Dtn 5 10 17

THE

DAILY

TIMES

NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

$25bn contract, insubordination: Senate sets up panel to probe Baru Ï Also to investigate IGP on alleged corruption, affairs with women

Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Senate on Wednesday ordered a probe into allegation of insubordination leveled against

the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Continued on page 6

Nigerians guilty of importation, recklessness – FG

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

29

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 466

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: N305.70 PER DOLLAR, Parallel Market: USD N363 POUND N480 EURO N421 NSE: ASI 35, 358.57 MARKET CAP 12.17 FMDQ O/N 10.08 OBB 9.43 COMMODITIES: Wheat US $442.60/MT Rice US $12.03/MT Cocoa US $2,070.00/Bag Coffee US $125.30/Scoop Cotton US $68.15/Unit Sugar US $14.26/Ounce METALS: Gold US $1274.90/Ounce Silver US $16.59/Ounce Copper US $2.95/Ounce ENERGY: Brent US $55.93/PB, N/Gas US $2.94/CB

Human trafficking, now national, international epidemic -NAPTIP DG Ï Says agency has secured over 329 convictions Ï Decries new dimension of ‘organs harvesting’

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Director General of

the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Continued on page 5

CBN disburses N43.92bn to farmers under Anchor 7 Borrowers Programme Money laundering: Court refuses Sen. Nwaoboshi’s application to vacate order 5 Alleged pardon: ‘Why Gov Tambuwal acted to stop past injustice’ 6

L-R : Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Okah Donli and the Chairman/ Publisher, The Daily Times Nigeria, Mr Fidelis Anosike, during the courtesy visit of Donli to the corporate office of the newspapers in Abuja ... on Wednesday. PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

NIS recruitment 7 tragedy: How 4 banks received N675m from job seekers -Witness

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

3

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Human trafficking, now national, international epidemic Continued from page 1 Julie Okah Donli, has expressed fear over the rate and the dimension human trafficking is taking, saying that the development has now attained “a national and international epidemic,” Donli also maintained that human trafficking is not only a national disaster, but also an international epidemic in the sense that within Nigeria, people are carrying out human trafficking through domestic servitudes in the name of houseboy, housegirl and all of that.

The NAPTIP boss said this on Wednesday when

she led her management team on a courtesy visit to to the corporate office of The Daily Times in Abuja.

She said, “Human trafficking is not just a national disaster, but it is also an international epidemic in the sense that right here in Nigeria, we have internal human trafficking where there is a lot of domestic servitudes in the name of houseboy, housegirl and all of that.”

Donli explained that the essence of the visit was to familiarise with The Daily Times as one of the major stakeholders and to draw the newspaper’s attention to the negative effects of

human trafficking in the economic well-being of the nation and to seek partnership and cooperation in the fight against human trafficking especially in creating awareness.

The NAPTIP boss noted further that sexual exploitation also takes place in the course of sending people into domestic work.

According to Donli, the new dimension in human trafficking is called “organs harvesting”- whereby victims are killed and their organs are dismembered and sold.

Donli also p explained that: “This is a situation where organs are sold for

money and that has become a very frightening thing that is going on right now all over the world. That is why I say it is an international and national epidemic and disaster.

“We also have sexual exploitation in terms of international trafficking when victims are taken out of the country and are used for sexual exploitation, they are also used for domestic servitudes because of cheap labour in the European countries and then they also have what we call organs harvesting.

Donli also disclosed that from 2003 to date, NAPTIP has secured about 329 con-

age 7

A cross-section of parliamentarians at the opening of the Fourth Legislative meeting in Niamey, Republic of Niger… on Tuesday.

victions and more to come, adding that, “We have a lot of cases coming up in the courts and we are hoping to get more convictions as the fight goes on.”

The director general further disclosed that despite the challenges, NAPTIP under her leadership would take every measure necessary to curtail the activities of human traffickers in the country, adding that the agency is working in synergy with European countries to address the ugly trend.

She maintained that the agency was changing the narratives of human trafficking in Nigeria.

Donli also said that the NAPTIP will embark on massive awareness campaign, saying that: “For us, prevention is better than cure.

She said: “We intend to prevent it from happening, as such we are going to the communities, we are involving all the society and all the governments. It’s not just a Federal Government fight, it includes the media and that is why we are here today. We plan to partner with everyone to continue to educate people.

“Sometime, human trafficking takes place as a result of lack of knowledge, ignorance and poverty. We go to schools, we partner with the community leaders and all of that. It is a total package that involves everyone from the grassroots, the local government, the women leaders, the governors and all others.”

She said that if the agency is able to prevent this

5 News crime from taking place, that is when the job would be said to have been executed.

Donli said that The Daily Times remains the pride of the nation’s media industry and contributing positively to the growth and sustenance of the Nigeria’s economy as well as reducing vulnerability of Nigerians to various vices including human trafficking.

In his earlier remarks, the Chairman and Publisher of The Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, congratulated the NAPTIP DG on her appointment, assuring her of his organisation’s readiness to partner with NAPTIP in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.

Anosike said: “We are going to give you all the support because we know your capacity and we equally support the good work NAPTIP is doing, but there is need to build on social inequality to checkmate the activities of human trafficking. NAPTIP has been doing very well and I urge the management to keep on with the good work”.

He also assured that the management of The Daily Times will give adequate publicity to the activities of NAPTIP and bring in Miss Nigeria to be an Ambassador of NAPTIP as part of the partnership to promote the campaign against human trafficking across the globe.

NATIP is a Federal Government focal agency saddled with the responsibility of combatting human trafficking.

Money Laundering: Court refuses Senator Nwaoboshi’s application to vacate order

Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ

An application brought by a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Mr Peter Nwaoboshi, seeking to vacate an order for the temporary forfeiture of his property was on Wednesday refused by Justice Abdulazeez Anka of a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Nwaoboshi was alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have laundered part of N1.5billion, which he fraudulently obtained from Delta State, through a company known as Suiming Nig. Ltd. The agency is asking the court not to discharge it’s interim order forfeiting the 12-storey building belonging to the Senator, which he allegedly bought with the

money.

Nwaoboshi’s lawyer, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), in his argument to discharge the forfeiture order said that the commission concealed material facts in obtaining the order, and did not comply with the EFCC Act. Besides, he said that the temporary forfeiture order violated the applicant’s right to own property as guaranteed by Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution.

“It becomes dangerous for citizens, if the state can seize citizens’ property without a criminal proceeding against them,” he said.

EFCC’s lawyer Mr Ekene Iheanacho had argued that the right to own property was not absolute, and that a property can be temporarily forfeited during investigation even if no charge

had been filed.

“Arrest is not a condition precedent to forfeiture; the law allows that even though the person has not been arrested, the property can still be attached.”

“We urge the court to reject this application and not to discharge the earlier order made by the court,” Iheanacho had prayed.

Justice Anka however held that : “I have listened to the submissions of counsel and taken into account the authorities cited.

“The action was filled by the EFCC during the pendency of the suit and so, the first question is whether the filling of the suit can be described as an abuse of court process.

“In the current action, the EFCC has put their intention to manifestation and I therefore, see no abuse

on the process,” he said.

Anka held that the Court cannot interfere with the investigation process of the EFCC or make pronouncements which will hinder, or be perceived as hindering the performance of their statutory duties.

He held that the Court will avoid making pronouncements which will touch on the root of the main issue or on the validity of any criminal charge.

He said: “such argument is accordingly discountenanced.

“Investigation activities will not be stopped by the court against the Agency while it is carrying out its statutory duties; this will amount to pre-empting the investigative powers of the Agency .

“Investigation activities cannot be stopped by the

court,” he added.

On the whole, the court held that the application of the applicant fails and accordingly dismissed same.

“All parties have a right of appeal” Justice Anka added.

An EFCC operative, Mr Garuba Abubakar, averred that Nwaoboshi, got a contract through his company, Bilderberg Enterprises Ltd, to supply new construction equipment for the state Direct Labour Agency at N1.5billion.

He averred that the company allegedly imported and supplied used construction equipment rather than brand new ones inspite of receiving full payment.

EFCC said that Nwaoboshi, with the proceeds, bought the 12-floor building at 29 Marine Road, Apapa at the sum of N805million in

the name of Golden Touch Construction Projects Ltd. The commission said that the Senator had no “visible legitimate business venture to generate the amount spent in the purchase of the said property.

According to EFCC, Nwaoboshi has 20 bank accounts which he operates in Nigeria, while companies directly linked to him maintain another 20.

The commission said that the interim forfeiture order granted on April 21 was to preserve the property from being dissipated.

EFCC said that contrary to the Senator’s claim that he sold the property to Suiming Ltd, the company actually belongs to him.

It had therefore, argued that it is in the interest of justice to refuse the application.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Senate sets up panel to probe Baru Continued from page 1 Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

To this effect, the upper chamber of the National Assembly has set up an AdHoc Committee which it mandated to look into the allegation that Baru awarded $25billion contracts without due process.

The Senate took the decision in response to a memo

by Kachikwu to President Muhammadu Buhari with allegations that Baru has

not been answerable to him as NNPC GMD while also taking unilateral decisions including the award of $25 billion contract without due process.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu had moved a motion titled “Allegation of Corruption against NNPC Trading: Time to conduct a holistic investigation and which the Senate adopted to order the probe of NNPC under Baru.

Leading debate on his

motion, Anyanwu alleged that Baru was allocating almost all NNPC products to Duke Oil in addition while also unilaterally including some firms owned by cronies’ firms in the lifting of crude oil, gas.

He alleged that the relationship between the NNPC and Duke Oil has stifled the growth of indigenous companies operating in the Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Anyanwu, however, urged the Senate to raise an

ad-hoc committee to investigate the policies introduced

by Baru on allocation of products to Duke Oil as well as a holistic investigation into the activities of NNPC Trading Limited.

His prayers were unanimously adopted.

But Senator Kabiru Marafa in his contribution made an additional prayer for investigation into award of contracts without due process levied against Baru

by Kachikwu.

Chief of Army, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (2nd left); flanked by other officers during the commissioning of residential quarters for military personnel at the Nigeria Army, 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State… on Tuesday.

Alleged pardon: ‘Why Gov Tambuwal acted to stop past injustice’ ÏÏÏ

Top government officials in Sokoto State have accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of deliberate falsehood and smear campaign to malign the integrity of Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

The anti-graft agency last week said it had challenged the power of Tambuwal to ‘pardon’ five persons standing trial for corrupt practices in offences allegedly committed during the regime of former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa who ruled between 1999 and 2007.

The defendants include two serving commissioners, Tukur Alkali and Isa Achida. Others are the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi; the member representing Isa Constituency at the House of Assembly, Alhaji Habibu Modachi; and a Permanent Secretary, Isah Bello.

They were all arraigned in 2009, two years after the end of Bafarawa’s tenure, over an alleged N15bn fraud. The former governor is also a defendant in the case.

A top official in the state ministry of justice told reporters that EFCC was ‘economical with the truth’ when sending out a post on its Facebook page on the issue.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the foundation of the case was more or less politically-motivated, and Tambuwal only interferred in it to right a wrong committed by the last regime of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

She said, “The EFCC will do itself a lot of good if it weans itself of politicallymotivated cases in order to boost its reputation and enhance the credibility of the fight against corruption in the country.

“This case was filed in the first instance because Wamakko fought tooth and nail to ensure that leading

lights of the Bafarawa regime were prosecuted at all cost.

“A commission of enquiry, under the leadership of Aminu Ahmad was set up which indicted the said persons. Many issues were raised about the procedure adopted by the commission.

Upon their indictment, the EFCC filed charges in court against the persons based on the commission’s report and the white paper issued by the government.

“But two years ago, after waiting for eight years to quash the adoption of the commission’s report through legal means failed due to delays in court, the persons wrote to the new administration calling for a review of their indictment.

The state government, based on strong case they had, reviewed the work of the commission of inquiry and discovered some errors in arriving at its final decision. The government then reached a conclusion that the report was not fair to some of the persons and

eventually quashed the indictment in the spirit of justice and fairness.

“Quashing of the indictment has nothing to do with the EFCC’s case in court. It was the natural thing to do since those indicting have a strong case of not given a fair hearing in the first instance.

“Seeing that the foundation upon which the EFCC based its case against them was faulty and was eventually quashed by the government, the defendants approached the court with the new document issued by the government, and Justice Abass Bello discharged them and advised EFCC to base its case on other things if it hopes to continue with the prosecution of same people on same matter.

“How EFCC went public with different thing to what transpired in court surprised everyone involved in the case. However, now that an appeal has been filed, we will pursue the matter to logical conclusion.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, after the debate, announced the setting up seven man ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations leveled against the NNPC GMD. According to Saraki, Senator Aliyu Wammako will chair the ad-hoc committee, while Senators Rose Ojo, Kabiru Marafa, Bashir Babakaka, Albert Akpan, Chukwuka Utazi, Tayo Alasoadura, Samuel Anyanwu and Ahmed Ogembe are members.

The Senate President urged the members of the ad-hoc committee to come out with the report that will meet up with standard of the Senate.

He urged members of the Committee to turn in a quality report which he said will “meet the standard we have set in the 8th Senate” In a related development, the Senate, on Wednesday, set up an eight-man ad hoc committee to probe the allegations of corruption leveled against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, by Senator Isah Misau (APC, Bauchi Central).

In the same vein, it ordered its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate the allegations by the Police against Senator Misau.

Both the Police and Senator Misau have been having running battles over allegations of corruption leveled by the Senator against the IGP. The Police had launched a counter allegation, insisting that Senator Misau had deserted the Force and had forged documents to contest election to be in the Senate.

The Senate raised the probe panels on the strength of a Point of Order by Misau who intimated his colleagues with the running battles he has been having with the Police since he raised the allegation of corruption against the Inspector General of Police.

Senator Misau accused the IGP of blackmailing him because he dared to talk about the level of corruption in the force, just as he raised fresh allegation bothering on infidelity against the IGP. He alleged the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) has been offering promotion to female officers who he has been having affairs with, a

development, he said, has been having demoralising impact on hardworking officers.

He also accused IGP of receiving money from oil companies where police officers were sent to provide security.

He said while most Nigerians were without security protection, the Police had kept deploying a large number of officers to guard companies and a few individuals.

He said: “I am a retired Police officer and had served for 10 years; my father served the force for 34 years. In fact, he joined the Police before I was born.

“So, when I speak about the Police, I know what I am saying. When I speak about the Police, I speak with authority.

“I am concerned about what is happening in the Police in terms of bribery; there is a need for something urgent to be done to salvage the image of the institution.

“Before raising alarm on the irregularities in the institution, I called three serving officers and they confirmed to me that people pay more than N500,000 to get promoted. I also have other evidences that I am ready to release for investigation.

“This is an open secret; it is obvious that even people with questionable characters have Police protection and have been blaring sirens all over the place.

“One Police officer is supposed to serve 400 people, but in Nigeria, it is one Police officer to 800 people, while one private marketer has more than 30 policemen.

“A situation like that only depletes the number of Police personnel available to protect the ordinary citizens.

“We have excellent Police officers who are now demoralised because promotion is no longer based on merit and years of service.

“Another thing I found out is that there is illegal diversion of funds. Under the 2016 Budget, there was a line item for purchase of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), but instead of the APCs, luxury cars were purchased without virement,’’ But in fresh allegations, the senator said Idris married one Esther, a deputy Continued on page 7

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

7

News

NIS recruitment tragedy: 4 banks received N675m from job seekers -Witness Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Augustine Ugorji, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Interior Minister, Abba Moro and three others on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the 4th defendant ( Drexel Nigeria Ltd ) employed the services of four banks in the failed Nigeria Immigration Service in which 18 job seekers loss their lives.

The other defendants are Anesthesia Nwobia, an exPermanent Secretary in the Ministry and a Deputy Director in the Ministry, F.O. Alayabami.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Aliyu Yusuf, the witness narrated how the banks were involved in the scam.

Ugorji, said he was Head of Finance, (2010-2016) for Pay-For-Me Services Nigeria Ltd, an e-commerce company licenced by the

Central Bank of Nigeria.

He stated that the company provided a platform through which e-commerce can be transacted.

Ugorji told the court that Drexel was contracted by the Interior Ministry, and the company in turn had to sublet the contract of the NIS online recruitment to Pay-For-Me Services Nigeria Ltd. “My Lord, Drexel had a contract with the Ministry of Interior, and they (Drexel)

sublet to us to receive payment of N1000 for each application, the witness said.

“The process for PFM is that the applicant goes to the site opened by Drexel for Interior, fills the form.

“Once the applicant clicks on ‘pay’, it will direct the applicant to PFM site, where there is an option to pay cash or through card.

“If by bank, you go to the bank of your choice listed on the site; if by card, the account number is there.

Ugorji said PFM had an agreement with Union Bank, UBA, Diamond Bank, Zenith Bank, Sterling Bank, Ecobank, Enterprise Bank and Interswitch.

The agreement between Interior Ministry and Drexel is for each applicant to pay N1000.

On the other hand, the witness said Drexel had to pay N150 from the N1000 paid for each form to PFM. “From the N150, PFM agreed N80 for them, and N70 for each of the banks.

The balance of N850 goes to Drexel” Ugorji revealed.

In addition, the witness told the court that NIBSS “Acts as a central switch that all banks use for clearing and it is PFM that pay NIBSS in line with their own agreement. PFM paid NIBSS from its own N80.

The witness stated that N675,675,000 was paid through our (PFM) platform.

Giving the breakdown of figures remitted by each of the said banks, Ugorji

disclosed that Zenith paid N22,425,390; Sterling Bank N38,013,420; United Bank for Africa N190,187,416; Diamond Bank N114,616,260; Union Bank N133,862,010; Fidelity N58,175,670; Enterprise bank N12,527,100 and Ecobank N48,456,870.

The prosecution witness added that the sum of N10,879,150 was remitted through card payments.

Ugorji said his company remitted the sum of N574,327,500 in two tranches through Keystone Bank.

Upon cross examination

by Paul Erokoro, counsel to the 1st defendant, the witness said the PFM never transferred any money to Ministry of Interior.

Meanwhile, another witness Mrs. Bilkisu Mohammed, a public relationship officer with Keystone bank told the court during cross examination by the defence team, the witness said that Drexel Tech did not transfer money to any of the defendants.

Senate sets up panel to probe Baru

Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor (right), interacting with some pensioners at the on-going pension verification of New Nigerian Newspapers, NICON Insurance, Nigerian Defence Academy (Civilian) and Nigerian ReInsurance retirees under Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) in Abuja… on Wednesday.

CBN disburses N43.92bn to farmers under Anchor Borrowers Programme

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Central Bank of

Nigeria ( CBN) has dispensed over N43.92 billion to ‘active farmers’ on the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele who disclosed this on Wendesday during the bank’s ‘Special Day’ at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja also said that the apex bank facilitated the refund of over N50 billion excess bank charges.

Emefiele said that the excess bank charges has been refunded to bank depositors whose complaints were brought to the attention of CBN’s Consumer protection department.

The CBN governor, represented by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, ISAAC Okorafor,

described the bank’s Anchor Borrowers Program intervention as a huge success.

The governor said the N43.92 billion was released to active farmers through 13 participating banking institutions.

He said that over 200,000 small holder farmers from 29 states of the federation benefited from the scheme while 233,000 hectares of farm land were cultivated with eight commodities which include, rice, wheat, maize , cotton , soya beans, poultry; cassava and ground nuts in addition to fish farming.

While reflecting on effect of forex procurement ban slammed on certain commodities, the governor said the decision has produced positive outcome “ It’s pertinent to mention here that, so far , there has been a quantum leap in

local production of most of the commodities contained in the list of 41 items not eligible for official forex allocation or access in the country.

The success achieved through the policy had resulted in many Nigerians consuming what we produce and producing what we consume. Reports from the real sector operators also indicate that some companies had grown in geometric progression as a result of the policy. The bank has also continued to fund the foreign exchange window in a bid to stabilize the naira, which I’m sure , you are all witness to the neat convergence in the foreign exchange market,” he said.

He listed other major areas of interventions by the bank, which included , Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund

( ACGSF), the N200 billion Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, N200 billion SMEs restructuring & refinancing facility; N300 billion power and airline intervention fund, N220 billion MSMEDF and Nigeria Incentive- based risk sharing system for agriculture lending ( NIRSAL) amongst others.

Earlier in his remark, first Vice- President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alhaji Al- Mujtaba Abubakar commended the CBN under the leadership of Godwin Emefile for its laudable interventions including decisive role played by the bank in getting economy off recession hook.

He, however urged CBN to consider lowering the lending rate to banks as a means of spurring production value chain in the real sector.

Continued from page 6

superintendent of police (DSP), an act which he says contravenes the Police Act. The senator said Idris married Esther because she was “four months pregnant” for him.

“The IG is openly having two relationships with police women which he gave special promotion. One of them is Amina and one of them is DSP Esther which the IG on 15th of last month got married to that woman DSP. Under Police Act and regulation, you cannot marry as serving woman police unless that woman retires.

“He quickly did a secret wedding in Kaduna because the lady is four months pregnant. I am saying this because of the institution – that institution I am supposed to be a stakeholder in that institution. It is the institution that brought me here which I’m proud of,” Misau added.

While stating that Idris was not capable of leading the police, the senator said the capture of Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, a kidnapper better known as

Evans, was not an achievement of the IGP. “Sometimes I laugh when I see the IG celebrating that he has arrested Evans. Evans was operating in Lagos openly until when he kidnapped somebody who jumped into somebody’s house and went to report.

“Is this an achievement of IG? This cannot be an achievement of the IG. Even an ordinary person can do that,” Misau added.

“There are serving police officers who are now demoralised because of the activities of the office of the IGP. Mr President, even when it comes to appointment, the IG decided to have his own boys who are just assistant commissioners of police, he will give them special promotion – he will give them deputy commissioners of police; he won’t spend three months or six months, he will just give them acting commissioners of police.

“The reason they created special promotion, I know it. I was once an ADC just as to get favours from governors or presidents so if they are there, they can pave way for them.

8 News

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Ex-Niger Republic PM, wife accused of human trafficking in Nigeria Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

A former Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Hama Amodou, and his wife, Hazida Hama, have been accused of human trafficking in Nigeria.

The couples were said to have adopted two kids who were allegedly smuggled into Nigeria but were arrested in Sokoto few days ago by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

According to a source, the wife of the sacked Prime Minister was said to have been in deten-

tion at the office of NIS, in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

All efforts by The Daily Times to reach the service on the issue could not yield fruit as repeated calls and text messages sent to the Comptroller General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, were not responded to.

The 68 year old Nigerien has also being linked with several other cases of kidnapping and smuggling of innocent children to Nigeria; highly placed sources at the Immigration Service revealed.

In confidential infor-

mation, a source said the indiscriminate smuggling of innocent children to Nigeria has been a subject of investigation but there was no will to stop it.

The source explained that the bubble burst in Sokoto about a week ago when two of the kids were spotted wondering around a community having lost their way home.

Preliminary investigation showed that the children were said to have been adopted by Amodou, a system he uses to beat authorities.

Amodou who has since fled to France on exile,

used his wife who is currently in detention in the Republic of Niger to perfect the illegal adoption. Despite being in France on exile, until the wife was arrested, she was carrying out the adoption and many of the kids usually get trafficked overseas.

Available information indicated that the children, whose names have not been made public, were brought into Nigeria through Sokoto State by a foreign diplomat of the sacked Prime Minister to Cameroon. The name of the diplomat was given as Alhaji Tati.

R-L: President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; President of the Parliamentary Group, Mr. Abdellatif Hafidi; Leader of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan; members of the parliamentary group, Mrs. Fatimazahra Al Yahyaoui and Mr. Fatihi Abdelhamid, during the inauguration of the Senate Committee on Nigeria-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group at the National Assembly in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Customs intercepts three containers of fake drugs, 11 vehicles, others Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday disclosed that the Zone through its various antismuggling activities have intercepted a 40ft and two 20ft containers carrying medicaments suspected to be fake and falsely declared by the importer.

According to the Controller of the Zone, Comptroller Mohammed Uba, the products identified as Lemdafil, Acipep and Ciprofloxacin were said to have been imported from India and did not have an appropriate import documents and certification.

While handing over the seized containers to the officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Ikeja Lagos for further investigations, Uba lamented the rate at which some callous importer liter the country with medical products that are fake and harmful to the health of citizens.

He warned that the Zone will do everything within its power to ensure that such importers do to find the landscape favourable for such unscrupulous act.

Speaking on the other seizures by the Zone, the Comptroller revealed that 11 used vehicles, 4,227 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 249 bales of used clothing, 980 cartons of foreign poultry products, 907 used tyres, 268 pairs of used shoes were all seized.

Also,two containers carrying made in Nigeria

cables but imported from china, 7×20ft container carrying wood, 1×20ft container carrying wet blue leather, 84 parcels of Indian hemp amongst others were intercepted by the Zone between August 29 October 3, 2017.

Highlighting how the bags of rice were intercepted, Uba said, “After intensifying our operational modalities to meet up with the current smuggling tactics, based on information gathered, we trailed and evacuated 3000 bags of smuggled rice from 10 houses along waterside in Ere Village of Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

“Each of the houses had exit doors for their nefarious activities. As we were evacuating the rice from one house to the other, the villagers were also busy packing the rice to the bush through other exit. “ this is to tell you the extent some people take risk while indulging in smuggling. They see smuggling as a way of life and an inherited business.”

The Comptroller also revealed that due to the tough nature of the operation, the customs had to go with some army personnel from the 9th Brigade in Ikeja for the operation.

The total Duty Paid Value of the intercepted items was also put at N356, 205,050.78 only.

On his path, the Assistant Director of Investigations and Enforcement , Pharmacist Declan Ugwu who received the seizure on behalf NAFDAC appreciated the effort of the Nigeria Customs Service.

State House Clinic to be commercialised - Perm Sec Oluchi Okorafor, Abuja

ÏÏÏFollowing the recent

tweet by Zara, the daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, on the deplorable state of the State House Clinic despite huge budgetary provisions, the Permanent Secretary to the State House, Jalal Arabi, has disclosed that the State House Medical Centre (SHMC) will be commercialied and opened for public use.

You may also recall that a national dailies had reported that patients at the State House Medical Centre were groaning over lack of drugs and equipment at the facility.

The Permanent Secre-

tary disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, signed by the Deputy Director, Information in the State House, Mr. Attah Esa, while reacting to the revelations on the state of the Medical Centre.

Presently, the clinic offers free medical services to staff and residents in the Presidential Villa but Arabi said that the new development will re-positioned it for quality and efficient services.

The clinic is meant to serve the President and Vice President with their families as well as employees of the presidency and other privileged individuals.

The Permanent Secretary said that the management would, among other things, seek the commercialization of the centre to boost its revenue base.

According to Arabi, the centre, when commercialized, will also augment the appropriation it receives from the government in the quest for a better qualitative service.

“The centre is the only health centre in Abuja where patients are not required to pay a dime before consultation. ‘‘In other government hospitals in Abuja, patients are required to pay for consultation, treatment, laboratory tests and others but that has

not been the case with the State House Medical Centre. ‘‘The centre offers free services, nobody pays a kobo for hospital card, consultations or prescriptions and this has taken a toll on the subvention the centre receives from the government. ‘‘We have some of the best equipment in the country. For instance, to maintain the MRI and other scan machines, we spend close to N2 million monthly. Yet we do not charge a dime for those who require MRI scans in the clinic,’’ he said.

Arabi said that the proposed reforms would ensure that those eligible to

use the Centre were NHIS complaint with their Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) or primary health provider domiciled in the clinic.

He said that already NHIS desk had been created at the clinic where patients would be required to authentic their profile.

“If their HMOs are registered in other hospitals they will be required to transfer to the centre. ‘‘This is another way through which we can boost revenue generation at the hospital and this has started yielding results because the stark reality is there is no free lunch anywhere,’’ he said.

The permanent secretary also dismissed alle-

gations of misappropriation and withholding of funds meant for medical supplies in the centre. ‘‘I know people will insinuate and give all sorts of reasons because they don’t ask but it will be foolhardy and madness for anybody in his senses to defraud a medical centre of a kobo and toying with people’s lives. ‘‘No sane person will do that, so the truth of the matter is the hospital is being run on subvention and appropriation; if it comes we pile the drugs.

“But, the truth is the drugs are always overwhelmed by the number of people who use the centre because it is not controlled,’’ he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

News 9

Nigerian politicians are greedy –PDP chieftain

Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏPeoples

Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Cross River State, Mr. Chris Agara, has opined that politicians in the country are greedy and urged politicians elected into offices to avoid the temptation of clinging unto power even when their services are no longer needed by those who elected them into office.

Mr. Agara who lamented that a situation where some politicians after serving in one position for eight years would contest for another office instead of giving others a chance to serve their people is an act of greed which should be done away with.

“Devolution of power is not only in decentralising power from the central to the federating units but also among the politicians who should give up power after they have served their term because I see some people out of greed go ahead to impose themselves on the people by contesting for another office even when those who elected them no longer want them”.

He said Nigerians have become more enlightened and functional political-

ly are conscious who is serving their interest and those who are not therefore in 2019 those who are clinging unto power would be voted out by the people.

“Greed is responsible for all these and resulted to current agitation by the people who are clamouring for an active government because some politicians after serving as a governor would contest election into the Senate thereby denying others the opportunity to also serve their people but I can bet you that in 2019, that would not work” Agara who is a political associate of the Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade commended the governor for his effort in providing jobs through political appointments which he said has ripple effect on the economy of the state.

“I am not just impressed but extremely impressed with the efforts of Governor Ayade in infrastructural development and job creation under the prevailing circumstances because he inherited a lot of debts and the paucity of funds available to the state, compared to his predecessors, he has done very well.”

COWLSO restates zero tolerance for maternal mortality Benjamin Omoike, Lagos

ÏÏÏ Wife of

the Governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, under the aegis of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), on Wednesday further restated her commitment to maternal care in the State, by commissioning the upgraded Intensive Care Unit (ICU), of the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital as well as putting in place a neonatal hearing screening equipment.

Also benefitting from the first lady’s gesture were four General Hospitals: Gbagada, IfakoIjaiye, Ikorodu and Badagry- which all received auditory equipments.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ambode said the focus of COWLSO’s health intervention this year, majorly, was the ICU of the Island Maternity Hospital. She stated that as the drive to combat maternal mortality rate in the State continued to record tangible progress, there was need to tackle unbooked ante-natal cas-

es, which had become a major challenge in baby deliveries.

“A good number of such cases come in extreme conditions, which without the existence of a wellequipped Intensive Care Unit, death seems inevitable for the mother, baby or both. Now and then, we hear of many pregnant women and their babies dying of conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, convulsion or shock arising from postdelivery bleeding.

“A high number of such bad cases are referred from Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), and faith-based homes. After effective deliveries, subsequent proper care requiring intensive care is always lacking,” she said.

She added that until government’s advocacy of regular attendance of antenatal care services is heeded by expectant mothers, and until there is early referral from TBAs, faith-based organisations and Primary Health Care Centres, an ICU will always be needed to save more lives.

Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (2nd right); Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga (right); Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Revd. (Dr.) Tor Uja (left) and Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Akin Akinsanya (2nd left), during a courtesy visit on the Governor in Abeokuta, Ogun State… on Wednesday.

Alleged N23b bribe: INEC official not induced to make statement -Witness “The defendant walked Peter Fowoyo, Lagos

ÏÏÏA

prosecution witness, Tosin Owobo, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos that Christian Nwosu, an official with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who was accused of receiving N30 million as bribe was neither intimidated nor induced to make statement.

