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Rivers: FG to deal with trouble makers –Amaechi Ï Says we’re aware of plots to intimidate electoral officials, voters Ï Cautions police, army, others against inducement Ï We’re ready for polls –INEC, Police Ï Politicians’ orderlies to be withdrawn, massive deployment of officers assured

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has said that the Continued on page 6

Outrage as Customs uncover container with imported ready-to-eat food items 12 Court shifts trial of Justice Ademola, 6 wife to Dec.13 NLC seeks sanction for pension scheme defaulters B 1

L-R: Technology & Digital Leader, Deloitte West Africa, Oyewole Oyeniran; MD, Integrative Medical Centre, Dr. Damilola Familoni; Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu; MD/CEO Avon HMO, Adesimbo Ukiri and Chairperson, Avon HMO, Dr. Mrs Awele Vivien Elumelu, at the official unveiling of Avon HMO Online in Lagos… at the weekend.

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Ag. Chief Justice urges protection for judiciary

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PAGEANT GRAND FINALE

Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Date: Monday, 19th December, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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Editorial UNESCO and 62m illiterate Nigerians

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ecently, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) disclosed that more than 62 million Nigerians are illiterate.

According to international education body, it will take no less than 58 years of investment to eradicate illiteracy in the country, even with innovations like Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other learning mechanisms.

UNESCO’s disclosure is coming barely three years after the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of 2013 set by the United Nations for the eradication of illiteracy in the world. In fact, recent statistics reveal that aside the staggering 10.5 million children said to be out-ofschool, some 60 million Nigerians cannot read and write. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, adult illiteracy rate in Nigeria stands at 60 percent. The implication of this is that more than 70per cent of Nigerians are illiterates.

We are alarmed but definitely not surprised at these figures, given the shoddy and even dispassionate attitude of governments at all levels towards education in the country.

Unfortunately, this growing tribe of illiterate population is inimical to development, to say the least, even as it is common knowledge that no nation rises above the quality of its human capital.

For long, the increasing rate of illiteracy among Nigerians has continued to occupy prime place in national discourse, even when the authorities are doing nothing to ameliorate the situation. This is shameful. That Nigeria ranks, as one of the countries with the highest level of illiteracy, coupled with the fact that it had the highest number of out-of-school children in the world is both embar-

rassing and unacceptable. Such indictment is eloquent testimony of the fact that Nigeria’s educational policies, over the years, have failed to achieve the desired results.

The stubbornly high illiteracy level is only symptomatic of the poor funding accorded education. Going

by UNESCO’s benchmark every country must provide 26 per cent of its annual budget for education. Sadly, that of Nigeria is between a measly 10-13 per cent. The stark statistics of illiteracy among Nigerians is a call to action. It is therefore pertinent that the Federal Government and all stakeholders in the education sector come up with far reaching policies to tackle this national embarrassment.

We are saying this because past governments are known to abandon the policies of their predecessors with intention of spiting them.

Such short -sight is responsible for the present sorry pass in the education sector. There is no denying the fact that for Nigeria to tackle the myriad of challenges confronting her, she must urgently arrest the rising illiteracy among the population.

Moreover, to successfully confront poverty, disease, religious fanaticism, political chaos, ethnic bigotry, gender discrimination, economic depression among others, there must be concerted efforts to enhance the literacy level in the country.

To achieve this, all governments must budget adequate resources for education. Equally, literacy inclined groups and other related NGOs should step up activities and campaigns to increase awareness towards the importance of literacy. Without a doubt, literacy is essential to individual and societal development. For a society to attain sustainable development, social development and environmental integration, literacy is one of the required key elements.

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Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris (right), presenting a plague to Acting chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, during a courtesy visit on Idris at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja… on Monday.

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Imo State Governor, Mr. Rochas Okorocha (left) and Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, when he led other officers to visit Okorocha at the Government House, Owerri, Imo state… on Monday.

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President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and President of Liberia, Mrs. Ellen Sirleaf (right) during her courtesy visit to Buhari at the State House, Abuja… on Monday.

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Nelson Mandela

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

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

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

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Rivers: FG to deal with trouble makers –Amaechi Continued from page 1

law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with anyone who breaks the electoral law during the December 10 legislative re-run elections, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State Police Command have restated their preparedness for the rescheduled polls.

Speaking during the Freedom Thanksgiving Service held in honour of Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree at Buguma town in Asari Toru Local Government Area, the minister, who was represented

by Senator Magnus Abe, the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate for Rivers South East Senatorial District in the legislative re-run election, said he was aware of threats by some people to deal with the electoral officials and intimidate members of the public from carrying out their civic duties.

He cautioned some law enforcement agents against allowing themselves to be induced financially to neglect their duties, pointing out that such officers were enemies of the Nigerian state and the constitution. He added: “Any policeman who refuses to carry out his constitutional duties because of anything whatsoever, whether by inducement or threat is a traitor to the constitution of Nigeria.”

The minister said he was aware that the Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had been encouraging his supporters to break the law and resist arrest.

He said: “It is the job of the law enforcement agents to arrest those who do not respect the law.

So, no governor can give you immunity from arrest. Let Wike send his own brothers to go to the road, break the law and when the police come to arrest them, let them resist arrest.

“When he has done that then we will know that he has the power to stop the police from arresting criminals when they break the law. People who break the law before, during and after the election will be arrested. People who are members of PDP, APC and they break the law will be arrested.”

He therefore, assured members of the public that nobody was above the law and that there would be adequate security for the maintenance of law and order to enable them cast their votes.

In his speech, Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree thanked those who in prayers and efforts made his release possible particularly, the Minister of Transportation.

He said he was incarcerated for the crime he did not commit because of his support and loyalty to the APC. At another forum, Senator Abe called for a level playing field by

INEC and the security agencies for the December 10 re-run elections.

He said that they of the APC were not asking for INEC and security agencies to favour them, rather, they are urging these apparatus of government to do the needful by ensuring that every voter has an enabling environment to cast his vote without molestation and intimidation as well as the votes counted.

Assuring of their preparedness for the poll, the electoral body and the police made the commitment in a meeting with other security agencies and political parties, as well as candidates in the rerun.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Odesanya, while addressing the stakeholders, at the Police Officers’ Mess, Port Harcourt, stated that security presence in the state would not give room for political thugs to carry

out their nefarious activities.

He said the Command would withdraw police orderlies attached to politicians in the state during the exercise, stressing that the Force would not allow any police officer to go close to the polling units with guns and ammunition.

He assured that the police would remain unbiased in providing level playing ground for all the political parties in the exercise, warning that the full force of the law would be brought to bear on perpetrators of violence in the election.

The Police Commissioner said: “Police will be deployed massively; the whole state would be very well covered. If you have in mind to sew materials for political thugs, we will take you by surprise.”

Also speaking at the meeting, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state, El-

der Aniedi Ikoiwak, stated that the commission would commence the distribution of sensitive materials for elections on Thursday, after retrieving them from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Port Harcourt, same day.

Ikoiwak urged all residents of Rivers State, candidates and political parties to make the Saturday rerun elections to be the last in the interest of society.

He disclosed that the commission had concluded the training of ad-hoc staff to be used for the election, adding that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) would serve as Presiding Officers in the election.

The REC said: “We have concluded the training of the adhoc staff to be used for the election apart from the collation officers to be used. Politicians have combed all the universities in the country to find out who the collation officers are.”

L-R: Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwezili; chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, Edward Pwajok and Chief Operating Officer, Paradigm Initiative, Tope Ogundipe, during a public hearing on a bill for an act to provide for the protection of human rights and internet users in Nigeria… on Monday.

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Court shifts trial of Justice Ademola, wife to Dec.13 Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The scheduled arraignment

of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court and his wife, Olabowale on corruption charges before Justice Jude Okeke of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja did not hold on Monday as scheduled.

However the court had shifted the arraignment till December 13 due to the absence of defendants in court.

When the matter was mentioned yesterday, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Shegu Jegede, told the court that attempt by the bai-

liff to serve the charge on Justice Ademola last week proved abortive as he was told that the defendant travelled to Lagos.

Jegede said he wanted to apply for an order of substituted service before the defence lawyer, Mr. Jeph Njikonye, expressed his willingness to accept the charge on behalf of his clients pursuant to section 382(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which allows a lawyer to receive charge for a defendant.

The prosecution counsel stressed that section 390 of the ACJA provides for a minimum of seven working days before the date certified on the notice, for the defendants to appear for trial.

Meanwhile, FG yesterday applied to withdraw an initial 15-count charge dated November 14, saying it had on December 1, entered an amended 11 count charge against the defendants.

The defence lawyer did not oppose FG’s request to withdraw the initial charge.

“We are not opposed to withdrawal of the initial charge. In the spirit of the ACJA which makes provision for expeditious disposal of criminal matters, we are prepared to accept service of the extant charge on the defendant.

“We shall be praying your lordship to grant the leave pursuant to the inherent jurisdiction of this court and not under section

382(5).

“This is because Section 382(5) comes into place where personal service of charge on a defendant is impracticable or impossible.

“I am not aware of an attempt made by the bailiff to serve the charge on the defendant.

“I undertake that if my lord grant the application, the charge will be passed to the defendants and I assure that they will be in court on the next adjourned date for arraignment”, Njikonye submitted.

In a bench ruling, trial Justice Jude Okeke struck out the initial charge also marked CR/21/16.

The court said there was affidavit of none-service deposed to

by the bailiff who stated that his attempt to serve the defendants on December 2, proved abortive, as he was told that the defendant travelled to Lagos.

Consequently, the court, by consent of the parties, adjourned the matter till December 13 for arraignment.

Specifically, FG, alleged that Ademola who was among the seven superior court Judges whose homes were raided by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, between October 7 and 8, and his wife, committed offences contrary to Section 8 of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Act , 2011 and Section 115 of the Penal Code Law .

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Majority of Ndigbo can’t read, write Igbo language -Ex-VC Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎFormer

Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Pita Ejiofor has stated that majority of Ndigbo cannot read or write Igbo language and called on governors from South East geopolitical zone to help save Igbo Language from going into extinction.

Addressing a gathering of Igbos during the Southeast Leadership and Development Summit 2016 in Enugu, the former Vice Chancellor tasked the governors in the zone to unite and take a definite action to save the Igbo language from dying.

“95 percent of Ndigbo can neither read nor write in Igbo language”, he said.

He said that the development was a huge setback to the growth and development of Igbo nation.

Ejiofor noted that if the governors failed to unite and prevent the eventual demise of Igbo language, nobody else would save it.

“I want to call on the South-East

Governors Forum to wade into the matter and save Igbo language from going into extinction.

“I want to state categorically that without your intervention and that of others, efforts being made at the moment to save the language would not bear fruit”, he said.

He restated that most Igbos cannot read one full page of a writeup in Igbo language or even write their language.

Ejiofor lamented that the situation has gotten to the point that lots of Igbos now feel ashamed of speaking their mother tongue.

In his nine-page speech written in Igbo, and entitled, “The State of Igbo language: Have Ndigbo Accepted the Status Quo?” Prof.

Ejiofor declared: “The SouthEast Governors Forum should wake up and stand firm on this matter. I think there is also the need for the elders in Igbo land to join the governors in their meeting as mere observers to see how to save the language.”

He said further: “There’s no way Igbo language could have breath of life if the governors in the zone don’t show interest and

commitment. Governors in Igbo land should make out time to call a meeting with members of Suwakwa Igbo so that they could create awareness about Igbo language in each state of the zone.”

According to Ejiofor, Suwakwa Igbo is an association of scholars

he founded to create awareness for the sustainability of the Igbo language both in and outside schools in the southeast zone and beyond.

He regretted that almost every Igbo person was aware of the steady decline of Igbo language

and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said corrupt elements are doing everything possible to deliberately confuse the people about the good work of the present administration, as a response to the government’s determined fight against corruption.

Addressing the staff of the Nigerian embassy in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, the Minister said as the government fights corruption, corruption is also fighting back, using even unsuspecting sources, adding: ‘’This is the biggest challenge facing the administration at the moment.’’

He however assured that the Ad-

ministration remains determined and focused in its efforts to root out corruption in the country.

Responding to a question on how the government can better ensure the flow of timely and accurate information to Nigerian Missions abroad, Alhaji Mohammed said the Ministry would launch an Information App on 15 Dec. 2016 to provide real time information to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.

He also said the Ministry is considering setting up a Foreign Service Information System as part of plans to furnish the Missions with much-needed information, especially for prospective investors and

tourists.

The Minister told the Embassy Staff that apart from using the traditional means of communicating with the people, the Administration has resorted to holding Town Hall Meetings in order to better inform Nigerians of the activities of government, as well as to get the necessary feedback on government’s programmes and policies.

He disclosed, however, that the Town Hall Meetings, which has been held in five states and Abuja so far, will be held on a sectoral basis from next year, in order to provide more information to Nigerians on key sectors, including Agriculture,

infrastructural development and the economy.

Alhaji Mohammed also announced that efforts are being made to revitalize the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which he said is the closest to the grassroots, with a view to strengthening to be able to communicate the programmes and policies of the Administration to Nigerians ‘’We are reinventing the NOA in a more professional manner.

The challenge is to better equip the NOA staff with the latest communication facilities so that they can do their work more effectively,’’ he said.

Press freedom, evidence of matured democracy, says Ag CJN Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Walter Onnoghen on Monday said that a free press is perhaps the most potent evidence of a mature democratic government.

Justice Onnoghen stated this in Abuja at the opening of a two-day workshop organized by the NJI for judiciary correspondents.

He said that “in countries with enduring democracy, freedom of

the press is upheld as a veritable tool in shaping opinions and influencing policies.”

Though the CJN admitted that the relationship between the press and the country’s judiciary has been frosty, he however attributed this to the fact that journalists are after “scoop”.

“Although a necessary hazard, the friction intermittently caused by this strain has at times resulted in the wilder society having wrong perception of the Nigerian judiciary” the CJN noted.

However, Justice Onnoghen emphasised the importance of

stressing that concerned scholars have warned against the language going into extinction, although it seemed that most Igbo showed indifferent attitude to the matter.

“Every Igbo person knows that our Hausa brothers usually discuss in Hausa whenever they meet with their own people. The same thing applies to our Yoruba brothers. But when an Igbo man meets his fellow Igbo man, they will begin to discuss in English instead of Igbo language. And Igbo people do this just to show off,” he said.

District Head, Kwadon, Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar (2nd row middle) with officials of National Directorate of Employment, during the training of 50 youths at Kwadon community of Yamaltu/Deba LGA in Gombe State… recently.

Corrupt elements obstructing FG’s good work - Minister

ÏÏÏThe Minister of Information

7 News

preserving and protecting the judiciary as an institution designed to outlive individuals.

“The judiciary is the foundation of the rule of law in the society. If that foundation is threatened in any way, including threat to its independence, there cannot be a viable democracy.

He stated that for the country’s evolving democracy to be fully entrenched and enduring, the press must partner with the judiciary in the performance of this crucial role.

“The press must be in the forefront of educating the public on

the workings of our courts and our justice delivery system” he added.

“In these days of cutting edge technology, where news is instantly transmitted o the citizenry, the press is a sounding board of public opinion and the relay between a judicial interpretation of the law and the grafting of such interpretation into the consciousness of citizens.

“Hence, the need for the press to better regulate it’s reportage of court proceedings or matters that impact upon public confidence in the judiciary becomes critical.

FG bans importation of vehicles through land borders

Mathew Dadiiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land Borders have been banned by the Federal Government.

In a press statement signed

by Wale Adeniyi, Custom’s Public Relations Officer on Monday, the prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles.

According to the statement, ”the ban is sequel to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria Sea Ports only. The order takes effect from 1st January 2017.”

The statement further pointed out that “the restriction on importation of vehicles follows that of rice, which imports have been banned through the land Borders since April 2016.”

It advised importers of vehicles through the land borders “to utilize the grace period up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring Ports.”

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Professor Amosun rewards hardworking civil Johnbull axes servants with houses, others anti-social ÎÎÎ trend of solicited tips ÎÎÎ

The growing habit of unsolicited tips comes under the spotlight in this week’s edition of Professor Johnbull, the hilarious TV series sponsored by next generation network, Globacom.

Aptly themed “Find Me Something,” the episode, which is the 6th in Season Two highlights the negative effects of the habit on society and on the mind of those involved in it. It will be broadcast at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes. There will also be a repeat broadcast of the series on Friday at the same time on the same stations.

A statement released by Globacom explained the choice of the theme for the episode as being informed by the widespread habit whereby people expect to be given tips for delivering services for which they are duly employed, not minding whether the client is able to give out the gratification or not.

“The ‘happy weekend, Sir,’ syndrome, especially among people, who should ordinarily render services without expecting gratification, is becoming worrisome and needs to be addressed. Viewers of the TV Series will find the episode doing justice to the social ill as Professor Johnbull bares his mind on the issue this Tuesday”, the company said in the statement.

Globacom promised that the episode would be entertaining as usual as viewers would find out what Find me Something is all about.

The episode will provide answers to questions such as: Who is involved in the antics? Will Churchill and Flash fall for Samson’s shenanigan as he plays the ‘solicited tips’ card on them? How does Professor Johnbull handle his gateman’s penchant for asking for tips? Is ‘Oga find me something’ a societal issue or an individual problem? Why did Professor Johnbull abandon his much cherished nkwobi midway at Olaniyi’s restaurant?

Experienced Nollywood actor, Charles Okafor, makes a guest appearance on the show, Globacom added.

He joins the moral conscience of the sitcom, Kanayo O. Kanayo (Professor Johnbull), in condemning the practice of soliciting for tips and suggesting how the syndrome can be curbed.

The regular faces of the comedy show, including Ufoma (Bimbo Akintola), Churchill (Jnr. Pope Odonwodo), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe), Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), Jumoke (Bidemi Kosoko), Elizabeth (Queen Nwokoye) and Professor Johnbull (Kanayo O. Kanayo), all feature in Find Me Something.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday, rewarded the hard work and dedication to duty of four civil servants in the state, by presenting each one of them with keys to 2-bedroom apartments at the AAK Degun Estate, Laderin, Abeokuta.

According to a statement by senior special assistant to the governor, Adejuwon Soyinka, the workers who were rewarded include: Mrs. Folashade Adekoya, an Officer of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE; Mr. Isiaka Alani Sule, a staff of the Governor’s Office; Alhaji Adeshina Waheed and Pastor Wole Dosunmu both of the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

Explaining why these civil servants were picked out for the

reward, Governor Amosun said it was simply to show that hard work and dedication to duty pays.

He explained that in the case of Adekoya, she was picked for the reward because of her selfless and untiring service as a traffic officer. “Come rain, come sunshine, she is always at her duty post working and she never knew that I was noticing her,” the governor said.

A similar scenario applied to Sule, Waheed and Dosunmu who were all rewarded by the governor for dedication to duty.

Apart from the four civil servants who were rewarded, the event also witnessed the presentation of keys to other beneficiaries of the 160-housing unit built solely for civil servants.

While presenting keys to the beneficiaries, the Ogun State

governor urged them to properly maintain the estate community. He also called on the private sector to partner with the state government in its estate development drive with a view to addressing the housing challenge in the state.

Governor Amosun said his administration acknowledges the socio-economic problems militating against house ownership especially among the lowincome civil servants urging investors in the private sector to help in providing affordable and befitting housing.

He explained that the A.A.K Degun Estate, successfully completed by his administration was designed and constructed to meet the needs of middle-income earning civil servants as a way of helping them to realise their dreams of becoming house

owners.

The event also witnessed the commissioning of the Laderin Neighborhood Market, built specifically to service the Laderin Estate and its environs.

In his remarks, Ogun State Head of Service, Elder Olusola Adeyemi, appreciated the state government for deeming it fit to provide such befitting and affordable housing unit for the public servants in the state.

On her part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and General Manager, Ogun State Housing Corporation, Mrs. Jumoke Akinwunmi, said the idea of the housing estate was to create an environment and a home for civil servants with neighbourhood centre, retail stores, market, playground and landscaping all at an affordable price.

Ag.CJN urges protection for judiciary Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Acting Chief

L-R: Head of ICT, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Mr. Johnson Udobong; Acting Director-General, NCWD, Mr. Sadeeq Umar and Director of Human Resources Management, Memuna Mani-Yangora, at a 5-day programme on promoting women and girls’ access to ICT in Abuja… recently.

Family of politician killed in Enugu demands justice

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎ

The family of frontline politician and human rights crusader, Chief Ejike Onah popularly called Papa Nsukka gruesomely murdered four years ago in Nsukka, Enugu State have demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

A relation of the deceased, Pastor Obodoike Onyishi appealed to authorities to intervene by making the culprits accountable for their action.

Speaking to Daily Times in Enugu, Onyishi a pastor at the Sabbath Church said it was quite lamentable that their brother’s killers were still moving freely and causing more troubles at Agbani community in Nsukka.

He noted that one of the alleged killers of the deceased has already giving names and chilling accounts of how they murdered the deceased in front of his gate in 2013.

Onyishi also revealed that one Osita Ezema has been going around collecting money from some of the alleged culprits to cover up their involvement in the dastardly act.“Yes, almost the entire Agbani Community now know those behind the killing of Papa Nsukka four years ago and some of the killers are still walking freely without any plan by those in authority to arrest and prosecute them.

“The community is aware that the brutal killing of the former chairman of the neighbourhood

watch was hatched at the residence of one Anthony Agu and also how the traditional ruler of Nkpunano autonomous community, Igwe Patrick Okolo supported the launch of a new watch group to rubbish the efforts of Papa Nsukka led neighbourhood watch group as at that time.

“The then police Area commander, DPO in the area as well as the commissioner for human development and poverty reduction in the state Hon. Obinna Mbeke were aware of the confusion generated over the launch of Ogbeagu neighbourhood watch before the death of Papa Nsukka because they are in possession of the numerous petitions written by the community.

Justice of Nigeria(CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen on Monday reminded the public of the importance of preserving and protecting the judiciary saying its constitutional mandate is the foundation of the rule of law in any society.

Justice Onnoghen who stated this at the backdrop of current challenges said that any threat to the foundation, including threat to its independence, portends danger as the citizens will ultimately bear the brunt.

The Acting CJN stated this while swearing in two newly appointed Justices of Supreme Court: Justice Paul Adamu Galinje and Sidi Dauda Bage, yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, “our democracy is evolving and we must all work towards ensuring that the rule and law are deeply entrenched in our nation. To do otherwise is an invitation to chaos and anarchy.”

He assured that the National Judicial Council (NJC), was poised more than ever before to restore confidence in the judiciary and to defend its independence and integrity.

“We will continue to review our guideline and Procedural Rules as the need arises in the times we live”, he added.

He said that the two justices are coming into the Supreme Court at a time when the judiciary is witnessing very challenging times. Therefore, he enjoined them not to despair but use it as a spur to a greater commitment to defend the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesay, December 6, 2016

Politics

9

s

2019: Have moves for new mega party begun?

Tinubu

Patrick Okohue Yesterday, a former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, denied any involvement in the plan by some political actors across party line to form another political party before the 2019 elections, as result of the frustration they are currently going through in their various political parties.

The former governor in his twitter handle – @AsiwajuTinubu tweeted: “this is a party I labored with others to build. We would not abandon it for another. Millions of Nigerians who voted are watching and praying.

“This government, APC, is for the betterment of the people and the national purpose is bigger and more important than any individual’s desires.”

He also tweeted that he wished to be associated with “positive historic legacy… rather than engage in destructive pettiness.”

Adding that “I have devoted my political life to achieve what has been achieved. My heart is too much of the people and my mind too fixed on establishing.”

Tinubu also noted that “Achievements will be had and replicated. Through it all, I, Asiwaju will remain true to the progressive ideals that fueled the creation of APC. “In our Journey to national betterment, plans and policies will be made, then amended. Mistakes will occur and then corrected..”

Tinubu was reacting to a publication by a national newspaper, speculating his alliance with some co-party stalwarts and Ahmed Makarfi-led opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form another party.

Atiku

In the publication which the newspaper said was a result of their investigation, it said that its findings showed that the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP and some aggrieved chieftains of the APC had intensified efforts aimed at forming the party since the result of the Ondo State election was released.

It added that as part of the plans, those involved in the talks were also considering adopting any of the existing political parties as their platform, pointing fingers at Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as those behind the plot from the APC side.

Quoting a PDP chieftain, the paper said that with what happened in Ondo, it had become obvious that the Muhammadu Buhari administration was not ready to relinquish power despite the fact that it had no solution to the economic recession in the country.

“The mega party is still at a formative stage, but I can tell you we are making steady progress. With what happened in Ondo, you will agree with me that the cabal around the President, including a governor from the North-Central, and some ministers, has hijacked the party structure.

Obasanjo

“They have shown more than once that they want to frustrate Tinubu and Atiku out of the APC. These are tested politicians, who have no plans of retiring any time soon.

“The picture will become clearer before the end of the first quarter of next year (March 2017) because some of our people believe that if we come out now, the cabal will use executive powers to frustrate us. Others feel it is better to let Nigerians know but our leaders are meeting at home and abroad. We are waiting for them.

“We are working on the plan to form a mega party, but we may adopt any of the existing parties, if the government thwarts our efforts,” the PDP chieftain was quoted as saying.

It will be recalled that prior to the recently concluded Ondo State governorship election, speculation was rife that Tinubu and other aggrieved APC and PDP members have been meeting and deliberating on formation of a new mega party that will rival APC in the 2019 general elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was named as one of the arrowheads of the

I have devoted my political life to achieve what has been achieved. My heart is too much of the people and my mind too fixed on establishing. Achievements will be had and replicated. Through it all, I, Asiwaju will remain true to the progressive ideals that fueled the creation of APC. In our Journey to national betterment, plans and policies will be made, then amended. Mistakes will occur and then corrected.

emerging party. The party is also believed to be the likely choice of the Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, being the only PDP governor left in the South West geo political zone.

