court, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Professor Taiwo Oshipitan SAN,

Mr. Emeka Ngige, SAN, and others.

Onnoghen, responding to a call

by Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Vice President, Monday Ubani, for three more divisions of the Appeal Court for quicker justice delivery, said doing so would create more problems.

His words: “We always think we can solve the problem of congestion in our courts by appointing more judges and justices and creating more divisions of the courts, because the idea is that the more they are, the lesser the job or workload.

“But this has not been proved right. It has rather been proved wrong, because the more divisions you create, the more cases get filed.

The solution doesn’t lie in multi-

plying the number of divisions and the judges. The more judges and justices you appoint, the more cases that get filed, which points to the fact that we have really not hit the nail on the head.

“The solution lies in making every appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court by leave. It lies in controlling the jurisdiction of the court in the quantity, number of cases that get to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“If we have 21 or so provisions for vacancies to the Supreme Court, we believe if we appoint that number it will be the solution? No.” Onnoghen observed that the United States and India with far more people than Nigeria had fewer Supreme Court Justices.

“Apart from the physical con-

straints that the Supreme Court has in terms of space, there is another idea we should look at. Which of the countries in the world can you point to that has that kind of number of justices on its Supreme Court bench? There is none. Even in America as large as it is, it has nine. Go to India, none.

“So, the number 17 is adequate for our size if we can only solve the problem of congestion by controlling the volume of traffic that gets to the Supreme Court.

“We say appeals should get to the Supreme Court as of right. Good.

On matters of questions of law, Yes. If it is on point of law, the point of law must be novel enough to attract the attention of the Supreme Court, otherwise we are just playing about.”

FG to service debts with N1.7tr in 2017 Continued from page 1 capital allocation is for the Ministry of Transportation which has the sum of N277 billion.

“The 2017 Budget is an Infrastructure Budget. A total of N1.047 trillion is dedicated to key infrastructural spending.”

Specifically, the allocations showed Power, Works and Housing got N529 billion; Transportation, N262 billion while Special Intervention Programmes would get N150 billion.

Also, Defence was allocated N140 billion; Water Resources, N85 billion while Industry, Trade and Investment got N81 billion.

Other allocations to ministries are: Interior N63 billion; Education N50 billion, Universal Basic Education Commission N92 billion; Health N51 billion; Federal Capital Territory N37 billion; Niger Delta Ministry N33 billion; Niger Delta Development Commission N61 billion and Agriculture N91 billion.

According to Udoma, the budget was predicated on key assumptions and not actual realities, meaning there would continuous adjustment.

“Based on the key assumptions and budgetary reform initiatives, the 2017 Budget envisages total Federal Government revenue of N4.94 trillion, exceeding financial year (FY) 2016 projection by 28 percent. The Projected revenue receipt from oil is N1.985 trillion and Non-oil is N1.373 trillion. The contribution of oil revenue is 40.2 percent compared to 19 percent in FY 2016 driven mainly by JVC cost reduction, higher price, exchange rate and additional oil related revenues,” the minister pointed out.

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We must not allow ethnicity to destroy our ties, Sultan tells Igbo Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday in Enugu appealed to Ndigbo not to allow ethnic differences destroy relationship between the two regions.

Speaking during the official reception of Rangers Football Club of Enugu for their victory at the 2016 Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL by the Enugu State Government, the Muslim spiritual leader said that it is improper to call all armed herdsmen who kill and destroying people’s farmlands as Fulani indigenes.

The Sultan said people who engage in such acts in whatever guise should be regarded as criminals and should be treated as such, pointing out that Islamic religion abhor killing or forcing one to be converted to Islamic religion.

“We are not to kill anybody because of religion. We must not allow bad ones to spoil our unity.

There are many good Nigerians.

There are many good Nigerians.

There are criminals everywhere.

It is not the issue of religion. You don’t Islamize a people by killing them.

“There is no compulsion in religion. Our problem in extremism.

Islam does not support violence.

As a good Muslim or Christian, we must love one another,” the Sultan admonishes.

The Moslem spiritual leader also said that many people have been mistaking President Buhari and imputing what they feel his intentions are but noted that Buhari is a different person.

Recession: Lagos generated more revenue In 2016 -Ambode

ÏÏÏ

Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday hailed tax payers in the state for performing their civic obligations faithfully, saying the state recorded more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2016 than what was recorded in 2015 despite economic recession in the country.

As at December 16, 2016, the state had raked in N287 billion IGR for the year under review as against N268.2 billion generated in 2015.

Speaking at a special evening of music and camaraderie held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, to usher in the yuletide season, Governor Ambode said the taxes paid by the people have been judiciously utilized to upgrade infrastructures and provide various services, just as he said that Lagosians deserved to be appreciated for cooperating with government in that regard.

Speaking on the significance of the event which featured performances by array of evergreen musicians and was attended by top political leaders, captains of industries, media executives, professionals in various fields, members of the diplomatic corps, among others, Governor Ambode said the state Government was greatly appreciative of the contributions of the people to the growth of the state in the year under review, adding that the event was principally to appreciate them.

He said: “You wonder what it is that we are doing? We said it is an evening with the Governor but the truth is I just set this up to appreciate all of you and to say a big thank you. Yes, people have been saying that Lagos is working but Lagos is only working because of the people who are seated here.

“The tax payers are the ones giving us the little energy that we have and even though when they say Nigeria is in recession, but somehow Lagos has been able to do it and it is because people are paying their taxes.

“The truth is that the people have been carrying out their civic obligations and somehow we have been returning those obligations with the services that we have provided and you found out that this year; we have actually made more IGR than last year under a recession.

“So, somehow, we need to appreciate all the people that have made this to happen and then I look at the way I could use Arts, Entertainment, Tourism and Hospitality not only to promote the excellence that Lagos has always been known for but to provide another sector of revenue for Lagos State

and I felt one of the ways to go about that was to invite our old celebrities that we seem to have forgotten and spend an evening with them,” Governor Ambode said.

The event was attended by top leaders including national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor of state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Lagos state deputy governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former governors of Osun state, Chief Bisi Akande and Senator Isiaka Adeleke; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; Majority Leader of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator representing Lagos West at the Senate and his predecessor, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan and Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

13

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Rotimi Amaechi: Knife that tore the umbrella

F

Majeed Dahiru

rontline Niger Delta region’s oil producing Rivers State, host to leading multi-national oil companies, as well as the largest oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria, is truly the treasure base of Africa’s second largest oil producer. Nigeria’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas export earnings (90 percent). It is not always gloomy in the Niger Delta. Oil producing states benefit significantly from the natural resource endowments of their land. A constitutionally guaranteed 13 percent derivation payable to oil producing states have put them ahead of other states in terms of financial resources. Rivers State is the most important of all the oil producing states.

Although the third largest oil producing state, it derives enormous resources from taxes as the host of the highest number of oil multinationals and oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria. The state also has the largest population of all the Niger Delta coastal states due to the numerous economic opportunities that abound within its borders. Nigeria’s political culture thrives on a corrupt patronage system of crass cronyism; therefore, Rivers State is very important in the power equation at the highest level of government. This explains why democratic elections in Rivers State are usually intense and sometimes violent.

Rotimi Amaechi, former governor and current minister of transport, proved the importance of Rivers State in national politics in the 2015 presidential elections. Amaechi was the man who led the revolt of five PDP governors, resulting in the break-up of the then ruling party. His boldness and political astuteness endeared him to millions of Nigerians across the country but alienated him from his people because the man he worked against, former president Goodluck Jonathan, is a son of the soil.

The minister of transport lived yesterday in order to exist today. He looked beyond Goodluck Jonathan, the first Niger Delta president of Nigeria. Unlike so many Niger Delta politicians who became regional ethnic champions because, one of their own was president; Amaechi remained faithful to the broad alliance that was the PDP. He refused to compromise his position as the Governors Forum chairman on sectional considerations, by being fiercely loyal and faithful to his colleagues. When resisted, he was defiant in a manner, which his kinsmen perceived as disloyalty. Amaechi was also not ready to tolerate the meddlesomeness of the then first lady, Patient Jonathan.

However, Amaechi’s main adversary and nemesis will emerge from behind his own shadow – Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, his closest political ally, confidant and nominee into the

Federal Executive Council (as minister of state for education). Wike is a man of proven ability in the grassroots politics of Rivers State.

He was like the field marshal of the Amaechi political family. Like most Nigerian politicians, Wike was driven by personal ambition for power. The only problem was that his ambition to become governor did not fit into the equation of his leader’s permutation in Rivers State. Amaechi, as then political leader of Rivers State, openly expressed the desirability of the governorship seat to rotate to the riverine area of the state. Wike, who like Amaechi, is from the upland area of the state, was nursing the ambition to be governor.

Amaechi’s position on moving the seat of power in the state to the riverine areas was not to spite or shortchange Wike, but was only fair and consistent with PDP’s inherent zoning and power rotation pact. Driven by the burning fire of his political ambition, Wike suddenly, in a deft move, pitched his tent with the first family. Goodluck Jonathan who was also nursing the ambition to become president a second time – an ambition that he suspected Amaechi may not support– found a natural ally in Wike.

Both were united in their personal ambition over the common interest of the collective interest. This alliance further aggravated their dispute with Amaechi. Wike knew too much about his former boss and ally. He knew his weaknesses and strength and was able to deconstruct and demystify him.

Goodluck Jonathan found in Nyesome Wike a trusted and reliable ally, and tied his presidential

ambition to the governorship quest of Wike. In order to neutralise Amaechi and reduce his influence within the ruling PDP, the Godspower Ake-led Rivers State executive committee of the party was dissolved on the order of a federal high court sitting in Abuja.

This was speedily obeyed and Wike installed the Felix Obuah-led caretaker executive committee. This move effectively made Wike leader of the state PDP. The full weight of “federal might” was deployed to support Wike’s ambition. In the ensuing power tussle, Amaechi’s exercise of authority and power as governor were undermined by federal agencies on “orders from above”.

Amaechi refused to cave in but instead led the revolt of five PDP governors to join forces with other political associations to form the APC. Amaechi was the knife that ripped the umbrella. He became Jonathan’s ultimate nemesis. He knew so much about Jonathan and systemically exposed the former president’s weak points. Amaechi’s rhetoric against Jonathan was perceived as an “insider’s account” and were largely held to be true. The deep purse of Rivers State was used to oil the electioneering wheel of APC’s Muhammadu Buhari effectively. Coming from Jonathan’s region, Amaechi’s revolt was very instrumental to uniting opposition forces, which led to Jonathan’s defeat at the polls.

Amaechi achieved his ultimate goal, while Wike achieved his ultimate ambition of becoming governor. Jonathan lost out. The former president was fighting Wike’s war thinking it was his.

History appears to be repeating itself. The problem is that men never learn from history. The Muhammadu Buhari APC-led Federal Government has also availed the minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi of the now notorious “federal might” to enact the impunity and abuse of power in the same manner the PDP did. Today, Wike is crying out bitterly, shouting his voice hoarse over the systematic undermining of authority and powers on “orders from above”. Some say it is the law of karma. I do not believe in the law of karma. I believe in repentance and forgiveness.

What is happening in Rivers State under the APC administration of Muhammadu Buhari, as it happened under the PDP administration of Goodluck Jonathan, is wrong now as it was then. The vicious cycle of the corrupt use of power that entrenches the political culture of impunity is least expected under a government that enjoys the mandate of 15 million Nigerians because it promised change.

Rotimi, the hero of the change, should look beyond his rival and adversary, Wike, and continue on his trajectory of being a nationalist statesman. His reward for supporting Muhammadu Buhari, a Northern Muslim, over his own kinsman, should not be the deployment of “federal might” over local elections. His reward should be the massive development of the Niger Delta region, in order to justify the position he took in 2015.

Buhari needs to help Amaechi reconcile with his people by keeping, the promises made to improve the socio-economic life of the people of the Niger Delta. The inability of the Buhari administration to take deliberate steps aimed at rapproachment and genuine reconciliation in the Niger Delta, beyond tokenism, have further alienated the people and confer more legitimacy on Wike’s political dominance in the state.

Amaechi should avoid the mistake of Jonathan in fighting his own kinsman to finish. Buhari should prove Amaechi right, that in making democratic choices, citizens should look beyond ethnoreligious sentiments, elect leaders based on the content of their character, and proven record of accomplishment, by significantly transforming the Niger Delta landscape for good.

In an atmosphere of extreme sectionalism that pervades the Nigerian political culture, it is better to keep the home front united behind you, irrespective of political differences. The same friends cheering Amaechi on today will exploit the faultline in his home base to undermine him while using his public display of impunity to discredit him, in the case of a power struggle that may most certainly arise within the APC.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

15 Opinion

2107 and new era of cyber crime in Nigeria

N Remi Afon

igeria cybercrime landscape is changing rapidly with threat actors growing in size, scope, complexity and capability over the past few years.

The 419-cybercrime gangs are now specialising in using advanced malware tools common with sophisticated criminals and espionage groups according to a November 2016 report by Palo Alto Networks. In June 2016, a 40 year old Nigerian ostensibly to be the ringleader of a global cybercrime network behind frauds totalling more than $60m was arrested in Port Harcourt. He was accused of leading a network that compromised email accounts of small and medium-sized businesses around the world.

There are so many unreported cases of cybercrime activities in the country, which resulted in financial loss to organisations and individuals. It has been estimated that Nigeria loses about N127 billion annually to cybercrime.

Looking ahead, I have identified five cybercrime that will dominate Nigeria in 2017 based on the current trends.

The top five cybercrime in no particular order are CEO Email Scam, Ransomware, Online Assisted Kidnapping,

Cyber Bullying and Online Impersonation.

CEO Email Scam is a phishing scheme that targets businesses by spoofing their email or use social engineering to assume the identity of their CEO. The cyber criminals achieve this by researching employees who are in charge of Finance and request a wire fraud transfer to fraudulent account claiming to be the CEO. CEO Email scammers use techniques known as business email compromise and business email spoofing. Business email compromise is the process of hijacking an email account or email server to intercept business transactions and redirect payments. Business email spoofing is sending spoofed email from an external account pretending to be a company executive authorising an irregular payment transaction.

The New Year will also witness more ransomware than ever seen before in Nigeria. With the rise of ransomware-as-a-service, cybercriminals can now purchase a user-friendly kit they could deploy with little or no cyber expertise from the dark web. A Ransomware is a type of malware that infects a machine when user clicks on a seemingly legitimate link and unknowingly downloads a malicious file. The virus will then encrypt the user’s files, share drives and servers, leaving them inaccessible unless the vic-

tim pays for the decryption key usually in crypto currency.

That Kidnapping is on the rise in Nigeria is no news, what many people don’t know is that kidnappers are being assisted by their victims’ social media online activities and geolocation data on their smartphones. Geolocation data is information that can be used to identify an electronic device’s physical location. Using smartphones built-in global positioning system (GPS) functionality allows location-based services (or geo-location) to locate and publish information about smartphone owners’ whereabouts. Kidnappers have started using geolocation and geotagging to target their victims.

Geotagging are pieces of information that can be attached to a tweet, status or photo on a social networking site that show the physical location of where something had been posted. Social media that have location geotagging implemented include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and even Google+, amongst many others Cyberbullying will continue to rise in 2017. Cyberbullying is the use of Internet to harass, intimidate or abuse a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically. The year 2016 saw some Nigerians going berserk by making online videos, publishing abusive post just to insult and harass their victims. It is not

uncommon for people to circulate fake news about individuals or organisations on social media. With unrestricted access to Internet via their smartphones coupled with several social media presence, teenagers have recorded highest number attacks by cyberbullies who are essentially their peers.

Online impersonation is another top cybercrime to watch out for in 2017. Online impersonators can be classified into two categories based on their activities in Nigeria. The first category impersonates politicians and religious leaders on social media by creating fake profiles with the aim of defrauding their victims.

The second category usually creates fake profiles with attractive fake pictures so they can engage in what is called ‘romance scam’.

The romance fraud criminals are mainly interested in targeting foreigners, claiming they are in love with them and establishing a love relation to be able to swindle them.

2017 promises to be a busy year for cyber criminals in Nigeria as they up their game while Individuals, organisations and government will continue to play catch up game. Fighting cybercrime requires a collaboration of government, law enforcement agencies, private sector and public.

Remi Afon is President, Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN

Buhari vs Trump: Between wanting and preparing to be President

I Friday Ekpo

t is often said by some people that of all civilian Heads of State / Presidents Nigeria had produced since independence; it is only Mohammadu Buhari that actually wanted to be President of Nigeria. Others that occupied that post at one time or the other, they said, were there at other people’s prompting.

The truth about this assertion could be seen on how many times Buhari had tried his hand in the presidential venture. He started in 2003 when he contested against the then President Obasanjo and failed. He repeated the venture in 2007 when he contested against Yar’adua and was defeated.

Buhari suffered the same fate in 2011 when Jonathan humbled him. This third defeat sent him sobbing in front of the camera in a world press conference where he promised not to contest any longer. Kudos here must be given to Tinubu and his group who saw that the coast was clear in 2015

and were able to convince him to break the vow.

However, given what has transpired during this 18months of Buhari presidency, it can be safely submitted that while Buhari had always wanted to be President, he never prepared to be President.

Now let us look at this: Buhari contested Presidential election held on March 28, 2015, and was declared winner on the 30th March 2015. Between that time of his declaration and his inauguration on May 29, 2015, Buhari had full two months to have shown the colour of his Cabinet. However, this never happened.

In addition, between the time of his inauguration and November 11, 2015 when his first set of Ministers were sworn in, it took another six months. How does one marry Buhari’s tardiness in constituting a Cabinet and his touted urge to turn around the country?

This shows that while he wanted to be President, he never prepared to be one. It is often also said that

when preparation meet opportunity, success occurs. What success would anyone had expected of Buhari when he never showed that he was prepared for the job?

The result of this unpreparedness on the side of Buhari is manifest for all eyes to see.

On the other hand, you have a Donald Trump, a business mogul who surfaced in the American political horizon a year ago. As he went about the grueling party primaries within the Republican Party, he only succeeded in attracting more foes than friends within that fold attract.

Because of his style and utterances, he was deserted by friends and alienated by enemies.

However, Trump kept his vision and sense of mission alive. This doggedness also became an advantage, endearing him to millions of American voters who had become disenchanted by Obama style of leadership. Having won his party nomination, he went into Presidential election on the 8th

November and was declared winner the following day. Between 9th November and 9th December 2016, Donald Trump has assembled most members of his inner Cabinet, the latest being the Exxon Mobil CEO that has been tipped for the post of Secretary of State.

Yet, he has more than one month to be inaugurated. This shows someone who did not only want but also prepared to be President.

This also contrasts widely with our President who ran the country as a sole administrator for six months, rebuffing every entreaty to appoint cabinet in a record time and calling the ministers “noise makers”.

I am resolute in my conviction that had Buhari done the right thing at the right time; the economy would not have been in this sorry state. Even as late as he started, if he had put the right people in the right places, Nigeria would not have come near recession, falling oil price notwithstanding.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Tony Nwakaegho

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sponsored grand finale Cup Tennis Tournament 2016 has ended in Lagos with Team Offikwu emerging as the champion and taking home star prize of N7million after upsetting the defending champions, Tombim in an exciting tennis match at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC), Onikan.

Tombim took home N5million as Team Civil Defence won the Third place prize of N3million. Team FCT came fourth and got N2million as prize money.

Team Offikwu lift NCC Tennis League Cup Speaking at the tournament which had Chief Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria; Barrister Rotimi Edu, chairman, LLTC; Nduka Odizor and Barrister Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sports, among other dignitaries in attendance commended NCC for following the policy direction of the government in calling for public, private partnership in the development of sports in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) described the feat as a total accomplishment on the part of NCC following the excitement and personalities that graced the grand finale.

Danbatta who was represented

by Mr. Reuben Muoka, head of Public Relations at the Commission said, “The Minister of

Sports in particular has followed up with us from the beginning of the fixtures to the finals. He attended and sat through every match. That was a great support to what NCC is doing. NCC is encouraged. We are happy the way it turned as the best team emerged the winner. This team is new in the tournament and they actually invited players even from abroad.

Page 17

L-R: Chief Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria; Barrister Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sports; Sylvester Emmanuel, Team Captain (Offikwu) and Reuben Muoka, head of Public Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), during the presentation of trophy and N7m cheque to the winners at the NCC Tennis league grand finale held in Lagos, recently.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

L – R: Ex-international, Mr. Victor Ikpeba; N1m winner, Kyrian Obi; Assistant Manager, Business Development Unit (Lagos Zonal Office), Mr. Afam Ojeh and CEO Elev8 Sports, Mr. Biola Kazeem at the prize presentation of the Guinness Every Minute Made of Black Promotion recently.

EPL: Millionaires emerge in Guinness

EMMOB promo ANDREW EKEJIUBA

F

ollowing the successful launch of Guinness ‘Every Minute Made of Black’ promo, 10 lucky football lovers and Guinness consumers have carted home cash prizes of N1, 000,000 each in the ongoing promo.

The EMMOB promo which was launched on October 1 earlier this year, has gained almost 600,000 massive participation from football lovers nationwide. 443,608 participants have won instant free airtime while 2,496 Guinness consumers won N1, 000 free airtime.

According to Brand Guinness, Senior Brand Manager, Mr. Kunle Faloye, “It is our joy knowing that our consumers not only watch the English Premier League (EPL), but also have a stake in the game and the chance to win great prizes. Guinness will continue to boldly take centre stage on and off football viewing occasions; and we have proved this through our partnership with DSTV by broadcasting all the excitement and fun that the EPL brings among football fans across Nigeria.”

“Guinness Every Minute Made of Black is not just an ordinary promotion. It has

given millions of Nigerians the chance to get more involved with their favourite team matches, look forward to some exciting football moments, whilst also winning some incredible prizes. So far, we have had massive engagement from our consumers at home, bars and football viewing centres nationwide,” he added.

Speaking further on the football promotion, Marketing Manager, Guinness, Uche Onwudiwe, affirmed that the promo has indeed produced 10 Match Day millionaires from the weekly grand draw, where 2 people share N2,000,000

ManCityhailTecnoMobilepartnership ANDREW EKEJIUBA

O

fficials of English Premiership side, Manchester City, has hailed their partnership with Techno Mobile as the official tablet and handset partner of the club.

Extra Time gathered that Tecno Mobile will work with the club to grow their strategic marketing and advertising campaigns across the globe, including Africa where Tecno is already recognised as the market’s leading mobile phone brand.

Speaking at the launch of the global partnership, which took place at the City

Football Academy, Tom Glick, City Football Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tecno Mobile to Manchester City’s growing repertoire of global partners. Its global focus coupled with a commitment to each of its local markets reflects our ethos and we look forward to working with them to connect with Manchester City’s global fan base.”

Stephen Ha, General Manager of Tecno Mobile, also speaking at a launch event at Manchester City’s City Football Academy added: “We are honoured to be partnering with such a successful and well known club as Manchester City, continuing our long association with sport at the highest

level.

“Providing our consumers with an unparalleled mobile experience is a top priority for Tecno Mobile and we see many similarities with Manchester City when we look at their commitment to delivering a premium match day and digital experience for their fans. We are delighted to join their team and can’t wait to kick start this partnership together.”

Tecno, part of Transsion Holdings, was first established in China and over the last decade has grown its global presence to over 40 emerging markets, where City’s fan base is also strong and continuing to grow every day.

cash reward every match weekend; that is N1,000, 000 cash per person.”

While commenting on how to participate in the promo, Onwudiwe said, “Winning in the promo is so easy, consumers are expected to find their minute and code under the crown cork of all Guinness promotional bottles. Then text the code plus selected team’s name to 1759, if the minute under the crown matches the minute a goal is scored by the selected team, then the participant will win N1000 airtime instantly and also qualifies for a weekly draw of N1,000,000.”

Ugwuanyi rewards Rangers

with land,cash gifts E nugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has rewarded champions Rangers with a plot of land each as well as a total sum of N41.5 million.

The plots of land are located at the Rangers Estate in Enugu.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Mohammed, a big fan of Rangers and who started his military career in Nsukka, was also present at the victory reception at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu.

“We commend Rangers for

reviving the famous Rangers spirit and making the club great again,” saluted Governor Ugwuanyi.

