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Ï Mimiko condemns massacre

ÏÏÏ The

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate would commence investigation into the recent killings in southern Kaduna State.

Mr. Saraki made the announcement in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on New Media, Bamikole Omishore, in Abuja on Tuesday.

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According to Dr. Saraki, the Senate will on resumption from recess on Jan. 10, make the issue a priority.

Mr. Omishore said the Senate president made the disclosure while responding to a tweet posted by Chimeze Ukoha on the Kaduna killings.

Continued on page 12

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 270

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Senate to probe Southern Kaduna killings, says Saraki

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Aregbesola justifies owing workers Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏ Osun state governor,

Ï Says paying bailout en-bloc would have been suicidal Ï State has bounced back from hardship of 2016 Ï Payment of September to December 2016 salaries, huge relief Ï Seeks workers’ understanding, co-operation

Lagos Assembly passes 2017 budget 12

Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday, gave reasons why he didn’t pay N34.9 billion bailout loan the state received in 2015 at once.

The governor explained that though he was pressurised to pay, doing so at Continued on page 6

Alleged poisonous milk:

Consumer drags FrieslandCampina to CPC 12

APC, Abe to PDP:

We’ll meet you at the tribunal

6

Nigeria to deploy 800 soldiers to Darfur for Peacekeeping 5

L-R: Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano and Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rita Maduagwu, during the presentation of C-of-O of a land for the National Automotive Design and Development Council for Automotive Industrial Park to Enelamah, in Anambra State… on Tuesday.

Malnutrition kills 2, 300 Nigerian children, daily –NGO

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Page Three

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PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Illegal baby factories and shame of a nation

A

s Nigeria continues to battle illegal child trafficking, a new phenomenon is gradually replacing the traditional method of abduction and sale of children by human traffickers. This phenomenon has more to do with the proliferation of illegal “baby factories” in many parts of the country. Much to the consternation of Nigerians, these illegal maternities have become places where pregnant young girls are encouraged or forced to become pregnant and give up their newborns for sale. Curiously, some of the girls have admitted going into the obscene business for purely pecuniary motives. In fact, the newborns are mere objects of trade to the highest bidder who either adopts or resale them. Weirdly, these facilities and their proprietors employ the services of virile young men to impregnate the girls.

Unfortunately, many of these illegal clinics have been accused of being responsible for the abduction, stealing of babies and child trafficking, even as they are mostly managed by quacks that claim medical qualifications. Investigations show that the girls are usually quarantined in small inhospitable rooms without communications gadgets and subjected to all manner of forced labour and servitude. Reports reveal that some of the babies sell for as low as N200, 000 for boy-child and N150, 000 for girl-child. Before now, foster homes were licensed by governments to look after abandoned and unwanted babies where childless couples or those in want of particular sex go to adopt children legally.

As the business thrived, many unscrupulous Nigerians saw an opportunity of making quick money no matter how unconscionable and illicit.

Definitely, no society that values the dignity of human life would accept the pernicious activity of selling babies like common commodities.

That is why the law enforcement agencies must identify and shut these

illegal human incubators in the interest of the victims who are mainly young girls and their babies. Nigeria should not allow human life to be so debased as to allow for the existence of baby factories. In the first instance, the babies so mass produced and traded away in the most unholy fashion did not commit any crime, even as they did not consent in any way whatsoever to be produced for sale. Child bearing is a thing of joy. More so, human life is sacred and so its protection is what places the human civilisation above those of other lesser creatures.

There is every reason to believe the existence of cabals as masterminds in this devilish enterprise. We say so because the logistics of procuring young girls and intimidating, forcing, cajoling and or luring them to become pregnant, including the efforts put in selling and transporting the new born babies are very complex and mind boggling. The Police and other related bodies must engage in a concerted effort to find out the real brains and financiers of this fraud.

Anyone identified in the establishment of such monstrous outfits must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. The earlier the country realises the hard and brutal fact that it is fighting organised criminal syndicates, the better for the society and victims.

We believe that government can reduce the establishment of illegal baby factories by elevating and emphasising the institution of adoption. Adoption regulation, processing and other incidental overview conducts regarding adoption should be the exclusive preserve of the government. It should, therefore, upgrade the adoption laws and regulations, employ and train more officers to conduct, regulate and supervise the process. It is a shame and a black spot on our collective conscience that young girls are now deliberately impregnated for babies that would be immediately sold as articles of trade.

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Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (2nd right); his Deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (right); Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi (2nd left) and President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice George Nnamani, during the take-off prayer session for 2017, at the Government House, Enugu… on Tuesday.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (right), with President, Port Harcourt Polo Club, Mr. Ibiwari Pepple, during Pepple’s courtesy visit to Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt… on Tuesday.

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Muhammad Ali

Kanayo O Kanayo

Nelson Mandela

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

“You don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great.”

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Afe Babalola splashes N16m empowerment cash on Ekiti residents Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

Nigeria to deploy 800 soldiers to Darfur for Peace-keeping ÏÏÏThe Chief

of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday said Nigeria would deploy 800 soldiers to the United Nations Mission (UNAMID) in Dafur.

Buratai made the disclosure at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre during the graduation of 755 soldiers and 45 officers that participated in the pre-deployment training in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The army chief, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, said Nigeria would continue to deploy quality peacekeepers as

part of its contribution to global peace and security.

He tasked the personnel to discharge their duties in consonance with the UNAMID mandate at all times.

Buratai said the rule of engagement in the UNAMID gives them the opportunity to exhibit utmost professionalism in the discharge of their responsibility.

“I caution you to avoid any ugly incident that could tarnish the professional image of the Nigerian Army in particular and Nigeria in general.”

He noted that Nigeria and the United Nations have high respect for human rights and

protection of civilians in armed conflicts. ” Maintain zero tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; the Nigerian Army and indeed the Nigerian Government will also not tolerate the contravention of these policies,” Buratai said Earlier, the Commandant of the centre, Brig.-Gen. Adamu Dauda said the mandate of the institution was to provide quality training for troops earmarked for Peace Support Operation.

Dauda tasked the personnel to be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army and the country in general.

5 News

The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola on Tuesday brought succour to the way of 1,000 indigenes and nonindigenes in Ekiti state as they received a total sum of N16.5 million as economic empowerments.

From the breakdown list, 20 people received N100,000 each; 180 people got N50,000 each; 300 persons smiled home with N10,000 each while 500 beneficiaries got N5,000 each at the maiden AB Foundation Poverty Alleviation Programme.

In his remarks, Babalola urged privileged Nigerians to assist the poor to reduce the high rate of poverty and unemployment in the country saying: “you don’t need to be the richest person in the world to help your neighbour.”

Babalola said: “I urge the government to go down to the ordinary men, people in the grassroots and do something to assist them. I am a grassroots man, the only time I am happy is when somebody beside me is happy.

“Giving is an act I borrowed from my parents; giving is very important if we want this country to develop. The Federal Government alone cannot fund universities in Nigeria and make them comparable to their peers in other parts of the world.

“What Stanford University received annually from endowments is more than the whole amount Nigerian government votes for education. How then can Nigerian universities compare with them.

“We should change our attitude of wanting to leave everything for the government to do for us.

Today, it has got to the ludicrous extent that many Nigerians want to bear children and want government not only to train them but to provide the children school meals.

“We cannot abdicate our responsibilities for government, not in the face of compelling and com-

peting duties of the government. I therefore call on the rich and the more comfortable members of the Nigerian society to come the assistance of the less privileged with the overall aim of engendering growth and development.

“What I am doing today is a token of my humble concern and love for the people generally and I will like the rich among us to take a cue from this because riches don’t become wealth until they are invested in humanity.”

Babalola urged the beneficiaries of the poverty alleviation programme to invest the cash received wisely and judiciously to give themselves economic empowerment through investment in small scale businesses.

Chairman of the occasion, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, said Babalola’s gesture was commendable because of the rate of poverty in the country describing poverty as a “very impatient illness needing attention.

The revered monarch said: “The time is so right; the gesture is so commendable and so unforgettable when poverty has spread out its curtailing wings over opportunities and hope but here comes a remedy to help generously.

“I pray that those lucky beneficiaries of AB Foundation cash gift today should go and invest in any enterprise directly or in association with friends in order to gain self-reliance and gain the needed comfort.”

The host Royal Father of the day, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, commended Babalola for siting his university in the town alongside its subsidiaries like farm, hotel, bakery and others which has generated thousands of employments.

The first-class traditional ruler advised the people to go back to the farm to ensure food security and be gainfully employed expressing concern with the huge number of people who turned out for the programme.

Nurses call off strike in Delta ÏÏÏNurses working under the

Delta state Hospitals Management Board (HMB) have called off the strike they embarked upon on Dec. 23, 2016 The Public Relations Officer, Delta state Ministry of Health, Mr. Ojebo Donald, in a statement issued in Asaba on Tuesday said the industrial action was suspended on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016.

Donald said that full nursing services had since commenced in all the public hospitals across the state.

“The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr Minnie Oseji confirmed the resumption of work by the nurses during her visit to the General Hospital, Okwe, near Asaba on Jan. 2, 2017.

“She also visited the General

Hospital, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area where the nurses were seen going about their normal duties”, he said.

Donald said that the industrial action was suspended following the intervention of some prominent Deltans.

They prevailed on the association to make some commitments as regards the demands of the nurses.

He named the prominent personalities to include Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge and Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko.

Others were the Permanent Secretary in the ministry as well as the State Auditor General and Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations, Comrade Mike Okeme.

According to him, Oseji had assured the nurses that the state government would continue to explore all avenues in ensuring a peace in the government hospitals.

Donald said that the permanent secretary also implored them to cooperate with government to achieve effective and efficient delivery of health care services to the people in the state.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria zƆƗ Ɔ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ƿè ƾƠơƣ

Aregbesola justifies owing workers Continued from page 1 once would have been suicidal for the state.

He stated this when the State government opened the year with supplications where he led Muslim and Christian faithful at an interdenominational thanksgiving session at the Government Secretariat, Osogbo, the state capital.

According to the governor, a total of N14.2 billion was paid out by his government in less than two weeks before the end of December 2016.

Aregbesola, who laced his speech with songs of praises to God in Islamic and Christian ways, said with what befell the state before the close of 2015, it was gratifying that the state bounced back in what can now be felt as relief from the hardship of last year.

He said the ability of his government to pay workers’ salaries from September to December in less than a record two week period, was a huge relief.

The governor said it was in September 2014 that he had to call on workers to decide whether they wanted a staff reduction or payment of salaries according to available resources when the impact of the economic hardship in the country began to bite harder.

He said in July 2015, the new federal government, which had been sworn in May, 2015, listened to some of the solutions proffered to the national revenue crisis.

Aregbesola said when the state got N34.9 billion bailout loan in 2015, there were controversies on how to disburse the funds when some people insisted that the whole fund should be spent all at once.

“But I knew that with the magnitude of the economic

crisis facing Nigeria, it would have been suicidal to expend the whole bailout loan at once without saving a portion of it, which eventually bailed us out till around February this year,” Aregbesola said.

The governor recalled that this was what necessitated the constitution of the state’s Revenue Apportionment Committee, headed by veteran labour leader, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, which he said, made it possible for the state to pay salaries till February of 2016.

He said the arrival of the Paris Club deductions refunds, which made N11.7 billion available to the state, has brought some relief, noting that the state would however need to intensify its efforts towards self-sustenance.

“We are grateful that our

hardships are getting over, giving us indications that the New Year would be better,” he added.

The governor, while expressing appreciation to workers who showed understanding, however appealed to those who have not shown signs of understanding the trends.

He added: “Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) lecturers have insisted they would not cooperate with the government, despite their knowledge of the economic conditions we face. We appeal to them to accept our fate at the moment for the sake of the students’ future.”

He expressed optimism that

by June this year, there are signs that the recession would come to an end.

The Head of Service in the

state, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, in his speech, saluted the courage and commitment of the Osun State workforce.

Owoeye, who said revenue generation should be a major focus of the workers in the New Year, noted that the workers have shown commitment.

In his sermon, Dr. Isiaka Lawal of the College of Education Ilesa, advised civil servants to abide by the rules of their engagements, saying that leakage of officially classified documents, no matter for what reason, contradicts civil service rules.

It would be recalled that until his recent revelation of paying N14.2bn to offset four months’ salary arrears, Gov. Aregbesola has been unable to pay full salaries to workers since about 18 months.

Workers from Grade level 0107 are being paid in full while those from level 08 and above have been receiving half salaries since July 2015.

The workers began to get the half payment after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released the sum of N34,988,990,000, covering N25,871,920,000 and N9,117,070,000 for state and local governments, respectively, to Osun State in August 2015.

Some of the workers had earlier lost the hope of being paid November and December salaries.

Before the recent payment, in the last two weeks, workers in the state were last paid in August.

Apart from the non-payment of pensions of retired civil servants, Aregbesola has also been running the state for two years without commissioners.

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APC, Abe to PDP: We’ll meet you at the tribunal Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ The media committee of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and the All Progressives Congress (APC), under which Abe won the December 10, 2016 rerun legislative election, have stated their readiness to meet the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Election Petition Tribunal to defend the mandate given to the Senator by the people of Rivers South East senatorial district.

In a press release issued,

Tuesday, in reaction to a statement by the PDP entitled, “PDP heads to the tribunal against Abe’s declaration as Senator,” the committee said that election petition tribunals were part of the democratic process in Nigeria and that there was nothing new about going to the tribunal.

The statement, which was signed by spokesman of the committee, Mr. Parry Saroh Benson, said that up until the time of its reaction, the PDP had not been able to point out the electoral irregularities committed by APC

in Rivers South East rerun election. Rather, it said the PDP had been making sweeping statements of how security personnel allegedly helped APC to win.

The committee said that Senator Abe and the APC were in possession of evidence of alleged efforts made by the PDP to rig the election won by the APC. The committee advised the PDP and Governor Nyesom Wike to look for where to spend Rivers people’s money and not to waste it at the tribunal as the victory of Senator Abe was tru-

ly won at the ballot box.

It stated that because “PDP knew that APC truly won, they have been talking about concocting results without bringing their facts bare, which was an attempt to justify their loss, should APC win at the tribunal.”

The committee, therefore, urged the people of Rivers South East to exercise calm in the face of provocative comments by Chief Felix Obuah, chairman of the PDP and enjoined them to ignore the PDP chairman “as a man of no consequence, who

had reduced Omoku town and the entire Ogbaland to a ghost place.”

It added that Obuah had learnt something new about Ogoni as a people, who knew their interest and could protect it at all times, pointing out that despite insinuations to use Ogoni against Ogoni, Obuah and Wike were disappointed.

The statement urged Ogoni people to reject the goodwill message from Felix Obuah “as he has no good will for the people of Ogoni.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

7 News

Malnutrition kills 2,300 Nigerian children daily, says NGO ÏÏÏ A non-government or-

ganisation, the Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), on Tuesday said malnutrition accounts for the death of 2,300 Nigerian children daily.

The Project Officer of the NGO, Mr. Ubah Nnaemeka, made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin at a two-day Advocacy Skills and Strategic training organised for members of the organisation in Kwara.

Quoting the National Demographic and Health Survey of 2013, he also said that only 17 per cent of mothers in Nigeria breastfeed their children.

He listed three indicators of malnutrition as over-nutrition, under-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiency.

According to him, if nothing positive is done to stem the rate; there is possibility that malnutrition may claim more lives of children.

He said that globally, out of a population of seven billion, no fewer than two billion were suffering from micro-nutrient malnutrition.

“Out of the five billion adults worldwide, nearly two billion are overweight or obese with one in every 12-person having type II diabetes,” Nnaemeka said.

He said that malnutrition has the ability of sapping intelligence from childhood and by extension, compromising the future of Nigerian leaders.

Buhari ‘s wife donates foodstuffs to internally displaced children in school

Rerun: Rivers PDP heads to tribunal to challenge Abe’s victory

ÏÏÏ The wife of the Presi-

dent, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has donated foodstuffs to Paraxis Catholic e-School for the feeding of 300 internally displaced children on scholarship in the school.

The Proprietor and Chief Executive of the school, Mr. Ben Onwundinjo, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

The statement said the wife of the president was represented by the former deputy governor of Plateau state, Mrs. Pauline Tallen.

It said the first lady had pledged to partner with the school to ensure that the 300 children were given the best educationally.

Aisha who said the scholarship scheme initiated by the school was worthy of emulation had called for support from stakeholders to sustain programme.

In his remark, Owundijo commended the first lady for the gesture and assured that the items would be used for the benefit of the children.

He said the school had been renamed, Aisha Buhari Special School for IDPs and vulnerable children as a pet project and would be unveiled in the first quarter of 2017.

The proprietor said the handing over of the scholarship scheme to the first lady would achieve greater result of ensuring that no IDP child was out of school in Abuja.

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers state on Tuesday announced that it has headed to the Election Petitions Tribunal to challenge the declaration of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe as winner of the just concluded re-run election in the Rivers South East Senatorial District by the Independent National Election Commission, INEC. In a statement from the office of the State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Obuah, the party announced that the declaration of Abe as winner in the December 10, 2016, rerun election was a grave error as available records allegedly showed that the military, SARS person-

L-R: President, Diageo Africa, John O Keffe; Oba of Benin, Ewuare II; Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage; Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa and a Benin Chiefs, during a visit to the Ewuare’s Palace by the Board members of Guinness Nigeria Plc… on Tuesday.

nel, and other security agencies massively rigged the election in the whole of the Rivers South East Senatorial District in favour of Mr. Abe. According to the statement, which was signed by Obuah’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jerry Needam, the State PDP Chairman made the position of the party clear on the mandate declaration of Senator Abe in his Goodwill message delivered to Ogoni people on the 2017 Great Ogoni Day Celebration.

While wishing the Ogoni people a very successful Ogoni Day Celebration, Chief Obuah said that the right of the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District to select the candidate of their choice through the ballot box was sacrosanct and must not be toyed with.

He stressed that the PDP would “never rest until this injustice against the people is addressed and the opportunity to have a candidate of their choice given to them as of right.

“The party had sufficient evidences to show that what happened in the Rivers South East Senatorial District on December 10, 2016, was nothing but a display of military bravado against the PDP and the Ogoni people, orchestrated by the combined forces of Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, on one hand, and the men of SARS, Police, and Army on the other hand,” the statement read.

The PDP Chairman stated that he was convinced that the PDP would have the last laugh at the Election Petitions Tribunal, adding that Senator Abe was “only a Caretaker Senator of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) who was smuggled into the Senate with the connivance of INEC, SARS, Army and the Police, assuring that his tenure in the Senate would be shortlived.”

Chief Obuah called on the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District, especially Senator Olaka Nwogu “whose mandate has been stolen” to remain calm and hopeful, adding that “anything taken through the backdoor would not stand, as Senator Nwogu would surely reclaim his mandate.

Abe’s desperation for power would soon be exposed as evidenced by his recent clandestine activities.”

He alleged that Senator Abe had in the past weeks been concocting results in his private residence, just to

ensure that they tallied with the figures allegedly manufactured for him by INEC. Reacting to the allegation by the PDP that the result of the rerun election in which Senator Abe defeated his closest rival, Mr. Olaka Nwogu, for the Rivers South East Senatorial District was concocted, the Abe’s Media Committee, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Parry Saroh Benson, said it that was a direct insult to the collective mandate to the Senator.

“Suffice it to say that all the hullabaloo about concocting figures in the elections exists in the imagination of Felix Obuah, who is still mourning the defeat of PDP in the district despite boasting to the public that Senator Abe and the APC will lose,” the committee said.

Group flays Adamawa lawmaker for allegedly ordering critic’s arrest ÏÏÏ

A Yola-based group, Integrity, Transparency and Good Governance (ITAG), has berated a member representing Yola North in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Suleiman Alkali, for allegedly ordering the arrest and detention of his critics.

The group’s spokesman, Malam Mustapha Ribadu, told newsmen on Tuesday in Yola that ITAG had been compelled to expose the lawmaker’s action following the

arrest of one Mohammed Fawaz who criticised the lawmaker in a radio programme in Yola.

“He has been arresting and locking up anyone that criticised him using a particular policeman at the Jimeta Division Police Station; he has arrested many people and the latest is Mohammed Fawaz who was arrested last Tuesday.

“Report reaching us is that he had vowed that Fawaz

must spent some days in prison, and that was why Fawaz was arrested last Tuesday and he spent the night in police custody and was taken to court on Wednesday where the judge fixed Thursday for the hearing of his bail application.

“On Thursday, however, the police prosecutor was conspicuously absent, a development that frustrated the bail application.

“Similarly, on Friday the

Upper Area Court Judge handling the case was also conspicuously absent. The same thing happened today (Tuesday),” he further alleged.

Ribadu urged the police to be wary of selfish politicians, saying criticism was a component of democracy as elected political office holders needed to tolerate their critics.

“We condemned the action in totality. Democracy without criticism can never work.

“If you feel your critic is

wrong go to the same medium like other politicians and reply. If there is a libel, go to court and seek redress instead of using the police to arrest and detain your critics,” he said.

Reacting to the group’s allegation, Alkali denied being responsible for the arrest of Fawaz.

The lawmaker said he simply petitioned the police over “inflammatory statement and lies against me,” as credited to Fawaz.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Ebonyi council lauds Umahi’s achievements ÏÏÏ The people of

Ezza North have pleaded with the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, not to go to Abuja until he completes the “good works” he is doing in the state.

They made the appeal when they paid him homage at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area .

Their spokesman, Mr. Hygienus Nwokwu, said, “Your Excellency, we are highly pleased with the good works you are doing in this our state. We are are particularly pleased that our LGA has been well favoured in the area of infrastructural develoment.

“You have ensured equity in the spread of projects and appointments. We are happy with you sir.

But your Excellency, we want to plead with you not to go to Abuja yet. We say this because very soon, people in Abuja will soon ask you to come to the centre.

“But we say don’t go yet untill you have completed the good works you have started.”

The stakeholders,, according to a statement on Sunday by Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, added that they did not want a situation where the governor’s “massive projects would not be completed.”

Also,Senior Technical Advisers and Technical Advisers, who were received at the same time and venue by Umahi, said the governor’s second tenure was assured.

Their leader, Mark Onu, said the only thing that could cause

disagreement with them and the governor was if he chose not to contest the poll.

Onu said: “Few days ago, Your Excellency, I told you that we have looked at your electoral promises and you have gotten to a decimal point.

“We are happy with you. Your second tenure is assured. We can only disagree with you if you refuse to present yourself but I know the good Lord will guide you in all your dealings”.

They noted that Umahi had given the state a facelift within a short space of time and urged him

to come out for a second term in office.

Responding, the Governor enjoined them to join hands with him to create wealth, stressing that wealth would help them to represent government at any level.

Umahi, who reminded them that they were his representatives whereever they found themselves encouraged them to supervise projects sited in their localities.

The governor also stressed need for the STAs and TAs to sustain their agricultural activities by making sure that every empty land in the state was cultivated.

He said, “I will look at your success in terms of the volumes of agricultural programmes in each local government. It is very vital because we have gotten ourselves to a very difficult situation and that is the situation of calling us as the first state in terms of agriculture in this country. “.It is a task that is quite very high to surmount . So you have to do something. We are to ensure that there is no land in Ebonyi that is left uncultivated.”.

Umahi told them to channel their strength towards massive food production and explained

ÏÏÏ

The Governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has charged medical practitioners on the need to always prioritise the safety of lives above other considerations while discharging their duties.

He said healthcare givers must, as a matter of necessity, see the need for them to constantly establish personal/professional sacrifices, standard and quality healthcare delivery in all they do.

Aregbesola gave the charge while receiving the management team of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by its President, Dr. Mike Ogirima, at the Governor’s office, Osogbo.

Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Army took a new

swift in the fight against terrorism by providing free medical services to the less privileged and those who were displaced as a result of insurgency in the North Central part of Nigeria.

The effort is to disabuse the minds of the people so that they can perceive the Nigeria Army better in other provide useful information that will help in arresting hoodlums who are bent on fomenting trouble, says the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas.”

The first beneficiaries are the displaced persons living in Barakin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, where the medical train of the Nigeria Army launched its first humanitarian service pleading to sustained effort by reaching out to other LGA’s that were worst hit by insurgents.

