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ÏÏÏ Insistence by the federal government to concession four major airports in the country may take a new dimension as leading unions in the industry have threatened to sue the government if it does not

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reverse its stand.

The unions, Air Transport Staff Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) under the umbrella body of the Joint Action Continued on page 6

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 238

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GAINERS AS AT November 18, 2016 UBA

Aviation unions to sue FG over concession

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CBN may retain MPR at 14% till 2017 –Emefiele Ï Final decision to be taken by MPC’s 11-member committee Ï MAN, LCCI, financial experts clamour for interest reduction Ï Inflation rate currently at 18.3% Ï MPC meets for the last time in 2016

Motolani Oseni

ÏÏÏ Ahead

of the sixth and last Monetary Policy Meeting (MPC) for the year holding today and tomorrow, indications Continued on page 6

We’ll oppose scrapping of 12 NNPC – NUPENG N4bn on cars, a ploy

by Dogara to silence 12 members –Aminu

We will resist rigging in Rivers re-run –Wike 12

NAF destroys oil barges in Rivers 6 Tension in Osun as robbers send threat letter to community

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos, Benjamin Kwashi; Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi and Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu at the reception in honour of Lawal and others by the Northern Nigerian Christian Politicians (NNCP) in Abuja… at the weekend.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

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Editorial Recurring ASUU-Federal Government disagreement

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ecently, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a one week warning strike. According to the union, the strike is sequel to the nonimplementation of the 2009 agreement and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union and the federal government.

Under the ‘Payment of fractions of staff entitlements’, ASUU said, “The 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement Implementation Committee had submitted a report of the outstanding balance of N65, 833, 047,372.24 (2009-2013) plus N62, 417‚645‚224.23 (2014-2016), amounting to an unpaid balance of N128‚250‚692‚596.47. This was in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the federal government and ASUU, in order to resolve the crisis of June-November, 2013.

We are sad at this development, considering that over the years, the federal government and ASUU had been engaged in running battles over the implementation of agreements on the funding of the country’s public universities. Incidentally, the consequence is the steady decline in infrastructural development in particular and academic learning in general.

We recall that the present cause of disagreement stems from the refusal of the federal government to still honour its part of the deal.

It would, also, be recalled that the former president of ASUU, Professor Festus Iyayi, was involved in a fatal car accident along the Lokoja/Abuja highway, while leading ASUU team to the negotiation with the federal authorities. It would be unfortunate and disservice to academic learning if the universities embark on another round of indefinite strike to call attention to the non-implementation of agreements reached by both par-

ties.

Nigerians need not be reminded, especially parents and students of the severe dislocation to academic studies should any untoward action be taken by the universities to force implementation.

Strike actions have contributed significantly to the decline in the quality of graduates of our public universities as students are hurried with lectures as soon as strike actions are called off. As a result of hurried academic calendars, little attention is paid to research, which is an important component of academic pursuits. Is it any wonder that our public universities have continued to go down the ladder of academic ranking, even among their peers in Africa?

Under- funding of the education sector, over the years, has had collateral effect on the country. Our universities, hitherto exemplary centres of excellence that attracted scholars from far and near, have now become grotesque carcasses of their former selves. A government that cannot stand by what it pledged is inviting chaos in the citadels of higher learning.

We, therefore, urge both parties to always consider the future of the students and implement the agreed pact.

In doing this, the federal government should take the initiative as a responsible corporate citizen who respects agreements with other parties and institutions. We say this because disputes with university lecturers and workers had always been due to broken promises and unfilled agreements. Under the present decrepit condition of our university system, expecting well-refined graduates to come out of it is like sowing maize seedlings and expecting to harvest wheat.

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Immediate past Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (right) and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki at the reception in honour of Oshiomhole in Auchi, Edo State… at the weekend.

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Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose (middle) and others after his installation as Nwannedinamba

by Ndigbo in Ekiti during the Igbo Cultural Day celebration in the State… at the weekend.

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Former Vice President and founder, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku Abubakar (middle) in a handshake with a student at the 11th Annual Founder’s Day celebration in Yola, Adamawa State… at the weekend. With them is Chairman, Board of Trustees AUN, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun.

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Goodluck Jonathan

Matthew Ashimolowo

Julius Nyerere

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

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

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

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

NIPSS graduates 66, charges graduands on poverty reduction Chijioke Kingsley, Jos The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at the weekend in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, awarded 66 graduands with Member Of The National Institute (MNI) and has trained them on “Mechanism for Poverty Reduction”.

The graduants who are the Senior Executive Course (SEC), No. 38, 2016, is made up of 67 distinguished Nigerians drawn from all walks of life, but unfortunately lost a participant Hajia Maimuna Abdullahi, a permanent Secretary from Niger State.

Speaking with newsmen at a briefing to herald the graduation ceremony, the Acting Director General

NIPSS, Jonathan Juma (MNI), siad that the theme of this year’s study was focused on “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development in Nigeria”, because of the country current economic challenges.

Juma also said that the theme of the course was accompanied with a thinktank conference on the current economic recession tagged “From Recession to Recovery and Growth, A Policy Option For The Nigeria Economy”.

He said the need to look inward and fashion other means of generating income for the country rather than depending on oil has become imperative and that is why this year’s course participants are

5 News

FROM THE ARCHIVES

equipped with contemporary economic strategies.

The Acting Director said that other factors that mitigates the economy like politics cannot be ignored and that was why during 2016 section, retreat for participants was held on “Strengthening Internal Party Democracy”.

The participants whom were drawn from the upper echelons of the Private and Public sectors (both State and Federal), commenced this year’s course on 5th February, 2016 and was inaugurated on 26th February, 2016 by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, whom was represented by Alh. Adamu Adamu, the Honorable Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, earlier in the year.

Estate agent arrested for issuing fake documents Joy Anyim

Operatives of the Lagos state Task Force have arrested one Sunday Obayemi, an estate agent, in Lagos for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by issuing fake land documents to them with a fake letter headed paper of the Lagos State government.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspect, who hails from Ekiti state, had also acted as a middleman for many landlords in Agege and its environs. In forcefully evacuating tenants from their paid apartments by issuing fake quit notices signed by the Lagos state Task Force.

The bubble however burst when he tried same with one Nurudeen Duroti of No 34, Olumo Street, Papa Ashafa, Agege, Lagos.

Nurudeen who suspected a foul play chose to investigate the authenticity of the document. He reported the matter to the Chairman of the Lagos State Task force, SP. Olayinka Egbeyemi who also instructed his men to investigate the source of the said quit notice.

According to the Chairman who paraded the sus-

pect at the agency’s head office in Alausa Ikeja, “During our investigation it was discovered that Sunday was notorious for issuing fake land documents, aiding landlords in issuing quit notice with fake Lagos State letter head papers, falsifying my signature and other Criminal activities. . “ These were revealed after a thorough search of his resident at No 48, Shita Street, Dopemu, Agege where we recovered packs of different neatly printed fake Lagos State Government land documents amongst others.”

SP Egbeyemi therefore enjoined members of the public to be wary of some dubious elements within the society who specialise in impersonating, deceiving and duping innocent members of the public with different fake Lagos State Ministries and Agencies letter head documents.

He however called on any innocent members of the public been victimised or harassed by any suspected Landlord or landlady to visit the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice where matters between landlords and tenants, mutual disputes, among others

are mediated.

On his part, the 45-yearold suspect claimed he was a retired Lagos State civil servant. “ I worked with the Lagos State ministry of environment and retired in year 2014. It was in 2016 which was about a year after I started my business as an estate agent that got involved in issuing fake Lagos State land documents and quit notice.

“I have made a lot of money from this act, as it costs me little to print the fake documents and I collect at least N50,000 from any of my client” SP Egbeyemi also added that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni have directed that the suspect be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

In a related development, the Fan Milk Industry has donated 1000 units of security reflective vests to the Lagos State Task Force.

The Chairman while receiving the donated vests thanked the management of Fan Milk Industry for supporting the Agency in the discharge of their mandates.

Ondo guber: It’ll be the turn of Akoko if I’m elected as governor - Ibrahim ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure The factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) in the Saturday governorship election in Ondo state, Jimoh Ibrahim, has promised to hand over the administration of the state to an Akoko indigene after his government if elected as the state governor.

Mr. Ibrahim spoke on Sunday when his campaign train visited the palace of Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh, to round off his campaign tour of the Northern Senatorial District of the state.

He disclosed that the regional rotation of government in the state should be held sacred, while casting aspersion on Governor

Olusegun Mimiko whom he accused of causing crisis in the PDP. “If you vote for us in the south especially now that I’m contesting as the PDP governorship candidate, surely it would be your turn in Akoko after my government.

“But if you go ahead and vote for the other candidate of the opposition party it means you would have to wait till 24 years before this region (Akoko) could be planning to raise a candidate for the next governorship election.”

He explained that his government would developed the untapped richly resources deposited in the northern senatorial area of the state if elected as the next governor in the No-

vember election.

The factional PDP governorship candidate promised to give the people of Akoko the main two slots of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Commissioner for Justice.

“When I become the next Governor of this state come Saturday I would give the people of Akoko the slot of the SSG and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo state.

“Come out en mass and tell your neighbors to vote for me as the PDP gubernatorial candidate in this Saturday election”, he said.

Mr. Ibrahim also vowed to restored electricity to some communities which had been in total darkness since the inception of the present administration on board in the state.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

CBN may retain MPR at 14% till 2017 –Emefiele Continued from page 1 have emerge that the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) may remain unchanged at 14 per cent until 2017.

This is despite clamour by the Organised Private Sector (OPS) like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as well as financial experts for reduction in the benchmark rate in order to check inflation.

Recession has continued to bite harder with inflation accelerated to 18.3 per cent in October and no sign of foreign exchange crisis easing anytime soon.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the weekend, hinted that due to high inflation occasioned by factors outside the control of the apex bank, it would be difficult to reduce the interest rate.

Market analysts, nonetheless, believe that the CBN governor may be a lone voice as the 11 members of the MPC are expected to vote on this crucial issue on Tuesday.

At the 2016 Bankers’ Dinner, Emefiele, who spoke on the state of the banking industry and policy option for Nigerian economy, agreed that the nation is currently facing a situation, which economists describe as stagflation that occurs when Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is falling or stagnates while unemployment and inflation are rising simultaneously.

According to him, economists have agreed that no single economic policy can address fighting inflation and slow growth at

the same time.

“I have long been a believer in low interest rates. In fact, when I unveiled my vision for the CBN on assumption of office on June 20, 2014, reducing interest rate was one of my cardinal missions. Yet, it is important that we discussed this issue based on facts rather than on politics or emotions.

“With our inflation at over 18 per cent, one must question the judgment of cutting interest rate at this time. Although interest rate is a tool for fighting inflation, with inflation at 18.3 per cent, the apex bank will be failing on one of its cardinal objectives if it cuts interest rate at

this time,” he explained.

He however, stated that high inflation does not encourage economic growth, adding that interest rate reflects not just the cost of capital, but also the cost of doing business. “So interest rate should be looked at from the perspective of the lender, who had to provide power, security and incur other infrastructure costs in the course of doing business. As such, costs are passed on to customers in the form of high interest rate,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that the CBN will continue to appeal to deposit money banks to be more considerate in interest rate

charges to their customers.

Meanwhile, economic experts expect the MPC to begin an expansionary monetary policy by reducing the MPR and anticipate decisions that will affect the exchange rate.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, economic recovery should be the focus of the MPC now.

“They should focus on pumping more liquidity into the system rather than taking it out.

Inflation is currently at 18.3 per cent but it is not caused by excess liquidity in the system, it is cost push. It is time for us

NAF destroys oil barges in Rivers Andrew Orolua, Abuja

Some officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force during the 4th quarter route march exercise in Abuja… at the weekend.

Aviation union to sue FG over concession Continued from page 1 Congress (JAC), said that it might sue government as a last resort if all entreaties to it fails.

The resolve to sue the government was reached at the ATSSSAN’s Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) branch secretariat at Maintenance Yard last Tuesday.

Apart from the plan to sue the government, members of JAC also agreed that unions should send two representatives, each, to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) committee on concession of the four major airports set up by the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, recently.

Also, the unions also immediately called for a three-day fasting period, beginning from today for all aviation workers to ensure

to address economic recovery.

We need to learn from what the Bank of England did last month to address inflation,” he said.

An economic analyst at EY, Mr. Bisi Sanda, equally said the MPC needed to address the challenge of exchange rate volatility.

His words: “The committee must address the problem of exchange rate and look at how banks are committing infractions in the forex market and see how to impose sanctions.

Steps must be taken to address the problems causing volatility in the exchange rate. In the past, some people were banned for life from the forex market.”

that the plans of the government did not come into fruition.

Besides, a source close to the meeting told our Correspondent that the unions were planning a massive rally this Thursday at the Freedom Square, close to the headquarters of FAAN. The source said, “JAC members are not taking the issue of concession very lightly because we have made every effort to ensure that the government backs down on its plans, but it seems this government has already made up its plans on what it wants to do.

“The unions agreed that as a backup plan, the minister can be taken to court to get an injunction restricting him from the concessions. Also, comrades were enjoined to gather as much information as possible on the concession arrangements.”

A source close to the government told our Correspondent that the planned concession of the airports was a marching order given to Sirika by President Muhammadu Buhari as the government is looking critically to reduce its expenditure.

It would be recalled that Sirika had set aside Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt Airports for concessioning in the first phase, but this decision, has sharply divided stakeholders in the industry.

While some say it was a step in the right direction, others seriously kicked against it.

Sirika had said last week in Lagos that the only way the nation’s aviation industry could achieve its aim of being a hub on the continent was for the government to go ahead with its concession plan.

He argued that with the proper concessionaire of the airports, the infrastructural decay in the sector would be properly addressed while more revenues would be generated for the government.

Also, the Managing Director, Aeroconsult, Capt. Dele Ore, said that the industry would move forward with the concessioning of the airport. He recalled that as the chairman of Airport Concession Committee in 2008, the committee had recommended for some of the airports to be concessioned but lamented that the report was never implemented by the government.

“There must be a deliberate policy for Nigerians, who are out of jobs to be engaged by the system.

We need to move on, but we can’t achieve that with our present way of thinking.

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday said it has destroyed another set of illegal oil barges in River state.

Two of the latest barges filled with stolen oil were set ablaze

by NAF helicopters on armed patrol around Okoromabie and South East of Port Harcourt refinery.

The third barge, surrounded by canoes carrying drums, was sited at Onne. While individuals around the barge and canoes fled when fired at, the barge and drums did not explode, indicating the possibility of being empty, NAF spokesman Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said in a statement.

The destruction came as a training on collateral damage organised by the British Military Assistance Training (BMATT) aimed at improving the capabilities of Nigerian Armed Forces to minimise collateral damage during operations begins today in Abuja.

A statement signed by Colonel Kingsley Umoh stated that after the opening ceremony of the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), will launch the Workshop/Dialogue on Strengthening Civilian Protection Policy and Practice at the International Conference Centre Abuja.

While the director transformation and the director defence information will jointly hold a Press Conference on sensitization campaign on Armed Forces version of the FG “Change Begins With Me” for members of the Armed Forces with the theme, ‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria Yesterday, Today and the Future’, at the new DHQ Conference Room.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

APC slams Rivers’ amnesty programme, urges police to trace source of returned arms Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe Rivers state chapter of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Amnesty Programme of the Rivers state government as a sham meant to hoodwink Nigerians.

The party stated in a statement released on Sunday by the state chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, that the whole process was stage-managed as the arms being returned under the Amnesty Programme were being turned in by cultists empowered by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to cause insecurity in Rivers State before, during and after the 2015 general elections.

The statement made available to our correspondent in Port Harcourt, said: “We have continued to watch the drama where the Amnesty Programme script is being played out by the devious PDP government in the State and its militant wing. We hope that the movie directors in Africa Magic are watching the scenes with a view to adapting them for a blockbuster movie that will send leading movies on the continent to the archives.

“The Chairman of the Rivers state Amnesty Committee, Kenneth Chindah, recently stated, while submitting its report to Governor Wike that over 22,000 members of different cult groups have

embraced the amnesty offer of the administration and that his committee observed that cultism is prevalent in all the 23 local government areas of the state.”

The APC chairman said that his party was not deceived as it was aware that “the cultists returning arms were the same group of young men equipped and empowered by the PDP leaders in Rivers State to intimidate, maim and

kill opposition figures in the State.” He regretted that the “unholy project has claimed the lives of some leading Rivers State politicians, including over 200 members of APC.” Chief Ikanya further stated that having realised the main aim of employing violence to win the 2015 general elections, the cultists were asked to return their arms and wait for the next gen-

eral elections in 2019.

According to him, “some of these dangerous cultists have been encouraged not to surrender their arms and to ensure that the rerun election in the State billed for December 10 should not hold as PDP is not ready for any peaceful rerun election in Rivers State, after which they will join others in another round of amnesty drama.

Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) displaying placards in appreciation to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Benue State Government after the inauguration and handing over of 100 units of houses constructed for them in Guma, Daudu village, Benue State… at the weekend.

Stanbic IBTC hosts annual Fine Arts and the Acts Event ÏÏÏDeeper insights on the con-

nection between arts and business will be on showcase in Lagos as Stanbic IBTC organizes its annual Fine Arts and The Acts event.

The event, slated for Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 23, 2016, will feature an arts exhibition. The art exhibition will also feature a wide range of art works from abstract art to photography Contemporary artistes such as Olumide Oresegun, D Okhai Ojeikere, Kainebi Osahenye and Muraina Oyelami will be showing. Others are Jumoke Sanwo, Angela Isiuwe, Gerald Chukwuma, Dipo Doherty

and Olufemi Oyewole.The event is themed‘Inspired by Nigeria’ “Our support for and collaboration with the arts community is designed to drive economic development, inspire creativity and innovation and create the background for the existence of a diverse group of people whose skills and expertise are instrumental in moving society forward,” stated Mrs. Sola David-Borha,Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. In the same manner that values, tastes, attitudes, social and cultural norms, as well as individual preferences are factors that shape the perspective on which fine art is conceived

and created, David-Borha said the Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs, has in its 153 years of existence mastered the art of creating products and services designed to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.

Mrs. David-Borha said the forum will provide a platform for business people, bankers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, artists and art enthusiasts and investors to interact,while networking opportunities will be exploited to advance business interests, especially those supportive of the arts community.“By organizing this annual forum, we hope to unlock the opportunities that will help practitioners

to build successful careers and create sustainable development of Nigeria’s arts and entertainment sectors,” Last year’s edition featured paintings by renowned artists, Prof Bruce Onabrakpeya and Victor Ehikhamenoras well as the art collections ofFola Adeola and Adedotun Sulaiman. Celebrated comedians, including Nigeria’s Basketmouth, South Africa-based NdumisoLindi and Patrick Idringi, a.k.aSalvado, Uganda’s foremost humour merchant, joined by a rich parade of artistes, including fast-rising music act, The GirlZ Rule Band, and popular instrumentalists The String Quartet, enlivened the gala night with their astounding performances.

Group congratulates Obaseki, deputy Titus Akhigbe, Benin-city

ÏÏÏ

A social political group, the Owan Integrity Group (OIG), has joined the growing number of groups and individuals sending congratulating messages to the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, who were sworn-in in Benin penultimate Friday.

A release signed by the leader of the group, Hon Johnson Abolagba, says the coming of Obaseki and Shai-

bu is a fine example of continuity in governance and wish the duo a successful tenure.

“We at Owan Integrity Group wish to congratulate and felicitate with His Excellencies, Godwin and his deputy, Philip Shaibu for taking over the mantle of leadership in the state. We have no doubt that the pair will build on the developmental strides of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who has changed the face of the state.”

Hon Abolagba, a onetime House of Rep Member, and Deputy Governor

aspirant, also urged the new administration to assemble competent hands to help them to succeed.

“We know the expectations are high and we believe the new government will meet the high expectation of the people by assembling competent individuals to run the affairs of the state.”

In the same vein, the OIG has also welcomed the appointment of Osarodion Ogie as the new Secretary to the State Government. “His appointment is well deserved. I know Barr Ogie very well, he is very through and artic-

ulate. He will bring his vast experience to play in the governance of the state.”

The OIG also use “this opportunity to greet the former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for his service to the people of Edo State. We say thank you our Great Comrade for your stewardship, Edo State people will ever remain grateful to you.”

The Owan Integrity Group was formed by likeminded individuals to speak on behalf of the great people of Owan East and West Local Government Areas of the State.

7 News Masturbation affects the brain, impede productivity, clergy warns

ÏÏÏ

The Resident Pastor, Shepherd House Assembly International, Jos, Rev. Paul Ojoh, has said that pornography and masturbation could affect the brain and impede productivity.

“Those twin evils could hurt the brain and impede productivity because of the cumulative negative effects of addiction to them,” he stated on Sunday in Jos, during a sermon at the Youth Conference of the Church.

In the sermon titled: ‘Dealing with Forces of Addiction’, he noted that a high percentage of youths suffer addiction mostly to pornography and masturbation.

“Research has shown that more than 50 per cent of youths are addicted to pornography, while 60 to 90 per cent of adolescent boys and 40 per cent of adolescent girls are addicted to masturbation.

“These addictions are sins against nature; the right hemisphere of the brain functions in facilitating creativity and inventions and a portion of the brain called ‘cingulate codex, is responsible for moral and ethical decisions.

“So, when you feed your brain with masturbation and pornographic materials, it impedes your productivity and affects the efficiency of your brain which is designed to perform the task of creativity and invention’’, he explained.

Ojoh said that the remedy to such addictions was acknowledging that addicts could not fight the battle of emancipation alone, and therefore required divine intervention to see them through.

“Addicts of masturbation must admit that they cannot overcome their battles alone. They must accept that it is only possible with the divine intervention of God. “It is important you avoid anything that triggers such addictions; these are things that you see and read that pollute your mind towards it like movies, magazines and places “ You must renew your mind and feed it with the word of God to fight addictive materials that have occupied the space of your mind.

“Addicts should also seek counsel from people of integrity, who will counsel them and monitor them through their recovery process,’’ he said.

He said that addictions could also enslave a man, put him in bondage and regulate the lifestyle of the affected person or persons, which could subjugate potentialities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the clergy, who defined addiction as a repeated habit which becomes a lifestyle, mentioned other negative addictions to include the internet, food, sex, alcohol, amongst others.

The youth conference featured comedies, drama plays and special renditions from the Choir.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Politics

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Sheriff’s loyalists in Benue are APC members –Abba Moro A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of Interior, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, has averred that members of the parallel executive council of the PDP, recently inaugurated by the Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the party in Benue State belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Moro, a one-time chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Interior, made the assertion at the weekend in an interview in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The leadership crisis tearing the PDP apart at the national level reared its head in Benue State last month when some members of the party, reportedly gathered at the Makurdi residence of Senator Joseph Akaagerger to inaugurate a parallel state exco, which they claimed, followed the conduct of congresses by the faction. Sheriff was said to have been represented at the inauguration by Chief Abu King Shuluwa.

But the former Minister described the action of Sheriff’s loyalists in the state as an exercise in futility, noting that the said exco put in place by the group whose

members, according to him, no longer belong to the PDP, was a product of illegality.

He wondered how Sheriff, who supervised the conduct of congresses that duly produced the current substantive leadership of the Benue PDP and other state chapters, while he was the national chairman, would now turn around to inaugurate another exco, contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution, after his tenure has since elapsed.

His words: “In some states, Senator Sheriff has, without justification, inaugurated state executive councils as par-

allel organs to the existing state excos earlier inaugurated by him when he was the chairman. Interestingly, virtually all the members of these new excos are members of the APC. In Benue State, for instance, where I come from, the chairman and officials recently inaugurated

by Sheriff, Hon. Owoicho Ale and his purported exco members were people who decamped to the APC along with the former deputy governor of Benue State, Steve Lawani in February 2016.

“Up till this moment, there is no record showing that they re-decamped to PDP. So, they are not members of the PDP

as we speak. They are all APC members.

It is therefore not surprising when people say Ali Modu Sheriff is a mole in PDP to do the hatchet job of destabilising the party. But the PDP is a resilient political organisation, capable of weathering the storm, either through a political resolution of the crisis or through the court processes that are already in place.

“And we, in the PDP, have abiding faith in the judicial process of Nigeria. As a law-abiding organisation, the PDP is following up on the legal challenges posed by the series of litigations instituted by Sheriff and his co-travellers. I can say without any fear of contradiction that the PDP, as it was before the 2015 election, will come out of this crisis a lot stronger.”

I pledge total loyalty to APC, despite….

-Owolabi Patrick Okohue One of the All Progressives Congress(APC) aspirants at the party’s primary held recently in Ifako/Ijaiye Federal constituency, prior to the December 3rd byeelection, Mr. James Owolabi has called for fair play in the election, stressing that in spite of all the strange developments his loyalty to the party remain intact.

Owolabi who polled 166 votes at the delegate election, hinted that his close to 32years old commitment to the progressives course depicted an intimidating status, that none of the aspirants even Akinwunmi who emerged the party’s candidate with 219 votes could not match.

He added that given his popularity which was evident at the secretariat where the primary was held, as his entry into the arena amidst much hailing while Akinwunmi was booed, some stakeholders noticed the tide may likely change and quickly swung to action.

Owolabi also noted that while others were asked to step down, and one other disqualified he was the only aspirants left.

“More than three times now, I have made known my intention to run for the Federal House of Reps, but was at one point or the other stopped by hierarchy in the party, we all need be given level playing field.

“Eve of election, I ran for my dear live when I learnt I was going to be abducted, not until 9am on Friday, 11 November the day of the primary that I was called to come and effect my withdrawal from the race, imposition is no longer in vogue in our party so this experience is not envisaged, in the first place we should have been informed not to purchase forms at N2.2m each, if a choice candidate had been premeditated.

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi (centre), his wife, Rachel; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru (left); President of Igbo Unions in Lagos, Prof. Anya O. Anya; and Commissioner, Women and Social Development, Rebecca Ogbuewu, during the fourth Ebonyi Cultural Day celebration in Lagos... at the weekend.

Buhari will campaign alone in 2019 if care is not taken –Galadima A close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari who worked with him in the 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 general elections, Alhaji Buba Galadima has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has become like an orphan because nobody is there to take responsibility for its current crisis.

Alhaji Galadima, in a story by an online media, declared that Buhari’s lack of interest in party politics, especially in resolving the APC crisis, may lead to its disintegration, thereby leaving him (Buhari) with no political platform on which to run for a second term in 2019 if he decides to seek re-election.

“The APC has been raped aground, and it is only claiming to be in government because it is the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that is actually controlling power.

“Definitely, I know that General Muhammadu Buhari will not want to run on the platform of any party because he has already cast aspersion on party politics and politicians. So we would try to find out on what platform he would contest if he wants to be president in 2019. On what vehicle he would ride, but definitely not on a political party.

“The party had shared invitation letters for Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings and it was aborted. You now have to find out who aborted those meetings. We only met once as the national caucus of the party.

Let’s assume that the president doesn’t like the party executive, he’s now the president, he can find a way

of easing them out.

“Have you ever seen in the history of Nigeria, where in the secretariat of the ruling party, water is disconnected, electricity is disconnected, salaries of aides and workers are not paid for six months? It’s shameful, it’s disgraceful and we claim to be in government. We are not saints.”

Alhaji Galadimma also dismissed allegations that members of President Buhari’s former party, the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are being favoured in case the APC disappears before 2019.

“Can there be CPC without Buba Galadima and Sule Hamma and AVM Mukhtar Mohammed? What appointment do they have? Have we ever seen the president since he be-

came one?

“Who are the CPC people? Even the national chairman of the party, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, told me that the president only appointed CPC people. Can you count five people that were CPC and are in this government? I hope you know that the CPC was formed on this desk (referring to his office at Zone 4, Abuja) without even Buhari’s knowledge.