“We dedicate this trophy to the almighty God.” The team was hosted to a dinner at The Dome later on Monday.

Among the Rangers stars in attendance were striker Ifeanyi Egwim, who suffered a horror fracture on the final day of the past season, but he has since recovered and will soon be training again.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

EXTRATIME

Bundesliga better than EPL — Okocha

F

ormer Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, has said that the German Bundesliga is superior to the English Premier League in many regards.

The midfield maestro who once plied his trade in the Bundesliga when he featured for Eintracht Frankfurt, made this assertion at an interactive session with the media, organized by foremost digital television company, StarTimes and DFL Deutsche Fussball Liga during the ‘Bundesliga Legend Tour with Jay Jay Okocha’.

“The Bundesliga is better than Premier League in terms of tactical approach, technical approach, discipline, stadium attendance and number of goals scored per week. Bundesliga usually attracts more than 18 million spectators in total to the stadiums. It also has the best youth development program and this can be pointed out as one of the major reasons for the successful development of German football in recent years.

“The Bundesliga’s current average attendance of about 42,000

fans per match is the highest in a professional football league worldwide and only second after the American National Football League (NFL) compared to all professional sports leagues,” Okocha said.

Also present at the event, were StarTimes Bundesliga Legend, Tobias Ross, Manager for International Marketing–DFL, Henning Brinkmann, Manager for Sales and Marketing – DFL, Bundesliga and Jana Bernhard, Manager for Events and Promotion – DFL alongside many other dignitaries, in an unprecedented move to change the Pay TV landscape in Africa and offer surplus entertainment access to subscribers.

According to StarTimes Marketing Director, Mr. Dare Kafar, “The Bundesliga Legends Tour is a continuation of the journey that was started more than 12 months ago when StarTimes signed the exclusive broadcast rights of the Bundesliga for five years in Nigeria.”

He reiterated that StarTimes was also using the platform to

allow subscribers and fans to interact with their Bundesliga legends. Okocha, while in Lagos and Accra, will share his experience on the Bundesliga during live studio shows and serve as co-commentator for Bundesliga matches.

Eguma IBB backs boxing in Niger pleased

with Spain

tour

Saka Bolaji Minna

F

ormer military President, General Ibrahim Babaginda (rtd) has expressed his support for the development boxing in Niger State because talents discovered at his maiden IBB Inter Local Government Boxing Competition stand the chance of being gainfully employed.

Speaking during the competition held in Minna, the former military leader said grassroots boxing tournaments will always help to discover boxers at their right ages and urged the participants not to relent in their efforts in hitting stardom by using the competition as a spring board.

Babangida was represented at the event by the former Zonal Manager of Unity Bank in Minna, Alhaji MD Ibrahim.

He further noted that the tournament was a stepping stone for the success story of the budding boxers and commended the state association for staging the event for the LGAs in Niger.

In his remark, the Chairman of Niger State Boxing Association who also doubles as the National President of Boxing Referees/Judges of Nigeria, Mr Teejay Adams, he thanked IBB the sponsorship despite neglect by government.

Teejay urged the youths in the state to embrace sporting activities especially boxing and appealed to government at all levels, corporate bodies and well-to-do individuals to emulate the support from the former President and bankroll boxing competitions in Niger.

The two-day boxing tournament saw Chanchaga Local Government emerge as the overall winner, while Bida and Suleja finished second and third respectively.

Dalung tasks Pinnick

on CAF seat bid Eguma

T

echnical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma has spoken about his delight at the club’s decision to embark on a 10-day training tour to Spain.

United are currently in their fifth and final phase of pre-season preparations which commenced on November 1.

Eguma has overseen the second, third and fourth phases of the club’s pre-season exertions which took them to Abuja, Kaduna and Enugu, respectively and the experienced gaffer has likened the trip to Spain as the icing on the cake.

“Our preparations have been fantastic and I want to use this medium to thank the sponsors, the Rivers State Government and especially, the Governor, Ezebunwo Nyesom Wke, who has taken particular interest in the affairs of the football club.

“We have spent just a few days here but the lessons we have learned so far are quite huge and I am sure we will take a lot home with us.

“The onus is now on us to ensure that we justify the huge investment in us because to whom much is given, much is expected,” Eguma told supersport.com.

Pinnick ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss, Amaju Pinnick

on the need for him to have the requisite qualification for him to enjoy the support of the Federal Government and Nigerians in his Confederation of African Football (CAF) seat bid.

Dalung made the remark at the 72nd General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation held in Lagos on Sunday and added that his office has been inundated with reports suggesting that the board of the NFF is divided over the issue of Pinnick contesting for a seat in CAF. “It is a policy of government to support and encourage Nigerians to vie and aspire for positions in international organizations.

However, such persons must possess the requisite qualification and the wherewithal to succeed.

“So it was heartwarming when I received a letter from the president of NFF Mr Amaju Pinnick declaring his interest to vie for a position in CAF. The NFF is hereby directed to avail the ministry with the minutes of the meeting where Mr Pinnick’s nomination for a CAF seat was discussed and approved so as to put the records straight. If our quest for a CAF seat is to materialize, then the NFF President will need the support of everybody.”

Barrister Dalung also spoke on a report he received from the NFF raising queries on FIFA’s audit report of $1.1m FIFA development grant to the NFF. “According to the report, FIFA has withheld all development funds to Nigeria for lack of proper documentation of $802,000 out of the funds released to NFF. “This is a very serious issue that must be given urgent attention to avoid another international embarrassment more so that the present administration under the leadership of Mr President Muhammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for any act of misappropriation, misapplication, embezzlement or fraud in any guise.”

He directed the NFF to provide the Ministry of Youth and Sports with detailed information of receipt, disbursement and application of the FIFA development grant accordingly.

“In addition, a reputable audit firm should be appointed urgently to check the account books of the federation to ensure that funds are judiciously expended. The audit report must be made public to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance your market value.” Dalung concluded.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

EXTRATIME

19

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE… ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE… ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Conte hints at

Chelsea transfers C

helsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted the Premier League leaders could add to their ranks in the January transfer window.

N’Golo Kante, Michy Batshuayi, Marcos Alonso and David Luiz all joined ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but with Oscar seemingly on his way to China, Conte is ready to enter the market again to boost Chelsea’s title hopes.

“We must be very pleased for the achievement we have reached now, but it is logical that I look with my club for a solution to arrive in a good position at the end of the season,” Conte said.

“I do not know what will happen in January but in this situation it is important to talk with my club. We have a fantastic relationship.

“I have my idea, but I prefer to discuss this with the club.”

Chelsea have been in stunning form in recent weeks, winning 11 Premier

Conte

Leicester to appeal Vardy red

L

eicester City will appeal against automatic FA fine. the red card shown to Jamie Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs, two Vardy in Saturday’s game of the players booked, will miss the club’s against Stoke, according to sources.

Boxing Day clash at home to Everton.

Vardy was shown a straight red Pawson faced criticism earlier card by referee Craig Pawson for a in the week for failing to two-footed challenge on Mame send off Manchester Utd’s Diouf during the 2-2 draw at the Marcus Rojo for a twobet365 Stadium. footed challenge against Vardy and Leicester feel he Crystal Palace. had been knocked off balance immediately before the challenge, and that there was no malice.

The FA are already expected to give Leicester an automatic fine, after Pawson booked five Leicester p l aye r s i n t h e final seven minutes of the first half.

Leicester had six players shown the yellow card in total - a number which triggers an

Vardy

League games in succession, but Conte feels they still have plenty of room for improvement, particularly in front of goal.

“I think we could have scored more goals against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but we only got one, and it was the same at Sunderland,” the

former Italy and Juventus coach added.

“We can improve and be more clinical because when you have this type of game you are at risk until the end.”

Chelsea are at home to Bournemouth in the league next Monday.

Ibrahimovic: I

Hagi: Messi, Barca have

change d

football forever!

Lionel Messi and Barcelona have changed football forever, according to Gheorghe Hagi. Superstar forward Messi has won 29 trophies since making his Barca debut in 2004, including eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been an integral part of the Catalan giants’ possession-based philosophy under the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola and incumbent coach Luis Enrique.

can play until 50!

Ibrahimovic

M

anchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has likened himself to a “fine red wine” and would not be surprised if he is still playing when he turns 50.

Ibrahimovic has made a predictably strong impact since his arrival at Old Trafford over the summer, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over West Brom on Saturday to take his tally to 16 goals since his debut in the Community Shield.

He has been United’s chief goalscoring threat in recent games, claiming five of their last seven Premier League goals to get them back in touch with the top four.

And the 35-year-old, by some way Sweden’s leading all-time goalscorer, feels there is little sign of him slowing down.

He said: “The older I get, the better I get, like red wine. You like red wine? I’m a perfect example of that.

“I’m settling in. I feel happy, I feel good. Even if I’m 35, in my mind I’m 20. I think I could play also at 50, but it’s not down to me.

“The only thing that surprises me about the Premier League is that the game is not controlled.

“Back and front, back and front, the rhythm is high but this is how the game is and you have to adapt your body to it. I have played in different championships in different countries and always adapted.”

Messi

Bonucci signs Juve extension

Leonardo Bonucci has extended his contract at Juventus by a further year, agreeing a deal to remain at the club until 2021. The centre-back was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City prior to the 201617 season, but the Italian champions announced his new agreement on Monday. Bonucci, 29, was previously contracted until 2020, but has added a further year to the deal he signed in July 2015.

I could retire at Neuer 65, says Buffon refuses to

J

uventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has made it clear retiring is not on his mind just yet and has joked he could play on until he is 65 years old. The Italy international will be turn 39 in January and has a contract with the Serie A champions until the end of next season. However, Buffon, who has previously suggested he would call time on his career after the 2018 World Cup, is adamant he still feels young and plans to keep going Buffon for the forseeable future.

write off Dortmund

Manuel Neuer believes Borussia Dortmund remain Bayern Munich’s biggest rivals in the race for the Bundesliga title, although the goalkeeper respects the challenge of RB Leipzig following their sublime start to the season. The reigning champions are top of the Bundesliga table, level with Leipzig on 36 points heading into Wednesday’s clash with the promoted side, while Dortmund are already 10 points off the pace in fifth spot.

News 20 Truck drivers decry multiple taxation in Cross River Edem Edem, Calabar

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Budget: Obaseki presents N150b budget to Edo Assembly Titus Akhigbe, Benin

Governor Godwin Obaseki has ÏÏÏTrucks drivers in Cross ÏÏÏ presented a budget of 150 billion approRiver state have decried what they called multiple taxations in the state. The drivers, over the past years have allegedly been taxed severally by various government agencies in the state. Investigations revealed that each truck driver that carried a tipper of sand was subjected to multiple taxations by local and state government agencies.

“We spent up to N10, 000 a trip as each of the local government councils we passed through, revenue collectors mounted road blocks and extorted money from us”, one of the truck drivers, Aniekan Bassey, told our correspondent.

Speaking at the end of year party of the association, the State Chairman of Heavy Duty Truck Driver Association, Elder Ekpenyong Bassey, expressed regret that multiple taxations have affected the activities of the organizations negatively.

The Chairman noted that the association was working hard to remove touts who worked against the association’s objectives, commending the governor, Prof Ben Ayade for working towards reducing multiple taxations in the state.

Elder Ekpenyong also regretted the high cost of building materials in the country noting that it was only price of sand that has remained unchanged.

“When we talk about sand and tipper, a lot of families depend on it and many spent times to learn the profession and our members should be discipline and stop drinking while driving. We should maintain the integrity of the profession” Also speaking, the Chairman of Heavy Duty Trucks in Calabar Municipal Engineer Archibong Okon said that the association was currently facing enormous challenges.

He listed the challenges to includes, multiple taxations, bad roads and poor working environment and called on government to address the issues and provide incentives to drivers by empowering them. “We decried constant brutalization and embarrassment of our drivers by revenue agents, extortion and unnecessary impounding of our trucks by touts under the pretends of some government agencies and ministries in Calabar” and called on government to provide incentives for the members to procure trucks at affordable prices.

priation bill to the State ouse of Assembly to fast track economic and social transformatin of the state.

Governor Obaseki, who christened the 2017 budget as “Budget of Consolidation and Prosperity” said it was wrapped around the six key policy areas.

“Mr Speaker, we have proposed a budget size of N150,011,831,079 Billion which is a nominal 29% increase over 2016 budget estimates made up of N74,900,297,917 as Recurrent Expenditure and N75,111,533,162 as Capital Expenditure.

“The revenue estimates are based on a $42.0 bench mark for crude oil and aver-

age daily production of 1.9mil barrels per day and expectations of improved performance of Internally Generated Revenue.

“Hence we will maintain a balance of capital to recurrent expenditure (50%: 50%) in line with our plan to spend our way out of recession The governor, said “this Budget would have a deficit of N25 Billion for 2017 which is within the acceptable threshold.

“The deficit will be funded mainly by external borrowing from the third tranche of the World Bank budget support facility.

He named the six key policy areas of the 2017 budget to include Economic Revolution, Healthcare services, Infrastructure development, Institutional Reforms, Environmental sustainabilty, social welfare enhancement and Culture

and tourism.

Governor Obaseki, while reviewing the 2016 budget, noted that ``the crises we face today are not insurmountable, with focussed planning, disciple and faith in God, we can “develop a modern and progressive Edo State, where every citizen is empowered with opportunity to live life in its fullness”.

“I am honoured to present to you today christened “Consolidation and prosperity”.

According to him, “the policy directions of this budget are largely informed by my interactions with Edo people during my campaign which was validated in a strategy dialogue comprising political, religious and traditional leaders, professionals, civil society, women and youth groups.

R-L: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; former Governor of Anambra State; Mr. Peter Obi; and Senator Chuka Utazi, when the Sultan visited Enugu to honour the NPFL champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu, yesterday.

NGO trains journalists on peace, development Esther Taiwo

ÏÏÏAfrican Foundation for Peace

and Love Initiative (AFPLI), a grassroots proactive peace organisation set up with the objective of promoting ethno-religious harmony in Africa, recently in Lagos trained a group of journalists representing media houses across the country on peace-building.

The media parley tagged ‘Picture Africa for Peace and Development’ was aimed at sensitising reporters, cartoonists and photojournalists on how to avoid promotion of violence through their reporting.

According to the founding President of the organisation, Dr. Titus Oyeyemi, the Foundation believes that the pursuit of proactive grassroots peacebuilding will benefit tremendously from a structured and objective peace journalism as an alternative to war journalism.

“In doing this, it is our desire to train and equip a special squad of peace journalists. For this reason, we have been partnering with practicing journalists from mainstream and social media agencies to join us in a joint venture to train peace journalists with the hope of developing a teachable and recognisable curriculum in the field of peace journalism”, he said.

Guest speaker at the event, Mr. Jimi Olushola of African Refugee Foundation, said the country is in need of good news at this period to promote unity and contribute to the peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Treasurer of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Lagos chapter, said the peace media parley was done at an auspicious time because what the country needs presently is peace otherwise development cannot take place.

Kwara to renovate 420 classrooms Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

The Kwara State Government is to begin renovation of 420 primary school classrooms across the sixteen local government areas of the state.

The State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who disclosed this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress at the monthly stakeholders meeting held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, said the primary schools have been selected and will be given face-lift to provide conducive academic environment for teaching and learning

in the state.

According to the governor “all ongoing projects will be completed as part of our efforts at providing quality and necessary infrastructure in the state.

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) would also be given adequate attention by this administration to boost economic activities and empower our people.”

The Governor assured the party stalwarts that the government would continue to pay contractors through the Kwara Infrastructure Fund (IF-K) with a view to completing proj-

ects on schedules.

On the five billion naira London and Paris Club Loan refunds received by the state government, Governor Ahmed said government has released N1.8billion for the sixteen local government councils and Colleges of Education to augment payment of their salaries.

The governor promised that “government would continue to make judicious use of refunds to the state,” explaining that the Light Up Kwara project recently approved by the state executive Council was conceived to strengthen secu-

rity in the state. According to the governor, the project would be funded through public-private partnership on built, operate and transfer basis for ten years by the consultant.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of APC, Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulan, commended the Governor for sustaining the monthly interactive session which he said had kept Kwarans informed of development in the state and the country.

He urged other progressive states to emulate the Kwara model of engaging stakeholders in the process of governance.

Ahmed

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

CENTER FOR YOUTH ADVOCACY AND DEVELOPMENT

21 Public Notice

GLOBAL LIFE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOR AFRICA FOUNDATION

KEBBI YOUTH AWARENESS ASSOCIATION

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

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the corporate affairs Commission (CAC) For registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1 IKWELLE JOHNPAUL EKENE - PRESIDENT 2. NAZE VITALIS CHUKWUWUEZE - SECRETARY 3. EKWEM THEODORE CHUKWUEDOZIE - MEMBER 4. NWAJIOBI OGONNA JOACHIN - MEMBER. 5. ORJI MARYFRANCES CHINYERE - MEMBER.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMMANUEL EKWERE 3. HEZEKIAH ISAAC JIMMY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Mohammed Yusuf Alkali 3. Dr. Nasir Zaki 5. Usman Bello

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. PROMOTION OF PEACE AND UNITY THROUGH SYMBOLIC MEMBERSHIP REPRESENTATION OF GENDER EQUALITY. 2. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMS AND TRAININGS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To empower the youth to bring back economic prosperity through agriculture 2. To eliminate youth restiveness, violence and other vices in African countries

NAME OF TRUSTEES: 1. ABDULHAMMED ABDULGANIU A. 2. AYANKUNLE ISIAQ 3. ONIFADE AMUSA SALAM 4. UMAR BABS IBRAHIM 5. OLORUNLOGBON FASILAT OLANIKE 6. BELLO PRINCE WASIU 7. OYEBANJO FATIMOT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To ensure the welfare of members 2. To freely associate, affiliate and share beneficial information amongst members 3. To initiate and undertake any project that is social, charitable, educational in nature which may enhance the image of the club 4. To support, promote and/or rationalize governmental and non-governmental measures, law, policies that may affect the members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT RESOLUTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VITAL SOLUTIONS (NIGERIA) PTE LTD (RC: 872794) At a General Meeting of the company held on the 9th day of November 2016 with Messrs V. Krishnan and D. Rajiv in attendance, Mr. Olumide Babalola was appointed as the company’s Liquidator to voluntarily dissolve the Company.

Dated: 9th November 2016 Signed: Mr. V. Krishnan and Mr. D. Rajiv

2. Alhaji Sa’adu Bello 4. Aisha Abubakar [ Mrs]

AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To raise the standard of the Community people through awareness creation 2. To promote practices that will enhance health seeking behavior among Community People.

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

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

SIGNED: BARR. CHIKELUE

SIGNED: USMAN BELLO

ALEX TWINS FOUNDATION

ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES EXCHANGES OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, no 1 of 1990.

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

NAMES OF TRUSTEES 1. Mr. Oscar . Onyema, OON 2. Mr. Bola Onadele 3. Mr. Bola Ajomale 4. Mr. Ayodeji Balogun 5. Mrs. Zaheera Baba-Ari The objectives of the Association are as enumerated below: a. Provide a forum where exchanges in Nigeria can meet and discuss matters of common interest; b. Advocate for policies and laws that protect the interest of exchanges in Nigeria. c. Promote cooperative working between member exchanges. d. Collect and share information resources e.g. publications, research, and website. e. Build capacity of the Nigerian capital market by collaborating to offer professional development activities to the Nigerian capital market. f. Undertake growth projects targeted at benefitting member exchanges and the Nigerian capital market. g. Promote cooperation among member exchanges on cost saving activities. h. Promote and encourage best practice amongst member exchanges. i. Co-operate with and exchange information with international associations that have similar aims and objectives. j. To do all such other lawful things as may be considered to be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects or any of them Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed SECRETARY

NURUL - SAMAN RELIEF FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act, No. 1 of 1990.

2. AYUBA IBRAHIM ABARSHI 4. JANE MAEYAN MOSES

TRUSTEES 1. Alex Williams Ukpong 3. Chiedu Aligbe

2. Esther Alex Ukpong 4. Eric Sonnenbury

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Promotion of well being of children of multiple births 2. Helping the less privileged in the society Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED Barr Ayeni Adekunle Esq 07039025363

ALEX TWINS FOUNDATION TRUSTEE

KEDARI CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, no 1 of 1990.

Notice is hereby given that RENEWAL & REFRESHING HOSANA MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the change of name and change of Trustees under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act as follows: A. Change of name The Old name: RENEWAL & REFRESHING HOSANNA MINISTRY The New name KEDARI CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The Change of name is necessary to properly reflect the aims and objects of the Ministry.

The Ministry shall equally amend her Constitution to reflect the new name.

B. Change of Trustees OLD TRUSTEES 1. Olutosin Tola Odumosu -Retained 2. Abimbola Oyindamola Odumosu -Retained 3. Anthony Okechukwu Ewelike -Retained 4. Bamidele Osulale Makanjuola -Retained 5. Adetokunbo Omokayode Oladipo Denloye -Retained THE NEW/ADDITIONAL TRUSTEE 1. Modupe Olubukola Ogunlesi - Appointed Any objection to the foregoing should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

KEHINDE DARAMOLA LEGAL PRACTITIONER

TRUSTEES 1. Alex Williams Ukpong 3. Chiedu Aligbe

2. Esther Alex Ukpong 4. Eric Sonnenbury

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Promotion of well being of children of multiple births 2. Helping the less privileged in the society Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED Barr Ayeni Adekunle Esq 07039025363

SAVED BY FAITH INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

CHRIST KINGDOM LOVE AND RESTORATION MINISTRY

LIVING IN GLORY MINISTRY

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

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

THE TRUSTEES 1) REV. DR AJILEYE DENNIS DAYO - LEADING PASTOR / OVERSEER 2) PROFESSOR (REV) DADA MARTIN OLORUNTOBI - SENIOR PASTOR 3) REV TITILAYO ISRAEL WALE - PASTOR 4) ASEDE CHRISTOPHER - PASTOR 5) AJILEYE TALE OZOHU - CHIOR - MISTRESS

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

TRUSTEES 1. Rev. Jacob Oluwasegun Oluwaseye 2. Pastor Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olubanwo Famuyiwa 3. Dr. Mrs. Ayodeji Motunrayo Omoare 4. Pastor Olakunle Olusegun Oluwaseye 5. Pastor Samson Tolulope Akinwale

TRUSTEES 1. KENNEDY OSEGHALE (General Overseer) 2. SAMUEL OSEGHALE 3. REV FRANCIS ILUOBE 4. PETER OBOZELE 5. OMOBUDE EHIKOYA KELLY 6. ODIANOSEN JOSHUA UDOH 7. AKHIGBE ISAAC 8. GLORY OSEGHALE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2) TO DELIVER THE OPPRESSED AND MAKE THEIR LIVES FULFILLED IN CHRIST ( ISAIAH 61 1:3 , LUKE 1 74 -75 ) 3) TEACHING BELIVERS TO LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH AND PERSEVERING PRAYERS (LUKE 18 VS 1-8 ) ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY REV DAYO AJILEYE

CHANGE OF FAMILY

I, ADENOWO ADEWALE GANIYU, do hereby declare that Iam the biological father of ADENOWO ABDUL-QUDUS AYOMIDE, ADENOWO HARUNA ABDUL-QUDUS AYOMIDE, HARUNA ADENOWO ABDULQUDUS AYOMIDE who was formerly known with these names, now wish to be known and addressed as HARUNA ABDUL-QUDUS AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To teach and preach the gospel of our level Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls that are perishing.

2. To Disciple the new converts and integrate them for Kingdom Service.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. to preach Christ to the world and make men make heaven.

