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Some minors recently released from Lagos prison

Child offenders:

The challenge of reintegration

Atolagbe Tawakalitu and Babalola Mujeeb in Lagos

ÏÏÏBroken infrastructures, lean family economy and child rights abuse have rendered children vulnerable to crime and criminal activities nationwide and, in place of formulating policies that should protect the child and provide healthcare, educational and career-focused facilities and programmes to aid and guide the child into adult life, government made haste to provide remand homes and rehabilitation centres, aimed at remolding behaviour of child offenders, otherwise known as juvenile delinquents.

This is a sad example of putting the cat before the horse.

It is instructive to note that Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has decided to revisit and enforce the Child Right Act of 2007, after many years of neglect. The

Chief Justice of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke Atilade, recently released some large number of supposed “delinquents” from prison custody.

But laudably as the act is, stakeholders in the society have expressed reservations over a situation whereby the children may slide back to crime - after spending some years in the remand homes.

Basis of the problem At a rendezvous with Child Guidance Counsellor, Mrs Biola Ogungbemi, in Lagos, The Daily Times team learnt of some reasons under-aged children are convicted for offences as severe as murder.

Ogungbemi said, “Some children suffer abuse from their parents and this triggers them to try such abuse on other children Continued on page 6

NNPC scandal: Buhari, Kachikwu hold secret meeting in Aso Rock

Tunde Lemo now FERMA chairman as President reappoints NEMSA MD

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Actors are guided by story not money –Gideon Okeke L2

Gunmen kidnap magistrate in Kogi, demand N100m ransom 7

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

5 News

Alleged uncovered TSA funds: We have no hidden accounts – NNPC …Announces $471.9m export receipts

Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC on Thursday, once again provided informed perspective to the trending media report alleging that the Corporation colluded with some banks to prevent the remittance of some funds into the Treasury Single Accounts, (TSA), scheme as directed by the Federal Government.

Just as the organization, has also announced a financial record of $471.9 million export receipt for

the month end july.

The NNPC in a release by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, described the allegation as not only misplaced but equally misleading.

He said the Corporation had earlier taken steps to inform the Presidency, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, (AGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) on the existence of the said accounts prior to the creation of the Federal Government Asset Recovery Account.

The NNPC explained

that it would be totally out of place to move the funds to the FG Asset Recovery Account as reported noting that it is unreasonable and sheer waste of funds to pay any agent 5 percent, whistle blowing fee for the phantom recovery of genuine NNPC funds which had been disclosed to the Presidency, CBN and other relevant stakeholders.

The Corporation said that based on this superior argument, the consultant appointed by government to investigate the alleged hidden remittances was instructed to withdraw the

pending court case against some commercial entities at the Federal High Court, Lagos. .

The statement explained that in line with the directive of the Presidency, the apex bank is supervising the remittance of these funds to the CBN TSA Account and it has made great strides in this regard. The NNPC reiterated that as an entity with fiduciary responsibility to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, its commitment to transparency and accountability remains unwaver-

ing.

Meanwhile, The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC hasm announced a total export receipt of $471.90 million for the month of July 2017 as against $219.34 million posted in June 2017.

According to the July edition of the Monthly Financial and Operations Report of the Corporation which was made public on Thursday, contribution from crude oil amounted to $392.20 million while gas and miscellaneous receipts stood at $64.72 million and $14.98 million respectively.

The report indicated that of the export receipt, $108.09 million was remitted to the Federation Account while $363.81 million was remitted to fund the Joint Venture cash call for the month of July, 2017, to guarantee current and future production.

Providing a broader perspective, the report noted that the total export of crude oil and gas receipt for the period of July 2016 to July 2017 stood at $2.77 billion. Out of that, the sum of $2.31 billion was transferred to JV cash call

in line with the budget and the balance of $0.46 Billion was paid to Federation Account.

The NNPC observed that the low receipt was due to the twin effects of production disruption in NigerDelta and low crude oil prices during the period.

On naira payments to the Federation Account, the NNPC announced that the Domestic Crude Oil and Gas receipt during the month amounted to N145.83 billion, consisting of N5.56 billion from Domestic Gas and the sum of N140.27 billion from Domestic Crude Oil. It was noted that out of the naira receipt, the sum of N56.30 billion was transferred to Joint Venture Cash Call (JVCC) being a first line charge and to guarantee continuous flow of revenue stream to Federation Account.

In all, the Federation Crude Oil and Gas liftings are broadly classified into Equity Export and Domestic. Both categories are lifted and marketed by NNPC and the proceeds remitted into the Federation Account.

Gunmen kidnap magistrate in Kogi, demand N100m ransom L-R:Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade (left); Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Group Managing Director, Gospell Digital Technology Electronics Manufacturing and Assembly Company, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, during the commissioning of the production plant of the company in Calabar, Cross River... on Thursday.

NNPC: NUPENG to Kachikwu, allegations political Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Petroleum Tanker

Drivers’ branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, (NUPENG) has described the ongoing supremacy battle between the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) Dr Maikanti Baru, as deeply political, therefore calling for caution.

Kachikwu in a letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari dated August 30, 2017, which was leaked to the press accused Dr Baru of excluding him and the Board of the NNPC in the management of the strategic corporation.

The Minister of State

for Petroleum who incidentally is the chairman of the NNPC Board accused Dr Baru of deliberate violation of due process in the award of contracts in the Corporation.

In a statement signed on Friday released to pressmen, National chairman of the union, Comrade Salmon Oladiti in his reaction warned against unnecessary politicization and promotion of certain entrenched interests in the oil industry, both in the upstream and downstream sectors to the detriment of the nation.

Oladiti declared that individuals not comfortable with certain monumental achievements of the NNPC GMD have been working to create confusion in the industry to ensure that Baru was removed from office.

Specifically, Oladiti men-

tioned the ongoing resuscitation of the NNPC depots across the country by Baru, which he noted were dismissed as obsolete by previous management of the corporation before Dr. Baru assumed office.

The NUPENG chairman further pointed that private individuals who are not comfortable with the ongoing refurbishment of the NNPC depots and were starting to buy the national assets and ultimately turn them to private depots were behind the orchestrated plot to paint the GMD, NNPC in bad light in the eyes of President Buhari.

“Our stand is that, we are in support of what the GMD, Dr Baru has been doing especially in the downstream sector. What he is doing is in the interest of Nigeria and our union and

the larger downstream sector as a whole.

“Before he came on board, there were moves to privatize all the depots into private hands; Petroleum marketers and other stakeholders, we were told that the depots were decrepit and could no longer function. Their mission was to privatize all the depots in the country into private hands. Those administering the corporation before him were empowering their cronies in the private depots. Since the emergence of Dr. Baru as GMD, NNPC, he said all these depots are national assets and must be made to work.

“Nigerians can all see that he has started bringing them to life; yesterday, (Wednesday) he was in Ibadan depot and the depot is alive now. He started from Ejigbo depot in Lagos.

Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

ÏÏÏDespite

claims by security agencies that Kogi state has been rid of robbers and kidnappers, the President of the Upper Area Court Onyedega with the state ministry of justice Mr Sam Unwuchola has been abducted by unknown gunmen on Ajaokuta-Lokoja road .According to an eyewitness who prefers anonymity, the magistrate who was returning from Onyedega, his station, in the company of a friend, was kidnapped at Jimgbe, near Salem University, Lokoja at about 7pmThursday.

The eye witness said the Magistrate and his friend ran into the hoodlums who opened fire on their vehicle forcing them to stop .The bandits, according to him, shot at the Magis-

trate’s friend who was on the passenger’s seat adding that the bullet almost shattering his left.cheeck .The wounded friend of Unwuchola whose identity is not immediately known, , was rushed to an undisclosed medical facility in Lokoja for treatment.

Confirming the incident, an authoritative source from the state judiciary told the that the kidnappers had gotten in touch with the wife of the kidnapped magistrate and demanded N100 million ransom The wife,.Mrs Unwuchola was said to have pleaded with the kidnappers to have mercy on her husband, asking where the family would get the money from and the kidnappers cut off the line. .Contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ali Janga said the police was still investigating the matter

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

The challenge of reintegration

Continued from page 1

leading to infliction of injuries or death.

“In most cases, it is possible that these children’s parents have once suffered abuse from their own parents and thus, the abuse becomes inherent in offspring and continues from generation to generation and I can tell you, it would take divine intervention to

break the evil circle.”

Ogungbemi recalled the case of one 16-year-old Ibukunoluwa who renamed himself ‘Spider’ when he got into the streets. “Ibukun turned out to be a victim of child torture just as his mother was a victim of domestic violence.

When he was brought to me, I was able to deduce that anytime he made a simple mistake, his father would torture him with horsewhip; and after beating him,

A counselor praying with inmates at a girls’ correctional home in Lagos

NNPC scandal: Buhari, Kachikwu hold secret meeting in Aso Rock Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari on Friday held a secret meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Ibe Kachikwu at the Aso Rock in Abuja.

Kachikwu had arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 11:33am and went straight to the New Banquet Hall for a scheduled meeting with Buhari. Kachikwu, who wore dark navy blue suit with stripe tie was escorted by his Personal Assistant.

But neither Kachikwu nor the Presidency disclosed the detail of the closed doors meeting at press time.

The meeting, which lasted for 1 hour 45 minutes; came barely few days after the leakage of Kachikwu’s letter to the President.

Kachikwu had accused the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr Maikanti Baru of awarding $25billion contract without due process.

The minister also accused Baru of sundry administrative misdemeanors that were capable of jeopardizing the administration’s policies aimed at repositioning the petroleum sector.

Kachikwu had in the letter dated August 30, complained to the President over what he considered an act of insubordination by the NNPC boss.

A copy of the letter being circulated on the social media also revealed that the minister was unhappy with the manner recent changes in the corporation were handled and accused Baru of humiliating the board.

The letter reads in part, “It is in the spirit of service and absolute belief in your leadership and integrity that I have, after one year of tolerating these disrespectful and humiliating conducts by the GMD, decided to bring these to your attention,” Shortly after Kachikwu left the Presidential Villa, the NNPC GMD, Mr Maikanti Baru was said to have been sighted leaving the Vice President’s wing, accompanied by an aide who had some documents with him.

Baru reportedly met the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari, before heading to the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

It was not clear what the NNPC boss discussed with Osinbajo but he was said to have later moved to the Villa Mosque where he observed the Jumat’s prayer.

he will apply grounded pepper on the boy’s wounds to deepen his pain.

“The boy fled from home and ended up stealing to feed himself.

Not long, he was caught while picking the pocket of a man.

Thank God that a Good Samaritan saved him from the hands of an angry mob that wanted to burn him alive. It was the same man that saved him that brought him to me for counselling.”

Because of his growing up experience that hardened his heart, Ogungbemi learnt firsthand that Ibukunoluwa developed the habit of bullying other children in the streets. “Bullying became natural with him, and I found also that even his father was himself a victim of child abuse during his growing up years which experience made him bitter towards his wife and son. So you see, it is a case of merry go round abuses,” she said.

In a separate interview with The Daily Times, an official at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development Alausa, Ikeja, who spoke in confidence, said most of the children found in remand homes lack parental care, love and training.

He said, “Sadly, this makes them seek refuge from over exposed adults who mislead them into crime and may sometimes use them as puppets in carrying out robbery operations.

“Sometimes, they are told to knock at people’s gate without having knowledge of why they are knocking at the gate. Thereafter, the robbers storm the house and if luck is not on their side, the child may be caught as an accomplice together with the robbers by the police and then lands in a remand home because he/she is underage.”

The official stated that many children found in remand homes are from poor families whose parents tell to go out and find their

way in the streets. “Of course, without proper guide, these children may decide to engage in pick-pocketing, and from there they graduate into house or shop break-ins and brazen robbery, where they are caught in action because they are still amateurs in the act, unlike their older counterparts,” he added.

Reintegration: Stakeholders uncomfortable The Daily Times investigation revealed that stakeholders comprising parents, social workers and the minors themselves are not at ease on the issue of total reintegration to normalcy of the minors back into the society.

Expressing the desire to see a platform that would empower the minors already exposed to crime by teaching them a trade, a form of skill, then providing them with durable equipment to give them a stable start when they are released from remand homes, a parent and social worker, Mr. Shola Adeoye, advised both state and federal governments to see it as a responsibility to prepare the young ones to handle their future with some confidence.

He said, “If you take a minor from the streets and put him in a remand home, it is proper the child is groomed in a trade and given a skill to depend upon when he or she is released. Not only that, it is human also for authorities to give all children released

mechanism has been too expensive and costly to all genuine indigenous manufacturers. For instance, at the beginning of each forex bid process, our bankers based on CBN policies will debit our account with the entire naira equivalence and transfer same to CBN in order to fund our forex retail window bids.

After about 7 - 14 days, the result of the bid is released; CBN allocates only a fraction of our forex bid request on 60 days future basis. This is excluding the two weeks period for the bid making it a total of about 74 – 90 days.”

He regretted that Erisco Foods and other manufacturers pay huge interest to their bankers for this period of about 74 - 90 days, stressing that the fraudulent practices of the apex bank in the nature of the forex futures it operates, delay the full cycle for any transaction to about five – six months.

He expressed shock that a foreign company who recently claimed to have built the biggest feed mill in Nigeria was allowed to import ship loads of maize, arguing that it is non-perishable and can be conveniently grown or sourced in the country within three months.

He maintained that this act is detrimental to the healthy growth of local farmers, adding that smaller feed mill plants patronise local farmers to the benefit of our economy.

“Why was this company not compelled by the system to do the same? The importation of maize by this foreign company amounts to economic sabotage.

The way rice farmers were encouraged to grow locally; this company ought to have been encouraged by the system to grow their maize locally knowing full well from inception that they would need maize as their raw material with our vast fertile land.

“No wonder, Alhaji Dangote said ‘if air is to be imported, Nigeria will prefer to import air’.

Incidentally the same Dangote in one of his interviews confirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo tasked him to help Nigeria to stop the importation of cement into the country, and the task was accomplished with the support of the government. Even the intervention fund by the CBN is mostly enjoyed by foreigners to the detriment of indigenous manufacturers,” he pointed out.

Continued on page 7

Borrowing, not solution to Nigeria’s problem- Umeofia Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏChief

Executive Officer of Erisco foods, Chief Erick Umeofia, has cried out that borrowing is not a solution to Nigeria’s problem, insisting that buying made-in-Nigeria is the only way out of the current economic predicaments of the nation.

Umeofia, who made this declaration in a press briefing in Lagos, lamented the manipulations and frustrations going on in the economy to the disadvantage of indigenous manufacturers by the Central Bank of Nigeria, NAFDAC and some other MDAs. He said: “The fact that CBN refused to give us enough forex allocation for importation of raw material and machinery is the reason our factory is running below 20 percent of its installed capacity since inception.

The best they have done in recent time is to allocate a minute amount of forex requested by us for 30, 45 and 60 days (future) after waiting for a period of four to five months without any forex allocation at all, while our naira is held for the period without interest.

“The present forex allocation

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

News 7

Nigeria prisons’ situation, national scandal – Buhari t 4BZT DPVOUSZ T TUBCJMJUZ EFQFOET PO KVEJDJBSZ QPMJDF Andrew Orolua,

Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Buhari has said that the state of the nation’s prisons is a national scandal, disclosing that many prisons are overcrowded by 90 per cent.

Buhari stated this when he hosted a delegation of judges led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, at the presidential villa,

Abuja, on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also quoted Buhari as saying that there is the need to put in place urgent new measures to speedily decongest the prisons across the country.

He said the call became necessary not only in the interest of justice but to save the cost of prisons’ maintenance and boost the welfare of prisoners.

The President said, “We need a new approach to prison conges-

The challenge of reintegration Continued from page 6 from government confinements enough money to start a business enterprise they have learnt. This way, it would take the devil himself to persuade such a child to go back to crime.

“I implore the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to engage in youth empowerment campaign where they educate youths on the dangers of crime as an image destroyer because the government cannot do it alone.”

Child Guidance Counsellor, Mrs Biola Ogungbemi told our correspondents that reintegration should begin while the children are still in the remand homes.

“In trying to reintegrate the children with the society, I will advise the remand homes to employ counsellors who should have separate sessions with each child, try to draw out information concerning his/her problem and create ways to help him/ her while they are still in the home. This will help build the child’s self-esteem among his/ her mates when they are released from custody and it will also make the child forget about committing any crime that will land him in custody again.”

Ogungbemi frowned at the practice where minors are subjected to intense pain in remand homes, as corrective officers are known to do.

She said, “This cannot solve their problems; rather, it will harden them to a point whereby the child will no longer fear the rod and this may push them into further crime.

“Also, I implore religious bodies to work hand-in-hand with the remand homes to turn the children’s heart away from crime by telling them what punishment they would receive from God if they continue with their ways.”

The role of government Since the Child Rights Act contains exclusive rights of the Nigerian child, the consensus of stakeholders is that the Act should serve as blueprint and guide for governments, corrective homes, NGOs, law enforcement agencies - and the society at large because everybody has

a part to play in redeeming the life of those children.

Disclosing what plans the Lagos State government has for the newly released children, a top official at the Ministry of Youth, Alausa, Ikeja, said that the state government did not need to give the children anything except money because the government has already provided them with lifelong skills when they were still in the remand homes.

She noted that most of the children are skilled in hairdressing, fashion designing, carpentry, welding, bricklaying and the likes, coupled with their academics and this will help them to be able to stand on their feet when they get back into the contemporary society.

She also revealed that government is responsible for sponsoring the education of those that want to go further up to any level and thus have produced thousands of successful people who were once members of the delinquents’ family.

The Daily Times gathered that these successful people are invited to the remand homes periodically, to give lectures so that the children can see them as good examples and learn from them.

It was further gathered that the Oregun Juvenile Corrective Home in the Oregun-Ikeja area of Lagos State - formally called the Special Correctional Centre for Boys, works in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development Alausa, Ikeja.

Further investigation showed that the Oregun Juvenile Home is a coordinated remand home for minors in crime where the children undergo training in computer education. Besides guidance counsellors that are always there to talk to them and help them solve their problems, NGOs – especially religious bodies constantly visit the home and conduct Sunday School and counselling programmes with the children.

These collective efforts are geared towards helping the children to integrate with ease into the society upon their release and become morally upright and resourceful in the society.

tion. It is a national scandal that many prisons are overcrowded by 90 per cent.

“Urgent new measures should be put place to speedily decongest the prisons not only in the interest of justice but to save cost of prisons’ maintenance and welfare of prisoners.

“My Attorney General is advocating establishment of courts inside the prisons to speed up decongestion.

On review of the conditions of service of the judicial staff, the president directed the office of the AGF to take up the issue with the Salary and Wages Commission and advise him for prompt action.

He said his administration was not unmindful of the challenges facing the judiciary, saying that the increased budgetary alloca-

tion to the judiciary in the 2017 fiscal year would be sustained.

Buhari lamented that huge sums were being spent on security, especially in the North East and Niger Delta regions, instead of meaningful development, to better the lives of citizens.

He, however, expressed optimism that God would touch the minds of Nigerians to be patient with the government in its efforts to transform the nation’s economy.

Buhari further said “I have said it so many times, I don’t mind saying it now to you because some of you may not have even the time to listen to radio or watch television as regularly as other people do.

“From 1999 to 2014, Nigeria has never realised so much resources since our independence, never, because the average production – go to any renowned financial or economic institution in the

world; they know Nigeria produced an average of – (was) 2.1 million barrel per day at an average cost of 100 dollars per barrel.

“But when we came in it crashed to 37 dollars per barrel, and we overlooked saving and there was no saving.

“So really, we have just started working and we hope God in his infinite mercy would give Nigerians the patience to tolerate us,’’ he added.

While commending the judiciary for establishing special courts to speed up trial for corruption and other criminal cases, Mr. Buhari said the stability of the country depended a lot on the Judiciary and Police.

The CJN had earlier thanked God for healing the President Buhari and reassured the president that that the judiciary would continue to do its best for the country.

Executive Director, Operations, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Aminu Ismail, (5th from right), joined by a cross-breed of AMCON staff to cut the Nigeria @57 Independence Anniversary cake in Lagos at the weekend. AMCON celebrates Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary every year through well-orchestrated events and activities aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich and colourful cultures. This year’s edition was tagged “Unity in Diversity.”

Buhari names Tunde Lemo FERMA chairman, reappoints NEMSA MD

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Tunde Lemo as the chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The development came just as the President has reappointed the Managing Director of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Mr Peter O. Ewesor, for a final term of four years.

The new appointments were disclosed in a statement made available on Friday by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) The statement , which was signed by the Assistant Director, Press, Mohammed Nakorji, added that the new appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Other members of FERMA Board are : Engr. Nurudeen Abdurrahaman Rafindadi, Buba Silas Abdullahi, Babagana Mohammad Aji, Engr. Shehu Udman Abdullahi , Loretta Ngozichukwu Aniagolu, Mujaidu Stanley Dako, Vincent Oladapo

Kolawole, and Engr. Chukwunwike O. Uzo. Others include Mrs. Olubunmi Siyanbola, Alh. Abdulrazak Ma’aji, Alhaji Saidu Abdulkadir and ACM Peter Osawe.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has equally approved the reappointment of Ewesor as the Managing Director of NEMSA for a final term of four years in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(3) of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency Act, 2015. The statement added that Ewesor’s re-appointment took effect from October 3, 2017.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

I can deliver power back to PDP in 2019 - Bode George Iniobong Iwok

ÏÏÏA former Deputy Nation-

al Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, has said he would deploy experience and wisdom to rescue and position the party to regain power in 2019, if elected as the National Chairman in the coming National Convention of PDP. Bode George said this when he formally flagged-off campaign for the Chairmanship position of the opposition party held at the City Hall Lagos on Friday.

He said he would work tirelessly to revive the dream and principles of the PDP founding fathers anchored on justice, fairness and equity as enshrined in the constitution of the party.

He said as the PDP National Chairman, he would bring back the dignity of PDP by working diligently to unite members while mending fences and healing old wounds for all to attain the collective aspiration of the once ruling party.

He said PDP under his leadership will strive to revive the economy of Nigeria which had been battered, working with well meaning members of the party to get the presidential power in 2019.

Bode George said his first task, if elected as the next PDP Chairman would be to reconcile feuding factions while according party officials at all levels the recognitions they all deserve while also protecting their interests.

The Atona Oodua said

Berger sparkles at Madeby-Designfurnishing

Ï 0^ Ɠƅ Ɔ ƄƏ Ɨ ƐƏƆ Ɛ Samiat Oduwole

ÏÏÏJulius

Bode George having actively served at the topmost echelon of PDP for 10 years, working with the most experience members, his

loyalty to the party has never been in doubt a reason members should repose confidence in him to serve well as their National Chairman.

Berger Nigeria Plc once again lived to its wellearned excellent reputation as a premium and dependable quality and service brand at its outing at the Made-ByDesignfurnishing and interior design exhibition organized by Essential Interiors at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.

As a prelude to the official opening of its Lagos showroom at Victoria Island, Julius Berger-AFP put on a full display of sparkling galaxy of well-engineered furniture and furnishing designs.

The exhibited top grades ranged from office furnishing designs and products to tables, home leather and up-

holstery sofas, and settees with complementary state-ofthe art curtain draperies.

Other items include exquisitely manufactured and purpose-built kitchens, wardrobes, and beds, customized and special-purpose doors, all of which are superbly finished and benchmarking great and functional strength, character and style.

The exhibited products highlighted the cross-functional capabilities of the AFP to provide premium service to clients across the spectrum, whether net-worth individuals, the hospitality industry, governmental and quasi-governmental agencies or corporate concerns in the private sector, all at the highest qualitative level required.

N4.7b fraud: Court adjourns Ladoja’s suit till October 9 Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏFurther

hearing till Monday, October 9, in the case of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who was charged with N4.7bn fraud has been adjourned by a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Justice Mohammed Idris, on Friday adjourned till October 9, 2017 at the instance of Akanbi’s lawyer, Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, who requested that an official of It state should be summoned by the court to tender some documents as evidence.

Ladoja is being tried alongside a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Waheed Akanbi.

Olumide-Fusika had attempted to tender the document during the proceedings on Friday, but counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Oluwafemi Olabisi, opposed the admissibility of the document, contending that Olumide-Fusika failed to lay proper foundation for its tendering.

But Olumide-Fusika, who maintained that the document, which was supplied to the court by the Oyo State Government, was important to the defence of his client, urged the court to summon an official of Oyo State Government to appear in court for the purpose of properly tendering the document as an exhibit.

Ladoja’s lawyer, Mr. Bolaji Onilenla, did not oppose the application for adjournment.

Consequently, Justice Idris adjourned the case till Monday to allow for the invitation and appearance of an official of the Oyo State Government.

Ladoja and Akanbi are facing eight counts bordering on money laundering and unlawful conversion of funds belonging to the Oyo State Government to their own.

In one of the counts, Ladoja and Akanbi were accused of converting a sum of N1,932,940,032.48, belonging to Oyo State Government to their personal own, using a Guaranty Trust Bank account of a company, Heritage Apartments Limited.

A cross-section of dignitaries at the opening session of the 1st Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), in Abuja… on Friday.

CBN, state governors, stakeholders map out strategy on Agric

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele on Thursday said that agriculture presents the major opportunity of a longterm sustainable development in the country.

Emefiele noted that in spite of the current levels of unemployment in Nigeria, the agricultural sector remained vital to the efforts of the Federal Government in diversifying the

country’s monolithic economy away from oil.

The governor stated this during the stakeholders’ meeting on the operational framework for the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the meeting, which had in attendance the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, State Governors and other sector stakeholders, sought to consolidate the collective efforts of the mon-

etary and fiscal authorities to diversify the nation’s economy.

He said that the outcome of the meeting was expected to significantly improve the agricultural output, drives economic growth, reduce unemployment among youth and increase national cohesion.

While acknowledging the twin-challenge of youth restiveness and unemployment, Emefiele stressed the need for stakeholders to confront the challenge with innovative thinking using agriculture as a

fulcrum of a long-term sustainable and profitable approach.

He noted that agriculture had the potential for huge revenue generation and pivotal in job creation. “The fact that the agricultural sector is the only sector that experienced growth during the recent recession in the country bore testimony to its great potential,” the apex bank boss stated.

Also, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, lauded the courage of the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and his team for introducing the policy on the restriction of access to foreign exchange from the Nigerian Forex market for some 41 items which can be produced in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

Politics

s

After 57 of independence, it’s time to look at structure of Nigeria – Kaka P.10 & 11

9

PDP chairmanship and Daniel’s bid to reinvent party P.12

Plateau Rep member sets to dump PDP over rift with Jang Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos There are indications that the relationship between Hon. ID Gyang, member representing Barkin Ladi/ Riyom Federal Constituency and his godfather, Senator Jonah David Jang has gone soar and is gradually coming to an end considering Gyang’s recent political romance and visits to some leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in an attempt to consolidate his movement to the party.

Our correspondent gathered that ID Gyang allegedly held series of meetings with Governor Simon Bako Lalong, the Secretary to the State Government, Rufus Bature and some APC stakeholders on different occasions, all in an attempt to make him see reasons why he should join the ‘progressive’ train to fight his political battle against Jang.

Source also revealed to our correspondent that another reason why Lalong and the SSG are pressing on ID Gyang to defect to the APC is to destroy the political dynasty of Jang in Berom land after succeeding in getting Barr. Edward Pwajok, a former loyalist of Jang who served for 9 years as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Jang’s cabinet and Jang was also instrumental in his winning election to represent Jos South/ Jos East in the National Assembly.

Our source informed us that ID Gyang is reluctant in taking a fast decision because he is still pressing hard on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to convince Jang to step down for him for the 2019 Senatorial seat.

His argument and that of his supporters who allegedly nicknamed Jang “the sleeping Senator” is that Baba is too weak and not saleable to make the party attain

GYANG

victory.

The basic reason for the legislator’s planned movement to APC as also gathered is to secure the APC Northern Senatorial zone ticket and slog it out with Jang in the final election.

It was learnt that he believes with his performance, popularity, acceptability coupled with the state and federal structure and might, he will be able to defeat his godfather.

This political maneuvering of ID Gyang is already creating big rift between him and the former governor popularly known as Dara Jang.

Although on the surface, no one will believe that Jang and his godson, ID Gyang, are at war and will stop at nothing to throw banters when their paths cross

PDP chairmanship: Gbenga Daniel represents fresh air PDP needs now- IBB Former Military President and one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has thrown his weight behind the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in his bid to become the next national chairman of the PDP, describing him as the ‘breathe of fresh air’.

Babangida made this declaration at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State when Daniel alongside his delegation paid him a visit in furtherance to his nationwide consultation.

Speaking during the visit, Daniel said he had come to confer with the former President on his ambition, noting that no serious politician in the country would embark on such an important national task without seeking the wisdom and blessing of the former President.

Responding, General Babangida said he was quite elated when he learnt that Otunba Gbenga Daniel was interested in offering his

BABANGIDA

service to the country.

He said: “I was elated when I first heard that you were interested in volunteering yourself for this great service to our country, you represent the breadth of fresh air that the party deserves at this stage.

“I know OGD very well and I know his unparalleled capacity for work. I have a strong conviction that with OGD as chairman, the party can be turned around again.

JANG

at public events. But our correspondent reliably gathered that there is an ongoing cold war between the duo, mostly fought on their behalf by their political foot soldiers.

Those in the know say that the problem with both men became public early this year, when the Hon. member during his health empowerment program in Barkin Ladi allegedly hired some youths to embarrass Jang, by publicly asking him to forget contesting in 2019 and allow ID Gyang to take over.

The development was said to have stirred up an apparent anger in the former governor who managed to control his emotions. However, some fifth columnists were believed to have added more meaning to the action thus leading to them

pitching tents separately with both Jang and ID Gyang.

While speaking with a PDP big wig in Jos who does not want his name mentioned, he insisted that top PDP members in the Northern zone of the state have collectively decided never to allow Jang get an automatic ticket for the Senate and if that happens they will be left with no option than to work for an alternative candidate in another political party.

Those loyal to Jang are accusing ID Gyang as the brain behind those plotting against Jang, “We know where the heat is coming from, we know the person sponsoring them against Dara, but we shall face them at the right time,” a strong member of Greater together, the late GNS Pwajok campaign platform told our correspondent anonymously for strategic reasons.

The media aide to ID Gyang, Mr. Chuwang Dungs when contacted to speak on the issue claimed that he is not aware of any plan by his principal to join the APC. Chuwang insisted that there is no war between the former governor and his former permanent secretary on security matters.

He said it was wrong for any person or group of persons to say that the former governor and his political son were at loggerheads over some unresolved issues.

Chuwang who made the position while speaking to some Journalists in Jos wondered why some people would make such insinuations.

He noted, “you need to know who Barr.

ID Gyang is and how he holds Baba Jang in a very high esteem. ID had on several occasions attributed his greatness in politics to Jang, So what would ignite a crisis between such persons? We need to discard such rumours,” Chuwang opined.

APC Forum endorses Nasarawa SSG for Senate Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Stake holders Forum in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has endorsed the candidature of the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Muhammed Abdullahi to contest the Senate seat for the Nasarawa West Senatorial District come 2019 general election.

In a statement signed by the publicity secretary of the forum, Mr Idris Bature Ahmed, and made available to pressmen in Lokoja, the group said the leadership qualities and political dexterity of Abdullahi has endeared him to the people of the zone.

According to the spokesman of the forum, the people of Toto Local Government Area are fed up with “big for nothing” names that have been occupying the Senate seat without any dividends of democracy coming to the area.

“Though the people of this part of the state have been loyal and patriotic in the discharge of their civic responsibilities, despite nearness to Abuja, they lack federal pres-

ence in all fronts. No electricity, no good road network and yet some people found their ways to the Senate through our mandate, but failed to give us quality representation,” Ahmed lamented.

The APC members said their decision to back the aspiration of Barr. Abdullahi was because of his closeness and openness to the people as against the present feudal and oligarchic style employed by the present representatives.

The forum comprised of ward chairmen, women leaders, youths leaders and elders of the party across the local government.

The forum resolved to work tirelessly to ensure the victory of Mr. Abdullahi and urged all the constituents in the senatorial districts to shun those that have used their position to enslave them.

“We will no longer succumb to intimidation by politicians who cherish bootlicking, hero worship and thuggery. We are also aware that money is being starshed for buying delegates and votes, but that cannot stop us from exercising our responsibilities.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

After 57 years of independence, it’s time to look at structure of Nigeria – Kaka Restructuring must not be misunderstood, it is simply, just as I said, that we look back from where we are coming from, we view ourselves from the current position and we veer into the future, we look at opportunities. When we look backward you look at the missed opportunities.

Are we satisfied as a nation that we have missed such humongous opportunities? Are we satisfied that we are having opportunities that are beckoning for our tapping and we refuse to do it for certain things? And if we put all these factors together then are we going to say that we have a dilapidated house

KAKA

Nigeria has just celebrated its 57 years of independence, how do you see Nigeria at 57?

At 57, we don’t have choice but to congratulate ourselves, at least for still staying together and having a high hope that tomorrow will be better. But when we do a sort of conscience searching and have a sober reflection of the journey so far in the last 57 years, we will say it is a sorry case that we remain in a sort of parlous state.

This is because when we look at those other countries that we were at par in 1960 both politically, economically and socially, then I don’t think we have anything for which to beat our chest for. So if we do proper searching on the journey so far and we look at our present position, then we need to thrust forward with a very greater hope for tomorrow. Opportunities abound everywhere, but they remain largely untapped with so many factors militating against that thrust.

So, I will say that with the 57 years gone by, we are no longer a toddler. I mean it is a long time in the life of a nation, so all hands must be on deck, both the lead and the leaders must just have to come to terms with the realities that we have to change positively our ways of life.

At 57 we are still struggling on how best to live together as a nation as there are renewed calls for restructuring of the nation on the path of true federalism. What is your take on this?

Restructuring must not be misunderstood, it is simply just as I said that we look back from where we are coming from, we view ourselves from the current position and we veer into the future, we look at opportunities. When we look backward you look at the missed opportunities. Are we satisfied as a nation that we have missed

Alhaji Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka is a former deputy governor of Ogun State. He also represented Ogun East in the Senate between 2011 and 2015. In this interview, he speaks on Nigeria at 57 and extensively on the renewed clamour for the restructuring of the nation PATRICK OKOHUE reports. such humongous opportunities? Are we satisfied that we are having opportunities that are beckoning for our tapping and we refuse to do it for certain things? And if we put all these factors together then are we going to say that we have a dilapidated house, then we will continue to endanger our lives, by living in that house at all cost without restructuring it.

Restructuring is not calling for the disintegration of the nation. We are unanimous through the length and breadth of the country and in total agreement that we are better thrust together with our size, with our unity in diversity and with the fact that the cultural blend is a beauty to behold. What we need to do is to understand ourselves and to ensure that for the unity to be upheld, there must be justice. And when we say justice, it is not justice between one zone or the other, it is actually justice between the haves and the have not. Justice from those who have benefitted from undue advantage for those who are perpetually disadvantaged. So when I say that one, I don’t mean looking at it from South, West, North and East divide. My thinking is that what is it that is making those who are extremely very rich to be rich. Can we close the gap judiciously so that with justice we can have a unity, the unity can exist and then it is in unity and under justice that we

can make progress for all development and growth which we all crave for and we are begging everybody to join hands together so that we can move forward and catch up with those that have left us behind, that is what we are saying.

So if people are talking about 1963, we knew where our forefathers left us and we knew the locust years where, with the advent of oil everybody were just busy feeding on the nation and nobody cares about the wellbeing of the nation. So President Muhammadu Buhari is now in the saddle and he is talking about fighting corruption.

He is struggling to ensure that attention is paid to agriculture and solid minerals as well as other ways of diversifying the economy, whether we like it or not the rent collection mentality just have to end. Yes we have been lucky the oil price is still going on, the demand is totally weaning, though we heard they were cutting the output in order to shore up the price, but be that as it may I still believe our sun is still shining most and we can use the money from the crude oil right now to develop other sectors.

It is part of restructuring. Then we can go ahead and look at our constitution which is the foundation of our existence. So, if the foundation is not right, the lawyers will say you can’t build something on nothing and you expect it to stand. The engineers and ar-

chitects will say without adequate column, no structure can stand. The agriculturists will say you put a seed in the soil it will first of all degenerate, get rotten before germinating. So let us believe it is the rotten stage we have passed in the last 57 years , then we now look forward to the tender output, offshoot that will make the foundation to be solid so we have good grip on the land we are standing on. We have tried so many constitutions, we had several national confabs, we are brothers and sisters, let there be spirit of give and take, let everybody realise that it is when all are fairly happy that we can work together and have a positive synergy. Yes, the nation is non-negotiable as many are chorusing, but it shouldn’t be iron cast. You have a wife and husband even after staying together for 80 years they are still divorcing. We are not calling for it, because husband and wife are better together, but let there be justice. So if the husband used to abuse the wife, that should stop.

Let us stop insulting one another, let us do what is right. And if we don’t know where we are going let us go back to the starting bloc. 1963 constitution is still there. All the earlier constitution review, the national conferences, put everything together. Let us look at power between the executive, the National Assembly, yes anybody can claim the right to say it is my right to exercise the power, the power belongs to God and we are serving the humanity, we are serving the collective interest of everybody. And we derive this power from the people, let us forget our ego, let us be more patriotic and be ready to sacrifice anything for that unity that we are craving for. And that is why restructuring, knowing how to do things better, no heavy centre, devolution of power, true federalism both fiscal and political, all these let us go back to the building bloc and get the things done rightly.

What do you think should be the approach of achieving the restructuring, different zones are stating what they want. Even the ruling party, APC is dialoguing to have its own stand on how to restructure. How do we put all these together, are we going to hold another confab?

We need not waste money on national conference and if need be of course the money will be worthwhile to have a solid foundation. One we have those who specialises on these constitutional making. All these zonal arrangements, ethnic arrangements, political parties, National Assembly, executive, yes they have freedom to review CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

11 Politics

Nigeria at 57: Abundant resources, cultural diversity make Nigerians proud -Research Patrick Okohue Despite the myriads of problems and the agitation for the restructuring of the country coming from various quarters, a recent research has shown that Nigerians are not always sad about the gloom and expecting the doomsday always, but rather there are still many things that make a high percentage of the people happy about the country.

A new poll released by NOIPolls has revealed that Nigerians take pride in the nation’s abundant human and natural resources, cultural diversity and peaceful co-existence, amidst other factors.

In addition, Nigerians rated their social interaction amongst the various ethnic groups in the country at pretty high despite the perceived differences.

For example Nigerians rated their social interaction amongst the various ethnic groups in the country at 7.5 points on a scale of 0 – 10, where 0 represents “no interaction”, while 10 represents a “high level of interaction”.

This rating implies a very positive social interaction among the different ethnic groups in Nigeria and further corroborates findings from NOIPolls Personal well-being index which portrays a high level of satisfaction of Nigerians regarding their social interaction.

In the same vein, the new poll revealed that Nigerians who take pride in the nation’s abundant human and natural resources are 25 percent, cultural diversity 17 percent and peaceful co-existence 13 percent, amidst other factors.

While Nigerians take pride in the nation’s abundant supply of human and Natural resources, most of these resources are yet to be exploited and fully maximised.

BUHARI

For instance renewable and agricultural resources have the potential to create jobs and opportunities for alleviating poverty.

Therefore, the onus is on the government to harness these potentials through sustainable development strategy and implementation. This should involve diverse stakeholders, especially private sector entrepreneurs, to convert opportunities into economic activities to achieve significant job creation, income generation, poverty alleviation and inclusive economic growth and development; to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians. These are some of

the key findings from the Patriotism Poll conducted

by NOIPolls in the week commencing September 18th 2017.

Diversity which is a key element that clearly defines the true soul and strength of Nigeria has been regrettably overlooked in recent times. Nigeria’s development and drawback hinges her unity in diversity as she is the only nation of the world with the highest population of Black race.

The only nation with more than 250 languages and diverse ethnic groups, yet have remained one and indivisible nation. In line with this and in view of the 57th Nigeria Independence Day celebration, NOIPolls conducted a survey to understand the current stance of social interactions and patriotism among citizens.

From the poll, respondents were asked what makes them proud and happy to be Nigerians and findings revealed that a fourth of the country’s population consider the abundant human and natural resources as a major factor that makes them proud of the country.

This is not surprising considering that Nigeria is the most populous African country, commonly known as the giant of Africa.

Also it has been reported that apart from petroleum, Nigeria is also rich in other natural resources such as natural gas, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc and arable land etc. This is followed by respon-

It’s time to look at structure of Nigeria

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

and to submit a stand on what the restructuring will be, what items are to be listed, what mode to follow, what concessions from each side, what will make each zone happy.

It will now be the duty of that body to put everything together, sieve the differences, blend the similarities and then we reach a consensus. It is then we can all subscribe to say yes, this is a constitution by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is the time to say yes, let us move forward. So as far as I am concerned it is not too much even if the religious bodies want to be involved let them submit their own memoranda and then we move forward even culturally. There shouldn’t be a barrier to it, because we have equal rights and our rights must be guaranteed in the constitution.

But some people are skeptical because they believe we have had several confabs in the past with nothing to show for them, are you skeptical too?

If within a family unit you have different ways of doing things, that doesn’t disturb regular consultations, regular compromise reason and the spirit of give and take so that it doesn’t matter if for whatever reasons a balance is tilting to my side, it may tilt to your side tomorrow on another level.

So if we have clear understanding and love for one another, yes we may not use force in saying this should be this or that. And then

the undue advantage we are talking of we have it in various presentations. When you talk of education, the imbalances are there.

You talk of road construction, you talk of so many things, then you talk of the civil service structure, there are a lot of imbalances. So our best bet is to say yes, one we resolve to stay together as one, yet things must change in all acceptable way to all manner of people.

What is your advice to President Muhammadu Buhari because many people believe that the current ethnic agitations is being fueled by his unbalanced appointments. They claim that some zones are getting more appointments than the others?

If there are unbalanced appointments, we can sit down and resolve it through dialogue, just as we are saying that deployment of arms should not be, so also we need to dialogue at left and right because dialogue is the ultimate, even if you go to war, you still come back to the roundtable to resolve it. If there are imbalances, make submission, give justification for it and push for it so that the wrongs can be righted.

When you are talking of restructuring you mentioned the 1963 constitution, are you saying we should go back to the 1963 constitution?

What is happening is that the 1963 constitution was working for us, so I said if we don’t know where we are going, we ought

to know where we are coming from. So let us make our working bloc from the system that was working for us with modification and if at all we must copy let us be good copier not a bad copier. And most importantly let us domesticate whatever we are copying to suit our local imperatives so that the plurality, the multiplicity of our ethnic background, culture and everything, even religion may not be the same with another country. If we starts from there we will start building up. When we say restructuring, we are not saying we should turn everything upside down, but we must have a starting point.

Recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that Nigeria is out of recession, but the ordinary citizens on the streets are not feeling that impact.

How do you see this proclamation by the NBS? We will be deceiving ourselves if we want immediate exit from recession. Recession crept in like a thief in the night. But I may not be totally right to say like a thief in the night, but it crept in gradually in front of our nose and we all contributed in one way or the other. If we take structures and I will make it the extreme, the World Trade Centre, 9/11, the destruction was under five minutes. The whole structure went beyond to ground zero. To reconstruct it is going to take years. So it is easier to destroy than to build. So, if the destruction of the economy, of the polity, took many years to

dents who mentioned ‘cultural diversity’ and ‘peaceful co-existence’ among others are the things that makes them happy.

In a nation like Nigeria with huge cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, positive social interaction between various ethnic groups is key to maintaining a harmonious society. With this in mind, the level of social interactions among the Nigerian populace was polled and findings revealed that the nationwide average rating on social interaction in Nigeria on a scale of 0 to 10 (where 0 represents no interaction and 10 represents a high level of interaction), stood at 7.5, which reflects a very healthy and productive social interaction among Nigerians.

Additionally, analysis of results across gender revealed that the average ratings on social interactions between males and females from different ethnic background stood at 7.8 and 7.2 respectively.

Consequently, analysis of social interaction ratings across geopolitical zones showed that the North-Central zone (8.0) had the highest social interaction rating in Nigeria and this was closely followed by the South-East zone with a rating of 7.9.

Also, a closer look at the age-group category reveals a sequence of increasing social interaction as the age increases.

In conclusion, the poll revealed that Nigerians are mostly proud of the nation’s abundant human and natural resources, cultural diversity and peaceful co-existence that exists within its enormous ethnographic heritage, amidst other factors.

Also, the poll has clearly shown a high level of social interaction amongst Nigerians despite cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. These finding therefore highlights positive tools for strengthening the various campaigns on unity and peaceful co-existence among the citizens by government

get to where we are in, with no plans and poor execution of the plans that we had, for anybody to expect that recession will vanish immediately, we are deceiving ourselves.

It is along the same restructuring we are talking of, so it is going to be gradual. The recovery is going to be gradual and if we look at it like a rolling ball from the top of the hills moving towards the valley, what we can do is to first of all apply the brake. So the sliding is arrested, may be that is what we are trying to say now. That the downward fall has been arrested. We are now expecting energising, it is that energising that will now be moving against the gravity, push back to the level we were in hitherto. That energising will require a lot of input. I will expect that we may not get to where we were before until probably, four or five years time.

I am not sounding pessimistic, but we can be making appreciable improvement until the time we will be able to restore ourselves to the level we were. If we are to exit recession, once upon a time our naira was exchanging for one dollar, so that is one of the indices.

Once upon a time we were having agriculture as our mainstay, the oil has taken over and the money from oil we have not been able to utilise very well. Let us get back there, and our GDP is being accounted for by other sources other than the oil then, with the recovery from recession we will be producing more, our production will be enhanced. So as far as I am concerned, yes recession arrested, okay, we are closer to it, but exiting recession not yet.

12 Politics Fola Akinyemi The die is cast, war drum pierced, storm calmed and the clash of the titans ended abruptly. The position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the landmark judgement of the apex court, the Supreme Court, can be likened to this illustration.

Hitherto, the two factions in the PDP led

by Senator Ali Modu Sherrif and Senator Ahmed Markafi respectively had stalled peace advancement and sanity within the rank and file of the once dominant party in Nigeria, having held power for 16 years.

The fight between the two political gladiators, had taken tolls on the numerical strength of the party as several members who were either genuinely tired of the raging battle for supremacy or out of sheer lust for money defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for greener pastures.

Reasons advanced for the raging battle was not far-fetched as each faction harped on the judgements’ of the lower courts which gave each of them power at the different sessions to superintend over the affairs of the party.

The PDP, even right from its conception, has remained a party to beat, considering the clout of the big-wigs in its fold: retired army generals, experienced politicians, dating back to the days of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, intelligentsia, former heads of state, former governors and senators, business moguls, academics, diplomats and technocrats; all rolled into a formidable and unbeatable cabal.

No wonder, its 1999 candidate, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, defeated his opponent from the All Peoples Party (APP), Chief Olu Falae, hands down in the 1999 general elections.

However, in 2015, the party lost power to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a result of infighting, arising from lack of trust, antics and shenanigans of disgruntled, adventurous but covetous politicians within the PDP fold.

By that time, the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President widely believed

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7. 2017

PDP chairmanship and Daniel’s bid to reinvent party

DANIEL

to be Jonathan’s godfather had parted ways.

Defection upon defection and the centre could no longer hold. These and many other factors led to the defeat of the party in the 2015 general elections.

The historic judgement of the Supreme Court that upheld the appeal of the Makarfi faction and transferred power to Senator Makarfi as the authentic Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party brought much needed relief to the beleaguered party and triggered conciliatory efforts.

For the party to return to status quo ante of its hey-days, the likes of Chief Obasanjo, who left the party with a large chunk of his loyalists, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwa, Senate President Bukola Saraki and many others must be brought back to the fold.

By December 2017, Senator Makarfi will unequivocally transfer the mantle of leadership to a duly elected party Chairman. It

is hoped that before then pockets of crises in some states of the federation would have been amicably settled.

For the party to return to power, come 2019, it requires a charismatic leadership, a leadership that is transparent, level headed with proven integrity and sagacity. This is a necessity that can propel or fast- track a smooth pragmatic transition. The most worrisome development now is the unhealthy rumour that Ali Modu Sheriff and his supporters are migrating to another party. This must not be allowed. The party should endeavour to break that conspiracy and return all decampees to the fold.

Among the contestants for the position of party chairman is no less a personality than Otunba Gbenga Daniel, fondly referred to as OGD. Many people constantly refer to this enigma as a man of the people with proven skills for conflict resolution and an astute management of men and

resources.

He has been tested with proven ability to successfully weather storms. A product of Obafemi Awolowo mentorship, whom he came in contact with in his twenties and maximized the opportunity to imbibe the philosophy and ideology of the man many people believe to be one of the greatest politicians in the history of Nigeria.

It will be recalled that it was OGD who then brokered peace between the two factions of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) even when other previous attempts by some Yoruba elders had failed. He performed this great feat while he was the governor of Ogun State. Because of his strong connection with both the high-ups and the masses, he possesses the capacity to bring back to the fold those that had hitherto left the party.

An astute, dynamic and a thoroughbred patriot, OGD was once described by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as a true son of our forebears, deserving of the popular song: “Omo olejo baba ka ma binu Omo.” Recently, General Ibrahim Babaginda described Otunba Gbenga Daniel as a breath of fresh air with the wherewithal to return PDP to winning ways.

OGD is ably qualified for the exalted position of the party’s chairmanship because of his antecedents. Besides, former and current PDP governors have indicated their intention to support his ambition because “only the deep can call to the deep”.

The Peoples Democratic Party should, as a matter of urgency, put a round peg in the round hole so that by 2019 general elections, power must change hands. The process of changing the change will be expedited or marred by the choice of party chairman.

Of all the contestants, Otunba Gbenga Daniel stands tall with his appeal to all the demographics in the party.

PDP Chairmanship: We must not take wrong turn at crossroads — Bode George A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has said that the party needs a man with vast experience as national chairman to enable it find its way back to power in 2019.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, George described the PDP Dec. 9 national chairmanship election as the crossroads at which party members could not afford to take a wrong turn.

“We are at the crossroads and if we

BODE GEORGE

take the wrong turn, we may not make it,’’ the one-time Deputy National Chairman of the party said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that George is set to officially declare his intention to vie for the party’s national chairmanship position in the Dec. 9 election on Friday.

According to him, God is giving the party a second chance after its defeat at the 2015 polls after a 16-year rule.

“If you’re suddenly hit by a fastmoving train when you don’t expect it, the shock itself is incalculable. We went into a spin and almost lost confidence in ourselves,’’ George said.

According to him, this was followed by the leadership crisis which was eventually resolved by the court.

George said the party could not afford to misuse the new opportunity before it in choosing its national chairman.

He likened the present state of the party to a cancer patient who needed another pill after coming out of coma.

The party chieftain said he had the needed experience for the job to weather the battle ahead, which he admitted “would not be easy”.

According to him, time is not on the side of the PDP and so cannot afford to experiment at this stage.

“It’s a major decision, not only for the party, but for the entire Nigeria,’’

he said of the national chairmanship election.

George said the party must avoid the pitfalls of the past and must throw impunity into the dust bin immediately.

“It is the responsibility of the members to take a deep breath and look at who the cap fits,’’ he said.

The party chieftain traced the history of the PDP and said the South West was best placed to produce the next

chairman based on the party’s zoning arrangement and its electoral value.

“We are not saying anybody should not contest, but because of empathy for the South West, people said it’s their turn,’’ he said.

Two former ministers, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, who were also at the event, said George had the right credentials to lead the party and restore its lost glory.

Edo APC opts for biometric registration

Titus Akhigbe, Benin

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter has disclosed plans to begin the biometric registration of members across the 192 Wards in the state.

The APC state Publicity Secretary, Chris Azebamwan gave the indication at a media briefing on Thursday in Benin City.

The resolution was reached after an enlarged state Working Committee meeting and local government party chairmen in the state which was held on Thursday.

He said the registration which cuts across party lines, would help to

strengthen the membership base of the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He noted that the initiative would help to boost membership drive and allow other members of the public as well as other party members to join and contribute their quota towards the development of APC. Azebamwan explained that “all matters relating to indiscipline within the rank and file in the party have been resolved and closed.”

He also said the party has successfully monitored the performance index of the party in the state ahead of future polls.

According to him, the party has established a feedback mechanism through the engagement of 192 Special Assistants to the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

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

Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏA Lagos High Court, Igbosere

Oyo State Govenor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (middle) and traditional heads, during a courtesy visit on the Governor in Ibadan, Oyo State... on Wednesday.

Paris Club Refund: Delta To Constitute Audit Committee To Audit Usage

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏDriven by the need for proper

accountability and transparency in governance, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has directed the State Auditor-General, Mr. Chukwudi Amudo to immediately constitute a team that would audit the use of the Parish Club refund in the state.

The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie gave the directive in Asaba, the state capital, while declaring open a two-day second edition of the Annual Audit Forum for Stakeholders organized by the Office of the Auditor-General (State) in collaboration with the World Bank and European Union sponsored State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) project in the state.

Governor Okowa, while saying that the constitution of the team of Auditors for the Parish Club refund usage in the state was necessary given, the import of proper accountability and transparency in governance, however, said that it is evidence that the fund has been used appropriately.

He, however instructed that the team that should constituted immediately, should swing into action and also, ensure that it is thorough and holistic in their assignment.

Describing the workshop with the theme “Emerging Trends In Transparent and Accountable Conduct of Government Business: The Imperative of Accurate Book Keeping” as apt and timely, Governor Okowa challenged auditors in the state to use to properly x-ray the challenges of public financial management, particularly as it relates to their roles.

Ekiti 2018 Guber poll: INEC must be fair, transparent – Fayose

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEkiti

State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose has reacted to the release of timetable for the State’s 2018 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling on the electoral umpire to conduct free, fair and credible poll that will be commended by the international community just as the June 21, 2014 election was hailed by the government of the United States of America.

The governor, who said he needed no help from INEC or any agency of the government for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win the election, urged INEC and federal government agencies not to

provide help for other contestants.

Governor Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted him as “calling on the international community as well as local election observers to from now, take very strong interest in the Ekiti 2018 governorship election and monitor INEC as it begins the processes leading to the conduct of the election.”

He said; “Concerning this election and others, INEC should be honourable by ensuring free, fair and credible elections. This is considering the fact that Ekiti is a State controlled by the opposition and I am the number one opposition figure in Nigeria today.

“INEC should take note that we cannot all be in the same political party and Nigeria cannot be one

party state. The electoral commission should therefore be fair to all concerned.

“As for me, I do not need INEC or agency of the government to help me and the PDP candidate to win the election and INEC and federal government agencies should not also provide help for other contestants.”

The statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, read in part; “Yesterday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) picked July 14, 2018 for the Ekiti State Governorship election. We welcome the announcement of the election timetable because even before INEC released the timetable, we, in the PDP in Ekiti State have prepared well enough for the election and are good to go anytime, any day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South-East leaders commends Odigie- Oyegun

Nosa Akenzua,

Asaba

ÏÏÏPolitical leaders in the South-

East geo-political zone yesterday applauded the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie- Oyegun for his contributions to the development of the Nigerian political system.

“Chief Odigie-Oyegun, by his political understanding has provided a bridge of good appreciation of democratic behavior between the presidency and the party on one hand and the government and the governed on the other hand” They also commended the national chairman of the ruling party for taking the South-East into consideration and supporting the Igbo

dream of producing a president for the country. “The future of Ndigbo is only safe in the hands of APC” the leaders said.

At a meeting in Enugu, the leaders criticized the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for failing to stem the continued suffering of the good people of Anambra State.

Willie Obiano, the lea1ders said, had already lost the November 18 governorship election because the APGA led-administration had performed abysmally.

They also launched a stronglyworded attack against the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, Executive Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and underprivileged (CENTREP), Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, the Chairman,

Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Rev Tunde Adeleye, former Special Assistant to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, Nigerian Blogger, Kemi Olunloyo and Executive Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adeniran, describing their criticism of Oyegun and the Muhammadu Buhari led-APC government as harsh and misleading. In a communiqué, the leaders’ heaped scorn on former ally of President Buhari, Buba Galadima, former Majority Leader of the Osun State House of Assembly, Wahab Olatoye and Professor Sagay for dabbling in the affairs of the party, mocking them as the mouth-piece of those plotting to destroy the country’s ruling party” “These critics are puppets who

are only twitching to the pull of the strings of certain individuals in the country. The All Progressives Congress is an effective and efficient political organization. It is not a shelter for unlawful or greedy politicians” the leaders said.

The communiqué, signed by the chairman, South-East Unity and Advancement Forum (SEUAAF), Chief Maxwell Okoye, acknowledged the vision, maturity and leadership style of Oyegun.

They also praised the former Edo State governor for promoting the Igbo cause, providing direction and expanding the ruling party.

“APC is not ill. The political growth of the party is not aimed at decreasing the power of some individuals. Odigie-Oyegun will never protect corrupt politicians”

14 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

Nigeria at 57: AMCON executive director makes case for unity Azubike Nnadozie

Deputy Governor, of Oyo State, Chief Alake Adeyemo (right) thumb printing for National Health Insurance Scheme in Ibadan, Oyo State… recently.

With him is Marketing Executive, Mediplan Healthcare Ltd., Zainab Yusuf.

Discontinue our ancestors’ idol worshiping - Bishop Onah

Mose Oyediran,Enugu

ÏÏÏ The Catholic Bishop

of Nsukka diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Godfrey Onah has observed that part of the responsibility of the university is to correct cultural practices that are harmful to human dignity which were long observed by the forefathers to solve their problems.

Onah said this in Nsukka while delivering the 57th University of Nigeria Nsukka founders Day lecture with the theme, “To Restore the Dignity of Man. Why and How”.

He said the university is a cultural laboratory

and workshop where man constantly interrogates his culture by critically examining it values.

“Many of the cultural practices to which we tenaciously cling today are outdated answers which our forefathers proposed to the problems of their times. Some of them are harmful to human dignity (ohu and osu caste system in Igboland, for instance).

“Our forefathers would definitely be angry with us for continuing with some of their practices as our times and challenges are different from theirs and in many areas we know better than they knew.

“It is part of the respon-

sibility of universities to wean contemporary Nigerians from their childish attachment to those cultural practices that tarnish the image of God in man and diminish his dignity”, he said.

He advised unions in the ivory towers in the country to henceforth desist from using strike actions to press home their demands saying such stance only make them allies of government.

“If university workers have chosen to teach and manage students I wonder why they should close school because they have problems with government.

“Yes, a labourer de-

serves his wages but the students are not the means of livelihood for professors and lecturers.

Otherwise the teacher may earn lots of money but still run the risk of experiencing the eternal vacuum.

“Human right cannot be said to be inalienable if the dignity from which they are drive could completely be lost.

“To use a person as a means to an end is to deny his dignity and dehumanize him”, he said.

Bishop Onah commended the founding fathers and their ideas to establish this university for the emancipation mankind.

A top official of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has called on all Nigerians to eschew all forms of bitterness, embrace one another and join hands to build the Nigeria of our dream.

Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Aminu Ismail, who stood in for Mr. Ahmed Kuru, Managing Director/CEO made the call at the yearly event organized by AMCON to mark Nigeria’s independence anniversary where he also joined thousands of well-meaning Nigerians to reiterate the fact that Nigeria would be better and more prosperous as a country, if the rich potentials of her diverse cultural heritage were harnessed.

To achieve that, he said this was not the time to sound the drumbeat of agitations or disunity, but a time to pull everyone to unity to rebuild Nigeria to reclaim its pride of place among the comity of nations. Since charity, as they say begins at home, Ismail called on staff of the cor ambassadors and preachers of peace across N behaving in manners that promote peaceful coexistence in the country.

Ansar-ud-deen calls for religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence Subair Mohammed

ÏÏÏLagos

state area council of Ansar-ud-deen society of Nigeria has called on Muslims in Nigeria to be tolerant of adherents of other religions as it said hijrah is all about promoting religious tolerant and peaceful coexistence.

This advice was given by stakeholders in Ansarud-deen society of Nigeria on the occasion of the 1439 Ah Islamic New Year celebration organised recently by the Lagos state area council of the society.

Speaking in his capacity as the guest lecturer, Alhaji Abdul-Fatah Odunayo, Chief Imam, Ansaru-deen Society of Nigeria, Ikorodu branch said hi-

jrah is significant as it is a turning point for Muslims around the world.

Alhaji Abdul-Fatah however advised on Muslims to imbibe the teachings of hijrah in their daily activities.

He said, “Muslims should imbibe and strive to emulate the characters of Prophet Muhammad as he was a man of excellent character and above all, a unifying factor for the world. Prophet Muhammad not only brought together Muslims but through his honesty and good neighbourliness, he brought many non-Muslims to Islam. However, on the occasion of hijrah celebration, We should not only celebrate hijrah as just another new Is-

lamic year, we should see it as a new phase in our lives when leave aside our religious differences as Allah has said in the glorious Qur’an that there is no compulsion in religion. We need to uphold the constitution prophet Muhammad has brought for us which is the Qur’an with the world we live in will be peaceful and our existence will be meaningful”.

For the Chairman, Ansar-ud-deen society of Nigeria, Lagos state area council, Alhaji Nurudeen Okunleye, hijrah is a walk away from destructive acts.

He said, “One of the lessons of prophet’s hijrah is for Muslims to be tolerant of non-Muslims. We should learn to tolerate

one another as Muslims and particularly, we must learn to live as one with people of other faiths. So, hijrah is a walk out of restiveness, dishonesty, intolerance and other societal ills. I want to advice Muslims in Nigeria and the world to be agent of peace and engage in acts that are capable of unifying us and not be seen to be promoting acts that could disintegrate the Muslim communities. We should live our lives as true slaves of Allah having in mind that we have but a limited time to live on this earth”.

On the significance of hijrah in the lives of Muslims, Alhaji Shakirudeen Adigun, one of the vicepresidents in Ansar-uddeen society of Nigeria

and overseas held that “For today’s Muslims, hijrah represents doing things in obedience to the commandment of Allah and ensure goodness to all creatures regardless of differences in religion and race. It represents being attentive to constituted authority. It is a turning point in our lives as Muslims to live peaceful with adherents of other religions to promote peace because Islam is a religion of peace and not of war.”

On her part, Ansar-udeen Society of Nigeria, Ipaja branch, women leader, Alhaja Solape Wasiat wants Nigeria’s political leaders to emulate Prophet Muhammad model of leadership for a peaceful and rewarding tenure.

Ismail also noted that Nigerians must not lose hope since the current wave of agitations in the country was not peculiar to Nigeria alone going by what is happening elsewhere with referendum, Scottish quest for liberation down to America and the many issues of race they currently face.

According to him, it is important that Nigeria and Nigerians avoid the mistake of allowing a few individuals to drag us to the extreme of violent clashes, which does no good to any nation. Expressing optimism that the current wave in the country would make us stronger at the end of the day, he said Nigeria remains one big family irre culture; tribe, religion or political divides that are current trends.

Going down memory lane, Ismail recalled, “Even before the current agitations, from across the country, we have had in Ife/Modakeke, Umuleri/ Aguleri, Hausa/Fulani, Ijaw/Itshekiri, Ezza/Ezilo and Tiv/Tarok clashes, just to mention a few, settled and bonded better as one people. Believe me, we are evolving as a nation and our strength remains in the unity of Nigeria because we have a lot to leverage and develop into a world power when we harness the rich human and natural resources God has blessed us with.

Therefore we must not allow ourselves as opinion leaders in our different rights to be misled by a few people that cannot see the bigger picture of a united Nigeria. This for me is food for thought for all of us as we celebrate Nigeria’s 57th Independence Anniversary.”

Every year, AMCON celebrates Nigeria’s independence with series of events and programmes that create bonding and expression and display of the cultural diversity of Nigeria through pep-talk from senior officials of the Corporation, traditional delicacies from across Nigeria, drama sketches and cultural displays amongst others.

The theme for this year’s edition was “Unity in Diversity.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

News 15

Don’t discard IPOB youths – Ooni of Ife tells Ikpeazu

Sunday Nwakanma - Umuahia

ÏÏÏJust as governors and stakeholders in the south east has joined the north to condemn the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has expressed

his view that the youths that constitute the membership of the groups should not be discarded.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi made this expression when he paid a courtesy visit to the Abia state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu in solidarity with the people of Abia and

the entire people of Southeast zone following the recent security crisis in the zone, yesterday disapproved the proscription and tagging of IPOB as a terrorist group.

The Ife paramount traditional ruler explained that he was in Abia “to continue the oneness we preach con-

cerning the unity of this country and to continue to build bridges across the entire country” and faulted the manner in which youths were being discarded and branded terrorists for crying out against injustice in the country.

MRS BLESSING OKORONKWO LINUS EMEKA.

UDOH NDARAKE WILLIAM

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that OGBODO GLORIA .C. and CHINWEZE GLORIA is one and the same person as OGBODO GLORIA .C . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm and certify that my name I Musa Sulaiman Damilare, refer to the same and one person bearing as Musa Sulaimo Olarenwaju and Musa Sulaimon Oludamilare, Musa Sulaimon Adio and also bearing Musa Sulaimon Damilare.

Henceforth l wish to be known and addressed as MUSA SULAIMON DAMILARE. All former documents remain valid, authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Sunday Salami now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Blessing Okoronkwo Linus Emeka. Al former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ONYEMAENU CHINENYE BLESSING

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify and confirm that INYAEGWU PATRICK JUNIOR, INYAEGWU PATRICK and INYAEGWU KELECHI PATRICK refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as INYAEGWUPATRICK JUNIOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to confirm and certify that my name in some of my documents appears as Mrs Oni Adesola Olubunmi, also appears Miss Adeyemi Adesola Olubunmi. That I am the same person bearing the same Mrs Oni Olubunmi and Miss Adeyemi Adesola Olubunmi. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as MISS ADEYEMI ADESOLA OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid, authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT:

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LETTER OF ALLOCATION IN RESPECT OF NO.3, “H” CLOSE, 331 ROAD, 3RD AVENUE, IPAJA NEW TOWN, LAGOS STATE, BELONGING TO MR SAMUEL TAIWO ADEJORO OF NO.3,” H CLOSE, 331 ROAD, 3RD AVENUE, IPAJA, LAGOS STATE. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO RECOVER THE SAID LOST DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. CONCERNED AUTHORITIES AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I Mr. Onuoha Emeka Cletus of Owerri, Imo state, that I formally lived at No 23 Raji Abayomi Street Mofoluku Oshodi Lagos, hereby put you Miss Erondu Doris Chizoba on Notice of my application in suit no FCI/37/17 before Ikeja Magistrate family court holding at Ogba Lagos State for sole custody of My Son, born in year 2000 to take him to live with me in GERMANY for his better Upbringing. Matter comes up on the 11th Oct, 2017.

AJAYI ADEYINKA BASIRAT

RACHEL TITILAYO ADEYEMI

MISS TEWOGBADE SHOLA

ELIZABETH CHIOMA ORJI

ADEPOJU AMINA OMOTOLA.

Formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH CHIOMA HARRISON, now wish to be known and addressed as ELIZABETH CHIOMA ORJI . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMAD AMINA and MUHAMMED AMINA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU AMINA OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JOHN SIJUADE OYEWOLE

AKONOBI EUCHARIA IJEOMA

I, formerly known and addressed as SALAUDEEN OMOYEMI ABDULLAHI, now wish to be known addressed as AYINDE SALAWUDEEN ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid; Banks and general public should take note.

1.I formerly known and addressed as JOHN BUNMI OYEWOLE now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN SIJUADE OYEWOLE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JOHN EUCHARIA IJEOMA and OKAFOR EUCHARIA IFECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as AKONOBI EUCHARIA IJEOMA . My real date of birth is 05/01/1985.All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

BOLA YUSSUF USMAN

OKPANACHI SIMEON ERIC

MRS MORAKINYO ADETOUN FOLASADE

I formely known and addressed as IFEMEJE CHINENYE BLESSING , now wish to be known and addressed as : ONYEMAENU CHINENYE BLESSING. All former document remain valid.

Geneal pulic should please take note.

AYINDE SALAWUDEEN ABDULLAHI.

I formerly known and addressed as RACHEL TITILAYO ADEBISI now wish to be known and addressed as RACHEL TITILAYO ADEYEMI .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note

KOLAWOLE ISIMALA ADESINA

SUNDAY CHARLES OHIZUA

I formerly known and addressed as KOLAWOLE ISMAILA FASASI now wish to be known and addressed as KOLAWOLE ISIMALA ADESINA .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known as OHIZUA CHARLES SUNDAY wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY CHARLES OHIZUA .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as ADEMOLA MUINAT FOLASHADE wish to be known and addressed as OLAOMI MUINAT FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS UKAH FRANCA CHIZURUM

EZE IFEANYICHUKWU BLESSING

AGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS AGWU UKAH and MRS AGWU AFUEKWE FRANCA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKAH FRANCA CHIZURUM. All former documents remain valid. University of Nigeria Nsukka Enugu Campus and General public should please take note.

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as IFEANYICHUKWU EZE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZE IFEANYICHUKWU BLESSING. My correct date of birth is 11/11/1992. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHRIS I, formerly known and addressed as CHRIS IFEANYI UMARHU, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUERI CHRIS IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IFEOKOLO JOSEPHINE UZOAMAKA

ONUORAH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONUORAH JOSEPHINE UZOAMAKA., now wish to be known and addressed as IFEOKOLO JOSEPHINE UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

MRS NWUDE CHINWENDU CHINYERE.

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEKE CHINWENDU CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWUDE CHINWENDU CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

IKECHUKWU CHUKWUEBUKA IFEATU.

MOKWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MOKWE CHUKWUEBUKA IFEATU, now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHUKWU CHUKWUEBUKA IFEATU. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

ONWUKA OLUCHI MARY OTTI: I, formerly known and addressed as OTTI MARY OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUKA OLUCHI MARY. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

OBINNA CHINAZA EMMANUEL. NWORU: I, formerly known and addressed as NWORU CHINAZA EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OBINNA CHINAZA EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

VINCENT CHIMEZIE UDOGU. VINCENT: I, formerly known and addressed as VINCENT CHIMEZIE .U. , now wish to be known and addressed as VINCENT CHIMEZIE UDOGU. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

CHINONYELUM NONNA GABRIEL.

CHINENYE: I, formerly known and addressed as CHINENYE GABRIEL and CHINONYE GABRIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINONYELUM NONNA GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

EKUMA OKWUCHUKWU EMMANUEL.

AKUMA: I, formerly known and addressed as AKUMA OKWUDIRI, now wish to be known and addressed as EKUMA OKWUCHUKWU EMMANUEL. My voters card I.D was wrongly written as “EMMANUA”. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

have inherent energies that could be tapped and positively channeled to build a better Nigerian state, advising that “instead of throwing them away they should be drawn closer and their energies channeled positively for a better Nigeria”.

Oba Ogunwusi called for proper re-orientation of the youths in order to make them drop negative tendencies such as hate speeches and call for disintegration of the country.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. OMOJOLA DUPE-SHOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS TEWOGBADE SHOLA. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

.I formerly known and addressed as LAWAL ADEYINKA RUTH now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI ADEYINKA BASIRAT .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

OGUERI CHRIS IFEANYI

Formerly known and addressed as NDARAKE WILLIAMS UDOH, now wish to be known and addressed as UDOH NDARAKE WILLIAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

While noting that youths involved in agitations were justified in asking for justice and equity in Nigeria, he renamed IPOB to mean the Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria, IPOBN, stating, “There is something that is bordering them that is making them to cry. We should not throw them away. Instead, we should draw them closer. The youths of this country are the future, the energy, and the heart beat of this country”.

The youths, he posited

I formerly known and addressed as USMAN OPEYEMI YUSUF now wish to be known and addressed as BOLA YUSSUF USMAN .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

OLAOMI MUINAT FOLASHADE.

MRS ONYIMA JULIANA EVELYNE.

I formerly known and addressed as ANDREW SHAIBU OKPANACHI now wish to be known and addressed as OKPANACHI SIMEON ERIC .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

IBEH EVANGELINE NDIDIAMAKA

I formerly known as OKOYE NDIDI IBEH wish to be known and addressed as IBEH EVANGELINE NDIDIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS IFEANYI JOSEPHINE CHINASA

OBIOMA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBIOMA JOSEPHINE CHINASA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IFEANYI JOSEPHINE CHINASA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

ONUOHA STEPHEN JOY.

UZOIGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UZOIGWE JULIANA EVELYNE and MISS ONYIMA JULIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIMA JULIANA EVELYNE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

ONUOHA: I, formerly known and addressed as ONUOHA RHODA CHIZOBA, now wish to be known and addressed as ONUOHA STEPHEN JOY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

MRS NWANKWO JANE CHINYERE

MRS SANDRA NWAKAEGO CHIBUIKE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS LAWAL ADETOUN FOLASADE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MORAKINYO ADETOUN FOLASADE .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

MISS NWANNE EBELE UKAGBOR.

MRS EDOMODI ELIZABETH CHINENYENWA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UWAGA ELIZABETH CHINENYENWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EDOMODI ELIZABETH CHINENYENWA .All former documents remain valid.General public to please take note.

MRS OKE FAITH OLUWASEYI .I formerly known and addressed as MISS BANJO FAITH OLUWASEYI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKE FAITH OLUWASEYI .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

OSHODI MUYINATU AJOKE.

I formerly known as Mrs NWANNE EBELE OKPALEFE wish to be known and addressed as MISS NWANNE EBELE UKAGBOR. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as OSHODI MUYINATU SHALEWA wish to be known and addressed as OSHODI MUYINATU AJOKE. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OBI OGECHUKWU SUSSAN

OZOEMENA CHRISTOPHER EDOZIE.

OBI: I, formerly known and addressed as OBI OGECHI JUNA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBI OGECHUKWU SUSSAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHRISTOPHER: I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTOPHER OZOEMENA EDOZE, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOEMENA CHRISTOPHER EDOZIE. My correct date of birth is 16/10/1963. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UDEH KOSISOCHUKWU EMMANUEL.

MRS UDENWAGU UJUNWA JUDITH.

ODENIGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as ODENIGBO KOSISOCHUKWU ROMANUS, now wish to be known and addressed as UDEH KOSISOCHUKWU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

MRS CHUKWUMA OBIANUJU MARTHA

NZEKWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NZEKWE UJUNWA JUDITH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDENWAGU UJUNWA JUDITH. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

OGWUEGBU CHUKWUMA SOLOMON

UKAJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UKAJI JANE CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWANKWO JANE CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

OKOFU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOFU SANDRA NWAKAEGO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SANDRA NWAKAEGO CHIBUIKE ODONWALIKE. All former documents remain valid. First General Public should please take note.

MR. DANJUMA ONYEJEFU

CHUKWU TOBIAS.

NDU SILAS

DANJUMA: I, formerly known and addressed as DANJUMA OCHOYODA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. DANJUMA ONYEJEFU. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

NWANGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as TOBIAS NWANGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU TOBIAS. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General Public should please take note.

NDU: I, formerly known and addressed as SILAS NDU, now wish to be known and addressed as NDU SILAS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

MRS NWEKE LILIAN UCHE

MRS AGBO PHILOMENA NGOZI.

ADDITION OF NAME

MBAJIORGU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MBAJIORGU LILIAN UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWEKE LILIAN UCHE. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

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

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

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

ANIKWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIKWE OBIANUJU MARTHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUMA OBIANUJU MARTHA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

NWAGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as NWAGWU CHUKWUMA SOLOMON, now wish to be known and addressed as OGWUEGBU CHUKWUMA SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

EDEH VICTORIA CHIZOBA EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH PEACE CHIZOBA, now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH VICTORIA CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

17

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

FEATURES

Joshua

In one moment of deep, sober reflection, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina recently poured out his troubled thoughts on the state of the Nigerian psyche.

“Hearing some Nigerians speak (whether based at home or in the Diaspora),” he wrote in a recent publication, “You discern that they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity. They spew out things that give them away as “white sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within, full of dead men’s bones.”

Wondering what had happened to grace and where decency had disappeared to, Adesina asked: “Are words not to be seasoned with salt again? What has happened to us as a people? The more rotten, the better, it seems. The fouler and odoriferous the cesspit, the more attractive, followed by applause and this seems to be the philosophy of some Nigerians, not minding who they are.”

Mr. Adesina, in his lamentation, cautions that “Nigerians cannot continue that way, if we want to be acceptable to God, and to our fellow human beings. National development does not come by a sudden flight. You work at it.”

He worries that so loud is the cacophony of voices calling for restructuring that, “If you ask 100 people what they mean, they will give you 100 different explanations. But as a country, I believe we will get there someday - and soon,” Adesina said.

However, is political restructuring the most urgent thing Nigeria needs now? Adesina didn’t think so.

“For me, what is more urgent is the restructuring of the Nigerian mind. A mind that sees the country as one, that believes that we have a future and a hope, that believes that we are one people under God. But what we see now is ruinous for any country.

It is hemlock, bound to poison the entire polity, and send it to a premature perdition.”

Restructuring should begin with the heart of youths – TB Joshua At a rendezvous with a massive crowd of youths at the Arena of Liberty, the healing auditorium of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TB Joshua reasoned prophetically that a true restructuring of Nigeria that will raise Godly people for tomorrow, should begin with the hearts of youths; not only in Nigeria or Africa, both

s

Adesina

Bakare

Femi Adesina, TB Joshua campaign for restructuring of the mind, heart of Nigerians Systemic decay must give way – Tunde Bakare

Features editor, GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR highlights two new voices that recently proposed a different kind of restructuring that would birth the New Nigeria. in all the nations of the world.

TBJ was addressing a large congregation of youths on August 28 at a luncheon SCOAN organised for its workers, but thousands of youths from far and near trooped into the Arena at Ikotun, Lagos, as an opportunity to be with the man of God. Benefits of challenges Teaching the youths to consider all challenges from God’s perspective, TBJ encouraged them to see challenges as friends. “If you see challenges as friends instead of enemies, you will not fall into temptations and do negative things. Depression, irritation or unnecessary anger will not overwhelm you.

These are some of the reasons many people go astray.”

Admonishing the youths not to allow challenges put them, TBJ revealed that “Challenges are only telling you that you have a history to write. They are processes to get you to where you are going. Don’t allow your challenges to mislead you.

The real restructuring “Therefore, this is the message I have for the youths today: I want a-heart-to-heart relationship with you. The most important thing is the condition of your heart, because when you talk about prayer, you’re talking of the heart. I want you to give your heart to the Creator of heaven and earth. We are running out of time. Forget about your age.

I have seen your challenges - and they can turn you to a great person if you see them as opportunities.

“I’m not going to touch you; all you need is to hear the Word of God as it comes with deliverance.”

Systemic decay must give way - Bakare Laying the foundation for total restructuring of the polity at a recent discourse of the Nigerian situation, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly, gave a graphic picture of the systemic decay since independence and the true restructuring that will

herald the New Nigeria.

“Obasanjo ruled this country for eight years, yet we had no electricity: who is asking him to account for the money he claimed he invested in power? We had no ordinary candle from that investment; it is a disgrace that my generator is still supplying my electricity – so, WHERE DID HE PUT ALL THAT MONEY? Taking his audience deeper to understand the kind of restructuring that will birth the New Nigeria, Pastor Bakare said that no one can sanitise the corporate world - except the individual had been tested (and tried) like Joseph in the house of Potifer; ”Otherwise, you cannot bring sanity into the corporate world until you have made up your mind that come rain, come shine, you’re going to win by righteousness.”

Touching on the apparent difficulty in utterly stamping out corruption in the polity, Bakare asked: “Will people gang up against you when you’re fighting corruption? Yes; in fact, they’ll want to kill you! Will they make life difficult for you? Yes! It’s part of God’s testing! But until you’ve made up your mind to win by righteousness, you cannot bring sanity into the corporate world to sanitise it.

Until you purpose to know your God and be strong, you cannot do exploit like Daniel in the public service.

“The corruption in our public service is stinking to high heavens and the corporate kingpins themselves are aiding and abetting the corruption that is going on.”

Way out “We must go back to the six geo-political zones. Let every state plough what is in its own ground, so that each state will become self sufficient after ten years. It is doable.

In a random opinion sampled in the polity, the consensus among stakeholders geographical restructuring will no longer work as in the days before the oil boom – for

a good reason.

However, Sociologist and situations analyst, Prof. Emmanuel Ikeguonu, has a fearful insight into the call for physical restructuring of Nigeria.

“The kind of restructuring everyone is clamouring for will escalate corruption and nepotism and crime in dimensions that every man will flee the country for dear life!,” he began.

“Geographical restructuring will bring about gaining resource control over each zone’s natural resources, but my fear is, that will not take away greed or corruption,” he assured.

Retired Petroleum engineer, Sylvester Mabiaku, seem to confirm the fear of the sociologist.

He said: “The crisis we are burdened with in Nigeria as a result of greed and corruption as well as marginalisation will be replicated within each zone if President Buhari should heed that call.

“Tribes will be marginalised, children of those tribes will take up arms, then insurgency, kidnapping and robbery to get at their own share of the “zonal cake” will all be amplified.

“If the suggestion by Mr. Adesina can be practilised, that would give Nigerians a clean start, but honestly speaking, his formula is not realistic. Restructuring the mind of the people is not within the realm of reality,” he said.

That leaves Prophet TB Joshua’s approach more realistic.

But a retired judge of the high court who spoke preferred anonymity said the Prophet’s approach could yield endearing result.

“But regretfully, that will require uncommon faith to believe and a very long wait for the present generation of politicians to be completely wiped out before the youths of today who will give their heart to God can step into leadership! It’s a very long shot, if

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

20 Foreign News

Zimbabwe Vice Sex scandal forces US President says he was congressman to resign poisoned in August ÏÏÏ

Zimbabwe vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa said late on Thursday he had been hospitalised in South Africa in August because he had been poisoned, escalating confrontation in the country during a fight to succeed 93-yearold President Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa, a former intelligence chief nicknamed “the Crocodile”, is the leading candidate to succeed Mugabe, the only leader Zimbabwe has known since independence in 1980.

According to agency report, the Vice president said that he did not say who he believed was responsible for trying to kill him, but his main political rival, First Lady Grace Mugabe, swiftly denied having anything to do with it.

Mnangagwa was airlifted to Johannesburg after falling ill in August. At a news conference late on Thursday open only to state media, he said doctors had concluded that poisoning was to blame for his illness, and not inadvertent food poisoning.

“The medical doctors who attended to me ruled out food

Bonny Amadi with agency reports

poisoning but confirmed that indeed poisoning had occurred and investigations were in progress,” Mnangagwa said, reading from a statement. He provided no further details or proof.

Mnangagwa, 75, became vicepresident in 2014, putting him at the front of the pack to succeed Mugabe. However over the last 18 months he has met fierce opposition from Grace Mugabe and a faction of the ruling party backing her.

The first lady denied having anything to do with his illness and accused him of lying about it to get public sympathy.

“Why should I kill Mnangagwa? Who is Mnangagwa on this earth?” Grace Mugabe said in footage aired on Friday on state television. “Killing someone who was given a job by my husband? That is nonsensical.”

After his hospitalisation, Zimbabwean media said Mnangagwa had suffered food poisoning after eating ice cream from a dairy company owned by Mugabe and his wife, which the Mugabes both denied.

ÏÏÏ

Sex scandal and preference for abortion involving a US congressman known for his anti-abortion stand has forced his resignation from Congress, after serving eight terms.

Agency report reviled Friday that the Republican congressman Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania is resigning from Congress effective Oct. 21, as announced on Thursday by House Speaker Paul Ryan.

According to the report, Ryan said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that he received a letter of resignation from Murphy.

“It was Dr. Murphy’s decision to move on to the next chapter of his life, and I support it. We thank him for his many years

of tireless work on mental health issues here in Congress and his service to the country as a naval reserve officer,” Ryan said.

Murphy’s decision came a day after he announced he

US Congressman Tim-Murphy

Kenyan opposition launch second protest against EC, police fire teargas

...As International envoys govt’

protesters in the port city of Kisumu burned car tyres, blocked roads and lit bonfires before the police shot tear gas to disperse them as they planned marching to the electoral commission offices.

The police said the protesters were not given approval Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga and were informed not to hold the demonstration due Kenyan police fired teargas at to security concerns.

The protests are also behundreds of opposition supporters in the capital Nairobi calling for the sack ing held in Kakamega, Mombasa, Homa Bay and Kisumu of some electoral commission officials.

According to agency report, the dem- where security has been onstration is part of the weekly protests beefed up to stop the NASA leader and presidenin several cities scheduled by the National Super Alliance (NASA) party led tial candidate Raila Odinga

by Raila Odinga to demand reforms at has warned the police not to the Independent Electoral and Bound- attack or stop protesters from exercising their rights. aries Commission (IEBC).

He vowed that until their They want the IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba and other commissioners to be demands are met, there will sacked for allegedly rigging the August be demonstrations every 8 elections in favour of the ruling Jubi- Monday and Friday, and they will not be ready for the Octolee party.

It will be recalled that last week, the ber 26 election re-run.

ÏÏÏ

Zimbabwe’s VP Emmerson-Mnangagwa1

EU official warns of war possibility in Catalonia ÏÏÏ The European Union has

called for negotiation to arrest building tension in Catalonia and Spain, to avert war situation.

This was coming as Agency report announced that Andrés Iniesta ,the team captain Barcelona football club of Spain, which has become a focal point of secessionist Catalan sentiment, urged politicians in Madrid and the Catalan

capital to start negotiating about the future of Spain’s restive northeast province.

“The position is very, very alarming. Civil war is conceivable there, in the middle of Europe,” Gunther Oettinger, the Germany EU commissioner said at an event in Munich.

The German commissioner’s startling remarks prompted dis-

would not run for a ninth term, amid tawdry revelations of an extramarital affair in which the anti-abortion lawmaker urged his mistress to get an abortion when he thought she was pregnant

quiet among EU diplomats. One told VOA he thought the comments “nonsense.”

Oettinger and the EU Commission, the European bloc’s governing body, which fears Catalan independence might stir up separatism elsewhere in Europe, have also urged the authorities in Madrid and Barcelona to start negotiations and to avoid further provoca-

tions. But there are little signs of that happening.

Both sides appear to be standing firm in Spain’s worst constitutional crisis since an attempted coup in 1981.

“Before we do ourselves more damage, those in charge must open dialogue with each other. Do it for all of us. We deserve to live in peace,” Andrés Iniesta wrote on

President Uhuru Kenyatta has also called on the public to ignore calls to demonstrate.

Meanwhile, an international group of envoys to Kenya have advised the Kenyan government against pushing through amendments to election laws as new presidential polls date draws near.

The envoys, led by US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec, cautioned that the international community was keenly following actions

by Kenyan politicians and would slap sanctions on those undermining peace. Alleging that some Kenyans are stoking community tensions Mr Godec in a statement signed by 14 envoys said action would be taken against such individuals or groups, including travel bans and withdrawal of visas.

his Facebook page, apologizing at the same time for weighing in on “situations that are complex.”

The Barcelona football club captain’s appeal came as a top EU official Thursday warned that the separatist dispute, exacerbated

by Catalan secessionists holding an illegal independence referendum Sunday, risks escalating into armed conflict.

21

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

Crime

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Two officers receive awards for immense contribution to crime fighting Joy Anyim, Lagos The Officer in Charge of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Mohammed Sanusi alongside the Admin Officer / Officer-inCharge of Tracking and ICT, DSP Akinola Aduroja were recently recognised by the organisers of Crime Bursters Gallant Medal Excellence Award in Lagos.

The Daily Times gathered that the officers who received awards from the organisers were said to have distinguished themselves in various tasks over time.

While speaking at the presentation of the award to the officers at the command headquarters, the initiator of the award, Mr. Joshua Uloko noted that the award which is a periodic affair was born out of the need to celebrate officers and men especially within the Police cycle that have contributed immensely to fighting crime and criminality.

He stressed the award was given strictly on merit and not based on any anticipated gratification on the part of the awardees.

Explaining further, he said, “there are only three officers that earned this award within this command. The first is the Commissioner of police, CP Imohimi Edagal whose track record is outstanding and an example is in the way and manner he handed the Baddo issue. Today those living in Ikorodu no longer harbour any fear.

In the same vein, CSP Sanusi has contributed in no small measure to success story of FSAR Lagos Command. He is am officer who knows his onions and same goes to DSP Aduroja who many success stiris of the command can be traced to. This DSP through the support of the Commissioner of Police and his direct boss, CSP Sanusi has aided the tracking of many criminals from their hideouts and the recovery of several vehicles and other item. “ the truth is that the fact that Lagos has become calm and peaceful can be traced to these three men. So for us, it is an honour that is well deserved. “ he maintained.

CSP Sanusi who earned ‘The Most Proactive Officer of the Year’ said, “ I am so grateful for this hon-

Pictures of the Awardees while receiving the award from Mr Joshua Uloko at the Police Command Headquarters in Lagos

our, within my short time here, I never knew I was been watched.

All that I came in with was the spirit and determinations to succeed and I gave out all my best to ensure that I succeed hoping and praying that God will see us through.

“We thank God for what we have achieved so far. But I assure you, if you have given me this award based on credibility and performance, believe me I have not done anything compared to what I will do in the next two or three months. You will be surprised.”

On the changes in the FSARS Lagos Command, he said, “ I have men that are very loyal, ready to work but were not given the encouragement to work before now and I gave them the free hand to operate. Based on the free hand I have given my men to operate in this current leadership, we have little crisis, unlike before where we had too much crisis with SARS, too much negativity with SARS but now it is not like that, we made them understand that they have a responsibility not just to then police but also to their own families.

“Therefore they should watch what they are doing and they took to it and It is yeilding good results.That is the kind of polic-

ing we want, more visibility and less harassment.

“As humans, we know we will be critized from time to time because we are humans and we make mistakes, when we do, also call us to make amends.” He

pleaded.

For DSP Aduroja who received the award as ‘The Most AntiCrime Police Officer of the Year, the story was not different as he expressed great delight for the honour. He said it was a dream

come true as the award was proof that hardwork pays.

He said, “I have dedicated a lot to the Nigeria Police Force and the Force has in turn deposited a lot in me. I have risked my life many times while confronting kidnappers and armed robbers but no one had noticed my effort all this while. I had felt cheated sometimes but thank God for today.

“I will not forget to thank the new Commissioner of Police Lagos state command, CP Imohimi Edgal who brought a new initiative called ‘Community Policing’, he believes that the community has a lot of role to play in their own policing and in the course of that we are now learning how to relate better with the public. “ We are ready to do more as we now have the passion to excel. Our joy as police officers remains that people can move peacefully in the state and sleep with their eyes closed and that we do not have high profile crimes anymore.

“We also thank the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris and the Commissioner of Police both of whom have helped us a lot and thanks to the organisers too,” He said.

Hoodlums attack customs officials, retrieve confiscated bags of rice kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin Some miscreants attacked men of the Nigerian Customs Service’ s roving team along Alapa area in Asa local government area of Kwara state.

The hoodlums who had vanished into thin air were said to have carried out the dastardly act on Tuesday, with the aide of a serving policeman allegedly attached to Alapa police station.

The intercepted NCS’s team was led by a Chief Superintendent of Customs, Maciver A.L. According to the leader of the team the incident happened when they went on information patrol on Ilorin - Alapa road when they received information that smugglers have hidden two golf vehicles ladened with imported rice inside the bush.

He added that “ on sighting the patrol vans , the drivers of the vehicle containing the smuggled rice, bolted with the keys of the

vehicles” .

Maciver said due to the state of the vehicles that were ladened with the contraband, himself and his men decided to evacuate the rice into the two customs vehicles on patrol .

The customs boss alleged that after taken off from the scene of the interception and on their way to their office with the bags of rice, on four golf vehicles loaded with people suspected to be thugs pursued their patrol vehicles with the assistance of a police corporal and forcefully offloaded all the bags of rice after partially destroying the customs patrol vehicle.

According to him , the ongoing construction work along Geri Alimi Roundabout in Ilorin slowed down t his men from moving fast and the police corporal and the thugs caught up with them and forcefully offloaded the rice back to the golf vehicles .

Micever said due to the pres-

ence of innocent citizens around where his men were attacked, they could not open fire on the thugs to guide against shooting of innocent people.

He said that investigation has begun on the issue, assuring that the culprits would be apprehended and made to face the music.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Kwara state police command , DSP Ajayi Okasanmi said the NCS has not officially briefed the command about the development.

He, however, confirmed that the state commissioner of Police, Mr Lawan Ado has directed the Divisional Police Officer in Alapa to investigate the matter and report back to the headquarters about the involvement of the corporal in question.

Okasanmi said that if the corporal was found to be involved in the allegation , he would be death with officially and brought to book accordingly.

The Suspects

22 Crime

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

LASG arraigns man over assault of LNSC officer Stories by Joy Anyim, Lagos The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) on Thursday arraigned a suspected criminal on the instruction of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Imohimi Edgal over assault on an officer of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and his sibling at Fiditi Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos.

The Chairman of the Agency SP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that prilimnary investigation revealled that the suspected criminal stabbed the officer, Aderemo Ramoni and his sibling, Adeyemi Ridwan with scissors at different spots on thier head after he was caught to have jumped a fence into a neighbour’s compound at Fiditi Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos on October 4th, 2017.

SP Egbeyemi stated that when the officer alone could not handle the suspected criminal after he was stabbed he called his sibling who supported him and took him to the nearest Police Station.

He noted that the synergy between the Nigerian Police and other security/enforcement Officers of the State on curbing criminal activities is yielding maximum cooperation across Lagos.

SP Egbeyemi enjoined members of the public to always

Okoro the suspect

Ramoni and Ridwan

give useful information on any noticiable criminal hideouts/ activities around their area saying, “when you see something say something”.

He however confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Imohimi Edgal directed that the suspected criminal be charge to court after he was briefed about the incident.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police to have said “An In-

jury to any is injury to all” The suspected criminal Mr. Chigozie Okoro (29yrs) who hailed from Imo State in a confessional statement to the Agency confirmed to have stabbed the officer and his sibling with scissors when he was caught.

He however pleaded for leniency and promised never to indulge in any criminal acts again if pardoned by the government.

Dr. Fatai Musa of ‘God Hope Medical Centre’ at who treated the victims later referred them to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for further examination on thier heads due to complications over series of injury sustained.

Meanwhile the suspected criminal Okoro of Ilasamaja, Lagos who was arraigned at the Lagos State Mobile Court sitting at Oshodi pleaded not

‘Guilty’ to a 3-Count charge of ‘Assault’, ‘Breach of Peace’ and ‘Obstructing of government official’ levelled against him.

Magistrate Tosin Ojuromi who presided over the case however granted the suspected criminal bail conditions in the like sum of N100,000 each with (2) responsible sureties who must be gainfully employed with evidence of Tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Magistrate Ojuromi included in her bail conditions that one of the surety must be above 40 years of age and with a full size photograph.

The Prosecuting Counsel Barrister Adedoyin Odukoya disclosed that 7 witnesses appeared during the trial of the case.

He however said the case was adjourned to 23rd of October, 2017 for further hearing.

Lagos CP charges traditional rulers, stakeholders on community policing The Lagos State commissioner of Police, Imohimi Oluwole Edgal, at the 9th Town Hall Meeting organised by the Lagos State Police Command to engender and encourage PolicePublic Partnership in ensuring adequate security and safety of all, reiterated his commitment to rid the society of criminals and all manner of criminality.

The CP, while addressing the residents of Oriade, AmuwoOdofin, Iba, and Ojo LCDAs and LGAs, praised the Area “E” Commander, ACP Auwal M. Mohammed, for the gallantry and prowess he has displayed in diligently carrying out of his constitutional duties.In his words, the CP said “this area command is one of those with the lowest crime rates in the state and I believe it is not only the effort of the officers but synergy between you and the officers and men of your command”.

The CP also noted that under his watch, he will not tolerate any form of unnecessary break down of law and order. He emphasized

that he has instructed the DPOs of Area ”E” Command to consistently have meetings with the community leaders and local government authorities.

The CP gave out phone numbers that he said would respond to any distress encountered by the residents of these areas. The phone numbers are: 08067945296, 08063025274, 08063104759, 08113615350, 08113683077, 08096283148, 0806283173, 0808978165 7,08126404930,08081426895.

He also said the Lagos State Police Command had initiated an Intelligence Lab Unit that would work 24 hours to answer to the very many issues that could arise in Lagos state.

In his closing speech, the CP explained that he has also instructed at least three armed men to be attached to each local vigilante group to police a community especially at nights.

In attendance were stakeholders of the lowest calibre to the highest calibre of business operations.

ACP Mohammed also said that the command did not leave

Lagos CP Edgal at Area E Town Hall Meeting

out anybody. He explained that he has invited Vulcanizers, Smoked meat sellers, the PCRC, LNSC, SSS, NYC(National youth council),Navy, Army, Traditional rulers, Local government chairmen, Vigilante groups, Business

men and women, Lagos state University VC amongst others to come together and fashion out a way to work in line with the Commissioner of Police’s community policing plans.

The Area Commander further

said that the job of securing the community cannot be left to the police alone and therefore the support of all well-meaning residents is required to ensure safety through effective crime prevention and fighting.

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News 23

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Top comedians for Glo Laffta Fest in Makurdi Sunday ÏÏÏ

Top comedians including I Go Dye and Senator among others will tomorrow, Sunday, October 8, 2017, entertain Glo subscribers at the next stop of the Laffta Fest train in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The Makurdi show is the 26th concert after the concert began in Port Harcourt on April 16, 2017. The show will hold at 4pm at the Royal Choice Inn, in the heart of Makurdi.

In a statement released from its head office in Lagos, Globacom said that the Makurdi edition of Glo Laffta Fest will also feature Nollywood legend, Kanayo O. Kanayo as a celebrity guest, while the duo of Nollywood’s finest damsels, Ebube Nwagbo and Uche Jombo will be the show anchors.

The performers have also been speaking ahead of the show. Francis Agoda, better known as I Go Dye, said he was poised to give Makurdi residents the best of his jokes tomorrow.

“I want to appeal to the good people of Makurdi not to miss out on the fun of Glo Laffta Fest this Sunday. It is going to be the best evening they have had ever! Take it to the bank”, he said.

Gordons in his own comments said: “I am super excited to be on Glo Laffta Fest stage in Makurdi on Sunday. I’m all revved up to unleash the fun. Don’t be left behind. Come and have the fun of your life”.

Laffta Fest is the biggest comedy concert going round the country courtesy of Globacom. The company has been taking the continent’s best comedians to major cites of the country. Those on the comedy train have been Basketmouth, Salvador from Uganda, Bovi Ugboma, I Go Dye, Acapella, De Don, Seyi Law, Bash, Senator, Dan D’Humorous, Kenny Blaq, and Still Ringing, among others.

The show, berthed in the commercial city of Onitsha last Sunday, drawing a mammoth audience from Onitsha and its

environs.

According to Globacom, “this massive comedy show is on the final lap now, having traversed the length and breadth of this great country in the last 25 weeks.

The show has continued to evolve every week since the first edition. In essence, the people of Makurdi will be getting on Sunday the very best of comedy they will ever find on a single stage. Our subscribers and prospective subscribers are invited to partake in this unforgettable comedy fiesta”.

To attend the Makurdi show, Glo subscribers who have used up to N2,000 credit in the last one month are required to text ‘LOL’ with the location name to the short code 240; for example, “LOL Makurdi” to 240. Subscribers who do not meet this criterion but who wish to attend the show are requested to go to the event venue with N2000 to purchase airtime for their own use. They will then be entitled to a ticket.

2019:Edo APC opts for biometric registration Titus Akhigbe,Benin

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The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo state Chapter has disclosed plans to begin the Biometric Registration of members across the 192 Wards in the state.

The APC state Publicity, Chris Azebamwan gave the indication at a Media briefing on Thursday in Benin City.

The resolution was reachedafter an enlarged state Working Committee meeting and Local Government Party chairmen in the state which was held on Thursday.

He said the Registration which cuts across party lines, would help to strengthen the membership base of the party ahead of the 2019

general elections.

He noted that the initiative would help to boost membership drive and allow other members of the public as well as other party members to join and contribute their quota towards the development of APC. Azebamwan explained that “All matters relating to Indiscipline within the rank and file in the party have been resolved and closed”.

He also said the party has successfully monitored the performance index of the party in the state ahead of future polls.

According g to him, the party has established a feedback mechanism through the engagement of 192 Special Assistants to the state governor, Godwin Obaseki

Group reaches out to the less privileged Azubike Nnadozie

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L-R: Emeka Oparah, Vice President, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria; Kudirat Kasali, Head Mistress, Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle and Chioma Okolie, CSR Lead, Airtel Nigeria, during the presentation of Airtel Outstanding Contribution to Education Award to Kudirat Kasali, in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day Celebration in Lagos… on Thursday.

Bauchi residents urged to dump refuse at designated points Samuel Luka, Bauchi

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Residents in Bauchi state have been urged to ensure that all refused are dumped at various designated areas in order to maintain a cleaner and healthy environment.

The Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency [BASEPA) Ahmed Shehu Lame revealed that government has designated 84 recognized refuse dump sites in the state capital where waste are dump and evacuated periodically by the agency.

Shehu Lame who made this disclosure yesterday when he received a coalition of youths activists in the state under the aegis of the ‘Activista Bauchi’ who paid him an advocacy visit urged residents to be disposing refuse only

at the places recognized by BASEPA so that they would be evacuated appropriately.

The Permanent Secretary who reiterated the commitment of the environmental protection agency to keeping the state clean and hygienic warned that any one found dumping refuse indiscriminately in the metropolis which pose the threats of epidemic diseases and other nuisance will face the full wrath of the law.

He said the agency ‘does not only evacuate waste but also has sanitary inspectors who go round the town in search of environmental offenders for arraignment at its mobile court with a view to deterring others’.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of Activista Bauchi Mr Tosin Suberu repre-

sented by Yakubu Ali explained that the visit was aimed at soliciting collaboration with the agency in the areas of hygiene and sanitation.

He expressed the group’s intention to liaise with the agency to evacuate the heaps of refuse dumped at the Bauchi old graveyard and the other one at Gwallameji village which posed nuisance to the students of the federal polytechnic Bauchi who reside within the area.

Yakubu appealed to BASEPA to provide trucks, shovels, spades, rakes and other tools to enable the group volunteer to clear the wastes disposed at the two places by the end of October this year.

The parish priest of Saint Michael, Raphael and Gabriel Catholic Church (Archangel Parish), Satellite Town, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezezue, has called on churches, government and well-meaning Nigerians to care for, as well as empower the less privileged in the society, so as to make them productive and better citizens of Nigeria.

Giving this charge at an outreach to the less privileged in the community to commemorate the celebration of the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Ezezue said that it was necessary to always consider the needy and bring them closer to God by extending hands of fellowship to them.

“When we are marking the feast of Saint Vincent the Paul, the usual tradition is for us to gather the poor and the less privileged around us to share food items, clothes and other relief materials which they need”, he said.

The cleric, who claimed that the parish usually gives relief items to the needy on monthly, at times quarterly basis, added that items distributed during the feast larger because 80 per cent of people who benefit are not from the parish.

“Most of the people who come here are from different parts of Lagos; even some

of them come from as far as Ogun State; we don’t discriminate because the goods we distribute are gotten from the congregation”, he revealed.

Ezezue said the outreach is another way of reaching out to the poor in the society, adding that the economic situation of the country has affected many people, and most are in need of food and other necessities of life.

The priest claimed that the parish in various capacities has empowered some youths by sending them to skill acquisition centres to acquire skills like tailoring, mechanic, as well as set-up small scale business for some.

He also claimed that they (Parish) revolve loans by buying the tricycle popularly known as Keke Napep for an individual and later use the money realised from the tricycle to buy for another.

“We ensure the sustenance of this project by following the recipients up, to ensure that the money given to them is properly used. We have empowered more than 30 people this year.

“In the society, we could feel that there is hunger in the land because of adverse economic situation; many people who don’t want to are forced to beg. You can see some of them here today they are not disabled,” he said.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

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Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja hana defeated Colombia 1-0 in the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group A match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday.

The victory takes Ghana’s Black Starlets to the top of the Group A standings, while the Junior Coffee Growers are placed fourth on the table.

The match got off to a lively start with

G

Ghana beat Colombia in U-17 World Cup opener Ghana striker Eric Ayiah’s effort narrowly missing the target just 11 minutes into the game. Jaminton Campaz, the Colombia forward, also had a chance to score two minutes later, but he was denied by Ghana goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad.

Sadiq Ibrahim thought he had handed Ghana the lead in the 25th minute, but the midfielder was ruled offside.

However, the Sadiq did break the deadlock in the 39th minute - beating Colombia keeper Kevin Mier to make it 1-0 to Ghana.

The 2017 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) runners-up Ghana then contained Colombia in the remaining minutes of the first-half and they were leading 1-0 at half-time.

However, Ghana continue to attack with

Mohammed Kudus unleashing a long-rang effort which missed the target in the 58th minute.

Issac Gyamfi, an attack-minded player, was introduced by Ghana coach Paa Kwesi Fabin in the 75th minute as the African side looked to double their lead.

Colombia, who finished fourth in

the 2017 South American Under-17 Championship, could not beat Ghana keeper Danlad in the closing stages.

As a result, the 1991 and 1995 U17 World Cup champions Ghana secured a 1-0 victory over Colombia on the day.

Operation crush Chipolopolo!

Fashola, Dalung, Saraki to cheer Eagles in Uyo Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba

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ports –loving Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will represent His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) in today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo. Fashola, who as Governor of Lagos State frequently hosted the grand finale of the Federation Cup (now AITEO Cup) competition and is a noted football enthusiast, will fly into the Akwa Ibom State capital today.

Top officials have also confirmed to Extra Time that President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba and Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan will also be at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Host Governor Udom Emmanuel and members of the Akwa Ibom State cabinet, NOC President Habu Gumel and Members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management will also be present.

The Super Eagles, three points ahead of second –placed Zambia going into the penultimate day of the African qualifiers, require only the minimum win against the Chipolopolo today to join 10 other nations that have already qualified for the 32–team football showpiece in Russia next year.

Fashola

Saraki

Dalung

Mikel , Moses, Iheanacho aim to increase goals’

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total of six players have scored Nigeria’s 10 goals so far in the qualifying race for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals and Chelsea FC of England’s Victor Moses has top –scored with three goals, two of them against Algeria’s Fennecs in Uyo in November 2016 (the first and third goals) and the other (the third goal) in the 4-0 whitewash of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions also in Uyo last month.

Captain Mikel Obi has scored twice, also both at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. He netted the second goal against Algeria in November 2016 and also the second against Cameroon last month.

Mikel

Forward Kelechi Iheanacho has also scored two goals, the first being the second goal against Zambia in Ndola in October 2016 and the second being the final goal in the 4-0 defeat of Cameroon in Uyo last month.

Other scorers are Arsenal FC of England’s Alex Iwobi (who scored Nigeria’s first goal of the series, in the defeat of Zambia in Ndola in October 2016); Odion Ighalo who scored the opener against African champions Cameroon last month in Uyo and Belgium –based Moses Simon whose goal shot the Eagles ahead against Cameroon in Yaounde last month.

All six players are available for selection against the Zambians today.

NOC boosts young sports reporters

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he Nigeria Olympic Committee in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee has thrown the door open for the third cycle sports journalist programme for young reporters during the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games hold-

NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel.

ing from October 6-18,2018 in Argentina .

Tagged “Young Sports Reporters Initiative 2018, the Nigeria Olympic Committee said the programme will bring 30 young sports reporters from five continents to the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina to be trained for the Games. The training programme will run from September 30 to October 19 2018 in Buenos Aires.

The reporters will have express accreditation that will give them access to all sports. They would work and train in the Main Press Centre (MPC) with other accredited media and receive specialized intensive training from the Senior Olympic Games journalists.

They will be joined by four other young reporters from the host nation Argentina and two from Switzerland that will be hosting the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Candidates interested must be within 18- 24 years of age and must be a studying journalism in either the University or Polytechnics or be working as reporters.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

EXTRATIME

Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers… Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers… Russia 2018 World

25

Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Reports

Nabil Dirar of Morocco in action.

Morocco out to demolish Gabon

Zambia’s coach vows to unsettle Eagles

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orocco will be gunning for a victory at home as they welcome Gabon for their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier

today.

Fresh from a 6-0 win and a 0-0 draw against the Eagles of Mali last month, the hosts will want to claim a convincing win.

The Lions of Atlas are favourites to book a spot in Russia next year and winning their matches at home is seen as a step towards that mission.

Coach Herve Renard’s men sit at number two in the Group C with six points from one win and three draws, but will be motivated at home.

Looking at the Panthers, Gabon occupy the third spot with five points with two draws, one loss and one win.

Although they failed to bag a win at home in the first match last year, the 2017 CAF African Cup of Nations hosts will be under pressure to secure a win.

A win for them will see them up to eight points and topple their hosts, but Morocco will have nine points if they win.

The World Cup Qualifier will be staged today at the Stade Mohammed V.

Pinnick cautions Eagles against ‘mouthy’ Chipolopolo

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Amaju

igeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has asked the Super Eagles to be clinical against Zambia today.

The two African sides will clash in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) Group B match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. A victory for Nigeria will see the Super Eagles ease into next year’s World Cup finals which are scheduled to be hosted by Russia, as Group B winners.

When speaking to reporters over the upcoming cracker, Pinnick urged the Super Eagles to be calm when they take on Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

“The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match,” Pinnick said.“I have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious.

“We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way,” he added.

“That should be the approach today.”

D

espite missing the services of striker Brian Mwila, Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda says he has plan B to unsettle the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The Chipolopolo manager is preparing his troops for their crucial encounter against the West Africans today in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Nyirenda says they will miss key striker, Mwila, but they have ample backup for today’s big date away in Uyo. With midfielder Edward Chilufya ruled out of this weekend’s penultimate Group B qualifier due to an administrative matter at the club, Nyirenda says good coaches must have plan B. “When Plan A does not go well, good coaches will always

Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda. have Plan B in place and we had already prepared ourselves for any eventuality,” Nyirenda said.

“I think the replacements in Alex Ngo’nga and the other boys that we have brought into camp can do the job and do wonders for the team.”

Mwila sustained a knee injury in Zambia’s 3-1 Group B win at home against Algeria where he scored a brace.

However, Nyirenda has depth in attack with options including Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga, Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka.

Red Devils plot Pharaohs’ fall

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he Egyptian Pharaohs have a tough task this weekend as they welcome the Red Devils of Congo for their penultimate 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Ahead of the clash, the Pharaohs need a win to boost their chances of reaching the global tournament in Russia next year.

Coach Hector Cuper wants a disciplined approach to consolidate their top spot.

Sitting at the top with nine points, Egypt will hope to see Ghana beating Uganda today and they will have to win to secure a World Cup berth.

“Congo is a good team combining players with great individual skill, but we are ready for the game,” Cuper said.

“We have studied Congo well. We will

be focusing on their weak points, but we are not sure about their squad for the next game, especially since they may call up new people.” Fresh from a win and a loss to the Cranes last month, the North African giants are motivated to play in front of their home crowd in Alexandria.

Shifting focus to the visitors, the Red Devils are also out to cause an upset and keep the group open as they seek a win.

Congo sit at the bottom of the table with one point from three losses and one draw.

Fresh from a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Black Stars at home, the Congolese have their pride to salvage come Sunday in Egypt.

The Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria is the venue on Sunday for the crunch tie.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

26

EXTRATIME

EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO…

Neymar wants Sanchez to join him at PSG

Iniesta renews life contract with Barca

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ndres Iniesta has signed a contract “for life” at Barcelona, the Catalan giants have confirmed.

The 33-year-old has spent his entire professional career at Barcelona, having originally joined their youth ranks from Albacete in 1996.

Iniesta’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the season and there had been tentative rumours that his lengthy association with

the club could come to an end.

However, Iniesta stated last week that “good news” was forthcoming on a fresh deal and he has now penned a new lifetime contract.

Iniesta will have one eye on Xavi’s appearance record of 767 across all competitions for Barca.

The midfielder currently sits on 639, second only to Xavi, and remains a key part of the first-team at the club, playing in six of their seven LaLiga games so far this term.

Iniesta – a World Cup and twotime European Championship winner with Spain – has enjoyed immense success with Barca and boasts eight LaLiga medals, five Copas del Rey and four Champions League titles.

News of Iniesta’s renewal is likely to raise further questions

about Lionel Messi’s future at the club, however, with the Argentina superstar still yet to sign a new deal.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign and, although Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is adamant that Messi has agreed to an extension, an official announcement is still yet to be made.

Barca have made a brilliant start to LaLiga, winning all seven of their league matches.

P

aris Saint-Germain hope to sneak ahead of Manchester City in the race for Alexis Sanchez in order to fulfill a promise to Neymar, according to the Daily Mail.

The report states that Neymar included Sanchez on his “wish list” when PSG asked what it would take to prize the Brazilian from Barcelona earlier this year.

With his contract set to expire next June, it’s reported that Sanchez could be offered around £300,000 a week to move to Parc des Princes, as well as a £9 million signingon fee if he agrees a deal in January.

That would leave PSG needing to sell players to balance the books, however, with UEFA already opening a Financial Fair Play investigation into the club’s transfer activity.

Edinson Cavani is thought to lead the list of potential departures, despite patching things up with Neymar over the pair’s penalty dispute, with Julian Draxler another member of the squad deemed surplus to requirements.

Ancelotti jokes about next job

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arlo Ancelotti joked that he could share a coaching job with AC Milan boss Vincenzo Montella but ruled out taking on a role in international football.

Ancelotti was sacked by Bayern Munich last month following a 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and amid claims relations had broken down between the Italian and a number of his experienced squad members.

The former Real Madrid head coach has since been linked as a possible replacement for Montella at San Siro, with Milan sitting seventh in Serie A after seven matches.

Montella quipped last week that he would be happy to have Ancelotti as his assistant and vice versa, but Ancelotti has come up with a plan that would see the pair share responsibilities.

“Montella said he would like to be my assistant and I would be happy to be his,” he said.

“We will manage one game each in turn. We only have to find the club willing to do this.”

On a more serious note, Ancelotti outlined his plans to take an extended break from football.

“Now I am on holiday and will be for about 10 months,” he added. “I don’t want to come back earlier than that but inside I still want to coach every single day, therefore I don’t think I would join a national team.”

It’s not over yet, Pizzi tells Chile squad

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Pizzi

hile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi warned his team they had not yet achieved anything despite a much-needed 2-1 win over Ecuador.

An 85th-minute winner from Alexis Sanchez on Thursday lifted Chile into third in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with one game remaining.

But their final game is a trip to group winners Brazil, and they

could still slip out of the qualifying spots.

Pizzi told his team they still had work to do ahead of their trip to Sao Paulo, a task made much more difficult by star midfielder Arturo Vidal’s suspension.

“We’re going to have to keep fighting. The last effort remains and we are confident we can compete with Brazil,” he said.

“We will prepare for the match

in the best possible way. We still have not achieved anything and it will be very difficult.”

Vidal was booked just before the hour-mark against Ecuador, ruling him out of the Brazil clash.

But Pizzi still believes in his team, who inflicted Brazil’s only defeat this campaign by claiming a 2-0 win when they met in October 2015.

Sampoli

Saturday, October 7, 2017

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ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP…

Sanchez

Dybala could stay at Juve for life - Del Piero

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Argentina will qualify for World Cup - Sampaoli

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rgentina coach Jorge Sampaoli remains confident his team will qualify for the World Cup despite being held by Peru on Thursday.

Lionel Messi produced some moments of magic in Buenos Aires, but the hosts were unable to break through in the 0-0 draw.

The result left Argentina in sixth – outside the qualification

spots – in CONMEBOL qualifying, ahead of a trip to Ecuador on Tuesday.

But Sampaoli believes in his side’s chances of reaching Russia 2018, with Colombia and Peru, fourth and fifth respectively, to meet on the final matchday.

“I am still confident that we will be at the World Cup,” he told a news conference.

“Today was a very good game.

We just missed a goal. I am very hopeful and excited about what is coming.“The team never gave up, put in a huge effort and deserved another result.”

Sampaoli praised Messi for his performance, with the Barcelona star unfortunate to have scored just four goals in nine qualifiers this campaign.

Dybala

uventus legend Alessandro Del Piero saluted Paulo Dybala’s incredible start to the season, calling the Argentinian a “superstar” who has the ability to stay at the club until he retires.

Dybala has looked destined to become one of the world’s best strikers ever since he joined Juve from Palermo in 2015 and is on course for his best season yet.

The 23-year-old already has 10 Serie A goals from just seven appearances, leaving him only one short of his tally of 11 from last term and nine off his best haul from the previous campaign.

And Del Piero believes the Argentina superstar is unrivalled in the eyes of Juve fans.

“He’s raised his level even further at the start of this season,” Del Piero told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

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SPECIAL FEATURE

By Frank Jumbo

Stories by Frank Jumbo

I

f you are looking for a perfect example of a monumental national disgrace, then visit the National stadium Surulere and marvel at man’s capacity for mismanagement.

Its weather-beaten-walls, badly in need of paint, welcome you as you cross the gates. Inside is a disorganized amalgam of shops, large and small, in every nook and cranny of the once splendid complex.

The Olympic size swimming pool is a morass of mould, weeds, algae and stinking water. The indoor sports arena is festooned with broken chairs, dirty walls and an unmistakable smell of sweat, urine and decay.

Inside the stadium proper is a shocking world of decay and disrepair. The football field is overgrown with weeds and certain areas are bare ground. All the internal and external walls are covered in green-grey mould and algae.

Some seats had either been forcefully removed or stolen, with the few remaining ones showing signs of advanced wear. All the floodlights are either broken or have been stolen away.

The toilets and changing rooms are a user’s nightmare. The toilets are smeared with dried faeces and all matter of litter imaginable. Blackened with human waste, it would take a user with a heart of a lion to sit on it. The changing rooms have been converted to temporary homes by drug dealers, addicts, area boys and prostitutes. You get a feeling that some serious vices go on here on a daily basis.

The business of choice here is beer parlour or “joint” business and there is healthy number of them scattered around, complete with “Paraga” outlets.

This has become a common feature of most stadiums in the country. The Moshood Abiola stadium in Abeokuta is home to a plethora of bars. Same thing for the big Adamasingba stadium in Ibadan, which is completely surrounded with joints.

The National stadium, or at least its bars, come alive when night falls. Hundreds of cars troop in with fun seekers who come to relax and chill out. On hand to welcome them are prostitutes of every shape, colour and size, and by 9pm everyday including Sundays, the place is in full swing.

The question must then be asked: How did we get here?

The brainchild of the Yakubu Gowon administration, the stadium was built in 1972. It initially was configurated to sit 55,000 spectators, but FIFA directed Nigeria to reduce this capacity to 45,000 to accommodate its requirements for the hosting of the 1999 world youth championships.

In 1973, the All Africa games were held there with Nigeria emerging the overall winner. It was also host to the African Cup of nations where Nigeria lost the finals of the tournament to Cameroun via penalties. It remained operational up till 2004 and thereafter all sporting activities ceased and it drifted into decay.

Looters, with the active connivance of the stadium management, moved in. Everything of value was stripped off and all manner of businesses began operations. The decay in the stadium had a direct effect on our sporting achievements. Recall that when it was fully operational, athletes who were to go on to win medals, all trained there. Mobil

Intrigues behind transfer of National Stadium to Lagos State

Dilapidated National Stadium, Lagos

Swimming pool

Oil producing provided the funds for invitational’s and these events were used as a yardstick to measure the abilities of our athletes prior to their participating in major world events.

Even though the Obasanjo regime tried to compensate for this failure

by erecting a new stadium in Abuja in 2003, the glory days had gone. The new stadium in Abuja could not match the one in Surulere for patronage and fan attraction. The Lagos fan base was, and still is, a highly cosmopolitan group with discerning tastes. You were never

going to get that kind of replication in far-away Abuja. In any case, the Abuja stadium is going the way of the one in Surulere and latest reports have it that it is in an advanced state of disrepair.

Little wonder then, that all our international sports engagements have

Saturday, October 7, 2017

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29

SPECIAL FEATURE Danlong inspecting facilities at the National Stadium, Lagos

shifted to Uyo stadium which can safely be regarded as the only world class stadium in Nigeria.

Squeezed by a seriously depressed economy and with no visible means of maintaining our stadiums nationwide, the federal government resorted to

handing over the stadiums in Kaduna, Enugu and Calabar to its respective state governments. This was done by mutual agreement of the parties involved, with the idea that the state governments were in a better position to reposition them for profitability and sustenance.

Encouraged by this development, the Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode decided to make a pitch for the National stadium in Surulere and all hell broke loose.

It started with a joint inspection of the stadium by the governor, Ambode, the sports minister,Solomon Dalung. and the chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick. At the end of the inspection, the governor wasted no time in reeling out his projections for the stadium. “ This visit is very historic. I recall that during our campaign, we promised to use tourism, entertainment, arts and sports to create employment and drive excellence. So this is just one chapter in that roadmap to growing the Gross do-

mestic product of Lagos. With the state of affairs here, we cannot fold our arms and just leave this monument to waste away.” He said Dalung’s response was tinged with eagerness. “We have gone around and we have seen the edifice in a sorry state.

Whatever we can do to arrest the situation, we have to do it, we have a disaster and we must do everything possible to extinguish it,” “ I want to thank the governor for finding the time to come. I have received what I can call football gossip from the football federation that if the surulere stadium is handed over to Lagos and renovated in 6 months, the next match of Nigeria vs. Zambia would be played here.” He gushed.

The fallout of this inspection was massive. Warning bells rang all the way to the Federal house of Representatives in Abuja. Everything looked too pat to be true. Dalung appeared too eager to hand over this massive monument. Observers smelt a rat and tongues began to wag.

For one thing, the National stadium in Surulere is not like any other stadium in the country. As a matter of fact, it is a complex housing so many offices and sports organizations including the National Institute for sports and even a hotel. The economic, commercial and business opportunities within the stadium, is second to none in any Nigerian stadium and probably in Africa as a whole.

Secondly, the antecedents of the Lagos state government especially with respect to landed assets in Lagos is well known. This is a state that has perfected the art of acquiring by any means necessary, landed assets from any part of the state. Coercion and outright seizures are part of their tactics.

To many observers, the unseen hands of a former governor of Lagos, with an insatiable greed for proper acquisition was behind the whole charade of that joint inspection. This same former governor had tried in the past to acquire the Tafawa Balewa square located in the centre of Lagos during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The president was however alert to the hidden intentions behind the takeover and knocked down the moves. Today, the historic TBS is still thriving. As a matter of fact, it has played host to the annual international trade fair or the past 5 years.

Similarly, a plan to take over the Federal Secretariat at Ikoyi was also thwarted by President Obasanjo. This robust response from Obasanjo was regarded at that time as bitter inter-party rivalry, but events after these have shown that Lagos is slowly being appropriated by a single individual.

The house of representatives, sensing

clearly that there was more to it, quickly acted in early March 2017 by ordering the house committee on sports to investigate the proposed transfer of the stadium which has an estimated open market value of N300billion.

Furthermore, the committee was mandated to investigate the large budgetary allocations for the maintenance of the stadium in the last 5 years. The house noted with dismay that there was no single evidence of a single kobo expended on the stadiums maintenance. The house also noted that in 2016 alone, N400million was allocated for the maintenance of the stadium. The house ordered the committee to summon Dalung and Pinnick to come and explain their interests in the matter, and why the house was never briefed on the transfer negotiations.

The motion that triggered this response from the house was sponsored

by Hon, Damburam Nuhu. The lawmaker noted that the stadium was a “critical asset” of the Federal government and therefore could not be compared to other stadiums in the country. He also noted that as noble as the intentions of Lagos state government were, there was a need to critically negotiate favorable terms and conditions for the Federal government before the handover. He was of the view that the federal government in one way or the other, should still form the ownership of the complex. The committee was mandated to report back in 2 weeks.

The response from Lagos was predictable. An unnamed top official of the government told the Nation newspaper that there was a grand design y northern interests to stop the transfer.

“Their plan will not be allowed at all.

It will be unjust and unfair to stop the process and deny Lagos state from taking over the facility which is within its territory. It is a design from powerful entities close to the National assembly, the Presidency and the Federal house of representatives that are working hard to compel Dalung to halt the handing over process.” The official claimed.

In the event that Dalung and Pinnick are hauled before the committee, they would have to provide answers to some tough questions. Who has been collecting all parking and gate fees in the stadium since they came into power? Who has been collecting all rents and charges for the use of the stadiums facilities? What happened to the huge yearly budgetary allocations for the maintenance of the stadium?

These and many more answers are what Nigerians are eagerly waiting for when the report of the committee is made public.

Saturday, October 7 2017

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Ibrahimovic to return to Man U training

Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Reports

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anchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to step up his recovery from injury by returning to Carrington full-time at the end of the month, sources have told ESPN FC. Ibrahimovic has occasionally used the facilities at the club’s training base since undergoing a knee operation in the United States in May, and was pictured in the gym with former United striker Andy Cole on Thursday.

The Swede, who turned 36 this week, is expected to be there on a daily basis by the beginning of November to complete his recovery under the supervision of United’s medical staff.

Ibrahimovic was released at the end of last season after suffering a knee ligament injury in the Europa League quarterfinal against Anderlecht in April, but signed a new one-year deal at Old Trafford in August.

Jose Mourinho included the striker, who scored 28 goals in 46 games last season, in his squad for the Champions League group stage, which ends with CSKA Moscow’s visit to Old Trafford on Dec. 5. However, the manager has insisted the striker is not expected back until the new year.

Neville

Mourinho should focus on winning the Premier League - Neville

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ourinho should prioritise winning the Premier League over the Champions League, according to ex-Manchester United defender Phil Neville.

United haven’t won the title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 but United have started the season strongly and are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

And Neville, who won the league six times during his time at Old Trafford, believes Mourinho’s focus should be on domestic success.

“For Manchester United, the Premier League at this moment is bigger than winning the Champions League,” he explained.

“Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired it has become a noose around the club’s neck, they can’t win the Premier League without him and it’s another year gone.

“When I obviously broke into the team it was 26 years (since they won the league) and they don’t want it to keep building and building and have that gap.

“I think for Jose the start of the building block was the trophies last year, but the actual foundation is the Premier League and United I think will want to win the Premier League more than the Champions League.”

Mourinho enjoyed a successful first season in Manchester, as he led United to glory in the Community Shield, the EFL Cup and the Europa League.

They’ve looked even more dangerous since the addition of £75m striker Romelu Lukaku and they’re currently only second to arch-rivals Man City on goal difference.

United remain unbeaten in both the Premier League and the Champions League and Mourinho will be keen to bring the league title back to Old Trafford after a five year drought.

Klitschko

Ibrahimovic

Klitschko: Mayweather-McGregor was great for boxing

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ormer heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko felt the “tremendous interest” in the August crossover bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr and UFC star Conor McGregor was great for the sport of boxing.

One of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, Mayweather came out of retirement to put his undefeated record on the line against mixed martial arts expert McGregor at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

McGregor’s lack of boxing experience saw the fight criticised by some observers as a money-spinning circus. Mayweather, 40 years old, was inactive since defeating Andre Berto in September 2015. While McGregor, the UFC’s lightweight champion, was making his professional debut as a boxer.

The contest, which took place at the junior middleweight limit of 154-pounds, received more negative press after the Nevada State Athletic Commission approved the contest to use 8-ounce gloves. Under normal rules by the NSAC for boxing matches, fights taking place above the welterweight limit of 147 pounds would require both boxers to use 10-ounce gloves.

When the fight began the Irishman made a strong start, but he ultimately struggled in the ring after becoming exhausted in the second half of the fight - with Mayweather taking full control of the entire contest to secure a technical knockout victory in the tenth round.

PSG target new manager

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hings are going well for PSG at the moment, given they are three points clear at the top of the table in Ligue One and have swept aside both Celtic and Bayern in the Champions League.

However, it’s clear that Unai Emery won’t be in the job forever and reports today say that PSG have already identified a replacement for the former Valencia and Sevilla boss.

According to Le 10 Sport, via Foot Mercato in France, the Parisians are targeting Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim as their next manager at the Parc des Princes.

The Venezuelan was the mastermind s behind Monaco’s incredible Ligue One title-winning campaign last season, their first title win for 17 years.

Arguably the best team in Europe to watch last season, as well as pipping PSG to the domestic title, Jardim guided the Principality club to the Champions League semi-finals in what was a wholly memorable run.

And the talk is that PSG director Antero Henrique, who has already snapped up Monaco’s 18-year old sensation Kylian Mbappe on a loan that will become permanent for £166 million next summer, as well as trying for midfielder Fabinho, feels he is the right man to take over from Emery, who is not expected to remain in charge beyond this season.

The 43-year old, who took the reins at Monaco in 2014, committed his future to the Ligue One champions over the summer, penning a new contract until 2020.

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Saturday, October 7, 2017

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McIlroy

Golf: Rory McIlroy upbeat on chances at Dunhill championships

R Ricardo Carvalho jailed for tax fraud in Spain

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ormer Chelsea and Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho has been sentenced to seven months in prison and fined 142,882 euros [£128,222] for crimes against the Spanish tax authority, a Spanish court filing said.

Spanish law is such that any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires a defendant without previous convictions to serve jail time.

Carvalho, 39, who now plays for Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG, was found guilty of hiding income from image rights in 2011 and 2012 while playing for Real, where he played between 2010 and 2013, avoiding 545,981 euros in tax He returned the amount and pleaded guilty to the charges, which the court said in a statement lead to his sentence being reduced from the Spanish public prosecutor’s recommendation of 12 months in prison with a 300,000 euro fine. Ricardo Carvalho has repaid the amount obtained fraudulently Carvalho is the latest player to have fallen foul of tax law in Spain.

In 2016 Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was found guilty of defrauding the Spanish state of 4.2m euros and handed a jail sentence of 21 months.

Real Madrid’s top goal-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo attended a court hearing in July to answer allegations he avoided 14.7m euros. No formal charges have been made against him.

ory McIlroy insisted he can still get into contention at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship despite making a disappointing start at St Andrews.

McIlroy arrived full of confidence following his runner-up finish at last week’s British Masters supported by Sky Sports, when he fired 64, 63 over the weekend only to be upstaged by Paul Dunne at Close House. Dunne was again in fine form at St Andrews as he carded a flawless 67, but McIlroy struggled to keep mistakes off his card over the Old Course as two late birdies salvaged a one-over 73.

The world No 6 made an encouraging start with a birdie at the first, but he ran up a scrappy double-bogey six at the next after running into bunker trouble, and then missed chances to repair the damage as he found the greens and the stiff breeze difficult to judge. He dropped another shot at the eighth before getting it back at nine, and he blotted his card again with bogeys at the 11th and 13th which dropped him near the foot of the field on three over par.

McIlroy made a good up-and-down from the rear of the 14th green to claw one shot back, and a mammoth 350-yard drive to within 10 feet of the pin at the last set up a good chance for a closing eagle, but his putt was never on line and he had to settle for birdie. “Momentum is a big thing here. Obviously you’re waiting around a lot and you don’t really have any rhythm or anything,” said McIlroy, who is playing in his final event of 2017 before he takes a break of over three months from competitive golf.

“I think it’s easier when you get off to a good start.

When you get off to a slow start, you’re waiting a lot and that can be quite difficult. It was okay. But I feel like I’ve shot bad scores here and I’ve got off to slow starts here in the past and been able to recover and get myself back into the tournament. I feel like I can do the same again.

“It was tricky enough out there. I feel like I could have shot a few better but it was tough because some of the greens out there are quite exposed and you’re sort of in two minds when you’re reading a putt, whether to think that the wind is going to affect it or not. Some putts were affected by the wind out there and some putts weren’t.

Tennis: Murray-Soares reach Tokyo final

J Ricardo

amie Murray and Bruno Soares edged a highquality doubles semi-final on Friday to remain on course at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships 2017. Soares is now one match win away from 400 career victories.

Second seeds Murray and Soares scraped past Dominic Inglot and Daniel Nestor 6-7(3), 6-1, 11-9 in 87 minutes for a place in the Tokyo final.

Murray first served on match point at 9/8 in the Match tie-break, but Inglot poached for a superb backhand volley at close quarters. Two points later, on Murray and Soares’ second match point, Soares struck a crosscourt backhand lob to seal victory.

Murray and Soares move up one spot to No. 4 in the Emirates ATP Doubles Race To London, adding 120 points for a total of 4,460 points, as teams battle to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, to be held at The O2 in London from 12-19 November.

Murray and Soares, the only seeds left in the field, have a 3-2 finals record this year (7-4 overall as a team). They await the winners of Santiago Gonzalez and Julio Peralta versus local wild cards Ben Mclachlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama, who play their semi-final on Saturday.

Murray

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017

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Business & Economy Saturday, October 7, 2017

NLNG brings succour to Bony, others Page B2 Myke Uzendu, Oluchi Okoroafor, Abuja

Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria will now have seamless access to bank financing following the establishment of SME Rating Agency of Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, during the inauguration of Small and Medium Enterprises Rating Agency of Nigeria (SMERAN) in Abuja.

The minister in her keynote address stressed that funding the MSMEs was the key to sustain growth in the economy since the nation’s exit from recession.

Hajiya Abubakar stated that access to finance has remained a

NATOP partners Tarzan Jetty for boat cruise, tourism

Page B3

MSMEs to enjoy more bank financing - Minister ... Says only 0.2% have access to loans

major challenge to MSMEs, but disclosed that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has taken some steps to encourage MSMEs and improve on the ease of doing business in the country.

Such incentives include, the tax relief and pioneer status granted to some companies, the laws on the use of movable assets as collateral recently signed into law as well as VAIDS. The Minister who applauded SMEDAN for the initiative called

on Duns & Broadstreet, the implementing partner to ensure that the initiative does not increase the financial burden of MSMEs. She also expressed her wishes to bring more rating agencies on board for easy access of MSMEs while the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) will regulate their activities.

“Government is working hard to connect MSMEs to the world for they are very vital and key driver of every economy. A properly rated MSME will no doubt do a lot to

alleviate our problems” she emphasised.

The Director General of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr Umar Dikko Radder in his remarks stressed the importance and power of MSMEs in an economy.

Radda said that MSME has been the bedrock of meaningful development, adding that conscious efforts must be made to strengthen it.

L-R: Chairman, The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos Branch, Engr, Mobolaji Onibudo; Former Chairman, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, Dr. Adetoun Agbe; Health Portfolio Manager, MTN Foundation, Victor Orie-Ononogbu and President Love Promotions, Ekah Solomon at the presentation of the Role Model Award to MTN Foundation by The Nigerian Red Cross Society in partnership with Love Promotions in Lagos.

FG charges SetTop Box manufacturers on multi-purpose TV Tony Nwakaegho The Federal Government has urged the SetTop Box manufacturers to give Nigerians multi-purpose television that will help in transforming the TV experience of Nigeri-

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

ans.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this call on behalf of Federal Government, in Calabar during the commissioning of the ultra-modern Digital Set Top Box manufacturing plant, owned by the Gospell Digital Technology.

He informed the manufacturers of Set Top Boxes/Decoders in the country that the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in the country is aimed at giving Nigerians a total television viewing experience that will transform their lives and change TV viewing forever. ‘’I have continued to reiterate, and the quality of the service we launched goes to confirm, that our objective is not to just move Nigerians from analogue to digital in a simple technical

sense, but to improve the viewing experience and give them increased variety of channels and services. ‘’The average home today - in order to have access to the various types of entertainment - will require a television, a Set Top Box and a VCD/DVD player. This era is about to end. I am challenging the industry to move to one device in the home - the television. Give us a TV with a built-in decoder and the requisite middle-ware inside it, being able to access Nollywood releases with or without the internet, and with a remote control that can convert the TV into a computer. ‘’And please not for the rich, but for every Nigerian home. With that we will have succeeded in the reduction of the cost of access to television, information and education.

I’ll groom entrepreneurs for luxury cars detailing - King Page B7

GAC Motors presents GS4 SUV to The Voice Azubike Nnadozie It was all glamour and fun fare at the Ligali Ayorinde showroom the location of the presentation of the GAC GS4 to Idyl the Voice Nigeria Winner in continuation of GAC Motor’s support for Nigeria’s creative industry. Over the past few years, GAC has made presentation of vehicles to star performers in the creative industry. GAC Motors a well established brand and a manufacturer of high quality and innovative vehicles based on its development strategy, associates its brand with contributing and supporting to rise to success, nurturing small ideas to big success. After almost 4 months of practicing, rehearsing and self-appraisals, with several 48 other contestants in producers’ auditions, blind auditions, battle rounds, knockouts and live performance shows, a winner has finally emerged. Mr. Daniel Diongoli with stage name IDYL The Chief Host of the event and representative of the GAC Brand in Nigeria Chief Diana Chen in her address, congratulated the winner and expressed her delight in supporting the Nigerian creative industry. She noted that Idyl represents a number of Nigerian Youth and the message GAC Motor seeks to communicate to young Nigerians through this sponsorship is clear, hard work pays. Yes, Idyl has won the contest and earned himself those prizes and, above all, the pleasure of driving home the superb GAC GS4 SUV.

FirstBank celebrates customers on customer service week Sam Nze First Bank of Nigeria Limited has joined the rest of the world in felicitating with its customers on this year’s Customer Service week, acknowledging their immense contributions to the Bank’s success.

The theme of the 2017 celebrations “Building Trust” is one that resonates with the Bank’s brand essence to remain the trusted partner, always striving to provide the best financial solutions and deliver to its stakeholders at all times.

The Bank through the years has demonstrated an understanding of its customers’ modern lives, wants, and needs and has continued to create bespoke and accessible offerings to support lifestyles and ensure convenience for its teeming customers.

FirstBank has rolled out alterna-

tive channels of services to decongest the branches whilst improving speedy and efficient services. Some of these services include the *894# Quick Banking mobile solution and the Firstmobile banking application constantly updated with new and exciting features. *894# allows customers perform a wide array of financial and value added services instantly, using their mobile phones in the comfort of their homes, places of work and on-thego. With Firstmobile, customers can always be assured of real-time mobile banking services and an exciting digital banking experience. The Bank was also the first to introduce ‘cash deposit’ ATMs in Nigeria as well as the first to begin the issuance of ATM cards in less than 15 minutes to further enhance convenience and speed in banking transactions for customers.

Business Review B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

NLNG brings succour to Bony, others What could prompt a corporate entity to commit N60billion to road infrastructure despite paying its taxes?

Thank you very much for the question. In terms of economics, we are really struggling like every other company in the oil and gas sector, but there must be a compelling reason for us to devout N60 billion which is the biggest CSR initiatives in the world. Certainly, your question is in order. In developed countries, CSR is capital; you don’t do this kind of CSR in developed countries because government does them.

So when I look at Africa and the developing world, I can’t think of any company that has shed out N60billion or its equivalent to support government to deliver a road for the good of the community.

There are several reasons why we are doing this. Firstly, we believe that Bonny is in the conscience of Nigeria. Bonny has played a key role in the development of our country for decades. More recently, with respect to petroleum, the gateway to export crude oil is located in Bonny. Shell has facility in Bonny, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG also in Bonny and most of the proceeds from these operations go to the coffers of the federal government by way taxes, dividends and depending on the Joint Venture that is in operation, the lion share goes to federal government.

This community has been cut off from time immemorial from the mainland so they travel mainly by seas with all the hazards. We share our voyage with the community people to reduce hazards and hardship they face.

The second reason is that the government has been tantalizing the entire Niger Delta with this project because everyone knows that it is a great project but it has been sitting there for over 25 years. We all know what good the project can bring in terms of employment, mobility of labour and capital.

It is right in the heart of the Niger Delta but because of funding and other reason, it has not been executed so we thought we should help the government to make that dream comes to reality. Another reason is that we have this grand vision that Bonny can be a mini Dubai.

We believe it can be set up to show how Niger Delta community can be which is the reason we developed a Foundation, Bonny Kingdom Development

General Manager, External Relations Mr Kudo Eresia-Eke - Nigeria LNG in a chat with newsmen spoke on Corporate Social Responsibility the Company has embarked on. Simon Ugwu reports

EKE Foundation (BKDF), and committed to fund the Foundation to the tune of about N3billion annually for 25 years. There is a master plan we have worked and developed which is on standby. What we are waiting for is the registration of BKDF and development will commence immediately.

Now, think about this great island with all the development, with tourism, growth in business and already, Bonny is a magnet for business. Lots of businesses have relocated to Bonny, in spite of difficulty in transportation. This is because from the onset, we envisioned a kingdom that will be the envy of all other kingdoms. So we signed an MoU with His Majesty and the people of Bonny towards the end of 1998 to deliver roads, portable water and electricity. As I speak today, all have been delivered and we have 24-7 power supply. This is an example that with commitment, it can be done in Nigeria

by Nigerians.

What level of commitment did you get from the FG to enLabour Minister sure prompt delivery of this project without delay?

I trust the government and we had enough from the body language of Mr President and people in government that they are committed to the project.

Indeed, they demonstrated that commitment during this year budgeting process where some N9billion or so was budgeted. You can see that the zeal is there, you may foretell the fortunes tomorrow. But at least we have comfort that they also understand the importance of the project and they are ready to do what they can to work with us to deliver the project.

What do you think is most important challenge for local contractors that you engaged to promote Nigerian Content?

Each time we talk to local vendors and contractors, one of the things they mention as a big challenge is that they don’t have enough capital. That is

there is funding challenge. So what the Nigeria LNG did was to devout about N1billion as guarantee to encourage banks to give loans at reduced rates to local business people. That way, funding is not an issue any longer because you can go to the bank and secure a loan to fund your project and jobs.

Does the Nigeria LNG influence the bank rates on the loan?

We only try to ensure that the rates are much lower than what ordinarily the bank would have given. We have our money and we have a bargaining power not for our own good but for the good of the local contractors. We called it VENDORS FINANCE SCHEME. This has been running for some years now but you now we don’t make noise about all these things. Another thing you may wish to know is how much we have supported relatively big business in Nigeria to grow to international level. We always use the opportunity of major contracts to international manufacturers. When there is such contract, we insist on deals that favour Nigeria businesses. We had a deal to build six new ships with HHI and SAMSUNG of about $1.6billion. We then insisted that as part of local content drive, they should make sure that all the paints, arnolds, cables and carpentry works required to build the ships will have to be supplied by Nigeria companies. Having had them commit to that, we then came to Nigeria and look out for companies that can meet up the standard and then help them to attain that standard that can be accepted for exports. All that have been done and we helped them to raise foreign exchange from such projects.

We do these things not for our own aggrandizements, but because of that fate and commitment in doing all that we can for the good of Nigeria and we will continue to do our business in a professional world class manner and also we will continue to social good in an unprecedented manner in Nigeria.

Looking at the activities of your firm one would know you are committed to CSR. So, aside this project, what other CSR projects are involved with

in Nigeria?

Our Company was set up to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.

And we have been able to reduce that from over 60 to 70 per cent to less than 20 per cent.

Hopefully, with Train7, we will take more gas and reduce gas flaring to zero. NLNG is the only solution to gas flaring in Nigeria. The second reason is to harness huge gas reserves and monetize it. By way of dividends and taxes, we have contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria and we have met the purpose why we are set up.

Besides, a corporate entity must also be for the good of the society. We don’t think we should do just what we were set up to do but to do more good to the society. That’s the reason we are so bold with our CSR. Our mission statement reads: To be a global company helping to build a better Nigeria.

We are Nigerians to the core.

Our presence seems to loom so large for the betterment of Nigeria.

However, we also sponsor Nigeria Prize for Literature, Nigeria Prize for Science and beyond the science, we have gone to Nigerian universities to create hubs around the zones of the country and pick a university for each zone. We have Bonny Vocation Centre, equipped people with vocational skills and certified by the London City and Guilds.

There is also a Marine Centre of Excellence also in Bonny.

This is supporting Nigeria to grow maritime industry so that we begin to take dominance in maritime sector. All the simulators you can imagine are available. There is a plethora of scholarships ranging from the lowest to the highest. We also have a scholarship for the IDPs. We are supporting these children. We have youth empowerment scheme. We take youths from our host communities and train them for 6-9 months and acquire skills that will make them useful in the society. We do this because we believe in Nigeria. Nigeria LNG is number four in the world and we are Nigerians 100 per cent senior management team. Our 23 ships go all over the world.

A ship is as big as four standard football fields. If you visit the plants, 95 per cent of the people you see are Nigerians.

We want to inspire Nigerians that we can do it so that others that are richer than us can join hands so that together we can move our country to where we think it should be.

Tours&Travels

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

NATOP partners Tarzan Jetty for boat cruise, tourism development

FACTS FILE * NATOP is already taking domestic tourism to the next level as it has decided to exploit the theme: Sustainable tourism: A Tool For Development”. * NATOP is fully in partnership with Tarzan Jetty, a foremost water transport and cruise company in Lagos to achieve this aim of exploring the quiet serene nature through the creek *NATOP ) has marked 2017 World Tourism Day on Lagos cowrie creek in a bid to promote domestic tourism in Nigeria and exploit other parts of tourism sector through leisure trip *NATOP president, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung said, “We need to also appreciate Lagos state for what they have done.

Lagos state has done a lot into this, the monument you are seeing around, all that is needed is to create tourism circuits and begin to create destination out of it.

NKEREUWEM Desirous to change the face of tourism in the country, a private boat operator and critical player in the tourism sector, Tarzan Boat Cruise is working with harmony with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to enhance tourism. No doubt, a major driver to any tourism growth is domestic aspect of tourism. In Nigeria, stakeholders have continued to harp on the sector as a way to rake in revenue and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To make this realistic, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP ) is already taking domestic tourism to the next level as it has decided to exploit the theme: Sustainable tourism: A Tool For Development”. Leveraging on that, it is tapping into other aspect of tourism in Nigeria. In this piece, EBERE CHIBUZOR writes that the NATOP is fully in partnership with Tarzan Jetty, a foremost water transport and cruise company in Lagos to achieve this aim of exploring the quiet serene nature through the creek CONTINUES ON PAGE B4

The inside story of NAIJANOMADS tour of tourist centres in Ondo State Page B5

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Tours & Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, October 7,2017

NATOP partners Tarzan Jetty for boat cruise, tourism development Continued from Page B3 In a bid to promote domestic tourism in Nigeria and exploit other parts of tourism sector through leisure trip, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP ) has marked 2017 World Tourism Day on Lagos cowrie creek.

NATOP who said it believed that the leisure trip is a way to key into this year’s World Tourism Day tagged: ‘The Sustainable Tourism: Tool For Development’.

NATOP president, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung speaking on the trip, said, “We need to also appreciate Lagos state for what they have done. Lagos state has done a lot into this, the monument you are seeing around, all that is needed is to create tourism circuits and begin to create destination out of it.

“Lagos State is already a destination, but it is time to market it which my excitement with the young tour operator who are flying everywhere using social media; and they are not making money, government can subsidize by giving us 30 buses and give them at subsidized rate.

For us as a country, all we could do let us develop our assets, let us make our decisions work. For example, Nigeria has not attended any travel expo in the last four years; so, who is marketing Nigeria? These are things we must make work. Inagbe Beach Resorts you can see how exiting this place can be, but how many people know that Nigeria has a place like this?

On the theme: ‘Sustainable tourism:A Tool For Development’, Onung pointed out that we have not gone to that point of sustainability yet. “Sustainability is when it become a roller coaster where its just rolling; it produces money, your assets are working; people are coming in. Those boat needed to be waiting for us as we land. . You are going to different country you know how things are being done. We have been in South Africa, people do party on boat and return. How many of those things are being done? “ Commenting on the contributions of tourism to the SDG, he noted that, “In Africa, only four countries contribute to about 60 per cent of the tourist arrivals into the continent; and from that number, only about 10 per cent arrivals come to West Africa. And Nigeria receives less. Government needs to demonstrate its commitment by supporting the private sector operatives. But the private sector operatives should not give up.

“We are celebrating this year’s World Tourism Day because, there is no communication from the government. So, we had to take

Tarzan boat

NKEREUWEM our destinies in our own hands.

Our effort here is to promote domestic tourism.

“I am very excited with the young tour operators in our midst as they are the future of this industry. Many of them may not be making much money now because they are just doing it out of passion. Passion should lead to fortune. That is why I am urging the government of Nigeria to provide subsidized buses and coaches to help their efforts in packaging tours. Domestic tourism must lead to inbound tourism; but if not, then, it’s not fulfilling its mission,” he said.

The Daily Times gathered that the cruise kicked off from the Tarzan Jetty Lekki Expressway through Lagos Five Cowrie Creek with breathtaking views of Banana Island, Osborne, Oba of Lagos Palace, Ebute-Ero, 3rd Mainland Bridge, Bonny Camp and Apapa dockyard down to the Oba of Ilashe Town, HRM Oba Fatai Akinwunmi, the Onilashe of Il-

ashe Kingdom.

The monarch received the tour operators and Executive of NATOP with gladness. He explained that he expects that after this visit the number of tourists coming into Ilashe would have increased tremendously. He admonished the younger tour operators and youths to, “To engage in meaningful endeavours to get wealth and avoid engaging with bad gangs with a get-rich-quick syndrome.”

The Lagos Boat Cruise continued to Inagbe Beach resorts along the creek; and members of the cruise had lunch at Inagbe Resort, where they were entertainment by Salsa and hip-hop dancers.

Responding lately, the Managing Director, Leadway Tours & Travel Ime Udo said that the trip was wonderful, beautiful and it has actually promoted tourism. We have actually explored and showcased some of what we have in Nigeria.

“We are not Looking on the land now we are coming out of the

NATOP President, Nkereuwem Onung (right), OniLashe of Ilashe, HRM Oba Fatai Akinwumi with his cabinet

beach. We choose the creek cruise so that we can explore and know that we just don’t have tourism products on the land we also have right down the creek as you can see we have cultural area, as you can see we have gone to visit Oba to appreciate the cultural aspect of tourism. We came here to the resort so that we can appreciate the ecosystem, we can appreciate the beauty nature. Tourism is visually, it is not about talk. Let us work the talk. So we choose to make this day different.

Udo who therefore requested the government to tap into sustainable tourism, equally said out that “I am going to use the Inagbe Beach Resort as an instance , this is a resort that promotes not just the ecosystem not only the natures, not just the beauty, not just the ocean view but indeed quiet serene nature.” According to her government should begin to look into sustainable tourism, see what they can promote all these aspect of tourism, so that tourism becomes indeed as we always say a tool for development.

In her reaction, Mrs. Nneka Moses of Goge Africa said that, “We know that government has a lot in their hands, but they need to make out time and pay a little more attention to tourism. Nigeria will be

Tourists at Ilashe Kingdom

better off for it.” She also praised the efforts of the organizers.

Mr. Michael Balogun of Tour2Nigeria, with excitement appreciated the effort from the organizers, while expecting the government should be sincere and practical in resolving several issues discouraging inbound tourism into Nigeria which he believes they already know from some of the interactions and engagements with them.

Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, responding to the event said, “We decided to do something different from what we have done in the past. We have done road trip many times, so, we thought it a great idea to do a water cruise. Next time, we should be doing it with helicopters!.

“We are not getting the support we should from government. But, we just have to push ourselves. We are the critical stakeholders in this industry. So, we need to not give up, but continue to push ourselves.

No one is going to do it for us if we do not do it”, she said.

World Tourism Day has been celebrated since 1980 on September 27, the day in which the statutes of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) entered into force.

It is worthy of note that the day September 27 for World Tourism Day was first mooted by a Nigerian, Mr. Ignatius Atigbi.

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, October 7, 2017

B5

Tours & Travels

The inside story of NAIJANOMADS’ tour of tourist centres in Ondo State Ebere Chibuzor The tourist potential of Ondo State, South west Nigeria, was brought into the fore, following a recent tour of the state by NAIJANOMADS. It was as interesting as it was revealing.

Ondo State, Southwest, Nigeria, otherwise known as Sunshine State was first created on 3rd of February 1976 during the military administration before Ekiti was carved out of it in 1996.

With a population of 3.4million people comprising the riverine communities of Ilaje-Eseodoand Ijaw; the Ikale ethnic nationality with their headquarters at Okitipupa; Ore, the land of the Odigbos; The southern zone is home to some of the most exotic timber in Nigeria and forest resources like teak, gmeligna and indigenous tree species. However, unknown to many that aside the coastline and agricultural products embedded in the state, Ondo is also a sanctuary of many natural and record-breaking tourist centres. The three-day tour of some tourist sites in the state recently facilitated by NAIJANOMADS, an organization that specializes in selling tourist centres in Nigeria to lovers of tourism within and outside the shore of Nigeria was an eye opener.

Led by the Executive Director of the organization, Mrs. Yejide Akeredolu-Runsewe, the first point of call of the fun-loving tourists who are Lagos based young professionals numbering about 20, was the Smoking Hills Golf Resort located on the outskirt of the quiet town of Ilaramokin, 15 minutes from Akure the capital city of the state.

A truly challenging course with world class features, waiting to be tamed by adventurous golfers, the resort is strategically situated in a beautifully endowed location where the golf course has been carefully carved out of 140 acres of surrounding jungle and rolling hills which emit smoke early in the morning and also at dawn to derive the name of the resort.

The Ilaramokin Smokin Hills Golf resort is the leading endurance private golf course in Nigeria with standard facilities which includes a practice area, driving range and a Par 3 course for beginners.

According to its Head, Marketing and Promotions, Prince Bayo Aderinto, the Smoking Hills and golf course which is presently the third largest in Africa was designed by Ron Garl in 2010 and constructed by one of the top leading certified golf course builders in the world – Messers Total Golf Construction Company of Florida, U.S.A at a cost of over $15m with annual maintenance fee of

One million dollars ($1m). It was opened for play in 2012 is owned

by Chief Michael sAde Ojo – the founder, Elizade Nigeria Limited, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Lagos and Elizade University, also situated at Ilaramokin.

Presently, the Smoking Hills Resort boasts of suitable accommodation at the Travellers’ Lodge with a total of 14 two-bedroom chalets, well furnished with kitchenette and internet facilities. Aderinto also disclosed that the management of the Smoking hills and golf resorts will at any moment from now commence the construction of a new 5- star hotel with swimming pools to provide world -class accommodation to the 18hole championship course and it will come with shops, hair and nail salons and a relaxation spa so that those who do not play golf you can enjoy the food and entertainment that will be on offer in Nigeria’s latest get-away resort.

On the acceptability and how lucrative the smoking hills and golf resort has been to Nigerians, Aderinto said though that has not been encouraging but it’s no issue as the vision of the founder is long-term and not aimed at immediate profit maximization.

A tourist in the delegation of NAIJANOMADS, Miss Adeola Ibitola, a Human Resource Manager at Guinness Nigeria PLC said the visit to Ondo State, which she described as “Independent Groove” is going to be memorable for her, calling on all Nigerians to come and see things for themselves herein. “I am here to get fresh air, catch fun, meet new people; even though I am from Ekiti State I never knew something like this exist here.

The nature, the calmness, the serenity, the fresh air, the standard; this is incomparable to what I have seen everywhere, even in America. I am impressed.

I am surprised at the extent of development here.

After Ilaramokin, the next point of call was Idanre Hills Resort in the hilly town of Idanre, an agrarian community reputed for producing 10% of the cocoa being

NAIJANOMADS tourist in Omdo State. exported out of the country. The Idanre Hills is an indication that God truly exist. The Hill(s) listed in UNESCO world heritage sites in 2007. Located in Idanre Town, about 24 kilometres drive from Akure, the state capital, the flora, fauna and the topography of the place is a great virtue of mankind creating excitement to fun lovers of nature witnessing spectacular view of the town.

The NAIJANOMADS team, led by its Initiator, Runsewe, climbed the first 100 steps in a twinkle of an eye and found the first resting room where the head of maintenance and administration of the Hills Resort, Mr. Gbenga Oyinbo expressly told fun-catching tourists the history behind the rock.

According to him, the rock was a useful hideout for the indigenes during the time of war in 19th century. He showed them a point which was called Dagunro, which means the end of war.

Next point of call on the hill was the Arun River where the NAIJANOMADS were told the healing power of the God creature. Also visited on the hill were the Agbogun footprint, the wonderful, ark of Noah and the unreadable letters

NAIJANOMADS tourist in Omdo State.

of the flood.

After the tour of the old city on the hill, it was time to go home but this time through a different route, a very challenging one but never mind, NAIJANOMADS team were master-rock climbers.

Down, they descended the hills safely and headed back to the resort of the hills. The resort has lodges for people who would like to stay over. The lodges are actually wooden chalets which come in different sizes and fittings. They also have swimming pools, an outdoor entertainment area, a playground, indoor sports facility and events hall respectively.

Speaking after the tour, a member of the NAIJANOMADS team, Akeem Olonisakin, an indigene of Osun State said he love the adventure and won’t mind visiting the hills again.

Next after Idanre Hills resort was a visit to the palace of Olowo of Owo, known for being the largest on the continent of Africa. The NAIJANORMAD delegation was received by a high chief of the town who does not want his name mentioned on the print. The palace sits on nine and half acres of land with over one hundred courts

of which about 13 are still in use.

The high chief who traced the origin to the ancient city of IleIfe, the cradle of Yoruba land, led the NAIJANORMAD delegation in and out of about 30 courts, patiently explaining the purpose and significance of each. First in line was the court where the Olowo came out to relax and play ayo (Strategy board) game with some of his chiefs. It was usually out of bounds to all, except to a few invited by the king himself.

According to the Chief, only the Olowo sits inside the place and only calls on his subjects who are expected to sit feet away from his reserved area if he needs to discuss with them.

“Each of the courts, though serving various purposes has a reserved area for the king; the other parts are also apportioned for some of the town’s chiefs.

All the town’s title holders know their place in the various courts and they all know better than to cross their bounds; and nowhere is this sitting arrangement more enforced than in one of the largest courts in the collection, where vital aspect of the all-important Igogo festival takes place”, he said.

Also visited in the palace was the court where every chieftaincy installation ceremony in Owo is performed. The Chief further showed the delegation a red and black Rolls Royce and a white Benz, Clear signs that a past Olowo rode in style back in the day. As a parting shot, the chief showed the delegation an extension of the present palace and where all the kings that have reigned from inception of Owo are buried.

What a trip to behold. A threeday adventure ended with everyone telling their stories. The trip, however, did not end without the initiator of NAIJANOMADS; Mrs Yejide Runsewe said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

B6 Tourism

South African Tourism announces travel agent roadshows Stories by Ebere Chibuzor

South African Tourism says it has concluded all plans in running a four-day series of travel agent roadshows in the UK and Ireland next month.

The SATSchool roadshow will be in Cork on November 13, followed by Manchester, Birmingham and London.

It will connect attending travel agents with 16 key South African tourism partners, including local destinations, attractions and excursion companies.

Agents can learn about the products’ unique selling points and the latest news from partner representatives.

The UK is South Africa’s number one source of international arrivals and there was a 9.9% rise in visitors from the UK in 2016. Visitors from Ireland grew by 18.28% over the same period.

SATSchool is a ‘one-stop shop’ training platform aimed at equipping travel agents with all the information they need to sell the destination.

The partners on hand to answer questions will include British Airways, Cape Town Tourism, Visit Knysna, Eastern Cape Tourism, and attractions and experiences such as Ocean Blue Adventures and Monkeyland / Birds of Eden.

Tolene van Der Merwe, South

African Tourism hub head for the UK and Ireland, said: “This is our third year of SATSchool and always proves incredibly popular with the travel trade. The initiative provides an opportunity for South African stakeholders to meet travel agents face to face and

update them on their products, experiences and destinations.”

Agents attending the roadshows in each city will have the chance to win a place on the SATSchool Mega Fam trip departing June 10 next year with British Airways flights.

African: How Ghanaian villagers make money from monkey business The villagers of Tafi Atome, in Ghana’s Volta Region, grew up listening to tales of their spiritual links to the 1,000 or so mona monkey that inhabit the surrounding lush forest.

But they have also turned that reverence into revenue, by making the cheeky primates part of an eco-tourist attraction that benefits both animals and locals alike.

Francis Acquaye, the manager of the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Cultural Village, said the monkeys and the forest were considered sacred until the 1980s, when the spread of Christianity eroded traditional beliefs.

The red, brown and white monkeys, which are found between Ghana and Cameroon, were soon hunted and trees were chopped down until the village became an eco-tourist attraction in 1996.

Now, thousands of people visit the sanctuary near the border with Togo each year. Some stay in the village to learn about rural life.

The money earned has helped to build a health clinic, sink boreholes and renovate school buildings.

“People in the community treat the monkeys in a very friendly way just because of the benefits we derive from tourism,” Acquaye told AFP. “Everybody supports what is here.

“So the monkeys are our friends, they are our brothers and sisters.”

‘Living together as one’ At the sanctuary, monkeys wait in the trees, watching a group of young visitors. When the bananas come out, so do the monkeys.

Both tourist and monkey squeal with delight as the food is taken.

Seventeen-year-old Melissa Fehr, from Canada who is among the visiting group, is just as enthusiastic about the warm welcome extended to them by the villagers.

“They all say ‘welcome’ to you, which is really cool,” she enthused.

Villagers say they have never experienced or seen the monkeys attack.

Acquaye walks through the forest calling the monkeys with pursed lips. When they see the halved bananas in his hands, they bound over.

And when people carry food on their heads, especially if it’s bananas or corn, they need to be wary, he said.

“You need to give pieces of

those to the monkeys otherwise you will be carrying monkeys on the load (too),” he added.

For Lydia Osei, a trader in the village who sits on the roadside selling drinks and snacks, sharing food with the monkeys is a normal part of life in Tafi Atome.

“We give them food when we have it. We give them banana and maize and other things and they are no longer afraid of us,” she said.

“Even though they are animals and we are humans, we are living together as one.”

Millennials are the new rave for travel to Africa Tourism Update recently conducted a poll, asking readers whether they had seen an increase in millennials as clients, 74% voted ‘yes’, and only 26% voted ‘no’.

David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) said 46% of international arrivals into South Africa were between the ages of 18 and 35.

Millennials are becoming the core focus at many tourism establishments, such as the Signature Lux hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, which caters for the techsavvy millennials and business travellers.

Recently Tourism Update published an article on Halal tourism, which is one of the fastest growing sectors in global travel, with 26% of the population expected to be Muslim by 2030. This growth has been attributed to Islam having the youngest population out of all major religious groups.

Gavin Eyre, Chairman of the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) says there has certainly been a noticeable increase in youth travel. “Just look at the numbers,” he says.

Eyre says millennial travelers are looking for experiential tourism opportunities, as well as language travel, volunteering and back-packing. “People do not realise how huge volunteering is in SA,” says Eyre.

Overseas gap year students and university groups are a massive market for inbound tourism, says Eyre, as these millennials flock to Africa to experience authenticity.

Millennials are heading to the Western Cape, in particular Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape, due to the authentic experiences the provinces offer.

Most of these millennial travellers are from Brazil, says Eyre.

“They are coming to the Englishlanguage schools in SA, as it is cheaper than their own country and SA has many similarities to Brazil, such as the South African mentality, the weather and the activities on offer.”

For Namibia, Thomas Müller, Co-Founder and CEO of Rainmaker Digital, said he had not seen an increase in millennials, attributing this to Namibia’s marketing efforts.

“Namibia’s marketing is very traditional, and millennials have a different travel pattern.

They base travel on a one-week scheme. Partying one week, travelling the next and Namibia does not have much to offer in that perspective.”

Business Interview B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7, 2017

I’ll groom entrepreneurs for luxury cars detailing - King An eye for details and beauty, earned Gideon King, CEO, Big Foot Detailing, recognition from brands like Bugatti, Bentley and Lamborghini in the luxury car industry, today he’s willing to transform the lives of aspiring Nigerian youth entrepreneurs by hand-holding them through the road of success he’s travelled, Based in Qatar and Europe, King shares with JOY EKEKE his experience making cars look better than factory condition.

What experience did you have in detailing before you gave it a shot?

I had no prior experience coming into the industry and there is no amount of reading that can really prepare one for the real field application. However, after a lot of reading and research about the industry, I decided to attend technical training sessions by a 20year veteran in the game.

It’s almost a decade now, but I still remember it like yesterday. My trainer was an ex-military captain in the UK army, and with the excitement that I had mustered, I told him I was coming to the industry to be known as the game changer and to take my profession to a whole new level. Guess What? Here we are today, now offering education and training courses in detailing and entrepreneurship globally and we have since trained individuals who fly in to us from the United States, Australia, Singapore, Norway and far beyond.

As an exclusive detailer for Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. Working with these international brands will come with so much pressure to deliver right on time. How have you been handling their jobs so well to tie them down for years?

protection in order to maintain their integrity and value. Even if they are brand cars coming off the production line, the wealth of experience that I have accumulated in such a short period of time in this trade is sufficient enough for me to be able to identify and magnify the defects and potential improvements to such clients cars and their service to their customer, hence giving them edge over their competition. This boosted my visibility and my reputation within the industry. I was now presented with the opportunity to showcase my eye for detail and to take defect analysis, treatment and protection to new heights. One of the turning points in my journey to fame and stardom within the detailing industry was when I worked on a Bentley for the Bentley Dealership, and a Bugatti belonging to a famous piano player whose car was flown to Qatar. And after seeing the results of my labour, all the rest became history.

With the success your brand has recorded in other parts of the world in the last five years.

Being a Nigerian, are you considering coming down to Nigeria to set up this business?

I have acquired a lot of knowledge and skills as a professional to be able to identify the problems faced with the finishes of various vehicles. My experience allowed me to be able to offer practical solutions for restoration, enhancement, beautification and long-term

Yes, Nigeria is in my horizon! Six years ago I spent six weeks over there when I did market research and the results were mind-blowing for me. I worked with a major car importer and dealership of premium brands in Lagos and also travelled to Kano where

I worked on vehicles owned by some prominent figures in Nigeria.

We plan to roll out the same model and service into Nigeria and we are currently working out the best strategy that will enable us to make a smooth transition into the Nigerian Market.

Again, we are aiming not only for the detailing cars segment but also to cover all ranges of transportation such as motorcycles, yachts, planes, alongside training and education centres. We want to contribute towards creating entrepreneurs, employment and building skills sets for Nigerians who can go on contribute to the economy.

What are your fears for this kind of trade in Nigeria?

We stay positive always in every step that we take when exploring new business opportunities.

We do not have any negativity or fears towards this at all. As a matter of fact, we are fully optimistic about our success before we start because we have a very positive attitude to work and we know we will not fail.

Wherever there are cars, the detailing industry presents itself with great opportunities.

Where ever there are cars the detailing industry presents itself with great opportunities.

You have been appearing in the news for some weeks now, what can you say is the most thrilling part of the feedback you have been getting?

Our aim is to create awareness through this medium and we can say

KING we are certain that folks have read and heard us.

The true measure of this will be known when we come into Nigeria.

You opened your detailing service centre in Doha, Qatar about a year ago and you seemed to have found your way into the minds of the top brands in automobile as we learn that there are more than 150 inquiries for your franchise worldwide. How did you achieve this feat?

I am contented and satisfied about where we are today; based on our time plan we are on schedule.

However, I have many more aims and targets to attain within this business. Also I would not say we wormed our way in as this sounds like we deceived our esteemed customers into our offer-

ings. I would prefer to say that we demonstrated the value and service we bring to their businesses and their recognition of our alignment with their vision was well received and accepted.

How big are you willing to expand this business now that you seem to be gaining more grounds?

We are expanding all the time and receiving many enquiries from a lot of countries and we are studying them carefully. The team behind me are doing an excellent job in rolling out our clear plan that we laid down right from the beginning, which will enable us to stay strong; and this is why it is important to have the right people on board giving us a great team that believes in the vision and executing it to

the best of their ability.

Your services include paint correction, consultation, smart repair, international seminar, post production among others, what inspired your decision to take up a job like this and how challenging has it been for you?

My reason for entering this industry was purely for financial gain, at first.

It was where I saw most potential for earnings. As most of us can relate, it is every man’s wish to earn and provide the best possible future for his family and live the short life we have as comfortably as possible. This was my main reason for entering the detailing industry and it was this industry that destiny presented before me to potentially achieve my goals in life.

Personal Finance B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 7,2017

Top non-financial skills required in personal’ finance Bonny Amadi

sional Myles Wolfe says, “For any analytical project, someone will usually have questions about the inputs and assumptions. If you can’t deliver timely backup information, even if it is 100% accurate, people will question the accuracy of the final output.”

While finance requires deep knowledge which includes ability to sue excel, mathematical skills among other qualities, making a success of personal finance also requires that you develop keen interest in finance, in addition to securing the services of a professional.

He says that it’s critical to have both your electronic files and hard copies organized to access information quickly.

You might be asked a question months after your initial analysis by a CFO who needs the information in 30 minutes for a conference call. “Especially in the financial world, sloppiness is intolerable,” he says.

Amy Fontinelle writing for Investopadea, in the piece “Top 7 Non-Financial Skills Required in Finance” and quoting ‘Mitch Pisik’, who has over 20 years of experience in business development, operations and finance, advises that, “The accounting/ financial aspect of the job is the floor, not the ceiling.”

This means that if your personal finance professional can’t perform the other basic functions of you’re the job, your investment is at risk, and you as the fund owner also need to be abreast of these qualities to know when to act.

Mastering the qualities below, places you, your financial adviser, your funds, investment in a vintage position.

It is therefore imperative to look out for the following qualities on your financial advisor, while you also try to inculcate such qualities, failure of which may put your investment or savings at risk.

Communication skills You should have a good communication skill to also know if your financial advisor is communicating well to be understood, Amy Fontinelle said that financial professionals can’t just be good at only numbers, but they must also be able to communicate their knowledge effectively to you their client, with solid speaking, writing and presentation skills.

Beverly D. Flaxington, author of “7 Steps to Effective Business Building for Financial Advisors, advises on how to convey complex information to clients “ when you are presenting to a board, an investor or a prospect, you need to know how to convey complex information in a way people can easily understand.

Technological Savvy Being into personal finance not only demands that you follow your investments as well as you follow your personal fi-

nance advisor, you also need to be computer literate and information technology driven.

Being information technology compliant enable you to embark the spirit of doing it yourself in many situations, seeking for more and better information on prevailing investments opportunities, earnings, charges and maturity dates.

No matter where you work, you will need to be proficient with computer hardware and software and able to pick up new programs related to your investments and job. The more shortcuts, keys, programs and functions you know in Excel, the better off you will be in finance. You should also get familiar with marketing and communication software tools.

The information technology compliant skill is one of the qualities you need to ensure that yout finance advisor has a full grasp of.

Relationship-Management Skills The people skills you need in order to succeed as a financial professional include understanding different personality types, listening, asking the right questions, resolving conflicts, educating others and counseling clients. Ontariobased financial planner Judith Cane says that success in finance is “15% technical knowledge and 85% psychology.

When people come to see me it’s because they have issues

with money. They spend too much, they don’t save anything or they save everything.” What clients often need, therefore, is an unbiased advisor who can understand their needs and help them make financial decisions.

Managing relationships is an important life skill, whether you’re dealing with subordinates, co-workers, bosses or people outside your company.

When people trust you, like you and feel that you respect them, they will want to help you succeed, whether it’s by speaking highly of you, promoting you or signing up to be your client.

Marketing and Sales Skills Knowing how to sell the information you have to generate more patrons or even directly dispose of any asset you want to sell will attract more benefit to you. Being into personal finance confers in you the privilege of disseminating information on financial products to friends and relatives and could attract certain benefits on the number of clients you attract to the pool or network.

Robert L. Riedl, director of wealth management for Endowment Wealth Management in Appleton, Wisconsin, says financial professionals need to be able to market their professional skills and knowledge to prospects in their niche markets. To do so, it’s imperative to

have a complete understanding of both your personal strengths and your firm’s professional strengths.

He further advises that in marketing yourself to clients, you shouldn’t just communicate how much you know, but also how much you care, because “the client’s most valuable assets and their biggest daily concern is not their monetary wealth, but rather their family.”

Your financial advisor should show interest on your family long term financial needs, because clients want to know that you can help them manage their money to best provide for their family’s long-term needs.

Project Management Ability, Organizational Skills and Attention to Detail Any task that takes more than a few minutes is essentially a project – one that you’ll need to manage effectively in order to be profitable. You’ll need to efficiently and effectively schedule your time, manage budgets, meet deadlines and get what you need from other people in time to complete your project successfully.

Both during and after any project, staying organized and paying attention to detail are also key.

Corporate finance profes-

Problem-Solving Skills Problem solving skill helps you to manage challenges you identify on you investments portfolios and also should be a good skill you need to find in your financial advisor before hiring.

You will always encounter problems in any job, and being able to solve them rather than cracking under pressure is essential.

To get ahead, it can also be helpful to look beyond your own personal responsibilities. Mitch Pisik, a U.S financial expert, in one of his presentations, advises that by helping your coworkers solve their problems rather than simply reporting them to upper management, you’ll be viewed as a team player. “People will gravitate toward you and your career will flourish,” he says.

Tenacity and Ethics As a financial expert or engaged in personal finance , you need to persevere and ensure that rules are not broken, paying your premium and other payments when they are due to save you the challenge of running into debt or higher interest rates which will impact negatively on your anticipated earnings A competitive personality, passion for your investment, work and the stamina to work long hours and go above and beyond what’s expected of you and what your co-workers and competitors are doing are all crucial to success in finance.

At the same time, you can’t be so competitive that you make poor choices, or your career and reputation will suffer.

v

Life&

TIMES Saturday, October 7, 2017

Music is a great deal for me –Gideon Okeke

L2

P

L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Actors are guided by story not money earned –Gideon Okeke Talented and handsome entertainer, Gideon Okeke is one of the nollywood actors whose acting and stage delivery is second to none. The multifaceted hottie (actor, presenter and model) plans to spread his wings across all forms of media as far as his career is concerned. Having featured in countless movie and popular TV series line between stage and acting amongst others.

What role are you playing the movie Cross Road?

I am playing the role of Omotimi Jomo who is one of the Omotimi Jomo sounds Bayelsa, how easy or tough is it for you playing the role?

Do you agree with the thought that there is a parallel line between those who study Theatre Art and those

What extra touch are you bringing to this one knowing that you have played other robbery roles?

What attracted you to the script?

or the normal movie

Do you think at the end of the day the movie will tell the typical Bayelsa stories in the positive light knowing that the state is known for cases that militancy amongst others?

Working with RMD how was it for you?

Are you sure?

Despite your tight schedules, how then do you unwine?

You are a good singer too, is there a next step for you in terms of singing? because of the other characters involved?

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Gist L3

Mutiat Alli

Hip-hop act, Major Matt drops two brand new tracks Alajogun, with the moniker Kingdom based artiste who also artiste who has bagged the City music scene with 2 brand new combining a strong work ethic currently serenading the ears

After teaming up with Samklef on 2 singles “Baseline & Banana

visuals for the Kentee produced Single, Best Recording and titled “New King”, produced by Kentee, mixed by Olumix and cinematographer Adasa Cookey his spot on the music scene, articulate thespian who started off playing basketball before going on to become a coach of deliver more to showcase his

Acting at a tender age, he then the needed knowledge to be

Jeff Akoh releases Shokolokobangoshe and Gbadun (Your Lovin’)

Skye9 launches movie app

As part of its contribution to the growth of the entertainment industry, Skye9 show concept limited has unveiled its movie app for better enjoyment of quality Nollywood movies; the app boast of a robust indigenous movie-streaming platform that is compatible with all electronic devices ranging from Ipad,

stream Nollywood movies of their

have for every movie lovers, Ayo disclosed that the app is built in such a way that it provides subscribers with affordable access to various Nollywood movies, wherever they are in the world, at home or on the go However for better engagement also, Odusolu further explained

that through the newly added Skye9 social, subscribers have the opportunity to build relationship via instant messaging such as audio When ask how original are their contents, Odusolu noted that as part of delivering quality services to its end users, the organisations is who will shoot exclusive movie

Obasanjo makes acting debut in Samuel Ajibola’s comedy skit Nollywood star Samuel Ajibola has unveiled to the world a behindthe-scenes photo from the widely , that I would have the privilege of having a Former president As a tasteful appetiser to his forthcoming album, sic fans with two new eartingling tunes, Shokolokobangoshe and Gbadun

Shokolokobangoshe is a danceable bubble-gum pop medley that shows the dexterity of the singer while his vocal prowess shines

Alongside other artistes

the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and is scheduled for release on the 14th Samuel Ajibola who is popularly known as Spiff in the the announcement on social networking site Instagram, he wrote;

because of an idea I just conceived the time I thought of this idea I thought I was just being crazy, but then again I remembered a quote ” your dreams are not Big if they was to chase this dream and I left

music sensation, drops his koja on his 21st birthday

teamed up with talented producer, Cobhams Asuquo and UK-based group kobangoshe and Gbadun In the two new tunes, talent and class meet with skill to produce two of

is currently being managed Company and is signed under its sister company,

my gifts to my fans who have waited patiently with

my birthday, October 27

for the past 3 days, knowing I was Issues 2

not knowing what to write under it came to me was “you raised me up so I can stand on mountains, you raised me up to walk on stormy

there is any advice I can give you

shoulders, you raise me up to more

chase your dreams that came from

caption would revolve around the

chase that dream with every single

mark as the high point of the entire web series as the former president Olusegun Obasanjo makes his acting debut and

having elements of comedy and satire – ultimately making the series a must-

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

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Society Circle L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Isaac Oguntoye

Reversing the Rot in Nigeria by Olusegun Oyegbami

Sade Okoya and Modupe Oguntade’s Secret -

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Otunba Gani Adams takes on Lai Mohammed

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Beneficiaries Commend Goldberg’s Isedowo Initiative in Ekiti

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Society Circle L7

Isaac Oguntoye

Senator Dino Melaye honours

Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi set to celebrates 79th birthday

Amidst series of controversies, Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District is still a man some still want to be identify with. While

Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III popularly called Oba Adeyemi was born on October we gathered will roll out drums come 15th of October, 2017, to celebrate his 79th birthday.

The birthday party will also witnessed Arewa Cultral Festival with a theme; Asa Exhibition.

Popular Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa will be on the bandstand churning out his old and new hit songs. The event according to the organizers will gathered creme-de-la-creme both home and abroad. Iku Baba Yeye as

names and insulting his guts, some brands and notable Nigerians are busy celebrating the embattled politician. Information has it that the articulate senator was honour with an award for his humanitarian supports towards the development and sustainability of his people both home abroad. This award is coming in between a recall process instituted by some of his constituents who in a petition on June 23 called for his removal. The controversial senator has linked his current travails to his consistent criticism of his state governor, Yahaya Bello, whom he fell out with.

Dino

beliefs traditional rulers should be seen as the perfect embodiment of the culture of the place, as well as the synthesis of the aspirations and goals of the nation. This is not only in social values of veracity, egalitarianism, justice and democracy; but in dress, utterances and comportment; even the mere necessary trivialities that mark Nigeria and the locality what he lives for.

What is Zahra Buhari doing Between Bolaji and Ladi Balogun in Aso Rock?

It is no longer news that the state house clinic with a huge budget is in a poor state despite the N3 billion budgeted for the hospital in the 2017 budget all thanks daughter, Zahra who has been ranting on the poor state of the clinic on the social media. This has been generating series of controversy both between the party leaders and the members of the Aso Rock. Now the question on the lips of many is that, what is the skinny fair in complexion daughter of Nigeria President is still doing in Aso Rock?

If you recall, Zahra and Ahmed Idimi tied the nuptial knot in a very simple but classic marriage ceremony which generated a lot buzz in the media.

And according to the culturally resplendent practices, after marriage, the woman leaves her parent and moved into her husband house where they both lives as husband and wife.

In fact some bad belles

Bolaji

Zahra

have started insinuating that both Zahra and her husband, Ahmed have turned Aso Rock to their matrimonial home.

Zahra who is biting more than she can chew by ranting on the poor state of the clinic have started getting backslashes from those she expected to support her

patriotism but turned around to insult and still doing in the state house.

Zahra runs an NGO called ACE which primarily offers free medical care for sickle cell sufferers, while her husband runs his own business.

The joy of every parents especially those who fault tooth and nail to enmass wealth is not just to see their children but to see that their offspring are on track and doing well.

And the passion to see the child grow, develop and able to meet up with his peers becomes their topmost priority.

Without mincing words this notion is what best described what the Boardroom guru and billionaire founder of FCMB, Otunba Subomi Balogun is currently experiencing at the moment.

No doubt, Otunba has a worthy successor in his son, Ladi Balogun whom he said was choRather, they are very supportive.

Unbeknownst to many, Bolaji is the older son of Otunba while Ladi Balogun is the third son and a younger brother to Bolaji.

But the unique thing about the duo is that,

Ladi While Ladi remained, the Group MD/CEO of First City Monument Bank, Bolaji left the family-owned FCMB in 2001 at a time when it was transitioning from a traditional merchant bank into a universal commercial bank startup Chapel Hill in 2005 and went into a merger with Denham in 2008. most investment banking experts and was pivotal to advising and working with the Central Bank of Nigeria in setting up the Assets Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON. While Ladi continue to make the family proud by positioning the bank, FCMB as a major commercial bank that is customer friendly.

Surprisingly, the young maverick capital and money markets moguls were not from the same mother. Bolaji is the son of the late Prof. Oluwale Dorcas Osisanya while Olori Abimbola Balogun

Living & Decor L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Care to have bigger, tighter, firmer butt naturally? Try this A big butt is sexy, feminine and a major turn-on.

the process is to identify your body type and work exercise routine that may not produce the best results for your particular body type.

your body type, another good indicator is where chips automatically equates to a softer stomach or jiggling thighs, chances are these problem areas

Ways to acquire that Butt: 1. Heel Raises: Heel raises are excellent for weights or resistance bands to maintain tension for better muscle growth in the gluts and hamstrings. *Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop towards the ceiling, maintaining a 90-degree angle

*Inhale as you slowly bring the knee back down, Tip: For a more intense workout, do 1 to 2 minutes on one leg, then continue with another 1 to 2 minutes on the same leg, but this time extending is complete, switch legs.

2. Jump Squats: Jump squats are great for gaining strength and burning fat. *To start, slowly lower yourself into a squat making the safe-squat position. *Next, spring up into a straight jump and land in the continuously for 30 seconds.

3. Single Leg Bridges – which are great for your body and build sexy VS model legs. and one leg straight up in the air. *Exhale as you place your weight into the heel aiming to make your body straight from shoulder to and inhale as you slowly return to start position.

Repeat and inhale for 20 repetitions per leg, pulsing at the top for 10 seconds at the end of each set.

tears in the gluteal and surrounding muscle (aka your butt).

At this point our buttocks is in the repair cycle.

It desperately wants the right amount of calories, the right type of healthy foods, and the right healthy mixture of carbs/fat/proteins to ensure the most growth possible. Your body will let you the right type of foods.

Big Booty foods by macro-nutrient sources will need to eat more of to help make her butt bigger. I recommend you try and get a protein of protein per meal and also get a good protein shake to drink after your workouts and possibly in a meal or two.

Some healthy sources of good protein for a bigger butt includes: Eggs, skinless chicken (almonds, cashew), peanut butter, almond butter. breasts, salmon, Tuna, Tilapia, cottage, Vegetables: Vegetables contain tons of anti Legumes(kidney, chick peas), Extra extra lean oxidants, nutrients and other goodies that are essential for a growing body. You can typically eat as much of these as you want without fear: Broccoli,

going is the absolute quickest way to burning fat. rounded goodness.

Foods to eat to get a bigger Butt blasting exercises, your buttocks is now in a position to grow. At this point, there will be tiny microscopic

oats, weetabix, 100% whole grain bread, low sugar breakfast cereal.

Fat: Excess calories and bad foods make you fat, and more prone to getting fat. Healthy sources of good fats are essential and can help to actually

So remember simply start adding, replacing or mixing these healthy food sources into your current diet for making your butt bigger. Healthy foods like these are absolutely essential for laying down the materials to help your butt grow after our booty building exercises.