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SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 433

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Behold: Horror of a people living ‘underground’ Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr, Lagos

ÏÏÏThis community that has no name and contains no streets is hidden some 90 feet below ground level, walled in by Arochukwu Street, Tobias Alaribe, Nnokwa and Kofoworola Akah Streets and sealed off by Billiaminu Akinsanya Street in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State from where passers-by can catch a bird’s

eye-view of the community which is sealed off roundabout but visible only through the backyards of the houses (See sketch of the area mapped by our correspondent last Friday).

Our correspondent went round the four streets, searching for access to the small underground community but found none, except perhaps, three little gaps between buildi n g s Continued on page 5 o n

Non-Yoruba actresses making waves in Yoruba L2 & L3 movies Buhari: Nigeria’s unity transcends political parties, says democracy needs vibrant opposition

FG wants court to revoke Nnamdi Kanu’s bail, seeks 13 his rearrest

PDP offers to assist President over anti-corruption 13 war, terrorism

Police arrest pastor, 6 23 others with human parts

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

News 5

Behold! Horror of a people living ‘underground’ Continued from page 1 Nnokwa Street through which one can peep without drawing attention to be able to see footpaths leading downwards into the community, and the footpath itself has cash crops planted on both sides shielding the houses down below and making it look like those farm roads you find in a typical village.

A resident of one of the buildings, Mr. Innocent Ezekwe, who reluctantly responded to inquiry from The Daily Times, advised that it is unsafe to go down there because according to him, “The people are very hostile and they don’t entertain visitors. They are suspicious of any visitor because government officials used to go and threaten them and extort money from them.”

Having seen a bricklayer at work on a decked house from up Billiaminu Akinsanya Street earlier, our correspondent asked if he could go down under cover of looking for a room to hire in the community.

“Good idea”, Innocent said, “But you are on your own. Don’t expect anyone to come to your aid if you run into trouble. As far as I am concerned, I haven’t seen you or even spoken to you.”

As seen from afar, the footpath turned out to be a long strip of land snaking through crops and bush paths and led to an open still water covered by weeds in some part. One has to walk through some slippery kind of ground to reach the first of three completed modern buildings; the first is a long boy’s quarters-like yellow house containing three sets of two-room apartments each. This building

merged into a modern three bedroom bungalow of the same colour which has one end of its roof yet to be covered.

To its left lay a decked house of two blocks of flats. A bricklayer seen earlier laying block work on the decking disappeared upon sighting our correspondent; some four other make shift buildings dotted its side. Right opposite the finished buildings are clusters of make shift houses at different stages of completion.

While waiting for someone to talk to, our correspondent moved around the community.

The almighty Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) did not withhold power from this hamlet. A radio set was blaring in one of the rooms but nobody answered the door.

A tour of the small neighbourhood revealed a people completely self-sustaining.

With no source of potable water within sight, electricity tapped from behind the buildings surrounding them on the level ground above revealed the source of their power supply.

One of the residents has sunk a borehole from which the others buy their water, while those not given to pipe borne water, fetch from the large pool of still water that has formed a stream where the inhabitants even wash their clothes.

A short while later, one of the residents who, apparently, had been watching our correspondent from his house, came out and inquired what he was looking for and this dialogue ensued.

“I am looking for a place to hire. Who can I talk to here?”

“We don’t hire house here.

Who are you? How did you en-

ter here? I have been watching you. What are you looking for in this place?” He spoke in Yoruba but changed to English when he thought our man did not understand him.

“I’m a retired soldier from the barracks at Oshodi. I am looking for a place like this where I can do some farming and manage myself. Who’s in charge here?”

“Oga, we don’t rent house here. Go and find another place because there is no place here you can stay.”

As he was speaking, another of the residents came sneaking in from one of the small roads. He looked more civilised and approachable, so our cor-

Abuja

ÏÏÏ President Muhammadu Bu-

hari on Friday met with leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that the unity of Nigeria transcends beyond political parties.

Buhari, who met with the leaders of the two major political parties on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that opposition in any government does not translate to hostility, enmity and antagonism.

The President also described the visit by the two main political parties as signifying the unity of the country, pointing out that a democracy needs a vibrant, responsible opposition.

He thanked all Nigerians for praying for his recovery and asked them to continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.

He said, “I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home.

“This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our national unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.

“Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government; opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.

parts of the country but mainly we are Yorubas and people from Epe. Two Igbo people came last November but they have travelled for now. We don’t want any trouble from government and we don’t want anybody coming and going anyhow. We are a small community and we are happy the way we are,” he explained patiently, expecting the visitor to understand and go away.

On the recent rains of July which swept through many parts of Ilamoshe Estate, the man who said it would be better if his name is kept out of this conversation, said rain or flood does not worry them.

“All the waters that come

L-R: Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari, during a meeting with APC and PDP leaders in Abuja… on Friday.

Buhari: Nigeria’s unity transcend political parties, says democracy needs vibrant opposition Mathew Dadiya,

respondent took him aside and introduced himself properly. “I can’t talk to you here, Sir”, he said. “Let me lead you out of here and we can talk “up there”.

We took about five minutes to virtually climb our way back to Nnokwa Street before the resident, a boat tender at TakwaBay and who does fishing on the side, said they don’t welcome inquiries about that hamlet for fear of attracting government attention.

“Everybody here came because of house problem; you can see that there are two kinds of people there: government and private workers and farmers and fishermen. There are about 12 families from different

“I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.”

The APC delegation was led by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; while the Chairman of the PDP’s National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi, led the opposition party’s delegation to the meeting that took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, Makarfi promised that the PDP will continue to support Buhari in his efforts to move the country forward.

Railway project will be an enduring legacy -Amaechi Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏAgain the minister of transportation, Right Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, has reaffirmed Government commitment to bring an enduring legacy in the transportation industry Rotimi Amaechi, says General Electric (GE) and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC), will build universities of transportation in Nigeria.

Daily Times recall that on the commissioning of the Idu national Railway station in Abuja 2016, by President Mohammed Buhari, the Chinese Civil engineering construction Company, has promised building railway university which will be an added opportunity to improve the knowledge of Nigerians and to ensure the adequate mainte-

nance of the facilities by Nigerians. the university, was also said to provide technological breakthrough to many Nigerians and will cost nothing to the to the country.

Speaking at The Osasu Show symposium in Abuja on Friday, Amaechi said the government is not only focusing on making the rail lines in Nigeria work, but also building capacity for Nigerians.

The minister said the two major construction companies building the rails across Nigeria, will also build universities of transportation to train and empower Nigerians to build locomotives in about 10 to 15 years.

Amaechi said by the end of 2017, CCECC will be taking about 100 Nigerians to China to learn at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels to return to Nigeria as faculty for the university of transportation.

6 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

S/South leaders condemn attack on Buhari, Oyegun, fire back at PDP, others

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏSouth-South

leaders on yesterday hit back at critics of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, decrying what they called deliberate falsehoods, insinuations and outright distortions of facts by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their agents.

At a meeting to assess the country’s democracy in Asaba, the leaders advanced arguments to counter accusations of non performance.

They said when the ruling party took over in 2015; Nigeria was about to be declared a failed state with its economy on the verge of collapse.

“Once you are not part of the solution after 16 years, you will invariably become part of the problem” They listed inflation, corruption, ethnic and religious intolerance, political brigandage, absence of electricity, politically motivated murders in the country, human trafficking and the drift towards dictatorship as the low points of the PDP government in 16 years.

The leaders condemned the PDP for compromising the principles of democracy and development.

“The PDP failed in its statutory obligations. In 16 years, the PDP government impoverished the citizens. Nigerians went through unprecedented hardship. There was high degree of insecurity in the country”.

Preaching the gospel of continuity for prosperity, consolidation and economic independence, the leaders said the APC was committed to progress and development.

They praised President Bu-

hari for confronting the forces of divisive politics in the country and fully safeguarding the country’s interests.

“The APC government is undertaking a string of projects across the country to boost national economy, generate employment and reduce poverty” The leaders, who were present in Asaba where their joint statement was read by the chairman of South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, praised the APC for implementing sound and strong policies.

“Two years forward, a lot has changed. The APC government is rich in policies and the dividends of democracy are yielding to the people in various ways” They commended Oyegun for announcing the right of first refusal for the party’s presidential ticket in 2019 to President Buhari and massaging his fitness to run in 2019.

They also eulogized the national chairman for his great wealth of experience in public administration and proper concern for peace, unity and democracy of Nigeria.

“Chief Odigie-Oyegun is contributing to the understanding of how governance actually operates in a democratic setting.

No amount of poisonous propaganda from some selfish, power drunk individuals will change a record that is forever etched in the annals of our nation’s history. He is not intoxicated with power. The national chairman has not appropriated the powers of other members and organs of the party. He is not a typical power drunk leader” they said.

“Nigerians are excited whenever Oyegun canvasses ideas or attempt to intervene in policy matters. His political commentary is often beneficial to millions who look up to him for direction. He deserves to be celebrated” the leaders added.

L-R: Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri; Manufacturing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Anthony Njenga; Head of Programme, Nigeria Energy Support Programme, Ina Hommers and Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Barrister Emmanuel Cobham, at the 5th and Final Workshop on Pilot Energy Efficiency Network… recently.

Buhari meets 36 Govs, says Osinbajo acts excellently in my absence Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari has commended his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for effectively running the government while he was on medical vacation for about 103 days in London.

Buhari made the commendation on Friday during a meeting with the 36 state governors at the Presidential Villa.

Lauding Osinbajo for effectively running the government in his absence, Buhari said, “The efforts by the Vice President is commendable. He used his intellect to run all over the place. I was seeing him 24 hours on NTA. I congratulate him and I allowed him to come and see me to thank him personally for what he has done.”

The President also expressed gratitude to the governors for their supports and prayers while in London and also commended them for piloting the af-

fairs of their respective states.

He said, “I thank you very much for the national approach in your leadership; those who are leaders at political level and those who are chief executives in their respective states. I had so much time to watch television NTA 24, I heard so much information about the states.

“I am very pleased with the states, you are all doing your best and you are lucky your best is proofing to be good enough on agriculture and solid minerals.

You are succeeding in agriculture because I think people cannot afford foreign food.

“The valuation of the Naira is not our making. It may not favour us but is something we cannot change. Some people were asking me if we should be more strict on the borders … but I want to thank God last year and this year is better than what it used to be.”

Speaking on protesters in London, Buhari wondered if they are not “stuck there with

Brexit”, saying there is the need for them to weigh the implications as regards ownership of properties and payment of tax.

The President however stated that if those Nigerians eventually sell off their property in the UK, they should bring it back to Nigeria because “we need it very badly here”.

According to him, “In fact, some groups in London came and sang the national anthem and asked that I should go back home, indeed I have come back home.

“I hope those who went there are not stuck there, they will come back and join us. Those that are stuck there with the Brexit I hope they have weighed the implications that it won’t affect them including those that have property there, those who are not paying tax here, I hope when they sell their properties there they will bring some of the money here. We need it very badly here.”

Behold! Horror of a people living ‘underground’ Continued from page 5 here flow into that large stream you saw. People think that water will carry us or cover our homes but we have been here many decades and we have seen heavy rainfalls that didn’t trouble us,” he said.

Is it true they pay land rates and make contribution to the local government office?, our correspondent asked.

“What are you talking about?

All those houses were built by people who bought land from the owners of this place. We have more landlords than tenants but we have our own tenant-landlords agreement which we all abide with and one of

them is never to bring strangers here or talk about us. I have seen you taking photographs up there before and I know you are a journalist.

“Please, don’t think we are in danger of flood or drowning, because we are not. If the rain falls for one week, the waters will not affect us. It is the fear that this place is dangerous that is why we have been able to keep ourselves small as we are. We don’t want attention and we are not in any trouble,” he stated.

Why is there no good access road into the hamlet?, our correspondent asked again.

“One of us has a pleasure car but we don’t want to draw atten-

tion to ourselves. We are happy the way we are. Just leave us alone, that is what I am begging you. It is accommodation problem that brought us all here to live inside the ground. If we had a better choice, many of us will not be here. You can see how we are developing the place. We have water and we have light.

That is okay for now. I know in time we will make it better.

Just leave us the way we are for now,” he pleaded.

That is the story of a people in their own country. They are not refugees, and not aliens. This is part of the story of Lagos, the mega “City of Excellence” still in the making.

With the canal about half a kilometre away and the rains approaching its peak, neighbours think their continued stay down there is a looming disaster waiting to happen while some others corroborate the community’s story that the former site of laterite can never be flooded. One of them, a building engineer, Mr. Nnamdi Rockwell said the gulf is too wide to be swallowed by any rainfall.

“People fear that a burst water dam which is nowhere near here could cause disaster, but that fear is far-fetched,” he said.

He concluded that “since the government has no plan to fill the gulf anyway, what is the

use of evicting them - and to where?”

So that is the state of the hamlet in the belly of the ground.

Whatever the government may decide, it won’t make any difference. Even if government wants to do something, it will not come in a hurry and may never see the light of day. Maroko is a living example: government forcibly evicted the people under the pretence that it was not habitable and a disaster to health. Later on, the then state government turned around to sand fill the place and shared it to the rich and mighty.

Some part of Makoko has just gone under the same hammer.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

7

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

AFRIMA 2017; Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Suleja aglow for Glo Laffta Fest ÏÏÏ Morocco Indicate interest for Hosting Right ÏÏÏMorroco, South Africa,

Ghana and Nigeria have shown strong interest in hosting the Africa’s biggest music event, All African Music Awards, AFRIMA 2017-2019 editions as announced by the international Committee of AFRIMA. These countries have shown their interest through a competitive overture made available to the African Union Commission, AUC who is saddled with the role of deciding on the hosting right in partnership with the International Committee of AFRIMA. Nigeria has hosted the event for one term of three years since 2014.However; Nigeria has again shown interest to host the event for another term of three years as

stated in the letter written by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture with reference number FMCT/ECS/002/I to the African Union. In his letter, the Honorable Minister stated that, “we have also witnessed increased unity and collaborations among young music African professionals as they congregate each year in Africa’s most vibrant entertainment capital for the awards ceremony held in Lagos. ‘’He further noted that Nigeria has benefited immensely from serial hosting AFRIMA via; enhancing Nigeria’s image and tourism opportunities, promoting Nigeria’s culture and tourist attractions, positioning Nigeria as a safe and hospitable destinations among others.

Some the parameters that the AUC-AFRIMA will consider in deciding on the hosting right of the all Africa Music Awards events are immigration and visa application management, availability of functional airport and good land transportation system, venue infrastructure, hotels and hospitality facilities as well as adequate provision of security for guests and officials. In Partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA celebrates the rich musical heritage of the African continent by fostering unity, cooperation, interaction, partnerships and progress in the continent through the instrumentality of music.

The 2017 AFRIMA will hold from November 10 to 12.It is scheduled to present

to the continent a world class programme of events such as the Africa Music Business Roundtable (November 10), which brings together big music brands, music producers and intellectual property persons to start profitable conversations on the needed networks and infrastructure for an expanding youth-based industry.

Other events are the AFRIMA Music Village (November 10), an evening of a non-stop open music festival of live performances from the African stars and nominees, with an expected audience of 40,000 people; The Main Awards Ceremony (November 12); a star-studded and world-class event with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world.

Corporate entertainment enthusiast, Globacom, will on Sunday set Suleja and its neighbouring towns in Niger State aglow with its flagship comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest.

The company had on August 5 held an edition of its second flagship show, Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour in the same town.

Globacom said in a press statement on Friday that the show will provide local talents the rare opportunity to hug the klieg light with comedy superstars including Bovi Ugboma; Godwin Komone, popularly called Gordons; Basheer Hammed, better known as Bash; Osama Akpunonu; Mc Tagwaye and Princewill Ayiri.

Giving a feel of what subscribers should expect at the Suleja show, Bovi enthused that it will be “the biggest collection of top comedians under one roof in the city of Suleja”. He also urged residents not to miss out on the fun just as other comedians scheduled for the show equally promised the resi-

dents a memorable time with their rib-cracking jokes.

The telecommunications giant said the mega comedy event which had earlier held in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Owerri, Warri, Yenegoa, Calabar, Uyo, Ibadan, Benin, Ijebu-Ode, Kaduna, Abeokuta, Victoria Island, FESTAC, Ikorodu and Kubwa, in Abuja is slated for 1 pm at Tommy Hill Station Hotel in the heart of Suleja.

The show goes to the Northern city of Kano next week before proceeding to Anyigba, Lokoja, Port Harcourt, Onitsha, Makurdi and Ajah, among other locations.

Subscribers who desire to attend the Suleja edition of Glo Laffta Fest are expected to have used up to N2,000 credit in the last one month and text LOL with the location name to the short code 240; for example, “LOL Suleja” to 240.

Globacom encouraged those who do not meet this criterion but who wish to attend to purchase N2000 airtime at the event venue for their own use to qualify for a ticket.

NNPC tasks indigenous companies to bid for marginal fields Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏIn

Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye (middle); hip hop artiste, Olamide Adedeji, popularly called Olamide badoo, with some of the 161 campers at the 2017 Ogun State Summer Camp, in the Model School, Akinale, Ewekoro Local Government Area... on Friday.

APC youth caucus endorses special court for hate speech

Myke Uzendu, Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

National Youth Caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC), Friday in Abuja endorsed the establishment of a special court for hate speech in the country.

The National Chairman of the group, Mr. Mark Nsimbehe, while speaking to newsmen, said that the special hate speech courts would help to guard against divisive speeches in the country and also expertise speedy dispensation of justice as the regular court is already overwhelmed with cases.

Nsimbehe said the group was in support of every effort targeted at unifying all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

“We are for peace, we are for progress and we are one Nigeria; so, we urge the Federal Gov-

ernment to step up and arrest those disgruntled elements and their sponsors accordingly,‘’ he said.

He urged those clamouring for restructuring to do so with caution, and advised them to channel their reasons for the call to the appropriate quarters as the president has already directed on the proper cahnnel to follow if one is aggrieved.

He pointed out that political structures evolved over time and that Nigeria had been restructured at various times yet the agitations had not stopped.

“Let us therefore restructure our hearts and minds so that the real restructuring of the country can be meaningful.

“We also want to see a blueprint of the restructuring as it is being clamoured for us to know the essence of it, if it means creating more states or reducing the states’ revenue

formula.

“We also want to know if it is about a change from the presidential to other forms of government; let them detail their position and submit same to the National Assembly.’’

Nsimbehe reaffirmed the support of his group on the government’s anti-graft war, adding that the courage and the political will the government was using to recover loots was also commendable, adding that the group shared in the pains of Nigerians as concerned high cost of food items.

He stated that food became scarce partly due to the insurgency in the North-East and her cement farmers attack as farmers abandoned their farms for fear of being attacked.

However, he said that the government had done well in

returning the farmers to their various locations through the successes gained in the fight against Book Haram and expressed optimism that in few months, the food problem would abate.

He reiterated the group’s loyalty and support to APC and its programmes, especially those targeted at improving the lives of the youths like N-Power and conditional cash transfer and also expressed support for all the issues raised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his broadcast on Monday.

While decrying the harassment and intimidation of APC members in Abia and Bayelsa, urging the Inspector-General of Police and other security agents to put a stop to it, the group pledged their readiness to mobilise about 75 million youths in the country to key into the party’s course of winning the 2019 general elections.

its effort to help develop good number of indigenous oil companies for greater growth, The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has urged members of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) to participate in the forthcoming bid round for about 30 marginal oil fields which would soon be flagged off by the Federal Government.

The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, gave this charge when he received a delegation of IPPG led by its chairman, Engr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, in Abuja, where he also urged them to take advantage of the low crude oil price regime to develop their capacity and acquire technology.

Dr. Baru stated that there were lots of opportunities in the marginal fields which would soon be available urging the IPPG to work hand-inhand with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to ensure that they met the conditions that would be required frombidders.

“The marginal oil field lease renewal is an opportunity for your group. You will need to engage the DPR early in discussion to find out the conditions that the Federal Government is interested in.

For example, the supply of gas to power plants and fertilizer plants and I think your group will be successful,” Dr. Baru advised.

The NNPC GMD also tasked the IPPG members to ramp up their collective production from 10 per cent of national production to fifty per cent in the next 10 years in order to increase the footprint of indigenous companies in the upstream sub-sector as is the case in the downstream.

The NNPC helmsman stated that the Corporation was passionate about collaborating with the indigenous producers in order to grow their capacity and participation in the exploration and production sub-sector in line with government’s local content policy.

He said the Corporation was very proud of them and was looking forward to a time when about ninety per cent of upstream operations in the country would be controlled by them.

Dr. Baru applauded members of the group for their productive community engagement which had stemmed the incidence of pipeline sabotage along the Trans Forcados Pipeline and enjoined them to extend similar gesture to the communities around the other crude oil lines to help stabilize national production.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Group, Engr. Adeyemi-Bero, who made a presentation to the NNPC management, said the group was made up of twenty five active indigenous producers and driven by the passion to support the 12 Business Focus Areas of the current management of NNPC and the Seven Big Wins of the Federal Government.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Politics

OKORIE

s

CHIDOKA

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With Buhari’s return, efforts at driving economic growth will now be double - Osinbajo ≥≥P10, 11 & 12

OFFODILE

Anambra governorship: UPP and the battle within Patrick Okohue All may not be well with the United Progressive Party (UPP), one of the political parties that prom ise a strong showing at the November 18 governorship election, as it is currently struggling to put a lie to the accusation of bias in the conduct of its primary for the election.

This is because one of the two main contenders for the the ticket won by former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, Hon. Chudi Offodile has alleged a clear event aimed at favouring the winner.

The UPP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dike Ogbuehi, described as “barefaced lies when Hon. Chudi Offodile informed the public through many newspaper publications that UPP in Anambra State at any point in time leading to the Primary election conducted what he mischievously referred to as a “hotly contested Local Government Congress in June 2017 in line with Article 10(4) of the UPP Constitution.”

The party explained that, “the UPP held its Governorship Primary Election on Saturday 19th August, 2017 at Awka, Anambra State. Two aspirants namely Hon. Chudi Offodile and Chief Osita Chidoka met the Party’s conditions to participate in the Primary election.”

Adding, “It is important to note that UPP had held its non-election Convention at Awka on Thursday 29th June 2017. One of the highlights of that Convention that was well attended, monitored by INEC and extensively covered by local and international media is the ratification of the Motion recognising the harmonisation of the Officers of the Party in the 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Officers functioning in acting capacities pending our subsequent election convention.

“This ratification at the Convention followed the approval of the appointment of these unelected officers by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great Party.”

The party went further to say that “Chudi Offodile should be honourable enough to inform the public the names

of the Electoral Committee members that conducted the so-called “hotly contested Local Government Congress.”

Adding that, “It is normal that before a Local Government Congress is conducted, Ward Congress precedes it.

But this unintelligent character made no reference to any Ward Congress that would normally precede a Local Government Congress.”

In trying to clarify the situation, the UPP Publicity Secretary said, “In accordance with the Section of the Constitution of the Party he chose to cite. The truth is that the National Working Committee (NWC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), gave approval to the Anambra State stakeholders of the Party made up of National Officers of the Party from the State, members of the national Board of Trustees from the State, members of the State Working Committee (SWC), Chairmen of the 21 Local Governments in Anambra State to recommend to the NWC, acting Officers of the 326 Wards in Anambra State for consideration and approval.

“This was done. A few complaints followed the list of the recommended Officers and the complaints that had merit were duly considered and the approved list duly uploaded at the UPP website on Friday 14th July, 2017.