2. To raise kingdom minded believers who will promote righteousness.

3. To deliver men into their godly inheritance.

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

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BIODUN BALOGUN

Signed: SECRETARY

CHANGE OF FAMILY

I, ADENOWO ADEWALE GANIYU, Am the biological father of ADENOWO ABDULAZEEZ ADERISAYO, ADENOWO HARUNA ABDUL-AZEEZ ADERINSAYO, HARUNA ADENOWO ABDUL-AZEEZ ADERINSAYO, who was formerly known with these names, now wish to be known and addressed as HARUNA ABDUL-AZEEZ ADERINSAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKU IFEOMA ELIZABETH I, formerly known and addressed as ANYAMA IFEOMA ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as AKU IFEOMA ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

POPOOLA KAYODE JOSEPH I, fornerly known and addressed as POPOOLA KAYODE ALABI, now wish to be known and addressed as POPOOLA KAYODE JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EBELECHUKWU ANGEL NNADO-NDUKA

TUNDE OLAIYA VINCENT

I, formerly known and addressed as EBELECHUKWU ANGEL OKAFOR, now wish to be known and addressed as EBELECHUKWU ANGEL NNADO-NDUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly kmown and addressed as TUNDE KADUNA VINCENT, now wish to be known and addressed as TUNDE OLAIYA VINCENT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

LORETTA IFEANYICHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. LORETTA NWANOCHIE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. LORETTA IFEANYICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NDIYEMNA TONY CHIWIKPE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ANTHONY CHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, NDIYEMNA TONY CHIWIKPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OBIANUJU CHINONSO CHUKWUJEKWU.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. CHINONSO OBIANUJU OKOYE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OBIANUJU CHINONSO CHUKWUJEKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, ABUBAKAR INUHU IMHALIMWE, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, ABUBAKAR INU, instead of, ABUBAKAR INUHU IMHALIMWE, while my date of birth was 12th of August 1981 not 1st and 10th August 1981. I now wish to be known and addressed as, ABUBAKAR INUHU IMHALIMWE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

IKPA CHINWENDU MELODY

I formerly known as Ikpa Joy onwka wish to be known and addressed as Ikpa Chinwendu melody.

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

ONYEMAECHI DAVID EMEKA

ENWEREJI CHIJIOKE REX

I, formerly known and addressed as, ENWEREJI CHIJIOKE NWANKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as, ENWEREJI CHIJIOKE REX. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

GODWIN UZU ENUMA.

I, formerly known and addressed as, GODWIN ENUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, GODWIN UZU ENUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKIRO REMIGIUS CHIKERE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MR. OKAIRO REMIGUS, now wish to be known and addressed as, OKIRO REMIGIUS CHIKERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note ILIYA YAU

formerly known as SAKARIYAU ILIYA wish to be known and addressed as ILIYA YAU .All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

ONUGWU-ANI IFEYINWA ESTHER

I formerly known as ONUGWU IFEYINWA ESTHER wish to be known and addressed as ONUGWU-ANI IFEYINWA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

ODUNSI OLAYEMI YETUNDE

ARTHUR DESTINY UDOKA

I, formerly known and addressed as, MR. ARTHUR IWOK UDOKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MR. ARTHUR DESTINY UDOKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IFEACHO CHIDINMA MIRACLE

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EZIEFULE CHIDINMA MIRACLE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. IFEACHO CHIDINMA MIRACLE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

JOHN EBERECHUKWU OGU

I, formerly known and addressed as, JOHN EBERECHUKWU OGUZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOHN EBERECHUKWU OGU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ABAYOMI-SOLAJA ABIOLA CHRISTIANAH

I formerly known as OKE ABIOLA CHRISTIANAH wish to be known and addressed as ABAYOMI-SOLAJA ABIOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

OWOLABI TOYIBAT AJOKE.

I formerly known as OWOLABI TOYIBAT EWATOMI wish to be known and addressed as OWOLABI TOYIBAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

SALAKO FOLARANMI FALILAT.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I ABETE SHOLA RASHIDA my name was wrongly spell as AJIBADE RASHIDAT wish to be known and addressed as ABETE SHOLA RASHIDA. All former document remain valid, General public please take note.

ONYIA UGOCHI GEORGEANN

REHILAH MARTHA DANIEL.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. MARTHA DANIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS. REHILAH MARTHA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEWUSI OLUWATOYIN NIKE

I formerly known as Osho Oluwatoyin Nike wish to be known and addressed as Adewusi Oluwatoyin Nike. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

ABDUL RAMONI DAYO

I formerly known as RAHMAN JIMOH DAYO wish to be known and addressed as ABDUL RAMONI DAYO . All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TAIWO MONSURAT ENITAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AWOLUSI MONSURAT ENITAN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OLUPITAN SHADE FLORENCE

I formerly known as Oladapo Shade Florence wish to be known and addressed as Olupitan Shade Florence. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

ONWUDIWE IFEANYI EUGENE.

OSUALA ANGELA CHINURUEKPERE

ODIA CECILIA IMHANRHIA. I, formerly known and addressed as ALEKEBO PRICILLIA IMEHA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODIA CECILIA IMHANRHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. OSUALA IKECHUKWU ANGELA as known and indicated in my First Bank documents, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OSUALA ANGELA CHINURUEKPERE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, general public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OMOREGIE GODFREY OLUSHOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as APATA OLAYEMI ADUKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IWATAN OLAYEMI ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OLAWALE JUMOKE ALABA

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

I, formerly known and addressed as UCHEOMA UZOMA BLESSING, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IFEDUBA UCHE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IFEDIORAH EDURANCE.

AISHA MALIKI HARUNA.

PUBLIC NOTICE (SON’S CUSTODY)

ADEKUNLE TAIWO HELLEN

TEMITOPE ADUKE SULAIMON

I, formerly known and addressed as ENDURANCE NDIDI IFEDIORAH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IFEDIORAH EDURANCE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AISHA MALIKI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AISHA MALIKI HARUNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, ADULPHUS .C. OKUZOR, the father of DANIEL IJEOMA OKUZOR (Son) hereby seeks for the custody and upkeep of my son whose name appeared above from the mother, MRS. JULIET INEH OKUZOR. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS OLADEPO TAIWO HELLEN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ADEKUNLE TAIWO HELLEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH ADENIKE OLAYINKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as TEMITOPE ADUKE SULAIMON. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ADESHINA KUDIRAT.

DEYINKA SHONEYE.

ZIKIRULLAI JAMIU OKANLAWON.

ROSELINE ILEKHUE

I, formerly known, called and addressed as IDRIS KUDIRAT MORONKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADESHINA KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as SHONEYE ADEYINKA AJIBADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEYINKA SHONEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION/ARRANGEMENT OF NAME

That on some of my documents, my name was wrongly written and arranged as OFOCHUKWU I. CHIBUZOR instead of CHIBUZOR UFOCHUKWU JOSEP. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Formerly known, called and addressed as OKANLAWON JAMIU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ZIKIRULLAI JAMIU OKANLAWON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IWATAN OLAYEMI ADUKE.

I, formerly known and addressed as TAIWO THIOPHILUS OLUSHOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOREGIE GODFREY OLUSHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALEKE JUSTINA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MBATO JUSTINA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MBATO JUSTINA

CORRECTION OF NAME

I ODUMOSU ADENIKE ADIJAT my name was wrongly spell as Odumosu Adeleke Adijat correct name is ODUMOSU ADENIKE ADIJAT. All former documents/credentials bearing all this name remain valid, General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BASSEY ENO UKPONK, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ENO BENJAMIN EGHAREVBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IFEDUBA UCHE BLESSING.

GBENUSHOLA OMAWUMI TUNMISE.

I formerly known as GBENUSHOLA SURPRISE OMAWUNMI TUNMISE wish to be known and addressed as GBENUSHOLA OMAWUMI TUNMISE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known as James Ifeanyi Eugene wish to be known and addressed as Onwudiwe Ifeanyi Eugene.

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

ANAYO ARIEL IHEZIEL I, formerly known and addressed as ANAYO ARIEL-ALFONS IHEZIEL , now wish to be known, called and addressed as ANAYO ARIEL IHEZIEL. All former documents remain valid.

WAHUM COMPANY NIGERIA LIMITED, First Bank Plc, General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ENO BENJAMIN EGHAREVBA.

UMEH AMAKA CHIKODIRI.

I, formerly known and addressed as, UMEIGBO UKAMAKA CHIKODIRI, now wish to be known and addressed as, UMEH AMAKA CHIKODIRI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AKANDU UGOCHI GEORGEANN now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ONYIA UGOCHI GEORGEANN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AWOLUSI MONSURAT ENITAN

MUINAT TAIWO RABIU

GRACE IDGEDEIGHO MBA I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. GRACE JERRY IDGEDEIGHO EVWIERHURHOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GRACE IDGEDEIGHO MBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

HAPPINESS SAMUEL JAMES.

I, formerly known and addressed as, PATIENCE SAMUEL IME, now wish to be known and addressed as, HAPPINESS SAMUEL JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NJOKU CHINAZA JOY.

LOSS OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

I, formerly known and addressed as ODUNSI OLANBIWONNINU OYENEKAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODUNSI OLAYEMI YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

EZE UCHE SUSAN

I, formerly known and addressed as, EZECHUKWU EMEKA SUSAN, now wish to be known and addressed as, EZE UCHE SUSAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, NJOKU CHINAZOR JOY, NJOKU GIMIMA CHINAZA, CHRISTOPHER CHINAZOR JOY, AND NJOKU CHINAZA JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as, NJOKU CHINAZA JOY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, ASHIBUOGWU FELICIA NKECHI; the Chairperson, board of Directors of ASHI INDUSTRIES LIMITED, hereby on behalf of other Board Members affirm that ASHI INDUSTRIES LTD is the lawful and authentic owner of the Certificate of Occupancy (Customary Right of Occupancy) with No. BD CON/ALK/262/10 issued to the said Company on the 15th day of April, 1982 by Aniocha Local Government of Bendel State.

That the said C of O got lost in transit, and all effort made to trace same proved abortive. General public take note.

Formerly UDUGADI JOHN MADUABUCHUKWU Now ONYEMAECHI DAVID EMEKA. Former documents remains valid. General public note.

I formerly known as Kolawole Folaranmi Falilat wish to be known and addressed as Salako Folaranmi Falilat. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

FLORA SARAH OTUMA

I, formerly known and addressed as, FLORA GEORGE, now wish to be known and addressed as, FLORA SARAH OTUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

GREG HAPINESS. I, formerly known and addressed as CHIDIEBERE GREG, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GREG HAPINESS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known as Adebiyi Muyinot Taiwo wish to be known and addressed as Muinat Taiwo Rabiu. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

FAITH CHIDINMA NLEWEM.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. FAITH CHIDINMA ATASIE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. FAITH CHIDINMA NLEWEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ADEOLA JUMOKE ALABA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. OLAWALE JUMOKE ALABA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ROSELINE OSAWARU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ROSELINE ILEKHUE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEDEHINBO ADEBOLA.

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

ADESHINA OSHO.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ADESHINA OSHO SEGUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADESHINA OSHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Public Notice 23 CHANGE/ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and called NWOBU, GARY AUGUSTINE ONWURAH That I now wish to be known and Identified as UGBOMA CHUKWUEBUKA GARY AUGUSTINE ONWURAH NWOBU. That all document bearing my former name remain valid. General public take note

RASHEED RITA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ILOBA RITA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RASHEED RITA . All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

OLUWATOYIN GRACE

ILIYA LEPAN MISIAK.

ONYEMACHI TOCHUKWU CLEMENTINA.

I formerly known and addressed as RACHEAL ADEWUNMI OJO, now wish to be known and addressed as SAFIAT ADEWUNMI OJO ONAJOBI. All former documents remain valid the General public take note.

Formerly - LEPAN ILIYA Now - ILIYA LEPAN MISIAK. Date of birth: 02/10/1987.

Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

NWODE: I, formerly known as Miss NWODE TOCHUKWU CLEMENTINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONYEMACHI TOCHUKWU CLEMENTINA. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Olanrewaju Oluwatoyin Iyabo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatoyin Grace. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SAFIAT ADEWUNMI OJO ONAJOBI

AJAYI OMOLOLA RUTH

UMARU MARY

JUDITH IKERI

SANDRA NNENNA U. UBONG

PRECIOUS OGEZI-ALOZIE.

OLOWOLAFE ABOSEDE NIFEMI.

I, formerly known and addressed as, SOWUNMI OMOLOLA RUTH, now wish to be known and addressed as, AJAYI OMOLOLA RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, SHEDRACK MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as, UMARU MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, JUDITH OKWUM, now wish to be known and addressed as, JUDITH IKERI (NEE OKWUM). All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Sandra Henry now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sandra Nnenna U. Ubong.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Precious Ogbebo OGEZI now wish to be known and addressed as Precious Ogezi-ALOZIE. all former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Alao Abosede Nifemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olowolafe Abosede Nifemi.

All former documents remain valid.

General public and banks take note.

DIKE NKASI

DAVID FOLASHADE OLUWATOYIN

ETIM ESTHER IMAOBONG

OMUGBE SALOME OGHENEFEGO.

I, formerly known and addressed as, NWAKO AMARACHI CHINONYEREM, now wish to be known and addressed as, DIKE NKASI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, AKILO OLUWATOYIN FOLAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as, DAVID FOLASHADE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ETIM ESTHER OKON, now wish to be known and addressed as, ETIM ESTHER IMAOBONG. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OMUGBE SALOME, now wish to be known and addressed as OMUGBE SALOME OGHENEFEGO. former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKPOBARO ROSEMARY

ADEGBESAN OMOTOLA TOLULOPE

LOIS CHINWE MADUBUBA

ROSELINE ONUORAH.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ODUDU ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as, AKPOBARO ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AFOLABI OMOTOLA TOLULOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ADEGBESAN OMOTOLA TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. LOIS CHINWE EGEJURU, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. LOIS CHINWE MADUBUBA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ONUORAH: I, formerly known as MARY MOSHE, now wish to be known and addressed as ROSELINE ONUORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

KOLAWOLE OLAWALE AYINLA

AGBOKE KUBURAT OMOLAJA

MURITALA SHINA LATEEF

AGBOOLA OPEYEMI OMOWUNMI.

I, formerly known and addressed as, AMINU SULEMON, now wish to be known and addressed as, KOLAWOLE OLAWALE AYINLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ABDULSALAM KUBURAT TITILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as, AGBOKE KUBURAT OMOLAJA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MURITALA SHINA IYABO OLABISI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MURITALA SHINA LATEEF. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AGBOOLA: I, formerly known as SAUDAT TEJUOSO AGBOOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOOLA OPEYEMI OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IREOZOR FRANKINE NNORUKA

AKOMOR PRINCE ISAIAH

ADUGBO ADETAYO JOHNSON

AKIRI ABIADE OMOLARA

NWENE BLESSING NGOZI.

I formerly known and addressed as NWENE BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as NWENE BLESSING NGOZI. former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BADMUS ABEEB AKANNI BADMUS: I, formerly known as BADMUS ABEEB LEKAN, now wish to be known and addressed as BADMUS ABEEB AKANNI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ISONG DAVID AKAM ISONG: I, formerly known as AKAM PRINCESS ISONG, now wish to be known and addressed as ISONG DAVID AKAM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLADIPO: I, formerly known as OLADIPO AFUSAT OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as KEMI AGBOOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EDEH JOSEPH EDO

ADELEYE EKPENYONG MERCY.

EDEH: I, formerly known as EDEH JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH JOSEPH EDO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADELEYE: I, formerly known as EFFIOK EKPENYONG MERCY, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELEYE EKPENYONG MERCY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

OKONYE LUCKY ONYEKA.

OKONYE: I, formerly known as AZUKA LUCKY, now wish to be known and addressed as OKONYE LUCKY ONYEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

KEMI AGBOOLA.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADUGBO ADETAYO EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ADUGBO ADETAYO JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BAMIGBOYE ABIADE KAFILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as AKIRI ABIADE OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FRANK SMART, now wish to be known and addressed as IREOZOR FRANKINE NNORUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME: AKOMOR: I, formerly known as AKOMOR ISAIAH, now wish to be known and addressed as AKOMOR PRINCE ISAIAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EGUABOR ANGELA OFURE

AKPOVIHRI ONOVUGHAKPO MOSES

OGUNDIMU OLUREMI KUDIRAT

OPATADE OLUWAYEMISI AFERONKE

OLADIPUPO JIBOLA OLUGBENGA

NDUKA NNEKA LUCY

I formerly known and address as ABU BINTA OFURE, now wish to be known and address as EGUABOR ANGELA OFURE. All former document remain valid. General public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as MOSES WISDOM AKPOVIHRI. Now wish to be known and addressed as AKPOVIHRI ONOVUGHAKPO MOSES. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. OYEKANMI OLUREMI KUDIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGUNDIMU OLUREMI KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known as AKINGBADE OLUWAYEMISI ADERONKE wish to be known and addressed as OPATADE OLUWAYEMISI AFERONKE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formally known and addressed as OLADIPUPO AJIBOLA now want to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO JIBOLA OLUGBENGA general public and banks should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBI NNEKA LUCY now wish to be known and addressed as NDUKA NNEKA LUCY All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ALANI-OLUSANJO SAMUEL OLUWASEYI

OBIOMA GLORIA OGECHI

ODEWALE NIMOTA ALABA ABIMBOLA

I formerly known and addressed as OJUBANIRE NIMOTA ALABA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODEWALE NIMOTA ALABA ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDRIS MUSA I formerly known and addressed as USMAN RUFAI, now wish to be known and addressed as IDRIS MUSA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

YAQUB HASSAN BABATUNDE PAUL.

OMOJUWA BLESSING OMOZUA

I, formerly known, called and addressed as HAZZAN YAQUB, HASSAN YAQUB, AZZAN YAQUB, HASSAN YAQUBU, YAKUB HASSAN, HASSAN YAQUB BABATUNDE and YAKUB ALHASSAN BABATUNDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as YAQUB HASSAN BABATUNDE PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBOYE BLESSING OMOZUA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMOJUWA BLESSING OMOZUA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ALLIOLASUNKANMI LINDA IFESINACHI

OMOLE OLUWARANTI OPEYEMI

OLATUNDE YETUNDE MARIAM.

MOLOKWU MAXWELL IFECHUKWU.

Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL OLUWARANTI OLUWASEYI, now wish to be known as OMOLE OLUWARANTI OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as OLATUNDE OLUWAFUNMILAYO OGO-OLUWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLATUNDE YETUNDE MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MOLOKWU MARCEL ANUMUDU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MOLOKWU MAXWELL IFECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as ONYEMAECHI LINDA IFESINACHI now wish to be known and addressed as ALLIOLASUNKANMI LINDA IFESINACHI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABDULKADIRI RASAK AYINDE

AKINTUNDE SADIQ MOYOSORE

AYINDE MOJEED AGBOMEJI

Formerly kadiri Rasak Animashaun now Abdulkadiri Rasak Ayinde. former documents remains valid. General public note

Formerly Hammed Sadiq Ojo now Akintunde Sadiq Moyosore . former documents remains valid.

General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND AGE DECLARATION

Formerly NAUTIN FOLASHADE OLABISI NoW SURE OLABISI FOLASHADE 2;5:1980. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLADELE AYINDE AGBOMEJI now wish to be known and addressed as AYINDE MOJEED AGBOMEJI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALANI EMMANUEL OLUWASEYI now wish to be known and addressed as ALANI-OLUSANJO SAMUEL OLUWASEYI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

SHERIF MUAZU GAMBO

I formerly known and addressed as SHARIF MAAZU YAKO now wish to be known and addressed as SHERIF MUAZU GAMBO All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

AGBASIERE BARNABAS CHUKWUEMEKA

I formerly known and addressed as AGBASIERE BARNABAS CHIBU now wish to be known and addressed as AGBASIERE BARNABAS CHUKWUEMEKA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

That my name was wrongly written as OPARA ARINZE PRINCE instead of OPARAJI ARINZE. That my correct name is OPARAJI ARINZE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as GLORIA OBIMA now wish to be known and addressed as OBIOMA GLORIA OGECHI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AZEKHUEME PEACE OBOSAEFEYE

I formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY EFE PEACE now wish to be known and addressed as AZEKHUEME PEACE OBOSAEFEYE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

UDOH CHRISTOPHER CHRIS

I formerly known and addressed as UDOH E. CHRISTOPHER now wish to be known and addressed as UDOH CHRISTOPHER CHRIS All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

HAMMED MORUFF LAIDE

I formerly known and addressed as HAMMED MANROOF LAIDE now wish to be known and addressed as HAMMED MORUFF LAIDE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

NWEBIEM KOSISOCHUKWU GLORIA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZUGWU KOSISOCHUKWU GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWEBIEM KOSISOCHUKWU GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

AWOR DIVINE MGBE

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH AGBOR MGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as AWOR DIVINE MGBE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

MBATSORON ORDUEN JOHN.

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

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

UJIH THOMAS NGBEDE

I formerly known and addressed as SALEFU JEREMIAH now wish to be known and addressed as UJIH THOMAS NGBEDE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AGUCHIME BLESSING EZINNE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NEBO BLESSING EZINNE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGUCHIME BLESSING EZINNE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note OKAFOR NWANNEKA SUCCESS.

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

I formerly known as LOVELYN CHIOMA CHARLIE wish to be known and addressed as LOVELYN CHIOMA IHUOMA. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that my name NWAGBO - OKECHUKWU NWAFOR was wrongly written when opening my account but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OKECHUKWU NNAGBO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

OGOCHUKWU KINGSLEY NWAEZE

ROSE EBIOJO EKELE

NWANKWO CAROLINE NWAEBELE

I, formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO CAROLINE NWAEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CAROLINE NWAEBELE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

This is to confirm and certify that, ANUKAENYI NEBECHI ELIZABETH and ANUKAENYI NEBECHIrefer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as ANUKAENYI NEBECHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINWALE BOSSE PEARL SILK, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BOSE AKINWALEAYENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BLOSE CHEKWUBE UCHE.

I, formerly known and addressed as BLOSE CHEKWUBE UZOAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as BLOSE CHEKWUBE UCHE.All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MBA NWANNEKA SUCCESS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKAFOR NWANNEKA SUCCESS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

This is to confirm and certify that, OTIJI CHARLES USONWA and OTIJI CHARLES refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OTIJI CHARLES USONWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BOSE AKINWALE- AYENI

OFUASIA UGOCHUKWU NGOZI

I formerly known and addressed as OFUASILA UGOCHUKWU GODSWIL now wish to be known and addressed as OFUASIA UGOCHUKWU NGOZI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGOCHUKWU KINGSLEY EZE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGOCHUKWU KINGSLEY NWAEZE.All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note ADEBIYI HANNAH SEUN.

Formerly known and addressed as FETUGA HANNAH SEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBIYI HANNAH SEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LOVELYN CHIOMA IHUOMA.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to certify that EJIOGU CHUKWUEZUGO GLADYS and OJIOGU CHUKWUEZUGO GLADYS is one and the same person now wish to be known as EJIOGU CHUKWUEZUGO GLADYS. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

HOUNDJI KOUESSI CYRILLE

Formerly known and addressed as STEPHEN EMMANUEL SEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as HOUNDJI KOUESSI CYRILLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADIKE STANLEY NNORUKA.

Formerly known and addressed as ADIKE STANLEY ONORAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADIKE STANLEY NNORUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME. In some of my documents my name was written as OBIORACHITOO-PRINCE while in some other documents it was written as OBIORA-CHITOO-OBIORA PRINCE .I am the one bearing all the names.

I was born on 19/12/1989 All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to take note.

OGBU STEPHEN.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBU CHINECHEREM, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note UWADIEGWU OSCAR OKWUDILICHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as UGWOKE ZEBEDEE OKWUDILICHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as UWADIEGWU OSCAR OKWUDILICHUKWU. My correct date of birth is 21 November 1979. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note OKORO EBUKA EMMANUEL

BLESSING NGOZI ANIDU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING EZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING NGOZI ANIDU. All former documents remain valid. OSISATECH Polytechnic Enugu and General public should please take note.

EDEH VICTORIA CHIBUZOR I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH LUCY CHIBUZOR, now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH VICTORIA CHIBUZOR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU UKAMAKA EDITH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAM UKAMAKA EDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

NNAM UKAMAKA EDITH

KENNETH ROSELINE EKWUTOSI.

MANU GLORIA

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOLI ROSELINE EKWUTOSI, now wish to be known and addressed as KENNETH ROSELINE EKWUTOSI. My correct date of birth is 20th October 1963. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZIKE GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MANU GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. Local Government Service Commission and General public should please take note.