“The Command launched the programme in order to reach out to the people that cannot afford to pay for their medical check-ups and buy drugs”, Gen. Nicholas said.

Anambra frowns against extortion John Chinenye, Awka

ÏÏÏGovernor Willie Obiano says L-R: Regional Sales Director, Mr. Dotun Somoye; Human Resources Director, Mr. Ola Ehinmoro and Regional Sales Manager, Mr. Ahmed Gambo; all of Suntory Beverage & Food Nigeria Limited, during the donation of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons at Karomajiji camp, Abuja…recently.

Aregbesola tasks health practitioners on safety of lives Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

Army provides medical care to victims of terror attacks

Describing medical doctors as the best trained individuals in the world with longest university training and experience, said safety of lives remains non-negotiable to healthcare givers.

Aregbesola, who lamented on the indiscriminate industrial action usually embarked upon by the health practitioners in the country, called on the leadership of NMA to do the needful in reducing the rate of strikes of its members.

According to him, as much as medical practitioners press home their welfares, so they are expected to prioritise the good health of the people in the society.

He appealed to the management of NMA to let their interests in medical practice be inclusive of the

physical infrastructure for healthcare delivery.

Aregbesola added, “It is unfortunate that our society has deteriorated. We have lost values in virtually everything especially on the need to prioritise our well-being.

“Doctors and other healthcare professionals are expected to be at the vanguards of lives’ safety. They are not expected to withdraw their services to the people not to talk of embarking on strikes.

“They are expected to be more concerned about the people’s health than they pursue the welfare of their members.

“Not until this is championed by all medical practitioners, our society remains unsafe.

Commending the Local Govern-

ment health practitioners in the state, Aregbesola said “if not for them, our society would have collapsed as they have shown extreme understanding to our circumstances”.

“I must commend the local government doctors for being supportive to our administration and for always exhibiting understanding to circumstances. They never shy of saving lives”, he added.

He expressed displeasure over the state of the nation’s economy, saying “for us to appreciate that our economy has declined so badly beyond imagination, Nigeria that has been sharing N1.4trillion monthly between 2011 to June 2013 recently struggled to share N376billion for November.

his administration will be more fervent in implementing its economic stimulus package in the new year to enable Ndi Anambra ease through present economic recession.

Governor Obiano stated this during a Eucharistic mass held at Mary the Queen Catholic Church, Azia to mark the dedication of their new Church building.

Governor Obiano explained that the stimulus package was announced last year to provide the people with some financial respite in the face of the present economic hardship, especially with the removal of taxes and levies for the very low income earners and abolition of tuition fees and unnecessary payments in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.

He however observed that some persons have continued to flout the directive by government by going ahead to extort the people, and warned that his government will severely punish anyone caught.

The governor who noted that the State economy is in a stable state due to the strategic steps his government is taking to sustain cashflow into the system, said with the next round of the 20 million naira per community choose-your-project initiative which will commence after the 2017 budget is passed, is aimed at impacting the economy of the rural communities.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Politics

9

s

APGA foresees greater Nigeria Idu Jude, Abuja

As the Nation begins New Year 2017, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), has said that it has vision that the year 2017 will portent good omen for the country after the 2016 economic spell.

According to the APGA in a press statement made available to Daily Times, by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, it is optimistic that Nigerian economy will bounce back with great supports given to the present administration by the entire Nigerian citizenry. It particularly wishes its members, party supporters a pleasant and remarkable New Year celebration and a hopeful and glorious 2017.

The party, implored politicians, especially elected officials at all levels of governance, to be altruistic in their services and sensitive to the sufferings and needs of the people, in order to extenuate the man made and unacceptable very harsh economic cum social conditions Nigerians are subjected to at the

present, stating that that will soon be a thing of the past.

It however, reiterated the party’s resolve to work with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and not to criticise the APC led government without any justifiable reason, especially within the one and half years spent so far in office, stressing that the government needed some time to find its footing.

Meanwhile, APGA has expressed worries that the current administration is treating its anti-corruption war as a replacement for the normal government functions of governance. This approach, the party said has to be really changed if the APC led government is to turn round the faltering and depressing economy.

It warned that while there is improvement in the war against Boko Haram, new theaters are opening in the South East and South South, mostly as a result of the government’s poor handling of the hitherto minor agitations. The party called on the government to use practical approaches that are less con-

frontational to resolve the issues.

“The development in the Niger Delta region calls for concern. The Federal Government must find constructive ways of engagement and resolution of the issues that gave rise to the recent upsurge in militancy. If disruption of oil supplies continues in this 2017, the economy of the country will be crippled and Nigerians especially the less privileged will be the worse for it than it experienced in the preceding year.”

The party also condemns the activities of the herdsmen that do not seem to get the level of attention that groups like IPOB get from the federal government and calls on security agencies to be proactive in ensuring that the security of Nigerians is paramount.

On the review of past election irregularities that greeted the 2015 and 2016 elections, APGA advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “to be mindful of the poor and negative public perception of its electoral process instead of the pres-

Victor Ike Oye ent bizarre and shenanigans of manipulation of vote and allocation of scores, as the party witnessed during the Bye-election of the Toto/Nassarawa federal constituency, in Nassarawa State, and the last Edo State governorship election.

“The body should stop its officials from conniving with some unscrupulous politicians and law enforcement personnel on election duties from writing false election

Buhari results. Also, it should guide against the body’s seemingly general disposition as if it were a department of the ruling party; the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The commission should note that any act that undermines an electoral process or an election, no matter how infinitesimal or minute it may be, will ultimately affects the outcome and undermines our

democracy.

“Therefore, INEC should be transparent as well as provide a level playing field while dealing with political parties and their candidates, so that the process and the outcome of any election will be free, fair, credible and acceptable to all objective minded individuals, which will help make our democracy meaningful, people oriented and sustainable.”

APC strategises to take over Ajeromi Ifelodun from PDP in next election Stakeholders in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Council of Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have resolved to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come next election.

This they decided after appraising the cause of their past electoral loss and set machineries in place to reinvigorate their political structures.

The disclosure was made at the family end of the year get together by APC, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area (BACO 007) held recently.

Gathered to grace the occasion were dignitaries who wield varying political influence and clout within Ajeromi’s polity, key players at the local, state and national level, including the likes of former Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Kolawole

Taiwo, APC State Secretary, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Bamgbala, former council chairman Hon. Bayewu Kamal.

Others are Alhaji Olatunde Balogun, the Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun, one of the APC aspirants for the chairmanship position, Hon. Saheed Ojora, Hon.Hakeem Muniru, Member of the House of Representatives, representing Oshodi Isolo federal constituency II and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye.

Kolawole who suffered the greatest casualty, having lost his electoral bid to PDP candidate, Hon. Dayo Famakinwa and by extension could not mount the speakership saddle, stressed that many infrastructural development that ought to have been in place in the constituency had eluded the

Bayewu

Kolawole

area owing to the unfortunate loss.

According to him, the leaders need be mindful of what was instrumental to the dwindling fortunes of the party in Ajeromi and assess what went wrong to address the structural political defects.

“Our togetherness is im-

portant for future political progress, we should not give in to infiltration, we are all leaders at different stratums, we should be more officious and ready to assist others at all times, without unity we cannot attain any political heights.

“When we started AD back then, cholera was

prevalent in Amukoko, after our assumption of office we change things and restored sanity. “ Our internal wrangling spoilt 16years efforts, PDP hardly print posters back then because they can’t assert themselves here, but implosion is the worst incident that we grappled with here, we ought to get rid of it now.

“Stop beating the drum of disruption, the simplest aspect of electoral process denied me speakership position, I won at primaries against 10 aspirants, contributed half a million each for the re-election of other members of the House of Assembly in my party, clearing the coast for my speakership intent.

“Just one ward here where we had a child and mother hospital and where I spent four days campaigning unlike in other places cost me my electoral for-

tune, by now we should be boasting of not less than five high sea ports here, but have just one.

“Our party is supreme, you need to invite the Igbos to join us and give them positions, for them to feel some sense of belonging, so that they won’t feel we hate them, there is a level of insecure feeling in their midst, let’s stop discrimination.”

Kolawole said.

Other speakers at the forum, reiterated the need for concerted efforts to bring back the lost glory of the APC in Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency.

The event which was organised by individuals at the community level, witnessed presentation of certificates to some of them who made varying contributions to the success of the programme which was officiated by Hon. Bayewu.

10 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Don’t blame INEC for failure of security agencies during elections -Anumnu Ezenwa Anumnu is the Chairman Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Unity Branch, Abuja. In this interview with MATHEW DADIYA, the legal practitioner posited that the Nigerian electoral umpire should not take all the blames whenever the outcome of electoral processes fall short of the acceptable standard. He however expressed his association’s wiliness to collaborate with INEC to improve elections in the country, while also calling for aggressive voter education to increase voter awareness amongst electorate with a view to minimising electoral misconduct, violence during elections and manipulation of the electoral processes.

Is this kind of do or die electoral processes the brand of democracy Nigerians clamoured for?

No, this is certainly not the kind of democracy Nigerians clamoured for or deserves as a people, but that is not to say that everything about our democracy and electoral processes is negative. Democracy is a process and we are making remarkable progress, though we are not there yet, steadily we will get there. No matter how you look at it, democracy is better than military dictatorship. What is happening is not unexpected; we are still learning the ropes after several years of military occupation.

Are you alarmed by the level of violence being perpetrated during elections in Nigeria bearing in mind what happened in the recent Edo State election and the River state parliamentary re-run election?

I would not want to comment on any particular elections in recent time, because I did not personally monitor any of the processes.

Though there were reports in the media, civil society organisations and election observer groups on some wide spread violence, vote buying and electoral misconduct, but how factual the reports were is not mine to say. Only time will unravel the truth, we have also seen instances in the past where such claims were made by observer groups and the media and the election tribunal will decide otherwise at the end of the day based on fact before it and how the lawyers presented their arguments. Nonetheless, there is need for improvement in our electoral

processes. All the critical stakeholders need to play according to the set down rules and procedure to avoid electoral misconduct and violence, before, during and after elections.

Does the use of military during election not contravene democratic principles and norms?

It all depends on the circumstances that orchestrates or necessitates the deployment of military during elections, but in as much as they stay a certain distance away from the polling units; it does not contravene the known democratic norms. You only talk of violation of democratic creed when they meddle or interfere in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, it is not in all elections in the country that military are deployed to maintain peace and orderliness, it is only in critical circumstances where there is likely to be serious break down of law and order.

Some political pundits had posited that election in Nigeria is deteriorating instead of improving, do you share similar sentiments?

Well, I would not want to believe or say that elections in Nigeria are deteriorating, but one thing is clear, there is room for improvement. This is because more and more Nigerians are getting involved in the electoral process and what that mean is that the electoral body needs to up their game in the area of voter education to minimise violence during elections.

Considering the fact that most election offenders in Nigeria

Anumnu work the streets free without prosecution; is it that our laws are weak or that the electoral umpire is incapacitated?

When we had the NBA discussion series on electoral processes in Nigeria recently, this same question featured prominently in the discussion and I can tell you that work is ongoing at the level of the legislature to amend some sections of the Electoral Act with a view to improving the system.

There are lapses in the Electoral Act, but I am optimistic that the ongoing amendment will take care of them and reduce the undue pressure arising from electoral litigation on the judiciary.

Do you support calls for the creation of a distinct commission that will be charged with the responsibility of prosecuting election offenders?

Of course I do not support such call because of some obvious reasons. Creating a new body to prosecute electoral offenders will amount to creating a new bureaucracy in the system. Secondly, that will also create a new form of inter agency rivalry which will of course render the body

ineffective. So what we need to be discussing at this material time of economic recession is how to strengthen the capacity of INEC to function optimally and not creation of new body to increase the wage bill of government. We can make do with what we have.

In what ways are you assisting the electoral umpire as a professional body to ensure that electoral offenders are prosecuted?

I cannot speak for the Nigerian Bar Association, because we have a national executive headed by a president that speaks for the Bar. But at our level, the NBA Abuja branch is collaborating with the electoral body to ensure that they achieve their primary objective of conducting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, as well as ensure that electoral offenders are prosecuted. We have a standing committee on INEC and we are working closely with the electoral umpire to advance the course of democracy in our country. As social engineers, we always organise conferences, symposium and training where some of these troubling issues

In as much as I do not want to sound as their spokes person, I do not buy into the narrative of the politicians and their paid propagandist that whatever goes wrong during election is blamable on the electoral umpire. I refuse to believe that INEC should be blamed for the ineptitude and shortcoming of another distinct body during elections. Take for instance a situation where election is disrupted as a result of insecurity in certain area and the election is declared inconclusive or canceled. What is the rationale in blaming INEC for the failures of the security operatives are discussed extensively and solutions proffered by the assemblage of professional and critical stakeholders in the electoral process. This forum serves as a feedback mechanism to the electoral body on how best to improve the system and minimise negative outcome. We are also ready to collaborate with INEC in the area of prosecution of election offenders because we have the capacity in terms of human resources. We also organise period training for our members on electoral matters so as to equip them with the current trend and controversial issues in election litigations and our doors are always open to offer any form of support to the electoral body.

Do you support the school of thought that blames INEC for any shortcomings during election?

Well, let me also use this opportunity to state my opinion on this widespread criticism of CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

11 Politics APC commends FG over N5000 payment to vulnerable Nigerians Tom Okpe, Abuja

Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi; Sen. Sylvanus Ngele (left); Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru and State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbonnaya Nwaebonyi, when Izzi political stakeholders visited Umahi in Uburu, Ebonyi … recently.

No more fake electoral results in Ebonyi, Onu assures The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that the era of writing fake electoral results by some political parties in the state was over.

Onu, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said this at a New Year gathering organised for party faithful in the state in his Uburu country home in Ohaozara Local Government Area on Tuesday.

According to him, the APC will ensure that such practice by some political parties which guarantees them electoral success will be checked permanently.

“I assure you that they are no longer in control of the instruments with which they write the fake results as we will station strong members in every polling unit in the state.

“The era of writing fake electoral results is permanently behind us because we are in total control in the country,” he said.

Onu warned party members against working for the state’s ruling party in disguise, noting that the APC had the capacity to occupy positions of trust in Ebonyi.

“We are occupying key positions in the country and there is no reason for us not to occupy the Ebonyi government in the next general elections.

“There is no reason for us

to work for the ruling party in the state when we can be there ourselves and we cannot be the crying babies of the state.

“We can win every election in the state even the council polls as we are determined to drain the ruling party in the state,” he said.

He remarked that the APC at the national level perceives that the party was not strong in the South-East zone, and “I want us to deliver in future elections, to correct this notion.”

“Party faithful must be dedicated to its ongoing registration exercise to ensure we record outstanding success during the next general elections.

“The national secretariat would not take us serious if we don’t generate enough registration numbers and we have to achieve this feat for ourselves and children.

“We must accord our new entrants respect, welcome them with open hands as we are determined to give the state right leadership,” he said.

Onu called on the party’s stakeholders to make sacrifices, remain united without factions and contribute immensely to achieve all set goals.

Sen. Chris Nwankwo, who represented Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone from 2011— 2015, thanked Onu for organising the gathering, and assured of the stakeholders

contributions to achieve set goals.

Nwankwo, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour party and subsequently to the APC, noted that party faithful would no longer be intimidated in the state.

The occasion attracted

members of the party’s two factions in the state, among other stakeholders.

Various speakers harped on the need for the members to shun all differences and remain united as the task of dislodging the ruling party remained a daunting one.

(NAN)

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for fulfilling the promise the party made to Nigerians during the 2015 general election campaigns that safety nets will be provided to vulnerable Nigerians.

The party notes that with the commencement of payment of N5000 to one million poor Nigerians through the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme of the government, the Buhari administration has demonstrated its commitment to the party’s change manifestos which is couched on true transformation.

In a press statement signed by the party’s national Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Tuesday, it said, “As part of its Social Investment Program (SIP), the government has begun implementing three other major campaign promises of the party designed to provide jobs and lift the most vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty.

“These include the N-Power Volunteer Corps which will provide jobs to 500,000 young Nigerians graduates, the National Homegrown Feeding Program which has commenced in selected states, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP), which provides soft loans ranging from N10, 000 to 100,000 to artisans, traders, and market women, among others.”

Don’t blame INEC for failure of security-Anumnu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

INEC at any slightest provocation. In as much as I do not want to sound as their spokes person, I do not buy into the narrative of the politicians and their paid propagandist that whatever goes wrong during election is blamable on the electoral umpire. I refuse to believe that INEC should be blamed for the ineptitude and shortcoming of another distinct body during elections. Take for instance a situation where election is disrupted as a result of insecurity in certain area and the election is declared inconclusive or canceled. What is the rationale in blaming INEC for the failures of the security operatives even when we know that they, security operatives are not answerable to the commission, but to the Inspector General of Police who in turn take orders from the Commander-in-Chief. If the failures resulting from inadequate

polling officials or late arrival of materials or missing of result sheets or inadequate logistics in transporting the ballot papers to polling stations, the blame should be situated on the door steps of the electoral umpire. But when the problem is orchestrated by political actors or failures on the part of security operatives, INEC should not be blamed for that, but the institution or individuals involved should be called to account. It is high time Nigerians learnt to direct their grievances to the appropriate quarter.

What advice do you have for INEC on the best ways to improve the conduct of election in Nigeria?

My advice is that they must create a platform for continual stakeholder engagement, they must engage the stakeholders.

And when I say stakeholders I mean the electorate, civil soci-

ety organisations, professional bodies, security operatives, the media and several other groups.

They must constantly come together to rub minds and fashion out strategies on how best to improve our elections and mitigate manipulation of elections at the instance of the electoral body. The Independent National Electoral Commission must intensify effort in voter education, because it is very vital. It is only through voter education that the electorate will get to understand what is expected of them during electioneering process and act in accordance with that to guard against lawlessness and violence that sometimes characterise our elections. Finally, the umpire also needs to continue to employ the use of technology to improve the efficiency of our electoral system.

News 12 Alleged poisonous milk: Consumer drags FrieslandCampina to CPC Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, a leading producer of evaporated and powder milk in Nigeria, has been sued over its killer milk, Three Crown Evaporated Milk that has flooded various markets across Abuja and some parts of the North.

The company was petitioned at the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on Tuesday after a customer discovered some bread-like particles in two of its 170g can milk.

An official of CPC, who confirmed the development, said many consumers have sued the company, adding that the Council was making necessary arrangements to investigate and bring it to book, if found wanting.

The official from the legal department, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said CPC will do whatever it takes to bring FrieslandCampina to justice if the cases being instituted against the company are proven.

“Many complaints and petitions have been written against FrieslandCampina and investigation will soon commence. We can only work to guarantee the safety of the consumers,” the official said.

Investigations have shown that consumers across Abuja have been complaining of halffilled cans of milk to finding particles in the content.

A consumer at Gwarinpa, an upscale estate in Abuja, Mr. Luka David, said he had bought three Three Crown Milk at three different times from three different stores and “found particles in some, while one of the milk was smelling like a rotten egg.”

According to him, some of his neighbours had also complained but did not take up the matter nor report to the appropriate authorities.

“I called the company and they promised they will send their agents to investigate and replace the items but they did not fulfil the promise,” he lamented.

An official of the company, Miss Maureen Onyekwere, who spoke with our Correspondent on telephone, said the company does not produce fake milk.

“Something must have led to it.

We will investigate all cases and take swift action to rectify reported cases,” she said.

Daily Times Nigeria zƆƗ Ɔ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ƿè ƾƠơƣ

Senate to probe Southern Kaduna killings, says Saraki Continued from page 1 The statement quoted Mr. Ukoha as saying that “about 800 Christians were massacred in Southern Kaduna and nobody is talking about that, very bad.’’

It quotes Mr. Saraki as responding that “once @ngrsenate resumes, this issue will be addressed to get a clearer picture of what the real situation is and find a lasting solution.

“Every Nigerian life matters

jƏ ƇƇƈƅ ƏƈƗƋ ƅƊ Ɛ R Ɨƈè G Č jƑƆ Ɨ ƕê

and the Senate will work to ensure that rule of law is always upheld as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.’’

The statement explained that Mr. Saraki was already in touch with senators from Kaduna

State and that he was constantly getting updates on developments.

Fulani herdsmen have repeatedly clashed with Christians in the southern flank of Kaduna State, killing many.

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Lagos Assembly passes 2017 budget Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏ The Lagos state House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the 2017 budget proposal of N812. 99 billion for the state.

The sum of N305, 28 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure while capital expenditure got N507.82 billion of the budget as passed by the House.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had on November 29, 2016 presented an Appropriation Bill of N812.99 billion to the House for approval. The House consequently, on the December 1, directed all its standing committees to commence work on it by inviting all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their proposed allocations.

The passage of the budget on Tuesday was sequel to the adoption of the report and recommendations by its Committee on Budget and Economic Planning presented by its Chairman, Hon. Rotimi Olowo.

Olowo, who said the state was able to achieve 71 percent budget performance in spite of the economic recession in the country, explained that the state would embark on progressive taxation which would bring more people into the tax net and make the wealthy in the state to pay more.

The lawmaker however, said there was a need to comply with the Appropriation (Amendment) (Re-ordering) Law, 2016 to release funds to relevant MDAs. The budget committee chairman further added that there was a need for the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to carry out a review of the 20152017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of MDAs before making allocation for year 2018 proposed budget estimate.

This, according to him, would guard against duplication of expenditures (capital and recurrent) by MDAs. In the house final approval,

the sum of N650 million goes to education, N350 million for agriculture, N360 million for LASIEC, while the Capital Expenditure of LASIEC was increased from N2.5 billion to N3 billion to cater for the local government election and related matters.

Overhead for Security/Emergency Interventions was however, reduced from N500 million to N400 million and N1 billion was allocated as capital expenditure for the ministry of Special Duties and Inter governmental Relations.

The Assembly approved a sum of N20.43 billion for LAMATA, N2 billion for Ferry Services, N4 billion for maintenance/Repair of roads (Recurrent) while the capital vote head for Road Maintenance rose from N790.10 million to N1.79 billion.

The House also raised the overhead cost of Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission from N210 million to N252 million.

The House also approved N10 billion for the State Infrastructure Intervention Fund, while it approved N159.55 million for state Electricity Board.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, took voice votes on each sectoral allocation on the Appropriation Bills before the final approval is given to each and the House went ahead to pass the budget.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

13

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Kaduna Killings: A word for Governor el-Rufai

I

Erasmus Ikhide

he recent senseless killings in Southern Kaduna, prior to and on Christmas Eve, were despicable to say the least. As merchants of “pure evil”, the ferociously murderous Fulani herdsmen vaguely claimed they were avenging the killing of their cows some two years before. The killings clearly emphasised the well known coordinated and systematic religious and ethnic cleansing orchestrated by the Fulani pan-Arabists who took it upon themselves to kill perceived ‘infidels’ on behalf of their ‘God’ who cannot kill for himself.

Fulani herdsmen across the country have a multitude of sins to their names: the violation of ancestral neighbourhoods, robbery, torture, rape and the killing of Christians.

Fulani herdsmen have become another frightening version of ethnic cleansing and are among the cruellest and most ruthless of Islamic fundamentalists.

Whatever the pretense or selfconfessed reasons for the latest sordid acts of brutal and animalistic aggression against the Christian communities in Southern Kaduna who believe God should be worshipped differently, the acts readily reflect how deeply divided we have been as a people and nation.

The Crocodile City has been there before, and the tragedy predates the present administration of Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Between February 21 and May 23, 2000 there were violent riots following a proposal to adopt the Sharia law in the State. The proposal led to bloody clashes between Christians and Muslims. In the end, it was estimated that 2,000 were killed in the month of February and 5,000 people died in May, respectively.

On November 22, 2002, another round of religious-induced bloodbath enveloped the State. The Miss World Beauty Pageant claimed the lives of more than 200 people.

The controversial Miss World pageant, which was meant to be held in Kaduna, was relocated to London after the violent clashes between Muslims and Christians, caused by what some Muslims deemed to be a “blasphemous” article in a Christian newspaper about the event. The Miss World riots were part of the Sharia conflict, which started in 1999 when several predominantly Islamic states in Northern Nigeria decided to introduce religious legal code.

On June 17, 2012, yet another massacre took place in Wusasa and Sabon Gari areas of Kaduna where 38 people were butchered on the ground of religious intolerance.

