Daily Time Newspaper For October 1st, 2015

Nigeria @ 55: All Nigerians must work to bring about change – Buhari Segun Adio, Group News Editor

ÎÎÎAs Nigeria marks her 55th independence

anniversary today, President Muhammadu Buhari, has called on Nigerians to join hands with his administration to bring about the

desired change in the country.

President Buhari made the call in a nationwide broadcast today (Thursday). dailytimesng

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Also, the President disclosed that in adContinued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.201

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 28th September 2015.

NESTLE

859.7

39.70

4.62%

NB

146.04

5.97

4.09%

SEPLAT

249.9

-5.10

-2.04%

UNILEVER

45.13

-0.87

-1.93%

FO

250

10.01

4.00%

UACN

31.5

1.50

4.76%

JBERGER 41.88

-2.20

-5.25%

ZENITHBANK

17.52

-0.59

-3.37%

At last, Buhari sends ministerial list to Senate Segun Adio, Lagos and Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎAfter a long wait, the much-anticipated list of ministerial nominees from President Muhammadu Buhari was on Wednesday evening handed over to the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.

The president’s message was delivered to the Senate President at 4:59pm by Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, accompanied by Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang.

Earlier, Sen. Saraki had, on his twitter handle, disclosed at 4:00pm that he was yet to receive any emis-

ABUJA TRADE FAIR

States, gB3 regulators mark special day at AITF

sary from the Presidency concerning the matter.

The Daily Times gathered that the list sent to the Senate only contained 21 names for a batch of the would-be ministers. Other names, it was gathered, would be forwarded to the National Assembly before Tuesday, next week.

Although the list has not been

made public, the Daily Times exclusively gathered that among the nominees were former governors of Lagos and Rivers states, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, respectively.

There were some surprises in the ministerial list which included Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a former member of the House of Represen-

SOME MINISTERIAL NOMINEES

States, regulators mark special day at AITF

Gunmen abduct Kogi g13 monarch

&

Keppy gL1 Bassey Ekpenyong The husky, sexy thespian

tatives, as well as Sharon Ikeazor, one-time Women Leader in Buhari’s old party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Also on the list is a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazau and Senator Hadi Sirika.

Believed to be on the list are former Governor of Anambra State, Sen,. Chris Ngige and former Governor of Abia State, Ogbonnaya Onu. In the meantime, Chairman, Senate Ad Committee on Media, Sen. Dino Melaye, speaking with a television network after the list was submitted to the Senate leadership, disclosed that the letter and content of the parcel containing the names of the ministerial nominees could only be read on the floor of the Senate by the Continued on page 6

Fashola

Abike Dabiri

Gen. Dambazzau

mes

Boko Haram poisons water g13 sources in Borno

HAPPY

Amaechi

Sharon Ikeazor

Sen Hadi Sirika

INDEPENDENCE

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Declaring Nigeria polio-free

L

ast week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Nigeria polio-free. With this development, the country has recorded a major victory in the fight against the disease, especially in the light of the fact that in 2012, it accounted for more than half of all the polio cases worldwide. This is welcome news given that the last reported case of wild poliovirus was in July 24, 2014 and since then a full 12 months have lapsed without Nigeria reporting any fresh case of the debilitating disease. Now, only two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan remain on the polio-endemic list.

There is no denying the fact that the road to a polio-free Nigeria was very long and tortuous. Initial efforts to eradicate the disease began in 1976 when the federal government set up the National Programme on Immunisation (NPI). The effort failed.

In 1979, it was restarted, leading to the emergence of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation(EPI).

The eradication was a herculean task, and it almost did not happen at all. For more than a generation, it has been Rotary that has led the drive to eradicate polio, administering vaccinations to 2.5 billion children in 122 countries at a cost of $1.4 billion. With the help of UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centres for Disease Control, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other groups, the effort paid off comparatively fast.

We join in applauding the concerted efforts by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and other stakeholders who transverse all the nooks and crannies of the country repeatedly to immunise more than 45 million children under the age of five years, to check the spread of polio. While deserved, the victory did not come without hiccups and opposition from entrenched political and religious interests.

It was well known that at the

height of the polio eradication drive some religious leaders in the northern parts of Nigeria opposed the programme on account of the unsubstantiated allegation that it was a design by Western countries to wipe out the Muslim population.

Moreover, some clerics, especially in Kano, spread the rumours that the polio vaccine caused sterility in girls, resulting in the suspension of immunisation efforts in the state.

The resistance led to physical attacks on health workers and volunteers in those communities opposed to the eradication campaign.

Such trenchant opposition was responsible for the prolonged hiatus at combating the disease in the North, long after the southern part of the country was certified free of the poliovirus. While we praise the efforts and determination put into the polio eradication campaign, we see the imperative in increasing gains made and ensure the country has no new polio cases now and in the next two years. Not until that happens, we might as well say that Nigeria is not out of the woods yet.

Even as the country is officially off the list of endemic countries, the poliovirus can lurk in sewage and elsewhere, and since there can be up to 200 asymptomatic cases of the disease for every paralytic one, there is no telling how many human virus reservoirs are still at large. A polio-free Nigeria means a polio-free Africa given that the country was the only one of the 47 on the continent where the crippling disease was still endemic What the country needs to do to maintain the current zero case status is to strengthen its surveillance system, improve routine immunisation and maintain high quality campaigns. We therefore call on governments at all level not to rest on their oars and to launch massive polio prevention campaign through improved vaccine coverage and supplementary immunisation of children in their respective zones.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Group Managing Director

Fidelis Anosike

Noel Anosike

Group Managing Editor

Chief Operating Officer

Editor

GM Operations

Molara Wood Yinka Olujimi

ÎÎÎHow would you feel if

as a relative of the one of the pilgrims who died in the stampede that took place on Thursday in Mina, Saudi Arabia, someone tells you that your loved one’s death was inevitable even where the death was caused by negligence?

Excited? Certainly not!

But that is what Saudi Arabia’s top religious leader, Sheikh Abdul Aziz alSheikh, said about the stampede which killed over 717 pilgrims.

He spoke during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef in Mina last Fri-

day, insisting that the incident was beyond human control and that the Prince who heads the Saudi Hajj committee and the authorities were not responsible for the tragedy.

Sheikh’s explanation obviously sort to exonerate the Saudi Arabia’s authorities from sheer negligence which created room for the stampede in the first place.

This attempt by Sheikh was clearly unexpected and shows how insensitive the cleric is to the grieving relatives of the dead and injured pilgrims.

Fact is that Saudi Arabia authorities were negligent and should be blamed for the tragedy which is one of the worst disaster in a quartercentury to befall the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

Words On Marble :

The stampede has been blamed on police road closures and poor management of the flow of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims in searing temperatures.

It is disheartening that instead of reprimanding the Crown Prince and the Saudi Arabia authorities over the tragedy, Sheikh pushed the blame to fate.

This attribution of a manmade tragedy to fate is unfortunate. When people fail in their duties, those close to them must look them in the face and tell them they failed.

Thereafter, such persons must seek ways to mitigate the pains resulting therefrom. So, nations and individuals must stop blaming fate for tragedies which they by sheer negligence caused to take place.

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2015 Hajj tragedy: Excuse for negligence?

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Ban Ki-moon

Dakuku Peterside

Babatunde Fashola

“Our aim is clear. Our mission is possible. And our destination is in our sights; an end to extreme poverty by 2030; a life of peace and dignity for all.”

“Birthdays are seasons for stock-taking and as we mark our independence anniversary, we must give gratitude to God for creating and sustaining this unique edifice called Nigeria.”

“The simple truth is that we have allowed the voices of a few criminals to rise above that of billions of law-abiding global citizens.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

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News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

‘All Nigerians must work to bring about change’ Continued from page 1 dition to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he has ordered a complete audit of other revenue generating agencies particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Customs, and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for better service delivery to the nation.

Buhari stressed that change does not just happen and that all Nigerians have a part to play to bring about change.

His words: “Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring change about. We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust.

“We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens”, the President said.

He restated his position

during his inaugural speech on May 29 that he has no axe to grind with anyone on past events, stressing that nobody should fear anything from him.

“As I said in my inaugural speech, I bear no ill will against anyone on past events. Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions. I hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view to join me in working for the nation”, Buhari said.

He explained that just like

every new government, his administration also inherited problems, saying that what was important was to find the best solution to solve the problems.

The President said: “My country men and women, every new government inherits problems. Ours was no different. But what Nigerians want are solutions, quick solutions not a recitation of problems inherited.

“Accordingly, after consultations with the Vice President, senior party leaders and other senior stakeholders, I quickly got down

to work on the immediate, medium-term and long-term problems which we must solve if we are to maintain the confidence which Nigerians so generously bestowed on us in the March elections and since then” Buhari explained that in order to find solutions to some of the problems confronting the country, he toured the neighbouring countries, marshal a coalition of armed forces of the five nations to confront and defeat Boko Haram.

The President said that he also met the G7 leaders and other friendly Presidents in an effort to build an international coalition against Boko Haram.

He noted that the armed forces under new leadership have taken the battle to the insurgents, and severely weakened their logistical and infrastructural capabilities.

According to him, Boko

Haram insurgents are being scattered and are on the run, saying that their shameless attacks on soft targets such as Internally Displaced Persons camps was indicative of their cowardice and desperation.

The President added that he had instructed security and local authorities to tighten vigilance in vulnerable places.

On power, Buhari said government officials have held a series of long sessions over several weeks about the best way to improve the nation’s power supply in the safest and most cost effective way.

He noted that improvement in the power supply was moderately encouraging while by the same token, supply of petrol and kerosene to the public has improved throughout the country.

Buhari pointed out that all Continued on page 12

2019: PDP zones Presidency to North Lateef Ibrahim, Bureau Chief, Abuja Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki in handshake with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, after receiving the ministerial list … on Wednesday. With them is Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang.

Buhari sends ministerial list to Senate Continued from page 1 President of the Senate.

Melaye assured Nigerians that justice would be done to the nominees when their screening begins.

Profile of some nominees Sharon Ikeazor, was the Women Leader in Buhari’s defunct CPC, which merged with other political parties to form All Progressives Congress (APC). Though she hails from Anambra State, Ikeazor was born in the north. Ikeazor, who is a lawyer, joined politics because of her yearning to influence policy making and governance.

Sen. Sirika Hadi is a former pilot and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, represents Katsina North Senatorial District in the Senate. He is currently holding the position

of (Vice-Chairman) of the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) Committee of the Senate. He became a senator in 2011. As a former pilot, Sirika is a member of the Senate Committee on Aviation.

Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau is a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) between 2008 and 2010. He replaced Lieutenant General Luka Yusuf, who died in active service as COAS. Dambazau’s secondary education took place at Barewa College, Zaria where he graduated from in 1974. He proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna as a member of the 17 Regular Combatant Course. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in

June 1977. In 1979, Dambazau attended the US Army Military Police School, Fort McClellan.

Dambazau served as a military police officer, Aide De Camp to the Chief of Army Staff (1979), commanded military police units and served as a Special Investigator (1984-1985). He was Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy from 1993 to 1999. He also served as Chief Instructor, Support Weapon Wing of the Infantry Centre and School from 1999 to 2001 and later as Directing Staff at the National War College from 2004 to 2006. From 2007-2008 he served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2nd Division, Ibadan. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff in 2008 by President Umaru Yar’ Adua.

Abike Dabiri, was Chair-

man, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs in the 7th House of Representatives. She was first elected into the House of Representatives to represent Ikorodu Constituency of Lagos State in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. She also won re-election in 2011.

Babatunde Fashola succeeded Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State in 2007. Widely loved by many for his infrastructural development, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria is said to be strongly favoured

by Buhari for a role in his new government.

Rotimi Amaechi, is former Governor of Rivers State. He was of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he defected to the APC when he fell out of favour with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

ÎÎÎAhead

of the 2019 presidential elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to pick its presidential candidate from the north.

The acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, confirmed this on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the report of party’s Post-Election Review Committee, headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Secondus revealed that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has accepted the recommendation of the committee to choose its presidential candidate for the 2019 elections from the north.

It is believed in some quarters that part of the reasons why PDP lost the last presidential election to the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, was the breach of its zoning principle.

The NWC of the PDP, the acting National Chairman said, will develop a road

map to move the party forward “so that the party will avoid the mistakes of the past.”

Secondus thus harped on the need for members of the PDP to respect of the party’s constitution.

He tagged the report of the party’s Post-Election Review Committee as “a turning point” in the affairs of party, stressing that PDP is now a well organised political party in Nigeria, which is ready to play the role of opposition politics.

The PDP acting National Chairman concretely assured that the committee’s report would be presented before other organs of the party for adoption and ratification.

His words: “The Caucus will meet, we will send the report to the Board of Trustees, the report will be considered at the NEC meeting.

We will send it to the National Convention to ratify it if there is the need”.

Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Post-Election Review, Senator Ekweremadu, had, while presenting the report, advised the party to “strictly apply the zoning principle at all levels.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

7 News

INDEPENDENCE EDITION

55 YEARS AGO

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Politics

Æs

Nigeria’s 55th Anniversary:

It’s a mixed grill Few days to October 1st, President Muhammadu Buhari approved 70 million for this year’s independence celebration marking Nigeria @55.

The ‘low key’ celebration, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, is unconnected with the dwindling fortunes of the nation’s revenue generation.

Represented by his Permanent Secretary, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said the President reluctantly approved the 70 m after complaining that he would have preferred the money is diverted towards the payment of workers’ salaries.

Lawal said the president had argued that the money was too much to be spent on frivolities such as celebrations when Nigerians are grappling to survive the present day economic stress.

He further explained that “this year’s celebration is, indeed low key because the present administration appreciates the economic hardship that Nigerians and the nation is confronted with today and he almost slashed it downward from 70m”.

“To address the situation, government has adopted a general policy to be very prudent in the management of our financial resources, so this year’s celebration is, therefore, in consonance with the cost-saving policy direction of this administration”.

Towards a successful celebration the SGF said “four events have been approved by the president to manage the entire celebration process”.

“The events are: Jumat prayers, international thanksgiving service, ceremonial change of guards and a children’s party”.

“Apart from these four events the president will also address the nation on Oct 1”.

Perhaps as you are reading this, the president is already is already making the nationwide broadcast to explain the journey so far in the last four months of his administration.

55 years in the life of a nation is

Buhari

Osinbajo

Saraki

Dogara

not a joke. That the country has still remained despite all the challenges along the journey, many may say deserves some celebrations.

However, it is clear that 55 years down the drain, there is no need for an elaborate celebration of our independence as the stark realities of the situation we find ourselves is quite obvious especially with the inability of many states nationwide to pay workers’ salaries for upward of up to eight 10 months in

some instance.

The economy is said to be in shambles with a lot of money which ought to have been used in lifting the country ending up in some private pockets.

However, we thank God that we now have a realistic and much more responsible government in place which recognises the wastages and fraud in the annual ritual of independence anniversaries that often hundreds of millions of

naira.

It would have been indefensible to continue with the profligacy of the past administrations especially in view of dwindling resources and a debt ridden economy.

Perhaps, this was why Elder Statesman and leader of the Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo agreed that there was nothing much to rejoice about as the present outcome in the nation today was not the dream of the founding fathers of

Nigeria.

According to him, apart from thanking God for keeping our lives, there was nothing else to rejoice about as we have not achieved what we ought to have achieved adding that many nations, which started way behind us, have left us behind and now well ahead in development.

He blamed it all on the military CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Founding fathers of independence Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Belewa was the first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria, he was born in 1912 in Bauchi to a Bageri Muslim district head in Bauchi divisional district of Lere, his father, Yakubu Dan Zala was of Bageri Baggara ethnicity. His mother was Fatima Inna a Fulani.

He had his early education at Koranic school in Bauchi, he studied at the Katsina College for further education where he acquired his teaching certificate. He returned to Bauchi to teach at the Bauchi middle school in 1944 along with a few learned teachers from the

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, First and only Prime Minister of Nigeria

northern Nigeria.

Sir Tafawa Belewa was chosen to study abroad for a year at the University of London’s Institute of Education, which now forms part of University College, London.

When he returned to Nigeria, he became an inspector of schools for the colonial administration and later joined politics. He was elected in 1946, to the colony’s Northern House of Assembly and to the legislative Assembly in 1947.

As a legislator, he was a vocal advocate of the rights of Northern Nigeria and together with Alhaji

Ahmadu Bello, who held the hereditary title of Sardauna of Sokoto, he founded the Northern Peoples’ Congress (NPC ). In 1952, Alhaji Tafawa Belewa became a Minister of Transport. In 1957 he was appointed Chief Minister, forming a coalition government between the Northern People’s Congress ( N P C ) and National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (N C N C ) led by Nnamdi Azikiwe.

In 1960, he became the Prime Minister of Nigeria as Nigeria gained her independence, he said CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

9 Politics

Nigeria’s 55th Anniversary:

Discordant tunes over celebrations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

intervention in the democratic process when the army struck in 1966 to over power from the democratic institutions.

According to him, after the military left, they gave us a unitary constitution, which could not guarantee peace in the country.

He said the military, on leaving power after destroying democratic institutions in the country also destroyed the peaceful constitution that the founding fathers of the country had made which had guaranteed peaceful and harmonious relationship of the various component parts, thus plunging the nation into crisis.

He argued that since then the nation has not known any peace as the military constitution could not give the nation peace pointing out that in a situation where peace was absent there could be no development.

The elder statesman who agreed with the present administration’s war against corruption said though it was right to fight corruption, there was need to address the root cause of the nation’s crisis which he said was the awkward constitution in place.

Chief Adebanjo warned that the condition of the constitution won’t

Buhari

Osinbajo

Saraki

Dogara

allow peace and development in the country as well as the much talked about change mantra.

He said with the destructive restructuring of the country by the succeeding military regimes, there was need to restructure Nigeria along the line of true federation before we can have peace in the land and be able to celebrate our independence anniversaries.

But former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita spoke differently saying the coun-

try has reasons to celebrate her independence.

According to him, Nigeria has made tremendous improvements in growth and developments in the areas of Communication, Commerce, Banking, IT and Agriculture adding that in terms of development, Nigeria has reasons to celebrate her independence.

However, he was quick to add that in the area of security, a lot still needs to be done to guarantee security of lives and property.

According to him, security situation has deteriorated as lives of people are in danger due to the upsurge in the activities of Boko Haram insurgents and kidnappers who have made the nation prostrate.

He particularly deployed the recent kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Chief Olu Falae saying it was very disturbing.

The former governor said the elderly man did not deserve such a treatment saying the nation has

every reason to be disturbed adding that the authorities should improve on the security situation in the country.

Thus, the challenge before the present administration is to address the security situation in the country and undertake the restructuring of the nation along the lines of true federation so that we can at least have in the country such that by next independence anniversary, we shall have cause to celebrate.

largely upon self government. We, the elected representatives of the people of Nigeria, concentrated on proving that we were fully capable of managing our own affairs both internally and as a nation.

However, we were not to be allowed the selfish luxury of focusing our interest on our own homes.

In these days of rapid communication, we cannot live in isolation, apart from the rest of the world, even if we wished to do so.

All too soon it has become evident that for us, independence implies a great deal more than selfgovernment.

This great country, which has now emerged without bitterness or bloodshed, finds that she must at once be ready to deal with grave international issues. This fact has of recent months been unhappily emphasized by the starting event have occurred in this continent.

I shall not be labored the point but it would be unrealistic not to draw attention first to the awe-inspiring task confronting us at the very start of our nation world.

When this day in October 1960 was chosen for our independence,

it seemed that we were destined to move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage. Recent events have changed the scene beyond recognition, so that we find ourselves today being tested to the utmost.

We are called upon immediately to show that our claims that responsible government are well founded, and having been accepted as an independent state, we must at once play an active part in maintaining the peace of the world and in preserving civilization.

I promise you, we shall not fall for want of determination. And we come to this task better-equipped than many. For this, I pay tribute to the manner in which successive British government have gradually transferred the burden of responsibility to our shoulders.

The assistance and unfailing encouragement which we received from each secretary of state for the colonies and their intense personal interest in our development has immeasurably lightened that burden.

Founding fathers of independence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

in his speech on October first 1960: ‘’Today is an independence day; the first of October 1960 is a date which for two years, Nigeria has been eagerly looking forward. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation.

Words cannot adequately express my joy and pride at being the Nigerian citizen privileged to accept from her Royal Highness these constitutional instruments, which are symbols of Nigerian Independence. It is a unique privilege which I shall remember forever, and it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country. This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impa-

tience, compelled to watch one country after another overtaking us on the road when we had so nearly reach our goal. But now, we have acquired our rightful status and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace.

It has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well built upon firm foundation.

Today’s ceremony marks the culmination of a process which began fifteen years ago and has now reached a happy and successful conclusion. It is with justifiable pride that we claim the achievement of our independence to be unparalleled in the annals of history.

Each step of our constitutional advance has been purposefully and peacefully planned with full and open constitution, not only

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, First and only Prime Minister of Nigeria between representatives of all the various interest in Nigeria but in harmonious cooperation with the administering power which has today relinquished its authority.

At the time when our constitutional development entered upon its final phase, the emphasis was

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Azikiwe: Founding fathers of independence Born in Zungeru in present day Niger State in 1904 to Igbo parents. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe spent much of his early life in Lagos. Determined to succeed, he later found his way to the United States of America.

He returned to Africa in 1934 armed with a masters’ degree in Political Science and Anthropology from Lincoln and Pennsylvania Universities, as well as strong Pan-Africanist convictions.

He started off in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) as Editor-in-Chief of the African Morning Post in 1937, but was forced to shift base to Nigeria later that year where he founded the West African Pilot.

In the course of his political career which spanned about sixty years, he held many important positions. At Nigeria’s attainment of independence on October 1, 1960 he became Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor-General.

Three years later, in 1963, he became the first President and Commander-in-Chief, Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was removed from office by the first coup of January 15, 1966.

At the resumption of political activities in 1979, he became the leader and Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) in 1979 and 1983. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe held the traditional title of Owelie

of Onitsha. died May 11 1996 Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president, whose death was reported on Monday by the state-owned News Agency of Nigeria, was a champion of African nationalism and master of compromise in his country’s turbulent politics.

Widely known as “Zik of Africa,” the politician, scholar, poet and journalist helped to end the Biafran civil war that had plunged his Ibo people into mass suffering. The agency said Azikiwe, 91, died on Saturday at the hospital where he had been admitted for some time with an undisclosed illness.

An imposing figure standing over six feet (1.83 metres), Azikiwe was sworn in as Nigeria’s first president in 1963 when it became a republic after independence from Britain in 1960.

He remained until the first coup d’etat in 1966, which led to civil war in June 1967 when Ibos in the east seceded to set up their own state of Biafra under then Colonel Emeka Ojukwu.

An estimated one million people died, many from starvation, in the 30-month civil war.

When Azikiwe saw the hopelessness of the war, he hastened its end by returning to the federal side.

This was denounced as a sellout by the Biafran leadership, but his

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, P.C., GCFR, First indigenous Governor General and First President esteem among Ibos was such that when the army allowed elections in 1979 he again emerged as their most popular figure.

“Zik has a good place in history in arousing West Africa and thereby African blacks to seeking independence,” Ojukwu once told Reuters.

“Beyond that, when others have come up he has distanced himself from them. He has never been able to be part of the West African movement,” he added.

Azikiwe’s Ibo-dominated Nigerian People’s Party came third in

the 1979 polls, won by the National Party of Nigeria headed by Shehu Shagari, a Hausa-Fulani from the north.

He took his party into alliance with Shagari, obtaining plum jobs for its members. The alliance ended when he wanted more.

A strong believer in democracy, the welfare state and the rule of law, Azikiwe, a titled chief in Iboland, became an important sounding board for an array of latter-day leaders, including former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

But he went into virtual seclusion for some time after August 1983 when his wife Flora died. They had several children and many grandchildren.

Azikiwe was born in Zungeru, northern Nigeria, on November 16, 1904. His father was a clerical worker for the then British administrator.

He was educated at Christian mission schools before going to the United States, where he studied for nine years at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in philosophy and anthropology.

Lincoln University instituted a professorial chair in honour of Azikiwe at a lavish ceremony in 1994 where he was eulogised.

To pay his way, the ambitious young African took jobs as a lift operator, miner and dishwasher. He

was also a keen athlete.

Azikiwe returned home in 1937 and became a messianic figure in the nationalist movement while working in journalism, commerce and politics.