Nwosu allegedly received the money being part of a N23 billion alleged bribe from Diezani Alison-Madueke meant to compromise electoral officers before the 2015 general election.

The defendant had earlier admitted that he collected the money as he sought for a plea bargain arrangement with EFCC. However, Justice Mohammed Idris, rejected the terms of agreement and Nwosu reversed his “guilty” plea to “not guilty.”

He was subsequently arraigned alongside another INEC staff, Tijani Bashir, on an amended six-count charge bordering on receiving gratification to the tune of N264.8 million and the duo pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But the third defendant, Yisa Adedoyin, another staff of the Commission, pleaded guilty to one of the counts, receiving N70 million from the alleged bribe.

Consequently, the judge found Mr. Adedoyin guilty and convicted him accordingly.

Nwosu later informed the court that that he was coerced, intimidated , threatened and induced by the commission to make the statement that indicted him on the charge, the allegation made court to order for trial within trial to test the voluntariness of Nwosu’s statement.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, EFCC’S counsel, Nneme-

ka Omewa called it first prosecution witness, Owobo to explain to the court how the commission investigated the offence and how Nwosu ‘s statement was obtained.

Owobo in his testimony told the court that Nwosu’s statement was obtained under standard practice without inducement, intimidation or threat.

The witness told the court that Nwosu came to the commission’s office in Lagos on December 28, 2016 to make statement on the charge preferred against him, and after making statement, he was granted administrative bail on self-recognisance.

He said during interogation, the defendant was shown a document from a bank that he signed to collect the sum of N264 million and the defendant did not denied but explained what the money was meant for before making his statement.

to our office alone, my team and I have discussion with him on the allegations leveled against him and after our discussion, we asked him whether he will like to make statement and said yes.

“Nwosu’s statement was obtained under standard practice without inducement, intimidation or threat, after making statement, he was granted administrative bail on self-recognisance,” he said.

Under cross examination, Nwosu ‘ s counsel, Victor Opara asked Owobo whether he aware that the commission imposed counsel on client, and he said was not aware.

The witness also admitted that while Nwosu was writing his statement, no lawyer or member of human rights group was present.

Further, hearing has been adjourned till October 5.

LG poll primary: Why we adopted Option A4 –Fayose

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEkiti State Governor,

Mr. Ayo Fayose, has said the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state adopted Option A4 to conduct its primaries to select candidates for the coming local government election because of the need to allow transparency in the process.

He also said the system would also give room for the most popular candidates to win.

He stated this in AdoEkiti while speaking during the commencement of the

exercise.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, on Wednesday, the governor was quoted as saying that Option A4 would also help reduce acrimony as whoever loses would know he lost in a free and fair process.

“We want a transparent process to select our candidates and we don’t want to have serious issues as fallout of the exercise. If a person loses and sees that there was a level playing field, his complaints and grievances would be minimal. “ To ensure fairness in accreditation of those to vote,

you have to come with your party membership card and voter card. Apart from that, party executive in each ward as well as aspirants are at the gate to identify voters before they come in.

Any situation those people cannot identify a voter as being a member of their wards, such a person is not allowed in,” he said.

Option A4 is an electoral system made popular during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida where voters would openly queue behind their preferred candidates.

On the decision by the opposition All Progressives

Congress to take part in the December 23, 2017 poll, Fayose said it was welcomed, though he added that the party was up to some mischief.

He gave the assurance that the main poll would also be free and fair.

Councillors and chairmanship aspirants from Ado, Ikere, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ekiti South-West local government areas have been attended to Meanwhile, only seven out of the 13 wards in Ado Local Government were concluded, while all the seven chairmanship aspirants from the LG have been disqualified.

10 News

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Group declares loyalty to Obiano

John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏA

group called Independent Media Support Organisation (IMSO) has unequivocally expressed its unalloyed support and loyalty to the present administration under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano.

The support which was declared during a press conference to unveil a book on Obiano’s achievements took place in Awka, Anambra state.

The book titled “Portrait of Performance: Understanding the Vision Behin Obiano’s Performance was written by Ngozi Emedolibe.

Unveiling the book, the Executive Director IMSO, Comrade Harris Chuma, said that Obiano’s achievements within three years had outnumbered the claimed achievements of the previous administrations.

In his words “It is hard to overstate Governor Obiano’s popularity in Anambra, the state under his watch has witnessed a true rebirth. Governor Obiano’s stock has remained undimmed through the course

of his administration. Yet his second term bid will also highlight the changing dynamics of the relationship between the state and rest of the country that has been saddled with the arduous task of improving economic fortunes, certainly Anambra is making a big play for prominence in Nigeria.”

Describing Anambra as a state of investment, Mr. Chuma noted that “Anambra, under Willie Obiano’s led government is globally fluent, has 21st-century connectivity and an impressive pool of human capital. It’s a view echoed by millons of discernible people of the state. As we dance to the rhythms of the ongoing election campaigns, let’s be cautious of our choices. Let’s be mindful of the choices we make. We should elect to stand on the side of truth, we should not endorse the choices made by questionable characters who claims Anambra is their personal estate.”

He however urged Anambra people to ensure their maximum support to the governor to enhance and solidify his numerous blueprints for the state.

CCN attacks Oyegun over comments on marginalisation Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏThe

Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Rev Tunde Adeleye, has taken a swipe on the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun over a comment he made recently that the people of the South East have no “moral standing” to make case for their marginalization as long as they remained outside the fold of the APC. Rev Adeleye answering question from newsmen in Calabar said, “National Chairman of APC’s comment was unfortunate.

Odigie-Oyegun said last week that if you don’t want marginalization join APC, I did not only saw it in newspapers but I heard him on television.

“People are complaining of marginalization and somebody is saying if you don’t want marginalization join APC, that statement is unfortunate.

That’s a man I always respected and loved but regretted that he made such statement.

“When he was contesting for governorship race in Edo State, that’s my state, he had no friend,

only the people were his friends, he was a retired permanent secretary, no friend, nothing, and on television, he opened his cap and said his grey hairs were for wisdom and experience. But that statement was less expected of him, the statement that APC is all and all is unfortunate.

“Those who had involved in corruptions found solace in APC, the moment you join APC you are covered, is that democracy, I don’t know what kind of statement was that, If all of us join APC today, we are finish, that’s in fact is not democracy,” he stated.

On restructuring he said, restructure has to do with the problems of governance which will reduce marginalization, neglect, oppression and cheating of a particular area. “This will pave way for devolution of power in Nigeria whereby powers will be shared among Federal, State and Local Government.”

He explained that, Federal Government will take charge of Foreign policy, very major roads, trade, currency, immigration, postal system, telecommunication, air travel, broadcasting and defence.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (2nd left); representative of Gombe State Governor, Sen. Joshua Lidani (2nd right); Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Abubakar Nono (left); Deputy Minority whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Binta Bello and others, during a Retreat for Members of Gombe State House of Assembly and Management in Abuja… on Monday.

C’River govt losses $5m over non-payment of counterpart fund Edem Bassey, Calabar

*Gov Ayade has given instruction for its payment –State govt

ÏÏÏCross

tember 30, 2017.

Consequently, due to the failure to pay the counterpart fund as well as the drawing of the money, the people in the three local government areas, Obudu, Akamkpa and Ogoja that were to benefit for the program will be expose to water borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and other water born diseases.

Prior to this development, RUSHPIN program has put the state on the water and sanitation map as having produced a local government area, Obanliku, that was the first to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) out of the 774 local government areas in the country.

Addressing a press conference in Calabar on Tuesday, a non-governmental organization, the Society

River State Government has allegedly lost $5 million over nonpayment of counterpart fund. The money was earmarked to the state for the next phase and expansion of the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN).

The state, according to our investigation, was to contribute N104million as her counterpart fund to enable it draw money for the project. It was gathered that the money was the first tranche of N400m promised by Governor Ben Adaye.

Sadly, the dead line set by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the coordinating body for the RUSHPIN program for the payment of the first tranche, elapsed on Sep-

for Water and Sanitation Network, lamented the attitude of the government and regretted that with the non-payment of counterpart fund, there was likelihood of outbreak of water born diseases in the three local government areas which may spread to other areas of the state.

The Chairman of the group, Mr. Tony Kedang, said the success of the RUSHPIN program was reduction in sanitation related diseases, “These efforts are not only contributing to improved health but also improved education and economic indices in the state” He said: “Nigeria is a signatory to the UN-inspired Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Program which succeeded the MDGs with water and sanitation as the main focus of Goal

6. It is also on record that Nigeria ranks as the third open defecation country in the world after India and China” “We wish also to draw the attention of the Cross River State Government to the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which it signed with the funding agency, WSSCC and the Federal Government to expand and scale-up the program in three additional local government areas, Obudu, Akamkpa and Ogoja” disappointingly, the counterpart fund has not been released thereafter.

The group called on Governor Ben Ayade to hasten up and ensure that the counterpart fund which he signed the MOU was released with a view to controlling impending waterborne diseases in the state.

Akeredolu charges judicial officers on fairness, equity ‘Tosin Ajuwon,

ÏÏÏOndo Governor Roti-

mi Akeredolu on Wednesday charged stakeholders in the judiciary to champion fairness, equity and justice while discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

Akeredolu stated this, while declaring open the 2017 Chief Judge’s Seminar, with the theme; Dispensation of substantial justice in the eyes of the law. The event was held at the International Events Centre, DOME in Akure.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, noted that for the growth of the nation, all hands must be on deck to ensure equity and

justice in the national life of the citizenry.

He also said the ongoing reform in the judiciary will give way for speedy judiciary dispensation in the country.

Akeredolu, however stressed that the seminar would go a long way in reforming judiciary and the society at large.

While speaking on the recent suspension of some magistrates in the state, he said the state governments has no hand in their removal He explained that the development was introduced by the State Judiciary Commission (NJC), which was part of the ongoing efforts of cleaning the judiciary system.

Earlier in her speech,

the Acting Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu said the forum availed members of legal profession to learn aspects the law, life and new things in the law to impact meaningfully on the society.

Also in his welcome address, Hon. Justice Akintan Osadebay noted that the seminar postulated a reformative agenda and an effective tool for an effective justice delivery system in all facets.

Access Bank partners with Remita to offer Payday advance Joe Abu, Warri Customers and non customers of Access Bank have been offered a unique platform that gives them access to loans against their next salary payment.

The Payday Advance from Access Bank, in collaboration with Remita does not require any collateral or guarantor, and enables customers to obtain a loan instantly without going to the bank. In

ÏÏÏ

this regard, they are able to meet their urgent financial needs before payday.

Commenting on the initiative, Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Personal Banking said, “this offering is unique given that the beneficiaries do not have to be existing customers of Access Bank but hardworking salary earners who will now be able to obtain instant loans without a guarantor or stress.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Politics

s

11

Anambra governorship: APGA flags off campaign in grand style John Ndu and Alphosus Nweeze, Awka

It was a mammoth crowd at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State for the official flag off of APGA campaign for the November 18th governorship election.

The crowd from 179 communities in Anambra came in flamboyant APGA colors to express their solidarity and support for Governor Willie Obiano’s re-election.

In attendance were the National Secretary APGA, Hon Labaran Maku, the former governor of Central Bank, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Amb Bianca Ojukwu, APGA executives, House of Assembly members and party faithful.

Others were traditional rulers, religious leaders, different cultural troops, musical artists, masquerades, different groups among others.

Receiving the party’s flag, the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano noted that his administration had clamped down on hoodlums and miscreants in the state to ensure adequate security, saying he would continue the tempo when re-elected.

“My administration has invested N200 million in Health Insurance scheme to provide free health services to the indigent in the state. I have finalised plans to increase workers salaries by next year and it has been factored in the 2018 budget,” Obiano said.

He noted that his heavy investments in agriculture would make the state self sufficient and boost exportation of crops and vegeta-

OBIANO bles to Europe.

“I urge you to organise yourselves in different cooperatives to benefit from the agricultural loans and seedlings my administration has mapped out for farmers in the state,” the governor said.

The wife of the governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano said the present administration run all inclusive government, involving youths in decision making.

Mrs Obiano revealed that Obiano government had employed every graduate of physically challenged and offered scholarship to indigent people in the state.

“We have reformed insane people in the state and have provided prosthetic limbs to people and as well employed all the physically challenged persons,” Mrs Obiano added.

The governor promised to sus-

Senator Andy Uba reaffirms loyalty to APC John Ndu, Awka The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District and frontline governorship aspirant, in Anambra State, Dr Andy Uba has said that he is with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that he is not leaving the party.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after meeting with his loyalists at his campaign office in Awka, Dr Uba stressed the need to encourage his supporters after the APC primary that didn’t favour him and assured that he is still with the party to work for the overall progress of the party.

He urged whoever that is running for APC to carry his supporters along to form a united front as a house divided against itself cannot stand.

The senator announced that

his plan now is to ensure the progress of APC taking into cognisance that President Muhammadu Buhari would run in 2019, that he will strongly support him to win Anambra State and the entire South East.

He urged well meaning individuals to support the APC led government in the center to enable them benefit from the dividends of democracy.

UBA

OYE tain the tempo of N20 million community projects and urged those who had completed the first phase of the project to quickly apply for the second phase.

He charged the people to desist from any temptation that would make the election a do or die affairs.

“We have two things at stake, to vote for continuity to lift Anambra high or return to the days of darkness and lawlessness,” the governor stressed.

The National Chairman of the party, Mr Victor Oye revealed that Obiano’s administration had ensured prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as payment of pension and gratuities to pensioners in the state.

The wife of the former leader of APGA and the former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Amb Bian-

ca Ojukwu expressed confidence that the re-election of the governor would further solidify his achievements and continue in transforming the state to limelight.

She regretted that some who were founding fathers of APGA had dissociated themselves from the legacy instituted by late Odumegu Ojukwu, assuring to continue with the brotherly love initiated

by Ojukwu.

In his words, the Chairman, Obiano re election Committee, Sir Victor Umeh noted that “today is operation show muscle. APGA has transformed Anambra State and successively the story has remained progressively the same since 2006 from Obi to Obiano. We are by this crowd putting other parties on notice.”

Umeh charged Nigerians to respect the choice of Anambra

people, which according to him is APGA. He urged the people to troop out enmass to exercise their franchise come November 18th election, advising them to ensure their vote would be counted.

The National Secretary of APGA and former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku commended Governor Obiano for his numerous achievements in the state and the country at large.

Maku said “if possible to borrow governor, I will borrow Governor Obiano to my state. Anambra people should ensure re-election of the governor; otherwise they will suffer like other states that are still owing six months salaries.”

Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Charles Soludo said APGA has no opposition as the two other opposing parties are dead on arrival.

He explained that one of his reasons for supporting Obiano was his promise to observe the zoning arrangements.

The former first female governor in Anambra, Lady Virgy Etiaba called on the people to secure their vote to ensure accountability.

Former APGA governorship candidate in 2015 in Abia State, Chief Alex Otti said Anambra people are lucky to have Obiano as their governor, saying Anambra had left other states behind in terms of infrastructure and other developments.

He said “if Obiano is not elected come November 18th, Anambra will go back to Egypt.”

Highlight of the event was the presentation of party flag to Governor Obiano for his re-election.

Plateau Assembly member mobilises Peace Corps to repair bad roads Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

The member representing Rukuba/Irigwe constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Kudu, has mobilised members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria to patch the only major road leading to Bassa Local Government Area in the state, aimed at making it motorable for commuters.

Hon. Kudu said the effort became necessary considering the deplorable state of the road which was constructed barely two years ago, adding that the contractors who worked on the road should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“I call on government to arrest the contractors, drag them back to site, to reconstruct the road or charge them to court,” he said.

However, the Plateau State Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Patriot Sunday Joseph, said as part of the command’s community responsibility, his command will continue to rehabilitate the Bassa road, to make it

safe for commuters to ply in order to prevent road accident.

Mr. Joseph wondered how government could allow such a contractor to go scout free having done such a shabby job.

“The community service is part of our commitment of giving the society our support, which is also incorporated in our bill that has just been passed by the National Assembly, so as to make the environment clean and also to save lives due to the bad nature of the

road.

“Looking at the rate of accident recorded on this road as a result of the pot holes, it became imperative for the honorable member to join effort with us in patching the road,” he said.

However, the honorable member has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the bill seeking to establish the organisation, in order to provide more jobs for the teaming population.

Enugu APC expels its vice chairman Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has expelled its former vice chairman, Comrade Adolphus Ude from the party.

The Daily Times recalls that the expulsion of Ude is coming months after he was suspended alongside ten others for alleged anti party activities and were given seven days to appeal the sus-

pension.

The current vice chairman of the party in the state, Chief Anike Nwoga who briefed reporters in Enugu said Ude failed to appeal his suspension three months after, hence the outright sack.

Nwoga refuted the claim by the sacked former vice chairman “who tried to factionalise the party that the state chairman of the party, Dr. Ben Nwoye has been suspended.”

12 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Northern agenda behind Buhari’s opposition to restructuring– PDP chieftain Iniobong Iwok President Muhammedu Buhari’s opposition to agitations for restructuring of the country has been attributed to his desire for the continuous domination of the country by the North, which would also afford him opportunity to remain in power and appoint his kinsmen to public positions.

This was the position of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Sunday Ekanem in a telephone interview with The Daily Times, while reacting to the indepen-

dence speech of the President.

Ekanem expressed dismay at the President’s continuous opposition to restructuring of the country when it was obvious that a large section of the country was in support of restructuring and true federalism.

He added that the President was taking the position of the North of the country and implementing a Northern agenda, because the current system was in the North’s favour, stressing that the country would remain largely undeveloped if power was not devolved to the regions.

Ekanem who is the South-South

leader of the PDP in Lagos State, said the Independence speech of the President was empty and divisive, wondering why the President could not also condemn the Arewa elders for the quit notice the Arewa youths issued the Igbos living in the Northern part of Nigeria.

Speaking further, Ekanem questioned the anti graft war of the current administration, adding that the President should disclose modalities he intend to use in fighting corruption, adding that the refusal to try the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who was

accused of grass cutting scandal, shows the insincerity of the administration in the anti graft war.

He said “The Independent speech was empty, why would he blame the Igbo elders alone, why not also blame the Northern leaders for the Arewa Youths comment? If you look at the speech on corruption it was still the same speech in 1984, let him tell us how he is going to fight corruption, he sent soldiers to kill people agitating peacefully in the East.

“They appointed Salami to head the corruption trial committee, Salami is an APC man,

nothing good would come out of the that committee, EfCC is dead, what are they doing, Buhari is just using them as his dog, why can’t they go and arrest the former SSG, Amaechi and others that have been accused of corruption.

“Buhari would not support restructuring of the country because it favours them the way things are, he want the system to remain like this so that he would continue to appoint his Fulani brothers into positions. We want true Federalism, this system is not working,” Ekanem insisted.

Rivers APC chieftain hails Buhari for awarding Bonny-Bomu Road Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended for approving the contract for the construction of the Bonny/Bomu Road in Rivers State.

The commendation was made in a letter of appreciation made available to The Daily Times and signed by Chief George Tolofari, a former Transport Commissioner, under the administration of Mr Chibuike Amaechi, the current Minister of Transport.

Tolofari said that Rivers people and the All Progressive Congress (APC), family were excited by the news of the signing of the Bonny/ Bomu Road which, according to him “was long overdue given the economic relevance of the community to the nation and the importance of that road to the residents of those within the region.”

He thanked President Buhari for his show of concern, love, appreciation and strict adherence to the APC campaign promises, noting that he had shown commitment to the people of the SouthSouth region.

He stated: “The project will open the gateway for economic growth and diversification of the economy of Bonny and its environs. Due to this laudable commitment, there will be drastic reduction in boat mishaps which have taken the lives of countless people, old and young, and has barred many from coming down to engage in meaningful businesses for the benefit of those in the region and Nigeria at large for the fear of losing their lives and properties to pirates or boat mishaps.

“Industries have also gotten a gateway and coupled with the uninterrupted power supply enjoyed by residents and indigenes of the community, the improvement in the economy of our homeland will know no bounds.”

The APC chieftain recalled that

BUHARI the project had been on the drawing board for a very long time even before the Obasanjo’s administration in 1999. He remarked: “On the 24th, Feb, 2014, a delegation of men of repute, high chiefs from Bonny Island led by the Amayanabo of Grand Bonny, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple, paid a visit to the then President Goodluck Jonathan and he promised the revered monarch and his

AMAECHI cabinet of the government’s commitment to re-award the contract.

Regrettably, Dr Jonathan failed his people.”

Tolofari noted that while as governor, Mr Amaechi severally offered to take up the road project linking Bonny to other cities using state funds with the Federal Government signing documents agreeing to refund the state upon completion, but former President

Jonathan ignored those calls.

The Rivers APC stalwart also hailed President Buhari’s crusade on the fight against corruption, which he said, had won Nigeria great respect within as well as international recognition beyond our shores. He said this was against what Nigeria had in the past 16 years when corruption was instituted as a way of life in

the polity.

He stated: “With what you have achieved since assuming office as our President, we can now understand and appreciate why Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi insisted that we must follow you as the only tool that can salvage our nation from the mess that the country finds itself in the past years.

“In this regard, we cannot fail to mention and appreciate Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation and leader of the APC South-South, who is now being referred to by his people as “The Lion of NigerDelta Politics, because of his antecedents and propagation of your ideals, vision and principles amongst us.”

Tolofari said that while appreciating President Buhari for fulfilling his campaign promises, it was important to also remind him of those that were yet to be fulfilled, especially the pressing need of the Niger-Delta region which is the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7.

He said that if commenced, the project had the capacity to employ over 25,000 thousand workers.

PDP stakeholders back George as he declares chairmanship ambition Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, will on Friday, October 6, formally declare his ambition to run for the National Chairmanship position of the party.

The groundbreaking declaration, scheduled to hold at the City Hall, Lagos, will be witnessed by notable stakeholders of the party across the country.

It was gathered that the declaration by George, who is a major front runner in the race for the plum PDP job, is coming up

after receiving the backing of stakeholders’ from the six geopolitical zones.

George, it was learnt, already has the backing of major blocs in the party and it was also gathered that the party in the zone will settle for him as its candidate ahead of its forthcoming National Convention.

Banking on his experience as a party administrator, George, promised to bring about true reconciliation and the rebranding of the former ruling party and ultimately return it to winning streak even before the 2019

general elections.

Speaking on the aspiration of George, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said he (George) represents the party’s symbol of unity, fairness, equity, justice, progress and development.

“I am picking George because of his experience as a party faithful who will ensure reconciliation of all aggrieved members of the party. Experience is the best teacher,’’ Babatope said.

GEORGE

mple-

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

s

Editorial

13

PHOTO TIMES

FIIRO’s readiness to create 5m jobs annually

A

gainst the backdrop of the high unemployment level in the country, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos, stunned the nation recently when it claimed that it has developed a workable blueprint that could effectively curb the menace of unemployment by providing well over five million job opportunities annually in the country.

The Director General of FIIRO, Prof.

(Mrs.) Gloria Elemo told members of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology who were on an oversight visit to FIIRO that the package was designed to stimulate economic activities through processing and value addition to raw materials of relative advantage in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

The institute said it has carried out a comprehensive survey on raw materials of relative abundance in all the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country and has identified FIIRO technologies that are suitable for processing the raw materials in these LGAs for the establishment of micro, small, medium and large enterprises.

It also claimed that it has developed over 250 technologies in its many years of existence and these technologies could be deployed in the 774 LGAs in the country for massive job creation and economic stimulation through processing and value addition to raw materials of relative advantage in each local government area.

It is sad that FIIRO has developed such an avalanche of technologies over the years which it has not turned into massive use across the country.

However, thanks to the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology for embarking on an oversight visit to FIIRO and in the process, the country became aware of how the institute can positive-

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike Publishing Executive Enyinne Onwunwanne Group General Manager Olisa Egbunike 08034004224 Head, Operations Isaiah Udo 08033230673

ly contribute to creating five million jobs annually through its technologies.

Coming at a time when governments at both the federal and state levels are desperately looking at how to tackle the high unemployment problem in the country, particularly among the youth, it appears that FIIRO has got a major and somewhat right answer to the nation’s unemployment problem.

It should therefore take the blueprint which it has developed on how the technologies can create about 5 million jobs annually through direct and multiplier effect to the federal government and the states for speedy study and implementation.

In convincing the government that it can perform the feat as claimed, on its part, FIIRO must be ready to provide evidence of enterprises that have used its acclaimed 250 technologies over the years and the successes recorded with the usage of the technologies.

Funding of the enterprises could be a problem. But, if governments at both the federal and state levels are convinced that the blueprint could indeed create five million jobs or so annually, both the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) would be brought in by the government to fund the projects.

It is a good thing that FIIRO has over the years been collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the country such as the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Fabricators Association of Nigeria (AMEFAN), National Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (NASME), National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), among others. With the extensive collaboration with these reputable bodies which FIIRO has had over the years, effective technology diffusion across the country should not be a problem if the govern-

Group Head Finance/ Administration Tobi Oyeniyi 07060528139

Managing/Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh 08050220692

Deputy Editor, Special Projects Lateef Ibrahim 08037872585

Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo 08033072614

Editor, Daily Tony Amokeodo 08038099089

Features Editor Gbubemi God’s Covenent Snr 09095489889

News Editor Kelechi C. Ogbamgba 08050220561

Ag. Head, Graphics/ Design Sunday Gabriel Idagwu 07030881423

More info: www.dailytimes.ng https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

L-R: Group Managing Director, CMC Connect (Perception Managers), Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Executive Producer of Gula on Stage, Tunde Oduwole and others, during the Premiere of Gula/CMC Connect 25th Anniversary in Lagos… recently.

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola (5th right); Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (4th right) and newly commissioned Army Officers of Osun Indigenes, during a courtesy visit on the Governor in Osun State… on Wednesday.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

General Counsel: ELIAS MORDI & CO 08068613825

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh; Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Sen. Heineken Lokpkobiri and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja… on Wednesday.

dailytimesnigeria www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Mathew Kukah

Ibrahim Babangida

Wole Soyinka

“The world can provide for the need of everybody but cannot provide for the greed of everybody.”

“The work of Nigeria is not complete for as long as there is any one Nigerian who goes to bed on empty stomach.”

“The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.”

14

Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Proliferation of arms in Nigeria: Role of ICRC

T

Shuaibu Danjuma

he uncontrolled proliferation of tens of thousands of arms into the country is the major catalyst for youth restiveness and violent agitations in some parts of the country.

More often than not it leads to all manners of social vices, death, kidnapping, armed robbery, conflicts and outright disrespect to the constituted authority. From January to September 27, 2017 alone, different categories of small and other dangerous arms were intercepted

by Nigeria Custom Service .The recent of the interception was Pump action rifle cleverly concealed in a container box being transferred to the country. The illegal flooding of arms to Nigeria if not checked might grossly infringe and violate the African Charter on Human and people ‘s Rights and National status.

However, the Charter on Human Rights and abuses categorically includes rights to life, Liberty, Movement, Rights not to be deprived of one’s property, freedom from fear, from inhuman treatment or torture, Rights of security and communal rights. It is however unhealthy to the Nation the devastating effects of the proliferation of arms across the country in recent time. The availability of arms in the hands of an unauthorized citizens will render the enormous efforts put in place by the security Agents to maintain sanity in the country helpless . Unless drastic measures is taking by the relevant authority to carefully address this trend it might post grave danger to the peace hitherto enjoyed in

the country particularly now that the nation is bedeviled with different kinds of agitations among the diverse ethnic nationalities and the forthcoming general Elections 2019. The Nation’s borders should be vigorously manned, fortified and tightened up to prevent illegal movement of individuals involves in this evil practices to the Nation.

To this end, it is imperative and crucial to state that the advantage of drawing the attention of the International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC] became apparently obvious considering the global connections and recognitions given to ICRC in Humanitarian services, disaster management and arms conflicts around the World. The International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC]and other security Agents can as a matter of urgency bring to bear their local expertise and links with other local actors to closely and professionally checkmate the importation and movement of arms into the country.

Looking at the global connection of ICRC in Humanitarian affairs, they can easily gain access to countries where some of these arms are coming into the country .

Through collaboration with both local and international players in the importation of arms, through strong determination and political will it can be discouraged taking into accounts the monumental danger it might post to the corporate existence of the country. Undoubtedly, the role of ICRC in Humanitarian service cannot be overemphasized with regards to its duties across all strata of human endeavor general-

ly regard ICRC as a formidable and impartial Humanitarian organization. This make them command respect and attention Worldwide in peace building and conflict mitigation. It is against this backdrop to say that the ultimate aims of involving ICRC in this regard is specifically to help limit the transportation, importation and otherwise the proliferation of arms into the country as part of its corporate social responsibility to the host country Nigeria. It is much more better to control crime before it begins. The ICRC and other relevant NGOs in the country should rise to the challenge toward ensuring that there is absolute limits, control and transfer of arms into Nigeria by blowing the whistle.

As I mentioned earlier, it is better and advantageous to all and sundry to mitigate conflicts before it escalates into a level that can no longer be managed. The earlier the better for us before victims of arms conflicts begins to look for Humanitarian aids. Security Agents across the Nation’s airspace should also put more effort in the discharge of duty for the safety and protection of the country. An estimated 85 percent conflicts and death in any vulnerable environment solely dependent on the volumes of arms available to the perpetrators of violence. Consequently, Children, Women and the elderly are mostly affected as results of arms proliferation in the hands of unauthorised individuals. Just as the saying goes’ ‘’He who controls the arms controls the power’’ There is a compelling need for the three arms of govern-

ment to proactively work together with a view to honestly and courageously apply all the relevant sections of the constitution relating to firearms to expeditiously nip in the bud the incessant cases of arms flooding into the country.

The Judiciary should be more holistic and proactive in this regard while applying the relevant provisions of the constitution to deal decisively with the issues of illegal importation of firearms into the country . The perpetrators should not only face the full wrath of the law but should be used as an escape goat to others no matter how highly placed they are. Nigerians should not allow the prevailing sectional agitations in some parts of the country to cloud our moral reasoning in an issues that is capable of threatening the corporate existence of our dear nation, rather we should think of what unit us than what divide us. There is no doubt saying the obvious that some disgruntle elements in the country are benefiting seriously from this inimical game for their worldly desires.

Again, the Unity and diversity of the country is not negotiable.

If any segments of the population that make up the component Unit called [Nigeria] have any grievances, let it be done in a more constructive, holistic and peaceful manner not through violence agitations or flooding the country with dangerous weapon.

Shuaibu Danjuma, Head of media and communications, Bauchi State Directorate ..

Shaibudanjuma165@yahoo.com

Where have all magicians gone to?

S

Jason Osai

implistic and perhaps rhetorical as this question seems, it demands deep thought informed by a sense of the social history of pre-independence, pre-civil war and the immediate post-civil war eras in Nigeria. Incidentally, these periods cover my childhood, teenage and youth, respectively. I shall, therefore, take you on a journey down memory lane spanning the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s (up to 1973) in the Sombreiro Valley of Niger Delta, Nigeria; thereafter, I shall offer a very simple but highly worrisome answer.

One evening during the third quarter of the 1950s, I came home to the UAC staff quarters at Beach, Alinso Okeanu in the present Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government, Rivers State and received the beating of my life from my mother who was very dexterous with the cane and never spared it. Why? There was a telltale patch of stew on my upper lip and my breath.

