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Onitsha:When a bridge

turns ‘extortion point’

tTraders lose millions, commuters lament gridlock

Asaba end of River Niger Bridge

2019: Buhari has no option than to re-contest, says Senate Leader 6

APC has derailed – Customs CG 5

Court fines el-Rufai, Police N40m for unlawful detention of Maikori 7

Alphonsus Nweze, Awka ÏÏÏWith the reconstruction of the Onitsha end of the Niger Bridge to Upper Iweka, most motorists and users of Onitsha Bridge heaved a sigh of relief that the persistent gridlock on the bridge, which has become a nightmare to the users of the bridge, will ease off.

And it did ease until in the last one year or thereabout when the Federal Government drafted soldiers to the both ends of the bridge, apparently to checkmate the seemly excesses of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

But apart from the soldiers, the Onitsha Bridge especially the Asaba end has become very attractive for security operatives, which apparently think that was the best place to track down suspected outlaws.

Even State and local Government revenue operators have found the place as the best portion to track down motorists. And Continued on page 6

My kind of man must be spiri-filled – Anita Joseph L2

2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

3

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

APC has derailed – Customs CG t 4BZT PG 1%1 NFNCFST JO #VIBSJ HPWU

Matthew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Comptroller Gen-

eral (CG) of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd), on Friday, said the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has derailed through the gradual loss of its core values, vision and mission, adding that the party was no longer doing whaat it promised to do.

The NCS boss stated this at an event organised by the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) in Abuja, adding that the party succeeded in taking power, has not been able to deliver most of the promises it made to the electorate.

His words: “We have won one battle by taking over power. But what we make of this power is very essential to us and to humanity. We must agree that we cannot finish our four years without delivering and leaving something to be remembered for in this country for a long time to come.

“We have no problem with our President because he is on course. But I must confess here that we have been infused by people who were not part

of this journey and these people are the ones that call the shot today. That is why we are derailing.

If we had the right people who had the vision and have been there in and out, I believe that we will not be going the way we are going today.”

“It is my belief that those of us who have been in the trenches all these years to get good governance will surely be sleeping with belly ache every day, especially in the recent past. Every day, when you wake up, there is a story that makes you shiver. We cannot, as a people who have fought and committed everything we had to bring this government to being sit back and allow things to happen the way they are happening.

“We are the ones that will be asked to account for what happened. Are we willing to face Nigerians and tell them that we have failed? I think this is the time for us to come together, create a system that is very robust enough to fight back and take back government in our hands and ensure that we deliver.”

Ali also said APC-led Federal Government was finding it difficult to move forward and achieve its

targets because it has 50 percent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in its government.

“Today, with all sense of responsibility, I want to say that we have 50 percent of PDP in our government. How can we move forward with this load?

How can we achieve our target with this load? It is a spoilt system and so.

When you come in, you shake off everybody and bring in your own. That is what democracy is all about.

“Today, we have members of PDP calling the shots. That is what we will

begin to fight for, we will fight for our right position, our vision and our mission for this government,” Ali said.

The Customs CG, who lamented that those who fought for the installation of the government of change were yet to be fully appreciated, said the BSO must get back to the trenches and champion the new battle for good governance.

He said: “I will, therefore, ask my colleagues of the BSO to go back to the study room. This is a commission, but it is also the beginning of the fight for good governance. We must

get back to the trenches, draw our own battle plan and battle line. I enjoined you that the same commitment we had in 2015, I employ you to bear with us and commit yourself to a better future for Nigeria.

We will be calling on you from now on and we will be working day and night.

“We must do so because we want to save our name and the name of the President for what he is doing. Our President is on course and all we need is to ensure that we support him.”

“We are the ones that will be asked to account for what happened. Are we willing to face Nigerians and tell them that we

5 News

have failed? I think this is the time for us to come together, create a system that is very robust enough to fight back and take back government in our hands and ensure that we deliver.”

Dignitaries that attended the event included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was represented at the occasion by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Musa Bello; Ministers of Defence, Niger Delta, Trade (State), Health (State), governors of Bauchi, Kogi and Plateau States, Senators Magmus Abe and Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, among other APC bigwigs.

FG to increase power generation to 20,000 MW – Minister ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government said on Friday that its plan to generate 20, 000 megawatts of electricity over the next four years was on course.

The Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri, gave the assurance in Funtua, Katsina State when he inaugurated a 132/33 KV transformer that would boost power supply to local governments in Katsina South by 200 percent.

He said that the government was replacing faulty transformers nationwide and installing new ones in order to ensure steady power supply to Nigerians.

Shehuri said that ongoing transmission rehabilitation and expansion programme would facilitate full utilisation of the more than 7000MW

of power currently available.

“Government is determined to provide safe, reliable and sustainable power supply to the citizenry,’’ the minister emphasised.

The 60MVA 132/33 KV power transformer project in Funtua, fully funded by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), was successfully energized on October 10.

The Minister also inaugurated a 40MVA 132/33KV mobile power transformer in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Earlier, TCN Managing Director, Usman Mohammed said efforts were on to complete the installation of power transformers scattered across the country using its engineers and other in-house staff.

R-L: Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Son of the deceased, Pastor Tola Odutola and his wife, Kofo, during the funeral service for Mrs. Margaret Odutola in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State... on Friday.

Court dismisses suit seeking to enforce MTN’s N1.04 tr fine Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce N1.040 trillion fine it initially imposed on MTN by Nigeria Communications Limited for failure to disconnect unregistered subscribers.

Hon Raphael Igbokwe and Emmanuel Njoku have filed the suit seeking an order of the court to

compel MTN to pay into the Federation Account the total sum of N1.04 tr being the fine imposed by NCC. The plaintiffs also prayed the court to compel NCC based on its Act to revoke the operation license of MTN Nigeria Ltd pending when it pay the fine.

Beside the NCC, MTN the plaintiffs also joined Attorney General of the Federation and the minister of Communication Technology as defendants.

Delivering judgment in the suit yesterday Justice Babatunde Quadri held that the preliminary objections raised by the respondents succeed because the plaintiffs have filed the suit out of time allowed by the Public Officer Protection Act. He said that the Public Officer Protection Act provision permits an aggrieved persons to challenge an action taken by public officer within 30 days. The plaintiffs have filed this action several months after the Attor-

ney General of Federation announced the reduction of N1.040 trillion fine to N700bn fine.

The judge also held that the plaintiff ’s suit (application) was out of step.

He said although, the NCC Act specifically stated that action can only be made through application ,there were caveat which the plaintiffs did not comply with, thus made their application incompetent.

Consequently, the court dismissed the suit based on the preliminary objection.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Onitsha:When a bridge turns ‘extortion point’

L-R: National Secretary, Children Accident Prevention Initiative (CAPI) , Mr. Atiku Ahmed; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture; Mrs. Grace Gekpe; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and National Coordinator of CAPI, Mr. Stephen Akunjobi, during the visit of a CAPI delegation to the Minister, in Abuja… on Friday.

Continued from page 1 so within a short distance between old toll gate to the bridge, one will see hoodlums blocking the road as revenue agents for the state, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Mobile and Regular Police, Road Safety personnel and then, the Army.

Each of these groups would stop motorists, heading to and from Onitsha, which halts vehicular movements and given the volume of traffic along the road, within seconds, traffic would build up. It is better imagined what happens when all these bodies stop vehicles.

The presence of all these bodies, which unfortunately turned the Asaba end of the bridge as an

“extortion point” has brought in its wake traffic gridlock, causing not only loss of man hours and huge revenue but also untold suffering to the users of the bridge.

Some users of the bridge who talked to The Daily Times said that the place has become “oil well” for these agencies who make the collection of money from every vehicle that passes through the bridge, especially commercial vehicles which pay between N200 and N1000 per a vehicle depending on the size of the vehicle and loads carried.

The bad portion of the road from Old Toll gate to bridge is also the cause of the traffic hold up. The frequent stoppage of the vehicle by these agencies as well as the road block mounted by the

military which almost took three quarter of the road were said to be the major cause of the persistent gridlock.

Consequently, motorists and traders plying the ever busy Onitsha Niger Bridge might be losing hundreds of millions daily. However, some believe there are more that meet the eyes in what is happening at the bridge, saying that economic sabotage of the economy of Onitsha, Anambra State and the South East in general cannot be ruled out.

This traffic gridlock on the bridge keeps motorists and road users at Asaba end of Niger Bridge several hours before they access Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial nerve centre.

Traders coming from the states

2019: Buhari has no option than to re-contest, says Senate Leader

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Bu-

hari has no option than to re-contest the presidential election in 2019 in view of his performance in the past two years, the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawal, has said.

Lawal stated this when he fielded questions from State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with Buhari in Abuja, on Friday.

The Senator, who is an official of the Buhari Support Group, said Nigerians had every justification to be happy with Buhari’s administration, saying that they would continue to identify and support the administration’s programmes.

His words: “Well, you know it is not enough to help in elections like most of us did. It important that we continue to support the President and his administration and as a group, across the

nation, this is what we will continue to do. We will continue to identify with and support all the programmes that this administration has set forward.

“And l believe that we have every justification to be happy because, the President campaigned on three major pillars of anticorruption, fighting the insecurity across the country and revitalising the economy of Nigeria.

“It has been a very, very good journey so far and also believes that Mr. President and Nigerians have a future beyond 2019. What he has started, by the grace of God, he should be able to complete, up to 2023.

“I also believe that the future is bright and by the grace of God, by 2019, we would have achieved so much in this administration and Mr. President will have no option but continue the good work he has started,’’ he said.

Sen. Abu Ibrahim, who is the leader of the Buhari Support Group, said the group was

an amalgamation of about 189 different support groups that worked Buhari and the APC to win the 2015 general election.

“We have been holding meetings, discussing the problems of this country. So, we thought it was high time we meet with the President to intimate him about the activities of the group.

“We discussed with him about the plans to improve the situation in Nigeria. Mr. President was very pleased with our programmes.’’

Ibrahim stated that the group did not discuss the forthcoming 2019 presidential election with the President.

According to him, the meeting only discussed the programmes of the organization and its challenges.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the efforts of various support groups working for the progress of his administration.

like Lagos, Ondo, Edo and Delta and those who reside in Asaba but work in Onitsha undergo hellish experience before they get to Onitsha, apart from several man-hour wasted on the gridlock with the attendant economic loss.

Sometimes, some persons who work in Onitsha prefer sleeping in hotels in Onitsha after the day’s hard work instead of going to stay several hours again on the bridge in the evening after a very horrible experience in the morning hours.

Traders who commute between Onitsha and Asaba also have not been finding it easy too because the traffic has shot up the cost of transport fare to between 100 and 500 percent. Most users of the expressway who spoke to The Daily Times blamed the Nigeria Army, Police, and personnel of Federal Road Safety Commission, revenue agents of Delta State as well as failed portion of the Expressway for the gridlock.

A bus driver, Emmanuel Iyare, who ply Benin-Asaba Road regularly, said although some failed sections of the road contributed to traffic hold-up on the bridge, the major blame must go to soldiers and policemen as well as FRSC personnel for constantly stopping vehicles to “extort money” from drivers.

Iyare said that the spots have become ‘oil well’ for security operatives and stopping them from that extortion will be difficult, except they entirely move out of the place.

He said from morning till night, the gridlock from Asaba end of the bridge builds up to Abraka Market, while that of Onitsha is a bit better apparently due to constant monitoring from 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha but as from 6pm, the Onitsha end traffic build up starts, when Police especially the red beret police join in for extortion, causing long traffic build-up on the bridge.

But Ignatius Okeke, a legal practitioner, who resides in Asaba but practices in Onitsha, expressed worry that security operatives would permanently mount road blocks on an expressway leading to a major commercial towns, saying that the whole thing smacks of deliberate sabotage of the economy of Onitsha and Ndigbo in general.

He wondered why Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, his Anambra State counterpart, Chief Willie Obiano and other well-meaning stakeholders will keep mute over this dangerous development.

The legal practitioner called on President Muhammed Buhari to direct the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Inspector-General of Police as well as the Corps Marshal of FRSC to call to order their officers and men by allowing free flow of traffic in the area.

He said it was unfortunate that whenever there was traffic hold up, the Road Safety personnel

whose duty is to clear the traffic will disappear.

“It is only the Police from Fegge Division in Onitsha that sometimes help to clear the Bridge apparently due to the dedication of Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Rabiu Garba,” he said.

He also said that the constant traffic hold up was a reminder to political leaders especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled Federal Government to urgently commence the construction of Second Niger Bridge since it will reduce traffic on the existing bridge.

The immediate past president of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), Uche Apakama, said the Chamber had consistently advocated the compelling need for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge since that is the only viable option for the current traffic situation on the bridge.

He said the immediate past Government had awarded contract for the bridge on Public Private Partnership (PPP), but the present government seemed not to be comfortable continuing with the contract.

Apakama said it was heartening that the APC has started talking about the bridge again but appealed that the Federal Government should once and for all construct the bridge to address the chaotic traffic situation on the existing bridge.

He said pending when the second bridge will come on stream, the security outfits operating on the bridge should carry out their duties with human face and without obstructing traffic.

The Public Relation Officer of the umbrella market body in Anambra State, Mr. Vin Ifeme, toed similar line, asserting that the absence of second bridge was the major cause of traffic holdup on the existing bridge, arguing second Niger bridge would have eased the congestion of the bridge.

He said: “The second Niger Bridge is very important but they have been politicising it. And it is not as if they don’t know its importance. They know it, I mean our leaders. Jonathan started it but it was stopped. The way they are going about it makes us believe that they have left undone because we are Igbos. If it is elsewhere, they would have completed the bridge long time ago. It is one of those marginalisation we are talking about”.

Therefore to end the persistent traffic congestion traffic congestion, the Federal Government should desist from further politicking with the second Niger Bridge and immediately commence its construction. But in the interim, there is no need for any security operative on the bridge, hence all the road blocks should be dismantled with immediate effect.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

News 7

Court fines el-Rufai, Police N40m for unlawful detention of Maikori ÏÏÏThe Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday awarded the total sum of N40 millio, jointly and severally against Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna and the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police for unlawfully detaining Audu Maikori.

The fine is an award in favour of Maikori as a compensation and general damage which he incurred while in detention.

The award is part of orders made by Justice John Tsoho in a judgment of a N21billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Audu Maikori against the Inspector General of Police; Kaduna State Commissioner of Police; Kaduna State Governor, and the Attorney General of the state.

In the suit, Maikori, the Chief

Executive Officer of Chocolate City Entertainment, had challenged his arrest and detention by the police over a tweet he made on his tweeter handle.

Maikori was first arrested in Lagos on February 17, 2017 and detained for 24 hours in Abuja on allegations of posting “inciting” materials on the Internet.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai had pledged to ensure Maikori’s prosecution for allegedly circulating inflammatory materials capable of exacerbating the deadly conflict in Southern Kaduna.

In the tweet, Maikori had allegedly posted that some Southern Kaduna students were killed by Fulani herdsmen.

He later apologised, saying his driver misinformed him.

Out of 25 reliefs sought by Maikori, the court granted 14 and refused the others.

Delivering judgement on Friday, Justice Tsoho ordered the respondents, jointly and severally to pay the applicant the sum of N10m only as compensation for the violations of the applicant’s right to personal liberty as enunciated in Section 35(6) of the 1999 Constitution for the loss of his business earnings while in detention.

The court also ordered the respondents to pay jointly and severally, as general damages, the sum of N10m only for injury to character, self-reputation, business reputation, esteem, proper feeling of pride of the applicant, his staff, management and the applicant’s other international

business concerns.

In addition, Justice Tsoho granted an order for payment of damages in the sum of N20m only for injury to health, for medical bills being incurred by the applicant in treating himself and for psychological damage done on the applicant.

The court awarded N1430 as cost of suit as well as 10% interest per annum on damages until total and final liquidation of same.

It was the view of Justice Tsoho that following the tweet on the social media, the applicant (Maikori) has made himself liable to be arrested, even though he realised that he was misinformed by his driver.

“I hold the respectful view that by virtue of his act, the ap-

plicant made himself liable to be deprived of his personal liberty,” the court stated.

The court noted that an arrest made by the police upon reasonable suspicion of commission of a crime is lawful.

However, the court warned that the judgment “is in respect of the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the applicant.

“The judgement is without prejudice for the offences that the applicant is standing trial.

“The judgement will serve as a lesson to law enforcement agencies, they should discharge their duties in accordance with constitutional requirements, and not discharging their duties with impunity, the Judge ruled.

Court fixes Nov 10 for ruling on Evans’ application to quash fresh charges ÏÏÏMr.

Olukoya Ogungbeje, counsel to the alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a Evans, on Friday urged an Igbosere High Court on Lagos Island to quash a fresh charge filed against Evans by the Lagos State Government.

He called it an abuse of court processes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evans was brought to court on two separate charges.

In the first charge, Evans was docked with one Victor Aduba on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

They were accused of conspiring and kidnapping Mr Sylvanus Hafia.

In the second charge, Evans was docked with three other defendants — Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze, and Udeme Upong for a seven-count charge bordering on murder, attempt to commit murder, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

During Ogungbeje’s argument, he told the court that his application was brought pursuant to Section 55 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2015 and Sections 36 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution.

He said in the first charge which contained four-counts, “the first and second counts which border on alleged kidnapping, constituted gross abuse of court’s process because the defendant had been charged with same offence before Justice Hakeem Oshodi in Ikeja.

Ogungbeje also brought the issue of counts three and four, bordering on unlawful possession of firearms, saying that there was repetitions of same offence on both counts.

He said unlawful possession of firearms which the defendants were being tried for is a federal offence which should be prosecuted

by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

“We have checked through the court’s processes to see if there is a fiat from the AGF, authorising Lagos State to prosecute a federal offence, there is none,” Ogungbeje said.

He also argued in the same manner regarding the second charge which bordered on sevencount charge of murder, attempt to commit murder, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

Ogungbeje said counts one, two and three were based on murder, adding that before murder could be sustained, there must be evidence to prove that someone was killed.

Other counsel representing the other defendants, Mr Emmanuel Ochai, and Ogedi Ogu, however, agreed with the submissions of Ogungbeje.

However, Ogu, who represented the third defendant, Chiemeka Arinze, asked the court to remand the defendants in prison to enable Arinze to get medical help.

The Prosecutor, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, however, urged the court to dismiss all the arguments made by the defendant’s counsel.

She said that there was no abuse of court process in the way the case was instituted because a count should contain only one offence.

She said that the co-defendants in the case, the time and place the offences were committed should also be taken into cognizance while drafting a charge.

Shitta-Bey also said that the prosecution had the fiat of the AGF, adding that the fiat was a general fiat obtained in January and it is attached to the prove of evidence.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, however, remanded the defendants in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons and adjourned the case until Nov. 10 for ruling on the application.

L-R: Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo; Executive Director, Investments, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd (SIPML), Mr. Oladele Sotubo; Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga; Head, Business Development, SIPML, Mrs. Nike Bajomo and Senior Manager, South-West Zonal Office, National Pension Commission, Mr. Ogedengbe Olarenwaju, at an employers’ forum organised by SIPML in Lagos… on Friday.

PANDEF kicks against disruption of elders’ meeting by security agents Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏLeaders of the Niger Delta op-

erating under the aegis of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF, have described as unbelievable and unacceptable, the disruption of their meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday by security operatives in Rivers State.

In an 11-point communiqué signed by its national Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, and read by its coordinating secretary, Alfred Molade, at the end of its 4th general meeting held at the Hotel Presidential, PANDEF condemned the attitude of the Federal Government towards elders of the Niger Delta region.

The body stated in the communiqué that it was disrespectful of government to allow security agents to block the meeting slated to be attended by highly respected elders of the Niger Delta.

The communiqué read in part: “This is more disturbing when it is known that meetings of this na-

ture by leaders of other geopolitical zones such as Arewa Consultative Forum, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, and the likes have never in the history of this country been subjected to such humiliation and show of high-handedness.”

The 11-point communiqué issued by PANDEF General Assembly also announced the constitution of a 12-man committee of zoning of offices and 6-man electoral committee for elections into positions within PANDEF in the forthcoming election.

Mr. Alfred Molade, the coordinating Secretary of PANDEF, on the sideline, described the disruption of the meeting as insensitive and an intervention after the resumption of hostility by militants in the Niger Delta region which has led to Nigeria’s increased oil output.

He said: “The general Assembly considers the attempt by the agencies of the Federal government to forcefully stop such a high level gathering of leaders of the Niger Delta region as totally unaccept-

able and a very disturbing precedence in our democratic evolution and flouting of our constitutional rights of peaceful assembly and free movement.

Meanwhile, the national leader of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, has said that leaders of the Niger Delta would not be intimidated by threats from the Federal Government to stop it from demanding justice from the people of the region.

“No government can stop us peacefully demanding the attention needed by our region. I also apologise to all of you that were not able to go to the hotel, Atlantic Hall of Presidential Hotel for the meeting. Even to enter the hotel was impossible because they sealed everywhere. That was what happened. We said we can go on with the meeting on your behalf,” the elder statesman said.

Another member of PANDEF, Don Doyega, dismissed insinuations in certain quarters that ex-militants did not have trust in PANDEF.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Obaseki, Fayemi, Onyema discuss Nigeria Ugwuanyi promises to make Enugu tourism hub investment opportunities at LSE Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏAs

more transnational companies, multilateral organisations and several trade missions swell the numbers and ranks of participants in the maiden edition of Alaghodaro Investment Summit, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was at the London Stock Exchange on Friday to speak to companies listed on the London bourse about the investment opportunities that abound in the state.

Also at the London event are the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema and the Director General of the Debt Management Office, Ms Pa-

tience Oniha, who presented data to show Nigeria’s way to recovery after exiting economic recession.

At a panel session entitled “The Nigerian Opportunity,” Obaseki who first came to the London Stock Exchange 30 years ago, took his audience of global business leaders through the opportunities in Agro processing, mining, infrastructure, education and healthcare amongst other sectors in the state..

According to the governor, Alaghodaro Investment Summit is part of his administration’s drive to open up the state for more foreign and local investments and build a modern and progressive Edo state where every citizen is empowered with opportunity to live life in its fullness.

His detailed and insight-

Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor

Fayemi ful presentation elicited the positive responses from the London Stock Exchange and international business leaders

who assured that they would attend the Alaghodaro Summit in Benin City holding from November 10-12.

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has reiterated his administration commitment and resolve to make Enugu State a tourism hub within the West African region.