He once described Nigeria’s achievement of independence from Britain as “the consummation of my life’s work.” But despite his anticolonialism struggle, he retained friendship with Britain.

After his American studies he went to the Gold Coast -- now Ghana -- as a propagandist for the nationalist cause. One of his pupils was the late Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s future president.

Within 10 years he had become president of the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons, a political party which joined radical elements that emerged during World War Two. He also launched five newspapers and wrote regular columns, stirring up nationalism in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa.

After a long period in opposition in the Western House of Assembly, Azikiwe became the first prime minister of Eastern Nigeria, one of the then colony’s three regions.

Adult sufferage, a wide programme of economic and social development, and administrative reorganisation were introduced under his premiership.

Founding fathers of independence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

All our friends in the colonial office must today be proud of their handiwork and in the knowledge that they have helped to lay the foundations of a lasting friendship between our two nations.

I have indeed every confidence that, based on the happy experience of a successful partnership, our future relations with the United Kingdom will be more cordial than ever, bond together, as we shall be in the commonwealth, by common allegiance to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, whom today we proudly acclaim as Queen of Nigeria and head of commonwealth.

Time will not permit the individual mention of those friends, many of them Nigerians, whose selfless labour have contributed to our independence some have not lived to see the fulfillment of their hopes – on them be peace – Nevertheless they are remembered here, and the names of buildings and streets and roads and bridges throughout the country recall our minds their achievements , some

of them on national scale. Others confined, perhaps to a small area in one division, are more humble but of equal value in the sum-total.

Today, we have with us representatives of the Regional Governments, of former central Government, of the missionary societies, and of the Banking and commercial enterprise, and members, both past and present, of the public services.

We welcome you, and we rejoice that you have been able to come and share in our celebrations.

We wish that it could have been possible for all of those whom you represent to be here today.

Many, I know, will be disappointed to be absent but if they are listening to me now, I say to them.

‘Thank you on behalf of my country men, thank you for your devoted service which help to build up Nigeria into a nation.

Today, we are reaping the harvest which you sowed, and the quality of the harvest is equally only by our gratitude to you. May God bless you all.

This is an occasion when our

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa hearts are filled with conflicting emotions. We are, indeed, proud to have achieved our independence, and proud that our efforts should have contributed to this happy event.

But do not mistake our pride for arrogance; it is tempered by feel-

ings of sincere gratitude to all who have shored in the task of developing Nigeria politically, socially and economically.

We are grateful to the British officers whom we have known first as masters and then as leaders, and finally as partners but always as friends, And there have been countless missionaries who have labored unceasingly in the cause of education and to whom we owe many of our medical services.

We are grateful also to those who have brought modern method of banking and of commerce, and new industries. I wish to pay tribute to all of these people and to declare our everlasting admiration of their devotion to duty. And finally I must express our gratitude to her Royal Highness, the princess Alexandra for personally bringing to us these symbols of our freedom and especially for delivering the gracious message from her Majesty, the Queen, and so with words ‘’ God save our Queen.’’ I opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria and of the commonwealth and

indeed, of the world.”

Alhaji Sir Tafawa Beelewa was re-elected in 1964.

As a Prime Minister of Nigeria, he, from 1960 to 1961 doubled as Foreign Affairs advocate of Nigeria.

In 1961, his government created an official Foreign Affairs and commonwealth relations ministerial position in favour of Jaja Wachuku who became from 1961 to 1965 the first substantive Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs and commonwealth Relations, which was later called external affairs.

In January 1960, Alhaji Tafawa Belewa was knighted by Elizabeth II as a knight commander of the order of the British Empire.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Sheffield in May, 1960.

He was later overthrown and murdered in a Military coup on January 15, 1966 as were many other leaders.

The news of his assassination spurred violent riot throughout the North and ultimately led to bloody counter coup of July 1966.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

11 Politics

Awolowo: Founding fathers of independence Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the banned Action Group and leader of the Yorubas of western Nigeria, was born on March 6, 1909. Son of a farmer and self made man, Chief Awolowo was educated at Anglican and Methodist schools in Ikenne, his home town, and at Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta, Western Nigeria. His education being curtailed from lack of money, Chief Awolowo worked as a pupil teacher and then went to Wesley College in Ibadan, the then capital city of Western Nigeria, to attend a course in teacher training. Leaving Wesley College, he studied shorthand and typing, and after working for a while in Lagos, returned to Wesley College in 1932 as a clerk.

Two years later, he became a trader and a newspaper reporter. He organized in the late ‘30s the Nigerian Produce Traders Association and became secretary of the Nigerian Motor Transport Union.

Not satisfied with his education, Chief Awolowo took up part-time studies and, after matriculation in 1939, went on to obtain a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1944; in that

year he was also editing the now defunct Nigerian Worker. In June 1940, he became secretary of the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Youth Movement ( NYM )and, in this position , led the agitation for the reform of the Ibadan Native Authority Advisory Board in 1942.

He was CO-founder of the Trade Union Congress Of Nigeria in 1943.

The following year, he went to London to study law and founded the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, a Yoruba tribal society. After qualifying in 1947, he returned to Nigeria to set up legal practice and continued to work for the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, becoming general secretary in 1948. Two years later he became moving spirit in organizing with other Yoruba leaders the Action Group, which won the then Western Region elections in 1951.

Chief Awolowo was a leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government from 1951-54 when, with the introduction of the new Constitution, he became the first Premier of Western Nigeria.

Chief Awolowo, who is highly competent, full of initiative, original in

Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of the Western Region and leader of Opposition thought, practical and very often stubborn when he his convinced about something, built the Action Group into what was then described as ‘the best political party south of the Sahara’.

With an able and efficient team,

both in Government and in making the Western Region the cynosure of the rest of the Federation of Nigeria. He resigned the premiership of Western Nigeria in 1959 to contest the Federal elections but, failing to win, became the leader of the opposition in the Federal House Of Representatives. Chief Awolowo led his party’s delegation to the London Constitutional conferences in 1953 and 1954, and to a later conference in Lagos in 1958.

So excellent was the administration of the Western Nigeria during Chief Awolowo’s tenure in Office as Premier that when in 1953 the British Government announced its intention to grant self-government in 1956 to any Region desiring it, the Action Group Leader asked for and secured it in the same year.

Chief Awolowo is an unyielding advocate of a federal constitution for Nigeria. He is also a strong antagonist of the North’s feudal system and its spread to other parts of Nigeria; an advocate of the creation of more states in Nigeria.

A fight broke out in the Western House of Assembly (May 25, 1962 )

following an attempt by the Action Group to discipline Chief Awolowo’s next in command, the late Chief Samuel Akintola, who was then Premier of the Region. The Federal Parliament met four days later and decided to declare a state of emergency all over the region. Chief Awolowo and the main leaders were put under restriction, but later the Action Group Leader and some of his aides were detained following the discovery of a plot to overthrow the Federal Government.

On November 2, 1962, Chief Awolowo and 28 other members of his party were put on trial for treasonable felony. After a hearing lasting eleven months, he was sentenced (September 11, 1963) to ten years imprisonment, and, on appeal to the Federal Court the sentence was upheld.

He spent just over three years in calabar prison. He was released on August 3, 1966 with a state pardon.

Nine days later, amid jubilation he was unanimously elected leader of the then 10,500,000 Yorubas and leader of the Western delegation to the All Nigerian Conference on the future association of Nigeria.

Ahmadu Bello: Founding fathers of independence Ahmadu Bello was born in Rabah, North West State, a descendant of Uthman don Fodio, the renowned 19th-century Moslem leader of Northern Nigeria. Bello received his education first at the Sokoto Provincial School, then at Katsina Teacher Training College. In 1934, after teaching several years in the Sokoto Middle School, he entered the emirate administration as district head of Rabah. In 1938 he made an unsuccessful claim to the office of sultan of Sokoto. The new sultan immediately conferred upon him the traditional, now honorary, title of sardauna and elevated him to the Sokoto Native Authority Council.

As World War II drew to an end, Bello became involved in broader political concerns. In 1945 he assisted in the formation of the Youth Social Circle in Sokoto, a discussion group of Northern educators and civil servants. In 1948 this organization affiliated with the newly founded Northern People’s Congress (NPC), originally conceived as a cultural organization but destined to become the leading political party in Northern Nigeria. Bello became increasingly active in the NPC and ultimately its president. In 1949 he was elected by the Sokoto Native Authority to the Northern House of Assembly. During the 1949-1950 discussions of constitutional reform he became a leading spokesperson for the Northern view of federal government. In 1952 in the first elections

held in Northern Nigeria, he was elected to the Northern House of Assembly, where he became a member of the regional executive council and minister of works. In the following year he accepted the regional portfolio of community development and local government. In 1954 he became the first premier of Northern Nigeria, a position he held until his death.

As president of the NPC and premier of the Northern Region, Bello was perhaps the most politically powerful person in Nigeria during the first 5 years of independence.

Despite this, his role in national politics remained anomalous. He had an expressed distaste for the Southern

Ahmadu Bello, Nationalist and Premier of Northern Region

style of politics and had no desire for participation in the federal government, which would require his residence in Lagos. Although he participated in national discussions on constitutional reform and from 1952 to 1959 was a member of the Federal House of Representatives, he was concerned primarily with the development of the North and the protection of that region from what he considered Southern incursions.

Therefore, when Nigeria became independent in 1960, Bello chose to remain premier of the Northern Region, while the deputy president of the NPC, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, became prime minister

Herbert Macaulay Born in Lagos, Herbert Macaulay was the son of the Reverend Thomas Babington Macaulay, prominent Lagos missionary and educator, and the maternal grandson of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, first African bishop of the Niger Territory. Receiving his early education in the mission schools of Lagos, Macaulay in 1881 became a clerk in the Public Works Department in Lagos. He was recognized as a promising civil servant and in 1890 was awarded a government scholarship to study civil

engineering in England, where he spent 3 years. Upon his return to Lagos he was appointed surveyor of crown lands for the colony of Lagos, a position he held until 1898, when he resigned the post.

Macaulay’s resignation seems to have been precipitated by his growing resentment for the racial discrimination practiced by Europeans in the civil service. He established himself as a private surveyor in Lagos and slowly over the ensuing years emerged as a spokesman for opposition to British rule

Herbert Macaulay, one of the Nationalists who fought for independence.

Herbert Macaulay (1864-1945) was a Nigerian political leader. One of the first leaders of the Nigerian opposition to British colonial rule, he was also a civil engineer, journalist, and accomplished musician.

of the Federation.

In 1964 Bello led the NPC into an alliance with the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) of the Western Region. The coalition party, called the Nigerian National Alliance, won a clear majority in the federal elections of 1964. In the fall of 1965 the NNDP claimed victory in a hotly disputed regional election, and the Western Region lapsed into chaos. Bello’s attempt to support his political allies on this occasion was the immediate, though not sole, cause for an attempted coup d’etat in January 1966, during which Bello was assassinated.

in Lagos and all Nigeria. Macaulay addressed himself to numerous issues, usually in articles he contributed to the Lagos Daily Times.

He opposed every attempt by the British authorities to expand their administration, interpreting these developments as detrimental to the interests of indigenous Nigerians, who inevitably would be forced to pay the bills in taxes. He agitated against the payment of water rates in 1915 and, as a leader of the Lagos auxiliary of the Antislavery and Aborigines Protection Society, led the opposition against government plans to reform land tenure arrangements in Lagos and Yorubaland.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Military will end Boko Haram

by December – COAS ÎÎÎThe Chief of Army Staff,

Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, reiterated the military’s determination to end Boko Haram insurgency in the country in December, a statement said.

The statement was issued by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col.

Sani Usman, in Abuja on Wednesday.

It said Buratai restated the commitment during a routine operational visit to frontline troops in parts of the North East.

“I want to reassure Nigerians that Nigerian Army is

ever determined to succeed in meeting up with the set deadline of defeating Boko Haram terrorists by the end of this year,’’ it said.

The statement said the Army chief had defied the public holidays to embark on operational and morale

Oyo State Governor Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (left) receiving the Consul General of South Africa, Amb. Mokgethi Sam Monaisa, during a courtesy visit to the governor in his office… on Wednesday.

boosting trips to troops under Nigerian 3 Division and 7 Division areas of responsibility.

It said Buratai’s first port of call was Headquarters, 33 Artillery Brigade, Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi, where he addressed troops on the on-going operations.

The Army chief, the statement added, also visited the 301 Artillery Regiment, Gombe and Biu where he visited two units; 231 Tank Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment in Aboge Largema Military Cantonment.

The statement said Buratai admonished troops to treat surrendered terrorists humanely in line with international humanitarian laws and the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct. It said the Army chief also decorated newly promoted officers in the frontline with their new ranks and paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Aliyu, at his palace.

Buratai, according to the statement, was accompanied on the visit by some Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj.-Gen. HA Umaru and other Commanders.

‘All Nigerians must work to bring about change’ Continued from page 6 the early signs are that within months the whole country would begin to feel a change for the better.

The President also said preliminary steps have been taken to sanitise the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and improve its operations so that the inefficiency and corruption could be reduced to a minimum.

He stated that refineries which can be serviced and brought back into partial production would be enabled to resume operations so that the whole sordid business of exporting crude and importing finished products in dubious transactions could be stopped.

The President further said: “In addition to NNPC, I have ordered for a complete audit

of our other revenue generating agencies mainly CBN, FIRS, Customs, NCC, for better service delivery to the nation.

“Prudent housekeeping is needed now more than ever in view of the sharp decline in world market oil prices. It is a challenge we have to face squarely. But what counts is not so much what accrues but how we manage our resources that is important.

“We have seen in the last few years how huge resources were mismanaged, squandered and wasted. The new APC government is embarking on a clean-up, introducing prudence and probity in public financing.

“At an early stage, the federal government addressed the issue of salary arrears in many states, a situation capable of degenerating into

social unrest. The APC government stepped in to provide short-term support to the owing states and enabled them to pay off the backlog and restore the livelihood of millions of Nigerians”, he added.

The President said God had blessed that country with many gifts as the ninth most populated country on the planet, stressing that the nation was also rich in arable land, water, forests oil and gas, coastline and Solid minerals “We have all the attributes of a great nation. We are not there yet because the one commodity we have been unable to exploit to the fullest is unity of purpose. This would have enabled us to achieve not only more orderly political evolution and integration but also continuity and eco-

nomic progress.

“Countries far less endowed have made greater economic progress by greater coherence and unity of purpose.

“Nonetheless, that we have remained together is an achievement we should all appreciate and try to consolidate.

“We have witnessed this year a sea change in our democratic development.

The fact that an opposition party replaced an entrenched government in a free and fair election is indicative of the deeper roots of our democratic system “Whatever one’s views are, Nigerians must thank former President Jonathan for not digging-in in the face of defeat and thereby saving the country untold consequences”, he said.

FG to reissue 10-yr bond after JP Morgan index expulsion ÎÎÎThe

Federal Government plans to re-issue its fiveand 10-year bonds in the last quarter of the year to raise up to N270 billion after JP Morgan’s index on Wednesday delisted half of the maturities belonging to Nigeria.

The 10-year bond, among those to be delisted on the influential index, edged higher to yield 15.09 percent after the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Wednesday released its calendar showing it will re-introduce the benchmark paper, which was not issued in the third quarter.

The DMO said it will sell between N60 billion and N90 billion each in five- and

10-year bonds in each of the remaining three months of the year as re-openings of outstanding maturities.

JP Morgan removed half of Nigerian bonds listed on its emerging markets bond index (GBI-EM), as part of its month-end index rebalancing, cutting Nigeria’s weight to 0.79 percent.

The U.S. bank had warned Nigeria this month that it would drop it from its index, citing a lack of liquidity and currency restrictions.

Traders said bond yields were muted on Wednesday as foreign buyers had cut their exposure to 0.69 percent ahead of the index expulsion.

Sylva wins fresh Bayelsa APC guber primary amidst protest Akam James, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎFormer Governor of Bay-

elsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, on Wednesday, emerged the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the fresh Governorship primary held amidst heavy security and protest by four aspirants and absence of about five others.

This is even as facts emerged that higher forces within the National leadership of the APC prevailed upon former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Timi Alaibe, to withdraw from the governorship primary to avoid crisis.

Sylva recorded 981 votes out the total number of 1147 accredited votes. A total number of 27 voided votes were recorded. Fourteen Governorship aspirants participated out of the 19 aspirants.

Also absent from the state party secretariat venue of the Governorship primary election was the former Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Imuro Kubo.

The Governorship primary, which was conducted by a seven-man team led by Brigadier General Monsur Dan Ali (rtd), was peaceful and without any security hitch as recorded during the botched primary last week.

Most of the delegates were accredited and voted immediately to save time. Many of the delegates defied the early

morning rains to cast their votes.

The result announced by Ali showed that former Commissioner of Environment, Godknows Powell, scored 39 votes; former member of House of Representative, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, scored 28 votes. Others are former Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Dikivie Ikhiogha with 22 votes, Mrs. Tonye Akpereala with 7 votes; Hon. Preye Aganaba scored 8 votes; Austin Fabo scored 7 votes; Romeo Bekeyei scored 10 votes; Ebitimi Angbare scored 3 votes; Ambassador Otiotio scored 1 vote.

The former Senator from Bayelsa East Senatorial district, Senator Clever Ikhisikpo scored three votes; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Christopher Enai scored two votes and a former Ambassador to Venezuela, Ambassador Felix Oboro scored 1 vote.

Chief Timipre Sylva, while accepting the victory, called on the party faithful and supporters of the various aspirants to come together to deliver the state from the failed administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Hon. Ebitimi Angbare, who spoke on behalf of the Governorship aspirants, called on the aspirants to collapse their structures and fused it into the APC to work for the victory of the declared winner, Chief Timipre Sylva.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday October 1, 2015

Diplomatic passport: Immigration to publish defaulters' names Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏComptroller-General,

Nigeria Immigration Service (CG NIS), Martin Kure Abeshi, has threatened that names of government officials and politicians, who are still holding the Nigeria diplomatic passports illegally, will soon be made public by his agency.

Abeshi, who said the service recently lost three officers to insurgency in the North-east, also revealed that so far, only 200 ex-government officials have returned their diplomatic passports in their custody to his agency, according to a directive by the federal government.

The NIS boss disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, while speaking with newsmen on his blueprint for the agency as the new boss, say-

ing that President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as CGI to fight corruption at the Passport offices, airports, and other departments of the service.

"I want to use this time to reemphasise that the collection of diplomatic passports from government official who are no more in service has been encouraging.

We have collected over 200 so far, but very soon we will publish the names of defaulters. But I am appealing to them to please bring them before we publish their names" he stated.

On the porous borders, Abeshi revealed that "We are putting together documents that will be presented to the government to control the movement of our citizens in and out of our border areas.”

He added that based on the tech-

nological advancement been witnessed all over the world, it shows that the current method of managing Nigeria's borders is archaic.

Speaking on the Passport racketeering, Abeshi said "the NIS now has a new Immigration Act 2015.

The Act provides for penalties to be meted out to officers who abuse the passport process. If you do it you will be charged to court, and if found guilty, punishment will be meted out in accordance with the law.”

He, however, tasked the media to join his fight against corruption.

"Please help us tell Nigerians that they should come here to get their passports. You don't need to stay for hours, that era is gone. Let them come, our officers are here to direct them" Abeshi posited.

ÏÏÏBarely five days after gun-

men attacked Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) office in Lokoja, unknown gun men have abducted Oba Adebisi Obademi, the traditional ruler of Apaa-Bunu community in Kabba- Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

It was learnt that the traditional ruler was abducted at about 7.30 am on Wednesday on his way to Odo - Ape, a suburb community close to his domain.

The eye witness account stated that the gun men, numbering about five, and suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, may have whisked the traditional ruler on a motor bike to an unknown destination.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Idris Wada on Media, Hon. Duro Meseko, who condemned the dastardly act, said the

CANAN gets new officers ÏÏÏThe

Board of Trustees of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN), has approved the reorganisation of the National Secretariat of the association by naming a new Executive Director.

This followed the leave of absence granted Pastor Laolu Akande, the founding Executive Director, who was appointed Senior Special Assistant in The Presidency.

According to a statement by Dr. James Fadel, CANAN President/ Chairman, Board of Trustees, the new Executive Director is Pas-

13 News Gunmen abduct Kogi traditional ruler spate of kidnappings in the area was getting alarming and called on law enforcement agents to be proactive in their activities.

Meseko, who called on the Police authority to establish a permanent station in the area, also decried the activities of Fulani herdsmen, who he alleged were frequently fomenting trouble in the area.

The governor's aide also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly address the issue of kidnappings in the country, saying law abiding citizens are now living in fear. tor Adebisi Oyesile, PhD, D. Min; founding National Financial Secretary of the association.

Also in the reorganisation, Mr. Chibuzo Anyaegbunam, another founding official of the National Secretariat of CANAN has been named its New National Financial Secretary.

These appointments, which are already in effect, were made by the Board of Trustees at its meeting last week Thursday.

The Board also congratulated Pastor Akande on his appointment as a Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria, in the Office of the Vice President, and prayed for his success in the assignment.

Akande will continue to serve as an unpaid Trustee of the association while his assignment lasts.

Elumelu bags international award ÏÏÏChairman, United Bank for

L-R: Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in a warm handshake with the Enugu State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo when he had a meeting with Labour leaders and selected unions in the state, at the Government House, Enugu... on Wednesday

Boko Haram poisons water sources in villages ÏÏÏThe Nigerian military has

said that Boko Haram members have now resorted to poisoning of water sources like wells, and streams, in areas they were dislodged by gallant troops or areas threatened by offensive operations.

This was the information released by Colonel Tukur Gusau, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations. The army also claimed to have ambushed and killed two fleeing terrorists, as well as captured several weapons and supplies on Wednesday.

The latest being the poisoning of the cattle water ponds in Kangallam village, along Marte and Abadam axis in Borno State, where a large number of cattle died after drinking water from the ponds. Impeccable sources close to the Theatre Command, indicates that though no human life was lost as a result of the barbaric act of the terrorists, however, some cattle were killed after drinking water from some poisoned sources.

The action of the terrorists is no doubt aimed at taking their

own pound of flesh on the innocent citizens, and livestock, as a result of the unbearable offensive operations through the combined effort of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, to route them out completely from their enclaves and hide-outs all over the North east.

In view of this development, citizens of these two communities have been called upon to avoid as much as possible, drinking water from unverified sources, especially in locations that troops routed out Boko Haram terrorists.

Africa (UBA) Plc, Tony O. Elumelu’s passion for promoting entrepreneurship on the continent, as well as providing support for the creative arts industry, received global commendation last week when he was honoured in New York and South Africa.

In New York, he was named as the “Africa Business Leader of the Year” at the 8th annual Ai CEO Investment Summit and awards that took place at Thomson Reuters, on the eve of the UN General Assembly.

On the other side of the globe in South Africa, he was given a special award as the Honourary counsel for the African movie academy, in recognition of his support for the African creative industry, at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), held at Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth, South Africa last week Saturday.

This is the second time Elumelu is winning the “Africa Business

Leader of the Year” award, which he first won in 2006, as the Group Managing Director/CEO of UBA Plc. He emerged winner this year from a strong nominee list of notable business leaders in the continent, including James Mwangi, CEO Equity Bank, Kenya; Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group; Brian Joffe, CEO, Bidvest Group, South Africa and Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Founder Econet, among others.

Elumelu

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Reps mandate Dogara to intervene in Saraki's saga Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

House of Representatives, on Wednesday, mandated the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, to intervene in the ongoing trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), by finding a political solution to his travails.

The resolution of the House follows a motion of urgent public importance on Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary, which was sponsored by Rep. Nnanna Igbokwe (Imo/PDP).

However, during debate on the substantive motion, the Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor (Delta/ PDP), proposed an amendment to the motion which was adopted by the House, urging Dogara to intervene in Saraki’s trial by finding a political solution to the crisis in the Senate.

Ogor said the move would pro-

tect the integrity and independence of the National Assembly as an institution and the interest of Nigeria’s democracy. ``It is necessary for the leadership of the House to meet with the President, with a view to politically resolving all outstanding issues relating to the National Assembly in the interest of Nigerians. ``The Speaker should intervene in the issues and challenges being faced by the Chairman of the National Assembly, with a view to finding a political solution and protecting the institution of the National Assembly as a whole, for the interest of our democracy,’’ Ogor said.