This many believe may have informed Fayose’s recent comments that he was not sure yet about the platform he may use to prosecute the 2018 governorship election in the state, assuring the people that whatever platform that he may choose will be communicated to the people for appropriate action.

Tinubu’s opposition with the APC hierarchy began when his attempts to substitute his candidate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke with the late Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu failed.

Instead, another APC stalwart and the first runners-up in the party’s primary – incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello was substituted and stood for the party till the election was concluded.

The latest of his differences with the APC leadership was his opposition to the party’s Ondo State governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

Tinubu allegedly worked against Akeredolu and APC, and supported the candidate of another party – Mr. Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

It will also be recalled that a few months ago, a former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, revealed that two new political parties would be established before the end of 2017.

He said politicians across the nation would engage in alignments and re-alignments for CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Ondo guber poll manipulated with card readers - Jegede

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the just-concluded Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, in this no holds barred interview with journalists in Akure, takes a critical look at the poll in which his opponent, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner. Jegede faults the conduct of the election through use of faulty card readers, a machine he describes as alien to the constitution and the electoral act. He also expresses concern that there was ‘heavy monetisation of the election process.’ SAM NZEH captured it for Daily Times.

I will like you to appraise the conduct of the just-concluded governorship election and tell us what you feel about how the election fared.

Well, we give glory to God. Under a democratic dispensation, elections ordinarily should represent the will and the wishes of the people. And that is why we have INEC, given such enormous powers as to prepare for credible election, fix dates of elections, and ensure that election at all time is free and fair. Speaking from my personal experience, I think this is one election that ordinarily has posed a challenge to all of us and has also tested the principles of democratic dispensation.

You will recall that on the 27th of October, My name was taken out of the list of candidates in the election that was fixed for 26th of November. You will also recall that through court intervention my name was restored to the ballot and that was achieved two days to the election. You’ll recall also that my party and I requested for postponement of the date of election, to still fall within the period envisaged under the electoral act. Regrettably and most unfortunately, INEC refused, declined to postpone that election, to enable us have a fair playing ground. And the reason for seeking that postponement was basically one, to enable us have the voters register that is very critical and important to the election; two, to enable us have my name on the website of INEC and introduce me as a candidate. Thirdly, to allow myself and my party time to submit the list of agents for the purpose of that election.

The request was not granted. So we were forced to go to election on Saturday, November 26. In other words, we had only one day to campaign for this election.

Against that background, this is one election that, as far as I am concerned, did not meet with the basic tenet of fairness and has not afforded all the candidates equal opportunity of presenting their position to the electorate.

But because it’s not about myself, it’s about the people, Nigeria as a nation and also for the purpose of history, it is important that we have a credible, independent electoral body. And all those games that are playing out in our democratic experience now were not there when the former President Goodluck Jonathan was at the helm of affairs. Interestingly, you cannot beat your chest and say there is any credible election again in this country. All those characters that had cause to truncate the will of the people should sit back and realise that they are the enemies of this country.

Are you considering any legal action in view of these infractions that you have highlighted?

I have 21 days to do that. I don’t have

Jegede

to take any hasty decision, but I am also weighing all my options. I will tell you the truth. There are two schools of thought.

Some say ‘challenge’, some say ‘don’t challenge’. For me, I am more interested in the Nigerian project. I am more interested in building a very credible democratic experience for our people. And I do know that four years in the life of a nation is just a small part of it. I know that opportunity will still come for our people to choose who their leaders should be. I do hope that next time there will be an improvement in the conduct of elections. And I have had cause

to congratulate Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who was declared the winner by INEC. I have had cause to thank all those who voted for us and even those who did not vote for us. I have had cause to tell our people that even though we were adjudged to have lost the election but we won the heart of the people. I believe that all of us must make sacrifices.

And despite the heavy monetisation of the electoral process, there comes a time in a man’s life that you just move on.

In Ondo PDP, people look up to you for leadership. Apparently, the party

The introduction of the card reader is a self-serving mechanism, meant to disrupt and influence our electoral system. And the earlier we do away with it, the better for all of us. That is my personal opinion.

And I am saying this because I know that I took part in the elections of 26th of November. I know what happened.

is not going to be in power at the state level for the next four years. How do you intend to re-build PDP and stabilise the party?

I don’t know what you mean by ‘the party will not be in the helm of affairs for the next four years’. I think it is too early to determine that. I think it is just too early.

Ok, people are also talking about realignment of forces among political parties. What do you envision in that respect?

I believe there would be, in the fullness of time. I believe there will be adjustments, there will be re-alignments. I believe also that there will be a lot of shaking in the political space after following the elections of Ondo State. I believe that politicians will adjust. I believe there would be a very credible platform that will do away with the whole garbage of the past and come up with a new vision.

Finally, the outcome of the governorship election in your home base, which is Akure North and Akure South, has really, really rattled a lot of observers. What do you think actually went wrong?

Well, I did complain that day. One; that the card reader machine is now the most potent threat to our democracy. Now, go and do your check and you’ll find that the card reader machine is a new innovation that has to statutory backing. It’s not in the constitution nor is it in the electoral act. And if you go and check, you will find out that one machine has a central server that controls it from Abuja. And it can be shut down. And that is a matter of fact, that it is possible to manipulate that machine. Sometimes you see some of them not working, others working slowly, others working normally. It is the outcome of manipulation and adjustment of that machine. It’s like any other electronic system.

It depends on what you feed into it. That is what it brings.

And I had complained on the day of election, from a good number of polling stations, where the card reader was not working at all. We also had instances where it was slow, and I complained to the Resident Electoral Commissioner. He said he had instructed that where the card reader is not working, they should use the incident forms. Now, why did you deploy a card reader that is not working? Now you know that that machine is not reliable, it’s not credible, it malfunctions, it will not assist.

And you also know that the cause of the non-reliability and malfunctioning of that machine and you provided incident forms.

Now where you have hundred voters on the queue and the machine would not capture these hundred, and then you proCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

11 Politics

Election tribunal: Group condemns clash between PDP, APC supporters

Titus Akhigbe,Benin

Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Edo State chapter has condemned what it called, “a show

of shame”, the clash between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the premises of the Election Petitions Tribunal re-

cently.

CRPP, in a statement in Benin yesterday and signed by Dr. Samson Isibor (Chairman) and Mr. Uyi Williams (Secretary), respectively condemned

the action of thugs, who nearly turned the venue of the tribunal to a battle ground.

The group also expressed disappointment over the role played by the police and other

Wife of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Victoria Odigie-Oyegun; APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Captain Hosa Okunbo; Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his wife, Betsy after APC National Chairman received a lifetime achievement award presented to him by the Warri Choral Society during a concert by the Society in Lagos, on Sunday.

security agents that were deployed to the venue of the tribunal to maintain order, saying that, “they folded their hands while the fracas was going on.”

CRPP said, “The police should be fair to all parties and discharge their responsibility of protecting lives and property.

It is disheartening to hear that the police were watching the thugs unleashing terror, using all sorts of dangerous weapons on unsuspecting PDP supporters.”

The group therefore advised unemployed youths to be wary of the antics and selfishness of politicians who would want to use and dump them after achieving their aims.

The CRPP noted that using armed thugs cannot change the facts of the petition before the tribunal, saying that “we believe that justice will be done no matter how highly placed those that are involved.”

The group called on the police to find the perpetrators and sponsors of the mayhem and bring them to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

‘Ondo guber poll manipulated with card readers’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

duced 10 incident forms, what happens to the other 90 prospective voters? And why do you interpose a very unreliable machine in our electoral system? Whose interest are they serving? Why do you keep on using malfunctioning card reader to disenfranchise the majority of the people, when you know that it is not a machine that has a foothold in the constitution or would find comfort with the electoral act?

Why would somebody sit down and write under guideline, that you should use a machine that would not find comfort with our electoral laws and procedures? The law says that if you have your

Yakubu

name on the voters register, and you have your voter’s card, then you are eligible to vote, you are a voter. But the machine says if you don’t pass through machine, you cannot vote. Does it make sense? So, the introduction of the card reader is a self-serving mechanism, meant to disrupt and influence our electoral system. And the earlier we do away with it, the better for all of us. That is my personal opinion.

And I am saying this because I know that I took part in the elections of 26th of November. I know what happened.

Again, you’ll also recall that openly, there was heavy monetisation of the democratic process, and the security agents looked away. Again you find out that

2019: Have moves for new mega party begun?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

the creation of these two new political parties that would end up very formidable.

Obasanjo, who spoke while hosting a delegation of the Ondo State chapter of the Accord Party, noted that the ruling APC and the opposition PDP are not vibrant enough for their current roles.

Speaking on the possibility of his wanting to be part of such a political party if it eventually sees the light of the day, former Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye, who will neither deny or agree whether he has any inkling to such development said whether or not he will support such a party will depend on a lot of factors.

“I will wait to see the characters in such party, I will wait to understand the ideology behind such party and I will wait to see what reception my people will give to that party, because every politics is local.

It might be difficult for me to say whether I will be part of it or not. But, by all means if whichever party you are in is not meeting your political objectives and not meeting your ideological principals, then there will be nothing wrong in moving out of it and joining another one.”

Though his involvement in the planned new party may have been denied, it will not be a surprise if the former Lagos State governor eventually turns out to be part of the ‘upcoming party’ after what he has been through in his political career since

1999.

Tinubu has been part of many political parties, most of which he help to formed as a result of frustration within his party or attempts to build a stronger platform, from the AD, he led his supporters to form the Action Congress (AC) and later led them into an alliance with other political platforms to form the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which eventually joined the merger that gave birth to APC. With such political history, many political watchers believe that if Tinubu decides to be part of another opposition political party to wrestle power from the APC, which he engineered its formation prior to the 2015 elections, he will only be seen as trying to be himself.

Buhari

while some people campaigned for three months, two months, one month, one of the leading candidates was not allowed to campaign at all. Is that system fair? Some have said that ‘well, it is the internal matter of PDP’. But they should think deeply.

Was it PDP that said ‘remove the name’?

Was it PDP that removed the name? The truth of it is that, there had been thirdparty intervention in the affairs of a particular political party, by others who are outside that party. And they have used government institutions to thwart the will of the people. And I don’t think that is fair. We’ve complained, and I believe and hope that INEC would try to be independent.

News 12 How Akpobolokemi, Atewe converted N4.5b to US dollars - EFCC

Peter Fowoyo

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ Õè ƾƠơÕ

Outrage as Customs uncovers container with imported ready-to-eat food items Babajide Okeowo & Joy Anyim

Stakeholders in the mariÏÏÏ A Federal High Court in La- ÏÏÏ time industry, yesterday, ex-

gos on Monday heard how about N4.9 billion was converted into United States dollars by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Akopobolokemi, and others charged for money laundering.

Akopobolokemi is standing trial alongside a former commander of the Military Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe; Kime Engozu and Josephine Otuaga over N13 billion fraud.

Led in evidence by EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness, Adamu Usman Yusuf, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), told the court that during investigation, it was discovered that the money was handed over to the 3rd and 4th defendants (Engozu and Otuaga).

Yusuf told the court that “at the end of our investigation, we discovered that about N4.9 billion were converted into United States dollars and the money was handed to the 3rd and 4th accused persons.”

“We also recovered evidence, where the defendants acknowledged the receipt of the money and same was forwarded to forensic unit for expert opinion.”

He said that the defendants used different companies and accounts to launder billions from Joint Task Force operation account.

The companies are Jagan Ltd; Jagan Trading Company Ltd; Jagan Global Services Ltd; Al-Nald Ltd; Paper Warehouse Ltd; Eastpoint Integrated Services Ltd and De-New Link Integrated Services Ltd. The EFCC claimed that the accused committed the alleged fraud between September 5, 2014 and May 20, 2015.

He said during investigation, letters of request were sent to Guaranty Trust Bank, Heritage Bank, Diamond Bank and Stanbic IBTC Bank as well as First City Monument Bank (FCMB) demanding for account statements and operating documents of beneficiaries of the accounts.

Earlier, the EFCC in an amended 22-count charge alleged that the defendants sometimes in 2014 in Lagos, converted the sum of N8, 537, 586, 798.58 property of NIMASA contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act. They were also alleged to have between September 5, 2014 and May 20, 2015, converted to personal use the sum of N2, 006,270, 930.67 through Jagan Limited, property of NIMASA.

pressed shock and outrage over the interception of a 1 x 20 container, loaded with ready-to-eat food items like Egusi Soup, jollof rice, ogbono, yam porridge imported from India by officers of the Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Announcing the seizure, Area Controller of Customs, Mr.

Bashar Yusuf, during a meeting with stakeholders at the SDV/ SCOA Terminal while handing over the container of the imported prepared local foods to officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC, described the discovery as an “aberration,” considering the fact that government granted zero duty for the importation of machinery for the packaging of agricultural products..

“The Federal Government, in her wisdom, granted zero duty

for the importation of machinery for the packaging of agricultural products into the country. I wonder why an indigenous menu would be imported into the country at a time when investors are much sought for to boost local Industries,” he said.

Also, stakeholders in the maritime industry, while expressing shock and outrage over the interception, lamented that Nigeria has been turned into a dumping ground for junks Reacting to the discovery, president of the Association of Li-

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censed Customs Agent of Nigeria (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, expressed sadness that Nigerians can go to any length to make money, while noting that the importation of food items into the country has been banned.

He called on the security agencies to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter to bring the culprits to book.

“The importer of the items is only trying to take advantage of the yuletide season to make quick money and should be made to face the full wrath of the law, I also commend the customs service for their diligence,” he said.

In the same vein, president of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NMDCLA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, also condemned the discovery, saying it portends a dangerous trend for the country and that Nigeria is now seen as a dumping ground for any importer.

“It is sad that Nigeria is now seen as a dumping ground for any kind of products, at a time that the country is seeking to diversify its economy, it is appalling that someone can think of importing food stuffs that can be sourced locally,” he said.

Speaking further, the customs area controller, Mr. Yusuf, charged would-be investors to look at the export potentials, which abound in the country and take advantage of same for their socio-economic benefits, and wondered why indigenous menu should be imported into the country at a time when investors are much sought after to boost local industries.

Senate angry as Customs boss shuns public hearing Olufemi Samuel

ÏÏÏ The Comptroller-General of

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col Hammed Ali (rtd), on Monday, shunned a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Customs and Excise Management Act Bill 2016” and thus angered the Senate committee organizer, which declared his action contemptuous.

Senate Committee on Customs, which took offence at the action

by Col Ali, concluded that his resolve to stay away from the Public Hearing was a deliberate attempt by the leadership of NCS to treat the apex legislative institution with contempt.

The committee members contended that the failure of Col Ali to send a high ranking customs officials to represent him and the institution at the public hearing, was a mark of a deliberate ploy to undermine the Senate, more so as the representatives sent had no di-

rect relevance with the bill being considered.

The grievances of the Senate against Col Ali grew more against the backdrop that of the three Public Hearings which held on Monday, it was only that of the Customs that was not attended by major stakeholders.

Members of the Committee on Customs complained aloud that even the minister of power, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who also heads two other main ministries with his ever tight schedules as well as chief executive officers of banks, who are equally busy, were physically present during public hearings on bills seeking for repeal of Acts that established FERMA and the Bank of Industry (BOI), respectively.

In his opening remarks, chairman, Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the National Assembly was determined to amend the Customs and Excise Act to en-

sure the evolvement “of an effective, efficient and result-oriented department or agency.”

According to him, the Senate was also determined to ensure that the process of revenue collection was strengthened in accordance with best practices.

He said, the “Customs department of our dear country ought to be a major revenue earner that should be capable of funding, at least, 50 per cent of the national budget. This should also be a critical department that should boost non-oil revenue of the government and fund infrastructural development.

“Why is our own story different? The answer is simple. For 58 years, our Customs department has operated with a Colonial Act that has not only become obsolete and unrealistic but fraught with many loopholes for revenue leakages. It is not the best thing that has happened to the customs and excise department that to date it

has been guided by a 1958 Colonial Act” Earlier, Senate President Bukola Saraki, who declared the public hearing open, said the move to repeal the age-long bills was borne out of Senate’s desire to reposition the NCS with a view to ensuring that the agency “plays the pivotal role it is expected to play as a major funder of the federal budget.”

Saraki further said introducing the bill has become imperative in view of “the very critical role that the custom plays in the economic and security life of our country,” adding that “Customs remains one of the most important sources of government revenues.”

“With government revenues dwindling rapidly at a time when we have so much to do, this has further made the need for us to block all leakages and possible inefficiency points in our revenue profile an urgent national duty,” he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

13

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Governors and the politics of succession

T

Reuben Abati

he recent Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states threw up a number of issues about the politics of succession in Nigeria.

In Edo state, you would think it was the then incumbent Governor Adams Oshiomhole seeking re-election. He campaigned more than the candidate.

He danced, waved the broom, his party’s symbol, far more enthusiastically than the man who wanted the office.

He even did more to put down the opposition and any likely threat to Godwin Obaseki’s ambition. His pretty wife was always in tow during the campaigns. Godwin Obaseki’s emergence as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in that election caused much disaffection within the party. He was said to be Oshiomhole’s anointed candidate with the allegation that everything was being done to ensure his victory at the polls.

Oshiomhole had his way. Obaseki is now Governor of Edo State.

The incumbent Governor in Ondo State also did as much if not more to manage the politics of succession in the just concluded Governorship election in that state. He anointed the candidate of his party, followed him everywhere, and “fought” for him, even in the courts and on the streets of Akure. The election was more about Dr Olusegun Mimiko and what he wanted. The situation was not helped by the fact that Mimiko’s choice, Eyitayo Jegede, hails from the same Senatorial district with him, but by far the biggest problem was the division within the PDP, which produced two candidates on the same platform for the same election. This confusion created a scenario whereby Jimoh Ibrahim emerged for a while as the party’s candidate, only to be dismissed through a court order two days to the election.

This did not bother the businessman-lawyer-politician, though. Giving the impression that he was not so desperate to be Governor, he declared that his mission was to make it impossible for Mimiko to achieve his goal.

On the eve of the election, he urged his supporters and the people of the state to vote for the candidate of the APC. Under normal circumstances this would be considered an anti-party activity but the PDP is right now in such a confused state as a political party – its ranks are filled with disloyal, one-leg-in-one-leg-out members.

For this reason, in Ondo state, the PDP defeated itself from within.

There is perhaps nothing new about incumbents, at state, local and national levels, showing interest in who succeeds them. In the United States, which is an example that can be readily cited, President Barrack Obama openly supported the candidacy of the Democratic Party standard bearer, Hillary Clinton, but he did so only after she had won the nomination. If Bernie Sanders had been the party’s choice, he would still have received President Obama’s support out

of loyalty to the party. In other words, it would be difficult to speak of an incumbent American President or Governor anointing a successor.

This unacceptable abbreviation of democratic choice and of democracy itself occurs routinely in Nigeria.

Once upon a time in this country, an incumbent President boasted that he did not know who his successor would be, which was fine, but what was not fine was his simultaneous declaration that he was very certain about those who would not be allowed to succeed him. The same President eventually chose his own successor. In Ekiti state, following the election in Ondo state, Governor Ayo Fayose has been quoted saying what has happened to Mimiko cannot happen to him in 2018: he is so sure he would determine his own succession fortunes. Truth is: the average Nigerian politician’s faith in democracy is dishonest. He believes the people can be bought. The people themselves are very good at complaining but they seem more committed to election-day monetary inducement than their own rights.

When incumbent executive political office holders insist on anointing their own successors in Nigeria, they can hide under three justifications.

The first is that they have a legacy to protect, and that they have an idea who the right person is to protect that legacy. But this is absolutely wrong. If the legacy is strong enough, it should endure within the system. The endand-start-again profile of Nigeria’s succession politics owes in part to the weakness of institutions. Our civil bureaucracy is one of the worst in the world. It is driven not by memory or best practices but eye service. When a new Governor assumes office, his first priority is to make his predecessor look bad. That is standard Nigerian practice. But the incumbent trying to prevent this possibility by anointing a successor has not helped either. In

Lagos, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom Adamawa, Zamfara and Kano, we have seen how anointed successors eventually turned against their Godfathers.

The second justification is that as the leader of the ruling party in the state, or in the country, the incumbent must protect his political relevance by having a say over what happens when he leaves office. The interpretation is that the Nigerian politician is very egoistic. Give him Executive powers and he begins to appropriate the kind of divine powers with which kings used to oppress the people. He is surrounded by sycophants who disorient him daily, with long lists of enemies from whom he needs to protect himself, in and out of office. He gets lured into a trap, he is overtaken by paranoia, and he makes mistakes thinking he can exercise proprietorial rights over the democratic process.

The third justification is that everything must be done to prevent the opposition from seizing power. Opposition politics in Nigeria is hoisted on a platform of enmity, including the fear of probes, even if no former Governor or President has been successfully probed or jailed by any successor since 1999. When our politicians are in the same party, they relate as friends, when they are in opposite parties, they relate as enemies. Most of the people in the APC today who are branding the PDP as evil made their name as politicians inside the PDP. Jumping from one party to the other and switching colour and emotions like the chameleon means absolutely nothing to the Nigerian politician. It is never about what the people want.

And so, preventing the opposition is an empty excuse because the same Godfather who is imposing an anointed candidate today could join another party tomorrow, and the anointed could also head in another direction or adopt another Godfather.

What is left then? What is left is the more compelling argument that the reason Nigerian political incumbents are so desperate to anoint successors is because they are afraid of their own shadows. They want to remain relevant, and continue to have access to state resources, patronage and privileges. They want to play God. The politics of succession in Nigerian politics thus constructed has never worked. Its architects and promoters have been disappointed in many cases. The landscape is littered with tales of treachery. Some Godfathers were so badly treated by their anointed successors they could no longer visit their states for four years at least.

The lesson not learnt is that being a Godfather has at most, short-term benefits. Incumbents often underrate one thing: that the successor will also acquire his own ego. New influencers are bound to surround the new incumbent. Even when the anointed successor swears to an oath, as often happens, it doesn’t take long before one of these Pastors goes to him, offers to cancel the oath and anoint him as the new Spiritual Leader of the state! Have you ever heard of any politician who died because he swore to an oath with a Godfather?

The way we recruit Governors these days is bad. The lesson for every incumbent is to get things right.

Nigerian democracy is still at the level of the visual and the personal.

It is trapped at the level of needs.

The people appreciate and remember what they see and what touches them directly. That is why on Election Day, when they are given the “Naira sandwich”, their political mind immediately focuses on how at that particular moment a particular party or candidate has met their needs. The challenge of Nigerian democracy remains how to free the people from this base level.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

15 Opinion

Incompetence Incorporated

V

Tope Oriola

ice President Yemi Osinbajo’s speech at an event organised by the Nigerian National Order of Merit unwittingly contributed to a major national debate. Osinbajo was quoted as saying: “To build a new Nigeria, we need a new tribe of men and women of all ethnicities, of all faith committed to a country run on high values of merit, integrity, hard work, justice and love of country.” I would have loved to hear that from Professor Osinbajo when the CBN and FIRS hired the children and other family members of the elite under shamelessly clandestine circumstances.

Nonetheless, Osinbajo’s statement — whether or not he realises it — is a sharp critique of the administration in which he serves. I became genuinely concerned for the Buhari administration the moment political appointees began to be named.

The ethnocentric nature of the appointments, the familial/communal connections and the patent lackluster record of most of those who have since become major players in the administration suggested that the new government would redefine incompetence even by Nigerian standards. My argument at the

time was bi-dimensional. First, it was irresponsible of the president to make such lopsided appointments in a deeply divided country such as ours and second, the president was in fact not appointing the most qualified (Fulfulde speaking) northerners. President Buhari severely damaged his government from the start by appointing individuals with limited capacity.

I recently served on my department’s selection committee for two academic positions in criminology.

Each of the four members of the committee ranked all the candidates. Each of the four-committee members had to explain why s/he ranked a candidate higher if others ranked him/her lower (or lower if others ranked a candidate higher).

One committee member had to leave the meeting before discussions about two candidates whose applications he had supported with letters of reference. The three of us in the room discussed the two candidates extensively. One of them made the long-list; the other did not. Our committee’s work ended as soon as we submitted a long-list to the Dean’s Advisory Selection Committee (DASC). Our colleague had to step down from DASC, which took over from us once a candidate he supported made the short-list.

Each of the shortlisted candidates is required to give a job talk that is open to the public, have a teaching demonstration, and attend an inter-

view. This is a remarkable hiring process given that the university employs thousands of professors.

The elaborate process ensures that unqualified candidates rarely make it into the system. The Buhari government however has had multiple instances where people rejected their publicised appointments. One nominee wrote an open letter to the president arguing that she was neither informed nor consulted until her appointment was announced in the press.

There is no doubt that there were many problems in Nigeria when Buhari assumed office but how many of such problems have been solved? How many kilometres of federal roads have been tarred since 2015? How many jobs have been created in the private sector?

In what area has the Buhari government excelled?

It is worth reiterating that apart from suicide bombings, there is no new problem in Nigeria. Buhari appeared to have been consumed with the passion to acquire power but did not put in the required background preparation. This would have included getting himself up to speed on the major issues.

The incompetence of the current administration is being aired in 3D. The death of NYSC members is one of the latest manifestations of a mix of incompetence and negligence. The mismanagement of persons displaced by Boko Haram

ranks second only to the babalawo economics of the current administration.

Government officials are stealing and diverting relief materials meant for displaced persons. The dereliction of duties is atrocious and constitutes an impeachable offence. You can’t manage the economy; you can’t provide assistance to IDPs; you can’t properly screen political nominees; you can’t provide electricity; you are flying abroad for medical treatment despite huge allocations to Aso Rock clinic: What exactly is your government capable of doing? Why did you spend a huge part of your life chasing political power? This is the height of incompetence.

