Dtn 9 1 17

THE

DAILY

TIMES

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

dailytimesng

78.90

80.00

1.39%

GUARANTY

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 273

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

GAINERS AS AT January 6, 2017 GUINNESS

Why Elumelu won Daily Times Nigeria Man of the Year B7

23.47

NSE QUICK BITE 23.54

0.30%

NESTLE

N150

LOSERS AS AT January 6, 2017

810.00 809.00 -0.12%

MOBIL

279.00 265.05

-5.00%

One month to go, Ag CJN’s fate still hangs

Ï Onnoghen serves out 2 months in acting capacity tomorrow Ï President yet to submit name to Senate Ï Constitution gives Ag CJN 3 months only Ï Failure to submit name for confirmation ends career prematurely

Army denies killing 2000 Igbo youths

12

Ibe Uwaleke

ÏÏÏ As the tenure of

the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (ACJN), Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen ends on, February 10, 2017 in acting capacity, stakeholders in the judicial Continued on page 6

FG earmarks N12.6bn to build prisons in 2017 5

Fayose tasks FG to be truthful about Boko Haram 6 SEC releases 12 new guidelines for settlement of securities, bonds

Members of Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign group at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday during a peaceful protest to mark the 1000 days of the abduction of Chibok school girls.

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Private coy 19 partners govt on farm equipment

1000 Days: BBOG group embarks on 7-day march to Aso Rock

12

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

3

4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Page Four

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Alarming incidence of building collapse

T

he rate at which buildings under construction collapse in Nigeria is giving room for concern. No day passes without Nigerians getting to hear of collapsed buildings in one part of the country or other.

Incidentally, most of the collapsed structures are those under construction or even completed with occupants. Much as Nigerians lament the frequency of these tragedies, the authorities seem to be powerless in tackling the frequency of building collapse. Much as these incidences are not spontaneous, the attitude of those responsible for checking their occurrence has become very predictable. That is why contractors, surveyors and town planning authorities involved at one stage or the other in building construction are never contrite whenever such tragedies occur. Rather, they carry on as if those incidents are meant to happen anyway.

Building experts have adduced many reasons for the frequency of building collapse in the country.

Prominent among them are the use of low quality building materials coupled with employment of incompetent artisans and weak supervision of workmen on site. Also, they posit that such tragedies were due to non-compliance with specifications/standards, use of substandard building materials and equipment and the employment of incompetent contractors. Moreover, they point out the non-enforcement of existing laws and endemic poor work ethics of Nigerians at large.

Others are faulty construction methodology, improper design, poor town planning approval/development process and economic pressure.

Some other remote factors include

absence of soil test report, inability to carry out proper land survey, failure by foremen to understand and interpret building codes and lack of coordination between professional bodies in the industry.

We believe it is time the authorities take adequate and concrete steps to stem these incidence in the interests of the country’s reputation, including those unfortunate to find themselves at such spots when tragedies occur. But how serious government at all levels and their agencies take the enforcement of standards, supervision and regulation of building construction nationwide holds the key to stemming the malaise. For example, in 2014, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in response to incessant cases of building-collapse in the country, gave October 1, 2014 as deadline for sand, concrete and allied products manufacturers to comply with new cement and block codes, among others. It is debatable how far the SON has gone in enforcing compliance till today. We therefore call on the authorities to enact a National Building Code and put in place a Construction Industry Commission (CIC), training and retraining of building practitioners and strict adherence to quality building materials according to specifications. Moreover, time has come when we desist from always passing the buck or putting the blame squarely on poor quality cement, fake iron rods, greed of foremen and utter disregard for building and construction laws with intentional neglect for the safety of the occupants to putting in place punitive measures to ensure engineers or architects who supervise the erection of such substandard buildings are made to face the full wrath of the law.

Editor, Daily Rose Moses Deputy General Manager State House/Northern Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh Business Times Editor Andrew Odioko

Deputy Editor, Daily Ken Madueke

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo

News Editor Kelechi C. Ogbamgba

Group Head Commercial & Marketing Konnie Agu 09033765031

Adverts/Partnerships/ Corporate Subscription Peter Akpose 08178780583

Group Political Editor Lateef Ibrahim Sports Editor Andrew Ekejiuba Features Editor Gbubemi God’s Covenent Snr

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (4th left); his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (3rd right); Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga (4th right); Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Priscilla Emehelu (2nd left); President of State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice George Nnamani (left); State Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Engr. George Amalu (2nd left) and some service men during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day service at the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral, Enugu… on Sunday.

Sen. Theodore Orji (right) in a handshake with one of the recipients of his annual scholarship scheme for undergraduates from Abia Central Senatorial Zone, visually impaired, Mr. Mpama Frank Ifeanyi, in Umuahia… at the weekend. With them is Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Group General Manager Olisa Egbunike 08034004224

R-L: Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, Col. Wilberforce Josiah (rtd); Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Speaker, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani and Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, during the inter-denominational service to mark the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the First Baptist Church in Port Harcourt… on Sunday.

Business Development Manager Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Circulation Manager Segun Bamgboye

Ag. Head, Graphics/Design Sunday Gabriel Idagwu

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

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Muhammad Ali

Kanayo O Kanayo

Nelson Mandela

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

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

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

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

5 News

FG earmarks N12.6 bn to build prisons in 2017 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The federal government of Nigeria has allocated a whopping sum of N12,669, 034, 193 billion for the rehabilitation and construction of new prisons in some parts of the country.

The amount is contained in the 2017 budget proposal of the Nigeria Prison Service under the Federal Ministry of Interior .

The ministry also earmarked N7,698,811,673 billion as Special Intervention Fund for North East and Niger Delta.

Available information in the 2017 budget proposal as submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari, indicated that the federal government will construct a 3000-capacity model prison in Kano state at the cost of N6,901,124,560 billion.

Another N4,366,254,120 billion is earmarked for the rehabilitation of prisons/barracks nationwide.

The sum of N1,229,019,555 billion is also budgeted for the rehabilitation of prisons but there was no specification about the location and number of the prison that will be rehabilitated or built.

N172,641,958 million is proposed for the construction of 14 Satellite Prisons/Barracks in Nafad, Bagoro, Kubacha, Tambuwal, Gwaram.

The sum of N28,100,000 million was, also, allocated for the construction/provision of agricultural facilities, while N153,787,485 million is earmarked for rehabilitation and repairs of water facilities in prisons. Prisons Biometrics will gulp N321,633,400 million as proposed in the budget.

Meanwhile, in the 2016 budget, the sum of N3,274,690,590 was allocated for the same rehabilitation of prisons/barracks

nationwide,N4,246,185,880 was earmarked for purchase of motor vehicles, which is also contained in the 2017 budget.

In the budget breakdown, out of the N545,630,780,046 billion total allocation for the ministry in 2017, the Nigeria Prison Service has a total budgeted fund of N72, 341,656,336 billion. The Service has the second highest allocation in the ministry after the Nigeria Police formation, which got N323,180,233,146 billion.

A total sum of N69,466,828,743 billion is also, allocated for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, while

the Nigeria Immigration Service has N54,649,886,517 billion.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano State, will receive N3,526,926,067 billion for 2017 expenditure.

Also, N947,758,035 million and N122,055,275 million were allocated for the Civil Defence, Immigration and Prison Service Board (CIPB) as well as the Customs, Immigration, Prison Pension Office (CIPPO), respectively.

The Federal Ministry of Interior headquarters got N11,932,247,139 billion bring-

ing the total allocation for the ministry and it’s MDAs to N545,630,780,046 for the year 2017 budget.

However, Recurrent (personnel and overhead) expenditure takes the largest chunk of the N482,369,717,560 billion, leaving only N63,261,062,486 billion for capital expenditure.

The sum of N83,647 million is allocated for the purchase of computers while N126. 2 million is for the acquisition of computer softwares and the sum of N23.512 million earmarked for purchasing fire fighting equipment, which was not also specified.

N5,000 stipends: Beneficiaries identified before May 29, 2015 -Presidency Anthony Ailemen, Abuja

ÎÎÎDetails

are emerging on how the Federal Government determined the beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer who are now receiving the N5000 monthly stipends across the nine pilot states.

According to the Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, the nine States are Bauchi, Borno, Cross Rivers, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Osun and Oyo. Akande clarified that reference to Ogun, instead of Osun-among the pilot states- in his last press statement on the issue was a typo.

In his press update on the progress of the Buhari

administration’s Social Investment Programmes, SIP, over the weekend, Akande explained how the Community-Based Targeting, CBT model of the World Bank was used two years ago to identify most of the beneficiaries in the pilot States, as the World Bank is also an active agent in the entire process. But he added that the data collected belongs to Nigeria.

According to Akande, “ there is no way anyone can describe the selection of the beneficiaries of the CCT as partisan as the beneficiaries from eight of the nine pilot States were picked even before this administration came into office.”

“First, the officials at Federal level, working with the State officials, identify the poorest Local Government Areas, using an ex-

isting poverty map for the State, then the LG officials identify the poorest communities in the LGAs and we send our teams there.

The first thing our team does after selection of the LGAs is to select members of the NOA, the LGA and community officials to form the CBT team. Then we train the selected officials on how to conduct Focus Group discussions at community level. These focus groups comprise of women, men, youth, as the community determines.

After training them, the CBT teams now go to each of their communities to sensitize the leaders, including traditional rulers, on the CBT process and the necessity for objectivity and openness in the process. At that meeting, they firm up a date to convene

Weak aviation regulatory agency, poor infrastructure killing Nigeria aviation -Experts Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎ

A former director flight operations with the liquidated Nigeria airways limited, Captain Dele Ore has identified weak aviation regulatory agency as one of the reasons for the gradual collapse of aviation in Nigeria.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Times in Lagos, Capt Ore noted that the country inherited a historical problem, very poor and weak aviation regulatory regime which managers in the sector have failed to change.

Capt Ore, explaind that government policies and interference, lack of infrastructure,

maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities were responsible the serious decline in the aviation sector.

According to Capt. Ore, crisis in the aviation sector in the country became alarming when the Nigeria airways was carelessly liquidated resulting in unemployment adding that since then that the domestic airlines have continued to die.

He noted that the Nigeria airways at the time of liquidation, was an ongoing concern in which its assets were more than its debts stressing, that instead of reviving it, the government went ahead to crumble it leading to the end of training of professionals in the sector while shortage of

manpower became a problem.

The aviation lawyer also noted that the declining rate of the naira has negatively affected the operations of airlines in the country.

Ore condemned the weak regulatory body in the aviation sector saying that the country does not have strong regulatory body in place warning against decline in safety enforcement if not checked.

According to him, the country does not have a hub, no flag carrier to represent Nigeria across the globe but other foreign careers were allowed to operate multiple designations on domestic routes in the name of open skies agreement as a result of government bad policies.

a community meeting at a designated location within the community.

On the set date, discussions are held in the local languages, using terminologies that resonate in that community. The CBT team will explain to the community the purpose of the gathering, i.e. to determine the parameters of poverty upon which persons can be described as poor and vulnerable within the context of that community.

The CBT teams will then engage each group (men,

women and youth) in the conversation around the criteria and parameters for determining the poorest people. The groups would then be encouraged to identify those households that fall within the criteria that the community itself determines, and told that the information is required for government’s planning purposes.

Various poverty criteria have been thrown up so far. In some cases, people have said it’s the number of times they eat, it’s the

number of times the fumes of firewood go up from the house, the size of farmland or type of crops grown, etc.

Then the groups resume in plenary and report back the criteria and parameters discussed.

The CBT team would then compile the criteria and parameters and ask each group to return to their break-out sessions and now begin to identify the households in the community that have been identified as fitting the criteria and parameters.

From the Archives: Josy Ajiboye

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ Öè ƾƠơƣ

One month to go, Ag CJN’s fate still hangs Continued from page 1 circles are worried over the fate of the judiciary in Nigeria if the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court, is thrown into succession crisis by the near refusal of the Presidency to submit Onnoghen’s name to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation.

They described the denial of making Onnoghen the substantive CJN as the ‘’rape of the rule of the Supreme Court’’ from inception, which prescribes that the most senior Justice of the apex court to take over when the incumbent retires.

Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, the immediate past CJN retired on November 10, 2016, the same day Onnoghen was sworn in as CJN by President Mohammadu Buhari in acting capacity after allegedly refusing to forward his name to the Senate for confirmation long after the NJC recommended Onnoghen for confirmation through the President.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) had earlier in 2016 after due consideration of the Council found Onnoghen worthy and competent to take over from Justice Mohammed after November 2016 and subsequently forwarded his name to the Presidency for onward transmission to the Senate for confirmation.

But this is yet to be, as President Buhari chose to swear him in as acting CJN, thereby rewriting the history of the apex court from inception. The three months of his acting tenure will end on February 10, 2017 without renewal as stipulated by the Constitution.

One of the stakeholders, who spoke on this development in an exclusive interview with The Daily Times is a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, a Life Bencher, a member

of the NJC and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba. In his words he expressed disappointment, saying that the non submission of Onnoghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation is ‘’one disappointing happening I cannot explain in the history of the Supreme Court.”

His words: When I said I was disappointed, it is because Onnoghen’s name is yet to be submitted to the Senate for confirmation long after the NJC has forwarded his name to President Buhari to transmit to the Senate.

NJC applied their long standing rule of selecting the most senior justice to replace the retiring CJN. Even though I don’t agree with that rule, but this has been their rule from inception of the court. So the Council applied it in Onnoghen’s case like others

R Ɔ before him and forwarded his name to the President. In the past, after NJC has made its recommendation to the President, it took one or two days for the President to forward the choice

of the NJC to the Senate for confirmation.

“I therefore cannot explain why his own is taking this long to happen. So, there is something wrong with Onnoghen’s confirmation process.”

When he was asked if he could speculate the reason why the President had not submitted Onnoghen’s name for confirmation, he said: I am not given to speculation, so I don’t want to speculate. But I can tell you that there is no reason for the President to withhold his name. All I can say again is that the process of confirmation of Justice Onnoghen as substantive CJN has ‘’K Leg’’.

That his name has not got to the Senate raises a lot of questions, which I can hardly answer.

What I can say is that this type of thing in the history of the Supreme Court has not happened,

whereby the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court was sworn in acting capacity. ‘’The way the Constitution is interpreted, the position of the President or that of a governor is statutory. Once NJC has made a recommendation of a choice of CJN, the President has no reason to decline to complete the process of that choice. In fact, I can confirm to you that statutorily, the NJC recommendation is final, whether it is accepted or rejected by the President or Governor of a state. ‘’So, what I am asking President Buhari now is to come out and tell Nigerians why he has not forwarded the name of Justice Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation. I would like to know. If there is a good excuse, let us know and if there is a bad one, let us know.”

&ƊƈƐƈ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè ƕ 0 ƕ Ɔ æƌƈƗƗƋƆçè ƆƋƍƈ Ɛ ƍƑƐ ƑƐ Ə ƈ ƇƈƏƆ ƈ ƍƆƐƏ Ƌ Ɛ Ɛƈ Ɛ ƊƑƏƆ ` Ɨè LƑ Ƅ Ƅ ƏƆ Ƈ Ɨ é&ƊƈƐƈČ dƑ Ɨ ƕê

Fayose tasks FG to be truthful about Boko Haram Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has commiserated with families of the army captain and five other soldiers reportedly killed Sunday by Boko Haram insurgents during an attack on the Nigeria Army Brigade in Buni Yadi, Yobe state, calling on the federal government to stop deceiving Nigerians with stories of defeat of Boko Haram insurgency and return of Chibok girls.

The governor, who main-

tained that the ongoing war against the Boko Haram insurgents could only be won through truthful information by the federal government and cooperation of all Nigerians, asked; “If indeed Boko Haram was already defeated, where are those suicide bombings and attacks coming from?”

In a release issued on Sunday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; “Nigerians are faced with many wars now, Boko Haram is just one of

them and it is worrisome that we are not being told the truth about anything.

“It is like a patient telling his doctor that nothing is wrong with him. How will such patient be treated?”

He said it was funny that the federal government was celebrating the recovery of what they called Boko Haram flag as a sign of defeat of the insurgents while more daring attacks were being made by the same Boko Haram against the army, killing our gallant soldiers.

“The reality is that insecurity

has increased in Nigeria more than President Muhammadu Buhari met it. Herdsmen have even killed more Nigerians than Boko Haram in the last one year while hundreds have died through extrajudicial killings by security agencies,” the governor said.

Speaking on the 21 Chibok girls, said to have been rescued, Governor Fayose maintained that the real story behind the Chibok girls’ abduction will be told one day.

He said the federal government must have to tell Nigeri-

ans why the 21 rescued Chibok girls have not returned to their families since last year October.

“Have you ever seen anyone that will be in captivity for that long and won’t be eager to reunite with his or her family two months after regaining freedom?

“If the girls are truly Chibok girls, their freedom must be total. They must also be allowed to tell their own stories.

“However, as it appears, the girls may have moved from one captivity to another,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

7 News

servicemen are not allowed to suffer,” he said, and lauded security personnel for their efforts are promoting peace across the country.

Speaking in a sermon earlier, President of First Baptist Church, Rivers State Conference, Rev. Benjamin Avor, called on Nigerians to live their lives in ways that would promote peace. In a message entitled: “Raising Stones of Remembrance in Honour of Our Heroes,”

Rev. Avor advised that bridges of peace should be built to honour those who fought for the country.

The inter-denominational service was attended by Service Commanders, Ex-servicemen, Commissioners, lawmakers, and Judges of the High Court where prayers were said for the fallen heroes and their surviving families, Nigerian Legion, and Servicemen.

Gambian Impasse: Buhari to host West Tony Ailemen, Abuja

ÏÏÏ President Muhammadu Buhari

will today, Monday, host four other West African leaders to a meeting aimed at avoiding violence and preserving democracy in The Gambia.

Buhari, and the immediate past President of Ghana, John Mahama as Mediator and Co-Mediator respectively, have also been mandated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure the safety of the President-elect, Adama Barrow and ensure a peaceful handover of power on January 19.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the meeting in Abuja is a follow up to the one in Accra on the sidelines of the inauguration of Ghanaian President on Saturday.

At the meeting, West African leaders expressed their readiness of the sub-region to continue the pursuit of dialogue with the leaders of The Gambia.

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ Nyesom Wike, the governor of

Rivers State, has suggested a more comprehensive reward package for servicemen and legionnaires to encourage them to always make sacrifices for the country.

The governor who was speaking during an Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark the 2017 Armed Forces and Remembrance

Day Celebration at the First Baptist Church, Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt, said that the present day annual ritual for servicemen and legionnaires was not enough motivation.

“It is important that the Federal Government takes a second look to keep families of servicemen and ex-servicemen going. I urge that steps be taken to make sure that the families left behind by the ex-

Tunde Bakare wants 36 states scrapped Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly and Convener, Save Nigeria Group (SNG) Pastor Tunde Bakare yesterday examined Nigeria’s social, economic and political landscapes, to test the solidity of its value pillars, to interrogate its spiritual foundations, and to envision its future.”

In a live broadcast transmitted by television stations and print media yesterday midway into the Sunday service at the end time Church situated on Akilo Road, Ogba, Ikeja in Lagos, the radical Abeokuta born lawyer and cleric, known for his passion for the Nigerian state, focused on the centrality of vision to development, the inherent flaws in Nigeria’s structure, and sustainable solutions to our social, economic and political challenges with the theme: Looking into the future with the eyes of faith.

While acknowledging that every home and nearly every business in Nigeria is affected one way or the other by the present economic situation, President Muhammadu Buhari, presented the annual budget to a Joint Session of the National Assembly. The budget was based on a Medium Term Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

The hues and cries for restructuring in our nation appear not to have been well received by this present government. The inquisitive may ask: “Why must we restructure?” We must restructure to correct the flaws in our federal system. A federated state is defined as “a territorial and constitutional community forming part of a federal union.” In a true federal system, previously sovereign states agree to confer their individual sovereignties on a central government. In other words, the states create the federal government, as was the case with the original thirteen American colonies. This was also the case when the Nigerian federal system was originally conceived by our founding fathers.

Former Governor of Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva (2nd right) in a group photograph after his conferment with the title of “Ikemba-1” of Enugu-Ukwu and Umunri, in Anambra State... at the weekend

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose

has criticised the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government over its recent law which he said has “tampered” with the administration of churches in Nigeria by making General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s Pastor, Enoch Adeboye to step aside as the head of the church in Nigeria.

Fayose who criticised the law, warned that the government must thread softly on this path to avoid tragedy of monumental proportion on them, added that the same regulatory law would soon make other clerics like Pastor Williams Kumuyi to retire as their church head in the country.

Speaking during the 53rd birthday thanksgiving service of his wife, Mrs. Feyisetan Olayemi Fayose, held at the governor’s office chapel, in Ado-Ekit, State chapter, Fayose said: “There is one thing every government must not do, the moment you face the church

Fayose criticises FG policy on churches administration ....says God’s judgment awaits buhari’s govt of God, you will fail. The God of Adeboye, Kumuyi will bring down all the enemies in this government.

“Somebody must tell them, there are certain things you don’t do. They are going from frying pan to fire. This government wants to subdue the church, God will subdue them. They are ridiculing leaders of the church, God will rubbish them. The same church they had deceived to get power, they are saying that we now have the ring, who will remove it from our hand, the Lord will cut off the hand that wears the ring.

“APC is behaving in this way, But God is the creator of the ring and the hand, God will amputate the hand.

Ayo Fayose is anointed of God. I have warned and I’m still warning, take

your hands away from the administration of churches, you are killing Christians, The Lord will rise against you.

By rising against the church, this government has failed. Anyone that rises against God will fail. By using Laws against the church, they have started to crumble. “ Christians are being slaughtered in Southern Kaduna and noble men cannot talk because of fear of incarceration. Remember you are here today, tomorrow you would not be here again. We must condemn what is happening here today, “ he said.

Also his wife, Mrs. Fayose while speaking earlier disclosed that God needs her husband, Fayose in Nigeria, adding that she stopped praying

to God to remove her husband’s heart from politics when God revealed to her in 206 that He needed him (Fayose) in Nigeria.

She said to her husband: “The Lord will reward, He will stand by you. You are going higher and I’ll be beside. I’ll still remain the same person. God has said it and it will never fail. When I was praying to God to remove politics in my husband’s heart. God told me in 2006.

He said leave that man.

“I need him in Nigeria. I ask when and how and when but he said don’t ask me. But I’s taking him higher. God indeed is really watching over me. I want to be praising God and to be watching my enemies falling, and all haters of Fayose and his govt falling.” She added.

News 8 Lagos to train 1000 facilitators for adult literacy project Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ The Lagos state government through the Agency for Mass Education has announced plans to commence training of 1,000 facilitators for the State’s adult literacy programme christened ‘Eko Nke Koo’ (Lagos is Learning).

The Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, in a statement on Friday, said the training, which is the first of its series, is aimed at equipping facilitators with the necessary skills required to train adults, adding that the first batch of the training will run from January 10 to 11, 2017.

The ‘Eko Nke Nkoo’ (Lagos is Learning) project was launched in 2016 as part of the commitment of Governor Ambode’s administration to increase the State’s literacy level from 87 percent to 95 percent by the year 2019.

According to Bank-Olemoh, the first batch of 250 new facilitators will be trained in January and another set of 250 in February, while the remaining 500 would be trained in March.

While alluding to the decision of government to train the facilitators, Bank-Olemoh said training and capacity development remained a very integral part of the programme, assuring that government was committed to the success of the initiative.

He said that to achieve the set goals of increasing access for adult learners and growing the retention rates, the State Government initiated partnerships with religious organizations as well as NGOs, market and mechanic associations, and private sector partners all in a bid to scale up the number of literacy centres across the State from the current 532 centres to 1,000 in 2017.

Already, the Special Adviser disclosed that identified organizations have expressed commitment to join hands with the State by providing spaces in markets, mechanic villages and religious centres for the tutelage of adult learners.

Bank-Olemoh, who disclosed that the centres would double as learning centres for the literacy programme and vocational centres for adults seeking to acquire marketable skills for greater functionality, said participating associations have also promised to encourage their members to enroll in the programme.

Giving further details, Bank-Olemoh said: “The upcoming training is a two-day intensive training which will focus on topics including: Understanding adult learners; qualities and roles of a good literacy facilitator; enhancing adult’s motivation to learn; and literacy teaching methods, techniques and approaches among others. Upon completion of the training, the trainees will join the existing 486 facilitators already in the system.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday broke its silence on last week’s dismissal of six police men attached to Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, of insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians by alleged selective prosecution of the affected officers.

The chairman of the party, Chief Felix Obuah, said in a statement yesterday that the remark of the IGP that the dismissed Police officers were engaged in professional misconduct was unacceptable, arguing that the dismissed officers were statutorily mandated to protect Governor Wike who was the Chief Security Officer of the State.

Chief Obuah, in the statement

Dismissal of 6 police officers: Rivers PDP accuses IGP of bias signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jerry Needam, and made available in Port Harcourt on Sunday further challenged the IGP to explain to Nigerians the status of the legion of Policemen, SARS, and Army officers who accompanied Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Dakuku Peterside, Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, Derrick Mene, and other APC chieftains, including Akin Fakorede and other policemen allegedly caught on video at Collation Centers.

He argued that the IGP’s statement in justifying his sacking of the six police officers did not stand the test of

reason, wondering why those policemen, soldiers, and SARS personnel who accompanied Rotimi Amaechi and Dakuku Peterside to the same Port Harcourt City Local Government Secretariat have not been sacked and tried for alleged professional misconduct.

The PDP, therefore, described the dismissal of the six police officers attached to Governor Nyesom Wike as the height of injustice, adding that the alleged humiliation of the officers, which was beamed on national television, clearly showed that the police authorities allegedly acted the

script of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who were not favored by the outcome of the just concluded Rivers re-run election on December 10, 2016.

The party berated the police for allegedly allowing itself to be used in what he called a show of shame and lamented that “those reckless actions by the Police is the product of the politics of desperation as institutionalized by the APC,” warning that “these spates of brigandage against Nigerians could plunge the country into chaos and ruin the nascent democracy, if not checked.”

Ex-Governor of Niger state, Kure, dies at 60 in German hospital Saka Bolaji, Minna

A cross section of market women, non-governmental organisations on the streets celebrating the defeat of Boko Haram by the Nigerian Army in Abuja… at the weekend.

Kaduna killings: Rivers CAN leaders protest, call on PMB to end genocide Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ Hundreds of

Christian clerics under the auspices of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday staged a peaceful protest to the Government House, Port Harcourt, demanding an end to the Southern Kaduna killings.

The protesters were received at the Government House, Port Harcourt, by the representative of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Chief of Staff, Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke, where the Christian leaders presented a letter for President Buhari to the representative of the governor, asking him to transmit same to the President.

In an address on behalf of the Rivers State CAN, Primate ICT Anyanasikike called on President Muham-

madu Buhari to end the genocide in Southern Kaduna, urging him to rise and confront the hydra-headed monster of Islamic Jihadists.

The clerics further urged the Federal Government to declare a national day of mourning in the nation, saying: “Let Mr. President allay the fears of the people in the current imbalance which clearly exists in the appointments of security personnel, agencies, and managers of national security.”

They called on the Federal Government to begin the process of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of affected communities in Southern Kaduna. The Rivers CAN also called for the restoration of all the villages occupied by the Islamic fundamentalists and compensation paid to victims.

Responding, the governor’s representative assured the Rivers CAN leaders that their letter would get to the President and urged them to remain peaceful, pointing out that development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

He said that Governor Wike’s administration would continue to promote religious harmony through its programmes.

“I thank you for your peaceful disposition in the course of your procession. I have received this message on behalf of the governor and the message will be passed to the President.

Let me also assure you that Governor Wike believes in one indivisible Nigeria. He believes in the rule of law and the freedom of association that is why in Rivers State, there is no disharmony in terms of religion. “

ÏÏÏ The political landscape of Niger state was on Sunday evening thrown into mourning when the news of the death of third civilian governor of the state, Engineer Abdulkhadir Abdullahi Kure spread line a wide fire.

Former Governor Kure was said to have died at the age of 60 in Germany Sunday afternoon where he was flown to 3 weeks ago for medical attention.

According to the former Chief Press Secretary to the former governor, Muhamud Abdullahi, who confirmed the death, Kure was taken to Germany for kidney related sickness and had been at the hospital for the past three weeks.

Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi said arrangement was already being made by the family to bring the remains of the former governor to the country for burial.

Born on February 26, 1956, late Governor Kure survived by wife Senator Zaynab Kure, 6 children four boys and two girls.

He was the Director of Engineering Services in the Federal Capital Territory before joining politics in 1998 where he contested the governorship of the state.

Late Governor Kure was a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became its Governor in Niger state for two terms between 1999-2011.

After leaving office former governor Kure became a member of the Board of trustees of the party, a position he held until his death.

Late Abdulkhadir Kure was a member of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP. A devastated state chairman of the PDP Alhaji Tanko Beji described the incident “as sad” adding that “we cannot query God.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Politics

9

s

Southern Kaduna killings: How Gov El-rufai’s comments escalate killings

Mathew Dadiya Abuja

In recent times the Southern part of Kaduna state popularly known as the Southern Kaduna has been under severe attacks and killing of the natives in a systematic approach by alleged Fulani herdsmen in which over 808 people have been killed, 1,422 houses, 16 churches, 19 shops, and about two primary school destroyed, since the attacks began.

These attacks, which have been described by many as a calculated move by the Fulani jihadists to annihilate the Southern Kaduna people and take over their ancestral land, was alleged to have gained momentum with the coming to power of President Muhammadu Buhari and Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El-rufai as governor of the state respectively.