Ugwuanyi made this known at the 2017 edition of Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), holding in Enugu.

The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Rita Mba, said that state government was doing all it could to attract tourism investors into the state.

He expressed gratitude to the organizers for sustaining their vision of ensuring that art is promoted in Enugu

State.

The Executive Director of LIMCAF, Kevin Ejiofor, thanked the state government for recognizing the importance of art in promoting culture and tourism.

Ejiofor encouraged the participating artists to sustain their vision.

The Art Director of LIMCAF, Ayo Adeyemi, said the out of 200 art works that were submitted by artists 100 of them, which suit’s the required standard, were selected and displayed.

Adeyemi also noted that apart from cash prizes that would be giving to winners, four of the participating artists that would emerge winners in the grand finale would be sponsored to Dakar, Senegal, for exhibition.

NDDC reaffirms support for health, education and development of Niger Delta region Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe

Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has re-stated its resolve to always intervene in the critical sectors of health and education in line with its mandate for the development of the Niger Delta region.

The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State, led by Dr Joseph Okegbe, the Medical Director.

Senator Ndoma-Egba underlined the importance of health and education in the affairs of any nation, assuring that the NDDC would step up its contributions in those areas. “Fortunately for us, health is part of the core mandate of the NDDC,” he said.

The NDDC Chairman said that he was familiar with the challenges facing the neuropsychiatric hospital and promised that the Commission would assist as much as possible in addressing them.

He said: “Time has come for us to do more in the health sector. We must do more in health and education. We cannot do that without providing basic infrastructure in these areas.

“The main resource of any nation is human beings and for the human beings to be a resource not a curse, they must be healthy, educated and motivated. Indeed, the real resource of any nation is the education of its young people. If you want to invest in a nation, education of the youths is the best option.”

The Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr Joseph Okegbe, acknowledged the fact that NDDC was an intervention agency and therefore, could not solve all the problems in the health sector. He said, however, that the hospital was urgently in need of assistance in the area of power supply, internal roads and accommodation.

L-R: Legal Director/Company Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Odusola; Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Savage; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Ndegwa and Non-Executive Director, Mr. Ronald Plumridge, all of Guinness Nigeria Plc at the 67th Annual General Meeting in Abuja… on Wednesday.

We are backing Obaze for Obi - Abia group

Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

Abia state indigenes resident in Anambra state have vowed to use their votes and network of contacts to work for the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, to emerge the winner of Anambra state Governorship contest in November 18, 2017.

The Coordinator of Abia indigenes resident in Anambra State, Chief Amechi Ukoro, stated this after their general meeting in Awka the State capital. He stated that their decision to back Obaze

was hinged on the attitude of the incumbent Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who abandoned them after they had worked for his vic-

tory in 2013 governorship election.

The Coordinator said the group in 2013 printed handbills and posters free of charge which they personally handed over to Obiano at Aguleri stadium in the presence of his predecessor, Chief Peter Obi, the former national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, Joe Martins Uzodike, who was his campiagn directorgeneral.

He said since then each time they visited Obiano, they would not allow them to see him both in Aguleri and in Awka, saying “ we still have remnants of the handbills and posters”

“So, we believe he don’t need our support and that is why we have decided in this election to back Obaze. We have resolved to work to ensure that Abia people in Anambra state vote for Oseloka Obaze in this election, who we are meant to understand will work tirelessly like Obi to develop Anambra state” said the Coordinator.

Ukoro said if Obi whose records beat that of his predecessors and other states in the South East would endorse Obaze, it followed therefore that he has something in him that will help to take Anambra state to the next level.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Politics Charles Onyekwere and Moses Oyediran, Enugu Controversy is brewing in Enugu State in the local government election fixed for November 4, following the mass disqualification of chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the opposition political parties by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) and the verbal reversal of the disqualification by the Chairman of the Commission Mr Mike Ajogwu (SAN).

Except for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), registered opposition political parties in the state were complaining that their members have been disqualified for unknown reasons and are demanding the postponement of the exercise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) said at least two of her chairmanship candidates and about 71 councillorship candidates have been disqualified in her strongholds in the state. Other opposition parties including the All progressive Grand Alliance (APGA); United Progressive Party (UPP); Labour Party (LP); Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) and others are also complaining.

One of the opposition parties’ chairman in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, who alleged that the Peoples Democrat party (PDP) has targeted APC’s stronghold, to disqualify its candidates as against their understanding with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi that there would be level playing ground for all political parties.

Following their candidates’ disqualification, the party said it has assembled a team of lawyers currently studying the situation, and would advise on the next action to take saying that in the interim, that the ENSIEC chairman should resign, for his action in breach of the electoral law by disqualifying their candidates.

Nwoye also accused ENSIEC chairman, Mr Mike Ajogwu (SAN) of being a card-carrying member of the PDP, adding that the ruling party in the state intimidated other opposition parties, because of their campaign and ability to field quality candidates in the 260 electoral wards and 17 local government areas across the state.

APC in a statement obtained by The Daily Times in Enugu after the party’s stakeholders meeting, and signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Mrs Kate Ofor, highlighted the areas their candidates were disqualified, “A cursory glance and to mention a few – Udi Agbudu, target, Chief Sullivan Chime; Eke ward, target, Mr Osita Okechukwu; Obinagu Udi, target, the National vice Chairman of APC, South-East, Chief Emma Eneukwu; Aguobu Owa, Eziowa ward 2, target, Barr. Joe Mamel; Aniri Local Government Areas 7 councillorship candidates, target, Group Captain Joe Orji (rtd).

“The irony of it is that no single PDP person has been disqualified which means that in the judgement of ENSIEC chairman, Mr Ajogwu, they are all saints.”

Ofor, therefore, warned “that failure to reinstate our candidates before the election, APC will not only head to court, but will explore other legitimate avenue to stop this crass illegality ; especially going by the extant laws that

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Results of November 18 Anambra governorship elections will shock Nigerians – Ojiba–P.10 & 11

9

Rivers APC LG chairmen pledge loyalty to Amaechi–P.12

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GOV. UGWANYI

no electoral body under our constitution, ENSIEC inclusive, has the power to disqualify any candidate fielded by a political party.”

Ogbuagu Anikwe, the Enugu State Commissioner for Information, has said in a statement that the information available to the state government from ENSIEC, was that the APC candidates were disqualified because they failed to provide their tax clearance to the electoral body.

Anikwe therefore, dismissed the allegations by APC that Ugwuanyi had encouraged ENSIEC to disqualify its members, saying that the governor has always been a man of peace and has given his word; to ensure credible conduct of the local government election in the state.

For alleged bias in the conduct of the election, a coalition of 35 political parties in the state during the week, asked the electoral body ENSIEC, to without further delay postpone the poll or they would seek legal redress in court.

Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Adonys Igwe, who led the parties on a protest march to the commission’s headquarters in the state, accused the Commission of flouting its own rules to favour the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The coalition also demanded the sack of the Commission’s members and its Chairman, Mike Ajogwu, accusing them of compromising in their responsibilities, while dismissing the non-payment of tax, which the electoral body gave as a reason for disqualifying some of them, adding “Only people who are working could be taxed.”

According to Igwe; “They disqualified all our candidates, including the ones in Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s

DR. NWOYE

The APC chairman further hinted that the ENSIEC chairman has given verbal approval to all the candidates who were earlier disqualified over their inability to provide evidence of tax payment to participate in the election, but insisted that those who did not attend the commission’s screening exercise with cogent reason stands disqualified. ward whom we believed were capable of winning the election. They did not tell us why they did it, but we knew it was because they didn’t want any challenge.

“By this action, the commission’s members have proved that they are card- carrying members of the PDP. Before the disqualification of our candidates, they were asked to make certain payments, until the court stopped it,” he said.

However, there may have been some respite in the camp of the opposition as ENSIEC has reversed itself on the disqualification of candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and other opposition candidates in the forthcoming November 4 local government election in the state.

The decision for the reversal followed intense pressure from opposition parties and other stakeholders in the state.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting between ENSIEC and stakeholders of opposition parties at the commission’s office, the state chairman of the APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye applauded the chairman of ENSIEC, Chief Mike Ajogwu (SAN) for shifting ground.

But Nwoye added that there were still issues that needed to be resolved and advised ENSIEC not to allow itself to be used to commit illegality.

The APC chairman further hinted that the ENSIEC chairman has given verbal approval to all the candidates who were earlier disqualified over their inability to provide evidence of tax payment to participate in the election, but insisted that those who did not attend the commission’s screening exercise with cogent reason stands disqualified.

“ENSIEC has no legal power to screen candidates sponsored by political parties,” he maintained.

He argued that ENSIEC did not follow due process or its guidelines in disqualifying the said candidates.

“From every indication, the ENIEC chairman is acting under pressure, this commission is bent on exercising the powers they don’t have,” he said.

Nwoye said it was unfortunate that ENSIEC went ahead to disqualify candidates of the opposition parties with Temporal Voters Card, TVC but cleared candidates of the PDP that have same card.

The APC chairman disclosed that the party’s legal team was already studying the developments for possible legal options.

He advised ENSIEC chairman to do the needful to avoid legal action that is capable of embarrassing his hard earned reputation as a senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Results of November 18 Anambra governorship elections will shock Nigerians – Ojiba Comrade Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba is the governorship candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) in the November 18, 2017 election in Anambra State. An indigene of Onitsha in Anambra North Senatorial District,Ojiba is a senior member at the Institute of Public Diplomacy and was a Staff Officer General of Customs at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos State, until recently. In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE he speaks on his carrier with the Customs, state of affairs in Anambra and why he wants to replace Governor Willie Obiano in the Anambra Government House.

You only recently retired from the Nigerian Customs Service, how was life as an officer?

In my service to the nation through the Nigeria Customs Service, I’ve been opportune to administer as a Staff Officer General of Customs in Tin Can Island Port of all places.

Anybody that knows Customs and their administration should know that Tin Can used to be a very difficult terrain, but I happened to work with Area Comptrollers, especially the last person I worked with, Comptroller Yusuf Bashir, who happened to be one good administrator, and I learnt a lot of things.

Those things I thought I knew better, when I started working closely with him, I got a lot of improvement and we were able to team up to make Tin Can what it is today no more everyday riot. I was in that position until I retired last September 1.

Was it by voluntary retirement?

Statutorily, after 35 years of service. Not only in Tin Can that I worked. Other places I worked include Onne, my profile still speaks.

At Lillypond and even in that Maiduguri that I stayed for four years, it was another thing. My profile is there for anybody to go and see. I happen to work in an organisation that because of the old perception requires a lot of reforms. In fact, at the inception of the last CGC, whom I respect so well, he improved on Customs on daily basis.

In revenue, the records are there. Initially, people will think that the organisation collects money to put in their pockets. But when they started coming, even the National Assembly, some of them are still ignorant on the collection of Customs revenue. People believe that the Custom Service is one of the most corrupt organizations, where people go in to just steal money?

But duties are collected electronically.

Every single kobo that is collected goes directly to the Federal Treasury. You don’t

COMRADE OJIBA

They are competing among themselves who has the largest crowd.

The same people rented by different political parties. Politics has long passed the age of rallies and sharing of cups of rice to electorates.

The electorates have become wiser. I can confidently tell you that our political structure will deliver in Anambra State; that is why the outcome of the November 18 governorship election will shock the world, because ACPN will defeat what people now call the big parties in Anambra State. have anywhere to collect money and put in your pocket.

Though there are areas where an officer may overlook certain procedures, but there are equally checks and balances. We have in the job Internal Audit Departments, and Headquarters Audit.

All these people, all the job you do are watched either in Abuja or somewhere else, somebody is watching the job, and when they bring you in as an officer and give you the record of all the jobs you have done for the past years, you will baffle.

If you are giving a duty payment of N300, 000 on a consignment and a similar consignment comes and you give a duty of N200, 000, the records are all there. They will record, and when they show you the records, you will start weeping.

So, it’s an organisation I am proud to have passed through and I’m sure with time, they will get to where others are in the World Customs Organisation are. In fact, everywhere you are in the World Custom Organisation, Nigeria is rated very high. They have very intelligent officers. I’m happy to have passed through that organisation and that’s why I will always put it in my profile that I passed through the Nigerian Customs Service.

You retired last September and here you are running for an office as high as the Number 1 citizen of Anambra State.

What is the motivation?

Actually, I will tell you that the project is a divine one. Divine in the sense that this is me going to retire first day of September and this is a party, though I have sympathy for the party while in the service because of their programmes, which I have seen before now. But my retirement coincided with the period of their primaries. There were two other aspirants, but majority of the delegates and the party leadership in Anambra supported me. One of the leaders even paid for my expression of interest form.

We went to Abuja, collected the form and he dished out the cheque, I was surprised.

So, on the day of the primaries, the two other aspirants were there but one of them stepped down, and I defeated the other. We have about 153 delegates from the 21 local governments, everybody shouted Ojiba!

Ojiba!! Ojiba!!! That was how I emerged as the flag-bearer of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

We know there are moneybags in the Nigerian political system and many of them have been coming, with my souring popularity, asking me how do you want to go about it? How do you want to prosecute this?

Are you sure you have the means? But as I usually tell them, it’s not about me having the means, this project is a divine one and I know that we must get to where God wants us to be.

The terrain is very rough, but I’m a faithful Christian. Even within the system,

many have come, some will want to give you something that you will eat and you will be strong, that is nothing, even bullet, will enter your system. But I said to them, I did not eat such things for my 35 years in the Customs Service and was standing on the road all those years and nothing happened to me, is it in the political terrain that things will start happening? But they insisted, ‘it is dangerous o’. But I said to them, ‘forget it’, the Lord, the good God I worship will equally see me through this and I don’t need to do that. Some will even come and would want to administer oath on you.

These are the things you see in politics that at times, people like us will look at the system and say there must be change. We need real change. So, we need change in our attitude, approach, and in everything we do.

Like I said few days ago, when I was growing up, there was water everywhere. There was Water Board. What happened to this Water Board? What happened to the pipes that were laid on the ground then? Why is there no water?

Why is it that if you don’t have money for borehole, you will suffer before getting water? And the funniest thing is that our big men in leadership move round the planet and everywhere they go to, in Europe, Asia and other places, they see that things are working. They see discipline; they see accountability. But why is our own different?

Go to London, the gas you use, is piped to the house. The water you need is piped to your house. The electricity is also piped to the house. So, what have we been doing over here? Is there no money for all these things?

Are there not budgets for them?

We have internally generated revenue and we have federal allocation. Is it that it is not enough to do all these things? What will somebody do with N20 billion in his account when his neighbour next door and his children are suffering. The man next door, you see him that he looks very wretched and he is living next to you and you are happy having N20 billion in your account shuttling from one country to another, is it life? Is it what will make you happy? And these big men live in perpetual fear in the midst of these same people.

Today, they are all talking of security, security, security, and I said security that will make me not to visit my neighbours? People will come and write names to see me. Well, if it is Nigerian situation, when we get to the time of security, I will know. The masses will be my security by God’s grace.

Some people may think that you are saying this because you are seeking an elective office. They are used to hearing politicians talk like this. How have you touched the lives of the ordinary people to justify your position?

Thank you very much. You start from people around you. All around me today, in my village, in my working place, any place I have lived, my relationship with the people speaks very loud and clear.

How you know that you are truly doing well is when people around you are happy.

In any place I stepped into, in any function I stepped into in my village, you will see the young ones, the old, everybody carries chair just to make sure that one is comfortable.

Some of them will even stand to even guard you. That is enough for me; that is what has made me know that I have touched many lives and that I am well accepted. Even as I was retiring in September, some group called me – “Oga Ojiba, what do we do? What CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28 2017

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), In Ogun State, Omo Oba Aderibigbe Adeleke Tella, has promised to create 6,000 jobs in the agro allied sector within his first 100 days in office if voted into power.

Addressing a mammoth crowd made up of residents and party supporters at the launching of Omo Oba Tella Food foundation in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government of Ogun State, he said that job creation especially in the agro allied and creative arts sector is part of his strategy to end hunger and poverty in the state.

Explaining further, he said that the first batch of 3,000 jobs will be in form of financial and material support for young farmers to embark on farming through the granting of loans while the other 3,000 jobs will be in form of support of financial and infrastructural incentives for start up young entrepreneurs in the creative arts and allied industry.

To achieve the set goals in agriculture and producing food for local consumption and export, he said his government will tap into the strategic support being offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the collaborative efforts of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan which is developing new and improved methods which enriched staple crops with Vitamin A to produce bio-fortified crops.

“It is interesting to note that bio-fortification reaches rural communities with intervention programmes such as supplement and fortification,” adding that “through this approach we can help 1000

11 Politics

OGUN 2019: Tella promises 6,000 jobs, 1000 millionaires in 1000 days ..Says ‘I’ll eradicate hunger and poverty in Ogun’

ADERIBIGBE ADELEKE TELLA

farmers become millionaires under 36 months.”

He added that, “agriculture is our chief project and with major roads presently being constructed all over the state and many more that we will construct in our time, especially in the rural areas, we believe

that we will complete the magic of the Rebuilding mission and help Ogun State vie for the no 1 position in sustainable food production in Nigeria.

“We know exactly what to do to achieve these great feats in agro allied industries in order to in-

crease our revenue generating base and improve the lot of the common man through further investment in infrastructures all over the state as is being done by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun administration,” he declared.

On the field of education, he promised that his team will use the new model schools just constructed all over the state to achieve the crucial needs of the state through a new scheme tagged Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM).

Omo Oba Tella revealed that his team has done extensive research on education and have discovered that, “with what is on ground now in Ogun State, the state will be first among equal if we can engage the big industries and SMEs, because we know that technical education is a winner and provider of jobs any day.”

He also promised to fully pursue and further implement the master plan for the development of the state as conceived in 1976, but which is just being implemented by the present administration of Governor Amosun who he said, “has taken the bull by the horn to actualise the dream of the state founding fathers like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bisi Onabanjo.

Among those who graced the occasion are Alhaji Wahab Adesina, the chairman of Yewa South Local Government of the APC, women leaders and national delegates as well as special advisers to the state governor.

November 18 Anambra governorship elections will shock Nigerians CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

do we do as you are going? I said to them that the officer that is taking over from me is a good officer, work with him as you worked with me. But they said, “eeh, can anybody be like you?” I said many people like me are there in the Service, don’t worry.

Our happiness should not be from how much we have, but from how many lives we have impacted positively. It’s not my own making; it’s the Lord’s making. Let me take my family for example. When we were growing, we saw a lot of family wrangling; brother against brother, and problems all over the place, but when we grew up, many people wanted to champion their own course. But I said no. I looked at my family and said we cannot move forward with all these wrangling and that the best approach is to unify all of them. I started calling for meetings and we started dialoguing. Today, if you go to my village, to my family, you will see things for yourself. My uncle, who was born in 1929, about 88 years now, was still in Lagos. I called him and said you have to come back home. Why are you in Lagos?

Come back and help as a father. I made sure that I put up an abode, a place for him to come down and he’s back to town now. And this is a very senior civil servant that worked

with the Ministry of Communication and rose to Director Level before he retired. And because he had no place to live down home, he had to stay in Lagos, but today he’s back home.

So, what I’m trying to say in effect is that you have to start with touching peoples’ lives wherever you are. It is not about how much you have; it’s about change of attitude to life.

Start from your neighbours, start from your family.

In all my contributions, I don’t look at just my nuclear family, but the larger family.

That is why I am not afraid to live among my people. I have cordial relationship with my people, both the ones that were not in good terms with my father when he was alive and the ones that are in good terms with him.

We all live together now very happily and I’m sure they are all happy with me.

So, I will carry the same virtue of one happy family to the larger Anambra State as the governor of the state. One divine thing is that I belong to Anambra in general, because my paternal grandmother is from Nnibo-Awka and my maternal grandmother is from Nsugbe, that is, Tony Nwoye’s place.

We will carry our campaign to Nsugbe, Nibo, to everywhere, in fact, all over Anambra State. I have in-laws in Osimowo, Okija, etcetera. So, I belong to Anambra, fully

Anambra and I’m sure where we are going to is a divine project. I retired on September 1, took flag of a party on September 2nd. Is it not mysterious?

There are big political parties in this governorship election, what are your chances?

Big parties?

Yes, there is APGA, PDP, APC and others?

They are self-acclaimed big parties. They are contesting in this election, but none of them can stand a chance in a free and fair election in this state. The people are already tired of the impoverishment by the ruling APGA government. So, nobody is talking of APGA in this election.

The same is goes with the PDP, because the PDP is in disarray in Anambra State.

And when you talk of APC, they are not existing anywhere on ground in this state.

The people at the grassroots, who are going to vote on November 18, don’t know them.

They have long rejected the broom. So, the only alternative choice for the people is Comrade Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba, and come November 18, we all shall see that the people have made their choice. I tell you this because we have taken our time to reach out

to the electorates. All along, we have been at the grassroots working, while some of the self-acclaimed big political parties are contesting the election on pages of the newspapers and holding rallies with hired crowd.

They are competing among themselves who has the largest crowd. The same people rented by different political parties. Politics has long passed the age of rallies and sharing of cups of rice to electorates. The electorates have become wiser. I can confidently tell you that our political structure will deliver in Anambra State; that is why the outcome of the November 18 governorship election will shock the world, because ACPN will defeat what people now call the big parties in Anambra State.

Most importantly, it may interest you to know that I am the only candidate in this election that has the three Senatorial zones as my hometown. Let me explain: Anambra Central is where my paternal grandmother is from. She is from Nibo and that is where I have most of my friends. In Anambra South, an Azia man, in Ihiala Local Government, is my in-law. They are marrying my sister there and I have many friends there too beside my in-laws. Onitsha in Anambra North is my hometown. So, you can see that I am not only on ground in the state but at home in all the senatorial district.

12 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28. 2017

Rivers APC LG chairmen pledge loyalty to Amaechi Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The forum of Rivers State Local Government Council Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have pledged their unflinching and unalloyed loyalty to the party under the chairmanship of Chief (Dr) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya (JP) and to the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation.

In a press conference in Port Harcourt, the forum said that the support was in furtherance to the ongoing efforts towards rebuilding and repositioning the state chapter of the party into a formidable brand for the purpose of winning the 2019 elections and beyond.