President Buhari is in real danger of earning himself the title of Nigeria’s most incompetent president. Would it be fair? Those who love President Buhari must now inform him to be wary of ending his political career in ignominy. President Buhari should focus on making a success of this term rather than engaging in political permutations for a second term.

Nigeria’s current structural arrangement is fragile but has proven to be stubborn and resilient. However, we may decide to exorcise the demon that abhors excellence in our country by electing a competent candidate in 2019.

‘Tope Oriola, a professor of criminology wrote from Canada

Wasting Nigeria’s scarce electricity

T Gimba Kakanda

his chaos is enough to see that the federal government’s prediction of 7000 MW by the end of 2016 is a wild dream.

Last week, I went on a two-day trip that changed my ignorant position on the nation’s perennial energy crises. It was a privileged opportunity to inspect Jebba and Kainji Hydropower Plants and also interact with the management. The two plants, located in Niger State, have been under the management of its concessionaire, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, since November 2013.

The first revelation that shattered a popular myth among Nigerians was that the plants actually generate more energy than is being transmitted. This was first pointed out at the Jebba Plant where the Assistant General Manager (Maintenance), Engr. Paul Ondachi, introduced us to the technicalities and challenges of generating power for evacuation by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and then to the National Control Centre for regulation on the National Grid and coordinated distribution across Nigeria.

Jebba Plant, which had one of its six generating units out of service, has an installed capacity of 578.6 Megawatts. The story of the one non-

operational generating unit was a consequence of a problem repeatedly highlighted by officials of the plant, including Mr. Ondachi. The refusal or inability of the transmission company to evacuate energy generated by the plant suppresses the capacity of the generators, resulting in devastating damages and higher costs of maintenance.

The functional generating units at Jebba Plant currently have a capacity of producing 482 MW for the grid.

Unfortunately, that had been underutilised, as either the transmission company refused to evacuate the energy generated or the frequency of the Grid monitored by NCC forced the plant to shut down its generators because there was “no use for the electricity.”

I was alarmed when it was explained that both the transmission company and control centre allowed energy to be wasted while the nation is either in darkness or frustrated by epileptic supply of power. The MD/CEO of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Engr.

Lamu Audu, gave an even more frightening account of the setbacks since taking over management of the two plants.

Mr. Audu lamented the liquidity challenge that has been hindering their operations. “As it is now, we have an outstanding invoices of

about N44 billion for power supplied to the national grid. How are we expected to sustain our operations and deliver when the market isn’t playing its part? Only 19 to 25 percent of our invoices are paid. In fact, meeting up with salary payments have been hard for us.” This, he buttressed, made it difficult for them to also attract lenders as all are unwilling to invest in such a serially owed venture.

The company’s Executive Director, Barr. Siraj Abdullah, corroborated the non-compliance of the market, adding what was lost to power generated but not evacuated or consumed by the energy market. “There’s a month we lost N464 million. Some days we lose N18 million. All for energy not used. This is different from the unpaid invoices. On the average, we lose 20 to 25 percent of the energy we generate.”

As to why the transmission company allows energy to be wasted when the nation is in critical need of it, Mr. Audu observed that its parts of the market politics he didn’t want to delve into. Instead, he continued with the damage that has caused.

“Our generators are suppressed by the national grid to function below their capacity, and this makes us spend more on maintenance. One of our generating units has blown up because of this, and it will cost us $20

million to fix it.”

This backdrop of a hostile energy market and suppressed production, according to Mr. Audu, is already a setback on the agreement to have the two plants restored to their nameplate capacity. “When we took over management of these plants, Kainji hydropower plant wasn’t generating any megawatt,” said Mr. Audu.

“In fact, electricity was imported to power this station.

Kainji is Nigeria’s premier hydropower station, commissioned in 1968, and its sorry state and dilapidation is a familiar trend of our almost cultural misuse of government-run properties and services.

And while it may seem that operational setbacks are the main challenge of the concessionaires, forex crisis has similarly threatened them to the point that Mr. Audu highlighted the possibility of the harsh economy frustrating them out of business.

But what may keep the company striving to remain in the market is the acquisition loan it took through Guaranty Trust Bank and Africa Finance Corporation. This loan, which is in dollar, is being paid back in the same dollar without any grace from CBN. This chaos is enough to see that the federal government’s prediction of 7000 MW by the end of 2016 is a wild dream.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Ohale delighted over AWCON win S uper Falcons defender, Osinachi Ohale has said she will always remember with warm feeling the side’s hard fought victory in the just concluded 10th Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroun.

Falcons piped central African rivals and neighbours, Indomitable Lionesses 1-0 in Saturday’s AWCON final in Yaoundé to claim the eighth

African title.

Ohale credited her five-star performance in the biennial football showpiece to the team work of her teammates.

“We feel quite great winning the African title for the eighth time, I’m certain the feeling will linger warmly in our memories for a long time to come.

“It was not a mean achievement,

it’s tough and it showed that we have been working very hard.

“We are grateful to our past players turned coaches who worked assiduously hard to hold on the baton before passing it on to us.

“Of course, nobody will want to be blamed for error in her department and that was why I defended as if my whole life depended on it.

“However, I could not have achieved

Page 17

much without the cooperation of the entire backline, midfield, among others who actually made the job a lot easier for me.

“It’s quite a great feeling of self-accomplishment for me and teammates,” said the Rivers Angels strongwoman.

Ohale was named in the CAF Best XI after the two-week Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroun.

Ohale

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Ideye

opens up on failed EPL adventure L

eading scorer in the league in Greece Brown Ideye has opened up on his difficult time at the Premier League in England, saying he was not given enough time at West Bromwich Albion.

Nigeria striker Ideye is the leading scorer in Greece with nine goals and has scored 11 goals in all competitions for Olympiacos.

However, he struggled to find his way to goal in England two years ago when he made a bigmoney move to West Brom.

He only managed seven goals in 31 Premier League appearances before he switched to Olympiacos.

“I have proved it right from the time I was playing in the Nigeria league that I am a goal

Ideye

getter. I have played in Switzerland, England, Ukraine and France. All the clubs I have played for I have scored double digits except in England and it was due to the fact I didn’t have enough playing time,” he explained.

He said despite the rough patch he encountered in England, he never doubted he can score goals.

“I have never doubted my ability in front of

goal,” said the former Ocean Boys star.

“Sometimes football could be very funny the goals will just dry up, you will try to find the back of the net but all your efforts will just prove abortive.

“I am so happy with my form and I have found home here in Greece. The club can count on me for the goals,” he stated.

‘Iwobi destined for greatness’ CHAN Eagles starYaro I joins Wikki n case anyone was unaware of tradition he’s living up to, Alex Iwobi spelled it out for them in glorious technicolour.

Collecting the ball in midfield, draped in Nigeria’s famous all-green, the teenager painted a rainbow in November’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

“I didn’t teach him that,” said his uncle, two-time BBC African Footballer of the Year Jay-Jay Okocha, whose own rainbow flick one afternoon for Bolton Wanderers against Arsenal remains one of the iconic moments in Premier League history. A history that looks set to be punctuated by Iwobi for many years to come.

“When it comes to things like that I never really think about it,” revealed the 20-year-old. If it happens, it happens.”

A lot has been happening for the Lagos-

born starlet from this famous footballing family. Iwobi arrived in England at the age of four and was snapped up by Arsenal’s academy just three years later.

He went on to represent the club at every age group and turned out for England at under-18 level, but pledged his international allegiances to his birthplace.

“It was a difficult decision picking Nigeria over England,” he said. “I’m very proud to represent Nigeria… The fans almost eat you up because they love you so much.”

The passion with which he has been greeted by the nation comes as little surprise. “He is the star we have been looking for,” said former Nigeria and Arsenal man Nwankwo Kanu.

The modest teenager admits he has

been surprised by his impact – and that he’s even been given the opportunity to make one. Iwobi is living up to his great tradition. And with Arsenal gunning to end a 12-year drought for a Premier League HAN Super title, the young man painting rainbows Eagles star may yet provide their long-awaited day in Bature Yaro has the sun. joined Wikki Tourists after four seasons at Nasarawa United.

The midfielder said: “I have seen it all in Lafia, I need to move on.

“Besides Wikki are now a continental team and I want to play on the continent and Iwobi change environment.

C

“I wish Nasarawa United best of Luck in the coming season.”

The skillful midfielder armed with a useful shot featured at this year’s CHAN in Rwanda.

He was also part of the squad to last year’s U23 AFCON in Senegal, which Nigeria won to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

18

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

EXTRATIME

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE… UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE… UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Boateng

Boateng ruled of Bayern’s clash with Atletico J

PREMIERSHIP BRIEFS

Liverpool must learn quickly - Henderson Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says they must learn quickly from their shock 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday. The Reds twice held a two-goal advantage over the Cherries but three goals in the final 17 minutes saw Eddie Howe’s side turn the game around, with Nathan Ake scoring an injury-time winner. The defeat ended Liverpool’s 15-game unbeaten run and prevented them returning to second in the table and Henderson says they must work hard to bounce back against West Ham this weekend.

FA confirms fourgame ban for Aguero

The Football Association has confirmed that Sergio Aguero is to face a four-game suspension following his red card against Chelsea on Saturday. The Argentina international was sent off for a reckless challenge on David Luiz in injury time of Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat to the Premier League leaders at the Etihad Stadium. The FA updated the disciplinary page on their official website on Monday, verifying that Aguero has been given a suspension that will rule him out of matches against champions Leicester City, Watford, Arsenal and Hull City.

Wenger makes case for shaky Hammers

Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned it could take West Ham at least two years for them to settle into their new surroundings at London Stadium. After 112 years at Upton Park, West Ham moved to the biggercapacity stadium in London ahead of the 2016-17 season, but it has coincided with the club struggling for form in the Premier League. Wenger, who oversaw Arsenal’s relocation to the Emirates Stadium from Highbury in 2006, said West Ham need time to Ibrahimovic get used to London Stadium.

erome Boateng has been ruled out of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid due to a minor injury.

The Germany international has sustained a “minor muscle problem” and will not be risked for the game against last season’s beaten finalists at the Allianz Arena.

“He has some discomfort and he will miss out,” head coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference. “It’s a minor muscle problem.”

Ancelotti also confirmed that attacking duo Julian Green and Kingsley Coman are not fit to be involved, but Holger Badstuber and Xabi Alonso should both be

available.

Ancelotti said he is prepared to make a number of changes to the side that beat Mainz 3-1 in the Bundesliga last Friday, with Bayern already guaranteed to progress from Group D in second place, behind Atletico.

However, the former Real Madrid and Paris SaintGermain coach is keen to secure another positive result to keep his squad’s morale high following back-to-back league wins.

“The team has the quality to play in different formations how we set up will depend on the game we’re playing,” he said.

Enrique charges Barca stars to crush Gladbach L

uis Enrique wants his Barcelona players to get a morale boost by beating Borussia Monchengladbach today, though he claims the result will not matter at all to him.

The Spanish champions were held to a 1-1 draw in El Clasico on Saturday, extending their run to just two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions.

Their final Champions League group game this week could offer

some respite from their domestic struggles, however, as Barca have already guaranteed top spot in Group C ahead of the Bundesliga side’s visit to Camp Nou. “Without any doubt, the coaches are judged by results,” Luis Enrique told a media conference. “I don’t give a damn about winning for my own morale, but it’s important that we get a win for the morale of my players.

“My general plan will not change.

I don’t see concerns, only football situations that can be improved.

“The plan is to be alive in every competition, to come up with chances to win every trophy possible.

It’s an ambitious, demanding plan, to get to May with the chance of winning everything.”

Luis Enrique hopes to see Camp Nou given an entertaining performance today but insists that his squad are ambitious as ever when it comes to fighting for trophies.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

EXTRATIME

19

STARS OF YESTERYEARS… STARS OF YESTERYEARS… STARS OF YESTERYEARS…

Amuneke: The symbol of a terrific striker!

Solace Chukwu

F

ew Nigerians in history have been deemed worthy of the famous Barcelona shirt.

Emmanuel Amuneke, streaking winger that he was, is one of a select group that, if recent reports are to be believed, could include Chelsea ’s Victor Moses in the not-too-distant future.

In this week’s piece, we look back at the career of one of the continent’s finest players, who is now making a name for himself as a coach in the Nigerian youth ranks.

A storied career took him as far out as Korea and Portugal, but it is at Zamalek that Amuneke achieved some of his most spectacular successes. The White Knight are one of the continent’s most successful sides, and the winger is accorded legendary status in Egypt.

It is easy to see why.

Blessed with electric pace and a wand of a left foot, Amuneke was also a quite prolific scorer. He netted averaged less than more than a goal every three games for both Zamalek and Sporting CP over a five-year span.

A stocky, powerful frame and low centre of gravity lent itself to explosiveness and tenacity, while his diagonal runs off the flank made him a proper goal threat. It is no surprise that this unique blend of qualities caught the eye of Barcelona in the winter of 1996.

Amuneke was a member of the (now defunct) Julius Berger side that won the Nigerian league title in 1992, before transferring to Egyptian giants Zamalek. With the White Knights, the Nigeria international enjoyed significant success, winning back-to-back league titles in 1992 and 1993. He also helped Zamalek win a third CAF Champions League crown in 1993, scoring in the penalty shootout victory over Ghana’s Asante Kotoko to complete a double.

With Sporting, Amuneke spent two seasons, and while a league title eluded him, he won the 1995 Taca de Portugal - scoring in the semifinal win over Vitoria Setubal and the Portuguese Super Cup. He was a part of the Barcelona team that claimed an extra time victory in a hardfought 1997 Copa del Rey final, coming on for Hristo Stoichkov in the 66th minute.

His time in Catalonia was marked by injury; however it also featured two league titles.

ƌƑ ƆƊƆ

Amuneke also enjoyed a great deal of success with the Nigeria national team. He was a member of the 1994 Super Eagles, a Golden Generation of players that delivered a second Africa Cup of Nations title in Tunisia.

That team also qualified Nigeria for a firstever appearance at the World Cup in the USA. That team would be eliminated in the Round of 16 in heartbreaking fashion by Roberto Baggio’s Italy, but they won hearts and captured imaginations throughout the tournament. Amuneke finished as the team’s joint top-scorer with two goals, scoring a superb diving header against Bulgaria in the group stage, as well as a hooked volley in the 2-1 loss to Italy.

He was also a member of the Olympic football team that won the gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Games, scoring the winning goal in the 3-2 final victory over Argentina.

Following his brace in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as a starring role in Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup appearance, Amuneke was voted African Player of the Year in 1994.

He was favoured over George Weah and compatriot Rashidi Yekini.

“No player worth his salt likes to warm the bench,” Amuneke told reporters, “but I’m the kind of person that respect’s coaches’ decisions.”

In spite his impact in Egypt with Zamalek, the then 24-year-old winger found a place in the national team hard to come by. The Super Eagles had beaten all comers, and were faced with one last hurdle: Zambia in the final of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.

Amuneke had yet to play a minute all the tournament.

“Blessed with electric pace and a wand of a left foot, Amuneke was also a quite prolific scorer…

A stocky, powerful frame and low centre of gravity lent itself to explosiveness and tenacity, while his diagonal runs off the flank made him a proper goal threat.

It is no surprise that this unique blend of qualities caught the eye of Barcelona in the winter of 1996.”

It made the decision of Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof to select him all the more fascinating.

Zambia went into the lead as early as the third minute, Elijah Litana powering home a header from a corner to stun the favourites.

Amuneke promptly replied two minutes later, reacting quickest to force home the equaliser after a corner was headed down in the Zambian box.

The score stayed level until two minutes after the break. Midfielder Sunday Oliseh received the ball, looked up and lofted a lovely ball over the top of the defence.

Amuneke’s angled run behind the full-back met it, and his perfect first touch set up the volley for the winner.

“I was very glad that when I was eventually featured in the last game, i was able to prove a point.”

Prove a point he did - he was never dropped again.

His performances at Zamalek and Sporting won him a dream move to Camp Nou at the beginning of his prime years. However, his fairytale soon turned sour. After a productive first season, the struggle with injuries began.

He was never able to bounce back from a knee injury sustained before the commencement of the 1997/98 season, and only made three more appearances before the expiration of his contract in 2000.

It would deprive him of a proper legacy in Catalonia, and bring his international career to a premature end. Ï ƑƋƋƆƗ ƇƏ ƌ Ƌêƅ ƌ

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Airtel employees support Zaria blind boy, Usman ÏÏÏ Donate braille equipment

Tony Nwakaegho

ÎÎÎEmployees

of leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, have come to the aid of Sadiq Usman, a four year old boy, whose eyes were removed by suspected ‘ritualists’ in Zaria, Kaduna State, earlier this year.

A delegation of Airtel employees led by the Regional Operations Director, North Region, Wole Abu, visited

Sadiq Usman recently in his home town in Zaria, Kaduna and presented him with a cheque of N400, 000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), sophisticated Perkins Brailler, Braille Coacher, Abacus, typewriter, tailors Frame and a computer laptop.

Airtel employees made the donations at the instance of its Employee Volunteer Scheme, a special platform created for the company’s staff to volunteer their time,

skills and resources to uplift the underprivileged as well as support social causes that will create positive impact in the society.

With the donations, little Sadiq, a pupil at Prof. Ango Abdullahi International School, Zaria, is further empowered to learn to read and write, enjoy all the opportunities a good education provides and lead a normal life.

Commenting on Airtel’s employees’ support, the com-

pany’s Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Emeka Oparah, said: “It is tragic and heart-breaking to see an innocent, vulnerable child suffer and go through such excruciating pains.

“My colleagues were deeply moved by Sadiq’s situation and generously supported the call to provide relief. Our support will not just end here, Sadiq is our adopted son and he will continue to be our priority and in our

prayers “I must thank my colleagues for their willingness to help create a positive impact across the communities where we operate. Indeed, the Airtel Employees Volunteer Scheme (EVS) is committed to providing relief for the underprivileged, sick, physically disabled and hard to reach.”

Oparah also commended the authorities of Prof.

Ango Abdullahi International School for offering

Sadiq’s older brother and guide scholarship to be able to provide physical support to his disabled kid brother, adding that by the time the government of Kaduna State redeems its pledge of scholarship for Sadiq, his educational future and the opportunity to live and learn would be further guaranteed.

Sadiq’s family expressed their gratitude to employees of Airtel and other wellmeaning individuals and organizations for coming to the aid of their son and making it possible for him to live a happy life despite the challenges.

Hope Foundation empowers widows, motherless homes in Abia

Sunday Nwakanma , Umuahia

ÎÎÎAn

international humanitarian organization, Hopee Foundation International, USA, owners of Hopee-Care Skill Acquisition Foundation, last Sunday empowered widows and other indigent women in Abia numbering over 300.

In a ceremony that took place at Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, wrappers, bags of rice and rice condiments, including cash for the forthcoming Christmas were given out by the foundation run by an Isingwu Okpuala-born nurse in the USA, Maduabuchi Prince Gabriel, who was also decorated as the Eastern USA Major-General of Mac Corps Chaplaincy based in Mississippi, USA. In its four-day programme that started with visits to Uzuakoli and Ahiaeke motherless babies homes where other items, including used cloths were handed out, a widow empowerment and youth agricultural seminar and empowerment on production of detergents, soap (hard and liquid), poultry, snail, fish and grass cutter farming was also held.

A free medical mission was also held at Isingwu Secondary School and Nkwoegwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North LGA market square where free treatment was given to people.

Speaking, the motivator of the programme, Madu Gabriel said he took to humanitarian work as what he inherited from his late mother, Chisara, explaining “Mc Corp Chaplaincy is an organization that is based in Mississippi, USA, a chaplain group who watch humanity, have the same vision as Hopee Foundation”.

According to him, the Foundation is internationally based and has already started raising partners from all over the world, including from US, Dubai and Nigeria, stating that all the partners will help to sustain it.

He said that the Abia State government was in attendance through the Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social development, Lady Chinedu Brown, disclosing that the foundation has requested for partnership with Abia State Government over its skill acquisition programme through Abia first lady, Deconess Nkechi Ikpeazu.

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun (left), congratulating a TRACE traffic officer, Mrs. Shade Adekoya, one of the four public officers Amosun rewarded with houses for exemplary service at AAK Degun MITROS Estate, Laderin, Abeokuta, Ogun State... on Monday. Photo: DAVID BALOGUN.

NMA tasks Nigerians on HIV/AIDS prevention

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎNigerians

have been charged to further intensify effort on the prevention and treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) to curb the spread of the virus among Nigerians.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Kwara chapter, Dr Kunle Olawepo gave the charge in llorin in a statement commemorating 2016 celebration of World HIV/AIDS day.

First of December every year is set aside globally to

enlighten the people on the need to ensure prevention treatment and further spread of HIV/AIDS. The statement described HIV/AIDS as a pandemic disease caused by the infection of Human immunodeficiency virus. HIV/AIDS constitute one of the world’s largest threat to human development.

The NMA lamented that the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) said there are currently 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS with more than a quarter being young people between ages

Tax defaulters:Obaseki approves 50% waivers Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÎÎÎFor the first time since

its creation, Edo State Government has approved 50 percent waivers for tax defaulters in the state.

The waivers which has its terms and conditions, among others, require that all the outstanding tax lia-

bilities running into billions of naira inherited from the past governments up to December 1, 2016, must be paid within 90 days to be eligible for the offer.

A statement endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki said Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki’s gesture was meant to tidy up tax system and encourage

them to join the pool of 10 percent who pay taxes in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during a meeting with the Management of Edo State Inland Revenue Service (EIRS) and representatives of tax payers in the state which held at the weekend in Benin.

His declaration was in response to some issues of

concern raised by some tax payers in the state bothering on wrong profiling and arbitral tax assessment, which they claimed have set them on edge in the face of the economic recession.

He said the waiver for tax defaulters with a positive impact on outstanding and the penalties which have accumulated over the years.

15-24yrs.

Olawepo in the statement advised Nigerians to always ensure the application of various preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The NMA Chairman further advised Nigerians to ascertain their status and present themselves for voluntary counseling and testing. This the statement said was the only way to ensure those that are positive can access treatment, counseling on behavioural change.

Olawepo listed abstinence, faithfulness to one partner, safe blood transfusion, prompt treatment of sexual

transmitted diseases as other preventive methods for the spread of the disease.

The statement also identified promotion of wide spread awareness on HIV; Non Stigmatization of people living with HIV as well as total commitment of stakeholders as other factors that can curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. Olawepo called for collective fight against spread of HIV/AIDS by being well informed of it’s cause, mode of transmission, prevention and treatment with the ultimate goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS from our Society.

The governor promised that the tax administration of EIRS will be reviewed to check the perceived abuses and arbitrariness in tax assessment in the state.

He said there would be adequate deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and trained personnel across the various offices of EIRS in the state.

Obaseki hinted that an online portal where tax payers could assess and file their tax

returns effortlessly would be set up in the next six months.

“On a final note, I agree with you, this is a new era.

We are in a recession. Things are difficult and as a government that is listening, we must respond, but also, as a people, you must also reciprocate.

“Therefore, we will look at all outstanding tax liabilities.

We will wave most of the interest and penalties that have accumulated and impact on what is outstanding.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

FIRST ROYAL EAGLE WINGS FOUNDATION

21 Public Notice

ENUGO OWELLE OKOFIA ENUGO UMUSIOME LANDLORD ASSOCIATION NKPOR

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under part ‘c’ of the companies and allied matters act, 1990.

Trustees 1. Dr (Mrs.) Christine Adaobi Nwuche - CHAIRMAN 2. Mr. Owuze Nwuche - Member 3.Mrs. Ugochinyere Rebecca Nwuche -Okeke - Member 4. Ms. Ununuma Ann Nwuche -Member 5. Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka Orjiako - Member 6. Prof. (Mrs.) Chioma Carol Opara - Member 7. Prof. Benjamin Chinyem Ndukwu - Member.

Aims AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To promote enlightenment and grant educational Support to indigent citizens.

2.To facilitate empowerment and support for indigent men and women in their small scale businesses.

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.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. EDEH PAULINUS EMEKA -CHAIRMAN 2. CHIEF CALISTUS OBIAGU 3. CHIEF EMMANUEL EZEANYAGU 4. MR. CHUKWUDI EZEONU 5. MR. CHINEDU ATUH 6. MR. JULIUS ONAH 7. CHIEF GODWIN OKEZIE UMEH 8. MR. NGENE CHIMEZIE 9. ELDER UCHECHUKWU SIMON 10. CHIEF MICHAEL ALOKWEM

SIGNED: Abhulimen & Co. ( Aizehi Chambers) 08068875363.

SIGNED: BARRISTER CHUKWUZITALU OKONKWO.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote peace, welfare, unity, love and togetherness among the members of the Association.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

CHRIST LIGHT COVENANT MIRACLE CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Board of Trustees (1). Apostle Edward Adesayo Temitope Oluwasona (2). Pastor Gbenga Wilson Daniel (3). Pastor Omokinde Abiodun Blessing (4). Mr. Akinbamidele Adebisi.

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, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED : THE TRUSTEES.

ST. MOSES CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH ISOKAN KRISTI IFON

ABIA YOUTHS DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Board of Trustees

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Board of Trustees

1. ORHEWERE OMOS- President 2. ENDURANCE JOHN 3. MAXWELL ODEY 4. ADEWOLE OMOLOLA- Sec 5. ORHEWERE CHURCHIL 6. ORHEWERE COLLINS.

1. Emmanuel Ayo Alebiosu 3. Temitope Alebiosu

The general public is hereby noticed that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prince Obinna Ehumadu - President 2. Mr. Adolphus Iroabuchi - Vice President 3. Mr. Anthony Ezenwa -Secretary General (Abia South) 4. Mr Okechukwu Nzekwe - Member (Abia North) 5. Mr. Ifeanyi Friday Agunwamba - Member (Abia Central)

I LOVE MY NEIGHBOR FOUNDATION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1) To serve as a platform for organizing, projecting, advancing and creating suitable atmosphere for social /economic development .