Earlier, Hon. Igbokwe, while leading the debate on the motion, urged all institutions of government to be guided by the rule of law and due process as Nigeria marks its 55th independence anniversary.

He urged the institutions in the country to avoid being used to undermine any arm of government, adding that the milestones so far achieved by the country were sustainable due to the strengthening of public institutions through legislation.

Igbokwe further commended Nigerians for their support for the growth of the country’s democracy.

He said that the advent of democracy had given Nigerians a sense of inclusion and participation in governance, especially the opportunity to choose their leaders.

The lawmaker therefore advised Nigerians to sustain the concerted efforts and sacrifices so far made towards maintaining a united country founded on the principle of equity, fairness and justice.

According to the lawmaker, the 55th independence anniversary

offers another opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s past and plans for the future. ``There are so many reasons to celebrate our independence anniversary in spite of our challenges as a nation. We have faced a lot of challenges, including insecurity and unemployment, but in spite of these, we need to be strong because we have no other country. ``The journey to nationhood has its challenges; we must therefore congratulate the Nigerian people for their patience and sustained support for our democratic institutions since 1999, and be courageous by the fact that Nigeria has the potential of economic growth, and be a safer place for everyone to live in. ``Thus, we must not forget where we are coming from,’’ Igbokwe added. He restated the need for Nigerians to continue to live in peace, harmony, and show charity to one another.

Umahi recovers N150m stolen fund Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

Umahi

ÏÏÏAs

part of the efforts at making Nigerians build and rekindle national spirit, the Believers Love World, Christ Embassy has launched its annual Reachout Nigeria Campaigns across all her branches around the country The campaign is aimed at celebrating Nigeria and Nigerians as the nation celebrates her 55th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, Chairman of the Committee, who was empowered to ensure the success of this year’s event, Pastor Chidi Ezemako, in his speech to formally launch the project, stated that the Reach-out Nigeria Project has a new theme for the year, “Dawning a new Nation”.

In his words: “The event keeps getting better, as a ministry, we have seized this special day as another opportunity to reach out to them lost through our messenger angel, ‘Rhapsody Of Realities’, and at the same time promote a patriotic spirit in Nigerians.”

Enugu CJ calls for utilisation of incorruptible retired Judges

ÏÏÏIn his determination to re-

cover all the stolen fund from public office holders, Ebonyi State government has recovered N150million allegedly stolen at the state Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) in the recently concluded staff verification exercise across the state.

Governor Dave Umahi disclosed this at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, in an interactive session with journalists to mark this year’s Independent Anniversary and the 19 years of the creation of the state.

He noted that the result of the verification exercise will soon be released which will reveal the total number of ghost workers discovered during the exercise, and that more stolen money will be recovered.

He commended the local government Auditor-General, Chief George Ukpai for his experience in handling the exercise which he noted, achieved the desired result, and reiterated his readiness to tackle corruption with holistic approach.

Christ Embassy flags off Reachout-Nigeria project 2015

Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏEnugu

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ganiyu Yusuf (left) in a handshake with Ambassador of The People's Republic of China, Mr Gu Xiaojie at the 66th anniversary of China and the 10th anniversary of The Establishment of China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership held in Abuja… on Tuesday night. With them is the Director, Regions and International Organisations, Amb. Sonni Yusuf.

Over 24,000 Berom natives killed since 2001 – Lawmaker Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏA

lawmaker, representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Gyendeng, has disclosed that since 2001, record has shown that over 24,000 Berom natives in the state have been killed on several attacks.

Speaking with Journalist on Wednesday in Jos, on the allegations that some of the Berom youths were trained by the Israeli Government, the lawmaker denied the report and described it as false and baseless, while challenging anybody with such record to make it known to the world.

"From 2001 to date, we have lost over 24,000 People in Berom land, and the attackers have always been called unknown gunmen."The security agencies should know the faces of those perpetrating the act.

The truth about it is that a Berom man has always been peaceful, he has never gone out to attack anybody. If anybody say Berom have being attacking, how come we have been conducting mass burial of our own people everyday. ”Late Senator Gyang Dantong and late Hon. Gyang Fulani, were killed while attending a mass burial of innocent Berom people, and until now, the federal government have done nothing about it" Gyen-

deng said.

The lawmaker appealed to President Buhari to take action on the incessant attacks, arguing that the security agencies were not doing enough to curtail the attack, as they have continued to neglect all the sensitive information given to them. Hon. Gyendeng noted that there was a planned attack on the people of his constituency, which he had raised alarm that some group of people, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, are currently camping in a bush, waiting to lunch attack, but security agencies have turned a deaf ear to it, and when it happens, they will say unknown gun men.

State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike, has called on the federal and state governments not to abandon retired judges with outstanding clean records, and with ideas and wisdom to rust away in retirement.

Justice Umezulike added that the nation and state should tap from the ideas and wisdom of such incorruptible judicial officers to enhance service delivery in judicial system.

In an address at the valedictory court session in honour of Hon. Justice Louis Ogbonna Okereke, at Enugu High Court to mark his retirement, Justice Umezulike noted that there are great rewards for devoted service and incorruptibility for the judicial system and legal profession in Nigeria.

In his words, “that would be a strong way of telling those still on the job that the reward for devoted service is peremptory.”

In a speech on the occasion, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, commended retired Justice Okereke for his service to God and humanity, adding that though retired, Justice Okereke should keep his doors open for consultation in times of legal need.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

15 Opinion

Our religious land mines

“T Onye Nkuzi

he legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg..”

The above quote is from Thomas Jefferson, the US scholar, architect and president. The quote is not all about Jefferson and his beliefs; it is also about the bitter lessons from Europe, the continent of Jefferson’s ancestors. The lesson is that religion and government should not mix.

Let us go back to the Roman Empire. The Romans built a multireligious, multi-ethnic empire, until Caesars like Constantine put Christianity at its centre. Scholars like Gibbons were of the opinion that the appropriation of Christianity as the state religion of Rome had a corrosive impact on both Christianity and Rome.

Rome eventually collapsed and was replaced by a collection of warring European states and a domineering Church centred in Rome.

Dissent was brutally crushed. While sacking Beziers, an abbot advised a soldier using these words: “Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius” (Kill them all. For the Lord knoweth them that are His).

One day in 1517, a young priest nailed 95 theses to the door of a church in Wittenberg. His name was Martin Luther. That led to the “Protestant Reformation”, the “Great Schism” and eventually the “Thirty Years War”. The Thirty Years War was a very bloody affair; much of Central Europe lay in ruins. St. Vincent de Paul despaired: “Jesus said his church would last until the end of time, but he never mentioned the word Europe.”

After a long period of bitter experience, the “Peace of Westphalia” was signed. In it there were elements of religious tolerance and the foundations of the modern state system. Europeans learned through hard experience the dangers of mixing religion with politics. Jefferson’s ancestors, who fled religious persecution in Europe to America, took those lessons with them.

The Middle East is wracked by violence that has taken a religious dimension (war between Sunni and Shia sects). Our hearts break seeing images of Syrian children

refugees. Maybe, the Arab World is going through a “Thirty Years War” experience.

We then go back to Nigeria, where our perpetually incurious and historically illiterate political elite have failed to pay heed to the lessons from European history. Instead, they play on religious differences for narrow, selfish political interests. Nigeria is now “multi-religious”; it is no longer “secular”.

When a serving senator says “his Holy Book is superior to the Constitution”, he is not saying anything new. He is using the language and adopting the tone of those who condemned Galileo for saying the Earth revolves around the Sun, and not the other way round. He is speaking the language of stubborn, uninformed intolerance, making compromise difficult and conflict inevitable.

Remember the Thirty Years War? There is more than one Holy Book and the discussion can very easily degenerate to “whose Holy Book is superior to the other?” Since there is no room for compromise, there is also no room for the creation of a secular, progressive and “panNigerian culture”. We are caught between appeasing two (or more) opposing religious world views.

And this is not a small matter, Ni-

geria has one of the most interesting and difficult religious demographics anywhere in the world. Nations with Nigeria’s kind of religious demographics are often on the “knife’s edge”; consider Sudan (before its partition) and Lebanon. Yet there is no real effort by anyone (including so-called “intellectuals”) to answer this most basic of questions: “how are we going to manage our religious diversity, twenty, thirty years down the line?”

We have two broad options. We could reflect on the lessons of European history and build a nation on religious tolerance as America’s founding fathers (descendants of those who fled religious persecution in Europe did). “Separation of Church and State” was a practical necessity; these men reflected on more than a thousand years of European history and the rivers of blood unleashed by centuries of religious wars.

Alternatively, we could continue with things as they are. Doing that guarantees that we are headed for a collision course. If we are perceptive, we can see the warning signs right in front of us. There is no need being “politically correct” about this. Far too many people have died in religiously motivated violence.

The Tinubu and El-Rufai partnership

T

Kuddi Haastrup

hose who have been keenly watching the ongoing travails of the Nigerian Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in the net of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)in the last two weeks must have noticed that a number of media outfits have been at the forefront of the campaign to sway the tide of Saraki’s ordeal in a certain direction. Additionally, recent allegations seem to suggest that these media outfits are under the control of powerful forces in the ruling party. These forces, which have shown that they are bent on deciding who gets punished, who gets favoured, and who gets sidelined all together in this administration, have focused all their efforts on Saraki since his emergence as Senate President on June 9, 2015.

Week in and week out, day in and day out, the media seems to be working round the clock to maim, deflate and embarrass Saraki at all costs; amplifying stories beyond plausible reasoning; recreating the truth to disfavour Saraki, and; even more troubling, concocting fabricated documents to frame him for one issue or the other. A

recent example is the forged passport saga, where the United Kingdom Home Office had to weigh in to declare that the passport was a forgery.

For the political savvy, it is clear that the attacks against Saraki has 2019 connotations, as both Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, have reportedly started positioning themselves to vie for the highest seat in the land.

It is for this reason, that both the aforementioned APC powerhouses, have come together to take out a prospective threat in the form of Bukola Saraki, who is considered as a force to reckon with in his position as the head of Nigeria’s legislature, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), and former two-term Governor.

While Tinubu has been jostling for the control of the ruling party’s machinery by using his loyalist to sway decisions, and using his media power to sway the masses in any direction he so chooses, El-Rufai, who is now considered the de-facto Vice-President of the Federation, has been using his influence in Buhari’s inner-circle to manipulate people to do things in the President’s name. In a nutshell, El-Rufai has reportedly been

alleged as the instigator of the plot against Saraki – using his former Special Assistant, Dan Umar (the Chairman of the CCT), while Tinubu is said to be the ‘public opinion influencer.’ One concocts the case; the other sells it to the public.

As there are said to be no permanent friends or enemies in politics – only permanent interests, the El-Rufai and Tinubu theory that has been thrown around in political circles seems to carry a lot of credence. This theory holds water because analysts have said that though El-Rufai and Tinubu have similar ambitions, working together now to fight a titan of an enemy like Saraki, will ultimately leave the 2019 race as a contest between both of them. In this scenario, knowing how Tinubu operates – having cut a deal with Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 that gave him control of the South West, but lost his party the presidential elections – he might just trade the Presidential ticket to El-Rufai, leaving the crafty Mallam at the helm of the nation, while he sits beside him at the top of the party.

Finally, having spoken to some prominent APC members during my recent trip to Abuja, it is clear that the fight between Tinubu

and Saraki is a fight that should concern all Nigerians – as Tinubu is clearly on a mission. Saraki is reportedly said to be against the appointment of Babatunde Fowler, the erstwhile Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). This is because while Fowler administered LIRS, he hired Tinubu’s company, Alpha Beta Consultancy as LIRS consultants, and reportedly paid the company 10-15 percent of revenue proceeds monthly. With Lagos state generating about N30 billion monthly, Tinubu’s company was making at least N3 billion a month – nearly N36 billion a year.

Barring any last minute political changes, once confirmed as FIRS boss, Tinubu will expectedly use ‘Tunde the Taxmaster’ Fowler as his siphon agent to finance his election in the same manner they did in Lagos State. From this, two major ambitions stand very germane: Fowler’s emergence and Tinubu’s persistent presidential mission. Then if we all understand how the thirst for power flames like, we would all agree that Saraki is not worth ‘sparing’ at all, as he is just too strong an impediment to all these missions and ambitions.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Health Æ s

17

Late diagnosis of cancer limit treatment options— Expert Dr Margaret Chan of WHO.

Treat all people living with HIV, WHO urges Anyone infected with HIV should begin antiretroviral treatment as soon after diagnosis as possible, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Wednesday.

With its “treat-all” recommendation, WHO removes all limitations on eligibility for antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV; all populations and age groups are now eligible for treatment.

The expanded use of antiretroviral treatment is supported by recent findings from clinical trials confirming that early use of ART keeps people living with HIV alive, healthier and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to partners.

According to the world health body, the new policies could help avert more than 21 million deaths and 28 million new infections by 2030 WHO now also recommends that people at “substantial” risk of HIV should be offered preventive antiretroviral treatment. This new recommendation builds on 2014 WHO guidance to offer a combination of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV acquisition (termed pre-exposure prophylaxis- PrEP) for men who have sex with men.

Following further evidence of the effectiveness and acceptability of PrEP, WHO has now broadened this recommendation to support the offer of PrEP to other population groups at significant HIV risk.

PrEP should be seen as an additional prevention choice based on a comprehensive package of services, including HIV testing, counselling and support, and access to condoms and safe injection equipment.

Nwogu

Stories by Lara Adejoro The Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Lakeshore Cancer Center, Chukwumere Nwogu, has said, too many Nigerians are having their cancers diagnosed

only at late stages, severely limiting treatment options and leading to poor outcomes.

This he said, as Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and Lakeshore Cancer Center (LCC) are partnering to improve access to cancer prevention, screening and care for the peo-

ple of Nigeria.

The partnership will see Roswell Park faculty providing clinical consultations to assist LCC oncologists, who will also have access to both training at RPCI and continuing professional education seminars they can participate in remotely.

In his words, Dr. Nwogu, who also has expertise in epidemiology, said, “Right now, too many Nigerians are having their cancers diagnosed only at late stages, severely limiting treatment options and leading to poor outcomes. But when you can respond to an unmet and pressing need by mobilizing both on-theground forces and additional support from your network, you can really make a difference.”

Continuing, he said, “Our vision is based on the most significant priorities and opportunities for intervention in Western Africa, but it’s a realistic one too. Thanks to the great feat between Roswell Park and Lakeshore.”

Lakeshore Cancer Center, which has grown steadily since it started treating patients in July 2014, is the very first cancer centre in Nigeria.

More than 102,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year in Nigeria, with more than 70 per cent of patients dying from the disease.

Breast, cervical and prostate cancers are the biggest cancer killers there as Nigeria ranks 5th worldwide in the number of deaths from cervical cancer,

a disease that is almost entirely preventable with regular Pap tests.

Between 80 per cent and 85 per cent of Nigerian women with breast cancer get their diagnosis after the disease has progressed to stage III, at which point it is difficult to treat successfully.

Nigerian men are 3.5 times more likely to die of prostate cancer than African-American men.

Given those grim realities, modest interventions in preventive care and diagnostics can have a dramatic impact, said Oge Ilegbune, Head of Strategy, Development and Outreach at Lakeshore.

“The statistics about cancer incidence in Nigeria have been disheartening, but we now have resources at our disposal that will help us to turn those numbers around,” she said. “The response from the communities around us so far has been so positive and enthusiastic. We know that clinical outcomes are better and quality of life is improved when people don’t have to travel far from home to get their care.”

The partnership will also encompass treatment planning and community outreach, with Lakeshore oncologists having the opportunity to discuss cases with Roswell Park specialists as frequently as needed and to get assistance planning cancer prevention and screening programmes for the public.

Brace up to the challenges ahead, Nurses urged Mrs Modupe Shode, Assistant Director, Nursing Services, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, on Wednesday called for the scrapping diploma as the requirement for nursing in the country. Shode made the call at the Nurses Week/Scientific Conference with the theme: Nurses: A Force for Change-Care Effective, Cost Effective, Improving Health and Wellbeing’’, at National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOHIL), Igbobi Lagos.

Shode explained that the diploma in nursing as a minimum requirement for nurses had outlived its usefulness, hence there should be an upgrade to what is obtainable in developed world.

“All over the world now, nursing profession has been upgraded from the mere status of Diploma Certificate to Bachelor’s Degree as a minimum requirement. In the U.S. and the U.K., this system of diploma courses for nurses has been entirely wiped off, in these countries

you cannot work if you don’t have a first degree.

“But in Nigeria, it is still recognised as a basic requirement.

This I see as an impediment to the progress of the profession which must be corrected. If there should be nursing schools at all, their certificates should not be the basic requirement of diploma, those that graduate from the schools should only be a compliment,’’ she said.

Shode, however, called on nurses to brace up to the challenge ahead of them by ensur-

ing they upgraded from diploma holders to first degree to enhance their knowledge and status in the profession.

“I am appealing to my colleagues to ensure they upgrade which will serve them better in the future and not peg their promotion to only level 13. Nurses should aspire to the peak of their profession which is the level of directorship, I mean Grade Level 17. With this level they can rub shoulders with other professionals in the health sector.”

Health 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Polio is gone, but don’t rest on your oars, Enabulele charges Nigerian govt, NPHCDA

Enabulele

Lara Adejoro As Nigeria is delisted from polio endemic countries, the Vice President, Commonwealth Medical Association and Immediate Past

President, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has called on the Nigerian Government and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) not to rest on their oars, but to make

improved efforts in the current polio campaign.

Enabulele also urged the government and its implementing partner to “consolidate on the present gains through sustained and focused political commitment to the health sector and the polio campaign, sincere and sustained improvement in the Public health system, expeditious implementation of the National Health Act, provision of better security cover for healthcare workers in all public health facilities in Nigeria, as well as sustained commitment of all stakeholders, including Professional Associations in the health sector, and all global partners and donors such as Rotary International, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”

Guinness Nigeria partners ActionAid to support Internally Displaced Persons

Head, Fundrasing, Toyin Ekpeneidua; Director, Finance & Operations, ActionAid, Oluwole Elegbede; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale and Sustainable Development Manager, Osita Abana at the handover of Mattresses for Internally Displaced Persons donated by Guinness Nigeria to ActionAid which held today at the Guinness Nigeria Headquarters, Ikeja

In line with its commitment to delivering impactful social investments in host communities, Guinness Nigeria has donated relief materials to ActionAid Nigeria to support the organisation’s ongoing interventions at various camps for Internally Displaced Persons, IDP. Speaking at the donation, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Sesan Sobowale said the gesture was in furtherance of the company’s resolve to improve the quality of life in Nigerian communities.

“We are delighted that we have an opportunity to contribute in our own small way to ameliorate the conditions of our fellow citizens who are in IDP camps at the moment. We acknowledge that though this

gesture may seem like a drop in the ocean, the value of what we are doing is in the hope that it encourages other corporate bodies to contribute to this noble cause, and also create awareness about the fact that there are many Nigerians today who as a result of the unfortunate circumstances are holed up in camps and make-shift shelters,” Sobowale said.

Speaking on the partnership with ActionAid, Sobowale stated, “At Guinness Nigeria, we are always looking to build strategic partnerships that can drive our various interventions.

As such, we are happy that we have partnered with ActionAid in making life meaningful for these Nigerians living in IDP camps. ActionAid has very extensive experience in providing emergency response to conflict-

affected persons and communities, we are confident that they would help promote the general wellbeing of the IDPs”.

Receiving the relief materials, Director, Finance & Operations, ActionAid Nigeria, Oluwole Elegbede said the gesture

by Guinness Nigeria would go a long way in improving the living conditions of people in some of the displaced persons camps in the country.

“At ActionAid, people are at the centre of what we do. We constantly strive to empower the poor and excluded, which is why we are very pleased with the gesture extended to the IDPs

by Guinness Nigeria,” he said.

He said, ActionAid has been providing essential services to over 700 displaced people at the Nassarawa, Kaduna and Plateau IDP centres.

According to him, that is one sure way the country can permanently consign the disabling disease of polio to the dustbin of history.

However, he urged the government to dedicate this global feat to the memories of all the health workers, particularly the vaccination health workers, who were villainously and gruesomely murdered in the course of vaccinating Nigerian children.

Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus since 24 July 2014, and all laboratory data have confirmed a full 12 months have passed without any new cases.

As recently as 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide. This success is the result of a con-

certed effort by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and tens of thousands of dedicated health workers.

More than 200,000 volunteers across the country repeatedly immunized more than 45 million children under the age of five years, to ensure that no child would suffer from this paralysing disease.

Polio, which can cause lifelong paralysis, has now been stopped nearly everywhere in the world following a 25-year concerted international effort.

Polio remains endemic in only two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan. The eradication of polio globally now depends primarily on stopping the disease in these countries. As long as polio exists anywhere, it’s a threat to children everywhere.

Aisha Buhari calls for adequate health care for women, children The wife of Nigeria’s President, Aisha Buhari has called for adequate health care for women and children that have been affected by the current insurgency.

Mrs Buhari stated this on Tuesday at a United Nations meeting.

Delivering a speech on behalf of Mrs Buhari, wife of the Senate President Mrs Toyin Saraki at the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) organised on the sidelines of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) said, “in the eye of the current insurgency and the lack of adequate health care for women and children that have been affected by the insurgency and have to leave in internally displaced camps, the need for health care becomes paramount.”

She affirmed the need to continually do more, especially in the areas of maternal health and child mortality.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Babatunde Osotimehin harped on investing adequately in women and girls in the context of the post 2015 agenda.

According to him, girl-child education remains key to the development framework all over Africa.

Aisha Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

19

Features Æ s

Working in mortuary is God’s calling

•It’s one of the poorest paying jobs in the world but I love it with passion – Chief Mortician People die every day and naturally, the dead must be buried; but involuntarily, societies in this part of the world tend to be uncivil toward undertakers.

Understandably, their reactions scale from disdain to outright stigmatisation founded upon fear of death.

In this exclusive interview with a veteran of the trade, OKECHUKWU ONUEGBU observes that the society is indebted to the services of morticians even though they are treated with disdain and avoided like a plague. His report is filed in from Nnewi, Anambra State.

A professional mortician, who entered into the gruesome business at age 13, looks back 15 years on and acknowledges that the profession is a noble and lucrative one that Nigerians should

learn to venture into!

Henry Okah (not the coupist!), said every passion is rooted in divinity and declared histopathology is God’s calling for him.

The 30-year-old native of Afik-

po in Ebonyi State is a chief mortician whose credentials and pedigree will make you spooky!

“I am a Chief Mortician and have been on the job at various levels for 15 years,” he told Daily Times. “I hold a Diploma in Embalmment; I have worked at Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha; Bendel Clinic Warri, Delta State; Queen of Peace; Umuchu Special Hospital; Agundu Hospital Awka; Regina Ceali Hospital, Awka; Maris Hospital, Abia state; Chetakwa mortuary, Obolo, Imo state; Amaku General Hospital, Awka (now Amaku Specialists Hospital) and Cottage Hospital and Mortuary.”

Looking very confident and sure, the undertaker said philo-

sophically, “The care of the dead requires the attention of people living. This requires very special people because you have to be special and God fearing to think of caring for the dead.

“In the beginning, a normal person would be scared to work in an environment full of corpses; although after sometimes he may adapt and come to terms with the nature of the work. But the bigger challenge is the poor remuneration, the hazards we encounter in the chemicals we use for embalmment and these are compounded by societal stigmatisation.

“I put in all my energy to work all hours of the day and nights anytime my attention is required; but in the society, we are not val-

ued. Employers over labour us because they never have enough staff for the mortuary departments.”

Just how busy is the mortuary business?

“I have worked in a place where over 100 corpses were kept. I took charge of them all alone as my colleagues - two other persons, resigned for reasons which may not be unconnected with pressure of work, poor emoluments and maltreatments from both the employer and the society.

“On top of all that, some clients would shout you down; they can even accuse you of killing their beloved ones in order to earn CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

money. However, some do help and appreciate us earnestly. I have so many clients who have been of help to me.”

Just how poor is the ‘remuneration?’

“You know in the olden days when the profession began, practitioners requested for gift items such as fowls, tubers of yam, drinks, etc. and they use kaikai (local dry gin) and some herbs for embalmment.

“But now, science and technology have been introduced into the industry for optimum service delivery, so all those gifts are no longer there. Now we use formalin for embalmment which can keep a corpse for about 10 years without decaying. In that wise, I can embalm up to 100 dead bodies a day. I usually embalm a corpse under 10 minutes.

“It is unfortunate that the operators of mortuaries are yet to adapt to that moving trend in terms of good salary package for mortuary workers. All they do mostly is to discourage us from requesting for or accepting any form of inducement or bribery and corruption, but we all have families to cater for.”

How true is it that morticians communicate with the dead?

“I can tell you truthfully that it is not true. Dead people do not communicate. I believe people just like being mischievous by creating those fearful tales. I have never encountered one.”

So it not true that you must knock at the door of a morgue before you enter?

“It is unbelievable! I have been a mortician all my life and I have never knocked before entering into any morgue. There is no formality for entering into mortuary.

But you know, some people can tell all manner of lies to extort money from their clients; I guess they even use those lies to defraud their customers.”

Do you pray for customers to come?

“Why should we? We don’t need to do that. It’s like a doctor praying for people to fall sick. It is improper, unprofessional. People die everyday. So corpses will naturally come to us day by day. It doesn’t require publicity campaign or awareness. When someone dies, the family will locate the mortuary wherever it is located.”

Would you advise your beloved to practice this profession?

“Yes I will! It is a noble profession, very lucrative and respectful. We render services to God and man. That is why I work even on Sundays. Whenever I have cases to attend to, I will do that here.

There is nothing wrong being a mortician.”

CASKETS

Henry

Undertaker: I can embalm 100 dead bodies a day

Just how much does it cost to bury a dead in a decent casket?

“It all depends on how families wish to bury their loved ones. Caskets cost from N5000 to N,000,000, but they all rot between 3 to six months in the grave.”

There have been reports of missing parts, including disappearance of the whole corpse: what could be the cause?

“Are you saying that corpse or some parts could disappear just like that? No! It may be that morgue operators or the mortuary workers sold it to the ritualists. This is why people must be careful of where they deposit their corpses. There was no such report all over the places I have worked so far.”

How does Henry feel after a day’s work?

“Even though I desired to do the work before I even saw a mortuary, when I started the job, I used to have nightmares where corpses attacked me. It was terrible then,

“Even though I desired to do the work before I even saw a mortuary, when I started the job, I used to have nightmares where corpses attacked me. It was terrible then, and I wished to withdraw from the service. But later, I adapted and since then, I never had bad dreams. I now live normal life”

and I wished to withdraw from the service. But later, I adapted and since then, I never had bad dreams. I now live normal life.”

How does the society relate to Henry, especially in his locality?

“Well, there is always stigmatisation whenever you introduce yourself as a mortician. The family members and friends often mistake you to operate with charms.

Many even believed we belonged to the world of spirits. But it is all fallacies. Corpses do not strike.

And you don’t need evil powers to be a mortician. I am a devoted Christian.

“So, to manage my relationship with wisdom, whenever I meet an

acquaintance, I might be inclined to hide my profession from him or her ... until they get to love and appreciate me for who I am. If not, they will run away.”

MESSAGE TO GOVERNMENT

“I wish to advice government to engage professionals in the field.

Lots of quacks or what they call ‘contractors’ are given us a bad image. It is a pity that they don’t employ experienced morticians to the job.

I was frustrated out at a particular government owned mortuary in Anambra State on account of the contractor they brought on the job after pioneer morticians

like us laid the solid foundation there.

“They contracted a person who neither had academic qualification nor working experience to coordinate us. The man was neither a mortician nor doctor but was picked from nowhere because of his connections in the government circles. He looked down on workers’ salaries and welfare and over laboured us and the environment was polluted, among other ugly developments.

“The best way to render quality service in this profession is to employ experienced morticians!”

Well, you have heard it from the source. Want to be a professional mortician? It’s a matter of choice.

JUST HUMAN

10.20 a.m. Ojota Garage, Lagos. Sells own CD. ‘Encourage Me’, he says for N100 per CD. Photo God’s Covenant Snr 079

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

21 Public Notice

NEW ERA WOMEN INITIATIVES

LIFECARE PRAYER INTERCESSION MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

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

The Trustees Are: 1, Ese Blessing Awhatorhe - Chairman 2, Amaka Enemo - Secretary 3, Alban Anonyuo - Treasurer.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Areola Peter Maja 3. Adesiyan Raphael Oluwole 5, Olatunde Sunday Olayiwola

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Bola Felicia Adanlawo ( General overseer) 2. Olujide Olalekan Julius (sec), 3. Mr Temitope Olawale (member), 4. Doyin Josephine Adanlawo (member) 5. Evan. Oluwamayowa Joshua Shogaolu(member).

2. Areola Florence Bolanle 4. Adesiyan Christana Areola 6. Olatunde Hanna Areola

THE CHRIST ENCOUNTER MERCY ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL

Aims and objectives: 1. Rehabilitation of commercial sex workers, victim of sex labour and sex trafficking 2. Provision of temporary shelter for commercial sex worker, victim of sex labour and sex trafficking.

AMIS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ 2. To assist the less privileged in the Ministry 3. To organize revivals, crusade evangelism and conduct deliverance services

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed by Trustees

Any objection to this registration should be addressed to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abaja within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed: Secretary

Any objection 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: Secretary

KUYASI AWUSE FAMILY OF ONIGBONGBO YOUTH FOUNDATION

FRANCHISE ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF OGUN, NIGERIA

CHINENYE FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named association 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 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. Azeez Hakeem Babatunde - President 2. Akanji Waliu. A. 3. Sadiq Kehinde Nohim 4. Ishola Moshood Kashimawo 5. Nofiu Oseni Kehinde - Secretary

The Trustees Are: 1. Lawal Solomon Adeniyi 3. Edem - Duke Femi 5. Oladokun Moses Adeola 7. Oki David Oyiberakemi

Trustees.

1. Basil Anthony Onugu.

3. Steven Anago Okolo.

5. Emmanuel Nwabueze Ugw.

Aims and objectives: 1. To promote unity and strength, solemnity and general awareness with and outside the family youth.

2. To maintain the environment and the family properties.

2. Esijemide - Dore Augustine 4. Ojie Kelvin Chukwuka 6. Bojor Olire 8. Jimoh Kamaldeen Tunde

Aims and objectives: To promote peace and unity among the residents

The Aim and Objectives: To win soul for Christ

2. Roseline Nwachukwu Onugu.

4. Frank Agbedo.

Aims: 1. To provide scholarship to indigent but promising students in primary, secondary and tertiary institution for self-actualisation and human capital.

2. To provide support to widows, the poor and vulnerable in the society

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any objection 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: Frank Agbedo Solicitor

IMPACT WORLDWIDE MISSIONS

BROADVIEW GLOBAL NETWORK CLUB

INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS MINERS ASSOCIATION OGUN STATE

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

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

This is to inform the general public that the above-named association has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

Trustees 1. Jonathan Kurchi 2. Olubukonla Kurchi 3. Deborah Nengean .

Trustees 1. Babawale Johnson Olapade 2. Mokelu Olisaemeka Chinedum 3. Omotosho Adewale Samson 4. Okunola Kayode Solomon .

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Alh. Ibrahim Alabi Osoja Okunogbe - Chairman 2. HRH Oba John Adewale Olaifa 3. Alh Akeem Quadri 4. Eng. Femi Areola Martins 5. Mr. Lawal Owolabi Musa - Secretary 6. Chief Femi Obanle

Aims :To provide primary and secondary education ,health care and clean water to impoverished rural communities 2, we envision a world where all children have access to a world class education, healthcare & clean water no matter where they live

Aims 1. To cater for the welfare of the members 2. To provide for the less privileged

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:To foster unity among members

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

Signed: Secretary

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

Signed: Secretary

Any objection 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 BY:- SECRETARY

AT - TOREEQUT - UL QADIRIYYAH AL - AZEEZIYYAH ISLAMIC ORGANIZATION

THE ZION MISSION CENTRE

ABULE-EGBA MAIN GROUND CLUB OF LAGOS-STATE

This is to inform the general public that the above-named organization has applied for Registration to the 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 Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act No 1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above-named club has applied for Reg-

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Sheikh Tajudeen Olohungbo 2. Alh. Muhammad Olohungbo 3. Alh. Najimdeen Jimoh 4. Alh. Abdul Kabir Abati 5. Tajudeen Raufu

The Trustees Are: 1. Ogunyombo Adewunmi oladimeji 2. Agbara okezie 3. ogunyombo Mary oluwaseun 4. Agbara Augustina lfeyinwa 5. Agbara Kenneth ndubuisi 6. Agbara Rowland 7. Agbara Lawrence Ezebuiro.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:-

Aims 1. To preach the word of God.

2. To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the

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

Signed: SECRETARY

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

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General,

LIFE SAVING GOD’S MISSION INT’L

THE INTERCESSOR FIRE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the words of Islam 2. To propagate the teaching of Islam

The general public is hereby notified that the above named mission has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Doris Otuya 2. Augustine Otuya 3. Mgbonye patience Ndidi 4. Amah Chidinma Ezinne

The Trustees are 1. Edo - Ojo, Edomwonyi Victor 2. Amedu Charles Ike AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. Preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. Touching lives with the word of God. Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Cresent, off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Senior Pastor

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ to all nation 2. To use evangelism as a strong tool for bringing back the lost soul Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

istration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

1. Mr Olatuja Akinbobola-President

2. Mr Ayinla Gbolahan-Vice President

3.Mr Kayode Sanusi-Secretary

4. Mr Ajibike Rafiu-Treasurer

5. Mr Gbenga Ojelade-Financial Secretary

6. Mr Babajide Ayodeji-P.R.O

7. Mr Okusanya Olaitan-Auditor THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To foster unity among member community.

Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

PASSION FOR SOULS & DELIVERANCE MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the corporate Affairs commission for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

Trustee are: 1. Pastor Olabisi Timothy Taiwo- Chairman/G. O 2. Mrs. Ajibade Florence Oluwafo- Secretary 3. Mrs. Abimbola Kofoworola Taiwo 4. Mrs. Alawode Adeola Grace AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ 2. To propagate and teach the word of God. 3. To set men free by the preaching of the gospel 4. To proclaim the word of God through special programmes of the ministry.

5. To organize and arrange regular or periodic gathering of God’s children under the ministry Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: FRED AIGBADUMAH ESQ. BARRISTER, SOLICITOR &NOTARY PUBLIC, THE LAW MASTERS CHAMBERS 08023175729, fredaig@yahoo.com

Public Notice 22 IBADAN INDIGENE FOOTWEAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION IDIKAN

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

THE TRUTH WISDOM ORACLE FIRE CHURCH

CHRIST WORDS LIBERATION EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the corporate Affairs commission for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Oladeji Samson Olugbenga 3. Yusuf Mukaila Adekunle 5. Ashiru Suraju Bayo 7. Olatunji Idowu Wasiu 9. Tafa Kazeem Akanbi

The Trustees are: 1. Olalekan Olayode 2. Olalekan Reachel Arike 3. Adetoro Peter Gbolahan 4. Bukola Babalola Olatunde 5. Olabode Kabiru

The Trustees Are: 1. Prophet ObadanFavour - Prophet 2. Aikhuele Victoria Ebehiremen 3. Ibadin Presley Otaigbe 4. Ikegwu Glory Anango - Secretary

2. Azeez Teslim Adekunle 4. Ajibade Billy Gbadegesin 6. Badmus Nurudeen Adekunle 8. Ajagbe Bidemi Mutairu 10. Alugbin Rotimi Victor.

Aim and Objective: 1. To promote the welfare of members

Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Aims and Objectives Are: 1. To teach and preach the gospel word of God 2. To impact life through the word of God

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

Signed: Trustees

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

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

Signed: Secretary

REAL EMPOWERMENT AGAINST POVERTY INITIATIVE

GLORIOUS MASTER PLAN MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

LANDERS 86 PLUS ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

Trustees Are: 1. Oshodi Moroof Olawale - President 2. Oshodi Kuburat Ayinke - Secretary 3. Oshodi Sikirulah Ajibade – Treasurer

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Ezinwa Washington - G.O. 2. Washington Edith - Treasurer 3. Kam Emmanuel Iornumbe - Secretary

The Aims and Objectives Are: To provide empowerment services to the productive poor people

The Aims and Objectives Are: 1. To preach the Gospel 2. To win Souls For Christ

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

Signed: Secretary

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

Signed: Secretary

GRASSROOT ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILL ACQUISITION INITIATIVE

THE SECRET PLACE MINISTRY

MADAM VIOLET SIBOFORI JUMBO FOUNDATION

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

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

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate

The trustees are: 1. Cynthia Ifueko Evans Omo. Obazee 2. Jefferson Osabouhien Obazee 3. Daniel Edema Obazee.

4. Ugwuodo Emmanuel Chizoba.

Trustees (1) Daniel Onyebuchi Ukaegbu (President) (2) Shola Olawuyi (3) Siaisiai Preye Darlingty( Secetary) (4) Chukwusom Ifeanyi Gabriel (5) Hannatu Musa

Trustees

The Aims and Objectives: 1. To empower Nigerian youths and women through skill acquisition programs.

Aim and objective.

To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ

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

Signed: Ugwuodo Emmanuel

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

Signed: Barr. Solomon Oyakhilome Uduebor (08036411184)

Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

1. Mr Aminia Elvis Jumbo. FCA

2. Barr. Stefanie Benamaisia

3. Dr Tamunosa Augustus Tamunogbesa Allison

4. Chief Joshua Ebiakpo Benamaisia

5. Mrs Biddie Nkem Benamaisia

6. Mr Darlington Dagogo Jumbo. JP

7. Mr Chris Omie Jumbo

8. Mr Gibson Jumbo

Aim and objective.

1. To providing educational suppose to the loss privileged.

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

Signed: Barr ABDUL YUSUF KAYODE

BURUKU FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION

REDEEMER’S ALL SAINTS ASSEMBLY OF GOD

BIBLE BELIEVERS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

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

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Egbula Gold Ndudi 2. Egbula Beneth Ejike 3. Yetunde Oluremi Osho

TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Okonkwo Joakim 2. Bro. Nnamezie Ugochukwu -Secretary 3. Bro. Nnamezie Uche 4. Pastor Amanam Paul 5. Sis Iroegbu Glory

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Emmanuel Orkeghen - President 2. Mr. Alfred Asough - Secretary 3. Godwin Kpagh - Treasurer 4. Geoffrey Abagu - Fin. Secretary 5. Geoffrey Azaagee - Member 6. Bro. James Tile - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote godliness in business sector 2. To promote welfare of members

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

SIGNED: Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To assist farmers of Buruku descent by providing the enabling for their farming.

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

SIGNED :BARRISTER FELIX (08181782278)

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

SIGNED: MBANEFO A. ESQ. (Solicitor)

STATUS CARE FOUNDATION

MISSION OF CHRIST ASSEMBLY

ASO GARDEN ESTATE LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara 3. Hon. Jibrin Satumari 5. Chief Authur Eze 7. Alhaji Usman Durkwa 9. Alh. Hassan Usman

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Adebayo John Adejare - President 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Adebayo Hannah Oluremi - Secretary 3. Mr. Ajayi Emmanuel Olubunmi - Member 4. Mrs. Ojesanmi Olanike - Member 5. Pastor Oloruntowoju Joseph Sunday - Member 6. Mr. Sulola Isaac Adeyemi - Member

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ike Willie Nwobu 2. Aakyaa Joseph Terlumun

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To proclaim the goodnews to the nations.

2. Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri 4. Hon. Muktar Aliyu 6. Sen. Abubakar Kyari 8. Sen. Binta Garba 10. Haj. Maimuna Aliyu

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To better the lives of the displaced people in the north/east of Nigeria.

2. Provide financial and moral support for the less privilege ones.

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

SIGNED: OJEMEN PEACE OSEDEBAMEN. (Solicitor)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To proclaim the goodnews of Christ Jesus.

2. To establish branches whenever converts are made for the expansion of the gospel.

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

SIGNED: LYDIA O. OGOH (BARR.) (Solicitor)

The Aims and Objectives: 1. To protect the interest of its members Any objection 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: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

LOSS OF DOCUMENT (Certificate of Occupancy)

This is to notify the general public that the Original document of Certificate of Occupancy of No. 8, Funke Olaleye Street, Oloja Estate, Epe, Lagos-State. Registered at Land Registry as No. 21 Page 21, IN VOLUME 2012zm. Belonging to Olaleye Ganiat Olufunke got burnt on the 4th of January, 2015 at her residence No. 315, Iju Water Works Road, Iju Ishaga, LagosState.

General Public Take Note

23 Public Notice

CASSAVA COTTAGE PROCESSING & MARKETING ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Engr. Olusegun Owolabi - Chairman 2. Mr. Segun Ilori 3. Pastor Akin-Davies Tinuala 4. Pastor Oluwasegun Waheed Taiwo - Secretary 5. Olu-Olaniyi Jospeh Oladejo

The Trustees are: 1. Comrade Kenneth Ekperi 2. Mr. Goodluck Okoroma 3. Mr. Stanley Ohagwazua

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assist, promote and protect the interest and welfare of members Any objection to this registration should be addressed to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abaja within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed: Secretary

MADALLA BARBERS SALOON ASSOCIATION

EZZA BROTHERS ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named association 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. Gift Sunday Eyonghor - Chairman 2. Lucky Oliver - Secretary 3. Ogaji Thomas Odey 4. Ochime Justice 5. Martins Emmanuel 6. Emefiele Chinedu

The Trustees Are: 1. Friday Eze - Chairman 3. David Igwe - Member 5. Monday Joseph - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster unity amongst members.

2. To see to the welfare and interest of the members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: GIFT SUNDAY EYONGHOR - CHAIRMAN

ART DEVELOPMENT CLUB INTERNATIONAL

ONELGA ASSOCIATION OF SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

2. Joseph Eze - Secretary 4. Damian Nweke - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. For the welfare of its members 2. To foster unity amongst its members 3. To encourage peaceful co-existence between its members and members of the general public.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. CHUKWUMA LOUIS 08033221384

ELOHE’S PLACE OUTREACH

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote skill acquisition training and empower our youths for the betterment of our society.

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

Signed: Secretary

ADOKA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND CENTRAL MARKET COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees.

1. Major Gen. Geofrey Ejiga (RTD) 3. Chief Samuel Onuh (The Alegwu of Adoka) 5. Boniface Adonduwa 6. Mr. Abu Eigege

2. Chief Abu Obe 4. Dr. Ijegwa Adaji

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote activities that will lead to the growth of Adoka agricultural produce and central market and Adoka community and its environ.

2. To promote activities that will enhance the development of agriculture, agro allied industries and manufacturing in Adoka community and its environ.

Any objection 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: SHAIBU SANI ESQ 08038873596

ROSEMARY DUGBO OGHOGHORIE FOUNDATION

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

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

This is to inform the general public that the above-named foundation has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

Trustees 1. Fidelis Onyekwuo Ejiogu 2. Grace Chidinma Ejiogu 3. Gift Chiwereotito Ejiogu 4. Glory Chiamaka Ejiogu

Trustees 1. Deinma Favour 2. Ibikari Fubara - Secretary 3. Iwari Pollyn 4. Chief Williams Sunday 5. Isaac Sptendour

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Rosemary Onome Dugbo Oghoghorie (Mrs) 2. Kessiena Igho Oghoghorie 3. Mena Rosabella Oghoghorie 4. Okienohor Jennifer Oghoghorie

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To reach out to the nations for Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assist the less privileged in the society.

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

Signed: Secretary

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

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

PECULIAR CREATIVE IMPRESSIONS FOUNDATION

ADVOCACY FOR THE ERADICATION OF CORRUPTION & GOOD LEGACY IN NIGERIA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote art and creativity to the member and the society.

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

Signed: BARR. NKECHI CHUKWUEMEKA 08037789542

SAFMAR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above-named association has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Prof. Ango Abdullahi (3) Arc Mohammad Aminu Idris (5) Magaji Umar.

(2) Yunusa Labaran (4) Dr Lema Jibrilu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide empowerment for orphans and widows 2. To provide basic needs for the less privileged.

3. To meet the needs of the internally displaced persons 4. To run a charitable home for the less privileged.

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

Signed: OWUS P & CO

AWODI-ORA ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UNION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act No 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: (1) Mrs. Joy Chidinma Eziuku

(2) Very Rev. Chinedum Monday Eziuku

(3) Chief Emmanuel Akwari Ukpabi (4) Dr. Uchechi Herbert Nwobia (5) Mr. Onyebuchi Billy Nlewedum

(6) Engr. Jude Ohagbunem Chukwuma

(7) Dr. Hans Van Den Corput

(8) Engr. Uchechi Godswill Okezie.

This is to inform the general public that the above-named body has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Alhaji Usman Bida 3. Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman Baffa 5. Hon Chibunna Nwasosike 7. Okoye Kelvin

2. Hajia Fatima Mohammed 4. Hon.Hajia Habiba Lamido Mohammed 6. Larai Kolo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To advocate for a corruption free Nigeria 2. Promote good leadership in Nigeria

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To encourage gifted children and youth in creative art.

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

BEARERS OF HOPE FOUNDATION

Any objection 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 BY:- SECRETARY

THE EXCELLENCE BELOVED FRIENDS CLUB OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named union has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named club has applied

The Trustees are 1. Mr. Dosumu Akitoye Balogun 3. Austyn Dayo Ademolake 5. Mr. Anthony Opene 7. Engr. Kunle Adedeji 9. Hon. Charles Ejimmadu

TRUSTEES ARE: (1) George Onyekachukwu Anyaeche (2) Rev Fr Maurice Izunwa (3) Arch. Sir. Ifeanyi Emeh (4) Joseph Chukwuemeka Ejeziem

Trustee are:

2. Mr. Femi Solanke 4. Mr. Okeke Jude 6. Mr. Anthony Iwuala 8. Major (Rtd) Ann Ekejuba 10. Mr. Henry Nero Uzoahia

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assist, support and promote the welfare and interest of Awodi-ora estate residents and our members.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help the less privileged in the society.

2. To give hope to the hopeless.

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Cresent, off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

to the corporate Affairs commission for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

1. Barr. Ogoh Clement Uzoma

2. Mr. Evarest Nwachukwu

3. Barr. Joseph Mekwunye

4. Dr. Richard Okujeni

5. Mr. Ogbuke Hyacinth

6. Mr.David Erumah

7. Mr. Kolapo Oresile AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assist, promote and protect the welfare and interest of members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Delta guber tribunal: INEC closes defence without witness Monday Osayande Asaba

ÏÏÏThe

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, closed its defense in the petition before Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, without calling any witness.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to third to fifth

respondents, (INEC), Onyinye Anumonye, however,, tendered documents from the bar which were admitted in evidence by the three-man tribunal headed

by Justice Nasir Gunmi.

The tribunal chairman thus adjourned hearing to October 13 for adoption of written addresses by the respective parties in the petition, and read out dates for submission of ad-

dresses and replies to the respective counsels.

The petition was filed by Olorogun O'tega Emerhor of All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the declaration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the April 11 election by INEC. The documents admitted and marked as exhibits include, smart card reader

data upload of accreditation status as April 16, 2015 (Exhibit R30); polling unit by polling unit without accreditation figures as April 16, 2015 (Exhibit R30a); receipt of payment, dated September 17, 2015 (Exhibit R31); and certificate of compliance for exhibits R30 and R30a (Exhibit R32).

Counsel to the petitioners, Thompson Okpoko

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (2nd right); Secretary to State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere and students of Edo Boys High School, Benin City, winners of the Secondary Schools' debate organised by the state government at the Imaguero College Hall, Benin City, to commemmorate Nigeria's 55th Independence Anniversary… on Wednesday.

FG declares bumper packages for Nigerian teachers Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

federal government has announced series of incentives that are expected to booster the morale of Nigerian teachers and enhance increased performance and productivity, as part of the activities marking the ongoing world teacher’s day, which will officially kick start on Monday, October 5th, 2015.

The acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Hindatu Abdullahi said government recognises the fact that no

nation or society can rise above the quality of her teachers and the education system.

She said, ‘’the federal government has accorded the development and welfare of teachers a top priority.

Our focus is to equip teachers with the required skills, knowledge and competence to meet the varied needs of the 21st century learners.’’

Mrs. Abdullahi, who further acknowledged the theme of this year’s celebration titled, ’’Empowering the teachers, building sustainable societies’’, as being apt, maintained that it was

in line with the effort of the ministry to reposition the education sector so as to meet national aspirations.