NGWU-ONWUKA IFUNANYA FAVOUR

NWANKWO CAROLINE NWAEBELE.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOLO CHUKWUEBUKA EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO EBUKA EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUKA IFUNANYA FAVOUR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NGWU-ONWUKA IFUNANYA FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO CAROLINE NWAEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CAROLINE NWAEBELE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to certify that NSIANYA CHIOMA FAVOUR and NSIANYA CHIOMA is one and the same person now wish to be known as NSIANYA CHIOMA FAVOUR. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that my name MBAH EDITH KENETH was wrongly written during my BVN Registration but now wish to be corrected and addressed as MBAH EDITH KENECHI. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public that my name OKORIE CHINAZOR CORDELIA was wrongly written when opening my account but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OKORIE CHINAZA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

ASOGWA IZUCHUKWU JOHNSON

YUSUFF SALAAM MONSURAH

Formerly known and addressed as ASOGWA STANLEY JOHNSON, now wish to be known and addressed as ASOGWA IZUCHUKWU JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ARINZE CHARITY IJEOMA

Formerly known and addressed as ARINZE CHARITY, now wish to be known and addressed as ARINZE CHARITY IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS YUSUFF MONSURAH ABIDEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. YUSUFF SALAAM MONSURAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written on my documents as NWAKELUE ANTHONY and NWAKELUE ANTHONEY instead of NWOKELO ANTHONY. The general public and relevant authorities please take note that my correct name is NWOKELO ANTHONY.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as OLADIPO MARIA TAYE instead of MARIA TAYE OLADIPUPO. The general public and relevant authorities please take note that my correct name is MARIA TAYE OLADIPUPO. RAPHAEL THERESA ENE

Formerly known and addressed as MONDAY THERESA ENE, now wish to be known and addressed as RAPHAEL THERESA ENE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWIGBOJI AGNES CHIOMA

IGBOKE SAMUEL CHUKWU. Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL FRIDAY IGBOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as IGBOKE SAMUEL CHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

WASIU ISHOLA AGBOOLA

CORRECTION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ANUOLUWAPO OLUWATOSIN AJAYI, now wish to be known and addressed as ANUOLUWAPO OLUWATOSIN AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as USMAN FOLASHADE ABEBI, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNMONU FOLASHADE ABEBI. It was dated on 18/02/2016. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ISIAKA LOOKMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as WASIU ISHOLA AGBOOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

My name was wrongly written as CYPRIAN AUGUSTINA EZEIGBO, instead of GOODNEWS CYPRIAN AUGUSTINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OSIBODU BOLUWATIFE PRECIOUS

AZEEZ ABIDEMI RASHEEDAT.

ONWUBU AMAKA VIVIAN

OKEKE CHUKWUMA PASCAL

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as OGINNI BOLUWATIFE PRESCIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS OSIBODU BOLUWATIFE PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AWOLEYE ABIDEMI RASHEEDAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AZEEZ ABIDEMI RASHEEDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODUFUWA AJOKE.

CORRECTION OF NAME

SEUN ZOLA ISMAIL.

Formerly known and addressed as VICTORIA OJONUKWA ADEJOH , now wish to be known and addressed as ROSE EBIOJO EKELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as OJORA RAFIAT AJOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ODUFUWA AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

My name was wrongly written as BUKKY BIDEMI PETER, instead of ANPITAN BUKKY BIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ZOLA ISMAIL, now wish to be known and addressed as SEUN ZOLA ISMAIL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UGOJI CHINELO SYLVIA

EBONG ANIEBIET WILLIAMS

ANUOLUWAPO OLUWATOSIN AINA

Formerly known and addressed as HYCENTH UGO SYLVIA, now wish to be known and addressed as UGOJI CHINELO SYLVIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as DAVID-UDOFIA SAMSON WILLIAMS, now wish to be known and addressed as EBONG ANIEBIET WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BALOGUN TOLULOPE FAUSAT

Formerly known and addressed as ADELEKE TOLULOPE AYOKA, now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN TOLULOPE FAUSAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME:

I am the one bearing AWOSANYA IDAYAT ARAMIDE, I now wish to add IYABOSOLA to my names. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as AWOSANYA IDAYAT IYABOSOLA ARAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to note

Formerly known and addressed as ONYIDOH AMAKA YIVIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUBU AMAKA VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NWIGBOJI AGNES, now wish to be known and addressed as NWIGBOJI AGNES CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as LOUIS CYPRIAN PASCAL CHUKWUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE CHUKWUMA PASCAL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as TAIWO ELIZABETH OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEFABI TAIWO ELIZABETH. That my date of birth was mistakenly written on as 6th of June 1992 instead of 6th of June 1991. That my correct date of birth is 6th of June 1991. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ ƾƠè ƾƠơÕ

Ɔ ƍ ƐƈƆ Ɛ ƓƈƐ Ƒ Əƈè R Ƒ ƌ Əƅ ƐƆƋƋ Mƈ ƆƏƈ

Subsidize solar energy products, operator urges FG

ÏÏÏAn

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Ifa priest, Professor Olawale Popoola, has urged Nigerians to continue to be more patient with President Mohammadu Buhari in his effort to move the nation forward.

Briefing new men at his palace, Ijoko Road, Ogun state, ahead of his New Year message to the nation, the monarch said his call became necessary in view of the fact that both Politian’s and Nigerian leaders have ruled and looted the nation since 1999 to date.

His words, “patient and prayers are the keys to overcome the economy recession in Nigeria, adding that I strongly believe that President Muhammadu Buhari will bring back the lost glory to the country”, he stated.

He said that Nigeria constitute of 20 rulings but in 19 are ruling now until they found the one that is missing among them and they know where to found him before everything will be in shape.

Professor Popoola further stated that Nigerians should go back to the root of “Jesse” (Olorunmila) as our forefather used to do in the olden days to always consult Ifa Orunmila before doing anything so that all the tragedies that have been fallen the nation in recent time will be a thing of the past.

He therefore called on all Nigerians not to back out on the full support they have been giving President Muhammadu Buhari since he took over the mantle of leadership since 2015 hoping, “he will deliver to Nigerians successfully”.

OMOJUNIKANBI ODUNAYO BISI

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ÏÏÏ A leading Solar power operator

and Chairman of AO Demarg Solar Nigeria Limited, Gen. Ademola Fadunsi (rtd), has called on the federal government to subsidize the cost of solar installation and cost of equipment to enable the Nigerian household to benefit from its reliable energy supply.

Gen. Fadunsi made the call on Sunday in Abuja while speaking with journalist during the 2016 Annual Praise and Thanksgiving Service/Lunch tagged ‘AO Demarg Praise God’.

The event had in attendance the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Tukur Buratai and the other top military brass, the Director General of NAFDAC Mrs. Yetunde Ooni, and array of other dignitaries.

He also called on the government to

reduce the duty payable on deep circle battery adding “government is still classifying solar battery like car battery where we pay 20 percent duty and 5 percent VAT.” According to him, when you add all these charges to the cost of importation and then add your profit margin, the cost of the products becomes very high.”

Fadunsi said that the success of businesses in the year 2017 will be determined by the exchange rate.

However he alluded to the fact that it involves huge capital investment but zero running cost.

He pointed out that there was no limit to what one can get from the sun depending on how much one wants to invest in it.

“AO Demarg deals on all sort of solar solution like mini-grid for offices, estate

and rural electrification. In fact, we are in a position to generate power in the neighborhood of a megawatt.”

Gen Fadunsi described solar as the best alternative source of energy in Nigeria arguing “There is no any other source of power today that is cheaper than solar.

The retired Military General Cum business mogul said the year 2016 has been a very difficult year for business owners due to the eractic exchange rates.

“Business this year has been tough because of the erratic exchange rates.

What use to be sold at N100,000 now sold between N500.000 to N600,000. The more money we spent on importation, the higher the cost of the product and the installation. The market has been tough but to God be the glory, we have been managing.”

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ADEBAYO MUIBAT ALAO.

NICOLINI EREDAPPA

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AYESA SAMUEL AYODEJI

OSENI OYEKAN OYETUNDE FATIMAH

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AKASORO ABIBAT OLAJOLADE AKASORO

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25 News j ƈ Ɨƈ ƅƈ ƐƆ ƆƋƇ ƇƏ ƌ n^nô ƆƋƆƅƐƈ Isaac Olamikan, z ƏƏƈ

ÏÏÏ One of the leading contenders in

the botched Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) election, Olorogun Moses Taiga, has disassociated himself from the process. He affirmed that there was no election “therefore the general public should not take serious any one parading himself as the President General of the socio-cultural organization.”

He described as laughable any individual declaring himself the winner of the election that never held, adding that he and other contenders are waiting for the traditional rulers of the Urhobo nation and other stakeholders to fix a day for all the contesters to test their popularity.

Taiga made the observation at a press conference held at Okpare Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. He noted that the interest of an individual should not override the interest of the people of Urhobo nation.

“I want to make it abundantly clear that I was not part of the ridiculous exercise of holding elections in the private home of one of the candidates for an election for which all his rivals are excluded. There is ample evidence that many of those candidates to whom votes were allegedly allocated including me were not participants in this kangaroo election.

“The election held in Joe Omene’s house at Mosogar is completely illegal and is an act of disrespect to the Urhobo people,” he stated.

He argued that for an election to be valid and legally binding on all, It must be held at Urhobo Cultural Centre along Okere Road Warri or the magnificent Urhobo Centre at Uwiamuge. He alleged that the then President General of the UPU, Joe Omene, ran foul of constitutional provision when he carried election to his personal residence against known practice.

AKASORO LATIFAT ABIODUN

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MUSTAPHA SIMISOLA RUTH

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CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

ADEBAKIN OLUWATOYOSI OPEYEMI.

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AGADA YAKUBU JAMES

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FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Times Law

s

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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

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

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

Secret trial of Kanu: Matters arising By our correspondents The Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended under Chapter Four which is the Fundamental Rights(Enforcement Procedure) Rules under subsection 3(f) says: “The court shall in a manner calculated to advance Nigerian democracy, good human rights and culture, pursue the speedy and efficient enforcement and realisation of human rights’’.

The implication is that the rights of all citizens of Nigeria whether free or in custody for trial of any kind must be guaranteed by the court. The court, in the case of any citizen under going trial must conduct its proceedings in the open to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity the judiciary is known for as the last hope of the common man.

Again, the court is also enjoined to guarantee fair hearing in all matters involving parties by granting them necessary opportunities that will afford them fair hearing before the court gives its verdict one way or the other.

But recent ruling of a Federal High Court, Abuja, sitting before Justice Binta Nyako which ordered secret trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu leaves more questions than there are answers.

Kanu was quoted, after the ruling, as saying that he was accused in public, ‘’and will not accept the ruling of the court to try him in secret’’.

The trial of Kanu took a new turn indeed after Justice Nyako ruled on the application for secret trial made by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In her ruling she granted that witnesses in the trial would be protected behind a screen.

But Kanu responding from the dock said he would not be subjected to a secret trial by the federal government.

His words: “I will not be tried in the secret, this is not a Sharia court, I must be tried in an open court!”.

Continuing in anger, the IPOB leader said: “Buhari went public and he accused me in public now you want to try me in secret’’.

While Kanu was speaking, Justice Nyako was said to have called him to order and cautioned his counsel to tell his client to conduct himself well in her court.

She said: “This is my court and what I say happens, it’s like coming to your house and respecting your orders”.

Nyako had in her ruling said: “It is in law that criminal trials be conducted in open court, but however it is not strange

Kanu

that some circumstances can warrant the concealing of witnesses.”

She also advised parties involved, counsel and defendants to choose a date for a test run on the screening process.

She said: “I will want all of you to choose a date for us to practise how the screening will be conducted, so that you will not be taken unaware on the process.”

But the question now is whether this secret trial will guarantee justice and fair hearing to Kanu.

The former chairman of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, a senior lawyer, said he doubts if that will make for fair hearing and meet international standard of the magnitude of such case.

His words: “I will not vote for that kind of conduct of proceeding if I am a counsel in the matter because I don’t know how that can guarantee fair hearing for my client. The lawyers in the matter supposed to have objected to the secret trial.

Whatever is the offence, it should be conducted in an open manner that will make for transparency and integrity of the judiciary. No impression should be given that the outcome of the trial is already pre-determined.

He continued: ‘’I have always said that the judiciary should act as an independent arm of government separate from the executive and the legislature. The DSS is not the one conducting the trial, it is the court which must be equitable and fair to all parties. Again, since the witnesses are going to be masked, what is the reason for secret trial. Kanu is not

’When it comes to the issue of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu and the Biafra people, I think the most important thing is whether he is having fair trial or not. When we say secret trial, I believe that trial will also consist of his lawyers and those who are prosecuting him and his witness will also be allowed in court and he will be allowed to clear the air on why he organized the people of Biafra even when he ought not to because the action is criminal under the Nigerian law. only standing trial, IPOD is also standing trial. How can you now conduct secret trial for Kanu without his movement’’, he queries.

Another senior lawyer, Biodun Oyeleye, said this type of trial ‘’leaves much to be desired’’. He asked: ‘’Does it mean that journalists will be bared from covering the proceedings? How can we follow the proceedings ensure the justice of the case. Will the trial meet the best practices as it is done all over the world where such trials are conducted? I don’t think we are in military regime where you carry out

court martials and guardroom trials.

This is a democracy, a constitutional government that should guarantee the rights of citizens irrespective of their status and circumstances”.

Also reacting on the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution, the Nigerian Bar Association’s president, Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, reiterated the sanctity of human life and protection of rights of citizens, at the World Human Rights Day event which the association marked in Lagos on December 10, 2016.

He said: ‘’I decided to comment on the right to life because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended) guarantees the right to life and provides very clear constitutional basis, when someone’s right to life can be abridged. Even in those circumstances, very clear safeguards are provided. The right to life is therefore fundamental and inalienable to the human person. Yet it seems we have lost the value for life in Nigeria. It appears human life no longer has meaning.

On a daily basis we are regaled with

bizarre statistics of the number of persons who have lost their lives in questionable circumstances. In addition to loss of lives due to factors listed above, the lives of Nigerians are wasted on account of ethnic, communal and religious conflicts, and the government seems to be helpless or incapable to deal with the situation to the satisfaction of Nigerians. This sordid development is unacceptable. The 1999 constitution provides that the security, protection of lives and property is the primary duty of government. ‘’The NBA hereby calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfill this fundamental constitutional responsibility by providing adequate security measures to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

We acknowledge that our security agencies have been engaged in difficult insurgency and militancy operations. We support our military and other security agencies who day and night toil to make sure that we remain safe, but we will continue to urge them to do more in protecting our lives and property. In doing so we demand that they observe the rules of engagement in their operations and not to engage in indiscrimination, extra- judicial execution of persons who are mere suspects, no matter the circumstances.

They must endeavour to give unarmed civilian suspects their due rights.

Dele Oloke, chairman NBA Ikeja branch also added his own voice to the secret trial debate.

His words: ‘’When it comes to the issue of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu and the Biafra people, I think the most important thing is whether he is having fair trial or not. When we say secret trial, I believe that trial will also consist of his lawyers and those who are prosecuting him and his witness will also be allowed in court and he will be allowed to clear the air on why he organized the people of Biafra even when he ought not to because the action is criminal under the Nigerian law.

As for me, I have always been a pragmatic person because the law is an avenue to have an orderly society, and on whether the trial is secret or done in the open court is of no use, the fundamental thing is whether he is having a fair trial and fair hearing is whether he is allowed to

Legal JOKE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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

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

“But why?” asks the man.

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

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

House wife threatens husband with divorce Ïd ƕ è ó Ɔ Ƌ ƅƊ understanding’ A Lagos house wife, Omobolanle Awoyeyi has dragged his husband before an Agege Customary court in Lagos, seeking the dissolution of the union between them, due to lack of love and troublesome acts.

The mother of two told the court that she is no longer in love with her husband, Kunle Awoyeyi due to his lack of understanding and family interference.

“He does not take care of the children, even when anyone of us fall sick.

There was a time our son fell sick, he left home without taking care of him, neither did he dropped any money for his treatment and when I went to his place of work to demand for Money for his treatment, all he does was to rain insults on me. I foot the boy’s medical without his assistance, yet he still makes trouble with me “He secretly married another wife and warned me not to tell anybody about it. He has beaten me over 7-times. I moved out of the house because of the erosion that is disturbing us in that area, it has destroyed some of our belongings”, she said.

Omobolanle pleaded with the court to separate them, saying “I am no longer interested in the union; the love I have for him has faded.

While defending himself, Kunle Adeyeyi denied the allegations made against him by his wife.

Kunle said: I love my wife but she is fond of insulting me.

“I once did a contribution which I gave the money to my wife to deposit in the bank but she claimed she was robbed of the money on her at to the bank; I let go of the matter because I love her.

“She sometimes does not cook well and at a particular time, I pointed this out to her, she took offence and stopped cooking my food and washing my clothes again.

“It was when she started misbehaving that I married another wife.

I came back from work on a faithful day and found out that my wife had already packed out of the house with the children.

“Despite the fact that I implored some family members from both sides to help me plead with her, she refused to come back home. Since then, she has denied me access to my children”, Kunle added.

After listening to both parties, the court president thereby gave an interim order that the respondent should pay the sum of 15000 to the petitioner’s bank account monthly for the upkeep of the children while suit was adjourned till February 4, 2017 for hearing.

27 Law

Lagos trader wants marriage dissolved over violence, fetish acts Titilope Joseph

“My husband is troublesome; he has turned me into his punching bag, please separate me from him, I am no longer interested in the union”, a Lagos trader Adenike Baale begs an Agege customary court.

The mother of two who lives in Isheri, Lagos told the court that she can no longer live with her husband of 8-years because of the constant beatings and maltreatment.

Adenike, narrates to the court how her husband, Lanre Baale often beat and inflict injuries on her, especially when he is drunk. “ My husband has once beaten me and I landed in the hospital because I had a broken nose which was stitched at Mayflower hospital”.

“Whenever I refuse to have sex with him, he usually beat me and naked me in the presence of our children. He has sent me out in the middle of the nights times without numbers”, she said.

The aggrieved wife who claimed her father -in-law does not consent to

A 38-years old tricycle driver, Tanimola Jamiu has told a Lagos customary court that his wife of 15-years is adulterous and she flirts around.

Jamiu who resides in Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos, made this known when he testified in a divorce petition filed by his wife seeking dissolution of their marriage.

The respondent, who denied the wife’s allegations, told the court that the petitioner keeps bad company and this friends has been influencing her negatively.

He also alleged that she is a party freak, and that she does not have time to care for the children.

“Since she started moving with these bad friends, she has been displaying some questionable characters.

“I once gave my wife, the sum of ten thousand naira (10,000) to

the marriage also told the court how her husband sent her out of their home when she refused to have sex with him the day he came back home in the dead of the night and rubbed a fetish substance on his body before demanding for sex.

Adenike who claimed there is no

more love in their union, begs the court to dissolve the marriage and safe her from torture because she does not have rest of mind.

Lanre Baale, however denied all the allegations, accusing the wife of infidelity and being wayward.

He also informed the court that he

Acting Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Yetunde Oni (left) presenting a paper to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) on Thursday last week at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.

was ready for the dissolution of the marriage.

“I married her in 2007 and since then, I have always tried my best to make her happy. After she had her first child I established her in textiles business but my wife stylishly changed her line of business and started selling wines.

“I never contended, instead, I gave her money to stock her shop, only for her to turn the shop into a beer parlor where she was selling beer and pepper soup to touts in the area.

Lanre further alleged that his wife do receive strange calls from different men at odd hours.

“A woman once called me on the phone telling me to warn my wife to leave her sin-in-law alone. I am also ready for the dissolution of the marriage”, he added.

Mr Philip Williams, the court’s President, advised the estranged couple who have both agreed to go their separate ways to maintain statu quo and maintain peace pending the judgement of the court.

He adjourned the case till March 2, 2017.

My wife tattooed her waist without my consent, man tells court buy a phone but she brought home a phone worth of N30,000 and she could not explain where she got the additional money. I once caught her, sending her nude picture to another man.

“She also did not informed me when she tattooed a bird on her waist,” Jamiu added.

He further informed the court that all efforts to make his wife change has hits the rock, rather than making amendments, he averred that the petitioner and her mother rains curses on him.

He however begs the court to allow him have the custody of the two children in the marriage because he wants to take them to the boarding

house.

Bilikisu who informed the court that she wedded her husband in a Nikkai and traditional wedding, begs the court to dissolve her marriage citing irresponsibility and maltreatment.

The petitioner, a resident of Majamilekan, Ijoko Ogun state, alleged that her husband, was irresponsible and violent. She also told the court that her husband does not take care of her and the children.

Bilikisu further alleged that her mother-in-law never supported the marriage and since they got married, her husband has been maltreating her.

“He does not cater for me and the

children, I often pay the children’s school fee and whenever he comes home drunk and I was not fast enough to open the gate, he beats the hell out of me”, she said.

The petitioner further informed the court that she does not want anything to do with her husband again.

“All I want is the dissolution of this marriage. I am also ready to return his bride price”, Bilikisu said.

The President of the court, Mr Philip Williams, urged the couple to maintain the peace, reminding them that children from broken homes were always stigmatised.

The case was thereafter adjourned till March 2, 2017.

Secret trial of Kanu: matters arising CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

have a lawyer of his choice and you and I know that Nnamdi has his own lawyer. ‘’Why must every trial be in the public in any case? If the trial is the type that the information that will be given there can further threaten the peace and the security of the society, then why not? Its just about fair hearing. I don’t also know why people are celebrating Nnamdi Kanu, this is Nigeria and whether Ibo, Hausa or Yoruba, we must remain one. When Yorubas came up with OPC, no one took them seriously because they can’t say they are fighting for the Yorubas, so the same thing must go with the Ibos too.

Nobody should sensationalized the trial

of Nnamdi, if he has committed a crime against the law of the federation, let him face the trial whether in public or in the secret. What is important is that, constitutionally, he is entitled to his own lawyers, and that can not be taken from him, so don’t let us be too legalistic. I agreed with the rule of law and laws are made by us, for us to have a just society.

The truth is that the man is not even remorseful and he is causing trouble in Nigeria and this was how Boko Haram issue started and today, millions are displaced. The money that ought to be used to improve our universities are now being used to rehabilitate people. All these should stop because we can’t continue

like this, so whether secret or open trial, he must go and answer his trial.

Another lawyer, Kunle Odunsi offered his own opinion saying: ‘’In view of the constitution we are practising, no part of the federation is allowed to secede, even in other parts of the world. We are all aware of what led to the Biafra movement, we have books on those who started it and the role they all played. I think with the end of the Biafra war, people thought the issue has been rested. Our constitution made provisions for individual rights to protect the rights of an average Nigerians but a section in the constitution also said those rights are just paper jobs and some of them are not justified, so what is

the essence of a law you cannot challenge in court.

On the trial of Nnamdi, if the constitution says everybody should be presumed innocent until proven guilty and if it is in the best interest of the state that the trial should be limited within a condoled audience in such a way that will meet international standard, then it is okay, but if it is going to be an enclosed trial, I will be opposing it because we are not in a military set-up but if the trial is not going to be totally enclosed, I will encourage the trial because it is going to be in the interest of the public as well as their security.

The next lawyer, Adah Anthony who spoke on the issue, has this to say:

28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Tech Times

Stakeholders oppose proposed Senate council on innovation agency Page 30

Swift, Cobranet win NCC 2-slot auction on 25MHz in 5.4MHz Page 30

s

Combating thriving e-fraud menace Stories by By Tony Nwakaegho

Security experts have declared that fraud has turned the principle of finance upside down as cybercrime continues to grow astronomically in the country and urged organizations to step up their game by introducing hardened technology platform, among others, to fight e-fraud in the ecosystem.

In this report, Tony Nwakaegho examines why fraud is now prevalent and the strategic approaches to combat the menace and insecurity.

David Isiavwe, President, Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria (ISSAN) speaking during his presentation titled: Addressing e-Payment Fraud: Exploiting the Technology,” at the justended 7th Annual Payment Systems & Fraud Conference 2016 organized by EPPAN in Lagos, remarked that fraud incidences are expected to increase – “as cyber criminals will follow the money in an integrated manner onto the e-payments space.”

He stated that Poneman Institute in a recent study found that organizations are experiencing increasing number of attacks on their system every week, while the time to detect successful attack is also increasing, at 200 days on the average.