A lot of sad and disturbing events have happened to the Southern Kaduna people and their minds are troubled.

But El-rufai had in one of his earlier comments justifying the killings, said “…For southern Kaduna, we didn’t understand what was going on and we decided to set up a committee under Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) to find out what was going on there. What was established was that the root of the problem has a history starting from the 2011 post-election violence. Fulani herdsmen from across Africa bring their cattle down towards middle belt and southern Nigeria. The moment the rains start around March, April, they start moving them up to go back to their various communities and countries.

“Unfortunately, it was when they were moving up with their cattle across Southern Kaduna that the elections of 2011 took place and the crisis trapped some of them. Some of them were from Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Mali and Senegal. Fulanis are in 14 African countries and they traverse this country with the cattle.

So many of these people were killed, cattle lost and they organised themselves and came back to revenge…”

Contrary to Governor El-rufai’s claims, the people of Southern Kaduna said that the attack and killings by the Fulani herdsmen started in Takad communities in 2013, which was said to have nothing to do with the 2011 post-election crises and reprisals. According to a source, the crisis was triggered when one Darusa Kaka was killed in his farmland in the Mafang hills

by Fulani herdsmen. Again, the attacks and killings in Bondon, Moro’a Chiefdom had nothing to do with reprisals.

The carnages that began in Ninte community of Jema’a LGA and which spread to the other communities in the local government area up to the most recent in Goska, had nothing to do with reprisals. The attacks and killings in Ninte village were triggered as a result of the poor management of a fight between a Fulani youth and a Ninzom youth. The attacks and killings in Chawai Chiefdom of Kauru LGA also had nothing to do with 2011 post-election violent crises and reprisals. Again, the migrant

Buhari

Fulani herdsmen were not attacked or killed in the 2011 post-election violence in these communities.

After the attacks and killings in Godogodo, and the recent protest in Kafanchan town shortly before the Goska hit, the governor held the usual weekly state security council meeting in the chambers of Jema’a local government secretariat, Kafanchan, which the people described as cosmetic and tantamount to treating the symptom and not the ailment.

According to Mr. James Kanyip, the gravity of the violent crises in Southern Kaduna requires much more attention than holding state security council meetings in Kafanchan.

The attacks and killings in Gidan Waya, for instance, took place after the state security council meeting that succeeded the Godogodo attacks. He maintained that finding out the root causes of the crises will require deep forensic inquiries.

He expressed disappointment with the state governor, saying, in the heat of violent crises, attacks and killings, a leader is supposed to exercise the highest level of restraint and temperance. He is supposed to tolerate and placate his people, especially the victims, not to provoke them the more. Peace building and securing of lives and property of the people require some diplomatic approach to issue towards attaining reconciliation, he said. According to him, the people cannot dialogue under tough talks and threats from the same person calling for the dia-

el-Rufai

logue. “They have to feel free to speak. Where that freedom to speak is threatened, the truth may never be ascertained,” he argued.

He went further to remind that where the above situation prevails, the fate of the victims is usually hanging on a precarious balance of uncertainty. They are homeless; they have lost their loved ones: spouses, children, youths and the aged; their children are wandering and cannot go to school; all their property and stored food have been lost in these carnages; they cannot farm and do some other jobs; they have become unbearable burden to their relations and friends in the neighbouring communities. Compensation and resettlement from the government are not visibly forthcoming, he explained.

In a telephone interview with the Daily Times on Sunday, Mr. Reuben Buhari, a former media aide to late Governor of the state, Patrick Yakowa, and one of the outspoken persons in Southern Kaduna, said the government has the capacity to halt the killings but lacks the will to doing so.

According to Mr. Buhari, there is no sincerity in what they are doing. By virtue of the fact that the governor has made some contradictory statements regarding these killings, he has denied himself the right or he has forfeited the right t be a vanguard of those who would look for solution to these killings.

He said:”Now he (Governor El-rufai) started by saying that the assassins are foreign herds-

men. But the documentary evidence does not support that because he (El-rufai) said it started between the 2011 crises in which there is no documentary evidence.

“In fact, we came out to say that it’s a lie. Then he now came out again to say that the people doing the killings are bandits. And the next time he spoke, he alleged that even Niger Delta militants were preparing to disguise themselves as Fulani and kill the people of Southern Kaduna.

“By giving these three contradictory statements, which we regard as very suspicious and we are saying the governor of Kaduna state doesn’t have what it takes to solve this crisis.

If you look at the way he had been going about solving the crisis, he has refused to agree that this is a problem; he has refused to see the crisis as a threat. Rather, he has been on a blame game, blaming one group or the other. He has even blamed some opposition in the state, he has blamed some religious leaders, he has blamed the elders of Southern Kaduna for the crisis but he has not blame the Fulani herdsmen that are doing the killings. He has not!

“He has gone round and round blaming every single person that he perceived as enemy.

Nonetheless, he also proffered a solution to the ongoing killings, saying, “what does it take to solve the crisis? It is very simple, bring in the military personnel and take them to the bushes where these Fulani herdsmen are and comb

Continued on page 10

10 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

El-rufai accused of bias, lack of capacity to solve crisis Continued from page 9

them. That is just it.

Why we are suspicion of so many things is that when it comes to the issue of Southern Kaduna, committees are being formed but when the issue of cattle bandits and bandits in Birnin Gwari, no committee was formed.

The government simply mobilized the army and they went there and flushed them. Again, when the issue of cattle rustling came up in Zamfara state, the president himself wore military khaki, went there and inaugurated a task force specifically. But in Southern Kaduna, where human beings are being killed for years, nobody has said anything. If not for the fact that people outside Kaduna started talking about these killings, this is how it would have continued. And to tell you that the man is not in a very good position to solve this crisis, look at the curfew that has been placed on Kafanchan (Jema’a LGA), Kaura and Zango Kataf local government areas; what was it for? It was simply because the people demonstrated in the streets about the killings in the area.

“The curfew is not meant to stop the killings; if it were, we would not have had the attack on Goska community on the eve of Christmas, that is, on December 24, 2016. That attack took place under a 24-hour curfew, despite the military presence in the area.

So, for us, honestly speaking, the capacity of El-rufai to actually and successfully solve this crisis has a lot of suspicion around it. We don’t think he has what it takes to solve the crisis because he has not shown the genuine willingness to solve the crisis. Rather, his actions and everything have portrayed him as a bias mediator in this crisis,” Buhari said.

The village head of Bakin Kogi in Kagoma chiefdom, Mallam Dantata Adamu, however, called for deployment of more security personnel across the nook and crannies of the southern part of the state, warning, “With the continued killings of innocent people, it is still dangerous to allow the situation to continue.”

He advises that dialogue remains the best option to find a lasting solution to the incessant massacre of Christians in their homeland.

Meanwhile the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s silence over the ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna in the last few weeks as official endorsement of the dastardly and ungodly acts.

The National General Secretary of CAN, Rev (Dr.) Musa Asake, described the recent defence by Buharia’s special adviser on media, Mr. Femi Adesina, that he (Buhari) has received briefing from the Kaduna state governor over the matter, as unacceptable because the presidency knows that the people of the affected area had already protested against the governor’s unacceptable biased in handling of the continuous killings.

He said, ‘While we commend President Buhari for waging the war against Boko Haram fundamentalists since his assumption of office, his silence over the on-going genocide in the last few weeks speaks volume over the perceived official endorsement of the dastardly and ungodly acts.

Although the Presidency last week in a statement, reveal that President Buhari has been working to check the spate of violence, Dr. Asake said, “The current unprecedented onslaught against Christians in southern Kaduna by the Islamic fundamentalists disguising as Fulani herdsmen under the watch of Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai and President Muhammadu Buhari has reached an alarming stage.”

Women protest killings

CAN also called for a review of appointment of security institutions in the country to ensure a balance of Muslim and Christian representation, pointing out that it had earlier flayed the imbalance in the appointments.

While the Christian clerics put the blame of the killings squarely on the state government, the National Council of Imams and Ulamas asked Governor El-Rufai to fish out and prosecute persons involved in the killings, declaring that “the crisis will never stop until those behind it are brought to book.”

The Islamic clerics suggested that ensuring prosecution of those involved in the wanton killings would serve as deterrence to other criminally-minded people in the state.

Dr. John Danfula, a human right activitist, who also spoke with our reporter, describes the attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna as “an expansionists programme hatched by local forces and well executed by foreign mercenaries.”

He said their sole goal is to dislodge the natives of Southern Kaduna and take over their farmlands for grazing and settlement purposes.

More so, discovery of Nikel in the area, he said, must have heightened what he described as heinous and dastardly acts against humanity.

Dr. Danfulani alleged that the Hausa/Fulani simply want to dislodge the people so that when the exploration and exploitation of the mineral resource starts fully, they will claim ownership of such fields and automatically benefit from royalties attached to it.

“Basically, these are the two economic reasons behind the killings. But there are still people advancing their course. There is still the fact that it’s an agenda by the Hausa/Fulani movement to totally dissipate or down size the number of Christians in Southern Kaduna.

“If you look at it very well, Southern Kaduna is the only enclave in the entire Northwest that is Christian dominated. Somehow, they are postulating that their intention is to completely wipe out the Southern Kaduna people so that it will be fully annexed and taken over by the powers that be in the Northwest. But I lend my

emphasis to the economic reasons. I seem to buy that argument more because there are empirical facts, the other one might not stand any empirical assessment.”

Elaborating on the foreign forces that are used to carry out the killings, Danfula noted “in the first week of December, Governor Nasiru El-rufai addressed the world, telling them that he has identified link and has negotiated with the killers of people in Southern Kaduna; and that those killers are from Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Senegal and Mali.

“So, by that confession and as somebody who has known it all, it quenched the ding-dong of whether they are local or foreign forces because we have the governor, who is the chief security officers coming out to accept the fact that he has met with them and they have negotiated some deals and that he has paid compensation.

Now it is very clear that they are foreigners.”

On the argument by the Inspector General of Police that the casualty figures released recently by the Catholic Church in Kafanchan were not reliable, Danfula explained that the Church has more reputation than the Nigerian Police because the church is closer to the people than the police.

“I think the Catholic Church is even magnanimous in their figures because nobody can tell you that lives lost in Southern Kaduna are not above 1,500. Don’t forget also that the attack in Gondong village alone claimed over 200 lives and this thing has been going on for long,” he added.

Reacting to a statement credited to the state governor, Hassan Mohammed, a security and public affairs analyst said it is criminal to teach people not to defend themselves when they are the constant victims of brutal attacks.

According to Mohammed, when a governor says those killing people and butchering children in Southern Kaduna are “foreigners”, that means Nigeria is at war in Southern Kaduna. It is not just the direct victims of the attacks in Kogi, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Zamfara and Southeast, Nigeria is at

war, if as said, the attackers are foreigners.

Mohammed said: “When the governor also said that those killing same people in Southern Kaduna are Niger Delta militants, then one or two other issues are at play. It is either we have local and foreign enemies killing people in Southern Kaduna, in which case it is worse, a case of foreign invasion and domestic terrorism; or that the governor lied or does not know what is going on.

That defines the case “when the governor is said to have described the protesting women, most of whom are now widows or have lost their children, parents and relations as “Fasikai”, as he ignores the physical and emotional trauma that influenced their response to the federal and state governments inactions; when he ignores that they are a frustrated people, who are losing loved ones in droves; when he is ready to go head on with the full force of our security apparatus to attack rustlers to protect cows, but is “helpless” as humans die and others suffer the pain of losing loved ones... When he (Gov El-rufai) admitted to paying ransom or compensation to some people while others are massacred, the same El-rufai that on April 26, 2013 (3:34pm) said in response to the payments of stipends by the government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to militants that; ‘any society that responds to crimes by forgiving and bribing the criminals will inevitably create large contingent of criminal wannabes.’

And now he is admitting to doing same thing he criticized three and a half years ago!

“When the same governor says asking people to protect and defend themselves from being massacred at night in their villages while they sleep is promoting hate but those that swore oath to protect these villages refused to act....The President will not even speak to condole or acknowledge the genocide.

“When a government spokesman, either because he is incompetent or is ‘sabotaging’ the president says his boss needs not address the victims of murder, maiming, arson, when at the slightest opportunity, he will speak of killing and terrorist acts in Europe and other parts of the world....

Hassan argued that “When all these happen to a people and government does nothing or prioritize the wrong things, then the people must protect themselves, even if it means they will all die in the process. It is better to die on your feet than on your knees. Arm yourselves with knives, cudgels, cutlasses, guns etc and protect yourselves.

“If you come up here with the wicked and insensitive argument that they should not defend themselves, then you are not only heartless, you are worse than those attacking them.

You have to be the personification of evil to argue that people of Kogi, Benue, Southern Kaduna should not organize and defend themselves against genocidal terrorists but Northeast should have a civilian JTF,” he fumed.

He carpeted both the federal and state government saying, “Sending the police force, military, helicopters and gunships to save and protect cows in one part of the state, while in another part of the state, people are dying of genocide at the hands of ‘foreign invaders’ and/or local militia, is the dumbest and wicked decision anyone will make.”

Security experts however say that attitude of security agents deployed to Southern Kaduna had been comical, saying that they always arrive the scenes of attacks and killings after the deed had been done. And instead of going after the attackers, they would arrest the victims and parade them as the attackers to the full glare of television cameras and social media .

Interview

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

s

11

Offshore investors must respect indigenous operators –Nwosu Despite the falling share prices in the capital market, a market operator and the immediate past National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, ISAN,Sir Sunny Nwosu, says in this interview with Femi Ganiyu and Adeyemi Akeem, that local investors deserve respect from their foreign counterparts. Excerpts.

As a stakeholder in the Nigerian capital market, can you take an overview of the market in recent time?

The market today when compared with the previous year, for instance, 2008/2009, we had a very serious downturn in the market.

The difference between them was that we had too much shares in the capital market; between 2008/2009, we were not in recession. That is the deference between the present time and that period, because, now, we are in recession, and when you are in recession, you have little buying power with the little cash in your hands.

And when you also take it along with declining value of our currency over other currencies, particularly the US Dollar, we are face with a great challenge, and so, it reduced the foreign exchange coming in to the country.

As a result, the exchange rate of the Naira went up to a discouraging point, such that, there is no money in the hand of people. Definitely, people would want to sell what they have, unlike the other time when people were actually investing because of the volume of funds in the market place.

Most of the quoted companies have were affiliated to foreign countries, they are technical partners, and it has affected the share price, it has discouraged the people from buying shares, because when you put the little money you have in share today and tomorrow share price comes down, your investment will reduce.

It’s a spiral thing that creates fear in people from bringing out what they have to invest, because we still believed that capital market has more margin than placing your money in the banks. Today, banks give between 4 - 3 per cent interest, not even up to savings, but volume. Whereas, in a normal economic situation, the market itself, e.g., a share I don’t want to mention its name, gives N1.25 kobo daily, which the bank cannot give. The difference is clear.

What about top shares?

Top shares have actually reduced in values, there is one that was about N3.00, then, it was N66.00; there is no future in this and people don’t want to take in too much money because the next day, it may come down, and when it comes down, you are losing two things: transaction fee and commission, and if at the end of the day you want to sell back, you are still going to pay transaction fee, as a result of this, price will be coming down because nobody is asking for this share again, so, the past was much better than what we are going through now.

When the economy reflows itself, it will be better, because from recession to depression will be the worst for the economy, but we can see government is doing what they can, to remove economy from recession.

What is the way out of this economic challenge?

Government should understand that they have to put more money into the system, and that is the only way people can have more money to push the economy out of recession. If the government fails to do that, individual will not have the kind of money that will bring us out of recession.

Every aspect of the economy will require the government to bring some talented people to help and

Nwosu

bring it out and those with the needed talents should actually go to some of the quoted companies who are suffering in getting foreign exchange to get raw materials to produce whatever they want.

Taxation Reduction of taxation is very necessary to encourage people on regulatory penalties, that is what they need to do because what they are doing right now is to further create hardship to the companies, because everyone is now saying whether the company makes profit or not, they must pay tax. There is need for government to look at that way and give them tax holiday such that they will not sack anybody, because if they don’t have money, they cannot employ, rather, they will reduce workers, and that will still not increase the salary of the remaining workers, as they are all managing to exist.

However, if government takes care of that, it will now affect the capital market, because there will be money for people to bid.

Mind you, if you have so many people chasing one share, the price will go up, but if it’s few people, nobody will care about it, and the price will be coming down.

The capital market is down and that is a clear testimony of the market as of today.

What about offshore operators in the market, how do they fare?

For the offshore operators in the market, ours is an emerging market. That’s why people come from off-

shore to buy up shares knowing fully well that at the end of the day, they will make more profit and invest the other side. When an offshore man drops on share in Nigeria, an average retail shareholder will say there must be something he sees while he didn’t see anything; so it is better for him to also dump, and when the coast is clear, then we can re-buy.

We have been telling them (foreign operators) that when the stock exchange was established between 1960 and 1961, it was meant for Nigerians, the offshore people are only throwing little shares that were traded; like Guinness. It’s we, Nigerians that have been keeping the engine of the stock exchange running; and, therefore, there must be more respect for us.

Nigerians are not fools; they will be bringing out their money and the question of saying the capital market is the parameter of measuring the economy of Nigeria is not there; what is the percentage of investment and that’s why those who are supposed to list their shares are not listing them, because by the time they list them, Nigerians would be asking them questions; whereas, when the offshore people ask them, they will answer them quickly.

However, we have told them several times to change their attitude and have respect for their retail shareholders; everything is not all about grammar! The money that is used to invest in the capital market does not speak English language alone, it speaks our indigenous languages too, so you must make sure you communi-

We have been telling them (foreign operators) that when the stock exchange was established between 1960 and 1961, it was meant for Nigerians, the offshore people are only throwing little shares that were traded; like Guinness. It’s we, Nigerians that have been keeping the engine of the stock exchange running; and, therefore, there must be more respect for us.

cate with the grassroots people to understand what you are doing there.

Nigeria also needs to reduce penalties because that is actually crippling the whole thing. For instance, when somebody quotes on exchange and you penalise him/her one million Naira, which is enough to expand his business.

Whereas, infractions can be handled, not when you give the penalty that will cripple the entire system.

Looking at the government policy, to what extent do you think this government can take Nigeria out of the woods?

Concession itself has nothing to do with shareholders. Concession is between the government and the concessionaire. They sign a very close agreement that will give you an institution to manage for this period of time, and what to be paying into the government’s cover.

On the other hand, the person will be told to pay this or that percentage of the fund to the government.

What happened during Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s, (retd) time was that government took side by setting up a shareholder’s association, that was the way they took side in it; and they made sure that the transaction went on there; any other person outside the shareholders’ association they set up could not get up to the governing board on the ground.

What they needed to do in privatization was to throw out a share and put it in capital market; let there be an issuing house to advertise it so that anybody who wishes to buy will buy; but they were being careful. I noticed that they don’t want any state to have more shares, but you can only take a horse to the stream, you cannot force it to drink water.

Can you tell us your achievement so far and your future endeavor?

So far so good, ISAN has proved to be the number one shareholder association in the whole of Africa and beyond. I am very happy that what we started as one man, ended up having thousands of people and millions of supporters. When ISAN speaks, 10 million people listen and it’s very joyful.

I’m leaving because ISAN criticized a lot of responsible leaders and we said that we cannot be criticizing and remain on the same line.

Six years ago, we introduced succession plan and the application of what has happened and implementation of it; I’m so happy to tell everyone that leaving office as national coordinator does not mean that I’m not available to the market and to the media as well, because I started my life in The Daily Times for whatever position, but I find that to be a molding stage of my life, so I will never forget the media sector of our country, because it has helped me; it has shaped my life.

We have the education sector, which is called ISAN, Universal Academy and other areas that are purely business-oriented; investment and property for rent and also we have 10 hectares of land at Ikorodu, which will be developed by investment and property company with a rent agreement from ISAN, the mainframe that owns the property, because, it’s not meant to be shared among ISAN members, but just an investment to create an ISAN town.

News 12 Army denies killing 2000 Igbo youths

Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ The Nigeria Army has denied the claim by Campaign for Democracy (CD) accusing it of “mass killing of Igbo youth.”

In a statement made available to Daily Times by Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Enugu, Colonel Sagir Musa, the army described the report as “unjustified and over flogged accusation.”

The statement reads in full: “The attention of Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has again been drawn to an unjustified, invidious and over flogged accusation, this time, by the Campaign for Democracy (CD) of “Mass killings of Igbo Youths by the Nigerian Army”. This allegation is contained in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, CD in Onitsha, Anambra State and published by an online publication and social media platform.

“In the statement, the CD claimed that “No fewer than 2000 Igbo Youths had been killed by the Nigerian Army under the guise of Rules of Engagement”. Recall that recent publications by Amnesty International also indicted Nigerian Security Forces in the “killing of No Fewer Than 150 Peaceful Pro Biafra Protesters”, “Military Killed 150 Pro-Biafra Protesters – Amnesty” and “Biafra: We Lost 2,000 members not 150 says MASSOB, IPOB” in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

The army noted that these story lines are referring to the encounter between the Nigerian Army and MASSOB/IPOB protesters between August 2015 and August 2016. All these have been severally thoroughly refuted in many media platforms by the Nigerian Army and it is the same position that this rejoinder has soundly adopted.

“For emphasis and clarity, the Nigerian Army as an accountable, morally and professionally sound organization had variously through its Human Rights Desk at the Army Headquarters, painstakingly investigated allegations of rights violations and the results indicated specifically that this claim is false, malicious and should therefore be ignored for the sake of Nigeria.

ƑƏ Ɛ ƈ

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ Öè ƾƠơƣ

1000 Days: BBOG embarks on 7-day march to Aso Rock Antony Ailemen & Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The #BringBackOurGirls movement, which has been at the forefront of the pressure on the federal government to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok school girls, has resolved to embark on daily march to the State House in Abuja, for the next seven days.

The group has equally appealed to all clergy and religious faithful in the country to kindly take out special sessions in their respective places of worship on Sunday 8 January (yesterday), on Friday January 13, and in the course of the week to intercede on behalf of the abducted girls and their understandably distraught families.

Yesterday marked 1,000 days that the school girls were abducted by the Boko Haram militant group in Chibok Borno state.

Of the 219 who were missing, 24 have returned leaving 195 in captivity in the hands of terrorists till now.

The group, in a statement yesterday by its spokesperson, Sesugh Akume, confirmed that the marches to the State House will take place between 8th and 14th of this month.

The BringBackOurGirls group further disclosed that 19 out of the parents of the abducted school girls have died between the period the girls were abducted and now.

Meanwhile, President Mu-

Ï ơÖ ƍ ƏƆ Ɛ ƈƗ Ɛ ƒƆ ƗƈƆƗ Ƈ Ə Ï Ƒ Əƈ ƒ Ɠ Ɛ ƏƆ ƅƑƆ ƏƆƌ ƈ ƈ ƈƏƋ hammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to ensure that the remaining Chibok girls still in the hands of their abductors are rescued as soon as possible.

The President stated this on Sunday as the world commemorates the 1000th day of one of the world’s most mysterious case of abduction that has not only remained a puzzle but also a mystery.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, to commemorate the

day, said “President Muhammadu Buhari has recommitted the Federal Government to securing the release of the youngsters kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents.”

“We are grateful to God that on this landmark day, we are not completely in the depths of despair, but buoyed with hope that our daughters will yet rejoin their families and loved ones.

Three of them have been recovered by our diligent military, while the freedom of 21 others was secured through engage-

ment with their captors. We are hopeful that many more will still return as soon as practicable,” President Buhari said.

According to BringBackOurGirls group’s statement, “from January 8 – 14, our movement shall be carrying out daily marches to the State House to drive home these points.”

The statement added, “as we all may be aware, barring any miraculous intervention by which our #ChibokGirls would return today--tomorrow, 8 January 2017 (Saturday and Sunday), will be #Day1000 since schoolgirls of Government Secondary School, Chibok were abducted on 14 April 2014.

Gé`ë yƈƅƆ ƅ ƈƏƌ è dƆ ƐƆ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ ƌƌƑ ƈƅ Ɛƈ è dƆ ê d Ƌ ƌ RƋ ƌƈƋƆƊ ƗƆ Ƌ ì ƈ ƓƈƇƆè jƆƌƈƐ ƍƆì ƓƈƇƆ Ƈ G dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè LƏ ê Ƌ ƋƆ ƌƄ ƗƆì G dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè LƏê Ɗƈ ƓƑ ƌƈ ƌƄ ƗƆì 1Ɔ ƆƏ Ƌ RƒƆƏ ƆƆƏ æ1Rç z ƏƋƗƓƈƗƆ Ƈ `ƆƗƆƆƌƆƗ Əƈ Ɛƈ ƑƏƅ Ƈ 1 Ɨ æ` 1çè ^ Ɛ Ə & ƅ ƗƆƄ ƕƆ Ɨ ƓƈƇƆè 0 ƋƑƊƆ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƾƠơƣ Ƒ Ƌ j Ɗ ƈƒƈ dƆƏƒƈƅƆ Ƈ G dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ ƌƆ ƐČ dƑ Ɨ ƕê

SEC releases new guidelines for settlement of securities, bonds Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Securities and Exchange

Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have released new guidelines for the settlement of securities and government bonds for the 2017 trading year in a bid to re-position the capital market and restore confidence to investors.

Both regulators stated that the objective of the new guidelines is to promote competitive, efficient, safe and sound posttrading arrangements in Nigeria.

“This should ultimately lead to greater confidence in securities markets and better investor protection and should in turn, limit systemic risk. In addition, the guidelines seek to improve the efficiency of the market infrastructure, which should in turn, promote and sustain the integration and competitive-

ness of the Nigerian securities market,” the document said.

According to SEC, the guideline will cover all transactions and settlement of securities in Nigeria, including the rights and obligations of the parties, especially transactions carried out in the following platform: The Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), Financial Markets Dealers Quotation (FMDQ), Over The Counter Securities, National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), Over The Counter Securities, Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) traded securities as well as Africa Exchange Holdings(AFEX) Commodities Exchange.

“As a general rule, any securities transaction must trade or be reported through a licensed Exchange in line with the standard settlement guidelines.

“After each day’s transaction(Day T), the clearing/settlement agent Central

Securities Clearing System (CSCS) shall generate the financial obligations of each dealing member firms. The clearing/settlement agent shall sort the financial positions of the dealing member firms based on the irrespective settlement banks to arrive at net position per settlement banks. The clearing/settlement agent shall alert both the settlement banks and the dealing member firms of their net positions on Day T. “On Day T+2 for Equities and T+1 for Bonds, the clearing/settlement agent shall transmit the final financial net settlement obligation of dealing member firms to settlement banks through a payment system agent (if the clearing/settlement agent has no direct access to the CBN Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), among others.

On the payment of dividend and interest payment to custom-

ers, the following conditions were laid down: “Issuers issuing dividends/ interests shall make funds available to the Registrar not later than seven working days after approval.

“Registrars shall obtain account details of investors for the purpose of electronic payment of dividend and interest.

“The Registrars shall pay dividend to investors electronically on due date and advise the investors through a credit advice.

“Banks shall credit the account of investors not later than T+1 from the date of receipt of mandate and funds from the Registrars.

“Where the banks cannot apply funds into some investors account, the funds and a schedule containing the list of the affected investors shall be returned to the Registrar on or before Day T+2 with reasons for the rejection.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

13

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Innovate or Die!

R

‘Tope Fasua

ecently, I walked past a Keke Napep operator who had on a Hula.

Now, when I first arrived Abuja like 16 years ago, I was fascinated with the Hausa way of dressing (I still am) and made to acquire a few of those Hulas (caps). When they called the price to me, I beat a retreat.

Ok, there are different categories, but the ones I liked the most were the intricately hand-woven thick ones with different colours and symmetric designs. I’m sure all of these types of hulas have their own names in Hausa. Well, I pointed at one and was told “N15,000!” “What!” I exclaimed.

“For this cap!? Ordinary cap?!” “Oga na how much we dey sell am be dat, ok bring N13,000”. Phew! In the end, maybe on a different trip I managed to get something for say N11,000.

Damn! Hulas are expensive! So I wondered how a Keke rider could have such an expensive gear on his head, and whether he got huge discounts or knew where these things are sold much cheaper. Before I could mount an interview though the chap had riden away.

You see, my issue is not even about the person wearing the cap. I was thinking, how can we not massproduce things like that so that it becomes more affordable and so crowd out the foreign apparels that we wear and spend so much on. One of the factors militating against that is the way we are. The Keke driver may have donned his well-starched, shiny Hula so that any of his passengers who knows its value would show respect and not price his fares anyhow (because the Hula shows he’s not a hungry man). I’m not saying that is what he did but that is what we often like to do. Anyhow, our made-in-Nigeria things are not cheap at all. And until they become cheap, many people will not buy them. And since many people will not buy them, we will not be able to get rid of foreign imports. Simple.

The same operates for our traditional clothing, like Aso-Oke. In the first place, Nigerians like to charge very high for whatever they sell. I noticed a long time ago that prices don’t move five percent or 10 percent here. Prices move in leaps and bounds. 50 percent, 100 percent, 200 percent. That is why, for a 10 percent increase in the price of petrol, cab and bus drivers increase their fares by 100 percent. No one complains. The prices are infinitely elastic. Everybody gets inside and asks the driver to hurry up. The price stays. Landlords increase rents by 50 percent, 100 percent. Never 10 percent or 20 percent. And we have had this thing ingrained in us. Our religious houses promise that ‘this will be the year of bounty’, so we cannot wait to make the kill. And it could be from anyone.

However, someone needs to look at the bigger picture. Who will bring down prices to levels where we will not only win small battles, but win the big war against foreign goods?