She further unveiled government’s plan to host National Teacher’s Summit, which will among other themes, focus on the implementation of teacher’s salary structure, the challenges associated with their career growth, including status improvement ,remuneration and condition of service.

In a goodwill message at the occasion, the President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Thomas Olukoya, who was

represented by the general secretary of the association, Comrade Obong Ikpe Obong, called on government to speedily implement the 146 recommendations by the joint congress of ILO and UNESCO, on uplifting the status of the teacher, which culminated in the declaration of World Teachers day in 2004 in Paris.

Comrade Olukoya equally canvassed for the establishment of National Education Labour Relations Council for the speedy resolutions of conflict arising from labour relations and staff conflicts in the education sector.

(SAN), had objected to the admission of the documents on the ground that the tribunal had earlier rejected same when the first respondent (Okowa) sought to tender them.

But the tribunal overruled the objection raised

by Okpoko, stating that the documents earlier rejected did not meet the requirement of admissibility, while the ones that the

third respondent sought to tender satisfied the conditions for admission.

Meanwhile, counsel to the third respondent, Mr. Anumonye told the tribunal that he would rely on the evidence elicited from witnesses during cross-examination, to prove that the April 11 election was duly conducted in line with the provisions of the law and electoral guidelines.

Ebonyi gov may drag EEDC to court

ernor, Dave Umahi, who stated this in Abakaliki said that the payment of estimated bills will no longer be tolerated.

“The EEDC is playing with the people's patience, as I told its manager in the state that we would not pay the bills they presented to us” Umahi said.

The governor said that the company had the choice of disconnecting them if they would not obey the government.

“We stressed that we would only pay when the pre-paid meters are provided and when available, we would do a check on what the meters read monthly” the governor added.

Jacob Mbam

Abakaliki ÏÏÏThe Ebonyi State government has restated its commitment to drag the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to court if it fails to provide pre-paid meters to citizens of the state.

Addressing newsmen in one of the events to mark this year’s Independence Day Anniversary and the 19 years creation of the state, in Abakaliki, the State Gov-

ÏÏÏThe

Ghana Consulate General office, located at 12B, Oba Akinjobi Crescent, Ikeja (GRA), Lagos, now has a facelift since the new Consular – General, Mr. Kwabena Appiah, took over the affair of the place.

Apart from having a new look, renovation of the structure in the complex had been a daily routine to Mr. Appiah so as to make the consulate better, as the present site of the complex attract other nationals to come and do business with the Consulate General.

Speaking during a press briefing, Mr.Appiah said “Ghana is known for perfection, therefore I have to make sure that this Consulate is up Ghanaian standard” he added.

In continuation, he said, “you can see that people now want to do business

Lagos Ghana Consulate gets face lift with us, it is not enough hosting our flag here, we must make sure that both the inside and outside is up to Ghana standard, just like our service being number one too.”

Since the assumption of office of the new Consular – General, delivery of service to visitors in the consulate are quickly dispatched to the satisfaction of every visitor in the place.

It would be recalled that the Ghana embassy, since it’s relocation to Abuja, the Consulate –General office at Oba Akinjobi Ikeja (GRA), attend to the needs of all travelers and other visitors to the Consulate –General.

ADENIYI-MARTINS NOSIMOT ADEOLA

MRS AKINKUNMI-AKANBI OLAYINKA

MRS FAITHFUL IKE ASHONU

MRS FAITH DANIEL UDECHUKWU

I formerly known and addressed as Olaniyi Nosimot Adeola now wish to be known and addressed as AdeniyiMartins Nosimot Adeola. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note

I, formerly known as Miss.

Oshinusi Olayinka Debrah now which to be known and address as Mrs Akinkunmi-Akanbi Olayinka. All formal document remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Faithful Odor now wish to

I, formerly known and addressed

be known and addressed as Mrs Faithful Ike Ashonu.

be known and addressed as Mrs

The general public take

Lord’s Chosen Church and the

note.

general public, take note

PHOEBE WUASHE IORWUESE

MRS ODILI STEPHENIE OLUCHI AMARA

MRS EJIKE ESTHER CHINYERE

MRS. OLANIYI KAFAYAT TUNRAYO

KAZEEM LATEEF AYINLA

MINILOLA MERCY ADEWALE

I, formerly known as Miss Monwuba Stephenie Oluchi Amara now which to be known and address as Mrs Odili Stephenie Oluchi Amara. All formal document remain valid, General public take note.

I, formerly known as Mrs Ezeifedi,

I, formerly known as Miss Agboola Kafayat Tunrayo now which to be known and address as Mrs, Olaniyi Kafayat Tunrayo. All formal document remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed

I, formally known and addressed as Sherifat Monilola Adewale now wish to be known and addressed as Minilola Mercy Adewale. All former documents remain valid general public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Phoebe Wuashe Kpamber now wish to be known and addressed as Phoebe Wuashe Iorwuese.

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

Chosen Ezinwa Esther Chinyere, now

wish

to

be

known

and

addressed as Mrs Ejike Esther Chinyere.

The Lord’s Chosen

Church headquarters, Lagos and the general public take note.

as Faith Bernard, now wish to Faith Daniel Udechukwu. The

as Akanbi Lateef

Ayinla now

wish to be known and addressed as Kazeem Lateef

Ayinla. All

former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Ekiti LG poll suffers setback Gbenga Sodeinde

Ado Ekiti The crisis rocking the ruling party in Ekiti State – People Democratic Party (PDP) – may hinder the scheduled Local Government election in the state from being held as slated by the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), following a petition by a faction of the party led by its Acting Chairman, Mr. Tunde Olatunde. He has urged the commission not to recognize the candidates presented by the embattled PDP Chairman, Mr.

ÏÏÏ

Maria Anifowose

ÏÏÏA non-governmental organ-

isation known as Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) has created a new path to bring economic prosperity to Nigeria, by establishing an enabling platform for entrepreneurs, called the Economic Development Team.

Its President, Summy Francis, said that the Economic Development Team was one of the earliest visions of A.Y.E aimed at adding economic value to African nations.

Nigeria is the first country where the Economic Development Team has been inaugurated.

He noted that the organisation did not only identify brilliant minds, but also empowered the individuals to have significant impacts on the economy of their countries and Africa as a whole.

“We are inaugurating the Nigerian team who will work closely all

Idowu Faleye for the poll.

Apart from this, the PDP faction, which insisted that it would go to any length at ensuring that the (impostor) does not represent the party at the polls also threatened court action to fight for its rights.

In a petition dated September 21, 2015, signed by Oluwatobi Fatoki of Lekan Olatawura Chambers, in Ado Ekiti, and addressed to the Chairman of the electoral body, Justice Kayode Bamisile, the Olatunde- led PDP faction warned that Faleye and other Caretaker Committees were impostors, urging the Commission to stop relating with them in matters concerning electoral issues.

A.Y.E. inaugurates economic devt team levels of government in Nigeria to create solutions to problems in the country. Taking power supply for example, one of the attendees at Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs Empowering Nigeria (AYEEN) programme held last year submitted a brief on power generation. The brief was so big that we could not handle it alone, but we have linked him up with an international investor.”

“He may end up providing up to 40-50 percent of the power supply and that is just one out of the so many solution providers that we have who can help solve problems instead of waiting on the government,” Francis said.

Secession: Gani Adams replies Amosun ÏÏÏThe National Coordinator of

Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has cautioned Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, from making frivolous allegations against ethnic militias in the country.

Adams described a statement credited to Amosun alleging OPC and others militias of secessionist tendencies as “hopelessly unfortunate, frivolous and much undignified of the personality of a South – West governor.”

He said he would have ignored the comment, “but coming out from a Yoruba personality and a governor of a state in Yoruba land, who is supposed to know the import and magnitude of secession to the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria, I have to make our stand clear and clean.”

He described the statement as not only shameful and unexpected, but a brazen act of blackmail, which is totally false in concept and malicious, saying: “In the past 12 years, OPC has not done anything or taken any action that is secessionist in nature.”

25 News

Adams said: “We have neither through act or deed, nor through spoken word or press release, made mention of secession or break up of this country. It is, thus, surprising where the Executive Governor of Ogun State came about his so-called ‘secessionist’ tendencies of OPC.” He described as libelous Amosun’s labeling OPC as a secessionist group. “We are a socio-cultural group determined to protect the territorial and cultural integrity of Yoruba people within the confines of a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is why I participated in the National Confab with a resolve for regionalism not breaking up of the country.”

Adams

Long queue of kerosene consumers at Forte Oil Petroleum, Oba Akran, Ikeja, Lagos...on Wednesday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

DHQ sets up c’ttee to reintegrate Boko Haram members Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Wednesday, inaugurated a national committee to oversee the creation of safe passageway into the mainstream Nigerian society for members of the Boko Haram terrorists.

A statement by Group Captain WAP Maigida, for Acting Director Defence Information, explained that “Boko Haram members pencilled for reintegration are those forcefully conscripted into the group and those who have already surrendered and given up their membership of the sect and those willing to renounce their membership.”

Members of the committee comprised relevant federal government agencies involved in the counter-insurgency operation and representatives of states in the north-east and Jigawa.

The committee’s terms of refer-

ence are to identify implementation partners and establish their responsibilities; establish a framework for co-ordination of implementation agencies; determine funding requirements and sources; identify technical assistance needs and possible sources; outline broad information strategies, in collaboration with implementation agencies; determine location of assembly areas, encampment sites, internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, as well as safe corridors and routes, and to determine the overall security requirements and concerns in the counter-insurgency operation.

The committee, which has one month for its assignment, will also tackle the creation of mobile offices, access roads, feeding and medical treatment for the IDPs, skill and vocational training for the IDP, joint-media centres and the establishment of necessary structures and reception centres to resettle

repentant terrorist members.

The military said that, so far, its operations in the contested area had yielded remarkable success, particularly with a review of the security forces strategy, approach and concept of operation that were designed to neutralise the operational capabilities of the terrorists and rout them out before the year’s end.

It said, “several strongholds, hideouts and camps of the Boko Haram terrorists had been cleared and taken over by our military forces. Many children and women captives of Boko Haram have been released and currently undergoing rehabilitation process in the various IDP camps.” The Defence Headquarters also spoke about plans to ameliorate the suffering of the IDP, adding that “the DHQ and the services have embarked on aggressive quick impact projects, which have significantly bettered their wellness.”

Ogun tribunal: Isiaka condemns attack on PDP, warns Amosun ÏÏÏThe Ogun State Peoples thugs that attacked and inflicted made it easy for them to effect the Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has condemned the attack on the PDP members by the suspected thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, at the premises of the State High Court, Isabo Abeokuta, venue of the Election Petition Tribunal.

He, however, warned the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to stop fuelling actions that would precipitate unnecessary crisis.

The banker-turned-politician also called on the State Commissioner of Police to order for the immediate arrest and trials of those

injuries on over 60 PDP members, including the National Auditor of the party, Alhaji Wole Adeyanju, and its State Chairman, Chief Bayo Dayo.

Isiaka, in a release signed by the Director of Publicity of his campaign organisation, Comrade Ifekayode Akinbode, noted that never had the sacredness of the judiciary been abused in Ogun State with the invasion of the APC thugs/cultists that stormed the court with dangerous weapons.

Akinbode said the ugly incident happened in a broad day light and in the presence of the police and operatives of the Department of Security Services (DSS), which

arrest of the APC chieftains that led the thugs to the court premises.

He said, “Since the tribunal began its work about four months ago, this is the third time that PDP members will be attacked and wounded by APC thugs within the court premises. If the police had arrested APC leaders that had been coming to court with thugs and cultists, the dastardly act would not have continued. Ogun State is not a Banana Republic and we are, once again, appealing to the security agencies to act fast to save the harmless citizens from the hands of a tyrant, desperate to send all opposition parties and elements out of the state.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday October 1, 2015

Nigeria's 55th Independence Day Celebrations

Senate congratulates Buhari on Nigeria’s 55th Independence Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Senate, on Wednesday, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of the 55th independence anniversary of Nigeria, urging Nigerians not to relent in supporting his administration.

The message followed a motion by the Senate leader, Mr. Ali Ndume, who noted that Nigeria’s independence had come a long way with ability to institute the longest reign of democratic government in its political history.

Senators in their contributions to the motion paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Nigeria, who they said sacrificed so much for Nigeria to be, while putting their differences aside.

They also agreed that having attained a golden age of 55, Nigeria should start devoting attention on building very virile economy to match its status as the biggest black nation.

Deputy Senate President, Mr. Ike Ekweremadu, paid glowing tributes to the Nigerians who fought for the independence of the country alluding to what he

described as the selfless efforts by Dr. Nmandi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sardauna of Sokoto, Tafawa Balewa and others in giving life to Nigeria Ekweremadu said he worried about the state of the national economy, which, according to him, had not matched the status of Nigeria.

He urged the Buhari administration to commence a process of re-building of the economy with policies that would stand the test of time and take Nigeria back to the era of prosperity.

Minority Leader, Godswill Obot Akpabio (Akwa-

Lateef Ibrahim

Ibom) noted that over the years, Nigeria had been practicing mono-economy, with over dependence on crude oil; a reason it had remained stagnant economically for decades.

Akpabio said Nigeria should seize the opportunity of its attainment of 55 years as a nation to divert its attention from oil resources, which, according to him, had continued to dwindle due to the recent glut in the petroleum market.

He canvassed support for President Muhammadu Buhari on his drive to effect changes in Nigeria.

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, in a group photograph with some orphans sent on scholarship for secondary school education at Zaria Academy held in Borno State … on Tuesday

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, appealed to Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 55th independence anniversary to rekindle the spirit of patriotism.

It made the appeal in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja.

The party equally charged Nigerians to exhibit actions that would promote democratic ideals and peaceful co-existence.

It stated that this year’s celebration was a reminder of Nigeria’s common root and destiny, as well as her resilience and determination to succeed in all spheres of life as a strong, united and prosperous na-

APC greets Nigerians, urges co-operation ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated with all Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 55th independence anniversary, to be observed on Thursday, October 1.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the anniversary provided an opportunity to remember all the nation’s past heroes, as well as the sacrifices they made to keep the nation united and

Plateau HoS urges more unity among Nigerians Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe Plateau State Head

of Civil Service, Barr. Mrs Huldah Fwangchi, has said that Nigerians should celebrate the 55th independence anniversary of the nation, because the country did not disintegrate as some sceptics would have desired, especially as that the country came out of the last general elections undivided.

It would be recall that it was speculated that the just concluded 2015 general election would be the parameter to determine the future of Nigeria as a nation, and even that the country might disintegrate in 2015.

She told Daily Times that,

once again, the people of the country had been able to shame its critics and also told the world that they were more united than what some people had thought.

She was optimistic that the Buhari administration would take Nigerians out of the woods.

Her words: “I have heard some people express doubt about the need to celebrate the 55th independence anniversary from colonial rule.

“If we look back the last 55 years, we will all see that we have a lot to thank God for, especially the kind of turbulence the country had gone through.”

Fwangchi also lauded President Muhammadu

Buhari and the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, for their modest achievements in the few days they were in office.

She also said that the nation needed to accord more recognition for those citizens who lost their lives in their cause of duty, to ensure the country remained one.

She continued, “We have to also remember our people and innocent Nigerians who have lost their lives to violent uprising in parts of the country; vibrant and energetic youths, our brothers, fathers, uncles, who have lost their lives, while serving the nation, as we strive daily, fervently, for a better Nigeria. We cannot but be

remember them.

“I am particularly elated that despite today’s challenges that this independence day celebration will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, once more, irrespective of our religion, ethnic and political affiliations to reflect on the true state of our dear country, in an attempt to revisit the brave effort of those who fought for our freedom and rights that characterise the nation today.”

Fwangchi said though some Nigerians might not agree on certain issues, yet for the sake of the country, they should continue to live in harmony. “We may not

PDP tasks Nigerians on patriotism tion, irrespective of her challenges.

It, therefore, harped on a need for recommitment to the nation’s leaders at all levels, while paying adequate reverence to national symbols and institutions.

The PDP statement read, “In this regard, the PDP urges all citizens to have full respect for the office and person of the symbol of the leadership of our great country, the President. “The President can be constructively criticised, but under no circumstance should he be abused or insulted in any way and under any guise whatsoever. strong, and to “rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which they lived.”

It said that in order to ensure that the labour of those heroes past were not in vain, it was necessary for all Nigerians, in line with the wordings of the country's national anthem, to commit themselves, anew, to serve their fatherland with love, strength and faith.

“We have no doubt that today’s generation of Nigerians have also made, and are, indeed, still making, great sacrifices for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria.

We, however, appeal to all our compatriots to continue to put the nation first, and to downplay everything that divides us and embrace that which unites us,” APC said.

always agree on issues, but for the sake of the country’s young democracy, we must always work together to harmonise our views for a better Nigeria, where we can all express our opinions freely. This is the essence of the independence that we celebrate yearly.” She also advised the need for Nigerian leaders to always make

sacrifice in the interest of the nation. “Nation building is not limited to government alone; every citizen has a role to play by complementing government’s efforts and keeping vigilance at all times against dangers posed by those who have continued to undermine our democracy and peaceful co-existence,” she said.

Fwangchi

Buhari

Thursday, October 1, 2015

EXTRATIME

Lagos clubs bag promotion to top-flight

NFF: WE ARE MARCHING TOWARDS OUR GOAL —PINNICK

T

op league action will return to Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital city of Lagos after a 10year absence following the promotion of Ikorodu United and MFM FC. Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes are the other clubs headed to the premier league after a successful campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) this year.

Julius Berger were the last Lagos club to feature in the Nigeria top-flight league in 2005.

MFM FC and Ikorodu United sealed their promotion before last two games of the season when they won Divisions B2 and B1 respectively.

MFM FC are finally in the elite division after they narrowly missed out the previous season.

Their top scorer John Okoye scored six goals and played just two games in the second half of the league before he left for Serbia.

Stephen Odey then stepped into his shoes and scored vital goals, including the winner at Oleh against Nembe City to help MFM FC secure promotion.

They also have on their books U20 international midfielder Ifeanyi Ifeanyi.

Pinnick

ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sports Editor

T

here is still a lot of work on the road, but the present Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration believes it is working assiduously towards the set vision of building a sustainable football culture for Nigeria.

At its inception at the end of September 2014, the Board led by Amaju Melvin Pinnick had unveiled a vision of building a

WINNERS EMERGE IN THE INTEL #CLIMBAFRICA COMPETITION ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

wo winners have emerged from Nigeria in the Intel #ClimbAfrica competition which was announced last week, for sport lovers to predict the time it will take Tanzanian Mountain Guide, Julio Ludago to ascend and descend Mt. Kilimanjaro in his attempt to beat the current world record of 6 hours, 56 minutes and 24 seconds.

Sponsored by Intel Corporation, ASUS and his employer Ahsante Tours; Julio, who set out on Sunday, September 27, 2015 to beat the world record of ascending and descending Mt. Kilimanjaro currently held by Swiss-Ecuadorian Karl Egloff at 6 hours, 56 minutes and 24 seconds put up a spirited fight to complete the climb and finished in 11hours, 8 minutes, thus becoming the second Tanzanian and African to make this attempt to climb and descend the highest Mountain in Africa in the shortest time on record.

The winners, Allan Thairo, and Dennis Murii Irungu had the most accurate predictions on how long it would take Julio to climb Kilimanjaro, with 11hours, and 10 hours, 45minutes and 30 seconds respectively; and will receive the Asus Transformer Book T100 and Asus Fonepad.

After finishing his climb, Julio said: “I knew it was never going to be an easy task for me, but I had a lot of determination.

I also drew a lot of inspiration from the support I received from the people who cheered me throughout this challenge.

27

“My intention was to create awareness on mountaineering in Tanzania and inspire people around the world to come and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The high altitude, low temperature and occasional strong wind made it a difficult challenge but I waded through with a lot of faith. Despite not beating the current record, I believe I did my best and I hope that I have inspired other people to come and attempt the climb.”

Commenting on the attempt, Head of Marketing and Public Relations Manager for East Africa at Intel Corporation, Lavinniah Muthoni, said that, “Julio’s story is truly inspirational. We celebrate his determination to complete the climb, even when the going got tough and we are proud that our technology supported him throughout his journey.”

Julio’s employer, Ahsante Tours and Safaris Ltd. provided the logistical support during his training sessions and managed logistics during the day of the climb.

According to the company’s Marketing Manager, Noel Kileo, “It is an exciting time for us to have been part of Julio’s incredible journey. Julio’s attempt was tough and even though he did not break the world record, we are proud of his accomplishment today.

As a player in the tourism industry, we look forward to welcoming more people to visit our country and among other things, attempt to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro.”

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world at 5,895 metres above sea level and is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania.

sustainable football culture for the country, founded on strategies of capacity building and a virile youth development program.

On Wednesday, in a statement to mark the one year of the administration and to look forward to the next one year, Pinnick gave the Board a pat on the back, and stated that the unity within the group and general body language assures him that everyone is ready for the enormous work ahead, as well as foreseeable and unforeseen challenges.

“As you rightly noted, there is a lot of work ahead. I am not happy with the

decline of the Super Falcons and we are putting heads together for an all –encompassing solution to women’s football, not just the Falcons. But apart from that, I believe we have done well in pursuing our vision.

“Our capacity –building programs have had immediate impact in the League, which everyone is now talking about, and only on Tuesday, we did public presentation of our youth development policy.”

Pinnick is delighted by the triumphs of the Falcons and the U-20 boys (at the 2014 African Women Championship and 2015 African Youth Championship), continued progress of the U-23 team in the race to 2016 Olympics and the

qualification of the Golden Eaglets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. But he insisted that the focus has not only been on the field of play.

“We have been busy putting blocks in place for the building of a structure.

Structure is important because this is what will outlive everyone. Once you have a structure, everything becomes almost automatic. Only monitoring and diligence will be required.

“The other big challenge is funding, and that is why we have been all over seeking the support of corporate organizations to buy into our programs.”

Pinnick believes that within the next one year, the work on building of a structure will be greatly advanced.

NIGERIAN FEMALE REFS SET FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

N

igerian women referees will take charge of a 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, which has been rescheduled for this weekend by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The match was earlier set to be played last weekend.

The rescheduling was as a result of a recent putsch in Burkina Faso, but normalcy has since returned to the country. CAF’s confirmation of this weekend for the match in Ouagadougou also means that the 2016 African Nations Championship final qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Etalons, set for Ouagadougou on October 25, remains unaffected.

Uloma Nwogu will be the referee, with Hulda Nwokocha as first assistant and Mimisen Iyorhe as second

FIFA badge referee, Nwogu Uloma (3rd from right), officiated Kano Pillars versus Nasarawa United NPFL clash on August 23, 2015 in which Pillars’ 202 games unbeaten run at home was shattered. assistant. Another Nigerian, Folusho Ajayi will be the reserve referee.

The match is the third round, first leg of the race to the 2016 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

The winner of the fixture between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia will clash

with the winner between Equatorial Guinea and Ghana, while the winner between Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo will confront the winner between Zambia and South Africa, for Africa’s two slots at the finals in Papua New Guinea.

UDOJI PLAYS DOWN ENYIMBA TITLE TALK

E

Udoji

nyimba are primed to win this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as they sit pretty at the top of log, five points ahead of the chasing pack.

Many an avid fan of the league will definitely point to the former CAF Champions League winners as the champions-elect and for good reason too.

With seven games remaining till the league climaxes, Enyimba have been doing what they have to do to set the pace and probably only

Enyimba can stop Enyimba from winning the league.

However, despite all the arithmetic, one player who is not convinced it is a done deal is Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji who revealed that there is no talk of the NPFL diadem in their camp just yet.

The 27-year-old scored twice last weekend as Enyimba dispatched Wikki Tourists 2-0 to maintain their hold on the top position on the log.

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Thursday, October 1, 2015

EXTRATIME

EAGLETS OFF TO ARGENTINA FOR CAMPING

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have announced the Golden Eaglets will finally fly out for a preWorld Cup training camp in Argentina today after several delays.

“We have sorted all the logistics concerning the Eaglets training in Argentina and they will now leave on Thursday,” disclosed NFF general

secretary Mohammed Sanusi.

The team of 25 players are expected to make the trip, which was previously delayed because of visa issues.

Nigeria are the defending U-17 world champions and they are drawn in a first round group with hosts Chile, Croatia and United States of America.

They begin their title defence on October 17 against USA in Santiago.

Sabotage, envy led to Eagles’ AFCON failure

— Attah

Ambrose

Mike Otanwa

M

EAGLES:

AMBROSE

returns, replaces injured OMERUO

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eltic defender Efe Ambrose will replace injured Kenneth Omeruo for Super Eagles friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroun.

Omeruo suffered a hamstring injury in a league match for his Turkish club Kasimpasa this week and the severity of this injury has yet to be ascertained.

According to the NFF official Twitter handle, Ambrose will take Omeruo’s place in the Super Eagles for the test games in Belgium.

Versatile Ambrose has played at right fullback for the Eagles, but towards the final days of former Coach Stephen Keshi he appeared to have fallen out of favour.

He is now likely to fight for a place in his more familiar central defence role.

Ambrose who is making a return to the Super Eagles since 2014 was shown red at the weekend while in action for his Scottish club at the weekend.

onths after being relieved of his post, the immediate past coordinator of the Super Eagles, Emmanuel Attah, has said that sabotage was responsible for the team not qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations held in Equatorial Guinea.

The Eagles returned as African champions from the 2013 tournament staged in South Africa but failed to qualify for this year’s event after they finished behind South Africa and DR Congo in the qualifying series, with Attah insisting the team’s failure was not ordinary.

The former chairman of the FCT FA cited the fallout from the team’s success in South Africa with Stephen Keshi’s resignation as part of the reasons aside the leadership crisis which attracted several threats of a ban from FIFA. “l know, I believe and I stand by what I am about to say. Sabotage played a prominent role in our not qualifying for

the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.

We were sabotaged,” Attah revealed.

“Presently I am writing a book on the details of what really transpired. If you rewind your memory to that match in Calabar against Congo, the officiating was quite funny. Very, very funny.

“Later a friend in Ghana where the referees came from confided in me that ‘that was what your country wanted’.

The details will come. Apart from that when we were about leaving to play South Africa, I played on the psyche of a highly placed member of the then NFF. “I asked him why you people abandoned us. We used to work together. And he said Riggogo, for that is how he calls me, and I quote him ‘I think you people think you can play alone without us, make una go win make we see ‘.

“I was shocked but I told him, he is not God. Eventually we got a draw against South Africa. The next game was against Sudan in Nigeria and we would have lost, if not by the grace of God,” he continued.

Lagos, Zenith Bank, others back NFF’s youth program

S

olid endorsements came from the Lagos State Government, Zenith Bank PLC and several other corporate organisations as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled its youth football development program in Lagos on Tuesday.

At a very impressive ceremony in Victoria Island, Lagos, NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the NFF Youth Football Development Committee, made a public presentation of an ambitious plan that is targeted at steering Nigeria to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.

Planked on prioritizing the welfare of youth footballers, partnering with schools to identify genuine talent and nurture them, setting code of conduct for coaches, players and officials involved in the program, the plan also will involve issuing guidelines for operations of football academies, an identification scheme that will eradicate age cheating through monitoring, and creating and widening football platform to continuously identify talented players from age grade League and school competitions.

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Ayo Agbesanwa hailed the plan, saying that the Lagos State Government will key into the vision as it tallies with the administration’s objective of getting the youth off the streets and productively engaged.

Chief economist of Zenith Bank PLC, Mr. Marcel Okeke, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Amangbo, said the plan is in line with the bank’s youth empowerment program, and that his organisation will give its full support to NFF’s programs because it is enamoured by the Board’s demonstrated virtues of transparency, accountability, integrity and professionalism. He called the plan “a new vista in football development.”

CHAN: EAGLES WELCOME SOUTH AFRICA IN TEST CLASH Mike Otanwa

I

t has been learnt that Nigeria’s home-based team will welcome South Africa U-23 side in a friendly planned for Port Harcourt on Saturday, October 10.

The home-based Eagles are preparing for a 2016 CHAN qualifier against Burkina Faso on October 18 in Port Harcourt, while South Africa U-23s are getting set for this year’s Africa U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal in November.

The U-23 Nations Cup will be the qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The home-based Eagles are due to open camp on Monday, October 4 in Port Harcourt.

Coach Sunday Oliseh has called up 19 players from the domestic league for this training camp with six other players from the league joining up with the rest of the squad after the Super Eagles friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium.

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh

Thursday, October 1, 2015

EXTRATIME

COSTA confident of

BRIEFS

Fowler: Sturridge a true goalscorer!

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes Daniel Sturridge will always score goals when he is fit and expects the 26-year-old to feel “unstoppable” following his double against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Sturridge recently made his comeback after hip surgery and has immediately become a key figure for manager Brendan Rodgers again.

Chelsea progress

Colback doubtful for City encounter

Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback is a major doubt for this weekend’s trip to Manchester City as he struggles with injury. The 25-year-old limped out of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea after 54 minutes and has yet to train with Steve McClaren’s team ahead of Saturday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Red Devils will be successful in Champions League—Young Ashley Young is confident Manchester United will be successful in the Champions League campaign as he believes their style is suited to the European game. United were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by PSV on matchday one, but Young remains optimistic about their chances.

Wenger made a big mistake, feels Wright

Costa

D

iego Costa is confident Chelsea have the quality within their squad to turn their indifferent start to the 2015-16 campaign around.

Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Porto in the Champions League means Jose Mourinho’s side have only won four of their 11 matches in all competitions this season, with defensive mistakes littering their performances.

Chelsea are already eight points behind

ORIGI

loan exit B rendan Rodgers has insisted Liverpool have no intention of letting forward Divock Origi leave the club on loan.

B e l g i u m international Origi has struggled to secure regular firstteam action this season and

Origi

speculation had suggested that the former Lille man - who spent last term in France - could be on his way out of Anfield on a temporary basis.

But Liverpool manager Rodgers has made it clear that the 20-year-old is not going anywhere.

“A loan is not an option for Origi at this stage,” Rodgers said at his press conference ahead of today’s Europa League meeting with Sion.

“He had his loan period last year. This year is about him coming in and adapting. We’ll review where he’s at the end of the season.

“The focus on Divock is goals and games. It takes time to adapt. For us it’s about nurturing talent along.

“He’s a humble guy, he knows he’s here to develop. It’s a big step.”

Premier League leaders Manchester United, and after losing in Portugal are now in third place in their Champions League group.

Despite their less-than impressive start, Costa believes Mourinho’s squad can turn their fortunes around, starting at home to Southampton this weekend.

“We are all united,” he told reporters.

“It’s not a good moment now. We must do more.

“We have a good squad with a great deal of quality. We have maybe lost some confidence in three or four games.

“The manager knows the quality of his

team. He knows what we can do. It is the responsibility of all of us. We have to improve our character and confidence.”

Reflecting on the defeat at the Estadio do Drago, Costa – who’s performance was one positive from the game – blamed lapses in concentration for the reversal.

He added: “We had the game under control. We knew it was going to be a physical game. We began well.

“Things changed when they scored, but we quickly equalised. In the second half the same thing happened - we were lacking concentration at key moments of the game.”

MERTESACKER

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has hit out at Arsene Wenger in the wake of the club’s 3-2 Champions League defeat against Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Wenger decided to give David Ospina the nod between the sticks rather than regular first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech, but his decision backfired as Arsenal failed to beat the Greek outfit.

LIVERPOOL RULE OUT

29

blasts Arsenal poor form

Mertesacker

P

er Mertesacker has admitted that Arsenal were simply not good enough in their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos.

The Premier League side twice got back into Tuesday’s game after falling behind, but

eventually failed to bounce back a third time as Alfred Finnbogason made the difference.

“We lacked that concentration and it is not understandable why we drifted and did not do the job we are used to doing. That is not acceptable and we will be punished for that in the Champions League.

“We need to get behind the ball and play better defensively. We lacked discipline, even when you get a goal back don’t rush yourself.

Get your discipline back and with possession you get your chances.

If we are not disciplined and do not chase the ball we have got no chance.

“We have got a couple of days to look back on that performance. I think everyone will have regrets and it is good to take that away.

“It will take a couple of days to recover and to think about Manchester United and play in a different competition, which will be a good opportunity to come back to the Emirates and play our football with possession and dynamism,” Mertesacker said.

MOURINHO: I have no

problems with anyone

C

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has laughed off suggestions that he has fallen out with some of his players.

The former Real Madrid boss left Oscar, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy out of his squad for Tuesday’s Champions League defeat against Porto, while regular starters such as Eden Hazard, John Terry and Nemanja Matic were all benched.

Mourinho’s team selection led to speculation that he no longer has the full support of his players, but the 52-year-old has insisted he does not have any problems with any members of his squad.

“I have no problems with anyone and have a fantastic relationship with everyone,” the Portuguese said.

“Why Oscar, Falcao and Remy were not in the squad? No punishment, no punishment. Just a decision.”

Tuesday’s defeat at Estadio do Dragao was Chelsea’s fifth loss in just 11 games in all Mourinho competitions this season.

Simmonds

30

Thursday, October 1, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

SIMEONE excited by Correa potential

MASCHERANO SALUTES BARCA NEVER-SAY-DIE ATTITUDE J

D

Mascherano

avier Mascherano has hailed Barcelona’s attitude in the wake of their hard-fought 2-1 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

The Catalans had difficulty breaking down the Leverkusen defence without Lionel Messi and were still trailing 1-0 with 10 minutes left on the clock.

However, late goals from Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez eventually helped them to victory at Camp Nou and Mascherano was particularly pleased with their show of character.

“Our momentum, the team spirit and never-say-die attitude was crucial in a game we had to win,” Mascherano

A

lessandro Nesta is confident AC Milan will soon return to the top under the guidance of Sinisa Mihajlovic.

The San Siro side have been struggling for consistency so far this season and currently sit 11th in the Serie A table with nine points from six games.

Nevertheless Nesta, who won two league titles and two Champions Leagues during his 10 years at the club, has little doubt they will come good once they gain greater consistency.

“Sinisa knew how to play football and Milan are a great opportunity for him,” Nesta said.

“Milan have changed a lot this year and they need to sort themselves out a little during the match and find some consistency.

“But I think the foundations are good and so are the players. They will be back at the top soon.”

Nesta wore the Milan jersey between 2002 and 2012 and he has nothing but fond memories of his time with the Rossoneri.

“I have so many wonderful memories of my time at Milan. It was a long time and a very successful period,” he said.

said.

Barcelona lost Andres Iniesta to a hamstring injury on Tuesday after Messi previously sustained a knee injury against Las Palmas at the weekend, but Mascherano is confident they can cope with their stars’ absence.

“We have important players injured, but that’s football and we have a squad to succeed. Now is the time for those in the background to step up, it is an opportunity for those who do not often get minutes.

“Those of us who are fit and healthy have to keep going and win while the others recuperate.”

NESTA: Mihajlovic will guide Milan back to the top

NUNO

lauds ‘wellorganised’ Valencia

iego Simeone believes Angel Correa has the potential to offer more to Atletico Madrid than former striker Sergio Aguero during his time at Vicente Calderon.

Correa has impressed Simeone in the opening weeks of the new season with his energy up front for Atleti, while also showing he can link up play by dropping deep.

The 20-year-old has had to wait for his time to shine at Atleti after suffering a heart problem last season, but – having opened his account for the new campaign against Eibar – he is beginning to show his potential.

And Simeone is so impressed he

Simeone

EUROPA LEAGUE FIXTURES Today’s Matches Lazio v Saint-Etienne 18:00 Rosenborg v Dnipro18:00 Besiktas v Sporting CP 18:00 Lokomotiv Moscow v Skenderbeu 18:00 Basel v Lech Poznan 18:00 Belenenses v Fiorentina 18:00 Monaco v Tottenham 18:00 Qarabag FK v Anderlecht 18:00 Schalke 04 v Asteras Tripolis 18:00

Nesta

V

alencia coach Nuno was thrilled with his team’s defending after an important 1-0 Champions League win over Lyon.

A first-half Sofiane Feghouli goal saw the La Liga side to their victory at the Stade de Gerland to give Valencia their first points in Group H on Tuesday.

Nuno was full of praise for his team as they climbed into second in the group, three points behind leaders Zenit.

has suggested the youngster could prove to be a better all-round player than Aguero, who scored 100 goals in 230 appearances during his five years at the club.

“They seem different to me,” he told reporters when asked about comparisons between the pair.

“One, Aguero is more a pure forward, a number nine, and Angel breaks down the wings, moves between the lines, is improving and we hope that with this improvement the team will have different options.

“Angel can play in any part of the pitch, as a third forward out wide, or up front if needed. Kun is more a finisher of moves.”

Sparta Prague v APOEL Nicosia 18:00

AZ Alkmaar v Athletic Bilbao 18:00

“My defence was well-organised, solid and we handled the Lyon front line well,” he said.

“My squad is very balanced and we are happy and proud to have won here against a very good team.

“Possession was essential to our plan. We changed it in the second half. We defended well and played looking for Pablo Piatti and Feghouli on the wings and that worked for us in the end.”

Feghouli struck three minutes before half-

Augsburg v Partizan Beograd 18:00 Celtic v Fenerbahce 20:05 Molde v Ajax 20:05 Liverpool v Sion 20:05 Rubin Kazan v Bordeaux 20:05 FC Krasnodar v FK Qabala 20:05 PAOK Thessaloniki v B. Dortmund 20:05 Club Brugge v FC Midtjylland 20:05 Legia Warszawa v SSC Napoli 20:05 Dinamo Minsk v Rapid Wien 20:05 Villarreal v Viktoria Plzen 20:05 Braga v FC Groningen 20:05 Marseille v Liberec 20:05

time in Lyon, taking a square pass from Piatti before firing in off the crossbar from just outside the area.

Nuno said his side were deserving winners as they made it back-to-back 1-0 wins, having beaten Granada in the league on Friday.

“I want to start by congratulating my players. Hard work has paid off. This win is very important,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

31 Opinion

Which way Nigeria at 55 years old?

“It does not matter at what level people seek office, they should think of what to give back to the country and not what they could get out of it... Those, who love me, love me for the same reason others hate me. I have strong views about my country, Nigeria and I have no other home; I never believed in any other country. Nigeria is the only country I know, have and love. God bless Nigeria” – Deacon Gamaliel Offoritsenere Onosode (22 May 1933 - 29 September 2015)

ÎÎÎ Happy 55th Indepen-

dence Day Nigeria!!!

The geographical expression called Nigeria is 111 years old. I mean British/ European/Berlin Conference ‘Nigeria’. Erudite scholar, Bala Usman, had shown most brilliantly in a work that I will dwell on in great detail in this column in future why the geo-social expression that Britain came to call Nigeria has probably existed for hundreds if not thousands of years. Bala Usman does not mean it was one country politically or diplomatically speaking. He meant it in terms of the various peoples naturally knitted by the Niger and the Benue Rivers closely relating with one another. Britain only came to exploit what our various peoples had clearly established aided by nature.

Independent Nigeria is 55 years old. Are we a wasted generation, a la Soyinka?

Or are we a nation of promise as some others have equally opined? 55 years. It is a good time to take stock.

A fool at 40 is a fool forever.

That is the old saying. We do not want to be a fool at 55, talk less of 111 years old.

Hence, the need for deep Nigerian elite introspection now. Not for our children, but for ourselves. At this moment, we are excused if we do not fight for the future but for our own immediate survival, corporate and individual. Only our generation’s ability to survive can pave the way for a future for our children and subsequent generations.

We are, to put it mildly, in a big mess. What is the nature of this Nigerian national mess? Unemployment: our citizens are not working. There is no work for them to do. Many of them have turned to militancy, in the South; and insurgency, in the North, and several other abominations in-between. The two and the rest are not isolated but connected, by youth unemployment. Suffice to underscore for now that the immediate cause of mass unemployment is

the truncation of the massive industrialisation that was hitherto the norm in Nigeria, that is, before the event, the legal theft, which I wish to highlight and explain today. Nigeria’s fast growth industry of roughly mid-50s to mid-70s, that giant local industry, North, East, West and Midwest, was killed by legal theft.

What is the true and fundamental reflection and root cause of the globally notorious Nigerian crisis of underdevelopment and incessant violent conflicts both in the Niger Delta and several other regions of the country, notably ethnic and religious crisis in Northern Nigeria? Shocking as it may sound our research reveals that Nigeria’s problem is not corruption. It is a finding that would be amazing to many students of Nigeria. Our research shows that if we understand Nigeria’s Niger Delta region oilrelated conflict, in-depth, we would understand the core problem of Nigeria.

We would also begin to see a way out for the country as a whole. This is simply because the background of the way forward is the realization that Nigeria is a country that had demonstrated great economic potentials between 1955 and 1975.

The genesis of socioeconomic and political decline of the Federation of Nigeria is that the country, especially through military

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usurpers of political power, have made laws, notably section 1 of the Petroleum Decree of 1969, section 1 of the Land Use Decree of 1978, section 40(3) of the 1979 Constitution, and section 44(3) 1999 Constitution.

These laws expropriate the wealth of mainly minority Niger Delta peoples. The country appropriates this minority-generated wealth to itself. It then decides what to give to the minority region’s peoples for the fact that they produce this wealth of the nation. At a time it was nothing. Then it became 1.5%. Then it became 3%. It is now 13%.

All determined by federal military fiat. From the perspective of common law, if not moral justice, this military-led desecration of the fiscal federalism union constitutions of 1960 and 1963, this legal theft that major-

ity Nigeria has imposed on its minorities in the Niger Delta in particular and the ordinary Nigerian peoples in general, borders on international illegality. This is because it violates the minorities’ economic rights, which are protected by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, a law to which Nigeria is not only signatory but which it has incorporated into its extant laws as a local legislation, making it binding both under domestic as well as international law. I am saying these retrogressive laws violate the spirit and the letter of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Articles 14, 21, 22 and 24 of the Charter, which guarantee peoples’ rights to freedom to dispose of their wealth and natural resources.

The continued appro-

priation of Niger Delta economic resources, notably oil and gas, to the Nigerian federation account, from the perspective of international law, human rights and justice, national security, economic and political integrity, is an unsafe albeit nationally self-imposed situation. It is unsafe, not only for the Niger Delta minorities but for the corporate existence of Nigeria as a whole.

The majority theft of Niger Delta oil resources has gone on for many years, beginning in 1969. The length and depth of our collective illegality against the Niger Delta peoples has complicated the twin issues of peace and development. But complexity does not justify continuity. We, majority elites in Nigeria, are wrong. And it is in our long term interest that we stop this constitutional theft of Niger Delta oil and gas. We must give oil back to the Niger Delta Peoples to secure holistic peace and development, not only in the Niger Delta region but in the nation of Nigeria as a whole.

In this column next week, I will bring this special Nigerian 55th Independence Anniversary series to a close. I will show how we can grow up from being a crawling 55year old to a sprinting giant, socially, economically and politically.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

VOL. 1. NO. 201

Price: N150

Mike Otanwa

: R E I F I L A U A F CO N Q

CAF FINES R E V O A I R NIGE N O I S A V N I PITCH

Super Eagles line up before a match

AMBROSE RETURNS TO EAGLES, S REPLACE Pg.28 OMERUO

RE NFF: WE A G MARCHIN TOWARDS L OUR GOA

K —PINNIC

Pg.27

COSTA NT CONFIDE EA OF CHELS S PROGRES

Pg.29

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he Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clamped down heavily on Nigeria with a fine of $5,000 for their fans’ unruly behaviour during the AFCON qualifier against Chad in Kaduna played in June.

The decision of the continent’s football governing body was released on its website in Cairo as several punishments were handed to other erring countries and clubs alike after their disciplinary board meeting.

CAF said Nigeria was punished because fans rushed into the pitch to celebrate the Super Eagles’ second goal in the match played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Ethiopia and Botswana were also found guilty of the same offence like Nigeria as they were all fined $5,000 each.

The Nigeria, Chad game ended 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles and the victory placed Nigeria in second position in Group G with four points, behind Egypt which has six points.

Unperturbed by the incidence, the NFF have already announced that Kaduna will again host the Eagles’ next home game in the AFCON qualifying series when they take on group leaders, Egypt.

MASCHERANO

SALUTES BARCA NEVER-SAY-DIE ATTITUDE Pg.30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Business Times Æ s

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Nigeria at 55: Time to move forward - TUC The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in its congratulatory message to the nation on this special day, the 55th anniversary of its independence from colonial rule has said that it is time to move the Nigeria forward.

In a statement by Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama TUC president, the 1st of October each year remains epochal in the annals of Nigeria because “it reminds us of our heritage, the vision and struggles of our heroes past, our present circumstances and our common destiny in God.” He pointed out that 55 years of independence might seem like child’s play when juxtaposed with older nations like the USA that has enjoyed nationhood for over 250 years, but questioned the rate of the nation’s progress in the comity of nations.

TUC stressed that a dispassionate and honest appraisal readily reveals that the current state of the country gravely falls short of the lofty dreams and aspirations of its founding fathers.

“Fortunately the new Buhariled administration has made “change” its mantra and determined to stamp out corruption and other vices, and has so far spoken and acted in tandem with that commitment. We advise the government to remain focused on that path so that we may all soon walk into the bright sunlight the glimmer of which we have seen at the end of the tunnel. We must keep our hope alive because we have a greater future ahead. God helping us, it is time for Nigeria to move forward again.

“Fellow countrymen and women, happy Independence Day anniversary!”

Kaigama

L-R: Managing Director, JNC International Limited, Mrs. Clare Omatseye; Group CEO Computer Warehouse Group, Mr. Austin Okere; Company Secretary, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. Tijjani Borodo; President, Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye CON; and Dean, Lagos Business School, Dr. Enase Okonedo at the 2015 Annual conference on Corporate Governance in Lagos on Tuesday.

NIMASA, Nigerian Navy restates commitment to maritime security Funmi Coker The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have resolved to deepen their collaboration with the aim of providing a safe and secure maritime environment for shipping activities.

This pledge was re-emphasised when the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro paid a working visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas at the Naval Head Quarters Abuja.

Mr. Jauro who stated NIMASA’s commitment to renew and strengthen the existing Memo-

NSE mourns Gamaliel Onosode, Nigeria’s first stockbroker

randum of Understanding between both organisations commended the Nigerian Navy for keeping to the spirit and letters of the MoU which he said has drastically improved safety in the Nigerian maritime domain.

According to the DG, “having acquired a satellite surveillance system that is capable of monitoring in real time vessel activities in our maritime domain, NIMASA is also committed to the MoU with the Nigerian Navy both of which have the overall aim of making Nigeria a maritime destination of choice for both operators and investors”.

The DG said the determination of the Agency to enhance business activities in the mari-

time sector by ensuring safety and security also led to a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with Global West Vessel Specialists Limited (GWVSL) which was approved by the Federal Government. According to him, the mandate of GWVSL is to procure and bunker vessels for NIMASA’s operations, manned by the personnel of the Nigerian Navy on a Supply, Operate and Transfer (SOT) basis for a 10 year period after which ownership of the vessels will revert to NIMASA. Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral IbokEte Ibas appreciated the efforts of the Management of NIMASA in the past eight years since the

MoU was first signed most especially in the areas of training of officers and logistics support to naval operations.

Throwing light on the use of NIMASA vessels by the Nigerian Navy personnel, Admiral Ibas stated that by the provisions of the MoU, “we (Nigerian Navy) provide security, we arm those ships. By whatever means the vessels are acquired, the Nigerian Navy is fully manning those boats and we still do”.

Admiral Ibas also advocated for a review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding to reflect current realities and to make it more effective and beneficial to both organisations and the country at large.

Adesola Akindele

“We received the saddening news of Dr Gamaliel Onosode’s death.

This is a great loss to the Nigerian capital market. He was an exceptional, forthright and inspirational leader whose life exemplifies all the values dear to the NSE. He was a man of integrity and the best we could find as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the NSE’s Investors’ Pro-

tection Fund, when we decided to re-operationalize the Fund in 2012.

We will sorely miss him. However, we take solace in his laudable achievements which will remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history. On behalf of the Council, Management and Members of the NSE we offer our heartfelt condolence to the Onosode Family.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday announced that it is in mourning following the demise of Nigeria’s first indigenous stockbroker, Dr. Gamaliel O. Onosode, who passed away at the age of 82.

Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, said

Brands and Marketing B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

INTEL drives telecom inclusion agenda with hackathon series Stories by Godwin Anyebe As part of its capacity building initiatives, Nigeria’s Technology and Innovation giant, Intel, actively participated in the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Hackathon series for brilliant software developers, policy experts and students where Software developer teams Data Mart emerged winner of One Million Naira and acceptance into an incubation program.

The winning team emerged victor over 14 other teams after satisfying the Judges’ criteria of Innovation and Ambition, User Interface and Experience, Overall Quality of the software solution and App Impact.

The event which held at Idea Nigeria recently was the grand finale of a three-day Hackathon series. The fund was targeted towards facilitating access to

affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Business Development Director, Intel Corporation, and Judge at the event, Stanley Muoneke, stated that he was glad to be a part of expanding and advising USPF’s processes.

Muoneke said, “At Intel, we are extremely passionate about furthering IT development in the Nigerian landscape and supporting initiatives which are targeted towards giving innovative Nigerians an outlet to express themselves. Capacity building is an area where Intel remains a forerunner with the required competence in engaging the Nigerian populace to bridge the digital divide. It is for this reason that we have chosen to support with USPF in pioneering this laudable initiative.”

L-R: Chairman, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa, Managing Director/CEO, Heritage Bank Limited, Ifie Sekibo and Executive Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Mrs. Adaeze Udensi at Heritage Bank Limited Chairman’s Media Parley in Lagos recently.

The winning team, Data Mart, whose solution was a data market place for people to buy and sell data with visualization, analytics and natural language search; expressed its gratitude to the Judges and USPF Hackathon for organizing the competition and encouraging growing

developers in Nigeria.

According to its spokesman Obinna Igbokwe, “We are very excited at winning the grand prize and we are grateful to the Judges for seeing potentials in our software solution.”

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) was estab-

lished by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the rural, unserved and under-served areas in Nigeria.

Heritage Bank Rebrands: Excites customers with seamless service Following the successful merger of Heritage Banking Company Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited, the emerging Heritage Bank Limited has concluded the integration of its systems to align the operations of the bank in all its locations across the country seamlessly.

The Chairman of the Board of the new Heritage Bank Limited Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa stated this while addressing a cream of news and business editors from major newspapers and magazines at a media parley hosted by the bank in Lagos recently.

He disclosed that the bank, which is still riding on the euphoria of the successful completion of the merger is set for a seamless operation that will satisfactorily meet the huge expectations of its teeming customers and stakeholders.

Akinfemiwa, who explained that the bank has, to this end, integrated its “processes, technology, people, and branch networks” to pave way for an efficient and smooth banking service for its customers all over

the country and beyond, added that “we have also rebranded all our branches and trained all the staff on all aspects of our core operational services. We have equally harmonised our products, customers and data at all our Experience Centres,” he said.

According to analysts, the new Heritage Bank Limited which emerged from the union of two banking institutions, though similar but with very unique value services has seen the emergence of an enviable corporate brand poised to carve a niche in the banking and financial services sector.

He explained further that the new stature and reach of Heritage Bank Limited will culminate in strength which will see the bank operating in a different and special way to satisfy customers and even outflank competition. According to him, Heritage Bank is an innovative and service-oriented bank and very unlike any other bank. “We are going to use technology to push our operations,” he said.

The new development has fully consolidated Heritage Bank’s position as a national financial institution that operates and renders full commercial banking services across the country.

The bank, which hitherto operated as a regional bank, with 15 Experience Centres, has increased its presence to about 200 service outlets which includes over 165 Experience Centres, 33 Automated Banking Centres, over 365 Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and over 4,800 Point of Sell (POS) terminals spread across the country.

The visibly elated Chairman of Board reiterated that Heritage Bank is poised to continue to blaze new trails and break new grounds in the banking sector. “We are positioned to continue to break new grounds in innovative banking services. We will continue to do things that have never been done in Nigerian banking; we will partner with our customers to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations,” he said.

He added that the new Heri-

tage Bank Limited “… is also driven by a set of principles that make it the embodiment of innovation wrapped in modest elegance and knowledge, enabling it to share and lead by example the emergence of a new attitude towards financial services, the people that provide them as well as those that benefit from them,” he said.

Corroborating the Chairman’s submissions, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Ifie Sekibo, reassured the senior journalists of the bank’s commitment to building on the existing quest for quintessential banking service delivery, guided by passion and sustained through its brand architecture that exudes quality service, performance, respect, integrity, innovation, tenacity and excellence as core values.

“We are sure we are going to get a much bigger organisation that will have the same ethos as Heritage Bank as it stands today, where innovation, transfer of wealth, creation of wealth is

our mantra, and that is what is going to happen,” Sekibo added.

Sekibo further explained that though the bank will not wish to be boxed into a niche mentality, it will want to be seen to support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME). He projected that within the next three to five years, the bank will strive to bring at least, three SMEs to the capital market. “We want to be expert in the areas of nurturing SMEs,” he added.

Sekibo, who reiterated the bank’s commitment to innovative banking services to meet the needs of its customers maintained that Heritage Bank Limited is a product of innovation and therefore encourages deployment of innovative platforms.

“We ride on the waves of innovative thinking, we thrive on an innovative ecosystem, we encourage and deploy innovative platforms”, he said, adding that innovation is inevitable for the banking industry due to changing dynamics across the globe which has penetrated banking.

· Exhibitions

· International partnerships

· Seminars

· Products’ launch

· Raffle draw

· Entertainment

· Discount sales

. Meet Regulators

Lawmaco Group showcases its products B4 at 10th AITF P

2015 ABUJA

Chamber of Commerce & Industy International Trade Fair Digest

Thursday, October 1, 2015

States, regulators mark special day at AITF Nigerian traditional attires produced at Fair grounds B5 P

Sights from 10th Abuja International Trade Fair B6 P

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday,October 1, 2015

States, regulators mark special day at AITF Events at the ongoing 10th Abuja International Trade Fair got to another crescendo on Wednesday with some states of the federation and some regulatory agencies rolling out the drums to celebrate and showcase what makes them unique and distinct from others.

Some of the states that took the centre stage at the fair grounds include Plateau and FCT. Indeed the celebrations added colour and excitement to the already bustling activities taking place at the fair.

Visitors and exhibitors especially foreigners were

drawn to the venues of the celebrations to witness first hand Nigerian rich and diverse cultural heritage at display on a rare occasion.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also hosted stakeholders to its special day at the fair to deepen awareness on its mandate of regulating the telecommunications industry.

The closing date of the fair which has been extended from the 2nd of October to the 5th will further avail visitors the opportunity to continue bargain shopping and sight-seeing.

L-R: President ACCI, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, Deputy Director / Head Public Relations NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka and Vice President ACCI, Mr. Imomo Oso

Lawmaco Group showcases its products at 10th AITF The Lawmaco Group, major dealers on lubricants and autocare products have joined hundreds of exhibitors to participate at the historic 10th Anniversary trade fair of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce taking place at its complex along airport road, Abuja.

Speaking to Daily Times at their exhibition booth, the Marketing Executive, Mr Ekene Ejeckam said though they have participated at other trade fairs across the federation, it was the first time the company was taking part at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair describ-

ing it as very unique.

Ejeckam said the Lawmaco Group deals on automatic fluid, auto battery and many other products.

He maintained that “the Abuja would have been very encouraging if the management had put more emphasis on publicity, the complex would not have contained the people but you can see the turnout is low, it is not encouraging.”

Many people in town are not aware that a trade fair of this magnitude is going in Abuja, so the organisers have to put more effort on adequate publicity in future event.”

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday,October 1, 2015

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L-R: Vice President ACCI, Mr. Osi Imomoh and Agelo Peter Elosia

Nigerian traditional attires produced at Fair grounds Olatorera dickson-amusa, Abuja The famous saying, “live and learn” can well be applied to the Abuja International Trade Fair 2015, where there is a ton of new and different things to feast the eyes upon, and quality experiences to remember. And not least amongst these experiences is watching a traditional Weaver producing made in Abuja Aso-Oke (Ashoke).

Many of us love to attend

social events all dressed up in various Traditional Wears such as Agbada, George, Fila, Buba, and Aso-Oke. However, only a relatively few number of people ever genuinely take the time out to find out how these beautiful materials are made, and what they are made out of.

When we wear these clothing materials, most Nigerians never give a thought to the beauty and ingenuity that go behind the scenes during production.

What are the substanc-

es or materials used?

What equipment gives the unique swirling and blending of patterns that Nigerian Indigenous clothing are so famous for?

It was well worth the time it took watching Mrs. Victoria Sunday, a professional weaver working on her loom at her stand, pushing in the woolen threads on different shelves, then using a carved wooden stick to firm it out. Mrs. Victoria has reportedly been practising this art for over fifty years!

According to her, every girl in her Native Town, Okene can weave cloth of all kinds fairly well by age seven. Now that is amazing.

Mrs. Victoria specializes in weaving Aso-Oke or Eta, a very popular material with a wide range of uses, from headgears to shoulder or waist pieces, or even for supporting a child on its mother’s back.

The cloth woven by Mrs. Victoria all differ according to pattern, use and the tribes they are intended for. It is wonderful to note

the large number of cultures represented at the stand, just a few amongst them being Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba and Igede.

And what about the equipment she uses?

Looking at a simple loom, it is easy to under-rate its importance. But just imagine for a second, a life without our precious African looms. How dull and unvaried societal events would look!

However, the loom is so simple in appearance. A few shelves or rows made of raffia palm and bal-

anced with planks. The operator interweaves the thread on it in a pulling and smoothening motion.

The loom works various kinds of material, ranging from raspy net, to slender silk and thick wool.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Hopefully, we will now be able to appreciate our unique Native Attires more. Not just the beauty, but also the effort that goes into their production. And what better place is there to find such beauty, than the Abuja Trade Fair 2015?

Classic Egyptian Artifacts displayed at Abuja Trade Fair Olatorera Dickson-Amusa, Abuja

L-R: Deputy Director Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Dr Lovette Ojih Ilobi and Meber NCC Osinachi Buchi-Chukwu

People who have watched documentaries on ancient Egyptian civilization will be familiar with majority of the artifacts on display at the Egyptian Stand Handicrafts located within the grounds of the Abuja International Trade Fair 2015.

The stand’s manager, Mr. Aly Hassan proudly pointed out the golden Pharaoh Heads, point headed pyramids and plaques inscribed with Arabic, all perfect for giving a home a cozy, antique kind of ambiance.

Mr. Aly, who came all the way from Egypt with his products, has lamented the sad lack of patronage. According to him, the reason for the shortage of customers is the wrong timing of the Trade Fair.

He said many people would have spent all their money on celebrating the recently observed Salah festival, and would have hardly enough to spare.

Apart from the beautiful Pharaoh designs and the pyramids, the Egyptian Stand also features uniquely patterned pillowcases, beautiful pictures of Egyptian landscapes and lifestyle.

Classical looking candlestands with many holders, wallets, beautifully embroidered pillow-cases and bed sheets also play a prominent role in the stand’s unique look.

Do you like artifacts from foreign exotic lands?

Have you ever wondered about the exact texture of embroidered Egyptian clothing materials? Or is it the mystery and glamor behind the ancient Pharaohs that attract you?

Visit the magnificent Egyptian Stand Handicrafts, located within the Abuja International Trade Fair grounds and indulge every bit of your curiosity.

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday,October 1, 2015

S I G H T S F R O M DAY 13

L-R: Deputy Director / Consumer Affairs NCC, Mr. Philip Eretan and Dr. Femi Atoyebi, President ACCI, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, and Vice President ACCI, Mr. Imomo Oso during the National Anthem ....Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

L-R: Deputy Director / Consumer Affairs NCC, Mr. Philip Eretan and Dr. Femi Atoyebi

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

B7 Brands and Marketing

L-R: Divisional Head, Managed SMEs, Fidelity Bank Plc., Ken Opara, Executive Director, Shared Services, Fidelity Bank Plc., Chijioke Ugochukwu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Channels Television, John Momoh and Anchor Person, Fidelity SME Forum, Martins Udogie when Momoh shared some amazing insights on how to build a sustainable world-class brand at the weekly radio talk show organised by Fidelity Bank recently.

Unilever sustainable living plan captures UN’s 2030 target Stories by Godwin Anyebe

In line with the UN Global Goals initiative, Unilever Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to continue advancing the lives of Nigerians through its sustainable living plan.

Speaking on the 17 global goals recently ratified at the UN Summit held in New York, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc said the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) was launched five years

ago to tackle some of the issues raised at the summit.

“In 2010 we set out the USLP as a blueprint for achieving our vision to decouple growth from environmental impact and increase social impact” said Nsarkoh.

On September 25, 2015, leaders of 193 UN member states in New York ratified the 17 global goals that will provide the blueprint for the world’s development till 2030.

The ambitious agenda – which aims to tackle poverty, climate change and inequality for all peo-

Nutrition Society of Nigeria endorses Maltina for quality For maintaining top notch product quality for a 39-year uninterrupted stretch and also for being the only malt drink fortified with calcium, Maltina, one of Nigeria’s leading malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc has been endorsed by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN). The foremost nutrition association endorsed the brand - the only one in its category - during its 45th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Lagos.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Vice-President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Dr. Bartholomew Brai, praised

Maltina for the nutrient-rich product. Dr. Brai who doubles as the Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Society, said: “Nigerian Breweries approached us because they were confident of the quality of the products they offer. And then we subjected them to rigorous examinations and laboratory analysis to ascertain the product claims. At the end of the process, we were convinced that what Maltina claims are the same with our results.

“As Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, I can say boldly that, aside its

ple in all countries – was signed off at the start of a three-day UN summit on sustainable development.

“Through our brands social mission, we have encapsulated some of the issues raised in the UN Global Goals into three focus areas of - reducing our environmental impact, improving the health and well-being of more than a billion people, and enhancing the livelihoods of millions working in our value chain” Nsarkoh informed.

For instance, Pepsodent, in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association, continues to contribute to improving professional dental standards and deliver oral health care projects across multiple channels to change people’s habits. Earlier this year, Pepsodent led the global movement for better dental care on World Oral Health day by hosting 1000 children in the same location to take a pledge to brush day & night, and encourage their parents to do same. And by 2020, Unilever aims

numerous nutritional benefits, Maltina is rich in calcium and vitamin A. These are key strong points of the product.” Dr. Brai pointed out that the society is proud to be associated with the Maltina brand due to its richness and vitality for healthy living.

Receiving the endorsement certificate on behalf of the company, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Mr. Adewole Adedeji, said the endorsement is very important to the brand because it’s an attestation to the claim of complete richness.

He added that the endorsement was a further validation that the product claims are based on verifiable proofs and testament to the highly beneficial constituents of the Maltina brand which is also the only malt drink in Nigeria that is calcium-enriched,

a key nutrient needed for the development of healthy bones and teeth, normal blood clotting, and peak performance of the nervous system.

Speaking further on the impact of the endorsement, Adedeji said: “Anybody can claim to be anything. But when respected bodies like the Nutrition Society of Nigeria go out of their way to formally endorse a brand, then it means your claims are valid and immensely beneficial to the consumers. That way, value propositions are based on actual product truths.”

Corroborating Dr. Brai, he noted that the endorsement did not come on a platter of gold, adding that the drink was subjected to series of laboratory tests, physical inspection of the brewery to ascertain the

to reach 10 million children in Nigeria with its ‘Brush Everyday Day and Night oral health campaign to ensure healthy life style.”

“Also, Knorr is contributing to tackling anaemia amongst women and teenage girls in Nigeria with its iron-fortified cubes and tailor-made behaviour change initiatives to improve their health and reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in Nigeria.”

“Through our Women Empowerment Programme tagged ‘Gbemiga’, Unilever has helped women in rural communities in South-West Nigeria set up their own businesses, and increase their earnings and quality of life.

Many women have benefited from this project so far”, Nsarkoh said.

Unilever believes that the challenges that the Global Goals aim to tackle have a huge impact on its business and it is key for the sustainable development of Nigeria.

For a safe environment, Unilever Nigeria is constantly making efforts to reduce environmental impact by ensuring that effluents from factories do not degrade the environment. This has come through in areas like hazardous waste reduction through focused action; reuse and recycling; and partnership with recycling organisations.

As world leaders endorsed the Global Goals campaign on September 25th, Unilever Nigeria has already set the pace for its implementation in Nigeria through its different sustainable living brands. “We are making progress against tough targets. Our actions are helping us to reduce costs, take waste out of the system and drive innovation that is making a positive difference in the social and environmental challenges facing us all, taking us steps closer to the bright future we seek to create” Nsarkoh said.

Brai

hygiene conditions of the brewing process to ensure that global best practices are carefully observed.

As a result of its proven quality and refreshing richness, Maltina - which is the first locally produced Malt Drink in Nigeria – is now the only Malt Drink endorsed by the NSN.

ICT B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Microsoft’s Office 2016 comes with aid for team work Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Microsoft Corporation said it has begun the worldwide release of Office 2016 as it also announced a new and enhanced Office 365 services built for team productivity.

The apps are the latest addition to Office 365, Microsoft’s cloudbased subscription service that helps people do their best work, together.

“The way people work has changed dramatically, and that’s why Microsoft is focused on reinventing productivity and busi-

ness processes for the mobilefirst, cloud-first world.

“These latest innovations take another big step forward in transforming Office from a familiar set of individual productivity apps to a connected set of apps and services designed for modern working, collaboration and teamwork,” chief executive officer of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, said.

Nadella wrote about the new Office on the Official Microsoft Blog. Kirk Koenigsbauer, corporate vice president for the Office Client Applications and Services team, provided more insights

about Office 2016 on the Office Blog.

Office 2016 delivers new versions of the Office desktop apps for Windows, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Project, Visio and Access.

By subscribing to Office 365, customers can get always-up-todate, fully installed apps for use across their devices combined with a continually evolving set of consumer and commercial services, such as OneDrive online storage, Skype for Business, Delve, Yammer and enterprise-grade security features.

Kaymu, Gbemisoke excites fans with Independence Day freebies

Evangeline Wiles Managing Director Of Kaymu

Popular Beat FM OAP, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi launched the promo in collaboration with

online shopping community, Kaymu.com.ng for an Independence Day Giveaway to celebrate

Nigeria at 55 tagged#BetterWith GbemisokeShoes.

There are up to N100, 000 voucher for grabs at the Kaymu/ Gbemisoke shoes independence Day promo.

According to Tomiwa Oladele, PR Manager, Kaymu Nigeria, from September 29th to October 2nd, 20 winners will stand the chance to win discount vouchers to purchase the newly released Gbemisoke heels on Kaymu!

“To win, follow the steps, post a picture of yourself wearing an outfit that would look better with Gbemisoke Shoes; Follow and Tag @GbemisokeShoes and@ KaymuNigeria with #GbemisokeShoes for a repost; Get your friends to repost your entry on @KaymuNigeria’s page and the more reposts the higher your chances of winning!”, she explained.

Nadella

Instagram records nearly 100m users more than twitter Photo and video sharing platform owned by Facebook, Instagram has recorded 400 million users according to an announcement on its blog with over 75 per cent of this number living outside the US. Twitter announced in July it had slightly over 300m users. ”We are thrilled to announce that the Instagram community has grown to more than 400 million strong. Our community has evolved to be even more global, with more than 75 percent living outside of the US,” the firm announced.

According to Instagram among the last 100 million to join, more than half live in Europe and Asia and the countries that added the most Instagrammers include

Mascot IT Solutions holds first Nigeria ICT Fest In a bid to bridge the gap between Nigeria and her global counterpart in areas of ICT challenges, Mascot Information and Technology Solutions holds the maiden edition of Nigeria ICT Fest.

Speaking in a new statement made available to journalists recently in Lagos. The Managing Director of Mascot Information and Technology Solutions, Mr. Agbolade Omowole said; “we are in the midst of a technological revolution and Nigeria is fortunate to be included on the cutting-edge.

Emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology and genetic engineering which can of

help to Nigerians.”

Whilst most of these technologies are being developed at Silicon Valley, California, USA, and other technologically developed regions of the world, there is need for Nigerians and Africa as a whole to embrace these emerging technologies.”

According to him, the need for Nigeria and Africa as a whole to be at global centre stage when it come ICT informed the idea behind organizing Nigeria ICT fest.

The maiden edition of Nigeria ICT Fest will pull technology thought leaders including transhumanists, futurists and bioethicists to Nigeria to discuss emerging technolo-

gies and how they can be used by Nigerian industries, organizations and institutions to aid her socioeconomic development. He added.

He said that the event is scheduled to hold on the 4th and 5th of December, 2015. And there will be talk on issues such as: ICT and entertainment industry in Nigeria, ICT and the media, ICT and the economy, ICT as a tool for social change, ICT and enterprise development, and ICT and innovation, among others.

Speakers for the event include Ben Goertzel (Artificial General Intelligence expert based in Honkong), David Pearce (UK British Philosopher), Hank

Pellissier (Executive Director, Brighter Brains Institute), Zoltan Istvan (US 2016 presidential candidate), Rhonda Green (Harvard Alumnus, researcher on ageing), Michael Anissimov (thought leader in emerging technologies),Loredana TerecVlad (Romanian based expert on organization ethics and ethical auditing), Bryce Lynch (Information Security expert based in the USA) and Micah Redding (president, christian transhumanist association, USA).

Michael Imolode, business development manager at Mascot Information and Technology Solutions, says this is the first time

Brazil, Japan and Indonesia.

Instagram revealed that the most followed accounts include David Beckham from the UK, Caitlyn Jenner from the US, Indonesia’s Raffi and Nagita, German soccer player Toni Kroos and South Korea’s T.O.P. Nearly five years old, Instagram recently launched globally its ad services to businesses with a technology leveraging Facebook’s ads infrastructure for targetted ads to specific audiences say in fashion, sports, cars or food among others.

Now with an audience of 400million, advertisers are sure their ads will reach a maximum number of photo-centric and fashion lovers than on any other platform Facebook.

we are bringing people from all continents of the world to Nigeria to speak on how ICT and human enhancement technologies can help in the social economicdevelopment of Nigeria.

Zoltan Istvan, US presidential candidate 2016, Transhumanist Party will speak on the topic, “The future of politics: how technology can aid the socio economic development of Nigeria.”

On his part, Ayemhere Aidaghese, project manager of the Nigeria ICT Fest says the event will help in motivating Nigerians to be a part of the coming technological revolution.

Partners of Nigreria ICT Fest include: Click Host Nigeria, MOVE Media, MobileSwagg, Nerd Concept, Easy Taxi, Dore Concept, thesheet.ng and Emmas Cake and Event Management.

Life& Times Thursday, October 1, 2015

Keppy Bassey

Ekpenyong The husky, sexy thespian

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Preparing for a role is like going on a date –Keppy Bassey Ekpenyong where I started. He called me and said, Keppy, I want you to do a role for me. The moment I heard that I became scared, I had butterflies in my stomach; my knees became a rubber band. I couldn’t stand, I couldn’t think of it. I wanted to escape from the scene but he calmed me down by saying the role fits me perfectly. Then I was much bigger and I think my voice was much huskier, it hadn’t been spoilt by cigarettes. You know I smoke.

He said further: ‘I need your voice, I need your size and I think you would do it.’

Within three months, he trained me to have confidence in myself. He explained to me how the lines should be taken. The movie: ‘Boys Next Door,’ started it off for me. So, by the time I got into NTA to serve, I did a lot of tele-movies, I was even on the New Village Headmaster. Then, there was Ripples that ran for five years on network.

The name Keppy Bassey Ekpenyong is a household name in the movie industry with several mind-blowing roles to his credit having carved a niche for himself shortly after making a major appearance in one Tade Ogidan’s TV soap, Boys Next Door and other great jobs that includes the popular New Village Headmaster and Ripples.

In the chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the two degrees holder actor in Linguistic and International Law & Diplomacy leads us into his acting career, politics and the journey so far. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

How did you get into acting?

It started during my youth service with the NTA and the programme was Platform.

Just before then, I had done soap with Tade Ogidan, a renowned TV director and film producer sometime in the early 80s. He is my elder brother. That was

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

How do you prepare for a role when you first get the script?

Preparing for a role is like going out on a date! For me, what applies is getting a firm grip of the story in general. When that has been achieved, a lot more concentration is made on the character.

This is where some investigation initiates a process. Unconsciously you need to be the character. Is the character educated?

Does he act it? What nature of work is he engaged in? Who are his friends and why? What’s his relationship with his family and why? A whole lot goes into putting a character together. What traits does he have? Does he smoke? If yes, what and why? Does he stammer, limp, and have a lisp? You need to discover his dress code and why he has that attachment. And as you investigate into the character, you realise that the (lines) script is only a prop! The lines make new meaning and the character leaps into your reality and stays there.

Your face is not as visible as it used to be on the silver screen, any reason for that?

It depends on where you are looking at.

What you readily recall is the hit drama series, Ripples. That is because as at that time, NTA was the only station in Africa that was quite pronounced. I was on television every week for about five years without a break. Since then we have had a proliferation of private television stations and cable televisions. In recent times we have internet television stations and they all compete with each other. We all work on these platforms and some of the works I have done are restricted to some particular platforms so they don’t become part of the general productions.

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

For your first degree in the university, you studied Linguistics and later had a second degree in International Law and Diplomacy. How did you become an actor?

I have found out that actors are born and it is either you have it in you or not. A formalized training just helps to polish the talent. I think I was born an actor and due to some capacity building, I was able to polish my talent. We learn everyday on the job and it happens worldwide where you find someone from another field becoming really popular as an actor. I don’t think it is noteworthy that I did not study theatre in school.

But one would have thought that you would become a soldier like your father?

I think every young man would like to walk in his father’s shoes especially if his father is successful. I don’t think my case was different. I wanted to become an officer and also a medical doctor like my father was but God had a different plan for me.

Was there any time you felt like quitting your profession?

When we started, we were driven by passion and we pursued it ceaselessly despite the challenges. Back then, there was a little resistance to acceptance because a lot of people saw entertainment as the dumping ground for drop-outs in the country. It was ironic because most people who were in the profession then had good educational qualification. Life is funny because people who questioned my father’s liberty for allowing me participate in the industry presently send their children to me to be a part of this industry.

How come you father was so openminded about your chosen career?

My father was not cut from that old fabric.

He was a free minded man and he had studied in Bristol and when he came back, he was persuaded to join the army by the first Nigerian officer to be commissioned into the army, Wellington Bassey. He convinced my father with some of the traditions of the force like burial and my father looked forward to a military burial.

That he was a military man did not change the fact that he was a father who loved his kids. He was very accommodating and he was very interested in participating and developing every aspect of our peculiarities.

Why is it that actors have developed the habit of always going to visit either the president or other government officials?

I unveiled myself on particular occasions.

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

I was in the Presidential Villa for the first time when the president agreed to be the grand patron of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

I have visited there some other times to lend support and for some requests. I need to make something clear; we have identified the fact that there are several other professionals that work within the industry. This means that we are trained, educated and exposed and we are very aware of what is going on in the society.

It is a known fact that actors are widely travelled due to the nature of our job.

We know what is going on in the country because we travel to various parts to shoot our movies. We know the temperament of the people, so when we go to see political office holders, it is because of our informed positions and we have our own views which we choose to share. I think a lot of people can tap into that resource.

People feel that most actors that visit political office holders go to beg for money?

I really would not want to be insulted but it is the mischief of shallow minded people to think that every time you relate with people, you do so in a vacuum. A lot of actors have been processed through various institutions; we have some PhD holders in the industry and I think it is likely that most of us went to school with some of the people in government today.

So we have personal relationship outside our professional inclination. I don’t think there is anything wrong in making friends.

We meet more people on a daily basis than anybody else in the world, so I don’t see that narrow perspective unless for the very mischievous people. Actors that go to see political office holders don’t go to beg for money.

How has it been juggling your career with your matrimonial duties?

I don’t know because I cannot imagine any challenge in that regards. I would say I was properly groomed and somehow God has blessed me with a companionship that compliments my kind of orientation. Her level of understanding is unbelievable and I draw a lot of strength and support from my family unit.

How did you meet your wife?

In life, there are a few things that go beyond the physical. I am a very sellable person, so for me that is where the communication starts from. There was some level of communication when we first met because it was her sight that first attracted me to her. Then there were the vocal encounters that did not immediately

Graphics Luke Utomi

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

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Music Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Mutiat Alli

Korede Bello ignites Glo slide & Bounce ...Drops follow up song

Shola out with ‘I love Naija’

Mavin record’s Mega super star as he is fondly called, Korede Bello, created a buzz at the just concluded Glo Slide & Bounce Tour held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites as he rocked the stage with a Led Light Shoe.

The Mavin Artiste was a major crowd attraction where he performed his smash hit ‘Godwin’, African Princess, Cold Outside amongst others.

Findings revealed that the Led Light Shoe was given to him by his manager, Casmir Uwaegbute, also known as Casper after he bagged an endorsement deals with Globacom recently.

Pulling forward, Mavin record Boss, Don Jazzy hinted via Instagram snippet of Korede’s latest single titled’ Something Great’ featuring Asa.

MTN Project Fame season 7 finalist, Shola have proved consistency in the music industry with back to back musical release ranging from Igbese, Alujo, Amen and the latest I love Naija in commemoration of Nigeria’s 55th anniversary celebration.

‘I love Naija’ was produced by the talented Dresticks, and is one of the numerous amazing songs that Shola has put out in just a year.

Oritsefemi, Ice-prince, others miss Headies 2015 list ... As Olamide gets eight nominations In a list comprising of 21 categories, organisers of the Headies award have unveiled nominees of the 10th edition of the award in categories that sees a competitive blend of the relevant acts and upcoming battling for spots in the award.

Topping the list of this year’s edition is YBNL boss, Olamide Adedeji, with eight nominations that includes Album of the year, Song of the year, Rap album, Best Collaboration, Best pop single, Best street-hop artiste and the coveted artiste of the year nomination alongside top acts that includes Wizkid, Davido, Yemi Alade and P-square.

Following next to YBNL boss is Star boy musician, Wizkid with seven nominations to mention but few.

However, missing out in this year’s edition of the award nominations are some of Nigeria’s biggest and brightest stars that includes Chidinma,

Cynthia Morgan reaffirms love for Burna Boy

With news of their dating rumours making waves in social media lately after photos of their cuddle up surfaced leaving many fans wondering if they are in a relationship or another form of publicity stunt, Nigerian dancehall singer, Cynthia Morgan again released another picture alongside Burna Boy. According to the Northside Entertainment act, Cynthia has finally revealed that the visuals are for her new single titled ‘Simatiniya’ with Burna having a cameo appearance where they both demonstrated love, heartbreak and cuddle up in the new video.

Runtown, 9ice, Kcee, Harrysong, IcePrince, D’banj, Banky-W, and Omawunmi amongst others.

The highly coveted ‘Next Rated’ award category features popular acts such as Reekado Bankz, Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello, Cynthia Morgan, and Lil’ Kesh who will battle to win the grand prize.

Iceprince

Africa Magic partners Tecno in Karaoke competition

Olamide

Dotun

Dotun headlines Olamide’s London concert Cool FM OAP, Dotun has been named as the host of YBNL’s upcoming concert in the UK. The event which comes up on Sunday, October 25, 2015 will have all YBNL acts including label boss, Olamide, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Chinko Ekun and DJ Enimoney thrill their London fans.

Dotun will be joining popular UK comedian, Eddie Kadi, who had

earlier been named as host while The Composers who over the weekend delivered an impressive performance with Davido are also set to perform with the YBNL acts.

The event which is being organised by Smade Entertainment, same promotion outfit that hosted the Davido concert will be held at the Troxy 490 in London.

Committed to giving its subscribers and several clientele first class entertainment, Mutichoice Nigeria owners of Africa Magic has hinted partnership with fast leading mobile phone manufacturing company, Tecno, to launch the ‘The Tecno Own The Stage karaoke competition’.

According to the general manager of Tecno Mobile Apps, Oye Akindeinde, the competition is open to talented acts across Africa who will battle it out for a $50,000 prize and an amazing chance to record and go on musical tour with a known artiste. The maiden edition of the competition is open to 15 contestants from three African countries: Nigeria, Tanzania and Kenya. It will run for three months.

Oye said ‘ “At Tecno we continuously strive for greatness.

Our products and growth across

Africa are a testament to our drive for perfection, success and harnessing the best in the markets we operate in. The Tecno Own the Stage competition is simply in furtherance of this fact.

Africa is brimming with love and undeniable talent for music; there are a lot of people who, given an opportunity, will showcase to the rest of the continent and indeed the world just what they are capable of. The Tecno Own the Stage competition gives them the opportunity and the platform to do just that.”

Forming part of the judges for the contest includes Chocolate City music chairman and rapper, MI, Yemi Alade and Bien, a member of the famous African music group Sauti Sol. Winners of the contest will go home with mouth-watering amounts, Tecno Phantom 5 Smartphone, recording deal amongst others.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

L5 Movie Gists

Mutiat Alli

AFRIFF Film Festival 2015 holds Nov.

Dry gets multiple ZAFAA nomination Internationally acclaimed actress, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, having premiered her much anticipated movie ‘Dry’ at a well-attended event held in Lagos and Abuja respectively has grabbed eight nominations for this year’s edition of ZAFAA Global Awards 2015.

It is worthy of note that Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge who made her debut in the critically acclaimed ‘Dry,’ got a nomination in the ‘Best Child Performance’ category.

Dry received nominations in the following categories that includes Best Producer – Stephanie Linus, Best Film, Best Supporting Actor Female – Rekiya Attah, Best Actor Female – Stephanie Linus, Best Director – Stephanie Linus, Best Editing, Best Cinematography.

Inspired by the true story of a young girl named Aisha, the movie features Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron and Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown.

October 1st to begin TV showing Following its AMAA 2015 ‘Best Nigerian Film’ win, Kunle Afolayan’s hit movie ‘October 1’ is set to premiere on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151) today in celebration of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary celebration.

‘October 1’ is set in Colonial Nigeria, and narrates the story of a police officer from Northern Nigeria, Danladi Waziri, who is posted to a remote town of Akote in Western Nigeria to investigate the frequent female murder cases in the community, and have the mystery solved before the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s

Independence Day. The movie which will premiere at 17:30CAT (4:30pm Nigerian time), is a 2014 Nigerian dark psychological thriller film written by Tunde Babalola, produced and directed

by Kunle Afolayan.

The much talked about award winning film stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Olaiya, David Bailie, Kehinde Bankole, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Nick Rhys, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Manuel, Ibrahim Chatta, Demola Adedoyin, and a special appearance from Deola Kunle Afolayan Sagoe.

Eucharia Anunobi

joins Tinsel series Eucharia Anunobi

Eucharia Anobi joins Tinsel series (Pics: Euharia) Veteran actress turned Evangelist, Eucharia Anobi, have joined the MNET TV soap series, Tinsel, as she is expected to play the role of Claudia Ojeme, mother to Jared Ojeme and wife of Japhet Ojeme.

In recent developments, the series has witnessed a number of exits and replacements with popular names that includes Damilola Adegbite, Chris Attoh, Victor Olaotan and Uti Nwachukwu.

Handlers of Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, have announced that the 2015 edition of the event will hold between Sunday, November 8 and Sunday November 15, 2015.

Billed to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, the memorable event made up of movie screenings, seminars and trainings will see participation from a host of local and international creative professionals including filmmakers, celebrities, actors, directors, film critics and visual artists.

According to the organisers, there will also be opportunities for participants to engage with the media, buyers, distributors, students and amateur filmmakers.

For this year’s edition of the festival, AFRIFF will reward and acknowledge film makers in different categories such Best Student Short, Best Documentary, Best Short Film and Best Authentic Nigerian Feature. There will be monetary prizes also given to the winners of these prizes.

Lizzy Anjorin

Is Lizzy Anjorin really broke?

Mercy Aigbe–Gentry

Contrary to the buzz on social media that light-skinned actress, Lizzy Anjorin and Kofo Tinubu star is broke, the star actress has come out to debunk the news, noting that all is well with her career and several businesses.

In a chat with the actress, she however noted that the news emanated from haters in the industry who envies her success shortly after putting up one of the best premiere in the Yoruba industry.

However on why her Peak Me Reloaded store has been under lock and key, Lizzy revealed that renovations are currently taking place in the store which she still operates even though she has been busy shuttling from one location and another.

It is important to note that the star actress is currently on set of new project titled’ Lizzy Anjorin Play house, a comic series soon to hit TV stations across the country.

Mercy Aigbe’s Victims’ gets November date

Edo State star actress, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, has hinted plans towards the successful premiering of her much talked about movie’ Victims’ which is expected to hold November 1, 2015 at venue that will be released soon.

According to the MAG DIVA boss, all hands are currently on deck to ensure a good viewing of the movie at cinemas across the country come November 8, 2015.

She said: ‘As part of the preparation too, we are looking out a meet and greet session with my fans at the malls preaching the gospel against gender inequalities’.

Victims’ movie ex-rays the life of a struggling woman who fought all through stages of life to become relevant in the society.

New Music Alert

Chioma Ude

As part of the poverty is sexist campaign, organisers of the ONE. Org campaign has officially released the visuals of the much talked about Strong girl remix featuring top stars that includes Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, D’banj, Victoria Kimani, Banky-W, Selmor, Waje, Bono, Yemi Alade and Tanzanian act, Diamondz Platinum.

Interview L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

Actors don’t beg for money from political office holders

–Keppy Bassey Ekpenyong

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starts from. There was some level of communication when we first met because it was her sight that first attracted me to her. Then there were the vocal encounters that did not immediately suggest anything permanent but proposed an environment of compatibility and that is how it is. I am not going to say much on this topic.

But I learnt that it was your wife that proposed to you because you were quite timid?

I just think you thought about that right now to provoke a reaction but I really would not indulge you.

Many people see actors as womanizers; do you fall in that category?

I think those people who subscribe to such thoughts are cowardly enough to pass the buck.

Maybe they envy the position because actors are extremely visible practitioners so when you

see an actor in public there is the tendency to judge us immediately.

I don’t think actors are womanizers because there is a natural affinity between a man and a woman.

But you were known to be a ladies’ man especially in the 90s?

I think I am defined by my passion. All the pecks that come with what I do are not as extreme as my passion. For me the focus is not about impressing people but it is directed in finding fulfillment in what I do. I was a good looking young man and ladies love good looking young men. Even those that are not famous suffer the same fate. I understand that we all endure particular pressure at some level but it is up to you to handle it. Some people lacked certain things while growing up but that was not my case. I did not lack to an extent that would force me into desperation to take advantage of any situation. It has never happened in my life.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on the season two of a television soap opera that preaches about family planning messages and malaria. We appreciate this more because we are impacting on the lives of Nigerians through these messages. I working with about seven veterans on a platform called NZP. We have decided to give back to the society from our collective benefit from the industry.

We wanted to give our viewers and fans something in return so we created this vehicle and we drive particular messages. This is not the first time we are driving such messages, the first time we preached about violence against women. It did very well before we decided to work on this new project.

Some believe that the new crops of actors are not as seasoned as your contemporaries?

I think we are actually scared of them. I think they are very good and our real pride is that we established standards. We

gave them something to look forward to, a standard to attain.

There are some of them who are outrageously good it is painful.

Don’t mind anybody that tries to pull them down. They are not just used to them yet but with time that would change. I think what we have successfully done is to pass on the baton so we have a core of younger players. I believe that if they are given a chance they would be more announced than we are. I am excessively proud of them.

What do you mean when you said you are scared of them?

I am not scared of them; I was using the word freely to describe the potential that they have.

Have you ever been told you have a lovely, husky and sexy voice?

Yes, I have been told. I’m aware of it. I have a sexy and lovely voice.

When you play back your tape at night and your husband listens to it, he would be jealous (laughs).

Bassey Ekpenyong

Places to be today Lights Camera Africa film festival (Pics: light) Venue: Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Date: Sept 30th- Oct. 4th, 2015.

Time: 10am Film showing: Head gone, Gone too Far, Saworoide, Timbuktu, Finding Fela

Captive movie screening (Pics: captive) Venue: The Rock Cathedral, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos Time: 6pm

Okonkwo inquest stage play A stage play inspired by Chinua Achebe’s classic novel “Things Fall Apart”. The play intends to rationalize human reactions to strange cultures and dogmas through a post mortem on the fatal consequences of colonial assumptions of the African traditional structure.

Okonkwo’s Inquest a devised Theatre workshop play directed by multiple award winning Theatre veterans Toyin Oshinaike and is proudly produced by Oxzygen Koncepts.

Date: Oct 1st and 2nd 2015 Time: Oct 1 – (1pm, 3pm and 6pm) and Oct 2 (7pm) Venue: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

L7 Buzz Bytes

Is Skales the

‘Man of the year’?

Having been in the industry for a while, Raoul John Njeng – Njeng otherwise known as Skales started out showing a lot of promise. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite work out so well when he tried to transition from being a rap artiste to a pop star. Perhaps, one of the reason why his contract wasn’t renewed at his then label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). Well, without or without EME, the now domiciled Baseline artiste, has forged on with the recent release of his highly anticipated debut album, Man of the year, a 22 track album in which he featured Burna Boy, Davido, Reekado Banks, Olamide , Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, Phyno, Kenny Wonder, Attitude, Capital FEMI and Rotimi.

Production credits goes to Jay Pizzle, Spellz, Orbeat, Dj Coublon, Uhuru, Echo, Bobby Combz, Ganja Beatz, Drey Beatz and TK on the beat. Surprisingly, his record label’s in-house music producer, Mr Chiddo, didn’t feature in the production of the album. The album kicks off with an amazing intro by Cool FM on air personality, Do2dtun, something that immediately sets one in the mood that one is about to listen to a great album. It continues with a steady

progression and ascension in sound quality alternating between different genres of music as well as an impressive diversity.

He did try to experiment with other genres like rap which he stared with, pop and R n B. Clearly he is more at home with singing than with rap. Some of the stand-out songs in the album are; track 3: Lo Le, track 4: Always featuring Davido, track 6: Ijo Ayo featuring Olamide and I am for real and happy. Many have said that the song, I am for real and happy, is a shot at his former label mate, Wizkid, whom he had a spat with in the social media. A poor try if you ask me, considering that there are 22 songs and only four seem pretty okay. Clearly, Skales tried the best he could to make the listening public respect him and his album.

He does his best to pull all his tricks on the album which really has too many songs but the watered down lyrics is to say the least, quite disconcerting. Beyond any reasonable doubt, Skales shouldn’t have titled his debut album, Man of the year, a title that was already an album title, not only closely associated with indigenous rapper, Phyno, but something the rapper clearly earned.

The album obviously doesn’t deserve it.

Secret Room: How safe are your secrets?

Mutiat Alli

In its own way, Secret room is our version of those haunted house movies that we watch at night and are terrified to sleep later. The location of the movie which was a small quiet village somewhere in the Western parts was totally appropriate. The fact that they had the right kind of weather (real or created) on their side, made the production believable and different. Ambassador John Furiye (Jide Kosoko) dies, leaving a secret in his old house for his daughter, Edna (Lilian Esoro), now married to Kingsley Ojei (O. C. Ukeje). Unknown to her, Kingsley is on a revenge mission because he believes Furiye killed his (Kingsley’s) mum. As Edna and Kingsley embark on a journey to unearth this secret, a lady, Ada (Linda Ejiofor) who claims to work for the real estate company in charge of the Ambassador’s property, joins them and everything comes to the fore.

Secret Room started to send chills down my spine from just looking at the poster. Not sure where the excitement steamed from, I however looked forward to watching this thriller that had a three man cast.

As it relates to the cast, the characters seem to fit perfectly well to the roles assigned. OC who played Ojei delivered his role well; scheming, plotting and waiting on the right time to take his revenge.

I loved the way they were able to carry the suspense without making the story feel boring. Linda also handled her role well. For Lilian, she has her own way of interpreting the role; perfect eye contact and the right mood for every scene. There was an impressive feeling of the time taken to prepare the various documents found in the house, documents typed with a typewriter signifying the times, the journal of the former owner of the house showed that a little bit of research must have been carried out. It wasn’t pleasing however to see the model of iPhone and blackberry used by Edna and Ojei for a movie that was supposedly shot in 2007.

On the technical side of the movie, the weather props were second to none, especially the rainfall which felt real and truly believable. Picture and sound quality was pretty nice. However despite the good story line, there were scenes where little light was used which made the scenes quite dark. I want to commend the director of the movie for a good ending other than usual struggle of villains in movies. The use of a cylinder gas to get rid of Ojei was a classic one. Secret room was indeed worth the time and deserves an 8/10 rating.

Running time: 1:44:22 Director: Eneaji Chris Eneng Written by: Gideon Okeke Cast: OC Ukeje, Jide Kosoko, Lilian Esoro and Linda Ejiofor Genre: Thriller

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 1, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

141 Eva Channel

150 Africa Magic Showcase

23:00

23:31

Thu, Oct 1 | PG13

Thu, Oct 1 | PG13

‘S1/E58 - 1/58’. Alejandra threatens to kill Edmundo. An obsessed Fernando looks for clues amongst Alejandra’s things to help find her.

Meanwhile, Javier gets valuable information regarding Manriquez’s multiple estates.

‘S9/E9 - 9/9’. Michelle Attoh chats with Ameyaw Kissi Debrah, known professionally as Ameyaw Debrah, a Ghanaian celebrity blogger, freelance journalist and reporter.

101 M-Net

00:00 Sniper: Legacy 02:00 Veronica Mars 04:00 The Voice 05:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 06:00 The Middle 06:30 NCIS: New Orleans 07:30 Chicago PD 08:30 Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes 10:35 The Goldbergs 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 The Blacklist 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 Entertainment Now! 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 Mike & Molly 17:30 The Voice 18:30 The Fixer 19:30 Hawaii Five-0 20:30 NCIS: New Orleans 21:30 CSI: Cyber 22:30 Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:45 The Weakest Link

11:00 My Family

00:25 Most Shocking

01:30 Silent Witness

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:20 Sexy Car Wash

02:20 Come Dine With Me

12:20 Top Gear

01:50 Rude Tube

03:10 EastEnders

13:15 Come Dine With Me

02:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

03:40 QI

14:10 Dragons’ Den

02:45 Jerks With Cameras

04:10 Top Gear

15:10 The Weakest Link

03:10 Impractical Jokers

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:00 EastEnders

03:35 Most Shocking

05:25 QI

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

04:30 South Beach Tow

05:55 The Thin Blue Line

17:15 QI

05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak

06:30 EastEnders

17:50 Would I Lie To You?

05:25 Exposed

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

18:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

05:50 Exposed

07:55 The Weakest Link

19:15 Downton Abbey

06:15 Video Zonkers

08:45 The Cube

21:00 Mrs Brown’s Boys

06:40 Video Zonkers

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

21:35 Miranda

07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

22:10 Live At The Apollo

08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

155 AfricaMagic World

09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers

154 AfricaMagic Family

12:05 Video Zonkers

11:30 Star Gist

12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos

12:00 Music Block

13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh

14:35 South Beach Tow

14:00 53 Extra

15:05 Most Shocking

14:30 Family Ties

00:00 Music Block

14:00 Star Gist

16:05 1000 Ways To Die

14:30 Star Gist

02:00 Music Block

15:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas

01:00 Good Morning Africa

16:30 Video Zonkers

02:05 Deal Or No Deal SA

15:00 Star Gist

03:00 Good Morning Africa

17:00 Video Zonkers

16:00 Prem

03:00 Music Block

15:30 Lies That Bind

04:00 Music Block

17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos

16:30 Living With Trisha

04:00 The Dzigbordi Show

16:00 The Dzigbordi Show

05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh

18:30 South Beach Tow

17:30 Mary Slessor

05:00 Good Morning Africa

17:00 So Wrong So Wright

06:00 Good Morning Africa

18:00 Jane And Abel

06:00 Angels In Hell

17:30 So Wrong So Wright

19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

07:00 Star Gist

18:30 Jane And Abel

08:05 Last Angel In Hell

18:00 The Dzigbordi Show

20:00 The Boondocks

07:25 The Peace Mission

19:00 Tinsel

09:00 Good Morning Africa

19:00 Kumwesu

20:30 Rude Tube

08:35 Living With Trisha

19:30 Star Gist

10:00 The Dzigbordi Show

19:30 Kumwesu

21:00 Rude Tube

09:25 Mashariki Mix

20:00 Star Football Superfans

11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

20:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd

21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

10:00 Good Morning Africa

20:35 Separate Lives

12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

21:45 Jara

22:00 Sexy Car Wash

11:00 Tinsel

22:05 Living With Trisha

13:00 Music Block

22:15 Music Block

22:30 Most Shocking