“It is pertinent to state at this point that the UPP had amended its Constitution following due process to the effect that delegates from the Wards to the State Congress shall be statutory delegates made up of the Ward Chairman, Ward Secretary, Ward Treasurer, Ward Woman Leader and Ward Youth Leader.

“Hon. Offodile participated in the Convention where this amendment was made and duly filed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law. On Thursday the 27th of July, 2017, Hon. Offodile voluntarily procured the Party’s Expression of Interest Form having paid the required fee. He completed and returned same to the Party.

“Himself and interested members of the Party and the general public were already aware of who the delegates of the Party would be at least eight weeks before the State Primary Election was

It is pertinent to state at this point that the UPP had amended its Constitution following due process to the effect that delegates from the Wards to the State Congress shall be statutory delegates made up of the Ward Chairman, Ward Secretary, Ward Treasurer, Ward Woman Leader and Ward Youth Leader. Hon. Offodile participated in the Convention where this amendment was made and duly filed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law held on Saturday 19th August, 2017.”

He went on to explain that “Hon. Offodile proceeded, again voluntarily, to pay for and collected the Party Nomination Form on Monday 31st July 2017. On Friday 11th August 2017, Hon. Offodile accompanied by Dr. Law Mefor, his campaign aide appeared before the Party’s Screening Committee presided over by our National Secretary, Alhaji Sadeeq Masalla.

“Unknown to the Party, Offodile had sponsored Suit No. CV/2658/17 at the FCT High Court filed on the date of his Screening praying the Court to halt our planned State Congress. The Court in its wisdom, refused to grant an ex parte order but rather ruled on an Order of Court abridging the time for the Defendants to respond to the Originating Summons and that the party should be put on notice, that the scheduled Party’s Primary election should proceed in accordance with the Party guidelines and the Electoral Act and adjourned for the substantive application to be heard on Tuesday 29th August, 2017.

“Hon. Offodile continued with his mischief by instigating a few members of the State Working Committee in Anambra State to lay claims to powers that were not conferred on them by the Party Constitution. They relied on such claims of non-existent powers to address a press conference at Awka suspending the only two aspirants of the party and two other National Officers of the party from Anambra State, including calling off the State Primary election for which due notice had been given to INEC and

other preparations/logistics put in place.

“The party leadership acted swiftly by dissolving the acting State Working Committee and reassured the public that the planned State Congress was on course. Hon. Offodile allowed his name to be included among those who were suspended by the Acting State Working Committee only as a facade. Overwhelming members of the acting State Working Committee promptly issued a joint statement to dissociate themselves from the contents of the press conference under reference which obviously ridiculed the party before the public.”

Explaining further, the party said, “On Wednesday 16th August, 2017, the National Chairman of our party, Chief Dr. Chekwas Okorie hosted Hon. Chudi Offodile and Chief Osita Chidoka alongside two of their aides to a breakfast meeting at his Enugu residence.

The purpose of the meeting was to explore the possibilities of these two old-time friends agreeing to approach the Primary Election as friends so that the outcome could be like a UPP family affair without rancor.

“It was agreed that each would abide by the outcome of the Primary Election. On Thursday 17th August, 2017, the Chairman of our great party in Anambra State, Dr. Sylvester Igwilo accompanied by the State Acting Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Okafor with a fairly large contingent of our members in Anambra State to apologize to the party for the embarrassment and inconvenience caused the party and the undeserved damage done to the name and person of the National Chairman, Chief Okorie.

“They promised to address the press upon their return to Awka to make public their apology and the appeal for forgiveness. The National Chairman did not hesitate to pardon them especially after they had confessed to how Hon. Chudi Offodile misled them into carrying out their rebellion against the party and its leadership. On their return to Awka, they addressed a press conference on Friday 18th August 2017.”

It should be recalled however, that Hon Chudi Offodile had announced the resignation of his membership of the UPP shortly after the party primary.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

With Buhari’s return, efforts at driving economic growth will now be double - Osinbajo

Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo was recently at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2017 Annual General Conference in Lagos and he had a conversation with ZAIN ASHER (CNN International Correspondent). Below is excerpt of the conversation.

Achievements of this Administration?

I think the single greatest achievement of the administration so far is really setting the foundations for the economic recovery of the country. I think those foundations are important because first, we were dealing with a mono-economy, mono-export, mono everything practically. But more importantly we were also dealing with a system of public finance that was essentially opaque and if you like, a fair amount of corruption.

Not even so much corruption in some cases, that it was difficult in some cases to even discover how it was the economy survived the extent of that corruption. So I think maybe the point is that we are rebuilding that economy and we have laid what I believe is a very solid foundation in the rebuilding of the economy, especially the public finance system beginning of course with ensuring that we block all of the loopholes.

We have continuous audits now, we have an efficiency unit that ensures there is efficiency in government expenditure, we have the TSA – the Treasury Single Account that ensures that we are able to monitor government spending and revenue closely, and we have modified the tax system so that it is more efficient.

We also have the Executive Orders, we are looking at transparency in government business, we are looking at annual budgets of small agencies, and another is Voluntary Assets Declaration and one on local content, encouraging local content. I think really where we are is a situation where we have cleared the mess, cleared the debris and we

reputational issue of corruption. But there are quite a few things that we are trying to do. One of the critical things, and I think Mr. Nika Gilauri mentioned that, which is that, government ownership of business almost always encourages rent-seeking. So we need to get out of government ownership of most businesses, and that is one of the key things for us, that you need to do certainly much more private sector involvement. The more private sector involvement, the more efficient the system is, the more transparent the system becomes.

I think that is one of the critical issues that we are trying to deal with. I was saying that we have signed a few executive orders; the first is the Executive Order 001, which is really on transparency in government business.

Now, transparency in government business, we insist that there are timelines for delivery of government business. We are at the moment training a lot of our public servants in delivering efficiency in that respect and ensuring that timelines are better.

There is also what we call the one-government system, namely that if you need five different approvals from government and you get one of those approvals, it is up to the government to ensure that government agencies talk to each other rather than have you go from point to point to get those approvals.

That is the one-government system which we are working on now. Now that way, you’re able to reduce the interaction with agents, and agencies and all that, and

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are laying solid foundation for modernising the economy.

improvement in the lives of people.

Are the average Nigerians feeling the results?

Let me give you an example of what is going on. For example, look at agriculture. I mean, it is very clear that agriculture has taken a quantum leap and we are producing far in excess of where we were even just a year ago.

Referring to the Northern states, in most of the Northern states, agriculture has become a significant economic contributor, and what we are experiencing, for example, take rice production, in this season, we are going to find almost a tripling of actual harvest in rice and you’re going to see that replicating itself.

In a lot of communities where agriculture has taken root, take Kebbi State, take Zamfara State, take Jigawa and several of the other states, you will find that prosperity is returning to those places. We recently opened the largest rice milling plant in Kebbi State a couple of weeks ago. Now that milling plant needs 50,000 farmers to satisfy it.

Already, Kebbi State is struggling to be able to produce that number of farmers and there are several other areas where we are getting those kind of significant results. It is in the rural areas, where you have the poorest communities. But what we are experiencing today is that those rural areas are coming up and they are doing so much better. As a matter of fact, this year, the vast majority of those who went on Hajj were farmers because they are earning significantly more.

So I think the common man would begin to see, because we are talking about real growth, we are talking about growth in jobs, and a lot of that is going to start with actual production dealing with agriculture first. We are hoping that the agro-processing would catch up. We’re hoping that resource manufacturing also would catch up, all of the resource manufacturing. We are hoping that even the innovation and technology-led manufacturing will also catch up.

But all of these are, you know, we are at a point where I think we are taking off quite well and we will soon see significant

How do you plan on getting Nigerians to export?

Well, let me say for agriculture, you know, and it is interesting that a lot of export is taking place in agriculture already. You’ll find that a lot of Nigerian grain moves to the North, out of the Niger, Mali, and those places, there is a lot of export going on, especially grain, loads and loads of trucks are moving on to the markets in those neighbourhoods. We are also experiencing a lot of exports into West Africa. What we need to do is more value added exports, which is really where a lot of the profit is going to lie and we are working on that. And part of what we are doing for the NEPC, that is the Export Promotion Council, and the NIPC, and several other of our agencies, is standardising those products.

We’ve got quite a few investors, for instance, there are investors in vegetable and fruits, bananas, pineapples and all of that, who are already doing excellent packaging for export. But what you find, one of the things that you will discover is that, a Mexican investor in bananas and pineapples and he is in 11 states already. But what he was saying to us is, look, the local market is so large, so huge, that I don’t need to export at this point. Just satisfy the local market, it’s huge.

So I think we have a situation here where even our domestic market is large enough to create the kind of opportunities that other countries will salivate about. So, I think we are in a good place. We’re certainly behind the curve in terms of realising the potential in agriculture, the potential in agro-processing. But in the past year and a half, I think that more and more innovation and opportunities are arising, and more people are going into farming, and more and more investors are coming into farming. So we think we are in a very good place.

How do you plan on mending the corruption reputation?

Absolutely. And I think you are right, especially the

you’re able to do almost a one self-centre for collecting all of the different investment approvals that you need.

Technology is also helping with respect to registration of companies. We now have an electronic platform in the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration of companies. And we think that introduces less discretion, so the public servant does not have any discretion with business online there is less interaction with any human agent and all that.

That is also speeding up the entire process of registration of companies. But we think that the most important thing is that the more you introduce technology, you reduce the opportunities for rent-seeking, we privatise as much as possible, I think that that will help efficiency.

But the other thing also is that we must punish offenders.

There must be consequences and this is really the point.

Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where, we are saying, look, we are charging so many people to court. The court system is relatively slow, so we need to build that institution, we need to build our court system, we need to build our trial process so that it is much faster.

I mean, fighting corruption is a multi-sectoral thing, you need the law enforcement institutions, you need the justice system, you need the prosecution, that is the executive, but we have to work. It is not one trying to just push. So we’ve got quite a few cases of people who are in court already; we’ve got quite a few public officers who have been put on trial.

Corruption convictions and the slow pace of it?

Convictions have been slow, very slow.

The institutional process is extremely slow. I was a prosecutor in Lagos and we have a situation where even the process of getting a case to court, investigative process, can be quite slow. Sometimes you find that policemen are transferred, those who are IPOs, Investigating Police Officers are sometimes transferred. Sometimes because the system allows appeals on a wide variety of issues, there are then challenges of various kinds that are dilatory delaying

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

11 Politics

‘Efforts at driving economic growth will now be double’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

that the President is back. And I’m sure that you’re going to see very strong leadership.

and all of that. So you find out that the system allows a lot of inefficiency and we really need to reform that system so that it will be efficient enough to try cases promptly and so that people see the consequences of corruption or consequences of wrongdoing.

ERGP and 2018 Budget?

First, it is reflected in the budget. As a matter of fact it is the basis of the budget.

The plan is the basis of the 2017 budget and the 2018 budget. As a matter of fact, it would be the basis for our budgets from 2017 to 2019. The plan itself is meant to go on to 2020. So, now every aspect of it is reflected in the plan. Our focus is on agriculture; our focus is on power, infrastructure, especially railways, roads, and all of that, and ensuring that we spend more than ever before on capital. For instance, we spent about N1.3 trillion on capital, which is the largest ever spent on capital in this country, and we intend to increase the capital spent year on year. That’s part of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. Part of it also is the power sector reform where we are hoping that we’ll be able to do both off grid and on grid power and improve power supply, because that obviously is one of the most basic needs for the infrastructure take-off and for the take-off of several sectors. So, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan is really the basis of the budget, and we expect to see results going forward.

How do you plan on speeding up the judicial process?

Well, first, that whole process of reforming the system involves essentially three separate arms of government, which must come together, that is the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, the judiciary in particularly. Of course, you know also that the judiciary is independent. But what we try to do is to work with the judiciary.

I’ve had a series of conversation with the Chief Justice of Nigeria. As a matter of fact, just in the past few days, we also had a couple of conversation around establishing special offences courts, around trying to improve the performance of the judiciary and all of that. I think those conversations are important because that is one way of ensuring that we are all on the same page about improving efficiency. But it is also important that there is commitment on the part of our profession, the legal profession, to reform.

These are some of the issues that we are trying to contend with, but certainly and the government is committed to it, we are doing our part and we think that it is important to work with the other arms of government, the legislature and the judiciary, and we are doing that.

Issues of better pay for workers?

It is a fantastic suggestion. But let me just say that we are in a bind of sorts, you know, because at the moment, we are spending 70 percent of revenues on remunerations essentially, by public sector remunerations and overheads, which leaves a paltry, less than 30 percent for our capital expenditure. So already we are spending a huge amount of money. What we need is a much more efficient civil service that is paid more. But in order to do such, we certainly need to increase revenue. Sometimes it is a chicken and egg situation, because in order to increase revenues we need to increase you know.

I think that what we are probably going to end up doing is what we have done with some of the parastatals; in other words, identifying certain government services that must be remunerated differently in order to be able to increase efficiency. One of those are some of the revenue generating agencies, for instance, the FIRS, Federal Inland Revenue Service. Improving remuneration, especially bonuses, would do a lot of good. That we saw happen in Lagos, with the Lagos Inland Revenue Service, where because there were bonuses, there was improvement in revenue and reform, people were able to do better, even in our judicial system. Because we paid better, we remunerated better, people were able to improve. But some of it has to be targeted, because you can’t have an overall increase in government expenditure today, especially on remuneration, because that’s already skewed somewhat in favour of recurrent expenditure, which is the problem.

How will the government get more Nigerians to pay their taxes?

What it is, is this. We have what we call the Voluntary Assets Declaration Scheme and what that says is in 90 days you come up with a self-assessment that tells us where all of these is at. How much are you earning, how much are you paying in taxes? Pay the difference.

We’ll forgive the penalties; we’ll forgive the past so long as you come up with this within the 90-day period.

Now, of course as you know, many countries, the UK is opening up a beneficial ownership scheme so that we will know in another few months what you own abroad, especially what you own in the UK and countries like that. So if you don’t do this within 90 days, then we will go ahead with criminal prosecution where necessary, because there are already criminal prosecution provisions in the tax laws. So the whole idea is that you have a 90-day amnesty, you have a 90-day period of grace. After that period, we are going to just go ahead and enforce the law.

Enforcing the new tax drive?

It is very straightforward. If we discover after the 90-day period that you’re hiding away some money or you have not declared those assets that you ought to have declared in order for us to know what your revenue is and all of that, then it’s simple, it is very straightforward. Evasion of tax under our law is criminal. There is civil liability and criminal liability. It is very straightforward. The only thing that can

OSINBAJO

We think that the most important thing is that the more you introduce technology, you reduce the opportunities for rent-seeking, we privatise as much as possible, I think that that will help efficiency. But the other thing also is that we must punish offenders. There must be consequences and this is really the point. prevent possible prosecution is if we don’t discover it.

Okay, if you have assets in the United Kingdom, for instance, under the Beneficial Ownership Scheme in the UK now, we are going to know who owns what in the UK. So that is going to be made public; that will become public.

Now, many wealthy Nigerians who own assets in the UK and several other countries in the OECD are also opening up. So we are bound to know very soon what people own abroad in particular. What you own here is probably easier to discover. We will find out in due course. I think the most important thing is that we’ve set the framework and we’ve given a sensible period of grace. And already quite a few Nigerians are coming up and discussing the terms of their payment of whatever.

So already, you’re saying that wealthy Nigerians have come forward voluntarily to say that this is what I own?

Yes, we’ve got quite a few, we are expecting very many more, some of who are here in this audience.

So, while President Buhari has been away, you obviously have been praised a lot because you’ve implemented a lot of reforms. Now that the President is back, can we expect the same pace of those reforms to continue?

Yes. The President, of course as you know, is very committed to everything we’ve done. I mean, as much as it was possible, we worked together on most of these issues. And what we are doing essentially was executing a plan, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and we intend to continue to execute it as efficiently as possible. So, I think we should expect double efforts as opposed to single effort now

Overall, do you think Nigeria has truly, and I want you to answer this from your heart, not as a politician, do you think Nigeria has actually learnt its lessons from the oil prices?

Well, I think a lot has to do first with discipline and the way that government approaches its business. I think that we have shown that we can be disciplined and we’ve shown even in the execution of our plan that we are disciplined about it and that we are serious about it.

I think also the fact that this particular oil shock led to a recession and to grave economic consequences is a lesson that would be much more difficult to forget than in the past.

I think also is the resurgence of the non-oil sector in several ways is also evident of the fact that we are not going to, we can’t go back the same way.

And there is also evidence all over the world that oil is gradually losing relevance. So we are not going to have much of a choice, if you see what I mean. In the next 10, 15 years or so, it is going to be extremely difficult to live on oil for any oil producing country.

Look at China, Japan, everybody is investing in electric cars. Japan has more charging stations for cars than petrol stations. China is subsidising electric cars. The UK, several European countries are setting deadlines for more energyefficient cars, electric cars and those kinds of things. So, we really won’t have a choice, I don’t think that we are going to have the luxury of sliding back into some comfort that comes from just hydrocarbon resources. I don’t think we are going to have that luxury and I think it’s going to become evident in the next few years.

But given that we’ve been through a recession, you are right in the sense that it is going to be very difficult to forget what we have experienced in this country. But I think a lot of Nigerians actually need to change their habits, especially when it comes to relying on imports.

I think the way it works is that at the end of the day, it is an economic choice, a choice that you have to make. If imports are more expensive, as they are now, you are going to have to make a choice to buy local. I mean, government has a policy. As I said, we have an Executive Order which was issued, which insists that government itself must purchase locally, must give priority to local content goods, must give priority to goods that have local content in all our purchases, including military purchases.

So as a matter of policy, we are where we should be and we should see some results for that. But the other choices that have to be made are economic choices. If people see that imports are more expensive, they are more likely to look for local options, and already that is becoming the case.

Local options are definitely becoming more popular.

Would that still be the case when we are out of recession?

I think so. I think we are going to have a situation where, CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

12 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26. 2017

With Buhari’s return, economic growth will now be double CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

because if you look at what we are seeing, I’ve seen that manufacturing in Nigeria, if you look at what we are seeing, I am seeing that food, beverages etc., is really ramping up, packaging is much better, quality is much better, even clothing, shoes, quality is much better. Things are improving. Many people are buying clothes that are made in Nigeria. More people are wearing Made-inNigeria clothing. Textiles are still manufactured, most of it is imported, but there is a value added because people are actually buying made in Nigeria clothing.

I think that we are in a place where that is going to become more popular as efficiency improves local industries. It is going to become, as I said, an economic choice, and I think that Nigerians are filling the gap, filling all of the spaces that are being created by more expensive imports.

And I think that we will find that Madein-Nigeria becomes a reality. But it is not the sort of thing that you can enforce beyond controlling imports and those kinds of things. I think it will come down at the end of the day to how efficient and how the quality of local products become. I think that we are already seeing that. I think that in the next few years, you are going to see change in terms of patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products. I think that we are going to see a real change.

Since your administration took office, how organised are the typical average entrepreneurs in Nigeria?

Let me say that first, opportunities have arisen. What has happened for example is that imports are more expensive, so there are more opportunities for local production.

I just gave you an example of agriculture.

There are more opportunities in agriculture, more opportunities in agro-processing; more opportunities even in technology products for young people.

Now, that does not mean that you will find an immediate efficiency or immediate prosperity but the opportunities are there.

I think that what we have found and what someone would say to you that a recession or crisis really may sound bad, but it really brings about significant opportunities and significant challenges, so what we are trying to do is to improve the business, improve the environment for doing business so that those opportunities become realities, so that they actually become something in the hands of young people and entrepreneurs who are taking those opportunities, and who are trying to profit from those opportunities. I think that the opportunities in recession are enormous and especially for local production, for local activity and we are seeing a lot of that is taking place.

I know you signed Executive Orders to try and cut down on red tape and bureaucracies to make it easier for businesses to start up in Nigeria right now.

How do you monitor the implementation to make sure it has the desired effect especially for Executive Orders that have 30-day deadline?

What we have tried to do is really engaging with the public service. For the first time, I met with permanent secretaries, met with staff; we held open meetings where we talked about the problems and what we need to do. But now we have broken that down to permanent secretaries meeting with their immediate staff and we are breaking that down further.

We are looking at how we can maintain that communication because that is the only way to continuously check what is going on, and we are also doing a lot of training, we are trying to get people to understand that

those issues at the highest levels and to see what it is that we need to do to get things going forward

OSINBAJO

this is really the way to go. Not just because it is good practice but because it is also the way to sustain the resources that pay for the public service, and the resources that will get this nation going forward.

I think that there is a need to change the orientation which is what we are doing through training and engaging and then monitoring, and we have also set clear deadlines, we have said, if you don’t perform, these are the consequences. So, I think that we will get efficiency as we go on, the important thing is to keep our eyes on the ball and we are doing so.

How much do you think Nigeria’s reputation for weakness when it comes to the rule of law; the way the rule of law specifically has hampered foreign direct investment?

Let me say first that there are many factors that an investor will always be looking at, rule of law being one but not all of it. And what you find is that private sector is usually factoring all of this into its costing, into just making the decisions.

Many times you find that, and this is what we are saying, you would find that investors are coming and they are investing in various sectors of the economy and some are increasing investments and all of that.

But there is a significant drawback if people feel that disputes cannot be resolved quickly and efficiently. That is a significant drawback. There are many who are squeamish about those kinds of things and who will not invest on account of the fact that they are fearful that it may well be that if there is a dispute, it may not be resolved on time and that is just a fact of life. And that is one of the reasons why we are trying to improve the delivery and administration of justice and we really can’t avoid that, it is so fundamental.

And for me it is the sort of commitment that we can’t take lightly. Whether it is for investment or just doing justice for the ordinary citizen, or the person who just wants a simple matter resolved, it is really our duty to ensure that we provide a system of justice that delivers on that, and so working on it on a day by day basis is always the task for us.

So what changes have your administration made to make sure that the rule of law is no longer as much of a problem for foreign investors?

Well, that is the point that I was making earlier, that it depends, and there are three arms of government that have to work

together and it is difficult especially because there have been a bit of rocks over the years.

One of the things we tried to do is to ensure that we interact with the judiciary in order to bring about a system that works.

For example with respect to special offences and all that, we are trying to designate courts; we are speaking with the Chief Justice to designate special courts that will be able to deal with these issues. We are also talking about more efficiency in commercial law and these are interactions that are going on with the judiciary.

So, I think that what we need to do is to engage the judiciary sufficiently, let the judiciary understand the importance of what they do to the economy. Sometimes that isn’t necessarily always well appreciated, and I think that that is a point we need to make.

And it really comes down to government working as efficiently as they can with the judiciary, again government, by that I mean the executive, cannot by any kind of fear get the administration of justice working efficiently. We simply have to collaborate and cooperate with the judiciary and of course with the legislature as well.

In a democracy, these are not necessarily straightforward, not necessarily easy, and people don’t necessarily work or sing from the same song book all the time. This is an engagement that is important and I think that we have taken the first step by actually sitting down with the judiciary to raise

Our focus is on agriculture; our focus is on power, infrastructure, especially railways, roads, and all of that, and ensuring that we spend more than ever before on capital. For instance, we spent about N1.3 trillion on capital, which is the largest ever spent on capital in this country, and we intend to increase the capital spent year on year. That’s part of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan

Where will this be in 2019?

Let me just say that our commitment is to leave this country with all of the resources that we can bring to the table. To live it honestly, with transparency and efficiently, in every aspect. In other words, the economy, security, fight against corruption which are the three main issues we think are on the table.