2) To sensitize young minds to be responsible agents of positive Transformation.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED:THE TRUSTEES. CHRIST LIBERTY WORLD EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

2. Olusaanu Alebiosu 4. Ilori Alawoya.

Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of God. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED : The Trustees.

GOOD EXAMPLE SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To bring all sons and daughters of Abia State Youths origin under one umbrella as Abia Youths Development Organization.

2. To assist the Abia State Government to create wealth and Job Opportunities for the Youths and to enhance growth and development.

3. To organize developmental and entrepreneurship programme for the upliftment and empowerment, of Abia Youths.

4. To organize empowerment, development summit programmes, seminal, capacity building, workshop to educate transform and lecture the Youths for proper job opportunities and self employment purpose thereby assisting the Government to achieve their aims Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: ANTHONY EZENWA (SECRETARY)

TORI-LOVI LANDLORDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above Named has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Appears Commission Abuja for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied matters ACT 1990

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEROUNMU KOREDE JOHN 2. MRS. ADEROUNMU OLUWAYEMISI MARY 3. OLADIMEJI ADEOLA RACHAEL 4. ALABI TEMITOPE PATRICIA 5. NATHANIEL SUNDAY

TRUSTEES: 1. Mr. Isiaka Mudashiru -President 2. Mr. Sanusi Olalekan - Vice – President 3. Mr. Sunday Owoyemi -General Secretary 4. Mr. Oyeyemi Saheed - Treasurer 5. Mr Kabiru Azeez - P.r.o 6. Mr. Hamzat Saheed Oyeyemi - Financial Secrtary 7. Mr. Azeez Jimoh Omolosho - Chief.whip AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To facilitate social and intellectual development and interactions among members.

To promote and advance the socio – economic interests of members To promote the unity and welfare of its members.

TRUSTEES 1. MR. Christopher Akamaewuna - President 2. Mr. Samuel Soye - General Secretary 3. Sup. Snr. Evangelist Segun Denagan - Treasurer 4. Chief J. N. Ochulo - Member 5. Chief U. K. Arasan - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To proclaim the gospel of Christ for the salvation of mankind.

2. To teach and pastor the converts unto spiritual maturity.

3. To raise disciples who will in turn reach and disciple others for Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: Barrister Olorunfemi Samuel Jimson

AMAZINGLY REMARKABLE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Pmb 198, Garri, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publications

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote good neighborlines amongst members and other community.

2. To seek for better amenities for our general development and up liftment.

3. To defend our right and properties within the confines of the Nigeria Constitution

SIGNED: LANREWAJU HASSAN (SOLICITOR)

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL ASSEMBLY

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

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. DR SURAJ SOLEBO - CHIRMAN 2. EZEDINACHI OJIJI - SECRETARY 3. ABOLAJI SOLEBO

TRUSTEES 1. STEPHEN OLATOKUNBO BABASOLA 2. VIVIAN IFEANYI BABASOLA 3. DADA OLATUNJI SOLOMON

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To assist the less privilege in the society 2. To evangelize the gospel of Christ to all nations

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2. TO COUNSEL THE PEOPLE AND OFFER DELIVERANCE 3. To EQUIP PERSON FOR EVANGELISM AND PASTORAL SERVICE.

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 DR. SURAH SOLEBO..... Chairman board of trustees

DAMILOLA OGUNLANA EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironi Street, Maitma,Abuja within 28days of this publication SIGNED :STEPHEN. O. BABASOLA. 08184633568

GRASSCUTTER FARMERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

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.

TRUSTEES: 1.ALAO LOLA. 2.ALAO ROTIMI PETER.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chinedu Eluwa Joshua - Chairman 2.Chinedu Ikechukwu Ezenwa - Secretary 3. Samuel Abiodun Adekunle - Financial Secretary 4. Mrs Jane Chidinma Ndubuisi - Treasurer 5. Innocent Owoicho Obande - P R O 6. Chief ( Barr ) Innocent Eyiuche Nwufo - Member 7. Dzarma Daniel - Member 8. Peter Nwabu Akparanta - Member

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO EMPOWER THE LESS PRIVILEDGE IN THE SOCIETY THROUGH SKILLS AQUISITION. 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 28days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To coordinate and promote the activities of grasscutter farmers in nigeria 2. To promote the development, sale and export of grasscutter products value chain and provide enabling environment for the growth of grasscutter farming Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: AKOR D. FRIDAY 08068399996

WINNING LIFE CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY INT’L.

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

TRUSTEES ARE (1)REV IKHINE MIRACLE UADIALE.-CHAIRMAN. (2) REV MRS IKHINE VICTORIA ODEGUA.- SECRETARY. (3) MRS LUCKY VICTORY. AIMS & OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF 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 MAITAM, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGN: EROMOSELE EHIANE & CO.

PENTECOSTAL COVENANT PEOPLES’ MINISTRY

This is to notify the general public that the above named ministry has apllied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘c’ of the corporate and apllied matters Act. of1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Adebisi David Kayode - General Overcial.

2. Adebisi Rebecca Adeola 3. Famakinwa Jimoh Olabanji 4. Adebisi Fiyinfoluwa Stephen - Secretary

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To teach, preach and evangelize people for god 2. To establish disciples class for training of christ disciples 3. To assist the needy irrespective of religious affiliation 4. To establish publication centre for tracts distribution and manual for propagation of christian religion.

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

CELEBRITY EDWARDS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

HARVEST LAND GLORIOUS BIBLE MISSION

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 Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004

T HE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. Celebrity Edward - President.

2. Chisom Ifeabunike - Secretary.

3. Obiageli Ifeabunike - Member.

4. Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike -Protocol.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adebayo Adebola James 3. Akinrimisi Omolara Abigail 5. Odediran Oluwaseyi Adisa 7. Kosebinu Cecilia Omowunmi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. To promote youth development in the communities.

2. To carry out life enhancing activities amongs the youth.

2. Okonada Violet Oluwaseyi 4. Olaoluwa James Friday 6. Akinrimisi Isaac Dada 8. Oyelekan Wumi Joshua

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus

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.

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs.Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja.within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED: STRAIGHT PATH CONSULTING

GIVE-A-HAND ROYAL FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Atulegwu Agharanya - Chairman. 07064781942 2. Chinenye Iwuoha - Vice Chairman.

3. Ahuka Kenneth - Secretary 4. Joseph Emegwu - Patron.

5. Emmanuel Marcus - Member

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Martins Jerry Ehizibue 2. Austin Eruotor 3. Isa Haruna 4. Debo Owolana

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To promote unity and progress among the members.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. Provision of financial aid /support to the indigent in the society 2. Provision of shelter,financial and material support to the motherless babies 3. Empowerment of youths and widows through vocational trainings, social consciousness,

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

Any objection to this 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

SIGNED BY : SECRETARY

SIGNED BY; MARTINS JERRY EHIZIBUE

I, OBEMBE TEMILOLA RONKE, AND OBEMBE TEMILOLA AJEWOLE, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, OBEMBE TEMILOLA AJEWOLE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

GLADYS NHEOMA ANAYO NWANKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. OGBOKA GLADYS NHEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GLADYS NHEOMA ANAYO NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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

General public should take note.

JEREMIAH, OKECHUKWU GIFT

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ALAMBA GIFT, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. JEREMIAH, OKECHUKWU GIFT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ANOWAI EUCHARIA NKIRUKA I, formerly known and addressed as, ANOWAI NKIRUKA JANE, now wish to be known and addressed as, ANOWAI EUCHARIA NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHUKWUOCHA KINGSLEY EMEKA

I, formerly known and addressed as, CHUKWUOCHA EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, CHUKWUOCHA KINGSLEY EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OYELEKE FATIMOH OMOWUNMI

I formerly known and addressed as OYELEKE FATIMAT OMOWUMI now wish to be known and addressed as OYELEKE FATIMOH OMOWUNMI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ELENWO THANKGOD DANNE

I, formerly known and addressed as, ELENWO ADNEL THANKGOD, now wish to be known and addressed as, ELENWO THANKGOD DANNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

JEREMIAH KINGSLEY OKECHUUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as, KINGSLEY OKECHUKWU AGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, JEREMIAH KINGSLEY OKECHUUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AGU MARIAN NKIRUKA

I, formerly known and addressed as, ANYIKA MARIAN NKIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, AGU MARIAN NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OSUJI CHIDI CHIMEZIE

OLABISI ELIJAH ADEDAYO

I formerly known and addressed as ELIJAH OLABISI DAYO now wish to be known and addressed as OLABISI ELIJAH ADEDAYO All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

KIANI BOGOMOYON ESTHER

I, formerly known and addressed as, KIANI ESTHER UROH, now wish to be known and addressed as, KIANI BOGOMOYON ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ZAITUN ALIYU DAUDA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Zaitun Aliyu Baba, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. Zaitun Aliyu Dauda. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUCHI ORDU

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. CHIJIOLU CECILIA OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OLUCHI ORDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

HENRY JEREMIAH ELIJAH

I, formerly known and addressed as Iko-Obong Monday Inyang , now wish to be known and addressed as Henry Jeremiah Elijah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note OSIA EJOR PROSPER AIMOMATORIONE

I, formerly known and addressed as, OSIA EJOR ENDURANCE, now wish to be known and addressed as, OSIA EJOR PROSPER AIMOMATORIONE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EZEALA UCHECHI GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. THANKGOD UBAH GLORIA UCHECHI. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

IHUNDA MILDRED EMEREUWAONU

HELEN NUHU

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IHUNDA MILDRED ALIKOR, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. IHUNDA MILDRED EMEREUWAONU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

LUCY OSEMI

I formerly known and addressed as LUCY EJEH now wish to be known and addressed as LUCY OSEMI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLOWOLAGBA SAMUEL AYOOLA.

THANKGOD UBAH GLORIA UCHECHI.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. HELEN ISAH, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. HELEN NUHU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Umanah, Bernard Duncan.

2. Ukpong, Ekwere Ukpong.

3. Akpa, Elijah Willie.

4. Akpan, Clinton Sunday.

5. Akpan, Ufot Denson.

6. Udoh, Johnson.

7. Daniel, Edwin Akpan.

8. Akpan, Emmanuel Willie.

9. Isemin, Esua Jackson.

10. Samuel, Duncan Umanah.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To bring development amongst members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BORI AGBABIAKA FOUNDATION

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration of its Trustees under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1, 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Mr Obafemi Bambo Agbabiaka President 2. Mr Olusola Abraham Agbabiaka Aims and Objectives Include: 1. To Care for less privilege 2. Creation of Jobs Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission. Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed; Mr Obafemi Bambo Agbabiaka - President

I formerly known and address as Adegbola Oluwashiji Ayoola,now wish to be known and address as Olowolagba Samuel Ayoola. all former document remain valid.General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ALADI NNEKA COMFORT, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OSUJI CHIDI CHIMEZIE. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

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

Signed: CHAIRMAN.

SHOEHEEL & WOODWORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 3, OKOBABA STREET, EBUTE METTA LAGOS.

OBEMBE TEMILOLA AJEWOLE.

AWA PEOPLES FORUM

PRISCILLA ONYINYECHI ADIMOHA

LOSS OF LAND CERTIFICATE

This is to inform the general public that the Original Land Certificate with Registered Title No. M0 0840 dated 16th February 1969, belonging to Mr. Moshudi Olasimbo Bada of No. 80, Kehinde Odusote Street, Anthony Village, Lagos State is missing.

All efforts to recover the document have proved abortive.

If found, please return to the nearest Police Station.

The Lagos State Land Registry and the general public should take note.

JACOB BABATUNDE GOTHONU IROKO

I am formally known and addressed as JACOB GOTHONU IROKO Now wish to be known and address as JACOB BABATUNDE GOTHONU IROKO. All formal document remains valid, general public and banks should take note.

WATSON INNOCENT UKECHI.

I, formerly known and addressed as, JUSTICE INNOCENT CHITURU, now wish to be known addressed as, WATSON INNOCENT UKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EVERGREEN EFIOK UTONG.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. PRISCILLA ONYINYECHI NWADIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. PRISCILLA ONYINYECHI ADIMOHA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, PRISCILLIA EFIOK UTONG, now wish to be known and addressed as, EVERGREEN EFIOK UTONG. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONYINYECHI IROANYA.

ORUGBO BLESSING CHIOMA

I, formerly known and addressed as, ONYINYECHI B. ONUOHA, now wish to be known and addressed as, ONYINYECHI IROANYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. CHUKU BLESSING CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ORUGBO BLESSING CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKEM MARIA EGBEJU.

I am formally known and addressed as OKEM MARIA Now wish to be known and address as OKEM MARIA EGBEJU. All formal document remains valid, general public and banks should take note.

OLUGU VICTORIA O. NDUKWE

I, formerly known and addressed as, VICTORIA OLUCHI BENARD, now wish to be known addressed as, OLUGU VICTORIA O. NDUKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONUCHE JOSEPH

I, formerly known and addressed as, OTOBO OKWUDIRI BENARD, now wish to be known and addressed as, ONUCHE JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MORGAN UBONG KINGSLEY

I, formerly known and addressed as, BASSEY SAVIOUR ESSIEN, now wish to be known and addressed as, MORGAN UBONG KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

BORISADE OLUWATOYIN RUTH

I formerly known and called OSUSINA OLUWATOYIN RUTH now wishes to be known and called BORISADE OLUWATOYIN RUTH. The general public should take note.

JOHNSON DANJUMA

Formerly known and addressed as LAYI JOHNSON GUNGTULLAI, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNSON DANJUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that ADISA OPEYEMI and ADISA OPEYEMI JAMIU is one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as ADISA OPEYEMI JAMIU. All documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

DIAYI VICTORIA CHIZOBA

Formerly known and addressed as UMEH DIAYI VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as DIAYI VICTORIA CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IBEABUCHI CHINYERE ENDURANCE

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

NNOROM CHIOMA FAVOUR.

Formerly known and addressed as AGWULONU CHIDINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as NNOROM CHIOMA FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

USMAN BELILAISU SUSAN

Formerly known and addressed as USMAN JUSTINA SUSAN, now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN BELILAISU SUSAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DANIELLA EBELECHUKWU DANIELS

Formerly known and addressed as DANIELLA EBOAGU DANIELS, now wish to be known and addressed as DANIELLA EBELECHUKWU DANIELS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

RAJI OPEYEMI RUKAYAT

Formerly known and addressed as OGBONNA CHINYERE ENDURANCE , now wish to be known and addressed as result of seperation in my marriage as IBEABUCHI CHINYERE ENDURANCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ISHOLA OPEYEMI RUKAYAT, now wish to be known and addressed as RAJI OPEYEMI RUKAYAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was erronerously written as IGBALAIYE KUBURATU, instead of IGBALAYE KUBURAT ABENI. My correct date of birth is 10th day October, 1996. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

My name was erronerously written as AKPAMA ETENG GENESIS, instead of AKPAMA GENESIS MBANG. My correct date of birth is 10th day October, 1996. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

OBED TILLO

I formerly known and called IREMIAH TILLO UBANDOMA now wishes to be known and called OBED TILLO. The general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that BURAIMO ABISODUN BALOGUN, IBRAHIM ABISODUN BALOGUN, ABISODUN AND BISODUN, BURIAMO AND IBRAHIM BURIAMOH are the same person.

ALARAPE RUKAYAT OLAJUMOKE

Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL RUKAYAT OLAJUMOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALARAPE RUKAYAT OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OMOSEYE SAMSON OLUWAJUWON

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNWOLERE SAMSON OLUWAJUWON, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOSEYE SAMSON OLUWAJUWON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADETORO ADEJARE SUNDAY

Formerly known and addressed as WILLIAMS CLEMENT, now wish to be known and addressed as ADETORO ADEJARE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note EJEM KALU UKACHI

I formerly known and addressed as KALU EJEN now wish to be known and addressed as EJEM KALU UKACHI. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

IKPA CHIWENDU MELODY

AYEDUN MICHEAL ADELEYE

I, formerly known as Nurudeen Bello Arowooye wish to be known and addressed as Bello Nurudeen. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Ayedun Micheal wish to be known and addressed as Ayedun Micheal Adeleye. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

BASSEY TINA IME

OLUFUNMI WELLINGTON ALABI

I, formerly known as Tina Ehiong wish to be known and addressed as Bassey Tina Ime. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

ECHE JAMES NWOSU

OYATOBO KEHINDE OLUTADE

I,formerly known as NWOSU JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as ECHE JAMES NWOSU All former documents remains valid.The general public and any authority concerned to please take note

I formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI KEHINDE OLUTADE now wish to be known and addressed as OYATOBO KEHINDE OLUTADE. All former document remain valid. Banks and general public to please note.

Formerly known and addressed as IFOT AFFIONG JACKSON, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UNWANA AFFIONG SAVIOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ESTHER NNEKA AMADI.

Formerly known and addressed as NNAKA OPARA, now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER NNEKA AMADI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLORUNIMBE LARINDE SHERIFAT MOPELOLAO

IKECHIUKOHA UKABI EZE

I, formerly known as Kalu Chiwendu Melody wish to be known and addressed as Ikpa Chiwendu Melody.

All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

UNWANA AFFIONG SAVIOUR

Formerly known and addressed as OLORUNNIMBE SHERIFAT MOPELOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLORUNIMBE LARINDE SHERIFAT MOPELOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JOHN IKECHI UKOHA now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHIUKOHA UKABI EZE. That my correct date of birth is 26th May, 1989. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

BELLO NURUDEEN

OSHOLEYE SHADIA YETUNDE

Formerly known and addressed as ABU HALIMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OSHOLEYE SHADIA YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANEKWE EDITH NKECHI

IKEJEMBA FRIDAY PATRICK

OLANIYI OBEDAT OMOLARA

I formerly known and called Mrs. PAUL PEACE now wishes to be known and called MRS. ATAIRE PEACE. The general public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKOLI EDITH NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ANEKWE EDITH NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IKEJEMBA FRIDAY now wish to be known and addressed as IKEJEMBA FRIDAY PATRICK. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I,formerly known as OKUNLOLA OBEDAT OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYI OBEDAT OMOLARA. All former documents remains valid.The general public and any authority concerned to please take note.

ATAIRE PEACE

I, formerly known as Sule Babatunde Faji wish to be known and addressed as Olufunmi Wellington Alabi.

All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

COMFORT OCHULOR

I MRS OCHULOR COMFORT NWAKAEGO is still the same person bearing COMFORT OCHULOR. All former document remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

This is to confirm that I, MUHAMMED ADEJO IBRAHIM is certifinf that his date of birth was wrongly written as 10.06.1988 instead of 12.02.1986. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADIELE VICTORIA NNEKA.

I formerly known and addressed as ADIELE NNEKA ANN now wish to be known and addressed as ADIELE VICTORIA NNEKA. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

LOVELYN NGOZI IHEDI

OLUWOLE SAMUEL AYOMIKUN

Formerly known and addressed as MUYIDEEN TAOFEEK, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWOLE SAMUEL AYOMIKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IGBETA BENNARD OMOVIODE

Formerly known and addressed as IGBETA BENNARD, now wish to be known and addressed as IGBETA BENNARD OMOVIODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PRAISE TOLULOPE SANMI-AJALA

PRAISE: Formerly known and addressed as known and addressed as PRAISE TOLULOPE OLU, now wish to be known and addressed as PRAISE TOLULOPE SANMI-AJALA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LAWAL HABIBAT OLABOSIPO. Formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE HABIBAT OLABOSIPO, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL HABIBAT OLABOSIPO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FADAIRO SANDRA. I formerly known and addressed as AJDBERIDONO EDIRIN SANDRA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FADAIRO SANDRA. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm in my documents, that my names are written in different ways, RALIAT ADUNI LAWAL is one and same person as RALIAT ADUNI, is the rightful owner of all document bearing these names. all documents remain valid. General public take note.

PELE FLORENCE TAYO

23

GAMBO MUHAMMED

Formerly known and addressed as SAMBO MUHAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as GAMBO MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TIJANI ABDUL AZEEZ ADEWALE

Formerly known and addressed as TIJANI ABDUL AZEEZ, now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI ABDUL AZEEZ ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ALAUSA OLUWAFUNMILOLA MARIA

Formerly known and addressed as ALAUSA LOLA MARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as ALAUSA OLUWAFUNMILOLA MARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MGBEANURI IJEOMA JANEFRANCES.

Formerly known and addressed as IHEJE IJEOMA JANEFRANCES, now wish to be known and addressed as MGBEANURI IJEOMA JANEFRANCES. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NWACHUKWU CHIKA VITUS.

Formerly known and addressed as PETER VITUS CHIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU CHIKA VITUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm in my documents, that my names are written in different ways, RAMOTA IBIRONKE LAWAL is one and same person as RAMOTA IBIRONKE, is the rightful owner of all document bearing these names. all documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as PELE TAYO ABIYE now wish to be known and addressed as PELE FLORENCE TAYO. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. FIRST BANK, SKY BANK and the general public should please take note.

That I am the same person bearing OSUJI CHIWENDU and OSUJI CHIWENDU OLIVIA. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ANACHO MARYJANE . E

I, formerly known as Blessing Ihedi wish to be known and addressed as Lovelyn Ngozi Ihedi. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as OKEKE MARYJANE . E .wish to be known and addressed as ANACHO MARYJANE . E . All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

TUNDE AKANDE MUSIBAU I, formerly known as Tunnamed prod. enterprise wish to be known and addressed as Tunde akande musibau. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

JULIUS ONYENOBODE. I,formerly known as JULIUS ONOKWU ONYENOBODE, now wish to be known and addressed as JULIUS ONYENOBODE. All former documents remains valid.The general public and any authority concerned to please take note

SUNDAY NWOMA NWAEKE. I, formerly known as NNABUIKE NWOMA AGADAGBA, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY NWOMA NWAEKE. All former documents remains valid.The general public and any authority concerned to please take note

I,formerly known as ELUE LILIAN CHIWEDU DORCAS, now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES LILIAN CHIWEDU DORCAS. All former documents remains valid.The general public and any authority concerned to please take note

ARUNA PATIENCE CHINASA

TOLA ROSELINE ALADE-LAMBO.

I formerly known as LAWRENCE IJEOMA MARY wish to be known and addressed as ARUNA PATIENCE CHINASA. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

Formerly Tola Roseline Ekunsanmi Now Tola Roseline Alade-Lambo.

Former documents remains valid. General public note.

JAMES LILIAN CHIWEDU DORCAS

ADEBOYE OLAYINKA. BILIKISU I. Formely known and addressed as. Miss. Guruba. Bilikisu. Olayinka now. Wish to be known and addressed as Adeboye Olayinka. Bilikisu all Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

JESSY EPHRAIM

I formerly known and addressed as. Mark. john now wish to be known and addressed as.

Jessy Ephraim all Former documents. Remain valid general public should take note.

ONYEBUCHI DEBORAH OKELUE

CORRECTION OF NAME

That. My name was wrongly writing as Azumarah stella.

Ugochi. My correct name are Azumarah. Stella Ugonna and Azumarah. Stella. Assumpta.

All Former documents remain valid general public should note OLUMIDE. OSENI-KUTI

I formerly known and addressed as. Onyebuchi.

Felicia. Okelue. Now wish to be known and addressed as.

Onyebuchi Deborah Okelue all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

I Formely known and addressed as. Olumide.

Oseni. Now wish to be known and addressed as.

Olumide. Oseni-Kuti all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

GLORIA OMOWUNMI OWOSHO

KASHIMAWO OLANREWAJU OLUWASEUN

ADDITION OF NAME

I. Formely known and addressed as. Eburu Chimaobim. That I wish to add Inya to my name Now wish to be known and addressed as. Inya Chimaobim Eburu. All Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

KAKA MOPELOLA ESTHER

Formerly known and addressed as MISS WURAOLA MOPELOLA ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KAKA MOPELOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note OLODO BUKOLA.

ULOMA IHUOMA. IGBA.

I. Formely known and addressed as. Akintade.

David. Segun now wish to be now and addressed as. Raphael Davycurtis.

Rashad. Segun. All Former documents. Remain valid general public should take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that I, UMUNNA BLAISE, is one and same person as UMUNNA BLAISE EZEAKONOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as UMUNNA BLAISE EZEAKONOBI. All documents bearing this names remain valid. Financial institutions and general public please take note.

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

0GINI ADENNI FOLASHADE.

APATIRA OLAWUNMI TAWAKALT

OLISEH CHIKA FATUS. Formerly known and addressed as OLISEH GREAT WHITE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLISEH CHIKA FATUS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS OYEYEMI OLUWATOYIN RACHEAL NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADELEKE OLUWATOYIN RACHEAL ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

NWABUEZE LILIAN ONYINYE

CORRECTION OF NAME THAT IN MY BANK BVN DOCUMENTS, MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS LOKOSSOO INSTEAD OF LOKOSUN JULIET LOKO. THAT MY CORRECT NAME IS LOKOSUN JULIET LOKO. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

OSABINU OLABISI OLUKAYODE

That I was formerly known and addressed as CHIMEREMEZE CHIMA EJIKE, that henceforth, I wish to be known, called and addressed as CHIMEREMEZE EJIKE IHOMA. That also my date of birth was wrongly written as 7th day of June, 1982 instead of 19th day of May, 1986. That my correct date of birth is 19th day of May, 1986. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Ojo Osabinu Olaiya, now wish to be known and addressed as Osabinu Olabisi Olukayode. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

GBADAMOSI IDAYAT AYANDOYIN

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS AYANKOJO IDAYAT AYANDOYIN NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS GBADAMOSI IDAYAT AYANDOYIN ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MORAKINYO FOLUSO ADEWUMI

HARIET OTSE MAR

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS GESINDE FOLUSO ADEWUMI NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS MORAKINYO FOLUSO ADEWUMI ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known and addressed as ILALE MARY HARIET now I wish to be known and addressed as .HARIET OTSE MAR.All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

ADEDEJI OLADAYO HAUWA

CAREFFORT OLUWATOBILOBA OMOTAYO.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Shittu Oladayo Hauwa, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Adedeji Oladayo Hauwa. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, BISIRIYU OLUWATOBILOBA OMOTAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as, CAREFFORT OLUWATOBILOBA OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BELLO MUSILIMOT ARAMIDE.