In many of the exporting countries, the stuff they send here are very affordable by their people. They even depress the prices for their people.

Why not? It is their product and they have been able to build capacity on those products to the extent that they can subsidise their costs, if they want to. The products they push out for exports are either the excess of what they produced or they were strategically produced for export. So who is going to ensure that first of all, Nigerian products are affordable to Nigerians before we can even talk of exporting? The world out there is looking for cheap products, that is why the Americans are finding it hard to get rid of Chinese products, no matter how hard they tried. The Chinese captalise on their access to cheap labour to undercut the world. Labour should be cheap in Nigeria but we don’t see that in our resulting products, do we?

The other day I walked into Shoprite here in Abuja and was so pleased to see some packaged Nigeria food and soups. I took a few to the counter and by the time the cashier was tallying them, I became alarmed. I asked the individual prices and each one cost between N3,000 and N5,000. For just soup? I had to drop all but one. There we go. If the products do not sell as fast as they should, that company will soon fold up and we will not be able to find Nigerian food to buy in Shoprite.

We always have a problem with strategy, and most of our companies are not quick to respond when things are going south. The same thing happens when Nigerian shoemakers start their prices around N15, 000 per pair.

Then I recently watched the documentary, Gandhi, which chronicled the life and times, and struggles of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, otherwise known as ‘Mahatma’ (the great one). Well, as documented, howbeit subtly, the biggest wars that Mahatma fought was with the British textile companies who were hell bent on selling loads of textiles to the Indians just for their own benefits and to the detriment of indigenous Indian compa-

nies. Some people claim that Gandhi was eventually assassinated just for this reason. Business people do not like people who take away businesses from them. Today, we are talking of two billion people. Gandhi’s war, as well as the foresight of the Indians who saw it fit to continue where he stopped, has resulted in India/Bangladesh having perhaps the largest textile industry in the world today! Where is Nigeria? We allowed our textile industry to capitulate to inefficiency and lack of strategy. We believed in the lies of those ‘experts’ who sold globalisation to us wholesale. We didn’t know how to play the globalisation game and we ended up with a carcass for a textile industry, unemployment as a result, and billions of dollars heading abroad yearly for textile imports. 170 or 180 million people who cannot produce the clothes they wear!

My concern is not only about having a strategy in this sector, but also how we can understand the process and importance of innovation. In the world today, it’s either you innovate or you die. If you don’t innovate, other people’s innovation will catch up with you and overtake you by far, and subsume you such that you lose your identity and are at their mercy. This has happened in many aspects of our lives already. If we are afraid of innovation taking people out of employment, we need a strategy to know how far we can go before we start to have serious unemployment crises. What we cannot do is sit on our hands hoping the world does not notice our cluelessness. That they do so easily.

So the case study is the textile sector for today, even though I like to point to many old implements that we have been using from time immemorial, which we have simply refused to innovate… like our grinding machines and mills, or our carved wooden mortars which we use to pound all sorts of things. All these things need to be innovated. We have been having some innovations like the yam-pounder, with most of them coming from abroad, and most of them being un-

affordable. That is why they aren’t in every house.

I sometimes try to think of what our people wore back in the day and how they managed to keep up with demands in an era before the introduction of modern day commerce. I recall a picture taken by Obafemi Awolowo sometimes in the early 50s, in some part of the South-South and all the children around him – up to 12 years old – walked about naked. Perhaps clothes were seen as luxuries that only adults should afford then.

Economists like talking about Economic Complexity, which means that successful countries are those that add value to what they sell to others.

Adding value emanates from innovation. It stems from using innovative instruments, equipment and techniques which makes production faster and boosts capacity. That is what we need to understand and immerse ourselves into in these parts.

What could we have done? We have two options in these matters. We either import technology from abroad wholesale and try to boost productivity in order to catch up with soaring demands as a result of increasing population.

Lastly, innovation does not have to be complex or technology based. I walk down a street in Abuja metropolis – which by Nigerian standards is almost perfect, and I see ways in which we could be innovative. And I see sustainable jobs that we have refused to create. Mark Zuckerberg in his recent Peru speech talked about how engineers (are supposed to) think. He said an engineer looks at every structure and asks the question ‘can it be better done? Can it be improved’. I see that that is what the best countries in the world have done. Every lawn is taken care off and manicured with the mindset of an engineer; with a view to making it even better than before.

Jobs are so created, in a sustainable fashion because these natural elements keep trying to defy the thoughts of an engineer. This should be our focus in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

15 Opinion

Buhari and Nnamdi Kanu fighting the wrong enemies

E

SKC Ogbonnia

vents after events have shown that the continued detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government of Nigeria needs a serious rethink. The matter is not only plaguing the country socially and politically, but its toll on the national economy is not difficult to fathom.

The unfortunate irony yet is that while the two principal actors, Buhari and Kanu, may have good intentions, they are fighting the wrong enemies.

Please hold your thoughts till the later part of this essay on the flaming issue of secession for which Nnamdi Kanu is now better known. For it may not occur to many that before Kanu became a recurring decimal of Buhari’s presidency, a major aim of Radio Biafra, in Kanu’s own words, was to uproot “all looters, embezzlers, kidnappers, sponsors of terrorism, child traffickers, corrupt judges, crooked university lecturers, murderous Nigerian security forces and all thieving individuals masquerading as public officials who steal public funds thereby preventing developmental projects from impacting positively on the lives of the ordinary people.”

Any read of the statement above readily shows that such aspect of Kanu’s advocacy is in tandem with Buhari’s standing vow for a corruptfree Nigeria. If the rationale is inadequate, then consider that just about every group or leader who has pleaded for Kanu’s release suggested that lack of development provoked his advocacy. This goes without saying that the president and Kanu have common foes in the corrupt leaders who plundered our commonwealth the last 16 years.

Therefore, in case President Buhari and Mazi Kanu are yet to get it, which appears to be the case, their real enemies in this context ought to be the corrupt leaders from the South-East (SE) and South-South (SS) zones of Nigeria, who combined to hinder the provision of efficient public amenities, as well as job opportunities in the Biafra land, that drew the ire of Kanu in the first place.

More specifically, the enemies are the very politicians and contractors that connived to embezzle the funds budgeted for projects vital to the region, some of which include but are not limited to: The 2nd River Niger Bridge; East-West Highway; EnuguOnitsha/Enugu-Port Harcourt expressways; Akanu Ibiam and Port Harcourt International Airports; Calabar and Port Harcourt seaports; the dredging of River Niger; East-

ern Gas Pipeline network (CAP); Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC); and legislative constituency projects.

A simple scan of these projects and their attendant ministries reveal that politicians from the SouthEast and South-South played one dubious role or the other in sabotaging the desired implementation or development.

In a normal clime, this sort of exposé would be sufficient to unmask the culprits linked with the moneyspinners cited herein. But in event more specific details are needed, my identity has always been an open book. Moreover, this case will not require the state to dole out from its meagre purse to fulfill the new policy on whistle-blowing. For quid pro quo is beneath my personal code of ethics in matters of public interest.

Change does not come easy, understood, but containing the situation in the East must not be rocket science. Make no mistake about it; President Buhari deserves commendation for quietly undertaking some of the projects in the region that were funded but looted during previous administrations. Yet, to continue to punish the primary whistle-blower in Nnamdi Kanu, while condoning the corrupt politicians – who return a portion of their loot – is sadly an oxymoron.

Any call for the release of Nnamdi

Kanu easily stirs emotions, and that is understandable. The style of his advocacy alone is jarringly hostile and can constitute a problem in itself. But the manner of the man’s detention, including the state’s refusal to obey court orders, does not serve any good purpose. The only beneficiaries are the real enemies, the corrupt vortex of the opposition, who have nothing concrete to show for their time in office, but who are today having a field day, grandstanding as the champion for the oppressed, claiming the passionate desire to liberate Kanu, while stoking a view of General Buhari as an unrepentant dictator determined to abridge freedom of speech in the land.

Fifth columnists are sure to hide behind the urgency of Kanu’s threat of secession to continue to sidetrack Buhari from the right path to justice. But fighting the right causes through the wrong courses usually creates more problems than solutions. Moreover, the president does not need to be reminded that, similar to other multi-ethnic nations, for example, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, there has always been, and will always be, threats of secession in Nigeria, regardless of who is in power. The manner of the approach is where leadership begins and ends.

Ogbonnia writes from Houston, Texas.

Obasanjo Vs Awujale: A delayed showdown

T

Azu Ishiekwene

he book is nearly seven years in print but I didn’t get a hold of it until sometime last year.

I have since read the autobiography – Awujale – twice and was not disappointed. Anyone who has read Awujale might agree that it was a bomb waiting to explode.

The surprise is why it took so long.

In 17 chapters of lucid, clearas-crystal writing in 275 pages, Adetona shares insights of his odyssey from the time he left Nigeria to study accounting abroad to his totally unexpected ascension to the throne at age 26; and from deeply personal family feuds to his adventure as Oba and businessman, and then from his deposition and return to his involvement in some of the momentous events in Nigeria’s contemporary political history.

In a number of instances, the details and candour are unsparing, with no room for indulgence, even for the Oba himself. For former President Olusegun Obasanjo though, it seems like a delayed time bomb.

I can understand Obasanjo’s anger and his concern to, in his words, “set the record straight,” especially in the part of the book brought to

his attention that gave the impression that he maliciously disliked the Oba’s cousin and chairman of Globacom, Mike Adenuga.

From the book, the Oba appears to have formed his opinion of Obasanjo long before Adenuga applied for a GSM license, or before S.O. Bakare (mostly known by the name of his car marketing company, Oluwalogbon Motors) contributed to Obasanjo’s election campaign.

On page 174 of Awujale, for example, Adetona described Obasanjo as “a Judas” among the Yoruba, a name he called him twice in the book, the second time, according to him, straight in his face at a private meeting between the two of them in Aso Rock when Obasanjo was testing the waters for a third term.

In fact, on page 181, Adetona said he told Obasanjo that the former president was “no longer credible.”

At least two recorded incidents appear to have shaped Adetona’s harsh impression of Obasanjo. It was Obasanjo, he said, who first tried to get the former executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Professor Adebayo Adedeji, to contest to succeed former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in 1991.

Adetona was initially opposed to the idea – as was Adedeji – because

he said he thought Adedeji would be unable to find the money to run.

But Obasanjo persisted and even travelled all the way to Addis Ababa twice to persuade Adedeji to run.

He reportedly told Adetona not to worry about the money; that he, Obasanjo, would find it.

Obasanjo’s lukewarm – some would even say hostile – attitude to M.K.O. Abiola’s victory at the June 12 poll, and the way he undermined Ernest Shonekan and canvassed an interim government, which he wanted to head, appear to have particularly annoyed the Oba. Recalling what he said during one of the meetings he hosted in the early days of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Alliance for Democracy, Adetona said after telling the parties plainly that the next president must be a Yoruba man and one chosen by the Yoruba themselves, “I added further that I was giving the warning because I was aware that a ‘Judas’ had been found among the Yoruba, whom they (the Hausa-Fulani elements in the PDP) were trying to impose on us.”

Awujale is also not all bile for Obasanjo. Apart from acknowledging the role Obasanjo played in fixing one of the major roads to his domain, Adetona also recalled that it was Obasanjo who settled the rift

between him and former Governor Bisi Onabanjo, the man who despised and dethroned him.

Who to believe?

Among Yoruba Obas in the last 50 years, the Awujale is one man who earned respect for speaking the inconvenient truth, even when it seemed dangerous to do so. He stood up to General Sani Abacha and his shenanigans, fought his dethronement in court and won, and never shied away from a fight, even with his subjects.

In the rage of the controversy, not a few might be tempted to think that the book is about who owns Obajana Cement Factory, Obasanjo’s ingratitude to old friends, and his capricious use of power.

It’s all of that and more. For its detail and clarity, the book reminds me of the autobiography of the late Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, I remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant.

Awujale is one of the most forthright accounts of the personal odysseys of a traditional ruler who through longevity and other circumstances of life has earned immortality.

It will take more than a woolly four-page letter coming seven years later to undermine the value of the book.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

17

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

s

Anti-graft war, EFCC’s mind bugling revelations The recent judgement by Justice Muslim Hassan of a Lagos High Court, ordering a “temporary forfeiture” of the sum of $153 million allegedly belonging to former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison- Maduekwe has shed light on how public treasury looters make desperate efforts to conceal their slush funds.

Since the coming of this administration, Nigerians are amazed at some of the mind bugling revelations of how past public office holders tactically invented ways and means to stash away funds meant for developmental purposes for their private use.

But this Mrs. Deziani’s revelation could just be a tip of the iceberg considering other revelations of massive looting that took place under successive administrations in Nigeria, according to Barrister Isma’ila Alasa, an Abuja based lawyer and President, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Abuja branch.

According to him, “ What is most sickening are the revelations that these funds could have helped in fighting the menace of some of the world’s most dangerous diseases, such as poliomyelitis, maternal and child mortality, Cancer, or taking care of Internally Displaced Persons, or tackling insurgency. Others were

funds budgeted for construction of infrastructures life saving such as roads, railways to providing radar equipments at the nation’s airports.” “ These funds have either been diverted to purchase properties in high brow cities of the world, including London, Dubai and such other places, or used to purchase luxury that sometimes ended up killing those who embraced them” Some were said to have either buried theirs underground, septic tanks, fuel tanks, or hid them away in their ceilings, until they were consumed by some strange fires.

Yet, others use cronies, who sometimes end up also diverting such funds kept under their “ protective care” for their own use.

Although the EFCC is yet to come up with the number of houses and other properties so far recovered from treasury looters under the current anti-graft war, properties recovered so far runs into hundreds of houses and other such properties into which public funds were diverted.

It is amazing how much some Nigerians hate their country, so much so that they would have literally sold this country and went away with whatever they could get if given the opportunity.

Even several years after the death

Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Maduekwe of one of Nigeria’s most dreaded dictators, late General Sani Abacha, Nigeria is still recovering funds in various currencies of the world which were stolen or in the words of some of his accomplices “ kept away for Nigerians in his private accounts abroad without the knowledge of anyone”.

Only recently, yet to be confirmed information have it that several Nigerians who stashed away such funds in banks outside Nigeria, are now fighting the battles of their lives trying to gains access to such funds.

These people are now very old and

ICPC stops students’ exploitation at UniAgric, Abeokuta The recent interventions by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has forced the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta to refund over N4.760M to fresh undergraduates of the institution.

The quick intervention of the anti-graft body gave the fresh undergraduates, about 952 of them to get their refunds from the University who alleged exploited them.

The ICPC’s action was made possible by a petition filed by one of the students of the school who alleged that fresh undergraduates were made to pay additional N5,000 as fee for ICT Training despite paying N2,500 earlier for the same training.

Upon receipt of the petition, the operatives of the Commission quickly swung into action and investigations revealed that indeed the students were levied twice for

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu confers with US Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency W. Stuart Symington at a private meeting in Abuja on Friday January 6, 2017. the same training. The Commission, after bringing the issue to the attention of the management of the University, directed them to resolve it within a stipulated period.

Following that directive, the affected students were requested by the school to provide evidence of payment of the said N5, 000 to the

college accountants to facilitate a refund.

A statement by the ICPC said “Random telephone calls to some of the students by the Commission confirmed the refund of the money”which they would have lost but for the quick intervention.

need the funds to take care of their personal needs but the banks have placed obstacles which are difficult for them to cross, especially with the current anti- money laundering laws.

Yet these funds are being used to service the economies of these countries who in the first instance do not need those monies while their “owners” languish in wants and poverty, because of lack of access.

These scenarios playing out notwithstanding, given the opportunity, it is disheartening how many are daily still engaged in these acts of crass and mindless craze for grafts and looting of public funds, all in the name of “ securing” their future and those of their unborn children.

Not many Nigerians believed that it was possible for close to $20B to be taken from the accounts of the NNPC under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but current mind bugling revelations by the EFCC’s investigations may give further credence into the authenticity of that claim.

One of the investigators engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr. Moses Awolusi, recounted a vivid account of how the said fund alleged to have been stolen from the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC by former petroleum minister, was desperately diverted and concealed in several accounts, for personal gains.

Awolusi revealed how in December 2014, Mrs. Alison-Madueke invited Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, a former Managing Director of the Fidelity Bank, PLC, to her office and invented the plan on how the $153m would be moved out of the NNPC account.

The Minister was said to have specifically instructed that the said mon-

ey must “neither be credited into any known account nor captured in any transaction platforms” of Fidelity Bank.

To prove that for Corruption to succeed in an organization, two or more highly placed persons must cooperate, the former Minister was alleged to have “connived” with two unnamed former Group Executive Directors of Finance and Account of NNPC, to move the cash from Abuja to the headquarters of Fidelity Bank in Lagos.

Now, to steal funds may be easy, but it is keeping such funds safe out of public domain that has always been difficult, where divine providence has set booby traps that catch up with those who engage in such fraudulent activities.

In their desperate bid to conceal the funds as well as the source of the money, Mr. Okonkwo instructed the Country Head of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Martin Izuogbe, to take $113,310,000 cash out of the money to the Executive Director, Commercial and Institutional Bank, Sterling Bank Plc, Lanre Adesanya for keeps” This is just as another $40m was taken in cash to the Executive Director, Public Sector Accountant, First Bank, Mr. Dauda Lawal, for keeps, before it was later taken to one Mr. Stanley Lawson, a former group executive director of Finance and accounts at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to purchase the Le Meridien hotel in Port Harcourt.

Mr. Awolusi continued by recounting that “out of the $113,310,000 handed over to Adesanya, the sum of $108,310,000 was invested in an off-balance sheet investment using Sterling Asset Management Trustees Limited, adding that a sum $108,310,000 was subsequently changed to N23b and saved in Sterling Bank” Awolusi said that EFCC had recovered the N23.4bn in draft and had registered it as an exhibit marked, EFCC 01. The investigator said the EFCC had also recovered another $5m out of the money kept with the MD of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe.

According to him, the $5m was recovered in a draft and had been registered as an exhibit marked, EFCC 02. Also, he alleged that First Bank’s ED had converted the $40m kept with him to N9billion which has also been recovered by the anti-graft agency and registered it as Exhibit EFCC 03.

Justice Hassan adjourned till January 24, 2017, for the respondents to appear in court to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

18 Times Against Corruption

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Aisha Buhari denies linkage to “Bleeding of Nigerian High Commission in London” Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari has denied any involvement in the reported “bleeding of Nigerian High Commission in London” by Saraha Reporters, describing the report as “ a travesty of Investigative Journalism” The First Lady therefore, challenged Sahara Reporters or any staff of the Nigerian High Commission to provide full proof evidence in whatever forms they can to corroborate their story or contradict her position “Consequently, Sahara reporter or any of the embassy staff is hereby challenged to provide any concrete evidence either in hard or soft copy to contradict Aisha’s Buhari’s position as it concerns her trips to London” A statement signed by Adebisi Olumide Ajayi, the Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Wife of the President, Mrs Buhari said she has never received any such patronage from the Nigerian High Commission in London as was alleged in the report. “ The attention of the Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari has been drawn to a report in Sahara Reporters where, she was amongst other things accused of abuse of privileges at Nigerian High Commission in London”

Not too long ago, in the wake of the heat of his confirmation debate by the Senate, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu raised the alarm over what he described as “ deliberate plots to ruin his reputation by forces that are not comfortable with the campaign to rescue the nation from the vice grip of corruption” Despite several interventions by well meaning Nigerians that the Magu be confirmed as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC, the issue has been kept in abeyance, since December 14 suspension of the issue by the Senate.

Not even the efforts of Senate Leader, Ali Ndume to get his colleagues soft pedal on the issue has yielded positive results.

Although the Senate said they had referred the issue to President Muhammadu Buhari, for further considerations, there are indications that some persons close to the President are hell bent on easing out Ibrahim Magu from the EFCC. But Daily Times Villa sources revealed that President Buhari in his usual “ slow and steady” ways of handling issues is already engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Senate to find ways out of the impasse.

But a statement from the EFCC had shown that those who are not comfortable with Magu’s choice for the position had embarked on “clandestine campaigns of misinformation in the social media intended to impugn his integrity and pit him

“It is not in her interest to join issues with anyone or defend others mentioned in the report, it is however paramount to put the record in proper perspectives as its concern her trips to UK vis-à-vis the Nigerian High Commission in London” “Aisha Buhari has never traveled to London with a large entourage as was carried in the report. The highest number of people on a trip involves her three kids, ADC, and her personal physician” “The Nigerian Commission in London has never offered any favor either monetarily or materially to her or her so called entourage on any of her trips to London” Mr. Buhari said the state house in Abuja caters for her meal when necessary, and other healthy food or variety needed by her children are her personal responsibility.

She disclosed that “It is on record that the Nigerian Commission in London does not receive Aisha Buhari at the airport with any official distinction or privileges as was accorded other first ladies before her” The statement disclosed further that her “drivers are privately arranged without any recourse to the embassy for staff, adding that “She has never complained or raised dust

Aisha Buhari about any of these acts by the High Commission because of the understanding, as clearly spelt out and practiced by her husband, that public office must be separated from the private lives of the occupants” e also noted that “ she has always been an advocate of good governance where officials of government are responsive and appealing to their constituents” adding that “it therefore baffles the imagination that one could believe she would corroborate with any government official however

highly placed either at home or abroad to shortchange the Nigerian people” “These records are not hidden for a non-mischievous reporter who really intends to inform the people and not to disparage the family of the President just to add weight to a report” “Aisha Buhari would have ignored this, like all of such baseless accusations, but the angle to which the report was presented has a corruption and abuse of privileges connotation which negates the fundamental principle upon which this administra-

Anti-graft war: Who is afraid of Magu? against certain interests both within and outside of government” An organization by the name “ Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders” in a statement equally condemned the Senate position on Magu describing their refusal to confirm him as “appalling and ridiculous” The group , in a statement that was widely broadcast in various media houses including Channels Television, said “We find it utterly ridiculous that it is at this point that the DSS is just coming up with socalled infringements after about a year of Magu superintending over an Agency of government that is so central to the anti-corruption drive of our country.

“Clearly, there is the auspicious need for Nigerians to really take back their country from a political class that is hell-bent on imposing and spreading the virus called corruption in the polity. Their effrontery in fighting back given the ‘anticorruption mode of the people’ now knows no limits.

“Our take is that, we, collectively and urgently need to rescue our country; regain our respect within the comity nations to a large extent.

A fundamental thing we must realize is that the fight against corruption is actually about sustaining a national consensus that will focus on our strong desire to sanitize our country.

“The point is that, at some time as people, we forget our goals and focus

Magu on frivolities at the expense whatever gains of what we consciously describe as ‘anti-corruption mode of the people’ that has recently activated in the country.

“Let’s get serious, we must recognize the inevitable need to own the anti-corruption drive and raising the bars regardless of the occupiers of power at any point, we cannot afford let down the guard. The consequences of corruption need not be over-emphasized, for our socio-economic reality says it all.

The also berated that acts of conspiracy between the DSS and Senate over Magu confirmation delays “It is important to state that we understand perfectly the imperatives of holding ‘principle of separation of powers’ in constitutional democracy as sacred! But won’t we

be engaging in national tomfoolery if we pretend not understand what is at stake on this issue?

“We must always be circumspective and objective when some of these ‘conflicts’ within a ruling class that has overtime established themselves as incurably greedy props up.

What actually, constitute our priorities if we indeed profess to anticorruption and the effort to rid our country of the virus of corruption that is so deeply seated in our system as whole?

“The truth is, if mischief was not involved, why would the DSS submit the so-called damning report to the Senate, rather than begin where they should have begun? For crying out loud, the head of the DSS sits on the Board of the Commission of EFCC as constitutionally required by the Act that established the agency i.e. EFCC Establishment Act 2004!

“Again, why would such a sensitive report on someone who has occupied such a sensitive position for about one year be delayed till this time? What sort of security apparatus will so wickedly wait till now while our country was at such ‘grievous’ risk before releasing these apparently manufactured allegations against Magu?

“Magu, who chairs the board and other members were obviously open to scrutiny and must have been subjected to same logically given the sensitivity of their designated roles as security and intelligence agents.

How Katsina Perm. Sec. duped businessman of N2.5M

A Permanent Secretary in the Katsina State Civil Service, Sule Yusuf Saulawa, is now telling Justice Sanusi Tukur of the Katsina High Court all he knows about some N2.5million he allegedly obtained falsely.

This is because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has arraigned him before the judge on one count charge of obtaining by false pretense contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

According to a statement by the EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, the accused person allegedly obtained the sum of N2,500,000 ( Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) while he was attached to the office of the Deputy Governor of Katsina State The money was allegedly obtained from a complainant on the pretext that it was required for bidding documents that would enable the office award the complainant a contract to supply fertilizer to all the local government areas in the state.

The accused person who however pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in court, was remanded in the custody.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad requested the court for trial date and also asked that the accused person be remanded in prison custody.

However, counsel representing the accused person Bashir Mohammed moved a bail application praying the court to admit his client to bail pending the determination of the case.

Hanafi objected the bail application on the grounds that the accused person if granted bail, would likely jump bail because he had once violated the terms of the administrative bail granted to him by the Commission.

Justice Tukur remanded the accused person in prison custody and adjourned the matter for ruling on bail application and commencement of trial.

The charge read that,”You Sule Yusuf Saulawa while being the permanent secretary with the office of the Deputy Governor, Katsina State, sometime in 2015 in Katsina, within the Judicial Division of the High Court of Katsina State with intent to defraud falsely obtained from one Alhaji Musa Baba, the Chairman of Many Agro Allied and Chemical Company Nigeria Limited and Diamond Fertilizer Nigeria Limited the sum of N2,500,000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) by falsely representing that the Office of the Deputy Governor of Katsina State would award him contract for the supply of fertilizer to all the Local Government Areas in the state and asked him to purchase a bidding documents which would be given to him as soon as he writes a proposal offering best price to the State Government which he did, but which you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act”.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Ohaneze Ndigbo elects new Enugu state executive Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎ

The Enugu state chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo at the weekend elected new executive members as part of build up to the Ohaneze Ndigbo National Elections scheduled to hold on Tuesday, January 10, 2016 at the organization’s national secretariat in Enugu.

The election, which was conducted by the outgoing state president, Chief Eric Ebe, was monitored by members of the National Election Committee (NEC) led by Prof A. B. C. Nwosu, a onetime Minister of Health, who is chairman of the state’s election committee.

Other members of the committee include Chief Dubem Onyia (Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs), Chief James Ikeyi, SAN, Dr. Mrs Selina Ugwuoke-Adibuah (Outgoing National Financial Secretary), Lolo Kate Ezeofor (President, Umuada Igbo).

The election was adjudged peaceful as aspirants were able to harmonize their interests ahead of the election proper; however, the process for the conduct of the election was still followed.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing President, Chief Ebe listed some of his achievements, urging the incoming executives to continue his laudable programs. “My administration did much to promote Igbo language & culture. They

CD Constituted committee on Budget Saka Bolaji , Minna

ÏÏÏThe Campaign for Democracy

CD says it has constituted a committee to monitor the implementation of the 2017 budget by Ministries Departments and Agencies.

CD has also directed all its state offices to set up similar committees to carryout the same asssignment.

Rising from its national executive council meeting held in Minna Niger state last weekend the body said such budget tracking would ensure the implementation of the budgets were devoid of corrupt practices.

In a communique made available to newsmen CD said the budgets have “ a lifeline of 95% implementation ,we will ensure this is practicalized”.

The communique jointly signed

by Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi National Secretary General and Comrade Abdulwaheed Adeniran Vice President commended the biltrral agreement between the Lagos and Kebbi state governments in the area of agriculture saying the relationship has led to increase in rice production.

It said that other governors in the country should enter into such agreement to improve the economy of their States and the country as a whole.

said Igbo language will go extinct but with our efforts that will not be the case. We observed that in some schools, students are punished for speaking Igbo and we stopped it.

Also, we were able to get the Enugu State House of Assembly to set aside a day when they conduct their sitting in Igbo language. However, I don’t know if they still do that” According to Ebe, “my other achievement in office included the successful hosting of the first ever Iwa Ji ceremony by any state chapter of Ohaneze.

Members elected for the new executive includes: Hon Chief Alex Ogbonna (President), Prof Frederick Eze (Deputy President), Chief Sam Okonkwo (Secretary), Oliver Odenigbo (Assistant Secretary), Fidelis Ojobor (Treasurer), Sir Ignatius Achu (Assistant Treasurer), Obinna Onyia (Financial Secretary), Damian Obisi (Assistant Financial Secretary),Nnaji Celestine (Organizing Secretary), Okolo Godwin (Publicity Secretary), Kevin Chukwu (Assistant Publicity Secretary), Ede Chukwuma (Legal

Adviser), Ezeugwu Ben (Assistant Legal Adviser).

Others include Ephraim Oluedo (Assistant Organizing Secretary), Prof Fab Onah Obeta (Auditor), Agbowo Romanus (Ex-Officio, East), Ede Livinus Uche (Ex-Officio, North) and Anyaene Kenneth Chukwuma (Ex-Officio, West).

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Ohaneze Enugu State, Hon Chief Alex Ogbonnia thanked everyone for the opportunity given him and members of his executives to serve.

Representative of Rivers State Governor, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke (left) receives a letter from the Chairman, Rivers State Christian Association of Nigeria, Primate ICT Anyanasikike, who led Christian leaders to Government House, Port Harcourt to protest Southern Kaduna killings… on Sunday.

FG partners private coy, acquires farm equipment to boost agriculture

Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Federal Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with Efugo farms, have acquired 80 units of rice and wheat reapers (harvesters) to help boost productivity of the cereals in Nigeria.