So, if they appoint CPC people and I don’t know them, who else would know them?

“For those of us who had worked with the head of this government (Buhari) in the last 14 years, we are not surprised that this is happening.

In fact, our view is that the nation is yet to see the better part or the worst part of this government.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

9

Politics

Supporting Buhari’s war against corruption Michael Jegede Corruption as defined separately

by World Bank, Transparency International and Danish International Development Agency refers to the misuse of entrusted funds, abuse of power and public office for private gain.

Wikipedia describes it as “a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit.”

Corruption is everywhere. There is no country in the world where corruption does not exist. The causes, perception and tendency to engage in corrupt practices only varies from one country to another as seen in the Corruption Perceptions Index, usually issued by the international anti-corruption organization, Transparency International (TI).

For instance, Nigeria ranked 136th least corrupt country in 2015 out of 168 countries surveyed by TI. It was rated 136th out of 175 in 2014, 144th in 2013 out of 177, 139th out of 176 in 2012, and 143rd in 2011 out of 183 countries.

The 2015 rating showed Denmark topping the perceptions index as the least corrupt country in the world for the second consecutive year, while North Korea and Somalia remained at the bottom as the most corrupt nations of the world.

It is expected that Nigeria’s rating will improve as a result of President Muhammadu Buhari’s current war against corruption, where some prominent Nigerians are being investigated in the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal and other ongoing probes to recover looted funds.

The scale of corruption in Nigeria has been so high. It is the greatest of all the factors responsible for our backwardness and retardation in terms of socio-economic growth. Despite the gigantic God-given human and natural resources available to us as a nation, we have remained a crawling, stunted giant after over 56 years of independence – no thanks to corruption.

This hydra-headed monster and cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society brought us to the level we are today, where poverty, hunger and starvation have taken a terrible toll on the Nigerian populace. The magnitude of the damage done to our dear country through corruption is quite unimaginable and mind-boggling.

Over 80 percent of funds from oil revenue which accounts for about 90 percent of the value of our exports had always found their way into the pockets of just 1% of the country’s population. This was as revealed at the 2012 Annual General Meeting, AGM, of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), by a former Minister of education and one-time Vice President of the World Bank for Africa, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. According to her, “an estimated $400 billion of the country’s oil revenue has been stolen or misspent since the country’s independence in 1960.”

An independent investigative analy-

Buhari

sis done by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) last year, showed that over N6.4 trillion oil revenue was lost to massive corruption that characterized oil sales by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, between 2011 and 2013. The latest audit report of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI), made further revelations on how N11.4 trillion earned as revenue from crude oil sales, taxes, royalties and other incomes in 2013 was not properly accounted for.

At the beginning of his “national sensitization campaign”, meant to implore Nigerians to join the fight against corruption in the country, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed that we lost over N1.34 trillion to only 55 Nigerians through corrupt practices between 2006 and 2013. Some have argued that the monumental havoc wrecked on the Nigerian people by this enemy of progress and development called corruption is unquantifiable.

No nation can attain greatness, no matter the enormous resources at its disposal, if corruption is accepted as a culture by the people and allowed to go on freely without the needed resistance to curtail it. Joe Biden, America’s outgoing Vice President had once said that “Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It’s self-defense. It’s patriotism.”

And so, it is important that we put aside sentiment of any kind, to support the present administration of President Buhari, in its effort to reduce to the barest

Ikpeazu

“Corruption adds to the cost of doing business. Corruption has led to so many deaths. Corruption has led to the dearth of infrastructure we have because people simply pocket the money and work away. If we don’t fight it, there may not be a good tomorrow for our children. minimum this terrible menace that has crippled and rendered the economy of the supposed giant of Africa comatose.

A report presented to the Federal Government in February this year captioned “Impact of corruption on Nigeria’s economy” and put together by a top international professional services firm, PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC), indicated that “Corruption has a dynamic impact, which is felt more by poorer

households and smaller firms with a long run negative impact on growth, primarily through reduction in human capital and investment. And the damage that corruption does is widely felt across the economy… Corruption is associated with lower average standards of living, education levels and greater income inequality.”

According to Dr. Andrew S. Nevin, chief economist and a partner at PwC Nigeria who co-authored the said report, “Our results show that corruption in Nigeria could cost up to 37% of GDP by 2030 if it’s not dealt with immediately. This equates to around US$1,000 per person in 2014 and nearly $2,000 per person by 2030.

But if Nigeria can tackle corruption to bring it down to levels seen in similar resource-rich countries, it could increase its GDP by $534bn in 2030. The boost in average income that we estimate, given the current per capita income, could significantly improve the lives of many in Nigeria, should efforts to tackle corruption succeed. The challenges for the government are substantial but the potential benefits of tackling corruption are too great to ignore.”

It is therefore left for us to decide whether we want to allow this monster to continue to rare its ugly head and further ruin our country and deny us of our collective heritage. Or, we want it dismantled to a greater extent so as to pave way for the overall development of the various sectors of our economy. I would think that supporting the current war against corruption as being championed by President Buhari would do us

a lot of good as a people, regardless of our religious, ethnic and political affiliations. We should work with him in his determination to ensure that it just can’t be business as usual.

It is however gratifying that a good number of Nigerians have continued to throw their weight behind the President in this war. Many have hailed him for his political will, courage and commitment to fight corruption. Even members of the international community have given a nod of support to the President. John Kerry, America’s outgoing Secretary of State, Nick Hurd, the immediate past United Kingdom’s Minister of International Development and Lin Songtian, the Director-General of African Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at different times applauded Buhari and declared the support of their countries for his campaign to curb corruption in Nigeria.

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, said he will continue to support the anti-corruption fight of Buhari’s administration, as according to him, corruption, wherever found, was antithetical to peace and development of the people.

Another PDP chieftain and a member of the National Assembly, representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency of Edo in the House of Representatives, Mr. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, recently urged Nigerians to support Buhari’s fight against corruption. Stressing that the wish of every patriotic Nigerian should be for the war to succeed, he said: “Anybody that does not want to support the fight against corruption does not mean well for the country… People in the petroleum sector who constituted themselves as cabal robbing the country of big income must be pursued and fished (out) and prosecuted.” The PDP stalwart added that “Nigerians should not see the ongoing clampdown against alleged corrupt judicial officers as witch hunt.”

The immediate past General Secretary of NBA, Barrister Mazi Afam Osigwe, had also in a recent interview stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to support the crusade against corruption. In his words: “Corruption adds to the cost of doing business. Corruption has led to so many deaths. Corruption has led to the dearth of infrastructure we have because people simply pocket the money and work away. If we don’t fight it, there may not be a good tomorrow for our children. But there must also be transparency. Recovered loot must be accounted for and paid into the federal government treasury. The mode of fighting it must be lawful. People must not be unnecessarily demonized or destroyed in public, only for the affected agencies not to prosecute them or find out that they are innocent.”

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

We won’t allow factions in Accord, says NWC Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja Members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of Accord, one of the registered political parties in the country, has warned that it will not tolerate the issue of factionalisation within the ranks of its Oyo State chapter or in any other state in the country .

The NWC of the party, in a statement issued weekend at the end of its meeting in Abuja, pointedly made it clear that the party has clearly spelt out internal mechanism for resolving disputes and that all aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State must avail themselves of such instead of taking the laws into their hands.

In the statement, which was signed by the National Chairman of Accord, Hon. Muhammad Lawal Nalado, the

NWC emphatically declared that the only congress of the party in Oyo State, recognised by it is the one conducted by Bashir Lawal, which was held after the national body gave its go ahead and was also duly monitored by the representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to the NWC of Accord, “We are not having a crisis in Oyo State, what we are having is a misunderstanding among our party followers in the state. We have only one structure that was elected at a congress as the Exco (executive council) of Oyo State Accord.

“They (the exco that is recognized) wrote to us seeking for permission to conduct congresses from the wards to the state level and we gave them the go ahead. So, for any other person, who feels aggrieved over the

APC is disintegrating, President must save party now – Ex-chair A former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kaduna State, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said President Muhammadu Buhari must intervene to fix the crisis in the party and save it from disintegration.

Baba-Ahmed made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Sunday.

According to him, the problems affecting the party have been left to linger for too long and must be settled in the next few months, if the party hopes to retain power in 2019.

“Even if you can forgive some of the crisis and blame it on in experience, you cannot forgive the fact that we have tolerated this crisis for too long.

“They have persisted, and that is not something we should excuse, we should not also excuse the existence of massive problems in states and at the national level.

“Those who have the responsibility of fixing the APC as a political platform are not fixing it.

“It is what we are seeing now; a large number of powerful people within APC are walking away from it, thinking that it is beyond redemption.

“That is unfortunate and I think it is a major setback for the party.

“The APC must reinvent itself and rediscover its mission to lead this country, not through a one term presidency or governance, but to actually build a different Nigeria that will meet the yearnings of our children and beyond.”

Baba-Ahmed stressed that the internal crisis had also affected governance, thereby, making it imperative for the President to quickly intervene and resolve all contending issues within the party.

“Of course when a party is in

a problem like this, a number of things happen; governance suffers because you are constantly having your attention diverted by the party’s problems.

“Secondly, in political terms, four years of an administration is only like two years or two and half years.

“In a year’s time, we will not be talking about governing this country, we will be talking about campaign for 2019.

“And if this party doesn’t fix itself at the national level, doesn’t fix all the problems it has in the states, it is unlikely to come back to Nigerians with the confidence it came to us in 2014 /2015, to say give us another mandate.

“If we are not careful the only thing of value and credibility that we can say to Nigerians that is still relatively intact in the APC will be President Buhari.

“And President Buhari more than anybody else, knows that his personality and character alone cannot win him an election.

“He needs a political platform that can mobilise people to support him, and right now, that political platform is disintegrating.

“He needs to do something about it, he needs to allow the party to work together, he needs to ask a lot of people to fix the problems of the party.”

Baba-Ahmed expressed the belief that the problems of the APC were surmountable if the leadership work hard to fix all the underlying issues.

“I am not one of the people who think the future is outside APC, I believe that APC can be salvaged.

“However, I am not complacent to say it can just be fixed like that, a lot of hardwork has to go into it, a lot of sacrifices must be made.

outcome of the congress, to decide to take the laws into his hand, we don’t think it is correct. People should not take laws into their hands.

“If you have any grievances, you know the best way to get such grievances addressed. You cannot just say because you are a card carrying member of Accord and then decide to start operation on your own. It is never done anywhere. We have procedure. We have rule of law.

“You can’t just say because you are a party member, you will just go and form your faction, you don’t do that.

You cannot form faction. We don’t believe in creating factions. Our party is a very peaceful party. We will never allow anybody to create problems for us, moreso now that the local government election in Oyo State is forthcoming.

“We are hoping to win more than

70 percent seats in the said election.

So, why are we therefore trying to create problems for our party? We are, once again, telling the world that we don’t recognise any faction that is formed illegally. The only congress we recognise in Oyo State is the one conducted by Architect Bashir Lawal which was monitored by the representatives of INEC,” the statement said.

The party called on all its aggrieved members to come forward so that the issue could be amicably resolved through the party’s dispute resolution mechanism.

The NEC of the party assured that it will do everything possible to ensure that all the candidates of Accord for the forthcoming local government elections in Oyo State emerge through a free, fair, credible and transparent process.

Lawal

Ondo guber: APC disagrees with PDP over call for election shift Lateef Ibrahim and Tom Okpe, Abuja With only six days to the Ondo State governorship election fixed to hold on Saturday, November 26, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sharply disagreed with the call for the postponement of the election by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, NCC, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governing APC described the call for the postponement of the gubernatorial election by the NCC of the PDP as “a bizarre request”.

The APC maintained that the election cannot be postponed on the account of the PDP’s internal crisis.

The Senator Makarfi-led faction of the PDP had on Saturday called for the shift of the Ondo State governorship election in view of the litigation trailing the poll.

The Makarfi’s faction of the PDP had, at its primary election held in Akure, produced Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as its governorship candidate for the election.

However, the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the PDP, at its parallel primaries held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, produced Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, a businessman and publisher, as its own candidate.

Names of the two candidates were sent to INEC. But the electoral body, citing an order of the court, reconised the name of Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the PDP for the election.

The Makarfi’s faction later held for the court to challenge the recognition of Ibrahim at the expense of Eyitayo Jegede. The case is still

pending at the Court of Appeal, which has adjourned sine die on the matter.

The factional chairman of the, PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, had on Saturday, be the first to kick against the call for the postponement of the Ondo State governorship election by the Senator Ahmed Makarif led National Caretaker Committee of the party.

The Sheriff’s faction, in a statement by Dr Cairo Ojougboh, on Saturday declared that such a call by the “so called National Caretaker Committee of the party is “malicious, shortsighted, offensive and irresponsible.”

On its part, the APC in a statement by its National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Bun,i yesterday stated that it will never be a party to any scheme to subvert justice and undermine the very progressive and participatory democracy which it (the APC) fiercely stands for.

Makarfi

The governing party thus called on INEC to ignore the PDP’s bizarre request and concentrate on delivering a free, fair, credible and transparent ballot on Election Day. The APC’s statement titled, “Ondo governorship election cannot be postponed on account of PDP’s internal crisis”, reads in part, “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is drawn to a bizarre request by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State on account of the PDP’s internal crisis.

“The PDP, in continuation of its wild conspiracies on the Ondo governorship election, has also accused the APC of colluding with the judicial system, INEC and security agencies to manipulate the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election.

“The PDP crisis and the aftermath governorship candidate tussle within its ranks are self-inflicted and the PDP cannot hold Ondo State and indeed the country hostage on account of its internal crisis.

“Instead of making the ridiculous election postponement request on INEC, the PDP should focus and redirect its energy towards putting its house in order.

“The APC is not party to any scheme to subvert justice and undermine the very progressive and participatory democracy which the APC fiercely stands for.

“The Ondo electorate are wise and will vote for the candidate with a proven track record of performance on election day.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

MMM community seeks protection of members’ rights Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏ

The committee of the Mavrodi, Mavrodi Melnkova, popularly known as (MMM Nigeria) has called on relevant government agencies to uphold the fundamental and constitutional rights of its members in the country.

This call came after the Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, gave the directive to the Committee on Banking and Currency and Financial Crimes to investigate the activities of the MMM community.

The MMM community, which recently marked its first year in Nigeria is said to be a community of mutual financial aid and donations, with over two million members.

According to MMM committee at the recently held anniversary, which took place at Archbishop Vinning, Ikeja, Lagos, MMM participants have been law- abiding and they urged the government to ensure that all interested parties were given the opportunity to be heard so as to allow robust and balanced deliberations in the interest of justice.

Among the committee mem-

Carnival Dry Run: UNFPA conducts Free HIV tests, distributes condoms Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏThe

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Sunday carried out several HIV tests and distributed several packets of condoms free to members of the public who participated in the carnival dry run exercise as well as other Nigerians who witnessed the event.

The exercise took place at the Millennium Park in Calabar Nigerians who received the free gifts were full of praises to the organization and urged the United Nations to step up its ‘wise up campaign. The UNFPA according to our findings are fully involved the 2016 carnival activities through her wise up campaign.

In a chat with The Daily Times ,the UNFP Youths Program Officer, Dr Araoyinbo Idowu said that the narratives of UNFPA was delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every child birth is safe and every young people’s potential is fulfilled adding that the UNFPA will ensure that the narratives are achieved in the state.

bers, messrs, Ataguba S. Aboje, Kester Elebesunu and Jacob O. Ayodele, explained that the programme does not only encourage its members to give only their spare money, it is also a means of rendering help to another needy member in order

to qualify to receive help too.

The website contains a caveat, “Warning” section, where the inherent risks of participation are fully disclosed and as a precondition, participants must acknowledge that they have read, understood and accepted the

stated risks before they are allowed to participate. “ MMM places a maximum limit on the total amount a participant can donate and participants are under no obligation to donate any particular sum or on any regular basis or to intro-

L-R: Director, Brands and Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye; Director, Ake Arts and Book Festival, Lola Shoneyin; Vice President, First City Monument Bank, Diran Olojo and Manager, Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu at the Etisalat sponsored Ake Arts and Book Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently.

Isaac Olamikan, Warri

ÏÏÏ In a couple of months from

now wasteful gas flaring activities by multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region will be a thing of the past.

This was disclosed at the weekend by Dr. Mike Emuh, the National President of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON) while addressing a meeting of stakeholders in Effurun, Delta State.

He added that some foreign investors will soon be arriving

11 News duce or recruit new members.

As it is stated on their website, 30% per month cannot be considered as an interest rate on invested money due to the fact 30% is a representation of growth of a personal score of a MMM member on the programme, which is referred to as Mavro.

“MMM does not sell any product or service and has no central structure or a central account to accept any form of deposits. In contrast, in a Ponzi scheme, money invested by an investor is taken on the promise of a return on that investment.

The MMM programme does not receive money and does not also guarantee any returns and the clear warnings to this effect is expressly displayed on the website.

“To our minds, the activity of MMM is a radical reinvention of the age-old idea of crowd funding like “Osusu contributions” where a group of persons in need contribute their meagre financial resources to assist one another on This mode of funding is already prevalent in our communities and other parts of the world in various forms. Without further ado, in our opinion the activity of MMM is akin to crowd funding and does not qualify as an “investment scheme” which is regulated ordinarily by the Investment & Securities Act 2007, Banking & Other Financial Institution Act, Central Bank Act and the likes.”

Gas flaring to stop soon, says HOSTCON’s head in the country to discuss the modalities for investing millions of dollars in converting gas into a money yielding venture.

Emuh also revealed that the Federal Government has duly given recognition to the HOSTCON to the extent that it has approved the formation of a security outfit, Nigeria Oil and Gas Security Corp, which is given the powers to do pipeline surveillance with the ultimate mandate to arrest van-

dals.

According to him, a uniform has been approved for the corp and training of youths(who must be of Niger Delta extraction) interested in being recruited into the corp would commence before the end of the month.

He warned the youths to tow the part of peace and put a stop to the vandalism of oil pipelines which on the long run only leads to hardship for the communities.

“Since the Federal Government has shown us that they are genuinely interested in dialoguing with the host communities, I think it is reasonable we give them an opportunity to address the issue of the neglect we have always complained of.Pipeline vandalism is an act of economic sabotage which we must all confront by telling those involved to quit or be ready to face the full wrath of the law,” Dr. Emuh admonished.

SMEs lament poor patronage of local products Edokpolor Osayande

ÏÏÏ

Small to Medium Enterprise (SMEs) have lamented the poor sale of products of Made in Nigeria goods at the Young Africa Industrialist week organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and cooperative in collaboration with Incubation Centre.

Speaking with Daily Times , Manufacturer of Cocoa Natural Product, Mrs Victoria Oluwasonya, said that the initiative was a good development that lacks

publicity,saying it was a key performance indicator exercise for those in government.

Her words, “ the joy of an SMEs is when we bring out our goods, people come to patronize us and know what we do. For me, since this exhibition started I have not sold any of my products, what happens is producers buying from each other which ought not to be so. It should be the public coming to buy from us to encourage our made in Nigeria goods.”

Oluwasonya ,however, commended the government and organisers of the events, saying

that they should include more of publicity in their budget plan of the programme by creating awareness for SMEs and involving other stake holders in future initiatives by the state government.She also urged the relevent stakeholders to do more to encourage SMEs. Also speaking, the Ikorodu chapter secretary to Chambers of Commerce to SMEs , Mrs Omolara Aigbe, said that the programme has been an eye opener in business for a lot of mistakes SMEs has made in the past, adding that with the support from the state government and other stake holders, it

would help to maintain consistency and give more ideas to SMEs in the state and Nigeria at large.

Aigbe who also lamented poor patronage of products, said that more awareness should be created as the major aim of the initiatives was for the public to buy made in Nigeria good from the SMEs. “I urge the government and stake holders to involve all local governments SMEs group to be participants of this programme in future, as publicity remains a key to this initiative which could make young industrialist to become conglomerate,”she said.

News 12 N4bn on cars, a ploy by Dogara to silence members –Aminu Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The suspended member rep-

resenting Kiru-Bebeji Federal Constituency Kano, state, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has joined Nigerians in condemning the N4 billion worth of exotic cars purchased by members of the House of Representatives for oversight functions describing it as a ploy by Speaker Yakubu Dogara to silence members.

Jibrin, who is facing a one year suspension for his alleged desecration of the House in a letter over the weekend criticized the purchase of cars for members of the House by Mr. Dogara at such a difficult period of economic recession and what he termed the reckless and insensitive justification of such a monumental waste by the Speaker.

According to Jibrin, “I followed with keen interest the condemnation by Nigerians of purchase of cars for members of House by Speaker Dogara at such a difficult period of economic recession and the reckless and insensitive justification of such a monumental waste by the Speaker “In line with my commitment to continue to expose individual and systemic corruption in the House and Nigeria as a whole, I wish to state the following facts; that it is an outright lie that the cars are needed for oversight as over 80% of oversight activities of the House of Representatives are carried out in Abuja and in almost all instances it is the MDA’s that arrange buses to convey members from the premises of the House to the respective MDA. He stated further that where such areas are far away from Abuja, members always use flights to the nearest location while the MDA’s arrange vehicles and other logistics to complete the visit and that in almost all instances the MDA’s provides accommodation and pay for the tickets and other logistics.

Jibrin said that even if the cars were needed, it was unfair and fraudulent to further put additional N4 billion into such wasteful venture while at the same time members pocket about N10 million monthly; “an amount many members use to sponsor their lavish life style and buy as many exotic cars for their private use.

“Despite the monthly allowances and the purchases of these new cars, a special car allowance is yet again being arranged for members. The last I know before my illegal suspension was that the issue of another separate car allowance remains an outstanding entitlement of members with the Speaker giving continuous assurances to members that it will be paid.”

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè M ƒƆƌƄƆƏ ƾơè ƾƠơÕ

We will resist rigging in Rivers re-run –Wike Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ Rivers state governor, Chief

Nyesom Wike, has repeated his warning that the state will resist any attempt to rig the re-run elections slated for December 10, 2016. He said that Rivers was too big for anybody to impose representatives on the people, stressing that the people must be allowed to elect their representatives.

Speaking during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dedication service for the flag-off campaign of the re-run/supplementary election in the state at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Governor Wike urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be neutral in the course of the rerun elections to ensure that the will of the people pre-

vailed.

He said: “This election will prove whether INEC is ready to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria.”

The governor noted that the PDP remained committed to violence-free elections, pointing out that the opponents of PDP should play within the rules. He said: “What causes violence during election is when the umpire wants to manipulate, rig or write results. We will resist any attempt to write results.

“PDP will not be involved in anything violent, but we will not allow anyone to steal our votes.

We will protect our votes and make sure that the people’s mandate is declared”, he said.

The governor explained that the PDP was dedicating its forthcoming campaigns for the rerun elections to God, because the par-

ty relied on God for victories.

He noted that the PDP was sure of victory at the rerun polls because of the massive achievements of his administration in the last 17 months.

The dedication service for the flag off of the campaign for the rerun elections was attended by Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, state and National Assembly members, political leaders of the state, commissioners, local government chairmen, women and youth groups.

Venerable John Adubasim of the Saint Paul’s Anglican Church while dedicating the PDP campaigns for the rerun elections to God, asked members of the party to trust in the Lord for their sustenance and victory.

Earlier on Sunday, Governor Wike worshiped at the Emmanuel Anglican Church, Okoro-Nu-Odo

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Deanery during the church’s 2016 Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving.

Speaking, Governor Wike said his administration will fight crime across all communities.

He said anyone is caught committing crime will be made to face the weight of the law.

Tension in Osun as robbers send threat letter to community Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ Palpable tension has enveloped indigenes and residents of a community in Osogbo the Osun state over a letter that was circulated by a fraternity notifying them of an attack.

The fraternity, in the letter, proposed that a set of armed robbers would burst houses any moment.

The group identified itself as ‘Fiejesofo (blood wasters) fraternity.

A copy of the letter, which was obtained by our correspondent, was written in Yoruba language.

The letter specifically told residents of Kelebe, a community in Osogbo, that the attacks are already scheduled.

It was learnt that some of the residents found the letter in front of their apartments.

When our correspondent visited the area, the few residents around refused to grant interview.

Some of them were panicking and shouting that they needed the presence of police men.

A landlord, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, lamented that most of them had nowhere to run to.

We’ll oppose scrapping of NNPC –NUPENG Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ President of the National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade (Dr.) Achese Igwe, has declared that any attempt by the federal government to scrap the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), would be vehemently resisted by the union.

The NUPENG president made this declaration at Ogoloma Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Sunday, in a chat with journalists at the end of the 14th memorial thanksgiving service of his late mother, Mrs. Tamunoibuoma Nsonma Levi Bereiweriso.

Comrade Achese said there were disturbing rumours and media reports, which suggested that the federal government would soon scrap the NNPC, praying that the idea must be allowed to end in the rumour mills.

He added that any such step by the federal government would face stiff opposition by NUPENG. “I have heard the news of plots to scrap the NNPC. It is a speculation that has been on for some time now. But for us as a union, we are definitely going to resist it. The NNPC is not going to be scrapped.”

On speculated increase in the price of fuel, Dr. Igwe Achese stated that NUPENG was not aware of any plot by the NNPC to increase fuel price, describing the planned price increase as a rumour. He noted that during the last price increase in May, various submissions tabled as palliative measures, were still in the pipeline.

Comrade Achese said in view of the current economic recession and its attendant economic hardship on the Nigerian masses, the timing for any such increase then would be wrong and insensitive. He pointed out that none of

the promises made by the Federal Government during the last fuel price increase in May has been fulfilled.

“They said they needed money for Turn Around Maintenance, TAM. They said they want to repair the refineries. But as we speak, the refineries are not working. It’s sad! I am a member of the palliative committee, but up until now, nothing has happened. So, my answer to any increase is NO! We won’t allow that to happen.”

Condemning the sack of oil workers in the oil and gas industry, Comrade Achese stressed that the Federal Government should do more in regulating the activities of multinational oil companies in the country.

“We feel that the Federal Government should regulate the multinational companies like Shell.

We feel the sack should stop. The government should put in place measures to create stability,” he said, and condemned the faction-

alization of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at a time of recession when Nigerians needed a united labour union. “Today, Nigerians are suffering. One would ask: What is the task of the NLC? The factionalization of the NLC is not a good thing,” he concluded.

Earlier in his sermon during the memorial service, Rt. Rev. Tubokomie Agbere, enjoined Christians to use their sojourn on earth to focus on achieving the City of God, which he described as perfect, instead of endlessly pursuing worldly kingdom. He said: ‘If you lose that Heavenly City, your sojourn on earth would have been in vain.

The memorial service was well attended by dignitaries from the oil and gas sector, including NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and IPMAN, who altogether, contributed over N15m during the service for the completion of the church building still under construction.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

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14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

John Paden’s book and many lies on Buhari

T

Reno Omokri

he book ‘Muhammadu Buhari-The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’

by Professor John Paden is not only an intellectually lazy work, it is also a fallacious document hastily put together to paint the protagonist in the borrowed robes of an effective leader who is cleaning the Augean Stable of misrule and corruption in Nigeria.

I have taken time to x-ray the book and cannot help but agree with Ahmed Tinubu that Paden has done a great disservice to the truth. If I were Paden, I would consider a career in fiction writing.

On page 52 of the book, Paden declares that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan declared for the April 2011 Presidential election on Saturday, September 18, 2011.

For a man who was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University, Paden did not show much scholarliness because if he did, he would have established that Dr. Jonathan made world history by being the first ever-presidential candidate to make his declaration on facebook, on Wednesday 15 September 2016.

If this was the only error in the book, one could forgive Paden, but the errors are legion.

On page 53, Paden, without citing any proof, called Dr. Jonathan’s margin of victory in the South south and Southeast ‘nonsensical’. He then goes ahead to accept Buhari’s margin of victory in the North as valid even though they mirrored Dr. Jonathan’s margins in the South.