OYEDELE OMOLARA CHRISTY

I, formerly known and address as MISS GASALI MUSILIMOT ARAMIDE Now wish to be known and address as MRS BELLO MUSILIMOT ARAMIDE. All document remain valid, UBA Bank plc and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALAWONDE OMOLARA CHRISTY, now OYEDELE OMOLARA CHRISTY. All former document remain valid.

G.T Bank plc and general public take note.

OKECHUKWU EDITH

OKECHUKWU: I, formerly known as OGBONNA EDITH and ONU EDITH, now wish to be known and addressed as OKECHUKWU EDITH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MOROMOKE ADELANI SULAIMON

I, formerly known and addressed as, SULAIMON BALIKIS MOROMOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MOROMOKE ADELANI SULAIMON. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IGWEAGU JOY CHIOMA

ONAH GLORIA AFOMA.

ONWUVU GLORIA ADAKU.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZENWOGENE JOY CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IGWEAGU JOY CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU GLORIA AFOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONAH GLORIA AFOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ONWUVU GLORIA OLUNWA now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUVU GLORIA ADAKU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

AKUNNA LINUS IKENNA

ANIAMALU GERALDINE IFEOMA

EVENLYN ROSEMARY UFENENE.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEBUCHI GERALDINE IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIAMALU GERALDINE IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EVENLYN INNOCENT ABUJN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EVENLYN ROSEMARY UFENENE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKUNNA LINUS IK, now wish to be known and addressed as AKUNNA LINUS IKENNA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to certify that DAUDA TIMOTHY and DAVID TIMOTHY GARKUWA is one and the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA TIMOTHY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

AKINBOLADE ABOSEDE OLUWATIMILEHIN.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUGBUYI ABOSEDE OLUWATIMILEHIN now wished to be known and addressed as AKINBOLADE ABOSEDE OLUWATIMILEHIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

FALODUN TAIWO OMOWUNMI

I, formerly known and addressed as OYENIGBA TAIWO OMOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as FALODUN TAIWO OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

NWACHUKWU ABRAHAM CHINWEUBA

I, formerly known and addressed as OBEMBE OLAWUNMI TAWAKALT, now wish to be known and addressed as APATIRA OLAWUNMI TAWAKALT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KASHIMAWO OLAOLU OLUWASEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as KASHIMAWO OLANREWAJU OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ADERIBIGBE IBIDUN

AYORINDE ADEMILOLA OLUWATOYIN

I, formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN ADEMILOLA OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as AYORINDE ADEMILOLA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABRAHAM CHINWEUBA NWANKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU ABRAHAM CHINWEUBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GLORIA OMOWUNMI ABOLAJI, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA OMOWUNMI OWOSHO. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS AJEKIIGBE ADEBUNMI IBIDUN NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADERIBIGBE IBIDUN ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

EKAETE JUDE

ACHOLO CHINWE. . GLORY

formerly known and addressed as. Chinwe. Glory.

Now wish to be known and addressed as Acholo Chinwe.

Glory. All Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as FOLASHADE ADUNNI WILLIAMS, now wish to be known and addressed as 0GINI ADENNI FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BALOGUN BUKOLA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. OLODO BUKOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Formerly Known and addressed as OKPALA LILIAN ONYINYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWABUEZE LILIAN ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

RAPHAEL DAVYCURTIS. RASHAD.

I. Formely known and addressed as Uloma. Ihuoma Dike now wish to be known and addressed as Uloma Ihuoma. Igba. All Former documents remain valid general public should take note

OGBU SAMUEL ACHOKWU.

OGBU: I, formerly known as OGBU SAMUEL FRIDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU SAMUEL ACHOKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANI JENNIFER AMAKA.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IBEKWE JENNIFER AMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI JENNIFER AMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AGU STELLA CHIOMA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU STELLA CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGU STELLA CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. Industrial Training Fund and General public should please take note.

OPARA STELLA NKECHI

ONIOSUN ODUNAYO DEBORAH.

I, formerly known as miss Oguntade Odunayo Deborah, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Oniosun Odunayo Deborah.

All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

SYLVANUS EMMANUEL KAHAN.

SYLVANUS: I, formerly known as SYLVANUS MUSA, now wish to be known and addressed as SYLVANUS EMMANUEL KAHAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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

OFODILLE SYLVESTER NWANEBUIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as OFFORDILE SYLVESTER, now wish to be known and addressed as OFODILLE SYLVESTER NWANEBUIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

IKE NELSON CHIDIEBERE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLI STELLA NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OPARA STELLA NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGBARA CHIDIEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as IKE NELSON CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

LAWAL OLUWATOYIN OMOLAYO.

THOMAS OJEAGHA LEKWA

I, formerly known and addressed as AYODEJI OLUWATOYIN OMOLAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL OLUWATOYIN OMOLAYO. All former documents remain valid. ACEESS BANK please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as THOMAS OJEAGHA and LEKWU OGEAGHU THOMAS. now wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS OJEAGHA LEKWA .

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADELEKE OLUWATOYIN RACHEAL

SALAWU ROFIAT OPEYEMI.

I, formerly known as Salaudeen Rofiat Opeyemi, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Salawu Rofiat Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

OLAYEMI BUKOLA ADESHOLA.

ASENOWO: I, formerly known as ASENOWO BUKOLA ADETUTU, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAYEMI BUKOLA ADESHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONOH JOSEPHINE ODINAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as IGIEDE JOSEPHINE OSAMUYI, now wish to be known and addressed as ONOH JOSEPHINE ODINAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONYEMA NNENNA LOVETH.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ISILUE NNENNA LOVETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYEMA NNENNA LOVETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to confirm and certify that, OWUSI MALACHY MADUABUCHI, OWUSI MADUABUCHI and OWUSI MALACHY. refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OWUSI MALACHY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

EMMANUEL OSONG EMANGHA.

I, formerly known and addressed as Esema Osong Emangha, now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Osong Emangha.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Sokoto to convene confab on girlchild education ÎÎÎSokoto

State Government said it will convene a national stakeholders’ conference on girlchild education in early 2017.

The conference, to be organized with the collaboration of UNICEF and the Sultan Foundation, will have presentations from experts from across the globe on how to address the issue of falling standard of education, especially female education in Sokoto in particular, and the nation as a whole.

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to grace the

event.

A statement issued Monday in Sokoto by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said at the end of the two-day conference, practical guides will be outlined on how best to turn around the fortune of the education sector, and how best to address disparity issues of girl-child education.

“We appreciate the need to have all hands on deck as we proffer solution to challenges confronting the education sector in our state.

“This necessitated the need to

organise a national conference on girl-child education to bring together experts from home and abroad, and development partners, to discuss and agree on the best approach to revamping the sector,” the statement added.

It said resolution from the conference will provide updated guideline for achieving set targets for female education in Nigeria.

It added that Sokoto State Government is giving female education the necessary attention it deserves.

“Few days ago, we announced the establishment of the Agency for Girl-Child Education which is expected to coordinate all issues related to female education from basic to tertiary levels in our state.

“We are working to ensure that officials of the new agency interface closely with local and international stakeholders to properly monitor progress of our girls in schools and what needs to be done to boost enrollment, retention and completion of all girls in schools in Sokoto State.”

Niger distributes relief materials worth N65m to flood victims Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÏÏÏ

Niger Government has distributed N65 million relief materials to 78 communities whose farm lands were destroyed as a result of flood that ravaged Mokwa and Edati Local Government Areas of the state this year.

It will be recalled that three wards in Mokwa and one ward in Edati were destroyed by flood that occurred on Sept. 19.

Alhaji Ibrahim Inga, Director General of the state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said that the cause of the flood was as a result of the rains and water released from River Kaduna and River Niger.

He said that more than 500 hectres of rice farm and houses were washed away by flood.

Inga said that the relief material were to assist victims to resettle themselves so as to earn a decent living.

He added that government has provided food and non food items such as , rice, maize, vegetable oil, Maggi and wrappers, roofing materials to assist the victims.

The director general urged the benefiting communities to complement government gesture by promoting peace and unity in their localities.

He assured that government would continue to support victims of various disasters to cushion the effect.

The District Head of Wuya Kede, Alhaji Ibrahim Yawa, commended the state government’s intervention in reducing the suffering of the victims.

Alhaji Mohammed Alhassan, a beneficiary, said that “I am very happy that today, government has fulfilled its promise by giving us this relief materials.

“This act demonstrated dividends of democracy in the state”, he said.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Lagos Airport Hotel, Kayode Bakare; MD/CEO, Bevent Logistics Synergy and Event Centre, Bola Awosika; former Chief Justice of Ogun State, Justice Oluremi Jacobs; his wife, Moji during the commissioning of Bevent Center in Lagos...on Monday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

SHOFELA KEHINDE DEBORAH

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KEHINDE DEBORAH ADELOWO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHOFELA KEHINDE DEBORAH All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, GETRUDE OSAM AKOSA and AKOSA NJOK OSAM refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, AKOSA NJOK OSAM. All former documents remain valid. ACCESS BANK, ECO BANK, UBA AND General public should take note.

TAIWO VIVIAN AMENZE

I formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY VIVIAN AMENZE now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO VIVIAN AMENZE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

LESHI OPEYEMI ENIOLA

I formerly known and addressed as OLADEJO OPEYEMI ENIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as LESHI OPEYEMI ENIOLA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

JOHN ONYEKACHI ONUOHA NWANEBU

ODITAN HELEN

I formerly known and addressed as HELEN DICK AKHEMIKHO now wish to be known and addressed as ODITAN HELEN All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

I, JOHN ONYEKACHI ONUOHA NWANEBU, AND JOHN ONYEKACHI ONUOHA, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOHN ONYEKACHI ONUOHA NWANEBU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as IGE VICTORIA FUNMILAYO while in some other documents it was written as IGE VICTORIA OLUFUNMILAYO .I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing the names are valid.

General public to take note.

NKEIRUKA GIFT UWADORO

DECLARATION OF AGE:

I formerly known and addressed as GIFT JOAN OKONKWO now wish to be known and addressed as NKEIRUKA GIFT UWADORO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I, MR BABATUNDE OLUWASOLA JAMES wish to inform the General Public that I was born on 13/01/1955. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

25 News KWSG embarks on Light up Kwara project Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏAs part of efforts to improve

security among its citizenry in the State, Kwara State Government is embarking on a N6billion project, Light Up Kwara.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Energy, Alhaji Idris Abubakar during a press briefing in Ilorin as part of the resolution of the State Executive Council meeting.

The project which is expected to cost about N6billion would ensure that all the streets in the state are lit up during the night so that hoodlums and miscreants cannot act under the cover of darkness.

According to the commissioner, the project is going to be in two phases stating that phase one of the project will cover 78 kilometres of roads within Ilorin metropolis.

The project, he said, will be financed through a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement over a period of ten years adding that the private partners will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project for 10 years before transferring the assets to the state government.

“Repayment will commence when the Kwara State Government is sure that all is well, the project is tested, reliable and efficiently serving the purpose”, he said.

The phase II of the project, he said, will go outside the metropolis like Offa in Offa Local Government Area; Omu-Aran, Moro and Edu Local Government Areas and subsequently to every other LGAs in the State.

DOMINION ROBERTS WILSON

I formerly known and addressed as IDAYE ROBERTS WILSON now wish to be known and addressed as DOMINION ROBERTS WILSON All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I, PRINCE GBOLAHAN DADA lost my DEED OF SUB-LEASE in respect of land situated at Ikeja Housing Estate known as plot 69 Adeniyi Jones Ikeja with registered No.22 at page 22 in vol.146 of the land registry in Ibadan. Efforts to trace it proved abortive.

YINUSA GANIYU AFEEZ

I Formerly known and addressed as Shodunke Abiodun George now wish to be known and addressed as Yinusa Ganiyu Afeez. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

OLOWU ABIDEMI

I formerly known and addressed as MOSES OLUWSHOLA ABIDEMI now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWU ABIDEMI OLUWASHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Times Law

s

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

It is settled law that a material contradiction must go to a material point-that is, to the root of the charge against the Accused person.

- Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC, in Adonike v. State (2015) 1 S.C. 42.

EDITOR: Ibe Uwaleke, 08033151041, ibeuwaleke 2012@yahoo.com

Senior lawyers aid corruption in judiciary -Agetu INTERVIEW It is now obvious that corruption in the judiciary is real not imaginary. In this interview granted by a very senior lawyer and property law expert for 29 years, Ndubuisi Agetu, judiciary has been corrupt right from the beginning. But Agetu is of the opinion that the so called corruption in the judiciary is aided by senior lawyers who have what it takes to bride the judges.

He spoke to IBE UWALEKE. Excerpts:

Law

M

How does the judiciary deal with the issue of corruption, a quagmire it found itself in recent times.

The issue of corruption has always been there, we must not deceive ourselves. What we can now talk is that it is being blown open, the public is now beginning to see it as wide as it is, unlike before when we assumed that it did not exist because judiciary being the temple of justice should be immune from corruption. But most legal practitioners know that it is not the position. It is unfortunate that it is now known to every one. Every serious lawyer should be ashamed of this development because it is embarrassing as judiciary is seen as the last hope of the common man. In fact, the judge is seen as a saint and honourable person. Even as a legal practitioner, my own colleague, once he is appointed to the Bench, he becomes a special person. This is the way we see it. I can even tell you that corruption in the judiciary is aided by senior lawyers.

No litigant will have a case in court and have the audacity to go and see a judge, instead, it is the person’s lawyer who will volunteer to see the judge on behalf of his client, who knows the judge. Sometimes, lawyers don’t inform their clients that they are seeing judges on their behalf, all they want is to see their cases won in court.

Are you saying that the reason some lawyers are being tried in court now is because of their connection with some judges.

That is the point I am trying to make. Most of these senior lawyers have access to the judges. It is hard before you see a junior lawyer having free access to a judge. I mean a lawyer between two and 10 years post call practice can’t attempt to see a judge for any thing outside the courtroom matter of his case. But from 20 years and above post call practitioners, some of whom are senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are capable of going to judges to ‘settle’. They are people who

Agetu

have access and connection with judges. They are old lawyers, who know the system, intrigues of the trade and go all out to seek favour from judges.

Assuming it is the other way round whereby a judge seeks for a financial assistance from a lawyer to solve a pressing problem without recourse to the case the lawyer has in his court.

In the first place, it is wrong for a judge to seek for any assistance from any legal practitioner whether a friend or not. The moment a judge brings himself down to ask for any favour from a colleague who has a matter before him, he has compromised his position as a judge. A judge should try to maintain certain integrity.

There are always options to survive in life. Today, I know judges are well paid, almost in all jurisdictions, particularly in Lagos State. In fact most lawyers now struggle to become judges because of the condition of service on the Bench. Therefore, I can’t see any reason why a judge wants to seek any favour from a legal practitioner. If a judge is so financially pressed that he cannot do without, that particular judge should apply for financial assistance from his CJ (Chief Judge), instead of going cap in hand to beg for money from a lawyer.

These judges that are now being implicated for corruption, how did they find themselves on the Bench without their colleagues from the Bar raising questions about their character.

EDITOR: Ibe Uwaleke

Most of these senior lawyers have access to the judges. It is hard before you see a junior lawyer having free access to a judge. I mean a lawyer between two and 10 years post call practice can’t attempt to see a judge for any thing outside the courtroom matter of his case. But from 20 years and above post call practitioners, some of whom are senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are capable of going to judges to ‘settle’.

They are people who have access and connection with judges. They are old lawyers, who know the system, intrigues of the trade and go all out to seek favour from judges.

No one is guilty until the contrary is proven. What we have against the judges already fingered are allegations. There are processes for appointing a judge. Every aspirant judge’s name is usually submitted to NBA branch where he practised for assessment and comment. But sometimes this procedure is not followed. Lagos State recently appointed some magistrates and judges without consulting the Bar. This is how loopholes are cre-

ated. If NBA is always consulted, the body has sound lawyers it can recommend for the Bench, but when it is ignored, any lawyer jumps to the Bench.

During the era of the current Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as Attorney General of Lagos State, the quality of judges recruited was not in doubt. Every practising lawyer in Lagos State acknowledged that.

Do you think in your candid opinion that the money DSS claimed was found in the judges’ homes is true.

Whether it is true or not true, is neither here nor there. In fairness, as a judge of the Supreme Court, a certain amount of money could be kept for a purpose in judge’s house, either by him or any member of his family or relation. For now we don’t know how the money in question got to their homes. Somebody can drop N50million in my house, and ask me to keep it because he does not want to pass through a bank and he wants to buy a property the next day. If security op-

Legal JOKE

eratives burst into my house and see such amount, will they accuse me of money laundering if I can explain the source of the money.

If the judges cannot explain the source of the money found in their homes genuinely, that is where the problem lies. But at this point we are yet to get all the facts. At the level of Supreme Court judge, it is not out of place to see a certain amount of money, even in different currencies in his house, without implying that it is a proceed of corruption.

Why do you think NJC endorsed the stepping aside by these affected judges as suggested by NBA. Initially the NJC did not endorse it. But public opinion and very senior lawyers prevailed on the NJC to suspend the judges. As a judge having been accused of corruption, justice demands that you step aside to answer the charges before one continues to sit.

Is this decision part of the rule of NJC or a compulsion by NBA. That decision is part of the rules.

After that, there has been an amendment to the rules. It is a general rule in civil service. It is for fair hearing.

What politicians do and you call precedent is not precedent, like in the case of Senator Saraki who was asked to step aside because he is facing trial at Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT). The judiciary will not emulate this kind of precedent.

How do we deal with the issue of corruption once and for all in the judiciary.

It will be difficult, but we can reduce it to the barest minimum. Corruption takes two to tangle. The executive is part of corruption.

Why can’t the cleansing begin from within.

It is unfortunate. It ought to be. It is the failure of the judiciary and the NJC to properly cleanse itself that brought this mess to the judiciary.

How can NJC, a body of judges discipline judges.

It has always been. A body of judges can discipline judges. Before now we have had judges who had been dismissed, suspended and demoted.

What we are saying is that NJC does not seem to be doing enough. I just hope the consequences of the exposure of corruption in the judiciary do not destroy the judiciary at the end of the day.

Do you think the NJC should be headed by the CJN. Ans: It is high time we began to look outside the body. We have senior judges who are retired. We can pick any one of them to head the NJC.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

My wife beats the hell out of me -Husband tells court Stories by Titilope Joseph A middle -aged man, Aderinkanmi Adeolu has approached a Lagos Customary court, seeking for the dissolution of the union between him and his wife over alleged violence and maltreatment by his wife.

The petitioner, Adeolu had prayed the court to dissolve the marriage based on the fact that his wife, Adenike is too troublesome, there is no more love, and other irreconcilable matters.

In his testimony before the court, Adeolu alleged that his wife is too troublesome and she fights with him and the neighbours.

“My wife is fond of fighting and causing trouble. Whenever she starts her trouble and fight ensued, she will not stop until she ended up naked.

“Whenever I have any misunderstanding with my wife, she goes violent against me, she slaps and bite me often, even at the slightest provocations. My family members can no longer come near our home because of her troublesome attitude.’’

“She does not only beat me, she also threatens me with bottle even in the presence of our only child whenever I made an attempt to leave the house. We are now a laughing stock in the neighborhood because of her character, he said.

He further told the court that it has gotten to the peak whereby he can no longer tolerate his wife and he prayed the court to dissolve their union, so that he does not lose his life.

“I am no longer comfortable living with her; despite all I have done to make the marriage work, she does not appreciate it. I have reported her matter at the Human Right Office but she told them not to treat my matter with any seriousness, rather, they should collect my money and buy themselves drinks. Adeolu added.

27 Law

FG restates importance of arbitration in international disputes resolution The Federal Government has reiterated the importance of arbitration as a tool most suitable to resolve international disputes when the parties to the disputes are not domiciled in the same country.

The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Taiwo Abiogun stated this in his welcome address at the Seminar

on International Commercial Arbitration and Advocacy, Skills for Government Lawyers Organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Curtis, Mallet Prevost Colt & Mosis LLP on Tuesday in Abuja.

Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Min-

ister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN revealed in a statement made available to the media in Abuja on Wednesday, that the FG emphasized the importance of the seminar for lawyers in government in this era when arbitration is fast becoming inevitable.

Isah disclosed that the Solicitor General of the Federation represented by the Director, Solicitor

L-R: Director, law reporting, Mrs. Christie Ekweonu, deputy director representing the director public prosecution department, Mr Mohammed Umar Etsu, director, solicitor department, Mrs. O.O. Moore who represented the solicitor general of the federation and permanent secretary, federal ministry of justice, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, Mr. David Hesse, Mr. Peter Stewart, and Mr. Timi Balogun from curtis, mallet-provost colt & mosis llp, United Kingdom at a seminar on international commercial arbitratiion and advocacy skills on 29th nov 2016, at the ministry’s auditorium.

Department, Mrs. Olushola Moore stated that, “As a result of their inter-dependency, disputes are inevitable and parties elect amicable settlement, obtainable in a private and confidential nature with binding effects.

According to Abidogun, the elements are made up of alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the form of mediation, conciliation and arbitration”.

He explained that commerce and business are the ancient activities which are the only avenue through which nations are interconnected with one another.

He equally highlighted that parties in commerce and business opt for arbitration because of its merits; such that, it is simple and flexible in that it guides itself on the will of the parties.

The Permanent Secretary also explained that arbitration gives quick remedy and provides confidential procedure which helps to establish calm atmosphere between the claimant, defendants and arbitrators encouraging amicable settlement.

$249m breach of contact: Trade Minister, Enelamah’s firm, others sued A company co-founded by Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, African Capital Alliance Ltd (“ACA”), has been dragged to court alongside other defendants over a $249million suit, involving breach of contract.

Enalamah was the CEO of ACA until his appointment last year.

The plaintiff, Petroleum Zion Exploration and Production Ltd, had dragged ACA before a Federal High Court, Lagos, with the claims that the said company unlawfully interfered with the plaintiff ’s transaction to purchase Afren’s stake in Oil Mining Lease (“OML”) 26, with a production potential over 10,000 barrels of oil per day.

Joined in the suit, as co-defendants, are PJT Partners UK Ltd, FHN 26 Ltd, Wilmington Trust (London) Ltd, Vertex Energy Ltd, Department of Petroleum Resources, and Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Other parties are Simon Jonathan Appell, Daniel Imison and Ms. Catherine Williamson (who are being sued in their capacity as UK administrators of Afren UK Plc and Afren Nigeria Holdings Ltd).

According to court papers, the plaintiff contends that, sometime in 2015, Afren Plc (a UK listed PanAfrican Oil and Gas Company currently under insolvency) mandated PJT Partners (a subsidiary of Blackstone Group UK) to liquidate

all its assets in Nigeria, including its 100% stake in FHN26 (a special purpose vehicle of that owns a 45% interest in OML 26).

The plaintiff expressed interest in acquiring the said stake in OML 26 (the “Sale Asset”) and was eventually declared preferred bidder, whereupon it commenced negotiations, in good faith, and reach agreement to execute a Sale Purchase Agreement in respect of the Sale Assets (“SPA”).

According to Petroleum Zion, due to the global fall in oil prices, which impacted the value of the Sales Asset, the deal was later renegotiated during which price sensitive and propriety informations was divulged on confidential basis for 10 months between August 2015

and May 2016.

However, PJT Partners in handling the transaction on behalf of Afren’s administrators breached their confidentiality obligations owed to the plaintiff, unlawfully disclosing the plaintiff ’s bid price and other sensitive information to ACA (who secretly joined the bid process later) and now on the verge of concluding the transaction leveraging the sensitive information unlawfully obtained from PJT Partners to its advantage.

The plaintiff contends that PJT Partners disclosed the sensitive information it gathered from it (Petroleum Zion) including renegotiated terms to ACA, which made it easy for ACA to want to close the transaction.

Landlady alleges rape, asks police to investigate tenant A Lagos landlady has approached a Lagos Magistrate court sitting in Ogba for justice after she alleged to be raped by her tenant and his gang.

The complainant, (names withheld) alleged that the 54year-old defendant, Segun Awogbemi, who was docked before Magistrate Mrs. Omolade Awope did have canal knowledge of her without her consent.

The accused, who lives in Saidatu Street, Oregun in Ikeja, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape.

According to the state prosecutor, Inspectoo. Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused and others at large committed the offences on Oct. 9 at about 9:00 p.m. in his residence.

Ayorinde informed the court that the accused and his accomplices conspired and raped the

complainant (names withheld).

He alleged that on the said date, the complainant was invited by Sarah Emmanuel to her room for a drink.

“After the drink, the complainant went back to her room, feeling intoxicated and slept off immediately without locking her door,’’ the prosecutor told the court.

He further alleged that the landlady discovered the follow-

ing morning that she had been raped by her tenant along with others still at large.

“The complainant resulted to shouting and cursing that whoever raped her will become swollen and die,’’ he said.

Ayorinde also told the court that the offences committed contravened Sections 258 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not

guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Omolade Awope, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Awope also averred that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should swear to an affidavit of means and produce evidence of two years tax payment to Lagos State.

She thereby adjourned the case till Dec. 27 for hearing.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Tech Times

Organizations need to deploy right technologies to tackle e-payment fraud - Regha

ALTON backs NCC’s bid on data tariff floor

s

Hyundai joins ITU to impact standards for connected cars

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

Hyundai Motor Company has become a member of International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) standardization arm (ITU-T), in an era of rapid convergence, underlining the importance of increased partnership between the automotive and information and communication technology (ICT) industries.