The reapers are the first set brought into the country by Efugo farms for a test run which 30 units have been disbursed to Kebbi state already.

The machine, which is 1.5 meters wide and has a height of one meter costs N1.6 million and has the capability to harvest about four hectares of land per day and also neatly stark products where farmers will collect and move to the threshers.

Speaking to journalists on the harvesters, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cheif Audu Ogbeh, said the idea behind bringing the machines into the country is to reduce the cost and stress of harvesting rice and wheat in Nigeria.

He said it is part of government efforts towards attaining rice sufficiency saying, “If we have these machines on rice and wheat farms, the cost and stress of rice farming will be reduced by almost 80% that is the idea.”

He said there are plans to involve the states and so far, states like Kebbi, Ebonyi and Jigawa have indicated interest pointing that, “what we will do is give them to the states, train groups of young Nigerians to operate the machines; each reaper and thresher will have eight people operating it; in one day, this boy can harvest about four hectares and are paid.”

The machine will not only help boost rice production in the country and ease the stress of farmers but will also provide a source of income for young Nigerians that will be hired and trained to operate them.

“So, you can imagine how much income will follow. Teams of youths who are harvesting rice, it will be their own business and when the season comes, they arrive at your

farm harvest your rice or wheat and then move on and if you cannot pay in cash, you pay with rice”, the Minister said.

Cheif Ogbeh said the government is making efforts to support dry season farming by making fertilizers available, chemicals and pumps for irrigation farming as farmers are already back in their farms for dry season farming.

Also speaking to journalists at the assembling ground in Kuje Abuja, the assistant Manager Efugo farms, Mr. William Onyilo said The machines have the ability to neatly harvest rice and stark them to be picked up by farmers and moved to the thresher thereby preventing the tedious process of manual harvesting while also preventing stone free rice.

He said the reapers are durable, fast and efficient adding that the machine saves time and cost and is also risk free.

“The work that will normally require more hands will now be done with few hands”, he said.

19 News Reps deputy Speaker harps urgent need for balanced agricultural economy Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuff, has said that Nigerian needs a balanced agricultural economy for the country to survive.

He said this after the presentation of three sets of tractors worth N60m to All Farmers Association Of Nigeria (AFAN) in the Osogbo/Olorunda,Orolu/ Irepodun federal constituency of Osun state.

The deputy Speaker explained that he provided the tractors for farmers because “there is urgent need to introduce modern, efficient, productive and scientific method of farming to achieve a balanced agricultural economy.”

He noted that, “discoveries of technological skills must be used to endow agricultural advancement,” since agriculture remained the backbone of any given society.

He therefore asked farmers to make it a virile one in the constituency, while encouraging farmers to do everything within their capability to see that agriculture thrive in the state, promised to associate with them always to improve the sector the more.

He however pledged that the labour man power would be given requisite skilled technical training which would enable them to play a new role of making Agriculture a second none one in the constituency.

The lawmaker as well promised to put a premium on rural community extension work and stressed that, farmers would be exposed and educated to new and better methods of horticulture to improve their knowledge.

The deputy Speaker also maintained that In the area of agriculture, all hands would be on deck to always look forward and not backward.

Yusuff

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

21

THE YOUNG WIDOW’S MIGHT FOUNDATION

FAME FOUNDATION FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

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

The general public is hereby inform that the above named body has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES 1. ADERONKE BELLO. - CHAIRMAN 2. ABBEY BELLO. - SECRETARY 3. OMOLOLA OGUNLEYE. - MEMBER 4. ADEMOLA OGUNLEYE. - MEMBER 5. DOLAPO OLUNLOYO. - MEMBER

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

TRUSTEES 1. ELEBIYO -EDENI TAIYE 2 KEHINDE OLUWASEYI DARAMOLA 3.PETERS FLORENCE OMOTUNDE 4. ADELEKE ADEDEJI IYABO MONSURAT 5. ELEBIYO VIVIAN BUKOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO CHAMPION THE CAUSE OF THE YOUNG WIDOWS AND THEIR CHILDREN 2 TO ORGANISE SEMINARS AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE WIDOWS 2. TO OFFER SOME FORMS OF FIANCIAL AIDS TO AMELLORATE THE PLIGHT OF WIDOWS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI LRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION .

SIGNED : THE TRUSTEES.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.PASTOR ADEDEJI STEPHEN SOLA 2. MRS ADEDEJI ESTHER ADEGBEWAYE 3. MR AKINDURO EMMANUEL AKINGBADE. AIMS/OBJECTIVES (1). TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

LEO-MEZIE-KIDNEY FOUNDATION.

Aim and objectives 1. To operate skill acquisition centers towards the goal of poverty alleviation.

2. To empower abused , estranged and less privileged women and young girls with skills and education / counseling to fend for themselves and make a living.

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

Signed: VINCENT ODJE.

ESQ - TESTIMONY SOLICITORS

OUTSTANDING CITIZENS HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE

COMPASSION OF CHRIST GLORIOUS CHURCH WORLDWIDE

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

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

Trustees 1. Mezie Leonard. - Chairman 2. Joy Briggs 3. Juliet Bumah 4. Dr. Chris Agbo 5. Steve Eboh 6. DR. Theophilu Umeizudike 7. Barr. Emeka Anukwuem. - Secretary

TRUSTEES 1. BARR AMEDU FRANCIS OBIABO 2. ADIKWU JASON OLOFU 3. AMEDU EMMANUEL OCHE 4. AMEDU MICHAEL OBIABO

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

Aim and objective 1. To provide awareness programmes , educational programmes seminers. Etc. 2. To celebrate world kidney transplant and dialysis.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO PROMOTE ARTICULATE AND ENHANCE CITIZENS ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES.

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

2. LOBBY FOR PROGRESSIVE LEGISLATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION AND ADVOCACY AIMED AT CREATING AN OPEN ,TRANSPARENT AND PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE THAT IS RESPONSIVE AND ACCOUNT ABLE TO THE CITIZENRY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA – FCT, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Signed: Barr. Emeka Anukwuem. - Secretary

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UKERI ONOME EMMANUEL - PRESIDENT 2. OLOTIN ADETOPE ELIZABETH - SECRETARY 3. GBAMINIDO FRENCH EBIMENE 4. EMMANUEL OGHIAGBEVHA The aim and objective: 1. To provide food, medication and general care for poor and sick children of Africa 2. To care for the handicapped/deprived children 3. To Provide shelter for the homeless children of Africa Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: John Abah Austin, Esq. - 08056670252

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR LEKE STEPHEN DAN-ARRY 2. MRS HELEN IZE DAN-ARRY. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BIBLE PRINCIPLES TO ALL NATIONS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED : CLEMENT GBADAMOSI ESQ. TEL: 08036179886

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

GEORGE UBOH FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public of the loss of original certificate of occupancy (C of O) for No 21a 2w-620cz-61afr-c792u-10 with file no.

BN11010 dated 16/08/2005 In respect of plot No 625 Cadastral Zone AO4, Asokoro - Abuja belonging to Tyodzer Victoria Terkumbur All efforts made to trace the document proved abortive.

FCDA, FCTA, AGIS and the general public should please take note Signed: Barr. Joe Okete

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. GEORGE UBOH NDUBISI 2. CHRISTIANA ASONYE NGOZI 3. GODWIN OSIGBEME ABIKU 4. OSARO AGBONGIAGUE AUGUSTUS 5. OGUNKOYA DORIS OLAYEMI

-

CHAIRMAN MEMBER SECRETARY - MEMBER MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND INDIGENT WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO FIGHT CORRUPTION, INSECURITY, HUMAN AND PRISONER’S RIGHTS VIOLATIONS. 3. TO FIGHT SOCIAL INJUSTICE AND PROMULGATE DEMOCRATIC VALUES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: NICHOLAS O. EKU ESQ. (SOLICITOR) WUSE ZONE 4, FCT, ABUJA. 08055244404

MOSES ALUKA GLOBAL MINISTRY INT’L

MUSCULOSKELETAL ONCOLOGY SUPPORT FOUNDATION

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named non-governmental organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration as an incorporated trustee under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C-20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR STANLEY OKHILUA OGBEIDE 2. MR MONDAY UDOMHIAYE 3. PRISCILIA OGBEIDE 4. CALISTUS OGBEIDE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1). MOSES UGO ALUKA PRESIDENT 2) BLESSING IHUOMA ALUKA SECRETARY 3). BEAUTY CHIKA UWAKARAONYENMA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Professor Durosinmi-Etti Francis Abayomi, 2. Pharm. Kolawole-Amosu Oladapo Ajibola, 3. Mrs. Okharedia Shirley Nwamaka 4. Dr. Odunnubi Olurotimi Oladipupo 5. Mr. Odunayo Folaranmi Oladipupo,

STANLEY OGBEIDE FOUNDATION

-

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY MEMBER MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide feeding, clothing and shelter for the needy in our society.

2. To sponsor scholarship to less privilege youths and children in the society.

3. To promote and support youth innovators who are creating sustainable enterprises.

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. LISA ABBOTT - CHAIRPERSON 2. HELEN AIKHUEMELO 4. DR. ERIVEA MERCY 6. ALEOGUN-BANKOLE MAJEED

3. OLEYEMI OLOMO 5. FREDRICK OKONYE 7. VIOLENT OKUSAGA - SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: A. Provide free quality rehabilitation centre for mental and physical activities B. Motivate people who have had stroke to regain some movement and to be independent C. To provide free counselling, inspirational talk, pep talk about healthy eating and group discussions D. To engage in charitable activities.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: UCHENNA BRIGHT MONEKE, ESQ. (08033723121)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES i). To take the gospel of salvation of our Lord Jesus to all parts of the world and to bring souls into the body of Christ ii). To deliver people from darkness and the bondage of sin, sickness, poverty and every satanic oppression and manipulation iii). To promote religious harmony iv). The promoting of holiness as a way of Christian living v). The quest for salvation as the key to happiness in daily life Any objection to this registration should be addressed to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Aims and Objectives.

1. To assist provide social and psychological support for patients with musculoskeletal tumours and their family.

2. To help alleviate the financial burden of treatment on patients with musculoskeletal tumours.

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

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

Signed: Oluwatuyi Oluwakemi Idowu.

UCHECHUKWU. FAVOUR. CHUKWUEMELIE.

Formerly known and addressed as UCHECHUKWU. FAVOUR CHIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as UCHECHUKWU. FAVOUR. CHUKWUEMELIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AJIBOLA OLUWAPONMILE MARY.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS LAWAL OLUWAPONMILE MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJIBOLA OLUWAPONMILE MARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MADUKU ONIGA. OLAMIJI. GEORGINA

Formerly known and addressed as ONIGA. OLAMIJI. GEORGINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MADUKU ONIGA. OLAMIJI. GEORGINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ERESI CHUKWUMA UWANNA

Formerly known and addressed as ERESI EMOLE DIMGBA, now wish to be known and addressed as ERESI CHUKWUMA UWANNA from Abiriba, Ohafia LGA, Abia State.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FOR SALE

MUHAMMED. HAPPINESS.

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

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

OYELEYE JOKOTADE RASHIDAT.

OBILANA HABIBAT AYOBAMI

I formerly known as ADETONA JOKOTADE RASHIDAT now wish to be known and addressed as OYELEYE JOKOTADE RASHIDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEBISI: I, formerly known as ADEBISI ABIBAT AYOBAMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OBILANA HABIBAT AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OKOH ISAAC BABASERE. I, formerly known and addressed as OKOH ISAAC JOHN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKOH ISAAC BABASERE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OJO OLUWAFISAYO OLUWABUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as BENJAMIN OLUWAFISAYO OLUWABUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should.

Please take note.

ESSIEN FELIX ETIM

THOMAS BAYO OGBEIDE.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as WILLIAMS AKPAN , now wish to be known, called and addressed as ESSIEN FELIX ETIM. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authority conerned should please take note.

MBA (OBETTA) CHARITY CHINYERE

BENJAMIN OLUWAFISAYO OLUWABUNMI

I, formerly known, called and addressed as THOMAS BAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as THOMAS BAYO OGBEIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authority conerned should please take note.

GABRIEL MERCY IHUOMA.

OBILANA ADETAYO ABAYOMI.

OBILANA: I, formerly known as PETER ADETAYO JONES, now wish to be known and addressed as OBILANA ADETAYO ABAYOMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

BORNGREAT EDWARD BINI

I, formerly known, called and addressed as EDWARD IGUNMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as BORNGREAT EDWARD BINI. All former documents remain valid. General public Authorty conerned should please take note.

ONAKEFE JONATHAN. I, formerly known and addressed as ODJEMU WHISKEY JONATHAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ONAKEFE JONATHAN. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank, Diamond Bank and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KUYORO MONSURAH OLADUNNI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as BALOGUN MOSUNMOLA OLADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWOSU EBERE HOPE. UMENZEKWE: I formerly known and addressed as MISS UMENZEKWE EBERE HOPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWOSU EBERE HOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UGWUJA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUJA PRECIOUS CHIZOBA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZEH PRECIOUS CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OKENWA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKENWA NWAKAEGO NAOMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NNAMANI NWAKAEGO NAOMI. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) and General public should please take note.

OGBU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBU OGECHUKWU NWAGHA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EGBO OGECHUKWU NWAGHA. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) and General public should please take note.

EZENDUKA NKEIRUKA VIOLA.

UGWUANYI CHINYERE. EMMANUEL: I formerly known and addressed as MISS EMMANUEL CHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UGWUANYI CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

AGBO OYIBO THERESA. OTI: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OTI OYIBO THERESA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AGBO OYIBO THERESA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SHOFELA KEHINDE DEBORAH I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADELOWO KEHINDE ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHOFELA KEHINDE DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as GEORGE ANIEBIET now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL FRED ANIEBIET JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

LEONARD BRIDGET NGUFAN. I ,formerly known and addressed as MISS. NGUFAN ASONGO BRIDGET, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LEONARD BRIDGET NGUFAN. All former documents remain valid.

The General public should take note.

DIKE FABIAN CHIBUIKE. I, formerly known and addressed as Gaius Fabian Chibuike, Now wish to be known and addressed as Dike Fabian Chibuike. All former documents remain valid. The General public should take note.

ONI BABATUNDE FEMI

EMERIBE CHIEMEKA ELOCHI

OKOYE CHIDIMMA RITA. OFORKA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OFORKA CHIDIMMA RITA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKOYE CHIDIMMA RITA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NJIDEKA ASSUMPTA OKOYE OTUADIMMA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS NJIDEKA ASSUMPTA OTUADIMMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NJIDEKA ASSUMPTA OKOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

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

PRUDENCE CHARLES PETERS

IWUCHUKWU IFEOMA LIVINA

I formerly known and addressed as RUBY NTEKIM BASSEY now wish to be known and addressed as PRUDENCE CHARLES PETERS. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note

I formerly known and addressed as IHEANACHO IFEOMA PHILOMINA now wish to be known and addressed as IWUCHUKWU IFEOMA LIVINA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note

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

NGOZI JENNIFER CHUKWUKERE EZE

IHEANACHO: I formerly known and addressed as MISS NGOZI JENNIFER IHEANACHO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NGOZI JENNIFER CHUKWUKERE EZE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

ISAIAH ANWULIKA JOY

In some of my documents my name was written as OYEBAMIJI OYEBISI MARY while in some other ones my name was written as OYEBAMIJI OYEBISI MARY JOHNSON . I am the one and the same person bearing all the names. All documents bearing all these names are valid .General public to please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME: In some of my documents my name was written as GBECHOEVI BENOIT while in some other ones my name was written as GBECHOEVI AGBOINOU BENOIT. I am the one and the same person bearing all the names.

All documents bearing all these names are valid .General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME: In some of my documents my name was written as OBADEYI RONKE ADETORO while in some other ones my name was written as OBADEYI RASHIDAT RONKE . I am the one and the same person bearing all the names.

All documents bearing all these names are valid .General public to please take note.

PATIENCE EDE. I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS. NMERUKINI LOVEDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PATIENCE EDE. All former documents remain valid. The General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME That I Onyeka Laura Dickson my name was wrongly written as Dickson Onyeka Laura wish to be known and addressed as Onyeka Laura Dickson. All Documents/ Credential bearing this names remain valid, general public please take note.

VERA ISOBOYE FYNEFACE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME:

GEORGE TEMITAYO AMINAT ENIOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RASAQ TEMITAYO AMINAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GEORGE TEMITAYO AMINAT ENIOLA. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

ADDRESSED AS NWAUKE CHIKODI

I, formerly known and addressed as NWAUKE CHICO SAMSON NOW WISH TO BE ADDRESSED AS NWAUKE CHIKODI SAMSON. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CORRECTION OF NAME On my ACCESS BANK ACCOUNT, my name was wrongly written as EDITH NKECHINYERE EZEA insted of EDITH NKECHI EZEA on my BVN. General Public and Authority Concerned should take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as ONI BABATUNDE FEMI .J. , now wish to be known, called and addressed as ONI BABATUNDE FEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authority concerned should please take note.

NOMEH CHINEDU AGNES.

AZEEZ KEHINDE KAFAYAT AYOADE

OLUKOYA EMILOLA SANYAADE

NWANUA OKEOGHENE ANN.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OJERO OKEOGHENE ANN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. NWANUA OKEOGHENE ANN. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MR OGUNKOYA EMILOLA SANYAADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR OLUKOYA EMILOLA SANYAADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OBETTA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBETTA CHARITY CHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MBA (OBETTA) CHARITY CHINYERE All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANIAKO: I formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIAKO CHIEMEKA ELOCHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EMERIBE CHIEMEKA ELOCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANAJEMBA CHINEMELUM RITA.

FRANCIS CHIMA OHUOBA

I, formerly known and addressed as FRANCIS CHUKWUMA OHUOBA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FRANCIS CHIMA OHUOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as NDUKWE CHINEMELUM RITA, now wish to be known, called and Addressed as ANAJEMBA CHINEMELUM RITA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IGBOKWE: I formerly known and addressed as MISS IGBOKWE MERCY IHUOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GABRIEL MERCY IHUOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONYEZILIGBO: I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEZILIGBO CHINEDU AGNES now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NOMEH CHINEDU AGNES. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MERCY ANUOLU OMOLE and ANUOLU ADESEMOWO refers to one and the same person and that is me. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authority Concerned should please take note.

I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS. VERONICA IKPI IBOR , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. VERA ISOBOYE FYNEFACE. All former documents remain valid.

The General public take note .

SAFIYA GARBA I, formerly known and addressed as HAPPINESS JANET ODEH now wish to be known and addressed as SAFIYA GARBA. DATE of BIRTH. 25 DAY DECEMBER 1997. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

EZEH PRECIOUS CHIZOBA

EZENDUKA: I formerly known and addressed as EZENDUKA NKEIRUKA CHICHEBEM now wish to be known and addressed as EZENDUKA NKEIRUKA VIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss of Original Power of Attorney Reg. as 3/3/1485 at Land Registry belonging to CHIEF GABERIAL NNAMANI. Land situated at Umuenwe Iji Nike Community Estate Extension Layout, Nike Lake, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, Enugu East L.G.A, got lost. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban development Enugu.

CHINYERE CLARA OGUATUEGWU.

i, formerly known and addressed as CHINYERE OGUATUEGWU , Now wish to be known and addressed as CHINYERE CLARA OGUATUEGWU. All former documents remain valid,General public take note.

MICHAEL ECHEWODO CHIMA

BALOGUN MOSUNMOLA OLADUNNI

NNAMANI NWAKAEGO NAOMI.

RACHAEL EFOSA OSAYANDE

I formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL ECHEWODO CHIMAOBI now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL ECHEWODO CHIMA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

.i formerly known and addressed as MISS. RACHAEL EFOSA OKPALAEBULUE.now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS.RACHAEL EFOSA OSAYANDE.former documents remain valid. general public please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to confirm. that, I, ODIFE,UCHE and ODIFE UCHENNA OGOCHUKWU, refers to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as ODIFE UCHENNA OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

NSIDIBE IDOPISE JOSIAH

I, formerly known and addressed as IDOPISE NSIDIBE QUEEN now wish to be known and addressed as NSIDIBE IDOPISE JOSIAH. All former document remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to confirm that, I, ISAAC NGOZI PEACE and ISAAC BLESSING PEACE , refers to one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as MISS. ISAAC NGOZI PEACE. All former documents remain valid. The General public should take note.

MOSES JOY CHIBUZOR

I formerly known as Chibuzor Joy Ekpemandu, wish to be known and addressed as Moses Joy Chibuzor. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

KAYAN CHINWE SANDRA.

UGBOGU: I formerly known and addressed as UGBOGU CHINWE SANDRAnow wish to be known and addressed as KAYAN CHINWE SANDRA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EGBO OGECHUKWU NWAGHA

SAMUEL FRED ANIEBIET JOY.

VALERIE IFEYINWA OFILI EDOSA

I formerly known called and addressed as IFEYINWA VALERIE PATRICIA OFILI.now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS.VALERIE IFEYINWA OFILI EDOSA.general public and authority concern please take note.

IKPOTOKIN-AB GOSPEL OSE

I formerly known and addressed as IKPOTOKIN GOSPEL OSE, now wish to be known and addressed as IKPOTOKIN-AB GOSPEL OSE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KEMI ADERIBIGBE

I formerly known as OLUWAKEMI TOYIN ADERIBIGBE wish to be known and addressed as KEMI ADERIBIGBE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

23

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

ADEKUNLE-MOSOBALAJE ODUNAYO R

MOMODU FRANCA OKEREMUTE

I formerly known as Mosobalaje Odunayo Ruth wish to be known and addressed as AdekunleMosobalaje Odunayo R. .All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Godspower Franca Okemena and Akpore Franca Okeremute. Now wish to be known as Momodu Franca Okeremute. All former documents remain valid.

General public and authorities concerned should take note.

AGBAMEGBUO LOVETH NKEM

NKOMBENGNONDO MAEL OBIORA

I,Formerly called and addressed as ONOH LOVETH NKEM NWANNEKA as my maiden name now wish to be known and addressed as AGBAMEGBUO LOVETH NKEM. All documents still valid. The general public please take note.

OGBONNA CHUKWUDI. Formerly known and addressed as PETER KENNETH, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBONNA CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHIDINMA ADENAIKE.

Formerly known and addressed as EJIOGU MAEL OBIORA now wish to be known and addressed as NKOMBENGNONDO MAEL OBIORA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IZUAGHANWA KEVIN OBUM

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL KELVIN OBUMNEME, now wish to be known and addressed as IZUAGHANWA KEVIN OBUM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as CHIDINMA BROWN, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDINMA ADENAIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that AKON IBAH and ARCHIBONG AKON refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and general public take note.

ABOLOMOPE ISIAKA Formerly known and addressed as ADEDOLAPO ISIAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ABOLOMOPE ISIAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM HAMMED AJAO now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM HAMMED OLAOREBIKAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SUNDAY PROMISE. Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY FAVOUR OVAL now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY PROMISE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

JAMES INNOCENT UZOMA Formerly known and addressed as UZOMA ONWUMERE now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES INNOCENT UZOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IBRAHIM HAMMED OLAOREBIKAN.

VICTORIA FOLAYEMI AJAYI.

I formerly known and addressed as Victoria Folayemi Adewuyi. Now wish to be known as Victoria Folayemi Ajayi. All former documents remain valid.

General public and authorities concerned should take note.

BOSEDE- WILSON ADEOLA JOSEPHINE.

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

General public take note.

OHAJU NKECHINYERE CLARA.

Formerly known and addressed as OHAJU NKECHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as OHAJU NKECHINYERE CLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as VICTOR PANKE, now wish to be known and addressed as USA VICTOR. That my correct date of birth is 10 April 1973. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ELEFAN CHRISTIANAH HANNAH

Formerly known and addressed as IGBEHINADUN CHRISTIANAH HANNAH now wish to be known and addressed as ELEFAN CHRISTIANAH HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as POGU CHIWAR PETER, now wish to be known and addressed as ABRAHAM CHIWAR POGU. That my correct date of birth is 16 MARCH1987. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ORONIGBE OLUWATOSIN.

I formerly known and address as Olagoke Oluwatosin Adebisi,now wish to be known and address as Oronigbe Oluwatosin. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

AKPAN GODWIN JULIET IYE

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

OKAFOR AKUEYINWA VERONICA

Formerly known and addressed as OKAFOR AKUEYINWA VERA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR AKUEYINWA VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that ARIYO SANDRA OLUWATOSIN OJOYEMI and ARIYO SANDRA OJOYEMI refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid and should be treated as one person. TURKISH Embassy and general public take note.

EMMANUEL ONOJA IBRAHIM

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ONOJA AGADA now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ONOJA IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FAUSAT ABIKE LAWAL GBADAMOSI.

Formerly known and addressed as ALHAJA FAUSAT ABIKE LAWAL GBAGAMOSI now wish to be known and addressed as ALHAJA FAUSAT ABIKE LAWAL GBADAMOSI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SANI ISMAILA

JONAH ROSELINE.

KOUWONOU DUBE

Formerly known and addressed as SANI SAMAILA now wish to be known and addressed as SANI ISMAILA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as JONATHAN ROSELINE now wish to be known and addressed as JONAH ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as KOUWONOU KOMLAN DUBE now wish to be known and addressed as KOUWONOU DUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that during the opening of bank account, my name was wrongly written as ABDUL RAHEEM ABDUL WAHEED and also my WAEC Certificate bears RAHEEM ABDULLAHA WAHEED instead of RAHEEM ABDUL WAHEED OLAKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

BABALOLA ADEJUMOKE BLESSING

AIRIAGBONAYE MARIAM OMON.

ADESHINA OLAYEMIJU MUYIBAT

Formerly known and addressed as ADESHINA YEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESHINA OLAYEMIJU MUYIBAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SHONEKAN OLUWATOYIN MARY

OBARO: Formerly known and addressed as OBARO OLUWATOYIN OVAIOZA, now wish to be known and addressed as SHONEKAN OLUWATOYIN MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAITH. NKECHI. OKPARA.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. GLARIA NKECHI. OKPARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FAITH. NKECHI. OKPARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IMOKE LILIAN DAVID.

Formerly known and addressed as IMOKE LILIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as IMOKE LILIAN DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OYINLOYE ADEJUMOKE OMOYOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as BABALOLA ADEJUMOKE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

OLAIYA ADENIYI IBUKUN.

On some of my documents, my names appear as BLESSING WILLIAMS UKUANOVWE while on some, it appears as BLESSING WILLIAMS. That any documents bearing any of the above mentioned names remain mine and valid. General public take note.

RUKAYAT. OYENIKE. OGUNBI.

Formerly known and addressed as RUKAYAT. OYENIKE. OYEWOLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RUKAYAT. OYENIKE. OGUNBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as FUNSHO ADENIYI IBUKUN, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAIYA ADENIYI IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EKENE. FERDINAND. UGAEKWUIHE.

Formerly known and addressed as UGAEKWUIHE. FERDINAND. EKENE, now wish to be known and addressed as EKENE. FERDINAND. UGAEKWUIHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ALFRED MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as AIRIAGBONAYE MARIAM OMON. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

DOSUNMU ABISOLA

Formerly known and addressed as FASHEUN ABISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as DOSUNMU ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. . GRACE. EDIMA. CHIMA. OJI.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS.GRACE RUFUS EKWERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GRACE. EDIMA. CHIMA. OJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

UBAH IMMACULATE CHINYERE.

MUHAMMED NIMOTA.

I formerly known and address as Miss. Ugo Immaculate Chinyere, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Ubah Immaculate Chinyere. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known & addressed as Afofu Nimota, now wish to be known & addressed as Muhammed Nimota.Former documents remain valid. General public, pls take note.

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

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

NWANKWO STEPHEN.

Formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWOKEARU CHIBUZO DANIEL.

ALMUSA OLAIDE OLADEJO.

SAMUEL TAIWO.

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL TAIWO OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed addressed as NWOKE UCHE MAGNUS, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOKEARU CHIBUZO DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

This is to confirm that OKI EMMANUEL DESTINY APOVETA and OKI EMMANUEL APOVETA refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid and should be treated as one person. TURKISH Embassy and general public take note.

ABUBAKAR SAIDU Formerly known and addressed as HASSAN ISAH ISAH now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR SAIDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as WASIU MUKAILA ERIOKAN now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI WASIU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as AGBALAJA OLUMUYIWA OJO but now want to add and be addressed as AGBALAJA AFOLAYAN OLUMUYIWA OJO, AGBALAJA AFOLAYAN OLUWADARASIMI and AGBALAJA AFOLAYAN MOKOJUSOLUWA OLAMINI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as ERNEST NZEDIGWE ODILI now wish to be known and addressed as CHARLES CHINWEUBA ONWUEGBUKA. That my correct date of birth is 10 October 1968 and not 21 August 1970. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as NGOZI AMADI, that I wish to add BLESSING as my middle name, now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI BLESSING AMADI. And that my date of birth was mistakenly written on as 3rd March 1975 instead of 3rd August 1977. Former documents bearing both names are mine and valid. General public take note.

YUSUF ROFIAT ADESEUN. Formerly known and addressed as BUSARI ROFIAT ADESEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YUSUF ROFIAT ADESEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BAMIDELE. ABOSEDE. ADERONKE

Formerly known and addressed as BABALOLA. ESTHER. BOSE, now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDELE. ABOSEDE. ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

TIJANI WASIU.