On page 55, Paden called to question Jonathan’s handling of the economy but in page 60, admits that the 7% GNP growth Nigeria attained under Jonathan was “impressive”. Does Paden suffer from a split personality?

Here he is calling into question former President Jonathan’s ability to manage an economy that he himself admits generated an impressive growth yet praising a President Buhari under whom Nigeria has gone into recession.

Perhaps Paden should have written a book singing Jonathan’s praises instead of Buhari’s!

He attacks Dr. Jonathan in page 55 over the 2012 attempt to remove fuel subsidies and pointed to the street protests that broke out, but curiously failed to mention that such protests were instigated by the then opposition members, including President Buhari’s former running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare and Malam Nasir Elrufai, who coordinated activities during the “Occupy Nigeria” protests.

This is nothing short of intellec-

tual dishonesty.

In page 59, Paden says ‘President Jonathan had signed a pledge in 2011 to run for only one term’.

This is just a lie. I make bold to say that if Paden can produce a copy of the signed pledge then I would give him a million dollars!

On page 65, Paden goes ad hominem saying “President Jonathan seemed more focused on hanging onto power by looting the public treasury”.

The above is nothing short of libel. However, before he answers for his lies in court, let me ask Paden; if what he wrote about Dr. Jonathan looting the treasury is true, then how come Nigeria was able to have what he himself agrees was an ‘impressive’ economic growth and how come Nigeria made progress on the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index?

On page 67, showing his inability to give credit to whom it is due, Paden accused Jonathan of appointing partisan and dishonest Resident Electoral Commissioners for states so they could assist the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rig elections but praised INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega for honesty. What he did not mention is that it was Jonathan that appointed the Jega without having ever met him. It is this same “honest Jega” that was fully in charge of posting officials to serve as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

Then in page 68, Paden outdid himself as a liar when he said, “faced with these results, would Jonathan concede, or would he challenge the results in court?”

Paden continues on his lying spree by saying inter alia that ‘several former African heads of

state held private meetings with Jonathan…. they insisted…that he accept the results”. Not yet done with fallacies, Paden continues “there was considerable international pressure on Jonathan, including by the Archbishop of Canterbury and Western diplomats”.

All these are the figment of the imagination of either Paden or his sources.

To prove that Paden is a liar, I quote Mansur Liman, editor of the BBC Hausa Service in Nigeria, who was at the INEC Elections Result Centre in Abuja while results were being released.

Mr. Liman testified that while results were still awaited and before INEC declared Buhari winner of the election, Jonathan had placed a call to the Buhari campaign and congratulated him.”

Testifying further, Mr. Liman said that the report he received indicated “President Jonathan took the decision to make the call without consulting anyone. If had consulted, his advisers would have objected”.

This is a direct testimony from a man on the ground with timelines and records that can stand up in court. Are we to jettison his eyewitness and substantial documentary evidence for the unsubstantiated lies of Paden?

Even without taking into account Liman’s testimony, I travelled to London to one of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s most senior aides and after interview with one of the people involved, I established beyond reasonable doubt that the Archbishop of Canterbury did not call on Dr. Jonathan to concede. Paden lied!

This is a direct quote from an official in Lambeth when I inter-

viewed him on Paden’s claims“that is nonsense. The Archbishop did not call to put pressure on President Jonathan to concede.

He called after Jonathan had conceded to congratulate him”.

If anybody has a history of problems conceding when he was defeated, that person is none other than President Muhammadu Buhari. In his three previous unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, not once did Muhammadu Buhari ever concede much less congratulate the victor. Instead, his comments were at best uncharitable and at worst unpatriotic! There are more lies in Paden’s book.

In page 195, Paden said that in May of 2016 while Dr. Jonathan was in the US, he had to “cancel some of his public engagements because of protests by Nigerians living abroad”.

This lie is so easy to disprove.

Dr. Jonathan did not cancel any events. He could not attend two events in California and he asked me to represent there. The two events were his Keynote speech at the California State University in Sacramento and his leadership award by two California cities.

The truth of the matter is that Dr. Jonathan took ill and it was the officials of Nigeria’s mission in New York who actually took him to hospital. Both Dr. Paden and President Buhari can call the head of Mission in New York to confirm.

Lies are not the main problem of Paden’s book. The main problem is that the book places much focus on blaming others for Buhari’s shortcomings.

One would have thought that such a book would at least talk of President Buhari’s achievements, but on second thought, when you have a President who has little or no achievements, I suppose you would have to make do with lies and accusations as fillers.

No matter how close Professor Paden thinks he is to Buhari, he cannot be as close to him as the President’s wife, Aisha.

After he finished giving his procured and false whitewashed verdict of Buhari, Aisha gave the real verdict on President Buhari as follows: “if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.”

No wonder that while Paden devotes over 60 pages of his 284-page book to former President Jonathan, he only devotes a few sentences in two pages (36-37) to the President’s wife, Aisha Buhari.

Of course, he tried unsuccessfully not to call too much attention to the one person who could disprove all the lies in his book.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

15 Opinion

Who is in charge of NNPC?

I

Azu Ishiekwene

n Anthony Sampson’s bestseller, The Seven Sisters, sleaze and oil go hand-in-hand. If there was a Nigerian version of that book, not only will sleaze and oil go hand-inhand, they will be inseparable bedmates, with incompetence as their guardian angel.

This corporation, which has defied every serious effort at reform, has been at the heart of our hopes and miseries for decades.

Its place in our lives is so important that, in the last 16 years, two presidents – Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari – decided to supervise it directly, regardless of public criticism.

Obasanjo could not quite tame the beast, and whatever little success he achieved has unraveled.

That is really an understatement for what happened in the years after.

Between 2010 and 2015, Nigeria earned about N51trillion from oil, but that was also the time when the Jonathan government transferred vital oil asset to local gangs and left the Petroleum Resources minister, Diezani AlisonMadueke, to manage them.

While Jonathan held her bag, Diezani shared trillions of naira among politicians, brokered

sweetheart oil swap deals and made sure NNPC was the ATM of the ruling party.

I’m told that one of the main reasons why Buhari decided to hold the ministerial portfolio was to restore confidence in oil majors who, due to their recent experiences, had vowed not to dine with any minister, even with a long spoon.

Before Buhari’s inauguration, Shell, Total, Agip, Chevron and ConocoPhillips offloaded asset valued at $11.5billion, partly because of the fall in oil prices, but mainly due to the monster of corruption That’s part of the legacy that President Buhari’s government wants to change. However, the news from the NNPC indicates that the beast is still alive and well.

If Buhari hoped to turn things around by directly supervising NNPC, that is clearly not working.

Where his experience and good intention might have made a difference, poor, inconsistent and unimaginative appointments have undone the place.

Buhari’s first mistake was to give in to pressure from those who wanted him to kick Ibe Kachikwu upstairs. The arguments that he was combining two offices – GMD and minister of state – and that an “outsider” could not fix the place were largely self-serving.

The lobbyists, mostly insiders who

felt threatened, wanted Kachikwu out of the way. He is not completely out of the way yet since he is still the junior minister and chairman of the NNPC Board. However, let us face it, the way things stand today, the man is just a piece of furniture.

If Kachikwu still has any illusions, the unilateral appointments made this week by the GMD, Maikanti Baru, should settle the matter.

Baru reversed virtually all the appointments made by Kachikwu six months ago and left his boss to find out what had happened from newspapers.

Kachikwu, who is supposed to be junior minister and chairman of the NNPC Board, had no idea of what was coming, when or why.

Baru may argue until the next super moon that he had only good intentions, but that is the paving stone on the road to hell. How can he possibly defend making such large scale changes behind the back of his immediate boss and the board?

The clandestine way those changes have already invited needless suspicions of an ethnic agenda. Out of 108 appointments, for example, 31 (or nearly 34 percent) are from the Northwest, his zone.

The South-South comes second with 20; the Northeast and Southwest come next with 17 each; the North-Central, 16, and the Southeast, 7.

In Nigeria’s ethnically charged math, Baru’s changes work out to 64 appointments for the North and 44 for the South. In addition, he passed over the head of his Southern boss to get approval.

For an administration that has been frequently accused of favouring a section of the country, it should find these changes worrisome.

Insiders in Baru’s office have denied any ethnic motive. They have denied that this was partly vendetta.

However, question is, why were the changes done behind the back of Kachikwu and the board? Why is the announcement coming 24 hours before the inauguration of the board?

I do not know how much longer Kachikwu is willing to put up with being kicked around.

If he can be moved to a largely ceremonial position without a reason; if NNPC’s pump price changes can be made without his knowledge, and if appointments can be made in a ministry that he supervises without his input, then he needs to ask himself if he still has a job.

The real elephant in the room is Buhari approving the changes before Kachikwu found out. It is yet another sad chapter in the greasy tale of the NNPC, a beast that apparently consumes the reform and the reformer.

What is wrong with our Trump?

L

Jaafar Jaafar

ess than a week after his victory, the newly elected American president, Donald J. Trump, as bad as he is, assembled his transition team. Still less than a week after the victory, Trump appointed Republican National Committee Chairman, Reince Priebus, as the chief of staff for the new administration. In the same day, Trump appointed the editor-in-chief of Breitbart News, Stephen Bannon, as chief strategist and senior counsellor.

Forget the nepotistic and racist themes that the new Trump team paint, the point at stake is the timeliness of the appointments.

If Trump, of all people, knows when to make key appointments, why shouldn’t our ‘all-credible’ President Muhammadu Buhari know? Why make procrastination, trial and error and indecision become the hallmark of the administration?

On June 3, 2015, barely five days after inauguration, President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to appoint 15 advisers was approved by the Senate. The Senate, thinking the president would hit the ground running, approved the request within 48 hours. However, the president pocketed the approval, appointing not more than six advisers in nearly two years. It still beats me why it

took our own ‘Trump’ three months, plus a two-month transition period to boot, to appoint his chief of staff and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). While the president ran the country without cabinet, civil servants had a field day, files clogged up, agencies were at the crossroads, the naira fell, the fuel crisis started, and before you say ‘Jack Robinson’, we were in recession.

It is baffling that President Buhari’s office is still running without a private secretary. This is a close aide who coordinates the president’s correspondences, receives phone calls on his behalf, drafts letters, paginates memos, assembles briefs, binds council extracts, crosschecks and documents approvals, works with the State House Chief of Protocol to manage the president’s schedule, etc.

No wonder we see many errors in the letters the president personally signs, delays in replying correspondence and some glitches and u-turns in a number of government decisions.

President Buhari’s economic adviser is still as unclear as his economic policy. A few months ago, a statement from the presidency said Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu is the President’s economic adviser but would be domiciled in the office of the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, who the presidency described as the “principal economy architect”. The president’s ears needed

no “economic noise”. No wonder the economy is “shaking and blinking” with a lawyer as “principal economy architect”.

A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, once said of his former principal: “Obasanjo was his own coordinating minister of the economy and chairman of the economic management team — which he chaired for 90 minutes every week. I met with him daily. In other words, he did not outsource economic management.”

No wonder Obasanjo left about $60 billion in foreign reserves after negotiating a debt cancellation with $12billion. It is dismaying that this government is enslaving our future with a proposed whopping $30 billion debt.

The president is yet to select any competent Nigerian to be his speechwriter. I am not surprised his speeches are infested with hanging sentences, solecism and — shamefully — plagiarism.

It appears Buhari is awaiting the appearance of eschatological Mahdi to appoint a minister from Kogi State to fill the void created by James Ocholi’s death in March. The president, so far, spent eight months thinking about replacing ONE minister. Will somebody tell Buhari it is a constitutional requirement that each state must have a minister?

The political adviser to the president is also a key to democratic government. The political adviser, being a cabinet position, attends Federal Executive Council meetings, and gives perspectives on political issues deliberated during the meeting.

Adverse effects of the absence of this key adviser are clear.

The party is at war with itself. The Executive is at war with the Legislature; the party national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, is at war with the party national leader; El-rufai is sparring with Atiku; Ganduje is fighting with Kwankwaso; Bindow is brawling with Nyako and; the party leaders are disgruntled. Nobody seems to advise the president on how to keep his house (party) in order.

Critical bodies like CBN, BOI, NERC, among others still work without Boards. Even the Boards of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), approved in August, have not been inaugurated till date. It should be noted that heads of agencies with statutory boards have certain limitations without a constituted Board, and absence of Boards breeds’ abuse of power.

It may be too late for the president to redeem his political image, but it is not too late to fill these important voids for the nation to move forward.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Features

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

s

17

CIS, others chart new course for MSMEs Bonny Amadi

Introduction The development of Nigeria’s Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), to drive the country’s long-awaited industrial revolution, will not only enhance standard of living of the populace through rise in employment, but also enhance the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

A cross-section of Nigerian economic experts at a recent conference by the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers (CIS), expressed the need for the industrialization of the country through greater emphasis on MSMEs and startups, to trigger a more robust and vibrant capital market.

The cross-fertilization of ideas was provoked at the CIS’ recently concluded 20th anniversary celebration in Lagos, with the theme, “building new pillars, creating new values for sustainable development.”

The MSMEs, the capital market experts espoused, are expected to emerge into future conglomerates that would eventually further economic development of the country by listing their shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, creating sustainable wealth for conglomeration of investors and generating revenue base for emerging investors as well.

The experts advocated for intensification of support base for the micro economic sector, which not only represents the highest employer of labour in the country, but also a major contributor to the GDP and economic stabilizing factor.

Value chain The two days’ confab, which not only was used to induct new Fellows and Associates of the institute, trended the line of economic emancipation for Nigerians through grassroots support to entrepreneurship. This, the panel of discussants concurred would light up the fire of industrialization, job creation, export drive and more foreign exchange earnings through the emergence of Nigeria’s MSMEs to world-class standard, churning out products and rendering services that favorably compete globally.

The stakeholders were of the consensus on the need for industrialization, spanning across sectors, deriving value chains of agricultural products’ mix and driven by the highest employer of labour, the MSMEs. The government, however should set the stage, creating processes, principles and favorable ground rules, crafting enabling policies and infrastructural requirements to midwife infant industries.

They, however, acknowledged that stockbrokers’ responsibilities are woven around the roles of capital market operators towards establishing sound

Abe

operating environment for drivers of the nations. Such segment would lubricate economy through sustenance of production and consumption, taking into account that without production and consumption, there will be no capital market.

The drivers of Nigerian capital market were also of the accord that they have the duty to enquire on how the government stimulates production which will further boost market penetration.

Chief Executive Officer, RTC Advisory Securities Limited, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje emphasizing on, “Why Nigeria should industrialize,” said that main challenge besieging the country rests on job creation and export competitiveness.

Agbaje said that Nigeria should take a cue from South Africa’s businesses in Nigeria, which span across multi sectorial divisions, including groceries, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, banking, Information technology, and entertainment of which the country is leveraging to earn foreign exchange from Nigeria, but noted that boosting Nigeria’s MSMEs could turn the tide in favour of the country.

According to him, Nigeria has the potential to grow its micro and medium scale entrepreneurial base, to compete favorably with global competitors and enhance export of globally competitive goods and services to attract the much needed foreign exchange.

“Today, MSMEs are responsible for 50 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and they employ over 80 per cent of Nigerians, they stand to further boost employment, economic growth and production” Agbaje said.

Onyema

“Today, MSMEs are responsible for 50 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and they employ over 80 per cent of Nigerians, they stand to further boost employment, economic growth and production,” Agbaje said.

Meanwhile, the CIS President, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, had earlier set the pace for the conference, saying that, the conference was coming at a time when the economy is in recession, adding that, the theme speaks towards development, which naturally, should be corollary of growth. He noted that there could be growth without development, as it was in the past, “but we believe that growth should be equitable and equitable growth and development should be holistic target objective of nations tending towards true prosperity” the growth he said could be driven by the MSMEs. According to Abe, “to catalyze the industrial growth faster the ‘pillar’

of the capital market is of utmost importance. Any effort towards driving growth and development without an optimal use of the mechanism can only shortchange the economy.”

Abe said that hence developed nations attained great heights on the back of their capital markets, and this should serve as a lesson in development of developing nations.

He urged Nigeria to tow the part of South Africa, which not only has evolved a vibrant capital market, but building a world-class infrastructures, a” prerequisite for poverty alleviation.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema said that the theme: ‘Building New Pillars, Creating New Values for Sustainable Development,’ sits at the very heart of the NSE. The NSE, Onyema said, is positioned to influence the adoption of globally recognized sustainability standards by Nigerian businesses community. These standards and principles, to which the Exchange itself adhere, the NSE CEO said, would help to shape investment decision-making, and have become increasingly important to attracting the global flows which the Nigerian market needs to support a more diverse and competitive economy.

The CEO said that, though the country is passing through challenging time, it is also time for retrospection and re-strategizing on how best to safeguard the future of the economy, and imbibe a culture of sustainability.

Onyema said that the believes that Nigerian’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will reinforce the vigor to revitalize the industrial and private sector and

encourage the public sector to partner with the private sector in providing energy, housing and transport services that meet economic, social and environmental demands.

“Indeed, the merger of the ministries of power, housing and works offers the federal government with an opportunity to push a broader sustainability agenda. We are already progressing our collaboration with the Ministry of Environment to bring the first Green bond to the Nigerian market first Quarter 2017” Onyema said.

Chief Executive Officer, Future View Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi, lending credence to Agbaje, said that sustainability plays major role in industrialization, adding that efforts should be put in place to consolidate and sustain gains recorded over the years on economic advancement, “How do we make sure that whatever we have achieved overtime would be maintained,” adding that, Nigeria in trying to achieve this should tilt towards industrialization and digitalization for economic growth” Ebi said that growing the entrepreneurial base of the country requires having the enabling infrastructure, consistent policy, social and economic expediency and harmonizing policies and plans to pursue common economic agenda irrespective of ethnic affiliations or religion.

Country Manager of Afex, Mr. Ayodeji Balogun said that the driver to bolster emergence of a more MSMEs rests on the establishment of enabling environment that will boost ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He said that Nigeria should focus on MSMEs extracting value chain from national agricultural produce, turning them into global standard quality end products globally competitive with forex earning potentials, thus increasing contributions to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

Balogun said that tax burden and lack of funds have forced many MSME’ to close shops , while some companies of over 50 years in the country could still be classified as infant companies based on the impact of harsh operating environment on them.

Balogun said that Nigeria needs to establish MSMEs clusters, which he described as important for cost effective operations as well as lowest cost of infrastructures.

Speaking on the dangers of establishing industries and starting up business ventures in the country, the Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Mr. Muda Yusuf said that in the country, infant industries even of over 50 years, are still finding to difficult to grow.

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

‘Inflation officially enters uncharted territory’ A research by SBM, indicated that inflation has hit the roof tops, causing grave discomfort to the economy, as comply by FEMI GANIYU The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, on Monday, released new data showing that the Consumer Price Index, CPI, a measure of inflation, rose to a 94-month high of 18.3 per cent in October.

The 18.3 per cent inflation rate, which is about 0.48 per cent higher than the 17.9 per cent recorded in September, is the highest since January 2009, when the NBS started publishing the revised CPI. The bureau attributed the increase in inflation rate to pressures recorded in some sub-indexes such as, housing, electricity, gas, water, lubricants for personal transport and education. It explained that while the prices of food items, such as bread, cereals, fish and meat also recorded significant increases, fruit prices moderated during the period.

The report added that the least growth pace recorded in October, was experienced in communication (5.7 per cent), restaurants and hotels (9.4 per cent), and recreation and culture (10.3 percent). The NBS noted that the urban index rose by 19.9 percent (year-on-year) in October, from 19.5 per cent recorded in September, while the rural index increased by 16.95 per cent in October from 16.4 percent in the previous month.

Emefiele

All the drivers of the CPI, point to the fact that we are yet to reach the peak of this inflationary trend. Perhaps, the biggest point to note is that an increase in the pump price

of petrol looms, as well as the scarcity of essential commodities. Taking these two factors into consideration, we predict that inflation will experience a pronounced spike in the December and January 2017.

The CBN wants to take its regulatory onus to frightening proportions The CBN is proposing a string of new amendments to the Foreign Exchange, Monitoring and Miscellaneous Exchange Act (FEMM). The regulator made its position known in a “working paper” shared to members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and can also be found in the website of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.

The Act signed into law in 2014, liberalised the foreign exchange market in Nigeria allowing for foreign investors to import money into the country and repatriate same freely. The Minister of Finance has overall responsibility for the Nigerian foreign exchange market structure under the Act of 2004 and this could set the stage for a fierce rivalry with the CBN,according to dealers and lawyers.

They also say the CBN has no legal powers to control or peg rates for transactions in the interbank foreign exchange market

,as the apex bank appears to be doing at the moment.

Citing the Act, senior bankers, as well as some of the nation’s top lawyers noted that the overall regulatory power for the foreign exchange market structure lies with the Minister of Finance and not the regulator.

The move by the CBN is an alarming one, which finally discredits the float announced by the CBN governor, to even the most casual of observers. These moves, if passed into law, would not only violate the rights of Nigerians, but would also see the government reneging on all the commitments it made to foreign investors, which saw them bringing in their capital into the Nigerian economy over the years.

Some unintended consequences of this move will be the hoarding of FX by Nigerians, and abuse of such a poorly crafted law by security agencies. We urge the National Assembly to do not just the patriotic thing, but the sensible thing in not only striking these proposals down, but to issue a strong statement cautioning the CBN governor, and reassuring investors of Nigeria’s commitment to free movement of capital and the proceeds of business.

Oil in Lagos: What does the future hold?

By Benjamin Omoike When in May this year, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said the state had officially joined Nigeria’s league of oil producing states with the discovery of crude oil by Tunde Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited in Badagry, many were understandably ecstatic.

Governor Ambode had made the declaration when the management of the company led by Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, its Group Managing Director, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja. He commended the firm for its doggedness and achievement of the feat after 25 years of hard work.

The response, which greeted the cheering news, was intensified when the state’s number one citizen declared that Lagos would apply to the Federal Government for the 13 per cent derivation enjoyed by oil producing states.

“I want to thank you very much for this and I know that based on section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution, Lagos has become an oil producing state. By virtue of this achievement, the 13 per cent derivation that is due to oil producing states, Lagos will start to partake from it by your very good gesture. So, we officially declare Lagos State an oil producing state.

We also notify the Federal Government by this action that we would be sharing out of the 13 per cent derivation. All we need do is to apply and then we join,” Ambode said.

The governor said the feat had placed Lagos in the history books as the first state outside the Niger Delta to become an oil producing state and that it had also opened up a new page for revenue generation in the state.

Tunde Folawiyo said the discovery of crude oil in Aje field located in Block OML 113 offshore Lagos, took over 25 years to achieve, and this had shown that there were possibilities when government lent support to indigenous investors and companies.

Folawiyo said the company had committed about 400 million dollars to achieve the feat. He said the current status of the oil well had the capacity to produce at least 12,000 barrels per day, with a possibility of increasing to 25,000 or 50,000 barrels per day in the nearest future.

The highlight of the occasion was Folawiyo presenting Governor Ambode with a sample of the crude oil discovered by his company.

Laudable as this feat is, especially with all the accompanying accolades, the question on the lips of industry watchers, analysts, stakeholders, informed players and public commentators alike is; ‘should Lagos really be celebrating?’

There seems to be more of those who believe that the Lagos State Government should tread softly at this time rather than get carried away by the discovery of the ‘black gold’ in its domain. They argue that the world over, history has it that wherever oil is discovered, in no distant time from such a discovery, there would be major challenges.

It is an open secret that issues of transparency and accountability continue to ravage the sector. A large per cent of the corruption being caused at the federal level is perpetrated through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

One cannot fail to mention the colossal loss of lives, not to mention the gross environmental degradation of monumental proportionswhich destroy the ecosystem- associated with

Ambode

crude oil production. Illegal bunkering and vandalisation of pipelines is rife in areas where crude oil is produced. There have been well documented reports of widespread cases where all of these have occurred. The case of the Niger Delta, especially the Ogoni situation is not farfetched.

This is why the former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta and Chairman Presidential Amnesty Pro-

gramme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, estimates the cost of restoring the Niger Delta environment to well over one trillion dollars ($1tn).

Kuku found a ready ally in Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, an environmentalist, who hazarded a 30-year clean-up plan in Ogoni land alone, adding that, “the money from oil cannot restore the environment.”

The clean-up of the heavily polluted Ogoni land was recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, in its report in 2011. According to the UNEP, the clean-up will take 30 years to complete and cost the government and other stakeholders $1 billion.

Many are of the opinion that rather than being a blessing, the discovery of oil in Lagos might end up being a curse.

Their argument is based on facts which prove that in this clime, when it comes to this sector, governments have been more reactive than being proactive. It is hoped that the relative peace and steady overall growth being enjoyed by Lagos would not be truncated by this discovery.

The Lagos State Government says its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), has hit a staggering N24.5 billion in just one month, despite the economic crunch ravaging the country.

As a follow up, the government said it was set to increase the IGR to N30 billion monthly in 2017, and N50 billion monthly in 2018, as well as a yearly budget size of N1 trillion by 2018. The state government said it had resolved to scale up and run efficient revenue collection machinery through the convergence of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) operations and utilization of cutting edge technologies. Now, all these ‘successes’ and projections have been made without oil in the picture.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

19

Features

EPA will enhance Nigeria’s economic diversification, says EU Doubts surrounding Nigeria’s willingness to endorse the Economic Partnership Agreement entered between the European Union (EU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has been addressed by the EU. The Head of Trade and Economics Section of the EU, Mr. Filippo Amato, in an exclusive interview with Daily Times, said that a vast majority of manufacturing firms in Nigeria stand to gain from the deal, because it will remove all European Union tariffs on Nigerian exports. He told CHIBISI OHAKAH and MATHEW DADIYA that, 95% of firms in the country will benefit from lower input prices under the EPA.

What is the reason for this economic partnership agreement?

There are two basic reasons, one is a legal reason: the prior system of unilateral preferential access to the EU was deemed incompatible with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, because of its discriminatory nature (vis-a-vis the non -ACP developing countries). The second reason is economic: 50 years of various multilateral GATT rounds and tariff disarmament and of multiple preferential regimes, have led to the phenomenon of ‘preference erosion’ and have not translated in any substantial development of trade flows from ACP countries to the EU. What is the deal for ECOWAS? For West Africa, the EPA will support investment, industrialization and diversification objectives, by providing immediate duty-free access to the EU market, while gradually reducing tariffs over a period of 20 years on input and machinery from the EU (excluding by contrast, products, which are sensitive for West Africa’s economy and industrialization potential, such as, consumer goods and agricultural produces), and providing safeguards for West Africa’s domestic production, infant industry and food security.

In particular, West Africa has excluded all the products, which are considered most sensitive and currently face a 35 per cent duty under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), such as meat, including poultry, yogurt, eggs, processed meat, cocoa powder and chocolate, tomato paste and concentrate, waters, soap and printed fabrics.

Also excluded from liberalization, are half of the products currently attracting 20 per cent duty under the ECOWAS CET, such as, fish and fish preparations, milk, butter and cheese, vegetables, flour, spirits, cement, ceramics, paints, perfumes and cosmetics, stationery, textiles and apparel and fully built cars. At the same, West Africa’s tariffs will be progressively eliminated on goods, such as equipment and other inputs thereby making them cheaper for local businesses.

What is the deal for the European Union?

First, the EPA ensures compatibility with WTO (World Trade Organisation) of the EU trade relations with ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries including West Africa. Indeed, the preferential treatment that the EU had granted to the ACP countries under the Lomè Convention, whereby the EU allowed duty-free quota-free access to its market without any reciprocal obligation from its ACP partners, was considered not compatible with the WTO rules by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.

Second, the EU has an interest in the stability of Africa: it looks strategically at the benefits it would get in the long-term, by promoting stability and development of West Africa. That is why the EU has offered to open 100 per cent of its market as of day 1 of the entry into force of the EPA, while it has accepted that the West African party opens only partially and gradually (over a period of 20 years) its market to the import of EU inputs and machineries, while continuing to protect all its sensitive sector, i.e, agriculture and manufacturing.

Third, the EPA will gradually open in the medium or long term, business opportunities and increase legal certainty for European investors in the West African region.

Filippo Amato

When was the economic agreement between EU and West Africa signed?

Negotiations between EU and West Africa took off in 2004, but the most important milestone was the adoption by ECOWAS of a Common External Tariff (CET) on 25 October 2013; after 1 round only of post CET discussions, negotiations were concluded in February 2014 in Ghana. All 28 EU Member states and 13 of the 16 West African states signed the EPA in December 2014.

The Gambia, Mauritania and Nigeria have not yet signed. All countries must sign before ratification can begin. Only with ratification; not signature will the EPA enter into force. If the deal is not ratified by October 2016, Ghana and Cote d’ Ivoire will face losing their temporary free access to the EU. What are the features of this Economic Partnership Agreement?

The EPA establishes a partnership based on common objectives, and asymmetrical obligations in West Africa’s favor. All West Africa’s exports are granted immediate duty- free access to the EU. In turn, West Africa will gradually reduce duties on 75% of EU imports over a long transaction period of 20 years.

The EPA is aligned with the EU development assistance to support implementation, including at least, 6.5 billion from 2015-2019. This support will continue beyond 2019 during the whole tran-

sition of 20 years. (2035). There are many safeguards to support domestic production, infant industry and food security and the EU will not use subsidies on agriculture exports to West Africa.

Enhanced cooperation on issues, such as standards, trade in services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, business environment, custom cooperation, Joint monitoring institutions including an EPA Council, an Implementation Committee, a Parliamentary Committee and a Civil Society Forum.

What is the deal for Nigeria?

A September, 2014 World Bank study, showed overall positive effects on the Nigerian consumers and producers, with very limited fiscal losses.

The vast majority of manufacturing firms actually stand to gain from the deal. 95% of Nigerian firms will benefit from lower input prices under the EPA. Helping Nigerian firms’ competitiveness will far offset any negative impacts of EPA. Is there any benefit Nigeria will derive from EPA, especially, as it concern commodity export?

Certainly, the Economic Partnership Agreement will remove all European Union tariffs on Nigerian exports. Nigeria currently does not benefit from this, but neighbours, such as, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire do. This will present opportunities for increasing exports from Nigeria to the EU, and with a wider range of products granted

Nigeria would increase its competitiveness in its main export market for agricultural products and transform goods favoring product diversification.

duty free EU access.

This should also encourage greater diversification of Nigerian exports. Generous rules of origin for sourcing inputs means Nigerian business can also more easily incorporate parts or process goods from other countries without their exports losing the benefit of duty free EU access. This will improve Nigeria’s ability to benefit from opportunities to export to EU and further increase capacity to participate in global value chains.

Therefore, tariffs on importations from the EU will be progressively (5 to 20 years) eliminated on goods such as equipment and other industrial inputs like machinery, auto parts, etc. These products will contribute to the industrialization of Nigeria and Nigerian firms’ competitiveness.

Reduction in aground-machinery and equipment tariffs should help to support diversification and agriculture efficiency.

As good as this sounds, don’t you also consider the fact that domestic industries, sensitive agricultural and other consumer products will be at risk?

Absolutely not. The EPA protects Nigeria’s domestic industries and sensitive agricultural and other consumer products. Indeed, the Agreement does not eliminate tariffs at all on sensitive West African Agricultural products and consumer goods. There are also safeguards to protect domestic industry and food security. Furthermore, the EU has agreed not to subsidize any of its exports to West Africa under an EPA. The EU is Africa’s main market for agricultural products and transformed goods well beyond other partners, like the US and China. Nigeria would increase its competitiveness in its main export market for agricultural products and transform goods favoring product diversification.

Many African states like, South Africa and Kenya, have already declared their intention to sign EPAs rapidly at the end of 2015, as a way to help increase their trade with the EU. There is a notion that the progressive lifting of 75 per cent tariff lines on imports from the EU will ruin local industries, how will you balance such claim?

The point is very clear, progressive lifting of 75% tariff lines on imports from the EU over a period of 20 years will not damage Nigerian firms. West Africa has negotiated a progressive abolishment of tariff on 75 per cent category of products imported from Europe over a period of 20 years, compared to approximately 85% for Southern Africa. West Africa decided internally which products to exclude from liberalization, providing protection for sensitive products.

What would Nigeria and indeed, the West Africa derive from EPA? It provides for enhanced cooperation in Agriculture and fisheries. It will establish a high-level dialogue on agricultural policies, creating transparency and improving coherence on agricultural matters within West Africa and with EU. The EU also agreed not to subsidize exports of EU farm products to the region.

The EPA commits the EU to cooperation with a view to limit technical barriers to trade. More widely, to help West African farmers meet the EU’s sanitary and photo-sanitary standards, financial and technical support is provided. EU food and veterinary experts will be available to help solve problems.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE DIRECTOR (LANDS) ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM ( AGIS) THAT THE OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY OF THE LANDED PROPERTY LOCATED AT PLOT 1233 CADASTRAL ZONE DO9 OF KAGINI WITH FILE NO. MISC 103310 AND MEASURING IN SIZE 1.07 HECTARE IS LOST, SIGNED: KOLA OYEDOTUN ESQ (SECRETARY) FREEDOM ADEJOH WORLD OUTREACH The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Freedom Adejo 2. Evang. ( Mrs) Patience Adejo.

3. Bishop Frank Abuka.

4. Rev Mary Sadoluwa.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1, To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.

2, To tender assistance to the less privileged.

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

Signed : Aleichenu Ogwuche, ESQ. 08038960192.

ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA INDUSTRIAL MACHINE INVENTORS AND FABRICATORS

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. CHIMBUO VICTOR CHINEDUM -president 2. CHARLES JAMES -secretary 3. CHIAGOZIEM SUNNY AGWU -treasurer 4. CHUKWUMA ABURU MBAM -financial Secretary 5. UZAH EMEKA ELIJAH -member 6. JOHN TUEYI -PPRO 7. NNABUIHE NWABUEZE ELIEZAR -member 8. CHIMBUO EMMANUEL EZE -member 9. OCKIYA TAMUNOEMI - Member

21 Public Notice

ADVOCATES FOR PEACE,UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR RGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO.1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1.MR. ISHAKU SHEKARI 2.SANI A. IBRAHIM 3.CECELIA MUSA 4.CHARITY OGBOLE 5.FATIMA IBRAHIM LAMAJI 6.LAWAL SARKI SAMBO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO ADVOCATE FOR PEACE AND UNITY IN NIGERIA 2.TO CREATE MASSIVE AWARENESS ON THE NEED FOR PEACE AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION 3.TO ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY BASED CONFLICT PREVENTION,MANAGEMENT AND RESOLUTION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWRDED TO REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT420 TIGRIS CRECSENET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: CECELIA MUSA – SECRETARY

AUCTION SALES

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

Signed: SECRETARY AZAMANODU YOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION IMIAKEBU

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ASUNOGIE WAHAB -PRESIDENT 2. BAWA ABDULKADIRI-SECRETARY 3. BELLO IBRAHIM-TRESURER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: - To encourage and empower the youth in Imiakebu community.

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: KAMIN BELLO ASUNOGIE ESQ Oshiozokha Chamber

SAVE SAHARA NETWORK

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES INCLUDE: 1. To carry out activities and intervention leading to protection, restoration and rehabilitation of biological diversity as well as support of rural livelihoods.

2. To facilitate collaboration and partnership among individuals and organization with a respect to protection and conservation of flora and fauna diversity.

3. To create public awareness and advocacy on current environmental issues leading to a appropriate intervention.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission. Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED; PASTOR A.O. AIYEDOGBON Abel Aiyedogbon & Co. 30, Murtala Moh’d Way, Ilorin.

SIGNED: POLICE AUCTIONEER ABU OSODIONAHON 08060382828 RYTHMS OF GOD FOUNDATION

ALLIS VIVERE FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES: 1. CHARLES WARIEBI BOB PRESIDENT 2. ESTHER UCHE UYE, SECRETAR. 3. PETER ISOKO UYE, TREASURER.

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

SIGNED : SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. Provision of free basic health care to combat common Ailments.

Signed: Pastor A.O. Aiyedogbon Abel Aiyedogbon & Co. 30, Murtala Moh’d Way, Ilorin

1. ONE SCRAP MAZDA 626 CAR REG. NO. MHA 901 PR 2. ONE SCRAP VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT REG. NO. HL ASB 876 XA 3. ONE SCRAP HONDA ACCORD CAR REG. NO. BRR 316 BZ

Signed: RUFUS NELSON NWOKORO 08150756949, 08033420983

TRUSTEES 1. PROF. OLUWATOYIN ASHIRU. - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. OLUWADAMILOLA OBAZELE. - SECRETARY 3. DR. YAKUBU FISSE. 4. MRS. OYINKANSOLA ONUNKWOR

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES INCLUDE: 1. To organise Spiritual and Church gatherings and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls for Christ.

3. To promote the spirit of charity.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission. Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES MOTORCYCLES AND HOUSE HOLD ITEMS AT RUMUJI DIVISIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTER OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To Train And Retrain Members For Better Service Delivery.

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

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

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration of its Trustees under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Fadeyi Oluwasesan Isaac 2. Pastor Mrs. Fadeyi Elizabeth Olufunke 3. Pastor Agboola Adebayo 4. Brother Samuel Olayinka Fadeyi 5. Pastor Aransiola Julius Alabi 6. Mr. Abiodun Oke 7. Elder Olushola F. A. Tunde

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration of its Trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Babalola Folaranmi Dapo 2. Dr. Oyeyemi Eyitayo Ayinde 3. Mrs. Oluwakemi Adebimpe Babalola 4. Dr. Afolayan Adedotun .O. 5. Dr. Bola Olusola Adeleke

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To develop raw talents among youths expecially, under privilege and poor children.

2.To make the world a better place through divine gift and educating youths of their purpose on earth.

3.To reach youths all over the world through wide renge coverage of events, seminars, workshops and preaching good news of God’s ministration.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar-General, Corporate Affair Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

PROACTIVE EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

THE GLORIOUS FULFILMENT CHURCH OF CHRIST

EVANS IMAFIDON GLOBAL INITIATIVE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. FR. ANDREW OROGUN - Director 2. MR. FREDERICK ATIGOGO - Resource Manager 3. BARR. ANTHONY ITEDJERE - Secretary 4. MR. FAMOUS IDONOTEGUONO - Member 5. MR. ONAMARONA JOE OROGUN - Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To assist the less privileged in the society; such as orphans, widows and physically challenged.

2. To offer scholarship to indigent but brilliant students especially the orphans, the less privileged and children of widows.

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

SIGNED: BARR. ANTHONY ITEDJERE (Secretary AFRICAN CENTRE FOR CULTURAL & ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

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

TRUSTEES 1. EVANS OSAHON IMAFIDON. - CHAIRMAN 2. ISAAC DARE. - SECRETARY 3. BOLUWADE OGUNDAHUNSI

The general public is hereby informed that the above has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Aim and objective 1. To help the indigent and the less privileged in the society.

2. To create awareness on the harm and danger of drug abuse 3. To assist abused children and women in the society Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.) To position tourism as a national and international platform for optimal socio-economic and sustainable development 2) To exploit the creative and cross-cultural resources of tourism for sustainable socio-economic development in Africa

Signed: SECRETARY

INITIATIVE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the corporate Affairs commission for the Appointment Removal and the Retained of trustee registration under part’ C’ of the company and Allied Matters Act of 1990 .

TRUSTEES 1. OTUNBA FOLARIN ABRAHAM- RETAINED 2. MRS. OLAYEMI ARIBO. - REMOVED 3. MR. OLUWAFEMI OLAKUNLE - RETAINED 4. PROF. DANIEL OBIKEZE. - REMOVED 5. DR. CYRIL UBIEM. - RETAINED 6. MR. NNANNA OGBONNA. - REMOVED 7. Dr.Mrs.SEMUDARA JUMOKE - RETAINED Name of The Trustees Appointed 1. Dr. ADEYEMI - OSOWE, OMOSEHIN. 2. Dr. K. VICTOR. OGUNRO

TRUSTEES ARE -:1. BAKINDE AKINWALE CHAIRMAN 2. OGUNSOLU KOLAWOLE JOSEPH - TREASURER 3. TIJANI AZEEZ ADEBISI GENERAL SECRETARY

Any objection to the above 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: SECRETARY

PAPA WELLNESS FOUNDATION

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

NAMES OF TRUSTEES 1.Dr Olu -Victor Sunmoni -President 2. Chief Ola Anibaba -Vice President 3.Mr Ola Garba 4 Dr Victoria Sunmoni 5. Mr Dele Daramola. -Treasurer 6. prince Ade Olukoga. -General Secretary 7.Mr Olajide Ayoola 8 Mrs Temi Sunmoni, RN 9.Mr Oloyede Makinde 10. Mr Seun Odekanmi

AIM AND OBJECTIVE REMAIN THE SAME Any objections to the Appointment Removal and the Retained of trustees registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To start wellness and peace in every family Home throughout the federation 2.To provide complete Immunization for many neglected children in rural Areas Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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: SOLICITOR.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

22 Public Notice GOLDEN CHANGE FOR CONCERNED YOUTH INITIATIVE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEES (1) Ngwakwe Hezekiah Kennedy - (Chairman) (2)Haj.MONISOLA LAKANSE. - (secretary) (3) Alh. Ado Lawal.

(4)Ngwakwe Williams.

(5)Chief Bello Bamidele Abdul.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To assist the less priviledge youths Any objection to this publication 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. BAR.(MRS) GENA EKI ALEXANDER

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

TRUSTEES 1. Julietta Ofuyeta; 2. Michael Ofuyeta; 3. Vivian Reinl Orakposin; 4. Marc Reinl; 5. Ilabiegha Abbey Henry.

Aim: 1. Empowering the youth and the nation for a better tomorrow through free empowerment and vocational/entrepreneurship development training program.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

BEULA LAND GOSPEL MINISTRY

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

TRUSTEES (1) Emmanuel Oyetunde Yusuf.

(2) Esther ENitan Yusuf.

(3) Emmanuel Shalom.

(4) John A Oyero.

(5) Adesoji Olufolahan (6) Amos B Alabi.

(7) Ezekiel A Yusuf.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) To preach the gospel of Christ to the whole world. , (2) To organize evangelistic programmes and outreaches to reach souls for Christ.(3) To carry out philanthropic and charitable activities and support disadvantaged people within and beyond communities where the ministry is reaching out with the gospel of Christ.

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

Signed: AKINWALE AKINLAWON Esq. ( Legal Practitioner) 08036188219.

CALVARY POINTERS COVENANT CHURCH

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

TRUSTEES 1.Evangelist/Mrs Celestina Emmanuel.

2. Pst Mrs Magdalene Alasa.

3. Apostle Emmanuel Agwojo.

4. Mrs Alasa Ketumi kate.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. Reaching out to widows.

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 SECRETARY

NON VIOLENCE FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPNMENT

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

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

TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR AJISAFE OPEYEMI SEUN - PRESIDENT 2. PASTOR (MRS) AJISAFE ADEWUNMI MARY - SECRETARY 3. ENGR OLUWALEYE OLAOLU PETER 4. MR ADEOSUN DEBO OLUWASEGUN

TRUSTEES 1. SAMUEL UKPONG 2. OLADIMEJI PETER THOMPSON 3. SHEIK HALIRU ABDULAHI MARAYA 4. REV JOHN JOSEPH HAYAB

Aim: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. They believe in the vision of strong peaceful and profitable Nigeria Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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: SECRETARY

ARISE O NIGERIA EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

OASIS INITIATIVE FOR HUMAN DIGNITY.

AFRICAN FARMERS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

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

TRUSTEES 1. JONATHAN OJADAH- Chairman 2. NWANI PETER CHUKWUEL OZIE 3. ASENUGA BABATUNDE-Secretary 4. LANVIN ESCOBISE BROWN 5. Julietta Ofuyeta

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

NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE (1.)Oluseye Omolade Igbafe-Chairperson (2)Alabi Dasola Olayinka (3) Fabusuyi Abimbola (4)Afolabi Similoluwa-Secretary (5)Courage Nsirimovu-member (6Joseph George-member.

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1 Empowering the youth and the nation for a better tomorrow through free empowerment and vocational/entrepreneurship development training program.

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

Aims: 1.To rid the society of any form of abuse through sensitization.

2.TO ENHANCE THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN WORTH THROUGH AWARENESS. 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: Secretary

Signed by Mbah Chinwendu Ufere Esq.

GIRLS GROW INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.Esiole Chuks Moses. 2. Esiole Tracy.

3. Nwosu Nnamdi 4. Esiole Collins Chidubem 5. Chekwube Benneth.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1.To encourage farmers coorperation amongst African and other nations.

2.To support African agricultural commodity producers to secure funding Any 0bjection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi lronsi Street Maitama Abuja Within 28 Days from the date of this Publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

TOTAL SKILLS ACQUISITION AND TRANSFORMATION CENTRE.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. NGERE LAURETTA 2. AKOMOLAFE ADEDAYO OMOTAYO 3. LAWAL BABATUNDE OLAWALE 4. IROHIBE IFEOMA JONATHAN

EUREKA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation 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 centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE ISTo engage girls in skill acquisition, vocational training and constantly advocate for their employment.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE EDUCATION 2. TO PROMOTE READING CULTURE.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To organise and train unemployed youths and graduates in vocational skills in agriculture, ICT, stocks etc without any discrimination as to age, Sex and religion in FCT and its environs.

2. To assist youths under the programme upon graduation to set up enterprises for gainful employment and life long occupation

Any objection to the registration should be directed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of the publication

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

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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 BY:- SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

Signed: Secretary

TRUSTEES: 1. EMMANUEL OLUWAWUNMI GODWISE. 2. OLUROTIMI ADENIJI.

Trustees: 1. Adegbuyi olakunle. 2. Akinsewa akiode.

3. Olumide Obidiran

THE ARK OF GOD REVIVAL EVANGELICAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

CHANGE OF FAMILY NAME

OMOLOLA MORIYANUOLUWA GRACE OGUNGBE

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

We, formerly known and addressed as A. HARRISON IDORNIGIE, B. COLLINS OSIKEMEHAI IDORNIGIE, C. HERBERT OSIKPHEMI IDORNIGIE, D. DAVID EGHOGHO IDORNIGIE, now wish to be known and addressed as, A. HARRISON AMAGHU, B. COLLINS OSIKEMEHAI AMAGHU, C. HERBERT OSIKPHEMI AMAGHU, D. DAVID EGHOGHO AMAGHU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

By an order for legal guardianship and auxiliary orders Miss. Omolola Moriyanuoluwa OGUNBIYI is to be known and addressed henceforth as Miss. Omolola Moriyanuoluwa Grace OGUNGBE. All documents home and abroad remain valid, General public should please take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1) Daniel Bassey Ekpo (2) Mfon Daniel Bassey (3) David James Akpe (4) Imoh James Udofia (5) Effioing Affion Eyo. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To preach the full Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring people close to God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY :-Godson Samuel SNR ESQ

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

23

N4.7 MONEY LAUNDERING: Ladoja risks EFCC’s arrest ÏÏÏFormer

Governor of Oyo state, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, risks arrest by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following his refusal to show up in Court at the resumption of his trial last week.

This is because, following his action, the EFCC requested that a warrant of arrest by issued by the Fed-

MATTHEW ADEJOH NEGEDU

eral High Court in Lagos.

The EFCC had scheduled the arraignment of the former Governor over an alleged N4.7 billion money laundering charge earlier instituted against him by the Commission.

Former Governor Ladoja was scheduled for arraignment before the court yesterday alongside his ex-aide, Chief

EKEANYANWU OGECHI ANN

Waheed Akanbi, following his failure to quash the 10 counts charge preferred against him.

Ladoja had gone to an appellate court seeking the court order to order the discontinuation of his trial which Justice Sidi Bage rejected and ordered the former governor to continue his trial at the lower court.

The former gov-

ernor had through his former lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), appealed against the decision of a Federal High Court in Lagos which refused to quash the charge.

Justice Bage in his judgement held that the EFCC had the power to prosecute the former Governor under Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004.

Ladoja

ANIFOWOSE FOYEKE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

AGBOKERE MODUPE OLUWATOSIN

JANE ODINAKA NWOKOCHA

Formerly Onifade Modupe Oluwatosin. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Agbokere Modupe Oluwatosin(Mrs).

Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

Formerly Maryjane Odinaka Nwokocha NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Jane Odinaka Nwokocha. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

MATTHEW ADEJOH NEGEDU, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEJOH NEGEDU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MATTHEW ADEJOH NEGEDU .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

EKEANYANWU OGECHI ANN, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EKEANYANWU OGECHUKWU ANN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EKEANYANWU OGECHI ANN . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AWODIPUPO FOYEKE but now with to be known and addressed as MRS. ANIFOWOSE FOYEKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public of loss of certificate of occupancy belonging to PRINCE E. AGBAEZE , of No 16 Nnamani Street opposite Former Emene police Station with Reg No 70/70/1640 . At Land Registry Enugu. All effort to trace the said document proved abortive. If found return to the Ministry of Lands Enugu.

EKEM CHUKWUEMEKA

RAHEEM OYERIKE IKOTUN

I, formerly known and addressed as, CHUKWUEMEKA OSU OYITEX VINCENT, now wish to be known and addressed as, EKEM CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

TEMITOPE RUTH ATANDA I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. DIAMOND TEMITOPE RUTH ADEBIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. TEMITOPE RUTH ATANDA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of loss of Deed of Assignment at Land Registry, Reg. No. 2/2/1595 belonging to MRS AGBO CATHERINE of plots 60 New Town Layout. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

KAFILAT OLUSEYI ALADE I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS KAFILAT OLUWASEYI OLADIPUPO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS KAFILAT OLUSEYI ALADE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

IKE OLUEBUBE FAITH , FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKEKE OLUEBUBE FAITH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IKE OLUEBUBE FAITH .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

JEPHTHER OBINNA AJOKU

FRIDAY BARIYIMA SEEWIN

ATOUKUDU CHARITY BETTER

AMAKA QUEENDARLYN ANAMS

GRACE IFEOMA ILE

I, formerly known and addressed as, JEPHTHAH NKEMAKOLAM AJOKU, now wish to be known and addressed as, JEPHTHER OBINNA AJOKU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

This is to confirm that, BARIYIMA FRIDAY BARITUAKA and FRIDAY BARIYIMA SEEWIN, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, FRIDAY BARIYIMA SEEWIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNALUE SUNDAY INNOCENT

NNALUE: I, formerly known and addressed as MR NNALUE SUNDAY NNALUE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNALUE SUNDAY INNOCENT. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

CHIKODINAKA OHANWE PRECIOUS

I, formerly known as PRECIOUS JASPER wish to be known and addressed as CHIKODINAKA OHANWE PRECIOUS All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS FOLARIN OYERIKE DASOLA Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS RAHEEM OYERIKE IKOTUN. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities Please take note.

EBIPURUONWU JUDITH CHIBUZOR

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBIKWERE JUDITH CHIBUZOR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EBIPURUONWU JUDITH CHIBUZOR. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OCHULO JOY CHINYERE.

OGBONNA- ANYA CHINWENDU CHRISTIANA

ABIAKA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ABIAKA CHINWENDU CHRISTIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBONNAANYA CHINWENDU CHRISTIANA . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

GARBA SULAIMON GALADI

I, formerly known as Garuba Sulamom Tanko wish to be known and addressed as Garba Sulaimon Galadi. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. CHIMEZIE JOY CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OCHULO JOY CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BOB CHUCKS OPENE I, ROBERT CHUKWUMA OPENE, ROBERT CHUCKS OPENE, BOB ROBERT OPENE, AND BOB CHUCKS OPENE, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, BOB CHUCKS OPENE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ATOUKUDU CHARITY AMADI, now wish to be known and addressed as ATOUKUDU CHARITY BETTER. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AHMED SANI

I, formerly known and addressed as, MR. LAWAL AHMED, now wish to be known and addressed as, MR. AHMED SANI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, AHORKA LEMEA CYRUS, wish to correct my name which was erroneously written as, AHARKA NEMEA, instead of, AHORKA LEMEA CYRUS, in my bank details and company certificate. I now wish to be known and addressed as, AHORKA LEMEA CYRUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed Queendaline Anams now wish to be known and addressed as Amaka Queendarlyn Anams. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note AUGUSTINA OYIMA UCHEH

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AUGUSTA OYINNE NNAMONU, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. AUGUSTINA OYIMA UCHEH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

WARRIE EMEH MONDAY I, MISS. WARRIE EMEH MONDAY, wish to correct my name which was erroneously written as, WARRIE EMEH SUNDAY, instead of, WARRIE EMEH MONDAY, in my PVC. I now wish to be known and addressed as, WARRIE EMEH MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IKE OLUEBUBE FAITH

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. GRACE IFEOMA CHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GRACE IFEOMA ILE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EMAIDO IDONGESIT DIDYMUS

I, formerly known and addressed as, EMA AKPAN, now wish to be known and addressed as, EMAIDO IDONGESIT DIDYMUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SIMON JACINTA KEJURU

ODOH: I, formerly known and addressed as ODOH JACINTA.K.,now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON JACINTA KEJURU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

THOMPSON ANIEBIET

I, formerly known as Thompson Aniebiet Ikono wish to be known and addressed as Thompson Aniebiet. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Anxiety heightens as gunmen hijack bus, kidnap undergraduate in Enugu Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎ

An atmosphere of fear now pervades Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state as gunmen again struck the town less than three days after abducting a famous baker, Chief Vincent Okonkwo, and a lawyer, Mr. Josephat Nzewi, to kidnap one Miss

Ugo Roland a final year student of University of PortHarcourt (UNIPORT).

Investigation reviewed that Ms Roland, a native of Abiriba in Abia state, is a final year student of the department of History and International Relations at UNIPORT was on Tuesday heading to University of Nigeria Nsukka to source for materials for

her final year project when the hoodlums attacked Peace Mass Transit (PMT) bus she was traveling in around 6.30pm at Ede-Oballa which is about three kilometers to Nsukka town.

Daily Times in an interview with a passenger of the bus who pleaded anonymity said as soon as the bus they were traveling in stopped

for one of the passengers at Ede-Oballa to come down, “boys numbering about five emerged from nowhere and hijacked the steering of the bus.

“The unknown gunmen directed the driver at gunpoint to an unknown destination where they robbed us, collecting money, phones and other valuables and abducted one

passenger and zoomed off.

“I am yet to recovery from the shock of what happened on that fateful day because I have not experienced such a thing in my life since I was born “I heard they are demanding N10m ransom as a condition to free the girl “he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

of Peace Mass Transit (PMT), Dr. Sam Onyishi, who spoke to Daily Times on phone, described the incident as frightening and unfortunate.

Onyishi noted that the issue of passengers been robbed by armed robbers is nothing new to transport companies but expressed concern and shock on the aspect of kidnapping passengers.

“The issue of armed robbers robbing passengers is nothing new especially to transport companies in the country but my concern is this new trend of crime “kidnapping of passenger in a bus”, he stressed.

Civil society group urges media support Tom Garba, Yola

ÎÎÎ

A civil society group under the auspices of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), has solicited the cooperation of the media for achieving its set goals and objectives.

The Program Officer and Trainer Organization Management and Structure, Moses Oluwaseyi, who made the call while speaking to journalists, maintained that the media and the civil society organization (CSO), have underutilized support given to them by the center.

According to him, the media has not taken advantage of the partnership extended to them while the CSO on the other hand has not done well in transmitting the knowledge acquired in the lives of the people of the state.

He described the media as partners in progress and urged them to take advantage of the training provided by the center.

“We train CSO and individuals in proposal writing, finance, capacity building, project monitoring and a host of others, we also train individuals interested in establishing NGO’s and NGI’s on how to go for funds from donors”, Oluwaseyi stated.

On the successes recorded by the center, the program officer disclosed that so far, the center has train over 30 CSO and hope to train another batch by December.

“Some of the CSO we have train has done us proud by organizing programmes with positive impact on the lives of the people of the state some of such CSO include the Laka Youth Development Initiative and the Adamawa state Widows Association”, he stated.

L-R: Prof. Femi Ajibola; Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Mrs. Nneka Okekearu; Technical Committee Member, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Mr. Fatai Afolabi; General Manager, BATNF, Ms. Abimbola Okoya and Mr. Innocent Azih at a BATNF/EDC dialogue session in Lagos… at the weekend.

UN commends Nigeria on success against Boko Haram Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The United Nations has commended Nigeria for the successes it has so far recorded in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the country.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, who made the commendation in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said he had ear-

lier visited the North-east and is pleased with the military onslaught against Boko Haram.

“We will like to once again express the solidarity and the support of the United Nations for the effort of Nigeria in fighting Boko Haram terrorists. This is part of the international fight against terrorism because Boko Haram has proclaimed its allegiance and it is part of the international terrorists’ network, So Nigeria enjoys the support and the cooperation in many technical areas relating to this

fight against Boko Haram both within Nigeria and also within the Lake Chad Basin countries,” he said.

Mr. Chambas commiserated with Nigeria over the large-scale destruction and havoc wrecked on the communities by the terrorists, which led to a huge humanitarian catastrophe in the North-east saying the United Nations (UN) has equally scaledup its humanitarian activities to confront the challenge.

The UN envoy, however, observed that as the military continues to make progress against

Boko Haram, more communities that have been trapped behind the enemy lines are being liberated, thus increasing the humanitarian challenges.

He therefore appealed to international NGOs, donor agencies and development partners to complement the mobilization of funds to bridge the funding gap in delivering humanitarian assistance to the liberated communities.

Mr. Chambas also commended the Federal Government for appointing a ministerial level coordinator for the

efforts of both the government and the private sector as well as donor agencies in addressing the humanitarian challenges in the region.

In his remark, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Mohammed, thanked the United Nations for its support towards alleviating the suffering of the displaced persons.

“The humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram is being under played and it is a global issue, which should not be left to Nigeria alone”, he said.

How 1.5 million infants die annually over inadequate breast feeding – Delta Commissioner Nosa Akenzuwa, Asaba

ÎÎÎ

The Delta state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, has said that over 1.5 million infants die annually, with millions mentally impaired due to inadequate breastfeeding.

Azinge, who revealed this during a press briefing in his

office as part of the occasion marking this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), revealed that this estimate was contained in United Nations International Education Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) reports.

He lamented that over 3,000 infants die daily globally due to diarrhea and other respiratory tract infections resulting

from the use of infant formula of various kinds as well as use of feeding bottle and dummy.

He noted that the Delta state Primary Health Care Development Agency that has kept the celebration of WBW in the front burner every year, collaborated with UNICEF and State Committee on Food and Nutrition Focal Persons, hundreds of mothers and care

givers across the 25 Local Government Areas on the need to practice exclusive breastfeeding as well as adopting the global policy on the implementation and practice of Infant and Youth Child Feeding (IYCF).

In his words, “the bi-annual Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) implementation is also an opportu-

nity to promote breastfeeding practice as it is a key component of the programme. The exit interview for mothers accessing health services during the just concluded first round 2016 MNCHW showed that 27 per cent breastfed their babies for less than 12 months while 59% introduced complementary feeds before 6 months.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

25 News

Calabar

PDP’s crisis can’t stop Ondo governorship election –APC

ÎÎÎThe

Abuja

UNFPA berates abortion Edem Edem, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) has reiterated its opposition against abortion, emphasising that abortion is not a method of family planning.

The United Nations agency said it rather accords the highest priority to voluntary family planning to prevent unintended pregnancies to eliminate recourse to abortion.”

Disclosing this at a day sensitization seminar for media men in Calabar, the UNFPA Communication Analyst, Ahajia Kori Habib said that UNFPA helps governments to strengthen their national health systems to deal effectively with complications of unsafe abortions, thereby saving women’s lives.

She explained that eight per cent of maternal deaths are due to unsafe abortions, therefore, its impact on women’s health, lives and well-being should be addressed as nations agreed at Cairo.

Said she : ‘’Post-abortion care should be provided. Where abortion is legal, national health systems should make it safe and accessible.’’

On how emergency contraception works, Ahajia Habib said ‘’according to the World Health Organization (WHO), emergency contraception, or post-coital contraception, refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy in the first few days after intercourse.’’

She said it is intended for emergency use following unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure or misuse (such as forgotten pills or torn condoms), rape or coerced sexual relations. Emergency contraceptive pills cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.

The Communication Analyst pointed out that UNFPA’s mandate as established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1973 and reaffirmed in 1993, is amongst others to build the knowledge and the capacity to respond to needs in population and family planning; to promote awareness in both developed and developing countries of population problems and possible strategies to deal with these problems.

Others is to assist their population problems in the forms and means best suited to the individual countries’ needs; to assume a leading role in the United Nations system in promoting population programmes, and to coordinate projects supported by the Fund and noted that the goal of UNFPA is to deliver a world a world where every pregnancy is wanted.

‘Every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. To accomplish this, UNFPA works to ensure that all people, especially women and young people, are able to access high quality sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, so that they can make informed and voluntary choices about their sexual and reproductive lives.

Tom Okpe,

ÎÎÎThe All Progressive Congress

(APC) has said that the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot stop the November 26 Ondo state governorship election.

A faction of the PDP had earlier called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the governorship election in the state on account of PDP’s internal crisis.

In a press statement released to correspondents on Friday by the

APC and signed by its secretary, Mai Mala Buni, the party said, “Attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is drawn to a bizarre request by a faction of the PDP on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State on account of the PDP’s internal crisis”.

The PDP also accused the ruling party of colluding with the judicial system, INEC and security agencies to manipulate the outcome of the state governorship election.

The statement reads, “The PDP in continuation of its wild conspiracies on the Ondo governorship election has also accused the APC of colluding with the judicial system, INEC and security agencies to ‘manipulate’ the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election.

“The PDP crisis and the aftermath governorship candidate tussle within its ranks are selfinflicted and the PDP cannot hold Ondo state and indeed the country hostage on account of its internal crisis. Instead of making the ri-

diculous election postponement request on INEC, the PDP should focus and redirect its energy towards putting its house in order.

“The APC is not party to any scheme to subvert justice and undermine the very progressive and participatory democracy which the APC fiercely stands for.”

The statement calls on INEC to ignore PDP’s bizarre request and concentrate on delivering a free, fair, credible and transparent ballot on Election Day in Ondo state and elsewhere.

L-R: Head, Marketing Star Times, Dare Kafar; General Manager, NTA 10, Ajayi Ricky; Vice President, Star Times Nigeria, Justin Zhang and Managing Director, Orisun TV, Femi Aderibigbe at the unveiling of Star Times Integrated Digital TV in Lagos...at the Weekend. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Unions to shut Caverton Helicopters over 150 sacked workers Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎNegotiations

between unions and management of Carverton helicopters have totally crumbled as unions set to shut the company following the sack of 150 workers by the helicopter service company.

Daily Times investigation revealed that the management of Caverton helicopters recently declared redundancy in the company leading to the sack of no fewer than 150 staff from its payroll, a development that has angered the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), which in turn declared total war against the airline management.

The retrenchment exercise which began on Thursday with the distribution of letters to the affected staff, most of which are non-technical staff.

The unions and the management of Caverton Helicopters over long months have been in negotiations to settle various industrial issues cropping up especially with a planned re-

trenchment of staff but according to the union, the company broke agreements related to service conditions, which it reached with the union before the sack of some of its members.

A letter addressed to the General Secretary of the union, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, dated October 28, 2016, had notified NUATE of Caverton’s plan to sack 150 employees.

According to the letter, with reference number Ref:CAV/06/ IR/01/10/16 and was signed by the Industrial Relations Manager of Caverton, Mr. Segun Alebiosu, the airline insisted that the sack was by the Section 20 of the Nigeria Labour Act, explaining that it took the step after a review of operational exigency and economic climate in the country.

Caverton also only agreed to pay just one month’s salary in lieu of notice rather than the approved severance benefits the company is supposed to pay to the affected staff despite that some of of the affected workers had spent more than 10 years with the company.

The letter in part read, “This will affect a total of 150 staff across all cadres, inclusive of members of your union. Some operational levels within the organization have been approved to be outsourced.

“The following are the offers to the affected staff: Accrued salary up to the effective staff; one month salary instead of notice and contributory pension up to the last full month. We look forward to concluding this by November 10th, 2016 as the company will not be able to accommodate the overhead therefrom. “You have the assurance of the board and management of Caverton Helicopters that all affected staff shall be given the first option of refusal when and if there is operational demand for the position vacated,” the company’s letter stated.

According to a union source however, NUATE is not taking this lying down having written back to the Caverton management and warning them of the dire consequences of their action.

Ban export of Nigeria’s grain, Tambuwal tells FG ÎÎÎ

Against the backdrop of concerns in some quarters of outbreak of famine in Nigeria next year, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has urged the Federal Government to immediately stop the export of food items to neighbouring countries, especially through the land border.

Speaking in Isa LGA of the state at the flag off of the 2017 dry season wheat farming, Tambuwal also called on the FG to come up with emergency plans to purchase excess grains from the farmers so as to boost grains reservoir in all parts of the country.

He also raised the alarm over the massive exportation of grains from Nigeria, saying it portends great dangers to Nigeria’s future food security.

“I keep wondering why we have to ban import of food, especially rice, from the land border but allow massive export of our food commodity to neighbouring countries.

“Considering our population, we must take measures that will enhance food security in our country,” the Governor said.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

s

Buhari must retool his anticorruption strategy —Rafsanjani Mr. Auwal Ibrahim MUSA Rafsanjani, is the Acting General of Secretary of the West African Civil Society forum (WACS). In this interview, the Human Rights-cum anti corruption activist, speaks on the challenges of fighting corruption in Nigeria and how President Buhari’s anti-graft war can be more effective.

Sir, what is your assessment of the current anti corruption policy of the Federal Government?

It is happening, but not in the way we want it to happen because of the absence of a national strategic action plan to fight corruption. For the fight to be effective, the judiciary must play its role, the Legislature must play its roles, the Executive and individual citizens must also play their roles. We must also ensure that religious and community leaders play their roles effectively. As it is now, it seems as if it is driven only by Mr. President; and this is not good enough. We need to accept it and make it as part of our national norms because we do not want Mr. President to go at the end of his tenure with his policy of fighting corruption. We want it institutionalized so that whoever comes in as President continues with it as a national policy.

There is this opinion being expressed by some people that the corruption war is selective. How true?

No. I do not think that the President is being selective. It is far from it. Why this is happening is that, because of the magnitude of corruption in Nigeria, there are very powerful individuals that are affected and you will be very naïve to think that those very powerful individuals will fold their hands and not fight back. They will want Nigerians and indeed everybody to see it as if it is selective.

But what is absent is a strategy that will ensure that every Nigerian is mobilized to be part of this struggle by Mr. President.

The President, working alone, cannot achieve the desired results. It is true that some powerful individuals who hitherto see themselves as untouchable are being made to now pay for their crimes against the common man in Nigeria, whose resources they had plundered.

As it now, Mr. President is the one seen to be running the show. So, it is easy for some to think they can blackmail him.

But I know that Nigerians are for this fight. Do not forget that the President was elected on the basis of his pedigree in the fight against corruption and so far, from my own point of view and I can boldly tell you that I speak the mind of many Nigerians; the President knows what he is doing.

The truth is that even among those he is working with, not all of them are with him in this war against corruption. There are pockets of those who would have loved that the status quo is retained. But the President has said it clearly that it is no longer business as usual. What we in the Civil Society want however, is for him to

Rafsanjani

expand the scope so that people will see that it is not all about him, but about the value system that will not only endure, but that which will outlive him.

How much has his party; the All Progressives Congress been able to back what Mr. President is doing in the area of the fight against corruption?

Yes, this is what we are talking about. I sincerely do not think the party has done much to give him the much needed support in the fight against corruption. People should not get me wrong, this is my own honest view. This is because; many of the party members in the Legislature do not seem to appreciate the need to fight corruption. I say this with due respect to the law makers at all levels, even the Governors, etc under this administration. I do not think the party has taken this as a major area to leverage on.

Some people say the recent increase in the number of people being investigated by EFCC, who are now defecting to the party, APC, do you think that this might in any way prevent EFCC operatives from going ahead with such cases as is being speculated?

Certainly not. Those who may have this idea as the reason for defecting to the APC will at the end of the day, get disap-

pointed, because given the body language of Mr. President, anyone found to be having cases to answer cannot escape using such tactics. In any case, I am aware that even close friends of Mr. President who had cases to answer in the past had been made to clear themselves before the anti corruption agencies.

Do you think the National Assembly is doing enough in this direction?

Well, we still need to demand that National Assembly have no choice but to back the fight against corruption. In a situation whereby you have people who practicality have no regards for the rule of law, or even engage in all sorts of shady actions only for them to find themselves in such places, they will not support any action that will expose their past misdeeds.

So, we need to sanitize the process that throws up such people in the future. If we continue to have leaders who do not have good track records, integrity and correct moral upbringing occupy such sensitive offices, it will continue to be difficult to expect the kind of support of the fight against corruption that we are demanding from them.

Why is the international community not doing enough for us in fight against corruption?

The international community can only

support you if and when your government and the people take the fight against corruption seriously. A situation whereby our Judiciary is not supportive of the cleansing of corruption from the society, the international community cannot do much. Nigerians must back the fight, with that, it will be clear to the international community that we are serious in our efforts. Once this is done, they will have no options than to cooperate. This will send the right signals that who ever want to do business with Nigeria must back the country’s anti corruption policy, then we can begin to ask for the return of looted funds and Nigeria will get more respect amongst the comity of nations.

What advice do you have for the EFCC considering the overwhelming nature of the battle against corruption?

First of all, I do agree with you that given the way corruption is fighting back, and given the little cooperation the anti graft agencies are getting, there may be the tendency for these agencies to attempt to give up. But that will be disastrous for Nigeria and indeed Nigerians. What I think the EFCC should do now is to intensify its efforts, collaborates more with other anti graft agencies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement, the ICPC, the Police and the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative NEITI, that have synergy in dealing with the issues of corruption an ensuring that we adopt the best practices.

The EFCC is actually facing challenge looking at the number of cases they are handling. They do not have enough manpower and resources to deal with all the issues.

They need to be properly funded to deal with the issues of crimes. No amount of investments in this direction should be seen as too big because even those they are fighting, may in some cases have more resources to fight back.

We have also noticed that the confirmation of the appointment of the acting Chairman of the EFCC is taking far too long in the Senate. Is this not a way of weakening the agency’s structures and efforts to deal with corruption?

I am not surprised because many of the people you find in the Senate are not products of the campaign to fight corruption. They do not believe in it. Some are actually major beneficiaries of the corruption, so much so that any efforts that will expose their misdeeds by the current administration, will be blocked by them.

This is why they are resisting and fighting it. It is a pity that though the ruling party, APC is supposed to have majority in the National Assembly, and by implication are supposed to buy into the policies of government and Mr. President, what we have seen is the direct opposite because many of the people do not necessarily share in this laudable idea.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Times Against Corruption 27

UNODC backs war against corruption, organized crime

Ï dƆƆƊ ƍƆƅƈ Ƌ ƅ ƑƏƐ Ɛ ƐƏƕ ƅ Ɔ Buhari

Buhari charges newly inaugurated boards on prudence

The need to fight corruption and enhance prudent management of resources in the MDAs toped the list of what must be done urgently to reposition Nigeria’s major revenue generating agencies as President Muhammadu Buhari recently inaugurated their Boards, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the charge while inaugurating the Boards of the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA),Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The President did not mince words when he told the new boards that they are “coming at a time when the global petroleum industry is witnessing a downturn in purchase which has also translated into dwindling production by most producer nations.

He added that although “Nigeria has been hit by the misfortunes of oil industry”, but urged them to harnessing the potentials of their agencies and fulfill their expectations to the nation even at this challenging time in the oil and gas industry.

The President recalled that since the arrival of this administration, “there has been an improvement in transparency through publishing monthly operational and financial report of the corporation” He added that “the major restructuring of the corporation and the liberalization of the downstream sector, are pointers to the determination and focus of the new NNPC under this administration.” “ Oil and gas industry are the country’s foreign earners therefore the importance of this boards cannot be over emphasized” he aid.

“Your job should be to ensure propriety in the management of these most important national institutions. You should advise the minister and the corporation management on the most effective way for Nigeria to get more money of our assets” “My expectations from the members of these boards is for them to ensure that the NNPC charts a way to face current economic challenges” “These will involve a careful look at the ongoing reforms design to steer the corporation to chief better performance and efficiency. In addition, you should explore more innovative ways to resolve the joint venture funding constraints and other investment issues”

The current efforts to stamp out corruption and other sundry crimes in Nigeria has received the full backing of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, UNODC. The organization’s efforts over the years had helped to tackle crimes, illicit drug trade and human trafficking asell as corruption and money laundering through its active participation in various programs aimed.

A statement by Sylvester Atere, National Project Officer, UNODC, Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Daily the organization is also committed to promoting human security and the rule of law.

At a recent programme organized for stakeholders drawn from the media, judiciary and anti-corruption agencies in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital, participants articulated the much needed action plans for holistic approach to tackle the war against crimes.

The communique called on the media to be familiar with Anti-Corruption laws and support their enforcement in line with due process.

The body also charged the Media on the need to advocate early consideration and passage of the Whistleblower, Justice Sector Reform and other relevant bills pending before the National Assembly.

Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) were reminded of the need to build trust and confidence in the media in the fight against corruption, as well as develop strategic communication plans for their operations.

One of the major decisions was the need for government to establish special courts to tackle corruption matters, even as it wants to see that the fight against corruption is not be limited only to the federal level but should be extended to the states and LGAs. It was also suggested that media houses should establish Anti-Corruption desks and forge a national consensus in the fight against corruption including the use of the Freedom of Information FOI Act, open data, e-governance and other transparency initiative.

Media managers and journalists were also urged to uphold the ethics of the profession and maintain integrity, while Media owners were encouraged to take the welfare of their staff as top priority.

Other decision taken at the event include the need for the Media to promote

good governance by upholding its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution.

Participants at the event emphasize the importance of value re-orientation of citizens in the fight against corruption, even as it also recommend the need to curb institutional corruption through systemic reviews.

In order to make their work more efficient and effective, the anti Corruption Agencies were urged to assist in building the capacity of the media in the fight against corruption, so that journalists will not only break anti-corruption news, but also stay on the issue.

At the end of the programme, the participants commended United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) for their support to Nigeria in the fight against corruption.

One of the properties recovered from a self-acclaimed building Engineer, Abdullahi Rilwan, in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

Corruption threatens independence of Judiciary — Osibanjo

The recent federal government decision to prosecute corrupt judges was motivated by the need to protect the Independence of the Judiciary that is being threatened by corruption.

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo recently revealed this at a programme in Lagos.

The Vice President stated that the “most potent threat against judicial independence is corruption” adding that “If a litigant can buy justice, how can a compromised judge be fair or just?”

According to Osibanjo “Nigeria’s formal legal tradition which is over 100 year’s old had worked hard to distinguish itself through the years to attain world class status” He noted that in the administration of justice system in Nigeria, each of the “institutions were challenged by falling standards, corruption, and abuse of office.”

But Professor Osibanjo, who is also a lawyer blamed the current problems fac-

ing the Judiciary on its “reluctance to call ourselves to order” adding that “Nobody wants to be held responsible for possibly ending the career of another.

So we watch the decay and gradual collapse of an excellent tradition built on the self-restraint, sacrifices and integrity of many in the past 100years” According to him, “ Chief Awomolo, SAN, had said the legal profession we fought for is not what we now have.

Many past and present members of the bench have also said so. I agree with them. But he said things would improve.

How?” “Let me say that we in the legal profession owe ourselves a duty to preserve the Administration of Justice System not only because it is the last hope of the common man but because this is our means of livelihood. Our profession and the credibility of the Administration of Justice System depends entirely on public confidence, once that is eroded

because of the delinquency of a few, we, the majority must fight hard against it.”

It was the legendary Hon Justice Chukwudifu Oputa of blessed memory who said, “If you are a judge and you are corrupt, where do we go from there?

Then everything has come to a halt. If the legislature is corrupt, you go to the judiciary for redress. If the executive is corrupt you go to the judiciary for remedy. If the judiciary itself is corrupt, where do you go from there?

“Judicial independence is spoken of sometimes as though it is a favour we do to the judiciary: no it is not. It is not a favour or a privilege to them. It is the essence of our system of justice. A judge must be independent for at least one reason: so that he or she can be fair and just, without fear or favour. This is the reason why the executive must neither interfere in judicial process nor attempt to compromise judicial independence in any way”

Foreign 28 Jihadists, insurgents plundering state arsenals across Sahel ÎÎÎ

A new report, the most extensive on illicit weapon flows in the Sahel in several years, confirms arms looted from huge Libyan stockpiles after the ouster of Colonel Moammar Gadhafi have fueled Islamist insurgencies in North and West Africa since 2012.

But jihadists and Tuareg fighters have diversified their supply chains and have added new sources as the outflow from Libya has decreased, due partly to interdiction efforts and a rising internal demand in Libya for weapons as the conflict there looks set to escalate.

Jihadists and other Islamist insurgents have plundered arms from inadequately secured national stockpiles in Mali, the Central African Republic, and Ivory Coast, according to a report by Conflict Armament Research, a London-based independent organization that tracks illicit weapon movements.

French conservatives vote in first nationwide presidential primary ÎÎÎ

French conservatives are voting Sunday in a nationwide primary to choose their nominee for next year’s presidential election, following a campaign marked by concerns about the influx of migrants into Europe and the devastating series of jihadist attacks in France.

After Britain’s shock Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential contest, the French presidential vote is shaping up to be another test between mainstream parties and rising populist forces.

Seven candidates are competing Sunday in the first round of the primary with 61-year-old former president Nicolas Sarkozy and former Prime ministers Francois Fillon, 62, and Alain Juppe, 71, leading the race.

A closely watched contender is the far right’s Marine Le Pen, whose criticism of immigration and Muslim practices resonates with many voters.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Veteran US astronaut sets another record in orbit ÎÎÎ

The International Space Station has gained three new residents, including the oldest and most experienced female astronaut ever to orbit the world.

A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying the fresh crew docked Saturday at the space station, 400 kilometers above Earth. The new arrivals at the orbital research laboratory — American astronaut Peggy Whitson, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy — joined the three men already on board, one American and two Russians. hitson, who will be the mission commander once her team settles in orbit, already holds the record for time spent in space by a woman over 400 days during her various missions. Over the course of the next six months, she will celebrate her 57th birthday in the weightless conditions of

ÎÎÎA

U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson, member of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station, speaks with her relatives prior the launch of Soyuz MS-3 space ship at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Earth orbit, as she extends her time-in-space record every day.

Before their launch Thursday from Kazakhstan, Pesquet paid tribute to Whitson’s leadership and seniority, but said he was carrying with him a small piece of a meteorite from Mars that will become

“the most experienced space traveler there is in the world.”

The French astronaut, making his first spaceflight, said his intention was to show that human and robotic explorers of outer space “are all working together.” He intends to bring the stone back to Earth

next year and place it aboard a Mars rover for a return flight to its home planet.

Whitson, a biochemist by training, is making her third flight to the space station. Prior to this mission, no woman older than 55 had flown in space.

White House scolds Russia, Syria for Aleppo hospital bombings

ÎÎÎWhite House National

Security Adviser Susan Rice warned the Syrian regime and its Russian backers Saturday that they will be held accountable for the “heinous” bombings of hospitals in rebel-held portions of Aleppo.

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms these horrific attacks against medical infrastructure and humanitarian aid workers. There is no excuse for these heinous actions,” she said.

“The Syrian regime and its allies, Russia in particular, bears the responsibility for the immediate and long term consequences these actions have caused in Syria and beyond.”

Airstrikes and artillery fire carried out by government forces in Aleppo killed at least 27 people on Saturday, marking the fifth straight day of bombardment of the city, which is home to more than 275,000 people.

On Friday, government bombs hit four hospitals

gela Merkel is expected to seek a fourth term as head of government, according to a

senior Christian Democrats (CDU) official.

Merkel has called a news conference for 1800 UTC (1:00 p.m. EST), a sign inter-

President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany

magistrate’s court in Malawi has convicted a 45-year-old man accused of practicing traditional sex customs, deflowering young girls and comforting bereaved widows, a custom that were outlawed three years ago in the southern African nation.

Malawi’s president, Peter Mutharika, ordered the arrest of Eric Aniva due to concerns that he may have spread HIV infections in the course of his work as a practitioner of “kusasa fumbi,” or “removing dust,” and “fisi,” the local name for a hyena.

Fisi is a traditional custom in southern Malawi: a man is hired and paid to have sex with widows to exorcise evil spirits that may bring death to the bereaved family.

“Kusasa fumbi” is another custom practiced in the area: hiring a man to sleep with young girls who have reached puberty, in order to prepare them for married life.

More than 100 killed in Indian train derailment ÎÎÎ

Image released by Thiqa News Agency shows smoke rising and fires still burning after airstrikes hit the Al-Shaar neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria, last Friday. in Aleppo, prompting the rebels’ appointed health directorate to declare all hospitals in opposition-held areas out of service.

Senior CDU official: German Chancellor to seek fourth term ÎÎÎGerman Chancellor An-

Malawi’s court convicts man for induced illegal sex

preted by politicians and the media that she has made up her mind.

Her Fellow CDU politicians have previously said Merkel would run again.

The 62-year-old Merkel has been widely considered a stabilizing force in Europe at a time of uncertainty after Britain’s referendum to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president.

As Germany’s chancellor since 2005, Merkel has led Europe’s largest economy through the financial and

eurozone debt crises, winning international respect.

U.S. President Barack Obama called Merkel an “outstanding” ally” during his visit to Germany last week, his final one as president. She has also dealing with the ongoing migrant crisis across Europe.

In September, Merkel surprised the country when said she wished she could have dealt with the migrant crisis differently, after the CDU suffered a major defeat in Berlin state elections, but stopped short of calling it a policy mistake.

A train derailment in northern India has killed at least 104 people and injured more than 100 others.

Rescue workers and volunteers are looking through the badly mangled coaches to see if they can locate additional survivors of the derailment that happened early Sunday morning near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh state.

Dozens of ambulances have been deployed to the site.

It was not immediately clear why 14 of the train’s coaches were thrown off the tracks.

Senior railway official Pratap Rai said survivors are still searching for family members.

Some tried enter the damaged carriages to rescue relatives and collect belongings.

“We are using every tactic to save lives but it’s very difficult to cut the metal carriages,” Rai told Reuters from the accident site.

Indian derailed train

Pillars C skipper Ali pays tribute to late father

aptain of Kano Pillars Rabiu Ali has said whatever he has achieved in the game could be traced to his father, who died on Saturday morning.

Rabiu has won four league championships with Pillars.

“He was my major source of strength in terms of prayers,” he said.

“My little achievement in football can be traced to the efforts of my late father.

“What do I do? I just have to move on and pray he should find eternal rest.

“I know I have responsibilities of taking care of my younger ones which I have been doing before now and I’ll not relent now that my father is no more.”

Rabiu was excused from the Pillars pre-season training camp in Lokoja to bury his father on Saturday morning.

Page 29

Monday, November 21, 2016

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

I

t was certainly their best performance of the tournament, but it happened that they left it too late, and Nigeria’s Falconets’ 2-1 win over Spain on Sunday failed to take them past the group stage of the 8th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.

They needed to win and for Japan not to win in the other Group B match, but the Asians stunned their Canadian opponents 5-0 just across the city in Port Moresby, meaning the Nigerian girls would be heading home instead of heading into the quarter finals after wins over Canada and Spain.

Spain, who walloped Canada 5-0 before defeating Japan 1-0, were ahead after only six minutes when Alba Redondo slotted past goalkeeper Onyinye Okeke as the European vice champions swept into Nigeria’s vital area.

However, Nigeria drew level six minutes later, Ihuoma Onyebuchi cashing in on an opportunity in a goalmouth scramble from a corner kick.

In the second half, substitute Yetunde Adeboyejo should have scored when put through on goal by the intelligent Rasheedat Ajibade, but she failed to measure her angle well.

Rasheedat Ajibade (left) on the prowl against Spain.

Falconets bow out of World Cup

Wike charges Rivers Angels to win League Amaka Agbu Port Harcourt

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has charged the Rivers Angels Football Club of Port Harcourt to win this year’s Women’s League to further stamp the authority of the state on female football in the country.

Speaking at a state dinner he hosted alongside his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike in honour of Rivers Angels for winning the 2016 Women’s Federation Cup at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday night, the governor said that lifting the Women’s League would be a crowning glory of the superlative efforts of the team this season.

He congratulated the team for

Alli

being worthy ambassadors of the state by responding positively to the investments made in sports by his administration.

He assured the Rivers Angels of the support of his administration, pointing out that sports played a vital role in youth empowerment and development.

For winning the 2016 Women’s Federation Cup, the governor announced a N300, 000 reward for each player and N500, 000 reward for each member of the management team.

He also announced the donation of a Toyota Coaster Bus for the Supporters Club to enable them travel alongside Rivers Angels in comfort.

Earlier, State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye noted that

the dwindling fortunes of Rivers Angels were reversed immediately Governor Wike settled outstanding eight months salaries owed players and management upon assumption of office.

Highpoint of the state dinner was the presentation of various awards to players of the club by the wife of the Governor, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike.

Gov. Wike

Dala Hard Court serves off in Kano FRANK JUMBO

A

fter two rounds of qualifying matches, the main draw of the 2016 Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship serves off today in Kano with Moses Michael and Christy Agubgom as the top seeds for the men’s and women’s singles.

Incidentally, both are defending champions after final victories over Sylvester Emmanuel and Sarah Adegoke last year.

Tournament Secretary, Yusuf Datti informed that no fewer than 128 players featured in the Men’s preliminary while about 60 ladies slugged it out for places in the women’s final chart.

The men’s main draw will be filled by 32 players of which will be the top 20 in the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) rankings, eight qualifiers as well as four

wild card entrants, while the top ten ranked players, four qualifiers and two wild cards beneficiaries will occupy the women’s main draw chart.

It means the likes of Emmanuel and Moses, who battled for the CBN Open in Lagos in June as well as Thomas Otu, Joseph Imeh, Shehu Lawal, Abdulmumuni Babalola, Clifford Enosoregbe, Nonso Madueke, among others, will be in the hunt for the top prize in the men’s singles just as Ronke Akingbade, Osariemen Airhuwunde, Aanu Aiyegbusi and Blessing Samuel will challenge the dominance of Agugbom and Adegoke, who have shared the last three women’s singles titles between them.

“It’s been a very hectic schedule due to the large number of entries. We have decided that the qualifiers on Sunday be played on short set so that we can meet up for the main draw which will start today,” Datti told Extra Time.

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Monday, November 21, 2016

EXTRATIME

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

Aurier flattered

by Barca rumours

Stuani

Serge Aurier says he is flattered by rumoured interest from Barcelona but insists he wants to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. Barca are believed to be seeking a long-term replacement for Dani Alves at right-back following the experienced Brazilian’s departure to Juventus in the off-season.

Zidane: Ronaldo has closed Ballon d´Or debate!

Zinedine Zidane feels Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in the derby victory over Atletico Madrid has decided the 2016 Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo scored all three goals, one in the first half and two in the second, including a penalty, as Real Madrid claimed the bragging rights in the final La Liga derby at the Vicente Calderon before Diego Simeone’s team leave their historic home at the end of the season.

Ronaldo is vying with 2015 winner Lionel Messi and Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann for the biggest individual prize in world football.

Juve’s Kean makes Serie A history Juventus’ Moise Kean became the first player born in 2000 to feature in Serie A on Saturday. With the Bianconeri coasting to a 3-0 win at home to Pescara to extend their lead at the top of the table, the 16-yearold forward was introduced from the bench. And while it was a fairly unremarkable six-minute debut, Kean made history by becoming the first player born in the year 2000 to feature in Italy’s top flight.

Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at Southampton.

Hojbjerg hails resilient Reds

S

outhampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg says Liverpool are the best team he has ever played against.

The Denmark international has played some of the giants of the Bundesliga and some of the Premier League big boys - but he reckons Jurgen Klopp’s men are a class apart.

Southampton held on for a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s - Liverpool dominated the match but

they are very good one against one.

“It’s unbelievable how they move, how they stand, how they work together - it’s like a symphony.”

With an off-target Charlie Austin header the best opportunity Claude Puel’s men could muster on a stormy afternoon, Hojbjerg was ultimately pleased to take a share of the spoils.

Ibe robbed at I knew Guardiola would need me —Toure knifepoint

Y

aya Toure claimed he always knew he would be back in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City plans after scoring twice on his return to the first team on Saturday.

Toure celebrated his recall to Guardiola’s starting line-up with two goals in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, after spending three months in the wilderness.

In September, the Ivory Coast midfielder was told by Guardiola that he would not be picked for the first team unless he apologised for comments made by his agent Dimitri Seluk.

Seluk claimed Toure had been “humiliated”

by Guardiola after the former Barcelona manager left the midfielder out of City’s Champions League squad.

Toure apologised in November for “the misunderstandings of the past” and his

Milito, Sneijder question De Boer dismissal

Diego Milito and Wesley Sneijder have both claimed Inter were wrong to sack Frank de Boer as the Nerazzurri prepare to face AC Milan in the derby. De Boer was dismissed this month after just 85 days in charge, with his replacement Stefano Pioli

did not manage to breach Fraser Forster’s goal.

“I played in Germany against Bayern Munich and Dortmund, I played against Manchester City in the Champions League, but I must say this is maybe the best team I have ever played against,” Hojbjerg told reporters.

“It’s not only that they move the ball quickly.

They also have fast players, and with the ball

set for a daunting first match at the helm against Inter’s in-form cross-city rivals at San Siro on Sunday. Argentine Milito, a member of Inter’s 200910 treble-winning team under Jose Mourinho, believes the Dutchman deserved more time to prove himself.

Man City cautious over Kompany’s injury

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says his club will treat Vincent Kompany’s latest injury with care.

The Belgian centre-back suffered a head injury in a collision with his own goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, in the 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace.

He will be assessed ahead of the Champions League group stage tie against Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday.

Guardiola, whose side’s victory was secured by two goals from Yaya Toure after his first-team exile, said about Kompany: “He had a problem with his head. He got a kick.

committed attitude in training was enough for Guardiola to recall him.

The 33-year-old, whose name was chanted by Manchester City fans throughout the match, made the most of his return and was applauded back into the dressing room by his team-mates after scoring the winner in the 83rd minute.

Pep Guardiola (right) congratulates Yaya Toure after he made a match-winning return for Manchester City against Crystal Palace.

J

ordon Ibe was robbed at knifepoint when thieves rammed his car in an attack in London earlier this month.

Ibe, Bournemouth’s record signing, had his watch stolen when his car was hit in southeast London, just four days after suspected gunmen allegedly threatened West Ham striker Andy Carroll.

England international Carroll, 27, was the victim of an alleged attempted robbery as he drove home from a training session on November 2.

Scotland Yard said

detectives were investigating the attack on Bermondseyborn Ibe, which took place near Surrey Quays Underground station at around 1.45pm on November 6.

Reports suggest that the assailants made off with the 20-year-old’s £25,000 Rolex.

A Police spokesman said: “One of the suspects threatened the victim with a knife before stealing his watch. The victim was not injured.

“At this early stage, officers are investigating whether the suspects intentionally collided with the victim’s car.”

Monday, November 21, 2016

EXTRATIME

Katsina Utd off to Niger Rep for preseason Promoted Katsina United are to leave this week to neigbouring Niger Republic for pre-season training.

Katsina United opted for Niger for full concentration, officials said.

Coach Bala Nikyu said: “We started late and so we need to put the boys in the right frame of mind and for them to be physically fit ahead of the new season.

“We have recruited some experienced players from Warri Wolves, Kwara United and FC IfeanyiUbah ahead of the new season.

“No club should be underrated knowing fully well that the league is better now as you can pick points anywhere, that’s why your team need to recruit formidable players who can fight at any time.”

Dalung salutes Falcons, Falconets ANDREW EKEJIUBA

Y

outh and Sports Minister Barrister Solomon Dalung has congratulated the senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons on their massive 6-0 victory over Mali in the opening Group B game of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations decided Sunday at Stade Municipal de Limbe , Cameroun.

Four goals from Arsenal ladies striker and Most Valuable Player of the last edition, Asisat Oshoala as well as a goal each from Uchechi Sunday and U.S. based Fransesca Ordega put the Super Falcons in top position with 3 points and 6 goals.

“It’s a good start for the Super Falcons.

6 goals in a game is heartwarming and a sign that the team is ready to retain the cup they won two years ago. I’m very happy for this great start in the competition,” Dalung said.

Nevertheless, the Minister also congratulated the National U-20 team the Falconets who defeated Spain 2-1 in their last group game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea .

Dalung

Wigwe

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Nig. Plc, Herbert Wigwe, has expressed delight at the successful conclusion of this year’s Access Bank Games in Lagos.

Speaking exclusively to Extra Time at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the event, Wigwe said the aim of the one-day sporting event was to promote healthy living among the Access Bank family by giving the workers

Wigwe thumbs up Access Bank Games ample opportunity to indulge in sporting activities.

“The Access Bank Games is very important to us because we use it to bring every member of the Access Bank family together and build the bridges of friendship in a relaxed, but competitive atmosphere.

“You may be surprised to know that most of the competitors in this year’s event were drawn from all our branches of the bank nationwide,” he said.

Wigwe further added that: “Aside

the Access Bank Games, we are also sponsoring the annual Access Bank City Marathon in Lagos which shows that Access Bank is fully committed to contributing to sports development in Nigeria. We hope to sustain this initiative which is aimed at discovering long distance runners for the country.”

The Access Bank Games saw the competitors competing for honours for their various Houses in the march past, sack race and egg race events to mention but a few.

FIFA U-20WWC: Ihezuo bemoans Falconets’exit S

tand-in captain of Falconets and scorer of the winning goal against Spain, Chiwendu Ihezuo, wept profusely after Nigeria’s early exit from the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

Ihezuo, who won the FIFA Live Your Goals Player of the Match award in the win over Spain, couldn’t control her emotions as she broke down at the post match press conference.

The BIIK Zazygurt of Kazakhstan player, with two goals from three games, lamented her inability to actualize her dreams of contesting for the tournament’s golden boot.

She was instrumental to Falconets’ presence in Papua New Guinea, scoring seven goals out of the 13 Nigeria recorded during the qualifying series.

“I had high hopes for this tournament. I even set a target of six goals for myself, but my dreams have been blown away like dust in the winds. I admit that our predicament today

31

was as a result of the six goals we conceded against Japan. I kept hoping for a turn-around that would see us progress in the competition.

“I pushed extra hard. The consolation for my much–desired Golden Boot is this award and I am grateful to God for it,” Ihezuo sobbed.

Meanwhile, Head Coach of Falconets, Peter Dedevbo, on Sunday evening showered encomiums on his U-20 girls.

For Dedevbo, his girls deserve all the accolades because they proved themselves worthy ambassadors of Africa’s most populous nation.

The 2014 World Cup silver medal –winning Coach noted that the girls gave their best in flying Nigeria and Africa’s flag but it was unfortunate that they were so cruelly eliminated, despite finishing with the same six points as the two other teams (Japan and Spain) that advanced to the last eight.

The Nigerian delegation will return home on Wednesday, November 23.

Ihezuo

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Dalung salutes Falcons, Falconets P 31

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AWCON: Falcons in flying start, stun Mali 6-0 in Limbe Keshi

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

C

up holders Nigeria had no hesitation in spelling ‘Malian’, putting six unreplied goals past their West African counterparts in the opening match of Group B of the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Limbe on Sunday.

Fleet–footed Asisat Oshoala, 2014 African Woman Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the last edition of the championship in Namibia, stole the giant size of the shine, scoring four of the six goals even as the Falcons hardly stepped out of first gear.

USA –based Francisca Ordega started the rout with a smart finish from Ugo Njoku’s run down the Malian defence in the 22nd minute. Before that, Oshoala’s darting run and pass in the 15th minute was fluffed by Uchechi Sunday, who wasted a number of opportunities on the day.

Four minutes after Ordega’s goal, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde came close after a good move but her chip rocked the upright with the Malian goalie beaten.

Five minutes before recess, Oshoala read brilliantly a through pass and beat the goalie before slotting into an empty net for her first and Nigeria’s second.

Maradona calms Mourinho after Arsenal draw

A

fter conceding a heartbreaking late equaliser to arch-nemesis Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was understandably deflated.

Mourinho watched Olivier Giroud come off the bench and equalise in the 89th minute at Old Trafford on Saturday, cancelling out Juan Mata’s opener, which had looked to be the match-winner for so long in the Premier League blockbuster.

But post-match, Mourinho received a timely phone call from arguably the game’s greatest ever player - Argentina, Barcelona and Napoli great Diego Maradona in a boost to lift his spirits.

After being held to their third consecutive Premier League draw at home, United are sixth in the table, eight points adrift of Liverpool and Manchester City.

United next face Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday, before hosting struggling West Ham on Sunday.

A minute into the second half, Sunday again missed with only the goalie to beat from Faith Ikidi pass, but she made it three from the Modric penalty spot a minute later after Osarenoma Igbinovia was brought down in the box.

Thereafter, it became an ‘Oshoala Show’.

The introduction of a clever Chioma Wogu for fumbling Sunday worked well for her.

In the 62nd minute, Oshoala latched onto a header by Wogu to outrun a defender and the goalkeeper before smashing into the roof of the net, and six minutes later, benefitted from another Wogu pass to meander past two defenders and slotted past the goalkeeper.

Asisat Oshoala celebrates after scoring for Super Falcons.

Anambra Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Gov. Obiano has performed beyond expectations AT 3 - Ezewuzie

Onitsha OPS, stakeholders decry delay in take-off of River port AT 2 DSS raid markets for foreign currency hawkers in Awka, Onistha ÏÏÏ

R-L: Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, in handshake with Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed Abubakar. With them are Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje (second after Gov. Obiano); Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello and Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Bala Bantex (behind Gov. Obiano), during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…recently.

Obiano promises quality, affordable healthcare

ÏÏÏ Anambra State Governor,

Anambra

T E A M

Chief Willie Obiano, has renewed his promise to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people of the state.

Obiano said this during the public hearing on a Bill to establish the State Health Insurance Scheme by the State House of Assembly Committee on Health in Awka, the state capital.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr.

Joe Akabuike, the governor emphasised that healthcare delivery remained one of his top priorities.

He assured that measures to ensure full implementation and sustainability of the scheme had been put in place.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, said the hearing was to enable members of the public contribute to the process of law-making.

She explained that the forum would give members of

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

the public the opportunity to contribute in other matters that would guarantee their welfare.

However, Maduagwu said that the bill was critical to the health condition of the people of the state.

She emphasised that lawmakers would continue to ensure quality laws and resolutions for the peace and progress of the state and its people.

The Chairman, House Committee on Health, Dr. Nnamdi Okafor, said the hearing was to ensure that the people participated in the process of ensuring quality healthcare to the citizenry.

Prof. Anthony Igwegbe,

Chief Medical Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, described NHIS as a social health insurance programme.

He added that the scheme combines the principle of socialism with that of insurance which could be likened to pooling of risks and resources together.

Igwegbe urged the state legislature to give the bill an accelerated for the benefit of the people.

He expressed optimism that when passed into law, the bill would stimulate the executive to establish the agency for the implementation of the scheme.

The Department of State Service (DSS) in Anambra State on Friday raided some markets in Awka and Onitsha in search of illegal foreign currency hawkers.

A trade at the Eke Market in Awka, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) under condition of anonymity, that some hawkers of foreign currencies were arrested.

He said that the DSS operatives also carted away huge sums of foreign currencies seized from the hawkers.

“We scampered for our lives when we saw them inside the market in the early hours of the day because no one knew their mission initially.

“They took over the market until later when we were able to find out their mission,’’ he said.

A senior official of the DSS, who confirmed the raid to NAN under condition of anonymity, said that they acted on directive.

He said that the exercise also took place in Onitsha, while other major markets in the state would also be raided.

“We are worried that some commercial banks’ officials were conniving with the hawkers in the markets to destabilise the government efforts to the sale the foreign currencies at cheaper rates.

“The economy is seriously affected by the actions of the illegal hawkers of foreign currencies.

“Our objective is to bring sanity in the system and let Nigerians procure the foreign currencies at government regulation,’’ he said.

Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Declare Nov. 16 a national holiday in honour of Zik, ZAN urges FG Philip Balepo Onitsha

ÏÏÏ

L-R: President, Zikist Association of Nigeria (ZAN), Prince Mike Idaboh; Media Director, ZAN, Prince Chinedu Nsoffor and Secretary-General, ZAN,Comrade Jude Eze, during the inauguration of the association in Onitsha...recently. Inset: Cross section of ZAN members at the event.

OPS, stakeholders decry delay in take-off of Onitsha River port Alphonsus Eze Awka

ÏÏÏ

The Organised Private Sector (OPS) and stakeholders of Onitsha business community have decried the continued delay and neglect in the take-off of the Onitsha River Port.

Speaking in Onitsha during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Anambra State Shippers’ Association held at Top Rank Hotel, Fegge, Onitsha, President of the association, Hon. Emma Akpaka, lamented what he called the continuous, intentional delay of economic activities in the Onitsha River Port which has brewed suspicion of sabotage that the port was suffering because it might dominate western ports and divert shipping activities from West to East.

He recalled that minor economic activities were recorded in the port as far back as 1950 to 1977, then between 1978 and 1982 it was reconstructed for major shipping businesses by the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Although, said Akpaka, it was commissioned in 1983 by the former President Shagari, as a port of origin and final destination of cargoes, 36 years after, no single container came into it or has been lifted.

He said the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan re-commissioned the same port in 2012 as a bonded wharf where Nigerian Customs and other agencies will generate revenues through

export and import of cargoes, lamenting that four years after, it the port has remained a fantasy.

He said: “Now the latest trick on Onitsha River Port is concessioning. The question that is begging for answer here is this: “how long does it take to concession a port? The request for a conventional port by shippers from this region of the country is not even a big deal.

Let Federal Government gazette the Onitsha River Port now. Let us handle this port as if Nigeria has no oil at all”.

In his contribution, Director-General of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industries and Agriculture, (ONICCIMA), Mr. Dominic Ajibo, said the Onitsha River Port has become embarrassment to relevant stakeholders, especially the Federal Government.

Ajibo, who represented the Chamber at the occasion, said by now they ought to have gone beyond the mere talking to actual implementation, saying that the problem of the River Port was not concessioning as they were meant to understand.

He said stakeholders have set up committee as well as organised forum where the successful take-off of the River port was the key issues discussed, saying that ONICCIMA in its last lecture made it the theme, yet all to no avail.

The director-general said although they might have not put enough pressure, the problem remained that the Federal Government was not just keen

in the River Port.

He then urged the Nigeria Shipper’s Council to help the Onitsha business community push this issue of Onitsha River Port to the front burner so that it would become a reality.

Voicing his frustration over the delay in completing the Onitsha River Port, ViceChairman of the association, Mr. Kavin Ukaebi, condemned the inconsistency of Federal Government policies as regards the South East, wondering why the government was dilly-dallying in tapping the great economic potentials in Onitsha.

He said the Onitsha River Port has been commissioned three times by different past governments, including that of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan without anything tangible coming out of it.

The Vice-President said Onitsha has 17 international markets built by the traders themselves, asserting that if Onitsha was in any other country like China, both the traders and governments would be smiling to bank with billions of naira revenue from the River Port.

“I don’t know if it is because of marginalisation that this is happening. Anything in the East is treated with ignominy.

There is inconsistency in the zone. They said that the Enugu International Airport is complete but we know it has not been completed. Nothing is happening there. Government should invest wisely by putting the River Port into use,” he said.

The Zikist Association of Nigeria (ZAN), a globalist culture group for modern society and for the propagation of legacies and values of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great Zik of Africa, has called on the Federal Government as well as Anambra State to set aside the 16th of November every year as a national holiday to honour the father of “One Nigeria”.

The call was made by the President of association, Prince Michael Onyemaechi Idaboh, during the inauguration of the Zikist Association of Nigeria (ZAN) in Onitsha recently.

Prince Idaboh said that Nigeria would be doing the issue of “One Nigeria” a great favour if “the father of “One Nigeria” is honoured just as is the case of Martin Luther King Junior of America and other great leaders of other countries.

“ZAN is also charging the Federal Government to see to the completion of Zik’s Mausoleum at the Inosi Onira Retreat, Onitsha”, which

was shamefully started since 1978 (38 years ago) and till date, it is yet to be completed, Idaboh said.

The association is also advocating a face-lift to Zungeru, the birth place of the great Zik, to a tourist centre.

ZAN, in a communique, maintained that there are “27 Notable Eternal Values” which the great Zik lived and died for, some of which are One Nigeria, One Africa, Non-violence, Spirit of Sportsmanship, Egalitarianism and Brotherhood among others.

The inauguration attracted the President-General of Ohaneze in the state, Chief (Sir) Chris Eluemuno, who was the former Press Secretary to former old Anambra State Governor, Chief Jim Nwobodo and a very close ally of the great Zik. Other guests were the proprietor of the Rojenny Tourist Centre, who is also the Ogilisi Igbo 9, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka; Chief Ignatius Agbalaizu; and Mrs. Suzzybset Ekwunife.

The body later elected Chief Eluemuno and Chief Ezeonwuka as patrons of the organisation.

World Crash Remembrance Day: 60 die in 179 crashes in Anambra ÏÏÏ The Federal Road Safety Com-

mission (FRSC) on Thursday said no fewer than 60 persons had died in about 179 road crashes in Anambra State in the last 10 months.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Mr. Sunday Ajayi, said this while addressing journalists on the 2016 edition of “African Road safety Day and World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims”.

Ajayi said the theme of the fourday celebration was “Vital PostCrash Action; Medical Care, Investigation and Justice”.

He also said that no fewer than 387 persons involved in such crashes were wounded.

According to him, the theme was to draw attention to the best way accident victims could be attended to

minimise casualties and save lives.

He said the FRSC as the lead safety agency on the road was using the occasion to educate the public that damage could be reduced if there was enough awareness on their role of in the event traffic crash.

“This celebration was approved by the United Nations in 2005 to raise awareness and identify with families and friends of crash victims.

“In Anambra, there had been 179 road traffic crashes out of which 60 persons have died, while 387 are injured.

“We want to tell people that it is longer time to take pictures at crash scenes instead of providing help, there is need to understand why these crashes take place and we need to check impunity on the roads,” he said.

Mary Onyali on African high Philip Balepo, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ Anambra

State-born Chief Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, the fivetime Olympian and the longest reigned African female sprinter, has added another feather to her cap, even when her state, Anambra, does not find her worthy, a case of prophet without honour at home.

The African Athletic Confederation (AAC) Athletics’ Commission was at the weekend appointed her the Vice-President of the body while the Kenyan two-time Olym-

pic champion, David Rudisha, was appointed President.

In a statement, Chief Mary Onyali’s media officer and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Olympic Fund, Fashikun Olajide, said: “This is a worthy appointment, coming at a time when the nation is working on private funding of sports.”

Recently, Mary Onyali was made the Skoolympics’ Ambassador – a sports development project to help catch the young and build future Olympians by Heritage Bank.

Interview

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

3 Anambra Times

Gov. Obiano has performed beyond expectations- Ezewuzie

Barrister Chukwuka Betrand Ezewuzie, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Disability Matters was the first Nigerian to be licenced to practice by the Supreme Court of Massachussets as Attorney before his encounter with Obiano in US that brought him back home. In this Interview with newsmen, Ezewuzie sets the record straight on Obiano’s pronouncements on the welfare of persons with disabilities in Anambra State and chronicles the series of events leading to Obiano’s actions among other issues. Our correspondent in Awka, ALPHONSUS NWEZE who was there brings excerpts: How did you meet Governor Willie Obiano that led to your coming back home to take this appointment?

On September 3, this year, Governor Obiano made an impassioned speech at the World Igbo Congress in New York, USA, where he called on Igbos to unite, think home and rally together for the development of their fatherland. The speech left no one in doubt as to the place of Akpokue Dike as the governor is popularly called in the global leadership of Ndigbo.

Following this clarion call, Obiano received and granted audience to my humble self, Barrister Chukwuka Betrand Ezewuzie, the president of Nigerian Diasporas with disabilities and also the President of Ndi Anambra with disabilities.

In that meeting, I presented His Excellency with the plight of persons with disabilities in Anambra State.

I told him that persons with disabilities have learned that access to education is key to success, prosperity and economic independence but in Anambra State, persons with disabilities graduate to return to street begging and engage in other precarious and dehumanising life styles for livelihood due to unemployment.

Akpokue Dike, characteristic of him, listened with attention and compassion and immediately announced an automatic employment opportunity for all graduates with disabilities in Anambra State.

I also told the Governor that the enrollment is down for students with disabilities in Anambra State and their education face uncertain future due to non-implementation of the age old scholarship scheme for students with disabilities in the state. The Governor also immediately affirmed the resuscitation and implementation of scholarship for all students with disabilities in Anambra State. Akpokue Dike whose job stress never casts shadow over his deep sense of hu-

mour, asked me “now, all your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more” but my spirit and passion of advocacy will yet plead. ‘’Akpokue Dike, Oliver want’s some more and the biblical Abraham has one more plea.” I invited his Excellency to consider the plight of civil servants with disabilities who were alleged to have been bye-passed in promotional exercises in their establishments and requested His Excellency to appoint senior directors with disabilities who have reached the pinnacle of their service to the position of permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. Akpokue Dike pledged to direct the State Civil Service Commission to investigate and take necessary steps to ensure that workers with disabilities in the civil service to receive the same consideration as their colleagues.

The Governor in a statewide speech, unveiled an enviable second to none economic package to cushion the impact of the nationwide economic recession now biting the inhabitants of Nigeria.

The package has received a global publicity as Anambra State citizens and lovers around the world have continued to praise the effort and foresight of our dynamic Governor. But one major aspect of the great relief package which has received little coverage is the automatic employment opportunity offered to all graduates with disabilities in Anambra State. Unfortunately, the love and great things the Governor is doing for persons with disabilities in Anambra State appear not to receive the wide coverage they deserve.

As Governor Obiano was concerned about disability, so is his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano. His Excellency told me how the wife had visited Basden Memorial Special School for the Handicapped and wept for two consecutive nights at the miserable life of the pupils in the dilapidated school with deplorable condition of long neglected infrastructure.

The State Administration has since rebuilt and reequipped the school to a state of a modern world class primary and secondary schools for the handicapped.

It was after this discussion that the Governor asked who will coordinate these policies and invited me to come home and join forces with the State administration in this special task of making life better for the persons with disabilities in Anambra State.

Since then, Akpokue Dike has not only delivered as promised but has gone over and beyond expectation in the face of the economic recession. He has confounded his critics by engaging in programmes and projects that will survive his administration.

Ezewuzie

Although Akpokue Dike does his work willingly without fear or favour, if his good works earn him a well deserving second term, so be it, for a labourer is worthy of his/her hire Has Gov. Obiano implemented those promises he made to disable persons?

Yes he has. On the 11th of October 2016, Akpokue Dike received at Governor’s Lodge the athletes and medalists with disabilities who made the state proud at recently concluded Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Akpokue Dike gave one million Naira each to the medalists and Five hundred thousand Naira each to their coaches and encouraged them to prepare for 2020 games in Japan. Akpokue Dike offered employment opportunity to the athletes and announced advance level promotion for the employed athlete in the Civil Service. He has since donated his salary to the upkeep and maintenance of persons with mental illness in Anambra State.

Within the past few months, Akpokue Dike has flagged off about twenty community projects in the ongoing twenty million Naira “Choose your projects” planned for the one hundred and seventy-nine communities in Anambra State.

Akpokue Dike has directed

that every one of these projects must be handicapped accessible and involved, yet the people interpret it as politics. How can any right thinking and patriotic citizens with these facts interpret the effort of His Excellency to be “a political pitch for a second term bid?

Ndi Anambra with disabilities gratefully thank Akpokue Dike for all his services to Ndi Anambra and commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities in Anambra State.

Although Akpokue Dike does his work willingly without fear or favour, if his good works earn him a well deserving second term, so be it, for a labourer is worthy of his/ her hire.

What message do you have for Ndi Anambra?

For Ndi Anambra, I will say that your hard working governor has been passing sleepless nights to ensure that all is well in Anambra State. He is being praised all over the world for his stride in security issue. In the past, Anambra citizens in overseas were afraid to come home which has been the problem for a very long time. They didn’t want to come home because they didn’t know if they come home, they will be waylaid or kidnapped.

But since Governor Obiano resumed in office, the change became effective, people are now free to come home and investments coming to Anambra state are very impressive.

We better appreciate what Obiano is doing and encourage him.

After all, Anambra is one of the two states that pay salaries as and when due when other states don’t do pay. That is why civil servants call him ‘Alert Governor’ because before the month ends, alert would come.

I visited a bank recently to talk or inquire about civil servant loan, in other words, the loan they give to civil servants and they recoup it in instrumental payment from their salary. And the bank official told me that they have stopped it for many states that they no longer give that loan but only do it for Federal Ministry and Parastatals because they are the ones that pay back religiously. But the official also said that Anambra State is the only state they consider for the next batch because Anambra pays as and when due.

This was a statement from a staff of a bank, not a political statement or from any political stalwart.

It has been observed that Governor Obiano is not interested in sustaining most of the major roads constructed by his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, and these roads are gradually going into dilapidation.

What’s your take?

On this issue of roads, I have been hearing this from other people and that has been brought before Governor Obiano’s attention.

The Governor has shown a lot of work done in different areas. I don’t know which governor that has built three flyover bridges within a space of two years in office.

If you are coming from Enugu, you may not know that you have passed Awka when you would be busy looking for Awka old signs.

I know there are some areas we have visited with Gov. Obiano where the contractors are waiting for the rainy season to elapse for new roads to be constructed.

We have also visited Ndiokpaleke town in Orumba North Local Government Area where the governor flagged off a health centre as one of the ‘Choose your project programmes’ in the communities.

There, they pointed out that it was the first time a sitting governor was visiting the town in the history of Anambra State.

The Governor equally promised them that after the rainy season, they would be provided with an access road to the community.

There is a road linking Aguata via Ekwulobia and Ezinifite, somebody brought it to my attention. I took it to Governor Obiano and he said that the road was on course.

Obiano said that work would commence there this month of November and by the way, it wasn’t abandoned by him rather it was abandoned by the contractor who was sued by one of the people that owns land around there. However, they have straightened all legal entanglements and restored peace.

One of the statements made by Anambra State government at the ASA USA Convention which was just concluded is that no road that was started by the previous administration is abandoned.

Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

NGO asks youths to abstain from immorality, laziness

Media practitioners urged to maintain best ethical standards

Awka

Philip Balepo and Bamidele Ajayi, Awka

Alphonsus Nweze

ÏÏÏ Young people have been urged to abstain from activities that that encourage immorality and laziness and face the reality of life by learning skills.

The founder of the Centre for Strategic Leadership and Youth Organisation (CENSTLEYO), Mr. Imah Felix Emeka, who gave the advice, enumerated some of these activities as modernised gambling, beauty pageant/competition, networking business, religious exploitation, and indecent activities dressing among other activities.

Emeka, who spoke in Nnewi, Anambra State during a training for journalists titled “CENSTLEYO and the Media in the transformation of Our Society,” said modernised gambling has entangled the youths that many do not find acquisition of skills for self-reliance necessary again.

“Many have even sacrificed their obligations to study hard as students and even their education for that. The quest for quick money has enveloped the youth and thus needs to be fully addressed, “he said.

The founder therefore called for sensitisation and re-orientation of the mind sets of our youths to desist from activities that encourage get quick-money syndrome as well as stressed the need for youths to acquire skills for the overall devel-

opment of the nation.

He also condemned beauty pageant not only because of its promotion of immorality but also the girls were duped by the organisers, calling on young take to take a very critical look at the programmes they were entering before plunging into it.

Emeka said there was serious need for young people and everyone to apply discretion and tact before they get involved in networking business which has eaten deep into the fabric the nation.

He said whatever happens, the acquisition of skills and attendance of training programmes will always remain relevant and meaningful for the overall development of the youths.

The founder warned young people to desist from following churches with sentimentality, noting that many young people have been exploited and duped in a bid to find spiritual security and deliverance by many who feign as men of God but wolves in sheep’s clothing.

“You are thus advised to be as the scripture says, be as wise as serpent and gentle as dove’. Show discretion and make some reflections when you are asked to participate in some aberration and abnormal activities in the name of religious activity. This has become the bane of youthful development that needs proper redress” said Emeka.

ÏÏÏ

Media practitioners in the country have been called upon to maintain the best ethical standards in the discharge of their duties, which span through informing the public without compromise.

This was the consensus of panelists at a symposium with a gettogether held at the Beautiful Gate, Agu-Awka, the Anambra State capital, to mark the fourth year anniversary of Media Practitioners Only (MPO). MPO is a group of journalists in Anambra State who fraternise mainly online.

The day started with a symposium where the speakers were Professor Stella Okunna, the Dean of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and former Information Commissioner, Anambra State; Victor Agusiobor, Henry Duru and Gabriel okpaleze, all seasoned media practitioners, who really did justice to some ranges of

issues affecting the industry.

The participants first touched on some challenges journalists face in the course of their duties, ranging from poor working conditions, poor enumerations as compared to other professional bodies; the non-availability of welfare package for members, the long delayed and sometimes the non-payment of salaries and a host of other working incentives that should make a journalist not to comprise his or her ethical standard of the media profession.

However, in the face of all these, the panelists urged the league of media practitioners to ensure they maintain the best ethical standards in the discharge of their duties, which span through informing the public without compromise.

They faulted the manner some journalists parade themselves in public and concluded by enjoining them to insist on doing the right thing if they really want to command respect of the public.

The symposium ended with all

reaching some resolutions, hoping that both Federal and state Governments would buy into them.

The resolutions include: That a regulatory framework for media owners should be enacted for them to pass through the same structure that banks went through years back, with a pool of funds where salaries and other incentives would be drawn from, if an employer fails to pay his workers; and that a holistic approach to media operations business be established, where core professionals would be given the opportunity to operate, whereas quacks would be easily fished out and shown the way out.

The Media Practitioners Only (MPO) however urged members to insist on doing the right thing at all times, being the only medium where the government and the governed interact and communicate.

The day ended with a gig to unwind and cool off a hard day at work at the Beautiful Gate Hotel, with a lot to eat and drink.

Christians urged to trust God in troubled times Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ With the economic hardship

in the country biting harder as the day passes by, a cleric, Rev. Princewill Ebere Okonkwo, has counseled Christians not to despair but to place their confidence in God who will ensure that they will not be consumed by the prevailing situation.

Rev. Okonkwo, who is the Vicar of St. Ebenezer Anglican Church, Oye Oze, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, gave the advice penultimate Sunday during the first general Harvest thanksgiving of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Otakwi, Nkwelle Ezunaka.

He said though there was hard time in the land, the children of God will survive because God does not abandon his children in time of trouble.

The cleric said out of the present situation in the country, God was doing great things provided that his children absolutely trust him, reminding Christians that God does not leave anybody to do his work without his provision.

Rev. Okonkwo said God will always support his work, assuring that those who work for the Lord will never lack anything.

He said the Anglican Church will saturate Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Otakwi and other adjoining areas of Nkwelle with the presence of Anglican Church and challenged every member of the church to be a discipler for Christ.

Speaking with Anambra Times, Pastor of St. Bartholomew, Evangelist Emeka Onwe, said God’s hand was on the church and the members, expressing hope that next year they would have put up a befitting structure for the Lord.

He said: “The future is so big and bright. This church will become a pro-cathedral because more and more people are packing into the place. And we are ready to receive them for worship”.

He said the church like any other church has encountered challenges including opposition from the power of darkness but God has been faithful to them, providing them with a place of worship before the mother church purchased the property they are in.

Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke (left with staff); the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Isiuzo and other Catholic faithful during the a ceremony to officially close the Jubilee Door of Mercy at the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State...recently

Cleric charges Christians to show mercy to others Philip Balepo, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ The Archbishop of Onitsha,

Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has officially closed the Jubilee Door of Mercy at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, with a charge on Christians to show mercy to fellow human beings irrespective of the creed.

The cleric said: “As we close the wooden door of mercy may God give us the grace to open the doors of mercy of our hearts to our brothers and sisters.”

The Jubilee Door of Mercy was officially declared opened by His Holiness, Pope Francis 1 on December 8, 2015 (the feast of Immaculate Conception), and expected to run for 349 days, to the feast of Christ the King (November 20, 2016).

It was a period for the remission of sins and universal pardon, focus-

ing particularly on God’s forgiveness and mercy. It was also an extra ordinary jubilee year as most jubilee years are declared after every 25 years but the 2016 jubilee was first announced by Pope Francis on March 13, 2015.

This is the 27th Holy Year in the history of the church, following the ordinary 2000 Jubilee Year during St. John Pope II’s papacy.

Pope Francis made all the dioceses around the world open some holy doors for this year of mercy and introduced a prayer for the duration.

The first holy door was actually opened by Pope Francis on the 29th of November, 2015 in Bangui, Central African Republic, during a tour of East Africa.

By passing through the holy doors, the faithful can earn indulgences after fulfilling the usual conditions of prayer for the Pope’s

intentions, confessions and detachment from sins and receiving communion frequently. The year emphasised the importance of mercy and the need for the church to be more open, keeping alive the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.

At the end of ceremony, the Archbishop admonishing all, said: “We can only receive mercy if we do show mercy to our fellow humans; that mercy is a virtue; it is compassion in action and a good habit which enables one to have real passion with another one who suffers; mercy is inspired by the true love of God who always enters our situation in order to make it better.

Mercy is an action of the Blessed; an attribute of the graced. Mercy is beatitude.”

The Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Isiuzo, also officiated at the ceremony.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Employee Compensation Scheme to include informal sector - Ngige

Page B2

Recession: Emefiele, Ajibola seek infrastructure development for economicß recoveryPage B3

L-R: Partner and Chief Operating Officer, KPMG, Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Mr. Babatunde Fowler, Partner and Head, Tax Regulatory and People Services, KPMG, Mr. Wole Obayomi and Partner, Tax Regulatory and People Services Division, KPMG, Nike James during KPMG Tax Breakfast Meeting with Chairman, FIRS held at Eko Hotel on Friday in Lagos.

Opeoluwani Akintayo

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

Page B5

FIRS

Natural gas to become irrelevant by 2040 , IEA warns The International Energy Agency, IEA, has warned that natural gas will become irrelevant come 2040.

In its newly released annual World Energy Outlook, the body said natural gas will play an increasingly important role in the mix of global fuels through to 2040. Renewables will also play a leading role moving forward, it said.

However, it said the extent to which gas fades, will depend on how countries implement the Paris Climate Agreement.

It said that lower demand being experienced by coal, makes natural gas an increasingly important fuel at the moment.

“Given the economics natural gas can provide for the energy system, whatever policy we have, natural gas always comes out one of the big winners,” IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol said.

“We see clear winners for the next 25 years – natural gas but especially wind and solar – replacing the champion of the previous 25 years, coal,” Birol wrote in the World Energy Outlook synopsis. “But there is no single story about the future of global energy: in practice, government policies will determine where we go from here.”

Tourism, alternative way out of recession - Imo Deputy Governor

FG’s 40b barrels oil reserves target by 2020 not feasible – NAPE Opeoluwani Akintayo The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE, has said Nigeria’s plan to increase its oil reserves to 40 billion barrels by 2020 maybe a mirage if

the downwards trend in finding new oil in the country continues and is not reversed. The body made this known in a statement released over the weekend.

According to NAPE, the need to achieve this lofty goal is further exacerbated

by the intense competition from other African countries that have attracted exploration dollars, with laudable investment showcase aimed at providing them a footprint on the oil patch.

In the Niger Delta, a ma-

ture oil and gas province, most of the ‘easy finds’ have been explored or constrained primarily by community/security related disruptions, and perceptions of investor unfriendly operational terms.

Against this backdrop,

Mobile money targets 50% cut in cost of international remittances The GSMA has said in a report titled, ‘Driving a Price Revolution: Mobile Money in International Remittances’ that looks at the impact of mobile money on reducing the cost of international remittances that the cost of sending international remittances with mobile money was on the average, more than 50 percent less expensive than using global money transfer operators (MTOs).

Moreover, where people were able to send remittances from a mobile money account, the average cost of sending US$200 was 2.7 percent, compared to 6 percent when using

global MTOs. Lower transaction fees can translate directly into additional income for remittance recipients.

The research shows that by increasing competition, leveraging existing networks and infrastructure, and capturing smaller remittance values than traditional players, mobile money providers are strategically well-placed to lower international remittance costs.

These lower prices, in turn, contribute directly toward achieving targets within United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 102, which sets clear objectives for reducing migrant remittance costs.

“Mobile money is one of the most exciting innovations in financial services, with more than 400 million registered consumer accounts across over 90 countries.

“While today mobile money services are largely used for domestic transactions, international transfers represent the fastest-growing segment of mobile money services. In just a few years’ time, mobile money has moved from a purely domestic service to one that allows migrants to send remittances between more than 20 countries globally,” said John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA.

According to the World Bank, more than 250 million people live outside their country of birth and regularly send money home, providing a financial lifeline to their families and contributing to the economies of their home countries. In 2015, global remittances totalled US$581.6 billion, of which US$431.6 billion, or nearly 75 percent, was sent to the developing world. International remittances play a critical role in the economies of developing countries. However, the cost of international transfers remains high and directly impacts the income of remittance recipients.

Nigeria’s Frontier Basin offers a diversity of opportunities to meet the strategic objective of growing Nigerian reserves base and surpassing the 40 billion target.

“Despite the current global efforts to diversify CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Tight range for Naira this week on forex measures Motolani Oseni The Naira is expected to trade in a tight range at the official and parallel markets this week as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) struggles to curb speculation on the currency and reduce pressure on the dwindling external reserves.

CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Tight range for Naira this week on forex

UBA

L - R: Mr. Valentine Akue, Chief Finance Officer, UBA Burkina Faso; Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Financial Controller, UBA Plc; Mr. Ugo Nwaghodoh, Group Chief Finance Officer, UBA Plc; Mr. Akin Naphtal, Publisher, Instinct Business and organiser of Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Award; and Mr. Kunle Oyewole, Chief Finance Officer, UBA Sierra Leone at the 2nd edition of the CFO awards where UBA won the CFO of the year; Financial Innovation Project of the year and Finance Team of the year awards, in Lagos on Saturday.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Employee Compensation Scheme to include informal sector - Ngige Joy Ekeke

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige has hinted at the possibility of getting the informal sector to enjoy the benefits of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).

The scheme by default is restricted to the formal sector of the economy, however the Minister has constituted a technical team to work on the possibility of extending it to the informal sector.

Dr. Ngige revealed this in Abuja while welcoming the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) headquarters, explained that one of the challenges facing the implementation of ECS is extending its

coverage to the informal sector of the economy, explaining that the difficulty is as a result of the flexibility of the informal sector’s earnings.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Clement Illoh, however expressed optimism that the challenges would soon be surmounted as the Ministry has constituted a technical committee to work on the expansion initiative.

The Minister noted that the statutory functions of parastatals under the ministry are well articulated to ensure national growth and development.

The Minister lauded the Senate committee for supporting the parastatals under the Ministry of

FG’s 40b barrels oil reserves target by 2020 not feasible – NAPE CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

sources of energy, heavy reliance will continue to be on hydrocarbon for several decades to come.

Economic growth and prosperity has been directly linked with availability of energy. There is need therefore, to grow and solidify Nigeria’s Petroleum reserve base by finding new oil and gas pools, for Nigeria to continue to remain relevant supplier to meet expected global energy need,” the statement read.

Before now, there have been arguments in different quarters on how to grow Nigeria’s already depleted oil reserves.

Nigeria being an oil dependent economy, is currently facing recession due to crash in prices of oil in the international market.

While some are of the opinion

that Nigeria needs not sell its oil, as its 180 million population can consume its daily production of between 2.2 - 2.4 million barrels per day, others insisted on exporting in order to earn foreign exchange which can be used in purchases.

However, the country has been unable to meet up with exporting the products in good quantity due to pipeline vandalisation in the Niger Delta region.

More so recently, The International Monetary Fund, IMF, warned that economies of oil dependent countries would not come to a balance any time soon.

In a newly published report by the Body, it said that the “new normal” in oil will delay the economic recovery in oil-dependent countries like Nigeria.

Labour and Employment, saying such gesture would boost productivity for national growth and development.

On his part, the Acting Managing Director of the NSITF, Ismail Agaka, has urged the National Assembly to expedite legislative action on the proposed expansion of the social security mandate of the Fund.

Agaka assured that NSITF would not shy away from its principal responsibility, which is the judicious implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, noting that, “since NSITF began the implementation of ECS, which replaced the Workmen’s Compensation Scheme, it has settled claims of over seven thousand workers to the tune of N700 million”, adding that the beauty of the ECS, is being “a no fault scheme, meaning that NSITF must pay even if the employee is at fault.

“Over 45, 000 employers have already been registered for the ECS. We however solicit the support of the Committee to help the Fund extend the Scheme to Nigerian employees who are not yet covered, in whose interest the

Scheme was designed.”

The NSITF boss promised that every contribution to the Fund would be accounted for as its transparency and accountability hallmark, saying the money contributed by the employers is entrusted to NSITF for safe keeping.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, Senator Suleiman Nazif, who led the delegation, said by the working visit, the Committee was exercising its constitutional oversight function, noting that such visit presents an opportunity to interact with NSITF management staff, listen to their challenges and ask questions, so that they could assist the organisation achieve its goals.

Ngige

The naira was quoted at N465 against the dollar at the parallel market on Friday, lower than 460/dollar recorded last week.

At the official interbank market, the naira was quoted at 314.80/dollar.

“The Central Bank has intensified its effort to manage the exchange rate at the present level by influencing how the scarce dollar is sold at the parallel market, while selling dollar daily at the interbank market to keep it from falling further,” a trader at one of the commercial banks told Reuters.

Meanwhile, the country’s overnight interbank lending rate fell to 14 percent on Friday from 22 percent previous week after the central bank repaid matured treasury bills, injecting cash into the banking system, traders said.

Traders said the bank injected around 140 billion naira ($444.98 million) through its pay-out of matured open market operations bills, which helps lower borrowing costs among banks.

The cash helped money-market liquidity, traders said, despite bond and treasury bill sales this week. The debt office raised 39 billion naira with local currency bonds and 120 billion in shortdated treasury bills this week .

Also, the CBN sold N119.92bn ($394.21m) in short-dated treasury bills at an auction on Wednesday, with mixed yields, data from the central bank showed on Friday.

The bank sold a total of N32.43bn of the three-month paper at 13.99 per cent, broadly unchanged from 14 per cent at the last auction on November 2.

It sold N22.82bn of the sixmonth debt at 17.40 percent, down from 17.50 per cent at the previous auction, while a total of N64.67bn of one-year bills was sold at 18.70 per cent, compared with 18.30 per cent previously.

Nigeria’s power liquidity gap hits N1 trillion - EKEDC boss The Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo), Dr Oladele Amoda has lamented that the funding gap in the power sector has increased to between N900billion and N1trillion.

Amoda said liquidity issues and non-cost-reflective tariff were some of the major challenges facing the DisCos. According to him, these problems were caused by huge debts owed power generation (GenCos) and DisCos by consumers.

He said debts owed Eko DisCo by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) across all levels of government is estimated at N10.7 billion as at last July. Other issues include non-cost-reflective tariff, energy theft through meter bypass, illegal connection double feeding, vandalism of transformers, cables and power equipment.

On the sideline, following persistent poor grid output, EKEDC has completed arrangement to generate 598 megawatts (Mw) of electricity from embedded gen-

eration (off-grid electricity by private generators).

Amoda said that power supply from embedded generation had become imperative to enable the utility firm meet the consumption needs of its customers. He said the company gets 140Mw through dedicated power supply and has prequalified 10 firms as successful bidders for the supply of 458Mw. According to him, 100Mw comes from the rehabilitated STO6 or unit 6 of Egbin Power Station.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

B3 Money Market

Money rate ease, as OBB, ON fall As the money market witnessed improved system liquidity with its rates eased last week, but Open Buy Back (OBB) and Overnight (O/N) rates declined by 15.7 percent week on week (W-o-W), to close at 12.5 percent and 13.2percent respectively on Friday.

The CBN rolled over maturing Treasury Bills mid-week at slightly higher rates while the Debt Management Office (DMO) also conducted a bonds auction which drained liquidity on Wednesday.

However, two OMO maturities on Thursday (N140bn) eased liquidity shortage in the system to offset the NTB and Bond auctions debits, hence OBB and O/N rates dipped 12.8 and 13.1 percentage points on Thursday.

Sentiment in the Treasury Bills market was largely bullish as rates closed the week lower on 3 out of 5 sessions. At the start of the week, average T-bills rate opened 18 basis points (bps) higher but sentiment was bullish on subsequent sessions, save for Wednesday, as investors continue to pile into short term debt securities.

Average T-bills rate consequently trimmed 25 bps over the week to close at 17.6percent on Friday. The CBN conducted a T-bills Primary Market Auction (PMA) on Wednesday, allotting N32.4billion of the 91-day, N22.8billion of the 182-day and N64.7billion of the 364-day in-

struments at stop rates of 14.0per cent, 17.4per cent and 18.7per cent respectively. The 182-day and 364-day stop rates were 31bps and 20bps higher than previous issuance of similar tenors whilst the 91-day paper issuance rate was flat.

At the foreign exchange market, the Naira per Dollar exchange rate was largely stable at all segments of the FX market during the week under review.

Earlier in the week, the Financial Markets Dealers Over-theCounter (FMDQ OTC) exchange announced the suspension of the FMDQ interbank spot rate, replacing it with the CBN spot rate until the general market structure becomes more credible and transparent.

Consequently, the FMDQ published the last executed trades (usually CBN interventions) as the CBN spot rates last week. Expectedly, the CBN spot rate was stable on all trading days of the week, closing at N305.25/US$1.00 on Monday, before depreciating marginally to N305.50/US$1.00 towards the end of the week.

Afrinvest (West Africa) dealers said their expectations of further fragmentation of the FX market and a liquidity constraint at the parallel market materialized last week as black market operators refused to sell dollars at the regulatory mandated rate of N400.00/ US$1.00 but willing to buy at N395.00/US$1.00, most likely to hoard.

Sterling Bank cuts over to Temenos transactions platform

Ï ƌƍƋƆƐƆ 9j ƐƏ Ƈ Əƌ Ɛƈ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐ Sterling Bank Plc, has gone live across its 185 branches with the Temenos Core Banking UniversalSuite.

Temenos, the Geneva-based software specialist in a statement over the weekend explained that the bank’s move to replace its existing legacy systems with Temenos core banking solution will support ambitious growth plans, including reaching customers in new geographical locations and improve its ability to bring new products to market.

“The bank went live with an ambitious ‘Big Bang Approach’ across all its 185 branches simultaneously, allowing the whole business to benefit from the new technology in the quickest time frame,” Temenos said in the statement.

Temenos Regional Director, Jean Paul Mergeai, commented: “We are very pleased with Sterling Bank’s trust in our products and services which will enable the bank to execute its growth plans

– attracting new niche customers and expanding regional operations. By selecting Temenos corebanking solution to underpin its IT transformation, Sterling Bank is leveraging the technology that should give them a competitive edge in a fast moving market, increase operational efficiency, reduce risks and improve customer service. I … congratulate Sterling Bank on the achievement and delivery of such an important program and milestone.”

Also commenting on the development, Sterling Bank Managing Director/CEO, Yemi Adeola, said: “Technology has become the backbone of the global banking system today and as an institution, we are committed to continuously making the necessary investments to ensure we deliver the one-customer experience to all our customers.

Our choice of Temenos is founded on their impressive track record and reliable service delivery; a trait synonymous with the core values we hold dear.”

However, Naira/Dollar rate at the underground parallel market for operators willing to defy regulatory directives on rate traded between N455.00/US$1.00 and N465.00/US$1.00 during the week without liquidity constraints.

In the futures market, total value of open contracts stood at US$3.8billion as at Friday 18th November.

“We observed that investors are subscribing more to the longer dated Naira settled OTC futures contracts which are attractively priced. We expect the CBN to fulfil its obligation on the maturing NGUS NOV 23 2016 futures contract and also replace it with a NOV 2017 instrument in line with recent trend,” the dealers stated.

In the interim, “we expect that developments in the FX market will be at the vanguard of discussions at next week’s MPC meeting. We opine that the issues in the market will continue to intensify peradventure status quo remains on the management process of the FX market,” Afrinvest explained.

Former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, (left) delivers 100 banking and finance books to the National Universities Commission(NUC) for distribution to Nigerian universities.

Receiving the books is Alhaji Abdullahi Hamza, Director , NUC Lagos office. The book, INSIDE NIGERIAN BANKS is written by Nik Ogbulie…recently.

Recession: Emefiele, Ajibola seek infrastructure development for economic recovery Stories by Motolani Oseni The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, together with the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Professor Segun Ajibola, has identified massive infrastructural development as catalyst for the nation’s swift economy recovery.

Speaking at the 2016 Annual Bankers Dinner of the CIBN in

Emefiele

Lagos over the weekend, Emefiele stated that investing in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, railways, and information technology would help in savaging the country from the recession.

The central banker however acknowledged that the nation’s fiscal resources alone would be inadequate to finance this plan.

He, therefore, enjoined monetary and fiscal authorities to consider innovative mechanisms and ideas to ensure the necessary economic growth.

While blaming drop in crude oil prices, and tension among Nigeria’s critical trading partners, Emefiele noted that average inflows of foreign exchange into the apex bank has fallen by $2.3 billion every month, over the last 26 months.

According to him, due to the sharp drop in oil prices, the Federation Account Allocation to states has fallen by about N2billion per state on the average.

He lamented that Nigeria could

have been better prepared for a time like this if the country did not open up the economy to all comers during economic boom and dropped all capital controls.

At some point, he said, Nigeria received more than $23 billion in hot money from foreign portfolio investors in a particular year. This fund, according to him, was temporary as the owners quickly divested at the slightest sign of economic slowdown. Emefiele recalled that in September 2008, Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves stood at $62 billion “even after we have spent about $12 billion settling our external debt obligation. What did we do with $62 billion?.”

He regretted that at a time when crude oil price was at about N120 per barrel, the country did not save.

“If we couldn’t save the money, we can Invest it in infrastructure, invest in industry; invest them in infrastructure and industry that would grow productivity and the wealth of our people,” he said.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

NSE lists Lafarge bonds The Nigerian Stock exchange (NSE) has approved for listing Lafarge Africa’s three- and five-year capital raising bonds of N26.4 billion and N33.6 billion respectively.

According to the NSE, the company through a three-year fixed rate bond due 2019, will raise N26,386,000,000 in its first series of a N100 Billion Debt Issuance Programme with Pilot Securities as the stockbrokers.

Lafarge will also offer for Subscription N33,614,000,000 in Series II of a five year Fixed Rate Bond Due 2021 under a N100 Billion Debt Issuance Programme with Chapel Hill Advisory Partners Limited; Standard Chartered Capital and Advisory Nigeria Limited and Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited as the issuing houses and financial advisers for both debt programmes .

Group Managing Director/ CEO, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Michel Puchercos, speaking on the outlook for the remaining part of the year stated that the company is looking to refinance third

party USD denominated loans of 85 million USD by end of fourth quarter (Q4).

According to him, the company expects pricing to remain robust during Q4 with significant recovery in Q4 vs Q3 2016 and operating EBITDA around 30 percent “Our focus on volume and prices started to deliver during the 3rd Quarter. In September, all our plants were running at record performance level, Mfamosing Line 2 started its operation on August 28th (clinker) and prices increased by 650N/bag in September representing above 40 percent price change.

In spite of the recessionary economic environment and market uncertainties, our company is positioned to deliver improved performance going forward. Our immediate objective is to optimize our processes, reduce operational costs and deliver strong EBITDA margins. However, uncertainty remains on the macroeconomic environment and its effect on the cement market.” He said

Summary of trading activities on NSE ASI

25,537.54

DEALS

380.00

VOLUME

153,662,017.00

VALUE CAP

169,622,229.84 8,791,073,982,392.41

Forte Oil raises N9bn bonds Forte Oil has raised N9 billion in an initial tranche of its proposed N50 billion bond issuance programme.

According to the integrated energy service provider, the funds raised will be used to refinance existing short term commercial bank loan obligations and to finance the retail outlet expansion of the company.

The company has an Issuer rating of A- long term and A1- short term rating by the Global Credit Rating Company (GCR).

Commenting on the success of the capital raised, Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa said: “With the raising of this initial capital which has been fully underwritten shows the confidence the investing public has in Forte Oil Plc as an investment of choice.

This bond programme being the first in the downstream sector is testament to Forte’s position within the downstream sector and allows the company to actualise the vision of the Board to

continue to provide value to its shareholders regardless of the economic climate.”

In his remarks, the Group Executive Director, Finance and Risk, Forte Oil, Mr. Julius Omodayo-Owotuga, stated that “This series provides us with the necessary liquidity to actualize our growth strategies and positions the company for the years ahead.

The pricing of this debt instrument demonstrates the markets’ belief in us and the pricing would help reduce our borrowing cost and increase profitability in the short and long term.”

The bonds which will be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange will mature in 2021.

United Capital Plc served as the lead financial advisor/issuing house to the transaction while Boston Advisory Limited, FBN Capital Limited, Planet Capital Limited and Vetiva Capital Management Limited served as joint financial advisors/issuing houses.

L-R : Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, Kano State Deputy Governor, Hafiz Abubakar and Representative of Emir of Kano, Abas Sanusi during the opening ceremony of the 37th Kano International Trade Fair in Kano... at the weekend.

Poor appetite leaves market hungry for investment

Stories by Afolabi Adesola

The decline on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) continued for the fifth week running, with the All-Share Index (ASI), market capitalization, total volume and value of equities traded recording depreciation of varying degrees.

The ASI and market capitalisation both dropped by 2.42 percent last week to close at 25,537.54 and N8.791 trillion respectively with the Year-to-Date return at 10.84 percent.

Total volume traded also declined to 823.547 million shares, 110.3 percent lower than 2.847 billion shares transacted previous week, while total value exchanged in 11,634 deals stood at N5.444 billion in contrast to N7.420 billion obtained previously in 16,065 deals, representing a depreciation of 30.7 percent.

The sector indices also finished lower during the week with the

exception of the NSE Insurance Index that appreciated by 0.49 percent while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat As expected, the Financial Services Industry, measured by volume, led the activity chart with 616.999 million shares valued at N2.667 billion traded in 6,142 deals; thus contributing 74.92 percent and 49.00 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 47.741 million shares worth N43.735 million in 510 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 42.674 million shares worth N1.735 billion in 2,112 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities also by volume were Standard Alliance Insurance, Diamond Bank and FBN Holdings. They accounted for 219.392 million shares worth N288.220 million in 1,026 deals, contributing 26.64 percent

and 5.29 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

In the course of the week, May & Baker Nigeria led nine other equities that appreciated in price, lower than 18 equities of the previous week. Forty-eight equities led

by Forte Oil depreciated in price, higher than 36 equities of the previous week, while 123 equities remained unchanged lower than 127 equities recorded in the preceding week.

Also traded during the week were a total of 60 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N537.00 executed in 11 deals, compared with a total of 5,080 units valued at N62,550.75 transacted last week in 17 deals.

A total of 6,871 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N5.990 million were traded in 8 deals compared to a total of 73,694 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N80.177 million transacted last week in 9 deals.

Investors of six blue chip stocks lose N127.6bn As the equities market continued on a free fall, investors in Dangote Cement, Zenith Bank and four other bluechips lost N127.6 billion of their investments during the week.

The other companies are Forte Oil Plc, Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Total Nigeria and Nestle Nigeria.

The decline in these stocks amongst others presaged the N218 billion decline recorded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week.

According to our correspondent’s investigation, investors in Dangote Cement lost an estimated N42.6 billion when the cement giant’s share price opened for trading last Monday at N164 to close on Friday at 161.50.

Zenith Bank investors suffered

a share price decline from N15.13 to N14.18, translating into N29.8 billion value lose.

Forte Oil investors lost N28 billion, while Seplat Petroleum Development Company investors shed N10.2 billion.

Forte Oil had opened on Monday at N104.50 but closed on Friday at N82.67.

Seplat Petroleum Development Company, on its part, declined from N361 to N342.95 per share.

Investors of Nestle Nigeria, and Total Nigeria both lost N11.9 billion and N4.7 billion respectively.

According to investment analysts, the unrelenting depreciation of the equities market was further compounded by the latest report on inflation released by the National Bureau of Statistics

(NBS) on Monday.

NBS had said inflation rate increased to 18.3 percent in October from 17.9 percent a month earlier, an 11-year high and nine month increase in inflation rate in a row.

The NBS said the increases were recorded across almost all major divisions which contribute to the Headline Index. Communication and Restaurants and Hotels recorded the slowest pace of growth in October, growing at 5.7 percent and 9.4 percent yearon-year respectively.

“Going into the new week, we reiterate our call for caution on equities’ market play in the near term as the key market parameters would likely remain volatile given the weak macro environment,” a group of analysts at Investment One said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday,November 21, 2016

B5 Tourism

Tourism, alternative way out of recession - Imo Deputy Governor

Tourism: Why we must promote brand Nigeria – Chika Balogun

Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere on Friday said the exploration of the nation’s tourism potentials was the only way out of the country’s lingering economic recession.

Madumere added that this would also be in line with President Muhammed Buhari’s economic diversification policy.

The deputy governor, who stressed the importance of developing Nigeria’s area of comparative economic advantage, said that the country had untapped tourism potentials. “ If we develop those that make us stand out, if we develop those traditions that have always been a mystery to the outside world, then we will be able to tap into their potential naturally.

“Then, we will earn huge revenue from them,’’ he said.

He said that some big

Azubike Nnadozie

economies of the world had experienced economic boom and wealth creation through massive investment in tourism.

According to him, we go to China to see old monuments as well as homes of Chinese past heroes.

Madumere, who expressed confidence in the policies of the APC-led Federal Government, called for more investments in the tourism sector.

He described Nigeria as a nation endowed with abundant natural resources, saying that it was time to tap into its natural endowments.

The deputy governor noted that the Israeli economy was not only agriculturally driven but centred on tourism for huge revenue. “ Even, visits to the birth place of Jesus Christ and where his resurrection took place had continued to bring huge revenue to Israel from pilgrims.

Madumere

“It is our duty to package brand Nigeria as a Destination. The sweetest part of tourism is that the human part of tourism is 90 percent. And we need to believe in the product Nigeria; change our mindset and get interested in packaging and marketing the brand Nigeria’.

These were the assertions of Mrs. Chika Balogun, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), while declaring open a one – day training workshop organised by her institute for travel journalists and security agents, recently in Lagos.

‘Tourism’, the DG went on, ‘is an important aspect of the diversification agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria’.

Mrs. Balogun charged travel journalists and security agents in Nigeria to adopt a positive disposition on the promotion of Nigeria so as to attract the right attention to the country in its quest to diversifying its economy as a way of overcoming the present recession.

The theme of the training which was attended by security officers from Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and Nigerian Civil Defense and Security Corps and tourism journalists was ‘Global tourism

Ethiopian Airlines win big at Akwaaba Africa’s leading Airline Ethiopian Airlines shone like bright stars at the Prestigious Africa Travel Awards Dinner at Akwaaba African Travel Market held recently in Lagos.

Ethiopian Airlines took home four of the 6 Airline Awards on offer at the dinner attended by the leading lights in Africa Travel and Tourism landscape.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality from Zimbabwe Honourable Anastasia Ndlovu was the special Guest of

Honour. Senators and High Government officials from Nigeria and Travel Professionals from 16 Countries were in attendance at the dinner graced by the beautiful Carnival Calabar dancers.

Ethiopian Airlines won Best Airline in Africa, The Best Economy Class in Africa, The Best Business Class in Africa and the Best in-flight entertainment in Africa.

The Awards were received

by The General Manager Nigeria Mr. Solomon Begashaw who led other ET

managers to receive the Awards.

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seven decades of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.

Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the panAfrican passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 95 international destinations across five continents.

ethics and ethics on brand Nigeria.’

Dwelling on the potential of tourism to the Nigerian economy, Chika explained that, ‘Tourism yields more than oil’, asserting that ‘tourism in Nigeria has a lot of assets’.

According to her, ‘If the task of making Nigeria one of the top 20 destinations in the world is to be achieved, then Nigeria has to be promoted in positive light and branded accurately in line with global tourism ethics’; adding ‘Travel journalists and security agents have a great role to play in this regard’.

She therefore said that, There was the need to equip

journalists and security agents on the appropriate ethics that would help in the branding of the country, adding that, ‘NIHOTOUR has decided to bring together both the journalists and security agents based on our collective resolve to promote Nigeria for a better day ahead.”

Mrs. Balogun then appealed to the travel journalists to make the necessary effort to promote Nigerian tourism in positive light, while she called on the security agents to cooperate with tourism operators in protecting the country and ensuring that the right controls and measures are put in place to secure the coun-

try.

While looking at the positive impact tourism can have in the society, Chika explained further, saying, ‘That we can use tourism as a vehicle to prosper Nigeria economically and morally’, even as she traced the comparative impact of tourism to other countries like ‘USA where tourism is the number contributor to their GDP especially through domestic tourism’.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was the special guest of honour, was represented by the Director of Domestic Tourism and Control in the ministry, Mrs. Ada Okoli.

Sheraton Hotel

Jumia Travel celebrates 3rd anniversary, honours 28 Lagos hotels Jumia Travel Nigeria has celebrated its 3rd year of doing business in the country and also marked the second edition of its awards ceremony at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island on Thursday. A total of 28 Lagos hotels were awarded under five categories namely, Customer Choice, Best Partner Hotel, Best Hotel Partner, Booking Award, and Rising Star Award.

“These hotel awards,” said Kushal Dutta, Jumia Travel Nigeria managing director while explaining the rationale for the awards, “celebrate greatest achievements and relationships

that not only set the awardees apart, but also strive to create better service and experience for the guests.

The objective is to appreciate outstanding performers while creating a dynamic platform for players to meet and interact.”

Some of the winners of the Customer Choice Award included, Ikoyi Fairview Apartments; Apartment Royale Hotel & Suites; Jeromes Gardens & Suites; Bluespring Hotel; and Epe Resort. Winners of other categories included Ibis Hotel Ikeja; Park Inn by Radisson; Fahrenheit Loft; Eko Hotel & Suites; and Cumber-

land Hotel.

Speaking on the performance of the company in the last 11 months, Dutta stated that investment in world-class technology that has improved customers’ experience on the company’s portal has been one of the greatest achievements recorded so far. He made reference to the Web Progressive App (WPA) technology developed by the company which makes customers spend less time searching their hotels of choice. The technology, according to him, was showcased by Google at the Web Development event recently.

vvvv

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Price Chg %

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

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(1,000) 18-Nov

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B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

FBNInsurance bags another accolade For the second time in three years, FBNInsurance has been named Best Life Insurance Company in Nigeria (2016) by World Finance, organisers of the World Finance Global Insurance Awards.

Shedding more light on the criteria used in choosing the winners, a statement on the organiser’s website, www.worldfinance.com, stated: “The recipients of this year’s World Finance Global Insurance Awards are made up of the most impressive names in the business, and as governments around the world attempt to stimulate their economies through fiscal reform, we pay tribute to the insurance firms doing their bit to restore order. Our judging panel boasts over 230 years of financial and business journalism, supported by a research team that works round the clock to ensure our award winners are the most deserving in their sector.”

Reacting to the development, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FBNInsurance, Elizabeth Agugoh, credited the awards to her company’s commitment to a well-defined, peoplefocused corporate strategy. “As a local player with continental affiliations, we understand the mindset of the average Nigerian towards insurance. This is why we have employed the most effective strategy to cut through the bias and apathy holding back the market to become one of the nation’s most trusted insurers. We are delighted to win this award again; it shows we are doing many things right,” she concluded.

NIA drags PenCom to NASS, Finance Minister over transfer of annuity assets Stories by Kayode Adelowokan The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has taken its battle with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on transfer of annuity assets to the National Assembly, Secretary to the Federal Government, and the Minister of Finance.

Speaking at the 2nd Business Journal Insurance Summit 2016, in Lagos, the Director-General of the Association, Sunday Thomas, stated that the NIA has also written PenCom, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Head

of Service to the Federation on the need to resolve the feud.

Thomas noted that under the law, PenCom lacks legal grounds to call for transfer of annuity assets which is different from pension contributions, and hoped that the circular would be withdrawn by the pension regulator.

PenCom said the decision to move annuity assets from life insurance companies to Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) is to ensure consistency with Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014 and strengthen the processing of administration of retirement benefits.

In a November 3, 2016 circular on “Strengthening the Administration of Retirement Benefits under the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014,” to pension fund administrators and Custodians by its Head, Surveillance Department, Muhammad Umar, the pension regulator noted that in line with the PRA 2014, it resolved that the custody of retiree life annuity shall henceforth, be domiciled with PFCs as provided for in Section 56 of the act.

PenCom mandated all life insurance companies currently providing life annuity for retirees under

the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to open an operational account jointly with a PFC of their choice and advice the commission.

It maintained that all life insurance companies currently providing retiree life annuity under the CPS should transfer the corresponding assets in their possession/custody to the PFC of their choice.

The commission also noted that the approval of new request for annuity should be put on hold with immediate effect, until life insurance companies meet the custody and transfer conditions.

L – R: Chairman, Technical Committee, Insurance Consumers Association of Nigeria, Adewale Adetoro; Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association, Sunday Thomas and Chief Executive Officer, JSP Communications, Dr. Phil Osagie; at the 2nd edition of Business Journal summit in Lagos

Consolidated Hallmark assets hit N7.79bn Consolidated Hallmark Insurance total assets have grown from N 6.96 billion in September, 2015 to N7.79 billion as at 30th September, 2016 according to financials of the company for the third quarter.

A statement by the firm stated that this represents a 12 per cent growth in Total Assets during the reporting period.

The company grew its Gross Premium Income to N 4.88 billion from N4.65 achieved during the corresponding period in 2015, a rise of 5 per cent.

The Managing Director of the company, who is also the current chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, Eddie Efekoha, is optimistic of an improved outing during the remaining quarter of the year, due to his firm belief that insurance services remain even more relevant during periods of economic downturn to discerning investors.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance also gave several of its cus-

B7 Insurance

tomers many reasons to be happy during the period with increased claims settlement. N1.296billion was expended on payment of claims to them during the period.

The amount is a 43% increase over the N902 million the company paid out during the same financial period in 2015. The increase in claims payment is in line with the commitment of the company to promptly settle all fully documented claims at all times.

The nine months ended results

show a modest rise in Net underwriting income from N2.558billion in 2015 to N3.02billion as at close of business on 30th September, 2016.

The 18 percent increase (after provisions for reinsurance expenses and commissions/fees) is attributable to astute management by the firm, in spite of the prevailing economic situation in the country which has seen premium rates remaining stagnant or reducing while inflation spirals to double digit figures.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has vowed to clampdown on any school buses that do not have insurance.

The Commission accused many school proprietors in the country of not insuring vehicles used in conveying pupils to schools.

Paul Abiti, Public Relations Officer of the Corps, said this at a forum in Lagos, noting that the

commission had discovered that many school buses do not have insurance certificates, and wondered while school proprietors should engage in such act.

Abiti, posited that the Commission has resolved to henceforth, clampdown on both school buses and any vehicle without insurance.

He said FRSC regulation on

LASACO Assurance Investment Income up 29 % LASACO Assurance on Friday said the company’s Investment Income increased to N661.5 million in 2015, representing a 28 per cent growth over the N515.2 million recorded in 2014.

The chairman of the company, Mrs Aderinola Disu, who presented the report at the company’s annual general meeting in Lagos on Friday, said the increase was due to the company’s investment strategy.

She said that the company re-

FRSC tackles school buses without insurance school buses requires that they have comprehensive insurance.

He called on the Nigeria Insurers Association to engage the schools by enlightening them to hasten compliance.

He also urged insurance practitioner to reach out to those who patronise fake insurance racketeers, by taking their operations closed to the people.

corded N5.1 billion as Gross Premium Income (GPI) for the 2015 financial year.

Disu said the 2015 GPI of N5.1billion was nine per cent lower than the 2014 GPI figure of N5.6 billion.

She attributed this development to the slowdown in many sectors, which began in 2015 due to a fall in the international price of oil.

“Our Profit Before Tax reduced by 22 per cent from N525.8 million in 2014 to N406.7 million in 2015.

“We are, however, undaunted by the harsh operating environment.

“It was not all reduction as we had an increase of five per cent in the Net Premium Income (NPI), which rose from N2.3 billion in 2014 to N2.5 billion in 2015,’’ Disu said.

The chairman said the company’s total assets also grew by 11 per cent from N14.2 trillion in 2014 to N16 trillion in 2015.

Disu said that the total net claims paid off in 2015 was N706 million as against N1.04 billion paid in 2014.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 21, 2016

Why Nigeria is in recession, and the way out -Asimonye Austin Laz Asimonye is the former Vice President (Western Zone) of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and remains a member of its National Council. He is also Chief Executive, Austin Laz & Co Plc. In this interview with CHARLES OKONJI, he recommends some measures to bring Nigeria out of recession.

Your assessment about 2016 business environment The 2016 business environment has been very hash, and almost hopeless from my own point of view. There seems to be no policy direction, particularly on the planning of the economy. Simply put, there is no direction on the part of the government.

How has it affected your own operational activities?

Manufacturing is a chain whereby you source inputs from many sources and there are some we import ourselves, but when you don’t have foreign exchange to import, you look for other sources. When you apply to bank for foreign exchange, you have to queue up, only to be told that foreign exchange is not available. So it led to crippling of the manufacturing sector, which I am part of.

Majority of our members have closed shop, and are no longer producing as a result of inability to access foreign exchange for raw materials.

Moreover, for some of the inputs that we get from other sources, they are also imported by the agents or the dealers. As a result of scarcity of foreign exchange, the prices of these these inputs have tripled, and some of the inputs are no more in the market.

This is because so many importers are unable to access foreign exchange. So many of them are afraid to import, not knowing what the next four weeks may bring. It is a situation that has been very difficult to face.

All these, coupled with the power situation, have led to high cost of production. This situation led to significant drop in sales as consumers started seeking alternatives. In a nut shell, the overall economy is down.

Your take on the 60 percent foreign exchange allocation to manufacturers by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

As you know, I am the immediate past National Vice President of MAN (Manufacturers Association of Nigeria). Amongst our members, I have not heard, I have not seen any that have been given preference in sourcing foreign exchange from the banks as stipulated by the CBN, or that he was allocated with certain amount of foreign exchange, I have not heard

from any of the members, or that the 60 percent of the foreign exchange was kept somewhere for the manufacturers. This is not true, and the painful thing in it is, how the government could make public pronouncement that they are going to do something without living up to it.

They communicated that to the manufacturers through our National President, Dr Frank Jacobs and I was in the National Council meeting when the National President mentioned it. We doubted it, but it’s like the President believed it, but till now, it is not happening.

It never happened, so what baffles me is why top government officials who are policy makers would come forward to make certain pronouncement when they know they would not fulfill it. They misdirect people, and all these things make it impossible for entrepreneurs to operate in the country.

It makes it difficult for us to plan.

If you take them by what they say and gather momentum in that direction, you will only discover that you have planned wrongly. It is confusing, it is heart breaking.

It is annoying and it is like having someone on the driver’s seat that you are not sure of where he is driving you to.

Your take on recession, and the way out of it Why did we slip into recession, is it not because of low or even lack of productivity? It is simply because of low or even lack of productivity. Everybody, from the politicians to the people in government and to the civil servants, and to the common man on the street, is waiting to have a share from the oil money, to have our existence on the oil money and everything is tied to the oil money.

No productivity. We entered into recession because our production has been on the lowest strata.

If we are going to come out of recession, it has to be through production, productivity is the only way out. But the question now is, if the government is telling us that we are going to come out of it soon, they should tell us what plans they have put in place to increase production. They have not told us the plans they have made to keep the manufacturers producing. Till now, I am yet to see any of the policies either in works

Asimonye or by action and they are telling us that we will soon come out of recession, is it by magic?

Success is a decision; you have to decide to succeed. Until the Nigerian government decides that we are going to succeed economically, it is not by rhetoric. So long as we are going to be docile, talking on the peripherals, saying what the people would want to hear and our heart is not in alignment with what they are saying, to me, it is self-deceit.

Most manufacturers are saying that they are producing below 20 percent of their installed capacity, is it the same with you?

It is the same in my own industry, if the heaven falls upon the earth; it is to the demise of everyone. Every sector is under comatose as we are discussing. In business, there is a break-even point, and so long as you are unable to attain that, it means the business is not sustainable. It is like a person that is under suffocation, it is sure that your life may not be there for more than a short while.

It is not just that companies are producing below capacity; so many companies are folding up.

As soon as the overhead rises above your income, the company cannot continue because your workers are not there because they love you or they love the

company. They are there because of their remuneration. And if you are unable to remunerate your staff, they grumble, and become the enemies of the organization because they are hungry and they are angry.

What methods have you implored to keep afloat?

Well, everybody is adopting all kinds of survival mechanism, depending on the business of each person. In some businesses, it is easier to adapt but more difficult in some others. You don’t just depend on the will power of the manufacturer or their resilience, but the environment is a very serious determining factor. For instance, when Obama came to power, all the automobile industries (in the United States) were almost dead, they were folding up. But he introduced the bailout philosophy which was difficult for the legislature to accept, but he stood his ground and that became one of Obama’s economic doctrines. If you go back to history, you will discover that every American president has his own presidential doctrine, and this is the product of the intellect because the people that come in there do so to make extraordinary intellectual impact.

Obama came in when Bush was already confused and he did not know what to do to the economy

of the USA and that shocked the entire world. This man came in and introduced the bailout system which he used in bailing out the banks, the manufactures and especially the automobile industry and they all survived. Today the American economy has gone out from negative growth to positive growth.

Coming out of recession requires doing some intelligent things, some smart things. What smart and intelligent things has the Nigerian government done?

They have to come up with intelligent and smart policies. I am not just here to criticize, but am saying the obvious things. It is the duty of the government of any nation, be it at the federal, state or local government level to provide a focused leadership for the people. That is why you have come there because before you get to power, you have told the people that you can do it, that you can make things work again. So you have to provide a focus, provide a direction, think for the people and they will follow suit.

Well, I am not saying that the government has failed, we still have hope, but that hope must be hinged on something, it must be seen doing some intelligent things, intelligent brainstorming in policies that you know can work. They should be able to gather the right economic team because we are not lacking intellectuals; we have the right economists in this country who are making waves outside and within the country. But if you do not tap them at critical times like this, what will you expect them to do?

When your ship is sinking, it is not the time to fold your hands.

Can we now attribute the economic situation of the country to poor policy management?

In the world, you don’t have poor human beings, what you have is rich individuals, intelligent individuals, dull individuals, smart individuals and very dull individuals. It is man that creates wealth and it is not the other way round. Wealth does not bring itself to be, so it is the ability of man, particularly those in the government to fashion out what to do to stem up the economy.

Why should Nigeria suddenly fall from being the number one economy in Africa to the worst economy in this continent? Why our currency should for now seem to be the weakest? If you are climbing a tree and you get to the top, and you let your climbing rope loose, you have no other option than to crash. I am not in the best position to judge whether they tightened the climbing rope or they let it loose since they came in, but I know that success is not a thing to be waited for. Economic boom is not a thing to be waited for; it is not based on good luck. If you want economic boom as a nation, then the people on the driver’s seat must do some intelligent things to create economic boom.

Meet South African Songstress

Dana

Simphiwe

Monday, November 21, 2016

TIMES

Life&

L2 P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, November 21, 2016

I had challenging childhood - Simphiwe Dana

as a living legend. Her style of music speaks words that stimulate the brain into being socially conscious of the challenges faced in South Africa and the world as a whole. With four distintive albums, Dana is passionate about community upliftment and soci-economic development promoting her stage her coming concert tagged coming event featuring Asa, why she is passionate about development amongst others.

started?

Africa as a whole. The idea is to cross pollinate African cultures

girl who is gifted with the power of music.

The universe conspired to get me to where I am today. And the universe continues to conspire in my favor.

Ever since I was a little child, all I wanted was to sing.

them.

Life&

T E A M

through introducing our cultures to each other. Unity is the only way we will see our continent progress. Africa has everything it

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, November 21, 2016

Exercise Intelligently 1ne Get the most of out your workout routine by following some of my simple tips to help you burn more calories and feel great during and after each workout.

2wo would indoors. By pushing against the wind and gaining more momentum jumping on the grass, you will get fresh air and connect with nature.

3hree Thirty minutes before you begin your exercise roumotion) on your body. This helps to improve blood circulation and burn calories faster.

4our cool down) each workout, keeping still and holding each stretch for at least 20 seconds. By doing so, working out. Stretching will also keep your muscles long and lean.

5ive A small dose of caffeine before you workout has nution, more muscle fuel, increased metabolism and an overall better performance when you exercise. However, be aware that a large intake of caffeine over the long haul might lead to muscle spasms, anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia and stomach ulcers.

6ix Choosing the wrong music when you workout can decrease your motivation, increase fatigue and boredom or make you give up altogether. So make sure that you curate the best workout playlist that will keep you moving.

7even body absolutely still. This meditative practice will help to increase muscle memory and it will also help to relieve stress from the body and mind.

8ight Have at least 8 hours of quality sleep the evening of your workout for the body to recover and detoxify as well as renew and repair cells, muscles and body tissue.

Follow Eyola on Facebook: /Eyola and Twitter: @ WorldEyola

L3 Eyola

Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, November 21, 2016