Hyundai’s membership in ITU will support the company in building its “hyperconnected intelligent cars” platform which includes smart remote-maintenance services, autonomous driving, smart traffic flow, and a connected “mobility hub” to provide security and data management for connected cars.

“Hyundai Motors is looking forward to participating in ITU and will bring important momentum from the automotive industry to advance the future of connected car technology,” Eon Youl Shin, Director, Hyundai said.

Hyundai’s membership comes as ITU ramps up efforts to provide a unique, global platform for automotive-ICT collaboration – which has already sparked the development of a range of ITU standards tailored to the automotive industry.

Accelerating ITU standardization work in this arena has led to fresh interest from other major carmakers as they, too, see the strong business case to join ITU to influence the development of connected-car standards.

Intelligent Transport Systems As a new member, Hyundai will support the coordinated development of intelligent transport systems that will improve passenger experience, road safety and reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

“ITU is well placed to encourage the public-private partnerships required to improve road safety.

“Joining the ITU membership, Hyundai has entered the company of governments,

HOULIN ZHAO

ITU Secretary-General

industry players and academic and research institutes working together to build cohesion in ICT innovation,” ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao said.

ITU will host discussions on the status and future of intelligent transport systems at the world-famous Geneva International Motor Show as key players in the ICT and auto industries present their latest intelligenttransport innovations on 9 March 2017 at the Symposium of the Future Networked Car, an event growing in importance as ITU’s automotive-related standards work increases in pace.

“Standardization will be essential in building a trusted ecosystem of intelligent vehicles. ITU standardization work is supporting the increasing integration of ICTs in vehicles with road safety and data security as our top priorities,” said Chaesub Lee, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau.

Helping the auto industry achieve its ICT ambitions ITU provides common technical platforms to assist the automotive industry in achieving its ICT ambitions.

The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 allocated radio-frequency spectrum in the 79 GHz frequency band to the operation of short-range, high-resolution automotive radar.

ITU standards provide specifications for radiocommunications between cars and infrastructure, as well as tests to assess the performance of mobile phones when connected as gateways to vehicles’ handsfree systems.

An ITU standard for secure over-theair software updates for connected cars is expected to be approved in early 2017, and new ITU standards are under development to reduce technology-related driver distraction.

ITU continues to see key results emerging from its collaboration with the UNECE Transport Division, the body responsible for global vehicle regulations, which now looks to ITU to provide communications performance standards in support of vehicle regulations. The new global regulation on vehicle emergency calls, “Automatic Emergency Call Systems”, will reference an ITU-T voice-quality performance standard.

NITDA, NCC, NigComSat, others Check Point warns of sophisticated, custom-designed attacks in 2017 “For enterprises, we predict that ransom Check Point Software Technologies has to brainstorm at predicted the emergence of sophisticated ware will become as prevalent as DDoS and custom-designed malware designed attacks. Like DDoS attacks, successful Cyber Security to get past organizations’ defences in ransom ware infections can shut down a business’s day-to-day operations, and 2017, and organizations to take cover. forum According to the firm, attackers are now mitigating them demands a multi-faceted using bespoke variants of existing malware, which can bypass traditional antivirus and sandboxing tools For 2017, Check Point Software Technologies said among other things that as attacks on mobile devices continue to grow, it expects to see enterprise breaches that originate on mobile devices becoming a more significant corporate security concern.

The firm also said that in the coming year, it expects to see cyber attacks spreading further into the Industrial IoT.

prevention strategy, including advanced sandboxing and threat extraction,” Check Point Software Technologies said.

It urged businesses to consider alternative ways to cope with the people who launch ransom ware campaigns.

“Collaborative strategies like coordinated takedowns with industry peers and law enforcement will be essential. While paying a ransom is never recommended because it encourages future attacks, sometimes it is the only option for recovering data and the ability to function”, the firm stated.

Adegbuyi

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6 , 2016

29 Tech Times

Organizations need to deploy right technologies to tackle e-payment fraud - Regha Onajite Regha is the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of E-payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN). In this interview with Tony Nwakaegho, she spoke on why cybercrime is still in vogue despite the entire advocacy and the way forward. Excerpts: What is the E-PPAN conference all about?

The conference is an annual series where we look at the payment systems and fraud in the payment systems and this is the 7th edition in the series. The conference is designed as a veritable rallying ground for all stakeholders in all electronic payment value chain to deliberate on payments systems and fraud knowledge.

The objectives of this year’s conference are to address the challenges posed by people’s laxity in divulging and compromising organization information system to fraudsters; re-appraise, reconnect and tackle the processes that compromise the entire system of e-payment hemisphere in Nigeria, and fashion out how organizations can invest in and deploy the right technologies to enable the industry be a step ahead of criminals.

Why is it that fraud is still on the increase despite the entire advocacy being in vogue?

It is not a surprise that fraud is on the increase and it is not a misnomer, it is very normal that fraud will be on the increase because it is a business of criminals, as criminals will always follow the money wherever the money goes. So, no matter what you do, you should be rest assured that it is somebody’s business to try to defraud the system. What we try to do is to make sure that any way they come we try to block it. I can assure you that we will get creative and come in all the ways to try to block them. So what you can

grass root and sometimes you will see that they are more vulnerable. Most of the people in that region are not literate and so maybe you are even doing some advocacy work they may not be

but fraud will certainly be there. Payment fraud will certainly be there because crime is some people’s business.

Have the efforts you put in so far translated to the grass root where we have the SMEs? Certainly, every improvement in the system affects all stakeholders whether grass root, whether top of the pyramid, anything that impacts or affects the reduction of payment fraud, it will affect everybody. Yes it translates to the grass root. But the truth is fortunately the people at the bottom of the pyramid, not really the bottom of the pyramid, the people who do not -

What we do in that forum is that the stakeholders in the industry meet regularly to share trends, to forecast where the crime is coming from and to put in place measures to match the criminals in their business, and to checkmate them

that really they learn their lesson and then we move on. It translates to the

the elites will catch the message. But fraud cuts across the whole spectrum of the society.

Do we have formidable institutions that take care of these electronic frauds issue that are now prevalent in the society?

Yes, E-PPAN is doing a lot when it comes to advocacy, literacy creation.

We also have the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum which is the highest body for electronic fraud management in Nigeria. What we do in that forum is that the stakeholders in the industry meet regularly to share trends, to forecast where the crime is coming from and to put in place measures to match the criminals in their business, and to checkmate them. And then the industry stakeholders have started working different unit in the industry like an industry body, for instance we have all the banking heads, investigative coming together. That results to better collaboration within the industry.

How do you manage ‘Insiders’ instigated system breaches within the banking sector?

That relies heavily on the processes you put in place, but it is not enough for you to put the process in place. It is not enough for you as an organiza-

Regha

tion to ensure that the processes you put in place are working. So you test it, throw it open, you test it and then you don’t just put it for the like of it, you continue to review, to check and ensure that those processes you put in place are still relevant. You then ensure that your people understand why you put a process in place. Because, if you put it there and they don’t know why; it’s as good as not having it.

How do you now grow the knowledge of cyber threats in schools, NGOs and religious institutions?

The only way to grow it is by advocacy, awareness creation. People have to know, and this fraud conference is part of it. Even though this fraud conference we are looking inward there is a lot of sensitive information being divulge here. So we actually look inward, but it is part of it and at the

are, we send it out the right people. We have magazines that we disseminate outside of the stakeholders in the inof people don’t know, but if you give it help them to become better. If one person knows and passes all the information to 10 people in his family, and those other 10 pass the information to 100 people already informed.

What has been the impact of your entire advocacy on the people in market places and so on?

I am sure a lot of people are aware of the tricks of the fraudsters. It is the impact of the advocacy and awareness creation. As I said earlier, the criminals will always change their tactics.

So when they change their tactics we

out that the crime is not always the same thing as they change their tactics. It shows that the advocacy and the awareness are working against them, so they need to consistently change what they are doing.

These fraudsters who are often arrested are found walking freely on the streets. What is E-PPAN doing in order to collaborate with the judiciary to halt the sophistication of cybercrime?

For the past three years now, the judiciary has always been a part of this our conference. It means that we are enlightening them. Last month, we did training for them under the CIBN (Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria) platform and we had a session to make them understand what electronic payment, and electronic payment fraud is all about. What we are trying to do is to educate them to know better what we are doing.

Tech Times 30

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6 , 2016

ALTON backs NCC’s bid on data tariff floor Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has supported the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the aborted data tariff floor.

The association noted that NCC’s intervention to set the data tariff floor is in exercise of its statutory responsibility to promote healthy competition by periodically reviewing voice and data tariffs in the industry and ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

In statement by Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, the Association explained that NCC commenced extensive consultation with the industry prior to the finalization of the data tariff floor. According to him, it is within the

statutory remit of the NCC to make decisive interventions to address data price concerns which had led to data prices falling to unreasonably low levels with the effect that telecommunications operators were unable to recover the cost of providing data services and reinvest in capacity expansion to accommodate the increased usage arising from lower tariffs.

ALTON further said that the situation has been compounded by the recent economic challenges characterized by the endless depreciation of the naira, the need to resort to the parallel market, and foreign exchange scarcity which have considerably increased the capital and operational cost of providing telecommunications services, thus making current data tariffs unsustainable.

“This situation, if left unaddressed, could result in

Over 30% of mobile apps uninstalled daily – Report

a sustained deterioration in the quality of data services across all networks and the attendant poor quality of experience for users. In this regard, our members await the conclusion of NCC’s market study when the Commission will be in a position to determine its requisite intervention.”

“We are aware that the NCC introduced the minimum price for data services to help ensure cost recovery and drive the continued investment in the telecommunications sector necessary for the provision for the overall benefit of the Nigerian subscriber and the Nigerian economy.

“It is our belief that interventions such as these are in keeping with the NCC’s tradition of

GBENGA ADEBAYO

centric initiatives

Chairman, ALTON

Despite the huge mobile application market put at $102 billion, on average, over 30 percent of apps installed globally across both iOS and Android devices are uninstalled daily, a new report by Business Insider has revealed The report revealed also that this trend has left developers and business worried, as they face the

regulatory such as the

Portability Scheme which

increasingly uphill app engagement battle in an overcrowded app market.

Here are the highlights from the report: markets are less likely to uninstall apps. For example, users in China, are 5 percent less likely to uninstall an app than Consumers

in

these

markets spend a much larger chunk of their time on mobile devices, which likely means that they’re more engaged with a larger share of their apps. uninstall rates are double that of iOS. This is largely due to Android’s much bigger footprint in emerging markets where less expensive smart phones are more

were introduced to enhance customer satisfaction with telecommunications services,” the statement said.

ALTON also noted that price changes for data services across all networks following any intervention by the NCC are not expected to have a detrimental effect on broadband penetration contrary to some sentiments being expressed in the media.

“ALTON wishes to emphasize that while it is imperative that telecommunications operators continue to explore opportunities for providing their subscribers with more value for their money, it is important that prices be set at realistic levels which ensure that subscribers are not only able to afford services but that operators are also in a quality of service to their subscribers.”

popular.

These lower quality devices typically have less storage space, meaning that users need to be more willing to delete unnecessary apps to save space.

On the other hand, in mature markets like the US, uninstall rates for both platforms are relatively low due to the quality devices.

Facebook works on artificial intelligence to flag offensive live videos

By Tony Nwakaegho Joaquin Candela, director of applied machine learning, Facebook,(picture) Joaquin Candela, director of applied machine learning, Facebook, has said the company is working on automatically flagging offensive material in live video streams, building on a growing effort to use artificial intelligence to monitor content.

The social media company has been embroiled in a number of content moderation controversies

this year, from facing international outcry after removing an iconic Vietnam War photo due to nudity, to allowing the spread of fake news on its site.

Facebook has historically relied mostly on users to report offensive posts, which are then checked by Facebook employees against company “community standards.”

Decisions on especially thorny content issues that might require policy changes are made by top executives at the company.

Candela told reporters that

Facebook increasingly was using artificial intelligence to find offensive material. It is “an algorithm that detects nudity, violence, or any of the things that are not according to our policies,” he said.

The company already had been working on using automation to flag extremist video content, as Reuters reported in June.

Now the automated system also is being tested on Facebook Live, the streaming video service for users to broadcast live video.

Using artificial intelligence

Finbarr Moynihan, General Manager, Corporate Sales International.

to flag live video is still at the research stage, and has two challenges, Candela said.

“One, your computer vision algorithm has to be fast, and I think we can push there, and the other one is, you need to prioritize things in the right way so that a human looks at it, an expert who understands our policies, and takes it down.”

Facebook said it also uses automation to process the tens of millions of reports it gets each week, to recognize duplicate reports and route the flagged content

to reviewers with the appropriate subject matter expertise. and chief executive in November said Facebook would turn to automation as part of a plan to identify fake news. Ahead of the Nov. 8 U.S. election, Facebook users saw fake news reports erroneously alleging that Pope Francis endorsed Donald Trump and that a federal agent who had been investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was found dead.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6 , 2016

Stakeholders blame poor internet services on lack of investment Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Telecommunications stakeholders have blamed the poor delivery of internet services in the country to subscribers on operators’ inability to muster finances to invest in network upgrade required to deliver truly reliable and fast broadband.

They insisted that what is being delivered to subscribers in the country is narrow band in the guise of broadband even with the launch of 4G LTE. Narrow band delivered to subscribers in the pretence of broadband, according to them, fall short of what broadband internet should be, because some of them are not using the required spectrum for 4G LTE service but rather using what they have to delivered the service.

More so, they are

not investing in the network to be able to deliver 4G LTE service because they don’t see the prospect of return on their investment with the prevailing economic situation in the country’.

Commenting on this development, Engr. Sam Adeleke, chief executive officer, Steineng Ltd, revealed that 4G LTE should give subscribers faster speed and bigger bandwidth without limit to what the subscriber can do with it.

“What we see in the market place today is the claim of unlimited service while pegging the subscriber on 60 gigabyte (GB). What happens is that at the beginning the service will be fast by the time you are exhausting the 60GB you were pegged at the service will no longer be fast and you find it difficult to download some files.”

“This is not broadband.

If we have broadband it means unlimited

David Venn, chief executive officer, Spectranet

31 Tech Times capacity and volume which is provided today in the country by very few operators.

LTE broadband does not limit you. What we see in the industry is operators using existing technology to offer new service,” Adeleke added.

He ascribed the situation to lack of investment to upgrade the network to be able to deliver the required service.

He advised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to educate stakeholders on the required standard for broadband service.

On his part, David Venn, chief executive officer, Spectranet, said that some operators were in a hurry to launch 4G LTE since they can’t get dollar to buy equipment and cannot get foreign or local funding to invest in the new network, they decided to use existing technology to offer new service that does not deliver required broadband service.

“Optimising a network for 4G LTE service is complex which requires five different bands, and the handset must work on the five different bands to

be able to deliver effective service. What we see in the market is 4G in few bands not on the whole bands, that is why the service delivered is not broadband.

Remember, those operators have not done it before, they will get it better as time goes by,” Venn said.

Elizabeth Migwalla, senior director and head of government affairs for Africa at Qualcomm, said: “More than 20 African countries have some LTE footprint but it is not reaching the unconnected because most of the networks are rolling out on re-farmed spectrum.

Operators are only having to use what little they already have to roll out this technology and yet the prime spectrum for LTE is actually available over Africa, both coverage and capacity spectrum.

“The potential to use this spectrum exists and the global allocations exist but the missing link is converting that maybe-used spectrum into can-be-used spectrum by will make the difference in LTE rollout,” Migwalla pointed out.

NITDA, NCC, NigComSat, others to brainstorm at Cyber Security forum Cyber security has been acknowledged as a major statutory responsibility of the present administration and the concerned government agency like National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has assured that it will “wield its powers to ensure that the administration succeeds in achieving peaceful and secured cyber space activity”.

Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami, director general of NITDA, who made the statement recently, would lead the heads of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat) and 24 other speakers to Nigeria’s first all-embracing talk that is planned to usher the country into a proper consciousness of tackling the growing menace of cyber insecurity.

According to Dr Bayero Agabi, executive director of Centre for Cyber Awareness Development (CECAD), a nonprofit ICT coalition agency, the

dialogue titled “ Cyber security: a Shared Responsibility” would seek to collaborate with NCC, NITDA, NigComSat and other

stakeholders to midwife a multi-stakeholders awareness campaign across, “government, corporate institutions and

Dr Bayero Agabi, executive director of Centre for Cyber Awareness Development.

private citizens through the principles of the Public Private Partnership (PPP).”

The event, which would hold in Lagos on December 8, 2016, would place Nigeria on a good stead to seek to adopt October of every year as the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), adding that Nigeria would be aligning with some countries that have earlier adopted October every year as awareness campaign month.

These countries include the USA, UK, Brazil and others.

Agabi disclosed that initial efforts by some stakeholders such as the Nigerian Internet Registration Agency (NiRA) are a precursor to the goal of declaring every October of the year as “cyber security awareness campaign month in line with global trend”.

This collaboration, he said, would yield multiplier effect across public and private sector, as the growing threats of cyber security, “is more real than

imagined. Nigeria can no longer afford to allow discrete access to its vital assets and the privacy of its citizens be compromised because of the low awareness index on cyber security among its citizens and corporate establishments”.

He hinted that NCC, NITDA and NigComSat are key players in the cyber security environment with laudable existing structures and vision to help Nigeria achieve a stable and secured cyber space usage and experience.

The DGs of NCC, NITDA and NigComSat would deliver keynotes that would stir robust discussions by a team of cyber security architects and lawyers, new media management experts and top security agencies among others.

Already, Tony Ojobo, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, has expressed the Commission’s readiness “to help the current administration to succeed in its drive to ensure a safe cyber space in the country”.

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Falcons battle NFF over

$16,500-a-player bonus NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick.

CAS: Blatter

loses ban appeal

S

epp Blatter says he has lost his Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal against a six-year ban by FIFA. Blatter said in a statement the judgement was “difficult” to accept but that “the way

Blatter

the case progressed, no other verdict could be expected”.

The former FIFA president, who was banned for approving a £1.3m payment to Michel Platini in 2011, said he will accept the decision.

Blatter could have appealed to Switzerland’s Supreme Court. It can annul verdicts if legal process was abused.

The pair’s suspensions had previously been reduced from eight to six years by a FIFA appeals committee, with their services to football a mitigating factor.

Platini took his case to CAS and Blatter followed suit. Platini in May had his suspension reduced by a further two years to four years, but Blatter’s full sanction remains in place.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport was judging whether Blatter was guilty of unethically offering a cash gift and conflict of interest.

N

igeria’s Super Falcons, record eight-time African champions, are set for a showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the payment of their win bonus from this year’s AWCON in Cameroun, which is put at $16,500-a-player.

The Falcons defeated hosts Cameroun 1-0 on Saturday to retain their continental crown in front of a devastated sell-out crowd in Yaounde.

However, they are yet to be paid a kobo whether as camp allowance or match bonus, top

team officials have revealed.

Besides the allowances, the Falcons are due $3,000 each for a win in the group stage of the AWCON, while victory in the semi-finals will earn them another $4,000.

They are to receive another $5,000 each for beating Cameroun in the championship decider.

This format means that each player is entitled to $16,500 as they won two group games ($6,000), drew with Ghana in another group game ($1,500), before they defeated South

Africa in the semi-final($4,000) and then retained their championship with victory in the final against Cameroon ($5,000).

The broke NFF have in the last few weeks sent off various national teams with ridiculous sums of cash.

The Nigeria U-19 team to the Suwon International Tournament in South Korea were paid N5,000 each on their return, while the country’s team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Papua New Guinea received N30,000 per player after they protested a proposed N 10,000 stipend.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

How herdsmen cut off my fingers, inflicted machete cuts AT 4 on me - Victim

Varsity, Bill Gates Foundation, DFID train farmers on CMD identification, prevention AT 3 FMC Umuahia, American varsity sign MoU on kidney transplant ÏÏÏ Medical Director, Feder-

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (2nd left), cutting the tape to commission the Owerenta/ Egbelu-Mbutu road in Isiala-Ngwa South LGA. With him on the immediate right is his deputy, Sir Udeh Oko Chukwu and Dr. Eziuche Ubani, Commissioner for Works (1st right).

ABSG hands over Ukwa East palm estate to private investor Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The efforts and resolve of the

The Abia

T E A M

Abia State Government led by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to expand and increase the wealth of the state has recorded another laudable development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and a private investor in palm plantation, S-ATM Nigeria Limited, on the Abia State Palm estate in Ohambele in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state.

The Palm estate is expected to support the governor’s drive to restore the state as the number one palm producer and create jobs for youths.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Commissioner of Agriculture in the state, Hon. Uzo Azubuike, assured the investors that the state government will keep its part of the agreement as Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is in a hurry to return the state to the years of palm planta-

tions dotting the landscape of the state.

Expounding on the MoU, Azubuike said: “Part of what we have signed now is that S-ATM Nigeria Limited must build an oil mill inside the palm estate there in Ohambele.

Also, the estate is going to employ over 5000 Abians, with greater percentage of the employment from the Ohambele community.”

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, Managing Director of the S-ATM Nigeria Limited, Engr.

Ogunleye, assured that his company will fulfill the terms of the agreement including investing the needed funds to realise the goals of the state palm plantation and employ Abians.

According to him, “more than 40 percent of the company’s employees will be Abia indigenes and we will also utilise the services of the members of the host community, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment in the state”.

The investor and his bankers, UBA Plc, expressed appreciation to

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

the state government for providing the enabling environment for new investors to do business in the state without excessive bureaucratic bottlenecks.

On his part, Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Eme Okoro, who represented Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the occasion, commended the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Uzo Azubuike “for leaving no stone unturned in bringing to materialisation one of the pillars of Governor Ikpeazu’s administra-

tion in the area of revitalisation of agriculture to create wealth for the state”.

It would be recalled that this is not the first of such MoUs signed over the numerous palm estates in the state, with all failing.

However, there are expectations that this might be an exception as the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has severally declared his resolve to enhance agricultural sector of the state.

Ikpeazu assures family of the late PDP treasurer of govt support ÏÏÏ Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie

Ikpeazu, at the weekend, described the sudden demise of the state treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Steve Omeoga, as a huge loss.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the bereaved family in Umuahia, the Governor said he was worried and burdened by the demise of Chief Omeoga especially as he was not sick before his death.

According to him, the death has created a big vacuum in the Omeoga family of Otamkpa in Isukwuato Local Government Area, the PDP family and Abia State as a whole and prayed God to console the family in this pe-

riod of trial.

Ikpeazu urged the bereaved family especially wife of the deceased, Uloma, to look up to God for solace as well as to draw courage from the fact that late Steve Omeoga lived a good life, assuring the family that the government will stand behind it.

Responding, a member of the burial committee, Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma, thanked the Governor for the visit as it has consoled and strengthened the family the more.

The deceased was said to have slumped and died after a lawn tennis exercise recently and until his death, was the treasurer of PDP in Abia State.

al Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Dr. Abali Chuku, said on Thursday that the hospital had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toledo University, Ohio, United States of America, for kidney transplant services.

Chuku, who disclosure this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia said that the services would kick-off in February 2017.

He recalled that discussion for the partnership began in 2015 when he was inducted into the Medical Mission Hall of Fame by the university.

Chuku said that the university would train eight medical personnel, comprising three doctors and two nurses in the first phase, while three others would be trained later.

The medical director said that the centre was also collaborating with the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America for the training of its nurses.

He, however, identified adequate funding as the major challenge facing the centre in carrying out its activities, especially its training programme.

Chuku also said that the hospital was grossly understaffed and thus, performing below capacity.

He said that the centre needed 236 additional nurses and required more consultants to be able to provide more efficient services to patients.

Chuku, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government for N500 million take off for the centre to put it centre on a solid financial footing optimum performance.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

FG intervention fund, GEEP to favour more than .5m Abians ÏÏÏ More than 500,000 Abians will

soon benefit from the Federal Government social intervention fund known as Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) which kicked off in the state last weekend.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Joint Heirs Limited, Abia State GEEP implementing Agency/ Vendor for the programme, Adanma OgumkaEkeji, broke the cheering news in Umuahia disclosing that Abia State had been chosen as one of the pilot states in Nigeria to test- run the programme which was recently approved by the Federal Government.

While enlightening members of the public on the programme, Ogumka-Ekeji explained that the project would impact economically on the lives of the beneficiaries.

She hinted that the social intervention programme of Federal Government through micro en-

terprise is being implemented in collaboration with financial institutions and is designed to provide access to credit to about 1.6 million Nigerian MSMEs, youths, farmers, traders and market women.

The Joint Heirs Limited chief executive disclosed that the programme was approved in July this year with a mandate by the Federal Government to be executed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

She said that 1,000,000 market women and traders, 200,000 artisans and MSMEs, 200,000 youths and 200,000 Farmers/ Agric workers respectively were expected to benefit in the first phase of the programme.

Ogumka- Ekeji further disclosed that registration centres would be established in all markets and communities across the state but she however stated that for one to benefit he/she must belong to cooperative society or any association.

ABSG to complete Isieke-Ukome, Ossah-Afara rural roads in 3 months Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

of Abia State at the weekend flagged off the construction of the Isieke/Ukome Ibeku and the Orieoji, Umuchime Osaah/ Afara roads in Umuahia North Local Government Area with a promise to complete the roads in three months.

Flagging off the two rural roads being handled by 4ND Ventures, Gov. Ikpeazu said he was committed to rendering quality service to the people of

the state.

He charged the two benefitting communities to cooperate with the contactor handling the projects as well as to pray for his administration to get the resources to complete the roads on schedule.

Ikpeazu expressed confidence on the capacity of the contractor to deliver, assuring that quality job will be done on the road.