During the press conference addressed by the chairman of the Forum, Hon. Gift Igoma Loveday (Abua/Odual), he condemned what they described as the unbecoming behaviour and tendencies of some of their leaders and members who were exhibiting “unbridled and ambition-driven disobedience” to the collective decision to rebuild/reposition the party before anything else.

Hon. Loveday said: “Particularly, we condemn the activities of members of a nebulous group called M30 who have recently announced themselves to be APC stakeholders. We are critical stakeholders of our party that cannot be excluded from important decisions like endorsement of a governorship candidate in the state. Therefore, any such endorsements

SEN. ABE

are null and void.

“Whereas we recognise the freedom of our party men and women to pursue our different ambitions and preferences, all such pursuits and endeavours must conform to laid-down party rules, regulations and directives. We make bold to kindly appeal to Distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe to rein in his supporters who are displaying uncontrollable impudence, insult and outright disobedience to the party’s constituted

PDP, APGA fault inauguration of LGA officials in Nasarawa Augustine Kuza, Lafia

Confusion trails Nasarawa State as opposition parties in the state has dismissed the recent appointment of Interim Management Committee Chairmen (IMC) and members by the state government.

The opposition parties which includes; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) rejected the appointment in separate interviews with newsmen in Lafia.

They both explained that the manner in which 11 IMCs Chairmen and 148 Members were screened by the House of Assembly and inaugurated by the governor on the same day was suspicious.

According to the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the PDP, Mohammed Bwala, and APGA chairman Musa Saidu both said the announcement for the appointment was done on Monday 23, screened by Assembly and inaugurated by the governor the same day which was 24 October, 2017.

The PRO added that, as far as the PDP is concerned, any appointment of people under whatever name is illegal and unconstitutional.

“Our party would not accept anything short of what is contained in the constitution as regard to the status of people to manage the affairs at the local government level.

“The constitution only recognise elected officials to manage the affairs of LGAs, so this appointment is illegal and whatever the officials would do would amount to illegality,” he added.

Bwala revealed that in 2016, a High Court in the state had declared the appointment of LGAs officials’ illegal and or-

GOV. AL-MAKURA

dered the government to conduct election within 140 days from the day the judgment was delivered.

On his part, Musa Saidu, APGA Chairman in the state called on the state governor to respect court order and conduct LG election.

“As the Chief Security Officer in the state, Governor Umaru Al-Makura should respect court order and the provision of the 1999 constitution as amended he has swore to protect.

“It is unfortunate to see a person that was supposed to protect the law in the forefront violating the law and court orders,” Saidu added.

The Daily Times reports that the governor sent the list of Chairmen of 11 out of 13 LGAs and 147 members to the Assembly on November 23, and they were screened and inaugurated the following day.

Recall also that a state High Court sitting in Keffi LGA of the state had recently dissolved the IMC Chairmen and ordered the state government to conduct election within 140 days.

AMAECHI

authority,” he said.

According to the Chairmen, “We harbour no doubts at all that our party will continue to extend unfettered and equal playing field to all members on all matters. We will continue to encourage and stand by our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as he leads us through the onerous task of building the party first as a party of order and rules, and one that adheres to its constitution and laws of the land.

“Whereas we are not in doubt that our party will justly and fairly reward faithful members, however, we urge the leadership of the party not to hesitate in taking firm disciplinary measures against all forms of indiscipline, irrespective of the status of anyone or group involved,” the chairman said.

Other Chairmen in attendance included Hon. Owuze Umah (Ahoada East) Chief Goodluck Agwolo (Ahoada West) Hon.Tubotamuno Dabiri (Akuku-Toru) Mr.Jephtha Alaka (Andoni) Mr. Daere Samuel-Horsfall (Asari-Toru). Chief Hanniel Pepple (Bonny) Hon. Kesibo Gogo-Abite (Degema) Hon. Frederick Oyor (Eleme) Barr.

Vincent Uchendu (Emohua) Chief Musa Elekwa (Etche) Hon. Second Bakor (Gokana) Hon. Benjamin Odigwe (Ikwerre) Chief Eric S. Nwibani (Khana) Mr. Solomon Ikegwuru (Obio/Akpor) Elder Felix Ejechi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni) Chief Israel lboms (Ogu/Bolo) Hon. Christian Asifamaka (Okrika) Mr. Charles Amaefule (Omuma) Sir. Tonye Epelle (Opobo/ Nkoro) Hon.Chidi Elechi (Oyigbo) Mr.Chima Amadi (Port Harcourt City) - P.R.O and Mr.Berenor Lekia Nkporbu (Tai) – Secretary.

Kosofe LG will begin road repair in November, says Hon. Bakare Edokpolor Osayande

The Councilor representing Ifako Gbagada and its environs, Hon. Ibraheem Bakare has said that the repairs of bad road in Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State will kick start in November 2017.

He made this known during his walking visit to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Life Gate Parish, Ifako.

Bakare, who assured the church that his tenure would keep to its campaign promises of accessibility, communal development, strengthened security in the area and giving the people governance at the door step.

“I am a grassroots person, always accessible to the public via email, mobile phone, facebook, instagram and my office among

others, this is part of fulfilling my campaign promises to the people that elected me as their councilor,” he said.

“My visit was to show appreciation to the church for coming out in mass to cast their mandate for me, despite the rain and sun, you all still came out in numbers to vote me into power.”

Bakare however, enlightened the church members on the Lagos State government loan scheme for business men and women to improve on their businesses as a way of boosting economic activities within the state, adding that the council would also be empowering and catering for the aged persons in the LGA He urged Christians to become party member, by registering in any political party of their choice, in other to be part of the decision makers in 2019 election polls.

Delta Labour Party in crisis as two chairmen emerge Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Two parallel chairmen has emerged in Delta State Labour Party following the sack of the former state chairman, Chief Tony Ezeagwu at the Special National Convention of the party and the inauguration of a Caretaker Committee to fill the vacuum.

This development has triggered crisis in the state as soon as Comrade Emeka Nkwoala was sworn in as caretaker committee, and the appointment of Nkwoala led-committee, are laying claim to the soul of the party in the state.

While Nkwoala’s name was communicated to the state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim and the Director of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the state, the sacked Ezeagwu who insisted that he remains the party chairman described

the action of the national body as “illegal”.

But the party in a letter signed by the Acting National Secretary of the party, Mr. Julius Abure, said until the state congress is conducted within 90 days to elect new State Working Committee (SWC), the activities of the party rest squarely on the Caretaker Committee.

The National Youth Leader of the party, Barr. Andrew Ukpebitere, who represented the new National Chairman, Dr. Michael Omotosho, during the inauguration of the committee in Asaba warned Ezeagwu to stop parading himself as the state chairman.

Instead, Ukpebitere urged Ezeagwu to summit himself to the disciplinary committee that was set up to try his anti-party activities and other allegations proffered against him or risk being arrested.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

News 13 Alleged N81.7m Bribe: Court dismisses application to stall matter

Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏA Lagos High Court, Igbosere

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), unveiling Identification initiative Osun Residency Card, tagged: Kaadi Omoluabi, in Osun State… on Thursday. With him is managing Director, Chams, Mr. Femi Williams.

Eradication of Child Chukwuka, Labour- Ngige seeks Kingsley Jos support of USA ÏÏÏThe Igbo community leaders in Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige has called on the United States of America to provide technical support to the Federal Government of Nigeria in its efforts at eradicating the menace of Child Labour and provision of decent employment for its teeming unemployed youths through collaborative efforts between Nigeria and United States Department of Labour. (USDOL) Ngige made this call in his office Thursday when he received on working visit the new Labour Attache of the United States of America in Nigeria, Mirna Torres According to him “We will continue to ask for collaboration from the government of the United States of America, nothing stops you from assisting us in building more schools as well as collaborate with us in the implementation of the school feeding and conditional cash transfer programme of President Muhammadu Buhari which is aimed at bringing succor to the vulnerable group.”

Speaking further, the Minister faulted the United States of America’s report that Nigeria is involved in child soldiering in its fight against Boko Haram. He said, “Nigeria does not recruit child soldiers, rather Nigeria is fighting Boko Haram terrorist group that captures children and use them as child soldier and shield to fight the Nigerian Army. We do not allow children to participate in the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) as well”.

“Similarly in the mining and agricultural sector we have put in place centres that monitor, report and discourage the use of children for mining. In view of this deliberate efforts of the Federal Government there is a significant decline in child labour in Nigeria.

Jos has mend fence with the Jos traditional ruler, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba over the controversial title of Eze Igbo.

Recall that the Gbong Gwom, had announced the abolition of Eze Igbo title in Jos, warning that people should stop parading themselves as Eze Igbo Jos, since Eze means a traditional ruler and adding that it is not proper to have two kings in the same domain and as such, he cannot accord recognition to the Eze Igbo title on the Plateau.

Buba said he prefers Onye Ndu Ndigbo or Igbo representative in his council or by whatever name not in clash with another kingdom’s status.

However at the weekend, the Igbo leadership met the Gbong Gwom, assuring him that the matter has been put to rest as the Igwe who is the leader of the Ndigbo in Plateau will

Ndigbo, Gbong Gbong Jos, mend fence now go by the title ‘Onye Ndu Ndigbo’, as against Eze Igbo.

Speaking on behalf of Ndigbo, the President General, Igbo Community Association (ICA), Plateau State, Bar. innocent Asogwa informed the Gbong Gwom, that the association’s constitution has been amended for Eze Igbo Jos to read Onye Ndu’ Ndigbo (Igbo Leader in Jos).Responding, the Jos paramount ruler said he his not out to witch hunt any community in Jos, saying that the decision for tittles to be properly address is for the collective good of all.

Earlier, the royal father had frown at the divisions and acrimony Ndigbo expose themselevs just to elect or appoint a leader to oversee their affairs and represent their interest in Jos and his palace.

He had earlier suspended all deal-

ings with Ndigbo in his palace until the final resolution of the crisis amongst Igbos, decrying the acrimonious division and lack of unity amongst Ndigbo in Jos, stressing that no meaningful progress can be achieved without unity which promotes peaceful coexistence on the Plateau .

He informed them that the seat for Ndigbo in his papalce is reserved for igbos and will remain vacant until the peaceful resolution of the crisis amongst Igbos and the subsequent presentation of a single representative to him by the Igbos in Jos. However the ICA was happy to inform him that the rift between Prof.

Jerome C Obilom who is the Igwe (Igbo leader in Jos) and Samuel Achi, who was before now an imposter, has been resolved.

on Friday dismissed an application brought by Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa, seeking to stay proceedings in his trial over alleged unlawful enrichment.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye ruled that the application by the defendant who is a Judge at the Federal High Court, Bayelsa Division, was unmeritorious.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proffered corruption charge against the Judge.

He is standing trial for allegedly receiving $260,000 and N8.65 million totalling N81, 705, 000 as bribe.

When the matter came up yesterday, Chief Robert Clarke SAN, Nganjiwa’s lawyer, moved a motion urging the court to stay proceedings in his trial pending the Court of Appeal’s determination of his suit challenging the high court’s jurisdiction to try him.

The application, dated October 4, 2017 was brought pursuant to Sections 6(6) and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (As amended).

“Whatever powers this court possesses is subject to the Constitution....it is an application challenging Your Lordship’s jurisdiction,” Clarke said.

He argued, relying on the Constitution, statutes and case law, that the court was bound to refrain from further action on the case, particularly since, according to him, the appeal was set in motion before the defendant took his not guilty plea.

Clarke said: “As of today, the Court of Appeal is fully seized of this matter. In those days when we were younger, if a lower court disregarded the judgment of a higher court it was called judicial rascality.”

He contended that the application was a Constitutional matter rather than a frivolous one and the issue involved was “a grey area of the law.”

Clarke added: “We urge Your Lordship to err on the side of caution and, in the interest of justice, grant the application.”

Assembly raises concern over fake mechanics, spare parts dealers in Delta

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏThe Delta State House of

Assembly has raised concern over the influx of fake mechanics, and spare parts dealers in the state, saying that their activities in the recent times, had led to frequent road accidents including loss of many lives.

The chairman, House of Committee on Transport, Mr. Efe Ofobruku who spoke to journalists yesterday in Asaba after his committee met with the Association of Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Spare Parts dealers, licensing of motor vehicle mechanics in the state, disclosed that the State Assembly had indicated interest to partner with the state govern-

ment, and the people to ensure that quackery in the automobile industry, and fake spare parts dealers are flushed out.

The lawmaker explained that the proposed law that will provide for the automobile workers, would help to identify authentic automobile technician and provide them with more and genuine customers to better the growth of their business.

Mr. Ofobruku who said that the desire of the state House of Assembly to turn out law that would be acceptable to all Deltans, however called on interested stakeholders who were yet to summit memorandum to the proposed law to do so as soon as possible, and commended the high interest shown by the various groups, and

Mechanic using a wrench and socket on the engine of a car their contributions to the law making process.

He maintained that the proposed law will bring sanity to the auto-

mobile industry in the state, and charged the stakeholders to embrace the regulations that would come with the proposed law.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

APC vows to end Nnaji political dynasty in Enugu East Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏChairman,

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong (right), administering oath of office on new members of the State’s House of Assembly Service Commission in Jos...on Friday.

Bi-Courtney wants General Aviation Terminal closed

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), has called for the closure of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

The terminal operator claimed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had taken over 50 per cent of its revenues with the continuous operation of the terminal.

Capt. Jari Williams, the Managing Director of BASL, stated this yesterday during the visit of the joint Aviation Committee on Aviation to the terminal and other facilities at the airport.

Williams in his presentation insisted that there were lots of breaches in the concession agreement by FAAN, saying that GAT alone had taken over 50 per cent of revenues that were supposed to be accrued to the company.

He lamented that only five out of the eight domestic carriers were operating from the terminal, a situation, which he said had affected its operations.

According to him, MMA2 had six fingers with a provision to expand it to 10 in the future, stressing that the monorail, hotel facilities and conference centres were parts of the agreement the government had with the private investor.

He insisted that the concession agreement with the Federal Government was 36 years and not 12 or 24 years as claimed in some quarters.

He said: “This terminal is also positioned to handle regional flights out of Lagos. The airlines are willing to operate their regional flights out of here, but FAAN is stopping them. There are lots of breaches in the concession agreement when government kept open the GAT, which was part and parcel of passengers calculated for this project.

“50 per cent of our revenues end up in GAT. We have been trying t make the project going despite the 50 per cent shortage. The stunted growth development here would have been addressed if the government had obeyed the agreement.

The revenue loss is colossal. We want the GAT operations to be stopped so that we can have a good working relationship with FAAN. He also challenged the Nigerian

Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to be an impartial judge in the case, stressing that the agency must be independent and should mitigate on the concession issue.

Also speaking at the venue, Chairman, House Committee on Aviation,Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, vowed that the National Assembly would intervene on the issue.

She also requested for the documents of the agreements, which stipulated 12 and 36 years in order for the National Assembly to intervene.

Sen. Adamu Aliero, the Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation, also reiterated that the Assembly would mediate on the lingering issue.

He, however, noted that the National Assembly knew the case was in the court, but called for the issue to be resolved for the benefits of the two organisations and Nigeria in general.

“We are aware that you have made huge investments with the construction of this terminal because of the confidence you have in our country. Agreement is an agreement and everyone should abide by it,” he said.

All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu state chapter, Dr. Ben Nwoye has said the party would put to an end the political dynasty of Nnaji family as well as the ruling People’s Democratic Party in the Enugu East council area in the coming November 4 Local Government election.

Nwoye stated this while speaking at a campaign rally at Nkwo Nike, the headquarters of Enugu East local government, stressing that a particular family has been producing the council chairman, House of Representatives, Senatorial positions as well as the traditional stool of the area, and vowed that the candidate of APC, Chief George Ukwu Nnamani would break the jinx.

It would be recalled that the senator representing Enugu East senatorial district, Sen. Gilbert Nnaji who is in his second term as senator of the zone was former council chairman of the area before going to the National Assembly as a two term house of representative member for Enugu East/ Isi-Uzo Federal constituency in the fourth republic.

Our correspondent also gathered that Sen. Nnaji installed his younger brother, Cornelius Nnaji on the council as chairman since 2011; the outgoing Cornelius Nnaji is currently serving as Transitional Committee Chairman of Enugu East Lo-

cal Government Area having served as two term executive chairman of the council.

However, the APC chairman stressed that one family and indeed, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had continued to dominate the council and other council areas in the state because no other party had ever challenged them by offering the people an alternative choice in previous council polls.

“We’re the ruling party; we are going to take over. It’s not a jinx thing par-se, they have never had a thing like this, this is the first time an alternative choice is being introduced. It’s just like what happened to PDP in 2015 in Nigeria. The same thing will happen to them in Enugu state.

“Not just Enugu East alne, the jinx you described is everywhere, but we have already broken it; the barrier is broken once you have an alternative.

“Recall that the last two elections, in 2011 and 2013, there were absolutely no contest for PDP. Everyone ran unopposed; the councillors ran unopposed in 248 wards. So to break the jinx, the first thing is to give people an alternative.

“As a political party and as a leader in APC in Enugu state, my job is done, it’s the choice of the people now to decide if they want few people to continue to rule over them,” he said.

Kano Fire Service caution against use of fire in markets, homes Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÏÏÏThe

Acting Director Kano State Fire Service Sagir Madaki has called on the people of the state to adopt safety methods of using fire this Harmattan period.

He said that the call became necessary considering the nature of incidences recorded in this season.

He warned that the fire service frowns against activities of food sellers who set up fire in the Market place which has led to uncountable number of Fire incidence in recent times where goods and valuables worth billions of naira were destroyed. “the act of setting up fire for cooking in the market is prohibited.

We advise that they prepare their food at home before going to the markets” Madaki also called on the general

public to be mindful of using charcoal this period to warm their rooms so as to prevent fire out break. Anyone using such should ensure he or she puts out the fire completely before retiring to bed and children must not be allowed to play around the apartment with anything that could ignite or spark off fire.

He however noted that, the state fire service department had 23 fire appliances out of which only two were functional and has been one of the greatest challenge bedevilling them but the Ganduje administration has released a huge sum of money which was used to repair and rehabilitate 21 appliances of the service and all units within the state are fully functional.

He call on the general public to always alert the service in case of any emergency as the service is always ready to save lives and properties.

Conduct free, fair, credible LG election: AG charges DSIEC Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏThe

Chairman and Members of the newly constituted Delta State Independent Electoral Commission has been charged to conduct the forth coming Local Government election in the State in a fair, free, credible and transparent manner that will further entrench democracy in the country.

The State Attorney-General, Mr.

Peter Mrakpor gave the charge when he received the Chairman of the State Electoral Commission, Chief Michael Ogbodu who led other Members of the Commission on a courtesy visit on him yesterday in Asaba.

Mr. Peter Mrakpor who expressed confidence that with the calibre of persons appointed into the newly constituted DSIEC, a level playing ground would be provided for all parties to participate in

the forth-coming local government election. He debunked insinuations in some quarters that the Local Government election already fixed for January 6, by the Electoral Body would be manipulated in favour of the ruling party in the State.

The Attorney General while congratulating the Chairman and DSIEC Commissioners for their appointment, reminded them of the complex political nature of the state and explained that the level

of political awareness of an average Deltan was at its peak which he said will exact pressure on the Electoral Umpire to conduct an election that would be adjudged as free, fair, credible and transparent with less tribunal cases.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Chief Michael Ogbodu said the visit was to solicit for the technical support from the Office of the Attorney-General as

the Chief Law Officer of the State and a think tank as far as the laws of the state are concerned.

The DSIEC boss while informing the Attorney-General of the date for the conduct of local government election in the state, also stated that the Commission has already rolled out the guidelines for the elections.

The Chairman further said that the Ministry of Justice was strategic to its operations in ensuring that they operate within the ambit of the law.

News 15

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Fayose accuses Buhari’s govt of corruption, Road decongestion: FCTA commences removal of alleges plot to release fresh “Chibok Girls” illegal structures Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the President Muhammadu Buhari led government as one that is rotten and covered with scandalous corruption, saying; “within the last one month, Nigerians have been confronted with messy revelations that gave credence to my earlier position that President Buhari is the life patron of corruption in Nigeria.”

The governor, who also alleged that there was a grand plot to release another set of Chibok Girls as another means of shifting the attention of Nigerians from the various scandals rocking the government, added that the claimed recovery of $85 million as part of funds allegedly looted from the Malabu oil deal and conclusion of negotiation with Switzerland on the return of $321 million recovered from the late Abacha family are diversionary.”

According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose, while addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Friday, asked; “when was this $85 million recovered? Has the money been

paid into the Federation Account? Didn’t Buhari claim that Abacha did not steal a penny? They are just trying to divert the attention of Nigerians as they have always done.”

He said; “While the President Muhammadu Buhari led government is still being confronted with the MainaGate’s global shame, the Senator representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Isa Misau, yesterday, came with yet another bombshell that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, gave two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari.

“Even though the police has said the vehicles in question were meant for the police personnel in the convoy of wife of the president, Nigerians will like to see records of such vehicles provided for the security personnel of previous First Ladies. Most importantly, what happened to the promise made by the President not to operate the Office of the First Lady?

“In the last one month, Nigerians have been confronted with messy revelations like the fraudulent reinstatement of Abdullahi Maina, who was declared wanted for cor-

rupt practices by the International Police Organisation, (INTERPOL) after he was dismissed from office by the Civil Service Commission in 2013 for allegedly committing N2.1 Billion pension fraud while in office.

“Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu’s allegation of award of $25 billion contracts without following due process against the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Dr. Maikanti Baru.

“Reinstatement of the former Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, who was accused of corruption by the Senate, removed from office unceremoniously and declared wanted, as the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos.

“Appointment of Ahmed Gambo Saleh; the Supreme Court Registrar, who was indicted and put on trial for alleged over N2 billion fraud, as the Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Secretary of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee, headship of which has now been rejected by Retired Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Five months gone after the set up of the ministerial task force on the decongestion of the Abuja-Nyanya-Jikwoyi-karshi road was inaugurated, Federal Capital Territory Administration has finally commenced the long-expected removal of all illegal structures along the route to pave way free flow of traffic in the area.

The Abuja-Nyanya-JikwoyiKarshi decongestion taskforce Thursday moved into its next phase of the clean-up, which is to remove all illegal structures earlier marked for removal, for constituting encroachment on the road corridor, leading to serious gridlocks experienced on the axis before .

Chairman of the taskforce, Major General Emmanuel T. Nienge (rtd) said during the clean-up operation explained that the aim of the exercise was to “achieve seamless human and vehicular movement along the road as well as ensure safety of lives and property, which could be lost due to any accident on the road.”