We want to see an improved power infrastructure, especially power and transportation, we are working hard on that, and we want to be able to deliver on aspects of our rail system; we want to improve power supply by the end of our administration. We are definitely going to be self-sufficient in rice production by the end of this administration and several other agricultural produce.

We think that in several areas of the economy, manufacturing we expect that it is going to improve; we are going to significantly improve the business environment and the ease of doing business. I think that there are so many areas where there is going to be greater efficiency and delivery.

But I think the most important thing is that we are committed to running a government that is transparent, a government that is efficient, a government that serves the people, and that responds to the concerns and problems of the Nigerian people. That I think is all that I can say.

I understand that you can’t make any promises because obviously you can’t see the future, but a lot of Nigerians have had promises before under many administrations for many years and they really want to see results. Can you make any assurances beyond just “we would like” and “we want to”?

All I can say to you now is that these are the projections that we have made, and I have spoken about the concrete things and I have spoken about agriculture, what you are going to see in agriculture; we have started our rail, we are doing the Lagos-Kano rail; the contract is already out, the concession for the Lagos-Kano to the narrow gauge, General Electric has already taken that. We are going to be moving over a million tons of goods on that rail by October; we are doing the standard gauge for Lagos, we are doing Lagos-Calabar which is also a standard gauge rail.

We are going to come out more efficiently in mining. Mining productivity has improved significantly today. In fact, that is one of the sectors aside from agriculture that is also making significant improvement.

We are opening up technology. Many young people are getting involved in technology and all of that.

So, people will see more improvement in technology, power, we are working day and day on power. We expect that we are going to see much greater improvement on power because we are using both off-grid and ongrid initiatives now.

Of course we are involving the private sector a great deal. The private sector is already investing considerably more, and we are want to open up the power sector for more private sector investment. And then there are many more private sector opportunities that are game changing. For example the oil refinery that is being built in Lagos, 650,000 barrels a day. It is the largest single-line refinery in the world. That will be opened early in 2019. The fertilizer plants are two; Indorama and the one Dangote is opening which is also the largest single line fertilizer plant in the world. So, the future is certainly very bright and I think we are going to do great things.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Federal government has formally filed an application before the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to revoke the bail granted the Leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on April 25, 2017 on health ground. In the application filed by the prosecution on charge NO: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 between Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nnamdi Kanu, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Bright Chimezie brought pursuant to Section 169 and 173(2)(b) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the federal government is asking for an order of the court revoking the bail granted to Kanu on April 25, 2017.

The federal government is also asking for an order of the court directing the arrest and committing Kanu to custody pending his trial and further order as the court may deem fit to make.

The application is based on 11 grounds as the government is claiming that Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged offences of conspiracy to commit acts of treasonable felony, treasonable felony and other related offences, has violated the conditions of bail granted him. The government is also asking the court to take a judicial notice of the fact that the offence which Kanu is standing trial is not ordinarily bailable; but due to the magnanimity of the court and its quest for justice and fairness he was granted bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017.

The federal government is further asking the government to

FG wants court to revoke Nnamdi Kanu’s bail, seeks his rearrest note as follows: That among other conditions for the bail of Kanu was that he should not be seen in a crowd exceeding 10 people; That he had fragrantly breached the condition by holding rallies, including his inauguration of a security outfit known as Biafra Security Service(BSS); That he also granted interviews, hold or attend rallies which the bail condition prohibit him.

The rally with a crowd exceeding 10 persons was captured in a video published on the 1st June 2017 and circulated throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond through the internet platform of YouTube; That the YouTube video was download and is attached to this affidavit and marked NK1 . That the said rally was not held in a synagogue but at the residence of Kanu on Friday evening May 26th, 2017 and ended on Saturday May 27th, 2017; That the rally was tagged “The holy day of Shabbat” to pray for the restoration of “Biafra state”.

In a 12-paragraph affidavit in support of the application sworn to by Loveme Odubo a staff of the Ministry of Justice, claimed that Kanu equally incited his members to disrupt, disallow and boycott elections in South East States , starting with Anambra State Gubernatorial Election schedule for November 18, 2017, if the Federal Government failed to hold referendum for the realization of the state

of Biafra. The federal government also attached Kanu’s address published by Vanguard online news, dated June 23, 2017 the affidavit to back up its claim.

The government further said, “ That the bail granted Kanu was to enable him go and take care of his health and not for any other purpose. That instead of attending to his health, Kanu went about organising rallies and made several secessionist remarks on the video attached to the affidavit and

ÏÏÏ The National leadership

of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has offered to support the President Muhammad Buhari-led federal government in its fight against corruption, terrorism and other crimes in the country.

The Chairman National Caretaker Committee, NCC, of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi said this on Friday when he led other members of his committee on a courtesy visit to the President at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja.

Makarfi appealled that the institutions saddled with this onerous task of fighting corruption in the country however needed to be given a necessary encouragement and independence to do the right thing.

This, he reasoned will help in further strengthening the concerned institutions with a view to insulating them from undue politi-

cal interferences. It In the words of Makarfi, “We identify with, and will continue to support the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes that have sneaked into our consciousness like kidnapping and banditry, as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes and other crimes camouflaged as such and all other anti-social vices that slow down our nation’s wheels of progress “We also offer our support for the fight against corruption and appeal that the institutions saddled with this onerous task be given a necessary encouragement and independence to do the right thing.

“This will help in further strengthening our institutions and insulating them from undue political interferences. It will also help give them a more credible outlook in the eyes of the public “There is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity of civilized nations until we rebuild

marked NK1 and they are as follows: “I was not born to be rich, politician or scientist but to restore Biafra I did not say we are restructuring Nigeria or implementing Aburi but restoring Biafra, That is the total exit of Biafra from Nigeria thereby restoring the kingdom of God on earth Remove any obstacle within us ,there will be no elections” “That the defendant instructions to the crowd present at his resident on May 26, 2017 in the following words “obey the order to

sit at home in respect to our fallen heroes” “This statement triggered civil disobedience, disruption and paralysis of activities in various location spanning the entire South East Geo-Political Zone, particularly Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo States and partly in Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa State. The sit at home was carried out on the May 27, 2017 and has sparked certain unwanted reactions from other sections of the country.

Secretary to China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (CCCN), Mr. Cui Guangzhen; Editor-in-Chief, Diplomat Extra Magazine, Mr. Raphael Oni and Alhaji Tanko Madaki, during a visit by CCCN to Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Zungeru, Niger State…recently.

PDP offers to help Buhari in anti-graft, terrorism fights

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

13 News

our institutions and imbue them with the necessary independence and confidence that will improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry “, he said.

Makarfi further assured that the PDP, as a great believer in the unity of this country , will also partner with the government in any way(s) that will strengthen our historic bond and rebuild bridges of our beautiful relationships .

While wrlcoming Buhari back to the country, Makarfi said , “Mr President, it is with a deep sense of gratitude to God Almighty, that the entire family of the Peoples’ Democratic Party joins our compatriots in welcoming you back home from your medical vacation.

“We thank Him for your recovery even as we pray that He continues to guide and guard you as well as give you greater strength to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of your office, for the betterment of our country

Made in Nigeria goods ‘ll encourage positive development - Ikpeazu Bonny Amadi, Lagos

ÏÏÏ Enhancing local production

and value addition to raw material before export would not only help to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earner, but enhance employment opportunities as well as income per capita of Nigerians.

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed this Thursday in Lagos at the public lecture forum of Business hallmark, themed “the made in Nigeria campaign & national economic revival” adding that Nigerian products have over the years continued to be relevant across the continent and beyond going by sustained improving standard.

Okezie who commended the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo and the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki for their commitment to promoting made in Nigeria, said that country with population of close to 200 million ,need to major global player in manufacturing.

He urged the campaigners of patronize Nigerian brand to always work the talk “by that I mean, they should walk the talk, put the process of mechanization for the Nigerian young shoe maker or dress maker and remove all impediments to borrowing” Companies with retail outlets in Nigeria, have been urged to establish their manufacturing sites in the country to benefit from the full potentials inherent in the country.

The governor said that he is committed to enhancing the entrepreneurial and manufacturing initiatives of MSMEs in Aba, based on his devotion to return value to them that toil night and day to create value and wealth within their meager resources.

He said that though World Bank recorded 250,000 shoe manufacturers in Aba, but taking into account that every manufacturer employs at least 4 people, shows the commitment to the evolution of Aba as industrial hub of Africa, and major global economy.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26 2017

Art Review

s

A new breed flying Nigerian colours, culture in a foreign land

Princess Julia flying the Nigerian flag in Spain

God’s Covenant Snr She is one of a new breed of cross cultural procreation. Her name?

Princess Julia Nwabundo Nwanneka Campo, a Spaniard with a maternal Nigerian blood.

Princess is so proud of who she is and her roots. She was born of a Nigerian Royal mother, Princess Nwanneka of Enugu state, on the 29th of January 1993.

Pretty Princess Julia Campo’s father is a Spaniard while her mother is from Enugu, Enugu State in the eastern part of Nigeria.

Nwabundo, as her grandmother fondly calls her, was born at St Mary’s hospital in G.R.A, Enugu, but relocated with her parents to Spain when she was only a few months old.

Author: Olufunto Anekwe Pagination: 152 Publisher: Arise And Shine Ministries Year of Publication: 2016 Reviewer: Ladesope Ladelokun The book “Power for the Helpmate Fit” seeks to lay bare the undiluted truths every marriage needs to remain sturdy when storms strike. Laced with rich anecdotes, the author conveys her massages in the most piercing manner, even without masking the uncomfortable truths.

This is one book readers will find hard to put down once they start reading it. Each chapter is fresh, deep and riveting. The book is an account of the author’s years of hopeless search for marriage to a man and how she conquered her hopelessness.

In the preface, she notes that,

Princess Julia (left) with team mates at a fashion show at the University of Burgos

Though she was brought up in Europe, she visited Nigeria often. She once said that one of the things she loves most about Nigeria is the luxurious life she enjoys when she is with her grandmother, Mrs. Flora Ezenwanyi Ilonzo, in her mansion at Awka.

She would always tell her friends in school and at any given chance that Nigeria is a beautiful country, blessed with Godly resourceful people and rich culture. She always frowned at the image the media portrays of her beloved country, Nigeria.

During one of her trips to Nigeria, Julia gathered enough clothes and accessories and organised a Nigerian fashion show in her school as a school project. Her team mates dressed in Nigerian clothes and won the heart and admiration of the school au-

thorities.

“When you are proud of whom you are, you will make others want to be like you,” said her proud mother. “Yes, Princess Julia boasts much about her country that her friends end up loving Nigeria.

She would always request for mint Nigerian Naira notes, sweets and snacks to share to her friends and teachers in Europe.”

Mrs. Campo recalled a few years ago when Julia was the student representative of the Nursing students of University of Burgos.

“Spanish newspapers always mentioned the Nigerian student in Burgos. Though she is Spanish, Julia is so proud of her mother’s country and her place of birth that she would always announce to the world that she is a Nigerian. As a Nigerian mother, it

Julia catwalking in a Nigerian outfit at the show

feels my heart with joy.”

Teach your children to love their roots and they will be so appreciative of our continent even if they don’t live there, she counselled Nigerians in the Diaspora. “There is absolutely no excuse for you not to teach your children to appreciate where you came from.

Julia and her sister, Chelo are the way they are because of their parent’s passion for Africa and more especially for Nigeria.”

Mrs. Campo, the proud Nigerian-Spaniard, is a boisterous, energetic showbiz extraordinaire and impresario who combines events planning with fashion, seminars, personal shopping and more.

She is a language interpreter and runs an NGO that oversees Nigerians living in Spain, among others.

Book Title: Power For The Helpmate Fit

Author Olufunto Anekwe

“I was my own worst enemy. Two wars raged in my life: growing up in an unhappy, although wealthy home, and fighting for self preservation. Early in life, I lost the hope of having a lifelong mar-

riage to one man.

“I did not think I had what was necessary to become a helpmate fit. In 2014, I celebrated 38 years of marriage to one man, my darling husband. Wow! Ndu and I were

still friends and I was still in love with my teenage sweetheart.”

“Your Adam Still Needs Help” is the title of the first chapter of this small but compelling and inspiring book. The book admonishes every woman to understand that her husband is the most important “project” for the rest of her life, stating that it’s the responsibility of every woman to complete the “incomplete” in the life of the love of her life. In this chapter, the author’s message is direct and far from being miserly with the truth.

According to her, marriage is not for self-centered people. It is dethroning, capable of throwing you off your “high horse” and rubbing your nose in the mud,

Aishatu

I hiked to Sokoto To be with you And under your sokoto I promise to be true Alhaji may shout ‘kai’ Just as the Ozo queried ‘ke’ And I wonder why It is this way Aishatu! Shatu!! Shato!!!

We’d build a chateau Worship in the temple of our hearts And nothing can tear us apart Shatu!! Shato!!! I’d ever say Aye To each and everything you say Lost in each other’s arms Our hearts beat in unity But, sadly, raising alarms Of religion and ethnicity The world may worship In Church or Mosque We took our connubial clip In the Chursque Needing no Imam Nor a pastor For “I AM that I AM” Our Creator Joined these loving hands From different lands Refrain We crossed silly lines of culture And together we nurture Oneness and cohesion Towards a strong nation

Refrain © O. Jason Osai August 8, 2017

but there will also be times of joy.

The second chapter strikes in chord with its title and its content, “OOPS! Now You Can See His Nakedness”. Here, the author harps on the need for women to take warning signals that could be injurious to marriage seriously before saying “I do” with an apt anecdote, even as she urges women to think, pray and make every effort to get spiritual direction before they get married. She further admonishes wives to satisfy to their husband’s idiosyncrasies, adjust to them and accept them as part of him for the sake of peace.

Some lines from this chapter tell a lot about it: “Don’t lose your husband to another woman’s whims. Now that you have seen your husband’s “nakedness”, be careful not to throw out the baby with the bath water.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Times columnist 15

Is the majority always right?

Mohammed Adamu

On Saturday

‘

It is this rampaging power of the majority that David Robertson said, has continued to be the concern of political philosophers “whether or not a majority vote really represents a positive preference, or simply a relative preference for one rather than another of a set of unpopular alternatives.

The late William Safire, author of the book ‘Lend me your Ears: Great speeches in History’, was the one who described the first American Constitution (which gave birth to her federal system of government) as a “wrangled-over Constitution”; -because it was arrived at through bitter, angry and persistent argument. Although “its original copies (were) viewed reverently” Safire said, “the intent of the founders in some passages (were) hotly debated”. And even as the document was set to be signed on September 17, 1787, many of the delegates at the Philadelphia Convention were said to have serious misgivings about it.

But the irony was that even as they knew it was an imperfect document, almost all delegates were ready to sign it. And such was the anti-climax about that important document that an eightytwo year old Benjamin Franklin, who was the Convention’s leading light and conciliator said he consented to signing it because he expected “no better”, and because he was not sure that it was “not the best”.

This pessimistic view about the perfection or flaws of a document that was inevitably the product of a Babel of conflicting geo-political interest groups smarting from a failed confederacy, was one of the reasons Benjamin Franklin worked hard to push for a majority –if not unanimous– votes to endorse a manifestly imperfect document which was to birth the first federal Constitution of the United States and which had also failed to capture virtually all of his own personal proposals.

Said Benjamin himself at the inauguration: “When you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views”. And so ‘’From such an assembly” he asked, rather rhetorically, “can a perfect production be expected?” How much more ‘imperfect’, you wonder, can a document be if it was to come especially from a profoundly more heterogeneous society?

But pessimism about the perfection of such document was not the only reason Benjamin Franklin pushed to reconcile the high expectations of delegates for a perfect document, with the low return of a “wrangled-over” product that was now a Hobson’s choice; stability of the polity and integrity of the political system were in fact of the utmost consideration as a virtually age-infirmed Franklin pleaded with a bitterly divided Convention made up mostly of delegates twice younger than him, to prioritise, for the present hour, patching up a disintegrating nation over and above the illusion of giving it an ‘infallible’ Constitution.

And it was to drive home this point that a frail and fragile Franklin said in a historic few paragraphs speech (which he had to sit back to be read on his behalf), that the ‘goodness’ of a government and “the wisdom and integrity” of its handlers are essentially the ingredients that secure the maximum good for the people and not necessarily the perfection of the constitution that governs them. he magic of majority A maxim of equity posits that ‘equity does not perfect an imperfect gift’. But what ‘equity’ will not do, it appears, the ‘law’ has taken up by ‘might’ -if not by ‘right’- magnanimously to do; and which is that it confers powers on any ‘democratic majority’ (provided no extant law is prejudiced) to perfect even the most imperfect of documents merely by voting to make it so. Benjamin Franklin was able to corral a geopolitically divided Convention into a decisively patriotic supper majority -to approve a Constitution that it would otherwise not have. It was by vote alone not by the quality of what it was endorsing, that Franklin’s ‘majority’ had perfected a defective document to govern the affairs of a nation.

And by the same token, any democratic majority can –if it so desires- vote lawfully to reject even

Buhari the most perfect document. Often in our parliaments, some of the best legislative measures are voted down by the faintest –often un-discernable‘majority voice vote’ whether or not that represents the will of the people. No self-seeking parliamentary majority will vote to curtail its own avarice. The majority ‘unjust’ ruling of a panel of judges represents the position of the law in spite of the quality and justice inherent in a minority dissenting judgment of one of them.

Unfortunately that is the nature of all democratic majorities, that whether they are achieved by the simplest or by the suppermost of margins, majorities are bound always to get what they want -if not by merit, then by sheer numbers. When the majority exercises its constitutional right to approve a measure, that measure does not have to be the best; in fact it will not matter that it is even the worst of such measures. Conversely when it rejects a particular measure, that measure does not have to be the worst; in fact it will not matter too that it is even the best of such measures.

It is this rampaging power of the majority that David Robertson said, has continued to be the concern of political philosophers “whether or not a majority vote really represents a positive preference, or simply a relative preference for one rather than another of a set of unpopular alternatives.” To a majority of the electorate for example, will belong the right to vote a reputedly ‘bad’ candidate and to reject a manifestly ‘good one’. Making the vote of the majority the voice of all and not even the ‘divine’ has been helpful in this regard.

Because as the English cleric and theologian Alcuin said: “T. he voice of the people is the voice of God”. Or as the Bible itself would say ‘whatever is agreed here on earth, that same will be sealed in heaven’.

And maybe it is the reason that Lord Acton, the British historian said “The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority”. Call it dictatorship of the majority. Or the despotism of the ‘many’ over the contrived subservience of the ‘few’. It is not necessarily in the merit of its choice or in the morality of its position that the majority is entitled to ride roughshod over the minority, it is merely in the greatness of its number that a ‘right’ accrues to it legitimately to oppress the few. All the same, it makes even moral sense to suggest that the ‘many’ alone should have a right to decide the fate of the ‘few’ and not that the few should arrogate to themselves the right to decide the fate of the many. Said the British philosopher A. N. Whitehead, rhetorically: “What is morality in any given time or place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like”. To the ‘dog’ should belong a natural right to wag its tail, and to the tail

should be a duty to agree faithfully to be wagged.

Thus ‘morality’ too –and not only law- is what the majority at any time decides that it is. Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin had lampooned democracy as “a state which recognizes the subjection of the minority to the majority”.

And maybe it is the reason also that an intellectually bitter Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, wrote in his play ‘An Enemy of the People’ that “The worst enemy of truth and freedom is the compact majority” –that majority that wields itself un-righteously when it equally has the liberty to act ‘right’ and ‘fair’. And as William Allen, the American journalist who coined the phrase ‘tinhorn politician’ that although it is the right of the majority to rule, there is also a duty incumbent on it “not (to) be puffed up” Of a ‘way’ and a ‘say’ But the law is not always about what is ‘right’ logically or what is ‘right’ morally. It is rather about what is permissible from what is not. And which is why the popular slogan is not in vain that ‘the majority –like they say of the indulgent customer- is always right’. Even when it is wrong by all other yardsticks, unless its ‘choice’ or its ‘position’ contradicts the law- any democratic majority is always ‘right’ in whatever it does or fails to do. And although Ibsen’s antithesis insists it is “the minority that is always right” because to the majority can only belong “might”, the only ‘right’ that a ‘minority’ can have, is the right to ‘dissent’ without ‘dissension’; the right to ‘disagree’ without being ‘disagreeable’. It dares not dissent to the point of dissension; it dares not disagree to the point of being disagreeable! Because as historian Daniel J. Boorstin said: “A liberal society thrives on disagreement but is killed by dissension. Disagreement is the lifeblood of democracy; dissension is its cancer…dissension is marked by a break in friendly relations.

It is an expression not of a common concern but of hostile feelings….Disagreement is specific and pragmatic; dissent is formless and un-focused.

Disagreement is concerned with policy; dissenters are concerned with identity, which usually means themselves. Disagreers ask, ‘what about the war in Vietnam?’ Dissenters ask, ‘What about me?’ Disagreers seek solutions to common problems; dissenters seek power for themselves.”

Poscript The reputation of democracy as a system of ‘majority rule’ is hinged on the right of the majority to have a ‘way’, and that of the minority merely a ‘say’.” Meaning that whereas the majority can talk and also kick its way around, the minority can only talk and sit its butt at home. Members of the ‘Resume or Resign’ campaign should have known this limit. They had had their ‘say’ when they said ‘our mumu don do!’ They should just have left it at that. Because being a minority, they had no right to determine when the ‘mumu’ of the majority should be enough. The majority can choose to be wise or foolish –including how long to remain so- provided in doing so it breaks no law. And beyond merely exercising its right of ‘say’ to condemn that choice, it should not be the right of the ‘minority’ to make demands or to give ultimatums. That will amount to seeking a ‘way’, -a prerogative which it does not have.

The way the system of ‘majority rule’ works, even the right to be ‘mumu’ politically, by allowing a sitting President medical leave, (which I believe is co-terminus with the right to be ‘mumu’ electorally, by voting an ‘agbero’ as governor), should both be democratic and inalienable. If a man has the right exclusively to go mad on his own, he should have the right exclusively to decide when to come out of it. Let the ‘majority’ decide when to be ‘mumu’ and let it also decide whether or not the ‘mumu don do’. The ‘minority’ being a ‘tail’ in the democratic enterprise, is not equipped to ‘wag’ the ‘dog’. It is designed itself essentially for the ‘dog’ to wag. To each its duty. To each its boundaries.

‘

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

18 News

Kwara to ensure growth, development of Small and medium enter.

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe Kwara State Gov-

L-R: Second position, Tamara Ayamieya; overall winner, Franklin Martin and third position, Sweet-Owei Blessed, at the Robert Sunday Iwariso Essay Writing Competition for Secondary Schools in Kolokuma, Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa… on Thursday.

Kachikwu assures local oil firms of support Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Minister of

State for Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Emmanuel kachikwu, has said that his major priority in the petroleum industry, includes creating an enabling template for the survival of the local oil industries. The minister of state for petroleum, said this, while witnessing the signing of memorandum of understanding ceremony Thursday in Abuja between local content development and Monitoring Board NCDNB and the Bank of industry BoI, a programme geared at empowering the local oil companies in Nigeria to spur them to contribute more to the nation’s economy. According to him, the project palliative is a priority project of the leadership geared at motivating the local companies for optimal production; and for the quicker growth of Nigerian

economy.