Earlier, the contractor handling the projects, Mr. John Dada, assured that the compa-

ny will not compromise on the projects but instead do a quality job that would stand the test of time.

In their remarks, the member representing Umuahia East state constituency in the state assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo and a community leader, Francis Ijoma, said the people are highly elated with the Governor for remembering the two communities in his road construction programme and assured him of their continuous support.

No hiding place for HIV/AIDS with my drugs – Prof. Ezeibe

ÏÏÏ The Head of Department, Vet-

erinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Prof. Maduike C. O. Ezeibe, says medical research he embarked upon since 1994 on how to tackle the dreaded human immune virus has resulted to the discovery of a drug that can cure HIV. Prof. Ezeibe said the difference in his drug is that the safe havens for diseases like HIV/AIDS which can be found in the brain and testicles are reached with his drug whose nanometer is less than that of HIV/ AIDS. Prof. Ezeibe, who said since the discovery in the recent time, many HIV/AIDS infected persons have been completely cured and tested negative in a laboratory test in Nigeria, said his drug has small molecules that wherever HIV reaches, his drugs can get there, unlike conventional HIV drugs whose nanometer are so big that they cannot reach the HIV sanctuary in the body system.

Prof. Ezeibe disclosed that the dreaded HIV is 110 nanometer, while his drug is about 0.96 nanometer, pointing out that the compound “Aluminium Magnesium silicate is a natural ore which occurs as mineral deposits in India and America as well as in Nigeria but needs government assistance to develop and assess the anti-retroviral effects to reduce death occasioned by the dreaded disease.

The drug, he said, tested efficacious on measles, PPR virus for goat, new castle disease virus for chicken, canine parvo virus for dogs and egg drop syndrome for chicken as well as on fowl pox virus

for chicken against bird flu.

“I call on the government at all levels to come to my aid and join hands with me to develop this therapy for the good image of Nigeria as the first country to have discovered the complete cure of HIV. Already, I have written to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund through the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike requesting for N15 million to enable me buy viral load enumerator and treat at least 100 people in Nigeria.

“If the government can help me to commercialise this drug and get international patent right, it will help to reduce death. This business is a money spinning venture and will boost Nigeria’s as well as that of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU) image if developed”, he said.

Prof. Ezeibe described silicon as one found even in the state and which is also an immune stimulant, stating that his drug is anti-viral, as well as a pharmaceutical material which can potentiate other medicines like anti-fungal and bacteria, and is capable of making money for the country and MOUAU. The Professor who was a guest of the World Virology Conference, 2016, penultimate week as well as having addressed the university senate same day, said the problem in Africa is that “we lack confidence”, urging the country and the university to “forget about me, but get the international patency for the benefit of Nigeria and the university.

“They should not waste time to patent the right. Nigeria can come out boldly so that foreign countries will not steal the formula,” he said.

L-R: Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Matins Azubuike; Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Udeh Oko Chukwu; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and the State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Johnson Onuigbo, acknowledging cheers from on their arrival for the flag-off of the PDP Chairmanship and Councillorship election campaign in Umuahia...recently

Women are veritable tools in nation-building, says Abia PDP boss ÏÏÏThe

chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State chapter, Chief Johnson Okebaram Onuigbo, has described women as veritable tools in nation-building.

He stated this while speaking with newsmen at his Ugba-Ibeku, Umuahia residence shortly after the interment of his uncle’s wife, late Nneoma Elizabeth Ochiulo Onuigbo, adding that women generally play invaluable role in the society and are great motivators in nation building.

His words: “The time they say women are not valuable is gone. They say, if you train a woman, you train a nation.

That is why we are investing so much on women. We also know that without women, the world will cease to exist”.

The Abia PDP Chairman, who described the deceased as a woman who lived a fulfilled life, said “it is sad that we lost a mother when her experience is very valuable to us. But we thank God for everything since

she died at a ripe age and lived a very fruitful life”.

Speaking also, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Abia State chapter, Comrade Ifeanyi Ekeleme, said the deceased lived a godly life and also contributed her quota in the upbringing of her children.

He said: “Death is a necessary end, it will come when it will come. What has happened, has happened. The bereaved family should not feel the departure of their late mother so much, rather they should praise God for a life well spent.

They should take heart, because their mother lived a godly life. She contributed her quota in the upbringing of her children. I pray God to give her a place of rest in His bosom”.

Ekeleme, who admitted that the exit of a mother in a family creates a vacuum in such family, further said: “I was brought up by my mother and mothers as we know contribute a lot to

the development of their children and families. Women are wonderful. God created them in a very special way. Without women, families cannot function. They also strive to ensure that the house function effectively”.

In a tribute to his late mother who died at the age of 101, the first son of the deceased and Special Aide to the Abia State PDP Chairman, Mr. Joseph Onuigbo, said his mother taught him how to endure.

His words: “I want to share a few things I learned from my mother that have influenced me greatly. Mama taught me the importance of having a relationship with God. She told me, son, without God, you are nothing. He is everything you need. Mama also taught me never to quit no matter what”.

The funeral service was earlier held at Christ the King Church, Anglican Communion, Ugba Afarata-Ibeku, Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

3 The Abia Times

Bende PDP chairmanship candidate, running mate pledge quality service ÏÏÏ The Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) candidate in the forthcoming Chairmanship election, come December 17, 2016 in Bende Local Government Area, Gabriel Okereke Elendu and his running mate, Chidiebere Asonye, at the weekend, assured people of the area of quality service through a five-point agenda.

Speaking after the party’s stakeholders meeting in Isiegbu Ozuitem, Elendu highlighted the five-point agenda to be education, agriculture, infrastructure, health and social welfare, stating that payment of staff salaries will be one of his priority.

“It is most unlawful not to pay workers’ salaries”, he said, assuring that he will not renege on that.

The chairmanship hopeful said that though all unemployed people will not be engaged, he will establish skill acquisition centre through a public/private partnership to train and equip Bende LGA youths, promising to bring his wealth of experience as a businessman to bear on the job if he wins as the chairman of Bende LGA, come December poll.

Elendu, who is the current President General of Alayi Improvement Union, said he will expand the opportunities that abound in Alayi in the area of stone and sand quarries to improve on the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the council, while local markets, especially in Alayi and Uzuakoli will be upgraded to daily market.

Abattoirs, he also said, will be established while existing ones will be modernised to assist the council in

revenue generation.

In the agricultural sector, he said, food processing mills will be established to process farm products like garri, rice and palm products, stating that he would do this through the help of the state Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) by paying for counterpart funding.

While promising to upgrade health facilities in the area by using government doctors and nurses in the health sector of the LGA, Elendu said his administration would also open up roads in the hinterlands and water problems will be a thing of the past.

The potential chairman of the Bende LGA claimed that as at the moment, it was only him that was gunning for the position and under the PDP, stating that even if others emerge under other political parties, he and the PDP stakeholders in area have no plans to rig the December election.

Also speaking, his running mate, Chidiebere Asonye, expressed willingness to ensure harmony reigns between him and Elendu when elected into office, promising his support at all times, He stated also that their administration would ensure that the council area moves forward.

Asonye assured that their administration would liaise with security agencies in the area to eliminate the menace of cattle herdsmen in the area, and called for free and fair election so that they would come in to salvage the LGA.

Abia workers attending to an oil palm nursery in the state...recently

Varsity, Bill Gates Foundation, DFID train farmers on CMD identification, prevention, others Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Farmers and extension of-

ficers from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Imo states were last weekend trained by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Umuahia in Abia State on how to identify and prevent Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD).

The training was under the auspices of the West African Virus Epidemiology Project (WAVE) and sponsored by Universite Felix Houphout Boigny Abijan Coite d’Ivory through

Isiala Ngwa rainstorm: Sen. Orji comes to the rescue ÏÏÏ

Following a devastating rainstorm in the rural economy of Amapu Ntigha in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State recently, Senator Theodore Orji has assured the people that he would immediately notify the National Emergency Agency (NEMA) to come to the rescue of his suffering constituents, adding that despite the amount of destruction wrecked by the rainstorm, the people should be grateful to God that no life was lost.

Speaking while visiting the Amapu Ntigha community, Senator Orji expressed sadness over the quantum of havoc wrecked by the rainstorm and the attendant pains and sufferings it has caused his constituents, noting that a lot of families depended on the commercial activities at the local market to make their living,

hence the urgent need to come to the rescue of the people affected by the natural disaster.

Orji, who represents Abia Central at the National Assembly, acknowledged that it would take quite some time to rebuild the market, promising that palliative measures must be put in place urgently to enable the people have an alternative means of making their living.

He donated one million Naira to enable the people clear the rubbles of the destroyed market and find a make shift arrangement to transact their commercial activities which was brought to a halt following the devastating rainstorm that destroyed the market, more than 10 houses, five churches and lots of economic trees.

Speaking, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Benson Asonye, Apu II of Amapu Ntigha, described the storm as the first of its kind in

magnitude in the community, pointing out that the storm also felled over a dozen high tension electric poles along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, thereby cutting off electricity in Ntigha axis.

He expressed his gratitude to Sen. Orji, who is the senator representing Abia Central in the Senate, for coming to the aid of his constituents, adding that the senator had once again demonstrated that he is a compassionate leader.

Sen. Orji

funding from Bill and Melinda Gates (BMGF) Foundation and Department of International Development, DFID of United Kingdom.

Addressing participants during the training workshop, Executive Director, NRCRI, Dr. Julius Okonkwo, said the research institute was elated by the funding from the BMGF and DFID adding that so far, not less than 25 projects were being externally funded at NRCRI. According to him, the BMGF funding targets at making available disease free good quality and improved Cassava varieties and seeds “to control viruses that attack Cassava, some of which were already in the country like the Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), and expressed his worry over other viruses that may come into Nigeria from other African countries describing them as more dangerous than CMD. According to him, WAVE Project tries to stop those new viruses from coming into the country “because it will be devastating if they come in. Hence, if we can’t contain them, they will adversely affect our production and output”.

On the BASICS project, the Executive Director described it as also very important because it is looking at the quality of Cassava planting materials.

“These viruses cannot be seen by the naked eyes, there is imperative need to screen all planting materials. If we plant clean/disease-free materials, our crops will grow healthy.

But if we plant virus-infected ones, the yield or harvest will

be reduced by over 80 percent,” he said.

Okonkwo urged farmers to contact Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) in their respective states as well as Research institutions on procuring clean and virus-free planting materials, stressing that if they comply with the prescriptions of these institutions, only clean healthy seed/ materials would be planted that lead to healthy growth and high yield.

He urged governments to be releasing funds for agricultural research at the appropriate time and not lately in dry season.

Speaking later, the Wave Project Country Leader in Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Onyeka, who is also the Head of NRCRI Pathology and Micro Biotechnology Unit, disclosed that the WAVE Training workshop was aimed at educating farmers on how to select disease-free planting materials in order to reduce the spread of the diseases.

Other workshops include “Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Cassava Seed System in Nigeria”, In his remarks on BASICS, coordinator of the workshop, Dr. Godwin Asomugha, who is also the NRCRI Director of Farming Systems, Extension and Training, said the participants were trained on how to identify Certified Seeds and other root and tuber crops for planting, noting that NRCRI has made available latest varieties of disease-tolerant root and tubers crops.

The Abia Times 4

News

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Ozuitem attack: How herdsmen cut off my fingers, inflicted machete cuts on me - Victim Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

A victim of the Fulani herdsmen attack on the sleepy Ozuitem community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Mr. Sunday Oru, at the weekend, from his hospital bed at the emergency ward of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, the Abia State capial, where doctors are now battling to save his life, has explained how the marauding herdsmen, last Wednesday, invaded his community, leaving scores wounded and him in critically condition.

This attack is the third in less than one month in different parts of Abia State especially Abia North as the state government and the security operatives in the state seems overwhelmed by the rampaging herdsmen.

According to Mr. Sunday Oru, herdsmen with over 3000 cows have been marauding in the community in the recent time destroying farm lands and crops with impunity and arrogance, while uprooting the farmers’ cassava, okro, and cutting down plantains to feed their cows.

The 40-year-old father of seven disclosed that pleas by the farmers for the herdsmen to leave the community fell on deaf ears as the nomads vowed to rather fight, conquer them and occupy their land should they or the government attempt to evict them.

“They boasted that they will defeat us and take over our land boasting that this is one Nigeria”, he said, adding that a member of the community on Wednesday went to his rice farm only to discover it had been

Victim of the fulani herdsmen attack in Ozuitem, Mr. Sunday Oru receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia. invaded by cows which were openly grazing on it and the herdsmen chased him away.

According to him, the man ran back to the community and alerted other members of the community who mobilised at once to see things for themselves.

“On getting to the farm, we saw one herdsman and were asking him why they were destroying crops with their cows.

Immediately, he blew a whistle and other herdsmen who had been laying ambush surrounded the place with pump action guns, assault rifles that looked like AK47s and machetes.

“Before I knew it, one of them

cut off my fingers and started cutting my body with machete.

I lost consciousness and only woke to see myself here at the hospital”, he revealed, pointing out that other villagers who sustained machete cuts were hospitalised at Tochi Hospital Uzuakoli where they are currently receiving treatment.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr. Ogbonnaya Nta, confirmed the incident but said the police were on top of the situation.

Commenting on the incident, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Eme Okoro, who

Lack of trained manpower, professionals, major world problems - Cleric ÏÏÏ Lack of properly trained man-

power and professionals in sensitive areas of the nation’s industries, economy, politics especially in the ecclesiastical profession have been identified as the problems facing the world today, particularly, the third world countries.

Presenting a welcome address in Umuahia, Abia State during the 5th convocation and award ceremony of Dominion University of Theology (DOMUTH), an International affiliate school of International Institute of Pastoral Education and Chaplaincy, recently, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Apostle Prof.

Kachi Daniels, pointed out that nobody is qualified to lead or function in any areas of life without proper or continuous training.

He said “when you are well trained, you feed yourself and others, otherwise you will manipulate

and steal from your place of responsibilities”.

Daniels lamented that there are a lot of acclaimed ministers of the gospel, particularly in the pastoral, evangelical and prophetic ministry, who have no origin or source of their calling or ordination.

“Some of those who claimed to have been trained, sat under the tutelage of the money masters including Satan and his agents. Also some get to the occultic houses in search of little products on paraphernalia contents. No wonder all their targets are what to get out of the people, using lies and manipulated prophecies and vision”, he stated.

In his homily captioned “Vision and Ambition”, drawn from Revelation 1:6, the Archbishop in charge of Holy Ghost Chapel worldwide and Vice Chancellor, Morris Cerul-

lo Christian University of Nigeria (MCCUN), Prof. Peter Akujuobi, reminded the graduands that anytime one is so ambitious, that is when the devil comes in to assist the person in negative ways.

He said: “If God gives a man a vision, he will not be beating about the bush. He (God) will raise men to assist you achieve that vision, but if you move on your own, along the line, you will get frustrated”.

Those honoured at the event included a retired Director of Finance in Abia State Civil Service, High Chief (Sir) J.C. Onwuachuke and Director of Lands, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Umuahia.

The traditional ruler of Okata ancient kingdom, Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze C. Iweke and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

is an indigene of the community, expressed sadness over the attack, saying that the herdsmen had threatened to feed on his three hectares of cassava farm with various varieties of cassava, disclosing that when he warned the herdsmen never to invade his farm, they told him that the farm was located in a forest area, wondering why the nomads would have such impetus to challenge land owners.

The SSG said he got wind of the possible attack on his community about three days earlier and alerted the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9 but wondered why no action was taken to prevent the attack.

He said the AIG had assured him that he would send the Commissioner of Police in the state but said he did not know why the herdsmen were allowed to carry out their threat.

The SSG lamented the nonchallant attitude of the Federal Government over the incessant attacks by herdsmen on hapless communities in the state.

Okoro said Ozuitem women who depend mainly on okro as their mainstay had been thrown into hardship following the destruction of their crops which the herdsmen uproot to feed their cows.

He said that herdsmen should know that crops are important to the farmers just as cows are important to nomads, warning that the peaceful disposition of the people should not be taken for granted.

“We are humane and interested in the unity of this country but not to the detriment of our people “, Okoro fumed, stating that the South East is now like a conquered region as herdsmen have for some years now been on the rampage.

The SSG blamed the Federal Government and the security agencies for their failure to rein in the rampaging herdsmen.

The state government also seems helpless as no statements or decisive actions had been taken by it to tame the herdsmen or even made any formal complaints to the Federal Government.

Foundation empowers widows, motherless homes in Abia ÏÏÏ An international humanitar-

ian organisation, Hopee Foundation International, USA, owners of Hopee-Care Skill Acquisition Foundation, on Sunday, empowered widows and other indigent women in Abia State numbering over three hundred.

In a ceremony that took place at Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, the state capital, wrappers, bags of rice and rice condiments, including cash for the forthcoming Christmas were given out by the foundation run by an Isingwu Okpuala-born nurse in the USA, Maduabuchi Prince Gabriel, who was also decorated as the Eastern USA Major-General of Mac Corps Chaplaincy, based in Mississippi, USA. In its four-day programme that started with visits to Uzuakoli and Ahiaeke motherless babies homes, items including used cloths were handed out, a widow empowerment and youth agricultural seminar and empowerment on production of detergents, soap (hard and liquid), poultry, snail, fish and grass cutter farming were given out.

A free medical mission was also held at Isingwu Secondary School and Nkwoegwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area market square where free treatment was given to people.

Speaking, the motivator of the programme, Madu Gabriel, said he

took to humanitarian work as what he inherited from his late mother, Chisara, explaining “Mc Corp Chaplaincy is an organisation that is based in Mississippi, USA, a chaplain group who watch humanity and have the same vision as Hopee Foundation”.

According to him, the Foundation is internationally based and has already started raising partners from all over the world, including from US, Dubai and Nigeria, stating that all the partners will help to sustain it.

He said that the Abia State government was in attendance through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social development, Lady Chinedu Brown, disclosing that the foundation has requested for partnership with Abia State Government over its skill acquisition programme through Abia First Lady, Deconess Nkechi Ikpeazu.

Gabriel revealed that he was motivated by the call by the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, on Abians in diaspora to come home to invest and develop the state, advising people in diaspora to come home and help government develop the state as the government cannot do it alone.

“Together, we can make a difference in people’s lives. One at a time, we can change lives. Let one hand help the other and as long as we live, we continue to help others”.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Customs, NPA commended on automation, trade Page B2 facilitation

First Bank introduces package to support women financial empowermentPage B3

Equities Market begin week with marginal growth

Page B6

Fuel import: CBN to auction dollars Opeoluwani Akintayo Nigeria’s central bank has asked banks to submit bids for a “special currency auction” targeting fuel importers.

According to traders on Monday, the auction was to meet

demand for matured letters of credit.

Business Times gathered from traders that the central bank sent a message to banks on Monday to submit backlog dollar demand from fuel importers by 1500 GMT for a special intervention.

Nigeria consumes 45 million litres of gasoline a day, or roughly 280,000 barrels, which would require the market to provide some $18 million a day.

Importers cover about 30 percent of this, with the state oil firm covering the rest, which is a

big strain on the market for dollars.

Nigeria has four refineries but because of decades of neglect, the country imports petroleum products to meet the needs of its teeming population.

Nigeria produces between 2.2

DPR

NLC seeks sanctions against pension scheme defaulters The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for sanction on those who failed to remit pension funds.

President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said nonremittance of deductions or con-

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

million barrels of oil per barrel and 2.8 million b/d but its citizens consume 20 million barrels per day.

Traders said the government wanted to ensure that fuel retailers had enough products during the Christmas and New Year celebration, so it would arrange CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Financial experts task FG on economic blueprint

L – R: Managing Director of Ariboil Company Limited, Mr Stephen Aribeana; Controller of Operations, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Enugu Office, Mr Peter Ijeh; and the Zonal Controller of Operations, DPR, Mr Ogbuefi Nwokedi, during the 2016 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Sensitization Workshop in Enugu... recently.

Joy Ekeke

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

tributions by some employers, including federal and states governments, constitute a threat to the pension scheme, subjecting pensioners to untold hardships.

He urged the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to enforce sanctions for non-remittance of pension deductions as and when due.

Wabba however said that the 5federal government to lay a good example by promptly remitting its pension funds.

He said: “The federal and state governments and some other employers of labour are in the habit of withholding contributory pension deductions running into

several months in arrears.

“The unauthorised withholding of pension funds is a contravention of the Pensions Act 2004 as amended.

“We also urge the federal and state governments and other employers of labour to ensure that pension deductions are promptly remitted to the appropriate organs of the scheme.”

Wabba advised those canvassing for the investment of pension funds in infrastructure to take note that these funds may not be ideal for this purpose as they are invested in Federal Government’s bonds and treasury bills, saying in view of the volatility of

the financial market, any investment must guarantee the safety of the funds.

Speaking on the 2017 budget, Wabba urged the government to comprehensively reform its budget process as well as put in place a transparent and accountable system in line with the principles of good governance.

“We urge the government to put in place a more pocketfriendly template on petroleum pricing in consideration of the blow dealt to wages and quality of life by naira devaluation and inflation and the prices of crude in the international market,” he added.

Some financial experts on Monday said that the planned unveiling of the Federal Government’s economic blueprint, if well-articulated, could rejuvenate economic activities.

They told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that a well-articulated economic blueprint could boost investors’ confidence in the nation’s bourse.

Dr Uche Uwaleke, Head of Banking and Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said that the economy needed a trigger that would boost investor confidence and economic activities.

Uwaleke said that a trigger in the economy would sustain bullish investor sentiment on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

He noted that the stock market gains recorded by the market in the preceding week were due to low price valuations.

“The overall positive performance was largely driven by price gains in some large capitsalised stocks such as Mobil, FO, GTB and Dangote Cement,” Uwaleke said.

He, however, said that there was no trigger yet in the economy for a sustained bullish investor sentiment in the coming days.

Uwaleke said that the trend would not be maintained as trading performance this week would likely to be a mixture of bargain hunting and profit taking.

Also speaking, Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd, attributed the growth by the market to low price attraction and investors’ reactions to the outcome of NovemCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2 Fuel import: CBN to auction dollars CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

some dollars to them to avoid shortages.

However it was not clear at what rate the central bank would sell the dollars.

In May, the federal government entered into a deal with oil firms in Nigeria to sell their dollars directly to fuel importers, to end months of scarcity partly caused by a currency shortages after it hiked fuel prices by 67 percent, using an exchange rate of 285 naira per dollar.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Customs, NPA commended on automation, trade facilitation Okay Osuji The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC),Mr. Hassan Bello, has commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their roles in facilitating trade at the country’s ports. Bello, who made this commendation at a recent gala dinner, said the two agencies have contrib-

uted immensely in facilitating trade in the country, even as he noted that they have immensely eased the stress of conducting business at the ports through introduction of automated programmes.

According to him, the epayment system has helped to reduce business transactions time for port users, and praised the leadership of both organisations for the success.

Speaking at the occasion, President of the Lagos Cham-

ber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Mrs. Nike Akande, commended the various stakeholders and expressed hope that the maritime industry would continue to grow with the right policies, even as she enjoined both the government and private sector to create an enabling environment for investors in the economy.

Describing the NSC as a strategic institution, Mrs Akande praised the federal government

NPA MD, Hadiza Bala

for uplifting the agency to status of Economic Regulator in the maritime industry.

Companies delisted from NSE to deter regulatory breach – Ugorji Bonny Amadi

L - R: Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Otunba (Mrs.) ‘Debola Osibogun, FCIB, Immediate Past President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Mr. Olumide Lala, Head, Transformation and Change, NSE; Ms. Tinuade Awe, General Counsel and Head of Regulation Division, NSE; Professor Segun Ajibola, President, CIBN and Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, Second Vice President, CIBN at the Closing Gong Ceremony at the NSE … on Monday.

Financial experts task FG on economic blueprint CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

ber OPEC meeting.

Omordion said that the trend would not continue, noting that the market would experience mixed performance due to weak liquidity.

He said that the OPEC agreement that triggered activities in the market last week would take off in 2017.

Omordion said that investors would likely embark on sell pressure to prepare for the forthcoming Yuletide activities.

Recall that the NSE All-Share Index last week appreciated by 407.44 points or 1.61 per cent to close at 25,740.83 compared with 25,333.39 achieved in the preceding week.

Also, the market capitalisation which opened the week at N8.721 trillion inched N132 billion to close at N8.855 trillion due to price appreciation.

Nigeria should worry about U.S shale oil – Kachikwu Opeoluwani Akintayo The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu has revealed that despite the rise in crude price due to the production cut announced by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Nigeria should be worried about the United States not flooding the market with its shale oil.

The Minister made the statement on Monday while commenting on OPEC’s production cut.

He said; “Apart from the OPEC cut, I am worried that when we make a cut and get the normal price, there is the possibility of shale production limping up again. So how do we converge everyone producing oil? I believe that until we get Russia, US pro-

ducers and some understanding with the consumers, we might not get a solution.”

On November 30, OPEC finally agreed to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels a day.

Immediately, benchmark Brent crude prices climb to top $50 a barrel.

However, Kachikwu said Nigeria may not benefit from the deal except the commodity’s prices rises above $54 per barrel.

The minister said the healthy price of crude for Nigeria would be in the mid-$50s “As for Nigeria, a healthy oil price would be mid50s: 54, 55, 56; I mean, if we have a Santa Claus day, then 60. But frankly, looking more to mid-50s,” he said.

OPEC’s cut by 1.2 million barrels a day brings its production to 32.5 million a day.

After weeks of often tense negotiations, OPEC three biggest producers- Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran resolved differences over sharing the burden of cuts.

The agreement is also likely to include an additional reduction of about 600,000 barrels a day by non-OPEC countries.

“This should be a wake-up call for skeptics who have argued the death of OPEC,” said Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects Ltd. “The group wants to push inventories down.”