At that stage of our national development in rural Nigeria, stew usually went with rice and rice was consumed only during Christmas, New Year, Easter and Salla, which we referred to as “Hausa Christmas” and it was not any of those seasons. The answer? A sportily-dressed Arthur Ezenekwe, son of the manager of UAC, came home, gathered us in a hall near his father’s house in Kreigani and performed America wonders: he spoke in a rather strange but enchanting tongue not to us but to the four walls

of the hall, snapped his fingers and a tin of “Craven A” cigarettes materialised; the adults quickly collected sticks of the cigarettes and smoked, so did some bad boys; then, Arthur requested for a white basin and someone quickly brought one; after another stretch of the strange tongue, he took a red cloth from his magic box, covered the basin with it, spoke further in that strange tongue to the four walls, mumbled some barely audible sounds then swiftly lifted the red cloth and we were staring at a basin filled with steaming hot rice decorated with equally hot stew and innumerable lumps of succulent-looking large pieces of meat. Goodness gracious!

We were face-to-face with the feast of festivities. Our jaws dropped in unison as if choreographed; we were salivating, highly expectant and wondering if he would let us eat of it. He did.

Arthur and I had a pair of peculiar commonalities and are related, sort of: sandwiched between two girls, he is the only son of his mother, and I am also sandwiched between two girls and the only son of my parents; again, his mother, Margaret, is my baptismal mother, which was a very serious relationship during the embryonic stage of Christianity in the area; I was, therefore, his younger brother and he treated me as such. Expectedly, in choosing those to take the first shot at the feast, Arthur pointed at me and, like Adam of you-knowwhat-book, I ate thereof.

When the Orashi River ceased to be the aquatic highway for moving goods and materials, UAC closed its doors at Beach and the multi-ethnic

population of about six thousand dispersed from the cosmopolitan trading post. My family moved northwards to Omoku, which is on Federal Highway 28 that runs from Oguta through Omoku and Ahoada to Yenagoa and had started attracting sojourners as a result of government offices, a court, post office, police station, a motor park, big market and primary schools that offered the First School Leaving Certificate examination.

One afternoon at St. Michael’s School, Omoku, we were hurriedly chaperoned to one of the halls and a magician by name Dr. Prince arrived with Lydia, a very pretty lady in black slacks bestriding the backseat of his Triumph motorbike to the amazement of the people. Like Arthur Ezenekwe, Dr. Prince was fair-skinned, very handsome, well dressed and had good command of the English Language, at least as far as our capacity to evaluate that allowed. Like Arthur, Dr. Prince spoke in that strange tongue and performed wonders to the fascination of all. Other than Dr. Prince, other magicians came and performed their art and that became a norm in schools, court halls and town squares in those days before moving and talking pictures entered the entertainment scene; this trend subsisted during the immediate post civil war years.

Today, there is absolutely no sign of the magicians of old on our streets and I wonder why; and this is the essence of this piece. Like the time traveler of Ecclesiastes, I gave deep thought to this question and returned to today, under the sun.

My answer is that the magicians

are still here with us as wolves in sheep’s skin; along with native doctors, they are amongst the anointed, speaking in strange tongues and plying their trade of wondrous works to the enchantment of their ensnared audience that are suffering from stress and socioeconomic hardship induced neurosis. Thanks to cosmetologists, they are all looking good; dressed in fancy clothes; living in mansions; driving SUVs and riding in motorcades instead of Triumph motorcycles; they are flying private jets. Where have all the magicians gone? I will concisely answer thus: they are harvesting the financial seeds sown by a gullible laity and the proceeds accruing from glossolalia and performing wondrous works on the pulpits of Pentecostalism.

A parting note: I have written severally that “the greatest hoaxes in humanity are embedded in the concretes of the obelisks, towers and domes of organised religion.”

Let me add thus: the face of God is in our thoughts, utterances, actions and inactions; no man of God can pray for you better than you can pray for yourself if you judiciously apply yourself to the art and act of praying. Be you Jew, Hindu, Christian, Moslem or Traditionalist, God resides in the heart of each and everyone of us; praying without ceasing is being conscious of the presence of God in everything we do, every moment of our lives.

J. Osai is a professor at the Institute of Foundation Studies, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.(jasonosai1@yahoo. com)

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

15 Column

‘CAN’s descent to the medieval’ filthy, usurious kitchen of the devil and back to the hallowed dinner table of God!

Times Columnist MOHAMMED ADAMU

“ ‘

But by a curious –nonetheless ridiculous- twist of irony, CAN, here in Nigeria strains secular logic in defense of ‘usury’; making it seem, rather laughably less catholic than the Pope himself’ -hating everything ‘Islamic’, so much that the Association is prepared to embrace anything anti-Christic! In truth non-interest banking is as biblical as it is Islamic. Just as ‘head-covering’ (or hijab) for the female also is.

’

God is the brave man’s hope, and not the coward’s excuse” –Plutarch No right thinking follower of the debate on non-interest (Islamic) banking will miss the bigoted stand, not of Christians, but of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN). That body, nowadays seeming extra-biblically adept at giving to Caesar what’s not Caesar’s and denying God what’s God’s, has ridiculously elevated ‘ignorance’ to a heaven of blissful ‘excuse’. At different times CAN has mischievously raised that contrived ‘ignorance’ both as a faith-shield against non-existent threat to Christianity and as a sword of faith against the phantom of a harmless economic idea.

CAN’s opposition to Islamic banking pooh-poohs the right of others in a democracy to freely pursue lawful endeavours insofar as, by so doing, they do not infringe on the corresponding rights of others. Like the right of parents to send their children to ‘Covenant’ or ‘Crescent’ Universities, -both regulated by ‘secular’ laws but run respectively according to Christian and Islamic ethos. Ditto the right to do business with a judeo-Christian, interest-yielding bank or with an Islamic, non-interest yielding one.

It is inconceivable that either of these choices should Christianise or Islamise Nigeria!

CAN’s insistence on subjecting this ‘secular right’ of Muslims to the inquisition of the ‘Church’, takes us back to Christendom’s Dark Ages; that decadent Medieval era of the glorification of ‘ignorance’ marked by the Church’s –again not Christianity’s- inglorious suppression of knowledge and the outlawing of scientific enquiry. History which is replete with the bitter struggle between what one writer described as “the suppressed genius of Europe and the imperial retrogressive ways of the old Church”, tells us that the progressive, enquiring spirit of the people was oppressed by impractical, non-biblical dogmas that “did not favour energetic endeavours concerning worldly knowledge and the improvement of the earthly conditions of life”.

Thus history confirms that Europe under medieval cassock not only lacked vitality in the realm of scientific research, it in fact lost “all real connections with the philosophical achievements of Rome and Greece out of which originally European culture essentially grew’. The intellect of Europe was said to have revolted several times, and that quite as many times as it did, it was summarily beaten down by a Church that considered every scientific endeavour heretical.

The liberation of the European mind from this intellectual bondage they said, fell in the time of the ‘rebirth’ or Renaissance; and this, history tells us, was due largely to the new cultural and scientific impulses which the Arabs transmitted to the West through practically recorded historical experi-

Most Rev Ayokunle, CAN President ences ranging from the plunder of Arabs’ intellectual treasure during the crusade and the all-pervading radiance of knowledge emanating “from the brilliant Universities of Muslim Spain”.

These rejuvenating currents emanating from the Islamic World were said to have enabled the best minds of Europe ‘to fight with new strength against the ‘disastrous supremacy’ of the established Church; so that in the 18thC the collective mind of Europe was to come off the grip of medieval shackles and a new civilization, free from the tyrannical gloom of the scholastic theology of the Christian Middle Ages, now emerged’. Thus the saying that ‘the modern scientific age was not inaugurated in the cities of Christian Europe, but in the Islamic centres of Damascus, Baghdad, Cairo and Cordova’. Christening this era of European rebirth ‘the Renaissance’, according to Muhammad Asad, author of ‘Islam and Western Civilization’, was an appreciation by European historians of the “invigorating contact by Europe with Arab and or Islamic civilization.”

Genie of usury And so, now freed from its serfdom under the Church, Europe’s mind was said to have cautiously settled itself into a decided antagonism against ‘religion’, resulting in the evolution of a ‘materialist conception of life’ as a revenge not just on the ‘medieval Church’ alone, or on ‘Christianity’, but on ‘religion’ as a whole. And it was largely this anti-religious posture of a vengeful Europe intent on antagonising the rag-tag remains of the established Church, that eventually led to the tragic escape -from Christendom’s locked bottle- of the Jewish ‘genie’ of ‘usury’ (or interest-taking) which had been the Jewish way of life since back in the days of Jesus.

And in fairness to it, the medieval Church –in spite of all its frailties and its foibles- had been adept all through religious history, at containing the hydra-headed evil of ‘usury’, battling a ‘stiff-necked and rebellious’ Jewish community (resident in Christendom), that believed if usury had survived the immortal ‘son of man’ himself, usury would survive mortal ‘man’. And it did! Thanks to the eventual routing of the Church, a liberated and now materialistic Europe which was bent on taking its ‘pound of flesh’ from the body of ‘Christ’, was only too happy to allow ‘usury’ out of the bottle that Christendom had man-

aged to hold it up.

You will remember that Shakespeare bemoaned this calamity in his tragi-comic Jewish character Shylock in the play ‘Merchant of Venice’ where the selfish agenda of an interest-dealing Jewish merchant would assume a murderous dimension threatening the life of a Christian, Antonio in a Venetian Commonwealth. Shylock’s grouse against Antonio? Listen to him: “I hate him for he is a Christian: but more, for that in low simplicity he lends out money gratis and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice”. In plain English Shylock meant: ‘Although it is sufficient to hate him because he is a Christian, I hate him even more because in Christ-like charity (i.e. “in low simplicity”) he lends out money without taking interest and by so doing killing the business of usury (usance) here in Venice. But this was the Christendom of old. Halalcompliant!

The earliest Western Church had a clear reputation for fighting ‘usury’ -or ‘riba’ as it is called in Arabic. And even though the medieval Church had inadvertently misconducted itself to pave the way for interest-taking to become the primum mobile of all capitalist transactions, in fairness to the Christian West it continues to remain –till today- receptive to superior alternative currents of ideas including from Arabia whence it had once benefited. But by a curious –nonetheless ridiculous- twist of irony, CAN, here in Nigeria strains secular logic in defense of ‘usury’; making it seem, rather laughably less catholic than the Pope himself ’ -hating everything ‘Islamic’, so much that the Association is prepared to embrace anything anti-Christic! In truth noninterest banking is as biblical as it is Islamic. Just as ‘head-covering’ (or hijab) for the female also is.

Nothing can be more anachronistic than CAN, -comprising mostly obscenely rich denominational church heads, fattened to spiritual obesity by ‘usurious’ wealth schemed from poor unsuspecting faithful-, publicly whipping secular, capitalist sentiments to de-campaign a banking concept that seeks only to ‘return to God what has always been God’s’ and to demand from Caesar, what had inadvertently been given to Caesar. But no! Religious bigotry will not allow CAN to sincerely offer exemplary inter-faith leadership by applauding Islam’s efforts at taking man’s gluttonous mouth off the

Postscript Postscript this week is an extract from an earlier piece too ‘Mad Men And Economists’.

The undoing of modern democratic capitalism as a system of economy is traceable to its deviation from the path of its theocratic origin. When Jesus -in the Biblestormed the synagogue to chase the money changers out of the house of God, he captured in one singular action the notion of a world economy envisioned by God which -of a necessity- must be non-usurious if it is to be free from the exploitation of the many by a few.

Islamically the object of theocratic economy has been to leave the windows of ‘profit’ and ‘loss’ widely open. So that all who go into business transactions are exposed equidistantly to the possibilities of either making ‘profit’ or registering ‘loss’. This is the crux of Islamic (halal) investment. Business is about the only ‘game of chance’ that religion can be said to permit. Unfortunately democratic capitalism with its concept of so called ‘risk-free’ investment, promises –albeit deceptively- to shut the window of ‘loss’ -for good- and to leave the window of ‘profit’ –permanently- open.

And herein lies the venom of the capitalist system. The very point at which man defied the transcendental order of ‘godly economics’ to supplant ‘usury’, was the tipping point that returned man from a path of bliss to the state of nature! So that naïve man for example now gleefully subscribes to life insurance policies, paying premiums all his life in the hope of making a ‘killing’ even after ‘death’. Yogi Berra, the American base-baller known for his witty barbs mocks at this capitalist greed when he jived: “I took out a big life insurance policy because I want to be rich -when I die”.

We believe that by ‘saving’ or ‘investing’ in a so called risk-free, interest-yielding, banking system today, we have outsmarted Jesus because we have covered the less than savoury word ‘usury’ with the ‘pleasant’ one ‘interest’. Modern man believes that like the soulless money-merchants of Jesus’ time, he can multiply his estate without lifting a finger. And yes, in reality we seem to make some fleeting gains in insurance, stocks, mortgages etc.

But all of this gain inevitably aggregates to a national burden which the system –being risk-free- has to pass to the economy; and upon which in the long run, all our fates are hung.

In fact “The trick now” as Alan Clark even put it “is not to live off the interest on one’s capital, but off the interest on the interest”. That is doubling the ‘rip off ’. But to the exclusion of existing goods and services, ‘money’ is not supposed to give birth to ‘money’ like democratic capitalism wants us to believe.

We rejoice always at the prospect of reaping where we have not sown.

But truth is, in no distant future the curse of unearned ‘gains’ always awaits us all. Because in reality interest-making upon which the freemarket economy derives its oxygen bears a transcendental curse.

Jesus, being from on-high, was quintessentially a better economist than Adam Smith. Because even as far back as then he knew that if money was allowed to incubate money; and currencies to hatch their own kind -without a concomitant growth in goods and services- there would be as many false economies as he had warned there would arise false false prophets.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

17

18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Crime

s

Ten robbery suspects arrested for stealing cars, home appliances Stories by Joy Anyim, Lagos

Lagos State Police Command, through operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, has arrested 10 robbery suspects that have been terrorising residents of Ayobo, Ipaja, in Lagos. A total of six vehicles stolen by the robbers in Onitsha, Anambra State, were also recovered.

Parading the suspects along with others, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, disclosed that the suspects broke into their victims’ houses at night, packed their belongings inside their cars and drove away very early next morning.

The suspects’ names were given as Abomi James (34), Omokaro Efe (48), Joseph Uzuazomaro (31), Chukwudi Onyemara (27), Melvin Umeh (33), Nisma Uttah (33), Samuel Shokunbi (34), Ahmed Waheed (37), Augustine Uchenna (47) and Udoh Benedict (39).

Reiterating his Command’s preparedness to combat crime in Lagos State, Edgal sent forth

a warning, saying: “This is a warning to robbers collecting cars at gun point and those stealing them from where they are parked, that police is ready to track and locate those vehicles and return them to their owners anywhere they may be hidden.”

Vehicles recovered includes – two Totoya Camry (FKJ 715 ES) and (FGG 636 MC), Toyota Matrix (EPE 429 DJ), Mercedes Benz 4matic (KRD 68 ES), Acura MDX (EKY 534 BS) and Toyota Camry (LSR 742 EW).

The suspects, he said, would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

Speaking with journalists, the leader of the gang, Uttah stated that his gang resides in Ajegunle but operates in Ayobo and Ipaja.

On their mode of operation, he revealed that he would always go to survey any area they intend to rob and note targeted buildings before visiting the residents at night.

“If it is a fenced building, we scale the fence or break part of the wall. We would operate from house to house, threatening

them with our guns and after operation, we would drive off with our loot.

“Most times, what we look forward to stealing is cars, especially Toyota brands. After stealing the cars, we re-register it and sell for at least N150,000 and then share the money equally. Even other household items such as home theatres, generator sets, flat screen televisions are also sold and the proceeds shared equally.”

Uttah alleged the group had only robbed three times.

One of the criminal receiver, Efe, who claimed he didn’t know the items he had bought from the gang leader were stolen, narated his own side of the story.

“We live around the same area at Kirikiri and I had hinted him sometime back that I needed to buy a generator for my shop. He then called me to come and buy the one he had. I never knew it was stolen item. It was some weeks later that he called me to come and see a home theatre he wanted to sell, and when I got there, I was arrested by the police who were waiting. They

The suspects

then told me my offence. I know nothing about their operation.

The state Police boss also revealed that one locally made pistol, four cartridges, five LG flat screen television, six wrist watches, deck woofer, three pairs of shoes, a black suit and

other items were also recovered from the gang.

Edgar invited owners of the vehicles who could provide adequate proof of ownership to come forward to claim their vehicles.

Native doctor, prophet arrested for kidnapping children for ritual

It was the end of the road for two notorious kidnappers cum ritualists, Tunde Ajibolorunsoro and Tajudeen Aremu, who specialise in kidnapping infants and young persons for ritual purposes in the Mairan area of Lagos.

The 57-year-old Ajibolorunsoro (aka professor), who claimed to be a prophet, was allegedly arrested over his involvement in the kidnap of one five-year-old Aishat Yekini in Miran.

Upon his arrest, he had confessed to have also kidnapped and sold three other children to Aremu (aka Oluwo) who is a native doctor and his neighbour who uses the children for ritual purposes.

According to the Commissioner of Police who paraded the suspects at the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja on Monday, Ajibolorunsoro sells the kidnapped children for N60,000 each.

The state police chief sad, “One Yekini Muyideen had reported a case of kidnap of five-year-old Aishat Yekini and immediately, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery

The suspects

Squad (SARS) swung into action and two suspects were arrested. Investigations revealed that he sold the child for N60,000”.

Ajibolorunsoro however denied the allegation, saying he is been falsely accused.

He said, “I was sitting outside my house when I saw

people going around saying they were looking for a child.

At about 11pm, I went inside my house to sleep but shortly after I had gone inside, I was awaken by the flash of torchlight. I quarried the person who was pointing the torchlight at my window and they said they are looking

for a child.

“I asked them if they had gone to the police to report the missing child and they said yes. I went back to sleep and in the morning the people came again to my house, they insisted on searching my entire house which I didn’t object to; and even

men from the Mairan Police Division came and also carried out their own search and found nothing, but they arrested me that I am a suspect in the case. I was also taken to SARS. “I was tortured and out of confusion I told them I had sold three children. I am not a kidnapper,” He said.

Also, Aremu, who is the alleged receiver, distanced himself from the allegation.

The native doctor said, “I have known Tunde for over ten years as a prophet in the neighbourhood but I never knew his house.

“I was in my house when the police came to pick me, saying that Ajibolorunsoron had confessed to have been selling children to me for ritual purposes.

“I have never bought or sold any child for ritual. I don’t know what they are talking about.”

It was also gathered that the duo belong to same confraternity.

CP Edgal said investigations are still ongoing.

When completed, he said, the suspects will be charged to court.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Crime

s

19

Ten robbery suspects arrested for stealing cars, home appliances Stories by Joy Anyim, Lagos

Lagos State Police Command, through operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, has arrested 10 robbery suspects that have been terrorising residents of Ayobo, Ipaja, in Lagos. A total of six vehicles stolen by the robbers in Onitsha, Anambra State, were also recovered.

Parading the suspects along with others, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, disclosed that the suspects broke into their victims’ houses at night, packed their belongings inside their cars and drove away very early next morning.

The suspects’ names were given as Abomi James (34), Omokaro Efe (48), Joseph Uzuazomaro (31), Chukwudi Onyemara (27), Melvin Umeh (33), Nisma Uttah (33), Samuel Shokunbi (34), Ahmed Waheed (37), Augustine Uchenna (47) and Udoh Benedict (39).

Reiterating his Command’s preparedness to combat crime in Lagos State, Edgal sent forth

a warning, saying: “This is a warning to robbers collecting cars at gun point and those stealing them from where they are parked, that police is ready to track and locate those vehicles and return them to their owners anywhere they may be hidden.”

Vehicles recovered includes – two Totoya Camry (FKJ 715 ES) and (FGG 636 MC), Toyota Matrix (EPE 429 DJ), Mercedes Benz 4matic (KRD 68 ES), Acura MDX (EKY 534 BS) and Toyota Camry (LSR 742 EW).

The suspects, he said, would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

Speaking with journalists, the leader of the gang, Uttah stated that his gang resides in Ajegunle but operates in Ayobo and Ipaja.

On their mode of operation, he revealed that he would always go to survey any area they intend to rob and note targeted buildings before visiting the residents at night.

“If it is a fenced building, we scale the fence or break part of the wall. We would operate from house to house, threatening

them with our guns and after operation, we would drive off with our loot.

“Most times, what we look forward to stealing is cars, especially Toyota brands. After stealing the cars, we re-register it and sell for at least N150,000 and then share the money equally. Even other household items such as home theatres, generator sets, flat screen televisions are also sold and the proceeds shared equally.”

Uttah alleged the group had only robbed three times.

One of the criminal receiver, Efe, who claimed he didn’t know the items he had bought from the gang leader were stolen, narated his own side of the story.

“We live around the same area at Kirikiri and I had hinted him sometime back that I needed to buy a generator for my shop. He then called me to come and buy the one he had. I never knew it was stolen item. It was some weeks later that he called me to come and see a home theatre he wanted to sell, and when I got there, I was arrested by the police who were waiting. They

The suspects

then told me my offence. I know nothing about their operation.

The state Police boss also revealed that one locally made pistol, four cartridges, five LG flat screen television, six wrist watches, deck woofer, three pairs of shoes, a black suit and

other items were also recovered from the gang.

Edgar invited owners of the vehicles who could provide adequate proof of ownership to come forward to claim their vehicles.

Native doctor, prophet arrested for kidnapping children for ritual

It was the end of the road for two notorious kidnappers cum ritualists, Tunde Ajibolorunsoro and Tajudeen Aremu, who specialise in kidnapping infants and young persons for ritual purposes in the Mairan area of Lagos.

The 57-year-old Ajibolorunsoro (aka professor), who claimed to be a prophet, was allegedly arrested over his involvement in the kidnap of one five-year-old Aishat Yekini in Miran.

Upon his arrest, he had confessed to have also kidnapped and sold three other children to Aremu (aka Oluwo) who is a native doctor and his neighbour who uses the children for ritual purposes.

According to the Commissioner of Police who paraded the suspects at the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja on Monday, Ajibolorunsoro sells the kidnapped children for N60,000 each.

The state police chief sad, “One Yekini Muyideen had reported a case of kidnap of five-year-old Aishat Yekini and immediately, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery

The suspects

Squad (SARS) swung into action and two suspects were arrested. Investigations revealed that he sold the child for N60,000”.

Ajibolorunsoro however denied the allegation, saying he is been falsely accused.

He said, “I was sitting outside my house when I saw

people going around saying they were looking for a child.

At about 11pm, I went inside my house to sleep but shortly after I had gone inside, I was awaken by the flash of torchlight. I quarried the person who was pointing the torchlight at my window and they said they are looking

for a child.

“I asked them if they had gone to the police to report the missing child and they said yes. I went back to sleep and in the morning the people came again to my house, they insisted on searching my entire house which I didn’t object to; and even

men from the Mairan Police Division came and also carried out their own search and found nothing, but they arrested me that I am a suspect in the case. I was also taken to SARS. “I was tortured and out of confusion I told them I had sold three children. I am not a kidnapper,” He said.

Also, Aremu, who is the alleged receiver, distanced himself from the allegation.

The native doctor said, “I have known Tunde for over ten years as a prophet in the neighbourhood but I never knew his house.

“I was in my house when the police came to pick me, saying that Ajibolorunsoron had confessed to have been selling children to me for ritual purposes.

“I have never bought or sold any child for ritual. I don’t know what they are talking about.”

It was also gathered that the duo belong to same confraternity.

CP Edgal said investigations are still ongoing.

When completed, he said, the suspects will be charged to court.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 5, 2017

Public Notice 21

FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

KINGDOM LIFEHOPE MISSION INTERNATIONAL

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION 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 Mission has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ASUQUO EBENEZER D. PRESIDENT/FOUNDER 2. ISAMBLA PHILIP IWA 3. MRS. ANIONTING D. ASUQUO 4. EPHRAIM D. ASUQUO

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ANTHONY EZEADICHIE 2. PASTOR (MRS) NKEIRU EZEADICHIE 3. DR. VINCENT ONODUGO

- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY - TREASURER - FINANCIAL SECRETARY

President Secretary Member

AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1) To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all nations 2) To promote religious harmony 3) The promoting of holiness as way of Christian living

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. EVANGELISM 2. TEACHING OF THE WORD 3. PRAYERS AND DELIVERANCE 4. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 5. PUBLICATION OF LITERATURE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENTS, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA. P.M.B 198 GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ASUQUO EBENEZER D

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR IKECHUKWU OKONKWO 2.MRS OKOYE NGOZI 3.MRS EBI NDIDIAMAKA

-

-

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER

AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1.TO FOSTER UNITY, UNDERSTANDING AND PROGRESS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE NAME ASSOCIATION OF ENUGU STATE. 2.TO ASSIST WITHIN OUR MEANS TO OUR LESS FORTUNATE MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARRISTER MIRACLE .C. AJALI 08063386165

HOLY STEPHEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

Signed PASTOR ANTHONY EZEADICHIE President

NEO PROGRESSIVE CLUB INTL This is to inform the general public that the above named ORGANIZATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Comrade Opara Chinedu Kingsley 2.

Comrade Calistus Ezebike 3.

Comrade Emeka Ozor 4.

Comrade Charles Onwuta 5.

Comrade Emma Iloh

-

Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Pioneer member Treasurer

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1.To promote a cordial and harmonious relation within the society 2.To foster humanitarian services to the less privilege and the society at large.

3.To engage in youth and sports development.

4.To promote equity and fairness in political participation.

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

Signed: Opara Chinedu Kingsley (Chairman)

GREAT 2017 ULTIMATE NSUKKA CLUB

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF DAYE IKIROMA 2. CHIEF TAMUNOTOM ISAAC 3. MR. HENSHAW IKIROMA 4. REV. BETHEL WILLIAMS 5. PASTOR JACOB OKORINAMA 6. MR. DAGOGO SAMUEL 7. MR. KALABRO L. T. IKIROMA 8. MR. IBIBA AGALA 9. MRS. OKEIGBENYE EKINE 10. MRS. AYIBO P. TYGER

THE TRUSTEES ARE:( 1) Odo Benson Okwudili (2) Ugwuoke Clinton Toochukwu ( 3) Asogwa Desmond Nnaji (4 ) Aroh Johnson Chinwendu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THIS BODY IS THAT OF A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED FOR THE SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:( 1) TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY AND LOVE AMONG MEMBERS (2)TO CATER FOR MEMBERS WELFARE (3) TO GIVE MORAL, FINANCIAL SUPPORTS AND HELP EACH MEMBER IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE WHENEVER THE NEED ARISES (4) TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERSHIP EMPOWERMENT (5) TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

SIGNED NAPOLEON IKIROMA ESQ

AMAZING GRACE COVENANT CHURCH INT’L, UMUAHIA 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.ADEBAYO ADEBOWALE CHIDOZ 2.UBI UDODIRIM MOSES 3. AGOHA FRANKLYN 4.JONATHAN NGOZI 5.ONYEMAIRO CHILE NNENNA

PRESIDENT SECRETARY MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRATION-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRESIDENT

SIGNED BY :BARRISTER JUDE IYIDA

SOCIAL INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above named Initiative has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR. (MRS) RITA NWADIMKPA 2.BARR. UGWU UBAKA KEVIN 3.DR. UGWU ULOMA

-

Chairperson Secretary Member

AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1.The integration of women for sustainable economic development.

2.To promote the boy/child education 3.To campaign against violence on women and children 4.To ensure the education of women and the less privileged in our society Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed BARR. UGWU UBAKA KEVIN Secretary

MISSING TITLE DOCUMENTS

We, FIRMIN AMAH AND ANTHONY AMAH on behalf of the family of Late FRANCIS O. AMAH, a director in B. I. Amah and Sons Ltd do hereby declare that the following title documents in respect of No. 17 Zik Avenue, Uwani, Enugu are missing, that is to say: 1. Original Certificate of Occupancy (Statutory Certificate of Occupancy) dated the 3rd day of September, 1981 issued in the name of DIALA PETER O. and registered as Instrument No. 93 at page 93 in Volume 1057 of the Lands Registry in Office at Enugu.

2. Deed of Assignment dated the 6th of July, 1985 Between DIALA PETER O. and B. I. AMAH & SONS LTD and registered as Instrument No. 71 at page 71 in Volume 1130 of the Lands Registry in Office at Enugu.

Both documents are in respect of No. 17 Zik Avenue, Uwani, Enugu and belong to B. I. AMAH & SONS LTD. SIGNED: Firmin Amah

SIGNED: Anthony Amah

ANOINTING WITH FIRE PRAYER COMMUNITY MINISTRY The general public is hereby inform that the above named Ministry has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act Decree No 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prophet Saka Michael Alabi 2. Waheed Adeniji Ajani 3. Ogunlade Idowu Clement 4. Komolafe Olubunmi Esther 5. Babade Ojo Mathew.

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ by all scriptural means in Nigeria and all over the world.

2. To win souls for Christ and to help the less privileged one.

3. To promote the interest of the school, cater for the welfare of members and protect their interest or otherwise encourage and assist.

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

Signed: Prophet S. M. Alabi (Chairman) 08034628479

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

IGBINIGIE ISAAC

This is to certify and confirm that REV. JOEL .N. DAVIDSON, JOEL NDUBUISI and DAVISON JOEL OKWUDIRI is one and the same person as DAVISON JOEL OKWUDIRI NDUBUISI. My correct date of birth is 23/8/1974 .

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Remover of name: that I am IGBINIGIE ISAAC and also ,IGBINIGIE ISAAC IRIAGBONSE. That IGBINIGIE ISAAC ARIAGBONSE was used in my first Bank, why my bvn is written as IGBINIGIE ISAAC, and my voters card is IGBINIGIE ISAAC. That IGBINIGIE ISAAC ARIAGBONSE should be change to IGBINIGIE ISAAC. that now to be called IGBINIGIE ISAAC. General public and authority concern should please take note.

Former documents remain valid.

MRS OGWU PATIENCE UBEGE

ANOCHIRIM FAITH CHIDIOGO

IFIDON FLORENCE OMODEGBE

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs OGU PATIENCE UBEGE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OGWU PATIENCE UBEGE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FRANCESCA JOY .N. INNOCENT

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOYE FAITH CHIDIOGO now wish to be known and addressed as ANOCHIRIM FAITH CHIDIOGO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IKE FLORENCE OMODEGBE now wish to be known and addressed as IFIDON FLORENCE OMODEGBE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBIEZE LORRETTA NNEKA now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCESCA JOY .N. INNOCENT .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

ZAKARIYAH AREMU BABAKAR

SADIKU BILIKISU AJIBOLA

BABALOLA OSARIEMEN ROSEMOND

ADDITION OF NAME I ADEBO GEORGE IGBERADION. That I am also GEORGE ADEBO,and ADEBO GEORGE IGBERADION.that now wish to be called as ADEBO GEORGE IGBERADION. Former documents remain valid. General public and authority concern please take note

FASORO ODUNAYO OLUSOLA I, formerly known and addressed as Fasakin Odunayo Olusola now wish to be known and addressed as Fasoro Odunayo Olusola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OSHUNKOYA STEPHEN OLADELE

OGBU INALEGWU OTACHE

GODWIN LEONARD OGAR

I formerly known and addressed as OKOH OTACHE now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU INALEGWU OTACHE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as GODWIN LEONARD JOHNSON now wish to be known and addressed as GODWIN LEONARD OGAR .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALHAJI SHEIK ZAKARIYAH ISHOLA ABOLAJI MOHAMMED BAKAKAR now wish to be known and addressed as ZAKARIYAH AREMU BABAKAR .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as KAZEEM BILIKISU AJIKE now wish to be known and addressed as SADIKU BILIKISU AJIBOLA .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AYOMIDE GRACE BABALOLA now wish to be known and addressed as BABALOLA OSARIEMEN ROSEMOND .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

ADEYI JOSEPH PAUL

MRS ABOLUSORO CHRISTIANA SHADE

ADEGBITE MOJEED ADELANI

MRS OLATUNJI-OROGUN OLUWATOSIN ATINUKE

AKINTUNDE TIMILEYIN PAUL

OSENI MORUFAT OLUWASEUN

I formerly known and addressed as AKINTUDE TIMILEYIN SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as AKINTUNDE TIMILEYIN PAUL .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OSENI MORUFAT ABEKE now wish to be known and addressed as OSENI MORUFAT OLUWASEUN .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MANSI JOSEPH PAUL now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYI JOSEPH PAUL .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as RAPHAEL CHRISTIANA SHADE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABOLUSORO CHRISTIANA SHADE .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEGBITE MOJEED ADEKUNLE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGBITE MOJEED ADELANI .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINYELE OLUWATOSIN ATINUKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLATUNJI-OROGUN OLUWATOSIN ATINUKE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OSHUNKOYA STEPHEN OWODUNNI now wish to be known and addressed as OSHUNKOYA STEPHEN OLADELE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

22 Public Notice GARUBA FATIMO-ABIKE

I formerly known as GARUBA FATIMOGANIYU now wish to be known and addressed as GARUBA FATIMO-ABIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note TAIWO SEUN

I formerly known as OLUWASEUN RASHEED now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO SEUN as in my Educational International Passport and all valid documents. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note EZE LETRICIAN

ALLISON PROSPER

I formerly known as OYELA OCHE now wish to be known and addressed as ALLISON PROSPER. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note JOHN PRECIUOS NSIKAKA

MRS IHEDIOHA CATHERINE AZUKA CHIBUIKE

ORJI ASSUMPTA CHINYERE

that my name was wrongly written as GARBA KABIRU MAGAJI DANSHAGAMU instead of GARBA KABIRU MAGAJI. My correct name is GARBA KABIRU MAGAJI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I formerly known as YUNANA KWAJINKWA and GAMBO YUNANA now wish to be known and addressed as YUNANA KWAJI. That my correct date of birth is 22/08/1992 and not 22/08/1987. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I formerly known as MRS IHEDIOHA AZUKA CHIBUIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IHEDIOHA CATHERINE AZUKA CHIBUIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

. I formerly known as MADUABUCHI ASSUMPTA CHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as ORJI ASSUMPTA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

MRS AGBENIYI OLUSOLA OLUBUKOLA I formerly known as MISS AINA OLUSOLA OLUBUKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBENIYI OLUSOLA OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

SHAKIRAT ABENI OYETI

ABOJA EMEKA JOHNPAULI

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF BIRTH DATE

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF BIRTH DATE

AKERELE OMOWUNMI SALIMOT

UFOPU MICHEAL Formerly known and addressed as UFOPU MICHEAL AMUCHE now wish to be known and addressed as UFOPU MICHEAL. That my date of birth is 1 January 1990. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known as SOREMEKUN OMOWUNMI SALIMOT now wish to be known and addressed as AKERELE OMOWUNMI SALIMOT. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF BIRTH DATE

I formerly known as ADENIYI MULIKA DADA now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIYI MULIKATU ASHABI. That my correct date of birth is 08 March 1949 and not 03 June 1958. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known as AMUSAT ADELANI now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDELE ADELANI QAMARUDEEN. That my correct date of birth is 21/01/1988 and not 21/01/1989. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

CHINYERE EZEKIEL-HART JESSICA

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known as JOHN PRECIOUS UWANA now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN PRECIUOS NSIKAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

Formerly known and addressed as EZENEKWU LATRICIA now wish to be known and addressed as EZE LETRICIAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as CHINYERE UNEGBU. J., now wish to be known and addressed as CHINYERE EZEKIELHART JESSICA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

AKERELE OMOWUNMI SALIMOT

CHIBUIKE NJEMANZE UCHE PRINCESS

Formerly known and addressed as AKUNNA UCHE PRINCESS now wish to be known and addressed as CHIBUIKE NJEMANZE UCHE PRINCESS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS. AJANDE OLUWATOSIN OSESEME

I formerly known as SOREMEKUN OMOWUNMI SALIMOT now wish to be known and addressed as AKERELE OMOWUNMI SALIMOT. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

OMATA JENNIFER ATTAH

Correction of Name My name was wrongly written as on my BVN as UZOMA PAUL, instead of AJI PAUL IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Kabiru Olatunji Alabi, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Alabi Kabiru. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as OMATA OCHIEABUTO ATTAH now wish to be known and addressed as OMATA JENNIFER ATTAH. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and the general public please take note

ODENIYI ANUOLUWAPO ELIZABETH

MOBOLAJI GRACE

EMMANUEL BRAIDE

Formerly known and addressed as ABODUNDE ANUOLUWAPO ELIZABETH , now wish to be known and addressed as ODENIYI ANUOLUWAPO ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS.BEATRICE ONYINYECHI ORIAKU

MOHAMMED OLAREWAJU ALIU

OLUSHOLA JOHNSON SEGUN

MRS KAFAYAT ARINOLA MAIYEGUN

I formerly known as OLAREWAJU MOHAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED OLAREWAJU ALIU. That my date of birth is 19 August 1967.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known as OGUNSHOLA JOHNSON SEGUN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUSHOLA JOHNSON SEGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I formerly known as MISS KAFAYAT ARINOLA OLAWOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KAFAYAT ARINOLA MAIYEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

ISHAQ ABDULRASAQ ADEBAYO.

ADIGUN SHERIFAT OLUWATOSIN I formerly known and addressed as IDRIS-ADIGUN SHERIFAT OLUWATOSIN now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADIGUN SHERIFAT OLUWATOSIN . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Oriola Kehinde Qudus 2. Yetunde Okojie 3. Oriola Mobolaji Wahab 4. Ajibolade Odunayo Vivian 5. Adejumo Mofetoluwa Adaora AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To revamp dilapidated structures of schools that are non-conducive for children to learn; 2. To provide books, writing materials and other materials that are incidental to the better performance of the children at school; 3. To provide volunteering teaching services to schools that are suffering from absence of enough teaching hands and materials; 4. To provide financial support for a child that can’t afford education; 5. To organize seminars, workshops, sensitization exercise, and conferences on Leadership; 6. To provide a platform for youth leadership Any other activity that is incidental to education and leadership of the less privileged.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Secretary

I formerly known as Olaleye Funmilayo Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Maradesa Funmilayo Elizabeth. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note

JIMOH ALABI KABIRU

This is to inform and certify that my name was wrongly written as OLUPONMILE TAIWO SEUN instead of OLUPONLE TAIWO SEUN. That my correct name is OLUPONLE TAIWO SEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THE RIVERWOOD SWITCH FOUNDATION

MARADESA FUNMILAYO ELIZABETH

AJI PAUL IKECHUKWU

I formerly known as Isei Oluwatosin Oseseme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajande Oluwatosin Oseseme. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO ABDULRASAK now wish to be known, called and addressed as ISHAQ ABDULRASAQ ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS ALAKWE CHIOMA EBERE I, formerly known as MISS IBEH CHIOMA EBERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALAKWE CHIOMA EBERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I formerly known as SHAKIRAT DADA now wish to be known and addressed as SHAKIRAT ABENI OYETI. That my date of birth is 12/09/1965. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE ONYINYECHI BEATRICE; now wish to be known as MRS.BEATRICE ONYINYECHI ORIAKU. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, BANKS and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL GRACE IYABODE, now wish to be known and addressed as MOBOLAJI GRACE. That my date of birth was mistakenly written as 20th of November, 1976 instead of 1st of July, 1979. That my correct date of birth is 1st of July, 1979. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IBEH VICTORIA OLADAYO O. I formerly known as IBEHNJOKU VICTORIA OLADAYO O., now wish to be known and addressed as IBEH VICTORIA OLADAYO O. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I, formerly known as EMMANUEL UZOMA now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL BRAIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note ABDUNASIR MOHAMMED MADAKI I formerly known as JIMMY MADAKI now wish to be known and addressed as ABDUNASIR MOHAMMED MADAKI. All former documents remain valid.

KEYSTONE BANK and the general public please take note

I formerly known as MUOGHALU JOHNPAUL EMEKA now wish to be known and addressed as ABOJA EMEKA JOHNPAULI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note IBRAHIM JOSHUA

I formerly known as ABRAHAM JOSHUA now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note MRS DESMOND NNAKE NKEIRUKA NNENNA I, formerly known as MISS EBIZIE NKEIRUKA NNENNA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DESMOND NNAKE NKEIRUKA NNENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note OLEKAIBE AMARACHI EUNICE I, formerly known as JONAH AMARACHI EUNICE now wish to be known and addressed as OLEKAIBE AMARACHI EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

UDO ALBERT SAMBO I formerly known as ALBERT SAMBO now wish to be known and addressed as UDO ALBERT SAMBO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

PAUL EMEKA

YUNUSA MARYAM

I formerly known as LAIDIAFEEZ OLATUNBOSUN now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZAFEEZ OLATUNBOSUN OLUWADAMILARE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I formerly known as NNAEMEKA PAUL AHANONU now wish to be known and addressed as PAUL EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known as YUNUSA BALARABA NA-GARBA now wish to be known and addressed as YUNUSA MARYAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

SHITTU RASHEED AJANI

KABIAWU OMOWUNMI AKANKE

ACHUMBA CHINWOKE EMMANUEL

CHIKWENDU ISAAC BERNARD

I formerly known as SHITTU RAHEED now wish to be known and addressed as SHITTU RASHEED AJANI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known as EGBAYELO OMOWUNMI AKANKE now wish to be known and addressed as KABIAWU OMOWUNMI AKANKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known as CHINWOKE ACHUMBA now wish to be known and addressed as ACHUMBA CHINWOKE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

I formerly known and addressed as CHIKWENDU ISAAC now wish to add BERNARD. That I now henceforth wish to be known called and addressed as CHIKWENDU ISAAC BERNARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINTOMIDE QUEEN MONA

ADAMU ZAKARI

ADEITAN LUKUMON ADETAYO

I formerly known and addressed as IDIAKHEUA QUEENSLY MONA and AKINTOMIDE QUEENSLY MONA now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINTOMIDE QUEEN MONA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADAM BEN ZAKARI now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADAMU ZAKARI. All former documents remain valid. That I was born on 23rd November,1994. General public take note.

ODUTAYO ADEBAMBO OLAITAN I formerly known and addressed as ODUTAYO ADEBAMBO now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODUTAYO ADEBAMBO OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADELEYE FUNSHO ABOLAJI

MR. DAVID TANIMOLA WILLIAMS

I formerly known and addressed as ABOLASHI FUNSHO A now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADELEYE FUNSHO ABOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR. DAVID TANIMOLA OLUBOBOBKUN, Now wish to be known and addressed as MR. DAVID TANIMOLA WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

AZEEZ-AFEEZ OLATUNBOSUN OLUWADAMILARE

MRS. EMERALD IFEYINWA WILLIAMS I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EMERALD IFEYINWA OLUBOBOBKUN, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EMERALD IFEYINWA WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note

I formerly known and addressed as AKANDE LUKUMON OYEDELE now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEITAN LUKUMON ADETAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as ONYENWE PATRICK. That I now wish to add IHENEBO to my existing names. That I now wish to be known and addressed as ONYENWE PATRICK IHENEBO. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

ELIGBUE ALBERT ONYEMAECHI I, formerly known and addressed as ELLIGBUE ALBERT, now wish to be known and addressed as ELIGBUE ALBERT ONYEMAECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ALEX JOSEPH OLADELE I formerly known and addressed as IYIOLA MUSIBAU OLADELE, now wish to be known and addressed as ALEX JOSEPH OLADELE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS. AJANI BUKOLA TOYIN

MRS. AKINRELE-ADEKUNLE OMOBOLAJI DORCAS I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. ADEKUNLE OMOBOLAJI DORCAS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINRELE-ADEKUNLE OMOBOLAJI DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGBUE NKECHINYERE AGNES I formerly known called and addressed as CHUKWUMA NKECHINYERE, now wish to be known called and addressed as OGBUE NKECHINYERE AGNES. All former documents remain valid, authorities concerned and general public should please take note

ETIDO UDO MARY

JOKOTADE ALAKE OYENUGA

23 Public Notice

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEMOSU JOKOTADE ALAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as JOKOTADE ALAKE OYENUGA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS. IHEJIAWUNZE PATIENCE IFEOMA

MONDAY JUSTINA EKAETTE

EMERUWA JULIANA NGOZI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONAH IFEOMA AGATHA and ONAH PATIENCE IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IHEJIAWUNZE PATIENCE IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UDO JUSTINA MONDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as MONDAY JUSTINA EKAETTE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EMERUWA JULIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as EMERUWA JULIANA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OVBOKHAN ARICO

MRS. AMAEFUNA GLORY CHIMDINDU

NKECHI UMA EKE

EMERUWA PIUS IBEKWE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OPARA GLORY CHIMDINDU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AMAEFUNA GLORY CHIMDINDU. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NKECHI UMA KALU, now wish to be known and addressed as NKECHI UMA EKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EMERUWA PIUS, now wish to be known and addressed as EMERUWA PIUS IBEKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CATHERINE ADAOBI OBODO

OMENIHO IFEANYI DIVINE

ISRAEL UCHECHUKWU EMMANUEL I, formerly known and addressed as EZEALA UCHECHUKWU EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ISRAEL UCHECHUKWU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION/ CORRECTION OF NAMES

I, formerly known and addressed as KEHINDE EDAFE, now wish to be known and addressed as OVBOKHAN ARICO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Obasa Bukola Toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajani Bukola Toyin, all relevant documents remain valid, the general public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IBIKUNLE ETIDO MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as ETIDO UDO MARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CATHERINE ADAOBI JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as CATHERINE ADAOBI OBODO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYENIHO IFEANYI DIVINE, now wish to be known and addressed as OMENIHO IFEANYI DIVINE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBUMBA SYLVIA CHINYERE

SAMUEL, EKEMERE EBERE PHINA I Formerly known, called and address as MISS EKEMERE, EBERE PHINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SAMUEL, EKEMERE EBERE PHINA. All former documents remain valid, General public should please take note.

NDUBA - AUSTIN FIDEL OBIANUJU

MRS OPALEYE OLUWAFUNMILOLA OMOLOLA I Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okelola Oluwafunmilola Omolola now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Opaleye Oluwafunmilola Omolola

I Formerly known and addressed as TORIOLA OYEDOYIN ESTHER now wish to be known, called and addressed as TORIOLAADERIBOLE OYEDOYIN ESTHER

bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

my former names remain valid. Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EKPERI NKECHINYERE SYLVIA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBUMBA SYLVIA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

I Formerly known and addressed as Unoneme Fidel Obianuju now wish to be known, called and addressed as Nduba - Austin Fidel Obianuju bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

MRS OKOLO CHIOMA RITA

AGU CHIDI CHRISTIAN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IGBEAKU CHIOMA RITA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOLO CHIOMA RITA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGU CHIDI KEVIN ANI, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU CHIDI CHRISTIAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EIGBOCHIE JULIET IMABIBI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMOSEBI JULIET IMABIBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

That I ABDULSALAM Muritala Omotayo my name was wrongly written as SALAMI Muritala Omotayo wish to be known and addressed as ABDULSALAM Muritala Omotayo. All Documents / Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS UGWOKE IJEOMA EVELYN

NDUBUISI JENNIFER UCHECHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NSUDE IJEOMA EVELYN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWOKE IJEOMA EVELYN. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEH JENNIFER UCHECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDUBUISI JENNIFER UCHECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHINONYELUM CHRISTIANA NWACHUKWU

MISS ANEKE CARTHERINE CHIKAODINAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINONYELUM NKEIRUKA CHRISTIANA ODOH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINONYELUM CHRISTIANA NWACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS ANEKE CARTHERINE CHIKAODINAKA OKONKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ANEKE CARTHERINE CHIKAODINAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SAMUEL USMAN

WILFRED EUNICE NNENNA

OMOSEBI JULIET IMABIBI

EMMANUEL OGBONNA

ABDULSALAM MURITALA OMOTAYO

TORIOLA-ADERIBOLE OYEDOYIN ESTHER

MRS UZEGBU HAPPINESS IJEOMA

JOHN ETIM BASSEY

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODILO PHILOMINA CHIMELU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIEKWE PHILOMINA CHIMELU. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN ETIM .B., now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN ETIM BASSEY. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

AMADU MOHAMMED BELLO

MRS ARUM RACHAEL CHIOMA

MRS OBI CHIDINMA JANE

I, formerly known and addressed as ALHAJI BELLO AHMED, now wish to be known and addressed as AMADU MOHAMMED BELLO. My correct date of birth 11/01/1987.

All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEZIE RACHAEL CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ARUM RACHAEL CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UNEGBU CHIDINMA JANE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBI CHIDINMA JANE. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

AJOKU CHINASA PRECIOUS

IBE PAULINE CHIOMA

CHUKWU MONICA

I, formerly known and addressed as NWOKEDI PAULINE CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as IBE PAULINE CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU MONICA IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU MONICA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

GOD’SWILL OGBONNA CHIBUTUTU I, formerly known and addressed as GOD’SWILL OGBONNA, now wish to be known and addressed as GOD’SWILL OGBONNA CHIBUTUTU. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

NWAOKOYE SAMUEL NWANIGBATA

MRS ANULIKA JUSTINA UGWAH

AJAH ELIZABETH UCHENNA PRECIOUS

EZEALIGO CHUKWUNENYE VALENTINE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANULIKA JUSTINA OBI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANULIKA JUSTINA UGWAH. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

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

AKPA EUSTACIA CHIKODIRI

MRS AISHA AHMED IKAKA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AISHA HARUNA IZGE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AISHA AHMED IKAKA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY NWAMEME, now wish to be known and addressed as KINGSLEY CHIGOZIE NWAMEME. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ONYEKWELU CHUKWEMEKA DAVID

EZE JANE IFEYINWA

OMEH SUNDAY EMEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOYE DAVID EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKWELU CHUKWEMEKA DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO IFEYINWA MIRACLE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZE JANE IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO JOHN JOEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OMEH SUNDAY EMEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

This is to certify and confirm that UGWU KELECHI ANTHONY and UGWU ANTHONY refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed asKELECHI ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BABAJIDE RUTH OGECHI TENIOLA

MRS ANIEKWE PHILOMINA CHIMELU

I, formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL MUODEBEL OGBONWA, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL OGBONNA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General Public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as AJIKI TERVER that I now wish to add MARK to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as AJIKI MARK TERVER. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME That I OKEH UCHE my name was wrongly written as IBEH VALENTINE wish to be known and addressed as OKEH UCHE. All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as EGBO RUTH OGECHI wish to be known and addressed as BABAJIDE RUTH OGECHI TENIOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EUNICE WILLFORD, now wish to be known and addressed as WILFRED EUNICE NNENNA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General Public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

OKEH UCHE

I formerly known as Miss Nwokeocha Happiness Christopher wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Uzegbu Happiness Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as IMANCHE SAMUEL ADEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL USMAN. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWOBODO EUSTACIA CHIKODIRI, now wish to be known and addressed as AKPA EUSTACIA CHIKODIRI. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

Uche Georgeline Chisom and Chiboo Georgeline Chisom refer to one and the same person. In my voter’s card, INEC wrongly wrote my name as Uche Chisom Judgeline. I, now wish to be known and addressed as Uche Chisom Georgeline. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JJC EZEALIGO CHUKWUNENYE VALENTINE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEALIGO CHUKWUNENYE VALENTINE. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AJOKUBI CHINASA PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as AJOKU CHINASA PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

KINGSLEY CHIGOZIE NWAMEME

DIKE NGOZI EUGENIA I, formerly known and addressed as DIKE EUGINIA, now wish to be known and addressed as DIKE NGOZI EUGENIA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWANIEKWE SAMUEL NWAOKOYEDILE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAOKOYE SAMUEL NWANIGBATA. My correct date of birth is 02/06/1953. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

MRS NNEKA PERPETUA CHIMEZIE-HERBERT

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNEKA PERPETUAL ATTAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNEKA PERPETUA CHIMEZIE-HERBERT. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

Public Notice 24 NWOSU CHIMUANYA LILIAN

I, formerly known and addressed as IWU CHIMUANYA LILIAN, Now wish to be known and addressed as NWOSU CHIMUANYA LILIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public/ authorities concerned should take note

BALOGUN OLUWATOSIN MORIAMO

I formerly known as Balogun Oluwatosin Temilade now wish to be known and addressed as Balogun Oluwatosin Moriamo. All former documents remain valid General public to note.

OLAOMO RACHEAL ADUKE

CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

I, formerly known and addressed as OLAOMO FISAYOMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLAOMO RACHEAL ADUKE. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

That on my document, my name was wrongly written as OGUNDELE OLUWAGBEMIGA JOEL. That my correct name is OGUNDELE GBENGA JOEL. That my date of birth is 14th day of March, 1985. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

AGU CHIMA EDWIN

I, formerly known and addressed as AGU NNABUENYI EDWIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AGU CHIMA EDWIN. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

KALU ADAOBI PHILOMENA I, formerly known and addressed as NWOSA ADAOBI PHILOMENA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KALU ADAOBI PHILOMENA due to change in my marital status. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. UNICO, UACR, ECO BANK PLC, General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

KINGSLEY OKAFOR

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known as OKAFOR EJIKE KINGSLEY now wish to be known as KINGSLEY OKAFOR . Former documents remains valid. General public should take note OLOTO SULAIMAN SHOLAADENIKE

Formerly known as .

MAJIYAGBE SHOLA NIKE now wish to be known as OLOTO SULAIMAN SHOLA ADENIKE. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note SHUAIBU ABDULLAHI

public that I, ISRAEL BABAFEMI ALABA OMONIYI, ISRAEL ALABA OMOLUYI and ISRAEL BABAFEMI ALABA refers to one and same person.That OMONIYI is now the family name instead of the former OMOLUYI. But now wish to be known and addressed as ISRAEL BABAFEMI ALABA OMONIYI.

JIMOH OYIZA BLESSING

Formerly known as JIMOH BLESSING now wish to be known as JIMOH OYIZA BLESSING. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note SULAIMON AJARAT OLAJUMOKE

I formerly known and addressed as SHUAIBU ABDULLAHI SULE, now wish to be known and addressed as SHUAIBU ABDULLAHI. Banks andGeneral public should please take note

Formerly known as AMAO AJARAT OLAJUMOKE now wish to be known as SULAIMON AJARAT OLAJUMOKE. Former documents remains valid.

General public should take note

EVANGELIST LYDIA OBED

EGBAYELO MONDAY ALABA

I formerly known and addressed as MRS. LYDIA ORITSEWEYINMI NWAWULU, now wish to be knon and addressed as EVANGELIST LYDIA OBED. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EGBAYELO MONDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as EGBAYELO MONDAY ALABA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHINEANYE ROSEMARY OHAZURIKE

MRS SAMSON OJOCHENEMI FAITH

I, formerly known and addressed as, CHINEANYE ROSEMARY KORIE, now wish to be known and addressed as, CHINEANYE ROSEMARY OHAZURIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IBRAHIM OOJOCHENEMI FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS SAMSON OJOCHENEMI FAITH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ADEBAYO FATIMOH OMOTOYOS

PRINCEWILL NWULU EKEKENTA

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

BOLATITO OJOBARO AIRAT

QUADRI-KAZEEM OLUWAKEMI MISTURA

ALEXANDER IREBUBA ECHEZONA

I, formerly known and addressed as KAZEEM OLUWAKEMI MISTURA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as QUADRIKAZEEM OLUWAKEMI MISTURA. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALEX REUBEN ECHZAN, Now wish to be known and addressed as ALEXANDER IREBUBA ECHEZONA. All former documents remain valid.

General public/authorities concerned should take note.

SAMUEL HAPPINESS INEMESIT

ALISON YUSUF OLATUNJI

OLUTAYO OYEBISI OLUWAYEMISI

ADENIYI MARIAM ADEJOKE

I, formerly known and addressed as INEMESIT INEMESIT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMUEL HAPPINESS INEMESIT. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMED ALI YUSUF, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALISON YUSUF OLATUNJI. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AJIBOYE OYEBISI OLUWAYEMISI, Now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTAYO OYEBISI OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI MARIAM ADEOLA, Now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIYI MARIAM ADEJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public/ authorities concerned should take note.

DACIVERA BASIL FELIX

OSEANBULU EHIAREKIAN ALIYU

JOSEPH CHIMEMARAM

I, formerly known and addressed as AMUOSU BASIL FELIX, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DACIVERA BASIL FELIX. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

MRS AWOSIKA ABISOYE ADEBIMPE

I, formerly known and addressed as OSEANBULU EHIAREKIAM ALIYU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSEANBULU EHIAREKIAN ALIYU. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH PRINCE CHIMEMARAM, Now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH CHIMEMARAM. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BALOGUN ABISOYE ADEBIMPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWOSIKA ABISOYE ADEBIMPE, due to marriage. All former documents remain valid.

General public and the Authority Concern should please take note.

WASIU ADISA ADEDIRAN

GODWIN NDIFREKE UDOCHUKWU OZIOMA

LAWAL TEMITAYO OMOLABAKE

Formerly known as WASIU ADISA ATOYEBI now wish to be known as WASIU ADISA ADEDIRAN . Former documents remains valid. General public should take note

SHOWAMI ELIZABETH BOLA

. I, formerly known and addressed as IHEDIOHA UDOCHUKWU OZIOMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GODWIN NDIFREKE UDOCHUKWU OZIOMA. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWAOKOLO ELIZABETH BOLA, Now wish to be known and addressed as SHOWAMI ELIZABETH BOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public/authorities concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TEMITAYO OMOLABAKE OGUNGBENLE, Now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL TEMITAYO OMOLABAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

CLEMENT DAVID OCHE

NKANTA VICTOR UDOH

KATIBI ADENIKE OKIKIOLA

Formerly: Victor Nkata Now Nkanta Victor Udoh. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

Formerly Adeboye Adenike Okikiola Now Katibi Adenike Okikiola . Former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

KUMISH REVELATION JAMES

OBASANYA KAYODE JOSEPH

I formerly known as BOLATITO OJOBARO AIRA, now wish to be called and address as BOLATITO OJOBARO AIRAT. All former documents remain valid General public note.

We were formerly known and addressed as ALAPA MICHAEL and ALAPA MUIBAT now wish to add OLALEKAN and FUNMILOLA to our names We now wish to be known and addressed as ALAPA MICHAEL OLALEKAN and ALAPA MUIBAT FUNMILOLA.

AKINFOLARIN KEHINDE OSENAT

I formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI KEHINDE now wish to be known and as AKINFOLARIN KEHINDE OSENAT. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OLABODE IYABO OLUWATOYIN

I formerly known and addressed as OLUWA IYABO OLUWATOYIN , now wish to be known and addressed as OLABODE IYABO OLUWATOYIN. FIRS, General Public please take note. All former documents remain valid.

OKORO UCHENNA WILLIAMS SOLOMON

I, formerly known and addressed as, WILLIAMS IGUOGU UCHENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as, OKORO UCHENNA WILLIAMS SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

VALENTINE DESTINY NNAEMEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as, ANNUMS MARGARET CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, UZOMAKA MARGARET CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, PAUL AKARA, now wish to be known and addressed as, PRINCEWILL NWULU EKEKENTA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, NWOSU DESTINY NNAEMEKA P., now wish to be known and addressed as, VALENTINE DESTINY NNAEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ALABRABA ERE AMAKIRI

MRS. FLORENCE CHIEBONAM OMINYI

TOBIS MADUAKO UCHENWA

I, formerly known and addressed as, ERE ANAKIRI ALABRABA, now wish to be known and addressed as, ALABRABA ERE AMAKIRI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. FLORENCE CHIEBONAM NNAMERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. FLORENCE CHIEBONAM OMINYI. My correct date of birth is, 6th September, 1982 not 6th June 1979. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, UCHENNA NORBETH MADUAKO, now wish to be known and addressed as, TOBIS MADUAKO UCHENWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CLEMENT wish to be known and DAVID OCHE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OLADIPO YETUNDE TAWA

Formerly: king Yetunde Oluwakemi Now Oladipo Yetunde Tawa.

Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

FRIDAY IDUMA I formerly known and addressed as FRIDAY CHIMA now wish to be known and addressed as FRIDAY IDUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS. JIDE SOBO AROLAHUN I, formerly known and addressed as SOBO AROLAUN, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JIDE SOBO AROLAHUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public/authorities concerned should take note.

Formerly MAHANAN GABRIEL L, Now KUMISH REVELATION JAMES. General public should take note.

Formerly known as OBASANYA KAYODE now wish to be known as OBASANYA KAYODE JOSEPH. Former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

MRS CYNTHIA NWAKA IDELEGBAGBON I formerly known and addressed as Miss Cynthia Nwamaka Nwachukwu. Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Cynthia Nwaka Idelegbagbon. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS.ADESOGAN MUTIAT OLAITAN

I formerly known and addressed as MISS YAKUB MUTIAT OLAITAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.ADESOGAN MUTIAT OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ESSIEN ANIEBIET

EZEOBIDI UZOCHUKWU HENRY WILLIAM

I, formerly known and addressed as, ANTHONIA CELESTINE ESSIEN, now wish to be known and addressed as, ESSIEN ANIEBIET. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, IBEDU UZOCHUKWU HENRY WILLIAM, now wish to be known and addressed as, EZEOBIDI UZOCHUKWU HENRY WILLIAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, OGBERAHWE DESTINY GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as, OGBERAHWE OVIGUE GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EZEOBIDI THECULA UJUNWA

EZEOBIDI FELICITAS CHISOM

MRS. ONYEABOR GRACE AMAKACHI

I, formerly known and addressed as, OTIE THECULA UJUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed as, EZEOBIDI THECULA UJUNWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, IBEDU FELICITAS CHISOM, now wish to be known and addressed as, EZEOBIDI FELICITAS CHISOM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, GRACE VINCENT NELSON, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ONYEABOR GRACE AMAKACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

REMOVAL OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

MRS. ODUMOSU FEHINTOLA SURAT

I, ABDULLAHI ADAMU, wish to remove, ZANDAM, from my name which was formerly, ABDULLAHI ADAMU ZANDAM, in my BVN details. I now wish to be known and addressed as, ABDULLAHI ADAMU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, ASUQUO GODWIN AKPAN, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, ASUGWU GODWIN AKPAN, instead of, ASUQUO GODWIN AKPAN, in my National Identity Card. I now wish to be known and addressed as, ASUQUO GODWIN AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aderounmu Fehintola Surat, which to be called and addressed as Mrs. Odumosu Fehintola Surat, all documents remain valid.

Integrated Corporate Services and the general public to please take note.

OGBERAHWE OVIGUE GRACE

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

KAMSI ALEX MOJO-EYES CARITAS FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KAMSI ALEXANDER 2. IFEYINWA MOJO-EYES 3. TONYE SAWARI 4. ALLEN JOSHUA -

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY MEMBER

Public Notice 25

INITIATIVE FOR QUALITATIVE LEADERSHIP AND PROGRESSIVE CHANGE

THE CITYGATE APOSTOLIC KINGDOM 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.

TRUSTEES: 1. KAZEEM TANIMU -- CHAIRMAN 2. THEODORE OGBEYI --SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLADIMEJI ELUGBADEBO - CHAIRMAN 2. OLUFISAYO OLUYINKA ELUGBADEBO 3. ATINUKE ESTHER ELUGBADEBO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1) TO EMPOWER SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, (THE ORPHANS, CHILDREN ON THE STREET, THE NEEDY AND GIRL CHILD IN SCHOOL).

2) TO INTEGRATE THEM IN THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC LIFE OF THE NATION. 3) TO EMANCIPATE THE CHILDREN AND MAKE THEM TO BE SELF-RELIANT MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CREATE AND FOSTER SOCIAL AWARENESS 2. TO INCULCATE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND INITIATIVES 3. TO TEACH AND IMBIBE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS OF SOCIETY

ANY OBJECTION(S) 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 TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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: ALFRED UWAKA, ESQ. (SOLICITOR)

SIGNED: SECRETARY

NOTIFICATION OF DEATH

RAPHA FAITH INTERNATIONAL MINISTERIAL NETWORK

I, LAWAL FEMI THAT MY FATHER IS LAWAL KASALI ADENIYI TAIRU WHO DIED ON JULY 7TH, 2015, I LAWAL FEMI WANT TO CLAIM HIS DIVIDEND. HE WAS SURVIVE BY WIFE, CHILDREN, GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. MAGNIFICENT MARRIAGE & FAMILY 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONUH MAUREEN - PRESIDENT 2. OCHINANWATA AMAKA E. - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO RE-ESTABLISH THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY OF FAMILIES 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.

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. ARCHBISHOP DR.BENNY TERRY DANSON. - PRESIDENT 2. ARCHBISHOP SEGUNLABI SHALOM - VICE PRESIDENT 3. , BISHOP PRINCE EMMANUEL OGOH - SECRETARY 4. BISHOP DAVID ZAKY - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. FOSTERING UNITY AND COOPERATION AMONGST INDEPENDENT CHARISMATIC & PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES/ MINISTRIES AND MINISTERS INTERNATIONALLY BY CREATING A COMMON GROUND FOR FELLOWSHIP AND ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH MINISTRY SUPPORTS 2. FOSTERING UNITY AND COOPERATION AMONGST INDEPENDENT CHARISMATIC & PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES/ MINISTRIES AND MINISTERS INTERNATIONALLY BY CREATING A COMMON GROUND FOR FELLOWSHIP AND ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH MINISTRY SUPPORTS 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.

AIM: TO RAISE A LOVING COMMUNITY OF SAINTS THAT ARE COMMITTED TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST IN THEIR LIVES ALLOWING HIM THE PREEMINENCE SO THAT THEY CAN FULFIL THEIR ORDAINED PROPHETIC PURPOSES. 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: CHAIRMAN

THE HEALTHZONE WELLNESS INITIATIVE 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. TOJU CHIKE OBI 2 MR OKEY OKUZU 3 MRS RONKE EKWENSI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF NIGERIAN BY DISSEMINATING HEALTH INFORMATION 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: FUNMI AWOLEYE 08062302724

SIGNED: SIGNED: D. A. MOMOH ESQ

DUNTAI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL 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. OTUYELE TAIWO PETER - CHAIRMAN 2. ORIADE ADEFUNKE ABIODUN - SECRETARY 3. IKOTUN MARY OLU ODUN - TREASURER 4. ADEBAYO MICHAEL OLADEJI - MEMBER

SINGLES AND MARRIED EVANGELICAL 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF AMOS DOLA JIBOWO 2. LADY EVANGELIST CHRISTIANAH OLUFOLAKE SHOYINKA 3. MRS ADIAT OLUSOLA EWUOSO 4. MR TAIWO AJIBOLA SOYINKA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) YOUTH ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE PROVISION OF VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP (FASHION DESIGNING, WELDING, MAKE UP ARTIST AND TALENT DISCOVERY) 2) SUPPORTING WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS IN THE COMMUNITY 3) PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE ORPHANAGE HOMES OF VARIOUS KIND - BY GIVING OUT GIFT ITEMS AND HANDLING PROJECTS WITHIN THEIR HOMES TO ENHANCE THE WELL BEING OF THE CHILDREN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. COUNSELLING ON CHOOSING A LIFE PARTNER 2. TEACHING WOULD BE COUPLES ON COURTSHIP 3. TO COUNSEL COUPLES ON HOW TO LIVE HAPPILY THROUGHOUT THEIR MARRIED LIFE 4. TO INTERCEDE FOR WAITING MOTHERS AND WAITING SISTERS 5. TO RECONCILE SEPARATED AND DIVORCED COUPLES AND ENLIGHTEN WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS.

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.

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

THE NIGERIAN WORKFORCE STRATEGY AND ENLIGHTENMENT CENTRE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ISHIAGU COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT UNION CAC/IT - 17165

SIGNED: BARR. EKWUNIFE BLESSING

THIS IS TO CERTIFY AND CONFIRM THAT NANA FATIMA FAITH BABA- EGELE MEDE, FATIMA NANA EGELE, FATIMA NANA MEDE, NANA FATIMA MEDE , MRS N F MEDE, FATIMA BABA -EGELE REFERS TO ONE AND THE SAME PERSON, WILL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS NANA FATIMA BABA EGELE MEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

POSITIVE IMPACT DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

KINGDOM VIRGIN VESSEL OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL

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. COMRADE DAVID KAYODE EHINDERO 2. MR. OLA EHINMORO 3. DR. EMMANUEL ADEOYE 4. DR. NYALAS BATHOLOMEW 5. COMRADE IFEOMA GBEMUDU 6. COMRADE SHEHU SALIHU 7. MS. ELIZABETH KADIRI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE THE CO-OPERATION AND INTEGRATION OF NIGERIA WORKFORCE FOR NATIONAL UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999

THE TRUSTEES ARE: DURAMI ALHAMDU... (CHAIRMAN) KINGSLEY MARTINS (SECRETARY) PATRICK NNANGBANTON (MEMBER/ADVISER) OMOREGBE MONDAY ( MEMBER) BARR NOSA OSEMWENGIE (LEGAL ADVISER) [OMOREGBE IVY IYORE (MEMBER) HILLARY NORENSE IYIEWUARE (MEMBER)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PST. OGE OLA DEBORAH - CHAIRMAN 2. MERE MARGARET OBIAJULU 3. MBA PRISCILLIA OKORO 4. AGBAKWURU PEACE CHIDINMA 5. REV. KALU EMMANUEL - SECRETARY 6. IKWEGBU MIKE NDUKWE 7. UZO EBERE UCHE 8. EBEKUNWANNE DOROTHY UCHECHI 9. PST. NWUZE NWOGINIYI 10. OKIYI HANNAH ROBERT HANNAH

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO ENGAGE IN CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITIES THROUGH MENTORING, TRAINING, EDUCATION AND SKILL ACQUISITION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2. TO PRESENT WIDOWS AS VIRGINS BEFORE GOD THEIR CREATOR ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED, HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF CERTIFICATE AS A RESULT OF LOSS OF ITS ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION .

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE IT PROVED ABORTIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

SENATOR ALHAJI MADUAGWU FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALLEN - OKORO HENRIETTA 2. MADUAGWU OLISA UMAR AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE WELFARE ACTIVITIES AIMED AT THE ALLIEVATION OF HUMAN SUFFERING AND OVERALL AMELIORATION OF SOCIETY ESPECIALLY FOR THE POOR, HELPLESS AND WEAK. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday,October 5, 2017

Health Stories by Angela Onwuzoo, Lagos Citing its implications on the vital organs of the body, pharmacists in the country have warned Nigerians against abuse of common painkillers and over-the-counter drugs which, they said, could lead to kidney failure (a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to rid the body of wastes) in unsuspecting patients.

According to them, wrong usage of drugs especially painkillers have damaging effect on the kidneys and liver, stressing that every drug is a potential poison if not properly used.

The pharmacists disclosed this at a public enlightenment campaign organised by the Drug Information Centre (DIC), of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria,

s

KIDNEY FAILURE: Pharmacists warn Nigerians against drug abuse (ACPN), to mark the 2017 World Pharmacy Day in Lagos.

They enjoined those in the pharmacy profession especially, those in the community practice, to strategise on attaining the global goal of the pharmaceutical profession, which is moving from research to healthcare, and service delivery.

Lagos Chairperson, ACPN National, DIC, Pharm. Bukola Folorunsho, explained that the World Pharmacists Day is celebrated to commemorate and honour the contribution of pharmacists to the world, saying community pharmacists were at the community to show

the public that pharmacists are at their service always.

“In our day to day practice, we have realised that a lot of people are ignorant of how medicine works; as a result, series of abuse is ongoing in the country, to the extent that people now use drug for different purposes, other than the purpose the drug is meant to serve.

“Antibiotic abuse is on the increase, as well as abuse of so many other drugs. Thus, as pharmacists, we have set today being a very special day globally aside to attend to people free of charge and meet their needs in the aspect of drug and phar-

maceutical care”, she said.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Research to Health Care: Your Pharmacist is at your service”, which was chosen to reflect the numerous contributions of the pharmacy profession to the healthcare sector, she assured the populace of their selfless services - including medicine information, patient counselling, drug information and medication review, counselling as well as enlightenment.

In his remarks, Publicity Secretary, HealthCare Providers Association of Nigeria, Pharm.

Jonah Okotie called on the Fed-

eral government to shut down open drug markets across the country as part of measures to reduce abuse of drugs among Nigerians.

Okotie noted that when drugs are abused, people tend to come down with several life threatening illnesses such as kidney and liver problems.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to source their drugs from registered pharmacists in their various communities.

The event witnessed free counseling and screening for various illnesses as well as free distribution of drugs to over 500 beneficiaries.

OAM foundation: It’s rain of free eye glasses for albinos Worried by the poor vision faced by persons with albinism, Onome Akinolu Majaro (OAM) Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation with a mission to clear the misconception, stigma and discrimination associated with the condition via increased awareness creation, has donated eye glasses to Nigerians living with albinism to aid their vision.

According to scientific findings, albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and/or eyes. And it is said to occur in all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world with Nigeria having over two million of its population living with the condition, according to a UN official report.

Though albinos are said to have problems of poor vision and skin cancer, experts however said, this has nothing to do with their ability to read and learn, if given the right support and learning environment.

In Nigeria, government is yet to wake up to its responsibilities as regards the welfare of people living with albinism; hence, NGOs like OAM Foundation has come up with different strategies to assist this group of people realise their future goals through the provision of free health care, social services, employment and education.

Speaking during the donation at the Guinness Eye Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Director of OAMF, Mrs. Rita Paul Okagbare, said the free eye

glasses and frames were given to all albinos who visited the eye centre in line with the vision of the foundation which centres on empowerment of people living with albinism.

Okagbare who said she invested heavily on her daughter Onome, who is now happily married with a non-albino-child, reminded those

discriminating against people living with the condition that albinism is not a disability nor a disease but just a genetic disorder.

“People should please stop the discrimination. All the myths concerning albinism are not true”, she noted.

To further improve the lives of persons with albinism in the country,

Okagbare urged government and corporate organisations to support NGOs championing the cause of albinos with funds.

Commending the foundation for the gesture, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Department of Ophthalmology, LUTH, Prof. Adeola Onakoya, said because people with albinism are peculiar, they require glasses and low visual aid to improve their vision.

Onakoya pointed out that albinos were faced with low vision due to lack of melanin pigment in the nerves of their eyes.

She explained: “Like some of them, their eyes are always dancing because they can’t just focus, but with the help of eye glasses and some visual aids, their vision can be improved upon for them to lead a better life.”

Also, Consultant Dermatologist and Head, Dermatology Unit, LUTH, Dr. Olusola Ayanlowo, advised parents of albino children to properly protect their skin against the sun and to also educate them on how best to protect their skin from the sun in order avoid skin cancer.

“The pigment called melanin protects the skin against the adverse ray of the sun. But people with albinism, do not have the pigment and therefore, when they are exposed to the sun, they have damages on their skin and eyes.

“So, it is important for people with albinism to avoid sun damage to their skin and eyes by taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen or sunblock, hats, sunglasses, use of umbrella and sun-protective clothing such as long sleeve”, she said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday,October 5, 2017

Health 27

Foundation urges support for children living with cancer Stories by Angela Onwuzoo To reduce the plight of children suffering from cancer in Nigeria, a non-profit organisation, The Dorcas Cancer Foundation(TDCF), has called for urgent intervention and support for these children to enable them access quality treatment.

Nigerian scientist urges FG to fund cancer research Angela Onwuzoo As part of efforts to address the rising cases of cancer deaths in Nigeria, a renowned cancer researcher and Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Maiduguri, who is currently exploring different Nigerian plants for cancer therapy research, Prof. Isa Marte Hussaini, has urged the Federal Government to invest in and fund cancer research.

A former Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Hussaini said his research team has identified some Nigerian medicinal plants that showed more promise than the current drugs used in the treatment of cancer.

The scientist who was the keynote speaker at the 2017 Investiture of New Fellows of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy held in Lagos recently, stressed that research which, he said, requires huge funding, remained the only way to find cure for cancer.

He expressed displeasure over government’s lack of interest and funding for cancer research, which he said was worsening the cancer situation in Nige-

L-R: Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Pharm NA Elijah Mohammed; President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and Chief Executive Officer, XLR8, Calixthus Okoruwa at the Investiture of New Fellows of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy which held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

ria.

His words: “Inadequate funding is still a big challenge for research and development in Nigeria, as well as lack of constant power supply and nonavailability of reagents which we have to buy from US and UK. We need more research grants in our country; it is not about the personnel but the tools to work with.”

Commenting on the investiture of the new fellows, President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius

LOSS OF DOCUMENT I, MRS AYENI ADEBIMPE ADEBOLA OF NO 6 RAHMON STREET, SILVERLAND ESTATE, AJAH, LAGOS, NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF MY ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT.ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE.IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT ANY NEAREST POLICE STATION OR CALL-08127271435.THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

FRESH FRUITS MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA 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. IZEKOR FRED OSAYI. 2. ATERE VICTOR ILESANMI 3. OLATUNJI GBEMISOLA TAIRA. 4. AKINBOGUN SERAH MONIADE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE BUSINESS INTERESTS OF 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

Adelusi-Adeluyi, said “Individuals we are today inducting into our ranks are those with a strong passion for scientific research. These are tested professionals who appreciate the value of research in fast-tracking the social and economic progress of societies.”

He described pharmacy as the bedrock of effective healthcare delivery in the country and the most trusted healthcare provider as well as a driving force behind the discovery of new drugs.

On his part, President, Pharmaceutical

BALOGUN WASIU ABIODUN

ISIAKA MUHAMMED AKOREDE

I formerly known and addressed as ABANIWONDA BALOGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN WASIU ABIODUN. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 0I/0I/I970. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ISIAKA MUHAMMED KEWUDIRAN now wish to be known and addressed as ISIAKA MUHAMMED AKOREDE .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as IYAMU FESTUS now wish to add MARK my middle name to my name henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as FESTUS MARK IYAMU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLAMILEKAN MUSIBAU AKANBI

I formerly known and addressed as OLAMELEKAN AKANBI AFEEZ now wish to be known and addressed as OLAMILEKAN MUSIBAU AKANBI My date of birth is 10/10/1983..All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

REVINS EMPOWERMENT FOR GROWTH UNLIMITED INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE 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. ADEWUMI ADEMIJU ADEPELE. 2. SAMUEL JOSEPH ERUVIENE. 3. MR. OWOLABI ABIODUN GOMEZ. 4.AKANDE TAIWO ISRAEL. 5. ADEFISAN ADEBIYI ANTHONY ABIODUN. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND FOR BETTER LIVELIHOOD FOR GROWTH UNLIMITED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Society of Nigeria, (PSN), Ahmed Yakasai, said the body was committed to making Nigeria the hub of pharmaceutical production and research in Africa.

“Through a well-tailored plan which we have broken down to short, medium and long-term plan, we are looking to promote pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria and examining the possibilities of producing about 70% of what the industry needs especially the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients while importing the remaining 30%”, he said.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

In some of my documents my name appears as ABDULAZEEZ ZAKARI SHUAIBU While in some other ones it appears as ZAKARI ABDULAZEEZ .The names refer to the same person.

Henceforth I wish to be known as ZAKARI ABDULAZEEZ. All documents bearing all the names remain valid.

General public to please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that original bill of lading with No.700016900,container No PCIU8630834,,MF No.20170049320,BA No.BA05720170006556 by Total implementation and Automation Ltd. is a logistics service provider to Retail Supermarkets NIG. LTD.The bill of lading got lost on 28/09/2017.

AIDEYAN-IDEHEN BRIDGET IBHADE

I formerly known and addressed as AIDEYAN BRIDGET IBHADE now wish to be known and addressed as AIDEYAN-IDEHEN BRIDGET IBHADE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

OGOKE CHINONSO AUGUSTA I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS ONYEOCHA CHINONSO AUGUSTA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS OGOKE CHINONSO AUGUSTA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ADEBAYO KAOSARA ABISOLA

MABEL AUDU ABAH

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEBAYO KAOSARA NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS ADEBAYO KAOSARA ABISOLA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MABEL AUDU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MABEL AUDU ABAH ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID, ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERN AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

EMORDI PETER

MRS JACINTA ADAOBI OKAFOR

I FORMER KNOWN AS EMORDI PAUL OWENS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EMORDI PETER OWENS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MISS JACINTA ADAOBI OGBUAGU NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS MRS JACINTA ADAOBI OKAFOR ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

28 News

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Ikpeazu sends names of commissioner –nominees Governors advised to to ABHA emulate Lagos on ‘Ready

Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chikwendu Kanu Wednesday announced at the floor of the House 25 names as commissioner nominees as sent to it by the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

The commissioner nominees include, Henry Ikoh, Lady Elizabeth Uhuegbu, Fabian Nwankwo, Precious Achumba, Ugoeze Kate Onyemaechi, Iyk Anyatonwu, John Okeiyi Kalu, Dr. Aham

Uko, Obinna Ekewkwe, Dennis Izuogu, Gab Igboko, Uzor Azubuike, Mascot Imo Obike, Charles Ogbnonnaya, Eziuche Ubani, Uche Ihediwa, Obinna Ogbonna, Chidiebere Nwoko, Prof Ikechi Mgboji, Chizuru Kanu, Asiforo Okere, James Okpara, Christopher O Enweremadu, John Ahukanna and Rt Hon Chinedum Elechi.

A critical analysis of the names shows that eight of them were immediate past commissioners returning and they include, Henry Ikoh (Industry), Gab Ig-

boko (Environment), Uzor Azubuike (Agriculture), Charles Ogbnonnaya (Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs), Eziuche Ubani (Works), Uche Ihediwa (Lands), Prof Ikechi Mgboji (Education)and John Ahukanna (Health).

Also returning is the Secretary to the State Government, SSG Dr. Eme Okoro.

Speaking after announcing the names, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Chikwendu Kanu referred the list to a 12-man House Committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Cosmos Ndukwe as the chairman.

According to him, the choice of members of the committee was to reflect what he called “Fewderal Character”.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu had on Friday, the 16th of June, dissolved his cabinet.

The Permanent Secretary, Government House, Sir Onyii Wammah, had in a statement said that the former Commissioner for Works, Hon. Eziuche Ubani, has been appointed the governor’s Special Adviser on Works and Project Monitoring.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, APIN Public Health Initiatives, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo and Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, when Okonkwo led management team of APIN on a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Charley Boy sues Police, demands N500m for human rights infringement

Myke Uzendu, Oluchi Okoroafor, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

leader of the political pressure group, ‘OurMumuDonDo’, and music maestro, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charley Boy, and the co-convener, Deji Adeyanju of the ‘Resume or Resign’ group on Wednesday filed a N500million suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja against the Nigeria Police for alleged breach of their fundamental human rights and that of their groups during their recent protest in Abuja.

In the suit which the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of Federation were joined as co-defendants, the plaintiffs also alleged harassment, intimidation, assault.

They prayed the

court to determine whether it was legally right for the Police to have used tear gas, hot water canisters, police dogs and physically assaulted them during a non-violent protesters at the Unity fountain in Abuja.

The Nigeria police had during one of the groups seat out programme, dispersed them with hot water canisters and dogs, leading to the collapse of their leader, Charley Boy. The group was also attacked at the Wuse Market Abuja by some mob in the market.

But the police had denied attack on Charley Boy while affirming that the group was dispersed with teargas and hot water canister to avoid the protest being hijacked by miscreants.

The suit marked

FCT/HC/CV/3037/2017 and dated 4th October, 2017, was filed by their lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.

It specifically prayed the court to determine “whether the use of teargas canisters, water cannon and wild police dogs by the agents and officers of the Respondent to attack, harass and disperse members of the OurMumuDonDo movement and Concerned Nigerians group during a peaceful demonstration at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja is not unjustifiable, illegal, unconstitutional.

Whether the Police action amounted to a breach of the applicant’s fundamental rights to the dignity of the human person, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association and contrary to Sections 34, 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Articles 5, 9, 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Charley Boy is also seeking the following reliefs from the court: “An Order compelling the Police to publish a public apology to him in five National Newspapers, and the payment of the sum of N500m as general damages to him for the violation of his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association on Tuesday, 8th August, 2017 at Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja,” the originating motion reads.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

set work’ project ÏÏÏGovernors

of 35 states in the federation have been advised to create a scheme similar to the ‘Ready Set Work,’ RSW, project of the Lagos State government.

Final year students in tertiary schools in Lagos State including the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka; Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo and the Lagos Polytechnic, LASPOTECH, Ikorodu plus three others gave the advice last weekend at a sideline of the internship fair organised for them as part of activities to wrap up their 13 weeks RSW’s training programme.RSW is an entrepreneurship and employability initiative of the Lagos State government designed for graduating students in the five state-owned tertiary institutions and UNILAG to sharpen their knowledge, skills and attitudes ahead of graduation. And the career fair is to avail them possible internship placement with companies across sectors that are partnering the state government under the scheme.

The students, 1,500 in all, said the knowledge and skills they had acquired under the scheme, which enters its second edition this year, have really reshaped their thinking and perceptions about

the world outside school.

They said what they were exposed to and taught during the training were practical things to make career success either as salary earners or self-employed and would want other state governors to replicate the scheme, which is free of charge, in their respective states because of it multiplier effect.

Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, told the students that they had no excuse to fail in whatever legitimate path and career they choose with the right and quality knowledge and skills they had acquired through the scheme.

He noted that unfortunately, only about 1,000 internship slots were available to fight for by all 1, 500 participants, saying the companies have sole responsibility of who to choose based on their performance during interviews.

He however told journalists at a sideline that majority of the students were trained to become self-employed and employers of labour rather than job seekers and that state government was ready to finance those with outstanding small and medium enterprises’ projects among them.

Air Peace warns unions against disrupting its flights Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏAir

Peace has cautioned aviation unionagainst the reported plan to picket its (airline’s) operations saying it would not sit and watch the labour unions disrupt its flight services.

The airline was reacting to reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and aviation unions were planning to picket some domestic airlines, including Air Peace for alleged casualisation of workers and refusal to recognise unions in the aviation sector.

A statement signed by the airline’s spokesman, Mr. Chris Iwarah cautioned the unionists against disrupting the carrier’s operations or the travel arrangements of its customers.

The statement dismissed the unions’ claims of casualisation as a de-

liberate falsehood to confer legitimacy on the illegal picketing.

He said the airline had no single case of casual staff in its employ adding that the carrier “has no legal obligation to compel any member of its staff to recognise or join any of the unions in the aviation sector.

“Our attention has been drawn to media reports of an alleged plan by the NLC and trade unions in the aviation sector to picket some domestic airlines, including Air Peace, over claims of casualisation and refusal to recognise unions in the aviation sector for the purposes of unionising our staff.

“We make haste to state that the claim of casualisation in Air Peace is nothing but a failed attempt to clothe the planned illegal picketing with legitimacy.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

News 29

Nigerians guilty of importation, recklessness – FG …Don’t blame govt on economic crisis

Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Minister of

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), presenting the plague to the Emir of Borgu, Kingdom Kanji Niger State, Barrister Muhammad Sani Dantoro, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Government House, Osogbo, Osun State… on Tuesday.

Gunmen kidnap popular musician in Edo Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏGunmen

suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday night violently abducted a popular musician and social critic, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that Osayomore performed at a function in the afternoon in Benin before he was kidnapped at Night.

It was also learnt that Osayomore was kidnapped at about 10pm at Orovie village, off Upper Ekewan road in Egor local government area while returning to Benin metropolis with his wife.

The Daily Times reliably gathered that His wife whose name could not be ascertained was shot in the head during the operation.

The kidnap of Osayomore is coming barely

a week ( September 24) when Managing Director of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Dr. Andy Ehanire was kidnapped wile three policemen manning were killed by kidnappers.

Also, on September 27, the Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella of Auchi Diocese, Fr. Lawrence Adorolo was kidnapped along AuchiOkene highway.

The Priest was released two days later while

Ekhanire is yet to release.

When contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Moses Nkombe, confirmed the abduction of Osayomore, saying the police received report of abduction at about 11pm.

According to him, the police would do everything possible to secure the release of Osayomore.

Nkombe explained that security operatives have been drafted to black

Good governance: AuGF tasks auditors on anti-corruption crusade Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Auditor-General

for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine has charged the staff of the Office of the AuditorGeneral for the Federation (OAuGF) and other auditors in the country to discharge their duties with diligence and commitment to be impact val-

ue their value to the fight against corruption by President Buhari administration.

Ayine gave this charge during the launch of the OAuGF Regularity Audit Guide, Code of Conduct and Ethics, Quality Control and Assurance Manual and the OAuGF E – Learning Portal in Abuja.

The Deputy Director Media and Public Rela-

tions, Mrs. Olawunmi Ogunmosunle, in a statement, said the launch was in continuation of the implementation of the road map towards re-positioning and reform of the OAuGF, to fulfil its constitutional mandate.

The Strategic Development Plan was launched a week ago by Oresident Muhammafu Buhari.

The Auditor-General

identified skill deficit as a major handicap to the delivery of high quality audits. According to him “auditors must always be a step ahead of accountants because you cannot audit what you don’t know”.

He expressed optimism that the launch was one major step towards improving the skill base of the Office.

Agriculture and rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe has emphasized on the role of agriculture in this era of economic diversification from oil saying we are all guilty of importation and recklessness therefore, none should blame government.

Ogbe also said the Nigeria naira used to be #1 to $1.60 but today, it is #360 to $1 and we think we are comfortable, advising Nigerians of the need to cut down intake of imported goods and services.

The Minister who spoke in his office in Abuja on Wednesday (Yesterday) while receiving the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) on a visit said there was economic crisis in Nigeria, but not food, there was crisis because the Dollar went up forcing down the naira and things went up both in our exchange component and in everything we do.

He said: “I want to remind us that the world has given us notice, America, Europe China and Japan that in a short while we will no longer need petrol, diesel and Kerosene as the Japanese are using water now to power their cars, using water to power their hydrogen and generating energy.

If in 5 or 10 years, Nigeria does not generate money from oil and gas, we have to come back to agriculture; we have to cut down our appetite for impulse because the Dollar simply will not be available. We are all guilty of importation and recklessness so we do not have to blame government; we need to cut down our intake on importation. The

Naira used to be 1Naira to $1.60 but today it is $1 to #360 and we think we are comfortable. We should cooperate to cut down our appetite for imports; our crisis will never go away”.

According to Chief Ogbe who lauds the farmers and millers for the good work they are doing for the country said, “This meeting holding today I allowed it because of its importance to the country. I extend to you the appreciation of President, Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo on the good work you are doing in agriculture especially in rice production. I can say that you the Farmers and Millers have done more than enough to feed Nigerians.

Nobody can count how much you have come to rescue our country that was close to disaster.

“We are achieving something and you are the ones doing it, as you said the biggest problem of the Nigerian farmer and processing is smuggling. Not too long ago the World Bank said we are losing 5 Billion Dollars a year to smugglers.

“I want to assure you that the Senate is not sleeping over this as we have had series of meetings over it and at the level of the executive; the vice president has had over five meetings about this with different groups which I have been present. We brought a copy of the memorandum we had with the public companies when Obasanjo was in Office; because we got so angry with smuggling at that appoint, I persuaded them to shot the boys concerned and the people there lay on their bellies begging. That boarder remained closed for months.

Sheriff impersonating APC’s North East vice chairman - Borno APC Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

State publicity secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Borno state, Makinta Zarami said that the embattled former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is impersonating by declaring himself as zonal leader of the APC. Zarami in a statement issued and released to pressmen on Wednesday (Yesterday) said Sheriff was also behind reports previously published by a section of the Nigerian media claiming he was be-

ing lobbied by the APC in the state to return to its fold after his sack by the Supreme Court from being National Chairman of the PDP. “The embattled former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu Sheriff is responsible for misleading an online media house with fake information which declared him (Sheriff) as the new zonal leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in clear attempt to impersonate an existing occupant of the office”.

The Borno chapter of the APC said it had earlier maintained a dignified

silence but has decided to speak now that there is new twist concerning impersonation of an office in the party. ”As it has been observed, some media promoters of Ali Modu Sheriff have been using the social media to share an online story claiming that the APC National Secretariat has appointed Sheriff as the new leader of the APC in the northeast. We consider this a clear case of impersonation, because as everyone knows, the APC has an existing National Vice Chairman for the northeast otherwise called zonal vice chairman who

replaced Babachir David Lawal after the office became vacant following his appointment as Secretary General of the Federation (AGF) in 2015.

“It is disgraceful to note that Sheriff has always boasted of being in the same category with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Atiku Abubakar and their likes who are National leaders of the APC, resorting to impersonating the office of the northeast zonal vice chairman, all in his desperation to seek political relevance after successfully creating crisis in the PDP. The statement further said, “Sheriff has been

responsible for all media reports saying he was being lobbied by APC leaders. However, it should be placed on record that the Borno APC is not afraid of Sheriff ’s coming because he is currently standing alone. As can be attested to, most of Sheriff ’s most notable political associates like Alhaji Mala Othman who had been with him for over 30 years, his personal assistant, his spokesman and other long standing friends have all left him and joined the APC before and immediately after the 2015 elections.

“He is a like a herdsman without cattle as such his coming will be of no ef-

fect. There is virtually no one in Borno politics that has not had a terrible experience with Sheriff in the past; hence he is not new to anyone in the state. The APC he left is different today, if he is to return, he will not be able to hijack the party structure even in his own ward not to talk of the State or the northeast in general.

The APC is not afraid of him, rather the party’s concern is about the impersonation and false information that is capable of confusing some party supporters in addition to bringing the party’s reputation under public ridicule”, the statement said.

Moses arrives to boost Eagles squad Chelsea’s Victor Moses finally arrived Le Meridien Hotel of the Super Eagles on Wednesday afternoon.

The defender was an unused substitute as the Blues bowed 1-0 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Although no reason was given for his

late arrival, he was given a warm welcome by the team and will train for the time with Gernot Rohr’s men on Wednesday evening.

Moses played a crucial role as the Super Eagles collected four points in September’s double-header against

Cameroon, and he would be banked on to wreak havoc against the Chiopolopolo.