The year 2015 was not left out. Between December 12 and 13 that year, 700 to 1000 people paid the supreme price on account of religious and ethnic differences.

If ever there was any issue that tended to burst Kaduna State and the nation at the seam since the civil war – which constitutes one of the “Triple Pillars of Nigerian Nemesis” – it is mindless religious extremism by which some northern citizens of the country perpetrate acts of hatred and violence against other religious faith, especially Christianity. It is the product of relentless elite conspiracy set out to turn the mass of the Nigeria people against each other, so that they can remain in perpetual servitude.

Nigeria would have been a more peaceful nation if the political leadership had not been primitively exploiting the people’s religious ignorance, or if the people truly realised that religious extremism is antithetical to nation building.

Basically, religion would seem to have little to do with hate. Nearly every religion seems to preach love, peace, and tolerance. But in truth, we know differently. People often hate people of other religions.

Hate is a cancer. It destroys people, churches, mosques and nations. If you hate, your hate may destroy someone. But it will also destroy you, and those people who you love.

Boko Haram’s bloodthirsty militias, the Fulani bloodcurdling group, and other head-chopping gangs are ready examples of religious intolerance gone berserk.

Do we remember a crime that shocked the whole world as well as Norway in July 2011? Anders Behring Breivik, who called himself a “Christian crusader”, bombed government buildings in Oslo, resulting in eight deaths. He then carried out mass shooting at a camp of the Workers’ Youth League (AUF) of the Labour Party on the island of Utoya, where he killed 69 people, mostly teenagers. Breivik justified his behaviour by saying that they were “cruel but necessary” to protect Norway from becoming overrun by Muslims. It’s said that he smiled as he was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Even he apologised to militant nationalists for not killing more people.

The more horrible fact is that there are people who have been inciting hatred for other religions. They identify some particular religions as heresies and present unauthentic documents at “so-called” cult seminars, web-sites or online cafes as if they were true. They distribute vicious and false information as if these were also true. Some of them include: if you were engrossed in such religions, you will be cursed, your family will be disrupted or your life will be ruined, and you will not make Paradise, etc. Those who do not know such religions are often deceived by such false claims.

A religion must not be a target of removal simply because of doctrinal differences.

Those who have been accusing Governor Nasir El-Rufai of not tuttutting at the frightfulness of the Fulani herdsmen on the Kafancha massacre missed the point. Only last week, I interviewed one of the very first Christian families to flee a part of Kafancha while the Fulani herdsmen’s siege lasted. “We appreciate the efforts made by the governor to protect the Christian communities from the invading Fulani herdsmen terrorising us, but he should do more by sending more security operatives to the area. After all, we gave him our mandate regardless of his faith”, they said.

Frustratingly, Governor Nasir El-Rufai actually sniffed out the problems early enough. He told journalists a few months into his administration that, “One of the challenges we are facing in this state is that everything seems to be politicised or ethnicised or religionised.

A very simple problem that can be discussed and resolved by logic and facts becomes converted into issues of ethnicity and religion, and so on.

So, these are some of the challenges we have to face but we are doing the best we can.

“Our religion is our personal business. Most people in this country believe in one God. We believe we are worshipping the same God in different ways. The moment I got elected,

the number of people that came to me who wanted to be the secretary of Muslim Pilgrims Board showed to me that there was a problem. Nobody wanted to be commissioner of finance and so on. That means there is something happening there in the name of religion. But honestly, one of the legacies Arch. Barnabas Bala Bantex and I want to leave behind in this state is the complete separation of religion from governance and hypocrisy associated with it.

“I say hypocrisy because the same person that preaches and incites people against a Christian has no problem going to the hospital to see a Christian doctor if the doctor is good. He would not remember that the doctor is a Christian then. In my opinion, they are just blowing this thing to cause problem and distract ordinary people, while they take advantage of the situation and system.

We want to eliminate that in Kaduna, we want everyone to feel that in this state you can practice your religion without hindrance and your religion and ethnicity would not be a factor in getting government services and appointment. It must be your capacity and competence to deliver; that’s all.

“The problem that we found in Kaduna State is that ethnicity and religion come first, competence and capacity last. We want to reverse that; because we believe that those who work, those that are competent, those that can deliver benefit to everyone. I don’t need to have someone from my local government if the government is working. But if the government is not working and then everybody is stealing, then I would want to have a representative there.

This is what has turned our heads. I am appealing to you as our partners, as those that communicate with the general public to help us in our effort to make this state better. When a government works, it works for everybody. Government cannot choose to have schools for one ethnic group or one religion alone. That is what we want to move away from and you can help”.

A word for Governor Nasir ElRufai. The governor has the opportunity to rebuild the people’s confidence in the Kaduna and Nigeria projects or ruin it permanently. The reason being that the same religious extremism that has tamed and arrested peace and development in virtually all the Northern states terrorises Kaduna State alike.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai has the option to prove his leadership by putting an end to the unremitting campaign of terrorism and needless genocide in the north. His sort of urbane disposition, education, enlightenment, exposure, and experience – hardly seen among the current crops of northern governors – is needed to stamp out sustained religious and ethnic bloodbath in a secular country like Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

15 Opinion

Nigerians, foreign products insanity and fake food hullabaloo

I

Paul Omoruyi

am calling on the Nigerian Government to declare a day of National D E T OX I F I C AT I O N from all the poisonous products Nigerians have been eating and drinking for so many years now. Then start a National Sensitization campaign to educate Nigerians about the benefit of eating locally produced verifiable natural food as opposed to eating unknown foreign food.

We all know that majority of Nigerians suffer from disguised inferiority complex that drive them to seek foreign products in order to feel good about themselves; or at least make them feel that they are better off than other Nigerians who consume local products.

Three years ago, I was driving through a busy intersection in Nigeria when I noticed an unusually large crowd as individuals push their way through the throng. Out of curiosity, I went over to see what the craziness was all about.

I couldn’t believe what I saw – sale of so called “imported wines”.

Noticing the pitiful look on my face, one buyer passionately told me “this just land from Italy now now my brother”.

I left that place knowing that people will drink those so

called “imported wines” without knowing what it is made from or from where it came.

It could have been “imported” by a local dubious fellow (who has created and affixed a “Made in Italy” label on a sugar and dye drink!) right across the street or from China, Ghana or just about anywhere anyone with access to empty bottles exists.

Nigerians will eat, drink, wear and buy at any price anything that has a “foreign” name to it. Sometimes, I cannot make any sense out of it all.

I remember a friend in Lagos enthusiastically telling me we should go eat Domino Pizza or Burger fast food as “big boys”. I looked at him in awe and outright disbelieve. “You think I will come to Nigeria to eat all those garbage?” I asked.

These days, young Nigerians die from different kinds of diseases and illnesses unheard-of decades ago. Who knows how many Nigerians have died from diseases engendered by eating/drinking fake food/drinks?

The unfortunate side of all of this is that Nigerians naturally default to blaming any death on witches and wizards; evil relatives or in-laws.

Only God knows the number of Nigerians living today with poisonous toxins in their systems from the fake-no-nutritive-value

food that they have consumed (unfortunately still consuming) over the years.

Little Nigerian kids are not left out from being fed with these poisonous nutrition-less foods.

I cannot tell if the fake food videos being shared on social media is true or false, but I do know that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been critical for years now about contaminated/fake products from China.

What gladdens my heart is that Nigerians are beginning to know that there is something called “fake food/drink” that could be imported or locally produced.

In the past, the United States FDA have banned several products from Asia to protect Americans from consuming toxic foods.

On June the 28th, 2007, CNN reported “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announced it is blocking the import from China of five species of seafood until their importers can prove they are not contaminated.

The species cited are catfish, eel, shrimp, basa and dace, he said. Basa is similar to catfish; dace is similar to carp.

The medications cited include the antimicrobials nitrofuran, malachite green, gentian violet and fluoroquinolones.

Use of fluoroquinolones in foodproducing animals can result in antibiotic resistance.

None of them is approved for use in farmed seafood in the United States and some of them have been shown to cause cancer when fed to laboratory animals for “prolonged periods of time,” Acheson said.

He said the agency decided to broaden its previous alerts for products from individual companies to a countrywide alert after tests showed that 15 percent of those species of seafood produced by 18 companies in China contained traces of one or more of the contaminants.

The Nigerian government has a big role to play here. NAFDAC and Customs have to ensure that mass produced local foods/drinks and all imported foreign food/drink products go through rigorous testing/quality control before allowing them on the market.

For those who do not trust the Government’s ability to certify food on the market, a quick googling of “how to spot fake food” will provide you a wealth of knowledge of what to look out for to protect yourself.

Nigerians as a people will need to change their disposition towards local and foreign food/ drink products in order to avoid all the unknown deadly toxins they might be consuming daily.

God bless Nigerians and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Who are those that murdered a seven-year old kid?

I Fred Nwaozor

f the news that’s currently making rounds on the social media holds water, then Wednesday, 16th November 2016 – a day that reportedly claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy owing to alleged attempted misdemeanour – was another day Nigeria, and mankind at large, would live to mourn; a day that would cease to rest until justice is duly done to wickedness; a day that would stop at nothing to ensure that humanity is separated from insanity.

On that fateful day that could be best described as unfortunate, the said kid was reportedly set ablaze by a so-called angry mob at a locality in Lagos State for allegedly attempting to steal ‘Garri’ from a trader’s shop. He was caught by dwellers cum passersby, brutally tortured to stupor, and therein burnt with fuel and condemned tyres. The report equally had it that, while in the hands of the monsters, he pleaded for freedom, for the umpteenth time, still the vulnerable plea fell on cancerous and deaf ears. Even if he was more than seven years, or involved in felony as claimed

by the police, did it call for such reaction?

As I sat soberly and tried to recall the news, my emotions kept burning until I ostensibly lost my senses that I could not see nor hear anything, not even the like of the horn of a moving train.

Whilst in the tattered mood, my utmost worry remained that, the public kept watching the scene until the fire engulfed that helpless ‘kid’; probably they were deriving pleasure from it. Worse still, the scene was videotaped, perhaps having been considered a mere melodrama. Any sane and rational since takes a closer look at these two observations would begin to wonder how wicked the heart of man is, as well as in whose image he was really made of.

It is even more overwhelming to realize that the police, or any other law enforcement agency, was nowhere to be found throughout the incident that lasted for over an hour. I am yet to believe that while the duration of administering the obnoxious jungle justice lingered, no bit of notice got to any security outfit within, in spite of the obvious fact that

the arena in question is urban. I refuse to be convinced that there is a district in any state in Nigeria, let alone Lagos, that lacks at least a police station.

Do not get it twisted, because the truth remains that some incidents deserve a query and tangible response. You’ll never be right in your feelings till you try to put yourself in the shoes of the bereaved family, if any; ‘if any’ in the sense that it could be the murdered kid was homeless. You can never give this case the thought it truly deserves unless you make effort to painstakingly study what actually transpired therein.

Let us assume the kid had a family. How would the parents live to narrate what befell them on that godforsaken day; would they tell the world, particularly sympathizers, that their poor child was put to death because he attempted to steal a handful of garri to quench hunger? Such narration would not just be hurtful but disastrous; indeed very painful and unspeakable, to say the least.

It becomes more painful when we realize that so many unimagined extrajudicial killings had taken

place across the country in recent times.

Few weeks ago, it was learnt that the five prime suspects in connection with the murder of the 74-year-old Mrs. Bridget Agbahime in Kano State had been acquitted by the Magistrate Court handling the case. Mrs. Agbahime who hailed from Imo State was gruesomely killed on 2 June 2016 at Kofar Wambi market over alleged blasphemy by a group of Islamic fanatics. According to the report, the freedom granted to the accused was not unconnected with the directive of the Kano State’s Attorney General.

Since the evil deed is already done, it would be pertinent to jettison retrogressive issues towards concentrating on progressive ones, though the former would invariably be needed if the latter must be successful. As an ardent rights activist, what else would I seek than justice? Regarding this one, the anticipated justice is meant to be all-inclusive, thus not only those who carried out the ungodly act should be brought to book but everyone who witnessed it. Think about it!

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Education Times

17

s

ASUU to FG: Be guided by constitution in running education sector The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to be guided by the constitution in running the education sector.

National President of the union, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, made the call in Lagos on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Ogunyemi said the constitution required the Federal government to make education accessible to all Nigerians by making it free at all levels.

“To have a development agenda for education in Nigeria, we have to go back to what the constitution says.

“Section 18 has made it clear.

Government must fund public education in the country free at all levels.

“Just like we also have the UBEC

Law of 2004.

“We have extant laws that should guide us in education in the country,’’ Ogunyemi said.

He said that government must be able to provide effective structures for the management of the education sector.

The ASUU president said that lack of political will, policy inconsistency and neglect by successive administrations were some of the issues plaguing education.

“The procedure for actualising the development agenda for education has been hampered.

“What we have been seeing over the years are ad-hoc arrangements.

“As ministers change, policies also change and therefore for us to move the sector forward, we must go back to the original goals and philosophy,’’ he said.

L-R: Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Agricuture, Rivers State, Engr. Deinabo Horsfall, President, APENet, Dr. Tony Onoja and Prof. Rabiu Mohammed Sani, during the Agricultural Policy Research Network 3rd National Stakeholders Forum on ‘’ Making Agricultural Research work for end-users” in Abuja...recently

Association demands improved funding for education UNIABUJA SSANU decries national body’s The Maru Teachers College Old Boys Association (MATCOBA) has demanded for improved funding of the education sector.

The National Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tukur Nahuche, made the call in Sokoto on Sunday at the Annual General Meeting and Merit Awards Ceremony of the state chapter of MATCOBA. Nahuche said adequate funding of education sector was the only key towards ensuring sustainable development in Nigeria.

He said: “No amount of money allocated to the sector is enough, because it is the father of all sectors.

“This is my challenge to the three tiers of government if we really want to get it right in Nigeria.

“It should however be necessary to put it on record that, they

are doing their best, but more just needs to be done.”

Nahuche further underscored the need for parents and old students’ associations to complement the efforts of government in funding their alma maters.

However, the chairman noted the support became imperative as the three tiers of government were overwhelmed with myriad of competing demands in the midst of dwindling resources.

He commended the members of the association for their planned rehabilitation of some structures and internal road network at their alma mater located in Maru, Zamfara.

The Chairman of the occasion and a retired Permanent Secretary in Sokoto State, Alhaji Umaru Nagwari, also urged parents to do more to facilitate the education of their children and wards.

On his part, the state chapter Chairman of MATCOBA, Alhaji Yakubu Hassan, promised to do more to bolster effective teaching and learning at their alma mater.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that highlight of the event was the conferment of merit awards on some members of the association who have excelled in their chosen professions.

The awardees included Mr Labaran Dundaye, General Manager, Sokoto State Television (Rima TV), and Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, who retired from the services of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Sokoto Network Centre, on Sunday.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Alhaji Ibrahim Kauran-Namoda, commended the association for the gesture, promising to do more for it to excel.

interference in varsity’s affairs Augustine Okezie Abuja

The University of Abuja branch of the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) has condemned attacks on the management of the institution led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Micheal Adikwu, and the varsity’s Governing council over what they called ‘’wanton distraction and interferences ‘’ of the national leadership of SSANU in the internal affairs of the institution through unguarded media utterances and publications, warning that the association may soon lose its credibility in the education sector if it doesn’t call itself to order.

A member of a faction of the local branch of the association, Malam Garba Mohammed, who was reacting to a publication in a national daily (not the Daily Times) recently and captioned,

‘’SSANU battles Abuja varsity VC over sack of two union members’’, during a chat with newsmen, said the disciplinary measures meted on two members of university’s senior staff MessrsJude Nwabueze and Nurudeen Yusuf, were strictly an internal affairs of the university, resulting from a careful application of the varsity’s extant laws and relevant sections of University of Abuja’s condition of service act, in which the affected staff can still seek a judicial review if they so wish.

Mohammed also noted that the national body’s ultimatum of 21 days within which the Uniabuja VC was asked to withdraw comments made against its ‘’leadership or face its wrath, as published in another national daly (not the Daily Times) recently and titled, “Unibuja disowns SSANU Leader, Secretary’’, is a misrepresentation of fact and uncalled for.

Minister lauds contribution of History to national development Augustine Okezie Abuja

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has asserted that there is a strong relationship between History and national development, adding that it is the

knowledge of History that creates consciousness about nationhood, national pride and even the need for national development.

Adamu stated this at an induction ceremony by the Historical Society of Nigeria, held in Abuja recently.

The Education minister, who was represented at the occasion by Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), said History is a means of entrenching and consolidating national identity and culture,

because according to him, “a knowledge of History enables a clearer understanding of the social system in a way that leads to a broader outlook, social harmony and respect for human dignity and peaceful co-existence.

The Minister, who was

inducted as a fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria at the event, further expressed gratitude for the honour done to him and equally thanked the National Council on Education (NCE) for its contributions towards and bringing back the teach-

ing of History in Nigerian secondary schools.

Earlier, President of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Prof. Chris Ogbogbo, expressed the immense appreciation of his organisation for bringing back the study of History in Nigerian schools.

Education Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Normalcy returns to FUNAAB as varsity recalls sacked workers Stories by Esther Taiwo The Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has approved the recall of the 23 members of staff that were disengaged from the university as part of efforts to resolve the recent unrest, following series of appeals from within and outside the university community.

The decision was taken at the 92nd meeting of the Council held recently and chaired by Mrs. Susan Oludiya, a member of the Council, in line with the agreement that the Chairmanship be rotated till the reconstitution of a new one.

The unconditional letters of re-absorption were signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Obafemi Oginni. All the 23 staff who were very elated

to be re-called have resumed at their duty posts.

It would be recalled that the Governing Council at its 90th statutory meeting approved the disengagement of some staff from the services of the university for various offences. However, to ensure that the university enjoys permanent respite, a Council Committee to investigate the lingering industrial unrest and tension in the university was constituted to look into the immediate and remote causes of the unrest. The work of the Committee is on-going.

In another development, the university has elected two Congregation representatives on Council, in line with the provisions of Chapter F22 (7) g of the establishment Act of the university.

Those elected are: Professor Adesina Agboola of the Department of Mathematics, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS) and Ar-

chitect Babatunde Anasanwo of the Physical Planning Unit of the university.

However, the three Congregation representatives on the Senate were returned elected namely: Dr. Adebayo Oni of the Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM); Dr. Abiola Jayeola of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) and Dr. Dominic Odulate of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management (COLERM).

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, has enjoined all members of staff to continue to contribute positively to the development of the university, while normal academic and administrative activities continue unabatedly.

L-R: Student, Isale -Eko Senior Grammar School, Fatai Atanda; Wealth Management, FBN Merchant Bank Ltd, Mrs. Ada Okoli; another student, Isale-Eko Senior Grammar School, Shuiab Damilola; Principal, Isale-Eko Senior Grammar School, Mrs. Osunde Regina and Head, General Services, FBN Merchant Bank Ltd, Mr. Segun Adebayo, at the World Savings Day, programme in Lagos… recently.

Dean wants more male students in Home Economics School of Vocational Education in the Niger State College of Education has advised prospective male candidates to seek admission into the department.

Mrs. Juliana Amaram, Dean School of Vocational Education, gave the advice during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Saturday.

Amaram said since inception of the department, it had suffered dearth of male students largely due to illusion about the course.

“Culturally, they believe that home economics was a domestic science meant for females.

“People think the course is exclusive for women, which is not

true. We have so far graduated six males and presently we have four males in the department”, she said.

Amaram expressed dissatisfaction with the few males in the department, saying that skill acquisition is veritable for the teeming youths in this recession. “ We are living in an era where skill acquisition is now the trend, the more skill one has the better for the individual and the country at large”, she said.

She said Niger State Association of Home Economics Teachers had started sensitisation in schools to kindle students’ interest in the viable opportunity inherent in the course.

School owners urged to have fear of God A Chartered Accountant and the Chairman of LHS Nursery and Primary School, Ota, Ogun State, Mr. Olawale Hassan, has challenged school owners to have the fear of God in the operation of their schools in order to be able to produce accomplished and ambitious young boys and girls of proven integrity who are ready to make significant contributions to the society.

Hassan, who said this on Saturday during the end- of – the – year party organised by the school, appealed to school proprietors at both the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education to show more commitment to high standard of education.

The LHS school chairman noted that the nation’s education sector was set to regain its lost glory when school owners start to insist on sanity rather than allow exploitation and decadence to be the order of the day in the nation’s education sector, thereby preventing the tragedy of churning out sub-standard graduates.

Hassan, who is the owner of LHS School, counseled all school owners to make continuous professional development mandatory for the staff to ensure the consistently work hard to remain relevant to the system as well as uphold a culture of encouraging the students to aspire to greater heights and be the agents of change in the society.

While admonishing the pupils who had entertained their parents and others guests with different activities such as dance drama, choir presentation, carol songs and poem recitations, he

advised them to work towards becoming great leaders and not just leaders, saying that it was achievable only if they worked hard on acquiring the ability to articulate the aspirations, fears and needs of their followers, and to galvanize them towards achieving set goals.

The LHS school chairman charged the students to adhere to the school’s high moral and academic standards in line with its vision and mission, adding that they must also be committed to the school’s core values, which are grounded in its identity as a Godly inspired institution.

Hassan used the occasion to enjoin the parents to support the school’s control mechanism and to endeavour to clarity issues with the relevant authorities where there are doubts, saying that it was this partnership, based upon mutual understanding and close cooperation, that could bring the best out of the young ones who were destined to be leaders of the nation and the world at large.

He appealed to the parents to closely monitor the spiritual and academic progress of their children and wards, adding that such was the needed tonic in achieving the noble objective of transforming the lives of the students.

The LHS chairman expressed appreciation to the parents for their love for the school, stating that it was in recognition of the role of the parents in the institution’s development that the school decided to have as a final aspect of the end of the year, a get-together to entertain them and other guests.

Principal canvasses change in habits for creativity The Principal, Olashore International School, Mr. Derek Smith, has canvassed the change of habits and habitats of schools and students in order to increase creativity.

He stated this during his speech on ‘The Future of Education’ at the 2016 Africa Outstanding Primary School Awards recently held in Lagos.

He said: “The habits of our institutions and the habitats they occupy have a way of influencing what they think and what they do.

“We need to consciously change our habits and habitats in order to increase creativity. We think teaching is all about having teachers stand in front of willing recipients, but it’s more than that.

Critical thinking, Communication,

Collaboration and Creativity will help students learn better. The world is changing very fast. Every Child is an opportunity. We don’t need to copy the developmental stages of any country, rather we should think of how to move ahead.

The greatest challenge when you are good at something, is how to keep being the best.”

“The solution to make students successful is that we need to engage our learners, transform our schools, employ efficient and easy use of tools, and connect to the real world. There’s no right way to do this than to introduce the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), Technological Knowledge (TK), Technological

Content Knowledge (TCK), Content Knowledge (CK), Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK). The three (3) legs of the school’s 21st century learning are Pedagogy, Content and Technology, and that is why we need if and when we are going to create a revolution in education, he reiterated.”

He pointed out that teachers need to be trained on the use of technology so they can impact on the children.

“Learning will be effective with technology, however training teachers should be a pre-requisite for one on one e-learning project.

Do not put technology in any school until teachers are trained in order to give them the confidence to train the students.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

19 Education Times

A retrospective look into Nigeria’s Education in 2016

Nigeria’s education in the just ended year did not produce much to cheer especially against the backdrop of several policy somersaults by government which rather than inspire growth encouraged much reversals. AUGUSTINE OKEZIE writes: FG’s Unity schools admission policy Early indication on what to expect from the present All Progressives Congress government’s policy on the Education sector began with the decision to cut admission quotas into Unity Schools.

The above decision came just as educationists expressed concern on the likely withdrawal of many pupils from private to public schools which may lead to the overstretching of existing facilities in the latter.

Findings by the Daily Times revealed that the Federal Government had reduced admission quota into some of its schools by 40 per cent to prevent overburdening their facilities.

For instance, it was gathered that King’s College, Queen’s College and the Federal Science Technical College, all in Lagos, placed a ceiling in the number of pupils to be admitted this year.

Findings show that while these schools admitted between 600 and 700 pupils last year, the highest quota granted the schools this year is 400 pupils.