Nigeria loses N127 billion annually to fraud on the electronic space, he said, while global economy loss is put at US455 billion annually.

Juniper research recently predicted that the rapid digitization of consumers’ lives and enterprise records will

increase the cost of data breaches astronomically to $2.1 trillion globally by 2019, increasing to almost four times the estimated cost of breaches in 2015.

bile-25 percent; POS-14 percent; Internet web-6 percent; others- 3 percent.

He also listed current disturbing issues with respect to e-fraud in the eco-

In view of this emerging trend, Isiavwe highlighted that technology platforms must be hardened with layered security; encryption and tokenization to ensure that the payments systems are safe.

He informed delegates at the conference that fraudsters are constantly rehashing old fraud schemes with a little variation in their modus operandi to carry out their attacks on unsuspecting users, with the results leading to surge in Card Skimming, Phishing Sites, DDoS attacks, Ransomeware, Third Party Payment Application Compromise Rogue Mobile Applications and System Abuse

by Rogue Merchants.

He cited the fraud statistics in Nigeria 2016 as follows: ATM-52 percent; Mo-

system to include: “On Friday 21st October, a DDoS attack on Dyn Inc, an internet domain directory, took major sites like Amazon, Twitter, Netflix and Paypal offline by surprise. New World Hackers have claimed responsibility for the attack which they said was in the magnitude of 1.2 terabits per second, which is double the strength of the attack which took down kerbsonsecurity. com last month.

He stated that “In an essay titled ‘Someone Is Learning How to Take Down the Internet,’ security expert Bruce Schneier said last month that major internet infrastructure companies were seeing a series of worrying denial-of-service at-

Continue on page 31

Enugu to open first Software Academy

Telecoms record over 200,000 new subscribers, numbers hit 153.5m in October Page 31

Stakeholders at the just concluded TechDev Summit 2016 has charged state governments in the country to be encouraged by the moves for the establishment of a Software Academy in Enugu by Q1 2017 and in all state capitals of the south east within 12 months.

The maiden TechDev Summit was held in Enugu and convened to create awareness and technological disruptions in the South East.

The Summit under the chairmanship of Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, chairman Open Media Group, had delegates from various stakeholder groups: academia, students, private sector, public sector, the Permanent Secretary and Director of Finance, Ministry of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Pius Okigbo Jr. The Summit acknowledged that there is huge potential for regional clusters particularly in cities like Enugu that are ripe for Innovation Hubs and urged that this should be prioritized.

The delegates also tasked that in line with global trends, State Governments should consider Universal Access and Service for its citizens as part of their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as a fundamental human right.

They also called on stakeholders in the South

East: academia, students, industry to collaborate in order to accelerate the emergence of the Digital Economy in the South East and the diversification from the dependency on oil.

“The State Government through various incentives should encourage the private sector to invest in the state beginning with the commitment made at the Summit to establish a Software Academy in Enugu by Q1 2017’ and in all state capitals of the South East within 12 months.

“Thus, there is need to excite and raise awareness to the potentials of ICT as an accelerator to economic development, wealth creation and youth employment/entrepreneurship; there is need to revamp the educational curriculum from the primary to tertiary institutions in line with global reality to the skills required for the 21st century including critical thinking, problem-solving, research capability, collaborative work and effective communication.

“The Summit which was organised by CommunicationsWeek Media and Techsmart.ng also emphasized that adoption of cloud Services should be encouraged across Nigeria to drive greater efficiencies and support the establishment of Smart Cities to create an attractive work and living environment with a

concomitant impact on economic investment in the regions.

Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, chairman of the occasion, said that there is need to enhance the capacity of the educational system to provide relevant Research & Development in sync with industry and government as well as attract funding for continuous and sustainable investment in educational infrastructure.

He extolled TechDev 2016 as a platform to accelerate technology development in the South East.

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Enugu State

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

29 Tech Times

Nigeria currently has no spectrum trading regime -Prof Nwana Prof H. Sama Nwana is the CEO Altlantic Telecoms and Media based in London. He spoke to Tony Nwakaegho in this interview in Lagos during the Annual Consultative Forum on Engineering and Emerging Technologies organized by the Nigeria Communications Commission on the nitty-gritty of Spectrum Trading. Excerpts: Could you give an insight into what Spectrum is all about for the understanding of the ordinary people on the street?

Spectrum is the oxygen of the whole mobile industry. Without spectrum, the whole mobile industry doesn’t happen. It is just like I need a road to the Third Mainland Bridge to take me from Ikeja to the Island; it is the same as spectrum. It is that important highway that provides a whole range of services that even Nigerian consumers are taking for granted. The WIFI in my phone is a Spectrum. The plane flying in the air requires spectrum to be able to communicate to the ground services to ensure that there are no collisions here to the Lagos Airport.

So spectrum underpins millions and millions of services in the economy.

Briefly give a thrust of your paper presentation during this Spectrum trading forum?

My paper was really to support, as a former Spectrum regulator in the United Kingdom, to support the effort of Nigeria to more spectrum market. I know it may sound a little bit complicated, but spectrum is just like any other commodity. It is a bit complicated in certain circumstances because of issues like interference, but spectrum can be bought and sold just as I can buy and sell cars. So, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) in Nigeria has been continually introducing market-based approach, to which spectrum is allocated. Before, it used to be the regulator knows best and they can tell you that this spectrum is good for you and you must use it in this particular specific way. The reality is the market always knows better than any spectrum regulator, so we need to now encourage the user spectrum market and that is why in Nigeria we have been using auctions versus spectrum market mechanism. That is why Nigeria has also been using liberalization. Liberalization means that you make it easy that the spectrum that I have you don’t

PROF NWANA tell me what I can use that spectrum for. If you buy your house today in Ikeja, will I come and tell you what you do to that house? No. But that used to be the case with spectrum. I will sell you spectrum and I will still tell you what to do with it. Now, liberalization says basically that you can use it as you want subject to ‘don’t disturb your neighbours,’ and that is quite important. The next step is how you start trading the spectrum.

If I don’t need my car any more, what do I do? I sell it off. The same thing, if I don’t need my spectrum anymore and I want to sell my spectrum to somebody who needs it better than I do and Nigeria does not currently have that spectrum trading regime. And some spectrum trade has already been happening in the market place. For example, MTN bought some spectrum from Visafone, but there was no spectrum trading framework in Nigeria. And I think it’s important that we put one in Nigeria and ensure that this trades can happen in an orderly way.

What do you think will be the implication of the old practice while we are introducing the liberalized market?

The implication is very important and threefold. First, if spectrum is liberalized, and if spectrum is tradable, then that spectrum is going to find its highest value use and it is going

The implication is very important and threefold.

First, if Spectrum is liberalized, and if Spectrum is tradable then that Spectrum is going to find its highest value use and it is going to go into the hands of its highest value user.

It is really important and if any asset in society in its highest value use and in the hands of the highest value user then it creates more wealth for society. to go into the hands of its highest value user. It is really important and if any asset in society in its highest value use and in the hands of the highest value user then it creates more wealth for society. So let me give you an example, will ‘A’ be able to use if

it is given the MTN spectrum to use it as well as MTN can use it?

No. So, that spectrum will not be in its highest value user for Nigeria. Even if ‘A’ is given that MTN spectrum and ‘A’ starts using it for some other things not for communications, will that spectrum be in its highest value use? No. So, liberalization and trading allows spectrum to also move to its highest value use and to its highest value user, because that will always benefit Nigerian consumers and citizens.

Can you take away the chances of this spectrum being misused or being hoarded?

The way you address that is by three ways. It is either you enforce very strongly. If you buy spectrum and you don’t use it, some regulator will introduce what they call ‘use it or lose it obligations.’ You either use it or lose it or you trade it away. The second thing is to use pricing, even if you have that piece of spectrum you may be paying a price for that piece of spectrum every year and if that price is reasonably high and it is equivalent to the value of that spectrum, you are going to stop keeping it, saying this is too high for me. That is one of the reasons why spectrum trading requires some pricing to that spectrum. Thirdly, if that spectrum actually moved to the right price, would any company buy spectrum for millions of dollars and don’t use it? It is highly unlikely. If the spectrum gets its right price, only people who will buy with intent to use it will do so. And that is one of the key things we are trying to do with the spectrum trading regulations as well.

Is there any way the small companies can benefit in this Spectrum trading?

You heard Engr. Ndukwe talk about spectrum trading and spectrum sharing. The issue is, if you sit here in Lagos you don’t understand the real issue of somebody in Yola. The challenges in Yola are completely different from that in Lagos because the affordability and accessibility in Lagos is much more different than the afford-

ability and accessibility in Yola.

These companies have national spectrum all across. But if they are not using most of their spectrum in most of the places, 3G, 4G spectrum in Yola, wouldn’t it be nice to potentially trade that right to a small ISP in Yola for the ISP to be able to provide services in Yola to people who they know better, because the Lagos-based company does not necessarily understand the esoterics of the market in Yola.

So a combination of spectrum trading and spectrum sharing can really enable small businesses to come up. Look at the value that a small company like SWIFT is adding into Nigeria. SWIFT is one of the best companies in the telecommunication sector in my view in Nigeria. It very well run, providing broadband internet services that is competent and it doesn’t try to provide services in all markets, but where it is providing services in Lagos State it provides it well.

Wouldn’t it be nice to also have others in Kano, Adamawa providing services in those markets very well? Spectrum trading and spectrum sharing will be potentially helped to enable that including WIFI because we now run a lot of telecommunications services on WIFI. Are the small companies being over-regulated in the industry as it is being touted?

Look at the role of WIFI. WIFI is now the most important wire technology in the market place today. A lot of times we don’t think about it. A lot of times we think of 4G, 5G. Did anybody regulate WIFI? Did NCC regulate WIFI? No. It happened naturally. So, sometimes, if the yoke of regulation stifles businesses so over regulation basically stifles this businesses and particularly small businesses. Any economy like Nigeria is to run on small businesses so the big telecommunication company, like MTN and Etisalat still employ less than 10 percent of Nigerians. Most Nigerians who are in employment are employed

by Small and Medium Enterprises. And the point is you want to give them a break for them to be able to ensure that they create jobs, and you don’t bring big companies regulations on them for them not to be able to succeed in the market.

Tech Times 30

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Stakeholders oppose proposed Senate council on innovation agency Stories by Tony Nwakaegho There has been hue and cry among stakeholders in the science and technology industry in Nigeria as to the rationale behind the recent public hearing held by the upper chamber of the National Assembly on a proposed bill to establish the National Research and Innovation Bill, 2016, with President Muhammadu Buhari and his entire Ministers as members.

The bill has drawn the ire of the stakeholders because there are many research institutes and their appendix found among government agencies in Nigeria that are either moribund due to acute neglect, underfunded, or unable to function.

Senator David Umaru, representing Niger East Senatorial district of Niger State who sponsored the bill, stated that it seeks to provide for the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC), National Research and Innovation Foundation, and other related matters.

Part I of the draft bill dwells on the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Foundation Governing Board, among others, while subsection

BUKOLA SARAKI Senate President

2 (1) proposes a Council which shall consist of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the chairman and other members comprising the vice president as the vice chairman.

The bill also in 2 (1b) proposes that the Council will include all ministers appointed in accordance with the provision of the 1999 Constitution, a representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; and Executive Secretary, National

Research and Innovation Foundation as the Secretary of the Council.

He also proposed that such other number of persons not exceeding five appointed by the President on the joint recommendation of the Governing Board of the Foundation and the Technical Advisory Committee to further assist the Council in the discharge of its functions.

Industry watchers have condemned in clear terms this bill, which they said will serve no purpose for the country that is in recession other than serving as political patronage.

Critics note there are over 200 research institutions in the country dealing on several subsectors, including innovation and research.

Take for instance, the Ministry Science and Technology. It has some 17 parastatals, which includes the National Board For Technology Incubation, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Nigerian Institute For Trypanosomiasis And Onchocerciasis, National Biotechnology Development Agency, National Centre For Technology Management, National Office For Technology Acquisition And Promotion, Ni-

gerian Natural Medicine Development Agency, National Space Research & Development Agency, and Raw Materials Research and Development Council.

Others are Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, National Institute of Leather Science and Technology, Zaria; National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria; Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja; Project Development Institute, Enugu; Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos; and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Abuja.

The Ministry of Communications has under it the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Postal Service, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, and Galaxy Backbone.

They pointed out that within NITDA, there is an office for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, culminating in multiple research institutions already in existence and wondered the rationale for the proposed Council outside the existing over 20 parastatals that have ‘innovation and research’ in their mandate but never ultilized.

Swift, Cobranet win NCC 2-slot auction on 25MHz in 5.4MHz The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has named Swift Networks and Cobranet, as the winners of the recent auction of the two slot of 25 Mega Hertz (MHz) bandwidth each in the 5.4 MHz frequency spectrum band for utilization in Lagos State.

The auction which had six pre-qualified bidders, was supervised by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Standard at the Commission, Engr. Ubale Maska, who ensured that the process was fair, transparent and equitable, a source at the Commission revealed.

In line with the auction requirements, bidders paid a non- refundable 10 percent of the reserve price which was N18.75 billion.

NCC, the source also disclosed, ensured that each bidder had a runner who de-

L-r: Jamil Chaptini Chief Executive Officer Cobranet Limited Mr. Austin Nwaulunne Director, Spectrum Administration Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Ubale Maska Executive Commissioner, NCC’s Technical Services, Mr. Charles Anudu Chief Executive Officer Swift Networks Ltd. livered its bid amount to the auctioneer and were supervised by the chief runner.

The auction by the Commission ended at the 11th round of bidding with Swift Net-

works and Cobranet emerging winners of the slot each at N27,659,347.10 per year.

Microsoft acquires LinkedIn

Jeff Weiner Linkedin, CEO Indi Microsoft now officially owns LinkedIn after the two companies said that their acquisition deal had closed.

This closed acquisition deal is coming six months after news broke that Microsoft was planning to throw down $26.2 billion for the business social network -- its biggest-ever acquisition.

“I’m more confident than ever that our move to join forces with Microsoft will accelerate our mission to connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful, and ultimately help create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce,” LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Weiner, stated in a blog post.

For Microsoft, the LinkedIn deal advances its plan to become an essential provider to businesses of cloud-based services, including its Office 365.

The two companies said they plan to work together on artificial intelligence, machine learning, the cloud, devices and more.

As for users, Weiner said LinkedIn will remain essentially unchanged, adding that over the next few months, the social network will share more about how it’s integrating its services with Microsoft’s products.

The European Union recently gave its blessing to the deal, which led to the official closing of the acquisition.

Microsoft had asked for regulatory approval from the governments of the US, Canada, Brazil and the EU, all of which approved the deal.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

31 Tech Times

Okowa, judges urge tech start-ups to scale products, market coding time Stories by Tony Nwakaegho No fewer than 56 energetic and creative young Nigerians with passion for technology innovation pitched their solutions ‘Hacked within 36 hours nonstop coding’ at the just concluded Delta State open innovation hackathon focused on resolving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenges for Nigeria and Africa The Delta State Governor, Senator. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the panel of judges were convinced that the products showcased had the resilience and capability to solve local challenges if properly harnessed and deployed.

The governor and the judges stated after watching their presentations that the tech entrepreneurs must scale up their solutions to meet up with national and global market challenges.

Before the pitch, the tech start-ups were camped in the Delta State Innovation Hub (DSIHUB) for 36 hours of tech-innovation design and coding in a 10Megabit PS Domain with strong internet connection powered by Main One. For the judges, if the solutions on showcase which cut across health, e-Gov, Water, Shelter, environments, education, agriculture, employment, among others, are scaled up to market application level, the set targets of challenges for Nigeria/Africa on

OKOWA

Delta State Governor

Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations would be solved.

Speaking after the competition that saw Team Artisan made up of two students from the University of Uyo emerge in the first position, the Governor Okowa, represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun David Edevwie, said that the competitors represented skilled workforce needed to accelerate the local content solutions deployment and take Nigeria to the next level.

He informed the gathering that the hackathon would position the participants well for challenges of modern ICT-driven economy and should be done annually.

“Everybody is a winner. In today’s

world, there is need to engage in a paradigm shift, which is focused on knowledge research and, aggregate experimenting with new and innovative ways of achieving rapid economic development for the good and prosperity of Deltans.

“The essence of this drive is to reduce poverty to its barest minimum, while simultaneously improving lives, aggregating wealth and promoting the well-being of Deltans. The DSIHUB is a Public Private Participation initiative between Delta State Government and Mobile Software Solutions as a platform to manufacture knowledge.

The state government believes that the expertise in the knowledge, practice and adoption of technology can be effectively harnessed through constructive innovation to curtail poverty and ignorance,” he added.

He acknowledged that running a hackathon represented a strategic roadmap for building, accelerating and improving capacities and capabilities of required ICT manpower, engaging the youths as a way of getting them out of the street.

The Director General of the DSIHUB, Chris Uwaje, maintained that if the ideas on showcase are well crafted through knowledge mentoring and turned into concrete solutions, Nigeria could be free from digital slavery.

Uwaje lauded Jim Ovia, the Chairman of Zenith Bank, as the main pillar of DSIHUB, who he described as

a source of inspiration to him and Nigerian Youths.

Uwaje said that the time was ripe for the government to establish Innovation Development Fund and indeed an Innovation Development Bank to provide seed funding and support for the startups.

He advocated for a true National open Hackathon where 50,000 Nigerian Youths would be assembled to shoot at creativity and innovation to select the best 1000.

“You all have amazing solutions.

But there is need for you to turn your ideas to realities, Mr. Yinka Tanimowo, the Managing Director of Connect Technologies, the Chief Hackathon Consultant and Technical Officer, said.

Speaking after being announced as winners, Emmanuel Essiet of Team Artisan, commended the Delta State government for giving them the opportunity to pitch their product.

“We are very happy to win the cup.

We will take our solution designed for job creation to the next level. The app will help self-employed people to connect via the artisan software and locate jobs. We will test it and move to the market to solve a problem. We also need seed support and mentorship to scale up” Essiet who said that they are Computer Science Students from University of Calabar, said.

Combating thriving e-fraud menace Continued from page 28 tacks.

He said, ‘Someone is extensively testing the core defensive capabilities of the companies that provide critical internet services,’ and “in Q2 2016, attacks continued to become more frequent, persistent, and complex.”

He said that since mobile has become the primary means of internet access for the majority of Nigerians online as confirmed in a GSMA report on ‘The Mobile Economy Africa 2016’, the number of mobile internet subscribers tripled in the last five years to 300 million by the end of 2015, with an additional 250 million expected by 2020; the use of mobile applications, SMS, USSD and most recently, QR codes for transactions have become common place in the Nigerian epayment space. Therefore, “securing the technology is imperative to ensure the continued growth of the use of mobile. The service providers have to ensure end to end encryption of data and more reliable and user friendly authentication.”

The ISSAN President said, “With the increase in the use of

mobile devices in the ePayment space, there has been an increase in the proliferation of malware targeting smart phones.”

While recalling the Central Bank of Bangladesh attack, he noted also that there have been massive targeted attacks using Remote Access Trojans (RATs); massive phishing attacks on payrolls among others.

According to Ars Technica, Google Play was recently found to be hosting more than 400 apps that turned infected phones into listening posts that could siphon sensitive data out of the protected networks they connected to.

According to Fortune.com ‘For a ten week period, Bit9 + Carbon Black researchers analyzed over 1,400 malware samples that targeted the Apple operating system.

“They found that 948 of the samples appeared in 2015 compared to 180 samples that were traced back to 2010 through 2014.’ A recent report on iOS malware attacks by the security firm Bit9 + Carbon Black found that more malware affected iOS devices in 2015 than the previous five years combined. Bringing this all home, we need to de-

velop capabilities to identity and if possible block the spread of identified malware. Encryption, Tokenization and Smart authentication need to be employed in the development and deployment of our offerings in the ePayment space.”

According to him, resilient systems have to be deployed for ePayment transaction processing to achieve 99.99 percent uptime, as these include call center technology as well as intelligent fraud detection and prevention systems to accurately analyze customer behaviour and spending patterns with minimal false positives.

Referring to ‘Digital Payment Strategies: Online, Mobile & Contactless 2014-2019 Report’ by Juniper Research, he said that financial industry expects activities in the ePayments space to grow significantly in the next few years as new products are expected to be developed.

Indeed, the annual transaction value of online and mobile payments is predicted to hit $4.7 trillion by 2019.

“Experts have also predicted that traditional banks (as we know them today) may not be alive in the next 20 years as the

ePayments space would revolutionize banking and take over the financial services space.”

To this end, Isiavwe called for increased smart systems in place for continuous monitoring and incident prevention, detection as well as swift response mechanisms to provide round the clock protection.

“The key is to leverage on technology to ensure that the ebusiness platforms are safe, reliable and always available to the average consumer.”

According to Bola Adeoye of Deloitte Nigeria, people are responsible for strategy, people design the system, people decide the processes, technology and the culture of an organization, but the fraudsters are always ahead of the organization to beat them.

Dr Alice S.Etim, Associate Professor, Management Information System, at Winston Salem State University, recommended that the Central Bank of Nigeria should see whether there are other policies they can copy, like the community bank system in Ghana to check fraud, phishing and attacks.

Telecoms record over 200,000 new subscribers, numbers hit 153.5m in October Active telecommunications services customers increased by 214,572 in October, compared with 153,299,535 in September, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Monthly Subscriber/Operator Data released.

This brings the active users of telecommunications services in the country to 153.51 million in October.

According to the data, 153,086,710 of the 153,514,107 active numbers subscribed to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network services.

The GSM operators’ active customers increased by 249,713 from 152,836,997 subscribers recorded in September.

The reports stated that, of the GSM operators, MTN had 60,982,487 users in October, which increased by 423,918, against 60,558,569 recorded in September.

Globacom figure increased in October by 150,280, giving a total of 37,117,992 customers as against 36,967,712 in September.

Airtel had 32,775,916 subscribers in the month under review, which were same users recorded in September.

Etisalat, however, recorded a reduction in customers by 324,485, giving a customer base of 22,210,315 as against 22,534,800 users in September.

The Code Division Multiple Access operators had 244,477 active users in October, showing a decrease of 31,827 from 276,304 customers they had in September.

Between the two surviving CDMA service providers, Visafone’s customers reduced to 240,017, as it lost 31,827 users in September to record 271,844, while Multi-Links maintained 4,460 customers in September.

The monthly subscriber/operator data showed that the Fixed Wireless networks (landline) consumers decreased to 26,942 in October, as they lost 3,774 customers from their record of 30,716 in September.

Also between the two Fixed Wireless operators, Visafone had 26,514 subscribers in October, losing 3,774 users from the September record of 30,288; while Multi-Links maintained its September record of 428 customers.

It also revealed that the Fixed Wired operators (landline) subscriber base reduced by 2,752, giving a total of 124,812 users in October, as against 127,564 recorded in September.

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Rohr heads to

AFCON to spy

Rohr

Cameroun, Algeria

England,Scotland, others axed by FIFA

E

ngland have been fined 45,000 Swiss francs (£35,000) by FIFA for the “display of a political symbol and several cases of spectator misconduct” in the “framework” of their World Cup qualifier against Scotland, who have been fined CHF 20,000 (£15,700).

The punishment relates to the row over whether poppies could be displayed before and during last month’s match at Wembley.

England and Scotland players wore black armbands featuring poppies, while wreaths were laid before kick-off at Wembley. Northern Ireland, fined CHF 15,000 (£11,800), commemorated Armstice Day with black armbands when they played Azerbaijan.

Wales did not opt for a visible commemoration by their team, but fans wore poppies in the stands, while a card mosaic was raised before their match against Serbia, which has resulted in a fine of 20,000 (£15,700).

Fans wearing poppies also formed a part of the charges brought against England and Scotland.

The Republic of Ireland were fined CHF 5,000 for “the display of a political symbol on the shirt” during their friendly against Switzerland.

FIFA also handed out a raft of other Infantino punishments.

N

igeria Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is expected to be at next year’s AFCON in Gabon after a short holiday in Madagascar.

Rohr has already said he will be at Gabon 2017 to spy on Nigeria’s World Cup rivals Cameroun and Algeria.

Incidentally, the Franco-German was in charge of co-hosts Gabon when they reached the last eight of the 2012 AFCON and so he will be very much at home in Gabon.