JOSEPH SHOLA Formerly known and addressed as OLUWOLE CAROLINE OLAIDE now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH SHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NGOZI EMMANUEL

Formerly known and addressed as NGOZI OMOHA, now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OBE PETER OLUWASEGUN

OBE: Formerly known and addressed as OBE PETER AUSTINE, now wish to be known and addressed as OBE PETER OLUWASEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

OBIEGBULEM. APPOLONIA. NJIDEKA

Formerly known and addressed as OKEKE. UCHE. AUSTIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OBIEGBULEM. APPOLONIA. NJIDEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NWANA. EBELE PETRONILLA.

Formerly known and addressed as DIOGU. EBELE PETRONILLA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANA. EBELE PETRONILLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Kaduna Crisis: Plateau STF mobilize 400 soldiers to boost trans-border patrol Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÎÎÎThe directive from the presi-

dency ordering an end the recurring violence and destruction in the southern part of Kaduna state, has prompted the Special Task Force (STF), Commander in Plateau State, Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, in the region to take immediate action to forestall the escalation of the crisis to Plateau state.

Accessing the situation on Saturday, Gen. Nicholas said that his Command will deploy a total of 400 solders to join the forces in Kaduna to strengthen of the combatant officers and men already on ground.

According to him, “we have crossed over from Plateau to support and synergise with the forces in Southern Kaduna aimed at establishing equitable power relationship, robust enough to forestall future conflict; by this it means more troops will be deployed to this general area.

“We are also going to dialogue with the various affected commu-

nities, to come up with strategies on how they can react to issues especially when the see suspects that are not within their community, they can raise alarm by calling the Sector Commander to enable us reach out to them as quickly as possible.

“The essence is to enable us reduce response time to crime, because one of our major challenge is that, information do not get to us on time; but if there is proper communication liaison between us and the local community, it will be easier to respond to information on threat”, he said.

The army boos said it is also imperative to synergise with the locals, in other to generate local intelligence on what is happening within the communities and turn the information generated as what can be used as Military operations.

However, the affected communities of paramount interest, are the communities that shares common boundaries with Plateau, which also, were most hit by the hitherto crisis.

These communities are under

Jema’a Local Government Area, near Jos and are Godo-Godo, Goska, Dangoma, Gidan-waya and Bakin-Kogi, which primarily are

under the watch of STF Sector 4, Operation Yaki, in Kaduna State, but has since on Saturday enjoyed the building block of the Plateau

A cross section of newly elected committee members Photo Journalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Lagos chapter, taking their oath of office, at the NUJ Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.

LASG set to protect monumental arcades across Lagos Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ

As part of her new year resolve, the Lagos state government has begun the protection of all monumental arcades within the state from street trading, hawking and other environmental nuisances.

This disclosure was made by the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, while dislodging street traders around the ‘Tinubu Monumental Arcade’ located at Lagos Island Local Government Area over the weekend.

Egbeyemi, who was in company of some kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Officals stated that while many

of these ‘Monumental Arcades’ were primarily meant to preserve our cultural heritage and to serve as achieves for academic research, others were provided just for relaxation and were named after heroes of this country.

Olayinka Egbeyemi

According to the chairman, “the increasing rate of environmental nuisances particularly street trading and hawking around Tinubu Square and all other ‘Monumental Arcades’ provided by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is worrisome. Most of them by extension now block road setbacks and walkways constructed around the arcade.

“Henceforth our agency would strictly implement the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws on any arrested street traders/hawkers causing environmental nuisances besides and around all monumental arcades across the State.”

He enjoined market leaders across

the state to warn traders and hawkers to immediately stop displaying and selling wares besides and around all monumental arcades provided by the government.

Egbeyemi also advised traders not to extend their trading activities beyond areas strictly earmarked for market by the government as anyone arrested selling on road setbacks and walkways across the State would be charge to environmental courts and have thier wares confiscated.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has relocated from Ikeja to Multi-purpose Agency complex, Bolade Oshodi opposite the Arena complex.

Tawun crisis: Soldier in assault scandal exonerated

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

Fact Finders Initiative (FFI) has debunked the allegation that a military officer, Muritala Ibrahim, attacked the Chief Imam of Ile-Ife Prison, Muritalah Tadese,.

Director General of FFI, Barrister Abdulsalam Abdulfatah, said this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of an investigation into the crisis that erupted during a meeting to resolve leadership crisis ravaging Tawun Islamic Movement held in Iwo, Osun State.

During the crisis that erupted at the meeting, the Chief Imam was

inflicted with injury, which resulted to his bleeding through the nose.

FFI said its investigation revealed that the Chief Imam was not assaulted by any soldier but suffering from epistaxis disease.

Abdulfatah explained that after conducting an independent investigation into the allegations reported in a national daily (not Daily Times), such was discovered to be “unfounded and malicious.”

He said, “we were contacted by Muritala Ibrahim, a serving officer of Nigerian Army, who informed us that he is presently a victim of heinous defamation.

“In order to secure the career of

STF tagged ‘Confidence Building Patrol’, aimed at assisting its neigbour in bringing back peace to the general area.

Muritala as an officer of Nigeria Army and also to come back to the society to affirm or deny the story, we thus conduct our deep investigation in to the matter.

“Our sincere and comprehensive exploration revealed that the report was unfortunately a propaganda and a deliberate and organized plot to destroy the career of Muritalah Ibrahim.

“It is therefore our responsibility as fact finders to represent the story to the public and particularly to the Authority of Nigerian Army, a representation that is verifiable by any organization.”

He said though Muritala was at

the meeting when the misunderstanding broke out, he neither attacked nor even participated in the melee.

The FFI boss added that the army officer was at the meeting to link up with one of his spiritual leaders who was also attending the meeting.

Abdulsalam said, “During the reconciliatory meeting, the Chief Imam was covering the meeting with his phone contrary to the terms of the meeting held on the 1st of January, 2017, when some participants warned him to stop such act which he continued and ignored those who warned him to stop.

Loan for Kano Light Rail project not meant to mortgage state –Ganduje Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÏÏÏKano

state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has explained that the $1.85 billion development loan obtained by the state government from China is of concessional nature on favorable terms and not meant to mortgage the future of the state, as insinuated by political detractors.

He stated that the interest on the loan will not be more than three percent while the loan has a repayment period of 15 years. According to the agreement, the Chinese Bank will give 85 percent of the contract sum while the state government is to provide the remaining 15 percent.

He made the clarification while inaugurating a 13-member committee to ensure effective implementation of the Kano Metropolitan Light Rail project, to be executed by a joint venture of China Railway 18thBureau Group Ltd and China Railway Construction Electrification Bureau Group.

The governor stated that from its improving revenue earnings, the state government realized that it can pay the 15 percent of funds required for the project, adding that the rail project will pay for itself in the long term and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Firm denies responsibility for hitches in Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Pinnacle Communications has denied any responsibility for the hiccups that trailed the activation of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) decoders from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcast as experienced by some users in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Daily Times reports that following the successful switch on of the Abuja platform by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Pinnacle Broadcast Centre, located at Mpape, an Abuja suburb, controversy has trailed the activation of some of the digital set up decoders purchased by interested viewers.

Media Consultant to Pinnacle Communications Limited, Jimmy Enyeh, who made the denial in a statement issued in Abuja, said that the contract to produce and supply the set-up boxes were awarded to seven different companies by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) with Pinnacle Communications not a beneficiary.

25 News

Peace Corps: Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ As the bill to establish the Nige-

rian Peace Corps awaits the presidential assent, thousands of unemployed youth in Ogun state have flooded the command of the Peace Corps of Nigeria located at Asero Housing estate, Abeokuta.

The exercise, which was done by the command to screen intending cadets on medical, fitness, mental alertness, educational standard, among others, was led by the Commandant of the Corps, Patriot Olalekan Yusuff.

The screening was a preliminary exercise before the one month intensive training of the corps which will qualify the successful cadets to be of-

ficers of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

While addressing the applicants, the Commandant said the corps is a dignify profession and will not recruit anybody with criminal records.

He also admonished those who were screened out based on health reasons and pregnancy not to see the corps as being discriminatory but to commend it for being safety conscious.

He noted that the one month intensive training contains rigorous exercise and those who are not medically fit may not be able to cope.

“We are peace loving body and we shall continue to promote and maintain peace.

For those of you that we screened

out based on health conditions and pregnancy, I want you to understand that we value your life more than anything else and we cannot allow you to partake in the one month rigorous training.

Remember that when there is life, there is hope” He advised.

Expressing her appreciation to the leadership of the corps, a pregnant lady who pleaded anonymity thanked the leadership of the corps in the state for telling them about the strenuous nature of the exercise.

She noted that she has been looking onto the lord for Pregnancy for close to five years and cannot afford to lose it.

She commended the peaceful con-

duct of the officers for educating them ahead of the one month intensive training and advised those who have poor health condition to withdraw.

She however called on the federal and state governments to do more in terms of job creation for the youths in the country in order to reduce the suffering of the innocent youth.

“I thank the Peace Corps boss for telling us that we that are pregnant cannot go, I have been looking for pregnancy for five years and now that I have it, I cannot risk it.

“And I want to beg the federal and state governments to create job for the unemployed youth in Nigeria,” she said.

Unilorin Mass comm. students display photography artistry Jan, 26 Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ As a practical demonstration of their artistry in story telling via photography, photo-journalism students of Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, will on Friday January 26, 2017 stage the first ever photo exhibition in the school.

The exhibition tagged ‘Fotoclique 2017’, has as its theme ‘Photography is Life’. It is slated to hold at the University’s main auditorium basement.

The exhibition will also feature the launching of ‘‘Aperture’’ magazine produced by the 200 level students of the department of mass communication of the university.

Fotoclique, according the lecturer in charge of the exhibition, Dr. K. K. Kadiri, is expected to attract dignitaries in the photography and media industries and is being organized in collaboration with Trendsville media limited.

He explained that ‘‘for the photo exhibition, we have gone far and wide to search for these talented photographers to evaluate the pictures that will be showed cased at the exhibition.”

According to him, among the photography panelists expected for the exhibition, is a fine art and advertising photographer, Osahon Okodugha.

Traffic gridlock at Onitsha end of the Niger Bridge… Sunday.

Aminu Kano Int. airport’s runway in perfect shape –Sirika Yakubu Salisu, Kano

Sirika

ÏÏÏ The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, on Sunday stated that the runway and taxi pavement of the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport are in perfect shape. He made this disclosure during a facility tour to the airport in Kano.

According to him, the existing runway had the capacity to carry all types of aircraft, adding that he had high confidence in the airport facility.

Also that the ongoing new terminal project at the airport was at advance stage, saying the contractor has not given any definite date of

completion.

According to him, the project will be completed in a very near future because it is at advance stage now.

“The terminal building project is a very good job and I think that with a little more push we should be there and it will be ready for completion.

“We will discuss on the completion date with the contractor and made it available to you.

“This is purely a federal airport and so there is no need for any kind of contribution from the state government and this is a tour of facility to ascertain the level of work done at the airport,” he said.

On the issue of lighting at the airport, Sirika said government was

already handling the issue of power generation differently.

He expressed confidence that the current power source on ground at Kano airport was adequate for its current and existing facility.

“With the coming up of the new terminal building, we will not have that challenge. We have planned for it, we are seeking for an alternative power supply.

“It has not been captured in the 2017 budget but we have made arrangement and FAAN is in the process of ensuring that there is adequate power supply, which is not part of what the new terminal building covered,” he said.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Features

s

Recession taking tolls on privates schools Faced by recession, poor quality teachers, withdrawal of pupils/students by parents in preference for public schools, among other challenges, private schools are worried about what lies ahead of them, in this report by FEMI GANIYU

A typical private school

Grace Group of Schools is a household name in Ijoko, in the newly created SangoIjoko Local Council Development Area of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

It is a private school, which runs under its roof, playgroup, crèche, nursery, primary and secondary schools.

Twenty years ago, when the institution was established by a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy George, expectations were high by the couple, that admirers and their immediate communities in Ota, Sango and Ifo areas of the state that the school would bridge the yearning education gap in the area, as the few public schools in the area were inadequate for the educational needs of the growing population.

For Mr. George and her wife, Kemi, it was, indeed dreams come true. And for their children, it was excitement galore.

In the past 20 years, private schools with different missions and aesthetics, have been mushrooming across the country, with pupils/students’ population increasingly rapidly, although with this trend leaving much to be desired in some circumstances.

The growth of these schools can be attribut-

ed to the growing educational needs of school age children, as well as parents’ insatiable love for education, given the fact that public schools, which hitherto were the pacesetters up to the last two decades, were failing to meet their expectations. And, since nature abhors a vacuum, private schools in their layers came to the rescue.

At inception, Grace Group of Schools had a total pupils/students’ population of some 100.

Two years later, it was learnt, the population has increased by 100 percent to, 200, and at the close of the last decade (year 2000), the population was in the range of 700, only to rise to 1,300 in 2014. This is aside scores of teaching and non-teaching workers in its employ.

According to the Chairman, Grace Group of Schools, Mr. Timothy George, “The initial growth in population was so phenomenal that, at some points, we had to reject new intakes, because our facilities, like classrooms, laboratories, hostel accommodation, etc., were becoming overstretched; and we could not cope with it.”

He said he and his wife, who is the Proprietor, were, however very happy, as they also

smiled to the banks and met their family needs and other societal commitments, due to high income generated therefrom.

Now the bubble has burst. According to Mrs. George, in the past two years, there had been gradual withdrawal of either pupils or students by parents. She said some of them gave excuses like lack of funds, death of their husbands and poverty as reasons for their action.

She said, “Last year was the worst for us, many parents could not afford to pay the fees, despite the fact that we even reduced them; some would say they had lost their jobs, while some others complained of poor business; we tried to counsel them, but the next day, you take class attendance, and you see a couple of the students conspicuously absent.”

She said that, “Whereas, some parents have formed the habit of withdrawing their children or wards from schools and re-registering them in three different schools within an academic session, just to avoid paying school fees, others simply withdraw them to go and learn handwork.”

The Proprietor of Global School, Alagbado,

Lagos, Mr. Johnson Dada has been losing sleep in the past months.

According to him, there has been a sudden and growing rush to public schools in Lagos in the state in the past few months, prior to the end of last term.

He said that primary schools’ sector is the worst affected by the rush.

He said the former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, started the campaign urging parents to send their children/wards to public schools in the state; adding that coupled with recession, poverty and the likes, many parents have been withdrawing their children in droves in preference for the state public schools.

Investigation showed that the current Governor of the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, through hid Deputy Governor, who also holds the Education Ministry Portfolio, as the Commissioner, Dr. Idiat Oyebule, is also following Fashola’s footsteps by urging parents to register their children in the tuition-free public schools across the state.

Dada said that apart from this developCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ Öè ƾƠơƣ

27 Features

ÏÏÏ^ƑƄƋƈƅ ƅ Ƌ ƄƆƅ ƌƈ ƐƐƏ ƅƐƈƒƆ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

ment, “Parents also refuse to pay school fees; and the teachers and other staff we employ would not want to listen to you if you don’t pay them; many of them also fought us physically or simply walked away in annoyance; and this means there would not be enough teachers immediately to handle the affected classes.”

He said part of the strategies he would adopt when the schools resume for the new term this month, would be “Reduction in the number of his teaching and non-teaching workers in order to cope with the challenge facing him.

In virtually everywhere across the country, the situation with private schools, not to talk of public schools is worrisome.

For example, there were reports that in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, children of school age are shunning schools, forcing traditional rulers to “Knock on doors, appealing to parents to send their children to schools.”

This, is, in spite of the fact that Abuja Municipal Council and all other councils make education virtually free for the students, while thousands of private schools dot the landscape of this fastest growing Nigerian city.

In the Southeast, Southsouth, the situation is similar. Poverty and recession have worsened schools’ attendance in private institutions, as these young girls and boys prefer trading to schools, a development that forced Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, to advocate for stronger girl-child education, in particular.

It is said to be worse in the Northeast, where activities of BokoHaram had displayed students from schools, public and private, swelling the rank of the over 10 million young children of school age, and who are rather out of schools, in the country. In the Southwest, young boys and girls, though many still go to schols, a large number of them have turned to doing other menial jobs, like bus conducting and hawking.

This, is, aside thousands of children, who are daily abused through being engaged in hawking, street trading, house helps and therefore, exposures to social vices, like kidnapping, health risks, like teenage pregnancy, abortion, HIV/AIDS and deaths.

But there are other challenges facing private schools, which, the schools’ managers say, may lead to their collapse. Some of these include, inability to raise enough funds from banks to finance laboratories, build additional classroom blocks, pay teachers, or meet other overhead costs.

This is why the Proprietor of Victory Group of Schools, Maryland, Lagos, Chief Francis I. Olaniyan, had cause to decry poor infrastructure and other things in some private schools.

According to the former Chairman, Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, who also called for qualified teaches in the schools, “Poor laboratory equipment” in these schools do not augur well for quality education.

An education consultant, Dr. Istifanus Godwin blamed players in the sector for inflicting wounds on themselves.

He said, many of the operators of the schools are motivated mainly by profit, and that is why you see both registered and unregistered private schools co-habiting along the same streets.

According to him, many of the old and current political, military leaders in the country

&ƗƑƅ Ɛƈ ƌƈ ƈ ƐƆƏè Ɨ ƌƑ

were products of public schools, adding that, “Let public schools come back.”

He said the introduction of the 6-3-3-4 education system the former Universal Primary Education system, which made education compulsory for pupils, had led to phenomenal educational growth in the country, one which, he said, has become very difficult to handle by the government, due to population growth thereby providing private operators to opportunities to come in.

He said, “In Economics, there is what we call, the ‘law of diminishing returns’; I think, their cups are filled now. Again, some of them don’t follow the right mix.”

He regretted that some private schools charge fees as high as, N250,000 per term, , although, he said, some charge much less; adding however that,”how many parents can afford it”?

He said, some of the schools just recruited untrained teachers, including school certifi-

ÒG Ɛ ƕƆ Ə Ɠ Ɛ Ɔ Ɠ Ə Ɛ Ƈ Ə Ƒ è ƌ ƕ ƍ ƏƆ Ɛ ƅ ƑƋƗ Ɛ ƇƇ ƏƗ Ɛ ƍ ƕ Ɛ Ɔ ƇƆƆ è ƗƆ ƍƈƐƆ Ɛ Ɔ Ƈ ƅƐ Ɛ Ɛ ƓƆ ƆƒƆ ƏƆƗƑƅƆƗ Ɛ Ɔƌì ƌƆ Ɠ ƑƋƗ ƕ Ɛ Ɔƕ Ɨ Ƌ Ɛ Ɛ ƆƈƏ Ɖ Ƅ è Ɠ ƈƋƆ ƌƆ Ɛ ƆƏ ƅ ƌƍƋ ƈ ƆƗ Ƈ ƍ Ə ƄƑ ƈ Ɔ ì ƓƆ ƐƏƈƆƗ Ɛ ƅ Ƒ ƆƋ Ɛ Ɔƌè ƄƑƐ Ɛ Ɔ ƆƔƐ Ɨ ƕè ƕ Ƒ Ɛ ƊƆ ƅƋ ƐƐƆ Ɨ ƅƆè Ɨ ƕ Ƒ ƆƆ ƅ ƑƍƋƆ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƐƑƗƆ Ɛ ƅ ƍƈƅƑ Ƒ Ƌƕ Ƅ Ɔ Ɛêÿ

cate holders just to fill the gaps, saying, “Ultimately, that is the results we are seeing; mass failures in the West African Examinations Council, National Education Council and others up to university, polytechnic and colleges of education levels.”

Godwin added that before the 1990s, there were few cases of examination malpractices, but today, he said, it has gone viral, as Special Centres; parents, teachers, who aid and abet examination malpractices abound everywhere, adding that its due to the decadence in the society, and mushrooming of private schools, among other reasons.

A parent, Mr. Tajudeen Saka and father of six children, said, he is a trailer driver and that for more than six months now, he has been out of job, adding; “Please, what do you expect me to do? To withdraw my(three) children and register them in public schools which are tuition-free of course”!

Although, parents Teachers Association of these schools are worried about the glom pervading some private schools, as according to Chief Babs Fafunwa, its Chairman, there are more works to do to avoid a looming disaster that could truncate private schools from developing beyond the level they are currently.

Abigail, a 10-year-old primary six pupils said her parents decided to re-register her in a public school in Egbeda area of Lagos, “because they said they don’t have money to pay again.”

Curiously, the little girl says she is enjoying her new environment, because “Our teachers teach us very well.”

The United Nations, UN, through its Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs’ programme, seeks to encourage member-nations to register more students in schools, give them better health care and nutrition, while, Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education, UBEC, also seeks to develop basic education in public schools.

But, private schools, which, essentially, are to compliment public schools, may have its back on the wall in this New Year, going by the plethora of challenges facing them, as they swim with the tides.

News 28 Pastor Adeboye, an inspirational leader, says Atiku

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Christmas expenses pushed me into stealing –suspect

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Joy Anyim & Oguntade Ismaila

ÏÏÏ

ÏÏÏA 24 – year old driver accused of stealing his boss’ car, TV sets and a pet dog, has confessed that Christmas needs of his siblings pushed him into the act.

The suspect, Abass Ope, from Ogun state, was arrested at Ojuelegba area of Lagos by the Decoy Team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the State Police Command, on December 26.

He was picked up by the police while trying to sell off his ex-boss’s Toyota Avensis 2013 model with registration number AGL 734 AR for N2 million.

Arrested along with him were three of his friends: Balogun Oluwaseun (23); Sanni Azeez (23) and Stephen Ewiele (22).

Abass had, during Christmas period, stormed his boss Magodo home while he and his family were holidaying in Delta state, with a conspirator

Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye as a unique example of inspirational leadership whose influence cuts across tribe, class, and even religion.

Atiku, in a statement in reaction to the Saturday’s announcement of Pastor Adeboye’s stepping aside as the National Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, for Nigeria, praised the religious leader’s influence on multitudes of Nigerians over the past four decades in his former position.

According to him, “Some of the most prominent personalities Nigeria has been blessed with have been those who learnt from the pulpit of Pastor Adeboye. A most recent example is our current Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.”

The Turakin Adamawa also hailed the several efforts of Pastor Adeboye, which clearly went beyond the normal expectations for a preacher, such as his active participation in the war against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria which saw the G.O. feature in an anti-AIDS advert that was aired on national television.

In addition, the former Vice President hailed the role that the Adeboye has played as a converging figure for other religious leaders in Nigeria, many who openly attended his services or consulted with him despite being of different congregations.

He added, “Pastor Adeboye is the kind of religious leader I pray that we see more of in Nigeria. He is a man beloved, and who loved one and all without discrimination.”

to move a 100 inches LCD TV, another 42 inches LCD TV, a dog, a suitcase, 2 DSTV decoders and a Toyota Avensis, from the home.

It was learnt that the suspect invaded the home of his ex – boss after learning that he had travelled out of Lagos for the yuletide, and that the gatekeeper had also gone to church.

Sources had it that the suspect was aware of where his boss usually kept keys to his rooms which made it easy for him to commit the crime.

It was revealed that his ex – boss, on getting report of missing vehicle and property, called the suspect on more than two occasions to intimate him of the development but he denied knowledge of the incidence.

The source further added that the boss had to cut short his holiday in Delta with his family to report the incident at Magodo police station.

The source added that he was shocked when an official of the RRS called him to notify him of his recovered vehicle because, he never reported the theft in RRS office.

According to Abass, “I took the car because I had no money to take care of myself and younger ones. They had no clothes, no shoes and this is yuletide season. They looked up to me to take care of these expenses.

“It was about three months now that I left Mr. Ekinodo (his former boss). I had worked for him for four years before leaving him on August, 2016. I left because he had a little challenge and things were pretty tough for him. I left so that he could have himself sorted out.

“He was a very nice boss to work with. He enrolled me into University but I couldn’t continue the education when I left him. While he had this chal-

lenge, he owed me eight months’ salary.

This prompted me to take his property and the vehicle.”

He added, “the auto dealer wanted to pay N2 million for the car but I insisted he pays N4 million because I know it is worth more than that.

He offered me N1million instantly and that the balance would be ready in about few minutes time, but I decided to ignore the offer hoping that the dealer would call me back for a re-negotiation.

“I went back to Ojuelegba few hours later in company of three of my friends, that was when RRS operatives arrested us”, he stated.

According to Ekinodo Ifoghale said, “I am in shock. This is a guy I treated like a son. Apart from my wife, he was the closest person to me. This is a guy that did my shopping for me. Even before I buy anything for myself, I bought for him first.

L-R: Founder of Move Back to Nigeria, Abdullahi Adabara; Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abike DabiriErewa; Managing Director, Money Matters, Harold Eluma-O’bien and Co-founder, Young African’s, Matters of Business Administration (MBA), Tolu Owodunni, during a networking meeting in Lagos… at the weekend.

Armed Forces Remembrance: Ugwuanyi salutes ex-servicemen’s sacrifice Baby-of-the-year gift: Full reward Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of

Enugu state has paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of ex-servicemen who laid down their lives for the safety and security of the nation and her citizens.

Ugwuanyi also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for the gallantry of servicemen and the successes they have continued to record on the battlefields as well as against the security challenges currently confronting the nation.

Speaking at the launch of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem in Enugu, the governor called attention to the plight of ex-servicemen and the survivors and dependents of fallen heroes, urging the public to show them appreciation for the sacrifices they made for the nation’s sake.

Ugwuanyi “We offer them our sincere gratitude, goodwill, solidarity and unrelenting prayers. In doing this, we are not only according these great patri-

ots the honour and credit that they truly deserve but we are also reassuring those still in service, that the country would never forget their sacrifices nor forsake them in their own hours of need,” Ugwuanyi assured.

While commending the Enugu State Council of the Nigerian Legion for the bold initiatives it has taken and continues to take towards improving the welfare of its members, the governor assured the Council of the continued support and assistance of the State Government.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State Council, Engr. George Amalu, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support which he said has given the state Legion a sense of belonging and inspired the Enugu Legion “to square up with other Legions in other states of the federation.”

delivered to mother, not part -Osun Govt

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ The Osun government has described as complete falsehood, claims by the father of the Baby of the Year for 2017, Mr. Kajogbola Olasunkanmi, that his family was cheated by the management of the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, the state capital, where his wife was delivered of the state’s first baby of the year.

The government said it was embarrassed by media reports which quoted Mr. Olasunkanmi as saying that “only a part of the gifts for the baby were presented to his family.”

The government, through the Bureau of Communication and Strategy, said immediately the media reports emerged, Governor Rauf Aregbesola ordered an immediate investigation into the claims, adding that the mother

of the baby of the year, Mrs. Olasunkanmi, debunked her husband’s claims when asked to confirm the claims.

The statement read, “It has become imperative to make this clarification in view of the negative impressions generated by the claims of Mr. Olasunkanmi, the father of the baby of the year.

“After the embarrassing media reports, which accused the management of the hospital of shortchanging the family by not presenting all the gifts for the baby of the year, the Governor ordered a full-scale investigation.

“To our chagrin, the mother of the baby of the year said her husband lied with his claims, adding that the envelope containing the cash gift from the Wife of the Governor of Osun, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, was sealed and intact when it was delivered to her.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

29

30

Monday, January 9, 2017

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE…

Conte wants long coaching career Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte described football as his life as he looks to emulate the long careers of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

The Italian’s coaching career began in 2006 with Arezzo, but the former Juventus boss is already targeting several more years in management.

Conte, 47, is open to the idea of coaching as long as Ferguson and Wenger, whose careers spanned more than 20 years – with the latter still in charge at Arsenal.

“You are talking about two monsters, two great managers,” Conte said.

“They are a big example for me. I hope to have, not completely their careers, but 10 years, yes. It’s enough for me.

“Twenty more years? Now I’m 47.

I prefer that my wife doesn’t listen to this.

“This is our life. Football is our life, with this pressure, with all. In the moment that football is not in our life, I think probably we die.”

It comes after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hinted at retirement before clarifying his comments, insisting the end of his career was still a while away.

Conte feels fatigue may have played a part in Guardiola making his comments.

“I have great respect for Pep and when you have a method, when you have a philosophy of football, an idea you want to bring in every team you manage, you spend a lot of energy,” he said.

Conte

Rakitic dropped from Barcelona ahead

Villarreal clash

I

van Rakitic has been left out of the Barcelona squad for Sunday’s LaLiga clash against Villarreal.

The Croatia international has been omitted “for technical reasons”, the champions said via their official website, with Denis Suarez included for the trip to face his former club at El Madrigal.

Aleix Vidal, Jeremy Mathieu and

injured goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen are also missing from the squad.

Rakitic started the 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday but was an unused substitute in Barca’s final two league games before the midseason break.

Speculation has grown in recent weeks that the 28-year-old

Draxler hailed after

dream PSG debut

P

aris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery expects Julian Draxler to gain a boost in confidence following his goalscoring debut against Bastia on Saturday.

The Germany international, who joined from Wolfsburg in a deal that could reportedly rise to €47million, scored PSG’s final goal in a 7-0 thrashing after coming on as a substitute in the Coupe de France tie at Parc des Princes.

Draxler struggled to settle after moving to Wolfsburg from Schalke and was omitted from the squad for disciplinary reasons on one occasion this season, but Emery hopes he has now been given the mental lift he needs.

“Julian played well,” he told a news conference. “It is important he scored

Brandt: I´m not scared of rejecting Bayern again

Julian Brandt says he would not be scared of turning down Bayern Munich for the second time in his career in favour of a new Bayer Leverkusen deal.

The 20-year-old has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects over the past two years and speculation is mounting over his future, with his contract now in its final two years.

Brandt rejected the chance to join Bayern from Wolfsburg in 2013 in favour of a switch to the BayArena and the Germany international claims he would happily snub their advances again if he thought that staying at Leverkusen would suit him best.

“I would not be scared to dismiss Bayern for a second time,” he told reporters. “The same goes for other clubs, too.”

On the chances of renewing his Leverkusen deal, he said: “Of course that is possible. I feel very comfortable here and I know what I’ve got here. We’re constantly in good talks.

“If it were up to me, the summer would be the right time [to reveal a decision]. I don’t want to deal with this forever.

on his debut. That will give him confidence.” “The most important thing is that the team won. At home, the team has confidence and the ability to play well, which helps results.’

“When we scored the third goal, we continued to press. The players who came on, like Draxler and Angel Di Maria, had the motivation to play well and they scored.”

Draxler

could be sold if he remains on the fringes of Luis Enrique’s plans, with Manchester United and Juventus both linked with a bid.

Speaking last month, Luis Enrique insisted that Rakitic remains an important player, although he stressed that he would not be forced into justifying his selection policy.

Rakitic

“I’m really happy with his commitment, his attitude,” he said in a media conference. “I have to take criticism and I will continue to take them for what I think is best for the team.

“I’ve got no interest in justifying myself to a player of mine. I’m not going to do that. Rakitic has been and will be a good player for Barca.”

Chelsea recall Ake

from Bournemouth loan

N

athan Ake has been recalled

by Premier League leaders Chelsea from his loan spell at Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old defender joined Eddie Howe’s side on a seasonlong loan deal last June and has impressed on the south coast, prompting Antonio Conte to bring him back to the Blues.

Conte had described Ake as a “very interesting opportunity” in the January transfer window as he looks to keep Chelsea at the top of the table and the Italian has now made the decision to bring him into his squad.

Chelsea and Bournemouth both confirmed the decisions in statements on Sunday, with the Cherries saying: “Ake has started the

last eight games he has been eligible for but Chelsea have activated an option to recall him during the opening weeks of January, and the 21-year-old will return to Stamford Bridge immediately.

“Bournemouth would like to thank Nathan for his efforts over the past seven months and wish him well for the future.”

Ake played 24 Premier League games on loan at Watford last season and made a further 10 topflight appearances for Bournemouth in 2016-17.

The Netherlands Under-21 international has played for Chelsea five times in the Premier League, the last of those appearances coming in May 2015, and he is now set to be involved in their title chase.

Monday, January 9, 2017

EXTRATIME

Adebayo A enjoying life at Abia Warriors

biodun Adebayo is confident of an excellent performance in his first season at Abia Warriors.

Having spent two seasons at Niger Tornadoes,the defender admits that consistency is very important even as he settled in well at his new club.

The former Kogi United stalwart is confident of yet another successful year with the Umuahia based outfit.

“I think it’s time for a fresh challenge and I am very glad that Abia Warriors has offered me an opportunity to express my gift,” Adebayo told

reporters. “ I’ve settled in very well at Abia Warriors with the help of the management, coaches and team mates and that has really helped focus. I am very confident that we shall have an excellent performance in 2017 based on the quality i have seen here. With consistent performance all through the season, we shall make a positive statement. “ We have experience coaches, coach Okey Emordi is vast, his presence and wealth of experience is huge.

Nigeria celebrates legendary Victor Ezeji I

t came to an end for the mercurial Victor Ezeji when he played in his last game, at the testimonial match in Port Harcourt on Saturday, to end his 20 years of playing football.

Ezeji, a legend of the Nigeria Professional Football League, is mostly known for winning two African League championships with Enyimba, but it his longevity of 20 years that is really amazing.

In two decades he played for: 1996 Sharks F.C. 1997–1999 Eagle Cement 2000–2002 Sharks F.C. 2003 Enyimba F.C. 2004–2007 Dolphins F.C.

2007-2008 Club Africain 2008-2012 Sharks F.C. 2013-2014 Enyimba FC 2014-2015 Sunshine Stars FC 2015-2015 Heartland FC This makes him the undisputed most travelled player in Nigerian football history, having now surpassed the equally impressive Thunder Balogun.

Shehu Dikko and fittingly Victor Ezeji scored for Team NPFL in the 46th and 63rd minutes while Rivers Legislator, Kelechi Nworgu scored for Team Ezeji in the 88th minute.

Meanwhile, ‘the headmaster’ Adepoju told the News Agency of Nigeria after the game that it was great participating in the

N

Bala said that the defeat is part of the game that will further challenge the side to come up with their finest performance in subsequent matches.

“We lost 2-3 to Sanders FC, though we out-played the side in every department of the game.

“People have called from home to express their worries over the loss to the non-league side.

“We quite understand their feelings but again defeat is equally part of the game of football.

“The result did not go on our way but in terms of the purpose

Adebayo

Abdulkadir completes move to Nasarawa United

Ezeji

match to honour a legend.

“This is how it is supposed to be. We all need to honour people that have done great for football in Nigeria, and it is nice meeting ex-international players I have not seen for some time. I congratulate

him for this. It is not easy putting 20 years in the Nigeria league. This is an honour well deserved,” he said.

Augustine Eguavon, an exinternational and former Super Eagles coach, said that honouring Ezeji was worth any sacrifice.

Bala satisfied despite loss to Sanders iger Tornadoes head coach Abubakar Bala has expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance against nonleague side, Sanders FC. The top-flight side was beaten 3-2 by the non-league team in a friendly match on Saturday at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital ground in Zaria.

The Minna outfit will on Sunday square up against another non-league side, Nasara FC on the same pitch as part of their final build-up for the upcoming Nigerian top-flight.

31

of the game, which is mainly a test as well as assessment match I’m satisfied with what I saw.

“The key concentration for me is how the players are able to create chances, fight for ball, recovery rate as well as finishing.

“It’s a good match and good performance too, and I’m happy we are inching closer to perfection before the kick-off of the league.

Tornadoes’ first league season’s match will be at MFM FC on Sunday at the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos.

Bala

Abdulkadir

N

asarawa United have completed the signing of highly-rated central defender Bolaji Abdulkadir from ABS FC. The former captain of the Ilorin-based outfit joined the Solid Miners on a one-year contract.

“I feel extremely proud to be here and I’m proud of all the hard work I’ve put in so far throughout my career,” Abdulkadir told Goal.

“I’ve always dreamt of one day signing for a really top club.

I’ve been lucky enough to be the captain of ABS for some years and so to now get the chance to play for a club like Nasarawa United, it’s just fantastic.

When asked about his preferred position, he replied, “I prefer to play as a central defender, but if coach Kabiru Dogo needs me anywhere at the back, I’m at his service. He is a good man and I hope to repay his faith in me with good performances on the field.”

Nasarawa United will face Wikki Tourists in the week one of the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium next weekend.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD,

email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08051000448.

Editor Daily: ROSE MOSES

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

VOL. 2. NO. 273

Price: N150

Ex-Eagles star Suswam returns to Eyimba P 29

News Hotlines: Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

L Ndidi

Ranieri hails unbelievable Ndidi after

super debut Malaysian club doubles

Okiki pay — Agent T

he agent of Afolabi Okiki has revealed the Nigeria striker will receive double what he got at top Argentine club Talleres de Cordoba at new Malaysian club Kelantan FA. Okiki, 22, and Cameroon World Cup player Cedric Djeugoue will now feature for Kelantan.

“The new team gave him more money, in fact twice as much,” said Okiki’s agent Marcelo Houseman.

Former Warri Wolves star Austin Amutu has previously featured for Kelantan FA. The Argentine agent also disclosed the former Sunshine Stars and Shooting Stars forward was not happy to sit on the bench and made his decision to quit Argentina.

“He is good enough to play in Argentina but he’s not prepared to sit on the bench,” he said.

Okiki

eicester City boss Claudio Ranieri described the performance of new signing Wilfred Ndidi as “unbelievable” after ‘The Foxes’ went past hosts Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup. Nigeria star Ahmed Musa fired a brace for Leicester to avenge a home loss to Everton.

Compatriot Ndidi also caught the eye in his first game for the Premier League champions after his big-money move from Belgian club Genk.

“Ndidi trained just two training sessions with us, but played with fantastic personality,” saluted Ranieri.

“He recovered a lot of balls and played well.

“For a 20 year old to make his first game against Everton, it’s unbelievable.”

The manager was equally pleased with the overall team showing.

“I’m very pleased with our performance,” Ranieri said at full-time. “We wanted to win and we wanted to go through in the FA Cup, which is an important competition.

“Then [we wanted to go through] even more because we lost to Everton at home, so we wanted revenge. It was a good match because of course at the beginning Everton pushed a lot and wanted to score a goal, but I’m very pleased with our performance before and after the goal.

“When we conceded a goal, everybody wanted to react immediately. After there were chances for them and us, but it was a very good performance.”

The Anambra Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Obiano to construct 111 roads in 90 days

AT 2

AT 4 Igbo foundation honours Coscharis, Chicason, ABC, others

Ogene emerges new Ohanaeze president in Anambra ÏÏÏ

Governor Obiano (middle) cutting the tape to commission the new ASUBEB building in Awka, Anambra State capital... recently.

He is flanked by officials of ASUBEB.

We’ll establish fire service stations in major markets -Obiano Ï ƊƊƆ Ƅƍ ƎƄ ƑƆƎ ƐƆƃƎƆƊ ƅ M ƄƑƆ jƆƊƂƄƍ Ɗ ƍƈƄƎ Ɔ ƅƄƍ Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

The

Anambra

T E A M

Anambra State Government has promised to ensure the establishment of fire service stations in major markets across the state to avert massive loss of property in cases of emergency fire situations.

Governor Willie Obiano stated this while commiserating with executives and traders of Nnewi Timber Market, Nnewi, who lost property valued at millions of Naira in a fire outbreak in the market.

Over one hundred and fifty shops were gutted by the inferno which was said to have begun Wednesday night.

Many heavy duty timber cutting machines, as well as multi-million Naira worth of timber goods were consumed in the inferno which cause is yet to be established.

While thanking God that no lives were lost, Gov. Obiano said the loss is a huge one for the state as the market is one of the major revenue windows of the State government.

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Governor who stressed the need for the traders in the various markets across the state to make insuring themselves and their goods a norm, noted that with such in place, settling the cost of emergencies occasioned by

Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

fire outbreaks will be much easier.

The Governor further advised Ndi Anambra not to wait for government to do everything for them, but to always assist one another especially in the midst of the economic downturn, as according to him, government can’t do everything on its own, pointing out however, that the State government will do the much it can to help alleviate the pains of the loss.

Earlier, the Vice President, Anambra Traders Association, and Nnewi Market Leader, Chief Gozie Akudolu, solicited the support of the State government and well-meaning individuals, to prevent possible reoccurrence, regretting that such fire incidents have become an annual occurrence in the Nnewi Timber Market.

While calling for the institution of a panel of enquiry into the remote and immediate

causes of the fire outbreak, Chief Akudolu regretted that though no lives were lost, many of the affected traders are in different hospitals due to the shock occasioned by the of loss.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Efficiency and Board of Internal Revenue, Ogbuefi Melie Onyejepu, who was on ground to receive the Governor, appreciated the State government for coming to the immediate rescue of the traders through the State fire service, calling on the traders whose goods and property were razed, to take heart and brace up to start again, as the tragedy is not in itself, the end of life.

Also on ground to receive the Governor were the Executive members and stakeholders of the market association, as well as a mammoth crowd of traders and sympathizers.

Chief Damian Ogene on Saturday emerged as the newly elected president of Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze, the Igbo sociocultural organisation.

Ogene was the sole candidate in the election.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked the delegates for giving him their mandates to lead the group.

Ogene, however, promised to unite the people of the state more than ever before.

He said that his leadership would pursue greater synergy with the state governments in member states to address the social, infrastructure and political challenges facing the area.

Ogene urged the Federal Government to address the plights of people in the South- East region of the country.

In his remark, the immediate past president of the organisation in the state, Chief Chris Eluemuno, said that he handed over a strong and united Ohanaeze.

Eluemuno expressed confidence that the new executive would move the organisation to greater level.

Also, the National Chairman of the group Electoral Committee, retired Gen. Joe Achuzie, described the election as peaceful and fruitful.

Achuzie commended the people for their orderly conduct during and after the polls.

Other elected include JAP Nwokolo as Vice President, Mr. Nwankwo EzueSecretary, and Mr. Nwankwo Samuel as the Social Welfare.

They are Ifeabunike Somadina as Financial Secretary, while Ekwunife Rose was elected as the Woman Leader, among others.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Police plotting with opponents to dethrone me, says Igwe Nwankwo Ï Allegation untrue -Police

ÏÏÏ

The traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, has accused the Anambra State Police Command of plotting with his enemies in the community to dethrone him through the Abagana Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Daniel Nnamoko Uke, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

Speaking to newsmen in his palace in Nawfia, the traditional ruler called for a full-scale panel of inquiry into the ongoing crisis in the town, so that he will expose all the people including the Police who have been working to remove him as the traditional ruler of the community.

He said: “Some people are after me. It is shear jealousy. That is the way they killed my father but they can’t kill me. They will fail. They wanted to use me but I refused. I am stronger now than before”.

Igwe Nwankwo alleged that DPO of Abagano was given money by his opponents to dethrone him and “that is why he prefers carrying their directives instead

of my own who is the monarch of the town”.

But the DPO denied ever receiving money from any group in Nawfia to work against the traditional ruler or plotting with anybody to dethrone Igwe Nwankwo, insisting that his duty was to ensure peace and order in the entire Local Government Area including Nawfia.

But trouble started when the President General of the community allegedly said to be working in concert with some people organised Nawfia Day that will last for about seven days during the Christmas and New Year festivities without the approval of the traditional ruler.

Igwe Nwankwo said by organising Nawfia day without his approval, even where there was masquerade display, the organisers had obviously hijacked his functions as the custodian of Nawfia culture and tradition.

He said they merely informed him of a programme that ought to have emanated from his palace, which he directed should not hold and told the DPO not to allow it hold but they defied his

order and went ahead to hold the programme as well as allowed masquerades to come out without his consent or approval, alleging that the “de facto president general” which he is challenging his election in the court was building a new town hall in his community without his knowledge and approval.

He also alleged that in the programme of the “so-called Nawfia Day”, his picture and name were conspicuously missing in their brochure, which was a clear indication that there was a plot to dethrone and the DPO was providing support.

Said Igwe Nwankwo: “Nigeria is the most corrupt country in the world. My problem with the Police is that I don’t give them money. When I call the Police, they don’t act. If the other group calls them, they will act. They are using intimidation. You can’t take my function and invite me to take part. I want full-scale investigation. I will expose all these people and even the Police. They come to Igbo land to make money”.

Obiano to construct 111 roads in 90 days Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has said that 111 roads have been earmarked for construction in the dry season.

Obiano, who disclosed this on Saturday in Awka, the state capital, said the roads were in areas with prospects for the realisation of agriculture, commerce and industrial vision.

He said that the roads would cut across the three Senatorial districts of the state.

“It would be done to standard due to the anticipated heavy duty trucks conveying products to and from the project sites,’’ the governor said.

He described the year 2016 as a year of breakthrough for the state.

According to him, the state government would intensify efforts to ensure that the economy of the state remain viable to alleviate the impact of the present economic recession on the people.

Philip Balepo Onitsha

Chairman Chicason Group, Chief Alexander Okafor (middle), recceiving award from Dr. Dozie Ikedife, at an event in honour of entrpreneurs of Igbo extraction held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, recently. Beside Chief Okafor is Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa.

ÏÏÏ Governor of

Commuters groan as Onitsha comes to a halt

Obiano said he had initiated short-term policies to guarantee the state’s continued march toward greater achievements.

“This government is more focused on building strong institutions for a viable model for subsequent administrations to consolidate on,’’ the governor said.

“I am committed to seeing through my social contract with the people,’’ he said.

ÏÏÏ Easterners who came home

for the Christmas and New Year festivities are sweating blood trying to return to their bases in Lagos, other parts of the West and Abuja as traffic at the Onitsha end of the Niger Bridge is grinding to a snail speed.

Early travellers as early as 6 am on Sunday had to spend almost one to two hours before getting to the Delta State side of the Bridge.

And what a free day it turned out to be for both transporters and Okada riders.

While the least the Okada riders charge to cross passengers to Asaba was N300, the transporters like God is Good Motors charged

Lagos bound travelers N11,200 while others like Edegbe Motors charged N7,000 for those travelling to Lagos.

As at 10 am on Sunday, the clog of wheels were still stretched up to Upper Iweka Round About.

Most vehicles with Police escorts were found driving against the traffic, thereby making the situation more cumbersome. And to make matters worse, the Police and the Army were seen conducting sporadic stop and check.

This of course brings to bear the importance of a second Niger Bridge in Onitsha/Asaba axis. It is on record that this traffic jam is an annual occurrence that can only be checked with the creation of an alternative route.

Uke celebrates maiden Ofala

Philip Balepo Onitsha

ÏÏÏ It was celebration galore as

Uke, otherwise called the ‘holy’ town in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, recently honoured its indigenes with chieftaincy awards and installed the Ndi Ichie Ukwu (King’s cabinet members), to mark the maiden Ofala festival of the new King, Igwe Charles Chuma Agbala, the Igwe Oranyelu III of Uke. Uke’s last Igwe, HRH G. N. C. Ezeude, Igwe Oranyelu II, who reigned between 1996 and 2011, passed on in December, 2011 and his reign offered little peace to the town even in death until a Peace Committee created in 2007, headed by Dr. Ephraim Onyechi and Edozie Mbaneme as secretary, raised a new constitution which made order the main dish of Uke Development Union.

This also led to the emergence of a new king who emerged via the hierarchical structure of the villages. This peace accord led to the very last Ofala of Igwe Ezeude, which was performed on November 14, 2015, five years after his exit.

That Ofala left the throne vacant. As nature abhors a vacuum, the Uke Development Union called on the next village which is Uruezeani/Uruabor to give the town three eligible candidates as constitution orders.

The election, which was an open ballot affair, saw Surveyor Charles Agbala emerge the next king with 165 votes as against 13

by Dr. Boniface Amah and also 10 by Dr. Boniface Agbala, who incidentally is the elder brother of Igwe Charles.

So, the maiden Ofala turned out so colourful and gracious that for the first time, Uke was

united in peace and harmony.

Illustrious sons were honoured as well as the King’s cabinet who were the choices of the villages in the town.

In his maiden speech titled, “New Era, the new king, Igwe Surveyor Charles Agbala, expressed joy that Uke is one again, adding that for him and all Uke people, “the labour begins, where those with fresh blood and the unquenchable desire to serve are needed. This is a festival of return - that is, returning home to make Uke the foremost town in Idemili North Local Government Area.”

The Igwe reminded his people that “Uke was one of the first towns to offer free primary education to kids two decades ago.

Now, we are going to provide free primary and secondary education for indolent children.”

He lamented the dearth of “socio-cultural initiatives which he attributed to the rampant outside marriage of our youths.”

The Igwe was thankful to Governor Willie Obiano for the N20 million Choose-your-project initiative, which has Uke building a new civic centre. He then beckoned on his subjects to “learn to be constructive in their criticisms rather than destructive.

We must also learn to forgive one another in order to move Uke forward.”

The President-General, Mr. Ikedi Obi, in his welcome address, thanked all “Uke indigenes for finding it necessary to seek and achieve peace. We are committed to working together.

The popular Eke Uke Market will soon wear a modern look and electricity which has eluded us for two years now will soon be a thing of the past,” he promised.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

AVS boss restates commitment to fight criminals ÏBags Igbo Security Man of the Year award Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ The man behind the security

of lives and property in Anambra State since the days of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chinenye Ihenkor, has said his commitment to rid the state of criminals will not consume him, rather vowed that he will continue to work till the state is totally liberated from hoodlums.

Chief Ihenkor popularly called “Okpompi” spoke in Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial nerve centre, recently, while receiving an award of the best security person of Ndigbo by a magazine called ‘The Igbo Echo’.

Said Chief Ihenkor: “I am glad for this award. It was given to me far away in Ghana but you brought my own here, showing how much you respect us. This award will give me more encouragement. I have received several awards but this one is special to me”.

He said the occasion was an impromptu one because and he couldn’t change it due to the fact that givers of the award had come far away from Lagos, but it will be better celebrated sometime this January when stakeholders will gather to reciprocate the award, adding, “I don’t have money but I have people who will reciprocate it”.

Ihenkor, who is in charge of the

Anambra Vigilant Services (AVS) in Onitsha North Local Government Area of the state, specifically thanked the chairman of Onitsha Main Market and his vice for their strong support to the AVS, saying that there were other places they operate but Main Market is their base.

The Editor of The Igbo Echo, Mr. Augustine Omeife, said the award was a yearly for Ndigbo who have done well in their areas of work, not for rich people but for people with integrity.

Omeife, who was accompanied by the General Manager, Paul Ngbamulu, said the award was for not money but purely based on merit, saying that it can be withdrawn if the recipient does not live up to the expectation.

He said when they were coming, they expected to see a giant but they saw a David instead, saying that Chief Ihenkor was voted overwhelmingly as the winner of the category.

The Editor said after the voting, they sill investigated and found in Ihenkor “a man you can vouch for if you get close to him, a man who has potentials, who is running his destiny, a true a patriot, an epitome of an Igbo man”.

In his brief speech at the occasion, Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chudozie Okeke, lauded the organisers for recognising the effort and commitment of Chief Ihenkor in ensuring that Anambra State is free from criminals.

The Anambra Times 3

Obiano’ll lead APGA to victory -BoT member Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

Against the predictions of the political enemies of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, a member of Board of Trustees, (BoT) of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has expressed optimism that the Governor will lead the party to victory in the 2017 governorship election in the state.

Ezeonwuka, who spoke recently in his country home at Oba, Idemili Local Government Area of the state during the TuesdayTuesday court he holds in his home, said Gov. Obiano has what it takes to lead his party, APGA, to victory in the coming election.

Ezeonwuka, who is the Ogirisigbo, gave the assurance following the complaints of many

Anambra citizens including APGA members about Governor Obiano’s cabinet, said the Governor will come out with the re-organisation of the party and his government to ensure total victory in the next governorship election.

“He is the leader of the party.

If the party dies, it is the leader that would be held responsible but he has shown the capacity to lead the party to victory,” Ezeonwuka said.

Many Anambra people have complained that Obiano was not giving attention to road rehabilitation and construction as well as surrounded himself with Diaspora people who are cut off from the reality of the people of the state.

But the APGA chieftain said a lot were being done on Anambra roads, stating that with the dry season setting in, the Governor

has commenced comprehensive rehabilitation of Anambra roads, and expressed confidence that before the end of the season, a lot of roads in the state would have received attention.

He said: “The miracle of zero potholes is going on in the state now. All these failed roads including Igbo-Ukwu road are being worked on. The governor is working on Umunya-Awkuzu portion of the Enugu –Onitsha Expressway. Some of these roads are Federal Government roads, yet he is working on them.

All the bad roads in Anambra State must visited.”

As the yuletide approaches, the APGA chieftain advised members of the public to be more security conscious even though there is security in the state, saying the people should know the right time to suspect people.

225 road crashes, 77 deaths occurred in 2016 in Anambra -FRSC ÏÏÏ The Sector Commander, Fed-

eral Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State, Mr. Sunday Ajayi, on Thursday, said the command recorded 225 road traffic crashes in the state in 2016.

Ajayi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Onitsha that 54 of the crashes were fatal and 77 people were killed.

“On record, we have a total of 225 crashes in 2016 as against 229 in 2015.

Out of the 225 crashes, 54 were fatal and 77 people were killed.

“When you compare the figure, 2016 was an improvement on that of 2015. We appreciate God and the good people of the state who supported the command to achieve the feat.

“We discovered that speed violation was the major cause of the crashes, while loss of control and dangerous driving were close to speed violation as factors that led to road traffic crashes on the roads,” Ajayi said.

The sector commander also said the command apprehended a total of 27, 365 offenders in 2016 as against 25, 857 arrests recorded in 2015 for various offences.

He stated that the figure increased in percentage, due to intensified effort by the corps in terms of enforcement.

“We identified black spots and made ourselves available in those areas to ensure we stem the tide of crashes in the state.

“Based on this, we advise the general public that safety on the roads is not by chance. We want people to come out this year to work with the command to achieve safety for everyone on the road.

“That is to say we need to make ourselves available for knowledge on road safety and have good foundation about the use of the road through driving schools and equipping ourselves with the Highway Code.

“We must take note that when we use the road, we require positive attitude that supports safety on the highway.

“This year, we must plan our journey, consider other road users and not struggle to play hard even when we are right,” the sector commander advised.

Ajayi urged motorists to be wise, obey traffic rules as well as obey law enforcers on the highways.

Cross section of Ndi Ichie Ukwu (King’s cabinet members) of Uke town in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State during the maiden Ofala festival of their new King, Igwe Charles Chuma Agbala, the Igwe Oranyelu III of Uke, recently.

Guber poll: Shun candidates of political godfathers, group tells residents

ÏÏÏ The

people of Anambra State have been urged to shun candidates sponsored by political godfathers in the Nov. 2017 governorship election.

The Movement for Greater Anambra State (MOFGAS), a group, gave the advice in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Chief Shedrack Anakwue in Onitsha recently.

“Our position today is that we will no longer support a candidate who has no solid base; who needs and must rely on people to climb to power.

“The candidate Anambra needs to make progress must be capable of standing on his

own, capable of contesting and winning election.’’

Anakwue added that voters should back a candidate who has the financial muscle and strength of character to shoulder the responsibilities of election and leadership.

He stated that such a candidate should, however, not have a questionable source of income.

The group said it owed it as a duty to ensure that the state was not taken back to an era of political and economic instability.

The group said Anambra State had suffered the effect

of godfathers in previous governments with political power brokers foisting their godsons on the state to advance their selfish interests.

“Apart from Mr. Peter Obi, every other governor that had ruled the state was the product of godfathers.

“Dr. Chris Ngige was at some point kidnapped because he refused to do the bidding of his godfathers.

“Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was foisted on the people by a cabal and also removed after one term, and Chief Willie Obiano was also foisted on the state by Obi”, he said.

The Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

ANSG to create more jobs from agriculture, others

ÏÏÏ

Awardess and members of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) during an event in honour of entrepreneurs of Igbo extraction held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, recently.

Igbo foundation honours Coscharis, Chicason, ABC, others

Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), a socio-political and economic Igbo organisation, has honoured entrepreneurs of Igbo extraction for adopting the latest think home philosophy mantra of Ndigbo.

Among prominent Igbo businessmen and industrialists who were given the award for bringing home their businesses and industries which provided employment opportunities for Igbo sons and daughters were Dr. Cosmas Maduka, for setting up rice farm in his home state, Anambra; Chief Alexander Okafor, chairman, Chicason Group Nnewi; Chief Gregory Ibe, Chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu; and Chief Frank Nneji, owner of ABC Transport among others. The Foundation received support from Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, and Chief Chekwas Okorie amongst others.

Special recognition was also accorded Chief Chekwas Okorie, who founded two Igbo based political parties, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and United People’s Party (UPP) and the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. In his speech at the occasion held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Governor Willie Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said that he is very much interested in every initiative and measures aimed at the development and progress of Igbo land.

He said that was why he on assumption of office as governor

gave security a priority, noting that the adequate security in the state opened the gate for Ndi Anambra to invest at home.

Dr. Okeke, who performed the opening ceremony, said that Anambra State has taken the advantage of the security situation to attract huge investments in Agriculture from Coascharis farms and others, pointing out that the Obiano administration has facilitated massive improvement on food production in the state with agricultural produce such as rice, vegetable and other things now being produced in large quantity in the state.

The deputy governor, who commended the members of ADF for their vision and commitment toward the development and progress of Alaigbo, pledged the unflinching support of Anambra State government under Obiano to the cause of the Igbo group and noted that what the ADF has set out to do in Igbo land deserves the support of everybody and Anambra would not lag behind.

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, said that he was delighted to see that the members of the Foundation were passionately dedicated to the cause of Ndigbo and called on state governors of the seven Igbo speaking states and all well-meaning sons and daughters of all Igbo land to throw their weight behind them to enable the Foundation achieve all they have set out for the progress of Alaigbo.

Iheanacho said: “When I contested for governorship of Imo State under the platform of APGA, I had it in mind to run a government that will focus on think home philoso-

phy, promote Igbo values and give the people of Imo State the desired development and progress they were yearning for. What I wanted to do in my state is exactly what the ADF is dedicated and committed in doing for us and that is why I am interested in this programme here.

I therefore appeal to our people to kindly support ADF”.

In his own speech, Chief Chekwas Okorie, emphasised the need for Ndigbo to also organise what he called political summits, noting that after organising economic and security summit, the next agenda for the Igbo is to sit down and discuss issues of politics as they affect the Igbo nation in Nigeria.

The founder of APGA and UPP also called on Ndigbo to support ADF and reassured that he shall always make himself available to identify with the initiatives and programmes targeted at the well-being of Alaigbo, noting that he has been part of the movement of ADF from day one starting from the event of international colloquium on Igbo question held in Enugu few years ago.

Earlier in his address, the president of ADF, Prof. Uzodimma Nwala, gave a detailed background information about the birth, the vision and mission of the foundation, stating the foundation was a brainchild of international colloquium on the Igbo question in Nigeria, before, during and after Biafra war which was conceived and held in Enugu by a body of Igbo intelligentsia, clergy, elders, patriots, women and youth in the light of the persistent crises-ridden socio-political situation in the Nigerian federation and the debate over Igbo future.

Anambra State Government will in this year, 2017, create more jobs in all sectors of the state economy, especially in agriculture even as it is set to produce 100 percent sorghum for beverages producing industries.

The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, stated these during the Grand Finale of Ihiala Day Celebrations at Odoata Primary School, Ihiala, Anambra State, recently.

Gov. Obiano said that every arrangement had been made to export over one million tubers of yam to the United States of America, in addition to the vegetables currently being exported to European countries.

He noted that he had resolved to ameliorate the sufferings of the people by creating the enabling environment and making the agricultural sector more viable to produce sorghum and other materials that can be used in production of beverages and other produce.

According to him, ”the Sabmiller Beverages produces 2.7 hectres litres per beer, per anum which 40% of sorghum are purchased in the North, while 80% are produced in the North. By 2017, Anambra will be producing 100% Sorghum in Delfarm

at Igbariam”.

The Governor maintained that the production of Sorghum would create over 200 direct and indirect employments and as well assured that he would further energize other sectors of the economy such as industrialisation, trade and commerce, oil and gas among others.

Obiano assured the people of Ihiala that his administration would not relent in attracting more development and to intervene in providing social amenities for them.

In his address, the President General, Ihiala Progress Union, Barrister Jude Ngobili, commended the governor for his administrative blueprints, especially in restoring peace and security.

Ngobili pleaded with the governor to intervene in providing them with necessary social facilities such as steady power supply, potable water among others.

The highlights of the event were laying of foundation stone for the construction of an ultramodern Civic center and commissioning of one kilometer road constructed by a philanthropist in the community. All were performed by Governor Willie Obiano.

February, our target for completion of street lights, says Obiano ÏÏÏ Anambra

State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has announced that the target of the ongoing ‘Operation Light up Anambra’ project of his administration, is to cover the whole stretch of the Enugu-Onitsha road, both on the old road and on the expressway by end of February, 2017.

Gov. Obiano stated this when he commissioned 210 units of 180 Watts LED streetlight project, stretching from New Tyre, Nkpor, through New Parts and across the Flyover to Borromeo round about, Onitsha, covering five kilometers to be powered by Gas and through the National grid.

Also commissioned was the Nise to Agulu Lake street lights and the installation has presently covered a 90 kilometer stretch.

Addressing the people of the area that were present on the occasion, the governor, commended the state service commanders for a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebration.

He then stated that the street lighting project has helped in security operations and that the

target is to achieve mounting of street lights from the Awka to Asaba boundary.

The state Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr. Obi Nwankwo, then stated that benefiting communities must take ownership of the project and protect them from vandalism.

From Nkpor, the entourage moved over to Nise the commissioning point of the 15 kilometer street light, covering from Amawbia through Nise to Agulu Lake axis.

The governor then emphasised the status of Anambra State as the light of the nation, which the state must live up to.

The President General of Nise Community lauded the giant strides of the governor in lighting up the state and assured him of the community’s support to his administration.

Obiano on the other hand, reiterated his commitment towards improving in infrastructural development, insisting that the transformation of Anambra State in areas of infrastructure alongside economic and social security, is certain in year 2017.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Why more Nigerians need insurance policies – PILA Page B2

Opeoluwani Akintayo The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has explained the recent hike in prices of kerosene in petrol stations across the country, adducing it to scarcity.

According to findings, kerosene now sells between N250 and N300 per litre, against the official price of N180 per litre.

According to NUPENG in a statement on Sunday, there is currently no kerosene both at private and NNPC depots in La-

DMO to sell N430bn bonds this quarter

Page B3

Labour wants supplementary budget to accommodate new minimum wage – Ajaero

Page B8

Why kerosene now sells for N300 per litre - NUPENG

... As Nigerians turn to coal, firewood for cooking gos.

Findings revealed that the product was last brought to the depot on Dec.27, 2016.

Rotimi Benjamin, National Chairman, Surface Tank Kerosene Peddlers (SUTAKEP) Branch of NUPENG, said in a

statement that scarcity of the product is the reason for the hike in price.

“It is very sad that things are going on this way. For the past two weeks, there has been no supply of kerosene to any of the depots in Lagos.

“The two refineries have not produced kerosene. This has made the marketers that have the product in their stations to increase it by over 60 per cent.

“This is not the right time for our refineries to stop kerosene production, everybody cannot

depend on gas.

“The common man cannot afford the price of cylinder and cooking gas. Our mothers in the village depend on kerosene, an essential household commodity to cook.

“Government should not just sit down watching the masses suffering; they should address the issue and make the product CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Stakeholders canvass retention of Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue Tony Nwakaegho Stakeholders in the public and private sector, particularly those from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have canvassed the retention of the quarterly Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue, saying it was an avenue for industry thought leaders to assemble and discuss the future of digital Nigeria and its prospects.

The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, said at the recent event organized by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD) with the theme: “Growing the Nigerian Economy Through Mobile Innovation and Investment” that an event such as the Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue provides a platform to optimize new digital opportunities and make the ICT sector the next focal point for development.

The minister said, “Events such as the Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue should be retained as it is in line with the government’s policy to leverage on the ICT sector for efficient and transparent governance, inclusive participaCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

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

L-R: Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau, Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Adullahi Maikano; Chairperson, Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF), Mrs. Nwaka Laetitia Akinlami; Consumer Awareness Organisation, Prof. Felicia N. Monye; Head Consumer Policy Development & Monitoring Unit, Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Ephraim Nwokonneya at the 4th Quarter ICAF in Lagos ... recently

Bonny Amadi The federal government should not contemplate increasing taxes in order not to further weaken the economy.

Mr Matthew Ogagavworia, a stockbroker and principal partner, Matog Consulting, gave this caution when he reacted to questions from Daily Times Nigeria, on the possible impact of an increase in taxes, to the economy and the Nigerian capital market.

Daily Times Nigeria recalls that the Country Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Nigeria, Mr Uyi Akpata, recently in an interview disclosed that Nigeria may review taxes upwards to generate

Higher taxes could worsen capital market, economy more earnings.

Explaining why the government has to increase taxes, Akpata said “ It is like a catch-22 situation in which you say companies or businesses are doing badly and you are thinking of increasing taxes. The truth is that when we think about the ratio of taxes to Gross Domestic Product, Nigeria is one of the lowest.”

He said that there is a huge gap for Nigeria to explore through tax earnings. “It means that there is

a huge gap for us to explore. So, if there is anyone interested in real development in Nigeria, then we have to recognize that we have to raise the basis for taxes. That is one of the income and revenue streams that will see us out of these economic doldrums” Akpata expressed optimism on the nation’s economy demonstrated by alignment of the government and the private sector in terms affecting positive change in the nation’s economic direction.

He said that increased government spending would address inflation on a short term basis. “But if the government provides such funds and real development takes place, there is going to be a plateau at some time and obviously, we will be better for it,” he added.

He acknowledged that there are still challenging times ahead adding “I believe we have seen the worst of it, at least from the feelers around us” He explained that PeoCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

HERITAGE Divisional Head, Retail/ SME of Heritage Bank Plc, Mrs. Ori Ogba (right), receiving an Award of Recognition on behalf of the MD/ CEO of the bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, as Nigeria’s No. 1 Youth SME Friendly Bank in Nigeria from the Chairman of Nigerian Young Professional Forum (NYPF), Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia at the YESGrant Award Ceremony.

Stakeholders canvass retention of Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

tion of the public in government activities as well as socio-economic diversification.”

He explained that the import of the event is for the various stakeholders from public and private sector to critically assess the Nigeria’s current economic situation proffer innovative digital solutions that can be used to explore the mobile ecosystem, which will eventually grow the economy and improve the living standards of Nigerians.

On his part, Dr Bayero Agabi, the Executive Director of CECAD affirmed that the Nigeria of today calls for urgent attention, which must be driven by digital technologies, innovation and knowledge economies.

Why more Nigerians need insurance policies – PILA The president of the Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA), Mrs Justine Okoror, has urged Nigerians to go for more insurance policies in 2017, despite the recession.

Okoror told newsmen in Lagos that payment of insurance premiums to secure life and properties had enormous advantages.

“Many think insurance business thrives on the economy and that it is a secondary issue.

“The first issue on the minds of citizens is survival before they consider protecting and providing for tomorrow.

“Nigerians, however, need to

Commission identifies 77 PPP projects The Infrastructure Regulatory Commission has identified 77 projects that could be executed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in 2017, according to a circular obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja titled: “ 2016/2017 Public Private Partnership Project Opportunities.”

The projects are in line with the mandate of the commission to ensure that due process is followed in PPP arrangements.

“This publication is meant to notify interested investors to participate in the process when procurement commences.

“This is not an invitation to submit expression of interest. “ The projects are consistent with President Muhammadu Bu-

hari’s change agenda and are being developed by relevant MDAs of the Federal Government,’’ it stated.

It noted that the projects were also in line with the ICRC Act 2005 and the National Policy on PPP. An analysis of the listed projects showed that the Federal Government was considering the concession of the construction and rehabilitation of major roads, rail lines and airports in the country.

One of the major projects listed is the PPP development of dual carriageway from the outer northern expressway of Murtala Mohammed way, Abuja to ease congestion on Nyanya road and surrounding axis.

change their perceptions when it comes to insurance.

“Insurance provides mitigation against unexpected loss of life, property and things of value.

“What is the advantage of surviving now and losing all that one possesses at the end?’’ she queried.

Okoror urged citizens to take appropriate insurance policies to tackle unforeseen losses.

According to her, there is not a more appropriate time to take insurance policies than in a recession.

She said, “In a recession, there is limited cash in circulation; one can hardly invest or purchase

properties.

“So then, why should one not secure what he or she has?’’

Okoror said that some individuals, because of the harsh economic situation in the country, may want to abandon comprehensive insurance for third party insurance.

She decried such moves, saying that those individuals did not know the value of what they had.

The association president urged individuals who had comprehensive insurance not to abandon it for third party insurance despite the economic climate in the country.

Linkage Assurance has released its interim financial statements, for the period ended 30th September 2016, showing a profit of N616.1 million.

The profit represents a 5.5 percent decline from N651.8 million posted as profit for the corresponding period of 2015.

The results released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) also showed that net premium income of N2.3 billion was realized for the period, signifying a 37.3 percent growth from N1.7 billion recorded as the net premium for the same period of 2015.

Management expenses of the company, however, grew by 3 percent to N794.7 million from

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

available,” he said.

Last week, reports surfaced that the price of kerosene had increased by 60 percent in Kaduna, from N1,100 a gallon in December to N1,600 in the first week of 2017.

Dealers of the product said that the product is now scarce and unaffordable for the common man.

Business Times gathered that as at December, a drum of the product was sold at N47,000 to independent dealers who resell at between N1,100 and N1, 200 per gallon.

As at Sunday, the price had increased to N72,000 per drum, according to one dealer, Ngozi Madueke.

According to her, a gallon of kerosene now sells for N1,600 a gallon.

Ngozi explained that the common Nigerian man now cooks with coal as kerosene patronage had dropped.

“Look at the line up of dealers here. Most of us sit here from morning till night and don’t make as much as in the past. We see people around us cooking with coal,” she said.

A consumer, Bisi Kudeti, said that the huge increase in price had made life unbearable for her family, urging the government to come to the aid of the masses.

“As for me, I can’t cook with coal. So, I manage to buy in bottles, else, I will just abandon kerosene. Even firewood is expensive too but some of my neighbours have started using it,” she said.

Higher taxes could worsen capital market, economy CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Linkage Assurance profit down 5.5 percent in 9’M 2016 Bonny Amadi, Adesola Afolabi

Why kerosene now sells for N300 per litre - NUPENG

N770.1 million, negatively impacting profit before tax that dropped 5.5 percent to N770.1 million from N814.7 million recorded for the corresponding period of 2015.

The company attributed management expenses as expenses other than claims, investments and underwriting expenses to include employee benefits, depreciation charges and other operating expenses. Management expenses are charged to profit or loss when the goods are received or services rendered.

Meanwhile, the company’s shareholder’s funds settled at N16.9 billion, recording an appreciation of 4 percent from N16.3 billion recorded as at 31st December 2015.

ple want to do business in Nigeria because they see the opportunities.

The openings in Europe, he said, are very limited. “Africa still remains the destination but we just need to send the clear-cut signals that we are ready to support such investment” But, Ogagavworia, reacting to the possibility of increasing taxes to beef national revenue, said that such development would further retard development.

Ogagavworia pointed that taxes reduce the availability of cash to business and corporate organizations and this usually have a spiral effect on the volume of business carried out by the organizations.

The senior stock broker said that taxes help to constrain liquidity and the possibility of investing in new businesses and the implication would be a scarcity of funds and people would not have enough disposable funds and also funds to execute expansion projects or further investments.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

B3 Money Market

DMO to sell N430bn bonds this quarter Stories by Motolani Oseni The Debt Management Office (DMO) plans to issue up to N430 billion local-currency bonds this quarter.

The office said on its website on Friday that it would auction N110 billion to N140 billion bonds maturing in 2021 and N85 billion to N105 billion debt maturing in 2026. It will also sell N45 billion to N55 billion in bonds maturing in 2027 and N100 billion to N130 billion of the 2036 debt.

According to the debt issuance calendar, the 2027 bond will be a new issue, in March. The rest will re-open previously issued debt, starting after Jan 18.

Africa’s biggest economy has proposed a 2017 budget deficit of N2.36 trillion for this year.

The government hopes to fund it by borrowing N1.254 trillion domestically and N1.067 trillion abroad.

But the government has already struggled to fund the

DMO DG, Abraham Nwankwo

2016 budget after a planned Eurobond sale and World Bank loan Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised N172.85

billion from its first treasury bills of the year last week, with yields unchanged from the previous auction, held on December 21.

Dealers said the CBN sold N115.85 billion of one-year debt at a rate of 18.68 percent, the same as the previous auction.

They said the CBN also sold N35 billion of 91-day paper at 14 percent and N22 billion of six-month bills at 17.5 percent, unchanged from the previous auction.

The subscription at the auction came to N194.12 billion, well up from N42.68 billion at the previous auction.

CBN issues treasury bills regularly to help lenders manage their liquidity, curb rising inflation and provide Naira to help the government fund its budget.

However, at the foreign exchange market, it was a bad outing for the Naira as the market closed for the week at the parallel market, with the local currency weakening against all three major currencies.

The Naira lost three points to the dollar as it closed at N493 to a dollar on Friday, against N490 it traded on Thursday.

Also, the Pound Sterling and the Euro exchanged for N595 and N506, respectively.

At the Bureau De Change BDC window, the Naira traded at N399 to a dollar, the CBNcontrolled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N598 and N510 respectively.

The Naira, however, remained stable at the interbank window as it exchanged for N305.00 to a dollar.

Traders at the market said that the liquidity challenge was far from being resolved.

Similarly, the Federal Government said it will accept Naira from airlines which owe it in Dollar transactions, adding that the decision to accept Naira instead of Dollars was taken penultimate week by the government.

During the just concluded week, a Bloomberg analysis revealed that Bitcoin, the increasingly popular crypto currency or digital currency, was the best performing currency in 2016.

Ecobank Nigeria on path of market leadership - CEO

MONEY MKT PIX.L-R: Group Executive, Consumer Banking, Patrick Akinwuntan; Group Chief Executive Officer, Ade Ayeyemi, both of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI); General Manager, Ade Ashaye and Business Development Manager, Osaretin Ekhator, both of Visa West Africa Limited at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Ecobank and Visa West Africa Limited held at Ecobank Head Office in Lagos...recently.

Heritage Bank, YESGrant boost entrepreneurship with N50m Heritage Bank in partnership with the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) has intensified its support to young entrepreneurs with a grant of N50 million.

The grant was awarded to about 35 young entrepreneurs from agricultural, creative industry and the information & communication technology sector after a rigorous and transparent review process conducted by an independent body, out of the tens of thousands who applied

for the grant.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Lagos, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, affirmed that the 35 successful entrepreneurs will be provided with the required guidance on fund management as individual beneficiaries would get up to N2 million each.

Sekibo who was represented by the Divisional Head, Retail/ SME, Mrs. Ori Ogba, stated that the bank supported this initiative because of its belief in Nigerian

youths, who make up about 80 percent of the country’s population.

She further explained that Heritage Bank was impressed with the nature in which talents were sought out, the rigorous selection process and the integrity with which the overall scheme was delivered.

Ogba expressed her satisfaction in the long term sustainability of the initiative, stating, “We will not support something that will not stand the test of time.”

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Charles Kie, has said the lender is on the path of attaining market leadership.

According to him, “with our bank-wide transformation efforts, especially electronic payment solutions and strategy designed to boost long-term productivity of our core businesses, we are confident these efforts will position us for strong growth over the next years.

It would be recalled that Ecobank Nigeria recently launched Mobile App and Masterpass QR. The Ecobank Mobile App leverages the power of digital to deliver real convenience to customers. It gives Ecobank the scale and capacity to achieve its 100 million customer ambition in a profitable and sustainable way.

With a click or two on the Ecobank Mobile App, customers can open a new digital account with no paper references.

Ecobank said the bank is also the first lender to issue Masterpass QR in Nigeria, which reaffirms its undisputed pioneer position in bringing convenient international digital payments products to delight its customers as the bank is also the first to issue International MasterCard payment cards in Nigeria.

Ecobank Masterpass QR makes electronic payments safe, simple

and smart. It improves customer experience with a clean front-end design and a built-in sophisticated and secure supporting technology.

Payments are made by customers scanning a Quick Response code displayed at checkouts on their smart phones, or by entering a merchant identifier into their feature phones.

Addressing members of the public during marketing in different parts of Lagos recently, Head, Consumer Distribution, Ecobank Nigeria, Tunde Kuponiyi, said the sensitization exercise which was held in different parts of the country, is to create awareness amongst members of the public on the benefits inherent in the global digital payment platform, stressing that, the technology makes electronic payments safe, simple and smart.

According to him, the new digital platform is also in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria cashless policy and financial inclusion goals, adding that, it would attract the unbanked to the financial landscape.

“I am impressed with the level of acceptance of this digital payment system since it was launched in October. Merchants in different parts of the country have already started using it. This product will bring more people to the banking system and also revolutionize the nation’s economy within the shortest possible time,” he said.

Capital Market B4 Stories by Afolabi Adesola The equities market went up 98 percent in total value traded in the first trading week of the year 2017, despite the week being largely bearish.

The week had only four trading sessions out of which the first three sessions closed in negative territory, while the last trading day (Friday) closed up, though with a 2.32 percent decline in market indicators.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) and Market Capitalization closed the week at 26,251.39 and N9.032 trillion respectively as all other Indices finished lower during the week. This is in contrast to the previous week when ASI and Market Capitalization appreciated by 1.47 percent to close the week at 26,874.62 and N9.247 trillion respectively, while all other Indices finished higher during the previous week with the exception of the NSE ASeM, NSE Oil/ Gas and NSE Industrial Goods Indices that depreciated by 2.35 per-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Transactions value up 98 percent in bearish week

cent, 1.47 percent and 0.15 percent respectively.

However, statistics from the NSE’s weekly capital market report, showed turnover and value grew 964 percent and 98 percent respectively, as total turnover of 4.319 billion shares worth N7.376 billion in 9,330 deals were traded last week by investors in comparison with a total of 405.939 million shares valued at N3.724 billion that exchanged hands in the previous week in 6,363 deals.

The top three traded equities in volume terms were Unity Kapital Assurance, Omoluabi Savings and Loans and FCMB Group.

They accounted for 3.863 billion shares worth N3.013 billion in 286 deals, contributing 89.45 percent and 40.85 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value

respectively.

Eighteen equities led by UACN Property appreciated in price during the week, lower than 37 equities of the previous week.

Thirty-one equities led by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company depreciated in price, higher than 21 equities of the previous week, while 126 equities remained unchanged, as against the 117 in the preceding week.

Topping the activity chart in terms of volume for the week was the Financial Services Industry with 4.177 billion shares valued at N5.306 billion traded in 5,047 deals. The Financial Services Industry thus contributed 96.71 percent and 71.94 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Coming next was the Oil and

Gas Industry with 65.827 million shares worth N594.522 million in 1,385 deals, while the third place was occupied by Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 26.487 million shares worth N48.163 million in 299 deals.

Also traded during the week were a total of 55 units of Exchange Traded Products valued at N505.65 executed in 11 deals, compared with a total of 9,965 units valued at N56,446.35 transacted last week in 16 deals. A total of 5,100 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N5.120 million were traded this week in 2 deals, as against no bond transaction last week.

Week in review The equities market resumed the year on Tuesday, 3rd January,

2017 on a low note, to record a decline of 0.96 percent in contrast to the positive momentum recorded in the final trading days of the year 2016.

On Wednesday, the equities market sustained the negative trend that the year began with as market indices recorded a decline of 0.46 percent, while another 1.07 percent decline was recorded on Thursday, bringing the value of losses incurred to N139.3 billion.

The market’s performance however improved on Friday, as indicators recovered by 0.15 percent, posting its first gain of the new year, when the Nigerian Stock Exchange’ All Share Index (NSEASI) added 39.3 points to close at 26,251.39 in contrast to 282.95 shed on Thursday to settle at 26,212.09.

Negative returns attend first trading week Bonny Amadi

The hope of reduction in pressure confronting the vibrancy of the Nigerian market appeared to be dimming as all the sectors and indices closed the first week of trading in the New Year on a negative note.

Even as investors appeared to have commenced expanding their portfolios in the financial services sector which has remained as the market leader, the gains recorded by the sector during the week could not hedge the losses incurred by the manufacturing sector, the consumer goods sector, the oil and gas sector among other key sectors that though recorded slight activity during the week, but impacted the overall performance of the market negatively.

The consumer goods sector which recorded the highest negative returns on investments in the 2016 financial year has sustained the tempo in the New Year coming behind NSE

..As NSE Premium index, Industrial goods, consumer goods, lead

Premium index on negative returns so far.

Analysis of the performances of companies’ equities and indices during the week showed that NSE Premium Index led the year’s negative returns on investments with -3.19 percent returns to investors.

The premium index opened the week/year on 1,695.51 and closed at 1,641.46 posting -54.05 per cent returns for the week.

The NSE Premium index consists of Dangote Cement, FBN Holdings and Zenith Bank with total market capitalization of N 3,435,124,474,626.22 as at the close of trading last Friday.

The Industrial Goods Index came second to NSE premium index with -3.02 percent. The Industrial goods sector opened trade for the week at 1,595.33 and closed at 1,547.19.

The sector posted -48.14 weekly change on the performance index, second to the NSE premi-

um index which returned -54.05 to investors in the past week.

NSE Consumer Goods Index closed the week on -2.28 returns to investors. The index opened

the year at 712.65 and closed the first week of the year at 696.41, reflecting -16.24 returns for the week The cumulative index cap-

tured by the NSE All-Share Index returned -2.32 to investors’ year to date and also -623.23 for the week ended January 06, 2017.

L – R shows Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Raoul Sawhnay, Director, Music Week Africa; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Audu Maikori, Founder, Music Week Africa; Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’banj, Nigerian Singer-Songwriter, Musician; Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, COSON and Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, NSE at Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange.

Banking stocks rally as big banks mull 2016 financials Following the announcement made by some Tier-1 banks on the approval of their 2016 financial results, the equities market took a turn for the better on Friday after trading in negative zone in the three preceding sessions.

The value of Access Bank’s stock rose 2.28 percent or 14 kobo on Friday, a day following its announcement, while Zenith Bank added 1.86 percent or 27 kobo, and

Guaranty Trust Bank’s (GTB) stock added 0.30 percent or 7 kobo.

FCMB, FBN Holdings, UBA and ETI also emerged gaining stocks on Friday, posting increases of 4.46 percent, 1.74 percent, 1.52 percent and 1.23 percent respectively.

Consequently, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index recorded its first gain in the New Year as it grew by 0.15 percent and market capitalization added N13.5 billion.

The board of directors of both Zenith and GTB had announced their intentions to meet for the consideration and approval of their 2016 audited accounts.

In its statement to the NSE, Zenith Bank noted that its Board will meet January 24th in Lagos, to consider the audited account of the bank and to consider proposals which include amongst others, the recommendation of dividend to shareholders subject to approval at the next Annual General Meeting.

Summary of trading activities on NSE ASI

26,251.39

DEALS

2,659.00

VOLUME

210,206,142.00

VALUE

1,510,695,230.89

CAP

9,032,484,259,046.31

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

W e e kly M ark e t Ro u n d U p E q u i t i es M a r k e t Re vi e w a n d O u t l o o k Perf orm a nce in t he first tra din g w e e k o f t h e N e w Y e ar w as m ajorly dra g g e d by pro fit t a kin g in m ark e t b ell w e t hers as t h e bro a d er in d ex close d n e g a tive o n 3 o f t h e 4 tra din g sessio ns. Th e o nly p ositive p erf orm a nce w as record e d o n Frid ay (+0.2) as g ains in Tier-1 cou n t ers in t he Ba n kin g sp ace ZE NIT H (+1.8 %), A CCESS (+2.3 %), U B A (+1.5 %), ETI (+1.2 %) FB N H (+1.7 %) a n d G U A R A N T Y (+0.3 %) - lif t e d t h e m ark e t. Co nse qu e n tly, t h e A ll Sh are In d ex (ASI) d ecline d 2.3 % W-o-W t o close a t 26,251.39 poin ts w hile m ark e t ca pit aliz a tio n d e precia t e d by N214.4b n t o se t tle a t N9.0t n. A ctivity level w as mixe d as avera g e volum e tra d e d im prove d 9.5 % W -o-W t o 129.1m u nits

w hile

avera g e

valu e

tra d e d

slid

9.7 %

to

N1.1b n.

Se n tim e n t across sect ors w as b e arish as all in dices closed in t h e n e g a tive t errit ory. The In dustrial G o ods in d ex declin e d t h e m ost, d o w n 3.0 % W -o-W , a n d largely a t trib u t e d t o w e a k se n tim e n t t o w ard D A N G CE M (-4.0 %) a n d

To p 10 G ain ers Tick e r U A C-PROP A CCESS ETERN A FC M B U NITYBN K FBN H UB A FIDSO N C AP TRA NSC ORP

D A N G FL O UR (-4.9 %),

NIG ERI A N

BRE W ERIES (-4.0 %) a n d

Price C h g % 14.5 % 6.9 % 6.4 % 6.3 % 5.4 % 4.4 % 4.0 % 3.9 % 3.1 % 2.3 %

Price(N) 2.72 4.33 0.95 0.70 9.50 5.22 265.05 11.43 3.70 23.54

Price Chg % -13.9 % -13.4 % -9.5 % -7.9 % -7.7 % -5.1 % -5.0 % -4.9 % -4.9 % -4.7 %

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V olum e Tick er V olum e (m) FC M B 60.6 O ANDO 59.7 G U ARA N TY 40.2 FIDELITYBK 38.9 UB A 37.4 ZENITHB A N K 35.7 TRA NSC ORP 24.9 DIA M O N DBN K 24.7 STERLNB A N K 23.9 A CCESS 22.6 To p 10 Tr a d es b y V alu e Tick er V alu e (m ) G U ARA N TY 957.0 NB 555.2 ZENITHB A N K 522.7 FO 282.1 O ANDO 261.5 NESTLE 240.1 ETI 202.7 UB A 169.6 W APC O 158.7 BET A GLAS 137.5

To p 10 Losers Tick er N A HC O CCN N NE M STERLNB A N K C A D BURY UBN M O BIL ASH A K A CE M CUST O D YINS G U ARA N TY

Chg % 16.5 % 16.2 % 10.9 % 10.6 % 10.1 % 9.7 % 6.8 % 6.7 % 6.5 % 6.1 % Ch g % 27.4 % 15.9 % 15.0 % 8.1 % 7.5 % 6.9 % 5.8 % 4.9 % 4.6 % 3.9 %

NSE A ll Sh ar e In d e x

W A PC O (-2.3 %). Th e Co nsu m er G o o ds in d ex sh e d 2.3 % o n acco u n t o f losses in

Price(N) 3.00 6.28 3.30 1.17 0.58 3.50 4.68 1.33 33.00 0.89

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

29,500

13,000

G UIN N ESS (-3.7 %). Th e Ba nkin g a n d O il & G as in dices lost 1.6 % a piece W o-W d u e t o pro fit t a kin g in G U A R A N T Y (-4.7 %), ETI (-4.2 %), M O BIL (-5.0 %) a n d F O RTE (-4.6 %) w hile t he Insura nce in d ex record e d a 0.2 % d eclin e o n the

b ack

of

sell-o f fs in

NE M

(-9.5 %) a n d

C UST O D YINS

9,500

27,000

(-4.9 %).

6,000

Invest or sen tim e n t d urin g t h e w e e k w as so f t as in dica te d by t h e m ark e t

24,500

bre a d t h (a dva ncers/declin ers ra tio) w hich se t tle d a t 0.6x as 17 st ocks

2,500

a dva nced a g ainst 29 t h a t d eclin e d. The t o p g ain ers f or t h e w e e k w ere U A C22,000

(1,000) 11-Oct 14-Oct 17-Oct 20-Oct 23-Oct 26-Oct 29-Oct 01-Nov 04-Nov 07-Nov 10-Nov 13-Nov 16-Nov 19-Nov 22-Nov 25-Nov 28-Nov 01-Dec 04-Dec 07-Dec 10-Dec 13-Dec 16-Dec 19-Dec 22-Dec 25-Dec 28-Dec 31-Dec 03-Jan

PR O P (+14.5 %), A CCESS (+6.9 %) a n d ETERN A (+6.5 %) w hile N A H C O (13.9 %), CC N N (-13.4 %) a n d N E M (-9.5 %) le d la g g ards. Follo w in g t h e p o or

`

p erf orm a nce recorde d t his w e e k, w e believe losses co uld m o d era t e in t h e co min g w e e k as invest ors t a k e a dva n t a g e o f b arg ain o p p ort u nities in valu e st ocks.

Term of t h e d a y D e m u t u aliz a tio n is w he n a m u t u al co m p a ny o w n e d by its users/m em b ers co nverts in t o a co m p a ny o w n e d by Basis Poin t sh are h old ers. In ef f ect, t h e users/m em b ers exch a n g e t h eir rig h ts o f use f or sh ares in t h e d e m ut u aliz e d com p a ny A b asis p oin t, or b p, is a co m m o n u nit o f m e asure f or in t erest ra t es a n d o t h er

p erce n t a g es in fin a nce. O n e b asis p oin t is e q u al t o 1/100t h o f 1 % , or 0.01 % (0.0001), a n d is use d t o d e n o t e t h e p erce n t a g e ch a n g e in a fin a ncial instru m e n t.

Th e rela tio nship b e t w e e n p erce n t a g e ch a n g es a n d b asis p oin ts ca n b e su m m ariz e d as f ollo ws: 1 % ch a n g e = 100 b asis p oin ts, a n d 0.01 % = 1 b asis p oin t.

Re a d

m ore:

h t t p://w w w .invest or w ords.co m/986/co m m o n_st ock.h t ml#ixz z4U K elVrCp

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

B6

CSR

Between Corporate Social Responsibility and and Social Marketing

By Godwin Anyebe The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social marketing has become a subject of debate among stakeholders. While it is believed in some quarters that CSR is an organization’s initiative to assess and take responsibility for its effects on environmental and social wellbeing, social marketing aims mostly to transform habits and attitudes from a perceived negative one to a more positive one.

Meanwhile, analysts believe that it has become necessary to turn towards social issues in order to maintain competitive superiority in the market. Nowadays, corporations carry out their public relations practices and present them to the public under the names of either corporate social responsibility or social marketing. These two concepts hold different characteristics even though corporations tend to ignore the differences. The most important reason for this is the fact that the population does not have preliminary information regarding social marketing and perceive the projects realized by corporations as “corporate social responsibility.”

On this issue, a brand management consultant, Bernard Okhakume, told Daily Times that, “the business world has become increasingly competitive nowadays. Corporate social responsibility projects have provided companies with esteem and brand recognition. Other than production, profit, efficiency, and employment, the business world makes investments that benefit society; these are their corporate social responsibility projects which influence the company’s reputation in a positive manner.

According to him, “for a corporate social responsibility project to be successful, several factors come into play: the project needs to be sustainable, its topic and practice abide by ethical standards, sensitive to society’s needs, embraced and supported by the company’s employees, create the aimed effect on the target audience, and every year, and the project needs to be evaluated to see how beneficial it is.”

While making his submissions on social marketing, Okhakume disclosed that the topics emphasized are influencing social behaviour in order to benefit society, persuading individuals so that the wanted sale can be made, and the willing change of behaviour.

It is a question of marketing a product or a service. The goal is to sell something with a profit while

increasing brand recognition and transforming a negative attitude and behaviour into a positive one.

“The aim of social marketing is to find an answer to a social problem and to enable positive change in the target audience. Like service marketing, social marketing is to market “an abstract product.” For example, safe driving, eating healthy, family planning, and the reduction of tobacco use are certain topics. In social marketing, concrete products are marketed as well. For example, safety belt and condoms are good concrete examples of social marketing.” he said.

Further, he said that “CSR is a concept that cannot be explained easily either theoretically or empirically. Theoretically, examined and discussed, there are more than 25 different ways to define CSR. Various scholars, practitioners of CSR, groups and organizations such as the World Trade Council and United Nations have made their submissions on the issue.”

Also speaking, a public relations consultant, Fagbemi Oluwafemi, stated that, of a truth, there is a difference between CSR and social marketing, but the reason why most people find it difficult to understand the difference is the way and manner the concept is communicated to them. He expressed concern about the relevance of communication when a brand engages in a corporate social responsibility project or social marketing initiative, admonishing practitioners to take content communication into consideration when developing strategies.

Explaining the relationship between corporate social responsibility and social marketing, he stated that “the relationship between the two is based on a sharing a common goal, which is gaining a competitive advantage: increasing the reputation of a brand, building the corporative culture or establishing long-term relationships with suppliers or consumers.”

According to him, “both are highly related because CSR innovative strategies involve the development of new products or processes that require social marketing initiative. For instance, the introduction of recycled packages or the reduction of natural resources, such as water or electricity, may be communicated as a CSR advancement that was made through social marketing division. Overall, a part of CSR and social marketing are associated with product development and innovation that may influence the

Bernard Okhakume market value of the.”

On his part, Pwano Maxwell, who once consulted for the defunct Savannah Sugar Company in Adamawa State said, “the intensity of social marketing and CSR differs depending on the life cycle of the industry, the product or the typology of business. For instance, car companies that invest in environmental respectful proposes also invest in social marketing.

Regarding the difference between corporate social responsibility and social marketing, he pointed out that corporate social responsibility tends to be more socially responsible than social marketing, due to stronger regulations and the need to communicate transparency. Moreover, brand owners receive more pressure from their stakeholders and consumers who are getting higher demanding. It is significant to state that companies with an intense use of social marketing frequently introduce CSR initiatives to assure a high skilled external labour.

For Maxwell, “CSR means the charity fund that is formed generally by a profit making organization in order to make activities for the benefit of society. For instance, the CSR unit of a firm may donate a sum of money to a school or a hospital, award scholarships for poor children or sup-

port a cleaning day at a local park or a beach. CSR programmes are mostly used to form a firm’s ‘good neighbour’ or ‘good citizen’ image.

A firm practising CSR devotes 95% of its sources for profit making and 5 % (or less) for making the world a better place. However, some studies point out that CSR is not only a type of charitableness but a consistent policy supporting long-term goals. Over the years companies are under mounting pressure to take responsibility for the effects of their corporate conduct on society, especially when these effects go beyond the firm’s direct commercial interests. As a result, an increasing number of companies, big and small, have developed CSR programmes.”

Comparing public relations with social marketing, he said; “actually, it may not be totally right to compare public relations and social marketing practices because while public relations is a discipline that has existed since the first half of the 20th century, social marketing emerged in the second half of the century. Naturally, public relations have a much stronger and more professional background. However, the differences between the two concepts can generally be summarized as: the organizational goal in public relations is image developing and forming good relationships with society and employers, while

social marketing aims to create change in behaviour in favour of society and individuals.”

“While the aim of public relations is to adopt new products and ideas; the aim of social marketing is accepting a new behaviour, rejecting a potential behaviour or ensuring that an old behaviour is abandoned. Public relations activities are less concerned with creating behavioural change in society and measuring the gain from a campaign by assessing this change. On the other hand, this is the main goal of social marketing,” he noted He added, “when the practices of social marketing throughout its short history are examined, it can be seen that there are approaches that are less to do with the discipline but that can change the world more. While there is a very close relationship with the staff in public relations, in particular, social marketing is mainly related to the target population outside the organization.”

In conclusion, terms such as corporate social responsibility and social marketing are being newly discussed, and it is interesting that corporations present their projects under the corporate social responsibility title. Corporate social responsibility projects help corporations become more reputable and to be preferred by the target audience.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Bonny Amadi Momar Mass-Taal, a youthful Gambian specializing in agriculture/agroallied business in 2015, benefitted from business development training and seed grant of $5,000 provided by the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

Over a one-year period, MassTaal turned his $5,000 seed capital into $1.2 million in revenue; and has employed more people who now work in his organisation.

Bukhary Kibonajoro, a Tanzanian specializing in education and training, also benefited from the TEF, in 2015. He has leveraged on the mentorship and training he received to launch his business, and had added value to it by creating 34 new jobs and providing growth services for more than 100 local business in 12 months of operations.

Also, one of the Nigerian beneficiaries, Chioma Okonu, a specialist in waste management business, after receiving business coaching and financial empowerment by the TEF, has created ancillary revenue streams for more than 6,000 households.

In addition, she has created 40 jobs and generated over $50,000 in profit from the seed grant of $5,000 she got.

These are just a few of the 2,000 youth entrepreneurs across Africa already trained and empowered financially by the TEF. All have made remarkable progress in their respective fields, created more wealth, and employed more people in their respective organizations.

In furtherance of this noble objective, the application for the 2017 empowerment programme just opened for potential entrepreneurs to key into.

All these testimonies justify the saying by Warren Buffett: “If you’re in the luckiest one per cent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 percent.”

Tony Elumelu has demonstrated this concern for the ordinary people.

All these and more justify why Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN), the longest surviving newspaper in Nigeria spanning over 90 years, elected Tony Elumelu as the Man-of-the-Year 2016.

When a man commits to doing good to others, the result would be a progression of virtuous deeds, thus positioning the world as a better place for all.

Entrepreneur par excellence and Chairman United Bank for Africa (UBA), Elumelu is one of the very few global icons that have been adding value to the world and a more rewarding place for all.

Through his acclaimed effort,

B7 Business Feature

Why Elumelu won Daily Times Nigeria Man-of-the-Year 2016

Elumelu

he recently was named Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) Man of the Year 2016.

This consummate and articulate businessman, investor, achiever, and motivator par excellence, among other robust attributes, is synonymous with driving organizations to their peak and building lasting institutions. This is more evident as four of his organisations (UBA, TransCorp, African Prudential Registrars, and TransCorp Hilton Hotel) are listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange (NSE).

To demonstrate his business acumen and sagacity, he led a group of equally enterprising young Nigerians in 2005 to acquire the UBA, the financial institution he has transformed from a single-country bank to a pan-African institution with over seven million customers in 19 African countries.

Elumelu’s demonstration of love, in building both younger and older talents, is playing a vital role towards the enthronement of global peace through his widespread philanthropic initiatives. This gives credence to the saying: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

He clinched the DTN Manof-the-Year after a rigorous and thorough assessment of his con-

tributions to the global, regional and sub-regional economic advancements. He dwarfed other top business moguls across Africa in his entrepreneurship developmental strides, his approach to philanthropy, entrepreneurial ingenuity, and managerial prudence.

The Africapitalist and founder, Heirs Holdings, Elumelu, has continued to contribute meaningfully to developing the global and Africa’s economy, through multi-frontal approaches, the latest of which is fostering, mentoring and granting seed capital to 1000 African youthful entrepreneurs every year, for a period of 10 years. Through this, he is demonstrating his philosophy of shared approach to African development.

Elumelu had earlier reminded African leaders and Africans in general that shared approaches to the continent’s development remain the major pathways towards realizing sustainable political stability, economic growth, and fiscal prosperity across the continent.

A global financial icon, and Chairman of a Pan-African financial institution, the UBA, which operates in 19 African countries and three global financial centres - London, Paris, and New York – Elumelu also heads

the boards of Heirs Holdings, and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TransCorp) Plc. The philanthropist and founder, Tony Elumelu foundation (TEF), through his various initiatives, including powering Africa, is taking global and Africa’s economic boost to a higher altitude by identifying, areas of urgent need, such as power, food, employment, finance, etc, areas that boost the human development index, and also proffer workable solutions.

His organization, the TEF, is Africa’s leading philanthropic institution committed to fishing out budding entrepreneurial skills across the continent, empowering young ones through training in business resourcefulness, and advancing further by making seed funds available for them to make inroads into tailored business ideas.

Turning youths into the catalyst for sustainable socio-economic growth in Africa justifies a China wise saying that, “Giving your child a skill is better than giving him one thousand pieces of gold.”

Supported by the TEF, the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), ensures that 1,000 entrepreneurs selected from across Africa receive funding and mentorship every year, since 2014.

TEEP, with a $100 million mutual fund solely contributed by the philanthropist, was launched in December 2014, with a target of collectively creating one million new jobs that can guarantee US$10 billion added revenues in the process.

The foundation has a 10-year, US$100 million commitment to training, mentoring and funding 10,000 African entrepreneurs.

Reputed as the Nigerian, who in 2013, made $123 million in 3 weeks, Elumelu has ever been committed to wealth creation, distribution and redistribution for the benefit of humanity.

The first round of the 1,000 youthful entrepreneurs’ beneficiaries of the TEF was announced in 2015. The success of the 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs, reflects the impact of the programme, including, Momar Mass-Taal of the Gambia in agriculture, , who turned his $5,000 seed capital into $1.2 million in revenue.

Also, Bukhary Kibonajoro of the Tanzania Education & Training sector who used the mentorship and training to launch his business, create 34 new jobs and provide growth services for more

than 100 local business in 12 months.

Also, Nigerian Chioma Okonu of the waste management sector has created ancillary revenue streams for more than 6,000 households, created 40 jobs and generates over $50,000 in profit.

TEEP announced the selection of 1,000 entrepreneurs for the second round of the programme in March, with Nigerians dominating the selection, as 589 entrepreneurs from the country are set to join the programme.

Mr Elumelu is spreading the knowledge that his economic philosophy of ‘Africapitalism’ provides a blueprint to stimulating economic growth in Africa as a whole, adding that African unity should be about shared challenges and experiences, shared ideas and goals, and bonds of blood and trade.

“I believe that shared prosperity can only be achieved when the government and private sector work in shared purpose to advance the economic and social development of nations and the continent,” he said at “Tunisia 2020,” a recent event attended by delegations from the United Nations, Germany, Canada, France, Qatar, and Algeria, among others.

He has been recognized across the globe for his diverse contributions to growing world peace, human development, growing global and regional economies and financial ingenuity, among other attributes.

The Nigerian government, in 2012, recognized his accomplishments with the conferment on him of the prestigious Commander of the Order of Nigeria (CON).

Few of such other recognitions include the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ivorian President at the 5th edition of the annual Economic Forum of the Ivorian National Council of Employers, CGECI Academy, in Abidjan, in April, 2016. In 2011, the highly influential New African Magazine, also listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in Africa. A year later, he was recognized as one of “Africa’s 20 Most Powerful People in 2012” by Forbes Magazine.

Elumelu’s life is woven around Manoj Arora’s, statement in the Rat Race to Financial Freedom, which states: “To achieve what 1% of the world’s population has, financial freedom; you must be willing to do what only 1% dare to do; hard work and perseverance of the highest order.”

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Labour wants supplementary budget to accommodate new minimum wage – Ajaero Comrade Joe Ajaero, until recently, was the leader of a faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress. He is now the National President of the newly formed United Labour Congress (ULC). In this interview with JOY EKEKE, he speaks about the challenges facing the labour movement and the objectives of the ULC. Why did you dump the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to lead the new United Labour Congress (ULC)? Is it because of the allegation that the former hasn’t been effective and lacks aggression?

Well, that aggression equally affected the election that created the split; we saw that in the labour movement you now see someone winning the election and another person being announced as the winner. That was the beginning of the crisis that engulfed the NLC, apart from others. We now see that agreements are reached and breached understanding in the labour movement. Adams Oshiomhole was from the private sectorbased unions. When he finished, we moved to the public sector.

When we finished, we had an agreement that it should come back to the private sector and at the close of nomination, somebody else from the public sector went and filled the form and even when he lost the election, his agents came to congratulate us, they had to fall back on the previous government of President Jonathan who accused me of being hard on them over the privatization of electricity.

They moved in police officers to destabilize my agents and announce another result. This has not been addressed as we speak, not even recounting the ballot papers or allowing an investigation. That led us gradually to where we are. You can now understand where the aggression went into.

Let me add this, you cannot have a labour centre without the oil workers, electricity workthe aviation workers. This set of people makes up the United Labour Congress. Without mincing words, I’m not seeing the other unions as weak, but I think it’s better to run a labour centre with key contributors to the economy.

What are the objectives of The main objective is workers’ centralism. The interest of the worker - the worker first. If the worker is angry, the leaders are ter, it will reflect. Anything short of that, count us out.

was registered which made it

Ajero

We are committed to the welfare of workers, their growth, and promotion and making sure the economy runs well, so it will reflect on the workers take home; we are committed to ensuring that inflation is reduced and devaluation stops.

If all these ends, the little earned will be enough. It is not all about salary increase because if we are allowed, we will advocate that the dollar should be pegged at N50 or less. We will remain where we are at minimum wage.

The power of the currency will be higher.

What is the strength in terms of the spread of the ULC across Nigeria?

Very strong, and it’s not something that can be argued. It cuts across all sectors of the economy, all zones and regions of the country.

Can you differentiate between the ULC and the NLC, since you are a former factional leader of the NLC and now the president of the new

ULC? There is a problem principally with the NLC if you understand the formation; the formation is such that it was the other leg of military dictatorship in the country. Before 1978, we used to have four labour centres, including the ULC. Obasanjo came as a military dictator and insisted that all centre must answer one name – NLC - and he forced us into the NLC. It’s one of those acts of dissolv-

is to express that same intention based on the provision of the law to be democratic and be the second registered trade union centre because the NLC has not been registered, as we talk.

The NLC is not a registered labour centre; the TUC registered and were given the number 001.

The NLC said no since it was in existence before the law; meanwhile, the amendment deleted the law that registered them.

So it’s invariably saying, since Action Group was in existence in the 60’s and it was banned in the 80’s when the likes of UPN surfaced, then the name Action Group can still be active.

The ULC wants to be registered as the second labour centre. In as much as the NLC is recognized, they are not yet registered.

What is your position on the minimum wage, currently earned by workers in the country?

Very low, it cannot be mentioned. That is why immediately after the fuel increase, we met with the federal government to negotiate and they agreed to set up a minimum wage committee, but that committee is sleeping, nothing seems to be coming out of it. But to ask if the current wage which is lower than a bag of rice is what workers should be earning, it is unimaginable.

The 2017 budget has no provision for an increase in minimum wage, what is your opinion about it?

Although there is no provision, but there is a marginal increase from the 2016 budget. If they have to do a supplementary budget to accommodate it, there is no problem.

and banning public assembly whenever the military takes over power.

Incidentally, when he came back as a civilian president in 2002/2003, he said NO, given the democratic atmosphere, he allowed people in line with section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution which gives rights to form and belong to any trade union

How do you intend to resolve the crisis in the oil sector, between laid off workers and International Oil Companies (IOCs)?

I think the problem is not that they are stronger than the country; the problem is that most people in government collaborate with them. Without mincing words, one thing I know and I’m very sure of is, the unions in the oil sector have what it takes

and religion.

At that point, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

the sentiment is brought in.

I have never seen a country’s laws and policies that

do not give protection to the weak - the workers. It pays so much attention to capital and not even the human resources.

When such happens, these are the kind of things you witness; exploitation on daily basis. Our colleagues in the oil sector have the capacity to engage them, but if they send a signal out, I promise a total engagement of the IOCs and parties concerned.

Nigerians were hopeful of Labour helping to negotiate a reduction in fuel pump price, but it seems labour did not live up to their expectations.

What can you say about this?

Immediately after the last negotiation, during the time of hike in PMS, there were two committees set up; the palliative committee that is working, and the minimum wage sub-committee that is supposed to have gone far in negotiation, but they are really slow in bringing results.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) board has been reconstituted; it is their responsibility to fix an appropriate price of petroleum products. I don’t expect the government to wake up and dictate the price anymore. We are expecting a report from the committees.

We can’t predict a hike or not, but if it happens we equally have a way of engaging it, because it is affecting the take-home pay of workers; transportation, cost of living. The issue of the minimum wage will be pursued with vigour and even those in government should have seen the level of suffering Nigerians are facing. Those are the things we anticipate in the New Year, but I think a proactive government should come up with policies that will mitigate the sufferings of Nigerians.

Nigerian Workers in 2017?

Nigerian workers should be aware that a new dawn has come, there is a new movement. centre that does not care, that is not feeling threatened, that feels there is little or no competition, is over. This is a time unions and centres will be known by their action and their service to the workers.

Life&

TIMES Monday, January 9, 2017

Top events 2016 L2

P

L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Soremekun Gbemisola

5 memorable events of 2016 The year ended with a few scandals and lots of clap back by top celebrities shading each other via social media platforms. In fact, 2016 will not be forgotten so soon as it was jam-packed with top events that held

before he performed on the stage.

Headies:

events of 2016.

the 2016 edition of Headies awards, the organiz-

OLIC3:

was far better than the previous year where we had battle for supremacy between YBNL boss Olamide and Mavin Boss, Don Jazzy.

Hosted by Falz the bad guy and light- skinned actress, Adesua Etomi, the duo proved they owned the stage as they took charge of the activi-

Olamide Adedeji better known as Baddo for the third time in three years shut down the city for Lagos again at the OLIC concert held at the Eko Convection Centre, Victoria Island. Tagged the Beast Mode III, OLIC was indeed one of the most talked about events last year as it pulled crowd; while others could not gain access into the premises of the event since tickets were not sold at the venue. Many who got tickets could not secure seats due to the large turnout.

With over 15 performances and hosted by comedians, AY and Nollywood screen diva, Funke AkindeleBello, the crowd was excited when Olamide hit the stage to dish out breath -taking performances.

In attendance included the executive governor of Lagos state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Oba Saheed Elegushi, Senator Dino Melaye to mention but a few. With the high stead that OLIC III recorded last year, one will begin to imagine how the season 4 of the yearly concert will be like.

Rhythm unplugged:

One memorable segment of the award was the performance by the oldies reminding us of their activeness in the entertainment industry at large.

The performances include Daddy Showkey, Adewale Ayuba, Raskimono, Eedris Abdul-Kareem, With several awards won at the night of the event, the remarkable and most anticipated awards came calling with the next rated category which had Mr. Easy, Humblesmith, Aramide and Ycee as nominees. Mr. Easy won the coveted prize walking home with an SUV car. Eleko Crooner, Mayorkun equally won the rookie of the year. We look forward to the 2017 edition of the headies awards in a bigger and better way.

The 12th annual Rhythm Unplugged lit up the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos on December 23, 2016 and there were so many memorable

Wizkid to go on bed rest at the tail end of event, he stormed the stage full of energy and swag, dishing out exhilarating performance.

The event took a step higher when Triple MG acts, ies award a day to the event shades them live on stage

40th Miss Nigeria:

T E A M

In a bigger and more co-ordinated way, the 40th edition of the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant made lots of buzz as the event which held at the Eko Hotel Convection Centre was graced by socialites and top notch personalities.

They gathered to witness the history that was made with the crowning of the new queen.

Anchored by Ayo Makun and actress Lala Akindoju, the event saw 36 contestants battle for the coveted prize of three Million Naira, a car and other consolidation prizes. At the end of contest where contestants had appeared in both their traditional and evening wears,

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

In its yearly trend, the Lagos state government yuletide jamz tagged, One Lagos Fiesta (OLF), was bigger, better and bolder.

(Badagry Stadium), Ikorodu (Ikorodu Town Hall), Lagos Island (Bar Beach) and Epe (Epe Recreation Centre) the events were all well attended by Lagosians and residents of the state as A-list musicians, comedians were on standby at the locations to thrill the audience.

The event which commenced from the Christmas eve on the 24, December, 2016 to the wee hours of the New Year held for eight days simultaneously.

Those that thrilled the audience include Falz, Olamide, Aramide, Ortisefemi, Adewale Ayuba, Salawa Abeni, Shina Peter, King Sunny Ade, Lil Kesh, Omo Baba, AY, Gbenga Adeyinka, Dotman, May-D, Wizkid, Sound Sultan, MI to mention but a few.

Falz, Omawunmi, among others performed at the 2016

Life&

21- year- old Chioma Obiadi emerged the new queen.

The event will never be forgotten so soon as the warm performance delivered by Pana crooner, Teckno set the entire hall partying to his song delivery.

It is, however, important to note that Miss Nigeria Pageant is paper.

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, January 9, 2017

Soremekun Gbemisola

Wellness L3

How to get rid of dark underarm

Potato The mild acidic property present in potatoes is a great natural bleaching agent. Unlike strong bleaching agents, it will not cause skin irritation.

Simply rub a thin slice of potato on your underarms. You can also grate the potato and apply the juice to the affected area, allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Use these remedies twice daily for better and faster results.

Cucumber Just like potatoes, cucumbers also have natural bleaching properties to help lighten discolored skin. Simply rub a thin cucumber slice on your underarms or grate a cucumber and apply the juice under your arms. Do this once or twice daily until you are option is to extract the juice from a cucumber and mix it with a little turmeric powder and lemon juice.

Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Repeat this home remedy once daily or every other day for best results.

Lemon Lemon works as a natural bleach and a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent. This is why lemon is used in the treatment of various skin-related problems including dark underarms. Lemon can dry out your skin, so apply a moisturizer after using these remedies if needed. To remove dead skin cells and lighten your underarms, rub a lemon wedge on the skin for a few minutes. Leave the juice on your skin for about 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly. For better exfoliation, you can sprinkle a little sugar on the lemon wedge and then use it. Do this is to mix a little turmeric powder, honey or plain yogurt in some lemon

juice and apply it to your underarms.

Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat three or four times a week.

Baking Soda Baking soda can be used to make an exfoliating scrub to get rid of dark underarms. This will help remove dead skin cells, which is one of the main causes of dark underarms. It will also help unclog skin pores.

Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Use this paste to scrub your underarms. Wash it off and pat dry the area thoroughly.

Repeat a few times a week. You can also apply a light dusting of equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch to neutralize body odor.

Orange Peel Orange peels can be used to lighten the skin under your arms, thanks to their skin lightening and exfoliating properties. Put some orange peels in the sun for a few days until they dry out completely. Grind the dried peels into powder form. Mix two teaspoons of powdered orange peels with enough rose water and milk to make a thick paste. Gently scrub your underarms with the paste and then leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, wash the area with cold water. Repeat the process two or three times a week.

Coconut Oil Coconut oil is another good option to get rid of dark underarms. Coconut oil contains vitamin E that can help time, it will also work as an effective natural deodorant. Massage the dark underarms with coconut oil. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Repeat two or three times daily until you achieve the desired results.

You can also mix like two to three substance together to get the same

result as stated above; Get a sugar, coconut oil, charcoal, honey and lime (optional) The direction Get a bowl add the sugar and coconut oil, then mix together. This scrub will moisturize while getting rid of dead skin cells and also reduces the body odour. Take a small quantity and gently scrub, always treat your skin like a baby skin. Wash it off with a warm water to open the pores and add dry it off with a clean towel.

Then put a honey in a bowl and get charcoal in another bowl, add then charcoal to the honey; makes sure the honey and the charcoal are of the same quantity. Mix the two together very well then apply it on the surface gently. Wash off with warm water to helps to the dirt out of the pores, making them less visible. Charcoal is the latest surprising beauty ingredient after that you add a moisturizer.

Nutrition L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 9, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Eat to soothe menopause Adding the right foods to your diet as you approach menopause can actually reduce or prevent menopausal symptoms and protect you from illnesses, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. There health and the earlier you make sure these foods are part of your menopause diet, the easier menopause and the years beyond may be.

Water: Vaginal dryness and dry skin caused by a decrease in estrogen during menopause are common complaints among women at this time, but drinking eight glasses of water a day can help maintain your helps decrease the bloating that occurs with hormonal changes.

Tomatoes juice: A glass of tomato juice a day could help ease menopausal symptoms, according to researchers from Tokyo Medical University. They found that drinking 200ml of the juice twice a day for eight well as cholesterol and anxiety. In the study, 93 women were given tomato juice and had their heart rate and other markers checked. The results which was published in a nutrition journal showed that at the end of the study, menopausal symptoms, including anxiety,

by studies showing substantial differences between high intake especially among Asian women versus low intake of dietary soy. Studies show that soy proteins may help support healthy high density lipoprotein

also act as antioxidants; helping to inhibit the production of free radicals, which are associated with ageing.

-

mended daily dose is only 600 international units for most people but its best to talk to your doctor about the right amount for you. and vegetables because your metabolism slows down as you get older. Also, women in their mid-forties tend to become more sedentary, making you gain weight. can help minimize weight gain while getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

Calcium rich foods: Your calcium needs increases during menopause because the loss of estrogen can speed up bone loss. Aim to get at least 1,200 millimost women to achieve that through diet alone. Consider a combination of calcium-rich foods in your diet, like milk and nonfat yogurt, and calcium supplements. monal changes, women feel tired and at times stressful. Moringa leaf, with 17 times more calcium than that of milk and 10 times more vitamin A than that of carrots, helps to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

The high vitamin C content of moringa is known for its effect on the immune system and it also strengthQuercetin, present in moringa Leaf powder, is believed present in moringa, is also helpful for vaginal dryness taken per day for between one and four months helped women.

Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a wonderful plant-based food with omega-3 fatty acids. Though they are not grown in Nigeria, they can be found in some pharmacies.

Flaxseeds eases menopausal symptoms. In a small,

mixed into their food. In another study which compared Though bitter leaf does not supply oestrogen, it helps the body to produce the right amount of oestrogen Soy: Some experts recommend soy for the relief iso-

through diet were originally high-

has some estrogen-like compounds.

Low-calorie foods in general: The plain truth is that your calorie needs decline with every decade of life.

The less weight you gain during menopause, the better adopting a diet of low fat, healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, that will help you maintain your weight.

Cut back on the following Alcohol: Alcohol is thought to raise oestrogen levels temporarily, but the sudden drop once the alcohol is can also increase breast cancer risk. However, the

lighted

heart. Red wine contains resveratrol, a phytoestrogen

that has oestrogen-like effects.

Caffeine: Caffeine is bad for the bone and it can exacerbate bladder problems that often occur with menopause. Studies show any more than three to four caffeinated drinks a day can Highly fatty foods: Fat should provide 25 per cent to 35 per cent or less of your total daily calories. Also, limit saturated fat to less than 7 per cent of your total daily calories. Saturated fat raises cholesterol and boosts your risk for heart disease. foods. Limit cholesterol to 300 milligrams or less per day.

Use salt in moderation: Too much sodium in the diet is linked pressure from eating too much salt, you may still be damaging your blood vessels, heart, kidneys and brain. According to a study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, it showed that high levels of salt consumption have harmful effects on a number of organs and tissues, even in people who are salt-resistant.