The then Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben Bem-Goong, who spoke in a telephone interview with our correspondent, confirmed the development.

Bem-Goong, who admitted that there was an upsurge in the number of applications into Federal Government owned schools this year, said the way out was for private schools to reduce tuition to prevent admission crisis.

“The withdrawal of pupils from private schools was reflected in the number of applications we received for unity schools this year.

But, are we prepared to accept the large number of pupils from private schools? There is already a policy, which is being implemented. Admission quota has been cut so as not to overstretch facilities.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the sector noted the inadequate and dilapidated structures in many public schools across the country which might collapse due to pressure occasioned by overpopulation.

Rather than struggle to pay tuition, feelers from parents and guardians showed that many parents concluded plans to enrol their children in public schools in order to save cost and beat the recession currently biting hard in

President Buhari

the country.

The Vice-President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Chief Abayomi Otubela, said that some members of his group had formally complained about the withdrawal of pupils from their schools to public schools.

But some other stakeholders hold the view that structures in public schools may collapse due to lack of maintenance and upgrade.

According to the President, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Mr. Michael Alogba-Olukoya, the fallout of the recession in the country may fall on the nation’s public schools.

In a related development, an education service provider, Mrs. Bimbo Obasuyi, called on the Federal Government to assist private schools in order for them to cope with the flight of pupils.

According to her, it can be counter-productive for the government to turn its back on private schools as they grapple with the effects of recession.

Saying that public schools across the states might have challenges in coping with the influx of pupils from private schools, Obasuyi added that the government must upgrade its facilities and extend assistance to private school proprietors to stay in business.

Education is the soul of a nation, the key to its secured future but it is a well-known fact that Nigeria’s is deteriorating. This ugly state of the country’s education has been attributed over time to a number of factors including underfunding, low-quality teaching

Malam Adamu Adamu

personnel, poor infrastructure, and poverty of curriculum and absence of dedicated practitioners.

From primary through secondary to the tertiary level, the rot is mind-boggling. It is a decline, which must be arrested if Nigeria’s future would not be jeopardised.

For the past few years, there has been a steady decline in the performance of candidates in WAEC examinations. The crisis manifested, for instance, in the May/June 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. The results showed a pathetic poor performance by candidates, one of the worst recorded in recent times. Out of the 1,692,435 candidates who sat for the examination, only 529,425, representing 31.28 per cent could obtain credits in five subjects and above, including English and Mathematics, ASUU strike One of the striking feature that marred Nigeria’s educational growth and development in the outgone year was the return of the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The union refused to back down but carried out its one-week warning strike which created industrial panic and return of uncertainty in the education sector.

Biodun Ogunyemi, the union’s National President, who described the strike as being total and effective, said chronic underfunding of the sector through low budgetary allocation, which went

from 11 per cent in 2015 to eight per cent in 2016, did not go down well with the union.

He pointed out the failure of government to implement the 2009 agreement and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as some of the reasons for embarking on the warning strike.

The president said that the union’s members were tired of what they described as “government’s empty promises’’ in setting up its negotiation team for the review of agreement as consistently requested by ASUU since 2012.

Reacting on the incessant ASUU strike, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), said that ASUU was right and that it must be supported.

Adeolu Ogunbanjo, the association’s 2nd Deputy National President, told the Daily Times that it was time the government takes the country’s education seriously.

Ogunbanjo said that a fullfledged strike would not be welcomed by majority of Nigerians in the current situation, adding that the strike would only add more grief to the suffering masses.

A looming disaster For several years, stakeholders, university administrators, parents and even students themselves have decried the falling standard in the education system, a fear that has turned into a looming disaster waiting to explode.

They have witnessed from successive governments a systemic dysfunction that has continued to impede the growth of education.

They have also witnessed how a

vibrant intellectual culture that bred opinion leaders, captains of industries, has been replaced by a rabid, consumerist trend churning out nurseries of mediocrities.

The quality of the teaching personnel is central to the educational system. Teachers in Nigeria today are poorly trained and many of those who take up teaching do so due to the absence of employment opportunities in preferred areas, not necessary because of motivation. The situation is aggravated by the distortion of values in the society, which has led to a situation where teachers’ pivotal role in nation-building is no longer regarded and merit is thrown overboard.

There is the insufficiency of infrastructure in the education sector, of course. Beyond physical infrastructure, technological and laboratory equipment is lacking.

Above all, the absence of constant electricity hinders science education and creates a chaotic learning environment.

Funding cannot be overemphasised although it is not necessarily the cure-all for all the ills in the sector. Paying teachers their well-deserved wages will help in the journey to revamping the sector and increasing the respectability of the teaching profession.

Improvement in the quality of teaching is the only route through which Nigeria can realise its ambition in a competitive global order. Nigeria’s education sector must also embrace the use of technological tools as part of the overall infrastructural overhaul.

And this costs money.

A complete review of the curriculum is imperative to upscale standards and the Nigerian child must begin the process of internalising the Nigerian dream, with a view to living it, through the philosophical framework of an education system that includes vigorous re-introduction of history and civic education.

It is incumbent on governments and their agencies at all levels to ensure that the level of education in Nigeria is improved.

And since the future development of the nation is tied to its youths, government at all levels must make the right investment in education. The country should strive to nurture a system whose products would be competitive with their counterparts in the rest of the world.

Education Times 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

LASG’s decision to ban environmental sanitation, a reformation agenda, says LASU V-C The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, on Saturday, said the decision by the Lagos State Government to cancel the monthly environmental sanitation was part of the reformation agenda of the present administration.

Fagbohun said this on the sideline of the 56th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university entitled: “Are we living in a Earth’’ delivered by Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, LASU. He said the government might had viewed and considered the monthly environmental sanitation to be a monotonous routine.

The V-C said it was noticeable that rather than the residents of Lagos coming out at the last Sat-

urday of every month to observe the sanitation, they preferred to stay indoors and rest.

Fagbohun said most Lagosians were no longer participating in the exercise as directed by the government.

They were just staying in their houses between 7a.m. and 10a.m., when the restriction on movement would have been lifted, then would go out in en-masse.

“I recognise the fear of people that the Lagos State Government has cancelled environmental sanitation.

“But if you look at the approach of the government you will see that they don’t just do things without plans in place because they are actually reforming a lot of things,’’ he said.

Fagbohun said with this trend,

it was important for the government to reassess and reform the ways by which a holistic environmental sanitation would be achieved.

He expressed optimism that the government would soon release a new initiative on how the monthly environmental sanitation in the state would be done.

Recall that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in compliance with a judgment by a Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, which nullified the monthly environmental sanitation on November 24, 2016 terminated the exercise.

The exercise usually holds for three hours on the last Saturday of every month, when residents used stay at home to clean their environments.

The government noted that considering the current economic situation in the country, it was no longer appropriate to restrict movements of people for three hours in a mega-city like Lagos.

It said the time should be used to pursue commercial and entrepreneurial activities.

The government noted that the state in the last two decades had grown exponentially into a megacity with the attendant huge environmental problems associated with managing a population of over 20 million people.

“Sadly, environmental laws, policies and procedures being practised in the state have not matched its phenomenal growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy, hence the need for the reform,’’ the government said.

8 primary schools get more classrooms in Jigawa The Jigawa State government has constructed one block of classrooms in each of eight primary schools in Suletankarkar Local Government Area of the state.

The Education Secretary in the local government council, Malam Isa Dabo, announced the development on Monday through the Information Officer in charge of the area, Alhaji Sulaiman Daudu.

Daudu listed the schools as Hammado, Dadin Sarki, Dadda, Taka Tsaba, Banaga, Dan`ladi and Sule-Tankarkar.

He further said that 19 primary schools were currently under renovation in the area.

The spokesperson quoted the education secretary as saying that the provision of the additional classrooms would reduce congestion in the schools.

He said that Dabo commended the government for the gesture and noted that it would boost school enrollment.

“It is our hope that government’s efforts will also boost the literacy level of children at the grassroots.

“It is our hope that the classes will assist in improving the standard of education in the area,” he quoted the secretary as saying.

Students, parents and management of Monument Future school, Lusada, Ogun State during the school’s 10th anniversary...recently

Attractive libraries, reading club will e ncourage reading culture- Educationist An educationist, Mrs. Funke Adeniji, on Tuesday, said that attractive libraries, creativity and belonging to reading club would encourage reading culture among individuals, especially children.

Adeniji, who is the Managing Partner of the Achievers Educational Services, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that standard and colourful library always attract a child to pick up a book to read.

She said that a child become creative if encouraged to embrace reading culture through colourful display of chats and facts on library walls.

“The first thing to consider in the library is to get the right types of books.

“By the time a child visits the library and sees attractive picture of interesting books on the wall, he will be attracted to pick a book and read.

“Before you know it if you have a standard attractive library, the child would want to come to the library and pick one book to read,’’ she said.

The educationist said that she setting up a reading club would encourage reading culture among children.

She said that many schools spent so much on library but that students were not taking full advantage by using it, saying that was why reading club became paramount.

Adeniji said reading affords children to have broader knowledge of issues and become well informed.

According to her, Nigerian children needed to be exposed to relevant educational apparatus like their counterpart in advanced countries.

“The children should be taught how to read through drama, craft dancing and play, but everything we do should be based on books.

“By the time a child is exposed to reading materials, he will pick up a book and read and you will realise that our children are voracious readers,’’ he said.

Adeniji said that the focus should be on children because when one catches them young, reading and using library will become a habit.

Achievers’ Educational Services helps in setting up library and running book clubs in schools to encourage reading culture among students.

School celebrates 10 years anniversary amidst pomp, merriment Titus Eleweke It was a moment of joy and celebration for students and staff of the Monument Future School, Lusada, Ogun State penultimate Tuesday when they celebrated the school’s 10th anniversary amidst pump and pleasantry.

The college used the occasion to re-strategize on how further maximize the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to boost teaching and learning.

Speaking during the occasion which attracted men and women from all walk of life in the community, the provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Noforija, Epe, Lagos, Prof.Olu Akeusola, represented by a chief lecturer at the Adeniran College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, Mr. Femi Keshinro, commended the school management for effective deployment of ICT in its teaching and learning.

He urged other schools in the country to embrace ICT for effective teaching and learning in their various schools to catch the interest younger ones of in learning.

According to him, today’s education is driven by ICT globally and the best schools make use of ICT to teach.

He also admonished parents not abandon their parental responsibilities to school only to carry, as school cannot do the work of parents towards children upbringing.

“Education is not only given by schools alone, parents should play critical roles in the education of their wards ‘he added.

He said Monument Future School is one of the schools that take seriously the use of ICT to teach and it has been reflecting on the quality of students and graduates that come out of the school.

He promised to assist the school in the area of ICT development, just as he has done to in MOCPED. The don called on the parents to support the efforts of the school in its ICT development as it will be to the best interest of the students.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMMANUEL MICHEAL OMBUGADU -CHAIRMAN 2. HON. DANLADI JATAU 3. MR. ALAKU JOSEPH ADZAGA 4. REV. BAINTA ANTHONY ADAMU 5. PROF. VICTORY SAMSON DUGGA 6. MRS. JAWUNA EMMANUEL ENVULADU - SEC. 7.HON. EUNICE ASHE’OLGE KIGBU 8. PST. NAPTALI ENWONGULU

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

TRUSTEES: I. UKWA CHIOMA NNENAYA 2. AKEH EUNICE NKIRU. 3. FREEDOM OPEOLUWA OLUBUNMI AIM AND OBJECTIVES: I. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

21

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

Trustees : 1. ADELANI ABDUL KABEER BALLO 2. QAMORUDEEN TIAMIYU OLAYI 3. RUFAI MABEEB ADEKOLA 4. TOHIR BALLO AJIBOLA 5. UTHMAN BALLO AKOLAWOLE 6. ABDUL HAFEEZ BALLO ADELANI 7. ADELANI YAHYA BALLO

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

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Aims and Objectives are: 1. To empower and support the less priviledge in the society 2. To promote educational scholarship to the less priviledge.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR. IFEANYI ONWUZURIKE

Signed: Trustees

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To build capacity of community among participatory approach

ONE VOICE INITIATIVE FOR PEACE GENDER EQUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT

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

NAMES OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR OLABODE SAMUEL. - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS FOLASHADE SAMUEL. - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. MRS ADEBIMPE AINA. -SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. PROMOTE ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT HELP YOUTH DEVELOP SOCIAL, ETHICAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE COMPETENCIES 2. SENSITIZE, EDUCATE AND IMPROVE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF GIRLS AND WOMEN ON ALL FORMS OF SEXUAL AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication SIGNED: TRUSTEES

DIVINE GLORY GLOBAL EVANGELICAL MINISTRY.

CITY OF KINGS INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

1, OBALUFON CLOSE, AGA AVENUE, IDO OSUN, OSUN STATE.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADENIRAN ADUBI IGE - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. ADENIRAN FELIX 3. BOLARINWA YETUNDE 4. ADENIRAN YINKA 5. ADENIRAN AYONBO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST 3. TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS, SYMPOSIS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND FAITH CLINICS TO ENHANCE THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE PEOPLE IN THE LORD 4. TO DELIVER THE OPPRESSED, HEAL THE SICK AND SET THE CAPTIVES FREE 5. TO ENGAGE IN CHARITABLE AND EVANGELISTIC WORK BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

JANEMICHAEL EKANEM FOUNDATION

ADEAGBO AMOO OKUNADE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EKANEM JANE ENO-OBONG - CHAIRMAN 2. ATTAH KATE NSIKAK - SECRETARY AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To help the less privilege through their education.

2. To cater for the homeless children.

3. To provide for the widows and single mothers.

4. To promote peace and unity among members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

1. POPOOLA, ADEDOTUN TAJUDEEN. (DR.) - CHAIRMAN 2. OKUNADE, WULE OLANIKE (MRS.) 3. ALAMUTU, FADEKE MORADEKE (MRS.) 4. OKUNADE, ADEMOLA ADEAGBO - SECRETARY 5. FAROUN, BABATUNDE OLADIPO 6. OKUNADE, TAIWO ADEYEMI 7. OKUNADE, KEHINDE ADEKUNLE AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To help the less privilege.

2. To cater for the homeless children.

3. To provide for the widows and single mothers.

4. To promote peace and unity among members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MATTHEW BIOLA BIODUN 2. MATTHEW DAODU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO RUN A MINISTRY OF PRAYER, HEALING, DELIVERANCE AND PROPHETIC. 3. TO ORGANISE SEMINARS, SYMPOSIUMS, FAITH AND PRAYER CLINIC TO ENHANCE THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES. ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER PRINTER ENGINEERS OF LAGOS THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SOBOWALE OLALEKAN SEMIU - CHAIRMAN 2. EGBEKUNLE LUKMAN ADEMOLA - SECRETARY 3. AKOMOLAFE OMOLAJA 4. OLADOKUN KEHINDE A.O. 5. MUSTAPHA ISMAILA FESTUS 6. OPELOYERU* *WAHAB ABIODUN 7. ADEGBOYEGA ADEYINKA 8. AJANI SAHEED OMOBOLAJI AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AND PROGRESS AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

PRESERVED CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY.

FEED THE VULNERABLE FOUNDATION.

OKUGBE URHOBO SOCIALITE ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

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

TRUSTEES: 1.

EKUTEGBE GODWIN 2.

ISIORHO STEPHEN E. 3.

AMAIDJE SIMON O.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Gbolahan Michael Jones - President (2)Adeniyi Emmanuel Oduwole - Auditor (3) Ekaete Happiness Emana - Secretary (4) Blessing Adeola Adesanya - Member Aims and Objectives: (a) To propagate the undiluted word of God (b) To be involved in taking care of the less privileged, the widows, the Aged,the orphans and the Handicapped (c) To be involved in prison and hospital ministry by using it’s resources to provide medical outreaches (d) Service to humanity.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Ekaete Happiness Emana.

Secretary

ASSOCIATION FOR HAJJ AND UMRAH OPERATORS OF NIGERIA CAC/IT/NO. 24067

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Removal of Deceased Trustees, Appointment of New Trustees and Amendment of the Constitution, under Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 TRUSTEES AT REGISTRATION 1) DR. IBRAHIM TAHIR 2) GROUP CAPTAIN USMAN JIBRIN 3) IMAM ABDURAHMAN AHMAD 4) DR. ABDULLATEEF ADEGBITE 5) NASIR MOHAMMED SALA KOKO 6) BUHARI BALA 7) ALHAJI JELILI ANIMASHAUN

-

Deceased Deceased Retained Deceased Retained Retained Retained

NEWLY ELECTED TRUSTESS TO JOIN THE REMAINING OLD TRUSTEES NOW MAKING A TOTAL OF TEN (10) TRUSTEES 1. ALHAJI ABDULFATTAH ABDULMAJEED 2. ALHAJ ABUBAKAR SIDDEEQ MUHAMMAD 3. ALHAJ MUAZU ABUBAKAR MADAWAKI 4. ALHAJ ALIYU AMINU DANDURGU 5. ALHAJ NASIDI SULAIMAN YAHAYA 6. ALHAJ USMAN MOHAMMED GARKUWA AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION SECTIONS 2, 4, 5, 6,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21, 22,23, and 24.

REASONS FOR CHANGING THE TRUSTEES: Three (3) Trustees are late (Deceased).

The Constitution was amended to read the latest standard of the Association and C.A.C. Any objection to the Re-registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: OLORI-AJE ADAM ESQ. (Solicitor).

Trustee 1). Acg Rauf Adegboyega Keji (rtd)) 2 ). Rasheed Adeshola Keji.

3). Lukman Oyewumi Keji Aim and objective: 1. To help the less privileged ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: BARR SOLA BANKOLE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

To provide members with skills and tools for their personal and community development 2.

To financially empower the economically financially disadvantaged members with small funds for their business, thereby ensuring a better life and alleviating poverty in the society.

3.

To promote beneficial projects in the society.

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

Signed: ISIORHO STEPHEN E. (Secretary)

FEED THE VULNERABLE FOUNDATION.

FLAMING FIRE GOSPEL ASSEMBLY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO1 OF 1990.

Trustee 1). Acg. Rauf Adegboyega Keji (rtd)) 2 ). Rasheed Adeshola Keji.

3). Lukman Oyewumi Keji

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALECHENU YUSUF ADAH - CHAIRMAN 2.ADAKOLE EUNICE SECRETARY 3.ADAKOLE DEREK 4.ADAKLOE JESSICA 5.ADAKOLE PRINCEWILL

Aim and objective: 1. To help the less privileged ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: BARR SOLA BANKOLE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI MAITAMA,ABUJA, WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED:

SECRETARY

22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

GODWIN IKECHUKWU CHUKWUEMEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBU EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as GODWIN IKECHUKWU CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

MERCY AMODU

I, formerly known and addressed as VICTORIA OGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as MERCY AMODU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that DICKSON JOY ANULIKA and EGEDE JOY ANULIKA refer to one and the same person now wish to be known as EGEDE JOY ANULIKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

UGWUOKE CHINENYE STELLA.

EKWO CHINEDU PAUL.

I, formerly known and addressed as EKWO CHINEDU KINGSLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as EKWO CHINEDU PAUL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

AGOZIE ESTHER PATIENCE.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGO ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGOZIE ESTHER PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME:

SAMUEL OPEYEMI MOROYE

EMMA OCHEFIJE OLONTA

OLUWATOSIN MICHAEL OYENIYI

OLUWADAMILARE OLABISI GOODNESS

I Formerly known and addressed as ALEX JOSEPHINE JULIET, Now wish to be known and addressed as. ALEX AUGUSTINA CHIOMA .All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Jumai Ali . Now wish to be known and addressed as Emma Ochefije Olonta All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I Formerly known and addressed as SADIQ OLABISI GOODNESS, Now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWADAMILARE OLABISI GOODNESS .All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

DISU KOLAWOLE JOHNSON

AJAO NUREIN O.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME. This is to confirm that KAREEM NOFISAT OLUWATOYIN and KAREEM NOFISAT OLAWUNMI refers to the same name & person, while Date of Birth is 23 Feb,1986. All former documents remains valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that my name was written as ABAZU NDUBUISI instead of ABAZU NDUBUISI FEBIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZEH FRIDAY GODWIN.

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

I Formerly known and addressed as AJAO NURENI OLAREWAJU, Now wish to be known and addressed as AJAO NUREIN O. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

SHOBANKE OLUWASEUN ESTHER

Formerly AKINBOBOYE OLUWASEUN ESTHER (MRS) Now SHOBANKE OLUWASEUN ESTHER. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

NELSON ADEGBENRO AKERELE

That my name was wrongly written on my documents as SURAJU AROYEHUN instead of SURAJ AFOLABI AROYEHUN, that my correct name is SURAJ AFOLABI AROYEHUN. General public take note.

KENNETH ALI DOGO

Formerly Dogo Ali Innocent now to be called and addressed as Kenneth Ali Dogo . that I was born on the 5th of December 1990. general public should please note.

AIYEOLA OLUWASEUN

ANI BLESSING UZOAMAKA

IYIOLA DAMILARE AYOMIDE.

EBELECHUKWU NATASHA ONUORA

AKINTUNDE ADEFUNKE AISHAT.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEWALE AYOMIDE AYUBA now wish to be known and addressed as IYIOLA DAMILARE AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NATASHA SIMONE now wish to be known and addressed as EBELECHUKWU NATASHA ONUORA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Lawal Adefunke Aishat and now wishes to be known and addressed as Akintunde Adefunke Aishat.

All former document remains valid. General public take note.

HEZEKIAH BOLATAN OGUNDE

I Formerly known and addressed as EZEKIEL BOLATAN, Now wish to be known and addressed as HEZEKIAH BOLATAN OGUNDE .All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

UGWUOKE CHINENYE STELLA

I, formerly known and addressed as ONAH CHINENYE STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUOKE CHINENYE STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UGOCHUKWU CHINYERE GIFT

SYLVIA OPARA UGOCHI.

ODOH CHINONYELUM JANET I, formerly known and addressed as ODOH CHINONYELUM DIVINEGIFT, now wish to be known and addressed as ODOH CHINONYELUM JANET. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADEKOLA OLUWARONKE OMOBOLANLE

That my name was wrongly written on my documents as ANYANWU EMEKA JOSEPH instead of ANYANWU EMEKA JOE , that my correct name is ANYANWU EMEKA JOE . General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU JENNIFER CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU CHINYERE GIFT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SODIQ RONKE OMOBOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOLA OLUWARONKE OMOBOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADDITIONAL OF NAME

NNAMANI PATIENCE NDIDI

UJOMU-ELELEGWU JOSEPHINE OGWUGUA

I wish to add JACKSON to my name,that my correct and full names are GODFREY JACKSON ENEZIAKPO. All document bearing my former names are mine and still remain valid. General public please note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AIYEOLA NIYI SEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as AIYEOLA OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that OLUMODEJI OLUWASEYI EMMANUEL and OLUMODEJI EMMANUEL DAMILARE refers to one and same person. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ADDITIONAL OF NAME

OLORUNSHOGO OLUSEYE.

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

ONYEKWERE EZINNE JOY.

Formerly known and addressed as OJEIFO YUSSUF, but wish to add ‘PRINCE’ to my name, that I now wish to be known, called and addressed as OJEIFO PRINCE YUSSUF. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. .

I formerly known and addressed as NURUDEEN ADEGBENRO AKERELE now wish to be known and addressed as NELSON ADEGBENRO AKERELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EGBO BLESSING UZOAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI BLESSING UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as LILIAN PETERS OPARA now wish to be known and addressed as SYLVIA OPARA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. Genereral public to please take note.

ARAROMI MORUFAT AYINKE I formerly known and addressed as MISS ABDULSALAM MORUFAT MOJISOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ARAROMI MORUFAT AYINKE All former ocuments remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MICHAELTOSIN OYENIYI now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWATOSIN MICHAEL OYENIYI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

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

DAUDA KASEEM ADEWALE I formerly known and addressed as DAUDA AYIKI KASIMU now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA KASEEM ADEWALE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AJAO MARIAM EJIDE I formerly known and addressed as AJAO MARIAM EJIDE now wish to be known and addressed as MARIAM RIDWAN AJIDE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

formerly known and addressed as OGUNJIMI OLUWATOBI ABIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNJIMI OLUWATOBILOBA ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ABIGIRL JOSEPH. I, formerly known and addressed as OCHAIGWU VICTORIA ELIJAH, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIGIRL JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ULOMA FRANCES LECHI. I , formerly known and addressed as ULOMA FRANCES AGWU, Now wish to be known and addressed as ULOMA FRANCES LECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note .