He further stressed that he was committed to raising the fund from $200m to $1billion to ensure the continued empowerment of the local oil companies. He said, “My office is to set up a fund raising committee to ensure that this programme of empowering the local oil companies is a continued one and by the time we leave office, we would have ensured that most of the companies provide what we need in the country, because we have see that the creation of the local content development and monitoring board has achieved a lot in giving opportunities to Nigerians.

“I will also like the Bank of Industry to not just sit and watch, but to also go into financial drive to help make funds available for the companies to access.” He said that the local content development and monitoring board and the BoI, should

ensure that companies in the oil producing areas have better access to the loans, so as to assist people from the areas.

This, he said, would encourage them. “You must be careful to ensure that the fund go around all geographical regions. The oil development companies must not struggle to access these funds,” he warned. Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Local Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Simbi K. Wabote, said that the department would, in a short period of time, ensure hundred per cent supply of the need of all Nigerians.

He noted that the department was engaged in fabrication of capacity vessels to cushion the financial needs of the department.

“We are now engage in fabrications; and there is nothing we cannot manufacture. We are also engage

in assembling offshore vessels; and the facilities are used to shift about 200 barrels a day; and we are proud of that. We are however targeting about 14billion out of 20 billion barrels,” he said.

ALAKA SODIQ GBOLAHAN I formerly known and addressed as ALAKA GBOLAGBA ADEREMI now wish to be known called and addressed as ALAKA SODIQ GBOLAHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJO ADEYOSOLA TOYOSI I formerly known and addressed as ADESOLA ABIOLA now wish to be known called and addressed as OJO ADEYOSOLA TOYOSI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS. SALAUDEEN SHAKIRAT OLAYEMI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. BELLO SHAKIRAT olayemi now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS. SALAUDEEN SHAKIRAT OLAYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ernment has put in place strategies to ensure the growth and development of Small and Medium enterprises in the State.

The State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed stated this today in Ilorin while inaugurating the Executives of the State Artisans Congress .Governor Ahmed represented by his Deputy, Elder Peter Kisira noted that the State had injected about two point two billion naira to support entrepreneurs including Artisans through various credit schemes and allocated five hundred million naira in this year`s budget for the same purpose.

The Governor explained

EDSTMA; Obaseki adopts best-in-class approach as agency commences work Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏAfter

undergoing trainings that have been described as best-in-class, officials of the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA) will in a matter of days take over the control of vehicular traffic on major roads across the state.

Already, expectations are high amongst motorists that the agency will restore order and sanity on the roads through the strict enforcement of traffic laws that will check unprofessional conducts of drivers which make commuting especially within Benin City a terrifying experience, despite the network of wide and motorable roads.

According to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the traffic agency will also eliminate the number of man-hours lost by workers and busi-

Rescinding quit notice: Step in right direction – Atiku Tom okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Former Vice President and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar has commended the Coalition of Northern youths Forum and the Arewa Youths Council for rescinding the quit notice given to people of Igbo origin to leave the North on or before October 1, 2017.

The former Vice President said in a statement in Abuja on Friday that “at last, good decision has prevailed”.

Atiku Abubakar, however appeals to the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Arewa Youths Council to go the whole hog and drop any other condition given to people of Igbo origin living in Northern Nigeria or any-

where else in the nation saying that reconciliation must be total or else it is pyrrhic.

The Waziri of Adamawa also calls on other ethnic groups that might have issued counter quit notices to accept this olive branch and rescind whatever notices or withdraw whatever statements they may have made.

He commends President Muhammadu Buhari for

that the informal sector has been accepted global as a crucial generator of income, goods and services and employment hence the attention given to the sector.

He stated that one hundred million naira revolving loan was distributed to Artisan groups across the sixteen local government areas and also distributed about one hundred and fifty taxis, twenty five buses and one hundred and ninety three motorcycles to fifty three associations under the State Artisan Congress.

Governor Ahmed disclosed that the State government is to commence a five-year tax relief regime for new small business owners to promote economic growth and ensure development of the State.

his national broadcast condemning such developments and urges other elders, and elder statesmen around the nation to likewise add their voices to the condemnation of evil and henceforth refrain from making statements that undermine Nigeria’s unity adding: “To keep Nigeria one, is a task that must be done, as a great patriot once said”.

Atiku

nesspeople to traffic congestion and the resulting chaos in parts of the state.

He said the traffic control initiative was part of a bigger plan by his administration to remove any snag that impedes on the ease of doing business in the state.

Obaseki explained that the agency was the product of a painstaking effort that adopted best-in-class procedure in designing the structure, recruitment and training of personnel and in equipping them for the job.

To ensure that the initiative is well received by all the stakeholders in the road transportation sector, the governor said, “we are working with various stakeholders in the sector including bus drivers’ unions, tricycle drivers’ associations and everybody or group that has stakes in the road transport sector.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

585,000.00

29.250.00

442,406.25

22,120.31

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

FEATURES

s

Rise in attacks by Boko Haram : Urgent need to revisit security strategies (1) An analysis from SBM Intelligence Over the last few months, there has been a rise in attacks by the Boko Haram terrorist group in the North East. More worrying is that in some cases, these attacks have been successful, with Boko Haram overwhelming security forces, even taking some captives in the process. Many of these attacks are suicide attacks targeted at Maiduguri with the University of Maiduguri coming under a serious and concerted threat, perhaps for the first time. This has led the authorities to dig a two metre trench around the school, heightening fears about a renewed resurgence of Boko Haram, a narrative which calls for close scrutiny of security strategies.

To describe the terror group’s recent attacks as a “resurgence” risks misrepresenting the nature of both the conflict and an enemy that has proven considerably resilient. In the course of 2015, the Nigerian military recorded important successes in dislodging the insurgents from areas where they had previously seized control.

In response, Boko Haram made a tactical shift that saw it switch emphasis from fighting to capture territories to guerrillastyle hit-and-run attacks and increased its campaign of suicide bombings against soft targets.

Now, the group is not re-surging so much as it is adapting itself to its own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of its enemy.

It is a dangerous position for the government to base critical decision making on a wrong frame and propaganda value of actions and information. It is even more dangerous when these decisions have a direct bearing on the lives or deaths of Nigerians. The army’s Chief of Staff has reacted with a now familiar pronouncement – giving an ultimatum to the forces on ground to capture Shekau, while the Acting President directed the military leadership to relocate to Maiduguri, an order which must be borne in mind, was given to the military top brass in 2015 upon the assumption of office by the current administration.

It is important to review the timeline of events that have led up to this resurgence. It is also important to look at Nigeria’s recent history to determine when the Nigerian army has been most successful against Boko Haram and what lessons we can learn and replicate in order to turn the tide against the terrorists.

The most successful period in

Boko Haram group

the fight against Boko Haram began in February 2015 and continued into October 2016.

When we consider that the first half of this period of success was under a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government, and the second under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, this indicates that the party occupying Aso Rock is not necessarily the most important factor. What is common to both periods was a determination, for various reasons, by the occupants of Aso Rock, to beat the terrorists within a clear window of opportunity. Such a determination drove a focused approach which delivered results, changed facts on the ground and bolstered a narrative that the insurgents were not invincible but beatable.

So what were the factors that aligned to cause the temporary march to victory? We only need to look back to the period preceding the victories to answer this.

Genesis of the problems Morale amongst the troops was low. Welfare and provisions at the frontlines were abysmal.

Troops complained of the insurgents possessing superior firepower and many deserted as a result rather than fight the insurgents.

On the territorial front, there was very little cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against Boko Haram, with each country surrounding the Lake Chad region either prosecuting the fight on their own, or choosing to turn a blind eye to Boko Haram forward bases in their territory in return the insurgents refraining from attacks in their territory.

Also, cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the resi-

Church destroyed by Boko Haram

dents of the areas under threat was negative, with regular reports of human rights abuses on the part of the military. This essentially hampered the ability of the security forces to leverage the local knowledge bank available to gather intelligence and provide early warning on insurgent movements. Many residents reported multiple situations where despite reports of insurgent activity, the military response was anything but urgent and effective, the Chibok Girls kidnap frequently mentioned as a prime example.

This distrust was mutual, as the security agents accused some of the residents of providing support and intelligence on troop movements to the terrorists, pointing to instances of well-targeted ambush operations by Boko Haram. Multiple announcements by the military of “Killing Shekau” did not help in building trust as well.

The politicisation of the insurgency by the then opposition

APC, and the siege mentality it created in the then ruling PDP, contributed to bad decision making on the part of the sitting government, which translated to the poor performance of troops in the anti-insurgency operations in the North East.

The direct measures taken in the build up to the 2015 elections addressed these issues and more.

First, there was a clear mandate, backed by political will and focus to deliver victory to ensure that elections were conducted peacefully in the affected parts of the country; and after the APC government took over, to ensure that the campaign promises of the new government were delivered.

Troop morale was boosted with payments made on time, and improvement in logistics and equipment made available in the frontlines -including improved air support.

Secondly, following President Buhari’s shuttle diplomacy

around the Lake Chad region, there was improved cooperation and coordination amongst the countries in region comprising Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad Republic to jointly fight the Boko Haram insurgents, including a strategic hot pursuit agreement. This greatly reduced the availability of places the insurgents could retreat to, as well as their general mobility in the region.

Third, the Nigerian Army went on the offensive, as opposed to the previous approach of reacting and attempting to mount a defence when the insurgents attacked. This saw the insurgents driven out of towns and villages they had previously taken and even saw a push into their Sambisa Forest strongholds. Constantly keeping the enemy on the back foot in this manner was crucial in not only winning back territory but in securing them to the point where residents began to return home.

Fourth, in this period, a closer working relationship was forged between the military and the Civilian JTF comprising of indigenes whose local knowledge proved to be a invaluable intelligence base, and a solid bridge of trust began to appear between residents and the military. The improvement and focus on the welfare of the IDPs in this period also provided another trust building avenue between both the civilian and military efforts to counter Boko Haram.

Unfortunately, many of these measures have been all but abandoned in the last few months. This combined with other developments, have allowed the insurgents regroup, retool and renew their attacks.

-

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Features 21

All eyes on His Royal Majesty, Obi of Onitsha, at Onitsha Day Today, Saturday, August 26, 2017, will be another milestone in the history of Onitsha people both at home and in the Diaspora, and particularly for the Onitsha Improvement Union, Lagos State Chapter, organisers of the event.

This is because, all sons and daughters of the union, from the historic commercial city and gateway to the East, will roll out the drums in honour of its distinguished people from far and near.

Under the auspices of the Onitsha-Ado Improvement Union, Lagos State Chapter, the entire Lagos State Police College, Ikeja, ground, will be agog with merry-making, dancing, singing and backslapping to the delight of the organizers and their guests.

However, one distinguished personality at today’s historic occasion, is His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha.

The First Class monarch, so much revered by his people, because of his love, caring attitude, contributions to the city, Igbo land and humanity worldwide, as well as his solid educational and cultural background, will lead other distinguished people and royal fathers, including His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, not only to add colour and grace to the occasion, but also to his their royal blessings for the success of the occasion.

Indeed, the 21st Obi of Onitsha, who was born on My 14, 1941, is the son of Akunne Anthony Chinwuba and Chukwuebuka Wilifred O. Achebe, and direct descendant of Ezeokoli, from the lineage of Chimedie, Oreze Obi and Aguzani.

He attended various institutions, both in Nigeria and overseas, including Stanford University, California, USA, where he obtained Bachelors Degree in Chemistry; and obtained MBA from Columbia University, New York, also in the United States.

His Royal Majesty had a distinguished working career at various times at Shell Petroleum Development Corporation in Nigeria and London, before becoming the Obi of Onitsha.

According to the President, Onitsha Improvement Union, Lagos State Chapter, Sir Andy

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnameka Ugochukwu Achebe, the 21st Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria, will add another feather to his cap, as he is honoured today by the Onitsha Improvement Union, OIU, Lagos State chapter, reports GANIYU OBAARO

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha.

Bosah Chukwunwike Ekweogwu, in an interview with The Daily Times, Obi of Onitsha cannot be lost to history.

He said, “I want you to know that the constitution of the Onitsha Improvement Union is endorsed by the Obi of Onitsha; and this means that every indigene of the town is an automatic member.”

He described the cultural day.

Whose theme is: # Ife Ejiabu OnitchaErika, as as very Germaine to his people resident in Lagos in particular as the hosts; and elsewhere across the globe generally, saying that the presence of eminent personalities at the occasion would boost the glowing image of Onitsha.

According to him, “I am happy to inform you that our Royal Father of the day is His Royal Majesty, Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. Other prominent traditional rulers, led by the Oba of Lagos, Oba

Rilwanu Akiolu will be there, while Executive Governor of Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his counterpart from Anambra state, Governor Willie Obiano, would also grace the historic occasion.”

He also gave an insight into the significance of today’s occasion: “Actually, Onitsha Day, apart from what I have earlier said, is, specifically to, among other aims and objectives, raise awareness and the consciousness of our culture among the indigenes, host community, thus showing the tourism potential of Onitsha and to create an avenue for our people to bond together with their other Igbo brothers and sisters.

We also intend to honour, through award or recognition, some distinguished Onitsha indigenes and non-Onitsha indigenes, who have contributed remarkably towards the development of Onitsha.

President , Onitsha Progressive Union, Sir A.B. C Ekweogwu

He said his executive hopes to take the union to a greater height of development during their tenure. “We are determined to rejuvenate and bring back our lost glory; we want to bring everybody back into the fold; heal old wounds, tap from individual experiences and wealth. That in fact, is the essence of Onitsha Day, which we are celebrating this Saturday.”

“Now, as we move on as a team, we have adopted new and better strategy of reaching our brothers and sisters through such avenues, as text messages, telephone calls, WhatsApp and emails. Before now, we used to read minutes of meeting as a way of communicating information to members; but that has changed now,” he said.

He said, “We are working hard to have general meeting that would not separate the Women’s Wing from the union, but to have one united body

with one purpose. We want to heal old wounds. Again, we are working hard to build Onitsha House here in Lagos. The old one at No.22, Alawode Street, off Kilo Bus Stop, Surulere, Lagos, has become inadequate for us to use.

For the former banker and retired stockbroker, Onitsha is a city his people cherish so much.

He said, “Basically, Onitsha is known as a commercial center and gateway to the South east. It may also interest you to know that most big business operators in Onitsha are not Onitsha people. Our people are basically civil servants. We are more inclined to education than to trading. However, the situation is fast changing now.

Historically, we, Onitsha indigenes migrated from Benin, some of us also came from Idah, Benue state. We consist of nine core villages.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Crime

s

Cult members ‘subject’ fresher to drink own blood in Delta

Delta Police arrest 237 robbery suspects in 2016/2017, kill 57 suspects in gun duel

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

A 20-year old man (name withheld) who was allegedly subjected to drinking his own blood by a prominent cult gang members in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State had been admitted to private hospital in the area.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim who confirmed the incident yesterday in Asaba, disclosed three of the cult gang members were currently in the police net in Kwale Police Division, adding that the victim was being treated in a private hospital

in the area.

He said that the victim was hoodwinked by the suspected who confessed to be members of Viking confraternity into thick forest in Kwale where he was allegedly subjected to drinking own blood after cutting off his thumb.

It was gathered that the suspects had been threatening the victim overtimes to join their group, but declined, only to be hoodwinked at a drinking spot where they took him into the thick forest for initiation.

The victim was said to have undergone the rituals one after the other until the last rite where his

thumb was allegedly cut off, and was made to drink his own blood on the spot.

But the Police Boss said that the victim on his refusal to eat fresh human body allegedly led to be beaten by the cultists; a situation his cry attracted some farmers in the bush who immediately called the police from Kwale Police Division.

Upon the Intelligence report, the police boss explained that the police detectives swung into action in the bush where the arrested two of the suspected cultists, while others fled the scene.

Court detains Police Inspector over escape of suspect Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Thursday remanded an erstwhile police inspector, Johnbosco Okoroeze, for allegedly aiding the escape from police custody of Maxwell Ifeanyi Dike, who confessed to defiling and killing an eight year old girl, Chikamso Victory, for the purpose of money ritual.

Johnbosco who had just been dismissed from the Police Force, was the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the investigation of the murder of Victory, by a 23 year old suspect, Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike, who escaped from the police net after he made his confessional statement to the police on Saturday, August 19.

The accused person, who was arraigned in court on Thursday, by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, is facing two count charges of conspiracy and assistant to escape of a suspected murderer in suit number PMC/1744c/2017.

The charges read: “That you Johnbosco Okoroeze ‘m’ on the 19th August, 2017 at about 20:30hours at State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCID, Port Harcourt, in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District did assist one Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike ‘m’ who is to your knowledge guilty of the offence of mu7rdeer of one Chikamso Mezuwuba aged 8 years for ritual to escape when he was to be detained for prosecution and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 322 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. II Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.

“That you Johnbosco Okoroeze ‘m’ on the same date and place in the aforesaid Magisterial District did conspired with a suspect,

No fewer than 237 armed robbery suspects were reportedly arrested across Delta State between 2016/2017, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim has said.

The Police Boss who spoke to journalists yesterday in Asaba while answering questions on crime waves in the state, confirmed that a total of 57 suspects were killed during gun duel by the police under the period reviewed.

He said that a total of 154 suspected kidnappers were arrested, 64 victims rescued unhurt while 23 suspects killed in a cross fire with the police, adding: “between January to August 2017, a total of 23 armed robbery suspects were arrested, 23 kidnappers nabbed, and 13 notorious one killed” warning that it will no longer be business as usual for criminals operating across the state, Zanna Ibrahim disclosed that a total of 367 arms of different sizes, 1084 ammunition were recovered from armed robbery suspects, while 295 suspected cultists were arrested in 2016 to date, and 87 stolen vehicles recovered.

On Fulani herdsmen menace, the Police Boss said that one of the kingpins, including seven others were currently in the police net, disclosing that police operatives

recently uncovered criminals’ den located behind Asaba International Airport, and are currently investigating the suspects arrested at the scene.

He said: “we have identified all flash points in the state, and we respond promptly to distress calls, we are engaging leaders, traditional rulers, and other notable persons in intelligence gathering to help us check the crime waves”.

Meanwhile, a middle aged man (name withheld) was yesterday electrocuted in an alleged attempt to vandalize electricity transformer located around Area 74 Asaba.

Residents in the early hours woke up to found the corpse of the suspect gloved to the transformer before raising the alarm that attracted people to the scene.

Investigation revealed that criminal activities of vandals, Area 74 had not had power supply; a situation attributed to the handiwork of vandals.

While residents who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity however called on security agents to ensure vandals are brought to book, they said it was nemesis that caught up with the suspect.

But Police Officers at the GRA Police Division who did not want their names in the print, confirmed that investigation on the death of the suspect was ongoing.

Okpolo-Enwhe/Igbide clash: Why Govt. should accept new dimensions to peace – Omu

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

IGP Ibrahim

Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike ‘m’ and allowed him to escape from prosecution to prevent and defeat the course of justice and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 126 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. II Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.”

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Sokari Andrew-Jaja, in his ruling said the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain one of the counts of aiding and abetting the escape of a murder suspect.

He said the case file of the accused will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice while the police officer is remanded in prison custody. The matter was adjourned till September 14, for mention.

The State Commissioner of

Police, Zaki Ahmed, confirmed that the Police Inspector has been dismissed from the force having been found guilty of two counts in an orderly room trial according to the rules guiding the operation of the Police Service.

The two counts are: negligence and aiding and abetting the escape of a murder suspect. Ahmed also stated that a second suspect named in Duke’s confessional statement has been arrested by the police.

“I can confirm that a second suspect, Maxwell Ifeanyi Dike, has been arrested and he has made a confessional statement. He is under detention and he is helping the Police in its investigation into the matter”.

Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Community Relations and Peace Building, Hon. Sese Omu, has stressed the need to seek new dimensions to peace building, in a bid to proffer a lasting solution to the OkpoloEnwhe and Igbide communal clashes which left over 10 dead last weekend.

He said that the youths, who seem to be major actors in the conflict, should be targeted and reoriented to better resolve the impasse, even as he sued for all stakeholders to maintain peace.

According to him, since youths were more energetic, the probability of their involvement in crisis was higher as elders would not take up arms against one another.

Omu, who lamented the renewed hostilities between Igbide and Okplo-Enwhe communities in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State said he was shocked by the recent spate of violence, killings and wanton destruction of property worth millions

of naira, even as he warned that government would deal decisively with all indicted stakeholders in the renewed violence.

He empathized with families of the deceased, lamented the displacement of families, businesses and called on the two communities to live in harmony, remain calm and keep the peace while investigation is in progress, assuring that perpetrators of the acts of violence will be identified and brought to book according to law.

While strongly condemning the killings and other acts of violence that have been perpetuated in the communities, Omu emphasized that resorting to acts of violence as a form of redress over grievances by any group of people anywhere in the state would not be tolerated or condoned.

Recall that the outcome of the Sunday crisis resulted in the deployment of about 500 combined team of security personnel who took absolute security control in the communities in order to douse the tension.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Crime

23

I do not want to go to prison - robbery suspect begs Joy Anyim A member of a five-man robbery gang that had been terrorizing residents of Ajah in Lagos have been arrested.

The suspect named Mustapha Mohammed, 20 year old claimed his friend and the gang leader identified as Taiwo Baba-Sunday lured him into the act .

The robbery gang was said to have gone to rob a popular super store in the Ogombo area of Ajah of almost N500,000, when luck ran out on them and Mohammed was caught with two locally made guns.

Our correspondent gathered that the other gang members whose names Mohammed gave as: Sherif, Sule and Saheed, are still on the run.

In his confessional statement, Mohammed said, “On the day of the robbery incident , my friends called meet them at Alaguntan in Ogombo area. I went with my bike and they told me we were going to rob a popular supermarket called May-May. We were five in number.

On getting to the shopping complex where the supermarket is located, four of us entered while Sherif stood outside to look out for any possible danger.

“The woman who own the shop was the only one around so we ordered her to lay down flat and she did. We threatened her with our guns and instructed her to give us all the money she had in the shop. She obeyed and arranged the whole money in a polythene bag, we also collect her two phones.

“Immediately we zoomed off with our bike. Sherif shot into the

air. That created more fear and people suspected us with the way we drove. the local vigilante who were OPC guys also ran after us.

Unfortunately, my bike got stock in a muddy water. Baba Sunday who was with me on the bike with our loot on sighting the OPC guys, three the polythene bag away and ran for his life.

“I didn’t want to leave my bike behind so while I was struggling with the bike, the OPC guys caught me. I told them everything and they took me back to the store we had robbed. The woman recognised me and she called the police.

I was caught with N345,000 and the woman’s phones.

“It was poverty that led me into all this, I only wanted some more money since my fabricating job wasn’t giving me enough money to sustain myself and also take care of my aged mother.

“This is my first time of robbing a store. I only followed them to snatch bags around Ogombo area at night. And our gang leader sells the valuables in the bags and share the money. The highest I have gotten from the three operations I have gone with them is N5,000 and the least is N4,000.”

The Kwara born also begged for forgiveness, saying. “all I am asking for is a second chance because I do not want to go to the prison. I promise to be of good conduct if forgiven. “ The police said the other suspects are been tracked for arrest and that we investigations are completed, they will be charged to court.

Mustapha Mohammed

Police arrest pastor, 6 others with human parts Stories by Edem Edem, Calabar The General Overseer and founder of the Royal God’s Commandment Ministry, No 3 Okon Edak Street off Atamunu, in Calabar South local government area of Cross River State, Rev. Tony Obo and some of his members have been arrested by the Police in Calabar.