The Super Eagles will face Cameroun in a crucial double header from August 2017 on the road to Russia 2018 with Nigeria hosting the first game in Uyo. Nigeria lead their qualifying group on six points from two matches, while Cameroun are second with two points.

Zambia and Algeria are on a point each.

In March 2017, Nigeria are due to play a series of friendlies as part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

N10.6b Paris Club refund: NLC on war path with govt AT 2

How Ukawoko made the difference in Umuahia AT 4 South LGA

LG poll: PDP ends senatorial campaign, vows to win all seats

ÏÏÏ

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (left) congratulating his deputy, Sir Ude Okochukwu, after his chieftaincy installation as ‘‘Ikeoha Ohafia’’ by the Ohafia Local Government council of traditional rulers at the council headquarters...recently

Join fight against HIV/AIDS, Ikpeazu charges corps members

Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

The Abia

T E A M

Members of the National Youth Service Corps posted to Abia State have been enjoined to join in the fight against the spread of the dreaded HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and other vices in their places of primary assignment.

Abia State, Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, made the call in his address on the occasion of the terminal parade and closing ceremony of 2016 batch ‘B’ stream 1 orientation course held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, adding that the people of the state are appreciative of the roles their predecessors played towards the development of the state especially in the fight against illiteracy through their participation in the Universal Basic Education programme, free health care delivery as well as the empowerment of youths through Skill Acquisition and Entrepre-

neurship Development (SAED).

Gov. Ikpeazu represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Hagler Okorie, stated that his administration will not relent in her efforts to ensuring optimal welfare of all corps members posted to the state and in line with the state’s belief in hard work, pointing out that the government will graciously reward commitment and excellence of the NYSC members.

“My dear corps members, no matter the situation you might find yourselves during the service year, I urge you to see this rare opportunity of your call to serve in Abia State as a mark of honour and recognition of your worth to our nation. Use this opportunity to make new friends, gain a better understanding of the state in particular and of Nigeria in general.

Put in your utmost best in all that you do and devote some of your time to self-reflection on your post service life especially as regards

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

self-employment. In line with this, I urge you to utilise the opportunity of your stay with the people to also learn their enterprise”, he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the NYSC Abia State coordinator, Mrs. Ifon Francesca, appealed to employers to receive the corps members with open arms and integrate them into their systems, adding that they have been equipped to meaningfully contribute their quota in the task of development of the state.

She charged the corps members

to accept their posting in good faith, adding, “As you proceed to various places of primary assignment, I enjoin you to be good ambassadors of the scheme. You are to carry out your duties diligently. Keep yourself busy by embarking on positive ventures. Take your Community Development Service and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development seriously. Avoid incessant, unauthorised, unplanned and night journeys. A lot of avoidable death has been recorded in the past due to this”.

Govt bans use of agents in revenue collection

ÏÏÏ

Abia State Government has concluded plans to ensure an increase in her internally generated revenue (IGR) from the 2017 fiscal year.

In a statement signed by the State’s Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, who is also the Chairman of the State’s Internally Generated Revenue Council reads, the state therefore, has banned the use of agents as revenue collectors in the state in 2017.

The statement reads: “This is to inform all concerned that the IGR Policy of the state did not provide

for appointment of revenue agents.

“MDAs are by this notice directed not to appoint any agent for the year 2017 as Abia State Government will not be held liable for any contravention.

“All Revenue matters must be directed to the IGR council. Please be guided.”

The state government therefore requested Abians, particularly residents of Ab and Umuahia to avoid paying any revenue agent or “consultant” who claims to be acting on behalf of the state from the fiscal year 2017 and going forward.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the weekend concluded its senatorial political campaign with a resolve to sweep the polls, come December 21, 2016 local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in the state.

The campaign led by the state chairman of the party, Sir Johnson Onuigbo, saw the campaign train through Ohafia, for Abia North, Isiala Ngwa North for Abia Central and Aba South for Abia South senatorial districts.

Speaking during these occasions, Sir Johnson Onugbo pointed out that any politician who is not of the PDP is losing and thanked the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who within two years in office, has suffered and sacked even two times, yet God still held him as the governor of the state.

Not minding these distractions, Onuigbo said Gov. Ikpeazu had the need to return the local government system to the grassroots through the forthcoming election which has not been done in the state for a long time and minding what it will cost him financially.

He described Ikpeazu as having done well and has done about 60 percent of the campaign through his achievements so far, assuring that there is only one party in the state, and which the PDP is.

He urged the party faithful to be steadfast in all conditions not minding and to keep on working as good fellows to help their candidates to win at the election.

Gov. Ikpeazu, he said, has tried within the confines of what he gets as revenue, assuring that the party will win all the 292 wards and 17 local government areas of the state.

“PDP is the spirit that comes out during the day. Let others try so and see”, he said, advising candidates to work well with their deputies and councilors who will also be tough on their limits of operation.

The campaigns featured the handing over of flags to chairmanship candidates, speeches from the council chairmen and stakeholders in the areas.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Worry less, live longer, medical experts tell aging people ÏÏÏ Medical experts have advised

people who are advancing in age to avoid worry in other to extend their lives.

This charge came in Umuahia last week during the 2016 End of Year Family meeting of the Brothers Across Nigeria (BAN), a nongovernmental, non-religious and non-political association held in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

According to the Chief Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at the National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, Dr. Kene Madu, in his lecture titled, “Aging and Good Health”, he counseled people to see aging as a natural biological process and not worry over it or it would ultimately lead to death, stating that “the trick to aging gracefully is to enjoy it”.

Dr. Madu urged aging persons to embrace healthy lifestyles throughout life so as to have a greater ability to engineer a positive approach to the aging process, stressing that

establishing healthy lifestyle behaviours throughout one’s life influences optimal aging.

He harped on the importance of relaxation and sleep which he called ‘Sleep Hygiene’ and prescribed going to bed at regular time and waking up at the same regular time every morning, warning that bed should be used for sleep and sexual intercourse only.

According to the medical consultant, aging persons should set aside relaxation time, connect with others, do something they enjoy every day, keep to their sense of humour, be social, do regular exercise, eat their enjoyable variety of nutritious foods (which should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, fibre ), avoid skipping breakfast, do everything in moderation especially alcohol, drink more water, consult their doctors regularly, take prescribed medications where applicable, and should consider sexual stimulants.

Ibeku community banishes man over missing python’s venom ÏÏÏ An Ndume Ibeku man, simply

known as Okechukwu is on the run, even as he has been banished over missing venom of a python he killed recently.

Contrary to insinuations that his whereabouts is unknown, the traditional ruler of Azueke Autonomous Community, HRH, Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okey Onwubuariri, said the young man has been sighted in his in-law’s house in Obowo in Imo State.

Okechukwu, who is from Ofeke Ndume Ibeku in Azueke Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state, reportedly went to his farm alongside some other people from his area when he killed a python.

He was said to have wanted to cut open the snake, but was prevented by the others with him, with the reason that snakes like python are not dissected except with the villagers around to prevent one collecting the venom for any ulterior motive.

Okechukwu was said to have agreed and the python was dragged home later in the evening, while the elders asked him to keep it till tomorrow so that then people will know how the poison will be disposed of.

At home that night, Okechukwu allegedly called those who went to the farm with him and dissected the python.

However, the following morning, when the village assembled for the purpose, they found the snake already cut open with even some parts being cooked by Okechukwu.

The elders of the community asked him where the venom of the snake was and told them he put it inside a soak-away pit.

The youths of the community had

to open the soak away and the venom was not seen. This drew the irked of the community who dragged him to the village square and descended on him with the aim of making him disclose where he kept the snake poison.

Still he refused to disclose where he kept it.

He was subsequently taken to his maternal home, Umuohu Ndume for them to recover the snake poison from him. Yet, he would not talk. This led his maternal uncles to come back to his community to complain that he was not talking.

“We asked them to take him back to their community as he had boasted earlier that he will kill people in the community”, Eze Onwubuariri told newsmen, stating that he was therefore banished by his community.

However, Eze Onwubuariri said on hearing that, he sent the community’s President General and the village chairman to Okechukwu’s maternal home to fetch him for further questioning on where he kept the poison and possibly hand him over to the police and the government for further interrogation, but “he was nowhere to be seen”.

The people, the royal father said, have reported sighting him at his inlaw’s house in Obowo in Imo State, stating however that it is the responsibility of Ofeke village to handle the matter before he wreaks havoc with the snake venom.

The Abia Times gathered that customarily, no one person dissects a python when killed, but the snake must be brought out for the village to supervise the disposal of the venom which tiny drop in a food or drink kills instantly and are usually used by mischievous people in the communities to kill people.

N10.6b Paris Club refund: NLC on war path with govt

Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Following the expiration of their

21-day ultimatum that ended earlier this month (December), the organised labour in Abia State has given a 14-day ultimatum to the Government over arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities to serving and retired civil servants in the state.

The organised labour said having earlier given the Government 21-day ultimatum which expired without any action by the state government, it has prompted the 14-day ultimatum which started from December 13, 2016, describing the living condition of Abia workers and the pensioners as “pitiable”.

The congress said that at the expiration of the ultimatum which was signed by Comrades Uchenna Obigwe, Chris Okpara and Chris Okoro, state NLC chairman, TUC chairman and JNC chairman, respectively, as well as the acting secretary of the state NLC, Comrade John Onaga, it would convene a State Executive Council meeting of the unions to decide the next line of action.

It also advised Governor Ikpeazu to deploy the N10.6 billion first tranche

of the N68 bill Paris Club refund by the Federal Government the state just received from the Federal Government to clear the arrears of salaries and pensions of Abia workers and retirees.

Unconfirmed source said that at the receipt of the N10.6 billion tranche, Governor Ikpeazu had directed that half of the money be deployed to tackle workers’ salary and arrears with immediate effect.

However, the organised labour is arguing that the whole fund be used to face the arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities owed Abia workers and whatever remains be deployed to other things.

According to the State chairman of NLC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, Gov. Ikpeazu should set up a committee in which the organised labour would be represented, to discuss the disbursement of the N10.6 billion with a view to utilising it to clear the arrears owed to Abia workers and pensioners as he did during the disbursement of bailout funds so that workers’ interest would be well protected.

“The Government should use this opportunity to show Abia workers who have been patient with it that it has a human face. We are not against projects, we love projects but it is only

the living that makes use of the projects.

“We appeal that this money be deployed to clear the arrears being owed workers and pensioners. N10. 6 billion can make a lot of difference in Abia economy. If the workers and pensioners are paid and this money circulates, Abia economy will witness a turn around.

“NLC is not happy that Abia State University Teaching Hospital [ABSUTH] is still owed 24 months pension arrears. Gratuity is a mirage in the state. We call on Governor Ikpeazu to do something about it. We appreciate the lean resources he faces but with this funds available, he can show that he cares for Abia workers who have been very patient and supporting him”, Obigwe said.

It would be recalled that the thirtysix states of the Federation collectively received over $4bn being the over-deductions on Paris and London Club Loans on the accounts of State and Local Governments from February 1990 to March 2002, while unconfirmed sources from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said Abia State may receive up to N60 billion as Nasarawa State allegedly received over N68 billion.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Legion Abia State chapter, Col. Sam Aboaja (rtd); Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; his deputy, Sir Udeh Oko Chukwu and Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Azubuike, during the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch in Umuahia...recently

LG election: ASOPADEC boss urges ABSIEC to be unbiased ÏÏÏ

As the Abia State local government chairmanship and councillorship election draws near, the election umpire in the state has been challenged to be unbiased in the conduct of the December 21, 2016 election and to release the results as and when due.

The chairman, Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Sir Emeka Stanley, handed down this advice in Aba, recently while attending the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag off campaign, and asked ABSIEC to “do its best and to shun anything not normal” during the election “to bring out elected local government officials, come December 21, 2016.

Sir Stanley, who said the essence of the rally was to show that PDP was on ground, expressed his desire that the PDP will sweep the polls as the party “carries all along and emphasises democracy.

He said the party is lucky to have Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu at the helm of affairs in the state and whose influence through his numerous achievements so far, especially in Aba will attract more electorate on the side of PDP during the council polls.

He described Gov. Ikpeazu as one who knows the essence of third-tier government, hence the people’s happiness and expectations of favourable local government institutions in the state.

The governor, he said, is doing

much with the little resources he receives, especially in Aba pointing out that before the rains resume, the governor would have done much more to show.

He described PDP as one that welcomes constructive criticism, expressing his view that the party’s winners at the polls should start working from problems that are peculiar in their areas, either on roads, health, education or agriculture, as has been advised by the state governor .

He said that though other parties may be tough, the PDP has the sympathy of the people, but wants the party to win all positions as other parties also exist in the state to contest.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

3 The Abia Times

Ngwa people remain indivisible no matter what circumstances – Onyendilefu ÏÏÏ Ngwa Bu Otu Youth Association

of Nigeria (NBOYAN) was recently reminded that Ngwa people remain indivisible no matter what circumstances.

The President General of the body and Accountant General of Abia State, Sir Gabriel Chinenye Onyendilefu, stated this while addressing the body during their 2016 national conference/convention, charging members to always have it at the back of their minds that Ngwa people remains indivisible no matter what circumstances and called on members to eschew disintegration and embrace the spirit of oneness and unity of purpose existing amongst them.

His words: “We preach and practice love, peace and tolerance; these are virtues for which the average Ngwa man is known for. The association has within its limited resources helped members and non-members who are in need. It has been our annual rituals to visit less privileged homes.

“We must remind ourselves that Ngwa people are known for their natural hospitality and good neighbourliness. We must continue to remember that ‘Ndi Ngwa Mbu Otu’, are leaves of same branch. We should strive to see that this oneness will continue to yield fruits in practical terms in the spirit and letters of that philosophy”.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Sub Committee on Publicity/Contact and Mobilisation, Comrade Chinkwe Ikenyi, commended the vision, unity of purpose, courage and sacrifices of the association and its leaders, stating that since the exis-

tence of NBOYAN, it has stood the test of time in the annals of Ngwaland.

In his speech earlier, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, described NBOYAN as a family of so many people united by one common purpose, stating, “NBOYA is one of the associations the Ngwas are proud of given to their antecedents. I must commend you for maintaining the aims and objectives of this association and to remind you that if we are united, we will achieve a lot”.

He charged members to continue to support the government of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu by being good citizens of the state and praying for the success of his administration.

The Abia speaker, who was represented during the annual get-together of Umuahia branch chapter of Ngwa Progressive Association by the former NUJ President zone C, Comrade Ambrose Nwachukwu, commended the association for the positive roles they played during the election which saw the governor emerged as the first governor of Ngwa extraction of the state.

The NBOYA event featured award presentation to Gov. Ikpeazu; visit to charity homes; lectures and thanksgiving service at United Evangelical Church (UEC), Ogbor Hill, Aba. Dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Chairman, Isiala Ngwa South Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Paul Okpanku; CEO Rowmay Hotels, Chief Obinna Njoku; HRM Eze Prof. Boniface Dike; President NBOYA Imo State chapter, Hon. Emma Nwanganga among others.

Yuletide: US coy, Trustlink caution Abians on security ÏÏÏ As the end of

year festivities climax, a United States of American based security company, Tex American Investigative and Security Services Inc., in partnership with Trustlink Ventures (Nigeria) Limited have advised members of the public in Abia in particular and Nigerians in general to guide against incessant and indiscriminate bush burning.

In a statement the companies issued in Umuahia, the Abia State capital and made available to the Abia Times, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trustlink Ventures (Nig) Ltd, Elder Dr. Chukwunazom Cyra Obi, said the consequences of wild fire outbreak could be fatal to lives, property and economy of the state.

Toward avoiding this, he urged smokers to be careful and mindful of where and how they toss glowing cigarette butts into the bush by ensuring that cigarette lights are completely crushed out before being disposed of, pointing out that if not, it will ignite fire when it comes into contact with inflammable liquids or materials like dry grasses.

He mentioned also that the issue of money snatching is now rampant,

advising people carrying cash at any location or even from banks to be sure they do not expose themselves as to attract the attention of miscreants or being trailed by criminals, advising that instead of carrying cash, electronic transfer of cash should be adopted.

He similarly advised banks to beef up security by employing the use of trained dogs and dog handlers, stating that this will go a long way to frustrate and identify potential bad eggs lurking around bank premises.

He also warned Abia youths to avoid the use of fire crackers and bangers during the season, stating that the fireworks provide covers for thieves and their gun shots. He advised people to hand over to the Police or other security agents youths that violate this advice.

“The criminals are not ghosts.

They are people that live with and around us”, he said and advised the general public to expose any suspicious movement of unknown people around them to the police, as no one knows who will be the victim, assuring that security agencies would handle their information with utmost confidence.

Wife of the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Lady (Barrister) Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne, handing over the cheque for one year school fees of N96, 000 to one of the beneficiaries, Amaechi Augustina, at an event to mark the first anniversary of the the ABSU VC, recently. At the background from left is the VC, Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne and his two sons.

Accommodate our interest in disbursement of resources, pensioners urge Ikpeazu

Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) Abia State chapter has appealed to the State Government to religiously apply the law of equity in the disbursement of the lean resources available to the state in order to accommodate the interest of pensioners.

This appeal came on the occasion of their 2016 Pensioners’ day celebration in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Speaking after singing an emotional Christian hymnal, “My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine: Now hear me while I pray...., at the occasion, the Abia NUP chairman, Comrade Chukwuma .N. Udensi said while the union is aware and fully appreciative of the harsh economic conditions prevailing in the country as well as the political problems and distractions faced by the present administration, it is not equitable that some sectors on the Government payroll had received

their salaries for August, 2016 while pensioners were yet to be paid for April, 2016.

He said: “In my address during the 2015 pensioners’ day, I lamented the introduction of the obnoxious staggering system of pension’s payment by the past administration in the state which inflicted untold hardship and suffering on Abia pensioners.

“I also expressed the hope then, of a better deal from the present administration. Abia pensioners are yet to witness a fulfillment of that expectation as most pensioners in the state received their April 2016 pensions in November, 2016.

“This is the situation, in spite of the fact that these same pensioners are owed pension arrears ranging from four to ten months between 2014 and 2015. Abia pensioners deserve a better treatment”.

According to him, there are also the vexatious issues of non-payment of gratuities which has lingered for over 15 years in Abia State, “the nonimplementation of various Federal Government pension increases and

harmonisation, the 5 years arrears of monthly pensions owed to retired primary school teachers from 20022007, as well as the pitiable plight of pensioners of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Abia, who have not been paid for over 25 months”.

Udensi said it would be a step in the right direction for Government to take serious note of these issues and arrange a meeting with the NUP or set up a high powered committee to figure out authentic plans for gradually and progressively clearing these backlogs of debts.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the occasion and former Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Sunday N. Imo, called on the government to go into dialogue with the leadership of pensioners in the state in order to figure out better ways of ameliorating their plight.

He lamented that six years after retirement as Chief Judge of Abia State, he is yet to be paid his gratuity, even as his last pension received was April, 2016.

Nigerian nurses in North America offer free medical treatment to 10,000 Abians ÏÏÏ Nigerian nurses in North Amer-

ica and Canada on Monday last week initiated free medical treatment for more than 10,000 Abians in their week long medical mission in the state.

In his address during the flag off of the event in Umuahia, President of Abia State National Association (Nigerian Nurses) of North America, Dr. Iroemeha Christian Ike, said an additional 300 persons will receive free general and eyes surgeries.

Dr. Ike who thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his commitment to health and welfare of Abians, explained that the mission was an opportunity for over 10,000 Abians to receive free medical treatment this Christmas and also for 300 Abians to receive free general and Eye surgeries and thanked the Governor “for creat-

ing the enabling environment for us to come for this medical mission and for collaborating with us”.

He went further to thank the Governor for the recent shipment of a container load of quality Medical Supplies from the United States to Abia State, which will be distributed to hospitals, stating that the mission’s team is made up of “renowned Physicians, Surgeons, Pharmacists, Nurses, Attorneys and other professionals.

“Our mission will last for one week and we will transverse 18 locations in the three senatorial zones of Abia State, treating people and performing surgeries”, he said.

Responding, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, said his administration has mapped out plans to establish at least one

health tertiary institution in each of the three Senatorial zones in Abia State before his first tenure comes to an end and thanked the group for collaborating with the state government to ensure that the government policies and emphasis on health are sustained.

Also speaking, the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna, described the exercise as “a window of free healthcare for Abians”, while thanking the group for the sacrifices they have made individually and in group.

The state governor, he said, supported the project and called on Abians in Diaspora to learn from Abians in North America, stating that the state in the last 12 months has tried to streamline medical programmes for Abians.

The Abia Times 4

News

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

How Ukawoko made the difference in Umuahia South LGA Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Amongst the 17 local govern-

ment areas of Abia State, Umuahia South Local Government Area may be considered the least in revenue generation.

The area can only boost of a market, Apumiri, but which cannot be described as a standard market like in Aba area or even Umuahia.

There are no much fertile lands in the area like in sister Umuahia or Ikwuano LGAs, nor industries like Aba, Umuahia North Osisioma and the rest of the LGAs in the state.

The LGA is literally “poor” until God sent in a renowned lawyer and proverbial “son of the soil”, Obinna Randie Ukawoko as its Transition Committee Chairman on April 1, 2016.

“Then, the local government area began to see life”, as a market woman nearby, Ezinne Ukandu said.

Barrister Obinna Bennett Randie Ukawoko is a native of Nsirimo in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, and therefore knows the terrain of governance of the LGA very well.

A graduate of universities of Calabar and Lagos where he obtained B.Sc. with Honours in Political Science and Law respectively as well as a Masters’ Degree in International Law and Diplomacy, Ukawoko had a serious mindset when he was appointed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as the Transition Committee (TC) Chairman to succeed and of course, he has much to show presently, as he is preparing to handover to an elected chairman after December, 21 2016 Local Government chairmanship and councillorship elections in the state.

Speaking with newsmen in his office, recently, Ukawoko said understood the vision of Gov. Oklezie Ikpeazu and decided to do same – the vision of development orientation.

The paucity of fund bedeviling state and local governments in the country not minding, the Umuahia South boss decided to get down to

work with the stipend he receives from the state government to work.

The TC chairman who said he runs inclusive government, said as a result of this therefore, he is in the good books of the royal fathers in the area, as a traditional ruler would say, “He is a trained and respectful child”.

The council boss lives his normal life, not minding that he is running a governance based on problems in the council, but would say, “I am set to succeed”.

Take for instance, the council’s generating set was so bad that previous administrations abandoned it and even wrote it off for sale, but today, the generating set has been “born”, courtesy of Randie Ukawoko. Not only that, the area, especially the council headquarter has been reconnected to the national grid and currently enjoying public light supply which has eluded the council for decades.

Other amenities, including water supply was nothing to write home about prior to his entry as the chairman, and in less than one year in office, he has drilled a new borehole in the council headquarters and currently, the staff of the council is enjoying fresh water all the day round.

To handle all these and more, Ukawoko decided to create revenue through projects and is still doing so.

Take for instance, the council boss has rehabilitated the known Ubakala abattoir by creating four new butcher’s slabs, built brand new cold room for meat storage by the butchers, borehole and also built car park.

This, he did by attracting a private investor who put in over N100 million and has also about 300 shops through Public /Private Partnership with the LGA having 20 percent of the revenue coming from there.

All these are in the bid to create revenue for the LGA, and had been netting about N30 million into the coffers of the council.

The council boss, also has another project in mind- to deworm

Randie Ukawoko all school children before he leaves office, and has concluded plans to move from school to school to “ensure that every single child is de-wormed” in Umuahia south, in alliance with an agency he has contacted.

He recalled also that the wife of the state governor, Deacon Nkechi Ikpeazu had mandated all LGA first ladies to initiate a project each, stating that his wife, Ijeoma Ukawoko, in partnership with his office and Vicar Hope Foundation of Abia First Lady, initiated a project termed “Menstrual Hygiene Management in schools.

This occasion featured the flag off by the Abia First lady, who adjudged the project as the best of all the first ladies in the 17 LGAs, stating that she would encourage other LGAs to adopt the project, which was used to teach female school children on the management of themselves during their menstrual period.

The occasion also featured the gift of sanitary pads to the students and women around, while the council boss described the occasion as memorable in the life of the council.