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OGUNJIMI OLUWATOBILOBA ABIOLA

OLIVER CYRIL OBIORA I, formerly known and addressed as AGADA CYRIL OBIORA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLIVER CYRIL OBIORA. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and General public should please take note.

CHUOPARA VICTOR NIGU. I, formerly known and addressed as CHUOPARA VICTOR, Now wish to be known and addressed as CHUOPARA VICTOR NIGU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note .

ONYEKWERE EZINNE JOY.

THIS IS TO CONFIRM/ CERTIFY THAT WOLE POPOOLA IS ALSO THE SAME PERSON AS OLUWOLE OLAWUNMI POPOOLA. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ADEWUNMI TAIWO ESTHER

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Owolabi Kolawole Johnson, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Disu Kolawole Johnson. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

EZE UKAMAKA SHALOM

I, formerly known and addressed as MOLOKWU UKAMAKA SHALOM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE UKAMAKA SHALOM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEKWERE EZINNE BECKY, Now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKWERE EZINNE JOY. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONAH CHINENYE STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUOKE CHINENYE STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ALEX AUGUSTINA CHIOMA

JULIET UGONNA CHIAMANDA EZE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JULIET UGONNA CHIAMANDA NWODO, now wish to be known and addressed as ,MRS JULIET UGONNA CHIAMANDA EZE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGODO JOHNPAUL UCHENNA. I, formerly known and addressed as OGODO UCHENNA PATRICK and OGODO UCHENNA now wish to be known and addressed as OGODO JOHNPAUL UCHENNA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Samuel Opeyemi IROYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Samuel Opeyemi MOROYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

This is certify that NKEMELU OLUCHUKWU, NKEM FAVOUR OLUCHI, NKEM FAVOUR. O, and NKEMELU OLUCHUKWU CHIDINMA is one and the same person now wish to be known as NKEM FAVOUR OLUCHI. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKINLOYE TAIWO ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEWUNMI TAIWO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

EJILIBE EBERE ELIZABETH.

I, formerly known and addressed as NNAMANI ELIZABETH JENNIFER, now wish to be known and addressed as EJILIBE EBERE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEKWERE EZINNE BECKY, Now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKWERE EZINNE JOY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

Eze : I formally known and addressed as EZE PATIENCE NDIDI now wish to be known and addressed as NNAMANI PATIENCE NDIDI. All former documentsremain valid, First bank and General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UJOMU ELELEGWU JOSEPHINE, now wish to be known and addressed as UJOMU-ELELEGWU JOSEPHINE OGWUGUA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SHONBI OBIDAH.

PATRICIA ADIGWE

I, formerly known and addressed as AUGUSTINE DABOET USENI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SHONBI OBIDAH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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

CHUOPARA VICTOR NIGU.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUOPARA VICTOR, Now wish to be known and addressed as CHUOPARA VICTOR NIGU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note .

ULOMA FRANCES LECHI

I , formerly known and addressed as ULOMA FRANCES AGWU, Now wish to be known and addressed as ULOMA FRANCES LECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note .

23

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

NGOZI EVLOGIA CHARITY ORGANISATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

Trustees 1. Dr Okey Nwokolo 3. Dr Ernest Nwokolo 5. Isreal Olorundare (SAN)

2. Hon. Tos Nwokolo 4. Mrs Amal Pepple 6. Hon. Justice Ndukwe Anyanwu

PRAYER SQUAD FOR NATIONS WORLDWIDE MINISTRY.

EKE & GLORIA AKA FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: (1) REV.EMMANUEL ANDEFIKI. (THE VISIONER ) (2) PRINCESS PATIENCE ANDEFIKI (3) DAVID EMMANUEL (I CT/ SEC GENERAL)

TRUSTEES: 1. MR HEAMIA EKE AKA 2. MRS GLORIA AKA

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO WIN THE LOST SOULS THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO TEACH, PREACH AND PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN NIGERIA AND WORLD AT LARGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

Signed: Barr MERCY.

SIGNED: PATRICK UZUM - SOLICITOR

Aim and objectives 1. Fight against women and child abuse

THE RIGHTEOUS SWORD AND MIRACLE MINISTRY. The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1 .Moses, Maxwell ikechuwu, 2. Moses, chioma Juliana

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary CHARITY CHIKA OMENIHU

I formerly known and address as Miss. Charity Asonye now wish to be known and address Mrs. Charity Chika Omenihu . All former document remain valid. General public should pleas take note.

REKIYA JOY ADUKU

SIGNED: KELECHI ENYINWA ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE 1. THE GRACIOUS LORD FAMILY MINISTRY 2. THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN AND AMERICAN BLACK HEROES DAILY LEADERSHIP OF NIGERIA. 3. DANCE WORLD CUP FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA. NO, 4, ALHAJI ADEJUWAN STREET, CROWN ESTATE, OFF MARTINS B/STOP, AKUTE, OGUN STATE. THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH, LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION AND DANCE FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE CORPORATE AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1. OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HIS GRACIOUS (AMB) PROPHET THANKGOD ONOSABORTOSOSE OKODUWA - FOUNDER/PRESIDENT/OVERSEER 2. BARRISTER MARK OKPIAFOH ERIOFOLOH - EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 3. BRO. EMMANUEL OKODUWA - EXECUTIVE-TREASURER/CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY WELFARE. 4. SIS. (MRS.) STELLA CHUKWUEMEKA OLUKU - EVANGELIST/COMMUNITY MOBILIZER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE GRACIOUS LORD FAMILY MINISTRY 1. TO TEACH THE PEOPLE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD FULL OF ACCEPTABLE WORDS, LAWS OF THE LAND WITH WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING TRUTH, PEACE AND THE FEAR OF GOD. TO RECONCILE PEOPLE BACK TO GOD AND TO WORK WITH AMBASSADORS OF THE LORD IN NIGERIA AND TO ALL NATIONS. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN AND AMERICAN BLACK HEROES DAILY LEADERSHIP OF NIGERIA. 2. TO BRING TOGETHER HEROES OF AFRICA AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN IN NIGERIA, AFRICA, AMERICA AND ORGANIZED ANNUAL LEADERSHIP FORUM LECTURES, AWARD TO STRENGTHEN, PROPEL DAILY COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, PEACE AND UNITY IN AFRICA, AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND IN ALL BLACK COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD.

Aims & Objectives.

1. To preach the gospel of christ Jesus.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF DANCE WORLD CUP FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA. 3. TO BRING TOGETHER THE NIGERIA DANCE SPECTRUM UNDER ONE UMBRELLA SHIELDING ALL FORMS OF DANCE IN THE WORLD, THE COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL DANCE (CID) RECOGNISED BY UNESCO. TO STRENGTHEN REGULATION AND PRESENT NIGERIAN DANCES AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS. 4. TO SETUP EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THAT WILL ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL LEARNING; TEACHING, SKILL, LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA, AFRICA AND DAILY LECTURES OF THE YOUNG GENERATION AND FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF GOSPEL OF RECONCILIATION IN NIGERIA, AFRICA, AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND THE WORLD AT LARGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION, APPOINTMENT OF THESE TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION; PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: MARK OKPIAFOH ERIOFOLOH, ESQ.

UGURU OGECHUKWU JULIANA. i formerly known and address as IGBOKE OGECHUKWU JULIANA now wish to be known and address as UGURU OGECHUkWU JULIANA. All former document remain valid. general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ADEBAYO DEBORAH KEMI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS .

OLUYEDE DEBORAH KEMI now want to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEBAYO DEBORAH KEMI All former documents remain Valid. General public take Note NELSON ADEGBENRO AKERELE

OLUDE-IMRAN HABIBAT

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IMRAN HABIBAT MOSUNMOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUDE-IMRAN HABIBAT All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

BAKAR DEBORAH

I formerly known and addressed as MISS REKIYA JOY AMODU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS REKIYA JOY ADUKU All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

This is to confirm that my name was written as ABAZU NDUBUISI instead of ABAZU NDUBUISI FEBIAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NURUDEEN ADEGBENRO AKERELE now wish to be known and addressed as NELSON ADEGBENRO AKERELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BAKAR LAWAN DEBORAH GAMBO, now wish to be known and addressed as BAKAR DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

THOMAS OLUSHOLA BIOLA.

AKIWOWO ADETAYO.

OJOBOWALE RASHIDAT AJIHUN

Formerly known and addressed as AYOOLA OLUSHOLA BIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS OLUSHOLA BIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UZOUKWU CHINENYE Formerly known and addressed as OPARA CHINENYE LUCY, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOUKWU CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWIGBOJI AGNES CHIOMA

OSIFO LEONA OGHOGHO.

Formerly known and addressed as IKE CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed, as NWIGBOJI AGNES CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EFOSA LEONA OSAREME, now wish to be known and addressed as OSIFO LEONA OGHOGHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ACCESS TO SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA. 2. TO TAKE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE AND SENSITIZE INDIVIDUALS ON NATURAL HYGIENE AND HEALTHY LIVING. 3. TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE RESEARCH AND INTERVENTION IN AUTISM, BIPOLAR AND OTHER BEHAVIORAL RELATED PROBLEMS. 4. TO PROMOTE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

Formerly known and addressed as ABON ADETAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as AKIWOWO ADETAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as DANIEL ADEYEMI OLUSOGA, now wish to be known and addressed as YEMI SOGA. That my correct date of birth is 6 January 1948. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, OGBU CHRISTOPHER and my wife OGBU SONIA wish to inform the General public that. We lost our properties on october 30th 2016 due to the fire set on our properties by EZIOBODO Community of Enugu State Nigeria rendering us homeless and we are taking refuge in a friend’s house this is as a result of primitive tradition of the community we refused to promote. General public note.

INTEGRATED CHARITY ORGANISATION OF NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Foster Adejoke Gbemisola - President 2. Hassan Adewale Adeleke - Secretary 3. Abiola Teejay Olamide AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. The trustee shall incorporate and be bound by the Constitution of INTEGRATED OUTREACH U. K 2. The principal objective of the trustee is for community interest.

3. To give re-integration, support and assistance to voluntary returnees and forced deporteees 4. To propose ideas and work in support of the government and it’s agencies on diaspora matters 5. To assist the less privilege and the community at large.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication Signed: Secretary OBATIKHIEDO VICTORIA ANEGBEJE

Formerly known and addressed as AKOREDE MARYAM, now wish to be known and addressed, as OJOBOWALE RASHIDAT AJIHUN All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBAS VICTORIA ANEGBEJE now wish to be known and addressed as OBATIKHIEDO VICTORIA ANEGBEJE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

YUSUF FALILAT MOTUNRAYO

AHMED NKOYO FRANCISCA.

I, formerly known and addressed as YUSUF OMOBOLANLE ARIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF FALILAT MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as UMOH NKOYO FRANCISCA, now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED NKOYO FRANCISCA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONYEKWE CHUKWUDI CHRISTIAN

I formerly known and addressed as ACHEE CHUKWUDI CHRISTIAN now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKWE CHUKWUDI CHRISTIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that NELSON EZANA PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS L DANIEL is one and same person as EZANA PRECIOUS LOVE. All former documents remain valid. GTBank, UBA Bank and general public take note.

KUKU OBOH LAWSON

AKILO CLEMENTINA OLUWASEYI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

AJILORE MOTUNRAYO OLUWAREMILEKUN

KOLA-AHMED AGNES OLUSHOLA

Formerly known and addressed as AYANBAJO CLEMENTINA OLUWASEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as AKILO CLEMENTINA OLUWASEYI. Married date is 28th of March 2008. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as KUKU OKOOBOH LAWSON, now wish to be known and addressed, as KUKU OBOH LAWSON All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to confirm and certify that HASSAN DAUDA AROWOSAFE is one and same person as ASSAN DAUDA AROWOSAFE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm and certify that ESIOBU HARRISON BRIMSTONE CHINANU and ESIOBU HARRISON CHINANU is one and same person. That my correct of date of birth is 2nd December 1989 and not 2nd December 1994. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SONUBI OMOTUNRAYO O, now wish to be known and addressed as AJILORE MOTUNRAYO OLUWAREMILEKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AHMED AGNES OLUSHOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as KOLA-AHMED AGNES OLUSHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SANDRA OSAGIODUNA OGENYI ONAZI.

IBEABUCHI CHARITY NONYELUM

BLESSING WILLIAMS

SUNDAY UGOCHUKWU

ALEX UCHE ELIZABETH

Formerly known and addressed as INYA UCHE ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as ALEX UCHE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SANDRA OSAGIODUNA OGUNYUSI, now wish to be known and addressed as SANDRA OSAGIODUNA OGENYI ONAZI. all former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IBEABUCHI CHARITY IKEM, now wish to be known and addressed as IBEABUCHI CHARITY NONYELUM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BLESSING WILLIAMS ABAH, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU JOSEPH SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY UGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BLESSING NWAOKOBIA. CHINOMSO

I, formerly known and addressed as BLESSING UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING NWAOKOBIA. CHINOMSO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Woman loses ATM card, cash to hypnotist

ÏÏÏA

A cross section of Ondo executive members and state workers during a prayer session to mark the first working week in New Year at the governor’s office, Akure, Ondo State… on Tuesday.

Unilorin produces automobile speed limiter, says Vice-Chancellor ÏÏÏ

The University of Ilorin has produced an automobile speed limiter that could be used by any vehicle including jeep, car, bus and truck.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen.

Ambali noted that the feat was in response to the challenge thrown at institutions of higher learning in the country by the Na-

tional Universities Commission.

He said this was an assignment that the university considered very important and germane because lives were being lost daily on our roads due to speeding.

Ambali said that the efforts of the Federal Roads Safety Commission in this regard were noteworthy and should attract attention of serious minded researchers and institutions.

He explained that the speed limiter had been tested, adding that he had

first-hand experience of it when it was fixed to a vehicle that he used.

“I can attest to its functionality,” Ambali said.

He further promised to fund research effort of any staff that would lead to the production of prototypes, if he got appropriate requests.

Earlier, the Director of Laboratory to Product Centre of the university, Prof.

Sulyman Abdulkareem, said the design had universal applications and could be used on any vehicle in-

cluding jeep, car, bus, and truck.

“We have modelled it and we have a tested working prototype thus becoming the first university in Nigeria to respond to this challenge.

“Our hope is now to make mass production of it.

“Our approach is to find a local or foreign company that will produce a unit to establish the unit cost price and from there we can work on mass production,” Abdulkareem said

29-year-old man, Lukmon Ajinike, who allegedly hypnotised a woman and collected her money and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The accused was arraigned before Magistrate A. A. Adesanya on charges of attempt to commit felony, conspiracy and stealing.

Ajinike, an unemployed and a resident of IsheriIdimu area of Lagos state, however, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to a bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The prosecutor, Insp.

George Nwosu, said the accused, with a man still at large, committed the offences on December 28 at 221 Road, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, a Lagos suburb.

He said the accused and his accomplice conspired to hypnotise a woman, Conteh Martie, and in the process, collected her phone, N2,000 and ATM card.

Nwosu said the accused accosted the complainant as she was leaving the ATM point at Idimu, Lagos, and forcefully collected her belongings.

“The accused followed the complainant from the ATM point to the bus stop to board a bus to her destination.

U.S.-based group appoints first legislative attaché to Nigeria

Road crashes claim 59 lives in Sokoto State in 2016 — FRSC ÏÏÏ The Federal Roads Safety Corps(FRSC) said on Tuesday that 59 lives were lost in road crashes in Sokoto State in 2016.

The Sokoto state Sector Commander of the Corps, Mr. Muhammad Hamzat, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

Hamzat said that the fatalities were recorded out of the 111 reported accident cases during the period.

He added that 392 persons were also injured in the incidents, with numerous properties destroyed.

The Sector Commander

also disclosed that a total of 7, 592 traffic offenders were apprehended, booked and fined during the period.

“These fines ranged from between N2000 to N 60,000 depending on the gravity of the offence.

“Some of the traffic offences recorded in the state included seat belts, number plate and speeding violations, as well as overloading.’’

Hamzat said that the command would in 2017 strive to improve offender education, stakeholders’ partnerships and raising awareness for the establishment of a traffic

agency by the Sokoto State Government.

The sector commander added that the FRSC would also seek to improve enforcement, p r o m p t ev a c u a t i o n of accident victims to health facilities and followup on them.

“This is to ensure that vehicles involved in accidents are promptly removed, while the victims and their luggage are

promptly evacuated.

“The corps will further seek to intensify the sensitisation campaign on the use of genuine tyres, as well as enforcing the use of the speed limiting device, among others.” (NAN)

“The accused stopped her and asked her to direct him to any health centre in the vicinity and that he was ill.

“As the complainant was trying to direct him, the accused’s friend came and touched the complainant’s shoulder and thereafter ordered her to follow the accused to the health centre.

“The complainant obeyed and when they got to Gowon Estate, the accused ordered the complainant to surrender her money, phone and ATM card which she did without any hesitation,” Nwosu told the court.

“The accused and his friend ordered the complainant to run to the nearest market to get them some sand.

“As the complainant was going, she came back to her senses and raised an alarm. People who were around helped to purse them, but only the accused was arrested.”

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused may be jailed for three years if found guilty according to the provisions of Section 285.

The case was adjourned to January 23 for mention.

A U.S.-based Human Rights and Advocacy group, Conscious Advocacy for Civil Leadership and Development (CACLD) International, has appointed Mrs. Jennifer Ukaobasi as its first Legislative Attaché to Nigeria.

A statement signed by its Board Chairman, Rev. Joshua Amaezechi, and legal adviser, Mr Samuel Ejiofor, on Tuesday said that Ukaobasi was appointed based on her commitment to social justice and the rule of law.

Ukaobasi is a member of the NigeriaN Bar Association (NBA), the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA)

and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CACLD was set up by the late literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe, in the US to tackle issues of human rights.

NAN reports that the Legislative Attaché serves as a standing liaison between the CACLD and parliaments in the designated country and takes on projects on parliamentary activities.

The office also oversees the conduct of human rights research, good governance and the rule of law related to legislative issues.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

25 News

Sokoto to conduct proficiency tests for teachers, says Tambuwal

ÏÏÏ

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said state government will conduct proficiency tests for all teachers working in public schools in Sokoto State.

The Governor spoke when he held a meeting with the chairman of the state committee on emergency in education, Professor Risqua Arabu Shehu.

The committee is expected to present report to the government on needs assessment of schools conducted in November last year.

A statement issued by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the tests are aimed at ensuring that the knowledge base of the teachers meet required standards, while their postings match their qualifications.

“The tests will also improve our data base on the number of teachers in public service which will in turn be used to harmonise records available with different agencies and departments of government.

“This is also part of measures

taken under the emergency on education initiative to shore up the standards.

“However, this does not mean that those who may fall below the required standard after the tests will be sacked. Alternatively, we will redeploy them to other sectors befitting of their qualifications and expertise.

The government will continue to benefit from their services as to the terms of their employments,” the statement quoted the Governor as saying.

Tambuwal vowed that, his ad-

ministration will leave no stone unturned in uplifiting the standard of the education sector in the state.

On funding, Tambuwal said his administration is fully committed to adequate funding of the sector, at all levels.

“That is why even in 2017, education retained the highest allocation in our budget. Our thinking is that no amount of money allocated to the education sector is too much and we will not waver in this direction,” he added.

L-R: General Officer Commanding, Nigeria Army, Division 1, Kaduna, Maj-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade; Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala and Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan’ali during the medical outreach programme in Zamfara… at the weekend.

Traders in Enugu elect first woman chairman Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ

The Ogige Market Amalgamated Traders Association of Nsukka (OMATAN) Enugu State have elected Mrs. Ngozika Ozioko as its first female Chairman since the inception of the market.

Ozioko, popularly called Mama G was the lone candidate to contest the election after four chairmanship candidates were disqualified by the OMATAN caretaker committee over “inability of the candidates to agree on mode of conducting the elec-

FRIDAY VICTOR AKPAN

I, formerly known and addressed as AKPAN VICTOR EFFIONG, now wish to be known and addressed as FRIDAY VICTOR AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

tion”.

The new chairman said her election was made possible by God and promised to carry all traders along in order to ensure harmony in the market.

“I see the hand of God in my winning the chairmanship position of OMATAN election.

“It was the disqualification of four chairmanship candidates by the OMATAN caretaker committee over the inability of candidates to agree that provided me the opportunity to contest.”So to ensure harmony in the market every trader will be carried along on programs and activities,” she said.

She said the hallmark of her

GBADEBO HANNAH TEMITOPE

I, formerly known and addressed as PETER TEMITOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as GBADEBO HANNAH TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

administration would be based on open door policy as well as opened to constructive criticism which according to her would help move the market forward.”I will ensure transparency, accountability and honesty in all my decisions and actions. “I will also ensure adequate security in the market as well as ensure good welfare of traders,” she said.

The newly elected OMATAN chairman said she would consolidate on the numerous achievements of her predecessor Mr. Festus Onogwu who she said achieved much for the market during his tenures.

“It was his achievements and good leadership in four years

OLUWASEYI OLUFEMI OGUNDELE

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWASEYI OMOTAYO. OGUNDELE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWASEYI OLUFEMI OGUNDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

that earned him second tenure.

“I urge traders in Ogige market to give me the same support and cooperation they gave Onogwu that helped him to record many achievements,” she said.

Daily Times learnt that the caretaker committee which conducted the election was constituted by the Enugu State Government and had as its chairman the Nsukka LGA Transitional Committee Chairman Prof. Rose Onah, Police Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer, Civil Defense Commandant, Director of State Security Service and the two legislators representing Nsukka West and East in Enugu State House of Assembly.

OLAONIYE DEWUNMI TOYIN

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNLAJA ADEWUNMI. TOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAONIYE DEWUNMI TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Group urges oil workers, NMA to dialogue with authorities over strike ÏÏÏ The Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) has urged oil sector workers and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) members to always dialogue with the concerned authorities before embarking on strike in 2017.

The group made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, jointly signed by its Coordinator and Secretary, Muhammadu Labbo and Cassidy Madueke, respectively.

BMSG said workers’ strike in 2017, especially in its early part, would not advance the country’s economic recovery and growth which President Muhammadu Buhari and his cabinet were committed to.

“While BMSG sympathises with the aggrieved unions on their grievances as critical stakeholders, we also urge them to endeavour to help Nigerians.

“They should allow Nigerians to enjoy a happy new year and not an unhappy one of strikes and truncated social services,’’ the group said.

BMSG then called on members and leaders of the affected unions to accept dialogue with the concerned authorities and allow peace to reign in the new year.

The group also called on Nigerians to be hopeful that the country’s circumstances would improve significantly in 2017.

“Though the year 2016 was tough for everyone, but it was a year which the Buhari administration used to lay the foundation of economic prosperity and self-reliance in 2017 and beyond.’’

BMSG pointed out that President Buhari has already assured that Nigerians would have cause to be happy in the new year.

The statement added that government’s efforts to lay a solid foundation haas been captured in the 2017 national budget, which has been labelled “budget of recovery and growth”.

“In line with this, it is therefore the duty of all Nigerians to work in conjunction with the government to ensure that growth and recovery take place in 2017,’’ the group added.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Features

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NIS: Is passport for the rich?

Femi Ganiyu and Ladesope Ladelokun The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, offices in the Central Business District, Ikeja, Ikoyi, near Federal Secretariat, FESTAC, all in Lagos, and, indeed, across the country, means different things to different folks.

For some, it is a place where passport and other associated businesses could be done with ease. But, to some others, getting your passport there is as difficult as passing through the ‘eye’ of the needle!

Investigations showed that, although the NIS is, a Federal Government parastatal, it has the mandate of issuing genuine passports to Nigerians; as well as the genuineness or otherwise of Nigerians and immigrants into the country, the institution may have been giving many Nigerians some concern over its activities While they have put smiles on a handful of faces, they have, on the other hand, turned thousands of faces into sorrowful mood.

A visit to some of the Lagos offices indicated that, businesses of some sort take place there. showing that some of the officers may not be on the same page with the organisation.

For example, when you see cars parked outside their premises with some officers, who wore either their traditional uniform(brown shirt over brown khaki), or in white singlet on top of khaki trousers, don’t mistake such for family discussions.

Some smart Alecs among them may actually be doing serious business with their customers. And, rather than doing same in their offices, they are simply at home engaging in that in their cars, or some other curious places, like side corners, among others.

Indeed, while some Nigerians with fat pockets could easily obtain their passports with minimum challenges, several others are not so lucky. And like the proverbial difficulty of passing the thread through the eye of the needle, millions of Nigerians, particularly the not-well-to-do go through hell in getting their passports, or even

Nigeria Immigration Service headquarter, Abuja.

Babandede

in renewing them.

For Mr. Adewale Sina, he is not happy with the way and manner some officials at one of the Lagos offices are treating them.

He said, “They are making it difficult to process passport for our customers; I have been doing this(passport) business for some 30 years now; I am not a tout] many of them know me there.”

Sina added that by arbitrary hiking the charges; as well as hoarding the critical materials like booklets, they are trying to squeeze them out of business.

He called on the Controller of Immigration, Mr. Muhammed Babandede to come to their aid and ensuring the entrenchment of corporate governance code in the Service.

Looking distraught with frustration etched all over his face, Peter Odum(not real name),40,is just one of the many Nigerians that daily

throng the NIS offices for passports facing great challenges.

Odum, who wants to pursue a postgraduate course in Israel, said that getting a passport was the first important step for him to accomplish his aim.

Like many Nigerians, who daily undergo harrowing experiences to get international passports, he also has own bitter experience: ‘’When I paid N35 000 on December 15, nobody told me there was no booklet. I was told my passport would be ready on December 21.But today is December 28 and there is no sign that I will get it before the year ends.

I’ve asked them when to come back for my passport and all they tell me is that there is no booklet,” he said.

According to him,‘‘As I speak to you now,I don’t know when the passport will be ready.

But why do they keep collecting money from people when they know the booklets available are limited.’’

For a Customer Service Representative, who pleaded anonymity, but was also spotted at the Alausa office of the NIS, there is nothing to worry about as, according to her, she is not in a hurry to get her passport.

She says she wants to get it because, it is necessary to have one. Unlike Odum, who paid N35, 000.00 for a 32-page passport, she will part with only N27,500 for the same passport. ‘‘I was told my passport would be ready in the next two months, but I’m not really worried .I don’t need it urgently .So, whenever it’s ready, I’m okay with it,’’she said.

But, a visit to the immigration office at Ikoyi, was more revealing.

Right from the gate of the collection office, young men,especially street urchins, were seen wooing potential ‘customers’ for patronage.

As part of the moves to get patrons, one of the young men hanging around the Ikoyi office, told our reporter that he could get him a passport within 24 hours for N32 000.When challenged that the same passport costs N28 000 in some immigration offices, he said,’’N4 000 is for the extra effort to fast track the process of getting the passport in just a day.’’

He claimed he had the support of top immigration officers to get the passport within the stated time.

Dismissing the claim that top immigration officers engage the services of street urchins to line their pockets, a top immigration officer (name withheld), told our reporter that the street urchins in question capitalize on the desperation of unsuspecting victims to fleece them.

But investigations reveal that what is paid for international passports is determined by how soon a passport is needed. For instance, at the Alausa passport office, a source told our reporter that a 32-page passport costs N28 000 and N35 000,and it’s expected to be ready in 4 weeks and 2 weeks respectively, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

However, when our reporter posed like a passport seeker that is urgently in need of an international passport at the Ikoyi office, an immigration officer said it

costs N30 000 for a 32-page passport which could be ready in a month or more. But the officer in question said he could get the same passport ready in one week for N40 000.

His words:’’As you can see from the crowd outside, many people want the passport. It ‘s not less less than N40,000 if you really want it in a week.’’

Speaking on the difficulties experienced by citizens who are trying to obtain international passports in Nigeria, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration office, Mr. Muhammed Babandede, had recently blamed the issue on the protracted foreign exchange crisis.

According to him, the main cause of the challenge was due to the contracts awarded by theprevious government.

He said: ‘‘Companies that supplied the booklets were paid in line with exchange rates at the time. You know the exchange rate has changed. But, even if you produce the passports in Nigeria, most components to produce them will be brought inthe chips, the security papers and others.’’

Meanwhile, information obtained from the Nigeria Immigration Office website shows that a 32-page passport costs N8,750 and N15, 000, for ages between 0-17 and 18-59 respectively, while a 64-page booklet costs N20, 000 for ages between 0-17 and 18-59, respectively.

For the average Nigerian, getting your passport at NIS with minimum efforts, remains a pipe dream.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Features

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27

Corpers, others need proper grooming for enterpreneural development – IOE

Corpers at the parade

Nduka Uzuakpundu There is a pressing need for the economic diversification of the country.

This is because, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the challenges of governance have been daunting.

Currently, the government is grappling with deepening recession; and as such, there is need to rejig the nation’s economic base, including linking the incubation centres in the country with her tertiary motivations– including polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The intent of what is potentially an effective network and bridge of information on the latest research findings is to encourage the rise of a new crop of entrepreneurs, who, armed with such findings, would become new drivers or skippers of industries and employers of labour.

The strategy is also expected to engender an army of new and enterprising investors in the Nigerian economy, whose views on policies – especially, financial and monetary-as they affect their access to bank loans, interest rates and repayment terms and conditions, will effect positive development, such that, with friendly economic policies, they would be empowered as active and quite visible partners with government.

Within that distance, it’s almost certain that the new crop of entrepreneurs, who are most likely products or beneficiaries of the spirit of enterprise being preached, by the skippers of the

Institute of Entrepreneurs (IOE), Ogba-Lagos, would have eaten, appreciably, into the fortunes of employment, attained the status of regular and reliable tax-source for the government and regular players in the activities of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), with special reference to curbing financial fraud, sinking the roots of government policy on a cashless economy and, so, the emergence of a new banking, business culture and entrepreneurial behaviour.

And yet, the starting point, said the Executive Secretary of IOE, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, is to expose, henceforward, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and third and final year students in tertiary institutions to the activities and findings of well over thirty incubation centres in the country, especially their findings that could be helpful to them in founding a new generation of enterprises: agriculture catering; information and communication technology (ICT); leather and foot-wear outfits; estate development and management, interior and design; beauty and fashion design; cabinet-making; distributive trade and logistics; down-stream cluster ventures or enterprises affiliated to the crude oil industry, among others businesses.

For him, the liaison between incubation centres and tertiary institutions had become quite pressing, in that during a recent outing at the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), it was discovered – much to the surprise of an Oladele-led team

– that, almost as an approximation of much of may well pass for a national index, the skippers of ESUT knew less of the findings of core, east-based incubation centres.

And their numerous findings could be of use to students taking courses in entrepreneurship programme in universities or those of them who have graduated.

Such a link and exposure are sure to arm the students and NYSC operatives with skills and behaviour for self-employment.

It’s also quite likely that for the ambition amongst third and final year students in tertiary institutions, that having such entrepreneurial skills and information from any of the incubations centres, they could start running their own enterprises, well before they graduated and leave for the NYSC orientation camp in readiness for national service.

The narrative of such budding entrepreneurs, who have come to realise that there are no more

Rotimi Oladele

white-collar jobs, could be more readable than that of a third-year student, who some years back, in a university in Lagos, bought a Passat car from a mini-enterprise of designing and printing Valentine Day cards, greeting and ecclesiastical cards, and taking them to as far as Okigwe, deep inside the east of the country, for sale each time there were church programmes.

It’s quite obvious that the Nigerian economy of today is more forward-looking, than it was in the ’90s, and because of the imperatives of diversification, there’s now what Oladele referred to as a culture aimed at “changing the mind-set of our youths to build sustainable oasis of entrepreneurial growth and development”, in a manner that aided the astronomical growth, in the late ’80s of the Asian Tigers–South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, etc.

Oladele figured that in sculpting new entrepreneurs from NYSC operatives, the Federal Ministry of Education, National University Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology should direct incubation centres–the likes of Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Lagos, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin, Project Development Agency (PRODA), Enugu, National Cereals Research Insti-

tute, Badeggi, Niger State, National Crops Research Institute (NCRI), Bida, Niger State, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofian, Kwara State, National Institute for Fresh water Fisheries Research (NIFFR), New Bussa, Niger State, etc. – to make their findings known to tertiary institutions.

The experience, so far is that less than 45 per cent of the activities and findings of the incubations centres–nationwide–are available to the institutions where entrepreneurial programmes or courses, skills and behaviour are being taught.

What that translates to is that research and incubations centres need to be carry out some aggressiveness marketing and advertisement of their entrepreneurship-related activities and products to big industries, smalland medium-scale enterprises, budding entrepreneurs in NYSC camps.

It’s an entrepreneurial exercise from which the incubation centres could broaden their clientele base and establish what promises to be a sustainable and thriving incubation centre-industry-entrepreneur-consumer relationship; a much-desired chain of goods-andservices-delivery culture as a top player in ongoing effort to diversity of the Nigerian economic base.

Out of such anti-recession and pro-diversification entrepreneurs, a Lagos-based business and entrepreneurship consultant, Mr. Kayode Akinyoola, obsered, ought to emerge individuals who would be good citizens known for paying tax regularly.

He said at an IOE-sponsored conference on “Standardizing and Incorporating Financial Solution to SMEs and Start-up Challenges as key elements”, held in Lagos, that there was a need for budding entrepreneurs and long-established ones to understand the dynamics of risks that are inherent in their endeavours – the possibility, say, of a snap in the line of raw material supply and the user, who’s a manufacturer, the fall in consumers demand of their goods or services or unexpected hostile effect of government’s monetary or financial policy, that may raise–ambitiously– the cost of borrowing money from fiduciary institutions–and how such risks could be mitigated.

Mid-Week Service

28

Daily Times Nigeria

Destiny components Destiny literarily means Gods divine purpose for man extended on earth.

Destiny has seven words “D E S T I N Y” which mean perfection.

The meanings of the words are explained as follows, (1) D stands for Drag: Rom 8: 23. Everyman feels dragged by invisible net when ones inner self groans for a new level.

(2) The word E, stands for Experience: 1st Samuel 17: 36. Experience is not to run one down, but to teach and give us life changing experiences which would help us address challenges in our society. David’s experience increased his skill.

(3) The word S stands for Skill: 1st Sam 16: 18. Skill here represents a divine ability driven by experience. The playing of instrument for instance.

(4)T stands for Test: `Psalm 66: 10. Every destiny must be tested and refined with different things. The point is can God test us with bad things? No! God ways are perfect but can allow the devil to test us and will make a way of escape for us in it. He makes all things work together for our good.

(5) I stands for Insight: Prov 20: 27. The spirit of man is the lamp of God, searching all the inner depths with his heart. The insight gives direction and direction comes in place of fellowshipping with God. (6) N stands for Nagging. What happens when the destiny nags you? You feel highly incomplete. The enemies also devalue your potentials through nagging, while the word Y represents Yawning. This means to turn

about while maintaining course. Philippians 3:14. Admonish us to press towards the goal for the price of upward call of God in Christ Jesus Facts about destiny components Destiny components include time, purpose, tides and encouragers. Time-signifies that every destiny has a time of beginning and end. The time of birth and death. When it is time, you will know. How? You will sense it in the spiritual wave air that you are not just fit, something is wrong. Ecc 3:1 Purpose- takes into account the adage

that says “when a purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable”. What is the purpose of your destiny if it is not for service of Gods will on Earth? What is the purpose of a wasted life?

Tides- one of the destiny encouragers blow with water and or air. What is the purpose of a glory without the wisdom of God in it?

What is controlling you? What are you controlling? There are 15 people you must flow with either positively or negatively in life.

These points are, encouragers- They encourage you all the time including positive criticism, hand lifters- give you strength

The fashioned Rib

By Henry Akinbolade-Roberts The Oracle from Genesis 2: 16-25 The man that found the bone of his bones is considered favoured

by God’s agenda for marriage. Here is a big question: Is it every man that found his fashioned rib?

There is a particular woman that a particular man longs for as bone of his bones, one only longs for his own missing rib.

For every man created by God, HE made available for the man two dimensions where his help comes from: the dimensions are, from above: which is of his vertical relationship with his creator and from within: which in his horizontal relationship with his fashioned rib, the wife or his found missing rib.

These are the only two relationships that can meet the aloneness needs of the man. No other personality that can take the place of God in a man’s life. Also, no other personality can take the place of the male/female in the man’s life.

No man can long for two or more women the same time. As a man, you only long for a woman, the very woman you long for is your real wife. The man that practice polygamy, which is a man with many wives, only long for one

among the wives.

Solomon has 700 wives and 300 concubines but in the story and life of Solomon, the very woman he longed for, the woman he really missed, is the woman he wrote love poem for in the book of Songs of Solomon called the Shullimite girl. The woman you long for, is your missing rib and that is the man’s male female.

What God has in His pro-

gramme for man, is not for the man to seek or chose his wife by himself, but

by God’s arrangement, God take the responsibility to find the man’s male female for him. This is one of the works of the Holy Spirit to find the bride for the bridegroom.

In the redemption plan, you the believer is the bride and Christ is the bridegroom. Christ is not the one that looks for you to be made an elect, the

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

while destiny helpers give you shoulders to lean on.

Also, givers give their time, talents and treasures, receivers propel you to give and sow into their lives while, prayer conquerors serve as Intercessors for our destiny, especially mothers for our children.

Destiny encourages also include, committed always standing by you, loyalist, those that serve with their whole heart and truth teller, those who speak the truth sincerely to you at all times.

Altruists destiny encourager are those who think about your welfare every time, reliable destiny encourager are those who have count the cost and are committed to you, just as contented encouragers are not greedy, bless you and are selfless.

Connector of grace are spiritual mentors that bless your life, devil represents forces and powers fighting destiny, while self- stands for you, it indicates that if you limit yourself, you have allowed the devil to put you down Prayer points (1) Lord connect me with my relevant helpers in 2017 in Jesus name, (2).

Make

By Prophetess Ronke Akin-Ooye 08087414122

Holy Spirit does the work, and this he will do till the end of this dispensation.

In the same manner, the same applies between the man and his wife; the Holy Spirit is responsible to search out for the man’s missing rib. There is always a due time at this period, God is preparing the woman to be presented to her male.

The missing rib is made or wired to become the fashioned rib in order to suit her man. The woman is fashioned or formed, while the man is made.

A particular woman is fashioned for a particular man, which is why the man long for his own fashioned rib, crack or long to make up for the bone of his bones.

The man that found the bone of his bones is considered favoured by God’s agenda for marriage. Here is a big question: Is it every man that found his fashioned rib? No. Divine adventure and purpose become easy to fulfill when a man finds his own bone of bones while many couples that were not the male female of God’s original plan only cohabit but not the ordained husband and wife.

Naturally you are attracted to join what is yours. Sexual love is not the bases of marriage, but the agape love that commit the couple to God’s purpose.

Prophetic prayer: Lord, as a man, I shall only long for my own fashioned rib, and I will enjoy the favor of wallowing in your perfect will.

Benitez recalls Ameobi to Newcastle

N

ewcastle United’s coach Rafa Benitez has recalled Sammy Ameobi from his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers.

The 24-year-old, whose contract at the St James’ Park expires at the end of this season, last featured for the Magpies in 2015

and his future had seemed away from the EFL Championship high flyers, with the Trotters hoping to make his deal permanent.

But a combination of his impressive showings - four goals in 24 appearances for Phil Parkinson’s side - and loss of influential players such as Mohamed Diame

and Christian Atsu to African Cup of Nations duty, leaves the Spaniard no option but to hand the former Nigeria U-20 international another chance.

“He has done well with Bolton. He is a player that can play in the wide areas,” Benitez told reporters.

“We’ll bring him back

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and see if he is fine and can give us something. We have players going to the African Cup of Nations.

“We have to be sure we have some players. If he’d doing well why not?

“It depends on him if he can stay here or not. It depends how much he can give to us,” he concluded.

Ameobi

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Oliseh pleased

with Fortuna job F

ormer Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh has revealed that getting a chance to manage Eerste Divisie (Dutch second division) club, Fortuna Sittard is “a good opportunity.”

Oliseh was presented to the media on Tuesday and he took the time to outline his plans for the football club.

The Nigerian coach is looking, amongst others, to guide his club away from the relegation zone.

“Fortuna is a good opportunity for me. I am very happy to be here.

“I chose Fortuna Sittard because this is a good opportunity for me,” he said at a packed press conference.

The former Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund

mindfielder then revealed that he has earned his stripes while noting that his family played an important role in his eventual decision to join the club.

“Years ago I got the highest coaching diploma in England, in a class with guys like Ryan Giggs and Roberto Di Matteo.

“Now I want to bring my football philosophy into practice. There were other clubs interested in me. But they are thousands of kilometres away from my home (in Belgium).

“And I want to be close to my family. My family means the world to me,” he said.

Oliseh stepped down as Nigeria head coach in February 2016.

Pillars win pre-season friendly

K

ano Pillars defeated KawoKaduna Selected 3-0 in a preseason friendly on Monday in Kaduna.

Newly-signed striker Musa Najere scored the opening goal through penalty in the 28th minute, before Kabiru Balogun and Nafiu Bala Kabuga scored the second and third goals in the 60th and 85 minutes.

Four-time Nigeria champions Pillars have undergone a major reorganisation after they finished a disappointing seventh last season.

Tukur Babangida has returned as chairman, while Coach Kadiri Ikhana is expected to re-enact the magic he performed when Pillars won their first Musa Najare scored for Kano Pillars. championship in 2008.

Oliseh

Ndidi joins Leicester Jan.6

L

eicester City-bound Wilfred Ndidi is now due to fly into England latest Friday, January 6, 2017, after he would have been released by Belgian club Genk, his handlers have told AfricanFootball.com Ex-Nath Boys of Lagos star Ndidi, 20, is now set to move to Premier League champions Leicester City in a transfer that will eventually total over £18 million.

“There is a process to how the player will come down to England,” one of Ndidi’s representatives informed.

“Genk, for one, will need to release him to start with and all this should be within 24 hours. And then Leicester will have to accept him.

“Don’t also forget that Tuesday is the first working day after the long holidays and that will be when the club offices will be fully open.

“I believe that by Friday he will be in England.”

The latest on the arrival of the highly-rated defensive midfielder comes at a time that it has been revealed that after interest by Manchester United, yet another Premier League club, Chelsea, also spied on him while he was playing for Genk.

30

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

EXTRATIME

SPECIAL FEATURES

Segun Odegbami

I

cannot help but be philosophical the first week into the New Year.

Although I am looking into Nigerian football, the rest of Africa can drink from my thoughts.

In a year with no major success story anywhere, I see ahead a blank canvas waiting for creative hands in 2017.

The main ‘tragedy’ of the past year is that, even when the country finally won something it could have celebrated towards the end of the year, that victory was smeared with the paint of an ugly incident that had better be quickly set aside.

The victorious heroines of the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON), after a successful campaign, embarrassingly became marchers on the streets of Abuja, the country’s capital, for two whole weeks, protesting the failure of those in charge of sports to pay them their hard-earned statutory allowances and bonuses for the series of matches they played and won.

That incident marred what could have been one of the few moments worth celebrating.

In 2017, we need a new song and Nigeria must take lessons from sport.

Past failure in sport are the bread and butter of future success. It is the tonic of successful athletes. It is what drives athletes to new heights, to set new records in time and distance. It is what challenges them and makes them extend the human capacity to do extraordinary things. Yes, past failure is an athlete’s greatest tool as well as his incentive to succeed! Ask all the great athletes in history– that song is the same!

That’s what Nigeria must draw from now – its past failures.

To come first in an event is great, but there are times also in sports when silver and bronze, and even just giving one’s best performance, becomes as good as gold.

That’s the thin line that must be understood by those in government.

In 2016, Leicester City was not the best football team in the world. They did not win the World Club championship, nor did they even qualify for it. Yet early this week, 382 journalists, members of the International Sports Press Association from 110 countries around the world, voted Leicester City the Global Team of 2016 because of the stunning manner they won the 2015/2016 English Premiership for the very first time in their history.

The Nigerian women’s 4 X 100 metres

Nigerian Football in 2017 “As 2017 births, I am enlisting into the ‘army’ that will embark on the journey to greatness with Nigerian football. It will take hard work, integrity, honesty, teamwork, the winning attitude, the never-say-die spirit and avoiding the pitfalls of past failures.

I am familiar with that territory through sports and, therefore, invite all to that world of faith and hope!”

Dalung sprints quartet at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 did not win that epic relay finals race.

They came third. But it was the manner of their coming third and celebrating it that made the world of athletics consider them the best example of the true essence and spirit of the Olympics – that you do not have to come first to be a winner!

Pinnick Sports abound with so many stories of great triumphs against all the odds.

The best part of sport, as is the best part of life, is in the journey itself. Yet that road is a long, torturous and lonely journey, littered every inch of the way with challenges, pain and failures.

dƑƍƆƏ 0 Ƌƅ ƍƏ ƐƆ Ɛƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ƈ ƈƋƑƏƆ Ƈ M00 Ɛ ƍ ƕ Ɛ ƆƈƏ ƋƋ Ɠ ƅƆ Ɨ Ƅ Ƒ Ɔ Ƈ Ə Ɛ Ɔ ƌ Ɛƅ Ɔ Ɛ Ɔƕ ƍƋ ƕƆƗ Ɨ Ɠ Ɛ ƾƠơÕ z RMê

The sportsman, driven by his passion, learns to navigate that route gladly with joy on his face and with his eyes riveted on the prize. He sets an example for the rest of humanity.

Athletes know that the only guarantee to success is that there is no guarantee at the end of the day, yet they must live as if they have already won the race even before its starts.

They must live it in their daily lives, training hard, failing agonisingly most of the time, going back to the drawing board, training again, working with coaches, trainers, psychologists, doctors, agents, but all the time singing the song of hope that they will succeed. About 99 percent of them never achieve their dream, but the history of man is full of heroic exploits, of effort and of inspiring stories by 100 percent of them.

As 2017 births, I am enlisting into the ‘army’ that will embark on the journey to greatness with Nigerian football.

It will take hard work, integrity, honesty, teamwork, the winning attitude, the neversay-die spirit and avoiding the pitfalls of past failures.

I am familiar with that territory through sports and, therefore, invite all to that world of faith and hope!

I wish all my readers a wonderful and beautiful New Year. Ï ƑƋƋƆƗ ƇƏ ƌ ƑƍƆƏ ƍ ƏƐêƅ ƌ

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

EXTRATIME

31

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…ENGLISH PREMIER…

PSG confirm Draxler capture

J

ulian Draxler’s move to Paris Saint-Germain from Wolfsburg has been finalised, the winger signing a deal until 2021.

The Bundesliga club confirmed last month that the Germany international was due to complete a switch, with the Ligue 1 champions formally announcing the deal on Tuesday.

Draxler joined Wolfsburg from Schalke in 2015 and has a combined 153 league appearances for the two clubs.

“It is with great joy and great anticipation that I join Paris Saint-Germain,” the winger said.

“For the first time in my career, I am going to discover a new country, a new championship and I am very proud to live this new stage in a club which has become a reference in Europe, which has recruited many very great players.

“I intend to help Paris Saint-Germain win new titles and continue to grow internationally.”

President Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: “I am delighted to welcome Julian Draxler into the family of Paris Saint-Germain.

“The signature of this coveted German international reaffirms the strong power of attraction of the club to the players of great talent.

“His qualities have everything to fit in the project of our team and to entertain our fans.

“With the recruitment of Julian Draxler, we maintain the ambitions of the PSG to a very high level.”

Draxler joins a PSG side toiling somewhat under new coach Unai Emery as they go in search of a fifth successive Ligue 1 title.

Real defender Pepe out with calf injury

L

a Liga leaders Real Madrid have confirmed defender Pepe has sustained an injury to the calf muscle in his left leg.

The Portugal international last played in a 3-2 win over Deportivo La Coruna on December 10.

He travelled with the squad to Japan for the Club World Cup last month, but played no part as Zinedine Zidane’s side defeated Club America and Kashima Antlers to lift the trophy.

And Pepe looks likely to miss at the least Madrid’s Copa del Rey last-16

first leg against Sevilla today after the European champions confirmed the 33-year-old’s injury.

“Following the tests carried out on Pepe at the Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a grade 2 injury to the inner calf muscle of his left leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed,” a brief statement read on the club’s official website.

After facing Sevilla, Real Madrid return to La Liga action at home to Granada on Saturday.

Pepe

Draxler

Juve complete Rincon signing Juventus have completed the signing of Genoa midfielder Tomas Rincon for an initial fee of €8million.

Rincon is set to become the first Venezuelan to play for Juve, after agreeing a deal until June 2020.

The fee could rise by a further €1m based on conditions agreed within his contract.

The 28-year-old joined Genoa from Hamburg in 2014 and has made 78 appearances in Serie A, scoring three goals.

He could be in line to make his debut when Juve return from their mid-season break at home to Bologna on Sunday.

Juve were heavily linked with bringing Axel Witsel to Turin from Zenit during the January transfer window, b u t the Belgium international has opted instead for a move to the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Q u a n j i a n reported to be his likely destination.

Rincon

Payet has ‘no interest’ in Marseille return -Leboeuf Former Marseille defender Frank Leboeuf says talk West Ham’s Dimitri Payet is interested in a return to the Ligue 1 club is nonsense due to the money available in the Premier League. Payet moved to the Hammers from Marseille in 2015 and enjoyed a sparkling debut season in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals and contributing 17 assists across all competitions.

Those performances prompted West Ham to tie him to a new deal until 2021 in February last year, but speculation has been rife the France international could leave London Stadium and return Payet to Marseille.

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Editor Daily: ROSE MOSES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

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Price: N150

Oliseh pleased with Fortuna job P 29

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Amunike seeks Zamalek job N

igeria coach Emmanuel Amunike has expressed interest to return to Egyptian giants Zamalek as coach.

Zamalek president Mortada Mansour revealed Amunike has formally asked to coach the team he shone with as a player.

“Amunike contacted us officially asking to take charge of the team, but we are still discussing the matter,” Mansour said.

Amunike

Iheanacho has regressed under Guardiola — Owen

F

ormer England forward Michael Owen has blamed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for failing to get the best out of Kelechi Iheanacho.

Owen, now a football pundit on TV, believes that the Spanish trainer has failed to help the 20-year-old Nigerian forward build on his confidence from his performance under City’s previous manager Manuel Pellegrini.

It was under Pellegrini that Iheanacho earned his first-team place and thrived whenever he came off the bench to make his mark.

However, Owen now thinks Iheanacho’s self-confidence “has taken

a hit” with the striker uncertain about “what could happen to him at City next.”

“Iheanacho isn’t the same player he was once. His confidence has taken a hit, and I think he plays with a lot of pressure as he is unsure what could happen next unlike when Pelligrini was in charge.

“He is surrounded by players he knows have the trust of the manager unlike during Pellegrini’s reign where he had the trust of the manager and knows it, he has regressed under Guardiola. He is under pressure,” Owen said.

Owen’s comment comes after Guardiola opted to pull off Iheanacho, who surprisingly started against Burnley on Monday for Sergio Aguero at the start of the second half.

Several other coaches are interested in taking charge of the five-time African champions former Wadi Degla coach Patrice Carteron of France, Romanian coach Marius Sumudica and Portuguese Jose Romao.

Zamalek coach Mohamed Helmi has come under fire after they lost the Cairo Derby to rivals Al Ahly last week.

Amunike joined Zamalek in 1991, winning two league

championships before he departed for Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.

As a coach, he led Nigeria to win the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile and he was until recently in charge of the country’s U20 team after he assisted Samson Siasia for the Super Eagles AFCON 2017 double header against Egypt in March.

He has several top European coaching certificates.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Bourse begins year with N88.7bn loss Page B2

CRFFN Board: Stakeholders divided over collection of POF

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Nigeria’s Aviation sector in 2017

Page B8

Page B6

MMA2: Over 85% available space occupied for business – Bi-Courtney

FG budgets N270bn for 50 bridges - Fashola

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Joy Ekeke

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) under a concession agreement, has refuted media reports in some national dailies that concessionaires are fleeing the MMA2 terminal due to the recession.

BASL in a by its image maker, Steve Omolale, said that the available spaces for businesses at the MMA2 Terminal continue to be in high demand from various customers due to the strategic location advantage.

According to the statement, more than 85 percent of the available space is presently occupied.

“Businesses currently operating at the terminal include a shopping mall and many top brands in various sectors such as financial institutions, retailers, and food vendors,” BASL noted.

In addition, BASL stated that it is currently working with a multinational company to provide a new experience in the Food Court which will be unveiled early in 2017.

The plan, the concessionaire said, is part of the efforts of the management to revamp the entire Food Court axis of the Terminal to make it more appealing and comfortable for guests.

BASL added, “We, therefore, advise members of the public to disregard the said report as it is in no way a true reflection of the good work and progress being made at MMA2 even in the face of the current economic realities in the country.”

The Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said the federal government will spend N270 billion over three years to repair, maintain and restore over 50 bridges across the country.

This is, however, dependent on the speedy passage of the 2017 appropriation bill.

Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

ness to fast-track developmental works that would be carried out during its administration.

According to the minister, many bridges in the country have not been maintained for decades which have made the federal government focus on repairs.

Fashola also appealed against misuse of bridges in the country, calling on those responsible to desist as the government will not

shy away from prosecuting them.

The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the other two being the Eko and Carter bridges.

The bridge has in times past raised several concerns which made remedial work to be carried out on portions of the bridge at different times, leading to the partial closure of the bridge.

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Office, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko and Director, Projects, NCC, Ayodeji Sofolayan at the on going 2016 edition of the ITU Telecom World in Bangkok, Thailand…recently

Oil price improves to 18-month high

OpeOluwani Akintayo BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko

He made this known during an inspection of partial work done on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, connecting Lagos mainland and the island.

“The ministry is seeking the support of legislature to achieve a 3-year plan to repair, maintain and restore over 50 bridges across the country,” he said.

Fashola also assured Nigerians of the government’s readi-

Oil prices climbed to an 18-month high yesterday, the market’s first trading of the year.

According to analysts, the high was based on hopes that OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and non-OPEC producers would

maintain the cut deal to boost oil prices.

The cut promised by both parties kicked off on Sunday, with production from OPEC and non-OPEC members being reduced by almost 1.8 million barrels per day.

Benchmark Brent crude LCOc1 climbed more than 2 percent to a high of $58.37, up

$1.55 a barrel and its highest since July 2015. By 0940 GMT (4:40 a.m. ET), Brent eased slightly to trade at $58.22, up $1.40.

“First signals suggest the OPEC and non-OPEC production cuts are raising hopes that the global oil oversupply will diminish,” Hans van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN

AMRO Bank N.V. in Amsterdam told Reuters.

Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, agreed: “Markets will be looking for anecdotal evidence for production cuts,” he said. “The most likely scenario is OPEC and non-OPEC member countries will be committed to the deal, especially in early stages.”

Capital Market B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Bourse begins year with N88.7bn loss Afolabi Adesola Nigeria’s stock market started the year 2017 on a low note, posting a loss of N88.7 billion on the first trading day of the year.

This is in contrast to the positive momentum recorded in the last trading days of last week that ended the year 2016.

After closing on 0.34 percent higher last Friday, the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index

(NSE ASI) posted a decline of 0.96 percent on Tuesday with equity market traders closing the day on a pessimistic note as ASI settled at 26,616.89 points.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria recorded the biggest loss for the day in percentage terms as it led 18 other declining stocks with a depreciation of 5 percent to close at N4.75 per share.

Shares of Eco Transnational International (ETI) and Cadbury

were next with a decline of 4.96 percent each to close at N9.77 and N9.78 per share respectively.

Oando followed with a loss of 4.89 percent to close at N4.47 per share while AIICO Insurance closed at 60 kobo per share after depreciating 4.76 percent in the course of the day’s transactions.

The overall value of the market represented by the market capitalization, shrunk by N88.7 billion from N9.246 trillion to

N9.158 trillion.

UAC- Property led the day’s gainers with 4.96 percent to close at N2.75 per share, Stanbic followed with a growth of 4.95 percent to close at N15.69 per share, while WAPIC Insurance added 4 percent to close at 52 kobo per share. Fidson Healthcare added 3.91 percent to close at N1.33 per share while Unity Bank appreciated 3.64 percent to close at 57 kobo per share.

The day’s transactions executed in 2033 deals, showed investors moved 3.4 billion units of shares, worth N3.8 billion.

Top three most traded stocks were Unity Kapital Assurance with 3.072 billion units of shares valued at N2.365 billion. Omoluabi Savings Bank followed with 190 million shares valued at N159.6 million while Guaranty Trust Bank traded 28.6 million shares worth N687.1 million.

Vitafoam reduces losses by 55.5 per cent in FY 2016 ...recommends 12 kobo dividend Bonny Amadi, Afolabi Adesola Vitafoam Nigeria Plc has released its 2016 financial results, announcing a loss after tax of N32 million for its financial year ended 30th September 2016.

The loss represents a 55.5 percent reduction from N72 million recorded as loss after tax for the same period of 2015.

The company’s results released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday showed that profit before tax dropped 71.3 percent to N61.2 million from N213.1 million recorded for 2015 financial year, while a revenue of N13.6 billion was posted for the 2016 year, representing a decrease of 19.5 percent from N16.9 billion recorded in the previous year.

Vitafoam Net assets however dropped by 5.9 percent to N3.26 billion from N3.46 billion recorded in 2015.

A separate notice also released through the NSE and signed by the company’s Secretary/Legal adviser, Lekan Sanni stated that the board has also announced a recommended dividend of N125 million representing 12 kobo per share for the financial year ended 30th September 2016.

The notice said the decision which was taken at the company’s board meeting on December 15, 2016, is subject to Shareholders approval and withholding tax, If approved at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled to hold in Lagos, March 2nd, 2017.

The statement said the dividend will be paid on 9th March 2017 to members whose names appear in the register of members at the close of business on Friday 10th February 2017, adding that the register of Members and transfer books of the company will be closed from Monday 13th to Friday 17th February 2017.

Meanwhile, the released results showed there was a little improvement from the company’s ninemonth financial statements for the period ended 30th June 2016.

The results showcased a revenue of N10.991 billion, 20.6 percent down from N13.842 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the prior year.

Furthermore, the company posted a loss before tax of N49 million from a profit before tax of N521.9 million, while after-tax profit of N335.3 billion recorded in the reviewed period of 2015 plunged 147.4 percent to a loss after tax of N159 million.

L-R: Managing Director, Greenwich Asset Management Ltd., Dayo Obisan; Managing Director, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Bola Onadele-Koko; and Managing Director, Greenwich Trust, Yetunde Demuren, at the Pioneer Memorandum Money Market Fund Listing tagged: Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund on FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, in Lagos ... recently.

NSE: Forte Oil emerges worst performing stock in 2016, drops by 74.42% Forte Oil Plc. has emerged the worst performing stock in 2016 in percentage terms having dropped by 74.42 percent, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

Statistics obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period showed the stock which in 2016 was worth N330 depreciated by 74.42 per cent

to close trading at N84.43 per share.

Skye Bank followed with a loss of 68.35 percent to close at 50k compared with N1.58 it opened for the year.

Caverton shed 63.56 per cent to close at 90k against N2.47, while Diamond Bank lost 61.74 percent to close at 88k in contrast with the year’s opening

Forte Oil displaces Lafarge Wapco from NSE Islamic Index The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday announced the entry of Forte Oil to the NSE Islamic Index, displacing Lafarge Wapco. In the new index composition, Forte Oil replaces Lafarge Wapco in the NSE Lotus Islamic Index The NSE had earlier released a review of the seven sectoral indices of the Exchange, stating the Lotus Islamic Index was “to be presented” The Indices are NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking, NSE Insurance, NSE Industrial, NSE

Oil & Gas, NSE Pension and the NSE Lotus Islamic Indices.

These indices are normally reviewed bi-annually (June and December) except for NSE Pension index that is reviewed once in the year (December). The review process will see the entry of some major companies and the exit of others from the various indices.

The NSE also announced changes to its Insurance Index, as Equity Assurance Plc, Linkage Assurance Plc, and Universal Assurance Plc were listed

as companies to exit the NSE Insurance Index while incoming companies are Prestige Assurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and Unity Kapital Assurance Plc Leaving the category of the NSE Pension Index are Beta Glass Co. Plc, International Breweries Plc and Skye Bank Plc for United Capital Plc, Ecobank Transnational and Dangote Flour Plc as new entrants.

The NSE’s report on the review of the index composition noted that there were no chang-

es to the NSE Consumer Goods Index, the NSE Banking Index, the NSE Industrial Index and the NSE Oil and Gas Index.

price of N2.30 per share.

Sterling Bank dipped 58.47 per cent to close at 70k against N1.83 and Lafarge Africa which opened for 2016 at N96.80 decreased by 57.70 per cent to close at N40.95 per share among others.

Commenting, Mr. Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., attributed Forte Oil loss to weak earnings and AMCON-related deal.

Omordion said that Skye Bank performance was due to lack of market confidence in its stocks since the change of management by the Central Bank of Nigeria and huge loss position posted in 2015 financial year.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

26,616.89 2,033.00 3,369,145,016.00 3,762,155,113.95 9,158,242,792,415.32

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni Foreign exchange liquidity risk may remain high due to weak Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into the country, notwithstanding the nation’s efforts to diversify the economy and boost forex revenue in the face of sharp drop in oil sector, a Proshare fourth quarter (Q4) 2016 economic strategic report and outlook 2017, has revealed.

While remittances remain strong and portfolio inflows have picked up slightly, the latter, however, remains well below an annual range of over $100 billion seen in recent years.

Many financial analysts have thrown their weight behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decision in June to move to a flexible exchange rate. This may have set the economy on the path to recovery, but they, however, point out that lack of robustness in market policies could undermine investor confidence and hence foreign investment prospects.

They fear that continuation of multiple exchange rates by the end of Q4 2016 and into first quar-

B3 Money Market

Forex scarcity to continue on weak FDI inflow – Report

ter (Q1) 2017 indicates significant structural imbalances between USD supply and demand.

According to the report, the gap between the official and parallel exchange rates was too wide and would remain large, raising the scope for further currency devaluation in the near term.

In fact, they posit it was significant demand pressures that prompted monetary authorities to switch to a flexible exchange rate policy last June. Many believe this was responsible for the official exchange rate depreciation. The parallel exchange rate has weakened significantly in recent months, trading around 480 to 495 per dollar. This reflects the acute shortage of FX amid the plunge in oil prices, high import demand and increased speculative demand for FX. It is worthy of note that the move to a flexible exchange rate policy has helped to increase FX

liquidity, but current levels remain very low compared to four years ago due to strong import demand against a backdrop of weak FX inflows.

Also, the Q4 economic report projected that yields are likely to rise in line with further policy tightening and investor concerns over the local currency, the naira.

It suggested however that short-term primary market T-bill yields will rise to around 15-25percent as investors take active positions at the short end of the curve amid rising inflation and expectation of further policy tightening.

According to the report, the year on year inflation rate is likely to remain elevated amid exchange rate pass, arising from imported goods, higher fiscal spending, increases in electricity tariff and fuel prices, higher input costs and weak product markets.

It predicted that the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) will remain el-

evated at 14percent and the scope of further rate hikes was high, given growing global economic uncertainties and rising naira pressures.

Meanwhile, the nation’s external reserves, which have been under pressure since the price of oil (the commodity that brings in over 90 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings) slumped in mid-2014, have staged a bit of a rebound in recent weeks.

According to CBN data, the reserves stood at $24.77 billion as at November 30, 2016, compared to the level of $23. 95 billion as at October 31.

Not only was this the first monthly rise in the level of the reserves in 15 months, the data also shows that there was no day in November that the reserves declined. Thus from November 1 when it stood at $23.95 billion, the reserves rose steadily to close the month at $24.77 billion.

Official rate of Naira may drop to 320/$1 in 2017 – Analysts Foreign exchange analysts at Ecobank have predicted that the Naira may drop further to N320 to a Dollar at the official interbank exchange rate in 2017.

They fear that foreign exchange restrictions are likely to remain in place given the weak global oil prices outlook.

The financial experts in a report noted that “only a moderate rise in oil prices and as government spending is set to rise, significant import demand in an environment of depleting foreign exchange reserves suggests further import demand suppression in the near term.”

The report stated that the recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decision to move to a flexible exchange rate has set the economy on the right path to recovery, but exchange rate pressures will persist due to expectation of continued low oil prices, still low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, foreign exchange reserves depletion, robust import demand, and tightening global financing conditions.

“Amid these factors, we anticipate further devaluation of the Naira in the short term.

“This should help the Naira to converge, providing greater price transparency which will help to attract more investment inflows, reduce the rate of depletion in foreign reserves, boost foreign exchange liquidity and revive trading activity,” they explained.

Afreximbank President Dr. Benedict Oramah (2nd left) with Dr. Hippolyte Fofack, Afreximbank Chief Economist (left); Rameswurlall Basant Roi, Governor, the Central Bank of Mauritius (3rd left) and Kee Chong Li Kwong Wing, Chairman of SBM; during the opening of the Afreximbank Annual Structured Trade Finance Seminar and Workshop in Port Louis, Mauritius

They noted that CBN recently adopted exchange rate policy will relieve some pressure on foreign exchange reserves, which have declined 16 percent to $25billion from a year ago to defend the Naira peg to the dollar.

According to the Ecobank research team, “At present, CBN’s intervention in the interbank foreign exchange market appears to be less aggressive compared with immediate weeks following the adoption of the new exchange rate policy.

“However, ongoing weak oil receipts and low investment inflows, which account for the country’s main sources of foreign exchange, suggest that the CBN will remain the main supplier of liquidity in the market under-

mining any prospect for a significant build-up in foreign exchange reserves to pre-crisis levels.”

They noted that inflation rate, currently at 18.48 per cent as at November is likely to ease slightly in the coming months but will remain elevated.

“The recent slowdown in core inflation points to lower price pressures in the coming months– price pressures will ease slightly on the back of higher base effects but ongoing tight foreign liquidity, production constraints, higher utility and transport and food prices will keep inflation elevated (above CBN’s inflation target range of 6-9per cent), they explained.

They said CBN’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPC) will likely remain

high at 14 per cent, and given ongoing market uncertainties, specifically concerns over inflation and exchange rate in a low oil price environment, and the need to ensure positive real returns on assets, the scope of a further hike is high.

On the N7.3 trillion 2017 proposed budget, the group said, “While our 2017 oil price projection is above the Federal government’s oil price benchmark (above $50 b/d), potentially increasing oil savings, we expect oil production to remain below 2.0mn b/d in 2017 owing to our expectation of further disruption in oil production in the Niger Delta.

“This will limit prospects for overall foreign exchange liquidity and government tax revenue.

Nigeria’s e-payment system awaits new regime The Nigerian electronic payment system will in the next few months welcome a new pricing policy, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has deregulated the Merchant Service Charge (MSC) and will be implementing a new pricing regime on electronic transactions by the second quarter (Q2) of 2017.

MSC is a fee paid by merchants for e-transactions done through Point of Sales (PoS) terminals.

CBN Director, Banking and Payment System Department (BPSD), ‘Dipo Fatokun, announced that from May 1, the apex bank would no longer regulate the MSC, adding that it would be replaced with Interchange Fee regime.

He said as a result of the limitations of the MSC regime and in tandem with the objectives of the Payments System Vision 2020, the CBN, in consultation with stakeholders decided to migrate the payment card to a superior pricing mechanism.

He said the new pricing regime would boost payment card issuance, investment in loyalty programmes and the expansion of acquirer network infrastructure across the country.

In a circular on the Implementation of the Interchange Fee, Fatokun said: “With the introduction of the Cash-Less Nigeria Project and the release of the Guidelines on PoS Card Acceptance Services, the CBN outlined the MSC and the modalities for the payments system.

“This had enhanced the issuance and utilization of cards transaction in the country and brought structure to the compensatory mechanism for parties involved in the transaction.

“With effect from May 1, 2017, the CBN will no longer regulate Merchant Service Charge (MSC). The interchange fee regime will replace the MSC. Merchants and Acquirers will henceforth negotiate the MSC as defined by the CBN.”

Godwin Emefile CBN Governor

B4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

B5

D aily M ark e t Ro u n d U p E q u i t i es K ic kTh e Nig eria n Eq uities m ark e t g o t o f f t o a n e g a tive st art as t h e A ll Sh are In d ex (ASI) lost 96b ps t o close a t 26,616.89 p oin ts. A ccordin gly, m ark e t ca pit alisa tio n p erf orm a nce w as dra g g e d by losses in NIG ERI A N BRE W ERIES (-4.1 %), G U A R A N T Y (-2.8 %) a n d ZENIT H (-2.4 %). H o w ever, activity level w as mixe d as volu m e tra d e d m argin ally rose 0.1 % t o se t tle a t 106.4m u nits w hile valu e tra d e d d eclin e d by 20.5 % t o close a t N1.2b n.

Insu r a n c e In d ex Sol e G a i n e r a m i dst Sell-o f fs a cr oss Se c t o rs Sect or p erf orm a nce w as largely b e arish as all in dices closed lo w er b u t f or t h e Insura nce in d ex w hich a dva nce d 30b ps o n t h e b ack of g ains in W A PIC (+4.0 %) a n d M A NS A RD (+1.2 %). Th e Ba n kin g in d ex t u m ble d 2.4 % as invest ors b o o k e d pro fit in G U A R A N T Y (-2.8 %) a n d ZE NIT H (-2.4 %). In t he sa m e vein, t he Co nsum er G oo ds in d ex close d 1.9 % lo w er o n acco u n t o f losses in C A D B URY(-5.0 %) a n d NIGERI A N BRE W ERIES (-4.1 %) w hile t h e O il & G as

To p 10 G ain ers Tick er U A C-PROP ST A NBIC W APIC FIDSO N U NITYBN K UC AP DIA M O N D BN K WEM ABA NK FBN H M A NSARD

Price (N) 2.75 15.69 0.52 1.33 0.57 2.81 0.90 0.55 3.40 1.69

Price Ch g % 5.0 % 4.9 % 4.0 % 3.9 % 3.6 % 2.9 % 2.3 % 1.9 % 1.5 % 1.2 %

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V olu m e Tick er V olu m e (m) O M OSA V BN K 190.0 G U ARA N TY 28.6 FC M B 18.0 UB A 14.3 UC AP 7.9 TRA NSC ORP 5.5 A CCESS 5.2 FBN H 3.3 ZENITHB A N K 2.8 FO 2.4 To p 10 Tr a d es b y V alu e

Price Ch g % -4.5 % -2.8 % 0.0 % -1.1 % 2.9 % 0.0 % -1.0 % 1.5 % -2.4 % -0.2 %

Price (N) 4.75 9.77 9.78 4.47 0.60 2.91 0.84 29.00 142.00 0.73

Price Ch g % -5.0 % -5.0 % -5.0 % -4.9 % -4.8 % -4.6 % -4.5 % -4.4 % -4.0 % -3.9 %

Tick er G U ARA N TY FO O M OSA V BN K UB A ZENITHB A N K NB A CCESS UC AP C A D BURY FC M B

Price Ch g % -2.8 % -0.2 % -4.5 % -1.1 % -2.4 % -4.0 % -1.0 % 2.9 % -5.0 % 0.0 %

To p 10 Losers Tick er CCN N ETI C A D BURY O ANDO AIIC O A FRIPRU D O M OSA V BN K BET A GLAS NB STERLN B A N K

V alu e (m) 687.1 189.1 159.6 63.9 39.8 38.4 30.4 22.5 21.0 19.7

NSE A ll Sh ar e In d e x

29,000

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

in d ex fell 49b ps d u e t o pro fit t a kin g in O A N D O (-4.9 %) a n d F O RTE (-0.3 %).

Similarly, t h e In d ustrial G o o ds in d ex lost 18b ps as invest ors sold-o f f o n CC N N

12,000

28,000

10,000

(-5.0 %) a nd BET A GL A S (-4.4 %).

27,000

Se n t i m e n t W e a k e ns o n Pr o f i t -t a k i n g

8,000

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26,000

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6,000 25,000

a n d W A PIC (+4.0 %) w hile CC N N (-5.0 %), ETI (-5.0 %) a n d C A D B URY (-5.0 %)

03-Jan

31-Dec

28-Dec

25-Dec

22-Dec

19-Dec

16-Dec

13-Dec

10-Dec

07-Dec

04-Dec

`

01-Dec

28-Nov

25-Nov

22-Nov

19-Nov

22,000 16-Nov

t a kin g rally o f t he previo us m o n t h.

13-Nov

se n tim e n t t o re m ain w e a k in t h e in t erim as e q uities w ork o f f t h e bre a t h-

2,000

23,000

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pro fit-t a kin g in co u n ters w hich h a d previo usly a p precia t e d. W e exp ect

07-Nov

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04-Nov

w ere t h e w orst p erf orm ers. Give n t h e u p tre n d w it n esse d in t h e Be nch m ark

4,000 24,000

M a cr o e c o n o m ic G ist

Term of t h e d a y DRig emh u tts u aliz Issua tio e n is w he n a m u t u al com p a ny o w n e d by its users/m e m b ers co nverts in t o a com p a ny o w n e d by sh are h old ers. In ef f ect, t h e users/m e m b ers exch a n g e t h eir A n issu e o f rig h ts t o a co m p a ny's existin g sh are h old ers t h a t e n titles t h e m t o rig h ts o f use f or sh ares in t h e d e m u t u aliz e d com p a ny

Th e Fe d eral G overn m e n t o f Nig eria h as co m m e nce d t h e p aym e n t o f N5,000 e ach t o 1 million Nig eria ns. This w as m a d e k n o w n o n M o n d ay, 2n d Ja n u ary in Th e disb urse m e n t w ill b e d o n e u n d er t h e Co n ditio n al Cash Tra nsf er (CCT) a n d

b uy a d ditio n al sh ares directly fro m t h e co m p a ny in pro p ortio n t o t h eir existin g h oldin gs, w it hin a fixe d tim e p erio d. In a rig h ts o f f erin g, t h e

W e are o f t h e vie w t h a t t his m ay b e in a d e q u a t e a n d m ay n o t h ave t h e

su bscrip tio n price a t w hich e ach sh are m ay b e p urch ase d in g e n erally a t a

exp ect e d im p act t h e pro gram m e in te n ds t o m a k e.

disco u n t t o t h e curre n t m arke t price.

Maritime B6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

New shipping charges tear maritime industry apart

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Stories by Babajide Okeowo Stakeholders in the maritime industry have risen up against the recently introduced charge of N38, 000 by shipping companies in Nigeria dubbed the Government and Port Taxes.

The stakeholders also noted that the charge by the shipping companies contravenes the provision of the Convention of the World Trade Organisations WTO Articles VIII 3(b).

This, if left unchecked, will add to the already high clearing cost that has necessitated the diversion of Nigerian bound vessels to neighbouring West African ports, they warned.

The National President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, in a letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, and copied to Vice President Yemi Osibajo, the Minister of Transportation, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), alleged that the increase captioned “Government and Port Taxes” charged each container N38,000.

The letter stated that unless the government intervened, the new charge may throw the industry into chaos, especially as the new charge negated

the Memorandum of Understanding signed by all stakeholders.

He argued that the provisions of the law authorized the carrier to hand over the goods to the consignee at the port of discharge without any cost, as all cost were embodied in the freight paid by the importer based on the law. He maintained that any other charge introduced by the shipping companies contravened the provisions of the Convention of World Trade Organization (WTO) Articles VIII 3(b), and domestic laws and regulation.

According to him, “The United Nations Convention on the Carriage of goods by Sea was domesticated as Act No.19 in 2005, which specifies under the following provision: 1. The responsibility of the carrier for the goods under this Convention covers the period during which the carrier is in charge of the goods at the port of loading during the carriage and at the port of discharge.

“The Provision of the Law authorizes the carrier to hand over the goods to the consignee at the port of discharge without any

cost, as all cost are embodied in the FREIGHT Paid

by Importer based on the Law. “Any other charges introduced by the Shipping Companies contravenes the provision of the Convention of WTO Articles VIII 3(b), the domestic laws and regulation. The practice constitutes a very high percentage of charges that is not tied to service, which is a contributory factor to the High clearing cost that necessitates the diversion of Nigerian bound Vessel to neighbouring West African Ports.”

L-R: Project Director of Maritime Africa Economic City (MAEC), Mr. Patrick Bird; Managing Director, Nigeria Exports Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Mr Gbenga Kuye and the General Manager, Private Sector Zones of NEPZA, Mr. Oyesola Oyekunle at the presentation of license to the Maritime Africa Economic City in Abuja recently.

CRFFN Board: Stakeholders divided over collection of POF

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Due to the lack of a governing council in place at the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), stakeholders in the maritime industry are divided over the collection of the Practitioner Operating Fee (POF).

The public relations officer of The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Stanley Ezenga, said the best is for CRFFN to put its house in order as failure to define how the collected money will be shared will cause an uproar.

“The CRFFN act recognizes individuals as declarant. It also recognizes Licensed Customs agents as declarant. This needs to be streamlined before the collection because if money is collected without defining how the money will be shared it will raise an uproar. I think the best that needs to be done is that CRFFN put their house in order before collecting the fee.

Another stakeholder in the industry, Sola Bojuri, said the collection of POF is long overdue, that internal wrangling was responsible for the delay.

“CRFFN should have started the collection for a long time. But a delay was caused due to the rivalry among the associations. I feel the Minister should not interfere in this rivalry because Ministry of Transport is another industry entirely. I don’t think it is necessary for them to wave into rivalry going on. This is because it is supposed to be the duty of the finance association agents and brokers to settle any misunderstanding among them,” he said.

Toeing a different line, Frank Aliakor of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (Apapa Chapter) argued that CRFFN is not supposed to collect the fee but rather, regulate activities of freight forwarders.

NIMASA decries state of maritime industry

… promises improved services The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has decried the harsh operating environment in Nigeria’s maritime industry and has assured stakeholders in the industry that the agency will rededicate itself to the execution of its core functions this year.

The DG, who said this in his new year message to maritime stakeholders, noted that while

2016 was a challenging year as a result of the economic recession, 2017 promises to be a year of economic recovery not just for the maritime sector but the nation at large.

He noted that the Federal Government was committed to reflating the economy in order to engender an early recovery from the current recession, saying that the New Year will signify a turning point in the fortunes of operators of the Nigerian Mari-

time industry.

Dr. Peterside who decried the harsh operating environment in Nigeria’s maritime industry said that the agency is committed to the full enforcement of its mandate.

According to him, “we are focused on the full implementation of our mandate in the new year.

We have concluded the restructuring, repositioning, and reformation of NIMASA which would take effect in the first quarter of

2017 with the aim of making Nigeria a hub of maritime activities in West and Central Africa.

“Our commitment is to make sure that indigenous operators maximize their potentials in our maritime industry whilst creating wealth and job opportunities for our teeming youths.”

Dr. Peterside further stated that the agency will fully implement its five- pillar programme of maritime safety, security, search and rescue transforma-

tion; marine environment preservation; digital transformation initiative; capacity building initiatives; and cultural and attitudinal transformation.

According to the DG, the agency is poised to activate all these initiatives with a view to harnessing the vast opportunities inherent in the sector and generating revenue for the government for developmental programmes.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country are lamenting over the poor services being delivered by telecommunications tower operators as well as the high cost of renting towers hosting their base stations.

According to Satis Kumar, chief operating officer, Direct On Data, the ISPs are burdened with the harsh business condition, which includes high base station rentals, and inefficient tower management that have forced them into deploying batteries at their base stations to ensure improved service quality

ISPs lament poor service, high rentals for towers among other challenges.

“Most times, our base stations go down apparently because the attendant is not around to put on the generator when the public power supply goes off, and sometimes there are diesel issues. Some of our clients are providing critical services that don’t need to go down even for a second.

How do you explain this situation?”

Kumar revealed that ISPs are charged between

NIPOST proposes stamp duty amendment bill

By Tony Nwakaegho

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has proposed a bill to amend the Stamp Duty Act 2004.

The bill is aimed at modifying certain ambiguities in the act and legalizing all collections through commercial banks from January 2017.

B7 ICT

The amendment according to a source at NIPOST follows the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Lagos nullifying stamp duty on electronic transfers.

Commercial banks had already commenced the deduction of N50 on electronic transfers following a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive issued in January 2016.

Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, Post Master General

N3.6 million to N4 million per tower for a year, adding that this cost depends on the type of the equipment being hung on the tower as some equipment consume more power than others, and some take more space than others.

David Venn, chief executive officer, Spectranet, a 4G LTE ISP, explained that before now, their biggest cost outlay was the cost of national and international bandwidth. “But today, the

cost of bandwidth is coming down which leaves the cost of tower rental our biggest cost of operation.

Though the cost of tower rental in Nigeria is high compared to other countries I have worked, considering operational cost in this environment in terms of maintenance of the towers, it is reasonable. But in Zambia where there is also power challenge, there is no need for operators to provide security at towers

as security challenge is not serious.”

Sunday Folayan, president, Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN) said that tower rental cost in the country will not be cheap as it is determined by some factors which include a number of users on the tower as well as power and security provided at the towers.

“I’m not surprised that tower rental cost is high because the cost of pow-

ering base stations with generators is high. If we fix power problem in this country, every other thing will take shape,” Folayan added.

Lanre Ajayi, immediate past president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), identified two factors as responsible for the high cost of tower rental in the country, which is competition and service cost.

NITDA to facilitate e Learning in Nigeria-French language village

By Tony Nwakaegho National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has restated its commitment to facilitating eLearning and projecting Nigeria’s national interest.

Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, director general of the Agency, made the remark when the management of Nigeria-French Language Village (NFLV) visited the agency’s Abuja headquarters.

The Nigeria-French Village was established by the Federal Government in 1991 as an InterUniversity Centre for French studies. It is one of the four Inter-University Centres in the country.

NFLV has the mandate

L-r: Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Professor Raufu Adebisi, Director-General, Nigeria French Language Village, during a courtesy visit to NITDA office in Abuja recently(picture)

to provide Language Immersion Programme, amongst others.

Professor Raufu Adebisi,

director general of Nigeria French Language Village who led the delegation, said that eLearning

is very important especially now that the world has become a global village.

UN establishes tech bank for poor countries

By Tony Nwakaegho The United Nations General Assembly in New York has formally established a Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries.

The new UN institution is viewed as a significant achievement for the development of science, technology and innovation in the world’s poorest countries.

The Technology Bank is

intended to help least developed countries strengthen their science, technology, and innovation capacities, foster the development of national and regional innovation ecosystems that can attract outside technology and generate homegrown research and take these advancements to market.

Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya, High-Representative and Under-Secretary-General for

the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, said: “The poorest countries in the world cannot eradicate poverty, achieve strong and sustainable development and build resilience without expanding their scientific and technological bases. They need to effectively utilize technology to leapfrog various stages of their development process in

order to meet the goals of the Istanbul Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda.

“The global community has a responsibility to ensure that these nations are supported as they make progress towards strengthening their science, technology and innovation capacities for eradicating poverty, accelerating structural transformation Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya, High and building resilience.

Representative and Under-Secretary-General for the Least-Developed Countries.

Aviation B8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Nigeria’s Aviation sector in 2017 Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Events in Nigeria’s aviation industry in 2016 are, no doubt, determining factors of the outcome and expectations in the industry in 2017.

First is the expected improvement of passenger traffic which was heavily hampered by the stoppage of flight operations by many domestic airlines in the previous years. For instance, Aero Contractors, FirstNation, and others stopped scheduled flight operations in the last quarter of 2016, creating tension and low traffic flow in the system. It is, however, expected that some of the airlines may bounce back to their normal operations in 2017.

Already, Aero announced its return to scheduled flights last month.

If the airport concession plan by the federal government sails through, it then means that there would be infrastructural developments at the various airports, particularly Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos. That also means a better operational framework for both the passengers and airline operators.

With good airport facilities, the operators are bound to offer better services in this year.

The sudden increase in airfare by domestic airlines in the last quarter of 2016 is expected to abate this month due to reduced traffic after the yuletide festivities.

Such downward trend of airfares, coupled with a possible solution to the aviation fuel scarcity, may force the air fares downward. This is because the price of aviation fuel most often determines the price of airfares all over the world.

All operations in aviation globally is dollar-based; it means that most of the local airlines’ operations are done in foreign currency which has been a major obstacle to airline operators in Nigeria. It is, however, expected in most quarters, that this lingering problem of aviation fuel scarcity will give way in 2017. Similarly, the government recently granted foreign exchange concession to both local and foreign airlines to assist the airlines in their operations. With government’s assistance in that regard, airline’s operations will never remain the same in 2017.

Aviation is under the Ministry of Transportation which accommodates two ministers at the state and substantive level. With consistent clamour

Sirika

by aviation labour unions to merge the Ministry of Aviation and transportation, there is every tendency that aviation may remain under the Aviation Ministery or be merged into transportation while standing as a parastatal on its own.

The year under review also proposes to be one that Nigeria will make a prominent presence in the international aviation fora. With the election of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Managing Director as President of Airports Council International, Africa; reelection of the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization Council (ICAO), Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu; and the opening of Nigerian office by renowned aircraft maker, Airbus, there is no doubt that other countries will begin to appreciate the presence of Nigeria at the global aviation arena in 2017.

It is also expected that there would be improved connectivity within the African region following the grant of flight operations license to the Niger Republic by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The airlines which got the

designation are Overland Air, Arik Air, Air Peace, and Azman Air Services.

Beyond curbing the voluminous road transportation between the two countries, there would be increased traffic and business transactions within the continent.

While the issue of security and anti-terrorism strategy will continue to take prominence in

2017, the year may also usher in the possible use of drones in Nigeria airspace.

The NCAA had announced recently that it is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other industry stakeholders to articulate the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles /Remotely Piloted Aircraft in Nigeria’s airspace.

With the plans on ground for the proper repositioning of the aviation industry in 2017, the Federal Government must live up to its commitment to revive the aviation industry with particular focus on airport infrastructure and providing foreign exchange to ease importation of fuel and other aircraft parts for maintenance.

Expectations are high in 2017 as a result of promises by the government to reposition the industry with the rehabilitation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway as the first major assignment for the government.

The Minister of State Aviation, Hadi Sirika, earmarked that the industry needs N1 trillion to bounce back on its feet. If there is sincerity of purpose, this could be a starting point. And if the decision makers repent of procrastination, they would be swift with the airport concession agenda to facelift the nation’s major airports before a national carrier is established.

The private airlines have been calling for a tax holiday to ease their cost of operation and boost their profit margins.

If this is granted, the domestic market will improve based on the direction of global economic performance which is estimated

to grow 3.4% from 2017, higher than the 2011-2015 average of 2.61%.

The airlines also look out for improved foreign exchange liquidity to which the Central Bank of Nigeria is committed to solving the repatriation crisis by keeping airlines as a top priority for forex allocation.

What is needed is to maintain consistency at delivering forex needs of international carriers to boost investor confidence and attract more airlines to Nigerian routes.

Since Jet A1 is becoming more of a scarce commodity, and the airlines can’t do without it, the government should initiate measures for local production of the commodity. It is hoped that with the ongoing Dangote Refinery project and revival of the Kaduna refinery, local refining of aviation fuel will come to fruition. A local refinery for aviation fuel, with high capacity and output, will solve the supply problem.

The NCAA should step up its oversight functions in line with recommended practices of the ICAO. The industry needs sanctions and penalties to defaulters to ensure sanity and discipline. The kind of sanction on Arik Air for violating luggage rules is healthy to reduce or curb incessant delays, cancellations and outright infringements on passengers’ rights.

In conclusion, with a peaceful 2016 and accident-free year in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry, there is a strong belief that 2017 would be better in terms of safety and infrastructural improvements, considering the economic challenges the country faced last year.

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Michelle

Gentry

Celebrity fashionable children

L5

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

I derive joy putting smile on people’s faces-Tobi Ahmed Tobi Ahmed is a Financial Services and Management graduate from London University, Metropolitan. The 29- year- old London trainee is the face behind “Do Good unto Others”, a NonGovernmental Organization with a major objective of helping the deprived and less privileged in the society. The Okeagbe, Akoko North-West in Ondo State- rooted charity worker speaks with ALADE TASMA on her journey into the charity work.

When I was living in London, I saw a programme called “Welcome to Lagos” and one of the episodes of that programme showed Makoko, a ghetto, the settlement of the less privileged. When I arrived Nigeria, I regularly passed through the third mainland of Makoko and I wondered if things change in this part of You run a Charity Non-Governmental Organization, what informed this initiative at this young age?

Well, I lived in London for 12 years and when I returned to Nigeria I saw the way things are, the condition under which people live in, especially in this recession period. I saw families that were struggling and I decided to do something to make my own little changes and I started an organisations called “Do Good unto Others” initiative. That is how it all started. Just doing something to put smile on the faces of families that are struggling.

How long have this started?

environment, you start to think of what you can do

on the faces of struggling parents through their

Apart from your friends who have rallied behind you, are you open to partnership with government at any level?

this organisation, I still wonder if things have changed and with that, I decided to go to Makoko and see things

going to do something in that community, I wanted give them clothes and shoes; I wanted to give them especially the kids, education. I wanted to help

to that.

How did you arrive at the choice of the two Project” at Makoko?

Would it be right to say you came back into the country with lot of money for you to engage in this kind of charity work at 29?

That is not true. I gave from the little I have.

I have friends, as a matter of fact, eight of my friends are also supporting me in this and we make

myself, I wanted to see things with my own eyes and that is how I arrived at these two schools after spoking with the teachers and the people around on

Christmas,” where we went to Makoko, a place got an organisation, PFL, which is also a friend who of the less privileged and the deprived. We gave them something that would have long impact in the lives of their children who were deprived. We maths sets, stationery and we also sponsored the education of some of the kids.

Can we have a brief of your background? after we had almost gotten all we needed for the

What is the motivation behind this initiative from a young mind like you?

When I arrived Nigeria, I wanted to really settle

Life&

T E A M

Why the choice of Makoko for the projects?

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

love Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Fashion & Style L3

Jacqui James unveils bespoke evening wear and bridal band As part of her New Year collections, London based Nigerian designer, Jacqui James has launched her unique custom-made evening wears in Nigeria. According to Jacqui,

growth with inspiration drawn from the contrasting structural movement of nature and honeycomb structure as the focal point, the collection pays oldest friends.

Here are photos of the mind& Times

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Joseph Daniels

Ombre hair tips

The ombre hair trend seems to be the longest running hair situation, having trended all of last year and

base color, the roots area, is almost black, lighten the base to brown for a softer overall look.

biggest mistakes one can make with ombre hair, is having too dramatic a shift in color without any graduation between the two. So here are things you must consider before getting on the ombre hair band wagon and how to maintain your fresh color transitions.

this trend is that it looks better as it ry about touching it up.

sure you go to a highly trained hair colorist for this process. Just because someone does color, latest trends or that they can do them well. The ombre look is more about multidimensional beautiful color, not just dark roots and light ends. application is everything. The best way to achieve this is with a balayage technique, or individually freehand painted pieces. With this technique, you achieve a seamless color transition. not attempt to this yourself. Beyond that, if your

Ombre lips: Dramatic lips you In retrospect ombre lips is a better and modernized form of blending different lip cult to achieve but here are some easy and cheap ways to achieve this look.

Step 1. First start by applying foundation and powder to have a blank canvas and blend with your lips to even them out.

Step 2. Go around your lips with a sharp pencil liner for the color you want at the bottom part of your lips Step 3. your base for the lipstick, this helps colors stay on much longer.

Step 4. stick, note that working with matte lip stick or gloss is best for ombre lips as it affords a smoother application.

Step 5. Line the edges of your lips once more with the pencil liner and begin to blend.

Tricks to note Application of the liner or lipstick might look a little bit messy, so here are some tips to help with that.

1. Apply lipstick with an angled brush.

2. Blotting with tissue helps keep lipstick from smudging 3. Lip stains are great options if you lips then re-apply to keep lipstick matte much longer.

At home ombre nail effect Items needed Nail Polishes, Top coat, Eye shadow sponge brush, Nail Polish remover three colors Paint the polishes directly onto the sponge. Keep in mind: the color on top will ously need to dab it around your nail a little bit until you have the color and ombrĂŠ effect you want. To get the nail at the very bottom of the sponge and dab it straight where you want it.

Wait for your nails to be semi-dry and go over them one more time and add top coat polish remover into the cap and dip a Q-tip into the cap. Rub the Q-tip onto the skin by your nail, being careful not to touch your nails themselves.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

L5 Fashion

Celebrity fashionable children

Mutiat Alli

Rotimi Anjorin Andre Okoye

Michelle Gentry Emmanuella Odom Meraiah Ekeinde fashion sense

Micheal and Daniel Flora

Reynold Nkembuchim Ezuruonye

TY Bello twins

Naomi Odueke

Fashion L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Gbemisola Soremekun

The led-light trend These lights up LED shoes are the perfect accessory for the club, a rave party, or just a night out on the town. This shoe is your best choice for footwear for any occasion you want to be noticed at. It has a USB rechargeable port right inside the shoe, You just have to just plug these bad boys in to any standard a gorgeous glowing piece of footwear that will outlast you for the night. Its stay all night long not just when you stay a step. with everything you have in your closet. You look light up as you will be looking fresh all night in the club.

Soremekun Gbemisola

Men with wallet are exclusively hot, what about you?

Man bags, or “purses,� have been in and out of vogue for years. But lately, and television, as well as being carried people still see a slung carryall as being their sunglasses, iPods, wallets and other to the extent that he is able to access the

extent that it prohibits such access. Men with wallet are exclusively hot and always want to look dashing.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Rockyourhighheelselegantly When it comes to looking stylish, nothing beats a gorgeous pair of high heels.

Heels make your legs look longer, your body look slimmer, more polished. Unfortunately, for many women, they also make your feet hurt something awful! Thanks to shoe toes, spindly heels, and narrow silhouettes for your aching post-heel feet. You should get rid of any shoes that cause any discomfort, the fashionista

need strategies to help you make your high heels work for you, not against you below are tips on wearing your high heels comfortably (or at least more comfort 1. Buy the right size of shoe.

2. Stick to round toes.

3.

4. Tailor your width 5. Cushion up.

Most importantly one must the kind of your leg. buy anything with an ankle strap

as it will make your ankles look wider and draw attention. Go for a pump or sling back instead.

This will draw attention away from your ankles and make your legs look longer.

If your legs are short, avoid t-strap shoes because they shorten your legs and can make your feet look wider than normal. Similarly, ankle strap Go for open toed shoes or nude high heels - they make your legs look long and lean.

If you want your legs to look longer, pointy-toed shoes will give you the illusion of extra height. A warning, though: pointy-toed shoes may be uncomfortable if you have wide them for the special occasions only! No point in being miserable If you have wide feet, roundtoed shoes have a cute vintage look, and can be the most comfortable option for those of us with wider feet. As a bonus, they can make your feet look smaller too.

Mutiat Alli

Spice your look with tulip wrap From the runways to the owambe parties, the revolutionized IRO and buba is always a delightful sight. The traditional IRO and buba is no longer regarded as a style reserved for the older folks. It is currently a trendy red carpet look in Nigeria.

Young ladies rock this style in silk, chiffon and velvet materials.

The traditional IRO and buba is no longer regarded as a style reserved for the older folks. ... The way the IRO and buba is worn has been modernized No longer is it wound around the waist in a boring style. IRO is now worn as a tulip style wrap, tied in front or at the back.

1. Hold both ends of the IRO (wrapper) in each hand.

2. Move the ends to opposing sides such that they are made to overlap each other 3. Do a twist from one end to the other.

4. Repeat the twist and then, tie in a knot at the back 5. Tuck in loose ends.

So, rock your IRO and buba and be the trendiest chic on the block! Have fun tweaking your buba into fabulous styles – V-neck, round neck, short sleeves, sleeveless‌ the list is endless!

Fashion L7

TV guide L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Showing on

Movies Stars Channel 111

17:02

Showing on

Movies Romance Channel 107

11:50

Wed, 4 Jan | PG 13

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

152 Africa Magic Epic

Wed, 4 Jan | PG 13

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

128 SONY MAX