Gen. Nienge, while appreciat-

ing cooperation of all stakeholders in the task, however warned that the long period of grace was over, affirming that “now is the time for action, to remove all those structures causing holdup and making life difficult for commuters on this route.”

Nienge said: “we are here today to remove all the illegal structures, especially those extensions that reach to the road.

“We have given the traders enough time. Most of them have complied and removed the structures, as you can see, but you can also see that some have not done that, so we will help them to remove them. We will not touch any legal structure.

“And while we still urge them to quickly remove them by themselves so that they don’t get destroyed in the cause of our bulldozers doing it for them; we still reserve a very short window for those who assure us they will carry out self-removal.

He continued “but it is obvious that the few who are yet to remove them are seemingly unwilling to do so and we will help them remove the structures.

National Broadcast Academy marks 60th anniversary Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha ; Chief Executive Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Captain Olubunmi Williams; Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce’ Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Muhammad Adamu Aliero and a member of the committee, during the visit of the Joint Committee of Aviation of the National Assembly to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), operated by BASL in Lagos… on Friday.

Police parades 6 kidnappers, 9 arms robbers along Abuja- Kaduna highway

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The police have arrested six suspected kidnappers allegedly responsible for the murder of Barr Sheriff Yazid and the abduction of his wife for ransom.

The suspects were paraded before the public yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer CSP Jimoh Moshood at Rijanna village along AbujaKaduna highway.

There are Adamu Tukur aka Ado a 25 years native of Giwa LGA who negotiated and collected ransom on behalf of the gang, Ahmadu Bala aka Basso

30years, native of Rijana village, Bello Sule aka Yellow Kachalla 29years, native of Pambeguwa in Kaduna.

Others are Hamza Sulaiman aka Katsinawa 29years, native of Sabon Gayan , Sulaiman Abubakar 25years and Nuhu Ahmadu 30years native of Sabon Gayan Abuja-Kaduna Expressway who Carries Victims into the Bush with his Motorcycle and also comes to town and buy foodstuff for his gang members.

The kidnappers were trailed and arrested in their hideouts and camps located around toll gates, Kakau, Sabon gayan and Rijana axis on Abuja - Kaduna

Highway where they were hiding.

Also exhibited were one AK47 rifle, motorcycle used for the kidnap attack, cutlasses, sticks,charms , 30 rounds of AK47 ammunition found in the possession of the suspects.

Police said all the suspects paraded in connection with kidnap were identified by the wife of the slay lawyer, Barr.

Sheriff Yazid,who was also kidnapped by the same gang and freed after collection of ransom. Investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects at large.

Nine other members of a robbery gang were also pa-

raded. They are Aliyu Suleiman ‘30 years old gang leader, Nahuru Abubakar 30years, Muazu Lawal 32years, Halilu Garba 32years, Bello Yusuf 23years Rufai Haruna 30years , Abubakar Haruna 35years, Mohammed Yahaya 20years and Rashidu Husseini 22years.

A number of exhibits including AK47 Rifles, Pump Action Gun, Toyota Hummer Bus ( Operational Vehicle of kidnappers), Pairs of military uniforms, Cutlasses, 20 rounds of AK47 ammunition Toyota Hummer bus ( Operational Vehicle of kidnappers,)

National Broadcast Academy (formerly FRCN training school) will be holding a public lecture to mark it’s 60th Anniversary with veteran journalist and former Deputy Director News FRCN Mr. Gbenga Onayiga as guest lecturer on the topic: The Traditional Media in an Era of Social Media- The convergence on Ethics.

Some of the dignitaries that will grace the event include Director General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Dr. Mansur Liman, Lagos Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalist, NUJ, Dr. Quassim Akinreti, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors and General Manager, the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, General Manager, Daily Times Newspaper Mr. Olisa Egbunike, among others.

The event will be held at the Academy’s Presentation Hall from on Monday, 30th October, to commemorate it’s 60th years of meaningful contribution through training to the broadcast industry and in general to human capital development of the country since 1957.

Deputy Director, Academics and lecturer at the Academy

Mr. Ayodele Aliyu says “As the FRCN training arm, it is not out of order, in the next one decade, to see an institution at par with it’s global counterparts”.

The Academy formerly FRCN training school commenced operations in 1957 as the only centre for the training of broadcast Engineers, Technicians, Studio Managers, Producers, Journalists and Newscasters.

Following the deregulation of the broadcast industry in 1992, the once exclusive staff training school began to accept application from suitably qualified private candidates which today makes it the foremost training institution in all specialized areas of broadcasting.

Engr Ajibola Abiola Director, National Broadcast Academy said “Changing the name to Academy is aimed at achieving an objective which is to make it an autonomous institution that will soon be awarding OND to students. The Academy is in the process of meeting the National Board for Technical Education requirement for the award of OND and later HND certificates to students. National Broadcast Academy over the years has raised broadcast professionals in Nigeria and beyond.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

FEATURES

s

UNICEF, EU and Anambra citizens celebrate RUWASA with pomp Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka

The Awka auditorium of Dora Akuyili Women’s Development Centre came alive in the Anambra state capital on 18th October as over 3,000 children from primary schools across the state took the centre stage to commemorate the 2017 Global Hand Washing Day celebration.

The pupils who were drawn from sixty 60 schools across the Local Government Areas of the state started off with a keenly contested quiz competition, colourful dances and drawing competition in the week long programme that climaxed on the 24th.

The competing students were drawn from Idemili South, Anambra East, Aguata and Nnewi South Council Areas which cut across the three Senatorial zones from which the judges selected the all round best team.

The entire show was anchored by a radio phone-in programme to achieve the set objectives for the activity.

The annual event was jointly organised by the UNICEF, EU and the State Government under the Rural Water Sanitation Programme (RUWASA) with team: “Our Hand, Our Future” was aimed at emphasising the need for proper hand washing in rural areas for effective healthy living.

The UNICEF state consultant, Mr. Clement Chigbo in his address at the occasion, stated that the state government has been contributory to the success of the exercise over the years.

Chigbo assured citizens of the state that UNICEF will continue to do its best to ensure quality education and good hygiene facilities.

“We thank the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for his moral and material support both for the actualisation of this programme.

“This year’s team is “Our Hands and Our Future” and Chigbo urged school children to exercise hand washing as a way of life at home and also ensure that their parents and older ones wash their hands well at all times.

“You should always remind your parents about proper hand washing and also tell your friends that it is healthy and important to wash their hands always. I hereby congratulate the children for taking part in this exercise and also thank the participatory schools and their teachers for their role in this pro-

UNICEF and Govt officials at the high table

Winners of the drawing competition

gramme,” he said.

Speaking also at the occasion, Director of Planning, Rev. Dr. Amanze, who represented the State Commissioner for Public Utilities and Domestic Water Development, said that 2017 is yet another year of improvement on the campaign for effective hand washing.

“Anambra State Government is desirous of ensuring healthy liv-

ing through its programmes and the water resources sector is part of government’s blueprint for good governance.”

Amanze congratulated all participants and commented that the use of dance, quiz and drawing competition is to further emphasise the need for hand washing and is an added advantage for the campaign.

“These school children have become ambassadors of this programme and as they keep this up, there is a great future for us all,” he concluded.

Laying credence to the success of this programme, the State Hygiene Education officer, Dr Mrs. Rose Amasiana observed that a total of CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28 2017

Features 19

Anambra citizens celebrate RUWASA

At the drawing competition

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

sixty school children from LGAs – 20 each from the three Senatorial zones of Anambra, gathered to make the occasion memorable.

Amasiana recalled that our people had been washing their hands in the past, but not properly and that gave rise to this event.

“Thus far, a total of 50,000 Anambra citizens have has been sensitised through bulk SMS on the need for hand washing, though we concentrated more on the pupils because they are the agent of change.

“Also they did road shows at Nnewi North LGA under the auspices of the Federal Road Safety Corps who led the children across the town and I must tell you that it has been a week programme of inspiration.”

Amasiani explained further that every October 15th each year has been mapped out as the date for the Global Hand Washing exercise and Campaign Programme.

A cross section of school teachers who spoke to The Daily Times expressed happiness that the programme has gone a long way in educating and creating awareness on the need for healthy living through hand washing.

Mrs. Nwachukwu Ifunanya of All Saints Primary School, Onitsha North LGA had this to say: “I am highly impressed with what I saw today. Though my school did not take part in this event, I have learnt a lot and I am going to in-

Cross section of participants

troduce this to my school at every morning assembly.

“I will ensure that our school participates in this programme come next year and I commend UNICEF and the state government for sponsorship of this programme.”

Mrs Ezenwanne Uche of Nwannebo Primary School, Ula-Ekwulobia was happy that “we have learnt a lot from the programme and I am happy that our pupils participated.

“When you look at the interest

our school children have developed in this concept of effective hand washing, you will observe that the awareness has effectively been created among them.”

At the end of the exciting event, Premier Primary School, Aguleri, emerged first place winners, while Unity Primary school, Umuleri clinched the second position; Isuofia Secondary School emergency as the second runner up.

Highlight of the occasion was the

presentation of gifts to the all participating schools while the school children presented both dance and drama to entertain those present.

Stakeholders at the occasion commended the effort and suggested that the number of participating schools be increased from 60 to 80 in next year’s exercise to thoroughly saturate the state with the hand washing culture.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Sex ends bloody as woman distracted by X Factor rips off boyfriend’s organ

ÏÏÏ A raunchy sex ses-

sion ended in bloodshed when a woman ripped her boyfriend’s penis because she was distracted by the X Factor’s live results.

Report by Mirror said that Allan Blake tore his frenulum, a tag of skin between the foreskin and the shaft, after his partner Emma Pearce jolted during love making in a bid to glimpse the talent show results Emma Pearce, 34, and her fiancé Allan Blake, 28, were getting hot and steamy in the living room when she jolted trying to

glimpse the talent show ripping a tag of skin on his manhood in the process.

Carer Emma, of St Austell, Cornwall, said: “Next thing I knew, there was blood everywhere.”

Worried about Allan – and her cream carpets – Emma took him to the bathroom, where she dialled the NHS 111 nonemergency number for advice.

Asked by the operator to rate his pain on a scale of one to 10, Allan, who cannot work because of ill health, replied: “What

on earth do you think?”

He was however advised to take painkillers and wrap his penis in a flannel to help with the swelling.

Two days later, the hapless pair visited the GP, where Allan was told he had torn his frenulum, or banjo string, a tag of skin between the foreskin and the shaft.

He was assured everything would heal naturally, although the doctor warned that he is now at risk of it happening again.

African coffin assault racists get jail sentence, act elicits mixed reactions

ÏÏÏ Against all odds, two

white South Africans who dehumanized their black employees by ordering them to sleep in coffins, have been jailed by the country’s court.

Two white South African farmers involved in the infamous coffin assault case were handed a total of 25 years in jail by a court.

According to agency report, the imprisonment of Theo Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen, both 28, has elicited wide reactions on South Africa. While some have lauded the judgment, many other mocked the convicts and described their sentences as lesson to many others.

The two farmers were found guilty of kidnap, assault and attempted murder in late August but judgment was handed down today.

The judge also threw out an appeal attempt by the legal team of the convicts.

S’Africn white two convicts

Oosthuizen was handed 11 years for his role as an accessory to the crime whiles Jackson bagged 14 years as the main culprit. Leading the twitter reactions was minister for Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa.

Africanews in a report said ,their guilty charge related to forcing a powerless black man, Victor Mlotshwa, into a coffin and threatening to burn him alive. A 20-second recording of their action went viral on social media. The resultant nationwide outrage led to the arrest of the farmers in November 2016.

The two said they had caught the victim trespassing on their farm in possession of stolen copper cables.

People as usual gathered outside the court carrying placards which slammed racism and racist sentiments.

Min. Nathi Mthethwa @ NathiMthethwaSA reac-

tion on twitter said “We welcome the sentences handed down on the #CoffinAssault culprits who were respectively sentenced to 11 & 14 years direct imprisonment” Also, Issa #MadBlackWoman @fleekiswa, in a reaction on twitter said “Two down, many more to go! #coffinassault” while AfrifinAssault lauded the judge “Thank you judge ,We are not satisfied but 11 years and 14years will be fine for those racists” Other reactions came from Samkelo Ndlovu @ SamkeloNdlovu “11 and 14 years for each of the acfamilies are distraught.

They must learn”. M’fuck’ iseni Dlozi @Retired said “-Judge Judge Mphahlele tells racists to forget it about the appeal. This Judge does not smoke nyaope & I love her. #CoffinAssault”

20 Foreign News

Indian top actor, actress endorse contraceptive against all odds Bonny Amadi with Agency Report

ÏÏÏ

Irrespective of taboo on sex discussion and penchant of shunning all endorsements that has to do with sex, tow Indian top actor and actress have agreed to endorse a contraceptive brand.

Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover the due on the center stage were last seen together on the big screen in Alone 2015, but now have consented to endorsement of a contraceptive brand.

Mirror reports, “We have taboos on the words sex and condoms” Bipasha Basu on endorsing a contraceptive brand According to the report, traditionally, in Bollywood, A-list actors have been antagonistic to promoting and endorsing contra-

Indian Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover

ceptives. Call it the image thing or it could also be a concern about the ad being artistically shot. No wonder, almost all actresses have stayed away from such commercials. Until now, when Bipasha has made this bold move.

According to the actress “In a country that has the second largest population in the world, we still have

taboos on just the words sex and condoms, but not the actual act. Let’s talk more, read more, and learn more about simple precautions.

With condoms, you can have planned pregnancies and protected sex, which can curb HIV and STD cases. As a couple, Karan and I believe in this that’s why we have thoughtfully endorsed it.”

Kenya get low 34% voter turnout, crisis ruins election rerun

Uhuru kenyatta and Raila Odinga

ÏÏÏ Kenya’s electoral com-

mission has announced an estimated 34.5 percent voter turnout after the country’s presidential election rerun which was marred by opposition boycott, protests and deadly clashes.

According to Agency report,the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said on Thursday that 35, 564 polling stations opened for the election out of the 40, 883 in the 47 counties nationwide.

The current percentage is a downward revision of an earlier turnout figure of 48 percent announced by the IEBC. Voting in four counties, which are opposition strong-

holds, were postponed to Saturday due to insecurity caused by protesters engaging in running battles with the security forces.

The counties include Migori, Siaya, Kisumu and Homa Bay where protesters who were supporters of the main opposition party National Super Alliance (NASA) led by Raila Odinga failed to stay at home as ordered by their leader.

The report said that three people were reported killed as protesters threw stones at the police who in turn fired tear gas cannisters, water cannons and in some cases used live bullets.

The rerun follows the August 8 presidential elec-

tion which was annulled by the Supreme Court citing irregularities after a case was filed by the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) party led by Raila Odinga.

The opposition failed to convince the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to postpone the repeat election beyond the prescribed 60 days after calling for the sack of elections officials.

Despite series of protests and casualties recorded following repression by the police, the IEBC maintained its stance on the election date resulting in the withdrawal of Odinga from the polls.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

GIDEON TEMITOPE JEGEDE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MATTHEW IDOWU JEGEDE now wish to be known and addressed as GIDEON TEMITOPE JEGEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

That I use Cyril Inyene Etim to open my account with first Bank and use Cyril Franklin Etim on all my other document now wish to be known and addressed as Cyril Franklin Etim All former documents remain valid.

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OKORIE BLESSING CHIEMELA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as UWANDU NGOZICHUKWUKA CHIEMELA now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIE BLESSING CHIEMELA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

That I use Cyril Inyene Etim to open my account with first Bank and use Cyril Franklin Etim on all my other document now wish to be known and addressed as Cyril Franklin Etim All former documents remain valid.

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MRS. CHIBUNDU AUGUSTINA OGECHI I formerly known and addressed as MISS OSUAJOKU AUGUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHIBUNDU AUGUSTINA OGECHI. All former documents remain valid.

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IWAYEMI AYOMIDE OLUWATOSIN ODOLE I, FORMELY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ODOLE OLUWATOSIN AYOMIDE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IWAYEMI AYOMIDE OLUWATOSIN ODOLE, NYSC, BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHIBUZOR CAPTAIN IHEDIWA

OFUNNA QUEEN ETHEL

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I, formerly known and addressed as OFUNNA QUEENDALIN CHIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OFUNNA QUEEN ETHEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANULIKA BLESSING ONUORAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANULIKA BLESSING CHIDUME. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS EZEWEPUTA VICTORIA IFEOMA

MISS CHIOMA OLUKA

AJAH UZOCHUKWUAMAKA COMFORT

MRS ANULIKA BLESSING CHIDUME

MRS. NNANYEREUGO PATIENCE NKECHI I formerly known and addressed as MISS EJERUKWAM PATIENCE NKECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NNANYEREUGO PATIENCE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHIDOZIE UCHECHUKWU EUGENIA I, formerly known and addressed CHIDOZIE EUGENIAMARY UCHECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDOZIE UCHECHUKWU EUGENIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed MISS ODO OGOCHUKWU EMMANUELA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAGBO OGOCHUKWU EMMANUELA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANEKE CHINONYE ALICE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EDEH CHINONYE ALICE. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

UDO IMOH NSE

MRS CHUKWU PHILOMENA

MRS ORJI JULIET NNENNA

MRS OKUTA EBERE PERPETUA

I, formerly known and addressed as JULIANA CHIDE OGBONNAYA, now wish to be known and addressed as JULIANA CHIDE OGBOYI. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEH PHILOMENA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWU PHILOMENA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAJI JULIET NNENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORJI JULIET NNENNA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKAFOR EBERE PERPETUA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKUTA EBERE PERPETUA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General Public should please take note.

MRS UGWU RITA CHINONYE

MRS OKOYE MARYJANE ONYINYE

NWACHUKWU NNEKA LORITA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA NNEKA LORITA , now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU NNEKA LORITA. All former documents remain valid. UBA BANK and General Public should please take note.

MRS NNAGBO OGOCHUKWU EMMANUELA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGWU PRINCESS IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKENWA PRINCESS IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note

JULIANA CHIDE OGBOYI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MBADIWE MARYJANE ONYINYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOYE MARYJANE ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, BANKS and General Public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBIGBO PRINCE KINSLEY CHISOMNAZU now wish to be known and addressed as MR. OBIGBO KINGSLEY CHISOM. All former documents remain valid.

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MRS EDEH CHINONYE ALICE

I, formerly known and addressed as AJAH UZOCHUKWUAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AJAH UZOCHUKWUAMAKA COMFORT. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AYOGU RITA CHINONYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU RITA CHINONYE. All former documents remain valid.

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MR. OBIGBO KINGSLEY CHISOM

MRS OKENWA PRINCESS IFEYINWA

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS CHIOMA UKATU UGWUNNA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS CHIOMA OLUKA. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EJIDIKE VICTORIA IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEWEPUTA VICTORIA IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General Public should please take note.

21 Public Notice

I formerly known as GRAGORY IMOH AKPAN now wish to be known called and addressed as UDO IMOH NSE. All former documents remain valid.

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NWANGA FRIDAY

MRS. ICHA GLADYS OGALA I formerly known and addressed as MISS EBENYI GLADYS-OGALA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ICHA GLADYS OGALA. All former documents remain valid.

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MRS UZOH EVANGELINE CHIGOZIE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MAJINDU EVANGELINE CHIGOZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UZOH EVANGELINE CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS MBAH BRIDGET OGECHUKWU I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEH BRIDGET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MBAH BRIDGET OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

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CHIANUMBA CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL

I, formerly known and addressed as IGUBE FRIDAY .N., now wish to be known and addressed as NWANGA FRIDAY All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General Public should please take note.

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MRS ONAH JULIANA OGECHUKWU

UGWU ZION CHUKWUEBUKA

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CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that AKABEKWA STELLA CHUKWUNONYELUM, AKABEKWA STELLA CHINONYE, AKABEKWA STELLA NONYE and MBAEZUE STELLA CHINONYE refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as AKABEKWA STELLA CHUKWUNONYELUM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

This is to inform the general public that my name CHIGBO NWOYE THERESA was wrongly written during my BVN registration but now wish to be corrected and addressed as NWOYE OKWUOLISA THERESA. My correct dated of birth 8th MARCH 1944. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU CHUKWUEBUKA JOB, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU ZION CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid.

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KUDIRAT ADALEMON I formerly known as ADENEKUN KUDIRAT wish to be known and addressed as KUDIRAT ADALEMON .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

ANYAOHA EKENE ROY

ODE GLADYS LIDAY

NNEKA STELLA OPENE

MRS ALIYU KAKA HAUWA

OGBODO AMUCHE CYNTHIA

OPARA RUTH NGUFAN

I formerly known as ANYAOHA EKENE wish to be known and addressed as ANYAOHA EKENE ROY. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as THOMAS GLADYS LIDAY wish to be known and addressed as ODE GLADYS LIDAY. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as NNEKA STELLA MOKWENYE wish to be known and addressed as NNEKA STELLA OPENE. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

1. I formerly known and addressed as MISS ALIYU KAKA HAUWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALIYU KAKA HAUWA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGBODO CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as OGBODO AMUCHE CYNTHIA . All former documents remain valid.

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DEBAYO BOLA SERIFAT

ADDITION OF NAME

GBADAMOSI OLAITAN TEMIDAYO

ABOLARIWA IDAYAT

SOGBESAN NIMOTALAI OLUWASEUN

: In some of my documents including my BVN and my Diamond Bank Account my name appears as GODWIN GIDEON now I wish to add OCHOKPEFU to my name henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as GODWIN GIDEON OCHOKPEFU . My correct date of birth is 04/05/1988. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MATULUKO OLAITAN TEMIDAYO now wish to be known and addressed as GBADAMOSI OLAITAN TEMIDAYO . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LAWAL IYABO IDAYAT now wish to be known and addressed as ABOLARIWA IDAYAT . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OGUNTUASE FUNMILOLA ABOSEDE

DECLARATION OF AGE

BABATUNDE MARIAM FUNMILAYO

OJAJUNI ADEBAYO SAMUEL OMOSEHIN I formerly known and addressed as OMOSEHIN ADEBAYO SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed as OJAJUNI ADEBAYO SAMUEL OMOSEHIN . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as RAJI SERIFAT BOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO BOLA SERIFAT . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

KINGDOM DISCIPLES ASSEMBLY The above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance to the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP 20 LFN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Chidiebere- Nwokeocha Oyinye Chinonyelum 2. Odekhian Austin Edegbai 3. Adeleye David Abidemi 4. Nwoke Stella Chinenye 5. William OkonBassey 6. Nwokeocha- Chidiebere Uzochukwu 7. Onyema Uchechukwu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To consistently raise alters of prayer and true worship to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (John 4:23-24) 2. To raise kingdom disciples who are focused on the Kingdom of God (Mathew 6:33).

3. To reach the unchurched, unsaved with the gospel of the Kingdom of God. 4. To preach, teach and impact the nations with the undiluted, uncompromising Word of God and sound scriptural doctrines (Act 2:42) 5. To groom disciplined disciples with a heart of service and stewardship that will impact the market place and government (Mathew 25:14-28, John 13:5-16).

6. To carry out crusades and outreaches in propagation of the Kingdom of God to the nations (Mathew 28:16-20).

7. To positively impact our society through establishment of non-profit orphanages, hospitals, schools and acquisition centres (Mathew 25:34-36).

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

Signed: Isioma Nnorom, KB & Company. (Barristers, Solicitors & Notaries Public) 7th Floor, Mandilas House, 35 Simpson Street, Lagos

I formerly known as AYODELE FUNMILOLA ABOSEDE now wish to be known called and addressed as OGUNTUASE FUNMILOLA ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and the general public take note.

This is to confirm and certify that I, YUSUF IBRAHIM ORIYOMI was born on 8 September 1996. All former documents remain valid.

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I formerly known as SALAUDEEN MARIAM FUNMILAYO now wish to be known called and addressed as BABATUNDE MARIAM FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS FAITH EHIZEBAMHEN

ADDITIONAL OF NAME

ALAO OLUWASEUN REBECCA

I formerly known called and addressed as MISS. ISHIEKWENE FAITH. Now to be known as MRS FAITH EHIZEBAMHEN.former documents remain valid.general public take note.

: that I am ABDULKABIRU ONOBUMEN AGIEKPE. That the difference in my 1st bank account and BVN is ABDULKABIRU AGIEKPE and my driver licence is written as ABDULKABIRU ONOBUMEN AGIEKPE. now to be know as ABDULKABIRU ONOBUMEN AGIEKPE. Authority concern and general public please take note.

I Formerly known and address as Alao Oluwasegun Rebecca, Now wish to be known and addressed as Alao Oluwaseun Rebecca, All former documents and Certificates remain valid. General public should take note

I formerly known as LAWAL NIMOTALAI OLUWASEUN now wish to be known called and addressed as SOGBESAN NIMOTALAI OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note. cxcx THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Crime

s

Crocodile Smile II : Smugglers, drug peddlers, armed robbers, others meet their end Stories by Joy Anyim, Lagos

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has disclosed that the Division through the Exercise Crocodile Smile II has arrested several notorious armed robbers, oil bunkerers, kidnappers, smugglers, drug peddlers and other criminal elements across its sectors in Lagos and Ogun.

Recall that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai had officially flagged off the operation in Lagos on October 13th, 2017.

Speaking on the exercise so far, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General PJ Dauke stated that the sustained collaborative patrols, clearance and raids with relevant security and paramilitary agencies especially on identified hotspots and criminal hideouts has effectively denied criminals freedom of action.

Breaking down the successes of the Operation, Dauke who spoke via a press statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu said, “On October 10th at about 2.05 pm, following a tip off, troops from Sector 1 of the Exercise Crocodile Smile had trailed a notorious drug dealer, one Mr. Ahmed Sadiq (a.k.a Bambi) who is also the kingpin of an armed robbery gang at Maroko.The criminals had on sighting the troops, opened fire in a bid to escape. “ He was shot and died from gunshot wound. Nine other suspects were arrested and Items recovered include a locally made shot gun, 5 exiplon expectorant liquid, 5 tramadol hydrochloride tabs, 4 kukubima powder, 3 passion energy drink, 2 extra joss powder, some wraps of marijuana (Indian hemp), 1 live cartridge, 1 empty case of cartridge and 5 litres of unknown liquid substances. Suspects and exhibits have been handed over to Maroko Divisional Police Station.

“In a related development, raid and clearance operations were conducted on October 17th by troops of sector 4 in conjunction with personnel of DSS at Oshodi and Isolo general area. Five hoodlums were arrested during the operation.

Suspects have been handed over to Lagos State Task Force Oshodi for further investigation. “ Also on same date at about 5 am, troops of Sector 5 on Exercise Crocodile Smile II while on patrol arrested one suspected shop bugler at Ibafo central mall. The suspect identified as Mr. Emmanuel is well known for bugling shops. The suspect was caught with a mobile phone, suspected to have been stolen. He was handed over to personnel of Nigeria Police Force Ibafo for investigation.”

The statement reads further, “On October 18th, at about 5.25 pm, troops of Sector 7 in conjunction with Nigerian Customs Service personnel carried out an anti smuggling raid

Smugglers

Suspects

The Suspects

Drug peddler

The Suspects

operations on suspected smugglers at Idiroko- Ipokia general area. 21 bags of rice and other contraband goods were seized and handed over to the Nigerian Customs Service for further action.

“Similarly, on October 19th, at about 3am, troops of Sector 5 in conjunction with Nigerian Customs Service personnel conducted an anti smuggling raid operation at Gberefu Island. A hundred bags of rice and cartons of frozen turkey were seized from suspected smugglers. Suspects and items were also handed over to Nigerian Customs Service.”

On same operation, troops of Sector 5 while on patrol at Ibafo central park had also arrested one Abdulazeez Akim a suspected Indian hemp dealer. The suspect was alleged to have been having transaction with hoodlums in Ibafo town.

He was caught with substances suspected to be Indian hemp and handed over to the Police at Ibafo for

further investigation.

Similarly, our Correspondent gathered that troops of Sub Sector 1 at Gbaji in conjunction with men of NDLEA had carried out a raid operation at Sango and Seme where five drug peddlers with substances suspected to be Cocaine and Indian hemp were arrested. Similarly an operation at Badagry Fiber market and Marina area led to the arrest of12 suspected drug peddlers with substances suspected to be Indian hemp were arrested. All suspects and recovered items have been handed over to personnel of NDLEA. Dauke speaks further, “Troops of Sector 3 in conjunction with FRSC, DSS and NSCDC personnel conducted a route clearance operation along Benson bus – stop, Agric junction and Ikorodu roundabout. Operation was targeted at clearing criminal hideouts, miscreants, pickpockets and traffic control obstructions. Arrested were 42 motorcycles and three

Smuggler

vehicles which have been handed over to FRSC Ikorodu command. “ Also, following a tip off, troops of Sector 2 arrested an impostor one Mr. Paul Ishaya at Alaba-Rago while parading himself as a soldier. Items recovered include one NASMP ID card, 1 voter’s card, military face cap and complimentary cards. Suspect is currently being investigated while necessary preparation is on to hand over to NPF. Sector 4 on Exercise conducted raid and road block operations at Mile 12 and Ojota general area. Nineteen (19) suspected hoodlums were arrested. Suspects have

been handed over to Lagos State Special Task Force, Oshodi.

Duake also appreciated the cooperation of the people of Lagos and Ogun States and the Media. He reassured the public that Exercise Crocodile Smile II will continue to operate within the Code of Conducts and Rules of Engagement.

“Members of the public are please requested to continue to remain law abiding and also give credible information to the nearest security check point, call 193 or the various telephone numbers that were earlier made public.” He advised.

23 Crime

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Two containers of Tramadol, Diclofenac intercepted at Lagos Port Joy Anyim The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recently intercepted two 40ft containers of Tramadol, Diclofenac and Analgesique falsely declared as vehicles, makeup items and Computer Accessories.

Investigations revealed that the discovery of the containers with Nos. MSKU 071916/0 and MRKU 256545/8 was sequel to the latest operational methodology adopted by the Command through profiling, cargo selectivity and system checks of the advance electronic manifest.

The Customs Area Controller Comptroller Bashar Yusuf who made the disclosure stated that the Command is adopting these procedures to ensure that all Imports are electronically monitored with a view to identifying non-compliant declarations and other infractions which could jeopardize the change ideology of the Service.

While handing over the containers to the officials of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Yusuf said, the containers were flagged following some discrepancies in the documentation and declaration made in the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) form C 2010, hence the need for further checks. “ The declarations made on SGD C-No. 13473 of 09-02-2017 and SGD C- N0. 84118 of 24-082017 were at variance with the contents in the system bill lading, which fuelled the suspicion,” he said.

Revealing the identities of the importers, Yusuf said they are - J. S. Akuasosi Nig. Enterprises Ltd. of No. 31 Balogun Street Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, Del-Dominion Gold Ventures of No. 5 Borno Crescent Apapa; Lagos, S. Chinax Services

seized drugs

Nig. Ltd. of No. 5 Industrial Road Port-Harcourt and Robby Concept Int’l Agency Ltd. of Mini Flat 4 Nnewi building Apapa; Lagos.

It was learnt that upon the 100% examination of the containers by the Enforcement Unit of the command, it was revealed that MSKU 071916/0 had - 240 Cartons of New Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg Tablets, 240 Cartons of Double Extra Strong Tramadol 200mg, 240 Cartons of Super Power Tramadol Hydrochloride, 70 Cartons of Ibamol – Diclofenac Sodium Capsules 50mg and 60 Cartons of Really Extra – Analgesique On the other hand, MRKU 256545/8 had 240 Cartons of New Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg Tablets, 60 Cartons of Really Extra – Analgesique, Antipyretique, Anti-Inflammatoire Tablets, 240 Cartons of Double Extra Strong Tramadol 200mg, 240 Cartons of Super Power Tramadol Hydrochloride and 70 Cartons of Ibamol – Diclofenac Sodium Capsules 50mg.

The Controller revealed that

seized drugs

the findings contradicted the false declarations of three units of used vehicles, cartons of makeup kits and 850 cartons of computer accessories (keyboard and Mouse).

“This infraction is tantamount to untrue declaration which falls under section 161 of The Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 as amended, “ he said.

Comptroller Yusuf further

reiterated his resolve to make the Command a model Port where compliant traders will enjoy all the tools for trade facilitation created by the Nigeria Customs Service in line with Global Best Practices.

He enjoined Importers and their Agents to continually uphold the tenets of integrity and due diligence in their declarations as anything contrary would be viewed seriously.

Tension in community over alleged attack on neigbhour Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Palpable tension has continued to mount in Ugborikoko community near Sapele, Delta State Following the alleged attack on a teenage neighbour by a 26-year old mother of two children in the area.

It was gathered that residents of the community since the incident which occurred on Thursday night had been jostled in the fear of the unknown, especially the disappearance of the suspect after she had allegedly stabbed the teenager.

Investigation revealed that the suspect (name withheld), had been enveloped in frustration even as she claimed to be Christ devout, and had on the fateful Thursday sneaked into the

neigbhour’s apartment where she met the only son sleeping, and allegedly stabbed him in stomach with knife before she disappeared into the thin air.

Sources said that trouble started after the suspect, a house “smelt a rat” of the husband allegedly sleeping with the victim’s mother, and often times during wee hours under disguises of going to urinate, sneaked into the woman’s bed room where he had continues to be having affairs with her.

Our informed sources said that after all entreaties and pleas by the suspect to her husband to stop the unfaithful act failed, she decided to cry out by telling her soul stores to anyone who cared to listen, believing that the last resort would salvage the situation,

Locally made gun

unfortunately, it smelt doom.

It was learnt that the victim had advised the suspect to lay curse on the evil doer trying to break her marriage including ensuring that she wakes up middle of the night naked, unfortunately, in one of the suspect’s steps to obey the voice of the victim, she was allegedly raped while naked and was about carrying out the assignment by yet unidentified men; a situation which compounded her woes to have allegedly stabbed the teenager.

She was said to have disap-

peared with her two children after her “evil action” the teenager. But Police Officers at the Sapele Police Division who did not want their names in the print confirmed that they have intensified that they have intensified search for the suspect, disclosing that the victim not dead, was responding to treatment at a private hospital in Sapele.

The Police Commissioner in the State, Zanna, Ibrahim who also spoke on the incident, said the police were seriously searching for the suspect.

Police recovers bus stolen in Lagos at Zaria

Joy Anyim

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command have recovered a brand new Toyota Hiace Bus with reg. No. EPE854AR belonging to one Ayo Olabumi.

The vehicle was allegedly stolen at Auto -Fit Maintenance Company where it was parked on June 28, 2017.

It was gathered that upon receiving a petition on a case of conspiracy and stealing, men from SARS were detailed to recover the vehicle.

After months of painstaking investigation and tracking, the vehicle was finally recovered at Zaria where one Mohammed Haruna and one Mohammed Ali who is a security guard in the aforementioned comapany had conspired, stolen and sold it for N900, 000.

According to a police source who didn’t want his name on print, “ the vehicle which is valued at N9 million was stolen and sold to an Alhaji in Zaria for N900, 000.

“Investigations also showed that since the vehicle was declared missing Ali the security guard suddenly disappeared and had switched off his phone lines. “ However the police had expanded his lines and Haruna was arrested. He confessed to the crime saying he is a driver and friend to Ali. He alleged he was only contacted to drive the vehicle to Zaria and after sales was paid N100, 000 for a job well done.”

The police have said efforts are been made to arrest Ali who is still on the run.

Businessman kills relation over family property In Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

A businessman (name withheld) in Enwhile community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, has allegedly killed his uncle after a heated scuffle over family property in the area on Thursday night.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Zanna Ibrahim who confirmed the incident to journalists yesterday in Asaba, said the suspect was arrested in his attempt to escape, adding that he currently being detained for further investigation.

It was gathered that the suspect and the victim father of five children had been locked in the web of battle over family property in the area over six years, before the bubble burst.

But the suspect who spoke to journalists at the police headquarters where he is being detained, said: “it was not my intention to kill him, it was the devil work when he tried to slap me and I drew out cultlass to cut his neck on the spot, I am very sorry for my wrong”.

Investigation revealed that efforts by neighbours who got wind of the incident to revive the victim proved abortive when he gave up the ghost after bleeding profusely for hours.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, October 28, 2017

LP to FG: Investigate utilisation of refund to govs

24 News

Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Labour Party (LP) has urged the federal government to launch an investigation into the utilization of the budget support fund as well as Paris Club Refund given to state governors’ aside federal allocation.

The party also took a swipe at the federal government for the circumstances surrounding the return, reinstatement and consequent disappearance of a fugitive Assistant Director in the Ministry of Interior, Abdulrasheed Maina.

LP said since the President Muhammadu Buhari administration brought him back, they must definitely know where he has disappeared to, therefore calling for his immediate arrest and prosecution.

“You will recall that Maina was sacked by the last administration and placed on Wanted List. We are calling on the federal government to arrest and prosecute him, if they know where he is; since they were the ones that brought him back and reinstated him, they should also bring him out now, arrest and prosecute him”, the party said.

At a news conference on Friday (yesterday) in Abuja, National Chairman of the Party, Dr Mike Omotoso assisted by the party spokeswoman, Barr. Ebere Ifendu and other officials also declared that there was no crisis of leadership in the party, but accused the former national chairman, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam of continued impersonation, saying he had since been suspended following serious allegations leveled against him by the party’s governorship candidate in Anambra state.

“We want to correct some misconceptions about our party.

There is no leadership tussle in our party. Our National Chairman is Dr Mike Omotoso”, Ifendu said.

Cross-section of participants at the 8th National Prayer Breakfast in Abuja… on Thursday.

Alphonsus Nweze

ÏÏÏThe Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State branch has admonished electorates on the danger of voting wrong candidate during the November 18th gubernatorial election.

They said the pitiable and pathetic condition of the state in the past was due to wrong choice of candidates and noncharlatan attitude of most eligible voters in the state.

“The resultant affect included but not limited to loss of one academic calendar, non-payment of salaries and pensions, lack of works on infrastructures, destruction of government institutions and general exac-

erbation of poverty and unemployment index, state of insecurity and lawlessness” said the human right group in a statement.

CLO appeals to INEC to probe recent alleged collection of voters; cards by unscrupulous politicians “and their agents, recent death of some persons at Tarzan junction Nkpor, as well as recent campaign of calumny, hate speeches, name calling, rancour electioneering campaign embarked upon by some candidates, their political parties and their supporters.

Regrettably some campaigns have degenerated into lawlessness, warfare; anarchy by some self seeking individuals.INEC, Security agents and stakehold-

ers should take urgent steps to rescue the situation.”

The statements were signed by the chairman, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme and the publicity secretary Comrade, Nicholas Amoke.

Continuing, CLO said “we wish to appeal to electorate to think beyond their parochial and pecuniary interest and vote for the best candidate that will be selfless, prudent, accountable, transparent and fear of God”.

They also appealed to INEC to provide level playing ground for all the candidates, and device means to dissuade party agents from staying near the voting cubicles, because most of them will share money to

electorate and monitor them to ensure that they voted for their candidates.

INEC, CLO said, should ensure partial movement within the cities on the election day to enable voters cast their votes as those living in various new layouts such as 3-3, Obosi, Nkpor, Oba, Ogidi, Nkwelle, Mgbakwu, Nkwelle and other places cannot vote because of lack of polling booths and electoral wards in those areas if there is no limited movements.

CLO said “Those calling for boycott should have a rethink, it will be very detrimental, disastrous, detestable and despicable if the election is boycotted. Stake holders, churches, civil society organizations, market leaders, labour unions, students unions should mobilize, sensitize, educate and enlighten Anambrarians that it is only through votes that they can enthrone good and accountable governance.

Buhari’s supporters lament lopsided appointments

Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏAs

Buhari

the 2019 re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari waxes stronger, his supporters under the aegis of the Buhari Support Organizations (BSO) have officially opened an office in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) amidst lamentations of “lopsided appointments”.

The gathering, however, brought together some serving governors, Ministers and other appointees who called themselves ‘Buharists’ even as they declared war against cabinet members considered to be working against the President’s interest decrying the hijack of President Buhari’s government by PDP members.

In attendance were governors of Bauchi, Mohammed Abubakar, Kogi Yahaya Bello, and Plateau State,

Simon Lalong, the Ministers of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, Defence Minister, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, Niger Delta Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, and Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, to the chairman of the occasion, Sen Olorunnibe Mamorah, among many others.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja during the official opening of BSO’s office, Comptroller General of Custom Service Col. Hameed Ali lamented that President Buhari’s government has been hijacked by 50 percent opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members serving as cabinet members.

According to the Custom boss, unless something is done urgently, they that worked for the victory of the President and APC government

might be losing the battle.

He said: “When we were working and jumping on the streets reaching every corner, we were shouting change, change for a better Nigeria.

Now, the key word is good governance for Nigerians. We must agree that we cannot finish our four years without delivering and leaving something to be remembered for in this country for a long time to come. We have no problem with our President because he is on course.

“I must confess here that we have been infused by people who were not part of this journey and these people are the ones that call the shut today.

That is why we are derailing. If we had the right people who had the vision and have been there in and out, I believe that we will not be going the way we are today.

“It is my belief that those of us

who have been in the trenches all these years to get good governance will surely be sleeping with belly ache every day, especially in the recent past. Every day, when you wake up, there is a story that makes you shiver. We cannot, as a people who have fought and committed everything we had to bring this government to being sit back and allow things to happen the way they are happening.

“At the end of the day, fingers will point at us because we were the ones who went to people and spools them to give us their votes. These people that are calling the shuts today were not there and when the chips are down, they will disappear and melt within the system. We are the ones that will be asked to account for what happened.

News 25

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Nigeria’s competition law to lift eases of doing business

Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏThe

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong (right), administering oath of office on new members of the State’s House of Assembly Service Commission in Jos...on Friday.

Sterling Bank’s gross earnings up by 19% ÏÏÏSterling

Bank Plc, has recorded sustained growth in earnings with 19 percent increase in gross earnings for the third quarter ended 30 September 2017, boosted by 48.9 percent increase in non-interest income.

The bank’s gross earnings rose to N94.6 billion during the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 as against N79.7 billion during the corresponding period of

2016. Other performance indicators showed that non-interest income grew by 48.9 percent to N16.0 billion as against N10.8 billion in the third quarter of 2016.

The result further showed that Sterling Bank’s non-performing loan ratio dropped to 6.1 percent in 2017 from 9.9 percent in 2016, while capital adequacy ratio increased to 11.4 percent

in 2017 from 11.2 percent in 2016.

The financial position statement of the bank showed that shareholders’ funds rose by 13.6 per cent to N97.3 billion as against N85.7billion) in 2016 while total assets, excluding contingent liabilities, increased by 15.2 percent to N961 billion against N834.2 billion in 2016.

Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Yemi Adeola,

commenting on the bank’s performance, stated, “In the third quarter, the bank sustained its earnings growth momentum with an 18.8 percent growth in gross earnings boosted by a 48.9 percent increase in non-interest income,” remarking that during the year, the bank’s strategy built on efficient operations and sustainable growth of its balance sheet in a cautious but optimistic manner, continued to deliver results.

He said that despite the persistent inflationary pressures, cost-to-income ratio improved by 140 basis points driven by a moderation in operating expenses, thereby enabling the bank to record significant improvement in asset quality with a 380-basis point reduction in nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio.

passage of competition bill currently before the national assembly has been tipped as one of the measures the country will implement to further enhance ease of doing business and position as major global economic center.

This was reinforced by the private sector coalition on competition bill at a recent briefing in Lagos , where it was stressed that a joint effort of stakeholders including the national assembly is required to ensure that policies and laws that would enhance ease of doing business in the country should be encouraged by all.

Director, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Mr. Timothy Olawole told journalist that the competition bill currently in the process of harmonization at the National Assembly, defines a framework for collaboration between the a commission proposed in the bill and the existing sector regulators whose mandate include consumer protection and competition regulations in their respective sectors.

According to him, the bill has made effort to incorporate all concerns raised over the years by stakeholders, which include harmonization of the competition and the consumer protection aspects in the same bill.

He said that he same bill which was introduced to the 7th National Assembly as executive bill, but failed to make any meaningful impact and in the 8th Assembly, some members who realized the importance of the bill to the nation’s economy sponsored it as private bill at the House of Representatives and the Senate.

FBNH’s Ani-Mumuney, Mimiko emerge EDs as Q3 profit peaks at N45.8bn Stories by Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏFBN

Holdings Plc has reflected the harsh operating environment challenges in its Q3 2017 unaudited result, which showed mixed performance for the group, while the company thrives to overcome its loss position as at the end of 2016 financial year.