Kachikwu

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has been commended for its sustenance of strict corporate governance and ensuring strict compliance to market rules.

Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Services, FMDQ, Ms. Kaodi Ugorji gave the kudos recently in Badagry Lagos during an event with focus on boosting indigenous participation in the Nigerian capital market.

She said that Nigeria with over 180 million population, Nigeria still cannot pride of 5 per cent of the population saving in the capital market, adding that the investing population of below 2 per cent, showed that there is immense opportunity for growth of the Nigerian market.

The FMDQ Vice President said that investor confidence which would propel more local participation in the market should be driven by transparency and strict compliance to market rules, which the NSE is committed to delivering on. she emphasised that de-listing companies from the capital market , a practice which the NSE has sustained to demonstrate that the market is transparent and committed to ethical practices, would serve as warning to other companies as it helps to protect the investing public.

“It is important that Exchanges protect prospective investors that wanted to invest in troubled companies. Delisting is something Exchanges must do to protect investors, she explained.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

B3 Money Market

Companies deploy new corporate governance code Stories by Motolani Oseni Following the controversy that initially trailed the newly introduced National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Business Times findings revealed that companies and organizations have started complying with it.

Corporate governance can be described as a way of running an organization which guarantees that its owners or stockholders receive a fair return on their investment, while the expectations of other stakeholders are also met.

It addresses the need for

organizational stewards or managers to act in the best interest of the firm’s core stakeholders, particularly minority shareholders or investors, by ensuring that only actions that facilitate delivery of optimum returns and other favourable outcomes are taken at all times.

Local affiliates of multinationals have been complying with the long- awaited rules which are aimed at guiding business operations in the country.

They include Guinesss Nigeria, Nestle, Glaxo Smith Kline, and Flour Mills, among many others, according to our findings.

Our checks also note that some local firms are also adopting the new cor-

porate governance.

According to the FRC, the Code of Corporate Governance for the private sector is mandatory, while the code of governance for notfor-profit entities is at the level of “Comply or Justify non-compliance.”

The NCCG for private and not-for-profit entities took effect in October, while that of the public sector will require approval from the presidency to be applicable.

These Codes are a product of long but consistent deliberations and contributions by various stakeholders covered by these codes through series of public hearings conducted by the Council.

FRC’s Media/Commu-

nications Consultant, Mr. Mack Ogbamosa, said in a statement that the development and introduction of the NCCG was in line with Section 50 of the FRC Act, 2011, which among other things requires the Directorate of Corporate Governance of the Council to develop the principles and practices applicable in Nigeria.

Business Times investigations noted the controversy among some financial stakeholders in the country following the introduction of the NCCG, coupled with non-understanding of its importance to the economy, as well as the tendency of corruption in both the private and public sectors.

First Bank introduces package to support women financial empowerment First Bank has launched a product that will enable female customers to access support funds for their total financial empowerment.

The product known as FirstGem also offers free business advisory, specialized trainings on business development initiatives, regular information and insight on business opportunities in various sectors and industries as well as tremendous discounts at merchant outlets that offer lifestyle products and services amongst other benefits.

FirstGem, the FirstBank lifestyle offering for women, was launched in Lagos in October 2016, to specifically provide enabling opportunities for women to achieve their financial goals and aspirations.

FirstBank in the bid to provide all women across the country with this offering has committed to driving this train across all the geo-political regions of Nigeria, sensitizing women to leverage the FirstGem offering to achieve sustain-

FirstBank MD designate Dr. Adesola Adeduntan

able economic growth and contribute to national development.

Driving home the FirstGem offering, the bank provided an exposition on the funding windows for women in the agricultural value chain. This includes the special intervention fund of N220 billion created by the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide low cost, long tenor funds to medium, small and micro enterprises to enhance their capacity for employment generation, economic development and inclusive growth.

ICA honours Heritage Bank boss, other executives

CIBN wants enabling law amended to sanitise banking sector The president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Segun Ajibola, says the institute wants its enabling act amended to help sanitize the banking sector.

Ajibola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that the institute would soon propose to the National Assembly an amendment to the CIBN Act of 2007.

According to the CIBN president, the amendment will bring every practitioner

and operator in the banking sector under the institute’s direct regulation.

“We want to propose amendment to aspects of CIBN Act No 5 of 2007 that deals with our membership.

“We want the membership to cover anybody that has something to do with banking and finance in Nigeria, including consultants and members of boards of directors of banks, who could be subject of ethics and professionalism, to come under our um-

brella,’’ Ajibola said.

He said that the proposed amendment would also help in enforcing rules and regulation and ensure that ethical codes of conduct and professionalism in banking were maintained.

“One area we want to strengthen is the area of professionalism and ethics; our enabling act empowers us to play advocacy roles for stakeholders and to also enforce standards and code of conducts for operators in the banking environment

“As at today, most bank staff have signed our code of conduct, surrendering themselves to disciplinary process and procedures of the Institute.

“We also have disciplinary tribunal that has the power to discipline any erring member,“ he said.

Ajibola said that the CIBN was charged with the responsibility of conducting the Chartered Institute of Bankers’ examination in the Gambia, adding that Liberia and Serra-Leone would follow soon.

The Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) has awarded the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank Limited, Dr. Ifie Sekibo and other senior officials of the bank outstanding awards at the Nigeria Credit Industry Awards held recently in Lagos. Dr. Sekibo was conferred with Corporate Credit Provider of the Year while Mrs. Adaeze Udensi, an Executive Director of the Bank was awarded with Credit Management Director of the Year.r Other officials of the bank that were recognised at the 2016 awards ceremony of the ICA are Prince Akamadu, a Chief Internal Audit Executive of the Bank and Damian Orizu, Head, Special Recovery Tax Force, Heritage Bank.

Dr. Sekibo who delivered the ICA Award lecture titled: Corporate Credit in

Nigeria said, “At Heritage Bank, we look forward to a future of possibilities with a firm belief in the economy of Nigeria,” remarking that one of our corporate goals of the bank is to ensure that at least one (if not more) of the start-ups it has financed is listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange within 10 years of inception.

The MD/CEO of the Bank who was represented by the Executive Director of the Bank, Mr. Jude Monye observed that the Nigerian economy had experienced major contractions within the last 15months due to various internal and external factors. Sekibo said the internal factors ranged from the scarcity of foreign exchange, Niger Delta bombings of crude oil installations and low fiscal activities by various tiers of government.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Equities Market begins week with marginal growth Stories by Afolabi Adesola Equities trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) began the week on a marginally positive note. The AllShare Index (ASI) closed at 25,743.03 from 25,740.83 on Friday and market capitalization closing at N8.856 trillion from N8.692 trillion.

Oil and Gas Stocks maintained appreciation, albeit at a slower pace with a growth of 3.57 percent compared to 4.18 percent growth recorded on Friday, while the Consum-

er goods Index recorded a gain of 0.05 percent to close at 718.65 points.

Whilst the Oil & Gas Index grew on account of increases in Forte Oil, Total and Oando, a 4.83 percent growth in Dangote Sugar and a 2.63 percent appreciation in Cadbury accounted for the growth recorded in the NSE Consumer Goods Index.

However, the NSE Banking Index shed half a percent to close at 258.39 following decline recorded in Wema Bank that shed 3.51 percent and Stanbic’s loss of 3.33 percent.

Investors sentiments turned weak as market breadth closed with 15 gainers to 23 losers.

Forte Oil led the day’s advancing stocks with 10.24 percent growth to close at N71.94 per share.

Total followed, improving by 10.11 percent to close at N276.15 per share, while Oando recorded a gain of 7.80 percent to close at N4.70 per share.

Transcorp recorded a gain of 7.04 percent to close at 76 kobo per share as Portland Paints emerged the fifth top gainer with a growth of

4.97 percent to close at N1.90 per share.

On the flip side, Guinness Nigeria led the day’s retreating stocks, with a 9.74 percent decline to close at N80.33 per share, Vitafoam lost 5 percent to close at N2.28 per share and Red Star Express dropped 4.94 percent to close at N4.23 per share.

Axamansard Insurance Plc depreciated 4.65 percent to close at N1.64 per share, and Neimeth Pharmaceuticals fell 4.55 percent to close at 63 kobo per share.

Zenith Bank emerged

SEC Signs MoU with Morocco to boost market development

Hayat

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Moroccan counterpart, Autorite Marocaine Du Marche Des Capitaux (AMMC). This is the first step towards achieving an effective cross border market policing between the two jurisdictions and enhanced market development through leveraging mutual comparative advantages.

The MoU, signed on the sidelines of the Nigerian- Moroccan bilateral talks during the visit of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, will serve as a platform for regulatory cooperation and information sharing between the two capital market regulators, according to SEC. “The bilateral discussions covered a wide range of issues aimed towards deepening the mutual rela-

Gwarzo

tionship between the two Countries.

These included agriculture, aviation, immigration, banking, capital markets and the extractive industries, among others,” said SEC. SEC Director General, Mounir Gwarzo, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while Ms. Nezha Hayat, CEO, AMMC initialed for Morocco.

“It is interesting to note that as members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) which holds cooperation and integration as a cardinal objective, Nigeria and Morocco ordinarily have a platform to enter into bilateral agreements such as this as provided in the 38 IOSCO principles.

The involvement of the governments of both countries at the highest level is therefore a mark of the high premium placed on the

importance of the capital market to the economic growth and prosperity of the two nations.

For Nigeria, this is a welcome development as it presents an opportunity to leverage the progress achieved in the Moroccan market to enhance especially the delivery of a few of the objectives of the 10 – year Capital Market Master plan. This, for example, is especially as relates to deepening the asset management space of the market, an area of comparative advantage for Morocco.

The SEC Nigeria will also be understudying the advancements achieved by Morocco in growing the green capital markets which was the fulcrum of the COP22 conference recently held in Marrakech which focused on fostering green capital markets in emerging economies.

Lagos State raises N60bn from capital market

Ashade

The Lagos State government has concluded arrangement to return to the capital market this week to float a N60 billion bond from its pool of N500 billion approved by the state House of Assembly recently, with plans to raise another tranche of N100 billion next year.

According to the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, the state would be going to the market in a couple of days as the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) had already concluded the verification of projects that the fund would be used for.

At a combined Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the state bond series and rating programme at the weekend, the commissioner said: “SEC is already in the state, checking some of those projects to authenticate them. They finished their inspection on Friday and we hope that their report would go in by next week, so that we can open.

According to Ashade, the bond was part of our sustainable debt issuance programme having “realised that for us to fast track the infrastructural development of our state, we need some level of deficit financing especially when we do our budget.

Deficit financing simply means government funding of spending by borrowing.

Speaking on what the bond would be used for, the commissioner said: “We have quite a lot of infrastructure that we want to finance in the state, we want to facilitate water transportation, we need to channel all of the waterways; to build roads on water so that the people can move freely.

“We are also embarking on EGIS land automation so that we can capture all the lands. We will know who owns what and it can also aid property taxes and also security of our state.

We also have some of our schools that need renewal, some of our hospitals also need renewal.

“We believe that if we are able to raise the first tranche of N60 billion, it will support some of the roads we are doing including the flyover in Ajah and Abule Egba. We are currently using our funds, but really we can just do as much for now, we will need that kind of deficit financing to be able to complete those things. Some of them should be ready for our 50 years anniversary, which is scheduled to take place on May 27th1967.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Recession: Labour demands increase in workers’ pay Stories by Joy Ekeke The current economic recession has reduced the purchasing power of workers across the country, necessitating a corresponding increase in wages, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba has stated.

He stated this at the 15th Harmattan School, a training for labour leaders in Kaduna, Nigeria, stressing that a raise will help cushion the harsh effects of the recession.

Wabba said workers’ purchas-

ing power had reduced and was affecting other sectors of the economy. He said unless there is a new wage regime, the contributory pension scheme (CPS) would not be a reality.

Wabba noted that developments in the economy, such as the increase in the pump price of petroleum products, rise in prices of commodities, increased tariff on utilities, and social services have made the demand more urgent.

The fight against corruption, he said, would be more successful if workers are well paid, adding that

the foot-dragging by the government in constituting a committee to deliberate on the demand was uncalled for.

Wabba said the CPS would enhance life after retirement for workers. He enjoined the legislature to be fair in the passage of its bill to make it practicable and sustainable.

“In most cases, both the government and capitalists perceive us as liabilities or as if we are part of the problem. But we are not part of the problem; rather, we are the solution.

Meanwhile, Comrade Wabba, has identified the disunity among labour unions as a clog in the wheel of progress in negotiating a new minimum wage for workers.

Almost one year after presenting a proposal for a review of the minimum wage to the federal government, there has been no encouraging response.

According to Wabba who spoke to journalists in Lagos: “It is time to review the N18,000 minimum wage. If we had been united, this issue would have been resolved.”

He said that since 2015, when organized labour submitted a formal demand for the review of the minimum wage, no technical committee had been set up to look into the issue.

According to Wabba, the committee is to start the process of negotiations, where the concerned stakeholders will gather at a round table to drive the process.

“For the minimum wage to be reviewed, it has to be tripartite. The employers’ organization will be present, government’s representatives and the organized labour,’’ he said.

The NLC president stressed that the current minimum wage could no longer sustain workers as the five-year cycle for review of workers income was due and the value of money had also depreciated.

He assured that there was hope of getting an increment in the minimum wage but added that workers must be ready to fight for their right.

“Everything that we have gotten as workers over the decades is through collective struggle. Government did not offer it on a platter of gold.

“These are the issues that have caused delay in resuming negotiation on review of new minimum wage for workers,’’ he said.

Wabba said that the federal government and labour could look at ways of implementing a new strategy for the new minimum wage with the economic recession not hindering the discussions.

“Labour is committed to driving the process of an increment in minimum wage for workers and we assure you that we will defend your interest.

TUC commends halt of planned rise in data cost

NLC President, Waba

21 million workers worldwide under forced labour – ILO The International Labour Organisation has said that more than 21 million workers are still trapped in slavery and forced labour around the world.

ILO Director-General, Mr. Guy Ryder, said this in his message marking the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December2.

According to Ryder, the numbers are staggering as the 21 million include women, men and children, which generate $150bn in illicit profits for those who exploit them.

He said, “Since its very beginning in 1919, the International Labour Organisation

… Flays labour movement for stalling minimum wage review

has been concerned about workers being subjected to forced labour.

“The fact that in today’s world there are still children, women and men in slave-like conditions is an affront to all people and nations everywhere.

“Everyone needs to be aware of slavery and how to fight it. The right to be free of forced labour is both a fundamental labour right, as well as a human right.”

He said that though 178 countries have ratified the Forced Labour Convention of 1930, while 175 countries have ratified the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention of 1957, the scourge still existed.

“Forced labour takes many forms,

including commercial sexual exploitation, debt bondage or traditional slavery, and is present in many sectors, such as agriculture, construction, domestic work or fishing,” Ryder declared.

“But there is hope. There is a widespread commitment to end forced labour as the ILO Forced Labour Protocol that was adopted in 2014 is now in force.

“The Protocol’s provision on remedies and compensation is a powerful instrument, and if used effectively, will provide justice to the many victims of forced labour.

“This will also make it less profitable to those tempted to use forced labour.”

The suspension of the directive given to telcos

by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to hike data prices has been hailed by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (NCC) as a show of sensitivity to the feelings of citizens.

TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama; and acting Secretary General, Comrade Simeso Amachree; said in a joint statement that in saner climes, the people occupied the centre of government’s policies and once negatively affected by any policy, the purpose of that very policy was defeated.

It added: “We expect government at all levels, agencies, corporate organizations to be better focused and cautious this time because of the ripple effect the errors they make might

have.

“It would be recalled that the labour movement and the civil society mobilized all their affiliates and the masses when the immediate past administration withdrew fuel subsidy in 2012. We did that because we viewed the policy as unfriendly and ill-timed, just like this very one. We do not want a repeat of 2012 protest. It is sad that only the masses pay extra for any public services in the country. The rich live in luxury without any extra tax for their many businesses littered all over. It is instructive Congress reminds the government and NCC that the social media was instrumental in the ‘change’ we have today because virtually everyone had access to the data some now want to deny us.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday,December 6, 2016

Bonny Amadi Stakeholders in the country’s real estate industry have been called upon to take advantage of the latent opportunities in the current economic recession facing the country by evolving a new business approach, rather than lamenting the current economic downturn.

This is even as the stakeholders which include property developers, investors and property managers have predicted that come 2017, there was going to be an improvement in the real estate sector which has been stifled by the nation’s economic downturn.

The stakeholders, who spoke at the 2016 Refined Investor Series (RIF), organized by Fine and Country in Lagos said only creative real estate investors, who can think out of the box, can survive the present economic recession.

Expressing the business capabilities available in the real estate

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Property

Experts urge investors to tap into opportunities in housing sector sector in the coming year, an astute real estate investor and Chief Executive Officer, Country West Africa, Mrs. Udo Okonjo, said 2017 provides a unique opportunity for investors, who can build confidence through integrity.

According to her, the inconsistent economic policies and posture notwithstanding, investors with the right financing structure and strategic market facing focus have a unique opportunity to attract Nigerian Diaspora into the housing market, with their usually stronger spending capacity.

Continuing, she said, “Only those, who can assess, define and interpret the market accurately,

whether it is coming up with innovative solutions for social infrastructure to affordable and mid-market housing, renewable power to urban cities or locally engineered retail centres.

For the Director, Real Estate for West Africa of Actis, Mr. Michael Chu’di Ejekam, Nigeria is expected to cover 700,000 square metres of spaces for commercial uses in the coming year.

Ejekam, who is currently on board of Gruppo Nigeria Limited, owner of Ikeja City mall said what is required is for investors to create a level of flexibility to tap in from the expected potentials in 2017.

Lagos commences rent-to-own scheme December 8 In a bid to make affordable housing accessible to all, the Lagos State Government has concluded plans to start allocation of houses using the newly-introduced rent-to-own policy.

This is according to the State’s Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who disclosed this at a press conference ahead of the launch of the scheme.

In his words, the Rent-ToOwn and Rental Housing Policies of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration is aimed at making housing more readily affordable and accessible to Lagosians.

The schemes listed for the programme include Sir Michael Otedola Estate, Odoragunshin-Epe; CHOIS City, Agbowa; Alhaji Adetoun Mustapha Estate, Ojokoro and Oba Adeboruwa Estate, IgbogboIkorodu, adding that they will be launched simultaneously on Thursday, December 8, 2016.

Says 3,000 certificates awaiting collection in Lagos

Lagos Governor, Akinwumi Ambode.

Lawal said accessing housing units in the state has been largely on cash and carry basis which ends up excluding majority of the citizenry until when recently the Mortgage Scheme was introduced.

In another development, The Permanent Secretary, Land Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro has revealed that in line with Governor Ambode’s commitment to prompt issuance of C of Os Certificate of Occupancy to property owners, more than 3, 000 of the document have been signed, waiting for collection by their owners.

He made the disclosure at a quarterly interactive stakeholders’ forum organised by the Lagos Lands Bureau in Alausa Secretariat, Lagos “Some documents that don’t qualify to be registered find their way for registration, creating a lot of hiccup in Land

Bureau, thereby making it possible for illegal land acquisition by fraudulent persons. But with quality control department that has now been put in place, every application will now be filtered to determine their originality,” he added.

Also, Land Regularization Director, Mr. Taofeek Adenuga, said every survey must reflect the reality on site; hence the government would incorporate surveyors, town planners and others, to assess the status of land.

“It’s time we are seeking cooperation and suggestion from all stakeholders, especially those of you who will need our services. We would want all of us to be on the same page so as to make land administration fast, cheap and less cumbersome,” Adenuga said.

Fifty-six of the documents were collected at the forum.

OPIC tasks investors on mortgage scheme

Okonjo

In its bid to provide affordable housing for the citizen, the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) has held discussions with key players in the housing sector to introduce a mortgage scheme that will help potential home owners purchase houses with ease.

The Managing Director, OPIC, Mr. Babajide Odusolu declared the intention of his corporation to incorporate three principal partnering mortgage banks, Lafarge Holcim and private developers to flag off a mortgage scheme under the apex mortgage company, the Nigeria

Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and Federal Ministry of Finance.

Odusolu gave this hint during a media chat while conveying stakeholders on inspection tour in and around OPIC estates along Lagos-Ibadan highway corridor recently. The inspection tour actually opened Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), the three partnering mortgage banks, and private developers to emerging opportunities in Ogun State real estate sector.

According to him, NMRC “ is meant to assist developers to build more houses

through a robust mortgage policy design to finance and monitor technologically based method of building houses for mortgages in States of the Federation that are found suitable to anchor the project.”

Mr. Charles Inyangate, Managing Director, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) commented on the scheme saying, “What we need in Nigeria is housing stock, and as a financing body, we know provision of housing must increase and this must be done in partnership with States’ Government.’’

Energy

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 6, 2016

ABU to construct N4bn solar plant The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, recently performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a 10mw solar power plant estimated to cost N4 billion at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The project, which is located at Biye Village, Sabongari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, will be completed in six months to address the energy needs of the university.

ABU designed, initiated and is financing the project in collaboration with the NigeriaGerman Energy Partnership with assistance from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

The minister praised ABU for its foresight, urging it to sustain the tempo.

Adamu, who was represented

by Hajiya Fatima Jidda-Ahmed, the Director, Tertiary Institutions, in the education ministry, hoped that the institution would take advantage of the partnership with Germany, not only in power generation but in encouraging engineering students to gain from the partnership.

The German Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Regina Hess, in her speech, said the partnership was based on the passion Germany had for

university education in Nigeria.

According to her, universities would perform better if the education budget was used judiciously.

She said: “With this project, our passion for Germany has become the passion for Nigerian government too.”

Hess promised to train engineers from the ABU to become experts in the field of solar energy.

The Coordinator, NigeriaGerman Energy Partnership, Dr Jeremy Gains, recalled that the project started in 2008 in Berlin when the late President Umaru Yar’adu’a and his wife visited Germany.

Gains said: “Both Yar’adu’a and his wife were alumni of the university. He met Chancellor Martha and she asked how Germany can help Nigeria.

“The late president said wisely in just three words and those three words were: power, power, power, adding that electricity is the key to development.”

Gains said another alumni of ABU who also facilitated the project was the late Dr Rilwanu Lukman when he was both minister and Secretary-General of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Refinery

How Nigeria spent more on crude import than export revenue for 2015

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Shell eyes green energy in preparation for future after oil Royal Dutch Shell is studying acquisitions in the green energy sector, according to its chief executive, Ben van Beurden.

Beurden told Reuters that the company wants to fulfill shareholders demand for a strategy beyond fossil fuels.

Shell, which has a market value of $200 billion, produces two percent of the world’s oil and gas but rapid technological change coupled with policies to protect

the climate have kick-started a shift in energy markets that has put enormous pressure on oil companies to plan for a time after fossil fuels.

“The idea that you can just be a very clever observer and step in when the moment is right, forget about it,” Beurden said.

“I am convinced that in this space we will play an active role, a leading role and we will plan acquisitions in it.”

Opeoluwani Akintayo Data gathered by Business Times shows that Nigeria spent more money on crude oil importation than it made from exporting same product in 2015.

According to a classified source, Nigeria spent $53.087 million on oil imports in 2015.

On the other hand, the country earned just $45.365 million in 2015.

The figures seem worrisome especially for a country whose major source of income has been through exporting crude oil. Nigeria, with a population of over 180 million, is one of the major oil producers and exporters of

crude oil in the Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

It has remained a mystery to industry analysts as to how a country like Nigeria could have earned lesser from the products it so prides itself as having in abundance, while spending more to import same product.

This again justifies the strong argument that Nigeria has no business exporting oil since the country’s booming population could as well consume the entire production. Or, at least, the country should be able to produce enough to go round its population and still be able to

meet external demand.

If the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and independent oil marketers could spend higher amount importing a product the country has in abundance then, the question remains, what is the state of the refineries?

According to OPEC, Nigeria’s refining capacity as at 2015 was 445,000 barrels per day.

Without issues with militants in the Niger Delta, Nigeria produces between 2.2 million to 2.8 million barrels per day.

However, no one can tell exactly how many barrels the country exports and how many is left for local consumption.

BEDC pledges to resolve customer issues Benin Electricity Distribution (BEDC) has assured customers across its franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti States of its readiness to resolve all issues and problems associated with operations, and called for their patience and understanding.

The Managing Director / CEO, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, who was represented by the Executive Director, Commercial, Mr. Abu

Ejoor, gave the assurance during a public forum organized at the instance of the House of Representatives Committee on Power held in Benin City recently.

The ED affirmed that BEDC was committed to resolving issues bordering on power supply, metering, and transformer repair/energisation and billing complaints as quickly as possible, noting that some will require time

to tackle.

According to him, BEDC had resolved over 50,000 complaints through the customer complaints unit since inception.

“We have also resolved the backlog of metering requests at takeover, having installed over 120,500 meters; we have taken advantage of both the industry CAPMI Scheme and own funded meters,” he added.

On network improvement, and upgrade, Ejoor said BEDC has added new injection substations to provide relief to overloaded network and provided 500 distribution transformers; constructed 10 dedicated distribution lines for commercial and industrial customers, including replaced failed power transformers, in addition to 398 distribution transformers

provided in the review period.

“For customers, we continue to request them to pay their bills promptly. They should also take advantage of our complaints resolution mechanism in resolving their issues either at the business units across our 25 business offices spread across franchise areas or at the Head Office. ”, he said.

Life&

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Adesua

Etomi Reaching for the star

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Date: Monday, 19th December, 2016 Time: 7.00pm

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My job is to be able to wear many hats -Adesua Etomi and ever since the light- skin screen diva has proved her worth through her acting prowess and delivery. Adesua has featured in several movies and still counting. Her

more about her role in the movie, her ability to switch role at any given time amongst others.

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comedy and chaos, Dunni was very human, very

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo