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Ï Seeks re-opening of party’s secretariat Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of harassing and intimidating the opposition in the country, warning that such portends grave danger for democracy at large. This is even as the PDP demand-

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ed the unconditional re-opening of its national secretariat to allow its staff access into their offices to carry out the duties of holding the government in power accountable. The party said these in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of its National Continued on page 12

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 272

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PDP accuses APC of intimidating opposition parties

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S’Kaduna killings: Indigenes knock FG, state Ï Express dissatisfaction over handling of crisis Ï Say attacks calculated attempt to annihilate Christians Ï Senator Laah chides NEMA for neglect of IDPs in zone Ï Buhari working to end crisis –Presidency

Tony Ailemen & Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏ The people of

Southern Kaduna have berated both the state and federal government over what they described as “a nonchalant attitude” towards addressContinued on page 6

Another Chibok girl rescued with baby Ï We won’t disclose 19 anti-terror strategy –DHQ

Again, Wike challenges police over re-run polls 12

NNPC to set up security advisory council on vandalism B1 L-R: Director, Investment Banking, Chapel Hill Advisory Partner Limited, Ayo Fasina; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe; Managing Director, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Bola Onadele Koko and Managing Director, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, Abubakar Jimoh, during the signing ceremony commemorating the quotation of Access Bank Plc’s N35bn Commercial Paper on the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange… on Thursday.

Aviation security: Stakeholders caution against uncordinated bearing of arms 12

Lagos Assembly okays death sentence for kidnappers

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

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Editorial Advancing Nigeria’s polytechnic education

O

ne of the embarrassing attitudes of the Federal and state governments in Nigeria is the lack of adequate recognition to polytechnic education. Probably, this lack of recognition is borne out of ignorance on the place of polytechnic education to the overall technological development of the country. Definitely, no one is positioned to point out this discrepancy than the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, who recently lamented such shortsightedness. Speaking recently at the 2nd Education Summit of Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun State, Ojerinde called for the repackaging of polytechnic education to ensure advancement of the country. We are totally in support of this submission, especially in the realisation that no country that is in need of technological advancement can ignore the role of polytechnic education in achieving it. It is fact that polytechnic education places emphasis on practice-based learning and skills acquisition. Sadly, the state of infrastructure in many of the country’s polytechnics is very depressing. Such a crisis is making learning difficult, as the students find it increasingly difficult to access good libraries, decent research laboratories and modern technological gadgets. The increase in the number of polytechnics, as well as the drop in funding, have also adversely affected the quality of academic staff. That explains why today, no polytechnic in the country is among those ranked in Africa. The sorry state of these institutions is responsible for the lack of technological progress in the country. It is, therefore, no wonder that even when Nigeria has many polytechnics that produce this middle level manpower; its economy has re-

fused to grow. The reason is that the polytechnics are no longer attracting the best and brightest students who now shun them for the universities, which is purely academic and theoretical. Moreover, the lingering disparity over qualifications between university Degrees and polytechnic certificates is not helping matters, as this has done more harm than good to the economic development and educational advancement of the country. There is no gainsaying the fact that polytechnic graduates have continued to suffer from the dichotomy as is reflected in disparity in salary Grade Level, especially in the civil service where Higher National Diploma, HND, holders are employed on Grade Level 07 while Degree holders’ entry point is GL 08. Similarly, the HND holder cannot progress further than GL 14 in his/her civil service career. This state of affairs is responsible for the lack of enthusiasm among prospective students to seek admission into polytechnics; thereby making these institutions lose their allure. With such unsavoury development, it is difficult to see how polytechnic education can really fulfill its goal of turning out competent and resourceful technical personnel that would aid the country’s technological and industrial development. It is interesting to note that the developed countries of Europe and America, including developing ones such as China and India owe their technological prowess to products of their technical institutions. The Federal and state governments should ,therefore, implement policies that would give the polytechnics their pride of place. Allowing a further disintegration in polytechnic education would consequently do a great disservice to the country’s development. It is time action is put in place to bring Nigeria’s polytechnics at par with their peers in other countries.

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R-L: Rivers State Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; General Officer, Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Abdulkareem and Commander 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Kabiru Garba, during a visit on Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt... on Thursday.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership, Mr. Abdulwahab Ekehinde; Coordinator, National Support Groups for Good Governance (NASUGG), Dr. Chidia Maduekwe and Mr. Abubakar Barde, during a press conference on the fight against corruption in Nigeria organised by NASUGG in Abuja… on Tuesday.

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Any priest who preaches resurrection of Jesus Christ without seeing the resurrection of the economy - is wasting his time

Ibrahim Babangida

Wole Soyinka

“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.”


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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

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News 6

Daily Times Nigeria 0ƏƈƗ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ Õè ƾƠơƣ

S’Kaduna killings: Indigenes knock FG, state Continued from page 1 ing the killings and destruction of properties of the natives in their homeland. This is even as the Presidency on Thursday revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has been working to check the spate of violence that had engulfed southern Kaduna in recent times. Some of the concerned persons, who spoke exclusively to the Daily Times in different telephone interviews, expressed dissatisfaction in the way and manner government was handling the situation. They described the attacks as a calculated attempt by ‘the Fulani jihadists to annihilate’ the Southern Kaduna people and take over their ancestral land. The Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Danjuma Laah, expressed worries over the nonchalant attitude of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) towards the plight of the victims of the attacks, despite resolution by the Nigerian Senate directing the agency to, with immediate effect, take relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the area. He said: “It baffles me on a serious note because I brought this cry to the National Assembly and I told the Senate during my presentation that in the Southern part of the state where this crisis is going on, there is no camp for IDPs and no one is making effort to create any. “I don’t know what the state and federal governments are doing not to be able to address these things. But to my greatest surprise, nothing so far has been done and I have been looking at it as if it’s a deliberate act.” He said as a leader, he was just watching to see how the situation will unfold before taking further action. Also, Mr. Reuben Buhari, a for-

mer Media Adviser to late Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa, and one of the outspoken persons in Southern Kaduna, said government has the capacity to halt the killings but lacks the will to do so. His words: “There is no sincerity in what they are doing. By virtue of the fact that the governor has made some contradictory statements regarding these killings, he has denied himself the right or he has forfeited the right to be at vanguard of those who would look for solution to these killings.” Also reacting, Dr. John Danfula, a human right activist, who spoke with one of Daily Times reporters, said the attacks by the Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna are “an expansionists’ programme hatched by local forces and well executed by foreign mercenaries.” He alleged that “their sole goal is to dislodge the natives of southern Kaduna and take over their farmlands for grazing and settle-

ment purposes. Apart from that, the discovery of Nikel, a solid mineral, has heightened their heinous and dastardly acts against humanity.” Danfula alleged that the group of people doing the attacks also wants to dislodge the people so that when the exploration and exploitation of the mineral start fully, they will claim ownership of such fields and automatically benefit from the royalties attached to it. “Basically, these are the two economic reasons behind the killings. But there are still people advancing their course. There is still the fact that it’s an agenda by the Hausa/Fulani movement to totally dissipate or downsize the number of Christians in Southern Kaduna,” he added. Governor El-rufai had sometime in the past on his twitter handle, @elrufai, tweeted that “Anyone, soldier or not, that kills the Fulani takes a loan repayable one day, no matter how long it takes.” Meanwhile, the Presidency, on

Thursday, revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has been working to check the spate of violence that had engulfed southern Kaduna in recent times. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, noted that contrary to insinuations, the President has “over the past week, given instructions for decisive measures aimed at bringing an end to the recurring acts of violence and destruction in the Southern part of Kaduna State.” Garba Shehu recounted one of the actions to include directive by President Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police who was in the region on Saturday and Sunday to assess the situation at first hand. He noted that in addition to the conventional policemen deployed in the area, a squadron of mobile policemen has now been stationed there. He disclosed that the Nigerian Army is also in the process of set-

ting up two battalions in Southern Kaduna, while the military continues to carry out air surveillance across flash points of the area. President Buhari, according to him, “has equally directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out a joint assessment of the situation with the sister agency in Kaduna, SEMA, to determine the level of response required for urgent aid to the victims of the violence.” These measures, he said “should soon ensure the return of normalcy to the region, while the Kaduna State government continues its peace building efforts.” The statement said the President has also commended efforts of the State government and the security agencies in the steps taken so far to curtail the violence. According to Shehu, “President Buhari has, once again, sent condolences to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have lost loved ones in the recent violence.”

L-R: Secretary to Plateau State Government, Mr. Rufus Bature; representative of the State Governor, Prof. Soni Tyoden and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, during Alhassan’s advocacy and sensitisation visit to Jos, Plateau State… recently.

Lagos Assembly okays death sentence for kidnappers Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏ Lagos

State House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed into law the Bill stipulating death sentence for kidnappers whose victims die while being held in custody. The Bill titled, “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prohibition of the Act of Kidnapping and for Other Connected Purposes into law,” stipulates death sentence for kidnappers, whose victims died in their custody and life sentence for kidnappers whose victims did not die in their custody. The passage of the bill was

sequel to the earlier adoption of a report presented by Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Human Rights and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). The bill, which aimed at stamping out kidnapping in the state, was finally passed after the third reading on the floor of the House at plenary. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, read the contents of the 20-section bill clause by clause for members’ approval through voice votes before

passage. Obasa later directed the acting Clerk of the House, Azeez Sanni, to forward a clean copy of the bill to the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for assent. Some sections of the bill as passed into law by the House provides that any person, who kidnaps, abducts, detains, captures or takes another person by any means or tricks with intent to demand ransom or do anything against his/her will, commits an offence, and liable on conviction to death sentence. The bill also makes it a criminal offence an attempt to kidnap

and goes ahead to stipulate life imprisonment for anyone, who makes attempt to kidnap another person. The bill also kicks against false representation to release a kidnapped or abducted person. This attracts seven years imprisonment. The House further approved 25 years imprisonment to whoever threatens to kidnap another person through phone call, e-mail, text message or any other means of communication. The bill also frowns at accessories to attempt to kidnap and provides that any person, who

knowingly or willfully allows or permits his premises, building or a place or belonging to which he has control of to be used for the purposes of keeping a person kidnapped, is guilty of an offence under the law and liable to 14 years imprisonment without an option of fine. In another development, the House adopted the recommendations of its Committee on Youths and Sports on a Bill for a law to provide for the Establishment of the Lagos State Sports Commission and for Connected Purpose after a thorough debate as resolution of the House.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January, 2017

Police kill two robbery syndicate in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Orji receives Ibeku factional leader, seeks support for Ikpeazu Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe Superior Power of ÏÏÏAs the legal tussle for the Abia the Police in Ogwashi-Uku Community, Delta State Thursday sent two robbery syndicate who had allegedly been terrorizing the community to their early graves. Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, Police Image maker in the state, confirmed that the two robbery suspects engaged the police of the Ogwashi-Uku Police Division in a gun duel when the police closed on them while they were operating at the night of Wednesday around Saint Patrick Catholic Church in the community; killing two of the gang of three while one of them escaped with bullet wounds. He said that the robbery suspects had successfully accomplished their robbery mission at the said Saint Patrick Catholic Church area and were heading out when the Police Anti-Robbery members closed on them in gun shoot outs. He said: “following the tipoff the Police Anti-robbery members of the Ogwashi-Uku Police division moved into the scene and the robbery suspects somewhere around the Catholic Church, precisely Ogbeofu Quarters, engaged the police in a shot out and two of the suspects fell, while one of them in a 3-man gang escaped with bullet wounds” disclosing that the police were on the trail of the escapee”. It would be recalled that Ogwashi-Uku Community had been under siege of hoodlums in the recent times, especially suspected cultists who had allegedly made lives unbeatable for its residents.

governorship seat lingers, the senator representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, Sen.Theodore Orji, has called on the people of Ibeku clan of Umuahia North local government to sustain their support for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Sen. Orji handed down the call when he received the newly elected factional members of Ibeku Egwuasa Development Association led by their President General, Mr. Emeka Enyeazu, who came on courtesy visit at his Umuahia home. He told his kinsmen that Ikpeazu’s government was a product of the collective mandate of Abia people hence the need to support him to succeed, regretting that the Governor is the only governor who is still in court fighting to retain his mandate due to the vile politics that some people play in Abia, adding that Ikpeazu should have by this time focused his at-

tention on governance like other governors instead of dissipating energy fending off detractors. Orji reminded them that he did his best to uplift the people of Ibeku, regretting that inspite of that, he faced some kind of embarrassment from among some of his kinsmen during the period he was Abia governor and which, he said has continued even after he has left office for the National Assembly. He said that the level of development seen in Ibeku land in the recent times was his own making, adding “What I want people to appreciate is what God has done for them through me”. According to him, he left “visible things” that should make his kinsmen to be proud of him and challenged them to come out from the delusion that because their land hosts the capital city they should therefore be getting things on a platter of gold. Earlier the factional President Gen-

eral of Ibeku Egwu Asaa, Enyeazu, said their visit was to introduce the members of the new executives of Ibeku Development Association and assure him that the people of Ibeku are behind him. He said that apart from the leadership of the association the chairman of the Ibeku Council of Traditional Rulers has also affirmed that the royal fathers and all the autonomous communities were supportive of the leadership status of Senator Orji in Ibeku land as well as the quality representation he has been giving his constituents as their senator. Enyeazu said that irrespective of the level of distractions from some disgruntled persons, the people of Ibeku would remain united behind the Senator, adding that Sen. Orji did a lot as the then governor of the state to develop Ibeku land and pleaded with him to disregard the antics of ingrates and not use their actions to judge the rest of Ibeku people.

A cross-section of participants at the training programme on Peace Building and Peace Education in Bauchi State … on Wednesday

7 News Recession is killing us, Delta markets’ women tell Buhari Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ

Markets’ women at the popular Ogbeogonogo market in Asaba and Egbodo in Delta State have called on President Mohammadu Buhari to evolve effective measures to deliver the nation’s economy from the current recession this year. Angered by the increasing cost of food items including house rents, the markets’ women who spoke to Daily Times said: “Recession is killing us, we cannot afford three square meals again; we cannot pay house rents, we need your intervention Mr. President, save our soul, we are dying of hunger”. While the women also called for true synergy between various arms of governments in the country to fashion out an acceptable economic blueprint that will help recover the dwindling economy, leader of the women, Mrs. Esther Igbodia, noted that while the fight against corruption should be sustained by the Federal Government, led by President Mohammadu Buhari, emphasis on the general welfare of the people should be a major concern, adding: “It is difficult to survive nowadays, the recession is telling hard on us, some of our husbands are not gainfully employed, we need Buhari’s intervention”. She said that the promise of better governance should be demonstrated by government at all levels, giving the people the confidence that those elected truly care for the people. Also speaking, Mrs. Rosemary Chukwuma at the Ogbeogonogo market however urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to provide enough basic infrastructures for the people of the state, especially pipe borne water, adding that Deltans need good drinking water. While tasking politicians on policies being driven by human feeling, Mrs. Chukwuma however appealed to federal and state governments to place emphasis on agriculture as means of sustenance to effectively cushion the current recession.

Obaseki lauds Ex~servicemen over nation building ÏÏÏ Governor Godwin Obaseki

of Edo State has said the continuous co -existence of Nigeria as a nation was attributable to the huge contributions of ex-service men. The governor said this at the lunch of the `emblem appeal fund’ at the 2017, Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration on Thursday, at Urhokpota Hall, King’s Square in Benin City. Governor Obaseki, who used the occasion to appreciate the effort of the ex-servicemen, whose huge sacrifices had been responsible for the peace and unity being enjoyed today, assured them of the state government’s support. Governor Obaseki said, “the fact that we have a country today is as

a result of the effort of these great men. So we do not always take it for granted that Nigeria is what it is today because God made it so. “Yes, God did it, but some people have sacrificed their lives to make sure this country remains united and to that, we say, we are thoroughly really grateful. “I want to also use this opportunity to thank you for the role you played and the support you gave to the government of Edo State particularly during the election in the state last year,” the governor noted. He said ; “I have listened to your request and I want to assure you that this administration would consolidate and continue to work with you.We must also incorpo-

rate you into our programme especially in the area of agriculture. I make a commitment to you today that we will carry you along and will ask you to participate in our out grower programme. “I know most of you are retired but not tired. The proposal we received from you indicating that you are ready to assist us as r’egards the community policing, I have studied the proposal and will get back to you in a few weeks.In my New Year’s Day broadcast, I said, none is happy unless all are happy. We shall not compromise on assisting you especially in providing wheel chairs and artificial limbs to some of your members who need them,” he added. Clarifying the recent govern-

ment’s ban on collection of revenue by non-government actors, Gov. Obaseki said the government discovered that the activities were negatively affecting government, particularly local government in paying their subvention. “The fact that the local government is not able to pay the subvention that is required, is partly caused by the activities of people who collect revenue that are supposed to go to the government, particularly the local government and those revenues never get to the local government.With this step, we have taken and with your assistance to ensure that there is full compliance, I am optimistic that the local government would now begin to earn enough revenue to

assist the government consolidate and develop the state,”he added. Earlier, the Assistant Commandant General, Nigeria Legion, Edo State Command, Osawaru Johnbull Awanbor, expressed delight in this year’s lunch of the emblem appeal fund. Awanbor described the day as very special in their lives ``because it is a day set aside to celebrate and honour the fallen heroes and the families they left behind. “The body is like Oliver twist, we continue to ask for more support from the government and concerned Nigerians for better welfare,’’ he said. The Governor was accompanied on the occasion by the Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor.


News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Obey traffic instructions always, FRSC admonishes motorists in Enugu Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏFederal Road Safety Com-

mission (FRSC), on Thursday, urged motorists to be patient and obey traffic instructions as they drive through roads this season. The Zonal Commanding Officer of the commission, Mr Samuel Obayemi, said this after conducting aerial (helicopter) surveillance in major roads within the South East. Obayemi, who is in-charge of Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, said that although traffic was light in major road corridors in the zone; visibility had remained poor due to the harmattan haze. He, also, urged motorists to obey traffic officers and men as well as sister security agencies on the road in order to have a hitch-free and secured journeys. According to him, “In the aerial surveillance to major road corridors in the South East; we observed that traffic was light while FRSC regular and special marshals as well as sister security agencies are all positioned in critical spots on the road corridors.” ``I would advise motorists to be patient, drive with caution

since visibility is very poor. They should obey traffic signs and instructions on the roads. For those roads under re-construction, I would say motorists should maintain lane discipline. They should avoid overtaking since it is only one section of these roads under re-construction are used by motorists to and fro,’’ he said. The zonal commanding officer said that FRSC personnel now work three shifts to ensure 24 hours patrol and surveillance on the roads. ``We are assuring every Nigerian using these roads of their safety and presence of FRSC personnel as well as sister security agencies even at late hours,’’ he said. The aerial surveillance, which lasted for two hours, covered Enugu-Port Harcourt; Enugu-Onitsha and Owerri-Onitsha roads.Other roads monitored are: Enugu-Nuskka; 9th MileNsukka; 9th Mile by-pass; Enugu-9th Mile-Udi-Oji River roads. However, the helicopter made hovers at the River Niger Bridge in Onitsha as well as 9th Mile Corner where the Zonal Commanding Officer gave specific instructions to FRSC personnel on ground.

Police warn criminals to stay off Edo Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, on Thursday addressed a press conference in his office at the police headquarters in Benin during which he warned criminals and those that are into criminality to stay clear of the state in their own interest. He said that within the period between November 2016 and the first week of January

2017, the state police command under his leadership has been able to curtail the activities of hoodlums and their likes. While giving a breakdown of his command and his achievements in curbing crime, he asserted that 11 suspects have been arrested and are undergoing investigation for their part in armed robbery. The Commissioner revealed that in the course of carrying out the arrest of

the suspected armed robbers hordes of arms and ammunition where recovered from the suspects. On kidnapping, the police commissioner disclosed that seven suspects are in detention and also undergoing investigation on their roles in the spate of kidnappings in parts of the state. He said that the cases are under investigation and are soon as investigation is concluded the suspects will ap-

pear in court. On cultism, he said that 33 suspects were arrested most especially during the period of Christmas and new year as it is customary for such criminality to escalate during the season. He promised to wipe out criminality from the state while calling for the support of people of goodwill and the media inensuring that the police carry out their duties effectively.

Okowa hails Reps minority leader at 58 Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏDelta

State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Minority Leader, of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Ogor, on the occasion of his 58th birthday anniversary on Friday January 6, 2017. In a goodwill message by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa said; Ogor had every cause to celebrate and thank God Almighty for His benevolence on the joyful occasion of his 58th birthday anniversary. While congratulating the leader of the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives on the occasion of his birthday anniversary, the Governor maintained that the sterling contributions of Hon Leo Ogor to the development of Nigeria and the legislature is legendary and commendable. Aniagwu quoted the Governor as saying: “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, to express very warm felicitations to you on the occasion of your 58th glorious birthday anniversary. “As the leader of our great party in the House of Representatives, you have proved beyond reasonable doubt that you are

not just called the “General” in vain. “You have combined the ingenuity of a legislator par excellence with humility and genuine feelings and thoughts for the less privileged. Those of us who know you will always attest to your sincerity of purpose. “I am reminded of your glittering 14 years political career in the House of Representatives, where against all odds; you were elected Deputy Majority Leader in the 7th Assembly and now as Minority Leader in the 8th Assembly. I can testify to your devotion to excellence, commitment, simplicity and integrity. These qualities will continue to be a source of inspiration to all those whose lives you have touched in various important ways. “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, i join your family, friends, well-wishers, Deltans and the entire people of Isoko Federal Constituency in celebrating a life that vividly epitomizes generosity, care and affection while also symbolizing the assured reward for single-minded commitment to the ideals of diligence, humility, perseverance, focus, dedicated service, forthrightness and outstanding patriotism with which God has blessed you in the past 58 years.”

L-R: Chairman, Mubi North Local Government Council of Adamawa State, Alhaji Musa Ahmed; Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa; Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmad Sajoh and other dignitaries at the closing ceremony of the State’s 2016 Qur’anic recitation competition in Mubi, Adamawa… on Tuesday.

Rivers will support army to strengthen security - Wike Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏRivers

State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the state government will support the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in the strengthening the security architecture of the state. The governor advised the

Wike

officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army 6 Division against the politicisation of crime, noting that security was vital to the actualisation of all developmental programmes. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the General Officer Commanding the

6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Abdulkareem, on Thursday at the government’s house, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said enhanced security leads to the development of other sectors. He said: “Let me assure you that as a government, we will continue to support the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army with the needed logistics to carry out her duties. Security leads to the improvement of the other sectors”. He commended the new General Officer Commanding the 6 Division for the quick successes in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area ( ONELGA) where cultists were uprooted. The governor urged the military to step up its operations in ONELGA to dislodge the remnants of cultists who refused to accept the State Amnesty Programme by laying

down their arms. He lauded the Federal government for establishing the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to help fight crime in the state, pointing out that his administration would continue to work for the unity of the country. In his remarks, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Abdulkareem, said that the new division was created on November 7, 2016 out of the 82 Division to promote regional security. He said the division, with headquarters in Port Harcourt covers Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa States. According to him, the new division would fight pipeline vandalism, cultism and militancy. The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division called on the Rivers State Government to support the division.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Politics

s

Ekiti PDP: Fayemi, Oni’s denial of plotting to remove Fayose, face-saving

Fayose

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has dismissed claims by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy national chairman (South) Chief Segun Oni, that they were not involved in any plot to compromise a section of the judiciary to remove the Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, from

Oni

office, saying, “their denial is just face saving. The duo of Segun Oni and Fayemi were not saying the truth and Fayemi in particular is a serial betrayer of confidence, who should not be trusted by anyone, the PDP said. Speaking through its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jackson Adebayo, the PDP said; “They have said it is not true that they are plotting to destabilise Ekiti State, by seeking the removal of Governor Fayose using

Fayemi

a compromised judge and we want them to be held by their own words, hoping that it won’t be true as they said. “However, by his antecedent, Fayemi is someone that is not bound by his words and we will continue to place them under the watchful eyes of God and Ekiti people, whose mandate they are planning to truncate.” The PDP reminded Fayemi and Segun Oni of how the APC, out of desperation, tried to use the judi-

Lagos lawmaker wants NASS to pass 2017 budget speedily A lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Jude Idimogu, on Thursday urged the National Assembly to conclude work on the 2017 budget and pass it before the end of January. Idimogu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II at the Assembly, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to him, such development has become imperative in the light of the current hardship facing many Nigerians as a result of the economic recession. “I want to call on the Senate and the House of Representatives that have before them the Appropriation Bill for 2017 to hasten the passage as soon as they resume from recess. “It should be passed before

the end of January. The process should be done harmoniously in the interest of the suffering masses that are finding it difficult economically because of recession.

Idimogu

9

“We need not waste time because time is running out for this government. I want the NASS and the executive to work together,” the lawmaker said. Idimogu also said that if actually the President wanted to reshuffle his cabinet, such appointments should be without bias or party affiliation. “Buhari by now should know how to put round pegs in round holes. “Best hands should be sought to put the country back on track so that our people can be happy,” he said. Idimogu advised the President to adhere strictly to federal character as enshrined in the constitution. NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Dec. 14, 2016, presented N7.298 trillion budget proposal for the 2017 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly.

ciary to prevent Governor Fayose from assuming office in 2014, even after winning the June 21, 2014 governorship election convincingly and he (Fayose) had been congratulated by Fayemi. “We were in this State when Fayemi conceded defeat and went on to congratulate Governor Fayose. But the same Fayemi later went to the tribunal, appeal court and the supreme court trying to upturn the election result.

“We are also aware of Fayemi’s desperation to return to office as governor of Ekiti State, on which he is ready to do anything, no matter how crude. “Therefore, telling Nigerians that he was not plotting to compromise the judiciary to ensure his black market return to power in Ekiti State is nothing but an attempt to cover up his sinister plot, after it had been made public,” PDP said. While describing Fayemi as a serial betrayer, who can sacrifice anyone to achieve his ambition to rule Ekiti State for the second term, the PDP said; “A man like Fayemi, who betrayed his number one benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just to be minister can betray anyone. “It is on record that Fayemi has betrayed all those who helped him to become governor. He has even betrayed his loyal aides, whose governorship ambition he promised to support and he won’t also mind betraying his new benefactors if that will guarantee his return to power in Ekiti. “Segun Oni, on his part appears not to have a mind of his own. He is being pushed and deceived by the same people, who promised him the APC ticket in 2018 and are now contesting the ticket with him. “Good enough, he (Oni) has said that no judiciary can remove Governor Fayose now because he enjoys immunity until the expiration of his tenure on October 15, 2018, the APC should rather prepare for that 2018 when the party and whoever it presents as candidate will have another opportunity of being roundly defeated.”

Join FG to fight graft, group tells Nigerians The Anti-Corruption and Research-Based Data Initiative (ARDI), an NGO, on Thursday called on Nigerians to join the Federal Government in its fight against corruption. Mr Denis Aghanya, the Executive Secretary of ARDI, in a statement in Lagos said that everybody should make necessary sacrifice to put the country on the map of successful countries of the world. Aghanya said corruption had always remained one of the country’s problems, adding that until the citizens shunned it, it would be difficult for them to enjoy an ideal society. He commended the Federal Government for the success it recorded in its anti-corruption campaign in 2016. He also called on the government to expose more corrupt persons and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others.

Aghanya advised public office holders to shun corrupt practices and pray for the leadership and betterment of the country in the New Year. He said, “A country that is corrupt- free is a successful country and so all hands must be on deck to support and fight corruption.” Aghanya said that they would need to double their efforts in order to achieve success, saying though, 2016 was tough but God saw the citizens through it. “We wish to commend Nigerians and the present administration for the efforts they put up in 2016. “The year 2017 needs doubled efforts and that requires that we should make necessary sacrifices to put our country on the map of successful countries of the world,’’ Aghanya said. He advised the citizens to change from the culture of impunity to that of doing things rightly. (NAN)


Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Oyegun condoles with Okpozo, Ogbodu families National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun has described late Sen. Francis Okpozo as a dedicated patriot, who worked tirelessly for the unity of the country and welfare of the people. The APC chairman stated this on Thursday when he paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late senator in Benin. He urged the children to create for themselves a niche as their father was committed to an im-

proved society and his commitment was noticed. According to Oyegun, “We have come here to sympathise with you on the passage of a great man. All his political life, he has worked to improve the circumstances of the country, the state and the people. “We who worked with him know that he was a man who was totally dedicated to the welfare of this country, totally dedicated to ensuring that life be better for the people and that our lives will be better.

“We want to assure you that you did have a father who was appreciated, who committed himself and whose commitment was noticed.” Responding, Okpozo’s daughter, Mrs Onome Agbonla, who commended the APC chairman for his relevance in the politics of the country, described the visit as a justification that Oyegun was indeed a friend to their father. “For us as a family, we really appreciate your visit to this family. We are thankful for the words coming from you and it shows that

you are our father and also our father’s friend,” she stated. It would be recalled that Okpozo, who was also a former Deputy Speaker in the old Bendel State, died in Benin, on Dec. 26. Oyegun, also paid a condolence visit to the residence of late Mrs Ijose Ogbodu, popularly known as “Mama SDP” who according to Oyegun, was one of those who made him governor. According to Oyegun, “I’m sure you know how close your mother and I were. She was one of the peo-

ple who carried me at that time. “I was governor of Edo; she was our women leader at the time of SDP. I can say without fear of contradiction that she is one of the generous human beings that I have come across. “I am here with a team who worked with her during those wonderful days of SDP when politics was innocent. “She followed us all over right from Bendel to Edo, including the riverine areas,” before Delta was carved out. (NAN)

Lawmaker seeks support for Adamawa varsity

L-R: Deputy chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State chapter, Comrade Adolphus Ude; state chairman of the party, Dr. Ben Nwoye and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, during a meeting of Enugu APC leaders in Enugu… recently.

Dons want governors to institute monthly briefings on states’ finances A don at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Aloysius Okolie has described Bayelsa State government’s monthly transparency briefing as a hallmark of good democratic governance. Okolie, a senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Thursday. He advised governors in the country to emulate the monthly transparency briefing of Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State aimed at informing the people of the income and expenditure of government. “What Gov Dickson is doing in Bayelsa is the hallmark of a good democratic government anchored on transparency and accountability. “If all state governors and chairmen of local government areas in the country will emulate this, then we can say that government belongs to the people. “People are alienated from government when they do not know how much that come into government coffers and how it is spent,” he said. He decried the use of state money by some governors to buy fleet of jeeps to

have a long convoy. “It is because some governor engaged on wasteful spending on frivolities that they find it difficult to tell people how much that come into a state and how it was spent. “To ensure judicious use of public funds, government should only engage on projects that will impact positively on the lives of citizens and not projects that will later be abandoned,” he said. Also, Prof. Cletus Agu, a senior lecturer at the Department of Economics in the university, advised other governors to copy the monthly briefing in order to promote accountability in government. “It’s better you tell people how much the state gets so that people will know government financial capacity and be guided in their demands,” Agu said. Agu, a former Head of Department of Economics, however, said that if other governors could not do the monthly transparency briefing they should quarterly publish in newspapers the income and expenditure of the state. “This will restore the confidence of the people on government as most times some

believe that the state has excess money but failed to give them good roads and basic amenities. “Another advantage of this act of accountability and transparency is that it will help attract more local and foreign investors since government has built trust and integrity for itself,” he said. (NAN)

The member representing Mubi South State constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Abdurahman Isa on Thursday called on the people of the state to assist in developing the Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi. Isa, member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola. He also urged people who had vast knowledge in university administration to support the university’s management with ideas to develop the institution. He also advised people to synergise with the legislators on how to develop the university. “I encourage interested persons to introduce private bills, lobby to get the necessary bills passed in the House of Assembly. “The university community is composed mainly of highly educated people who can assist the state legislature to come up with necessary bills to address the problems of the university. “If the honourable members are left unaided, they may not meet the expectations of the people. “ Therefore, those with the knowledge, ability and capacity to assist the House to introduce better legislation in the state should bring their expertise to impact positively on the state,’’ he said. “I, therefore, urge every indigene of Adamawa State and lovers of education throughout the country to rally support for the University,” Isa said.

Sokoto Assembly confirms appointment of SJSC’s permanent member The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Mr Jacob Ochidi, as a permanent member of the State Judicial Service Commission (SJSC). The confirmation followed the recommendation of a report of the House Committee on Public Service Matters, presented by its Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim (APC-Kware). In the report, Ibrahim said, “the Committee observed that Ochidi is found to be a man of proven integrity,

competence, honesty and loyalty with outstanding track record of service. “Therefore, if given the chance to serve in the commission, he will bring his vast experience to bear on the judiciary. “The appointment is a good omen for the commission and the state at large.” The Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said that the Assembly considered the report of the committee while the members unanimously accepted it. (NAN)


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

11 Politics

Controversy trails extension of Plateau LG bosses Chijioke Kingsley, Jos The controversy surrounding the sacking of 15 local government council controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Simon Lalong in 2015, may be taking a new dimension, as the people of the state and some members of the state House of Assembly, have started pressing for the conduct of the local government council election. Recall that the tenure of the sacked LG chairmen was suppose to expire sometime early this year 2017, even though they are still chal-

lenging their removal by the state government at the court. Gov. Lalong had however in December 2016 sworn-in the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLSIEC), to conduct local government polls, but surprising to most opposition political parties who spoke to our correspondent, it was absurd to here that the governor was seeking for extension of the incumbent Management Committees in the various councils. Though the Plateau State House of Assembly has ‘technically’ extended the tenure of the Management Committees in the 17 local government councils in the state by another six months towards the end

of December last year, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (PDP), Daily Times gathered, had advised the House to observe, for directional purposes, the recent judgment of the Supreme Court with respect to Ekiti State LGs in the course of extending the local government administration in the state under the Management Committee, adding that, “If extension is to be granted by the House, it should be based on performance.” Hon. Gagdi, had in the mid of 2016 during a session of the House to extend the tenure of the Management Committee said that the LG boss in the 17 LGAs have performed below expectation.

Be hopeful of better 2017, Atiku group tells Nigerians Tom Garba, Yola The office of Atiku Support group (ASG) has commended the courage and resilient nature of Nigerians despite the economic recession currently being experienced in the country. The group in a press statement said in the Spirit of the New Year celebration it was important to appreciate the people, saying, “We appreciate the resilient spirit and persevering heart of all people of this great country. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by all well meaning Nigerians. We admire the unwavering and abiding faith of every patriotic citizens of this country on the project Nigeria.” The relase which was signed by Mr Mark Wosi, Director General of the group said that 2016 was a challenging year for everybody in the country. “We faced one of the worst economic crisis and social chaos ever in the history of Nigeria. The country witnessed a steady rise in inflations, the exchange rate was at its worst ever high in Nigeria, we saw our lo-

Atiku

cal currency which is our pride nose diving against the world dominant currencies. “The problem of the cattle rustling in the North went hay-wire at the course of the year. The challenge of the Fulani herdsmen and farmers that touched almost all the states in the federation, the Niger-Delta militia attacks on oil pipelines that almost left the economy prostrate, the persecution of some Principal Officers of the National Assembly which soured the relationship between the Executive and Legislature and slowed down the progress and speed of governance. “The Arms deal shenanigans that opened a can of worms and raised a lot of dusts which are still to settle. “The kidnappings of some prominent Nigerians including students and the subsequent demands for ransom, loss of lives of some Nigerians in the process, the lists goes on and on. “No doubt, it was a year with many sides, a year with mixed feelings, yet Nigerians were very strong in spirit maintaining a strong will and over-

coming mentality. This has gone a long way to keep us more united and resolute on our resolve to build the nation we all crave for. “As we approach the year 2017 in hope of a better life and outcome, let us not waver in our commitment to our fatherland. “The year 2017 is a very crucial one for us as a people because far-reaching decisions will be made, there will be alignment and re-alignment of forces as we work together to shape Nigeria for the good of all.” Wosi however maintained that Nigerians must seek for those things that unite the country than those things that divide us as a people. “Our strength lies in our unity. Our diversity in tongue and in culture is a testimony of our uniqueness as a people destined together for greatness. We must work for the peaceful co-existence of all people of this country and ensure harmony among ourselves without allowing any divisive forces and external influences to divide us. “Abhor all forms of violence, work for the total integration of all opinions and respect the position of everyone without resorting to destructive activities. Let us imbibe the culture of according respect to human dignity and value our individual differences. We salute the people of the North East who has never given up despite the activities of the Boko Haram in the area, they chose to love their fatherland and accept their fate while waiting for a better tomorrow to which all of us are working for to make it a reality.” He added He assured that the year 2017 shall be a better year for every one even as all in the country keep on with the struggle to entrench a true and lasting democracy in Nigeria.

Gov. Ganduje

Ganduje signs N217.9bn 2017 budget into law Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje on Thursday assented to the 2017 Budget of N217.9 billion. Speaking after signing the budget, Ganduje said it was increased by the State Assembly by N8 billion. He, however, said the Assembly had followed due process before taking the action by consulting all the relevant authorities and stakeholders. “The budget was increased by N8 billion after consultation with the appropriate authorities,” he said. He expressed optimism that the law, christened “budget of self-

reliance for sustainable development”, would improve the socioeconomic status of the citizenry. He said following the dwindling oil revenue due to the fall in oil price, the state government had resolved to be self-reliant by improving its internally generated revenue. Ganduje commended the Assembly for the prompt passage of the budget, adding that it was an inevitable task for the state to move forward. NAN recalled that Ganduje had, on Nov. 23, 2016, presented a budget proposal of N209.8 billion to the State Assembly for its consideration.

A/Ibom Assembly reinstates 11 sacked lecturers The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution authorising the reinstatement of 11 lecturers wrongfully disengaged by the College of Education, Afaha Nsit in 2013. The motion was moved by the House Leader, Mr Udo Akpan and seconded by the Chief Whip, Mr Emmanuel Ekpenyong. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House had earlier referred the petitions from the affected lecturers to the House Committee on Education. The committee recommended that the House should order for immediate reinstatement of the affected lecturers back to their different departments. The committee also requested the House to direct relevant authority that handled the biometric in the college to correct the error and reconfigure the names of the affected lecturers as academic staff and not as non-academic staff. The committee also directed that the affected lecturers be promoted as and when due, and their entitlements paid accordingly. All the recommendations were adopted and a resolution passed accordingly. The Speaker, Mr Onofiok Luke,

Udom

directed the Clerk, Mrs Mandu Umoren, to communicate the House resolution to relevant authority for action. The House also at plenary received a message from Gov. Udom Emmanuel, seeking the approval of the House to allow the state government spend N14.5 billion Paris Club loan refunded to the state by the Federal Government. Emmanuel in his letter said that the money would be used to settle outstanding pensions and gratuity and other contractual agreement. The House referred the letter to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative action.


News 12 Again, Wike challenges police over rerun polls Amaka Agbu,

Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called on the Nigerian Police to inform the world how and where the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was murdered during the December 10 rerun legislative elections in the state. The governor wondered why the police refused to make public the communication that an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain and former commissioner of power, Mr. Augustine Kachi Nwokocha, had with the killers before the DSP was brutally murdered. Governor Wike spoke on Thursday when he granted audience to the management of a national daily at the Government House, Port Harcourt. He said: “The police should let the world know where the DSP was killed? What is the polling unit where he was killed? The former commissioner of power who was mentioned by the killers, has he been questioned? “Where is the call log of that former commissioner as communicated with the killers? Have they checked the discussions between the Commissioner and the arrested killers? “They know the truth, but they want to cover a lot of things. The Army announced that they recovered the uniforms from the forest, was there a polling unit in the forest?” He noted that the steps being taken to blackmail the state government will fail because the Rivers people would not be cowed. He appealed to journalists to always defend the truth and speak out regularly. He said: “The survival of democracy, to a large extent, depends on a vibrant media. Certain things happening in the country must be made public by the media.” On the award of the “Man of the Year 2016” by the Independent Newspapers Limited, Governor Wike dedicated the award to God and the people of the state.

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PDP accuses APC of intimidating opposition parties Continued from page 1 Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye in Abuja. The opposition PDP made it clear that there is no gain saying that any democracy without a viable opposition is considered a dictatorship, unstable, unhealthy and a recipe for anarchy. It commended the Nigerian judiciary for its effort to actualize the principles of separation of power, “which is the main pillar of democracy,” and therefore, urge the courts to keep up the good work by maintaining independence on all matters brought before it. According to the statement, “The leadership of the PDP under the chairmanship of Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, commends staff of the national secretariat for their peaceful protest on Tuesday, January 3, 2016 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. “The protest, which was carried out by staffers under the auspices of PDP Staff Welfare Forum demanding for the reopening of the national secretariat and speedy delivery of judgment pending before the appellate court, is a demonstration of their commitment to service, loyalty and dedication to the party’s well-being, peaceful Nigeria, and advancement of democracy at large. “It is our firm belief that keeping the PDP national secretariat locked since June 2016 till date is orchestrated by the ruling party to decimate and silence our party from providing viable opposition. “The gross incompetence of the APC to deliver on its campaign promises to Nigerians has pitched it against the progress of the PDP. “This is shameful, inexplicable

and unfortunate as the PDP in 16 years, did not interfere with internal affairs of opposition political parties or used instruments of state to shutdown their secretariats due to internal crisis or for anything whatsoever. “We allowed all parties in the country to strive and stabilize our democracy for which the APC is the primary beneficiary of in the 2015 general elections. “These harassments and intimidation of the APC-led administration against opposition in Nigeria portends grave danger for democracy at large; and we demand, as a matter of urgency, the unconditional reopening of the national secretariat of the PDP to allow staff access into their offices to carry out the duties of holding the government in power accountable. “We again commend the Nigerian judiciary for its effort to actualize the principles of separation of power, which is the main pillar of democracy, and therefore, urge the courts to keep up the good work by maintaining independence on all matters brought before it. “In the same vein, we pray the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to deliver the reserved judgment on the party’s leadership issues pending before it to allow the PDP concentrate on its rebuilding process and to provide alternative governance in the country. It is no gain saying that any democracy without a viable opposition is considered a dictatorship, unstable, unhealthy and a recipe for anarchy. “We also urge the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently do the needful in respect of the

petition submitted against the Special Appeal Panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. “The current petition like the two previous ones, is another delay tactics he devised with his collaborators against justice to the

PDP and its membership nationwide. “To this end, we further call on all our members and teeming supporters nationwide to be vigilant and remain committed to the rebuilding of the PDP and advancing our democracy,” it said.

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Aviation security: Stakeholders caution against uncordinated bearing of arms Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ Following

approval by the federal government for Aviation Security Operatives (AVSEC) to bear fire arms, stakeholders in the aviation sector have warned security agents against turning barrels of gun to themselves at the airport. Speaking exclusively with Daily Times in Lagos, some aviation stakeholders, who commended the step, said a situation where different security agents at the airport carry arms should be highly coordinated under a single security command and control. Group Capt. John Ojikutu (retired) explained that aviation security was an element and the function of the national security, hence, there was need for the single line of aviation security as an establishment of the national security council as against the Nigerian Civil Aviation’s natural security committee.

Ojikutu, a former airport commander, said the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 17 dealt clearly on aviation security. “Mind you, airport security and indeed aviation security, is an element or function of the national security. That explains the reasons why l have recommended the establishment of single line of aviation security as an establishment of the national security council not the NCAA to be known as national aviation security committee as ICAO standard in it Annex 17, and not natural civil aviation security committee as the NCAA has established in the national civil aviation security programmes and regulations.” Ojikutu said he had no objection on aviation security agents carrying arms but it must be highly monitored. Another stakeholder and the secretary general of Association of Nigerian Aviation Profession-

als (ANAP) Comrade Abdukrasaq Saidu, said carrying arms by aviation security was overdue. Saidu said it was in accordance with the enabling Act of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which has been long agitated for. “Yes, we quite agree because it is in accordance with the enabling FAAN Act. Yes, it has been ANAP’s position and a longtime agitation and I am now delighted.” Comrade Olayinka Abioye, national secretary of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) also welcomed the approval for arms for aviation security agents but said not all the personnel will carry arms as it will undergo serious diligence and physiological analysis of those involved. “I approve of it, as it is enshrined in the Act establishing FAAN. All that is required is that not all of them will be carrying light arms.

It has to undergo serious diligence, physiological analysis of those few that will carry arms. Another stakeholder, Alhaji Abdulyekeen Umar, commended government for the arming of aviation security personnel. According to Umar, they AVSEC personnel will only be armed at their duty posts while the arms will be submitted at the close of work. He urged the federal government to ensure that the personnel were properly trained about arms handling, accidental discharges. There have been several occasions where AVSEC personnel on duty at the airport were beaten up by security agents and threatened to be shot but Umar warned that the airport should not be turned into battle field since almost all the security personnel were armed. It will be recalled that in May 2015, an AVSEC personnel was beaten to a state of coma by an


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

13


14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

A look at the Biafra question beyond Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB

N

Majeed Dahiru

igeria is in a state of undeclared war with itself. The most populous black nation on earth is fighting on different fronts. From the Boko Haram insurgency to the scourge of marauding Fulani killer herdsmen and the militant activities of the avengers in the Niger Delta, these clearly show that all is not well with Nigeria. The common denominator of all these groups is separatism, brought about not only by the structure of the Nigerian state, but in its operation by the political leadership. The longest running separatist agitation is the Biafra aspiration among Nigeria’s Igbo ethnic group. The Biafran struggle has resurfaced under the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a sectarian group led by Nnamdi Kanu. The Biafra spirit is as alive today as it was in 1967 because Nigeria is as divided today as it was then. The Igbo ethnic group, which is one of largest in Nigeria, with over forty million people, is the most marginalised and politically disadvantaged. The marginalisation of the Igbo is systematic and far reaching. Modern Nigeria is a British colonial legacy. The eighteenth century was the age of European exploration of sub-Saharan Africa, following the industrial revolution and the declining slave trade, to determine the feasibility of legitimate trade in the interior of the continent. In the preceding era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, European merchants had limited knowledge of the interior of sub-Saharan Africa, as trade was conducted on the coast with local business men serving as middlemen between them and chieftains of slave raiding chiefdoms. Following the amalgamation of the various kingdoms, chiefdoms and peoples of Nigeria in 1914, by the colonial governor of the territory formerly known as the Niger Area, Lord Frederick Lugard, Nigeria’s journey to nationhood began. The various peoples who suddenly found themselves under a common umbrella accepted their new status with mixed feelings and reservations, with each group seeking a better deal within the constitutional framework of the new nation. One group of people who embraced the modern state of Nigeria without reservation was the Igbo. The pre-colonial egalitarian sociopolitical system of the Igbo was consistent with the concept of a modern constitutional democracy. The independent spirit and unbridled republican nature of the pre-colonial Igbo society, where feudalism and serfdom were almost entirely absent, fostered in them the spirit of competition, the culture of hard work and a societal reward system that was based largely on merit. Coming from this background, the Igbo saw an opportunity in the prospect of a modern state to unleash their energy and enterprise. Equipped with western education, the Igbo moved freely around Nigeria and made a home of every part

of the country they settled in. They made successes of their enterprises and huge financial profits accrued to them, readily distinguishing them within their host communities. Their successes sometimes made the Igbo boisterous with a high sense of selfworth, which unfortunately became mirrored as arrogance to other ethnic groups. The rest of Nigeria began to view the Igbo with suspicion, and their intention was construed as seeking to dominate everywhere and everything. The resentment became more manifest by the dawn of independence in 1960. The struggle for independence was on the strength of nationalism, which was championed by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. However independent Nigeria subsequently elevated regionalism over nationalism. Therefore the Igbo were caught in between the ideals of nationalism and the reality of regionalism. Regionalism limited the Igbo economically and politically. The Igbo who dominated all federal institutions from the military, to the academia and the judiciary could only be curtailed from dominating other regional institutions through a rigid form of ethnocultural beat back. This scenario created tension in the polity. Issues boiled to the surface by January 1966, when a group of mostly Igbo military officers carried out a coup which clearly targeted the political leaders of Northern Nigeria and their allies in the Western Region. This coup was to be a precursor to the civil war, following Biafran separatism as a direct result of a bloody counter coup staged by Northern military officers, who saw to the killing of the military head of state, as well as other top military officers of Igbo origin. Political power has since been in the hands of serving and retired military elite, of mostly Northern origin, who actively participated in the counter-coup of July 1966 and also subsequently prosecuted the civil war that crushed the Biafra rebellion, thirty months later in 1970. The resurrection of the spirit of

Biafra through IPOB is as a consequence of the heightened marginalisation of the Igbo ethnic group under the current administration. Buhari’s political scorched earth policy of a 97 percent versus five percent patronage formula, as directly proportional to the percentage of votes cast for him by the regions, is being made real and the Igbo appear being punished for freely making a democratic choice as guaranteed by the constitution. The Biafran question is beyond Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB, which is only a symbolic expression of deep dissatisfaction brought about by a systematic injustice to the Igbo. The erstwhile ruling military elite ensured that the South-East geo-political zone, which is the homeland of the Igbo has the least number of states [five] and local governments [95], which translates to less revenue from the federation account, fewer representation at the National Assembly, fewer executive positions in all political parties, with the collective consequence of political irrelevance in the national power equation. This situation is further compounded by the fact that Nigeria exists more for political rather than economic reasons. Therefore, merit, by way of excellence and hard work, is not always rewarded. Sectionalism has been entrenched in the system to reward less work with higher pay, provided you are from the right part of the country. The policy of quota system ensures that standards are lowered to accommodate people from the educationally disadvantaged states of Northern Nigeria into higher institutions of learning, while the standard is raised for people from educationally advantaged states, mostly from the Southern parts of Nigeria. Ironically the policy of federal character ensures the North-West, with seven states and one hundred and eighty seven local governments, gets a higher quota of federal jobs and appointments, irrespective of their educational disadvantaged status. This system with an imbalanced structure clearly shuts

out the Igbo, while also limiting their opportunities in a country they are supposed to be part of. It also appears that the other parts of the country are unanimous in their opposition to the emergence of a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, as none of the major political parties has a clear agenda for that purpose. Under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, no Igbo is trusted enough to be in the kitchen cabinet. The entire top echelon of the defence and internal security apparatus are exclusive of the Igbo. In the last eighteen months of his presidency, Buhari has not visited any part of the SouthEast. Nothing has been done to address the deep rooted injustice against a significant section of this country. These largely explain the high level of legitimacy that Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB enjoys among the Igbo today; a legitimacy only comparable to the Chukwuemeka Ojukwu-led Biafra republic. This legitimacy was clearly demonstrated by the real time visit to Kanu in Kuje prison, where he is being held by the Nigerian authorities, by no less a person than Orji Uzor Kalu, a frontline politician and business man, who has made no pretences about the need for equity in Nigeria. His visit is significantly historic because as a member of the president’s party, the APC, Orji Kalu has demonstrated a rare courage in bringing to the attention of the federal authorities the plight of the Igbo in Nigeria beyond Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB. Orji Kalu has an age long reputation for telling truth to power in a voice that doesn’t shake. He also followed this up by paying a New Year visit to Kanu’s parents in their country home in Abia state. Therefore, the responsibility of uniting the country is that of the president of the federation. He should show leadership by being less of a partisan politician and more of a statesman, who in the spirit of nationalism must have a feel of all parts of Nigeria, for all parts of Nigeria to have a feel of him.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

15 Opinion

Happy New ‘Happy New Year!

I

Ifedayo Babalola

am not about to add to the pile off goodwill messages you’ve received in the past month. That would be very inconsiderate, unless you are an insatiable social media consumer. You may then wonder at my choice of title. But regard it again, very carefully. You’ll find I am not wishing you a ‘Happy New Year.’ I probably have already anyway, even though we might have never met and our paths may never cross. So rise above the overdose and regard the title again. I am simply asking you to be happy at the new tech-driven proliferation of Season’s Greetings around you, and the power it has placed in your palm to send whatever gifts you like to as many people you want. We were never one of the leading paper greeting cards consumers in the world. Judging by the sheer volume of my e-messages receipts in the last month though, I must say we have really moved up the ladder. Opon ti sun. The game has shifted so much that no one dares to blink. And I am not even a consummate social media buff,

being barely two years old on Facebook and a only little longer than that on WhatsApp. I’m told those two are anachronistic by the way; but there you go. So I can imagine how busy you’ve been, crisscrossing seven or more platforms, garnering electronic wishes and retaliating with equal vigour. The stage had been set for eleven months of the year. A very visual generation, we’ve had everything reduced to pictures, videos and animation. Let the traditionalists wonder: Can anyone put a proper sentence together anymore? If they can, would they even bother to compose messages from the heart to particular individuals or groups? Well, if composed, would anyone even try to exhume such from under the rubble and get around to digesting them? To such people, I say, ‘Calm down. Look to the bright side.’ Haven’t you received any of those ‘Good Morning’ photo messages? Yes; the ones with a cup of steaming white coffee, delivered sometimes with an unwrapped set of butter biscuits? Or the ones with the early morning sun lazily rising from behind some gentle rolling hills? Who then cares about dull, sterile words?! Pity though that the coffee was sometimes delivered late due

to network issues or on occasions, I got to open my WhatsApp late in the afternoon, and then I’m like, ‘What a waste of some good brew!’ The ground work had been laid for eleven months with lots of ‘Happy New Month’, ‘Happy New Week’, ‘Happy Sunday’, ‘Happy Friday’ and several other messages. There is now an e-card for every day of the week. Nothing though compares with the volume and variety that came tumbling down in December. On the first day of December, I received a couple of messages reminding me it was the Christmas month. ‘A ku imura odun,’ they bellowed. From then on, there were several, including countdown messages. On December 20, I received a very beautiful one that announced that Christmas was only five days away. Not to be outdone, and for the pictorial value, I forwarded it anyway. Yes. On December 21. Up till the first day of January, it was a flurry. Animations of all sorts; animals and birds singing, fireworks. I was truly entertained. One message, for example, commanded me to touch a button and witness a big surprise. I did and four other buttons jumped at me. Each of them begged me to touch

it first for a big present. Oh yes. There were virtual presents I would in reality love to receive. Between us, I salivated over some. There were trucks loaded with giant fishes, a ten-step Christmas cake, choice wines, chilled and served. Someone also sent me a box full of US dollars. I got whole turkey, grilled and diced, complete with veggies and sauce, cutlery laid invitingly by the sides. Who says we are not a proper democracy? Look no further than the liberalisation of e-messaging to conclude otherwise. My petrol generator ‘engineer’ sent me a WhatsApp Christmas message. The boy is a stark illiterate in the formal education sense. But verily verily I say unto you, the sort of grammar and philosophy contained therein blew me off; and he is not even a Christian. Moreover, I have seen the phone he uses. I am not a phone expert, but no way could that contraption have sent such beauty. Just before I left for cross-over night church service on the 31st, I received a message from my kid sister. ‘B4 the lines get busy,’ it starts. ‘B4 the network is jammed… B4 I get drunk with praise…let me be the first to wish you Happy New Year…

Why the criminal politician nexus suffocates Nigeria

S Bámidélé Adémólá-Olátéjú

ince 1999, we have seen a disturbing rise in politicians with criminal backgrounds contesting and winning elections at local, state and federal levels in Nigeria. Apart from being closeted murderers engaged in different forms of ritual killings and routine assasination of opponents, they are also drug barons, terror sponsors, armed robbers, advanced fee fraud afficionados and cross-border pedophiles. There must be reasons why parties nominate and voters vote for such candidates. The reasons are not far fetched. Criminal candidates are strongly rooted in the communities of their electoral jurisdiction. They have immensely powerful local networks which they deploy for political support and to generate resources for their political ambitions. Most often, they are interested in politics because they see politics as another criminal enterprise and the opportunities it offers in rent seeking. Politicians need a lot of money to fund political activities, sustain party offices, bribe the electorate for votes and, of course, to fund their flamboyant lifestyles. Long before shady characters took over our politics, there has been a symbiotic relationship between criminals and politicians. Politi-

cians are beholden to the dons of crime because criminals pay them and law enforcement for protection against the processes of law in advance, by helping them win elections. Soon, the criminals realised there was no serious fulfillment required for public office other than money and impunity which they have in abundance. Once they realised this, they found their way in and today we have 32 Senators with active criminal proceedings against them and 97 in the House of Representatives. In a generation, Nigeria became a racket and a vast criminal enterprise where criminals rule over the law abiding with unrestrained impunity. It is so bad that a retired General with much touted integriy, uprightness and character has been reduced to a toothless pit bull by a criminal gang. In a way, the delegate system created this bind because political parties put forward criminal politicians on which they depend for funding. Be it in All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political party, the excessive control of party apparatchiks in the democratic selection process within their parties, in deciding who runs for public office, is a problem. The root of the criminal

take over of our politics can be found in election finance. Elections are not cheap, they cost money and parties often have to use money from their own account to subsidise candidates. Most often criminals emerge as party candidates due to their financial clout, obtained from their nefarious activities as opposed to candidates who earned their own keep legitimately. Consequently, criminal candidates are able to finance their campaigns independently and party bosses welcome this because not only does it conserve the party’s limited funds, it helps the party allocate money to other activities. Political parties welcome any source of funding, they do not discriminate, they actively court and encourage criminal candidates to sponsor their own campaign and the campaign and election of other candidates. We got to this sorry pass because nepotism, cronyism and lack of intra-party democracy creates a channel for the entry of criminal candidates who are willing to use political office for private ends. Our politics has degenerated to abysymal levels because of extreme poverty at the grassroots which the politicians continues to propagate, systemic corrosion of values where everything is seen in monetary

terms even if it is destructive to our long term interests, and the lack of specific ideology in our politics, which enables politicians to shift between parties depending on which party gives them the best deal. Another year is here! We can change the narrative in Abuja and the state capitals. We have the power! We are only beset by the twin affliction of poverty and ignorance of the power we wield. If things must change we have to change the delegate system and use open primaries. Let us push for open primaries where everyone can vote. Candidates can bribe a few delegates but they cannot buy every vote or at least it is more difficult to buy votes in an open primary. Let us pressure the Independent Electral Commission (INEC) to make it mandatory for all candidates seeking political office (at federal, state and local government level) to file an affidavit disclosing criminal records (pending criminal cases) as well as information on his or her asset, liabilities and educational qualifications. This will lead to increased voter awareness about those who seek to represent them at all levels. Nigeria cannot be great if we do not drive up the quality of those who seek to lead us. We cannot aspire to greatness when criminals make laws for us.


16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017


Features

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

s

17

Beggars in white: Old culture in conflict with modernity Curiously, they are neither physically-challenged nor poor. They are seen at strategic places, including bus terminals and market places, begging for alms for some deity. Features Editor, GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR captures it all.

ÎÎÎ You find them in small groups, mostly women (and few men), ages 40s and above, all dressed in white iro and buba with headgears to match; and the men were dressed in simple white trousers and tops with white caps. These appearances were clearly typical costumes of priests and priestess. Some have been spotted in residential areas, the local ‘agbole’ slums, soliciting for alms in the community. Curiously, some people, who are familiar with their activities, have risen stoutly in their defense, justifying their claim instead, that the “beggars in white” are consecrated shrine devotees and disciples of a marine-based deity somewhere in Oshun state. The Daily Times authoritatively gathered that the monies they collect are not for their personal use, rather, they are for the deity they worship. In a chat with our correspondent, Madam Oshunbesan Oshunrinde, popularly known as Iya Oshun, said, “My people and I that you see, are not beggars.” Interestingly, both her names emanate from the popular River Oshun, Oshogbo, Southwest Nigeria. In fact, Oshunrinde, who is the eldest among them, attributed vengeance and security of her being to the mythical deity of the River Oshun. The Oshun mythology Oshun is the name of a deity that derived its name from River Osun in the state of Osun, which also derived its name from the same river. Part of the forestry area of the ancient town hosts the shrine of the deity located in the outskirt of the state capital, Osogbo. Oshogbo is a colonial corruption of the word Osho igbo (the forest of wizards). So, the geo-entity is entirely given up to the gods; and the indigenes hold the Oshun Oshogbo festival with passion, the same way they revered Suzan Wenger, the late Oshun-Oshogbo devotee. Now, with the enlistment of the Osun groove as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2005, the annual Osun-Oshogbo festival has further received a boost from not only indigenes of the town, but also the international community.

A lone devotee spotted at Oshodi

A trio at Mushin

A devotee couple at Iyana Ipaja

The devotees The Osun deity is believed by the natives to be their goddess of love and wealth, which domain is at Oshogbo in Osun state. They appear to be in degrees, as some are seen carrying or sitting by some calabash covered in cowries and white cloth. Whenever they see a potential benefactor, they would immediately launch into eulogies, chanting praises of him or her, such that such a person would be forced to part with some money. From Motor parks to major bus terminals, and busy markets, they could be found; and their adherents

A lone male Oshun priest at Mushin

believed in the efficacy of their activities. A fellow, who spoke in confidence said, “They are in categories; it is not all of them that beg: the really consecrated ones just sit by the road side with their calabashes or white bowls. Those who know them give; women in need, like the barren, those seeking solutions to one problem or the other make supplications and put their money in the bowls. And if you want to know whether their prayers are answered, just visit the Oshun festival in August of every year and see massive testimonies.” One of the worshippers, who

identified herself as Orisa Funmi, told The Daily Times that they were out to bless people. “We are not beggars as some people think; but to invoke the protection and blessings of our queen and goddess on them; the money is a sign of appreciation to the goddess,” she said. But contrary to her claim, Chief Adesegun Elegushi, who is also the head of all Oshun worshippers in Lagos, strongly disagrees. According to him, the act of street begging among the worshippers, is not acceptable to him. “Nobody begs for the gods; Oshun devotees are always clad in white clothes; and this is not in any

way related to poverty. “We have banned those who take to begging on the streets; and we have directed the police to go after them. Nobody that is abarameji (witch/wizard) can come near Oshun, and as a worshipper of the goddess, you dare not engage in evil or she will expose you.” Public reaction While subjects of the deity in Lagos gladly give to the beggars in white, investigation showed that Christians, especially practicing Catholics and the Protestants Pentecostals shun them. One of them is Miss Rose Eunice Aniagwa, a Catholic. She said that her faith is with Jesus; and she wanted an intercessor, “Our mother Mary is there to pray for us.” An Islamic scholar, Mufutau Abdulkareem, said Muslims are encouraged to give alms, but warns that they could be held answerable on judgment day for giving out money carelessly. It would be recalled that the Lagos state government, in order to tackle the menace of begging in Lagos state, announced recently that it would go all out to enforce the law prohibiting begging in any part of the state. But rather than abate, our investigations showed that this directive by the government has not been heeded. For the army of the beggars, it’s still business as usual.


Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

TSA: Government, businesses thinking out of-the-box Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏ As Nigerians bid farewell to the turbulent

2016 financial year, echoes of quick economic recovery in 2017 have continued to dominate the discourse in the corporate settings. And with the government’s Treasury Single Account, TSA, policy, both the public and private sectors are beginning to rejig their operations in order to remain competitive, development that may add greater value to the economy in this New Year. African Development Bank, others The African Development Bank (AfDB) projected in May 2016 in its Africa Economic Outlook (AEO) launched,the adoption of expansionary 2016 budget that aims to stimulate the economy, with a projection of 5 per cent growth in 2017. Managing Director and Chief Economist, Global Research, Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, and senior analytical adviser at Moody’s, Aurelien Mali, in separate interviews with Reuters respectively, predicted growth for Nigeria’s economy in 2017. While Khan of Stanchart Bank predicted a 2.8 per cent growth in 2017, Mali predicted 2.5 per cent boost, hinging on the country achieving 2.2 million barrels oil production per day. Treasury Single Account Meanwhile, with the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government of Nigeria over 16 months ago, investors in the country’s economy and equities market have braced up with the reality that the era of bumper achieving investment objective may have been over. Findings reveal that, irrespective of the impact of the harmonized Cash Reserved ratio (CRR), which increased public sector deposit by the apex bank to 22.5 per cent from 18 per cent, the TSA took out from the vaults of the banking sector about N1.2 trillion loanable funds. August 09th 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to start paying into a Treasury Single Account (TSA), all government revenues, incomes and other receipts. The Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo recently bemoaned the negative impact of TSA on the listed companies and its systemic impact on the overall performance of the market. TSA is a unified structure of government bank accounts enabling consolidation and optimal utilization of government cash resources. It is a bank account or a set of linked bank accounts through which the government transacts all its receipts and payments and gets a consolidated view of its cash position at any given time. This implies that earnings, which could have accrued the banks through lending out the huge sum of N1.2 trillion have been taken by the government, the benefits that would have accrued to the economy and industries that could have borrowed the funds from the banks for either expansion or operational purposes have also been defeated. All these boil down to earnings and profits, which at the end of every financial year, is shared among shareholders as dividend. The dividend, which forms part of earnings and taxed by the government helps to boost the purchasing power of average investor; creates jobs and increases economic vibrancy.

Inset: Emefiele

Stock market As the close of trading on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday November 25th 2016, , a month to Christmas ,all the market measuring indices closed negative, 12 months investment period, three months investment period and month investment period (MTD). This reflects the weakness in the nation’s economy, hence the performance of the stock exchange is the yardstick to measure the health of any economy. The NSE ASI closed -11.55, premium index -1.42, and NSE main board index -14.00. Others are NSE 30 Index -12.49, NSE banking index -7.15, NSE Insurance index -11.52, NSE Consumer index -4.44, NSE oil/gas -26.21 and NSE lotus 11 index -11.05, reflecting the returns investors in the sectors have had over a year’s period of investing. Hence, the banking sector drives the market, as well as the economy, regulatory challenge posed by TSA, further compounded the fortunes of other sectors. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), within the past one year, harmonized and revised downwards the public sector and private sector Cash Reserves Ratio (CRR) to 25.0 per cent and 20.0 per cent, before an upward harmonized adjustment of private sector funds (CRR) to 22.5 per cent in March 2016, The CBN also implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal Government, and also increase in general loan loss provisioning to 2.0 per cent, from 1.0 per cent in the face of resultant increase in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and weaker asset quality. The unions Former President, Senior Staff Association of Insurance, Banks and Other Financial Institution, ASSBIFI, Mr. Sunday Salako, in a recent interview, said that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, was causing more harm to the economy than good. He suggested for reversal of the policy Salako said it was regrettable that the TSA had crippled the operations of the Nigerian banks hence the urgent need for the federal government to scrap the fiscal policy he described as harmful.

Salako said, “Why lock up funds with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, when such funds ought to be in circulation to engender business activities and reflate the economy”? National coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu told Daily Times of Nigeria that retail shareholders are negatively impacted by the regulations, which impact on their investments. “We are not happy with the kind of regulation and punitive sanctions that are in place now in the market; and that is part of what discouraged a lot of companies from coming to Nigeria and to the market.” Commercial banks Afrinvest West Africa, 2015 banking sector report and preview of 2016 noted the impact of the regulatory challenges in the banking sector pointing that gross loans and advances dipped 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared to the 26.6 per cent growth in 2014 “as lower oil prices, FX volatility and liquidity concerns dampened risk appetite amidst a hazy economic road map.” Thus, growth in industry’s gross earnings moderated to 10.3 per cent in 2015, against 14.6 per cent in 2014. “At the same time, liquidity in the banking system, especially among Tier-2 banks, was pressured by the TSA implementation, which sterilized approximately N1.2tn from the banking system.” As a result, sector profitability was depressed in 2015 with Profit before Tax (PBT) tumbling

The CBN also implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal Government, and also increase in general loan loss provisioning to 2.0 per cent, from 1.0 per cent in the face of resultant increase in NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) and weaker asset quality.

28.4% Y-o-Y as industry NPL ratio spiked to 4.9% from 3.0% in 2014. Furthermore, Return on Equity (ROE) moderated to 9.1% from 15.5% in 2014. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) was strained on account of revised computation guidelines and increase in general loan loss provisioning settling at 16.5% in 2015 relative to 19.7% in 2014. Total deposits dipped 1.8% Y-o-Y to N20.7tn while total assets of +3.3 per cent and liabilities +1.1 percent increased Y-o-Y. Dr. Oba Otudeko, Chairman FBH at the group’s AGM earlier in Lagos, said that just like prevailing 2016, the year 2015 was a challenging year for the Nigerian economy, with implications for FBN Holdings Plc. Irrespective of poor performances caused by challenge of liquidity to help boost interest income, banks in recent times for failure to comply with TSA provisions, have faced huge financial sanctions that took away from their vaults, funds that could have further enhanced their operations and earnings and also return more value to shareholders at the end of the financial year. On November 9, 2015, Skye Bank of Nigeria Plc was fined N4. billion by the CBN for defaulting a provision of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). Skye bank is a public listed company with significantly lower financial performance in 2015. In a circular from CBN, addressed to the Chairman, Board of Directors of Skye Bank, the apex bank slapped Skye Bank with a fine of N4, 005,228,976.35, which it said represents 10 per cent of the concealed funds belonging to Federal Government’s MDAs. The fine, the CBN said, was debited from Skye Bank’s current account with CBN. The sanction was effected less than two weeks after the CBN sanctioned two major banks for flouting Federal Government directives on Treasury Single Account, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a fine of N4 billion on Skye Bank for concealing funds belonging to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). CBN’s hammer had earlier fallen on two major banks - First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for failing to comply with the directive on TSA. While a fine of N1, 877,409,905.12 was imposed on FirstBank, UBA was fined N2, 942,189,651.45. The two banks coughed out a combined sum of N4.891 billion as fines to CBN, bringing fines paid by the three banks to the apex regulator to N8.819 billion, huge enough to pay dividend to millions of shareholders. The fines imposed on the two banks represented 5% of unremitted funds. Unlike UBA and First Bank that were sanctioned two weeks ago, a higher percentage (10%) of fine was imposed on Skye Bank because it shrouded the MDAs’ funds until the funds were uncovered by CBN examiners during a visit to the bank. Central Bank Governor Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele explained that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was one of the best and boldest decisions any administration in the country had so far taken. The CEO, financial Derivatives, Mr. Rewane Bismarck, told Daily Times Nigeria in Lagos that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has been good, and needed not to be to reversed.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

19 News

Diversion of flights: Sirika sues for understanding from stakeholders Idu Jude, Abuja

ÎÎÎAs

the federal government sets to close the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for six weeks for rehabilitation, minister of state, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has sued for cooperation and understanding from stakeholders. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja yesterday, while unfolding plans on the diversion of flights from Abuja to Kaduna Sirika said, it was government’s decision to maintain airport facilities for better usage and to boost the nations economy. The minister, while highlighting the reasons for a major repair work on the 20 year old runway, explained that the present administration of Buhari has moral burden to fulfil its promises to Nigerians. Sirika said the nation can not wait to witness a major

disaster before putting the airports infrastructure in order pointing out that the runway will be of great economic value when rehabilitated. “We did not take the decisions alone, a lot of issues were considered and lot of consultations were made, such as the security and safety of passengers” “Also on the economic reasons, we discovered that while the repair work will be going on, that many stakeholders, would be out of business for the period of six weeks, these people are the hoteliers, car hires, and other people who render sundry services” Sirika stressed that the sudden need for repair, was necessitated upon the fact that the runway was made to have a life span of 20 years adding that since 1982 that it has over lived its life spam after series of repairs. According to the minister, the Abuja runway has wit-

nessed largest airplane landings in the recent time which has led to its bad state saying that only total removal of the runaway surface was the solution. Sirika explained that government will not watch the airport to shut itself like the Port Harcourt airport in the past that led to a total closure. Sirika, advised stakeholders not to panic as the Kaduna runway was capable and of standard to carry the tasks ahead. He announced that the Abuja airport will stop operation from March 8 though April 19, 2017 to allow for repair work on the runway. On the capacity of the Kaduna airport as an alternate airport, Sirika disclosed that a lot of things were considered before making the decision. These include, proximity of Kaduna to Abuja, with a distance of 188 kilometers, Kaduna runway dimension of about 3000/45km,

Another Chibok girl rescued with baby Amaka Agbu, PortHarcourt

ÎÎÎ

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman has said another Chibok schoolgirl has been found among the 219 abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014. She was identified as Rakiya Abubakar. She has a six month old baby. She is the 23rd to be recovered so far since the Buhari administration came into office. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters, on the strength of its achievement in the war against terror said it has categorically stated that the military or any security outfit in the country would never make public its operational strategies to rescue the Chibok girls and other abducted persons still in the hands of the Boko Haram insurgents. The Director, Defense Information of Defense Headquarters, Abuja, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, disclosed this while addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, Thursday, during a tour of the Niger Delta. He was reacting to fears raised on the continued stay in captivity of the girls, stating that bringing the military strategy to the public domain would endanger the lives and safety of the abducted girls. The school girl was discovered by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, in Maiduguri,

during investigation of arrested suspected Boko Haram terrorists Usman, the Director, Army Public Relations, on Thursday in Abuja, said in a statement that preliminary investigation showed “she is daughter of Abubakar Gali Mulima and Habiba Abubakar of Chibok”. He further stated that she was a student of Senior Secondary School Class 3B (SS 3B) before her abduction along with her colleagues on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists. “Rakiya Abubakar is presently undergoing further medical investigation and would soon be released to the Borno Government,” Usman said. Brigadier Abubakar reassured the public that the military was doing everything possible to rescue the Chibok girls and all those captured by the Boko Haram sect, but would not disclose information on their strategy. He restated that the Boko Haram terrorists had been destabilized and that nothing would bring them back again to regroup as in Sambisa forest or anywhere else in the country, but quickly warned that there could still be pockets of attacks by the insurgents. Fielding questions on the use of young female bombers to attack the public, the BrigadierGeneral said that the girls used by Boko Haram were never in their right senses, saying they

were drugged, got drunk and tied with improvised explosive devices and led to their target areas for the deadly missions. Reacting to the accusations that the military were partisan in politics, Brigadier Abubakar said that the military had set up a mechanism to check military personnel’s engagement in partisan politics and to punish all those found guilty of tarnishing the image of the military. He stated: “We don’t want to be seen as taking sides in elections. We want to be seen as neutral. What we do is to provide an enabling environment for everybody to thrive. We will not condone any misconduct from any military personnel. “The disciplinary exercise is ongoing. If anybody has any credible evidence against any military officer, let the person come forward with it. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that the Nigerian military can never be partisan. Any officer found to be partisan will be ejected from the force,” he stated. The Defense Information Director said that his office was touring the country to forge a cordial working relationship between the media and the military as well as bridging the gap between the Nigerian public and the military. He said that the team began with Abuja and had already visited the North East, Kaduna, South West, and then Niger Delta.

with shoulder of 10.5m and with apron size of 400/120m enough to accommodate six B737 and two B747 aircraft. Part of the plans he said, included the new security measure from Kaduna to Abuja to ensure safety and avoid mishaps. He said the National security and Civil Defense Corps, the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Defense, the FRSC, DSS will be involved. Sirika said the federal government will train aviation

security personnel in arms carrying saying it will ensure that the airport security were not overpowered or intimidated by aggrieved passengers. The minister further stated that Kaduna state government was ready to rehabilitate roads leading to the airport and within the city to enable travelers have easy movement while the Kaduna airport working hours will be increased from 18 hours to 24 hours. Also speaking, member

of the Senate committee on Aviation, Senator Philip Tenimu Aduda, said maintaining the Abuja runway has been in the front burner and was long over-due as it was the only way to ensuring airport safety in the Nigerian capital city. Aduda promised that his committee would give the necessary support to ensure the quickest turn around of the aviation industry and praised the minister on his stand in issue of national carrier.

Court arraigns two Chinese for attempting to evade duty Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎFor an alleged attempt to

evade duty to the Customs, two Chinese, Shu Xiang Quan, and Wu Sheng, were on Thursday, rearraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos as charged by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) They were arraigned before the court on a two-count charge bordering on the said offence. NCS alleged that the two Chinese who have their warehouse within Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, were alleged to have on December

23, 2016, loaded 500 sacks of raw hide/skin and unprocessed animal scales for the purpose of exporting them to Hong Kong, without paying the stipulated export duty as mandatory by the Schedule of 6 Export Prohibition List 3 and 7, ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) 2012-2019. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) prosecutor, Mr. Badejogbin D. O. B., said their actions were contrary to sections 64(1)(b) and 63(b) of the

Customs and Excise Management Act, C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. However, the two accused persons whom the charges were read to through an interpreter, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Muslim Sule Hassan adjourned the hearing of the Chinese bail applications till January 18, 2017. The judge also ordered the remand of the two Chinese in Prison custody pending when their bail applications will be entertained.

From the Archives: Josy Ajiboye


News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Igbo yet to reach promised land –Monarch Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÎÎÎHis Imperial Majesty Ambas-

sador Mishak Nnanta has advised governors from the South-East to put politics aside and work in harmony for the progress, growth and development of the region, stating that “Igbos are yet to reach their land of Eldorado, even though we are the first son of Nigeria’’.

Speaking during his 3rd Ofala festival at his Gburugburu Ndi Igbo Dum’s compound, Umuajata-Olokoro, Umuahia South L.G.A, Abia State, Nnanta who is the initiator and founder of Igbo World Union, IWU encouraged and charged Ndigbo on the imperative need to cooperate for the unity of Ndigbo in the country to forge ahead in order to reach their desired destination. He lamented that the last two

decades witnessed the decline and near abandonment of Igbo cultures and ethics, even the Igbo language which was not spared, “hence the United Nation Education and Research Centre were alarmed to alert of the impending annihilation and total extinction of Igbo language, come 2050”. “Ethics of good moral conduct and decent dressing have been thrown into the dustbin, only to im-

bibe foreign cultures of near naked dressing, homosexuality, bestiality, lesbianism and gay marriage etc.’’ IWU as a socio-cultural organization upholding and championing the preservation and promotion of Igbo ethics and culture, he said, is bent on reversing these negative trends through the revival of our ethics, language, and cultural heritages, so that future generations will have a lingual, ethical and cultural

database reference to fall back on. “IWU also aims to showcase Ndigbo, their customs, cultural heritage and the Igbo people’s legendary hospitality to the world with a grand view of repositioning Ndigbo and Nigeria through same by attracting dignitaries and investors from around the globe, thereby opening a whole new vista for Ndigbo and Nigeria”, he said disclosing that IWU has succeeded in establishing Igbo schools in some parts of the country.

Ebonyi ex-lawmakers, council chairmen to earn monthly pay Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎThe

Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, has said that plans are underway to pay monthly stipends to ex-lawmakers and Local Government chiefs of the state.. He announced this at his Uburu country home when the people of Izzi clan comprising Abakaliki, Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Areas paid him Christmas and new year homage. Umahi, who disclosed that he would approach the state House of Assembly to make a law to that effect, said the reason was to accommodate them in his administration. A statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted him as saying: “My aim is to carry everybody along especially the political class and that’s why I will be approaching the House of Assembly to ask them for approval so that those legislators that are not on seat now, we start paying them some stipends. Former Local Government chairmen will also be included. I believe this is how we can get them to help in developing and creating wealth in our state.”. The governor, who also stated that the Director-General of Divine Mandate Campaign Organization, Fidelis Nwankwo, would be reappointed in 2019, he said he was planning to source fund to conduct Local Government election in 2017. He appealed to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, to enact a law that would enable the Caretaker Chairmen of LGAs to contest the election. Umahi said, “Mr Speaker, I leave

Joy Anyim

ÎÎÎThe Lagos State Environmen-

tal Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force ) is set to charge 38 arrested street traders and 33 miscreants to the Lagos State Environmental courts for immediate prosecution. The operatives of the Agency had recently carried out an enforcement exercise along Ketu axis to Ikorodu

it in your hands and I think the law has to be looked into in such a way that these chairmen must have to contest the LG election.”. The governor, who also received the people of Ezza-South, Onicha, Ishielu and Afikpo North Local Government Areas, further stated that he believed that the inclusion of the former lawmakers and former LG chiefs in the state’s payroll would promote peace in the state. His words:”I have said that all the former House of Assembly members and National Assembly members will come under our payroll in 2017. This will douse tension and allow me some concentration with them so that we can complete the work we have started.” While he announced plans to develop four new modern cities to become areas of modern attraction, he directed that a Casava plant procured for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone be sited in Oshiri. Speaker of the House, Nwifuru, Senator Nguji Ngele and the state PDP, Chairman, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who spoke for the Izzi clan, appreciated Governor Umahi for his exemplary leadership style. They lauded him for transforming the state and pledged their loyalty and solidarity. The Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Ezza South Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Egede, Onicha LGA , Elizabeth Onwe, Ishielu LGA, Henry Eze and Afikpo North LGA, Mr. Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim, on behalf of the political stakeholders of their respective councils eulogized the governor for his massive infrastructural development in the state. They also assured him of their support to his administration.

L-R: Ladies of Knights of St. Mulumba (LKM), Lekki Sub-Council, Lagos, Theresa Chiejina; Nnenne Ukairo; Ify Mgbemene and Florence Anyakwo during the Christmas/End of the Year party organised by LKM, Lekki Sub-Council, Lagos… recently.

Police arraign 60 suspected proBiafra members, cultists in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÎÎÎThe Police in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State have arraigned 60 suspected pro-Biafra members and cultists for alleged unlawful assembly in the community. The suspects, reports said, allegedly assembled for “evil meeting in the community on Tuesday when the Police acted on a tip off and arrested them in their hideout. They were arraigned on Thursday at the Ogwashi-Uku Magistrate Court for four Count-charge which bothered on illegal assembly, cultism, and others punishable under the new anti-cultism and terrorism law of Delta State 2016 recently signed into law by the state gover-

nor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. Upon the charges read before the accused, the presiding magistrate, Chief Magistrate Saduna Aninie with the Charge Suit No: M/O/C/2017, said the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case and directed the case file to be transferred to the office of the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice and thereafter remanded the accused persons to Prison Custody. It was reliably gathered that the accused persons were raided in their hideout at a popular hotel (name withheld) in the community where they were allegedly holding unlawful meeting. The Police image maker in the State, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka confirmed that the raid was carried out in the community (Ogwashi-Uku),

Ibusa and some communities in Ndokwa axis. He however called on members of the public to always provide useful information to the police that will help to rid the black spots across the state of criminal elements, disclosing that the police are on the trail of the group members who allegedly resort to the break down of law and order in the state. In another development, authorities of the Delta State owned University Abraka (Delsu) has withdrawn the admission of six students of the school for alleged forgery of their school certificates. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Victor Peretomode confirmed this. The students were admitted in the department of Anatomy.

Lagos to prosecute 38 street traders, 33 miscreants roundabout to dislodge traders from hawking, selling and displaying of wares on road setbacks as well as walkways in order to protect their lives and to pave way for free flow of traffic. According to the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi who disclosed the development via a press statement,

while on the exercise, 38 Street traders majorly women were arrested. Other 33 arrested miscreants were said to be those who specialise in terrorising people living around Ketu, Owode-Elede, Ajelogo, Alapere and Mile 12 including those collecting illegal fees from motorists. He said: “ the exercise was another way of expressing the com-

mitment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in providing a more safer and conducive environment for the people of the state. “ We therefore enjoin members of the public particularly traders to desists from either hawking goods or displaying them on road setbacks/ walkways.” He added that the Agency would

not relent in enforcing every dictates of both the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 and Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws. He speaks further: “The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr Fatai Owoseni after well briefed about those arrested directed that they all be charged to court immediately.”


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

21

UNITED AFRICAN WOMEN LIBERATION FOUNDATION.

WORSHIPERS CHRISTIAN PALACE CENTER.

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE; (1) PASTOR JOSHUA ODINBU . (2) PASTOR FAVOUR JOSHUA. (3) ADEWOLE ADESHINA GENTRY. (4) MR. OKETA CHUKWUEMEKA FRANCIS JOSEPH. (5) MR. EDEIKWU OMAFU JOSEPH. (6) SENE FAVOUR CHIWENDU.

Names Of The Trustees: 1. Morenike Olaosebikan - Chairman 2. Oyesola kofoworola Olaosebikan - Treasurer 3. Gbenga Adebija - Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. ELDER PRINCE JAMES ESSIEN OBONG - CHAIRMAN. 2. EUCHARIA C. OKORO - CO FOUNDER. 3. DR. ANDY DAMBAKI - MEMBER. 4. CHINWE EKE - MEMBER. 5. EKAETTE NTIA - MEMBER . AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. To sensitize all women in Africa and the Diaspora to embrace leadership and governance for accelerated development in our continent and the world at large. 2. To create genuine platform for the mobilization of women to participate in purposeful leadership in the entire governments of African countries and the world. 3 . To promote credible free and fair elections in Africa and the world at large. 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.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST . 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; CHAIRMAN.

SIGNED ; PASTOR JOSHUA ODINBU .

HOPE IN FAITH MISSION EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION JECTIVES: The general public is hereby inform that the above named body has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. COKER OLUFEMI OLUFUSUBI - CHAIRMAN 2.COKER OSAS ANTHONIA 3.COKER OLUDARE SAMUEL - TREASURER 4. NWIGWE FAVOUR SUNDAY - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Identify and support the less privileged to regain hope for a living 2. Deliver medical support and welfare to rural and peculiar urban communities 3. Be a support system for the vulnerable women and the aged 5. Provide a rehabilitation center for the renewal and reintegration of the destitutes into the larger society . Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication SIGNED - SECRETARY

REVIVAL LIFE CHARISMATIC BIBLE CHURCH

Signed: FOLA ALEX-AINA & CO (LEGAL PRACTIONERS) 21 ROAD L CLOSE BLOCK 1 FLAT 9 FESTAC TOWN LAGOS.

JAMA’ATUL RAODATUL AMINNA CENTER

MEDIATOR OF NEW COVENANT INT’L MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. SHEIK KELANI ABDULRAHMAN AMINNA 2. IMAM OLAIYA LUKMAN 3. ABDULRAHMAN TAWAKALITU LAIDE AMINNA 4. KHALIFAT MUYIDEEN ALABI 5. SULAIMAN B. YUSUF AMINNA 6 OLOHUNRINU ALIYU SULYMAN AMIINA 7. ALARO ABDULLAHI HAKEEM AMINA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AGGREY EDIALE 2. THERESA AGGREY 3. PHILIP ELIMINIAN

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO HELP LESS PRIVILEGED ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THEREGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIQGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR SOLA BANKOLE

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.

FEMI ZION MESSENGER OF LIFE MINISTRY

BOLORUNPELU LANDLORDS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, LAGOS

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts,1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHINEDU SAMUEL ONYENEHO 2. UKACHUKWU FRANCIS 3. AKACHUKWU MATTHEW OKAFOR 4. OBINNA RAPHAEL IWEKPEAZU 5. OBIAGERI JOY ONYENEHO

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 ADEWUYI OLUFEMI ADEBISI CHAIRMAN 2 ADEWUYI EUNICE . O MRS - SECRETARY 3 ADEWUYI SEUN ADEOLA - TREASURER

SIGNED: Ikenna Okolie Esq.

Aims And Objectives: 1) To design and implement initiatives (products, processes, programs, projects or platforms) that challenges and, over time, contributes to changing the defining routines, resource and authority flows or beliefs globally in order to get to zero HIV in Nigeria. 2) To organize fund generating initiatives. 3) To design and implement interventions which reduce susceptibility of vulnerable peoples to contracting HIV and whenever possible provide meaningful employment for such people. Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

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

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ, to win souls for Christ. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

RIBBON ROUGE FOUNDATION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To propagate the ministry and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

SIGNED: BARR. CHINEDU M. ODO

The general public is hereby inform that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: Victor Arase - Chairman, Pastor Johnson Arikawe - Vice Chairman Pastor Agogo James - Secretary, Chief Shola Akinosin - Financial Secretary, Barr Tony Ezeani -Legal Adviser Surv. Clifford Ologbo -Association Surveyor Alhaja minibat Amele Pastor Osage Aruya -Ex-officios

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.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To come together and jointly develop their immediate community as well as tackling issues affecting their general welfare. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed: Secretary

HONOURED CHILDREN MISSION.

HOPE IN FAITH MISSION EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

MANUELA CARE FOUNDATION

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

The 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 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 Uyai Odunuga 2 Mobolaji Oluwaseun Odunuga 3. Moyosoreoluwa Odunuga 4. Robert Idoko 5. Oche Idoko

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) DURODOLA REBECCA OMOLARA - CHAIRMAN (2) DURODOLA SAMUEL OPEYEMI - SECRETARY (3) ADIO OYEYEMI SAMUEL

The aim and objective: 1. To care for the needy and less privileged Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: (1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. COKER OLUFEMI OLUFUSUBI - CHAIRMAN 2.COKER OSAS ANTHONIA 3.COKER OLUDARE SAMUEL - TREASURER 4. NWIGWE FAVOUR SUNDAY - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Identify and support the less privileged to regain hope for a living 2. Deliver medical support and welfare to rural and peculiar urban communities 3. Be a support system for the vulnerable women and the aged 5. Provide a rehabilitation center for the renewal and reintegration of the destitutes into the larger society . Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication. SIGNED - SECRETARY

MARYAM BANU ALLI ISLAMIC FOUNDATION

GOSPEL WINNING PROPHETIC MINISTRY.

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

THE 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- Ganiyu Babatunde Alli 3- Sikiru Mobolaji Agbabiaka 5- Ganiyu Adedolapo Alli

2- Falilat Fadeke Alli 4- Rilwan Damola Alli

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To empower less privileged in the community through educational support and other charitable means. 2. To preach and teach people about Islam. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication Signed Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) EKE LUCKY ELUWE - CHARIMAN (2) OGWU CHUKWUALASU - SECRETARY (3) PATIENCE OCHONOGOR ODISHIKA - PASTOR AIMS/OBJECTIVES: (1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES.


22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

RELATIONSHIP AND MARRIAGE OUTREACH

HEPHZIBAH INTERNATIONAL HOLY GHOST DELIVERANCE AND LIBERATION CHURCH

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

(Trustees Are) 1. OCHOLI OJONIMI OKUTEPA. ESQ 2. MRS. JULIA ONYETE OKUTEPA

THE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

(Aims & Objectives) 1. To teach Bible based, practical and easy to follow principles on relationships and marriage 2. To organise seminars and events that impacts positive lessons on singles and married people 3. To publish electronic and hard copy materials which teaches Bible based principles for wholesome relationships and marriages 4. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to theRegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent,Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Signed: Secretary.

TRUSTEES ARE: DR. LORA CHINYERE MARIRE PROF. B. N. MARIRE MOKUNYE WILLIAMS IFECHINEKA STEPHEN BONAVENTURE CHUKWUEMEKA EGBUNA

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ 2. To Destroy the Altars of Deceptions through the Godly Alters 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: Trustees

PUBLIC NOTICE.

PURITY IS POWER FOLLOWSHIP. This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. TRUSTEES: 1.EDOR WISDOM AKAN - PRESIDENT 2.OKEREKE FRANCIS OKECHUKWU 3.ELLA GABRIEL ODU. 4.IBRAHIM RABO. 5.AKPA OKORO EMMANUEL ( SECRETARY) 6.OSANG MATHEW OTU. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST . Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

SAFIYYA SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Muhammed Aminu - Chairman 2. Bilkisu Muhammed Aminu - Secretary 3. Sani Saleh Mustapha- member 4. Buhari Muhammed Aminu. 5. Rahilatu Mohammed Aminu 6. Fauziyya Achibu 7. Engineer Stephen Yakubu Atar 8. Barrister Ranti Bosede Daudu. The aim and objective: 1. To tackle Sickle Cell through awareness and sensitization Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

BELLENAJ FOUNDATION

I, ISIAKA OLAOSEBIKAN THAT I AM THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY SITUATE AND KNOWN AS NO 23 AJEGUNLE STREET,OFF ADESIYAN STREET, ILUPEJU LAGOS STATE WITH THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF THE TITLE REGISTERED NO 39/39/723 DATED 5TH MARCH, 1964 ISSUED BY LAGOS STATE LAND REGISTRY, ALAUSA, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE. THAT THE SAID PROPERTY IS NOT SOLD OR MORTGAGE. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE. PRAYER SQUAD FOR NATIONS WORLDWIDE MINISTRY. ZION CITY.

KING OF GLORY INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MICHAEL CHUKWUEMEKA AKUECHE (CHAIRMAN) 2. GEOFFREY OKECHUKWU AKUECHE (SECRETARY) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To raise end time gospel bearers to our Lord Jesus Christ 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: Trustees

CHRIST PREACHERS MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above names has applied To Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of Te Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 Trustees 1. Evangelist Samuel Olatunji Bright 2. Pastor (Mrs) Uzo Amaka, Bright 3. Elder Mayowa Oladesu Aims and Objective 1. To propagate the ministry of jesus Christ 2. To build end time army 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 publication. Signed KEHINDE AGBOOLA

KARIFEST DUCHESS ONYEKAAH FOUNDATION

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

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

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

TRUSTEES, 1. ASHIBUOGWU ONYEKA RITA 2. EDWIN EGWONOMU OGIDI-GBEGBAJE;I 3. MICHAEL OLUFEMI OMOTOSHO,

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To win the lost souls through the preaching of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To teach, preach and propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in Nigeria and world at large.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: PATRICK UZUM - SOLICITOR

SIGNED: SECRETARY

UNITED AFRICAN WOMEN LIBERATION FOUNDATION.

BELLO FOUNDATION FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGE WIDOWS AND CHILDREN

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. ELDER PRINCE JAMES ESSIEN OBONG - CHAIRMAN. 2. EUCHARIA C. OKORO - CO FOUNDER. 3. DR. ANDY DAMBAKI - MEMBER. 4. CHINWE EKE - MEMBER. 5. EKAETTE NTIA - MEMBER .

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. BELLO GANIYU MOHAMMED 2. JUMOKE DEBORAH OSHUN 3. SHARON UDUAK AKWA 4 . JULIET IMARIA OSHIOKE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To give humanitarian service.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. To sensitize all women in Africa and the Diaspora to embrace leadership and governance for accelerated development in our continent and the world at large. 2. To create genuine platform for the mobilization of women to participate in purposeful leadership in the entire governments of African countries and the world. 3 . To promote credible free and fair elections in Africa and the world at large. 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: SECRETARY

SIGNED; CHAIRMAN.

SIGNED BY : SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. DR. BLESSING OBINAJU EFFIONG, 2. MISS QUEENETTE N. OBINAJU, 3. MISS PRECIOUS O. OBINAJU, 4. PROF. QUEENDOLEEN I. OBINAJU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE SCHOLARSHIP

UKAOHA FLORENCE ANIEBIE

BAMIGBOLA OLUWATOSIN ABIGAIL

I, formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL ANYEBIEGU ESSIEN now with to be known and addressed as UKAOHA FLORENCE ANIEBIE. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BAMIGBOLA OLUWATOSIN KANYISOLA now with to be known and addressed as BAMIGBOLA OLUWATOSIN ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

YUSUF ABDULAKEEM IYANDA

AYANDEJI FUNMILAYO CHRISTIANAH

Formerly known and addressed as YUSUF ABDHAKEEM now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF ABDULAKEEM IYANDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. NWACHUKWU FUNMILAYO CHRISTIANAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AYANDEJI FUNMILAYO CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR GAMBO

I, formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR MOHAMMED MALLIAM now with to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR GAMBO. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. OLAMIDE MARYAM AKINOLA

Formerly known and addressed as OLAMIDE MARYAM SADIQ, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAMIDE MARYAM AKINOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKANWA GBEMISOLA CHRISTIANAH.

I, formerly known and addressed as AZU AKANWA GBEMISOLA CHRISTIAN now with to be known and addressed as AKANWA GBEMISOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. AMINU YETUNDE IDAYAT

I formerly known and addressed as Bolarinwa ldayat. Now wish to be known as Aminu Yetunde ldayat. All former documents remain valid. General public and authorities concerned should take note

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

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AMADI CAJETHAN but want to add OKECHUKWU to my name now wish to be known and addressed as AMADI CAJETHAN OKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. LAWAL MOBOLAJI OWOEBUTE OKEDEJI

I, formerly known and addressed as BARR. LAWAL MOBOLAJI OKEDEJI, now wish to be known and addressed as BARR. LAWAL MOBOLAJI OWOEBUTE OKEDEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SANDRA OSAGIODUWA OGENYI

I, formerly known and addressed as SANDRA OSAGIODUWA OGUNSUYI. now wish to be known and addressed as SANDRA OSAGIODUWA OGENYI ONAZI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. YUSUF JESSICA HASSANA.

I, formerly known and addressed as IGHO JESSICA HASSANA, now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF JESSICA HASSANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.


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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

UYI ROSELINE IMOSEME.

Formerly known and addressed as IMONMION ROSELINE, now wish to be addressed as MRS. UYI ROSELINE IMOSEME. All former documents remain valid. General public please note. DIJALA-AGOBA ERHUVWU

LAOLU -AKINOLA ADESOLA AJOKE

I, formerly known, called and addressed as Adebowale Adesola Ajoke, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Laolu -Akinola Adesola Ajoke. All former document remain valid. General Public and Authority Concerned should take note. KEHINDE SIKIRU AINA

NWAGBARS MARYANN CHIDINMA

I, formerly known, called and addressed as DENNIS BIBIAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWAGBARS MARYANN CHIDINMA. All former document remain valid. General Public and Authority Concerned should take note. OGUNLANA OLAYINKA FUNMI

I formerly known and addressed as DIJALA ERUVWU now wish to be known and addressed as DIJALA-AGOBA ERHUVWU. All former documents remain valid.General Public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OJO OGUNDIRAN now wish to be known and addressed as KEHINDE SIKIRU AINA . All former documents remain valid.General Public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FUNMILAYO AKINSEYE now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNLANA OLAYINKA FUNMI . All former documents remain valid.General Public to please take note..

JOHN CHIBUEZE I formerly known and addressed as AGABA SUNDAY AWOH now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN CHIBUEZE . All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME. In some of my documents my name appears as OYEBAMIJI OYEBISI JOHNSON while in some other ones it appears as OYEBAMIJI OYEBISI MARY. I am the same person bearing the names. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as FRIDAY NWACHUKWU instead of NWACHUKWU FRIDAY OGBONNA. All former documents remain valid. Financial Institution and General Public to please take note.

AJADI BOSEDE AJISAFE

OPAAJE, OLUWATOBI ISIAH

I formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE SERIFATU AJISAFE now wish to be known and addressed as AJADI BOSEDE AJISAFE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, BENSON MICHAEL UDOCHUKWU and BENSON MICHAEL U., refer to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as, BENSON MICHAEL UDOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, Formerly known and addressed as Opaaje, Oluwatobi Joseph, now wish be known and addressed as OPAAJE, OLUWATOBI ISIAH, general public and banks should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I,FRANCIS VICTOR and FRANCIS EKPO OTOBONG, refer to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as, FRANCIS EKPO OTOBONG. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME.

ADENIYI SEGUN PRINCE. I formerly known and address as Adeniyi Segun,now wish to be known and address as Adeniyi Segun Prince. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note ABIDOYE ROSEMARY

I, formerly known and addressed as, BALOGUN CORDELIA ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ABIDOYE ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. JOSHUA EHI.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. QUEEN SOUPURUCHI NWAGBOSO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. QUEEN SOUPURUCHI COOKEY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

UFIKAIRO JUMBO I, formerly known and addressed as, OBUWA GODDAY OJONUNGWA, now wish to be known and addressed as, UFIKAIRO JUMBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, JOSHUA OCHOJE DANJUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOSHUA EHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

YUSUFF SEGUN IBRAHIM -KAREEM.

CORRECTION OF NAME.

DON ARTHUR NOBLE

I OGAOSUN BOSE THERESA my name was wrongly spell as OGAOSUN BOSE TERESA. wish to be known as OGAOSUN BOSE THERESA. All document/Credential remain valid, general public please take note

Formerly known and addressed as DON ART (H) URSTON ARTHUR and ARTURSTON DON ARTHUR, now wish to be known and addressed as DON ARTHUR NOBLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

QUEEN SOUPURUCHI COOKEY

I formerly known as Segun Yusuff Ibrahim now wish to be known and addressed as Yusuff Segun Ibrahim -Kareem. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. DECLARATION OF AGE

I, UMAR NAIYA BALARABE (Male) was born on the 2nd of September 1996 at Zaria, Kaduna State. ADEKUNLE –AYO ELIZABETH OMOTAYO

Formerly known and addressed as KUNLE-AYO OMOTAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE –AYO ELIZABETH OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. LAWAL KAFAYAT AMOPE

Formerly known and addressed as ADESANYA KAFAYAT AMOPE now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL KAFAYAT AMOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ALIYU MUHAMMED

Formerly known and addressed as ALI BELLO MUHAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as ALIYU MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. EBREME KINGSLEY EFERIRHE

Formerly known and addressed as EFE KINGSLEY OPIA, now wish to be known and addressed as EBREME KINGSLEY EFERIRHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARIA ECHO IBIE

Formerly known and addressed as FAITH AIDEYAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MARIA ECHO IBIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AMUDA BATULI.

Formerly known and addressed as YUSUF BATULI, now wish to be known and addressed as AMUDA BATULI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKUBOYEJO MARGARET EBODIAHME

BOSEDE- WILSON ADEOLA JOSEPHINE.

Formerly known and addressed as ECHATAH MARGARET EBODIAHME now wish to be known and addressed as OKUBOYEJO MARGARET EBODIAHME. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as FODEKE ADEOLA JOSEPHINE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BOSEDE- WILSON ADEOLA JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJILE NDIDI I formerly known and addressed as UGOAMADI NDIDI, now wish to be known and addresed as OJILE NDIDI. former documents remain valid. public note. OYELEKE ODUNOLA VICTORIA

I formerly known and addressed as IREFIN VICTORIA FOLUKE now wish to be known and addressed as OYELEKE ODUNOLA VICTORIA . All former documents remain valid.General Public to please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

the name EBENEZER OLALEYE OLADUNNI, OLALEYE OLAYINKA OLADUNNI and LEYE OLAYINKA, Refers to one and the same person. That henceforth, I wish to be known, called and addressed as EBENEZER OLALEYE OLADUNNI. All former documents remain valid, general public should take note

CORRECTION OF NAME

BALOGUN ADEBUKOLA. .I formerly known and addressed as MISS OTTUN ADEBUKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BALOGUN ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNDIRAN OMOWUNMI LINDA now wish to be known and addressed as OKUBOYEJO OLUFUNMILAYO OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid.General Public to please take note.

OLAGOKE BLESSING MFON I formerly known and addressed as ESSIEN BLESSING MFOM now wish to be known and addressed as OLAGOKE BLESSING MFON . All former documents remain valid.General Public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as GRACE BANDI now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE MAMUDA . All former documents remain valid. General Public to please take note.

OBI OLUCHI DESTINY.

I formerly known and address as Miss.Akparanta Oluchi Destiny,now wish to be known and address as Mrs.Obi Oluchi Destiny. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, EUGENE PRECIOUS NKECHI, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, PRECIOUS NWAFOR, instead of, EUGENE PRECIOUS NKECHI. I now wish to be known and addressed as, EUGENE PRECIOUS NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that I, NNADI SABINUS NDUBUEZE and NNADI SABINUS NDU, refer to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as NNADI SABINUS NDUBUEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BENJAMIN IFEANYI JOHN.

GLORY GABRIEL EZEKIEL. I, formerly known and addressed as, GLORY UDO INYANG, now wish to be known and addressed as, GLORY GABRIEL EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, IDIKA IFEANYI JOHNSON, now wish to be known and addressed as, BENJAMIN IFEANYI JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. OBINAIKE OLUSEYI OMOLARA

I, formerly known and addressed as OLU-AINA OLUSEYI OMOLARA now wish to be known and addressed as OBINAIKE OLUSEYI OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid, general public note

CHANGE OF NAME AND CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as USENI AMUDALAT ADUKE, now wish to be known and addressed as GANUI AMUDAT ADUKE. That my date of birth is 1 January 1978. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEWOLE NELLY ABIODUN.

Formerly known and addressed as GEORGE NELLY ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWOLE NELLY ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OBIA HOVON

Formerly known and addressed as HOUN OBIA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBIA HOVON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AKPAN GODWIN JULIET IYE

Formerly known and addressed as UKELINA JULIET IYE now wish to be known and addressed as AKPAN GODWIN JULIET IYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to confirm that OKPAM NKPE OGIDI and NKPE OGIDI refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OKPAM NKPE OGIDI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note. OGU ESOHE GRACE

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AIGBEDE ESOHE GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGU ESOHE GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OGUNTAYO MARIAM ADEBUSOLA

Formerly known and addressed as ADETUNJI MARIAM ADEBUSOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNTAYO MARIAM ADEBUSOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OLISA MUJIDAT KOFOWOROLA

Formerly known and addressed as MUJIDAT KOFOWOROLA now wish to be known and addressed as OLISA MUJIDAT KOFOWOROLA All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEGOKE SAMSON ADEBAYO.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEGOKE RASHEED ADEBAYO now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGOKE SAMSON ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKUBOYEJO OLUFUNMILAYO OLUWASEYI

GRACE MAMUDA

OBERIA BERT OGHENEOVO .

I, formerly known, Called and addressed as, Bertola Benson Oberia , now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oberia Bert Ogheneovo . All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, PRAYER BRITAIN EZIGBO, PRAYER BRITAIN, EZIGBO PRAYER BRITAIN SUNNY, PRAYER BRITAIN SUNNY and EZIGBO PRAYER BRITAIN, refer to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as, PRAYER BRITAIN EZIGBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NIMZE BITRUS.

I, formerly known and addressed as, LOUIS HENRY, now wish to be known and addressed as, NIMZE BITRUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

I, AYENI ROMOKE RACHAEL, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, ROMOKE YEMISI AYEWI, instead of, AYENI ROMOKE RACHAEL. I now wish to be known and addressed as, AYENI ROMOKE RACHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. RANDLE TEMITOPE REMILEKUN

Formerly known and addressed as FANI- KAYODE TEMITOPE REMILEKUN, now wish to be known and addressed as RANDLE TEMITOPE REMILEKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AYOADE OMOTUNDE OMOTAYO

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNLEYE OMOTUNDE OMOTAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as AYOADE OMOTUNDE OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note YUSUF OLUWASEYI ELIZABETH

Formerly known and addressed as AKINMOLADUN OLUWASEYI ELIZABETH now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF OLUWASEYI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note OMOYAJOWO GBEMISOLA DEBORAH

Formerly known and addressed as NICHOLAS EGBINROMOLA DEBORAH and NICHOLAS EMIOLA DEBORAH now wish to be known and addressed as OMOYAJOWO GBEMISOLA DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.


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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

NANCY IBRAHIM

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NANCY DANIEL now I wish to be known and addressed as MRS NANCY IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note AWOSANYA OLUWAKEMI SHAKIRAT

Formerly Awosanya Oluwakemi Morenike now Awosanya Oluwakemi Shakirat. Former documents remains valid. General public please note. NWANKWO ELIAS NWAFOR

NWANKWO: I, formerly known as NWANKWO ELIAS, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO ELIAS NWAFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEGBOYE BABATUNDE ADIGUN

ARINOLA TEMITOPE OKUBULE

I formerly known and addressed as Arinola Temitope Akenzua now I wish to be known and addressed as Arinola Temitope Okubule. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note SAMUEL CHRISTOPHER UBOH

FORMER PAUL CHRISTOPHER UBOH. Now SAMUEL CHRISTOPHER UBOH. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

POPOOLA AJARAT ADEBIMPE

POPOOLA: I, formerly known as BELLO AJARAT ADEBIMPE, now wish to be known and addressed as POPOOLA AJARAT ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ALABI HAMMED OLANREWAJU

MARYAM ADAMU.

I formerly known and addressed as Maryam Kabiru Sarki now I wish to be known and addressed as Maryam Adamu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note OYEWOLE ESTHER ADERONKE

Former AGBABIAKA ESTHER ADERONKE now OYEWOLE ESTHER ADERONKE.former documents remains valid. general public please note. JUBRIL AFEEZ BABATUNDE

JUBRIL: I, formerly known as JUBRIL AFEEZ SAMUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as JUBRIL AFEEZ BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADEDOKUN OLUBUKOLA RACHAEL

Formerly known and addressed as Muhammed Abba now to be addressed as Muhammed Adamu Musa. That I was born on the 27th July 1994. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

MAHFUZ LAWAL. Formerly known and addressed as Muhafuzu Lawal now to be addressed as Mahfuz Lawal. that I was born on the 28th of November 1990. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

OGUNKAYODE MARGARET FOLASHADE

JOHN OMOABUMEN SAMUEL.

MUHAMMED ADAMU MUSA

OGUNKAYODE: I, formerly known as MARGARET MICHEAL ONYEBUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNKAYODE MARGARET FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OLUFUNMILAYO ELIZABETH OLAYEMI

OLAYEMI: I, formerly known as OYADOSU ELIZABETH OLAYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFUNMILAYO ELIZABETH OLAYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AYODEJI MODUPE WILLIAM

ADEGBOYE: I, formerly known as ADEGBOYE TUNDE AFEEZ, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGBOYE BABATUNDE ADIGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formally known and addressed as EMMANUEL TROY now wish to be known and addressed as ALABI HAMMED OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. AYETUTU OLUBUKOLA RACHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEDOKUN OLUBUKOLA RACHAEL. All former documents remain valid. Ado-Odo/Ota Local Goverment, Ota Ogun State and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ayodeji Babatunde Modupe now I wish to be known and addressed Ayodeji Modupe William .All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

YUSSUPH AFUSAT ROMOKE AMUDA

UMAR KABIRU INYASS. I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Sani Kabir Lege, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Umar Kabiru Inyass. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

KATE OHETONYE I formerly known and addressed as ANGELA KATE OHETONYE now I wish to be known and addressed KATE OHETONYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OPEBIYI OMOBOLA ESTHER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OPEBIYI ABOSEDE ESTHER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GT BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Afusat Romoke Afeez, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Yussuph Afusat Romoke Amuda. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

EZE ERIC.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZOR DORATHY CHIDIMMA CONFIDENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKWOR DORATHY CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

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

NWAFOR STEPHANIE CHINENYE

KELECHI JANE URU.

IFEORAH ONYEKA RITA.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKONKWO JANE URUOZO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KELECHI JANE URU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUDE ONYEKA RITA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IFEORAH ONYEKA RITA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

OKWOR DORATHY CHIDIMMA

I, formerly known and addressed as NWAFOR ANASTECIA CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAFOR STEPHANIE CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OPEBIYI ABOSEDE ESTHER

OWO CHINEME AMOS

I, formerly known and addressed as OWO CHINEME, now wish to be known and addressed as OWO CHINEME AMOS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note. EHUJO MAUREEN CHIKA.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLO OBIANUJU ANTHONIA GENEVIEVE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AROH OBIANUJU ANTHONIA GENEVIEVE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

HENRIETTA OGOCHUKWU IGWEALOR

AROH OBIANUJU ANTHONIA GENEVIEVE.

ONAGA AUGUSTINA NKECHI

REMOVAL OF NAME

SANUSI BOLATITO SULIAYAT

I, formerly known and addressed as OLATUNJI KAYODE OGUNRINDE CHARLES, but want to remove ‘OGUNRINDE CHARLES’ from my name. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLATUNJI KAYODE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEWUNMI BOLATITO SANUSI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SANUSI BOLATITO SULIAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

IGBINOVIA ATOR EGHEMWANRE

TAIWO LAMIDI. I, formerly known, called and addressed as SHAMUSIDEEN AJANI LAMIDI, now wish to be known, called and Addressed as TAIWO LAMIDI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAYEHUN ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN. I, formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNLE ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FAYEHUN ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

NWANGA JOSEPH MONDAY I, formerly known and addressed as KELVIN ELECHI FRIDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWANGA JOSEPH MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

PATIENCE ELE DAVID

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECT SPELLING OF NAME

ALISON CECILIA OBUNWA. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUANYI CECILIA OBUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALISON CECILIA OBUNWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNAJI COMFORT ONYINYECHI.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as VINCENT NWAMBARA that I now wish to add NNAEMEKA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as VINCENT NNAEMEKA NWAMBARA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME That I Onyeka Dickson Laura my name was wrongly written as Dickson Onyeka Laura now wish to be known and addressed as Onyeka Dickson Laura. All Documents/Credentials remain valid, general public please take note. On some of my Document, my name was wrongly spelt as MUSTAFA ABIDEMI SAMUEL instead of MUSTAPHA ABIDEMI SAMUEL .All former document remain valid, General Public and Authority Concerned should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS COMFORT ONYINYECHI NNAM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAJI COMFORT ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as OKORO EBERE that I now wish to add JOY to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO EBERE JOY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

LYNA OMOAOSHANA MOMODU

ISAIAH ANWULIKA JOY I, formerly known and addressed as OSSAI ANWULIKE MAUREEN, now wish to be known and addressed as ISAIAH ANWULIKA JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWUZOR ANGELA NKECHINYERE

I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS NWOSU ANGELA NKECHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWUZOR ANGELA NKECHINYERE. All former documents remain valid, College of Education Nsugbe and General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as LYNA OMOAOSHANA PETER, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. LYNA OMOAOSHANA MOMODU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ONYEKWELU SALOME CHINASA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Ihuoma Salome Chinasa, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Onyekwelu Salome Chinasa. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU AUGUSTINA NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONAGA AUGUSTINA NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks, Nigeria Security, Civil Defence and General public should please take note.

I, Formerly known and addressed as ASAKPA VICKSON FAITH, Now wish to be known and addressed as ASAKPA VICSON PIUS. All former documents remain valid, General public take note

That I was formerly known and addressed as OSAKWE VIVIAN that I now wish to add NWAKANMA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OSAKWE VIVIAN NWAKANMA. All former documents remain valid. C.A.C., Banks and General public should please take note.

MARYAM ADAMU. I, formerly known as Maryam Kabiru sarki now wish to be known and addressed as Maryam Adamu. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note

KOLAWOLE MOTUNRAYO.

KOLAWOLE: I, formerly known as ANIMASHAUN MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as KOLAWOLE MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that CHIME STEPHANIE ALBERT and CHIME CHIOMA STEPHANIE refer to one and the same person now CHIME CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

ASAKPA VICSON PIUS

OMO-SETH SALLY FUNKE. OMO-SETH: I, formerly known as OWUSU SALLY FUNKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OMO-SETH SALLY FUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OSASU ISIBOR. OSASU: I, formerly known as OSASUMWEN ISIBOR, now wish to be known and addressed as OSASU ISIBOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EGBUJOR MAUREEN CHIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EHUJO MAUREEN CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NDU CLEMENTINA OGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEH CLEMENTINA UGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ESUBEB) and General public should please take note.

UDEH CLEMENTINA UGOCHUKWU

JOHN: I, formerly known as JOHN SAMUEL VERO, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN OMOABUMEN SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EHONJIE AGBONLAHOR CLEMENT.

Formerly Ehonjie Agbonlahor Williams now Ehonjie Agbonlahor Clement. Former documents remains valid. General public please note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as PATIENCE ELE ADEJOR, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PATIENCE ELE DAVID. On my BANK DOCUMENT my date of birth was wrongly written as 20/9/1983 instead of 21/11/1983. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

On my BVN, my name was wrongly written as MEMUDE ISIAKA MOHAMMED instead of ISIAKA AWEDA MEMUD . General Public and Authority Concerned should take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as IGBINOVIA BOBBY EGHEOMWARE, now wish to be known, called and Addressed as IGBINOVIA ATOR EGHEMWANRE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.


25

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Gambian president adamant on leaving office after election defeat

Bonny Amadi

“Gambia Has Decided,” a known statement of Barrow supporters. The head of the electoral commission fled to neighboring Senegal after Jammeh said in his New Year’s address the elections chief had falsified results. Jammeh added that no one would cheat him. It was seen as a veiled threat. The Senegal regional director of rights group Article 19, Fatou Jagne Senghor, says activists still hope for a peaceful transfer of power. “You see it has been very clear that after the reversal of his decision, he targeted the electoral commission

and after that he sealed their office, and all those days, this institution was not functioning. So you never know what the security apparatus is capable of doing in such a difficult situation,” she said. The Jammeh government has been accused of numerous rights abuses during its 22 years in office, including arbitrary arrest, torture, and forced disappearances. The U.S. State Department Human Rights report said, “Officials routinely used various methods of intimidation to retain power.” Jammeh initially accepted defeat in the December

ADEYEMO YINKA TOSIN.

OSHOLA OLUSANYA EKUNDAYO

EBON KINGSLEY MONDAY.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMO YINKA TOMDOLLAR now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMO YINKA TOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OSOLA SANYAOLU now wish to be known and addressed as OSHOLA OLUSANYA EKUNDAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EBON KINGSLEY now wish to be known and addressed as EBON KINGSLEY MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGBONNAYA JOY SABINA

ADELEKE ADEOLA ADEBUKOLA.

AKINSANMI GRACE OMOTOMIKE.

Formerly known and addressed as ADETUNJI ADEOLA ADEBUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELEKE ADEOLA ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AINA GRACE OMOTOMIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINSANMI GRACE OMOTOMIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ÏÏÏ

The past week has seen Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s rhetoric grow increasingly defiant and hawkish as his government clamps down on dissent. Jammeh has continued to dig in his heels with less than two weeks to go before the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Adama Barrow Jammeh has shut at least three private radio stations, and according to local new sites authorities have arrested people wearing t-shirts with the slogan

Formerly known and addressed as OGBONNAYA JOY FRANCISCA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBONNAYA JOY SABINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OLAWOLE MARY KIKELOMO.

Formerly known and addressed as OKAGA MARY KIKELOMO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAWOLE MARY KIKELOMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OBIJIOFOR AMAKA LORITA

Formerly known and addressed as OBI AMAKA LORITA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBIJIOFOR AMAKA LORITA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. IBITOYE FUMILAYO OMOLARA.

This is to confirm and certify that ADAMU MOHAMMED is same person as ADAMU MOHAMMED MAALI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IBITOYE FUNMILAYO BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as IBITOYE FUMILAYO OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FOLASHADE AKINLEYE.

ADERINOLA OLUREMI MOJISOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as FOLASHADE AKINLEYE MARY now with to be known and addressed as FOLASHADE AKINLEYE. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNDIMU OLUREMI MOJISOLA now with to be known and addressed as ADERINOLA OLUREMI MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

OZOMA VINCENT PAUL

RUSSEL HAMED JAMES

I, formerly known and addressed as OZOMA VINCENT now with to be known and addressed as OZOMA VINCENT PAUL. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as RUSSEL ABDUL JAMES now with to be known and addressed as RUSSEL HAMED JAMES. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

IWAYEMI JOHNSON BAMIDELE

Formerly known and addressed as IWAYEMI JOHNSON DELE, now wish to be known and addressed as IWAYEMI JOHNSON BAMIDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. NKECHI CONSTANCE EMEMCHUKWU

Formerly known and addressed as ENEMCHUKWU NKECHYMEX now wish to be known and addressed as NKECHI CONSTANCE EMEMCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JULIANA EKLE-IDOKO I, formerly known and addressed as JULIANA EKLE now with to be known and addressed as JULIANA EKLE-IDOKO. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. MURITALA JELILI DEJI

I, formerly known and addressed as MURITALA ABDUL JELEEL OYEDAJI now with to be known and addressed as MURITALA JELILI DEJI. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

polls, but reversed course, calling for new elections. But the international community has recognized Barrow as the winner. West African regional bloc ECOWAS put its

standby force on alert, with Senegal at the lead. Jammeh hit back in his New Year’s speech saying an ECOWAS deployment would be “a declaration of war.”

But the regional approach appears to be negotiation and Senegalese President Macky Sall says military intervention should be a last resort.

Yahya Jammeh arrives at a polling station with his wife Zineb during the presidential election in Banjul, Gambia, Dec. 1, 2016.

OKURIBIDO ADENIKE SHADE.

Formerly known and addressed as OKURI ADENIKE SHADE and OKURIBIDO ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as OKURIBIDO ADENIKE SHADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. SUNDAY OLAYINKA ADEOYE

Formerly known and addressed as SHAKIRU ABIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY OLAYINKA ADEOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AJIBOLA HAMMED OPEYEMI

Formerly known and addressed as AJIBOLA HAMMED ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as AJIBOLA HAMMED OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. DEKOGBE MARCUS IBUKUNOLUWA OLUWATOSIN

Formerly known and addressed as ADEKOGBE MCDANNIELLS TOSIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOGBE MARCUS IBUKUNOLUWA OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLADEJO MUSA OLAIDE.

Formerly known and addressed as ALMUSA OLAIDE OLADEJO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLADEJO MUSA OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. NWACHUKWU EVELYN IFEOMA

Formerly known and addressed as OSUWER EVELYN IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU EVELYN IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EBIGHE SHALLOM FAITH

OFUNNE ONYEFUSONU IFY MAGDALENE.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. UGOCHUKWU SHALLOM FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EBIGHE SHALLOM FAITH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OFUNNE IFECHUKWUDE MAGDALENE, now wish to be known and addressed as OFUNNE ONYEFUSONU IFY MAGDALENE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm and certify that am same person bearing ADIMEKWE DUMNODI EUCHERIA and OKOLOCHA THOMAS EUCHERIA DUMNODI. All former documents bearing all names are mine and valid. General public take note.

ETIM LUCY FELIX

Formerly known and addressed as ETIM –FELIX LUCY BRIGHT now wish to be known and addressed as ETIM LUCY FELIX. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ANOPUE BLESSING GINIKA

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH JOY now with to be known and addressed as ANOPUE BLESSING GINIKA (MRS). All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. AKINFOLARIN BABATUNDE JOSEPH

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINFOLARIN BABATUNDE OLUWASEGUN now with to be known and addressed as AKINFOLARIN BABATUNDE JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME

MOSES- ELIJAH EDET NKEM.

I wish to state that my correct name is AYANBAJO CLEMENTINA and not AKILO CLEMENTINA OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as CHRYSANTUS EDEM NKEM now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES- ELIJAH EDET NKEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AHMAD ADAM.

OYEWOLE OLURANTI ESTHER.

I, formerly known and addressed as UBAIDU ADAMU now with to be known and addressed as AHMAD ADAM. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. NWEKE JOSHUA IGNATIUS.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWIKE SUNDAY JIDEOFOR now with to be known and addressed as NWEKE JOSHUA IGNATIUS. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS APANISILE OLURANTI TEMITAYO AINA now with to be known and addressed as MRS OYEWOLE OLURANTI ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note. TAIWO ADEKUNLE IDRIS.

I, formerly known and addressed as LASISI IDRIS ADEKUNLE now with to be known and addressed as TAIWO ADEKUNLE IDRIS. All former documents remain valid. Union Band and the general public should please take note.


26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Art/Book & Review

s

Global demand for African arts is rising, –Abolade The boss of Salon ART Gallery, Architect Temitayo Abolade recently, lit up Admiralty Way on Lekki Phase 1 with the maiden edition of Salon ART Series 1 that rounded up 2016. In this exclusive interview with , the enthusiastic curator and collector reveals his passion for new and budding artists and unfolds his vision for an international trade link for artists, art lovers and collectors alike. Excerpts: Architecture and Arts, where did the lines cross? It was while studying architecture at the University of Lagos that my interest in Arts sprang up. I saw and appreciated the understanding that Art is a medium of communication, expression, soothing, empowering and incredibly important. But as I grew, I found that in our country we have labeled art and art lovers as elites, people who seem to have solved their problems. And for that reason, a lot of my contemporaries grew up to shun the arts. They believe that to attend an arts exhibition, a museum or culture-related events, you must be a wealthy man. Their belief is that once you attend such exhibitions, you are expected to at least buy some items immediately, but it’s not so. What brought about a gallery for an architect of promise? As one with passion for art, I had a vision that at some point, I will find capacity to be involved in one way or the other to create a space where people can view arts; now I have this opportunity, I am inviting the world to come and celebrate arts here. With top celebrity artists of the older generation dominating the arts business, what are the chances of Salon ART’s survival? Well, in Economics there’s a principle called the “matching principle.” It’s important that a young gallery should focus on its strength; so I found that a young gallery should spend time supporting and promoting young artists, so that as the artists grow, the gallery will grow with them. So it made sense that we focus on young budding artists because the country is flowing with abundance of young talents. And with government now emphasizing on diversification, you can see that a lot of progress have been made in the movie industry and music, but our cultural expression and modern means of expression are in arts. In this wise, I have seen that government has not given much focus to encouraging and

developing young artists. So, in our small way, with these four artists we are showcasing in this maiden exhibition, this is our opportunity to present them to a larger audience. Also, in inviting and positioning ourselves as a gallery, we also emphasise on young art buyers or first time art buyers because we are trying to pair young artists with young, aspiring or budding art collectors, to create a platform for them to interact, get more understanding by asking questions and interacting with artists and other art lovers. Being your first exhibition, why did you leave out the big names in arts? If we should bring masters like Bruce Onobrakpeya here for example, people may find him a bit intimidating, both to our young artists and the fresh buyers. So, we zeroed on young artists who are willing and able to share their ideas because it’s easier for them to express themselves and it’s also easier for the audience to question them and they are able to be very basic, rudimentary or pedestrian in the expression of their arts. How successful was this maiden edition? The exhibition has been incredibly successful; we are very pleased having run from Monday December 26 to Friday 30th. Some of our patrons have been very supportive. We have been able to record first time art buyers; they came in, interacted with the artists and were happy to buy some of their works. We, also, recorded instances where artists have been commissioned to do some works; so by all standards we are very pleased and proud about what we have accomplished in this first effort. Seeing the older celebrity artists are still very much around, what is the next 20 years going to look like for this generation of young artists? 20 years is even way too far; we’re looking at just two years ahead. As we speak, the demand for African arts locally and internationally is rising. I was fortunate to attend the art bazaar in Miami, USA early in December; it was a big collection of galleries

Abolade

and exhibitors all over the world, art collectors, corporate individuals, even families held exhibitions. Now, whenever I had the opportunity to introduce myself as a Nigerian, I found everyone got excited. People from all

Section of Salon ART Gallery on Friday

over the world say they hear of extremely good things about arts in Africa, and they all looked forward to being exposed more into arts from Africa. So,there is definitely international demand for it. Locally, I’ve seen that people

now demand arts to integrate into their homes and decoy; I know that many corporate organisations in Nigeria have mini art galleries in their head offices while some actually have substantial holdings in arts. So definitely, the more mature artists cannot meet the demand for more contemporary arts from Africa alone and there is obviously a large room for these young artists to grow and indeed grow very quickly. National Arts Village as a tourist attraction Honestly, I find that the first love of most people who are art entrepreneurs are into it for the love of art itself and not so much for the business aspect of it and if you ask me, that opens room for a lot of collaborations. I, for example, have not received any formal art training; I have learnt everything I know about arts from artists and gallery owners I mixed with. So, I find that spirit of collaboration is really alive and well and I am sure that as the market grows and as we begin to draw in institutional or substantial sales, those collaborations between artists and galleries, governments and corporate bodies definitely thrive positively. It’s just a question of time that we will have those kind of large groupings that will culminate into a National Arts Village.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

27 Art/Book & Review

Salon Art exhibition series 1 celebrates new artists in Lekki Stories, photos by Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr

The last week of 2016, December 26–31, gave Lekki Phase I residents and corporate organisations a parting gift with the opening of Salon ART Exhibition Series 1 at the Backyard Garden & Grill on Admiralty Way on Victoria Island. At the choice venue targetted to woo fresh curators, first time collectors and art lovers in general, four young Nigerian artists stepped out to showcase the works of their imaginations and the show was an eye opener that art is no longer a passion for the elites alone; it is a way of life. Art communicates what words cannot tell Mr. Chinedu Uzoma, 30, from Ezeachi in Orlu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo state, made a statement with Reminiscent, an oil on canvas painting depicting Mum & Child. The work was so natural and arresting that it drew a lot of attention at the weeklong exhibition. Other works by Chinedu on display include Brain-Storming (Charcoal on paper), Take no Thought (Charcoal on Canvas), Obeisance (Oil on canvas) and Sought After (Charcoal on Canvas) - a typical scene at a public tap in a crowded community, among others. A graduate from Lagos State Polytechnic with distinction in painting in 2014, Chinedu had an informal art training in Universal Studios of Art prior to the time he got admission into school. His special area is human forms and anatomy which dominated most of his artistic expressions. In a chat with The Daily Times at the event, Chinedu, on behalf of his colleagues said he uses art as a tool to communicate what words cannot tell. Going back 15 years in time, Chinedu recalled his passion for the arts was noticed early by one Olaolu, a print professional and family friend in Amukoko area of Lagos. “He took me as a child to his shop where and while he would be printing I would be arranging

the works. I started art with him but along the line, I moved on to Universal Studio of Art at the National Theatre, Iganmu where I spent five years apprenticeship before my admission into the Poly came through. “I improved my drawing skills and we did more of live drawings, that is, sketching and drawing by looking at live models. “The mother and child was a live model; I did a quick sketch and took picture references and from those I developed the work.” Chinedu studied Arts and industrial design, specialising in Painting in 2014. “At the ND level, we were made to create designs that would be useful for industrial purposes, but at HND, we had to specialise either in graphics, ceramics, etc.” The young artists bracing up to storm

the art world were school mates. “All four of us exhibiting our works together are friends; I did my IT at the Universal Studios of Art where I met Habeeb, Andu as well as Aromire Wahab and Elizabeth.” The future for young artists “First, we appreciate God for the gift; it has not been easy for young artists because some of the young talents that started with us dropped off because their expectations were not met financially; but for us, God has been so good; He has connected us to some people who have been helping us by patronising our works. “Mr. Temitayo is one of them; he has been of great assistance to me and the rest of my colleagues.” How are people accepting your works? “We do have some good percentage of people who appreciate arts; some are even addicted to it even in the face of economic recession.” Arts thriving inspite of economic recession “I am looking for possibilities to export my works, but I have been fortunate to have some private collectors take my works out for exhibition. One exhibition held in Denmark in 2014 and my works were exhibited; though it was a collection I sold to somebody, and the fellow took them to Denmark for the show. But with time, I believe I will be able to travel with my own works. Chinedu was able to sell three works in the one week exhibition. “My colleagues also made some sales and some of their works have been tagged but we are hoping all the works will go before the exhibition is over.” Future for young artists “For some of us are young and we have this drive and enthusiasm that is keeping us going. As for the future, I have much faith in the art business and I am putting all my best so I will not just be good at my drawings but also good in the business part of arts. “One of the aspects that may frustrate the young artists is the business side of arts. Fortunately for me, I have met some

Home and alone

Habeeb

Elizabeth at the exhibition

Reminiscence Mum and Child

older artists who have encouraged me to both push my works and sell myself to the art world. An artist who wants to succeed must read, be informed and be able to mirror the society through his works. AROMIRE O. WAHAB Aromire Wahab Oladehinde graduated with Higher National Diploma(HND) from the Lagos State Polytechnic as the overall best student 2012 set in the Painting section. Interestingly, Wahab’s versatility spreads across his creative indulgence in sculpture and mixed media. He has participated in several group Art shows both home and abroad. Among his works at the exhibition is The Perfect Man, pasted on paper, 28x20cm, 2016, Art is the primary of whatever exists here and hereafter. Lagos State-born Habeeb Andu graduated from Auchi Polytechnic where he obtained his ND and HND in painting. A versatile painter who loves drawing, Habeeb’s works reveal his passion for drawing through his regular expression in charcoal, pasted and other drawing media. He has participated in several Art shows. He believes art is the primary of whatever exists now and after. Among his works is The Homage, charcoal and pasted on paper, 25x25 inches. Others include Beauty Within and Projection both defined on mixed media. EKPETORSON ELIZABETH Ekpetorson Elizabeth Chioma, born 16th of April 1991 is from Delta State, Nigeria.She but born and bred in Port Harcourt, River State. She graduated from University of Port Harcourt and had her industrial training in Universal Studios of Art, Lagos. She specialises in drawing and painting and has participated in several exhibitions. Among Elizabeth’s works at the exhibition was Concentration, a pen on paper work on 42x32cm, 2016, Mai Masara, Cook-Out, all skillfully interpreted through pen on paper.

Chinedu explaining a point at the exhibition


Islam 28 Islamic

Point of View

Sujood, greatest position of worship, Shirk (Continued from last week)

Subair Mohammed To attribute partners in whatever form to Allah is the greatest form of shirk. Regarding shirk, believers have received clear traditions from the Prophet of Islam and revelations which asserts that the greatest of the greater sins is to attribute partners to Allah and that there is no forgiveness for associating partners with Allah. It is instructive to say that whoever dies in shirk and as a polytheist, there is no chance of his salvation as expressed in Surah Maidah verse 72 that “They have certainly disbelieved who say, “ Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah , my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah - Allah has forbidden him paradise, and his refuge is the fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.” Also, Allah in Surah Luqman verse 13 says “And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, “O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is great injustice.” With the revelation of the Qur’an, it is incumbent on every believer to know that shirk and prostrating before any other god beside Allah is a greater sin. It is not enough to be a Muslim by name but it has everything to do with worship and righteous deeds. Of what benefit is it for a believer to be seen in patronising and worshipping other gods? But when they are preached to, to confess the essence of their Lord and denounce idol worshipping and embrace, Islam, the religion of peace they heed not to the guidance for the conscious heart. Surat Baqarah verses 2:10 establishes their act of disbelievers and the fate that await them in the hereafter “This is the Book about which there is no doubt a guidance for those conscious of Allah -Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful. Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - they will not believe. And Allah knows best!

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Cleric foretells positive

transformation for Nigerians Subair Mohammed Spiritual head, Shafaudeen In-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Olagoke has predicted total and positive transformations in the lives of Nigeria in 2017. According to the Ibadan based cleric, the realisation of this expected transformation comes with conditions. Olagoke however admonished the political class to be tolerant, be closer to Allah and be more focus and attentive to the needs of the masses. This revelation was contained in a statement titled “Predictions for the year 2017” and issued by the group at its headquarter in Ibadan, Oyo state. In the statement, Prof. Olagoke who doubles as the President, Ajagun Esin Consultative Forum (AECF) explained that the predic-

tions were to guide our leaders and followers on what is to come and highlight ways to avoiding the negative side of it. The statement reads in part, “Good governance is a function of Godly leadership. Therefore, the essence of this revelation is for the political class to imbibe the culture of tolerance, focus on the issue of welfare importance, the religious sector to imbibe religious harmony to promote peace and be more dedicated to the service of God to save the nation through their prayers, while all Nigerians must uphold discipline, love and culture of patriotism to move the nation forward”. The cleric added, “Rebranding for proper sociolisation, cultural and ethical value orientation for promotion of integrity and discipline for all, must be put in place to allow divine intervention to

SAYINGS OF THE PROPHET “If I were to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded women to prostrate to their husbands.” Source: At-Tirmidhi

revamp our economy and to promote healthy and stable polity”. Prof. Olagoke noted that the predictions were not to instil fear in the minds of the people stressing “for every prophecy, is a limit of time (for its manifestation) and soon shall ye know it (Q6 v67)”. On religion and sports, Olagoke said, “Some houses of worship will be functional while others will be bereft of the fear of God. In sports, there will be optimal and better performance. Nigerians should pray against accidents most especially road mishaps. We should also pray against fire outbreak that may destroy huge properties.” As regards security he said, “Ni-

gerians should pray against earth tremor or slide that may affect some homes”. Concerning politics, he said, “Some politicians will be exposed for diabolical and anti-parties activities. While in November, there will be rebuilding of some political parties while in December, some top politicians will be reduced to mere dwarfs”. The revered cleric said that the month of May would be a favourable month for economic buoyancy. He however stated that there will be security alert to fish out miscreants while bad eggs in politics and stale policy shall be visited”.

FUMCI tasks Muslims on personal hygiene Alfa. Abdulsallam Ayinla, who is also a member of the executive committee of the group, said the exercise was a huge success as it enjoyed patronage from the entire Ebute Metta Muslim Community.

Warm reception at Madinah for pilgrims from Nigeria, Others

From left Imam Usman AbdulMalik, Amir FUMCI, Ustaz Zubayr Muiz and Dr AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem during December edition of Monthly Moral Clinic organised by FUMCI recently in Lagos

Subair Mohammed The Faith Unites Muslims Charity Initiative, FUMCI has advised Muslims to be conscious of their personal hygiene as it holds that Allah (swt) will not accept anything except that which is pure. This was made known by the Amir of Faith Unites Muslims Charity Initiative, Ustaz Zubayr Muiz at the bi-monthly sanitation exercise which was conducted at the Oroku and Ijero Central Mosque in Ebute Metta (west) at the weekend. During the exercise that lasted for hours, the Mosque interior and its environment was sanitised while the drainages were cleared for easy flow of waters. Speaking on the need for the cleaning exercise, Ustaz Zubayr Muiz said it is essential for every individual to keep himself and his environment clean at all

time. According to him, “purity of the hearts of every believer and his environment is one of the commandments of Allah. Also, Allah places much emphasis on purity that is why, in Islam, our daily supplication to Allah starts with cleanliness which is the washing of our hands. The fact that cleanliness is part of Godliness explains our decision with the assistance of the Ebute Metta Muslim community to clean the Mosque and its environment and also clear the drainages for a healthier atmosphere for worship particularly as the revered month of Ramadan is approaching. Let me add that this is part of what Islam preaches therefore I enjoin every Muslim to see routine cleanliness of the Mosque as a duty for maximum rewards from Allah here and in the hereafter”. Quoting one of the hadiths of

the Prophet (saw), the Treasurer of FUMCI, Ustaz Lawal Shehu Ahmad said intention precedes every action as the executive members of the group conceived of the idea and Allah made it to manifest. “The Prophet of Allah says “Allah is pure and He accepts not but purity”. Aliamdullah, FUMCI had it planned to sanitized Oroku and Ijero Central Mosque and environ and Allah made it possible. I must commend members of the group for their material and financial supports. Most importantly, I want to commend our donors and the Muslim community especially the youths who believe in expending their strength and time to secure the pleasure of Allah in this earth and in the hereafter. May Allah reward us all abundantly” Ustaz Lawal prayed. In his assessment of the exercise, FUMCI business Chairman,

The first pilgrims hosted this year by King Salman’s Program for Umrah and Visit arrived in Madinah on Wednesday. The first batch of guests includes 185 pilgrims, and the second is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, completing the first group of 220. The pilgrims are from 15 countries in Asia and Africa including Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Mali, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Uzbekistan. The program is implemented and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance. The program’s officials welcomed the guests at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. The guests paid tribute to King Salman for hosting them within this program to perform Umrah and stay for several days in Madinah. They stressed that the program comes in the context of the venerable and good efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia and its leaders in serving Islam, providing support for Muslims, and creating ways that enable them to perform Haj and Umrah.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

29 News

‘Glo dominated new internet subscription last Oct’ ÎÎÎTelecoms firm Globa-

com has emerged as the only network that recorded an increase in its internet subscription in the month of October, 2016. This was revealed in the latest review published by telecom industry regulator, the Nigerian Com-

munications Commission (NCC) for the month of October. The new publication validates Globacom’s leadership in Nigeria’s data sector, underscoring the network’s sobriquet as data grand masters. The network grew its in-

ternet customer base to 27,185,552 million in October from 26,887,929 in September. This indicates an increase of 297,623 during the month. The Commission stated on its website that the total number of internet users on the networks of

the four major operators shrank by 378,015 from 93.5m in September to 93.1m in October. It was MTN and Etisalat that accounted for the reductions in the number of customers surfing the net in the country during the period, while Airtel did

not record any increase as its figures for the two months were the same. The report showed that MTN had 32,464,779 million subscribers browsing the internet on its network in October, which is a decrease of 306,480 internet subscribers from the September figure of 32,771,259. NCC documented that Airtel had 18,832,238 million internet users in October, the same figure it recorded in September. Like MTN, Etisalat had 14,693,492 million data customers in October, showing a loss of 369,158 compared to the 15,062,650

A

L-R: Chairman/CEO of Chicason Group, Alex Okafor; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, during a working visit by Enelamah to Anambra State… recently.

Opposition parties pass vote of confidence on Tambuwal ÎÎÎOpposition

parties in Sokoto State under the aegies of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), on Thursday passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Aminu Tambuwal. Addressing a Press Conference in Sokoto, its Secretary-General, Alhaji Abba Sidi said: The press conference is aimed at chronicling the giant strides of the APCled administration in the

state since May,2015. ‘’ Aminu Tambuwal’s commendable efforts in bringing utmost peace, stability and prosperity in the state are very well known to all wellmeaning people of the state and resident communities. ‘’ We are therefore urging the able Governor to maintain such laudable tempo, for the sustenance of peaceful coexistence among the entire people of the state. ‘’ Without mincing words,

JESUS THE WORD OF GOD AND BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. Pastor James Akande 2. Lady Evang. Abraham Motunrayo Olabisi 3. Bro. Oladosu Samson

- Chairman - Secretary - Member

AIMS and OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To Prepare people for the second coming of the Lord 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: The Chairman.

the governor has impacted positively in various spheres that include Education, Poverty Eradication, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Women and Youth Affairs, among others.’’ Sidi added that the members of the committee recently undertook a statewide monitoring tour of myriad of projects executed by Tambuwal. Sidi, who is also the state

chairman of the Nigeria Conscience Party ( NCP), said that the monitoring tour was aimed at ‘’seeing things for ourselves.’’ He said the members were convinced that the projects,’’ were tangible and peopleoriented. ‘’We, as patriotic Nigerians urge the people to deeply pray for continuous peace and stability of Sokoto State, as well as Nigeria in general.’’

million users it recorded in the preceding month of September. On their part, the CDMA sector lost 13,664 internet users, after recording 38,309 in October compared to the 51,973 figure recorded in September. According to observers, Globacom’s consistent dominance of the sub sector is partly attributable to the nationwide rollout of the 4G LTE advanced network in October , 2016. With the launch of the service, millions of subscribers on the Glo network are able to enjoy instant efficient broadband internet connectivity.

MISSING PERSON

report has been made by Mr Tunji Akintunde on behalf of an undisclosed Union, bringing to the attention of the public, a missing person by the name; Steven Mayaki. The reporter said the 40-year-old man left the country with his wife since September 5th, 2015 on a tourist trip to Europe, leaving their two young kids behind. He is said to have been suffering from a mental illness (Avoidant personality disorder) and needed to return for treatment arranged by the Union he belongs. The said treatment, scheduled for the 18th of November 2015 was paid for by the union before his departure with his wife on the 5th of Sept. 2015 even though he should have been back since 2 weeks after his departure to Europe, leaving their two young kids behind. We are increasingly worried about his health and the welfare of the children they left behind. We have no clue as to why he has refused to return for his treatment and every attempt made by the Union and his family to reach him and his wife via their contacts lately has proved abortive and we do not know if he is okay where he is at the moment. He has been suffering from the sickness since his early 20’s according to one of his close family relatives. His family could not afford the expensive treatment hence the Union members volunteered to assist. He is such a kind and loving person but we noticed he often times talks out of order and behaves strangely which led to the idea of taking him for medical check ups and observations in South Africa in July 2014 where he was diagnosed with the sickness. We care so much about him and we will never relent in our bid and willingness to find and help him. The Doctors have told us that delaying his treatment will worsen his situation and lead to total madness or sudden death. We implore Immigration Officers to please contact the following number -234 807 606 8181 should he be seen on arrival in the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja or any of the International Airports in Nigeria, as a reward of 500,000 Naira cash will be awarded. The same goes for his wife Mrs Adedoyin Mayaki, as finding her may also provide relevant and valuable information that will help us get to him. We also like to use this medium to acquaint the public not to hesitate in calling the above number should anyone spot them at anytime and anywhere as the said reward is also available should any disclosed location lead to finding any of them.

Imo pensioners protest over non-payment of pension arrears Val Okara, Owerri.

ÎÎÎMembers of the Nigeria

Union of Pensioners (NUP) ,Imo State chapter Thursday thronged out to the streets of Owerri, the state capital protesting non payment of pension arrears and gratuities by state government. It is the third time the Pensioners were demonstrating over non payment of their pension arrears.

The protesters numbering over 1000 came out as early as 8 am to block the Okigwe round about few meters to Government House Owerri resulting to vehicular gridlock. The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on Governor Rochas Okorocha to restore normalcy in pension administration in the state. The State Chairman of NUP, Chief Gideon Ezeji made the call while address-

ing protesting pensioners at Okigwe Road Roundabout, near Government House Owerri on Thursday. The protesting Pensioners carried placards with inscriptions: ``Corrupt man cannot fight corruption, Okorocha pay us our 100% arrears of pension, Imo pensioners cannot be forced to accept 40% of their accumulated pension arrears.” Ezeji who frowned at the situation where Okoro-

cha’s administration is using political appointees to handle pension administration in the state posed a lot of problems. ``The office of Accountant-General of the state should be used in the payment of civil pensioners, while the office of the chairman, local government pension board should oversee the payment of local government pensioners and retired school teachers.”


a

NFF inaugurates Nigeria Women Football League board ANDREW EKEJIUBA

P

resident of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has charged the newly –inaugurated Board of the Nigeria Women Football League to work with

Falode

passion and commitment to lift the women’s League to a new pedestal. Speaking at the new board’s inauguration at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Thursday, Pinnick poured encomiums on the board’s independent chairman, Aisha Falode and the other

members, and expressed faith in their ability to lift the game to a new level. “I am aware of the prowess of Falode in marketing, and what she can bring to the League to develop it. I also know that most of the members are well connected and could

bring a new lease of life to the women’s League. They are all seasoned, passionate and capable.” Falode, a member of the CAF Media Committee and CAF Match Commissioner, said it was a great honour for herself and other members to be called upon

Page 30

to serve. “The reactions since we were appointed indicate that we are condemned to perform, to work hard and to achieve results. The past Boards of the women’s League did their best, but there is a lot of room for improvement.

Friday, January 6, 2017

S Rohr

Rohr wants increased bonus for Eagles Balogun wants Pillars’debut goal

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orward, Kabiru Balogun has said he wants to announce with goals his debut for the former Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars. The petite striker campaigned for the demoted side, Ikorodu United in the immediate past Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Balogun said his mission to the Pyramid City side is to win the available silverware in the land. “Of course, I’m with Kano Pillars right now for the upcoming 2016/17 NPFL season. “I expect to achieve many things with Pillars, win the league and Federation Cup titles as well as a return to the continent. “I came to Pillars to cement flowering career as well as enjoy

more playing time. “I have already started to enjoy myself even before the commencement of the NPFL season. “I have started scoring goals in some of our preseason matches and I fervently pray it continues in that direction. “Sincerely, I want to announce my debut for Kano Pillars with goals when we take on FC IfeanyiUbah in the NPFL matchday 1 clash in Kano. “We are working very hard to ensure we clinch the whole three points at stake in the clash. “The clash against FC IfeanyiUbah is certain to be tough but we have told ourselves we must win to boost our confidence in other matches,” said Balogun.

uper Eagles chief coach Gernot Rohr has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to increase the match bonuses of the team just as the team gets set to resume the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in August. The 63 year old German made the plea during a press parley at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos emphasizing that a bigger bonus will encourage the players to do more on the pitch. The Super Eagles are currently on $5000 for every win during the qualifiers but Rohr wants a review of that amount. Rohr called on the NFF to look into the increasing the team’s bonuses as a way of rewarding the effort of the players. “The World Cup is a project that is achievable and Nigeria has the players that can do the job,” Rohr said. “Cameroun and Algeria won’t be easy but the challenge of taking Nigeria to the World Cup and the players making their first appearance is strong enough to see the country through,” he added Nigeria led Group B with six points after two match days and will host Cameroun in Uyo when the qualifiers restart. A win for Nigeria will take the team to nine points, four points from her nearest rivals irrespective of the game between Zambia and Algeria who are the other teams in the group.

Uzoenyi wants FIFA to

cancel Mamelodi contract

N

Balogun

igeria star Ejike Uzoenyi has asked world football governing body FIFA to cancel his lucrative contract with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns because he has failed to play at least half of their matches in the past two years. The cancellation of Uzoenyi’s three-and-a-half year contract will see the former Enugu Rangers star walk out on the South African club a free agent. A top source said: “Ejike’s agent has petitioned FIFA asking that they terminate the player’s contract, which still has a year to run. “The reason they put forward for the contract cancellation is that he has not played a minimum of 50% of the club’s games in the last two years.” Uzoenyi has been training with former club Rangers fueling speculations that he could head back to the Nigeria champions. However, the player himself has insisted he is only trying to keep fit at the Enugu club while on holidays. The left-sided winger won a lucrative contract believed to pay him five million Rands a year (about 100 million Naira) from Sundowns when he was named MVP of the 2014 CHAN hosted by South Africa.


Friday, January 6, 2017

EXTRATIME

31

NIGERIAN PLAYERS ABROAD WITH FRANK JUMBO

Iwobi

battles Mane, Yaya for EPL award Bale

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igeria youngster Alex Iwobi of Arsenal will fight it out with Yaya Toure from Manchester City and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane for the December 2016 African Player of the month in the Premier League. The New African Soccer Awards have shortlisted Manchester City’s Yaya Toure, Liverpool Senegalese forward Said Mane and Alex Iwobi of Arsenal for the December 2016 African Player of the Month in the English

Premier League. In a brief release, the New African Soccer Awards called on journalists and its teeming followers to vote on their choice of the Award winner and continue to support the initiative. Yaya Toure last won the Award in December 2015 and has endured a torrid start to the current season before a recall that cemented his place in the first team and has performed well recently.

Iwobi

Sadio Mane has been very active and prominent in Liverpool’s title pursuit and will be sorely missed by the Anfield team when he jets out to the Africa Cup of Nations. His contribution to the team lying in second place has been phenomenal so far. The young Alex Iwobi, who burst on to the scene in Arsenal towards the end of last season has continued to impress, and has even added a couple of goals to the mix.

Ezeji’s Testimonial threatened!

Lookman seals ‘dream move’ to Everton

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ighly-rated teenager Ademola Lookman achieved his ‘dream move’ on Thursday signing for Premier League Everton from third tier Charlton Athletic for a fee reported to be £11 million. The 19-year-old forward -who broke into the Charlton first team midway through last season scoring five goals when they were in the Championship before being relegated -- signed a four-and-a-

half year contract. The England Under-20 international, who has scored seven times for League One Charlton this season, said one of the main reasons for signing for Everton was their Dutch manager Ronald Koeman. “As soon as I heard about Everton’s interest I knew this would be the right place for me,” Lookman said. “Everton has a big history and I

was also attracted by the manager. “When you look at what he did at Southampton, and what he does with young players in terms of developing them, that was a big attraction. “It was great playing in The Championship last season and for the last six months in League One but I feel like I’m ready to make the step up to the Premier League,” added Lookman, who prefers to be known as ‘Mola’.

Ezeji

Lookman

The much-advertised Victor Ezeji Testimonial billed for Port Harcourt on Saturday has suffered a major financial blow after the Rivers State Governor failed to fulfill a promise they will support the game with N15 million. Last month, Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike made a personal promise of N15 million to Victor Ezeji. However, the organisers have now only received five million from the Governor via the Rivers State sports commissioner Boma Iyaye and the massive shortfall has now meant the game will not be beamed live by pay TV channel SuperSport. The durable Ezeji played for 20 years in the Nigeria league and will celebrate his milestone with Saturday’s match.

AJCTennis:Quadri,Dariwaye seal places inTeam Nigeria ANDREW EKEJIUBA After three days of training, Oyinlomo Quadri and three others have earned their places in the Team Nigeria contingent that will be battling for honours at the forthcoming ITF/CAT Africa Junior Championship (AJC) West and Central Africa Qualifiers billed for Lome, Togo from January 10th-21st. Quadri, the best Nigerian player in junior tennis in 2016, is joined by the trio of Michael Osewa, Marylove Edward and David Dariwaye of the Port Harcourtbased Kodian Academy.


Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD,

email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08051000448. Editor Daily: ROSE MOSES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017

VOL. 2. NO. 272

Price: N150

Rohr wants increased bonus P 30

for Eagles

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Enyeama:

Rohr is a big liar!

…Never called me when faced with goalkeeping headache

Mikel undergoes medical ahead China move

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helsea’s John Obi Mikel is close to a free transfer to Tianjin TEDA, who have offered him £140,000-perweek to see off competition from Marseille and Valencia, with the deal expected to be formally announced early next week. The 29-year-old has only six months left on his deal and has been allowed to talk to clubs since December, with Chelsea willing to let their second-longest-serving player, after John Terry, go for free. Tianjin TEDA were one of two Chinese Super League clubs to compete for Mikel’s signature and he will move to football’s newest superpower just weeks after Oscar left Chelsea in a £52 million deal to join Shanghai SIPG. Mikel was reluctant to move to China as he looked for a move that was best for him and his family, but has been convinced after talks in London with the CSL side. Chelsea haven’t fielded Mikel since his return from competing in the Olympics with Nigeria, where he won his country’s only medal. Despite that, and the midfielder’s resurgence under Guus Hiddink, Mikel hasn’t played for Chelsea since their 1-1 draw at Anfield back in May 2016.

Mikel

Infantino

Enyeama

ille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has hit out to Nigeria’s head coach Gernot Rohr for claiming to have called him numerous times and not replying when he was faced with goalkeeping headache. Enyeama who called up his time with the Super Eagles in October 2015 after a mix up with coach Sunday Oliseh expressed his displeasure in the comments made by the German tactician. The 34-year-old said Rohr never got in contact with him when he was in need of his service for the World Cup qualifiers against Algeria after Ikeme was sidelined due to an injury and tagged his comments as ‘lies’. “Why do pple take pleasure in lies just bcos Enyeama is mentioned @Cybereagles the coach never got me on phone, so I wonder why he said that,” Enyeama tweeted.


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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Equities market declines third straight day, loses N139.3bn

Page B2

FG sells N173bn Treasury bills at steady yield Page B3

SON to encourage huge investment in cylinder manufacturing Page B6

NUPENG shuts down Total over sacked workers The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Thursday ordered stoppage of loading activities at all Total Nig. Ltd., depots nationwide over the termination of workers’ appointments. This is according to a statement signed by Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, the South-West Chairman of the union and made available to newsmen in Lagos. According to Korodo, the management of Total has been resisting the unionisation of workers under its contract programme in Lagos, Kaduna and Koko in Delta blending plants. The chairman said that the management of Total had moved further to terminate those workers who had joined the union in spite of the union efforts to resolve the issue amicably. “In view of this, the union has directed all workers in Total downstream to stop work until the management allows workers to unionise and slave labour introduced are cancelled. “This action should commence immediately,” he said. Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited Total Blending Plant at Kirikiri, Apapa observed that workers blocked the entrance of the gate with two trailers. The workers were seen with various placards with inscriptions: “Nigerians enslaving Nigerians in Nigeria, “Total and Jomog want to sack us because we joined NUPENG”. Mr Rotimi Benjamin, the Zonal Vice-Chairman, South West Chapter of NUPENG, said that the management of Total had summoned the union to a meeting to resolve the issue.

BUSINESS TIMES Editor Andrew Odioko Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

R-L: Andrew Efurhievwe, Executive Secretary, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN); Abdullahi M. Ibrahim, Vice Chairman ELAN; Olutoyin Okeowo, Director, ELAN; I.K.Mbagwu, Managing Director/CEO Cumbrian Consults Limited and Adebayo Adeleke, Managing Director/CEO Opticom Leasing Limited at the 14th National Lease Conference of the Association held recently in Lagos

NNPC plans security advisory council on vandalism Opeoluwani Akintayo The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has outlined plans to establish a security advisory council aimed at bringing a lasting solution to the perennial problem of pipeline vandalism and sundry security challenges bedevilling the oil and gas industry. Speaking during a visit to NNPC by the management of Media Trust Limited on Thursday, the Group Managing Direc-

tor of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, said there was a need to evolve new measures to bring an end to pipeline vandalism which is a major threat to the nation’s economy. Dr Baru said the security advisory council would involve critical stakeholders which include security agencies, Niger Delta leaders, IOCs which would address all security and host community agitations. “We want to passionately appeal to those behind indiscriminate acts of infrastructure vandalism to put an end forthwith to

these despicable acts which are a great threat to the economy, the eco-system and energy security of the country,” Dr Baru stated. He explained that since coming on board, he has ensured that the NNPC was run as a FACTI-based Corporation (Focused, Accountable, Competitive and a Transparent organisation conducting its business with Integrity.) He noted that the Corporation’s monthly operational and financial reports were always in the public sphere for all to see, adding that it was this new wave of openness and transparency

that has earned the NNPC rave reviews and accolades among Nigerians. “With the consistent release of our monthly financial and operational reports, the Nigerian Extractive Industries & Transparency Initiative (NEITI) recently commended us for embracing openness, subjecting our activities to greater public scrutiny and providing real-time information about the state of the nation’s oil and gas sector,” Dr Baru said. He explained that through his 12 Business Focus Areas (BUFA), the Corporation has kick-started the implementation of policies to place the organization on the path to growth and profitability.

Convert Railway narrow gauge to standard ones to save money – Akpoviroro A rail technology expert, Mr James Akpoviroro, has advised the Federal government to convert the old narrow gauge to standard gauge instead of revamping the system entirely. Akpoviroro, who gave the advice in an interview recently, made a wide distinction between the narrow and wide gauge, stressing that it takes a whole lot of time, energy, expertise to migrate from one gauge to the other. He, however, pointed out that

the standard gauge is the best because the standard gauge is what is obtainable in the whole world. According to him, the narrow gauge is what Nigeria operates, which is 1067lm, but the real standard gauge is 1435lm. He however, noted that if any gauge is less than 1435lm, then it is narrow, adding that “If it is more than 1435, then it is wide gauge but if you look at the Nigerian system, most of the guards are narrow

apart from the one done from Ajaokuta to Warri, which is standard 1435 and the one done from Abuja to Kaduna. Those are real standard gauge while the other ones are narrow gauge”. Speaking further, Akpoviroro pointed out that Ebuta-Metta, Lagos axis of the rail track has a lot of space which would have otherwise taken a double lane for the rail track but has just a single lane. “I was at Ebuta-Metta the oth-

er day and you know there is a market there and it is a single lane. That land you see there can be used for double lane but for now, it is a single lane and it is 1067. So it is narrow gauge but what I want to say is that it is better to take the time to plan. However, the government is trying a lot to see what they can do to change it to standard gauge where any train from any part of the world can travel,” Akpoviroro said.


Capital Market B2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Equities market declines third straight day, loses N139.3bn Stories by Afolabi Adesola Nigerian Equities market closed in red yesterday for the third consecutive session of the week and the year 2017. The bearish run now costs N139.3 billion lost by investors in three days. Tracking the performance of the market, equities descended further as the Nigerian Stock Exchange’ All-Share Index (NSEASI) and Market Capitalization dropped 1.07 percent The ASI shed 282.95 on Thursday to settle at 26,212.09, while the mar-

ket capitalization dropped N97.4 billion to settle at N9.019 trillion. Overall investor sentiment, however, improved as 17 gainers were paired against 16 losers, UAC Prop led the day’s advancing stocks by 7.29 percent to close at N3.09. Oando dropped 5.58 percent to close at N4.54, Access Bank grew 4.96 percent to close at 6.14, Diamond Bank appreciated 4.65 percent to close at 90 kobo and Eterna Oil gained 4.58 percent to close at N3.20. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company led the day’s 16 declining stocks

with a decline of 9.49 percent to close at N2.86. Guinness followed with a loss of 5.00 percent to close at N78.90, Dangote Flour fell 4.94 percent to close at N4.04, Custodian & Allied Insurance depreciated 4.88 percent to close at N3.70 and Caverton Offshore dropped 4.44 percent to close at 86 kobo. The day’s transactions were executed in 2,249 deals which represent a growth of 4.60 percent against previous session’s 2,150 deals. Investors also moved 137.7 million shares in contrast to previous session’s 602 million.

The value of equities traded for the day dropped by 40 percent from previous session’s N1.204 billion to N898.7 million. Top traded stock of the day was Fidelity Bank with 25.1 million units of shares valued at N21 million. Diamond Bank followed with about 17 million shares valued at N15.3 million, while UCAP traded 11.0 million shares worth N31.8 million. Transcorp traded 10.9 million shares for N9.7 million and UBA emerged the fifth most traded stock with 9.7 million shares worth N44.8 million.

Access Bank Board Reviews Financial Statements for 2016 The board of directors of Access Bank Plc has concluded a plan to consider and approve the bank group audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. A statement from the company said the meeting which is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017, will also consider other agenda items, including payment of final dividend. The statement signed by the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said the company has declared the closure period from January 4, 2017, to such date as will be subsequently announced as required under Rule 17.2

of the Amendment to listing Rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The statement added that “Accordingly, no director, employee, persons discharging managerial responsibility and adviser of the company and their connected persons may directly or indirectly, deal in the shares of the company in any manner during the closed period.

FMDQ lists 35bn Access Bank Commercial Paper

L – R: Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Boluwatiwi Omidiji, CSR Analyst, NSE; Favour Femi-Oyewole, Head, Information Security, NSE; Michael A. Sunbola, Founder/President, Lagos Food Bank Initiative; Edidiong Etuk, Learning & Development Analyst, NSE; Pai Gamde, Head, Human Resources, NSE; Clifford Akpolo, Digital Marketing Manager, NSE; Rosemary Amagbor, Executive Assistant to The Chief Executive Officer, NSE and Yusuf Funmilayo, Administrative Secretary, Lagos Food Bank Initiative at the 2016 NSE Employee Give-back Initiative donation to Lagos Food Bank

Total transaction in NSE drops 41.20 percent in November The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has released its monthly report on Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Participation in Equity trading for the month of November, showing a significant decrease of 41.20 percent in total transactions at the bourse. This is even as total transactions at the nation’s bourse slightly increased by 0.56 percent from N64.03 billion recorded in October 2016 to N64.39 billion (about $0.21 billion) in November 2016. The report noted that transactions from January to November 2016 decreased from N1, 795.07 billion recorded within the same period in 2015 to N1, 055.50 billion in 2016.

FPI transactions have been on a downward trend from August 2016. In November 2016, domestic investors outperformed their foreign counterparts by about 9.46 percent”. The NSE said. Domestic transactions increased by 7.47 percent from N32.79 billion in October 2016 to N35.24 billion in November 2016. FPI transactions decreased by 7.17 percent from N31.24 billion in October 2016 to N29.15 billion in November 2016. Monthly foreign outflows outpaced inflows as foreign inflows decreased by 22.17 percent from N18.67 billion in October to N14.53 billion in November 2016. Foreign outflows increased by 16.31 percent from N12.57 bil-

NSE DG Oscar

lion to N14.62 billion within the same period. On a monthly basis, The Nigerian Stock Exchange polls trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their foreign portfolio investments (FPI).

FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange (FMDQ or the OTC Exchange) commences the year’s activities with the commemoration of the admittance and quotation of the Access Bank PLC N8.45 billion Series 1, N4.22 billion Series 2 and N22.33 billion Series 3 Commercial Paper (CP) Notes under its N100.00 billion CP Programme on the OTC Exchange. The commemoration, in the form of a prestigious Quotation Ceremony held in honour of the issuer, Access Bank PLC, took place at the FMDQ offices on January 5, 2016. Present at this Ceremony were, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Managing Director, Access Bank PLC; Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Managing Director, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, and Mr. Ayo Fashina, Director, Investment Banking, Chapel Hill Advisory Partners Limited, both representing the co-sponsors of the issues on the platform, and FMDQ Registration Members (under the Quotations category), among others. Key highlights of the special occasion included a Special Address by Dr. Herbert Wigwe on the issued CP notes and CP Programme; the signing of the FMDQ CP Quotations ASI Register by the issuer, the Regis- DEALS tration Members (co-sponsors of the VOLUME issue) and FMDQ; VALUE the presentation

of the CP Quotations Certificate to the issuer and the “guest of honour autograph impression” by the issuer. In recognition of the roles played by the co-sponsors of the CPs in the quotations process, presentations were also made to the respective Registration Members. Whilst welcoming the guests, Ms Tumi Sekoni, Vice President & Divisional Head, Marketing & Business Development of FMDQ congratulated Access Bank PLC on successfully raising 35.00 billion from the market at relatively competitive rates. She also lauded the contribution the bank was making to the development of the Nigerian markets, highlighting that the positive impact a quotation of this sort would have on the market was not to be underestimated. During his address, Dr Wigwe noted that “Access Bank PLC was able to raise N35 billion from the money market, the largest listed commercial paper issuance ever in Nigeria despite the current economic headwinds and prevailing tight liquidity situation in the country. This indicates the high level of investor confidence in the bank.

Summary of activities on NSE

CAP

26,212.09 2,488.00 137,694,368.00 898,708,780.11 9,018,960,816,717.88


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

B3 Money Market

CBN directs PFIs to disburse N220b agric funds at 9%

Stories by Motolani Oseni

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) including commercial banks, microfinance banks (MfBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to disburse N220 billion targeted at the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) at nine percent interest rate. The apex bank recently released guidelines for the implementation of ABP which it said was established in line with its developmental function. According to the CBN, the ABP fund shall be provided from the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF). Loan amount for each farmer

shall be arrived at from the economics of production agreed with stakeholders. “Interest rate under the ABP shall be guided by the rate on the N220 billion MSMEDF, which is currently at nine per cent per annum (all inclusive, pre and post disbursement). The PFIs shall access at two percent from the CBN and lend at a maximum of nine per cent per annum,” it said. The guidelines also said banks that fail to apply the nine per cent interest charge on the loans shall reverse the excess fees/interest charged and will be issued a warning letter, and banned from participating under other CBN Interventions after two infractions. “The tenor of loans under the ABP shall be the gestation period of the

identified commodities while repayment loans granted to the farmers shall be repaid with the harvested produce that shall be mandatorily delivered to the Anchor at designated collection center in line with the provisions of the agreement signed. The produce to be delivered must cover the loan principal and interest,” it added. In a circular, the CBN said the ABP, which was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015 was intended to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in the processing and smallholder farmers (SHFs) of the required key agricultural commodities. It said the programme thrust of the ABP was the provision of farm inputs in kind and cash (for farm la-

bour) to smallholder farmers to boost production of these commodities, stabilize inputs supply to agroprocessors and address the country’s negative balance of payments on food. It said at harvest, the SHF should supply his/her produce to the Agro-processor- the Anchor who pays the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account. The ABP, the CBN added, evolved from the consultations with stakeholders comprising Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, state governors, millers of agricultural produce, and smallholder farmers to boost agricultural production and non-oil exports in the face of unpredictable crude oil prices and its resultant effect on the revenue profile of Nigeria.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Olanrewaju AdigunFagbohun; Guest Speaker and Chairman of UBA Group, Mr Tony Elumelu; and Chancellor, LASU and Chairman of the Lecture, Hon. Justice George Oguntade, at the Unversity’s 1st Distinguished Lecture held in Lagos ... recently

FG sells N173bn Treasury bills at steady yield

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold N172.85 billion ($550 million) treasury bills on Wednesday with yields unchanged from the previous auction, held in the third week of the last month in 2016. The apex bank sold N115.85 billion of one-year debt at a rate of 18.68 percent, the same as the previous auction, traders said. They said the central bank also sold N35 billion of 91-day paper at 14 percent and N22 billion of sixmonth bills at 17.5 percent, unchanged from the previous auction. Subscription at the auction came to 194.12 billion naira, well up from 42.68 billion naira at the previous auction. Nigeria’s central bank issues treasury bills regularly to help lenders manage their liquidity curb rising inflation and provide naira to help the government fund its budget. However, due to the sharp drop in the country’s oil revenue, the Federal Government has said it will raise a total sum of N2.5 trillion for its 2016 budget deficit through effective tax revenue, local and interna-

tional borrowing. It is worthy to note that Nigeria’s government issues treasury bills to raise cash to fund the budget deficit manage banking system liquidity and curb rising inflation. Meanwhile, financial analysts at Ecobank said that the inflation rate, at 18.48 percent since November, is likely to ease slightly in the coming months but will remain elevated. “The recent slowdown in core inflation points to lower price pressures in the coming months–price pressures will ease slightly on the back of higher base effects but ongoing tight foreign liquidity, production constraints, higher utility and transport and food prices will keep inflation elevated (above CBN’s inflation target range of 6-9per cent), they explained. They said CBN’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPC) will likely remain high at 14 per cent, and given ongoing market uncertainties, specifically concerns over inflation and exchange rate in a low oil price environment, and the need to ensure positive real returns on assets, the scope of a further hike is high.

Naira slides to 489/$1 at parallel market The Naira yesterday depreciated marginally to close at 489 or 490 per US dollar, against N487 to a dollar it sold on Wednesday, with customers getting the higher rate depending on bargaining power. Some dealers sold at 487, while others insisted that the local currency will not go less than 490 to a dollar, the same rate

it was exchanged on Tuesday and some parts of the country ion Wednesday. “You know the dollar is scarce and it may likely go up over today’s rate when comes back for it tomorrow. If you don’t even want to buy from me, you check from other people, you will confirm that 489 per dollar is the best rate you will find in the market because that is the

best market price you can find today,” a dealer said. Another parallel market operator asked our correspondent the amount dollar he was willing to buy before he could give a rate, but when he learnt that the volume is not up to $1000, he insisted that the naira cannot go less than 490 against the greenback. But the naira on

Wednesday appreciated by N3 to close at N487 per US dollar, against N490 to a dollar it exchanged when the foreign exchange market closed for the first trading day on Tuesday after it was traded for 495 per dollar at the parallel market last Friday when the foreign exchange market closed for the week. The local currency

had maintained rate at N485 against the dollar for about two weeks but fell on Friday to N495 at the parallel market, as the Greenberg scarcity worsened ahead of the New Year celebration. The local currency, however, traded flat at the official interbank window and on the parallel market on the first trading day of the year, while stocks

Gwadabe

fell almost one percent in trading dominated by losses in petroleum, banking, and brewery shares. The naira closed at 305 a dollar on the official window, the same rate it closed at on the last working day of 2016. The currency initially traded at 315.50 to the dollar but gained after the central bank sold $1.5 million in the market.


B4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017


B5

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

D aily M ark e t Ro u n d U p To p 10 Tr a d es b y V olu m e

To p 10 G ain ers

Th e e q uities m arke t close d n e g a tive yest erd ay, as t h e All Sh are In d ex (ASI) t u m ble d 1.1 % t o close a t 27,212.09 p oin ts. A ccordin gly, invest ors lost N97.4b n as m arke t ca pit aliz a tio n se t tle d a t N9.0t n. Th e d eclin e w as m ajorly drive n by sell se n tim e n t in m ark e t h e avy w eig h t - D A N G CE M (-4.0 %). ExD A N G CE M , t h e ASI w o uld h ave g ain e d 35b ps. H o w ever, m ark e t activity im prove d as volu m e a n d valu e tra d e d rose 121.8 % a n d 14.4 % t o close a t 137.7m u nits a n d N898.7m resp ectively. M ix e d Se c t o r Pe r f o r m a n c e Sect or p erf orm a nce w as mixe d as 3 in dices g ain e d w hile 2 d eclin e d. Th e by D A N G CE M (-4.0 %). Th e Co nsu m er G o o ds in d ex f ollo w e d, closin g 29b ps lo w er o n acco u n t o f price d e precia tio n in G UIN N ESS (-5.0 %) a n d D A N G FL O UR (-4.9 %) w hile t h e O il & G as in d ex slid 14b ps d u e t o a price d eclin e in F O RTE (-3.4 %). O n t h e Co n trary, t h e Ba n kin g in d ex g ain e d 1.7 %

Tick er U A C-PROP O ANDO A CCESS DIA M O N D BN K ETERN A C O NTINSURE W APIC BET A GLAS FBN H C AP

Price (N) 3.09 4.54 6.14 0.90 3.20 1.00 0.53 30.00 3.44 33.00

Price Ch g % 7.3 % 5.6 % 5.0 % 4.7 % 4.6 % 4.2 % 3.9 % 3.4 % 3.3 % 3.1 %

Price (N) 2.86 78.90 4.04 3.70 0.86 15.00 167.02 80.75 2.47 0.83

Price Ch g % -9.5 % -5.0 % -4.9 % -4.9 % -4.4 % -4.0 % -4.0 % -3.4 % -2.8 % -2.4 %

Tick er FIDELITYBK DIA M O N D BN K UC AP TRA NSC ORP UB A STERLN B A N K ZENITHB A N K A CCESS FC M B FBN H

Price Ch g % -2.4 % 4.7 % -0.3 % 1.1 % 2.2 % -1.4 % -0.3 % 5.0 % 0.9 % 3.3 %

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V alu e

To p 10 Losers Tick er N A HC O G UIN NESS D A N GFLO UR CUST O D YINS C A VERT O N ST A NBIC D A N GCE M FO VIT A F O A M FIDELITYBK

V olu m e (m) 25.1 17.0 11.0 10.9 9.7 9.0 8.6 7.3 5.4 5.2

Tick er BET A GLAS ZENITHB A N K NB G U ARA N TY NESTLE UB A A CCESS FO ST A NBIC G UIN NESS

V alu e (m) 135.0 125.5 83.5 82.1 52.1 44.8 44.3 35.4 33.1 32.8

Price Ch g % 3.4 % -0.3 % 0.0 % 2.5 % 0.0 % 2.2 % 5.0 % -3.4 % -4.0 % -5.0 %

NSE A ll Sh ar e In d e x

29,000

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

12,000

as invest ors t o o k p osition in G U A R A N T Y(+2.5 %) a n d A CCESS (+4.9 %) w hile t h e Insura nce in d ex (+0.7 %) traile d o n t h e b ack o f g ains in C O N TINSURE (+4.2 %) a n d W A PIC (+3.9 %).

28,000

10,000

27,000 8,000

M a r k e t Br e a d t h t u r ns Posi t iv e

26,000

D espit e yest erday

6,000

in t h e bre a d t h w hich se t tle d a t 1.1x (17 a dva ncin g st ocks a g ainst 16 d eclin ers)

25,000

rela tive t o 0.8x in t h e previo us sessio n. Th e b est p erf ormin g st ocks w ere U A C-

05-Jan

02-Jan

30-Dec

27-Dec

24-Dec

21-Dec

invest ors' in t erest in e q uities re m ains w e a k a n d w e exp ect t h e m ark e t t o

`

18-Dec

22,000

15-Dec

N o t w it hst a n din g, t h e b elo w-tre n d level o f tra din g volu m e su g g ests

12-Dec

D A N G CE M .

09-Dec

in

06-Dec

d eclin e

03-Dec

price

30-Nov

a

27-Nov

to

24-Nov

a t trib u t e d

21-Nov

be

18-Nov

ca n

2,000

23,000

15-Nov

se n tim e n t

ve m e n t in

12-Nov

n o t e d a b ove, yest erd ay

09-Nov

G UIN N ESS (-5.0 %) a n d D A N G FL O UR (-4.9 %) w ere t he w orst p erf orm ers. As

06-Nov

PR O P (+7.3 %), O A N D O (+5.6 %) a n d A CCESS (+5.0 %) w hile N A H C O (-9.5 %),

4,000 24,000

close n e g a tive f or t h e w e e k. M a cr o e c o n o m ic G ist

Term of t h e d a y D e m u t u aliz a tio n is w he n a m u t u al com p a ny o w n e d by its users/m e m b ers co nverts in t o a com p a ny o w n e d by Par Bo n d sh are h old ers. In ef f ect, t h e users/m e m b ers exch a n g e t h eir rig h ts o f use f or sh ares in t h e d e m ut u aliz e d com p a ny

Th e D ece m b er 2016. A ccordin g to t h e re p ort, t h e M a n u f act urin g PMI st o o d a t 52.0 in d ex p oin ts as a t D ece m b er 2016, in dica tin g a n incre ase in t h e in d ex. Th e in d ex h a d record e d d eclin e in t h e prece din g eleve n m o n ths. This incre ase w as d u e t o a n exp a nsio n in 8 o f t h e 16 su b-sect ors surveye d. Th ese inclu d e ce m e n t;

Re f ers t o a b o n d t h a t is sellin g a t Par, t he a m o u n t e q u al t o its n o min al or

f o o d, b evera g e & t o b acco pro d ucts; t extile, a pp arel, le a t h er & f o o t w e ar;

f ace valu e.

plastics & ru b b er pro d ucts; p a p er pro d ucts; a p plia nces & co m p o n e n ts; ch e mical & p h arm ace u tical pro d ucts; a n d f urnit ure & rela te d pro d ucts.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

B6 Industry

SON to encourage huge investment in cylinder manufacturing Stories by Charles Okonji The Standards Organization (SON) is to use standardization and quality assurance instruments to stimulate multi-billion dollar investments in manufacturing. This will especially be brought to bear in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) manufacturing with its huge economic and job creation potentials. Mr. Osita Aboloma, Director General, SON, who made the disclosure in Lagos recently, stated that standardization is one of the best ways of attracting foreign direct investment into the country by providing confidence and competitive edge to manufacturers’ products, quality assurances to consumers, and meeting regulatory requirements seamlessly. He noted that the pursuit of this objective informed his recent visits to some firms and organizations to preach the gospel of standardization and how it

could help to improve their operations for greater competitiveness through strict adherence to standards requirements. According to him, SON’s stringent procedure for the importation of LPG cylinders has resulted in increased local production. The certification of the locally produced cylinders through the mandatory conformity assessment scheme would provide the necessary assurances to consumers, thus encouraging greater patronage. “There is stiff monitoring and regulation of cylinders to ensure safety and that consumers have value for their money.” The Director-General stated that the increased patronage would lead to improved capacity utilization, and create more job opportunities in line with the diversification agenda of the Federal Government. He said the LPG cylinder sector has huge potentials for job creation because of the production and an-

cillary chains, adding that it would also create easy access to cylinders, which would add greater value to the economy and promote a cleaner environment. He disclosed that SON would call a stakeholders’ meeting with existing manufacturers, importers and prospective ones soon to ensure that the structure and production processes are put on the path of continual improvement through the diligent application of standards. Aboloma reiterated SON’s plans to replicate the initiative in other sectors to encourage more foreign

direct investment as, according to him, domestic production would help the current administration’s change mantra, especially in achieving economic diversification from oil into agriculture and manufacturing, thus adding greater value to the lives of Nigerians. According to the SON boss, the government was happy with companies having thousands of Nigerians in their employment lists, and would support such companies to do their legitimate businesses without stress. He was categorical that

part of his agenda is to ensure proper monitoring and mentoring of the various sectors through regular inspection visits and suggestion of more effective and efficient ways of contributing to the economic development of the country through proper application of standards. The SON boss reiterated his Management’s resolve to strengthen the operations of small and medium enterprises, saying with the application of the right standards, products of Nigerian SMEs would become more competitive locally and across borders.

Acting SON DG, Paul Angya

LCCI advises FG to stimulate investment to overcome economic challenges The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) yesterday advised the Federal Government to stimulate investment in order to overcome the country’s economic challenges. LCCI Director-General, Mr Muda Yusuf, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). According to Yusuf, stimulating investment will help in bringing the nation out of its economic recession. “The economic recession experienced in 2016 was the consequence of internal and external factors. “The attack on oil installations by militants in the Niger Delta is the internal factor. “The external factors are, principally, the slump in oil price and other adverse developments in the global economy,’’ he said. Yusuf urged the Federal

Government to devise a framework that would ensure liquidity of the foreign exchange market to accelerate the economic recovery process in 2017. “Foreign exchange liquidity was a major problem for investors in 2016 because many of them could not access it to procure raw materials and other inputs as and when needed,’’ he said. The LCCI chief said that remittances had been very difficult, especially from the foreign airlines. He said that foreign exchange inflows from autonomous sources were also impeded because of the dysfunctional ties in the foreign exchange market. According to Yusuf, this impacted negatively on the foreign exchange supply, resulting in a decline in Diaspora remittances, capital importation, and export proceeds.

Gas Cylinders

Chamber wants FG to sustain drive to diversify economy The President, Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Moweta, has called on the Federal Government to sustain its drive to diversify the economy and give agriculture its pride of place to ensure food security. Moweta told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on yesterday that sustaining the diversification programme would go a long way in boosting the economy of the nations. According to him, if ag-

riculture is given the pride of place as a result of the diversification programme, the nation will not only feed itself, it will also boost the export of agricultural produce to other countries. He said that the projection of the United Nations stated that by 2050, the population of the world would grow by about 50 percent and that it was necessary for nations, especially Nigeria, to start working toward ensuring food security in the country. “I think with this projection, the diversification of

the economy to agriculture is in the right direction,’’ he said. He appealed to government at all levels to ensure that adequate measures were put in place to sustain the drive for the diversification of the economy and ensure food security in the country. Moweta advised the government to come up with laudable programmes and policies and ensure that such programmes and policies were implemented. “The government has always been known for mak-

ing laudable policies and programmes, but the implementation and sustainability have always been a major challenge. “We had the green revolution, operation feed the nation and much more, but how many of them can we say that are still in existence today? “My prayer is that the government sustains its drive on diversification of the economy to agriculture because people are beginning to see the importance of agriculture.


Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Stories by Siaka MOMOH It was not an easy year for Nigeria. The country slipped into recession as the economy contracted 2.06 per cent between April and June 2016. Its vital oil industry was hit by weaker global prices, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Crude oil sales account for 70 per cent of government income. The price of oil fell from highs of about $112 a barrel in 2014 to below $50. Outside the oil industry, the figures showed the fall in the Nigerian currency, the naira, hurt the economy. It was allowed to float freely in June to help kick-start the economy, but critics argued it should have been done earlier. Inflation was 17.1 per cent 11-year in July. Government tried and failed to prop up the naira, which has had a ruinous effect on the country’s foreign exchange reserves and any reputation it might have had of being fiscally responsible. How did we get into this mess that is subjecting Nigerians to daily hike in prices of food and several other items? For Emmanuel Noko of EduCacInfo.com, it is poor economic planning. Said he:

This report was sourced from Future Market Insights Malt is a product prepared from grains through a malting process, which involves partial germination, to modify the grains’ natural food substances. Barley is generally used to prepare malt, while rice wheat, corn and rye are used less frequently. The principle use of malt is in brewing beer. Malt is also used for preparation of whiskey and other beverages. Its wide usage in alcohols, beverages and food products makes it an important product in the food and beverage industry. It is also used to make confections such as malted shakes, malt vinegar, flavored drinks such as Horlicks, and Milo, and some baked goods, such as bagels, malt loaf, and rich tea. Malted barley is an ingredient in blended flours specifically used in the manufacture of yeast breads and other baked goods. Malt Market: Drivers & Restraints The key driver for this market is the use of malt in the beer industry, which is growing at a fast rate. Its widespread use in the food industry is another impetus for the growth of this market. Opportunities for this market lie in the use of different types of malt extracts in food products. Growing popularity of wine and other beverages acts as a hindrance in the growth of this market, as this would reduce the consumption of beer. Increase in the use of organic malt in making breweries is boosting the growth of the market. The major challenge to this market is the entry of local players in the market. They offer

B7 Real sector digest

2016: Year of agony?

“Poor economic planning and no concrete implementation of her economic planning is the major cause of Nigeria’s current recession.” He said, no doubt purchase privileges for importers of 40 items such as rice, cement toothpicks, private planes, poultry, meat, margarine, soaps, wheel-barrows, etc, government has on the hand caused serious poverty in the land by herself. He

said for instance, Nigeria’s apex bank, the CBN sold dollar at N197 per dollar to privileged individuals who sold at N300. He argued, those who were benefitting from this scam were the ones pushing for the devaluation of the naira – he said the poor pay for price of devalued currency while the rich schemed off the profits. Other causes listed include high inflation rate, high interest rate, high taxation, policy conflict.

As we move into 2017, the tough time continues. According to Financial Derivatives Company’s report, oil price average $54.82pb in December; diesel price crosses N255/ltr, up 59.09 per cent YTD; airline passengers suffer from Harmattan and jet fuel saga; naira appreciates by 1.02 per cent to N490/$ on holiday lull; commodity prices static in the last week of 2016 - expected to decline in January; perishable prices likely to slump faster; downside risk: higher energy prices feeding cost push element in prices. Prices of the following (Lagos prices which do not differ very much from prices in Onitsha and Kano)) are still on the high side: Palm Oil (25L) – N16,500; Maize (50kg) – N13, 250; Tomatoes (50kg) – N8000 Garri (50kg) - 15,000; Rice (50kg) – N24,000; Flour (50kg) N11,000; Sugar (50kg) – N19,000; Beans (50kg) – N22,500; Cement (50kg) - N2300; Semolina(10kg) – N3100. It is interesting to note that Christmas gifts which were dished out in robust forms wore

Malt Market: Global industry analysis and opportunity assessment 2016 - 2026 Malteurop Group, Muntons Malt plc, Simpsons Malt Ltd. Cargill Inc. Bairds Malt Ltd. Crisp Malting Group Ltd., Heineken, Muntons Malt plc and others.

low cost product, and thus are able to generate a broader customer base. Malt Market: Segmentation The global malt market can be broadly segmented on the basis of type, application, brewers, and source. On the basis of type, the malt market can be classified intoDry Extract, Liquid Extract, Malt Flour. On the basis of application, the malt market can be segmented into-Beer Industry, Whisky Distilleries, Food & Beverages, and Pharmaceutical industry. On the basis of brewers, the malt market can be segmented into- Base Malt, Standard Malt and Specialty Malt. On the basis of source, it can be segmented into-Barley, Wheat, Rye. Malt Market: Region Wise Outlook Geographically, the acai berry market is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America,

Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan. North America has been the largest market for malts, sharing superiority in both production as well as consumption. Western Europe and Central Europe are also one of the key malt markets. Countries in Asia Pacific such as, China, South Korea and Australia are showing relatively quicker growth and are expected to be the dominant markets over the coming years. Countries in Africa such as, Zimbabwe and Botswana constitute of two of the most promising market potentials followed by Latin America. Malt Market: Key Players Some of the major companies manufacturing malts in the global market are Bairds Malt Ltd, Cargill Inc., Crisp Malting Group Ltd,

The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Malt MarketSegments Malt MarketDynamics Historical Actual Market Size, 2013 - 2015 Malt MarketSize & Forecast 2016 to 2026 Supply & Demand Value Chain Malt MarketCurrent Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value Chain Malt MarketDrivers and Restraints NOTE - All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed in reports are those of the respective analysts. They do not necessarily reflect formal positions or views of Future Market Insights. Decisions and Commitments from the 2016 African Green Revolution Forum (2) The forum which brought together over 1500 delegates from 40 countries came up with a 1493-word communiqué. The first slot of this piece was published last week. Have a good read: The ambition of the forum is to accelerate the progress on agricul-

slim looks courtesy of recession. In fact, some companies could not give. Outlook on oil prices You will be raising your hope in vain if you think there will be any dramatic change soon in respect of oil prices. Outlook according to FDC is as follows: Oil prices to close at a yearend rate of $58pb; this is to be driven by optimism about product cut by OPEC and non-OPEC members; more countries are expected to volunteer more production draws; this is due to the effect it has on prices in the short to medium run. Outlook for agric prices Grains Softs SUGAR Brazil to support prices; COCOA anticipation of global oversupply; grain producers is to support price rally.

ture’s contribution to economic growth and transformation for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods for all, in line with delivering on the Malabo Goals and targets. Over the course of the fiveday forum, delegates put forward and began to coalesce around a set of important commitments that the AGRF platform can pursue in the medium-term to realize the ambitious goals laid out in the 2014 Malabo Declaration and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the next 16 months before the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit and CAADP biennial review in January 2018, the AGRF partners pledged to: pursue a political, policy and business agenda intended to accelerate smallholderinclusive agricultural transformation in at least 20 countries; unlock at least US $200 billion in investment in African agriculture; and develop a concise scorecard for accountability and action under the leadership of African Union institutions. They are captured in the following nine action points: i. Refresh investment plans to unlock 10% of public expenditure on agriculture that can be clearly leveraged to attract significant additional resources from private sector and other partners. ii. Actualize commitments made by the private sector through platforms such as Grow Africa or others to bring at least US $20 billion of private investment into African agriculture and galvanize broader investment.

Siaka Momoh, a media consultant, is publisher of The Real Sector monthly digital magazine and Realsectornow.com. Contact:siakamomoh@yahoo.com; 08061396410


Entrepreneurship B8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

If Capitalism can’t bind people, what will? One of the most insidious things about enclosures is how they eradicate the culture of the commons and our memory of it. The old ways of doing things; the social practices that once bound a people together; the cultural traditions that anchored people to a landscape; the ethical norms that provided a stable identity — all are swept aside to make room for a totalizing market culture. Collective habits give way to individualism. Cherished traditions fall victim to whatever works now or saves money today. The colorful personalities and idiosyncratic lore of a community start to fade away. Karl Marx memorably described the commoditizing logic of capitalism, saying, “All that is solid melts into air.” Enclosures eclipse the history and memory of the commons, rendering them invisible. The impersonal, individualistic, transactionbased ethic of the market economy becomes the new normal. If we are to understand the commons, then, it is useful to learn more about its rich, neglected history. Capitalist culture likes to think that all of history leads inexorably to greater progress, if not perfection, as society climbs towards the present moment, the best of all possible worlds. The complex, overlooked history of the commons tells a different story. It is an account of how human beings have learned new and ingenious ways to cooperate. It is a story of building new types of social institutions for shared purposes despite systems of power (feudalism, authoritarianism, capitalism) with very different priorities. Commons tend to be nested within other systems of power and institutional relationships, and therefore are not wholly independent. There is often a deep “creative tension” between the logic of the commons and

the imperatives of its host environment (whether feudal lords, technology markets or national laws). This is why many commons thrive in the interstices of power, in “protected zones” tolerated or overlooked by Power, or accidentally remote from it. The stark reality is that commons tend not to be dominant institutional forms in their own right. This subordinate role can be seen in the flourishing of medieval land commons under feudalism; in mutual associations under socialism and communism; and, in our time, in gift economies such as academia and civic associations under capitalism. Such commons were (and still are) nested within larger systems of power and rarely functioned as sovereign forces. Still, human reciprocity and cooperation go back millennia. With the dawn of civilization, legal traditions were invented that sought to protect the shared interests of the many and of future generations. The human impulse to cooperate is rarely expressed in purely altruistic forms; it tends to work in creative tension with individualism and power. Even though we like to contrast “individualism” and “collectivism” as opposites, in the commons they tend to blur and intermingle in complicated ways. The two are not mutually exclusive, but rather dynamic yin-andyang complements. Historical, small-scale commons belie the claims made by contemporary economists that humans are essentially materialist individuals of unlimited appetites, and that these traits are universal. Quite the opposite. The real aberration in human history is the idea of Homo economicus and our globally integrated market society. Never before in history have markets organized so many major and granular elements of human society. Never before has the world seen so many societies organized around the principles of market competition and

PT1

capital accumulation, which systematically produce extremes of selfish individualism, inequalities of wealth and crippling assaults on natural ecosystems. This is worrisome on its own terms, but also because of the instability and fragility of large-scale, marketbased systems. Six years after the 2008 financial crisis, the greater powers are still scrambling to re-establish trust, credibility and social stability to many global and national markets. Whether through crisis or choice, it is virtually inevitable that the human race (or at least the industrialized West) will need to rediscover and reinvent institutions of human cooperation. What evolutionary sciences tell us about cooperation: Given their premises about individual self-interest, it is not surprising that economists consider the world a nasty, competitive place that will degenerate into anarchy unless the State steps in to restrain bad actors and mete out punishment. A formidable set of political philosophers — John Locke, David Hume, Thomas Hobbes — set forth this worldview in the eighteenth century; in the words of Hobbes, life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” Upon its principles of universal selfishness and individual “rationality” entire systems of law and public policy have been built. But what if this is mostly a “just so” story — a partially accurate fable that does not really describe the full, empirical realities of human nature? What if it could be shown that human cooperation, reciprocity and non-rational behavior are just as significant a force as “competitive rationality” and “utility maximization”? This is the startling conclusion of much contemporary research in the evolutionary sciences, especially brain neurology,

genetics, developmental and evolutionary psychology, biology, organizational sociology and comparative anthropology. These sciences are confirming that social reciprocity and trust are deeply engrained principles of our humanity. They may even be biologically encoded. One of the first scientists to explore this possibility was the Russian zoologist Petr Kropotkin in his 1902 book, Mutual Aid: A Factor in Evolution. Kropotkin surveyed the animal kingdom and concluded that it “was

an evolutionary emphasis on cooperation instead of competition in the Darwinian sense that made for the success of species, including the human.” Animals live in association with each other and mutually aid each other as a way to improve their group fitness. Mainstream science in the twentieth century took a very different direction, however. It has generally embraced models of rational self-interest to explain how organisms behave and evolve. In the evolutionary

sciences, natural selection has traditionally been seen as something that happens to individuals, not to groups, because individuals have been considered a privileged unit in the biological hierarchy of nature. Thus evolutionary adaptations have been thought to happen to individuals, not to collectivities or entire species. Scientists have generally dismissed the idea that biological traits that are “good for the group” can be transmitted and evolve at the group level.

The stark reality is that commons tend not to be dominant institutional of medieval land commons under feudalism; in mutual associations under socialism and communism; and, in our time, in gift economies such as academia and civic associations under capitalism. Nwaodu Chukwuemeka, is a consultant with IDEAS Exchange Consulting, Lagos. He can be reached at nwaodu.lawrence@hotmail.co.uk (07066375847)


Life&

TIMES Friday, January 6, 2017

Toyin

Aimakhu

Drags Nedu, Helen Paul to Alakada Reloaded

L2

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Society L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Gabriel Afolayan plays the villain in ‘King Invincible’

El Prince teams up with dance queen, Kaffy, in ‘Jealous you’

….As Tope Tedela, Omowunmi Dada, others give outstanding delivery

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I intimidated 45-year-olds when I got into the talent management business – Asa Asika

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Toyin Aimakhu begins shoot of Alakada Reloaded series -

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Life&

T E A M

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Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

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Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, January 6, 2017

Tattoo is an art of expression, so is music -Whyte Mahoney The entertainment industry is now a force to reckon with as artistes are making a niche for themselves as well as up their game to become one of the best. The same goes for Joshua Philips also known as Whyte Mahoney; he is a young talented artiste who knows what he wants and how to get it done. He featured Ice prince in one of his singles and has a lot up his sleeves in 2017. In this interview with ABIMBOLA OBATAYO, the Delta State -born explained why he featured Ice Prince in his song, family issues and more: Excerpts Can you tell us your name? My name is Joshua Philips, also known as Whyte Mahoney Music for you, how did it all start? The inspiration came from my diverse perception of how music should be made and strong passion for music. I never saw myself

Ice prince has always been one of my favorite Nigerian artiste; his style is diverse and can easily blend into any like I said earlier he did a fantastic Job on the track. Can you tell us about your family?

things differently and make an impact in the music industry. That was venturing into it. How will you describe your genre of music? Afro and Pop, but I have the capability to diversify into any genre of music. I am a lover of good music. Why did you choose singing as a profession? My main focus initially was music production that brought about my record label. I decided to give singing a shot along the way and

Were your family members in support of your musical career? Yes, my family supported me all the way. Can you tell us more about the song in which you featured ice prince? inspired by my love for the friends who stood by me through thick and thin. And never doubted my abilities from day one. The song was just to help me express it more and he did justice to the song. Why did you choose to feature ice prince out of so many musicians in the country?

My main focus is getting more songs with good content out there and hopefully increase my fan base. Also, my record label is also poised at getting more musical acts into my fold. The entertainment industry is very challenging right now, how do you intend to distinguish yourself from every other artiste? My style of music already speaks for itself. Like I said not boxed to a particular genre of music. That would be a major plus for me. How would you rate the music industry now, compared to how it was before? The music industry now is very exciting, at the same time, challenging the artists before us paved the way. They have broken the barrier internationally and we are getting more recognition out there. I would say I am impressed with the way things are in the Nigerian music Industry. Aside music, what other thing do you do? I sell automobiles and I have a registered company, Gemstone Auto Limited. What are your hobbies? I love watching movies and I also love traveling a lot. What inspires your songs? I get inspirations from events around me, the state of the economy. People draw tattoos on their bodies reason? Tattoo is an art of expression; so is music. Which other artiste would you like to

I love his style of music and also an effort to bridge the gap with other artistes from African countries.

Interview L3


Society Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Ajibade Alabi

Professor Princess Haliday bags double awards Professor Princess Haliday honored by the Federal Government of Canada. The joyful Princess took to her to social media to express her gratitude in a statement she posted via Instagram... “This year has been gratifying. I am humbled and in awe of these Blessings from God as a reminder that perseverance, hard work and knowing who you are -pays off! Two awards in the same week!! I got an outstanding leadership award from the Federal government of Canada including a citation and also an award for an outstanding achievement as leadership ambassador to Miss Commonwealth London in the same week!!!

It is not easy changing a narrative that is long been embedded in a culture but like Hillary Clinton said “Never Stop believing that worth it” Never doubt that you are valuable and should have all the opportunity to pursue your own dream I dedicate these awards to every young girl with a dream who refuses to be stopped because she is considered a girl. I love you all” I will continuously uphold our Nation Nigeria to high esteem promoting and educating African women to be authentic leaders. It sure is a great year for our extraor-

Princess

When Nollywood actress, Jaiye Kuti, was honored

Jaiye Kuti

It was a day to remember in the life of Nollywood star actress, Oluwakemi Jaiyeola Kuti, when she was honored with award as an outstanding personality by HRH Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi. Telu 1 of Iwo land... the gap toothed sexy actress who has been in the business of make believe for many years was full of joy as she express her

thank the kabiyesi and the people enough for this recognized award, this shows that people really appreciate what we are doing, and that they love us. But this recognition award will only make me t work hard and not to rest on my oars

Otunba Festus Jacob stages a comeback

Society big guns and publisher of foremost Nigeria Yoruba newspaper magazine (Akede Oodua) is set to hit newsstand again Information available to Daily times said that Otunba Festus has put every machinery in motion with the re –appointment of Olaide Gold, a veteran Yoruba presenter with Bond F.M, as the Editor of the esteemed magazine Though the kick off date for the magazine after almost 5 years in the cooler is still wrap in secrecy but been set as the kick off date their Nigeria ambassador has been doing a lot of work to produce Nigeria culture and with this initiative of revamping the Yoruba magazine he has demonstrated his love for Nigeria culture He said “Akede Odua Magazine is like ambassador here in Nigeria we have been doing a lot of work here in Nigeria to promote the culture through this newspaper and we have been helping us to link with many important personalities here in Nigeria in taking them to Brazil for them to see and know what can be done to help our society.

Otunba Festus andn his friend

Kunle Ajomale electrifying Ayo ni o Xmas carol International gospel and gospel singer, Jacob Kunle Ajomale aka JKA , continued from where he stopped when he dished out a scintillating performance during the Christmas and New Year celebration of Cherubim and Seraphim celebration. The event which brought together many denominations to the event place, saw Kunle who has played in many

international gospel concerts dishing out what he knows how to do best which made many people to ask forhim. Known for giving upcoming gospel artiste a chance to showcase their talents, Kunle later Daily Times that come next year, the carol will be more glamorous than this.

Man behind the success of Goldlux unveiled Mr. Ola Abiodun may not be the owner or the CEO of Goldlux Hotel located along IyanaIpaja, Alagba Agege, but his three years as a manager in the fast- rising hotel has endeared him to many socialites in the environment and beyond. Now, hardly a first class hospitality business is mentioned in Lagos without the mentioning of Goldlux Hotel ,thanks to Mr. Abiodun , even the CEO of the Hotel Tajudden Ayoade cannot but thank God for the influ-

ence this young man has made in the risen of the business. He speaks ore about the hotel “There is a lot of competition in this our area but we maintain our standard and that give us edge even among many hotels here, our standard is unique our staff are well trained hotel business is a serious business, we have different kinds of rooms whatever you see in our fliers is what u we see here. Our security is very tight”

Ola Abiodun

Ram


Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, January 6, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Event L5

Photos: Harrysong, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, others ….As Alibaba encourages young entrepreneurs at ‘January 1st Concert’, rewards fashion designers Seasoned comedian, Alibaba, has expressed his happiness

Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. During a segment of the concert tagged “A Stitch in time contest”

audience so as to model for them.

another impressed personality from the audience.

especially in these trying times.

Teju


Review L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Andrew Oke

Cinema review:

“The Wedding Party” – Sola Sobowale saves a tepid script, a non-story film Watching The Wedding Party is like going on a blind date with a very attractive, but extremely stupid person. When the time comes to say anything of merit, the date disappoints, but you decide not to leave because of just how beautiful said date is. Then at the end of the night, when you believe that everything has been a complete offers you some protected, no strings attached hankypanky to make up for the mess of a night you just had, to which you wholeheartedly oblige. love birds Dunni Coker and Dozie Onwuka played by debut respectively. Dunni is the average, by the books “good girl” and daughter of oil magnate Bamidele Coker (Alibaba Akporobome) and his wife, Tinuade (Sola Sobowale). Dozie, on the other hand is a ladies man/ reformed playboy and son of Felix & Obianuju Onwuka played by Richard Mofe Damijo and Iretiola Doyle. Dozie and Dunni want nothing more than for their big day to go as smoothly as possible, however, over the course of the day, various mishaps and unfortunate events threaten to spoil this special day. And when I say these mishaps

the comedy genre generally) is more character driven than anything else, but that does not excuse it from not having an actual discernible story up until the end of its

every so-called mishap comes is just as a set up and left at other in the most dazzling of fashions.

a long, mind numbing ride of nothingness as scene after scene does nothing to propel any real story and (poorly)

are taking a family photograph just before they head to church for the wedding when the train of her dress gets

friend and bridesmaid, Deardre (Daniella Down) dances

the moment does not lead to anything and is completely unimportant once the scene is over. There is no pay off for the joke, only set up. Another example is when the wedding planner (Zainab Balogun) claims that the caterer

Caucasian friend and bridesmaid, Deardre orders amala

situation is not followed up on or complicated in any way.

nearly come full circle.

(Tosin Otudeko & Kemi Adetiba) created great situations

character exhibitions with little in the way of story. This exactly is what The Wedding Party does, and by my estimation, the average Asaba Nollywood movie does

instead of building upon these situations to create proper

white.

almost entirely on the antics of the amazing Sola Sobowale for any form of humour or entertainment. Every scene was made better by the presence of

anyone throw his or her heads back and laugh. Most of

Rosie. Her performance was memorable, but for all the wrong reasons. I still cannot, for the life of me understand how someone with so little acting ability can get cast in so many roles. It boggles the mind Of all the problems that The Wedding Party has, the most

on from scene to scene with no true narrative drive. Even


Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, January 6, 2017

Urban Central with Konnie Agu Lets talk African brands let’s talk Nigeria!!

One of the major breaking news ushering us into our year of restoration 2017 is the approved 2016

org

Written By Konnie for urban Central

L7


TV guide L8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 6, 2017

Showing on

Movies Stars Channel 111

17:02

Showing on

Movies Romance Channel 107

11:50

Fri, 6 Jan | PG 13

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

152 Africa Magic Epic

Fri, 6 Jan | PG 13

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

128 SONY MAX


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