Rev Obo suspected to be ritualist was arrested along side six of his members on Thursday. When our correspondent visited the Church on Friday large crowd of people were seen while the Church had been demolished and some of the property set on ablaze.

Consequently, some brave and energetic male in the area were equally seen excavating the ground and bringing out decomposed human parts. An eyewitness told our correspon-

dent that some of the male members alleged to be agents of the Pastor kidnapped a baby and were recognised by the villagers.

“When they were accosted, they took the vigilante members to the Church and by the time they got there, the baby was murdered and the parts used for rituals” an eyewitness who declined to given his name said. He alleged that Rev Obo queried those who took the vigilante members to him and said, “Why do you bring these people here, have I not settle and paid you off ” Another eyewitness who claimed to have known the Pastor very well said “Rev Obo was arrested along with some of his agents and members in the Church premises, with items like mystical sticks, pants and dresses, human skulls amongst others with blood stains on

Cripple and blind man arrested with cannabis in Cross River A cripple, Gabriel Aniefiok a.k.a Kuli Kuli has been arrested in big Iwuru in Biase local government area of Cross River State with dried weed suspected to be Cannabis. The substance weighed 9.8kg. Also, a blind man Effanga Offiong Ekeng 45 from Eto Mkpe village in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State was also arrested with dried weed suspected be cannabis.

Disclosing this in a statement in Calabar, the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River Command Mr. Odili Kenneth said the NDLEA was worried over the choice of using the Physically Challenged persons to perpetuate crime.

Hear him, “the physically challenged people and aged have become attractive for use for drug business in the state. This is as a result of sentiment at-

tached and to evade enforcement duty” and advised parents not to allow their wards fall prey to the wicked hand of drug peddlers.

PRO warned the physically challenged persons to desist from the nefarious act, “as deformity cannot be an excuse to indulge in criminality.”

Consequently, Kenneth said that another suspect, one Effiong Joseph, a 70-year-old man who has allegedly been in the business of sales of cannabis for years, was arrested at his residence at Ikot Ansa, Calabar for being in possession of 1.83kg of weed suspected to be cannabis.

Interestingly, the Command he noted arrested also arrested two suspects who allegedly specialized in spiking meat-pie, Doughnut and puff-puff with Cannabis sativa in Calabar, the state capital. The suspects - Christian Chindu Joseph 37years (M) and Edet Bassey Edim 30 years (M) of No. 6 Akim Close and 113 Akim road, Cala-

bar respectively were alleged to have been arrested by the NDLEA following a tip off.

Kenneth stated that, Chinedu, the Master Baker, was working in a Fast Food Company in Port Harcourt, Rivers before relocating to Calabar where he allegedly started lacing pastries with cannabis sativa for his prospective customers for birthday and other parties.

“Chinedu in a statement before the Command further stated that Edet Bassey also in Custody supplied him with the Cannabis which he used to spice the food,” he said. The PRO said the Command also made an arrest of crack cocaine transiting from Lagos to Calabar using one of the fleet operators in the form of courier consignment (waybill).

According to him “the receiver, Diyaolu Oluwaseun Dare, Male, 27 years (a.k.a Taribo) who came to claim the consignment was arrested with the parcel in the premises of the Fleet Operator in Calabar.”

Recuperating Akpeyi hit camp today

R

ecuperating Chippa United star Daniel Akpeyi is expected to be one of the first players to arrive the Super Eagles camp in Uyo, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Cameroon next Friday.

The Nigeria goalkeeper

will hop on a plane bound for Abuja on Friday evening, and the plane will touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport this morning.

Earlier, it was a foregone conclusion that Akpeyi will get the nod from manager Gernot Rohr to start the

game against the Indomitable Lions, but there is a new development.

The experienced goalkeeper suffered a training ground injury days leading up to Chippa United’s Premier Soccer League clash against AmaZulu on Tues-

day, August 22, and will be observed by national team medics at the start of training on Monday or Tuesday.

Akpeyi has started three of the last four matches contested by the Super Eagles.

Page 24

Saturday, August 26, 2017

ROHR plots Cameroun’s fall

N

igeria head coach Gernot Rohr says his side will do everything possible to defeat Cameroon in their upcoming encounters. Nigeria will square off with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in back to back 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

Nigeria will host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on 1 September 2017, while the return match is scheduled to take place in Yaounde, Cameroon three days later.

“I discussed with the chairman of the technical committee and technical director about the match against Benin Republic and the preparation for Cameroon,” Rohrs said.

“We hope to do everything to win the first match in Uyo. We have a list of 29 players for the two games - 23 plus six players on the stand by because we could have problems.

“Some players will be playing in the UEFA Champions League and league matches, so we must be careful and be prepared because we could have

problems either at their clubs or even in the first leg game in Uyo,” he added.

“We know that in these two games, we need at least three points and the best is to get it in the first game. To win the games, I think we have a team which is stronger than the last time with more experience because three other key players

S

WCQ: Cameroun announce ‘killer’ squad for Nigeria

C

ameroon have announced their 23-man squad for the Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, with the likes of Christian Bassogog, Vincent Aboubakar and Benjamin Moukandjo all included.

Hugo Broos has named a fullstrength travelling party with Frank Zambo Anguissa, Georges Bokwé and Toko Ekambi handed a chance to impress.

Choupo Moting was recalled back to the team after turning down an invite the squad that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Ajax’s young goalkeeper Andre Onana who was on parade as the Dutch team bowed out of the Europa League on Thursday was shut out.

GOALKEEPERS: Ondoa Fabrice (FC Séville, Spain), Goda Jules (AC Ajaccio, France), Bokwe Georges (Mjondalen, Norway) DEFENDERS: Ngadeu Michael (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Teikeu Adolphe (FC Sochaux, France ), Mabouka Ernest (Maccabi, Israel), Castelleto Jean Charles (Brest, France), Leuko Serge (CD Lugo, Spain), Fai Collins (Standard de Liège, Belgium), Banana Yaya (Panionios, Greece), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders, USA) MIDFIELDERS: Djoum Giles (FC Hearts, Scotland), Mandjeck Georges (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic), Siani Sebastien (KV Oostende, Belgium) Franck Zambo Anguissa (Marseille, France)

are back now.

“There is our captain (Mikel Obi), Leon Balogun and Victor Moses coming back. In each department of our team, we have key players returning and we need their experiences and talents.”

Nigeria are sitting at the top of the Group B table with six points from six matches. The 2017 AFCON champions Cameroon are placed second with two points.

Only the group winners will book their place in next year’s World Cup finals which are scheduled to be hosted by Russia.

Rohr

No goalkeeping problems for Eagles - Ezenwa uper Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa has asked Nigerians to go to sleep with both eyes closed as the goalkeeping area is in safe hands ahead of the double clash against Cameroon.

Eagles have dates with the Central African neighbours in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Friday, September 01 in Uyo, Nigeria and Monday, September 04 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Ezenwa said Nigerians just have to believe the trio shot stoppers, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu to be at their very best on matchday to ensure the country records a stunning win against the reigning African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

“I think the right time has come

Akpeyi

for the invited goalkeepers to prove their mettle and we are going to make Nigerians proud.

Ezenwa

“The three goalkeepers for the clash against Cameroon are damn ready and anyone called upon to man the post will do an excellent work.

“There is no cause for alarm, myself, Daniel and Dele will deliver the goods at the appointed time, Nigerians can be rest assured and sleep with both eyes closed.

“The goalkeeping department is well secured and protected, we will perform to the satisfaction of Nigerians.

“We will shock and surprise Cameroon in both legs of the World Cup qualifiers,” said the FC IfeanyiUbah goaltender to supersport. com.

Nigeria leads the pack in Group B log on six points four above neighbours, Cameroon heading into the double header of the Africa 2018 World Cup qualifying series.

Ekpo, Bosso fault Rohr’s list against Lions

F

ormer Nigeria midfielder, Friday Ekpo, and former Flying Eagles coach, Ladan Bosso, have disagreed with Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, over his 23-man list for the 2018 World Cup qualifying double-header against Cameroon on September 1 and 4.

The German on Tuesday released his list, which was dominated with known names, except for Israel-based Anthony Nwakaeme and Hull City defender Ola Aina.

Nigeria top Group B with six points while Cameroon are second with two points.

Ekpo and Bosso told reporters that the coach should have called up players based on current form.

Ekpo said, “The European leagues are just starting and most of these players have yet to show their current form. Apart from Mikel (Obi) and (Odion) Ighalo, who have been playing in the Chinese league, some of the other players in the list may struggle for form before the game. “(Kelechi) Iheanacho has not really impressed for Leicester because he is injured. He may find it difficult to replicate the form we have known him for in past games.

I am not saying he should call up only home-based players for the ties but the left and right-back positions have been problematic since he (Rohr) took charge of that team.

The solution may lie in the domestic league players, who did well against Benin recently.”

Bosso said there were better goalkeeping choices in the domestic league, who should have been considered by the German ahead of Portugal-based Dele Alampasu.

“The list is good given that Rohr called up players he is used to. But I believe that some of those players, especially in the defence, could be replaced by one or two-home based defenders.

“Also, there are active goalkeepers in the NPFL, who need to be given chances rather than Alampasu, who hasn’t featured this season for

Saturday, August 26, 2017

EXTRATIME

25

ABP honours Adepoju, Dosu Sept. 3 Andrew Ekejiuba

M

anagement of Amateur Becoming Professional (ABP) Ltd have concluded plans to honour former Super Eagles Stars, Mutiu Adeopju and Joseph Dosu with a “special salute game” slated for the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos on Sunday, September 3, 2017.

The game involving players drawn from different league teams nationally would hold before their unique football carnival tagged “Freelance cup” coming up later in the year.

Head coordinator of Amateur Becoming Professional Ltd, Emmaunel Amuwo explained that the Joseph Dosu and Mutiu Adepoju special salute match is to appreciate the two ex-internationals for being role models to footballers on and off the pitch.

“Several factors were considered before we settled for both Adepoju and Dosu.

Apart from being highly committed and dedicated players in their playing days, they have survived several obstacles to become prominent citizens today. Adepoju is the Spanish La Liga Ambassador in Nigeria while Dosu is a prominent player agent.

They have made lot of sacrifices and have through hard work and discipline climbed to enviable heights, thus justifying our choice,” said Amuwo excitingly.

Speaking further Amuwo said ABP Ltd is committed to encouraging stardom and appreciating such selfless individuals culminating to the September 3 special salute game that would attract stakeholders from different parts of the country.

Amuwo explained that 30 players for the Teams Dosu and Adepoju match would prepare for, and indeed play the game without a coach.

“They would simply have a team leader who must be on the pitch. It is a coachless concept the idea is for players to effectively manage themselves as they are bound to carve a niche for themselves after quitting the game,” Amuwo said.

He concluded that the planned Freelance Football carnival after the salute match is aimed at discovering, showcasing and developing future football stars. Amuwo enjoined stakeholders to get more details on the Freelance Football carnival through email addresses: freelancecup@gmail.com or enquiryhic@yahoo.com.

Rahman’s Schalke move postponed Rahman

B

aba Rahman will not be joining Schalke 04 in the current transfer window, with the German club withdrawing from talks with Chelsea over a proposed transfer.

The Royal Blues were hoping to sign the left-back on loan for the course of a season, just as they did a year ago.

However, Rahman is still recovering from a major knee injury he sustained while representing the Black Stars at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

As a result, Schalke management have stepped back from negotiations, ending any hopes of a move for the player in the current transfer window.

Rahman’s agent, Sascha Empacher, has confirmed to Fussball Transfers that talks with Schalke have been postponed until January 2018.

The German club remain keen on re-signing the Ghana star, but will wait until the European winter transfer window, giving him more time to recover and regain fitness.

Eduwo, Adeyemo, Usman listed for VAT Wonder Goal 14 N iger Tornadoes’ Bolaji Adeyemo, Gombe United’s Musa Usman and Kingsley Eduwo of Lobi Stars made the shortlist for VAT Wonder Goal

14.

The three were picked from the total of 20 goals scored on Match-day 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to vie for popular votes from fans for the N150,000 prize money.

Eduwo netted twice in the fixture against Abia Warriors which Lobi Stars eventually lost 4-2 to the Umuahia side. Eduwo who led the CHAN Eagles attack in Kano last Saturday had sprang an off-side

trap to calmly hook the ball over the head of Abia Warriors goalkeeper before slamming the ball with left footed shot into the empty net.

“I like the goal because of Eduwo’s reading of the opponent’s backline.

His run was timely and there was the confidence he showed by first controlling with his laps and hooking over the goalkeeper. It was brilliant”, commented George Akpayen, a writer with supersport.com

On the 58th minute of the match against Shooting Stars in Ibadan, Musa Usman had received a through pass few yards away from the half line and made two quick steps with the ball with two ball watching Shooting Stars players on either side of him before he released a half rising shot that the goalkeeper mistimed. It gave Gombe United the lead before Seun Akinyemi and Nojeem Olukokun responded for the Oluyole Warriors to end the match 2-1.

Adepoju

Eneramo returns to Esperance

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igerian Michael Eneramo has completed a move back to Esperance Tunis on a one-year renewable contract and has already taken part in training.

The 31-year-old joined Esperance as a free agent after his spell at AlEttifaq of Saudi Arabia came to an end. He has also featured for a handful of Turkish clubs.

Michael Eneramo, infamously, scored a handball goal for Esperance to knockout Al Ahly in the semi-final of the 2010 CAF Champions League. The two sides are due to meet in the competition’s quarter-final this season.

Eneramo, who has been capped 10 times by Nigeria, had turned down a request to represent the Tunisian national team instead. He will compete for a starting position against strikers Khenissi and Jouini.

Eneramo

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SPECIAL FEATURE

END GAME FOR MAYWEATHER?

Frank Jumbo

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ith less than 24 hours to the richest fight in boxing history between undefeated middleweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and UFC champion Connor McGregor, the predictions are rolling in hard and fast.

Manny Pacquiao, former world champion bares his mind: “Floyd Mayweather will win by points. Conor doesn’t have experience in boxing. He thinks boxing is easy, but it’s a lot different than MMA. Floyd will outbox McGregor. It’s boxing, though. Anything can happen in the ring. It’s never a guaranteed win no matter how good you are. That’s the great thing about boxing. No one is invincible.”

NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis in his submission gave the fight to Mayweather.

“It’s one of those fights where it sounds like it’s an interesting fight. … I believe, as a fan of boxing, that it’s not going to be much of a fight at all. I don’t see Conor McGregor having a chance to beat Floyd Mayweather because I just don’t believe that he’ll be able to hit him the way that he believes he can hit him. But he’s going to be taking a lot of shots in return, I can promise you that,” he said.

Former NFL star Eddie George had this to say about the fight: “Mayweather, TKO 8. It’s not even a fair fight.

It would be more entertaining if Floyd fought Conor in the Octagon.”

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson also agreed with Jerome Bettis.

“Oh, that’s easy. Floyd gonna beat him with ease.

You know, you can’t beat a man at his own sport. Floyd is undefeated for a reason.”

Comedian/actor Rob Riggle: “I think a lot of people are going to get the pay-perview, and then they’re going to be really sad that they did. Floyd Mayweather is undefeated, his defense is

amazing and he’s a professional boxer. … McGregor is a fighter, he’s an Octagon fighter. I don’t know how they match up just [trading punches].”

Frankie Edgar, former UFC lightweight champion: “Mayweather will box him up, but Conor will keep it close for a few rounds. Conor never boxed in his life and Mayweather is one of the best of his generation, that’s why. I expect a decision or a late stoppage for Mayweather in Rounds 11 or 12.”

Jeff Mayweather, Floyd’s uncle and boxing trainer: “Floyd will take care of business and I don’t think Conor’s really going to be able to land much. You have to remember, there are Hall of Famers who Floyd has fought who couldn’t hit him. This is a guy who has what, three, four months of boxing? There’s no way he can catch up to what Floyd is doing. Floyd changes like a chameleon and he’ll show him something different every round. That’s a guy who, like I said, has no boxing experience and I just don’t see how he can keep up.

Once Floyd starts hitting him, his hands are going to go up, like in MMA, because those MMA fighters are used to being hit in the head. There aren’t a lot of body shots in MMA, so they learn to protect their heads. Once his hands go up, Floyd’s going to go hard after that body.”

Cousin Sal (Jimmy Kimmel Show): “Mayweather, TKO 2. Floyd will spend the first round taunting Conor with his defensive superiority. Then in the 2nd, he’ll deliver a flurry of 8 ounces that will spell the end of America’s favorite MMA-hole.”

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe: “McGregor, KO 2. The same creepy boxing (a sport which I’ve loved since a child) people that said, “the fight will never happen” are the same ones saying, “McGregor doesn’t have a chance.” I’ve seen the insane feats Conor is capable of, I know Floyd loves money, so Conor wins and Floyd gets a rematch, makes double the cash and everyone is happy.”

Badou Jack, former world super middleweight champion: “I think Floyd is going to stop him with a body shot.

I’d say he’ll do it inside of five rounds. It’s going to take a round or two to adjust, I think. I think after that he’ll start breaking him down to the body and stop him with a body shot.”

Angelo Reyes, boxing and MMA trainer: “Floyd by eighth-round TKO. My reasoning is what Paulie Malignaggi was talking about in his sparring with Conor leads me to believe body punches will be the key to breaking McGregor down and will lead to a Floyd stoppage. Also, the pace of a boxing match is extremely different than the pace of an MMA fight. Though Conor was able to do five rounds with Nate Diaz, we have only seen this once, mainly because Conor gets the KO in MMA. He will not be able to do that with Floyd. Mayweather is a master of putting himself in the safest possible positions while maximizing the damage both physically and mentally to his opponents. Conor will be in the best condition of his fighting career, but that in and of itself won’t be enough.”

Former NBA player Tom Tolbert: “This is a classic Talking Heads fight. … Same as it ever was , same as it ever was. … Mayweather by decision.”

UFC star Justin Gaethje: “They both win by taking all of our money.”

UFC star Kelvin Gastelum: “Well, it can go one of two ways: Either McGregor shocks the world and knocks Mayweather out or Mayweather completely clowns McGregor.”

WWE star Big Cass: “It’s a boxing match. You know, Conor McGregor is great at combat sports, MMA. … he’s amazing at it, but there’s things you can use in there that he’s not used to using. Mayweather is arguably the greatest boxer of all time and he’s undefeated. I just can’t see … I can’t see anybody on planet Earth beating Mayweather.”

Former NFL player Kirk Morrison: “I do know they’re two of the game’s best and to see them come together for a fight? It’s more about the spectacle. It’s the spectacle. What are they gonna do? Who are they gonna bring out? How do they turn this into entertainment? My pick has to be Floyd Mayweather. He’s a boxer and he’s very technical with what he does. I think he wins it and I don’t think it goes past five rounds.”

UFC women’s featherweight champ Cris “Cyborg” Justino: “I don’t believe he will win the fight. Mayweather will win this fight, for sure. He’s at another level. But [McGregor] is brave, and he opened doors for MMA [fighters] in boxing and for boxing fans to come to MMA, and vice versa. It will help our sport grow.”

Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn: “Like everybody, I’m excited for it. And I’m going, for me, with Mayweather. I just feel like a guy who has had that kind of success and I’ve seen him fight before, in his sport [he would] be hard to compare with. So that’s my reason behind it, like everybody else. I probably won’t get to see it, but I’ll watch the highlightNBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant: “Mayweather’s going to win. I’ll probably watch it. I don’t really care much about it.”

Actor Sylvester Stallone: “I only got the underdog. [McGregor]’s a real life Rocky. But then again I live in fantasy. Mayweather’s gonna get hurt.”

Actor Mark Wahlberg: “Conor, I think is a very different kind of fighter. I don’t think [Mayweather] has the power to knock out McGregor.”

Singer Demi Lovato: “Floyd is obviously a boxer and he’s very, very good at it. But Conor’s crazy. And I want Conor to win because it would be so good for MMA.”

Saturday, August 26, 2017

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Wenger

Europa: Gunners get opponents

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he Gunners begin their quest for glory in Europe’s second-tier continental competition and they have been handed some interesting opponents Arsenal must travel to Belarus, Germany and Serbia to begin their Europa League campaign after the Gunners were drawn in Group H of the competition.

Arsene Wenger’s men

will come up against BATE Borisov, Bundesliga outfit Koln and Red Star Belgrade as they prepare to navigate relatively new terrain on the continent. The Premier League side will hope to replicate the success of their rivals Manchester United, who booked their place in this season’s Champions League by winning the 2016-17 tournament.

Netherlands recall Van Persie

Persie

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obin van Persie has returned to Netherlands’ full squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against France and Bulgaria. The Fenerbahce forward last played for his country in October 2015, but - with Dick Advocaat’s side at risk of missing out on the finals - he has been recalled for a key double-header, making the final cut after being included in a preliminary selection.

Netherlands are currently third in Group A, three points behind both

Sweden and France, and Advocaat has also brought Karim Rekik back into the squad and handed a first call-up to Donny van de Beek.

A group of eight players - including Everton new boy Davy Klaassen - were cut from the provisional group.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona), Maarten Stekelenburg (Everton), Jeroen Zoet (PSV).

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Bournemouth), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Wesley Hoedt (Southampton), Mattijs de Ligt (Ajax), Karim Rekik (Hertha BSC), Kenny Tete (Lyon), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio).

Midfielders: Donny van de Beek (Ajax), Marco van Ginkel (PSV), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Davy Propper (Brighton and Hove Albion), Wesley Sneijder (Nice), Kevin Strootman (Roma), Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool).

Ronaldo

C

Villa

Villa recalled to Spain squad ahead World cup qualifiers N

ew York City FC striker David Villa has been named in the latest Spain squad by manager Julen Lopetegui, three years after announcing his international retirement.

The 35-year-old quit international football after the 2014 World Cup, having scored 59 goals in 97 appearances for La Roja.

However, Lopetegui has named

RONALDO is UEFA’s Player of theYear

ristiano Ronaldo was named UEFA Player of the Season for 2016-2017 yesterday after a campaign that saw the Portuguese superstar help Real Madrid to the La Liga and Champions League double.

It was the third time that Ronaldo had won the award which was presented on the sidelines of the Champions League group stage draw.

His great rival Lionel Messi has won the prize on two occasions and could pave the way for him to capture a fifth Ballon d’Or title.

There are the same goals every

year, to meet the same challenges, win everything if possible, qualify for the World Cup with my national team,” said Ronaldo.

“This trophy will give me the motivation to keep working hard, never to give up. I am blessed and delighted to be with Real Madrid.”

Ronaldo won the UEFA award in 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 and in the Champions League last season, where Real defeated Juventus 4-1 in the final, he finished as top scorer with 12 goals.

Juventus goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon was second in the voting ahead of Messi.

him in his 26-man panel for Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Italy and Liechtenstein.

Since moving to Major League Soccer in 2015, the striker has scored 60 goals in 87 league appearances for NYCFC, being named the MLS MVP in 2016. Villa replaces Diego Costa in the squad, with the Chelsea frontman yet to play this season due to an ongoing transfer

Raiola

A

gent Mino Raiola has some advice for Lionel Messi: Leave Barcelona to prove your greatness.

Messi has agreed a new deal with Barcelona but that contract remains unsigned amid uncertainty over the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future at Camp Nou.

dispute with Blues boss Antonio Conte regarding a move to Atletico Madrid.

Lopetegui is happy to have Villa back in the squad, telling reporters that he can be a good addition up front for the upcoming qualifiers.

“We believe he can help us,” the former Porto boss said. “He gives us mobility and is especially eager. We hope and trust he will help us.”

Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso is a notable absentee from the squad, despite an impressive start to the Premier League season. Lopetegui revealed that he is watching him, but does not consider him an option in the current squad, and may reappraise him in the future.

“We saw Marcos Alonso live and he was fine,” he continued.

“We have followed him and do not rule out his presence in the future.”

Raiola to Messi: leave Barca now With the 30-year-old yet to put pen to paper, Manchester City – managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola – have emerged as a possible destination.

Raiola does not represent Messi but the Italy-born Dutchman – whose list of clients includes Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Marco Verratti, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – believes the time is right for a change.

“A player like Messi must try another experience with a different club and prove how great he is,” Raiola said via Marca.

“Barcelona must be reinvented again.”

Messi

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Guardiola

Klopp

Klopp: Brazil must confirm Coutinho´s fitness

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urgen Klopp expects wantaway star Philippe Coutinho to link up with Brazil for international duty even though he is yet to play for Liverpool this season.

Coutinho has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Anfield in the hope of pushing through a move to Barcelona, but the Reds have held firm and insist that the player will not be sold.

With no conclusion to the saga, Coutinho has yet to feature for Liverpool this season with Klopp maintaining that a back injury is the reason for his continued absence.

Klopp, though, expects Brazil – who have World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia on the horizon – to check up on Coutinho.

“At the moment, [Coutinho] is on our injury list,” Klopp told a pre-match news conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal. “That hasn’t changed.

“I’ve not been in contact so far with the Brazilian FA, but it’s like the rules are - if they want to see him and check him, then of course he has to go there. That’s how it is.

“I don’t know exactly, but I think it will happen, and we have no problem.”

Messi staying at Barca my dream - Guardiola P

ep Guardiola distanced Manchester City from a move for Lionel Messi, reiterating it is his “dream” for the superstar forward to complete his career at Barcelona.

City have been regularly touted as a future destination for Messi since Guardiola’s former Barca colleague Txiki Begiristain was appointed as director

of football at the Etihad Stadium in 2012.

Amid reports over the past week linking City with both an immediate move for Messi by activating his release clause at Camp Nou and signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season, with the fivetime Ballon d’Or winner’s new contract still unsigned, Begiristain told reporters at Thursday’s Champions

Manuel Neuer

Neuer, Mustafi, Sane miss Germany call-up G Kroos and Sami Khedira are the big names returning for the clashes against Czech Republic and Norway, with Neuer left to regain match fitness at Bayern Munich as he recovers from a fractured metatarsal.

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, Hertha Berlin

diola insisted Begiristain’s stance was not a case of smoke and mirrors late on in the transfer window.

“They are players from Monaco and Barcelona,” he said.

“My dream is for one of them to stay for his career in Barcelona. The other is a young talent. He will decide. “Txiki was clear. I don’t have anything more to say.”

Conte surprised at Belgium call-up for Hazard

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ermany coach Joachim Low has retained 17 members of his triumphant Confederations Cup squad for World Cup qualifying but injured captain Manuel Neuer misses out.

Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Toni

League draw in Monaco that such a move was “impossible”.

City’s transfer mastermind also ruled the club out of the running for teenage Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe, with Paris SaintGermain heavily touted as the frontrunners for his signature.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth, Guar-

fullback Marvin Plattenhardt and Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay are the only players omitted from the inexperienced side which won in Russia.

Manchester City attacker Leroy Sane has been overlooked, as have all Borussia Dortmund players.

ntonio Conte is surprised

by Roberto Martinez’s decision to select Eden Hazard for Belgium duty despite the forward not being fit to play for Chelsea’s first team.

Hazard is yet to feature for the Premier League champions this season due to an ankle injury suffered in June and has been taking part in Under-23 games as he seeks to regain full match sharpness.

The 26-year-old, though, was named by Martinez in the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece and will now be obliged to link up with the national team and undergo an examination by Belgium’s medical staff. “I’m a bit surprised by this decision,” Conte told a news conference ahead of Sunday’s league game at home to Everton.

“I was a coach of the national team with Italy but I respect the decision of the other coach.

“If Hazard is fit, then he can play [for Belgium]. [But] if [he]

is ready, why does he not play with us?

“I hope after the international break to have the whole team [fit] and to think about Hazard.

“I see him every day. It’s very important to give him the right time to recover very well. He’s an important player for us.”

Chelsea have signed Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Alvaro Morata and Willy Caballero since winning the title last season but there have been suggestions Conte is unhappy at a lack of further transfer activity.

“The club is working hard to strengthen our team and squad,” he said.

“My focus is only on the pitch.

Then we will see what happens at the end of the market.

“It’s not important to feel strong [in the squad]. It’s important to show to be strong on the pitch. “The club knows very well what is my idea, but my focus is to improve my players on the training pitch.”

Questioned about links with

Hazard

Swansea’s experienced Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, who played under Conte at Juventus, the Italian replied: “I don’t like to speak about players on other teams. I think it’s a lack of respect.”

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ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

Stories by Frank Jumbo with Agency Reports

Coutinho eager to quit Reds

Koeman hails Rooney’s Everton influence

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verton boss Ronald Koeman says Wayne Rooney’s influence is already being felt at Goodison Park.

Speaking ahead of Everton’s match against Chelsea on Sunday, Koeman said: “He’s been vital from the beginning, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.

“He’s teaching young players and it’s good for the manager to have that type of player - he’s experienced.

“And most of the other players need that experience and can learn a lot from Wayne.”

As for calling time on his international career, Koeman added: “He’ll be more fresh and will get some days off next week.

“He needs regular game time and I respect his decision regarding the national team. I think it’s good for Everton.”

P

hilippe Coutinho is hoping Barcelona do not give up on him when they sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, as he hopes to quit Liverpool.

The Brazil star’s mood has been described to be “very low at the moment”, with his desired move to the Nou Camp having so far failed to materialise.

Coutinho has not turned out for Liverpool at all yet this season and Jurgen Klopp says he will not play at home to Arsenal on Sunday, because he still has a back problem.

Coutinho has wanted to move to Barcelona for most of the summer but the Reds insist he is not for sale and have rejected three huge offers, the latest some £113m rising potentially to £118m.

Barca also failed with bids of £72m and £90.4m for Coutinho but are understood to be preparing a fourth bid of £138m before the transfer deadline.

Benitez: Newcastle must downsize!

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Pogba bags Europa League Player award

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anchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been named the Europa League Player of the Season for 2016-17, after helping the Red Devils lift the trophy for the first time.

Pogba beat out team-mates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the inaugural honour, which was awarded after Friday’s Europa League draw in Monaco.

Frenchman Pogba scored three goals, including the opener in the 2-0 final win over Ajax, and started all 15 games in Unit-

ed’s championship run.

“I’m really honoured to be the first to win the best player for the UEFA Europa League,” Pogba, who did not attend the ceremony as he prepares for today’s Premier League match against Leicester, said.

“Hopefully this season will be as good as last season - let’s see!”

United’s victory earned them an automatic place in this season’s Champions League, where they were drawn in a group with Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow on Thursday.

afael Benitez claims reducing the number of players on Newcastle’s books is key to creating new transfer options and says he expects a busy week as the summer window draws to a close.

The Magpies boss confirmed Siem de Jong is close to agreeing a deal with Ajax and Emmanuel Riviere has completed a move to Metz, as he emphasized the importance of reducing the club’s squad size to free up space for new arrivals.

Benitez admitted he does not want Aleksandar Mitrovic to be among the players to leave St James’ Park, stressing his side do not have strikers at their disposal.

“Obviously at the end of the transfer window everything is important so, every day, if you can do business it makes a difference for the future,” Benitez said.

“A lot of the time we are trying to do our job behind the scenes and at the same time try to concentrate on football.

“Obviously, if you move players out or players in, it will be a big difference.

“We have too many players. We have to keep moving players but at the same time we have to try and bring players that can give us something different.

“We don’t have too many strikers and we don’t want to lose any at the moment.” Newly-promoted Newcastle are yet to pick up a point, having lost their opening two league games against Tottenham and Huddersfield.

But Benitez is positive his men can turn things around to produce a result when they host West Ham today.

“I have the confidence that the team will improve,” he said. “We have to move forward quickly. Getting three points in the next league game is our objective, our target.”

Tottenham target three more signings

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ottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says that he wants three more signings before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Spurs secured the services of defender Davinson Sanchez from Ajax for a club-record fee this week, while goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga has also joined from Southampton.

They have also been in talks with Estudiantes for Foyth - an Argentina youth international who shone at the U20 World Cup. It has also been reported in France that right-back Serge Aurier is set to quit Paris Saint-Germain for north London, but Pochettino would not elaborate on any potential moves.

He said: “We cannot confirm anything until something happens.

There are many, many players like always in the media.

“I never speak about rumours. Always, I give my full respect always to other clubs or players that are in maybe in negotiations with us or other clubs.

“I said I wanted four players before? Maybe three more now.”

Pochettino will be hoping to have Sanchez involved against Burnley this weekend but admits it all depends on how quickly a work permit can be issued for the Colombia international.

“The work permit, we are waiting,” he said when asked about the former Ajax defender. “We will see if he is available to be selected for the weekend. At the moment, we will see.

“For me, the important thing is that he is so young - 21 years old. He is one of the most important and talented young players in Europe. He is so fast. We are so pleased to sign him and have him with us.”

Regarding Gazzaniga, Pochettino said: “I think we needed another ‘keeper because we have Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm.

“The gap with Hugo and Michel was massive. I think Paulo was a perfect profile for us to bring. We know him from our period at Southampton.”

Saturday, August 26, 2017

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Stories by Ben Nwachukwu with Agency Reports

iverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes the return of Alexis Sanchez gives Arsenal a timely boost ahead of their Sunday clash.

“Arsenal are an outstanding and strong side and they will have Alexis Sanchez back on the pitch for the first time this season,” said Klopp.

“He gives that team another boost and that is of course an advantage to Arsenal.

“It’s always difficult and will stay difficult. It’s Arsenal. They have experience, they have speed and they have quality.

“They have technical skills and have the players that allow them to play lots of different systems.

“It has never been easy for Liverpool, probably in the past 20 years, against Arsenal, and it hasn’t been easy for me since I’ve been here.”

Klopp

30

Costa welcome at Everton, says Koeman E verton would give Diego Costa a warm welcome were he to arrive from Chelsea in the final days of the transfer window, according to manager Ronald Koeman.

Koeman has made public his intention to bring another forward to Goodison Park and Costa has gone AWOL after being told by Antonio Conte that he is no longer wanted at Chelsea - Everton’s opponents on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly being leading the chase for Costa, with the player openly expressing his desire to return the club he left for Stamford Bridge in 2014.

Italian giants AC Milan have also been linked with a move, but there could be another option that would see the Spain international stay in the Premier League.

Costa

Klopp wary of Sanchez return L

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When asked about the possibility of bringing Costa to Merseyside, Koeman confirmed only that a “good player” like the Spain international would be welcomed.

“I don’t know about a move for Costa,” the Everton boss told a pre-match news conference. “I’ve always said that there is a warm welcome here for every good player - and he is a good player.

“But I don’t know. I think it’s time after Sunday to speak with the board. We have been really busy with games and are busy now preparing for Sunday’s match.”

Everton have scored just twice in two Premier League matches this term - both times through Wayne Rooney - after selling topscorer Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United in the close-season.

De Boer wants another striker T Mkhitaryan’s

he South London side, Crystal Palace have made an underwhelming start to the season under their new Dutch manager, losing 3-0 to newly-promoted Huddersfield Town on the opening day before suffering a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool last weekend.

“We need some players. If players get injured it’s a bit narrow,” De Boer told a news conference on Friday.

“We don’t have a competitive striker behind Benteke so we’re looking. If there can be some quality action we’ll not hesitate, if not we have enough experience to play the football I want to play.”

Palace collected a 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town in the League Cup second round on Tuesday, but De Boer believes there is more to come from his side in the league.

“The Ipswich win was important but a

Premier League win is more important after two losses,” he added.

“We learnt from it (the Huddersfield defeat) and showed already a different spirit against Liverpool. We could have got at least a point so I was pleased with the performance, and I’m convinced if we continue with that concentration the points will come.

“In football it’s very hard sometimes because you don’t get time, and that’s why it’s normally crucial to get your first points and some breathing space to work on what you want.”

De Boer refused to put a timeframe on winger Wilfried Zaha’s injury layoff but said he will continue his rehabilitation during an upcoming international break.

Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was also ruled out for the weekend’s visit of Swansea due to a groin injury.

laven Bilic remains confident of securing the signing of Sporting CP midfielder William Carvalho as West Ham seek a boost late in the transfer window.

With deadline day looming, the Hammers are reportedly still in negotiations with the Primeira Liga club over a fee for the 25-year-old, who has a €45 million ($72 million) buy-out clause.

Back-to-back Premier League losses to begin the campaign have heightened the urgency for reinforcements at London Stadium, but Bilic expects Portugal international Carvalho to arrive soon.

“It’s hard to be objective, but I am quite confident,” said the West Ham boss. “It’s

the position we have been trying to cover for a couple of seasons. I feel we need someone to boost our team and quality.

“That’s why we also offloaded some players to get the budget for him or for another player in that position. The quality player and not the quantity one, a squad player. They are not easy to get them, but we are doing our best and hopefully we will do it.”

The Croatian also dismissed reports linking the club with a move for Sunderland’s Didier Ndong as an alternative to Carvalho.

“It’s too late for anything else, so no,” he said. “That’s it. But I hope we are going to get him.”

Mourinho praises Mkhitaryan Bilic still eyeing J Carvalho S osé Mourinho has praised Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s start to the season and admitted the forward’s progress could have been quicker last season if he and the Armenian had understood each other better.

Mkhitaryan has begun United’s 4-0 wins over West Ham United and Swansea City in the No10 berth, impressing in each outing. Last term Mkhitaryan did not make his full United debut until Manchester City’s visit on September 10 and disappointed the manager enough for him to be replaced at half-time.

Asked about the 28-year-old’s form now Mourinho said: “He understands me and I understand him. Beginning of last season, if he had understood me better he would start better. If I had understood him better, probably I would have helped him in a faster way than I did.

“But we spent a lot of time together, working together, learning each other. I know him well. He knows me well. The second part was good for him. With his talent, this season will be even better.”

Mourinho offered a similar analysis of Anthony Martial, who has scored in both league games after coming on as a substitute. “Again better,” said Mourinho. “When you are blessed with talent, you have to fulfil and explore it. You cannot be happy with just glimpses. That I am not going to change. I want more and more and more.

He has all the qualities for that. He understands me better too.

“Our personal relationship is good. I don’t think player-manager relationship is fundamental but it is an added good thing to have a good relation. I hope he will be better.”

Saturday, August 26, 2017

EXTRATIME

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Dembele’s versatility excites Barca boss

Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Reports

E

rnesto Valverde is excited by the versatility new Barcelona arrival Ousmane Dembele will offer his attack.

Barca reached an agreement to sign Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of €105million on Friday, with the France international set to sign a five-year contract.

Valverde cannot wait to work with the 20-year-old, who he feels provides him with multiple tactical options.

“He is a player who guarantees offensive depth, the depth that we have lost and that we need,” Valverde said ahead of today’s LaLiga trip to Alaves.

“He is a player who can play on both sides of attack, also in the middle, so that gives us a lot of possibilities.

“He is quick, skilful and we hope he will be able to bring a lot to the team.

We are very excited about this player.

Valverde dismisses Messi transfer talk B arcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has downplayed rumours linking Lionel Messi with a move away from the club.

Speculation continues to surround Messi’s future with the 30-year-old superstar yet to sign an extension to a contract that expires at the end of the season.

Manchester City are reportedly willing to part with €300million to sign the Argentine, but Pep Guardiola has distanced them from launching a world-record bid.

In a media conference after Barca announced an agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele for an initial €105m, Valverde dismissed ques-

Messi

tions over Messi’s commitment to the club.

“Messi seems fine to me,” Valverde said.

“He is training with us and seems to be the same as ever. I do not think there is any problem at all.”

Barca visit Alaves in LaLiga today but Messi will not be joined in attack by Dembele until after the international break, when Luis Suarez is expected to return from his knee injury.

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho continues to be linked with a switch to Camp Nou and Valverde confirmed further signings are likely.

We have got high hopes, we still need to get to know him on a personal level. It is going to be great to get to know him at the club.

“Last year at Dortmund you could already see he was a good player.

Barcelona were also looking at him back then.

“Borussia Dortmund have been able to see in person just what a quality player he is and let’s hope he lives up to every expectation here and brings us lots of joy.”

The deal for Dembele could reach a total of €147m if all add-on conditions are met and Valverde concedes the transfer market has ballooned.

Valverde, though, was reluctant to compare the skillset of Dembele with Neymar, who joined Paris SaintGermain for a world-record €222m.

Bale returns to Wales squad

Guardiola

R

Guardiola wary of Napoli’s form P ep Guardiola is wary of Manchester City’s Champions League foes Napoli, labelling Maurizio Sarri’s men as one of the best three teams in Europe.

City avoided Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at Thursday’s draw, the big guns who have habitually dogged their groupstage campaigns since ascending to the continent’s top competition in 2011-12 - a season where defeat in Naples preceded roundrobin elimination.

Shakhtar Donetsk represented a more favourable pot one opponent but, in a group also containing Eredivisie champions Feyenoord, it was Napoli who grabbed Guardiola’s attention.

“When the third pot team is Napoli - the best team in the pot - it is complicated,” he told a news conference ahead of City’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth today.

“In the Champions League we

can expect pots one and two will be strong but today all the teams are strong.

“We’re going to face the team who played the best football in Italy.”

Guardiola was quick to qualify this observation as a stylistic assessment of Napoli, who were unable to deny Juventus a sixth consecutive Serie A crown last season despite losing only once in the top flight after October.

“I’m not talking about winning. I like to watch the teams who want to play,” he said.

“In Italy, where the culture is defensive in the box, Napoli play 40 metres in front, a bit like Arrigo Sacchi did once at AC Milan.

“With the ball they are fantastic.

For me, they are one of the three best teams right now in Europe at playing football.”

City reached the round of 16 last term before bowing out on away goals when a thrilling tie with Monaco ended 6-6.

eal Madrid star Gareth Bale has returned to the Wales squad ahead of matches against Austria and Moldova in World Cup qualifying.

Bale missed the 1-1 draw away to Serbia in June due to suspension, but returns to the squad for the crucial doubleheader after staying injury free during Madrid’s start to the season.

The 28-year-old scored in his team’s win over Deportivo La Coruna to open their LaLiga title defence last week, as well as helping them to UEFA Super Cup and Supercopa de Espana silverware in the early weeks of the campaign.

That came after he suffered an injury interrupted 2016-17 season in Madrid, with Wales manager Chris Coleman pleased to be able to include his star man once again.

“It’s nice to have Gareth back and also Neil Taylor for the Moldova game,” said Coleman.

“Gareth is a natural athlete, but at this stage of the season some players take a bit longer to find their best.

“Is he 100 per cent where he could be?

We’ll see where he is when we get him.

“He looks good, he was disappointed to miss Serbia but there was nothing we could do about that and of course he’s won the Champions League again this year.”

Wales are third in Group D after drawing five consecutive qualifiers.

Coleman also included 16-year-old Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu and midfielder Joe Ledley, who is without a club, in his 25-man selection.

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Business & Economy

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

After 80 years in Nigeria, service still in our DNA – BA Page B2 boss Sterling Bank unveils `Recyclart’ competition, calls for entries Sterling Bank Plc said on Friday that it has unveiled a Recyclart Competition in a bid to influence how Nigerians dispose waste that could be recycled and change the way they relate with the environment.

The bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Henry Bassey, who disclosed this in a statement in Lagos said that the Recyclart competition was intended to be on annual basis that would encourage participants to create a visual representation of the value of recycling waste materials.

“The use of recyclable material forces artists and the audience alike to rethink daily choices that impact the environment on an active and reflective note.

“This competition aims to bring to the eyes of the public an admission of a detrimental reality that now needs to be included in the national dialogue.

“The competition will serve as a means of empowering young artists and emerging talents across the country to use waste materials that are recycled for art in public spaces, as part of an effort to preserve culture,” Bassey said.

He added that the act of taking care of one’s environment should be everyone’s interest because of its impact on everybody’s life.

Bassey added: “Taking care of the environment is a great concern to many and one does not have to go far to see the negative effects of improper waste disposal or how such practice is affecting the lives of many in the country today.”

He said that discarded items such as broken car parts, steel, tyres, generators and old computers which are capable of being used and repurposed into artworks litter the environment in every part of the country.

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Osun Osogbo Festival possesses iconic cultural values

Page B6

Achieving financial benefits, life goals with financial planning Page B8

New survey reveals corruption still issue in Nigeria Azubike Nnadozie, with Agency report

The recently released National Corruption Survey report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that an estimated N400 billion, or equivalent of $4.6 billion, is paid out in bribes to public officials in Nigeria annually.

The survey also found that “Police Officers are the type of public officials to whom bribes are most commonly paid in Nigeria.” Interestingly, this finding corroborates the finding of a 2015 corruption

snap poll conducted by NOIPolls, in collaboration with LEAP Africa, which also found the Nigerian Police to be the most corrupt organisation in the country.

Responding to this, the CEO NOIPolls, Dr. Bell Ihua, commended the NBS for its latest survey report, stating that “It’s interesting to see that these findings of the latest NBS survey corroborates the findings of our past snap poll on corruption. The strength of any piece of research is its methodology. The corruption survey

by NBS goes to demonstrate the rigour and robustness of the methodology applied.”

Interestingly, when asked to define corruption in their own words, the single highest definition provided by participants of NOI’s poll was the “giving and collecting of bribes”, thereby highlighting the common association of “corruption” with “bribery” in Nigeria. Similarly, the survey by NBS reported 32.3 percent prevalence of bribery, and further buttresses the position of 85 percent of the respondents who decried the high prevalence from the poll.

Furthermore, the NBS survey revealed that on average, almost one bribe is paid by every Nigeri-

an adult per year. According to the report, it is estimated that about 82.3 million bribes were paid in the 12 months prior to the survey, and this averages out to show that almost one bribe per adult Nigerian. Again, this is in consonance with the findings by NOIPolls which reported that 32 percent of Nigerians said they would rather pay a bribe than go through the procedure if caught driving without a licence. Reflecting on these findings, Dr. Ihua further noted “the Corruption survey shows that NBS is in tune with happenings in the country. This is a clear case of data speaking”.

L – R: Soji Adeleye, President Alfe City Institution; Mr Olufemi Shobanjo, Head, Broker Dealer Regulation, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications, NSE and Segun Adeleye, President/CEO, WorldStage Limited during the presentation ofthe Nigerian Regulator of the Year 2017 Award to The Nigerian Stock Exchange at the WorldStage Economic Summit in Lagos.

Hotelier tasks states, ministers, others on job creation Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Managing Director of Hotel De B Gardens, Chief Kennedy Worlu has urged State governors, ministers and other government functionaries to engage themselves with job creation through establishment of industries in their various constituencies.

Chief Worlu in a chat with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital recently said that industries are the major creator of employments and should there-

fore, be taken seriously in our economic plans, especially in a developing economy like Nigeria.

Worlu said that if manufacturing industries are revived, cases of cultism, theft, kidnapping and other manner of crimes would be reduced to the barest minimum.

Advising on possible ways to beat recession, Worlu said that Nigeria should reflect on the country’s economic status in 1980s, and diversify from one area to another, adding that, apart from oil, there are many other options that can be tapped to

revamp the economy.