Nigeria lead Group B with 10 points from four matches and a draw at least on Saturday would hand them 2018 Fifa World Cup ticket.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

EXTRATIME

31

Moses

NFF to appeal FIFA’s fine

We will not under rate Zambia - Rohr All stories by Frank Jumbo with Agency reports

N

igeria coach Gernot Rohr maintains that undermining Zambia will be a huge mistake on his part, saying he can’t predict the scoreline.

The Super Eagles are set to host the Chipolopolo this weekend in a

crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria are confident after a win and a draw against Cameroon last month whilst Coach Wedson Nyirenda led his troops to two wins over the Desert Warriors of Algeria in Group B. Rohr has admitted that their Southern African visitors will not be a piece of cake for the West Africans.

“I can’t predict the score line against Zambia because it would not be an easy match,” said to Rohr to CAFOnline.

“Zambia can be dangerous because they also have a good team. I don’t think it would be a 4-0 win for us but the most important thing for us is to win even if it’s by one or two goal difference.

“I have seen a lot of videos of the Zambian team and I must confess they are a very good side much better than the team we played last October but we are not afraid.

“We only have to give them respect but we won’t make the mistake Algeria made by underrating Zambia; they have quick strikers but we shall be ready for them.”

Zambia national team to hit Uyo Wednesday

Z

ambia National Team are expected to arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday, ahead of potentially the most lucrative game in their history, a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier with the Super Eagles.

Seven of the invited nine foreign-based professionals summoned by manager Wedson Ny-

irenda have joined the Zambia national team camp in Accra.

FC Liefering striker Patson Daka will link up with his international teammates upon their arrival in Abuja on Wednesday, while Djurgardens attacking midfielder Edward Chilufya has withdrawn from the squad as his work permit is still being processed in Sweden.

The Copper Bullets will be set for a big pay day if they upset the form guide and beat Nigeria at the Nest of Champions, as that will take them to ten points, level with the Super Eagles, ahead of the last round of matches in Group B. For participating in the World Cup, Zambia or Nigeria, will re-

ceive a minimum of $12 million ( equivalent of N4.3 billion), and that amount will rise if they make it to the knockout rounds.

The preparation fee for the 32 qualified nations is expected to be in the region of $2 million while $10 million will be paid to the sixteen eliminated teams in the group stage.

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday expressed surprise at the $30,800 fine slammed on the country by world football ruling body, FIFA for alleged crowd encroachment during the Super Eagles 4-0 thrashing of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in a 2018 World Cup qualifier last month.

The NFF, which said it would appeal the sanctions, has also launched a campaign to ensure that football fans comported themselves in orderly manner during and after Saturday’s match against Zambia at the same venue.

Speaking on the sanction, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said yesterday that the Federation has started the awareness campaign to educate the security personnel on how to ensure the fans do not run onto the field of play even after the final whistle.

“We are not happy that Fifa is imposing a fine on us over fans encroachment onto the field of play. To avoid the repeat of such ugly development, an enlightenment campaign is now ongoing to educate the security men that would be on duty during our match against Zambia. We are going to ensure that all aspects of the spectators are enlightened.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

EXTRATIME

P.31

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE… UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE… UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE… UEFA

Mourinho honored with street name

All stories by Frank Jumbo with Agency reports

M

anchester United manager Jose Mourinho has had a street named after him in Portugal.

Rua da Saude was officially renamed Avenida Jose Mourinho on Tuesday in the 54-year-old’s home town of Setubal.

The honour was accorded to the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss in recognition of his achievements in football.

Mourinho attended the ceremony in the seaside town alongside his mother, Maria Julia Santos.

He said, as quoted by United’s official website: “If you ask me, if I’m grateful, excited and proud, yes of course I am. I say yes to

everything.

“But I still want to come to Setubal and be who I am. I come to Setubal because I love Setubal. I have my mother and I feel closer to my father. I come to Setubal because my children have never lived here and love Setubal as much or more than I do.

“Setubal remains the only city where I feel like myself, where I feel [like] Ze Mario [his Portuguese nickname], where I walk on the street and people treat me like I like to be treated.”

Local mayor Maria das Dores Meira described Mourinho as a “son of Setubal, a man of the world, a global personality... one of those Setubalenses who fill us with pride because he is really special, has a special talent, and has special love for their land”.

Robben

Madrid boosted with Bale recovery news

R

eal Madrid have received a boost after medical tests found Gareth Bale has a swollen calf as opposed to a muscle tear.

Bale suffered the problem in last week’s Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, a match where he scored one and set up an-

other.

While his injury ruled him out of Madrid’s LaLiga match with Espanyol on Sunday and Wales’ crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, it is not as bad as first feared.

Reports in Spain suggest the

swollen calf has a recovery period of 10 to 15 days, meaning he will hope to be fit for the crunch Champions League clash with former club Tottenham on October 17.

“Following tests carried out on Gareth Bale, he has been diagnosed with swelling but no tear in the so-

leus muscle of his left leg,” Madrid said in a statement on Wednesday.

“His recovery will be monitored.”

Champions Madrid will be relieved at Bale’s diagnosis as they bid to bridge a seven-point gap to LaLiga leaders Barcelona following a slow start to the season.

Batshuayi to seize Chelsea opportunity with Morata absence

M

ichy Batshuayi says Alvaro Morata’s injury has given him the ideal chance to impress at Chelsea.

Spain international Morata is reportedly facing a few weeks out of action as a result of the hamstring problem picked up in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Batshuayi has largely been restricted to a substitute role this season, with head coach Antonio Conte keeping him as a back-up to the club-record signing, but the Belgium striker has still managed five goals, including the last-minute winner in the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old was tipped to leave during the transfer

window after struggling to adapt in his first year in England but he is now determined to seize his chance for regular playing time.

“It sounds strange to say, but someone’s bad luck is sometimes the happiness of the other,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I know that I will have more playing opportunities in the coming weeks. It’s up to me to show that I’m capable. I know Conte has confidence in me.

Otherwise, he would have let me leave.

“It’s a chance for me. If I’m called on, I want to be ready and efficient. I have to stay really focused.

“I’ve already started games at Chelsea and played well. I’m an efficient striker, but I’m not a joker.”

Kroos happy with decision to join Madrid Toni Kroos said he made the correct decision to leave German giants Bayern Munich for Real Madrid in 2014.

Kroos ended his association with boyhood club Bayern three years ago and the Germany international has gone on to enjoy great success in Madrid.

The 27-year-old – gearing up for World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan – has helped Madrid to LaLiga glory and back-to-back Champions League titles.

“My change of team was correct, in fact, from my point of view there is no doubt about it,” Kroos said in an interview with the German Football Association (DFB).

“Clearly, if you go abroad to a top club, it means one more step in your development.

“Carlo Ancelotti wanted me in Madrid, and had bet on me.”

On his one season with former Bayern head coach Pep Guardiola in Bavaria before moving to the Spanish capital, Kroos added: “I wouldn’t undervalue my year under Pep Guardiola because I think I made a big step forward in that year.

“I look at my career in phases: Jupp [Heynckes] was the most important coach in the early stages of my career, both at Leverkusen [during a loan spell] and then in Munich as well.

“Pep Guardiola saw me as a central player in his system, which my style of play fit into perfectly.”

Gerrard still believes in Klopp

S

teven Gerrard has told Sky Sports that he is confident Jurgen Klopp will bring success to Liverpool despite their indifferent start to the season.

Liverpool lie seventh in the Premier League table and have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, but Gerrard believes Klopp’s side can gather some momentum and mount a challenge for silverware either domestically or in Europe.

“The league doesn’t lie -- Liverpool are where they are,” Gerrard said. “But what I would say is I am really enjoying watching the team at the moment.

“I love the manager. I think he has taken this team and the club forward. There is a lot of excitement about.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08038099089.

Editor Daily: TONY AMOKEODO

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017

VOL. 3. NO. 466

Price: N150

Flashback in Times: October 5, 1961

News Hotline: 08050220561 Advert Hotlines: 08086296714, 08033228839

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Naira strengthens against major currencies at all segments

NSE rebounds as ƆƅƐ Ə Ƌ ƈ Ɨƈƅ Ɛ Ə move ASI to 0.15% Page B4

Nigerian SMEs set to exhibit products at China Fair

Ï Ƌ Ɛ è Ƈ Ɨè Ɛ ƆƏ Ɛ ƄƆ showcased Tony Nwakaegho with agency report Nigeria’s ConsulGeneral in Guangzhou, China, Mr Wale Oloko, said on Tuesday that no fewer than 36 Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises would be participating in the forthcoming China International Small and Medium Enterprise Fair.

Oloko, said that the consulate and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) were collaborating to showcase Nigerian products at the fair.

“Thirty six small and medium enterprises from Nigeria are to participate at the 14th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair in Guangzhou from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13.

“We are to ensure that Nigerian entrepreneurs showcase their products to visitors and investors from all over the world and explore export opportunities.

“The SMEs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will exhibit food, clothing, handicraft and manufactured agricultural products,’’ he said.

He disclosed that the Nigerian SMEs will also be participating at the Canton International Trade scheduled to commence on Oct. 15th in Guangzhou.

According to him, the fair would also provide an opportunity for the consulate and SMEDAN to inform Chinese investors of Nigeria’s ongoing economic diversification and recovery efforts.

He explained that it was imperative to make the Chinese know of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and transforming Nigeria to a producing nation.

“Nigerian Government takes the issue of economic revitalisation seriously and will grant incentives to encourage investments in the priority sectors listed in the recently released Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

“The plan is focused on achieving macro-economic stability, transforming agriculture, driving sufficiency in energy, improving transportation infrastructure and growing industrialisation with attention on small and medium scale enterprises,” he added.

Azubike Nnadozie, with Agency reports Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr Maikanti Baru, has urged the Oyo and Osun State Governments to assist the corporation in curbing activities of pipeline vandals.

Baru, who made the appeal on Wednesday during the re-inaugu-

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Page B3

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Farmers to slash price of local rice to N6, 000 per bag Page B7

GTBank settles $123,066,000 cash tender offer October 5 Bonny Amadi Guaranty Trust Bank Plc will on Friday 5th September 2017, settle $123,066,000 worth cash tendered Notes, out of the bank’s $400 6.000% Notes tender offer GTBank’s $400,000,000, 6.000 per cent Notes tender offer which opened 25th September 2017, indicating that the offer at-

tracted $123,066,000 tenders.

Daily Times Nigeria recalls that GTBank Plc on September 25th 2017 invited holders of $400,000,000 6,000 per cent notes due 2018 to tender any and all of the Notes for cash payment by the bank which represents the offer.

The offer was on the terms of and subjected to the conditions contained

in a tender offer memorandum dated 25th September 2017.

The statement by GTBank signed by Erhi Obebeduo, the company’s secretary, released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in its corporate disclosure portal, said that the tender agent, Lucid Issuer Services Limited revealed in a recent release that $123,066,000 in aggre-

gate principal amount of the securities were validly tendered before the expiration of the deadline and not withdrawn.

According to the tender agent, the outstanding principal amount following the offer is $276,934,000. It further disclosed that no securities were tendered through the guaranty delivery

CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

G `ë LƏ ƗƆƕƈ Ɗ ƗƆ ƍƆè 1Ə Ƒƍ &Rè ^ ƋƐ L Ə 6 ƋƗƈ è LƏ ^ƆƐƆƏ RƄƈè 0 ƏƌƆƏ 1 ƒƆƏ Ə ƌƄƏ dƐ ƐƆè ^Ə Ƈ ædƈƏç Əƈ R ƄƆƅ ƈƆè ƑƏƆƆ Ɨ L ƆƌƆ Ɛ ƏƗ LƆƌƄƆƏ G dè LƏ ^ ƅ Ƌ # ƖƈƆè LƏ 0Ɔƌƈ RƋƑƄ Ɠ ì ƈƏƌ ^ ƋƐ L Ə 6 ƋƗƈ Ɛ Ɨƈ ƆƏ ƈ ƑƏ Ƈ ^Ə Ƈ Əƈ R ƄƆƅ ƈƆ ƈ G Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƓƆƆƊƆ Ɨê

NNPC boss solicits assistance to curb pipeline vandalism Ï Ɖƈƌ Ƅƈ Ɠ Ɛ ƌ ƏƊƆƐ Ƈ ƏƅƆ Ɛ ƗƏƈƒƆ ƈƋ ƍƐƈƅƆ ration of the loading operations in NNPC, Ibadan depot, noted that vandalism of pipelines was affecting the operations of the corporation.

He warned the vandals to desist from their nefarious act, that their illegal activity was detrimental to the national economic growth.

It could be recalled that the Ibadan Depot of the NNPC suspended loading operations in 2015 due to incessant pipeline vandalism but Baru, on assumption of duty in the corporation,

promised to resuscitate the depot.

He expressed optimism that the re-activation of the depot and effective distribution of petroleum products would boost the economy of Ibadan and its environs.

Baru assured members of staff of NNPC other stakeholders that the corporation would continue to function to resolve various challenges facing the corporation.

Chief Suleiman Oladiti, the

Chairman, Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD), said Baru had lived up to his promise of not leaving any stone unturned at ensuring re-activation of the various depots across the country.

He said members of PTD had been cooperating with the NNPC for the smooth distribution of petroleum products from Mosimi depot to various destinations throughout the time of loading suspension at Ibadan depot.

He called on the. NNPC man-

agement to join PTD in ensuring the reduction of road crashes involving fuel tankers to zero level by enhancing effort on safety standard “In as much as the association appreciates the revamping and recommissioning of the deposit in Ibadan,it becomes imperative for the management of NNPC not to compromise on safety standard. ‘’This will go a long way in achieving the desired objectives,’’ he said.

CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

NNPC boss solicits assistance to curb pipeline vandalism CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

R – L: Chairman Fatgbems Group, Kabir Gbemisola, attending to a customer, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Core Media Group, Jide Adediran and the Chief Operating Officer, Fatgbems Group, Dare Adeola at the Flag-off of Fatgbems Petroleum 2017 Customers Service Week Activities in Lagos on Tuesday.

Simon Ugwu The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Wednesday said it wheeled out 105,535.8 megawatts of electricity in September.

This was an increase of 10,577.1 megawatts over 94,958.7 megawatts wheeled out in August.

The daily statistics of TCN operations obtained by newsmen from the Nigerian Electricity System Operator (SO), a section of the TCN, indicated that the 105,535.8 megawatts were the total generated in September.

The increase in September was attributed to improvement in gas supply and increase in water level in most hydro plants.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange has charged domestic investors to take advantage of market data to emerge profitable in the stock market.

This is even as he disclosed that efforts put in place by the Exchange, in improving investor’s education and enhancing the investor’s experience are yielding positive results.

Delivering his opening address at the second edition of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Market Data workshop held in La-

security in curbing activities of vandals.

The governor, however, advised the corporation to form security committee that would from time to time monitor activities of its various unions.

Speaking on the occasion, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, stated that market forces should be allowed to determine the prices of petroleum products.

The governor urged NNPC to look for ways of engaging private investors in partnership, particularly in the area of setting up refinery.

TCN dished out 105, 535.8mw electricity in September – official Daily power generated from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15 were 3,799.6mw, 3,655.6mw, 2,952.2mw, 3,390.3mw, 3,722.4mw, 3,556.7mw, 3,204.6mw, 3,167.1mw, 3,625.5mw, 3,776.8mw, 2,945mw, 3,740.4mw, 3,375.2mw, 3,826mw and 3,615.9mw respectively.

The generation from Sept.

16 to Sept. 30 were 3,292.3mw, 3,762.8mw, 3,676.5mw, 3,936.8mw, 3,813.3mw, 3,482.8mw, 3,617.9mw, 3,586.7mw, 3,212.2mw, 3,767.8mw, 3,394.1mw, 3,863.6mw, 3,197.9mw, 3,658.1mw and 2,909.7mw, re-

spectively.

Daily power generated from Aug. 1 to Aug.15 were 2,617.9mw, 3,226.2mw, 3,411.3mw, 2,745.8mw, 2,951mw, 3,393.8mw, 3 , 2 9 2 . 8 m w, 3 , 3 0 1 . 7 m w, 3,360.5mw, 3,425.6mw, 3,126.8mw, 3,316.1mw, 2,804.5mw and 3,435.5mw, respectively.

Power generated from Aug.15 to Aug. 31 were 3,443mw, 3,443mw, 4,068.6mw, 3,450.8mw, 3,737.6mw, 3,136.9mw, 3,912.8mw, 3,361.9mw, 2,895mw, 2,900.1mw, 3,126.8mw, 3,288.4mw,

Market data readers will emerge profitably - Onyema tells investors Afolabi Adesola

Also, the Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Raheem Tayo, called for effective maintenance of the pipelines to ensure constant supply of all petroleum products.

The Governor of Oyo state, Mr Abiola Ajimobi, commended NNPC for resuscitating Ibadan depot, saying that the move would boost the economy of Ibadan, the state capital and the state in general.

He promised to assist the corporation in the area of

gos on Wednesday, Onyema explained “There are many ways in which Market Data proves its value. According to him, One interesting way is in understanding economic trends.

“Historians are of the opinion that history always repeats itself, similarly, a familiar saying about history tells us that “history is written by the victors”. If this saying is true, then it corroborates the idea that “the market always wins”.

Market events of yesterday are written in Market Data, just as a book is written for its readers. So, if it is true that readers are lead-

ers, then it is safe to conjecture that the investors who “read” Market Data would eventually lead the market – i.e. emerge profitable.

Speaking further Onyema, stated that, “The NSE ASI index is arguably the best performing index YTD in Africa in comparison to major indices in the same league.”

He said “Considering the fact that our market closed the previous year on a negative note, the NSE ASI is up by 32.05% YTD, the fact that we have witnessed an unprecedented local participation in our market within the last one year.”

2,579.2mw, 3,579.2mw and 3,328.3mw, respectively.

The electricity were wheeled out to 11 distribution companies.

The TCN said that national peak demand forecast was at 19,100.00mw in September against the 11,165.40mw installed capacity.

7,139.60mw was the available capacity, 7,000mw was the current transmission capacity, while the network operational capacity stood at 5,500.00mw.

The peak generation ever attained in Nigeria was 5,074.7mw, while the

maximum energy ever attained stood at 109,372.01mw.

Nigeria power generation statistics Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, on Sept. 28, said a new electricity regulation that would boost meter supply for consumers nationwide would become operational in October.

Fashola announced the new regulation at a seminar on “Policy Dialogue on the Power Sector’ organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos.

The minister said that the regulation, which would govern meter service providers, would open up the market to more players in the meter supply chain.

It will also strengthen local meter supply and bridge the country’s metering gaps.

“It would enable other businesses that are not distribution companies (DISCOs) to supply meters.

“The core business of the DISCOs is not meter supply, their core business is distributing power, but it needs meters to do so.

GTBank settles $123,066,000 cash tender offer October 5 procedures described in CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

the tender offer memorandum adding that the settlement date has been fixed for 5th October 2017.

The bank explained that it has retained the services of Lucid Issuer Services as tender agent, as well as also retaining Exotic partners, LLP JP Morgan Securities Plc, and Morgan Stanley & co international as dealer managers in connection with the offer.

Through the offer, the bank is offering to deploy its valuable US dollars liquidity for the repurchase

of the notes ahead of the maturity in 2018 November.

The bank had earlier in a statement said that “the liability management liability exercise by the bank is to effectively manage its liquidity by addressing debt maturing in November 2018” It also said that the extent to which the goal can be achieved through the offer, will however, depend on the number of notes that will be tendered in the offer, given the voluntary nature of the offer.

From the fore going, the $123,066.000 valued notes purchased by the bank

will be cancelled as the bank had earlier assured The bank, in the earlier report fixed the commencement of the notes repurchase for 25th September, while the closing date was fixed for 5th October 2007 respectively.

GT Bank MD, Agbaje

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni The Nigerian currency, the Naira, on Wednesday consolidated on the gains recorded on the first trading day of the week and strengthened against the three major foreign currencies at all the foreign exchange markets segments.

The Naira, as at close of trading on Wednesday at the unofficial forex market appreciated further against the US Dollar to close at 363 compared to 364 declared a day earlier and 365 sold during the holiday on Monday. It, however, recorded significant gains against the Pound sterling and the Euro to close at 480 and 421, respectively against 485 and 425 sold the previous day at the parallel market.

The local currency, also, appreciated by 0.02 per cent at the official market to close at 305.70 to the dollar, stronger than 305.75 traded on Tuesday and 305.80 traded a week ago.

At the Nigerian Autonomous

B3 Money Market

Naira strengthens against major currencies at all segments

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) window, the naira also opened at a better rate of 359.40 representing an appreciating rate of 0.10 per cent compared to 359.76 on Tuesday and further extends it gains to

close at 360.07, stronger than 360.40 exchanged the preceding day but slightly weaker than 360.05 and sold last Wednesday.

Although, the daily turnover at the Importer and Exporters FX window stood at $257.56, as at close of yesterday transaction, which was weaker than $340.07 million traded a day earlier but better than $250.29 million declared in the corresponding period a week ago.

As at close of last week transactions, the autonomous forex window declared a whopping $1.492 billion turnover, with Monday closing figure of $340.07 million, dropped a bit the following day to $299.94 million, Wednesday $250.29 million, Thursday 238.98 million before recording $363.63 million on Friday, which represented the highest turnover during the week.

But were only recorded transactions of $909.59 million, totaling $2.402 billion transactions in the preceding week.

Therefore, financial experts and forex dealers believed that the newly introduced NAFEX widow has reversed the zero level confidence of investors to highest level of confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Meanwhile, the interbank rates including overnight, open buy back and repos may moderate this week as maturing treasury bills worth N130.03 billion hit the system, just as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans to sells same value of bills at the primary market auction.

The interbank rate reflects the level of naira cash liquidity in the banking system.

Specifically, CBN will hold a T-Bills Primary Market Auction yesterday where N28.7 billion, N33.5 billion and 68.1 billion of the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day bills respectively would be on offer.

Traders said the auction and sales of treasury bills left some banks short of liquidity, forcing them to scramble for cash to pay for their purchases on the interbank market. But the fact the fact that maturing bills are hitting the system may moderate rates and would not put pressure on banks to borrow.

Analysts also see treasury bills rate moderating on account of the maturing bills and the continued domestic investors’ interest in long dated instruments.

Analysts predict further gains for Naira in 2017 Some group of financial analysts at Renaissance Capital limited have forecasted a stronger external sector and tighter monetary policy imply the Nigerian currency, Naira appreciation risk in the Year end 2017 (YE17) forecasted to NGN332 to the dollar, while the local currency in the short-term strength, weaker in 2018.

The analysts explained that a weaker naira for yearend 2018 on presumed accommodation policies prior to the February 2019 elections.

However, in a review of their foreign exchange forecasts for Sub-Saharan Africa in the last eight months of the year published this week, the analysts noted that they assume an accommodate monetary policy ahead the 2019 elections in 2018, which would make the local currency trade N373 to the dollar in 2018.

“We assume accommodative policy in 2018, ahead of the February 2019 elections and expect the NGN to

trend weaker to NGN373/$1 at YE18. That said, we think the naira will become less cheap, in real terms, in the short term,” they said.

They equally stated that the Nigerian naira in eight months to August was among the worst performers in sub-Saharan Africa, including the Congolese franc (CDF), the Malawi kwacha (MWK), while The Kenyan shilling (KES) was seen remarkably stable despite the politics.

The naira’s underperformance, according to them is due to the adjustment of the interbank FX rate to NGN360/$1, from NGN315/$1 previously in early August.

They said their opinions rely on real effective exchange rates (REER), which help gauge how a currency stacks up against a tradeweighted basket of currencies, explaining that it is based on purchasing power parity theory, and the idea a currency adjusts to its fair value in the long run.

L-R: Group,Public Relations & Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc,Mr Tope Ashiwaju; 2nd position Indomie Independence Match-pass from Amazing Talent School, Amajoronwa Naomi;1st from Dornnie Schools, Ibrahim Adeniyi; 3rd position from Good Hope School, Amode Mariam and Coordinator Indomie Fan Club, Mrs Faith Oge Joshua, during the 2017 Indomie fan Club independence day celebration in Lagos.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Wednesday said that the Federal Government has concluded plans to raise between N270 billion and N330 billion ($857 million - $1.1 billion) in local currency-denominated bonds in the fourth quarter, 2017.

The debt office explained that it would auction between N135-165 billion worth of bonds maturing in 2021 and the same amount of the debt maturing in 2027.

In its latest issuance calendar, the debt office said the bonds will be re-opened from previously issued debt.

Nigeria expects a short-

FG to raise N270-N330bn in bonds in Q4 - DMO

fall of $7.5 billion for its 2017 budget, which it plans to raise in foreign loans from the World Bank, offshore and domestic markets.

Similarly, the Africa’s largest economy will issue at least a $2.5 billion Eurobond this year and is still in talks with the World Bank for concessionary loans, the head of the Debt Management Office (DMO) told Reuters on Tuesday in an interview.

Patience Oniha, director general of the Debt Management Office said Nige-

ria would issue $2.5 billion Eurobond which would take the proportion of its foreign debt close to 40 percent, up from 23 percent, a target its working on as part of its medium-term plan.

She said the DMO is also considering Eurobonds or syndicated loans for $3 billion to repay part of a local treasury bill holding worth 2.7 trillion naira ($8.8 billion).

Also, earlier this week, the budget office said that the Africa’s largest economy had taken N2.305 tril-

lion ($7.53 billion) in total revenue as of June 2017.

According to Director of the budget office, Ben Akabueze, said the aforementioned amount was 91 per cent of the budgetary provision for the half year in the country.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on Tuesday said that the Federal Government plans to release N100 billion for capital projects to take its total spending in the 2017 budget for infrastructure to N440.9 billion by next week.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

NSE rebounds as sectoral indicators move ASI to 0.15% Afolabi Adesola The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rebounded 0.15 percent on Wednesday, thanks to the northwards trend of all but one (Insurance) of the NSE sectoral indices on Wednesday.

The Banking index was the sector with the highest gain of 0.58 percent, owing to investors bargain hunting ahead of Q3 earnings season, while the NSE Insurance index was the lone loser with a 0.60 percent

decline, The ASI thus added 52.48 points to close the day at 35,358.57 basis points and the market capitalisation increased N218.6 billion to settle at N12.171 trillion Market breadth improved slightly as the price movement chart showed that 19 gainers were paired against 18 losers.

CI leasing maintained its topmost position on the gainers chart from previous day to close at N1.96 following a 9.50percent increase in its

share price. Nascon was next with an increase of 4.99 percent to close at N12.62 per share, while UAC-Prop and Vitafoam grew by 4.78 percent each to close at N2.85 and N2.63 per share respectively. Caverton was the day’s top fifth gainer with an increase of 4.59 percent to end the day at N1.14 per share.

Conversely, MRS emerged the day’s biggest loser with a decline of 4.97 per cent in its share price to close at N30.39 per share, Continental Re-insurance dropped 4.67 per cent to close at N1.43

per share while Learn Africa fell 3.80 percent to close at 76 kobo per share. Unity Bank dropped 3.51 percent to close at 55 kobo per share and Dangote sugar recorded a loss of 3.30 percent to close the day at N13.47 per share.

At the end of the day’s trading activities, a total volume of 174 .1 million shares valued at N2.720billion had been moved by investors in 3,599 deals compared 634.3 million shares valued N5.8 billion and moved in 3,850 deals on Tuesday.

Banking stocks dominated activity chart as UBA emerged the most traded stock with the exchange of 25.4 million shares valued at N227.2 million.

FBN Holding was next with the trade 23.4 million shares worth N133.3 million, while Zenith Bank exchanged 17.3 million shares valued at N424.4 million.

Access Bank transacted 17.3 million shares at N165.9 million, and Guaranty exchanged .

Seplat, Unilever announce closed period on share dealings Bonny Amadi, Afolabi Adesola

L – R: Moussa Davou, Director of Information Systems, BRVM Regional Securities Exchange; Dr. Afolabi Olowookere, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria; Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Ekow Afedzie, Deputy Managing Director, Ghana Stock Exchange and Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE at Nigerian Stock Exchange Market Data Workshop 2017 in Lagos on Wednesday

Analyst wants establishment of PCAOB as check on auditors Bonny Amadi Market analyst, Dialectic Africa has called for the establishment of the public companies Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to extract real value of funds expended on public companies auditing.

The company said that establishment of PCAOB and other regulatory initiatives would ensure greater value for Africans and the companies listed on African ex-

changes.

In its recent publication released Wednesday October 4th titled “Africa needs better auditors: fees are rising and values are dropping” noted that auditors services have failed to positively impact the lives of users of the audit reports, while further empowering their clients.

The Analysts also further recommend for law hindering public interest entities from choosing their auditors, fixing their remunerations and

paying them directly.

It further called for a law that would compel the firms to make an annual contribution into the Audit Malpractice Fund, a function of the number of and market capitalization of all PIE as at year-end managed by an audit firm. Among other recommendations.

According to Dialectic Africa, the reform becomes imperative to reshape Africa’s business environment and return value to the people , through creation of

new crop of auditors that charge lesser fees, at the same time encouraging growth and development.

The report pointed “Auditors get paid by the client but, the investing public is expected to believe the audited financial statements meet certain required and expected standards of honesty and transparency. Reality of events across the world clearly shows that audit firms have pledged their loyalty to the paying client and not the users of the financial statements they audit”

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc has announced that it will be in a Closed Period for its Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (“PDMRs”) and Insiders, from 1st October 2017 to 31st October 2017.

The company in a notification published via the official website of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Wednesday said the closed period was in sequence with the announcement of the Third Quarter Financial Results of SEPLAT. The oil firm noted that PDRM’s “be aware that a Closed Period on SEPLAT Share Dealings for all persons on the Insider List of the Company (including persons discharging managerial responsibilities) will be from 1st October 2017. Therefore, you and your “Connected Persons”, as described under the SEPLAT Share Dealing Policy, are not expected to and must not trade in SEPLAT Shares from 1st October 2017 until 31st October 2017, both dates inclusive.”

Seplat further clari-

fied details of connected persons to include The spouse; Children (including step-children); Relative who, at the relevant date, occupied the same household as the Applicable Person or Restricted Person, for at least 12 months; Agent or nominee, including an investment manager managing funds on behalf of the Applicable Person or Restricted Person” Also “A trust of which the Applicable Person (or Restricted Person) or any person connected to him/her (or any member of their family or any associated company) is the trustee or beneficiary (other than a trust for the purposes of an employee share scheme or a pension scheme).

A person in partnership with the Applicable Person (or Restricted Person) or any person connected to him/her; A legal entity in which the Applicable Person (or Restricted Person) or his/her connected person is a partner, or where a partner is a firm in which the Applicable Person or his/her connected person is a partner.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI

35,358.57

DEALS

3,599.00

VOLUME

174,068,848.00

VALUE

2,720,027,835.57

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

B5

Business Nairametrics

Chacha Wabara

Blogging is one business that you can do with little to zero overhead cost. It is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria today. Every day, people find reasons to be online; it could be to catch up on politics or celebrity gossip or to get information on diverse topics.

The fact is the traffic on the internet is heavy. This makes blogging lucrative. It has not always been as lucrative but with the incline of the world towards technology, blogging has fast become a well paying business.

A lot of people still doubt the source of Linda Ikeji’s wealth.

They are of the opinion that it couldn’t have been blogging that made her as wealthy as she is today. Here are some reasons she was able to hit it big; Passion Did you know that Linda started blogging not for work but as a hobby? She loves writing. It is almost impossible to fail at something you have passion for; that passion drives you to success. When you are passionate about a job, you find it hard to say no regardless of the risk involved. You begin to see your work as a lifestyle rather than as a chore.

Discovery Ikeji realized that there was a need for juicy information even if at that time people frowned at writers. Writing was seen as a synonym for laziness. Today, the same ‘laziness’ is raking in an estimate of about N5 – N30 million monthly.

Regardless, she broke out of the fold, embracing new idea as she went. Innovation and invention seem to have taken the back seat in our world today. People are afraid of change. Dare to think out of the

Linda Ikeji: how she makes money from blogging and future projects box.

Content Bloggers today are faced with the difficulty of developing intriguing content. They go into blogging without having mapped out a plan for the content they intend to deliver and this is the reason why most of them don’t succeed at it. Linda from the time she became an active blogger in 2007, made sure her content was such that could hold the attention of the crowd at large. To be successful in the ‘blogging market’, you ought

to have content and channel that content to a particular target. Ask yourself; what am I writing about?

Who is my target audience? What is the best approach to getting the attention of my target audience?

Risks Every blogger should be willing to take risks within reason.

Throw in a dash of controversial topics here and there without being condescending towards anyone in particular. We’ve all heard of various controversial issues Linda discussed in her blog which

Linda Ikeji

Here is how much Government has spent on new projects in 2017 Onome Ohwovoriole Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun has stated that total capital expenditure by the Federal Government will hit N400 billion by next week. Members of the National Assembly had recently summoned Adeosun and the Minister for Budget and Planning Senator Udo Udoma over the slow pace of budget execution.

During the proceedings Mrs Adeosun stated that the government had so far released N341 billion as capital expenditure. She also stated that proceeds from the N100 billlion Sukuk bond raise would be released to the Ministry of Works next week Thursday. In addition, Adeosun also made mention that capital projects for 2017 would be rolled over to next year.

Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo had in June signed into law the 2017 budget amounting to N7.2 trillion. N2.1 trillion has been earmarked as capital expenditure.

Budgets are divided into capital expenditure and recurrent expenditure Capital expenditure are one time expenses on new projects. Recurrent expenditure is money on annual basis such as salaries.

Budget planning has also been

Here’s why the price of rice will be dropping soon to N6,000 Kris Pemu

Why has capital expenditure been so poor?

Government revenue is largely dependent on crude oil earnings.

Revenue from crude oil fell last year due to a drop in crude oil prices and production volumes. The greater proportion of federal budgets is spent on recurrent expenditure, so a shortage of funds has led the government to concentrate its efforts on recurrent expenditure.

The late passage of the budget also means that contract processes are delayed. Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government thus tend to focus efforts on recurrent expenditure.

almost ran her out of business but in the end gave her blog more traffic than ever. Controversial posts which she has handled include the ‘Save Mayowa Campaign’; controversial publications about Doyin Okupe, Richard Mofe Damijo, Tonto Dike and Wizkid.

While controversial topics attract traffic, they are also borderline defamatory so you should draw the line between controversy and defamation.

The money comes from the adverts she runs for top companies and entertainment business outfits. Picture this; leader board (header) are two in number and worth N950, 000 each making N1, 900,000 every month. Sidebar ads (top) which are also two in number amount to N1, 000,000 a month.

Sidebar ads (all site wide) are 30 in number, each worth N400, 000 amounting to N12, 000,000 monthly. Page branding is worth N1, 600,000 monthly. There are two sponsored posts their worth both amounting to N3, 000,000 monthly. All these amount to at N19.5million from adverts alone.

The heavy traffic on her blog is not to be ignored either as the blog attracts a range of 1,500,000 visits from over 180 countries daily. This in itself brings in much more money such that it is safe to say that Linda makes about N30million monthly from blogging. Her future plans include a TV station which is already set to go pending

Fashola

poor in the country, with ministers and senior civil servants preferring to execute new projects than completing existing ones.

Poor planning has often led to the government making unrealistic budget estimates, which it is unable to fund, leading to abandoned projects.

the certification she needs to get it up and running. on her birthday recently she posted on Instagram “Growing up I wanted to be a reporter or TV presenter…now I employ reporters and TV presenters…Instead of working at a TV station…I am about to own one.

God has a way of doing his thing.

Just trust Him and never depart from Him as you go on your journey. And remember, you just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”

The success of this TV station will mean more job opportunities for the unemployed masses over the country and a better economy in the long run. However, despite the success of her blog, questions still remain about the transitioning process from being a blog to a full blown media outfit. While there are success stories such as Bisi Olatilo, there are also botched up projects. Thus, while the employment that the media outfit will generate is commendable, what will be more commendable is having and implementing a plan that will ensure that these people still have a job in the next few years.

Another dicey point remains how she plans to handle the respective business entities. Do the blog and the television station remain separate or does she merge them into one outfit. Answers to these questions will be tricky especially in the initial, capitalintensive stages of the television project. Will combining them impact on the financial performance of the blog? If they remain separate entities, can she continually fund the television project from personal funds? And for how long if she can?

The price of a 50kg bag of rice will soon be reduced between N6,000 to N7,000. This revelation was made by members of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN). The group led by the Chairman Rice Processors Association, Alh. Mohammed Abubakar and President Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Mall. Aminu Goronyo visited the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh in Abuja.

Alhaji Abubakar lamented that the price of rice is an issue bothering farmers and producers as farmers are determined to bring down the cost to its barest minimum in no time. Abubakar also revealed that miller’s have agreed to reduce the cost of paddy rice from N150,000 to N110,000 as its currently being sold in the market.

“If price of rice comes down we are sure rate of smuggling will reduce, once we get the cost of

paddy to come down, we assure the price of rice will come down.”

“Our quality now at par with any in the world, quality is no longer a challenge but issues of smuggling is no 1,2 and 3 issues affecting farmers, adding that rice smuggling if not checked by the Nigerian customs kills the industry and moral of the farmer” On his part, RIFAN President Mallam Aminu Goronyo announced that the actual and real price will be reduced because a bumper harvest is being expected this year.

“We have sat down with the miller’s and agreed that we are going to work together for the interest of Nigerians.

“You have been buying a bag of rice at n18,000,but soon it will be between 13/15 thousand naira. that bag that you buy for 13/14,000,you will buy it for “We are looking at the price for 50kg god willing in the next few months”

Brands & Marketing B6 Stories by Godwin Anyebe “The agencies’ in this room today will be lucky to be around in five years, much less 10, unless they radically transform the way they come to market,” said the Partnership North American CEO Andrew Bailey during a recent event aptly titled: “Is the Agency of the Future Still an Agency?”

That sentiment may seem alarmist, but it echoed across the two panels that opened this year’s Advertising Week in New York with a deceptively simple question: What is advertising, and how do we define the agencies that make it?

A second event, called Advertising Needs a Rebrand, addressed an even more basic challenge: Why is advertising a “dirty” word?

“Let’s stop calling ourselves ad agencies, because advertising

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Why is advertising a “dirty” word? is such a small part of what we do,” said Deutsch North American chief digital officer Winston Binch, who argued that a broader, more generic term would be more accurate. “Mad Men wasn’t about marketers, and it’s not as sexy, but frankly that’s what we all do,” he continued. “I love advertising, but maybe, we should think about the semantics more. Maybe I’ll just tell my mom’s friends that I’m a marketer.”

R/GA U.S. chief creative officer Chloe Gottlieb added, “The word ‘advertising’ feels limited, but the word ‘agency’ can be a lot of things.”

Yet even that word is problematic. Jack Bamberger, svp of global partnerships at Oath, said the me-

dia’s insistence on using “agency” to describe marketing organizations of all shapes and sizes causes confusion.

Then there’s the issue of what separates agencies from the consultancies that are increasingly eating their lunch.

Accenture Interactive refers to itself as an “experience agency” to better encompass the breadth of its services, said North American managing director and marketing lead Jeannine Falcone. “We don’t go out and pretend that we’re a brand or media agency,” she added.

And yet consultancies are competing with traditional agencies.

As Falcone pointed out, consultancies are able to “turn around and

crank out anything at massive global scale,” adding, “that might be hard for other agencies to figure out.” She did acknowledge that the company is not yet known for its creative capacity, saying, “We’ve had to layer that in over time.”

And as we’ve heard for years, “traditional” agencies look to follow or risk irrelevance. Tim Castree, global CEO of WPP’s new media network Wavemaker, wants his organization to increase the amount of problems that it can solve. “We’re building on top of our core business of media trading and buying and moving into tangential areas.”

So creatives want to offer more consulting services while consultancies want to grow more

creative. They all want to work with more emerging companies while selling themselves as “fullservice” groups designed to help solve all of their clients’ most pressing problems—and none are terribly happy with the words “advertising” or “agency.”

It can feel a bit confusing to clients and reporters alike, but this cross-pollination will undoubtedly continue. During their panel, Gottlieb noted that R/GA has long maintained an Accelerator program, and Binch discussed the opening of Deutsch’s new 40,000-square foot L.A. studio fit to accommodate the agency’s own production team as well as any interested third-party content makers.

GOtv out with new family entertainment package

L-R- Mr. Opeyemi Awojobi, National Coordinator, Power Oil Health Camp, Mrs. Omotayo Azeez- Abiodun, Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, Mrs. Annetu- Anne Aliu, Director, Women & Gender Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Deputy Director, Women Education & Organization, Mrs. Akpotive Regina, Mr. Oliko Leolloyd, Assistant Director, Women N.H.O.S during Flag off ceremony of Power Oil partnership with The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development last week in Abuja.

Women’s ministry endorses power oil health project In recognition of the efforts and achievements of the Power Oil Healthy Heart Mission project Pan Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development has endorsed the life impacting programme, while also promising to render the needed support as long as it continues in the quest to put the interest of the society first.

This was established recently in Abuja during the official flag–off ceremony at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, where top officials of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Power Oil officials, representatives from different NGOs, staff of different ministries gathered to witness the program at the SGF Conference Hall, Secretariat, Abuja.

The free medical health check activity was officially declared open to the public by the Director, Women & Gender Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Develop-

ment, Mrs. Annetu- Anne Aliu by being the first to have her BMI and blood pressure checked. According to the speech delivered at the event “I am particularly pleased with the objectives of this flag off which will be addressing some challenges faced by women, the aged and other vulnerable groups as regards various heart related diseases such as High Blood pressure, High Cholesterol, Body Mass Index and other heart related challenges”.

“Also worthy of commendation is the fact that Raffles Oil Enterprise, makers of Power Oil, as part of its corporate social responsibilities, in line with the Federal Government’s Public Private partnership policies had conducted a survey which revealed that high percentage of lives, Nigerian women in particular had been lost due to lack of awareness in getting and accessing basic medical information and regular health check-ups” she stated.

Nigerian Breweries set to hold 9th Golden Pen Awards

ÏLƆƗƈ ƍƏ ƅƐƈƐƈ ƆƏ ƑƍƄƆ Ɛ Ƅ ƑƐ ƆƒƆ Ɛ

Nigerian Breweries Plc has concluded plans to hold the ninth edition of its Golden Pen Awards, aimed at rewarding media excellence, on October 6, 2017, at the Zinnia Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The company announced that over 250 entries were received when submission closed for this year’s award which focuses on published reports on Agriculture, Local Sourcing and Industrial Development in 2016. At the ceremony, journalists, who distinguished themselves in those subject areas will be rewarded in three categories.

The company said,“The Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Reporter of the Year,” will be rewarded with a special statuette and N2, 000, 000million, the first runner

up in the same category will get a special statuette and N1, 000, 000m, while the second runner up will receive a special statuette and N750, 000.00.

In the “Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Photojournalist of the Year” Category, the winner will be honoured with a special statuette and N1, 000, 000, the first runner up will receive a special statuette and N750, 000, while the second runner up will get N500, 000.

For the “Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Report of the Year”, the category reserved for reports on Nigerian Breweries and its brands throughout the preceding year, the winner will receive a special statuette and N1, 000, 000. The three top place winners will each also receive a high-end work tool part of their prizes.

GOtv is taking entertainment to maximum levels!

Beginning from October 2017, GOtv will introduce a new package, GOtv MAX, which will unlock GOtv’s world of entertainment to more quality content at great value!

Speaking on this development recently in Lagos, John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice said;“Quality entertainment has always been a key focus on GOtv platform and we are excited to continue building our entertainment options for our customers by bringing them this new package.”

“We understand that times are tough, but that doesn’t mean that our customers have to miss out on world-class entertainment. Sports just got bigger and better with the GOtv MAX package. Our subscribers will get access to all La Liga matches, along with more entertainment choices for the whole family,” he said.

He disclosed that, GOtv MAX customers will enjoy access to over 60 of the hottest local and international channels featuring everything from the freshest series, music and sport to the latest in fashion reality, celebrity and kiddies programming. The GOtv MAX package will become GOgetters’ most economical way to get access to the latest and best content straight from Hollywood and around the world.

Some of the exciting programming that will be available on the new package include the best European football action including all La Liga matches live on a new sports channel, SS Select 4. There will also be select live games of the Premier League and a wider

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Stories by Azubike Nnadozie, with Agency reportse The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has said it will reduce the price of locally produced rice from N18,000 per 50kg bag to N6,000 within the next few months.

Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, the National President of RIFAN, said this during a meeting with Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Goronyo said that although RIFAN and RIPAN had agreed to fix the current price of 50 kg. bag of rice at between N13,000 and N13,500, the price would further crash to N6,000 within the next few months if there were bumper harvests and low cost of production.

He said that the drastic reduction in the price would be made feasible if the cost of rice production was cut through the Federal Government’s support to rice farmers.

“This is just the beginning. The actual price will still come down because we

B7 AgriBusiness

Farmers to slash price of local rice to N6, 000 per bag are expecting a bumper harvest this year; we have sat down with the millers and agreed that we will work together for the interest of Nigerians.

“At one time, people were buying a bag of rice at the cost of N18,000 but they are now buying it at between N13,000 and N15,000. The price is coming down.

“In the next few months, God willing, the price of a 50kg. bag of rice will come down to N6,000. It is achievable, it will be a reality,’’ he said.

Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, the Chairman, Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), said that the associations had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to slash the prices of both paddy and processed rice.

“We have agreed at N110,000 per tonne of paddy.

In the market, rice will come around N13,000 to N13,500 per 50kg. bag.

“Before now, we were buy-

ing paddy at N140,000 and N150,000 per tonne and we are selling our rice at N16,000 per 50kg. bag.

“If this MoU works, we hope to sell a bag of rice at N13, 000 to N13, 500, depending on where you are in the country,’’ Abubakar said.

Speaking during the meeting, Ogbeh commended the associations for their decision to slash the price of locally produced rice.

The minister, who noted that the biggest challenge facing rice farmers in the country was smuggling, said that the move would aid efforts to stamp out rice smuggling into the country.

“Let me express the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to both farmers and millers because nobody can calculate what you have done to rescue our country that was very close to disaster.

“What you have done is going to save us from a lot of

Lake rice

difficulties. What we want to promise you is that we will help you ease the burden of rice farming.

“Last year, we procured 80,000 threshers; this year, we will procure another 2,500 threshers and we are bringing in small reapers for distribution to rice farmers.

“The equipment will enable them to cut the rice, thresh it, winnow it and put

Export: Synergos builds yam conditioning centre in Benue Synergos Nigeria is building a yam conditioning centre at Yandev in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Deputy Field Manager of Synergos, Mr Michael Agon, disclosed this in Makurdi on Tuesday at the training of 70 leaders of yam cooperative societies and women groups drawn from across the state He said that the centre would serve as a hub for the collection, cleaning, conditioning and packaging of yams for exports.

Agon said that the yam farmers were being trained to enable them to sensitise others in their localities to the specific requirements of the recent yam export programme.

According to him, at the end of the series of training, they will be linked to export markets and marketers so as to boost their income and means of livelihood.

He said that the training was a follow-up to the formal launch of the yam export initiative in Lagos in June.

A resource person, Prof.

Simeon Irtwange, said that the export potential of yam

Yam tubers

was high because the global yam business was worth an estimated 13.7 billion U.S. dollars.

Besides, Irtwange said that the consumption of yam exceeded that of other African staple crops, adding that its level of consumption was equivalent to the combined consumption level of maize, rice and sorghum.

“Nigeria is the largest producer of yam and the com-

modity is cultivated for local consumption in every part of the country,” he said.

He commended Synergos for supporting the National Yam Committee thus far and believing in its yam export drive.

Some of the participants told newsmen that they were happy about the training they had so far received.

Mrs Bridget Oroungwa; Mrs Becky Iyongo and Mrs

Rose Ugo, however, called for the sustenance of the training because it would broaden the crop cultivation and processing skills of the country’s yam farmers.

Synergos is an international non-profit organisation which aims to reduce global poverty through partnerships between government, business, the civil society and local communities.

it in sacks; It will take away all the stress which makes rice farming very difficult so that you can keep to the price of N110, 000 per tonne of paddy that we agreed.

“If we are able to keep these prices stable and we are able to contain smuggling, I hope you will keep us informed when there are any challenges confronting you because no country can

claim to be strong if its citizens are hungry.

“Let everybody know that the price of rice for this Christmas will be good enough for us to eat rice, chicken and fish.

“We just can’t afford hunger here. The smuggler will be the beneficiary of any violation of the price agreement you have reached,’’ Ogbeh added.

UN launches $9 million food security project in Kaduna The United Nations on Tuesday launched a nine million-dollar food security project in Kaduna State to improve the livelihood of farmers in the state.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said that the project known as “Food Africa’’ was to ensure improved nutrition and food sufficiency in the country.

Kallon said the project was an innovative approach aimed at revamping the food sector to create new jobs for young people, increase farmers’ revenue, improve productivity, enhance nutrition and reduce food loss through the adoption of more sustainable production practices.

He said that the project would be implemented in partnership with various UN agencies, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund (UN SDGF) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

He said that the other facilitators of the project included the Sahara Group, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Roca Brothers and the Kaduna State government, among others.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing food insufficiency due to factors such as reliance on rainfed agriculture, increase in food prices and climate change.

Kallon said that the private sector was the engine room for actualising the SDGs, adding that collaborations between the government, private sector and UN agencies would facilitate efforts to achieve the targets of the project.

“A growing population comes with a growing demand for food. To feed this expanded population nutritiously and sustainably, much more efforts and innovation are needed to make substantial improvements to the food system,’’ he said.

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

CSR: Boulos cleans Epe community beach Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Boulos Enterprises Limited recently gave a boost to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) profile with a beach clean-up campaign taken to a beach at Ojualaro area of Epe in Lagos State.

Speaking at the beach cleaning exercise, the General Sales & Marketing Manager of ,Boulos Enterprise, Stanley Evans stated that there is need for Suzuki or other reputable companies assist the government in promoting the concept of the Cleaner Greener city which is a healthy way.

In his words “the campaign have been going on in Nigeria for seven years and it happens between August and September in every single country in the world were Suzuki is stationed. So today it happening in Vietnam, Brazil,

Naija car lovers hold road safety seminar Oct 12 Naija Car Lovers, an online automotive blog, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Lagos State Sector Command and Automobile Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), an affiliate of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) have concluded arrangement to s organizing a well packaged seminar on road usage titled; “Young Adults Road Safety Seminar”.

According to the organisers, the event will bring the major road usage/safety operators together with this category of road users in order to train them on the best globally accepted practices and reinforce same where existent.

This, they said will help participants and in extension those in their sphere of influence adopt safer road usage manners in order to save their lives, that of their loves ones and other road users, importantly also, save their properties and the environment.

It is also expected to be powered with entertainment so be rest assured that you will have loads of fun while learning valuable skills.

Are you within 15-45 years old?

Then do not miss this event for anything else. Save the date and stay tuned for more information.

Seminar facilitation will be from; The Police, The FRSC, The LASTMA and the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU) and others.

Meanwhile, road crashes have been identified globally as a major threat to the lives and wellbeing of youths and young adults all over the world especially in developing nations.

Scotland, Singapore and Nigeria.

It is something very special which one day in a year Suzuki goes out to clean the beach so as to assist the government to promote the concept of a cleaner greener city which is a healthy way.”

The clean-up campaign took place on 28th of September at Epe Lagoon which is located at Ojualaro Marina Road, Epe Lagos State for it 7th year edition. Boulos pioneered the concept of Beach cleanup campaign which is to promote a spirit of cleanliness and care for the environment.

Evans gave a brief history of Boulos existence which has been in Nigeria since 1964 and it 53years now. He also said, “Suzuki has set up factories all over the world and it has been selling its motorcycles in Nigeria. About Suzuki outboard

marine engines, the World Health Organization (WHO) in regards to consumers complaint has set 2 stroke engines as second most dangerous engine because it omits oil with exhausts which when breath into our lungs causes lungs or bladder cancer, so it is very dangerous and poisonous, that why the Nigerian Government banned the 2 stroke engines in the year 2012.

Presently Suzuki has set its standard high in producing 4 stroke engines which is very much reliable.”

Boulos was pleased to welcome a variety of respected representatives from Epe local government; Head of Department on Agriculture, Mr. Paramole Rasaki; Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Abimbola Bolaji; Vice Chairman House Committee on

Agriculture, Mr. Agbadanla Ibrahim; Representing Minister of Agriculture, Lagos State Agriculture Input Supply Authority, Mr Ojuri Olatoyinbo and other members of the community who came out in mass in making the campaign a success.

The Head of Department on Agriculture, Mr. Paramole Rasaki appreciated the clean-up campaign pioneered by Boulos Enterprise on how they helped to develop their business which is fishing by assisting in cleaning the beach and enlightening them on the ecofriendly use of Suzuki 4 stroke engines which will aid in their fishing business. Rasaki went further to enlighten the members of the community on how relevant it is to keep the beach clean and also

Updated, more affordable Ford Kuga

Updated Ford Kuga is bigger than SUV lovers expected, especially vertically, requiring a distinct step up into the cabin – and that is not a criticism.

The chunky styling of the revised Kuga lends visual heft to its size and stance on the road. Seen against photos of its predecessor, it’s also a little more polarising; either you like it or you don’t. While the chromed trapezoidal grille gets most of the attention, the squared-off lines of the tailgate give it a capable air, as if it’s not shy to be seen as a practical family wagon.

The only time the Kuga’s perceived size and high waistline can be an issue is when reverse parking – which may be why a reversing camera is standard across the range.

The interior design has apparently changed very little; the dashboard layout shows a marked family resemblance to the 2010 Fiesta of She Who Must Be Obeyed. It’s perhaps a little dated in concept, but exudes a comforting air of quality, with chunky switches and buttons, firm and positive in operation, framed by a soft-touch fascia above and metal-

Ford Kuga SUV

look buttresses below.

The standard leather seats feature 10-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way manual tuning for the front passenger.

Deeply recessed - perhaps a little too deeply for intuitive operation - in the middle of the fascia is the 20cm touchscreen display for the new Sync 3 infotainment system. All the Kugas on the launch drive were fitted with embedded navigation – which came in very handy when I

got us lost.

On the road The first variant is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost automatic in Trend trim (all the derivatives, prices and trim specifications are detailed in the launch package) which is rated at 132kW and 240Nm. While this is not a fireball of an SUV, the 1498cc turbopetrol four is quietly capable around town and the six-speed conventional self-shifter was never guilty of hunting, even on long uphills.

assisting Boulos in keeping the beach clean for their own benefits.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Abimbola Bolaji; urge the community to render their help in assisting on the cleaning of the beach with one mind, as it is a means of contributing to the government positively.

He concluded with the motive that “ together we stand, divided we fall”.

The General Sales & Marketing manager and the Chief Commission Officer, Boulos Enterprise Stanley Evans commend the government on the ban of 2 stroke engine in Nigeria, which is very harmful to human health.

Uber’s fare reduction: Driver-partners, Uber driver-partners in Nigeria continue to generate additional net income as they witness a noticeable boost in earnings based on the fare reduction that was implemented in May this year. The fare reduction has not only been beneficial to driver-partners as their earnings remain strong but riders are benefiting from a reliable product at a lower price.

“We are excited by the results of the fare reductions implemented earlier this year. Driverpartners on the Uber App have seen an increase in their net earnings within the last quarter,” says Alon Lits; General Manager sub-Saharan Africa, Uber. “Due to the lower fare prices, there has been an increase in demand and reliability for riders whilst increasing strong earnings for driver-partners in Nigeria. We have also ensured that driver-partners receive incentives to until target levels of efficiency have been achieved.

We continue to see us getting closer to these levels each week.”

As a company that is committed to assisting driver-partners to maximize earnings, we have put in place a number of key initiatives that ensure driverpartners save money and remain profitable. An example of an initiative that positively impacts the driver-partners is our partnership with Germaine Auto care - where, for as little as N3,000, they are provided with vehicle maintenance services in Lagos. This means that they do not have to spend an excess or additional funds maintain-

The Edo Times

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Oba Ewuare advocates repatriation of Benin artifacts carted away ET 2

World Teachers’ Day: Obaseki felicitates with teachers, promises capacity enhancement

ET4

Obaseki, Okowa meet, advocate friendship, partnership ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Managing Director, FDGB Group, Daghe Osime; Chairman, SMGB Group, YM Tunko Mohammed Alauddin Tunko Naquiyuddin; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Edo State, Ms. Itohan Bazuaye; Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security to the Edo State Governor, Joe Okojie; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; General Manager, Investor Management Division, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), Saifol Bahri Mohammed Shamian; Chairman, International Capital Markets Group Limited (ICMG), Michael Osime, and Manager, Investor Relations, ECERDC, Shamini Murugaya, during Governor Obaseki’s investment visit to the ECRDC, Malaysia ...on Wednesday.

Obaseki, Malaysian experts brainstorm on institutional framework for Edo Industrial Park Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe Governor of Edo State,

The Edo

T E A M

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and officials of the Malaysian East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) are currently reviewing the progress report on the proposed institutional framework that will support the planned Edo Industrial Park.

The choice of the ECERDC, according to Obaseki, “was informed by the excellent way the Malaysian statutory body is spearheading the rapid socioeconomic development of Malaysia’s East Cost Economic Region.”

He explained that the Malaysian council deployed its expertise in the successful completion of ten industrial parks in four states across the Eastern part of the Asian country.

“We have made significant

progress in our consultations and the Malaysian industrial park model is very inspiring.

We are sharing experience and we are interested in their institutional framework because we want to build an Edo industrial park that will stand the test of time,” Obaseki said.

The governor further said that “if the needed attention is not paid to the institutional framework that will underpin the project, our desire to generate thousands of jobs in Edo State will not be achieved.”

The ECERDC is a statutory body established by the Malaysian government to lead the socio-economic development of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER). It provides guidance in policy formulation and in the development of strategies for the socio-economic development of ECER by promoting and facilitating investments into the Re-

Special Project Editor Sam Nseh

Correspondent Titus Akhigbe

gion.

The ECER of Malaysia covers

Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in

Johor. It occupies an area of 66,000 sq km or 51 percent of the total area of Peninsular Malaysia.

We’re mobilising relief for flood victims in Edo, Obaseki assures ÏÏÏGovernor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured communities affected by flood in Etsako Central Local Government Area and other parts of the state that government has deployed a team of officials to evaluate the situation and mobilise relief for victims.

Obaseki, who said this when he received reports of flooding in some communities in Estako Central, particularly UdabaEkperi, Osomghegbe, Ifeku and other villages, said that he has mobilised the Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties; Special Adviser, Special Duties and other assistants from that axis of the state to evaluate the situation and lead preliminary relief efforts to the affected areas.

According to him, “It is quite unfortunate that people are being sacked from their homes in these communities. However, we want to assure them that we are

on top of the situation. I have dispatched officials from that part of the state to assess the situation, as we ramp up efforts to provide relief.”

Obaseki said the state emergency service apparatus would also be deployed to the areas to ensure that communities affected are properly catered for during this phase and appealed to the people to move to higher ground so that they remain safe.

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday, reflected on the heydays of the old Bendel State, calling on Nigerians to extend hands of partnership to one another in business, politics and other human endeavours to build a united, prosperous country.

Speaking to journalists during the hosting of Okowa

by Obaseki, in Benin City, the governors urged Nigerians to work together for a brighter future, as focus ought to be on “partnership and hope, rather than things that divide us.”

They said that having been part of the old Bendel State, Delta State still shares much affinity with Edo State, adding that the close relationship results in the exchange of ideas and collaboration.

Obaseki said that he briefed his colleague on discussions at the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which Okowa couldn’t attend.

“You know Delta and Edo are sister states. We used to be Bendel State together. He came to Benin City and we decided to discuss issues of mutual interest,” he said.

He congratulated Nigerians on the 57th Independence Day celebrations and maintained that for Nigeria to grow united and strong, there is need for everyone to work together to actualise the dream of the founding fathers.

According to him, “The occasion of the independence calls on us to reflect and begin to appreciate the opportunities we have as a country and the need for us to ensure that we work to have a strong, united and economically prosperous country.

On his part, Okowa said that the unity of the country requires input from all, stressing that citizens owe as much responsibility as those in government to keep Nigeria united.

Noting that the Nigeria project requires the commitment and patriotism, he said: “We need to stay committed to a common path to develop Nigeria.

The Edo Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Agriculture is pillar for Edo’s economic revolution – Obaseki ÏÏÏThe Governor of

Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration would take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector and provide requisite support to communities that are ready to open up their land for agricultural investment.

Obaseki said this while delivering a goodwill message at the 2017 Sobe Day Celebration, held at Uhebe Community in Sobe, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State recently.

He said that the state was driving economic growth by encouraging investments in agriculture and allied industries so that Edo State will not only become selfsufficient in food production but also diversify its revenue base.

The governor, who was represented by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, said the state government identified the resolve of the Sobe people, who as an agrarian community were ready to welcome investments in agriculture, and stepped in to provide them with the necessary support to expand their operations. He commended Sobe community for contributing to economic development by actively promoting and investing in agriculture.

He said the community’s appeal for qualitative healthcare

and education aligns with his government’s priorities.

“Primary healthcare and basic education are part of our priorities as an administration and we are working to develop primary healthcare centres in the state as well as laying a good foundation in basic education for our children at the early stage in their life,” he said.

The Odiabiado of Sobe, His Royal Highness, Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, expressed delight for the 2017 Sobe Day celebration, noting that the people started marking the day since 1991 and that the event was in its 26th edition. He called for the sustenance of peace and security, adding that no society can develop without relative peace.

The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Smart Uhakheme, said that the celebration has not only occupied a major spot on Sobe’s festival calendar but also has become a permanent feature in the life of Sobe people.

He said for the community to record appreciable progress it has to focus on economic development and effective political participation. He emphasised that focus on these themes would place the community in strong stead to tackle some of its pressing needs, which include security, healthcare and resource management.

Oba Ewuare advocates repatriation of Benin artifacts carted away Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku

Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has renewed the call for the repatriation of all Benin artifacts carted away during the European expedition to Benin Kingdom many years ago.

Oba Ewuare II made the call when he received the United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Stuart Symington and the Director Emerita of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts, Dr. Johnetta Cole, in his Palace in Benin City recently.

His Royal Majesty said it was a great privilege to have Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts Exhibition in Benin City, which goes to demonstrate that Benin culture is number one in Africa.

The Oba of Benin informed his guests that Benin Kingdom

has rich work of arts and a cultural center, and requested Smithsonian to partner with the Palace to revive and improve on the facilities in the Cultural Centre, so that it would have the capacity to host world class cultural and art exhibition.

The Benin monarch informed the American Ambassador to Nigeria that the Palace would require economic and technological support from American government to develop Edo State, and explained that there is vested interest to open up the Gelegele Export Free Zone for economic gains.

Oba Ewuare II called for twinning of Benin City with an American City for mutual economic and cultural benefits.

The Oba of Benin used the opportunity to draw American government attention to the effects of environmental pollution in Nigeria and the world at large and called for greater caution on the part of American

government regarding the offensive in North Korea and the Peninsula.

The American Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Stuart Symington, said the cultural and arts exhibition to be held in Benin City would further cement the bond between Nigerian and America.

Ambassador Stuart said the images to be exhibited would create surprises in the minds of people around the world, pointing out that the images reflect the Benin people.

On her part, the Director Emerita of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts, Dr. Johnetta Cole expressed satisfaction that the dream of Smithsonian Institution has become a reality as, the photographs taken over 60 years ago by the official photographer to the Royal Court of Benin Kingdom, Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge, are brought to the people of Benin.

Edo Assembly renovates House ÏÏÏThe

Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, has said the leadership of the House will continue to deploy resources, innovations, skills and strategies to bring about positive transformation of the Assembly Complex.

Hon. Adjoto said this on Tuesday while inspecting the on-going renovation of Mike Akhigbe Hall at the complex, said the renovation was to give the hall a facelift.

He said the former hall was in a deplorable condition and painted a negative image of the House, hence there was sacrifice on the part of the leadership of the House to address the ugly trend.

Hon. Adjoto said when the renovation work is completed, it will add value to the aesthetic beauty of the complex, and create a conducive atmosphere for Committee sittings and other businesses vital for effective law making.

The Speaker said in spite of the lean financial resources at the House disposal, other offices in the complex will be renovated in line with the vision of

the present administration to engender meaningful development.

Hon. Adjoto expressed satisfaction with the quality of job done so far and enjoined handlers of the project not to derail from delivering the job on scheduled.

The Director of Works, Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Albert Ehiagwina, praised the Speaker for prudent management of scarce resources, adding that the renovation at this point of global economic recession is a manifestation’s of the Speaker’s leadership qualities.

He said the renovation of Mike Akhigbe Hall was the first of its kind, with sophisticated materials, since the construction of the Assembly Complex years ago.

The Mike Akhigbe Hall is to be fitted with communication gadgets when fully renovated to enhance smooth Committee meetings and Public Forum organised by the House.

The Speaker was accompanied on the inspection by the Majority Leader, Hon. Roland Asoro and the Clerk of the House, Mr. James Omoatama.

R-L: Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; First Lady of Edo State, Betsy Obaseki; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington; and the representative of His Royal Highness, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II and the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, during the opening of the Exhibition Gallery of the National Museum, Benin...recently

Edo pensioners get N212m as LGAs receive N2.87bn in Sept ÏÏÏThe

Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) has released the sum of N212, 879, 000 for the payment of monthly pension out of the N2, 868, 174, 276 that accrued to the 18 local government councils as revenue for September, 2017.

The Head of Administration, Esan-West Local Government, Mr. Desmond Imonikhe, disclosed this after the JAAC meet-

ing in Government House, Benin City at the weekend.

According to Imonikhe, mandatory expenditure gulped the sum of N1.47 billion while distributable revenue of N1.38 billion was shared among the 18 local councils in the state.

He said there was a significant improvement in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the 18 local councils.

Imonikhe also said that all Heads of local councils in the state have been mandated by the state governor to come up with figures of projected revenue through IGR in their respective councils.

He assured that the discrepancies between the actual monthly pension fund and receipt would be harmonised at subsequent JAAC meetings.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

The Edo Times 3

Exam budget fraud: EDSG sacks perm sec, suspends 3 others ÏÏÏThe Edo State Government

L-R: Chairman of Sobe Day Celebration, Prof. Smart Uhakheme; Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Owan East, Alhaji Abdul Ganiu Lawani; Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, who represented the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; the Obidiado of Sobe Land, His Royal Majesty (HRH), Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, his wife, Mrs. Anthony, and the representative of the Head of Service, Owan West, Mr. Lucas Arewah, at the occasion to mark the 26th edition of the Sobe Community Day celebration in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State...recently.

Obaseki tasks Edo SUBEB staff on service delivery, accountability Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked the newly recruited staff of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on efficient service delivery and accountability to ensure a strong and vibrant education board.

Obaseki gave the charge at the closing ceremony of a two-day Orientation/Retreat held for the newly recruited staff of SUBEB, in Benin City.

He explained that strong institutions are needed to sustain his administration’s educational policies geared towards repositioning basic education in the state.

“We want to build a very strong and dynamic SUBEB that is focused

and free from unnecessary external influence. We want the board to be self-sustaining, that was why we moved everyone out of SUBEB and recruited new crop of workers,” he said.

The governor regretted that SUBEB across the country has been turned into a political tool, to the detriment of the educational wellbeing of the Nigerian child.

He said: “Now is the time for us to train our children to fit into the current technology-driven world so that they can contribute their quota to global advancement.”

He warned that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, and declared that any fraudulent or redundant person would be dismissed.

“We have given you the right orientation so you have to align with

the mandate of the board; we will equip you with the appropriate technology to boost your productivity.

“Anybody we find lagging behind will be dropped because our goal is to have a renewed basic education system,” he stressed.

The governor mandated the agency to come up with a work plan within a 30-day period so that it could source funds, and disclosed that the state government has made money available for it to do its work.

He commended the outgoing board committee members for their efforts at strengthening the agency.

Obaseki further said that the Special Adviser on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, will serve as the Sole Administrator of the board pending when a new board would be constituted.

…Says art can serve as alternative to crude oil ÏÏÏThe

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that Art is assuming a new place of importance in national discourse and can be developed as an alternative source of income to crude oil.

He said this during the opening of the Exhibition Gallery at the National Museum Benin by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in collaboration with the Edo State Government, and the Smithsonian Institute, United States of America in Benin City.

Obaseki said he accepted to be the first Nigerian Commissioner in Venice Art Biennale, which is like the Olympic for the Art, and accepted to represent Nigeria to draw the link between art, Nigeria and Benin City.

He noted that it was the first time the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, in the

United States of America (USA), was hosting and housing an exhibition on the African continent. He said the exhibition would add value to the quest to develop cultural and tourist sites in the state.

“The role of a museum as a tourist centre cannot be overemphasised especially as a state known for its artistic and cultural heritage. As a state, we have a good international image in the area of art, following centuries of creative work of excellence,” the governor said.

The Director-General of NCMM, Yusuf Abdallah Usman, commended Governor Obaseki’s support for the laudable project, and stressed that “this is a departure from the experience with past state governors.”

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, William Stuart Symington, described the event as an “extraordinary moment,

as it is the first time in the history of the America’s great national museum, Smithsonian Institute, that we have brought an exhibition to the continent of Africa.”

“We are not just bringing the images here. This is not just art, but Benin art and images.

And today, they are brought back home,” he said.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewure II, said Benin artworks are largely rituals, some are used for recording history, to place on record events that happened in different periods in Benin History.

A representative of the Oba, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, said the Benin artworks gained prominence in Europe in 1897 after the Kingdom was attacked by the British soldiers, who later took the artworks to Europe.

has sacked a permanent secretary in the State Ministry of Youth and Special Duties, Dr. (Ms) Osayuware Idahosa and three other civil servants over allegation of padding the budget for the conduct of primary school examination to the tune of N283 million.

Dr. Idahosa, who served as Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Education at the time the alleged fraud was committed, was referred to the State Civil Service Commission for appropriate action, according to the rules and guidelines of the service.

The decision was the outcome of an extraordinary session of the State Executive Committee meeting, headed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in Government House, Benin City.

The other officers involved in the alleged fraud are Barrister S. A. Erhunmwunse Edokpayi, Mrs. E.I. Ero-Ugiagbe and Mr. Lucky Adagbonyin.

The Executive council resolved that they should proceed on indefinite suspension without pay and their case forwarded to the State Civil Service Commission for appropriate ac-

tions according to the rules and guidelines of the service.

Recall that Governor Obaseki vowed to unmask the people that sent a N283 million request for the conduct of primary school examination in the state, which was eventually conducted at the cost of N30 million.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, said that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, submitted a report on the panel of enquiry on the conduct of the 2016/2017 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination and after due consideration of findings and recommendations, the EXCO took the decisions.

Ohonbamu said: “EXCO also set up a committee to be chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Employment and Wealth Creation, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh to investigate the delisting of about 350 private schools from the list of eligible schools to participate in the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination and also the conditions that led to the relisting of these schools shortly after they were delisted.”

Obaseki commissions new official residence of CJ ÏÏÏThe

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commissioned the new official residence of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, in Benin City.

Speaking at the event, Obaseki said the edifice is an expression of his administration’s resolve to establish a strong and virile judiciary that will perform its constitutional role effectively.

He also said his administration has acquired a large expanse of land at the Sapele-Iriri axis of the state for new residential estates and towns to decongest the Benin

metropolis.

He added that the survey work at the site has been done, and on completion, the estate will have common infrastructural facilities.

Obaseki further said that the state cannot develop without a strong judiciary and stressed that judges need to be well treated. He commended the judicial system for its confidence in his administration to deliver good governance to the people of the state.

He disclosed that the “Clean Up Edo Project” wouldn’t have been a success if not for the support of the state judicial system.

ÏÏÏGunmen

The kidnap of Osayomore is coming barely a week (September 24) when Managing Director of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was kidnapped while three policemen manning the zoo were killed by kidnappers.

Also, on September 27, the Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella of Auchi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adorolo, was kidnapped along Auchi-Okene highway.

The priest was released two days later while Ekhanire is yet to be released.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Moses Nkombe, confirmed the abduction of Osayomore, saying the police received report of abduction at about 11pm.

Gunmen kidnap popular musician in Egor suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday night violently abducted a popular musician and social critic, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that Osayomore performed at a function in the afternoon in Benin before he was kidnapped at night.

It was also learnt that Osayomore was kidnapped at about 10pm at Orovie village, off Upper Ekewan road in Egor Local Government Area while returning to Benin metropolis with his wife.

The Edo Times reliably gathered that his wife whose name could not be ascertained was shot in the head during the operation.

The Edo Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 5, 2017

Obaseki hosts US Envoy, says commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe Governor of

Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the imperatives for wealth creation, law and order and justice administration, are the key drivers of his administration, noting that steps have been taken to ensure a well-motivated judiciary and an enabling business environment for investments.

Governor Obaseki said this recently when he hosted the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

The Ambassador was in Benin City for an exhibition of photographs by Chief S. O. Alonge, a photographer of the Royal Court of Benin, organised by the United States Diplomatic Mission and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art at the National Museum, Benin City, Edo State.

Stressing that law, order and justice are major pillars of his administration, he added that building an equitable society must be anchored on peace and justice.

To ensure that the state’s judiciary works at optimal capacity, he said the state government invested in training about 150 court reporters and also upgraded court infrastructure.

He added that Edo State is an integral part of Nigeria, and as such was in full support of Nigeria’s unity.

“There are certain things that are not negotiable. Nigeria is not negotiable. But it is not

just enough to say that Nigeria is not negotiable. Everything has to work for the common man. That is why we are prioritising wealth creation so that people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

Speaking on the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Obaseki said the state government has been in the eye of the storm, as it has in recent years played host to some of those affected by insurgency in the North East, adding, “We have 3000 internally displaced children at the IDP camp in Benin.

I was with them last Christmas, as their Father Christmas. We hope that when these children go back to their homes and communities, they would go with ideal and values from the Edo people.”

Mr. Symington said with Nigeria’s population projected to climb to 450 million by 2050 amid concerns of rising youth bulge and other social economic implications, the country would stand a better chance to exploit its potential if it prioritises justice administration, girl-child education and delivery of good governance.

He said that despite the challenges that may come with a huge population, the onus lies on Nigerian leaders to carve a positive narrative for the country by being benevolent in handling issues of development and justice administration, adding that there was need to embrace everyone irrespective of where they come from, as members of a united Nigeria.

World teachers’ day: Obaseki felicitates with teachers, promises capacity enhancement ÏÏÏThe

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated teachers on World Teachers’ Day, celebrated on October 5, each year.

Obaseki assured that more capacity enhancement programmes were underway in view of the importance his administration attaches to teachers and the teaching profession.

“We felicitate with Edo State teachers and their counterparts elsewhere in the world and appreciate their unique role in the overall development of the society” the governor said.

“We are changing the face of teaching in Edo State, beginning with basic education through secondary and to tertiary education, with series of capacity building programmes designed to equip our teachers with new teaching methods and equipment for the challenges of the modern world.

“We are calibrating the broad spectrum of education so that more attention will be paid to

technical as well as non-technical education. We are repositioning the College of Education, which is now being upgraded to a university, to ensure world class training for future teachers in the state,” Obaseki said.

He urged teachers to see their highly respected job as an opportunity to groom the best minds for the society and ultimately the world at large.

The governor further said that the theme of this year’s celebration: “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers,” was timely as it reflects the state government’s desire to build a pool of well-trained teachers.

He called on teachers to use the occasion to assess the challenges ahead of them in view of the impact of information and communication technology (ICT), noting that in the years ahead, literacy will not be determined by the ability to read and write but by how well people are able to use technology to solve problems around them.

President of Benin Club 1931, Engr. Ade Edeki (left), presenting the 1st Patron’s Plaque to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State (right), during the installation ceremony of the Governor as the first patron of the Benin Club, in Benin City ...on Saturday.

…Calls for synergy, tact to sell Nigerian art, culture to foreigners ÏÏÏThe Governor of

Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is carving a new direction for economic growth and development anchored on maximising the state’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.

Obaseki said this at a dinner organised by the state government for the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington and officials of the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin City.

The event held after the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in conjunction with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the state government exhibited 10,000 royal photographs at

the National Museum Benin.

Obaseki said the state government prioritises the promotion and exploitation of art and culture for the benefit of the people, describing the new approach as being pioneered by a new set of actors, who he said are championing the course of Benin arts through the ‘Edo way,’ a thinking that places premium on the cultural and human capital of the Edo people.

He said there was a need for synergy among stakeholders to sell Nigerian arts and culture to the rest of the world.

His words: “This November would mark my one year in office. When we look back at the past 10 months and see what we have been able to achieve, how we have been able to change the

ÏÏÏThe Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku

that available facts in the Palace revealed that HRH Osazuwa Iduriase is the authentic Enogie of Eyaen.

The Palace also discovered that neither Sylvester Ukhure nor Irowa Osabuohien is a member of the family of Enogie of Eyaen.

Speaking, the Enogie of Eyaen, HRH Osazuwa Aiwerioghene Iduriase, expressed gratitude to Oba Ewuare II for the peaceful resolution, describing the Omo N’Oba as an impartial king that has come to restore sanity, peace and progress in Benin Kingdom.

narrative, you would agree that we have carved our own way.

“We have several actors and elements coming together to begin to make things happen. In the last 10 months, we have been trying to define a new direction, we have been trying to carve out our own way. And when we think back from the beginning, you would see that we have truly carved our way — the Edo way.”

He said that Edo State was endowed with sufficient assets to lead the Cultural Revolution in Nigeria, adding “It is a way that is defined by our past, by who we are and where we are coming from, and by what we have achieved. The pointers are showing us that the future has just begun”.

Oba of Benin affirms Osazuwa Iduriase as Enogie of Eyaen Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has affirmed His Royal Highness, Dr. Osazuwa Aiwerioghene Iduriase, as the Enogie of Eyaen Dukedom.

Oba Ewuare II made the pronouncement at “Ogue-Ematon” on Tuesday while addressing the issue concerning Sylvester Ukhure who has been parading himself as Enogie of Eyaen.

The Omo N’Oba warned Sylvester Ukhure and Irowa Osabuohien to stop parading themselves as Enogie of Eyaen, pointing out

Enogie Iduriase said the resolution would spur him to continue to do more good things for his people and humanity in general.

He pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the Oba of Benin, whom he said is father to all.

The Odionwere of Eyaen, Pa Imagbenikaro Igbinosun, thanked the Benin monarch for his maturity and fairness in resolving the issue, pointing out that Enogie of Eyaen is a leader that accommodates everyone irrespective of religion, tribe or race.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, October 5, 2017

L1

The importance of virtues for a successful business MARCELLA BREMER

Interview with Graham Williams-co-author of "The Virtuoso Organization". With Dorian Haarhoff and Peter Fox, he examines the dark side of leadership, how to embrace People, Planet and Profit thinking, how to move from vision to values to virtues and deeper mindfulness, and overcoming the ‘taboo’ of love and compassion in the workplace.

Leonardo da Vinci’s virtues form the basis of a different approach to being and doing for organizations. This book is a must-read for any change practitioner, leader or consultant.

Though an interview can’t show the full depth of a book, I talked with Graham Williams to get the gist.

MB: Why have you written a book on “the importance of virtues for a successful business”?

GW: “When there is an overwhelming response to the life and death of a Nelson Mandela, a Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Studdert Kennedy, it is because people are attracted by the magnet of virtue. What they have seen and felt for such a person touches a deep chord: it resonates with what they themselves wish to be. A virtuous person has incredible positive influence. And this is a huge opportunity for business organizations too.

The flip side is that the absence of consistently displayed virtues, or a disconnect between expressed values and actual behaviors spells disaster for an organization’s reputation and longterm sustainability. And there is no quick fix once your reputation is gone.

L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Take this headline about Barclays Bank: “Barclays chief executive Antony Jenkins says he expects it to be five to ten years before he can restore public trust in the bank”. In a related article, BBC Business Editor Robert Preston said that “A picture was painted of an industry whose instincts is to bend or break the rules when there’s money to be made and no-one’s looking”.

needed. Scarily, these top executives struggle to appreciate the benefits of ethical behavior, believing that career advancement would be retarded, and also that their firms would become less competitive! A primary conclusion of the report is that “Ethical conduct might still not be an entirely natural fit with financial services”. Deep-seated cultural impediments seem to be here to stay….

L3

It is time to put things right. My hope is that The Virtuosa Organisation resonates with leaders ready to take up the challenge to make the difference that is required.”

Managers and Musicians: Leading By Being Present MARCELLA BREMER

Anima Eterna has an international reputation and consists of varying projects of professional musicians with authentic instruments – depending on the repertoire – playing from original scores (no adaptations). Their Carmina Burana project was performed with 110 musicians from 22 countries while a Haydn project will only take 15 musicians. Jos van Immerseel, the conductor, believes in the drive and expertise of individual musicians who love authentic music, who value their autonomy and get together with the best of the best colleagues for each project. He doesn’t believe in a fixed orchestra. Every project is set up from scratch, finding the musicians with the right instruments, deciding on the repertoire and the schedule.

Forget the settled orchestra with its culture and animosities “O, them violinists! Ah, it’s always the same…” Instead, enter a temporary space, devoted to authentic music, where the present moment is all that counts.

When trust is broken, externally and internally, this leads often to a stifling and neurotic culture, depressed productivity, and ineffectiveness.”

MB: Though positive leadership and virtuousness is becoming more in vogue, can we expect ordinary businesses to embrace being virtuous?

GW: “More and more businesses are genuinely adopting the triple-bottom-line of People-PlanetProfit. But too many still pay lip service to virtuous behaviors. The selfish chase is still largely about money – without much regard for wider concerns.

The Economist Intelligence Unit has released a report that points to unethical practices in the 80s and 90s in the financial services industry, leading to the current financial crises.2 These practices were characterized by profit-chasing which “led to extreme risk-taking, selling derivative products they did not understand and many clients did not need, and lending to people who could not afford the repayments”. The reported responses from the industry are disquieting, to say the least – they are full of lip service, blind spots, and indifference.

Financial Services leaders talk about ‘strengthened formal codes of conduct’, ‘raising awareness’, ‘introducing incentives’. This is like applying sticking plaster when drastic surgery is

MB: How do you go about making such a major shift in thinking and practice?

GW: “I think that one of the things to grasp is that being virtuous and being profitable are not mutually exclusive propositions. They are both part of a reinforcing virtuous cycle. Our book offers a tried and trusted map through the corporate jungle. The Virtuosa Organisation includes a full case study, examines subjects such as the dark side of leadership and how a ‘fragmentation of conscience’ can permeate an entire organization. We give examples and a process of how to embrace people + planet + profit action, and escape from a vicious to a virtuous cycle.

Here’s how organizations ‘go on a values to virtues journey’: 1. After becoming aware of the need to change, they start with a clear, renewed, measurable vision in which the values are inherent, and the passion for what you want to be is explicit 2. Identify and state the agreed core organizational values (the guiding principles). Anyone can arrive at a set of values (even criminal gangs have them!) and far too many organizations have landed up with weak, boring, largely meaningless values, often based on what they think the wider public would like to see. We call these ‘threshold values’ (things like integrity, responsibility, accountability) that you should have anyway if you’re in business. The trick is to arrive at the RIGHT values in the right way.

3. Make the values visible and transparent, translate them into behavior indicators, instill them, ensure that staff know how they are to be practiced (embodied). Here is where special skill is needed for success. It’s about a lot more than putting posters on walls!

4. Reinforce the values, attitudes and behaviors resulting from the exercise, using appropriate communication, reward and recognition mechanisms, role-modeling and coaching, mentoring and counseling, behavior and habit modification techniques – including ‘gamification’.

In this way the values become character virtues, embedded in the organization’s culture. Vision to Values to Virtues is not always a linear process – they are deeply connected and intertwined.”

MB: You use a set of Leonardo da Vinci virtues to illustrate how organizations could operate. Why? GW: “We considered approaches from classical antiquity, religion, ancient traditions, philosophy, psychology, modern societies and business. We considered distinguishing between terminal values (end-state or goal values such as self-esteem, independence) and instrumental values (those that enabling the reaching of the goals, such as courtesy, ambition).

We decided on a set of seven Da Vinci virtues because these values provide a non-threatening, illustrative approach to being and doing in a business.

As an example: one of these is the practice of love, a largely ignored force in the hardnosed corporate world. June Singer, a giant in the world of analytical psychology, says: “In our concerns with counting and weighing and measuring, with precise descriptions and careful evaluation, we sometimes fail to recognize or give credit to values that do not fit these

This absence of virtuous behavior goes far beyond financial services, to the mining, petroleum, construction and other industries. There have been reports that Nestlé is using deep underground local water supplies in Pakistan (as they do elsewhere) to produce their mineralenriched bottled water. And BP that publicly espouses values such as integrity, respect, safety and environmental concern, were charged with no less than 760 safety violations in a 5-year time frame, and were found to be grossly negligent in a number of instances.3 The Gulf of Mexico disaster was inevitable. Governments are not exempt of course. Next week marks the 10-year anniversary of UNCAC, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, yet little has changed since inception. Even the UN have things to answer for. Consider the gap between their stated value of integrity and their refusal to consider compensation to the thousands who died in the recent cholera outbreak in Haiti. Compelling evidence shows that the most probable source of the cholera outbreak was at one of their peacekeeping missions. Instead, the UN invoked their legal immunity.

Every day we read of similar behaviors. These are not ‘bad’ organizations. They all have done the vision and values thing, published stuff about compliance, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, corporate social investment endeavors and sustainability reports. Yet the value-disconnects go on for various reasons. Ultimately it comes down to organizations answering not ‘what we should DO’ but rather ‘what should we BE’. It’s about building a virtuous culture. And to quote the writer Dr Seuss: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not” (The Lorax)”

criteria. Or, when we do recognize that such values exist, we split them off from the consciousness of the marketplace and relegate them to the categories of religion or the arts”.

Over 30 practices that go beyond emotional and social intelligence are examined, including attentive listening, anonymous commendations, communication style and letting go.

Fears – fear of disapproval, vulnerability, isolation, criticism, career blocks and a host of others – are present in some workplaces and work against the practice of love, sometimes resulting in dysfunction when people put on their protective armour. So this too is explored in detail. This is not to say that we are advocating the Da Vinci virtues for universal application. Each organization should arrive at its own right virtues given its own uniqueness, circumstances, and situation.”

MB: What is your personal hope for your book?

GW: “Large challenges face the planet, its resources, and its people. We are living on the edge in a fragile (even broken) world of increasing tensions – political, ecological, religious fundamentalism, social, financial and economic – which all feed off each other, and tend to erode trust and confidence and values. Natural disasters, war, food and water shortages, extreme poverty, protesting communities, jittery markets are all volatile events that can quickly escalate into crises. As can corrupt, deceitful, narrowly focused business practices. And these challenges are inter-linked. “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect” – Chief Seattle, Duwamish Tribe Too long business has neglected its full leadership role in building a better society. Business is uniquely poised and equipped to be the difference that is so urgently needed. Savvy, courageous leaders can be the catalyst to introduce virtuous cultures in their organizations and go further than ‘being good and doing good’. In so doing, they will find a deeply satisfying way of doing business and securing the future. They can become role-models for society at large and experience deep intrinsic motivation of becoming connected, finding meaning, and succeeding at making a difference that counts. At work, at home, and in their communities…. Give a dazzling, virtuoso performance!

Can musicians teach managers how to be better leaders? Maybe not. Teaching implies a topdown approach: transferring insights from one person to the other. But managers can learn from musicians. Learning implies a bottom-up process: pulling out, becoming aware of what is already present inside… Join me, as I learn from musicians in this workshop with an orchestra!

I cannot teach anybody anything – I can only make them think. That’s what Socrates said – as Dominique Dejonghe tells us. We’re a group of eight managers and consultants convened at the conservatory in Brugge, Belgium. Dominique and his colleague Luc Galoppin guide their workshop “Pensato – A symphony of Insights”. The two consultants work together with the Brugge-based professional orchestra “Anima Eterna Brugge” led by conductor Jos van Immerseel. Anima Eterna specializes in authentic music – played with authentic musical instruments that were used when each composer composed their pieces. They deliberately miss out on instrumental innovations that happened since then – they aim for the authentic, historical source.

Observe, observe, observe We’re with eight observers and we are intrigued. How is leadership practiced in an orchestra?

How can music bring synergy to an organization? How can music enhance learning? Can we translate our insights to a business context?

The Anima Eterna musicians get together for their very first rehearsal for this project. Some flew in this morning, jet-lagged. We are to sit between the musicians, as if we were part of the orchestra, notepads on our laps, while they will start 2-3 days of rehearsals before their first performance together. Some musicians have never met before, others know each other longer.It’s magic to sit between these professionals. Jos van Immerseel lifts his baton and after a second of silence, they play, right away, and we’re immersed in Mozart’s Clarinet concert.

A “Pensato” is a musical note that is written in a score – but that is not heard when the music is performed. In the same way, the Pensato workshops help leaders discover “invisible” things when they observe the Anima Eterna musicians. The formula is simple: bring the top musicians of Anima Eterna together with smart managers. Let the managers observe what happens during the rehearsal – and let them understand what they saw so they may apply this back in the office. Next, let the managers tell the musicians what they noticed. Both parties can learn from this exercise. Moreover, it helps build a relationship between the orchestra and corporate managers. In Flandres, as anywhere else, orchestras depend on grants to stay in business – a fan base of managers will help Anima Eterna perform their authentic music on stage.

More important than the baton is eye contact and smiling. Most communication happens nonverbally, between conductor and musicians and between musicians. A mistake is excused with an apologetic smile. A nod signals approval and appreciation. Breathing together creates the same energy, pace and trust.

The experience is totally different than sitting in a concert hall audience. I see Jos’s facial expressions as he conducts the musicians through the piece. I see how he makes eye contact with the musicians in the first row, fractions of time before they get to play their parts. The soloist clarinetist, Lysa Shklyaver, sways together with the first violinist, riding the same flowing energy. The conductor nods and provides only minimal cues. All musicians look relaxed and they seem to enjoy playing. They are in constant contact with each other – breathing, watching, moving together.

What would you expect when you start a project with partly new professionals? A motivational speech. “Welcome everyone. So glad we can get started on…. Hope everyone will contribute their best so that we can reach this or that goal.” We expect default leadership behavior: taking the lead, making things explicit. Jos van Immerseel doesn’t do that. He doesn’t raise his voice, he only lifts the baton and he has the orchestra’s attention. They are dedicated and they are super professionals. No need to motivate the musicians to play better – there’s only a need to hold the space in which they can play better together. Preparation and intention was all it took to create that space in which they play together. No need for speeches or being the boss. “People come here because they want to play”, says Van Immerseel.

We change positions and I sit with the second row of musicians. As Van Immerseel stops the piece to give directions to the first row, they lean back and shrug. “Can’t hear a word he’s saying.” They wait while he consults with the soloist, patiently. But they don’t seem fully included. One musician makes a face, another seems distracted – or maybe just tired? When the rehearsal continues, they start their part a fraction too late.

But what have we seen?

After the observation session, we observers get together to discuss what we have noticed. What have we seen regarding leadership behaviors, communication and feedback? It’s a fascinating exercise. We have our notepads scribbled full with observations – and everyone has seen different things. More importantly – we have seen so much. I observe groups of people all the time when I work with them – but I’ve never seen so much before. It is palpable: the energy of playing together – the nonverbal cues – but also the people who don’t fully join in.

Does the conductor act like a leader?

When we discuss our observations afterward with conductor Van Immerseel and a few musicians, he says: “A small group doesn’t even need a conductor. I’m not that important. My added value is the musical interpretation, here and there, and we can rehearse faster because I facilitate the process.

A larger group needs a conductor – and you can make them sound as you like. Large orchestras are too much like a machine to me. I prefer the smaller group, that still has its own energy. Musicians who play together create their special interpretation of the music, their sound.

I listen to the propositions of the musicians when they play – they are the professionals. Then I adjust. I don’t start with a fixed idea: “Mozart should sound so and so.” I see what emerges from the group and go with that. The performing arts are really the ‘presencing’ arts.” Being present and responding to what happens is key.

Van Immerseel doesn’t like the pure democratic orchestra. “Their performance lacks character.”

Rather he builds on what individual musicians contribute as they play and extends on their interpretation. What stands out, both during the rehearsal as when we discuss our observations,

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, October 5, 2017

is the mutual respect between the conductor and musicians. Jos van Immerseel started out as a pianist – and they respect him as a fellow musician. Cellist Stefano is new to the orchestra and says: “Jos gives you the freedom to play the notes your way. It’s this freedom that we love as performing artists.”

This is an advantage of an organization of super professionals. They love their work – they want to be the best – and all the leader needs to do is create the space for them to work together and excel. However, to my surprise, I have seen typical “back row behavior”. Super pros or not, people are still people. Group dynamics happens: everyone wants to be seen, acknowledged, and included. Even super professional, autonomous adults appreciate a smile or a compliment.

The back row was literally too late with their part – because they weren’t as fully included as the first row was. The back row seduces people to behave like they did in school – eye rolling about the teacher, having their private conversations.

Hold the space I personally think that Jos van Immerseel is more important than he claims to be. He is a servant leader, serving the music and the musicians, but still a leader. His attention for the whole piece (instead of just the part that one musician plays) creates the space in which the music can emerge and exist. His attention includes the back row – or not – resulting in a different energy and experience for everyone. His attention goes to the interpretation that is most likely to manifest itself – emphasizing one contribution over another. Even though the performance is a group effort – it needs a catalyst. The leader becomes the catalyst. But everyone has their own conclusions. We have observed so many nonverbal behaviors, so many ways of being – all participants have learned a lot.

What stands out, is that leaders don’t have to spell everything out. Action speaks louder than words, or should I say: presence speaks louder than words. Be present with your people when you lead professionals. Hold the space and let the team unfold itself – don’t get in their way – but adjust and align so they focus in the same direction.

Take the conductor’s words to your heart – and make sure to work with people who want to play… * * * *

How can you make eye contact and smiles more important than “your baton” at work?

How can you help create a space wherein the work can manifest itself?

How can you help your team excel in the space you create with respectful attention?

Who is part of your “back row”? How can you include them in the space?