In the area of security, Ukawoko

Govt reiterates resolve to promote SMEs ÏÏÏ

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, on Monday, reiterated the state government‘s commitment to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through increased creation of trade and investment opportunities in the state.

Ikpeazu gave the assurance in Umuahia, the state capital, while inaugurating the Governing Council of Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion (PPPIP).

The governor said that government would promote SMEs because they were in line with his administration’s five pillars of development.

Ikpeazu said that Abia State was a safe haven for business enterprise and called on potential investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities in the state.

He reiterated that the government was determined to transform Abia State into an investment hub for everyone before the end of his admin-

istration.

“There is no doubt that Abia will be able to market itself through the council. ” And I am confidence that, given the calibre of the members of the council, it will fix Abia in the proper place it belongs in economy development.”

The Chairman, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, thanked the government for finding the members worthy to serve in the council and promised that they would deliver.

Other amenities, including water supply was nothing to write home about prior to his entry as the chairman, and in less than one year in office, he has drilled a new borehole in the council headquarters and currently, the staff of the council is enjoying fresh water all the day round said on one occasion, he had to personally arrest some hoodlums smoking Indian hemp in a secondary school in the area while the school was on, stating that he had written to the state governor and his wife on that and is waiting for the next action to take.

In all these and more, Barrister Obinna Randie Ukawoko feels “totally fulfilled”, even when he is about leaving office.

Between Osisioma LGA in Aba through to Umuahia metropolis, there is no Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to offer all the LGAs along the route to serve them, except at the Golden Guinea area in Umuahia.

However, Randie Ukawoko has attracted two of the ATMs; one from Zenith Bank, which has been completed and that of Sterling Bank is about to be completed and will serve the over 1380 staff of the council.

However, there must be challenges being faced by the Umuahia South council boss, but he thanked the state governor for his assistance to LGAs in the state.

His faith in the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) is strong and believes in the strength of the party in the LGAs, denying that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is in control of the party in the LGA. Barrister Obinna Randie Ukawoko was recently rewarded by the Nigeria Local Government Chairman Merit Award Committee, having been selected as the Best Performing LGA Chairman in the country.

According to him, there were 15 of them in the South East, but Orlu LGA chairman of Imo State trailed behind him, stating that the state governor, the speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu had commended him through writing.

Indeed, Barrister Obinna Randie Ukawoko has come to serve and does not want to stay back in the council but wants to move forward and higher, contrary to people’s advice that he should contest the forthcoming LG election. This he rejected.

Obinna Bennett Randie Ukawoko is an active member of numerous professional bodies which include Nigerian Bar Association, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators London, Texas Board of Insurance, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, and Nigerian Institute of Management among others.

Following a distinguished working career in Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, R.T Briscoe Nigeria Ltd Kano, Corpro International Ltd Lagos, Hancot Drilling Services Ltd Port-Harcourt, NNSC, he launched into private business in the 1990s with the incorporation of Ronax Nig. Ltd (Import and Export), Investment Guarantee Ltd (Project Development and Financing), and Root Resources Ltd (Root Exclusive Hotels Lagos).

He is also a Director in the following companies- Ash Global Resources Ltd, Momentum Health, Marble Stone Global Resources Ltd, Al-Abu Kabir Ltd, Abia Hotels Umuahia and Lizduck Construction Company.

He is a man of so many skills who speaks Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, English and French fluently. He is also a consummate politician and a stakeholder in the ruling party PDP in Abia State and currently a member of Abia State Hospitals Management Board.

Barrister Obinna Randie Ukawoko is a philanthropist par excellence who believes in assisting the less privileged in the society.

In line with the above, he founded “Obinwanne Support Initiative” a non-governmental organisation engaged in youth empowerment through skill acquisition, free health care, democracy education to students and scholarship.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Call for refining crude in Nigeria Page B2 thickens

Building collapse: ASE fingers safety standards compromise Page B7

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

NNPC officially exits JV Cash Calls

Page B8

Association creates trading platform for members The Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFPGEAN) says it is creating a trade platform for buyers and sellers of fresh produce to talk and increase opportunities for trade.

The Executive Secretary of the association, Mr Akin Sawyerr, newsmen on Monday that the association had data on producers of fresh produce available to local and international buyers.

He said that there were opportunities for development part-

ners who wanted to invest in the products.

Sawyerr identified one of the platforms as “Whatsapp Group” the association created two weeks ago for buyers and sellers to discuss the business.

He said the group now had

about a 100 members who discussed nothing other than business.

The AGFPEAN scribe said the association’s main objective was not to reach the grassroots, but to help the grassroots reach the markets wherever they might be.

“What we have in mind is to get the buyers to tell the producers what they need. Buyers will come together to say we need A, B, C to L. If you can produce this we will buy from you.

“In order to achieve this, we CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Relative peace in N’Delta sustains NNPC’s positive result in Q4 Simon Ugwu

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun in a handshake with a shareholder, Sir Sunny Nwosu, flanked by Chairman of Unity Bank Plc , Thomas Etuh and other Directors during the Bank’s 10th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos...recently.

Forex earnings to increase as Qua Iboe terminal resumes production Opeoluwani Akintayo Nigeria is about to witness a boost in its earnings as one of the country’s oil and gas export terminals, Qua Iboe is back in production and export.

Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT), is being operated by ExxonMobil, and information says it now pro-

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

duces an “excess of 150,000 barrels of oil per day”.

The terminal had been under force majeure since July 15 2016.

The declaration came after the company observed a “system anomaly” during a routine check of its loading facility on July 14.

“We are working to ensure loading activities at the facility return to normal. We cannot speculate on any timeline for repairs,” the spokesman Todd Spitler said after the shutdown.

However, information filtered in that the pipeline was actually shut down due to attacks by oil militants in the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA),

also claimed to have bombed the company’s 48-inch Qua Iboe crude oil export pipeline on July 11.

ExxonMobil exports over 400,000 BOPD through the Qua Iboe.

Sources say a Nigerian company, Network which exports its crude through the Qua Iboe now produces over 2,000 BOPD. Frontier Oil and Universal E&P, have also resumed exports through the same terminal.

After the pipeline bombing, NDA had posted a statement on its website, warning the company not to carry out repairs.

“If ExxonMobil fails to listen to us (Niger Delta Avengers),

your personnel are going to be our next casualties not pipelines,” said the group.

As a result of attacks on oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s oil production dropped to a 30-year low.

NDA said the region wants a larger share of the country’s oil wealth.

Afterwards, Exxon had struggled to bring production of Qua Iboe back to normal.

However, according to information, the terminal had actually resumed export since October but the company had kept it under hush especially because of the threat it received from the NDA.

The relative peace in the Niger Delta region will sustain positive result of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the last quarter of 2016 as the corporation recorded a group operating deficit of N16. 9 billion in October which is a little change from the previous month record of N17.2 billion.

Kunle Ezun, of Treasury Group , proprietary business, a research and business development section of Ecobank maintains that this result will be sustained owing to the fact that the militants are now laying down their weapon as the federal government engagement with them through their opinion leader Chief Edwin De’ Clark is yielding positive result.

Mr. Ezun maintains that the militants have seen that there is no gain in bombing their environment.

“So also the corporation is positioned to sustain better result in 2017 looking at the $42.5 per day bench marked by the 2017 budget. Looking at the global oil price and the $42.5 per barrel bench marked in the 2017 budget, Nigeria may earn higher as the oil price may rise above $50 per barrel in the 2017”, he said.

The Ecobank treasury guru however disagreed with the 2.2 million barrels per day projected for the year 2017, saying that it is too ambitious.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Call for refining crude in Nigeria thickens Simon Ugwu The call for refining crude in Nigeria gathers momentum as marketers face challenges importing refined petroleum products.

The Director, Research and Advocacy, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Vicent Nwani, made this call in an exclusive interview with Daily Times in Lagos.

He stated that marketers go through challenges in importing refined petroleum products in terms of sourcing for forex

which has become a major challenge. Industrialists, parents paying for their children school fees abroad and importers of cars are not left out in this challenge of sourcing for dollars.

He hailed Aliko Dangote drive in building a Petrol Chemical Refinery in Lekki Free Trade Zone here in Nigeria.

“If we refine our crude here in Nigeria all these huddles associated with importation of petroleum products will be a thing of the past. So also the challenge of the big Ship conveying the product betting first

at neigbouring countries and then, smaller ship start bringing it into the country there by making marketers to pay more’’, he said.

“This happens because of transparency and efficiency of the Sea Ports operation in the neigbouring countries than here in Nigeria. Formerly, six agencies were found in the port but now it is14 agencies. There by duplicating functions and operation in the sea port. This has adverse effect on businesses as importers and exporters groan’’.

There should be rehabilitation of storage facilities in the ports to preserve goods and raw materials imported or exported through the ports. Another issue is the excesses of customs which should b addressed’’, he said.

He revealed that LCCI is working on Ports Reforms and clean- up of the ports to address the challenges importers and exporters go through in their business operation.

Speaking on the return of subsidy on petrol, he said that everybody in Nigeria is not

L – R: Ms. Tinuade Awe, General Counsel and Head of Regulation Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Professor Segun Ajibola, FCIB, President, during the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Closing Gong Ceremony at the NSE recently.

Association creates trading platform for members CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

will be using all sorts of information dissemination methods and we have started with the Whatsapp Group,’’ he said.

Sawyerr said that the association had seen the need for collaboration between producers and processors, adding that there were value chain opportunities to be derived from bringing operators together.

He said that though Nigeria had enough fresh produce farmers, but these farmers did not understand standards, did not know what they should be growing and did not understand the business.

“We, therefore, do not have enough of a standardised approach required to make the business viable,’’ he said.

comfortable with the subsidy regime as it has been abused and abused. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has not old Nigerians and how much spent in subsidizing the products.

Lafarge trains 52 youths on skills acquisition Edem Edem, Calabar

2017’ll be great if marketers are resilient, innovative - Okeme Godwin Anyebe

The president of the Association of Advertisers of Nigeria (ADVAN) David Okeme has said that 2017 will be a great year if only marketers adhere strictly to resilience and innovation. Okeme who disclosed this in a chart recently with Daily Times admitted that the year 2016 was quite a challenging one for marketers and advertisers across board.

According to him, a lot of environmental factors have affected businesses in the year 2016, and one of such factors was the scarcity of the dollar which made it difficult for manufacturers to import raw materials for the production of finished goods, adding that the year was characterised by downsising where lots of people lost their jobs in an attempt for com-

panies to remain in business.

Explaining how 2017 will look like for the ad industry, he stated that; “the fragmentation of the industry also plays to clients’ advantage so they dictate terms and play one against the other to demand financial discount but accept no discount on quality. The industry as a whole need to recognise that there is an existential challenge and must critically look into how to organise and rethink the industry structure because the current approach is undermining the industry. It is therefore in the best interest of sectorial groups to work together to the advantage of the entire industry in general and individual agencies specifically.”

He however expressed optimism that the year will be great for business owners, giving the fact that president Mohammadu Buhari had recently disclosed

that he will concentrate more on the real sector in the year 2017.

“Like the year 2016 where marketers have shown lots of resilience and innovation to remain in business, they will definitely need to improve on that in the year 2017 so that at the end of the year, they will look back and celebrate,” he added.

Okeme

Lafarge Africa Plc, a cement manufacturing company in Cross River State has trained 52 youths drawn from her catchment areas of the state. The ten catchment communities of Mfamosing where the company’s plants situate and beneficiaries of the training include Akansoko, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Abiati, Mbobui, Mfamosing, Ekong Anaku, Diamond, Essien Town, Obutong and Kasuk, all of Cross River State.

The beneficiaries were trained for one to four months in several vocations including paint production, soap making, food and confectionaries; and makeup artistry, welding and fabrication, air conditioner/fridge repair, tailoring and designing, fish farming, aluminium fabrication, tiling, cake and fondant.

Presenting the starter parks to the respective beneficiaries, Lafarge communication and public affairs director, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medembe said that the programme was in furtherance of the company’s efforts at contributing to skills development, capacity building and overall economic empowerment of neighbouring communities.

“Lafarge Africa’s involvement in this programme is in furtherance of our efforts at contributing to the growth of the local economy within the communities, Cross River State and the nation at large. We are glad to support their livelihood while contributing to the growth of the local economy within the communities, Cross River State and the nation at large,” Medembe said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

B3 Money Market

Naira appreciates to N480/$1 at parallel market Stories by Motolani Oseni The Naira on Monday appreciated by N5 to close at N480 per US dollar, against N487 to a dollar it exchanged when the foreign exchange market closed for the week on Friday.

The Naira had exchanged at N485 against the dollar for about two weeks, but fell on Friday to N487 at the parallel market, as the greenback scarcity worsened ahead of the Christmas celebration.

The currency also appreciated slightly against the Pound Sterling and the Euro, closing at N605 and N510 respectively, compared to N607 and N513 it traded over the weekend.

At the Bureau De Change window, the Naira closed at N399 to a dollar, CBN-controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro traded at N606 and N515 respectively.

The Naira remained stable at the inter-bank market, trading at N305 to

a dollar.

Meanwhile, traders said that the demand for dollars was putting pressure on the Naira US$1billion futures contract to be opened as naira falls to pressure There are high expectations that the Naira-Dollar December 21 2016 contract will be maturing, and that this will be replaced with a new instrument with total value of US$1.0 billion, one dealer revealed.

The Naira-settled Overthe-Counter (OTC) foreign exchange (FX) Futures

product, whilst of tremendous benefit to Nigerian corporates, according to experts, is of immense importance and advantage to the CBN, the Nigerian FX market, and the nation’s economy as a whole.

The OTC FX Futures market serves to minimise the imbalance in the Spot FX market and cause the rate to moderate; attract significant capital flows to the Nigerian fixed income and equity markets; and achieve exchange rate stability.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele (middle) with other executives after his election as the chairman of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) in Indonesia...recently.

NeFF to step up fight against e-payment frauds The Nigeria electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) is to step up its fight against electronic payment frauds through enforcement of the provisions of the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act of 2015.

NeFF chairman, Mr. Dipo Falokun, speaking in Lagos at the forum’s yearend party, disclosed that the organization would hold a workshop that will address the provisions of

cyber crime prohibition Act of 2015 as it affects electronic payment, just as it will also be creating awareness to the general public on cyber crime.

“That act has very rich provisions on the prevention and the prosecution of those that commit cyber crime. As a forum, we want to leverage the provision of that act. In other to do this, we will be calling all the stakeholders to-

gether in the first quarter of next year,” he said.

Fatokun, however, associated rising incidence of e-fraud to gullibility and greed, stressing that gullibility is a product of ignorance because if you are not aware of what you need to do then you will not do it.

“If you are not aware of what you need to avoid, you will not avoid it. So, we intend to do an awareness

for all Nigerians so that when they receive text messages or they receive emails or they receive information that will lead to them being defrauded, then they will ignore it and not fall prey to the fraudsters,” he explained.

NeFF also intends to operationalize the dedicated electronic payment and crime unit to apprehension and prosecution of fraudsters.

UBA hikes support for entertainment industry United Bank for Africa (UBA) has increased support for the entertainment industry by throwing its weight behind the online lifestyle channel, REDTV Rave.

The one-stop shop for quality entertainment, according to a statement from the bank, covers all genres including but not limited to fashion, music, sports, lifestyle and much more.

The statement noted that the private screening of REDTV’s much waited ‘Here and Now’ series was a fantastic star-studded night where everyone had fun right through the night.

REDTV was launched unto the scene with aplomb and great promise a year ago. The statement described the launching as a first year of roller coasters, but it appears the ride has been nothing but exciting in spite of the ups and downs.

REDTV, according to the bank, strives to be first and foremost all about the content; and to this end the channel has partnered and collaborated with leading visionaries, who are as passionate and committed to being part of a platform for

Elumelu

the New Africa, one that positions itself confidently on the global stage.

“It was great to see the chairman of UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu, unwinding from his hectic schedule and having fun, dancing to the music and mingling with guests including former, UBA CEO, Mr. Phillips Oduoza,” the statement from UBA noted.

Also In attendance were celebrities like REDTV’s ambassador Agbani Darego, Peace Hyde, VJ Adams, Chef Eros, Demilade Roberts, Simi Esiri to name a few. Members from the business community like Vetiva’s chief, Olaolu Mudashiru, Mako Alabi, Audu Dankaro, Kojo ClaudeEnin, amongst others.

Buhari, Obasanjo, other top dignitaries for South-East Economic Summit President, Muhammadu Buhari, and former President, Olusegun Obasnajo, will be leading other eminent personalities and delegates to the maiden South-East Economic & Security Summit - SEESS 2016 – holding at the Enugu State Government House, Enugu on Thursday, 22nd December 2016.

The summit, which is an initiative of the SEESS Group - a non-governmental organization, made up of top business, military, political, religious and community leaders from Nigeria’s southeast region, is aimed at addressing real issues affecting the peace and development of the southeast.

It is also aimed at proffering practical solutions and initiating a definitive course of action with practical approaches towards

fast-paced economic and secure advancement of the region.

According to Professor Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of the Federal Republic and Chairman of SEESS Group, “In demonstration of his interest in maintaining peace in Nigeria’s Southeast as well as other regions, and fostering economic growth and development, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, has confirmed his participation at the Summit.

“We are also pleased to announce that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who has been a strong advocate for the convocation of a summit not pivoted on politics but rather on the economic and developmental premise for the region and other regions, has also committed to attend.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Investors take profit, depressing ASI Stories by Afolabi Adesola Following gains recorded in recent trading sessions, investors have embarked on profit taking across the board, depreciating market indices by 0.45 percent on Monday.

Investors lost N41.5 billion, as market capitalization slid to N9.148 trillion from N9.189 trillion recorded last Friday while the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (ASI) dropped 120.54 to 26,586.56 .

The day’s performance

which reversed a seven day consecutive gain was largely driven by decline recorded across all sectoral indices. However, the NSE Banking, Oil and Gas Index recorded the biggest decline.

The Banking index decreased 1.05 percent on account of depreciation in ETI, FCMB, Diamond, Wema, Fidelity, FBN, Access and Guaranty Bank, while the Oil and Gas Index also continued to suffer losses from previous sessions as it closed 3.64 percent down on the back of profit-taking in Forte

Oil, MRS, and Seplat.

Market breadth remained negative from Friday’s session with 16 gainers to 27 losers, Guinness led the day’s gainers with 9.54 percent to close at N85 per share, Julius Berger followed with a 5 percent growth to close at N36.75 per share while Neimeth Pharmaceuticals added 4.55 percent to close at 69 kobo per share.

AG Leventis and Dangote Sugar gained 4.23 and 4.10 percent each to close at 74 kobo and N6.35 per share respectively.

Forte Oil led the declin-

ers table with a loss of 9.75 percent each to close at N104.91 per share, NCR followed with a drop of 5.12 percent to close at N8.53 per share. MRS declined by 4.99 percent to close at N43.24 per share, Unilever lost 4.98 percent to close at N37.60 per share, while ETI declined 4.90 percent to close at N11.45 per share.

Market activity level measured by volume and value traded depreciated by 70 percent and 60 percent each to settle at N262.9 million units and N1.75 billion respectively from N874.33 million units and N4.39 billion recorded in the previous session respectively.

Free float: Clock counts down on NSE’s grace to Caverton Bonny Amadi The Nigerian stock Exchange’s (NSE) effort at ensuring that listed companies meet post listing rules would further be put to test in the next 10 days when the grace period given to Caverton Offshore Support Group expires.

Caverton Offshore is listed on the main board of the NSE and is required by law to maintain a free float of 20 per cent. However, the company has maintained a free float deficiency of 2.60 percent, with a 17.40 percent float.

Based on the company’s application to the NSE for grace or extension of time to meet the post listing requirement, the company was granted December 31st, 2016 as the deadline to comply with the float requirement of companies listed on the mainboard.

According to the NSE “The Quotations Committee of Management considered and approved an extended

timeframe for the companies to regain compliance with the listing requirement. The companies are however required to also provide quarterly disclosure reports to The Exchange detailing their level of implementation of the compliance plans” While the level of the compliance plan of Caverton is yet to be made public, stakeholders have expressed the concern that where the company fails to comply with the dead, voluntary delisting option may be considered in order to evade other challenging post listing requirements.

Caverton Helicopters Limited was established in September 2002 as a charter, shuttle and maintenance company. It was initially set up to bridge the gap in the onshore helicopter service sector. Since then, Caverton Helicopters has made strides in the offshore support (oil and gas) industry by providing logistics support to the major players.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP L – R: Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mrs. Folashade AmbroseMedebem, Communications & Public Affairs Director, Lafarge Africa Plc; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Mr. Bruno Bayet, Chief Finance Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc; Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa, Legal Counsel, Lafarge Africa Plc and Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE at Lafarge Africa Plc Bond Listing and Closing Gong Ceremony at The NSE ... on Friday.

Financial experts seek fiscal incentives for market rebound Some financial experts on Monday urged the Federal Government to introduce fiscal incentives to encourage new listings on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The experts, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on ways to restore investors’ confidence in the market, said the introduction of fiscal incentives such as tax holiday was paramount.

The Head of Banking and Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Uche Uwaleke, said that government should consider incentives to encourage new listings.

Uwaleke said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should

consider monetary policy easing for the market to rebound.

“The CBN should consider easing monetary policy by reducing MPR as high-interest rates have only increased yields on government securities and sharpened investors’ appetite to the detriment of equity investments,’’ he said.

According to him, the planned borrowings by the government should be invested in infrastructure and employment generating sectors.

Uwaleke called for the speedy implementation of the 2017 budget, adding that local contractors should be paid promptly to improve liquidity in the system.

“All these will complement the current efforts of the regulatory

authorities at restoring investors’ confidence,’’ he said.

The Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., Mr. Ambrose Omordion, urged the government to pursue more friendly investment policies in 2017 to boost investors’ confidence.

Omordion attributed the present market trend to investors’ reactions to November OPEC meeting which impacted positively on petroleum stocks.

He, however, said that the bull transition due to the end of the year seasonal trading pattern would likely slow down this week with profit taking.

Omordion said that investors should combine technical and fundamental analysis before investing in the market.

26,586.56 2,789.00 262,897,414.00 1,747,930,948.07 9,147,806,552,684.52

SEC, EFCC partner for effective market policing The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said it is working on MoU with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide an efficient and effective policing of the capital market.

This was disclosed by the Director General of SEC Mounir Gwarzo when the Management of the Commission paid a visit to the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, at the weekend in Abuja.

Gwarzo disclosed that there has been a close relationship between the SEC and the EFCC adding that the Commission cannot discharge its responsibility effectively without collaborating with the anti-graft

agency.

He said “We are by the provision of our law mandated to protect investors on developing the market but the way our law is structured we have limitations over criminal cases and that is why in the last 10 years there has been a very great collaboration between both agencies.

“We hope that when his MoU becomes fully operational it will assist in reducing market infractions to the barest minimum” Gwarzo remarked that the collaboration with the EFCC has been of tremendous benefit to the SEC especially in areas of investigation and enforcement adding that effective policing of the market is one of the ways of retiring investor confidence.

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

D aily M ark e t Ro u n d U p

45 b ps Th e m ark e t o p e n e d t h e w e e k b e arish as invest ors b o o k e d pr o fit o n O il & G as a n d Ba n kin g st ocks. Th e A ll Sh are In d ex (ASI) sh e d 45b ps t o close a t 26,586.56 p oin ts w hile YTD loss w orse n e d t o -7.2 % as losses in SEPLA T (-4.9 %), ETI (-4.9 %), G U ARA NTY (-0.8 %) a n d F ORTE OIL (-9.7 %) w eig h e d o n t h e be nch m ark in d ex. As a result, invest ors lost N41.5b n as m ark e t ca pit aliz a tio n f ell t o N9.1t n. Similarly, activity level w as lacklustre as volu m e a n d valu e tra d e d d eclin e d 70.0 % a n d 60.0 % t o se t tle a t 262.9m u nits a n d N1.7b n resp ectively.

O il & G as In d e x Le a ds D ecli n e rs Perf orm a nce across sect ors w as bro a dly b e arish as t hre e sect or in dices d eclin e d w hile t h e Co nsu m er G o o ds in dex w as t h e lo n e a dva ncer, u p 28b ps o n acco u n t o f stro n g b uyin g in t erest in G UIN NESS (+9.5 %) a n d D A N GSU G AR (+4.1 %). Th e O il .6 % lo w er as invest ors co n tin u e t o b o o k pro fit in F ORTE (-9.7 %) a n d SEPLA T (-4.9 %). Th e Ba n kin g in d ex (-1.1 %)

To p 10 G ain ers Tick er G UIN NESS JBERGER NEIM ETH A GLEVEN T D A N GSU G A R N ASC O N M A YB A KER D A N GFLO UR W APIC STERLN B A N K

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V olu m e Price (N) 85.00 36.75 0.69 0.74 6.35 7.22 0.92 3.98 0.51 0.73

Price Ch g % 9.5 % 5.0 % 4.5 % 4.2 % 4.1 % 3.1 % 2.2 % 2.1 % 2.0 % 1.4 %

Price (N) 104.91 8.53 43.24 37.60 11.45 1.56 390.00 3.00 3.04 0.83

Price Ch g % -9.7 % -5.1 % -5.0 % -5.0 % -4.9 % -4.9 % -4.9 % -4.8 % -4.7 % -4.6 %

Tick er N ASC O N UB A DIA M O N D BN K ZENITHB A N K FBN H UC AP STERLN B A N K UBN G U ARA N TY FC M B

V olu m e (m) 73.6 58.9 32.1 18.8 11.8 11.8 6.6 5.6 5.5 5.0

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V alu e

To p 10 Losers Tick er FO NCR MRS U NILEVER ETI M A NSARD SEPLA T ETERN A A FRIPRU D LIVEST O CK

Tick er N ASC O N ZENITHB A N K UB A G U ARA N TY NESTLE D A N GCE M FBN H UC AP TOTAL NB

V alu e (m) 531.1 271.0 263.5 138.6 115.7 42.9 41.3 33.6 30.7 30.7

Price Ch g % 3.1 % 0.1 % 0.0 % -0.9 % 0.0 % 0.0 % -1.1 % -1.4 % 1.0 % 0.0 %

NSE A ll Sh ar e In d e x

29,000

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

f ollo w e d as it b uck e d a n 8-d ay g ainin g stre a k o n t h e b ack o f losses in ETI (-4.9 %), G U ARA NTY (-0.8 %) a n d A CCESS (-1.1 %). Th e Insura nce in d ex p are d 81b ps d u e t o

Price Ch g % 3.1 % 0.0 % -4.4 % 0.1 % -1.1 % -1.4 % 1.4 % 0.4 % -0.9 % -4.5 %

6,000

28,000

5,000

w e a k a p p e tit e f or NE M (-1.2 %) a n d CUST O D YINS (-0.7 %) w hilst t h e In d ustrial G o o ds in d ex close d t h e d ay fla t.

27,000 4,000

W e a k In v est o r Se n t i m e n t

26,000

Invest or se n tim e n t re m ain e d so f t as m ark e t bre a d t h (a dva ncers/d eclin ers ra tio) re tre a t e d t o 0.6x (fro m 0.7x record e d o n Frid ay) co nse q u e n t o n 16 a dva ncin g

3,000 25,000

st ocks a g ainst 27 d eclin ers. The b est p erf ormin g st ocks w ere G UIN NESS (+9.5 %), JBERGER (+5.0 %) a n d NEIM ETH (+4.5 %) w hile F ORTE (-9.7%), NCR (-5.1 %) a n d

2,000 24,000

MRS (-5.0 %) d eclin e d t h e m ost. Give n t h e u p tre n d in m ark e t p erf orm a nce la t ely w hich h as b e e n a t trib u t e d t o a rally in O il & G as a n d Ba n kin g st ocks co u ple d w it h

1,000

23,000

selective b arg ain h u n tin g, t h e loss ca n b e lin k e d t o pro fit-t a kin g in b ell w e t h ers 19-Dec

16-Dec

13-Dec

10-Dec

07-Dec

04-Dec

01-Dec

28-Nov

25-Nov

22-Nov

`

19-Nov

16-Nov

13-Nov

10-Nov

07-Nov

04-Nov

29-Oct

01-Nov

26-Oct

invest m e n t m a n a g ers re b ala nce p ort f olios t o w ards ye ar-e n d.

22,000 23-Oct

in t h e t w o sect ors. H o w ever, w e exp ect t h e b e arish se n tim e n t t o b e sh ort-live d as

M a cr o e c o n o m ic G ist A t t h e F M D Q O TC FX Fu t ures m ark e t, t he valu e o f o p e n e d co n tract close d t h e

Term of t h e d a y

w e e k hig h er a t US$3,879.1m fro m t h e prior

D e m u t u aliz a tio n is w he n a m u t u al com p a ny o w n e d by its users/m e m b ers co nverts in t o a com p a ny o w n e d by shBr are o kh old e r aers. g e CIno mefmf ect, issi otnh e users/m e m b ers exch a n g e t h eir rig h ts o f use f or sh ares in t h e d e m u t u aliz e d com p a ny

rece n t N G US N O V 2016 co n tract w it n esse d incre ase d p articip a tio n last w e e k

Re f ers t o a f e e ch arg e d by a bro k er f or his or h er service in p urch asin g or sellin g securities or pro p erty

w it h a n o p e n valu e o f US$133.06m fro m a previo us va lu e o f US$113.56m. This w e e k t h e N G US DEC 21 2016 co n tract w ill b e m a t urin g, w e exp ect t his t o b e re place d w it h a n e w instru m e n t w it h t o t al valu e o f US$1.0b n This w ill b e t h e 6t h f u t ures co n tract t o m a t ure since t h e in tro d uctio n o f t h e FX f u t ures co n tract in Ju n e.

Labour B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Unemployment rate surges by 0.6% in Q3 – NBS Stories by Joy Ekeke Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose by 0.6% from 13.3 per cent in the second quarter to 13.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2016.

This is according to the Unemployment/Under-employment Report for 3rd Quarter of 2016, released by the NBS on Friday in Abuja.

The report stated that the number of unemployed in the labour force increased by 555,311 persons.

According to the report, the underemployment rate rose from 19.3 per cent in second quarter to 19.7 per cent in the third quarter.

The report stated that unemployment covered persons (aged 15–64) who, during the reference period, were currently available for work, actively seeking for work but were without work.

Underemployment, however, occurs when a person works less than full time hours, which is 40 hours, but work at least 20 hours on average a week.

It explained that underemployment could also happen if a person works full time but are engaged in an activity that underutilises his skills, time and educational qualifications.

The report, however, stated that the economically active population or working age population (persons within ages 15 and 64) increased from 106.69 million in second quarter to 108.03 million in the third quarter.

The report said: “This represents a 1.26 per cent increase over the previous quarter and a 3.57 per

cent increase when compared to the third quarter 2015.”

In 3rd quarter, the labour force population (i.e.) those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 80.67 million from 79.9 million in second quarter.

It said: “This represents an increase of 0.98 per cent in the labour force during the quarter.

“This means about 782,886 persons from the economically active population entered the labour force that is individuals that were able, willing and actively looking for work.

“This magnitude of increase between second and third quarter is smaller when compared to first and second quarter, which was an increase of 1.39 million in the labour force population.

“Within the reference period,

the total number of persons in full time employment (who did any form of work for at least 40 hours) decreased by 272,499 or 0.51 per cent.

“This figure decreased when compared to the previous quarter, and decreased by 1.66 million or 3.01 per cent when compared to third quarter of 2015.”

The report stated that with an economically active or working age population (108.03 million) and labour force population (80.67 million), 27.36million persons within the economically active or working age population decided not to work.

It said that the population decided not to work for one reason or the other in the third quarter, hence they were not part of the labour force and could not be considered unemployed.

Yemi Kale, NBS Boss

Recession: Immigration tightens policy on expatriates The Nigeria Immigration Service has said that it will further tighten the policy restricting the influx of expatriates into the country in a bid to cushion the effect of the recession and its impact on the labour force.

NIS stated that it had intensified individual search of international companies that usually employ expatriates at the expense of Nigerians, adding that from 2017, it would not allow the importation of labour from abroad.

The Comptroller-General, NIS, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this in Abuja on the side lines of an Information and Communications Technology Capacity Building Programme for 500 immigration officers sponsored by Huawei Technologies.

He said, “Nigeria, at this time, wants good money invested in it. But the most important thing is that we want to be able to provide work first for our citizens.

We are passing through a difficult time, where work is very important. We will not allow companies that will bring labour force, all from abroad, without giving opportunities to Nigerians to work.

“We will intensify our efforts and set up a lot of mechanism this year, and by 2017, we will do a thorough search of individual companies to make sure each expatriate, especially in the technical field, has

Babandede somebody under-studying him, who is a Nigerian.

“This will increase opportunities for work in the country. We need good brains so that technology can be transferred, not people that will come with empty briefcases and go away with money from Nigeria.”

Babandede also stated that the NIS might increase the cost of passports as the current price was no longer sustainable.

“You will agree with me that (the costs of) air tickets have doubled in this country. You are aware that a lot of things have changed, but the passport fees have not changed. We cannot afford to service the passport with these current charges,” he said.

Speaking on the training, the Managing Director, Huawei Abuja Office, Mr. Tank Liteng, explained that the exercise was being conducted in batches of 50 immigration officers per session

TUC urges govt to avert economic depression The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on Federal Government to urgently rescue the nation’s economy from recession before it reaches depression, in order to protect the posterity of young people whose options were fast dwindling under the present situation.

According to the Lagos State Chairman of TUC, Azeez Ogunremi speaking during an industrial relations lecture tagged: “Transformational Leadership and Organ-

ising the Unorganised” put together by the Congress, with a healthy economy, Nigerian youths would have better options.

He stated that the high rate of unemployment could be tackled with the improvement in the economy.

According to him, ‘’Unemployment in Nigeria is a big issue. Those who are employed do not know what will happen. There is no way we can solve unemployment without addressing the economy of the country. If the economy

is okay, there will be employment opportunities. The government should make it a priority to improve the economy.

Labour is to work for the survival of the organisation.

“For us we want to educate our labour leaders to know what to do at the right time and doing the right thing.

Some companies have folded up today. The purpose of this workshop is to enlighten our labour leaders on how to organise the unorganised.”

The State Controller, Ministry of Labour and Employ-

ment, Mr. Olawale Shado said, “the issue of union recognition is statutory. In psychology, we have two types of employers.

We have some with unity frame of reference and others with paternity frame of reference. For the paternity frame of reference, they are employers who believe that they are fathers to the workers. And you know in our culture, the child is not in the position to challenge the father. They don’t want to share decision with their workers.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday,December 20, 2016

Building collapse: ASE fingers safety standards compromise

In the aftermath of the Reigners Bible Church collapse in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and various building collapses in the country which has claimed many lives and rendered several others handicapped, The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASE) has attributed it to the failure of the owners to adhere to safety regulations.

The association, through its Nigerian Chapter President, Herment stated that the latest incident is one too many while commiserating with those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

“The American Society of Safety Engineers wishes to condone with families that lost loved ones and wished those that sustained injuries quick recovery. However, we cannot afford to keep quiet in the circumstances that Nigeria has found itself as regards collapse of buildings because truly all is not well and there is urgent need to take a stand.

The American Society of Safety Engineers totally condemns the situation of

Building collapse and inadequacies in safety standards and practices” ”The failure to adhere to safety standards has been responsible for the tragedy that has claimed lives and rendered several others handicapped and disabled. There is a need for citizens to stand up to ensure that standard operating procedures are followed and quality not compromised in the course of work. The minor compromise of safety in the environment brings about fundamental risk and fatality that cannot be measured.”

Speaking further, the association called for all hands to be on deck to forestall future occurrences while calling on all stakeholders to take advantage of the association’s forthcoming safety summit.

“We call on government agencies, Engineers, construction experts and civil societies to join in the campaign for safety compliance to ensure the right persons with requisite exposure and experience are engaged in the construction of building to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.”

B7

Property

How housing deficit can be addressed – NIA Stories by Babajide Okeowo

Perturbed by the huge 17 million housing deficit in the country and the failure of previous homeownership schemes to target providing social housing, architects in the country have proposed new innovative concepts to government, which will collectively address affordable and sustainable housing for Nigerians.

The proposed models by architects under the aegis of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) include development of a contributory scheme that will provide an endless flow of revolving housing finance for low-income earners and the informal sector.

According to NIA’s President Tonye Braide during a visit to the Min-

ister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Low cost housing can be executed along the mass production templates used in manufacturing industry “This will create an architectural value chain in the production process and opens access to a vast array of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) funding at single digit interest rates for component fabrication that culminate in housing development” he said.

Under the proposal, the association is advocating a property exchange mechanism, where housing is treated as an exchangeable commodity with mobility through the housing types based on income expansion, family size and zoning typologies.

NIA is also promoting a new concept on mass hous-

ing with executing template based on the mass production of the components required to build the house rather than looking at the completed whole.

“This will result in architectural component fabrication plants in every Local Government Area (LGA); each council will be producing everything needed to complete a basic house. The basic raw material will be from local elements occurring in great abundance in the LGA. While some of the manufacturing plants may be located at off grid locations and powered with renewable energy, other plants may be manually operated. If each component fabrication cluster employs 100 persons, then about 75,000 new up- stream jobs will be instantly created.”

While some of the manufacturing plants may be lo-

cated at off grid locations and powered with renewable energy, other plants may be manually operated. If each component fabrication cluster employs 100 persons, then about 75,000 new up- stream jobs will be instantly created.”

He said: “Planning of cities have been developed along best practice principles, but the execution process and absence of appropriate governance structures in development control still leaves cities far short of being at par with global competition.

“Architects must be part of the vital professional component in city development control, for our streetscapes must have the right injection of aesthetics and psychological pleasure. Neighbourhoods should be contraptions of beauty to behold,” Braide said.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola flanked by members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) during a courtesy visit to the minister, recently.

Why we embarked on sealing of properties – LASBCA The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Dotun Lasoju has revealed that the agency’s recent clampdown on some private properties and estates in the state without building permits is imperative because the issue of safety of buildings and the citizens can no longer be compromised, lamenting that some of the estates have prevented officers of the state building control agencies from carrying out

the lawful duties.

This is even as he said that the exercise is necessary to enforce the law on estates in the state.

“We found pockets of few around where works had been stopped and construction workers kept building in defiance of interventions of LASBCA. These are unacceptable conducts from building owners and developers. Building construction is now a partnership, own-

ers at inception invite LABSCA to participate in construction, get necessary permits so that we can get it right in built world and achieve a win-win situation”.

Lasoju stated that sanctions for non-conformity by defaulters ranges from having to contend with the sealing of the estates or building premises to penal fees where approvals were not even obtained in the first instance.

“Penalties can be very se-

vere and these will be taken as the individual merit and as the case may be. More importantly, we want to make sure that we deal with recalcitrant. We have spoken to architects, engineers as well as bricklayers who participate in construction so that building owners take LASBCA as a friend”, he said.

According to him, the process of stage certification has tremendous benefits for building

owners so that at the end of the day, they could be issued certificate of fitness for buildings.

He explained that the collaboration between LASBCA, its sister agencies like LASPPPA was an approach for developers to get the whole gamut of planning right, from the process of obtaining the layout permit to the point of commencement of construction which is controlled

by LASBCA.

Energy

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 20, 2016

IEA, IEF, OPEC hold 3rd gas, coal symposium The 3rd Symposium on Gas and Coal Market Outlooks was held in Paris recently with the purpose of exchanging views and comparing outlooks for natural gas and coal markets in the short, medium and long term.

The event was convened by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Energy Forum (IEF) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The meeting, held under the Chatham House Rule, counted more than 80 participants, including experts, government officials, business leaders and representatives from the gas and coal industries.

The first session focused on recent gas market developments and future prospects. It addressed the challenges of investing in a low-price environment and an oversupplied market, and considered broader structural changes that could lead to more flexible contracts and alternative pricing mechanisms.

The second session focused on coal market developments, and looked at a variety of topics including the impact on the coal market of the recent Paris Agreement, as well as developments in Asian coal demand and supply.

The last session of the day focused on the long-term sustainability of the coal and gas industries, particularly in the context of the growth in alternative fuels. Participants looked at the competition between gas and coal, as well as the competition with renewables, and explored the prospects for expanded use of new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

The Symposium, which has been held previously in 2012 and 2014, started after G20 leaders meeting during the 2011 Cannes Summit asked the IEA, IEF and OPEC to “further work on gas and coal market transparency.”

L-R Dean Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Prof. Idriss Audu; NLNG Deputy Managing Director, Sadeeq Mai-Bornu; VC UNIMAID, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Usman Mamman Durkwa; NLNG MD/CEO, Tony Attah; and Minister of State Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri at the commissioning of the $2m NLNG/UNIMAID Engineering Laboratories in Maiduguri recently.

NNPC officially exits JV Cash Calls The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has officially ended its Joint Venture Cash Calls with the International Oil Companies, IOCs. The MoU was signed in Abuja over the weekend.

According to NNPC, exiting the duty would make the upstream petroleum sector in Nigeria which has recorded low investment in recent years, to be upbeat in a flurry of activities.

The signing was led by the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru and chief executives of the IOCs. Speaking at the event, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu stated that the consensus in the industry is that with the signing of agreements to exit cash calls, investments would soon flow into the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.

The Minister said if the industry focused on key issues that

impede the industry and resolve them, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry would soon be able to compete favourably with its peers across the world.

“This event is significant because it has taken us to a point where we can compete with our colleagues all over world. We have dealt with the downstream, and

Baru

this is probably the most important item in the upstream and that is obvious we will begin to go into the policy measures and infrastructural development and the rest after the signing ceremony” Dr. Kachikwu said.

In his remark at the event, NNPC GMD, Dr. Maikanti Baru recounted that a lot of work went to the signing ceremony of the cash call exit agreement noting that the Buhari Administration should be commended for mustering the desired political will to resolve the challenge.

He explained that the signing of the exit cash call agreements comprises three components which are: the process of settling the pre-2016 cash call areas; the process of sustaining the cash call payment from 2017; and agreement and settlement over performance in 2016.

Dr. Baru also commended the contribution of the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Ibe

Kachikwu for his contribution to exit cash calls in the industry.

Dr. Baru stated that the Dr. Kachikwu offered necessary supports to put the framework of the agreement in place as well as energize the process when naughty issues capable of derailing negotiations aroused.

Also speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairman of Oil Producers Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Clay Neff, said that the signing ceremony represents a milestone in the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria.

Neff expressed optimism that the agreement would stabilize and also increase upstream production over time, stressing that the repayment of the arrears in a sustainable manner is a key enabler to additional investment in the upstream sector in Nigeria.

... As EIA says coal demand growth to drop by 36% by 2021 The International Energy Agency, IEA has said that growth in global coal demand will stall over the next five years as the appetite for the fuel drops and other energy sources gain ground. According to the Agency’s latest coal forecast, the share of coal in the power generation mix will drop to 36% by 2021, down from 41% in 2014.

The drop it said is driven by lower demand from China and the United States, along with fast growth of renewables and strong focus on energy efficiency.

According to the report, the world is still highly dependent on coal. While coal demand dropped in 2015 for the first time this century, the IEA forecasts that demand will not reach 2014 levels again until 2021. However

such a path would depend greatly on the rate of China’s demand, which accounts for 50% of global coal demand – and almost half of coal production – and more than any other country influences global coal prices.

The new report highlights the continuation of a major geographic shift in the global coal market towards Asia. In 2000, about half of coal demand

was in Europe and North America, while Asia accounted for less than half. By 2015, Asia accounted for almost threequarters of coal demand, while coal consumption in Europe and North America had declined sharply below one quarter. This shift will accelerate in the next years, according to the IEA. Because it is relatively affordable and widely available,

coal remains the world’s number one fuel for generating electricity, producing steel and making cement. It provides almost 30% of the world’s primary energy, declining to 27% by 2021.

However it is also responsible for 45% of all energy-related carbon emissions and is a significant contributor to other types of pollution.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Ruth Kadiri: My greatest asset is being hopeful

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

My passion for acting started in church -Ruth Kadiri Ruth Kadiri is one of the fastest rising actresses and a fantastic script writer of repute whose presence in the movie industry is very much visible. The Edo state not leaving any stone unturned as she storms one location to another. In this chat

Thinking back, how would you describe your childhood?

I grew up like every normal kid though far from

came my way with my head high. Thank God I passed through all the challenges and I proved to myself that I deserve to be successful.

greatest asset was hope. I learnt things the hard way

Has it always been your dream to become an actress?

My passion for acting started in the church and that is why I see my career as an obligation to God. I started writing in my secondary school days before I began to attend auditions for movie roles. I can still remember

clearer understanding of the struggles one has to go through as a child hoping to become someone in life. shouldered responsibilities but I thank God for what I faced helped me become the person I am today.

where I later met a friend, Victor Eze, who had a writing school. I attended his school and graduated. I wrote

In the cause of building your career, what are some of the hurdles you crossed? to write some more till I started getting roles in movies Like every other profession, starting up always has its that adapted my own scripts and that was how acting challenges. However, I was determined and focused.

For me, it was simply about making it in life and being others. It was a very great start for me and since then, I have never looked back.

incomplete without make-up on?

incomplete without make up, light or heavy.

I am working on a whole lot presently, aside movie soon. Everything will be revealed in no time.

When it comes to your body, which do you see as asset? are all my assets. My body in its entirety is my asset.

style has always been what I rock but being a role attempt to try some certain styles because I consider what people would think of me as a role model.

Constantly being in the public glare does not leave room to be daring when it comes to fashion.

When stepping out for an event, what are the things you consider?

My overall look, my hair, make-up, dress, bag and shoes. I would consider everything that makes me look glamorous for the event.

Do you think fashion is about dressing alone? be fashionable, you have to also consider things like your footwear, accessories, makeup, body piercing and tattoos. Fashion is a very broad concept that cannot be limited to dressing alone.

Life&

T E A M

Do you prefer looking natural or you feel

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

What kind of clothes do you feel very comfortable wearing?

I am comfortable in a lot of clothes but what I long as my appearance suits the occasion, I will be comfortable wearing the cloth.

Do you have tattoos and what is your opinion about them? against it. Besides the pain, I feel that my body is too much of a premium brand to be inscribing anything on

How often do you patronize Nigerian designers?

I wear more of Nigerian designs than foreign

wear clothes based on the designer, I wear what looks good on me.

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

L3 Eyola

The

perfect gift for

Christmas

The perfect gift for...

1ne The person who has everything - these people are hard to buy for, especially because of that niggling feeling that your gift might be tossed in the trash the mo-

loved one at a place where you shared great memof different storage sizes, notebooks, a multi device charging cable or a docking station to store mobile phone, tablet, watch, glasses and all other essential

memories is creating new ones, so you could also attach an old memory to a new memory - such as a

sider gifting a boat ride, tickets to a concert (music or theatre), spa treatment or even a workout session with

them a gift or a card, it is not too late to gift them after

2wo

you note letting them know that you enjoyed their gift and include a nice bottle of champagne to say “cheers�

name or initials onto a piece of jewelry, will be a trea-

tive way to give your boss and co-workers gifts dur-

A new friend - to gift a new friend, you can go down champagne or sparkling wine, designer perfume or a

7even

4our Relatives - think about your relative, then about of paper and into a box and each person picking out a

a day visit to the Lekki Conservation Centre, concert be able to enjoy the gift together while getting to know

item you have picked for them and you wish you could natively, the beauty about family is that a gift voucher

idea for everyone to have the exact same budget to buy gifts and include the receipt in case they would

3hree

can buy exactly what they want and they will always remember you whenever they wear or use their pur-

8ight

A loyal client - the safest gift is either a hamper or a

A new-born baby - whether for your own baby or for has your company logo and details printed on it and

5ive into predictable gifting for kids such as this Christmas present a gift of learning

Alternatively, quite popular in recent times are silver, bronze, plaster or resin sculptures done either profes-

child-friendly gardening tools, a musiwith an apron and some child-friendly more creative, you can put together an adventure rucksack for older children Filling the rucksack with different items

6ix anything to buy your spouse, and

Find photographs of you and your

Follow Eyola on Facebook: /Eyola, Twitter: @ WorldEyola and Instagram:@WorldEyola

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, December 20, 2016