This was coming as the group’s Global Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FBN Holdings, Folake Ani-Mumuney and Babatunde Mimiko as Executive Director, Executive Director FBN Insurance have been elevated as Executive Directors in FBNH Plc.

Meanwhile, the holding company’s result released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Thursday showed that, for the nine months ended 30th September, 2017, FBN Holdings posted Profit after tax of N45.8 billion, up reflecting 7.8 per cent growth, compared with N42.5 billion recorded in 2016.

However, Customer deposits closed lower at N3.0 trillion, indicating 5.3 per cent y-t-d decline, against N3.1 trillion recorded as at 31 December 2016.

Also, the company’s net Customer loans and advances followed the same trend by declining to N2.0 trillion, reflecting 1.9 per cent y-t-

d, against N2.1trillion posted as at 31 December 2016. Also, operating expenses closed higher at N175.3 billion, up 8.4% y-o-y , while opex closed the corresponding period of 2016 at N161.8 billion.

The FBN Q3 result showed that the company’s total assets stood at n4.9 trillion, up 2.7 per cent year-to-date (y-t-d) (Dec 2016:N4.7trillion) The result further showed that gross earnings is N439.2 billion, up 5.2 per cent as against N417.4 billion in 2016 while Net-interest income is N254.3 billion, up 25.3% y-o-y (Sept 2016: N202.9 billion) The Group Managing Director, UK Eke, com-

menting on the results, said: “FBNHoldings has again demonstrated its resilience in revenue generation with a 5.2% yo-y growth in gross earnings to N439.2 billion following a y-o-y increase of 25.2% in net interest income to N254.3 billion.

The Group is progressing in building the right structures for sustainable growth through an improved credit culture and risk management; increased technologically driven operational efficiencies; and the introduction of revenue enhancing platforms.

“The Insurance group sustained its strong performance and we expect to see further growth from the retail, corpo-

rate and annuity businesses. Similarly, we continue to see strong growth trajectory in the Merchant Banking and Asset Management group. These businesses complement our commercial banking business in our aspiration to becoming the leading financial services institution in Middle Africa.

“We remain confident that the initiatives being implemented across our subsidiaries will further strengthen our business and ultimately reposition the Group for sustainable growth” FBN Holdings’ Total assets hits N4.9 trillion as at September 30, 2017, up 2.7per cent year-todate (y-t-d) increase over

N4.7 trillion reported in 2016 full year.

The statement said, “Total assets increased by 2.7per cent y-t-d to N4.9 trillion (Dec 2016: N4.7 trillion); this was largely driven by a 7.1per cent y-t-d increase in investment securities to N1.34 trillion (Dec 2016: N1.25 trillion); and a 41.9per cent y-t-d increase in loans to banks to N631.5 billion (Dec 2016: N444.9 billion).

“Earning assets have been further optimised with total interest earning assets growing by 5.7per cent y-t-d to N3.96 trillion from N3.74 trillion in December 2016, representing 81.3per cent of total assets (Dec 2016: 79.0per cent).

26

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Saturday, October 28, 2017

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EXTRATIME

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he Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter on Friday inaugurated the electoral committee that would oversee the forthcoming elections into the state executive committee.

The inauguration was done during a congress of the SWAN Lagos State Chapter at its secretariat at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Lagos SWAN inaugurates electoral committee The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tenure of the incumbent executive committee led by Fred Edoreh will expire in December, necessitating the need for elections.

Giving the timeline of the elections, Edoreh said the date for the elections must be December, going by the rules guiding the Association.

He thereafter read out names of members of the committee under the chairmanship of

the Deputy Secretary-General of SWAN, Wale Joseph, with Enitan Obadina as secretary.

Other members of the electoral body are Sadiq Martins, Tega Onajefe and Oluchi Tobechukwu.

On the task ahead of the committee, Edoreh charged the members of the committee to be transparent and uphold their integrity, which led to their being called to serve.

“The members of the committee are carefully chosen, based on their pedigree and integrity. In a situation like this, we need those that can stand the rigours of election without being compromised.

“Lagos SWAN is one of the most vibrant and organised chapters of the Association and we need to keep the flag flying,’’ he said.

The meeting went on to discuss matters of the welfare of members of SWAN and the parcel of land acquired by the Association for the proposed Sports City.

In a report given by a member of the land committee, Tobi Emmanuel, the committee said it had secured 23 acres of land for the project.

Zenith Bank/Delta Principal’s Cup Kicks-off in Asaba Nov. 1 Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

Russia 2018: FIFA increases prize money for participating teams to $400m .Approves other key organisational elements of World Cup

T

Rohr

he FIFA Council on Friday approved an increase in the prize money for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia to a total amount of USD 400 million — 12 per cent up from the USD 358 million awarded at the 2014 edition.

The decision was taken at the Coucil’s meeting in Kolkata, India, just as it also decided on a few important elements related to the FIFA World Cup – for both next year’s edition in Russia and the future of football’s showpiece competition.

The FIFA Council also ratified the decision of the Bureau of the Council of September 6, 2017 to approve the enhanced Bidding Regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and appointed the members of the Bid Evaluation Task Force.

According to the Bidding Regulations, the Task Force must be composed of the chairpersons of the Audit & Compliance Committee and the Governance Committee – in this case, Tomaz Vesel and Mukul Mudgal respectively – as well as a member of the Organising Committee for Competitions (Ilco Gjorgioski was appointed), together with experts from the administration: Deputy Secretaries General Zvonimir Boban (football) and Marco Villiger (administration).

The meeting in Kolkata covered a wide array of topics and saw the FIFA Council passing a number of important decisions, including the following: · Establishment of the FIFA Foundation, with the purpose of providing a solid legal and institutional basis for FIFA’s social development initiatives. One of the core intentions of the FIFA Foundation will be to institution-

alise a commitment of the FIFA Legends to engage in such activities and act as promoters of FIFA’s aims and objectives related to social development.

The FIFA Foundation should be operational by the first quarter of 2018 and will initially comprise the FIFA President and two members of the FIFA Council, Sonia Bien-Aime and Kwesi Nyantakyi. Later in the year, the FIFA Council will appoint a selection of respected personalities – from football and other areas of society – as additional members of the Foundation Board. · Decision to engage in a consultation phase to discuss a review of FIFA’s women’s, youth and club tournaments. A number of different draft formats will be submitted for discussion with the member associations at the FIFA Executive Football Summits, as well as with the confederations and other relevant stakeholders. Final concepts are planned to be submitted to the FIFA Council for approval during the body’s next meeting, on 15 and 16 March 2018 in Bogota, Colombia. · Approval of the following FIFA tournament dates: . FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018: 5 to 24 August 2018 . FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018: 13 November to 1 December 2018 .FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018: 12 to 22 December 2018 . FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™: 7 June to 7 July 2019 · Adoption of the International Transfer Matching System for professional women’s football as of 1 January 2018.

he second edition of the Zenith Bank/Delta State Principal’s Cup Championship kicks-off next week Wednesday in Asaba.

According to the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, schools across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state are to participate, noting that the competition was carefully planned to accommodate all technicalities including preliminary games, and other eliminations that would be involved in the process that would lead to the finals.

Ebie, who spoke to journalists on Friday in Asaba, disclosed that the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, with strong interest in the development of sports in the state, had directed that all schools across the state must take part in the competition as a measure to catch them young as well as encourage the rebirth of the principal’s cup that had been abandoned many years before it was resuscitated.

The commissioner commended Zenith Bank Plc for having faith in the state where it had chosen to partner the government in the sponsorship of the games as part of its corporate/social responsibility to the people.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of HODEA PPLUS LTD, Mr. Tony Oritse Pemu, said that the Local Organising Committee was inaugurated by the commissioner, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, adding that the LOC had major preliminary works of drawing the fixtures as well as the time table from the kick-off to the final match of the cup.

Zenith Bank Plc representative of the Zonal Manager, Mr. Lucky Eghade, however assured that the bank was willing to continue the partnership as the outcome of the first edition was quite encouraging.

Meanwhile, the Osaze Omorodion Foundation has started a 3-day Basketball clinic for youths across the state with the aim of promoting welfare as well as providing sense of self-worth, and opportunities through education, and sports for children cum youths.

Okowa

Saturday, October 28, 2017

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Musa needs to move away from Leicester City - Agali

V

ictor Agali has counselled Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa to consider a ‘favourable’ move away from the King Power Stadium after struggling for regular playing time.

The former CSKA Moscow forward is yet to play a game for the Foxes in the Premier League this campaign after featuring in 21 league games in his debut season in England.

Musa was an unused substitute in Michael Appleton’s side Carabao Cup win over Leeds United after making his maiden appearance for Leicester City U23s in their victory over Chelsea U23s in September.

With Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s World Cup in Russia, the former Schalke 04 and Nice attacker thinks the Nigeria international needs a move to secure his regular playing time

Musa

irrespective of the tier.

He said: “A move away from Leicester City will be very favourable for him [Ahmed Musa].

“He still has till the end of this year to make a choice if to go on loan to other clubs in the Championship or stay in the Premier League. It is left for him.

“He’s had a good career himself and good appearances with the Super Eagles. You can’t take away the fact that he is a very good player, sometimes it is important we watch the moves we make towards the end of the career.

“He understands the situation at Leicester City better than anyone and he knows why he is not playing at the moment.

“I believe he should look for somewhere else to play regularly and get his match fitness, but it does not really matter if he joins a team lower than Leicester City because all you need is your playing time.”

West Ham boss hails Ayew as a ‘game changer’

W

UNN to host S’ East zonal cricket playoffs ahead of national championships

est Ham manager Slaven Bilic says Andre Ayew is a “game changer” who can help the struggling Premier League side rise up the table.

Bilic said the Ghanaian’s performance in West Ham’s Carabao Cup win against Tottenham on Wednesday is exactly why he sanctioned a big money move to bring him to the London club.

“It’s me who wanted Andre to join us from Swansea,” Bilic told BBC Sport.

“I rate Andre very highly. He’s a great player.

He was the game changer.”

Ayew inspired West Ham to an unlikely win against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, scoring two quick-fire goals that sparked West Ham’s revival in a 3-2 win.

The West Ham boss is hoping Ayew can add to his two league goals this season when the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace today.

“He’s got that (knack) for goals,” said Bilic.

“He’s always in a good position at the right time.”

Ayew joined West Ham in August 2016 for around £20m after scoring 15 goals in his debut Premier League season with Swansea City.

The Croatian now wants his form to continue as his side seek to rise up the Premier

C

harles Obasi, Regional Development Officer (RDO) South East of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), on Friday said all arrangements were set for the zonal playoffs of a national championships.

Obasi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja the event would hold at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with male and female teams from four states participating.

“Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi will feature both male and female teams, while Imo will feature their male team only,’’ he said.

The RDO said all the teams would be in charge of their feeding and other logistics, aside accommodation which will be taken care of by the host institution.

“All state teams are preparing hard for the tournament, as we hope to see a team from the south-east region winning the tournament,” he said.

NAN reports that the playoffs, which serve as the preliminaries of the national competition, is scheduled for Thursday to Nov. 5 for the women’s category.

The men’s category will take place between November 9 and November 11, with all playoffs holding simultaneously in all the country’s geo-political zones.

The winners of the playoffs will clash in the finals scheduled for Abuja from November 16 to November 19 for the female cadre and November 23 to November 26 for the male category.

The tournament is being organised by the NCF with the aim of discovering talents for the national teams.

League following a poor start.

After nine games, West Ham lie 16th in the table and are only out of the relegation zone thanks to their goal difference.

“I told him I want him to continue like this not only scoring, but his game overall. It’s a big boost and I hope it’s going to continue,” said Bilic.

Just like his manager, Ayew has been under a lot of pressure to perform with West Ham fans criticising his recent performances.

He also recently lost his place in Ghana’s national team, overlooked for the last World Cup qualifier against Uganda.

Bilic, however, is tipping him to regain his form for both club and country.

“Players are always questioned, especially big ones like Andre,” said the Croatian.

“For young people, it’s not easy to be under that kind of pressure but he’s very strong in his head. He’s very mature.

“He’s been around for a long time in different countries, and also with Ghana. I haven’t been to Ghana but I can imagine how big the pressure he is under when he’s there for World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.”

Ghana, who can no longer qualify for Russia 2018, play their final qualifier at home to Egypt next month.

Association pledges regular training for coaches

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he newly-elected board of the Lagos State Track and Field Association of Nigeria has promised to give priority to training of coaches to update their knowledge.

The 2nd Vice-Chairman of the association, Gani Adenuga, made the pledge, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He stressed the importance of giving regular training to coaches, to make them understand new developments in track and field.

Adenuga noted that the inability of the association’s former board to organise refresher courses had hampered the performance of coaches and athletes.

“We want to assure our members that we are going to live up to expectations; one of our agenda is on coaches’ training and retraining.

“We are giving this issue a priority because it is a fundamental area that had been swept under the carpet.

“This is a new board and we are going to run an open door administration, giving opportunity for ideas and initiatives that will lead to significant growth in the association.’’

Adenuga said that a committee would be set up for aggressive marketing, to secure sponsorship for the body, adding that that would also go a long way in staging grassroots competitions.

According to him, holding regular competitions are important for the monitoring of athletes and coaches.

Adenuga, who is also a grassroots coach with the Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA) said: “the association will be soliciting for sponsorship to generate funds.

“The target is to get hold of good sponsors and if they are not forthcoming, we will go the extra mile to raise funds to execute our programmes.’’

NAN reports that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Lagos State Athletics Association and the Track and Field Coaches of Nigeria, held their elections on October 24.

Tuesday, October 28, 2017

EXTRATIME

29

SPECIAL FEATURE

By Frank Jumbo

Okocha’s artistry on the football field cannot be forgotten - Felix Awogu MultiChoice is bringing the Premier League trophy to be accompanied by a league legend, Jay Jay Okocha, to Nigeria to heighten the excitement of the football season. The trophy will be paraded in Lagos from October 25 to 29. To make the exercise more exciting, MultiChoice will also be bringing the trophy to Surulere in order to thrill football fans during the period. The General Manager, Supersport, Felix Awogu, in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, spoke on a number of issues during the week, including the choice of Okocha for the ceremony, impact of their broadcast rights with the EPL till 2022, idea behind the Let’s Play initiative and coverage of Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, among other issues. Excerpts.

Q

: As is tradition with MultiChoice, a Premier League legend is usually invited to heighten the excitement of the football season. One would have thought MultiChoice will bring in a legend who has won the Premier League but the company has decided to celebrate its own home-grown Nigerian Premier League legend. What informed your choice of Jay Jay Okocha?

A: First of all let’s look at Lionel Messi. He has never won the world cup, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo but I believe they are some of the greatest ambassadors of what football is all about today. If we were to bring the world cup Nigeria, these are the two players I am sure most people would have loved to see. If you look at Austin Okocha’s contributions to the Premier League before he left for Turkey, he brought a different dimension to football in England. His dribbling skills are today still revered in England and they still talk about Jay Jay Okocha’s artistry on the football field.

I think he is somebody who epitomises what football should be. He didn’t go for money, he went for entertainment and the fans till today, still see him as one of the greatest footballers that ever played for Bolton. To us he is not just a Nigerian; he was also the captain of the Nigerian national team and a man that has given a lot to football in this country and he is currently serving as the FA Chairman in Delta State. If there was any one, he is the man that we should look for to celebrate the Premier League.

How will the retention of broadcast rights to the Premier League till 2022 impact your business and what do you plan to do differently?

If you look at it, it is the biggest brand and the major driver in the business in the country.

A lot of Nigerians probably know more about the Premier League than the English themselves. If I go on the streets of England and chat with the regular folks, I realise that more of our taxi drivers have better view of what the Premier League is all about. We are excited and it is indeed an honour to have such great property at MultiChoice till 2022. It is not just about that, it is about the fact that we are trying to make everyone, irrespective of your financial prowess, have the opportunity to see some of these matches and that is why a lot of times, we cascaded it to the lower bouquets.

Considering the rising adoption of the OTT offerings out there, how will this impact your business?

The beautiful thing about the Premier League is that it is well structured. We have the total rights and we deliver the entire matches, about 380 LIVE games to everybody. We also have our Catch Up services which is unique to DStv and I do not believe any other provider offers such services. We are always ready and set to provide the best viewing experience to our viewing populace. The online aspect is a growing phenomenon and DStv Now is going to be positioned for that. It is a well thought out service, we are working on it daily and we are getting clean and clear signals. Most Nigerians have mobile phones, about 90 million mobile phone users and it is a great opportunity for people who want entertainment on the go and want to catch up on their programmes.

DStv Now to me, will be the greatest innovation in the television industry in Nigeria and Africa.

In keeping in tandem with its promises, MultiChoice has extended the La Liga matches to the lower bouquets as well as GOtv.

Most Nigerians have mobile phones, about 90 million mobile phone users and it is a great opportunity for people who want entertainment on the go and want to catch up on their programmes. DStv Now to me, will be the greatest innovation in the television industry in Nigeria and Africa.

Felix Awogu

What informed this decision and do you have plans to do same for the Champions league and FA Cup? We pride ourselves as people who decide to go for the best and La Liga league is great. After the Premier League, La Liga is probably one of the biggest in terms of marketing and the way it is deployed. It is something we do all the time, which is, reviewing our content offering because we have principle of basically looking at our customers and their desires. The business has a principle called ‘The customer first approach’ and once we have all that sorted, we decide. There is also something we call ‘open week’ where we decide to run our premium channels across board and people sit at home and enjoy it.

Don’t you think this will affect your sales, considering that some of your premium customers may decide to come down to the lower bouquets?

It all depends. If you look at our premium bouquet, it is a different world on its own not just because of the premier league. It has some of the best programming in the world. I make bold to say that DStv and GOtv are probably the best platforms in the world. I have travelled wide and I have not seen another platform which offers the pot pourri of what we have at varying affordable costs to Nigerians. When we talk about ‘open week’, it is a once in a while thing. We have a special package always for the premium subscribers and of course we keep improving.

The idea behind the Let’s Play initiative is to teach young children about sports and help them grow their potentials. How impactful can you say this initiative has been?

The Let’s Play Initiative is not only about the talent. If you look at the current situation in

Nigeria, a lot of children are becoming obese and suffering illnesses that are typically for adults. The major objective of the initiative is to get children out and for them to play. In the last two years, we have reached over two to three million children in Nigeria because one of our driving philosophies is football. If you give out one soccer ball, it doesn’t stay with that person because you will have to engage other kids. That has been our strategy. In the last six months, we have given out over 10,000 soccer balls to children in Nigeria. We have partnered with a couple of states like Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Lagos and Anambra States. The governor of Anambra State participated actively and he engaged with a lot of children and helped distribute soccer balls. It is something we are very proud of and happy. If we can deliver and children are leaving their houses to come out and play, we will be helping to prevent a lot of health crisis.

If you identify some real talents in these children, do you have any plans to support their football career to ensure it does not end at the grassroots?

We are not a football club. We are a broadcast outfit and we bring in a couple of ex-internationals to support us and help us activate the initiative. So if they find a talent, why not, but we will have to liaise with the parents of the child to see if they are willing to take the child to the next level or not but major focus is to get children playing again.

This initiative has been on for a while and you have expended a lot of money. Has it been worth your while?

Absolutely, it has been awesome. I will tell you for us there is nothing like giving back to the children and we are very grateful to milContd. on page 30

Saturday, October 28, 2017

EXTRATIME

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SPECIAL FEATURE Contd. from page 29

Okocha’s artistry ...

Sports Commission and the then minster of sports. Basically, I am of the belief that whatever happens in the classroom translates to the field of play. If the secretariat, the administrators, understand what they are doing, it will show on the field. Television and sports have a symbiotic relationship - I want you to deliver on what I want so that I can take it to millions of viewers out there for people to see and appreciate and that is the way we can grow the franchise and make money in the long run. The training has been ongoing, it has been wonderful and we have seen a lot of improvement in administration and marketing of sports. When we came into the league, the Nigerian league was valued at 70 million naira but today, the value of the Nigerian league is in excess of 7 billion naira. That is the impact local television has with local football.

lions of Nigerians who have been part of the MultiChoice family, both DStv and GOtv. So if this is some of the little things we give back, why not? Help them for health care, give them a few kits and it will be in their memories for years and years to come.

How do you plan to retain your customers, particularly those who subscribe to the lower bouquets, keeping in mind other pay TV players are offering more flexible payment plans and for the same value?

As far as flexible payments plans are concerned, we already have it, it is not new. For two times a year, you can decide to pause your subscription when you want to travel. But when you talk about flexibility, I do not really understand what people mean because of the way content is run. Content varies, be it GSM or telephony. It is a different ball game. You cannot say stop a soccer match for say 20 minutes and decide to continue next week. It is a huge investment and a lot of production put together to deliver on that content. It will be a great study because I have heard some claims from some organisation that it is possible but I must tell you, I have done a lot of research and I have not seen it anywhere else in the world.

Perhaps Nigeria may become a case study for the developed nations. We will see.

GOtv boxing is a success story of going to the grassroots and giving talents a platform.

Are you happy with what you have witnessed and do you have plans to support other sports especially athletics?

We brought a lot of revolution into our sporting family. When MultiChoice took up the Nigerian league, we did the league for 10 years. We put in our money and billions of naira was sunk into it. Aside from that, we trained a lot of Nigerians and gave them the opportunity to become some of the best broadcasters the world can offer. It was in Nigeria we started the Kenyan league; a crop of talented Nigerians who were trained in Nigeria started off the Kenyan league. We started the Ghanaian league and handed it over to the locals. This is something that is difficult to quantify. Some of our staff are currently being sort after globally because of their expertise from training. We can’t keep them forever, one day they will be on their own

Okocha

and they will do a lot of things.

We have been in football and we are still there. At a point, we had to fly in people from Europe to come and produce our national team games, the Super Eagles productions but now, we produce world class games delivered around the world and everybody is happy and proud of it and this is all done by Nigerians, people we have trained. We have been busy and we have supported Nigerian football.

Aside from the productions, we also trained administrators of sports in this country, over fifty of them, in conjunction with the Nigerian

Felix Awogu

With respect to the variety of content ranging from big ticket boxing bouts, wrestling, coverage and broadcast of major global sporting competitions, how would you ensure that the quality and variety of content available on SuperSport is maintained and even further raised That is why I said I am always grateful to our subscribers out there. Without them, we can’t do this much so we always appreciate them in every little way we can; be it the Lets Play initiative, every little thing we can do to support our subscribers. We need their loyalty to be able to deliver this quality content. You talked about the Mayweather fight and we delivered it. A lot of people watched it and they were excited, while the rest of the world had to pay an extra 100 US dollars but we gave it to Nigerians at no extra cost. We also have other wrestling bouts including the GOtv Boxing Night which you mentioned earlier. Nigeria has now become the citadel of the best boxers in the rest of Africa and we are having international boxers join the tournament. In the last bout we had Tanzanian, Malawian and Ghanaian boxers, all queuing up to be part of the GOtv boxing tournament. We look forward to seeing a Nigerian become a world champion not just the English-based ones but the homegroomed boxers because this adds to our GDP. Our money cannot only come from oil, who says sports cannot deliver or add a percentage to our GDP? As we look forward to Russia 2018, what should we expect from MultiChoice coveragewise and will you be going to Russia with the same amount of manpower you took to Rio? The world keeps changing. Now that we have qualified, it is now a different ball-game.

If we had not qualified, it would have been hectic but now that we have, we will deploy every resource because I know Nigeria will do well.

We have a generation of new players, with the right philosophy and the right state of mind.

They are youthful and a few experienced ones.

It is going to be a great tournament for us and the timing this time around is not like that of Rio, it is going to be perfect for Nigerians to sit back and enjoy the best of football. Supersport delivers the best content which anybody can be proud of. We will be well prepared and I hope we do very well in Russia.

Do you have any last words?

Basically it is for us to open up our minds.

There has been a lot of issue round polity and I think sports will be a driving force to redefine us as a nation. It is a big challenge to all of us in the media, how do we get our unity back, how do we move the pedestrian level to start thinking of a greater vision for us as a nation.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

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Business & Economy Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Attracting investors through consistent energy Page B2 policies Simon Ugwu

The Board of Directors of Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced a revenue of N254.7 billion for nine (9) months ended September 30, 2017. In the statement of the result sent to Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Board of the Company further announced the declaration of an interim dividend of N7,996,902,051 (Seven billion, nine hundred and ninety six million, nine hundred and two thousand and fifty one naira only), which is, N1.00 (one naira only) per ordinary share of fifty kobo in the share capital of the company.

An analysis of the unaudited and provisional result shows that results from operating activities grew from N37.9 billion to N42.3

Economic diversification: Expert identifies strategies for thriving tourism Page B3

Nigerian Breweries announces 9 months results for 2017 … declares 7.9b interim dividend.

billion, Profit before tax rose from N27.8 billion to N34.4 billion while Profit after tax grew improved to close at N23.9 billion from the N20.1 billion posted in the same period in 2016.

While commenting on the results, the Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Uaboi Agbebaku said “despite the continued challenging business environment, revenue in the first nine months of the year grew compared to the

corresponding period in 2016”. He added that as a result of the Company’s continued focus on internal efficiencies under its Cost Leadership programme, results from operating activities improved, which combined with lower Net Finance Charges resulted in increased profitability in the period.

It added that the interim dividend is payable subject to deduction of withholding tax at the appropriate rates, on Thursday, 23rd November, 2017 to all sharehold-

ers registered in the books of the Company at the close of business on Wednesday, 15th November, 2017.

In the statement signed by Mr. Agbebaku, the Board maintained that whilst the operating environment for the remainder of the year is expected to remain challenging, it is confident that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Company is well placed to deliver a good return on investment to shareholders.

L – R shows Oluwatosin Oyebola, Managing Consultant, Phillips Consulting Limited; Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Foluso Phillips, Chairman, Phillips Consulting Limited; Paul Ayim, Senior Partner, Phillips Consulting Limited and Favour Femi-Oyewole, Chief Information Security Officer, NSE during a Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of Phillips Consulting Limited’s 25th year anniversary celebration at the Exchange yesterday .

Sterling Bank records 19% growth in Q3 gross earnings

Ganiyu Obaaro

Sterling Bank Plc, has recorded sustained growth in earnings with 19 percent increase in gross earnings for the third quarter ended 30 September 2017, boosted by 48.9

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

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

percent increase in noninterest income.

The bank’s gross earnings rose to N94.6 billion during the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 as against N79.7 billion during the corresponding period of 2016. Other performance indicators showed that non-interest income grew by 48.9 percent to N16.0 billion as against N10.8 billion in the third quarter of 2016.

Commenting on the bank’s performance, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Yemi Adeola stated, “In the third quarter, the

bank sustained its earnings growth momentum with an 18.8 percent growth in gross earnings boosted by a 48.9 percent increase in non-interest income,” remarking that during the year, the bank’s strategy built on efficient operations and sustainable growth of its balance sheet in a cautious but optimistic manner, continued to deliver results.

According to him, despite the persistent inflationary pressures, cost-toincome ratio improved by 140 basis points driven by a moderation in operating

expenses, thereby enabling the bank to record significant improvement in asset quality with a 380-basis point reduction in non-performing loan (NPL) ratio.

He also said that the bank continued to diversify its funding base leading to a 147.6 percent increase in long-term funding and that overall profit before tax rose by 8.1 percent to N6.6 billion while annualized pre-tax return on average equity improved by 50 basis points to 9.6 percent.

The CEO noted, “As economic recovery gains momentum, we are well

positioned to respond to emerging opportunities in education, health and transportation sectors. Our existing collaboration with pioneering technology companies in these sectors has started yielding results and this will provide a springboard for growth in 2018.”

Further analysis showed that net operating income increased by 0.5 percent to N45.3 billion compared with N45.1 billion in 2016.

Operating expenses however moderated by 0.6 percent to N38.8 billion as against N39 billion in 2016.

Taking higher earning opportunities in bond investing

Page B8

Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited Takes Ownership of Power Project

By Simon Ugwu Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited (MPN), operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/ MPN joint venture, has announced it has reached commercial terms with Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited (QIPPL) for the transfer of ownership of the Qua Iboe power project and the supply of gas from the NNPC/MPN joint venture offshore facilities to the power plant. QIPPL is a joint venture between Black Rhino, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackstone Group, and NNPC. The transfer includes the ownership and financing of a gas-fired power plant and a 58-kilometer transmission line.

The NNPC/MPN joint venture will retain its responsibility to fund and build the 53-kilometer offshore pipeline and platform modifications needed to supply gas to the power plant.

“This milestone is a key enabler for the project, which will contribute 540 megawatts to the national grid when completed,” said Paul McGrath, chairman and managing director of MPN. “This further demonstrates our commitment to support the Nigerian government’s priority of providing electricity to the country and maximizing the economic and social benefits of a reformed power sector.

“We have partnered with a uniquely qualified participant that has demonstrated a strong interest in ensuring the success of the Qua Iboe power project.

All stakeholders are continuing to work expeditiously to conclude the necessary agreements for a final investment decision.”

Group Managing Director of NNPC Dr. MaikantiBaru expressed his satisfaction with the development. “The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation is pleased that we have hit this major milestone on the road towards the realization of the government’s power generation objectives. We will continue to work with MPN, QIPPL, Black Rhino and other stakeholders to ensure a successful and timely execution of the project.”

Business Review B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Attracting investors through consistent energy policies Simon Ugwu The need to have consistent policy to attract investors cannot be over emphasized as investment in the sector is the only way forward in the energy industry.

In this regard, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, a two-term former Director-General of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), says Nigeria needs to be consistent in implementation of its energy policies to experience development of the energy sector.

Yumkella stated this in Abuja, adding that consistency in implementation of energy pricing for electricity was key to attracting the right investors into the sector.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, recently hinted that it was considering a review of the power sector privatisation, beginning with the Distribution companies (DisCos).

Ahmed had explained that before any new investment was made in the sector, tariffs must also be discussed and agreed by all sector players to attract new inShe had said: It’s very clear to us that the level of tariffs that we have now is not sustainable but where the tariffs will go will be the subject of negotiations among the government, the existing investors, the new investors and consumers.“ Similarly, the power Distribution Companies (DisCos) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had also emphasised the need for cost reflective tariff to salvage the deteriorating sector.

The DisCos had repeatedly attributed inability of the sector to break even to the liquidity challenge.

This, they said, had impeded full realisation of its mandate, especially on mass metering of their residential consumers.

Among the principles and assumption under-

MINISTER OF POWER, WORKS & HOUSING, BABATUNDE FASHOLA lying introduction and implementation of Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) is the important principle of cost recovery and financial viability for the licensees and investors.

To what extent has the current power sector tariff aided the development of the nation’s electricity industry, is a question agitating the minds of electricity operators, stakeholders and consumers.

While some consumers are not disposed to further upward review of the tarrif, some still believe that there is the need for adequate price fixing to ensure development of the sector.

Yumkella, also a former Chairman of UN-Energy, however, said it was cherry that Nigeria unbundled its electricity sector that

ushered in private sector participation.

He, however, said that it was necessary to adhere to the agreement reached on tariff with the private sector after unbundling the sector.

“The private sector were promised a certain tariff rate, it is based on that tariff understanding that they borrowed money; you have to stick to it, that should not be re-opened and re-negotiated otherwise you will discourage other private sectors to getting involved in the sector.

“It took a long time to arrive at that tariff negotiation and I think government should implement that fully; that is what I mean by consistency and you see that consistency in

Ghana.

“Ghana has one of the best electrification rates in West Africa because they have been consistent in the last 30 years, with their energy policy.

“Their government changes but the energy policy does not change; in fact they improve on it and scale it up; here it fluctuates, for me it is a matter of sending solid signal to the market.

“South Africa, it is very clear companies keep coming and investing in the energy sector, both domestic and foreign bankers, but if the companies see too much changes they keep their money.“ He said the attainment of 7,000 megawatts of power generation was apt, adding that Nigeria required more electricity

to develop, given its rising population.

“The issue here is that you need much more than that, given your population growth, given the way you want to industrialise; this is why it makes sense to look at those Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs). “ Why do companies get discouraged after they sign MoUs, what can government do to send the right signal to potential investors, both domestic and foreign, that want to enter the energy sector.

“Because 7,000MW is a drop in the bucket for what Nigerian needs, which means you need much more private sector players, so you need a genuine reflection on what is discouraging investors from coming.

“It requires a genuine assessment and government should see itself as a facilitator that removes the barriers to ensure confidence in the operators.“ He said it was important for the regulator to focus more on energy pricing across the value chain.

“Energy pricing is always an issue and what price can the operators charge for the energy they generate or distribute. “ I think government needs to be very bold at energy pricing and I believe people will be ready to sacrifice a little bit more money now for more reliability in the future.

“Even Egypt raised energy tariff some few years ago because they were experiencing outages.

“As sensitive as it is, the price signal has to be clear and it has to stay there for 10 to 20 years to give confidence.“ On gas pricing, he said Nigeria’s future would depend on the development of its gas deposits and other petrol chemical products.

“Government should solve the pricing question to signal and guarantee investors that will last for 20 years and Nigeria has people with liquidity and brave investors that are investing here and internationally.

“They will be ready to built those power plants, refineries that will make Nigeria industrialise and you need to industrialise fast because your population is going to be 300 million or more in another 35 years.

“What are you going to do if those kids do not have jobs, this should send the sense of urgency here.

There is no time to waste, we have to have an energy revolution,“ he said According to him, there are Nigerians, banks that are ready to invest for the development of the power sector, given the presence of consistency in implementation of energy policies.

Tours&Travels

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Economic diversification: Expert identifies strategies for thriving tourism Ïj ƑƏƈ ƌ ƅ ƗƆƋƈƒƆƏ Ɛ Ɔ ƋƗƆ Ɔ Ƈ Ə Mƈ ƆƏƈ

FACTS FILE * Larry Segun-Lean, former President Nigeria Malaysia Business as well said, the sector can deliver the golden egg for Nigeria. * Former Chairman Tourism LCCI, added, Nigerian government must be able to have a clear, crucial and critical understanding; as they tend to diversify the economy for tourism. * Segun-Lean, former Chairman Industrial Sector LCCI, urged, the best in our hospitality sector, according to the CCA boss “must be put in the forefront. * Chairman of Customer Care Associates(CCA) Ltd., stated, people travel out of the country because destinations have not been developed to bring that relevant attention Segun-Lean advised the government to have a proper ministry with a mandate to make Nigeria as a whole a touristic destination * Segun-Lean advised the government to stem the tide the the issue of security and agitation at the airport, *Segun noted, when panic is created in the mind of a tourist, it takes days of their scheduled time to adjust, hence, loss of time and confidence in system. *Tourism bosd said, tourism should be in the front burner for social economic engagement for Nigeria to move to the next level of prosperity.”

Segun-Lean

CONTINUES ON PAGE B4

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Tours & Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, October 28 , 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, October 28, 2017

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Tours & Travels

Economic diversification: Expert identifies strategies for thriving tourism Ïj ƑƏƈ ƌ ƅ ƗƆƋƈƒƆƏ Ɛ Ɔ ƋƗƆ Ɔ Ƈ Ə Mƈ ƆƏƈ

Ebere Chibuzor

As Larry Segun-Lean, former President Nigeria Malaysia Business Council, Chairman of Customer Care Associates(CCA) Ltd., arguably an expert in the nation’s tourism industry has advised the Federal Government to support any private sector within the industry that is serious about developing the sector.

Segun-Lean, former Chairman Industrial Sector LCCI and former Chairman Tourism LCCI, as well said, the sector can deliver the golden egg for Nigeria.

He observed that nations like United States, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, among others, have developed tourism, saying that it has contributed immensely to their Gross Domestic Product, GDP. He added that in Nigeria, the government must be able to have a clear, crucial and critical understanding; as they tend to diversify the economy for tourism.

CCA is into hospitality, destination and tourism. The company sets out those three sub- sectors of the economy to create some definition for the industry as a whole by breaking them down.

The tourism outfit disclosed that it has been in existence for 11 years; and was motivated by the love for the business development.

Segun-Lean, who spoke during an interactive session with Daily Times at his Ikeja office in Lagos, recently, pointed out that tourism create jobs more than other sectors of the economy, added that the industry employs more people than oil and gas industry does.

According to him, lukewarm attitude by the government to tourism development would motivate outbound tourist.

Lai Mohammed He said, “A lot of people in Nigeria do outbound tourism whereby people travel outside the country; and Nigeria does not have inbound tourist, noting that people travel out of the country because destinations have not been developed to bring that relevant attention.”

He further hinted, “We need to make Nigeria a touristic country.

We need to think it, we need to be part of it because it would employ more people than other resources we focused on over the years, because 774 local governments in Nigeria can benefit from tourism if well managed.

Meanwhile, the CCA chairman

Exploring top vacation and sightseeing attractions in Nigeria.....

Abuja: A world class capital state with a grand master plan of its outlook, is a beautiful Nigerian city to visit or live in.

The nation’s seat of power considered a highly business destination is an affordable place for all – rich, middle class or poor. Being a developed and organised city, it has many recreational centres, five-star hotels, and shopping malls that are lusciously built to world class standards. The city is the haven for luxury real estates in Nigeria.

Segun-Lean advised the government to have a proper ministry with a mandate to make Nigeria as a whole a touristic destination. “As we expect money from the ministry of petroleum, we should as well expect money from ministry of tourism.

We should upgrade our expectation from tourism.”

Continue he noted, “Security has to be a major part of that; we need to encourage our security.

There must be tourism police that would be dressed in accordance with managing the image of our country.”

He stressed, “And our airports must meet global standards. Peo-

ple come to the airport and when your airport is friendly and welcoming, it motivates them to stay in that country; and that is the first port of call when they are entry your country. Your airport must be give them confidence and assurance that you are ready for business.”

Continuing, The best in our hospitality sector, according to the CCA boss “must be put in the forefront. So, at the airport angle, we need to do something critical.

“When people come to the country and see that the airport environment is well manicured and world- class, they will want

to come back again. But when the airport is ugly and unfriendly, they don’t motivate one to come back.

We need to do something critical about our airports. Our airports as gateway to the country.”

Likewise on challenges, he said that skill and regulation have been the problem because we don’t have many training schools for those we want to work in hospitality industry. Advising government also to work with professionals. “We need exposure because many people who are in this part Africa are not well exposed to international hotels practice and management”.

Again, he advised the govern-

ment to stem the tide the the issue of security and agitation at the airport, stressing that such social vices discourage international tourism.

People want to come to your country and they don’t feel that your country is safe enough for them to come even when you have assured tourists of their safety”.

“From the port of entry they do not really encounter the kind of friendliness that other country will offer them.

He said, “Agitation and restiveness must be discouraged, issues that bothers on Workers welfare be properly addressed to forestall unnecessary industrial down tool, which creates downturn in the economy.

When panic is created in the mind of a tourist, it takes days of their scheduled time to adjust, hence, loss of time and confidence in system.

They do not feel the hospitality enough before they part for another trip. Memory and experience is what you get in staying in the hotel. The memory and experience in the hotel and in the country are very useful to a foreigner, tourist as well.”

According to him, “Visa on arrival is very critical to promote in bound tourist, visa on arrival must be well managed to promote inbound tourism. There must be tourism police also who will be trained to ensure there is no harassment of foreigners as long as they do not have criminal intent; they should allow them to come in free and be happy.

“Tourism is about experience, because hence the experience is horrible you have lost that tourist and you are not only lost that tourist you have lost ten of such people because there will be a word of month and they have influence . You can never account how many potential tourists you have lost by one single ugly incident,” he said.

Segun-Lean pointed out that, “Without promoting tourism in the country we have lost a lot, and there should be a clarion call for this that tourism should be in the front burner for social economic engagement for Nigeria to move to the

XXXX

next level of prosperity.”

According to him, when hotels are in the top shape people come for business, when they stay in a good hotel in a city or in country the memory will retain in their system, they want to come back again and patronize that hotel and when they patronize that hotel they encounter your culture.

“You are actually promoting your country, because people that stays in a good hotel or in your hotel no matter how internationalize the hotel is they must encounter the culture of the people of that country.”

Speaking further, he said, “We are constructing a boutique hotel and we recruit our staff from the crop of the people that are available in the industry and we get professionals outside the country who are really skilled and probably have managed international well branded hotels because hotels must be well managed to attract potential customers.

Commenting on the uniqueness of the sector , he said that, “We have some relevant exposure and experience, experience is what we give to management.

So far most of our management

Most times Nigerians travel out to see the world, visiting beautiful, breathtaking places in other countries and continents. It can be such an amazing thing, being a tourist within Nigeria. However, we also have some amazing places in this beautiful country of ours that we can visit.

Calabar: Calabar is a beautiful city endowed with a rich culture and natural attractions. The city is a major travel destination in Nigeria. Not only is it a beautiful city, it is a peaceful city with diversity in landscapes. Tasty delicacies, beautiful architecture and festivals are what attracts visitors to the city.

Every year, the biggest street party, Calabar Carnival is hosted in the street. The festival displays diverse colourful cultural costumes and dance which tourists from all over the world participate in.

staff are well travelled. They have been skilled within the global network. Passion is very critical in hospitality management.”

“We have sites that can be developed and they become destinations and hence it become some destination, we now have to understand the business part of that for that to become profitable to the host community and to the country at large. Ones you apply business matrix it becomes beneficiary to the host community and the country at large. Application of business matrix will make a destination profitable.

“We cannot run tourism as just an appendage but it has to be run as full fledge ministry or department with mandate to deliver productivity and in the sense people must know they are practitioners and they must operate as professionals and that would always yield devidend to both the community and the country.”

On the contrary, the former Chairman Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss recalled that he had wanted to raise a bar for tourism appreciation in Nigeria.

Enugu:

Port-Harcourt: Port Harcourt can be best described as a beautiful Nigerian city with lush greenery and aesthetic landscape. Loved for numerous reasons but mostly for its wealth as a result of oil, the beautiful city is the home to many multinational companies, especially those affiliated with oil and gas. Port-Harcourt being a coastal city has scenic shorelines.

Enugu which bears the same name with the capital is a very beautiful city with nice topography and attractive structures.

The road network in Enugu is well designed with so many states of the art buildings. Enugu is the most beautiful city in Igbo land with an exciting social life.

Enugu has been argued to be one of the best well-planned cities in Nigeria. Luxury, se-

renity and security describe the lifestyle of residents in Enugu.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

B6 Tourism

Africa: The International Carnival has transformed the Carnival Calabar – Governor Ayade Stories by Ebere Chibuzor The Executive Governor of Cross River State Professor Ben Ayade commended the international Consultant to Calabar Carnival Mr. Ikechi Uko of Jedidah Promotions who also is the Organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market.

“Ikechi Uko has added huge Value to the Carnival as People are now excited about the international part of the Carnival. We needed to improve and refresh the Carnival. Because of the changing demographics and the need to hold the interest of the younger Generation there is a need to improve on what we have offered as the Carnival for 10 years. People come to the Carnival expecting something new and fresh. This is the reason we add new events every year. This year the Formula K bike race will be the new event and it is going to be exciting.”

This was Governor Ayade’s presentations when the Team from Abuja and Lagos visited him in the Office after the First Dry Run in Calabar.

The team was led by The Permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism and included Consultants and the former Mrs. Tourism United Nations Mrs. Ebelechukwu Enemchukwu.

The Organiser of 48hours in Calabar Mr. Nkereuwem Onung presented a souvenir to the Governor and briefed him on the Ride on

Governor Ayade

the Monorail which is part of the Tour Package According to website Calabar Blog the Governor asked the Federal Government to Support Calabar carnival instead of Competing with it.

According to Calabar Blog: “Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has called for the federal government to invest in the state’s 13 year old Carnival Calabar to make it a truly strong African brand.

Mr. Ayade who described the hosting of the Abuja Carnival as a competition

to the state’ Carnival, made the call, Monday, when he received the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Muhammad, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Gekpe on a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar.

Ayade said that: “The only way Carnival Calabar can become a strong African event is when the Federal Government begins to show interest by making budgetary provisions for the festivalyearly.

“We are a subnational,

and running parallel carnivals such as is currently being seen everywhere across the country, does not add value, but the value will come only when the federal government starts supporting us with a vote.”

Continuing, Ayade suggested, “I want the federal government to sponsor each state to participate in Carnival Calabar.

This was the same suggestion I made to the Imo State Governor, when I assured him that Cross River State will participate fully in Imo Carnival 2017 as one

of the bands.”

According to Ayade, “You can imagine if each state were coming as a band and then we have 36 states competing against one another, could you imagine where Africa would have been?

The whole world will start seeing our greatness.”

On the Abuja Carnival, Ayade said that: “Calabar has made the signature in carnival and tourism and instead of straightening it, you now become a competitor. The scenario can be likened to that of a father fighting his own child.

He continued: “I find it more disturbing the use of the word carnival in the Abuja event, which is in direct conflict with the Carnival Calabar. Rather than attaching the event with a cultural name they went ahead to call it Abuja Carnival which is why we have refused to make representations at the event because we think it’s unfair.

“We cannot continue to battle with ourselves. Let us take culture to where it belongs because until now, Cross River feels pained that Abuja is competing with us.”

According to the governor, “Until you change the name to an appropriate nomenclature that does not give us a sense of competition and fine tune the content, Cross River will not associate itself with Abuja carnival.”

On the successes he has recorded so far since he assumed office with the innovative ideas injected to the event, governor Ayade dis-

Tourism: Nigeria hotels worth great deal of money in Africa market African Hotel Report says Nigerian hotels are the most valuable hotels on the African mainland, according to the 2017 that will be released at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Kigali tomorrow.

Despite the economic problems experienced by the market in recent years that have seen values fall by 16.4% in the

last two years, average values are the third highest in all of Africa, behind only the Seychelles and Mauritius, according to David Harper of Hotels Partners Africa, the report’s author.

Nigeria is the most significant hotel market in West Africa, with almost 6,100 branded bedrooms across 41 hotels, with 21 brands (and 14 hotel com-

panies) represented in 9 cities. With a population of almost 192m, growing at an estimated 2.6% per annum and with the largest economy on the continent, it is unsurprising that more hotel projects (61) and more branded bedrooms (10,313) are proposed here than in any other country on the continent.

Sheraton hotel Abuja, Nigeria

closed: “This carnival that we took over two years ago is now ranked among the best carnival events in the world.”

We have made a lot of progress but this has also put extra burden and a challenge on us. To sustain the current status is not good enough, and to sit back is an absolute disaster. So, we are aiming to become number one by creating more exciting programmes because carnival cannot be static.”

He further hinted: “Some of our white tourists who came to Calabar for the last International Carnival confessed to us that they were shocked to see that black people and indeed Africans can organize event of that magnitude.

“They could not believe that we could have over two million black people on the street without any form of crisis nor incidents. It was a well organized, packaged event from start to finish.”

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Grace Gekpe who was in the state to flag off the first in a three-part carnival dry runs, promised to take up the responsibility of marketing the state to the international community.

She said: “After visiting some of the beautiful sites in Calabar and of course with the latest facility which is the mono rail that links the Calabar International Convention Center with the famous Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, our ministry is now more than ever ready to market the state to drive the needed traffic to ensure proper utilization of the facilities.”

Business Features B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28, 2017

Oil workers canvass steps to resolve problems in oil industry Simon Ugwu Oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have called on stakeholders, especially the government to embark on a number of coordinated steps to resolve some of the problems bedeviling the oil and gas industry.

The workers, in a communique issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of PENGASSAN at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said resolutions were taken on some issues of urgent concerns impacting on the oil and gas industry as well as the country.

The communiqué was released to the public on Friday and signed by the PENGASSAN President, Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson and the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa.

Some of the issues deliberated on at the NEC meeting include the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), attacks on national assets, rehabilitation of refineries and other government owned oil installations, anti-labour posture and practices of indigenous companies and marginal field operators, contract and casual staffing, infrastructural decay, national industrial relations crisis, among others.

On the PIB, the NEC commended the present National Assembly’s efforts to pass the Bill, but lamented that the country has lost so much revenue and new investments due to the delay in its passage.

“The NEC-in-Session reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with other Stakeholders to ensure passage of this Bill, and will ensure that the lacunas, particularly the adverse labour clauses identified in the Bill are addressed before its passage.”

The NEC also condemned the continuous attacks on national assets such as pipelines and other oil and gas installations in the country, which has caused lots of incalculable damage to the national and industry’s revenue,

demanding strong security strategies and use of modern equipment to end unnecessary attacks and damaging of national assets.

While the PENGASSAN NEC expressed acknowledgement of efforts of the government to rehabilitate the nation’s refineries, which are in appalling state, for optimal delivery, the NEC however implored the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency and priority carry out a comprehensive Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in all the four stateowned refineries.

“The NEC-in-Session also calls on the Federal Government to come out with distinct plans and implementation strategy for crude supply to the Refineries.

“The NEC-in-Session also notes the positive impact of the planned modular and other private refineries on the industry and the economy as a whole. The NEC-in-Session therefore emphasizes the need to be proactive in labourrelated issues that will arise therefrom.

“The NEC-in-Session demands that facilities such as depots, jetties, tank farms, pipelines and pump stations be rehabilitated along with the refineries to ease supply of crude oil to the refineries as well as evacuation and distribution of refined products throughout the country.”

The NEC also frowned at the anti-union posture by indigenous oil and gas companies and marginal field operators, and therefore called on regulatory institutions and business partners (Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (DPR) NNPC/ NAPIMS, International Oil Companies (IOCs), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to call such companies to order..

The NEC-in-Session resolved to resist any management that infringes on the workers’ Rights to Freedom of Association and Lawful Assembly.

The NEC called on the Federal Government to urgently reconvene the Ministerial Committee on Contract and Casual Staffing which was chaired

Minister of state for petroleum resources, Ibe Kachikwu by the Late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister James Ocholi to address all issues on abuse of service contract provisions in the oil and gas industry.

In a related development, Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, NAEE, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to suspend plans to effect a review in the country’s electricity tariffs, stating that before any change is introduced, electricity distribution companies, DisCos and other stakeholders should address issues of customers enumeration.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja as part of activities to mark the 2017 World Energy Day, President of NAEE, Mr. Wumi Iledare, said tariff increase should not be seen as a one-for-all solution to the problems in the Power sector, stating that instead, it should form a part of the general reforms of the industry.

Iledare was represented by the immediate past president of the association,

Mr. Adeola Adenikinju.

NAEE is an affiliate of the International Association of Energy Economics, IAEE. He said, “Tariff issues should be taken with other reforms. In looking at tariffs, one key factor and denominator is the number of consumers, customers that the power companies are targeting. The country and particularly, DISCOs, have been reluctant to do proper customers enumeration. As a result, we continue to understate our denominator for tariff determination.

That has made it difficult to have appropriate tariff rates. “It is important we address the issue of customer enumeration to properly arrive at what we say an appropriate tariff rates should be.”

Commenting on the World Energy Day, Iledare lamented that Nigeria is seriously challenged by the inability or obvious lack of capacity to turn its huge energy potentials both renewable and nonrenewable into realised energy to support rapid economic growth, job creation and poverty

reduction. He argued that energy security is a serious problem as Nigeria remains a net importer of refined products and suffers from significant power supply deficit.

He said, “Nearly 15 years after electricity sector reforms began, and in spite of the various institutional changes, regulatory and policy reforms that have taken place, as well as the billions of dollars of public and private investment that went into the Power sector, electricity sector remains seriously challenged in Nigeria.

“The entire segments of the value chain are bedeviled with one problem or the other. Both the formal and the informal sectors continue to run on private generators, with attendant avoidable huge economic and non-economic costs.”

He noted that several countries, leveraging on the productivity growth impact of energy access expansion have moved significant number of their people even in rural and remote areas out of poverty.

He argued that Nigeria’s energy investment-

GDP ratio is too low and inefficiently allocated to support the energy infrastructure that the country requires to drive sustained economic growth.

“Hence, the fall back solution that we have adopted cannot even be ranked as second best solution, because it is totally unacceptable and incompatible with global energy transition,” the NAEE president stated. He called for a timely phasing out of fossil fuel fired private generators, many of which are old, energy inefficient and major sources of noise and air pollution, especially as reliable, affordable and modern energy sources become available.

According to him, we should also no longer tolerate the significant health risks that the use of traditional biomass in the residential and commercial sectors for energy services like cooking, lighting, water heating, among others, impose primarily on women and children. He added that, “Energy access that hovers around 50 per cent should not be tolerated and the celebration of electricity generation of less than 5000MW, a significant fraction that never gets to the end users does not represent our best endeavour as a country.

Every level of government should be encouraged to participate in the power sector development, especially by providing the enabling framework for the private sector to drive the process.” Continuing, Iledare said, “We must utilize our rivers as sources of small hydro power and irrigation solutions to support agriculture in the rural areas where over 40 per cent of Nigerians continue to live.

This will provide so much multiplier effects on socioeconomic living standards of the people. “We must develop energy policies and programmes that state clearly that the country will reduce its dependence on fossil fuel not just as a source of economic diversification, but as a new economic and energy strategy for development. “We must develop or leverage on new technology to drive the transition. This is where we will need to retool our education system, and give opportunities to non government actors to invest in innovative technologies that can meet the need of Nigerians especially those

Personal Finance B8 Bonny Amadi There are different types of investments which cut across bank products, stocks, annuities, retirements, commodity futures which is not yet common Nigeria.

They also include alternative complex products, bonds, investment funds, savings for college, options, also not yet introduced in Nigerian market, security futures, insurance among others. Investment in bonds is on the center stage in Nigeria presently, because of the government’s commitment in borrowing to fund deficit budget.

What bond is?

A bond is a loan an investor makes to a corporation, government, federal agency or other organization in exchange for interest payments over a specified term plus repayment of principal at the bond’s maturity date. There are a wide variety of bonds including Treasuries, agency bonds, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and more. Likewise there are many types of bond mutual funds.

When you invest in bonds and bond mutual funds, you face the risk that your investment might lose money, especially if you bought an individual bond and want or need to sell it before it matures. And bond mutual fund prices can fluctuate, just as stock mutual funds do. Risk will also vary depending on the type of bond you own.

Bonds and bond mutual funds often can be an important component of a diversified investment portfolio. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned investor. However sovereign bonds of FGN bonds is more secured, even though its rate of returns is lower than other bonds.

While it is said that equities rewards more than bonds, the guarantee of bond investing and challenge of inflation on earnings, gives less concern to more investors than stock market volatility.

How to invest in FGN Savings Bond To start investing in FGN Savings bond, simply visit a stockbroking firm accredited by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The DMO is responsible for issuing bonds on behalf of the Federal Government.

Filling the required forms is not difficult. You can download

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 28,2017

Taking higher earning opportunities in bond investing government of a country issuing it.

Treasury bonds or treasury bills in Nigeria have the lowest yields compared with other types of bonds because they are almost safe and in investment and finance, the safer an asset, the lower the yields.

Municipal Bonds These are bonds issued by states and local governments to finance its capital expenditures which include construction of roads, bridges, power plants and grids, the building of schools, hospital etc.

States differs in term of size, economy, and security, so the risk investors are willing to take on these states differs.

Investors want to be assured that they can at least be able to get out with their principal in case anything happens so the safer your state or local government, the more they will invest in it and at a lower cost the state or local government.

Corporate Bonds These are bonds issued by companies to raise capital to improve their businesses.

A company can issue bonds for many reasons including buying another company, paying dividends to shareholders, expansion and to fund new business ventures.

DMO DG, Ms. Patience Oniha the current list of accredited stockbroking firms by visiting the DMO website www.dmo.gov. ng.

You will be required to fill account opening forms by the stockbroker, to enable you deal through them. Visit a stockbroker, whether you end up opening the account or not.

You will become better informed than someone sitting at home asking questions but doing nothing. Taking that first step seems to be the biggest challenge most people have.

Before taking a plunge into bond investing , you need to know different types of bonds that exist, rate of returns , risks associated with it and other factors.

Type of bonds in Nigeria There are different types

of bonds trending in Nigeria currently, of which the federal government bond have remained the most prominent and active.

The federal government f Nigerian bonds are Eurobond, Federal government savings bonds, the sovereign Sukuk, among other FGN bonds that are currently listed on the Nigerian stock exchange (NSE), which can as well be bought from the secondary market.

Among others Sovereign or FGN Bonds FGN Bonds are debt securities (liabilities) of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO) for and on behalf of the Federal Government. The FGN has an obligation to pay the bondholder the principal

and agreed interest as and when due. When you buy FGN Bonds, you are lending to the FGN for a specified period of time.

The FGN Bonds are considered as the safest of all investments in domestic debt market because it is backed by the ‘full faith and credit’ of the Federal Government, and as such it is classified as a risk free debt instrument. They have no default risk, meaning that it is absolutely certain your interest and principal will be paid as and when due. The interest income earned from the securities are tax exempt.

Treasury Bonds (Bills) This bond is issued by the federal government. Treasury bonds are the safest bonds out there, that is, depending on the

Corporate bonds have more credit risks than Treasury bonds and municipal bonds because Treasury bond defaults are rare like the recent Argentina’s credit default, municipal bond defaults happen but they are few. But corporate bond defaults happens regularly. Corporate bonds can be divided into investment grade and speculative grade.

Asset-Backed Securities Asset-backed securities are bonds backed by financial assets.

They are bonds in which assets are bundled together and resold to investors as bonds.

A major example of assetbacked security is mortgagebacked securities (MBS).

These bonds are created from the mortgage payments of residential homeowners.

If you took a mortgage from Imperial Homes Mortgage bank, the bank can repackage your loan and that of others and sell it to investors.

v

Life&

TIMES Saturday, October 28, 2017

My kind of man must be spirit filled–Anita Joseph

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

High rate of marriage crashes does not slow me down from getting married –Anita Joseph Nollywood actress cum singer, Anita Joseph, is one of the popular faces in Nollywood job through her acting. In recent times, Anita has been tagged a controversial actress but despite this, she has kept soaring higher at every point in time. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the Anambra State-born thespian disclosed that she is taking her time on the issue of marriage, her kind of man, career amongst others How has the year been for you?

The year has been great by his grace. It has been awesome and all I can say is thank you lord for keeping me this far.

You seem to have bounced back to the industry; why the sudden break initially?

Music made me take a break.

Hahaha hhhahhh feel bad about what? You say? I am not ordained.

How do u handle critics? the actress in me held me bound. If not...

feel?

This your questions sha. I can decide not to answer you. But I choose to. Marriage comes when it comes. Am not bothered about it. And if by the way he shoots and is a pregnancy then

Is your but important and my most cherished.

certain amount of money? humour. A dresser and must smell good.

yet. But if‌..

Can you marry an actor or a comedian? picks or blows his nose anyhow. Especially in the public. I

For now no How will you describe your sense of styles?

Can you say y

cinema pass that.

What do you like most about your man?

you and scare you from venturing into it?

God.

on the screen? an act. And he trust me. permanent site.

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Gist L3

Mutiat Alli

Lamboginny frees 27 Kirikiri Prison inmates

8 parties, 7 cities, 1 tour: Smirnoff announces epic nights with the Smirnoff

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As part of its give-back concert,

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Toolz, Tunde Demuren, Woli Arole, Grand Komanda attend 16Oniru’s royal pains

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Court orders el-Rufai to pay Audu Maikori N40m for unlawful arrest and detention -

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

L5

Society Circle L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Isaac Oguntoye

Society Bigshot, Onanuga plans big for his hundred days in office

Bobo

Society bigwig, Hon. Onanuga Adeniyi Samson best known as (Bobo) can only be described as an astute, well-loving and accommodating leader with rare leadership substances.

His emergence as the Executive Chairman of

Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Developmental Area never came as a surprise to those who are not unaware of his political antecedents.

Having served in various capacities and hold sway in the development of Ikosi-Ejirin Area for decades, he

has however vowed to make best use of the opportunity given to him by the people of his LCDA as a Chief Captain of the Local Government to sail his people to the promise land.

In his bid and effort In bring the dividend of democracy to his people, Adeniyi aka Bobo is currently orchestrating to stage a big celebratory event of his hundred ecutive chairman of the local government.

According to a feeler whispered to us, the much anticipated event is promised to showcase the array of achievements of the working chairman of Ikosi Ejirin LCDA. Though, the date for the event is yet to be pronounced but there is a strong indication that it would hold on November.

Cleric empowers 72 widows, disables, others x

social vices in the society. ciaries not to be weary but brace up to overcome challenges ahead of them.

Pastor Ojo however called on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid millions of less privileged in the society by sharing part of their wealth for humanity.

Speaking on behalf of Cleric

The founder of Odi Ajaye Victorious Garden Ministry Pastor Dr. John Olushola Ojo has donated cash sum ranging from 50,000 to 10,000 to over 70 unemployed widows and disables in Lagos. nior Pastor of Christ Apostlic Church, CAC Odi Ajaye in Ogba area of Lagos state also pre-

sented clothing materials and food stuff to powerment programme for the widowed.

Pastor Ojo while presenting his new book titled Giving: Provoking the law of Abundance said rendering help to the less privilege will help curb terrorism, stealing, child marriages among other crimes and

Rasheed commended the vision of the octogenarian saying Pastor Ojo has been wearing the garment of giving and caring for the widows and less privilege in the society from his youthful age.

She said the ministry had assisted in training two of her children in the higher institution.

The event was also used to mark the 81 years anniversary of Pastor Ojo and the public presentation of his book.

Between el-Rufai and Osibanjo

Nasir

Osibanjo

Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been described by many as a dogged politician. Some called him a very strict governor while some labelled him a daisy person who keep his eyes on the ball until he has his way.

For sometimes now feelers have been taking a close look at the way the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State has been eulogizing Oluyemi Oluleke “Yemi� Osinbajo, the current Vice President of Nigeria on social media. When the Lawyer cum pastor turned politician made announcement on the approval of the second

Niger Bridge, Mallam Nasir took to his Instagram page to praise the vibrant and ever focus politician.

Meanwhile, those who are aware of El-Rufai style of penetrating into fellow politicians especially those close to Aso Rock have started sending warning signal to Osibanjo not to be moved by what he saw one social media. The two notable politician were also at the 1000 African Young Entrepreneurs at the Tony Elumelu Initiative where the former Director General of The Bureau of Public Enterprises was a guest speaker.

Patience Jonathan celebrates Unlike her previous birthday, the former Nigeria first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan celebrated her 60th birthday in low-key style.

Although, she had announced before the Dan elaborate birthday due to the hardship within the country. The septuagenarian rather than rolling out drums in celebration decided to celebrate with few friends, family and wellwisher around her. Before then, close friends and well-wishers of the former first lady were planning to throw her a lavish party, in commemoration of the big 60, but were shocked refusal to have a lavish celebration. Surprisingly, she asked her friends not to bother wishing her through the usual congratulatory messages, featured in major national newspapers.

According to her, she has decided to cele-

Patience Jonathan

brate her 60th birthday in an austere due to the hash economy situation within the country.

Trust Nigerians, some have attributed this to her incessant crisis, corruption and embezzlement of public funds levelled against her by the Economic Financial

Crime Commission.

It would be recalled, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on the injunctions of the Federal High court, is pushing for Dame $5.8m to the Federal Government.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Society Circle L7

Isaac Oguntoye

Dapo Abiodun’s albatross Where is Tayo Ayeni?

The Ogun state politician who is nurturing the ambition of becoming the next governor of the state come

Oyo state born socialite, Tayo Ayeni used to be one of those big spenders who make social scene thick. The Chairman/ CEO of Skymit Limited as well as Chairman of other companies including Space Ventures Limited, Affordable Cars, Space Properties Limited, Moontrends Holdings Limited and Limoserve, amongst others has turned shadow of it old self according to rumour mongers. Before now, Tayo is a renowned socialite who ceased every opportunity of social life to network with business partners but for sometimes now, little or nothing has been heard about him. The younger brother to Ayo Ayeni who was recently reported to nancially insolvent is also

name and image are not smeared by the tale of the hard drug linked to his

family name on the mainstream.

Prince Dapo Abiodun

Prince Dapo Abiodun is presently not in good mood. No thanks to the circumstances surrounding his son, Olugbemiga who is better known as nate that Dapo lost his son, but what seems to have become a more worrisome angle to the incident is the controversial tale that trailed the young ters alleged that Olugbemiga and his dead with him died from overdose of hard drug consumption.

Tayo Ayeni

This has been giving Prince Dapo Abiodun, a successful oil baron who Heyden some sleepless night.

The Light skinned socialite who recently celebrated his birthday and the opening of his upscale.

...Yemisi Awe

Dino Melaye begs Assembly, representing Kogi West shows he knew where the shoe pinches.

The man who went on his kneel begging the National House of As-

Dino

started committing suicide in Kogi state over drama display by Dino Melaye, a Nigerian politician, and member of the 8th National

Senate president to act on the current situation of his people before it get out of hands.

Meanwhile, the rumour spreading around now is that, after a director in the Kogi State civil service reportedly killed himself over unpaid emolument, 40 Nigerian senators have donated at least 1,260 bags of rice to civil servants in Kogi State.

However, the state governor, Yahaya Bello is yet to announce how or when the salary will be paid, so according to information.

Yemisi

On the social scene, Awe needs no introduction. However, for those who might mistake her for someone else, she is the brain behind Paragon Place, a

Yemisi is not one of the socialites who just attend events, she also organises one. Awe hosted few friends and family recently to the opening of her new shop

land Club chairman, Akeem Awe.

And ever since then nothing has been heard about her and her husband.

Wellbring L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Eating right: Tips for healthier living We all want that perfect body, for the while for the guys: that lean body built and

you just have to shift to healthier food and beverage choices. What you eat goes a long way in shaping your body, keeping you ing that perfect body shape and the following tips will help you in achieving that: 1. Never skip breakfast

ways in a hurry that they forget to eat in the eating breakfast helps in weight loss. Good oats, cereals etc.

2. Eat fruits and vegetables

perfect body shape. Fruits and vegetables that are needed in the body and also helps in burning excess calories. Regular intake of fruits and vegetables has also been known to prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heartburns and others.

food choices.

3. Adequate intake of water

4.Table your meals The less stressed you are when eating, the

go through life dehydrated which causes tiredness, low energy and headache.

car or close that book before you dig in. Ensure eating.

5.

Avoid junk foods About 85% of people these days live on junk ach and excessive weight body shape, choose foods that are low in fat and have fewer calories. Intake of Confectionaries of all kinds should be reduced to a

6. Avoid late night meals: Eat dinner 14-15 hours before breakfast the next day, this is to enable proper digestion and

7. Eat a little at a time

enables easier digestion and keeps you strong without feeling week and sluggish which a and Feel Right.