The foremost hotel manager and administrator, pointed out that “State governors should try to go into establishment of industries to absorb idle hands in the country because an idle man is the devils workshop. Imagine what it looks like when there is no money, no food, no work; people always think of the evil. In the 1980s when Nigeria was Nigeria, things were moving fine. We should not depend solely on oil because apart from oil, we have other resources such as cocoa,

palm oil, cassava, yam and others”.

Lamenting on the closure of most industries, Worlu said that state governors should go back to the drawing board and ensure that those manufacturing industries are revived so as to take in a lot of state indigenes and other Nigerians that are unemployed.

He said “We have so many industries in Rivers state. All these industries used to engage the hoodlums.

Why have they disappeared? Why can’t we go back to our drawing table, research and know what to do.

Business Interview B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

After 80 years in Nigeria, service still in our DNA – BA boss What were the challenges your airline faced in the last two years including trapped funds?

The challenges first started with the last general election in the country, how long it took.

We went through the issue of FOREX and remitting money became difficult. We seem to be turning the corners. We are not fully there yet. I am sure you know all the figures. I don’t want to brandish the figures again. It was scary because you start talking of $600 million. Things are getting better and we realise we need to bring back the B747 on Lagos route.

We have always flown B747. The one we flew was an older B747.

The seat configuration was 14 in First Class, 70 in Business Class and 48 in Club World and about 185 in Economy. The B747 that we are starting now; we are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel s. Things are getting better, Nigerians are still travelling, businesses are picking up. Of course, people will tell you that the challenges are still there. They are managing it; they are applying strategies. We can see some strength in the economy based on what the government is doing and we thought that it would only be fair for our customers who have endured hard times with us will start bringing back good fares, fantastic products. This B747 is going to be more refined with IFE improved on it. I think we have 120 channels of different movies that you can watch, meals are better, seats are better and that is where the £400 million expenditure on Club World as quoted in the press is going.

That £400 million is not just for Nigerian route but on all our aircraft that we have in Club World That is why we are bringing this on and we are very confident that the customers can only be the better for it. Today, for example, we are breaking a new fare. We are having fares in the economy for about $440 to London and we are having Business class for $2800 to London.

Not only is the product getting better effective September 7th, it is also progressively getting cheaper. It is cheaper and better.

It is a very difficult combination. Our customers have stayed with us through this difficult

Kola Olayinka is the country manager for British Airways in Nigeria. In this interview with CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO, he x-rays the challenges facing the airline especially with issue of forex and the deployment of new machines on the Lagos-London route. Excerpts

Kola Olayinka times trying to describe to you from 2015. I can imagine how expensive the fares have been not because we increased the fare but if the dollar is at N520 or N500 and the fare was N160, 000 it is now about N500, 000.

So, things are getting better. We are bringing a new product; so we are launching a promotion and I don’t think there is any business that can offer. We are in the middle of summer and we just hope that our customers will take advantage from September. Schools are not resuming until mid-September.

People still have opportunity of traffic just like a couple or as a business or individual and that is we thought we should speak to our very close friends and just let you know what we are doing. You know that our message is always simple, straight forward and about the customers.

We just want to look at your operations in Nigeria.

BA was 80 years last year and 81 this year, how can you appraise your operations in terms of challenges, the highs and the lows?

Thanks very much. Looking back is always a privilege because if you look back on the route. I started many years back and you can imagine how many bosses I have gone through all the years. People have really passed through this place. They built the business, this company. One of our CEO’s came into Nigeria recently. He has retired. He is Keith Williams. The top things he said is that service is in our DNA. Service is part of us. It is what we do. That is what keeps BA going. If you lose service, you lose everything. I am not

saying that we are perfect all the time, but I can tell you that when something goes wrong that is when you see BA rise up to the challenge. It has been a really good journey all these years. If you take a look at our operations, it has always been about the customers. The aviation industry in Nigeria has changed. There are a lot more competition than 20 years ago.

Many airlines were not here 20 years ago. The Americans were not here 20 years ago, the Middle Eastern carriers were not here 20 years ago and they are here now in full force. Even the European carriers; some were not here 20 years ago. What was the market that was dependent on new carriers? Almost all airlines from every continent are here in Nigeria. That means the pressure is on making sure you deliver as a company. We are happy. Competition is good.

When there is competition, the customers benefit like bringing out this promotion. Some of my colleagues will be jumping up because of it because the customer is the better for it. Let the best man win on the day; that is what business is all about. It is not about protecting any one, it is about letting the best airline that offers the best fares, best product, best people win at the end of the day. I must also add that Nigerian travellers are extremely intelligent. You can’t fool them. May be you can fool a person but you can’t fool everybody. If you sell something to them that they don’t like, they won’t come back. The era of taking the customers for granted is over. We are at an era where customers know more about aircraft than some of us. Technology has also helped. All you need to do is go online and everything comes out. If you want to see the inside of a plane, it is there on the website even on our website. We adore our customers. We realised that without our customers, there is absolutely no business. It might take some time but your business will be eroded if you are not doing enough for your customers and that is one of the strength I think BA has. We know our customers love us, they love the service but we are never going

to take them for granted which is why we are bringing back the B747. One unique thing about the B747 is that the upper deck; there are some people in Nigeria, what they want is go on the upper deck. It is quiet, beautiful, nice, serene and you feel like you are in a world of your own and people love it and it is coming back.

I am surprised that BA is bringing back the B747 and it is coming at a period airlines are using more efficient, fuel efficient two engine airplane.

The B747 is a fuel guzzler and it is also a period Jet A1 is an issue, why is BA coming back to this aircraft?

Generally across the globe, aircraft are getting newer. We have the A380. We have 12 of those. They are in service. You can see a progression in aircraft acquisition all over the world. We may not be as aggressive as some other airlines but we equally these newer version and you can see new things happening. B747 was not manufactured yesterday but the services would all be brand new including the interior. The seats will all be brand new, the IFE will all be redone and it is brand new.

Yes, there is some cost to it but we also believe that if you look at our fares out of here, our customers pay quite a bit and we want to make sure they get value for their money to compensate them for what they pay because all these years. Like I said, they deserve some benefits from the money they are spending whether it is a man that employs ten people that are supposed to have a meeting in London or is a family that just want to go for summer with their children without breaking the bank especially with what is happening in the country now.

If for a period of time you offer them some flexible fares, I think it makes sense and then you can keep them. We don’t want a one customer business, we want customers that keep coming back because when we get it right for them, give the right fares, the right product.

Tours&Travels

s

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

A major driver for any tourism growth is the domestic aspect. In Nigeria, stakeholders have continued to harp on the sector. To make this realistic, African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF) is already taking domestic tourism to the next level. The Non-Governmental Organisation which is the only organisation in Africa, apart from government sectors that has been approved for this year summit. Leveraging on that, is tapping into the United Nations summit to groom talents from Nigeria. In this piece, EBERE CHIBUZOR writes that the NGO is fully in partnership with the global body to achieve this aim of empowering the young minds through talent hunt

FACTS BOX *ACTDF has plan to cue into this year’s United Nation’s General Assembly *The United Nation’s summit tag of this year is about tourism *NGO designed the platform to enable children and youths to showcase talents * ACTDF president said the foundation sponsors are spirited individuals *ACTDF held its zonal auditions in cities cut across Nigeria *One of the biggest thing is the Sister-City linkage program *This led to well over 1000 student gaining scholarship both in Us and in Nigeria *Not less than 2,500 Nigeria students are on scholarship on the bills of the ACDF

THE PRESIDENT, ACTDF ENGR. DALLAJI

NTDC: DG, union, staff x-rays 5-point Action Plan

Osun Osogbo festival possess iconic cultural

4 Amazingly Good Nigerian Festivals Near You

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

B4 Tours & Travels

A major driver for any tourism growth is the domestic aspect. In Nigeria, stakeholders have continued to harp on the sector. To make this realistic, African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF) is already taking domestic tourism to the next level. The NonGovernmental Organisation which is the only organisation in Africa, apart from government sectors that has been approved for this year summit. Leveraging on that, is tapping into the United Nations summit to groom talents from Nigeria. In this piece, EBERE CHIBUZOR writes that the NGO is fully in partnership with the global body to achieve this aim of empowering the young minds through talent hunt

Lai Mohammed

In a bid to promote domestic tourism in Nigeria and reach out to young minds through scholarships, training and mentorship, African Children Talent Discovery Foundation(ACTDF) has concluded arrangements for its maiden edition of a talent hunt show coming up soon.

Targeting the youths, the talent hunt is part of ACTDF’s plan to cue into this year’s United Nations General Assembly Summit tagged “The International Year of Sustainable Tourism development.

As part of their vision, ACTDF

Engr. Dallaji

believes such platform, is one way of encouraging youths to showcase their God given talents which in the long run is tailored to expose them locally and internationally.

Speaking at the unveiling event, ACTDF president Engr. Noah Dallaji said that harnessing these human resources could help to improve tourism such as sporting tourism, entertainment tourism among others.

The event tagged “Unleash Your Talent 2017” held recently at Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos attracted the presence of entertain-

ment stakeholders including, Alex Usifo, Kate Henshaw, Thelma Ojiji, Emeka Rollas, Julius Osuagwu, Segun Arinze, Tonto Dike among others.

Speaking further, Dallaji added that “the United Nation’s summit tag of this year is about tourism.

We key into it, although it is not part of this program but we engaging ourselves to the United Nation’s program so we can help to promote tourism in Africa, especially in Nigeria”.

To him, ACTDF was a big opportunity to expose raw talents in sing-

4 Amazingly Good Nigerian Festivals Near You

Antonio Guterres

ing, acting and dancing, reiterating that this year’s event would be used by the foundation to drive the tourism industry.

According to Engr. Dallaji, the non-governmental organization designed the platform to enable children and youths to showcase talents and most people in the rural areas are looking for a platform like this.

There are greatest talents that have not been exploited in this country and they are looking for platforms, like this to showcase their talents in the rural area. They

greatest footballers, actresses and actors have not been discovered yet. So such people are looking for such platform to be able to showcase their talent and for us to know at least it will be to the benefit not just to the Nigeria but to the whole world because talent is not just for individual”, Dallaji added.

Engr. Dallaji pointed out that they are the only NGO in Africa apart from government sector that has been approved for this year summit. It recently held its zonal auditions in cities cut across Nigeria, including cities like Enugu,

Lagos, Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Ekiti and FCT. To this end, president of the ACTDF, Engr. Dallaji, stated that the organization has recorded tremendous achievements in the area of provision of humanitarian services to the less-privileged and for which reason it was recognized by the United Nations as a Grade C non-governmental organization.

Speaking further, he noted that “one of the biggest thing is the Sister-City linkage program between Oakland City in the United States and Bauchi State in Nigeria and where it’s given a lot of scholarship and package coming home, he noted.

ACTDF boss further explained how this led to 1000 student got scholarship to study both in the United States and here in Nigeria.

Those students, he said cut across Bauchi State and other states of the Federation.

To buttress this, he further outstretched the people-oriented projects that have been carried out by the organization which most impor-

tantly include providing boreholes for rural communities, and putting up relevant infrastructure for the people.

“In Kurudu community, a suburb of Abuja, an empowerment scheme we launched few yard aggressive has continued to see us help that community with bountiful talents through provision of boreholes and some basic infrastructure. Presently, not less than 2,500 Nigeria students are on scholarship on the bills of the ACTDF across the country and beyond. Whether in scholarship, community health care services, talent discoveries and infrastructural empowerment across states in Nigeria, we have continued through thick and thin to uplift human lives,” Dallaji informed.

On challenges, he said, “Some parents are fond of forcing careers on their children; because a neighbor’s child is a medical doctor and you want your own child to do same, while your child would has done better in playing football.

Advising, parents not to choose career for the teens to enable them determine the course of their lives,

he added “Sit with the child, discuss with the child and find out what he or she want to do, not what you want. It is a big mistake to impose that on them.

Again he noted, that “talent is the greatest knowledge anyone can have. Most people they take advantage of them because they haven’t discovered their talent, explaining talent is resources.

He said on the same hand, first prize winners at the grand finale in Port Harcourt in each category in the category of singing, dancing and acting would win respective contracts of one million makes. In addition cash prizes and also join us on the trip to New York for the UN Summit.

On the flip side, World Tourism Day has been celebrated since 1980 on September 27, the day in which the Statutes of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) entered into force. Peace and Dialogue, Energy, Accessibility, World Heritage and Water and Tourism have been some of the topics tackled on the 37 previous editions of World Tourism Day, Engr. Dallaji concluded.

A group at the ACTDF event tagged “Unleash Your Talent 2017” held recently at Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos

NTDC: DG, union, staff x-ray THE Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) is in a period of harmonioussustainable development, which will accelerate the promotion and marketing the domestictourism industry in the country, as the DirectorGeneral of the corporation, Mr. FolorunshoCoker, Corporation’s chapter of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the staff of the Corporation have agreed to work together for the growth of the Corporation.

While hosting the executive members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of AUPCTRE, led by its Chairman, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, who visited the Corporation’s headquarters, the NTDC boss reiterated his commitment to technologically drive the Nigerian tourism to become a revenue spinner for the nation’s economy.

Coker, who described tourism as a business, said his administration will ensure training and re-training of staff, saying, “Training is a critical part of human development.”

The NTDC Boss who recently unveiled a 5-point action plan that aims to promote domestic tourism and encourage ease of doing business in Nigeria. According to him, ‘CHIEF’ seeks to introduce global best practices for the tourism industry, encourage human capital and infra-

structural development; it aims at promoting and protecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, while also pursuing funding for capital projects in the tourism sector.

Coker further itemized ‘CHIEF’ plan “as ‘C’ for Corporate governance and regulations, ‘H’ for Human Capital Development, ‘I’ for Infrastructural development, ‘E’ for Events and Marketing and ‘F’ for Finance and Investment. He said that the brand was an ambitious attempt at promoting tourism in Nigeria”.

Comrade Anthony expressed the readiness of the union to support the DG to change the face of tourism in Nigeria.

“Trade union works with everyone the government brings, believing that everybody has potentials. We believe that your coming to NTDC will add value to the Corporation, the Nigerian tourism industry and the nation at large,” Anthony expressed optimism.

Mr. Coker, NTDC directors, executive members of the FCT and NTDC chapters of AUPCTRE, thereafter met with the entire members of staff of the Corporation, where the NTDC boss further discussed his vision and mission, and how he intended to achieve it.

The Chairman, AUPCTRE, NTDC Chapter, Comrade Ohiemi Martins Ahefu, earlier in his speech, enjoined the staff of the Corporation to starve disunity and support the DG in his effort at repositioning both the Corporation and the Nigerian tourism.

Christmas is not far away and Nigeria has become a travel destination to watch out for! Apparently diversification of Nigeria’s economy “through tourism” remains the way to survive the current environment of global economic uncertainty. The influx of tourists have reasonably increased as governments at both the federal and state level in Nigeria begin recognizing the strategic importance of tourism and with this development, there has been an appreciable rise in the number of festivals organised in different parts of the country.

Calabar Carnival

Ugwudolo festival This remains the youngest and outstanding festival for the Evuazu people.

Evuazu is one among the 10 villages embedded in Obeleagu Umana, Ezeagu local government area, Enugu State. The festival however, has been able to attracts huge number of tourists from every nook and cranny of the world. It is exclusive for the men. While these men are involved in masquerade, their wives remain at home, preparing food for their husbands throughout the Ugwudolo Okochi festival.

B5 Tours & Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday,August 26, 2017

Tagged Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar carnival is indeed one to look forward to every December.

This is because Calabar is a choice tourist destination in Nigeria and Africa at large. The Calabar carnival

Ojude Oba Festival On the last day of the Eid El Fitri celebrations, sons and daughters of Ijebu heritage as well as visitors from far and near troop into Ijebu Ode in Ogun state to mark

the Ojude Oba festival. The pomp and pageantry that trails this festival are simply amazing. The activities list includes skilful horse riding, gunshots, parade by different age grades (regbe regbe), food and music.

train converges at the U.J. Esuene stadium after revellers have walked for 12 kilometres from the starting point at the Millennium Park each year. Participants adorn gorgeous attires to outshine other teams and gyrate to vibrant music all day long.

Ofala festival The Ofala festival is held across South-East Nigeria but most celebrated in Onitsha, Anambra state.

The aim of the festival is to preserve the culture and traditions of the Igbos.

The event takes place at the palace of the Obi of Onitsha – Igwe Nnayelugo Nnaemeka Achebe for two days as rites cleansing the land are performed amidst music and dance.

Interestingly, this is the only time of the year the people can mingle with their Igwe.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26 , 2017

B6 Tourism

Osun Osogbo Festival showcases iconic cultural values Ebere Chibuzor/Iniobong Iwok

Osun Osogbo, one of the most famous Yoruba cultural has been flourishing since inception several centuries ago. The origin however, can be traced to the legendary encounter between the early settlers/founder of Osogbo with Osun Osogbo deity.

Despite its age-long existence, the festival has been able to maintain a high level of celebration, participation and recognition from both local and international organizations.

For instance, the festival is the only cultural festival in the country endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. Since the recognition by the UNESCO, the festival has gained international prominence the world over, as the festival programme unveiling keeps moving from one venue to the other in the state.

To make the festival more appealing and acceptable, after more than 600 years of celebrating it, many innovations and reorganizations have been put in place to reposition the annual festival.

Incredibly, the just concluded Osun Osogbo festival has attracted huge numbers of guests and tourists from all walks of life and the strides still lingering in the minds of all who were at the scene.

For the People of Osogbo and Osun state as à whole,

Second from right, Oodua People’s Congress , OPC, national coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, and other guests during the OsunOsogbo festival celebration by the group. the month of August is regarded as a month of Celebration, this is when traditional cleaning of the city and cultural reunion of the People with their ancestors of the Osogbo kingdom take place.

The climax of the 2017 celebration of the annual festival, which often begin with the traditional cleansing of the town, called Iwopopo, and followed three days later by the lightening of the 500 years old Sixteen point lamp called Innaogogumerin was colourful, entertaining and revealing.

Members of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, who had come from different parts of the country added colours to the festival with their dances , drama and cultural performance.

There were Crowd of

Osun goddess worshipers in groups, men and women mostly dressed in White attires dancing round the grove. While several other groups, dressed in different colours of fabric danced to the Rhythms of the drums round thé grove after paying homage to the Ataoja of Osogbo.

While most of the Crowd surge to take from the river for their spiritual needs.

In his address at the festival the national coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congrees, OPC, and the chief promoter of the festival, Otunba Gani Adams, Said the celebration of the festival over the years, has showed that the People had history and respect it culture and tradition, stressing that the festival had evolved to become a reference point not only in Nigeria but in

the international community.

He said, “The Osun Osogbo festival ïs not just an ordinary festival, but one that evolved over time to become a reference point.

It has become à compass to show cultural direction and re-established that we are no charlatan but People with culture and pedigree”.

“The Osun-Osogbo of no festival.”

Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the goddess of the goddess and ï want to charge all us present to rise up to the challenge.”

“But be young this we Can appreciate the Osun goddess more if in an our corporate and individual capacity we Come up with measures to consolidate and sustain the generosity of the goddess by coming up with programmes to uphold

the healthy upbringing of children”.

“I want to reiterate my earlier call to the minister of communication and tourism Alhaji lai mohammmed to take good advantage of this festival to show Cast Nigeria to the outside World”. Otunba Adams said.

The chief promoter of Olokun festival foundation Charged corporate Organisations and individuals to initiate programmes for the proper up bring of children in our societies which would promote and sustain the generosity of the Osun goddess.

Gani Adams, stressed that the Olokun festival foundation and Oodua People’s union, was committed to the Welfare of children, adding that the goddess Would be more encouraged

to reward more women with children if their welfare was a priority in the society.

He Charged the federal government to explore ways of attracting investors and corporate organisations towards the organisation of the festival, adding that the image of the country could be better show cast to the World through the annual festival celebration.

Chairman of the occasion and senator representing Osun East, senator Babajide Omowurare stated that the Osun-Osogbo festival was a unique occasion to the worshipers of thé Osun goddess, adding that it offered them opportunity to interface Seek spiritual guardian, and ask for their needs from the god.

The senator revealed that the national assembly was working assiduously to enact enabling laws that would promote tourism in the country, while charging the federal government and state government to do more.

He said “The Osun-Osogbo festival is à great opportunity to the People Who believe in the Osun goddess.

It an opportunity for them to ask the goddess for good health, children and long Life”.

“It is about tourism, sustaining our culture and language that is spoken by young Nigeria. That is why a lot of People are here.

A lot is been done to boost the festival, at the senate level we are trying to exact laws that would boost thé tourism sector and encourage Private participation in the tourism sector”

South African Hotels surviving on Inbound Tourism as locals reduce trips under recession South Rising fuel prices, an economy in recession, record levels of unemployment, political uncertainty and the threat of further downgrades to the country’s credit rating, has pushed struggling South Africans to to the brink.

And unless you are leaving the country for good in search of greener pastures, as has been reported in recent months, the chances are you aren’t taking a short holiday to escape the country’s macro economic woes.

This is according to hotel chain, City Lodge, which reported that average

occupancies at the group’s operations decreased by three percentage points to 63% in the year to 30 June 2017.

“In South Africa, the drop in occupancy was similar and was a direct result of the continued deterioration in business and consumer confidence, ongoing political uncertainty and negligible economic growth.

“Coastal hotels fared slightly better than inland hotels, benefiting from inbound tourism. Weekend occupancies were particularly soft,” the group said this week.

Despite the drop in occupancies, the group reported a marginal 1.8% rise in total revenue, to R1.52 billion, assisted

by an inflationary increase in room rates.

Normalised headline profit before tax for the group decreased by 2.1% to R501 million, while normalised headline earnings decreased by 3.1% to R362.2 million. Normalised diluted headline earnings per share were down by 3.1% to 833.6 cents.

City Lodge said that occupancies have remained under pressure in the first six weeks of the new financial year. “It is hoped that a catalyst will soon emerge to improve sentiment and provide fresh economic growth impetus that will stimulate both business and leisure travel.

Business Review B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Tech-Hubs shouldn’t sell ideas, but grow them - Gabriele de Leva If Yaba plans to become the Silicon Valley of Nigeria, tech-hubs will need to create and foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages founders to see their ideas through to the end rather than selling early.

stages. After all, there are numerous examples of successful companies that managed to emerge without the advent of incubators and accelerators.

Konga and Paga, in this sense, are the brightest examples, based on a solid combination of resoluteness and long-term vision.

A Toyota Corolla stops in front of a withered bookshop on Pearse Lane. Two men in blazers, sitting around a tiny wooden table, look at the car. One of them quickly checks his smartphone and asks for the driver’s identity. Satisfied, he steps into the Taxifi vehicle, followed by his peer, who carelessly plays with his Apple watch. After almost getting hit three times by one of the typical yellow vans that storm Lagos roads, they manage to leave the street and get swallowed by one of the most trafficked cities in the world.

Those who seek to emulate Konga and Paga need to stick to their own ideas and value patience when making decisions, even if that comes with a higher degree of risk. But risk must be seen as the numerator of a fraction that has ambition underneath. The bigger the scope of your project, the easier it is to factor risk in your success equation. If the ultimate goal goes beyond profit and looks into eventually affecting the lives of millions of Nigerians, investors chip in.

This scene might still look rare to the eyes of the average Nigerian, but it is becoming routine in Yaba. Filled with inconsistencies, this northern neighborhood of Nigeria’s largest city perfectly encloses the skirmish between new and old, stagnation and progress. It is here that the most tech-driven minds of the country gather to forge ideas that, one day, will foster the country’s development.

Their love for technology is not just witnessed by their constant use of apps or sophisticated devices, but also by their desire to innovate and streamline businesses across all sectors.

Still, the recent wave of acquisitions of tech start-ups seems to cast doubts on the firmness of leadership within these hubs.

Many young entrepreneurs may have excellent ideas, but the surrounding ecosystem still presents too many hurdles to jump. Thus, giving in to a buyer’s offer represents an easy, and lucrative, way out of a long, windy path. While comprehensible, such a choice highlights the weak confidence in Nigerian’s entrepreneurial environment. Start-ups that sell their companies lose not only the intellectual property, but also the enthusiasm behind them.

Today, Yaba counts a growing number of business clusters where companies like HutBay, SureGifts and Andela share common infrastructures and networks to increase their levels of productivity. The inspirational model is clear, just as the goal. With an eye on Silicon Valley, “YabaCon Valley,” as they call it, proposes itself as the leading hub for high-tech innovation and development.

Despite their differences in size, scope and capital availability, all start-ups share the same entrepreneurial spirit based on a valuable mixture of competitiveness and cooperation confined in major tech-hubs such as CcHub, iDEA Hub, Focus Hub.

Incubators are supposed to provide all start-ups with the necessary tools to grow their ideas, develop them, improve them and one day watch them become major innovative players for Nigerians. But if most of these companies end up being acquired, the question should not be “are tech-hubs worth it?” but “how can tech-hubs be improved?” Fancy blazers, stylish smartphones and techy-watches are not enough to push the country toward the progress it has long yearned for. Without ambition, passion, and self-confidence, all the brightest ideas will get absorbed just like any Toyota Corolla in Lagos traffic.

The vibrant energy of

the

Gabriele de Leva whole ecosystem has grabbed the attention of various seed capital funds willing to bet on these companies providing them with short-, medium-, and long-term funding. One of them, Leadpath, is based 15 minutes away from Pearse Lane. Its goal consists in “bridging the gap between start-up and market leader” through investments that span from USD25,000 to several million. This accelerator also offers guidance and capacity building, providing technology entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, mentorship, and facilities that allow them to transform their businesses.

Among the major start-ups in Leadpath’s portfolio, URegista, Afriqbuy, and Simer are probably the most promising.

said Jason Nkoju, founder of iROKO, a web platform that provides paid-for Nigerian films on-demand.

Hedging risks in a diversified portfolio is the founding principle of any investor’s guide.

Nonetheless, most actors, in particular on the institutional side, prefer not risking at all.

This is particularly the case for other tech-hubs spread all over the country, far from the flows of cash and people that Lagos offers. In the best-case scenario, businesses react by “redirecting their focus towards customers, rather than investors,”

Unfortunately, a grimmer scenario is steadily taking over.

While tech-hubs offer a wide array of benefits, they recently started increasing equity requirements, driving down their attractiveness to the eyes of young, motivated folks who are reconsidering a work-fromhome strategy rather than enjoying the benefits hubs offer.

And, any entrepreneur knows saving constitutes the core of its business plan in the early

Gabriele de Leva is the Assistant Country Editor for the The Business Year

v

B8 Personal Bonny Amadi Everyone has a source of living through which funds are generated to offset life’s demands covering every day’s needs and making provisions for future needs.

For effective accomplishment of personal and family comfort and happiness through the provisions of basic needs and to a larger extent comfort and attainment of future set goals, certain measures must be taken and followed to fruition.

What is financial planning?

Finance is defined by the oxford dictionary as the management of large amounts of money, especially by governments or large companies, while finances is the monetary resources and affairs of a state, organization, or person. The word financial relates to finance, while Planning, according to oxford dictionary, is the process of making plans for something.

Goggle defines financial planning as the task of determining how a business will afford to achieve its strategic goals and objectives. Usually, a company creates a Financial Plan immediately after the vision and objectives have been set.

Financial Planning is an ongoing process to help you make sensible decisions about money that can help you achieve your goals in life; it’s not just about buying products like a pension or an ISA. The financial planning process is a logical, six-step procedure: (1) determining your current financial situation. (2) developing financial goals. ... (5) Creating and implementing a financial action plan, and.

(6) reevaluating and revising the plan.

The Importance of Having a Financial Plan. Creating a financial plan helps you see the big picture and set long and short-term life goals, a crucial step in mapping out your financial future. When you have a financial plan, it’s easier to make financial decisions and stay on track to meet your goals.

What is a ‘Financial plan?’

Investopedia defined financial plan, as a compre-

Finance

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 26, 2017

Achieving financial benefits, life goals with financial planning hensive evaluation of an investor’s current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal plans.

Most individuals work in conjunction with a financial planner and use current net worth, tax liabilities, asset allocation, and future retirement and estate plans in developing financial plans. These metrics are used along with estimates of asset growth to determine if a person’s financial goals can be met in the future, or what steps to be taken to ensure that they are actualized Elements of a financial plan Financial goals: A financial plan is based on an individual›s or a family›s clearly defined financial goals, including funding a college education for the children, buying a larger home, starting a business, retiring on time or leaving a legacy. Financial goals should be quantified and set to milestones for tracking.

Personal net worth statement: this has to do with a representation of assets and liabilities which serve as a benchmark for measuring development towards achieving financial goals.

Cash flow analysis: This involves an income and spending plan and it determines how much one can set aside for debt repayment, savings and investing on monthly basis.

Retirement strategy: This plan includes a strategy for achieving retirement independent of other monetary priorities. The plan should include a strategy for accumulating the required retirement capital and its prearranged lifetime distribution.

Comprehensive risk management plan: Identify all risk exposures and provide the necessary coverage to protect the family and its assets against financial loss. The risk management plan includes

a full review of life and disability insurance, personal liability coverage, property and casualty coverage, and catastrophic coverage.

Long-term investment plan: Include a customized asset allocation strategy based on specific investment objectives and a risk profile. This investment plan sets guidelines for selecting, buying and selling investments and establishing benchmarks for performance review.

Estate plan: This planning has to do with arrangements for generating and distribution of assets with major focus towards minimizing settlement costs and taxes. Review and update estate panning instruments, such as wills, inter-vivos trusts, power of attorney, medical directives, and marital trusts.

Goggle defines inter vivos trust as a fiduciary relationship used in estate planning created during the lifetime of the trustor. Also known as a living trust, this trust has a duration that is determined at the trust’s creation and can entail the distribution of assets to the beneficiary during or after the trustor’s life-

time.

Tax reduction strategy: Identify ways to minimize taxes on personal income to the extent permissible by the tax code. The strategy should include identification of taxfavored investment vehicles that can reduce taxation of investment income.

Benefits of financial planning BlueShore financials report available to Daily Times Nigeria enumerates benefits of financial planning embarked upon with the help of expert financial advisor Managing income: It›s possible to manage income more effectively through planning.

Managing income helps you understand how much money you›ll need for tax payments, other monthly expenditures and savings.

Cash flow: financial planning increases cash flows by carefully monitoring your spending patterns and expenses. Tax planning, prudent spending and careful budgeting will help you keep more of your hard earned cash.

Capital: An increase

in cash flow, can lead to an increase in capital.

Allowing you to consider investments to improve your overall financial well-being.

Family security: Providing for your family’s financial security is an important part of the financial planning process. Having the proper insurance coverage and policies in place can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Investment: A proper financial plan considers your personal circumstances, objectives and risk tolerance. It acts as a guide in helping choose the right types of investments to fit your needs, personality, and goals.

Standard of living: The savings created from good planning can prove beneficial in difficult times. For example, you can make sure there is enough insurance coverage to replace any lost income should a family bread winner become unable to work.

Financial understanding: Better financial understanding can be achieved when measurable financial goals are set, the effects of decisions understood, and results reviewed. Giving

you a whole new approach to your budget and improving control over your financial lifestyle.

Assets: A nice ‹cushion› in the form of assets is desirable. But many assets come with liabilities attached.

So, it becomes important to determine the real value of an asset. The knowledge of settling or canceling the liabilities, comes with the understanding of your finances. The overall process helps build assets that don’t become a burden in the future.

Savings: It used to be called saving for a rainy day. But sudden financial changes can still throw you off track. It is good to have some investments with high liquidity. These investments can be utilized in times of emergency or for educational purposes.

Ongoing advice: Establishing a relationship with a financial advisor you can trust is critical to achieving your goals. Your financial advisor will meet with you to assess your current financial circumstances and develop a comprehensive plan customized for you.

Financial planning enables the planner to be disciplined in debt management both for good and bad debts. Trying as much as possible to manage debt, as wealth accumulation involves savings.

It should also be noted that total net asset is, total assets, less loan or any other debt. Having a robust total net asset helps to drive financial planning to its peak.

Life&

TIMES Saturday, August 26, 2017

Non-Yoruba actresses making waves in Yoruba movies L P

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Non-Yoruba actresses making waves in Yoruba movies

With the growing of the Yoruba movie industry in terms of quality production and acting prowess of its superstars; a lot of people do not know that major of who are passionate of what they do. No doubt the who are exploiting their divine beauties and natural talents to the full in an industry that thrives more on physical attributes than on talent. From several states that includes Enugu, Edo, and Anambra amongst other; these actresses have proven that are force to reckon with despite their language difference. In no particular order, ALLI MUTIAT AND AJIBADE ALABI ex-rays the growing

Oby Edozieh movie industry for many years now. The Nollywood actress may be described as sexy, beautiful and talented. If there is any award for tall and sexy actresses the award will be won by Oby, who has since married to Alex O, with 2 beautiful kids. She Faithia Balogun It took time before many of her numerous fans could come to terms that their “idol” is actually not from a Yoruba speaking state. It became more complicated when she got engaged to a Yoruba actor, Saidi Balogun. And in reality, Faithia Williams is from Delta State. And she speaks her Delta language frequently. She has featured in various yoruba productions which include; Farayola, Aje metta, Aje metta, Awawu, Teni Teka , Omo Ale, Agbelebu Mi, Basira Badia, Adakeja and Eku Eda among others.

Her tremendous performance in previous roles keep the offers coming.

Lilian Bach The list of beautiful non Yoruba queens in Yoruba this ex-Delta Soap model, Lilian Bach. If there is any actress that has all graces of beauty, this Delta indigene cannot be exempted. Talk of good physique, calling eyes, down to uncommon forehead, and a good skin, this lady in her thirties remains active.

Her fans cut across the federation, as she has acted in the 1990s as a model. She also competed in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant and featured in several television commercials, becoming the Face of Delta. Her perfect interpretation and presentation of Yoruba confuse many people of her origin, especially with her dexterity in genre. She has featured in several productions which includes; Eletan, a movie produced in 2011, Eja Osan, and Mi ose kogba which dates back to 2005. “Eja Osan” especially was highly an interview with a reporter years back, she explained said “ I am Deltalite by birth, but I am a real Lagosian, I was born and breed up here in Lagos” so that sums

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one could be tempted calling her a Yoruba actress.

She could be excused given the fact that she had all her education in Lagos where she got a degree from Lagos State University Mercy Aigbe She feel so comfortable in Yoruba settling that it beautiful actress actually emanated from. Her deep knowledge of Yoruba adage has only successfully confused people. But the truth of the matter is that, Mercy is from Benin in Edo State, and she send the message through her hit movie “Osas”. She has featured in several Yoruba productions which includes, Afefe ife, Okanjua, Atunida leyi, Igberaga, a n d Ile Oko mii among others.

H e r a m a z i n g

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Non-Yoruba actresses making waves in Yoruba movies even with the clarity in the name. She was actually born in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State but Regina Chukwu hails from Enugu State.

Doris Simeon (Pics: Doris) This is another actress who speaks Yoruba frequently and also acts in Yoruba movie but not from Yoruba speaking state. She came to limelight in 2002 through the movie of “Oloju Ede” and ever since this Edo state born actress who is known to have one of the beautiful shape in the industry has continue to grow from strength to strength that also make her one of the most sought after actresses in the industry.

Lola Alao Her scintillating performance in a movie titled “Ale Ariwo” shot her into limelight. That was over a decade ago, but she has been building on that for many years. Lola Alao is one actress who always proud of her state of origin. Lola Alao, is from that make her to be marketer delight.

Tina Mba This ever green actress is in the class of Liz Benson, and she has paid her dues as far as Nigeria representation of the character she represents has earned her numerous awards in the industry. She won the Best Actress in Yoruba award at the City People Awards held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba) in 2014, Best Actress in a supporting Role (Yoruba) in 2010, Best Actress in an Indigenous Movie Nomination (nonEnglish speaking language) in 2012, City People Entertainment Yoruba Movie Personality of the year in 2015 Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year Awarded by Links and Glitz World Awards in 2015. The entrepreneur still progresses, staying relevant even in the fashion world with her clothing line and store to show for it.

Rose Odika Rose she came to limelight through Paul Wemimo movie titled “ Timobataye wa”. Rose became a producer in 2008 after studying the industry. She has produced 6 movies titled Alaparutu in 2008, Enu Eje in 2009, Amuni Madajo in 2010, Iya ni Iya Mi in 2011, Gbosee Wo in 2012, and Ataare in 2015. She is also a piece of Yoruba dictionary in the sense that, it will take a genius to know she is not from any Yoruba speaking state but from Delta state.

Regina Chukwu Popular Nollywood actress and producer, Regina Chukwu, falls in the list of actresses movies. The actress who is popular for roles in Yoruba movies like “Akun,” “Ewatomi, Idaro,” “Awolu ati Awalu,” and “Ogunso” has practically joined in merging a gap in the featuring of just Yoruba indigenes in movies. Well sorry to burst your bubble if you originally thought she is Yoruba

any of the O state from the south west of the country.

But the fact remains this well build actress is from the east side of the federation.

Toyin Abraham Toyin Abraham (formerly, Toyin Aimakhu) who eventually set aside her controversial style of life is especially in Yoruba genre. Ever since she broke into the A list of actresses, the stunning actress has been dashing out a good performance. But of interest is the fact that this actress is not from the tribe where she is well known for her profession, but rather from Edo State. She has however appeared in a pretty long list of Yoruba movies.

Grace Amah As an upcoming actress in 2001 she appeared Nouah, and her performance received a lot of recommendation that eventually led to her been one of the best among her pals then. Though she speaks

easy to speak Yoruba “I was born and breed up in Lagos” she explained some time ago.

Aishat Abimbola aka Omoge Campus If there is any actress that could be termed the be Aishat Abimbola. She interprets and represents her characters so well that she makes one believe

sought after actress in the industry. But it will interest her fans that this tall beautiful actress is actually from the north, and she speaks her language-Hausa very well.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Ajibade Alabi

When Stephanie Coker said ‘I do’ to Olumide Aderinokun in Greece

For former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida celebrating birthday is a special land mark. Even though a lot of noise, elaborate red carpet, swanky and expensive shining are expected during the celebration of this former president

Nigeria On-Air personality (OAF) and a television presenter for MTV Base Africa and Ebony nally hooked her beau, Olumide Aderinokun The much awaited white wedding which took place in Mykonos Island, Greece weeks back was grand, with a stupendously picturesque view that leaves the mouth agape packaged by Prive Luxury owned

by Elizabeth Elohor Aisen, came alive after the couple had a lavish traditional ceremony in December last year, which remains the talk of the town Olumide is a nephew to Tayo Aderinokun, the late managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank(GTB), being the son of the late bankers elder brother. The handsome up- warmly mobile guy drives around in exotic cars and is said to be popular with the Lagos Island crowd

our ear had it that, this gap toothed “Maradona” only celebrated her 76th birthday in a low key last week Thursday (17th of August, 2017), the former military president, has celebrated his 76th birthday with special prayers surrounded by family, close friends and associates at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, Niger state.

When Ooni of Ife, Atiku, Ambode, society celebrated Hon. Odeneye Kehinde Talking about one of the most loved Hon member at the house of representative in Abuja, one name that will continue to re occur like a comma is no other name than Hon Odeneye Kehinde who is representing Ijebu Ode/ Odogbolu/Ijebu North East at the House of Representative in Abuja.

And there is no other way to prove this when the high and mighty in the country gathered at NIIA, Kofo Abayomi,

Stylish broadcaster, Funmi Wakama is in good mood at the present, if you are wondering why this beautiful broadcaster

of manager at the national headquarters in Abuja. A

Babanginda

Stephanie coker

Funmi Wakama the glamorous television lady moves up

wander about, we can tell you for free that her happiness is not far from her been recently appointed as the new General Manager, National Television Authority (NTA) in Abeokuta, Ogun State Before her appointment, she was a Deputy Director of News at NTA headquarters in Abuja. She has also served as Special Adviser Media, to the Ogun State Governor With a vast experience spanning 23 years in broadcasting, the media male Chief Press Secretary in the state and in Nigeria, was one of reliable hands working with Governor Ibikunle Amosun Born in Lagos, Funmi started her career in journalism in the 1980s at the then NTA Channel 7, Lagos

Babanginda celebrates life @76 in low key

Funmi Wakama

graduate of Mass Communication from Ogun State (now Moshood Abiola) polytechnic. She also attended the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and University of Abuja where she obtained a postgraduate Diploma Journalism and Mas-

ters in Public Administration respectively The glamorous lady whose years on television has paid off with her unique sense of fashion would turn 50 next year although she looks nothing close to that going by her youthful looking.

launch by the His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi.

The event was a rare one in view of the caliber of people in attendance and personalities that graced the occasion.

Among the dignitaries present were Royal fathers, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rtd Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo, His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, the Liberian Senate President, and some prominent sons and daughters of the Yoruba race.

This was a memorable day for some personalities who were honoured by the foremost Yoruba Oba. Honourable Odeneye Kehinde, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu and Ijebu-North East Federal Constituency was among those honoured by the Ooniriisa with the Award of Excellence as the Dis-

Hon. Odeneye

an award is given.

Nobody made any demand from me; a text message was sent to me and a follow- up in respect of the authenticity of the group existence was carried out by honoured, “my little effort in Ogun State is being recognized by a royal father of awardees to see the gesture and the award as a challenge for them to be It would be recalled that over 20,000

According to Odeneye Kehinde, “I have never met with the Ooni or any immensely from the Empowerment and of the event organizers before now, as Skill Acquisition programme organised characteristics of some organizations by Odeneye since 2014.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Society Gist L5

Ajibade Alabi

What is wrong with Jumoke Olowu and Haruna Danjuma?

Lara Oshiomole s unflinching humanity penchant

all effort to reconcile

Nigeria s former Minister

social media, Jumoke spoke of how she and her second daughter dead due to domestic

produced two children insinuations

that

couple whose marriage was engaged in 2011

person who is focused and understands life is

has impacted greatly on the personality of her

foreclosing any hopes of reconciliation

When society gathers for Ola Samuel

others is only a script they needed to act, the

Lara Oshiomole

Neo Phlames drops ‘Aramabada’ A fast rising musician named Adeniyi Adewoyin popularly known as Neo Phlames

to him while thinking of what he would

Ola Samuel

who in society and entertainment especially from kinds of thoughts come to my mind often

-

Neo

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt Announces ‘Jimmy’s Jump Off’ Abuja Edition

Goldberg Reiterates Commitment to Cultural Development, Announces Sponsorship of Cultural Festivals As part of efforts aimed at a continuous promotion of the culture and traditions of the people

Veteran disc jockey; DJ Jimmy Jatt has announced the upcoming edition

-

The show will mark the 9th edition plans to sponsor various cultural festivals across

successive run since 2008; and a direct follow-up to the previous edition

The

festivals,

which

Udiroko, Oranyan, Ojude kun, are scheduled to

widely respected DJ wrote on his

plans for the sponsorship, Emmanuel Agu, the -

values which are highly

eries Plc, said with the

sponsor of cultural fes-

is reiterating its commitment to supporting the ture and traditions, in line with its three-point agenda of culture, respect

way of displaying respect

These age-old festivals are among the ele-

-

Across

the

differwest where these fessponsorship positively impacts economic activities, apart from the colour, grandeur and enjoyment it adds to the

represent the norms and

AFRIMA 2017: Morocco, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria Indicate interest for Hosting Right

cially packaged for your amusement -

DJ Jimmy Jatt

Jimmy Jatt has further revealed sequence, DJ Kenny and several

with a list of some of the most highly sought-after industry acts who will

I often think of quitting music’ –Eva need to sort some things out personally and get some things off my ria have shown strong interest in hosting the -

-

push myself forward and continue to their interest through a competitive over-

times when it seems things are not

role of deciding on the hosting right in part-

Eva

has again shown interest to host the event for another term of three years as stated in

other activities such as make-up, it

events are immigration and visa application port and good land transportation system, venue infrastructure, hotels and hospitality facilities as well as adequate provision of unity, cooperation, interaction, partnerships and progress in the continent through the

who always encourage and motivate

of quitting rap has crossed Eva Alor-

the continent a world class programme of

young music African professionals as they -

-

ers and intellectual property persons to start works and infrastructure for an expanding

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Relastionship L7

Mutiat Alli

Things you do that frustrates Have you ever experienced the plight of not being understood? There are certain things you do in your relationship that can get your spouse frustrated and tired

point out 5 things you do consciously or unconsciously that tend to frustrate your spouse 1. Never listen

you have laid out or stated out your case in front of your

conducive for both you and your partner and listen as they

playing the role of his wife every day of his life, it

yourself and partner enjoy the relationship by playing are there for her and you are ready to help her through

relationship, Frustration is just around the corner, please save yourself the unnecessary stress and go Have you ever experienced the plight of not being later that you cant understand the guy or the girl in the

4

.

n you

are

always

nagging

or

tired of it, if not now, then very

and be understood and you can But nagging would just cause the

I hope we have been helpfully with these tips.

If you have any further questions or issues for discussion, be sure to hit me on allimutiat@yahoo.

Home Affairs L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Folarin Leonard

Simple morals you develop at home The saying word “Charity” in the saying, “charity begins at home” should be replaced with “Morals”.

Many simple morals you adapt to from home are being taken for granted. Proper practice and exhibit of these morals will do so much good in our beloved country. It will also save us embarrassment where Have you ever been pressed in public? Only to ears? Well, this mess is usually caused by ignorant men and boys who misdirect their manhood when urinating. You are supposed to pee “IN” the water closet, not pee “ON” it. Doing this at home may be excused, probably because you have a cleaner to do the chores but either ways, you would be wrong to continue this habit. Taking the nasty habit nice representation of you either. You will also be inconveniencing other users.

Another simple thing most people miss or sometimes, forget to do is “Flushing” after use.

There is a purpose for the Lever or button attached

this mess can irritate the next user especially at the responsible.

The “number 1” usually refers to “simple use of the convenience.” That is urinating and cleaning up. The “Number 2” refers to the serious business that seems to rare its head at odd hours. What can paragraph is to point out common habit people portray, that is, using conveniences for serious business (Pooping) when you go visiting people you home is part of the morning routine you follow while preparing to step out. When you wake up, use the rest room, take the time to release the waste in your body and clean up yourself.

thing. Some people are just quiet naturally and do not like saying “hello” or “good day” to people.

This is just a sign of curtesy. Good habits attract favours and possible assistance. Parents have always taught their children to greet older people and not just their parents when they wake up. We of every Nigerian culture These are few morals we tend to take for granted. They are things we take from home to the outside world. You may enjoy these habits but nevertheless, “Do not wash your dirty linens outside” is a saying we are familiar with.